TITLE: The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies. / Series 1 - Volume 24 (Part III) 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 Page 1 THE WA ELLION: A COMPILATION OF THE OFFICIAL IIRECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE ARMIES. PREPARED, UNI)ER THE DIRECTION OF THE SECRETARY OF WAIl, BY The late Lieut. Col. ROI3ERT N. SCOTT, Third U. S. Artillery. PUBLISHED PURSUANT TO ACTS OF CONGRESS. SERIES IVOLUME XXIVIN THREE PARTS. PART IllCORRESPONDENCE, ETC. WASHINGTON: OOVERN~ ENT PRINTING OFFICF~A 1889 Page 2 7 CCt~r~ELL. !N ~ U ~c2:~ Page 3 PART 111.VOL.. XXIV. CORRESPONDENCE, ORDERS, AND RETURNS RELATING TO OPERATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI AND WEST TENNESSEE (AND THOSE I ARKANSAS AND LOUISIANA CONNECTED WITH THE SiEGE OF YJCKSBURG) FROM JANUARY 20 TO AUGUST 10, 1863. UNION COI~PE SPO ND ENCE, ETC. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 6. Memphis, Ten,~., January 20, 1863. In General Orders, No. 14, from these headquarters, of date Holly Springs, liss., December 22, 1862, dividing the troops of this depart- meut into four army corps,* the following changes are hereby made: I. The First I)ivision, Brig. Gen. J. W. Denver commanding, and the Fourth Divil ion, Brig. Gen. J. G. Lauman commanding, will hereafter constitute part of the Sixteenth Army Corps. II. The Sixth Division, Brig. Gen. J. MeArthur commanding, and the Seventh Division, Brig. Geu. I. F. Quinby commanding, will hereafter constitute a part of the Seventeenth Army Corps. By order of iVIaj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, A8sistant Adjutant General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 7. f Memphis, Teun., January 20, 1863. I. All trading, trafficking, or the landing of boats at points south of Meml4his other than at military posts, or points guarded by the navy, is positively prohibited. II. All officers of boats violating this order will be arrested and placed in close confinement. The boats and cargoes, unless the property of the Government, will be turned over to the quartermasters department, for the benefit of the Government. III. All officers of th army passing up and down the river are di- rected to report all violations of this order, together with the names of the l)Oats, place, and date, to the first military post on their route and to the commaading officer at the end of their route. iM. The navy iQ respectfully requested to co-operate in the enforce- ment of this order. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. See Series I, Yet. XVII, Part II, P. 461. (3 Page 4 MISSISSIPPI. WEST TCNNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. IIEADQUAETERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, January 4, 1863. Lieut. Col. WALTER B. SCATES, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: In answer to Special Orders, No. 131, this moment received, I have to report that within ten minutes after being with General Mc- Clernaiid at Millikens Bend, I had ordered all of Steeles cavalry to be disembarked and the colonel to report to Colonel Stewart. I was surely under the impression at the time that only Osterhans division of Mor- gans corps and Stnarts of mine were to come up to Turners Point this p. in. Steeles cavalry are still at Millikens. I have none here save some 30 or 40 of Ttiielemanns, whom I cannot call cavalry, rather mounted orderlies. Still, if Colonel Stewart wants them, he can have them. I expect to march with Stuarts division, without wagons, by the left flank, follow the levee to the canal, the canal to the river below Vicks- burg, and to reconnoiter very closely the ground between this and Yicksburg. When here, en route for the Yazoo, I sent a brigade from Youngs to the railroad; distance 4~ miles. Road nearly straight; first mile cleared land, then a couple of low, swampy timber.land, in which ~ras a creek not exceeding 25 feet wide. Bridge torn up by the retreat- ing pickets, but easily repaired. Railroad laid inland, which looked like old fields or prairie; some few houses. Road crossed railroad, and went on, doubtless to New Carthage. No wagon road along railroad. I advised one of Morgans brigades to move out on the road to railroad, and hold the rest of his command in hand. I will reconnoiter the ground hence to Yicksburg, and make an accurate map. Steele can remain at Millikens till sent for, and can then march down. Yours, very respectfully, W. T. SHERMAN. P. S.Captain [J. W.] Paddock, assistant adjutant-general to General Steele, reported in person that all cavalry fit for duty had been ordered to disembark. ADAMSVILLE [TENTh], January 21, 1863. General DODGE: SIR: I have been down on White Oak to see what Captain Keihp was doing, and to order him up to Pittsburg Landing. As you ordered inc to Bolivar, I have taken 8 of General l3ragg8 men on the trip, and 1 am informed by two reliable citizens that General Forrest, Colonel [J. B.] Biffie, and another colonel (I cant recollect his name) are camped 4 miles from Clifton, on what is called the Elliott Farm. I am also informed that their intentions are to guard the river against our crossing to re-enforce General llosecrans. One man reports that they were going to take this country as quick as General Grant got all his forces in Mississippi. Yours, truly, W. K. M. BRECKENIUDGE, Lieutenant- Colonel ~S~ixth Tennessee Cavalry. N. B.On hearing the reports from Clifton, I thought it best not to remove Captain Kemp from. White Oak until I heard from you Page 5 CHAP. ~XXYL~ CORkE~PONDENCE, ETC .ITNION. 0 GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPT. OF TIlE TENNE:SEE, No. 8. f Memphis, Tenn., January 21, 1863. Snrg. C. II. Laub, U. S. Army, having reported for duty, and being the senior surgeon in the department, is hereby announced as chief of the medical department, and will relieve Surg. H. IR. Wirtz in the duties of the same. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. ItAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 5. Millilcens Bend, January 21, 1863. General Stuart will forthwith disembark his cavalry and order it to report to Colonel Stewart, aide to General MeClernand. The First Di- vision will remain on board their boats at Millikens Bend till further orders from General MeClernand or myself. The Second Division will forthwith prepare to follow the Forest Queen to Youngs Point, and will be ready at 4.30 p. m. The boats will land in close and in good order, and one regiment from each brigade will be sent out 200 yards, with vedettes 200 yards farther, immediately on landing. The entire division will disembark at Youngs Point at daylight, prepared to move 4 or 5 miles inland. Arms, accouterments, and everything must be in order, and officers in command will attend to seeing landings made for the artillery and wagons. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. II. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. WILLIS A. GORMAN, (Jorndg. Dist. of Ikiena: The following disp~ tch is juk t received: WASHINGTON, D. C, January 21, 1863. Major-General GRANT: By direction of the President, Major-General Grant will assume coin and of all troops in Arkansas which may be in reach of his orders. The portion of Arkansas occnpied by such troops will be temporarily attached to the Department of the Ten- nessee. H. W. HALLECK. in conformity with the above, I have attached your command to the Thirteenth Army Corps, Major General MeClernand commanding. I will have you furnished soon with all such past orders as are necessary for your guidance. I wish you to return to Helena with your command as soon as possible, and discharge all the steamers that can possibly be spared. Do not nnderst~ ud this as an order to abandon any enter- prise for breaking up the enemy in his strongholds, if you are near the accomplishment of such a result. The ML sissiPi)i River enterprise must take precedence over all others, and any side move made must simply be to protect our ~anks and rear. So long, however, as the enemy have steamers in the White and Ar- kansas Rivers, it is necessary for the safe navigation of the Mississippi to Yicksburg to break up all their forces on those two rivers, and, if possible, get possession of their boats Page 6 [CHAP. XXXVI. MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. I will be going down the river in a few days, when I hope to meet you at Helena. U. S. GKRANT. MEMPhIS, TENN., January 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON, Corndg. Dist. West Tennessee: * Have moved from the east bank of the river, from this place to Co- lnmbns, all large guns still rem aining, and also the guns from Island No. 10 and from the floating battery below there. These guns, or such of them as can be used, may be brought to Memphis; the remainder sent to Cairo. it will be necessary to keep up small garrisons at New Madrid, Island No. 10, Hickman, arid, possibly, at Fort Pillow. This latter, however, should be inspected before e~ tablishiug garrison. As soon as practicable, relieve the Fifteenth Regular Infantry from Columbus, and bring them to this l)iace, preparatory to being sent down the river. The same with the First Infantry, at Corinth. There are three companies of cavalry, belonging to Colonel Cornyns Missouri regiment, at Columbus, and three companies here. I wish them to be collected at Memphis as soon as possible. The other six comupa- nies of this regiment are at helena, and will be ordered here immedi- ately. As soon as it possibly can be done, send a regiment of cavalry to Corinth. On of the new regiments to arrive can be put in charge of the he vy guns in the tbrt, and drilled by some artillery oflicer of experience. Same at Corinth. All tl)e rolling stock of the railroad should be got away from Columbus as soon as possible. U. S. GRANT. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 22, 1863. Maj. Gem. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps: In view of future operations, I would suggest that stringent or(lers be made looking to the saving of 11 sacks emptied by time army, and placing them in charge of an enoineer officer. When it comes to erect- ing batteries, these sacks will come iu play most conveniently. I am doing all I can to get forward a proper supply of am munition and mining tools. I presume several thousand spades and picks will reach you in a I~w days. By orders, which will accompany this, you will see that the troops under General Gorman have been added to your army corps. I do not think it is desirable that they should be moved from their present posi- tion or from Helena until near the time when their services may be re- quired. I have here two more divisious ready to move when they get transportation, but as I am expecting siege guns to forward, and there are many other supplies not yet arrived, there is no great hurry abovmt starting them. I hope the work of changing the channel of the Mississippi is begun, or l)rel)ara.tions, at least~ being made to begin. On the pre~ cut rise it is barely possible that Yazoo Pass might be turned to good account in aiding our enterprise, particularly if Banks should be fortunate enough to get above Port Hudson. Do you hear from Banks l U. S. GI1AI~T. Transmitted by Hamilton to Huribut, Febrnary 7, 1863 Page 7 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 7 SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRN. DEPARTMENT OF TilE TENNESSEE, No. 22. Memphis, Teun., January 22, 1863. * * * * * * * XV. In pursuance of orders from Headquarters of the Army, the major-general commanding assumes command of all troops in Arkansas which are, or may be, in reach of his orders, and that portion of Arkan- sas occupied by such troops is temporarily attached to the Department of the Tennessee. * * * * * * * 2. The forces under command of Brigadier-General Gorman are as- signed to the Thirteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. J. A. MeClernand com- manding, and will report accordingly. * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. IRAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Youngs Point, La., January 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comd.q. Dept. of the Tennes~ee: GENERAL: I arrived here safely yesterday at 2 p. m. with all my transl)orts and my command. Before nightfall I reconnoitered the country within three-quarters of a mile of the canal, and by 9 oclock this morning quite to and beyond it. The water of the Mississippi mver, which is rising rapidly, is in the upper end of the canal, and must run through in a few hours if the rise continues. Further reconnais- sauces have been made to-day along the river bank, some 2 miles be- low the canal. The line of the canal is now occupied by forces deemed sufficient to hold it. It is believed that by to-morrow night all my forces will have gained positions at the same time defensible and com- manding. Copies of the Yicksburg Whig, dated yesterday and to-day, have been captured. I learn from them that General Banks is fortifying at Baton Rouge. A rebel force of 3,000 is said to be encamped at Delhi, on the Vicks- burg and Shreveport Railroad, some 40 miles from this place. The report is doubtless well founded. Another rebel force, estimated at 6,000, is said to be encamped on the Mississippi River, some 80 miles below Vicksbarg. Prisoners captured report that the enemy is concentrating a large force at Yicksburg from all points, including Richmond, Va., and that he is determined to make a desperate stand there. I will immediately commence enlarging the present or cutting a new canal for the pur- poSe of diverting the channel of the river, as circumstances transpiring within a few hours may suggest. Additional implements, however, will be required to enable me to work effectively in diverting the chan- nel of the stream. The transports, which are now being unloaded, will all be returned at the earliest possible moment, except such as the public service may re- quire to remain here. None of the quartermaster, commissary,or ordnance stores expected have arrived, nor any of the re-enforcements l)romised by you when you were at Napoleon. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND Page 8 8 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. rCHAI. XXXVL ilEAnQuAlITirus ARMY OF THE Mississippi, Youngs Point, La., January 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Corndg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I add this as a supplement to my letter of yesterdays date. By to-morrow evening I expect to be able to command the Mississippi River, a few miles below Vicksburg, with a battery of 20-pounder Par- rotts, which I intend to plant upon the bank. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MUCLERNAND. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 6. Youngs Point, La., January 23, 1863. Commanders of regiments will immediately unload their boats and bring all the camp and garrison equipage and transportation to near their present position, where they will make camps under direction of the commanders of brigades. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. FIRST DIvIsIoN, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, La Grange, Tenn., January 23, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. G. LAUMAN, Comdq. Third Division: I am directed by the commanding officer of this division (Col. J. A. McDowell) to say that we have information of a large cavalry force, under Van Dorn, having left Grenada a week since; (lestinat~on un- known. Also that a large ibree of the enemy are reported upon good authority to be 15 miles east of Grand Junction, supposed to be the same as above. Scouts have gone out to-night, and a reconnaissance by the cavalry will be made to-morrow. Will let you know the result when they return. Respectfully, your obedient servant, C. A. PARTRIDGE, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General: P. S.Van Dorn has seven pieces of artillery. JACKSON, January 23, 18633.45 p. m. Major-General GRANT: As soon as I received Colonel Moores report, I ordered out detach- ments to river, and a in prepared to meet them. My orders from Gen- eral Hamilton were positive: as roon as stores were removed to call in my troops and be prepared to move. I have not done so, deeming it very imprudent at present; the orders have been kept secret by me, and 1 have made no movements that look like evacuating. I requested General Asboth to send an infantry force, under protection of gunboat, up the river and destroy the ferries. I will promise to destroy any rebel force that crosses. JER. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 9 Cia SflThJ OOflESPOIWENOE, ETO.tJNIoN. 