TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 24 (Part I) AUTHOR: United States. War Dept., John Sheldon Moody, Calvin Duvall Cowles, Frederick Caryton Ainsworth, Robert N. Scott, Henry Martyn Lazelle, George Breckenridge Davis, Leslie J. Perry, Joseph William Kirkley PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1889 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B Title Page Page R001 THE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL RECOIRDS OF TIlE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPALRED, UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, BY The late Lieut. Col. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PUBLISIU~D PURSUANT TO ACTS OF CONGRESS. SERIES IVOLUME XXIVIN THREE PARTS. PART IREPORTS. WASHINGTON: GOVEIVNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1889 Page R002 ~~ ~ U ~ Page R003 PREFACE. By an act approved June 23, 1874, Congress made an appropriation to enable the Secretary of War to begin the l)ublication of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and Confed- erate Armies, and directed him to have copied for the Public Printer all reports, letters, telegrams, and general orders not heretofore copied or printed, and properly arranged in chronological order. Appropriations for continuing such preparation have been made from time to time, and the act approved June 16, 1880, has provided for the printing and binding, under direction of the Secretary of War, of 10,000 copies of a compilation of the Official Records (Union and Con. federate) of the War of the Rebellion, so far as the same may be ready for publication, during the fiscal year; and that of said nnmber, 7,000 copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, 2,000 copies for the use of the Senate, and 1,000 copies for the use of the Executive Departments.~~ * This compilation will be the first general publication of the military records of the war, and will embrace all official documents that can be obtained by the compiler, and that appear to be of any historical value. Volumes I to V distributed under act approve(l June 16, 1880. The act approved August 7, 1882, provides that The volumes of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion shall be distributed as follows: One thousand copies to the Executive Departments, as now provided by law. One thousand copies for distribution by the Secretary of War among officers of the Army and contributors to the work. Eight thousand three l~inndred copies shall be sent by the Secretary of War to such libraries, organizations, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and Deleg~tes of the Forty- seventh Congress. Each Senator shall designate not exceeding twenty-six, and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding twenty-one of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time as they are published, until the pub- lication is completed. Senators, Representatives, and Delegates shall inform the Secretary of War in each case how many volumes of those heretofore published they have forwarded to such addresses. The remaining copies of the eleven thousand to be published, and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein, shall be sold by the Secretary of War for cost of publication with ten per cent. added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale, shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address the Secretary of War shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates, who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of War shall report to the. first session of the Forty-eighth Congress what volumes of the series heretofore published have not been furnished to such libraries, organizations, and individuals. He shall also inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. II Page R004 iv PREFACE. The publication will present the records in the following order of arrangement: The 1st Series will embrace the formal reports, both Union and Con- federate, of the first seizures of United States property in the Sonthern States, and of all military operations in the field, with the correspond- ence, orders, and returns relating specially thereto, and, as proposed is to be accompanied by an Atlas. In this series the reports will be arranged according to the campaigns and several theaters of operations (in the chronological order of the events), and the Union reports of any event will, as a rule, be imme diately followed by the Confederate accounts. Th~ correspondence, & c., not embraced in the ~~reports~~ proper will follow (first Union and next Confederate) in chronological order. The 2d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns, Union and Confederate, relating to prisoners of war, and (so far as the military authorities were concerned) to State or political prisoners. The 3d Series will contain the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Union authorities (embracing their correspondence with the Confederate officials) not relating specially to the subjects of the first and second series. It will set forth the annual and special reports of the Secretary of War, of the General-in-Chief, and of the chiefs of the several staff corps and departments; the calls for troops, and the correspondence between the national and the several State authorities. The 4th Series will exhibit the correspondence, orders, reports, and returns of the Confederate authorities, similar to that indicated for the Union officials, as of the third series, but excluding the correspondence between the Union and Confederate authorities given in that series. ROBERT N. SCOTT, Major Third Art., and Brt. Lieut. (Jol. WAR DEPARTMENT, August 23, 1880. Approved: ALEX. RAMSEY, Secretary of War Table of Contents Page R005 CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXVI. Page. Operations in Mississippi and West Tennessee (including those in Arkansas and Louisiana connected with the siege of Yicksburg). January 20August 10, 1863 . - - 1-787 (v Page R006 Additions and Corrections Page A001 TUE WAR OF THE REBELLION: A COMPiLATION OF THE OFFiCtAL RLCO1-~DS 1)1 1111 UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. AI)I)ITIONS ANJ) (201{REQTI( )NS ro SERIES I - VOLUME XXIV. ~IX be inserted iii the v~1uine. Foi (x~)hlIlati()1L see (~-eiiera1 Index volume, i~eiial INo. 1.~O, page XXVI1L.) lUlILISIIEI) 1NI)ER LIIE 1)IItECTION 01 The Hon. ELIHU ROOT, Secretary of War, BY BRIG. GEN. FRED C. AINSWORTh, CHIEF OF TIlE RECORD ANI) PENSION OFFICE, WAR 1)l~IA1Ir~tENT, AN)) MR. JOSEPH W. KLRKLEY. Mr. JOHN S. MOOi~EY, indexer. WA S 11 IN(ITON: GA)YERNMENT PRINTING OFFIOE~ 1902 Page A002 2 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS~ TEXT. PART i. Pages 127, 130. For Rigby read Wrigley, wherever it occurs. Page 393. Third line, bottom, for We leave arranged, etc., rea(1 We have arranged, etc. Page 424. Princes report, first and second lines, for brigadier-general command- ing read brigade commander. Page 519. Sunnnarv, etc., seventh line, for Walls Rosl-Q/}lce, La., read Walls Rriggc, La. Page 617. Foot-note, for p. 58] rea(I Earl 2, ~b. 130. Pages 797872. Strike out foot-note No circumslanlial reporls on file, wherever it occnrs. Page 844. Under Ohio Troops, Cavalry, insert Regimenls: before 51h. PART 2. Page 5. After Grenada, ~~Jiss., last line, insert fl and add foot-note as follows: See Scrics I, Vol. 30, Earl z, pp. 52]. Pages II, 45, 51. For Swain read Swami. Page 22. Erase * after May 57, second line, and insert t. Add foot-note, t See Plale 37, Map 6, of I/ic AlIas. Page i6o. Insert under Regulars, Licul. Juslus ~l. Boics, z3lh Infanlrv, and strike out under WesI F irginia, Lical. Juslus .1. Boics, 11h fnfanliy. Page 207. Insert [Second] aftey Firsl, twenty-ninth line, top. Page 389. Twenty-fourth line, top, for [1.1.1 read [G. G.]. Pages 715793. Strike out foot-note No circums/anlial reporls on file, wherever it occurs. PART ~. Page 24. Second Brigade, First Division, Sixteenth Corps, for 961h Illinois, (o1. Thomas F. Chanipion, read 9olh Illinois, (~ol. Timolhy (PA/eara. Page 130. Erase foot-note and insert See Series II, Vol. 5, pp. 371, 376. Page 259. Second Brigade, after 2]lh Missouri, for Company F read (ompany F. Page 296. Tenth line, bottom, for [W. F. Prime?] read [Frederick F. Prime?]. Page 342. Lincoln to Hnrlbut, eighth line, for Lexinglon read Livingslon. Page 6i~. Bealls Brigade, for 31s1 Alabama read 31s1 [;91h?] Alabama. Page 688. Pemberton to Chalmers, date line, for A/arch 2] rea(l A/arch 25. Page 767. Address, for A. H. (halmers read H. H. Chalmers. Page 919. Erase foot-note and insert See Series I, Vol. 52, Ihrl 2, /. /8]. Page 974. Pemberton to Johnston, (late line, insert [22] after ~. Page 1Q73. Strike out Champions (Thomas F.) Infanlry. Sce Illinois Troops, 961h Reginienl. Page io8~. Seventeenth line, top, for 61k and s6lh read Norwoods and Snodgrass. Page 1105. Strike out foot-note Page A003 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. 3 INI)EX. Insert all words and figures in italics and strike out all in [brackets]. An asterisk (*) following a correction indicates that Additions and Corrections to the text shonid l~e collsnlte(l. References are to parts of volume. Part. Aagesen, Nicholas S. [Aagessen, N. (~.] Alabama Troops (C.). CavalryBattalions: 22(1 ( !farren) InfantryBattalions: Snodgrass [16th] InfantryRegin2euts: 31st (Handler) 1,2 31St (Hundley), [613] 3 49t11,613* 3 [Arkansas, Eastern District of (U.). Benjamin M. Prentiss assigned to coiii- usand of, 39] Arkansas Troops (C.). Ca cab vBattalions: Stir~nans, 66i I CavalryBattalions: Ist (Stirmati) 2 3 InfantryBattalions: Jones, B., 1st [Sth] 3 [Stirnians Sharpshooters. 663] Army Corps, 13th. Troops in District of Eastern Arkansas [Helena] attached to 3 Ashmead, Samuel IV. 2 Austin, John [Jalnes] F 3 Babcock, Orville F. [Amos C.] 2 Bardmess [Barduess], Bradford Bayard, Stephen, Steamer I Beatty, Dr., C. S. Steamer 3 Bell, C C. [ (Union)] Booth, Lionel F [V.] 3 Bowen, John S. Correspondence with Pemberton, John C., .5o6 3 Branagan [Branigan], Patrick 2 Brown, William B. Mentioned, 6jo [Brown, William, 640] 2 Brain Lake, La. Skir~nish, April sS, iS6j. See (ihocta ze Bayoa I Brumback, Jefferson. Report of operations, Inne [May] 19, etc 2 Callahan, C. M., 6os [Callahan, John M., 602] 2 Carter, Joseph [Captaill] [Carthage, La. Operations from Millikens Bend to, March 31April 17, 1863. Coiii- munication from James B. McPherson, 195] 3 Chalmers, Alexander II. Correspondence with James R. Chalmers, [767]* 3 Challuers, H. H. Correspondence with James R. Chalmers, 767* 3 Chalmers, Jamiles R. Assignments to command, [5o6] 3 Correspondence with Chalmers, Alexander H., [767]* 3 Chal7ners, H. H., 767 * 3 Part. 3 2 3 [Champion, Thonsas E., 24] * Clark,J. .8. [Dr.] (oc, Lec. H. [Core, ] Cole, Stephen S. [lieutenant] Colnulbus, District of (U.). [Ilurlhut, Stephen A. Assigmied to command of troops in, 3S. Assumes collllllall(l of troops in, 44] . Conrad, IVilliam S. [ ] Corinth, District of (U.). [Hnrllomt, Stephen A. Assigned to command of trool)s in, 38. Assumes conlIllalId of all forces mm, 44] Gonneils of IVar. Vicksbaing, .lfiss., Jnlr 2, s86,, .iB~. is Cushman, .1. 1!. [Captain] Dedman, James if. [J. N.] Denny [Denney] , Edward 1) I)ick Falton, (T~ .8. .8, ~zo, ~ui 1)r. Beat/i, C,. .8. .8., 125 [Eastermi Arkamisas. See Arkansas, EasterlI.] Lastern Arkansas, J)istrict of ( (.). Prentiss, B. ill., ass m~gned to command, g~. Troops in, attached to z6th flops, 5, 7 Elliott, Thomas I. [J.] Emmoch, Johim [It.] Ewell, BenjalIlill S. For correspondence (lS A diata at a nd In- spector Geinmerll, .1 rmr of the IVest, see Joseph F. Johnston Exving, Hugh. [For correspoudemmee as Adjutant and 1mm- spector General, ArlIly of the West, see Joseph E. Johnston] Ilorance, Lewis [Florence, Louis] Falton, C. .8. Transport, 169 [Fulton, Steamer, 410, 411, 469] Falton, Dick, U 5. .8., ~io, ~n Ganess, Robert L. [Dr.] Geschwimid, Necolas [Nicholas] Goodwiim, Fdward [Edwimi] Greets, John [Jamnes] U 1-lambletomi, Rose, Steamimer, ~ [Ilamil toim, Rose, Steamer, 49] Hamimia, William, 72 [Hamimma, Captaimi, 72] Hausomi. Lewiz I I.o1mis] A hatch, frank [J.] 11 1-lawkimms, Johim P. 282 [Hawkimms, rlsommias J., 282] Ito ydn [Haydemm], T. I, hays [Hayes], Asa N Hayseard [Heyward], G. A [Helemma, I)istrict of (U.). Troops imm, attached to 13th Arumy Corps, ArmIly of the remimmessee, ~, 7] Henry von Phul, Steamer, 99, 115 Ifereford, Lonis Sterling [Hermiford, Dr.].... Hewit [Hewitt], H. S Hezeit [Hewitt], Hemiry S Hudsomm, GilbertJ. [J. G.] 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 Page A004 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTiONS. Part. Hughes, D. Henry 2 Humphrey, William. Mentioned, z~ [Humphrey, Daniel, 491.. 2 Illinois Troops. Artillery, I,ightRegiments: ist (Batteries), [L, 2071 * 2 2d (Batteries), I.,, 207* 2 InfantryRegiments: poth, 21* [96th, 24] * Jackson, Andrew, 655; Jackson, Andrew, jr., [685] Jackson, Tenn., District of (U.). [Hurlhut, Stephen A. Assigned to command of troops in, 3S. Assumes command of all troops in, 441.. Johnston, Joseph E. Orders in cases of Furloughs, 960 Johnston, F. N., 319, Johnston, Theodore, Mentioned, [319] Keene, Maiy F., Steamer h7ene [Keane], Mary F., Steamer Kelly, John G. [Captain] Kentucky Troops (C.). CavalryCompanies: Terys, 707 CavalryRegiments: [1st, 707] InfantryRegiments: [5th] 9th (Hunt), 51 Revs, Dick, Steamer La Grange, Teun. Expeditions from. June i6sj, iS6j. See Panola, Miss. Ex- pedition from La Grange to [Expedition to. See Panola, Miss. Ex- pedition from La Grange, Tenii., to, June 1624 iS6sI Lebe t [T cihert] \X illiani R Lindses [I.iusa~] GYW Livi1wstou Benjamin F. [Major] Louisiairn [XX eteru,] District of Lyuch rhotisas P McCullough James [M.] McDowell J A [R.] A/cOma o [Dc Grs~s], F. M McMahon 1 3 am d [E. W.] Mcihmmmr I P [McMurray, I,ipscomhe Pen- (IletOll] Marsh George P Marslvdl XX illiam S. [A.] 2 Ala, 1 1 Acene Steamer, 121 Mary I Acene [Keane], Steamer 2 Memmiuger LAm istoplier [Charles] 0 1, 3 [Memphis District of (U.). Ilurlbut ~tephen A. ~ssigued to command of all forces iu, 38. Assumes command of all forces in, 44] Meriwetlier [Merriwether], Miuor Merritt, Adonim am [Adirondam] J Messinger, A/is., 305, ~o6 Alillikins Bend, L.a. Operations, .Ltam cli ~iAPm ii 17, 1.86~. See Yew Cam tliage, La Part. Mississippi aiid East Louisiana, Dept. of. Military District, ist. Limits defined, [8~fi] 3 Afississippi A/anne Brigade. Reomganization, 561, ~ 576 3 Mitchell, R. Ghamlton [Carltoii] 2 Slung, WilliammiJ. [J. XV.] I Murdock, George [G.] I New Carthage, La. ~ Operatioiis froiii Millikens Beiid to, March 2 3iApril 17, 1863. Communications froiii .il/cPlierson,J. B., 195 3 Ohion River, Temin. [Miss.] 2 ~ Ohio Iroops. CavalryReginients: ~tli OMeara, rimothy, 21* 3 3 Parker, Francis [J.] II 2 Parks,J. 1/. [Captaiii] I Parsons, .l/osbr [Mosehy] Moiiroe I, 3 I Peiiiherton, John C. 2 Correspoiideiice with 5 Bowen, Johii S., 8o6 3 hatch, Era uk [J.] II 3 Peytona [Peiitoiiia], Steamer 2 3 P/i iii, Henry von, Steiimer, 99, 115 3 Pillow, Fort, Tena. 3 Sconts,Ang.~,z86~. See Fort Pillow, Temin 2 Ponnd, Mermyman [Pouiids, M.] 3 2 Pricliett [Pritchetti, James M 2 Prime, Frederick E. 3 Meiitioned, 296 [Priiiie, W. E., 296]* 3 Qualte, A. G. [Captaiim] 3 Radltke [Radtke], Williaiii 2 Ramsay, Francis [Frank] M ... .. . 2 Ramise [Rause], 3 Rex, George [Oliver] P 2 Roberts, William I . [11.] 3 2 Roe, Johii J., Steammici 3 Rogers, Heiiry A., 293 [Rodgers, henry A., 3 293] 2 3 Roseherrv [Rosehery], John Rose Ilambleton, Steamer, 19 [Rose Ilaiimil- 2 toii, Steaiiier, 49] 3 3 Scales, IVilliammi [Thonias] Scimoeffir [Shacifer], Theodore 2 s Seal, I).B. [S.] 2 i Simmis [Simins] , M. XV 3 Smith, J. Coiidit, s~6 [Siiiitli, E. Condit, s~6] . 2 Siiiitli, John E. .4.ssignnients to coiiiiiiaiid, [130] 3 Spmrks, I)axid A. [0.] 2 Slarks, Jesse If. [I,ieiiteiiaiit] Staiitoii, Alviomi [ I 3 Stewart [Stuart], A. II 3 Stewart, A.J. [JA.] 2 Stewart, William 5~ 2 3 Stilwell, Thomnas [Captai ii 3 3 Stocktoii, Philip. Alemitiomied, ,8ss, 8,2 [Stockton, J.G., Sss, 842] 3 Stoddard, L. Francis [Fraiik I,.] 2 Taggart, Gina mitha in /. [\Vesford[ 3 Temimiessee, U. .S..S., 66.8; leiiuessee, C. S S., 3 (66.,] 3 Page A005 ADDITIONS AND CORRECTIONS. Part. 3 3 Tennessee, West. [Hamilton, Charles S. superseded in com- mand of District of, 38] Tennessee Troops (C.). Artillery, heavyBattalions: 1st NOTEThe Manry, Nelson, and Rock City Artillery (TaylorsStankiewiczs battery). Tensas Bayou, La. Skirmish at, A ug. so, sS6j, 5 Tracy, Charles G. [E.] Tncker,Jose~/z !f~ [Judge] Underhill, F. [S.) M Underwood, Sherman D Vance, William H Vasser, E.J. [I.) Vickshnrg, Miss. Operations against, Jan.20 [3o]July4, 1563. Voorhees, Jacob [Lieutenant] IVa/ker [Waker] J. B., [715) Walker, James B., 7s Warren, I. J. [G.) Warren, Isom [Isham] J 2 3 3 Part. WeatherahiJoha T. [Captain] 1,3 [XVest, Army of the (C.).] 3 NOTETransfer all entries under, to De- partusent of the West (C.), and insert ill proper sequence. Western Louisiana, District of. See Louisiana, [Western,] I)istrict of !Vest Tennessee, District of (U.). 11am i/ton, C. S., relieved from command, 38 3 liar/but, S. .~l., assigned t~) and assumes command, 38, N 3 Wheaton, Lard [Lloyd] White, C. Ii., 368 [369] White, Car/os [Charles] L Whitfield, N. H. [Surgeon] 2 Wigfall, Louis [I,ewis] U 3 Wiley, Ben]amin L., 252 [352] 3 Williams, Wi//ian~ H. [Frederick A.] i, 2 Wrig/ey, Heniy F., 227, 130, Righy, John XV., [127, I30]* I Yerger, Wi//mm, Jr. [W. 1 12 Vocum, [M.] N 3 Page A006 Page A007 Page A008 Operation: Carolina. 1861..... The sece~ 1861.---~ The secess January Operations 31, 1861.. Operations erations erations ~rizona. erations uly 1K & rations - wations torgia, ~ugnst 21 I i iration Special Index Page R007 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME I. CHAPTER I rage. Operations in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. December 20, 1860April 14, 1861 1317 CHAPTER II. The secession of Georgia. January 326, . 1861. 318325 CHAPTER III. The secession of Alabama and Mississippi. January 420, 1861 326230 CHAPTER IV. Operations in Florida. January 6-August 31, 1861 331473 CHAPTER V Page.. The secession of North Carolina. Jaun nary 9May 20, 1861 474-488 CHAPTER VI. The secession of LouIsiana. January 10 February 19, 1861 489501 CHAPTER VII. Operations in Texas and N~ew Mexico. February 1June 11, 1861 502638 CHAPTER VIIL Operations in Arkansasthe Indian Tern. tory, and Missouri. February 7May 9, 1861 637691 VOLUME II. CHAPTER IX. Page. Operations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. April 16July 31, 1861.. 11012 VOLUME III. CHAPTER X. Page. erations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. May 10November 19, 1861.. 1749 VOLUME IV. CHAPTER XI. Page. erations in Texas, New Mexico, and ~.rizona. June 11, 1861February 1, 1862. 1174 CHAPTER XII. erations in Kentucky and Tennessee. uly 1November 19, 1861 175563 CHAPTER XIIL Page. Operations in North Carolina and South. easteruVirginia. August 1, 1861Jaun- ary 11, 1862 566-721 VOLUME V. CHAPTER XIV. Page. rations in Maryland, Northern Virginia, and West Virginia. August 1, 1861March 17, 1862. 11106 VOLUME ~rj CHAPTER XV. ~rations on the coasts of South Carolina, eorgia, and Middle and East Florida. ~ugust 21, 1861April 11, 1862 Page. CHAPTER XVI. Page. Operations in West Florida, Southern Al- abama, Southern Mississippi, and Lou. 1435 isiana. September 1, 1861May 12, 1862. 436894 VOLUME VII. CHAPTER XVII. Page. rrtions in Kentucky, Tennessee, N. Alabana, and S. W. Virginia. Nov. 19, 1861Mar. 4, 1862. 1946 (VII Page R008 VIII CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME VIII. CHAPTER XVIII. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Indian Territory. Nov. 19, 1861April 10, 1862. 1834 VOLUME IX. CHAPTER XIX. Page. CHAPTER XXL Page. Operations in Southeastern Virginia. Jan. Operations in Texas, New Mexico, and nary 11March 17, 1862 1-71 Arizona. February 1September 20, CHAPTER xx 1862 481730 Operations in North Carolina. January 11August 20, 1862 72480 VOLUME XIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXII. Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. , March 4June 10, 1862. Page. Part IReports 1927 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1642 VOLUME XI.IN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIII. The Peninsular Campaign, Virginia. March 17September 2,1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 24 11077 Part lIReports, June 25-September 2 1-994 Part IllCorrespondence, etc VOLUME XJIIN THREE PARTS. CHAPTER XXIV. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. March 17September 2, 1862. Page. Part IReports, March 17-June 25 1-818 Part IlReports, June 26-September 2 1-820 Part IllCorrespondence, etc 1966 VOLUME XIII. CHAPTER XXV. Page. Operations in Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, the Indian Territory, and the Department of the Northwest, April 10November 20, 1862 1981 VOLUME XIV. CHAPTER XXVL Page. Operations on the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Middle and East Florida. April 12, 1862June 11, 1863 11025 VOLUME XV. CHAPTER XXVII. Operations in West Florida, Southern Alabama, Southern Mibsissippi (embracing all operations against Vicksburg, May 18-July 27, 1862), and Louisiana, May 12, 1862May 14, 1863 and oper. ations in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, September 20, 1862May 14, 1863 1111 Page R009 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XVIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXVIII. Operations in Kentucky, Middle aiid East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. June 10October 31, 1862. Page. Part 1iReports 11168 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 11017 VOLUME XVIIIN TWO PARTS. C~APTER XXIX. Operations in West Tennessee 511(1 Northern Mississippi. Jnne 10, 1862January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1807 Part lICorrespondence, etc 1916 VOLUME XVIII. CHAPTER XXX. Page~ Operations in North Carehina and Southeastern Virginia. Angost 20, 1862June 3, 1863 11104 VOLIJ ME XIXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXI. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. September 3-Novem ber 14, 1862. Pa~e. Pait IReports, September 320 11108 Pa i-t IlReports, September 20November 14; Correspondence, etc., September 3Novem- be; 14 1739 VOLUME XXIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXIL Operations in Kentucky, Middle and East Tennessee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. No vember 1, 1862January 20, 1863. Page. Part IReports .. - ----- 1-997 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1516 VOLUME XXI. CHAPTER XXXIIL Page. Operations in Northern Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. November 15, 1862January 25, 1863 11152 VOLUME XXIIIN TWO PARTS. CIIAPTEII XXXIV. Operations in Missonri, Arkansas, Kansas, 11)0 Indian Territory, ouid the Department of the North. west. November 20. 1862December 31, 1863. Page. Part IReports 1926 Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1116 Page R010 I CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME XXIIIIN TWO PARTS. CHAPTER XXXV. 4 Operations in Kentucky, Middle and, East Tennesiee, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. Jan. nary 21August 10, 1863. Page. Part IReports Part IlCorrespondence, etc 1-98 Additions and Corrections Page 1 CHAPTER XXXVI. OPERATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI AND WEST TENNESSEE, INCLUDING THOSE IN ARKANSAS AND LOUISIANA CONNECTED WITH THE SII~GE OF VICKSBURG. January 20August 10, 1863. PART I. REPORTSJanuary 20-May 1~ SUMMARY OF TIlE PRINCIPAL EVENTS.t Jan~ 25, 1863.Scout between Bolivar, Teun., and Ripley, Miss. 27, 1863.Affair near Germantown, Teun. 28, 1863.Skirmish near Yorkville, Tenn. Skirmish near Collierville, Teun. 2830, 1863.Scout from La Grange, Tenn., toward Ripley, Miss. ~,1863.-SkirmishnearRichmond,La. 30, 1863.Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, assumes immediate com. mand of the expedition against Vicksburg. Skirmish at Dyersburg, Teun. 31, 1863.Maj. Gen. John A. MeClernand, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Thirteenth Army Corps. Feb. 2 3, 1863.Passage of the Vicksburg and Warrenton batteries, and capture of the steamers A. W. Baker, Moro, and Berwick Bay by the Queen of the West. 2 5, 1863.Reconnaissance in the vicinity of Sanisbury, Tena. 3, 1863.Attack on Fort Donelson, Tenu4 6, 1863.Scout in the vicinity of Fort Pillow, Tenn. 8, 1863.Affair near Camp Sheldon, Miss. 9, 1863.Affair near Moscow, Teun. 10, 1863.Affair near Camp Sheldon, Miss. Skirmish at Old River, La. 1 U UVOL XXIV, PT I (1) 4lncluding the General Reports for whole period, January 20August 10, 1863. t Of some of the minor conflicts noted in this Summary, no circumstantial reports ~are on file. ~ See Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part I, p. 31 Page 2 2 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Feb. 1014, 1863.Operations on the Red, Atchafalayn, and Black Rivers, La., and capture (14th) of the Queen of the West. 13, 186:3.Passage of the Yicksbnrg batteries by the Indianola.~ 1314, 1863.Expedition from La Grange, Tenn., to Mount Pleasant and La- mar, Miss. 1426, 1863.Expedition to Greenville, Miss., and Cypress Bend, Ark., with skirmishes (19th) at Cypress Bend and (23d) at Deer Creek and Fish Lake Bridge, near Greenville. 16, 1863.Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Huribut, U. S. Army, assumes command of the Sixteenth Army Corps. Skirmish at Yazoo Pass, Miss. 17, 1863.Expedition from Memphis, Tenn., against guerrillas. 1721, 186.3.Expedition from Lexington to Clifton, Tenn. 18, 1863.Affair near Moscow, Tenn. 19, 186:3.Skirmish near Coidwater River, Miss. Skirmish near Yazoo Pass, Miss. 24, 1863.Capture of the Indianola. 24April 8, 1863.Tue Yazee Pass Expedition (by Moon Lake, Yazoo Pass, and the Coidwater and Tallabatchee Rivers), including en- gagements (March 11, 13, and 16, an(l April 2 and 4) at Fort Pemberton, near C reenwood, Miss. 27, 1863.Skirmish near Bloomington, on the Ilatelijo River, Tenn. Expedition from Port l~illow, Teiin. Mar. 2 3, 1863. Scout from La Grange, Teun., to Hudsonville and Salem, Miss., and Sanisbury, Tenn. 812, 1863.Expedition from La Grange, and skirmishes (9th and 10th) near Covington, Tena. Expedition from Collierville, Tenn. 1016, 1863.Scout to La Fayette atid Moscow, Tenn., and skirmish. 1427, 1863.The Steeles Bayou expedition (to Rolling Fork, Miss., by Muddy, Steeles, and Black Bayou and Deer Creek), with skirmishes (21st and 22d) on T)eer Creek and (24th and 25tb) on Black Bayou. 1516, 1863. Skirmishes near Heruiando, Miss. 1618, 1863.Expedition from Jackson to Trenton, Tenn. 19, 1863.Passage of the Grand Gulf batteries by the Hartford and Monon- gabela. 21, 1863.Guerrilla attack on rail~vay train between Bolivar and Grand Junction, Teun. 2122, 1863.Scout from La Grange to Saulsbury, Tenn. 23, 1863.Attack on the Warrenton batteries by the hartford and Monon- gahela. 24, 1863.Skirmish on Davis Mill road, near La Grange, Tenn. 25, 1863.Passage of the Vicksburg batteries by the Switzerland, anl destruction of the Lancaster. April 1, 1863.Expedition to Booneville, Miss. 28April 3, 1863.Expeditions from La Grange to Moscow and Macon, and action near Belmont, Tenn. 29, 1863.Affair at Moscow, Tenn. 31, 1863.Engagement at Grand Gulf, Miss. 31April 3, 1863.Scout from Lexington to mouth of Duck River, Tenn. * See reports of Acting Rear Admiral David D. Porter and Ueutenant-Commander George Brown1 U. 5, Navy-. (Annual Report of the 5ecretar~Qf. th~ Navy, De~ember 7. 1863. Page 3 CHAP. XXXVI.] SUMMARY OF THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS. 3 Mar. 31April 17, 1863.Operations from Millikens Bend to New Carthage, La. Apr. 116, 1863.-Expcdition from Jackson, Tenn., to the Hatchie River, and skir. niishes. 2 6,1863.Scout in Beaver Creek Swamp, Tenn. ~214, 1863.Expedition to Greenville, Black Bayou, and Deer Creek, Miss., with skirmishes, April 7, 8, and 10. 4, 1863.Skirmish on Noncounali Creek, near Memphis, Tenn. 5 6, 1863.Scout from Grand Junction to Sanishury, Tenn. 5 7, 1863.Scout froni La Grange, Tenii., to Early Grove and Mount Pleasant, Miss. 9, 1863.Skirmish near the Obion River, Tenn. 1011, 1863.Scout from La Grange, Tenn., to Hudsonville, Lockharts Mills, Mount Pleasant, and Early Grove, Miss. 11, 1863.Scout from La Grange to Snuisbury, Teun. Skirmish at Courtneys Plantation, Miss. 15, 1863.Expedition from La Grange to Sanisbury, Tenn. 15-May 2, 1863.Dodges expedition from Corinth, Miss., to Courtland, Ala. 16, 1863.Passage of the Vicksburg batteries by gunboats and transports. 17May 2, 1863.Griersons raid from La Grange, Tenn., to Baton Rouge, La. 1824, 1863.Expedition from Memphis, Teun., to the Coidwater, Miss., includ- ing action (18th) at Hernando, and skirmish (19th) at Perrys Ferry. 19, 1863.Skirmish at Trenton, Tenn. 22, 1863.Passage of the Vicksbnrg and Warrenton batteries by transports. 24, 1863.Expedition to Lake Saint Joseph, La. 2529, 1863.Expedition to hard Times Landing, La., and skirmishes (26th) at Phelps and Clarks Bayous, and (28th) at Choctaw Bayou, or Lake Briiin. 29, 1863.Bombardment of Grand Gulf, Miss., and passage of the batteries. 29May 1, 1863.Demonstration against Haynes and Druingonids Bluffs, or engagement at Snyders Mill, Miss. 29May 5, 1863.Scout from La Grange, Ten n., into Northern Mississippi. May 1, 1863.Battle of Port Gibson, or Thompsons Hill, Miss. 2, 1863.Skirmish on the South Fork of Bayou Pierre, Miss. 3, 1863.Skirmishes on the North Fork of Bayou Pierre, at Willow Springs, Ingrahams Heights, Jones Cross-Roads, Forty Hills, and Han- kinsons Ferry, Big Black River, Miss. 4,1863.Engagement at Fort De Russy, Red River, La. Attempt of the tug George Sturgess to pass the Vicksburg bat- teries. Skirmish at Hankinsons Ferry, Miss. 5, 1863.Action at Kings Creek, near Tupelo, Miss. Skirmish at Big Sandy Creek, Miss. 9, 1863.Skirmish at Bayou Tensas, near Lake Providence, La. Skirmish near Big Sandy Creek, Miss. 9-10, 1863.Skirmishes at and near Utica, Miss. 10, 1863.Skirmishes at Caledonia and Pin Hook, La. Attack on Fort Beauregard, La. 11, 186:3.Raid on the New Orleans and Jackson Railroad, near Crystal Springs, Miss. 1115, 1863.Expedition from La Grange, Teun., to Panola, Miss., and skir- mishes (11th) at Cold~vater and (14th) at Walnut Hill, Miss. 11, 1863. Engagement at Raymond, Miss. * Sce Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part I, p. 241 Page 4 4 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXV2L May 12, 1863.Skirmish at Greenville, Miss. Skirmish at Fourteen-Mile Creek, Miss. 13, 1863.Skirmishes at Mississippi Springs and at Baldwins and Halls Ferries, Miss. 14, 1863.Engagement at Jackson, Miss. GENERAL REPORTS. No. 1.Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck, General-in-Chief, U. S. Army. No. 2.Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Tennessee, including correspondence with the authorities at Washington, January 20July 10. No. 3.Mr. Charles A. Dana, special commissioner of the United States War De. partment. No. 4.Capt. Frederick E. Prime, U. S. Corps of Engineers, Chief Engineer, of operations January 30May 4. No. 5.Lient. Col. James H. Wilson, Assistant Inspector-General, U. S. Army, Chief of Topographical Engineers, of operations April 24May 11. No. 6.Capt. Ocran H. Howard, U. S. Signal Corps, Chief Signal Officer, of opera- tions April 3July 4. No. 7.Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand, U. S. Army, commanding ThirteenthArmy Corps, of operations March 30June 17, with resulting correspondence. No. 8.Lient. Francis Tunica, Engineer Officer Ninth Division, of operations April 17-May 24. No. 9.Message of President Davis, transmitting to the Confederate Congress cer- tain correspondence with General Joseph E. Johnston, C. S.Army. No. 10.General Joseph E. Johnston, C. S. Army, of operations March 12July 20. No. 11.Lient. Gen. John C. Peraherton, C. S. Army, commanding Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana, of operations April 4July 4. No. 1. Report of Maj. Gen. Henry W. flalleck, General-in- Chief, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D. C., ~Tovemnber 15, 1863. SIR: In compliance with your orders, I submit the following sum- mary of military operations since my last annual report: * * * * * * * DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE. At the date cf my last annual report [Nov. 9, 1862],* I~lajor-Geimera1 Grant occupied West Tennessee and the northerti boundary of Mis- sissippi. The object of the campaign of this army was the onening of the Mississippi River, in conjunction with the army of General Banks. General Grant was instructed to drive the enemy in the interior as far south as possible, and destroy their railroad communications; theii to fall back to Memphis, and embark his available forces on transports, and, with the assistance of the fleet of Admiral I~orter, i-educe Vicks- burg. The first part of this plan was most successfully executed, but the right wing of the army sent against Vicksburg, under Major-Gen- eral Sherman, found that place much stronger than was expected. Two attacks were made on the 28th and 29th of December, but, failing in U Bracketed matter in compilation is explanatory Page 5 CHAP. XXXVI.) GENERAL REPORTS. 5 their object, our troops were withdrawn, and, while waiting for re- enforcements from General Grant, moved up the Arkansas River to Arkansas Post, which place was, with the assistance of the gunboats, captured on the 11th of January. Our loss at Yicksburg was 191 killed, 982 wounded, and 756 missing; at Arkansas Post, 129 killed, 831 wounded, and 17 missing. We cap- tured at the latter place 5,000 prisoners, 17 cannon, 3,000 small-arms, 46,000 rounds of ammunition, and 563 animals.* General Grant now assumed the immediate command of the army on the Mississippi, which was largely re-enforced. Being satisfied by the result of General Shermans operations that the north line of the ene- mys works was too strong to be carried without a very heavy loss, he directed his attention to opening the canal, which had been commenced the year before by General Williams, across the peninsula, on the west bank of the river. This canal had been improperly located, its upper terminus being in an eddy and the lower terminus being exposed to the enemys guns. Nevertheless, it was thought that it could be com- pleted sooner than a new one could be constructed. While working parties, under Captain Prime, chief engineer of that army, were dili- gently employed upon this canal, General Grant directed his attention to several other projects for turning the enemys position. These are fully described in his official report. The canal proving impracticable, and his other plans being unsuccess- ful, he determined to move his army by land down the west bank of the river some 70 miles, while transports for crossing should run past the enemys batteries at Yicksburg. The danger of running the batteries being very great, and the roads on the west side in horrible condition, this was a difficult and hazardous expedient, but it seemed to be the only possible solution of the problem. The execution of the plan, how- ever, was greatly facilitated by Admiral Farragut, who had run two of his vessels past the enemys batteries at Port Hudson and Grand Gulf, and cleared the river of the enemys boats below Yicksburg, and, ~nally, through the indomitable energy of the commanding general and the ad. mirable dispositions of Admiral Porter for running the enemy~s batte- ries, the operation was completely successful. The army crossed the river at Bruinsburg April 30, turned Grand Gulf and en gaged the enemy near Port Gibson on the 1st and at Four- teen-Mile Creeki on the 3d of May. The enemy was defeated in both engagements, with heavy loss. General Grant then moved his forces, by rapid marches, to the north, in order to separate the garrison of Yicksbnrg from the covering army of Johnston. This movement was followed by the battles of Raymond, May 12; of Jackson, May 14; of Champions Hill, May 16, and Big Black River Bridge, May 17, in all of which our troops were victorious. General Grant then proceeded to invest Yicksburg. In order to facilitate General Grants operations, by destroying the enemys line of communication and preventing the early concentration of any re-enforcements, Colonel (now Brigadier-General) Grier~n was sent with a cavalry force from La Grange, on the 17th of April, to traverse the interior of the State of Mississippi. This expedition was most suc- cessfully conducted. It destroyed many of the enemys railroad bridges, depots, and much rolling stock, and reached Baton Rouge, La., in safety, on the 2d of May. On returning to Yicksburg, General Grant found his forces insuffi * See Series I, Vol. XVII, Part I, p. 708. t Sic. See Grai~ts report, p. 49 Page 6 6 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. cient to entirely invest the enemys works. There was, therefore, daii- ger that the two bodies of the enemy under Peinberton and Johnston might yet effect a junction, as it was known that the latter was being largely re-enforced from Braggs army in Middle and East Tennessee. Under these circumstances, General Grant determined to attempt to carry the place by assault. Two unsuccessful attacks were made May 19 and 22, but, as re-enforcements reached him a few days after suffi- ciently large to enable him to completely invest the rebel defenses, he resorted to the slower, but more certain, operations of a regular siege. By the 3d of July his saps were so far advanced as to render his suc- cess certain, and on that day General Pemberton proposed an armistice and capitulation, which were finally accepted, and Vicksburg surren- dered on the 4th of July. In the language of General Grants official report, the results of this short campaign were The defeat of the enemy in five battles outside of Vicksburg, the occupation of Jackson, the capital of the State of Mississippi, and the capture of Vicksburg and its garrison audmunitions of war, a loss to the enemy of 37,000 prisoners, among whom were 15 general officers, at least 10, C~~0 killed and wounded, and among the killed Gen- erals Tracy, Tilghman, and Green, and hundreds, and perhaps thousands, of strag- glers, who can never be collected and reorganized. Arnis and munitions of war for an army of 60,000 men have fallen into our hands, besides a large amount of other pub- lic property, consisting of railroads, locomotives, cars, steamboats, cotton, & c., and much was destroyed to prevent our capturing it. Our losses in the series of battles may he summed up as follows - ~d ~- a I Port Gibson 130 718 5 Fourteen-Mile Creek (skirmish) 4 24 Raymond 09 341 32 Jackson 40 240 6 Champions Hill 426 1, 842 189 Big Black Railroad Bridge 29 242 -) Vicksburg - -. 545 3, 688 303 Of the wounded, many were but slightly wounded, and continued on duty; many niore required but a few days or weeks for their recovery. Not more than one-half of the wounded were permanently disabled. When we consider the character of the country in which this army operated, the formidable obstacles to be overcome, the number of the enemys forces, and the strength of his works, we can not fail to admire the courage and endurance of the troops and the skill and daring of their commander. No more brilliant exploit can be found in military history. It has been alleged, and the allegation has been widely circulated by the press, that General Grant, in the conduct of his campaign, posi- tively disobeyed the instrnction~ of his superiors. It is hardly neces- sary to remark that General Grant never disobeyed an order or instruc- tion, but always carried out, to the best of his ability, every wish or suggestion made to him by the Government; moreover, he has never complained that the Government did not furnish him all the means and assistance in its power to facilitate the execution of any plan which he saw fit to adopt. * But see general summary of casualties, Pai-t 11, ~. 167 Page 7 CHAP. XZXVt] GENERAL REPORTS. While the main Army of the Tennessee was operating against Vicks- burg, the enemys forces on the west side of the river made unsuccessftd attacks on Millikens Bend and Lake Providence, on the 6th and 10th of June. Our loss in the former was 101 killed, 285 wounded, and 266 missing; loss in the latter not reported. it is represented that the colored troops in these (lesperate engagements fought with great brav- ery, and that the rebels treated this class of prisoners of war, as well as their officers, with great barbarity. It has not been possible, however~ to ascertain the correctness of these representations in regard to the treatment of these prisoners. After the capture of Vicksburg, General Granli reported that his troops were so much fatigued and worn out with forced marches and the labors of the siege as to absolutely require several weeks of repose before undertaking another campaign. Nevertheless, as the exigencies of the service seemed to require it, he sent out those who were least fatigued on several important expeditions, while the others remained at Vicksburg to put that place in a better defensible condition for a small garrison. As soon as Vicksburg capitulated, General Sherman was sent in I)nl- suit of Johnstons forces. The latter retreated to Jackson, Miss., which place was taken by us on the 16th of July. Our loss was about 1,000 killed, wounded, and missing. General Sherman captured 764 prison- ers, two rifled guns, a large amount of ammunition, and destroyed the railrol(l, rolling stock, & c. The enemy retreated toward the Alabama line, and General Sherni~an returned to Vicksburg to recuperate his forces. A u~ilitarv and naval force was sent to Yazoo City on the 13th. It took 300 prisoners, captured one steamer, and burned five; took 6 cannon ,250 small-arms, and some 800 horses and mules. No loss on our side reported. Small expeditions were also sent against Canton, Pontotoc, Grenada, and Natchez, Miss. At Grenada a large amount of rolling stock was destroyed, and near Natchez General Ransom captured 5,000 head of texas cattle, a number of prisoners and teams, and a large amount of ammunition. The other expeditions were also successful, meeting with very little opposition. As soon as his army was supplied and rested, General Gramit sent a force, under General Steele, to Helena, to co-operate with General Scho- fields troops against Little Rock, and another, under Generals Ord and llerromm, to New Orleans to re-enforce General Banks for such ulterior operations as he might deem proper to undertake. Small expeditions were also sent to the Red River and to Harrison- burg and Monroe, on the Washita, to break up and destroy guerrilla bands. After General Grant left Vicksburg to assume the general command east of the Mississippi, General McPherson moved with a part of his force to Canton, Miss., scattering the enemys cavalry and destroying his materials and roads in the center of that State. * * * * * * * All of which is respectfully submitted. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. Hon. E. M. STANTON, ASecretary of War Page 8 8 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Cau~. XXXVL No. 2. Reports of Maj. (len. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding Army of the Tennessee, including correspondence with the authorities at Wash- ington, January 20July 10. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., January 20, 1863. I returned here last night from a visit to the expedition under Gen- eral McClernand. I had a conversation with Admiral Porter, General McClernand, and General Sherman. The former and latter, who have had the best opportunity of studying the enemys positions and plans, agree that the work of reducing Vicksburg is one of time, and will require a large force at the finaf struggle. With what troops I. have already designated frolli here, no more forces will be required for the present, but I will suggest whether it would not be well to know before- hand where they are to come from when required, if required at all. The enemy have the bluffs from ilaynes Bluff; on the Yazoo (this is where the raft across the river is constructed), to the Mississippi, and down until they recede from the river, completely and thoroughly fortified. I propose running a canal through, starting far enough above the old one commenced last summer to receive the stream where it impinges against the shore with the greatest velocity. The old canal left the river in an eddy, and in a line perpendicular to the stream, and also to the crest of the hills opposite, with a battery directed against the outlet. This new canal will debouch below the bluffs on the opposite side of the river, and give our gunboats a fair chance against any fortifications that may be placed to oppose them. But for the intolerable rains that we have had, and which have filled the swamps and bayous so that they cannot dry up again this winter, a landing might be effected at Millikens Bend, and roads constructed through to the Yazoo above the raft or ilaynes Bluff, and the enemys works tnrned from that point. Once back of the intrenchments on the crest of the bluffs, the enemy would be compelled to come out and give us an open field fight, or submit to having all his communications cut and be left to starve out. I would make no suggestions unasked if you were here to see for yourself, or if I did not know that as much of your time is taken up with each of several other departments as with this. As, however, I control only the troops in a limited department, and can only draw re- enforcements from elsewhere by making application through Washing- ton, and as a demonstration made upon any part of the old district of West Tennessee might force me to withdraw a large part of the force from the vicinity of Vicksburg, I would respectfully ask if it would not be policy to combine the four departments in the West under one commander. As I am the senior department commander in the West, Jwillstatethatlhavenodesirewhateverforsuchcombinedcommand, but would prefer the command I now have to any other that can be given. I regard it as my duty to state that I found there was not sufficient confidence felt in General McClernand as a commander, either by the Army or Navy, to insure him success. Of course, all would co.operate to the best of their ability, but still with a distrust. This is a matter I made no inquiries about, but it was forced upon me. As it is my in- tention to command in person, unless otherwise directed, there is n Page 9 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. .9 special necessity of mentioning this matter; but I want you to know that others besides myself agree in the necessity of the course I had already determined upon pursuing. Admiral Porter told me that he had written freely to the Secretary of the Navy, with the request that what he said might be shown to the Secretary of War. General Gorman had gone up the White River with most df his forces, taking a great deal of the river transportation with him. I find great difficulty in getting boats to transport the troops. With the orders I gave, however, to release boats as fast as they can be dispensed with, I hope to remedy all difficulties of this kind.. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. General II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington, D. C. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 20, 186311.30 a. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. IIALLECK, General-in-Chief: I found the Mississippi expedition at the mouth of the ~rkansas, and started it from there immediately to Youngs Point. A canal will at once be surveyed and cut. The weather is highly unfavorable for op- erations, and streams all very high and rising. The work of reducing Yicksburg will take time and men, but can be accomplished. Gorman has gone up the White River with a great part of his force. So many transports being kept there, makes it almost impossible to get transpor- tation for troops. Both banks of the Mississippi should be under one commander, at least during present operations. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, January 21, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Memphis: GENERAL: The President has directed that so much of Arkansas as you may desire to control be temporarily attached to your department. This will give yoif control of both banks of the river.* In your operations down the Mississippi you must not rely too confi- dently upon any direct co-operation of General Banks and the lower flotilla, as it is possible that they may not be able to pass or reduce Port Hudson. They, however, will do everything in their power to form a junction with you at Yicksburg. If they should not be able to effect this, they will at least occupy a portion of the enemys forces and pre- vent them from re-enforcing Yicksburg. I hope, however, that they will do still better and be able to join you. It may be proper to give you some explanation of the revocation of your order expelling all Jews from your department. The President has no objection to your expelling traitors and Jew peddlers, which, I suppose, was the object of your order; but, as it in terms proscribed an entire religious class, some of whom are fighting in our ranks, the President deemed it necessary to revoke it. \Tery respectfully, your obedient servant, .H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. * See telegram from Halleck to Grant, same date, quoted in Grant to Gorman, Jan- uary 22, Part III, p.5 Page 10 10 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, EP~. [CHAr. XXXVI. WASHINGTON, D. C., Januctry 25, 1863. Majo~Gennral IRANT, Memphis, Tenm: Direct your attention particularly to the canal l)rol)osed across the point. The President attaches much importance to this. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I leave for the fle~t at Yicksburg to-morrow. Since leaving there, one week ago, I have not had one word from them. The constant rains and tremendous rise in the river may operate against us for the time being. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 27, 18637 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: News just received from Vicksburg says water now in old canal, and rising ra~)idly. In a short time our batteries of Parrott guns will com- mand the river below town. Vicksburg papers say that General Banks is fortifying Baton Ronge. I hold two divisions here ready to re-enforce the expedition as soon as wanted; also Gormnans Threes. U. S. GRANT, Major. General, Commanding. VICKSBURG, MISS., January 29, 18635 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: Water in the canal is 5 feet deep, and river rising. There is no wash, however, and no signs of its enlarging. I will let the water iu from the Yazoo up, and try the effect. I have ordered troops from Helena, escorted by a gunboat, the whole in charge of Colonel Wilson, topo- graphical engineer, to cut tIme levee across Yazoo Pass, and to explore through to the Coldwater, if possible. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., January 31, 18633 p. in. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: I am pushing everything to gain a passage, avoiding Yicksburg. Prospects not flattering by the canal of last summer. Other routes are being prospected, and work in the mean time progressing on the old canal. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding Page 11 CRAP. XXXVI.] ~i11AL I~EPORTS. It HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Yiclcsburg, February 1, 1S63. CoL .1. C. KELTON, 11 sStst ant Adja Ia )1 t- General, Wa8hington, I). C. COLONEL: Herewith I inclose yOu COPY of General Orders, No. 13, from these headquarters, and of CorrespondenCe between General Mc- Clernand and myself, growing out of it. It is due to myself to state that I ani not ambitious to have this or other Command. willino to ~ any I am ~ lo all in my ])OWC~ in any position assigned me. Gencial MeClernand ~vas assigned to duty in this department, with instructions to me jo assign him to the command of an army corps op on , to give him the Chief command, crating the Mississippi River and under my direction. This I did, but subsequently reCeivi iig authority to assign the Command to any one ii thought most competent, or to take it myself, I determined to at least be present with the expedition.* If General Sherman had been left in command here, such is my Confi- dence in him that I would not have thought my presence necessary. But whether I do General McClernand injustice or not, I have not con- fidence in his ability as a soldier to conduct an expedition of the magni. tude of this one successfully. In this opinion I have no doubt but 1 am borne out by a majority of the officers of the expedition, though I have not questioned one of them on the subject. I respectfully submit this whole matter to the General-in-Chief and the President. Whatever the decision made by them, I will cheerfully submit to and give a hearty support. I am, Colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. [Inclosure No. 1.] GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 13. In Field, Youngs Point, La., January 30, 1863. I. Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, commanding Department of the Tennessee, hereby assumes the immediate command of the expedition against Vicks. burg, and department headquarters will hereafter be with the expedi- tion. II. Army corps commanders will resume the immediate command of their respective corps, and will report to and receive orders (lirect from these headquarters. III. As army corps to be effective should be complete in their organ- ization, and ready at all times for any move they may be called on to make, without looking to department or other headquarters for any. thing more than the replenishing of their supplies, no changes or transfers will be made by department orders, unless absolutely ngces- sary for the interest of the service. IV. The Thirteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. J. A. MeClernand coin manding, is Charged with garrisoning the l)ost of helena, Ark., and any other point on the west bank of the river it may be necessary to - hold south of that place. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. See Series I, Vol. XVII, Part I, ~ 476, ami Part II, p. 555 Page 12 12 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAP. XXXVL linclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS AR1~tY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Yicksburg, January 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: General Orders, No. 13, is this moment received. I hasten to inquire whether its purpose is to relieve me from the command of all or any portion of the forces composing the Mississippi River expedition, or, in other words, whether its purpose is to limit my command to the Thir- teenth Army Corps. I am led to make this inquiry, because, while such seems to be the intention, it conflicts with the order of the Secre- tary of War, made under the personal direction of the President, bear- ing date October 21, 1862, of which the following is an extract: Major-General MeClernand is directed to proceed to the States of Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, to organize the troops remaining in those States, * * * and forward them ~ * * to Memphis, Cairo, or such other points as may hereafter be desig- nated, * * * to the end that when a sufficient force not required by the opera- tions of General Grants command [then in West Tennessee] shall be raised, an expe- dition may be organized under General McClernands command against Yicksburg and to clear the Mississippi to New Orleans. Also with the order of the General-in-Chief to you, dated December 18, 1862, of which the following is an extract: It is the wish of the President that General MeClernands corps shall constitute a part of the river expedition, and that he shall have the immediate command, under your direction. Also with your communication of the same date, based on the pre- ceding order, and giving me command of the expedition, and with your verbal assurance of yesterday that my relations to the forces here would continue undisturbed.* I repeat that I respectfully ask for an explanation of this seeming conflict of authority and orders, that I may be enabled to guide my action intelligently. By [Special] Orders, No. 22, you extend your command as far west from the Mississippi River as your orders may reach. By General Orders, No. 13, you charge the Thirteenth Army Corps with garrison- ing Helena and other points south. Is it to be understood that my command west of the Mississippi is so coextensive with the purview of Special Orders, No. 22? Again, you charge the Thirteenth Army Corps with garrisoning the west bank of the Mi~sissippi. Am I to understand that I am to act on my own judgment in fixing the number, strength, and location of those garrisons, or simply by your directions? It is quite obvious that the whole or a large portion of the Thirteenth Army Corps must be ab- sorb~d by these garrisons if the purpose is t6 afford complete protec- tion to all lawful vessels navigating the river; and thus, while having projected the Mississippi River expedition, and having been by a series of orders assigned to the command of it, I may be entirely withdrawn from it. For the reason last stated, and because the portion of the Thirteenth Army Corps taking part in this expedition is very much smaller than any other corps of your command, and because my forces are here and * See Series I, Vol. XVII, Part II, p. 425 Page 13 CEAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 13 those of others have yet to come, why not detach from the latter to garrison the river shore and relieve all those here from liability to that charge~ Your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, January 31, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The intention of General Orders, No. 13, is that I will take direct command of the Mississippi River expedition, which neces- sarily limits yonr command to the Thirteenth Army Corps. In charging the Thirteenth Army Corps with garrisoning the west bank of the river, I add to it any forces belonging to any command on that bank not already assigned to other corps, and, instead of weaken- ing your force in the field, it will strengthen it by about 7,000 men, still leaving a proper garrison at Helena, the only place I now deem necessary to garrison. All forces and posts garrisoned by the Thirteenth Army Corps are under your command, subject, of course, to directions from these headquarters. I regard the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Army, and will obey every order of his, but as yet I have seen no order to prevent my taking immediate command in the field, and since the dispatch referred to in your note, I have received another from the General-in-Chief of the Army, authorizing me directly to take command of this army. I at first thought I would publish no order taking command, but soon saw it would be much more convenient to issue orders direct to corps commanders whilst present with the command than through another commander. Yonr obedient servant, ~-. ~. GRANT, Major- General. [Inclosure No. 4.1 HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before Vicksburg, February 1, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Co,nmanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Your dispatch of. this date, in answer to mine of yester- day, is received. Yoe announce it to be the intention of General Or- ders, No. 13, to relieve me from the command of the Mississippi River expedition, and to circumscribe my command to the Thirteenth Army Corps, and undertake to justify the order by authority granted by the General-in-Chief. I acquiesce in the order for the purpose of avoiding a conflict of authority in the presence of the enemy, but, for reasons set forth in my dispatch of yesterday, which, for anything disclosed, I still hold good, I protest against its competency and justice, and respect- fully request that this, my protest, together with the accompanying paper, may be forwarded to the General-in-Chief, and through him to the Secretary of War and the President. I request this, not only i Page 14 14 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. respect ftr the President und Secretary. under whose express authority I claim the right to command the expedition. but in justice to myself as its author and actual promoter. Your ol)edient servant, JOHN A. MuCLElINAND, Major- General, Commanding. YICIsBURG, MISS., February 3, 18631 p. ni. MIaj. Gen. H. XV. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: One of the rains ran the blockade this inornin-. This is of vast im- 1)ortance, cutting off the enemys communication with the west bank of the river. One steamboat, lying at Vicksbnrg, was run into, l)llt not sunk. Work on the canal is progressing as rapidly as l)ossible. U. S. (3IIANT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE TENNESSEE, Col. ~. ~. KELTON, Before Vicl:sburg, February 4,1863. Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington City: COLONEL: Herewith I inclose you reports from Colonel Deitzler and Lieu tena nt-Colonel 1) uff from Lake Providence, fifty- odd miles above here. On examining the route of the present canal, I lost all faith in its ever leading to any l)ractical results. The canal is at right angles with the thread of the current at both ends, and both ends are iu an eddy, the lower coming out nnder bluiTh completely commanding it. Warreuton, a few miles below, is capable of as strong (lefenses as Xicksl)urg, and the enemy, seeing us at work here, have turned their attention to that l)oint. Our labois, however, have had the effect of making the enemy (livide his forces and spread their big guns over a great deal of territory. They are now fortified from ilaynes Bluff to Warrenton. Taking the views I did, I immediately on my arrival here commenced, or ordered, other routes prospected. One of these is by the way of Yazoo Pass into Coldwater, the Talla- hatchec, and Yazoo Rivers. This is conducted by Lieutenant-Colonel ~X ilson, from whom no report is yet received. This route, if practica- ble, would enable us to get high ground above Ilaynes Bluff an turn all the enemys river batteries. d would Another is by Lake Providence and the network of bayous connect- ing it with lied River. The accompanying reports show the feasibility of this route. A third is by the way of Willow and Rounda~y Bayous, leaving the Mississippi at Millikens Bend, and coming in at New Carthage. There is no question but that this route is much more practicable than the l)resent undertaking, and would have been accomplished with much less labor if commenced before the water had got all over the country. rfhe work on the present canal is being j)ushe(l. New inlet and outlet are being ina(le, so that the water will be received where the current strikes the shore, and will be carrie(l thrQugll in a current. Respectfully, & c.. IT. S. GRANT, Major- aeneral Page 15 CHAr. XXXVI] GENERAL REPORTS. 15 [Inclosuro No. lj HEADQUARTERS FIRST BRIGADE, MOARTHURS DIVISION, Lake Providence, La., February 3, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. HAWLINS, Asst. A djt. Gen., D~partment of the Tennessee: COLONEL: Dispatch, per War Eagle, just received. I send by same boat 100 able-bodied negroes; all that can be secured at preseiit. Will send out to-morrow and collect as many as possible, and forward them. The planters have sent most of their negroes and cotton back into the country, on Bayou Macon, some 12 or 15 miles from here, and we shall, therefore, probably not be able to send you many ha.iids to work on the canal. Colonel DutY has permitted me to read his report respecting the object and probable result of our expedition, which covers ~the ground. The water in the lake is about 8 feet lower than the surthee of the river. In about six days we hope to be able to coml)lete a cut in the levee, 100 feet wide, which will connect the lake and the i-iver by a channel 5 feet deep. I do not think that we will have any considerable difficulty in finding a passage for gunboats and small stern-wheel boats through Baxtei- Bayou and Bayou Macon, a distance of from 10 to 15 miles. \Vheii the water in Lake Providence rises to the level of the water iii the Mississippi, Baxter Bayou will furnish a passage for large boats; it ~vill only be necessary to cut a few trees, so as not to interfere with chimneys. Once in Bayou Macon, we shall have a clear coast to lie(l River. 1 look upon the pr051)ect as entirely practicable, and shall feel very munch disappointed if the gunboats do not pass through to Bayou Macon ~vithin three weeks. At Trenton, 1 mile above Monroe, on Washita River, the rebels have several batteries and a small infantry force. This force an(l batteries were at Monroe until the time our troops destroyed the (lepot at Delhi. About 35 miles west of Monroe, at Ravens Lake, the rebels have extensive salt-works, where they employ several thousand negroes. I learn that these works supply the whole southwest with salt, and they ought to be destroyed. There are in this vicinity many articles on the list of loyal cap- tures, such as horses, mules, and cattle. I can gobble up and send down a large supply of the latter if (lesired. When the next boat comes up, will you please instruct the captain to touch at General MeArthurs headquarters and bring up our mail l I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. DELTZLER, Colonel First Kansas, Commanding First Brigade. [Inclosuro No. 2.] ON BOARD U. S. STEAMER LINDEN, Providence, La., February 3, 1863. Licut. Col. JOHN A. RAWL1NS, Assistant Adjutant- General COLONEL: In consequence of an impenetrable fog and other causes of detention beyond my control, the expedition for the connection of Bake Providence with the Mississippi~ River did not reach this plac Page 16 16 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. till about 2 p. m. Sunday, 1st instant. At the time of landing I was prostrated from a severe bilious attack, which had set in almost im- mediately on our leaving the fleet, and from which I have not yet recovered. Immediately on landing, Colonel iDeitzler disembarked and occupied the remainder of the day in making a partial reconnaissance of the rela- tive positions of the lake and river, returning without coming to any definite conclusion as to the place best suited to make the connection, but fully convinced that a connectiou was entirely practicable. Yesterday morning a party of 80 mounted men, under the command of Colonel Deitzler, and accompanied by Lieutenant [Herman A.] Ulf- fers, Captain [Thomas E.] Smith, of the gunboat, and myself (though still very sick), made the entire circuit of the lake, taking the course along the bayou, on the npper side of the lake, as per accompanying chart, * and returning to Providence across Bayou Tensas. The bayou on the upper side of the lake, although very easily con- nected with the river, and, as far as depth of water is concerned, better than the canal finally decided upon, is too crooked and too much ob- structed by timber to be made availab]~e for navigation for several weeks, while the course of the proposed canal upon which we are now working is short, and the work can be done within a week, nature hav- ing already done the best part of it, and when completed it will give a depth of 5 feet, sufficient for any vessel the dimensions of which would admit of passing through Bayou Tensas or Baxter. Either plan in- volves the destruction of the town (now nearly deserted), but neither Colonel Deitzler nor myself thought this a matter of sufficient impor- tance to interfere with the accomplishment of the object in view. On our reconnaissance yesterday we passed down the left bank of Tensas Bayou about a mile, and found it navigable. To make sure, however, whether Tensas or Baxter is best suited for our purpose, a strong recon- noitering party has gone out to-day, which has not yet returned. One of these outlets being decided upon as the best, the other, we propose, if possible, to close before admitting the water from the river. In any event, I do not doubt the entire practicability, (luring high water, of passing with such vessels as the mosquito fleet from the Mississippi and the Red River. We have heard, however, of a battery on the Washita, near Monroe, planted there with a view to the defense of ex- tensive salt-works in that neighborhood, by means of which, I am in- formed, the whole of that part of rebeldom and the army in Mississippi and Arkansas are supplied with that indispensable article. On this subject I hope to be better informed in a few days, when I will immediately advise you. I have sanguine hopes, shared in by Colonel Deitzler, that the general commanding may authorize an expe- dition to destroy these salt-works, should the information we have from negroes be confirmed. I should mention that yesterday we met with no obstacles from guer- rillas. A few fleeing horsemen were chased, when they dismounted and took to the swamps, leaving their horses and arms, which were cap- tured. We have also driven in some beef-cattle. Trusting that so much as has been done will meet the approval of the major-general commanding, I remain, colonel, yours, very respect- fully, W. L. DUFF, Lieutenant- Colonel, Chief of Artillery, Dept. of the Tennessee. Not found Page 17 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 17 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vieksburg, Miss., February 0, 1863. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: Inclosed I send you a report of Lieutenant-Colonel Wil- son,* of the prospects of effecting a safe passage into the Yazoo River by the way of Yazoo Pass. Admiral Porter will have this pass thor- oughly explored by light-draught gunboats, upon which I am putting 600 riflemen from the army. It is to be hoped that this expedition will be able to capture all the transports in the Yazoo and tributaries and destroy two gunboats said to be in course of construction. They will also attempt to ascend the Yalabusha to Grenada, and, if possible, destroy the railroad bridges. The ram that ran the blockade on the 2d instant has returned to the lower end of the peninsula, opposite Yicksburg. She went as far as Red River, and some miles up ~t, capturing and destroying three steam- boats loaded with commissary stores, and took about 60 prisoners. I send dispatches, every day or two, to be telegraphed from Memphis, but as I do not know that they get through, I think it necessary to notify you of the fact. Respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. BEFORE YICKsBURG, Miss., February 9, 1863Noon. VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., February 12. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: The continuous rise in the river has kept the army busy to keep out of water, and much retarded work on the canal. I hope to be able to say soinething d~jflnite, in a day or so, of the practicability of the other route mentione in revious dispatches. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, February 13, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Via Memphis, Tenn.: Cannot dredge-boats be used with advantage on the canaVl There are four lying idle at Louisville, belonging to Boston, Robinson & Co., canal contractors. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., Via Memphis, Tenn., February 15, 186312 p. m. Major-General HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Steamboats through Yazoo Pass have gone to within 6 miles of Cold- water. Express no fear but that they will reach it and the Yazoo. U. S. GRANT, Mqjor- General, Commanding. * Wilsons reports, of February 2 and 4, transmitted with this communication. See No. 1, pp. 371, 3~3. 2 R RVOL XXIV, PT Page 18 18 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TILE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, 111188., February 18, 1863. General H. W. HALLECK, I Eashington, D. C. GENERAL: The work upon the canal here is progressing as well as possible, with the excessively bad weather and high water we have had to contend against. Most of the time that troops could be out at all has been expended in keeping water out of our camps. Five good work- ing days would enable the force here to complete the canal 60 feet wide, and of sufficient depth to admit any vessel here. Judging from the past, it is fair to calculate that it will take from ten to twelve days to get those five days. Three more, perhaps, should be allowed, from the fact that the work is being done by soldiers, the most of whom, under the most favorable circumstances, could not come up to the calculations of the engineer officers. McPhersons army corps is at Lake Providence, prosecuting the work there. They could not be of any service in helping on the work here, because there are already as many men as can be employed on it, and then he would have to go 5 or 6 miles above to find land above water to encamp on. I am using a few hundred contrabands on the work here, but have been compelled to prohibit any more coming in. Humanity dictates this policy. Planters have mostly deserted their plantations, taking with them all their able-bodied negroes and leaving the old and very young. Here they could not have shelter nor means of transportation when we leave. I have sent a division of troops from Helena to join the Yazno expe- dition under Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson. His last report was sent you a few days ago. If successful, they will destroy the railroad bridges at Grenada and captu~re or destroy all the transports in the Yazoo and tributaries. The health of this command is not what is represented in the public journals, it is as good as any previous calculation coi~1 have prognos- ticated. I believe, too, that there is the best of feeling and greatest confidence of success among them. The greatest drawback to the spirits of the troops has been the great delay in paying them. Many of them have families at home who are, no doubt, in a suffering con- dition for want of the amount due them, and they are bound for their support. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. BEFORE YICKSBURG, MISS., February 25, 186312.30 a. VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., March 1. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEOK, General-in-Chief: The Queen of the West is now at Warrenton, with the rebel flag fly- ing. Distant firing was heard, lasting from 4 p. in. yesterday until 1 this morning. It is supposed to have been between the Queen and Iu- dianola. Apprehension is felt for the safety of the Indianola. U. S. GRANT. BEFORE VJCKSBURG, MISS., February 27, 18632.30 p. m. VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., March 2. Major-General HALLECK, General-in- Chief: News just received that the Queen of the West and Webb attacked the In4janola about .35 ~niles below Vie ksbnrg the night of the 24th Page 19 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 19 and, after an engagement of about forty minutes, captured her with most of her crew. It is said the Indianola afterward sank. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, March 1, 1863. INlaj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Near Vieksburg, Miss.: GENERAL: There is a vacant major-generalcy in the Regular Army, and 1 am authorized to say that it will be given to the general in the field who first wins an important and decisive victory. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, March 5, 18632.26 p. m. Maj or-General GRANT, Near Vieksburg, Miss.: It is of great importance that transports be returned from your corn- man(l as far as it is I)ossible; otherwise you will be short of si~pplies. Steam vessels on the upper rivers are very scarce. Vessels on the river between Memphis and Vicksburg should go in fleets, under con- voy. Make requisition on Admiral Porter for convoys. The unneces- sary detention of transports down the Mississippi River is a matter of the most serious importance, and requires your immediate attention. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. BEFORE VICKSBURG, MISS., March 6, 186312 p. in. VIA CAIRO, iLL., Miareh 12. Maj. Gei. H. W. JIALLECK, General-in- Chief: The canal is near completion. Troops expected from Saint Louis not yet heard from. I will have Vicksburg this month, or fail in the attempt. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vieksburg, Miss., March 7, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: I telegraphed you yesterday the near approach to coin- pletion of the canal. The water is extremely high; several feet above the highest ground inside the levee. Last night one of the dams across the upper end of the canal gave way, filling up where men were at work getting out stumps, and thus - setting back the work for several (lays. I hope yet, however, to have this work completed as early as I couhi possibly take advantage of it if it was already done Page 20 20 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, FTC. [CHAr. XXXVI. The troops expected from Saint Louis are not yet heard from, and all that I am bringing from West Tennessee are not yet down. The work of getting through Lake Providence and Bayou Macon, there is but little possibility of proving successfiul. if the work had been commenced in time, however, there is but little question of the success of the enterprise. The land from Lake Providence and also from Bayou Macon recedes until the lowest interval between the two widens out into a cypress swamp, where Bayou Baxter, which connects the two, is lost. This flat is now filled to the depth of several feet with water, making the work of clearing out the timber exceedingly sl.ow, and rendering it impracticable to make an artificial channel. The Yazoo Pass expedition is a much greater success. Admiral Porter sent in four gunboats, and I sent a fleet of transports, with about 6,000 men. They were to clear the Yazoo and tributaries of all steamboats and em- bryo gunboats, and, if possible, destroy the railroad bridges at Grenada. The gunboats were to approach as near Haynes Bluff as possible, and fire signal guns to warn the squadron in the mouth of the Yazoo of their presence. Last night, about 12 oclock, Admiral Porter sent me word that the signal agreed upon had been heard. I am now sending General McPherson, with his army corps and enough other troops to make full 25,000 effective men, to effect a lodg- ment on the high ground on the east bank of the Yazoo. Once there with his entire force he will move down in transports and by land to the vicinity of Ilaynes Bluff. Before moving down, however, below Yazoo City, General McPherson will be made acquainte(l with the full plan of attack that may then be determined upon, and the time will be so arranged that there will be full co-operation of my entire force. Our movements have evidently served to distract the enemy and make him scatter his heavy guns. His forces are also scattered, but they, with the light artillery, can be got to any one point. The health of this command is good, and the greatest confidence felt by officers and men. The most ample provision that I ever saw has been made for the comfort of the sick. The dredging machines brought here by Col. G. G. Pride work to a charm. After the accident of last night, all work would have had to be suspended until there was a fall of at least 3 feet (the river is still rising), but for these machines. Much credit is due Colonel Pride for his selection of them. But for his l)ersonal attention to the selection of them, old and worn-out ones would have been sent, and the result probably would have been that they would have given out before their work was half done. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS I)EPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, March 17, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Since the givin ~ way of the dam at the upper end of the canal, work with the dredges has progressed favorably, but all- attempts to stop the rush of water into the canal have proved abortive. If re- quired, however, the canal can be made to pass boats of ordinary size in a few days Page 21 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 21 The enemy were busily engaged firing from the opposite heights yes- terday and last night at the dredge-boat nearest the lower end of the canal. Their shots did no damage, though many of the large ones reached half way across the point. Ordinary Ohio River boats can now pass from Lake Providence into Bayou Macon, and thence, by easy navigation, to the mouth of Red River. I make no calculations upon using this route for the present, but it may be turned to practical use after effecting present plans. The same may be said of the canal across the point. I learn from Jackson (Miss.) papers, of the 14th, that one of our gun- boats had run down to Greenwood and exchanged a few shots with the fort at that point. Further information from the enemy shows that several thousand troops have gone from Vicksburg up the Yazoo River. Besides four gunboats (one of them iron-clad) I have a division of troops there now, and Quinbys division in the pass on their way down. One division from Memphis should also be omi their way now. The great difficulty of getting small-class steamers adapted to this service has retarded movements by the way of Yazoo Pass materially. To hem in the enemy on the Yazoo, Admiral Porter has gone into Deer Creek by the way of Steeles Bayou and Little Black Bayou. From there he can get into the Yazoo either by running up Deer Creek to Rolling Fork, thence through the fork and dowmi the Big Sunflower, all of which are navigable, or down Deer Creek to the Yazoo. Admiral Porter and myself went up Steeles Bayou to Little Black Bayou on the 15th. With the exception of overhanging trees in some places, the navigation was good for the gunboat General Price. I am having those obstructions removed. We were preceded by four of the old iron-dads, that found 110 difficulty in the navigation. I returned in the evening for the purpose of hurrying up men and means for clear- ing the channel. I also sent Sherman to make a reconnaissance in com- pany with the gunboats, with a view of effecting a landing with troops on high ground on the east bank of the Yazoo, from which to act against lilaynes Bluff~ Last night I receive(l a dispatch from Admiral Porter saying that the iron-dads had pushed into Black Bayou, and had reached to within a quarter of a mile of Deer Creek, where they had become entangled in the timber, and could not move until it was cut out, and asking me for a force of 3,000 men to act with him. Fortunately I had already sent all that the boats at hand suitable for that navigation and immediately available could carry. I am now sending the remainder of ~ old division, and will push troops through, if Sherman reports favorably, as fast as our means will admit. These troops go up the Mississippi River in large transports about 30 miles, and to where Steeles Bayou comcs within 1 mile of the Mississip~)i. The small-class boats can ferry them from that I)oint, and thus save the (histance from the mouth of the Yazoo to, and also the most difficult l)art of the navigation in, Steeles Bayou. There is evident indication of considerable excitement in Vicksburg. I think they ar~ removing many of their troops, but cannot satisfy my- self to what l)oint. Some we know have gone up the Yazoo, and it may be that others are going to Port hudson. I have no means of learning anything from below, except what is occasionally learned through Southern papers. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 22 22 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEF, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. WAShING TON, March 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gommanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Your letter of March 7 is received. It is the first com- munication from you for some time which has reached here. It is very desirable that you keep us advised of your operations, iu order that proper instructions may be sent to General Banks, General Rosecrans & c. Send telegrams to Memphis by every opportunity. In operating by the Yazoo, you have, no doubt, fully considered the advantages and dangers of the expedition. Our information here on that subject is very limited and unsatisfactory. There is one point, however, which has been discussed, and to which I would particularly call your attention; it is the danger, on the fall of the water in the Mississippi, of having your steamers caught in the Upper Yazoo, so as to be unable to extricate them. In the present scarcity of steamers on the western rivers, this would be a very serious loss. Another danger is, that the enemy may concentrate a large force upon the isolated col- umn of McPherson without your being able to assist him. I mention these matters in order that you may give them your full attention. When the operations of au army are directed to one particular object it is always dangerous to divide forces. All accessories should be sac- rificed for the sake of concentration. The great object on your line now is the opening of the Mississippi River, and everything else must tend to that purpose. The eyes and hopes of the whole country are now directed to your army. In my opinion, the opening of the Mississippi River will be to us of more advantage than the capture of forty Rich- monds. We shall omit nothing which we can do to assist you. Permit me to repeat the importance of your frequently advising me by telegraph from Memphis. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief WAR DEPARTMENT, Major-General GRANT, Washington, ]Jlarch 24, 1863~ Before Yicksburg, Miss.: I must again call your attention to the importance of your miot retain- ing so many steamers in the Mississippi. It is absolutely necessary that a part of these boats be returned. We cannot otherwise supply our armies in Tennessee and Kentucky. This matter must be attended to without delay. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief NEAR VICKSBURG, Miss March 24, 1863, VIA CAIRO, ILL., March 31. Maj. Gen. [I. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: At last accounts Yazoo Pass expeditiomi was yet at Greenwood. Ad- miral Porter and Sherman are attempting to get ii.mto the Yazoo below Yazoo City. No news from them for several days. Farragut holds the river above Port Hudson. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 23 CHAr. XXXVI.) GENERAL REPORTS. 23 NEAR VJCKSBURG, Miss., March 25, 1863, YiN CAIRO, ILL., March 31. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLEOJi, General-in- Chief: Two rams attempted to run the blockade this morning. One suc- ceeded, in damaged condition. They were intended to strengthen Far- ragut. Porter is returning. l)id riot succeed in reaching the Yazoo. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before T7icksburg, Miss., March 27, 1863. General II. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: All work, excepting repairing the crevasse in the canal levee, has been suspended for several days, the enemy having driven the dredgers entirely out. The canal may be useful in passing boats through at night, to be use(l below, but nothing further. Admiral Porter has returned from his attempt to reach the Yazoo iliver below Yazoo City. The difficult navigation of the bayous from the Yazoo River through Black Bayou and Deer Creek caused so much time to be consumed that the enemy got wind of the movement in time to blockade the creek just where the boats would leave it. As the enemy ocelIpiC(l the ground in considerable force where they could prevent the clearing out of these obstructions, the admiral was forced to desist from further efforts to proceed when within a few hun- (Ired yards of clear sailing to the Yazoo. Rolling Fork and Sunflower are navigable, steamers having come by this route to within sight of our gunboats while they were in Deer Creek. The moment I heard that Admiral Porter had started on his return, I sent orders for the return of the Yazoo Pass expedition from Fort Greenwood. From information I have, other and greater difficulties would be found in navigating the Yazoo below Greenwood. Consid- erable preparation has been made to receive our forces coming by that route. I get papers and deserters frequently from Yicksburg, but am not able to arrive at any definite conclusion as to their numbers. I do not anticipate any trouble, however, if a landing can be effected. On the morning of the 25th General Ellet sent two ramsthe Switz- erland and the Lancasterto joiii Admiral Farragut. The last-named rain received a shot in the boiler long before reaching the front of the city. She floated down, however, receiving many more shots, but with- out materially further disabling her. She will be ready for service before to-morrow night, and is a flue vessel. The other boat received a shot, and immediately went to pieces. A large part, containing the machin- ery, tipped over, spilling it in the river. The wreck floated down and lodged at our lower l)ickets, bottom up. She was very rotten and worth- less. The shot received would not have damaged a sound vessel seri- ously. This is what Admiral Farragut and army officers, who have examined the wreck, report to me. Since no casualties occurred, it was fortunate that she is lost; for had she not been at this time, she might have been at some other time, when more valuable vessels might have been risked, relying on this boat for assistance. It is almost cer~aiu that had she made one ra Page 24 24 MiSSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL into another vessel she would have closed up like a spy-glass, encompass- ing all on board. I have just learned from a contraband (reliable) that most of the forces from Vicksburg ~re now up the Yazoo, leaving not to exceed 10,000 in the city to-day. The batteries are the same, however, and would cause the same difficulty in landing that would be experienced against a heavy force; besides, the very cause of the absence of so many troops from Vicksburo- ats and troops in and toward our gunbo the Yazoo, prevents our taking advantage of the circumstances. I have no doubt of the truth of my information, because it is substantiated by Southern papers and by deserters, so far as the sending of a large force np the Yazoo. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before TTicksburg, March 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: A dispatch to release boats and letter on the subject of the Yazoo expedition are both just received; the letter, also, enjoining me to keep you informed of the situation constantly by telegraph. I have been very particular to write and telegraph often, even when there was nothing important to say, knowing that you would feel anx- ious to be constantly posted. The letters, I presume, reach, but the dispatches must in many instances have failed. In regard to sending back boats from here, I gave and reiterate(l the order to General MeClernand to do so before leaving Memphis. On my arrival, however, I found the river rising so rapidly that there was no telling what moment all hands might be driven to the boats. As soon as this danger was passed, so many boats were released that I could have moved but a small force at one time. I wrote you fully on the subject of the Yazoo expedition a few days ago. If you do not receive at least one letter and two dispatches per week from me, general, be assured that some of them miscarry. In ad- dition, I will telegraph as often as anything may occur of any impor- tance. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. NEAR VICKSBURG, i~IIss, April 2, 1863. VIA CAIRO, ILL., April 7. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: In two weeks I expect to be able to collect all my forces and turn the enemys left. With present high water the extent of ground npon which troops could laud at Ilaynes Bluff is so limited that the place is impregnable. I reconnoitered the place yesterday with Porter and Sher- man. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 25 CHAr. XXXVI.] 25 GENERAL REPORTS. WASHINGTON, April 2, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, before Vicksburg: GENERAL: Your dispatch of March 17 and also your telegrams of March 24 and 25 were received yesterday. While working npon the canal, the division of your forces into several eccentric operations may have been very proper for the purpose of re- connoitering the country; but it is very important that, when you strike any blow, you should have your troops sufficiently concentrated to make that blow effective. The division of your army into small expeditions destroys yonr strength, and, when in the presence of an enemy, is very dangerous. What is most desired, and your attention is again called to this object, is that your forces and those of General Banks should be brought into co-operation as early as possible. If he cannot get up to co-operate with yon on Yicksburg, cannot you get troops down to hell) him on Port Hudson, or, at least, can you not destroy Grand Gulf before it becomes too strong? I know that you can judge of these matters there much better than I can here; but as the President, who seems to be rather impatient about matters on the Mississippi, has several times asked me these questions, I repeat them to you. As the season when we can do very little on the Lower Mississippi is rapidly advancing, 1 hope you will push matters wit] all possible dis- patch. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Th W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, April 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: By information from the south, by way of Corinth, I learn that the enemy iu front of iRosecrans have been re-enforced from Rich- inond, Charleston, Savannah, Mobile, and afew from Vicksburg. They have also collected a cavalry force of 20,000 men. All the bridges east- ward from Savannah and north from Florence are being rapidly repaired. Chalmers is put in command of Northern Mississippi, and is collecting all the Partisan Rangers and loose and independent companies of cav- alry that have been operating in this department. He is now occupy- ing the line of the Tallahatchee. This portends preparation to attack Rosecrans, and to be able to follow up any success with rapidity, also to make a simultaneous raid into West Tennessee, both from Northern Mississippi and by crossing the Tennessee River. To counteract this, Admiral Porter has consented to send the Marine Brigade up the Ten- nessee River to co-operate with General Dodge at Corinth. I have also ordered an additional regiment of cavalry from Helena into West Tennessee. I inclose with this a letter from Major-General Hurlbut, giving a programme, which he wishes to carry out, and so much of it as to drive the enemy from the Tallahatchee and cutting the roads where they have been repaired, I think can be successfully executed. I will in- struct him not to scatter his forces so as to risk losing them. I have placed one division of troops on Deer Creek, with communication back to the Mississippi River, just above Lake Washington. The object o Page 26 26 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. this move is to keep the enemy from (irawing supplies from that rich region (and use them ourselves) and to attract the attention of the enemy in that direction. The navigatiomi is practicable for our iron-dads and small steamers through to the Yazoo River, by the route lately tried by Admiral , ~vith the exception of a few hundred yard8 in Deer Creek, near Rolling Fork. This was obstructed by the enemy, and they are now guarding and fortifying there. This move will have a tendency to make them throw in an additional force there and move some of their guns. My force had as well be there as here until I want to use them. A reconnaissance to Haynes Bluff demonstrates the im- l)racticability of attacking that l)lace during the present stage of water. The west bank of the river is densely wooded and is iimler water. The east bank only runs up to the bluff for a short distance below the raft, then diverges, leaving a bottom widening all the way down, in most part covered by water, and all of it next to the bluiTh so covered. The hillsides are lined with rifle-pits, with embrasures here and there for field artillery. To storm this, but a small force could be used at the outset. With the present batteries of the enemy, the canal across the point can be of but little use. There is a system of bayous running from Millikens Bend, and also from near the river at this point, that are navigable for barges and small steamers passing around by Richmond to New Carthage. The dredges are now engaged cutting a canal from here into these bayous. I am having all the empty coal and other barges prepared for carrying troops and artillery, and have written to Colonel [Robert] Allen for some more, and also for six tugs to tow them. With these it would be easy to carry supplies to New Carthage, and for any point south of that. My expectation is for a portion of the naval fleet to run the batteries of Vicks burg, whilst t lie army moves through by this new route. Once there, I will move cit-her to Warrenton or Grand Gulf; most probably the latter. From either of these points there are good roads to Vicks- burg, and from Grand Gulf there is a good road to Jackson and the Black River Bridge without crossing Black River. This is the only move I now see as practicable, and hope it will meet your approval. I will keep my army together, and see to it that I am not cut off from my supplies, or beaten in any other way than in fair fight. The discipline and health of this army is now good, and I am satisfied the greatest confidence of success prevails. I have directed General Webster to commence the reconstruction of the railroad between Grand Junction and Corinth. The labor will be performed by the engineer regiment and contrabands, thus saving ad- ditional expense. The streams will be crossed on l)iles. In this way the work should be done by the first of May. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. [Inclosure No. 1.] MEMPHIS, April 1, 1803. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Young8 Point: GENERAL: The present situation of the enemys forces is submitted to you: Brig. Geii. S. A. [H.] Wood, commanding Northern Alabama, headquarters Florence; about 4,000 men, mostly mounted; two batteries artillery; pickets along line of Bear Creek. Colonel [C. R.] Barteaus brigade of cavalry, lately re-enforced; headquarters Verona; pickets t Page 27 CnAP. XXXvi GENEITh1~ tIEPORTS. 27 Haidwyn. Next Hant and W. C.j Falkijer, each a regiment of cav- alry, extending along line of Tallahatchee; pickets north of buy Springs (Falkuer, however, is now at Panola). Brigadier-General Chal- mers, commanding Northern Mississippi, headquarters at Panola. [T. W.] Ham, McGirk [John MeGuirk], [W. W.j Faulkner, [G. L.] Blythe, and [R. V.] Richardson, and all roving bands are ordered to report to Chalmers. He has one six-gun battery at Panola and one behind the Tallahatchee, near Abbeville. On east side of the river, Cox, Roddey, and a portion of Van Dorns force are in Hardin, Wayne, and other counties. They are collecting stores, and have flats in Horse Creek and iDuck River. There is every indication of a raid to be made soon on our lines of communication. I absolutely need another regiment of cavalry at once for General ~Dodge; with that furnished me, a good regiment with good horses, I will move from Corinth, La Grange, and this place simultaneously, sweeping round from Corinth to Pontotoc, from La Grange straight down the ridge, with three regiments, throwing one iu above Oxford, rind cutting the Mississippi Central; the other by Okolona, and perhaps to Columbus, now lightly guarded, cutting that road, while Grierson, with his regiment, would proceed by forced marches to Selma or Me- ridiaii. Both Selma and Meridiaii have few troops. To break the (Jhnnkey River or Pearl River Bridge would be my object. Their roll. ing stock is reduced and wearing out, as Barney informs me, and they limit trains to 10 miles an hour. They are drawing supI)lies from Kox- ubee and other counties of Mississippi, and conscripting relentlessly. As part of this movement, I will send from La Grange or Holly Springs a brigade of infantry and some artillery, and destroy the Tallahatchee Bridge, now being repaired, and break np the car-wheels and axles left there at the time of our withdrawal, which are of vast service to them. I shall also move a force to the left of Panola from this place, so as to keep Chalmers quiet or drive him back toward Grenada. I dislike to make this movement without more cavalry for Dodge, as he is the most exposed of any point. I therefore urgently request an- other regiment to be sent me at once. If none can be spared from below, I will go on with what I have as soon as I receive your orders. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT, Major- General. [Indosure No. 2Extract.] They (the rebels) are still massing their forces upon Rosecrans, de- termined to overwhelm him. Their cavalry force is very large, fully 20,000, and they are making every effort to swell it to 25,000, and to crush him by relentless pursuit it the advantage is with them. They are drawing forces to re-enforce Johnston from Richmond, Charleston, Savannah, Mobile, Vicksbnrg, although few have gone from Vicksburg. The force within supporting distance of Yicksburg he estimates at from 50,000 to 75,000 men. WASHINGTON, April 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, before Vicksbury: GENERAL: Yours of March 29 is just received. Your explanation iii regard to sending back steamers is satisfactory. 1 hope you will keep in mind the grbat importance of not unnecessaril Page 28 28 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. detaining them, on account of the great embarrassment it causes the Quartermasters Department in supplying our Western armies. In regard to your dispatches, it is very probable that many fail to reach here in time. It is exceedingly important that General Banks should be kept advised of everything that is done in your vicinity, and the only way he can get this information is through these headquarters. You are too well advised of the anxiety of the Government for your success, and its disappointment at the delay, to render it necessary to urge upon you the importance of early action. I am confident that you will do everything possible to open the Mississippi River. In my opinion this is the most important operation of the war, and nothing must be neglected to insure success. General [Charles S.] Hamiltons resignation has been received, but has not yet been acted on, the President and Secretary being absent. No doubt he resigns to get a higher command. This game sometimes succeeds, but it also sometimes fails. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK General-in- Chief. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 11, 18639 p. m. VIA CAIRO, ILL., April 16. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in. Chief: The Yazoo expedition has reached the Mississippi. My forces in a few days will all be concentrated here. Grand Gulf is the point at which I expect to strike, and send an army corps to Port Hudson to co-operate with General Banks. Will reach the 1~Iississippi at New Carthage, now in my possession, with wagon road and canal and bayous navigable for tugs and barges between here and there. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Millikens Bend La Col. J. C. KELTON, , ., April 12, 1863. Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: Herewith I send you reports of Major-General Sherman, and the division and brigade commanders under him, of the late recon- naissance through Steeles and Black Bayous and Deer Creek, made by them in conjunction with a portion of Admiral Porters fleet, commanded by himself in persou.* The object of the expedition was to find a practicable passage to the Yazoo River without passing the enemys batteries at Haynes Bluff, to liberate our fleet and troops then held above Greenwood, and, if found sufficiently practicable, to enable me to land most of my forces east of the Yazoo, at some point from which Haynes Bluff and Vicksburg could be reached by high land. The accompanying reports show the imprac- ticability of the route. This expedition, however, was not without its results. It carried our troops into the heart of the granary from which the Vicksburg forces are now being fed. It caused great alarni among the enemy, and led them to move a number of their guns from batteries on the river. The citizens fled from their plantations, and burned several thousand bales * See pp~ 431454 Page 29 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 29 of cotton. Some not burned was brought away by the gunboats. Much of their beef, bacon, and poultry was consumed by our troops and dis- tributed among the negroes. A scow loaded with bacoii for the enemy was destroyed, and l)robably 200,000 bushels of corn, in the crib, was burned up. Several hundred negroes alsoreturned with the troops. The recent expedition of General Steele to the neighborhood of Roll- ing Fork shows that the enemy are still holding that l)OsitiOu. lie also destroyed several hundred thousand bushels of corn, and brought uft~ about 1,000 head of stock and a number of the laboring class. Very respectfully, your obedient servant~ U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Millikens Bend, La., April 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: There is nothing iii the way now of my throwing troops into Grand Gulf and destroying the works there, theu sending them on to Port Hudson, to co-operate with General Banks in the reduction of that place, but the danger of overflowing the road from here to New Carthage when the water is let into the new canal connecting the river here with the bayous coming out at Carthage. One division of troops is now at Carthage and another on the way. By turning in the water to the canal, water communication can be opened between the two places in a very few days for barges and tugs. Of the former I bave but fifteen as yet, and of the latter but three suitable for this navigation. To use this route, therefore, it is absolutely necessary to keep open the wagon road to take over artillery and to march the troops. In about three nights from this time Admiral Porter will run the Vicksburg batteries with such of his fleet as he desires to take below, and I will send four steamers, the machinery protected from shot by hay- bales and sand-bags, to be used in transporting troops and in towing barges. The wagon road, by filling up the lowest ground (this work must now be nearly completed), will be about 20 inches above the water iu the swamps. The river, where it is to be let into the canal, is 4.09 feet above the land. This, however, is 15 miles, by the river, below where the dirt road starts out. Had I seen nothing of the effect of crevasses upon the back country, I should not doubt the effect would be to over- flow the whole country through which we pass; but there has been a large crevasse just below where this canal leaves the river for a long time, through which the water has been pouring in great volume. I cannot see that this additional crevasse is going to have much other effect than to increase the breaks in the bayou levees, so as to make the discharge equal to the supply. I will have a map of this section made to sen(l you by next mail, which will make this more intelligible. The embarrassments I have had to contend against on account of ex- treme high water cannot be appreciated by any one not present to wit- ness it. I think, however, that you will receive flivorable reports of the condition and feeling of this army from every impartial judge and from all who have been sent from Washington to look after its welfare. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 30 30 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CIL& r. XXXVI. MEMPHIS, TENTh, April 17, 1863. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: Seven gunboats and three transports ran the Vicksburg batteries last night. The crew of the steamer flenry Clay, excepting the pilot, de- serted soon after getting under fire. The boat took fire and burned up. One other transport slightly damaged. One man killed and 3 wounded on the l3enton. No further casualties reported. A number of barges were also sent. U. S. GRANT, Major. General. Forwarded from Memphis and sent by steamer to Cairo. The seces- sionists here report Yicksburg abandoned. S. A. IIURLBUT, Major. General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Alillikens Bend La General H. W. HALLECK, , ., April 19, 1863. TVashington, D. C.: GENERAL: J returned last night from New Carthage, at and near which place Admiral Porters fleet is lying (six iron-dads and time ram General Price), together with two divisions of General McClernands corps. The whole of his corps is between Richmond and New Carthage. I had all the empty barges here prepared for the transportation of troops and artillery, and sent ten of them by the Yicksburg batteries with the fleet. While under the guns of the enemys batteries they were cut loose, and I fear that some of them have been permitted to run past New Carthage undiscovered. They were relied npon to aid in the transportation of troops to take Grand Gulf The wagon road from here to within 2 miles of New Carthage is good for artillery. From that point on the bayou, levee is broken in a number of l)laces, making crosscurrents in the bayou; hence it is difficult to navigate with barges. I think, however, steamers will be able to run from where the wagon road ends to the river. By clearing out the bayous from timber, there will be good navigatiou from here to New Carthage for tngs and barges, also small stern-wheel steamers. This navigation can be kept good, I think, by nsing our dredges constantly, nutil there is 20 feet fall. On this subject, however, I have not taken the opinion of an engineer officer, nor have I formed it npon sufficient investigation to warrant me in speaking positively. Our experiment of running the batteries at Yicksburg, I think, has demonstrated the entire practicability of doing so with but little risk. On this occasion our vessels went down even slower thaii the current, using their wheels principally for backing. Two of the steamers were drawn into the eddy, and ran over a part of the distance in front of Vicksburg three times. I shall send six more steamers b~ the batteries as soon as they can possibly be got ready. I sent a dispatch to General Banks that I thought I could send an army corps to Bayou Sara to co-operate with him on Port Hudson by the 25th. This will now be impossible. There shall be no unnecessary delay, however, in my movements. I hope very soon to be able to re- l)ort our possession of Grand Gulf, with a l)ractical)le and safe route t Page 31 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 31 furnish supplies to the troops. Once there, I do not feel a doubt of success in the entire cleaning out of the enemy from the banks of the river. At least three of my army corps commanders take hold of the new policy of arming the negroes and using them against the enemy with a will. They, at least, are so much of soldiers as to feel themselves under obligation to carry out a policy which they would not inaugurate in the same goo(l faith and with the same zeal as if it was of their own choos- ing. You may rely on inc carrying out any policy ordered by proper authority to the best of my ability. * U. S. GRANT, Miajor- General. MILLIKENS REND, LA., April 21, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., April 24. Maj. Gen. IL XV. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: I move my headquarters to New Carthage to-morrow. Every effort will be exerted to get speedy possession of Grand Gulf, and from that point to open the Mississippi. If I do not underestimate the enemy, my force is abundant, with a foothold once obtained, to do the work. Six transports will run the Yicksbnrg batteries to-night. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. YOUNGS POINT, LA., April 23, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., April 251 p. m. Maj. Gen. II. W HALLECK, General-in- Chief: Six boats and a number of barges ran the Vicksburg batteries last night. All the boats got by more or less damaged. The Tigress sunk ~it 3 a. in., and is a total loss. Crew all safe. The Moderator was much (la1na~cd. I think all the barges went through safely. Col. C. B. Lagow, of my stall; was on the Tigress, in coin inand of the fleet. Casualties, so far as reported, 2 men mortally wounded, and several (number not known) wounded, more or less severely. About five hundrt~d shots were fired. I look upon this as a great success. At the Warrenton batteries there was heavy firing, but all the boats were 5CCIi to go past. What damage done there is not known. U. S. GRANT, Major. General. NEAR GRAND GULF, MIss., April 27, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN May 29 p. m. Maj. Gen. II. XV. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: Moving troops from Smiths T)lautation has been a tedious operation; more so than it should have been. I am now embarking troops for the attack on Grand GulL Expect to reduce it to-morrow. U. S. GRANT. * Sec lIalleck to Grant, M~irch 81, Iart IH, p. 156 Page 32 32 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. NEAR GRAND GULF, Miss., April 29, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., May 49 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: The gunboats engaged Grand Gulf batteries from 8 a. m. until 1 p. in., and from dusk until 10 p. in. The army and transports are now below Grand Gulf. A landing will be effected on the east bank of the river to-morrow. I feel that the battle is now more thaii half won. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Grand Gulf, Miss., May 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in. Chief, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: On April 29, Admiral Porter attacked the fortifications at this place with seven iron-dads, commencing at 8 a. in., and con- tinued until 1.30 p. in., engaging them at very close quarters, many times not being more than 100 yards from the enemy~s guns. During this time I had about 10,000 troops on board transports and in barges alongside, ready to land them and carry the place by storm the moment the batteries bearing on the river were silenced, so as to make the landing practicable. From the great elevation the enemys batteries had, it proved entirely impracticable to silence them from the river, and when the gunboats were drawn off, I immediately decided upon landing my forces on the Louisiana shore and march them across the point to below the Gulf At night the gunboats made another vigorous attack, and in the din the transports safely ran the blockade. On the following day the whole of the force with me was transferred to Bruinsburg, the first point of land below Grand Gulf from which the interior can be reached, and the march immediately commenced for Port Gibson. General McClernand was in the advance, with the Thir- teenth Army Corps. At about 2 a. in., May 1, when some 4 miles from Port Gibson, he met the enemy, and some little skirmishing took place before daylight, but not to any great extent. The Thirteenth Army Corps was followed by Logans division, of McPhersons corps, which reached the scene of action as soon as the last of the Thirteenth was out of the road. The fighting continued all day, and until after dark, over the most broken country I ever saw. The whole country is a series of irregular ridges, divided by deep and im- passable ravines, grown up with heavy timber, undergrowth, and cane. It was impossible to engage any considerable portion of our forces at any one time. The enemy were driven, however, from point to point, toward Port Gibson, until night closed in, under which, it was evident to me, they intended to retreat. The pursuit was continued after dark until the enemy was again met by Logans division about 2 miles from Port Gibson. The nature of the country is such that further pursuit in the dark was not deemed prudent or advisable. On the 2d, our troops moved into the town without finding any enemy except their wounded. The bridge across Bayou Pierre, about 2 miles from Port Gibson, on the Grand Gulf road, had been destroyed, and also the bridge immediately at Port Gibson, on the Vicksburg road Page 33 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 33 The enemy retreated over both these routes, leaving a battery and several regiments of infantry at the former to prevent a reconstruction of the bridge. One brigade under General Stevenson was detached to drive the enemy from this position, or occupy his attention, and a heavy detail set to work under Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson and Captain Tresilian, to reconstruct the bridge over the others. This work was accomplished; a bridge and roadway over 120 fret long made, and the whole of Mc- Phersons two divisions marched over before night. This corps then marched 8 miles to North Fork of Bayou Pierre, rebuilt a bridge over that stream, and was on the march by 5.30 this a. m. Soon after cross- ing the bayou, our troops were opened on by the artillery of the enemy. It was soon demonstrated that this was only intended to cover the re- treat of the main army. On arriving at Willow Springs. General Mc- Pherson was directed to hold the position from there on to the Big Black with one division, and General McClernand on his arrival to join him in this duty. I immediately started for this place with one brigade of Logans divis- ion and some 20 cavalrymen. The brigade of infantry was left about 7 miles from here, contrabands and prisoners taken having stated that the last of the retreating enemy had passed that point. The woods between here and the crossing of the Big Black are evi- dently filled yet with detachments of the enemy and some of the artil- lery. I am in hopes many of them will be picked up by our forces. Our loss will not exceed 150 killed and 500 wounded.* The enemys loss is probably about the same. We have, however, some 500 of their men prisoners, and may yet pick up many more. Many stragglers, particularly from the Missouri troops, no doubt have fallen out and will never join their regiments again. The move by Bruinsburg undoubtedly took the enemy much by sur- prise. General [John S.] Bowens (the rebel commander) defense was a very bold one and well carried out. My force, however, was too heavy for his, and composed of well-disciplined and hardy men, who know no defeat, and are not willin.g to learn what it is. This army is in the finest health and spirits. Since leaving Millikeiis Bend they have marched as much by night as by day, through mud and rain, without tents or much other baggage, and on irregular rations, without a complaint, and with less straggling than I have ever before witnessed. Where all have done so nobly it would be out of place to make in- vidious distinction. The country will supply all the forage required for anything like an active campaign, and the necessaryfresh beef Other supplies will have to be drawn from Millikens Bend. This is a long and precarious route, but I have every confidence in succeeding in doing it. I shall not bring my troops into this place, but immediately follow the enemy, and, if all promises as favorable hereafter as it does now, not stop nutil Vicksburg is in our possession. Admiral Porter left here this morning for the mouth of Red River. A letter from Admiral Farragut says that Banks has defeated Taylor and captured about 2,000 prisoners. Colonel Griersons raid from La Grange through Mississippi has been the most successful thing of the kind since the breaking out of the rebellion. He was 5 miles south of Pontotoc on April 19. The next * But see revisea statement, p. 582. 3 R RYOL XXIV, PT Page 34 34 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAI?. XXXVI. place he turned up was at Newton, about 30 miles east of Jackson. From there he has gone south, touching at Hazlehurst. Byhalia, and various other places. The Southern papers and Soutlicrii l)eople ic- gard it as one of the most daring exploits of the war. I am told the whole State is filled with men paroled by Grierson. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major. General. GRAND GULF, Miss., May 3, 1863. VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., May 7. Maj. Gen. H. XV. HALLECK General.in-Chief: We landed at Bruinsbnrg April 30. Moved immediately on Port Gibson. Met the enemy (11,000 strong) 4 miles south of Port Gibson at 2 a. m. on the 1st, and engaged him all day, entirely routing him, with the loss of many killed and about 500 prisoners, besides the wounded. Our loss about 100 killed and 500 wounded. The enemy retreated toward Vicksburg, destroying the bridges over the two forks of Bayou Pierre. These were rebuilt, and pursuit continued until the J)resent time. Besides the heavy artillery at this l)lace, four field pieces were captured, some stores, and the enemy driven to destroy many more. The country is the most broken and difficult to operate in I ever saw. Our victory has been most complete, and the enemy thoroughly de. moralized. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. GRAND GULF, MISS., May 6, 1863. VIA CAIRO, ILL .,MayS. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I learn that Colonel Grierson, with his cavalry, has been heard of; first about ten days ago, in Northern Mississippi. He moved thence and struck the railroad 30 miles east of Jackson, at a point called Newtons Station. He then moved southward toward Enterprise, demanded the surrender of the place, and gave one hours grace, during which Gen- eral Loring arrived. He left at once, and moved toward Hazlehurst, on the New Orleans and Jackson Railroad. At this point he tore up the track~ thence to Byhalia, 10 miles farther south on the same road; thence eastward on the Natchez road, where he had a fight with Wirt Adams cavalry. From this point he moved back, to the New Or- leans and Jackson Railroad, to Brookhaven, 10 miles south of Byhalia. When last heard from, he was 3 miles from Snuimit, 10 miles south of the last-named point, supposed to be making his way to Baton Rouge. He had spread excitement throughout the State, destroying railroads, trestle-works, bridges, burning locomotives and railway stock, taking prisoners, and destroying stores of all kinds. To use the expression of my informant, Grierson has knocked the heart out of the State. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding Page 35 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 35 HEADQUARTERS IN THE FIELD, )Jay 6, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., May 12. Mal. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Ferrying and transportation of rations to Grand Gulf is detaining us on the Big Black River. I will move as soon as three days rations are received, and send wagons back to the Gulf for more to follow. lnfoi- mation from the other side leads inc to believe the enemy are bringing forces from Tullahoma. Should not General Rosecrans at least make a demonstration of advancing? U. S. GRANT, Major- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 32. f In Field, Hankinsons Ferry, Miss., May 7, 1863. Soldiers of the Army of the Tennessee! Once more I thank you for adding another victory to the long list of those previously won by your valor and endurance. The triumph gained over the enemy near Port Gibson, on the 1st instant, is one of the most important of the war. The capture of five cannon and more than 1,000 prisoners, the posses. sion of Grand Gulf, and a firm foothold upon the highlands between the Big Black and Bayou Pierre, from whence we threaten the whole line of the enemy, are among the fruits of this brilliant achievement. The march from Millikens Bend to a point opposite Grand Gulf was made in stormy weather, over the worst of roads; bridges and ferries had to be constructed; moving by night as well as by day, with labors imicessatit and extraordinary, privations have been endured by men and officers as have rarely been paralleled in any campaign. Not a mur- inur nor a complaint has been uttered. A few days continuance of the same zeal and constancy will secure to this army the crowning victory over the rebellion. More difficulties and privations are before us. Let us endure them manfully. Other battles are to be fought. Let us fight them bravely. A grateful country will rejoice at our success, and his- tory will record it with immortal honor. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. ROCKY SPRINGS, MISS., May 8, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., May 124.30 p. in. Maj. Gen. II. XV. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: Our advance is 15 miles from Edwards Station, on Southern Rail- road. All looks well. Port Hudson is undoubtedly evacuated, except by a small garrison and their heavy artillery. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. (JAYUGA, MISS., May 11, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., May 18. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLEOK, General-in-Chief; My forces will be this evening as far advanced toward Jackson as FourteenMile Creek the left near Big Black River, and extending iii a line nearly east and westas they can get without bringing on a general engagement Page 36 36 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAP. XXXVI. As I shall communicate with Grand Gulf no more, except it becomes necessary to send a train with heavy esc@rt, you may not hear from me again for several days. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. (Indorsement.] Above message was delayed in coming up the river to Memphis. THOS. T. ECKERT. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 11, 186311 a. m. Major-General GRANT, via 31 eniphis, Tenn.: If possible, the forces of yourself and of General Banks should be united between Vicksburg and Port hudson, so as to attack these places separately with the combined forces. The same thing has been urged upon General Banks. General Hooker recrossed to the north of the Itappahaunock, bat he inflicted a greater loss upon the enemy than he received himselL H. W. HALLECK, General-in. Chief. RAYMOND, Miss., May 14, 186312.10 p. in., VIA MEMPHIS, TE~N.,May,lla.m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in.Chief: McPherson took this place on the 12th, after a brisk fight of more than two hours. Our loss, 51 killed and 180 wounded.* Enemys loss, 75 killed, and buried by us; and 186 prisoners, besides wounded. Mc- Pherson is now at Clinton; Sherman on the direct Jackson road, and General McClernand bringing up the rear. I will attack the State capital to-day. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. JACKSON, Miss., dray iS, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., May 209.30 a. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: This place fell into our hands yesterday, after a fight of about three hours. Joe Johnston was in command. The enemy retreated north, evidently with the design of joining the Vicksburg forces. I am con- centrating my forces at Bolton, to cut them off; if possible. A dispatch from General Banks showed him to be off in Louisiana, not to return to Baton Rouge until May 10. I could not lose the time. I have taken many prisoners from Port Hudson, who state that hut one brigade was left there. Port Hudson will be evacnated on the appearance of a force in the rear. I sent a special messenger to General Banks, giving him the substance of the information I had, and asking him to join me as soon as possible. This message was sent on the 10th. