Once a large body rushed down the slope on the left, and had almost succeeded in dislodging our men there, but a lucky shot from a sergeant's pistol killed the rebel lieutenant who was leading them, and they fell back also. Their wounded must have been numerous. at the forks of the road I have mentioned, that them into confusion, and force them to retire both forces had taken the Beaver Dam road. It again. was then evident that the rebels intended not only to avoid our main force, but if possible, to attack and annihilate our little cavalry force, which, as their numbers were four to one, and the knowledge of the roads, swamps, etc., almost wholly theirs, seemed quite probable, indeed almost certain. Our skirmishers were constantly The rebels, in their charge, came on foot. Our driving their rear-guard, which was kept pur-horses being much exposed, were badly cut up. posely close upon our front to delay our advance. Finally, our approach had made it prudent for I have forgotten to mention that on our arrival them to retire, and Hubbard's battalion was in the morning, we had learned that a trading saved. Five dead and dying rebels were found boat had been taken and burned the night pre- lingering on the field. How many were carried vious by the gang stationed in the town, and that off, or how many were wounded, we have no her crew were prisoners with the rebel force. means of knowing. They must have been conThe road over which we were now passing was siderable, as the supply of ammunition of our men crooked and almost impassable, filled with deep was nearly exhausted, and much of the fighting ruts and miry places. Presently the skirmishers was within close pistol-range. overtook an ox-team loaded with the plunder of the trading boat, and drove off its guard. As the darkey teamsters had fled, and an attempt to extricate the mired conveyance became impracticable, as the main force was halted for a rest two and a half miles in rear, a picket was posted over it. Presently a party of rebels dashed back and drove our men away, and started the team ahead again. As soon as this was known, a company of infantry was despatched ahead to press the retreat, and the body again put in motion. A woman who was taken from the burned boat with the prisoners, was on the wagon, and when first retaken by us made good her escape to the rear. Soon the exciting pursuit was greeted by the exchange of shots ahead again, and the discomfited rebs were again obliged to abandon the wagon, which was soon sent to the rear. We pushed on, warned by the sound of artillery far ahead, that our little force was contending with the enemy. An hour's quick march brought us suddenly upon our friends, snugly ensconced just over the slope at the edge of the bayou, in a deep bend. They greeted us with three hearty cheers, and our joy at finding them escaped from the hands of an overwhelming enemy, was only turned to sadness by the sight of dead and wounded men and horses. Two brave boys had fallen, killed instantly. One was lying mortally wounded, and about twenty more or less wounded by buckshot, as well as rifle and pistol-balls. This band of heroes had here for nearly two hours, bravely fought those yelling demons, who ever and anon, retiring to the cover of the cane-brake, would concert an attack upon all sides but the immediate rear, and come out like grasshoppers from the forest in the front and on both flanks, shouting, and cursing, and threatening with instant butchery, if not at once surrendered; but with the brave Major Hubbard our gallant boys felt confident, and at his command rushed to the brow of the slope, and crouched beneath its shelter, and poured upon their foes such terrific showers of carbine and pistol shots as to throw The prompt services of the surgeon were rendered the suffering, and our dead and wounded were taken to the fleet. The enemy were in full retreat several miles away, mounted; so further pursuit was impossible, and we returned. It was next determined to destroy the town, SPECIAL ORDER No. 52. Whereas, The citizens of the town of Austin, Mississippi, did permit and sanction the attack upon one transport vessel yesterday, and the capturing of one trading vessel last night by a band of men acting against the authority of the United States, both these acts at or near this place, and did not only fail to give voluntarily any information concerning the whereabouts of said party, on the arrival of the United States forces here, but are known to have conveyed instant information of said arrival to the enemies of the United States, therefore, in just retaliation for this open aid and counsel afforded the enemies of the United States, be it ordered, as a warning to all citizens of other towns that may hereafter by armed bodies of men, hostile to the United States, be placed in similar circumstances, that every dwelling, outhouse or other structure in the said town of Austin (save three to be left as a protection to the women and children) be burned to the ground. Provost-Marshal will take possession of the town and see to the prompt execution of this order, and that no marauding be permitted nor personal injury be sustained by any citizen of said town. Personal effects he will allow owners to remove. By command of Brigadier-General A. W. ELLET. Though the place was thoroughly searched for arms or other articles contraband of war, while the place was burning, the rapid and frequent discharge of secreted arms in two buildings took place, and at length an explosion of powder in the basement of the jail "shook the firm earth" and made the distant hills resound. Surely this is a dire punishment, but such is the result of war. This people must be made to feel that to harbor and encourage the enemies of the Government is a terrible crime, and if their pseudo government is to afford them protection against such a punishment, it must control and prevent such outrages as are constantly committed by bands of men said to be acting under its authority. From three prisoners who fell into our hands we learned that the force we were fighting were part of the command of Brigadier-General Chalmers, (who with the remainder of the command of Colonel McCullough's Second Missouri cavalry, were back on the Coldwater,) consisting of Colonel Blye's Second