The New York Herald Newspaper, July 8, 1863, Page 4

a — ‘was a dark and stormy one, and the impression prevatied that the rebels were trying to gob our some v here along the line, If such was their (ayention it was { astrated, A POWERFUL KATTBRY IN COUKS® OF FRE TION. Colonel Charles R. Wood, of the Seventy-sixth Ohio, commanding the Second brigade of ehe Firss division of the FHteomth army corps, is erecting a battory 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’ colombiads, fur- nishad from the navy by Actin ar Admiral D. D. Porter, and manned by gunb . As he men car only work on # at night, tt may not be rearbky for severs days yot, We promise ourselyes the pleasure of seeing the first shot fred from it, and your @eaders shall have the benefit of the observ Ov CORPS sfx, oF 10WA trifle pit along the I —COLONEL Having visited every fort anc of the Union works, and been up* every sap as far as Quay run into the enemy’s line (semetimos by night and seme- times by day), we now feel like sedsing down with the Fitteqgth army corps, and joforming the halt-mdilion readors of the HeRALD what is going en around the pebel stropghold—or more particularly in frout of the Fifteenth army corps,$wbose line extends two miles and « half. On the extremo right of our line is Iveated the Twenty filth Iowa, Colonel George A, Stone, This gentiomaa has beon in the service since the war brolge out, commepeing as private in the First lowa. Under his superintendence two miles of rifle pits have been dug, running from the water lo asteep bill overlooking the pity, on which bill is planted Captain Landgraver’s Missouri horse artitiery battery. The captain ts called the “Flyig Dutchman.” He ‘was sovorely wounded Sunday morning while trying to ascertain, with his giaks, the position of a revel geneeal’s _ headquarters. Rxposing himee!f for a moment, a volley ‘was fired at him from the rebel rifle pits, and he Call, shot through the lett shoulder, the ball coming ont under bis shoulder biade, He will recover; but the Joss of hig @er- vices at this time is almost irreparable. AN INCIDENT OF SHE SIEGE, The other evening, while Col. George A. Stone, of the Twenty-fith Iowa, was posting his pickets in tho ravtae between the rebel works aiid ours, he wis bailed by rebel sergeant, with:— “What regiment do you belong to? Whats your rank? The Colonel, not wishing to lot them know what regi maent was near them, answered :— “Lieutenant in ap Hiinois regimont.’* “What are you doing there?” “Posting @ picket to keep you rebels in.”” “You needn’t do that, for General Pemberton has posted a heli of big picket here to keep us from getting out.” Shortly afterwards a“ reb’? sung out-— “When is tho Cincinnati goivg to Gre up and come down again?” “When the Jackson Railroad is opened,” was the witty answer. ' PICKET CONVRRSATION SUSVENDED, Since them picket conversation has been strictly for- bidden by a special order from General Grant. Yapers sometimes get out though, and a rebel Vicksburg Daily Citizen of Juno 20 is before us. ‘They. request thair pickets to get allthe Northern papers they can, go'ns to give the tatest nows. ‘The revs’ haye no news so far of the Virginia faid, which is sufficient proof that all cominnnication is Bhut ‘of botween the confederacy and Vicksburg. REBEL MIS2ILKS. ‘To auch straits have the enemy been reduced that they aro now throwing over into our lines bolts, railroad iron, half conical balis, sledge hammers and dumb bells. We can assure the readers of the Hxranp that the‘hours of the boasted rebel stronghold.are numbered; and perhaps before this letter reaches their eyes the federal flag jwill Boat over all that remains of the strongest fortified city in Amorica. General Description of Our Approaches— The Operations of the 24th and 25th, and in the Mines. — MR. DED. RANDOLPH KEIM’S DESPATCH. HSADQUARTERS, SkVRSTRENTH ARMY CORPS, DurawrMent or Tub Tense, Berore Vicxsnunc, June 25, 1863. A VISIT ‘TO THE MINES. This morning, at ap early hour, in company with Cap tain Andrew Hickenlooper, Chicf Engineer’ of the. corps, und Lientenant Colonel William E. Strong, Inspector Ge neral, I visited the works im front of Logan's position, in the Imes of this corps, in order to examine tho famous mines, the approaches to which, and which in themscives are an object of attraction te all fortunately acquainted with their existence. Tho utmost possible secresygias been observed concerning thom, and though somo may know tho intention to blow up the enomy’s works, yet how or where I i to be done is & mattor known tobut few. The guards at the head of the saps loading to the entrance of the mine are instruct- od to allow no oue to pass who ranks under a goneral, with an exception in the case of engineers and workmen immediately in charge, The rigorous mapner in which these instructiona are carried ous is ovidenced in scowls upon the countenances of ao muliti- tude of disappointed candidates, particularly field officers, who, in & majority of instanovs, are the most indefatigable and inquisitive itiveravts in camp. After waiting seme time at the mouth af the main sap, permission was granted to the nou-admitasts of the party NEW YORK HERALD, WEDNESDA the main gallery, the remainder being distributed tm the catromines of (ae umalier gatlorivs, From each of the chambers a fuse was Pun out to the mouth of tho shalt, where the match was to be applied at the designated tune | ‘ms wens. ‘The working party eogaged on the mines was formed Of 8 detail from the various regiments of Logan's divisien, 2 CaN being mado to forward to headquarters all practical miners in the dilferont regiments, Accordingly tn afow hours fifty picked men, chiely Wetsh, Scotch, English and Irish, of experience in the cld country, were imme diately orgaulzed into @ corps, under the direct command of Lieutouant Thomas Russell, an officer, of the Seventy Missourl—a miner of reputation in his qwD as as this country, This party reported to Captain Hickenlooper, Chief of the corps of engineers, and tho work at ouce Commenced, and is now within three hours of completion, the entire time oecupied being forvy houre Captain Tressillian, Engineer on Genera! Logan's stall Assisted Captain Hickenlooper during the progress of the work, and is spoken of highly as possessing industry and capacity. SKETCH OF CAPTAIN ANDERW HICKENLOOIRR. Andrew Hickenlooper was bora in Hudaon, Ohio, Auguat 80, 1887. Ho attended school until 1854, when he entered the office of A. W. Gilbert, (city éngineer), Cincinnati, In 1867 he formed a partnership with Mr. Gilbert, and