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. * But see revised statement, p. 705 Page 37 CJ!AP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 37 NEAR VICKSBU1IG, May 22, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, May 25. General II. W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: Vicksburg is now completely invested. I have possession of Haynes Bluff and the Yazoo; Consequently have supplies. To-day an attempt was made to carry the city by assault, but was not entirely successful. We hold possession, however, of two of the enemy~s forts, and have skirmishers close under all of them. Our loss was not severe. The nature of the ground about Vicksburg is such that it can only be taken by a siege. It is entirely safe to us in time, I would say one week, if the enemy do not send a large army upon my rear. With the railroad destroyed to beyond Pearl River, I do not see the hope that the euem~ can entertain of such relief. I learn that Jeff. Davis has promised that if the garrison can hold out for fifteen days he will send 100,000 men, if he has to evacuate Ten- nessee to do it. What shall I do with the prisoners I have? U. S. GRAINT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Vicksburg, Miss., Jlkty 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. XV. HALLECK, General in- Chief, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: My troops are now disposed with the right (Shermans corps) resting on the Mississippi, where the bluff strikes the water, we having the first crest and the upper of the enemys water batteries. MeClernand is on the left with his corps, his right having about one brigade north of the railroad, the rest south of it. One division ocen- ph~s the roads leading south and southeast from the city. The position is as strong by nature as can possibly be conceived of, and is well forti- fied. The garrison the enemy have to defend it I have no means of knowing, but their force is variously estimated from 10,000 to 20,000. I attempted to carry the place by storm on the 22d, but was unsuc- cessful. Our troops were not repulsed from any point, but simply failed to enter the works of the enemy. At several points they got up to the parapets of the enemys forts, and planted their flags on the outer slope of the embankments, where they still have them. The assault was made simultaneously by the three army CO~j)5 at 10 a. m. The loss on our side was not very heavy at first, but receiving repeated dispatches from General McClernand, saying that he was hard l)ressed on his right and left and calling for re-enforcements, I gave him all of McPhersons corps but four brigades, and caused Sherman to press the enemy on our right, which caused us to double our losses for the day. The whole loss for the day will probably reach 1,500 killed and wounded. General McClernauds dispatches misled me as to the real state of facts, and caused much of this loss. He is entirely unfit for the posi- tion of corps commander, both on the march and on the battle-field. Looking after his corps gives me more labor and infinitely more uneasi- ness than all the remainder of my department. The enemy are now undoubtedly in our grasp. The fall of Vicksburg and the capture of most of the ~rrisou can only be a question of time. I hear a great deal of the enemy bringing a large force from the east t Page 38 38 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. effect a raising of the siege. They may attempt something of the kind, but I do not see how they caii do it. The railroad is effectually (lestrOye(l at Jackson. so that it will take thirty days to repair it. This will leave a march of 50 miles over which the enemy will have to subsist an army, and bring their ordnance stores with teams. My position is so strong that I could hold out for several days against a vastly superior force. I do not see how the enemy could possibly maintain a long attack under these circumstances. I will keep a close watch on the enemy, however. There is a force now at Calhoun Station, about 6 miles north of Canton, on the Mississippi Central Railroad. This is the force that escaped from Jackson, augmented by a few thousand men from the coast cities, intended to re-enforce the latter place before the attack, but failed to reach in time. In the various battles from Port Gibson to Big Black River Bridge, we have taken nearly 6,000 prisoners, besides killed and wounded, and scattered a much larger number. The enemy succeeded in returning to Vicksburg with only three pieces of artillery. The number captured by us was seventy-four grins, besides what was found at Haynes Bluff. From Jackson to this place I have had no opportunity for communi- cating with you. Since that, this army fought a heavy battle near Bakers Creek, on the 16th, beating the enemy badly, killing and cap- turing not less than 4,000 of the enemy, besides capturing most of his artillery. Lorings division was cut off from retreat, and dispersed in every direction. On the 17th, the battle of Big Black River Bridge was fought, the enemy again losing about 2,000 prisoners, seventeen pieces of artillery, and many killed and wounded. The bridges and ferries were destroyed. The march from Edwards Station to Big Black River Bridge was made, bridges for crossing the army constructed, and much of it over in twenty- four hours. (in the 19th, the march to this place was made and the city invested. When I crossed the Mississippi River, the means of ferriage was so limited, and time so important, that I started without teams and an average of but two days rations in haversacks. Our supplies had to be hauled about 60 miles, from Millikens Bend to opposite Grand Gulf and from there to wherever the army marched. We picked up all the teams in the country and free Africans to drive them. Forage and meat were found in great abundance through the country, so that, although not over five days rations were issued in twenty days, yet there was neither suffering nor complaint witnessed in the army. As soon as reports can be got from corps commanders, I will send in a report, embracing the campaign from Millikens Bend to the invest. ment, if not the capture, of Vicksburg. When I crossed the Mississippi River, it was my intention to detach an army corps, or the necessary force, to co-operate with General Banks to secure the reduction of Port Hudson and the union of the two armies, but I received a letter from General Banks, stating that he was in Louisiana, and would return to Baton Rouge by May 10. By the re- duction of Port Hudson he could add only 12,000 to my force. I had certain information that General Joe Johnston was on his way to Jack- son, and that re-enforcements were arriving there constantly from Port Hudson and the Southern cities. Under this state of facts, I could not afford to delay. Beating the enemy to near Port Gibson, I followed him to Hankinsons Ferry, on the Big Black River. This placed my forces 15 miles on their way from Grand Gulf to this place, Big Blac Page 39 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 39 River Bridge, or Jackson, whichever I might turn my attention to. Altogether, I am satisfied that my course was right, and has given us with comparative ease what would have cost serious battles by delay. This army is in the finest possible health and spirits. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. NEAR YICKSBURG, Miss., May 25, 1863. VIA MEMPHIs, TENN., May 29. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chwf: There is evidence of a force collecting ticar Big Black River, north- east of here about 30 miles. I have ordered all the force that can be spare(1 from West Tennessee, and communicated with General Banks, asking him to come with all the force he can. I can manage the force in Vicksburg and an attacking force on the rear of 30,000, but may have more to contend against. Yicksburg will have to be reduced by regular siege. My effective force here is about 50,000, and can be increased 10,000 more from my own command. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Vicksburg, May 25, 1863. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General, Washington, D. C.: COLONEL: Eight men, with 200,000 percussion caps, were arrested whilst attempting to get through our lines into Yicksbnrg. The in- closed cipher was found upon them. Having no one with me who has the ingenuity to translate it, I send it to Washington, hoping that some one there may be able to make it out. Should the meaning ot this cipher be made out, I request that a copy be sent to me. Very respectfully, ~. ~. GRANT, Major- General. [inclosure.] JACKSON, May 25, 1863. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON: MyXAFY. U SL XwasVVUF LSJPbytheBli CYA ruJ200,OOOVEGT. SUAJ. NERP. ZIFM. Itwill beG FOECSZO[Q]Da5 theyNTYMNX. BraggMJTPiIN ZGaQR[KiICMKBSE. WhenitD9~GJX. IwillYOIG. AS. QHY. ~JTWMdoyouYTIAMtheIIKM. VFVE V. llowandwherei5theJSQMLGUGSFTYE. HBFYis your R 0 E E L. J. E. JOHNSTON. [Transiations.*l JACKSON, May 25, 1863. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON: My was captured by the picket. Two hundred thousand cal)5 have been sent. It will be increased as they arrive. Bragg is sending * The key words are Manchester Bluff. The first translation is that of the War Department, in 18433; the secomi that of the Publication Office, War Records, in 1884 Page 40 40 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. a division. When it joins I will come to you. Which do you think the best route? How and where is the enemy operating 0? What is your force? J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, May 25, 11863. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON: My last note was returned by the bearer. Two hundred thousand caps have been sent. It will be continued as they arrive. Bragg is sending a (livision. When it comes I will more to you. Which (10 you think the best route? How and where is the enemy encamped? What is your force? J. B. JOHNSTON. N]~AR VICKSBURG, May 29, 1863. VIA MElVIPIIIS. May 31. Maj. Gen. II. W. IIALLECK, General-in-Chief: The enemy under Johnston is collecting in large force to attack me and rescue the garrison of Vicksburg. I have had my cavalry and six brigades of infantry out looking after them, and they confirm the re- port of a large force being collected at Canton. The number is reported to be 45,000, but may not be so large. If Banks does not come to my assistance, I must be re-enforced from elsewhere. I will avoid a surprise, and do the best I can with all the means at hand. U. S. (IRANT, Major- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, June 2, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Vicksburg, via Memphis: Are you in communication with General Banks? Is he coming toward you or going farther off? Is there or has there been anything to hinder his coming directly to you by water from Alexandria? A. LINCOLN. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, June 2, 186312.30 p. in. Major-General GRANT, Vicksburg, Miss.: Yours of the 29th received. I will do all I can to assist you. I have sent dispatch after dispat~ to General .Banks to join you.* Why he (loes not I cannot understand. His separate operation upon Port flud- son is in direct violation of his instructions, if possible, send him this dispatch. My last dispatch from him was May 4. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief. NEAR VICKSBuRG, MIss., June 3, 1b63. Major-General HALLECK: The approaches are gradually nearing the enemys fortifications. Five days more should Plant our batteries on their parapets. Johnston * See Hallecks correspondence with Banks, Series I, Vols. XV and XXVI Page 41 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 41 is still collecting troops at Canton and Jackson. Some are coming over the railroad, and all the country is joining his standard. The destruc- tion of the enemys artill cry and ordnance stores was so complete that all these must be brought in from a distance. I sent a large force np between the Yazoo and Big Black Rivers. Forage, beef; and bacon were found in great abundance. The forage and bacon were destroyed by our troops and the stock bronglit to camp. 1 ani now placing all my spare force on the narrowest part of land between the two rivers, about 45 miles northeast, with the cavalry watching all the crossings of Big Black River. We shell the town a little every day, and keep the enemy constantly on the alert. We but seldom lose a man now. The best of health and spirits prevail among the troops. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. [JUNE 3, 1863.For correspondence between Halleck and Burnside, in reference to re-enforcements for Grant, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II, p. 384.] NEAR YIOKSBURG, June 8, 1863. (Received Jnne 109.10 p. in.) His Excellency ABRAHAM LINcOLN, President: I send by mail letter from General Banks, of June 4. I am in com- munication with him. He has Port Hudson closely invested. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. NEAR VICKSBTJRG, Miss., June 8, 1863. Maj. Gen. II. W. ITALLECK, General-in- Chief: Vicksbnrg is closely invested. I have a spare force of about 30,000 ineii with which to repel anything from the rear. This includes all I have ordered from West Tennessee. Johnston is concentrating a force at Canton, and now has a l)ortion of it west of Big Black River. My troops have been north as far as Satartia, and on the ridge back of that point there is no force yet. I will make a waste of all the country I can between the two rivers. I am fortitying Haynes Bluff, and will (lefend the line from here to that point at all hazards. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. NnAR VJCKSBURG, Mi~s., June 8, 1863. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: It is reported that three (livisions have left Braggs army to join Johnston. Breckinridge is knowii to have arrived. U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 42 42 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. NEAR VICKSBURG, MlSS., June 11, 1863, X1A CAlRo, ILL, June 16. H. XV. HALLECI, Genera i-in- Chief: iRe-enforcements other than from my own command ate beginning to arrive. There is every indication that they may be required. The en- emy occupy Yazoo City and Canton with an e~itire division of cavalry on. the ridge between the two rivers. I am fortifying ilaynes Bluff, and will have a garrison there of 13,000 men, besides the ability to throw an equal amount more there in case of an attack, and still keep up the investment of Vicksburg. Kirby Smith is showing signs of working to this side of the river, either to operate against General Banks or myself He may find difficulty in crossing the river, but the great number of bayous and little lakes within a short distance of shore in this region afford such facilities for concealing boats that the means of crossing an army may still be left to the rebels; particularly may this be the case about Natchez. I now fear trouble on the opposite side of the river, between Lake Providence and Millikens Bend. U. S. GRA1~T, Major. General. BEHIND VICKSBURG, MISS., June 11, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., June 14. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I have reliable information from the entire interior of the South. JohnMton has been re-enforced by 3,000 troops from Mobile and other parts of Georgia; by [J. P.] McCowns and Breckinridges divisions (9,000 men), and 4,000 of Forrests cavalry, from Braggs army; 9,000 men from Charleston, and 2,200 from Port Hudson. Orders were sent the very day General Banks invested Port Hudson, to evacuate it. Garrison there now 8,000. Lees army has not been reduced; Braggs force now 46,000 infantry and artillery and 15,000 cavalry. Everything. not required for daily nse has been removed to Atlanta, Ga~. H is army can fall back to Bristol or Chattanooga at a moments notice, which l)laces, it is thought, he can hold, and spare 25,000 troops. Mobile and Savannah are now almost entirely without garrisons, further than men to manage large guns. No troops are left in the interior to send to any place. All further re-enforcements will have to come from one of the great armies. There are about 32,000 men west of the Mississippi, ex- clusive of the troops in Texas. Orders were sent them one week ago by Johnston. The purl)ort of the order not known. Herron has arrived here, and troops from Burnside looked for to-morrow. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, June 12, 1863 11.30 a. in. Major-General GRANT, Via Memphis, Tenn.: I hope you fully appreciate the importance of time in the rednetion of Yicksburg. The large re-enforcemeuts sent to you have opened Mis- souri and Kentucky to rebel raids. The siege should be pushed night and day with all possible dispatch. II. W. ~HALLECK, Generalin~ Chie Page 43 CUAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 43 NEAR VICKSBUIIG, Miss., June 18, 1863, VIA CAIRO, iLL., June 23. Maj. Gen. II. W. ILALLECK, General- in- Chief: Everything progresses well here. Johnstons forces are at Yazoo City, Benton, Brownsville, and Clinton. I am fortifying Haynes Bluff to make my position certain, but believe I could go out with force enough to drive the rebels from between the two rivers. Deserters come out daily. All report rations short. We scarcely ever lose a man now. Health and condition of troops most excellent. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. NEAR YICKSBURG, MISS., June 19, 1863, VIA CAIRO, ILL., June 23. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: I have found it necessary to relieve Major-General McClernand, par- ticularly at this time, for his publication of a congratulatory address calculated to create dissension an(I ill-feeling in the army.* I should have relieved him long since for general unfitness for his position. Major-General Ord is appointed to his place, subject to the approval of the President. U. S. GRANT, Major- General, Commanding. NEAR YICKSBTJRG, MISS., June 26, 1863. II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: Yesterday a mine was sprung under the enemys most commanding fort, producing a crater sufficient to hold two regiments of infantry. Our men took immediate possession, and still hold it. The fight for it has been incessant, and thus far we have not been able to establish bat- teries in the breach. Expect to succeed. Joe Johnston has removed east of the Big Black. His movements are mysterious, and may be in- tended to cover a movement from his rear into East or West Tennessee, or upon Banks. I have General Sherman out near his front on the Big Black with a large force watching him. I will use every effort to learii any move Johnston may make, and send troops from here to counteract any change he may make, if I can. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. NBAR VICKSBURG, MISS., June 27, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: Joe Johnston has postponed his attack until he can receive 10,000 re-enforcements, now on their way from Bragg~s army. They are cx- pecte(L early next week. I feel strong enongh against this increase, * See Dana to Stanton, June 19, p. 102; MeClernand to Ilalleck aiid Stanton, Juiie 27, pp. 165, 166 Page 44 44 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL and do not despair of having Vicksburg before they arrive. This latter, however, I may be disappointed in. 1 may have to abandon protection to the leased plantations from here to Lake Providence, to resist a threat from Kirby Smiths troops. The location of these leased plantations was most unfortunate, and against my judgment. I wanted them put north of the White River. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, July 4, 186310.30 a. m. General.in- Chief: The enemy surrendered this morning. The only terms allowed is their parole as prisoners of war. This I regarded as of great advantage to us at this juncture. It saves probably several days in the captured town; leaves troops and transports ready for immediate service. Gen. eral Sherman, with a large force, will face immediately on Johnston and drive him from the State. I will send troops to the relief of General Banks, and return the Ninth Corps to General Burnside. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Vicksburg, Miss., July 6, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of the Army of the Tennessee, and co-operating forces, from the date of my assuming the immediate command of the expedition against Yicksburg, Miss., to the reduction of that l)lace: From the moment of taking command in person, I became satisfied that Vicksburg could only be turned from the south side, and, in accord. ance with this conviction, I prosecuted the work on the canal, which had been located by Brigadier-General [Thomas] Williams across the l)eninsnla on the Louisiana side of the river, with all vigor, hoping to make a channel which would pass transports for moving the army and carrying supplies to the new base of operations thus I)rovided. The task was much more herculean than it at first appeared, and was made much more so by the almost continuous rains that fell during the whole of the time this work was prosecuted. The river, too, continued to rise and made a large expenditure of labor necessary to keep the water out of our camps and the canal. Finally, on March 8, the rapid rise of the river, and the consequent great pressure upon the dam across the canal, near the upper end, at the main Mississippi levee, caused it to give way and let through the low lands back of our camps a torrent of water that separated the north and south shores of the peninsula as effectually as if the Mississippi flowed between them. This occurred when the enterprise promised success within a short time. There was some delay in trying to repair damages. It was found, however, that with the then stage of water some other l)lan would have to be adopted for getting below Vicksburg with transports. Capt. F. E. Prime, chief engineer, and Col. G. G. Pride, who was acting on my staff, prospected a route through the bayous which run from near Millikens Bend, on the north, and New Carthage, on th Page 45 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 45 south, through Roundaway Bayou, into the Tensas River. Their report of the practicability of this route determined me to commence work upon it. Having three dredge-boats at the time,the work of opening this route was executed with great rapidity. One small steamer and a number of barges were taken through the channel thus opened, but the river commencing about the middle of April to fall rapidly, and the roads becoming passable between Millikens Bend and New Carthage, made it impracticable and unnecessary to open water communication between these points. Soon after commencing the first canal spoken of, I caused a channel to be cut from the Mississippi River into Lake Providence; also one from the Mississippi River into Goldwater, by way of Yazoo Pass. I had no great expectations of important results from the former of these, but having more troops than could be employed to advantage at Youngs Point, and knowing that Lake Providence was connected by Bayou Baxter with Bayou Macon, a navigable stream, through which transports might pass into the Mississippi below, through Tensas, Washita, and Red Rivers, I thought it possible that a route might be opened in that direction which would enable me to co-operate with General Banks on Port Hudson. By the Yazoo Pass route I only expected at first to get into the Yazoo by way of Goldwater and Tallahatchee with some lighter gun- boats and a few troops, and destroy the enemys transports in that stream and some gunboats which I knew he was building. The navi- gation, however, proved so much better than had been expected that I thought for a time of the possibility of making this the route for ob- taining a foothold on high land above ilaynes Bluff, Miss., and small- class steamers were accordingly ordered for transporting an army that way. Maj. Gemi. J. B. McPherson, commanding Seventeenth Army Corps, was directed to hold his corps in readiness to move by this route, and one division each from the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Corps were collected near the entrance of the pass, to be added to his command. It soon be- came evident that a sufficient number of boats of the right class could not be obtained for the movement of more than one division. While my forces were opening one end of the pass, the enemy was diligently closing the other end, and in this way succeeding in gaining time to strongly fortify Greenwood, below the junction of the Talla~ hatchee and Yalabusha. The advance of the expedition, consisting of one division of McClernands corps, from Helena, commanded by Brig. Gen. L. F. Ross, and the Twelfth and Seventeenth Regiments Missouri Infantry, from Shermans corps, as sharpshooters on the gunboats, succeeded in reachin g Goldwater March 2, after much (lifficulty and the partial disabling of miost of the boats. From the entrance into Gold- water to Fort Pemberton, at Greenwood, Miss., no great difficulty of navigation was experienced, nor any interruption of magnitude from the enemy. Fort Pemberton extends from the Tallahatchee to the Yazoo at Greenwood. Here the two rivers come within a few hundred yards of eacli other. The land around the fort is low, and at the time of the attack was entirely overflowed. Owing to this fact, no movement could be made by the army to reduce it, but all depended upon the ability of the gunboats to silence the guns of the enemy and enable the tran~- ports to run down and land troops immediately on the fort itself. After an engagement of several hours, the gunboats drew off, being unable to silence the batteries. Brig. Gen. I. F. Quinby, commanding a division of McPhersons corps, met the expedition under Ross wit Page 46 46 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. his division on its return near Fort Pemberton, on March 21, and, being the senior, assumed command of the entire expedition, and returned to the position Ross had occupied. On March 23, I sent orders for the withdrawal of all the forces oper- ating in that direction, for the purpose of concentrating my army at Nillikens Bend. (in March 14, Admiral D. D. Porter, commanding the Mississippi Squadron, informed me that he had made a reconnaissance up Steeles Bayou, and partially through Black Bayou toward Deer Creek, and, so far as explored, these water courses were reported navigable for the smaller iron-dads. Information, given mostly, I believe, by the negroes of the country, was to the effect that Deer Creek could be navigated to Rolling Fork, and that from there through the Sunflower to the Yazoo River there was no question about the navigation. On the following morning I accompanied Admiral Porter in the rain Price, several iron dads preceding ns, up through Steeles Bayou to near Black Bayou. At this time our forces were at a dead lock at Greenwood, and I looked upon the success of this enterprise as of vast importance. It would, if successful, leave Greenwood between two forces of ours, and ~vould necessarily cause the immediate abandonment of that strong-. hold. About thirty steamers of the enemy would have been destroyed or fhllen iiito our hands. Seeing that the great obstacles to navigation, so far as I had gone, was from overhanging trees, I left Admiral Porter near Black Bayou, and pushed back to Youngs Point, for the purpose of sending forward a pioneer corps to remove these ~difficulties. & on after my return to Youngs Point, Admiral Porter sent back to me for a co-operating mili- tary force. Sherman was promptly sent with ~ne division of his corps. The number of steamers suitable for the navigation of these bayous being limited, most of the force was sent up the Mississippi River to Eagle Bend, a point where the river runs within 1 mile of Steeles Bayou, thus saving an important part of this difficult navigation. The expedition failed, probably more from want of knowledge as to what would be required to open this route than from any impractica- bility in the navigation of the streams and bayous through which it was proposed to pass. Want of this knowledge led the expedition on until difficulties were encountered, and then it would become necessary to send back to Youngs Point for the means of removing them. This gave the enemy time to move forces to effectually checkmate further progress, and the expedition was withdrawn when within a few hundred yards of free and open navigation to the Yazoo. All this may have been providential in drivir~ us ultimately to a line of operations which has proven eminently successful. For further particulars of the ~ Bayou expedition, see report of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, forwarded on April 12. As sooii as I decided to open water communication from a point on the Mississippi, near Millikens Bend, to New Carthage, I determined to occupy the latter J)lace, it being the first point below Vicksburg that could be reached by land at the stage of water then existing, and the occupancy of which, while it secured to us a point on the Mississippi River, would also l)rotect the main line of cornmnummication by water. Accordingly, the Thirteenth Army Corps, Maj. (Thu. J. A. McClernand commanding, was directed to take UI) its line of march on March 29 for New Carthage, the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps to fo Page 47 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 47 low, moving no faster than supplies and ammunition could be trans- ported to them. The roads, though level, were intolerably bad, and the movement was therefore necessarily slow. Arriving at Smiths plantation, 9 miles from New Carthage, it was found that the levee of Bayou Vidal was broken in several places, thus leaving New Carthage an island. All the boats that could be were collected from the different bayous in the vicinity and others were built, but the transportation of an army in this way was found exceedingly tedious. Another route had to be found. This was done by making a further march around Vidal to Per- kins plantation, a distance of 12 miles more, making the whole distance to be marched from Millikens Bend to reach water communication on the opposite side of the Point 35 miles. Over this distance, with bad roads to contend against, supplies of ordnance stores and provisions had to be hauled by wagons with which to commence the campaign on the op- p osite side of the river. At the same time that I ordered the occupa- tion of New Carthage, preparations were made for running transports by the Vicksbnrg batteries with Admiral Porters gunboat fleet. On the night of April 16, Admiral Porters fleet and the transports Silver Wave, Forest Queen, and Henry Clay ran the Vicksburg batteries. The boilers of the transports were protected as well as possible with hay and cotton. More or less commissary stores were put on each. All three of these boats were struck more or less frequently while passing the enemys batteries, and the Henry Clay, by the explosion of a shell or by some other means, was set on fire and entirely consumed. The other two boats were somewhat injured, but not seriously disabled. No one on board of either was hurt. As these boats succeeded in getting by so well, I ordered six more to be prepared in like manner for running the batteries. These latter, viz, Tigress, Anglo-Saxon, Cheeseman, Empire City, Horizon, and Moder- ator left Millikens Bend on the night of April 22, and live of them got by, but in a somewhat damaged condition. The Tigress received a shot in her hull below the water line, and sunk ou the Louisiana shore soon after passing the last of the batteries. The crews of these steamers, with the exception of that of the Forest Queen, Capt. C. D. Conway, and the Silver Wave, Captain McMilian, were composed of volunteers from the army. Upon the cdl for volunteers for this dangerous enterprise, officers and men presented themselves by hundreds, anxious ~to under- take the trip. The names of those whose services were accepted will be given in a separate report. It is a striking feature, so far as my observation goes, of the present volunteer army of the United States, that there is nothing which men are called upon to do, mechanical or professional, that accomplished adepts cannot be found for the duty required in almost every regi- ment. The transports injured in running the blockade were repaired by order of Admiral Porter, who was supplied with the material for such repairs as they required, and who was and is ever ready to afford all the assist- ance in his power for the furtherance of the success of our arms. In a very short time five of the transports were in running order, and the remainder were in a condition to be used as barges in the moving of troops. Twelve barges loaded with forage and rations were sent in tow of the last six boats that run the blockade. One-half of them got through in a condition to be used. Owing to the limited number of .transports below Yicksburg, it was found necessary to extend our line of land travel to Hard Times, La. Page 48 48 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. which, by the circuitous route it was necessary to take, increased the distance to about 70 miles from Millikens Bend, our starting point. The Thirteenth Army Corps being all through to the Mississippi, and the Seventeenth Army Corps well on the way, so much of the Thir- teenth as could be got on board of the transports and barges were put. aboard, and moved to the front of Grand Gulf on April 29. The plan here was that the Navy should silence the guns of the enemy, and the troops landed nuder the cover of the gunboats, and carry the place by storm. At 8 a. m. the Navy made the attack, and kept it up for more than five hours in the most gallant manner. From a tug out iii the stream I witnessed the whole engagement. Many times it seemed to me the gunboats were within pistol-shot of the enemys batteries. It soon be- came evident that the guns of the enemy were too elevated and their fortifications too strong to be taken from the water side. The whole range of hills on that side were known to be lined with rifle-pits; besides, the field artillery could be moved to any position where it could be made useful in case of an attempt at landing. This determined me again to run the enemys batteries, turn his l)ositiou by effecting a landing at Rodney, or at Bruinsburg, between Grand Gulf and Rodney. Accord- ingly, orders were imm ediately given for the troops to debark at Hard Times, La., and march across to the point immediately below Grand Gulf. At dark the gunboats again engaged the batteries, and all the trans. l)orts run by, receiving but two om three shots in the l)assage, and these without injury. I had some time previously ordered a reconnaissance to a point opposite Bruinsburg, to ascem-tain, if possible, from persons iii the neighborhood the character of the road leading to the highlands back of Brninsbnrg. 1)uring the night I learned from a iiegro man that there was a good road from Bruinsburg to Port Gibson, which deter- mined me to land there. The work of ferrying the troops to Bruinsburg was commenced at daylight in the morning, the gunboats as well as transi)orts being used for the purpose. As soon as the Thirteenth Army Corps was landed, and could draw three days rations to put in haversacks (no wagons were allowed to cross until the troops were all over), they were started on the road to Port Gibson. I deemed it a matter of vast importance that the high- lands should be reached without resistance. Time Seventeenth Corps followed as rapidly as it could be put across the river. About 2 oclock, May 1, the advance of the enemy was met 8 miles from Bruinsburg, on the road to Port Gibson. He was forced to Pill back, but, as it was dark, he was not l)llrsued far until daylight. Early on the morning of the 1st, I went out, accompanied by mnern- bers of my staff, an(l found MeClernand with his corps engaging the enemy about 4 miles from Port Gibson. At this point the roads branched in exactly opposite directions, both, however, leading to Port Gibson. The enemy had taken position on both branches, thus dividing, as he fell back, the pursuing forces. The nature of tIme ground in that part of the country is such that a very small force could retard time proo~ess of a much larger one for many hours. The roads usually run omi narrow, elevated ridges, with deep and impenetrable ravines on either side. On the right were the divisions of Hovey, Carr, and [A. J.] Smith, and on the left the division of Osterhans, of MeClernands corps. The three former succeeded in driving the enemy fromn position to position back toward Port Gibson steadily all day Page 49 CnAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 49 Osterhaus did not, however, move the enemy from the position oc- cupied by him on our left until Logans division of McPhersons corps, airived. McClernand, who was with the right in person, sent repeated messages to me before the arrival of Logan to send Logans and Quin bys divisions, of McPhersons corps, to him. I had been on that as well as all other parts of the field, and could not see how they could be used there to advautage. However, as soon as the advance of McPhersons corps (Logans division) arrived, I sent one brigade to McClernand on the right, and sent one brigade, Brig. Gen. J. E. Smith commanding, to the left, to the assistance of Oster- haus. By the judicious disposition made of this brigade, under the imme- diate supervision of McPherson and Logan, a position was soon ob- tained, giving us an advantage which soon drove the enemy from that part of the field, to make no further stand south of Bayou Pierre. The enemy was here repulsed with a heavy loss in killed, wounded and prisoners. The repulse of the enemy on our left took place late in the afternoon. He was pursued toward Port Gibson, but night closing in, and the enemy making the appearance of another stand, the troops slept upon their arms until daylight. In the morniug it was found that the enemy had retreated across Bayou Pierre, on the Grand Gulf road, and a brigade of Logans divis. ion was sent to divert his attention, while a floating bridge was being built across Bayou Pierre immediately at Port Gibson. This bridge was completed, 8 miles marched by McPhersons corps to the North Fork of Bayou Pierre, that stream bridged, and the advance of this corps com. menced passing over it at 5 oclock the following morning. (in the 3d, the enemy was pursued to Hankinsons Ferry, with slight skirmishing all day, during which we took quite a number of prisoners, mostly stragglers, from the enemy. Finding that Grand Gulf had been evacuated, and that the advance of my forces was already 15 miles out from there, and on the road, too, they would have to take to reach either Yicksburg, Jackson, or any intermediate point on the railroad between the two places, I determined not to march them back; but taking a small escort of cavalry, some 15 or 20 men, I went to the Gulf myself, and made the necessary arrange- iiients for changing my base of supplies from Bruinsburg to Grand Gulf. In moving from Millikens Bend, the Fifteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman commanding, was left to be the last to start. To prevent heavy re-enforcements going from Vicksburg to the assistance of the Grand Gulf forces, I directed Sherman to make a demonstration on Haynes Bluff, and to make all the show possible. From informa- tion since received from prisoners captured, this ruse succeeded admi- rably. It had been my intention, up to the time of crossing the Mississippi River, to collect all my forces at Grand Gulf, and get on hand a good supply of provisions and ordnance stores before moving, and in the mean time to detach an army corps to co-operate with General Banks on Port Hudson, and effect a junction of our forces. About this time I received a letter from General Banks, giving his position west of the Mississippi River, and stating that he could return to Baton Rouge by May 10; that by the reduction of Port Hudson he could join me with 12,000 men. I learned about the same time that troops were expected at Jackson from the Southern cities, with General Beauregard in command. To 4 It ItVOL XXIV, PT Page 50 50 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL delay until May 10, and for the reduction of Port Hudson after that, the accession of 12,000 men would not leave me relatively So strong as to move promptly with what I had. Information received from (lay to day of the movements of the enemy also impelled me to the course pursued. While lying at Hankinsons Ferry waiting for wagons, sul)plies, and Shermans corps, which had come forward in the mean time, demonstra- tions were made, successfully, I believe, to induce the enemy to think that route and the one by Halls Ferry, above, were objects of much solicitude to me. Reconnaissances were made to the west side of the Big Black to within 6 miles of Warrenton. On May 7, an advance was ordered, McPhersons corps keeping the road nearest Big Black River, to Rocky Springs, McClernands corps keeping the ridge road from Willow Springs, and Sherman following with his corps divided on the two roads. All the ferries were closely guarded until our troops were well advanced. It was my intention here to hug the Big Black River as closely as possible with McClernands and Shermans corps, and get them to the railroad at some I)lace between Edwards Station and Bolton. McPherson was to move by way of Utica to Raymond, and from there into Jackson, destroying the railroad, telegraph, public stores, & c., and push west to rejoin the maui force. Orders were given to McPherson accordingly. Sherman was moved forward on the Edwards Station road, crossing Fourteen-Mile Creek at Dillons plantation; McClernand was moved across the same creek, farther west, sending one division of his corps by the Baldwins Ferry road as far as the river. At the crossings of Fourteen-Mile Creek both McClernand and Sherman had considerable skirmishing with the enemy to get possession of the crossings. McPherson met the enemy near Raymond, two brigades strong, under Gregg and Walker, on the same day; engaged him, and, after several hours hard fighting, drove him, with heavy loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Many threw down their arms and deserted. My position at this Pine was with Shermans corps, some 7 miles west of Raymond, and about the center of the army. On the night of May 12, after orders had been given for the corps of McClernand and Sherman to march toward the railroad by parallel roads, the former in the direction of Edwards Station and the latter to a point on the railroad between Edwards Station and Bolton, the order was changed, and both were directed to move toward Raymond. This was in consequence of the enemy having retreated toward Jackson after his defeat at Raymond, and of information that re-enforcements were daily arriving at Jackson, and that General Joe Johnston was hourly expected there to take command in person. I therefore determined to make sure of that place and leave no enemy in my rear. McPherson moved on the 13th to Clinton, destroyed the railroad and telegraph, and captured so rue important dispatches from General Pem- berton to General Gregg, who had commanded the day before in the battle of Raymond. Sherman moved to a parallel position on the Mis- sissippi Springs and Jackson road. McClernand moved to a point near Raymond. The next day Sherman and McPherson moved their entire force toward Jackson. The rain fell in torrents all the night before and con- tinued until about noon of that day, making the roads at first slippery and then miry. Notwithstanding, the troops marched in excellent order, without straggling and in the best of spirits, about 14 miles, and engaged the enemy about 12 m~ near Jackson. McClernand occupied Clinton with one division. MissIssippi Spriimgs with another, Raymom Page 51 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 51 with a third, and had his fourth division and Blairs division, of Sher- mans corps, with a wagon train, still in the rear near New Auburn, while McArthur, with one brigade of his division, of McPhersons corps, was moving toward Raymond on the Utica road. it was not the in- tention to move these forces any nearer Jackson, but to have them in a position where they would be in supporting ~iistance if the resistance at Jacksou should prove more obstinate than there seemed reason to expect. The enemy marched out the bulk of his force on the Clinton road, and engaged McPhersons corps ahout 2~ miles from the city. A small force of artillery and infantry took a strong position in front of Slier- man, about the same distance out. By a determined advance of our skirmishers, these latter were soon driven within their rifle-pits, just outside the city. It was impossible to ascertain the strength of the enemy at this part of the line in time to justify an immediate assault consequently McPhersons two divisions engaged the main bulk of the rebel garrison at Jackson without further aid than the moral support given them by the knowledge the enemy had of a force to the south side of the city and the few infantry and artillery of the enemy posted there to impede Shermans progress. Sherman soon discovered the weakness of the enemy by sending a reconnoitering party to his right, which also had the effect of causing the enemy to retreat from this part of his line. A few of the artillerists, however, remained in their places, firing upon Shermans troops until the last moment, evidently instructed to do so, with the expectation of being captured in the end. On entering the city it was found that the main body of the enemy had retreated north after a heavy engagement of more than two hours with McPhersons corps, in which he [the enemy] was badly beaten. He was pursued unt.il near night, but without further damage to him. During that evening I learned that General Johnston, as soon as he had satisfied himself that Jackson was to be attacked, had ordered Pemberton ~)eremptorily to march out from the direction of Yicksburg and attack our rear. Availing myself of this information, I immedi- ately issued orders to McClernand, and Blair of Shermans corps, to face their troops toward Bolton, with a view to reaching Edwards Station, marching on different roads converging near Bolton. These troops were admirably located for such a move. McPherson was ordered to retrace his steps early in the morning of the 15th on the Clinton road. Sherman was left in Jackson to destroy the railroads, bridges, factories, workshops, arsenals, and everything valuable for the support of the enemy. This was accomplished in the most effectual manner. On the afternoon of the 15th, I proceeded as far west as Clinton, through which place McPhersons corps passed to within supporting distance of Hoveys division, of Mc(JJernands corps, which had moved that day on the same road to within 1~ miles of Bolton. On reaching Clinton, at 4.45 p. in., 1 ordered McClernand to move his command early the next morning toward Edwards Depot, marching so as to feel the enemy if he encountered him, but not to bring on a gen- eral engagement unless he was confident he was able to defeat him; and also to order Blair to move with him. About 5 oclock on the morning of the 16th, two men, employ6s on the Jackson and Vicksburg Railroads who had passed through Pember. tons army the night before, were brought to my- headquarters. They stated Pembertons force to consist of about eighty regiments, with ten batteries of artillery, and that the whole force was estimated by th Page 52 52 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. enemy at about 25,000 men. From them J also learned the positions being taken up by the enemy, and his intention of attacking our rear. I had determined to leave one division of Shermans corps one day longer in Jackson, but this information determined me to bring his en- tire command up at once, and I accordingly dispatched him at 5.30 a. m. to move with all possible speed until he came up with the main force near Bolton. My dispatch reached him at 7.10 a. in., and his advance division was in motion in one hour from that time. A dispatch was sent to Blair at the same time to push forward his division in the direction of Edwards Station with all possible dispatch. McClernand was di- rected to establish communication between Blair and Osterhans, of his corps, and keep it up, moving the former to the support of the latter. McPherson was ordered forward at 5.45 a. m. to join McClernand, and Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson, of my staff, was sent forward to communi- cate the information received, and with verbal instructions to McCler- nand as to the disposition of his forces. At an early hour I left for the advance, and, on arriving at the cross- ing of the Vicksburg and Jackson Railroad with the road from Raymond to Bolton, I found McPhersons advance and his pioneer corps engaged in rebuilding a bridge on the former road that had been destroyed by the cavalry of Osterhans division that had gone into Bolton the night before. The train of iloveys division was at a halt, and blocked up the road from farther advance on the Vicksburg road. I ordered all quar- termasters and wagon-masters to draw their teams to one side and make room for the passage of troops. McPherson was brought up by this road. Passing to the front, I found Hoveys division, of the Thirteenth Army Corps, at a halt, with our skirmishers and the enemys pickets near each other. Hovey was bringing his troops into line ready for battle, and could have brought on an engagement at any moment. The enemy had taken up a very strong position on a narrow ridge, his left resting on a height where the road makes a sharp turn to the left, approaching Yicksburg. The top of the ridge and the precipitous hillside to the left of the road are covered by a (lense forest and undergrowth. To the right of the road the timber extends a short distance down the hill, and then opens into cultivated fields on a gentle slope and into a valley, ex- tending for a considerable distance. On the road and into the wooded ravine and hillside iloveys division was disposed for the attack. Mc- Phersons two divisionsall of his corps with him on the march from Millikens Bend, until Ransoms brigade arrived that day after the battlewere throwii to the right of the road (properly speaking, the enemy~s rear), but I would not permit an attack to be commenced by our troops until 1 could hear from McClernand, who was advancing with four divisions, two of them on a road intersecting the Jackson road about 1 mile from where the troops above described were placed, and about the center of the enemys line; the other two divisions on a road still north, and nearly the same distance off. I soon heard from MeClernand through members of his staff and my own, whom I had sent to him early in the morning, and found that by the nearest practicable route of communication he was 24 miles dis- tant. I sent several successive messages to him to push forward with all rapidity. There had been continuous firing between Hoveys skir- mishers and the rebel advance, which by U oclock grew into a battle. For some time this 4ivision bore the brunt of the conflict- but finding the enemy too strong for them, at the instance of Hovey, I directed first one and then a second brigade fr~in Crockers division to re-enforce him Page 53 CFrA1~. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 53 All this time Logans division was working upon the enemys left and rear, and weakened his froiit attack most wonderfully. The troops here ol~posing us evidently far outnumbered ours. Expecting McClernand momentarily with four divisions, including Blairs, I never felt a doubt of the result. He did not arrive, however, until the enemy had been driven from the field, after a terrible contest of hours, with a heavy loss of killed, wounded, and prisoners, and a number of pieces of artillery. It was found afterward that the Yicksburg road, after following the ridge in a southerly direction for about 1 mile, and to where it inter- secte(l one of the Raymond roads, turns almost to the west, down the hill and across the valley in which Logan was operating on the rear of the enemy. One brigade of Logans (livision had, unconscious of this important fact, penetrated nearly to this road, and compelled the enemy to retreat to l)revent capture. As it was, much of his artillery and Lorings division of his army were cut off, besides the prisoners cap- tured. On the call of Hovey for more re-enforcements just before the rout of the enemy commenced, I ordered McPherson to move what troops lie could by a left flank around to the enemy~s front. Logan rode up at this time, and told inc that if ilovey could make another dash at the enemy, he could come up from where he then was and captnre the greater part of their force. I immediately rode forward and found the troops that had been so gallantly engaged for so many hours withdrawn from their advanced position, and were filling their cartridge-boxes. I directed them to use all dispatch, and push forward as soon as possible, explaining to them the position of Logans division. Proceeding still farther forward, expecting every moment to see the enemy, and reaching what had been his line, I found he was retreating. Arriving at the Raymond road, I saw to my left and on the next ridge a column of troops, which proved to be Carrs division, and McClc~ruand with it in person; and to the left of Carr, Osterhaus division soon afterward appeared, with his skirmishers well in advance. I sent word to Osterhaus that the enemy was in fall retreat, and to push up with all haste. The situation was soon explained, after which I ordered CalT to pursue with all speed to Black River, and across it if he could, and to Osterhaus to follow. Some of McPhersons troops had already got into the road in advance; but having marched and engaged the enemy all day, they were fatigued and gave the road to Carr, who continued the pursuit until after dark, capturing a train of cars loaded with com- missary and ordnance stores and other ~)roperty. The delay in the advance of the troops immediately with McClernand was caused, no doubt, by the enemy presenting a front of artillery and infantry where it was impossible, from the nature of the ground and the density of the forest, to discover his numbers. As it was, the battle of Champions Hill, or Bakers Creek, was fought niainly by Hoveys division, of McClernands corps, and Logans and Quinby~s divisions (the latter commanded by Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker), of McPhersons corps. Ransoms brigade, of McPhersons corps, caine on to the field where the main battle had been fought immediately after the enemy had begun his retreat. Word was sent to Sherman, at Bolton, of the result of the day~s en- gagement, with directions to turn his corps toward Bridgeport, and to Blair to join him at this latter place. At daylight on the 17th, the pursuit was renewed, with MeClernands corps in the advance. The enemy was found strongly posted on bot Page 54 54 MISSISSWPT, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. sides of the Black River. At this point on Black River the l)luffs extend to the waters e(lge on the west bank. On the east side is an open, cultivated bottom of nearly 1 mile in width, surrounded by a bayou of stagnant water, from 2 to 3 feet in depth and from 10 to 20 feet in width, from the river above the railroad to the river below. Following the inside line of this bayou, the enemy had constructed rifle-pits, with the bayou to serve as a ditch on the outside and immediately in front of them. Carrs division occupied the right in investing this place, an(l Lawlers brigade the right of his division. After a fi~w hours skirmish- ing, Lawler discovered that by moving a portion of his brigade under cover of the river bank he could get a position from which that place could be successfully assaulte(l, and ordered a charge accordingly. Notwithstanding the level ground over which a portion of his troops had to pass without cover, and the grea.t obstacle of the (litch in front of the enemy~s works, the charge was gallantly aud successfully made, and in a few minutes the entire garrison, with seventeen l)ieces of artillery, were the trophies of this brilliant and daring movement. The enemy on the west bank of the river immediately set fire to the railroad bridge and retreated, thus cutting off all chance of escape for any I)ortion of his forces remaining on the east bank. Sherman by this time had reached Bridgeport, on Black River, above. The only pontoon train with the expedition was with him. By the morning of the 18th, he had crossed the river, and was rea(iy to march on Walnut Hills. McClernand and McPherson built floating bridges during the night, and had them ready for crossing their commands by 8 a. m. of the 18th. The march was commenced by Sherman at an early hour by the Bridgeport and Yicksburg road, turning to the right when within 3~ miles of Vicksburg, to get possession of Walnut hills and the Yazoo River. This was successfully accomplished before the night of the 18th. McPherson crossed Big Black River above the Jackson roa(l and caine into the same road with Sherman, but to his rear. He arrive(l after night-fall with his advance to where Sherman turned to the right. Mc- Clernand moved by the Jackson and Vicksburg road to Mount Albans, and there turned to the left, to get into Baldwins Ferry road. By this disposition the three army corps covered all the ground their strength would admit of and by the morning of the 19th the investment of Vicksburg was made as complete as could be by the forces at my corn- m and. During the day there was continuous skirmishing, and I was not without hope of carrying the enemys works. Relying upon the de- moralization of the enemy, in consequence of repeated defeats outside of Vicksburg, I ordered a general assault at 2 p. in. on this day. The Fifteenth Army Corps, from having arrived in front of the enemys works in time on the 18th to get a good position, were enabled to make a vigorous assault. The Thirteenth and seventeenth Army Corps suc- ceeded no further than to gain advanced positions covered from the fire of the enemy. The 20th and 21st were spent in perfecting communications with our supplies. Most of the troops had been marching and fighting battles for twenty days, on an average of about five days rations (Irawn from the commissary department. Though tlmey had not sulfured from short rations np to this time, the want of bread to accompany tIme other ra- tions was beginning to be much felt. On the 21st, my arrangements for drawing supl)lies of every descrip- tion being complete, I determinedto make another effort to carry Vick Page 55 ChAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 55 l)urg by assault. There were many reasons to determine me to adopt this course. I believed an assault from the position gained by this time could be made successfully. It was known that Johnston was at Can- ton with the force taken by him from Jackson, re-enforced by other troops from the east, and that more were daily reaching him. With the force I then had, a short time must have enabled him to attack me in the rear, and possibly succeeded in raising the siege. Possession of Vicksburg at that time would have enabled me to have turned upon Johnston and driven him from the State, and possessed my- self of all the railroads and practical military highways, thus effectually securing to ourselves all territory west of the Tornbigbee, and this be- fore the season was too far advanced for campaigning in this latitude. I would have saved the Government sending large re-enforcements, much needed elsewhere; and, finally, the troops themselves were im- l)atient to possess Yicksburg, and would not have worked in the trenches with the same zeal, believing it nnnecessary, that they did after their failure to carry the enemys works. Accordingly, on the 21st, orders were issued for a general assault on the whole line, to commence at 10 a. m. on the 22d. All the corps com- manders set their time by mine, that there should be no difference be- tween them in movement of assault. promptly at the hour designated the three army corps then in front of the ~fl~my~5 works commenced the assault. I had taken a commanding position near McPhersons front, and from which I could see all the advancing columns from his corps, and a part of each of Shermans and MeClernands. A portion of the commands of each succeeded in planting their flags on the outer slopes of the enemys bastions, and maintained them there until night. Each corps had many more men than could possibly be used in the assault over such ground as intervened between them and the enemy. More men could only avail in case of breaking through the enemys line or in repelling a sortie. The assault was gallant in the extreme on the part of all the troops, but the enemys position was too strong, both naturally and artificially, to be taken in that way. At every point as- saulted, and at all of them at the same time, the enemy was able to show all the force his works would cover. The assault failed, I regret to say, with much loss on our side in killed and wounded, but without weakening the confidence of the troops in their ability to ultimately succeed. No troops succeeded in entering any of the enemys works with the exception of Sergeant Griffith, of the Twenty-first [Twenty-secondj Iowa Volunteers, and some 11 privates of the same regiment. Of these none returned, except the sergeant and possibly 1 man. The work en- tered by him, from its position, could give us no practical advantage, unless others to the right and left of it were carried and held at the same time. About 12 m. I received a dispatch from MeClernand that he was hard l)ressed at several points, in reply to which I directed him to re-enforce the points hard pressed from such troops as he had that were not en- gaged. I then rode around to Sherman, and had just reached there when I received a second dispatch from MeClernand, stating positively and unequivocally that he was in possession of and still held two of the enemys forts; that the American flag then waved over them, and ask- ing me to have Sherman and McPherson make a diversion in his favor. This dispatch I showed to Sherman, who imniediately ordered a renewal of the assault on his front. I also sent an answer to MeClernand, directing him to order up McArthur to his assistance, ~nd started i Page 56 56 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CITAP. XXXVL mediately to the position I had just left on McPhersons line, to convey to him the information from McClernand by this last dispatch, that he might make the diversion requested. Before reaching McPherson, I met a messenger with a third dispatch from McClernaud, of which the following is a Copy: HEADQUARTERS TJIIETEENTII AR1uY Conpe, in ike Field, near Vicksburg, Miss., May 22, lSCi3. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: We have gained the enemys iiitrenchrnents at several points, but are brought to a stand. I have sent word to MeArthur to re-enforce me if lie can. Would it not he best to concentrate the whole or a part of his command on this point? JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. P. S.I have received your dispatch. My troops are all engaged, and I cannot withdraw any to re-enforce others. The position occupied by me during most of the time of the assault gave me a better opportunity of seeing what was going on in front of the Thirteenth Army Corps than I believed it possible for the commander of it to have. I could not see his possession of forts, nor necessity for re-enforcements, as represented in his dispatches, up to the time I left it, which was between 12 m. and 1 p. in., and I expressed doubts of their correctness, which doubts the facts subsequently, but too late, confirmed. At the time I could not disregard his reiterated statements, for they might possibly be true; and that no pQssible opportunity of carrying the enemys stronghold should be allowed to escape through fault of mine, I ordered Quinbys division, which was all of McPlier- sons corps then present but four brigades, to report to McClernand, and notified him of the order. I showed his dispatches to McPherson, as I had to Sherman, to satisfy him of the necessity of an active diver- sion on their part to hold as much force in their fronts as possible. The diversion was promptly and vigorously made, and resulted in the in- crease of our mortality list fully 50 per cent., without advancing our position or giving us other advantages. About 3.50 p. m. I received MeClernands fourth dispatch as follows: HEADQUARTERS TuniTEENTII ARMY Conrs, May 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Department of the Tennessee GENERAL: I have received yonr dispatch in regard to General Quinbys division and General MeArthurs division. As soon as they arrive I will pi-ess the enemy with all possible speed, and doubt not I will force my way through. I have lost no ground. My men are in t~vo of the enemys forts, but they are commanded by rifle-pits in the rear. Several prisoners have been taken, who intimate that the rear is strong. At this moment I am hard pressed. JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. The assault of this day proved the quality of the soldiers of this army. Without entire success, and with a heavy loss, there was no murmuring or complaining; no falling back, nor other evidence of demoralization. After the failure of the 22(1, I determined upon a regular siege. The troops being now fully awake to the necessity of this, worked diligently and cheerfully. The work progressed rapidly and satisfactorily until July 3, when all was about ready for a final assault. There was a great scarcity of engineer officers in the beginning, but under the skillful superintendence of Capt. F. E. Prime, of the Engineer Corps, Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson, of my staff, and Capt. C. B. Coinstock, of the Engineer Corps, who joined, this command during the siege, suc Page 57 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 57 practical experience was gained as would enable any division of this army hereaftei to conduct a sie9e with considerable skill in the absence of regular engineer officers. On the afternoon of July 3, a letter was received from Lieutenant- General Pemberton, commanding the Confederate forces at Yicksburg, l)roposing an armistice and the appointment of commissioners to arrange terms for the capitulation of the place. The correspondence, copies of which are herewith transmitted, resulted in the surrender of the city and garrison of Vicksburg at 10 a. m. July 4, 1863, on the following terms: The entire garrison, officers and men, were to be paroled, not to take up arms against the United States until exchanged by the proper au- thorities officers and men each to be furnished with a parole, signed by himself; officers to be allowed their side-arms and private baggage, and the field, staff; and cavali-y officers one horse each; the rank and file to be allowed all their clothing, but no other property; rations from their own stores sufficient to last them beyond our lines; the necessary cook- ing utensils for preparing their food, and 30 wagons to transport such articles as could not well be carried. These terms I regarded more favorable to the Government than an unconditional surrender. It saved us the trailsl)ortation of them north, which at that time would have been very difficult, owing to the liniited amount of river transportation on hand, and the expense of subsisting them. It left our army free to operate against Johnston, who was threat- ening us froni the direction of Jackson, and our river transportation to be used for the movement of troops to any point the exigency of the service might require. I deem it proper to state here, in order that the correspondence may be fully understood, that after my answer to General Pembertons letter of the morning of the 3d, we had a personal interview on the subject of the capitulation. The particulars and incidents of the siege will be contain ed in the reports of division and corps commanders, which will be forwarded as soon as received. I brought forward during the siege, in addition to Laumans (livision and four regiments J)reviously ordered from Memphis, [W. S.] Smiths and Kimballs divisions, of the Sixteenth Army Corps, and assigned Maj. Gen. C. C. Washburn to command of the same. On June 11, Maj. Gen. F. J. ilerrons division, from the Department of the Missouri, arrived,, and on the 14th two divisions of time Ninth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. J. G. Parke commanding, arrived. This increase in my force enabled me to make the investment most complete, and at the same time left me a large reserve to watch the movements of John- ston. ilerrons division was l)ut into position on the extreme left, south of the city, and Laumans division was placed between ilerron and Mc- Clernand. 5miths and Kimballs divisions and Parkes corps were sent to ilaynes Bluff. This place I had fortified on the land side, and every preparation made to resist a heavy force. Johnston crossed Big Black River with a portion of his force, and everything indicated that he would make an attack about June 25. Our position in front of Vicksburg having been made as strong against a sortie from the enemy as his works were against an assault, I phvced Major-General Sherman in command of all the troops designated to look after Johnston. The force intended to operate against Johnston, in addition to that at ilaynes Bluff was one division from each of the Thirteenth, Fifteenth, and Seventeenth Army Corps and Laumans division. Johnston, however, not attacking-, I determined to attack him the mnomentVicksburg was in our possession Page 58 58 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. and accordingly notified Sherman that I shoL1ld again make an assault on Vieksburg at daylight on the 6th, and for him to have up supplies of all descriptions, ready to move 111)011 receipt of orders, if the assault should prove a success. His 1)reparations were immediately made, and when the l)lace surrendered on the 4tht~vo days earlier than I had fixed for the attacikSherman was found ready, and moved at once with a force increased by the remainder of both the Thirteenth and Fifteenth Army Corps, and is at present investing Jackson, where Johnston has made a stand. in the march from Bruinsbnrg to Vicksburg, covering a period of twenty days, before supplies could be obtained from Government stores, only five days rations were issued, and three days of these were taken in haversacks at the start, aimd were 500fl exhausted. All other sub- sistence was obtained from the country through which we l)assed. The march was commenced without wagons. except such as could be picked up through the country. The country was abundantly supplied with corn, bacon, beef, and mutton. The troops enjoyed excellent health, and no army ever appeared in better spirits or felt more confident of success. in accordance with previous instructions, M~j. Gen. S. A. ilurlbut starte(1 Col. (now Brig. Gen.) B. II. Grierson with a cavalry force from La Grange, Tenn., to make a raid through the central portion of the State of Mississippi, to destroy railroads and other public j)roperty, for the purpose of creating a diversiou in favor of the army moving to the attack on Vicksburg. On April 17 this May 2, h expedition started, and arrived at Baton Rouge on avmg successfully traversed the whole State of Mississippi. This expedition was skillfully conducted, and reflects great credit on Colonel Grierson and all of his command. The notice given this raid by the Southern press confirms our estimate of its importance. It has been one of the most brilliant cavalry exploits of the war, and will be handed down in history as an example to be imitated. Cplonel Grier- sons report is herewith transmitted.* I cannot close this report without an expression of thankfulness for my good fortune in being placed in cooperation with an officer of the Navy who accords to every move that seems for the interest and suc- cess of our arms his hearty and energetic support. Admiral Porter and the very efficient officers under him have ever shown the greatest readi. ness in their co.operation, rio matter what was to be done or what risk to be taken, either by their men or their vessels. Without this prompt and cordial support, my movements would have been much embarrassed, if not wholly defeated. Capt. J. W. Shirk, commanding the Tuscumbia, was especially active, an(l deserving of the highest commendation for his personal attention to the repairing of the damage done our transports by tile Vicksburg batteries. The result of this campaign has been the defeat of the enemy in five battles outside of Yicksbnrg; the occupation of Jackson, the capital of the State of Mississippi, and the capture of Vicksburg and its garrison and munitions of war a loss to the enemy of 37,000 prisoners, among whom were 15 general officers; at least 10,000 killed and wounded, and among the killed Generals Tracy, Tihghman, and Green, and hundreds and perhaps thousands of stragglers, who can never be collected and reorganized. Arms and munitions of war for an army of 60,000 men have fallen into our hands, besides a large amount of other l)ublic prop. * See p. 521 Page 59 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 59 erty, consisting of railroads, locomotives, cars, steamboats, cotton, & C., and much was destroyed to I)revent our capturing it. Our loss in the series of battles may be summed up as follows :* Killed. Wounded. Missing. PortGibson 130 718 5 Fourteen-Mile Creek (skirmish) 4 24 Raymond 69 341 32 Jackson 40 240 8 Champions 11111. 426 1, 842 189 Big Black Railroad Bridge 29 242 2 Vicksburg 545 3, 688 } 303 Of the wounded many were but slightly wounded, and continued on duty; many more required but a few days or weeks for their recovery. Not more thall one-half of the wounded were l)ermanently disabled. My personal staff and chiefs of departments have in all cases rendered J)rOmpt and efficient service. In all former reports I have failed to make mention of Company A, Fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry, Capt. E. D. Osband com- manding. This company has been on duty with me as an escort com- pany since November, 1861, and in every engagement I have been in since that time rendered valualile service, attracting general attention for their exemplary i~onduct, soldiery bearing, and promptness. It would not be overstating the merits of this company to say that many of them would fill with credit any position in a cavalry regiment. For the brilliant achievements recounted in this report., the Army of the Tennessee, their comrades of the Ninth Army Corps, ilerrons divis- ion of the Army of the Frontier, and the Navy co-operating with them, deserve the highest honors their country ean award. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major-General U. S. Army, Commanding. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS, Vicksburg, Miss., July 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT. Commanding United States Forces, & c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to propose to you an armistice for t hours, with a view to arranging terms for the capitulation of Vicksburg. To this end, if agreeable to you, I will appoint three commissioners to meet a like number, to be named by yourself; at such l)lace and hour to-day as you may find convenient. I make this proposition to save the further effusion of blood, which must otherwise be shed to a frightful extent, feeling myself fully able to maintain my position for a yet indefinite period. This communication will be handed you under flag of truce by Maj. Gen. J. S. Bowen. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. * But see general summary of casualties, I~art II, p. 1(17. t In Pembertons report, sever~1 Page 60 60 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, In the Field, near Vicksburg, Miss., July 3, 1863. Licut. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding Confederate Forces, & c.: GENERAL: Your note of this date is just received, proposing an armistice for several hours, for the purpose of arranging terms of capit- ulation through commissioners to be appointed, & c. The useless effusion of blood you propose stopping by this course can be ended at any time you may choose, by an unconditional surrender of the city and garrison. Men who have shown so much endurance and courage as those now in Vicksburg will al~~ays challenge the respect of an adversary, and I can assure you will be treated with all the respect due to prisoners of war. I do not favor the proposition of appointing commissioners to arrange terms of capitulation, because I have no terms other than those indi- cated above. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Fieksburg, Miss., July 3, 1863. Lient. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding Confederate Forces, Vicks burg, Miss.: GENERAL: in conformity with agreement of this afternoon, I will sub- unit the following Proposition for the surrender of the city of Vicksburg, public stores, & c.: On your accepting the terms proposed, I will march in one division as a guard, and take possession at 8 a. m. to-morrow. Assoon as rolls can be made out, and paroles signed by officers and men, you will be allowed to march out of our lines, the officers taking with them their side-arms and clothing, and the field, staff, and cavalry officers one horse each. The rank and -file will be allowed all their clothing, but no other property. If these conditions are accepted, any amount of rations you may deem .necessary can be taken from the stores you now have ,an(I also the necessary cooking utensils for preparing them. Thirty wagons also, counting two two-horse or mule teams as one, will be allowed to transport such articles as cannot be carried along. The same conditions will be allowed to all sick and wounded officers an(l soldiers as fast as they become able to travel. The paroles for these latter must be signed, however, while officers are present authorized to sign the roll of prisoners. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Major- General. [Inolosure No. 4.1 HEADQUARTERS, Viclcsburg, Miss., July 3, 1863. Ma~j. Germ. U. S. GRANT, Commanding United States Forces, ct;c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- niunication of this (late, proposing terms of capitulation for this gar. i-isou and post Page 61 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 61 In the main, your terms are accepted; but in justice both to the honor and spirit of my troops, manifested in the defense of Yicksburg, I have to submit the following amendments, which, if acceded to by you, will perfect the agreement between us. At 10 a. m. to-morrow I propose to evacuate the works in and around Vicksburg, and to surrender the city and garrison under my corn inand, by marching out with my colors and arms, stacking them iii front of my present lines, after which you will take possession. Officers to retain their side-arms aiid l)ersoual I)roperty, and the rights and property of citizens to be respected. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. [Inclosure No. 5.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, Miss., July 4, 1863. Lieut. Gen. J. (3. PEMBERTO~4, Commanding Confederate Forces, Vicksburg, Miss.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your com- munication of July 3. The amendment proposed by you cannot be acceded to in full. It will be necessary to furnish every officer and man with a parole signed by himself, which, with the completiou of the rolls of prisoners, will necessarily take some time. Again, I can make no stipulations with regard to the treatment of citizens and their private property. While I do not propose to cause them any undue aunoyance or loss, I cannot consent to leave myself under any restraint by stipulations. The property which officers will be allowed to take with them will be as stated in my proposition of last evening; that is, officers will be allowed their private baggage and side- arms, and mounted officers one horse each. lf you mean by your proposition for each brigade to march to the front of the lines now occupied by it, and stack arms at 10 a. in., and then return to the inside, and there remain as prisoners until properly l)aroled, I will make no objection to it. Should no notification be received of your acceptance of my terms by 9 a. in., I shall regard them as having been rejected, and shall act accordingly. Should these terms be accepted, white flags should be displayed along your lines to prevent such of my trool)s as may not have been notified from firing upon your men. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. [Inclosure No. 6.] HEADQUARTERS, Vieksburg, Miss., July 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. 19. S. GRANT, Commanding United States Forces, & c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your coin- munication of this day, and in reply to say that the terms proposed by you are accepted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTOK, Lieutenant- General Page 62 62 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. YICKSBURG, July 6, 1863. General H. ~W. HALLECK, Washington, D. C.: The number of prisoners and pieces of artillery taken with Vicksburg is greater than was at first supposed. The number proves to be over 30,000 prisoners* and over one hundred and seventy pieces of artillery. We have found considerable ammunition and about four days rations of flour and bacon, and 250 pounds of sugar. The small-arms are of good quality and over 50,000 in number. Sherman is after Johnston, but no news from him to-day. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, Juljy 7, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Near Vicksburg, Miss.: Advices just i-eceived from New Orleans of the condition of General Banks army render it important that you send huin aid if it be l)ossible for you to do so. H. W. IIALLECK, General-in- Chief. WASHINGTON, D. 0., July 7, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Vicksb urg, Miss.: It gives me great pleasure to inform you that you have been appointed a major-general in the Regular Army, to rank from July 4, the date of your capture of Yicksburg. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, July 8, 18636.45 p. m. Major-General GRANT, Vicksburg, Miss.: I fear your paroling the garrison at Vicksburg without actual deliv- ery to a proper agent, as required by the fourteenth article of the car- tel, may be construed into an absolute release, and that the men will be immediately placed in the ranks of the enemy. Such has been the case elsewhere. If these prisoners have not been allowed to depart, you will retain them till further orders. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, July 10, 186310 a. m. Major-General GRANT, Vicksburg, Miss.: On a full examination of the question, it is decided, that you, as the commander of an army, were authorized to agree upon the parole and iclease of the garrison of Vicksburg with the general commanding the place. II. W. HALLEOK, General-in-Chief. * There were 20, 491 captured at VicXsburg and 1,147 captured at ,JacKson, Natches, and Yazoo City. Total, ?O,G3~ Page 63 OffAl. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 63 WAn I)EPARTMENT, Washington, August 1, 18639.45 a. in. Major-General GRANT, Vicksburg, Miss.: GENERAL: Your report, dated July 6, of your campaign in Missis. sippi, ending in the capitulation ofVicksburg, was received last evening. Your narrative of this caln~)aign, like the O1)CLatiOflS themselves, is brief, soldierly, and in every respect creditable and satisfactory. In boldness of plan, ral)idity of exceution, and brilliancy of results, these operations will compare most favorably with those of Napoleon about Ulin. You a.LI(l your army have well deserved the gratitude of your country, and it will be the boast of your children that their fathers were of the heroic army which reopened the Mississippi River. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief. No. 3. R~ports of Mr. Charles A. Daua, special commissioner of the United States War Department. COLUMBUS, Kv., March 20, 18634.30 p. m. There is absolutely no information here respecting affairs down the river. General iRosecrans having abandoned Forts Henry and ileinian and ordered them to be leveled, and a rebel force having appeared at lleiinan, Hurlbut, on Asboths reporting the facts, ordered him to re- occupy Heiman, considering it to be the key to both Columbus and Paducah. Asboth accordingly proceeded there by water with two re ments of infantry, two cannon, and some cavalry, and found a small body of rebels at Heiman, who escaped with their leader, Major Blan- ton [f]. The order of General Rosecrans to level the works had not been executed, Henry being partially overflowed. Blanton was collecting horses and raising conscripts. The whole country being Oi)Cfl to him, while the possession of ileimnan would have made him master of the iiavigation of the Tennessee, the force mentioned was left by Asboth in Heiman, and he got back here by land yesterday, The iron-clad gun- boat Tuscurabia, Capt. J. XV. Shirk, co-operated in the movement, and destroyed all the flats and skiffs collected by the rebels to force their operations on both sides of the Tennessee. Hereafter two small gun- boats will patrol that river as far up as Savaiinah. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. COLUMBUS, KY., March 20, 1863. Captain [J. W.] Rigby~ of Logans staff, arrived here this evening, and reports that expedition down Yazoo, tinder McPherson, consisting of Seventeenth Army Corps and Ross division, captured a rebel fort at the junction of Tallahatchee and Yalabusha on the 13th instant, and took a small rebel force in the fort l)risoliers. Rugby does not know how many guns were in the fort. Tl~e attack was made by the gumiboa Page 64 64 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CIAL. XXXVL Chillicothe, which received twenty shots, one of which, entering a port- hole, killed 3 men and wounded several. McPherson has advanced down 40 miles below the fort, and is some 25 miles frow Yazoo City. That place has not been attacked,, and no rebel transports have been captured. McPhersons army is in perfect condition and excellent health. Forces to re-enforce him are now moving (lown from Missouri under E. A. Carr, two regiments having L)assed here to-day. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. MEMPHIS, TENN., March 23, 1863, VIA BOAT TO CAIRO, March25. The report brought to Columbus by Rugby and telegraphed by me from there on the 20th was erroneous. The force on the Yazoo consisted originally of 4,500 men, under Ross. Tothis havebeen added 3,500nnder Quinby, who now commands. McPherson with the remainder of the Thirteenth [Seventeenth ~J Corps is at Helena, and part of Carrs force is also there, waiting for boats to join the expedition; but large boats entering Yazoo Pass may go forward, but cannot return, and enough small boats cannot be found to convey the re-enforcemnents with any rapidity. The expedition is now arrested at Greenwood, at the junctiou of the Tallahatchee and Yalabusha, where a rebel earthwork named Fort Pemberton, situated on a knoll made inaccessible by a swamp and mounting heavy guns, comman(ls the channel. This fort is of recent construction, built after the rebels discovered the l)lan of the expedi- tion. The heavy pieces of a gunboat have been disembarked, and with some 24 pounder howitzers planted in a battery against this fort, but without serious effect, and the expedition is effectually checked for the present. The whole force under McPherson is in round numbers 25,000, while re-enforcements are being hurried forward by way of Yazoo Pass. General Grant is sending 6,000 men overland from Greenville, on the Mississippi, to move on Yazoo and co-operate with the expedition, but the country through which this body will have to pass is difficult and full of streams, of which the Sunflower is the most considerable. Gen- eral Gorman, at Helena, had on the 21st a report that this corps had effected a junction with Quinby, but it is scarcely possible. With regard to details of operations before Vicksbure, it is impossible to procure them here. The cutting of Lake Providence is perfectly successful, but Bayou Macon is very frill of snags, which must be got out before the Tensas will be accessible. The canal opposite Vicksburg has broken through at its upper end. The river, entering with great force, strikes the railroad em bankinent, built longitudinally across the peninsula, which diverts the current to the bottom in the rear, aiid floods the land without cutting the channel. A pile-driver was sent down from here ten days ago in order to bar the opening into the canal, so that the digging may be resumed, but by the time it is successfully completed the lower approaches to Vicksburg will no doubt be as strongly defended as from above. The health of General Grants army has greatly improved, and at present the sick-list is no larger than usual. This is not so well informed a place as I hoped to find it. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 65 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 65 MEMPHIS, TENTh, March 24, 18633 p. in., VIA CAIRO, ILL., March 27. The Yazoo Pass expe(lition has retreated up the Yalabusha (accord- ing to General B. M. Prentiss) a distance of 100 miles, removing the guns from the battery planted against Fort Pemberton. It now waits I~r re-enforcements and supplies, the gunboat Chillicothe having gotten out of ammunition. Some of the small boats attached to this expedi- tion, however, are reported to me by Paymaster [Edwin D.] Judd (who left Youngs Point Friday) as having succeeded in passing Pemberton. Those have come down the Yazoo and made their way into Steeles Bayon, near Vicksburg. Judd saw them, and saw a messenger from them who communicated with General Grant. Learning from this source that the Yazoo was accessible from Steeles Bayou, General Grant has already moved D. Stuarts (formerly Morgan Smiths) division, 6,000 strong, under Sherman, into the Yazoo from Eagle Bend, on the Mississippi, about 40 miles above Vicksburg. The strip of land between that bend and Steeles Bayou is 1~ miles wide. J. McArthurs divis- ion, of McPhersons corps, was to move yesterday from Lake Prov- idence to Eagle Bend to re-enforce Sherman, making his whole force about 13,000 men. I learn from General IN. Kimball, who left Youngs Point on Saturday afternoon, that Admiral Porter, with gunboats, has entered the Yazoo above Haynes Bluff by way of Steeles Bayou. The movement across from Greenville to re-enforce the Yazoo Pass expedi- tion has been abandoned, the route being impracticable, and the divis- ion (Quinbys) by which it was attempted is at Helena, waiting for transportation through the pass. J. E. Smiths division, McPhersons corps, was to move from Helena into the pass this morning. The water is now flowing freely through the whole length of the canal opposite Yicksburg, but produces no effect in wearing away the compact clay soil, which in the lower half of its course is especially tenacious. The dredging machines are inadequate to complete the excavations, and the water, though too shallow for the boats, is too deep for men to dig in. Both Kimball and Judd think it is a failure, but Admiral Farra- gut having arrived from below on Friday with the vessels Hartford and Albatross, the failure is of less consequence. In coming up, Admiral Farragut drove the Queen of the West and the rebel boats into the Big Black, where he could not follow them with his deep vessels. Admiral Porter had ordered the Lafayette to pass Vicksburg and join Farragut Saturday night. Kimball reports Lake Providence Canal will now freely and safely pass the largest vessels through into Red River. Kim. ball thinks the enemy are already moving away material amid prepar- ing to evacuate Yicksburg. The cutting of the Mississippi levees has flooded the whole country, and their only avenue of supplies or of escape is now the Jackson Rail- road. General Grant is dead sure that he will have the l)lace within a fortnight. C. A. DANA. lion. E. M. STANTON, ~ecrctary of War, MEMPHIS, TENN., March 25, 18635 p. in., VIA CAIRO, ILL., March 27. A steamer wLch left Youngs Point Landing arrived this morning; reports no news. Some officers came by her, but I have vainly tried to 5 H HVOL XXIV, PT Page 66 66 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXYI. find them. Iluribut has no intelligence. Private advices confrm that Porters gunboats are in the Yazoo, above Haynes Bluff. Two commis- sary transports have been sunk in Yazoo Pass by snags. There is a rumor that the expedition is definitely abandoned, but I can get noth- ing official. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. MEMPHIS, TENN., March 26, 18631 p. in. A scout of Huributs, who left Mobile March 17, reports extraordi- nary trains of sick arriving there from Yicksbnrg, Port Hudson, Jack- son, and other posts of the Yicksburg army. The stations and towns along the way were also full of them. Stopping suI)plies from Opelou. sas has deprived that army of meat. I saw yesterday a Mr. Jordan, a very intelligent planter, who resides on Yazoo. He says that river is fortified at Shell Bend and at Honey Island much more powerfully thau at Greenwood. Liverpool Blnff, 27 miles above Haynes, is equally fortified, as the river is obstructed there by a raft as it is at Haynes. The fact reported by Paymaster Judd, that boats from above Greenwood had got down into Steeles Bayou, he pronounces physically impossible. The Big Black he declares to be impracticable for boats of any size larger than skiffs, except at its mouth, where they may get in behind Grand Gulf, and he denies what others have asserted, that there is a draw in the railroad bridge back of Yicksburg. That bridge, he says, is protected by fortifications held by 20,000 men, so that the rebels re- gard its destruction as an impossibility. They think Yicksbnrg im- pregnable against any force but starvation. Let me suggest that I should be much more useful farther down the river than here. At General Grants headquarters I can get the truth. Here it is difficult and uncertain. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secrctary of War. MEMPHIS, TENN., March 27, 18633.30 p. m. The news from Youngs Point is to Monday, March 23. There is official information from Helena, but none has come here. The report is that Sherman has got twenty regiments landed on the east bank of Yazoo River above Haynes Bluff, and that the greatest enthusiasm prevails throughout the army at this success. The report that he is supported by gunboats in Yazoo River is repeated. It is also stated that the channel from Deer Creek into the Sunflower had to be enlarged by digging in order to pass them, but all reports here on this subject are confused and doubtful. The Yazoo Pass expedition is not aban- doned, but has received supplies and been ~e-enforced by Quinbys divis- ion. General Hurlbuts advices of March 17, from Mobile, report that five iron-clad rams are ready for use in the harbor, those built at Selma having bcen brought down. C. A. i)ANA. Hon. E. M. S4ANTON, Secretary of War Page 67 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 67 MEMPHIS, TENN., March 28, 18634 p. in., VIA CAIRO, March 31. On Tuesday evening last, the rams Lancaster and Switzerland started to run the batteries at Vicksburg. The Lancaster had her bow carried away by a shot; was also hit amidships, and sank in twenty minutes. Whether any on board were saved is unknown. The Switz- erland was also hit, but got through without serious damage, being takei~in tow by the Albatross, which came under fire to her assistance. No news from ~ command nor from Yazoo Pass. A passenger train from Memphis to Jackson was captured by guerrillas near Moscow this morning at 10 oclock. Forty persons were taken. The engineer cut loose, and got safe]y to Moscow with the locomotive. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, March 30, 1863. C. A. DANA, Esq., Memphis, lenin., via Cairo: Your telegrams have been received, and although the information has been meager and unsatisfactory, I am conscious that arises from no fault of yours. You will proceed to General Grants headquarters, or wher- ever you may be best able to accomplish the purposes designated by this Department. You will consider your movements to be~ governed by your own discretion without any restriction. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. MEMPHIS, TENN., March 30, 18635 p. in., VIA CAIRO, ILL., April 1. General Grant has sent for all steamboats that can be had, as if he intended to move the bulk of his army from its present position, and has ordered J. G. Laumans division here to be held ready for instant movement. Three boat-loads of Carrs men passed down to Helena on Saturday. No official news from below. An officer arrived here reports the crew of ram Lancaster escaped from that vessel in yawls as she sank, only two being lost by drowning. A report that ram Monarch had run batteries safely he pronounces untrue. No gunboats have en- tered Yazoo River from Porters fleet. They cant force the passage from Deer Creek into the Sunflower. Porter himself, while reconnoiter- ing a bayou in a small steamer, was caught by felling trees in his rear. Two regiments of infantry were sent out and extricated him. The newspapers here say Sherman has taken Haynes Bluff, but I can find no foundation for the report. General Dodge telegraphs from Cor. inth that Midshipman Henry Travis, of sloop-of-war Mississippi, arrived there yesterday, paroled. He left, prisoners at Jackson, the captain of marines and 46 men, who escaped with. him from that vessel. He re- ports the ship lost by becoming uncontrollable in the current and getting aground, not a shot having struck her previously. After she grounded they fought her an hour, and then set her on fire. All hands made for the shore. She then floated a distance down stream aniX blew up. She was not harmed by the rebels fire, as the guns on the bluff could not be depressed to damage her much. l~t is ascertained by a spy of Hurl Page 68 68 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. but~ that up to Wednesday last no force had been withdrawn from Vicksburg, except one brigade sent to Yazoo City. A great part of the rebel army was, however, previously east of the Big Black. He also reports but few troops, and those militia, at Grenada, but heavy force at . Since they came into the they carried off all the car- penters and carpenters tools at Panola; they are also gathering troops. They are evidently preparing a movement either against Hurlbnt or Yazoo City. Rebel sympathizers here are informed the Indianola is not sunk or destroyed, but is being repaired behind Grand Gulf, in Big Black. They also declare Yicksburg fully provisioned for nine months. The rebels have assembled a force of 4,000 at Tuscumbia, aud a few days left or against the right of General IRosecrans. I wrote from Columbus respecting Fort ileiman. llnrlbut has notified General Itoseerans, to whose department it now belongs, that he (llurlbut) cannot continue to garrison it. I respectfully suggest it ought by no means to be abandoned. The mutinous One hundred and ninth Illinois, decimated by deser- tion, has gone down to report to General Grant under guard, but yet without being disarmed. The One hundred and twenty.eighth, which had nearly all deserted at Cairo, have bee ii mostly recaptured, and are under guard there. C. A. DANA. lion. E. M. STANTON, ASccretary of War. MEMPHIS, TENN., ~larch 31, 18631.30 p. m. Sherman, with his troops, returned to Youngs Point on Fiiday, March 27, the attempt to reach the Yazoo by way of Steeles Bayou and the Sunflower having proved futile. Porters entrapment on Rolling Fork, mentioned in my dispatch of yesterday, occurred on Sunday, March 22. The Confederate force was about 4,000, with artillery, and the skirmish for his extrication lasted nearly all day. We had 10 or 12 privates killed and wounded, and an engineer on a tug killed by a shell. The rain Switzerland was so much damaged in passing Yicksburg that she must be repaired before she can be of service. No news from the Yazoo Pass expedition, which, as I now learn, returned down the Coidwater to the Tallahatchee by General Grants express order. Quinbys division is with it. Ten of the most prominent and wealthy secession families of Mem- phis yesterday received orders from Huribut to leave the city instantly. This is in consequence of orders issued in January notifying all such persons that their remaining here depended upon their friends beyond our lines leaving the railroad undisturbed. The attack of 28th near Moscow is punished by this expulsion. The same attack has also been more severely punished by Lieutenant-Colonel rRenben] Loomis, of Griersons cavalry, from La Grange, who was sent by General W. S. Smith with 200 men to pursue the guerrillas. He overtook theni Sun- day afternoon, 100 strong, 6 miles southeast of Belmont, Teun., and after a brisk skirmish they gave way, leaving in Loomis hands Captain [Reuben] Burrow, 1 orderly sergeant, and 9 privates prisoners. Pro- ceeding 5 or 6 miles farther, Loomis bivouacked, and precisely at mid- night his command, consisting of only 130 men, (Ie(lueting those out on picket duty, was attacked by Col. 11. V. Richardson with 500 or 600 men. After fighting about fifteen minutes the rebels fell back, lQaving on th Page 69 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 69 field 2 lieutenants and 4 privates killed, and Major [B. B.] Benson mor- tally wounded. The neighboring people report they had 40 or 50 killed and several wounded, including Richardson himself, whose wounds are dangerous. We lost Lient. Jesse B. Wilson and 7 privates killed and 35 wounded, many of them sligl~tly, including 4 commissioned officers. Wilson fell very gallantly in the thick of the m~We, fighting in his shirt- sleeves as he had sprung from sleep. The rebels fled from their own camp at 2 oclock in the morning. Loomis brought in 20 prisoners. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, ASecretary of War. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 1, 18634 p. ~ On Saturday, the 28th, after the return of Sherman, Grant said con- fidentially that he had now tried unsuccessfully every conceivable in- direct means of attacking Yicksburg, and that nothing but a direct assault upon the enemys works remained. This is also the opinion of the general officers of his command. With regard to such an assault, the judgment of these officers is divided. Frank Blair is reported to me as favoring it, but I believe General Grant himself is opposed to it, as is Sherman, the most influential of all General Grants subordinates, though I have no positive information on that point. I have no doubt that General Grant is about to move the bulk of his army back up the river. He is confident, however, that without taking Yicksburg he can, in co-operation with Admiral Farragut and General Banks, effectually cut oft Confederate supplies from west of the river. Deserters from Vicksburg who arrived in General Grants camp on Saturday report that food, excluding meat, is plenty in the town. There had been a de- ficiency, but now the supply is ample. A Mr. Waltona respectable gentleman, who arrived from Lower and Central Mississippi at General W. S. Smiths headquarters, La Grange, yesterdayreports that sup- l)lies for Yicksburg are everywhere being seized. In Noxubee County 200,O0() pounds of pork have just been taken. lie also reports that there is not much Confederate force in Northern and Eastern Missis- sippi, but a great concentration against General Rosecrans, especially of cavalry. He says there are already 20,~00 horsemen in Johnstons army, and every effort is being made to swell the number to 25,000, in oi-der to make the defeat of General Rosecrans crushing in case he should have the worst in the approaching battle. Dodge reports from Corinth to-day that the rebels are repairing alt the bridges across the streams from Savannah east and Florence north. They are also building a large number of boats in the creeks leading into the Tennessee River, and have massed a body of cavalry at the mouth of Duck River. The same officer reported yesterday that Van Dorns men had fallen back from Lawrenceburg to Lowryville, and that about 500 cavalry remained at Waynesborough. The men said they were going back to Mississippi. From Yazoo Pass there is news of the renewal of fighting at Fort Pemberton, but nothing official or decisive on this subject. I shall doubtless be able to report fully from Helena, whither I go to-morrow. Your dispatch of the 30th is received. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 70 70 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 2,1863. General J. D. Webster, of General Grants staff, who left Youngs Point Tuesday afternoon, arrived here this evenino. From him I have authentic information. General Grant has no iutentioii of either with- drawing the bulk of his army or attempting a direct assault on Vicks l)Ilr? ~ left, had been comAeted for l)eOin. Vb~.n W~h~f~~r arrangements ning to open a passage from 7 to 9 miles long through a bayou empty- ing into the Mississippi at Millikens Bend to a point below Warrenton. Extent of canal to be dug is from one-half to two-thirds of a mile. The bayou will also have to be straightened and widened in one or two places and cleared of trees. Webster thinks that the job will not require more than two weeks time. Another plan, which is also contemplated, is to float empty transports past Yicksburg in the (lark, having steam enough to save them from floating ashore in case of need, but not enough to betray their presence to the enemy. Having got them past, Grants troops can be marched down on the Louisiana side, embarked below the rebel batteries, and conveyed to the I)oint where they will most effectually threaten the bridge over the Big Black. Our engineers have constructed two casemates on the shore opposite Yicksburg, whence with 30-pounder Parrotts they can destroy any building in the town. The distance is some 3,000 yards. These casemates are of timber covered with railroad iron and protected by embankments. When Webster left, they were nearly completed, but as the work was done at night they had not attracted the attention of the enemy. They are the more safe because, little lateral l)lay being required for the guns, their embra- sures are unusually narrow. The Yazoo Pass expedition is definitely abandoned, but the orders required a final and vigorous attack on Fort Pemberton before withdrawing. The army officers in that expedition blame very greatly the captain of the Chillicothe, who commanded the naval force, for not taking with him sufficient ammunition at the outset. Could he have fought his vessel a little longer, the fort might easily have been taken. I leave for Youngs Point on first boat. C. A. DANA. Hon. P. M. STANTON, Secretary of War P. 5.General Grant has ordered the Memphis and Charleston Itail- road between Grand Junction and Corinth to be opened. Webster begins it to-morrow. Paymaster Judd received to-day $5,000,000, which has been distributed to his subordinates, who willleave for the points of disbursement to-morrow. General llurlbnt l)~OPO5~5 to settle the negro question here by enrolling for duty as l)ioneers, teamsters, & c., all who are fit for service in this immediate vicinity and along the line of the railroad which he is guarding, taking sufficient bonds for the good treat- ment and return of the persons. This plan General Grant~has approved, and it will at once be put into execution. Jlurlbnt also proposes to select out of the enrolled men a regiment of artillerymen to garrison the fort here. He says he can find excellent material, and that the men will not be troubled by the white soldiers. This project has not been submitted to General GrantC. A. I). HELENA, April 5, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, April 10. I find here no important information respecting General Grants move. ments. McClernand has moved from his position at Millikens Ben Page 71 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 7t and on the 3d occupied Thelimond, on the railroad opposite Vicksbnr~. Yesterday he was to have occupied New Carthage, on the Louisiana side, below Warrenton. Steeles division has been thrown up to Green- ville, on the Mississippi side, with the design of capturing a rebel force of one or two regiments in the country between that point and the Sn ii- flower. No part of the Yazoo Pass expedition has arriVe(l here, nor is there any information that the retreat is yet commenced. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON Secretary of War. MILLIKENS BEND, April 6, 18633 J). in., VIA CAIRO, iLL., April 108.40 p. m. I arrived here to-day at noon. General Grant is very confident that Vicksburg will soon be taken, not only from the result of the operations now on foot, but also from the starvation of the garrison, lie tells me that all supplies from his side of the river are already entirely cut off, and those from the Yazoo country are greatly diminished; that he ex- l)ects them to be altogether stopped by the operations of Steeles divis- ion, whose movement to Greenville was mentioned in my dispatch from Helena yesterday. His advices from the town represent the people as already suffering much, and the garrison on re(luced rations; that Mc- Clernands corps occnl)ied New Carthage yesterday, and that McPherson is about to move from Lake Providence to this l)lace. rPlie new cutoff is already half completed. Three thousand five hundred men are at work on it to-day, and Col. G. G. Pride, the engineer in charge, says that he will be ready for it just as soon as the necessary tugs and barges can be got here from up the river. The length of navigation in this cut- off will be some 30 miles, and the plan is to take through it small tugs, with some fifty barges, enough to cr055 the whole army, with artillery and baggage~ in twenty-four honrs. The channel will only be wi(le enough for narrow crafts. The half dozen steamboats, l)rotected by defenses of sand-bags and wet hay, will be floated down the river past the batteries, to serve as transports of supplies after the crossing is effected; the landing to be made at or about Grand Gulf, and the army is to operate on the southern or eastern shore of the Big Black, where the land is elevated and the roads good, threatening both the bridge across the Big B lack an(l Jackson, the one 1)Oillt some 50 miles and the other some 75 miles from Ihe place of debarkation. The enemy will be compelled to come out and fight. The wagon train left behind when the army left Memphis has now been ordered down for the purposes ot this movement. Of course this dispatch is hurried and incomplete as regards details, but I deeme~l it best to lose no time in sending it forward. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. MILLIKENS BEND, April 8, 1863, VIA MEMPIUS, TENN., April 115 p. in. Everything is going on cheeringly. The canal from l)uckport to the bayou will be ready by night to let in the water. A force equal to five regiments is now at work (ligging~ while a strong body of Pioneers are emigagL~(l clearing the bayou. Front Richmond to the river it is alread Page 72 72 MISSISSIPPi, WEST TENNESSEE~ ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. clear, steamboats having formerly ascended to that place. None of Quinbys forces have yet been heard of here, though the rebel news- paper, the Appeal, says they withdrew up the Coidwater on Thurs- day last. There are no indications of any attempt on the part of the rebels to cut them off. Quinby will come directly here and not debark at Lake Providence, where McPherson and. the rest of the Seventeenth Army Corps are. I learn that when Admiral Porter was entrapped by the rebels at Deer Creek week before last, his situation was so desperate that when Shermans forces arrived to relieve him, they found he had already smeared his gunboats with turpentine preparatory to abandon. lug them and setting them afire. Weather continues cool here. Neither mosquitoes nor gnats have yet troubled men or animals. C. A. I)ANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. MILLIXENS BEND, April 10, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., April 13. Everything goes forward encouragingly. The canal will be ready for trial in two or three days, as soon as the water is let in, which it is deemed advisable to postpone tir fear the overflow may destroy the road hence to Richmond and Carthage before the remaining troops of McClernands corps have marched over it. The preparations for running the batteries by the gunboats and transports are also nearly completed, and that enterprise will soon be accomplished. Probably five or six gunboats, including the rest of the squadron, led by Admiral Porter himself will go down within two (lays, as the nights are dark and promise to be cloudy. The actual length of the canal and bayou navigation proves to be 37 miles, and Capt. F. E. Prime, who returned last night from exploring the whole passage, reports that there will be no (hf- ficulty in making it practicable throughout, if necessary, by cutting the levee near the head of the bayou and flooding the whole country. A depth of 15 feet of water can be gotten throughout the entire passage. But perhaps the best evidence of the possibility of the project is found in the fact that the river men who have seen it pronounce its success certain. General Sherman, with whom I have conversed at length upon the sul ect, thinks there is no difficulty in opening the passage, but that the line will be a precarious one after the army is thrown across the Mississippi. His preference is for a movemeutby way of Yazoo Pass, landing the army somewhere in the region of Charleston, and threaten- ing Grenada and Jackson from that point, at the same time that the rich region of Northeru Mississippi is held and -the enemy deprived of the supplies derived from the line of the Yazoo and the~Sunflower; or he is in favor of moving down by way of Lake Providence to the line o1 the Tensas and Red Rivers, and by holding that region sever the rebel connections amid shut off their western supplies; but I judge that his mind is iiow tending to the conclusion of General Grant in favor of crossing, seizing Grand Gulf, and operating from that basis. As for General Grant, his purpose is set in that direction, and if the new canal should fail he will move his entire forces overland to Carthage or there- abouts, run transl)orts enough past batteries to carry them, and I)rovis- ion them by wagons, and by running tIme batteries afterward. Admiral Porter cordially agrees with the plan now being executed. How far the enemy suspects this scheme ~s uncertain. Parts of it ha~ve bee Page 73 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 73 published in some of the Northern papers, but the probability is that the rebels regard the publication as a blind to cover other designs. They believe Snyders or Drnmgoulds Bluff is to be assaulted, and there an(l at Chickasaw Bayou they are makiii~ considerable prepa- rations. They are, however, perfectly aware of the construction of our casemated batteries in front of the city, two of which were completed yesterday, while tile other two are to be done to-night. They fired one gun at them yesterday, but evidently do not mean to waste ammunition on them. These batteries will open on the town whenever a feigned attack is made on Snyders Bluff and whenever the gunboats go down. Whether the enemy is strengthening Grand Gulf is not known. At last advices, J. S. Bowens Missouri brigade was there, with one or two Louisiana companies. The forces are all safe out of Yazoo Pass. The weather is warm, bu~ not uncomfortable. The health of the troops could hardly be better. Sterling Price and Kirby Smith were both at Little Rock on the 1st or 2d. Price has offered pardon to all deserters who will return, and has gathered about 10,000 men. C. A. DANA. Hon. I~. M. STANTON, & cretary of War. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 12, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., April 15-i 1- in. (Received April 159.30 p. in.) An important modification has resulted in the immediate plan of operations from a letter of General ilalleck received on the 10th. It is now determined that after the occupation of Grand Gulf instead of operating up the Big Black toward Jackson and the bridge in the rear of Vicksbnrg, the main force shall proceed against Port Hudson. Dis- patches will at once be sent to General Banks inviting him to co-oper- ate. There is still some uncertainty respecting the time of the move- ment. The original plan was to depend on the canal for transporting suI)plies, and, if necessary, troops also, but about Wednesday last this l)lan was changed so far as to determine to march the troops to New Car- thage by way of Richmond, and preparations have been made to improve the road for that purpose by raising it above the expected level of the water, but it now appears that the canal and road cannot both be relied upon. If the water is let into the canal, the road will probably be over- flowed, while a rain-storm which prevailed through last night made the road very muddy, and proved that a storm of twenty4our hours would render it impassable for days. It is probable, accordingly, that the canal will be employed for troops as well as supplies, and that the move- ment will be postponed till it can be fully opened. Col. G. G. Pride estimates thai another week will be requisite to let in the water, finish the dredging, and entirely clear out all the trees. The digging is already complete so far as it can be done by hand, and the clearing of the trees has been carried nearly to Richmond. The barges and tugs which are expected from Saint Louis will probably not arrive before the end of the present week. If~ however, General Grant adheres to his later idea of marching some 30,000 men to New Carthage, the water cannot be let into the canal until they have gotten over the road. There will be no chance of their finding ground to camp on out of reach of the overflow that the opening of the canal will produce, but if this plan is adopted, Admiral Porter will take his vessels down within the next three days, and transports for the troops will also run the batteries, and the blow a Page 74 .74 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Grand Gulf will be struck before the canal is finished and its utility decided by experiment. Admiral Porter is ready and anxious to go forward, but I presume the more cautious course ~vill be chosen. The attack on Grand Gulf will be led by McClernand, and though General Grant has not told me so, I conclude he intends the same officer to have command of the further movement against Port Hudson. I have re- monstrated, so far as I could properly do so, against intrusting so momentous an operation to McClernand, and I know that Admiral Porter and prominent members of his staff have done the same, but General Grant will not be changed. McClernand is exceedingly desir- ous of this command. He is the senior of the other corps commanders. He is believed to be an especial favorite of the President, and the posi- tion which his corps occupied on the ground here when this movement was first projected was such that the advance naturally fell to its lot; besides, he entered zealously into the plan from the first, while Shem- man doubted and criticised and McPherson, whom General Grant would really much prefer, is away at Lake Providence; and though I understand him to approve of the scheme, he has had no active l)art in it. It is estimated that 10,000 men can take Grand Gulf, fortify it, and hold it, and at the same time make any necessary feints up the shore of the Big Black, while 20,000 more go down to Port Hudson. In this operation MeClernand and McPherson will both be engaged, while Sher- man will remain to menace Vicksburg from here and guard the line of communications. McPhersons troops have been ordered here for the movement. F. Steele reports from Greenville that he has taken 2,000 head of cattle and great numbers of negroes, and destroyed enormous quantities of forage that he could not remove. He pursued S. W. Fer- guson as far as he dared. General [Loreuzo] Thomas arrived here yesterday. He is quite ill with the diarrhea, but is better this morning. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. MILLIKENS BEND, April 14,1863, VIA MEMPHIS, April 23. Col. G. G. Pride let the water into his canal at 12 m. yesterday. The channel is now full, and there is no reason to doubt its usefulness. The dredges have been at work deepening it all to-day. Maj. W. Tweeddale, who was sent with a working party to clear out the trees from the bayou; reports that all is done to withiu 5 miles of Rich- mond, but that the remaining distance is much more obstructed than the rest of the line, so that four days at least will be required to open the passage for tugs and barges. From Richmond to New Carthage the way is believed to be clear, though it is not yet settled whether open- ing this canal will overflow the road. General Grant is l)ushing troops forwam-d to New Carthage by the road. He thinks no overflow will occur. Osterhaus division has been at New Carthage for ten days; A. J. Smiths division is under orders to march to-morrow, and Hovey fol- lows immediately, all under MeClernand. The camp equipage of the army corps is to be sent down in four barges along with Admiral i~or- ters gunboats, which are intended to run the batteries to-morrow night, taking with them three transports. Having passed the batteries, the transports, barges, and gunboats will take on hoard 10,009 troops, and cal)ture Grand Gulf before it can be re-enforced. Time transports an(l barges will at once return for more troops, and as soon as the whol Page 75 CHAP. XXXYI.] 75 force can be embarked and the working of the canal insures supplies, the movement against Port Hudson will proceed. Though the danger of going against Grand Gulf before the canal is done is understood, still, General Grant thinks it necessary to take the risk, for fear the enemy may get before him. it is, however, now settled that McClernand will not go farther than Grand Gulf, but will remain there to command the post, while General Grant himself will go on to Port Hudson, taking McPherson and 30,000 troops with him. Enemy still, apparently, have no idea of this movement, but look constantly for an assault on Haynes Blnff or Vicksburg direct. Health and spirits of troops excellent. Weather cool and somewhat rainy, but not enough so to spoil the roads. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War. XYAR I)EPARTMENT, Washington City, April 16, 1863. C. A. DANA, 3fillikens Bend, via Memphis: Your several dispatches have been duly received, and are very wel come. Allow me to suggest that you carefully avoid giving any advice in respect to commands that may be assigned, as it may lead to misun- derstanding and troublesome complications. EDWIN M. STANTON. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 16, 18636 p. in., VIA MEMPHIS, April 24. (Received April 254.40 p. in.) Yicksburg batteries will be run to-night about 9 oclock. Fleet will consist of six iron-clad turtles, viz: Benton, Mound City, Carondelet, Louisville, Pittsburg, and DeKalh, besides Lafayette, iron-clad, and General Price, heavy armed ram. Admiral Porter had intended to take the Tuscumbia, iron-clad, also, but has concluded to leave her in Yazoo- Transports consist of Henry Clay and Forest Queen, side-wheel steam- ers,, and Silver Wave, stern-wheel, having twelve barges in tow, or fol- lowing separately in the current. The barges carry the camp equipage of General ~ corps, some forage, and some coal. There is also one which will float down far astern, carrying ammunition. Admiral Porter, who goes in command, also takes a small tug. The gunboats and transports are protected in vulnerable parts by bulwarks of hay, cotton, and sand-bags. No doubt is felt that the design is known in Vicksburg, and Admiral Porter will fire all his guns in passing. Our new batteries on the levee will also participate. General Grant goes to New Carthage to-morrow morning to direct the subsequent operations from that point, though, as I have previously reported, General McClernand will command the attack upon Grand Gulf. All of McClernands troops that remain here, including A. J. Smiths and Carrs divisions, have marched for New Carthage. Quinbys division, of General McPherson~s corps, arrived here yester- day. Quinby remains at Helena, dangerously sick, and the command devolves upon Col. J. B. Sanborn. McPhersc:~, with one of his other divisions, probably MeArthurs, is expected to-day or to-morrow, and his whole corps should be here within five days. The wcather is per. GENERAL REPORT Page 76 76 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. feet for either marching or fighting, and the spirit of the troops is all that could be desired. The labor on Prides cut-off is pushed forward with energy, and everything about it continues to be encouraging. The road to Richmond and New Carthage is overflowed to some extent, but is not rendered impassable. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 17, 186310 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., April 24. Admiral Porters squadron cast loose from its moorings in mouth of Yazoo just before 10 oclock last night, and (Iropped down the Missis- sippi darkly and silently, showing neither steam nor light save occa- sionally a signal astern, where the enemy could not see it. The vessels moved at intervals of about 200 yards, the Benton leading, the rest fol- lowing, as pointed out in my dispatch of yesterday, save that the Tus- cumbia went instead of the De KaIb, and closed the column, having the three transports immediately before her. The most of the gunboats had already doubled the tongue of land which stretches in front of Vicks- burg when there was a flash from the enemys upper batteries, and then for an hour and a half the cannonade was terrific, raging inces- santly along the line of about 4 miles in extent. Icounted five hundred and twenty-five discharges, while early in the action the enemy lit a bonfire in front ofVicksburg to light up the scene and direct his fire. About 12.45 a. in. a steamer, which proved to be the Henry Clay, also took fire and burned for three-quarters of an hour, but I rejoice to report this was the only vessel we lost; that the gunboats all passed down uninjured, the Benton alone of the squadron being hit, and she only by a single ball, which killed 1 man and wounded 3 others. Not another gunboat was touched, and only one hit (the Forest Queen, transport), and this did her no serious damage. The Henry Clay was lost by being abandoned by her captain and crew in a panic. they think- ing her to be sinking. The pilot refused to go with them, and said if they would stay they would get her through safely. After they had fled in the yawls, the cotton bales on her deck took fire, and one wheel became unmanageable. The pilot then ran her aground, and got upon a plank, on which he was picked up 4 miles below. 1 have the facts from an officer of Quinbys division. Sherman was aboard the Benton after she had got through. The substance of his personal statement will be forwarded by General Grant to General Halleck along with this dispatch, and will correct any errors in my report. Our new batteries were ordered to open on the public buildings of Vicksburg at (laylight this morning. McPherson arrived here last night with Logans division. General Grant is just starting for New Carthage. I go with him. C. A. DANA. Hon. B. M. STANTON. & cretary of War. MILLIKENS BEND, April 20, 1863. (Received April 24.) General Grant went to New Carthage on the 17th, returning on the 18th. Found Admiral Porters squadron there, all in fighting condition Page 77 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 77 though most of them had been hit yesterday, with Silver Wave (trans- port). Forest Queen (transport) had her steam drum broken under Vicksburg batteries, and was left above Warrenton, but has been repaired, and was brought down at 2 oclock this morning. Admiral Porter reports no batteries at Warrenton, but some 10 or 12 pounder guns, which feebly answered his fire. No one was killed in passing Vicksburg; man supposed killed was only stunned. J. S. Bowen, com- manding at Grand Gulf, has sent over three regiments to dislodge Oster- hans from New Carthage. His outposts were near ours, and there had been some ineffectual cannonading on the levee, the only point of ap- proach by land. On morning of 17th, before Admiral Porter arrived, a rebel steamer appeared just below New Carthage, but did not stay. On afternoon of 17th, Admiral Porter sent the Tuscumbia to shell out Bowens camp, about 2 miles below Carthage. Whether Bowen had succeeded in get- ting his force back to Grand Gulf is unknown. Admiral Porter sent Louisville (gunboat) down the I~lississippi on morning of 18th, but we have received no news from there since. Gen- eral MeClernand has his headquarters on Mrs. Smiths plantation, on Iloundaway Bayou, opposite the entrance of Bayou Vidal, about 3 miles from New Carthage. Osterhaus division is mainly encamped there. Hoveys, Carrs, and A. J. Smiths lie along the road, Smiths holding the rear at Holmes plantation, about 8 miles from Mr. Forsyths. The levee along the Bayou Vidal is badly broken in three places, and the whole country between itoundaway and Mississippi being overflowed, troops can only be moved to New Carthage by water. General McCler- nand has constructed a number of scows, nsing for the purpose a fine saw-mill on Holmes l)lantatiou, and with these and a few yawls he is hard at work transporting troops and supplies to New Carthage. By the same means, as well as by a scanty wagon train, somewhat increased by the ox-wagons of the country, he is transporting supplies down from llichmond. On the 18th he was about to try and get the Silver Wave (transport) up Bayou Vidal, but a letter from him, written on the evening of that day, does not report that he has succeeded. It is probable that some dredging will be required at the mouth of that bayou before it will be accessible to any but very small steamers. Prides cut-off is constantly worked at with much energy, but the engineers differ in opinion as to when loaded barges can get through it. Two small steamers, with barges carrying pioneers with tools, have this morning passed through the canal into Walnut Bayou, and Pride thinks that within three days he will steam to New Carthage, but Lient. Col. J. H. Wilson, topo- graphical engineer~ thinks it will take a fortnight. The wagon road hence to Smiths plantation is in very good condition, and not likely to be overflowed. This road, as well as Prides cut-off, is now protected against inroads of the enemy by overflow of the country toward the Tensas. The strip of dry land between the two lines of water is nowhere more than 3 miles wide. Six transport steamers are being repaired to run Vicksburg batteries, viz, Tigress (side-wheeler), Anglo - Saxon, ~heeseman, Moderator, Hori- zon, and Empire City, all stern-wheelers; none of them less than 500 tons. Each will cariy one hundred thousand rations in her hold and forty days coal. They will hardly be ready before to-morrow night. As soon as they have gone down, General Grant will move his head- quarters to New Carthage, and the attack on Grand Gulf will be made as soon as 8,000 troops can be embarked, but this will be delayed b Page 78 [CHAP. XXXVI. 