Apjutant and Inspector General’s Office 
WAR DEPARTMENT, 
Richmond, July 22, 1862. 
GENERAL ORDERS, ( 
No. 53. S 
The successful defence of Vicksburg against the mortar fleet of the 
enemy, by Major General Van Dorn, and the officers and men under his 
command, entitles them to the gratitude of the country, the thanks of 
the government, and the admiration of the army. By their gallantry and 
good conduct, they have not only saved the city entrusted to them, but 
they have shown that bombardments of cities, if bravely resisted, achieve 
nothing for the enemy, and only serve to unveil his malice and the hy- 
pocrisy of his pretended wish to restore the Union. The world now sees 
that his mission is one of destruction—not restoration. 
Lieutenant Brown, and the officers and crew of the Confederate 
Steamer Arkansas, by their heroic attack upon the Federal fleet before 
Vicksburg, equaled the highest recorded examples of courage and skill. 
They prove that the navy, when it regains its proper element, will be 
one of the chief bulwarks of national defence, and that it is entitled to a 
high place in the confidence and affection of the country. 
command of the Secretary of War. 
Adjutant and Inspector ■General. 
S. COOPEIi.