Wasgappointed city surveyor of Cincinnati in 1859. Im the beginning of the war (August, 1861), ho recruited the famoug “Hickenlooper's Cincranattl Battery,” knaw® at present #s the Fifth Obio batgery. In October Captain Hickenlooper, with bis command, lefgefor Jefferson ma Missouri, and was appointed oer of artillery that post by Gen. Fremont. On theist of March, 1868, this battery was sent up the Tenuesgée river to join'the army ther “operating along unat etreim, and-participated in the battle of Shiloh on the 6th and?th of April, Ov tho loth of April Ciptain Mlckeulooper was appointed chief of ar- tillery to the Sixth'division of the Army of thé Tennessee, and immodiately after the battle of Corinth:wag a&signed to the staff of Major General MOPherson, to act in the game capacity, In February, 1868) he reccived his present appointment as chief engineer of the Seventeenth army corps. Since that time the Captain hag been in saperlhtendence of tho Knginoer Department ofthe com- mand, with entire satisfaction to the General end credit to the reputation of the corps. THK GARRIGON OF THB APPROACHE. ‘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 have kept down the enemy, in order to.allow the labors of our workmen to continue. The greatest proximity of the sharpshéoters to the ecnemy’s works is about twenty yards, This gives us entire control of the position. To-day the Twenty-third Indiana is on sharpshooting daty, and'they are kept busy covering the operations of the sappers and miners. ANEW Sar. Since our arrivel in the trenches # new sap has been run off to the left at an angle tothe main one: feading to the mine, ‘This sap rans parallel'to the enemy's breast- ‘work and just outside of where rap the exterior edge of the ditch, whieb, by our men, has been partiy filled. The object of this new sap is to afford a secure place for our sharpshooters, which will enable us to hold our ground on the right by keeping down a flank fire: The length of thie sap is about fifty yards, LAST NIGHT'S OPERATIONS IN THY MINE, It may be supposed by sowe that the running of mines is the more operation of the pick and shovel, without in- terference on the part of the encmy by magus of the game instruments, as well the men as thoy approach, or byithrowing hand grenades aby his riflemen picking off and shell over the parapet amongst the mon, ‘This idea is quite different from the reality. A Yow counected * witb last nighi’s proceedings may the “teader to form somo notion of this dangerous opepation. AITER DARK the working party returned to the ming, which now had attained a depth of thirty-five feet, wifich was the entire. umber of fect of the moin a The meu bad but-faigly commenced when they Reard, as they gip- posed, neg Picking and shovalling of another par- ty, which they w to be the enemy, endeavouring to intercept our mine.y The men of ourside at once desist- od from their labors And.gpplicd theif cars to vhe walls of the gallery in order to detect’the direction of approach, if poszible, of the enemy's countérmine. Soon,§nowever, the enemy himself ceased his labore. Our men once more resumed operations, and worked until midnight, the enemy working at... the . same time, and secm- ingly approaching our sbaft. At this juncture an unexpected panic overcame the workers, and they hurried ont of the mine with.considerable despatch. The cause of this.excitement is said to have been a suspicion that tho enomy was about to blow up his own mive, in view of counteracting our Own. Accordingly nothing was done until this morning, when the party, reassured, re- newed their work. THE RNBMY’S COUNTERMINES. The fear during tho ontire working at the mime and even now is that the cnemy, who is evidently counter. taining, will intercept the galleries and steal out the powder, or himself blow up the work and render our labor harmless, It is sow @ mat- ter of speed, the party first finished haying the ad vantage. Oar men, of course, are using every ondeavor to come out ahead. The powder is now being placed in to advance, which was done with no ordinary satisfac: || sacks and carried to the chambers made to receive it. tion, not only as a reliof from the gradual iatensifying of the sun's heat and warmth of the trenches, but in angwer to @ much more unconqaerable curiosity to view the unusual spectacle which lay but a short distance ahead. GENERAL CHARACTER OF HAE APPROOCERY. In order to reach the main gap running © the mine it i@ necessary to traverse a distance of three hundred yards, in front of the enemy’s main work, To do this a series of trenches haye beew dug, taking directions at no tims exposed to an enfilading fire {rom the enemy, yet atevery yard approaching noaror nod bearer, with perfect safoty to the sappers. In these works a number of sharpshooters are posted to keep the enemy from looking over and discovering and interfering with our labore. in different locations along these works batteries havo been thrown up and guus mounted which have excellent battering positions, I is not advisable to.mention figures, yet “ may be safe t> say that, in addition to ® number of light guns atintervale, Bat. tery McPherson covtaing sumo thirty-pounder Parrotts, and another battery of murine gang taken from a gno- Dont, all commanded by Captain R. H. Ufflay, First United Btates infantry. A noimber of other heavy batteries are alao in working order, but in locations that do not possess } the advantages of those already inentioned. ‘ THE MAIN SAP, ‘From the head of the trench to the mouth of the mine thore runs 9 ditch about six feot wido and six foot deop, ‘tbe oarth of which has been thrown mpon the surface to- wards tho enemy, This afurde adouble seourlty and protection against the enemy’s projectiles. The lengs of | this sap is about thirty-five yards. i ‘THE MOUTH OF Tih sGNE. | As one approaches the mine, in looking around, he thug | % he thonstain.”: By the way, Jokanton's mountsia is himself to plain view and within five yards of the eue itrongest work, the parapet of which is about twon- ty foot from the bottom of the ditch, and is much inden- ted by our shot aud shell, The work, howevor, bears | ome few marks of its original exterior. It was evidently geod work, alniost pernendioniar on its outor face, and intended to mount four guns, However, sinco our batto- ries have been 60 vigorously fring upom it, he embra- gures have ali been Milied, and we think thefartillery with- drawn 0 an intertor ani second line of dote: ce nearer to chy, In the arsault of the 22d tost., + the sirengh of the two positions became evident, | for our loss hore was the most sanguinary of theday. it 1s supposed, once in possession of this point, we hold the key to the position. 