The Vicksburg Daily Citizen.
THE DAILY CITIZEN.
J.M. SWORDS, . . Proprietor
VICKSBURG, MISS.
THURSDAY, JULY, 2, 1863.
Mrs. Cisco was instantly killed on Monday, on the Jackson road. Mrs. Cisco's
husband is now in Virginia, a member of Moody's artillery, and the death
of such a loving, affectionate and dutiful wife will be a loss to him irreparable.
We are indebted to Major Gillespie for a steak of Confederate beef
alias meat. We have tried it, and can
assure our friends that if it is rendered
necessary, they need have no scruples
at eating the meat. It is sweet, savory,
and tender, and so long as we have a
mule left we are satisfied our soldiers
will be content to subsist on it.
Jerre Askew, one of our most esteemed merchant-citizens, was wounded
at the works in the rear of our city a
few days since, and breathed his last
on Monday. Mr. Askew was a young
man of strict integrity, great industry
and an honor to his family and friends.
He was a member of Cowan's artillery,
and by the strict discharge of his duties
and his obliging disposition, won the
confidence and esteem of his entire
command. May the blow his family
have sustained be mitigated by Him
who doeth all things well.
Grant's forces did a little firing
on Tuesday afternoon, but the balance
of that day was comparatively quiet.
Yesterday morning they were very still,
and continued so until early in the
afternoon, when they sprung a mine on
the left of our centre, and opened fire
along the line for some distance. We
have not been able to ascertain anything definitely as to our loss, but as
our officers were on the lookout for this
move of the enemy, the expectations of
the Yankees were not realized by a
great deal.
Among many deeds we hear
spoken of with pride by our citizens,
we cannot refrain from mentioning the
case of Mr. F. Kiser. This gentleman,
having more corn than he thought was
necessary to last him during the siege
of this place, portioned off what would
do him for the brief interval that must
ensue before the arrival of succor to
our garrison, and since that time has
relieved the wants of many families
free of charge. May he live and prosper, and his name be handed down to
posterity, when the siege of Vicksburg
is written, as one in whose breast the
"milk of human kindness" had not
dried up.
Porter is enjoying a season of rest, and his men are doubtless obliged to
him for his kind consideration for their welfare. On Tuesday he fired a few
shells from his parrots, and kept his men tolerably busy sharp-shooting across
the river, with no other result than might be expected. The mortars have not
been used for nearly forty-eight hours. Poor fool, he might as well give up
the vain aspiration he entertains of capturing our city or exterminating our
people, and return to his master, to receive the reward such a gasconading dolt
will meet at the hands of the unappreciating Government at Washington.
DEATH of LIEUT-COL. GRIFFIN-- General Smith's impetuous division seems singularly
unfortunate. He has lost many gallant men, whose valor and worth the siege has
fully developed, and whose death is a great public calamity. Lieut-Col. Griffin,
commanding the 31st Louisiana regiment, was killed on Saturday. He was a popular
and efficient officer. Gifted by nature with undaunted courage, indomitable
resolution and energy, he was also possessed of quick determination, keen glance
and coolness in danger, which are the most essential qualities of an officer,
while by his mingled firmness and clemency of his conduct, he won the confidence
and good will of his men. May the soft south winds murmur sweet requiems o'er
his manes, and the twilight dews fall gently like an angel's tear-drop and moisten
his turfy bed.
If aught would appeal to the
heart of stone of the extortioner with
success, the present necessities of our
citizens would do so. It is needless to
attempt to disguise from the enemy or
our own people that our wants are
great, but still we can conscientiously
assert our belief that there is plenty
within our lines, by an exercise of prudence, to last until long after succor
reaches us. We are satisfied there are
numerous persons within our city who
have breadstuffs secreted, and are dolling it out, at the most exhorbitant
figures, to those who had not the foresight or means at their command to
provide for the exigency now upon us.
