To Home Page

If you entered this FREE page
via PAID subscription service,
you've been RIPPED OFF!

Trapped in a frame? Click to break free.

The Daily Citizen
J.M. Swords ..... Proprietor
Vicksburg, Miss.
Thursday, July 2, 1863
[with Postscript 4 July 1863]

[The Daily Citizen was edited and published at Vicksburg, Miss., by J.M. Swords. Like several other southern newspapers of the Civil War period its stock of newsprint paper became exhausted and the publisher resorted to the use of wallpaper. On this substitute, he printed the following known issues: June 16, 18, 20, 27, 30 and July 2, 1863. Each was a single sheet four columns wide printed on the back of the wallpaper. On July 4th, Vicksburg surrendered, the publisher fled, and the Union forces found the type of the Citizen still standing.They replaced two-thirds of the last column with other matter already in type, added the now-famous Note of July 4 at the end and printed a new edition. (Library of Congress, Periodical Division, Information Circular 3, Wallpaper Editions of the Daily Citizen, Vicksburg, Miss.)]

------------------------

	Mrs. Cisco was instantly killed on Monday on Jackson Road. Mrs. Cisco's husband is now in Virginia, a member of Moody's artillery, and the death of such a loving, affectionate and dutiful wife will be a loss to him irreparable. We are indebted to Major Gillespie for a steak of Confederate beef alias meat. We have tried it and can assure our friends, if it is rendered necessary, they need have no scruples at eating the meat. It is sweet, savory and tender, and so long as we have a mule left we are satisfied our soldiers will be content to subsist on it. Jerre Askew, one of our most esteemed merchant-citizens, was wounded at the works in the rear of our city a few days since, and breathed his last on Monday. Mr. Askew was a young man of strict integrity, great industry and an honor to his family and friends. He was a member of Cowan's artillery, and by the strict discharge of his duties and his obliging disposition won the won the confidence and esteem of his entire command. May the blow his family have sustained be mitigated by Him who doeth all things well. Grant's forces did a little firing on Tuesday afternoon, but the balance of that day was comparatively quiet. Yesterday morning they were very still, and remained so until early in the afternoon when they sprung a mine on the left of our centre and opened fire along the line for some distance. We have not been able to discern anything definitely to our loss, but as our officers were on the lookout for this move of the enemy, the expectations of the Yankees were not realized by a great deal. Among many good deeds we hear spoken of with pride by our citizens, we cannot refrain from mentioning the case of Mr. F. Kiser. This gentleman, having more corn than he thought was necessary to last him during the siege of this place, portioned off what would do him for the brief interval that will ensue before the arrival of succor to our garrison and since that time has relieved the wants of many families free of charge! May he live long and prosperity and his name be handed down to posterity when the siege of Vicksburg is written, as one in whose breast the "milk of human kindness" had not dried up. Porter is enjoying a season of rest, and his men are doubtless obliged to him for his kind consideration of their welfare. On Tuesday he fired a few shells from his parrots, and kept his men tolerably busy sharpshooting across the river, with no other result than might be expected. The mortars have not been used for nearly forty-eight hours. Poor fool, he might as well give up the aspirations he entertains of capturing our city or extermination[sic] our people, and return to his masters to receive the reward such a _________ dolt will meet at the hands of the unappreciative Government at Washington.
Death of Lieut.-Col. Griffin --
	General Smith's impetuous division seems singularly unfortunate. He has lost many gallant men whose honor and worth the siege has fully developed, and whose death is a great public calamity. Lieut.-Col. Griffin, commanding the 31st Louisiana Regiment, was killed on Saturday. He was a popular and efficient officer, gifted by nature with undaunted courage, indomitable resolution and energy, he was also possessed of quick determination, keen glance and coolness in danger, which are the most essential qualities of an officer, while by his mingled firmness and clemency of his conduct, he won the confidence and good will of his men. May the soft south winds murmur sweet requiems o'er his manes [?}, and the twilight dews fall gently like an angel's tear-drop and moisten his turfy bed.