4 Paw reps tr apvaNce nod yon stand before the mine, which here has the ap. pearance of a qnare shaft dug into the carth, witha It ts the intention to explode the mine the moment it is fnished, which tn all probability will be carly this after- noon. OPERATIONS OF THE 25TH OF JUNE. SCommencement of the Grand A»- snult. Mr. James C. Fitzpatricnh's Despatches. Naar Vicksuure, June 25, 1863, WOW WE RAGELS INTEND TO RSCAPE FROM VICKSBURG. A bold and ingeniously contrived plan of the garrison in Vicksburg, by which they hope to effect their eseape from the city, has just been discovered. A soldier of the Niuth Towa rogiment, who was taken prisoner by the rebels aud confined in the city, has been paroled and sent back to our linos, He reporte that the rebels are industriously at work batlding an immense number oi skilf’, aud that one thousand are now ready. in there 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 t» informed of tho plan, steps will be taken to prevent its cougummation, AEVONERD RETREAT OF JOR JONNETON. ‘The news from the Big Black this morning is that Jobo- ston has euditenly rocrossed to the south side Of the river, and ta retroatiag. No doubt the occasion of this retro - grade inovémont was the news of the capture of Port Hudgon, and the fear that Banks’ forces would take him inte rear, The indications are now that Grant is under. taking the offensive against Johaston. ‘ Siee the moun tain wiil n0$ come to Mahomet, Manomet must needs go proving to be a very smal) mo!ehill. ‘xing ON THR LAPT. Abeavy ekirmiah took place oo. the loft of our line yesterday morning. Wo have no details yo. It fe enabled to send you & few bricf and herrtediy writon details of tho grand angault, ca the enemy's works at Vicksberg this afternogn, A gocond wtommner is just roady to leavo, afd I take advantage of the qmierval until ber departure W add some particulars. THE PREUMINART OPBRATIONS To uudorstand more cloarly the events of the day, it may be weli to preface with a sbort description of the rebel works. In retreating to Vicksburg the rebels took potstdsion of & chain of hills wuleb sun tm ‘the! geverat Oullino of & sermi-elipse around the city, aad these they immediately fortified, at tho same time connec them by @ line of earth and breagtworky b y (nforior in strength to the fortuied” is hem selves. Tho contre of this lino protruded considerwbly into the position takeo by Goneral Grant, and was im fact the largoat hill of the ohain. Tha orest of this was rapidly oouverted into a formidable earthwork, which the rebels amply supplied with arillory; and, knowing that it afforded the key to the remaining works, It was atrongthened by every means within their power. Our forces, however, by night appronchos, succcsded in planting artiliery go near tot that day by day its wore silenced, util at length it became tenadle only by the swarms of shatpebooters, who, from the cover of the rifle pits constructed om the opposite slopo an@:just bolow the edge of the summit, Kept up a galling® fire ou those of our forces who came within sight amd'range, To effect » breach in the lino of works at thi# point mow became & bape ay i Grant’s\pian, and sgcerdingly the eappers and commenced operations. Jt is unnccessary to dwell upon the progress made by them, a4 it was jaily recorded by your ndeats. Sutlice th to say that; with (the gupport. of @ line of paralicls,, the approach (o the ‘fotinéation of the fort was made by trouches/ and covered ways until ‘© mine was constructed in the vory heeit of the hill, Singular to say, whilo rebel rifes were cracking away ou the top, Union spades were excavating thirty (eet below, fn an almost perpendicular line. ‘TIME EXPLOSION OF THR BINH. ‘This morning the work was completed, an &namense quantity of powder was stored in the cavity prepared to receive it, and the fuse train was laid. At uoun the dif- ferent regiments of the Seventecoth corps, selected to make the assault upon the breach when it should hay been effected, were marshalled in long lines upon the near slopes of the hills immediately controuting the doomed rebel fortifications, where, disposed for #ye 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 ex Piosion took place their sharpshooters kept up an inces 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 Mne Of trenches, until for @ moment {t vanished. Ite disappearance was quickly succeeded by the explosion, apd the mine was sprupg. So terrible a spectacle is seldom witnessed. Dust, dirt, smoke, gabions, stockades, timber, gun carriages, loga—tn fact, every thing connected with the fort-—rose hundreds of feet into the air, as if vomited forth from a veleuno, Some who were cloxe spectators evon say that they saw the bodies of the poor wretches who a moment bofore lined the ram- parts of tho work. ‘CHARGE OF GENEIAY. X’PHERSON’S TROOKB, Bimultancously with,the firiug of tho fuse train our ar- tillery opened from tho ontire semi-circle of batteries, and ite thunders well nigh drowned the noise of the ex- plosiou of the mine, Hardly bad the.smoke cleared off'aud the fal ing fragments of tho fort ¢amo to the ground, whoo at the word and witha terrific yell our treope started qn the charge. Up the slope they went at the ‘double quick,’ turned the summit, and, running down upoa the ‘Other side, dashed at she breach. How far they pene- probable that the rebels niade a sortie upon our works, or endeavored to eut their way out at that point. Ce DOMMARDIUNT PROGREBAING, ‘Ihe bombardment of the city is still in progress. The rebels have placed the fanour “Whistling Dick’'—sup- pesed tobe an Koglish gun—in position agaim,and ite iri} sounding missiles are onee more tearing through onrcamps. Perhaps the grandest scene in the drama of Vieksburg ts the bombardment at night by the mortar trated: I'anymot’as'yot aware. That the rebels were pre- sent in foroe.to check their progress at the gap was evi dent from the fact that they were there mot by a wither- ing volley of musketry. The smoke of thecontest soon enveloped the scene, The musketry became loudor and louder /@ud for three hours it has continued ia one un- Ceasing rattle, intermingled at times with the heavier and thunder-likeweals of the artillery. In my nextI hope to record for you a victorions con. clusion to this day’s work. LATER. ‘Yazoo Rivar, June 26—8 A M. ‘The news from the front this morting ie that the charge fur troops