2

Telegraphic.

LATEST DISPATCHES.

The Siege of Vicksburg Progressing Finely.

Famine Beginning to Fall Upon the Rebels.

Apprehensions of an Attack by Johnston Groundless.

Attempts to Relieve Pemberton About Given Up.

Another Attack Upon Charleston

Rumor of General Stoneman's Resignation.

&c., &c., &c.

NEW YORK, May 9. — The Tribune says: From a gentlemen fully conversant with affairs at Port Hudson and in the department of the gulf, who arrived here last night from New Orleans, we learn some interesting facts of the situation of Banks' army and its progress. Our informant left Port Hudson late in the evening Saturday, 31st ult. There had been no fighting of consequence since the assault of the 27th, but Gen. Banks had been industriously and rapidly contracting his lines, and approaching the rebel works. The wings of our army rested on or very near the river, both above and below. There was no possibility of reinforcements reaching the beleaguered garrison. Banks had made up his mind to take the place, and he had the means to do it. The contest on the 25th was very desperate and very bloody, the rebels fighting with the most reckless courage, and our men being not a whit behind in daring and pluck.

Our informant corroborates the good accounts heretofore given of the conduct of the colored soldiers. These sable warriors provoked most frenzied hatred on the other side, and the rebels devoted all their energy to their annihilation, and since the fight they have missed no chance to kill negro pickets. In one instance they pounced upon a single black sentry, captured and hung him. Bloody instruction quickly improved, for almost within the hour some negroes got hold of a rebel picket and swung him up in full sight of their murdered companion.

The stories about Kirby Smith coming to the relief of Port Hudson are probably erroneous. Smith is no doubt in Texas, somewhere, or in western Louisiana; certainly nowhere near Port Hudson; nor could he get across if he were opposite.

Col. Grierson is slashing around, and was, at last accounts, up between Port Hudson and Vicksburg, tearing up railroads, destroying bridges, hunting for confederate stores, and canvassing the state.

It is generally understood that Joe Johnston was at Jackson on the 27th, but had no force worth bringing against Grant.

We regret to learn that Gen. Sherman, wounded at Port Hudson, is not expected to live. Weather is very hot and the place is dry and dusty.

Busy and large columns seem to be moving up and taking position, to await further operations of our forces.