Vicksburg: "The Glorious Fourth Doubly Worthy of Commemoration"

Thomas Christie penned the follow letters/excerpts to his father and his sister, describing the Union victory at Vicksburg, Mississippi, and the Union troops meeting with Confederates in the city. He served in the First Minnesota Light Artillery and survived the Civil War.

Spelling is original.

Vicksburg, July 4, 1863

My Dear Father,

We have celebrated the Fourth today by walking into Vicksburg! I do not know all the particulars; but at least it is certain that we have taken everything, the Rebel Army, their Artillery, ammunition, small arms, &c, &c. Logan's Division is marching into town as I write. We were supported by them during most of the siege. Read the newspapers for particulars, and rejoice! The Army of the Tennessee has made the glorious Fourth doubly worthy of commemoration. I suppose there will be a great firing of cannon and anvils when the North hears this news.

I think now that we shall move immediately to cut off Johnston.

Yours Ever,

T.D.C.

Vicksburg July 6th 1863

My Dear Sister,

The bust and work attending the removal from our position outside to our present one in the suburbs of the Town being about over, I take advantage of the first spare minute to answer your favor [letter]....

It is said that our Army Corps, in consideration of the harder work it did in the Siege than any other, is to garrison this post during the Summer, while the rest of the army goes into active service; One thing is certain, Sherman and Ord are both gone with their commands, and we are here in permanent camp.

Here is one of the strangest sights to be seen; our Regiments and Batteries camped side by side with the Rebel troops; and the men fraternizing and joining in friendly arguments as if there had never been any gunpowder invented. Riding along the road, you will see many a group of grey or butternut coated soldiers in social conversation with our Blue Jackets, and perhaps you will hear as you pass (as I did this evening) the following snatches of colloquy. Blue: "What Regiment do you belong to?" Butternut.—"Wards Battalion Smith's Division." "What State?" "Missouri, Benton County," "Ah; I come from there." "What is your name." It is told him, and the pair discover that at home they had met often, and then ensues inquirys about mutual friends in each army.

We are camped alongside a Mississippi Battalion of artillery, and we get along first-rate with the men, but the officers are less approachable, conceited, bigoted men the most of them....

I cannot give you any particulars of the amount of our captures here, as there is nothing reliable to be heard, but you can read the Newspapers and they will tell you all bout it. Enough for us to know that it is the greatest achievement of the War, and an irremediable loss to the Confederacy, for this place can never be captured again. 

The health of our men is excellent.... I am now in my usual vigarous health, although I have lost considerable flesh since the siege began. William is well and hearty but chafing and grumbling at our present inaction while the rest of the army is on the march. But the boys generally, and myself among them are not displeased at the prospect of a rest after our toil.

I was up to the heights this afternoon, and saw the monster guns that tried to impede the navigation of the old River. From the, (the heights) there is a most splendid view of the river as it winds around the low peninsula opposite; the green swampy woods of Louisiana, the smoke of the steamers at Youngs Point and the mouth of the Yazoo; the town, with its riddled roofs and bushy trees; and the fleet of gunboats, mortar boats, and transports sailing about or tied upat the levee. Looking at all these and meditating on many things occupied me a full 2 hours, and when I aroused myself it was almost time for Roll Call....

Yours contentedly T.D. Christie

Source:

Thomas Christie, edited by Hampton Smith, Brother of Mine: The Civil War Letters of Thomas & William Christie (St. Paul: The Minnesota Historical Society, 2011), pages 147-149.