yesterday afterndon was entirely successful. They hold the breach, though the victory ‘was not won without terrible loss, including many of- ficers. Seven picked regiments of General McPherson's corps constituted the assaulting party. Among the Killed ig Colonel Molancthon Smith, of the Forty-frth Minois, which is familiarly known, as the “Lead hive’ regiment. The Major of the same regiment is also among the killed, ‘Twenty-nine barrels of powder were placed in tho mine to offvot 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 artillory mow com- mand the city at point blank range. Ammunition is golng forward, eo that we may lool for a renewal of the ‘Attack at any moment. Mr. Charles H. Farreli’s Despatches. Naan Turersare Anuy Corrs, } Leer Wing, Anuy OF THe MissiseirPs, ‘Vicsnund, June 26, 1863. A WOST DAY Witt THB ARMY. ‘The day opeuied clear and warm—something of the tem- perature of an August day tu New York. Betore daylight and for the space of two houra the enemy opened a brisk artillery fire, directed om the right of this corps. They appeared to be desirous of paying up an old scere on one of our batteries at that point. The only reault attained by it was an immense waste of powder and shell by the rebels, Not a man was injured by the rebel ebu!lition of temper. ‘OUR BATPERIES OFEN. Shortiy after daylight the left wing opened a fire on the enemy’s rifle pits and the uew works now being construct. ed by them. Our sharpshooters were not idle. The ene my returned tho fire very slowly at first, but at times would redouble their efforts, ‘THR NAVAL BoaTS, The naval fleet, gunboats and mortar bouts, acted ip concert with the batteries on our left wing, and kept a very regular and apparently effective fire on the enemy. OCR BATOERIES CRASH FIRING At nood an order came from General Grant for onr bat- teries to chase firing, which of conrse waa promptly obeyed. The object of the order will appoar in the follow: {ng paragraphs:— 4 COUP D’ECAT OF TIE KENELA, ‘The event baving happened,! am now at ifborty to Bate that for several weeks past our oagineors in the contre column (feneral Mol’norson’s) bave been” assiduously engaged “in sapping and mining the enomy's principal fort, situate on the highest bill in this vicinity, dhe particulars of tbe work and how it was accomplished | leave to be narrated by the Beray’s correspondent with McPherson's corps. The officers i bigh rank were ioformed carly im the day that at four o'clock P, M. the mine constructed by us under the @momy’s principal fort would be sprung, and that the ‘event would bo the signal for every gun in position along’ ourentire besieging line, ten miles, to open ant keen np © Ddrisk fire om the ehemy’s works, 401. QUIET ALORG THE Lines. From twelve o’clook, goon, until four o’clook P.M, there wes a mutual cessation of Ore by the bestogers and the bostoged; even the orack of the rifles of the abary. ehooters, whieh for several we ki past have not ceased ight. or day, wero not to be heard, The heat of ine ‘weather wae intense, and the lull waa go doubt welcome to the (roops of both armies, ‘Drate, Conceive the darkness of the night suddenly and | instantaneously dissipated by a cone of lurid light which starts from tho month of the mortar and spans the apage between the river aod the heavens like the tailof an immonse comet, quickly followed by e heavy gradual dcelivity as you penetrate. The entrance te thumderivg report, all agaia rapidly succeeded by the ma'e to the soatp Of the enemy's fort, ind presents an opening four toot aqnare, well framed with timbers to keep up the loos earth which OUP projectiles have broken from the face of the work, In order td protect the ou- ‘trance a namber of gab! ne and boxes Rave been piled up before the mouth, wiich aMfords ainple security from and grena/ic# and wbo'ls Mirown over by the rebel troops insite. ume OF THR OM | The malo gallery, (rom tio mous to the pointer di- vergence of tho otber galleries, meaeures uniriy-lte feet, Hore tnree amaller galleries #t out, one ton feet deep, obliquely to the loft; another eight foot, diverging tothe | Tight, and e third, eight feet in length, being a continua. | tion of the main gallery. The obambers for the reception | vf the powder are lot into tho ottom of the shaft, and are | rout two foot in depth. ‘TAR CHARGING OF THE MIND, | Having completed one gallery, the powdee was brought +p and packed into the chambers in almost equal quant) Jos, the outire quantity used being twenty-two hundred | Pounds, one thoosand of whieh were placed at the end of | Sash and report of the bursting shell, and then conceive all this repeated at intervals over the river, aad you wilt have ap idea of the sccge. Oftentimes the sheila burst in the gir, indicating theif position by thetr brilitunt, angry- Ike flash, When thoy fall in the city the act is easity disdpvered by the dali, muMed noise of the explosion. ‘TRAVEL OF THE MESIERIPPY between bere and Mowphis is anything but pleagant or safe just now, The gperiiias Infest the banks dm both sides, aud the piasing boats seldom @scape without a shot, It is reported that the Laminary was sunk day be. fore yesterday on ber way up the'river, The Prima Doaba is at Young’ Point, partially disabled, having ro. ceived forty-three shote during tho passage. The guerii- i | t r } } 1 PREPARING POR 4N EVENT. As the time drew near for the springing oF the mine under (he revel fort, the news of the coming event spread tbrough the camps, aud the eoldiers Bot on duty hastened to ait the eligible positions on {he aurroanding bilis, com. inanding 4 view of the enciny’s works. Your correspon. dont went with (he mass, aud, i company with |.icnten. fant Colonel Taggart, commisnry of thie corps, (ook the beet pogition that mae to bo Red. As the hour advanced for the apticipated afuir speculations were rife as to ite possible reguite; ali were e aguine of success, while sone ware endeavoring to try to Dad tnepossiblilty af a doit, (me ORRAT B1)1OMON PALE rn. A few minutes afer four the Iwi! to which 1 have airendy revorred was broken by the ¢udéen oxplosion of | the mine, ‘The groat reboi fort, which for 90 long a time Jas who effect this damage seem to be amply provided i with fleld batterios of eix-peund guna, ‘The rain of the ).se few days ja ad lition to cooling the atmosphore, hee): (te dust, ren tering Wavel over the roads more agre than usual Near Viexenore . June 25-7 P.M By a steamer which has just gene up the river L wae bas been @ tough customer to Our troops, was in an in. stand of time more than one half demolished. The expio- ion was fuilowed by the precipitation of @ mass of earth foto the alr, aprending the dust into dense, rolling oto: Nefore {t entirely disap, cared + THRRITO CAYNOMADE COMMENCED, In a minute after the explosion of the mine a cannon. * ade commencod simultaneously along our whole line, Two hundred pieces of artillerg, of all callbros, beichod forth their thandoring reporws, throwing grape, canstor, ehott ‘and solid shot a! (ho rebel works Th was terrific, and the excemiton tone t have been weyere on Che (9bel, eport of OvF gang Y, JULY 8, 1863.