ver, also exhibited the most terrible fighting and the same obstinate resistance. Our troops here, as well as on the right and left, did all that men could do, and held every inch of ground they gained. The enemy were driven, foot by foot, out of their rifle-pits and intrenchments, into their main works, from whence they will never come out, except as prisoners of war. As I before stated, every obstacle that could be placed in the way of our advance, and every art that could render our columns subject to slaughter, was used by the enemy, and with terrible effect. The Allies at Sebastopol bombarded for months and months, from batteries constructed by all the science that military engineering could bring to bear, and with guns of the heaviest calibre, before the assault was attempted; but here we have a case of line after line of intrenchments being carried by troops that have not, in a majority of cases, been one year in the field. The old soldiers in the army of the Potomac cannot do better than we have done here with nine months' men. The lower battery at Port Hudson had been abandoned some days since and the heavy guns spiked, as the position was too much exposed to the fire of our mortars and the broadsides of the heavy ships. Between it and the other works there is a ravine, which also helped to necessitate the abandonment of that work on account of their concentrating all their available force in the main position. When we consider what was accomplished in a few hours, the result may be called a victory of no small proportions. It has never been done before in this war. But the end is not yet; we are to witness fighting at Port Hudson before which that of yesterday will sink into insignificance. It may have occurred to day, and probably did, and I am confident that we are to-night much nearer the accomplishment of our task than we were this time yesterday. The details of this first day's work will be interesting, but no more than I have given has yet reached us. Every day now will bring exciting intelligence until the finale comes and the announcement reaches us that Port Hudson has fallen. What I have related is from an eye-witness who was fortunate enough to get a passage down in the only vessel that left there last evening. He also saw much of the operations of the fleet, which I will give hereafter. As I predicted would be the case in my letter to you of yesterday, if it was attempted to carry Port Hudson by storm, our loss in killed and wounded is very heavy. The least estimate I have heard is between two and three thousand, which I am led to believe is about correct. When all is taken into consideration, it is not larger, however, than we should expect, and it falls below what I supposed we would sustain. When masses of troops march up to an enemy's works like those of the rebels at Port Hudson, subjected as our men were to a concentrated fire from weapons of all descriptions, the field becomes a slaughter-pen. It is a one-sided affair, until we come to close quarters inside the works, when the chances are equal. Very few names have yet been received of the killed and wounded, although a despatch that I saw says that our loss in officers has been very heavy. It will be many days before any reliable information is received as to the names of those who have suffered. We may have none until the entire affair is over, and perhaps it is better that we should not. The following are those we have heard from: KILLED.-General Chapin, no confirmation as yet, General Nickerson, no confirmation as yet; Colonel Clarke, Sixth Michigan; Colonel Cowles, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth New-York, by a bayonet wound; Colonel Payne, Second Louisiana, white regiment; Colonel Thirtieth Massachusetts; Captain Hubbard, on General Weitzel's staff. WOUNDED.-General T. W. Sherman, severely, in the leg-amputation probable; General Neal Dow, slightly, in leg; Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, Second Zouaves, severely, in body. I am informed that General Banks is determined to carry the position by storm, if he loses ten thousand men in doing so. He will have Port Hudson if it can be had, and he will not sit down and wait for it to come to him, but he will go to it. His army are in the highest spirits; the loss sustained has had no other effect upon their condition than to encourage them to new exertions. They will support the flag and the Commander-inChief to the extent of their power, and he knows now the men he has to depend upon, and with them he will add new laurels to the already fine reputation of the Nineteenth army corps. Heavy reënforcements are being sent up the river to-night, which will greatly add to the strength of the army before Port Hudson, and much more than cover the loss sustained yesterday. Among them is the Ninetieth regiment New-York volunteers, Colonel Morgan, of Key West notoriety, commanding. He is, I understand, by reason of seniority, to have command of a brigade. The fight commenced as early as seven o'clock yesterday morning, or rather became general about that time. It continued during the greater part of the day, excepting about an hour near noon. At seven o'clock last evening it was raging along the entire line with intense fury, and was going on this morning. Despatches received this afternoon at four o'clock, say that our position was still improving, with every prospect of success. Our artillery, of which we have a very large and effective force, was splendidly served and did most terrible execution. General Arnold is deserving of the