A rumor has reached us that parties in
our city have been, and are now, selling
flour at five dollars per pound! molasses
at ten dollars per gallon! and corn at
ten dollars per bushel! We have not
as yet proved the fact upon the parties
accused, but this allusion to the subject
may induce some of our citizens to
ascertain whether such prices have been
paid, and to whom; and if so, let a
brand not only be placed upon their
brow, but let it be seared into their
very brain, that humanity may scorn
and shun them as they would the portals of hell itself.
GOOD NEWS.-- In devoting a large
portion of our space this morning to
Federal intelligence, copied from the
Memphis Bulletin of the 25th, it should
be remembered that the news, in the
original truth, is whitewashed by the
Federal Provost Marshal, who desires
to hood-wink the poor Northern white
slaves. The former editors of the Bulletin being rather pro southern men,
were arrested for speaking the truth
when truth was unwelcome to Yankeedom, and placed in the chain-gang
working at Warrenton, where they now
are. This paper at present is in duress,
and edited by a pink-nosed, slab-sided,
toad eating Yankee, who is a lineal descendant of Judis Iscariot and a brother
germain of the greatest Puritanical,
sycophantic howling scoundrel unhung
-- Parson Brownlow. Yet with such a
character, this paper cannot cloak the
fact that Gen. Robert E. Lee has given
Hooker, Milroy & Co. one of the best
and soundest whippings on record, and
that the "galorious Union"is now exceedingly weak in the knees.
Gen. Rob't E. Lee Again.
Again we have reliable news from the gallant corps of Gen. Lee in Virginia.
Elated with success, encouraged by a series of brilliant victories, marching
to and crossing the Rappahannock, defeating Hooker's right wing and thence through
the Shenandoah Valley, driving Milroy from Winchester and capturing 6000 of
his men and a large amount of valuable stores of all descriptions, re-entering
Maryland, holding Hagerstown, threatening Washington City, and within a few
miles of Baltimore--onward and upward their way cry--our brave men under Lee
are striking terror to the hearts of all Yankeedom. Like the Scottish Chieftain's
braves, Lee's men are springing up from moor and brake, crag and dale, with
flashing steel and sturdy arm, ready to do or die in the great cause of national
independence, right and honor. To-day the mongrel administration of Lincoln,
like Japhet, are in search of a father-- for their old Abe has departed for
parts unknown. Terror reigns in their halls. Lee is to the left of them, the
right of them, in front of them, and all around them; and daily do we expect
to hear of his being down on them. Never were the French in Algeria more put
out by the mobile raids of Ab Del Kader than are the Federals of Maryland, Washington
City, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, by the mercureal movements of Lee's cavalry. Like
Paddy's flea are they to the Federals--now they have got them and now they haven't.
The omnipresence of our troops and their throwing dust in the eyes, or rather
on the heels of the panic-striken Federals in Maryland and Pennsylvania, clearly
prove that Lee just now is the right man in the right place.
We lay before our readers in this issue an account of Lee's brilliant
and successful onslaught upon the abolition hordes, and show e'en from
their own record, how our gallant boys of the cavalry have flashed their swords
to the hilt with their vaunting foe, and how each musket of our infantry has
told its fatal leaden tale.
To-day Maryland is ours, to-morrow Pennsylvania will be, and the next day
Ohio--how midway, like Mahomned's coffin, will fall.
Success and glory to our arms! God and right are with us.