—TRIPLE BHEET. CT es ahs wider ae corps remained at ¢hotr posts tat the jotronchmonts, as no evomont of them forward was contemplated; but employmoat wag givea them by thot receiving OFflems to engage ghe enemy from their pre- tected position. After the canganade ceased cp this wing, which had ceeupted balf an how, the infaatry opened fire on tho rebela. ~~ THE EMMY REPLY TO OUR IMI, Tho onenty FoMi6d Brisilf to our canweaadd and fuel- Jade, snd sont Meir complimouts to us im the shape of folid shot and ohell, Vheir fire was pot lose brink them ours, though they bad not ono half the number of pices. engsged. Phis WAS MOre than’ counterbaianced by (he fact tla, (acy ed Choiee-of position all along tbe lines. A TRRAUAO MUSKMTEY FUR, Ths reports of Onr musketry waa torriiie, sometimes the fire would bo by regiments amd again by whole bri- gades and divisiouky ALL YES ON TOR RVEMY’A PRINCIPAL FORT. Aftor the oxptoston and einnonade all eyes were om the romnivs of the oxpleded fort, From the position 1,o¢eu pied, one aad a half milo distant, I exw with. the aid of my fivid xin) the coltmns of a portion ef the Heventoenth corps advance to the bresch in the enomy’s works, The robels ia the vicinity, which were” Jorous, opened a dondly musketry firo-on our adyancte® ooiumns; this was roturued promptip-by our brave fel “Phe “breath - in. ‘tho fort was soon gained; but obst 7 ir, addition) ‘Ghe sharp and constant Gre of tho enemy, were now enoountered, It s.cms that in tho parapets 0: the fort, Leavy timber was used to give it stabiniy) after thé.on- plosion these timbers wore thrown up and wero dis- Sributed in such @ mannor as to make considerable ob- struction to the breach in the fort. AMM WAR BRAVERY Ox OUR TROON, Notwithstanding the barrier alludod to, our men, under the gallant-Logan, mounted the obstacles, but wore forced back by the rebel fire. Again they mouyted the trenches and again fell'badk. 4) flame movement was then mado, whiol j, and Our -Allunt troops poured iuto the rebel work, every iuch being contezted with deapera- tion by the rebels, Our colors were soon planted in the interior. of the work, accompanied by tho cheers of our troops. I cannot speak specifically of tho rogimeats ou- Aged; this will bo done by another weltge, RevRCEOF Tuk BKAVE VimUNG. 1n alOut'wn hour after tho battle commonced the atmoa- phore was filled with smoke, so that it was impossible for mo to get & view of-th@ “Action of tha centre corps, to which, point thé principal part of the battle ‘was con- fined. j \ Ani? Qi OX TMA wis, At balf.past six P. M. the Gre of tho Thigteenth corps had ceased; but the battle was raging with fury on the contre corps, A? wiGHT. Being several miies from the centre gorps, te doings in that locality did not come under my attention; but T loarned with gratification that our brave troops had made @ lodgment on t)« enemy’s principal work, aud General }\ Logan expressed his determination to‘hold it at ail ba. wards. ’ BOMBARDMENT AT NIGHT. The gunboat fleet of Warrenton after darkness had set in commended @ bombardment of the enemy’s forts. This was'kept up Without intermission until midnight, wher ik.was slackened to desultory ‘shots. Thofuses of the shells as they ascended in tho air were cagily distin- guisbable, and looked in their course Itke shooting mete- ora, When they would strike thegshell would explode wittia terrific roport. Some of the shells explodod in the air, the flashes from which lookéd like an immonse piece of pyroteehny. ‘ CASUALTIES. Our casualties during the affair wore gmail. Twereenta Axmy Corre, } . Near Vicksounc, June 26, 1863. f° . , DISHIRUTION OF FOOD TO RELKISL ¢By, the invitation of Liout. Colonel G. 1. Taggart, tho commissary of this corps, I visited a point about two miles outside of our picket line to witness the distribution of food by us to the destitute rebels in that vicinity. 1 leartied on the occasion that it hax boon for some time the cugtom of Gen, Grant to do this—thus filustrating the figure that the sword cap be casried in one hand and the olive branch in the ether. P HOW IT Was Mang The wagon traid, which consisted of four or five wagouw) laden with such) stores as usually compose the soldiors” rations precoded us about ono hour. After a pleasant. rideI arrived at the designated piece. Mere a scone broke upon my view which I shalt 906 soon forget. There” were collected upwards of three hundred familics in a large grove, near the residence of Dr. Fitzhugh, who by the way ie a noted secessionist of the Virginia family of that name. The collection was aot confined to poor oF old people; but tbe old and young, grave and gay, rich avd poor, were forced by necessity to come hither to enjoy the benefits of our government's muniticonce. ‘These parties came from pointa for miles around here, and came hither on horseback, in carriages and othor vehicles, In looking throug this motley assembiage I observed that many of tbe younger ladies wore riding habits, feathers and plumes of the latest fashion. The goods from which these clothes were made I was informed wore imported from Eng!and, and purchased by the con- sumer af fabuleus prices. ‘24k DISTRIBUTION OF PROVIMORS was made by Captain Baker, ©. $. U.8. A., assisted by his cierk, Kach family was eupplied pro raia to the namber of individuals composing it, Fach adult was allowed 8 soldier's ration, and each child under twelve years of age ono-lalf @ ration. Ton dayw’ rations were distributed. CONVERSATIONS ON THR WAX. During the affair considerable convereation on the topion of the day was tptroduced by these pediio enemier, expecially the fowale portion, who, while inthe very rot of regeiving the moniticeuce of the government, took occasion to insult its officers aud ridicu.c ite policy. Some of these jadividuals claine to be of Northern parentage, and thoge of that class seemed more bitter and outs; kev shan those of pure Southern stock. THR GROUNDS IN THY NEIOHPORNOOP, _ Near the place of distribution is the residenes of Dr, Fitzhugh, of whom I have spoken elsewhere, His resi- dence and surroundings are of the most tasty and ample desoription. During the day his house was tho head quarters of those that came in from the surrounding country. In front of the house is a spacious lawn, orna- mented with choice shade trees; adjolaing this t@aJargo flower gardon, In the rear of al) aro large out houses, granary, ko. The distributton of provisions cccupiedjthe entire fore- noon, when the assemblage dissolved and the scene elosed Mr. D. B. M. Eaton's Despatches. FEED ONG Vocetoatiee cota Watwor His8, Reas of Vicxsnurg, June 25, l .