Year: 1863

neer on General McPhersons etaG assisted by Captain
8. R. TesDlian OF the siaG OF General Logan. The ma
teral and design OF the bridge In part different from
that commonly used for military purposes In the hrst
place large frame reaching the full width Of the water
surface Of river constructed and fastened across
the stream within this frame number Of cotton bales,
sufficient entirely 70 oil the frame, were noated and
securely fastened together by means Of ropes When
this completed il formed floating surface Of the
exact dimensions Of s bridge; upon this strnsers we're
thrown across, and the bridge finished by flooring In
the usual way. Thus secure and sommodious
crossing was secured, more reliable and durable than
pootoop BRIDGE and equally ssrvceable the common
bridge used for army purposes fact that after the
passage Of this onte corps the bridge s complete
and ina condition TO cross General GRANTS whole army
necessary.


After the infantry and artillery had crossed the column
moved on slowly feeling ito way, but witho encounter
ing the enemy m any force. Early tnis morning II is
said by the Inhabitants, about three hundred cavalry
dashed along this road towards the city for any
other force that lad sa yesterday. Consequently the
country Open and march free from obstruction


After was known that the enemy did not intend to
dispute approach TO the city, the march OF the
lumn became quicker, bringing within sight Of the
enemys works shsrty before dark. It was, however,
too late to carry the plan Of investment and the
different corps went into camp the various OF
exit from the city in order prevent any from leav
ing the place.


Tomorrow the troops VIII be disposed TO com
petely sncrcle the city the artillery will DO brought into
position md the work OF reduction commenced some
sanguiHeof easy capture Of this place. think
their snticipaons win not be realized for tme and
when the place is taken II will be sacrifice OF many
lives and much material. The strength Of positions
around this place truly surprising and may expect


good application of the spade before the place is re
duced.


coRSTIErps


One thing very noticeable along the line Of march from
the Big Black the immense fields OF plan ed
this season. Cotton seems 70 have been left ont OF
the list Of crops for this years cultivation the entire
attention Of the people having been the growth
and they continue thrive they do the harvest
OF starving the South into submission has lost much
ing over the plantations OF Southern Mississippi.


think The this fact is appreciated by tho bdy Of
the people North the better IL win be for them The In
coming crops will be ready course of months
aud after that the apprehensons Of the Southern
people concerning food viii be at end. H, however,


be the misfortune Of the people TO lose their crops by
disease drought, the fact another FORM but
matter OF raising crops, tho country will yield SUM-
cent for home consumption. Tho operations OF our
armies has tendency to weaken their supplies not only
by the Of them, but their waste and unavoidable dc
sructloD. The march upon this city alone has occasion
Cd the loss of crops number Of plan taons, and
are long detained hero many more will suffer.