Always the Union flag floated before them, and the ring
of steel so strong and broad was contracting inch by inch.
The Northern engineers ran mines under the Confederate works. They used
every device of ingenious minds to push the siege. Spies brought word
that all food would soon be gone in Vicksburg, and Grant, grim of purpose,
took another hitch in the steel belt about the hopeless town. The
hostile earthworks and trenches were now so near that the men could hear
one another talking. Sometimes in a lull of the firing they would come
out and exchange tobacco or news. It was impossible for the officers to
prevent it, and they really did not seek to do so, as the men fought just
as well when they returned to their works.
June now drew to a close and the great heats of July were at hand.
Dick was convinced that the defense of Vicksburg was drawing to a like
close. They had proof that some of the irregulars in Vicksburg had
escaped through the lines and he was convinced that Slade would be among
them. They were the rats and Vicksburg was the sinking ship.
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