The New York Herald Newspaper, July 8, 1863, Page 2

a _—- n was a dark and stormy one, and the impression provatled that the rebels were trying lo get out some y here along the line, If such was their (atention it was {1 ustrated, A POWSEFUL BATPRRY UN COUKSB OF FRE TIC. Colonel Charles R. Wood, of the Seventy-sisth Ohio, commanding the Second brigade of she Firss division of the FMteonth army corps, is erecting a battery on the shore above Vicksburg that will knock the whole city into * pi’ if the rebels do not succeed in silencing it, The fort will mount two cloven inc’ columbiads, fur- pivhod from the navy by Acting Rear Admiral DP, BD Porwr, and manned by gunboat men, he men cay only work on i at night, tt may not be ready for severs days yet, We promise oarselves the pleasure of seeing the first shot Bred from it, and your @eaders shall have the benelit of the observations OUR CORPS—COLONEL 8fONE, OF 1OWA. Having visited every fort aud rifle pit along the lime of the Unicon works, and been up* every sap as far 65 Quay run into the enemy’s line (sometimes by night and seme- times by day), we now foet like sessing down with the Pitteqgth army corpe, and informing the halt-muilion readers of the Hegay what is going on around the pebel stronghold—or more particularly in frout of the Fifteenth army corps,2wbose line extends twe miles and « half On the extreme right of our line is located the Twenty ‘A(th Iowa, Colonel George A, Stone, This gentlomaa has beon iu the service since the war brolge out, comme®eing aso private in the First Iowa. Under his superintendeace | two miles of rifle pita have been dug, running from she | water to asteep hill overlooking the oily, on wine’ Bill | is planted Captain Landgraver’s Missoart horse artitery vattory. The captain 1s called the “Flying Dutchman.” He | was severely wounded Sunday mornixg while tryiag to | soortain, with his giaks, the position of a rebel genemal’s _ headquarters. Exposing himgelf for a noment, a voley was fired at hum from the rebei rifle pits, and he (ali, shot through.the lett shoulder, the ball coming ont under bis shoulder biade. He will recover; but the .oss of nig @er- vices at this time is almost irreparable, AN INCIDENT OF THE SIEGK, The other evening, while Col. George A: Stone, of the Twonty-fi’th Iowa, was posting bis pickets in the ravtwe between the rebel works aid ours, he wes hailed by @ robel sergeant, with:— “What regiment do you belong to? Whats your ranki” The Colone}, not wishiug to lot them know what regi ment was near them, answered :— “Lieutenant in an Mlinois regimout.’’ “What are you doing there?” “Posting @ picket to keep you rebels in.’” “You needu’t do that, for General Pemberton has posted a hol of a big picket here to keep us from getting As out.” Shortly afterwards a“ reb” sung out:— “When is tho Cingimati goivg to Gre up and come down again?” “When the Jackson Railroad is opened,” wae the witty answer. ' PICKET CONVARSATION SUSUENDED, Since them picket conversation bus been strictly for. bidder by a special order from General Grant. vapers sometimes get out though, and a rebol Vicksburg Daily Citizen of June 20 is before us. They request their pickots to get alitho Northorn papers they can, go.as to give the fatest nows. ‘Tho “rebs’’ haye no news so far of the Virginia taid, which is sufficient proof that al! cominunication is Bhut of botween the confederacy and Vicksburg. REBEL MISSILES. ‘To such straits have the enemy been reduced that they are now throwing over into our lines bolts, railroad iron, half conical balis, sledge hammers and dumb belly. Wo can assure the readers of the Hwyranp that thetours of the boasted rebel atronghold are numbered; and perhaps before this letter reaches their eyes the federal flag will oat over all that romains of the strongest fortified city | in Amorica. General Description of Our Approaches The Operations of the 24th and 25th, and in the Mii MR. DEB. RANDOLPH KEIM’S DESPATCH. Hoangeanmnes SKVANTRENTH ARMY “ef PABTMANT OF THE TENNESSEE) Bevorr Vicxsncnc, June 25, 1863. A VISE TO THE MINES. This morning, at an early hour, in company with Cap {ain Andrew Hickenlooper, Chicf Engineer of tho. corps, and Lientenant Colonel William E. Strong, Inspector Ge neral, I visited the works im front of Logan's position, in the lines of this corps, in order to examine the famous mines, the approaches to which, and which in themselves are an object of attraction te all fortunately acquainted witb their existence. Tho utmost possible secresygias been observed concerning thom, and though somo may know the intention to blow up the exomy’s works, yet bow or where it fa to be done is @ mattor known to but few. Tho guards at the head of the saps loading to the entrance of the mine are Instruct- 04 to allow no one to pass who ranks under a general, with an exception in the case of engineers and workmen immediately in chargo, The rigorous mapnor in which these instructions are carried ous is evidenced in scowls upon the countenances of a miulti- tude of disappointed candidates, particularly field officers, who, in @ majority of instances, are the wmost indefatigable and inquisitive itiverants in camp. After waiting seme time at the mouth af the main sap, Assisted Captain Hickenlooper during the progress of the work, and is spoken of highly as possessing industry and capacity. 80, 1887. | the offiee oF A. W. Gilbert, (city engineer), Ciucinnati. In 1887 he formed a partnership with Mr. Gilbert, and battle of Shiloh.on the 6th and7th of April, Ov the loth of April Captain Mekeulooper was appointed ebief of ar- tillery to tho Sixth division of the Army of thé Tennésseo, and immediately after the battle of Corinthiwag adsigned to the staff of Major General MéPherson, to act in the game capacity, swork and just outsideof where rap the exterior edge of object of this new sap is to afford a seoure place for our sharpshootere, which will enable us to hold our ground on the right by keeping down a flank fires The length of this'sap is is the more operation of the pick and shovel,, without in- terference on the part of the enemy by means of the same instruments, as well agyby his riflemen picking off the men as thoy approach, or byit! and shell over the parapet amongst tho mon, This idea is NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDA the matu gallery, the remainder being distributed tm th catromites of tae smalier gailerios. From each of the chambers & fuse was tum ous to the mouth of tho shalt, where the match was to be applied at the designated une ‘Ts MONRRS. ‘Tho working party