was covered with beautiful summer verdure. The broad realm first trodden by the navigators of Europe centuries before, washed by the waves of the great Father of Waters, was now opened to the rich blessings of freedom. The marks of the recent battles were still around them. But the flag of victory was also there; for from the outer ramparts beyond, over the troops in the fields and the ships in the Mississippi, floated the glorious stars and stripes — now, indeed, the emblem of Liberty, Union, and Independence.

A short pause between the two generals:

"I meet you, Gen. Grant," said Gen. Pemberton, "to negotiate terms in relation to my post. What do you demand, sir?"

"Unconditional surrender!" "Unconditional, sir?”

"Yes, General; unconditional surrender. Nothing less."

"Never! sir. I will continue the fight!" "Then, General, you can do so. I am well pre

pared to go on.

Since the siege first began my army

was never in better condition."

Silence again.

Gen. Grant is, as usual, cool, calm, collected. Gen. Pemberton, as may be supposed, is deeply agitated — betraying his emotions by hurrying to and fro, snatching at the bushes with quivering fingers, and betraying by his pale and agitated coun

VALUE OF THE CAPTURE.

215

tenance the harrowing anguish of his soul. But his delay was in vain. The unconditional surrender

demanded by Grant was granted by the conquered rebel, and he withdrew in silence and in shame to perfect the deed.

The next day witnessed its complete consummation on these terms:

The unconditional surrender from the Rebellion to the United States of thirty-four thousand six hundred and twenty rebel officers and soldiers. Three hundred and one pieces of artillery. Forty-five thousand small arms. The free navigation of the Mississippi River, from its source to the Gulf of Mexico.

A good day's work for the tanner-boy!

On the morning of the fourth of July, 1863, the victorious Grant, amid the thunder of cannon, the waving of our national colors, and the patriotic strains of our national airs, was ushered within the walls of Vicksburg. The whole of the rebel line of works was surmounted with white flags. In the centre of the garrison the enemy stacked his arms. Courteously, generously, our troops marched in; and in the name of the United States of America took possession of the vaunted heights where our flag now proudly floats, and where we hope it may float for ever.

Tlowed by a moment of inactivity. He at once

HE conquest of Vicksburg by Grant was not fol

proceeded in the preparation of new campaigns. The navigation of the great thoroughfare of waters was immediately resumed by the people, and the adjacent country began to feel the beneficial result. As far as the eye could see along the river the levees were lined with steamers in less than four hours after the capitulation of the city. Hundreds arrived, from above as well as from below, before half the day had passed. It was not alone the surrender of nineteen rebel Major and Brigadier Generals, over four thousand field, line and staff officers, thirty thousand soldiers, and all the material force and provisions of the garrison and city, that had made the victory of Grant so glorious. It was the consequent impulse given to the patriotism of the United States, the facilities afforded to lawful commerce, and the opportunities presented for new and, if possible, still more enlarged military conquests that cheered the heart and enlisted again the active energies of our hero. He had done

NEW CONQUESTS.

217

his duty to his country, and done it well. It was a good job. The leather was well tanned.

Now came the moment for new measures. Port Hudson had surrendered with the downfall of Vicksburg. The interior was now to be possessed, and the enemy thereby prevented from harassing the Union garrison and commerce of the city. On the 6th of July the forces of Grant, under Sherman, returned to Jackson, which had been evacuated by us, and where the rebel general Johnston had made a stand. The town was repossessed, the enemy being driven out by the valor of our troops. Although the rebels had worked hard for nearly two months to fortify Jackson, yet they failed in defending it, and fled before our victorious army.

Grant had thus fought seven hotly contested battles, from the first of May to the tenth of July; in every case winning signal victories. On the fourteenth of July he sent an expedition, in conjunction with Admiral Porter, up the Yazoo and Red Rivers, which resulted in obtaining large supplies of provisions from the enemy. But the consequences of all these conquests were secured by the continued vigilance of the General. He was not idle a single moment. The country united to thank him. The President forwarded him testimonials of his distinguished consideration. Still, from the commencement of the war he had not asked a furlough for a day. Ever at his post, ever vigilant, he pursued his patri

otic and arduous labors to secure yet greater successes to the Union armies.

When his brave soldiers, who had been with him in so many hard-fought fields, desired to be furloughed, he readily granted their requests to the utmost of his power. In every instance, like a true hero, he watched over their interests as they left for their homes.

"Are you the Captain of this steamer?" asked the General, on one of these occasions, as he addressed a person standing on a wheel house at the Vicksburg levee.

"How many officers and soldiers have you on board?"

"About twelve hundred and fifty, sir."

"What is the average price you charge them, from Vicksburg to Cairo, Captain?"

"From ten to twenty-five dollars each, General!" "Is that all? Very moderate! — Very moderate, Indeed! From ten to twenty-five dollars each, for United States officers and soldiers from Vicksburg to Cairo !

"See here, Captain! You may tie up your steamer a little while. It seems a great pity you should have to transport the boys at such extravagantly low prices. You may stop a short time, Captain!