} Nothing of particular iuterest Bas occurred im this corps since yesterday, Heavy and oontinned cannonad- ig bas boon Kept up day aed might for tho last few days, and the rebels are ot allewed to show their heads. JOR JOBRSTOW PURSUED. Hearing that General Joo Johnston bad retreated to tng, with General Tuttle's diviston and three brigades of General MoArthur’s Sixt® division, to hunt bim up. Gen. ‘oral Shorman will take other troops with him from Black river, the exact number of which we are unable to learn. A fight may be looked for immediately. 4 DARN BRON rEEMACUTA, Captalu Mapp, of the Fifth Iulaols cavalry, with forty picked wen ( y left Grand Gulf Tuesday mora ing for Pensacola, with ordere to desteoy all railroad ond @ommanioation ou the way. The Captain dose ‘Bot go out with the expectation of fighting, but merely to damage or destroy rebel communication. ADMIRAL FORTER’® OROER TO PREVENT THs McAre OF Rear Admiral D. 1), Porier bam Jat tesued an order to bis mon (bared on intelligence received that the rebele are toaring down buildings ia Vielsburg, preparstory to wn Neate toilet peed jhrad Loviriena side) wusep 0 day 404 night, and to sink every raft of Taft thes comes out of the river. The rebels on. Fie. | sesh quater, ant ta) 0 tr oo ap have ne bes faking under (hele care ull parties of robels a jqenado the weqiige out, OPERATIONS OF THE 26TH OF JUNE. Mr. Charles H, Farrcli’s Letter. Amar Gorrs, Laer Wing Anite or nie Missrrt, Ruan ov Vicxanuau,, syne 27, 1863 A Visir ALONG Tan coNKeS Yostorduy | paid vieit along the Lines of (4s corps— the loft wing of this army—a distance of seve? miles. From my obgervationt an@ information gather i learned thatthe scigo is progresetyg n2 fast as the Pature Of the obpbscles LO be overcome will afinit, We have now (Tapeak of this wing only) ower fity Ruus 18 posi tion, Gur fortifications are distant from the rebel work from twoOthyadrod to four hundred yarda ~ carrdka ov iieis rime In Gonoral Herron's front, on the extreme toff, the (febela are particularly annoyed by his advances, Yor Several nights past be bas succeeded in capturing & rifle pit, killing more or leas rebels and takirg Nr aie cinaily from the Vorty-second Georgia regimcnt. STATO OF PRIKONERS. | from the prisoners captured 1 have made sev: ; ry Scot aburg ; but io this I have signally fail two of these prisoners tell the’ ® robel officer assured me, tinetly 1 strects 2 inzaas of the houses walking and ir ah All the ponchalance possible, as if were not@ur by the appilances of war. Thecity does not any|bppoarance of having sustained much. damage bY dar bobibardment; but this, I learn, is owing to the ff no Atlompls have been made to destroy : “ps tt. Taopei : em oe cat wore sectiaaia DEB, t Tide OF SH REIL TROON, The re¥op troops areynearly all outaide the city ia the reat of thelr int ents, & sufficient number being ro. tained to do prc arahal duty tu the city, THM REWELS DO NOT AHOW TUR FLAG. The rebols make no display of their troasonable em- blom—the rebel flag—in tho city or fortidoations. They are probably getting aspamed of it, aud think it better in obsourity. THKIR FORTIFICATIONS. From (h@ position in which I viewod tho city and forti- floations I ooutd distinctly seo the entrances to several ‘gavoe in the latter, where the rebel reserves hide them- Belvos from car burating sholis, {am toformed that cavea exist all along the rebel lines, and are con- mi with oach other by subterranean passages, In the @ these caves are of huge dimensions, some of them Bonen enough to lodgea family of seven or eight A NEW AND RVVECTIVE UNION BATTERY. i we just completed a new and effective battery ueartl roveport caval, directly opposite Vicksbarg, oa tho river side. A thirty-pounder Parrott. gan hag been it taposition, and has done some shooting. It is ahalf mile, of thedity. -A few days ago 4 on the cityy"and throw shells with great offvet, more or loss damage. 4 RRBRI-POUNDRY IN OPERATION. ‘those of the guu above alluded to was concentrated on a rebgi foundry which is in oporation in (he city might and day. The shot wld with good effect, aod since that time the furnaces have not seemed so busily employed. Te teaaid the rebels use this foundry to caey shot and Yebell and guus from the refuse iron amd ents $es-sholls fired from this side, Thus” {t would fia itl Weis gitmaens seem “the rebcle _ employing all the means at hand te p Mee sioge, - Yesteravy tho rebel water baitortes 0] our Jittle battery above mentioned, and ic cannonade of an hour ceased firiug. The rosult ef this was five men killod on our sido. THR RENBLS PREPALUNG TO WErREAT. For several days past things have been observed on the water front of the ity which would seem to indicate that the enewy contemplate 4 relfeat. They havo torn dows ptmerous wooden buildings, eutof which they have gon: okie, with the intea- tion, no doubt, of leaving the city some five night. The movement Ms Wépa clitefully noted by General Grant, ‘and a body of troppegentto observe any such uusivil way pars LEP ES val reemnar. ‘The firing on this wing of the army was very light yes- terday. Indeed it has not been #0 quiet for several days previously. At night the gunboats of the lower fleot throw a number of shells on the rebel works, but it is supposed with little or no effect. The Kxplosion of Our Mise. MR. DEB. BANDOLPA KELM’S DESPATUH. TH READINESS OF THE MINE. AV three o'clock this aiternoon @ mesaeugor arrivod from the mine bringing information that everything was tm readiness to apply the match. The troops in the outer works were al) withdrawa, with the excop- thom of a small body of sharpshooters, which were fetained 10 keep up demonstration until the fuse ‘was ignited, whey they also were to retire hastily toa ro- spectful distance under cover of ono of the parallels, ‘THE ASSAULTING PARTY, AS part of the grand programme Leggett’s brigade was ‘ontere® under arms, and marched into the trenches as near the front as