mentary order to his corps, in which he was disrespectful to his superior officer. Grant, very properly, removed the gasconading general from command, and transferred the command of his corps to General Ord, a brave and modest soldier.

THE REGULAR SIEGE COMMENCED.

Our losses in both assaults numbered over 3,000 in killed and wounded. Grant immediately made his dispositions for a regular siege, and the army, cured of its ardor for assaulting Vicksburg, settled down patiently to its task of digging trenches and pelting Pemberton with iron hail from behind them. Meanwhile, re-inforcements from the Ninth and Sixteenth corps, under Generals Washburn and Parke, arrived from Memphis and St. Louis.

The investment now commenced in earnest, and Pemberton found himself in anything but an enviable position. Sherman, with a portion of his corps, went to observe General Joseph Johnston, who was reported marching to raise the siege; but Joseph, whatever might have been his original intention, did not give his alert enemy a chance to overhaul him. He let Vicksburg "severely alone," until it was too late to save it.

FORT HILL CAPTURED BY STORMERS.

By June 25th, a mine, which had been pushed forward, in spite of amazing obstacles, was exploded in front of Fort Hill, and our forlorn hope, consisting of detachments from the Forty-fifth Illinois

and Twenty-third Indiana, supported by Leggett's brigade, rushed in with a terrific shout and possessed themselves of that important outwork. Grant, in support of the stormers, ordered a cannonade along the whole line and from the fleet. It seemed as though the earth was being rent. The astonished Rebels paused for a moment and then commenced a deadly struggle with the gallant men who had planted the "Stars and Stripes" above the ramparts of Vicksburg. The effort proved vain, for McPherson supported Leggett, and Fort Hill remained in the possession of Grant's forces.

Another mine, of even greater proportions, had been constructed in the meantime, and on July 1st it was exploded, causing the demolition of a redan, and killing a number of Rebels who were manning the ramparts or engaged in countermining.

PEMBERTON PARLEYS.

This last success, in addition to the terrific bombardment constantly kept up from all sides by our army, caused consternation in Vicksburg. Provisions were giving out, and, in a word, Pemberton's position was desperate. In his despair, he blamed Johnston for not supporting him, and vowed never to surrender Vicksburg while a pound of beef, or other food, remained, or while a man was left to defend the walls. This was on the 2d of July. Grant, having occupied the portion of the enemy's works uncovered by the mine, prepared for the

grand assault. On the morning of the 3d, at 8 o'clock, a flag of truce was displayed by the enemy, in front of A. J. Smith's position. Half an hour later, General Bowen and another officer of the Rebel army placed in Grant's hands a proposition from Pemberton to surrender Vicksburg! The Rebel general wished for the appointment of commissioners for the purpose of treating, but Grant utterly refused to comply with his request. He agreed, however, to meet Pemberton on neutral ground, that afternoon, and arrange terms.

At this famous interview Grant was attended by Gens. McPherson and A. J. Smith. Pemberton was accompanied by Gen. Bowen and Col. Montgomery. The rebel asked what terms Grant could give. The Union General at once replied-“ UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!"

Pemberton expostulated and even threatened to renew his defence. Grant was quite collected, and told him to follow his own counsel, but warned him that the siege would be pressed with merciless vigor. Finally the two Generals walked apart, and, after a short consultation, Pemberton agreed to lay the matter before a counsel of war and send his answer next noon.

VICKSBURG CAPITULATES.

After consultation with his corps commanders, Grant submitted to Pemberton, in writing, the terms of surrender, which were, as is well known, courteous and liberal in the extreme. The Gene