Jan [ ] 1863

Fulton & Gobright
Chicago 3d -- Cairo specials
says Col. Dickey's cavalry utterly
destroyed Mobile & Ohio Road from
Okalona to Saltillo 20 miles. This
was done before Rebel raid into
Holly Springs. Grant's forces also
destroyed road from Coffeeville
to Oxford--Cairo 3d Despatches
from Genl Sherman on battle field
Vicksburg received at Helena on
Saturday 27th. Sherman debarked
forces on left bank Yazoo ten
miles above mouth & forming line
[of] battle advanced toward Vicksburg.
After passing beyond range fire
from Gunboats. Encountered in force
Terrific conflict five hours ensued                  
Enemy was driven back beyond
Bayous that girt rear Vicksburg
and from their entrenched work
on hill by shell.  Saturday night

[*20945*]

2
 two armies lay on arms with two 
Bayous intervening during night
pontoons were constructed not withstanding
terrific fire from Enemy under
cover of undergrowth. Daylight
Sunday concerted advance made by
Sherman whole force  Steele held left
Morgan and Blair centre, Smith 
right, Steele turned Enemys right so as 
communicate with Morgans Division
having been separated by swamps
running at right angles to main front
By sunrise whole force engaged
and up to ten oclock musketry artillery
fighting severe Rebels in front Morgans
and Smiths Divisions were entrenched
high rising ground - This position
finally carried by storm Gunboats
didn't cooperate but Benton engaged
fortifications Haynes Bluff During
action several her crew killed
Capt Gwynne commander mortally
wounded - 58th Ohio 8th Missouri 2nd Ky sustaining 
considerable loss Saturdays fight
Banks & Farragut expected to cooperate but had
not arrived - Moore)


[*20946*]

Transcribed and reviewed by contributors participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.