eogaged on the mines was formed Of a detail from the various regiments of Logan's divisten, 2 ca dalng mado to forward to headquarters all practical miners tn the different regiments, Accordingly th afow hours Afty picked men, chiey Weteh, Scotch, Engtiah and Irish, of oxperience in the old country, were imme dintely organized into a corps, under the direct command of Lieutenant Thomas Russell, an offleor of the Seventh Missourl—a miner of reputation in bis qwD as woll as ths country, Chief of the corps of engineers, and tho work at once Commenced, and is vow within three hours of completion, the entire time oecupied being foryy hours. ‘This party reported to Captain Hickenlooper, Captatn Tressillian, Engineer on Genera! Logan's staf! SKETCH OF CAPTAIN ANDERW BICKENLOOrS®. Andrew Hickenlooper was bora in Hudaon, Ohio, Auguat He attended schoo! watil 1854, when he entered wasgappototed city surveyor of Cincinnati in 1859. -Iu the begineing of (ke war (August, 1861), ho recrujted the famoog “ Hickentooper’s Cinciunatel Battery, know at peesemt ss the Fifth Obio batgery. In Qotober Captain Hokewleoper, with bis command, leftefOr Jefferson City, Messoerl, and was appointed os it of artillery that post by Gen. Fremont, On tof March, 1868, this battery was sent up the Tennesgée river to join'the army thet “opersting along that streim, and-participated in the In Yebruary, 1868; he reccived his present appointment as chief engineer of the Seventeenth @rmy corps. Since that time the Captain has been in saperlhtendence of the Knginocr Department ofthe com- mand, with entire satisfaction to the General and credit to the reputation of the corps. ‘THe GARRIGON OF THR APPROACHES. The brigade of General M. D. Leggett is charged with the holding of the works in the vicinity of the minos, and has furnished all the sharpshooting detachments that havo kept down the enemy, in order to. allow the labors of our workmen to continue. The greatest proximity of the sharpshéoters to the enomy’s works is about twenty yards. This gives us entire control of the position, ‘To-day the Twenty-third Indiana is on sharpshooting duty, and'they are kept busy covering the operations of the sappers aud miners, ANEW Sar. ‘Since our arrive! in the tronches @ new sap has been run off to the left at an angle to'the main one: feading to the mine, ‘This sap rans parallelito the enemy's breast- the ditch, whi¢b, by our men, has been partiy filled, The about fifty yards, LAST NIGHT'S OPERATIONS IN THY MINE, It may be supposed by sowe that the running of mines. wing hand grenades ite different from the reality. A Yow {gots counected ' with last nighi’s proceedings may the ‘teader to form somo notion of this dangerous opegation. APTER DARK the working party returned to the ming, which now bad attained a depth of thirty-five feet, h_was the entire imber of fect of the moin galjéry. The men bad but commenced when thoy “dd, as they sip- posed, near” Picking and shov@lling of another par- ty, which they yew to be the enemy, endeavouring to intercept our mine.\, The men of our/bide at once desist- od from their labors and.gpplied thoi# ears to the walls of the gallery in order to detect"the dirvction of gpproach, if poszible, of the enemy's countermine. Sogn,§nowever, the enemy himself ccased his labors, Our men once ‘more resumed operations, and worked until midnight, the enemy working at. the . same timo, and secm- ingly approaching our sbaft. At this juncture an unexpected panic overcame (he workers, aud they hurried out of the minewith-considerable despatch. The cause of this.excitement ie said to have been a suspicion that the enomy was about to blow up his own miue, in view of counteracting our Own. Accordingly nothing was done until this morning, when the party, reassured, re- newed their work. THE RNMAT'S COUNTERMINES ‘The fear during the outire working at the mine and even Bow is that the cnemy, who is evidently counter. mining, will intercept the galleries and steal out the powder, or himself blow up the work and render our jabor harmless. It is sow & mat- ter of speed, the party first dnished haying the ad vantage. Our men, of course, are using every ondeavor permission was granted to tho nou-admitamts ef the Party | 4 gome out ahoad. The powder is now being “placed in to advance, which was done with no ordinary satisfac. | tion, not only as a reliof from the gradual iatensifying of sacks and carried to the chambers made to receive it. 10 ts the intention to explode the mine the moment it is enabled to send you & few brief and berrtedly writzon details of the qrand asgault oa the enemy's works at departure W add some particulars. THE PREUM'NAST OPERATION To understand more cloariy the ovents of the day, it may be weli to preface with a abort description of the Febel works. In retreating to Vicksburg the rebels took poeseauion of a chaid of biltk whieh sun im ‘tho geveral Oullino of & semi-elipse around the city, aad these thoy immediately fortified, at the samo time conrecting them by @ line of earth and breagtworky hardly Wnforior im strength to the fortiied hills them selves. The contre of this lino protruded considerably {nto the position takeu by Goneral Grant, and was im fact the largest hill of the chain. The crest of this was rapidly converted into a formidable earthwork, which the rebels amply supplied with ariilory; and, knowing that it aflorded the key to the remaining works, It was strengthened by every meana within their power, Our forces, however, by night approachos, sticcceded in planting artillery 80 near tom thatday by day tis guns wore silenced, umtil at length it becaime tenable only by the swarms of shatpebooters, who, from the cover ef the rifle pits constructed on the opposite slope ap@:just below the edge of tho summit, Kept up a galling” fire ou those of our forces who came within sight and*range, To effect & breach in tho lino of works at this point now became & part of 1 Grant's pian, and y the eappors rs commenced operations. ig unnecessary to ll upon the progress by them, a it wag “daily recorded by your ndeats. Suflice tb to ayy thats with’ ‘the gupport of a line of paralicls, the approach to the ‘folinfation off the fort was made by trouchea and covered ways until “amine was to io the very) henit of the hiti, Singular to ay, whilo rebel rifes were cracking away on ‘the top, Union spades were excavating thirty (eet below, in an almost perpendicular line, 4 ‘THM KXPLOSION OF THR MINK, This morning the work was completed, an tinmense quantity of powder was stored in the cavity prepared to reegive it, and the