May 28.—Vicksburg has not yet fallen, but all think it is a matter of time, and it would not surprise us to hear of its capture at any moment, as the enemy have surrounded it with an overwhelming force; but our troops are holding it manfully. Every attack on it is repulsed with great loss to the enemy. It is said that lately the enemy attacked it with bravery and determination; advancing right on our breastworks, and were mowed down by thousands. The people in the place are suffering terribly.
I went with a party to visit a very large cave, called Nick-o’-Jack; it is some sixty miles from here, on the Nashville road, and about half a mile from the railroad. It was well worth going to see. The entrance has a magnificent arch. There is a lake running through it, which reminded me of a picture I had seen of the valley of the shadow of death. We went a great distance through it, and crept through many a small crevice, and came out with a few shades of the Ethiopian on us. Having no soap with which to remove it, we made use of clay, which we found a very good substitute. The party was a very pleasant one. We had a nice collation set on some boards for tables, and more good things than I thought were in the Confederacy.
We have received two boxes from Mobile, one filled with medicines from the military aid society; the other with cans of oysters bought with money given by Mr. Sibley.
I have just paid a visit to the Foard Hospital. It is the receiving one, and is now in a nice new building. On going in I was stopped by a guard, and had to wait till Dr. Thornton came to my rescue. The latter kindly gave me a pass to go and come whenever I please. We have many strange things to do in these war times.