	If aught would appeal to the heart of stone of the extortioner with success, the present necessities of our citizens would do so. It is needless to attempt to disguise from the enemy or our own people that our wants are great, but still we can conscientously assert our belief that there is plenty within our lines, with an exercise of prudence, to last long after succor reaches us. We are satisfied there are numerous persons within our city who have breadstuffs secreted, and are doling it out, at the most exhorbitant figures to those who had not the foresight or means at their command to provide for the exigency now upon us. A rumor has reached us that parties in our city have been, and are now, selling flour at five dollars per pound! molasses at ten dollars per gallon! and corn at ten dollars per bushel! We have not as yet proved the fact upon the parties accused, but this allusion to the subject may induce some of our citizens to ascertain whether such prices have been paid, and to whom; and if so, let a brand not only be placed upon their brow, but let it be seared into their very brain, so that humanity may scorn and shun them as they would the very portals of hell itself.
GOOD NEWS. --
	In devoting a large portion of our space this morning to Federal intelligence, copied from the Memphis Bulletin of the 25th, it should be remembered that the news, in the original truth, is whitewashed by the Federal Provost Marshal, who desired to hoodwink the poor Northern white slaves. The former editors of the Bulletin being rather pro-southern men, were arrested for speaking the truth when truth was unwelcome to Yankeedom, and placed in the chain-gang working at Warrenton where they now are. This paper at present is in distress, and edited by a pink-nosed, slab-sided, toad-eating Yankee who is a lineal descendant of Judas Iscariot and a brother germain of the greatest Puritanical, sycophantic howling scoundrel unhung -- Parson Brownlow [?]. Yet with such a character, this paper cannot cloak the fact that Gen. Rob't E. Lee has given Hooker, Milroy & Co. one of the best and soundest whippings on record and that the "glorious Union" is now exceedingly weak in the knees.
Gen. Rob't E. Lee Again.	Again we have reliable news from the gallant corps of Gen. Lee in Virginia.
	Elated by success, encouraged by a series of brilliant victories, marching to and crossing the Rappahannock, defeating Hooker's right wing and thence through the Shenandoah Valley, driving Milroy from Winchester and capturing 6,000 of his men and a large amount of valuable stores of all descriptions, re-entering Maryland, holding Hagerstown, threatening Washington City and within a few miles of Baltimore - onward and upward their war cry - our brave men under Lee are striking terror to the heart of all Yankeedom. Like the Scottish chieftain's braves, Lee's men are springing up from moor and brake, crag and dale, with flashing steel and sturdy arm, ready to do or die in the great cause of national independence, right and honor. Today the mongrel administration of Lincoln, like Japhet, are in search of a father - for their old Abe has departed for parts unknown. Terror reigns in their halls. Lee is to the left of them, to the right of them, in front of them and all around them, and daily do we expect to hear of him being down on them. Never were the French in Algeria more put out by the mobile raids of Ab Del Kadar than are the Federals of Maryland, Washington City, Pennsylvania and Ohio by the mercurial movements of Lee's cavalry. Like Paddy's flea are they to the Federals - now they have got them and now they haven't. The omnipresence of our troops and their throwing dust in the eyes, or rather on the heels of the panic-stricken Federals in Maryland and Pennsylvania, clearly prove that Lee just now is the right man in the right place. We lay before our readers in this issue an account of Lee's brilliant and successful onslaught upon the abolition hordes, and show, e'en from their own record, how our gallant boys of the cavalry have flashed their swords to the hilt with their vaunting foes, and how cool musket of our infantry has told its fatal, leaden tale. Today Maryland is ours, to-morrow Pennsylvania will be, and the next day - Ohio - now midway like Mohammed's coffin - will fall. Success and glory to our arms! God and right are with us. We have heretofore refrained from alluding to a matter which has been a source of extreme annoyance and loss to our citizens. We refer to the lax discipline of some of our company officers in allowing their men to prowl around, day and night, and purloin fruit, vegetables, chicken, etc. from our denizens, and, in the majority of cases, from those whose chief subsistence is derived therefrom. This charge is not confined solely to those at the works but is equally, if not mainly, attributable to the wagoners and others in charge of animals. Several cases have come to our knowledge wherein the offenders have, in open daylight, entered premises, seized cattle and other things, and defied [?] the owners to their teeth. We are pained to learn that an esteemed citizen of our Vicksburg, Wm. Porterfield, was under the necessity, in protecting his property, to wound one or two soldiers and deprive another of his life. We fully appreciate the fatigue, hardships and privation to which our men are subjected; but upon inquiry it may be ascertained that our city is second to none in contributing to the welfare of those gallant spirits who risk their life and limb for the achievement of an end which will make us one of the most honored people of the earth, and such conduct of which we complain is but base ingratitude. A soldier has his honor as much at stake as when a civilian; then let him preserve his good name and reputation with the same jealous care as before he entered his country's ranks. But so long as this end is lost sight of, so long may we expect to chronicle scenes of bloodshed among those of our own people. We make this public exposure, mortifying as it is to us, with the hope that a salutory improvement in matters will be made by our military authorities.