Mississippi cavalry and Colonel Slemmer's Second Arkansas cavalry. (One informant says they were all present.) From a source we consider reliable, we learn that this force was to effect a passage of the Mississippi by means of captured transports and join Price in an attack on New-Madrid. This design has been most effectually thwarted. General Chalmers has for some time had this force down near the Coldwater, at a place called Panola. An expedition from Memphis has, no doubt, ere this, satisfied his desire for active service at that place. When occasion offers, you shall hear again from your correspondent. W. Doc. 203. the enemy's rear-guard and immediately commenced skirm'shing, keeping up quite a brisk firing with their pistols. At this juncture the First Vermont, under command of LieutenantColonel Preston, came up and joined the Fifth, and immediately the whole body charged through the woods, the rebels being in rapid flight, and were pursued about two miles and a half, until the enemy, turning a lane, brought their artillery into position and commenced firing. Seeing the necessity for silencing the battery, Lieutenant Barker, of the Fifth New-York, asked for volunteers to follow him in an effort to take the guns. About thirty men promptly respond ed, and, placing himself at their head, he charged furiously, and was met when a short distance from the guns with a murderous discharge of grape and canister, which mowed down a great number of the men. Lieutenant Barker himself was wounded in two places by grape-shot, but still went onward until he crossed sabres with the enemy over their guns. In the mean time, Lieutant Dimick, of the Fifth New-York, was despatched to order up the Vermont troops, and the whole command again charged, Lieutenant Hazleton, of the First Vermont, leading the charge, and captured one of the enemy's guns. The enemy were still going as rapidly as their horses would bear them. A desultory fire was kept up with small arms, inflicting some damage on the enemy; but they succeeded in carrying off their wounded in major part. By this time our horses gave evident symptoms of exhaustion, having traversed at full speed a large extent of territory, and being never of superior endurance, (a living thesis on the value of serviceable horses for cavalry,) and, it being use THE FIGHT NEAR GREENWICH, VA. FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, May 31, 1863. YESTERDAY morning, between seven and eight o'clock, a portion of the brigade of Acting General De Forest, stationed at Kettle Run, were start-less to attempt to overtake, the pursuit was reled by the report of artillery firing somewhere in close proximity. The train from Alexandria, consisting of ten cars loaded with forage, had passed about half an hour prior, and the idea was immediately suggested that the rebels were firing on the train, which was a correct impression, the whole train being entirely destroyed. Colonel Mann ordered detachments of the First Vermont and Fifth New-York cavalry to proceed in the direction of the firing, each taking a separate route. The force combined numbered in the neighborhood of one hundred and sixty men. The detachment of the Fifth New-York, after proceeding two miles, and on approaching a hill, were fired upon by the enemy's artillery. One shell exploded in the solid column, but fortunately doing no further damage than killing the horse of Lieutenant Boutelle. The order was then given to fall into line and charge; but owing to the nature of the situation it was impossible to execute the manoeuvre, and they accordingly retired to a piece of woods, where line was formed. The enemy now showed by their movements that they had no disposition to fight, making a retrograde movement toward Warrenton, and while rapidly retiring fired a shot or so, without, however, inflicting any injury. After a close and linquished. There is no doubt had the troops been provided with horses such as are adapted to the use of cavalry-not such scrubs as the Government furnish-few, if any, of the rebels would have escaped. Mosby was in command in person, his force about one hundred strong, inclusive of the artillery. The object of his errand was to destroy the train, for which he paid a heavy penalty in the loss of his artillery (twelve-pound howitzer taken from the Federals at the battle of Ball's Bluff) and in the loss of his men in killed, wounded, and prisoners. The Fifth New-York ably sustained its claim to the title of the "fighting Fifth;" nor were the First Vermonters behindhand; and if all was not accomplished that was expected, the responsibility rests on the shoul ders of the negligent officials, to call them by no more severe term, who permit such horses to be palmed off by dishonest contractors on the Government. The secret of Mosby's plan of recuperating his band after being once destroyed, is explained. Picked men from different regiments are sent to him, and thus the vacancies occasioned by the casualties of battle are filled. Lieutenant Hazleton, of the First Vermont, who led the charge which captured the gun, deserves a particular mention. Doc. 204. SIEGE OF VICKSBURGH, MISSISSIPPI. CONGRATULATORY ORDER OF GEN. MCCLERNAND. the night of the twelfth within three miles of the enemy, in large force at the Station. On the morning of the thirteenth, the objective point of the army's movements having been changed from Edwards's Station to Jackson, in pursuance of an order from the commander of the department, you moved on the north side of Fourteen Mile Creek toward Raymond. This delicate and hazardous movement was executed by a portion of your number, under cover of Hovey's division, which made a feint of attack in line of battle upon Edwards's Station. Too late to harm you, the enemy attacked the rear of that division, but was promptly and decisively repulsed. GENERAL ORDERS, No. 72. COMRADES: As your commander, I am proud to congratulate you upon your constancy, valor, and success. History affords no more brilliant example of soldierly qualities. Your victories have followed in such rapid succession that their echoes have not yet reached the country. They will challenge its grateful and enthusias- Resting near Raymond that night, on the tic applause. Yourselves striking out a new morning of the fourteenth, you