...trously to our arms; and the first half of the next year was discouraging to the patriot heart. Vicksburg in the West still resisted siege and assault. In December, 1862, our army was defeated at Fredericksburg under Burnside, and in May, 1863, at Chancellorsville under Hooker. Rebel war-vessels, built and equipped in England, with more in process of construction, were destroying our commerce; and our slo...