We have heretofore refrained
from alluding to a matter which has
been a source of extreme annoyance
and loss to our citizens. We refer to
the lax discipline of some of our company officers in allowing their men to
prowl around, day and night, and purloin fruit, vegetables, chickens, etc.,
from our denizens, and, in the majority
of cases, from those whose chief subsistence is derived therefrom. This
charge is not confined solely to those
at the works, but is equally, if not
mainly, attributable to the wagoners
and others in charge of animals. Several cases have come to our knowledge
wherein the offenders have, in open
daylight, entered premises, seized cattle
and others things, and defied the owners
to their teeth. We are pained to learn
that an esteemed citizen of our Vicksburg, Wm. Porterfield, was under the
necessity, in protecting his property, to
wound one or two soldiers and deprive
another of his life. We fully appreciate
the fatigue, hardships and privation to
which our men are subjected; but upon
inquiry it may be ascertained that our
city is second to none in contributing
to the welfare of those gallant spirits
who risk their life and limb for the
achievement of an end which will make
us one of the most honored people of
the earth, and such conduct of which
we complain is but base ingratitude.
A soldier has his honor as much at stake
as when a civilian; then let him preserve
his good name and reputation with the
same jealous care as before he entered
his country's ranks. But so long as
this end is lost sight of, so long may we
expect to chronicle scenes of bloodshed
among those of our own people. We
make this public exposure, mortifying
as it is to us, with the hope that a salutary improvement in matters will be
made by our military authorities.
Mid the din and clash of arms, the screech of shells and whistle of bullets,
which are a continual feature in the status of our beleaguered city, incidents
of happiness often arise to vary in a cheery way the Phases of so stern a scene.
On the evening of the 28th ult., with gaiety, myrth and good feeling, at a prominent
Hospital of this city, through the ministerial offices of a chaplain of a gallant
regiment, Charles Royall, Prince Imperial of Ethiopia, of the Barberigo family,
espoused the lovely and accomplished Rosa Glass, Arch Durchess of Senegambia,
one of the most celebrated Princes of the Luandressina Regime. The affair was
conducted with great magnificence, though as is usual in troublesome times the
sabler element was predominant.
The foe may hurl their deathly bolts,
And think we are affrighted;
Well may we scorn them, silly dolts,
Our blacks are now united.
VICTIMIZED.-- We learn of an instance wherein a "knight of the
quill" and a "disciple of the black art," with malice in their hearts
and vengeance in their eyes, ruthlessly put a period to the existence of a venerable
feline that has for time, not within the recollection of the "oldest inhabitant,"
faithfully discharged the duties to be expected of him to the terror of sundry
vermin in his neighborhood. Poor, defunct Thomas was then prepared, not for
the grave, but the pot, and several friends invited to partake of a nice rabbit.
As a matter of course, no one would wound the feelings of another, especially
in these times, by refusing a cordial invitation to dinner, and the guests assisted
in consuming the poor animal with a relish that did honor to their epicurean
taste. The "sold" assure us the meat was delicious, and that pussy
must look out for her safety.
Yankee News from all Points.
PHILADELPHIA, June 21, 2:30 A.M.--
The following is all the news of interest
in the Washington Star:
Major Brazell, of the United States Volunteers, received intelligence from
Fayette county, Penn. this morning that the rebels in heavy force were advancing
on Pittsburg via the national Road leading from Cumberland across the Alleghany
Mountains. Their pickets had reached Grantsville, Md. thirty-eight miles from
Uniontown, Fayette county, Penn., on Wednesday evening last.
It is reported in Washington to-day that two members of Hooker's staff
were gobbled up by guerrillas last night in the vicinity of Fairfax.
HARRISBURG, June 20.-- Operations were commenced on our side to-day by
a portion of a New York cavalry regiment, capturing twenty rebel prisoners at
McConnelsburg, in Fulton county.
Col. Lawrence, with a portion of the 127th Pennsylvania regiment, (mounted,)
captured a squad of rebels who were marauding on this side of the river.
We hold Chambersburg, and the citizens are arming and fortifying the city.
Gen. Couch has ordered that the place be held.
The fortifications opposite this city are finished, and are considered impregnable.
The rebels are known to be 8000 strong at Hagerstown and Williamsport.
The rebels hold the north bank of the Potomac river, from Cumberland to Harper's
Ferry. Gen. Kelley drove them out of Cumberland, and when they left they threatened
to return and furnish themselves with horses and forage. The rebels have done
an immense amount of damage.