fuse train was laid. At udvn the dif- ferent regiments of the Seventeenth corps, solected to make the assault upon the breach when it should hay) been effeoted, were marshalled in long lines upon the near slopes of the hills immediately controuting the doomed rebel fortifications, whore, disposed for #ge attack, they impatiently awaited the denouemen’. The roBels scemed to discover that some movement was On foot, for from ‘the moment our troops came into position until the ox piosion took place their sharpshooters kept up an {ncos. sant fire from the whole line of their works. At length all was in readiness; the fuse train was fired, and it went fizzing and popping through the vigzag line Of trenches, until for moment {t vanished. Ite disappearance was quickly succeeded by the explosion, and the mine was sprung. So terribic a spectacle is seldom witnessed, Dust, dirt, smoke, gabions, stockades, timber, gun carriages, logs—tu fact, every thiug connected with the fort—rose hundreds of feet into the air, as if vomited forth from a yeleano, Some who were close spectators even say that they saw the bodies of the poor wretches who « moment bofore lined the ram- parts of the work. SCHARGM OF GENERAL. W’PHEREON’® TROOPS, Bimultanoously with the firing of the fuse train our ar- tillery opened from tho entire semi-circle of batteries, and ite thuaders well nigh drowned the noise of the ex- plosieu'of the mine, Hardly bad the.smoke cleared off aud the fal ing fragments of the fort ¢amo to the ground, whoa at the word ava with a terrific yell our treope started the charge. Up the slope they went at the ‘double quick,’ terned the summit, and, rupuing down upom the ‘Other tide, dashed at she breach. How far they pene- trated 'amnotiag'yet aware. That the rebels were'pre- sent in check their progress at tho gap was evi dent from the fact that they were there mot by a wither- ing volley of musketry. The smoke of thecontest goon enveloped the scene, The musketry became, loudor jand louder aud for three hours it has continued in one un- ceasing rattle, intermingled at times with the heavier and thunder-likepeals of the artillery. | In my noxt( hope to record for you a victorionk con. clusion to this day's work. LATER. Yazoo Rivar, Juno 26—8 A M. The news from the frout this morbing ip that the Vicksbaerg this afternogn, ‘A eocond wtommor te just roady (he intronchmants, as no evemoat of them forward was to leave, abu I take advantage of the imterval until ber | contemplated; but employmeat wag given thom by their Y, JULY 8, 1863—TRIPLE BHERT. — Or qn the out. ms \atadtey jaf! vila corps remained ab Ghetr poste iat recoiving Orders to engage yho euemy (rem their pre- teoted position. After the cansaade cersed co Unis wing, which had ocoupied half an howe, the infantry opened Ore on tho rebels. ~~ THE KMMET REPLY TO OUR MIU, Tho onenty FOpli6d Grisly to our canneaadd and fual- | fade, and sont heir Complimouta to us im the shape of Solid abot and shell, Dbeir fire was pot tess brine them ours, though they bad not ono half the number of piscos, engaged. This WAS Ore than’ counterbalanced by the foot tial (ney had choteeof position all along the lives. A TRANG MUSKMTEY Flt, The reports of Our musketry waa torrie, sometimes the fire would be by regiments avd again by whole bri- gades and diviviouBy ALL HYSS ON THR RYEMY’A PRINCIPAL FORT. Aftor the explosion and ¢Xnnonads all cyes were om the romains of the oxpleded fort, From the position 1.0600. fied, onc aad & half milo distans, I eaw with tho aid of my fis «37 The columns of a portion ef the Seventocath corps advanee to the bresch in the enemy’ works, The repels ia tbe vicinity, which. were Bumerous, opencd a dondly musketry fire on our adyanotett columns; this was roturued promptip-by our brave felfowac” "The bresh- in. eho fort was soon gained: but obstheldsy tm add fhe sharp and constant Gre of the enemy, were now gnovuntered., Its -<ms that in the parapets o: the fort Leavy timber was used to give it Rit try théo-on- piosion these timbers were thrown up and were dis- Sributed in such @ manner as t make considerable ob- struction to the breach in the fort, ARV i BRAVERY O# OUR TROOTS. Notwithstanding the barrier alludod to, our men, under the gallant-Logan, mounted the obstacles, but were forced back by the rebel fire. Again they mouyted the trenches and again fell’ badk. 4) movement wag then mado, which wassucoems(ul, and our rnllugt troops pourod into the rebel work, every iuch being contested with despera- tion by the rebels. Our colors wer soon planted in tho interior. of the work, accompanied by tho cheers of our troops. I cannot speak specifically of the rogimeats ou- gaged; this will bg.done bys another Welty, RevrECh (pF Tut WeAVY FRING, 1n nlutwn hour after the battle commonced the atmoa- phore was filled with smoke, so that it was impossible for mo to get a viow of thé “action of tha’ contre corps, to which, point the principalpart of the battle was con- fined. ; \ ( auie qvier ON num ae wise, ‘At balf-past six P. M. the fire of tho Thirteenth corps had ceased; but the battlo was raging with fury on the contre corps. ar Nicer, Being several miles from the centre dorps, tpe’doingn in that locality did not come under my attention; but T learned with gratification that our braye troops had made @ lodgment om t!c enemy’s principal work, aud General Logan expressed his determination tolhold it at ail ha- vards. ’ BOMBARDMENT AT NIGHT. The gunboat fleet of Warrenton after darkness bad set in commended a bombardment of the enemy's forts. This. waskept up without intermission until midnight, wher ig.was slackened to desultory Bhois. Thofuses of the shells as thoy ascended in tho air were easily distin- guishable, and Jooked in their course Itke shooting mete- ora, When they would strike theshell would éxplode witti a terrific roport. Some of the shells explodod in the air, the flashes from which looséd like an immense piece of pyroteehny. CASUALTIES. Oxyr casvaiti¢s during the aftuir were sinail. ‘TumreRntn Ay:tee Conre ‘ Near Vicxsppne, June 26, 1863, } : _ ,. DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD TO RELKLBL By, the invitation of Lieut. Colonel G. I. Taggart, the cbmmissary of this corps, I visited a point about two miles outside of our picket tine to witness the distribution of food by us to the destitute robels in that vicinity. 