9 HunQunnxs Awr or mu Mississirri, Near Vickeburg, January 24, 1863. General WnaaxT. Snna, rjgesu. Arusg Cwya: GBiL: The, general commanding directs me to say that your operations on the canal, and preparations forthe protection of your lines, ad blockading the river below Vicksburg, are highly approved. The threatern~d inndation demands energetic measures, which have been ordered to be taken for the repair of the crevasse above these headquar- ters. Examinations have been made to-day, and will be continued to. morrow, for this purpose, ad heavy detaila will be put to work in the morning, ad it is hoped that everything will be secure by to-morrow night In addition to this, he intends to retain the transports until all danger of inundation is passed. To-mcrrow they will be engaged in procuring wood. He has already issued orders to Major Livingston to make strict searches for cotton, arms, and other public property, and to allow no one to go up without a proper pass. Still, he suggests that de- serters may elude the searchers,.and It is necessary that all command- ers exercise the utmost.vigilance and strictness in keeping their men within their own military lines. It would be well for each to know that his men are within his command at the time boats leave. It Is highly essential to put and keep the roads in good repair so as.to enable you to move the heavy artillery, should circumstances require you to get it back on the transports. Geheral MoArthur will send a detail of 1,000 men in the morning to work on the canal near the mouth where he has permission to change its channel for 200 or 300 yards. he Is directed to sink frequent pits through the clay in order to facilitate its washing. lie advised Mrs. Gaines to go tip the riveron a transport, and he thinks she will consent to do so. Her affliction and trouble demand the sym pathy of those ito can afford her protection, and the general feels that it is her due, not only on account of her distress and helplessness, but on account of her loyalty to the Government under trying circum stances. I have the honor, general,. to be, your most obedient servant, Ideut.saat0olo,.el WALTER B. SOATES, and Au~etaut A4jutant-GeiseraL. HEaDQUaTnus ~?zvTnNn Any Cours, Camp, January 24, 1863. MajorOeneral MoOzamww, Obus4. Niufre4p$ BaxpeE Woe. : Sm: I have Just ridden my line. General Stuarts division occupies the line of the canal, and is at work wideniog the canal 9 feet and throwing up the earth on this side, to make a parapet and to prevent an overflow. They are also shoveling down the earth on the other side of the canal, so, it it fills, it will overflow the other side first About 2 feet of water Is in the canal.now, and moving at a current about the same as the main river. With our tools, we cannot attempt much more. I have two 20-ponder rifles on the left flank and Barretts battery of 6-pounders, and on the right flank one SOpounder rifle, two 20-ponder rifles, and four 6-pounder smooth-bore, with orders that if a steamboat attempt to pass to bring her to or destroy her. Several passed yes. terday,andthough I moved the guns in the night and masked them with bushes, the enemy has doubtless discovered our preparation, and no boats have moved from Yicksburg to-day Page 10 I0 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Thayer~ and Blairs brigades, of Steeles division, on the levee below the canal in tLe next bend, aiid Hoveys brigade is at Mrs. Lakes, in reserve. The road across the swamp is now very bad, and I have ordered four of Steeles regiments to cordnroy the whole distance, say, 2 miles. I have never seen men work more grudgingly, and I have endeavored to stimulate them by all means. My first eftbrts are to widen the canal 9 feet, to increase te volume and power of the current. Secondly, to nse the earth as parapet, that a comparatively small party of men can guard that flank. Thirdly, to erect batteries to control the river below Nicks. burg, and to extend the flank in that direction, so as to afford easy ac- cess to General Banks if he does pass the forts below. Blairs right flank is now where boats may safely come from below, and if at any tine we xx ant to move down the levee, that is the iloint to start from. I shall continue to give my attention to those points in order, until you indicate some more important work. In discharging the Nteamboats I would make each captain sign a bond that he carries away no person who is. not part of his crew or a soldier contracted for to be carried by the quartermaster; in ihe event of his carrying off any deserters, the charter money to be forfeited, sub- ject to the examination of the quartermaster in Memphis. Unless some stringent measures are adopted, many of the men will s-tick to the boats. I also suggest that Morgans corps rebuild that part of the levee carried away near your present headquarters. If the river rises 8 feet, as I feel assured it will very soon, water will overflow this plain, and ~e will all be in the levee. Very heavy snow and rains have fallen above, us, and floods will come pouring doxvu from White, Arkansas, and may be the Ohio in the next ten days, and may drown us out. If my boats are not discharged of their regimental traps to-night, I am willing that the captains and crews of the bo ts should put them ashore, and let the boat guard pro- tect them till the regimental commanders send for them. In present condition of the roads, it will be impossible to haul all such property to the respective camps. I want all my surplns baggage, quarter- masters and commissary stores near Mrs Groves. Cannot we prevail on her to movel She has no substantial cause for complaint other than the burning of rails, the noise, tumult, and confusion of the mass of men. There is a guard at her house, but the poor x oman is distracted and cannot rest. She will soon be as prostrate as her dying daughter. Either the army must move or she. Her griexTances cannot be allevi- ated otherwise. I am, & c., your obedient servant, W T. SHERMAN. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, - January 25, 18633 a. in. Maj. 0-eu. JoHN A. MCCLERNAND: SIR: It is reported to me by General Blair,jr., that five of the enemys transports have dropped down front Yicksbnrg to a landing on this side about 1~ miles below him. His own brigade and Thayers are on that levee, and are as many men as can work there 1 will detail Ihur gnus (6-pounders) from General Ewings position, leaving him two 20- pounders and two 30pouuders. Either they design a dash to recover the ferry-boat or they intend to threaten our boats. I will look out fo Page 11 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIoN. 11 the former, and suggest that you notify~Morgan and MeArthur to look out for the woods in all directions from the boats. No enemy can come through that swamp with artillery or iii order, and could oniy act in small numbers or detached parties. On the ap- proach of day, Steele will ascertain exactly, and act. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 9. Memphis, Teun., January 25, 1863. I. Union families, an(l especially those who are paying rent to the Government, will not in any instance be turned out of their houses to make quarters for officers. H. When ~eneral officers require quarters, they will make requisition upon the quartermaster having charge of this branch of business for the same, stating generally the quarter or neighborhood in which they wish them By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. L13MB1~, Jc ary 2~, 1S~3. General GRANT: No heavy guns at Fort Pillow. Floating battery is under water; guns cannot be got out. Plenty of spiked guns on Island No. 10; car- riages not burned. Leave instructions for inc if you go before I arrive. C. S. HAMILTON, Major- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Memphis, Tenn., January 25, 1863. Major-General HAMILTON, Comdg. Dist. of West Tennessee: GENERAL: As soon as it possibly can be done, relieve the two regi- ments at Bethel, and with them and two regiments from the new troops arrived, or to arrive, form a brigade, to be added to the Eighth Division, General J. E. Smith commanding. If it is possible to finish the road through from Columbus in a few days, as it is now reported to me is the case, it will be better to do it, and bring all the rolling stock of the road over in that way. Respectfully, & c., U. S. GRM4T. MEMPHIS, TENN., January 25, 1863. MaJ. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Corndg. Seventeenth Army Corps: In view of the l)resent rise of water, it is uncertain whether troops can land opposite Yicksburg, where their services are now wanted. I would, therefore, direct that General Logans division await further orders before embarking. I will go down myself in the morning, and if it is found practicable to use the troops advantageously below, will send back orders for them immediately. U. S. GRANT Page 12 12 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. ~ThAr. XXXVI. JACKSON, January 25, 1863. Major-General GRANT, ]1Ie~ ijyhis: A son of McWilliams has just arrived from Mobile. He reports the city as being strongly fortified, and General Buckner in command, with 20,000 troops. The Mobile and Ohio Itajiroad is run no farther north than Okolona, where there are 2,000 cavalry. Mobile is protected on north side by a triple line of works, a distance of 3 miles from the city. The harbor is driven full of piles, leaving a winding channel commanded by heavy guns. This channel is so narrow that a heavy steamer, which ran the blockade, was nnable to reach the city. Yicksburg has been re-enforced, to what extent he does not know. He understands that no cars run as regular trains higher than Jackson. The boy is about four- teen years old. JEIt. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier- f~enera 1, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI, Near Vicksburg, January 26, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT; ()omdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: I have only to add to my dispatch of the 24th iistant that the Mis- sissiI)l)i Itiver is still rising; that three crevasses occur within 20 miles or the lower end of the canal, and that the country for some 12 miles above New Carthage is being rapidly overflowed. Time first of this series of crevasses occurs about 3 miles below the canal, and about 1 mile below my left wing; the second, 4 miles below the first, and the third, 10 umiles below the second. Two others occur in front of my right wing, and demand the indefat- igable labor of details, with the few implements I have, to mend them. Thus the implements are needed not only for the purpose of cutting the canal, but to avert the necessity of leaving here until sheer neces- sity may compel it. With the threatened danger of a flood before me, I am confirmed in my determination to retain enough traiisports here to remove my command, if forced to that dire necessity. The water flows 3 feet deep in the canal, but gives no evidence of di- verting the channel of the river. 1 have ordered all the men I can em- ploy with the limited number of implements available to make a lateral cut from the main trunk terminating higher up the river. These men worked all last night and to-day. I am doubtful that even this change will prove successfal,but as it will cost but comparatively little time and labor, I thought I would try it. I am causing such examinations and surveys as present necessities and flooded sloughs, bayous, and marshes will permit, contingently with a view of cutting a canal higher up the river. I compassed the front of my right wing to-day, passing from the river to the railroad, and found 3 flat cars and 28 trucks on the track. The coast on the west bank of the river for 20 miles below Vicksburg, as well as on both banks above, to Memphis, has been abandoned by almost all proprietors, who have retired from this vicinity, with their movables and negroes, to Monroe [Laj. In many cases they have left foreigners, chiefly 1rishmen~ behind to take care of their houses. Having received no confirmation of a report, two (lays old, that Gen- eral Banks had taken Port Hudson, I am not authorized to accept it as true Page 13 CHAE. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 13 Since the disembarkation of the troops on the Yazoo Bottom, near Haynes Bluff, sickness has prevailed among them to an alarming ex- tent. If the new troops here could be replaced by older ones, it would be better in all respects. The weather continues rainy. It has rained more or less every day for several days in succession. The rain has been occasionally accom- panied by winds, chiefly from the south. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLE[~NAND. HEADQUARTEE,S AR Y OF THE Mississippi, Nectr T~iclc8burg, January 26, 1863. His Excellency RICHARD YATES, Governor of llhinoi8: SIR: It being highly important that T should become thoroughly ac- quainted with the tOl)Ography of the country for many miles around this camp, and the positions occupied by the enemy on the same side of the river, before all the troops in my command had disembarked, (Jol. Warren Stewart volunteered to reconnoiter accordingly and bring in the desired information. He started on the 22d instant with a small cavalry command, aiid on the following day we received the hews that he had fallen in a skirmish with a detachment of the enemy, strongly intrenched by a levee, sur- mounted by a fence, near ~ew Carthage, on the west bank of the Mis- sissippi, and some 30 miles below Yicksburg. His force, consisting of cavalry only, and not more than 200 m~n, finding it impracticable to dislodge the enemy, superior in numbers, was compelled to retire from that spot. Being the last to leave the advanced position his command had made, he was shot through the body. lie kept his saddle some minutes before he fell. Surviving two hours, he only articulated these imperfect sentences. Tell General McClerna~~,~~ General McCler- nand; and to the inquiry what lie wanted, answered, Bury me de- cently. None other of his command fell. So died a hero and a patriot, a man cool and wise in counsel, and devoid of all consciousness of per- sonal danger in battle. Colonel Stewart was one of the first men in the Northwest to respond to the call for volunteers, raising a cavalry company nuder authority from General Frhnont. He was in all the skirmishes in Southeastern Missouri previous to the battle of Fredericktown, and bore a conspicu- ous part in gaining that baffle. He was with inc during my armed re- connaissance of the enemys position and works at Columbus, Ky., one year ago this month, which was the first approach made to that strong- hold of the enemy. Leading the cavalry in that reconnaissance, with his brave comrade in arms, Lieutenant-Colonel McCullough, of the same State, he advance(l upon the enemy~5 lines and captured several pickets. He led the advance guard in the assault upon Fort Henry, and was the first man to enter the enemys works. He was engaged in the battle of Fort Donelson, and was a prominent actor in many of the scenes that transpired during the four days of its continuance. He was also with me on the battle-field of Shilob, where he challenged the wondering and enthusiastic admiration of my division by his ceaseless activity and fear- less daring. It was there that, away in advance of my line, he received a severe wound in the head, which, together with the consequent fall from his horse, seriously endangered his life. Before he had entirely recovered fron~ that wound, so as to ride with perfect safety, he rejoine Page 14 14 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP XXXVI. me in the advance upon Corinth. He was the first man to discover the enemy~s works, and immediately afterward he reported that he believed that the enemy had evacuated the place, and that the works were unoccu- pied. He accompanied the advance of my corps from Corinth to Bethel, to Jackson, Bolivar, Grand Junction, and La Grange, and performed very valuable services in extending our arms over all the country north of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad and between the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers. During the months of October and November, 1862, he efficiently as- sisted in forwarding for the Yicksburg expedition and other purposes nearly 50,000 troops from the States of Indiana, Iowa, and illinois. He descended the Mississippi River with me until we found the Yicksburg expedition returning, and then he accompanied me up the Arkansas River to Post of Arkansas, where, the night before the battle, he pushed a reconnaissance np to the enemys barracks, withiii half a mile of the fort, and captured some 80 prisoners. Next day his wisdom and activ- ity proved eminently useful, as usual. Returning to this point, his en- terprise and zeal, which, together with his quick sagacity and good judgment, were his great military virtues, at last brought him at an unhappy moment to a soldiers grave. Than Wallace and Hogg and McCullough and Stewart the State of Illinois has lost no nobler or braver sons. They were fit to be ranked among her jewels, these beloved memorials of her blood-bought glory. Without wife or children, living only for his State and country, and having heroically fallen in their service, I have deemed it proper to send the remains of Colonel Stewart, with this communication, to you, ~vith the request that his body be buried with military honors in Oakwood Cemetery, north of Springfield. it is fitting that the remains of such a personage should find interment near the capital of the State he loved so well. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF TIlE TENNESSEE, No. 10. Memphis, Tenn., January 26, 1863. I. It being a violation of the l)rov~sions of the Dix-Hill cartel to pa- role prisoners at any other points than those designated jim said cartel, except by agreement between the generals commanding the opposing forces, no paroles hereafter given to Federal soldiers, in violation of such provisions of cartel, will be respected. II. Officers or soldiers who, by straggling from their commands, are captured and paroled, will at once be arrested and brought to trial be- fore a court-martial. III. Guerrillas, or Southern soldiers caught in the uniforms of Fed- eral soldiers, will not be treated as organized bodies of the enemy, but will be closely confined and held for the action of the War Departmenr. Those caught within the lines of the Federal army in such uniforms or in citizens dress will be treated as spies. IV. Officers soldiers and citizens are prohibited from purchasing horses, mules, or military clothing from any one connected with the army without special autlmority, in order that improper and dishomiest appropriation of captured property may be prevented. Commanding officers will exercise vigilance in enforcing this order, an(l report every viola~tion of it, to the end that offi~nders may be summarily punished Page 15 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 15 V. Steamboats are prohibited from carrying stock of any description north without permits granted by division or army corps commanders or the provost-marshal-general, and violations of this restriction will be punished at the discretion of a military commission. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. BAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General. SPECiAL IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, ORDERS, Memphis, Tenn., January 26, 1863. The bars on all boats in Government service in this department will be closed, and no spirituous, vinous, or malt liquors will be allowed to be sold on boats or in the camps. Card-playing and gaming is also strictly prohibited. It is made the special duty of provost-marshals and of all commis- sioned officers, guards, and patrols to see that this order is enforced, and to arrest all parties found violating the same and deliver them over to the nearest commanding officer, by whom they will be punished at the discretion of court-martial or military commission. Boats violating this order will have their bar stores seized and turned over to the med- ical purveyor for the nse of the army. * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. liAWLINS, Assistant Adjittant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 7. f Camp before Vieksbury, January 26, 1863. The commanding general of the Fifteenth Army Corps now expects every officer and man of his corps to be a soldier, watchful, careful of his own personal wants and safety, and jealous of the safety, honor, and name of his regiment and corps. Nothing so elevates the charac- ter of an army and gives it health, compactness, and ability to strike strong blows as guard duty well performed. Our camps must be inclosed by a close line of sentinels and an out- side line of pickets and supports, according to the nature of the ground. We are threatened day and night by as intelligent, desperate, and cunning an enemy as ever existed, and if we make a single mistake or neglect to guard any point, advantage will surely be taken of it, and it will cost us lives. The First Division will guard the space from Mrs. Groves house across the swamp to Biggs plantation, and up the levee to the old gatepost near Ewings present right. The Second Division will guard from that same point of the levee to the canal, and along the canal to the upper levee, and alon~ it to Mrs. Groves house. The First Division will picket down the river habitually to Johnsons plantation, and send scouts as much farther as from time to time the division commander may order; and the Second Division will l)icket up toward Vicksburg as closely as possible, so as to watch the movements of the enemy. This guard and I)icket must be regularly detailed, and posted daily, and no volunteering will be allowed. Commanders of divisions and brigades may send select scouts to do particular work, but the guard duty must be a positive detail, with men and officers responsible all the time. Details for guards will be by coin Page 16 16 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TEM4ESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. panies, including officers and men, and no one will be excused but the sick regularly reported at sick~cal1 by the regimental surgeon, and the company cooks and teamsters. When a company is detailed for regu- lar guard duty, it will be announced by the adjutant publicly in orders on parade the evening previous. One-fifth the command will be habit- ually on guard, viz: Two companies per regiment. These will be di. vided into brigade guard and division guard, and every morning at 9 there will be a regular brigade guard-mounting, when companies detailed will be assembled at the place appointed by their brigadier, inspected by the brigade officer of the day, and then marched to their post. The division officer of the day will be responsible that the brigade guard of the division are properly posted, and that their chains of sen- tinels connect. All officers of the d y for brigades, divisions, and corps mnst be an- nounced the day before in orders; must be mounted, sash worn, so as to distiugnish them, and must give their whole time to their duties. An officer of the day represents his commanding o~cer, and for the time being commands the gua ds in his name. Brigade officers of the day are charged with the actual posting of guards and sentinels, snb- ject to instructions from the division officer of the day, and he subject to the general officer of the day for corps. Colontls will furnish the roster for the corps darm6e, lieutenant-colonels for the divisions, and majors for the brigades. ilegimental guards and details are subordi- nate for the protection of their own camps, and not for the defense of the army. There will be a continuous chain of sentinels along the line and canal, with advanced vedettes close to the river edge and along the road f#oin Groves to Biggs, and sentinels must at all times be fully equipped and supplied with 40 rounds of ammunition, must walk their posts, and actually notice all movements of an enemy without or irregnlarities within. They must be carefully instructed that they have absolute power, and must enforce the standing and special orders of the camp against all offenders, whatever their rank or station may be. They nlikst watch the levee, and give timely notice of any danger of break or overflow; and .watch the batteries of the enemy, and give notice of any dangerous shot or shell. At night they must have the counter- sign, and allow no one to pass without it. They must challenge all parties approaching in a clear, sharp voice, but not with too mnch noise. Sentinels must be treated with the ntmost respect, must be carefully and minutely instructed, and must be relieved at least every two hours, and then allo\ ~ed four hours rest. No fires allowed to sen- tinels. Guards and supports must be conveniently posted; must have their belts on and muskets close at hand. They can have fires in a sheltered place. In case a regiment is ordered to march away, or in case of battles, the officer of the day will send the detail to its regi- ment; but in case a regiment is simply detailed for work, the guard for the day and night before are excused. In all details by companies or regiments, the officers must invariably go along with their men. This rule is invariable. Officers will frequently be examined by their superiors on the duties of guards, sentinels, & c., as prescribed by Army Hegulations; and, if found ignorant, will be reported by colonels to the respective Governors of States, that they be not promoted or advanced in their profession. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. II. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 17 CHAP. XXXYI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 17 GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 8. Camp near Vicksburg, January 26, 1863. I. In consequence of the great danger of an immediate breach in the levees and flooding of the land between the railroad and lower levee, General Steele may withdraw his two brigades from their present posi- tion to the field from the railroad to the ppper levee or steamboat land- ing, near where his present Third Brigade (Hovey~s) is encamped, leav- ing a strong guard at and near the Biggs plantation, to be withdrawn by boats in case of a general flood. II. In like manner the Third Brigade, Second Division (Ewings), and snch parts of the Second Brigade (T. K. Smiths) as occupy ground south of the railroad bank, will move their camps and stores to any convenient camp within reach of the upper levee or lauding, leaving a strong guard near the foot of the canal. III. Increased efforts should be made by the working parties to pre- vent overflow coming from the canal, at least that part of it lying north of the railroad. By order of Maj - Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. II. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. JACKSON, January 26, 1863. JOHN A - RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Brig. Gen. M. Brayman, Bolivar, Tenn., reports John C. Cummings, a clergyman just escaped from a years imprisonment at Carrollton, Miss., says Pemberton and Price are at Gi~enada, well fortified; that they were expecting to aid Bragg; that Van Dorn has been largely re- enforced, and intends as soon as General Grant moves below to fall upon Jackson or Bolivar with 15,000 cavalry; that he learned this while in prison, and on his way through the conntiy. Cummings was on his way to his relations, near Tienton; appears candid, loyal, and truthful, and General Brayman thinks the information worthy of notice and inquiry. JER. C. SULLIVAN, Brigadier- General. YOUNGS POINT, LA., January 30, 1863. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Gomdg. Western Flotilla: By inquiry I learn that Lake Providence, which connects with Red River through Tensas Bayou, Washita and Black Rivers, is a wide and navigable way through. As some advantage may be gained by opening this, I have ordered a brigade of troops to be detailed for the purpose, and to be embarked as soon as possible. I would respectfully request that one of your light~drauoht gunboats accompany this expedition, if it can be spared. U. S. GRANT. YOUNGS POINT, LA., January 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: Upon inqniry from the best information at hand, I find that Lake Providence, some 60 miles above lie ~e, which counce~ with Red Riv ~r Page 18 [CHAP. XXXVI. 18 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. through Tensas Bayou, Washita and Black Rivers, is a wide and navi- gable way; the distance to be cut to enter it from the Mississippi not great. With this open, a vast foraging district would be opened, and our gunboats of light draught would be enabled to cut off the enemys commerce with the west bank of the river. I have determined to make the experiment, at all events, and for this purpose will want a brigade detailed and embarked as soon as possible. They will be accompanied by one of the gunboats. All the tools re- quired can be gotten by calling ou Captain [Benjamin F.J iReno, assist- ant quartermaster, on the steamer Adelia. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MlSSISSIPPI, Before Vielcsburg, January 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commandiny Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Your dispatch of this date is received. I have accord- ingly ordered a brigade to be detailed to cut the proposed canal between Lake Providence and Bayou Tensas. If this project should fail of suc- cess, it might be well to inquire into the practicability of connecting the Mississippi River at Lake Village (nearly opposite Greenville) with the Washita and Red Rivers. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS Ai~MY OF THE MissiSSIPPI, Before Vieksbury, Miss., January 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: Your order directing me to move the camp of the Fifty-fourth In- diana Volunteers outside the limits of the camp hospital, and to furnish ~uards for such hospital, is received. The officer who brought you a complaint upon this subject should net have troubled you, but should have come to me, or, having come to you, I think ought regularly to have beeu referred to me. I denounce his complaint as an act of insubordination. Please advise me who made the complaint. If I am to be held responsible for the safety of this camp, I must be permitted to dispose of the forces within it as I may think proper. The internal organization of the camp and the dis- position of its forces are matters that properly belong to me, as their immediate commander. The Fifty-fourth Indiana was assi~ned to the position coveted by the medical director or the hospital surgeon, for strategic reasons, before the camp hospital was located. Those reasons are in l)art explained by the correspondence, a copy of which is herewith inclosed.* Nevertheless, upon the application of the medical director, or, rather, upon my own suggestion, the huts occupied by the Fifty-fourth were vacated by them and assigned for hospital uses, and the regiment ordered to encamp as far away as was consistent with strategic considerations. This they did. Still, complaint came. The surgeon objected to the neighborship of the regiment, the colonel complained of the insolence of the surgeon, * Not tound Page 19 ChAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 19 and stated that his men had voluntarily cared for the sick, who had been brought out and left on the ground uncared for. I settled the qnestion, as already mentioned, by giving the huts and necessary space to the surgeon and moving the regiment as far away as was cousidered proper. With this statement, it remains for you to decide what ought to be done in the premises. The enforcement of your order will be the subversion of my authority at the instance of an in- ferior, wbo deserves to be arrested for his indiscretion an(l spirit of insubordination. And, having said this much, general, it is proper that I should add one or two other words. I nnderstand that orders are being issued directly from your headquarters directly to army corps commanders, and not through me. As I am invested, by order of the Secretary of War, indorsed by the President, and by order of the President conzimu- nicated to you by the General-in-Chief, with the command of all the force~ operating on the Mississippi Thver, I claim that all orders affect- ing the condition or operations of those forces should pass through these headquarters; utherwise I must lose a knowledge of current business and dangerous confusion ensue. If different views are entertained by you, then the question should be immediately referred to Washington, and one or the other, or both of us, relieved. One thing is certain, two generals cannot command this army, issuing independent and direct orders to subordinate officers, and the public service be promoted. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLEliNAND. HEADQUARTERS ARiwv OF THE Mississippi, Before Vieksburg, January 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have nuofficially learned that two officers of the Engi- neers, attached to the Department of the Tennessee, are here, but am not advised whether they are under orders to examine and report re- specting the practicability of diverting the course of the Mississippi Itiver through the present canal, or any other that may be cut in this vicinity. I have ordered certain modifications of the present canal, as explained to you yesterday. If they prove unsuccessful, the uselessness of the present canal will have been demonstrated. I think the engineers referred to might profitably turn their atten- tion in some other direction for a suitable line for a new cut. From all I can learn, an effective dredging-machine would be equal, nay, superior, to the labor of many thousand men in opening a canal after water has flowed through it. Would it not be advisable to send to Louisville for one or more at once 0? Time presses, and every practica- ble effort to make this army available for great results should be tested. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLEIRNAND. [JANUARY 30, 1863.For Cenerpi Grants order assuming immediate J3ommand of the expedition agaiu~t Yieksbnrg, sc~ Part I, p. 11 . Page 20 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, RTC. [CHAr. XXXTh.. Abstract from returns of the Department of the Tennessee, Moj. Gem. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, comsnassding, for January 31, 1563. Present fo r 0 Pieces of duty. ~ artillery. a a 0 ~,0 Command. b~ bL~ a a~ -~ a ~ St SD SC 0 0 ~ ~ General headquarters (Youngs Point): Staff Missouri Engineer Regiment Total general headquarters Thirteenth Army Corps: General headquarters (Youngs Point) Ninth Division (Youngs Point) Tenth Division (Youngs Point) District of Eastern Arkansas (Helena) Total Thirteenth Army Corps - Fifteenth Army Corps * (near Yickshurg): General headquarters First Division Second Division Total Fifteenth Army Corps Sixteenth Army Corps: General headquarters (Memphis, Teun.) First Division (La Grange, Tenn.) Fourth Division (Moscow, Tenn.) Eighth Division (Corinth, Miss.) District of West Tennessee: District of Columbus (Columbus, Ky.) District of Corinth (Corinth, Miss.) District of Jackson (Jackson, Tenn.) District of Memphis (Memphis, Tenn.) Cavalry Division: Griersons (1st) hrigade (La Grange, Teun.) - Lees (2d) hrigade, (Germantown, Tenn.). - - Total Sixteenth Army Corps. Seventeenth Army Corps: General headquarters (Memphis, Tenn.) - - - Third Division (Memphis, Tenn.) ....- Sixth Division (Lake Providence, La.) - - - Seventh Division (near Memphis, Teun.) Total Seventeenth Army Corps Grand total Army of the Tennessee t 5,174 20 . - - 11 20 641 20 811 31 318 661 831 20 63 111 151 . 161 4,079 6,275 8,901 12 218 4,326 7,014 10,072 12 669 12,161 16,476 19,763 1, 088 20, 629 29, ~78 38, 857 24 10 10 12 . 348 6, 165 9, 746 12, 760 16 251 5,751 7,747 10,705 4 16 609 11,918 17,503 23,477 4 32 6 20 26 26 293 5, 816 7, 273 8, 908 16 291 6,173 7,416 8,758 24 200 3,445 4.209 5,546 20 100 5, 378 7, 273 9, 173 104 5 477 8, 856 11, 164 11, 153 54 473 9,010 11,225 11,530 20 260 4,514 7,558 8,815 24 6 88 1,918 2,426 2,946 129 2,905 3,521 5,195 2, 517 48, 093 62, 151 76, 070 128 145 12 76 95 120 141 6,461 7,946 9,869 I 4 20 275 4,919 6,202 7,799 I...-. 16 101 5,952 7,528 9,676 I 20 929 17, 428 21, 771 27, 464 4 56 I = 98, 388 112, 164 166, 729 136 257 Not reported. t This compilation is made, as far as practicable, from the returns (brigade, division, and corps) most likely to represent the actual strength of the several commands at the date for which the departmental return is made. There are two departmental re- turns on file for this date. The first reports present for duty 5,111 officers and 95,672 men; aggregate present, 129,936; aggregate present and absent, 163,594. The second reports present for duty 5,324 officers and 101,353 men; aggregate present, 131,156; aggregate present and absent, 164,439. 2 Page 21 cHAP. XXXVI.] CORI~ESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 21 Organization of the Army of the Tennessee, ]lifttj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding, January 31, 1863. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS. Missouri Engineer Regiment, Col. Josiah W. Bissell. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS.* Maj. Gen. Jom~ A. MOCLERNAND. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS. Signal Corps, Lient. James M. MeClintock. NINTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. P. JOSEPH OSTERHAUS. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. WILLIAM VANDEVER. Col. DANIEL W. LINDSEY. 118th Illinois, Col. John G. Fonda. 49th Indiana, CoT. James Keigwin. 69th Indiana, Col. Thomas W. Bennett. I 3d Kentucky, Col. William II. Spencer. 120th Ohio, Col. Daniel French~ 1 114th Ohio, Maj. John H. Kelly. Third Brigade. Col. JOHN F. DR COUROY. 54th Indiana, CoT. Fielding Mansfield. 22d Kentucky, Lient. Col. George W. Monroe. 16th Qhio, Capt. Eli XV. Botsford. 42d Ohio, Col. Lionel A. Sheldon. Attached. 3d Illinois Cavalry, Companies A and K, Capt. Robert H. Carnahan. Kentucky Engineers and Mechanics, Capt. William F. Patterson. Signal Corps, Lient. Hiram G. Fisher. 7th Michigan Battery, Lient. Robert M. Wilder. 1st Wisconsin Battery, Capt. Jacob T. Foster. TENTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ANDREW J. SMITH. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. STEPHEN G. BURBRIDGE. CoT. WILLIAM J. LANDRAM. 16th Indiana, CoT. Thomas J. Lucas. 77th Illinois, CoT. David P. Grier. 60th Indiana, Col. Richard Owen. 97th Illinois, CoT. Friend S. Rutherford. 67th ludiana, Lient. Col. Theodore E. 108th Illinois, CoT. John Warner. Buehler. 131st Illinois, Lient. Col. Richard A. Peter. 53d Ohio, Lient. Col. William H. Baldwin. 19th Kentucky, Lient. CoT. John Cowan. 96th Ohio, Col. Joseph W. Vance. 48th Ohio, Capt. Samuel G. W. Peterson. 23d Wisconsin, Col. Joshua J. Guppey. Artillery. Chicago Mercantile Battery, Capt. Charles G. Cooley. 17th Ohio Battery, Capt. Ambrose A. Blount. Cavalry. 4th Indiana, Company C, Capt. Joseph P. Lesslie. 6th Missouri, Company C, Ca t. Bacon Montgomery. _________ *As reorganized December 22, 1862. This portion of the former Thirteenth Army Corps, was also known January 4 to 14, 1863, as the First Corps, Army of the Missis- sippi. Brig. Gen. George W. Morgan was in command from January 4 till relieved by Major-General MeClernand, January 31. See Series I, Vol. XVII, Part II, pp. 4.32, 461, 534, and 564 Page 22 22 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS. * Brig. Gen. WILLIS A. GORMAN. TWELFTH DIYLSIOK. Brig. Gen. ALVIN P. HOVEY. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. JAMES R. SLACK. Col. PETER KINNEY. 43d Indiana, Col. William E. MCLean. 28th Iowa, Col. William E. Miller. 46th Indiana, Col. Thomas H. Briughurst. 35th Missouri, Col. Samuel A. Foster. 47th Indiana, Lieut. Col. John A. Mc- 56th Ohio, Lient. Col. William H. Ray- Laughlin. nor. Third Brigade. Col. GEORGE F. MCGINNIS. 11th Indiana, Lieut..Col. Daniel Macanley. 24th Indiana, Col. William T. Spicely. 34th Indiana, Col. liobert A. Cameron. 29th Wisconsin, Col. Charles R. Gill. Artillery. 2d Illinois, Battery A, Lient.Jacob C. Hansel. 3d Iowa Battery, Capt. Mortimer M. Hayden. 2d Ohio Battery, Capt. Newton J. Smith. 16th Ohio, Lient. Russell P. Twist. TIfLFRTEENTH DIVISION. Brig. Geri. CLINTON B. FISK. Second Brigade. Col. JAMES M. LEWIS. 24th Iowa, Licut. Col. John Q. Wilds. 29th Iowa, Lieut. Col. Robt F. Patterson. 28th Wisconsin, Lient. Col. Charles Whit- aker. First Brigade. Col. CHARLES W. KITTREDGE. 33d Iowa, Col. Samuel A. Rice. 36th Iowa, Lient. Col. Francis M. Drake. 33d Missouri, Licut. Col. William H. Heath. Artillery. 1st Missouri Light, Battery A, Capt. George ~AT. Schofield. CAVALRY DIVISION. Brig. Gen. CADWALLADER C. WASHnURN. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. CYRUS BUsSEY. Col. CONRAD BAKER. 2d Arkansas (three companics), Capt. 5th Illinois, Col. Hall Wilson. Archibald B. Freeburn. 