A western correspondent of the
Columbia Guardian sums up the results, thus far, of
Grant's movement against the rear of
Vicksburg:
Let us view stern facts and deduct our own conclusions as to the final termination of affairs about
Vicksburg and
Jackson.
First, then, it is a fact that
Grant's army, from thirty to fifty thousand strong, have repulsed us at
Grand Gulf, and forced their way through our lines, repulsing us still at every intermediate point at which we offered resistance, and reached and captured
Jackson.
Secondly, it is certain that our forces under
Gens. Stevenson,
Loring,
Walker,
Tilghman and
Lee--
Gen. Pemberton being chief in command — with, I will say, 15,000 to 20,000 men, occupy a line between
Jackson and
Grand Gulf, extending from some distance this side of
Big Black river to
Warrenton, 12 miles below
Vicksburg.
Thirdly, it is certain that
General Johnston, with the commands of
Gens. Bowen and
Gregg, retreated from
Jackson up the Canten road, expecting to be reinforced by troops arriving via
Meridian, and at the same time to communicate and co-operate with
Gen. Pemberton about
Vicksburg.
Fourthly, it is certain that
Vicksburg, strongly fortified and defended by thirty to fifty thousand troops, and having supplies for six months, is prepared to resist a most strong and protracted siege.
These are the facts; now let us cursorily consider them.
It is evident that the enemy designs the reduction of
Vicksburg, and expects to accomplish it by taking
Jackson, and thus cutting off our chief means of supplies and reinforcements.
But
Vicksburg is provided for a six months siege, while the enemy is not. Moreover, he is in the midst of a hostile country, and has left partly in his rear the forces now forming the line from Big Black to
Warrenton, which can be strengthened from
Vicksburg, and may intercept his supplies and reinforcements and cut off his retreat.
It, then, our line of interception can be maintained, it is patent that
Grant cannot make a protracted siege, but finding himself surrounded, must soon either advance to a conflict of arms or be forced by starvation to surrender.
A great issue, then, is pending--one fraught with momentous importance to our young Confederacy.
A desperate and bloody battle is at hand,
Vicksburg is the prize at stake, and upon its fall or triumph hangs the fate of
Mississippi.