On Dir. --
	That the great Ulysses - the Yankee Generalissimo, surnamed Grant - has expressed his intention of dining in Vicksburg on Saturday next, and celebrating the 4th of July with a grand dinner and so forth. When asked if he would invite Gen. Jo Johnston to join, he said, "No, I fear there will be a row at the table." Ulysses must get into the city before he dines in it. The way to cook rabbit is "first catch the rabbit."
Yankee News from all Points. Philadelphia, June 21, 2:30 a.m.
	The following is all the news of interest in the Washington Star:
	Major Braswell, of the United States volunteers, received intelligence from Fayette county, Penn., that the rebels in heavy force were advancing from Pittsburg and the National road leading from Cumberland across the Allegheny Mountains. Their pickets had reached Grantsville, Md., thirty-eight miles from Uniontown, Fayette county Penn. on Wednesday evening last. It is reported in Washington to-day that two members of Hooker's staff were gobbled up by guerillas last night in the vicinity of Fairfax.
Harrisburg, June 20. --
	Operations were commenced on our side to-day by a portion of a New York cavalry regiment, capturing twenty rebel prisoners at McConnelsburg, in Fulton County. Col. Lawrence, with a portion of the 127th Pennsylvania regiment, (mounted) captured a squad of rebels who were marauding on this side of the river. We hold Chambersburg and the citizens are arming and fortifying the city. Gen. Couch had ordered that the place be held. The Fortifications opposite this city are finished, and are considered impregnable. The rebels are known to be 8000 strong at Hagerstown and Williamsport. The rebels hold the north bank of the Potomac River, from Cumberland to Harper's Ferry. Gen. Kelly drove them out of Cumberland, and when they left they threatened to return and furnish themselves with horses and forage. The rebels have done an immense amount of damage. It is thought Gen. Rhodes is opposite Williamsport with 20,000 men. The rebel Gen. Imboden is reported as advancing, but this is considered doubtful.
Frederick, MD., June 20. --
	The enemy's cavalry left Boonsboro last evening, after capturing a number of horses, and returned to Hagerstown yesterday. Six thousand infantry are reported to have crossed at Williamsport. It is not believed that they will visit Frederick. The enemy has nearly 6000 infantry this side of the Potomac, under General Rhodes. Two regiments of infantry and a squad of cavalry are at Sharpsburg, and the remainder are encamped between Williamsport and Hagerstown. No artillery has been sent over, nor have any troops crossed since yesterday morning. Gen. Ewell has left Williamsport and gone to the main body of his command, stationed at Charlestown. Lee's army is not known to be within supporting distance of Ewell, and it is probable that the force now in Maryland will not penetrate further north. The cavalry force numbers about twelve hundred, under Jenkins. The party which first advanced on Greencastle and and Chambersburg numbered only six hundred and fifty.
