CONFEDERATE. _Vicksburg Batteries_.—47 heavy guns. The vessels started from up the river in line ahead, with the transports in rear, the Tuscumbia acting as rear-guard to prevent the transports turning back when once under fire. Leaving the anchorage at 10.30 p.m., they steamed slowly down until coming within sight of the batteries, when they stopped their engines and drifted. The leading vessel was discovered abreast the first battery and fire was opened. The fleet then started ahead fast returning the fire. Two transports turned and started back, but were driven down again by the Tuscumbia, the three vessels suffering severely in the manœuvring, but passing down successfully. Casualties, 12 wounded. Each gun-boat carried a barge-loaded with coal, on the off side. Two barges were sunk, the remainder were carried through safely. One of the transports was disabled, but was taken in tow under fire and brought safely through. Time under fire, one hour. RÉSUMÉ. Total number of battles passing fortifications, 5. Successful, 3. Partially successful, 2. Of the latter, one failed on account of a misunderstanding of orders, and one on account of the strength of current rendering the ships unmanageable. In all cases the ships passed the main line of fortifications at a distance of less than 600 yards, and all were subjected to a severe well-aimed fire. ASSAULTS. _Assault on Fort Sumter, September 8, 1863._ At 10 p.m., September 8th, a landing party of 300 sailors and 100 marines was put in boats, taken in tow by a tug-boat, and towed to within 1000 yards of the breach at Fort Sumter. One division of 20 men was sent to the north-east face to make a feint, while the main body landed at the breach. Through a general misunderstanding the boats went in irregularly, but a few boats’ crews landed, and, no support being given, they were captured. The expedition was a total failure, no assault being made. Casualties: 3 killed, 27 wounded, 130 prisoners, 11 missing. _Assault on Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865._