GENERAL: Your note
is just received. This morning a deserter, the hospital steward of the Sixth
Texas Cavalry (a young man from Indiana, but who moved to Texas in 1858), came
in He reports as having come as far as Mechanicsburg between the two rivers,
when their cavalry first arrived. Since that they have fallen back across Black
River, and now his brigade, [J. W.] Whitfield commanding, are at Bolton The
enemy have no body of troops south of the railroad; Johnston has his
headquarters between Brownsville and Canton, about 15 miles from Bolton. The
deserter says he hears these men say that Johnston has 35,000 men. They
estimate our forces at 90,000, but think Pemberton can detain most of them.
They are anxious to
attack, to relieve the suspense. Colonel Blood captured a rebel courier coming
out of Vicksburg last night. He had with him quite a number of private letters
for the mail outside. The most important among them is one from M. L. Smith to
his wife, and one from [W. T.] Withers. The former said their fate must be
decided within the next ten days. If not relieved in that time, he expects to
go North, but calculates on a speedy exchange, when he will be restored to the
bosom of his family. A number of the letters speak of getting four ounces of
bacon per day, and bread made of rice and flour mixed. Corn $40 per bushel, and
not to be had at that. Strong faith is expressed by some in Johnston's coming
to their relief. Withers, particularly, cannot believe they have been so wicked
as for Providence to allow the loss of their stronghold of Vicksburg. Their
principal faith seems to be in Providence and Joe Johnston.
Dana will probably
go out this evening, and will carry you any news we may have up to that time.
There is no truth in the rumor that Port Hudson has fallen. I believe a vessel
has come up from Port Hudson, but no word for me. Admiral Porter informs me
that Banks has lost severely; that Kirby Smith has attempted to relieve the
garrison from the opposite side of the river.
McPherson will
spring two mines in his front this afternoon. He will try then to secure a
place within the fort now in his front. The mines are run about 35 feet in, and
will go up with a blast of 1,000 pounds of powder. I think it advisable to keep
your troops out until Joe Johnston carries a design to move in some other
direction. Continue to obstruct roads to confine his advance on as far and as
narrow passes as possible. Should you discover a change of plan on his part, to
counteract it.