Washington, June 22. --
	The Richmond Dispatch of the 21st contains the following: Dispatches received yesterday from Savannah announce the capture by the enemy of the Confederate ironclad steamer Fingal, commanded by Captain Webb, of Atlanta. Another steamer outside the harbor was attacked and captured after an action of thirty minutes, by two Federal ironclads. Richmond papers of the 20th say the city of Darien, Georgia was burned by the Federals on the 11th inst., and is now one plain of ashes and blackened chimneys. Seven Federal ironclads were at Brunswick, Georgia, and large forces had landed from transports. Vanlandigham has run the blockade from Wilmington. He is going to Nassau and thence to Canada.
Washington, June 21. --
	A Harrisburg, Penn dispatch to the Herald states that Jenkins passed through Greencastle last evening with 700 mounted infantry, in the direction of Waynesboro. The rebels are reported to have sixteen pieces of artillery with their large force. They occupy the south bank of the Potomac between Cumberland and Harper's Ferry. Rhodes has 20,000 men at Williamsport. The opinion in official circles at Harrisburg is, that the rebels have serious designs on Baltimore. Their movements indicate this, and fears are entertained for the safety of that city. Three hundred rebel cavalry fired Mercersburg in several places. A Chambersburg dispatch says the rebels are scouring the country for horses, and have got about 2000 head of cattle and 2000 horses. They are reported near Waynesboro and Gettysburg. Jenkins left Greencastle to-night with eight days rations, on a foraging expedition.
Harrisburg, June 21. --
	A Harrisburg dispatch to-night, contains the following: The rebels are reported 40,000 strong at Hagerstown, and fortifying. Milroy's headquarters are still at Bloody Run. Troops here are expecting marching orders immediately. It is feared Ewell is in Williamsport, but opinion here is that he is not at that point unless Lee is about to cross below. Heavy rains may have raised the Potomac and hurried him off. Gen. Curtis to-night received a dispatch from Chambersburg, stating that Jenkins had arrived at Waynesboro and had thrown out pickets five miles this side, but withdrew them this morning. There is no information at Waynesboro of rebel infantry at Hagerstown. Jenkins has been plundering horses in the mountains. General Couch received a dispatch to-night confirming the report of rebel cavalry at Gettysburg.
Baltimore, June 21, 8 P.M. --
	Latest advices from Plain[?} No 4, say that heavy firing has been heard there at intervals throughout the day.
Baltimore, June 21. --
	The rebels made their appearance at Frederick yesterday evening, and about 7 o'clock a body of cavalry reached Monocacy bridge, four miles this side of Frederick. The rebels paroled all the sick in the hospital, and every government employe. They searched all the stables for horses, seizing all marked U.S. A very large force of rebel infantry, cavalry and artillery crossed at Antietam during yesterday. Refugees say they number from 40,000 to 50,000, but pickets report them at 25,000. Earthworks are being erected around the west and north sides of Baltimore, thus completing the chain of fortifications. Barricades are being erected within the city, extending from the high ground on the east to the southwestern extremity of the city. These will be defended by Union League men, who are being armed by Gen. Schenck. The Union men are confident that the rebels will not be so rash as to attempt a raid in that direction. The disloyal among us are evidently uneasy, and begin to realize that any hostile movement of the rebel army against Baltimore will result disastrously among themselves. A Herald's special from Monocacy Station, Md., the 21st, says: About 4 o'clock P.M., Major Cole, of the 1st Maryland Cavalry, made a gallant dash into Frederick, with forty men driving out the enemy, killing two and capturing one. No loss on our side. Our cavalry passed through the city, and immediately after about 1500 rebel cavalry re-occupied the town. Rebel cavalry entered Frederick yesterday, P.M., about 6 o'clock, and dashed furiously through the city, capturing nine of our men on duty at the signal station, and paroled the invalid soldiers, numbering about sixty, in the hospital. A number of horses were seized. Secossion [sic] flags were displayed at the Central Hotel, and some citizens collected there to welcome the rebels. A majority of the population evinced no pleasure at the visit. The ladies were exceedingly expressive in their