highest praise for the admirable condition of this arm of the service in this department. Our shot and shell fell in a continuous stream upon the enemy; they were compelled to take shelter from our deluge of ten, twenty, and thirty-pounder projectiles and the shrapnel and canister. We have no means of ascertaining the loss of the enemy; it has no doubt, however, been frightful. Massed as they were to resist our advance, they were mowed down in heaps. The ground was literally covered with their dying and dead. I do not think they have lost as many as ourselves, but it has been greater in proportion, considering how they were covered from the severity of our fire. Doc. 202. THE FIGHT NEAR AUSTIN, MISS. We have no definite information regarding today's operations. The news has been held back I SEND you an account of an engagement which until the field is won or lost. The fighting has, was had by us with the rebels near Austin, Misno doubt, been as severe as yesterday, but we sissippi, thirty-five miles above this place. are entirely without details. I am inclined to On the evening of the twenty-third the comthink the enemy are almost driven to the wall,missary and quartermaster boat, Fairchild, which and must surrender or go into the river very happened to be at the time some distance in rear soon. We may be in Port Hudson to-night, but of the fleet, was fired into by a party from shore, if we are, the authorities keep the information who had one field-piece, and were armed with wonderfully quiet. They tell nothing, and will rifles, etc. Fortunately no damage was done. permit nothing to go to Northern papers in ad- On her arrival and reporting the facts, General vance of information sent to the War Department. Ellet determined to return and punish the I could and would have sent all this informa- "rebs" for their temerity in thus wantonly attion by telegraph to the South-West Pass this tack a transport-boat. The fleet had come to morning in time for the Columbia before she anchor at dark, at this place on its way below, crossed the bar, but the obliging superintendent and now orders were immediately signalled to of the military telegraph, Captain Buckley, would the boats carrying troops to be prepared to leave not allow the Northern people to receive any in- at two o'clock next morning. Accordingly at formation ahead of the War Department. that hour we quietly raised our anchors and ran up, reaching the town of Austin, which is just above the foot of Grand Cut Off, at sunrise. The only road from the river back near that place is one running some four miles due east from Austin, where it forks, one road then running southward along a lake known as Beaver Damn, and the other continuing eastward to the Coldwater. Our cavalry force under the old rebel-hunter of Missouri, Major Hubbard, at once pushed out on this road, turning downward along the lake. It must not be supposed that while the army was doing all this desperate fighting on shore, the navy was idle. On the contrary, the gallant Admiral was at work with the entire squadron, both above and below. The bummers moved their position much nearer the enemy's works, and kept up a continuous fire of thirteen-inch shell. The Hartford and Albatross engaged the upper batteries, and when General Weitzel captured the six-gun battery before referred to, they moved further down and supported him by attacking The infantry followed about a half-hour later. the next below. Admiral Farragut, in the Mon- When some two miles out, the General and staf nongahela, followed by the Richmond, Genesee, were riding along some distance ahead of the inand Essex, engaged the lower works, and in a fantry, and intending to overtake the cavalry, most effective manner. The Monongahela was when suddenly they were opened upon by a party worked to the admiration of every one. The fire of rebels not fifty yards distant, drawn up by the of the enemy upon the ships was comparatively roadside, and till that moment concealed by a light they directed it principally at the Monon- slight bend in the road. Wonderful to say, not gahela, but failed to hit her. The Richmond was a man was touched. The infantry was at once equally fortunate, and there was not a casualty disposed for a cavalry charge, but none was made. to record in the fleet up to six o'clock last even- We now became aware of the rather unpleasant ing. The fleet was engaged in the morning, and fact that the rebels, eight hundred strong, had again in the afternoon, and succeeded in dis- been encamped four miles above, and on the armounting five of the enemy's heaviest guns. rival of the fleet at Austin, had come down and The firing was, for accuracy, never excelled, the taken the road for the interior, just behind our Genesee especially doing some very tall work with cavalry, and so near before us, that we had her one hundred-pounder rifle. The squadron stumbled upon their rear-guard, posted at the inmanoeuvred in front of the enemy's works, and tersection of the roads, to notice our approach. fired with the greatest deliberation, doing an im- Could Major Hubbard but become aware of the mense amount of damage, and continuing the number and immediate presence of the enemy in work until by signal, they ceased firing on ac- his rear, and give them battle, while the infantry count of our shells going over among our own were in supporting distance, the enemy's chances people. Admiral Farragut, with his squadron, of escape would be small, and the capture of his will render General Banks important assistance two pieces of artillery almost certain; but should in the work yet to be done; he will continue to they delay their attack upon him till he was be rain shot and shell upon the enemy in such a yond our help, his little battalion, only numbermanner as must distract him in a great measure ing some one hundred and seventy-five men, from the land attack, and compel him to abandon would be almost sure to be overwhelmed and cut one line or the other. They cannot stand for to pieces or captured. The chances for a sucmany hours the assault they are now subjected cessful retreat, except directly out on the road, to; it is more than human nature can endure-were indeed few. On one hand was an impasthis constant wear and tear of both body and sable bayou, and on the other an interminable mind. canebrake. With great difficulty, we ascertained again. 