May 22.—A brief skirmish took place near Middleton, Tenn., between a detachment of the One Hundred and Third Illinois, with a company of Tennessee Unionists, and a scouting-party of eighteen men of the Second Mississippi rebel regiment, under the command of Captain S. Street. terminating in the capture of eleven rebels, six of whom were badly wounded, and the escape of the rest.
—A force of Union troops under the command of Colonel J. Kilpatrick, returned today to Gloucester Point, after a raid into Gloucester and Mathew counties, Va., in conjunction with the gunboat Commodore Morris, Lieutenant Commanding Gillis, and a transport, in the North and East Rivers. The parties were absent two days, during which time they captured a large number of horses, mules, and cattle; five mills filled to their utmost capacity with flour and grain, were burned, and a large quantity of corn and wheat collected in storehouses, was also destroyed.
—The Bureau for colored troops was established in the department of the Adjutant-General of the army of the United States.—A reconnoissance under Col. J. R. Jones, of the Fifty-eighth Pennsylvania regiment from Newbern, N. C, was made to Gum Swamp, resulting in the surprise and capture of a large number of rebels. In the fight which occurred, Colonel Jones was killed (Doc. 199.)
—The English schooner Handy was captured by the National gunboat Octorara.—The Baptist Missionary Union, in session at Cleveland, Ohio, adopted a series of resolutions, characterizing the war as just and holy, declaring their belief that the authors of the rebellion had inflicted the death-blow to slavery in the District of Columbia and the rebel States; believing the war to be completely successful, and exhorting the Union to sustain the Administration by its prayers, influence, and personal sacrifices.
—The rebel steamer Beauregard, under the command of Captain Louis M. Coxetter, successfully ran the blockade into Charleston, S. C.
—The British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society held its anniversary in London this day. Lord Brougham declined to preside, “as such a course seemed to him to be inconsistent with British neutrality.” A letter from Mr. Adams, the American Minister, was read, conveying the thanks of President Lincoln for the proceedings in January last, and resolutions were adopted expressing strong sympathy with the success of the emancipation policy.—Mr. Vallandigham, from the military prison at Cincinnati, addressed a letter to the Democracy of Ohio.—The legitimate business between the cities of Washington and Georgetown, D. C, being “daily and flagrantly abused,” an order was issued by the Secretary of War regulating the trade to and from those cities.—General Orders No. 141.
—To-day the Union forces under General Grant made a general assault on the whole line of the rebel fortifications at Vicksburg ; but, after a desperate and most obstinate conflict of more than eight hours’ duration, they were repulsed at all points, and were compelled to retire discomfited, (Doc. 200.)