10th Illinois (Companies A, D, G, and K), 9th Illinois, Lient. Col. Hector J. hum- Lient. Col. James Stuart. phrey. 1st Indiana, Lient. Col. William F. 3d Iowa (Companies A, B, C, D, I, and Wood. K), Maj. Oliver H. P. Scott. 6th Missouri, Col~ Clark Wright. 4th Iowa, Lient. Col. Sinieon D. Swan. 5th Kansas, Col. Powell Clayton. 2d Wisconsin (Co panics B, C, E, F, H, I, L, and M), Col. Thomas Stephens. ~Assigned to Thirteenth Army Corps, January 22, 1863, but not accounted for on the corps return for January 31. The troops in this district are reported as above on the department return for January 31, but the organization there given as of that date was not ordered till February , 1863 Page 23 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. FRANK P. BLAIR, Jr. 13th Illinois, Col. Adam B. Gorgas. 29th Missouri, Col. John S. Cavender. 30th Missouri, Lieut. Col. Otto Schadt. 31st Missouri, Lient. Col. Samuel P. Simp- son. 32d Missouri, Col. Francis H. Manter. 58th Ohio, Capt. Christopher Burckhardt. FIRST DIVISION.t Brig. Gen. FREDERICK STEELE. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. ChARLES E. HoVEY. 25th Iowa, Col. George A. Stone. 31st Iowa, Co]. William Smyth. 3d Missouri, Ccl. Isaac F. Shepard. 12th Missouri, Col. Hugo Waugelin. 17th Missouri, Col. Francis Hassendeubel. 76th Ohio, Col. Charles R. Woods. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN M. TIIAYER. 4th Iowa, Col. James A. Williamson. 9th Iowa, Maj. Don A. Carpeuter. 26th Iowa, Col. Milo Smith. 30th Iowa, Col. Charles H. Abhott. 341 Ii Iowa, f Col. George XV. Clark. Artill(ry. 1st Iowa Battery, Capt. Henry H. Griffiths. 2d Missouri, Battery F, Capt. Clemens Lan(lgraeber. 4th Ohio Battery, Capt. Louis Hoffmaini. Cavalry. 3d Illinois, Maj. James H. OConnor. Kane County (Illinois) Company, Capt. XVi]iiam C. Wilder. 10th Missouri, Company C, Capt. Daniel W. Ballon. SECOND DIVISION. ~S Brig. Gen. l)AVJD STUART. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. GILES A. SMITH. Col. T. KILBY SMITH. 113th Illinois, t Col. George B. Hoge. 55th Illinois, Ce]. Oscar Malmborg. 116th Illinois, Col. Nathan W. Tupper. 127th Illinois, Lient. Col. Hamilton N. 6th Missouri, Col. James H. Blood. Eldridge. 8th Missouri, Lient. Ce]. David C. Cole- 53d Indiana, Ce]. Benjamin J. Spooner. man. 54th Ohio, Capt. Rohert Williams. 13th United States, Maj. Dauiel Chase. 57th Ohio, Ilent. Col. Americas V. Rice. Constituted December 22, 1862, hnt known January 4 to 12, 1863, as the Second Corps, Army of the Mississippi. General Sherman a~sumed command January 5. See Series I, Vol. XVII, Part II, PP. 432, 461, 534, 556, 560, 562, and 564. Known also as the Eleventh Division. Ari~y of the Tennessee. The Thirty-fourth Iowa and live companies of the One hundred and thirteenth Illinois detached January 14,.to conduct the Arkansas Pest prisoners to Camp Doug- las, Ill. ~ Or Fifth Division, Army of the Tennessee Page 24 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNES~EI~, LT~. R~IIAP. XXXU. Third Briqade. Brig. Gen. Ilu& i~ EWING. 30th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Theodore Jones. 37th Ohio, Col. Edward Siher. 47th Ohio, Lieut. Col. Augustus C. Parry. 4th West Virginia, Col. Joseph A. J. Liglitbura. Artillery. 1st Illinois Light, Battery A, Capt. Peter P. Wood. 1st Illinois Light, Battery B, Capt. Samuel E. Barrett. 1st Illinois Light, Battery H, Lieut. Levi XV. Hart. 8th Ohio Battery, Lient. Albert Cudney. Cavalry. Thielemanns (Illinois), Lient. James William Lavigue. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS.* Maj. Gen. CHARLES S. HAMILTON. FIRST DIVISION.t Col. JOHN ADAIR MCDOWELL. First Brigade. Col. CHARLES C. WALCUTT. 40th Illinois, Col. Stephen C. Hicks. 12th lndiana, Lient. Col. Solomon D. Kempton. 100th Indiana, Col. Sanford J. Stoughton. 6th Iowa, Lient. Col. John M. Corse. 15th Michigan, Maj. Thomas E. Morris. 46th Ohio, Lient. Col. William Smith. Second Brigade. Co]. JOSEPH R. COCKERILL. 26th Illinois, Capt. James A. Dugger. 96th Illinois, Col. Thomas E. Champion. 97th Indiana, Col. Robert F. Catter~ou. 99th Indiana, Col. Alexander Fowler 53d Ohio, Col. Wells S. Jones. 70th Ohio, Maj. William B. Brown. Artillery. Capt. WILLIAM COGSWELL. 1st Illinois Light, Battery F, Capt. John T. Cheney. 1st Illinois Light, Battery I, Capt. Edward Bonton. 1st Illinois Light, Battery M, Capt. John B. Miller. 2d Illinois Light, Battery D, Lieut. Harrison C. Barger. 4th Indiana Battery, Capt. Asahel K. Bush. Escort. 7th Illinois Cavalry, Company B, Capt. Henr~C. Forbes. * As first organized (I)ecember 2~2, i8~i2) this corps consisted of the Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Divisions, the Second Bri~ade, Cavalry Division, and the Districts of Cu- lumbus and Jackson, nil of the Army of the Tennessee, and Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut being assi~ned to the comman(l. On January 10, 1863, Brig. Gen. Charles S. Hamilton was assigned to command during temporary absence of Hurlbut; on Jan- nary 15 the District of West Tennessee was constituted, under Hamiltons command, to embrace the Districts of Columbus, Corinth, Jacksou, and Memphis, which em- braced all the troops of the Sixteenth Army Corps; and on January 20 the Sixth and Seventh Divisions were exchanged for the First and Fourth Divisions, theretofore in the Seventeenth Army Corps. On February 5 Hurlbnt assumed command of the corps, and on the 7th his corn and was extended over the districts above mentioned. I Headquartcrs at La Granne; troops at Davis Mills, Grand Junction, and La Grange. 2 Page 25 CRAP. ~XNVi.j CORRLSPONDENCR, ETCUNION. 25 FOURTh ])IVISION.~ Brig. Cen. JACOB G. LAUMAN. Esrst Brigade. Col. Is~c C. PUGh. 41st Illinois, Lient. Col. John H. Nale. 53d Illinois, Lieut. Col. Seth C. Earl. 3d Iowa, Col. Aaron Brown. 33d Wisconsin, Col. Jonathan B. Moore. Second Brigade. Col. C~nus HALL. 14th Illinois, Maj. John F. Nolte. 15th Illinois, Col. George C. Rogers. 46th Illhiols, Col. Benjamin Dornblaser. 76th Illinois, Lient. Col. Saniuci T. Busey. 101st Illinois (detachment), Capt. Henry C. Coffman. Third Brigade. Col. AMORY K. JOHNSON. 25th Illinois, Lient. Col. Rid ard Ritter. 32d Illinois, Col. John Logan. 53d Indiana, Col. Walter Q. Gresham. 12th Wisconsin, Col. Gcorge P. Bryant. Artillery. 3d Illinois, Battery E, Sergt. Martin Mann. 2d Illinois, Battery K, Cap~t. Benjamin F. Rodgers. 9th Indiana Battery, Lient. George R. Brown. 5th Ohio Battery, Lient. Anthony B. Burton. 7th Ohio Battery, Capt. Silas A. Burnap. 15th Ohio Battery, Capt. Edward Speai, jr. Cavalry. 3d Illinois, Company M, Capt. David Sollanhurger. Fir8t Brigade. Col. JOHN W. FULLER. 27th Ohio, Lient. Col. Zeph. S. Spaniding. 39th Ohio, Col. Edward F. Noyes. 63d Ohio, Col. John W. Sprague. 3d Michigan Battery, Capt. George Rohinson. 2d U. S. Artillery, Battery F, Capt. Aihert J. S. Molinard. EIGHTH DIVI5ION.t Brig. Gen. JOhN E. SMITH. Second Brigade. Col. JOSEPH A. MOWER. 47th Illinois, Licut. Col. S muel R. Baker. 5th Minnesota, Col. Lucius F. Huhhard. 11th Missouri, Lient. Col. Andrew J. Weher. 8th Wisconsin, Lient. Col. George W. Robbins. Third Brigade. Col. RALPH P. BUCIrLAND. 114th Illinois, Col. James W. Judy. 93d Indiana, Col. DeWitt C. Thomas. 72d Ohio, Lient. Col. Le Roy Crockett. 32d Wisconsin, Col. James H. Howe. Artillery. 1st Illinois, Battery E, Capt. Allen C. Waterhouse. 2d Iowa Battery, Lieut. Joseph R. Reed. * Headquarters at Moscow, Tenu. As reported January 20. Headquarters at Corinth, Miss.; troops at Corinth, Miss., at Bolivar and Jackson, Teun., and en route to Germantown, Tenn Page 26 26 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. First Brigade. Col. BENJAMIN H. GRIERSON. 6th Illinois, Lient. Col. Reuben Loomis. 7th Illinois, Lient. Col. Edward Prince. 2d Iowa, Col. Edward hatch. [CHAP. XXXVI. CAVALRY DIVISION.~ Second Brigade. Col. ALBERT L. LEE. 4th Illinois, Lient. Col. Martin H. M. Wal- lace. 7th Kansas, Maj. John T. Sno(~dy. 5th Ohio, Col. William H. H. Taylor. DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE. Brig. Gen. CHARLES S. HAMILTON. DISTRICT OF COLUMBUS. Brig. Gen. ALEXANDER ASBOTH. Cairo, ill. Brig. Gen. JAMES M. TUTTLE. 125th Illinois, Col. Robcrt M. Hundley. 35th Iowa (Companies A, F, and 1), Col. Sylvester G. I-Jill. 3d MiRnesota, Col. C hauncey XV. Griggs. Columbus, Ky. Col. JAMES S. MARTIN. 111th Illinois,t Lieni. Col. Joseph F. Black. 35th Iowa (Companies B, C, D, E, G, H, an(l K), Maj. Henry OConnor. 40th Iowa, Col. John A. Garrett. 15th United States, Maj. John R. Edie. 16th United States (Company A), Capt. Solomon S. Robinson. Stewarts (Illinois) cavalry, Company E, Capt. William D. Hutchens. 3d U. S. Cavalry (Companies B and F), Capt. Christopher H. McNally. Fort llieiman, Ky. Col. MATTHEWSON T. PATRICK. 5th Iowa Cavalry, Lient. Col. Matthew- son T. Patrick. 71st Ohio (Companies A, B, G, and H), Maj. James H. Hart. 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery H, Capt. Andrew Stenbeck. Fort Pillow, Te n. Col. EDWARD H. WOLFE. 52d Indiana, Lient. Col. Zalmon S. Main. 32d Iowa (Companies B, C, E, H, I, and K), Lient. Col. Edward H. Mix. 2d Illinois Cavalry, Company D, Capt. Franklin Moore. Island No. 10. 15th Wisconsin (Companies C an(l 1), Capt. John A. GOrdon. Padae h, Ky. Col. hENRY DouGHERTY. 2d 1llinois Cavalry, Company L, Capt. Francis T. Moore. 15th Kentucky Cavalry, 1st Battalion, Maj. Wiley Wailer. Union City, Tenn. Col. DAVID MOORE. 119th Illinois (detachment), Lient. Col. Samuel B. Taylor. 21st Missouri, Lient. Col. Humphrey M. WoO(lyard. 13th Wisconsin (detachment), Col. Will- lam P. Lyon. 2d Illinois Cavalry, Company B, Lient. Charles H. Chapin. 4th Illinois Cavalry, Company TI, Lient. Charles II. Chapin. DISTRICT OF CORIKTH Brig. Gen. GRENVILLE M. DODGE. First Briqade4 I Second Brigade.t Col. THOMAS XV. SWEENY. Col. AUGUST MERSY. 52d Illinois, Maj. Edwin A. Bowen. 66th Indiana, Lient. Col. Roger Martin 9th Illinois, Lieni. Gel. Jesse J. Phillips. 2d Iowa, Col. James B. Weaver. 12th Illinois, Maj. James R. Huganin. 7th Iowa, Col. Elliott XV. Rice. 81st Ohio, Lient. Col. Robert N. Adams. ~ The First Brigade reported at La Grange, an(i the Second at Germantown, Tena. Detachments at Little Obion and Moscow, Ky. At Corinth Page 27 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Third Brigade. Col. MOSES M. BANE. 7th Illinois, Capt. Samuel E. Lawyer. 50th Illinois, Maj. Thomas W. Gaines. 57th Illinois, Maj. Eric lorsse. 39th Iowa, Col. Henry J. B. Cummings. 18th Missouri, Lieut. Col. Charles S. Shel- don. Glendale, Miss. Lieut. Col. JOHN MORRILL. 64th Illinois (Companies A, B, C, D, E, and F), Maj. John W. Stewart. Alabama cavalry (two companies), Capt. Henry T. Sumner. Illinois cavalry company, Capt. William A. Lord. 27 At Corinth (not brigaded). 1st United States, Maj. Maurice Maloney. Sappers and Miners,t Lieut. Christian Lochbihler. Stewarts (Illinois) cavalry (Companies A, B, C, and D), Capt. Eagleton Carmichael. 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Battery G, Lient. Henry E. Jones. 2d Illinois Light Artillery, Battery B, Lient. Fletcher H. Chapman. 2d Michigan Battery, Lieut. Albert F. H. Arndt. 1st Missouri Light Artillery, Second Bat- talion, Capt. Henry Richardson. Tusaumbia, Ala. Col. PATRICK E. BURKE. 66th Illinois, Lient. Col. Charles W. Smith. 5th Ohio Cavalry (Companies E, H, I, and K), Capt. Joseph C. Smith. DISTRICT OF JA OKSON. Brig. Gen. JEREMIAH C. SULLIVAN. First Brigade. Col. MICHAEL K. LAWLER, lStJi Illinois, Maj. Samuel B. Marks. 29th Illinois, Capt. Elijah P. Curtis. 54th Illinois, Maj. John W. True. 62d Illinois, Col. James M. True. 1st West Tennessee (Companies A, B, C, D, and E), Lient. Col. William T. Wilson. Second Brigade. Col. CYRUS L. DUNHAM. 103d Illinois, Col. Willard A. Dickerman. 50th Indiana, Lient. Col. Samuel T. Wells. 27th Iowa, Col. James I. Gilbert. Third Brigade. Col. JONATHAN RICHMOND. 119th Illinois, Lient. Col. Samuel E. Tay- lor. 126th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Ezra M. Beards- ley. Fourth Brigade. Col. OLIVER WOOD. 106th Illinois, Col. Robert B. Latham. 122d Illinois, Lient. Col. James F. Drish. 22d Ohio, Lieut. Col. Homer Thrali. Artillery. Capt. MEREDITH H. KIDD. 14th Indiana Battery, Lient. Francis W. Morse. 1st Missouri, Battery K, Lient. Charles Green. 14th Ohio Battery, Lient. Homer H. Stull. 7th Wisconsin Battery, Lieut. Galen E. Green. CavairyBrigade. Col. JOHN K. MIZNER. 4th Illinois (fonr companies), Maj. Mm- dret Wemple. 11th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Bazil D. Meek. 3d Michigan,Lient. Col. Gilbert Moyers. 6th Tennessee, Col. Fielding Hurst. 7th Tennessee, Capt. James M. Martin. Bolivar, Tenn. Brig. Gen. MASON BRAYMAN. 43d Illinois, Col. Adolph Engelmaun. 61st Illinois, Maj. Simon P. Obr. l2th Michigan,Lieut. Col. Phineas Graves. 43d Ohio, Col. Wager Swayne, Springfield (Illinois) Battery, Capt. Thomas F. Vaughn. Bethel, Te n. Col. WILLIAM W SANFORD. 48th Illinois, Lient. Col. Lucien Great- house. 49th Illinois, Lient. Cal. Phineas Pease. 11th Illinois Cavalry, Company I, Lient. William R. Hays. 12th Illinois Cavalry, Company H, Capt. Franklin T. Gilbert. ~ At Corinth. Company I, Thirty-fifth Missouri Infantry. CHAP. XXXVI. Page 28 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. DISTRICT 01? MEMPHIS. Brig. Gen. JAMES C. VEATCH. Infantry. 63d Illinois, Col. Joseph B. MeCown. 87th Il1inois,~ Col. John E. Whiting. 101st Illinois, Company A, Capt. John B. Le Sage. 109th Illinois, Col. Alexander J. Nimmo. 117th Illinois, Col. Risdon M. Moore. 120th Illinois, Col. George W. McKeaig. 130th Illinois, Col. Nathaniel Niles. 25th Indiana, Lient, Col. John Rheinlander. 89th Indiana, Lient. Col. Hervey Craven. 95th Ohio, Col. XVilliam L. MeMillen. Cavalry. 2d Illinois (Companies A, C, E, F, G, and H), Maj. John J. Mudd. 10th Missonri, Col. Florence M. Cornva. 3d United States, Col. Marshall S. howe. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS.t Maj. Gen. JAMES B. MCPHERSON. ESCORT. Ohio Cavalry, 4th Independent Company, Capt. John S. Foster. THIRD DIVISION.t Brig. Geii. JOHN A. LOGAN. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. ISHAM N. HAYNIE. 20th Illinois, Lient. Col. Evan Richards. 31st Illinois, Col. Lyndorf Ozburn. 45th Illinois, Lient. Col. Jasper A. Maitby. 124th Illinois, Col. Thomas J. Sloan. 23d Indiana, Col.William L. Sanderson. Second Brigade. Col. MORTIMER D. LEGGETT. 30th Illinois, Ccl. Elias S. I)ennis. 20th Ohio, Ccl. Manning F. Force. 68tl~rOhio, Ccl. Robert K. Scott. 78th Ohio, Lient. Col. Zachariah M. Chandler. Third Brigade. Col. JOHN D. STEVENSON. 5th Illinois, CoL P. Sidney Post. 81st Illinois, Col. James J. Dollins. 7th Missouri, Lient. Col. William S. Oliver. 32d Ohio, Col. Benjamin F. Potts. Artillery. Maj. CHARLES J. STOLBEAND. 1st Illinois, Battery D, Capt. Henry A. Rogers. 2d Illinois, Battery G, Capt~ Frederick Sparrestrom. 2d Illinois, Battery L, Capt. William H. l3olton. 1st Michigan, Battery H, Capt. Samuel Do Golyor. 3d Ohio Battery, Capt. William S. Williams. Escort. 2d Illinois Cavalry, Company A, Capt. John R. Hotaling. 28 [CHAP. XXXVI. *On department return for his dato, bat not rcporte(l on district return. tConstitnled December 22, 1862. Major-General McPhe.sou assumed command Jan- nary 11, 1863. Headquarters, January 31, at Memphis, Teun. ~ A~ Memphis, Tenn Page 29 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. SIXTH DIVISION.* Brig. Gen. JOHN MOARTHUR. First Brigade. Col. GEORGE W. DEITZLER. 17th Illinois, Maj. Frank F. Peats. 95th Illinois, Lient. Col. Thomas W. Humphrey. 1st Kansas, Lieut. Col. Otto M. Tenni- son. 16th Wisconsin (Companies A, C, E, G, and I), Maj. Thomas Reynolds. 2d Illinois Artillery, Battery F, Lient. Henry H. Henning. Second Brigade. Col. THOMAS E. 0. RANSOM. 11th Illinois, Lient. Col. Garrett Nevins. 14th Wisconsin, Lient, Col. Lyman M. Ward. 17th Wisconsin, Col. Ada~n G. Malloy. 18th Wisconsin, Col. Gabriel Boack. 1st Minnesota Battery, Capt. William Z. Clayton. 1st Missouri Artillery, Battery C, Capt. Charles Mann. Third Brigade. Col. MARCELLIJS M. CROCKER. 11th Iowa, Lient. Col. John C. Abererombie. 13th Iowa, Lient. CoL John Shane. 15th Iowa, Col. Hugh T.Rcid.~ 16th Iowa, Col. Alexander Chambers. 10th Ohio Battery, Capt. Hamilton B. White. SEVENTH DIVISION.t Brig. Gen. ISAAC F. Quixn~. Fir8t Brigade. Col. NORMAN EDDY. 72d Illinois, Col. Frederick A. Starring. 48th Indiana, Maj. Edward J. Wood. 59th Indiana,Capt. ThoumasA. MeNaught. 4th Minnesota, Lieut. Col. John E. Tour- tellotte. Second Brigade. Col. EPHEAIM H. ECKLEY. 56th Illinois (Companies A, B, C, E, F, G, H, and K), Lient. Col. .James F. Cooper. 17th Iowa, Col. David B. Hillis. 10th Missonri, Lient. Col. Leonidas Hor- ney. 24th Missouri, Company E, Lient. Will- iam W. McCarnmon. 80th Ohio, Lient. Col. Matthias H. Bartil- son. Third Brigade. Ccl. CHARLES L. MATTHIES. 93d Illinois, Col. Holden Putnam. 5th Iowa, Lient. Ccl. Ezekiel S. Sampson. 10th Iowa, Lient. Col. William E. Small. 26th Missouri, Maj. Charles F. Brown. Artillery. Liout. Col. ALBERT it. POWELL. 1st Missouri, Battery M, Lient. Junins W. MacMurray. 11th Ohio Battery, Liout. Cyrus Sears. 6th Wisconsin Battery, Capt. Henry Dillon. 12th Wisconsia Battery, Capt. William Zickerick. Cavalry. 2d Illinois, Company E, Capt. Samuel P. Tipton. 5th Missouri, Company C, Lient. Russel W. Maryhugh. ~ In the field. Headquarters at Lake }?rovPiguce, La, This ~ljvi~,jon tr~nsferre4 irom Sixteenth Army Corps, January 20. ~n ~ ne.i~r Memp1i~, Term, CHAP. XXXVI.] 2 Page 30 30 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAr. XXXVI GEnMANTOWN, February 1,1863. General HAMILToN, Memphis: Van Dorn was at Grenada on Monday last. On that day batteries were being moved across the Yalabusha, going north on cars. The trestle-work just below Coffeeville was almost repaired. On same day a considerable body of cavalry camped for some days near Hardee Sta- tion, on Memphis and Grenada Railroad. Moved toward Coffeeville. Later information says their trains are running to Water Valley, and they have troops there. Nothing yesterday at Holly Springs. Tuesday last, steamers Cotton Plant and Ben. MeCulloch lay at Panola, on Tallahatchee, loading with corn and stores gathered from the country. Major [G. L.} B1ythe~ camp is 10 miles northwest of Hernando. South of Coldwater, in region of Byhalia and Coekrums Cross-Roads, are from 1,000 to 1,500 cavalry. No immediate design, I think, on this road. A. L. LEE, Colonel, Connnan ding Cavalry. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE, Ale phis, Thin., February 2, 1863. [Maj. Gen. U. S. GTiANT:1 GENERAL: The Eighty-seventh Illinois Infantry will arrive here to- day. The Tenth Missouri Cavalry is all here but one company. The Second Wisconsin Cavalry from Helena, and a battalion First Missouri Cavalry are here. The Fifteei~th Regulars from Columbus are here. The First Regulars from Corinth are nuder orders, and will be here in a day or two. I have ordered the Thirty-fourth Wisconsin (en route) to be stopped at Columbus, and that portion of Thirty-fifth Iowa there to go to Tattle, at Cairo. I think I shall send the Tenth Cavalry, Colonel Cornyn, to Dodge, at Corinth, but Dodge is nearly starved for forage, an(l I may want the regiment here, for I learn of something every day that confirms the indications that Van Domu is ready to move on this road as soon as these divisions of Logans and Quinbys get away. Un- doubted information of yesterday says Van Dorn has returned froni Tupelo, and moved across Yalabusha, at Grenada, with consudermle artilleiy, moving on railroad, which is running to Coffeeville. Repairs on railroad were about complete to Oxford. General Stanley reports to me to-day that a noted secessionist near his camp said yesterday that no great resish nce would be offered at Vicksburg, bat that the rebel army would overrun West Tennessee an~ Kentucky as soon as your forces were diverted down the river. I do not give much credence to such a report, but I have little doubt Van Dorn, with all his cavalry and a division of infantry, will move on this railroad. If he comes, I hope to make him sick of the experiment. Quinby seems averse to going down the river, and wished me to speak to you about it. He must tell you his own reasons. I found, much to my surprise, yesterday, an order from yonr headquarters directing Cap- tain [Asher R.] Eddy to sell all the cotton in Government possession, and it was advertised to be sold to-day. Believing you have not un- derstood the matter fully, I ordered a postponement of sale until you could investigate and decide. It will not do to sell the cotton and pay to the owners 25 cents per pound, the price to be l)aid by speculators. If the Government has any clai iou the cotton, it owns its full value Page 31 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 31 If the owners can establish their claims it w the value, but for it all. Either the , ill not be for a fraction of cotton is liable to confi~c~ation and belongs entirely to the Government, or it must all be given to the owners. 1 mean all the value of the cotton. Some of the claims have been established beyond cavil, and it was to avoid any trouble to you that I have had the sale postponed. If the Government will make a rule to buy all the cotton, taking it out of traders hands entirely, then it will be fairly entitled to what profit can be made between purchase and sale but the seizure of the cotton gives the Government no right to a profit or to take the profits by force out of the legitimate traders hands. Hoping you will soon be here to examine these matters in person, I am, most respectfully, yours, C. S. HAMILTON, Major- (Jeneral. P. 5.Have just received a note from Hurlbut, saying he leaves Cairo for Memphis to-night. LA GRANGE, February 2, 1863. Col. B. H. GRIERSON: Colonel Hatch has patrols out, making it impossible for [R. V.] Rich- ardson to pass south between here and the Hatchie. He has informa- tion of where he was camped txvo days ago36 miles northwest of here. Find out from General Hamilton if he has information of his having left. Colonel Hatch thinks expedition against him would be advan- tageous. WOOD WARI) Lieutenant and Acting Assi8tant Adjutant- tilenerat. SHERMANS HEADQUARTERS, - 3, 1863. Geiieral GRANT: I have been to my extreme right. Two rifle-pits almost finished to waters edge; one reaches the mound. A battery is finished, and to- night a guu will be put in it, looking into the upper water battery. Putting up navy battery for two 8-inch guns on the right. A pretty sharp artillery fight there this morning, but our rifled 30-pounders got the best of it. Going to the front with Prime. SHERMAN. HEADQUARTERS DISTRiCT OF COLUMBUS, February 3, 18636 a. m. Maj. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON, Gommanding District of West Tennessee, Memphis, Tenn.: Island No. 10 is attacked by rebel cavalry and artillery, numbering 3~000 or 4,000. XV. C. Hanford, executive officer U. S. gunboat New Era, reports so in person. One hundred and fifty men of the Thirty- fiI:tli Iowa leave immediately on tow-boat Stephen Bayard and 400 by steaiiiei Emma, to re-enforce the small garrison. I send also ammuimi- tion for the two guns reported as serviceable on the island. Will you permit the withdrawal of our troops from Union City to take the rebel Page 32 32 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. in the rear ~ I want cavalry badly to occupy Hickman and Clinton. Can we not get them from Saint Louis l Another gunboat, in addition to the New Era, would be of great service to prevent the occupation of the island by the rebels. ASBOTH. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 3, 1863. General AsBoTH: No rebel force of the strength you speak of has been known to be in West Tennessee. I think there cannot be more than 300 or 400. Your dispositions are approved. I have cavalry here, but distance is too great to send. Give me particulars as fast as you get them. C. S. HAMILTON, Major- General. [FEBRUARY 318, 1863.For correspondence between Dodge, Ham- ilton, Huribut, and Itosecrans, in reference to Van Dorns movements, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, February 4,11863. General GRANT, Present: I have hastily read the reports of the Lake Providence scheme.* It is admirable and most worthy a determined prosecution. Cover up the design all you can, and it will fulfill all the conditions of the great prob- lem. This little affair of ours here on Yicksburg Point is labor lost. Yonrs, with great respect, ~. T. SHERMAN. MIss. SQUADRON, MOUTII OF YAZOO, February 5, 1863. VIA CAIRO, lLL., February 134.20 p. m. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, $ecretary qf the Navy: SIR: After the ram Queen of the West had reported progress before Vicksburg, I ordered her down the river to sink and destroy all vessels she met with. Colonel Ellet returned this morning, passing the fort at Warrenton in broad daylight, and was hit several times. He (le- stroyed below three large steamers loaded with pork, sugar, molasses, and army supplies. He captured 5 captains and 2 lieutenants. A num- ber of rebel officers m de their escape by jumping overboard. Colonel Ellet caine within two hours of catching General Dick Taylor, with a transport load of troops. The Queen of the West went 10 miles up Red IRiver, where there are many fine steamers that are supplying Port Hnd~ son. They will likely not attempt to go out while the ram is about% She is now out of coal, and had to return on that account. I am going to supply her, either by drifting a barge around at night ~r by sending across the land. Colonel Ellet learns from the prisoners that General Banks is 7 miles from Port Hudson. They had a severe engagement a few days ago. The rebels withdrew and went back to the ~pvt, and~ Sec P4 J~ pp. 15, 16 Page 33 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 33 our troops went back to~. their campa drawn battle, I J)resuLne. The ram took all the vessels l)y surprise. The people did not dream of any- thing of the kind. If we cannot take just now the 6 miles of river in front of Vicksburgq we can take anything that steams upon that portion of the Mississippi betw& en Vicksburg and Port hudson. Very respectfully, DAVID I~. PORTER. LAKE PROVIDENCE, February 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Gomdg. & ventecnth Army Corps: Move one division of your command to this place with as little delay as practicable,~ and come with it yourself One brigade of MeArthurs division 15 now here, and the balance will be ordered up as soon as I return. This bids fair to be the most practicable route for turning Vicks- burg. You will notice from the map that Lake Providence empties through the Tensas, Washita, Black, and lied Rivers into the Missis- 5]PI)1. - All these are now navigable to within a few miles of this place, and by a little digging, less than one-quarter that has been done across the point before Vicksburg, will connect the Mississippi and lake, and in all l)robabihty will wash a channel in a short time. You will want to bring with you all the intrenching tools you can. Forage and beef-cattle can be got here near you in great abundance. You want to come, however, with some forage. Direct the division you leave behind to be in readiness to move at a moments warning. On your arrival here you will find the work progressing which it is expected your command will complete. I will be up to see you soon after your arrival. Cotton speculators will follow you in spite of every effort to prevent it. Make orders excluding all citizens from coming within your lines, so th~ t if any of these fellows get outside they can be kept out. U. S. GRANT. BEFORE VICKSBURG, February 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Oomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: SIR: In accordance with your instructions of the 31st ultimo, I pro- ceeded with 300 men on steamer Diligent to ~ I3en(i, and landed at Bucksons plantation. I here found on inquiring that Big Bayou was 3 ixules distant, and that it ran much nearer the river at the Omega plantation. I re-embarked on the steamer, and passing up to that point found the head of the bayou; an(l on inquiry learned that boats of no description could be used in it. Here 1 took 25 men, and proceeded IA miles to the Omega plantation quarters, and pressed a wagon, six mules, and driver, to haul our rations. I returned to the river, loaded the ia- tious, and started the wagon and 275 men, under Captain Hart of the Eighth Missouri, on the main road, whilst I took an esc6rt of 25 men and proceeded careftilly to survey the bayou, with the following re- sult: From the head of the bayou to Ihe river would require an excavation of 300 yards in length, and a width of 50 feet at top and 25 feet at bot- tom, and a depth of 15 feet. From the point thus made to Willow Bayou there is a depth of 115 feet. by a width of 50 to 25 feet. The F - 3 R RVOL xxxv, PT II Page 34 34 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXYI channel being much obstructed by heavy timber, drift-wood, logs, & c., some few points (in order to give room for boats to turn) require cut- ting off. The channel at many places would require an excavation of 3 to 5 feet in depth. It is my opinion that the whole amount of exca- vation required in Big Bayou would be equal to 500 yards in length, and a width of 50 to 2~ feet, and a depth of 15 feet; the distance from the river to the junction of Willow Bayou being 8 miles. Willow Bayou opens with a width of 100 feet, an(l an average depth of 5 feet water, with 10-foot banks, which character it retains, except that the banks gradually recede for 2 miles, when the whole merges into a swamp of 3 miles in length, with an average width of 300 yards. Embankments of 3 miles in length would be required through this swamp, 20 feet width at base and 10 feet at top, with an average hejght of 10 feet. From this point the bayou could easily be made navigable by clearing away a small quantity of timber. The main length of Willow Bayou is 9 miles. iRoundaway Bayou opens with a fine sheet of water. It has an average width of 75 yards, with 10 to 15 feet of water and 10-foot banks, and but little labor would be required, such as cutting away timber along its banks, in order to give free passage to the boats. I exl)lored about 4 miles of lioundaway Bayou, 1~ miles below the railroad. I was here compelled to abandon my exl)loration from the fact that there was no possible pass on this side of the bayou, and as all bridges and ferries have been destroyed by the enemy hi order to prevent our crossing, I did not deem it safe to cross with my small command with no means of falling back should we be attacked by a heavy force, and for the further reasou that I was convinced the whole project is imprac- ticable at this season of the year. During low water it would be a mat- ter of labor and time. We were fired upon just after kindling our fires on the morning of the 4th, wounding one of the Thirtieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry seri- ously; and again while with a guard of 6 men I was trying to find a road by which to pursue my survey, wounding a private of the Eighth Missouri. I was much indebted to Captain Hart, of the Ei~hth Missouri, and all the oflicers with me, for their ready co-operation, and to Dr. A. L. Flint for his attention and efficiency, and ~tmn pleased to say that the entire march was marked by the best of order. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, - JOHN W COIRNYN, Captain, Commanding Expedition. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLUMBUS, Columbus, Ky., February 5, 18632 p. m. Maj. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON, Commanding District of West Tennessee, ]J/Lentphis, Tenn.: Returned last night from Island No. 10. Was unable to find any trace of the rebel force reported by the gunboat officer, William C. Hanford. Only small bands of rebel guerrillas are swarming around. I ordered that seven guns be immediately unspiked and properly remounted for the defense of the island, and balance, seventy-two guns, with carria~ges and other valuable ordnance stores, be shipped to Mem- phis Page 35 CHAP. XXXVI I CORRESPONDENCE ETC.UNION. 35 Colonel Bissell left yesterday on the Sam. Young, with a portion of the ordnance stores. The rest will follow as soon as I can get from Mem- phis or Saint Louis a boat with a sufficiently strong Ihrecastle for the shipment. Shall I send more guns from here also, beside the seventy-two above mentioned 0? The Thirty-fifth Iowa is back, and already at Cairo, except two com- panics, left temporarily at Island No. 10. I have sent reports by Major [John IL] Edie and Colonel Bissell. Everything is right here. At Fort Donelson the rebels were hand- somely whipped, as telegraphed ~esterday, by Major [Thomas J.] New- sham. At Trenton were killed, , an(l captured :34 of [W. A.] Dawsons guerrilla band; 26 horses and 28 stand of arms taken. Colonel Wood commanded our forces. ASBOTH. GENERAL HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, ORDERS, Memphi8, Tenn., February 5, 1863. The undersigned, pursuant to orders received from the President of the United States, hereby assumes command of the Sixteenth Army Corps. The staff of the general commanding will, until further orders, be composed as follows: Capt. Henry Binmore, assistant adjutant-general; Capt. Daniel J. Benner, aide-dc-camp and acting assistant quarter- master; and C William II. Thurston, First Licut. William D. Dempster, and Lieut. Martin K. Cook, aides-decamp. All orders heretofore issued will remain in force until further notice. S. A. HUJILBUT. BEFORE VICKSBURG-, February 6, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON, Commanding Di8tri~t of West Tennessee: From Southern papers, I have seen notices of some of Van Dorns forces arriving at holly springs. There is also evidence that they are ~vorking diligently repairing the railroad north from Grenada. That demonstrations will be made on your lines of communication to divert troops from this expedition is almost certain. If we get Vicks- burg and the balance of the Mississippi River, it may also be expected that all their troops now holding it ~vill be suddenly diverted to Rose- crans front and into West Tennessee. 1 will keep a sharp lookout, however, for this move. I will leave Quinbys division until the last moment, but hope that will not be a great while. If any demonstration should be made requiring the strengthening of some other point in your command, Quinbys division can be nsed about the city, so as to enable you to spare a greater number from your com- mand proper. I think my order in relation to the sale of cotton a just one, and still adhere to it. If wrong, and so decided by competent authority, the quartermaster can refund the whole amount received for the cotton, deducting all proper charges. You will direct, therefore, that the sale proceed under my orders. U. S. GRANT Page 36 [ChAP. XXXYL 36 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. BEFORE YICKS3URG, Febr4ary 6, 1863. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Corndg. Muss. Squadron: I would respectfully advise the following programme to be followed, as near as practicable, by the expedition through Yazoo Pass: They necessarily go through the Pass into Coidwater River, thence down that stream into the Tallahatchee, which, with its junction with the Yalabusha, forms the Yazoo, which it is the great object of the ex- pe(Iition to enter. At the town of Marion [Greenwood], on the Yazoo River, [the enemy] were said at one time to have a a batter~~, but it has been removed, and, unless a mistrust of our present design has induced the enemy to reoccupy that l)oint, no guns will be found there. It would be well, however, to approach it carefully. Below Marion [Greenwood] the river divides, forming a very large island, the right-hand branch, descending, being known as the Big Sunflower, or at least connecting with it, and the left-hand branch retains the name of Yazoo. On this is Yazoo City, where in all l)rOb- ability steamers will be found; and if any gunboats are being con- structed, it is at this place. According to the information I receive, most of the transports are up the Sunflower River. I would, therefore, advise that both of these streams, and in fact all navigable bayous, be well reconnoitered before the expedition returns. The Yalabusha is a navigable stream to Grenada. At this place the railroad branches, one going to Memphis, the other to Columbus, Ky. These roads cross the river on different bridges. The enemy are now repairing both these roads, and on the upper one, the one leading through the middle of West Tennessee, have made considerable progress. I am liable at all times to be com- pelled to divert from the Mississippi River expedition a large portion of my forces on account of the existence of these roads. If these bridges can be destroyed, it would be a heavy blow to the enemy, and of much service to us. I have directed 600 men, armed with rifles, to go up oim transports to Delta, leaving here to-morrow, to act as marines to the expedition. Have also ordered the~regiments spoken of this morning to report at steamer Magnolia at 10 a. m. to-morrow, to join your service. U. S. GRANT. P. S.I have directed the troops sent with the Yazoo expedition to take filteen days rations with their. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp before Vieksburg, February 6,1863. Admiral DAVID D. POuTER, Comdg. Miss. Squadron: DEAR SIR: 1 did not ~et to my quarters till near midnight last night, when I found your note of yesterday, about the coal. Major Jianimond had told me that he had answered that the roads are awful, and to haul the coal in wagons is a simple impossibility. You saw them in fair weather, and can judge of them in foul. No drainage, rain above, and water underneath and all around, arid a sticky, slimy clay, all militate against roads. The canal is full of water, and threatens our camps; still, I think barges could work through the canal. In this way coal could reach here at great labor. Again, a barge could be Carried by night, and turned loose and le Page 37 (~HAP. XXXVI.] COfl1~ESPONPENCE, ETC.UNION. 