Middletown 150 Yrs. Ago: Port Hudson Fight; Local Soldiers' Deaths

The Contest On The Mississippi.

Two points on the Mississippi have for some time been the centres of interest for the whole country, Port Hudson and Vicksburg. They are the two strong points of the rebels in the great valley of the West, and on their ability to hold these is staked a continuance of their power in all that vast region. The capture of these places involves the rebel abdication of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and West Tennessee. In all that region the war will be substantially at an end, at least as concerns the movements of large armies and the fighting of great battles.

It has been supposed by some that if the rebels are driven from Port Hudson and Vicksburg, they can fortify other positions on the Mississippi. North of Vicksburg the shores are low and the ground level, and no position could be found where a strong fortress could be erected. South of that place the presence of a numerous fleet of gunboats would render it impossible for the enemy to erect any works capable of offering much resistance.

Some concern is felt lest Gen. Johnston shall compel the Gen. Grant to abandon the siege, Gen. Grant himself does not seem to be in the least troubled about it. The rough nature of the country gives Grant great advantages in holding at bay any force which can be brought against his rear. In addition to this, one wing of his army rests on the Mississippi, and he draws his supplies directly from the river, while Johnston would be compelled to obtain his by tedious land conveyances. Reinforcements and supplies can be forwarded to Grant in any required number and quantity. It is not improbable that Johnston has been reinforced. If this is so, more men should be sent to Grant, for there is no conceivable reason why he should not receive all the help he wants.

Death of Soldiers.

Mr. Jehiel Johnson, of this town, South Farms, who had been a member of the 24th regiment, was drowned in the river at New Orleans. The dead body of a soldier was found floating in the water, and on being taken out, it was identified as that of Mr. Johnson. The jury of inquest decided that it was a case of accidental drowning. He went out with the regiment as a drummer, and some time since was taken sick, and sent to the hospital at New Orleans. Having partially recovered, he obtained his discharge and was expected home. He, of course, received his pay, which is said to have been about $125. Nothing had been heard from him for three or four weeks, when intelligence was received that his body had been found as above mentioned. He had a wife and several children.

John B. Lewis, of Co. A, 12th regiment, died in the hospital at New Orleans on the 26th of April. He belonged in this city, was a printer and was engaged in Mr. Pelton’s job office at the time the war broke out, when he first enlisted. He performed his duties faithfully as a soldier.

Another From the 14th.

We learn with regret of the death of Austin Judd, of this town, South Farms, a member of the 14th regiment. He died on Friday last in the hospital at Washington. Mr. Judd was wounded in the hand at the battle of Chancellorsville. The wound was not considered at all dangerous at the time, but became very troublesome, and disabled him from all active duty. He was also taken sick, but no apprehensions were felt by his friends until last week, when his wife went on to see him. She reached his bedside but an hour before he died. His death is a heavy calamity to her and a sad bereavement to his child. Mr. Judd was highly respected in the community where he lived, and leaves a large circle of friends.

Dr. Casey.

We regret to learn that Dr. W. B. Casey, formerly of this city, Brigade Surgeon, has been compelled to resign his position in the army in consequence of a disorder caused recently by an injury received while performing a surgical operation. The prick of an instrument has poisoned one of his arms, and it may prove a serious matter. He has arrived at his home, in East Haven.

Police Court.

Before Justice Putnam.—Samuel Paxton was arraigned on a charge of theft, S. L. Warner, attorney. Paxton had stolen nineteen dollars on Tuesday last from Captain Freeman T. Crowell, of the schooner J. S. Curtiss, lying at the dock in this city. He had got off as far as New Haven, when Officer Brooks telegraphed to the chief of police to have him detained. This was done when Officer Brooks went down, arrested him, and brought him here for trial. He plead guilty to the charge, was fined $5 and costs, and sent to Haddam in default of payment.

Paxton was also brought up on another charge of stealing from Joshua S. Hallett, mate of the J. S. Curtiss.  Plead guilty, and sentenced to pay a fine of $5 and costs. In default of payment, sent to Haddam.

State vs. Patrick Cranney.  W. T. Elmer, attorney. This was a case of assault and battery on John Cranney. Fined $5 and costs, which were paid.

State vs. John Cranney. John was charged with a breach of the peace. He plead guilty to the charge, was fined $3 and costs, which he paid.

Tragedy in East Hartford.

On Sunday night, Mr. William Steele of East Hartford, in a fit of insanity, killed his wife and child and then killed himself with a razor. He had recently been at work in this town.

Drowned.

On Saturday afternoon Henry C. Bacon, a son of the late Capt. Henry C. Bacon was drowned while bathing in Little River. It is said that he could not swim, and was wading close by the shore, where he supposed he was quite safe, but where the bottom suddenly descends and the water becomes very deep. The body was not found until Sunday morning, when Mr. Franklin Babcock succeeded in recovering it. His mother had been absent for several days, and returned the same morning that the dead body of her son was brought home. He was a promising lad and about 13 years old.

The Weather during the week past has been cool for the season, the mercury at 6 o’clock in the morning ranging from 50 to 54 degrees. No rain of consequence had fallen up to Sunday and the ground had become very dry, and the fields were suffering from drought. We had had several storms of the “dry” kind, with plenty of clouds but no water, but on Sunday afternoon the rain came. It commenced about three o’clock, and continued through a part of the night.

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