It is thought Gen. Rhodes is opposite Williamsport with 20,000 men. The rebel
Gen. Imboden is reported as advancing, but this is considered doubtful.
FREDERICK, Md. June 20-- The enemy's cavalry left Boonsboro last evening,
after capturing a number of horses, and returned to Hagerstown yesterday.
Six thousand infantry are reported to have crossed at Williamsport. It is not
believed that they will visit Frederick.
The enemy has nearly 6000 infantry this side of the Potomac, under Gen. Rhodes.
Two regiments of infantry and a squad of cavalry are at Sharpsburg, and the
remainder are encamped between Williamsport and Hagerstown. No artillery has
been sent over, nor have any troops crossed since yesterday morning.
Gen. Ewell has left Williamsport and gone to the main body of his command,
stationed at Charlestown. Lee's army is not known to be within supporting distance
of Ewell, and it is very probable that the force now in Maryland will not penetrate
further north. The cavalry force numbers about twelve hundred, under Jenkins.
The party which first advanced upon Greencastle and Chambersburg numbered only
six hundred and fifty.
WASHINGTON June 22-- The Richmond Dispatch of the 21st contains the following:
"Dispatches received yesterday from Savannah announce the capture by the
enemy of the Confederate ironclad steamer Final, commanded by Captain Webb of
Atlanta. Another steamer outside the harbor was attacked and captured after
an action of thirty minutes, by two Federal iron clads."
Richmond papers of the 20th say the city of Darien, Georgia, was burned by
the Federals on the 11th inst., and is now one plain of ashes and blackened
chimneys. Seven Federal ironclads were at Brunswick, Georgia, and large forces
had landed from transports. Vallandigham has run the blockade from Wilmington.
WASHINGTON, June 21-- A Harrisburg, Penn., dispatch to the Herald states
that Jenkins passed through Greencastle last evening with 700 mounted infantry,
in the direction of Waynesboro. The rebels are reported to have sixteen pieces
of artillery with their large force. They occupy the south bank of the Potomac,
between Cumberland and Harper's Ferry. Rhodes has 20,000 men at Williamsport.
The opinion in official circles at Harrisburg is, that the rebels have serious
designs on Baltimore. Their movements indicate this, and fears are entertained
for the safety of that city. Three hundred rebel cavalry fired Mercersburg in
several places.
A Chambersburg dispatch says the rebels are scouring the country for horses,
and have got about 2000 head of cattle and 2000 horses. They are reported near
Waynesboro and Gettysburg. Jenkins left Greencastle to-night with eighty days
rations, on a foraging expedition.
NEW YORK, June 21-- A Harrisburg dispatch to-night contains the following:
The rebels are reported 40,000 strong at Hagerstown, and fortifying. Milroy's
headquarters are still at Bloody Run. Troops here are expecting marching orders
immediately. It is feared Ewell is in Williamsport, but opinion here is that
he is not at that point unless Lee is about to cross below. Heavy rains may
have raised the Potomac and hurried him off.
Gov. Curtin to-night received a dispatch from Chambersburg, stating that Jenkins
had arrived at Waynesboro, and had thrown out pickets five miles this side.
Jenkins has been plundering horses in the mountains. Gen. Couch received a dispatch
to-night confirming the report of rebel cavalry at Gettysburg.
BATLIMORE, June 21-- A very large force of rebel infantry, cavalry, and
artillery crossed at Antietam during yesterday. Refugees say they number from
40,000 to 50,000, but pickets report them at 25,000.
Earthworks are being erected around the west and north sides of Baltimore
thus completing the chain of fortifications. Barricades are being erected within
the city, extending from the high ground on the east to the southwestern extremity
of the city. These will be defended by Union League men, who are being armed
by Gen. Schenck. The Union men are confident that the rebels will not be so
rash as to attempt a raid in that direction. The disloyal among us are evidently
uneasy, and begin to realize that any hostile movement of the rebel army against
Baltimore might result disastrously among themselves.