78 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. difficulti; of moving down Bayou Vidal. General Grant now seems in- clii~ed to direct this attack himself, and to leave MeClernand to hold this place, while, with the bulk of McClernands and McPhersons corps, he himself goes down to Port Hudson, for which, he thinks, 20,000 troops will suffice. J. McArthnrs division has not yet arrived here. The last of Logans came yesterday. Quinby being sick, General Grant tells me J. C. Sullivan will take his division. From our batteries of 30-pounder Parrotts on levee opposite Yicksburg 250 rounds have been fired, mainly at railroad depot, without apparent effect. They are firing to-day at the court-house used by the enemy as a signal station. It is a mile farther than the depot. General Grant talks of building a team. road hence to New Carthage, for use in case the canal is left dry by falling of the Mississippi. He proposes to use the iron on the Vicksburg and Shreveport Railroad. A very trustworthy spy of General Grant tells him that there are in Mississippi agents of secret organizations in Southern Indiana and Illi- nois, who report that they are armed and ready for insurrection. Offi- cers in this army, who, three months ago, told me they would never serve along with negro regiments, now say that Adjutant-General Thomas makes bad speeches to troops, but that they shall obey orders, nevertheless. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. MLLL1KE~S BEND, April 22, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, April 25. Yours of the 16th was received yesterday. its direction shall be scrupulously observed even in extreme cases. The fleet of six trans- ports could not be gotten ready to run the Vicksburg batteries, but are now prepared and go to-night. They are manned throughoutofficers, engineers, pilots, and deck handsby volunteers from the army, mainly from Logans division. This service was sought with great eagerness, and experienced men have been found for every post. If 10,000 men had been wanted instead of 150, they would have been zealously sup- plied. In addition to bulwarks of hay, cotton, and beef barrels, each transport is protected by a barge on each side of it. Orders are to drop noiselessly down with the current from mouth of Yazoo, and not show steam till batteries begin firing, when they are to use all their legs. The sky is now cloudy, and a very favorable night is promised. No dispatches from McClernand. Admiral Porter reports to General Grant that McCleruand has succeeded in getting a transport up Bayou Vidal to Smiths plantation, so that he can move his troops down to New Carthage with some rapidity. Admiral Porter has found a month. to Bayou Vidal which has 15 feet of water, and with but few trees to b~ removed, and even those do not prevent, though they hinder, naviga~ tion. Admiral Porter does not report any important reconnaissance (lown the river, or say that he has done anything to prevent Bowens return to Grand Gulf. G. G. Pride has got two small transports and some barges throngh his canal into the bayou, and thinks they must have reached Richmond by last evening. At the month of the canal the depth of water is now 15 feet, and at its entrance into the bayou 6 feet. Four dredges work day and night deepening the channel, but some alarm is felt at the report of a sudden and unexpected fidl of the Mississippi at Memphis and abovp. A fall of 15 feet, which is rumore Page 79 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 79 to have occurred at Memphis, would leave the canal without water. There would still be water in the bayou, which can be made navigable for barges throughout the summer, and commissary stores and ammu- nition would have to be wagoned for a few miles only, but coal for the gunboats and transports would have to be drifted down past Yicksburg. Such a fall of water would also deprive the line of the protection of the flood from the Tensas, which it now enjoys. If the six transports get down to-night, General Grant moves his headquarters to New Car- thage to-morrow, and I go with him. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. SMITHS PLANTATION, NEAR NEW CARTHAGE, April 24, 18633 p. m. General Grant arrived here last night, and has now gone down with Admiral Porter to reconnoiter Grand Gulf. Admiral Porter was there on the 22d instant, and by opening fire ascertained the position and strength of the batteries. There are four distinct works stretched along the height on the Mississippi shore, each armed with three guns, and a new work is being built in the rear, which, as Admiral Porter learned from some gentlemen whom he saw, and who had jnst been there, is to be mounted with one large gun. The works along the brow of the bluff are provided with rifle-pits in front, and the strongest of them, which is the second in order, is connected by a covered way~th those below it, and with the new one in the rear. The enemy have been zealously working and strengthening their works and to re-enforce the garrison, which Admiral Porter now estimates at 12,000. He earnestly advises against a front attack, and proposes that the troops be either marched across from Perkins plantation, where Osterhaus division is now en- camped, to a point where they can be ferried over, just below the place, or that they be embarked on the transports and barges and floated past the Grand Gulf batteries in the night. It is now probable that the former course will be adopted. The transports which ran the Vicksburg batteries on the night of the 22d now lie at New Carthage, with the exception of the Tigress, which was sunk. The five which escaped have mainly been repaired by zealous exertion of Admiral Porter, and will be ready for nse to-morrow. The loss by their running the Vicksburg batteries is 2 men seriously and half a dozen slightly wounded. Of McClernands corps 10,000 will be ready to move from N ew Carthage to-morrow. McPhersons corps is mo~ing over from Millikens Bend, with the exception of MeArthurs division, not yet arrived from Providence. Of Shermans corps all are under marching orders hither, Steeles division being constantly expected from Greenville. General Grant has directed that two regiments from each army corps shall remain to guard the line between here and Mu- likens Bend, but if the water falls so as to leave the canal dry and to uncover the country on both sides of the road, it will require for that duty a division at least. The fall of the river, previously reported, still continues. None of the steamers or barges from Millikens Bend have yet got through to this point, though as we came along the bayou yes- terday we saw the working parties industriously employed clearing out the trees. It is now most probable that the road will be the chief avenue of transportation Page 80 80 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. The weather is hot, but the troops are in high spirits at; the prospect of fighting. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. SMITHS PLANTATION, April 25, 18639 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., April 29. General Grants reconnaissance at Grand Gulf has convinced him that the place is not as strong as Admiral Porter supposed, and as I yesterday reported. The key to the position is the first bluff approached in descending the Mississippi River. The enemy are fortifying, bnt have no guns there yet. The shell of the gunboats yesterday drove the men from the newly begun works, but drew no firing in reply. It is accordingly determined that the attack shall be made by the gun- boats, and that the troops shall land at the foot of this bluff as soon as the batteries there, if any should fi,rmally be fonnd, and at the other commanding points along the shor~ are silenced. This will take place to-morrow or next dayjust as soon as troops can be gotten ready. I am sorry to report that there is much apparent confusion in MeCleinands command, especially about his staff and headquarters, and that the movement is (lelayed to some extent by that cause. Though it is or- dered that officers horses and tents must be left behind, McClernand carries his bride along with him. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. SMITHs PLANTATION, April 27, 18639 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, May 210 p. in. (Received May 46 p. in.) The movement against Grand Gulf is still delayed. General Grant went by water yesterday down to New Carthage and Perkins planta- tion, just beyond New Carthage, where Osterhaus and E. A. Carr are encamped, to order the immediate embarkation of the troops. The seven transports were all in good working order, except the Anglo- Saxon, whose broken stern-wheel was being repaired, and was finished night before last, and which transport might at any time have been towed. On these transports 7,000 troops could hax~e been embarked, with artillery and ammunition, while the barges at hand and ready for use could easily have carried 5,000 in ore. The first thing which struck us on approaching the points of embarkation was that the steam- boats and barges were scattered about in the river and in the bayou as if there were no idea of the imperative necessity of the promptest pos- sible movements. We arrived at Admiral Porters flag-ship, above Grand Gulf; and Gen- eral Grant at once sent for General McClernand, discussed with him the point of attack, and ordered him to embark his men without losing a moment. Osterhaus and Carr were then encamped at Perkins planta- tion, and full half of A. J. Smiths division were with Smith at New Car- thage, the other half being still at Smiths plantation awaiting trans- portation, the steamboat that was to carry them having on]y made one trip the day before instead of two, as she might have done, had General Grants orders been obeyed, by leaving behind officers horses and bag Page 81 CHAr. XXXVI] GENERAL REPORTS. 81 gage; this boat was also somewhat delayed by carrying General Mc- Clernands wife, with her servants and baggage. But though the whole of A. J. Smiths troops had not yet arrived, and though Hoveys divis- ion, encamped at the junction of Bayou Vidal and Bayou Gilbert, and ordered to march to Perkins by land, the bayous having been bridged, was also still absent, there. were already encamped at the points of embarkation quite as many troops as all the transports could carry. Still, at dark last night, when a thunder-storm set in, not a single man or cannon had been embarked. Instead of this, McClernand held a re- view of a brigade of Illinois troops at Perkins about 4 p. in., when Gov- ernor Yates made a speech. At the same time a salute of artillery was fired, notwithstanding that positive orders had repeatedly been given to use no ammunition for any purpose except against the enemy. What course General Grant will take under these circumstances I have no idea, as I have had no opportunity of conversing with him since yester- day forenoon. McPherson arrived here last night with Quinbys division, MeAr- thurs, forming his rear, being at Richmond. His ~hoIe corps wjuld have been here to-day, but its movements have been arrested until Gen- eral McClernands can be got out of theway. General Thomas told me this morning that he had no doubt that McPhersons corps could now be embarked sooner than Gen~ral McClernands. General Grant pro- posed to Admiral Porter yesterday to make a feint attack against Vicks- burg at Haynes or Snyders Bluffs. I believe the feint was not decided on. General Grant also asked Admiral Porter to send a gunboat up the Big Black to prevent the rebels from completing scows at a ferry some 5 miles above Grand Gulf but Admiral Porter declined because it was too risky. From Millikens Bend we hear that there is now only 6 inches of water in Prides canal at the point where it embouches in the bayou. The dredges are at work, but whether they can dig as fast as the river falls is a question. The boats and barges previously got into the bayou will get through, however. The road hence to Millikens Bend is somewhat injured by last nights rain and cut up by wagons, but can be depended on for transportation unless we should have very heavy storm~. If they should come upon us as unexpectedly as the fall of the river has done, the army will be in straits. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HARD TIMES LANDING, LA., April 29, 18635 p. in., VIA MEMPHIS, May 511 a. m. (Received May 82.45 p. in.) My last dispatch was dated on April 27. On the morning of that day General Grant went from Smiths plantation down to New Carthage and wrote to McClernand a very severe letter, which he did nbt send on discovering that at last the transport steamers and barges had during the previous night been concentrated for use. He spent the day there in completing the preparations for embarking, and on the morning of the 28th the divisions of Osterhaus and Carr were embarked, in all a little more than 10,000 troops. This force not being deemed sufficient for the attack on Grand Gulf the troops were brought down to this place, and Carrs men and part of Qsterhaus debarked in order that 6 It ItVOL XXIV~ PT Page 82 82 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVL part of the transports might return for the division of Hovey0,000 strong.~ ~f~ey did not get here until daylight this morning, when th~~~5~s being ready to land as soon as the batteries were silenced, the gunboats opened the attack at 8 a. in. precisely. Seven gunboats, all iron- dads, were engaged. The Price was kept out of the fight, being employed to tow the Anglo-Saxon (steamboat), whose wheel, damaged by running the Vicksbnrg batteries, it had been impossible to repair. It was found that the enemy had five batteries, the first and most formidable of them being placed on the high promontory next to the embouchure of the Big Black. In this battery there were four guns, of which, after a constant fire of five hours from the gunboats, only one has been dismounted. The work is placed in a shoulder of the hill about 30 feet above the river. It is entirely open, protected only by a parapet, behind which the heads of the gunners can be seen as they load their pieces. These, as Captain [James A.] Greer, of the gunboat Benton, informs me are 100-pounder rifles. The lower batteries, mount- lug smaller guns anh having no more than two pieces each, were silenced early iu the action, but this one obstinately resisted to the last, the gun- boats finally withdrawing at about 1.30 p. m. For the last four hours the whole seveu were employed in firing at this one, now at long range, seeking to drop shells within the parapet, now at the very foot of the hill, within about 200 yards, seeking to dismount its guns by direct fire. It was hit again and again, but its pieoes had not been disabled when Admiral Porter gave the signal to withdraw. There was some reason to believe that it was short of ammunition, but this could not be certainly known. The gunboats were hit more or less severely. I was on board the Benton, and saw that her armor had repeatedly been pierced both in her sides and her pilot-house, but she had not a gun disabled, and, except the holes through her mail (some of them in her hull), was as ready to fight as at the beginning of the action. Of the other vessels, the Tuscumbia had her hog- chains cut, but the others are reported as substantially uninjured. The Mound City received but three hits. Qn the Benton, 7 men were killed and a few wounded. The other casualties are not yet reported. The Lafayette remains nuder the fort, and firing is still kept up occasionally. The batteries having thus proved too much for the gunboats, General Grant determined to execute an alternative plan, which lie had in mind from the first, and accordingly had the troops all to disembark from transports and march across the neck of land in front of Grand Gulf distance 1A miles, to a point below, out of range of its guns. The trans- ports are to be run l)ast the batteries as soon as it is dark, nuder cover of a renewed attack from the gunboats. The troops will then be em- barked, and either landed at Grand Gulf just below the batteries, or else carried down to Rodney and marched into the rear of Grand Gulf by way of Port Gibson. Ij udge the latter move will be adopted. Gen- eral Grant, however, is in favor of a direct assault on Grand Gulf. The whole of the,Thirteenth Army Corps is now here, A. J. Smiths division having arrived by land, marching around Saint Josephs Lake. Of the Seventeenth Corps, Logans division has also arrived by the same road, while Quinbys is close at hand, and McArthurs will be at the place of embarkation before morning. There can be no difficulty in throwing ~5,00() troops across the river into Rodney before morning of May 1. The enemy have about 10,000 troops in Grand Gulf. The weather continues, fine. General Thomas is here assisting General Grant as much as possible Page 83 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 83 I have to report that the paymasters have finished their work and gone, and henceforth any shrewd person can see that I am not attend- ing to their transactions. (13. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. DIsHROONs PLANTATION, April 29, 186311.30 p. in., VIA MEMPHIS, May 59.30 a. m. (Received May 86 p. in.) The gunboats and transports came safely through from Hard Times Landing this evening. The batteries at Grand Gulf were nearly as active as in the morning, and Admiral Porter thinks that in one of the lower batteries a large gun had been mounted during the afternoon. No harm was received in the passage either by boats or men. General McClernands corps are all ready to embark, but it seems to me doubtful whether they will get on board before daylight, though General Grant has given the most nrgent orders. They will land above Rodney, just below the mouth of Bayou Pierre. The casualties on the fleet to-day have been 22 killed and 55 wounded. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of lVar. DIsilnooNs PLANTATION, April 30, 18632 p. in., VIA MEMPHIS, May 47 p. m. (Received May 84.10 p. in.) The divisions of Carr, Hovey, and Osterhaus were landed safely without opposition at Bruinsbnrg, Miss., at the month of Bayou Pierre, at 11 a. in. to-day. The divisions of A. J. Smith and Logan are now embarking and will be landed before night. All seems now to be going on well, though had any other general than McClernand held the ad- vance, the landing would certainly have been effected at daylight. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. GRAND GULF, May 4, 1863. VIA MEMPHIS, May 911.30 a. in. My information from the front this morning is that Logau occupied the ferry across the Big Black, on the principal road hence to Vicks- burg, at Lynaxs yesterday. He had a brief skirmish there and took 100 prisoners, including those picked np by him in his march during the afternoon. General Grant left him for the front at 1 a. in. this morning. He ha~ ordered up from Millikens Bend 120 wagons loaded with hard bread, coffee, sugar, and salt, to come via Perkins and this place; four hun- dred thousand rations similarly constituted are to run the Vieksburg batteries. Of Shermans corps, the three divisions of Steele, Tuttle, and Blair should begiii to arrive here to.(lay, having moved from Youngs Point on the 1st instant. The Sixth Missouri Cavalry, for some weeks employed on the Louisi- ana side, disembarked here and at Br~tinsburg this morning, and wil Page 84 84 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXV1. reach the front by to-morrow morning. The colonel tells me that he has just come back from a raid down the river on that side to within 20 miles of Natchez; that he has taken 100 1)risoners, mainly of Har- risons cavalry, and brought back large numbers of mules and horses. General Grant intends to lose no time in pushing his army toward the Big Black Bridge and Jackson, threatening both and striking at either, as is most convenient. As soon as Sherman comes up and the rations on the way arrive, he will disregard his base and depend on the country for meat and even for bread. Beef-cattle and corn are both abundant everywhere. The enemy is not suffering for want in the least; the prisoners cap. tured are also well clothed and provided with blankets. Their arms and their stores are both good. General Grant is of the opinion that Pemberton will endeavor to bring on the decisive battle within the next ten days. 0. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAIL DEPARTMENT, May 5, 1863. C. A. DANA, Smiths Plantation, or Grants Headquarters, via Memphis General Grant has full and absolute authority to enforce his own commands, and to remove any person who, by ignorance, inaction, or any cause, interferes with or delays his operations. He has the full confidence of the Government, is expected to enforce his authority, and will be firmly and heartily supported; but he will be responsible for any failure to exert his powers. You may communicate this to him. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HANKINSONS FERRY, May 5, 186310 a in VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., May 18Al a. in. Enemy had built a bridge of flat-boats across the Big Black at this point. Logan pressed upon them so hard in his pursuit that they were not able to destroy it. It is reported by our pickets that they have two brigades in our front on the other shore, and McPherson is going over this morning with a competent force to stir them up. But for the ex- ceeding incompetency of General McClernand, an(l the delay thence arising, the movement from Bruinsbnrg in this direction must have resulted in the capture of 5,000 instead or about 700 rebels. A tug with barges ran the Vicksburg batteries on Sunday night, the 3d instant. The hay with which the loading of the barges wa~ covered was set on fire, and the hard bread beneath was considerably damaged by water in put- ting it out, but yesterday 200 wagons loaded with rations arrived from Millikens Bend at Perkins plantation. As soon as these supplies reach here and Shermans troops arrive, the general advance up this peninsula will be resumed. Sherman himself was at Grand Gulf yesterday, aiid two of his divisions will debark there to-day. The army here is distrib- uted across the peninsula, guarding every point. General McClernand is on the right center; McPherson here on the left. A reconnaissance pushed as far as Rocky Springs and in the vicinity of the ferry on the Yicksburg road discovers no enemy. Please notice that in my dispatc Page 85 CuAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. of yesterday I was misinformed as to Logans movement of the evening previous. It was on the Warrenton and not the Yicksburg road. The army is thoroughly recovered from the fatigue of the late operations. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. ROCKY SPRINGS, Miss., May 8, 18039 p. in., VIA MEMPHIS, May 143.30 ~. in. General Grant advanced his headquarters about 5 miles to this place yesterday. The relative position of the different divisions remains gen- erally as in my last dispatch. General Shermans forces have not yet come up, and the old division of Quinby, now under M. M. Crocker, remains to guard Hankinsons Ferry. As soon as it is relieved by Sher- mans advance, McPherson will move his corps in the direction of Ray- mond. No doubt this movement will commence to-day. The advance of Osterhans is at Halls Ferry, and he reports that enemy have bat- teries posted on the other side of Big Black River. From the Sixth Missouri Cavalry (sent day before yesterday back to Port Gibson) we heard last night that enemy were pressing them. Col. C. Wright saw two regiments, which he was holding in check at Port Gibson Bridge. Contrabands told him that they were part of the forces from Port Hud- son. The ammunition and subsistence have begun to arrive from Grand Gulf and it is expected that the necessary supplies will have come up before to-morrow night. From Millikens Bend we have a report from Colonel Prime, chief engineer, that the proposed shorter road across the peninsula opposite Yicksburg will not do. He says a crevasse is in the way which cannot be got over. The weather is cool and splendid. C. A. 1)ANA. flon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HEADQUARTERS ROCKY SPRINGS, Miss., May 1 f40 ~], 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., May 18. All our reports from the front favorable. McPherson reached yester- day, with the cavalry of his advance, a point 5 miles beyond Utica, meet- ing a reconnaissance of the enemy, which retired. McClernand moved on the main road to Edwards Station. Sherman reached this place with Tuttles division and Hankinsons Ferry with Steeles. To-day Sherman will destroy the bridge at that ferry and push forward his whole force to Auburn, having Raymond as his destination. McPherson and McClernand each move from 5 to 7 miles, so that by to-night our line willrest at 10 to 12 miles from Vicksburg and Jackson Railroad. Unless enemy attacks, no battle will probably occur for two or three days. Leaving, therefore, Blairs and McArthurs brigades to come up, General G4rant moves his headquarters this morning to Auburn. The trains with ammunition and subsistence are coming up well. Grand Gulf is to be garrisoned by a brigade of J. McArthurs until J. G. Lauman arrives there, when one of tIme latters brigades will form a permanent garrison. The reports respecting a short road from Millikens Bend to below Warrenton are contradictory, but J. C. Sullivan, left in command of the line, writes that it would be finished for use last night. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. 8 Page 86 8G MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. MEMPHIS, TENN., May 23, 186311.30 a~. rn. Ilou. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Tile fbllowing dispatch has just been received at these headquarters, and is forwarded as requested: REAR OF VICKSBURG, May 20, 18636 a. m. General Grant has won a great and momentous victory over the rebels under Pem- berton, on the Jackson and Vicksburg road, at Bakers Creek, on the 16th instant. Pemberton had a most formidable position on the crest of a wooded hill, over which the road passes longitudinally. He had above 25,000 men. The battle began at 11 a. m. and was gained at 4 p. m. Its brunt was borne by Tioveys division, of MeCler- nands corps, and by Logans and Crockers [division], of McPhersons. Hovey at- tacked the hill, and held a great part of it till 2 p. in., when, having lost 1,600 men, lie was succeeded by Booiners and Holmes brigades, of Crockers division, by which the conflict was ended in that part of the field. Bdomer lost 500 men. Logan operated on the right, and cut off the enemys direct retreat, so that he was compelled to escape by his right flank through the woods. Logan lost 400 killed and wounded. We took about 2,000 prisoners. On tho 17th, advancing to the Big Black, we fought Pemberton again at his bridge head, and captured 3,000 more prisoners. He fought in rifle-pits, protected by a diffi- cult bayou full of abatis. Lawlers brigade, of MeClernands corps, charged the rifle- pits magnificently, and took more prisoners than their own numbers. Pemberton burned his bridge, and returned to Yicksburg with only three cannon out of sixty that he had taken out. Building four bridges over the Big Black, General Grant arrived before the town on the evening of the 18th, and now holds it closely invested. He had opened a line of supplies via Chickasaw Bayou, having cut the town off from Haynes Bluff, whiich is abandoned by the enemy, and which General Grant will occupy. There was sharp fighting through the day yesterday. Steele won, and holds the upper bluffs and the enemys upper water batteries, and gets water from the Mississippi. Shermans corps lost yesterday 500 killed and wounded. McPherson, who holds the center, host little, as did MeChernand, who holds the left. The gunboats kept the enemy alert during the night, and probably the town will be carried to-day. There are from 15,000 to 20,000 men in it. Pemberton fights with the greater obstinacy, because his people believe he has sold their cause. Joe John- ston went into the town, but we have not heard of him since. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. S. A. HIJJILBUT, Major- (Jeneral. BEHIND YICKSBURG, May 23, 18639 a. lii., VIA MEMPHIS, May 293 p. m. (Received June 13.50 a. in.) The town was assaulted yesterday. The order required the columns to move by every road at 10 a. in. precisely, but they 4id not all get started at the same hour. The attempt failed, but without heavy loss. At 2 p. in. McClernand reported that he was in possession of two forts of the rebel line, was hard pressed, and in great need of re-enforcements. Not doubting that he had really succeeded in taking and holding the works he pretended to hold, General Grant ordered J. G. Laumans division, of McPhersons corps, to his support, and at the same time McPherson and Sherman both made new attacks. MeClernands re- port was false, as he held not a single fort, and the result was disas- trous. Lanmans division was pushed by McClernand to his front and suffered heavily. %2o1. G. B. Boomer, Twenty-sixth Missouri, among- the killed. Ransoms brigade, on 1\JcPhersons right, lost 25 per cent. of its strength, including Cols. G. Neviiis and T. W. Humphrey killed, an Page 87 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 87 Stevensons brigade lost some 300, including Col. J. J. Dollins killed. Sherman told me he had lost about 500, including Major [D. T.] Kirby, Eighth Missouri, who led a forlorn hope of 150 men, none of whom came back. The loss of the day in killed and wounded will probably not fall short of 1,500, though but for McClernands mistake it would have been inconsiderable. Our position was somewhat though not much improved by the days ol)erations. Sherman had at night two brigades sheltered by the front of the enemys parapets. McPherson had gained the opportunity of mining a salient of the principal rebel fort. Notwithstanding this repulse, involving the necessity of a more pro- tracted investment, there is no doubt of the final result. Nothing can save the town except the arrival of heavy re-enforcements. To bring the~e np will be difficult unless force is withdrawn from before General iRosecraus. The Warrenton road, which alone had been left open, was closed yes. terday by McArthnr with one brigade. TIe will be strengthened to-day and enabled to advance, so as to touch McClernand on his right; then the town will be absolutely inclosed. Our army is in the best of spirits, though impatient at the delays. Twenty-five thousand troops of Gen- eral Banks forces are on the way hither from Red River, and should arrive to-morrow at furthest. Of Joe Johnston we have no further in- telligence, except that it is certain he is not in the town, and has prob- ably gone east. Pemberton is sick, and his command is exercised by S. D. Lee. The garrison is apparently short of ammunition. Of this we took from them six railroad-car loads at Edwards Depot, and they destroyed four loads to prevent their falling into our hands. C. A. DANA. Hon. B. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND YICKSBURG, May 24, 18637 p. in., VIA MEMPHiS, May 296 p. m. (Received June 13 a. in.) Your dispatch of the 5th instant was received at Jackson and ccin- municated to General Grant according to your direction. Yesterday morning he had determined to relieve General McClernand, on account of his false dispatch of the day before stating that he held two of the enemys forts, but he changed his mind, concluding that it would be better on the whole to leave McClernand in his present command till the siege of Yicksburg is concluded, after which he will induce McCler- nand to ask for leave of absence. Meanwhile he (General Grant) will especially supervise all of McClernands operations, amid will place no reliance on his reports unless otherwise corroborated. My own judg- ment is that McClernand has not the qualities necessary for a good commander, even of a regiment. The siege operations were energetically pushed yesterday and last night. McPherson holds, by nature of the around in his front and the great advance of his line of sharpshooters, the position nearest the rebel works; in fact, he yesterday had a battery planted within 50 yards of one of their most important forts, and the rebels guns were entirely prevented by his sharpshooters from return- ing the fire of this battery. Last evening lie opened a mine under one of the salients of the work, and Capt. S. R. Tresilian, engineer in charge, reported that he would be ready to blow it up at 8 oclock this morning. It is uncertain whether the rebels h~tve not another height within tha Page 88 88 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. on which this part stands from which they will still be able to dispute McPhersons entrance into the city, but its possession will certainly enable him to reach with his batteries almost every part of the place. The rebel infantry now lie securely on the slope in the rear of this fort, whence they are able to repel any effort of our infantry to get over its parapet. On Shermans front we are at a greater distance from the enemy, the approach being naturally less advantageous to us. General Sherman told me last evening that he must advance for a considerable part of the way toward the principal fort in his front by a regular sap, and that it would be five days before he could blow up the salient he intends to undermine. It is thought that one of the best points of attack is on Shermans extreme right, where Steeles division abuts on the Mississippi. With the co-operation of gunboats, the enemys upper water battery can be silenced, which will enable Steele decisively to turn his left flank, bu~ Porter is extremely cautious about exposing vessels to the fire of that battery. He has for some days been playing upon the town with his mortars, and promised to have fourteen of them in posi. tion this morning, but they are placed at such a distance on the Louis. lana shore, being behind the tongue of land which stretches in front of the town, that their fire can hardly be very effective. They are, however, to be removed to this side nuder the lowest of the bluff~ which Steele holds, where they will be equally secure, and at least 1~ miles nearer the enemys works. The fortifications on the Wari~en ton road prove more formidable than was supposed, but probably the front of McCler- nand will be found to be more accessible than either that of Sherman or McPherson. From his engineer we have not yet received any report on this subject. Lauman has been ordered from Haynes Bluff to the Warrenton road. He has eleven regiments, four of them having beeim brought with him down from Memphis. A body of cavalry will remain at flaynes to observe the enemy in that direction. McArthurs divis- ion will take its proper position in McPhersons corps as soon as Lan- man reaches his new post. One thousand cavalry have been sent uor~h to dispose of bridges over Big Black on the Memphis and Jackson Rail- road, and to buru corn and forage in the Yazoo region, so as to impede the possible approach of enemy. General Banks has decided to attack Port Hudson at ouce instead of moving hither. He has taken for the purpose the transports sent him by General Grant. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND VICKSBURc{, May 26, 18631 p. in., VIA MEMPHIS, TENTh, May 2910 a. m. (Received May 3010.30 p. in.) The situation has not essentially altered since my last dispatch. Sher- man has pushed the siege works in front of his center with great energy and admirable skill, and might to-morrow plant his guns within 50 yards of the fortifications and clear them out for an assault, but he has not yet got near enough to commence mining. On his right, where Steele commands, the opportunity is still exceedingly favorable, but Porter has not yet consented to bring a gunboat near enough for effective co-operation. McPhersons mining operations have proved much more difficult than his engineers first calculated, and it must still be some time before the work he is digging at can be blown up. On McClernand Page 89 C~ir. XXXYI.3 GhNE1~AL flEPOIITS. 89 front, where the approaches are naturally most favorable to us and the enemys line of works evidently much the weakest, nothing in the way of siege operations had been accomplished when I was there last even- ing. Lieutenant-Colonel Powlll, whom General Grant sent to examine the line, reported that McClernands artillery was in good position and effectively distributed. Peinberton sent a flag at 4 p. m. yesterday, asking for a truce of two hours and a half to bury the dead. The bodies of our men fell about his works last Friday, and whom we have not been able to bring off evidently caused his garrison great annoyance by their odor. He prob- ably also hoped to gain information. The truce was had and the dead buried. Deserters from the town state uniformly that supplies of food and ammunition are short. Thirty days is the limit during which they say Pemberton may hold out. His officers with the flag yesterday loudly declared that they had provisions for six months. General Grant was determined to fortify Haynes Bluff on the land side against any possible attack. Troops have been sent to important points in that quarter to guard against the contingr~ncy of the enemy coming in. We have, how- ever, no information to cause the fear of such an event happening im- mediately; but allow me earnestly to urge the necessity of putting a force here at once which will render futile all attempts to raise this siege. This town must fall unless the enemy bring troops in great num- bers from the east and southeast, and that should be provided against. It is an incomparable position as regards the health and comfort of our men. These high, wooded hills affizrd pure air and shade, the deep ravines abound in springs of excellent water, and if they should fail it can easily be brought from the Mississippi. General Grant last night sent a staff officer to General Banks, urgihg him to bring his forces here as promptly as practicable, and assuring him that he (Grant) would gladly serve under him as his superior in rank, or simply co-operate with him for the benefit of the common cause, if he should prefer that course. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND YIGKSBIJRG, May 27, 18639 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, June 3. The cavalry sent out a few days since found a body of enemy about 30 miles northeast of Haynes Bluff and returned without having effected their purpose. General Grant had determined to clear the country in that direction; yesterday sent out three brigades of McPhersons corps under MeArthur and three of Shermans under Mower, the whole com- manded by F. P. Blair, to disperse rebels, who are 6,000 to 8,000, com- manded by W. H. T. Walker, and to devasta~ the region. so that an army must carry all its supplies in order to~pass through it. - The forces marched hence just after dusk, without wagons. Deserters who came in yesterday from different parts of the city agree in the statement that the garrison is on quarter rations. About 9 cubic inches of corn bread and one-quarter pound of boiled fresh beef served at 8 p. m. is their daily food. They are kept in the trenches without relief. The reserve consists of one brigade and a half only. Deserters differ as to the sup- ply of ammunition, som& saying there is plenty, others that it is scarce. According to them all, a majority of the privates wish to surrender the place, but the officers are determined to fight to the last. Our engineer Page 90 90 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. rcHAP. XXXVI. say the rebel lines are about 5~ miles long, containing from thirty-three to thirty-five forts connected by rifle-pits. The garrison we now believe consists of 20,000 to 25,000 men; their hospitals crowdcd. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND VICKSBUflG, May 28, 1863, VIA MEMPHIS, May 309 p. in. (Received Jimmie 13.15 a. in.) The siege works progress satisfactorily. Sherman has his parallels completed to within 80 yards of the rebel fortifications. He is able to carry artillery and wagons with horses under cover to that poin t. Mc- Phersons rifle-pits are at about the same distance from the forts in his front. On both these lines our sharpshooters keep the rebels under cover and never allow them to load a cannon. It is a mistake to say that the place is entirely invested. I made the complete circuit of the lines yesterday. The left is open in direction of Warrenton, so that the enemy have no difficulty in sending messengers in and out. Our force is not large enongh to occupy the whole line and keep the necessary reserves and outposts at dangerous and important points; still, the enemy cannot either escape by that route or receive supplies. An officer who returned yesterday from a visit to Jackson with a ilag of truce to take supplies to our wounded, found Loring there with his force, apparently reorganizing and ready for movement. The number he could not ascertain, but thought it was 5,000 at least. Loring, you may remember, escap~d to the southeast with his division after the bat- tle of Bakers Creek. The gunboat Cincinnati was disabled yesterday in a sharp engage- ment with the enemys upper water battery, on Steeles front. She was compelled by discharges of grape to close her bow port-holes, and in endeavoring to get away, swung her stern around toward the battery, when she was so badly hit that her commander ran her ashore, and she sank in shoal water. Some twenty-odd lives were lost. She may be raised and saved. The weather is hot, but not at all oppressive. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND VICKSBURO~ May 30, 18639 a in., VIA MEMPHIS, June 39 p. m. (Receive(l June 43.35 a. in.) We have from Blaij~ reports, which come to him on his march, that Joe Johnston is at Canton with a force of 45,000 men, said to consist of W H. T. Walkers division, being division which escaped in disorder fm~m the battle of Bakers Creek; 2,000 stragglers from other troops engaged in that battle, three divisions from Braggs army, and a body from Mobile. These reports are undoubtedly exaggerated, but that Johnston is there, doing his best to collect and bring [forces] for tIme re- lief of Vicksburg, there is no question. General Grant has ordered Blair to return to Haynes Bluff, without further exposing himself, but to de- vastate the country as he returns. All the roads from the Big Black hither, except the maui one fromli the railroad bridge (where Osterhau Page 91 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENE1~AL IIEPORTS. 91 is posted with a brigade), are being obstructed by felling trees and de- stroying bridges. The siege is being pressed with all possible vigor. Sherman has a breaching battery of four 30-po~inder Parrotts at work within 80 yards of the chief fort in his front. McPherson has his approaches within 50 yards, with a battery all ready for three similar guns, which will be in position today or to-morrow. A messenger from Pemberton to John- ston has come into our lines. His message was that the place could not hold out longer thaii the end of next week. The gairison is worn out, and the majority of it anxious to surrender. General Grant having twice sent to General Banks for re-enforcements, and [they] not havino- ~et made their appearance, I have consented, at his urgent desire, to go down and urge General l3anks to furnish them at once. I have thought it to be my (luty to do everything that may obviate the possible necessity of raising the siege of Vicksburg. I expect to be back here by June 4. C. A. l)ANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. CHICKASAW BAYOU, May 31, 186312 in., VIA MEMPHIS, June 510.30 a. in. (Received June 78 p. in.) I have returned here on my way to General Grants headquarters, having met his previous messenger to General Banks last night, on the Mississippi, above Grand Gulf. General Banks is investing Port Hud- son, and declines to send any forces here. He opened his lines May 21, with 12,000 men, and on the 27th assaulted. the place ineffectually, losing 1,000 killed and wounded. He has ordered up 4,000 more troops from his forces below, which will make his force 15, 090, and desires that General Grant should also send him re-enforcements. Griersons cavalry, which General Grant pressingly needs, General Banks retains on the plea of necessity. He says that if lie were to raise the siege, in order to help General Grant, he would still be nnable to send him any more than 5,000 troops, as he must retain the bulk of his army there as long as Port Hudson is unsubdued. The number of the garrison he esti- mates at 6, ~00. Of their supplies of food and ammunition he knows nothing positively, and does not say how long he thinks it will require to reduce the place. I learn that Blair, with his two brigades, has arrived at Haynes Bluff, in compliance with General Grants order of day before yesterday. Of the news at General Grants headquarters, nothing is known here. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. REAR OF VICKSBURG, May 31, 18634 p. in., VIA MEMPHIS, June 33.30 p. in. Blair reports that there is no rebel force between the Yazoo and the Big Black, and that Johnston has now at Canton only 18,000 men, and does not intend to move until he has 40,000. Blair confirms his own h)revions report that three divisions have been ~vithdrawn by Johnston from the army opposed to General Rosecrans, but these three division Page 92 92 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. have not yet reported at Canton. This tallies with General Grants in- formation from other sources. Johnston says that he shall have his 40,000 in time to save Yicksburg. Pardon me for again urging that re-enforcements be at once sent here from Tennessee, Kentucky, or Missouri in numbers sufficient to l)ut our success beyond all peradveuture. The same messenger who bears this to Memphis bears also General Grants orders for 7,000 men from Hurlbuts forces to be sent here at once; but this will not meet all the requirements of the case. Our position here is infinitely more secure and the result incomparably more certain than our position and its re- sult at Corinth last year. The place is far more important. Its ultimate possession ought to be assured by all the means in our power. Better retreat to Nashville than retreat from the hills of Vicksburg. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND YICKSBURG, June 3, 15035 a. in., VIA MEMPHIs, June 6Noon. (Received June 76.15 p. in.) The expeditionary corps under F. P. Blair, which has been resting for two days at Haynes Bluff after its recent march of 90 miles in five days, will be back to-night, and will take its position on the extreme left of our investing lines, filling the space hitherto occupied by pickets of enemy between J. G. Lauman and the Mississippi. This will render the invest- ment total, and as soon as the rifle-pits and field works are completed in that part of the line it will be impassable. On the night of the 1st instant we had an alarm on McClernands front, and it was supposed that the enemy were about to attempt a sally. Their attack on a pioneer company was soon repulsed, and they fell back. Our lines are now so strong from the extreme right around to McClernands left, that 5,000 troops can hold them against any sortie. General Grant has ordered heavy re-enforcements from Huributs command. W. S. Smiths division, five brigades, 7,000 strong, N. Kim- ball, above 5,000, and from A. Asboths command 5,000, are on their way. The first brigade of Kimball arrived here yesterday. The line between Dodges left and Memphis will be confined to the shortest railroad, and should Joe Johnston, fin ding all lost at Vic~isburg, make a sudden dash at Memphis, General Grant will have to rely on the vigilance of Hurlbuts cavalry and the rapidity of his own transport steamers to get re-enforcements there in season. The outpost here toward the northeast is at Mechanicsburg, 3 miles east of Satartia, where it is supplied by steamers. It consists of one brigade under J. A. Mower, with two cavalry regiments. The latter have again been 5Cfl ton t to attempt the northern railroad bridge over Big Black. All the roads by which the enemy can approach are being filled with every practicable obstruction. Of this last work much has already been well done. All our reports keep Joe Johnston still at Canton. The siege works steadily progressing on the whole line. Those prosecuted with the least energy and the least intellectual effort are~ I regret to say, those of Geti eral F. Steele. His inertia is surprising. His camps are also in very bad order and very dirty. I. F. Quinby leaves again to-day on account of sickness, and J. E. Smith takes his division. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, SecrePmry of War Page 93 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 93 BEHIND VICKSBURG, June 5, 18638 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, June 75 p. m. The siege works progress steadily, though there is a deplorable lack of engineer officers. Of the half dozen of those in this army, one very valuable, sent from Rocky Springs about May 5 with (lispatches to Geu~ eral Banks, has been retained by him just as he has retained 0-riersons cavalry. The rebels in McPhersons and Shermans front have strength- ened their works within two days by building deini-lunes in front of their re-entrants. In Shermans judgment, there is no evidence of their erecting new works in the rear of their original line. Our line and theirs must be in contact within three days. The expeditionary corps, under Blairs command, commenced its march yesterday morning to occupy fully the southern approaches to the city, but were called back about noon, and the brigades returned to their original divisions. This was a result of some new demonstrations of the enemy, thought, to be indicative of a purpose to sally, and also of General Grants unwilling- ness to scatter his troops. The cannonade from our whole line is now steadily maintained by night as well as by day. Some fifteen 8 and 9 inch Navy guns lent by Admiral Porter, with crews to fight them, are being put in position. General Grant is considering the subject of sud- den attack in great force on the south, where there are no siege lines and where enemy expect nothing. From the drift of his remarks, how- ever, I conclude he will not adopt the measure. Another brigade of N. Kimballs has arrived, and is now at ilaynes Bluff. Kimball has been ordered with his whole division to Mechanicsburg, to increase and to command the observing force previously sent there under Mower. Joe Johnston has sent some troops to Yazoo City, and appears to be occupy- ing with small detachments the line thence to Canton. Admiral Porters whole force of light steamers left for there yesterday evening. The rebels are reported to have several large transports up near Yazoo. No signs of any movement of Johnston on the lower line of Big Black. A body of guerrillas are troubling the leased plantations in Louisiana. J. C. Sullivan has been relieved of command there for inertia, and Dennis has gone to his place. Unfortunately, J. P. Hawkins is absent, sick, or General Grant would have given him the command. Two regiments of ~lcClernands have been sent over, and there are four colored regiments there, numbering about 2,500, armed but not disciplined. The fortifica- tions at ilaynes Bluff advance with exceeding slowness for want of both engineers and laborers. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, June 5, 1863. C. A. DANA, Esq., Grants Headquarters, near ficlcsburg: Your telegrams up to the 30th have been received. Everything in the power of this Government will .be put forth to aid General Grant. The emergency is not underrated here. Your telegrams are a great obligation, and are looked for with deep interest. I cannot thank you as much as I feel for the service you are now rendering. You have been al)pointed an assistant adjutant-general, with rank of major, with lib- erty to report to General Grant, if he needs you. The appointment may be a protection to you. I shall expect daily reports, if possible. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 94 94 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. BEIIINI) VICI(5nugc~, Miss., June 6, 18637 v. Iii., VIA MEMPHIs, June 125 p. m. Kimball reports from Mechanicsburg that on entering that place from Satartia (lay before yesterday, he found the enemy drawn up in line of battle. Attacked immediately, and (irove him out. IJis cavalry were pursuing as he wrote. No other particulars. General Grant has just started for the place, deeming it necessary to examine the situation there himself I go with him. The siege goes on steadily. Deserters all report short rations and divided councils within, a great part of the soldiers and all the citizens desiring to surrender. They fired a good deal yesterday, having evidently received a new supply of caps. C. A. DANA. Hon. B. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. HAYNES BLUFF, June 7, 1863, VIA MEMPHIs, June 10. On approaching to within 2 miles of Satartia last evening, we found that N. Kimball had retreated to Oak Ridge Post-Office, sen(ling the commissary stores and baggage by the river to this place. The gun- boats were also coming down, and General Grant returned here willi them. The reason of Kimballs movement appears to be an extraordinary fall in the Yazoo, which caused him to fear that his supplies might become insecure at Satartia. His affair on the 4th was but a small skirmish, in which he took some 40 prisoners, with no loss to himself; as I am informed from Kimball. We have no official report. A rebel deserter reports that General W. 11. T. Walker is at Yazoo City with eight brigades, and that Joe Johnston is advancing from Canton to the Big Black with a large force. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of lVar. BEHIND VICK5BURG, Miss., Jane 8, 186310 a. in., VIA 1~JEMPHI5, June 105 p. m. I have just returned from the vicinity of Mechanicsburg, whither I went with a party of cavalry from Haynes Bluff yesterday. There were no signs of any considerable force of the enemy, though Kimball had retreated from there the day before in a semi-panic. No (lOubt Johnston has moved some of his troops this side of the Big Black, but his main force yet stays at Canton. The idea of operating in that (lirection, both for devastation and for more direct military objects, General Grant has by no means abandoned. His intention has been to put C. C. Washburn in command there, but I now think he will send Sherman with a force of from 15,000 to 20,000 troops, including 2,50() cavalry. The country is like the rest of this peninsulabroken, wooded, unpopulous, with few streams. it still has many cattle, but the corn is pretty thoroughly cleared out. Johnston cannot move through it without bringing all, his 8fll)Plies with him. Advices from Port Hud~son to the 4th instant were brought yesterday by Col. J. Itiggin, of General Grants staff. The siege has not reache Page 95 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 95 a decisive point. General Banks thinks if he had 10,000 troops more lie could reduce the place in a few days, but we have not facts enongh to understand the grounds of this opinion. So far as it is possible to jadge at this distance, a regular siege is as indispensable there as it is here. The reason General Banks gives for not co-operating with Gen- eral Grant is that he could not spare more troops from his own army and still hold New Orleans safe against any possible attack; then he would, by giving up the siege, liberate the enemy to join Johnston. Millikens Bend and Youngs Point were both attacked day before yesterday by a body of rebels reported at about 1,500. At Millikens Bend the negro troops at first gave way, but hearing that those of their number who were captured were killed, they rallied with great fury and routed the enemy. The white troops at Youngs Point also repulsed him decisively. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. REAR OF VICK5BURG, June 10, 18637 a. in., VIA MEivwIIIs, June 1610.30 a. m. (Rcceivcd June 231.30 a. in.) General Grant has finally sent Washburn to ilaynes Bluff, and he will direct operations there for the present. Joe Johnston, with his main force, still remains at Canton, and Breckinridge at Jackson. The fortifications at ilaynes Bluff are now completely laid out. No great work will be required to render it easy to defend the place effectually. Our intrenchments there are calculated for 30,000 to 50,000 troops. The siege here has not yet reached fortifications of the enemy. Sher- mans approach, though conducted through the most difficult ground, is nearest of all. His sap was within 50 feet of the rebels front at 9 p. m. yesterday. McPherson is at about 80 yards or more. Both Sher- man and McPherson have abandoned the idea of mining, and intend to crown the enemys parapet with their artillery. It is now certain that the enemy have constructed a new interior line of defense within the main works, which Sherman is attacking. A violent fire of mus- ketry was heard within Vicksburg yesterday afternoon. No doubt it was mutiny, as we know that disaffection has long existed among their troops, and that on the day of our attack (May 22) both Tennessee and Georgia regiments refused to fight. A portion of W. S. Smiths division has arrived at Haynes Bluff. I have from Dennis the particulars of theefight of the 7th instant at Mil- likens Bend. There was no fighting at Youngs Point, Captain Town- send, commander of convalescents, having drawn up his muemi so cun- ningly that the rebels, who were within sight in line of battle, thought themselves greatly outnumbered amid withdrew. At the Bend, the bat- tle began soon after daybreak and lasted about three hours. The rebel force was a division of Texans, about 2,000 strong, who marched from Pine Bluff April 30, and arrived at Alexandria alter General Banks had left there, and were then ordered this way. They were commanded by General J. G. Walker, with Generals H. E. McCulloch, J. M. Hawes, an(l Randal under him. They had no artillery. Our forces, who also had no artillery, consisted of Ninth [Eleventh] Lonisiamma (colored), Col. E. W. Chamberlain, and Twenty-third Iowa, Co]. S. L. Glasoow, in all about 1,000 men. General Dennis describes the battle as the hardest he has ever seen. It was fonght mainly hand to hand. After it wa Page 96 96 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CITAI. XXXVI. over, many men were found dead with bayonet stabs, and others with their skulls broken open by butts of muskets. The Ninth Louisiana lost 62 killed and 130 wounded; the Eleventh, 30 killed and 120 wounded; the Twenty-third Iowa, 26 killed and 60 wounded; the Ninth has also a great number missing. Of the rebels, we buried 130. General MeCulloch died on the field from the effects of a wound. It is impossible, says General Dennis, for men to show greater gallantry than the negro troops in this fight. He does not know whether it is true that the rebels murdered their negro prisoners. Col. H. Lieb, who was wounded, behaved admirably; Colonel Cham- berlain badly. General Grant has ordered Mower, with his brigade, to Millikens Bend, and the enemy there will be cleared out beyond Tensas and in the neighborhood of Monroe. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND VICKSBURG, June 11, 18631 p. in., VIA MEMPHIS, June 148 p. m. (Received June 162 p. in.) General Herron has just reported. His eight regiments are ordered to take position south of Vicksburg, between Laumans troops and Mis- sissippi River, completely closing the lines, and rendering egress and ingress absolutely impossible. General Burnsides re-enforcements and the rest of the detachments from the Sixteenth Army Corps are still wanting. Of the former, one regiment was at Cairo when ilerron left. From Haynes Bluff, Washburn reports one division cavalry, under W. H. Jackson, 2 miles beyond Mechanicsburg. It left Bragg three weeks ago. A body of infantry under W. H. T. Walker is at Yazoo City, as before reported. Deserters from Vicksburg last evening report corn-meal getting short, so that the ration of bread is one-half of pea flour. Hoveys artillery have destroyed one of their mills and injured the remaining one. They are also out of fresh beef and have begun to issue bacon, of which some deserters were told by their ofXlcers that they have thirty days supply. The re-enforcements yet to arrive will be concentrated at Haynes. C. C. Washburn reports that place of such strength on the land side that 10,000 can hold it against 30,000. The engineers rel)ort the artificial defQnses there will require little labor. General Grant thinks the demonstration of the enemy west of Mis- sissippi River more serious than we have supposed. Of course, every means in their power on that side will be directed to hindering his oper- ations here. Our forces now at Millikens Bend, including Mowers brigade, will not be sufficient for aggressive purposes toward Natchez, bat will be ample for defense. The gunboats are judiciously placedone at Haynes Bluff; one at Chickasaw Bayou, one at Youngs Point, one at Millikens Bend, one at Lake Providence, one at Greenville, one at Island 65, two at White River, besides others in motion. The seven gunboats below Vicksbnrg are also stationed where most needed; but the line is long, and the rebels west of Mississippi River may manage to cross some- where. It is my duty to report that the Marine Brigade, with its seven larg Page 97 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 97 steamers and its varied apparatus of artillery, infantry, and cavalry, is a veiy useless as well as a very costly institution. Your dispatch of the 5th just received. Many Uzianks. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, AS~ecretar1/ of War. BEHIND VICKSBURG, June 12, 18637 a. uzi., VIA MEMPHIS, June14. (Received June 164 p. in.) Col. B. W. Gantt, of Arkansas, who commanded a brigade at Island No. 10, was exchanged, and has since lived in retirement, came in yes. terday from within the enemys lines, and surrendered himself to Gen- eral Grant, who has sent him to Memphis at his own wish as a prisoner. He gives information of the greatest importance. His motive is desire to bring the war to a close. The rebellion, he says, is near its end, and, if it should not perish by our arms, must fall from its own administra- tion and general corruption into nziere military despotism. Slavery, he thinks, is also ended forever. According to his report, Bragg has sent all his material to Atlanta, and is ready with his unincumbered troops to fall back to Bristol and Chattanooga as soon as ordered, so that he may hold those places, while he detaches 25,000 men, in addition to those lie has already sent, to swell the forces here under Johnston. From Mobile and Savannah all the troops, except enough to man the heavy guns, have already been withdrawn, so that a small force could take either place. Johnstons present army amounts to 37,000 men, exclusive of the garrison of Vicksburg. which is 25,000, including sick and wounded. The order to evacuate Port Hudson arrived there the very day General Banks opened his lines before it. West of the Mis- sissippi, exclusive of Texas, is Kirby Smiths command (32,500 men). He has been ordered to leave every object, except the relief of Vicks- burg. Lees army has not been reduced; on the contrary, it is stronger and more concentrated than ever. What supplies of provisions Pem- berton has he does not know, but he knows that percussion caps have been got to him, and that Johnston and he have daily communication. Herron will to-day take his position on the Warrenton road, taking care, of course, that the garrison at Vicksburg shall see the whole of his march from Youngs Point across to the point just below Vicksburg, where his troops will be ferried across the Mississippi. General Grant has also determined to place the whole of Burnsides re-enforcements in that part of the lines, and to put the whole, fi-om McClernands left, in- cluding Laumans, Herr ons, and Burnsides troops, under command of Ord, whose arrival is constantly expected. The siege works have been checked for twenty-four hours by violent storms, but were resumed yes- terday. A 9-inch navy gun in McPhersons front is doing very efficient work. Fired at 300 yards, its shells penetrate the rebel parapet some 10 feet and then explode, clearing the parapet away as if by a mine. Should General Grant think it advisable to assault again, we are now in position to do it with effect; but, unless Johnston becomes very pressing, he will rather trust to time and geiieral compression. General Grant has ascertained that a colonel, a captain, an(l 4 men got out of Yicksburg night before last by going up the Mississippi in a boat, land- ing on this side of the river just above the sunken gunboat Cincinnati, and making their way through the bottom and across the Yazoo 2 miles 7 U UVOL XXIV. PT Page 98 98 MISSiSSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. CHAr. XXXVI. above its mouth. Paymaster Judd arrived here yesterday with 19 sub- ordinate ~)aymasters and funds to pay this army to April 30. As the operation of ~)aying men engaged as these are must prove very incon- venient and injurious to the public interest, General Grant has ordered him back to Memphis for the present. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND VICKSBIJRG, June 14, 18638 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, June 17Noon. (Received 7 p. in.) All the indications point to the speedy surrender of this place. De- serters who came out yesterday say that the Tennessee and Georgia regiments have determined to stack their arms within three days and refuse to continue the defense on the ground that it is useless, and that it is impossible to fight on the rations they receive. All the deserters are worn out and hungry, and say the whole garrison are in the same condition; besides, the defense has for several days been conducted with extraordinary feebleness, which must be due either to the deficiency ot am munition, or exhaustion and depression in the garrison, or to their retirement to an inner line of defense. The first and third of these causes no doubt operate to some extent, but the second we suppose to be the most influential. These deserters also say that fully one-third of the garrison are in hospital, and that officers, as well as men, have begun to despair of relief from Johnston. The troops of General ilerron got into position yesterday. The advance of the Ninth Army Corps is also believed by General Grant to have arrived at Youngs Point, though he has no l)ositive report, and does not expect one till it has its place as a part of the besieging force on the south of the city, whither he has sent orders for it to proceed. After the arrival there of this corps, Gen- eral Herron is to move to the right of General Lauman, and occupy that portion of the lines which is now held by Hoveys division, which MeClernand will then station as a reserve to support the other divisions of his corps. All of W. S. Smiths division are now at Haynes Bluff, where I saw them yesterday working npon the intreuchments with ad- mirable zeal. The fortifications there foran army of 25,000 troops will be in a condition for practical use by the 16th instant. It is a stronger defensive l)osition even than Vicksburg. The distance hence to Drum- goulds Bluff is 11 miles, to Haynes Bluff 14. Druingoulds, on which the rebels placed their most elaborate works, is an isolated mainelon. Snyders amid Haynes Bluffs are connected by a ridge, though flanks on the river side are separated by two ravines and a bayou slope. Snyders commands the lower, Haynes the npper bend of the Yazoo. Snyders Bluff is now being fortified. When the works there are completed, they will be extended around ilaynes also. They will then form an in- trenched camp for 50,000 troops. From Joe Johnston there is no IICW5 since my last dispatch, except that which merely confirms its principal contents. He has made no new movements in this quarter. Sebastian, Senator from Arkansas, has determined to claim his seat in the next Congress. With the fall of Vicksburg, he says that all west of tIme Mississippi is emancipated from the Coimfederacy, and that Ar- kansas can be brought back into the Union. lie has taken no part in the war Page 99 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 99 Please inform me by telegraph whether you wish me to go to General Rosecrans after the fall of Vicksburg, or whether you have any other orders for me. I should like to go home for a short time. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND YICKSBURG, June 15, 18638 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, June 1811 a. m. (Received June 205.30 a. in.) General Parke reported here last evening. Three brigades landed at Youngs Point yesterday; two more debark to-day. General Parke will take his position on the extreme left of the lines, where General Herron is now posted. General ilerron. takes llovey~5 place, between Generals Lanman and Carr. General Hoveys brigade [division~] becomes a reserve. The enemy yesterday laid aside his long-standing inactivity, and opened violently with both artillery and musketry. Two mortars placed at the left of our center, in a ravine near the railroad, in front of A. J. Smith, fired during the day some sixty shell at the trenches of Logan, in McPhersons center. These mortars are out of reach of our artillery and sharpshooters. Though they had the range pretty accu- rately, they accomplished nothing more than wounding one man. On General Shermans lines the enemy fired vehemently with musketry, but did no great damage. They are hard. at work placing a 42-pounder, brought up from their water battery, so as to bear on General Sher- mans center. In that place our approach has reached the ditch of their main fort at the salient. It has been Shermans intention to crown the parapet of this work at that point, but having reason to believe that the enemy have placed a mine there, he is now opening trenches l)arallel with the ditch along each flank of the work and crown of the glacis instead. The curtains are each about 100 feet long. On each flank Sherman intends to place six 12-pounder howitzers. The violence of yesterdays fire has also led him to place a battery of four 12-pounder howitzers and two 30pounder Parrotts in an advanced position, within 50 yards of the fort. These batteries were opened at daybreak this morning, with what effect is not reported. The musketry firing about Shermans sap was active all night on McPherson~s right. Mor- gan gained yesterday an important advantage by permanently occupy. ing a fortification or spur of the ridge along whose crest the enemys lines extend; hitherto a ravine has extended between him and them. At McPherson~s center, Logan told me last evening that his sap yester- day debouched upon the rebels salient at which he has been working. This fort has no ditch, but is escarped and is 25 feet high, the escarp- ment being formed by cutting away the natural declivity of the hill. This escarpment McPherson will either dig down or mine. McClernand is pressing his approaches, but is still much farther off than either of the others. He has some heavy 24-pounders in position and is getting up some 8-inch navy guns. On Laumans front nothing of importance has been done in the way of regular approaches, but rifle-pits have been opened and our lines considerably shortened. Lanman has brought froum Warrenton a rebel rifled 64-pounder, and has a 9-inch columbiad derived from the same source ready to l)lace. General Parkes arrival makes a very great addition to our engineering strength in that quar- ter. Two competent engineers absent on sick leave also returned yes- terday, so that we shall no longer be deficient in that regard. Genera Page 100 100 MISSISSIPPi, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Parke will have command both of Lanmans and ~ forces. Ad- miral Porter has mounted a 100-pounder rifle on flat-boat, and placed it on the Louisiana shore, under the point which stretches in front of the town. It was fired yesterday with much eff~ct. In the iiight the enemy sent five boats up the river either to attack this gun and the mortars or to look after the officers whom they sent up the Yazoo last week by way of Steeles Bayou. The boats returned without accomplishing anything. General Grant has l)laeed pickets to watch for these officers. From Joe Johnston, who is now at Jackson, we have trustworthy information this n)orning. He has six (livisions of infantry, varying from 4,000 to 9,000 each, and one of cavalry. Of the fornier, two are at Yazoo City and the latter is near Mechanicsburg. Pickett, with a force composed of we know not what, is ordered to move from Canton by flue Valley road and cross Big Black. General Grant regards the movement as intended for the present simply to occupy the line of Mechanicsbnrg in force. C. C. Washburn in some alarm, thinking he would soon be attacked, sent for a division of re-enforcements. General Grant has determined to issue an order extending the command of Sherman so as to include I1aynes~ Bluff. Sherman, whose lines already touch those of Washburn, will thus have the chief command in all that region, and can be there in l)t~~5Oll and move re-enforcements there from his own corps whenever it may he necessary. At Shermans request, General Grant has modified his order to the l)aymastels, sending them back to Memphis, so far as to have them pay Shermans troops at once and any others whose com- inanders may desire it. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War. BEHIND VJcI~zsBunG, Juno 16, 18638 a. in. VIA MEMPHIS, June 19i p. in. (Ileceived June 214 p. in.) General Parkes troops ai-e oidered to flaynes Bluff. This is done omi no new information, but after fuller considei-ation of that received yesterday morning. Part of his two divisions had already marched over opposite Warrenton, and at 8 p. in. yestei-day they had all been brought back and re-embarked for the voyage up Yazoo liver. They will all he encamped at ilaynes Bluff by this evening. The chief command there remains with Shermaim. as I rel)orte(l yester(lay. Time position of the besieging forces continues as before General Parkes arrival. McCler- nands engineers rel)orted yesterday that his apl)roach was within 30 yards of the enemys lines. Firing was quite active throughout the day yesterday along the whole line, and was continued through the night, especially on the front of Generals Sheiman and flerron. Our total loss duilug the last week was over 50 killed and wounded, of whom about a dozen were killed. I have not been able to get the precise figures. Much of the ammunition supplied to this army is very bad. A board of survey just held here ieports tlmat the Parrott shells are uniformly defective from sand-holes. Some of these are filled with putty; some are left undisguised. The small-aim ammunition from Indianapolis is rascally, the powder worthless and (leficient in quantity. An intelligent Kentuckian who deserted from Lorings corps last week and arrived here yesterday ~fuhly coimfirins the imitelligence respect Page 101 CUAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 10I jug the numbers of Joe Johnstons forces forwarded iii my dispatch of yesterday. The days here are hot, IherinometeP sometimes rising to ninety at noon, but the nights are very cool. Showers have laid the dust for a week past. The army has hitherto got water from springs in the ra- vines, but this source is running out.. Some brigades are digging wells; others haul water from distance. Health of troops is excellent. C. A. DANA. lion. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND VICKSBURG, MISS., June 17, 18638 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, June 2111.30 a. m. (Received June 93 9.15 p. in.) General Sherman came down from ilaynes Bluff last evening. I-lie reports the intrenchinents there as perfectly satisfactory both in (lesigil and forwardness of execution. lleI)orts from enemy he found very con- tradictory, but judges that Loring is this side of the Big Black, and is feeling this way down the peninsula, having the occupation of Oak Ridge Post-Office for his immediate object. That place is on the Bentou and XTicksburg roa(l, 9 miles south[uorth ~?]east of Vicksburg, and nearly equidistant between the Yazoo and Big Black. General Sherman does not ~ to hinder the apl)roach of Lorimig by any active ol)position, but to complete our chain of defense by simple works at two or three l)oints between l{aynes Bluff and Vicksburg. The command at Ilaynes Bluff is, of course, held by General Parke, though in the event of an active campaign Geiieral Sherman will go there. General ilerron reports that on the night of time 15th he threw forward the lines on his left, making an advance of 500 yards, and bringing his artillery and rifle-pits within 200 or 300 yards of the enemys lines. They fired at him yesterday with six pieces of artillery, but killed only 2 of his men an(l wounded a few more. Cu the rest of the lines, as I have before reported, our sharpshooters prevent their firing cannons at all, except in the morning they sometimes discharge the pieces they have loaded in the night. General Grant will niake another general as- sault as soon as McClernands, Laum ans, and Ilerrons lines are brought up close enough. Our reports from within the place show that they are feeding their men more ample and with better food. The attempt to mnake bread of peas is abandoned, and corn-meal Is used exclusively, and for meat they are issuing salt beef. Captain Comstock, of the En- gineers, arrive(l here yesterday. General Ord is expected to-day. He will comnman(l both Ilerrons and Laninans forces. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEhIND YICKSBUR~, June 18, 18638 a. in., VIA MEiJPHIS, June 219 a. ma. (Received Juime 239 p. inn.) Trustworthy information received heic yesterday from Joe Johnston confirms what I have previously repoi ted. Brechiminridge is at Climintomi with one sinnall division ; N. C-. Evans, who now corn mmmamI(lS J. P. Mc- Cowns division, is between here amid Big Black ; Lorimig, whose divi Page 102 102 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL ion is 9,000 strong, has advanced with it to Benton, this 51(le the Big Black, but has had to fall back toward that river to find water for his troops; Walker is at Yazoo City, and W. II. Jacksons cavalry, strengthened by some re-enforcements, are between Yazoo City and Mechanicsburg. General Grant is ruminating the idea of an offensive movement snddenly and without impediments from ilaynes Bltiffi Will threaten all the enemys detachments in detail and take them separately, if possible. Deserters from within the city yesterday vary somewhat in their re- ports concerning rations, but all agree that pea bread is no longer issued. On ilerrons front yesterday the rebels kept up a fire of large artillery, and on McPhersons the fire of an 11-inch mortar was maintained dur- ing the day at intervals of thirty minutes. No damage was done by it. The siege works of Sherman and McPherson are slackened in order to give time for McClernand, Laum an, and Herron to bring theirs up. Ord takes command of Laumans and ilerrons divisions this afternoon. Herron has with him eight regiments only. I send you to-day by special messenger the topographical map of the siege. Richmond, La., was destroyed by Mower on the 15th, after a skirmish there with the forces who lately attacked us atMillikens Bend. Mower had his own brigade and Ellets Marine Brigade, with ten cannon. After a few shots the rebels fled, and Mower burned every building which ha(l sheltered them, bringing the few women and children who had been left in the place back with him to Millikens Bend. Col. Kilby Smith, of the Fifteenth Army Corps, who witnessed the late battle at Millikeiis Bend, certified in an official statement that the rebels carried a black flag bearing a deaths head and cross-bones. C. A. DANA. lou. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND VICKSBURG, MIsS., June 19, 186310 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., June 229 a. m. (Received June 243.35 a. in.) McClernand last night was relieved of his command and ordered to report to Washington for orders. As the matter may be of some im- l)ortance, I telegraph the correspondence connected with it. The con- gratulatory address spoken of in General Grants first letter is one that first reached here in the Missouri Democrat of June 11. In it he claims for himself most of the glory of the campaign; reaffirms that on May 22 he held two rebel forts for several hours, and imputes to other corn- inanders a failure to aid him to keep them and take the city. The let- ters are as follows: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, In Camp near Vieksburg, Miss., June 17, 1863. Major-General MOCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: Inclosed I send you what purports to be your congratulatory address to the Thirteenth Army Corps. I would respectfully ask if it is a true copy. If it is not a correct copy, furnish me one by bearer, as required both by regulations and existing orders of the Department. Respectfully, U. S. GRANT, Major- General Page 103 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 1103 HEADQUA1?~FES TiLIRTEENTIL ARMY Coa~s, June 18, 1863. Major-General GRANT: I have just returned. The newspaper sup is a correct copy of my congratulatory order No. 72. I am prepared to maintain its statements. I regret that my adjutant did not send you a copy promptly as he ought, and 1 thought he had. JOHN A. MeCLERNAND, Major- General. SPECIAL O1~DEns) HEADQUARTEuS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 164. 5 Near Vicksburg, Miss., Jane 18, 1863. * * * * * * IV. Major-General MeClernand is hereby relieved from the command of the Thir- teenth Army Corps. He will proceed to any point he may select in the State of illinois, and report by letter to Headquarters of the Army for orders. Maj. Gen. B. 0. C. Ord is hereby appointed to tho command of the Thirteenth Army Corps, sub- ject to the approval of the President, and will immediately assume charge of the same. By order of Major-General Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General. BATTLE-FIELD NEAR VicEsnunG, June 18, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Commanding Depart mcnt of the Tennessee: Your order relieving me and assigning Major-General Ord to the command of the Thirteenth Army Corps is received. Having been appointed by the I~resident to the conunand of the corps under a definite act of Congress, I might justly challenge your authority in the premises, but forbear to do so at present. I am quite willing that any statement of facts in my congratulatory order to the Thirteenth Army Corps to which you think just exception may be taken should be niado the subject of investigation, not doubting the result. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MoCLERNAND, Major- General. Though the congratulatory address in question is the occasion of McClernands removal, it is not its cause, as McClernand nitunates when he says incorrectly that General Grant has taken exceptions to this address. That cause, as I understand it, is his repeated disobedience of important orders, his general insubordinate disposition, and his pal- pable incompetence for the duties of the position. As I learned by i~ri- vate conversation, it was, in General Grants jn(lgment, also necessary that he should be removed, for the reason, above all, that his relations with other corps commanders rendered it impossible that the chief coiu- in and of this army should devolve upon him, as it woul(l have done were General Grant disabled, without most pernicious consequences to the cause. Lanmans division, having for some days past been temporarily attached to the Thirteenth Corps, will remain under Ords cOlflmalt(l. Ilerron will continue to report directly to department headquarters. Captain Comstock takes general charge of the siege works on the lines of both Laurnan and ilerroll. The siege works here are steadily l)ro- gressing on the right and center, rather in the way,of enlargement of covered ways and strengthening of the lines than of direct advances. On the front of the Thirteenth Corps and the extreme left, our works constantly approach those of the enemy. On the right of our center, however, an important advantage was this morning gained by General Ilansom, who during the night pushed his trenches so that at (layhight his sharpshooters were able to take in reverse the whole right flank of the main rebel fort in his front, called Fort Hill. He 500fl drove out the enemy, killing and wounding many, and wi1l be able to crown time rebel parapet with his artillery whenever the order is given. The rebel Page 104 i04 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. are constPucting an interior battery to cover the works they have thus virtually lost. Trustworthy advices from Jackson to the 16th show that Joe Johnston had withdrawn his troops thence. A few guards were all the troops there. As I have before reporte(l, Breckinridge was at Clinton. The rebels are endeavoring to establish at Demopolis, on the Tornbigbee, the gun-carriage factory we burned at Jackson. Ten thousand troops from Bragg had passed through that placere-enforce- ments to Joe Johnston. No cavalry was among them nor any heavy artillery. Weather is hot; thermometer at 95 degrees. The springs from which we get water are becoming bad. They are full of lime from decayed shells. C. A. DAINA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. BEHIND VICKSBURG, MISS., June 20, 18637 a. VIA ME~IPuls, June 239 a. In. (Received June 269.20 a. in.) A spy of Admiral Porter, who got into Vicksburg some mouths ago and has served in an engineer company, caine out to us last night. He reports that enemy have mines in front of Sherman, of Ransom, and of Logan. He has worked on that before Sherman. It is ma(le from the ditch of the principal fortifications, so that its explosion will leave the work unharmed, and extends toward the sap, which is now almost in contact with the ditch, there being but about 12 feet between them in front of Logans position. Of McPhersons lines lie does not know the precise l)ositiou of the mine, but as they talked of exploding it last night, he supposes it must be, like the others, outside of the work, which, as I have before reported, is on the most commanding height of this whole system of defense. (in Ransoms front he is also ignorant of the exact position, and cannot say whether the mine covers the position gained by Ransom yesterday morning. Ord reports that at noon yesterday A. J. Smith had also gained the ditch and would mine. The same spy tells us that the garrison, though weak from deficient food and exces- sive work, generally determined to hold out to the last. Their corn is nearly exhausted, and the ration includes a portion of wheaten flour. They say they can be starved out, but that the place can never be taken otherwise. A private letter captured at Lake Providence contains the infor- mation, which the writer had from an agent of the Confederate Gov- ernment, that Vicksburg has food enough to hold out to August 1. General Grant opened at 4 oclock this morning a general cannomiade, which is to continue till 10 a. m. We have in position one and a half hundred and eighteen guns. There will be no attack unless a special opportunity should ofkr. From Joe Johnston we learn that the troops at Yazoo City and the other division this side of Big Black have been moved back across toward Clinton, leaving only detachments and a body of cavalry on this side. Joe Johnston has also notified C. C. Washburn, at ilaynes Bluff who lately sent a flag of truce by steam- l)Oat up Yazoo River to Satartia, that no more flags will be received by the river, but that they must come by the front. General Grant is doubtful whether these movements of Joe Johnston indicate an attempt I o avoid ilaynes Bluff by crossing Big Black near Bridgeport or else. where lower down, or whether he is about to attack General Banks a Page 105 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 105 Port Hudson. A body of Texas troops, about 800, attacked Lak~ Providence on the 10th instant, and were repulse(I without much loss on either side. An African regiment fought well. Have no news of Kirby Smith. An expedition to Deer Creek returned to Haynes Bluff day before yesterday with 400 cattle, a large number of horses and mules, 300 negroes, and 10 or 12 rebel prisoners. There, as everywhere else, the country is rich in corn and cattle. McClernand left yesterday on his way to Memphis. It appears that ten days ago he invited General M. K. Lawler to attend a meeting of officers from his corl)s, at which resolutions commendatory of himself (MaClernand) were to be passed. Lawler refused, on the ground that it would be a mutin- otis proceeding, and does not know whether such a meeting was held. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War NEAR YIOKSBURG; June 21, 18636 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, June 269 a. m. (Received June 292.40 p. in.) Artillery attack yesterday from 4 a. m. till 10. a m. vigorously main- tained. Besides gunboats enumerated in my last dispatch, Porter had two [guns] on flats behind the point, and brought two gunboats close up before Vicksburg, making in all about two hundred cannon engaged. The result is to settle the question of a further attempt at present to assault the l)lace, or to leaVe its reduction to the regular progress of siege opera- tions. During the attack no rebels were visible, nor was any reply made to our artillery, their musketry fire also scarcely amounted to anything. Of course mucb damage was done to the buildings of the town by such a concentrated cannonade, but we cannot tell whether their mills, foundry, or store-houses were destroyed. Their earthworks were, of course, little injured. General Grant has ordered of mortars one-fifth of one hundred. Oii Steeles right, in the bottom, about half a mile in the rear of his advance lines, a l)osition has been found from which the entire town is seen and commanded. The earthworks for a heavy and powerful battery have been thrown up. It is intended to put in it the guns of the sunken gunboat Cincinnati, which are but little under water and can easily be recovered. I may state here that the report that any of them have been taken out is false. It will require some days to complete the battery, but when it is done all the buildings in the town can be destroyed by it. Porter reports to General Grant, on the authority of several desert- ers, that 5 or 6 Federal prisoners, black aimd white, captured by the rebels in the recent fight at Millikens Bend, were hanged at 1)elhi in the presence of General Taylor and his forces, (irawIl up in hollow square for the purpose. A sergeant of ours, taken by 1. F. Harrisons rebel cavalry at Perkins plantation, was also hanged. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. NEAR YICKsBuRG, Miss., June 22, 18639 a. ni., VIA MEMPIILS, June 28Noon. (Received July 111 l~- mu.) .Joe Johnstons plan is at lastdevcloped. lie began ye8ter(lay to throw his army across the Big Black at various poiuuts above Bri(lgeport, an Page 106 106 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (ChAP. XXX VI. principally in the vicinity of Birdsongs Ferry. A squadron of the Fourth Iowa Cavalry had a fight at Bridgeport with about 500 rebel horse, and lost 40 or 50 killed, wounded, and captured, besides one mountain howitzer. At once on the receipt of this intelligence the troops prepared for Sherman here, with the divisiou at ilaynes Bluff, proceeded to move out, and before 11 a. m. to-day all will be at their destination on the heights and beyond the bottoms in the head waters of Clear Creek. Johnston must move up mainly by the Benton or Jack- son road, which makes a detour from Oak Ridge Post-Office to the north- east, until in the region of his crossing it nearly touches the Big Black; but the greater part of this road winds along very narrow and precipi- tons ridges, heavily wooded, where a column cannot deploy, and where the advance can easily be checked or its attack repulsed. Oii this side of Oak Ridge, about the head of Clear Creek, there is a broad, open region, extensively cultivated, where a great army might deploy and fight advantageouslyat least on equal terms. The effort of Sherman will be to settle the question before Joe Johnston can get to this opeii place. Sherman has in all about 30,000, besides cavalry. General Grant holds in readiness to march to re-enforce him five brigades more, nnder A. J. Smith and Herron, while Osterhaus, with one brigade sta- tioned at the Vicksburg and Jackson Railroad crossing of Big B lack, is to join him in case of need. As to the strength that Joe Johnston corn- mands, we have no new information. If he pushes his advance, a battle may be fought to-day or to-morrow. The roads he has before him have all been obstructed. Nothing to report here except steady progress in the siege. Ord is working very hard to bring up the lines where McClernand left them behind, but it will take some time to remedy the disorder which that incompetent commander produced in every part of the corps he has left. Allow me to represent the very great necessity that some first-rate officer, with snitable energy, patient in character, should be sent here, or found here, to take the place of General J. P. Hawkins, and conduct the organization of the African forces. Hawkins is sick, and very prob- ably will not again be robust enough to efficiently resume his duties in this climate, and the public service is suffering terribly in this most deli- cate matter in consequence of his absence. I do not know here an offi- cer who could do the duty half as well as he, so that I make no recom- mendation; but none but a man of the very highest qualities can succeed in the work. I am happy to report that the sentiment of this army with regard to the employment of negro troops has been revolutionized by the bravery of the blacks in the recent battle of Millikens Bend. Prom- inent officers, who used in private to sneer at the idea, are now heartily in favor of it. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War. NEAU YJCKSBURG, June 22, 186310 a. in., VIA MEMPHiS, June 269 a. m. (Received June 295 p. in.) Additional information from beyond Big Black confumns my former rel)orts. Joe Johnston himself h~s gone to Jackson, and the force Page 107 CErAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. hitherto north and northeast of ilaynes Bluff are now all the other side of Big Black, have sent their knapsacks and wagons to Canton, and with three days cooked rations are moving southward of Vernon. An intelligent spy estimates them at three divisions, with one battery only to each. The whole operation is a ppzzle here. General Grant has ordered a heavy reconnaissance eastward from flaynes Bluff; and Sherman has a strong force blockading the roads with falleii timber on every possible line which might be used for a rear attack on General Grant between ilaynes Bluff and the Jackson 1~ailroad. Ord reports that it will require about ten days to bring the siege works in his front to the same general efficiency and safety as those of McPherson and Sherman. The trenches opened by McClernand are mere riflepits 3 or 4 feet wide, and will neither allow the passage of artillery nor the assem- blage of any considerable numbers of troops. There are no places for arms of troops, and the batteries are, with scarcely an exception, in the position they apparently held when the siege was opened. The rifle-pits are also not systematically arranged for the defenses and strengthening of each other. This, as Ord reports, is apparently not the fault of Lient. P. C. Hams, the engineer in charge of that part of the lines, but is due to the fact that thecorps commanders and generals of divisions were not willing to follow his directions, either as to the n-tanner ot opening the lines of advance or the positions of the ,batte ries to l)rotect those lines. Deserters from within the town report that during the bombardment of day before yesterday the whole garrison was under arms, expecting an assault, amid that the Tennessee and Geor- gia regiments which are stationed on the rebel left, in front of Steele, were resolved to stack their arms, but their officers urged them to hold out, saying among other things that they had rations for a week longer, and that it would be disgraceful to surrender as long as they still had the means of defense; besides, it was probable that Joe Johustomi would relieve them before the end of that period. General Grant is sending a flag to Taylor, at Delhi, La., to notify him that the Government is bound to protest all its enlisted soldiers, and that if lie (Taylor) is resolved to hang prisoners of war, the issue must be accepted on our side. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. NEAR YICKSBURG, Miss., June ~4, 186310 a. m, VIA MEMPHIs, June 28Noon. (Received July 111 p. in.) The report that Joe Johnston had crossed Big Black, or was crossing, was errqueons. Sherman can find no trace of him. He is still on the other side. The siege goes on as usual. I was at ilerrons lines yester- day. He has pushed them forward with much energy. His rifle-pits extend within 150 yards of the enemy, and his batteries are well ad- vanced. We have by the gunboat Arizona, of Admiral Farraguts fleet, which arrived at Warrenton yesterday, a report that General Banks had taken Port Hudson. No details have reached us. C. A. DANA. lou. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. I Page 108 108 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., June 25, 18639 a. iii., VIA MEMPHIS, June 2811 a. in. (Jieceived July 110 p. in.) We have authentic information from Joe Johnston. He is between Canton, Bolton, and Bridgeport; and has made no movement of Pu- J)ortance since that of Lorings back across the Big Black. The report from the spy of General Grant, which led to the sending out of Sherman on the 22d instant, was a mistake, though it must have had some founda- tion. Our present accounts indicate 35,000 as about the limit of the total troops of Joe Johnston. No new re-enforcements from Bragg have come up, so far as we are informed. Pemberton yesterday sent out to General Grant 4 men whom he has for several mouths held as hostages for the slaying of a Mr. White while concerned in a guerrilla fight in Western Tennessee. Their release indicates the near surrender of Vicksburg. The prisoners statements agree with our other accounts in representing the siege at about an end. From the best intelligence we can gain, the supply of food cannot be stretched to last more than a week longer. Wheaten and rice flour are now issued for bread. Mean- while our siege works are urged forward with great industry, though, if there was a better supply of engineer officers, the labor would be much more effectively applied. (in Shermans front eveiything is ad- vancing favorably. McPherson has a mine, with three trenches extend- ing 35 feet under the great fort in his front, which is now being tapped, and will probably be exploded before my next dispatch. It is expected this will open that fort to our occupation, and as it is the key of the rebel line on the eastern side, its possession must in all probability be followed by the early submission of the town. On Ords front a great (leal has been accomplished, especially in widening the trenches, con- necting them, and making it practicable to move men and artillery through them. Ord is devoting his attention particularly to lloveys al)l)roaches, which he thinks offer perhaps the most favorable attack in our whole line, but which McClernand has left in great backward- ness. A weeks labor will, however, bring them into such a condition that ilovey will probably be able to crown the rebel lines with his artillery. Next to ilovey is Lauman, who has repeatedly lost pickets, and night before last had a lieutenant-colonel arid 9 men captured by the enemy. Laumau is a brave man, but an ox is just as fit to com- mand as he. Further on, upon our extreme left, ilerron continues to press on with zeal. Last night, after a brisk skirmish, he took the last rebel riflepits outside of their inrrenchments, and captured in it a lieutenant and 9 men. His siege approaches are going forward well, under the direction of Captain Comstock, of the Engineers. In front of the town Admiral Porter has established on the point behind one of the levees a battery of three rifled guns and four smooth-bores, which bears directly on the city, and does most effective work. Ample preparation has been made in that quarter against an attempt of the garrison to escape by means of skiffs, of which we learn they are provided some two thousand or more for this purpose. The Marine Brigade has gone on an expedition, or rather a reconnais- sance, to Delhi. The enemy are endeavoi-ing to cut off the navigation of the Mississippi. They have planted a battery of six gnus on Catfish Point, opI)osite Greenville, and have annoyed several boats on their way down. An expedition leaves to-day to clear them out. The troops ar Page 109 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 109 taken from ilaynes BluLL The forces under Sherman still remain on Clear Creek and Bear Creek. No orders to return have been sent to them. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STAT~TON, Secretary of War. NEAR YICKSBUItG MisS June 26 186310 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, June 293 p. m. (Received July 18.40 p. in.) McPherson, yesterday, just before 4 p. in., sprung his mine. It was charged with 1,200 pounds of powder, the explosion forming a crater about 35 feet in diameter, and carrying away a greater part of the bas. tion but not reaching the terre-plein of the fort. The working party of one regiment was at once hastened into the opening, and another regi. ment was thrown out as sharpshooters to cover them on the east flank of the work. Some of our men climbed the parapet with a view of taking aim over it at the enemy within, but were obliged to fall back and seek l)Lotectiou on the outer slope of the parapet. No attempt was made to enter the work through the breach; indeed, even after the explosion, the ascent remained so steep that an assault would have encountered serious difficulties from that cause alone. Our men remaining on the outer slope, as I have said, were obliged to fire very much at random, but the rebels had no better chance at them. The object of our work- ing party was to prepare places for cannon, and also to dig rifie.pits behind the crest of the parapet. The enemy very soon opened a galling fire from shells with short fuses, thrown over the ridge by hand-like grenades. To this we replied as acti vely as possible, and this conflict between parties invisible to each other, not only on account of the darkness, but also on account of the barrier between them, was kept up with fury during the night, and still continues up to this hour. We have made no progress in the work whatever, and have not been able either to plant a battery or open a rifle-pit, or even to ascertain what is the real practical value of the fort of which we have just got possession of one corner, and cannot tell whether the ad~joining works are or are not enfiladed against fire from it. Our loss since the explosion to this hour is from 60 to 100 killed and wounded, including 2 lieutenant-colonels and 1 major. Immediately on the springing of the mine a tremendous cannonade was opened along our whole line, accompanied by active firing from the rifle-pits. This fire was continued with little relaxation during the night, and is still maintained with vigor. The siege works in front of Sherman are the most advanced, but have been delayed for two or three days by the effort to find a mine which the enemy, starting from the counter-scan) and working from the ditch, has run under our lines. General Grant this morning sent for Steele, who is in command there (luring Shermans absence up Big Black and directed him to push his approach with the utmost energy, and endeavor to crown the work to. day, if possible. F. Steele says it cannot be done before to-morrow. Similar orders have been sent to Ord, and every means will be taken to i)revent the enemy from concentrating against McPherson. Steeles l)ickets, on the Mississippi,just above the wreck of the sunken gunboat Cincinnati, yesterday captured a rebel mail-carrier attempting to make his way through the Yazoo bottoms. Anion g his letters was one fro Page 110 110 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. General M. L. Smith and one from Major [W. T.] Withers, chief of artil- lery in Vicksburg. They contained no facts of moment except the settled and desperate expedient of the speedy surrender of the place. All these letters agreed in saying that they were on short rationson quarter pouiid of bacon daily, with bread of wheat and rice mixed. The de- serters who came out yesterday report that surrendering is the topic most discussed. The majority, however, of the troops appear to be for fighting to the last. Several of the letters I have spoken of say that they shall eat their horses and mules before they give up. General I)ennis, commanding at Young~s Point, has thorouo-hl front of Vicksburo- (on the Louisiana side, of b ypicketed the river course), and began yes- terday to keep the i)eople from pfocnring water from the Mississippi by the lire of his sharpshooters. This he was also able to do to a great extent during the night. The rebels fired their water batteries at him, but up to this morning their shells have done him no damage. The officers whom General Grant sent over into Louisiana on the 22d with a flag of truce for General R. Taylor returned this morning. They penetrated as far as Delhi, where they found an inconsiderable body of Taylors forces, and delivered their dispatches, to which no answer had yet been received. The officers they met denied positively that any of our soldiers or officers, black or white, have been hanged or are likely to be hanged. The white men, however, are held as hostage in some way, and the negroes have been handed over to the State authorities, by whom they will probably be sold. These statements may, of course, be modified by the official reply of Taylor, which is to be forwarded at once. Our officers got the impression that Taylor is at Alexandria. They say that all parties with whom they conversed, citizens and sol- diers, manifest great dismay at the idea of our arming negroes, which they suppose must be followed by insurrection with all its horrors. No news from Joe Johnston since my last. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & oretary of War. NEAR YICKSBURG, June 27, 18639 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, July 14 p. m. (Received July 31.55 p. in.) Spy from Canton, 25th, arrive(l at ilaynes Bluff on 26th. Troops of Joe Johnston (35,000) under marching orders; Joe Johnston personally in comlnau(l; 10,000 from Bragg, viz, 5,000 from Polk and 5,000 from Hardees corps, now on their way; will re-enforce Joe Johnston on or before 30th. Never saw so extensive a wagon train as that accumulat- ing at Canton; mules all in good order; artillery very numerous, but of mixed sizes and characters. Whole body will move to attack Sher- man early next week, just as soon as re-enforcements from the east arrive. All are zealous for fight; conscripts numerous in their ranks. They bring corn by rail from the country south of Grenada. I was at Shermans camp, on Bear Creek, yesterday afternoon, and found his amazing activity and vigilance pervading I hs whole force. The country is excee(lingly favorable for defense, and he has occupied the command- ing points; opened rifle-pits wherever they will add to his advantage; obstructed the cross-roads and most of the direct roads also, and ascer- tained every l)Oint where the Big Black can be forded between the line of Benton, on the north, and the line of railroad, on the south. By rapid movements of his forces, also, and~ by deploying them on all the ridge Page 111 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 111 and open headlands, he produces the impression that his forces are ten times as numerous as they really are. He has moved but one division from Haynes Bluff; and has General Parkes corps still encamped at Milldale, in front of Haynes Bluff, where it was placed on its first arrival. His right, under Osterhaus, still rests on the railroad bridge across the Big Black. Scouts before mentioned say that Price and E. Kirby Smith combined are about to attempt to provision Yicksburg by way of Milli- kens Bend, which they will try to capture. A vast number of small boats have lately been prepared in Yicksburg. Of the siege, there is nothing of importance to report since my last dispatch. McPherson has not yet succeeded in l)lacing batteries or rifle-pits in the breach made by the explosion of the 25th. He is now busily engaged in mining the adjoining fort on the left of the one whose bastion he then blew up. Rockets were thrown up in Vicksburg last nighkand night before last, and they were answered from a point on the Louisiana side opposite ~\Tarrenton C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. NEAR YICKSBURQ Miss., June 28, 18639 a. in., YI~ MEMPHIS, July 14 l~ 1~I. (Received July 311 a. in.) No progress has been made in the siege since my last dispatch. On Shermans front, enemy yesterday morning sprung a mine, which de. stroyed those Shermans engineers had nearly finished, and threw the head of his sap into confusion generally. The engineers have gone back some 50 feet to run a new mine under the fort. The gully will iiot be less than one and a quarter hundred feet in length, and will require several days to complete. On McPhersons front nothing has been acconi- l)lished. An attempt is now being made to raise a cavalier work on the parapet of the crater formed by the recent explosion. Sand-bags are to be laid up, if possible, with loopholes for sharpshooters, and short rifle-pits dug on each flank, with the design of driving the enemy from the interior of the fort; but this effort is of doubtful success, for the enemy maintain a most obstinate defense, and with their hand- grenades render it difficult for our working parties to remain in the crater at all. The wounds inflicted by those missiles are frightful. The working parties of Ord are also getting near enough to be checked by hand-grenades, while Lauman, while farther from the rebel lines, is almost nightly assailed by little sorties of the enemy. He loses one or two men every night, and sometimes more, generally by carelessness, and lately had one of his rifle-pits filled up by a party that made a dash upon him. ilerron, too, has been stopped for the last two nights by the brightness of the moonlight, which has enabled the enemy to fire at his men on fatigue duty. The heat of the weather, the unexpected length of the siege, the absence of any thorough organization of the engineer department, and the general belief of our officers and men that the town must presently fall into our hands without any special effort or sacrifice, all conspire to produce comparative inactivity and inefficiency on our part. Captain Prime, chief engineer of the department, went north yester- day, very sick. Captain Comstock succeeds him as chief engineer. Captain [Miles D.] MeAlester arin-ived yesterday; succeeds Comstock in charge of the lines of Ord, Lanmn an, and Herron, while Comstock,i Page 112 112 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVL a(ldition to his general duties, is to take charge of those of McPherson and Sherman. There is still a lamentable deficiency of engineer officers. No further news from Joe Johnston. It is certain that he is waiting only for his new re-enforcements from Bragg. His attack will be made immediately on their arrival. We have no details of the late operations of General Banks. The report of his success, which I telegraphed the other (lay as brought by a gunboat, was certainly false. Admiral Porter has a later report that the second assault has, like the first, been disas- trously repulsed, but how true it is no one here can tell. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War. NEAR VICKSBURG, June 29, 18639 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, July 110 p. in. (Received July 48 p. in.) Two separate parties of deserters from Vicksburg agree in the state- ment that the provisions of the place are near the point of total ex- haustion ; that rations have now been reduced lower than ever; that extreme dissatisfaction exists among the garrison, and that it is agreed on all hands that the city will be surrendered on Saturday, July 4, if, indeed, it can hold on so long as that. Col. C. H. Woods, who holds our extreme right on the Mississippi, has got out five of the thirteen guns of the sunken gunboat Cincinnati, and this morning opens three of them from batteries on the bluff. The others, including those still in the vessel, lie will place as rapidly as possible in a battery he has con- structed on the river half a mile in the rear of his lines. Though this battery has no guns in it, yet the enemy has been firing its heaviest ordnance at it for several days past, and has done to the embrasures some little damage, easily repairable. It commands the whole face of the town. On McPhersons front a new mine is now nearly completed, and will at furthest be ready to spring at daylight to morrow. It is intended to (lestroy internal rifle-pits with which the rebels still hold the fort whose bastion was overthrown by McPhersons former mine. If successful, it will give us complete possession of that fort, as the narrowiiess of the ridge on which it stands and the abruptness of the ravine behind it made it impossible that it should be defended by any third line in the rear of that now being undermined. The new line in Shermans front will probably not be ready so soon, but the engineers morning report has not been made. No news from Joe Johnston. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War. NEAR VICKSBURG, MIss., June 30, 18632 p. in., VIA MEMPHIS, July 5. (Received July 89.20 a. iii.) General Grant this morning held a council of war with his army corps commanders to take their judgment on the question of tryimig another general assault, or leaving the result to the exhaustion of the garrison. The conclusion of the council was in favor of the latter policy, and as General Grant had himself previously strongly inclined to that course, it will, no doubt, be adhered to Page 113 CHA?. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 113 Captain Comstock, chief engineer, reports to-day that in the l~resent condition of the siege works, and the indisposition of the troops to work zealously in the trenches, it ~vill require at least a fortnight to take the place by that means only; still, it is possible that the explosion of a new mine, now nearly finished, in the fort on McPhersons center, and another mine, under the rifle-pits on the front of Ransom, who holds McPhersons right, may give us advantages that will expedite the catas- trophe. The first of these mines will be sprung within twenty-four hours. I visited yesterday the front of Vicksburg on the Louisiana side. There are six guns of various calibers planted opposite the town, mostly in the railroad embankment. About De Soto the batteries are badly constructed, and the guns are exposed to a converging fire from the heavy artillery of the rebeb, but the town is there so completely ex- posed to us that, though our guns are only fired occasionally, they are quite effective. Two 12-pounder howitzers are kept masked against a possible attempt of the enemy to escape in that direction, and one regi- ment of infirntry is kept on picket. It is not true that our sharpshooters prevent the rebels from getting water. A rebel force, said to be 6,000 men, with two guns, attacked General II. T. Reid at Lake Providence on the 28th, and was repulsed. Reid had three regiments of white troops. The rebels took the way down river, devastating the plantations. No signs of an attack from Joe Johnston. General Sherman still remains about ]3ear Creek, waiting and preparing. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. NEAR VICKSBURO-, July 2, 186310 a. in., VIA MEMPHIS, J~y 510.30 a. in. (Received July 89 a. in.) We have no positive information concerning Joe Johnston. All of General Grants and General Shermans scouts concur in saying that the main body of his army remains in the same position, between Can- ton, Vernon, Brownsville, and Bolton. Day before yesterday a~report was received from some cavalry outpost, who crossed the Big Black at Halls Ferry, penetrated 5 miles on tIme other side, and learned from in- habitants that a force, variously estimated from 1,200 to 12,000, had 1)ushed down the Rocky Springs road. Yesterday a squadron of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry had a skirmish with a body of the enemy at Hankinsons Ferry. He drove them back and made their way across to this side. The number of this force is reckoned at about 200. M. K. Lawlers brigade marched from here last night to look after them. McPherson yesterday exploded a second mine under the main fort iii his front. Six rebels were throwmi into our lines by the explosion; all dead bitt omie, a negro. The right flank fort was cleared off by it, so that Ransoms shells had free way into the work. Many rebels were killed, but McPherson has not yet got possession of the fort. In the absence of ordinary mortars, he has constructed several of wood, throw- ing 12-pounder shells effectively. On Ords front the enemy have exploded a mine before a sap of ours, doing us no damage, but giving us the advantage of carrying the trench into the crater. Orders have been givemi to abandon all attempts to push forward saps with a view of entering the enemys works by that S R R-.--VOI~ XXIV, PT Page 114 114 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAP. XXXVI. means, and to devote the labor of working parties to widening the cov- ered ways and carrying them as near the rebel lines as practicable, ill order to afford cover for storming columns. The reports of deserters generally agree that the town is to be sur- rendered on the 4th instant. They also say that mule meat is issued to the garrison, though some report that flour and bacon are both plenty. If enemy do not give up Vicksburg before 6th instant, it will be stormed on that day. From Millikens Bend, E. S. Dennis reports that the rebel force, about 7,000 strong, which recently appeared at Lake Providence, have come down as far as Goodrichs, 13 miles above Millikens Bend, destroying plantations, burning all the buildings, and carrying off some negroes. The weather is hot; thermometer at noon above 100 degrees. (IX A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War. NEAR VlcxsnuRG, MISS., July 4, 1863. Yicksburg has capitulated. Yesterday General Grant received the following letter: HEADQUARTERS, Ficksburg, July 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding United Staie8 Force8: GENERAL: I have the honor to propose to you an armistice for hours, with a view to arranging term s for the capitulation of Vicksburg. To this end, if agreeable to you, I will appoint three commissioners to meet a like number, to be named by your- self, at such place and hour to-day as you may find convenient. I make this proposition to save the further effusion of blood, which must otherwise be shed to a frightful extent, feeling myself fully able to maintain my position for a yet indefinite period. This communication will be handed you under flag of truce by Maj. Gen. J. S. Bowen. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. To this Grant replied as follows: HEADQUARTERS DEPARI MEET OF THE TENNESSEE, In the Field, near J7icksburg, July 3, 1863. Lieut. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding Confederate Force8, s-c.: GENERAL: Your note of this date is just received, proposing an armistice for several hours, for the purpose of arranging terms of capitulation through commissio oem to be appointed, & c. The useless effusion of blood you propose stopping by this course can be ended at any time you may choose, by an unconditional surrender of the city and garrison. Men who have shown so much endurance and courage as those now in Vicksburg will always challenge the respect of an adversary, and I caa assure you will be treated with all the respect due to prisoners of war. I do not favor the proposition of appointing commissioners to arrange terms of capi- tulation, because I have no terms other than those indicated above. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- Genera~. Bowen, the bearer of Pembertons letter, was received by General A. J. Smith. He expressed a strong desire to converse with General Grant, and accordingly Grant, while declining this, reqnested General Smith to say that if General Pemberton desired to see him, an interview would be granted between the lines in McPhersons front at any hour in the afternoon which Pemberton might appoint. A message was soon sent back to Smith, appointing 3 oclock as the hour. Grant was there with his staff and with Generals Ord, McPherson, Logan, and A. J. Smith. Pemberton came late, attended l~y General Bowen and Colonel [L. M. Page 115 Ci~& r. XXXVI.J GENERAL REPOLITS. Montgomery. He was much excited, and was impatient in his answer to Grant. The conversation was held apart between Pemberton and his officers, and Grant, McPherson, and A. J. Smith. The rebels insisted on being paroled and allowed to march beyond our lines here, officers and all, with eight days rations, drawn from their own stores, officers to retain their private property and body servants. Grant heard what they had to say, and left them at the end of an hour and a half, saying that he would send in his ultimatum in writing before evening; to which Pemberton promised to reply before night, hostilities to cease in the mean time. Grant then conferred at his headquarters with his corps and division commanders, all of whom, except Steele, who advised to unconditional surrender, favored a plan proposed by McPherson, and which Grant finally adopted. The argument against the plan was one of feeling only. In its favor was urged that it would at once demoralize Grants whole army for offensive operations, while to guard and trans- port so many prisoners would require a great portion of its strength. Keeping them would also absorb all our steamboat transportation, while paroling them would leave it free to move our troops. Paroling would also save us an enormous expenditure. After long consideration, Gen- eral Grant reluctantly gave way to these reasons, and at 6 p. m. sent the following letter by the hands of General Logan and Lieutenant-Col- onel Wilson: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Viclcsburg, July 3, 1863. Lient. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON Commanding Confederate Forces, Vicksburg, Mi8s.: GENERAL: In conformity with agreement of this afternoon, I will submit the follow- ing proposition for the surrender of the city of Vicksbnrg, public stores, & c.: On your accepting the terms proposed, I will march in one division as a guard and take possession at 8 a. m. to-morrow. As soon as rolls can be made out, and paroles signed by officers and men, you will be allowed to march out of our lines, the officers taking with them their side-arms and clothing, and the field, staff, and cavalry officers one horse each. Fhe rank and file will be allowed all their clothing, but no other property. If these conditions are accepted, any amount of rations you may deem necessary can be taken from the stores you now have, and also the necessary cooking utensils for preparing them. Thirty wagons also, counting two two-horse or mule teams as one, will be allowed to transport such articles as cannot be carried along. The same conditions will be allowed to all sick and wounded officers and soldiers as fast as they become able to travel. The paroles for these latter must be signed, however, while officers are present authorized to sign the roll of prisoners. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. The officers who received this letter stated that it would be impossible to answer it by night, and it was not till a little before peep of day that the proposed reply was furnished: HEADQUARTERS, Vick8bUrg, July 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding United States Force8, 4~c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this (late, proposing terms of capitulation for this garrison and post. In the main your terms are accepted, but in justice both to the honor and spirit of my troops; manifested in the defense of Vicksburg, I have the honor to submit the following amendments, which, if acceded to by you, will perfect the agreement be- tween us: At 10 a. m. to-morrow I propose to evacuate the works in and around Vicksbnrg, and to surrender the city and garrison under my command, by marching out with my colors and arms, stacking them in front of my present lines, after which you will take possession. Officers to retain their side-arms and personal property, and the rights and property of citizens to be respected. I ajn, general, very respectfully, your ol~e4i~pt servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. 11 Page 116 116 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CRAP. XXXVL To this General Grant immediately replied as follows: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, Mis8., July 4, 1863. Lieut. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Gommanding Confederate Forces, Vicksburg, Mi8s: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of July 3. The amendment proposed by you cannot be acceded to in full. It will be neces- sary to furnish every officer and man with a parole signed by himself, which, with the completion of the rolls of prisoners, will necessarily take some time. Again, I can make no stipulations with regard to the treatment of citizens and their private property. While I do not propose to cause them any undue annoyance or loss, I cannot consent to leave myself under any restraint by stipulations. The prop- erty which officers will be allowed to take with them will be as stated in my proposi tion of last evening; that is, officers will be allowed their private baggage and side- arms, and mounted officers one horse each. If you mean by your proposition for each brigade to march to the front of the lines now occupied by it, and stack arms at 10 a. in., and then return to the inside, and there remain as prisoners until properly paroled, I will make no objection to it. Should no notification be received of your acceptance of my terms by 9 a. in., I shall regard them as having been rejected, and shall act accordingly. Should these terms be accepted, white flags should be displayed along your lines, to prevent such of my troolis as may not have been notified from firing upon your men. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U.S. GRANT, Major- General. To this the subjoined answer has this moment been received: Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, HEADQUARTERS, Vieksburg, Miss., July 4,1863. Commanding United States Forces, 4c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your comniunication of this day, and in reply to say that the terms proposed by you are accepted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. All preparations for occupying the town are coml)leted. In a~ hour it will be in our possession. In anticipation of this result, orders were yesterday given to Sherman to prepare to cross Big Black and strike at Johnston. In addition to the forces previously under his command, he takes from the lines here the remainder of the Thirteenth and Fif- teenth Army Corps. These move out instantly by way of the rail- road bridge, while Sherman has built bridges at Messingers Ford and Birdsong Ferry. They all march light, with provisions of hard bread, coffee, and sugar and salt only. Sherman is restricted by no special instructions, except that he is to destroy railroads, bridges, and crops. Alexander toss, lawyer, of Magnolia, Colninbia County, Arkansas, con- script in the rebel army, deserted to ns recently at Lake Providence2 reports the existence of a strong Union feeling in all parts of that State. Union men, including many large slaveholders, are organized in secret societies, with watchwords and passes, in Montgomery, Clarke, Hemp. stead, Calhoun, Bradley, and Columbia Counties. There have been fights between these societies and Confederate troops with various ye- suits. Where the former have been defeated, they have generally been hanged without trial. Among the conscripts in Marmadukes and Tabbats [J. C. Tappans ?] troops are many of these secret Unionists. fle also reports that in Arkansas the Confederates have, under Ster- ling Price, sixteen regiments, in four bri~ades, commanded by Parsons, Fagan, Frost, and McI~ae, averaging 400 men to each regiment, with one brigade of 1,500 conscripts and civilians, un(l er General Cabell. There is also under Marinaduke a brigade ~4 J,500 cavalry, poorly inonnted, and armed with shot-g~ins. Page 117 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 117 Of artillery, Price has in all four batteries, of four guns each. In Louisiana are three brigades of Texans, two of which are commanded by Ran(lal and MeCulloch, and one brigade of Arkansians, nuder Tab- bat [Tappan s?]