entered that path, your comrades of the army of Tennessee place, one division moving on to Mississippi followed, and a way was thus opened for them Springs, near Jackson, in support of General to redeem previous disappointments. Your Sherman, another to Clinton, in support of march through Louisiana, from Milliken's Bend General McPherson, a third remaining at Rayto New-Carthage and Perkins's plantation, on mond, and a fourth at Old Auburn, to bring up the Mississippi River, is one of the most re- the army trains. markable on record. Bayous and miry roads, On the fifteenth you again led the advance threatened with momentary inundations, ob- toward Edwards's Station, which once more bestructed your progress. All these were over-came the objective point. Expelling the enemy's come by unceasing labor and unflagging energy. picket from Bolton the same day, you seized and The two thousand feet of bridging which was held that important position. hastily improvised out of materials created on the spot, and over which you passed, must long be remembered as a marvel. Descending the Mississippi still lower, you were the first to cross the river at Bruin's Landing, and to plant our colors in the State of Mississippi below Warrenton. Resuming the advance the same day, you pushed on until Pyou came up to the enemy near Port Gibson. Only restrained by the darkness of the night, you hastened to attack him on the morning of the first of May, and by vigorously pressing him at all points, drove him from his position, taking a large number of prisoners and small arms, and five pieces of cannon. General Logan's division came up in time to gallantly share in consummating the most valuable victory won since the capture of Fort Donelson. Taking the lead on the morning of the second, you were the first to enter Port Gibson, and to hasten the retreat of the enemy from the vicinity of that place. During the ensuing night, as a consequence of the victory at Port Gibson, the enemy spiked his guns at Grand Gulf, and evacuated that place, retiring upon Vicksburgh and Edwards's Station. The fall of Grand Gulf was solely the result of the victory achieved by the land forces at Port Gibson. The armament and public stores captured there, are but just trophies of that victory. On the sixteenth you led the advance, in three columns, upon three roads against Edwards's Station. Meeting the enemy on the way in strong force, you heavily engaged him near Champion Hill, and after a sanguinary and obstinate battle, with the assistance of General McPherson's corps, beat and routed him, taking many prisoners and small arms, and several pieces of cannon. Continuing to lead the advance, you rapidly pursued the enemy to Edwards's Station, capturing that place, a large quantity of public stores, and many prisoners and small arms. Night only stopped you. At day-dawn, on the seventeenth, you resumed the advance, and early coming upon the enemy strongly intrenched in elaborate works, both before and behind Big Black River, immediately opened with artillery upon him, followed by a daring and heroic charge at the point of the bayonet, which put him to rout, leaving eighteen pieces of cannon and more than a thousand prisoners in your hands. By an early hour on the morning of the eighteenth, you had constructed a bridge across the Big Black, and had commenced the attack upon Vicksburgh. On the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first, you continued to reconnoitre and skirmish, until you had gained a near approach to the enemy's works. Hastening to bridge the south branch of the Bayou Pierre, at Port Gibson, you crossed on On the twenty-second, in pursuance of an the morning of the third, and pushed on to Wil-order from the commander of the department, low Springs, Big Sandy, and the main crossing you assaulted the enemy's defences in front at of Fourteen Mile Creek, four miles from Edwards's ten o'clock A.M., and within thirty minutes had Station. A detachment of the enemy was immediately driven away from the crossing, and you advanced, passed over, and rested during made a lodgment and planted your colors on two of his bastions. This partial success called into exercise the highest heroism, and was only gained by a bloody and protracted struggle. Yet it was gained, and was the first and largest success gained anywhere along the whole line of our army. For nearly eight hours, under a scorching sun and destructive fire, you firmly held your footing, and only withdrew when the enemy had largely massed their forces and concentrated their attack upon you. Comrades: You have done much, yet some thing more remains to be done. The enemy's odious defences still block your access to Vicksburgh. Treason still rules that rebellious city, and closes the Mississippi River against rightful use by the millions who inhabit its sources and the great North-West. Shall not the flag float over Vicksburgh? Shall not the great Father of Waters be opened to lawful commerce? Methinks the emphatic response of one and all of you is: "It shall be so!" Then let us rise to the level of a crowning trial! Let our common sufferings and glories, while uniting as a band of brothers, rouse us to new and surpassing efforts! Let us resolve upon success, God helping us. How and why the general assault failed, it would be useless now to explain. The Thirteenth army corps, acknowledging the good intentions of all, would scorn indulgence in weak regrets and idle criminations. According justice to all, it would only defend itself. If, while the enemy was massing to crush it, assistance was asked for by a diversion at other points, or by reën- I join with you, comrades, in your sympathy forcement, it only asked what, in one case, Major- for the wounded and sorrow for the dead. May General Grant had specifically and peremptorily we not trust-nay, is it not so, that history will ordered-namely, simultaneous and persistent at-associate the martyrs of this sacred struggle for tack all along our lines, until the enemy's outer law and order, liberty and justice, with the honworks should be carried; and what, in the other, ored martyrs of Monmouth and Bunker Hill? by massing a strong force in time upon a weakJOHN A. McCLERNAND, ened point, would have probably insured success. Major-General Commanding, |