[4] which she could repel boarders—a novelty first introduced in naval warfare. * * Gen. Van Dorn reported thirty-seven vessels of the enemy were in sight from Vicksburg. * * * He therefore commanded Lieut Brown to take his vessel through the raft at Haine's Bluff, * * * and attack the upper fleet of the enemy to the cover of the Vicksburg batteries. The Yazoo empties into an old channel of the Mississippi, twelve miles above the city of Vicksburg; and this old channel runs into the main river three miles below the mouth of the Yazoo. In order to reach the landing at Vicksburgh it was necessary for Lieut Commander Brown to pass his vessel by no less than forty of the most formidable sloops, gun, boats, rams and transports then in the service of the United States navy.