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. The rebels, in their charge, came on foot. Our horses being much exposed, were badly cut up. Finally, our approach had made it prudent for them to retire, and Hubbard's battalion was saved. Five dead and dying rebels were found lingering on the field. How many were carried off, or how many were wounded, we have no means of knowing. They must have been considerable, as the supply of ammunition of our men was nearly exhausted, and much of the fighting was within close pistol-range. 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 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 driving their rear-guard, which was kept purposely close upon our front to delay our advance. I have forgotten to mention that on our arrival in the morning, we had learned that a trading boat had been taken and burned the night previous by the gang stationed in the town, and that her crew were prisoners with the rebel force. The road over which we were now passing was crooked and almost impassable, filled with deep ruts and miry places. Presently the skirmishers 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 Whereas, The citizens of the town of Austin, when first retaken by us made good her escape Mississippi, did permit and sanction the attack to the rear. Soon the exciting pursuit was greet-upon one transport vessel yesterday, and the ed by the exchange of shots ahead again, and capturing of one trading vessel last night by a the discomfited rebs were again obliged to aban-band of men acting against the authority of the don the wagon, which was soon sent to the rear. United States, both these acts at or near this We pushed on, warned by the sound of artil- place, and did not only fail to give voluntarily any lery far ahead, that our little force was contend- information concerning the whereabouts of said ing with the enemy. party, on the arrival of the United States forces here, but are known to have conveyed instant 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. information of said arrival to the enemies of the this open aid and counsel afforded the enemies of United States, therefore, in just retaliation for 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 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 startled 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. 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 su perior endurance, (a living thesis on the value of serviceable horses for cavalry,) and, it being useless to attempt to overtake, the pursuit was relinquished. 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 Gov ernment 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, wound 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 pro-ed, and prisoners. The Fifth New-York ably ceeding 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 eager pursuit, the Fifth New-York came up with 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 shoulders 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 Gov ernment. The secret of Mosby's plan of recupe rating 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. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, General Orders, No. 72. 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. 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 to redeem previous disappointments. Your march through Louisiana, from Milliken's Bend to New-Carthage and Perkins's plantation, on the Mississippi River, is one of the most remarkable on record. Bayous and miry roads, threatened with momentary inundations, obstructed your progress. All these were overcome by unceasing labor and unflagging energy. The two thousand feet of bridging which was 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. Springs, near Jackson, in support of General Sherman, another to Clinton, in support of General McPherson, a third remaining at Raymond, and a fourth at Old Auburn, to bring up the army trains. On the fifteenth you again led the advance toward Edwards's Station, which once more became the objective point. Expelling the enemy's picket from Bolton the same day, you seized and held that important position. 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. 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, By an early hour on the morning of the eighand evacuated that place, retiring upon Vicks-teenth, you had constructed a bridge across the burgh and Edwards's Station. The fall of Grand Big Black, and had commenced the attack upon Gulf was solely the result of the victory achiev- Vicksburgh. ed by the land forces at Port Gibson. The armament and public stores captured there, are but just trophies of that victory. 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 |