A Herald's special from Monocacy Station, Md., the 21st, says: About 4 o'clock,
P.M., Major Cole, of the 1st Maryland cavalry, made a gallant dash into Frederick,
with forty men driving out the enemy, killing two and capturing one. No loss
on our side. Our cavalry passed through the city, and immediately after about
1500 rebel cavalry reoccupied the town.
Rebel cavalry entered Frederick yesterday P.M., about 6 o'clock, and dashed
furiously through the city, capturing nine of our men on duty at the signal
station, and paroled the invalid soldiers, numbering about sixty, in an hospital.
A number of horses were seized. Secession flags were displayed at the Central
Hotel, and some citizens collected there to welcome the rebels. A majority of
the population evinced no pleasure at the visit. The ladies were exceedingly
expressive in their demonstrations of disgust, and showered words of sympathy
upon our prisoners as they passed through the town. The party which entered
the city did not number over twenty, and many of these seemed to be intoxicated,
as they reeled in their saddles. Pickets were stationed on the outside of town.
No one was allowed to leave until about midnight, when the cavalry all left,
going toward Middletown. This morning they entered the city again, and established
pickets in the outskirts. The telegraph poles were cut down and the wire destroyed.
There was supposed to be about thirty rebels in the city this P.M. The enemy
has no force between Frederick and Boonesboro except a small cavalry camp at
Middletown. No attempt has been made to destroy the bridge over the Monocacy
river, although the enemy came down last night within a few rods of the junction.
The rebels are reported to be fortifying South Mountain. They have in the vicinity
of Williamsport about 6000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, and a few pieces of artillery.
A squadron of cavalry could undoubtedly capture the entire force this side of
South Mountain.
The Yanks outside our city are considerably on the sick list. Fever, dysentery
and disgust are their companions, and Grant is their master. The boys are deserting
daily and are crossing the river in the region of Warrenton, cussing Grant and
abolitionists generally. The boys are down upon the earth delving, [word missing]
the the bad water, and the hot weather.
The Federal Gen. McClernand
until recently outside the rear of our
city has been superseded. He and
Grant could not run in the same harness. He was for splurging and Grant
for gassing, both got the loggerheads.
So poor Mac had to leave, and Grant
has all his own way.
NOTE.
JULY, 4th. 1863.
Two days bring about great changes. The banner of the Union floats over Vicksburg.
Gen. Grant has "caught the rabbit;" he has dined in Vicksburg, and
he did bring his dinner with him. The "Citizen" lives to see it. For
the last time is appears on "Wall-paper." No more will it eulogize
the luxury of mule-meat and fricassed kitten-- urge Southern warriors to such
diet never more. This is the last wallpaper edition, and is, excepting this
note, from the types as we found them. It will be valuable hereafter as a curiosity.
This paper is copied from the original, printed by the Confederate Printer,
Mr. Swords, at Vicksburg, Miss., on wall-paper, in 1863, and sold at that time
for 20 cents a copy. Was taken possession of by the 8th Illinois (known as Oglesby)
Regiment, to do the Government printing in. O.P. Martin was a
private in the 8th Illinois Regiment, and was ordered to take charge by Gen.
Logan. Mr. Swords, the Confederate printer, was not very favorably impressed
with Mr. Martin's appearance, as his trousers was rather ragged, especially
around the seat and legs, after the long siege before Vicksburg. He says to
Mr.
Martin: "What do you want here? We have no use for Yanks." It was
a glorious Fourth of July, 1863, when the Union troops captured the city, and
it
was here I found this copy, printed on wall-paper,-- all they had to use
at the time.
Published by Comrade MAXWELL. Printed and for sale by J.W. CALLEY & SONS,
17 Batterymarch St., Room 3, Boston, Mass. |