1 leartied on the occasion that it has boon for some time the cugtom of Gen. Grant Yodo this—thus Mugtrating the figure that tho sword cap be casried in one band and the olive branch in the ether. P HOW If Was Mang ‘, ‘The wagon traim, which consisted of four oF five wagou@) Several nights past be bes succeeded in capturing clinrge of Our troops! yesterday afterndon was entirely | laden with such stores ag usually compose the soldiors” successful. They hold the breach, though the victory } rations preceded us about ono hour. Alter a pleasant was not won witbout terrible loss, including many of- | rideI arrived at the designated place, Mere a scone ficers. Seven picked regiments of General McPherson's | broke upon my view which I shalt mot soon forget. There corps constituted the aasaulting party. Among the | were oollected upwards of three hundred familics in killed i# Colonel Melancthon Smith, of the Forty. firth Minoig, which is familiarly known, as the “Lead Miue” regiment. The Major of the same regiment is also among the killed, ‘Twenty-nine barrels of powder were placed in tho mino to offect the blowing up of the fort. The gap re veals a complete view of the city and of the river be- yond. Two of our heaviest pieces of artillery mow com- mand the city at point blank range. Ammunition is going forward, so that we may look for a reuewal of the attack af any moment. Mr. Charlies H. Farreli’s Despatches. Near Tarrsexra Axuy Corrs, H Lyes Wing, Anuy oF THE MissrssirPi, ‘Vicxerurd, June 25, 1663. ‘A SUSY DAY WITH TMB Aku. ‘The day opened clear and warm—soiwething of the tem- perature of an August day iu New York. Before daylight & large grove, near the residence of Dr. Fitzhugh, who by the way is a noted secessionist of tho Virginia family of that name. Tho collection was not confined to Poor oF old people; but the old and young, grave and gay, rich avd poor, were forced by necessity to come hither to enjoy the beuotits of our goverumest’s muniticence. ‘These parties came from pointa for miles around here, and came hither on berseback, in carriages and othor vebicles, In looking through this motley assemblage I observed that many of the younger ladies wore riding habite, feathers and plumes of the latest fashion. The goods from which these clothes were made I was informed wore anported from Eng!and, and purchased by the con- sumer at fabulous prices. fue DETRMUTION OF rRovIMOES was made by Captain Baker, 0.8. U.8. A., assisted by his cierk, Each family was supplied pro rata w the namver of individuals composing it, Each adult was the sua’s heat and warmth of the trenches, Dut in angwer finished, which to all probability will be early this after- to & much more unconquerable curiosity to view the noon. unusual spectacle which lay but a short distance ahead. GENERAL CHARACTER OF SHE APYROOCEFS, In order to reach the main gap ronning te the mine it is necessary to traverse a distance of three hundred WDommencement of the Grand Av- OPERATIONS OF THE 25TH OF JUNE. ‘and for the space of two houra the evemy opened a brisk | allowed « soldier's ration, and each child under twelve artillery fire, directed on the right of this corps. They | years of ago ono-lalf « ration. Tou dayw’ rations wero ‘appeared to be desirous of paying up an old score on one | distributed. of our batteries at that point. The only result attained by it was an immense waste of powder and sheli by the CONVERGATIONS ON THR WAX. During the affair considerable convereation on the yards, in front of the enemy’s main work, To do this # series of trenches haye beer dug, (aking directions at no times exposed to an enfilading fire from the enomy, yet at every yard approaching noarer nod poarer, with perfect safoty to the sappers. In these works a number of sharpshooters are posted to keep the onemy from looking over and discovering and interfering with our labors, 4n differont locations along those works batteries havo been thrown up and guns mounted which have excellent battering positions. Is is not advisable to..mention figures, yet vy may be safe to say that, in addition to ® number of light guns atintervale, Bat. tery McPherson covtaing sume thirty-pounder Parrotts, and another battery of marine gans taken from a gun- Dont, all commanded by Captain R. H. Oflay, First United States infantry, A number of other heavy batteries are iso in working order, but in locations that da not pocsaes the advantages of those alroady mentioned, ‘ ‘THR MAIN BaP, ‘From tho head of the trench to the mouth of the mine there runs a ditch about six feot wido and six fest deop, ‘the arth of which has been thrown apon the surface to- wards tho enemy. This afurde adouble seourity aod protection against the enemy’s projectiles. The lengsh of | this sap is about thirty-five yards. i ‘THE MOUTH OF 12.7 MONE, As ove approaches the mine, in looking around, he finds | himself to plain view and within Ove yards of the ene. my'a strongest work, the parapet of which is about twon- ty fect from the bottom of the ditch, and is mach inden- ted by our shot and shell, The work, howeyor, bears gome few marks of its original exterior. It was ovidently sod work, aluiost perpendicular on its outor face, and intended to mount four guns, Jiowever, since our batte- ries have been so vigorously fring upon it, the ombra- gures have ali been flied, and we think thefartillery with d@rawn $0 an Intertor ani second iine of dyte: ce nearer to city. In the sesault of the 22d tost., + the sirengh of the two positions became evideut, for our low here was the most sanguinary of theday. it 1s supposed, once in possession of this point, we hold ihe key to the position. é A Pew @reps te ADVAN nod yon stand before the mine, which here has the ap- snult. Mr. James C. Fitzpatricn'’s Despatches. ‘Near VickspurG, June 26, 1863, BOW WIE RAMELS INTEND TO ESCAPE FROM VICKSBURG. A bold and ingeniously contrived plan of the garrison in Vicksburg, by which they hopo to effect their eseape from the city, has just been discovered. A soldier of the Niuth Towa regiment, who was taken prisoner by the rebels and confined in tho city, bas beou paroled and sent back to our linos, He reports that the rebels gre industriously at work building an immense number of skilfs, aud that one thoagand are now ready. Jo these they expect to sud- denly swarm across the river to the Louisiana shore, risk- Ing capture by the gunboats, and effect their escape. | Now that General Graut is informed of tho plan, steps | will be taken to prevent its consummation. REVONERD RETREAT OF JOR JORNETON. ‘The nowy from tbe Big Black this morning is that Jobo- ston has enddonly recrassed to the south side Of the river, and ta retroatiag. No doubt the occasion of this retro - grade inovemont was the news of the capture of Port Hadgon, and the