. These four brigades count together 5,000 men. There is also a cavalry brigade, under Parsons, of 1,600 men; artillery, four batteries, of four guns each, and Ri chard Taylors division, headquar- ters Alexandria, 4,000 men. Thus, according to Mr. Ross, Kirby Smiths whole force is little more than 20,000 effective men. Powder, he says, is manufactured at Arka- (lelphia; other ammunition at Camden, on the Washita. Both places are very lightly garrisoned. The number of negroes carried off from the leased plantations in Louisiana is 400. C. A. DANA. Hon. E. M. STANTON. No. 4. Reports of Capt. Frederick B. Prime, U. S. Corps of Engincers, Chief Engineer, of operations January 30May 4. STEAMER MAGNOLIA, Camp opposite Vicksburg, Miss., January 30, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward herewith tracing of point op- posite Yicksburg. The dotted line at the entrance of the canal shows the new direction so as to correspond with the course of the current. Ground was broken to-day. To-morrow I shall try and dam the canal at the point marked, not having any levels but such as used by masons. I shall then l)e enabled to obtain the approximate difference of level between the water level at the entrance and exit of the canal. At present it is variously estimated from 28 inches to 3 feet. The velocity, as roughly measured to-day by using a iloating body, was 422 feet in two minutes. I shall commneuce making a few fascines and gabions to-morrow. There is dif- ficulty in procuring proper materials for withes and for gabions in the immediate neighborhood. Should circumstances require the expedition to remain here for some length of time, and the river continues to rise, there will be much trouble from the backwater in the swamps coming from the crerasses in the levee. There is a crevasse above here, as shown on the map, which in a few days will probably be repaired. About 2~ miles above the mouth of the Yazoo River there is another and more troublesome crecasse, which I have not been able to examine nor have I any person to send. There is also another crevasse some 10 or 12 miles below here. The earth from the new entrance to the canal will be used on the east side to form a species of levee connecting with the old levee, in order to l)revent the current (in case it should show a tendency to cut) from expending itself on the low land outside of the levee when the old levee is passed. The levee, as stated in my previous letter, is being constructed on the west si(le, in order to prevent the camping-ground from being inundated. I shall continue to give the Department all informatiou that I can obtain in connection with the engineer part of the expedition. As I have no means or time to keep copies of my letters, any repetitious must be laid to that cause. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK E. PIUMF, Captain of Engineers. Brig. Gem JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer of the Army, Washington, I). C Page 118 Ct2 ~i2 H H z z H B Page 119 ChAP. XXXYI.1 GENERAL REPORTS. 119 STEAMER MAGNOLIA, Camp opposite Vicksburg, February 1, 1863. GENERAL: I have to acknowledge receipt of Department letter of January 23 and telegram of January 28. The canal was closed yester- day afternoon by a dam of corn-sacks, filled with earth, resting against a wooden framework. No difficulty was experienced. Leveling shows the difference of level of the water at the two ends of the canal to be 2.62 feet. Another trial of the velocity yesterday gave three minutes for 422 feet, the same distance as mentioned in a previous letter to have been performed in two minutes. What causes the discrepancy I am unable io say. The river is still rising. Captain Jenney reports 6 inches rise in last twenty-four hours, as opposed to 5 inches in previous twenty- four hours. Captain,Kossak (from Corinth) reported here for duty to. day. He says the works there should be completed within ten or twelve days if the men work well. He complains of want of energy and in- difference on the part of the contrabands. When the present works are completed, there will still remain two or more large reserve magazines to be constructed near the brick seminary. The map of Corinth (our works, the rebel works, and our approaches) is completed, and will shortly be sent to General Callum through the Department. A trace copy will be retained here for reference. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK E. PRIME, Captain of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer of the Army. STEAMER MAGNOLTA, Opposite Yicksburg, February 9,1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report as follows with respect to opera- tions in my charge at this point: The water is still rising at the rate of 2.~ inches per twenty-four hours for past two days. A dam has been erected at each poiiit where the canal crosses the levee. The water in the intermediate space will be let out into the swamps and low grounds as soon as the cami~s south of the railroad and west of the canal have been entirely removed, which, I trust, will be to-morrow. This will render it practicable to remove the stumps and trees now in the canal, and to widen and deepen the canal to the necessary dimensions. A frame is being sunk in the excavation for the new e~itrance. It has reached a depth of 6 feet below the surface, and stiff clay is the material now en- countered. The water seeps in so that at present the excavation in the new entrance cannot be pushed deeper than about 4 feet on an average. The well formed by the frame and sheet-piling is to be used for drain- ing the canal, by large steam-pump rama steamer belonging to the Navy; one has an 11-inch discharge and the other 18-inch. But few soldiers are at present employed, on account of shifting camps, building roads, & c., and the delays which have prevented the canal from being emptied. Five hundred and fifty contrabands are now here and are employed on the new entrance of the canal. The work on the canal between the levees will most probably be assigned to the details fur- - nished by the troops. With fair weather and strong working parties, there is a fair prospect of obtaining satisfactory results. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERiCK E. PRIME, Captain of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH (3. TOTTEN, Chif Engineer of the Army Page 120 120 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (ChAP. XXXVI. STEAMER MAGNOLIA, Opposite Vicksburg, February 16, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of Department letter of February 5, with respect to funds applied for. The water in the river has been very nearly at the same level since my last letter. Work on the new entrance is progressing; this work is done by contra- bands. Between the levees but little work has been done as ytt by the troops, on account of the bad weather for the past two (lays. The water in the canal has been drawn oft~ by a cut leading into the low ground to the westward; it is now about 7 feet below the level of the water in the river. Colonel Bissells engineer regiment, which arrived yesterday, will be employed extracting the stumps in the present canal, and also in the l)ropose(l enlargement, and in clearing a channel of 200 feet in width through the lowest part of the swamps and low ground between the canal and crevasse at Johnsons plantation. The water-marks on the trees are 10 feet above the soil, and even now it is probable a depth of from 5 to 6 feet could be obtained by allowing the river to flow into these bottoms. This new channel would be tried in case too heavy a fire should be brought to bear by the rebel batteries on the present out. let of the canal. A few shells and shot have been thrown about 100 yards north of the lower levee from batteries above and below the out- let of the canal; there is, therefore, a cross-fire, though as yet there is nothing to indicate the existence of an enfilading battery. Mr. ilalleck, engineer clerk, who leaves to-day for Memphis, will, on his arrival,forward by Adams Express to the Department the original map of Corinth, our approaches, and the enemys works. He will also transmit at the same time all weekly reports connected with the works at Corinth and Memphis. To complete the record with respect to the works at Corinth, I have directed Captain Kossak to draw up a memoir thereon, extending lip to his first weekly report. I have experienced much difficulty in making the necessary surveys at Memphis and Corinth, for want of proper instruments. I have, there- fore, to request that a surveyors compass and tripod, a level and tripod, and three pocket compasses may be sent to me by the engineer agent at New York, through Adams Express. I shall on reecipt of the level be able to furnish the references of interior crests of works at Corinth and prominent points in the neighborhood, which will render the draw- ing complete. I am, general, very tespectfully, your obedient servant, FItEI)EJZIICK E. PRIME, Brig. (len. JOSEPH . TOTTEN, Captain of Engineers. Chief Engineer of the Army. STEAMER MAGNOLIA, Opposite Ficksburg, February 21, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that we have had but two days favorable for work since my letter of the 16th (the 19th and 20th). To-day it is again raining. The troops are at work on the part of the canal assigned to them. The steam pump was started on the 19th, and answers well in keeping the new entrance of the canal clear of water. it is only worked to one-half of its capacity, and even then is sucking most of the time. Colonel Bissells engineer regiment, with the e Page 121 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 121 cel)t.ion of two companies under command of Major Tweeddale, has been sent to Lake Providence, for duty nuder Major-General McPher- son. The companies here are employed extracting stumps, and will put up the steam dredge daily expected. Another steam dredge, or- dered here, will be used at Lake Providence, if needed. By directioii of the major-general commanding, nothing will be done at present toward cutting the l)roposed opening through the woods in the bottoms toward Johnsons Bayou or Crevasse. The water is falling. The ThAi for the l)ast three (lays has averaged between 1 and 2 inches. Captaiii Kossak, on examinatiou of batteries opposite the outlet of the canal, reports threeone in casemate, nearly enfilading the canal. None of these batteries have opened as yet, and from appearances they would seem to have but one gun in each. Lieutenant Lochbihlers company is em- ployed, when the weather is favorable, in preparing gabions and fas- elites. We have one hundred and twenty of the latter and some thirty of the former; these are made from vines, which are in great abundance. As soon as practicable, frames for magazines an(l timber for casemates will be provided. No instructions with respect to the construction of batteries have as yet been received. I am, general, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, FlIEDERICK B. 1~RJME, - Captain of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer of the Army. [P. S.] Fall of river at Memphis reported as over 6 feet. STEAMER MAGNOLIA, Opposite Vieksbnrg, March 1, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report as follows with respect to oper- ations on canal since my last, of 21st instant [nltinio]: 22d and 23d, little or nothing donerain; 24th, 25th, and part of 26th, at workfavor- able weather; 27th and 28th, no workrain, and water high. To-day is a flue day; wind from northwest, and mud drying rapidly. No work outside of the main levees, on account of high water and the river still rising. T~e dams outside of levees have been overflowed, and pump cannot work. One steam dredge is here, and will go to work to- morrow. There are over 1,000 contrabands here. The six-gun battery below mouth of canal is progressing favorably, an(l, I trust, will be ready for the guns in about three days. Shall send by to-days mail, under separate envelope, tracing of map of Yicksburg and neighbor- hood, prepared by Captain Pitzman , * General Shermans topographical officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDE1IICK E. P111MB, Captain of Engineers. Brig. Ccii. JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer of the Army. STEAMER MAGNOLIA, Opposite T7ielcsburg, March 11, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward herewith Captain Jenneys report for month of February, and Lieutenant [I. G.] 1(appuiers report for week ending March 1.t To appear in Atlas. Omitted as unimportant Page 122 122 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI Since my report of March 1, an order was issued requiring half the effective force of each regiment to work on the canal for twenty-four hours each day. The work was progressing very satisfactorily, when, on the morning of the 7th, the upper dam gave way. The opening in the canal levee which had been used to drain the water was still open, and there was consequently a heavy rush of water at this point, which it was found im- possible to stop. This opening is now about 150 feet wide, double its original width. The condition of the canal is at present as follows: Between upper main levee and railroad, mostly dug out to required width, and about six or eight stumps in the canal; the canal levee is above water of river 18 inches. There was reason to fear a break in this levee, where it joins the main levee, but at present there need be no apprehen- sion on that score. Between railroad and lower main levee all of the canal to full width; four to six trees and from twelve to fifteen stumps in canal; levee for about half its length in good order, and grade 18 inches above level of water in the river; balance from 12 to 18 inches below grade, and levee not strong enough. Two dredges are at work iii new entrance, making channel 11 feet deep. By direction of the general commanding, endeavors are being made to cut off the influx of water on the upper side of the upper main levee, by using barges filled with dirt and by using the dredges. A pile-driver and machine for cutting trees under water are expected daily from Memphis; also additional grain sacks. Jam very doubtful of closing the upper entrance, bnt think that by driving piles across the break in the canal levee, using grain bags, and then the dredges, the opening in the canal levee can be closed. The dredges can then enlarge and raise the levee between railroad and lower levee, where there always has been difficulty in obtaining material for the levee. The battery has been completed with the exception of the magazines. No work is being done on it at present, owing to the difficulty of reaching it. Two orders, sent herewith,* show the proposed organization of pioneer companies in this department. When carried into effect, it will enable me to dispense with the contrabands now under my immediate charge, and I shall only retain Company I, Thirty-fifth Missouri Volunteers, which has done all the special work on the batteries at Corinth and the new battery here. This company and the necessary working par- ties at Fort Pickering will be all thaAt will remain under my immediate charge. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK E. PRIME, Captain of Engineers. Brig. Gen. Josn~n G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer of the Army. P. S.The dredges work well, and will remove all obstructions in the canal; another is expected daily. The water is still rising to-day, though slowly, notwithstanding the water drawn from the river at Yazoo Pass and also into Bayou Macon at the Arkansas line. STEAMER MAGNOLIA, Youngs Point, La., March 19, 1863. GENERAL: Since my report of the 11th instant concerning the canal, an attempt was made to stop the flow of water into the canal. This was done by making a dam where necessary, by means of the dredges, * Omitted Page 123 CILiP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 123 around the opening through the main levee and some distance above it, leaving a gap to the east of canal entrance and perpendicular to main levee which was to be closed by a large barge filled with earth. It was attempted to put this barge in place on the 14th, but the effort was not successful, the posts yielding and some of the lines breaking. The barge brought up against one of the dredges which had been placed within the dam for work on the canal. During the night, as there was danger the dredge would be sunk, the remaining lines were cut. Next day, as the current from the opening left for the barge was cutting through the canal levee, endeavors were made to change the course of this current by reopening the communication with the new entrance. This proved sufficient to throw the point of impact lower down, and, as the canal levee is being revetted with planks, & c., it will probably not be cut through. One of the dredges has been employed strengthening the canal levee in the vicinity of the opening previously mentioned. This has drawn the fire of the enemys heavy guns in prolongation of the canal, which reaches nearly to the railroad. This greatly increased range of the enemys artillery, and the number of their shot that fall in the canal, will probably render it necessary to alter the direction of the canal below railroad. As soon as any decision is made, I will notify the Department. As the work on the canal will be chiefly by steam.power hereafter, and Colonel Pride, volunteer aide-de-camp, will be in charge of same, it will relieve me from the immediate superintendence of this part of my duties on his arrival here. This will enable me to repair to the Yazoo, in case operations now in progress there should render it necessary. I have to acknowledge receipt of Department letter of March 5. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK E. PRIME, Captain of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOsEPH 0-. TOTTEN Chief Engineer oJ the Army. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 11, 1863. GENERAL: I have to report that since my letter of the 31st ultimo I have visited New Carthage, following the bayous. Walnut Bayou takes the i~ame of Brushy Bayou at Mrs. Amis plantation, where it re- ceives the Brushy Bayou proper; from that point to Richmond it has many bushes and large trees in the channel. The trees, not being very close together, can be removed without much trouble, to give the re- quired channel of from 35 feet to 40 feet. From Richmond to Smith~s* plantation, on Vidal Bayou, Roundaway Bayou is leveed on the west side, but not on the opposite bank. The water is now about a foot above most of the land protected by the levee. The water flows from John- sons crevasse and the break in the canal into Roundaway Bayou; at Richmond the water flows to the westward, and about half way from Richmond to Smiths plantation the water runs to the south. At Smiths plantation the water in Bayou Yidal runs to the west and to the south; about half way from Smiths plantation to Carthage the water runs north, coming from the Mississippi. A levee extends from opposite * Smiths plantation is on Roundaway Bayou, where it runs into Bayou Vidal, and is General Osterlians headquarters Page 124 124 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Smiths plantation to New Carthage, connecting with the main levee. There are three breaks in the Vidal Bayou levee, each from 300 to 500 feet wide. The bayou from Thchmond to New Carthage offers but little difficulty in obtaining the necessary water-way. At New Carthage, where there is a break in the main levee, there is for several hundred yards but a depth of 2~ or 3 feet. This can be avoided by following Harpers Bayou, branching to the southeast from Vidal Bayou, and corn- ninnicating with the river by a break in the levee about one-half mile above New Carthage. General Osterhans reports that this channel offers a depth of over 7 feet. From the above, it seems that no water is received into Roundaway Bayou from the water passing through Tensas and Macon Bayous and the net-work of bayous connected therewith. I send herewith a sketch, * showing where the water will pass into the bayou from the river. The channel has been dug by the troops as far as practicable; a depth of 7 feet has been reached between the main level and the back-water by the aid of the steam-pump. The balance of the work to the bayou will have to be done by the dredges. The levee could be cut this day, but is delayed iu order to raise portions of the road from Millikens Bend to Richmond, which might otherwise be flooded by the influx of water from the river into the low wooded land when the levee is cut. Three companies of ~ engineer regiment and three pioneer companies, nnder Major T~veeddale, are employed clearing the bayou from Coopers l)lautation to ilecla Place. This portion of the work it is hoped will be completed to-morrow. Colonel Pride has general charge of canal and bayou operations. The levee of the old canal has broken close to the main levee; the break from 30 feet has increased to over 400 feet in ~vidth. Captain Kossak is constructing four caseinate batteries in the levee opposite Vicksburg. Two casemates had been erected by Colonel Bis- sell, which, on inspection, I found it advisable to alter. I am, generai, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK E. PRIME, Captain of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer of the Army. HEADQUARTERs DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, ]Ifillikens Bend, La., April 18, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report the following operations since my last, of 11th instant: The main levee was cut on the 13th. During the twenty-four hours subsequent the water at ilecla Place rose over 8 inches, and has been slowly rising since, though I am not informed of the rate. The rise has not been as great as I expected, but will increase when the channel is deepened through to the bayou so as to guide the current, and when the bottoms are filled. All the pioneer companies available have been put to work on clearing the bayou. Major Tweed- dale reports that Bissells four engineer companies and Spicer~s pioneer company will have cleared the bayou to Richmond (to the prescribed width) by the 20th or 21st. Colonel Pride will start to-morrow morn- ing, with a small steamboat, for Richmond. Two, and if possible three, barges, of from 100 to 120 [feet] in length, will be passed into the bayou at the same time, with pioneers on them, provided with saws to cut 6 feet under water, and other tools necessary. They will clear out any Not found Page 125 CHM. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 125 obstacles they may encounter. I am afraid that it will take them from three to five days to reach Thchmond. When these barges have once 1)assed, it will enable all necessary supplies to be forwarded to New Carthage, unless l)revented by a fall of the river. The river has been falling onehalf inch per day ftr the last two days. The steamboat and barges cannot be passed through the proposed passage, as shown on sketch sent with l)revious letter, but will pass through field beyond small bayou (James), and enter Walnut Bayou by wide ditch at Cul- bertsons l)lantation, as indicated by the other line of soundings. This route will be used until the other is prepared, which I deem indispen- sably required to keep the stage of water in Walnut Bayou as high as possible in case of a fall in the river. Captain Kossak has completed the four casemate batteries between railroad amid angle of levee north of it. The two 30-pounder (Parrott) guns oi)ened yesterday morning, but with no very decided results. Time lire is to be continued to-day. Captain Kossak has beemi directed to hand in a report with respect to these batteries, which will be for- warded to the Department as soon as received. - I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK E. PRIME, Captain of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH 0-. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer of the Army. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Millikens Bend, La., May 4, 1863. GENERAL: Since my last report, of the 18th ultimo, the water has fallen to such ami extent as to prevent most of the work on the canal from being prosecuted. The two dredges at time entrance of the canal have been drawn out amid brought to this point. The other two canmiot be removed, one being hard aground and the other having barely enough to work into the bayou. Twenty-odd barges are in the bayou at and below Coopers 1)lantatiOn, which there is but little prospect of moving to Richmommd until a rise in the river. Major Tweeddale, with somne four companies of his regiment and the One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois Regiment, is engaged in damming the Roundaway Bayou, below Richmond, so as to prevent time e~cape of ~vater to the westward as much as possible. The change in the river level is shown by annexed statenient,* obtained froni Colonel Wilsons topographical office. There are t~xo barges in the Roundaway, and Major Tweeddale thinks that, if his dam succeeds, they can be used advantageously in moving supplies from about 2 miles above Richmond to New Carthage. Ou the 2d, Captain Freeman, with Lieutenant Lochbihlers company, moved to The front with the pontoon train (India-rabber)20 l)ontoomt 2 ~ , I su~)~)ly ~vagomm. No trestle l)oIitoon wagons, abutment wao-ons and of the bridge sent, as it was not ready. The guns were withdrawn several days since from the casemates below the canal, and I am informed their casemates were burned by the enemy some two nights since. I have neglected to mention that the Victor, the small steamnboat referred to in my last report, (lid pass through the canal amid the bayou, amid is now in use below New Carthage. Colonel Pride left several days since for the Nom-th. All of the pioneer * Omilted Page 126 126 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL companies, except one, have been ordered to join their divisions as they proceeded to the front, and I have only four companies of Bissells engi- neer regiment and the One hundred and twenty.seventh Illinois, which General Sherman agrees to allow to remain until its division moves. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK E. PRIME, Captain of Engineers. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH G. TOTTEN, Chief Engineer of the Army. P. SCaptain Kossak sick from exposure and local fever. Has been ordered to Saint Louis until further instructions. No. 5. Report of Jieut. Col. James II. Wilson, Assistant Inspector- General, U. ~. Army, Chief of Topographical Engineers, of operations April 24 May 11. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, un rear of Vicksburg, Miss., May 30, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of engineer operations during the time in which I was the senior officer of engineers with the army in the field: On April 24, having accompanied General Grant to Smiths planta- tion, I was directed by him to examine the route by Vidal, Negro, and Brushy Bayous to Perkins plantation, with the view of getting a prac- ticable line of communication to the Mississippi River. The following is a copy of my report made to General McClernand, commanding the troops in that vicinity: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Smith8 Plantation, La., April 24, 1863. Major-General MCCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: After examination of Vidal Bayou, and consultation with Brigadier-Gen- eral Hovey, I am of the opinion that, in order to cross any number of troops greater than one division to the Mississippi levees, and secure a practicable line of communica- tion, much time will be gained by constructing two boat-bridges on the route, fol- lowing Vjdal~N~gn4a~d Brushy Bayous; fhe one nearer the mouth of Gilbert Bayou, now in construction, an~ ~li e~d~ by to-morrow evening; the other between the mouths of Negro and Mound Bayous. For the construction of the latter, twelve or fourteen of the small flats now used as ferry-boats at Smiths plantation will be nec- essary. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. WILSON. The bridges recommended in the above were begun and constructed by Captain Patterson, with his company of pioneers and details of men from the troops, under the direction of Brig. Geri. A. P. Hovey, coat- manding Fourteenth Division. For description of these bridges I refer to the following report: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT 01? THE TENNESSEE Smiths Plantation, Madison Parish, La., April27, 1863. Lient. Col. J. H. WILSON: COLONEL: In accordance with your instructions, received this morning, I proceeded to Vidal and Negro Bayous, to inspect the bridges constructed across them, and have the honor to report as follows: The bridge over Bayou Vidal is formdd of a large flat, 100 feet long and 24 fee Page 127 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 127 wide, anchored across the main channel of the bayou by a cable and chain on the southern end and braced against a tree on the northern. Ties of timber, trimmed to 6 or 8 inches thickness, are laid over the gunwales, upon which rest 8 by 12 string- pieces, supporting the planks. The next span toward either shore rests on a 12 by 12 timber, notched half into trees on either side, pinned and secured by chains. There are three more spans toward both shores, resting on trestles, each formed of four uprights, 8 inches square, secured at top and bottom to squared logs. The roadway is confined by heavy beams, pinned to the planks and string-pieces, and on the north end a wooden railway has been formed, which is, however, too smooth on the ascent to be of any advantage. The bridge is 362 feet long, 240 feet resting on trestles and immovable, the balance afloat. If the bayou should rise or fall more than 18 inches, the connection between the floating and fixed part would ho insecure, and the ascent and descent almost imprac- ticable. The roadway is not laid exactly along the center of the lint, but rather down stream, which causes a slight sideway slope. The flat has sagged considerably, rising at the middle; but whether this is an old defect or caused by overloading the ends, I cannot say, as I could not examine it very closely, the bridge being crowded by the passage of troops. As long as the bayou remains at its present stage, I think the bridge perfectly secure. The bridge across Negro Bayou is 550 feet long, curved up stream, and rests on sixteen flats, mostly new, from 25 toAO feet long and 12 feet wide, with landings on trestics on either side. The boats are anchored to a 2k-inch line, stretched from shore to shore, and supported in the center by a tree. Some of the boats are fastened directly to the cable passing over their bows; others are connected with it by short ropes. The connection with both shores is effected in a manner similar to that of the Bayou Vidal bridge, including some ties resting in notches cut into trees. Another bridge, 150 feet long, has been constructed across a slough between the two bayous. It rests on a center pier, formed of logs, placed crosswise, and on trestles on either side of the pier. The roadway is formed of split logs, and appears sufficiently firm. Squads of I)ioneers are stationed at all three bridges to repair such damages as may occur. On account of the heavy rain and continual passage of troops and trains, I was unable to obtain more minute measurements. I reported on the condition of the bridges to Major Hickenlooper, acting engineer ou General McPhersons staff. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. A. ULFFERS, As8istant Engineer. With these two bridges, both of which were very substantial, a good road was completed from Millikens Bend to Perkins plantation, 8 miles below New Carthage. After the failure of the Navy, with seven iron-dads, to silence the batteries at Grand Gulf on April 29, after five and a quarter hours cannonading, it was determined to run the six transports by that place, and march the troops to a point below. On April 25, in accordance with instructions of General Grant, ac- companied by Assistant Engineer Rigby and one regiment of infantry, I landed just above the mouth of Big Black, and carefully examined the country up to the foot of Palmyra Island, for a practicable road to the highlands. The river bottoms throughout the entire distance, sev- eral miles wide, were overflowed from 4 to 10 feet deep near the hills, so that communication, except at Congo plantation, was entirely cut oiL This plantation, lying just south of and on the Big Bogasha, is prob. ably 18 inches higher than the bottom above and below, and protected from the freshets by a levee, extending entirely around it. It has a good road, just passable, running through it and the adjoining place to Coxs or Thompsons Ferry, over the Big Black. The two rivers in this locality are only about 24 miles apart. The Mississippi was at that time about 3 feet below its highest mark for this season. There being no fixed plane of reference for high water, it is impossible to describe accurately at what stages this road could be used; but that part next the Big Black being unprotected by a levee, would have been entirely submerged by a slight rise in either river. The country north of the ~3ogasha was overflowed ~t the time o~ the reconnaissance, but the bill Page 128 128 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. coming down to the Big Black on the south si(le, a good landing was to be had at all times about 300 yards above the ferry at Coxs place. At this point the river did not exceed 250 feet in width, but the land- ings opposite being in an overflowed bottom, a bridge must have been at least 600 feet long and thrown almost lengthwise with the stream. The hills are quite steep at this place, densely timbered an(l overgrown by canebrakes, and about 300 feet high. The rebels had just seized upon them for defense, and begun the erection of several works, to sweep the river, the roads, and the fields beyond; but after careful per- sonal observation and examination of negroes who had been working on the fortifications only that morning, I ascertained that only a slight para- pet had been constructed and two 6-pounder field guns l)Llt in position. The road and ferry just described afforded at that time the only means between Grand Gulf and Warrenton of reaching the high land. Upon receiving the report of my reconnaissance, General Grant requested Admiral Porter, commanding Mississippi Squadron, to send one of his iron-dads into the Big Black, with instructions to remove any obstruc- tions that might be encountered, ascend to the ferry, and hold the cross- ing. In order to prevent the gunboat from being annoyed by sharp- shooters, the general proposed to land a strong regiment at Congo and let it march through. The admiral declined to risk his vessel in so nar- row a stream. Subsequent events have clearly demonstrated the weakness of the rebel lefenses at the ferry and along the Big Black, as well as the prac- ticability of the route just described, it is possible that gunboats could not have entered this stream, and that it would have been too dangerous for a transport to attempt it; but the subsequent passage of Grand Gulf by the entire fleet is rather in favor of the feasibility of entering Big Black, at least by armed vessels, even under the fire of the heavy batteries at the Point of Rocks, Grand Gulf One such vessel, under cover of another, could have crossed our troops rapi(lly enough for all ordinary purposes. On April 30, the advanced corps of McClernand was landed at Bruins- burg, about 10 miles below Grand Gulf, having been ferried from the landing on the opposite shore just below that place, by the transports and gunboats. McPhersons corps had all beemi ferried across by 10 a. in. of the 1st. After the battle near Port Gibson, the rebels retreated beyond Bayou Pierre, burning the railroad bridge over the main stream, and the sus- pension bridges across the South and North Forks. At S a. m. our advance took possession of Port Gibson, and nuder orders from General Grant I proceeded at once to provide means of cross- ing the South Fork. Smiths brigade, of Logans division, followed by Dennis brigade, was sent, under the guidance of a negro, to examine and cross at the ford 3 miles above the town, while the troops of McCler- nands corps were to assist in constructimig a bridge. Time roadway of the suspension bridge having been entirely destroyed, and not imeeding a permanent structure, it was determined to construct a raft bridge. A point about 20 yards above the site of the old bridge was chosen. Buoyant materials in abundance were obtained by tearing down the buildings, cotton- gins, & c., in the vicinity. At about 8.30 a. m. I applied for a brigade of infantry to do the work, and was informed by General McClernand that it should be fur- nished immediately. My request, under General Grants order, w~s renewed several times, and each time I was informed that the detail had beeg made. It did pot report till 12 m~ i[he houses were tor Page 129 CHiP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 129 down, materials brought to the water, approaches prepared, and the bridge completed, so that by 4.30 p. m. the troops were in full motion across it. The stream at this place is about 5 feet deep. This bridge was simnl)ly a continuous raft 166 feet long, 12 feet wide, with three rows of large mill-beams lying across the current, and the intervals between them closely filled by buoyant timber; the whole firmly tied together by a cross-floor or deck of light 2-inch stuffi The roadway, the proper width, was made by laying the same kind of material parallel with the axis of the bridge. Side rails of 5-inch scantling were laid to keep the teams on the proper track. The approaches were over quicksand; were corduroyed and covered with earth. The abutments were formed by building a slight crib-work, and filling in with rails covered by sand. From the very gentle current of the stream only one guy was used, and that as a simple precaution. From the structure of the bridge, and the manner in which it was joined with the shore, it was necessarily sufttciently rigid. By 7.30 p. m. I had arrived at the Grindstone Ford, North Fork of Bayou Pierre, distant 8 miles from Port Gibson. At this place found the fine suspension bridge, similar to that at Port Gibson, in flames; but, with the assistance of the escort and a few negroes from the l)lan- tation near by, the fire was soon extinguished. I found, by an exami- nation of the ford, that it was entirely practicable for infantry, though, from bad approaches and quicksand in places, rather difficult for cav- alry or artillery. The roadway, side-truss, and string-pieces of the suspension bridge for 120 feet, beginning on the farther side near the abutments, were entirely destroyed; but the cross-ties having been re- cently renewed from unseasoned timber, although set on fire about 11 oclock the night before, only four of the cross-ties were burned entirely off. They were 5 by 9 inches, and, with the exception of the four men- tioned, had left from 3 to 7 inches of sound timber, quite a number beimig reduced to the former dimensions. The charred parts were left undisturbed, and dispositions made to construct a nexv roadway over the remains of the old one, so as to distribute all of the strain upon that part of the cross-ties just next to the stirrups of the suspension-rods. Several long pieces of timber, 3 by 7, were found near the bridge. These were lashed firmly to the suspension-rods by wire taken from the telegraph line, and rested on the charred cross-ties. They were made to bear equally by wedging. Timber for cross-ties was obtained near b~. These were placed at intervals of 3 feet, the ends projecting a foot beyond the side rails or new string-pieces. Where the old ties were but slightly injured, wedges were placed between them and the new ones iiear the axis of the bridge. Five string.pieces, 3 by 7, were laid, and the road covering, of boards of various thicknesses and qualities, obtained from th~ farm houses near by, was then put down, secured by side rails, spiked, and lashetl to their places. The roadway was made l)erfectly secure by rack-lashings at intervals of about 1~ feet. The rope for this purpose was 5-inch grass cable, passing around the new string-pieces and cross-ties and over the susl)ension-chain. The lash- ings w-ere drawn taut by using rack-sticks 5 feet long and twisting around the suspension-rods. The new roadway being about 10 inches above the level of the old one, ramps of the proper declivity were con- structed at 1)0th en(ls. The inoneer company an(l detail did not report till 11.30 p. m. By 5.30 a. m. the next morning the bridge was coin l)leted and the army mu full march. 9 R RYOL XX1V, PT Page 130 130 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. The greatest delay was experienced here from the difficulty of obtain- iii g proper timber. Lieutenant-Colonel Rawlins, assistant adj utant-gen- cral of General Grants staff; took this matter in hand, and by his vigor, activity, and personal attention during the entire night, succeeded in obtaining a sufficient supply. Captain ilickenlooper, Fifth Ohio Battery, chief engineer of the Seventeenth Army Corps, gave most active and intelligent assistance till the work was finished. The lashings were all made under his per- sonal supervision. Captain Tresilian, division engineer, Third Division, was also ener- getic and efficient in preparing and selecting the timbers. After the entire army had crossed, an examination revealed no per- ceptible injury to the bridge. On May 11, Capt. II. C. Freeman, in charge of the pontoon train, re- ported to me at Cayuga. During the ensuing campaign he was directed to march with that column which inclined itself most toward Pearl River. On May 4, Captain Tresilihn repaired the bridge of boats acros~ the Big Black at Hankinsons Ferry. 1 submit his report berewith.* Assistants Ulifers, ltigby, and Ilartwell were actively engaged in ic- coiuiiaissances and surveys. Mr. Ulifers went with dispatches, April lO,to General Banks. Captain ltigby, having been quite unwell when the army marched out of Jackson, did not accompany headquarters. He is ~)robably a prisoner in the hands of the enemy or parolled in hospital. First Lient. Peter C. Hams, U. S. Engineers, and chief engineer Thir- teenth Army corps, displayed great activity and intelligence in the per- formance of the duties of his department. I submit herewith his re- l)ort.* During the march of Osterhaus divisioii and McPhersons corps from Perkins to Hard Times Landing, several bridges were built and repaired, for particulars of which I refer you to the accompanying reports of Captain Hickenlooper * and his assistaiit, F. Tunica. The inclosed map fully explains the line of march followed by the army from Millikens Bend, embodying such topographical features as could be obtained. t Great credit is due to Maj. Otto II. Matz, illinois volunteers, for the artistic manner in which it is executed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant J. II. WILSON, First Jijeut. Engrs., Lient. Col. and Asst. Insp. Con. Capt. F. E. PRIME, Chief Engineer, Department of the Tennessee. No. 6. Reports of Capt. Ocran H. Howard, U. S. Signal Corps, Chief Signal Officer, of operations April 3July 4. LIDQRS. SIGNAL DETACHMENT, DEPT. OF TIlE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., June 6, 1863. SIR: Since the last report which I had the honor to submit, the dif- ferent signal parties composing this detachment have been doing good service, both in i~ecounaissance and as signalists. * See siege of Vicksburg for the only reports of Hams, Hickenlooper, and Tresilian that have been found, but their dates indicate that they could not have been in- closures ~ above report. To appear in Atlas Page 131 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 131 My last reported the operations of the detachment to the 9th ultimo. During the active campaign preceding the investment of Vicksburg the party serving with the army in the field accompanied it iii all its marches from Grand Gulf through Port Gibson, Raymond, Black River Bridge, Jackson, and Champions Hill to the immediate rear of Vicksburg. The country through which the route of the forces lay is generally flat and wooded, and unsuited to any extensive lines of communication by sig- nals, and, pursuant to suggestions contained in the last annual report of the Signal Officer of the Army, the party was employed almost wholly in reconnoitering. The party was divided into four detachments, one of which was kept at General Grants headquarters and one at each of the three corps headquarters. From the detachment kept at general headquarters an officer was sent each day to each of the corps headquarters with instructions to obtain the result of the observations made the same day by the detachments assigned to the respective corps darmee, and to report the same each evening to Major-General Grant in person. The detachments with the various army corps were engaged each day in reconnoitering in advance, and reported by signal or courier, as was found most expedient, the result of all observations worthy of notice to the general commanding the corps. Thus each corps commander was kept well informed as to his own command and General Grant as to the whole army. The credit of this arrangement is due to Captain De Ford. Upon the arrival of the army at the rear of Yk~ksburg, Captain De Ford caused communications to be opene(l from Snyders Bluff, where the right of the army rested, to Admiral Porters flag-ship, lying in the Yazoo, a distance of 4 or 5 miles. The station on the bluff was ocen- l)ied by Captain MeClintock and Lieutenant Fisher, and the one on the flag-ship by Captain Hoyt and Lieutenant Magner. They did, and are still doing, valuable service. A line was also established from General Grants headquarters to the extreme left, but the peculiar topography of the country necessitated so many stations that, in the opinion of Cap- tain De Ford, this line was nearly useless, as a courier could ride over the line in less time than a message could be transmitted in the usual manner. He consequently recalled the officers stationed on this line. The resignation of Captain Be Ford at this time placed Captain Rose in conimand of the party, he being the senior officer present. Captain Rose immediately re-established the line to the left, together with some other important lines. The following is a copy of a report received from him, showing the present locations of the lines and the operations of the party since he assumed command: HDQRS. SIGNAL DETACHMENT, ARMY IN THE FIELD, DEPT. OF TILE TENN., 1~ear of Vicksburg, Miss., May 31, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that this detachment has, since I assumed corn- mnand, been doing good service, having been at work almost constantly day and night. We have now three lines in good working order, and officers and men are all taking an interest in their duties. Our line to Haynes Bluff is of the greatest importance, as it is the only means of communication with the two divisions of our troops in that paTt of the country, stationed there to observe the movements of General Johnstons forces in our rear. The best officers I have are on this line, and it works to a charm. The line from General Grants headquarters to Youngs Point, La., is of the utmost importance; it is the means of communication between the army and the navy. Ad- miral Porter is highly pleased with the corps. The line from General Grants headquarters to the Yazoo Landing, the depot of sup plies for the use of the medical, commissary, quartermasters, and ordnance depart- ments, is, of course, of much utility Page 132 132 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CUAP. XXXVI. The line from the end of the telegraph line, reaching to the extreme left, is not much used, but is important to be kept open. Inclosed I send you a small plat, showing the different lines. Our officers are all busy at present, but the telegraph will relieve some of them soon. I noticed five signal officers with the Marine Brigade as they passed up the Yazoo. We are at present ~vell supplied with all kinds of stores, transportation, & c. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. ROSE, Captain and (Jhhf Acting Signal Officer. Captain Rose also reports that the most coniniendable zeal is evinced by the officers and men of his command, and lie h~els confident that each officer will do all in his po~ver to second him in all his efforts to promote the honor and efficieucy of the corps. The signal party under Lieutenant Wilson, serving with the Missis- 511)1)1 Marine Brigade, is also doing good service. The brigade is on transports, which sail in company. The only and comistant means of communication from boat to boat is by signals. This command served on the Mississippi and Tennessee Rivers, and has been varionsly employed between Nashville and Yicksburg. Below is a copy of the last report received from that party: U. S. STEAMER ADAMS, Off helena, Ark., May 25, 1863. SIR I have the honor to submit time following report Early on the morning of the 24th instant a part of General Ellets brigade landed at Austin, a small town some 15 iumiles above Helena, for the purpose of chastising a band of rebels who had at that place captured and burned a small trading-boat the day previous. Lieutenant Warren and umyself proceeded with tIme forces, hoping that in case of action to be al)le to (10 sonmething for the service. When 3 miles out, the advance came upon the enemy, concealed in a thick wood, when quite a severe skirmish en- sued, resulting in the rout of the enemy, with the loss ef several of their nnmber killed. Owing to tIme demise wood and underbrush, Lieutenant Warreim anti myself were employed as aides, scouts, amid with skirmishers, aim opportunity miot occurring in which we could use signals. I have also the honor to state that I have submitted a similar rele)rt to General Ellet. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient scrvaumt, J. W. WiLSON, Actinq Signal Officer in Charge. When the brigade is in the vicinity of Yicksburg, General Ellet coin- mnnicates by signal with General Grant. That I)ortioml of the detachment now here in camp of instruction will be ready for the field as soon as they can be cqnippcd. I shall then take the field myself in charge of them. A duplicate report of the operations of this detachment will be made, embodying an account of all its operations, as soon as the fate of Vicks- burg is decided, and in time to accompany General Grants official re~ Point of the eamfll)aioml. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your Ol)edient servant. 0. II. HOWARI), Captain and Acting Chief & gnal Officer. CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. C. OFFICE OF TILE CHIEF SIGNAL OFFICER, DEPARTMENT OF TILE TENNESSEE, Vicksbarg, Miss., August 28, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor, to band you here~vith a report of the operations of that portion of this corps that was in active service in th Page 133 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 133 vicinity of Vicksburg (luring the campaign which ended in the fall of that city: Handing you this report at this late hour involves the necessity, or, at least, the expediency, of stating the reasons why it was not presented at the proper time, or immediately upon the termination of the cam- ~)aign. They are as follows: The officers in immediate charge of the corps with your army, and whose duty it was to make the report, were Capt. 3. W. Dc Ford, who resigned (luring the operations in the rear of the city; Capt. L. M. Rose, who was forced by illness to leave the department before the end of the campaign, and Capt. J. M. MeClintock, upon whom the command de- volved at a very late period, aiid who was, no doubt, unmindful that a report of the campaign would be required of him. As to myself, 1 was, previous to the capitulation, ordered to Wash- ington, and have but lately returned therefrom. I have endeavored, with the data at my command, to make as plain a statement as possible of the duties performed by the corps, and trust that any deficiency therein may be attributed not to a lack of desire to do justice to the officers and men who compose it, but to my lack of opportunity to pro- vide myself with such complete data as 1 should have had, and such as I shall feel it my duty to keep hereafter. 1 have the honor to l)e s very your ir, respectfully, obedient servant 0. 11. HOWARD, Captain and Chief A~lgflal Officer. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, A ssistant Adjutant- General, Departmen t of the Tennessee. [Inclosure.] IIDQRS. SIGNAL CORPS, DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, Vieksburg, Miss., August 25, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the operations of this corps from the time of its rel)orting for duty in charge of Capt. J. W. De Ford, at Youngs Point, La.., on April 3, up to the time of the surren(ler of Yicksburg, July 4, 1863: On April $3, a line of communication by signals was opened from Mlii- likens Bend to the foot of the 01(1 canal, over which many important official messages were transmitted to difThrent points on the line and to Admiral Porters flag-ship, where an officer of the corps was perma- nently stationed. At a point on this line directly opposite Vicksburg a station of ob- servation was established. The officer iii charge of this station was instructed to report everything of interest occurring in the town and within the enemys lines to the commanding general. On April 7, a line was opened from General Grants headquarters, then at Millikens Bend, through General McPhersons headquarters, to Gen- eral Osterhaus, at Richmond. This line was used as a means of com- munication between those points until the removal of General Oster- hans command to Grand Gulf. From a point in this line another was proJected to New Carthage, and opened as far as Holmes plantation, but was not long in operation when the advancing of the army caused it to be abandoned. During the time that the main body of the army remained upon this side of the river, these lines were in considerable use as a means of communication between the ditThrent headquarters. With one or two exceptions, the officers employed on them performed then and there their first (Inty in the tield as signal officers, but by thei Page 134 134 MiSSiSSiPPi, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. ECiIAP. XXXVI. zeal and activity they made up in a great degree for their lack of experi- ence, and acquitted themselves very creditably. On the night of the running of the blockade by the gunboats, First Lieutenant [William II.] Sherfy reported for duty on board the Benton, on which he passed the batteries, in readiness to communicate with the signal officers on shore, should it be necessary. On May 1, a party of 8 officers, in charge of First Lient. Samuel S. Sample, was directed by Captain De Ford to report for duty to Major- General Grant, at Hard Times Landing. This party reached the gen- erals headquarters, on the road between Thompsons Hill and Port Gibson. By direction of the general commanding, two officers were dispatched thence to the landing at Bruinsbnrg, to open communication with the opposite shore. This line was immediately opened to Hard Times Landing, and remained open for four or five days, during the cross- ing of the Seventeenth Army Corps. Near Port Gibson the officers were assigned to Generals McPherson, Logan, and Crocker, a party still remaining with the commanding general. The officers were thus as- signed for duty either as signalists or upon reconnaissances. The army being now in motion, and the country being ill-adapted to any ex- tensive lines of communication by field signals, the officers reconnoi- tered the country as far in advance of the army as possible, and estab- lished stations of observation upon such points as were suitable for that purpose. During the march of the army from Port Gibson to Rocky Springs, the officers of the corps were constantly on duty, reconnoitering the country in front and reporting the result of their observations to com- manders to whom they were assigned. Lieutenants [Cyrus M.] Roberts and [Jacob P.] Sampson, with General Logan, and Lieutenant Irvin, with General Crocker, are entitled to notice for zeal displayed and services rendered during this time. These officers, together with Lieu- tenants Morris and [William C.] Magner, with Major-General MePher son, were complimented by that officer for services rendered during that march. When General Grant reached Grand Gulf, a line was opened in ten minutes to Hard Times Landing, affording the general a means of com- munication between those points during his stay. This line was in constant use. When the army reached ilankinsons Ferry, Lieutenant Sample, who remained with General Grant; reconnoitered the country as far as Rocky Springs and Halls Ferry, and, when the army reached the former place, proceeded to Caynga and established a station of ob- servation at that point; thence, when the advance reached Caynga, to New Auburn, passing, in so doing, 3 miles inside of the enemys pickets, capturing the enemys dispatches, and returning by the same route. At Five-Mile Creek the remainder of the corps, in charge of Captain IDe Ford, reached headquarters from Grand Gulf. At the battle of Ray- mond, a detachment of the corps, under command of Capt. L. M. Rose, took an active part, and were complimented for their activity, bravery, and reliability. At Raymond the corps was divided into four detach- ments, and a detachment assigned to each army corps (the Thirteenth, Fifteenth, and Seventeenth), in charge, respectively, of Lieutenant Irvin Captain MeClintock , and Captain Rose while the fourth ic- mained with General Grant, in charge of the commandant of the corps, to visit each day the detachments with the difh~rent army corps, report- ing the result of the reconnaissances l)erformed by each party to General Grant at night. A station of observation was established on the cupola of the court-house at R.aymond by Lieutenant [Gustav B.] Gryden. Th Page 135 CI:. Page 136 136 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. tCHAP. XX)~t detachment with the Thirteenth Army Corps remained with that corps at Raymond, while those with the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps moved forward to Jackson. On the approach of the army to Clinton, Lieutenant Sample, with one enliste(l man, without support, reconnoi- tered the road within one-half mile of Clinton, and when the skirmishers reached that point, he, with Captain Hoyt, acting signal officer and an officer of the Fifth Jowa, was the first to enter the town. A station of observation was immediately established, which overlooked the road in the direction of Jackson as far as the enemys pickets, when the army entered Jackson next morning by different roads. Mitch good work was done by officers of the corp~s during the engagement which took place. Lieutenant [Clifford] Stickney, with Captain [Julius] Pitzman, engineer of General Shermans staff, was the first to enter the city, and captured some 20 prisoners. Of the detachment with the Seventeenth Army Corps, Lieutenant [Thaddeus C.] Withers was the first to enter th enemys works, and Captain MeClintock the first to raise the Stars an ~? Stripes on the State capitol. While the Fifteenth Corps remained at Jackson, Lieutenant Sample made a reconnaissance of the country for 3~ miles in the direction of Canton, meeting the enemy~5 lookouts, and afterward in the direction of Livingston f~r 4 miles 1 ing army at Clinton. , eaving the advanc. At the battle of Champions Hill the officers were active, and rendered very efficient service. Lieutenant Roberts was engaged in signaling while he could do so, and aft e~ward served on the staff of General Logan, a was complimented by that general for his activity and bravery. Lieutenant Sampson, from a station at General McPhersons headquarters, communicated by signals to the right of the line, to a station which was established and worked by Lieutenants McNary and Morris, until the retreat of the enemy. Lieutenants Irvin and Gryden should also be mentioned for their services (luring this engagement. Two days thereafter, Lieutenant Irvin led the advance guard after crossing the Big Black, reaching Bovin a 2 miles in advance of the army. When taking position in the rear of Yicksburg, Lieutenants Sample, Sherfy, and White performed important (luties for the general corn- man ding. As soon as the troops were in position, Captain Rose and others opened communication from headquarters Thirteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps to General Grants headquarters, which line remained in operation for some time, and over it many communications of impor- tance passed. The line from Chickasaw Bluffs to Youngs Point, established by Captain MeChintock and Lieutenant Magner, was of the first importance, as the only available means oLeommunication between General Grant and Admiral Porter. A line was partially opened from General Grants headquarters to ilaynes Bluff by Lieutenant Gryden and others, but the removal of the forces from the latter point cansed this to be abandoned before its com: l)letion. Desiring to improve the communication between headquarters and the station at Chic1~asaw Bluffs, Lieutenant Sample, upon a recon- naissance for that purpose, found it expedient to make important alter- ations in the whole line, and communication was opened by him to Haynes Bluff (that point being reoccupied), Chickasaw Landing, and Youngs Point through stations Nos. 27, 28, and 31, on the accompany- ing map.~ * Sec p. 1:35 Page 137 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 137 These lines were in constant use, transmitting messages of the first importance~:the Chickasaw Landing and ilaynes Bluff lines until re- lieved by the telegraph, and the line to Youngs Point till the surren- (icr of Yicksbnrg. Lieutenant Sampson deserves particular mention for the manner iii which he conducted affairs at his station, at General Grants lieadquar- ters. During the occnpatiou and fortification of flaynes Bluff, a detach- ment in charge of Lieutenant Sample was directed to report for duty to Major-General Washburn, commanding that post; reconnoitered lines to advance cavalry pickets and to Big Black River railroad bridge, and I)rouounced communication by signals practicable; but General Oster- liaus, commanding at bridge, not desiring communication, General Grant directed that the line should not be established, as he had other use for the signal force. A party was then ordered to open a line front General McPhersons headquarters (from which communication was had with General Grant by telegraph) to Major-General ilerron, near War- renton. This line was opened and used for a time, when another was opened from General Herron to the gunboats, which remained opeii and in use until the surrender of Yicksburg. The party with General Washburn were constantly on duty with the troops stationed at dif- ferent points; reconnoitered the whole country from Haynes Bluff to Big Black River railroad bridge, where they were at the surrender of Vicksburg. Captains Dc Ford, Rose, and McClintock, who were at different times in immediate charge of the corps, have in many instances spoken in the highest terms of the activity and zeal displayed by the officers an(1 men, and of the alacrity with which they performed the duties assigned them, sometimes the most arduous and trying. To the officers and men of this corps, many of whom are now pros- trated by illness from fatigue and exposure during the campaign, but who bore up manfully until the great object was obtained; who, fresh fi-om the camp of instruction, there performed their first duty as signal officers and who, under the most trying circumstances, unaided by pre- vious experience, have, by persevering toil, overthrown or turned aside obstacles which would have appeared discouraging to more experienced officers, ai~d who have patiently and bravely perftwmcd their whole duty, I am un(ler the highest obligations. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. H. HOWARD, Captain and Chief & gnal Officer. Lient. (Del. JohN A. RAWLINS, Assistant AdJntant~ General, Department of the Tennessee. No. 7. Reports of 21110.. Gen. John A. MeClernand, U. ~. Army, commanding .ihirteenth Army Corps, of operations March 30June 17, with result- inq correspondence. HEADQUARTERS ThIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Battle-field, near Vicksburg, Miss., June 17, 1863. COLONEL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the principal operations of the forces with me since March 30 last, in com- pliance with instructions from department headquarters to that effect Page 138 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TFNNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXX VI These forces consist of a portion of the Thirteeiitli Army Corps, and comprise four divisions, organized as follows, viz: Fir8t Brigade. Brig. Gen. T. T. GARRAIW. 118th Illinois. 49th Indiana. 69th Indiana. 7th Kentucky. 120th Ohio. Artillery. 7th Michigan Battery. 1st Wisconsin Battery. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. S. G. BURBIIIDGE. 16th Indiana. 60th Indiana. 67th Indiana. 8:1(1 Ohio. 96th Ohio. 23d Wisconsin. Artillery. Chicago Mercantile Battery. 17th Ohio Battery. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. C. F. MCGINNIS. 11th Indiana. 24th Indiana. :14th Indiana. 46th Indiana. 29th Wisconsin. Artillery. Peoria Light Battery. 1st Missonri, Battery A. 2d Ohio Battery. 16th Ohio Battery. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. W. P. BENTON. 33d Illinois. 99th Illinois. 8th Indiana. 18th Indiana. 1st United States. Artillery. 1st Indiana Battery. NINTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen~ P. J. OSTERHAIJS. Second Brigade. Col. L. A. SnELDoN (42d Ohio). 54th Indiana. 22d Kentucky. 16th Ohio. 42d Ohio. 114th Ohio. Cavalry. 3d Illinois, Companies A and K. TENTh DIVISION. Brig. Gen. A. J. S~II1rr. Second Brigade. (Jol. XV. J. LANDIIAM (19th Kentocky). 77th Illinois. 97th Illinois. 108th Illinois. 130th Illinois. 19th Kentucky. 48th Ohio. Cavalry. 4th Indiana, Company [C]. TWELFTh I)IVISION. Brig. Gen. A. P. IIOVEY. Second Brigade. Col. J. I~. SLACK (47th Indiana). 47th Indiana. 24th Iowa. 28th Iowa. 56th Ohio. Cavalry. 1st indiana, Company C. FOURTEENTh DIVISION. Brig. Cell. E. A. GARTh. Second Bri~qade. Brig. Con. M. K. LAWLEII. 21st Iowa. 22(1 Io~va. 2:ld Iowa. I ith Wisconsin. Cavalry. 3d Illinois, Companies E and F. 13 Page 139 CRAP. XXXVI.] 139 GENERAL I~EPOI1TS. Detachments of the Second and Third Illinois, and the Sixth Mis- souri, also form part of my immediate command. After several fruitless efforts to penetrate the State of Mississippi above Yicksburg and turn the rear of that city, it became a question of extreme interest and importance whether a point below on the Missis, sippi River might not be reached, from which the same result might be accomplished. My corps, happily, was in favorable condition to test this question. It was inspired by an eager desire to prove its usefulness, and impa- tiently awaited an opportunity to do so. Sharing with it in this feel- ing, I was more than rejoiced in permission to essay an effort to cross the peninsula opposite Yicksburg from Millikens Bend to New Carthage. 1~IILLIKEN5 BEND TO NEW CARTHAGE. Accordingly, on March 29 [30 nfl, I ordered General Osterhaus to send forward a detachment of infantry, artillery, and cavalry, to surprise and capture Richmond, the capital of Madison Parish, Louisiana. On the morning of the 30th [3lst],* Colonel Bennett, with the Sixty- ninth Indiana, a section of artillery, and a detachment of the Second Illi- nois Cavalry, took up the line of march in execution of this order. By 2p.m. he had marched 12 miles ovel? a miry road, and reached the bank of Roundaway Bayou, opposite Richmond. Artillery first and infantry next opened fire on the small force gar- risoning the town, and immediately dislodged it. A portion of the cav- alry, dismounting from their horses, sprang into the small boats brought along on wagons, and, paddling them across the bayou with the butts of their carbines, hastened to occupy the town. Hot pursuit of the fugitive enemy was soon after made by another portion of the cavalry, who swam their horses over the bayou. Seven of the enemy were wounded, four of whom fell into our hands. This spirited and successful attack was consummated under my own observation, and effectually cut off the wonted supplies transported through Richmond from the rich tracts traversed by the Tensas River and Bayou Macon to Yicksburg. On the night of the 3d, a bridge 200 feet long, made of logs taken from houses, had been thrown across Roundaway Bayou at Richmond by the pioneer corps, under Captain [William F.] Patterson. This was the work of twenty-four hours, and a way being thus opened, the re- mainder of General Osterhaus division was rapidly moved forward, and so disposed as to cover and hold the only practicable land route between Millikens Bend and Smiths plantation, 2 miles north of New Carthage. Meantime many obstacles were overcome, old roads were repaired, new ones made, boats constructed for the transportation of men and supplies, 20 miles of levee sleeplessly guarded day and night, and every possible precaution used to prevent the rising flood from breaking through the levee and ingulfing us. Other obstacles also opposed our advance. Harrisons rebel cavalry, supported by a detachment of in- fantry, were active and vigilant to prevent it; but, after having been repeatedly repulsed, on the 4th fled across Bayou Vidal, and returned to their camp at Perkins plantation, on the Mississippi, 6 miles below Carthage. On the same day, embarking in a skiff at Smiths l)lantation, and ac- companied by General Osterhaus aiid a fe~v members of our respective * See Osterhaus report, p. 489 Page 140 140 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAr. XXXVI. staffs, I made a reconnaissance, terminating only half a mile from New Carthage and the river, and in full view of both. We discovered the country to be deluged from Smiths plantation, where Bayous Vidal and lioundaway unite, and whence they communicate by a common channel with the Mississippi near Carthage; also that the levee ex- tending from Bayou Vidal to Carthage and the Mississippi was broken and crossed by rapid currents at three different places. Upon our ap- prQach to the last crevasse, half a mile from Carthage, we were fired on by the enemy and our skiff stopped, but not until we had ascertained that steamers could pass from the Mississippi to Smiths l)lafltation, and that by such means our forces could be transferred from Smiths to the Mississippi shore. Having thus determined this important point, on the 5th a flat-boat was wrested from the enemy on Bayon Vidal, 8 miles below Smiths, and brought to the latter I)lace. On the 6th, after the boat had been hastily prepared to receive them, a small party, with two mountain howitzers, were embarked, aiid moved forward to dislodge the enemy from Carthage. Upon the approach of the boat within range of her armament, the enemy hastily evacuated Carthage, and took refuge 1~ miles below, a mnoug a number of buildings on James plantation. Rapidly disembarking, the party pursued and again dislodged him, killing a reM lieutenant and taking possession of the buildings. On the 7th, General Osterhaus pressed his advantages by sending for- ward artillery and shelling the woods across Bayou Vidal in the neigh- borhood of Dunbars plantation, and dislodging the enemys sharp- shooters. In turn, on the 8th the enemy took the offensive, and sought to dis- lodge the detachment at James. For this purpose he opene(l two 12- pounder howitzers upon it, but after an hour had been spent in fruitless endeavors, again fell back to Perkins. On the 9th, Lieutenant Stickel, with a company of the Second Illinois Cavalry, while scouring the country westward toward the Ten sas, fell iu with a recruiting party of the enemy, and succeeded in capturing 3 officers and 1 private. Having been considerably strengthened by re-enforcemnents, supposed to have been sent from Grand Gulf, on the east bank of the Mississippi, the enemy on the 15th sought to reinstate his line between Perkins and Dunkirs plantations, the latter place being 8 miles from Perkins and the same distance from Smiths. For this purpose he divided his force, directing one l)ortion across Mill Bayou against our rear, in the neighborhood of IDunbars, and the remainder ao-ainst the detachment at James. Our pickets near Dunbars, upon the approach of the enemy, fell back npon their reserves, who, being rapidly re-enforced, promptly at- tacked and forced the enemy to recross Mill Bayou, taking 2 prisoners, and losing 1 killed and 1 wounded of the Second Illinois Cavalry. Thus failing at this point, that portion of the enemy operating in front of James also retreated. Up to this time I had been restrained from throwing any considerable portion of my forces upon the river, for want of any other means than a few skiffs and other small boats, and because, in the absence of gun- boats to protect them, while limited by the flood to the occupancy of the Mississippi levee, they would have been exposed to destruction l)y the gunboats of the enemy, then supposed to be cruising near New Carthage Page 141 CHAP. XXX VI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 141 To supply the means of moving my forces from Smiths to Carthage, and across the Mississippi to sonic point from which operations could be directed against Yicksbnrg, and also of affording them iieeded pro- tection against river, I ventured earnestly to urge the pressing and transcendent importance of forwarding steam transports and gun- boats from their moorings above Vicksburg below to Carthage. Happily, on the 17th, my recommendation was responded to by the al)l)earance of three transports and seven gunboats, and on the 22d by three more transports, all of which had run the blockade. A number of barges, having started iii tow oC the transports, had been cat loose oii the way, and were caught aud brought to by parties from General Oster- hans division, who went out in skift~s for that purpose. Nor should I. omit to add that during the advance of my forces from Millikens Bend ihey subsisted in large part upon the country through which they l)assed, and seized and sent back as a forfeiture to the United States a large (Inalitity of cotton owned by the rebel Government. The increased facilities afforded by time transports and barges alluded to hastened the removal of the Ninth Division from Smiths to Carthage. The Fourteenth I)ivision followed from Millikens Bend to the same l)lace; also the rfent,h Division to Smiths and a l)art of it to Carthage. The rest of the Tenth Division rested near Smiths until a lan(l route had been opened 1() miles from there to Perkins. The Twelfth Division, which only ar- rived at Millikens Bend on the 14th, followed to Smiths, and was fol- lowed from there to Perkins by the rest of the Tenth, a large part of the trains of the whole corps, and afterward by the Seventeenth and Fifteenth Army Corps. Time last 5 miles of the route from Smiths to Perkins was obstructed by miumerous bayous. To accelerate the general movement, General Ilovey undertook the experiment of overcoming these obstacles; but, in order to do so, he had to construct nearly 2,000 feet of bridging out of umaterials created, for the most part, on the Qccasiou. This he did within the short space of three days and nights, thus extending and completing the great military road across the pemminsida from the Mis- sissil)l)i above to tIme Mississippi 40 miles below Vicksburg. The achievement is one of the most remarkable occurrimig in the annals of war, and justly ranks among time highest examples of military energy an(l perseverance. 0mm the 22d, receiving a communication from Admiral Porter inform. ing me that he would attack the enemy at Grand Gulf on the following morning, aimd requesting me to send an infantry force to occupy the l)lace when line had silenced the enemys guns, I directed General Oster- hans inmmnediately to embark his division on all available boats and to co-operate with the gunboats in carrying into effect the purpose men- tiommed. In prompt execution of my order, General Osterhaus em barked his division during the imight of the 22d; but Admiral Porter inform- ing me imi the morning that further observation had convinced him that the enemy were in much stronger force than he at first supposed, and that more extensive preparations on the part of our land and naval forces were required than could be immediately made, the contemplated attack was postponed. On the 23d, accompanied by General Osterhaus, I made a personal recoimimaissance of the enemys works and position at Grand Gulf, on board the gunboat General Price, which lmad been kimindly placed at jny disl)osal for that purpose by Admiral Porter, and Ibumind them very strong. On the 24th, in obedience to my oider, General Osterhaus sent a do Page 142 142 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAP. XXXVI. tachment of the Second Illinois Cavalry, under Major Marsh, and the Forty-ninth Indiana and the One hundred and fourteenth Ohio Infantry, together with a section of artillery, all under command ~of Colonel Keig- win, to reconnoiter the country between Perkins and the mouth of Bayou Pierre, and to examine into the practica1~ility of expediting the general movement by marching troops across the country to the mouth of that stream. The expedition was frequently interrupted by rebel cavalry, but not until reaching a point on the west side of Bruins Lake did it meet any considerable resistance. Here the cavalry of the enemy, 600 or 700 strong, with several pieces of masked cannon, drawn up in line of battle on the opposite side of Choctaw Bayou, made a resolute stand. A desultory fight, however, of four hours served to dislodge him and leave us master of the field. Thence the detachment continued its march to Hard Times, 15 miles below Perkins and 3 miles above Grand Gulf; thence the cavalry marched across Coffee Point to DSchrons plantation, 3 miles below Grand Gulf; and on to a point opposite Bruinsburg, the landing for Port Gibson, 12 miles below Grand Gulf, thus demonstrating the existence of a practicable land route from Perkins to a I)oint opposite Bruinsbnrg. The whole or a portion of the Seventeenth Army Corps afterwards followed to IYSchrons, and so the Fifteenth as far as Hard Times. Having concentrated my whole corps at Perkins, on the 28th, ~vith- out wagons, baggage, tents, or officers horses, which were left behind for want of meamis of river transportation, the whole of it, except the detachment at Hard Times and two regiments ordered to remaimi at Perkins as a garrison, embarked on steamers and barges, including the gunboat General Price, for Grand Gulf. Arriving at Hard Times that evening, they rested there during the night on boats and on shore. THE ATTACK ON GRAND GULF. On the morning of the 29th, the gunboats steamed 3 miles dowii the river to Grand Gulf. and, closely approaching the enemys batteries, opened fire upon theni. Time Ninth, Tenth, and Twelfth Divisions of my corps followed on transports, casting anchor in full view of the C uhf, and holding themselves in readiness to push forward and disembark the moment the enemy~s water batteries shcmld be silenced and a foot- ing for them thus secured. General Carrs division remained at Hard Times, waiting for the return of transports to bring them on , too. At the termination of a daring and persistent bombardment of five and a half hours, the enemys principal batteries had not been silenced, sev- eral of the gunboats had been crippled, and all of them were drawn off. Returning to Hard Times, the Ninth, Tenth, and Twelfth Divis- ions disembarked, and, together with the Fourteenth Division, crossed overthe point opposite Grand Gulf that evening and night to DSchrons. The same night the gunboats, transports, and barges ran the blockade at Grand Gulf and landed at DSchrons. If the attack upon Grand Gulf had succeeded, it would have secured either or both of two objects: First, a base for operations against the rear of Vicksburg, and, secondly, safety in re-enforcing General Banks, at Port Hudson. But failing, it became important to gain a footing at some other favorable point. The reconnaissance made by my cavalry, in pursuance of your order, indicated Bruinsburg to be that point. Hence, embarking on the morning of the 30th, my corps immediately. proceeded to that place, and disembarked before noon, only halting long enough to draw and distribute three days rations Page 143 CHAP. XXXVI.] 143 GENERAL REPORTS. At 4 oclock all my corps, except the cavalry on the opposite side of the river, took up the line of march, agreeably to instructions from Major- General Grant, for the bluffs, some 3 miles back. Jiteaching the bluffs some time before sunset, and deeming it important to surprise the enemy if he should be found in the neighborhood of Port Gibson, and, if pos- sible, to prevent him from destroying the bridges over Bayou Pierre on the road leading to Grand Gulf and to Jackson, I deter mined to push on by a forced march that night as far as practicable. About 1 oclock on the morning of May 1, upon approaching Magnolia Church, 13 miles from Bruinsburg and 4 miles from Port Gibson, Gen- eral Carrs division, leading the advance, was accosted by a light fire from the enemys infantry, and soon after by the fire of his artillery. Harris brigade, the command of which had devolved upon Colonel Stone, of the Twenty-second Iowa, in consequence of the illness of the former, was immediately formed in line of battle, Griffiths and Klauss batteries brought up, and the enemys fire briskly replied to and silenced. The division rested upon its arms at Shaiffers plantation during the short remnant of the night. Coming up about day-dawn in the morning, I learned from a fugitive negro that the two roads diverging at Shaiffers led to Port Gibson, one to the right by Magnolia Church, and the other to the left, passing near Bayou Pierre where it is spanned by a rail and earth-road bridge; also that the greatest distance between the roads was only some 2 miles; that the space between, and for miles around, was diversified by fields, thick woods, abrupt hills, and deep ravines, and that the enemy was in force in front and intended to accept battle. I immediately proved the general correctness of this information by further inquiry and by per- sonal reconnaissance, and determined to advance my forces upon the cord of the rude ellipse formed by the roads, resting my reserves back near the forks of the roads. After the smoke of the previous engagement and the glimmering of the rising sun had ceased to blind our view, I ordered General Oster- hans to move his division on the road to the left, to relieve a detach - inent of General Carrs division which had been sent to watch the enemy in that direction, and to attack the enemys right. The object of this movement was to secure whatever direct advantage might result from attacking the enemys line at a point supposed to be comparatively weak, and to make a diversion in favor of my right, preparatory to its attack upon the strong force understood to be in its front. The First Brigade of General Osterhaus division, hastening forward in execution of this order, at 5.30 a. m. encountered the enemy in con- siderable force a short distance from Shaiffers house. The position of the enemy was a strong one, and he seemed determined to maintain it; yet, after an obstinate struggle for more than an hour, he was forced to yield and seek temporary safety at a greater distance, under a cover of ravines and houses. The splendid practice of Laupheres and Fosters batteries disabled two of the enemys guns, which were with difficulty withdrawn; and contributed largely to this success. Communicating with General Osterhaus, I offered him re-enforce- ments, but his Second Brigade having now come up, he declined them until more urgent occasion should arise. Thus strengthened, he pressed forward until insurmountable obstacles in the nature of the ground and its exposure to the fire of the enemy arrested his progress, and proved the impracticability of successful front attack. It was now 2 p. in., and about this time General J. E. Smiths brigade Page 144 144 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. CHAF. XXXVI. of General Logans division, caine up, and attempting to carry the ene- mys position by such an attack, failed to do so, thus attesting the cor- rectness of General Osterhaus admonitiou UI)O11 that point. A flank movement had beeii resolved upon by General Osterhiaus to accomplish the same object. With the view to (leceive the enemy, be caused his right center to be, an(l, taking advantage of the ef- fect, rapidly moved a strong force toward his extreme right, and person- ally leading a brilliant charge against it, routed the enemy, taking three pieces of cannon. A detachment of Getieral Smiths brigade joined in the pursuit of the euemy to a point within a half mile of Port Gibson. BATTLE OF POET GIBSON. At 6.15 a. in., when sufficient time had elapsed to allow Osterhaus first attack to work a diversion in favor of my right, I ordered General Carr to attack the enemys left. General Bentons brigade I)romptly moved forward to the right of the main road to Port Gibson. His way lay through woods, ravines, and a light canebrake; yet he pressed on until he found the enemy drawn up behind the crest of a range of hills intersected by the road. Upon one of these hills, in plain view, stoo(I Magnolia Church. The hostile lines immediately opened on each other, and an obstinate struggle ensued. Meanwhile Stones brigade moved forward, on and to the left of the road, into an open field, and opened with artillery upon the enemys left center. The action was now general, excel)t at the center, where a continua- tion of fields, extending to the front of my line for more than a mile, separated the antagonists. The enemy had not dared to show himself in these fields, but continued to press my extreme right, with the hope, as I subsequently learned, of crushing it and closing his concave line around me. General ilovey came up at an opportumie moment, and reported his division to be on the ground. I immediately ordered him to form it in two lines near the fork of the two roads, and to hold it there for further orders. About the time it had been thus formed, General Smiths divis- ion came up, and General ilovey was ordered to advance his division to the support of General Carrs. In the executiomi of this order, General McGinnis brigade moved to the right front, iii support of Bentons, en- countering the same obstacles that had been overcome by the latter. Colonel Slacks brigade moved by the flank near the main road, and with- oat much difficulty gained its proper position to time left of McGinnis. During the struggle between Bentons brigade and the emiemy, the for- mer had moved to the right to secure its flank, and left a considerable gap between it and Stones. This gap was immediately closed up by a portion of General iloveys division upon its arrival upon the ground assigned to it. The enemys artillery was only 150 yards in front, and was supported by a strong line of infantry, which, it was reported, had just been re-enforced, and was the occasion of the shout of the emmemy distinctly heard about this time. To terminate a sanguinary contest which had continued for several hours, General ilovey ordered a charge, which was most gallantly ex- ecuted, and resulted in the capture of 400 prisoners, two stand of colors, two 12-pounder howitzers, three caissons, and a eonsi(lerable quantity of ammlmnition.* A portion of General Carrs (hivision joined in this charge. About this time I heard that Major-General Grant had come up from * See Carr to Rawlins, July 22, 1S63, appended to Carrs report of the battle of Port Gibson, p. 6-23 Page 145 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 145 Bruinsburg, and soon after had the pleasure of meeting him on the field. Determined to press my advantages, I ordered Generals Carr and Hovey to push the enemy with all vigor and celerity. This they did, beating him back over a mile, anq frustrating all his endeavors to make an intermediate stand. For particular mention of the regiments, companies, officers, and men who distinguished themselves in this daring charge, I would refer to the reports of these generals. Returning to bring up the narrative of other operations, General Smiths division came up to Schaiffers about 7 a. in., and just before General iloveys moved to the support of General Carrs. The four divisions of my corps were now upon the field, three of them actually engaged, and the fourth eager to be. The last immediately moved for. ward into the fields in front of Schaiffers house, and, together with a portion of General Osterhaus division, held the center, and at the same time formed a reserve. The second position taken by the enemy on my right front was stronger than the first. It was in a creek bottom, covered with trees and underbrush, the approach to which was over open fields and ragged and exposed hill-slopes. Having advanced until they had gained a bald ridge overlooking the bottom, Generals iloveys and Carrs divisioiis again encountered the enemys fire. A hot engagement ensued, in the course of which, discovering that the enemy was massing a formidable force on my right front, with the evident design to force back and turn my right flank, I ordered General Smith to send forward a brigade to support that flank. Burbridges brigade rapidly moved forward for that purpose; meanwhile General ilovey massed his artillery on the iight, and opened a partially enfilading and destructive fire on the en- emy. The effect of these combined movements was to force the enemy back upon his center with considerable loss. Here, with a large concentration of forces, he renewed the attack, (lirecting it against my right center. General Carr met and retaliated it both with infantry and artillery with great vigor. At the same time Landrams brigade, of General Smiths division, re-enforced by a detach- ment from General Hoveys division, forced its way through cane and underbrush and joined in Carrs attack. The battle was now trans- ferred from the enemys left to his center, and after an obstinate strug- gle he was again beaten back upon the high ridge on the opposite side of the bottom, and within a mile of Port Gibson. General Stevensons brigade, of General Logans division, came up in time to assist in con- summating this final result. The shades of night soon after closed upon the stricken field, which the valor of our men had won and held, and upon which they found the first repose since they had left DSchrons Landing, twenty-four hours before. At day-dawn on the morning of the 2d, Smiths division, leading the advance, and followed by the rest of my corps, triumphantly entere(l Port Gibson, throngh which place and across the South Branch of Bayou Pierre the enemy had hastily fled the night before, burning time bridge across that stream in his rear. This, the battle of Port Gibson, on Bayou Pierre, was one of the most admirably and successfully fought battles in which it has been my lot to particiPate since the l)resent unhappy war commenced. If not a de- cisive battle, it was (letel-ulinate ot the brilliant series of successes that followed. It continued twelve hours, nud cast us 803 men killed and 10 R itVOL XXIV~ PT Page 146 146 MISSISSiPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [C1IAI~. XXXVI. wounded, of which the Ninth Division lost 37 killed and 176 wounded; the Tenth Division, 2 killed and 16 wounded; the Twelfth 1)ivision, 42 killed and 266 wounded, and the Fourteenth Division, 4) killed and 222 wounded, making the aggregate above named, including 8 reported missing.* The loss of the enemy was 2 stand of colors, 2 pieces of cannon, 3 caissons, a quantity of ammunition, a nninber of small-arms and am- munition wagons, and 580 prisoners. us loss in killed and wounded is imot known, but must have been considerable. Remaining at Port Gibson, on May 2 my corps assisted in construct- ing a bridge across the South Branch of Bayou Pierre, under the di- rection of Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson, engineer and aide-de camp on Major-General Grants staff; reconnoitered the country east and north of that stream, and skirmished with a detachment left by the enemy on the north side of it to watch our movements. On the night of the 2d, the fugitive enemy was met by re-enforce- inents reported to be on their way from Grand Gulf and Yicksbnrg, and communicating their fears to the latter, the whole fled across Big Black. The panic also extended to the garrison at Grand Gulf, only 7 miles from Port Gibson, who spiked their guns, and, hastily abandon- ing the place, also fled across the same river. Next day a naval force took possession of the place. On the same day Brigadier-General Lawler, having reported to me for duty under your order, was assigned to the command of the Second Brigade, of General Carrs division.. MARCH FROM PORT GIBSON TO CHAMPIONS HILL. On the 3d, agreeably to your instructions, my corps, save Lawlers brigade, which was left behind to garrison Port Gibson, marched on the Raymond road to Willow Springs; on the 6th to Rocky Springs; on the 8th to Little Sandy, and on the 9th to Big Sandy. General Osterhaus led the advance from Little to Big Sandy, and on arriving at the latter creek immediately threw a detachment of infantry, 1)receded by the Second Illinois Cavalry~ over it toward Halls Ferry, on Big Black. Finding a detachment of the enemy in front of the ferry, a company of cavalry, under Lieutenant Stickel, dashed forward and dispersed it before it had time to form, killing 12 men and captnring 30 prisoners. Resuming its march on the 11th, my corps mnoved to Five-Mile Creek, an(l on the 12th to Fourteen-Mile Creek. During these thirteen days my command subsisted on six days rations and what scanty supply the country in the immediate vicinity of the route afforded; were wholly withont tents and regular trains, amid almost without cooking utensils; yet they were cheerful and prompt in the discharge of duty. General iloveys division led the advance to Fourteen-Mile Creek, followed by General Carr and General Osterhaus. Gemieral Smiths division moved by the way oC Halls Ferry, on Big Black River, and, leaving a detachment there to guard that crossing, passed on to Mont- gomerys bridge, on Fourteen-Mile Creek, 3 miles below the pomut of General Hoveys approach. An outpost of the rebel force at Edwards Station, concealed in the thick woods and underbrush lining the creek, was first encountered by Gemmeral ioveys advance guard, consisting * But sec rc~ised ~tatcmeut, p. 584 Page 147 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 147 of a detachment of the Second Illinois Cavalry, under Lieutenant- Colonel J3nsh, and soon after by his artillery and infantry, which were boldly advanced across the open fields to the creek. Overcoming the resistance of the enemy, and driving him from his cover, General Hovey pnshed forward a portion of his command beyond the creek and secured the crossing. My loss in this skirmish was 4 men wounded. The loss of the enemy is unknown, but must have been greater. On the same day, General Sherman seized the crossing of Turkey Creek, a few miles to my right, and General McPherson, after a sharp skirmish, seized Raymond, still farther to the right. The flight of the enemy from Raymond left the way open to Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, and Major-General Grant determined to march his army in that direction. This involved a change in the direction of its movements. Up to this time Edwards Station, to which I had been leading the advance, was the objective point. There it was known the enemy had concentrated a considerable force and intended to accept battle when olThred. Jackson now be. came the objective point. Hence, on the night of the 12th, I was ordered by Major-General Grant to move the following morning, on the north side of Fourteen- Mile Creek, to Raymond. At this time my corps rested within 4 miles of Edwards Station, with an outI)ost Quly 3 and a picket only 2 miles from that place. The ontpost of the enemy had been driven back from the creek, and he was fully advised of the fact and of our proximity. The movement ordered was a delicate aiid hazardous one, but was cal- culated to deceive the enemy as to our design. To insure it against casualties, as far as possible, 1 ordered General ilovey to advance his division early on the morning of the 13th a mile on the main road to Edwards Station, and to form it in line of battle across the road. The movement was happily executed, and had the effect to throw the enemy npon his defense against apprehended attack. Meanwhile Osterhaus and Carrs divisions crossed the creek, and, filing by the flank to the rear, and nnder cover of llovey~s line, crossed Ba- kers Creek, a mile eastward, on the road to Raymond, and halted. iloveys division followed in successive detachments, nuder cover of woods. The movement was discovered by the enemy too late to allow him to prevent or embarrass it. His attack npon the rear guard was hesitating and feeble, and was promptly and completely repulsed. All were now safe beyond Bakers Creek. On the same morning General Smiths division, after destroying Montgomerys bridge, hastened back on the south side of the creek, in pursuance of Major-General Grants order, to Old Auburn, to guard and bring forward to Raymond the armys trains. That iiight the same division rested at Old Anburn, while the remaining three divisions rested on the Raymond road, between Turkey Creek and Raymond. The morning of the 14th found General Osterhans (livision in Ray- mond, wliich,in pursuance of Major-General Grants direction, I ordered to garrison that place. On the same day, in pursuance of like direction, Generals Carrs and iloveys divisions marched through Raymond in a heavy rain-storm; the former to Forest Hill Church, within 6 miles of General Shermans position at Jackson, the latter to a creek within 4 miles of General McPhersons position at Clinton. This was the most fatiguing and exhausting days march that had been made. That night I received a dispatch from Major-General Grant, inform- ing me that the enemy had retreated from Jacksomm and was probably attempting to reach Vicksburg in advauce of us, and ordering me i Page 148 148 MISSISSiPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. mediately to move my corps 8 miles north, to Bolton Station, to frus- trate the design. Corresponding orders were immediately issued by me to comman(lers of divisions, and, by 9.30 oclock on the 15th, Gen- eral ~ division had seized Bolton Station, capturing several prisoners and driving the balance of the enemys picket away. General llovey~s division soon after came up from Clinton, and both divisions were disposed to meet any attack that might come from the enemy known to be in front. During the day an active reconnaissance ~ras pushed by Colonel Mudd, chief of cavalry of my corps, up to the enemys picket lines, and at some points beyond. General [Albert L.] Lee, who had reported for duty that morning, and who kindly volunteered his service as aide-de-camp until lie could be assigned to a command, also displayed great enterprise and daring. Indeed, every effort was made by myself personally and by others to acquire familiar knowledge of the ground and roads for 7 miles west to Edwards Station. It was found three roads led from the Raymond and Bolton road to Edwards Station, one diverging 14 miles north of Ilaymnond, a second 34 miles, and a third 74 miles from Raymond, and 1 mile south of Bolton and the railroad. These roads may be designated as the northern, middle, and southern roads to Edwards Station, and united within some 2 miles of that point. Night found Generals llovey~ Osterhaus, and Carrs divisions, in the order stated, at the entrance to these several roads, prepared to receive a threatened attack, or to move forward upon converging lines against Edwards Station. General Smiths division came up during the night and bivouacked north of Raymond, near General Carrs. General Blairs division, of General Shermans corps, bivouacked at Raymond. This disposition of my corps but anticipated events. During the evening of the 15th, I received a dispatch from Major- General Grant, advising me that the entire force of the enemy at Nicks- burg had probably crossed the Big Black and taken position at Ed- wards Station, and ordering me to feel the enemy without bringing oii a general engagement, and to notify General Blair what to do. BATTLE OF CHAMPIONS HILL. It only remained to execute what has been already intimated; hence, on the night of the 15th, orders were issued to commanders of divisions to move forward on the following morning. General Smith moved forward on the southern road at 5 a. m. on the 16th, followed and supported by General Blair; General Osterhaus on the middle road at 6 oclock, followed and supported by General Carr; and General ilovey at the same hour on the northern road. The start- ing of different divisions at different hours was in consequence of the difference in the distances they had to march, and was designed to secure a parallel advance of the different columns. Each division was instructed to keep up communication with that or those next to it. Believing that General iloveys division also needed support, 1 sent a dispatch on the 15th to Major-General Grant, requesting that General McPhersons corps, then arrived in rear of General ilovey, should also move forward, and early on the morning of the 16th I rode over to Gemi- eral McPhersons headquarters and suggested the same thing, urging, among other things, that if his corps should not be needed as a support, it might, in the event I should beat the enemy, fall upon his flank and rear and cut him off. Assurances altogether satisfactory were given by the general, and I felt confident of our su;)eriority on the right. I went forward with the center, formed by Osterhaus and Carr Page 149 ChAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 149 At 7.30 a. in., when my whole line had approached within some 5 miles of Edwards Station, General Smiths division, on my left, eti- conntered the enemys skirmishers, who retired. A half mile farther on they encountered the fire of the enemys artillery, which was briskly replied to until it ceased. At the moment these (lemonstrations commenced, there was strong reason to believe (corroborated by subsequent information) that the enemy was moving in large force on the Raymond road, with the hope of turning my left think and gaining my rear; but the sudden appear- ance of my lbrces in that direction foiled the design an(l threw his right back in some confusion toward his center and left. Hearing the report of artillery on the left, General Osterhans pushed forward through a broad field to a thick wood, which covered a seem- ing chaos of abrnpt hills and yawning ravines. From the skirt of this wood he drove a line of skirmishers, and, continuing his advance until he discovered the enemy in strong force, commenced feeling him. Early notifying Major-Generals Grant and McPherson of what had transpired on the left, I requested the latter to co-operate with my forces on the right, and directed General ilovey to advance promptly but carefully. At 9.45 a. m. I received a dispatch from General ilovey, informing me t.hat he had found the enemy strongly posted in front; that Geii- eral McPhersons corps was behind him; that his right flank would probably encounter severe resistance, and inquiring whether lie should bring on the impending battle. My whole command was now about 4 miles from Edwards Station, and immediately informing Major-General Grant, whom I understood to be on the field, of the position of affairs, I inquired whether General McPherson could not move forward to the support of General ilovey, and whether I should bring on a general engagement. A dispatch from the general, dated 12.35 p. in., came, directing me to throw for- ward skirmishers as soon as my forces were in hand; to feel and attack the enemy in force, if opportunity occurred, and informing me that he was with ilovey and McPherson, and would see that they fully co- operated. Meanwhile a line of skirmishers had connected Generals Osterhaus and Smiths divisions, closing up the narrow space between them. Geim- eral Blair had moved a brigade farther to the right, to support the skirmishers and the proximate flanks of Osterhaus and Smith. General Ransoms brigade, of the Seventeenth Army Corps, had been ordered to hasten up from the neighborhood of Raymond, and skirmishing along my left and center, particularly the latter, was quite brisk. These measures in part had been taken in compliance with Major- General Grants orders, based on information, of which he had advised me, that the enemy was in greatest strength in front of my center and left, and might turn my left flank and gain my rear. This, doubtless, as already explained, had been the tendency of the enemy early in the morning, but had been counteracted by General Smiths operations. Later information was brought by an aide-de-camp of General Smith, amid communicated by me to Major-General Grant, of the absence at that time of the danger he apprehended. Instantly upon the receipt of Major-General Grants order to attack, I hastened to do so, ordering Generals Smith and Osterhaus to attack the enemy vigorously and press for victory, General Blair to support the former and General Carr the latt6r, holding Lawlers brigade in reserve Page 150 150 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (YHAP. XXXVI. At 10 a. m. General ilovey resumed his advance, and, approaching in plain view of the enemy, disposed his forces for battle along a skirt of wood and across the road of his approach. General McGinnis bri- gade was formed on the right, and Colonel Slacks on the left. General Logans division, of General McPhersons corps, was between the rail- road and my right, and about half a mile from the latter. A mile in front stood a hill some 60 or 70 feet high, covered with a thick wood. In this wood the enemy were drawn up in strong force, (lolibtiess augmented by his tendency to his right, above noticed. This hill is indifferently called Midway or Champions Hill, from the fact of its being half way between Jackson and Yicksburg, and the reputed Prol)erty of a citizen by the name of Champion. The space between the hill and my right was composed of undulating fields, exposed to the enemys fire, while the ground to its left and front was scarred by deep ravines and choked with underbrush, thus making a farther advance extremely difficult. Undaunted, the brave men of the Twelfth Division pressed on under a galling fire. By 11 a. m. the engagement became general all along the hostile lines, and continued to rage with increas- ing fury until after 12 m. Meantime the enemy had been driven back with great slaughter, quite 600 yards, leaving in our hands 300 prison- ers and eleven pieces of cannon. Rallying in his desperation, and bringing forward fresh troops, he l)oured down the road, and with superior numbers renewed the conflict. Not daring to cross the open fields in the direction of General McPher- son, who had handled him roughly on the extreme right, his main force was directed against General Hovey. A crisis had come. Struggling heroically against the adverse tide, that officer called for the support of a division of General McPhersons corps, hard by, which had not yet been engaged, but did not get it until his line was being borne back. The support finally came, and was also borne back. Slowly and stub- bornly our men fell back, contesting every inch of ground lost with death, until they had neared the brow of the hill. Here, under partial cover, they rallied and checked the advance of the enemy, but a bold and decisive blow was necessary to retrieve the day in this part of the field. This was happily struck by General ilovey. Massing his artil- lery, strengthened by Dillons Wisconsin battery, upon elevated ground beyond a mound to his right, he opened an enfilading fire upon the enemy, which, challenging the cheers of our men, went crashing through the woods with deadly effect. The enemy gave way and the fortune of the day in this part of the field was retrieved. Generals iloveys and Crockers divisions pushed forward to the crest of the hill, while Gen- eral Logans division, falling upon the flank of the broken foe, captured many prisoners. Five of the enemys guns that had been captured by General Hovey and had not been brought off again fell into our hands. The carnage strewing the field literally stamped Midway as the Hill of Death. General ilovey had lost nearly one-third of his men, killed and wounded. It was now about 2.30 p. in. As already mentioned, General Osterhans division early advanced to feel the enemy, General Garrards brigade on the right and Colonel Lindseys on the left. The sharp skirmish that followed upon the re- ceipt of my order to attack was pressed until the centers of the oppos- ing lines became hotly engaged. The battle was raging all along my center and right. In front of my center, as well as my right, the enemy appeared in great numbers. Garrards brigade was hard pressed, and General Osterhaus requested that it should be supported. Support was afforded by Bentons brigade of Carrs division, which promptly move Page 151 CHAP. XXXvI.I GENEIIAL UEPORTS. 151 forward, in obedience to my order, an(l joined with the former in the CO1)flict. All of Lawlers brigade, of the same division, except a reserve of one regiment, also advanced to 5U1)pOrt Lindsey, who had pnshed a charge near the mouth of a battery. Lawlers brigade here cast the trembling balance in our favor. Himself narrowly escaping the effect of a shell, his men joined Lindseys, and both dashed forward, shooting down the enemys battery horses, driving away his gunners, and cap- turing two pieces of cannon. This success on the left center, forcing a l)ortion of the enemy to the right, cansed the resistance to my right cemi- ter to be increased and continued until the flight of the enemy on my extreme right had communicated its effect to his center. The enemy, thus beaten at all points, fled in confusion, the main body along the road leading to Yicksburg, a fragment to the left of that road. Gen- eral (Darrs division, taking the advance, hotly pursued the former, and Lindseys and Burbridges brigades the latter, until night closed in, each taking many prisoners. The rebel General Tilghman was killed by a shot from one of General Burbridges batteries. At 8 p. m. General Carr arrived at Edwards, where the flames were consuming a train of cars and a quantity of stores which the enemy had fired. Both, to a considerable extent, were saved by the activity and daring of his men. During the same night General Carrs division was joined by General Osterhaus. Generals Blairs and Smiths divisions rested some 3 mniles southeast of Edwards Station, and General Hovey~s division at Midway, under orders to care for the wounded and bury time dead. The loss sustained by my corps attests the severity of this memo- rable battle, which is as follows: Command. General Hoveys division 211 872 119 Generam Osterhans division* 14 76 20 Generam Smiths division 24 4 General Carrs division 1 2 Aggregate, 1,834. Of General Blairs loss I am not advised, not having received a report from him. Besides the captures already mentioned, a large number of small-arms were taken. The field was strewn with the dead and wounded of the enemy, and his loss must have been very great. - BATTLE OF BLACK RIVER BRiDGE. At 3.30 on the morning of the 17th, my corps again resumed the ad- vance, General Carrs divisiomm leading, and General Osterhaus closely following, on the road to Black TMver Bridge, (1 miles distant. On the way, General Carrs division captured a mlulnl)Cr of prisoners, which were sent to the rear, and, upon nearing a skirt of wood masking tile enemys position, encountered and drove back his picket. Passing to the farther edge of the wood, the enemy was discovered in full force, strongly intrenched in elaborate defenses, consisting of a But see revise4 statement, p. 5~2 Page 152 152 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. Xxkvt. series of works for artillery and two lines of breastworksthe inner one about half a mile in length, the outer about 1 mileboth resting their extremities upon Big Black, and forming the segment of a rude circle. Outside of the latter was a deep, miry slough, the approach to which, from the line of my advance, was across a field connecting with others that widened on the right and left. General Carrs division, having entered the wood mentioned, was im- mediately formed in obedience to my order; General Lawlers brigade on the right, resting its flanks near Big Black, and General Bentons brigade on its left and to the right of the railroad. A section ~t Fos- ters battery and two regiments of General Osterhaus~ division were ordered to the right and rear of Lawler, to support him an(l counteract any approach through the forest to the opposite bank of the river. Os- terhans division was ordered to form to the left of the road; Lindseys brigade in front, and the remaining two regiments of Garrards brigade obliquely on the left and rear of Lindseys, to counteract any movement in that direction. Two sections of Fosters battery were brought forward, and while being posted in the center of the two divisions, under the personal direction of General Osterhaus, was opened on by the enemys artillery. General Osterhaus and Captain Foster were both wounded, 1 man killed, and a limber-box exploded by a shell. The command of the division, by my order, was immediately devolved upon General Lee. A brisk action had continued for a half hour or more, when General Smiths division came up and was ordered by me to extend and sup- l)Ort my left, in which direction it was reported that the enemy were moving In large numbers. After this disposition had been made, my right center and left engaged the enemy with increased effect, and General Lawler, aided by this diversion, and availing himself of infor- mation obtained by Colonel [J. J.] Mndd, chief of cavalry, of the practi- cability of making a near approach, un(ler partial cover, on the extreme right, (lashed forward under a heavy fire across a narrow field, and with fixed bayonets carried the enemys works, capturing many prisoners and routing him. The feat was eminently brilliant, and reflects the highest credit upon the gallant officers and men of Generals Lawlers aiid Usterhaus corn- inands who achieved it. It was determinate of the sn~cess of the day. Fleeing toward a steamer forming a bridge across the Big Black near the railroad bridge, most of the enemy escaped to the commanding bluff on the opposite side, while others, hotly pressed by Bentoiis and the right of Lindseys brigade, were cut off from that escape, and driven to the left and down the river upon the left of Lindseys and the front of Burbridges brigades, and fell into their hands. A victory could hardly have been more complete. The enemy burned the bridge over which lie had passed, two other steamers, and the rail. road bridge. About 1,500 prisoners an(l stand of arms fell into our hands, ei~hteen pieces of cannon, and a considerable quantity of ammunition and cotton. A number of the enemy were found dead upon the field, but nothing more is certainly known of his loss in killed and wounded. The loss on our part was limited to niy own forces, which alone were engaged. The Ninth Division lost 10 killed, 19 wounded, and 1 missing; the Fourteenth Division 19 killed, 223 wounded, and 1 missing; making in all 273.* Among the killed is Colonel Kinsman, Twenty-third Iowa, But see revised statement, Part II, P. 128 Page 153 CTIAP. XXXVI.l GENEflATJ 1~EPORTS. 153 who fell, mortally wounded, while leading his regiment in the charge upon the enemys works. Driven across the river, the enemy made a feeble stand to cover his trains and retreat upon Yicksburg, but several hours before sunset was dislodged by my forces, leaving tents, a considerable quantity of cloth- ing and other stores, together with a large number of small-arms, a smoking ruin. During the following night and morning a bridge was thrown across the Big Black by the L)ioneer corps under Captain Patterson. On the morning of the 18th, I crossed with Generals Osterhaus, Smiths, an(l Carrs divisions, of my corps, and took up the line of march for Vicks- burg, 12 miles distant. General Smiths division led, followed by Gen- erals Osterhaus and Carr, on the Jackson and Vicksburg road to Saint Albans, and thence by a cross-road and the Baldwins Ferry road at Four-Mile Creek, arriving there about sunset, and resting for the night 4 miles from Yicksburg. Several prisoners and wagons were captured during the march. General Osterlians resumed command of the Ninth I)ivision on the west bank of Big Black, and General Lee was assigned to the command of the First Brigade of that dii~ision during the absence of General Garrard, who had been ordered to report to General Prentiss, at Helena. Early on the morning of the 19th, accompanied by my staff, I made a personal reconnaissance to the brow of a long hill overlooking a creek 2 miles from Vicksburg. This hill runs.north and south, and conforms very much to the line of Vicksburgs defenses, in plain view on a simi- lar range a mile west. The creek is called Two-Mile Creek because it is only 2 miles from Yicksburg. Colonel Mudd came very near being shot by one of the enemys pickets during the reconnaissance. The intervening space between these two ranges consisted of a series of deep hollows separated by narrow ridges, both rising near the enemys works, and running at angles from them until they are terminated by the narrow valley of Two-Mile Creek. The heads of the hollows were entirely open. Nearer their termination they were covered with a thicket of trees and underbrush. At this time the picket and skirmishers of the enemy were in this thicket, watchful to discover and obstruct our a(lvance. r1~11e enemys defense~ consist of an extended line of rifle-pits occupied by infantry, covered by a multitude of strong works occupied by artil- lery, so arranged as to command not only the approaches by the ravines and ridges in front, but each other. THE SIEGE OF YICKSBURG. Since 4 a. m. my command had been under orders to be in readiness to move forward and commence the investment of the city. By 6.30 a. m. it came up, and in obedience to my orders formed behind the crest of the hill upon which I had been waiting, General Smiths division on the right of the Yicksburg road; General Osterhaus on the left, and General Carrs along the base of the hill, as a reserve. Skirmishers were thrown forward, who engaged the enemys skirmishers, and artil- lery was opened from the most commanding l)ositions upon the enemys works, and a body of infantry observed between them and Burbrmdges brigade, on my right. In a short time the enemys skirmishers fell back, and my line advanced across Two-Mile Creek to the hills on the opposite side. About this time (10.30 a. in.) an drder came from Major-Genera Page 154 154 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. Grant directing corps commanders to gain as close a position as possi- ble to the enemys works until 2 p. in.; at that hour tire three volleys from all their pieces in position, when a general charge of all the corps along the line should be made. By 2 oclock, with great difficulty, my line had gained a half mile, and was within 800 yards of the enemys works. The ground in front was unexplored and commanded by the enemys works, yet, at the ap- pointed signal, my infantry went forward under such cover as my artil- lery could afford, and bravely continued a wasting conflict until they had approached within 500 yards of the enemys lines, and exhaustion and the lateness of the evening interrul)ted it. Au advance had been made by all the corps, and the ground gained firmly held, but the enemys works were not carried. A number of brave officers and men fell, killed or wounded, and among the latter General Lee, who had signalized his brief command with equal activity, intelligence, and gallantry. The command of his brigade devolved on Colonel Keigwin, an able and worthy successor. On the 20th, General ilovey brought up Colonel Slacks brigade, of his division, from Champibns Hill, and supported General Osterhaus on the left. General Carr supported General Smith on the right. Lively skirmishing continued during the 20th and 21st, and farther approach to the enemys works was made where it could be done. On the evening of the 21st, I received an order of the same date from Major-General Grant, in material part as follows: A simultaneous attack will be made to-morrow at 10 a. m. by all the army corps of this army. During to-day army corps commanders will have examined all practicable rontes over which troops can possibly pass. They wiliget into position all the artil- lery possible, and gain all the ground they can with their infantry and skirmishers. At an early hour in the morning a virrorous attack will be commenced by artillery and skirmishers. The infantry, with the exception of reserves and skirmishers, will be placed in colnmus of platoons, or by a flank, if the ground over which they have to pass will not admit of a greater front, ready to move forward at the hour designated. Promptly at the hour designated all will start at quick time, with bayonets fixed, and march immediately upon the enemy, without firing a gun until the outer works are carried. Skirmishers will advance as soon as possible after heads of columns pass them, and scale the walls of such works as may confront them. General Carrs division relieved General Smiths on the same day, and now formed the advance on the right, supported by the latter. On the left, dispositions continued as before. Communicating Major-General Grants order to division commanders during the same evening, as far as practicable, everything was done calculated to insure success. On the morning of the 22d, I opened with artillery, including three ~30, six 20, and six 10 pounder Parrotts (in all, thirty-nine guns), amid continued a well-directed and effective fire until 10 oclock, breaching the enemys works at several points, temporarily silencing his guns and exl)loding four rebel caissons. Five minutes before 10 oclock the bugle sounded the charge, and at 10 oclock my columns of attack moved forward, and within fifteen min- utes Lawlers and Landrams brigades had carried the ditch, slope, and bastion of a tbrt. Some of their men, emulous of each other, rushed into the fort, finding a piece of artillery, and imi time to see the men who had been serving and supporting it escape behind another defense commanding the interior of the former. All of this daring and heroic l)arty were shot down, except one who, recovering from the stunning effect of a shot, seized his musket and captured and brought away 13 rebels, who had returned and fired their guns. The captor was Sergt. Joseph E. Griffith, of the Twenty-second Iowa, who, I am happy to say Page 155 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 155 has since been promoted. The colors of the One hundred and thirtieth illinois were planted upon the counter-scarp of the ditch, while those of the Forty-eighth Ohio and Seventy-seventh Illinois waved over the bastion. Within fifteen minutes after Lawlers and Landrams success, Ben- toiis and Burbridges brigades, fired by the example, rushed forward and carried the ditch and slope of another heavy earthwork, and planted their colors upon the latter. Crowning this brilliant feat with a parallel to Sergeant Griffiths daring, Captain White, of the Chicago Mercantile Battery, carried forward one of his pieces by hand quite to the ditch, and, double-shotting it, fired into an embrasure, disabling a gun in it ready to be discharged, and scattering death among the rebel cannon- eers. A curtain connected the works forming these two points of at- tack. My men never fought more gallantlynay, desperately. For more than eight long hours they maintained their ground with death-like tenacity. Neither a blazing sun nor the deadly fire of the enemy shook them. Their constancy and valor filled me with admiration. The spec- tacle is one never to be forgotten. A portion of the First U. S. Infantry, nuder Major Maloney, serving as heavy artillery, added to their previous renown. Neither officers nor men could have been more zealous and active. Being in the center, they covered in considerable part the advance of Bentons and Lawlers brigades and materially promoted their partial success. Meantime Osterhaus and iloveys forces, forming the column of assault on the left, pushed forward under a withering fire upon a more extended line until an enfilading fire from a strong redoubt on their left front and physical exhaustion compelled them to take shelter be- hind a ridge. Here they could distinctly hear the words of hostile com- mand. Their skirmishers, however, kept up the conflict. Alarmed for his safety, and the assault of the corps immediately on my left having failed, the enemy early hastened to mass large numbers from his right and left in my front. rrhus re-enforced, he renewed his efforts with in- creased effect. All my forces were now engaged, including reserves. Failure and loss of my hard-won advantages became imminent. Ad- vising General McArthur, who was on his way from Warrenton, of the state of affairs, I requested re-enforceinents and notified Major.Gemieral Grant of the fact. At 11 a. m. I informed him that I was hotly engaged; that the enemy was massing upon me from his right and left, and that a vigorous blow by General McPherson would make a diversion in my favor. Again, a~t 12 in., that I was in partial possession of two forts, and suggested whether a vigorous push ought not to be made all along our lines. Responding to these dispatches, Major-General Grant directed me to communicate with General McArthur, to use his forces to the best ad- vantage, and informed me that General Sherman was getting on well. This dispatch was dated at 2 p. in. and came to hand at 3.15 p. m. About the same time I received information that General Quinbys division was coming to my support. 1-lastening to acknowledge the receipt of this welcome intelligence, I replied that I had lost no ground; that prisoners informed me that the works in which I had made lodg- ments were commanded by strong defenses in the rear, but that with the divisions promised I (loubted not that I would force my way through the hostile lines, and, with many others, I doubt it not yet; but obstacles intervened to disappoint. General McArthurs division, being several miles distant, did not get up until next day. Colonel Boomers and San Page 156 156 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. borns brigades, of General Quinbys division, much exhausted, came up, but before either of them could be fully appliedindeed, before one of them was entirely formednight set iii and terminated the struggle. Colonel Boomer fell early while leading his men forward, lamented by all. Meanwhile the enemy, seeing Quinbys division mov- lug in the direction of my position, hastened to concentrate additional forces in front of it, and made a sortie, which was repelled. About 8 p. in., after ten hours continuous fighting, without food or water, my men withdrew to the nearest shelter and rested for the night, holding by a strong picket most of the ground they had gained. My loss during this memorable day comprise(l fully three-fourths of my whole loss before Yicksburg, and was as follows: Command. General Osterharis division 35 233 1 General Smiths division 49 400 31 General Hoveys division *42 . . General Carrs division 109 559 57 Aggregate, 1,487. To say that the Thirteenth Army Corps has done its whole duty man- fully and nobly throughout this arduous and eventful campaign is only to say what historical facts abundantly establish. They opened and led the way to tile field of Port Gibson, and had successfully fought that battle for several hours before re-enforceinents came. They led the way to Champions Hill, and bore the brunt of that battle. Unas- sisted, they fought and won the battle of Big Black. They made the first, if not the only, lodginent in the enemys works at XTicksburg, re- taining their advantages longest, withdrawing last, and probably sus- taining the greatest loss. That their officers are subject to no just reproach is equally true. On the contrary, that my officers generally have borne themselves faithfully and gallantly is attested by conspicuous and incontrovertible flicts. Their success is a conclusive testimonial of their merit. While referring to the reports of division, brigade, and regimental commanders for particular notice of the officers of their commands most (listinguishing themselves, it is proper, as the commander of the corps, that I should recommend Brigadier-Generals ilovey, Carr, and Oster- hans for promotion; also Colonels Slack, Stone, Keigwin, Landrain, Lindsey, and Mudd. The skill v cers entitle them to it. alor, and signal services of these offi- Not having received the reports of Generals Blair, Smith, and Quinby, I have been unable to furnish a more particular account of the opera- tions of their commands. To the members of my staff I am largely indebted for zealous and valuable assistance. Colonel [Thomas S.] Mather, chief of staff and acting ordnance officer; Colonel Mudd, chief of cavalry; Lieutenant- Colonel [Don A.] Pardee, acting inspector-general; Lieutenant-Colonel ~~Henry C.] Warmoth, aide-dc-camp; Lieutenant-Colonel [Walter B.] ~cates, assistant adjutant-general, and Major Butler, provost-marshal, all have been active, zealous, and eminently useful ill their respective * Killcd and wounded Page 157 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 157 spheres of duty. Lieutenant-Colonel Warmoth, while by my side during the assault of the 22d ultimo, was severely wounded. Lieutenants Hams, chief engineer of the corps, [William IR.] McComas, [Henry] Jayne, and Mason, have commended themselves by ability, activity, and usefulness. Lieutenant-Colonel [Grantham I.] Taggart, chief commissary, and Lieutenant-Colonel [James] Dunlap and Captain [Michael C.] Garber, (luartermasters, have administered their affairs with an energy and suc- cess commanding my hearty approbation. Major Forbes, medical director, has done everything that could be exl)ected of an officer of rare talent skill and varied experience in bis , , departin ent. sympathizing with the general commanding the noble al-my of the Tennessee iii the loss of so many brave men killed and wounded, I can- not but congratulate him, in my thankfulness to Providence, upon the many and signal successes which have crowned his arms. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. [Licut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS~ Assistant Adjutant- General.] Llndorserneut.] IIEAJJQUARTEnS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE TENNESSEE, Vicksbury, ]liiss., July 19, 1863. Respectfully forwarded. This report contains so many inaccuracies that to correct it, to make it a fur report to be handed down as histori- cal, would require the rewriting of most of it. It is pretentious arid egotistical, as is sufficiently shown by my own and all other reports accompanying. The officers and men composing the Thirteenth Army Corps, through- out the campaign ending with the capture of Vicksburg, have done nobly, and there are no homiors due the Army of the Tennessee iu which they do not share equally. U. S. GRANT, Major- General. [ADJUTANT GENERAL U. S. ARMY.] HEADQUARTERS TnIRTEENTII ARMY CORPS, Camp near Yieksburg, Miss., May 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: I have the honor to transmit herewith a tabular statement of the number of killed, wounded, and missing of the several divisions of the Thirteentju Army Corps, except the Ninth, in the several battles and skirmishes since I crossed the Mississippi River into the State of Mississippi. I can only give a partial report at the present time. I will muld a summary of the casualties of the Ninth Division as soon as re- ceived. Iii the more extended or full reports, which will be ready soon, slight j~rrections, doubtless, of this statement will be found. The press of pulWc duties must be my apology for this (lelay. Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. MUCLERNAND, Mayor- General, Commanding Page 158 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. [Inclosurej Abstract of killed and wounded in the Thirteenth Army Cosps Since it crossed the Mississippi Ricer, AI)rjl 30, 1863. ,~ b Command. Name of battle-field. ~ ~2 C ~ Ninth Division Port Gibson 37 157 - - - - Tenth Divi~jon do 3 14 2 Twelfth Division do . Ioiirteentli DiviSion do 4 222 f~inth Division Champions Hill - - - 6 69 Tenth Division do 24 Twelft.h Division do }onrteenth Division (10 1 2 - Ninth Division Black River Bridge 2 19 Tenth l)ivision do 1 Twelfth Division (10 Fourteenth Division do 19 223 1 Ninth Division Vicksburg Tenth Division (10 69 4i0 30 Twelfth Division (10 - -. - Fourteenth Division do 109 559 57 Tenth Division Bnldwins Ferry 4 Twelfth Division Fourteen-Mile Creek 4 Total 288 1, 68i 98 194 19 368 264 66 24 1, 202 3 21 1 243 490 50 725 4 4 3, 627 The ag~regate only of killed and wounded in the Twelfth l)ivision is ~iven Ninth Division is from thme medical director, and is only approximate. TIme casualties of the Very respectfully, WALTER B. SCATES, Lieutcnant-Oolenel and Assistant Adjutant-General, Thirteenth Army Corps. Licut. Ccl. JOHN A. IlAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General, Deparerne t qf the Tennes8ee. CAIRO, ILL., June 23, 1863. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United Staten: I have been relieve(I for an omisSiOll of my adjntant.* Hear me. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENr~ESSEE, In Camp near Vicksburg, Miss., June 26, 1863. Brig. Gen. LORENZO THOMAS, Adjutant-Generat of the Army, Washington, D. C.: GENERAL: Inclosed I respectfully transmit the letters of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps, and Ma~j. Gen. J. B. McPherson, commandIng Seventeenth Army Corps, of date, respect- ively, the 17th and 18th instant, relative to the congratulatory order of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand to his troops, a copy of which order is also herewith transmitted, together with copies of the cOrresl)ondence relating thereto, and my order relieving General MeClernand from the command of the Thirteenth Army Corps and assigning Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord to the command thereof dent. - , sul)ject to the approval of th?resi- A disposition and earnest desire on my part to do the most I could * Soc Inc1osnrt~ No. 6, p. 164. 15 Page 159 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 159 with the in~ns at my command, without iutertbreuce with the assign- ments to command which the President alone was authorized to make, made me tolerate General McClernand long after I thought the good of the service demanded his removal. It was only when almost the entire army under my command seemed to demand it that he was re- lieved. The inclosed letters show the feelings of the army corps serving iii the field with the Thirteenth Corps. The removal of General McClernand from the command of the Thirteenth Army Corps has given general satisfaction, the Thirteenth Army Corps sharing, l)erhal)s, equally in that feeling with the other corps of the army. My action in the reliev- ing of Maj. Gen. John A. MeClernand from the comma~id of the Thir- teenth Army Corps and the assignment of Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord to that command I trust will meet the approval of the Presideut.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE TENNESSEE, Near Vicksburg, Miss., June 17, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: Inclosed I send you what purports to be your congratu- latory address to the Thirteenth Army Corps. I would respeetfally ask if it is a true copy. If it is not a correct copy, furnish me one by bearer, as required both by regulations and existing orders of the Department. Very respectfully, ~. ~. GRANT, Major- General. [Sub-Inclosure.] GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. THIRTEENTh ARMY CORPS, No. 72. f Battle-field, in rear of Vicksburg, May 30, 1863. COMRADES: As your commander, I am proud to congratulate you upon your constancy, valor, and successes. History affords no more brilliant example of soldierly qualities. Your victories have followed in such rapid succession that their echoes have not yet reached the country. They will challenge its grateful and enthusiastic applause. Yourselves striking out a new path, your comrades of the Army of the Tennessee followed, and a way was thus opened for them to redeem previous dis- appointments. Your march through Louisiana, from Mihhikens Bend to New Carthage and Perkins plantation, on the Mississippi River, is one of the most remarkable on record. Bayous and miry roads, threat- ened with momentary inundat~ion, obstructed your progress. All these were overcome by unceasing labor and unflagging energy. The 2,000 fret of bridging which was hastily improvised out of materials created on the spot, and over which you passed, must long be remembered as a marvel. Descending time Mississippi still lower, you were the first to cross the river at Bruins Landing and to plant our colors in the State of Mississippi below Warrenton. Resuming the a(lvance the same day, you pushed on until you came up to the ePemny near Point Gibson. Only restrained by the darkness of night, you hastened to attack him on the S~e also MeClernaud to Ilalleck, June 27, p. 165 Page 160 160 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVII. morning of May 1, and by vigorously pressing him at all- points drove him from his position, taking a large number of prisoners and small- arms and five pieces of cannon. General Logans division came up in time to gallantly share in consummating the most valuable victory won since the capture of Fort iDonelson. Taking the lead on the morning of the 2d, you were the first to enter Port Gibson and to hasten the retreat of the enemy from the vicinity of that place. During the ensuing night, as a consequence of the victory at Port Gibson, the enemy spiked his guns at Grand Gulf and evacuated that l)lace, retiring upon Vicksburg and Edwards Station. The fall of Grand Gulf was solely the result of the victory achieved by the land forces at Port Gibson. The armament and public stores captured there are but the just trophies of that victory. Hastening to bridge the South Branch of the Bayou Pierre, at Port Gibson, you crossed on the morning of the 3d, and pushed on to Willow Springs, Big Sandy, and the main crossing of Fourteen-Mile Creek, 4 miles from Edwards Station. A de- tachment of the enemy was immediately driven away from the crossing, and you advanced, passed over, and rested during the night of the 12th within 3 miles of the enemy, in large force at the station. On the morning of the 13th, the objective point of the armys move- ments having been changed from Edwards Station to Jackson, in pur- suance of an order from the commander of the department, you moved on the north side of Fourteen-Mile Creek toward Raymond. This deli- cate and hazardous movement was executed by a portion of your num- ber nuder cover of iloveys division, which made a feint of attack in line of battle upon Edwards Station. Too late to harm you, the enemy attacked the rear of that division, but was promptly and decisively repulsed. Resting near Raymond that night, on the morning of the 14th you entered that place, one division moving on to Mississippi Springs, near Jackson, in support of General Sherman; another to Clinton, in sup- l)Ort of General McPherson; a third remaining at Raymond, and a fourth at Old Auburn, to bring up the army trains. On the 15th, you again led the advance toward Edwards Station, which once more became the objective point. Expelling the enemys l)ickets from Bolton the same day, you secured and held that important position. On the 16th, you led the advance, in three columns upon three roads, against Edwards Station. Meeting the enemy on the way in strong force, you heavily engaged him near Champions Hill, and after a saii- guinary and obstinate battle, with the assistance of General McPher- sons corps, beat and routed him, taking many prisoners and small-arms and several pieces of cannon. Continuing to lead the advance, you rapidly pursued the enemy to Edwards Station, capturing that place, a large quantity of public stores, and many I)risoners. Night only stopped you. At day-dawn on the 17th, you resumed the advance, and early coming upon the enemy strongly intrenched in elaborate works, both before and behind Big Black River, immediately opened with artillery upon him, followed by a daring and heroic charge at the point of the bayonet,which put him to rout, leaving eighteen pieces of cannon and more than 1,000 l)risoners in your hands. By an early hour on the 18th, you had coustructe(l a bridge across the Big Black, and had commenced the advance upon Vicksburg. On the 19th, 20th, and 21st you continued to reconnoiter and skirmish until you had gained a near approach to the enemys works Page 161 CRAP. XXXVL] GENERAL REPORTS. 161 On the 22d, in pursuance of the order from the commander of the de- partment, you assaulted the enemys defenses in front at 10 a. in., and within thirty minutes had made a lodgment and planted your colors upon two of his bastions. This partial success called into exercise the highest heroism, and was only gained bya bloody and protracted strug- gle; yet it was gained, and was the first and largest success achieved anywhere along the whole line of our army. For nearly eight hours, under a scorching sun and destructive fire, you firmly held your footing, and only withdrew when the enemy had largely massed their forces and concentrated their attack upon you. How and why the general assault failed, it would be useless now to explain. The Thirteenth Army Corps, acknowledging the good intentions of all, would scorn indulgence in weak regrets and idle criminations. According justice to all, it would only defend itself. If, while the enemy was massing to crush it, assist- ance was asked for by a diversion at other points, or by re-enforcement, it only asked what in one case Major-General Grant had specifically and peremptorily ordered, namely, simultaneous and persistent attack all along our lines until the enemys outer works should be carried, and what, in the other, by massing a strong force in time upon a weakened point, would have probably insured success. Comrades, you have done much, yet something more remains to be done. The enemys odious defenses still block your access to Yicksburg. Treason still rules that rebellious city, and closes the Mississippi IRiver against rightful use by the millions who inhabit its sources and the great Northwest. Shall not our flag float over Yicksburg V Shall not the great Father of Waters be opened to lawful commerce V Methinks the emphatic response of one and all of you is, It shall be so. Then let us rise to the level of a crowning trial. Let our common sufferings and glories, while uniting as a band of brothers, rouse us to new and sur- passing efforts. Let us resolve upon success, God helping us. I join with you, comrades, in your sympathy for the wounded and sorrow for the dead: May we not trust, nay, is it not so, that history will associate the martyrs of this sacred struggle for law and order, lib- erty and justice, with the honored martyrs of Monniouth and Bunker Hill? JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Miajor- General, Commanding. [Tnclo8ure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY Conps, Near Vicksburg, Miss., June 13, 1S03. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Major-General Grants dispatch to General McClernand in relation to his address to the officers and soldiers of the Thirteenth Army Corps. The major- general commanding was absent at the time of its receipt, and has not yet returned. I hasten to comply with the order of General Grant by inclosing a correct copy of the address. Your most obedient servant, WALTER B. SCATES, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. 11 R RVOL xxiv, PT Page 162 162 MISSISSIPPJ, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. [Inclosure No. 3.] HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CoIns, June 13, 1863. Major-General GRANT: I have just returned. The newspaper slip is a correct COPY of my congratulatory order, No. 72. I am prepared to maintain its state. ments. I regret that my adjutant did not send you a copy promptly, as he ought, and I thought he had. JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Miajor- General. [Inclosuro No. 4.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp on Walnut Hills, June 17, 1863. Licut. Col. JOHN A. IIAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of the Tennessee: Siu: On my return last evening from aii inspection of the new works at Snyders Bluff General Blair, who commands the Second Divi~iou of my corps, called my attention to the inclosed publication in the Mem- phis Evening Bulletin of June 13, instant, entitled Congratulatory Order of General McClernand, with a request that I should notice it, lest the statements of fact and inference contained therein might receive credence from an excited public. It certainly gives me no pleasure or satisfaction to notice such a catalogue of nonsensesuch an effusion of vain-glory and hypocrisy; nor can I believe General McClernand ever published such an order officially to his corps. I know too well that the brave and intelligent soldiers and officers who compose that corps will not be humbugged by such stuff. If the order be a genuine production and not a forgery, it is mani- festly addressed not to an army, but to a constituency in Illinois, far distant from the scene of the events attempted to be described, who might innocently be induced to think General Mc%Dlernand the saga- cious leader and bold hero he so complacently paints himself- but it is barely possible the order is a genuine one, and was actually read to the regiments of the Thirteenth Army Corps. in which case a copy must have been sent to your office for the information of the commanding general. I beg to call his attention to the requirements of General Orders, No. 151, of 1862, which actually forbids the publication of all official letters and reports, and requires the name of the writer to be laid before the President of the United States for dismissal. The document under question is not technically a letter or report, and though styled an order, is not an order. It orders nothing, but is in the nature of an address to soldiers, manifestly designed for publication for ulterior political pur- poses. It perverts the truth to the ends of flattery and self-glorification, and contains many untruths, among which is one of monstrous false- hood. It substantially accuses General McPherson and myself with disobeying the orders of General Grant in not assaulting on May 19 and 22, and allowing on the latter day the enemy to mass his forces against the Thirteenth Army Corps alone. General McPherson is fully able to answer for hhnse]f, and for the Fifteenth Army Corps I answer that on May 19 and 22 it attacked furiously, at three distinct points, the enemy~s works, at the very hour and minute fixed in General Grants written orders; that on both days we planted our colors on the exterior slope and kept them there till nightfall; that from the first hour of in- vestment of Yicksburg until now my corps has at all times been far i Page 163 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 163 advance of General i\IcOlernands; that the general-in-chief, by personal inspection, knows this truth; that tens of thou~ands of living witnesses beheld and participated in the attack that General Grant visited me during both assaults and saw for himself~ and is far better qualified to judge whether his orders were obeyed than General MeClernand, who was nearly 3 miles off; that General MeClernand never saw my lines; that he then knew, and still knows, nothing about them, and that from his position he had no means of knowing what occurred on this front. ~{ot only were the assaults made at the time and place and in the man- ner prescribed in General Grants written orders, but about 3p. in., five hours after the assault on the 22d began, when my storming party lay against the exterior slope of the bastion on my front, and Blairs whole division wa~ deployed close up to the parapet, ready to spring to the assault, and all my field artillery were in good position for the work, General Grant showed me a note from General MeClernand, that moment handed him by an orderly, to the effect that he had carried three of the enemys forts, and that the flag of the Union waved over the stronghold of Vieksburg, asking that the enemy should be pressed at all points lest lie should concentrate on him. Not dreaming that a major-general would at such a critical moment make a mere buncombe communication, I instantly ordered Giles A. Smiths and Mowers brigades to renew the assault under cover of Blairs division and the artillery, deployed as before described, and sent an aide to General Steele, about a mile to my right, to convey the same mischievous message, whereby we lost, need- lessly, many of our best officers and men. I would never have revealed so unwelcome a truth had General Mc- Clernand, in his process of self-flattery, confined himself to facts in the reach of his own observation, and not gone out of the way to charge others for results which he seems not to comprehend. In eases of repulse and failure, congratulatory addresses by subordinate commanders are not common, and are only resorted to by weak and vain men to shift the burden of responsibility from their own to the shoulders of others. I never make a practice of speaking or writing of others, but (luring our assault of the 19th several of my brigade commanders were nuder the impression that MeCleruands corps did not even attempt an assault. lii the congratulatory order I remark great silence on the subject. Aerely to satisfy inquiring parties, I should like to know if MeClernands corps did or did not assault at 2 l~ m. of May 19, as ordered. I do not believe it did, and I think General MeClernand responsible. With these remarks I leave the matter where it properly belongs, in the hands of the commanding general, who knows his plans and orders, sees with an eye single to success and his countrys honor, arid not from the narrow and contracted circle of a subordinate commander, who ex- aggerates the importance of the events that fall under his immediate notice, and is filled with an itching desire for fame not earned. With great respect, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. [Inciosuro No. 5.] IIDQRS. 17T1-I ARI\~Y CORPS, DEPT. OF TIlE TENNESSEE, Near Yicksburg, Miss, June 18, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Corndg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: My attention has just been called to an order published in the Missouri Democrat of the 10th instant, purporting to be a con- gratulatory order from Maj. Geim. John A. McClernand to his comman Page 164 164 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVL The whole tenor of the order is so ungenerous, and the insinuations and criminations against the other corps of your army are so manifestly at variance with the facts, that a sense of duty to my command, as well as the verbal protest of every one of my division and brigade com- manders against allowing such an order to go forth to the public un- answered, require that I should call your attention to it. After a care- ful perusal of the order, I cannot help arriving at the conclusion that it was written more to influence public sentiment at the North and impress the public mind with the magnificent strategy, superior tactics, and brilliant deeds of the major-general commanding the Thirteenth Army Corps than to congratulate his troops upon their well-merited successes. There is a vain-gloriousness about the order, an ingenious attempt to write himself down the hero, the master-mind, giving life and direction to military operations in this quarter, inconsistent with the high-toned principles of the soldier, sans peur et sans reproche. Though born a warrior, as he himself stated, he has evidently forgotten one of the most essential qualities, viz, that elevated, refined sense of honor, which, while guarding his own rights with zealous care, at all times renders justice to others. It little becomes Major-General McClernand to complain of want of co-operation on the part of other corps in the assault on the enemys works on the 22d ultimo, when 1,218 men of my command were placed hors de combat in their resolute and daring attempt to carry the positions assigned to them, and fully one-third of these from General Quinbys division, with the gallant and accomplished Colonel [George B.] Boomer at their head, who fell in front of his own lines, where they were left (after being sent 2 miles to support him) to sustain the whole brunt of the battle from 5 p. m. until after dark, his own men being recalled. If General McClernands assaulting columns were not immediately sup- ported when they moved against the enemys intrenchments, and few of the men succeeded in getting in, it most assuredly was his own fault and not the fault of any other corps commander. Each corps com- mander had the positions assigned to him which he was to attempt to carry, and it remained with him to dispose his troops in such a way as to support promptly and efficiently any column which succeeded in getting in. The attack was ordered by the major-general commanding the department to be simultaneous at all the points selected, and pre- cisely at the hour the columns moved, some of them taking a little longer than others to reach the enemys works, on account of the natural and artificial obstacles to be overcome, but the difference in time was not great enough to allow of any changing or massing of the enemy from one part of the line to the other. The assault failed, not, in my opinion, from any want of co-operation or bravery on the part of our troops, but from the strength of the works, the difficulty of getting close up to them under cover, and the deter. mined character of the assailed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON, Major- General. [Inclosuro No. 6.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 164. Near T7iclcsburg, Miss., June 18, 1863. * * * * * * * IV. Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand is hereby relieved from the com- mand of the Thirteenth Army Corps. He will l)roceed to any point h Page 165 CHAP. XXXVT.~ GENERAL REPORTS. 165 may select in the State of Illinois, and report by letter to Headquarters of the Army for orders.* Maj. Gen. P. 0. C. Ord is hereby appointed to the command of the Thirteenth Army Corps, subject to the approval of the President, and will immediately assume charge of the same. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. 1IAWLIINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. ADDENDA. SPRINGFIELD, ILL., June 27, 1863. Maj. Gen. II. W. IIALLECK, General-in- Chief: GENERAL: On the 4th instant I personally delivered the original of the accompanying paper, marked A, to Major-General Grant, upon the pernsal of which he remarked in substance that he had underrated the obstacles frustrating the assault upon Yicksburgs defenses, and that he would answer my note in writing, and, as I understood him, satis- factorily. It has not yet been answered. The original of the accompanying paper, marked B,t was received by me on the evening of the 18th instant. The paper marked C ~ is a copy of my answer, and paper marked D is a copy of General Grants reply. I~aper marked E is a copy of my protest. Iii compliance with General Grants order, I have the honor to report to Headquarters of the Army by letter for orders. Having opened the way from Millikens Bend above to Perkins plan- tation, 40 miles below, Yicksburg; having led the advanced corps to Port Gibson and to Champions Bill, and borne the brunt of both of these battles, as statistics will prove; having fought the battle of Big Black unassisted by any other corps; having made the first and perhaps only lodgmeuts in the enemys works at Yicksburg on the 22d ultimo, and demonstrated the vigor and persistency of my assault by the greatest loss, I ask, in justice, that I may be restored to my command at least until Yicksbnrg shall have fallen. Only two days before my banish- ment fl-nm the Department of the Tennessee, General Grant had in- creased my command by the positive addition of one division and by the contingent addition of two others, making it larger than the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps combined, and therefore cannot consist- ently object upon the score of distrust of my fidelity or ability. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Major- General. [Inclosure A.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY Coups Battle-field near Yiek-sburg, ]Jliss., June 4, 1863. [Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT:] GENERAL: What appears to be a systematic effort to destroy my use- fulness an(l character as a commander makes it proper that I should a(ldress you this note. It is reported, among other things, as I under- stand, that I attacked on the 22d ultimo without authority; again, that I attacked too late; again, that I am responsible for your failure and * Sco McClernand to Grant, June 18, p; 166. ~ See Inclosure No.3, P. 162. Sec Inclosure No. 1, p. Th9. ~ See Inclosure No. 6, P. 164 Page 166 166 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAr. XXXVI. losses; again, that I am arrested and being seilt North; again, that my command is turned over to another officer, and, again, that you have per- sonally assumed command of it. These rei)orts are finding their way from the landings up the river. I hardly need say to you that all these reports are false; that I obeyed orders in attacking; that my attack was prompt and in a larger measure more successful than any other; that the ultimate failure of the general attack and the losses attending it were, under the circumstances, unavoidable consequences of obstacles found to be unsurmountable, and [notwithstanding] a determined effort, at least on my I)art, to carry and hold the works in obedience to your express and peremptory order. You know that I am not yet under arrest, or being sent away, or superseded in my command. All these things being known to you, and these false reports being brought to your notice, it remains for you to determine whether truth, justice, and generosity do not call on you for such a declaration as will be conclusive in the matter. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, ]Lliajor. General, Commanding. [Inciosure E.] BATTLE-FIELD, NEAR VICKSBURG, MIss., June 18, IS(i3. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tenncssce: Your order, relieving me and assigning Major-General Ord to the command of the Thirteenth Army Corps, is received. Having been appointed by the President to the command of that corps, under a defi- nite act of Congress, I might justly challenge your authority in the premises, but forbear to do so at present. I am quite willing that any statement of fact in my congratulatory [order] to the Thirteenth Army Corps, to which you think just exception may be taken, should be made the subject of investigation, not doubting the result. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLEHNAND, Major- General. SPRINGFIELD, ILL,, Jane 27, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: Under authority conferred by you in previous correspondence to com- municate freely, 1 inclose the accompanying eorrespondeuce* between Major-General Grant and myself. From that corresl)ondence you will learn that General Grant has assumed power to relieve me from the command of the Thirteenth Army Corps an(l to banish me from the Department of the Tennessee. The ostensible motive for this act is the failure of my adjutant to send General Grant a copy of a congratulatory order communicated to commanders of divisions of the Thirteenth Army Corps, the design of which was to assert the just claims of that corps and to stimulate its soldierly pride and conduct. The order reflected upon no one, nor was it to have been expected that I could have personally supervised the routine of the adjutants office in this or any like particular. I was in the presence of the enemy, Sec MeClernarid to Ilalleck, P. 165 Page 167 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 167 and my attention and best efforts were due to what was transpiring in the field; besides, sent or unsent, outside of the purpose mentioned, the order effected nothing. The real motive for so unwarranted an act was hostilitypersonal hostilitygrowing out of the early connection of my name with the Mississippi River expedition and your assignment of me to the com- 4~ mand of it. This feeling subsequently became intensified by the con- trast made by my success at Arkansas Post with General Grants retreat from Oxford and his repulse at Chickasaw Bayou, and, later still, more intensified by the leadership and success of my corps during the advance from Millikens Bend to Port Gibson, to Champions Hill, and to Big Black. In all these battles my corps led the advance and bore the brunt; indeed, I made the dispositions for the battles of Port Gibson and Champions Hill, also for the battle of Big Black, which was fought on our part alone by my own corps. During May 19, 20, 21, and 22, I lost 1,487 men killed and wounded before Yicksburg in fruitless attempts to carry the enemys works, in obedience to General Grants ordersorders which, under the circum- stances, were incapable of execution. On the 22d, I was the first to attack. I made the only lodgments; held them all day under a scorching sun and wasting fire, while the corps on my right, sustaining repulse, left the enemy to mass upon me. Yet, so far as I have seen, the only dispatch from General Grant noticing me or the Thirteenth Army Corps placed me in the position of bringing up the rear. The fact that McPherson and Sherman gained the lead for a day or two by reason of the temporary substitution of Jackson for Edwards Station as the objective point of the armys movements, was the occa- sion for a statement calculated to induce the belief that I was uniformly in the rear. All this, however, is but consistent with the motive that censured me for the Arkansas expedition, which, fortunately for me and the country, terminated in the fall of Post Arkansas, and the attempt to charge me with the failure at Chickasaw Bayou, which occurred be- fore I took command of the Mississippi River expedition. I ask, in justice, for an investigation of General Grants and my con- duct as officers from the battle of Belmont to the assault of the 22d upon Yicksburg, inclusive; and meantime, until the public service will allow the investigation, that I be restored to my command, at least until the fall of Yicksburg. General Grant cannot consistently object to the lat- ter, because only two days before my dismission he made my command larger than the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps combined by the addition of one division certainly and two others contingently, thus in an emergency, notwithstanding his personal feelings, testifying his confidence in my fidelity and capability. Please early advise me of the determination of the Government in the premises. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Major- General. SPRINGFIELD, ILL., June 30, 1863. His Excellency AnRAIIAM LINCOLN, President of the United States Major-General MeClernand arrived here on the 26th instant. He has been received by the people here with the greatest demonstrations o Page 168 1G8 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. tOnAr. XXXVL respect, all regretting that he is not now in the field. I desire to sug- gest that if General McCLernand, with some Western troops, was put in command of Pennsylvania, it would inspire great hope and confidence in the Northwest, and perhaps throughout the country. IRICHD YATES, Governor. SPRINGFiELD, iLL., Augu8t 24, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: On June 27, ultimo, I had the honor to address you a respectful com- munication, giving the circumstances attending my removal by General Grant from the command of the Thirteenth Army Corps, and contain- ing, among other things, the following passages: I ask, in justice, for an investigation of General Grants and my conduct as officers from the battle of Belmont to the assault of May 22 on Vicksburg, inclusive. U * * * * U * Please early advise me of the determination of the Government in the premises. Fearing that the foregoing matter, in the multitude of your engage- ments, has escaped your attention, I write again, respectfully asking that you will please immediately advise me whether the (lesire(l investiga- tion will or will not be ordered. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLEP~NAND, Major- General. SPRINGFIELD, ILL, September 5, 1863. Hon. E M STANTON, Secretary of War: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 29th ultimo.* By it I am advised that the President has declined to order a court of inquiry. If the reason for this determination was because my application contemplated an investigation extending beyond my own official conduct, I beg to obviate the objection by requesting a court of inquiry simply to investigate my own conduct. If the court be granted, I would prefer that its jurisdiction be extended to my entire conduct as an United States officer in the present war; or, if that may not be, to my conduct in connection with the Mississippi iliver expedi- tion; or, if that may not be, to my conduct in connection with the late campaign from Milhikens Bend around to Vicksburg, and resulting in the fall of that place. Pardon this farther intrusion upon your atteiition, which is made in no improper spirit, but to ascertain the intended effect of the Presidents determinalfon, and to ask of you to farther oblige inc by early advising me in the premises. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General. * Not found Page 169 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 169 WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, September 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND Springfield, Ill.: GENERAL: Your letter of the 5th instant has been submitted to the President, who directs me to say that a court of inquiry embracing any one of the subjects specified in that letter would necessarily withdraw from the field many officers whose presence with their commands is absolutely indispensable to the service, and whose absence might cause irreparable injury to the success of operations now in active progress. For these reasons he declines at present your applications, but if here- after it can be done without prejudice to the service, he will, in view of your anxiety upon the subject, order a court. Your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. SPRINGFIELD, ILL., September 28, 1863. To the PRESIDENT: Failing to be restored to my command (now, as I understand, passed from General Grants control), or to any command, aiid failing also to obtain a court of inquiry, no other mode of self-vindication is left to me than an official and responsible statement by myself of my own case. The accompanying paper is that statement, which I send to you for your perusal as a matter rightfully claiming your attention, and which, in justice to myself, my children, and my friends, I propose to publish. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCL ERNAND, Major- General. OCTOBER 9, 1863. P. S.Governor [Richard] Yates, having returned from Ohio without visiting Washington and delivering this note and accompanying pack- age, I avail myself of the first opportunity to send both by mail. I also send copies of the statement of my case to the Secretary of War and the General-in-Chief. [Inclosuro.] SPRINGFIELD, ILL., September 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. Th W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: This paper is respectfully communicated as an official and responsible protest against portions of Major-General Grants report of the 6th ultimo, purporting to give an account of the operations of the Army of the Tennessee in the late campaign resulting in the fall of Yicksburg. To allow that report, with its multitude of errors, inaccuracies, and im- perfections to pass unnoticed by me would allow the truth of history to be jeoparded and gross injustice done not only to myself but to my comrades in arms of the Thirteenth Army Corps without an effort to prevent it. This I am unwilling should be done. How far General Grant is indebted to the forbearance of officers under his command for his retention in the public service so long, I will not undertake to state unless he should challenge it. None know bette Page 170 170 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVT. than himself how much he is indebted to that forbearance. Neither will I undertake to show that he is indebted to the good conduct of offi- cers and men of his command at different times for the series of suc- cesses that have gained him applause rather than to his own merit as a commander, unless he should challenge it, too. It will suffice in this connection to say that while I have been and still am prond of the honors that have been conferred upon him as my commander, I only regret that he should use the influence he has acquired (in a consider- able degree through the efforts of citizen soldiers) for any purpose less commendable than the promotion of the public good. General Grants report appears to have two objectsone to give an account of the operations of his army, the other to disparage me; and any one who will carefully and candidly read it, can hardly f~il to per- ceive that in a persistent effort to do the latter he has interrupted the logical and orderly development of the former and marred the symme- try of an official document. Take, for example, his narrative of the as- sault of May 22 upon the defenses of Yicksburg. He says: All the corps commanders set their time by mine, that there should be no difference between them in movement of assault. Promptly at the hour designated the three army corps, then in front of the enemys works, commenced the assault. * * * * * * * The assault was gallant in the extreme on the part of all the troops, but the enemys position was too strong, both naturally and artificially, to be taken in that way. At every point assaulted, and at all of them at the same time, the enemy was able to show all the force his works would cover. The~ assault failed, I regret to say, with much loss on our side in killed and wounded, but without weakening the confidence of the troops in their ability ultimately to succeed. flere is a clear and unequivocal admission that all the corps and their commanders did their dutytheir whole duty; that their con- duct was gallant in the extreme; that the assault failed with much loss in killed and wounded of our men, and only because the enemys po- sition was too strong, both naturally and artificially, to be taken by assault. Yet, in juxtaposition and iu contradiction to this clear and unmistakable admission, he goes on to argue, through a longer space than that devoted to the legitimate account of the assault, that I sent false dispatches, and thereby caused Sherman and McPherson to make an assault, resulting in the increase of our mortality list full 50 per cent., without advancing our position or giving us other advantages. Again, he says: Each corps had many more men than could possibly be used in the assault, over such ground as intervened between them and the enemy. More men could only avail in case of breaking through the enemys line, or in repelling a sortie. Again No troops succeeded in entering any of the enemys works, with the exception of Ser- geant Griffith, of Twenty-first [Twenty-second] Regiment Iowa Volunteers, and some 11 privates of same regiment. Of these none returned except the sergeant and pos- sibly 1 man. The work entered by him from its position could give us no practical advantage, unless others to the right and left of it were carried and held at the same time. About 12 m. I received a dispatch from MeClernand that he was hard pressed at several points, in reply to which I directed him to re-enforce thepointshard pressed from such troops as he had that were not engaged. I then rode around to Sherman, and had just reached there, when I received a second dispatch from MeClernaud, stating positively and unequivocally that he was in possession of and still held, two of the enemys forts; that the American flag then waved over them, and asking mc to have Sherman and McPherson make a diversion in his favor. This dispatch I showed to Sherman, who immediately ordered a renewal of the assault on his front. I also sent an answer to MeClernand, directing him to order up MeArthur to his assistance Page 171 CHAP. XXXVT.] GENERAL REPORTS. 171 and started immediately to the position I had just left on McPherson~s line, to convey to him the information from MeClernand by this last dispatch, that he might iimako the diversion requested. Again I had taken a commanding 1)osition near McPhersons front, and from which I could see all the advancin~ columns from his corps, and a part of each of Shermans and MeClernands. A portion of the commands of each succeeded in planting their flags on the outer slopes of the enemys bastions, and maintained them there until iiight. * * * * * * The position occupied by me (luring most of the time of the assault gave me a bet- ter opportunity of seeing what was going on in front of the Thirteenth Army Corps than I believed it possible for the commander of it to have. I could not see his pos- session of forts nor necessity for re-enforcements, as represented in his dispatches, U~ to the time I left it, which was between 12 m. and 1 p. in., and I expressed doubts of their correctness, which doubts the facts subsequently, but too late, confirmed. At the tinie I could not disregard his reiterated statenients, for they might possibly be true; and that no possible opportunity of carrying the enemys stronghold should be allowed to escape through fault of mine, I ordered Quinbys division, which was all of McPhersons corps then present but four brigades, to report to MeClernand, and notified him of the order. Before proceeding to examine the statements contained in these ex- tracts, it is proper, as tending to the elucidation of the matters to which they relate, that I shonid give General Grants order for the assault, and the dispatches that passed between him and me duriug the following (lay in relation to it. GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, HEADQTTARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TILE TENNESSEE, No. . Near Viclcsburg, May 21, 1863. A. simultaneous attack will be made to-morrow at 10 a. ni. by all the arniy corps of this army. During the day army corps commanders will have examined all practi- cable roads over which troops can possibly pass. They will get in position all the artillery possible, and gain all the ground they can with their infantry and skir- mishers. At an early hour in the morning, a vigorous attack will be commenced by the artillery and skirmishers. The infantry, with the exception of reserves and skir- mishers, will be placed in columns of platoons, or by a flank if the ground over which they may have to pass will not admit of a greater front, ready to move forward at the hour designated. Proniptly at the hour designated all will start at quick tinie, with bayonets fixed, and march immediately upon the eneuiy without firing a gun until the outer works are carried. The troops will go light, carrying wit2h them only their ammunition, canteens, and one days rations. The skirmishers will advance as soon as possible after heads of columns pass them, and scale the walls of such works as may confront them. If prosecuted with vigor, it is confidently believed this course will carry Vicksbnrg in a very short time, and with ninch less loss than would be sustained by delay. Every days delay enables the enemy to strengthen his defenses and in- crease his chance for receiving aid from outside. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Asststant Adjutant- General. Major-General MCCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corp8. Nothing is said in this order respecting the expediency of a feint on Aeft, which was uncovered and unsupported from the point where whole length of the enemys lines (some 4 miles) around to the Mississippi below Vicksburg. To secure the advantage of such a demonstration, I ordered Major [Daniel B.] Bush, [jr.,] commanding the Second Illinois Cavalry, during the night of the 21st to build fires to my left in front of the enemys works, and to push forward pickets close enough to them to excite the belief and apprehension that they were invested and threatened. This was skillfully and effectually done, and to it I attribute the failure of the enemy the next day to attempt to advance from his works and turn n~y left Page 172 172 MISSISsIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. I advised General Grant of this purpose in the following dispatch: HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, near J7icksbnrg, Miss., May 22, 18631.30 a. m. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, As8istant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: The major-general commanding directs me to say that he has formed his lines, taken his positions, and is prepared. He has determined upon a feint upon the left. In ease of the feint or attack, he will instruct division commanders to take and press every opportunity and advantage that offers. He is prepared to begin a can- nonade at daylight this morning. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, WALTER B. SCATES, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. P. S.The major-general commanding further directs me to inforni Major-General Grant that he was very much annoyed on yesterday by one of the enemys batteries on his right, which poured a cross-fire upon his lines. He desires that General McPherson may concentrate his fire upon this battery as far as possible early in the morning. Early on the morning of the 22d, preparatory to the contemplated assault of my infantry, I opened with all my artillery (thirty-nine pieces), and breaching the enemys works in sevcral places, silenced his guns. My infantry promptly following with their assault at 10 oclock, pressed the advantage, of which I advised General Grant in the following dis- patch: HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTh ARMY Corns, In Battle-field, near J7ick8burg, Miss., May 22, 186311.15 a. ni. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Dq}artment of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I am hotly engaged with the enemy. He is massing on inc from the ri~ht and left. A vigorous blow by McPherson would make a diversion in my favor. JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Commanding. General Grant sent the following dispatch: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TILE TENNESSEE, in rear of Vicksburg, Miss., May 22, 186311.50 a. m. General MCCLERNAND: If your advance is weak, strengthen it by drawing from your reserves or other parts of the lines. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. Again, I sent a dispatch as follows: HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTh ARMY CORPS, Near Vicksburg, Miss., May 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: We have gained the enemys intrenchments at several points, but are brought to a stand. I hare sent word to MeArthur to re-enforce me if he can. Would it not be best to concentrate tile whole or a part of his command at this point? JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, commanding. P. S.I have received your dispatch. My troops are all engaged, an(l I cannot with- draw any to re-enforce others. And again the following dispatch: HEADQUARTERS TIHRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Battle-field, near Vicksbnrg, Miss., May 22, 186312 m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: We are hotly engaged with the enemy. We have part possession of two forts, and the Stars and Strines are fi . ~orous push ought to be made all along tile line. - oating over them A vi~ JOHN A. McCLERNAND, Major- General, Gommanding Page 173 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 173 General Grant sent the following dispatches: FROM FIELD SIGNAL STATION. General MOCLERNAND: McArthur advanced from Warrenton last night. lie is on your left. Communicate with him, and use his forces to the best advantage. U. S. GRANT, Major-General. FROM FIELD SIGNAL STATION. General MCCLERNAND: Sherinafi and McPherson are pressing the enemy. If one portion of your troops are i)ressed, re-enforce them from another. Sherman has gained some successes. U. S. GRANT. MAY 22, 18632.30 p. m. GENERAL: I have sent a dispatch to you saying that McArthur left Warrenton last night. Was about half way to the city this morning at 1 a. m. Communicate with him, and use his forces to the best advantage. McPh ersoa is directed to send Qninbys division to you if he cannot effect a lodgment where he is. Quinby is next to your right, and you will be aided as much by his penetrating into the enemys lines as by having him to support the columns you have already got. Sherman is getting on well. Yours, U. S. GRANT. Major- General. Subsequently General Grant changed his mind, alid ordered two bri- gades of Quinbys division to report to me, upon notice of which I sent the following dispatch to General Grant: HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTh ARMY Coups, May 22, 18633.15 p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: I have received your dispatches in regard to General Quinbys division and General MeArthurs. As soon as they arrive, I will press the enemy with all pos- sible dispatch, and doubt not that 1 will Ibree my way through. I have lost no ground. My men are in two of the enemys forts, but they are commanded by rifle-pits in the rear. Several prisoners have been taken, who intimate that the rear is strong. At this moment I am hard pressed. JOHN A. McCLERNAND. Major- General, Commanding. Returning to the foregoing extracts from General Grants report, it is found that lie distinctly and emphatically affirms 1. That each corps had many more men than could possibly be used in the assault, and that more men could only avail in case of breaking through the enemys lines, & c. In noticing this allegation, it is proper that I should advert to a few prefatory facts, which seem to have escaped the attention of Gen- eral Grant. My army corps (the Thirteenth), in common with others, even before it commenced the march from Millikens Bend, had been deplorably wasted and diminished by disease and death, caused by useless but ex- hausting labor in digging and opening canals, sometimes unintermitted during nights, and often attended with exposure in rain and in mud and water. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of valuable lives were lost in that way. Others of my corps were added to this list, in consequence of exposure encountered in making roads, repairing and watching levees, and building bridges across bayous, while opening the way for themselves and other corps that followed from Millikens Bend to Car Page 174 174 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. thage and to Hard Times, and still others were subsequently added by the casualties of battle. Leading the advance to Port Gibson, Champion~s Hill, and Big Black, and bearing the brunt of these battles, the losses of my corps in them probably exceeded those of all the rest of the army operating in the same field up to the same date. Including these losses and those sus- tained by it in the assault of May 19 upon Vicksburg, and in previous skirmishes occurring during the advance upon that place, and by dis- ease during the same period, it had lost full 3,000 men in killed, wounded, missing, and sick since it had crossed the Mississippi and before the as- sault of May 22 upon Vicksburg; in other words, within the short space of twenty-two days. In addition to this, two regiments of my command had been left, by General Grants order, on the west bank of the Mis- sissippi to garrison a post, two other regiments of it had been sent away to guard captives, and a whole brigade of it had been left behind by him at Champions Hill, leaving with me only the skeleton and name of a corps. In estimating my available and effective force at Yicksburg on the morning of May 22 at 10,000, I do not think I am wide of the mark. On the same morning, with this meager and inadequate force, I was holding a line 14 miles in length, confronted by a corresponding line of hostile rifle-pits, and numerous forts, redoubts, lunettes, and epaule- ments occupied by artillery, covering and ~upporting the rule-pits. On my left, as I have already explained, I was wholly unsupported for some 4 miles around to the Mississippi below Yicksburg, leaving the enemys works uninvested for the same distance, and my left flank ex- poked to the danger of a sortie or being tnrne(l. On my right there was a gap between it and McPhersons left, and this gap was crossed by a road leading from the enemys works. The front of the three army corps was some 3 or 4 miles in length. General Grant admits in his report that at every point assaulted, and at all of them at the same time, the enemy was able to show all the force his works would cover, and his works could not have been less than 6 or 7 miles in length indeed, it is doubtful whether at the moment of the assault the enemys force inside of his works was not as strong as ours investing them. I understand that intelligent general officers have expressed that opinion. This disadvantage was enhanced by Gen- eral Grants plan, which required all the army corps to advance from their respective positions and make a simultaneous attack, thus at- tenuating the line, or multiplying the columns of attack, and thereby weakening it. It follows, therefore, from these facts that if the nature of the ground would not allow all of our diminished force to be used, no assault should have been made; but the ground in my front would have allowed more men than I had to be used. They could have been used iii augmenting the weight and momentum of my attacking columns an(l in inaintaiiiing the advantages gained by them; they could have been used in widening the front of my attacking columns and in assaulting the curtain con- necting two forts forming the points of my attack, and to which a bri- gade of Quinbys division, of McPhersons corps, when it came up to re-enforce me, was about to be applied, when night cut short the con- flict. They could have been used in these ways, and no doubt with the effect of increasing the advantage gained by my columns, weak as they were, from the causes mentioned, and notwithstanding the obstacles they had to overcome in the nature of the ground they passed over. Concentration of our forces against one or two points, and not the dis Page 175 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 175 persion of them into a multitude of columns, was my volunteered sug- gestion to General Grant the day before the assault, when he announced his purpose to make it. General Shermans was that it was a question of how many men he was willing to lose. And concentration, doubtless, was the true policy, and with it directed against one or two points, aided by a feint against others, we might have been successful. Without it we failed, with the loss of many lives as an answer to General Sher- mans question. My men having succeeded in breaking through the enemys line, the contingency had arisen in which General Grant admits that more men might have been available, and yet he censures me for asking re-enforcements. 2. He affirms that no troops succeeded in entering any of the en- emys works with the exception of Sergcant Griffith, of the Twenty- first [Twenty-second] Regiment Iowa Volunteers, and some 11 privates of the same regiment. The meaning of the term works here becomes important. Has it a definite signification; and, if so, what is it ~ In military parlance, according to received lexicographers, it means walls, trenches, and the like, made for fortifications. In this sense, as a military man, doubtless, General Grant uses it, and in this sense he is mistaken, as the sequel will show that not only did Sergeant Griffith and the men with him enter the enemys works, but that Lieutenant-Colonel [II.] Graham, of the Twenty-second Iowa, with some 200 men, charged the enemys in- trenchments and drove him away, and held them until near nightfall. And I may add that men of Bentons and Burbridges brigades, of Carrs and Smiths divisions, did about as much, driving the enemy from another part of his trenches. 3. General Grant affirms that he received a second dispatch from MeClernand, stating positively and unequivocally that he was in possession of, and still held, two of the enemys forts; that the American hag then waved over them, and asking to have Sherman and McPherson make a di- version in his favor. General Sherman, in his report of the assault, in alluding to this same dispatch, says: Having heard MeClernands report to General Grant read, that he had taken three of the enemys forts, and that his flags floated on the stronghold of Vieksburg, I or- dered General Tuttle to send directly to the assault one of his brigades. Here are two versions of my dispatch, one General Grants and the other General Shermans. Why did not General Grant give the dis- patch totidem verbis? In a question of veracity between us it was btit fair and just that he should have done so. I never wrote or knowingly authorized such a dispatch to be sent. If he received such an one pur- porting to come from me,it was through the mistake of a copyist. The dispatch I did write and authorize to be sent to him was very different. In most material part it was nearly the opposite. It was that I had part possession; not that my possession was complete; not that it was undisputed; not that it was secure; but that it was disputed and inse- cure, and needed to be strengthened and perfected by re-enforcements or a diversion. On the contrary, I would not have asked for support without having first unsuccessfully tried to press my advantage. As to my saying that the American flag waved over two forts, and asking to have Sherman and McPherson make a diversion in my favor, I have only to add that while again my language is not given, the facts stated are substantially true, as will hereafter appear. The original of the mooted dispalch and the authentication of it Page 176 176 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAP. XXXVI. genuineness by Sergeant iRugg, Company A, Sex-enty-seventli Illinois Infantry, is in the following words and figures: HEADQUARTERS TIIIRTEENTII ARMY Conps, In the Battle-Field, near Vicksburg, Miss., May 22, 186312 ia. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: We are hotly engaged with the enemy. We have part possession of two forts, and the Stars and Stripes are wavinr over them A vir made all along the line. . ~orous push ought to he JOHN A. McCLEIiNAND, Major- General, Commanding. [Certificate.] This is a correct and perfect copy of the original dispatch, which I have seen and read. A. H. RUGG. 4. GeneraL Grant affirms that he had taken a commanding posi- tion near McPhersons ~ & c. That the position occupied by~~ him during most of the assault gave him a better opportunity of seeing what was going on in front of the Thirteenth Army Corps ~ he believed it possible for the commander of it to have, and that he could not see McClernands possession of forts nor necessity for re-enforcements, as represented in his dispatches. That General Grant had taken a corn inanding position near McPhersons front may be true. That he could not see my possession of forts nor ne- cessity for reenforcernents, may also be true. His position, although commanding, may not have enabled him to do it, although the facts may have existed. ludeed, he admits in another part of his report that he could only see a part of each of Shermans and McClernands ad. vancing columns, but that his position gave him a better opportunity of seeing what was going on in front of the Thirteenth Army Corps than mine afforded me, is a mistake. As I understand, he was about 14 miles to the right of my position, which was a commanding one, only 500 or 600 yards in the rear of the center of my advance and from the enemys works. I could see, and did see, flags of my corps planted upon the enemys works, and could see, and did see, officers and men of my command enter them and rebel captives brought out of them. General Grant himself admitsnot, as I understand, from his own personal knowledgethat Sergeant Griffith and some 11 privates of my com- mand entered one of the forts, but upon information derived from others, perhaps from my official report. 5. He affirms that he sent an answer to McClernand, directing him to order up MeArthur to his assistance, and himself ordered Quinbys division * * * to report to IVllcClernand. He said he did this because he could not disregard my reiterated statements, although he could not 5ee my possession of forts, nor necessity for re-enforcements, and although he doubted the truth of my dispatches. Doubting in a matter of such vital importance imposed an absolute obligation to investigateto go or send a staff officer, and see and clear up his doubts. Not to do so would render him guilty of an omission as culpable as the act of commission charged by him upon me. He admits that he rode over to Shermans position and showed him my dispatch and rode back again to McPhersons. Why could he not, why did he not, ride or send over to me ~ He admits, furthermore, that he was not occupying the commanding position near McPhersons front when he received the dispatch upon which he based his orders to Sherman and McPherson for the renewal ~f the assault, but was ~t Sherman Page 177 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 177 positionprobably a mile or two beyond McPhersons and probably out of sight of his position as well as my own. Could he there see; was it possible for him there to see whether I had possession of forts and needed re-enforcements ~ He does not, and 1 presume he could not, say so. It is true that, as above stated, General Grant ordered re-enforce- ments, but he does not say, as already shown by his dispatches, that he delayed sending Quinbys division, and that neither it nor MeArthurs, as will be shown by the sequel, arrived in time. In support and confirmation of what I have thus denied or affirmed respecting General Grants allegationsthat I had more men than could possibly be used in the assault, and that more men could only avail in case of breaking through the enemys lines, & c.; that he re~ ceived a second dispatch from McClernand stating positively and nii- eqnivocally that he was in possession of and still held two of the enemys forts; that the American flag waved over them, and asking to have Sherman and McPherson make a diversion in his favor; that he had taken a commanding position near McPhersons front,& c.; that the position occupied by him during most of the assault gave him a better opportunity of seeing what was going on in front of the Thirteenth Army Corps than he believed it possible for the commander of it to have, and that he could not ~ McClernands possession of forts nor necessity for re-enforcements, & c.in support and confirmation ot all that I have denied or affirmed in regard to these matters, I offer the following testimony of living, disinterested, and creditable witnesses, who speak of what they saw, did, and knew of that of which they were magnum pzrs: 1.Dispatch of Brig. Gen. M. K. Lawler, commanding Second Brigade, Fourteenth Division, and Col. W. J. Landram (Nineteenth Kentucky), commanding Second Brigade, Tenth Division, whose commands formed one of my ColUmns of attack. SECOND BRIGADE, TENTH DIvrsIoN10.10. General MCCLERNAND, per General SMITH: The enemy are massing their forces in our front. No movement of our troops on our left. We ought to have re-enforcements. M. K. LAWLER, Brigadier-General. XV. J. LANDRAM, Colonel, Commanding Second Brigade. 2.Dispatch of W. J. Landram, colonel, commanding brigade, to General Smith, and fo- warded to me. H~DQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, TENTh DIvIsION, May 22, 18632.40 p. m. General SMITH, Commanding Tenth Division: Our men are holding the flanks of the fort in our front. There is a heavy cross-f.ro upon us, and we have lost many killed and wounded. They are hurling hand-grenades upon us, and hurting us considerably in that way. Yours, & c., W. J. LANDRAM, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. 3.Letter of Col. William 41. Stone. KNOXVILLE, IOwA, September 8,1863. Major-General MCCLERNAND: In reply to your interrogatories presented by Mr. Jones, I state the following facts, which occurred under my observation, connected with the assault of the Thirteenth Army Corps upon the enemys works at Vicksburg on May 22 last: I was in command of the Twenty-second Io~a, which regiment was in the Second 12 11 RVOL XX1V, PT Page 178 178 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI Brigade, Fourteenth Division, of said corps. On the evening of May 21, I was served with a copy of the circular or order directing the assault to be made the next day at 10 a. m. 1 was informed by my brigade commander (General Lawler) that I would have the advance, and that I could approach any point of the enemys works I con- sidered the most salient, and in any form I thought proper. Between sundown and dark I went up to within 50 yards of the enemys lines, and made a personal recon- naissance of the ground on our front and of their lines. My observations satisfied me that the fort next to the railroad could be cairied more easily and with less sacrifice than any other point on our front, and I determined to direct my regiment against it. I took my regiment over the hill in front of Maloneys siege battery that night, and had it in readiness for the mornings work. At a little before 10 oclock by my time, I received the order from General Lawlers assistant adjutant-general to advance, and I did so immediately, supported by the Twenty-first Iowa. I advanced as I intended, directly against the fort, but in passing over the crest of the hill the enemys fire was so terrific that the left wing of my re,,iment was driven into the hollow on the left of the fort, but the right wing advanced steadily toward the fort, and within ten min- utes from the time we started my men entered it, aud held it, to my knowledge, for over an hour. The fort was small, and the open space inside very limited, and but few men could find room in it. When the enemy were driven from the fort, they also retired from the rifle-pits on the right (our right), between that and the railroad. The Eleventh Wisconsin had also advanced against the second fort, some 300 yards from the first one, and I saw the enemy leave that one. They also retired from the pits between the two forts, and went down the hill into the ravine or hollow beyond toward the city, leaving only a few straggling sharpshooters behind. I stood with Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap, of the Twenty-first Iowa, on the highest and most ex- posed point near the fort. We saw them leave and conversed about it. I sent word back to General Carr to send me a brigade and I would hold the works. I regarded the thing as easily done. I do not know that my message reached the general. I then regarded the door to Yicksburg as opened, and so said to Colonel Dunlap, and we were there looking over the ground, congratulating ourselves upon our suc- cess, when I was shot in the arm by a sharpshooter from the woods beyond their rifle- pits, and he was killed. I ordered the color-bearer of the Seventy-seventh Illinois to bring up his colors, as mine were down in the hollow on the left, and my own men planted them on top of the fort. Soon after this my own colors were bronght up and placed beside them. They remained there to my certain knowledge till 6 oclock in the evening. had we been re-enforced at any time before 12 m. by a fresh brigade, I have no doubt that the whole army could have gone into Vicksburg. After that my knowledge of the situation up there was not so good, as I had retired from the field. I stated this opinion to several after I went back. There were no interior works at that time in the rear of the line we held, as I could see far beyond. Maloneys battery of siege guns was about 500 yards directly in the rear of our operations, aad commanded a fine view of all oar movements. I do not know where General McPhersons head- quarters were, but I should think there was no point from which our operations could have been so correctly observed as from this battery. W. M. STONE, Late Colonel Twent,i-second Iowa. 4.Letter of Licut. Col. Harvey Graham. BENTON BARRACKS, Mo., Scptcrnliwr 1, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND: Your note of August26 has just been handed to me by Mr. Jones, and in reply I hasten to say: 1. That on May 22, ultimo, when the combined assault was made upon the enemys works at Vicksbnrg, my position was such as afforded me only an opportunity oC viewing the doings of Lawlers brigade. Early in the morning of that day my reg- iment was formed in line on the extreme right of Lawlers brigade, and as we led the advance lean only speak of the successes attending that portion of your command. It is my firm conviction and belief that had the Thirteenth Army Corps been re-enforced by a few brigades, thus enabling you to send support to the front, the success of your command would have been complete. As it was, success was achieved, but was after- ward lost. Victory was in your hands, but was wrested from you by superior numbers. 2. At 10 a. in., I, with some 200 of my command, charged npon the defenses of the enemy, and within thirty miuntes had stormed one of the forts and driven the enemy away from the front of their works, and had possession of his intrenebments. This was one of the principal forts of the enemy, and was situated almost directly in front of Maloneys battery of Parrott guns. My command held their positioa there until nearly dark, when, from the wawt of proper support, they were captured. Ser- geants [N. C.] Messenger and Griffith~ of Company I, Twenty-second Iowa, entere Page 179 CuAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. the fort with about 20 men, capturing many prisoners, and remaining inside the works until nearly all were killed. This occurred between 10.30 and 12 in., as near as I can judge. Ser~eant Griffith was inside the fort over an hour, and had I had the men to send to his aid, I could have retained it in full possession. 3. Two stand of colors were planted upon the parapet of the fort by 11 a. in., and remained there all day, in spite of aB the efforts of the enemy to capture them. Late in the evening, as it was nearly dark, they were taken, having floated for over nine bours on the highest portion of the works. 4. * * Between 11 a. m. and 12 m. I observed that the enemy all along the line, especially at the fort to my right, seemed to be panic-stricken, and it is my impression that could a strong attack have then been made, the works would have all been carried. 5. The ground upon which Maloneys battery was situated was about 600 yards from the works of the enemy, and was the most commanding position in the neigh- borhood, and afforded ample opportunity for witnessing all the movements of the Thirteenth Army Corps. From my position on the fort I could see nothing of that portion of the field where General McPhersons headquarters were, and am convinced no one could observe the operations of my command from that point. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HARVEY GRAHAM, Lieutenant- Colonel Twenty-second Iowa Infantry. 5.Letter of Maj. J. B. Atherton. KNOXVILLE, IOwA, September 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND: DEAn SIR: In answer to certain questions propounded by you concerning my knowl- edge of the action of the Thirteenth Army Corps in the assault upon the enemys de- fenses in the rear of Vicksburg on May 22 last, I wou1d state: 1. That I was major of the Twenty-second Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and l)articipated in said assault. I was with the left wing of my regiment, and, from the rough and uneven character of the country and the abatis of the enemy, could not see the action of any but my own brigade. The assault began near iOn. in., and within three-quarters of an hour from that time the colors of our regiment and one other (Seventy-seventh Illinois) were raised upon the fort immediately in our front. The fort was occupied by onr men from one to two houts. Our colors remained upon it for the same time. We were successful, and conidhave held what we had gained had we been re-enforced at the proper time. We were compelled to fall back before superior numbers of the enemy and our men to abandon the fort. 2. The enemy was driven from the fort above referred to. It was occupied by our men; held by them over an houras long as it was possible to hold it without addi- tional force. The two stand of colors mentioned in my answer to the first interroga- tory were planted on it, one of which remained there several hours. 3. I have ever been of opinion, and have no doubt, that had we been re-enforced by two divisions n hen in possession of the fort, we would have held it, forced our way through the enemys works, and driven them from our right and left. The posses- sion of this fort by us divided the enemy, and prevented them from rallying rapidly from riott to left as occasion might require, giving us command of the rifle-pits on either s~de, which could soon have been cleared of the enemy, and an entrance made for any number of troops needed. 4. The position of Maloneys battery being immediately in our rear and on a high point, afforded a much better opportunity for witnessing the action of the Thirteenth Army Corps than any position a half mile or more either to the right or left of it could afford. I am, general, with much respect, your obedient servant, J. B. ATHERTON, Late Major Twenty-second Iowa kfantry. 6.Letter of Seryt. A. IT. Rugg. SPRINGFIELD, ILL., Au gust 31, 1863. I hereby certify that I was on the field with Major-General MeClernand at Vicks- burg on May 22,1863, and saw the flags of the Seventy-seventh Illinois Infantry planted on the rebel forts. rho national colors were afterward carried inside and captured, together with a number of men of the regiment, after nightfall. A. H. RUGG, Sergeant Coaipanij A, Serenty-seventh Illinois infantry. 17 Page 180 180 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. 7.Letter of B. C. Warmoth, late iie,ttenant-eolonel and aide-dc-camp. SAINT NIcHOLAs HOTEL, Springfield, Ill., August 24, 1863. GENERAL: In answer to your inquiry of this date, I have to say that I was detached from my regiment by order of Major-General Grant, with orders to report to you for duty upon your staff. I was with you in the siege of Vicksburg up to the evening of May 22, when I was wounded and caught by you in your arms as I fell. On May 22 I was repeatedly sent by you to different parts of the field, and had good opportuni. ties of knowing what was done by your corps (Thirteenth) on that occasion. At 10 oclock your columns of attack moved forward to tbe assault. In less than one hour, Joseph E. Griffith, a sergeant of the Twenty-second Iowa, with a part of the storming party, entered one of the works of the enemy, drove the enemy out, and held the place for some hours. He captured 13 men with a lieutenant in this work, and reported them to you about 2 oclock. Lieutenant-Colonel Graham, of the Twen- ty-second Iowa, with a small detachment, entered another fort and drove the enemy out maintaining himself there until after nightfall, when the enemy massed their forces upon us and drove us back from our line, which was up to the works of the enemy, capturing Lieutenant-Colonel Graham and his men. The American flag floated from on top of two of the enemys works, and our men kept them there until after nightfall, as I am informed. They were there when I was wounded, which was after 5 oclock. All this time many of our men were in the ditches of the enemy, and sent back for spades and shovels with which to dig down the enemys works. About 5.30 oclock a part, if not the whole, of Quinbys division arrived. MeArthur did not arrive until next day (May 23). I believed then if the two divisions had arrived in reasonable time that we would have been able to have pushed through the lines of the enemy. It was so believed by every officer I saw. Your position during the assault was to the left and a little to the rear of our bat- tery of 30-pounder Parrotts, which was about 600 yards from the enemys works. We could plainly see the line of works in our front and to the extreme left of our corps, but a part of the right was obstructed by the foliage of a grove of trees. This was the best point for observation along our entire line, and from the top of the battery, where you often went for observation, you could see perfectly everything in our front from right to left. In my opinion, it was about l~ miles from the elevated point in General McPher- sons line from which he and General Grant made observations. The position occu- pied by them was perhaps higher ground, but I do not believe they could observe our movements with the accuracy we could from the position occupied by you. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, H. C. WARMOTH, Late Lieutenant-Colonel and Aide-de-Camp. 8.Letter of F. II. Mason, late captain and aide-dc-camp. SPRINGFIELD, ILL., August 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND: SIR: Your note of this morning is received, and in reply I beg leave to submit the folio Wing report: 1. I was acting throughout the attack on Yicksburg in the capacity of aide-de- camp on your staff, and being sent at various times to your division and brigade com- manders with orders, inquiries, & c., and being all the remainder of the time, when not thus occupied in your immediate presence, taking notes of the various incidents and hearing the various messages and reports brought by staff and gejiieral officers to you, I enjoyed as good advantages for hearing and seeing the assault arfd the part you took as could be possible for any one in my capacity. 2. At about 10.10 a. m. on the 22d, I saw the advance of General Lawlers brigade, of Carrs division, rush up the slope leading to the large work of the enemy imine- diately to the left of the railroad. Though met by a fierce fire, they cbntinued to advance, leaped into the ditch, and began to climb the enemys l)arapet. A moment afterward a flag was planted on the crest of the parapet and held there by two men, while a party of fifteen or twenty (as I should judge) sprang over into the fort, mime- diately after which those of the enemy who had been firing over the part of the fort opposite to where the entrance was made disappeared, leading me to the belief that they had all been driven by our Inca from ihe works. At this time you observed that the assaulting column was weak, and. ordered it to be vigorously supported, and also sent an aide to General Carr, with orders to push Beaten forward to create a diversion in favor of General Lawler, or,if necessary, to his immediate support. Im- mediately afterward information was brought to you that the advance of General Smiths division had effected a lodgm~nt and forced the enemy to abandon a portio Page 181 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS~ 181 of his rifle-pits; but whether the interior of the works had been reached, or merely the diteb, I did not understand. A part of the language of the officer bringing the report was that our flag is planted on the enemys works. At 11.46 an officer arrived and said that the fort first referred to was ours, and asked you to order tbat it should not be further fired upon. You seemed incredulous, and sent me to Colonel Landram, who was in a very advanced position, to ascertain as far as possible the exact state of the case. I found that officer, and, upon delivering my message, received from him in addition to his confident opinion that the fort was ours, a note from Lieutenant- Colonel Graham, of the Twenty-second Iowa, with the remark that the note was written inside the fort. This note, the contents of which I (10 not remember with sufficient accuracy to repeat, I delivered to you, believing fully that the fort was in our entire possession. 3. Although from the great length of the line occupied by tho Thirteenth Corps, and the number of forts on the enemys line, the attack seemed desperate, yet it was my belief that with the aid of re-enforeements the position might ho fully carried. On this point General Landram said at 1.50 p. in., If General Osterhaus, on my left, will press forward, I think the works can soon be cleared. 4. Tbe position occupied by you during the day was a commanding knoll ,about 600 yards from the enemys works, and upon which a battery of 30-pounder Parrotts had been planted. From this point all your line could be seen, except a part of General Smiths command, which formed your extreme right, and which, though near, was partially hidden hy the foliage of trees and the extreme unevenness of the ground. Your post of observation owed its entire safety to the slight parapet in front, as many of the enemys bullets went far beyond us into the woods, and men were con- tinually being wounded all about you. The distance from the above point to General McPhersons headquarters, where General Grant was located, was, in my judgment, 1+ miles; and although General Grants position enjoyed some advantages in point of altitude, yet I cannot believe that this or any other place afforded nearly so good a view of the Thirteenth Corps as the one you occupied. 5. Boomers brigade arrived at 5 oclock, and-was sent to the front. Twenty min- utes afterward a regiment arrived, and was held for some time in reserve near head- quarters. This regiment may have been part of the Second Brigade, of Quinbys (livision. The division of General MeArthur arrived at 10 a. m. the day following. 6. The (hispatches sent from time to time during the day to General Grant were less sanguine of success and less positive in regard to what had been already accom- l)lished than my own opinion, and, as I believed, the opinion of time majority of your officers. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. H. MASON, Late Captain and Aide-dc-Camp. 9.Letter of A. A. Blount, late captain Seventeenth Ohio Voluntecr Artillery. SPRINGFIELD, Oimio, September 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. A. MCCLEIINAND: GENERAL: Your favor of August 23 is received, requesting me to state what I know about any of the colors of the Thirteenth Army Corps having been planted upon the enemys forts during the assault on May 22 upon the defenses of Vicksburg. In reply, I would state that I saw the colors of the Seventy-seventh Illinois Regiment planted upon the parapet of one of the enenmy forts, as also were the colors of the Twenty-second Iowa Regiment, and timat the men of the latter regiment occupied one side of the fort, which was divided by a traverse. I heard General Carr give orders to his artillery not to fire upon that fort, as it was in our possession. The regimental flag of the Seventy-seventh Illinois remained upon the parapet of the fort from eight to teim hours, when it was brought awn.y. The national flag of the same regiment could not be brought away, and was covered with earth in time ditch. I saw upon another fort (hireetly in front of my battery the colors of the Eighty-third Ohio Regiment, and I thimik those of the Sixteenth Iowa. There were colors of other regiments planted upon the extreme slope of the parapet and upon the crest of the glacis of other forts, where our muen remained from eight to ten hours. It was the universal opinion of officers and men that had we sufficient force the fort occupied by our men could have been held. Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. BLOUNT, Late Captain Seventeenth Ohio Volunteer Artillery. Other letters in my possession might be added, but they would ex- tend this communication too much. Those already given will abun- dantly sumee for the purpose in hand. They not only prove all I have denied or affirmed, but they prove more. They prove the promptnes Page 182 182 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL of my assault; that Lawlers and Landrams commands, forming the column of attack oii my left center, planted their colors on the enemys works; moreover, that they were carried inside of one of the main forts; that officers and men of the commands of one or both of them forced their way into the same fort; that observing that the assaulting column was weak, I ordered it to be supported; that immediately afterward information was brought to me that the advance of Smiths division, together with Bentons brigade, of Carrs division, forming another column of attack, had effected another lodgment in the enemys works, and had also planted our flag on them; that prisoners had been cap- tured and brought out of the fort assaulted by Lawler and Landram; that afterward an officer brought word to me that the same fort was ours, and a request that it should not be further fired upon; that, doubt- ing, I sent a staff officer to verify the fact; that he brought word from Colonel Landram not only that the fort was ours, but a note from Lieu- tenant-Colonel Graham, of the Twenty-second Iowa, with the remark that the note was written inside of the fort, and that he was fully per- suaded of the truth of the information; that the Twenty-second Iowa advanced against one fort, and the Eleventh Wisconsin against another, and that Colonel Stone and Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap (killed) saw the Twenty-second and Twenty-first Iowa iRegiinents advance upon two different forts, and the enemy retire from both, and the rifle-pits connecting them, down a hill and toward the city, and talked about it while it was going on. They prove that I could have used more men in making my assault, and with timely re-enforcements of two divisions would have crowned it with success; that my position was much more favorable than General Grants for seeing what was going on in front of my corps; that my position was near the center of my line, and only 500 or 600 yards from the enemys works, while General Grants was about 1~ miles to the right of my position; that my dispatches to General Grant were a qualification rather than an exaggeration of my success, and that the re-enforcements finally ordered by General Grant did not arrive in time, Quinbys division only arriving about 5 oclock, and too late to be properly formed and successfully applLed, and McArthurs not until next day. As I have already shown, General Grant says that The works entered by him (Sergeant Griffith) from its position could give us no practical advantage, unless others to the right and left of it were carried and held at the same time. Is not this declaration too broad ~ Is it not as much as to say that no practical advantage could have been derived from taking any part less than the whole of the enemys works at once; that the ~O55CS5iO11 of any part, however extended, flanked by other parts held by the enemy, would have been worthless ~ Is it not as much as to say that the only condition of our success was the impossibility of carrying the whole of the enemy5 line, which was much longer than our own, at once, and consequently that our attack must have been by our forces in line, instead of in column, as he directed ~ And yet, strange enough, he censures me for asking for the co-operation of a simultaneous attack by Sherman and McPherson, according to the terms of his original plan, and with- out which, by his own admission, no practical advantage could have resulted from Sergeant Griffiths partial success. By his own showing, I only asked for what his original plan promised, and what, by his own admission, was necessary to our success. This of itself is a sufficient refutation of the charge that what I aske Page 183 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 183 for makes me responsible for the increase of our mortality list fully 50 per cent.; but, apart from it, there is another essential fact which goes to the root of this whole matter, which makes General Grant re- sponsible not only for the alleged increase of our mortality list, but for our whole loss, and which truth and justice require should be laid bare. I allude to General Grants order of May 21 for the assault. That order was issued by him with knowledge of the diminished numbers and ex- hausted condition of our forces, with knowledge of the roughness of the ground over which they had to pass, and with at least partial knowledge of the great strength of the enemys position and works, and was deemed not only by me, but by all my general officers who spoke to me upon the subject, as unfortunate and likely to bring disaster upon us rather than the enemy. My answer to these officers was that it was an order, and, if possible, must be executed. They answered, If we fail it shall not be our fault,~~ and their partial success while others failed, and the car- nage of hundreds of their number who fell killed or wounded in gaining that success, conclusively testify that their final Thilure was not their fault; indeed, General Grant himself testifies to it, as I have already shown, by his admission in another part of his report that the assault was gallant in the extreme * * * but the enemys position was too strong, both naturally aiid artificially, to be taken in that way by assault. Comparing General Grants report with his dispatches, another dis- crepancy will appear. He says in his report that the asked-for diver- sion was promptly and vigorously made * * * without advancing our position or giving us other advantages, leaving it to be inferred that unmitigated evil was the consequence of the diversion; yet in one of his dispatches he says that Sherman has gained some successes, and in another, dated 2.30 (two hours and a half after my dispatch stating that I had part possession of two forts), he says, Sherman is getting on well, proving that the diversion was justifying itself and inspiring him with hope of success. General Grant speaks of Sherman ordering a renewal of the assault on his front, aiid of a ~ my favor both by Sherman and McPherson, leaving the inference that there had been a cessation of the assault by both of them. This cessation was either by General Grants order or with his consent, or without both; and this brings me to a most grave and important point. If it was by General Grants order or with his consent, he failed to notify me. of the fact, leaving me under the operation of his original order, discriminating against my corps and dooming it to stand in the breach and press the assault alone and un- supported, and, as a forlorn hope, to be destroyed in a desperate effort to accomplish an object that he had abandoned; and, if so, does not the blood of the hundreds of brave men who were thus sacrificed cry aloud against him ~ If it was without either his order or consent, it was a case of deplorable disobedience, and the same responsibility attaches to him for not advising me of it. General Grants account of the battle of Champions Hill also does me and portions of my command injustice. Emphasizing what himself and others did, and assuming that the field of action was limited by the operations of McPhersons corps and of Hoveys division, of my corps, he indirectly arraigns me for want of zeal, promptitude, and energy. He says he was at Clinton on May 1~3, and Sherman at Jack- son, and that the latter, responsively to his order, promptly moved forward toward Bolton on the morning of the battle; that he (General Grant) ordered McPherson forward at 5.45 a. in., and sent Lieutenant Page 184 184 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL Colonel [James II.] Wilson, of his staff, with verbal instructions to me as to the disposition of my forces, and followed himself at an early hour from Clinton ~ but would that he found Iloveys division disposed for the not permit it to be commenced until he could hear from~~ me, who was advancing with four divisions;~~ that Logan rode up and told him that if iovey could make another dash at the enemy, he could come np from where he then was and capture the greater part of their force, and that, after all this, he saw me with Carrs division to his left, and that Osterhaus division soon afterward appeared, with his skirmishers well in advance. General Grant says all this, but he accidentally or otherwise omits to state what is essential to a proper understanding of the incidents and agencies of that battle. He omits to state that while he was yet behind at Clinton, I selected the lines of advance of the Thirteenth Army Corps, including Blairs division, and moved all the forces forward to the attack except McPhersons; that revoking an order changing my disposition of Blairs forces, he afterward sent a dispatch to me, saying, Your disposition of Blairs forces is satisfactory; I)lace him to the best advan- tage, & c.; that on the day before the battle I urged him in a dispatch to move McPhersons corps upon the right of ilovey, to cut off the enemy if I should beat him; that on the morning of the battle, after putting my columns in motion, I hastened to General McPhersons headquarters, in my rear, before he had risen, and urged him to do the same for the same purpose, and to support Hovey; that the subsequent execution of this movement secured to us many prisoners and a number of cannon. He omits to state that the enemys skirmishers and artillery were first encountered on my left by General Smiths division, supported by Gen- eral Blairs; next by General Osterhaus division, supported by Gen- eral Carrs, and next by General ilovey, forming my right, and that I informed him that I had received a dispatch from the latter, dated 9.30 a. in., notifying me that he had found the enemy strongly posted, and believed that his right flank would encounter severe resistance; and that I asked him whether McPherson should not support Hovey, and whether I should bring on a general engagement; that afterward, send- ing several dispatches, he failed to answer any more directly than by the following dispatch, dated 12.35 p. in.: As soon as your command is all in hand, throw forward skirmishers and feel the enemy, and attack him in force if an opportunity occurs, and I will see that Hovey and McPherson fully co-operate, as though Hovey had not been hotly and desperately engaged since 11 a. m. He also fails to state that upon the receipt of this dispatch I imme- diately ordered my center and left to attack the enemy vigorously and press for victory; that he allowed Hoveys division to be forced back twice or thrice with great loss from the ground gained, although, as was credibly reported, there was a brigade or division of McPhersons corps unengaged and within easy supporting distance. Moreover, that he sent me several dispatches leading me to the belief that the enemy was in greatest force in front of my center and left, and warning me to guard against letting him gain the rear of that part of my line; and that after or about the time the enemy gave way on the right, Garrards brigade, leading my right center, was so formidably opposed as to need the sup- port of Bentons and Lindseys, leaving my left center to be supported by Lawlers brigade, forming a reserve. He omits all these things, and, in fine, to notice the fact that an early official dispatch sent by him to Washington giving an account of the battle was so unjust even to llo~eys division as to cause Hovey t Page 185 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 185 make it the subject of a communication to. me complaining of it, and me to concur in it and send it to General Grant. My position during the battle was with my center, composed of Oster- hans and Carrs divisions, and during its progress, when I ordered Oster- hans to push forward and make a diversion in favor of ilovey, he sent me word that his column was as much, advanced as llovey~s, was con- tending with great difficulties, and was doing all it could do. General Grant coming up and finding iloveys division forming for the attack, remained on the right. In noticing the battle of Black River Bridge, General Grant also omits the fact that he did not come up until after I had disposed my forces and brought them into action. In noticing the battle of Port Gibson, he says, Early on the morning of May I, I went out ~ * * and found McClernand and his corps engaging the enemy about 4 miles from Port Gibson. It might be inferred from this statement that Gen- eral Grant early arrived on the field, yet the truth is I neither saw nor heard of his being on the field until after I had made the dispositions for the battle, and had driven the enemy from his first position on my right, and captured several pieces of cannon and a number of prisoners, and had disabled two of the enemys guns on my left. General Grant came up after this, and, riding together to iloveys position, we were greeted by the hurrahs pf his men. Again he says: McC]ernand, who was with the right in person, sent repeated messages to me before the arrival of Logan to send Logans and Quinbys divisions, of McPhersons corps, to him. I had been on that as well as other parts of the field, and could not see how they could be used there to advantage. However, as soon as the advance of McPhersons corps (Logans division) arrived, I sent one brigade to MeClernaud, on the right, and sent one brigade, Brig. Gen. J. B. Smith commanding, to the left, to the assistance of Osterhaus. By the judicious disposition of this brigade, under the immediate super. vision of McPherson and Logan, a position was soon obtained giving us an advantage which soon drove the enemy from that part of the field, to make no further stand south of Bayou Pierre. If I sent repeated messages to General Grant to send forward re- enforcements, it was because my early and intimate knowledge of what was going on justified it, and General Grant, notwithstanding his opin- ion to the contrary, sent re-enforcements, and Stevensons brigade, of Logans division, was accordingly applied to strengthen my center, and did good service. If General Grant thought it was unnecessary, why did he send it? In doing so, he impeaches his own firmness and self- reliance. By his own admission, Smiths brigade, of the same division, was profitably applied on my left. Indeed, of what avail are troops unless they are used to forestall the chances of battle; to insure suc- cess against all vicissitudes; to cast the balance decisively and finally at a critical moment? All the great masters incnlcate this as a funda- mental principle, as a condition of success, as the characteristic of a safe commander. My purpose was to make short, sure, and conclusive work of a contest that was to open or close the door to the passage of the Bayou Pierre and the road to Yicksburg. Unless General Grant held contrary views, and was unwilling that others should share with my troops the losses and sufferings of battle, he could not have con- sistently objected. That Smiths brigade did good service I doubt not. I have already borne testimony to that fact in my official report; but how soon he drove the enemy~~ from my left front may be uncer- tain, as quite late in the evening General Grant sent an order detaching Bentons brigade from my right wing to go to the leftan order, it is true, that was revoked before the brigade reached its destination Page 186 186 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Further, whether it was alone by the judicious disposition made of this brigade under the immediate supervision of McPherson and Logan, which by consequence drove tl)e enemy from that part of the field, is a controverted question; for General Osterhaus report claims that his suggestions and forces had something, nay, much to do with it, and I presume Colonel [James] Keigwin, Forty-ninth Indiana, who is reported to have borne himself gallantly in that part of the field, also claims to have had something to do with it. The truth is, in all these battles and their preliminaries I acted, and was left to act, more or less upon my own responsibility. I moved by a forced night march from the vicinity of Bruinsburg to the battle-field of Port Gibson without orders and ~ upon my own responsibility, and fought the battle in considerable part before General Grant came up. My object was to seize the crossings of Bayou Pierre before the enemy could gain intelligence of our approach. I thought the result justified the risk, although I was convinced that if disaster or defeat followed I would be ruined. The victory of Port Gibson ostensibly indemnified me, although it (lid not avert from me the censure and injurious implications of General Grants report, no more than the victory of Arkansas Post averted the written disapprobation of the expedition that led to it; neither did the part borne by me throughout the Mississippi campaign prevent him from removing me from the commaid of the Thirteenth Army Corps at the moment when the Mississippi River expedition, which I had recom- mended to the President and Secretary of War near a year before, was about to be crowned with success in the fall of Vicksburg. With all these facts laid bare, and with a public life of nearly thirty years duration in civil and military station before the public, I leave my public actions and my character, which is worth more to me than my life, for the impartial judgment of my military superiors and of the country and history. JOHN A. MCCLETtNAIND, Major- General. No. 8. Report of Lieut. Francis Tunica, Engineer Officer Ninth Division, of operations April 17May 24. IIDQRS. NINTH DlYISION, TIJIRTEENTII ARMY Conps, Big Black River Bridge, Miss., June 1, 1863. COLONEP: I have the honor to submit a report of the work executed by me since April 17, 1863. On April 17, 1 received orders from you to proceed without delay to the headquarters of this division, and to report in person to Brig. Gen. P. J. Osterhans for duty. I reported to this officer on April 18, at Smiths l)lantation, and on the morning of the 19th marched to New Carthage, La., and established headquarters at James plantation, on the Mississippi River. April 20.I made reconnaissance up to Negro, Mound, and Brushy Bayous to the so-called basin, and placed pickets about 9 miles in cir- cumference. April 21.I conducted Lient. P. C. Hams to the basin, with the view of selecting a proper place for bridging Bayou jVidal, to enable Gen- eral iloveys command to cross this bayou. In the evening I made sketch of the result of my explorations for General Osterhaus Page 187 CHAr. XXXVI.) GENERAL REPORTS. 187 April 22.Made another exploration with General Osterhaus up Bayoa Vidal, some S or 9 miles along this bayou, part in hats and part on horseback, with a view of selecting the best place for the intended bridge. We met General ilovey at the basin, who was also in search of a place to bridge this bayou. Selected place for bridge, and in the afternoon moved camp 4 miles south, to Perkins plantation. April 23.Embarked for Grand Gulf. Generals IVlcClernand, Os- terhaus, several other officers, and myself went dowii on the gunboat General Price. Sketched Grand Gulf. April 24.Made another sketch of Grand Gnlf for the general. April 25.I received orders from General Osterhaus to accompany an expedition, under command of Colonel Keigwin, from Perkins l)lantatiou around Lake Saint Joseph to Hard Times Landing, opposite Grand Gulf, Miss. On this expedition I superintended the construction of three bridges, varying in spans of from SO to 120 feet, over ilol ts, Durassetts, and Phelps Bayons. (See map.) These bridges were made of timber taken from barns in the immediate vicinity of the respective l)laces. Large, dry beams, 50 feet long by iS inches square, properly connected, were used to bear the flooring, which was also obtained from the side- boarding of the barns. The flooring was again kept in place by so-called stretchers (pieces of timber 6 inches square). Whenever the banks of the streams were too steep, Ihad them l)artly excavated and partly filled with rails, of which there was an abundance. When selecting the place for the fourth bridge ox-cr Clarks I3ayon, on the 27th, I received orders to return to headquarters. After my arrival, I reported to General Mc- Cleruand, and, upoit his suggestion, also to Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, where I had the pleasure of meeting you also. April 28.Embarked again Puw Grand Gulf. April 29.The bombardment of Grand Gulf took place. Our (livisiOll marched 4 miles farther south. April 30.Crossed the river to Brninsburg, and marched toward Port Gibson. A fight ensued about dusk, some Gmiles from Port Gibson, and lasted till 3 a. m. May 1. Early in the morning the fight was reSIlInC(l, and the battle of Thompsons Hill, 4 miles west of Port Gibson, took place. Sketched and surveyed the battle-field during the action, our (livision forming the left wing of General McClernand~s corps darmec. (See accompanying map.) May 2.Marched to Port Gibson. Surveyed the road from battle- field to this place roughly. May 3.Marched to Willow Springs. May 4.Made reconnaissance with General Ostem-hans. llfay 5.Marched toward Black Jiiver to within 5 miles south of it on the Utic~ or (Jaynga road, 24 miles northeast of I~ort Gibson. Met mounted enemy, about 500 strong, and dispersed them. (See accompanying map of route marched by this division.) May 6.Made sketch of this vicinity for the general. May 7.Made sketch of southern aI)proaches to Yicksbnrg, partly from information gathered and partly from own observations, including Jackson, Gallatin, and Canton. May 8.Moved headquarters about 2 miles north. Made several copies of the sketch of the vicinity of Yicksburg and also reconnais- sance to Big Black River. Enemy on the other side intrenching. May 9.Commenced another map. Got sick. Was in bed in the afternoon. May 10.Moved forward to Five~Mile Creek Page 188 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. MAP OF OF THE PARISHES OF MADISON AND TENSAS, ~ Showtng the route taken by a detachment of the 9th Div., (Colonel KEIGWIN Commanding.) FROM PERKINS PLANTATION TO HARD TIMES, AROUND LAKE SAINT JOSEPh AND EXPLORATION UP BAYOU VIDAL. ~ y~d by F. TUNIOA, E,,g 18 Page 189 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 189 May 11.Delivered a copy of my map, containing all information of the approaches to Vicksburg, to Lieutenant Hams. May 12.Marched toward Edwards. Was very sick in carriage. May 13.Moved again toward Raymond. (See map of march.) May 14.Arrived at Raymond. Made four sketches for the use of outposts at this place. May 15.Moved again toward Bolton and Edwards Station. May 16.Battle of Champions Hill, near Bakers Creek. Owing to my illness on this day, and being obliged to march at night, I was unable to survey the ground of this battle-field. May 17.Moved toward Big Black River Bridge. At this place another battle took place. Enemy strongly intrenched. Surveyed and sketched the ground (see accompanying map) soon after the evacuation of the enemy. May 18.Marched on to Vickshurg to within 4 miles of the ~Aace. May 19.Moved a little ahead to about 2 miles of town. Fighting cornmenced. May 20.Continued fighting. No ground gained. May 21.Selected place for one of our batteries (Fosters) and made sketch of the enemys intrenchments, to be assailed by this division, for field use. Rather dangerous sharpshoofiing at this point. May 22.Witnessed grand charge on the enemys works, and improved sketch of same. May 23.Made reconnaissance with some cavalry of by-roads in the vicinity of Mount Alban and Vicksburg. May 24.Our division received orders to march back to Big Black River Bridge. From this date to June 1 my tune was emnl)loyed without intermission in making an addition to the survey of Big Black River Bridge and vicinity; in compiling map of route marched by this division, and in plotting, mapping, and copying the battle-fields of Thompsons Hill (Port Gibson) and Big Black River Bridge. * * * * * * * I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. TUNICA, Engineer Ninth Dicision, Thirteenth Army Corps. Lieut. Col. JAMES II. WILSON, Asst. Lisp. Gen., and First Lieutenant of Engineers. No. 9. Message of President Davis, transmitting to the Confederate Congress cer. tam correspondence with General Joseph E. Johnston, C. ,S~. Army. RIChMOND, VA., January 29, 1864. To the house of Representatives: In response to your resolution of the 11th ultimo, I herewith transmit, for yonr information, a copy of my correspondence, together with that of the Secretary of War and of the Adjutant and inspector General, with General Joseph E. Johnston, during the months of May, June, and July, 1863, concerning his command and the operations in his de - partment Page 190 190 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. As the resolution fixes definitely the dates within which the corre- spondence is desired, I have not deemed it proper to add anything which was prior or subsequent to those dates. JEFFERSON DAVIS. [Inclosures.] RICHMOND VA General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, , ., 3Jay 6, 1863. Tullahoma, Tenn.: How and why was Brigadier-General [W. T.] Martin withdrawn from Mississippi for service with the cavalry of which he was appointed ~? JEFFERSON DAVIS. TULLAHOiXIA, TENN., ]JIay 7, 1863. His Excellency the 1~ItESIDENT: Brigadier-General Martin was assigned to Van Dorns cavalry, which was ordered to this department in January. He is not now with Van Dorn, who is in front of Columbia. He commands the cavalry directly between this army and Murfreesborough. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND VA General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, , ., May 18, 1863. Head quarters, via Jackson, Miss.: Have seen your dispatch of this date. The cavalry mentioned caii- not reach you before weeks. Other larger and more practiced cavalry I had hoped could be drawn to you from another part of youi depart- ment, as suggested in telegram some time since. Several of the best infantry regiments, if wanted, might serve as substitute for the cav- alry, so much and immediately required. I hope you will have larger accessions to your army, when advancing to attack, by the junction of militia and less organized bodies of citizens. Your presence will effect much to inspire confidence and activity. The enemy will probably seek to join his fleet at Wamrenton, draw the remaining forces from the camp above Youngs Point, and prepare for land and water attack on the defenses of Vicksburg. If you could unite with Pemberton and attack the enemy in his retrograde move- ment toward the river, the chances would be much better. Every effort will be made to aid you, and I desire to know fully your wishes. JEFFERSON DAVIS. CANTON, MISS., May 21, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: There is a division without a major-general, the only officer competent to command it being General W. H. T. Walker ;* he is the junior briga- dier. Please appoint immediately. Another will be wanted for com- ing troops. I recommend Brigadier-General [C. M.] Wilcox.* These officers are indispensable. J. E. JOHNSTON. * These names in the original dispatch received appeared as General XV. H. Taliaferro and Brigadier-General Wilson Page 191 CHAP. XXXVI] GENERAL REPORTS. 191 CAMP NEAR CANTON, Miss., Via Jackson, iMiay 21, 1863. The PRESIDENT: Your dispatch of the 18th received, but cannot be deciphered. On account of heavy loss of artillery, we want field pieces, with harness and ammunition. Troops coming from the east are generally without artillery. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., May 22, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Via Jackson, Miss.: Brig. Gen. John S. Bowen is appointed major-general, to meet the want specified in your dispatch. General Loring becomes available for assignment to the division you designate. Field batteries and small-arms are on the way to your command. Signal cipher was employed. If you have the book formerly used by us, will resort to that. JEFFERSON DAVIS. RICHMOND, VA., May 22, 1863. General BRAGG, Tullahoma, Tenn.: The vital issue of holding the Mississippi at Vicksburg is dependent on the success of General Johnston in an attack on the investing force. Tbe intelligence from there is discouraging. Can you aid him ~ If so, and you are without orders from Genera] Johnston, act on your judg- ment. JEFFERSON DAVIS. RICHMOND, VA., May 22, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Via Jackson, Miss.: I do not understand recommendation for promotion of Brigadier-Gen. eral Wilson in your dispatch of 21st. JEFFERSON DAVIS. JACKSON, Miss., May 23, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: It was Brig. Gen. Cadmus M. Wilcox that I recommended. Major- General Loring is commanding his own division. Brigadier-General Bowen commands a division of the troops invested in Vicksburg. The division I mentioned has no officer in it competent to command but Brig. Gen. XV. II. T. Walker. it must be without a commander until a major-general is appointed for or assigned to it. We have tremendous odds against us. I respectfully urge, therefore, a thorough organization. I ceased to carry the book referred to upon being informed that the copy was not retained in your office. The enemys gunboats have possession of the Yazoo. J. E. JOHNSTON Page 192 192 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAr. XXXVI. SHELBYVILLE, TENN., May 23, 1803. JEFFERSON DAVIS, President: Sent 3,500 with the general; three batteries of artillery and 2,000 cav- alry since. Will dispatch 6,000 more immediately. Have no orders. The general did not consider it safe to weaken this point. BRAXTON BRAGG. RICHMOND, VA., May 23, 1863. General BRAXTON BRAGG, Commanding, -C., AShclbyvillc, Tenn.: Your answer is in the spirit of patriotism heretofore manifested by you. The need is sore, but you must not forget your own necessities. JEFFERSON DAVIS. RICHMOND, VA., May 23, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Via Canton., Miss.: Your first dispatch was so changed as to present the names of W. II. Tuliaferro and Wilson, both supposed to be errors. Bowen was ap- pointed, supposing him to be with Loring. Since your dispatch received to-day, ggve order to appoint Walker major-general. Am making every effort to aid you, and hopeful of junction of your forces and defeat of the enemy. JEFFERSON DAVIS. JACKSON, MISS., May 23; 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: Troops are coming very slowly. The last of Braggs arrived on Tues- day. Since then but 300 have arrived and 1,300 are reported this side of Meridian. An officer who left Vicksburg on Tuesday reports that an assault near the Yazoo road had been repelled this time. It is said here to-day that another was made near the Jackson road and also repulsed. This gives me confidence in Pembertons tenacity. If army can be or- ganized and well commanded, we shall win. Major-generals in proportion to the number of brigades are necessary. Is Major-General Ewell assigned ~ I have great confidence in him, and should be glad to have him. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, MISS., May 23, 1863. The PRESIDENT: The number of troops I expect to concentrate now in Mississippi is 19,000, exclusive of the garrisons of Vicksburg and Port Hudson. The latter I have ordered to join me. Vicksburg is invested. Number,16,000 or 18,000. Grants force is estimated at 60,000. J. E. JOHNSTON Page 193 CHAP. XXX?VL] GENERAL REPORTS. 193 CANTON, Miss., May 24, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: The following, received by courier at Jackson yesterday from General Pember~n, telegraphed to me by Colonel [B. S.] Ewell: VICKSBURQ Miss., May 20. Enemy assaulted intrenchments yesterday on center and left; were repulsed with heavy loss; our loss small. Enemys force at least 60,000. MAY 21. Enemy kept up heavy artillery fire yesterday; two guns dismounted in center and works injured. Their sharpshooters picked off officers and men all day. Works re- paired and guns replaced last night. The vital question is ammunition. The men are encouraged by a report that you are near with a large army, and are in good spirits. 2 p. m.Brisk artillery and musketry fire to-day; three guns dismounted in cen- ter; will replace them if possible. Heavy mortar firing from gunboats. The fire of the sharpshooters is severe. 3 p. rnDuring past two days enemy has gone up river in transports in large force. Where going not known. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., May 24, 1863. General JOSEPH B. JOHNSTON, Canton, Mi8S.: I concur in your reliance on [belief of] the tenacity with which Gen- eral Pemberton will defend his position, but the disparity of numbers renders prolonged defense dangerous. Ii hope you will soon b~ able to break the investment. Make a junction and carry in munitions. Gen- eral [G. J.] Rains, who has made valuable inventions, is ordered to you for special service, and will, I think, be useful both on land and river. General Bragg has probably communicated with you. If my strength permitted, I would go to you. JEFFERSON DAVIS. JACKSON, Miss., May 27, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: A young man sent out by Major.General Stevenson reports that hard fightiiig has been going on since Tuesday of last week with continued success to us. ~ mr men confident and in fine spirits; but we cannot break the investment without an army. General Cooper tells me that but 13,000 have been ordered. General Pemberton estimates Grants force at not less than 60,000. When all the re-enforcements arrive shall have but 23,000. Tell me if additional troops can be furnished. The two cases of cipher are independent of each other J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, Vi., May 28, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Oanton, Miss.: The re-enforcements sent to you exceed by, say, 7,000 the estimate of your dispatch of 27th instant. We have withheld nothing which it was practicable to give. We cannot hope for numerical equality, and time will probably increase the disparity. JEFFERSON DAVIS 1-3 R RVOL lilY, PT Page 194 194 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. JACKSON, Miss., May 28, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: It is reported that the last infantry coming leave Montgomery to-night. When they arrive shall have about 23,000. Peinberton can be saved only by beating Grant. Unless you can promise more troops, we must try with that number. The odds against us wili be very great% (Jan you not add 7,0001 Asked for another major. generalWilcox, or whoever you may prefer. We want good general officers quickly. I have to organize an army, and collect ammunition, provisions, and transpor- tation. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., May 30, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson Mtss.: Your dispatch of 28th received. The Secretary of War reports the re-enforcement ordered to you as greater than the number you re~}uest. Added to the forces you have from Pembertons army, he states your whole force to be 34,000, exclusive of militia. Bowen and Walker pro- moted. French and Breckinridge, ordered to you, will, I hope, meet your want of major-generals. If another be required, S. D. Lee is, I think, equal to that grade. Officers in the field here cannot be sent to you without too great delay. The troops sent to you were so fully or- ganized that I suppose you will have little trouble as to organization, unless it be of militia. Colonel [Philip] Stockton cami probably answer your requisitions for ammunition. You no doubt will be embarrassed by deficiency of field transportation. The recent robberies have dimnin- ished the amount in the country. JEFFERSON DAVIS. * CANTON, May 31, 1863. The PRESIDENT: Your dispatch of 30th received. By official returns, troops near Canton, including Gists and Walkers brigades of Beauregards army, Ectors and McNairs of Bragg~s, and Gregg~s of Pembertons, have effeetives 9,400. The troops near Jackson, including Loriiigs division and Maxeys brigade of Pembertons troops and Evans of Beauregards, have effect- ives 7,800. Major-General Breckinridge reports to-day 5,800, Brigadier- General [W. II.] Jacksons cavalry, numbering about 1,600 when I was in Tennessee, not included, nor five field batteries, probably 400. General Cooper informs me that no other re-enforcements have been ordered to this department. Major-General Gardner is invested in Port Hudson. J. E. JOHNSTON. [Ia~ore.ment.J Referred to the Secretary of War for reply as to the difference be- tween this statement and the reported number of troops sent to General Johnston and gained by him from General Pemberton. J. D. [JEFFERSON DAVIS.] Thus letter not traasmitted to Confederate Congreee Page 195 CHAP. XXXVT.] GENERAL REPORTS. 195 CANTON, Miss., June 1, 1863, VIA MoNTGOMERY, June 2. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: The Secretary of War is greatly mistaken in his numbers. By their own returns the troops at my disposal available against Grant are Of Pembertons 9, 700 Of Braggs 8 400 Of Beauregards - -. 6,000 Total 24,100 Not including a few hundred irregular cavalry, nor Jacksons coin- mand, the strength of which I do not know. Bowen and Lee are in Vicksburg, beyond my reach. In the estimate, that garrison is not in- cluded. The total of the above, 24,100. These are numbers of effectives. J. E. JOHNSTON. CANTON, Miss., [June 9, 1863,] VIA MONTGOMERY, June 10. His Excellency President DAVIS: It has been suggested to me that the troops in this department are very hostile to officers of Northern birth, and that on that account Major-General Frenchs arrival will weaken instead of strengthening us, I beg you to consider that all the general officers of Northern birth are on duty in this department. There is now a want of major-generals [discipline]. It is important to avoid any cause of further discontent. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., June 11, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON: Your dispatch received. Those who suggest that the arrival of Gen- eral French will produce discontent among the troops because of his Northern birth are not probably aware that he is a citizeii of Mississippi; was a wealthy l)Ianter until the Yankees robbed him, and, before the Confederate States had an army, was the chief of or(lnance and artil- lery in the force Mississippi raised to maintain her right of secession. As soon as Mississippi could spare him, he was apl)ointed a brigadier- general in the Provisional Army of the Comifederate States, and has frequently been before the enemy, where he was the senior officer. If malignity should undermine him, as it has another, you are authorized to notify him of the fact and to relieve him, communicating it to me by telegram. Surprised by your remark as to the general officeis of North- ern birth, I turned to the register, and find that a large majority of the number are elsewhere than in the Deparfment of Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana. JEFFERSON DAVIS. RICHMOND, VA., June 13, 1863. General BRAGG, Tuflahoma, Teun.: General Johnston communicates report of re-enforcements to Grant going down the Mississippi. The estimated number 30,000. Have you knowledge whence they were drawn? If from Rosecrans, can you fur- ther aid the defense of Vicksbnrg, indirectly or directly, by advance or detach ment I JEFFERSCN DAVIS Page 196 196 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. CHAr. XXXVI. RIdnMo~D, VA., June 15, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: Your dispatch of 12th instant to Secretary of War noted. The order to go to Mississippi did not diminish your authority in Tennessee, both being in the country placed under your command in original assignment. To what do you refer as information from me restricting your authority to transfer troops because no more could be spared? Officers ordered to you for duty generally are, of course, subject to assignment by you. JEFFERSON DAVIS. JACKSON, Miss., June 16, 1863. His Excellency the PRESWENT: Your dispatch of 15th received. I meant to tell the Secretary of War that I considered the order directing me to command here as limiting my authority to this department, especially when that order was accom- panied by War Department orders transferring troops from Tennessee to Mississippi; and, whether commanding there or not, that your reply to my application for more troops that no more could be spared would have made it improper for me to order more from Tennessee. Permit me to rel)eat that an officer having a task like mine, far above his ability, cannot in addition command other remote departments. No general can command separate armies. I have not yet been able to procure the means of moving these troops; they are too weak to accomplish much. The re-enforcements you mention have joined Grant. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., June 17, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: I do not find in my letter-book any communication to you containing the expression which you again attribute to me and cite as a restriction on you from , to repeat against withdrawing troops Tennessee~ and have my inquiry, to what do you refer? Give date of dispatch or letter. JEFFERSON DAVIS. RICHMOND, VA., June 17, 1863. General BRAITON BRAGG, Commanding at Shelbyville: GENERAL: General Johnston, in telegrams of 15th and 16th, repeats the expression oT his opinion that he cannot under existing circum- stances advantageously command both in Mississippi and Tennessee; and, in referring to the reported movement of Burusides corps to re-en- tot cc Grant, says, Will not this enable us to invade Kentucky I For bis, General Braggs command should extend over East Tennessee. The arrangement made of several departments in a geographical district, to the command of which General Johnston was assigned, was intended to secure the fullest co-operation of the troops in those depart- inents, and at the same time to avoid delay by putting the commander of each department in direct correspondence with the War Office. Under this view of the case, the l)epartment of East Tennessee, & c., was ~eated. because of the delay which would attend the ti~nsmis5iOn O Page 197 CRAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 197 reports and orders if they must~ needs pass from Southwestern Virginia to Middle Tennessee and thence to Richmond, Va. Your telegram of the 15th, suggesting orders for co-operative move- ment by General Buckner, manifests the defect of the existing arrange- ment while General Johnstons attention is absorbed by operations in Mississippi. I would be glad to have from you such suggestions as you may please to make in relation to the proper remedy for the existing evil. Your command could be extended to embrace that of Creneral Buckner, by extending the limits of the Department of the Tennessee. You will know better than myself how far the means of communica- tion and your own leisure would permit you td direct the operations, especially in the eastern portion of General Buckners department. You can also judge better than myself how far co-operation can be relied upon without the exercise of other command thaii that which arises after the junction of forces in camps, marches, & c. There are no doubt many conditions which do not now occur to me, but which experience has brought to your attention, and I will be glad to have a full expres- sion of your views, being happily fully aware that your wish can in nowise differ from my ownthe success of our cause in the unequal struggle in which we are engaged. Very respectfully and truly, yours, JEFFERSON DAVIS. JACKSON, Miss., June 20, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: I much regret the carelessness of my reply of the 16th to your tele- oram of the 15th. In my dispatch of the 12th to the Secretary of War, t refer to words we have withheld nothing which it was practicable to give in your telegram of May 28, and to the telegram of June 5,* except the last sentence. I consider ~ as including Secretary of War. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., June 25, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Mws.: Telegram from Governor Pettus informs me of conference with you. Commodore [Samuel] Barron will transfer the funds to you, to be applied by you for the purpose indicatedin the defense of Western rivers. You will exercise discretionary power as to manner and objects. JEFFERSON DAVIS. JACWSON, Miss., Via Montgomery, June 28, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: I have received what you directed Commodore Barron to give me, but since learning particulars of the scheme with which he was connected have no hope now of [the purchase of Helena]. The third object seems to me feasible, and agents bave been dispatched. [It is the destruction of transports.] I shall probably not require a tenth part of the money.t J. E. JOHNSTON. From the Secretary of War. The words in brackets are in original diBpatch, but were omitted in copy as 8eflt to the Confederate Congress Page 198 198 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL RICHMOND, VA., June 30, 1863. General JOSEPH E. J OHNSTON~ Jackson, Miss: After full examination of all the correspondence between you and my- self and the War Office, including the dispatches referred to in your telegram of the 20th instant, I am still at a loss to account for your strange error in stating to the Secretary of War that your right to draw re-enforcemeuts from Braggs army had been restricted by the Execu- tive or that your command over the Army of Tennessee had been with- drawn. In compliance with your request, I am engaged in correspondence with General Bragg on the subject of making such new arrangements as shall relieve you hereafter of the command of his department. Your suggestion to extend Braggs command over East Tennessee is likewise the subject of eorresl)ondence, and your recommendation to attempt a movement in Kentucky has been approved, and every effort will be made to carry into effect that as well as any other practicable movement to aid you. JEFFERSON DAVIS. RICHMOND, V A., July 2, 1866. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON: I have this day seut a dispatch to General E. K. Smith and to your care. Please send copies of the dispatch to General Smith by several reliable couriers, going at diff~rent times, so as to insure its speedy de- livery. JEFFERSON DAVIS. HEADQUARTERS CANEY CREEK, MADISON COUNTY, VIA JACKSON, July 4, 1863. His Excellency President DAVIS: Your dispatch of the 2d instant received, but none of it can be deci- phered. Please repeat. J. E. JOHNSTON. CANEY CREEK CAMP, July 5, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: Your dispatch of June 30 received. I considered my assignment to the immediate command in Mississippi as giving me a new position and limiting my authority to this department. The orders of the War De- l)artlnent transferring three separate bodies of troops from General Braggs army to this, two of them without my knowledge and all of them without consulting me, would have convinced me had 1 doubted. These orders of the War Department expressed its judgment of the nunll)er of troops to be transferred from Tennessee. I could no more control this judgment by increasing the number than by forbidding the transfer. I regret very much that an impressioll which seemed to me to be natural should be regarded by you as a strange error. I thank Your Excellency for your approval of the several recommendations you mention. J. E. JOHNSTON Page 199 CK& I. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 199 JACKSON, Miss., July 7, 1863. Hon. JA~s A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: Vicksburg capitulated on the 4th instant. Garrison was paroled and are to be returned to our lines, the officers retaining their side-arms and personal baggage. This intelligence was brought by an officer who left the place on Sunday, the 5th. In consequence, I ani falling back from the Big Black River to Jackson. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, Vi., July 8, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: Your dispatch of 5th instant received. The mistakes it contains will be noticed by letter. Your dispatch of 7th instant, to Secretary of War, an flouncing the disastrous termination of the siege of Vicksburg, received same day. Painfully anxious as to the result, I have remained with- out information from you as to any plans proposed or atteml)ted to raise the siege. Equally uninformed as to your plans in relation to Port Hud- son, I have to request such information in relation thereto as the Gov- eminent has a right to expect from one of its commanding generals in the field. JEFFERSON DAVIS. JACKSON, MISS., July 9, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: Your dispatch of to-day * received. I have never meant to fail in the duty of reporting to the Executive whatever might interest it in my command. [informed the Secretary of War that my force ~ as much too weak to attempt to raise the siege of Vicksburg, and that to attempt to relieve Port Hudson would be to give up Mississippi, as it would in- volve the loss of this point, and that the want of adequate means of transportation kept me inactive until the end of June. 1 then moved toward Vicksburg to attempt to extricate the garrison, but could not devise a plan until after reconnoitering, for which I was too late. With- out General Pembertons co-operation, any attempt must have resulted in disaster. The slowness and difficulty of communication rendered co- operation next to impossible. J. B. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., July 9,1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: If it be true that General Taylor has joined General Gardner and routed Banks, you will endeavor to draw heavy i-e-enforceinents from that army and delay a general engagement until your junction is ef- fected. Thus it is to be hoped the enemy may yet be crushed and the late disaster be repaired. Send by telegraph a list of the general and staff officers who have come out on parole from Vicksburg, so that they may be exchanged imme- Dated Richmond, July 8, 1863 Page 200 20o MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC~ [CHAP. XXXVI. diately. As soon as practicable let the lists of regiments and other or- ganizations be thrwarded for same purpose. General Rains should now fully apply his invention. JEFFERSON DAVJS. JACKSON, MISS., July 9, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: The enemy is advancing in two columns on Jackson: now about 4 miles distant. I shall endeavor to hold the place, as the possession of Mis8issippi depends on it. His force is about double ours. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. JACKSON, Miss., July 10, 1863. His Excellency President DAVIS: Your dispatch of yesterday received. No report of Taylors junction with Gardner has reached me, as it must have done if true, as we have 1,200 cavalry in that vicinity. I have nothing official from Vicksburg. Maj. Jacob Thompson, of General Pembertons staff, gives me the fol- lowing list: Lieutenant-General Pemberton, Major- Generals Steven ~on, Forney, M L. Smith, and Bo wen; Brigadier-Generals Barton, Lee, Cumming, Moore, H6bert, Baldwin, Vaughn, Shoup; Colonels Reynolds, Waul, and Cockrell, commanders of brigades; also Brigadier-General [John V.] Harris, of Mississippi militia. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, MIss., July 11, 1863. The PRESIDENT: Under General Pembertons orders, a liii e of rifle-pits was constructed from the Canton road, at Colonel Withers house, passing a few hundred yards from the railroad depot, and going to the New Orleans Railroad, 1,000 yards south. It is very defectivecannot stand siegebut im- proves a bad position against assault. I thought want of water would compel this; but the enemy has made no~ attempt, but skirmished all day yesterday. Should he not assault we must attack him or leave the place. Prisoners say there are Ords and Shermans corps and three other divisions. Their right is near I~ayinond road; their left on Pearl River, opposite Insane Asylum. Our men are deserting in large num- bers by the fords on Pearl River. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., July 11, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: Dispatch of this day received and remarks on defects of intrenched line noted. Though late to attempt improvement, every effort should be made to strengthen the line of defense, and compel the eneniy to assault. Am deeply distressed at report of desertions. Cannot the Governor aid you to check them by employing citizens as guards at the fords~? Beau- regard and Bragg are both threatened. The former iiow engaged with the enemy. We are entitled to discharge of the l)aroled l)risoners, and the War Department will spare no effort to I)rolnptly secure it. The importance of your position is apparent, and you will not fail to emplo Page 201 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 201 all available means to insure success. I have too little knowledge of your circumstances to be more definite, and hare exhausted my power to aid you. JEFFERSON DAVIS. JACKSON, Miss., Jul)! 12, 1863. His Excellency President DAvis: Your dispatch of 11th received. A heavy cannonade this morning for two hours from batteries east of the Canton and south of the Clinton road. The enemys rifles reached all parts of the town, showing the weakness of the position and untenableness against a powerful artillery. Br~ckinridge~s front, south of the town, was assaulted this morning, but not vigol ously. A party of skirmishers of the First, Third, and Fourth Florida, Forty.seventh Georgia, and Cobbs battery took the enemys flank, and captured 200 prisoners and colors of the Twenty-eighth, Forty-first, and Fifty-third Illinois Regiments. Heavy skirmishing all day yesterday. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, Miss., July 12, 1863. (Received Richmond, Va., July 13.) His Excellency President DAvIs: I have just learned from Colonel [John L.] Logan that Port Hudson capitulated at 6 a. m. on the 9th instant. Terms not given. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., July 13, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jack8on, Miss.: Nothing from you since Saturday. What is the state of affairs~ JEFFERSON DAVIS. JACKSON, Miss., July 13, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: Your dispatch of 11th received. The Governor cannot help us. Under our joint call, but 176 men have 1~een obtained. I think Grant will keep the Vicksburg prisoners until operations here are ended. He may be strongly re-enforced from Port Hudson. If the position and works were not bad, want of stores (which could not be collected) would make it im- possible to stand siege. If the enemy will not attack, we must, or at the last moment withdraw. We cannot attack seriously without risking the army; but it is difficult to yield this vital point without a struggle. On afternoon of 11th, the enemy extended his right to Pearl River. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, MIss., July 13, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: Colonel [C. A.I Fuller hasjust arrived from Vicksburg. The Federals issued 31,000 rations to the garrison after the siege. There were 18,000 men fit for duty in the trenches the day of the surrender. About 6,000 sick and wounded in hospitals. Losses killed and wounded during th Page 202 202 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CILAJ~ XXXVL siege supposed to be 2,500. General Green the only general officer killed. The garrison left Vicksburg on the 11th, and will reach a point 10 miles east of Brandon on Wednesday, the 15th. Colonel Fuller thinks the troops are much demoralized, and a large proportion of the men will straggle. The cause is their objection to going to a paroled camp. They ask a furlough of thirty days, which General Pemberton recom- mends. Subsisting these men will be attended with serious difficulties. J. E. JOHNSTUN. RICHMOND, Vi., July 14, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: Your dispatch of yesterday received. If lists of the paroled prisoners, as heretofore directed, be promptly furnished, there will be no need to detain the men in a paroled camp, as we shall insist on immediate dis- charge, and give to them an opportunity again to serve their country. JEFFERSON DAVIS. JLCKSON, Miss., July 14, 1863. (Received Richmond, Va., July 15.) His Excellency President DAVIS: We learn from Yicksburg that a large force lately left that place to turn us on the north. This will compel us to abandon Jackson. The troops before us have been intrenching and erecting batteries since their arrival. J. E. JOHNSTON. EXECUTIVE OFFICE, Richmond, July 15, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, C. S. Army: GENERAL: [I. *] Your dispatch of the 5th instant, stating that you considered your assignment to the immediate command in Missis- sippi as giving you a new position, and as limiting your authority, being a repetition of a statement which you were informed was a grave error, and being persisted in after your failure to point out, when re- quested, the letter or dispatch justifying you in such a conclusion, ren- dered it necessary, as you were informed in my dispatch of 8th instant, that I should make a more extended reply than could be given in a tel- egram. That there may be no possible room for further mistake in this matter,Jam compelled to recapitulate the substance of all orders and instructions given to you so far as they bear on this question. [II.] On the 24th November last you were assigned, by Special Orders, 24th November, 1~2 No. 275, to a defined geographical command. The descrip- tion included a portion of Western North Carolina and Northern Georgia, the States of Tennessee, Alabama, and Missis- sippi, and that part of the State of Louisiana east of the Mississippi River. The order concluded in the following language: General Johnston will, for the purpose of correspondence and reports, establish his headquarters at Chattanooga, or such other place as in his jndgmeut will best secure communication with the troops within the limits of his command, and will repair in person to any part of said command whenever his presence may for the time be nec - essary or desirable. The paragraphs were numbered by General Johnston Page 203 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 203 [III.] This command by its terms embraced the armies under com- mand of General Bragg in Tennessee, of General Pemberton at Vicks- burg, as well as those at Port Hudson, Mobile, and the forces in East Tennessee. [IV.] This general order has never been changed nor modified so as to affect your command in a single particular, nor has your control over it been interfered with. I have, as commander-in-chief; given you some orders, which will be hereafter noticed; not one of them, however, in- dicating in any manner that the general control confided to you was re- stricted or impaired. [V.] You exercised this command by visiting in person the armies at M urfreesborough, Vicksb urg, Mobile, and elsewhere, and on the 22d January I wrote you, directing that you should repair in person to the army at Tullahoma, on account of a reported want of harmony and con- fidence between General Bragg and his officers and troops. This letter closed with the following passage: As that army is part of your command, no order will be necessary to give you author- ity there, as, whether present or absent, you have a right to direct its operations and do whatever else belongs to the general commanding. fld JAflUftWJ~ 1663- [VI.] Language cannot be plainer than this; and although the differ- ent armies in your geographical district were ordered to report directly to Richmond as well as to yourself, this was done solely to avoid the evil that would result from reporting through you when your headquarters might be, and it was expected frequently would be, so located as to create delays injurious to the public interest. [VII.] While at Tullahoma you did not hesitate to order troops from General Pembertons army; and, learning that you had ordered the division of cavalry from Northern Mississippi to Tennessee, I telegraphed you that this order left Mississippi exposed to cavalry raids without means of checking them. You did not change your orders, and although I thought them injudicious, I refrained from exercising my authority in deference to your views. [VIII.] When I learned that prejudice and malignity had so under- mined the confidence of the troops at Vicksburg in their commander as to threaten disaster, I deemed the circumstances such as to present the case foreseen in Special Orders, No. 275, that you should repair in person to any part of said command whenever your presence may for the time be necessary or desirable. - [IX.] You were therefore ordered on 9th May to proceed at once to Mississippi and take chief command of the forces, ~ ~ 1863 giving to those in the field as far as practicable the encouragement and benefit of your personal direction. [X.J Some details were added about re-enforcements, but not a word affecting iii the remotest degree your authority to command your geo gi-aphical district. [XI.] On the 4th June you telegraphed to the Secretary of War, in response to his inquiry, saying: 4th Juae, 1863. My only plan is to relieve Vicksburg. My force is far too small for the purpose. Tell me if you can increase it and how much. [XII.] To which he answered on the 5th: 5th Jane, 1863 I regret inability to promise more Iroops, as we have drained resources even to the danger of several points. You know best concerning General Braggs army, but I fear to withdraw more. We are too far outnumbered in Virginia to spare any, & c. [XIII.] This dispatch shows that up to the 5th June, the War Offic Page 204 204 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. had no knowledge of any impression on your part that you had ceased to control Braggs army, but, on the contrary, you were clearly informed that you were considered the proper person to withdraw troops from it, if you deemed it judicious. 8th June, [XIV.] On the 8th Jnne the Secretary was more explicit, if possible. He said: Do you advise more re-enforcements from General Bragg? You, as commandant of the department, have power so to order, if you, in view of the whole case, so dele~- mine. [XV.] On the 10th June you answered that it was for the Govern- ment to determine what department could furnish the re-enforcements; that you could not know how General Braggs wants compared with yours, and that the Government could make the comparison. [XVI.] Your statement that the Government in Richmond was bet tel able to judge of the relative necessities of the armies under your com- mand than you were, and the further statement that you could not know how General Braggs wants compared with yours, were considered extraordinary, but as they were accompanied by the remark that t he Secretarys dispatch had been imperfectly deciphered, no observation was made on them till the receipt of your telegram to the Secretary, of the 12th instant, stating: I have not considered myself commanding in Tennessee since assignment here, and 12th June, 8863. should not have felt anthorized to take troops from that department after having been informed by the Executive that no more could be spared. [XVII.] My surprise at these two statements was extreme. You had never been assigned to the Mississippi command. You went there under the circumstances and orders already quoted, and no justi- fication whatever is perceived for your abandonment of your duties as commanding general of the geographical district to which you were assigned. Orders as explicit as those under which you were sent to the west, and under which you continued to act up to the 9th May, when you were directed to repair in person to Mississippi, can only be im- paired or set aside by subsequent orders equally explicit, and your an- nouncement that you had ceased to consider yourself charged wih the control of affairs in Tennessee because ordered to repair in person to Mississippi, both places being within the command to which you were assigned, was too grave to be overlooked, and, when to this was added the assertion that you should not have felt authorized to draw troops trom that department (Tennessee) after being informed by the Execu- tive that no more could be spared,~~ I was unable to account for your language, being entirely confident that I had never given you any such information. [XVIII.] I shall now proceed to separate your two statements, and begin with that which relates to your not considering yourself coin- manding in Tennessee since assignment here, i. e., in Mississippi. 85th June, ~. [XIX.] When you received my telegram of 15th June, in- forming you that the order to go to Mississippi did not diminish your authority in Tennessee, both being in the country placed under your command in original assignment, accompanied by an in- 86th June, ~. quiry about the information said to have been derived from me restricting your authority to transfer troops, your answer on the 16th June was: I meant to tell the Secretary of War that I considered the order directing me to com- mand here as limiting my authority to this department, especially when that order was accompanied by War Department orders transi troops from Tennessee to Mississippi. errin Page 205 CHAP. XXXVL] GENERAL REPORTS. [XX.] This is in substance arepetition of the previous statement, with- out any reason being given for it. The factof orders being sent to you to transfer some of the troops in your department from one point to another to which you were proceeding in person could give no possible ground for your considering that Special Orders, No. 275, was rescinded or modified. Your command of your geographical district did not make you independent of my orders as your superior officer, and whenyou were directed by me to take troops with you to Mississippi, your control over the district to which you were assigned was in no way involved but the statement that troops were transferred from Tennessee to Missis- sippi by order of the War Department when you were directed to re- pair to the latter State gives but half the fact, for although you were ordered to take with you 3,000 good troops, you were told to replace them by a greater number then on their way to Mississippi, and whom you were requested to divert to Tennessee, the purpose being to hasten re-enforcements to Pemberton without weakening Bragg. This was in deference to your own opinion that Bragg could not be safely weakened; nay, that he ought even to be re-enforced at Pembertons expense; for you had just ordered troops from Pembertons command to re-enforce Bragg. I differed in opinion from you, and thought Vicksburg far more exposed to danger than Bragg, and was urging forward re-enforcements to that point both from Carolina and Virginia before you were directed to assume command in person in Mississippi. [XXI.] I find nothing, then, either in your dispatch of 16th June or in any subsequent communication from you, giving a justification for your saying that you had not considered yourself commanding in Tennessee since assignment here (i. e., in Mississippi). Your dispatch of the 5th instant is again a substantial repetition of the same state- ment without a word of reason to justify it. You say, I considered my assignment to the immediate command in Mississippi as giving me a new position and limiting my authority to this department. I have characterized this as a grave error, and in view of all the facts, cannot otherwise regard it. I must add that a review of your correspondence shows a constant desire on your part, beginning early in January, that I should change the order placing Tennessee and Mississippi in one command under your direction, and a constant indication on my part whenever I wrote on the subject that in my judgment the public serV- ice required that the two armies should be subject to your control. [XXII.] I now proceed to your second statement in your telegram of l2th* June, that you should not have felt authorized to take troops from that department (Tennessee) after having been informed by the Executive that no more could be spared. [XXIII.] To my inquiry for the basis of this statement, you answered on the 16th by what was in substance a reiteratiou of it. [XXIV.] I again requested on the 17th that you should refer by date to any such communication as that alleged by you. [XX V.] You answered on 20th June, apologized for carelessness in your first reply, and referred me to a passage from my telegram to you on the 28th May and to one from the Secretary of War of 5th June, and then informed me that you considered ~ as including Secretary of War. [XXVL] Your telegram of 12th June was addressed to the Secre- tary of War in the second person. It begins, Your dispatch, and then speaks of the Executive in the third person, and on reading it, it To Secretary of War. 20 Page 206 206 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAL. XXX VI. was not supposed that the word Executive referred to any one but myself; but, of course, in a matter like this, your own explanation of your meaning is conclusive. [XXVII.] The telegram of the Secretary of War of 5th June, followed by that of 8th June, conveyed unmistakably the very reverse of the meaning you attributed to them, and your reterence to them as support- ing your position is unintelligible. I revert, therefore, to my telegram of 28th May. That telegram was in answer to one from you in which you stated that, on the arrival of certain re-enforcements then on the way, you would have about 23,000; that Pemberton could be saved only by beating Grant, and you added: Unless you can promise more troops, we must try with that number. The odds against us will be very great. Can you add 7,000? My reply was: The re-enforcements sent to you exceed by, say, 7,000 the estimate of your dispatch of 27th instant. We have withheld nothing which it was practicable to give you. We cannot hope for numerical equality, and time will probably increase the disparity. [XXVIII.] It is on this language that you rely to support a state- ment that 1 informed you no more troops could be spared from Ten- nessee, and as restricting your right to draw troops from that depart- ment. It bears no such construction. The re-enforcements sent to you (with an exception presently to be noticed) were from points outside of your department. You had, in telegrams of 1st, 2d ,* 7th May, and others, made repeated applications to have troops withdrawn from other departments to your aid. You were informed that we would give all the aid we possibly could. Of your right to order any change made in the distribution of troops in your own district no doubt had ever been suggested by yourself nor could occur to your superiors here, for they had given you the authority. [XXIX.] The re-enforcements which went with you from Tennessee were (as already explained, and as was communicated to you at the time) a mere exchange for other troops sent from Virginia. [XXX.] The troops subsequently sent to you from Bragg were for- warded by him under the following dispatch from me of 22d May: The vital issue of holding the Mississippi at Vicksburg is dependent on the success of General Johnston in an attack on the investing force. The intelligence from there is discouraging. Can you aid him? If so, and you are without order8 from General Johnston, act on your judgment. [XXXI.] The words that I now underscore suffice to show how thor- oughly your right of command of the troops in Tennessee was recog nized. I knew from your own orders that you thought it more advisa- ble to draw troops from Mississippi to re-enforce Bragg than to send troops from the latter to Pemberton, and one of the reasons which in - duced the instruction to you to proceed to Mississippi was the corivic- tion that your views on this point would be changed on arrival in Mis- - sissippi. Still, although convinced myself that troops might be spared from Bragg~s army without very great danger, and that Vicksburg was, on the contrary, in immediate peril, I was unwilling to overrule your judgment of the distribution of your troops while you were on the spot, and therefore simply left to General Bragg the l)OWC~ to aid youi if he could and if you had not given contrary orders. [XXXII.] The cavalry sent you from Tennessee was sent on a similar dispatch from the Secretary of War to General Bragg, informing him Dated May 1; reqeived May 2,1863 Page 207 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 207 of your earnest appeal for cavalry, and asking him if he could spare any. Your request was for a regiment of cavalry to be sent to you from Georgia. My dispatch of 18th May pointed out to you the delay which a compliance would involve, and suggested that cavalry could be drawn from another part of your department, as had been previously indi- cated. [XXXIII.] In no manner, by no act, by no language either of myself or of the Secretary of War, has your authority to draw troops from one portion of your department to another been withdrawn, restricted, or modified. [XXXIV.] Now that Vicksburg has disastrously fallen, this subject would present no pressing demand for attention, and its examination would have been postponed to a future period had not your dispatch of the 5th instant,with its persistent repetition of statements which I had informed you were erroneous, and without adducing a single fact to sustain them, induced me to terminate the matter at once by a review of all the facts. The original mistakes in your telegram of 12th June would gladly have been overlooked as accidental if acknowledged when pointed out. The perseverance with which they have been insisted on has not permitted me to pass thenY by as mere oversights, or, by refrain- ing from an answer, to seem to admit the justice of the statements. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JEFFERSON DAVIS. JACKSON, Miss., July 15, 1863. President DAVIS: The enemy will not attack, but has intrenched; is evidently making a siege which we cannot resist. It would be madness to attack him. In the beginning it might have been done, but I thought then that want of water would compel him to attack us. It is reported by some of its offi- ceis who were here yesterday and by some gentlemen of Brandon that the Vicksburg garrison is diminishingly rapidly. Incessant but slight cannonading kept up. Our loss in killed and wounded about 350. The remainder of the army under Grant at Vicksburg is beyond doubt on its way to this place. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, Miss., July 16, 1863. His Excellency President DAVIS: The enemy being strongly re.enforced, and able when he pleases to cut us off, I shall abandon this place, which it is impossible for us to hold. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, Miss., July 16, 1863. His Excellency President DAVIs: Your dispatch of yesterday * received. Lieutenant-General Pember. ton has been instructed to send an officer to Richmond with lists of paroled prisoners. Reports indicate that few of them will re.enter the service very soon, as they are rapidly dispersing. Little firing yester. day; none this morning. I sent a body of cavalry to the enemy~s rear afternoon of 14th, but have not heard from it. J. E. JOHNSTON. Dated Richmond, July 14, 1863. See p. 202 Page 208 [CHip. XXXVI. 208 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. BRANDON, Miss., July 17, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: Jackson was abandoned last night. The troops are now moving through this place to encamp 3 miles to the east. Those officers who have seen the Vicksburg troops think that they cannot be kept together. General Pemberton thinks the best policy is to furlough them by regi- ments. J. E. JOll~STON. RICHMOND, VA., July 18, :863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Brandon, Miss.: Your dispatch of yesterday received, informing me of your retreat from Jackson toward the east. I desire to know your ulterior purpose. The enemy may not pursue, but move up the Central road, lay waste the rich country toward Tennessee, and co-operate afterward with Rose- crans. Another column, Eastern Louisiana being abandoned, may be sent from New Orleans to attack Mobile on the land side. The recommendation to furlough the paroled troops from Vicksbarg offers a hard alternative nuder the pressure of our present condition. JEFFERSON DAVIS. JULY 19, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: Your dispatch of yesterday cannot be deciphered. My purpose is to hold as much of the country as I cai, and to retire farther only when compelled to do so. Should the enemy cross Pearl River, I will oppose his advance, and, unless you forbid it, order General Bragg to join itie to give battle. Prisoners all say that Mobile is to be attacked. I will re-enforce the garrison if necessary, not expecting Sherman to move through Mississippi at present. He must repair railroads first, and our cavalry can break them behind him. In the mean time I will try to re8tore discipline. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., July 21, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Near Morton, Miss.: Return to me the cipher dispatch of 18th, to enable me to learn why my cipher dispatches to you are illegible. JEFFERSON DAVIS. CAMP NEAR MORTON, MISS., Jul.y 22, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: As it is of the highest importance that you should have the best intel ligence of the condition of military affairs in Mississippi, I have desired Brigadier-General [W. S.] Featherston to go to Richmond to give you information, which he, an eminent Mississippian and distinguished sol- dier, can communicate better than any other officer of this army. In selecting General Featherston for this service. I have been influenced as much by my belief of your high opinion of him as by my own. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON, Qeneral Page 209 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 209 MORTON, Miss., July 23 [22 1], 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: Two (livisiOnS of the enemy drove our cavalry through Brandon and returned to Jackson next day. Scouts report railroad bridges destroyed by them. Prisoners say that they will attack Mobile next. A paroled prisoner reports to Col. Wirt Adam~s that a garrison of one corps was left in Jackson, the rest going to Yicksburg. Large quantities of artil lery ammunition are being sent from Yicksburg. Said in the army that they are to move via Memphis and Mobile and Ohio road. Deser- tions continue, especially of Mississippians. I shall visit Mobile in a day or two, Lieutenant-General Hardee being here. J. E. JOHNSTON. NJ~AR MORTON, Miss., July 24, 1863. His Excellency the PRESIDENT: Brigadier-General [G. B.] Cosby reports that the enemys rear guard left Jackson yesterday, [moving] toward Yicksburg, and that Col. Tom [II.] Taylor met General Sherman at Edwards Depot, and was told by him that his troops would not stay a day in Yicksburg, but instantly move up the river. Does this indicate re-enforcing Meade ~ A deserter said yesterday that these troops expect to go to Richmond. J. E. JOHNSTON. * MORTON, Miss., August 8, 1863. Mr. PRESIDENT: I. Your letter of July 15 was handed to me in Mo- bile on the 28th by Colonel [Frank] Schaller. The want of papers to which it was necessary to refer has prevented me from replying sooner. II. I respectfully ask Your Excellency to reconsider the several alle- gations of your letter, and especially to consider whether my misappre- hension of the order sending me to Mississippi (my having regarded my assignment to the immediate command in that department as giving me a new position and limiting my authority, an opinion which had no practical results, which affected in no way the exercise of my military hinctions, and which had been removed before you noticed it) was a serions military offense. It affected my military course in no way, be- cause, while commanding on the spot in Mississippi, I could not direct General Braggs operations in Tennessee, and because I felt that the question of ordering more troops from Braggone of great magnitude, involving at least the temporary loss of Tennessee or Mississippiought to be decided by the Government and not by me. This opinion was cx- pressed in my dispatch to the Secretary of War of June 12, in these words: To take from Bragg a force which would make this army fit to oppose Grant, would involve yielding Tennessee. It is for the Government to decide between this State and Tennessee. The idea was thus repeated on the 15th: Nor is it for me to judge which it is best to holdMississippi or Tennessee; that is for the Government to determine. Without some great blunder by the enemy we cannot hold both. 14 R RYOL XXIV, PT I * This letter not transmitted by President Davis (see his message to House of Rep. resentatives, ~. 189), but transmitted by Secretary of War, June 11, 1864 (see p. 237) Page 210 210 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Had I received a copy of your orders of May 22, directing General Bragg to send troops from his army to Mississippi, my error would have been corrected then, but it was not sent to me, and I have its evidence for the first time in your letter. The dispatch of the Secretary of War, June 8, received on the 10th, removed my misapprehension. III. Jn regard to the repetition and persistence which yon iml)ute to me in the first sentence of your letter, I cannot feel that my three brief telegrams, dictated by the respect due from me to yon, deserved to be so characterized; th.e first and second being replies to direct questions in yours of the 15th and 17th, and the third, in reply to yours of June 30, an attempt to say more clearly what had been carelessly expressed in the first. They are so brief as to require scarcely more than a minute for reading, and are respectful in thonght and language. You subse- quently characterized my misunderstanding the order sending me to Mississippi as a grave error. This error of mine, which was removed by the dispatch from the War Department dated June 8, and which had no effect on my military course, does not seem to me, I must con- fess, a grave one. IV. In the seventh paragraph of your letter you write: While at Tullahoma you did not hesitate to order troops from General Pembertons army; and, learning that you had ordered the division of cavalry front Northern Mississippi to Tennessee, I telegraphed you that this order left Mississippi exposed to cavalry raids without means of checking them. You did not change your orders, & c. The only order I gave sending cavalry from Mississippi to Tennessee was early in January, when I was at Jackson, not Tullahoma. I can find hut one telegram received from you on the subject. It is dated April 30, and in these words: General Pemberton telegraphs that unless he has more cavalry the approaches to Northern Mississippi are almost unprotected, and that he cannot prevent the cavalry raids. My reply is of the same date: About 3,000 of General Braggs cavalry beyond the Tennessee are employing about 12,000 Federal troops from Mississippi. General Pemherton hais been so informed twice. The main body of the cavalry of Mississippi was near Grenada in January, unorgallize(l and unem~)1OyCd, and from the condition of the country it was snl)posed by the officers and intelligent citizens whom I consulted, including the Governor, that it would be useless in the State until late in the spring. Grant had fallen back toward Memphis, and Sherman and McClernand had beemi repulsed at Vicksburg, but Braggs army had been terribly reduced by the engagements near Murfreesbor- ough. I therefore directed Major-General Van Dorn to form about two- thirds of the cavalry near Grenada into a division and to join Gemmeral Bragg with it. These troops were transferred from a country in which they could not operate and a department not threatened, and in which the enemy had just been repulsed, to one in which they were greatly needed, where we had just suffered a reverse afl(l were iii danger of another. These troops and their gallant leadem rendered very important services in Tennessee. They had several engagements with the enemy to the advantage and honor of oui arms. Without them we could not have held the country which till the latter part of June furnished food for Braggs army. More than two weeks before Your Excellency~s dispatch of April 30, a brigade of cavalry was sent across the Tennessee to aid in the protection of Mississippi, and reports of large re-enforcemnents to the garrison of Corinth being receiv~d, Brigadier-General Forrest was sen Page 211 ChAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 211 with another on April 23. These two brigades constituted the force re- ferred to in my dispatch of April 30. As soon as the falling back of the Federal Army made it practicable, Colonel [P. D.] Roddey was trans- ferred to Mississippi with about two-thirds of the joint force. In Paragraph XII you quote the dispatch of the War Department to me of June 5 as follows: I regret inability to promise more troops, as we have drained resources even to the danger of several poiuts. You know best concerning General Braggs army, but I fear to withdraw more. We are too far outnumbered in Virginia to spare any, & c. The dispatch sent to me reads thus: I regret inability to promise more troops. Drained resources to the danger of several points. You know best concerning General Braggs army, but I fear to withdraw more. We are too far outnumbered in it to spare any. You must rely on what you have and the irregular forces Mississippi can afford, & c. This is one of the dispatches which gave me the impression that the Executive wished no more troops withdrawn from Tennessee. V. I did not draw from that telegram the inference which you express in the next paragraph, hut understood the words, You know best con- cerning General Braggs army, to refer to the acquaintance with mili- tary affairs in Middle Tennessee which I might be supposed t~ have acquired. VI. In Paragraph XVII Your Excellency charges me with the aban- donment of my duties as commanding general of a geographical district. I respectfully deny the commission of such a military crime. During the month ending June 10, in which 1 believed myself commanding only the Department of Mississippi. it was not possible for me to direct opera- tions in Tennessee also. It is true that I might have drawn troops from it to Mississippi, but my opinion on that subject was expressed to the War Department in my dispatches of June 12 and 15, as follows: To take from Bragg a force which would make this army fit to oppose Grant, would involve yielding Tennessee. It is for the Government to decide between this State and Tennessee. Nor is it for me to judge which it is best to holdMississippi or Ten- nessee; that is for the Government to determine. Without some great blunder by the enemy we cannot hold both. In Paragraph XX you write: This was in deference to your own opinion that Bragg could not be safely weakened; nay, that he ought even to be re-enforced at Pembertons expense; for you had just ordered troops from Pembertons command to re-enforce Bragg. The time alluded to seems to be May 9, as your reference is to the order of that date. The United States Army had then crossed the Mis- sissippi and defeated a large detachment of ours. To have ordered troops from Peinbertons command to re-enforce Bragg at that time would have been evidence of the grossest incapacity. Your Excellency will therefore pardon me, I am sure, for denying the existence of such evidence. I have ordered troops from Mississippi to Tennessee but twice. On both occasions the condition of affairs was very dift~rent from that existing at the time referred to. The first order was that given to the cavalry early in January. It was explained in Paragraph lY. The second was given about April 13, when Lieutenant-Geiieral Pemberton informed me that Grant had abandoned operations against Vicksburg and was moving his army np the riverhe supposed to join Ilosecrans. He had no enemy before him. Vicksburg was no longer threatened. Bragg, on the other hand, could not fully cover the conatry which fed his troops. I therefore directed a force equal to that sent from Bragg to Pemberton in December last, under your instructions, to be sent fro Page 212 212 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI Mississippi to Tennessee, intending, should Lieutenant-General Pem- bertons surmise prove correct, to continue to draw troops from his army. But in a few days Lieutenant-General Pemberton reported the United States Army returning, and the troops on the way to Bragg (none of which had arrived) were ordered back. This was about April 19, when the Federal Army was on the MisSisNil)pi in transl)orts, or on the west side of the river, and Pembertons condition f~r less unfavorable than it was at the time to which you refer, when the enemy had crossed the river and driven back his advanced troops. In Paragraph XXXI, in explaining your orders to General Bragg of May 22, you say: I knew from your own orders that you thought it more advisable to draw troops from Mississippi to re-enforce Bragg thaa to bead troops from the latter to Pemberton. I have transferred but two bodies of troops from Mississippi to Ten- nesseethe first a division of cavalry, the other a division of infantry; the first in January, when MeClernand and Sherman had abandoned their siege of Yicksburg and Bragg had not begun to recover from the effects of the battle of Murfreesborough ; the second on April 13, when Grants army had abandoned Vicksbnrg. I respectfully submit to Your Excellency that these orders do not prove that at a subsequent period when the relative condition of the two armies was entirely changed, when Pemberton was most threatened, a powerful army having forced the passage of the Mississippi and beaten back his advanced troops I thought it more advisable to draw troops from Mississippi to re-en- force Bragg than to send troops from the latter to Pemberton. But my sending back the division of infantry, employing a division of Braggs cavalry to aid Pemberton in April, transferring a large brigade of cav- alry into Mississippi on May 5, an(l a~)l)lying for re-enforcements for Pemberton on the 7th, suggesiing that the withdrawal of Fosters troops might enable Beauregard to furnish them, prove the contrary. In Paragraph XXl Your Excellency refets to the constant (lesire shown in my correspondence, beginning early in January, that you should change the order placing Tennessee and Mississippi in one com- mand under my direction. That (lesire was founded on the belief that the arrangement was not in accor(lance with military principles, which require that every army should have its own general, and especially that two armies far apart, having different objects and opposed to enemies having different objects, should not be under one general. I thought these armies too far al)art to re-enforce each other on emergencies. Ex- perience has confirmed that opinion. I thought, however, the troops in Arkansas should co-operate with those of Lieutenant-General Pember- ton, for both had the same great objectthe (lefense of the Mississippi Valleyand both were opposed to troops having one objectthe pos- session of the Mississippiand the main force of these troops was operating on this side of the river. Permit me to say that, after careful consideration, I can find nothing in my three brief telegrams which seems to me to call foi- the animadver- sions in your last paragraph. They were written in answer to dispatches of yours; referred to an oI)iuion of mine which had been corrected before your attention was called to it, and had no other object, besides the duty of repiyin~ to your dispatches, than to I)revent your suppos- ing that the opinion concerning which you questioned me was entirely unfounded; but whether well founded or unh)nnded, that opinion was a thing of the past when first brought to your notice, and therefore I cannot feel that the having once entertained it is a military offense, o Page 213 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 213 that the manner in which I attempted to extenuate ray misapprehension of the honorable Secretarys telegram of May 9 makes we obnoxious to the imputations of your letter, especially those of the concluding par- agraph. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. II JOHNSTON. P. S.This letter was prepared at the time of its date, to be trans- mitted by an officer then going to Richmond. I have just discovered that he did not take it. [Inclosure.] CORRESPONDENCE OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR WITH GENERAL J. F. JOHNSTON AND THE ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL. WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., January 8, 1861 The PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES: SIR: I have the honor to transmit copies of the orders given to, and correspondence with, General .Joseph E. Johnston during the mouths of May, June, and Jn]y, 1863, concerniry his command and time operations in his department, by this Department, as calle~l for by a resolution of the ilonse of Representatives adopted on December 11 last. Copies of the order assigning General Johnston to comman(l an(l of those comisti- tuting General Braggs a seI)arate department (with the accompanying correspondence) are also sent in further elucidation of the subject. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J A. SEDDON, Secretary of ~Tar [Sub-Inclosures.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFIcE, No. 275. Richmond, Va., 9Morcmber 24. 1862. * * * * * * * III. General J. E. Johnston, C. S. Army, is hereby assigne(l to the following geographical com uumand, to wit : Coummneimein g with the Blue Ridge range of mountains running through the western l)alt of North Carolina, an(l following the line of said mountains through the nouthermi part of Georgia to the railroad south from Chat tammooga; thence by tlmat road to West Point, and dowim the west or right bank of the Cimatta- hoochee Iliver to the boundary of Alabama aIl(I Florida, followiiug that boundary west to the Choctawhatchee River, and down that river to Choctawhatchee Bay (including the waters of that bay) to the Gulf of Mexico. All that portion of coummtiy west of sai(l limme to the Missis- sippi River is included in the above coammuand. General Johnston will, for the purpose of correspondence ammd reports, establish his headquar- ters at Chattanooga, om such other j)lace as in Imis judgment will best secure facilities for ready comumunicatioum with the trool)s within time limits of his command, and will repair in j~erson to any part of sai(l com- mand whenever his presence may for the time be necessary or desirable. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistc~nt A d jutant- General. * DupliCates of dispatches tIausuhitte(i al~ady l)rinted, pp. 1S921~2, omitted Page 214 214 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. General S. COOPER, TULLAHOMA, TENN., May 1, 1863. Adjutant and Inspector General: General Pemberton reports from Vicksburg today a furious battle has been going on since daylight. General Bowen, commanding, says he is outnumbered terribly. He has about 8,000. Enemys army ca ii cross at Bruinsburg, below Bayou Pierre. Lieutenant-Colonel [C. B.] Barteau, at Allatoona, telegraphs to him 3,000 enemy crossed Talla- hatchee at New Albany yesterday. General Pemberton calls for heavy re-enforcetnents. They cannot be sent without giving up Tennessee. Can one or two brigades be sent from the east? J. E. JOHNSTON, General. TULLAHOMA, TENN., May 1, 1863. General S. COOPER: Reports of our scouts in Kentucky indicate invasion of East Ten- nessee by a strong force under Burnside. Cannot onr troops there be re-enforced from Western Virginia or elsewhere? J. E. JOHNSTON, General. [Indorsement.] MAY 2, 1863. Telegraph this to General Sam. Jones. Add that if in his power to render the aid, he will do so. He must exercise his judgment in view of the circumstances of the situation and his own forces. J. A. SEDDON, & eretary of War. TULLAHOMA, TENN., May 7, 1863. General S. COOPER: Both General Pemberton and General Maury ask for re-enforcements, and need them greatly. It is reported that General [John G.] Fosters troops have left S4uth Carolina. Cannot General Beauregard and Major-General r~ J. E. JOHNSTON, General. TULLAHOMA, TENN., May 7, 1863. General S. COOPER: I have just received the painful intelligence of the death of the dis- tinguished Major-General Van Dorn, which occurred this morning at Spring Hill. J. E. JOHNSTON Page 215 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 215 TULLAHOMA, TENN., May 9, 1863. General S. COOPER: I earnestly recommend to the War Department that General Braggs command be extended over East Tennessee. It is of great importance. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., May 9, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Tniialioma~, Tenn.: Proceed at once to Mississippi and take chief command of the forces, giving to those in the held, as Iar as practicable, the encouragement and benetit of your personal direction. Arrange to take for temporary serv- ice with von, or to be followed without delay, 3,000 good troops, who will be substituted in General Braggs army by a large number of prisoners recently returned from the Arkansas Post cal)ture, and reorganized, now on their way to General Pemberton. Stop them at the l)Oint most coii- venient to join General Bragg. You will find re enforcements from General Beauregard to General Pemberton, and niore may be expected. Acknowledge receipt. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. TULLAHOMA, TENN., May 9, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: Your dispatch of this umorning received. I shall go immediately, although unfit for field service. J. E. JOHNSTON. WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., ]Jiay 12, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Mis& : In addition to the 5,000 men originally ordered from Cliarlestonq about 4,000 more will follow. I fear more cannot be spared to you. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. JACKSON, MISS., May 13, 1863. JAMES A. SEDDON: I arrived this evening, finding the enemys force between this place and General Pemberton, cutting off the communication. I am too late. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. CALHOUN STATION, SEVEN MILES SOUTH OF CANTON, May 16, 18637.30 a. m. 1-lou. JAMES A. SEDDON, Richmond, Va.: SIR: I reported to you by telegraph that I learned, on arriving in Jackson on the evening of the 13th, that a Federal army had just place Page 216 216 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL itself at Clinton, on the railroad to Vicksburg, 10 miles from Jackson. The brigades of [John] Gregg and [W. H. T.] Walker had engaged this force the day before near Raymond, and arrived in Jackson as I did. Brigadier-General Gregg estimates the force which he met, and a part of which he encountered, at 25,000. On the following morning it was reported that a large body of Fed- eral troops had encamped at Raymond the night before, and about 9 oclock the pickets on the roads from Clinton and Raymond reported the enemy approaching and about 4 miles distant. The opposition of our troops delayed the enemy sufficiently to enable the baggage to be withdrawn, and about 1.30 oclock the troops followed; encamping that night 6~ miles from Jackson, and yesterday here, 10~ miles farther. A dispatch from Lieutenant-General Pemberton, received yesterday, informed me that he would march on the 15th from Edwards Station to a point 7~ miles west of Raymond. On leaving Jackson I was compelled to send orders to the troops coming from .the east to halt. I have given orders to provide them with field transportation, that they may join me to unite with General Pem- berton, but wagons and horses must be brought from a distance. The force with me is about 6,000. General [S. li.] Gist, commanding the halted eastern troops, reported them yesterday morning at 1,500. I have no information from General Pemberton except of his move to Dillons with 17,OOO men. I learned at Jackson that a brigade holds Port Hudson. I have no information of the enemys force except that written above. My object is to unite all the troops. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON. (Indorsement.] Read and returned to the Secretary of War. Do not perceive why a junction was not attempted, which would have made our force nearly equal in number to the estimated strength of the enemy, and might have resulted in his total defeat under circumstances which rendered retreat or re-enforcement to him scarcely practicable. J. D. [JEFFERSON DAVIS.] CALHoUN STATION, MISS., May 17, 1863. General S. COOPER: I am just moving west to endeavor to join General Pemberton. Brig. adier-General [John] Adams has reason to think that his appointment was not confirmed. I hope the apprehension is groundless. He is very valuable. Please inform me. J. E. JOHNSTON. CAMP, BETWEEN LIVINGSTON AND BROWNSVILLE, May 18, 1863. General S. COOPER, Richmond, Va.: I inclose herewith a copy of a letter received last night from Lieuten- ant-General Pemberton. I have just telegraphed to you the informa- tion it contains, and added that a Mr. Shelton, of this neighborhood Page 217 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 217 who says that he left General Pembertons headquarters yesterday, wrote to me last night that our troops had fallen back to Vicksburg. A gen- tleman who said that he was just from Bovina was here at 10.30 last night and made the same statement. I was preparipg to join General Pemberton personally when this information came. It is now imprac- ticable and would be useless. I shall endeavor, after collecting all available troops, to hold as much of the country as possible. Besides the garrison of Port Hudson, the strength of which I do not know, there are now about 11,000 infantry in the department; 6,000 or 7,000 more may soon be expected; therefore, to make it possible to re- lieve Vicksburg, very large re-enforcements will be necessary. I hope that the Government will send without delay all that can possibly be spared from other points. I 5uPPOse that General Pembertons force before the battle, including that in Yicksbnrg, was near 28,000. He has provisions for sixty days. If, as lie says, ilaynes Bluff is untenable, the enemy, using navigation of the Yazoo, can soon reduce him by siege. Whatever efforts the Gov- ernment may propose to make must, therefore, be carried into imme- diate effect. Most respectfully, & c., J. E. JOHNSTON, General. [Sub-luciosure.] HDQRS. DEPT. OF Mississi~~i AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Bovina, Miss., May 17, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Calhoun, Miss.: GENERAL: I notified you, on the morning of the 14th, of the receipt of your instructions to move and attack the enemy toward Clinton. I deemed the movement very hazardous, preferring to remain in position behind the Big Black and imear to XTicksbnrg. I called a couiicil of war, composed of all the general officers who were then with my movable army, and placing the subject before them (includimig your instructions) in every view in which it appeared to me, asked their opimiions respect- ively. A majority of the officers expressed themselves t~vorable to the movement indicated by you. The others, including Major Generals Loring and Stevenson, preferred a movement by which this arniy might endeavor to cut off the enemys supplies fiomn the Mississippi My own views were expressed as unthvorable to any movement which would re move me from my base, which was and is Vicksburg. 1 (11(1 not see fit, however, to place my own judgments and opinions so t~r in opposition as to prevent the movement altogether; but believing the only possi- bility of success to be in the l)lan proI)osed, by cutting off the enemys supplies, I directed all my disposable force (say 17,500) toward Ray - mond or Dillons, encamping the night of the 15th at Mrs. Ellisons, on the main Raymond and Edwards Depot road, at a fork from which I could advance either to Raymond or Dillons. About 7 a. mu. on the 16th, the enemy advanced his skirmnishers at several points. Our line of battle was quickly formed and the position a strong one. Heavy demnonstrations were made on our right, left, and center. Gradually, however, the emmemy developed himself in great force against our left, under General Stevenson, re-enforced after some time by Bowens division and subsequemitly by two brigades of Lorings. The enemy was repeatedly driven back, ~but constantly throwing in fres Page 218 218 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Cnir. XXXVL troops from his heavy re-enforcements, we were about 5 p. m. compelled to withdraw. This was done by the ford over l~akers Creek (at which a temporary bridge had been laid), crossing the middle Raymond road. Our loss was heavy. We have lost eleven I)ieces of artillery, and although every arrangement was made to secure the retreat of all our troops, General Lorings division, which was comparatively fresh, and which covered the approach to the ford, has not yet crossed the Big Black. I am unable to account for his absence, as I know of no cause snfficient to have prevented his following the divisions of Bowen and Stevenson, neither of whom lost a man on the retreat. I am unable to give further particulars at present. I commanded in person. I am for the present holding the Big Black Bridge, where a heavy cannonading is now going on. There are so many points by which I can be flanked that I fear [ shall be compelled to withdraw. If so, the position at Snyders Mill will also be untenable. General Til ghman was killed yesterday. 1 have about sixty days rations in Vicksburg and at Snyders. I respectfully await your instructions. Very respectfully, & c., J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. P. S.I regret to say that some of Stevensons troops behaved very badly. CAMP, BETWEEN LIVINGSTON AND BROWNSVILLE, Via Jackson and Montgomery, May 18, [1863.] General S. COOPER: Lieutenant-General Pemberton was attacked by the enemy on the morning of the 16th near Edwards Depot, and after nine hours fight ing was compelled to fall back behind Big Black. Mr. Shelton, of this neighborhood, wrote last night that he was just from Lieutenant-Gen- eral Pembertons headquarters, and that the army was falling back to Vicksburg. Mr. Robinson, just from Bovina last night, made the same report. There are two months provisions in Vicksburg. It must ulti- mately fall unless we can assemble an army to relieve. I can gather in a few days 11,000, besides a garrison at Port Hudson. Send us [H. II.] Andersons cavalry regiment from the Isle of Hope, Ga. We need it greatly. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. WAR DEPARTMENT Rickmond Va General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, , ., May 19, 1863. Jackson, Miss.: The following dispatch just received from General Bragg: SHELBYVILLE, TENN., May 18, [1863.] A brigade of cavalry from Northern Alabama moved to Mississippi several days ago, Another division is ordered to-day. BRAXTON BRAGG. J. A. SEDDON, & cretary of War Page 219 ChAP. XXXVI.) GENERAL REPORTS. 219 *WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., May 23, 1863. General JOSEPH 1~X JOHNSTON, Commanding, & c.: DEAR SIR: I have no official communications or instructions to send you, but cannot omit the opportunity afforded by a courier going to you, to offer the encouragement of my full confidence and best wishes in the trying circumstances in which you are placed. I regretted deeply, when I received the telegram announcing your arrival at Jackson, that you had not been ordered to that vital field of operations at an earlier period, but I could not think or feel that you were too late. Indeed, events since have made your presence of even greater moment than I had anticipated, and now, to retrieve our grave 4isasters, and save, if practicable, the all-important command of the Mis- sissippi River, is felt to be dependent on the presence and inspiration of your military genius. All aids and facilities in the power of the Department to render you will be promptly and heartily given, but they are felt to be far less adequate than we would gladly furnish. Guns and artillery have been forwarded from the nearest points we could find them, and, in addition to the 10,000 men previously ordered from Charleston, since your de parture General Bragg, under suggestions from the President, has for. warded you 2,500 cavalry and 6,000 infantry. Unfortunately these lat- ter re-enforcements may not reach you in time for the decisive struggle, but such despondent anticipations will iiot be entertained. I am alto- gether too remote and too uninformed as to your own resources and forces or those of the enemy, even if I had the requisite military ex- l)ei-ience or knowledge, to venture on instructions, or even counsel, as to your operations. I can only assure you of my full appreciation and confidence, and cheer myself under the darkening aspect of our late reverses by unabated reliance on your zeal, fem-tility of resource, and generalship. I venture, with diffidence, only one suggestion, and that not strictly applicable to your own field of operations.t It is, that should oppor- tunity of communication with General Holmes or General Price occur, it might be well to urge they should make diversions for you, or, in case of the fall of Vicksburg, secure a great future advantage to the Confederacy by the attack on and seizure of Helena, while all availa- ble forces of the enemy are being pushed to Grants aid. Had I com- mand of communication, this suggestion would be directly addressed and pressed by the Department. Its policy is so apparent that it is hoped it will be voluntarily embraced and executed. With my best wishes, most cordially, yours, J. A. SEDDOIi, Secretary of War. JACKSON, Miss., May 25, 1863. General S. COOPER: It is important that I should know what troops to expect. Please in- form me and have them urged on; they come too slowly. J. E. JOHNSTON. * This letter was not transmitted to the Confederate Congress. I An extract ernhracing all that follows )vas transmitted to E. Kirby Smith. See Series I, Vol. XXII, Part I, p. 407 Page 220 220 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. * JACKSON, Miss., May 25, 1863. General S. COOPER, Richmond: Of the 10,000 men promised from Carolina and Georgia, but 6,500 have arrived. Do nrge them forward. J. E. JOHNSTON. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, RICHMOND, VA., May 25, 1863. Jackson, Muss General Bragg telegraphs the President, the 23d, that he sent with you 3,500, three battalions of artillery, and 2,000 cavalry, and will dis- patch 6,000 more immediately. No troops have been or(lered from this quarter except about 7,000 from General Beauregard~s command, which it is presumed have already joined you. S. COOPER Adjutant and Inspector General. General S. COOPER: CANTON, Miss., May 26, 1863. Please remind the President that in my (lispatch of the 21st 1 stated that two major-generals would be required in Mississippi. Let me urge immediate action. Could not Brigadier-General [Joseph R.] Davis bri- gade be sent? J. E. JOHNSTON. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Richmond, Va., May 27, 1863. Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: Brig. Geii. G. J. Rains, having been detailed for duty in connection with torpedoes and sub-terra shells, has been order-ed to re- port to you. The President has confidence in his inventions, and is desirous that they should be employed both on land and river,if o ppor. tunity offers, .at Vicksbnrg and its vicinity. Should communications allow, you are desired to send him there; but if otherwise, to employ him in his devices against the enemy where most assailable in that way elsewhere. All reasonable flicilities and aid in his supply of men or material for the fair trial of his torpedoes and shells are requested on your part. Such means of olknse against the enemy are apl)roved and recognized by the Department as legitimate weapons of warfare. With high esteem, very truly, yours, 3. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, JACKSON, MISS., May 27, 1863. Secretary of War, Richmond Va.: SIR: Saturday night, May 9, I received at Tullahomna your order, by telegraphic dispatch, to proceed to Mississippi and take immediate com- mand of the army. I started the next morning. At Lake Station I re- This letter not transniitted to the Confederate Congress Page 221 CHAP. XXXVI.1 GENERAL REPORTS. 221 ceived a dispatch from Lieutenant-General Pemberton, directed to Tul- lahoma, asking for re-enforcements, as the enemy in large force was mov ing easterly from the Mississippi south of the Big Black, and stating that Edwards Depot, their probable destination, would be the battle- field. I arrived in Jackson on Wednesday evening, May 13, and learned from Brigadier General Gregg, who had just arrived, that he had about 5,000 men; also that Shermans corps (four divisions) occupied Clinton. Immediately I dispatched written messages by couriers to Lieutenant- General Pemberto~, in forming him of my arrival and of the occupation of Clinton by Shermans corpsfour divisions, as I had been informed. I urged the importance of re-establishing communication, that lie might be re-enforced; ordered that he should, if practicable, come upon the enemys rear at once with all the strength he could quickly assemble, informing him that we could co-operate in such an attack. On Thursday, May 14, after all preparations had been completed, and orders to Brigadier-Generals Gist and [S. B.] Maxey for the security of their commands had been given, I evacuated Jackson about noon (2 p. in.), being obliged to take the Canton road, at right angles to that npou which the enemy approached. That evening, from our camp about 6 miles from Jackson, I sent dispatch to Lieutenant-General Pemberton, informing him that General Gregg and his command had been corn- l)elled to evacuate Jackson, and of the direction taken; that Brigadier- General Gist had been ordered to assemble the approaching troops at a point 40 or 50 miles from Jackson, and BrigadierGeneral Maxey to return to his wagons and advised to join Brigadier-Gencral Gist; ex- pressed the hope that this force would be able to l)revent the enemy in Jackson from drawing provisions from the east, and ihat Brigadier-Gen- eral Greggs force would be able to keep him from the country toward Panola; inquired if the enemy could not be cut oft from his supplies from the Mississippi, and, above all, should the enemy from want of sup- plies be compelled to fall back, could he (General Pemberton) not beat him. I strongly nrged concentration of troops. On Friday morning, May 15, I received a dispatch from Lieutenant- ant General Pemberton, dated 5.40 p. in., Edwards Depot, May 14, stat- ing that he would move early next morning with a column of 17,000 men to Dillons (situated on the main road leading from Raymond to Port Gibson, ~1 miles below Raymond and ~1 miles from Edwards Depot), to cut enemys communications and force the enemy to attack him, as he did not consider his force sufficient to justify his attacking the enemy in l)osition or cutting his way to Jackson. This dispatch was brought by Captain [William S.] Yerger, who bore the dispatch of the 13th in- stant to Genci-al Pembei-ton. I immediately acknowledged icceipt of the above dispatch, aimd answered General Pemberton that our movement to the north rendered his plan of junction by Raymond impracticable, and ordered him to move so as to effect a junction. and to communicate with me, so that I might unite to his fone about 6,000 men. The copy of this (lisl)atch (sent from a point on the Jackson and Canton road about 10 miles fi-om Jackson) was mislaid, and at present cannot l)C found. On Saturday, May 16, at Calhoun Station, I received a disj)atch from Lieutenant-General Pemberton, dated 9.10 a. in -, Bovimma, May 14, stat- ing that he moves at once from Edwards Depot with his whole available force, explaining disposition of his troops, and closing dispatch by stat- ing that he at once complies with my order. This dispatch I received in the afternoon, having waited here all day to be advised by General Pemberton of the direction of his movements Page 222 222 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL In the evening of the same day I received a dispatch from General Pemberton, dated S a. im, 4 miles south of Edwards, May 16, acknowl- edging receipt of my letter written from the Canton road, stating that he received it at 6.30 oclock that morning; that it found the army in the middle road to Raymond; that he had issued the order of counter- march; that owing to destruction of bridge on Bakers Creek his march would be on the road from Edwards Depot in the direction of Browns- ville; that in going to Clinton he would leave Bolton Depot to the right. Jn a postscript he reported heavy skirmishing then going on in his front. On Sunday, May 17, I marched 15 miles in the direction indicated in General Pembertons note, and on that evening Captain [Thomas] Hen- derson brought me a letter from General Pemberton, dated Bovina, May 17, giving me intelligence of his being compelled on the 16th in- stant, after engaging the enemy, to withdraw with heavy loss to Big Black Bridge. A copy of this letter I forwarded that night to General Cooper. General Pemberton expressed fears that he would be compelled to fall back from Big Black Bridge,and, if so, he represented that the position at Snyders Mill would also be untenable. During the night I received information that General Pemberton had fallen back to Vicksburg. I then determined by easy marches to estab- lish my line between Jackson and Canton, as the junction of the two commands had become impossible. During that night, after having re- ceived the above information, I sent a dispatch to General Pemberton that, if Haynes Bluff be untenable, Vicksburg is of no value and cannot be held; evacuate the place, if not rendered too late by invest. ment to save the troops. On Monday, the 18th instant, near Vernon, I received a letter from General Pemberton, dated Vicksburg, May 17, informing me that he had fallen back to the line of intrenchments around Vicksburg, having been attacked and forced back from Big Black Bridge. Also that he had ordered the abandonment of Snyders Mill. On the 19th instant, I received a letter from General Pemberton, ac- knowledging the receipt of my communication in reply to his, brought by Captain Henderson, and stating that he assembled a council of war of the general officers of his command, who unanimously expressed the opinion upon my instructions that it was impossible to withdraw the army from Vicksburg with such morale and material as to be of fur- ther service to the Confederacy. On the 19th instant, I sent orders by telegraphic dispatches and by couriers to Major-General Gardner to evacuate Port Hudson. On the 20th and 21st instant, the brigades of Generals Gist, Ector, and McNair joined my command. The last troops of Brigadier-Gen- eral Evans brigade arrived on the day before yesterday. Major-Gen- - eral Loring, with his command, arrived here about the 19th instant, and Brigadier-General Maxeys brigade on the 23d instant. The troops above mentioned, with General Breckinridges division, of General Braggs army, will make a force of about 23,000 effective men. Grants army is estimated at 60,000 or 80,000 men, and his troops are worth double the number of Northeastern troops. We cannot re- lieve General Pemberton except by defeating Grant, who is believed to be fortifying. We must make the attempt with such a force as the Government can furnish for the object; unless more may be expected, the attempt must be made with the force now here and that coming. If possible, however, additional troops should be sent to make up a Page 223 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 223 army of at least 30,000 meninfantry. Even that force would be small for the object. An army of 23,000 men for offensive operations against Grant seems to me too small, considering his large force. We need very much good general officers. I find it necessary to organize an army, and to provide for it sub. sistence, ammunition, and means of transportation. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON. General. JACKSON, Miss., May 28, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War I respectfully ask that Surg. D. W. Yandell, medical director Hardees corps, be assigned as medical director of my command. lie is now ou duty with me. Be pleased to answer by telegraph. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., May 30, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss: Surg. D. W. Yandell will be assigned as you desire. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. JACKSON, Miss., June 2, 1863. (Received June 4.) Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: Your letter of the 25th and a telegram from the President show that you are misinformed as to the force at my (lisposal. The effective force, infantry and artillery, is: From Lieutenant-General Pemberton, 9,831; from General Bragg, 7,939; from General Beauregard, 6,283; total, 24.053, Brigadier-General [W. HJ Jacksons cavalry (not arrived), and irregular troops protecting northern and southern frontiers not included. Grant is receiving continual accessions. Tell me if it is your inten- tion to make up the number you gave the President as my force, or it I may expect more troops. With the present force we cannot succeed without great blunders by the enemy. Each portion of this dispatch in cipher is independent of the preceding. J. E. JOHNSTON. WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., June 3, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: I am concerned at yonr telegram to the President as to the number of your forces. I had reported them to him as rather more than 30,000, thus made up: 3,500 taken with you; 10,000 sent from Charleston; 2,500 cavalry, and 6,000 infantry from General Bragg; 4,000 at least, under [J.] Gregg, at Jackson on your arrival; 6,000 under Loring. In addition, I suggested you might have a brigade or so from Port Hudson6 Where was the mistake on my par Page 224 224 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAr. XXXVI. I feel intense anxiety as to your plans, and should be gratified to learn them as far as you deem safe to inform me. J. A. SEDDON, & oretary of War. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, CANTON, MISS., June 4, 1863. & cretary of War: Your dispatch of yesterday received. By [The] mistake on your part is, that all your numbers are too large; in reference to Beauregard nearly as ten to six. The troops you mentioned, including Jacksons, just ar- rived, are less than 5.600.# My only plan is to relieve Yicksburg. My force is far too small for the purpose; tell me if you can increase it, and how much. Grant is receiving reenforcements. Port Hudson is closely invested. The great object of the enemy for this campaign is to acquire possession of the Mississippi. Can you collect here a force sufficient to defeat the object? J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., June 5,1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON: The mistake was not mine, as I rested on official reports of numbers sent. I regret inability to promise more troops, as we have drained re- sources even to the danger of several points. You know best concerning General Braggs army, but I fear to withdraw more. We are too far outnumbered in Virginia to spare any. You must rely on what you have and the irregular forces Mississippi can afford. Your judgment and skill are fully relied on, but I venture the suggestion that to relieve Vicksburg speedy action is essential. With the facilities and resources of the enemy time works against us. J. A. SEDDON, & cretary of War. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: CANTON, MISS., June 5, 1863. DEAR SIR: I thank you cordially for your kind letter of May 25 [23], but almost regret that you feel such confidence in me as is exl)ressed in it. From the present condition of affairs, I fear that confidence dooms you to disappointment. Every day gives some new intelligence of the enemys strengthof re-enforcements on the way to him. My first inten- tion on learning that Lieutenant-General Pemberton was in Vicksbnrg was to form an army to succor him. I suppose, from my telegraphic correspondence with the Government, that all the troops to be hoped for have arrived. Our resources seem so small, and those of the enemy so great, that the relief of Vicksburg is beginning to appear impossible to me. Pemberton will undoubtedly make a gallant and obstinate defense, and hold out as long as he can make resistance; but unless we assem- ble a force strong enough to break Grants line of investment, th esur- render of the place will be a mere question of time. General Grant is receiving re-enforcements almost daily. His force, according to the best information to be had, is more than treble that which I command. Our * In General Johnstons Letters-sent book, this appears as 26,000; it is as above in dispatch received by Mr. Seddon Page 225 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 225 scouts say, too, that he has constructed lines of circumvallation and has blocked up all roads leading to his position. The enterprise of forcing the enemys lines would be a difficult one to a force double that at my disposal. If you are unable to increase that force decidedly, I must try to accomplish something in aid of the besieged garrison; and yet, when considering it, it seems to me desperate. Your suggestion to General Kirby Smith was promptly dispatched to him. I have no doubt that the time is favorable for attacking Helena. In replying by telegraph to your letter and telegrams, I have said that if you can increase this army it should be done. If you cannot, nothing is left for us but to struggle manfully with such means as the Government can furnish. I beg you to consider in connection with affairs in this department that I have had not only to organize, but to provide means of transportation and supplies of all sorts for an army. The artillery is not yet equipped. All of Lieutenant-General Pembertons supplies were, of course, with his troops about Yicksburg and Port Hudson. I found myself, there- fore, without subsistence, stores, am munition, or the means of conveying those indispensables. It has proved more difficult to collect wagons and provisions than I expected. We have not yet the means of operating for more than four days away from the railroads. That to Yicksburg is destroyed. We draw our provisions from the northern part of the State. The protection of that country employs about 2,500 irregular cavalry. it is much too small. I am endeavoring to increase it by calling for volunteers, but am by no means sanguine as to the result. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON. CANTON, Miss., June 5, 1863. Hon. JAxiEs A. SEDDON: Grant still receives re-enforcements. Scouts near Friars Point re- l)ort 8 boats, loaded with troops, passed down Motiday and Tuesday. Twelve empty transports passed up. J. E. JOHNSTON. CANTON, Miss., June 5, 1863. Hon. JAiuEs A. SEDDON: Brigadier-General [J. W.] Whitfield, who was ordered to report to me when I was in Tennessee, but could not, has just done so. What is your intention in regard to him I I am informed that it will be very unfortunate for him to command the brigade to which he has belonged. J. E. JOHNSTON. CANTON, June 6, 1863. General S. COOPER: The following is just received from Capt. Thomas Henderson, of scout service: PANOLA, Miss., June 6, 1863. Scout Wilson reports, 11 oclock yesterday, since Sunday seventeen transports with troops gone down the river from Memphis. All came from railroad. Grant orders all forces possible sent him. Eight thousand wounded arrived an(l large arrange. inents made for more. THOS. HENDERSON. J. B. JOHNSTON. 15 R RVOL XXIV, P1 Page 226 226 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXV1. RICHMOND, VA., June 8, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, - Oanton, Miss: General Whitfield was believed to be peculiarly acceptable to his l)rigade. What is the objection? Do you advise more re-enforcements from General Braoo ~ You as commandant of the department, have power so to order, if you, in view of the whole case, so determine. We cannot send from Virginia or elsewhere., for we stand already not one to two. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. CANTON, MISS., June 9, 1863. VIA MONTGOMERY, [June] 10. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: Your dispatch of yesterday in cipher was received, but cannot be read. Please repeat it. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, MIss., June 10, 1863. (Received June 13.) Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: Your dispatch of June 8, in cipher, received. You do not give orders iii regard to the recently appointed general officers. Please do it. I have not at my [disposal] half the number of troops necessary. It is for the Government to determine what department, if any, can furnish the re-enforcements required. I cannot know here General Bragg~s wants compared with mine. The Government can make such compari- sons. Your dispatch is imperfectly deciphered. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, MIsS., June 12, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: Your dispatch of the 8th imperfectly deciphered and partially answered on the 10th. I have not considered myself commanding in Tennessee since assignment here and should not have felt authorized to take troops from that department after having been informed by the Exec- utive that no more could be spared. To take from Bragg a force which would make this army fit to oppose Grant, would involve yielding Ten- nessee. It is for the Government to decide between this State and Tennessee. J. E. JOHNSTON. CAMDEN, MISS., June 13, 1863. General S. COOPER: Scout at Friars Point on the 9th instant reports nine transports full of infantry and artillery went down the river since Sunday; force sup- posed to be about 13,000. In addition to the above, same scout reports fouiteen more transports crowded with infantry and artillery went down the river on the 10th instant. J. B. JOHNSTON Page 227 UJIAL. XXXVI.] (AENEI~AL IIEIOIWIS. 227 JACKSON, Miss., June 15, 1863. lion. JAMES A. SEDDoN: Your repeated (llspatch of the. 8th is deciphered. I cannot advise in regard to the 1)OintS from which troops can best be taken, having no means of knowing, nor is it for me to judge which it is best tohold Mississippi or Tennessee; that is for the Government to determine. Without some great blunder of the enemy we cannot hold both. The odds against me are innch greater than those you express. I consider saving Vicksburg hopeless. J. E. JOHNSTON. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., June 16, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON: Your telegram grieves and alarms me. Yicksburg must not be lost without a desperate struggle. The interest and honor of the Confederacy forbid it. I rely on you still to avert the loss. If better resources do not offer, you must hazard attack. It may be made in concert with the garrison, if practicable, but otherwise without, by day or night, as you think best. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. JACKSON, MiSs., June 16, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: General Bragg infornis me that a telegram from Louisville of the 10th says that part of the Ninth and Twenty-third Corps have been sent to re.enforce Grant. Will not this enable us to invade Kentucky 6? For this, General Braggs command should extend over East Tennessee. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. JACKSON, Miss., June 19 [18], 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: Dispatch of 16th received. I think that you do not appreciate the ditlicnlties in the course you (lirect nor the l)robabilities or consequences of failure. Grants position, naturally very stronb, is intrenched and protected by powerful artillery, and the roads obstructed. His re-en- forcements have been at least equal to my whole force. The Big Black covers him from attack, and would cut off our retreat if defeated. We cannot combine operatiolms with General Peniberton froi a uncertain and slow communication. The defrat of this little army would at once open Mississippi and Alabama to Grant. I will do all 1 can, without hope of doing more than aid to extricate the garrison. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, Miss., June 19, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: A courier has arrived here with (lisl)atclles from General Gardner of the 10th iintaiit. The eour~er rel)orts the garrison in good spirits. Gen- eral Gardner states that he has m~p~tised tile enemy in several sever Page 228 228 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. ECUAP. XXXVI. attacks, but he is still clDsely invested; that lie is getting short of pro- visions and ammunition, and should be speedily relieved. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, MIss., June 20, 1803. Hon. JAivIEs A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: On arriving here I informed General Kirby Smith of the condition of Vicksburg and Port Hudson, and requested his aid and co-operation, which he has given. General Taylor, with 8,000 men, is opposite Vicks- burg, and temporarily occupies Millikens Bend and other points on the river. The presence of this force is encouraging. Nothing can be done by us to relieve Port Hudson, which is in imminent peril. General Taylor will make such demonstrations opposite Port Hudson as he can. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., June 21, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: Yours of the 19th received. Consequences are realized and difficulties are recognized as very great, but I still think, other means failing, the course recommended should be hazarded. The aim, in my judgment, justifies any risk and all probable consequences. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. RICHMOND, VA., June 21, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: Only my conviction of almost imperative necessity for action induces the official dispatch I have just sent you. On every ground I have great deference to your superior knowledge of the position, your judgment and military genius, but I feel it right to share, if need be to take, the re- sponsibility, and leave you free to follow the most desperate course the occasion may demand. Rely npon it, the eyes and hopes of the whole Confederacy are upon you, with the full confidence that you will act, and with the sentiment that it were better to fail nobly daring than through prudence even to be inactive. I look to attack in last resort, but rely on your resources of generalship to suggest less desperate modes of relief. I can scarce dare to suggest, but might it not be pos- sible to strike Banks first and nuite the garrison of Port Hudson with you or to secure sufficient co-operation from General Smith, or to prac- tically besiege Grant by operations with artillery from the swamps now (Iry on the north side of the Yazoo below Haynes Bluff~ I rely on you for all possible [efforts] to save Yicksburg. J. A. SEDDON. JACKSON, MISS., June 22 [21 ?], 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: Positive information has just been received from General E. K. Smith that fifty-seven transports with troops passed Napoleon on the 11th and 12th last, going down the Mississippi River. J. E. JOHNSTON Page 229 Cmu~. XXXVI.1 GENERAL REPORTS. 229 CANTON, MISS., Jenc 22, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: Your dispatch of 21st received, but cannot be deciphered. Please repeat it, using as few words as possible in cipher. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, Miss., June 23, 1863. Hon. JAmiEs A. SEDDON: General iRuggles reports that on the 20th instant attacked the enemy, 800 strong, with two guns, near Rocky Ford, on Tallahatchee. Routed him completely, captured his baggage train, ammunition, and supp~es, killing about 50. Our loss small. J. E. JOHNSTON. CANTON, Miss., June 24, 1863. Hon. JA~~rEs A. SEDDON: Your two dispatches of 21st received. There has been no voluntary inaction. When I came, all military materials of the department were in Vicksburg and Port Hudson. Artillery had to be broughtfroin the east; horses for it and all field transportation procured in an exhausted countrymuch from Georgia brought over wretched railroadsand provisions collected. I have not had the means of moving. We can- not contend with the enemy north of the Yazoo. He can place a large force there in a few hours; we a small one in ten or twelve days. We cannot relieve Port Hudson without giving up Jackson, by which we should lose Mississippi. Kirby Smith sent troops to give all possible aid to Yicksburg, but they have not been used by their commanders. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. RICIn~IOND, VA., June 26, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: I have just received reliable information through a friend from Balti- more that Grant telegraphed for supplies and am~unition,both failing. Train of cars laden with such was sent through Baltimore ten days ago, marked for Yazoo City, to proceed via Cairo, under charge of a person friendly to the South and anxious to have a chance to yield them to capture. This may possibly prove useful. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. JACKSON, Miss., June 29, 1863. General S. COOPER: The following dispatch has just been received: ALExANDRIA, June 26, 1863, VIA NATCIIEZ, June 27. General JOSEPIL E. JOTINSTON: I have the honor to inform you that on the 23(1 instant General Taylor stormed, at the point of the bayonet, with unloaded inusliets, the enemys position at Berwie Page 230 230 MJSSISSJPT4I, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. LCHAP. XXXVI. Bay, capturing over lO( prisoners, iii heavy gnus , anti a I uge :nnen it of stores of all descriptions. The pe~i 4)11 et ibilseleaux was :1154) carried. This gives him the command of the Mississippi River above New Orleans, and ~vill enable itiuti lila great measure to cut off Banks supplies. E. SUEGET, A ssislaa t Adjetan 1-General. J. E. JOJINSTOK, General. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, ]Jliiss.: A telegram of the 5th instant, signed Woodson, approved by T. 13. Lamar, chief of staff; informing of the ftill of Vicksburg, is just received. Telegraph if this be true and any particulars known. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. JACKSON, Miss., July 8, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: Your dispatch of the 7th receive(l. The following was sent you yes. terday directly after the intelligence of the fall of Vicksburg was re- ceived: Vicksbnrg capitulated on the 4th inst ant the garrison was paroled and are to be retnrned to our lines, the officers retaining their side-arnus and l)CrsOflal l)a~(Ya(Te. This intelligence was hronght by an officer who left the place on Sunday, the bth in- stant. In consequence, I ant falling l)aek from the Bir Black to Jackson. J. E. JOhNSTON. Colonel [L. M.] Montgomery has just arrived from Vicksburg. He was (lirected by General Peinberton to Live supplies I)rel)are(l at this place for 22,000 men, the paroled garrison of Yicksbnrg. J. E. JOHNSTON. JACKSON, Miss., ~July 8, 1863. General S. COOPER: The paroled garrison of Vicksburg will be here in a P~w (lays. What shall be done with the men They eaimiuot remain iii this (lel)artnient without great injury to us ftonm deficiency of supplying them. Shall they go to their homes until exchanged, or l)e (listribnte(l iii regiments in their respective States ~ Can they be exchanged iniinediateiv for j)risoners taken in the recent great Confederate victory ~? J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, VA., July 8, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: Inform fully as you know of the terms of capitulation of Vicksburg, especially the 1)Osition or officers and men in relation to l)arole and power of exchange. J. A. SEI)T)ON, rSacrc[ary (lt lVar Page 231 CHAP. XXXVI.~ GENERAb REPORTS. 231 JACKSON, MisS., July 9, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: I have nothing official of capitulation of Vicksbnrg. An officer of the garrison told me that the terms were those I stated: The troops to be pa- roled and sent into our lines as soon as form is complied with; officers to retain baggage and side-arms; soldiers their clothing. Provisions being exhausted, the general officers proposed capitulation to General Pemberton. I have not heard of the garrison. J. E. JOHNSTON, General. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., July 10, 1863. Hon. SECRETARY OF WAR: The following telegram was received by the President, and is for- warded to you for your information: Your dispatch of yesterday received. No report of Taylors junction has reached mc, as it must have done, if true, as we have 1,200 cavalry in that vicinity. I hear notli- ing official from Vicksbnrg. Maj. Jacob Thompson, of General Peinbertons staft, gives inc the following list~ Lieutenant-General Pemberton, Major-Generals [C. L.] Stevenson, [J. H.] Forney, M. L. Sniith, and [.J. S.] Bowen; Brigadier-Generals [S. M.] Barton, [S. D.] Lee, [A.] Cumming, [J. C.] Moore, EW. E.] Baldwin, [L.] H6bert, [J. C.] Vaughn, and [F. A.] Shoup; Colonels [A. W.] Reynolds, ET. N.] Waul, and [F. M.] Cockrell, commanders brigades; also Brigadier-General [Joliii V.] Harris, of Mississippi militia. J. E. JOHNSTON. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. PRESTON JOHNSTON, Colonel and Aide-dc-Camp. [Thdorsement.] JULY 11, 1863. Referred to Colonel [Robert] Ould for information as to general officers for exchange. J. A. S. [ST~DDON], Secretary. WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., July 10, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Jackson, Miss.: To afford facilities for exchange at the earliest period, telegraph as soou as you know the number of privates, sergeants, corporals, lieuten- ants, captains, majors, lieutenant-colonels, colonels, brigadiers, and germ - erals, designating as far as practicable the number of the foregoing belonging to each regiment; at any rate send the designation of the regiments captured. After frill lists are prepared, you will send them on without delay, but telegraph only as above. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. JACKSON, MIsS., July 14, 1863. General S. COOPER: General Pemberton has recommended that his troops be furloughed. Should the recommendation be accept& , it will have an injurious effec Page 232 232 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. upon this army, unless the paroled troops are first move(l to a distance. I suppose that they should move to the camp at Demopolis, and have so informed General Pemberton. J. E. JOHNSTON. WAR DEPARTMENT Richmond V General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, , a, July 16, 1863. Jackson, Miss.: The following officers, having been duly exchanged, are released from parole, and at liberty to return to service: Lieut. Gen. J. C. Pemberton; Major-Generals Stevenson, Forney, M. L. Smith, and Bowen; Brigadier-Generals Barton, Lee, Cumming, Moore, H6bert, Baldwin, Vaughn, and Shoup; Colonels Reynolds, Waul, and Cockrell, commanding brigades; also Brigadier-General Harris, Missis- sippi militia. J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. AND INSP. GENS OFFICE, Richmond, Va., July 22, 1863. General JOHNSTON, Morton, Miss.: In conformity with your expressed wish, you are relieved from the further command of the Department of Tennessee, which, as advised by you, is united to that of East Tennessee, so as to extend General Braggs command over the department of General Buckner. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond Va General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, , ., July 24, 1863. Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: The president of the Mississippi Central Railroad tele- graphs that you have ordered the destruction by fire of railroad equip- ments to the value of $5,000,000. The President directs that efforts be made to bring away the equipments, which should be taken down the road for removal as far as may be necessary.* Your obedient servant, J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., July 24, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Commanding, & c.: GENERAL: If you have not had occasion to use the funds transmitted through Commodore [Samuel] Barron, you will please return them by the For reply of August 2, see Addenda, p. 235 Page 233 CRAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 23~ first safe opportunity, as the Secretary of the Navy, from whose appro- priations they were drawn, needs the amount for sterling exchange. With high regard, your obedient servant, J. A. SEDDON, 8ecretary of War. MORTON, Miss., July 24, 1863. General S. COOPER: Your dispatch of 22d, relieving me from command of Department of Tennessee, received. Major-General Maury thinks attsck on Mobile threatening. I request that [H. B.] Claytons brigade, belonging to Mobile garrison, and sent by me to General Bragg in emergency, may be ordered back immediately. Major-General Maury has but 2,500 men for land defense. J. E. JOHNSTON. WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., July 25, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Morton, Miss.: I am requested by the Secretary of the Treasnry to instruct that all cotton belonging to the Government liable to fall into the hands of the enemy, which cannot be removed, be destroyed. J. A. SEDDON, & cretary of War. MOBILE, ALA., July 29, 1863. General S. COOPER: I came here because Major-General Maury apprehends attack. His scouts at Pensacola report Admiral Farragut went north yesterday, which indicates no attack. Officers from Vicksburg report that all troops go up the river. J. E. JOHNSTON. MOBILE, ALA., July 29, 1863. (Received at Richmond, Va., July 30.) General S. COOPER: What is the extent of my command ~ I return to Morton to-night. J. E. JOHNSTON. MORTON, Miss., July 30, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON: I conversed this morning with Major [H. M.] Mathews, of the artillery, just from Vicksburg, who says that one of Maj. Gen. M. L. Smiths staff told him that Grant had sent very few troops up the river, but about the 22d had seventeen transports of troops down. Others had preceded these. Reports from different sources all so contradictory that no opin- ion of the enemys intentions can be formed. The officer above named says that the Federals destroyed everything connected with cultivation of ground between Jackson and IWg Black River, including growing crops. J. F. JOHNSTON Page 234 234 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CuAr. XXXVI. WAR DEPARTMENT, A~jr. AND INSP. GEN.S OFFICE Richmond, Va., July 31, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Morton, Miss.: Your command embraces the country west of the line betweeii Georgia and Alabama, and running south to the Gulf, as before General Braggs department was formed. Its western limit is the Mississippi River an(l its northern boundary the Tennessee iRiver and Kentucky line. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. MORTON, MISS., July 31, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: The following telegram is forwarded for the information of the War Department: MOBILE, ALA., Jely 30, 1563. General JOSEPH E. JouxsTON: A gentleman who left Vicksburg on Friday states that Grant is still in Vicksburg. Is repairing road to Jackson. Expect bridge over Big Black to be ready for trans- portation of cars in about thirty days. There is great and increasing sickness iii the army, and their expectation is that it will bc sixty (lays before thcy will rnovc to Jack- son. They propose to go to Meridian, to Demopolis, and to Selma, and then invest Mobile. They were actively organizing negro regiments, ~vhich they threw across into Louisiana as fast as organized. No large force has been sent up the river. Those sent were of Burusides corps and troops whose time had expired. McPherson in com- mand at Vicksburg; Parke at Snyders Bluff. Informant is person of intelligence an(1 veracity, with peculiar opportunities of information. Another officer just in from New Orleans with prisoners states that Banks force has been recently increased from Grant, and that they propose soon sending one portion of Banks army over into Louisiana, and another, 20,000 strong, toPascagoula. Grant is collecting inunense supplies of stores at Vicksburg. DABNEY H. MAURY, Major- General, Commanding. J. E. JOHNSTON. RICHMOND, Au gust 12, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Morton, Miss.: GENERAL: The limits of your department on the east and north seem settled by Special Orders, copies of which are herein inclosed; but as you request a more explicit statement defining them, I reply by lit- ter. It is contemplated that your command shall embrace the country west of the Appalachicola and Chattahoochee Rixers, and of the Ala- bama and Georgia State line, until it strikes the southeastern corner of Calhoun County, in the former State; thence along the southern line of the following tier of counties in Alabama, to wit, Calhoun, Saint Clair, Blount, Morgan, Lawrence, and Franklin; thence along the Ala- bama and Mississippi State line to the Tennessee River, and along that river to its confluence with the Ohio River. The counties named above, and all the country north of them, come within the limit of General Braggs department. Very respectfully, & c., S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General Page 235 ChAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. [Intlosures.] SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, No. 176. Richmond, Va., July 25, 1863. * * * * * * * VI. The Department of East Tennessee is merged in th& Departinent of Tennessee, which will be separate and independent, reporting directly to this office. VII. The limits of the Department of Tennessee will embrace the country now included in the Department of East Tennessee, and west of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and a line running south to the Georgia IRailroad~ thence along the lines of railroad via Atlanta to West Point, and from that place north to the Tennessee River and down that stream to its mouth. By command of the Secretary of War. JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ ADJT. AND INSPECTOR GENERALS OFFICE, No. 184. f Richmond, August 4, 1863. * * * * * * * VIII. The limits of the Department of Tenuess~e, as described in Paragraph VII, Special Orders, No. 176, current series, xviii embrace also the following counties in Alabama, viz, the counties of Franklin, Lawrence, Morgan, Blount, Saint Clair, Calhoun, Cherokee, De Kalb, and Marshall. * * * * * * * By command of the Secretary of War: JNO. WITHERS, Assistant Adjutant- General. MORTON, MISS., August 20, 1863. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and inspector General: GENERAL: I thank you for your letter of the 12th, which I have just received, with copies of so much of Special Orders, Nos. 176 and 184, as define the limits of General Braggs command, and your telegram to me of July 31. These papers cannot be misunderstood. As my apology for having troubled you more than once on this subject, I respectfully inclose copies of your telegram and Paragraph VII, Special Orders, No. 176, as I received them originally,* one marred by the operator, the other without the important line following the name West Point. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON. ADDENDA. MORTON, August 2, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Richmond: Your letter of July 24 received. The order concerning rolling stock of Mississippi railroads was to destroy rather than permit it to fall into the enemys hamids. The enemy has fallen back, and the superintendents of roads have been promised protection if they repair. I hope to be able soon to draw su])plies again from the country through which the Mississippi Central Railroad passes. J. E. JOHNSTON. *Notfouxi Page 236 236 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Col. B. ~. EWELL, Richmoud, Va., August 6, 1863. Adjutant and Inspector General, Army of the West: COLONEL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter. of the 28th ultimo, transmitting copy of a dispatch in cipher from the President to General J. E. Johnston, which you were not able to deci- pher. I inclose a copy from the original of the dispatch for the com- pletion of your files. Very respectfully, G. W. C. LEE, Colonel and Aide-de.Camp. P. S.I have tested parts of your copy, and find no difficulty in de- ciphering it. The old key was probably used by your officer instead of the new, which, we had been informed by the Chief of the Signal Corps, had been substituted in all the military departments for the old key. [Inclosure.] EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., July 18, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Brandon, ilfiss.: Your dispatch of yesterday received, informing me of your retreat from Jackson toward the east. I desire to know your ulterior l)urpose. The enemy may not pursue, but move up the Central road, lay waste the rich country toward Tennessee, and co-operate afterward with Rose- crans. Another column, Eastern Louisiana being abandoned, may be sent from New Orleans to attack Mobile on the land side. The recommendation to furlough the paroled troops from Yicksburg offers a hard alternative under the pressure of our present condition. JEFFERSON DAVIS. W.& i~ DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., December 29, 1863. The PRESrDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES: SIR: In response to a resolution of the House of Representatives, adopted on the 11th instant, I have the honor to transmit a copy of the orders given to and correspondence had with General Joseph E. Johnston during the months of May, June, and July, 1863, concerning his command and the operations in his department. A copy of the order assigning General Johnston to command is also transmitted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. SEDDON, & cretary of War. [Tuclosure.] DECEMEER 31, 1863. Captain [R. G. H.] KEAN: The President directs me to suggest to the Secretary of War that the resolution seems to call for all correspondence had with General John- stoim during the time specified.....that which was had with the Executive as well as that with the War Office. Did not the bundle of correspondence taken from this office by Major Barton include all? If so, will you not be good enough to ask him to have the proper additions made to this Page 237 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 237 Again, you will perceive from the pencil cross near the top of the first page of the first telegram from General Johnston that there is a mani- fest omission of one or more words. Please have the error corrected, and the rest of the manuscript carefully examined, and oblige, your obedient servant, BURTON N. HARRISON, Private Secretary. DALTON, January 30, 1864. General S. COOPER, Richmond: I respectfully ask to be furnished with Lieutenant-General Pember- tons explanation of his report, and also his supplemental report. J. E. JOHNSTON. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., June 11, 1864. The PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES: SIR: I have received the following resolution of the House of Rep- resentatives, referred by Your Excellency to this Department: Resolved, That the President be respectfully requested, in addition to the corre- spondence heretofore communicated to Congress between the President and Secre- tary of War and General Joseph E. Johnston, in relation to the conduct of the war in the Valley of the Mississippi, to communicate to Congress so much of said correspond- ence as has not yet been called for by this House, commencing with a letter of Novem- ber 24, 1862, addressed by General Johnston to the Hon. G. W. Randolph,* Secretary of War, and including General Johnstons reply t to the letter of the President of July last, which closes the published correspondence. In response, 1 have the honor to transmit the accompanying copies ~ of the correspondence on file in this Department. The preparation of these copies has been delayed by the absence in the field of most of the clerical force during the entire session of Congress, and the difficnlty of finding some of the letters. One of General Johnstons communica- tions, under date of April 28, 1863, has not yet been found, but I have directed further search to be made for it in the office of the Adjutant- General. As tbe adjournment of Congress is at hand, I have thought it best not to delay longer a response to the resolution of the House. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. No. 10. Report of General Joseph F. Johnston, 0. S. Army, of operations March 12July 20. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., December 24, 1863. The PRESIDENT OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES: SIR: In response to a resolution of the House of Representatives, I have the honor to submit herewith the report of General J. E. John- * See Johnston to Cooper, Series I, Vol. XVII, Part II, p. 758. Of August 8, 1863. See p. 209. ~ Not identified; but see Johnstons correspondence, in Part III Page 238 238 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. stoii of his operations in the iDepartment of Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana. in natural connection with this, I likewise send the rej)ort of Licut. Gen. J. C. Pemberton * of the battles of Port Gibson, Bakers Creek, and the siege of Yicksburg, which is among the reports called for by the House of Representatives. With the latter is preseiited a let- ter from the Department, asking farther explanations on some points of the reports, and the answer made thereto at the time by General Peni- berton. Subsequently, after seeing the report of General Johnston. General Pemberton considered his reply to that letter as not so fully elucidating the points of inquiry as the additional details presented by General Johnston rendered appropriate and necessary. He therefore asked the privilege of making a further reply, which, iii justice to him- self, was accorded. That reply is likewise annexed, and thus the whole subject, it is believed, will be fairly and satisfactorily submitted in ap. propriate connection. Respectfully submitted. J. A. SEDDOX, & eretary of War. ~Thc1osure.J MERIDIAN, MISS., November 1, 1863. SIR: The following report of my operations in the Department of Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana is respectfully offered as a substitute for the imperfect one forwarded by me from Jackson on May 27, 11863.t While on my way to Mississippi, where I thought my presence had become necessary, I received, in Mobile, on March 12, the following telegram from the Secretary of War, dated March 9: Order General Bragg to report to the War Department for conference. Assume yourself direct charge of the Army of Middle Tem~nessee. In obedience to this order, I at once proceeded to Tullahoma. On my arrival, I informed the Secretary of War, by a telegram of March 19, that General Bragg could not then be sent to Richmond, as he was ordered on account of the critical condition of his family. (in A~ril 10, I repeated this to the President, and added: Being unwell then, I afterward became sick, and am not now able to serve in the field. General Bragg is therefore necessary here. On the 28th, my unfitness for service in the field was reported to the Secretary of War. On May 9, I received, at Tullahoma, the following dispatch of the same date from the Secretary of War: Proceed at once to Mississippi and take chief command of the forces there, giving to those in the field, as far as practicable, the encouragement and benefit of your per- sonal direction. It is thus seen that neither my orders nor my health permitted me to visit Mississippi after March 12, until the time when I took direct charge of that department. From the time of my arrival at Tullahoma until April 14, General Pembertons reports, all by telegraph, indicated that the efforts of the enemy would be against General Bragg rather than himself, and looked to the abandonment of his attempts on Vicksburg. In that of April 13, he says: I am satisfied Rosecrans will be re-enforced from Grants army. Shall I order troops to Tullahonia. See No. 11, p. 249. t See p. 220. Transmitted by Davis Page 239 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 239 On April 17, General Pemberton telegraphed the return of Grant and the resumption of the operations against Vicksburg. On April 29, he telegraphed: The enemy is at Hard Times in large force, with barges and transports, indicating a purpose to attack Grand Gulf with a view to Vicksburg. He also reported: Heavy firing at Grand Gulf. The enemy shelling our batteries both above and below. On May 1, he telegraphed: A furioris battle has been going on since daylight just below Port Gibson. * * * Enemy can cross all his army from Hard Times to Bruinsburg. I should have large re-enforcements. Enemys movements threaten Jackson, and, if successful, cut off Vicksburg and Port Hudson. I at once nrged him to concentrate and to attack Grant immediately on his landing, and on the next day I sent the following dispatch to him: If Grant crosses, unite all your troops to beat him. Success will give back what was abandoned to win it. I telegraphed to you on the 1st: General Pemberton calls for large re-enforcements. They cannot be sent from here without giving up Tennessee. Can one or two brigades be sent from the east ~ On the 7th, I again asked for re-enforcements for Mississippi. I received no further report of the battle of Port Gibson, and on the 5th asked General Pemberton, What is the result and where is Grants army ~ I received no answer and gained no a(lditional information in relation to either subject until I reached the Department of Mississippi, in obedience to my orders of May 9~ There, on May 13, I received a dispatch from General Pemberton, dated Yicksbnrg, May 12, asljing for re-enforcements, as the enemy in large force was moving from the Mississippi south of the Big Black, ap- parently toward Edwards Depot, which will be the battle-field if I can forward sufficient force, leaving troops enough to secure the safety of this place. Before my arrival at Jackson, Grant had beaten General Bowen at Port Gibson, made good the landing of his army, occupied Grand Gulf and was marching upon the Jackson and Yicksburg Railroad. On reaching Jackson, on the night of May 13, I found there the brigades of Gregg and Walker, reported at 6,000; learned from General Gregg that Maxeys brigade was expected to arrive from Port Hudson the next day; that General Pembertons forces, except the garrison of Port Hudson (5,000) and of Yicksburg, were at Edwards Depot, the generals headquarters at Bovina; that four divisions of the enemy, under Sherman, occupied Clinton, 10 miles west of Jackson, between Edwards Depot and ourselves. I was aware that re-enforcements were on their way from the east, and that the advance of those under General Gist would probably arrive the next, day, and, with Maxeys brigade, swell my force to about 11,000. Upon this information, I sent to General Pemberton on the same night (13th) a dispatch, informing him of my arrival and of the occupation of Clinton by a portion of Grants army; urging the importance of re-es tablishing communications, and ordering him to come up, if practicable, on Shermans rear at once, and adding: To heat such a detachment would be of immense valuc; the trool)s here could cooperate; all the strength you can quickly assemble should l)e brought; time is all- important Page 240 240 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVL On Thursday, May 14, the enemy advanced by the Raymond and Clinton roads upon Jackson. The resistance made by the brigades of Gregg and Walker gave sufficient time for the removal of the public stores, and at 2 p. m. we retreated by the Canton road, from which alone we could form a junction with General Pemberton. After marching 6 miles the troops encamped. From this point I sent to General Pemberton the dispatch of May 14, of which the following is a copy: GENERAL: The body of troops mentioned in my note of last night compelled Briga- dier-General Gregg and his command to evacuate Jackson about noon to-day. The necessity of taking the Canton road at right angles to that upon which the enemy ap- proached prevented an obstinate defense. A body of troops reported this morning to have reached Raymond last night advanced at the same time from that direction. Pris- oners say that it was McPhersons corps (fourdivisions) which marched from Clinton. I have no certain information of the other. Both skirmished very cautiously. Tele- grams were dispatched when the enemy was near, directing General Gist to assemble the approaching troops 40 or 50 miles from Jackson, and General Maxey to return to his wagons and provide for the security of his brigadefor instance, by joining Gen- eral Gist. That body of troops will be able, I hope, to prevent the enemy in Jackson from drawing provisions from the east, and this one may be able to keep him from the country toward Panola. Can ho supply himself from the Mississippi? Can you not cut him off from it? And, above all, should he be compelled to fall back for want of supplies, beat him? As soon as the re-enforcements are all up, they must he united to the rest of the army. I am anxious to see a force assembled that may be able to inflict a heavy blow upon the enemy. Would it not be better to place the forces to support Vicksburg between General Loring and that place, and merely observe the ferries, so that you might unite if opportunity to fight presented itself? General Gregg ~vi1l move toward Canton to-morrow. If prisoners tell the truth, the forces at Jackson nmust be half of Grants army. It would decide the campaign to beat it, which can be done only by concentrating, especially when the remainder of the eastern troops ar- rive. They are to be 12,000 or 13,000. This dispatch was not answered. General Pemberton stated in his official report that it was received at 6 p. m. on the 16th, while on the retreat from the battle-field of Bakerg Creek. On the next day, May 15 (Friday), the troops under me marched 1O~ miles farther, to Calhoun Station. On the morning of that day I received a letter from General Pemberton, dated Edwards Depot, May 14 (Thursday), 5.40 p. in.: I shall move as early to-morrow morning as practicable a column of 17,000 to Dii- loms. The object is to cut off enemys communications and force him to attack me, as I do not consider my force sufficient to justify an attack on the enemy in position, or to attempt to cut my way to Jackson. This was the first communication received from General Pemberton after my arrival at Jackson; and from it I learned that lie had not moved toward Clinton ten hours after the receipt of my order to do so, andth at the junction of the forces, which could have been effected by the 15th, was deferred, and that, in disobedience of my orders and in opposition to the views of the majority of the council of war, corn- j)osed of all of his generals present, before whom he placed the subject, he had decided to make a movement by which the union would be im- l)ossible. General Pemberton was immediately instructed that there was but one mode by which we could unite, viz, by his moving directly to Cituton. The brigadier-generals representing that their troops required rest after the fatigue they had undergone in the skirmishes and marches preceding the retreat from Jackson, and having yet no certain intelli- gence of General Pembertons route or of General Gists position, I did iiot move on Saturday. In the evening I received a rej~ly to my last dispatch, dated 4 mile Page 241 OJIAP. XXXYT.] GENERAL REPORTS. south of Edwards Depot, May 16, stating it had reached him at 6.30 that morning; that It found the army on the middle road to Raymond. The order of countermarch has beea issued.* Owing to the destruction of a bridge on Bakers Creek, which runs for some distance parallel with the railroad and south of it, our march will be on the road leading from Edwards Depot in the direction of Brownsville. This road runs nearly parallel with the railroad. In going to Clinton we shall leave Bolton Depot 4 miles to the right. I am thus particular, so that you may be able to make a junction with this army. In a postscript he reported: Heavy skirmishing is now going on in my front. On the afternoon of the same day, I received General Pembertons first reply to the order sent him from Jackson to attack Sherman, dated Bovina, May 14, 9.10 a. in., as follows: I move at once with my whole available force from Edwards Dupot. In directing this move, I do not think you fully comprehend the coadition Vicksburg will be left in, but I comply at once with your order. On May 17 (Sunday), I marched 15 miles in the direction indicated in General Pembertons note received the previous evening. In the afternoon a letter was brought from him, dated Bovina, May 17, a copy of which has been forwarded to the War Department. In this, refer- ring to my dispatch of May 13, from Jackson, General Pemberton wrote: I notified you on the morning of the 14th of the receipt of your instruct~ions to move and attack the enemy toward Clinton. I deemed the movement very hazardous, preferring to remain in position behind the Big Black and near to Vicksburg. I called a council of war, composed of all the general officers. * * * A majority of the officers expressed themselves favorable to the movement indicated by you. The others, including Major-General Loring and Stevenson, preferred a movement by which this army might endeavor to cut off the enemys supplies from the Mississippi. My own views were expressed as unfavorable to any movement which would remove me from my base, which was and is Vicksbur~. I did not, however, see fit to place my own judgment and opinions so far in opposition as to prevent the movement alto- gether, but, believing the only possibility of success to be in the plan proposed, of cutting off the enemys supplies, I directed all my disposable force, say 17,500, to. ward Raymond or Dillons. It also contained intelligence of his engagement with the enemy on the 16th near Bakers Creek, 3 or 4 miles from Edwards Depot, and of his having been compelled to withdraw, with heavy loss, to Big Black Bridge. He further expressed apprehension that he would be compelled 10 fall back from this point, and represented that, if so, his position at Snyders Mill would be untenable, and said: I have about sixty days provisions at Yicksburg and Snyders. I respectfully await your instructions. I immediately replied, May 17: If Haynes Bluff be untenable, Vicksburg is of no value and cannot be held. If, therefore, you are invested in Vicksburg, you must ultimately surrender. Under such circumstances, instead of losing both troops and place, you must, if possible, save the troops. If it is not too late, evacuate Vicksburg and its dependencies, and march to the northeast. That night I was informed that General Pemberton had fallen back to Yicksbnrg. On Monday, May 18, General Pemberton informed me by letter, dated Yicksburg, May 17, that he had retired within the line of intrenchments * Note on General Pembertons copy says: Sent oft by General P. before being finishedcopied. 16 H HVOL XXVI, PT I 24 Page 242 242 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAP. XXXVI. around Vicksburg, having been attacked and forced back from Big Black Bridge, and that he had ordered ilaynes Bluff to be abandoned. His letter concluded with thefollowing remark: I greatly regret that I felt compelled to make the advance beyond Big Black, which has proved so disastrous in its results. It will be remembered that General Pemberton expected that Ed- wards Depot would be the battle-field before I reached Jackson (see his dispatch of the 12th, already quoted), and that his army, before he re- ceived any orders from me, was 7 or 8 miles east of the Big Black, near Edwards Depot. On May 19, General Pembertons reply, dated Vicksburg, May 18, to my communication of the 17th, was brought me near Vernon, where I had gone with the troops under my command for the purpose of effect- iiig ajunction with him in the event of his evacuating Yicksburg, as I had ordered, in which he advised me that he had assemblcd a council of war of the general officers of this command, and having laid your instructions before them, asked the free expression of their opinion as to the j)racticability of carrying them out. The opinion was unanimously expressed that it was impossible to withdraw the army from this position with such morale and mate- rial as to be of further service to the Confederacy. On receiving this information, I replied: I am trying to gather a force which may attempt to relieve you. Hold out. The same day I sent orders to Major-General Gardner to evacuate Port Hudson. I then determined, by easy marches, to re-establish my line between Jackson and Canton, as the junction of the two commands had become impossible. On May 20 and 21, I was joined by the brigades of Generals Gist, Ec- tor, and MeNair. The division of General Loring, cut off from Gen- eral Pemberton in the battle of Bakers Creek, reached Jackson on the 20th, and General Maxey, with his brigade, on the 23d. By June 4, the army had, in addition to these, been re-enforced by the brigade of General [N. G.] Evans, the division of General Breckinridge, and the division of cavalry, numbering 2,800, commanded by Brig. Gen. W. II. Jackson. Small as was this force (about 24,000 infantry and artillery,* not one- third of that of the enemy), it was deficient in artillery, in ammunition for all arms, and field transportation, and could not be moved upon that enemy (already intrenching his large force) with any hope of success. The draught upon the country had so far reduced the number of horses and mules, that it was not until late in June that draught animals could be procured from distant points for the artillery and trains. There was no want of commissary supplies in the department, but the limited transportation caused a deficiency for a moving army. On May 23, I received a dispatch from Major-General Gardner, di~ted Port Hudson, May 21, infbrming me that the enemy was about to cross at Bayou Sara; that the whole force from Baton Rouge was in his front and askin o to be re-enforced. (in this, my orders for the evacuation Port Hudson were repeated, and he was informed: You cannot be re-enforced. Do not allow yourself to be invested. At every risk save the troops, and, if practicable, move in this direction. This dispatch did not reach General Gardner, Port Hudson being then~ invested. * See Johnston to Mason, December 6, p. 249 Page 243 Ca~r. