The Daily Dispatch: September 4, 1863., [Electronic resource]

From Mississippi.

‘ Grant will not move on Mobile until the fate of Charleston is decided. Fifteen transports left Vicksburg, loaded with troops, a few days since; some went up, and some down the river; the troops were taken from the vicinity of the Big Black; it is thought by some that these forces were to overrun Southern Arkansas and Northern Louisiana. The negroes and Federals at Vicksburg are dying off rapidly; there is a great number of deaths among the citizens also. Lincoln's oath of allegiance will soon be administered to every inhabitant who will take it, and those unwilling will be sent into our lines. Fifty of President Davis's negroes have died since they were taken to Vicksburg; negroes can be seen lying dead almost daily about fence corners in the outskirts of the town; they get sick and crawl to some place to shade them from the sun's rays, and finally die from want and exposure. No stores have yet been opened at Vicksburg; druggists obtained permission to put up prescriptions, but are not allowed to sell anything else; the Yankees are issuing rations to all who are not able to purchase food — those who have the means get permits to buy from sutlers in and about the city.

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