fear that Banks’ forces would take him in tae rear, The indications are now that Grant is under. taking the offensive agtinst Johuston. ‘ Sines the moun. tain will aot come to Mahomet, Mahomet must needs go to the moustain.” By the way, Johaston’s mountsia is proving to be « very smal) mo!ehill. ‘arnwnag ON THY LEFT. Abeavy ekirrmiah took place oo the oft of our line yesterday morning. Wo have no details yo. It te probable that the rebets made a sortie apon oar works, or endeavored to.eut their way out at that point. Ut DOMBARDININT PROGREBEUNG. ‘The bombardment of the city is still in progress. The revels have placed the fanour “Whistling Dick’’—gup- pesed tobe an Englis gun—in position agaim,and ite eirill sounding missiles are ones more tearing through , ourcamps. Perhaps the grandest scone in the drama of Viekshurg Is the bombardment at night by the morter Date, Concoive the darkness of the vight suddenly and instantaneously dissipated by a cone of hirid light which starts from tho mouth of the mortar and spans the apage betwoen the river and the heavens Iie the rebels, Not a man was injured by the rebol ebul!ition of temper. OUR BATRERIBA OFBN. topien of the day was tptroduced by these padiic enemier, grpeclally the fowale portion, who, while inthe very act of regeiving the monifigence of the government, took Shorty after daylight the left wing opened a dre on the | occasion to insult Its offlcers and ridicuic its policy. Some enemy's rifle pits and the new works now being coustruct- | of these individuals claim to be of Northern parentage, ed by them. Our sharpshooters were not idle. The ene. { and those of that class seemed more bitter and outepoken may returned tho fro very slowly at first, but at times | than those of pure Southern stock. would redouble their efforts, TER GPOUND® IN THE NEIGHPORROOD, 1R WAYAL, Boats, Near the place of distribution is the restdeved of Dr. The naval feet, gunboats and mortar boats, acted in | Fitahugh,of whom | have spoken elsewhere, His resi- convert with the batteries on our left wing, and kept a | denoe and surroundings are of tho most tasty And ample vory regular and apparently effective fire on the enemy. } desoription. During the day his houke was the head OCR BATCRRIES CRASH FIRING quarters of those that came in from the surrounding At noos an order came from Geueral Grant for onr bat- | coumtey. In front of the house is a spacious lawn, ofna- teries to chase firing, which of conrse waa promptly | mented with choice shade trees; adjotwing this @aJarge obeyed. The object of the order will appear in the follows | flower garden, In the rear of all ago large out houses, ragraphe:— pees 4 COUP D'EEAT O® THE KERELA, ‘The event having bappeved,! am now ai ifberty to Biate tbat for several wecks past our onginsers in the comtre column (General Molterson’s) bave been assiduously engaged in sapping and mining the enemy's principal fort, situate on the highest hill in this vicinity, Tho particalars of the work and how it was agcomplished I leave to be narrated by the Bxnaiy’s correspondens with McPherson's corps. The officers in bigh ran were iaformed carly im the day that at four o'clock P, M.. the mine constructed by us under the @womy's principal fort would be sprung, and thai she eveut would be the signal for every gan in position aloug’ ourentire besieging line, ten miles, to open ant keen np © drisk fire om the eoemy’s worts, 401. QUINT ALORG THE Lies. ‘ From twelve o’clook, goon, until four o'clook P. M., there was a mutual cessation of Gre by the beslogers and the besteged, even the orack of the rifies of the sharp. ehooters, whieh for several we ks past have not ceased. ight or day, wero not to be heard, The heat of ine ‘weather was intense, aud (he lull was go doubt welcome to the (roops of both armies, PREPARING POR 48 Iver. As the thne drew near for (he syringity oF the mine under the revel fort, the news ofthe coming event spread j | through the campe, and the sellers Bot on duty hastoned | to all the eligible positions ou {he eurrounding bills, com. + mmanding @ view of the enciny’s works. Your pearance of » qnare shaft dug into the earth, witha tailef an immense comet, quickly followed by « heavy granary, &c. The distribution of provisions occupiedphe entire fore- noon, when the assemblage dissolved and the scene Mr. D. B. M. Eaton's Despatches. Hang anrens, Fivrexera Ai Wasor Hiss, Rear or Viocmmony, June So tats, Nothing of particular ivterest has occurred tm this corps since yesterday, Bearvy and oontinned cannonad- ing bas Doon Kept up day ued aight (or tho last few days, and the rebels are vot allewed to show their heads, 40% JONRATON PURSUED Hearing that General Joo Johnston bad retreated to Snekeon, and bad there gathored s foree of thirty-five tuoutand mea, Genoral Sherman started yesterday morn. tng, with General Tutti+’s division and three brigades of General MoArtbur’s Sixt® division, te hunt bim up. Gen. oral Sherman will take other troops witb him from Biack river, the exact number of which we are unable to learn. Afight may be looked for inimediateiy. 4 DARN BRON rmeAcULA Caplalu Mapp, of the Fifth Iiltaols cavalry, with forty picked men (volauecers), tof @rend Guif Tussdsy morn tng for Pensacola, with orders to testeoy all railroad sad tolegraph commanication ou the way. The Captain does ‘Mot go out with the expectation of fighting, but merely to damage or destroy rebet commanication. ADMIRAL PORTER’? OBOER TO PREVENT Tus McurE. oP Rear Adioiral D. 1), Porter han just tesued am order w thet quarter, am@ that #0 far our mon have sui taking undor care all parties of robels ar OPERATIONS OF THE 26TH OF JUNE. Mr. Gnaries Mm. Farreli's Letter, : ARMY Corrs, 1G AKME OF THE Migs raeiPPt, Ruan ov Vicxanvag, syne 27, 1863 A Viser ALONG TaN KaNKe Yostorduy 1 paid visit slong the Jinos of chig corp. the loft wing of fig ariy—a distance of wove? miles. From my observations and informtion gather 4 learned Uhat-the scige is progreseteg 2 fast as the pature Of the obebacles Lo be overcome will admit. We have now (Tapeaic of this wing only) ower Oty eaus 19 posi tion, Gur fortifications are distant from the rebel works from twoOlhyadod to four hundred yardar Garrone ov imi PIT. Ia Gonorat Herrop's front, on the extreme olf, the febola are particularly annoyed by his advauces, Yor STATHMOST OF PRIAONELS. rifle fren from the prisoners captured 1 bave made sev t ia & trathfal statement of the condit| aburg ; but io this I have signally faile two of these prisoners tel! the ® rebel officer assured me, pit, killing more or leas rebels and taking