Dispatches from the West show that we still held Vicksburg
at the last dates; and, moreover, Gen. Taylor (son of Zachary Taylor) had stormed
and taken the enemy's fortifications at Berwick's Bay, with the bayonet. We
took 1000 prisoners, 10 large cannon, and many stores. Also that we had taken
Thibbodauxville, and have thus cut off Banks from New Orleans.
5 O'clock P.m.—The
city is now in good humor, but not wild with exultation. We have what seems
pretty authentic intelligence of the taking of Harrisburg, the capital of Pennsylvania,
the City of York, etc. etc. This comes on the flag of truce boat, and is
derived from the enemy themselves. Lee will not descend to the retaliation
instigated by petty malice; but proclaim to the inhabitants that all we desire
is Peace, not conquest.
From Vicksburg we have further information that, in
springing his mine, Grant destroyed hundreds of his own men, and did us no
injury. Also that a battery we have above Vicksburg had fired into some passing
transports, doing great damage to life and boats. The troops landed, and failed
to take the battery by assault, losing hundreds in addition.
SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's
Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 365-6
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