safety would permit. Here they rest- ed, awaling the preconcertea signal, when they were to Tosh upom the work immediately oa the heels of the for. Jorn hope. TUB FORIORN HOPE. ‘This dangerous duly was ket apart for 4 detachment of 100 wea from the Forty-Afth Ilinois infantry and avotber hundred from the Twenty-Third Ibdiana, Th se bodies were thrown out in the extreme adyavoc, with instrne- tions for the Forty-fifth Il}inois to agsaqit on the right on Fort Hill the moment the explosion had taken place, and tho Twenty-third [ndiana wae to rush out the sap running to the left and attack the curtain of the fort extending fowardethetown. Here they were to keep down, by means of inusketry, the enemy's riflomen; for without this acoomplizhed we would have sullased an eufilating draou the atwckers upon the main fort, THE aUrroRT. As & xapport to the brigade of Leggett Gen, Stevcusoh's command way ordered to bold itself in readiness to move at & mament’s notice. As aD additional force and kind Of rea@tve to the support the Seventeenth Iowa and Fifty. sixth !Uinois, of General John E. Smith’s division, and the Beventesnth Wisconsin, of Ransom’'s brigade, McArtbur’s division, were brought to (he centre and held in the rear (@ awalt the development of tho straggic. These trowps Carried Hothiug with them bat their muskets and cartridge boxes; many of them were In their shirt sleeves, evi Gautly anticipating wartn work if engaged, TIDE PRROONOSRTED FGNAL, Aa might be supponed, the explosion was designates up the gignal for a goeeral sinititagerus Co-Operation all Gloag the lines from right to left. In making an attack of thie character {t was expovted that the attention of tho enemy Would be ‘distracted and the furce within be die- tributed along the entire line, instead of being concentra. ted epan the one fort tn front of thie corps, which would coatingensies were wisely considered, avd the subsequent results eremplifiea how uecomary was ‘the to. operation Of the other commands. 4 sca@rEne. 4 = 2 Fa Ss 5 No4 5 : > FA i = ; = F 5 1 8 $ g hf 4 3 : 5 j g BE! H B e s2 Pana Re Aa eee nn aid | aan | Gener Soe reaait ia inevitable, perbape, irreparable defeat. All these | pelea. < eye now centered upon the smoko momentartly growing five minutes wore Another fow uin- Broater and greater, bus enothor Bway and curiosity was oot satistied. tex, then Fe er ae a ara . Tam merioios, | TS ae >, 0d upon the horizon coulf be seod &2 enormous columa of earth, dust, timbers and profectiles lifted into the air at an-aititude of at loast eighty foot. Cue entire face of the fort was disombodied und scatierced im particles @l ower the sur: seracr. The right and left fado# we'o alao’ much damaged; bat fortunately enough of ton romsined to alford aa excellent protection 0D OUF Lalu, No poonte bad the expl thd bo Cotachmenta act ren tato tho fort and ga as already mentioned A brisl’ musketry fire at once commenced be- tween the two parties, with about equal eect upoo either side. Nogooner bad thes: detachments become wellongagsd than the rect of Leggow’s brigade oined them and entored tuto the struggle, The rovimo te relieving each other at litervals, the cont st now grew sovere; both sides, @etermined upon holding thelr own, were doing their beat. Volley aftor volley was fired, though with fes* carnage than would be supposed. The Forty Ofc iinols Charged immediately up to the croet of the parapet, aud bore euffered its boayiest, Licutenant Colonel Metinethes Smith was bit in the hond by three buckabot, and, though —atilt alive, is’ Bald’ by the surgeons bis skull boa been penetratod,and there can be no hopes of his recovery. Col, Smith is a young man, and bas figured prominently ia ail actions with ‘his regiment, from Fort Donelson to the assault of today, Ho has been repeatedly complimented by his superiors tn ravk for coo'ness under avd great tact in tho disposition of troops. The offteers of the army hore exhibit greate@riterest in the crniition of Col. Smith ani hope he may yet be preserved to the oirps.; H@. is receiving every attention withie the powor of the surgeons tw eave his life, At the: tito the Dieutenant Colonel was stot he stood upon the parapet of the fort, was calling to his mea te flow, and when struck fe amongst’ Lis men who were scrambling up the sides .f the, work to answer his calla, A fi Onhis after the wounding of Colonel -mith ae ee Bet Pogimelt, fel dead, having bees shot through the heart. The adjutant also received a dangerous wound in the wrist. Notwithstanding the loss of these Aletinguishod officers the mon of @he reginiont stuck to tle work and bed the ground agains! & strong body of the euany thrown ag inet them; OUR ILAG GORS UP. After a severe contest of baif an hour, with varying results, the fag of the Forty-fith appeared upon the sum: mit of the work, The position was gained. Cheer ‘alter choer broke throagh the confasion and uproar of ‘the cou test, assuring the troops everywhero along the line that the Forty fifth was still itse!f, The Colonel (Maltby) was now left aione ia command of the regiment, and he was himself badly bruised by a slying splinter, The regiment bad also suffered severcly iv the line, and the troops were wora out by excessive heat and bard Oigbting. RELIKP SENT FORWARD. Reliof was neceseary. Accordingly the Thirty-first Tit. nois was ordered upaud tho Forty-fifth drawn off—thie was six o'clock P.M. Aftor this the action was Kept up briskly but steadily for several hours, until dusk, when the firing Inlied gnd the men took a respite, While the Forty-fitth was 80 hotly engaged in the fort tho Twenty- third Indtaia followed its first detachment into tho sap, from which place they wore to hold the robela at bay during the contest for the fort. The rebels fought desne rately as well at this point as the other; but the character of the engagement was different, the troops firing at cach ‘othor over breastworks of earth. This regimont diaplayed great gallantry and did excellent service in. ite way. In consequence of tho limited space in which to fight not more than one regiment cou'd act in either place at the same time; accordingly regwaents were relieved by regt- mente as rapidly as the aeceseities of the occasion de manded, GRNRRAT, LEGGRTT, . ‘ During the hotest of the action General Leggett was t= 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 enemy's guns expicded in @ timber lying on the parapot, distributing splinters in all directions, ono of which struck the Gene- ral on the breast, knocking him over. Though some- “what braised and stunned, he