prisoners, cially from the Forty-second Georgia regiment. the ponchalance possible, as if 1 were notértfrou by the appilances of war. The city does not rel pearance of having sustained muck damage bi pomibardment; but this, I learn, is owing to the fagt that no Atlompts have been made to doateoy cid Lon Uh Toa va eh ese. ws esos nem \- POSITION OF THE KUNE TROON, The reSop troops areyhearly all outalde the city in the reat of thelr chipents, & suflcient number being ra- tained to do pr arahal duty tu the city. ‘TAM RBUELS DO NOT SHOW THKIR FLAG, The rebels make no dispiay of (their treasonable em- blom—the rebo} flag—in tho city or fortifoations, They are probably getting aspamed of it, sud think it better in obsourity. hey ‘THRI FORTISOATIONS. From thé position in which I viewed the city and forti- floations I oould distinctly gee the entrances to several vou in the latter, where the rebel reserves hide them- 8 from oar bursting shells. fam informed that caves exist all along the rebel lines, and are oon- with oach other by subterranean passages, In the these caves are of huge dimensions, some of them capacious enough to lodges family of seven or eight y . rp. § A NEW AND KYVECTIYK UNION BATTERY. i we just completed now and effective battery uear t! reveport caual, directly opposite Vicksburg, 09 tho river side. A thirty-pounder Parrott.gum has been , , and has done some ‘shooting. It is ‘A few days ago | throw shells with a ke YT IN OPERATION, ‘The,fixe of the gun above alluded to was concentrated on ar foundry which is in poration in (he city might and day. The shot told with goad effect, aod since that time the furnaces have not seemed so busily employed. Mtesaid the rebels use this foundry te cae$ shot and “eheld and guns from the refuse iron and fragments $ee-sholls fired from this side, Thus’ it would seora tae re employing all the means at hand “te prolong Ge siege, Yettordvy tho rebel water baitérles 0 our Jittle battery above mentioned, and ific cannonade of an hour ceased firiug. The result ef this was five men killed on our sido, THR RENBLS PREPAIUNG TO WErREAT For soveral days past things have been observed on the water front of the gity which would seem to indicate that tho enemy contemplate @ re(teat, They Lave torn dowo ptmerous wooden buildings, out of which they have oon- eka, with the inten: tion, po doubt, of leaving the city some five night. The Pmovement Dis Wéea! cAFEFUlly noted by General Graut, “aud a body of Sragpe gent to observe any auch uucivil way pf leaving FIRING YXTHRD AT, ‘The firing on this wing of the army was very light yes- ‘Werday. Indood it has not been so quiet for several days Previously. At night the gunboats of the lower fect threw a number of shells on the revel works, but it is suppased with little or no effect. The Explosion of Our Miae. MR. DEB. BANDOLPA KELM’S DESPATUN. Heapquanrans, SRVENTERVIA ARMY Cons, DeraRtMenr ov tHe Paxnieses, ar oes toms, THE READINESS OF THE MINE. Al three o'clock this afternoon a messeuger arrived from the mine bringing information that everything was tm readiness to apply the match. Tho troops in the outer works were all withdraws, with the excop- tic of a small body of sharpshooters, which were fetained 16 keep up x demonstration until the fuse was ignited, whey they also were to retire hastily toa ro- spectful distance under cover of ono of the parallels, ‘TUB ASEACLTING PaRTr. AS Part of the grand programme Leggett’s brigade was ‘entered under arms, an4 marched into the trenches as near the front as safety would permit. Here they rest- ed, awalsing the preconcertea signal, when they wore to fosh upom (he work immediately on the heels of the for. Jorn hope. THE POKLORN HOPE. ‘This dangerous duty was set apart fur 4 detachment of 100 mee from the Forty-ffth Htinois infantry and another hundred from the Twenty-Third Ibdiana, Th se bodies were thrown out in the extreme advance, with inatrnc- tions for the Forty-ffth Iilivots to agsaait on the right on Fort Hill the moment the explosion bad taken place, and the Twenty-third Indians wae to rush out the sap running to the left and attack the curtain of the fort extending sowardetbetown. Here they were to keep down, by means of inusketry, the enemy's riflumen; for without this aooomplizhed we would have sullered aa eafilating Gra on ‘the atweckers upon the main fort, ‘Hr sUrroRT. Ag & KApport to the brigade of Leggett Gen, Stevcasod's command way ordered to bold itself 10 readiness to move at & mament’s notice. Asad additional force and kind of rea@rve to the support the Sevoutecnth lows and Fiity- sixth IUlnais, of General John F. Smith's division, and the Beventesnth Wisconsin, of Ransom's brigade, McArthar’s Givision, were brought to the centre and held in the rear @ awalt the development of the straggio. These trosps carried Hothiug with them bat their muskets and cartridge boxes; many of them were In their ehirt aloeves, eri dautly anticipating warts work if engages. Tie PRECONOERTED HONAL, As might be suppowed, the explosion was degignated up the signal for general sininiiageus co-operation all Giang the Hines from right to loft. In making an attack of thie chatacter {t was expected that the attention of whe cueniy would be ‘distracted aud the furce within be die. tributed atong the eutire tine, imstend of betng concentea. tod epan the one fori tn front of thie corps, which wold resait ia inevitable, perbape, irreparable defeat. All there coatingensies were wisely considered, ant the subsequent Teaulte exemplifies how uecomary was the to. operation Of the otter commands. 4 crore. Everything was finished, The vitalizing spark had @viewened the hitherto pasmsive agent, andthe now harm. | SF the rebel works the lene fasher went hurrying to the coutre. The troors tind | eater and greater. hus eoothor five minutes wore way and curiosity. was oot satistied. Another fow mim- ute,’, then ap : Tuk BxiiovoN, and npon the horizon could be sod &2 enormous column of earth, dust, timbers and profectiles lifted into the air at an-aititede of at loast ciglty feet. Ode entire face of the fort was disombodied nud scatlereed im particles @Wovée the surrounding Buriacr, The left fade weo also much damaged; bat fortui enough of (ona romaine? to allord an excellent pr on our Lanta, THM APIACAT AND HOMBARUMINT No soontr bad the explosion tuken place tham thd. bwo detachments acting as the forlorn 1$29, ran fato tho fort md gap, aa already mentioned A brisk’ musketry fire, at once commenced be- twoonu tho two parties, with about equal elect upoo either side. Nogooner bad these chments