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. ~43 About May 24, the enemy made such demonstrations above the Big Black and toward Yazoo City, that 1 sent Walkers division to Ya.zoo City, ~with orders to fortify it, and, the demonstrations being renewed, placed Lorings division within supporting distance of Walkers, and in person took post at Canton. Dispatches arrived from General Pemberton,dated Yicksburg, May 20 and 21. In that of the 20th he stated that the enemy had assaulted his intrenched lines the day before and were repulsed with heavy loss. He estimated their force at not less than 60,000, and asked that musket- caps be sent, they being his main necessity. He concluded: An army will be necessary to save Yicksburg, and that quickly. Will it be sent? On the 21st, he wrote: The men credit and are encouraged by a report that you are near with a large force. They are fighting in good spirits and their organization is complete. Caps were sent as fast as they arrived. On May 29, I sent a dispatch to General Pemberton to the following effect: I am too weak to save Yicksburg; can do no more than attempt to save you and your garrison. It will be impossible to extricate you unless you co-operate and we make mutually supporting movements. Communicate your plans and suggestions if possible. The receipt of this was acknowledged in a communication dated Vicks- burg, June 3, in which General Pemberton says: We can get no information from outside as to your position or strength ,and very little in regard to the enemy. In a dispatch dated June 10, from General Gardner (the first received since his investment), he reported having repulsed the enemy in several severe attacks, but that he was getting short of provisions and ammu- nition. To which I replied June 15, informing him that I had not means of relieving him, adding: General Taylor will do what he can on the opposite side of the river. Hold the place as long as you can, and, if possible, withdraw in any direction or cut your way out. It is very important to keep Banks and his forces occupied. In a dispatch dated June 20, I said that General Taylor had inten(Ied to attack the enemy opposite Port Hudson on the night of the 15th, and attempt to send cattle across the river. The want of field transl)orta. tion rendered any movement for the relief of Port Hudson impossible had a march in that direction been advisable; but such a march would have enabled Grant (who had now completed his strong lines around Vicksburg) to have cut my line of communication and destroyed my army, and from the moment that 1 put my troops in march in that di- rection, the whole of Middle and Northern Mississippi would have been open to the enemy. On June 7, I repeated the substance of my dispatch of May 29, to General Pemberton. On June 4, I told the Secretary of War, in answer to his call for my plans, that my only plan was to relieve Yicksburg, and my force was far too small for the purpose. On June 10, I told him I had not at my disposal half the troops neces- sary. On the 12th, I said to him: To take from Bragg a force which would make this army fit to oppose Grant would involve yielding Tennessee. It is for the Government to decide between this State and Tennessee Page 244 244 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL On the 14th, I sent General Pemberton the following: All that we can attempt to do is to save you and your garrison. To do this, exact co-operation is indispensable. By fighting the enemy simultaneously at the same points of his line, you may be extricated. Our joint forces cannot raise the siege of Vicksburg. My communications with the rear can best be preserved by operating north of railroad. Inform me as soon as possible what points will suit you best. Your dispatches of the 12th received. General Taylor, with 8,000 men, will endeavor to open communications with you from Richmond. To this communication General Pemberton replied, June 21, recoin- mending me to move north of the railroad toward Yicksburg, to keep the enemy attracted to that side, and stating that he would himself move at the proper time by the Warrenton road, crossing the Big Black at ilankinsons Ferry; that the other roads are too strongly in- trenched and the enemy in too heavy force for a reasonable prospect of sncce5s2 nnless I could compel him to abandon his communications by Snyders. On the 15th, 1 expressed to the Department the opinion that without some great blunder of the enemy we could not hold both Mississippi and Tennessee, and that I considered saving Yicksburg hopeless. On the 18th, I said: Grants position, naturally very strong, is intrenched and protected by powerful artillery and the roads obstructed. His re-enforcements have been at least equal to my whole force. The Big Black covers him from attack, and would cut off our retreat if defeated. On June 22, in reply to a dispatch from General Pemberton of the 15th, in which he said that, though living on greatly re(luced rations, he had sufficient for twenty days, I informed him that General Taylor had been sent by General E. K. Smith to co-operate with him from the west bank of the Mississippi, and that in a day or two I would try to make a diversion in his favor, and, if possible, open communications, adding though I fear my force is too small to effect the latter. I have only two-thirds of the force you told Messenger Saunders to state to me as the least with which I ought to make an attempt. Scouts report the enemy fortifying toward us and the roads blocked. A day or two after this, a dispatch was brought me from General Pem- berton, dated June 22, suggesting that I should make to Grant propo- sitions to pass this army out, with all its arms and equipages, renewing his hope of my being able, by force of arms, to act with him, and ex- pressiug the opinion that he could hold out for fifteen days longer. To this dispatch I replied June 27, informing him that General B. K. Smiths troops had fallen back to Delhi, andthatlhad urged him to assume the direct command, and continued: The determined spirit you manifest, and his expected co-operation, encourage me to hope that something may yet be done to save Yicksbnrg and to postpone both of the modes suggested of merely extricating the garrison. Negotiations with Grant for the relief of the garrison, should they become necessary, must be made by you. It would be a confession of weakness on my part, which I ought not to make, to propose them. When it becomes necessary to make terms, they may be considered as made under my authority. On June 29, field transportation and other supplies having been ob- tamed, the army marched toward the Big Black, and on the evening - of July 1 encamped between Brownsville and the river. 11ceoniiaissuace~, which occupied the 2d and 3d, convinced me that attack north ot I he railroad was ira l)racti cable. I determined, therefore, to make the examinations necessary for the attempt south of the rail- road; thinking, from what was already known, that the chance for su Page 245 CHAP. XXXVI.J GENERAL REPORTS. 245 cess was much better there, although the consequences of defeat iiiight be more disastrous. On the night of the 3d, a messenger was sent to General Pemberton with information that an attempt to create a diversion would be made to enable him to cut his way out, and that I hoped to attack the enemy about the 7th. On the 5th, however, we learned the fall of Vicksbnrg, and therefore fell back to Jackson. The army reached Jackson the evening of the 7th, aiid on the morn- ing of the 9th the enemy appeared in heavy force in front of the works thrown up for the defense of the place. These, consisting of a line of rifle-pits, prepared at intervals for artillery, extended from a point north of the town, a little east of the Canton road, to a point south of the town, within a short distance of Pearl River, and covered most of the approaches west of the river; but were badly located and con- structed, presenting but a slight obstacle to a vigorous assault. rj he troops promptly took their assigned positions in the intrenchments on the appearance of the enemy, in expectation of an immediate assault, Major-General Loring occupying the right, Major-General Walker the right of the center, Major-General French the left of the center, and Major-General Breckinridge the left. The cavalry, under Brigadier- General Jackson, was ordered to observe and guard the ft~rds of i~earl River above and below the town. The reports that had at various times been made to me by the commanding officers of troops encamped near Jackson of the scarcity of water led me to believe that Sherman, who advanced in heavy order of battle from Clinton, could not besiege, bitt would be compelled t~ make an immediate assault. His force was rep- resented to consist of his own and Ords army corps and three divisions in addition. The spirit and confidence manifested by the whole army under my command was such that, notwithstanding this vast superiority of numbers, I felt assured, with the advantage given by the intrench- ments, weak as they were, an assault by him would result in his dis- comfiture. Instead of attacking, the enemy as soon as they arrived commenced intrenching and constructing batteries. On the 10th, there was spirited skirmishing, with slight cannonading continuing thronghout the day. This was kept up with varying intensity and but little interruption until the period of our evacuation. Hills commanding and encircling the town within easy cannon-range offered favorable sites for batteries. A cross-fire of shot and shell reached all parts of the town, showing the position to be entirely untenable against a l)owerfal artillery. On the 11th, I telegraphed the President: If the position and works were not bad, want of stores (which could not be collected) would make it impossible to stand a siege. If the enemy will not attack, we must, or at the last moment withdraw. We cannot attack seriously without risking the army. On the 12th, besides the usual skirmishing, there was a heavy can- nonade from the batteries near the Canton and south of the Clinton roads. The missiles reached all parts of the town. An assault, though not a vigorous one, was also made on Major-General Breckinridges line. It was quickly repelled, however, principally by the direct fire of Cobbs and Slocombs batteries and flank attack of the skirmishers of the First, Third, and Fourth Florida and Forty-seventh Georgia Regiments. The enemy~s loss was 200 prisoners, nearly the same number killed, many wounded, and the colors of the Twenty-eighth, Forty-first, and Fifty- third Illinois Regiment Page 246 246 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. By the 13th, the enemy had extended his lines until both his flanks rested on Pearl Itiver. I telegraphed the President on the 14th that a large force lately left Yicksburg to turn us on the north. This will compel us to abandon Jackson. The troops before us have been intrenching and constructing batteries since their arrival. On the 15th, I telegraphed the President: The enemy is evidently making a siege which we cannot resist. It would be mad- ness to attack him. The remainder of the army under Grant at Vicksburg is beyond doubt on its way to this place. On the 16th of July, information was received that a large train from Vieksburg, loaded with ammunition, was near the enemy~s camp. This and the condition of their batteries made it probable that Sherman would on the next day concentrate upon us the fire of nearly two hun- died guns. It was also reported that the enemy had crossed Pearl River in rear of their left flank. The evacuation of Jackson that night was therefore determined on. Our withdrawal was effected on the night of the 16th. All public property, and the sick and wounded, except a few not in a condition to be moved, had been previously carried to the rear. The right wing re- tired toward Brandon by the new Brandon road and the left wing by the old Brandon road. The cavalry remained to destroy the bridges over Pearl River and observe the enemy. The evacuation was not dis- covered by the enemy until the next day. Our loss during the siege was estimated at 71 killed, 504 wounded, and about 25 missing. The army retired by easy marches to Morton, distant about 35 miles from Jackson. Desertions during the siege and on the march were, I regret to say, frequent. Two divisions of the enemy, with cavalry, drove our cavalry through l3randon on the 19th, returning to Jackson the next day. Their object seemed to be to destroy the railroad bridges and depots. Col. J. L. Logan, commanding a mounted force around Port Hudson, rej)orted three snccesstul engagements with detachments of the enemy. On July 12, I received information from Colonel Logan of the sur- render of Port Hudson on the 9th. Subsequently the report of Major [C. M.] Jackson, acting assistant inspector-general, was received, in- forming me of the surrender. That officer stated that provision was exhausted, and that the position of the enemy rendered it impossible for the garrison to cut its way out. But 2,500 of the garrison were fit for duty at the time of surrender. The enemy advanced against Yazoo City both by land and water on the 13th. The attack by the gunboats was handsomely repulsed by our heavy battery, under the command of Commander Isaac N. Brown, of the Navy. The Dc KaIb, the flag-s hip of the hostile squadron, an iron-clad, mounting thirteen guns, was sunk by a torpedo. To the force advanc- ing by land no resistance was made by the garrison, commanded by Colonel [William B.] Creasman, of the Twenty-ninth North Carolina Regiment. I have introduced my dispatch of May 14 into this report because General Peinberton, after stating that it was not received until after the battle of Bakers Creek, claims that, although he had not acted on those instructions, the letter suggested the very movement he had made and for the same purpose. When the enemy was at Jackson, the letter suggc~tcd a movement for the sOle purpOse of dislodging him, and s Page 247 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 247 stated. General Pembertons march, with whatever purpose made, was begun after the enemy had abandoned Jackson and was almost in his presence. My order of the 15th, at which time I should have joined General Pemberton to take immediate command of the main army, but that I was still too weak to attempt such a ride, which was received by him very early on the morning of the 16th, required him to abandon that movement. Had he obeyed it, the battle of Bakers Creek would have been escaped. About the middle of January, finding the cavalry in Mississippi inactive, and being satisfied by the representations of well-informed persons acquainted with the country that it could not be usefully employed in Mississippi until late in the spring, and persuaded that a larger cavalry force was needed to cover that portion of Tennessee from which General Bragg was drawing his supplies, I transferred about two- thirds of the cavalry of Mississippi to Tennessee. By this transfer from Mississippi, at a time when Grant had fallen back on Memphis, and Sherman and McClernand had been repulsed at Vicksburg, I gave strength to the Army of Tennessee, which had been greatly reduced by the engagements near Murfreesborough, and enabled General Bragg to cover the country and secure supplies for his army. About March 20, General Pemberton applied for cavalry for the pro- tection of the northern part of the State during the planting season, but his reports, heretofore referred to, indicated that the enemys forces were to be employed in Tennessee rather than in Mississippi; and Van Dorns cavalry being then absolutely necessary to hold the country from which General Bragg was drawing his supplies, I would not send it, and so informed General Pemberton. When he repor-ted that Grants army was returning to Mississippi, a strong brigade of cavalry was ordered from Tennessee into that State. The time to strike the enemy with the best hope of saving Vicksburg was when he was landing near Bruinsburg. To do this with any pros- pect of success, a rapid concentration of all the forces should have been made and an attack. Under this conviction, I telegraphed to General Pemberton on May 1, from Tullahoma: If Grants army land on this side of the river, the safety of Mississippi depends on beating it. For that object you should nnite your whole force. And again on May 2: If Grant crosses, nnite yonr whole force to beat him. Success will give back what was abandoned to win it. These instructions were neglected, and time was given to Grant to gain a foothold in the State. At Port Gibson and Raymond detach- ments of our troops were defeated and driven back by overwhelming numbers of the enemy. On the 13th, when I learned that there were four divisions of the enemy at Clinton, distant 20 miles from the main body of General Pembertons forces, I gave him orders to attack them, and notified him that we could co-operate. This order General Pemberton disobeyed, and so reported to me in his letter of the 17th. It directed him to move 20 miles to the east, to co-operate with me in attacking Sherman. He moved to the south, and made our co-operation and junction impossible. He claims that this order compelled him to make the advance beyond the Big Black, which proved so disastrous. Before I had reached Jackson, and before the order was given, General Pemberton made his first advance beyond (east of) the BigBlack, to Edwards Depot.~ After the receip Page 248 248 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. of the order, in violation of it, he made his second and last advance from that point to the field of Bakers Creek. He further claims that this or(ler caused the subversion of his matured plans.~~ I do not know what these plans were, but am startled to find matured plans given up for a movement in violation of my orders, rejected by the majority of his council of war, and disapproved (as he states) by himself. On the 12th, he wrote me that, if he could collect force euongh, Ed- wards Depot would be the battle-field. The battle of Bakers Creek was fought 3 or 4 miles from Edwards Depot. The presence of the enemy was reported to him the night before. There was no apparent obstacle to prevent his resuming his original position and carrying out his matured plans.~~ It is a new military principle that, when an officer disobeys a posi- tive order of his superior, that superior becomes responsible for any measure his subordinate may choose to substitute for that ordered but had the battle of Bakers Creek not been fought, General Pember- tons belief that Yicksburg was his base rendered his ruin inevitable. He would still have been besieged, and, therefore, captured. The larger force he would have carried into the lines would have added to, and hastened, the catastrophe. His disasters were dne not merely to his en- tangling himself with the advancing columns of a superior and unob- served enemy, but to his evident determination to be besieged in Vicks- burg, instead of maneuvering to prevent a siege. Convinced of the impossibility of collectiiig a sufficient force to break the investment of Vicksburg should it be completed, appreciating the difficuky of extricating the garrison, and convinced that XTieksburg and Port hudson had lost most of their value by the repeated 1)aSsage of armed vessels and transports, I ordered the evacuation of both places. General Gardner did not receive this order before the investment of Port Hudson, if at all. General Pemberton set aside this order under the advice of a council of war, and, though lie had in Yicksburg 8,000 fresh troops, not demoralized by defeat, decided that it was 1ifl~O551- ble to withdraw the army from this position with such morale and ma- terial as to be of further service to the Confederacy, 1)ut to hold Vicksburg as long as possible, with the firm hope that the Government may yet be able to assist me in keeping this obstruction to the enemys free navigation of the Mississippi River. Vicksburg was greatly flu- l)eriled when my instructions from Tullahoma to concentrate were neglected. It was lost when my orders of May 13 and 15 were (lis- obeyed. To this loss weme added the labor, privations, and certain cal)- ture of a gallant army when my orders for its evacuation were set m15i(le. In this report I have been compelled to enter into many (letails alI(I to make some animadversions upon the conduct of General Pemberton. The one was no pleasant task; the other a most painful duty. Both have been forced upon me by the official report of General Pemberton, ma(le to the War Department instea(l of to me, to whom it was due. General Pemberton, by direct assertion and by implication, l)uts upon me the responsibility of the movements which lcd his army to defeat at Bakers Creek and the Big Black Bridge; defeats which produced the loss of Vicksburg and its army. This statei~zment has been circulated by the press in more or less detail, and with more or less marks of an official character, until my silence would be almost an acknowledgment of the justice of the charge. A proper regard for the good opinion of my Government has compelled me, there fore, to throw aside that delicacy which I would gladly have observed toward a brother officer~ suffering much undeserved obloquy Page 249 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 249 and to show that in his short campaign General Peml)erton made not a single movement in obedience to my orders and regarded none of my instructions, and, finally, did not embrace the only opportunity to save his armythat given by my order to abandon Yicksburg. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOThNSTON, General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. MERIDIAN, December 6, 1863. Maj. A. P. MASON, Richmond, Va.:. Amend my report by inserting after ~ in the paragraph begin- ning Small as was this force, the words about 24,000 infantry and artiliery.~~ * Leave the remainder of the paragraph as it is now. J. 13. JOHNSTON. No. 11. Reports of Lieut. Gen. John 0. Pemberton, C. S. Army, commanding Department of Mississippi and Easteyn Louisiana, of operations April 4July 4. HEADQUARTERS, Gainesville, Ala., A ugust 25, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to forward, by the hands of my aide-dc- camp (Lient. J. II. Morrison), my report of the operations previous to and during the siege of Vicksburg, together with the reports of sub- ordinate commanders and Appendices A, 13, and C. The report is, iiec- essarily, very voluminous, but as brief as I could make it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBEI{TON, Lieutenant- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. P. S.I leave to-morrow morning for Demopolis; thence to Atlanta. (Inclosure.] HEADQUARTERS, Gainesville, Ala., August 2, 1863. GENERAL: At the earliest moment compatible with the I)erformance of other and very pressing duties, I have the honor to present the follow- ing report of the operations of the troops in the Department of Missis- sippi and Eastern Louisiana preceding and during the siege resulting in the capitulation of Vicksburg.: The enemy, after long-continued and strenuous efforts to reach the right flank of Vicksburg by forcing a passage through the Upper Yazoo River, finally relinquished his design, and on the night of April 4 and 5 re-embarked his troops, and before daylight was in rapid retreat. About the same time a heavy force of the enemy, which had been collected at Baton Rouge, was mostly withdrawn and transferred to Western Louis- * See p ~24 Page 250 250 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL jana, leaving but one division to occupy that place. After consultation by telegraph with Major-General Gardner, commanding Port Hudson and the Third Military District, deeming the garrison at Port Hudson more than sufficient nnder existing circumstances, and to save supplies at a point so difficult to provide, the navigation of the Mississippi River being then obstructed to us, and the mouth of Red River, from whence large quantities of subsistence stores were drawn, being blockaded by one of the enemys gunboats, I ordered [A.] Rusts brigade and two reg- iments, under Brigadier-General [A.] Buford, to proceed immediately to Jackson, Miss., with the then view of employing them against raids of the enemy in Northern Mississippi, my great deficiency in cavalry leaving that portion of the department almost without protection. About March 11, fearing that the enemy might succeed in opening a canal practicable for the passage of transports across the peninsula op- posite Yicksburg, I deemed it necessary to occupy Grand Gulf near the mouth of the Big Black, and assigned Brig. Gen. John S. Bowen, with his Missouri brigade, to that point, with instructions to construct bat- teries for the protection of the mouth of the Big Black, and as a second- ary obstacle to the navigation of the Mississippi River. General Bowen was also directed to look well to the approaches by the Bayou Pierre. He subsequently informed me that he had prepared for the defense on both sides of the bayou. On the 22d, five heavy guns were mounted and ready for service. Two of these were removed from thsi batteries at Yicksburg, and three, in- tended for gunboats being built in the Trans-Mississippi Department, were detained by my order, it being impracticable to obtain them else- where. At the same time the enemy commenced his movement to reach Vicksburg by the Hushpuckanaw and Deer Creek. Another expedition was also attempted through Steeles Bayou via Rolling Fork and the Sunflower, the object of both being to enter the Yazoo River above Haynes Bluff. In these designs he was completely baffled. Many of our smaller boats, which were alone fitted for the navigation of these streams, and which were employed in the transportation of supplies for Yicksburg, were necessarily diverted from this purpose to transport troops to meet and repel these expeditions. The same interruption in the transportation of supplies was also of constant occurrence during the protracted expedition via the Yazoo Pass. On April 7, I received a telegram from the President, inquiring as to the practicability of sending re-enforcements to General Bragg in Mid- dle Tennessee, and directing me to send them if existing circumstances in the department would admit of it. On the same day I informed the President by telegram that, in my judgment, it was not safe to diminish the forces in this department at that time. On April 9,1 telegraphed General S. Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General, as follows: I am confident that few re-enforcements, if any, have been sent to Rosecrans from Grant; no troops whatever are reported to have gone above the mouth of the Yazoo Pass. I endeavor to keep General [J. E.] Johnston advised of any movement which may affect his army. The enemy is constantly in motion in all directions. He ap- pears now to be particularly engaged with Deer Creek by land from Greenville. I have forces there to meet him. It is reported, but not yet confirmed, that a move- ment under MeClernand in large force, by land, is in progress west of the river and sonthward. I doubt it. My operations west of the Mississippi must greatly depend on the movement of the enemys gunboats. I have several regiments now near New Carthage. I will inform you promptly of anything important, and if I ascertain that part of Grants army is re-enforcing Rosecrans, will dispatch troops to General John- ston as rapidly as possible Page 251 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 251 On April 11, I again telegraphed Gelleral Cooper, Adjutant and In- spector General, and General J. E. Johnston, at Tullahoina, as follows: A scout from Austin reports that forty transports, loaded down, but without troops, passed up the Mississippi River on the 3d and 4th instant. Brigadier-General Chalmers reports that Ellets Marine Brigade passed up the Mississippi on the 7th. The same evening three gunboats and nineteen transports loaded with troops passed up, the last ten boats from Tallahatchee, 20 miles up Coidwater, on Wednesday, going up. I think that most of Grants forces are being withdrawn to Memphis. On the same day I again telegraphed General Johnston as follows: The following report just received: Scout Kemp reports, Near Byhalia, on the 10th, the enemy is strengthening his guard on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. Twelve thousand troops passed Memphis going up the river on the 7th. The same day fifty pieces of artillery were landed at Memphis and taken to the Memphis and Charleston depot. Part of Grants army reported to be going to Corinth and down the Mobile and Ohio Railroad; the balance to re-enforce Rosecrans. Lawson reports near Memphis, 10th Marine Brigade gone up the Cumberland River; also fourteen transports and two gunboats passed up the river. On the night of the 7th, a corps of engineers reached Memphis from below. Acting on these and other corroborating reports, I said to General Johnston, in closing my dispatch, I am collecting troops here, and can send you 4,000 at once, if absolutely necessary; and accordingly the brigades of Generals Tilghman, Rust, and Buford were, on April 13, J)laced under orders to move with dispatch to Tullahoma, while General Vaughns brigade of East Tennesseeans was ordered to be held in readi- ness to move at short notice. Maj. L. Mims, chief quartermaster, was instructed to furnish the necessary transportation as speedily as l)ossible, and the following dispatch, dated April 1~, was transmitted to General Johnston: I will forward troops to you as fast as transportation can be furnishedabout 8,000 men. Am satisfied Rosecrans will be re-enforced from Grants army. Shall I order troops to Tullahoma~ On April 15, statements made by persons just out of Memphis, of which I was notified by telegraph, indicated that the retrograde move- ment from Vicksburg was probably a ruse, and that an early attack might be expected on that place; and on the 16th I telegraphed General Johnston thus: I can send you only two brigades. The latest information induces the belief that no large part of Grants army will be removed. On the same day General Stevenson was directed to delay the move- ment of [J. C.] Vaughns brigade, and on the 17th Major Mims, chief quartermaster, was instructed that no more troops would be forwarded in the direction of Tullahoma until further orders. General Tilghmans brigade was held in position between Jackson and the Big Black Bridge, and on the same day the following telegram was dispatched to General Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General: General Stevenson reports that eight boats atteiupted to pass Yicksburg last night; five succeeded in passing, one was burned and sunk, and two disabled. General Chalmers reports sixty-four steamers left Memphis on the l5eh instant, loaded with troops and negroes, apparently with intention of making an assault on Vicksbnrg. The enemy has nine boats between Yicksbnrg and Port Hudson. I cannot send any more troops, and think that those on the way to General Johnston should come back. General Bowen, at Grand Gulf, was immediately advised of the pas- sage of the boats referred to in the above dispatch, and instructed t Page 252 252 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL withdraw his troops from the Louisiana shore at the fiist favorable op. portunity. He was also immediately re-enforced by the Sixth Missis- sippi Regiment, the First Confederate Battalion, an(I a field battery. On the same day the following telegram was dispatched to General Johnston: The troops sent you were taken from Port Hudsona brigade, under Brigadier- General Buford, aggregate present 4,065. The enemy has nine boats between Vicks- burg and Port Hudson. He has landed forces at New Carthage from Grants army, and can re-enforce them to any extent. He can use his nine boats to cross his troops to this side. The arrival of General Lorenzo Thomas has changed the enemys plans, or his movement up the river was a ruse. I ought to have back Bufords brigade; certainly no more troops should leave this department. A dispatch from Brigadier-General Obalmers yesterday says sixty-four boats left Memphis since Thursday, loaded with soldiers and negroes, ostensibly to assault Vicksburg. The raft in the Yazoo at Snyders Mill has given away, and is entirely destroyed. I am, therefore, compelled to strengthen the batteries there at the expense of Vicks- burg. General Stevenson reports that eight boats passed the Bend last night. One was burned and two apparently disabled; the other five escaped uninjured. Indications of an attack on Vicksburg are so strong that I am not warranted in sending any more troops from this department. From information received after this dispatch was sent, I learned that eight of the enemys most formidable gunboats, besides his transports and barges, succeeded in passing safely on the 16th. I found it a very difficult matter to obtain the necessary hawsers and chains for the raft in the Yazoo, but it was speedily replaced under the active and energetic supervision of Mr. Thom:is Weldon. My request for the return of the troops forwarded to Middle Tennes- see to re-enforce General Bragg was immediately complied with. A por- tion of them, however, had reached Chattanooga; the remainder were halted by telegraph at various points on the route, and the whole were restored to this department as soon as was practicable. The enemys vessels of war occupying the river between Vicksburg and Grand Gulf, it was impossible for me to operate effectually in the Trans-Mississippi Department to prevent the advance of the enemy to the west bank of the river. On April 17, therefore, I addressed the following telegraphic com- munication to Capt. E. Powell, assistant quartermaster at Natchez: Forward the following to Lieutenant-General Smith or Major-General Taylor, viz: For the want of the necessary transportation, I cannot operate effectually on the west bank of the river; the enemy is now in force at New Carthage and Richmond. 1 beg your attention to this. Captain Powell notified me at once that this dispatch had been for- warded by courier. On the 18th, I addressed a second communication, through the same medium, as follows: Lieutenant-General SMITH or Major-General TAYLOR: The enemy are cutting a passage from near Youngs Point to Bayou Vidal, to reach he Mississippi River near New Carthage. Without co-operation it is impossible to oppose him. Inform me what action you intend to take. To these communications, and to a subsequent one of April 22, I re- ceived no reply until after the capitulation of Yicksburg, when an acknowledgment of the receipt of that of the 22d, dated May 20, reached me. On the 19th, reports of raids in Northern Mississippi from several points in Tennessee reached me. All the available cavalry north of the Southern Railroad was at once placed at the disposal of Brigadier-Ge Page 253 CHAP. XXXVT.1 GENERAL REPORTS. 253 erals Ruggles and Chalmers, commanding, respectively, the First and Fifth Military Districts, which embraced all the northern portion of the State of Mississippi, and both were notified of the expected raids. Two companies of cavalry of Wauls Legion alone were ordered to report to Brigadier-General Barton at Warrenton. One of these marauding ex- peditions, under Colonel [Brigadier-General] Grierson, which crossed the Tallahatchee River at New Albany, succeeded in passing directly through the State, and eventually joined General Banks forces at Baton Rouge, La. So great was the consternation created by this raid that it was impossible to obtain any reliable information of the enemy~s move- ments, rumor placing him in various places at the same time. On the 20th, I addressed the following telegram to General Johnston: Can you not make a heavy demonstration with cavalry on the Tallahatchee toward Abbeville, if only for 50 miles? The enemy are endeavoring to compel a diversion of my troops to Northern Mississippi. The same day the following communication was addressed to General Johnston, in response to one from him, asking if I could not send re- enforcements to the assistance of Colonel [P. D.] Roddey: I have not sufficient force to give any efficient assistance to Colonel Roddey. The enemy are advancing from Memphis via Herudon, from Grand Junction and La Grange via Holly Springs and Salem, and from Corinth via New Albany. You are aware that I have but a feeble cavalry force, but I shall certainly give y~u all the aid I can. I have literally no cavalry from Grand Gulf to Yazoo City, while the enemy is threaten- ing to pass the river between Vicksburg and Grand Gulf, having now twelve vessels below the former place. A gunboat and one transport passed Austin on the 18th, having in tow fifteen fiat-boats, or pontoons, with twenty-five skiffs on them. An- other transport passed Austin on the 19th, towing sixteen fiats, or pontoons. Brigadier-General Ruggles was directed to send all his available cav- alry, both Confederate and State, at once toward Corinth, as a diversion in favor of Colonel Roddey; GeneralJohnston having informed me that a snperior force of the enemy fl~om Corinth was in front of Roddey at Tuscumbia, and desiring me, if possible, to send aid to the latter. Hav- ing no available cavalry to meet the raid of Grierson, which was ravag- ing the northern portion of the State, I endeavored to employ a portion of Bufords brigade (infantry), then returning to the department, and directed the commanding officer of the first regiment, on his arrival at Meridian. to remain until further orders, to protect the most impor- tant points on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and thereby succeeded in saving the valuable property, machinery, & c., at Enterprise, upon which town the enemy advanced and demanded its surrender, bitt Major-Gets- eral Loring having reached there with a sufficient force of infantry in time, their object was frustrated. The enemy had previously succeeded in destroying several miles of the track of the Southern Railroad west of Chunkey River, which for more than a week greatly delayed the traits- l)ortation of troops, and entirely prevented that of supplies (except by wagons) from our depots on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. To meet these raids as far as possible, Major-General Loring was placed in command of all the troops then on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. He was directed not to leave the line of the road for any great distance, to keel) me, antly to advise in telegraphic communication with and const inc of his position, and that, operations upon that line being minor in importance to those upon the Mississippi River, his troops must be so disposed as to enable him to move them in that direction at a notice. The same (lay the following communication was addressed to General Johnston at Tullahoma: Heavy raids are making from Tcnnessce d~ep into this State. One is reportedno Page 254 254 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. at Starkville, 30 miles west of Colu!nbns. Cavalry is indispensable to meet these expeditions. The little that I have is on the field there, but totally inadequate. Could you not make a demonstration with a cavalry force on their rear I Another expedition having been reported moving across the country in a southwesterly direction from Pontotoc, Brigadier-General Feather- ston, then commanding Fort Pemberton, on the Yazoo, was ordered to move without delay toward Duck Hill or Winona, and General Tilgh- man, then at Canton, was directed to hold trains in readiness to move to Winona at a momeflt~5 notice. This became more necessary, as a heavy column of infantry as well as cavalry was reported moving from Mem- phis with the supposed view of taking possession of Grenada. The same day the following communication was telegraphed to General Cooper, Adjutant and Inspector General: I have so little cavalry that I am compelled to divert a portion of my infantry to meet raids in Northern Mississippi. If any troops can possibly be spared from other departments, I think they should be sent here. Every effort was made by me to provide cavalry to arrest Griersons raid; also to accumulate a force for operations in the direction of War- renton and Grand Gult thinking it quite as probable that Grierson would return by the route on which he was advancing as that he would continue his progress southward. On the 24th, Brigadier-General Chalmers, at Panola, was directed to move, with all his cavalry and light artillery, via Oxford, to Okolona, to intercept the force of the enemy then at Newton Station, on the Southern Railroad. Captain [Samuel] Henderson, commanding special scouts at Grenada, was also instructed to send couriers to Generals Loring, Buford, and Ruggles, notifying those officers by telegrams from the nearest tele graph office, and advising each station on the road, that the enemy had reached Newton, on the Southern road. A force was also ordered to proceed from Jackson to Forrest, or Lake Station, or to such other points as circumstances might render necessary. Major-General Gardner, at Port Hudson, was notified that the enemy had reached the Southern Rail. roadthat it was probable he would endeavor to form a junction with Banks at Baton Rougeand was instructed to send all his disposable cavalry to intercept him. Brigadier-General Featherston, with his bri- gade, then at or en route for Winona, was ordered to move to Grenada, if there was any approach of the enemy (as was reported) from the north on that place, unless he was also threatened by an advance from the east. As it was possible that Griersons forces might return by Jackson, such arrangements as my means allowed were made to defend the capital of the State. Brigadier-General Tilghman, then at Canton, was authorized to mount one of his regiments at that place, by the impressment of horses or otherwise, and immediate steps were taken to mount the Twentieth Mississippi and a detachment of the Fourteenth Mississippi, both of these regiments being at the time on duty in Jackson. Similar authority was given to General Loring, then on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, to mount what force he could on that line. In the impress- ment of horses, and their necessary equipments, Maj. L. Mims, chief quartermaster, was materially aided by His Excellency the Governor of Mississippi, who was also earnestly advised to mount by the same process a portion of the State troops in Northern Mississippi. All the cavalry I could thus collect south of the Southern Tiajiroad was placed under the orders of Col. R. V. Richardson until lie should fall in with (Dol. Wirt Adams, who was then directed to as~suume command and direct the move- ments of the whole Page 255 Caip. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 255 On the 28th, it was ascertained that Grierson was continuing his move- ment south of Hazlehurst, and not toward Grand Gulf or the Big Black Bridge. Colonel [Wirt] Adams was directed to follow him up and am- buscade him, if possible. These instructions were carried out as far as practicable, and resulted in a smart skirmish near Union Church. Col- onel Adams force, however, was too weak to effect anything important. Grierson, after suffering considerable loss by an ambuscade farther south, which was well planned and executed by a cavalry force from Major-General Gardners command, eventually succeeded in joining General ~ army at Baton Rouge. I have been thus circumstantial in reciting the incidents connected with this celebrated raid that I might clearly demonstrate the great de- ficiencyI may almost say absenceof cavalry in my department, and the absolute impossibility of protecting my communications, depots, and even my most vital positions, without it; and, further, to show that con- sequent upon this want of cavalry I was compelled to employ infantry, and thus weaken my force in that arm at other important points. I wrote to General Johnston on March 25, urgently requesting that the division of cavalry under Major-General Van Dorn, which had been sent to the Army of Tennessee for special and temporary purposes, might be returned to me. Under date of Tullahoma, Apr11 3, Col. B. S. Ewell, assistant adju- tant-general, replied to my request, and from that reply I make the following extract: In the present aspect of affairs, General Van Dor~s cavalry is much more needed in this department than in that of Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana, and cannot be sent back as Long as this state of things exists. You have now in your department five bri- gades of the troops you most require, viz, infantry, belonging to the Armyof Tennessee. This is more than a compensation for the absence of General Van Dorns cavalry com- mand. I will terminate this subject with the following telegram, addressed to General Johnston at Tullahoma on April 27: However necessary cavalry may be to the army in Tennessee, it is indispensable for me to maintain my communications. The enemy are to-day at Hazlehurst, on the New Orleans and Jackson Railroad. I cannot defend every station on the roads with in- fantry. I am compelled to bring cavalry here from Northern Mississippi, and thus the whole of that section of the State is left open; further, these raids endanger my vital positions. When it seemed probable that the enemy would succeed in opening a navigable canal across the peninsula opposite Vicksburg, and thus to a great extent avoid the batteries established there, I directed that Grand Gulf should be occupied, and as many heavy guns placed in position as could be without too much weakening the defenses of Vicks- burg. Believing that the urgency of the case demanded it, I assumed the responsibility of detaining three heavy guns en route for the Trans- Mississippi Department, and withdrew two others from the batteries at Vicksburg. Insufficient as I knew this battery to be, it was the heav- iest I could place there. Fort Peniberton, on the Tallahatchee, then occupied our attention. The enemy in large force, by land and water, was exerting all his ener- gies against that position, with the view of turning the right flank of Vicksburg, and every available gun was required for its defense. This necessity continued to exist until the fall of the rivers rendered an approach by water impracticable. Grand Gulf was not selected as a position for land defense, but for the protection of the mouth of the Big Black, and also as a precaution Page 256 256 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL ary measure against the passage of transports, should the canal before referred to prove a success, which then seemed highly probable. The necessary works were, however, constructed, nnder the direction of Brig- adier-General Bo~~en,to defend the batteries against aii assault from the river front and against a direct attack from or across Big Black. When, however, the enemy succeeded in passing sufficient transports lo cross his troops from the west bank of the river below Grand Gulf, there being a practicable route by which to move his land forces from above Yicksbnrg to a point nearly opposite Bruinsburg, the position of Grand Gulf itself lost most of its value; but so great were his facilities of transportation and so rapid his movements that it was impracticable to withdraw the heavy guns. The only means of subsisting an army. south of Big Black are from Vicksburg or Jackson, the former requiring / a transportation by dirt road of 40 and the latter of 45 miles, in addition ( to that by rail. Without cavalry I could not have protected mv own communications, much less have cut those of the enemy. To have marched an army across Big Black of sufficient strength to warrant a reasonable hope of successfully encountering his very superior forces would have stripped Vicksburg and its essential flank defenses of their garrisons, and the city it~elf might have fallen an easy prey into the eager hands of the enemy. The enemy having succeeded, on the night of April 16 (as heretofore related), in passing the batteries at Vicksbnrg with a number of his gun- boats and transports, and the report of a heavy movement to the south- ward on the Louisiana shore being fully confirmed, I immediately made the necessary dispositions for more perfectly guarding all points between Vicksbnrg amid Grand Gulf, and re-enforced Brigadier-General Bowen with Greens brigade, the Sixth Mississippi Regiment, the First Confeder- ate Battalion, and a battery of field artillery. Other troops were collected on the line of the railroad between Jackson and the Big Black Bridge, and measures were taken to get the troops that were being returned from Middle Tennessee into such positions that they could be readily moved at a moments notice. Major-General Stevenson was directed to place 5,000 men in easy supporting distance of Warrenton, in addition to the brigade alrea~(ly there. Major [Samuel II.] Lockett, my chief engineer, was sent to Grand Gnlf. On the 22d, I addressed a communication to Lieut. Gen. E. Kirby Smith, acknowledging the receipt o~ one from him of the 15th asking my co-operation on the west side of the Mississippi, and stating my ina- bility to do so because of the enemys gunboats in the river and from want of transportation, and again asking his co-operation in front of~ Grand Gulf and New Carthage. The following telegram was addressed to Major-General Stevenson on the 23d: 1 consider it essential that communications, at least for infantry, should be made by the shortest practicable route to Grand Gulf. The indications now are that the attack will not be made on your front or right, and all troops not absolutely necessary to hold the works at Vicksburg should be held as a movable force for either Warren- ton or Grand Gulf. On the 28th, Brigadier-General Bowen telegraphed that transports and barges loaded down with troops are landing at Hard Times, on the west bank. I immediately replied as follows: Have you force enough to hold your position I if not, give me the sniallest addi- tional number with which you can. My small cavalry force necessitates the use of infantry to protect important points Page 257 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. ~57 Major-General Loring, then at Meridian, was ordered to send two of his regiments across the break on the Southern Railroad, iiear Chuiikey River, and Colonels [M.] Farrell and [A. E.] Reynolds, who were xvest of the break, were ordered to proceed immediately to Jackson. Major- General Buckner, commanding at Mobile, was notified that I should look to him to assist me in protecting the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, as I reqnired all the troops I conid spare to strengthen General Boweti. Major-General Gardner, at Port Hudson, was also ordered to move Greggs brigade rapidly to Jackson. Brigadier-General Tilghman, theii on the Mississippi Central Railroad, was directed to move promptly with all of his troops (save bridge guards) to Jackson. Major [M. It.] Clark, commanding at Brookhaven, was instructed to send couriers to all cav- alry commanders near him, ordering them to move toward Grand Gnlf, with directions not to encounter the main body of the enemy, but to harass him in the rear and flank. Similar instructions were forwarded to Osyka and Hazlehurst. To General Johnston, at Tullahoma, the fol- lowing telegram was sent: The enemy is at Hard Times, La., in large force, with barges and transports, indi- cating an attack on Grand Gulf, with a view to Vicksburg. I must look to the Army of Tennessee to protect the approaches through Northern Mississippi. The following also to Major-General Stevenson at Yicksburg: Hold 5,000 men in readiness to move to Grand Gulf, and on the requisition of Brig- adier-General Bowen move them. With your batteries and rifle-pits manned, the city front is impregnable. To General Bowen, at tlie same time, the following was sent: I have directed General Stevenson to have 5,000 men ready to move on your requi- sition, but do not make requisition unless absolutely necessary for the safety of your position. I am also making arrangements for sending you 2,000 or 3,000 men from this direction in case of necessity. You cannot communicate with me too frequently. I believe that I fully estimated the importance of preventing an ad- vance npon Jackson, if it could be done without sacrificing Yicksbnrg; but if the latter was lost, the former was comparatively of little value. Yicksburg might still be held with Jackson in possession of the enemy, but it was the hope of being able to hold the position on Bayou Pierre, upon which the safety of Jackson depends, that made me most anxious to re-enforce General Bowen, or, failing in that, at least to have a suffi- cient force at hand to secure his retreat across the Big Black. On April 30, I received the first information of the landing of the enemy on the east bank of the Mississippi River. General Bowen re- ported by telegraph that 3,000 Federal troops were at Bethel Church, 10 miles from Port Gibson, at 3 oclock on the evening of the 29th, and that they were still landing at Bruinsburg. Brigadier-General Tracy, of Stevensons division, had reached Grand Gulf with his brigade on the 30th. Lieutenant-Colonel [William N.] Brown, of the Twentieth Mississippi, with 50 monnted men of his regiment, left Jackson for the same place on the 29th, and Maj. J. ID. Bradford, a good artillery officer, was sent to replace the lamented Colonel [William] Wade, as chief of artillery. Between 12 m. and 2 p. m. on the 30th, Brigadier-General Baldwin, with his brigade, of Smiths division, had crossed the Big Black at Han- kinsons Ferry. At 9 a. m. May 1, General Bowen informed me by telegraph, his army being then in position 3 miles south of Port Gibson, that General Baldwin was entering the latter place. On the same day General Bowen telegraphed me that prisoner~ taken reported MeClernand in 17 R HVOL XXLV, PT Page 258 258 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAr. XXX q. command; that three divisions had landed, one of which took the rigi it- hand road from Rodney, and that the enemys force was estimated at 20,000 men. He adds, however, I disbelieve the report. At 3 p. ~. the same day, General Bowen advised me that he still held his positien, but that he was hard pressed, and concluded by asking when Major- General Loring would arrive. In reply, he was notified by telegram that another brigade from Yicksbnrg was en route to re-enforce him, and would probably reach him before Major-General Loring could arri~e from Jackson. At 5.30 p. m. he informed me that he was falling back across the Bayou Pierre, and that he would endeavor to hold that poi~i- tion until the arrival of re-enforcements. On reaching Rocky Springs, about 18 miles from Grand Gulf, Major-General Loring, learning that Brigadier-General Bowen had fallen back before a large force from Port Gibson in the direction of Grand Gulf directed two regiments and a field battery of Tilghmans brigade, which had been withdrawn from ti ie Big Black Bridge, to move as rapidly as possible to Grindstone Ford, and hold it at all hazards, to prevent the enemy from flanking Bowen in that direction, and then proceeded himself to the headquarters of General Bowen, near Grand Gulf. Major-General Loring, concurring with General Bowen as to the impracticability of holding his position with so small a force, directed its withdrawal across Big Black at Han- kinsons Ferry. In his official report Major- General Loring says: This had hardly been dctcrmined upon, when your communication was received, stating that the army had fallen hack toward Grand Gulf, and ordering it to move at once out of its position, and to cross the Big Black at Hankinsons Ferry. The movement was promptly carried out. Previous to crossing the river, however, (Jol. A. W. Reynolds brigade, of Stevensons division, had arrived. Not having heard from General Bowen after 5.30 p. in. on the 1st instant, I dispatched him. via Rocky Springs, oii the morning of the 2d ,as follows: If you arc holding your position on thc Bayou Pierre, and your communication is OPCII by thc Big Black to this place, continue to hold it. I am informed that you have fallen back to Grand Gulf. If this is so, carry out my instructions, just sent in cipher. These instructions were, in case he had fallen back to Grand Gulf, which is a cul-de-sac, to destroy his heavy guns and such stores as con 1(1 not be transported, and endeavor to retire across the Big Black. Tile last brigade of Major-General Stevensons division, which had been hur- ried forward to re-enforce Bowen, with the hope of enabling him to hold his position on the Bayou Pierre, or, in case he should be compelled to fall back, to protect his retreat, had not all arrived when the retiring column, under Major-General Loring, commenced crossing the Big Black at Hankinsons Ferry. For the details of the battle of Port Gibson, the list of casualties, & c, I beg to refer to the official report of Brigadier-General Bowen and tbe reports of his subordinate commanders, which I have the honor to traims- mit herewith, * as also the report of Major-General Loring, who coin- manded the retreat after the column had been put in motion by Brig- adier-General Bowen. Among the slain whom the country deplores I regret to mention Brig. Gen. E. 1). Tracy, a brave and skillful officer, who fell where it is the soldiers pride to fallat the post of duty and of danger. Though (lisastrous in its results, the bloody encounter in front of Port * Sec pp- 657 ct seq Page 259 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 259 Gibson nobly illustrated the valor and constancy of our trool)s, and shed additional luster upon the Confederate arms. Confroiited by overwhelm- ing numbers, the heroic Bowen and his gallant officers and men main- tained the unequal contest for many hours with a courage and obstinacy rarely equaled, and though they failed to secure a victory, the world will do them the justice to say they deserved it. With a moderate cav- alry force at my disposal, I am firmly convinced that the Federal Army under General Grant would have been unable to maintain its commu- nications with the Mississippi River, and that the attempt to reach Jack- son and Yicksburg from that base would have been as signally defeated in May, 1863, as a like attempt from another base had by the employ- ment of cavalry been defeated in December, 1862. The repulse of General Bowen at Port Gibson, and onr consequent withdrawal to the north bank of the Big Black, rendered it necessary that I should as rapidly as possible concentrate my whole force for the defense of Vicksburg from an attack in the rear by Grants army, which was hourly swelling its numbers. Orders, therefore, were immediately transmitted to the officers in command at Grenada, Columbus, and Jack- son to move all available forces to Vicksburg as rapidly as possible. On the morning of the 3d, two of the enemys barges, loaded with hos- pital and commissary stores, were destroyed in attempting to pass the batteries at Yicksburg. On the 5th, I telegraphed General Johnston that Six thousand cavalry should be used to keel) my communications open, and that the enemy advancing on me was double what I could bring into the field. To the honorable Secretary of War I sent the following telegram, under date of May 6: General Beauregard sends but two brigades, perhal)s not 5,000 men. This is a very insufficient number. The stake is a great one. I can see nothing so important. On the 7th, the President notified me that all the assistance in his po~ver to send should be forwarded, and that it was deemed necessary to hold Port Hudson as a means of keeping up our communications with the Trans-Mississippi Department. Major-General Gardner, who, with Brigadier-General Maxey and 5,000 men, had previously been ordered to Jackson to re-enforce this army, was immediately directed to send Maxeys brigade rapidly forward, amid to return himself with 2,000 men to Port Hudson, and hold the place at all hazards. On the 7th, indications rendered it probable that the enemy would make a raid on Jackson. The staff departments, therefore, and all valu- able stores, were ordered to be removed east. In the mean time my troops were so disposed as to occupy the War- renton and Halls Ferry road, which afforded great facilities for concen- tration, and various positions on the Baldwins Ferry road, amid from thence between Bovina and Edwards Depot, each division being imi good supporting distance of the other. Colonel [T. N.] Waul, commanding Fort Pemberton, was directed to leave a garrison of 300 mu~n at that place, and proceed with the remnainder of his force to Snyders Mill. On the 10th, in formation was received from a scouting party that visited Cayuga and Utica, where the enemy had recently been, that his cavalry force was about 2,000, and that he was supposed to be moving on Yicksburg. My dispositions were made accordingly, and every effort was used to collect all the cavalry possible. Such as could be obtained were placed under the command of Col. Wirt Adams, who was directed to harass the enemy on his line of march, cut his communications wher- ever practicable, patrol the country thoroughly, and to keep Brigadier Page 260 260 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. General Gregg (who hadjust arrived with his brigade from Port Hudson and was then at Raymond) fully advised of the enemys movemeiits. On the 11th, Brig. Gen. John Adams, commanding at Jackson, was directed to hurry forward, as fast as they could arrive, the troops from South Carolina, to re-enforce Brigadier-General Gregg at Raymond. At this time information was received from Brigadier-General Tilghman that the enemy was in force opposite Baldwins Ferry, and Gregg was notified accordingly, and informed that the enemys movements were apparently toward the Big Black Bridge, and not, as had been sup- posed, against Jackson. On the 12th, the following was addressed to Major-General Stevenson. From information received, it is evident the enemy is advancing in force on Edwards Depot and Big Black Bridge; hot skirmishing has been going on all the morning, and the enemy are at Fourteen-Mile Creek. You must move up with your whole division to the support of Loring and Bowen at the bridge, leaving Baldwins and Moores brigades to protect your right. In consequence of this information, Brigadier-General Gregg was or. dered not to attack the enemy until he was engaged at Edwards or the bridge, but to be ready to fall on his rear or flank at any moment, and to be particularly cautious not to allow himself to be flanked or taken in the rear. Thus it will be seen that every measure had been taken to protect Edwards Depot and Big Black Bridge, and, by offering or accept- ing battle, to endeavor to preserve my communications with the east. At this juncture, however, the battle of Raymond was fought by a large body of the enemys forces and one brigade of our troops under the command of Brigadier-General Gregg. I have received no official report of that affair, and hence caniiot say how it was fought or by whom the engagement was brought on. Un- official information represents Brigadier-General Gregg and his small command to have behaved with great gallantry and steadiness, but after an obstinate conflict of several hours they were finally overwhelmed by superior numbers and compelled to retire. The command was with- drawn in good order, and retired to Jackson. On the 14th, a large body of the enemy made their appearance in front of Jackson, the capital of the State. After some fighting, our troops were withdrawn, and the enemy took possession of the place; but as General Johnston was commanding there in person, his official report, which has doubtless gone forward, will furnish all the informa- tion required. On the 12th, the following telegram was sent to General J. E. John- ston: The enemy is apparently moving his heavy force toward Edwards Depot, on Southern Railroad; with my limited force I will do all I can to meet him. That will be the battle-field if I can carry forward sufficient force, leaving troops enough lo secure the safety of this place (Vicksburg). Re-enforcements are arriving very slowly, only 1,500 having arrived as yet. I urgently ask that more be sent; also that 3.000 cavalry be at once sent to operate on this line. I urge this as a positive neces- sity. The enemy largely outnumber me, and I am obliged to hold back a large force at the ferries on Big Black lest he cross and take this place. I am also com- pelled to keep considerable force on either flank of Yicksburg out of supporting dis- tance. The same dispatch was also sent to His Excellency President Davis on the same date. The divisions of Major-Generals Loring and Stevenson moved from the line they had occupied between Warrenton and Big Black Bridge to Edwards Depot, General Stevenson being directed to keep well closed upon the rear of General Lorings column Page 261 ChAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 261 On the evening of the 12th, I moved my headquarters to Bovina, to l)e nearer the scene of active operations. The command arrived at Edwards Depot on the 13th, and was placed in position, covering all approaches from the south and east, in the fol- lowing order, viz: Bowen on the right, Loring in the center, and Ste- venson on the left. This positiou was occupied from the night of the 13th until the morning of the 15th. On the 13th, the following dispatch was sent to General Johnston: General Forney reports from Yicksbnrg this morning four transports loaded with trool)s arrived at Youngs Point this morning. Five regiments and a battery passed down by Brown & Johnstons. Wagon trains continne to pass back and forth. My re-enforcements will be very small and arrive very slowly. If possible, Port Iludsoii should also be re-enforced. I have been forced to draw largely from there. I have no major-general to command brigades arriving in Jackson. I am in position with ei(rht brigades near Edwards Depot. a On the morning of the 14th, while on my way to Edwards Depot from Bovina, I received the following dispatch, dated May 13, from General Johuston, then at Jackson: I have lately arrived, and learn that Major-General Sherman is between ns, with four divisions, at Clinton. It is important to re-establish commnnications, that you may be re-enforced. If practicable, come up in his rear at once. To beat such a de- tachment would be of immense value. The troops here could co-operate. All the strength you can qujckly assemble should be brought. Time is all-important. I immediately replied as follows: BovINA, May 14, 1863. I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication. I move at once with whole available force (about 16,000) from Edwards Depot, leaving Vaughns bri- gade (about 1,500) at Big Black Bridge. Tilghmans brigade (1,500), now at Baldwins Ferry, I have ordered to bring up the rear of my column; be will be, however, from 15 to 20 miles behind it. Baldwins Ferry will be left necessarily unprotected. To hold Vicksburg are Smiths and Forneys divisions, extending from Snyders Mill to Warrenton, numbering 7,500 effective men. The men have been marching several days, are mnch fatigued, and I fear will straggle very much. In directing this move, I do not think you fully comprehend the position that Vicksburg will be left in, but I comply at once with y6ur order. The ~ General Johnston speaks of in his communica- tion consisted of four divisions of the enemy, constituting an entire army corps, numerically greater than my whole available force in the field~ besides, the enemy had at least an equal force to the south, on my right flank, which would be nearer to Yicksburg than myself in case I should make the movement proposed. I had, moreover, positive information that he was daily increasing his strength. I also learned on reaching Edwards Depot that one division of the enemy (A. J. Smiths) was at or near Dillons. This confirmed me in the opinion, previously ex- l)ressed, that the movement indicated by General Johnston was ex- tremely hazardous. I accordingly called a council of war of all the general officers present, and placing the subject before them (including General Johnstons dispatch) in every view in which it appeared to me, asked their opinions respectively. A majority of the officers present expressed themselves favorable to the movement indicated by General Johnston. The others, including Major-Generals Loring and Steven- son, preferred a movement by which the army might attempt to cut off the enemys supplies from the Mississippi River. My own views were strongly expressed as unfavorable to any advance which would sepa- rate me farther from Vicksburg, which was my base. I did not, how- ever, see fit to put my own judgment and opinions so far ill opposition as to prevent a movement altogether, but believing time only possibility of success to be in the plan of cutting the enemys communications, i Page 262 262 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. was adopted, and the following dispatch was addressed to General Johnston: EDwARDs D1~roT, May 14, 1~63. I sh~l1 move as early to-morrow morning as practicable with a column of 17,000 men to Dillons, situated on the main road leading from Raymond to Port Gibson, 7j miles below Raymond and 91 miles from Edwards Depot. The object is to cut the enemys communications and to force him to attack me, as I do not consider my force sufficient to justify an attack on the enemy in position or to attempt to cut my way to Jackson. At this point your nearest communication would be through Raymond. I wish very much I could join my re-enforcements. Whether it will be most practi- cable for the re-enforcements to come by Raymond (leaving itto the right if the nmarch cannot be made through Raymond) or to move themii west along the line of railroad (leaving it to the left and south of tIme line of march) to Bolton Depot, or some other point west of it, you must (letermine. In either movement I should be advised as to the time and road, so that co-operation may be had to enable the re-enfoicements to come through. I send you a map of the country, which will furnish you with a cor- rect view of the roads and localities. Pursuant to the plan laid down in this dispatch, the army was put in motion on the 15th, about I p. in., in accordance with the following order, viz: SPECIA.L ORDERS, HD QRS. DEPT. OF Mississi~ri AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, No. . Edwards Th~pot, May 14, 1563. This army will move to-morrow morning (15th instant) iii the direction of Raymond, on the military road, in the following order: 1. Col. Wirt Adaums cavalry will form the advance guard, keeping at least I mile in advance of the head of the column, throwing out one company in front of his column and a small detachment in its advance, besides the flankers upon his column, when practicable. 2. Loriugs division will constitute the right and the advance in time line of march. He will throw a regiment of infantry, with a section of artillery, at least 200 yards in his front, with a company of int~ntry at least 75 yards in its advance, all with the necessary detachments and flankers. :1. Bowens division will constitute the center. and will follow time leading (livision. 4. Stevensons divisiofi will constitute the left, bringing up the rear of the column. 5. The artillery of each brigade will march in the rear of their brigade. 6. The ambulances of each brigade will follow imi time rear of their brigade. 7. The ordnance wagons of each division will follow in the rear of their division. 8. The wagon train will follow in rear of time entire columlmn. 9. Should Tilghmans brigade arrive aftcr the (leparture of tlme column, it will eon- stitmite, with a field battery, the rear guard, following imummumediately in rear of the wagon train. 10. A comupany of Wirt Adams cavalry will close the order of muarchm. 11. The wagon train will follow in the order of division; timat is to say, the wagon train of Lorings division on thue right of the train; that of Bowens division in the center, & c. Quartermasters, commissaries, and or(lnance officers will renmain with their trains unless otherwise ordered. Straggling, always disgraceful in an army, is particularly forbidden. Stringent orders ~vihl be issued by the (livision comnuanders to prevent this evil. The rear guard is especially instructed to Imermuit no one to fall to the rear under any circumstances. A continuons and heavy rain had made Bakers Creek impassable by the ordinary ford on the main Raymond road, where the conntry bridge had been washed away by previous freshets. In consequence of this, the march was delayed for several hours, but the water not falling suf- ficiently to make the creek fordable, the column was directed l)y the Clinton road, on which was a good bridge, and, after passing the creek npward of 1~ miles, was filed to the right along a neighborhood road, so as to strike the Raymond road about 3~ miles from Edwards Depot. The march was continued until the bead of the column had l)assed Mrs. Ellistons house, where it was halted, and time troops bivouacked in order of march. 1 made my headquarters at Mrs. Ehlistons, where 1 found Major-General Loming had also established his. Time divisions of Generals Stevenson and Bowemi having been on the march nutil past midnight, and time men considerably fatigueddesirin Page 263 CIGAr. XXXVI.] 263 GENERAL REPORTS. also to receive reports of reconnaissanceS made iii my front before pro- cc eding fartherI did not issue orders to continue the movement at an e~rly hour the following morning. Immediately on my arrival at Mrs. Ellistons on the night of the 15th, I sent for (Do]. Wirt Adams, commanding the cavalry, and gave him tb e i~ecessarinstructions for picketing all approaches iu my front, and di rected him to send out scouting parties to discover the enemys where- abouts. I also made strenuous efforts to effect the same object through ci ~izens, but without success. Nothing unusual occurred during the night. On the morning of the 16th, at about 6.30 oclock, (Do]. Wirt Adams reported to me that his pickets were skirmishing with the enemy on the iR iymond road some distance in our front. While in conversation with hi m, a courier arrived and handed me the following dispatch from Gen- er~d Johnston: CANTON ROAD, TEN MILES FROM JACKSON, May 15, 18638.30 a. m. Our being compelled to leave Jackson makes your plan impracticable. The only mode by which we can unite is by your moving directly to Clinton, informing me, that we may move to that point with about 6,000 troops. I have no means of esti- mating enemys force at Jackson. The principal officers here differ very widely, and I fear he will fortify if time is left him. Let me hear from you immediately. Gen- eral Maxey was ordered back to Brookhaven. You probably have time to make him join you. Do so before he has time to move away. I immediately directed a countermarch, or rather a retrograde move- ment, by reversing the column as it then stood, for the purpose of re- turningtoward Edwards Depot to take the Brownsville road, and thence to proceed toward Clinton by a route north of the railroad. A written reply to General Johnstons instructions, in which I notified him that tLi e countermarch had been ordered and of the route I should take, was dispatched in haste, and without allowing myself sufficient time to take a copy. Just as this reverse movement commenced, the enemy drove in Cob- onel Adams cavalry pickets, and opened with artillery at long range on the head of my column on the Raymond road. Not knowing whether this was an attack in force or simply an armed reconnaissance, and bcing anxious to obey the instructions of General Johnston, I directed the continuance of the movement, giving the necessary instructions for securing the safety of thewagon train. The demonstrations of the enemy soon becoming more serions, orders were sent to division commanders to form in line of battle on the cross-road from the Clinton to the Ray- mond road, Loring on the right, Bowen in the center, and Stevenson on the left. Major-General Stevenson was instructed to make the neces- sary dispositions for the protection of the trains then on the Clinton road and crossing Bakers Creek. The line of battle was quickly formed, without any interference on the part of the enemy. The position selected was naturally a strong one, and all approaches from the front well cov- ered. A short time after the formation of the line, Lorings (livision was thrown back so as to cover the military road, it being reported that the enemy had appeared in that direction. The enemy ma(le his first dem- onstration on our right, but after a lively artillery duel for an hour or more, this attack was relinquished, and a large force was thrown against our left, where skirmisbing became heavy about 10 oclock, and the battle began in earnest along Stevensons entire front about noon. Just at this time a column of the enemy were seen moving in front of our center toward the right. [John (DJ Lnnlis battery, of Bowens di ~ision, opened upon and soOn broke ihis ((Inmil, and compelled it t Page 264 264 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXYL retire. I then directed Major-General Loring to move forward and crush the enemy in his front, and directed General Bowen to co-operate with huin in the movement. Immediately on the receipt of my message, Gen- eral Bowen rode up and announced his readiness to execute his l)art of the movement as soon as Major-General Loring should advance. No movement was made by Major-General Loring, he informing me that the enemy was too strongly posted to be attacked, but that he would seize the first opportunity to assault, if one should offer. The enemy still making strenuous efforts to turn Major-General ~ left flank, compelled him to make a similar movement toward the left, thus ex- tending his own line and making a gap between his and Bowens divis- ions. General Bowen was ordered to keep this interval closed, and the same instructions were sent to General bring in reference to the interval between his and General Bowens division. General Stevenson having informed me that unless re-enforced he would be unable to resist the heavy and repeated attacks along his whole line, Bowen was ordered to send one brigade to his assistance, which was promptly brought forward under Col. F. M. Cockrell, and in a very short time his remaining brigade, under the command of Brig. Gen. Martin E. Green, was put in, and the two together, under their gallant leaders, charged the enemy, and for the time turned the tide of battle in our favor, again displaying the heroic courage which this vet- eran division has made conspicuous on so many stricken fields. The enemy still continued to move troops from his left to his right, thus increasing his vastly superior forces against Stevensons and Bowens divisions. Feeling assured that there was no important force in his front, I dispatched several staff officers in rapid succession lo Major-General Loring, ordering him to move all but one brigade (TilgJi- mans, which was directed to hold the Raymond road and cover the bridge and ford at Bakers Creek) to the left as rapidly as possible. To the first of these messages, sent about 2 p. in., answer was returned by Major-General Loring that the enemy was in strong force in his front, and endeavoring to flank him. Hearing no firing on the right, I re- peated my orders to Major-General Loring, explained to him the condi- tion of affairs on the left, and directed him to put his two left brigadus into the fight as soon as possible. In the transmission of these varioi~s messages to and fro, over a distance of more than a mile, much valuabi e time was necessarily consumed, which the enemy did not fail to tall e advantage of. About 4 p. m. a part of Stevensons division broke badly and fell back in great disorder, but were partially rallied by the strenuous exer- tions of myself and staff, and put back under their own officers into tIe fight, but observing that large numbers of men were abandoning tIm e field on Stevensons left, deserting their comrades, who in this momei~t of greatest trial stood manfully at their posts, I rode up to Generul Stevenson, and informing him that I had repeatedly ordered two bri- gades of General Lorings division to his assistance, and that I wa s momentarily expecting them, asked him whether he could hold h~s l)osition; he replied that he could not; that he was fighting from 60,0(~ to 80,000 men. I then told him I would endeavor myself to find Geu- eral boring and hasten him up, and started immediately with that ol - ject. I presently met Brigadier-General Bufords brigade, of boring ~s division, on the march and in rear of the right of Bowens divisiomi. Colonel Cockrell. commanding the First Missouri Brigade~ having In person some time l)reviously urgeutly asked for re-enforcements, which (none of borings troops having conic up) I was then unable to gi~ Page 265 CHAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 2~5 him, one regiment of Bufords brigade was detached at once and di- rected to his support; the remainder of Bufords brigade was moved as rapidly as possible to the assistance of General Stevenson. Finding that the enemys vastly superior numbers were pressing all my forces engaged steadily back into old fields, where all advantages of position would be in his favor, I felt it to be too late to save the day, even should Brigadier-General Featherstons brigade, of General Lor- in gs division, come np immediately. I could, however, learn nothing of General Lorings whereabouts; several of my staff were in search of him, butitwas not until after General Bowen had personally informed me that he could not hold his position longer, and not until after I had ordered the retreat, that General Loring, with Featherstons brigade, moving, as I subsequently learned, by a country road which was con- siderably longer than the direct route, reached the position on the left known as Champions Hill, where lie was forming line of battle when he received my order to cover the retreat. Had the movement in support of the left been promptly made when first ordered, it is not improbable that I might have maintained my position, and it is possible the enemy might have been driven back, though his vastly superior and constantly increasing numbers would have rendered it necessary to withdraw during the night to save my communications with Yicksburg. Early in the day Major [Samuel H.] Lockett, chief engineer, had been instructed to throw a bridge across Bakers Creek, on the Raymond road. The stream had also fallen sufficiently to render the ford practicable. Theretreatwasorderedtobeconductedbythatroute,andastaffoffi- cer immediately dispatched to Brigadier-General Tilghman, who was directed to hold the Raymond road at all hazards; it was in the execu- tion of this important trust, which could not have been confided to a fitter man, that the lamented general bravely lost his life. He was struck by a fragment of shell and died almost instantly. Although, as before stated, a large number of men had shamefully abandoned their commands, and were making their way to the rear, the main body of the troops retired in good order. On reaching the ford and bridge at Bakers Creek, I directed Brigadier- General Bowen to take position with his division on the west bank, and to hold the crossing until Lorings division, which was directed to bring up the rear, had effected the passage. I then proceeded at once to the intrenched line covering the wagon and railroad bridges over the Big Black, to make the necessary arrangements for holding that point during the passage of the river. In his official report, Major-General Stevenson says: On my arrival, about sunset, at the ford on Bakers Creek, I found that the enemy had crossed the bridge above, and were advancing artillery in the direction of the road on which we were moving. One battery had already taken position and was playing. on the road, but at right angles, and with too long a range to prevent the passage of troops. Here I found on the west side the brigades of General Green and Colonel Cockrell, of Bowens division, who had there halted and taken up position to hold the point until Lorings division could cross. I found Colonel [Thomas M.] Scott, of the Twelfth Louisiana Regiment, of Loriugs division, halted about half a mile from the ford, on the east side, and directed him to cross. I there addressed a note to General Loring, informing him of what I had done, telling him of the change I had caused Colonel Scott to make in his position, stating that with the troops then there, and others that I could collect, I would hold the ford and road until his division could cross, and urging him to hasten the movement. To this note I received no answer, but in a short time Colonel Scott moved off his regiment quickly in the direction of his original position, in obedience, I was informed, to orders from General Loring. Inferring from this that General Loring did not intend to cross at that ford, he havin Page 266 266 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. had ample time to commence the movement, I suggested to General Green and Colonel Cockrell to move forward to the railroad bridge. My coiimand reached that point at about 1 oclock that night and bivouacked near Bovina. The entire train of the army, under the judicious management of Col. A. W. Reynolds, commanding Tennessee Brigade, of Stevensons di- vision, was crossed without loss, though the movements of the enemy compelled Colonel Reynolds brigade to cross the Big Black above the railroad bridge. On reaching the line of intrenchments occupied by Brigadier-General Vaughns brigade of East Tennesseeans (Smiths division), he was in- structed by myself in person to man the trenches from the railroad to the left, his artillery to remain as then posted, and all wagons to cross the river at once. Special instructions were left with Lient. J. II. Mor- rison, aide-de-camp, to be delivered to Generals Loring, Stevenson, and Bowen, as they should arrive, and were delivered to all except General Loring, as follows: General Stevensons division to cross the river and proceed to Mount Alban. General Lorings to cross and occupy the west bank. Brigadier-General Bowens division, as it should arrive, was directed to occupy the trenches to the right and left of Vaughns, and his artil- lery to be parked, that it might be available for any point of the lines most threatened. General Stevensons division, arriving very late in the night, did not move beyond Bovina, and I awaited in vain intelligence of the approach of General Loring. It was necessary to hold the position to enable him to cross the river, should the enemy, which was probable, follow him closely up. For this purpose alone I continued the troops iu position until it was too late to withdraw them under cover of night. I then deter- mined not to abandon so strong a front while there was yet a hope of his arrival. I have not up to this time received General Lorings report of the share taken by his division in the battle of Bakers Creek, nor have I yet been informed of the reason why he failed to rejoin the army under my command. The Big Black River, where it is crossed by the railroad bridge, makes a bend somewhat in the shape of a horseshoe. Across this horseshoe, at its narrowest part, a line of rifle-pits had been constructed, making an excellent cover for infantry, and at l)~Ol)C~ intervals dispositions were made for field artillery. The line of pits ran nearly north and south, and was about 1 mile in length. North of and for a considerable dis. tance south of the railroad and of the (lirt road to Edwards Depot, nearly parallel with it, extended a bayou, which in itself opposed a seri- ous obstacle to an assault upon time j)its. This line abutted north on the river and south npon a cypress-brake, which spread itself nearly to the bank of the river. In addition to the railroad bridge, which I had caused to be floored for the passage even of artillery and wagons, the steamer Dot, from which the machinery had been taken, was converted into a bridge, by placing her fore and aft across the river. Between the works and the bridge, about three-quarters of a mile, the conutry was open, being either old or cultivated fields, affording no cover should the troops be driven from the trenches. East and south of the railroad the topographical features of the country over which the enemy must necessarily pass were similar to those above described; but north of the railroad an Page 267 Ciu~r. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 267 about 300 yards in front of the rifle-pits a copse of wood extended from tJ ~ road to the river. Our line was manned on the right by the gallant Cockrells Missouri brigade, the extreme left by Brigadier-General Greens Missouri and Ar- kinsas men (both of Bowens division), and the center by Brigadier- U eneral Vaughns brigade of East Tennesseeans,in all about 4,000 men ai~ many as could be advantageously employed in defending the line- ~ ith about twenty pieces of field artillery. So strong was the position, t1~at my greatest, almost only, apprehension was a flank movement by Ii ridgeport or Baldwins Ferry, which would have endangered my corn- n unications with Yicksburg. Yet this position was abandoned by our ti oops almost without a struggle and with the loss of nearly all our ai tillery. I speak not now of the propriety nor of the necessity of holding this p~sition. I had, as heretofore noticed, my object in doing so. I con- sidered that object sufficient, and I also deemed the force employed for the purpose ample. Brigadier-General Vaughns brigade had not been en gaged at Bakers Creek; his men were fresh, and 1 believed were not demoralized. I knew that the Missouri troops, under their gallantleaders, could be depended upon. By whose order the battery horses were so far removed from their guns as not to be available I do not know; it certainly was not by mine. U etieral Bowen, with whom I had a personal interview in his tent on the night of the 16th, and who received his instructions from my own lips (Lieutenant-Colonel [L. M.] Montgomery, of Licut. Gen. E. Kirby Smiths staff; being then present and acting as my aide-de-camp), I do not believe to be responsible for it. He was too old and too good a soldier. Enough, however, will, I think, be developed in a few words to coxer the whole case. Early on the morning of the 17th, the enemy opened his artillery at long range, and very soon pressed forward with infantry into the copse of wood north of the railroad. About the same time he opened on Colo- nel (Dockrells position with two batteries, and advanced a line of skir- niishers, throwing forward a column of infantry, which was quickly ddveu back by our batteries. Pretty heavy, skirmishing was for a ~v hue kept up along our whole line, but presently the enemy, who had mas~ed a large force in the woods immediately north of the railroad, advanced at a run with loud cheers. Our troops in their front did not remain to receive them, but broke and fled precipitately. One portion of the line being broken, it very soon became a matter of sauve qui p& ut. I ~hall only add with reference to the affair of Big Black, that a strong position, with an ample force of infantry and artillery to hold it, was sh aniefully abandoned almost without resistance. The troops occupying the center did not do their duty. With an almost impassable bayou between themselves and the enemy, they fled before the enemy had reached that obstacle. I have received no report from Brigadier-General Vaughn of the operations of his brigade on this occasion. Colonel Cockrell says in his official report: After a lively skirmish fire had been kept up for some time along our whole front, I saw the line between the railroad and first skirt of timber north of the railroad begin- ning to give way and then running in disorder. I watched this disorderly fallinc ba~k a few minutes, when I saw that the enemy had possession of the trenches north of the railroad and were rapidly advancing toward the bridgeour only crossing arid w~y of escapethe enemy now being nearer this crossing than my line. I therefore ordered the brigade to fall back, and, moving rapidly, gained the bridge, crossed over, and reformed on the west bank of the river north of the railroad Page 268 268 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVL Colonel [Elijah] Gates, commanding Second Brigade, Bowens divis- ion, says in his official report: They (the enemy) formed their men on the river in the timber, where we could not see them. They brought their men out by the right flank in column of fours, about 140 yards in front of my regiment, at a double-quick. I then opened a most terrific fire upon them and kept it up until the brigade had passed out of my sight behind a grove of timber immediately upon my right. They moved so as to strike the trenches occupied by General Vaughns brigade, so I am informed. I do not know whose troops were there, but it was immediately on the right of Greens brigade. After they had passed me, I listened for our men to open a heavy volley on my right and drive the enemy back. Upon not hearing any firing on the right, I directed Lieutenant-Colonel [George W.] Law to mount his horse and go to General Green, and know whether the center was holding their position or not. Colonel Law returned in a few minutes and said that General Green ordered me to fall back. I did so at once. After I had got back below the bend of the river, I discovered that they had crossed the ditches and were between me and the bridge. In this precipitate retreat but little order was observed, the object with all being to reach the bridge as rapidly as J)ossible. Many were unable to do so, but effected their escape by swimming the river. Some were drowned in the attempt; a considerable number, unable to swim, and others too timid to expose themselves to the fire of the enemy by an effort to escape, remained in the trenches and were made prisoners. In this connection I deem it my duty to make the following extract from the report of Colonel Cockrell: Capt. Thomas B. Wilson, of the Second Infantry, Company G, claiming to have been exhausted, did not go with his company into the battle of Bakers Creek, and having made his way to Big Black, joined his company in the rifle-pits early on the morning of the 17th instant, and, when his company was ordered to fall back, aban- doned his company and remained lying in the rifle-pits, and was captured by the enemy, and, while a prisoner, stated to Col. Elijah Gates, of the First Missouri Cav- alry, who was also a prisoner, that he (Captain Wilson) intended to take the oath and then go to fighting the enemy as a guerrilla. Such conduct merits a dismissal in (lis- grace, and such an officer should not remain in the way of gallant and efficient officers now commanding his company. In this opinion I fully concur. Neither Brigadier-Generals Bowen nor Green had furnished reports of the action on Bi~ Black previous to their death; to the former had been intrusted the defense of the tet6-de.pont, and he had received my instructions in person; the latter had been second in command. Brig- adier-General Vaughn having failed to render his report, I am depend- ent for the particulars of the action upon those of Colonels Gates and Cockrell, which are respectfully forwarded herewith. Major Lockett, chief engineer, was instructed to fire both bridges after seeing that all the troops had crossed. This was effectually accomplished under his personal supervision. The guns in position were ample for the defense, but the infantry failing to support them, they were abaii- doned. Such as were not in position were safely brought from the field, placed in battery on the bluff on the west bank, and, with others already established and a sufficient force of infantry, held the advancing col- umns of the enemy effectually in check. It had become painfully apparent to me that the morale of my army was not such as to justify an attempt to hold the line of the Big Black River. Not only was it greatly weakened by the absence of General Lorings division, but also by the large number of stragglers, who, having abandoned their commands, were already making their way into Vicks- burg. The enemy, by flank movements on my left by Bridgeport and on my right by Baldwins or other ferries, might reach Vicksburg almost simu Page 269 ChAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 269 taneously with myself, or perhaps interpose a heavy force between me and that city. Under these circumstances nothing rem ained but to retire the army within the defenses of Vicksburg, and to endeavor as speedily as l)Ossible to reorganize the depressed and discomfited troops. Orders were accordingly issued at 10 a. in., and Major-General Steven- son directed to conduct the retreat, which was executed without haste and in good order. I myself proceeded at once to Vicksburg to prepare for its defense. I think it due to myself, in bringing this portion of my report to a conclusion, to state emphatically that the advance movement of the army from Edwards Depot on the afternoon of May 15 was made against my judgment, in opposition to my previously expressed inten- tions, and to the subversion of my matured plans. In one contingency alone I had determined to move toward Jackson; the safety of Vicks- burg was of paramount importance; under no circumstances could I abandon my communications with it. A sufficient force mnst also be left to defend the river front of the city, the approaches by Chickasaw Bayou, by Snyders Mill, and Warrenton against a coup de main. My effective aggregate did not exceed 28,000. At least 8,000 would be re- (luired for these purposes; it would also be necessary to hold the bridges across the Big Black, on the line of the Southern Railroad. With these deductions my movable army might reach 18,500. 1 give this number as the maximum. In the event, therefore, of the enemy advancing with his whole force east of the Mississippi River against Jackson, my communications by the shortest line being open would have enabled me to move upon his rear. General Johnstons forces and my own might have formed a junc- tion or have attacked simultaneously in front and rear. But I did not think it would bu wise to attempt to execute this plan until the arrival of expected re-enforcements at or near Jackson. Hence I received General Johnstons instructions on the morning of the 14th to move to Clinton with all the force I could quickly collect with great regret; and I well remember that in the presence of one or more of my staff officers I remarked in substaiice, Such a movement will be suicidal. Never- theless, notifying General Johnston of the fact, I took measures for an advance movement at once; not, it is true, directly toward Clinton, but in the only direction which, from my knowledge of the circumstances surrounding me, I thought offered a possibility of success. Had I moved directly to Clinton, the enemy would not have given me battle in front, but would have interposed a force greater than my own between me and Vicksburg. It is only necessary to refer to the maps accom- ~)anying this report * to see how feasible was such a movement. I have already given in the body of this report the two letters of in- structions from General Johnston, dated respectively May 13 and 115, 1863. In obedience to the instructions contained in the former, which was received on the morning of the 14th, I lost no time in putting my army in motion in the direction already stated and for th~reasons given. About 7 a. m. on the 16th, I received the latter, which reiterated the previous instructions. I had in no measure changed my views as to the propriety of the movement therein indicated, but I no longer felt at liberty to deviate from General Johnstons positive orders. He had been made aware of my views and did not sustain them. The order of march was at once reverse(l, but the army was hardly in motion before it be- came necessary to form line of battle to meet the greatly superior forces of the enemy. To appear in Atlas Page 270 270 MISSISS1PPJ, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXX1 L About 6 p. in. on the 16th, while on the retreat, the following eoia- munication was handed to me: CAMP, SEVEN MILES FROM JACKSON, May 14, 1~63. GENERAL: The body of troops mentioned in my note of last night compelled Bri ~- adier-General Gregg and his command to evacuate Jackson about noon to-day. T tie necessity of taking the Canton road at right angles to that upon which the enen ty approaches, prevented an obstinate defense. A body of troops, reported this mornii ig to have reached Raymond last night, advanced at the same time from that direction. Prisoners say that it was McPhersons corps (four divisions), which marched fro in Clinton. I have no certain information of the other; both skirmished very cautious] ~r Telegrams were dispatched when the enemy was near, directing General Gist to ni- semble the approaching troops at a point 40 or 50 mil~ts from Jackson, and General Maxey to return to his wagons and provide for the security of his brigade; for in- stance, by joining General Gist. That body of troops will be able, I hope, to prevent the enemy in Jackson from drawing provisions from the east, and this one may be able to keep him from.the conntry toward Panola. Can he supply himself from the Mississippi? Can you not cut him off from it; and, above all, should he be compelli d to fall back for want of supplies, beat him? As soon as the re-enforcements are a 11 up, they must be nnited to the rest of the army. I am anxious to see a force assentbh d that may be able to inflict a heavy blow upon the enemy. Would it not be better lo place the forces to support Vicksburg between General Loring and that place, and merely observe the ferries, so that you might unite if opportunity to fight presented itself? General Greo~v truth, the force at will move toward Canton to-morrow. If prisoners tell the Jackson must be half of Grants army. It would decide the cant- paign to beat it, which can only be done by concentrating, especially when the re- mainder of the eastern troops arrive; they are to be 12,000 or 13,000. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOHNSTON. It will be observed that General Johnstons letter of the 15th, which caused me to reverse my column, with a view of marching to Clinton, was received before the retreat commenced, and about eleven how 5 earlier thait the one of the 14th, just presented. I know nothing of the causes which produced this result, but I respectfully invite attention to the fact that in this letter of the 14th General Johnston suggests the very movement which I had made, and for the purpose I had indicated. After expressing the hope that certain dispositions made by himself might prevent the enemy from drawing provisions from the east or from the country toward Panola, he says: Can he supply himself from the Mississippi? Can you not cut him off from it; and, above all, should he be compelled to fall back for want of supplies, beat him I I have introduced General Johnstons letter entire, that the context, as ~vell as that portion to which I have particularly called attention, may be considered. 1 had resisted the popular clamor for an advance, which began from the moment the enemy set his polluting foot upon the eastern bank of the Mississippi River. I had resisted the universal sentiment, I believe of the armyI know of my general officersin its favor, and yielded only to the orders of my superior. I was not invited by General Johnston to submit my plans to him for his consideration; it is, therefore, unnecessary now to speak of them. One of the immediate results of the retreat from Big Black was the necessity of abandoning our defenses on the Yazoo at Snyders Mill. That position and the line of Chickasaw Bayou were no longer tenable. All stores that could be transported were ordered to be sent into Vicks- burg as rapidly as possible; the rest, including heavy guns, to be de- stroyed. There was at this time a large quantity of corn (probably 25,000 or 30,000 bushels) on boats, much of which might have been brought in had it been possible to furnish the necessary wagons. The boats wer Page 271 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 271 sent up the river. Two companies were directed to remain at Su~ders Mill, making a show of force until the approach of the enemy by land should compel them to retire. To them was intrusted the duty of for- warding all stores possible and of destroying the remainder. This de- tatThment rejoined its command in Yicksburg on the morning of the 18th. lEvery precaution was taken to guard the important approaches to the city by Forneys and Smiths divisions, while the troops which had been engaged in the battles of the 16th and 17th were bivouacked in rear of the intrenchments. During these battles, the troops of Major- General Forneys division were disposed as follows: Brigadier-General H~berts brigade occupied the line along the Yazoo River, from Haynes Bluff tothe Mississippi, including the approaches by Chickasaw Bayou; Brigadier-General [J. C.] Moores brigade, with the Mississippi State troops (under General [John V.] Harris) attached (about 600), guarded the river front at Warrenton and the approaches from the lower ferries on Big Black River; Brigadier-General [F. A.] Shoups brigade, of Major- General Smiths division, guarded the river front of the city Brigadier- General [W. E.] Baldwins brigade, with [T. N.] Wauls Legion attached, guarded the approaches to the city from the Halls Ferry road around to the railroad bridge on the Big Black; tlie hea~~y artillery at the bat- teries on the river front under Colonel [Edward] higgins. Brigadier- General Moores brigade was drawn in at once from Warrenton, aiid placed in the intrenchments on either side of the Baldwins Ferry road. Brigadier-General H~berts brigade arrived before daylight on the 18th, bringing with it all the light pieces, and, in addition, two 20-pounder Parrotts and a Whitworth gun. This brigade immediately occupied the intrenchments on both sides of the Jackson road. On the morning of the 18th, the troops were disposed from right to left, as follows: Major-General Stevensons division of four brigades occupied the line from the Warrenton road, in eluding a portion o4 the river front, to the railroad, a distance of about 5 miles; Major-General Forney, with two brigades, the line between the railroad and the Grave- yard road, about 2 miles, and Major-General Smith, with three brigades (the Mississippi State troops) and a small detachment from Loriiigs division, the line from the Graveyard road to the river front on the north, about 14 miles. Brigadier-General Bowens division was held in reserve to strengthen any portion of the line most threatened, and Wauls Texas Legion (about 500) was in reserve, especially to support the right of Moores or the left of Lees brigades. On the entire line about one hundred and two pieces of artillery, of different caliber, principally field, were placed in position at such points as were deemed most suitable to the character of the gun, changes of location being made when occasion called for it. An engineer officer, nuder the supervision of 1~Iajor Lockett, chief engineer of the department, was assigned to each divis- ion, with an assistant to each brigade commander. Daily reports were made through the proper channel to Major Lockett of the operations of the engineer department and of the progress of the enemys works. Major Lockett thus kept me constanUy informed of all important changes, making himself a daily report. Instructions had been given from Bovina that all cattle, sheep, and hogs belonging to private par- ties, and likely to fall into the hands of the enemy, should be driven within our lines. A large amount of fresh meat was secured in this way. The same instructions were given in regard to corn, and all dis- posable wagons applied to this end. On the 18th, Col. Wirt Adams, who had been previously directed to cross to the west bank of the Big Black with all his cavalry, was not Page 272 272 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. fled that Snyders Mill would be abandoned, and that he was expected to operate on the flank and rear of the enemy, with the view of catting off his supplies in that direction. Colonel Adams force was, however, very inadequate to this purpose. During the night of the 17th, nothing of importance occurred. Most of the artillery was speedily placed in position on the lines, and imme- diate measures were taken to arm all men who had either unavoidably lost or who had thrown away their arms on the retreat. General Johnston was notified on the 17th of the result of the battles of Bakers Creek and Big Black, and informed that I had in consequence been compelled to evacuate Snyders Mill. About noon of May 18, while engaged in an inspection of the intrench- ments with Major Lockett, my chief engineer, and several of my general officers, the enemy was reported to be advancing by the Jackson road. Just at this moment the following communication was received by courier: CAMP, BETWEEN LIVINGSTON AND BROWNSVILLE, May 17, 1863. Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON: Your dispatch of to-day by Captain [Thomas] Henderson was received. If Haynes Bluff is nutenable, Yicksburg is of no value and cannot be held. If; therefore, you are invested in Vicksburg, you must ultimately surrender. Under such circumstances, instead of losing both troops and place, we must, if possible, save the troops. If it is not too late, evacuate Vieksburg and its dependencies, and march to the northeast. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, J. E. JOhNSTON, General. The evacuation of Yicksburg! It meant the loss of the valuable stores and munitions of war collected for its defense the fall of Port Hudson; the surrender of the Mississippi River, and the severance of the Confed- eracy. These were mighty interests, which, had I deemed the evacua- tion practicable in the sense in which I interpreted General Johnstons instructions, might well have made me hesitate to execute them. I be lieved it to be in my power to hold Yicksburg. I knew and appreciated the earnest desire of the Government and of the people that it should be held. I knew, perhaps better than any other individual, under all the circumstances, its capacity for defense. As long ago as February 17 last, in a letter addressed to His Excellency the President, I had sug- gested the possibility of the investment of Yicksburg by land and water, and for that reason the necessity of ample supplies of ammunition as well as of subsistence to stand a siege. My application met his favorable consideration, and additional ammunition was ordered. With proper economy of subsistence and ordnance stores, I knew that I could stand a siege. I had a firm reliance on the desire of the President and of General Johnston to do all that could be done to raise a siege. I felt that every effort would be made, and I believed it would be successful. With these convictions on my own mind, I immediately summoned a council of war composed of all my general officers. I laid before them General Johnstons communication, but desired them to confine the ex- pression of their opinions to the question of practicability. Having obtained their views, the following communication was addressed to Gemieral Johnston: HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF Mississirri AND EASTERN LO~ISIANA, Vicksburg, May 18, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JohNsToN: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication, in reply to mine by the bands of Captain [Thomas] Henderson. In n subsequent letter o Page 273 ClEAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 273 same date as this latter, I informed you that the men had failcd to hold the trenches at Big Black Bridge, and that, as a consequence, Snyders Mill was directed to be aban- doned. On the receipt of your communication, I immediately assembled a council of war of the general officers of this command, and having laid your instructions before them, asked the ftee expression of their opinions as to the practicability of carrying them out. The opinion was unanimously expressed that it was impossible to with- draw the army from this position with such morale and material as to be of further service to the Confederacy. While the council of war was assembled, the guns of the enemy opened on the works, and it was at the same time reported that they were cross- ing the Yazoo River at Brandon~s Ferry, above Snyders Mill. I have decided to hold Vicksburg as long as is possible, with the firm hope that the Government may yet be able to assist me in keeping this obstruction to the enemys free navigation of the Mississippi River. I still conceive it to be the most important point in the Confederacy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant-General, Commanding. The development of the intrenched line from the extreme right of Major-General Stevensons position to the left of Major-General Smiths was about 8 miles, the shortest defensible line of which the topography of the country admitted. The plan was submitted to me immediately after I assumed command of the Department of Mississippi and Eastern L~ouisiana,in the latter part of October, 1862; was approved, and ordered to be carried out with the ntmost dispatch. Similar instructions were al)out the same time given for fortifying the strong position at Snyders Mill, and the land defenses of Port Hudson were also ordered to be commenced at once. The line of defense around the city of Vicksburg consisted (as is showii in the map accompanying the report of Major [S. H.] Lockett, chief engineer) of a system of detached works (redans, luinettes, and redoubts) on the prominent and commanding points, with the usual profile of raised field works, connected in most cases by rifle- pits. To man the entire line, I was able to bring into the trenches about eighteen thousand five hundred muskets, but it was absolutely neces- sary to keep a reserve always ready to re-enforce any point heavily threatened. It became indispensable, therefore, to reduce the number in the trenches to the minimum capable of holding them until a re- serve could come to their aid. It was also necessary -that the reserve should be composed of troops among the best and most reliable. Ac- cordingly, Bowens division (about 2,400) and Wauls Texas Legion (about 500) were designated for that purpose, thus reducing the force in the trenches to little over 15,500 men. The Legion was on the 18th assigned as a reserve to Forneys division, and was held in rear of Brigadier-General Moores right, but on the evening of the 19th was transferred to Stevensons division, and during the remainder of the siege was held in rear of Brigadier-General Lees brigade, occupying oiie of the most exposed and important positions on the whole line. On the night of the 17th, and during the 18th, Major-General Smith, inisapprehending my instructions given him immediately after my re- turn from the Big Black, had occupied an outer line of defense on the range of hills north of the Fort Hill road. This line had undoubtedly some advantages; it was within 600 yards of the inner line, and partially commanded one of our most important river batteries. I considered however, that the increased length which would necessarily be given to the whole line of defense, the intervening valley, and other objections to its occupation more than counterbalanced the advantages; the troops and artillery were, therefore, on the night of the 18th silently and safely withdrawn, and General Smiths division occupied the inner line during the remainder of the siege. The enemy, however, had made during the day a demonstration with artillery and infantry on his position, and 18 U UVOL XXIV, PT Page 274 274 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. early on the morning of the 19th he occupied the abandoned heights. During the day there was constant and heavy skirmishing along the left of our center on the Graveyard road, accompanied with brisk ar- tillery fire. In the afternoon the enemy made a charge on Smiths right and Forneys left, but was severely repulsed, losing two stand of colors. Later their sharpshooters and artillery opened heavily on the Jackson and Baldwins Ferry road. A courier was dispatched with the foliowing telegram to the Presi- dent: We are occupying the trenches around Vicksburg. The enemy is investing it, and ~vil1 probably attempt an assault. Our men bave considerably recovered their morale, but unless a large force is sent at once to relieve it, Yicksburg before long must fall. I have used every effort to prevent all this, but in vain. 2Oth.The enemy continued to move from our right with heavy can- nonading toward the center and left; three guns temporarily disabled. At noon the mortar fleet of Admiral Porter took position on the west side of the peninsula, and commenced the bombardment of the city. The following dispatch was forwarded by courier to General Johnston: The enemy assaulted our intrenched lines yesterday at two points (center and left), and was repulsed with heavy loss. Our loss small. I cannot estimate the enemys force now engaged around Vicksburg at less than 60,000; it is probably more. At this hour (8.30 a. in.) he is briskly cannonading with long-range guns. That we may save ammunition, his fire is rarely returned. At present our main necessity is musket- caps. Can you send them to me by hands of couriers or citizens? An army will be necessary to relieve Vicksburg, and that quickly. Will it not be sent? Please let me hear from you, if possible. 2lst.The fire from the mortar fleet continued without intermission, accompanied by heavy musketry and artillery fire from the rear, to which but slight response was given. Several guns were dismounted, and a imumber of officers and meh killed and wounded. in the after- noon the enemys gunboats steamed up and threw a large number of shells into the city, but without material damage. Anticipating an attack on the right, General Bowemi was ordered to hold his command in readiness to assist the threatened point; and that the safety of the magazines might be secured from the l)ossible danger of disloyal persons within the lines, General Stevenson was ordered to organize a guard for their protection from among the most reputable of the citizens, and to l)lace the guard under the command of a commissioned officer. The prospect of a protracted siege, and the uncertainty as to how many as- saults we might have to repel, and in view of the possibility of having to march out from our intrenchments to meet and co-operate with an assisting army expected unler General Johnston, rendered it a matter of vital importance that every charge of ammunition on hand should be boarded with the most jealous care. The amount of ammunition in Yicksburg, thought large, would not have sufficed for an unlimited daily exl)enditure for a protracted period. The importance of the most rigid economy, therefore, in its use was apparent, and strict orders were con- sequently issued against all picket skirmishing amid artillery duels where neither served any useful purpose. These orders were repeated as oc~ casion required. It being impracticable to continue feeding the large number of mules and horses then in Yicksburg, General Stevenson was directed to have them driven beyond the lines for pasturage, or, if practicable, to send theum in charge of a detail to General Johnston. By this means We were relieved of a serious incumbrance, ~vhich ~vould else have drawm heavily upon our limited supplies of forage Page 275 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 275 Another courier was to-day sent to General Johnston with the flid- lowing (lispatches: During the past two days the enemy has passed up the river iu transports in large force for a point not yet discovered. The enemy has continued a spirited fire all day; also his shelling from mnortar-boai s. Our men have replied rarely. Two large transports caine down loaded with trooj~e. They are evidently re-enforcing their present large force. Ani I to expect re-enforce- ments? From what direction, and how soon 0? have you heard anything from Gen- eral Loring I Can you send me musket-caps by courier? The enemy kept up incessant sharpshooting all yesterday on the left and centei-, and picked oft our officers and men whenever they showed themselves. Their artil- lery fire was very heavy; plowed up our works considerably, and dismounted two guns on the center. The works were repaired, and the guns replaced last night. The great question is ammunition. The men credit and are encouraged by a repoit that you are near with a large force. They are fighting in good spirits, and the reorganization is complete. P. S.Brisk musketry and artillery fire to-day on center. Three guns there die- mounted; will be replaced as far as possible. Officers suffer most from their shari~- shooters. Incessant mortar-firing from the river, and lust night three of their gnu- boats engaged the lower batteries. 22d.The fire from the enemys artillery and sharpshooters iu the rear was heavy and incessant until noon, wheu his gunboats opened upo:a the city, while a determined assault was made along Moores, H6bertm, and Lees lines. I cannot better describe this assault than by the fo~- lowing extracts from the official reports of my several division corn - manders. General Stevenson says in his report: On the morning of May 2-2, many indications showed that they (the eneumy) couteur,- plated an assault upon the line of General Lee. A tremendous artillery fire was opene ~ and kept up for about two hours, while the fire of their large force of sliarpslmootem s was heavy and incessant. At about 1 p. m. a heavy force moved out to the assault, making a gallant clmargc. They were allowed to approach unmolested to within good musket range, when every available gun was opened upou them with grape and canister, and the men, risimug Pu the trenches, poured into their ranks volley after volley with so deadly an effect thai;, leaving the grou.n d literally covered in some places with their dead and wounded, they precipitately retreated. The angle of one of our redoubts having been breached by their a~- tillery previons to the assault, wheu the repulse occurred, a party of about 60 of the enemy, under the command of a lieutenant-colonel, mae1~ a rush, and succeeded in effecting a lodgment in the ditch at the ft~ot ~if the redoubt, and planted two colors on the l)arapet. it was of vital importance to drive them out, and, npou a call for volunteers for that purpose, two companies of Wauls Texas Leg-ion, commanded, respect;- ively, by Captain [L. D.] Bradley and Lieutenant [James] ilogue, a;- companied by the gallant and chivalrous (Dol. B. W. Pettus, of the Twentieth Alabama Regiment, musket in hand, 1)romptly presented themselves for the hazardous service. Of their success and the man nr in which it was achieved, General Stevenson says: A more gallant feat than this has not illustrated our annals during the war. The l)reparations were quietly and quickly made, but the enemy seemed at once to divine our purpose, and opened upon the angle a terrible fire of shot, shell, and musketry. Undaunted, this little baud, its chivalrous commander at its head, rushed upon the work, and, in less time than it requires to describe it, it and the flags were in our poe- session. Preparations were then quickly made for the use of hand-grenades, when the enemy in the ditch, being informed of our purpose, imnmnediately surrendered. General Forney in his report, speaking of the assault upon our in- trenchment, says: On May 22, he assaulted three points on umy line as follows: Three times omi my e:- treme left, amid extending to General Sniiths front; twice on the Jackson road awl twice on the Baldwins Ferry road, at 11 a. m. and 5 p. in Page 276 276 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. These assaults were made by larger bodies, and apparently with greater determina- tion, than those of May 19. Colonel Wauls Legion had previously been sent to General Stevenson, buj Greens bri (fade of Bowens division, was in reserve behind niy right, and assisted in repell- ing the attack at that point. There were also on this day two Louisiana regiments of Smiths division in reserve behind my division. The enemy was repulsed in each of his attempts, though he succeeded in getting a few men into our exterior ditches at each point of attack, from which they were, how- ever, driven before night. Hand-grenades were used at each point with good effect. A color-bearer and two stand of colors were captured by the Second Texas Regi- ment, of Moores brigade. On this day the casualties in my division were 42 killed and 95 wounded. The loss of the enemy must have reached 2,000. General Smith, in his report of this assault, says: The 22d passed in the same manner until about 2 p. in., when a column was dis- covered advancing against the right of Shoups brigade. It was immediately driven back. Another then approached on the right of the center. This was dispersed with- out great effort and with considerable loss. Again the enemy appeared in increased force on my right and Forneys left. He was promptly repulsed with heavy loss. This terminated the days operations, with the exception of the same heavy fire of musketry and artillery kept up until dark along my entire front. After these several decided repulses, the enemy seemed to have abandoned the idea of taking by assault, and went vigorously at work to thoroughly invest and attack by regular approaches; and the history of one day is pretty much the history of all. 23d.This day was unusually quiet, with but little artillery firing until late in the afternoon. The sharpshooters of the enemy were more cau- tious, and he was evidently staggered by the severe repulse of the (lay previous. Many of his dead were still lying unburied in sight of our trenches. The fire from the rnortar.fleet continued heavy and incessant. At night the engineers were again busily engaged in repairing the works in front of Lee, Moore, and ll6bert, which were badly shattered. 24th.At an early hour the mortar-fleet opened and kept up a continu- ous and heavy bombardment throughout the day. Just before dark the artillery from the rear opened a rapid and heavy fire, but not of long duration. In the afternoon the enemy attempted to mine our works on the Jackson road, but were soon driven off by the use of hand-grenades. During the night the engineers were engaged in increasing and strength- ening our works. Before daylight our river pickets captured a barge laden with coal, which was sunk, it being found impracticable to un- load it. General Stevenson was ordered to have collected all the ammunition scattered in front of our trenches, and to have the cartridge-boxes of the enemys dead emptied of their contents, it being important to add in any way to our limited supply of ammunition, and of musket-caps es- pecially, of which latter we stood greatly in need, having one million more of cartridges than caps, without which latter, of course, the former could be of no possible value. 25th.The enemy appeared in force to-day on the Warrenton and hails Ferry roads. The firing was about as usual until 0 oclock, when a cessation of hostilities was agreed upon, to permit the enemy to bury his dead, killed in the assault of Friday. The following is the corre- spondence on the subject: HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF Missmssnri AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Vicksburg, Mz88., May 25, 1863. COMMANDING GENERAL UNITED STATES FORcEs, in Front of Vicksburg: Sin: Two days having elapsed since your dead and wounded have been lying in our front, and as yet no disposition on your part of a desire to remove them being exhibited Page 277 CITAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 277 in the name of humanity I have the honor to propose a cessation of hostilities for two hours and a half, that you may be enabled to remove your dead and (lying men. If you cannot do this, on notification from you that hostilities ~vill be suspended on your part for the time specified, I will endeavor to have the dead buried and the wounded cared for. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieu tenant- General, Gonunandin g. To which communication the following reply was received: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE TENNESSEE, Near Vtcksbnrg, Miss., May 25, 1S6:3~lO p. m. Lient. Gen. .J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding Confederate Forces, Vielcsburg, 31188.: SIR: Your note of this date, proposing a cessation of hostilities for two bourn and a half, for tile purpose of giving me an opportunity of collecting the dead and woutuled, is just received. As it will take sonic time to send word to all my tbrces to avnil thciii- selves of the opportunity afforded, and to return this to you, so that notice may he given to your troops of the cessation of hostilities, I will name (i p. ni. to-(lay as the hour when we will commence collecting any wounded or dead we may have still upon the field. From that hour for two hours and a half all hostilities shall cease on our side. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, IJ. S. GRANT, Major- General. During the day about 100 prisoners were captured, and a working party was sent to throw up obstructions on the flat below the city. ~ o circumstance worthy of special note occurred between this date and that of the 27th. The enemy evidently was discouraged by his previous fruit- less and costly assaults upon our works in the rear, and lie therefore determined, if possible, to attempt to silence our upper battery, and then by the aid of his gunboats to effect a lodgment in the trenches ininiedi- ately above and beyond it. With this design, on the morning of the 27th, at about 9 oclock, four of his boats engaged our lower batteries; at the same time the Cincia- n ati a turreted iron-clad of the largest class, and carrying fourteen gulls, l)ushed boldly down the river, rounded the peninsula, an(l was soon hotly engaged with our upper battery at short range. After a spirited engagement of about forty-five minutes, the Cincinnati was rendered a complete wreck, and only escaped total destruction by being run aground on the Mississippi shore, where she is probably still lying. The lower fleet, witnessing her discomfiture, soon drew off; with what damage to themselves it is impossible to say. The firing from our batteries was most excellent, and too much praise cannot be awarded to Colonel [E.] Higgins, his officers and men, for their gallantry, coolness, and skill. The enemy still continued to work steadily in completing and strengthening his line of circumvallation. His fire of both musketry and artillery was continuous during each day. Major [II. M.] Mathews, ordnance officer, was instructed to have the large number of unexploded Parrott shells scattered around the city sent to Paxtons foundry and recapped. On the morning of the 29th, the enemy opened a terrific fire from the rear, and for four hours a storm of shot and shell was rained upon the city, seriously damaging many buildings, killing and wounding a large number of soldiers and citizens. During the day Ellets Marine Brigade arrive(l, and anchored at the bend above. Two couriers ha(l arrived froni General Johnston on the 28th and 29th, respectively. The forme Page 278 278 MISSISSIPPi, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. brought 18,000 caps, and the latter 20,000, and the following dispatch, the first received since the 18th: MAY 25, 1863. Lieutenant-Gcnei~al PEMBERTON: My last note was returned by the bearer. Two hundred thousand caps have been sent. It will be continued as they arrive. Bragg is sending a division. When it comes, I will move to you. Which do you think the best route I how and where is the enemy encampe(l. What is your force I J. E. JOHNSTON. The 200,000 caps mentioned in the above dispatch were captured by the enemy. I dispatched the following in reply: Your dispatch of 25th received this evening with 20,000 caps; Fontaine yesterday with 18,000. No messenger from you since 18th. I have 18,000 men to maii the lines and river front; no reserves; I do not think you should move with less than 30,000 or 35,000, and then, if possible, toward Snyders Mill, giving me notice of the time of your approach. The enemy encompasses my lines from right to left flank, oceli- pying all roads. He has three corpsSherman on my left, McPherson center, McCler- nand on my right. Hurlbuts division from Memphis and Ellets Marine Brigade, the last afloat. Enemy has made several assaults. My men are in good spirits, awaiting your arrival. Since investment we have lost about 1,000 menmany officers. You may depend on my holding the place as long as possible. On the 27th we sunk one of their best iron.clad gunboats. Onthe30th, I again dispatched as follows: Scouts report the enemy to have withdrawn most of his forces from our right yes- terday, leaving Halls Ferry road open, I apprehend, for a movement against you. I expect this courier to return to me. The meat ration having been reduced one-half, that of sugar, rice, an(l beans was largely increased. It was important above all things that every encouragement should be given to the trOOl)5. With this object in view, I ordered the impressment of chewing tobacco and its issue to the troops. This had a very beneficial influence. The enemy kept steadily at work day and night, and, taking advantage of the cover of the hills, had run his parallels up to within 75 yards of our works. He was also mining at different points, and it required the active and con- stant attention of our engineers to repair at night the damage inflicted upon our works during the day, and to meet his different mines by counter-mining. Orders were issued to prepare thunder barrels and petards for the defense of weak points, and every precaution was taken to check the enemy in his operations and to delay them as far as pos- sible. On June 7, the following dispatch was sent to General Johnston: I am still without information from you later than your dispatch of the 25th. The enemy continues to intrench his position around Vicksburg. I h~ve sent out couriers to you almost daily. The same, men are constantly in the trenches, but are still in good spirits, expecting your approach. The enemy is so vi~ilant that it is impossible to obtain reliable information. When niay 1 expect you to move, and in what direc- tion? My subsistence may be put down for about twenty days. On the 10th, I again dispatched as follows: The enemy bombard d~y and night, from seven mortars on opposite side of pen in- sula. He also keeps up constant lire on our lines with artillery and sharpshooters. We are losing many officers and men. I am waiting most auxionsly to know your intentions. 1-lave heard nothing of you nor from you since May 25. I shall endeavor to hold out as long as we have anything ~o eat. Can you not send iime a verbal mes- sage by a courier crossing the river above or below Yicksburg and swinimiur across again opl)osite Vicksbur~ ~ 0~ Again, on the 12th; I dispatched as follows: Courier Walker arrived this mnorniiig with caps. No message from you. Very heavy firing yesterday from mortars and on lines Page 279 ChAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. About this time our provisions, particularly of mcat, having become a\most exhausted, General Stevenson was instructed to impress all cattle in the city, and the chief commissary directed to sell only one ration p.~r diem to any officer. He was also instructed to issne for bread equal portions of rice and flour, four ounces of each. About the 13th, Captain Sanders arrived from Jackson via Steeles Bayou with 200,000 percussion-caps, and a day or two subsequent I re- ceived the following dispatch from General Johnston: MAY 29, 1863. I am too weak to save Vicksburg. Can do no more than attempt to save you and your garrison. It will be impossible to extricate you unless you co-operate and we make n~utnaliy supporting movements. Communicate your plans and suggestions, if pOssil)Ie. Un the 14th and 15th, I addressed General Johnston as follows: VICKSBURG, June 14, 1863. Last night Captain Sanders arrived with 200,000 caps, but brought no information as to your position or movements. The enemy is landing troops in large numbers on Louisiana shore above Vicksbnrg. They are probably from Memphis, but it may be from Yazoo; I cannot ascertain positively. On the Graveyard road the enemy has run his saps to within 25 yards of our works. He will probably attempt to sink a mine. I shall try to thwart him. I am anxiously expecting to hear froni you to arrange for co- operation. VICKSBURG, June 15, 1863. The enemy has placed several very heavy guns in position against our works, and is approaching them very nearly by sap. his lire is almost continuous. Our men have no are ~, ,ued, but are still in pretty good spirits. I relief; becomin~ much fati~ think your movement should be made as 50011 as ~)ossil)le. The enemy is receiving re-enforcements. We are living on greatly reduced rations, but I think sufficient for tnenty days yet. The enemy had now placed in position on the peninsula several very heavy guns, the fire of which was very destructive; and though re- peated attempts were made, we could not succeed in silencing them. On the 19th, the following telegram was sent to General Johnston: The enemy opened all his batteries on our lines about 3.30 oclock this morning, and continue(l the heaviest fire we have yet sustaiiieml until 8 oclock, but he did not as- samilt our works. Artillery is reported to have been distinctly heard about 2 a. m. toward and east of Snyders Mill, supposed to have been an engagement with your troops. On the Graveyard road the enenmys works are within 25 feet of our redan; also very close on Jackson and Baldwins Ferry roads. I imope you ~vill advance with the least possible delay. My men have been thirty-four days amid nights in trenches, withomit relief, and tIme enemny ~vitlmin comiversation distance. We are living on very reduced rations, and, as you know, are entirely isolated. What aid am I to expect froni you ~ The bearer, Captain [U. P.] Wise, can be confided in. On the night of the 22d, a party from Cummings Georgia brigade, Stevensons division, made a gallant sortie on the halls Ferry road, and captured a lieutenant- colonel and 12 men, with their intrenching tools, & c. On the night of the 23d, a heavy skirmish occurred in front of Cum- mings line for the possession of a picket station, which resulted in the repulse of the enemy. Under date of the 21st, the following dispatch was sent out to General Johnston: Your dispatches of 14th and 16th received. If it is absolutely impossible, in your opinion, to raise the siege with our combined forces, and that nothing more can be done than to extricate this garrison, I suggest that ,giving me full information in time to act, you move by the north of the railroad, drive in tile enemys pickets at night, and at daylight next morning engage him heavily with skirmishers, occupying hini during the entire day, and that on that night I move by the Warrenton road by Ilankinson 5 Ferry, to which point ~0ll should previously send a brigade of cavalry, with two field batteries, to build a bridge there and 1101(1 that ferry; also hails and Baldwins, to cover my crossing at 1-lankinsons. I shall not be able to niove witlm my artillery or 27 Page 280 280 MISSISSIPPI, ~VEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL wagons. I suggest this as the best plan, because all the other roads are too strongly intrenched and the enemy in too heavy force for a reasonable prospect of success, unless you move in sufficient force to compel him to abandon his communication wilh Snyders, which I still hope we may be able to do. I await your orders. Captain [J. M.] Couper understands all my views, and will explain further. I insert here two dispatches from General Johnston received about this time, one of which is acknowledged in my letter above: JUNE 14, 1863. All that we can attempt is to save you and your garrison. To do this, exact co- operation is indispensable. By fighting the enemy simultaneously at the same point of his line, yen may be extricated. Our joint forces cannot raise the siege of Vicka- burg. My communications with the rear can best be preserved by operating north of railroad. Inform me as soon as possible what point will suit you best. Your dis. patches of the 12th received. General Taylor, with 8,000 men, will endeavor to open communication with you from Richmond. JUNE 22, 1863. Your dispatch of the 15th received. General Taylor is sent by General B. Kirby Smith to co.operate with you from the west bank of the river, to throw in supplies, and to cross with his force, if expedient and practicable. I will have the means of moving toward the enemy in a day or two, and will try to make a diversion in your favor, and, if possible, communicate with you, though I fear my force is too small to effect the latter. I have only two-thirds of the force you told Messenger Saunders to state to me as the least with which I ought to make an attempt. Scouts report the enemy fortifying toward us and the roads blocked. If I can do nothing to relieve you, rather than surrender the garrison, endeavor to cross the river at the last moment if you and General Taylor communicate. Late in the afternoon of the 25th, the enemy exploded his first mine under the parapet of General Forneys works. In his official report that officer says: The explosion effected a breach, through which the enemy immediately attempted to charge, but was promptly and gallantly repulsed. The Sixth Missouri Regimen1~, which had been held in reserve, was on the spot immediately after the explosion, and its commander (Col. Eugene Erwin) was instantly killed while attempting to lead a charge over the works. Six men of the Forty-third Mississippi Regiment, who weie in a shaft countermining at the time of the explosion, were buried and lost. At dark the enemy had possessed himself of the ditch and slope of the parapet, and our forc~e retired to an interior line a few feet back. This point was now re-enforced by Colonel [F. M.] Cockrells brigade, of Bowens division, and work was resumed by the enemy and by us, they mining and we countermining. From this time until the 1st [July] nothing of moment occurred. Oii that day, however, the enemy sprung another mine on the right of the Jackson road, which is thus spoken of by General Forney in his ro. port: The result was the entire demolition of the rcdan, leaving only an immense chasm where it stood. The greater portion of the earth was thrown toward the enemy, the line of least resistance being in that direction. Our interior line was much injured. Nine men who were countermining were necessarily lost, and a large number of those manning the works were killed and wounded. The enemy, however, made no a1~ tempt to charge, seeming satisfied with having materially we:kened the position. I understand that the amount of powder used by the enemy in this explosion was one ton, While all this was taking place on the Jackson road, the enemy was by no means idle at other points. At the work on the Baldwins Ferry road, his sappers had nearly reached the ditch. At this place we sprung a countermine, which was, unfortunately, a little premature. From this time forward our engineers were kept constantly and busily employed iu countermining against the enemy, who was at work day and night in mining on different portions of the line. About this time, our stock of bacon having been almost exhausted, the experiment of using mule meat as a substitute w~s tried, it being issued only to those who desire(l to use it, ami I am gratified to say it was found by both Page 281 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 281 officers and men not only nutritious, but very palatable, and every way preferable to poor beef. I have already given in extenso the several letters received from Geri- eral Johnston up to this time, and my replies thereto. In this connection I takeoccasion to introduce General Johnstons letter of June 27, which was never received by me, but a copy of which General Johnston was kind enough to furnish. JUNE 27, 1863. Your dispatch of the 22d received. General E. K. Smiths troops have been mis- managed, and have fallen back to Delhi. I have sent a special messenger, urging him to assume direct command. The determined spirit you manifest and his expected co- Vicksburo operation encourage me to hope something. may yet be done to save ~, and to postpone both the modes suggested of merely extricating the garrison. Negotia- tions with Grant for the relief of the garrison, should they become necessary, must be umade by you. It would be a confession of weakness on my part, which I ought not to make, to propose them. When it becomes necessary to make terms, they may 1)0 considered as made under my authority. To preserve the continuity of the narrative, and that events may be mentioned in the order of their dates, I also give General Johnstons letter of July 3, which was received by me on the 10th: CAMP NEAR BIRDSONG FERRY, July 3, [1863.] Your dispatches of the 28th were destroyed by messenger. He states that General Smiths troops were driven back to Monroe. This statement and his account of your condition make me think it necessary to create a diversion, and thus enable you to cut your way out if the time has arrived for you to do this. Of that time I cannot judge; you must, as it depends upon your condition. I hope to attack the enemy in your front the 7th, and your co-operation will be necessary. The manner and the proper point for you to bring the garrison out must be determined by you, from your superior knowledge of the ground and distribution of the enemys forces. Our firing will show you where we are engaged. If Vicksburg cannot be saved, the garrison must. On July 1, I felt satisfied that the time had arrived when it was iiec- essary either to evacuate the city and cut my way out or to capitulate upon the best attainable terms. My own inclination led me to favor the former. With this view, therefore, I addressed to my division coni- mandersGenerals Stevenson, Forney, Smith, and Bowenthe follow- ing communication: HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF MIssissi~~i AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Vick8burg, July 1, 1863. GENERAL: Unless the siege of Vicksburg is raised or supplies are thrown in, it will become necessary very shortly to evacuate the place. I see no prospect of the former, and there are many great, if not insuperable, obstacles in the way of the latter. You are, therefore, requested to inform me with as little delay as possible as to the condi- tion of your troops, and their ability to make the marches and undergo the fatigues necessary to accomplish a successful evacuation. You will, of course, use the utmost discretion while informing yourself through your subordinates upon all points tending to a clear elucidation of the subjects of my inquiry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. The next day I received a reply from each of these officers, which is herewith submitted: HEADQUARTERS STEVENSONS DIVISION, Vick8burg, July 2, 1863. GENERAL: Your note (confidential) of yesterday, requesting me to inform you as to the condition of my troops and their ability to make the marches and undergo the fatigue necessary to accomplish a successful evacuation of this city, was duly received, and I have the honor to reply thereto as follows: My men are very cheerful, but from long confinement (more than forty-five days) in the trenches oii short rations, are necessarily much enfeebled, and a considerable number would be unable to make the marches and undergo the fatigues which would probably be necessary to a successfu Page 282 282 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CuAP. XXXVI. evacuation of this city. If pressed by the enemy, and it shonhil be necessary to place the Big Black in our rear in one march, the chances are that a large nnmber of them now in the trenches could not succeed. I believe, however, that most of them, rather than be captured, would exert themselves to the utmost to accomplish it. I respect- fully transmit herewith the opinions of my brigade commanders on these points. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, C. L. STEVENSON, Major-General. DIVISION HEADQUARTERS Near Vicksburg, July 2, 1863. GENERAL: In reply to your confidential note of yesterday, requesting to be informed as to the condition of my troops and their ability to make the marches and undergo the fatigues necessary to accomplish a successful evacuation, as heartrending as the reply may be, I have to state that I concur in the unanimous opinion of the brigade and regimental commanders, that the physical condition and health of our men are not sufficiently good to enable them to accomplish successfully the evacuation. The spirit of the men is still, however, unshaken, and I am satisfied they will cheerfully continue to bear the fatigues and privations of the siege. I inclose herewith for your further information the brigade reports. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. H. FORNEY, Major-General. DIVISION HEADQUARTERS, ,July 2, 1863. GENERAL: Your note of yesterday desires of me a reply on two points, viz: The condition of my troops, and their ability to make the marches and undergo the fatigue necessary to a successful evacuation of this place. The length of the marches and the amount of fatigue necessary to a successful evacuation not being indicated, I confine myself to giving the following information and opinions: There are about 3,000 men in my division, including State troops, in a condition to undertake a march of 8 or 10 miles a day in this weather, if there is an opportunity of resting at inter- vals. Oat of these 3,000, only about 2,000 are considered reliable in case we are strongly opposed and much harassed. A secret evacuation I consider almost impossible, on account of the temper of many in my command, who would, of necessity, be left be- hind, not to mention their natural timidity when left alone, which would induce them to at once get into communication with the enemy for their own fancied safety. I would really expect the enemy to become aware of the movement before my command had cleared the right of our line. It is proper to mention that the 2,000 alluded to have suffered severely in the loss of field officers during the siege; and while their in- dividual bravery remains the same, they will he more readily thrown into confusion from want of officers to handle them, if forced to halt and go through any formation to oppose an enemy. In other words,while under the impression that the troops will to-day resist an assault as obstinately, or perhaps more so, as when they first manned time trenches, I do not think they would do as well out of theni and in the field. I believe that General Johnston either has or will fight Grant, and my hope has been that he would be successful and in time to relieve us. At present, however, I see no chance of timely relief from him, and his dispatches have never indicated a hope of being able to raise the siege. Under these circumstances, I deem it best to propose terms of capitulation before forced to do so from want of provisions. The following, although not called for by your note, is respectfully stated on account og a personal conversation had some days since. In regard to evacuating with or without entering into terms of agreement with the enemy, I should much prefer the former. There is to my mind no practical difference between giving up a place openly or secretly. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. L. SMITH, Major-General. IIEADQUAItTERS I3OWnNS DIvISIoN, Vicksburg, Miss., July 2, 1863. GENERAL: In reply to your inquiry of this morning in regard to the condition of my command to force their way through the enemys lines iii case that the necessity should arise to evacuate this position, 1 have the honor to state that my men are in as good, if not better spirits, than any others in the line, and able to stand as much fatigue, yet I do not consider them capable (physically) of enduring the hardships in- cident to such an undertaking. Forty-five days incessant duty day and night, with short rations, the wear of bolli mind and body incident to our situation, has had a marked effect upon them, and I am satisfied they cannot give battle and march ove Page 283 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 283 10 or 12 miles in the same day. In view of the fact that General Johnston has never held out the slightest hope to us that the siege could he raised; that his demonstra- tion in our favor to relieve this exhausted garrison would of necessity be sufficient to raise i~, I see no alternative but to endeavor to rescue the command by making terms with the enemy. Under the most favorable circumstances, were we to cut our way out, we could not, in my opinion, save two-thirds of our present effective strength. No provision could be made for our wounded who fell in the attempt, or those we leave behind in the hospitals, and our army would reach General Johnston (if we should get through) a mere handful of broken-down stragglers. I would, therefore, recom- mend that an immediate proposition be made to capitulate. If accepted, we get every- thing we have any right to hope for; if rejected, we can still hold out stubbornly for some days, and our enemy may make the proposal to us. When our rations are ex- hausted, or nearly so, we may accept a surrender with the con(hition of a general pa- role instead of imprisonment for the command. If the ofii~r is made at once, we have a better chance of making terms than when we have only one days resistance in store in case of a refusal. The proposition coming from us,if rejected, will make our meii determined to fight to the last; theirs, on the contrary, will feel that after Vicksburg has been offered, their blood is shed to gratify a mere vindictive feeling against its garrisin, whose only fault has been the noble defense they have made, and I believe that numbers of the enemy have still enough manhood to admire our courage and de- termination and urge liberal terms of capitulation. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. S. BOWEN, Major- General. The opinions of General Stevensons brigade commanders will be found in that officers report, * while those of General Forney~s are presented in the appendix to this. So far as I know, not a solitary brigade or regimental commander favored the scheme of cutting out, and only two, whose views were presented to me, intimated the possibility of making more than one-half of their commands available for that purpose. With this unanimous opinion of my officers against the practicability of a suc- cessful evacaation, and no relief from General Johnston, a surrender with or without terms was the only alternative left me. I therefore addressed the following note to Major-General Grant: HEADQUARTERS, V~cksburg, Miss., July 3, 1863. MaJ. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding United States Forces: GENERAL: I have the honor to propose to you an armistice for several hours, with a view to arranging terms for the capitulation of Vicksburg. To this end, if agree- able to you, I will appoint three commissioners to meet a like number, to be name dby yourself at sueh place and hour to-day as you may find convenient. I make this proposition to save the further effusion of blood, which must otherwise be shed to a frightful extent, feeling myself fully able to maintain my position for a yet indefinite period. This communication will be handed you under a flag of truce by Maj. Gen. John S. Bowen. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant-General, Commanding. In the course of two hours the annexed reply was received: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TuE TENNESSEE, In the Field, near Vicksburg, Miss., .July 3, 1863. Lient. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Gommanding Confederate Forces, 4~c.: GENERAL: Your note of this date is just received, proposing an armistice for several hours, for the purpose of arranging terms of capitulation through commissioners to be appointed, & c. The useless effusion of blood you propose stopping by this course can be ended at any time you may choose, by an unconditi9nal surrender of the city and garrison. See siege of Vicksburg, Part II, p. 347 Page 284 284 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. Men who have shown so much endurance and courage as those now in Vicksburg will always challenge the respect of an adversary, and I can assure you will be treated with all the respect due to prisoners of war. I do not favor the proposition of appointing commissioners to arrange terms of capitulation, because I have no terms other than those indicated above. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major-General. Upon the return of General Bowen with this letter, I understood that it was the desire of Major-General Grant to have a personal conference with me, and this being agreed to, at 3 p. in., accompanied by Genera] Bowen and Captain [L. M.] Montgomery (then supposed to be a lieuten- ant-colonel), I proceeded to the lines, where I met General Grant sur- rounded by a number of his officers. I soon learned that there was a mutual misunderstanding in regard to the desire for this interview, and therefore informed General Grant that if he had no terms to propose other than were contained in his letter, the conference could terminate and hostilities be resumed immediately. After some further conversa- tion, he proposed that General Bowen and Captain Montgomery and two of his officers (Major-Generals McPherson and Smith) should retire for consultation, and suggest such terms as they might think proper for our consideration. After some conversation between these officers, we parted, with the understanding that General Grant would communicate with me by 10 p. in., and about that hour the following letter was re- ceived: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TILE TENNESSEE, Near Vicksburg, Miss., July 3, 186:3. Lient. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding Confederate Forces, Vick8bnrg, Miss.: GENERAL: In conformity with agreement of this afternoon, I will submit the follow- ing proposition for the surrender of the city of Vicksburg, public stores, & c.: On your accepting the terms proposed, I will march in one division as a guard, and take possession at S a. m. to-morrow. As soon as rolls can be made out, and paroles signed by officers and men, you will be allowed to march out of our lines, the officers taking with them their side-arms and clothing, and the field, staff; and cavalry offi- cers one horse each. The rank and file will be allowed all their clothing, but no other property. If these conditions are accepted, any amount of rations you may deem necessary can be taken from the stores you now have, and also the necessary cooking utensils for preparing them. Thirty wagons also, counting two two-horse or mule teams as one, will be allowed to transport such articles as cannot be carried along. The same conditions will be allowed to all sick and wounded officers and soldiers as fast as they become able to travel. The paroles for these latter must be signed, however, while officers are present authorized tp sign thu roll of prisoners. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. S. GRANT, Major- General. This letter was immediately submitted to a council of general officers. My own inclination was to reject these terms, but after some discussion I addressed General Grant as follows: HEADQUARTERS, Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, J7icksburg, Miss., July 3,1863. Commanding United States Forces, 4c.: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this date, proposing terms of capitulation for this garrison and post. In the main, your terms are accepted; but in justice 1)0th to the honor and spirit of my troops, manifested in the defense of Vicksburg, I have to submit the following amendments, which, if acceded to by you, ~vi1l perfrct the agreement between us: At 10 a. m. to-morrow I propose to evhcuate the works in and around Vicksburg, and to surrender the city and garrison nuder my command, by marching out wit Page 285 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. my colors and arms, stacking them in front of my present lines, after which you ~vill take possession. Officers to retaja their side-arms and personal property, and the rights and property of citizens to be respected. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant-General, Commanding. Early on the morning of the 4th, the following reply was received: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, Miss., July 4, 1863. Lient. Gen. J. C. PEMEERTON, Commanding Confederate Forces, Vick8burg, Miss: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication of July 3. The amendment proposed by you cannot be acceded to in full. It will be neces- sary to furnish every officer and man with a parole signed by himself; which, with the completion of the rolls of prisoners, will necessarily take some time. Again, lean make no stipulations with regard to the treatment of citizens and their pz~vate property. While I do not propose to cause them any undue annoyance or loss, I cannot consent to leave myself under any restraint by stipulations. The prop- erty which officers will be allowed to take with them will be as stated in my propo- sition of last evening; that is, officers will be allowed their private baggage and side-arms, and mounted officers one horse each. If you mean by your proposition for each brigade to march to the front of the lines now occupied by it, and stack arms at 10 a. in., and then return to the inside, and there remain as prisoners until properly paroled, I will make no objection to it. Should no notification be received of your acceptance of my terms by 9 a. in., I shall regard them as having been rejected, and shall act accordingly. Should these terms be accepted, white flags should be displayed along your lines to prevent such of my troops as may not have been notified from firing upon your men. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, Major- General. In response to this note, I immediately dispatched the following, ac- cepting the terms of surrender as modified by General Grant: HEADQUARTERS, J7icksburg, Miss., July 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding United State8 Forces, 4~c.: GnNERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this day, and in reply to say that the terms proposed by you are accepted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. These terms, it may be proper to add, were approved by every divis- ion aud brigade commander with one exception (Brigadier-General [W. E.] Baldwin), who, without offering any objection to them, insisted 111)011 holding out, but assigned no reason for it. In accordance with this agreement, the garrison was surrendered at 10 a. in., and the Fed- eral forces immediately took possession of our works and placed guards iu the city. If it should be asked why July 4 was selected as the day for the surrender, the answer is obvious. I believed that upon that day I should obtain better terms. Well aware of the vanity of our foes, I knew they would attach vast importance to the entrance on July 4 into the stronghold of the great river, and that to gratify their national vanity they would yield then what could not be extorted from them at any other time. This question of time was also discussed by a council of my general officers, and my views concurred in. The assertion that the surrender of Vicksburg was compelled by the want of subsistence, or that the garrison was starved out, is one entirely destitute of truth. There was at no time any absolute suffering for 28 Page 286 286 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAP. XXXVI want of food among the garrison. That the men were put upon greatly reduced rations is undeniably true; but, in the opinion of many medical officers, it is at least questionable whether under all the circumstances this was at all injurious to their health. It must be remembered that for forty-seven days and nights these heroic memi had been exposed to burii- ing suns, drenching rains, dam p fogs, and heavy dews, and that (luring all this period they never had by day or by night the slightest relief. The extent of our works required every available man in the trenches, and even then they were in many places insufficiently manned. It was not in my power to relieve any I)ortioll of the line for a single hour. Confined to the narrow limits of a trench, with their limbs cramped and swollen, without exercise, constantly exposed to a murderous storm of shot and shell, while the enemys unerring sharpshooters stood ready to pick off every one visible above the parapets, is it strange that the men grew weak and attenuated h They had made a most heroic defense. Many had met death with a smile upon their lips, all had cheerfully en- countered danger, and almost without a murmur had borne privations and hardships well calculated to test their manhood. They had held the place against an enemy five thues their number, admirably clothed and fed, and abundantly supplied with all the appliances of war. When- ever the foe attempted an assault, they drove him back discomfite 1, covering the ground with his killed and wounded, and already had tht~y torn from his grasp five stand of colors as trophies of their prowess, none of which were allowed to fall again into his hands. Knowing time anxious desire of the Government to relieve Vicksburg, I felt assurcd that if within the compass of its power the siege would be raised, but when forty-seven weary days and nights had passed, with the knowled~:e I then possessed that no adequate relief was to be expected, I felt that I ought not longer to place in jeopardy the brave men whose lives had been intrusted to my care. Hence, after the sugges tiomi of time alterna- tive of cutting my way out, I determined to muake terms, not because mny men were starved out, not because I could imot hold out yet a little longer, but because they were overpowered by numbers, worn down with fatigue, and each day saw our defenses crumbling beneath their feet. The question of subsistence, therefore, had nothing whatever to do with the surrender of Vicksburg. With an unlimited supply of pro- visions, the garrison could not, for the reasons already given, have held out much longer. My previous dispatches from General Johnston had not made me very sanguine of relief, and his dispatch of June 22 was not calculated 1;o render me more hopeful. He said: General Taylor is sent by General E. K. Saiitli to co-operate with you from the west bank of the river, to throw in supplies and to cross with his force, if expedient and practicable. I will have the means of moving toward the enemy in a day or two, and will try to make a diversion in your favor, and, if possible, coruinunidate with you, though I fear my force is too small to effect the latter. * If I can do nothing to relieve you, rather than surrender the garrison, endeavor to cross the river at the last moment, if you and General Taylor can communicate. I never received ammy communication from Major-General Taylor on the subject of co-operation, nor had I any knowledge of his whereabouts or of his forces, and I heard no more from General Johnston until July 10, when I received his dispatch of the 3d in Yicksburg from the bearer, who had been several days confined and a prisoner to the Federal au- thorities. Had I received General Johnstons dispatch of June 27, in which he encouraged the hope that both Yicksburg and the garrison might be saved, I would have lived upon an ounce a day and have con Page 287 CIiAl. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 287 tinUC(l to meet the assanits of all Grants army rather than have sur- rendeied the city until General Johnston had realized or relinquished that hope; but I did not receive his disL)atch until August 20,in Gaines- ville, Ala., nor had I the most remote idea that such an opinion wa~ entertaiiied by General Johnston. He had for weeks ignored its possi bility. I had notified him on June 15 that I had enough to subsist my army for yet twenty days, but he held out no hope of raising the siege. On May 25, thirty-four days previous, he had informed me that on the arrival of au expected division from Braggs army he would move to inc. I supposed then, with my co-operation, to raise the siege. No subsequent dispatch from him sustained my understanding of his corn. inunication; all, without exception, of later date, spoke only of the pos- sibility of extricating the garrison. His dispatch of July 3, received by inc six days after the capitulation, held omit no such hope, and I am fully and entirely satisfied that no efficient aid would have been given me even to effect an evacuation. I do not mean nor (lesire to be understood as implying that it might have been given me. I only express my con viction, that had I been able to hold the enemy at bay for yet a mouth, I do not believe, anxious as I was to co-operate, that I would have been relieved by any force from the out5i(1e.~ In a dispatclm of the 16th, I think (for I have not the copy), I suggested that, as General Johnston deemed it impracticable to do more than by possibility relieve the garrison, a proposition from him for an evacua- tion of Vicksburg might be favorably eimtertained by General Grant. In his dispatch of the 27th, already alluded to and previously copied, will be found his views on that point. The dispatch of June 22 from General Johnston rendered it painfully apparent that the siege could not be raised. To cross the Mississippi River, as suggested, in the face of the enemys gunboats and land bat- teries, was an impossibility; and unless this ~vas effected, the defense which had been so long and gallantly maintained ceased to be of any practical ntility. Proud as I was of my brave troops, honoring them, as I did and do, for the courage, fortitude, and comistancy they had so nobly displayed, I felt that it would be an act of cruel inhunmanity to subject them longer to the terrible ordeal to which for so many days and nights they had already been exposed. Brain and sinew will alike wear out; the bravest may be overpowered by numbers; and I saw no ad- vantage to be gained by ~)rotracting a hopeless defense, which I knew must be attended with a useless waste of life and blood. I had, thei~~ to choose between such favorable terms as I might be able to obtain and an unconditional surrender, or subject the garrison and the citizens (including hundreds of women and children) to the horrors of an as- sault, which I could no longer hape to repel. Much, and 1 think uninerited, obloquy has been cast upon me by a large portion of the public press for an imputed failure to provide ade- quately for the subsistence of the garrisons of Yicksburg and Port hudson. The Government and my immediate military superior, perhaps better informed of facts, have, so far as I am aware, refrained from cen- sure, reserving a decision until a full investigation shall have determined to what extent, if any, it is deserved. Immediately on assuming command of the Department of Mississippi and Eastern Louisiana, on October 14, 1862, I gave my earnest and nure- muitting atteution to the reorganization of the several staff departments and to the great question of supplies. It is unuecessary to speak of the confusion and general want of system Which prevailed. I found most of the district commanders exercising the authority which pertaine Page 288 288 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL only to a department commander, or to a general commanding an army in the field. Each appeared to be in a great measure acting independ- ently of the other. To some considerable extent this seemed to be nec- essary under the existing circumstances. Major-General Van iDorn was in the immediate command of the army at Holly Springs, and it natu- rally engaged most of his attention. General Bragg, to whose depart- ment the geographical districts (just organized into a separate depart- inent) had been attached, was too far removed to permit him to give his personal supervision. It resulted almost necessarily from this state of things that but little attention had been given to the accumulation of supplies. No depots of importance existed within the limits of the de- partment, nor had any measures been taken to establish them. Much of the season best suited to the collection of stores from the Trans-Mis- sissippi had gone by. They were undoubtedly abundant there, but my command did not embrace that district of country. I had no control over the steamboats in Red River. It was one thing to purchase sup- plies, bat another to transport them. Most of the boats were engaged in carrying sugar, molasses, and salt either for private parties or for the Government. There was great opposition on the part of owners at every attempt to divert them from these purposes. The Government - was appealed to against what was styled the violation of the rights of the citizen by the military authorities. It required time to ascertain what was needed to be done and time to acquire the means of its ac- complishment. On October 25, the necessary orders were issued to procure and trans- port supplies from the parishes of Pointe Coup6e, Concordia, and Tensas. Major [R. H.] Cuney, then chief commissary, was directed to confer with Lient. Col. [W. A.] Broadwell, agent of the Commissary-General, then in the Trans-Mississippi Department, but to make arrangements for supply ing this department without relying upon him. Major [Edward] Dillon, commissary of the army with Major-General Van Dorn, was directed to use every effort to subsist it from the northern and northwestern counties. For several months after I entered upon duty in the department, there was not water enough to admit of the passage into the Mississippi of the larger boats, which had been run up the Yazoo or Red River for safety. As early as the latter part of October, I authorized the opening of the raft in the Yazoo, that the smaller boats might pass out. Notwithstand- ing the violent opposition of private parties, very many of them were immediately taken either into the permanent employ of the Govern- ment or chartered as supplies could be obtained. The transportation of sugar and molasses, owned by the Government and by speculators, interfered materially with the rapid accumulation of other supplies. When, however, about January 1, the larger boats were able to enter the Mississippi, a sufficient number was at once put into requisition for Government transportation, and a large amount of corn and bacon was thrown into Vicksburg and Port Hudson from the Trans-Mississippi Department. I regret, however, to say that from want of proper care and energy upon the part of those responsible for its safe-keeping, a large quantity of corn which had been landed on the shore was removed so slowly, and so little precaution used to sectue it from the effects of the heavy rains of the season, that much was destroyed by that cause, and much was carried off by the rapid rise of the river. It happened that just at this time, about January 10, I made an official visit to Port Hud- son, and was myself a witness of the consequences of this neglect at that point. On January 14, I addressed the following letter to Lieutenant-Colone Page 289 CIIAI. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 289 rXV. A.] Broadwell, agent of the Commissary-General and also for my department, under my immediate instructions: Purchase bacon for this department; if possible, buy several million pounds. Also send, if you can, a few thousand live hogs to Port Hudson and Vicksburg. If the present navigation should be interrupted, try to get the hogs across the river, so that they can be driven to the interior of the State and rendered available for the use of the troops. If nothing better can be done, you will contract with energetic men to get from Texas 200 or 300 wagons loaded with bacon, the meat to be paid for by the chief of subsistence of this department, the transportation settled by the quartermas- ter, and the wagons and teams taken at fair valuation by the Government. You had better attend to salt first, to bacon next, and to sugar afterward. You are properly accredited to commanding generals elsewhere, who are requested to assist you in ac- complishing my wishes as herein indicated. I was extremely desirous at this time to procure a sufficient supply of salt to enable me to cure bacon, and with that purpose an order was issued prohibiting the exportation of hogs from the department. The difficulty of obtaining salt in sufficient quantity at the proper season prevented the success of this plan to any great extent. Though ex- tremely anxious at this time to purchase all the meat possible, I did not think it advisable to make large purchases of corn from the Trans- Mississippi for Vicksburg and Port Hudson, and Lieutenant-Colonel Broadwell was so notified. It has already been shown that the large amount at Port Hudson had not been propenly secured, and more was still being delivered. The enemys attempt on Yicksburg via Chicka- saw Bayou had just signally failed, and his troops been withdrawn and re-embarked. Before January 1, supplies from Deer Creek and Sunflower could not be brought down, owing to the low stage of water, and when the rise of those streams admitted of their being landed at Snyders Mill, the char- acter of the soil and the roads over which the wagons must pass was such as to render transportation almost utterly impracticable. I had, however, appropriated 100 wagons for that especial purpose. In a communication dated February 26, General Stevenson says: During wet weather we cannot use the dirt road from Haynes Bluff to this point (Vicksburg). The passage of our train of over 100 wagons would render it impassa- ble in one day; besides, not being able to haul more than a quarter load, it would prevent its being kept in good order. To relieve it at such times, grain should be obtained by railroad, but it, as now managed, cannot be relied on. There was an abundance of corn in the department, but in very many instances planters refused to sell except for cash payments, and the great delay in forwarding funds embarrassed me exceedingly. On January 20, I telegraphed as follows to the honorable Secretary of War: Unless funds are sent immediately to Maj. Theodore Johnston, chief commissary of subsistence of the department, the army cannot be supplied. Estimates have been forwarded. Please have money sent at once. During this time stores in large quantity were being rapidly collected at various depots, but the difficulty of transportation, owing to the wretched condition of the Southern Railroad, the obstacles that were continually thrown in the way by railroad authorities, and the clamor raised at any attempt of mine to make private interests subservient to Government necessities, had the effect of preventing effectually the rapid accumulation of supplies. Positive prohibition had been issued from the War 1)epartment against the interference of commanding generals pr other officers with railroad transportation. Immediately on the re- 19 R HVOL XXIV, PT Page 290 290 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. ceipt of this prohibition, I telegraphed the Adjutant and Jnspector Gen- eral, Richmond: If I cannot control the railroads in this department, the business of the department and subsistence of the troops will fail. I beg that Colonel [William M.] Wadley may be sent here at once. Arrangements had been made, as already stated, as fully as the means at my disposal would admit, to transfer supplies from Snyders Mill to Yicksburg, and the chief of subsistence was positively directed to keep constantly on hand a supply for not less than sixty days. Similar in- structions were given to the chief quartermaster of the department. Every possible effort was made to carry out my orders. If I failed in the full accomplishment of my wishes, it was from circumstances utterly beyond my control. It must be remembered that almost continuous movements of troops and ordnance were necessary, in consequence of the persistent efforts of the enemy from about the middle of December to the date of the investment of Yicksburg. About February 10, the enemy began his movemeut through the Yazoo Pass. None but our smallest boats could be employed in the upper waters from this date until the eiiemy abandoned his designs, not only by the Pass and Tallahatchee, but also by the Sunflower and Deer Creek. The boats which were employed in bringing down sul)- plies from those small streams were frequently and necessarily diverted to the transportation of troops and munitions of war. Early in Febru- ary, also, the enemy succeeded in passing two of his gunboats by our batteries at Vicksburg. This at once rendered the navigation of the MisSissippi and Red Rivers dangerous, and from that time forth it was only by watching opportunities and at great risk of capture that sup. plies could be thrown into Port Hudson and Yicksburg; nevertheless large amounts were successfully iutroduced into both places (into the latter via Big Black). Port Hudson, however, received much the larger portion, being easier of access. In addition to the efforts made by agents under my own instructions to supply Port Hudson, the chief of subsistence of the department was ordered on February 18 to furnish Major-General Gardners commissary with ample funds to meet the de- mands of the service. About the middle of the same month, believing it to be highly probable that not only the subsistence of my own army but also that of General Braggs might be dependent upon the supplies of the country intersected by the IMobile and Ohio Railroad, I issued positive orders that neither grain nor meat should be allowed to leave the department by that road. The condition of the Southern Railroad daily growing worse in consequence of the heavy rains and its light structure, every effort was made on my part to aid the managers in its speedy and effect. nal repair. A communication nrging its importance in a military point of view was addressed to His Excellency the Governor of the State, of February 20, asking his assistance by the impressment of negroes to labor on it, the vice-president having informed me that planters would not hire their hands. On February 28 and on March 2, instructions were again sent to Lieu- tenant-Colonel Broadwell to purchase all the meat possible at the price suggested by him, and [he was] notified also that beef could then be crossed safely, and to send forward all he could control. March 1, Brigadier-General Ruggles was directed by telegraph as fol- lows: You must give every possible assistance in proenring within your distri~t ~ll lbi Page 291 (JIIAL. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 291 corn, beeves, and bacon or salted pork that can be had, and forward as ral)i(lly as possible for army at Vicksburg. Purchase from planters at the lowest prices you can, and impress all in hands of speculators at same rate. About the same time Major-General Taylor, commanding West Loui- siana, was respectfully urged to have all the beeves, bacon, and salted l)ork possible forwarded, and it gives me much pleasure to add that I am greatly indebted to his active exertions, as well as to Lieutenant- Colonel Broadwell, for large supplies of corn and meat. On March 23, the following letter was received from IAeutenaut-Colo- nel Broadwell: ALEXANDRIA, LA., March 17, 1863. GENERAL: Four steamboats arrived here to-day from Shreveport and Jefferson, loaded chiefly with corn. One of them had 300,000 pounds of bacon; three others (the Charm, Texas, and Frolic) are reported coming down with loads. Five others (the Falls City, Louisville, Starlight, General Hodges, andNina Sims) are below here, with lull cargoes designed for Port Hudson, but the Federal gunboats are reported blockading this river. Great God, how unfortunate! We must try to get cattle to Bowmans Landing, 15 miles back of Waterproof, and, if possible, swim them at the latter point; but the cattle here are thin, and may be unfit for beef when they arrive on the other side. In fact, it is doubtful whether many of them ever get through the swamps and bayous through which they are required to pass on this side. As ihe water declines, I think it likely that cattle in large quantities can be crossed over by swimming, but at present the prospect of your getting supplies from this side is gloomy enough. With the hope, general, that the suspension of steamboat navigation will embarrass you less than is now apprehended, Very respectfully, & c., XTh A. BROADWELL. Ou the day of its receipt, the above letter was referred to Maj. Theo- dore Johnston, chief of subsistence, for hi~ information, and was returned with the following indorsement: OFFIcE CHIEF OF SunsIsTENcE, DEPARTMENT OF MIss. AND E. LA., Jackson, March 24, 1863. Respectfully returned. The following boats have arrived out of Red River and have discharged their cargoes at Port Hudson: Frolic, corn to assistant quarter- master; Louis dOr, corn to assistant quartermaster; Trent, corn to acting commis- sarv of subsistence; Drover, corn to acting commissary of subsistence; Red Chief, corn to acting commissary of subsistence; Starlight, corn to acting commissary of subsistence; ludian No. 2, corn to acting commissary of subsistence; T. D. Hine, bacon, hogs, and beef, to acting commissary of subsistence. The steamer General Hodges, spoken of, discharged her cargo at Alexandria. The Louisville had 20,000 bushels of corn. The Falls City turned over all her cargo, except 350 barrels of mo- lasses, to steamer T. D. Hine. Lieutenant [George] Cammack left Alexandria on 16th instant, one day later than the communication from Colonel Broadwell. THEO. JOHNSTON, Major and Chief of Subsistence. Evidence of a similar character, all showing the constant and earnest efforts made by myself and my officers to secure an ample store of sub- sistence for Vicksburg and Port Hudson, could be adduced to au in- definite extent, but to give the whole would swell this report to a huge volume. I content myself, therefore, with throwing a number of letters, orders, telegrams, & c., on this subject into au appendix. In the month of March, I was in the receipt of a number of letters from respectable citi- zens, containing suggestions that were frequently valuable, but unfor- tunately they were such as should have been made months before, and some of them at a time when I was not in the department. But these suggestions, whether timely and valuable in themselves or not, were rendered worthless to me by reason of the then active military operations on the Yazoo River amid its tributaries, which were constantly diverting all of my boats from the important duty of transporting subsistence to the indispensable service of transporting troops and munitions of war Page 292 292 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. LUlIAP. XXXVT. This was also the case in many instances where provisions were offered me by citizens. I was offered supplies of corn and meat, but at a time when, from the proximity of the enemy and other causes, it was utterly impracticable for me to make them available. In this connection I can- not forbear saying that in nine cases out of ten where subsistence was offered me, the offer carried with it a demand for transportation, which it was entirely ont of my power to furnish. To have made pnrchases under such circnmstances would have been simply ridiculous. A cargo of bacon, which had been run up Choctaw Bayou on April 18 to avoid the enemys gunboats on lIed iliver, was by the energetic ex- ertions of Mr. Howell Hinds, of Jefferson County, Mississippi, success. fully transported from the bayou across the river to Port Gibson. I was extremely anxious to get this meat to Port Hudson, but the diffi- culties of transportation prevented, and before it could be removed by General Bowen to a point of safety, it became necessary to destroy much of it, to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy. In this con- nection I again refer to the fact that when I was compelled to abandon Snyders Mill; there were at least 30,000 bushels of corn at that place. I mention this to show that there was no deficiency of corn in the de. partment, but that the great and, indeed, insuperable obstacle was the want of transportation by dirt road and the almost constant and daily interruption of railroad communication on the Southern road, which was the only means of transportation of subsistence to Yicksburg. I think I have now shown conclusively that I spared no exertions to have Yicksburg and Port Hudson abundantly provisioned, and that whenever the supply fell short of the demand or of my expectations it was caused by circumstances wholly beyond my control. In this con- nection I may add that I had at the time of the surrender of Yicksburg about 40,000 pounds of pork and bacon, which had been reserved for the subsistence of my troops in the event of attempting to cut my way out of the city; also, 51,241 pounds of rice, 5,000 bushels of peas, 92,234 pounds of sugar, 3,240 pounds of soap, 527 pounds of tallow candles, 27 j)ounds of Star candles, and 428,000 pounds of salt. Much unnecessary clamor has been raised about the want of ammu- nition in Yicksburg. I have already shown that my sul)~)ly of ammu- nition was large, and that the principal, indeed the only, deficiency was in musket-caps. The appendix devoted to the subject of ordnance will demonstrate that I am not responsible for that deficiency, whatever its extent may have been. I therefore beg special attention to my tele- grams to Colonel [J.] Gorgas, of the Ordnance Department for ord- nance and ammunition, commenced as early as November, within three weeks after I assumed command of the department, and they were con- tinued persistently up to almost the last hour of uninterrupted commu- nication with ]iiichmond. I believe that the Chief of Ordnance fur- nished me with everything in his l)ower. I only desire that I may not be held responsible for what the Government could not furnish. I am unable as yet to give full reports of the casualties at Bakers Creek, Big Black, and during the siege of Yicksburg. They will be for- warded so soon as division commanders shall have rendered them com- plete. The same with reference to ordnance and ordnance stores. Very many officers and soldiers have distinguished themselves by par- ticular acts of gallantry, or have ren(lercd themselves conspicuous by untiring exertions and (levotion to duty; so many, in(leed, as to l)ieclude the l)ossibility of my relbrring to each in the body of this report. At- tention is, therefore, respectfully ilivite(l to the appendix and to the reports of division, brigade, and Pther commanders Page 293 CHAP. XXXVII GENERAL REPORTS. 293 I cannot, however, close without expressilig iiiy esl)ecial thanks to Maj. Gens. C. L. Stevenson, John II. Forney, aiid M. L. Smith, and to Brigadier-Generals Barton, Cumming, Lee, and Col. A. W. Reynolds, of General ~ division; to Major-General Forneys brigade commanders (Brigadier-Generals ll~bert and Moore); to Maj. Gen. M. L. Smiths brigade commanders (Brigadier-Generals Shoup, Baldwin, and Vaughn); to Colonels [E.] Gates, [T. P.] Dockery, and [F. M.] Cockrell, of Bowens division, and to Colonel [Edward] Higgins, com- manding the heavy batteries, and Colonel [T. N.] Waul, of the Texas Legion. If the most unremitting attention to the arduous duties of their position entitle officers to commendation and respect, they have each and all won it during the protracted and trying siege. To Ma]. Gen. C. L. Stevenson I am I)articularly indebted for much and valuable aid in many ways during the siege. To his immediate supervision was principally intrusted the subsistence of the troops. To the officers of my staff I return my sincere thanks for the cheerful and zealous manner in which they have discharged all their duties. Col. Thomas H. Taylor, who accompanied me on the field at Bakers Creek, and who during the siege was assigned to duty as inspector- general and commandant of the post, in both capacities rendered most valuable service. Maj. Jacob Thompson, inspector-general of the department, also ac- companied me on the field, and on that occasion, as on all others, whether in the office or in the active performance of the duties of his department, has ever shown himself zealous and competent. Major Thompson, im- mediately after the retreat into Vicksburg, was, in company with Major [Sturges] Sprague, dispatched to communicate personally with General Johnston. Ma]. H. W. Memminger, assistant adjutant-general and chief of staff, and Maj. W. H. McCardle, assistant adjutant-general, have for many months been in the constant performance of the arC cons and responsible duties pertaining to the adjutant-generals depart inent. It is little to say that on these officers, assisted by Second Lient. F. M. Stafford, C. S. Army, and acting assistant adjutant-general, has devolved a labor and an amount of business scarcely equaled in any other military de- partment of the Confederacy. Day and night they have devoted them- selves to the public service, and I specially commend them and Maj. J. Thompson to the favorable consideration of the Government. No officer in the department has been more constantly and actively engaged than Maj. Samuel II. Lockett, chief engineer. His professional skill and excellent judgment have been exhibited wherever occasion re- quire(l it, from Grenada to Port Hudson. During the siege of Vicks- burg, none exposed themselves more fearlessly to danger than he and his gallant assistants, Capts. Powhatan Robinson, J. M. Couper, J. J. Conway, D. Wintter, and James [T.] Hogane, and Lients. B. W. Mc- Mahon, W. 0. Flynn, George Donnellan, A. W. Gloster, [II. H.] South- ard, Blessing, and Mr. [H.] Ginder. It gives me pleasure to name them and to ask a recognition of their merits. I consider myself to have been particularly fortunate in the selection of chief quartermaster of the Department of Mississippi and Eastern Loni. siana. Maj. L. Mims entered upon the duties of that office immediately on my assuming command, and has proved himself eminently qualified for the position. His energy and capacity I have rarely seen equaled. I believe no man could have done more, with the means at his disposal. Major Mims was greatly aided by tha~ most excellent and efficient offi- cer, Maj. George Whitlield, quartermaster in charge of transportatio Page 294 294 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [Ciiir. XXXVT. department. Maj. Theo. Johnston, chief of subsistence, has been 1111- tiring in his efforts to provide for so large a coiiuinand. He had great difficalties to contend with and generally has met them successfully. I am also greatly indebted to Maj. A. B. Cooke, my chief paymaster, for the ability and energy he has displayed in the execution of the business of his office. To Maj. G. L. Gillespie, chief commissary of General Stevensons division, and acting chief commissary of the army during the siege, I owe my thanks. Much is due to his energy and good judgment. Also to Major [Richard] Orme, General Stevensons chief quartermaster. Surg. E. II. Bryan, acting medical director of the army of Vicks- burg, accompanied me on the field, and performed all his duties there and during the siege to my entire satisfaction. Capt. [J.] Brice, ordnance storekeeper, displayed great ability and devotion to duty during the siege. He was ever where lie shonid have been, and was emphatically the right man in the ri~ Col. C. A. Fuller, inspector of heavy artillery; place. Licut. Col. J. S. Saun- ders (Provisional Army), chief of artillery of the department, performed their respective duties satisfactorily, and Colonel Saunders accompanied me on the field, where he rendered me valuable service. Col. W. T. Withers, chief of field artillery with the army, was active and attentive to his duties and prompt in the execution of orders. In addition to his duties as chief of artillery, Colonel Withers continued in the command of his regiment. He also accompanied inc on the field. Capt. C. MeRac Selph, assistant adjutant-general, on duty with Col. T. II. Taylor, was of great assistance to that excellent officer, more par- ticularly during the siege. He also accompanied me on the field, and was constantly engaged in the transmission of orders. To my personal staffLieut. J. II. Morrison, aide-de-camp; Lient. J. C. Taylor, aide.de-camp; and Lient. II. C. Tupper, Twenty-fourth Mis- sissippi Volunteers, and aide-de-camp----I am greatly indebted not only for service on the field, but for much laborious duty in the office, and I commend them to the favorable consideration of the Government. Capt. L. M. Montgomery, being unable to reach the Trans-Mississippi Department to which he had been assigned, tendered his services as vol- unteer aide-de-camp. I found him an energetic and gallant offlcdr an(l a most valuable assistant. To him and to Maj. Sturges Sprague, vol- unteer aide-de-camp, who also accompanied me on the field and was constantly engaged in the transmission of orders, I tender my sincere thanks. Also to Capt. J. M. Couper, Fourteenth [Twentieth] Missis- sih)pi, who served me as volunteer aide-de-camp on the occasioll of the battle of Bakers Creek. Captain [J. W.] Barclay and Lieutenant [Harris] Wilkerson, of Bowens division, with ~0 brave fellows of that command, are entitled to special mention for their gallant conduct on the night of May 30, in burning the sunken gunboat Cincinnati, which they accomplished as far as was practicable with an iron-clad vessel in her condition. They brought oft~ her flag, which I presented to them. My thanks are also due to the following officers and men, who ren- dered valuable service in transmitting dispatches through the enemys lines to and from General Johnston, viz: Captains Hill, Sanders, and Couper, Lieut. G. ID. Wise, Lieutenant Smith (of the Twentieth Missis- sippi Regiment), and Privates [E. G.] Walker and [Charles] Melnroc (of Johnsons cavalry), Lamar Fontaine (a discharged soldier), and Pri- vate W. H. Webb, of the Twentieth Mississippi Regiment, who twice suc- cessfully passed from Vicksburg to General Johnstons headquarters Page 295 CHAr. X~Xtt.] GENERAL REPORTS. 205 Sergt. Thomas P. Lynch, First Louisiana Artillery, commanding the river police, by his vigilance and activity, rendered most valuable serv- ices throughout the siege, and is entitled to, as he deserves, the con- sideration of the Government. Sergt. R. II. [G.] Gaines, Company K, Twenty-third Alabama iRegi- ment, was conspicuous for his personal gallantry at Bakers Creek. The men at a gun having been all disabled, he served the piece alone, firing from 10 to 15 rounds. Ordnance Sergt. W. F. Luckett was also distinguished for his coolness and daring, and was killed while carrying ammunition through a very heavy fire. Private Pudic, of the Nineteenth Arkansas, was also conspicuous for his heroic bearing. Constantly in the thickest of the fight, always in advance of his regiment, unheeding the orders to retire, his gallantry won universal admiration. To D. II. lluyett, of the engineer corps, my thanks are due. On May 19,1 dispatched him to Richmond with maps and valuable papers. In the face of many obstacles he succeeded in passing the enemys lines, and successfully discharged his mission. Maj. J. ID. Bradford, assistant inspector-general, is entitled to my thanks for valuable and important services on several occasions, and I regret that I was by his illness at the time of the investment deprived of them during the siege. I cannot close this report without a brief tribute to the memory of two of the best soldiers in the Confederate service. I refer to Maj. Gen. John S. Bowen and Brig. Gen. Martin E. Green. Always faithful, zeal- ous, and brave, they fell as became them in the discharge of their duty. General Green died with a bullet in his brain upon the lines he had so long and so gallantly defended. General Bowen, having passed scath- less through the bloody scenes of Shiloh, Inka, Corinth, Grand Gulf, Port Gibson, Bakers Creek, and Yicksburg, perished by disease oii the march from Vicksburg to Jackson, after the capitulation. I can utter no higher eulogiuni upon him than to say he always performed his duty and never avoided danger. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Richmond, Va. HEADQUARTERS, Gainesville, Ala., August 26, 1863. In my rejort of the operations in Ficksburg, I omitted to mention Maj. II. M. Mathews, chief of ordnance for Stevensons division and acting chief for the entire command, as entitled to commendation for the active and zealous performance of all his duties. Please make the insertion in my report. [am, general, very respectfully, & c., J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General, Ric~tmond Page 296 296 MISSI.$SIPH, XVEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. [Appendix A.] Correspondence relative to Subsistence. COMMISSARY OFFICE, Canton, March 7, 1803. Maj. THEO. JOHNSTON, (hief of Subsistence, Jackson, Miss.: DEAR SIR: My agent returned this evening from some of the counties above this place, and has purchased some bacon and corn, which will be in in a few days. He reports a good deal of bacon for sale. Some are willing to take 50 cents; some ask as mach as 75 cents a pound. He says the farmers are expecting to have their meat impressed, and will not sell until it is impressed, and then they will be willing to di. vide, believing that if they sell all they can spare, an order might come to impress the balance. My agent says that by setting the price at 50 cents, and an order to impress, he thinks he can get some 30,000 or 50,000 pounds in two or three counties above here. Very resPectfully, & c., W. W. MERIWETIIER, Captain and Acting Commissary of Subsistence. MACON, MISS., March 7, 1863. Maj. THEO. JOHNSTON: Colonel Baskerville, of Columbus, Miss., has an agent here whom he has instructed to pay 70 cents for bacon. What can be expected for ns to do when such a course is permitted by Government agents ~ W.C.] DOWD, [ C.M.] BOYCE, ~iJaptains and Acting Commissaries of Subsistence. JACKSON, MISS ~, March 7, 1863. Captains Down and BOYCE, Macon, Miss.: I know no Government agent by the name of Baskerville. There is a merchant of that name who resides at Columbus. You are authorized to impress bacon in the hands of speculators. No authority has been given to pay 70 cents for bacon. Take the bacon. THEO. JOHNSTON, Major and Chief of Subsistence. OFFICE CHIEF OF SUBSISTENCE, DEPT. MISS. AT~D E. LA., Maj. R. W. MEMMINGER, Jackson, March 9, 1863. Assistant Adjutant- General, Jackson MAJOR: Inclosed I have the honor to forward consolidated report of commissary stores at the different posts and depots within the depart- ment. Since the 1st instant, I have had about 900 hogs at Port Hudson slaughtered, which will increase the salt-meat rations about 300,000; 1,000 hogs I have ordered sent to Yicksbnrg. it is too late now to at- tempt to cure meat, and I have ordered hogs killed and issued to the troops at that place. By doing this, I think I will have a sufficiency o Page 297 ChAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 297 meat to subsist the troops well until beef-cattle can be furnished. There have been received at Vicksburg since this report was made up 600,000 rations of rice and other stores that were in transitu on the Mobile and Ohio and Mississippi Central Railroads. Many of the stores that were on these roads are not reported at all, for the reason that they were shipped before the 1st instant, and not receiyed prior to that date at Vicksburg. It will be seen by reference to the report that there is a larger accumulation of stores at Port Hudson than elsewhere; a portion of them has been ordered to Vicksburg. There is a boat recently out of Red River, now in Big Black, with 180,000 rations of bacon, 530 hogs, and 3,000 pounds of lard for Vicksburg. The railroads being now in running condition, large quantities of stores will be sent to Vicksburg from points on these roads. Besides the boat now in Big Black, the steamer line, with a load of commissary stores out of Red River, is now at Port Hudson. I am, major, & c., THEG. JOHNSTON, Major and Chief of Subsistence. OFFICE CHIEF OF SUBSISTENCE, DEPT. Miss. AND E. LA., Jackson, March 9, 1863. Maj. R. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant-General: MAJOR: Inclosed is a letter from an officer at Canton, and copies of dispatches from officers at Macon, and replies thereto.* I respectfully request that the lieutenant-general commanding determine upon such course as he may deem advisable in relation to the purchase of bacon, bulk pork, and beeves within the department, and authorize impress. ments of the articles that cannot otherwise be obtained. I am, major, & c., THEO. JOIRSTOK, Major and Chief of Subsistence. JACKSON, March 18, 1863. Maj. Gen. FRANK GARDNER, Port Hudson: * * * * * * * Reports are daily made to me of the waste of stores at Port Hudson. Whether these reports be true you are best able to determine. I would respectfully request that, in view of the scarcity of subsistence stores and the difficulty of collecting them, you will urge upon the subsistence offi- cers the importance of a proper preservation of all stores that arrive at Port Hudson. * * * THEO. JOHNSTON, Major and Chief of Subsistence. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF MISSISSIPPI AND EAST.ERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, Miss., March 18, 1863. Major [L.] MIMs, Chief Quartermaster: The general desires to know how many wagons he can calculate upon to transport provisions to Port Hudson via Osyka. He directs that, as the roads are in pretty good order, you obtain all the wagons practica- Not found Page 298 298 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. ble to put on this road. The inclosed lctter# he refers to you, as con- taining many truths and valuable suggestions both for your department and the commissary. He desires the letter to be returned. Very respectfully, & c., .~-. D. BRADFORD, Major, ccc. HEADQUARTEI~S, & C., Jackson, Miss., March 18, 1863. Major-General STEVENSON, Vicksburg, Miss.: Put every man at work, if necessary, in unloading the cars. Trans. portation on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad almost stopped for want of cars. Send Mobile and Ohio cars first. Send all back as fast as un- loaded. J. C. PEMBERTOK, Lieutenant- General, Gommanding. HEADQUARTERS, & C., Jackson, Miss.,. March 18, 1863.. Major-General GARDNER~ Port fludson: Send all spare wagons to Osyka, to aid in transportation of supplies. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. JACKSON, Miss., March 18,1863. Major-General STEVENSON, Vicksburg, Miss.: Have every exertion made to repair break in road near Vicksburg. See Colonel [W. M.] Wadley on the subject. The two boats passed Rodney at 4.30 p. m. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, Miss., March 18 [19 ?J, 1863. Major-General GARDNER, Port Hudson, Bliss.: Hartford and Monongahela l)assed Grand Gulf; going up at 7 a. m. One supply-boat at a time might run down and unload at Port Hudson. It is ~o important that the risk might be run, but perfect arrangements must be made to destroy lier, if necessary. Can you arrange it~ J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, Miss., March 19, 1863. Brigadier-General CHALMERS, Panola, Miss.: Have the bacon and corn forwarded to this point as rapidly as pos- sible. J. C. PEMBERTOK, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. * Not found Page 299 GrIM. XXXVI.i GENE1~AL REPO1~TS. 299 JACLi8ON, Miss., March 19, 1863. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: I propose to endeavor to subsist my army as hithertohave agents with large amount of funds to make purchases of corn, beef, and bacon west of Mississippi River, and also collecting some supplies iu this State. The instructions of Commissary-General to Major Johnston to withdraw his agents from west of the Mississippi River, and to make all l)urchases through Lieutenant-Colonel [XV. A.] Broadwell, would npset all my arrangements, and is, besides, impracticable. Colonel Broadwell has not been within this department ft)r about six weeks. I am glad to receive assistance from him, but chief of subsistence of this department must, of course, be nuder my control. Have released, pursuant to your order, all sugar except six weeks supply for this department. Naviga- tion of Mississippi River again cut oft; neither subsistence nor ord- nance can come or go. I hope you will not attribute my acts or requests to any motives but good of the service. I have none other. J. C. PEMBERT& N, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, Miss., March 19, 1863. Major-General GARDNER, Port Hudson, Miss.: If notified by General Stevenson that boats pass UI) by Vicksburg, send about 200,000 pounds and 10,000 bushels of corn, of that which will arrive by boats at Port Hudson, immediately, up Big Black. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, & C., Jackson, March 19, 1863. Major.Geueral STEVENSON, Ymcksburg, ]IJ9iss.: GENERAL: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say that the chief qnartermaster and commissary of the department have been directed to instruct their agents engaged in purchasing and transporting supplies of grain along the Yazoo and its tributaries that they will maintain a uniformity of prices, avoiding all competition. It is desired that all instructions as to purchases in this section should come through the chiefs of the departments. I am, respectfully, & c., R. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS, & C., Jackson, March 19, 1863. Maj. THEO. JOHNSTON, Chief of Subsistence: MAJOR: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say that in reference to supplies of grain, & c., collected on the Y~zoo and its tributaries to be at Snyders Bluff; you will make such ar- rangements with Maj. L. Mims, chief quartermaster, both as regards the purchase and transportation of such supplies, as will secure a uni- formity in the 1)urcliase price an(l the cost of transportation. You will also see that all your agents obtain and follow such instruction, an Page 300 300 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. that uniform price is established throughout. You will see that the agent of the commissary of the second military district follows similar instructions. The object to be maintained is uniformity in price, that no competition arise between the agents of the quartermasters and commissary departments. He also directs you establish on some steam transport a mill for the purpose of grinding corn at such points as is convenient, as he is informed that there are many transports that can be used as such. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, R. W. MEMMINGELI, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. DEPT. OF MISSISSIPPI AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, March 20, 1863. Maj. L. Muis, Chief Quartermaster: MAJOR: The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to inclose this dispatch to you, and say to you that you will take measures to provide boats to transport troops up the river and supplies down. You will inform him what boats you can obtain. Boats of larger class will be retained for the transportation on the Yazoo, and those of the smaller class kept for the navigation of the small streams and the Tallahat- chee. The general desires a complete organization of the boat system on the Yazoo. Such boats as are being armed and clad with cotton will be exempt from these arrangements. I am, respectfully, J. D. BRADFORD, Major, 4flc. HDQRS. DEPT. OF MISSISSIPPI AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, March 20, 1863. Col. B. S. EWELL, Assistant Adjutant- General, Tullahoma: COLONEL: I have the honor to inclose the within communication of Major Mims, chief quartermaster, with regard to complaints made against his department, with his reply.* I fully concur, and think the case so palpable as not to require that further be said. Should there be any charges specifically brought against any officer of the quarter- masters or commissary department in this command, I will use every effort to have the case thoroughly investigated. I deem it scarce nec- essary to say to you that the efforts which have brought complaint against myself and the officers of the quartermasters and commissary departments acting under my instructions have been entirely for the public good. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTOK, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF MISSISSIPPI AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, March 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding, & c., Alexandria: The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to say, in reply to your letter of 12th instant, that lie addressed General Smith only after Not found Page 301 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 301 repeated assurances from different parties that you had prohibited his agents in the purchase of supplies; that Port Hudson depends almost entirely for supplies on the other side of the river. Further, that he has ever thought and is glad to hear that you are willing to assist him, as he is also to assist yoa when able. Very respectfully, & c., J. C. TAYLOR, Aide-de.Camjp. MARCH 21, 1863. * * * * * * * I found a large quantity of corn on the levee, notwithstanding there had been no arrival previous to the Trent for three or foar days. I also noticed on the levee, within a few feet of the water, the 410 barrels of salt which was discharged there more than a month since. I saw many soldiers shelling corn about the landing merely to obtain the cobs to throw at one another. Others were filling their haversacks with shelled corn and corn in the ear. * * * Captain Woods stated that he had seen a large quantity of the bulk pork remain in the rain on the levee for a week,and half the lot was spoiled and unfit for use. * * * Mr. Macauley told me that 25,000 bushels of corn were submerged on the levee at Port Hudson, and several parties stated that more subsistence had been wasted than consumed. * * * * * * * GEO. CAMMACK. MARCH 21, 1863. Maj. H. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant.General: * * * * * * * I am informed by Mr. F. D. Conrad, a gentleman of unimpeachable credit, that about the time when the gunboat Queen of the West was captured by our forces, there was a large quantity of corn upon the banks of the river at Port Hudson, which remained unstored for eight or ten days. At the expiration of this time it was removed from the landing and stored in a damaged condition. * * * THEO. JOHNSTON. I Major and Chief of Subsistence. P. 5.Capt. J. V. Duvalde, of the parish of West Baton Rouge, was in my office when Mr. Conrad made hi~ statement, and said either that he had heard of or had himself seen the condition of commissary stores at Port Hudson stated by Mr. Conrad as existing. HEADQUARTERS, & C., Jackson, March 21, 1863. Maj. L. Minis, Chief Quartermaster: MAJOR: The lieutenant-general commanding directs that you will require the quartermaster at Yicksburg to report to you the arrival of every train of supplies and ordnance, reporting the number of car-loads of each. You will render a similar repoj~t to these headquarters. I. am, major, & c., Major and BRADFORD, Assistant Inspector- General Page 302 302 MJSS1SSWPJ, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVL JACKSON, March 21, 1863. Major-General GARDNER, Port lludson: Send no boat here until you hear from myself or General Stevenson that the river is clear. I have every confidence of your using every exertion to unload the boats. Telegraph every day the amount of corn and meat on hand. J. C. PEMBEIITOIN, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS, & C., Jackson, March 21, 1863. Maj. THEo. JOHNSTON, Chief of kubsistence: MAJOR: The lieutenant-general directs that you send a bonded coin- inissary to the Yazoo, with money to make any necessary ~)ayuIents due there, and to purchase supplies not only for the troops at Snyders Mill, but for General Loring and all the troops in and around the Tallahatchee, Sunflower, and Deer Creek. You can, at your ol)tiou, employ Mr. John McFarland for this purpose, making him either disbursing and pur- chasing agent, or simply an agent for the procuring of supplies as above. He is reported as an active, energetic, and reliable gentleman, and a most trustworthy agent. In case you employ Mr. McFarland as agent, you can supply him with funds to make immediate payments, or cause all his bills to be paid on presentation. The rates of purchase must conform to those established. I am, major, & c., J. D. BRADFORD, Major, & c. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF Mississirri AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, March 22, 1863. Major-General BUCKNER, Commanding, & c., Mobile, Ala.: GENERAL: I have the honor to request that a lot o~our (490 bar- rels), seized in Mobile, be released, and transportation allowed to its destination, Capt. G. A. Woodward, Yicksburg. This flour was pur- chased for use in the commissary department, and is much needed here. You will remember that all produce not grown or raised in this depart- inent is allowed to pass freely to Mobile. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, March 22, 1863. Major-General STEVENSON: Notify Colonel when it is safe to send boats up river from Natchez or Red River. J. C. PEMBElITON, J2ieutenant- General, Commanding Page 303 CHAI. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 303 JACKSON Marc/i )9 1-863 Brig. Gen. JOHN S. BOWEN, Grand Gulf, Miss.: iDo not take more than ten days supplies from steamer line. I want the line to go up to bridge, if l)OS5ible. J. C. PEMBERTOK, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. OFFICE OF CHIEF OF SUBSISTENCE, DEPT. Miss. AND E. LA., Jackson, Miss., March 23, 1863. Maj. B. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Jackson, Miss.: MAJOR: Your letter of instructions of the 19th instant inclosing a Colflflulflication from W. J. Britton e received. ]itelative to that por- sq., tion of it instructing concert of action between Major [L.] Mims and my. self, in order to secure a uniformity in the purchase I)rice of articles on the l)art of our respective agents, I would reply that such arrangement has already been made and by reference to the inclosed papers * you will perceive that, as early as February 13, 1 instructed Mr. John McFar- land to take possession of the steam transport Edward J. Gay, and send her immediately to Snyders Bluff to place a grist-mill upon her, and use her for storing and grinding corn into meal, to be turned over to the commissary for the troops on Yazoo River. You will perceive that the boat was taken for some other purpose. The commissary of the Sec- ond Military District has becim furnished with the list of prices govern- ing the agents of Major Mims and myself. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEG. JOHNSTON, ]Jf~jor and Chief of Subsistence. JACKSON, March 23, 1863. Major-General STEVENSON, Vicks burg: General Chalmers is paying 30 cents per pound for bacou at Panola, while Major [T. B.] Reeds agent is offering 50 cents. This must be stopped. Major Reeds agent must not pay more than General Chal- mers. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. JACKSON, March 23, 1863. General CHALMERS, Panola, Miss.: General Stevenson has been directed to notify Major Reed not to pay more for bacon than your agents. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, March 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. L. STEVENsoN: Additional boats have been ordered to Snyders Mill, and it is thought they imiust be there by this time. Additional urgent orders have been * Not found Page 304 304 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. xxx vi. given to send all the boats that can be controlled. It is impossible to do more than has been done. J. C. PEMBERTOK, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, March 24, 1863. General BOWEN, Grand Gulf: Notify at Rodney and Natchez if either of the Federal gunboats passes down, as my object is that boats may run from Red River into Big Black with subsistence. J. C. PEMBERTOK, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, March 24, 1863. G. W. KOONTZ, Natehez: Send courier up Red River to notify the boats Charm, Texas, and J. II. Tacker that I wish them to go up Big Black. They should stop at Rodney, and obtain all information in regard to movements of Fe4- eral gunboats. J. C. PEMBERTOK, Lieutenant. General, Commanding. JACKSON, March 24, 1803. General BOWEN, Grand Gulf: I have ordered the boats Charm, Texas, and J. II. Tucker, loaded with subsistence, up Big Black River. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, March 25, 1863. Major-General STEVENSON, Vieksburg, Miss.: The Charm is at Natchez, loaded with meat. Can she run for Big Black with safety ~ Answer immediately, and, if so, telegraph Lieuten- ant-Colonel [W. S.] Lovell at Natchez. J. C. PEMBERTOK, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, March 25, 1863. ~ Brigadier-General BOWEN, Grand Gulf: The Charm is at Natchez, loaded with meat. Will it be safe to let her run up to Big Black ~i i~ so, telegraph Licut. Col. W. S. Lovell at Natchez. Answer immediately. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding Page 305 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 305 JACKSON, March 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. JOHN S. BOWEN, Grand Gu~f: Use your judgment in collecting the corn whenever you deem it safe and can get a boat. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, ]Ilarch 27, 1863. Maj. THEO. JOHNSTON, Chief of Subsistence: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say, in reply to your communication of the 25th instant, that you are authorized to exchange salt for bacon at the rates you propose. I am, major, & c., II. C. TUPPEIt, Aide-de- Camp. OFFICE POST COMMISSARY, Port Hudson, La., March 29, 1863. Maj. T. F. WILLSON, Assistant Adjutant-General: MAJOR: The letters of Maj. Theodore Johnston and Lieut. George Cammack, of the 21st instant, which have been referred to me for ex- planation, are remarkable official papers. They are composed almost entirely of statements made by persons unknown to me, and, for aught I know, quite irresponsible. Certainly their accounts are in the main without foundation, and evidently engendered by ill-feeling ora wanton spirit of fault-finding. It is harassing to have labors usually extending fir into the night protracted still farther by the necessity of answering charges so vague, groundless, and captious. At the time to which Mr. Conrad refers, I had no corn here at all, and was drawing upon the quar- termasters department for my daily supply. Of the five boats said by Lieutenant Cammack to have arrived during his stay, threethe Trent, Red Chief, and Starlightwere consigned to me. The others came to the quartermaster, as he might have learned had he inquired at official sources as eagerly as he seems to have done of idlers and casual passers-by. The large quantity of corn which he saw upon the levee was a small part of the cargoes discharged at the time of the bombard- meut, which was being shucked and hauled away as fast as the meager transportation and the difficulty of access to the landing permitted. The same was the case with the salt. The best vindication of this de- partment, and the proof of the justness of the reasons assigned, lie in the celerity with which the whole landing has been cleared since the requisite transportation has been obtained. The statement regarding soldiers throwing corn at each other and stealing would be puerile were it not for the exaggeration, which is clearly inalicio us. The young gentlem~tn who makes it must have seen but little service, and knew still less of working fktigue details, or he would not have hazarded his reputation upon so fi-ail a venture. As to the unlOS(hiHg the Starlight and steamboats generally, the small landing was crowded, as may l)e seen from the statement of the lieutenant that there weie five boats here at the time and it is quite reasonable that the labor should be directed to one at a time, to give space and to save 20 U UVOL XXIV, PT Page 306 30G MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAr. XXXVI. the wastage which would result from putting off corn in situations in- accessible to wagons. The statements of the anonymous captain of the ~ are iii the sense in which they are meantfalse; as is also that of Captain Woods in regard to the bulk pork, and of Mr. Ma- cauley a bout the corn. No such things occurred at all in this depart- ment. 1 have never had pork lying a week in the rain or one moment longer than was absolutely necessary to have it hauled. I believe there was only one lot rained uponthat only for one day. It was resalted and saved. I have never lost a pound of corn by submersion. In conclusion, the letter of Lieutenant Cammack is reckless, nit- founded, and dictated by an evil spirit unbecoming an official docu- meat. I am surprised Major Johnston should have lent so eager an ear to such vague and thoughtless accusations against an officer whom he has complimented for the very qualities the want o~ which i~ now charged. Surely that is not to render unto Ctusar the things which are Qrsars, and can only be accounted for by an excessive aversion to unnecessarily expending toil, time, and money, evinced in his letter as well as in the scanty supplies seat to this post, coupled with an equally strong desire to escape the consequent responsibility. I am, major, very resj)ectfully, & c., JOSEPH P. CAIIR, Major and Acting Commissary of Subsistence. JACKSON, March 29, 1863. Brigadier-General CHALMERS, Panola, Miss.: If you consider it l)racticable that supplies can be drawn from country along Memphis Railroad, press it to completion as far as Sardis. You are authorized to impress negroes. If it is I)robable enemy will break np railroad, do not press it forward. J. C. PEMBERTOK Lieutenant. General, Comnrnanding. JACKSON, March 30, 1863. Maj. L. MINS, Jackson: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to inquire if arrangements have been made to sup~)1y animals for the horse-cars be- tween Oxford and Holly Springs, I am, major, very respectfully, & c., H. C. TUPPER, Aide-dc-Camp. JACKSON, March 30, 1863. Maj. THEO. JOHNSTON, Chief of Subsistence: MAJOR: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to direct yoa to make arrangements to have the cattle driven down from the Mississippi Central Railroad without waiting for transportation. Very respectfully, II. C. TUPPER, Aide-dc-Camp Page 307 CHAL. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. g07 JACKSON, March 30, 1863. Brigadier-General CHALMERS, Panola, Miss.: When parties refuse Confederate money for su~)p1ies wanted by the Government, impress tliem. J. C. PEMBEItTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. DEPT. o~ Mi~sissw~i AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, J~rckson, April 1, 1863. Maj. JOHN MCFARLAND, Yazoo City: SIR: In reply to your letter, lieutenant-general commanding directs me to say that he relies upon you to supply the troops with beef. He will not restrict you to 10 cents per l)ound, but hopes you will obtain it on the best possible terms. Major [Theo.] Johnston will keel) ~OU sup- l)lled with funds, so you may purchase on the most advantageous terms. It would be more difficult to get a proper amount of molasses to you thai) to procure beef. Say to M-. Weldon that his account will be l)aid at Fort Pemberton as soon as the amount is ascertained by a proper officer. General Lor- ing must in all cases examine and approve the account, and he must keep distinct the expenses properly incurred by each branch of the ser~r- ice. The construction of rafts and the necessary expenses incidemit thereto belongs to the engineer bureau; the transportation, & e., to quartermaster, and the subsistence to the commissary. Each of the three items belonging to these different classifications must be kept dis- tinct and stated separately. I am, with r.espect, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. DEPT. OP MISSISSIPPI AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, April 3, 1863. Maj. L. TVIIMs, Chief Quartermaster, Jackson, Miss.: MAJOR: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say that the means of transportation on the Mississippi Central Railroad is by no means sufficient, an(l the transportation of supplies is thereby greatly delayed. Your attention is (hirected to this fact, to remedy which you will request the authorities of the New Orleans and Jackson Rail- road to return the cars belonging on the Mississippi Central Railroad. If they are unwilling so to do, you will return the cars (a sufficient num- ber), notwithstanding the dissent of such authorities. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. MEMMJNGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. JACKSON, A 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. L. STEVENSON: The fine must not go down until nioutli of Red River is open. At last report enemys fleet was there. J. C. PEMBEItTJN, Lieutenant- General, Commanding Page 308 308 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [(ThAI. XXXVI. JACKSON, April 6, 1863. Capt. B. POWELL, Natchez: Send a courier at once to Red River to notify all loaded boats to be in readiness to come to Big Black the moment they are ordered. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, April 6, 1863. Maj. L. Minis, Jackson, Miss.: In reply to your communication of this days date, referring to the necessity of the transfer of corn from the Mobile and Ohio Railroad to the Southern Railroad, I am directed by the lieutenant-general com- manding to say that he deems it advisable that the corn reft~rred to be stored at Meridian, the necessity for its shipment to Yicksburg not being very pressing, and regarding it more important that the cars be retained on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad for the purpose of bringing supplies from the country above Meridian to that point than that at the present time the cars be run through to Yicksburg and the trans- portation on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad temporarily delayed. This corn can, therefore, for the present be stored at Meridian, and removed when transportation can be more readily obtained on the Southern Railroad. Respectfully, & c., R. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. JACKSON, April 6, 1863. Maj. Gen. FRANK. GARDNER, Port Hudson: GENERAL: In reply to your communication of 3d instant, inclosing report from Major [J. P.] Carr, acting commissary of subsistence, 1 am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say: As complaints in the delay of removing corn were not only preferred by Major [Theo.] Johnston, but also by Lieutenant-Colonel [W. A.] Broadwell, agent for the Commissary-General for supplying the armies of the Confederate States, it would appear that there was inexcusable delay in unloading the boats and removing the supplies. If there were not sufficient hands, soldiers should have been detailed for the I)urpose. I am, respectfully, & c., R. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. JACKSON, April 7, 1863. Licut. Col. W. S. LOVELL, Natchez: You dont mention amount of corn on river; think it as safe to run up Red River; unless gets full load, can take it Coming back. Order line accordingly. ~. C. PEMBERTOK, Lieutenant- General, Commanding Page 309 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 309 linQus. DEPT. OF Missi~si~ri AND EASTERN LouIsIANA, Jackson, April 7, 1863. [VICTOn F. WILSON,] President Southern Railroad: SIR: The lieutenant-general commanding the department instructs me to say that the shipment of Government supplies and stores to Vieks- burg is much too slow for the requirements of the service; that he de- sires that you will give your attenfion to this, and employ more cars in this transportation, and, further, that he thinks one day in the week is all that should be allowed for shipment of private freights. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. TAYLOR, Aide-de- Camp. JACKSON, April 7, 1863~ General JOHN S. BOWEN, Grand Gulf, via Port Gibson: Send a boat to Saint Joseph for 1,500 sacks of corn there. J. C. PEMBERTOK, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF MISSISSIPPI AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, April 7, 1863. Judge Z. L. NAEERS, Carroilton, Ala.: SIR: General Pemberton has directed General Ruggles to allow you to purchase the amount of corn mentioned in your letter in Noxnbee and Lowudes Counties, and ship it for the use of the destitute families of volunteers now absent in the service, on the conditions and in the manner prescribed in your letter. Yours, very respectfully, J. THOMPSON, inspector- General. APRIL 8, 1863. * * * * * * * When I arrived at Port Hudson, the steamer Red Chief was lying at the landing loaded with corn in shuck. A detail was ordered to un- load her. * * * One portion of the detail procured coal hods (hold- ing each about a bushel of corn), and carried the corn to the edge of the bank, where they deposited it. The other portion of the detail stood on board the boat, and threw the corn on shore ear by ear. Had proper care been taken in discharging the boat, and the corn been deposited 10 or 12 yards farther from the edge of the bank, no corn would have been lost; whereas it was deposited upon the very edge of the bank, and when the pile got to a certain height, almost every load from the hods when deposited npon the top would roll down into the river. In this manner, could we ascertain with any certainty the amount of corn which has been sunk at the landing at Port Hudson, we would find that we have suffered an almost incredible loss in that item alone, and all through neglect. * * * On the bluff there was sugar, salt, and molasses, which had been lying there for more than a month, the molasses being on end, with the sugar and salt piled upon it, the cooperage ocing ver Page 310 310 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. bad, and the whole lot surrounded with a pool of sugar and molasses which had leaked out. * * * Major [J. P.] Carr says it is impossi- ble for him to do more than lie does at present, and that he has had to build his store-rooms and warehouses himself. WALT. S. WINGATE. HDQRS. DEPT. OF MISSISSIPPI AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, April 8,1863. Maj. THEO. JOHNSTON, Chief Commissary of Subsistence: The lieutenant-general commanding desires to know whether satis- factory and sufficient arrangements have been made for the receipt and keeping of the beef-cattle coming from~beyond the Mississippi River; and he directs that hereafter no contracts for butchering must be made which allows as compensation to the butcher the hides. These must be retained, and kept subject to the control of the quartermasters depart- ment. I am, respectfully, J. THOMPSON, Inspector- General. JACKSON, April 8, 1863. General STEVENSON, Vicksburg: Steamer Dot, with 200,000 pounds bacon, reached Big Black this evening. Have arrangements made at once for its transportation. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, April 9, 1863. General STEVENSON, Vicksburg: Have ordered 1,500 men from above as rapidly as possible to ]Ilolling Fork. Send small boats to mouth of Sunflower to take them from large boats. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. OFFICE CHIEF OF SUBSISTENCE, DEPT. MISS. AND E. LA., Jackson, April 10, 1863. Maj. li. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Jackson, Miss.: MAJOR: On thd 29th ultimo I addressed you a communication in which I asked that all the purchasing officers in the Second Military District, as in all other districts, be instructed not to go outside of their (listricts without authority from me. Will you please inform me if such instructions have been issued I Information from various sources has been furnished me to the effect that agents from the several military districts are being sent out in every direction, producing conflict and confusion in the purchase of supplies. I quote from a letter received this day from Red River: There have been a good many outside cop~missaries or agents from Port hudson and Vicksbnrg, who, instead of facilitating the sliipnieut of articles necessary for the army Page 311 CnA~. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 311 simi)ly create the iPipression that there must he a great (I& IIlaIui, and, coiisequeiitly, cause the planter to hold back for higher prices. Such action should cease. I am, major, very respeetfally, your obedient servant, TIIEO. JOHNSTON, Major, 4-c. JACKSON, April 13, 1863. General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, TuUahorna: Cars cannot run above Okolona. I am now establishing depots of corti at Enterprise and Meridian; shall also at Macon and Columbus. Meat can only be obtained in moderate quantities for want of wagon transportation. Will do all I caii. Have no knowledge of my purchas- ing agents being in Alabama. Have ordered recall. J. C. PEMBElITON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF MiSSISSIPPI AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, April 13, 1863. Maj. THEO. JOHNSTON, Chief of Subsistence, Jackson: MAJOR: In reply to your communication of this days date, I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say that no more shipments are desired to be made to Yicksburg at present. I am, respectfully, ~. ~. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. OFFICE CHIEF OF SUBSISTENCE, DEPT. MISS. AND E. LA., Jackson, April 14, 1863. Maj. II. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant- General, Jackson, ]Jiiss.: MAJOR: Inclosed I remit all the information that I have in relation to the condition of commissary stores at Port Hudson, except what has been said by persons whose names I did not take- bnt almost all with whom I have conversed united in saying that there was great waste of stores at that post. Whether these statements were true I have not had an opportunity of my own knowledge to ascertain, but I know the gen- tlemen who have made the statements to be of undoubted integrity. I am pleased to know that an investigation is to be made, and, if there has been neglect of duty, the fact will be known. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEO. JOHNSTON, ]Ifl~or and Chief of Subsistence. JACKSON, April 14, 1863. Maj. THEO. JOHNSTON, Chief of Subsistence, Jackson: MAJOR: In reply to your communication of this day, I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say that the enemy9s gun- boats are reported at the month of Red River. Nothing can go (lown. I am, respectfully, & c., R. W. MEMMINGEIl, Assistant A (~jlltant- General Page 312 342 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF Missis~i~~i AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, Miss., April 14, 1863. Maj. L. MIMS, Ghi~f Quartermaster, Jackson, Miss.: MAJOR: In connection with the accompanying communication from General Stevenson, referred to you, I am directed by the lieutenant- general commanding to say he thinks it better to haul the machinery, iron, & c., to Vaughns Station from Yazoo City, and that to take off the wagons from hauling corn to Yicksburg would be to prevent the accumulation of corn, & c., on the line of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, which is now so much desired. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 11. W. MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant- General. OFFICE CHIEF OF SUBSISTENCE, DEPT. MISS. AND E. LA., Jackson, April 16, 1803. Maj. ILl. W. MEMNINGER, Assistant Adjutant. General, Jackson: MAJOR: In reply to your communication of the 13th instant, asking for information in relation to the amount of supplies that can be col- lected at once on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, say at Meridian, En- terprise, Macon, and Columbus, I have the honor to state I am accumu- lating supplies rapidly along the line of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad- but the amount I can collect it is difficult for me to determine with any accuracy. inclosed is a consolidated statement of the stores now at (lifferellt points along the road.* As they accumulate I will inform you. I am, major, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEO. JOHNSTON. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF MISS. AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, April 16, 1863. Maj. THEo. JOHNSTON, Chief Commissary: MAJOR: The lieutenant-general commanding directs me to say that corn and corn-meal are not rapidly enough accumulated by your depart- ment; that 8,500 bushels of corn is but a small amount to have on the line of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. TAYLOR, Aide-dc- Camp. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF MISS. AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, April 17, 1863. Maj. THEO. JOHNSTON, Chi~f of ASubsistence: SIR: The lieutenant-general commanding is very solicitous for the collection of supplies at the dilkrent points named in the order of yes- terday, viz: Meridian, Macon, Columbus, and West Point. He hopes the greatest energy will be used by all the employ6s of your (lepartment, and no effort be spared to effect the object. He relies upon you to coin- mand success. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. THOMPSON, Inspector- General. * Omitted Page 313 Cit& r. XXXVI.) GENERAL REPORTS. 313 JACKSON, April 18, 1863. Gciicral CnALMERS, Panola, Migs.: I regard the navigation of the Mississippi liivcr shut out from us now. No more supplies can be gotten from the Trans-Mississippi De- partment. Can you not supply 15,000 men from Panola? J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant-General, Commanding. JACKSON, April 18, 1863. Maj. HOWELL HINDS, Fayette, Miss.: We have a cargo of bacon on a boat in Choctaw Bayou, 4 miles west of Water Proof. It is of vital importance to save it~ Can it be trans- ported to the river, and crossed at Rodney, and from thence sent to the railroad ~l If so, you will undertake the direction of the enterprise. If you can get it across anywhere you will do a great service, for which Lieutenant-General Pemberton will be most grateful. Answer. W. H. McCARDLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. JACKSON, April 18, 1863. Brig. Gen. JOHN S. BOWEN, Grand Gulf: Steamer Vigo is now in Choctaw Bayou, 4 miles west of Water Proof, with a cargo of bacon for Yicksburg. Send an energetic commissary and quartermaster to receipt for the bacon and provide transportation, by impressment if necessary. What means would you suggest for get- ting it across the river ~l It is too necessary for it to be lost. Answer as soon as possible. ~. ~. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF MissIssI~~I AND EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, April 20, 1863. Maj. THEO. JOIINSTON, Chief of ~3ubsistenee : MAJOR: I am directed by the lieutenant-general commanding to say, in reply to your communication of to-days date, relative to ~ubsistence at Port Hudson, La., that he is satisfied with amount now on hand, but hereafter the supply must not be decreased, as it will have to be kept up by land. Every effort must be made to supply as fast as consumed. I am, major, your obedient servant, J. H. MORRISON, Aide-dc- Camp. JACKSON, April 22, 1863. Col. W. S. LOVELL, Natekez: Am arranging to haul the one thousand sacks corn to Port hudson. You must get all you can for that place. Is it quartermaster or coin- missary? J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding Page 314 314 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, FT C. [CHAP. XXXVI. JACKSON April ~~ Vol. L. B. Noi~mnop, ~ 1863. Contmissary- General, Richmond: Steamboats in Mississippi will greatly impe(le, if not prevent, supply of beef from Texas. Planters here want from 25 to 35 cents. By what rule shall I proceed to obtain it? J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. Maj. 11. W. MEMMINGER, JACKSON, Miss., April 22, 1803. Assistant Adjutant-General: MAJOR: The management of the commissariat at Port Hudson is unsatisfactory. The facts are as follows: Maj. J. P. Carr reports on hand March 15 Rations of bulk pork 393, 750 Rations of bacon 627,560 Hogs 1,021,310 1,674 (in hand as per report of March 31: Rations of bulk pork. - 371, 182 Rations of bacon 6-22, 182 993,264 (Hogs slaughtered and included in report of bulk pork.) On hand as per report of April 15: Rations of bulk pork 3,760 Rations of bacon - - - - - - 460,000 463, 760 Difference in fifteen days (rations) 529,504 Bacon and pork, if issued exclusively for fifteen days (rations .. 197,640 Remaining unaccounted for (rations) 331, 864 Major Carr, as will be seen, reports on March 15: Rations 1,021,310 Hogsonhand 1,674 Between March 15 and 31, the 1,674 hogs were slatightered,which, at - - 150 pounds each (a small average), and threequarter pound to the ration, would make 334, 800 1,356,110 On April 17, I addressed Major Carr as follows: Your telegraphic report to-day gives but 1,~S0 pounds of pork. Is that all you have l There is a decrease, according to your report, of 529,504 rations of bacon and bulk pork within the last fifteen days. Is not this aii error 0? The following is Major Carrs reply: The last report is correct; that of the first was bungled by clerk, .and is a large overestimate. In next report there will be a heavy dcduction for loss in estimated weight of hogs. I have, in a communication to Major [J. J.j Wheadon, chief corumis- sary of General Gardner, insisted that a depot commissary be assigned to duty at Port Hudson. He has assigned Major Carr, and Capt. J. P. Jones as post commissary Page 315 CnAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 315 I i~ in the oi~inion of the lieutenant-general commanding, any action is necessary, I would be J)lcased to have an investigation or something done which will prevent a repetition or continuation of such a condition of things as has for some time existed at that post. I cannot determine where the fault lies, but the facts are as stated. Under date of April 5, Major Carr says: The issues have been of pork and bacon for the greater part of the time at three- fourths of a pound to the ration, by order of General Gardner. I respectfully request that General Gardner be desired to revoke his order. One-half pound per day is all that has been issued for many months in this department. In Virginia one-fourth of a pound only is issued. I request also that General Gardner be instructed to have issued to the troops of his command beef five days in seven. I am, major, respectfully, & c., THEG. JOHNSTON, Major and Chief of Subsistence. JACKSON, April 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. FRANK. GARDNER, Port Hudson, La.: You will issue salt meat, not to exceed three times a week, including salt beef and lard, rice in lieu of the corn, at the rates directed by de- l)artment. Molasses and sugar may be issued in lieu of meat until fresh beef can be obtained. You must send to Louisiana parishes a party to assist Captain [J. B.] Chrisinan in collecting beef for Port Hudson. Enemy is making raids as low as Southern Railroad; danger of supplies being cut off. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, April 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. JOHN S. BowEN, Grand Gulf What amount of bacon in cargo l I propose sending it to Port Hud- son, via Woodville. Answer. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, April 26, 1863. Brig. Gen. JoHN S. BOWEN: The meat in Coles Creek must be sent direct to Port Hudson, via Washington, to Woodville, where General Gardners agents will take it. What is now on the way to Port Hudson may await their further orders. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. HDQRS. DEPT. OF MISSISSIPPI ANT) EASTERN LOUISIANA, Jackson, April 30, 1863. PRESIDENT SOUTHERN RAILROAD, Jackson: SIR: It is of the utmost importance that the break iii yonr road should be repaired with the greatest expedition, 811(1 I hope that you will d Page 316 316 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. vote your cuergy and attentiou to the matter wiid employ such a force on the work that the necessary repairs may be coInl)leted in the short- est possible time, as a great Portion of the supplies for this commau(l must now come over your road. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. Brig. Gen. JOHN S. BOWEN, Grand JACKSON, April 30, 1863. Gulf: The meat at Port Gibson must by no means be allowed to fall into hands of the enemy. Have the re-enforcements arrived ~ J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant. General, Commanding. [Appendix B.] Correspondence relative to Ordnance. HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss., November 6, 1862. Col. J. GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance, Richmond, Ya: I need 600 rounds 3-inch Parrott projectiles and 300 rounds 20-pounder Parrott as soon as possible; also small-arms and ammunition; also fixed ammunition, assorted, for field guns. Have none on hand, except what is in the hands of regiments and battalions, only partially supplied. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, MISS., November 12, 1862. Col. J. GORGAS, Richmond, Va.: Neither of the Parrott guns, siege guns, 24-pounder howitzers, or 12- pounder bronze guns have been ;eceived yet. Have any been sent ~ I am terribly in want of arms. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, MISS., November 2~, 1862. Col. J. GOEGAS, Richmond, Va.: The arms sent by messenger on the 29th have never been heard of here. Flats will be sent from Chattanooga as soon as they arrive for 10-inch guns. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. VICKSBURG, MISS., January 3, 1863. Col. J. GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance, Richmond, Va.: Please order General [G. J.] Rains, at Augusta, to send me at once 30,000 pounds of powder. Must have it immediately. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General Page 317 CHAP. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 317 JACKSON, Miss., January 28, 1863. Col. [J.] GORGAs, Richmond, Pa.: Please order the 4,000 arms required for by Major [George Upshur] Mayo sent here without delay. They are indispensable at this juncture. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, Miss., February 5, 186% Col. J. GORGAS, Richmond, Pa.: I fear you do not appreciate the importance of meeting ordnance requisitions for this department. A constant supply of field and small- arm ammunition (especially buck and ball) mnst come. 1 want 1,000,000 percussion-caps immediately. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General. JACKSON, Miss., April 16, 1863. Col. [J.] GORGAS, Richmond, Va.: I have a battalion of sharpshooters without arms. Can you let me have three hundred Enfield rifles to arm them ~ I need a number of small-arms for unarmed men in my department. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, Miss., April 18, 1863. Col. J. GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance, Richmond, Pa.: If ammunition for the three 9-inch guns is not sent with them, they will be useless to me. flave heard nothing from you of bolts for the Brooks gun now here. Without bolts it had as well been left in Rich- mOn(l. I have no coal, and am unable to obtain any. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Commanding. JACKSON, Miss., April 19, 1863. Col. J. GoIiwAs, Chief of Ordnance, Richmond, Va.: The dimensions for eyes for shells is not nuiforin. Please have the shells fixed with fuses, or have the eyes uniform. Order extra sabots, as many are broken by railroad iii transportation. Different arsenals make the eyes larger or smaller than prescribed; should be corrected. Friction-primers frequently fail. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, & c. JACKSON, Miss., April 23, 1863. Col. J. GORGAS, Chief of Ordnance, Richmond, Pa.: Have but one 10-inch mortar, but can throw incendiary shells from 10-inch and 8-inch columbiads. Send me as many as you can, and powder, or, better, cartridges with them. J. C. PEMBERTON, Lieutenant- General, Gommanding Page 318 318 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Col. ~. GORGAS, ~JACKsoN, Miss., April 29, 1803. Chief of Ordnance, Richmond, Va.: Da~1y complaints are made of friction-primers sent to this department. Usually three out of five fail. It is worse thait nseless to send tin ones here. Send at least 10,000 copper ones by special messenger with all haste. J. C. 1~EMBE11TOIN, Lieutenant- Ucuera 1, Commanding. [Appendix C.] List of officers and enlisted men mentioned for gallant conduct in battles of Bakers Creek, Big Black, and during siege of Vicksburg; also tabular statement of killed, wounded, and missing of Sicrensons and Bowcns dIvisions during same time. List of officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted mcii specially mentioned for gallant conduct in the battle of Bakers Creek and during the siege of Yicksburg: BAKERS CR]~EK. Mentioned by Maj. Gen. C. L. Stevenson: Brig. Gen. ~. D. Lee, gallant conduct during entire engagement, having three horses shot under him. Major [J. W.] Anderson, chief of artillery, gallantly falling in fall discharge of his duties. Captain [S. J.] Ilidley, Company A, First Mississippi Artillery, fell, fighting his guns single-handed and alone, winning even from his enemies the highest trib- ute of admiration. Captains [Max Van Den] Corput and fJ. W.J John- ston, fought their batteries to last extremity, aided by non-coin missioned officers and men. Captain [J. F.] Waddell, First Mississippi [Alabama] Artillery, fought guns to last extremity, and, when battery was retaken, aided by Lient. G. D. Wise, ordnance officer of Cuinmings brigade, fought guns until Missourians had to fail back. Maj. J. J. Ileeve, as- sistant adjutant-general, gallant conduct and coolness in leading men into action. Major [Howell] Webb, inspector-general, gallant conduct. Capt. J. W. Mathews, acting assistant adjutant-general, gallant con- (luct. Surg. H. M. Compton, gallant conduct. First Lieutenant [Henry T.] J3otts, gallant conduct. Col. G. A. Heyward, volunteer aide-dc- camp, gallant conduct. Mr. D. E. Norris, telegraph operator, for ren- dering valuable services. Private A. T. Sullivan, for rendering valuable services. Mentioned by Colonel [T. P.] Dockery, commanding Missouri brigade: Sergt. 11. H. G. Gaines, Company K, Twenty-third Alabama, gallant conduct; unassisted and alone, he used with good effect a 12-pounder howitzer on the flanking column of enemy, firing from 12 to 15 rounds. Lieutenant-Colonel [W. H.] Dismukes fell, mortally won aded, gallantly charging the enemys batteries. Private Pudic, Nineteenth Arkansas, gallant conduct during entire engagemnent, keeping in front of his regi- ment during whole day, nsing his gun with good effect. Mentioned l)y Colonel [F.M.] Cockrell, commanding i\lis8onri brigade: Captain Waddeil, First Mississippi [Alabama] Artillery, gallant con- duct. Captains Carringtomm and Spanglem~ and Lieutenant [T. J.] Dobyns. First Missouri lifflimitry, fell, gallamitl lighting- the emmemv. Captain f W. P.] McJl~-ain, Third Minsomiri I ufautmy, fell, g:mllam~tly light Page 319 ChAr. XXXVI.] GENERAL REPORTS. 319 ing. Lieutenant-Colonel [F. L.] Hubbell, Third Missouri, fell, mortally wounded, in hottest of the fight. Captain [II. G.] MeRinney, mortally wounded, in hottest of fight. Lieutenant [R. S.] liankin, First Missouri, mortally wounded, gallantly fighting. Colonel [A. C.] Riley and Lieu- tenant-Colonel [II. A.] Garland, First Missouri, gallant conduct. Lieu- tenant-Colonel [P. S.] Senteny and Major [T. M.] Carter, Second Mis- souri, gallant conduct. Colonel [W. It.] Gause and Major [J. It.] McDowell, Third Missouri , gallant conduct. Colonel [James] McCown, Lieutenant-Colonel [It. S.] I3evier, and Major [0. A.] Waddell, Fifth Missouri, gallant conduct. Major [Stephen] Cooper, Sixth Missouri, gallant conduct. Capts. U. M. Young, J. M. Flanagan, acting assistalit adjutants-general, and It. L. Maupin, acting aide-dc-camp, gallant con- duct. DURING SIEGE OF VICKSBURG. Mentioned by Maj. Gen. C. L. Stevenson: Brig. Gen. S. D. Lee, gallant conduct in repulsing the only decided assault made on General Stevensons line during siege. Lieut. Col. E. W. Pettus, gallant conduct in leading charge against enemy in ditch and capturing two stand of colors placed by the enemy on parapet. Colonel [C. S.] Guyton, Fifty-seventh Georgia, gallant conduct in lead- ing sally. Colonel [W. E.] Curtiss, Forty-first Georgia, gallant conduct in 1)icket fight, capturing 107 Federals. Colonel [I. XV.] Garrott, Twen- tieth Alabama, killed; true soldier and gifted patriot. Captain [F. 0.] Claiborne, artillery corps, gallant conduct; killed. Lient. G. 1). Wise, ordnance officer Cummings brigade, gallant conduct; specially mcii- tioned for valuable services rendered in carrying dispatches to General [J. E.] Johnston. Maj. J. J. Reeve, assistant adjutant-general, gallant conduct and strict attention to duty. Major [G. L.] Gillespie, chief of sul)sistence, valuable services in subsisting garrison by close attention to duties. Capt. J. W. Johnston, inspector-general light artillery, for valuable services rendered. Captains Waddell and [John B.] Grayson, commanding light batteries, valuable services. Capt. P. Itobinson, en- gineer officer, valuable services. Major [J. E.] McElrath, quartermas- ter, valuable services. Mentioned by Colonel Cockrell, commanding Missouri brigade: Ordnance Sergt. Williaiu F. Luckett, mortally wounded while carry- lug ammunition through severe fire. Col. Eugene Erwin, killed while lighting most gallantly. Lient. Col. P. 5. Senteny, killed while fight- ing most gallantly. Lieutenants [J. T.] Crenshaw and [John] Rose- bery, killed while fighting gallantly. Col. A. C. Riley and Lieutenant- Colonel Garland, First Missouri, gallant conduct. Lieutenant-Colonel Senteny and Major Carter, Second Missouri, gallant conduct. Major McDowell, Third Missouri, gallant conduct. Colonel MeCown and Major Waddell, Fifth Missouri, gallant conduct. Major Cooper, Sixth Missouri, gallant conduct. Capt. It. L. Maupin, gallant conduct an(l valuable services. Capts. W. P. Pitman, assistant inspector-general, II. M. Pollard, assistant adjutant-general, and Licut. T. B. Green, aide- dc-camp, gallant conduct. Sergeant [W. A.] Fisher, Lowes Missouri artillery, gallant conduct. Mentioned by Col. Edward Higgins, commanding river batteries: Capts. J. P. Lynch and [T. N.] Johnston, First Tennessee Heavy Ar- tillery, for handsomely handling their guns duriug entire siege. Maj. F. XV. Iloadley, First Tennessee Heavy Artillery, gallant conduct;