demonstrations of disgust, and showered words of sympathy upon our prisoners as they passed through the town. The party which entered the city did not number over twenty, and many of these seemed to be intoxicated, as they reeled in their saddles. Pickets were stationed on the outside of town. No one was allowed to leave until about midnight, when the cavalry all left going toward Middletown. This morning they entered the city again, and established pickets in the outskirts. The telegraph poles were cut down and the wires destroyed. There was supposed to be about thirty rebels in the city this P.M. The enemy has no force between Frederick and Boonsboro except a small cavalry camp at Middletown. No attempt had been made to destroy the bridge over the Monocacy River, although the enemy came down last night within a few rods of the junction. The rebels are reported to be fortifying South Mountain. They have in the vicinity of Williamsport about 6000 infantry, 1000 cavalry, and a few pieces of artillery. A squadron of cavalry could undoubtedly capture the entire force this side of South Mountain. ------------------------ Mid the din and clash of arms, the [screams] of shells and whisttle [sic] of bullets, which are a continual feature in the status of our beleaguered city, incidents of happiness often arise to vary in a cheery way the [Phases?] of so stern a scene. On the evening of the 20th ult., with gaiety, myrth and good feeling, at a prominent Hospital of this city, through the ministerial offices of a chaplain of a gallant regiment, Charles Royall, Prince Imperial of Ethiopia, of the Barberigo family, espoused the lovely and accomplished Rosa Glass, Arch Duchess of Senegambia, one of the most celebrated Princes of the Laundressina Regine. The affair was conducted with great magnificence, although as is usual in troublesome times, the [sabler?] element was predominant. The foe may hurl their deathly bolts, And think we are afrightened, Well may we scorn them, silly dolts, Our blacks are now united.
VICTIMIZED. --
	We learned of an instance wherein a "knight of the quill" and a "disciple of the black art," with malice in their hearts and vengeance in their eyes, ruthlessly put a period to the existence of a venerable feline that has for time, not within the recollection of the "oldest inhabitant," faithfully discharged the duties to be expected of him to the terror of sundry vermin in his neighborhood. Poor, defunct Thomas was then prepared, not for the grave, but for the pot, and several friends invited to partake of a nice rabbit. As a matter of course, no one would wound the feelings of another, especially in these times, by refusing a cordial invitation to dinner, and the guests assisted in consuming the poor animal with a relish that did honor to their epicurean taste. The "sold" assure us the meat was delicious, and that pussy must look out for her safety. ------------------------ The Federal General McClern and until recently outside the rear of our city has been superceded. He and Grant could not run in the same harness. He was for splurging and Grant for gassing, both got the loggerheads. So poor [Mac.?] had to leave, and Grant has all his own way. ------------------------ The Yanks outside our city are considerably on the sick list. Fever, dysentry [sic] and disgust are their companions, and Grant is their master. The boys are deserting daily and are crossing the river in the region of Warrenton, cussing Grant and abolitionists generally. The boys are down upon the earth delving, the burrowing, the bad water and the hot weather. ------------------------
GONE OUT. --
	The National Intelligencer of Washington has closed its long career in a suspension and a sale of its effects at auction. It has been highly respectable and and very mischievous in its day and generation. An old union prop falls with it. If we had the writing of its epitaph, we should say, "Old Grimes is 'dead' [sic]
NOTE. July 4th, 1863.
	Two days bring about great changes, The banner of the Union floats over Vicksburg, Gen. Grant has "caught the rabbit;" he has dined in Vicksburg, and he did bring his dinner with him. The "Citizen" lives to see it. For the last time, it appears on "wall-paper." No more will it eulogize the luxury of mule-meat and fricassed [sic] chicken -- urge Southern warriors to such diet never more. This is the last wall-paper edition, and, excepting this note, from the types as we found them. It will be valuable hereafter as a curiosity.

Some graphics courtesy of Clip Art Warehouse.

© 1996 Richard Holler