become wellongagsd than the rest of Leggow’s brigade olned them and entered tato the struggio, The royimo te rolleving each other at fatervals, the cont st now grew severe; both gides, @etermined upon holding their own, were doing their best. Volley aftor yolley was fired, though with fos" carmage than would be rupposed. The Forty Sf 1uinols charged immediately up to the croet of tho parapet, aud borg euffered its boayiest, Licutenant Cotonal Melanethan Smith was bit in the hend by three buckshot, and, though till alive, is fs said by the surgeons bis skull bia been penetrated and there can be no hopesof: his reouvery. Col, Smith is @ young man, and bas figured prominently ia ail actions with hfs regiment, from Fort Donelson to the assault of today, He has been repeatedly complimented by his suporiors in ravk for coo'ness under fire ay 4 great tact iu tho disposition of troops. ‘The officers of the army hore exhibit greatfntorest in the c/niition of Col. Smith amd hope he may yet bo preserved to the cirps. H@. is reosiving every attention within the power of the surgeons two eave his tite At ther time the Lieutenant Colonel was slot he stood upon the parapet of the fort, was calling to his mea te fullow, and when struck fon amongst’ Lis mon who were scrambling ‘up the sides .f the, work to answer his calla, Af ongnis after the wounding of Colonel smith fant Bete meht, fell dead, having bees sho! through the heart. The adjutant also received a dangerous wound in the wrist. Notwithstanding the loss of these dictinguishod officers tho mon of the reginient stuck tothe work and he'd the ground against a strong body of the eueny thrown ag inet them; OUR FLAG GORS UP. After @ severe contest of half an hour, with varying rosults, the flag of the Forty-f1th appeared upon the sum: mit of the work, The position was gained. Cheer ‘aiter choer broke through the confasion aud uproar of the cou- test, assuring the troops everywhero slong the line that the Forty. fifth was still itself, The Colonel (Maltby) wae now left aione in command of the regiment, and be wag himself badly bruised by a ‘lying splinter, The regiment bad also suffered severcly in the line, and the troops were worn out by excessive heat and hard Ogbting. RELIKP BENT FORWARD, Revie was neceseary. Accordingly the Thirty-first Mit nois was ordered up aud tho Forty-fifth drawn off—thw was six o'clock P.M. After this the action was kept up briskly but steadily for several hours, until dusk, wher the firing lulied gud the men took a respite, While the Forty-fitth was so hotly engaged in the fort tho Twenty. third Indiana followed its first detachment into tho sap, from which place they wore to bold the robels at bay during the contest for the fort, The rebels fought desne rately as well at thie point ae tho other; but the character of the engagement was different, tho troops fring at cach other over breastworks of earth. This regiment displayed great gallantry and did excellent service in. ite way. In consequence of the limite@ space in which.to fight not more than one regiment cou'd act in either place at the same time; accordingly reguacnis were relieved by regi. mente as rapidiy as the acceselties of the oocasion de ‘manded, GENERAL. LHGGET?, . t During the hotest of the action General Leggett was ta the fort in the midst of bis troops, sharing their dan- gors and partaking of their glory, While here a shell from one of the cnemy’a guns expioded in @ timber lying on the purapot, distributing eplinters in all directions, one of which struck the Genes ral on the breast, knocking bim over. Though some- “what braised and stunned, he goon recovered bituself, and taking a chair sat in one of the trenches near the fort, whore he could be seen by his men. ‘TUE PARTICIPATION OF THK OTUER CORTE, ‘Tho explosion of the mine was the signal tor the open- ing of the artillery of the entire line, Genoral John E, Smith, commanding the loft division of this corps, opened first, and hie discharges were repeated along the loft through tho Thirteenth corps and “left division,” until the sound struek the car like the muttorings of distant thunder, #herman,oa the right, also opened his artil- lery about the same time and ocoupied the cnem7's at- tention along bis front. Captain R. HL. Offley, of the Thir- toonth United Siates infantry, in command of the sicge guns of this corps, handled his batteries with telling effect. Brory shell struck the parapet, and, bounding over, exploded in the midst of the onemy’s forces beyond. Tre scene at this time was one of the utmost sublimity. The roar of artillery, Tattle of sreall arms, the cheers of the mon, flashes of light, wreathes of pale blue smoke over different parts of tho fleld, the bursting of shell, the ferce whtstle of song shot, the deep boom of the mortars, the broadsides of the ships of war, and, added to all this, the vigorous replies of the eneray, set up a din whtch beggars all description. The peculiar configuration of the field afforded an oppor- tunity to witness almost every battery and every rifle pR within seeing distance, and it is due to all the troops to @ay (hat every ono did hie duty. THR MOMELKA. After the possession of the fort was no longer tn doubt the pioneer corps, under Captain Hickenlooper, mounted the work with their shovels and set to throwlng up eartn vigoronsly in order to secura space for artillery. A moat fortunate peculiarity iu the explosion was the mauuer tp which the earth was thrown out, The appoaranee of the Pince was that of a funnel, with heavy sides runnisg up to the very crest of the parapet, aifording admirable pro- ‘tection not only for our troops and pioneors, vat turned ont a ready mado fortification in the rough, which, with a sight application of tho ehovel and pick, will be ready to reeeive the gung to be used hore. Up to this time the pioneers have made great progress, aud are etitl at work, A battery may be expected here ia a iittle tine, two howltzers of Captain Sparstrorh’s com man being nlready In the trenches awaiting the comple. Mon of the tory wd ‘Nair MATEY ¢ TERY NOW etayt. _y Thoro ts Little Dring ndW Fol On. There is no doubs concerning Our ability to hold the position, Theenemy whl undoatedly mako every effort $0 regain the place thie evening, but there is no possibility of the Frocess of his eudoavers, We are now so strongthened that !t would be Impossible under ordinary circumstances: drive us oat, Fresh troops are now moving up to occas Py end bold the position against every contingency, OUR Loss. Miraculous as {t may seem amid ail the fiery ordeal of