Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1863-05-01
correspondents OF The JOURNAL.
Letter from the 72d o. v. I.

Duck PoIST, La, April 18th, 1863.
At last an event of consequence has transpir-
ed, in the seige of Vicksburg, viz: the running
of the blockade by Admiral Porters iron clad
feet This was done on the night of the 10th
at the hour of midnight. For some days pre-
parations had been going forward to accomplish
the result. In addition to eight gunboats, three
transport boats also made the attempt--ihe Hen
ry Clay, the Silver Wave and the Forest Queen.
One of these, the Henry Clay, was fred by the
enemys shells and burned. The Forest Queen
was disabled but being taken in tow by gun
boat got through. The Silver Wave is reported
to have gone past the batteries unscaihed. None
of the gunboats were injured, so far as we know
at present. A shot entered port-hole of the
Benton, killed one aud wounded two men. The
casualties were very few.
The gunbOats fired as rapidly as possible
while passing the batteries, but with what effect
know not. The rebel fire was heavy an furi-
Gus, yet not as many batteries opened on the
boats as was anticipated.
The stretch the feet had to pass under fire
was fully five miles, and it seems truly a mira
Gle that so little damage should have been in
ficted. The enemy fired building which they
had previously saturated with turpentine, the
| light of which so illuminated the river as to
make every object distinctly visible.
The success of this undertaking is of the
greatest importance to the success of operations
against Vicksburg. 1t has been evident for q
long time that an attack on Vicksburg from this
side was impracticable, and hence different
schemes have been devised TO get passage be-
low. A route was found for the passage of the
land forces, and the canal from this place to Wal
nut bayou promises medium for the passage
of supplies below. Boats now are below to
cross the troops over the river, footing will be
effected on the Mississippi shore below Vcks.
burg, the position fanked and its capture rem.
dered certain. Success is placed beyond tn,
peradventure Of doubt
McClernauds and McPhersons corps have
already moved across from Millikens Bend vit
Richmond, La, toward Carthage, which is OF
the river a few miles below Warrenton.
Let the people have confidence and patience
Difficulties OF the first magnitude have bese
our generals in their operations here They
have been met and combatted, and are now Ger
tain 10 be overcome with success
The dredges are now at work on the canal
Water was let in some days since. Ii promises
well, and no doubt in a week will be in condi
ton to pass datboats and barges, with supplies
and perhaps small transports. All other canal
and passes think are now given up.
The health of this part of the army remains
reasonably good. This morning believe onl,
about 30 were excused from duty in this regi
ment. One man, - Gempky, of Co. H, dice
suddenly day before yesterday. He was on
of the nine months militia
The weather is warm and pleasant. In fac
the days begin to get hot Yet the nights ar
uncOmfortably COOL aud will be so all summer.
A battery which has been constructed at
point about two miles from Vicksburg and !
mounted with Parrot guns, yesterday opene'
fire upon the city and has since kept it up quit
regularly, with what effect is not known.
SEVENTY SIX.