soon recovered bituself, and taking a chair sat in one of the trenches near tue fort, where ho could be seen by his men. ‘THE PARTICIPATION OF THE OTUBR CORFS, ‘Tho explosion of the mine was the sigual 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 ropeated along the loft through tho Thirteenth corps and “left division,” until the sound struek tho onr like the muttorings of distant thunder, Sherman, ou the right, also opened his artil- lery about the same time and ocoupied the cnem;'s at- tention along his front. Captain R. H. Offley, of the Thir- toonth United States infantry, ia command of the sicge guns of this corps, handled his batteries with telling effect. Bvory shell struck the parapet, and, bounding over, exploded in the midst of the enemy's forces beyond, Tre scene at this time was one of the utmost sublimity. The roar of artillery, rattlo of sreall arms, the cheers of the mon, Sashes of light, wreathes of pale blue snecke over different parts of the fleld, the bursting of shell, the flerce whistle of soha 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, act up a din which 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 i due to all the troops to any that every one did his duty. THE PONELLA, After the possession of tho fort was no longer tn doubt the ptoncer corps, under Captain Hickenlooper, mounted the work with their shovels and set to throwing ap earth vigoronsly in order to secura space for artiliery. A taoat fortunate peculiarity in the explosion was the maauer in which the earth was thrown out, ‘The appoaranoe of ihe piace was that of a funnel, with heavy sides runniag up to the very crest of the parapet, aifording admirable pro- toction not only for our treops and pioneers, but turnod out @ ready mado fortification in the rough, which, with a sight application of tho shovel and pick, wil) be ready to reteive the guna to be used here, ‘Up to this time the pioneers have made great progress, and are stil at work. A battery may be expected here ia a iittle time, two howltzers of Captain Sparstrorh’s com mana being already In the trenchce awaiting the compio- ton of thé tor’. a MATAR aC TERY Now stat, , Thore is little Oring nOW Bolg On. There is no doubt concerning our ability to hold the position, The enemy whl undoatedly mako every effort td regain the place this eveniag, but there is no possibility of the erccess of his eudeavers, We are now so atrongthened ‘that !¢ would be tmpos: ible under ordinary o/reumstances to drive os oat,’ Fresh troops are now moving up to ocou- Py and hold she position against every contingency. OUR Loss. Miraculous as {t may seem amid all the fiery ordeal of this afternoen’s cugagement, ene hundred milled and two hundred wounded; is @ largo estimate of casualties @a oar aide. Colonel Reece, of the Thirty-firrt !inois, was mortally wounded by a Granado; aleo Captain Hotaling was injured by a fragment of the sume, EMAVIOR OF Tick MEN, It Mo not necessary to speck particularly concerning this, Every man war at his post aud did bis best, I ave not seen or heard an imetance of cowardice on the part of officers or men. Tm rmx, Everything was finished, The vitalizing spark had From ® lookout on the summit of an eminence j fédened abe bicberto paasaive agons,andihe oow harm. | SF the rebel works the movements of the lens faaber went barrying to the coutre. The troo;s tiad | eMy could be pininiy watched. An Individual ‘deen withdraw, Tho forlorn hope #tood out tn pisin | ‘view, boldly awaiting the uncertainties of the precarious , office. A chilling sensation Fax through ibe frame 1s aa { obeerver looked down upon this devoted vend about to | burl itecif into the Breach—perehanos 1ateitbe jaws of | {im the tower, fost prior to ths explosion of the mino, saw two rebel regiments marching. ott to the fert. UF aeudden—perhaps upor sosing the smoke of tho fure—the troope tarned about and rau towards the town in @ perfect panto. They were not sece again dur. pootthat Gon, Kicby Smith wil oreate a diversion ia their | death Thousands of men tn arine dashed on ayory | 1H tbo Meht; but other regiments were brought up to favor by attatiting Young's Potat. Our forces are ready tor them. Our fiver batteries willsomn be ready, and then the rebels may try tocome out when they foo! ite : it, The rebel river bettories keep up a oontinasd shelling ‘of odr working particr, but all to po purpose #0 far, CLARE ASD CLORER, ‘ On Goueral Sherman's frout the Union troope are get. ting closer and closer (9 the rebel works, and all pickot ‘comigunication is stopped. ‘The rebels nak questions and are answered by rifle shots. To the Lest of ovr know. and belief, the Vicksburg authorities do not know of Jae's taid into Maryland, fad ovr intoniion I to Keap thom in the dark about it. ves TIVELY ON Ne Laer, STuckeon, and bad there gathered a feree of thirty-five = Affairs iu G being ar departmeat, we will towely ate | are being mule munban tly ey cote! | Valor—voterans insensiblo to the shouts of contenting * battalions or nerved tothe shrietts of somradiee suffering onder (he tortures of painful agoniesmatonigmotionlons as | | they directed their eyes upon the spot where soon the ' | terrors of @ baried agenay would discover itself in wild Concussione and coutoriions, carrying annihilation to alt within the cope of its tremendous power, It | | was the seeming torpor which precedes the en. | (agoniem of powerful bodies. Five minutes had lapsed, It seomed tike an existence, Five winutes | more, and yet Qo #igue of the expected exhibition; an in- descrivalle seveation of Impationce, blended with a still j activo autiotpation, ran through the assembled spectators, 4 BML. Rvery One qwas apecoblers. ven men ef iried | eupply thete place. ‘The enemy's lons to-day ts not known, bat must beve been beavy. SUMMARY f Of all the Operations for the Capture of the Rebel Stronghold of the West, ‘ ‘The “Gibraltar of the Mississippi” having fallen, che " following summary of all the operations brought to bear for the capture of destruction of the rebel strongholdy ° will now prove very interesting to our readers ‘ VICESRURG FRET FORTIFIED, a! Terron’s front aretiesly, bol thal nos | Awwall pall of smoke now discovered itself; every one On the 19th day of January, 18M, the Gevernor of that soction | thowght the criais had come, and almost eaw the terrific i tho State of Missismppi firat sent artillery to fortify Vicks. ‘oF Vesva pickets in ' wenua whigla (hg wind bad depicied, Dut uotyet. Byery ; Bure (ae Cad W PO MYyaegically (hy stroukent youition * — —— oat »