this afternoen's eugagement, ene hundred willed and two hundred wounded; is @ largo cstimate of carualtics @a oar side. Colene! Reece, of tbe Thirty-firrt !iinots, wae mortally wounded by a granado; aleo Captain Hotaling ‘was injured by a fragment of the same. gradual dcolfvity as you penetrate. The entrance te thumderiug report, all agnim rapidly succoeded by the ma'e io tho acarpot the enemy's fort, und presents an SasRend report of the bursting shell, and then conceive opening four rect square, well framed with timbers to oop up the lone earth which OUP projeotiies have broken from the face of the wort. In Order td protect the on- trance a namber of cab! ns and borés Rave been piled up before the mouth, wich affords ample security from ‘band grenades and who's thrown over by the rebel troops Apatde. mE OF THe KoNR, . The main gallery, (rom (i> mouth to the potmtof di vergence of tho other galicries, measures umirip-ive feet. ‘Hore taree amallor galleries #t out, one ton feet deep, obliquely to the loft; another cight foot, diverg: gto the | Fight, and 6 third, eight feet in length, being a continua. | tion of the main gallery. The obambers for the reception | Vf the powder are Jot into tho Bottom of the shaft, and are | yout two foot in depth. THR CHARGING OF THE MIND, Having completed one gallery, the powder was brougnt 1p aud packed into the chambers in almost equal quant) Joe, the eutire quantity used being twenty-two hundred dounda, one thowsand of whieh were pli: At the oad of | Ail this repented at intervals over the river, and you wilt have an idea of the scogo. Oftentimes the sheila burst in the @ir, indicating theif position by thetr brilitant, angry. lice flash. Whea thoy fall in the city the (act is easity disagvered by the dull, muted poise of the explosion. TRAVEL OF THE MESERIPPL between bere and Momphis is anything But pleasant or safe just now. The gpertilas infest the banks du both sides, aod the pimsing boats seldom @scape without a abot, Jt is reported that the Laminary was sunk day be. fore yesterday on ber way up the’river, The Prima Dona is at Young’s Point, partially disabled, having ro. ceived forty-three shots during tho passage. The gueril- Jas Who effect this damage seem to be amply provided | o* of six-pound guna, vise few days ia ad Lion to cooling the he dust, ren tering Wavel over the with fleld batte Texsnore, June M7 P.M Dy astoamer which has just gene up the river 1 wae ‘correspon. dent went with (he mass, sud, im company with |.icnten. ent Colonel Taggart, commienry of thie corpe, (ook the best that wae to bo hed. As the hour advanced for the auticipated auir speoniations wore rife as to ite possible reguite; ali were s aguine of success, while tome ‘ware endeavoring vo try to Sod thepossiblilty a a doin, (RS GRBAT B2)L0NON Pete Pisce. | A few mminutes after four the tvl! to which | have aitoady referred was brokea by the sudden explosion of | the mine, The great reboi fort, whic for eo long @ time j bas been @ tough customer to Our troops, was ia an in. stand of timo more than one half demolished. ‘The explo. sou was (uilowed by the precipitation of & mass of carth foto the alr, sprending the dust into dense, rolling oloude, Defore {t entirely dieap,caredt * TSRRITO CANNORADS COMMERUED, Jn A minute after the explosion of the mine a cannon. commenced simultaneously along our whole line, Two | hundred ploces of artillery, of all exlttyros, belctod forth { their thundoring report, theowing grape, canistor, chalt | nd pati shot a! (uo revel works. Th wae terrific, and the exeeriton tw ave beew He yere Of Lue (o¥els, | bis men (bared on tatelliguica resetved that the rédete ‘been withdrawn, The forlorn hope food out ip are tearing dvern bufldings tu Vicksburg, ria ‘view, bolly awaiting the uncertainties of the precarious Preparstory to making reite end buabs Ww escape to the Loni*iana side) 0 Wodeoat day tod wight, and to sink every oraft of teft that comes owt of the river. The rebels on. Gon, Kirby Satith will oreate a diversion in thoir favor by ataaticing Young's Potat, Our forces ere ready | for them, Our tiver batteries willsoms be ready, and | then the rebels may try to come out when they foc! iteo It, ‘The robe river bettorion keep up a oontinaed shelling ‘of odr working parties, but all to po purpose 69 far. CLARE AND CLOROR. . Off ce. A chilling sougetion ren through the frame 1s ao ‘obeerver looked down upon this devoted band about to bor! itecif into the Breach—perchange tato'the jaws of deaths ‘Bil, Every One was speccbiers. Ryen men of iried | walor—voterans inseasible to the shouts of contenting | battalions oF nerved tothe shrieks of somraden eufering Peed Weary. nader ihe ortures of painful agonien—etowigmotionloss ax | they directed their eyes upon the wpot where soon ahs | | terrors of @ buried ageney would discover feel in wild (On Goueral Sherman's frout the Unien troope are get. | Ooneursione and coutortions, enrrying annihilation to all fing closer and closer (9 [he rebel works, and all picket within the scope of ite tremondows power, It ‘comimunication is stopped. The rebel nek questions and | wae the seeming torpor which precedes the an: are answered by rifle shots. To the bet of ove know. | tagoniem of powerful bodies. Five minutes had Tousaude of mea tm -arme dashed a qrury + 4 te Mgt; but Otber rogimente wore brought ap te eupply their place. ‘The enemy’s lows to-day is not known, bet must have SUMMARY Of all the Operations for the Capture of the Rebel Stronghold of the West, the “otveter of the Mlsletppi” having fallen, che 4 and belief, the Vicksburg satborities do not know og | Slareod. It seemed like ao cxistence, Five winutes | following summary of all the operations brought to bear for the capture or destruction of the Tebel strongholdg Ipe's raid into Maryland, @ad oor intontion is to Koop | the dark about it. oe TIVELY ON THY Laer, ‘a! Herron’s front ara ty Afteira ta G egos ty 'y , bul thal nob Gt, He wil tee be y more, and yet M0 sigue of the expected exhibition; an in- desctibable seveation of Impatience, blended w: | active anticipation, ran through the assembled spectators, A-awall pall of smoke now discovered \tsel; every ane | On the 19th Gay of January, 18M, the Gevernor of : Wat soerjan | Thowght the Crinis hed come, and almoms aw the torrite | tho State of Missiemippi firet sent artillery to fortify Vieee- { are boing vie omnia ly hy coe aud Guia ks an | ype wil iG ind bad depicted, Dub uobet. rary | ark YUEN MANd 6 PO etgalegloally (hy slrougest ¢ | | astil will now prove very interesting to our readors— — “eet ~