37 her pick it np. This latter plan was suggested by the officer of the ram Queen of the West, when I was 0111 bo~ird of her, yesterday after- noon. Colonel Ellet seems to be full of energy and resources. If he will devise a practical method of getting coal to his boats, and needs assistance which I can give, tell him to call on me. Since Captain Breese passed through the canal in his skiff; several logs and obstructions have been removed, and the current has cut more width and depth. Captain Prime, to facilitate the opening of a new mouth, has temporarily closed the old one; still, water finds its way in, and runs through witli a strong current, and so threatens the overflow of the gronnd south of the railroad that I have ord,ered the removal of the camps to this side of the railroad, but will keep strong guards at the foot of the canal, and at the Biggs place. Dont yon want two 30-ponnder Parrott guns on that side, and the ferry-boat now all loaded with cotton and covered with iron ~ 1 am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ llnQus. FIFTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, No. 34. f Camp before Yieksburg, February 6, 1863. I. General Steele will detail the Fifty-eighth Ohio to report to Gen- eral Grant on board the Magnolia at 10 a. m. February 7, 1863, for service on the gunboats. They will be organized into companies, with one officer to take charge of each company. Any officer with the reg- iment in excess of this number will be detached and assigned to some other Ohio regiment or battery. General Steele will also detail one or two regiments, amonnting in the aggregate to al)out 600 mcii, for dut y, to go up the river on the Yazoo Cut-off expedition in the gnn- boats. They will be ready to embark on steamboats early to-morrow morning, provided with fifteen days~ rations. As they are to serve on gunboats (luring this expedition, they will not need tents or transpor- tation, and will leave them in charge of some officer and regimental guard, to await the return of this detachment. 11. Brig. Gen.D. Stuart, commanding Second Division, will detail two mounted orderlies and two infantrymen (guards) to report to the presi- (lent of the n11ilitary commission on board steamer Forest Queen. III. The officer in charge of the two 30-pounder rifle guns now in posi- tion at the mouth of the canal will deliver them, with their ammunition and implements, to the order of Colonel Ellet, commanding the ram Queen of the West, now lying at the lower landing. The officer commanding the infantry guard will assist with all his men in putting these guns and ammunition on board the Queen of the West in such manner as Colonel Ellet may request. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp before Vieksburg, February 7, 1863. General CURTIS, Saint Louis: DEAR GENERAL: Mr. J. L. Curtis J)resented your note. General Grant is now here, and I commended Mr. Curtis to him o.n the busi- ness on which he came. He is on I lie point of starting back, and 1 avail myself of him to write you a lbw words Page 38 MISSISSJPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI Our canal here dont amount to much. It is full of water, but mani- fests no disposition to change the channel. It is a very small affair, and we can hardly work a barge through it for stumps. Even if it suc- ceeds, Warrenton Bluff lies below, next Grand Gulf, next Rodney, and so on; Fort Adams, Port Hudson, & c. But Grant is on two other proj- ects: to turn some of the. waters of the Mississippi through Old Yazoo Pass into the Yazoo, above the forts at ilaynes Bluff, so that our gun- boats may reach the Yazoo fleet above Yazoo City; and to turn the main river into Lake Providence when its waters would follow the Ten- sas to Black River, then the Red and Atchafalaya, thus actually reach- ing the sea without approaching any bluff or ground easy of defense. This is a magnificent scheme, and, if successful, will be a grand achiev- ment.. A glance at the map will show it at least probable. There are abont 30,000 men in Yicksburg, a large part of the enemy having gone to Port Hudson, and some are working north, by Holly Springs and Grand Junction. This latter move is dangerous to us, but may be checked by the appearance, of the gunboats in the Yazoo. We have McClernand, Prentiss, Steele, Blair, and many others here, but, aside from the canal-digging, we are idle. The war against us by the newspaper press has assumed large proportions, and I hope it proves profitable to them. Your friend, W. T. SHERMAN. BEFORE Yicxsnuua, February 7, 1863. Commanding Officer Yazoo Expedition: You will proceed without delay to Helena, Ark., and there take in tow a barge of coal, applying to General Gorman for the same, and re- turn to Delta, Miss., with it. At Delta you will remain until the arri- val of four gunboats that have been designated by the admiral, when you will divide your force and send them aboard of the gunboats, the number on each to be determined by the Navy Department. As soon as the expedition proceeds, you will discharge the transport on which you ascend the river, and direct her to return the empty coal barge to Helena, and then return to this fleet herself. Full directions have been given the Navy Department for their guidance on this expedition. The infantry go to act as marines for the occasion. The troops will be under the immediate command of their own officers, but in no instance are they to exercise control over the vessel, or dictate when they are to go or what to do. The troops are designed to give protection to the ves- sels on which they are, and to operate on land if the necessity arises. U. S. GRANT. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 38. f Youngs Point, La., February 7, 1863. * * * * * * * YIII. Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut will, in addition to his command oI~ the Sixteenth Army Corps, assume command of all the forces in the Districts of Memphis, Columbus, Jackson, and Corinth. Maj. Gen. C. S. Hamilton, oii being relieved by Major~General Hurl- but, will report to the latter, in l)erson, for orders. * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A~ itAWLINS, Assistartt A djnta ~t- General Page 39 ChAP. XXX VI.] OOId~ESI~ONDI~NCt, 1120.UNION. CAIRO Ii ~L., February 8, 1863. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy: SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on the 1st instant I ordered Col. Charles Ellet, in the rain Queen of the West, Captain Sutherland commander, to run the batteries at Vicksburg, and destroy the steamer City of Vicksbnrg, lying before the city. She ran the batteries under a heavy fire of fifty guns, and struck the steamer, leaving her on lire and in a sinking condition. The fire was put out, and the steam-pumps still keep the steamer afloat. The Queen of the West is off down the river, with orders to capture and destroy all vessels she meets with. This cuts off all the enemys means of supplies of Port hudson and Vicksburg by the way of Red River, and cuts off all communication up the Big Black. I will re-enforce the Queen of the West as soon as an opportunity offers. Very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER. BEFORE Y1CXSBURG, February 8,1863. Brig. Gen. WILLIS A. GORMAN, Comdg. District of Eastern Arkansa8: I send by the steamer that takes this, 600 men, intended to accompany a fleet of gunboats down the Yazoo River, if found practicable. The steamer goes to flelena after a barge of coal for this fleet. If the navy have any coal at Helena; take that; if not, send a barge belonging to the quartermasters department. Admiral Porter has called my atteution to the fact that army transports have been in the habit of taking coal belonging to the Navy Department. This should not be allowed, ex- cept in case of great emergency, and then any coal takeii should be returned as soon as possible. The two branches of service are supplied out of diffl~rent appropria- tions; hence the necessity of being particular in this matter. As it is of the utmost importance that this expedition should get off, and cannot do it without the coal, if there is none on hand send a steamer forth with to Memphis after some, with directions to return as soon as 1)05- sible. Should a steamer be sent up, if they meet a tow coming down with coal, let them take one of their barges and return immediately. If it should be necessary to send the steamer that has the troops aboard, let them debark at Helena and await her return. Some other steamer should be sent, however, if practicable. U. S. GRANT. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPT. OF TIlE TENNESSEE, No. 39. f Youngs Point, La., February 8, 1863. S * * * * * * IV. Brig. Gen. B. M. Prentiss is hereby assigned to the command of the District of Eastern Arkansas, headquarters at Helena, Ark., to which place he will proceed without delay. * * * -* * * * XVI. The infantry and artillery forces of the Thirteenth Army Corps in the l)istrict of Eastern Arkansas will constitute the Twelfth and Thirteenth Divisions of the Army of the Tennessee, and be orgauized as follows :* * * * * * * * * See Organization of the Army of th& 5 Teune~see. p. ~l Page 40 40 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. xxxvt XVII. The cavalry of the Thirteenth Army Corps in the District of Eastern Arkansas xviii constitute the Second Cavalry Division of the Army of the Tennessee, and will be commanded by Brig. Gen. C. C. W ashbnrn. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant General. SPECIAL HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, ORDERS, Camp near Vieksburg, February 8, 1863. * * * * * * * V.. E~h division of this corps will furnish a daily detail of 500 men to work on the canal, reliefs to be at the discretion of division com- manders. They will, with all their officers, report each morning at 7 oclock to Captain Jenney, engineer officer on the Ic the vee, between main levee and the railroad. On Monday (to-morrow), the Second Division; Tuesday, First Division, and alternately. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, A ssistant Adjuktnt- General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tcnn., February 8, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department, & c.: GENERAL: Your disp~ tch of the 5th instant was received at 10 a. m. ye8tcrd ay. Logans division is all ready, and will embark as soon as transports can be provided. There are not enongh here now, but Graham thinks sonic will be up this evening. I hope to get away from here with Logans division by Tuesday night at latest. Quinbys division is just relieved from railroad duty, and marching in to-day. His command will be in good shape, and ready to move at a moments notice. Bissell has just shown me an order requiring him to move, with Lo- gans division, with his regiment, pontoon train, train, tools, & c, and I have given Graham orders to assign him a boat, which he is now loading. I hope soon to be with you, and aid in carrying out the l)lan, which strikes me as the best and most feasible that has been presented. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON. [FEBRUARY 8, 1863.For Asboth to Huribut, about transfer of Forts Donelson, Henry, and Heiman to the Department of the Cumberland, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part 11, p. 51.1 HDQRS. DIST. OF WEST TENN., Memphis, February 9, 1863. Mmii. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL : I h ax-c iii term at ion (lirect from Gren a(la arid Jackson, Miss. A young muan (Horton ~, native of Minnesota, and known to man Page 41 OriAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 41 of the Minnesota men, came through from Jackson to avoid the conscrip- tion. The last division of troops left Grenada for Vicksburg the day Hor- ton came through Grenada. The total force at Vicksburg is not believed to exceed 45,000 men, and at Port Hudson there are about 15 000. But four regiments of troops are left at Mobile, and no more troops are available in the South to send to Yicksburg. An expedition fitted out in Mobile to operate against our store-ships had failed, buta much larger one was in preparation, and the men en- gaged in it were to have one-half the captures. rfhis information from Mobile comes through General Dodge, who regards it as entirely reliable. I communicated it to Captain Pennock, of the navy, who sent it to Washington. Roddey has built a small field-work on the east bank of the Tennes- see [River], near Eastport, and has a steamer. Dodge wants two or three transports and a gunboat to clean him out. His sphere of opera- tions is in Rosecrans department. Huribut, having assumed command of the Sixteenth Army Corps, limits my command to the Districts of Memphis and Corinth, and throws nearly all the trade business into my hands. I find enough to do. Both Hurlbut and myself have prohibited circulation of Chicago Timues in our commands. I referred the subject of the cotton in the hands of Captain Eddy to you hi a former letter. I shall be pleased if you sanction my course of J)rocQedumg. 1 have simply postponed the sale, but, owing to your order to sell it, I have not deemed myself authorized to take any action further than the postponement of sale until your decision could be had. A portion of the cotton is fully liable to confiscation, and the agents of the United States Sanitary Commission have applied to me for a few bales to be made into comforters for the hospitals. If you authorize me to investigate and dispose of the claims of owners, I will (10 So, but cannot act with- out specific authority. Will you please give me instructions on the subject by return mail ~? Where claims of owners are established, the cotton ought to be given up only to the original owners, or on the origi- nal owners written order. Such a course will prevent any fraud on the part of speculators. Everything here is working harmoniously. I hope you will be entirely successful in your undertaking. The taking of Vicksburg is your right, and 1 hope it may be added to the laurels which belong to you as the most successful general of the war. 1 am, general, most truly, yours, C. S. HAMILTON, Major- General. PROVIDENCE, LA., February 9, 1863. Lieut. Col. Joux A. BAWLINs: COLONEL: The work from the river to Lake Providence is nearly com- pleted, but, of course, the water cannot be let in until the outlet through Bayou Baxter is clear. This cannot be (lone with the force now here. I hope, therefore, that the remnainder of the Sixth Division will be sent here as soon as practicable. An immense amount of stock has been driven from this region over to the high lands west of Bayou Macon, which will be accessible as soo Page 42 42 MISSISSIPPI, WESI TENKtSStt, tTC. [tIHAP. Xxxvi as Baxter is open. As it is now, the~foragin g party on the Continental have pretty well cleaned out what was left. The rebels cut the levee on Bunchs Bend on Saturday, but were dis- covered by our mule cavalry in time to prevent the consummation of their project. They were compelled to repair the levee, and warned that a repetition of the offense would be visited by the burning of every house in the settlement. Respectfully, W. L. DUFF, Lieut. Gol., Chief of Artillery, Department of the Tenne8see. IIDQRS. FIsKs Div., Helena, Ark.~ February 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. SAMUEL H. CURTIS, Saint Loui8: Mv DEAR GENERAL: Your valued favor of the 3d instant * is re- ceived. I thank you for its kind words of encouragement, and your counsel touching prudence, courage, and faith. Personally I was not at all pleased with the cli ange, though temporarily, which has trans- ferred me from your command, yet I know it to be best that all the forces below Cairo be under one command until the Mississippi River is again open to the commerce of the Northwest, and I wish very much you had command of the down-river exl)edition. We require prudent heads in this campaign. Unless caution prevails, the loss in life will be terrible. We ought not to be slaughtered when a little time and strategy must give us every rebel stronghold between here and New Orleans. I saw General Grant when he passed down, a few days since; he seems to comprehend the great work before us. I hope he will receive the cordial co-operation of all his subordinates, and that victory may be ours when again we fall in before the Gibraltar of Dixie. Matters at Helena are considerably mixed. General Gorman by some means has led the people to believe that he has been quite devoted to the cotton business. I am inclined to think he is very much mnisrep- resented in this matter. I fear his sonsboth of them have resigned and gone home have prejudiced the general by some imprudences. It is very difficult for a man of General Gormans teml)erament to get along smoothly with such a conglomeration as that of Helenas military cotton and contraband population. 1 aiim sorry to see that certain correspondents for the papers at the North have written in such strain about the last expedition up White River. It was not the fault of General Gorman that the rebels had fled from Saint Charles and Bevalls Bluff. If the rascals would not stay and be whipped handsomely, we were not to blame. The joint expedi- tion into Arkansas, as arranged by Generals McClernand and Gormnan and Admiral Porter, one party to go up the Arkansas and the other one to go up the White River, was a good project beyond doubt,~ and had the water in the Arkansas been of sufficient depth to float the iron- dads, and MeClernand been enabled thereby to go to Little Rock, the people would have said, How admirably the expedition was arranged! General Gorman has driven the rebels from Whlie River right into Gen - eral MeClernands trap ! ~ The water was not in the Arkansas. We became satisfied that there were no rebels in force above Des Arc, and came back. * Not found Page 43 CHAP. XXXVI.J CO1d3~ESPONDENCE, ETC.litNlON. 43 The satisfaction of knowing what was going on in the interka of this State, and making the demonstration we did, was worth the co~t. General Gormans very peculiar manner and method of doing things~~ has not made him popular with the officers of this army, and they all, or nearly all, treat him as no superior should be treated, however great his peculiarities. I have no trouble with the general. 1 will not have with him or anybody else. Shall do all I can to sustain him in his move- ments against the rebels, even though he does not do it just as I think I would do under the same circumstances. We are all human, and mis- erable sinners at that. I desire to do my whole duty; will labor to learn, and will ask wisdom from Him who holdeth the destinies of na- tions in His hands. I have a fine division, composed of Missouri, Iowa, and Wisconsin troops; have four Iowa infantry regimentsTwenty-fourth, Twenty- ninth, Thirty-third, and Thirty-sixth. My hands, heart, and head are constantly employed. I am doing all I can to improve the sanitary con- dition of the army and the town. If General Grant would give me the command of this post, I would make a good effort at regeneration and purification. I fear a pestilence, unless the powers that be move vigorously in reform. * * * * * * I am, faithfully, your friend, CLINTON B. FISK. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 10, 1863. Brig. Gen. I. F. QUINBY, Commanding Seventh Division: GENERAL: You will hold your command in readiness to embark on transports and proceed down the Mississippi iRiver to Lake Providence, and join the balance of the Seventeenth Army Corps at the shortest notice. Transports will be l)rovided as soon as possible after the departure of General Logans division. Troops will want immediately in their own hands all the ammunition required in I)revious orders, also three day& cooked rations in haversacks and several days additional on hand. Division commissaries will take thirty days rations for further use. You will direct your quartermaster to collect and bring along all the in- trenching tools he can get for the use of your command. Five wagons for each regiment and 1 to each company of artillery, and 1 wagon in addition for each brigade and division command, and 2 ambulances for each regiment will be allowed, with the necessary animals. Twenty days forage will be taken along. Citizens not connected with the army will in no case be permitted to accompany the expedition. All trains and teams now in the division not required on the expedi- tion will be turned over to such quartermasters as Colonel IReynolds, assistant quartermaster, may designate to receive them after the troops are embarked and their stores landed on the levee. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [JAS. B. McPHERSON.] MEMPHIS, TENN., February 10, 1863. OFFIcERS AND SOLDIERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS: Our niarching orders have come, and it is for us to respond with proml)tness and alacrity. We move to tapture the stronghold of th Page 44 44 MISSISSHPI, WEST ThENESSEE, EIYO. [CusP. Stilt rebels in the Valley .of the Mississippi. That our success is certain, I have nqt the slightest doubt, If you bring to the performance of the work the same seal, ability, and patriotic devotion to your country which have marked your course thus far. Before an indomitable, will, an earnestness of purpose, and a solemn resolution not to see our glorious old 1g dishonored before a rebel fce, all obstacles will disappear. I know that I do not sp6ak to the heroes of FortDoneison, Shiloh, Island 1To~ 10, and Corinth in vain. The record of your past services,.glorious sit isj is but an earnest of the fbture. Let no discouraging circum stances at home diminish your patriotism or cause you to falter for one moment in the caner of honor width lies before you. We go forward to strike a fatal blow against this most uqiustiftable rebellion, a blow which will tell with deadly effect, and cause the heart of every true and loyal man in our contry to swell with pride. We go to plant our flag upon the ramparts of Vicksburg, and Iknow I but echo your sentiments when I say that each and every one of you desires, no matter. what the labor, privation, or danger may be, to bat. tIe earnestly and heroically untilthls great work is accomplished. Then, indeed, when this rebellion Is crushed, can you return to your hom~s with manly pride, and, pointing to the glorious but triumphant and battlestained banner with Vicksburg inscribed upon It, say, We helped to placeit there. [JAB. B. MOPHEBSON.] M.j. Gen. U. S. GRANT, OommaadSsg, to.: Dan GanaL: I had hoped to have started last night with Logans division for Lake Providence, but am still here, with no prospect of get- ting off for three or four days. I am very much annoyed, but see no help for it, as there an not half enough transports here to carry the division. Six or seven boats that were expected don from Saint Louis are frozen fast, and there is no telling when they will get through. I have given orders to detain all boats, except such as an absolutely necessary to bring supplies, until enough are procured. I will do all in my power to get away and carry out my part of the programme. Logans division, has been ready for the last ten days to embark, and you may net assured we till not delay one minute after the transports an ready. Very respectfully, your. obedient w)~ B. MoPHEBSON. [FflhuAzY U, 186tFor Curtis to Hlleck, In refewnce to opera. tious connected with the Vicksburg campaign, Series I, VoL XXII, Part II, p. 107.] GnALOuDfl5,j HDQK. SzrnurIFH Ar Corn, .Iftmpkft, Tern.., Fdnuwg 11, 186& In pursuance of Special Orders, No. 80, from Headquarters Depart- ment of the Tennessee,. dated Youngs Point, La., February 7,1863, MaJ. Gen. S. A.. Hurlb t hereby assumes command of all the forces In the Districts of Memphis, Columbus, Jackson, and Corinth, which forces an temporarily attached to the Sixteenth Army Corps Page 45 [CHAP. XXXV I. MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. 45 This order does not apply to the troops of the Seventeenth Army Corps within the district of West Tennessee, now under orders to move. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. iluribut: HENRY BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General. UNITED STATES MISS. SQUADRON, February 12, 1863. General GRANT, Commanding: GENERAL: I shall send the Indianola down to-night to run the bat- teries at Vicksburg. She will show two red lights when she gets near your pickets below. If you would let your l)COple at the canal show a .light, I would be much obliged. I want Captain Brown to send me a report. Will you please order it sent over ~ Very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER. [Indorseinent.] HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, February 12, 1863. General DAVID STUART: General Grant has referred this to General Sherman. fle directs that you take secret, but effectual, measures to instruct your people at the canal and along the levee. I have notified General Steele. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. HAMMQND, Assistant Adjutant- General. MEMPHIS, February 12, 1863. Major-General HURLEUT, Commanding: GENERAL: Herewith please find telegram from General Dodge. This movement of Van Dorns clears our front of all cavalry except tlia~t of [0. L.] Ely thes, which is operating in the direction of Panola. It is the time to strike the Vicksbnrg and Jackson road. I would recommend that a brigade of cavalry move from La Grange around the headwaters of the Tallahatehee and Yalabusha, making as much of a demonstration as possible about Poutotoc; then the main body to retire, and a single regiment, un(ler a dashiiig leadersay, Hatchmove to the south as rapidly as possible, taking fresh horses from the country, and push night and day direct for Jackson. There are no troops at Jackson, but Johnston is there. The bridge over the Pearl River could be de- stroyed, as well as all the railroad shops and rolling stock, and a dash made at the Big Black River Bridge, which, if destroyed, will com- pletely isolate Vicksburg from the interior. After getting round the headwaters of Yalabusha, the route should be as nearly as possible along the line of the Mississippi Central road, so as to cut the wires, and, if necessary, destroy a bridge, though the latter might take up time which would be of more importance than the bridges. This is the outline of the l)lan, amt one which I deem feasible almost to a certainty. The movement of the brigade to Pontotoc would be a diversion in favor of Rosecrans, for I have no doubt Van Dorn is bound for operations against Rosecrans communications by land and river. Please give the subject your consideration. I am, general, very respectfully, yours, C. S. HAMILTON Page 46 46 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVT. [Inelosure.] CORINTH, February 12, 1863. Major-General HAMILTON: My cavalry came up with Van Porns advance yesterday morning, 12 miles south of Burleson, Franklin County, Alabama, on the Cotton-gin and Russeliville road. We captured a number of prisoners, and find that Van Dorn, with twelve pieces of artillery and four brigades of mounted men, commanded by [W. H.] Jackson, [B.] McCulloch, [J. W] Whitfield, and [F. C.] Armstrong, are moving north on that road. He camped night before last near Bear Creek. The cavalry are still there, doing the best they can. All the prisoners appear to be ignorant of where they are goingsome say to Bragg, some Tennessee River, and- others to Kentucky. He has a heavy train with him, and the bridges I have burned will disconcert him. A gunboat should be at Florence, for I believe he will cross at that place. Roddey and [J. B.] Biffie have crossed the Tennessee, and all the mounted robbers in the country are joining him. The roads are very bad, and streams high. His main force is now 70 miles from him. I have ordered the cavalry to stay in the mountains in Alabama, and do all the mischief they can; they certainly, so far, have made some bold (lashes there. Prisoners were taken right out of his column. 0-. M. DODGE. (Similar, Dodge to Rosecrans, February 13.) HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH A. C., DEPT. OF THE TENN., February 12, 1863. Major-General lluuL]VuT: I have just received the following telegram, and I send it to you, thinking you may wish to telegraph for gunboats. Respectfully, yours, JER. C. SULLIVAN. [Inelosure.] JACKSON, February 11, 1863. Brigadier General SULLIVAN, (Care of Major-General Hamilton): Colonel Sanford telegraphs from Bethel: 1 have information that Roddey, with 1,500 men and three guns, two of them 24- - pounders, joined Biffle, who has 500 men and two 6-pounder guns, at Waynesborough, on Sunday last, and that their intention is to move to Clifton from Wayneshorough, to try and intercept the transports that are expected up the river. This came from good, loyal men who live near Waynesborough. T. H. HARRIS, Assistant Adjutant- General, SPECIAL FIELD ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 2. f Youngs Point, La., February 12, 1863. I. The nature of the service the army is now called on to perform making it impracticable to transport or provide for persons unemployed by Government, the enticing of negroes to leave their homes to come within the lines of the army is positively forbidden. They should be permitted to remain at their homes, and, in pursuance of the recoin Page 47 CHAP. XXXVI.] CC L~RESPONDENcE, ETC.UNION. 47 mendation of the President, in all cases where allowed to labor faith- fully for reasonable wages. Those at-present within the lines will not be turned out, but in future in the field no persons, white or black, who are not duly authorized to pass the lines of sentinels will be permitted to enter or leave camp. II. Whenever the services of negroes are required, details will be made by army corps commanders for the purpose of collecting them, and they will be registered, provided for and with law and existing orders. employed in accordance IlL The too prevalent habit oC arresting citizens beyond the lines of the army and bringing them into camp without charge is prejudicial to the service, and must not be continued. When citizens are arrested hereafter without charges being l)referred warranting the arrest, the citizen will be turned outside the lines, and the officer or soldier causing the arrest will be confined and otherwise punished at the discretion of a court-martial. IN. No flag of truce will hereafter be allowed to pass our outposts. Any message sent under it will be received by an officer and receipted for, and the flag directed to return immediately. All answers to such messages will be sent under our own flag of truce. v V. Attention of army corps commanders is particularly called to the Forty-first, Forty-second, Forty-sixth, and Fiftieth Articles of War, which will be rigidly enforced. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. IRAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. THIRD DIVISION, SEVENTEENTH Aui~i~ CoRPS, Memphis, Tenn., February 12, 1863. M~ FELLOW SOLDIERS: Debility from recent illness has prevented, and still l)revents, me from appearing amongst you, as has been my cus- tom, and is my desire. It is for this cause I deem it my duty to com- municate with you now, and give you tlie assurance that your general still maintains unshaken confidence in your patriotism and devotion, and in the ultimate success of our glorious cause. I am aware that influences of the most discouraging aud treasonable character, well calculated and designed to render you dissatisfied, have recently been brought to bear upon some of you by professed triends. Newspapers, containing treasonable articles, artfully falsify- ing the public sentiment at your homes, have been circulated in your camps. Intriguing political tricksters, demagogues, and time-servers, whose corrupt deeds are but a faint reflex of their more corrupt hearts, seeni determined to drive our people on to anarchy and destruction. They have hoped, by magnifying the reverses of our arms, basely mis- representing the conduct and slandering the character of our soldiers in the field, and boldly denouncing the acts of the constituted authorities of the Government as unconstitutional usurpations, to produce general demoralization in the army, and thereby reap their political reward, weaken the cause we have espoused, and aid those arch traitors of the South to dismember our mighty republic and trail in the dust the em- blem of our national unity, greatness, and glory. Let me remind you, my countrymen, that we are soldiers of the Fed- eral Union, armed for the preservation of the Federal Constitution and the maintenance of its laws and authority. Upon your faithful- ness and devotion, heroism and gallantry, depend its perpetuity. T Page 48 48 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. us has been committed this sacred inheritance, baptized in the blood of our fathers. We are soldiers of a Government that has always Llessed us with prosperity and happiness. It has given to every Ameri- can citizen the largest freedom and the most perfect equality of rights and privileges; it has afforded us security in person and property, and blessed us nntil, under its beneficent influence, we were the prondest nation on earth. We should be united in our efforts to put down a rebellion that now, like an earthquake, rocks the nation from State to State and from cen- ter to circumference, and threatens to engulf us all in one common ruin, the horrors of which no pen can portray. We have solemnly sworn to bear true faith to this Government, preserve its Constitution, and de- fend its glorious flag against all its enemies and opposers. To our hands has been committed the liberties, the prosperity, and happiness of future generations. Shall we betray such a trust~ Shall the bril- liancy of your past achievements be dimmed and tarnished by hesitation, discord, and dissension, whilst armed traitors menace you in front and unarmed traitors intrigue against you in the rear~? We are in no way responsible for any action of the civil authorities. We constitute the military arm of the Government. That the civil power is threatened and attempted to be paralyzed is the reason for resort to the military power. To aid the civil authorities (not to oppose or obstruct) in the exercise of their authority is our office, and shall we forget this duty, and stop to wrangle and dispute over this or that political act or meas- ure whilst the country is bleeding at every pore; whilst a fearful wail of anguish, wrung from the heart of a distracted people, is borne U~O~ every breeze, and widows and orphans are appealing to us to avenge the loss of their loved ones who have fallen by our side indefense of the old blood-stained banner, and whilst the temple of liberty itself is being shaken to its very center by the ruthless blows of traitors, who have desecrated our flag, obstructed our national highways, destroyed our peace, desolated our firesides, and draped thousands of homes in mourning I Let us stand firm at our posts of duty and of honor, yielding a cheer- ful obedience to all orders from our superiors, until, by our united efforts, the Stars and Stripes shall be planted in every city, town, and hamlet of the rebellious States. We can then return to our homes, and through the ballot-box peacefully redress all our wrongs, if any we have. Whilst I rely upon you with confidence and pride, I blush to confess that recently some of-those who were once our comrades in arms have so far forgotten their honor, their oaths, and their country as to shame- fully desert us, and skulkingly make their way to their homes, where, like culprits, they dare not look an honest man in the face. Disgrace and ignominy (if they escape the penalty of the law) will not only fol- low them to their dishonored graves, but will stalu[) their names and lineage with infamy to the latest generation. The scorn and contempt of every true man will ever follow those base men, who, forgetful of their oaths, have, like cowardly spaniels, deserted their comrades in arms in the face of the foe and their country in the hour of its greatest peril. Every true-hearted mother or father, brother, sister, or wife, will spurn the coward who could thus not only disgrace himself, but his name and his kindred. Au indelible stamp of infamy should be brand- ed upon his cheek, that all who look upon his yile countenance may feel for him the contempt his cowardice merits. Could I believe that such conduct found either justification or excuse in your hearts, or that you would for a moment falter in our glorious purpose of saving th Page 49 CHAr. XXXVI.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 49 nation from threatened wreck and hQpeless ruin, I would invoke from Deity, as the greatest boon, a common grave to save us from such in- famy and disgrace. The day is not far distant when traitors and cowards, North and South, will cower before the indignation of an outraged people. March bravely onward! ~ erve your strong arms to the task of overthrowing every obstacle in the pathway of victory until with shouts of triumph the last gun. is fired that proclaims us a united people under the old flag and one government! Patriot soldiers! This great work accom- l)lislled, the reward for such service as yours will be. realized; the bless- ings and honors of a grateful people will be yours. JOHN A. LOGAN. UNITED STATES Miss. SQUADRON, February 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Army of the Mississippi: GENERAL: I am preparing the mortars, and will open on the town and thereabouts as soon as I can get them in position. Very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER. BEFORE VICK5EURG, February 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, Comdg. AS~iXtCCflth Army Corps: In view of the impending struggle in opening the Mississippi River, it behooves me to collect for that purpose all the forces possible. I cx- l)ected to get some of General Curtis forces now in Northern Arkansas or Southern Missouri, but I do not see that they are coming. I am also informed that no eneniy in any force now threatens any part of the road east from Memphis. With this fact, I think, one div~sjon more might be brought forward, which can be done by transferring it to Shermans army corps, and transferring the District of Memphis to yours. If later information than aiiy I possess does not make it absolutely necessary to retain all the troops you have now, you may relieve one of the di- visions between Memphis and Grand Junction and bring it forward to Memphis, and hold in readiness to be brought forward at a moments notice. Please notify me when this is done and the division selected, so that I can make the necessary order for the transfer. Orders were sent to you on the 7th, before I learned of your return, assigning you to the command of the District of West Tennessee, and directing Hamilton to report to you. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Lake Providence. La., February 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, Comdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: The steamers Rose Hamilton and Evansville are reported for violating my orders regulating trade. Not being at headquarters, I have not got access to orders to give you number and date of the order referred to, but it was published about the 20th of January, and pro- hibits boats landing at other than military ports, or under the protec- tion of gunboats. Trade is not opened below Helena, and, therefore, vessels landing at 4 R RYOL ~XJV, PT II Page 50 5() MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. all below there, excel)t for Government, without special authority, are liable to seizure. I wish you would refer this matter to the provost- marshal for investigation. I have seen your General Orders, No. 4, February 8, prohibiting the circulation of the Chicago Times within your command. There is no doubt but that paper, with several others published in the North, should have been suppressed long since by authority from Washington. As this has not been done I doubt the propriety of suppressing its circu- lation in any one command. The paper would still find its way into the hands of the enemy, through other channels, and do all the mischicf it is now doing. This course is also calculated to give the paper a notoriety evidently sought, and which probably would increase the sale of it. I would direct, therefore, that General Crders, No. 4, be revoked. Information which I have just received, and which is undoubted, shows that Van Dorn, with his force, went over to the Mobile road, to Okolona. Price is at Grenada with 6,000 or 7,000 men only. North of that l)oint there is no large force on the Mis5is5ippi Central Railroad. Our cavalry can go to the Tallahatchee without difficulty. The enemy have not got the road repaired yet north of Water Valley. I would like to have the road destroyed as much as l)ossible south of Holly Springs. - It seems tome that (:iriersou, with about 500 picked men, might suc- ceed in making his way south, and cut the railroad east of Jackson, Miss. The undertaking would be a hazardous one, but it would pay well if carried out. I do not direct that this shall be done but leave it for a volunteer enterprise. General Hamilton countermanded or suspended an order of mine di- recting the sale of sonic captured cotton. I wrote to him saying that the sale should proceed. I wish you would direct Captain Eddy, if he has not already done so, to proceed in accordance with my order in this matter. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servaimt, U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS SiXTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Memphis, Teun., February 13, 1863. Captain PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Cairo: It is of great importance tMt a gunboat be sent up the Tennessee as far as Florence or Eastport, if possible. Van Dorn is moving on that point, l)ut has been delayed by our cavalry. S. A. HUIRLBUT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT MTLITARY CoMrnssIoN,* Memphis, February 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Dept. of the Teun.: GENER& L: This commission entered upon its duties with a firm de~ termination to perform them solely for the good of the country and the honor of the army with which we are connected, and not to gratify the malignant, vicious, or depraved, and to punish those ofti~nses brought to oum knowledge, no matter by whom committed. ln the progmess of our investigations we are ~)erfectly satisfied that there is the most bare-. faced villainy being l)racticed in the (letective depart uremit. * For orders creating COflhIfliHSiOfl, S~O p. 1067 Page 51 CHAP. XXXVI,] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 51 Parties have paid large sums of money to get out of prison when charged with offenses against military orders and orders from the Treasury IDepartment. Several eases have been brought to our knowl- edge this day, and we are now ferreting them out for the purpose of l)1osecution. While we intend to be vigilant in the discharge of our duty to onr country, justice requires in all cases conviction only upon proper leg8i evidence, and while we are disposed to punish crime with the utmost severity, we are equally determined to protect the innocent who have been made the victims of designing, mercenary scoundrels. We therefore recommend that this whole detective department be superseded by honest, upright men, whose acts will reflect credit and honor, and not disgrace, npon the army. We have the honor to be, general, with great respect, yonr obedient servants, W. II. II. TAYLOR, Colonel, President of Military Commission. C. II. ADAMS, Lieutenant-Colonel, Member of Military Commission. F. M. SMITH, Lieutenant- Colonel, Recorder ~ ]ililitary Commission. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT MILITARY COMMISSION, Memphis, February 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. IIURLBUT, Comdg. sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: Information has been received by this commission that H. L. Cleveland, chief of United States detectives in this city, has on various and sundry occasions been guilty of levying blackmail and re- ceiving bribes from parties iu custody, amonn~ing to several thousand dollars, and as the case will have to be tried by ns, we are at a loss to know whom to get to sign the charges. The facts we have before us show conclusively that there i~ the most outrageous iniquity being i)racticed in that department that ever dis- jaced any people. As our general. commanding, and relying upon your superior knowl- edge of legal proceedings, we ask your advice or order to enable us to feiret out an(l expose the iniquitous practices of those who are in office and nsin~ their position for base and mercenary purposes, thereby bring- ing disgrace upon the whole army. lam, general,with great respect, your obedient servant, W. H. II. TAYLUR, Colonel, and President of iJIilitary Commsssson. HEADQUARTERS THiRD DIVISION, FIFTH ARMY CORPS, February 13, 1863. Maj. I. C. WOODRUFF, In Charge of Bureau of Top. Eng., War Dept., Washington: MAJOR: I have been often prompted, and as often restrained by con- sideratious of delicacy and of strict military propriety, to endeavor to communicate with the generd commanding the forces attacking Vicks- burg, respecting the practicability of making a cut-off on the Missis- sil)pi River near that town. You are well aware that no one has made such eNtended observation, experiment, awl investigation upon tha Page 52 52 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. river, from Cairo to the Gulf, as myself, and that this very subject of cut-oils was one of those carefully examined by me. There are certain general facts bearing upon the practicability of making the cut-off referred to, the application of which is simple. Those facts are: First, that the bed of the Mississippi is composed of a hard, tenacious blue clay, not an alluvial deposit, which even the strong currents of that river wear so slowly as seemingly to produce no effect upon. Next, that the alluvial soil found upon the surface in the vicin- ity of Yicksburg does not exceed 30 or 40 feet in thickness, and is com- posed of alternate layers of loam and clay of variable thickness, the clay having some of the tenacity of that forming the bed of the river, though not of the same age. Next, that the older formation below the alluvial soil consists of alternate strata of clays and sands of great thickness. Next, that the bottom of the Mississippi is always found in one of those beds of clay, for the current cuts immediately through the layers of sand. This being premised, the first thing to be done to ascertain the prac- ticability of making a cut-off, and the depth to which a channel must be excavated to bring the erosive and wearing power of the iurrent into action, is to make l)~ings on the site of the proposed cut-off, so as to ascertain precisely the number and thickness of the dith~reut layers of clay and loam and sand. In low water the strata on the river banks in the vicinity should be, and I presume were, in the case referred to, examined. In some localities there is but one stratum of clay of no very great thickness to be cut through to complete the cut-oIL Such was probably the condition existing at the site of the American Bend cut- off, a natural cut-off made a few years ago. The river above and below approached so closely in this case that it is probable the layers of loose sand of the old formation (not the alluvial) washed through and broke up the superincumbent layers of more tenacious soil. Even the loam of the Mississippi alluvion has considerable tenacity. In other locali- ties the cut-off is in practicable, owing to the number and thick ness of the layers of clay. The boring is a simple operation. The first beds of clay, those nearest the surface, must be cut through (blasting was found to aid ~reatly in making the iRed River cut-off), so that the cur- rent may have the loam and sands only to impinge against and wear on. Simple as this matter is, I know that it was not in the least under- stood when I began the investi~atiou upon the Mississippi ]i~iver, and the facts are not to be found in any other work than the report upon - the I)elta. Few and simuple as those facts are, the labor required to collect and digest them was l)y no means small. Perhaps submitting this letter to the honorable Secretary of War may be the readiest mode of bringing the facts to the notice of the com- mander of the army, now before Vicksburg, if he has not already been made ac(luainted with them. very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. HUMPIIREYS, Brig. Gen. Gorndg. Div., Maj. lop. ILngrs. HEADQUARTERS TIJIRTEENTIT ARMY Coups, Before Vielc8burg, February 14, 1863. Lieut. Col. JORN A. RAWLINS, AssisUtnt A ~jutant- General: COLONEL: I have the honor to transmit, for the informnatiomi of the ma.j or-general corn mn an(lin g, by order of Major-General MeClern and Page 53 CiIAP. X~iXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, E~PC.UNION. 53 copies Qf orders to Brig. C-en. A. J. Smith and Col. L. B. Parsons, and of a communication to Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter. Your most obedient servant, WALTER B. SCATES, ~Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. [Inclosure No. 1.] HEADQUARTERS ThIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, B(fore T7iclcsbury, February 13, 1863. Brig. C-en. A. J. SMITH, Commanding Tenth Division, Thirteenth Army Corps: Admiral Porter informs me, of this (late, that two regiments of rebels, with artillery, have been sent up the Sunflower to annoy vessels pass- iiig Greenville. Send a brigade, with a suitable complement of artillery, and all avail- able cavalry, without delay, to defeat the purpose of the enemy, and to disperse or capture any of his detachments that may be found in that vicinity on either side of the Missis8ippi River. Let the brigade to be sent by you take seven days rations and an adequate supply of ammu- nition, it; however, suitable articles of subsistence can be found in the country in the hands of disloyal citizens, let them be used instead of rations taken along. The commander of the brigade will see that nothing is done or taken by his officers or men except by his authority, it is expected that he will return within a week, or at the earliest practicable moment con- sistent with the purpose of his expedition. Transports to convey the brigade have been ordered. You direct Colonel Parsons, master of transportation, where will be the most convenient place for the bri- gade to embark, in order that he may send the necessary number of vessels to that place. Let me know when the expedition has started. By order of Maj. C-en. John A. MeClernand: WALTER B. SCATES, Lieutenant-6olonel and Assistant Adju-tant- General. [Inclosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before Vicksburg, February 13, 1863. Colonel PARSONS: On notice from Brig. C-en. A. J. Smith, please cause a sufficient num- ber of transports to be laid along shore, where he may indicate, for the reception of a brigade of 1,900 men w panies of cavalry. , ith artillery, and one or two com- By order of Maj. C-en. John A. MeClernand: WALTER B. SCATES, Lieutenant-Colonet and Assistant Adjutant-General. [Inclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp before Vicksburg, February 13, 1863. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Corn dg. Mississippi Squadron: ADMIRAL: Your note of this date to Major-General C-rant, in his ab. sence, was referred to these headquarters. To meet the threatened attack npon our transports by the forces yo Page 54 54 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ErPC. [CHAP. XXXtL refer to, I have ordered Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith to send a brigade to Greenville and all his available cavalry, and to capture or disperse the enemy on either bank of the river. Your co-operation, with such number of gunboats as you may deem necessary, is respectfully invited. The expedition will sail by to-mnor- row afternoon, with seven days rations. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. IIDQRs. DIST. OF EAST. ARKANSAS, February 14, 1863. Major-General MOCLERNAND, Thirteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I have assumed command at this point, and shall strive to improve condition of troops iu this district. General Gorman ex- Iresses a desire to render his aid to bring about a change for the bet- ter. I~ have conferred with the general officers here, or most of them, and find that they are in favor of the expedition up Arkansas River that you mentioned to me. Generals Washburn, Gorman, and Ross will urge it. I have faith in the expedition, and trust it will be ordered if it will not interfere with the effort to take Yicksburg. I feel entirely convinced that, by depriving our enemies of the resources they obtain from west of the Mississippi River, we strike a blow that will do full as much to quell the rebellion as the capture of Yicksburg. The reports fi-om this command will be forwarded after this. Rest assured I will second yon in the effort to advance the interest of our country. Respectfully, B. M. PRENTISS. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 14, 1863. Ejeut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: The following dispatch has just been received from Brig. Gen. G. M. Dodge: CORINTH, February 14, 1863. Couriers in from my cavalry in Alabama report Van Dorns force as still passing north, and crossing at Florence. They have had several skirmishes with them. have taken a number of prisoners. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLB UT. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON, La Grange: Van Dorn was crossing at Florence yesterday. Push your move- ment as rapidly as consistent, and report by telegraph when they move. S. A. IIIJRLBUT. HDQImS. SEVENTH DIVISION, SEVRNTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., February 14, 1863. Major-General HIJELIBUT, Comdg. District of West Tennessee: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that the expedition which I sent out across Nonconnah Creek after forage yesterday returned lat Page 55 dIAP. kXXVI.] ~OkRESPONDENOE, EtCtTNION. 55 at night (last), after securing eight wagon loads of good corn, and cap- turing 3 prisoners (2 non-commissioned officers and 1 private). A large number of Blythes men were seen in advance and on the flanks of the command, but our force was too small to enable us to accom- plish more than was done. If you will put at my disposal for two or three days about 300 good cavalry (the Second Illinois would be preferred)~ I think Blythes band may be entirely destroyed. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant~ I. F. QUINBY, Briaadier- General. Missis~i~~i RIVER 11AM FLEET, Off Greenville, February 14, 1863. Officer Commanding C. S. Forces near Greenville: Sin: I desire .an interview with you on business connected with the service. If you will do me the honor to meet me, I will indicate the court-house in Greenville as a proper place, where I will be with a flag of truce to-morrow (Sunday, 15th), at 2 p. m.* I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWIN W. SUTHERLAND, U. S. Navy, Captain Commanding First Division, Ram Flotilla. BEFORE YIcKsnunG, February 15, 1863. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, ~7omdg. Mississippi AS~quadron: Representations coming in to me, as they have, reflecting on General Gormans administration of affairs at Helena, I sent an officer there last week to supersede him in the command; also a new quartermaster and provost-marshal. The steamers referred to in your note were reported to mc, and direc- tions immediately sent to Memphis to have them seized. Trade has not been opened below Helena by milltary authoritynot even to i~urchase and ship cotton. I have thought of doing so as low down as Napolton, but have been waiting to see if the Government would not take all the cotton and sell it in the loyal States. If it is regarded of prime neces- sity that the greatest amount should be secured, then appoint Govern- inent agenis to purchase for the Government, giving the citizens to un- derstand that all the cotton they bring in would be paid for at a fixed pricesay, 20 cents per pound. No military commander has a right to direct or order a naval vessel on any duty, much less to give aid in l)rivate speculation. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS AT HELENA, February 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Thirteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I have been steadily engaged for more than ten days cut- ting through the drift in the Yazoo Pass. Two thousand men are there now. The enemy have a force of cavalry a short distance ahead of us, and an occasional skirmish takes place. I learn that the enemy sent a See Steveison to Grant, February 24, and Ferguson to Sutherland, February 25; also correspondence between Sutherland and Pemberton Page 56 5E~ MISSISSIPPI, WP~ST rPENNtSSEE, t~PC. (ChAr. kXXVI. little boat up the Tallahatchee and Coidwater, With two guns on her bow, to look after us, but soon returned. Secrecy is out of the question, as it is as fully knoWn at Grenada what we are doing as it is here. Grenada is oniy about 84 miles from here, and only 54 from Coidwater. The obstacles become more and more formidable, but not, perhaps, insurmountable, and I am yet fearing that boats as large as the gun- boats are will not be able to pass through, and it will take ten (lays more to get out the drift from the cut-off, and then it is uncertain what further obstructions the fleet will find in the Coldwater. The sconts I sen(I report unfavorably to taking boats through of any size or as large as gunboats. I am, general, very truly, your friend, W. A. GORMAN. HEADQUARTERS DEPART1~IENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, February 15, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. M. PItENTISS, Gommanding District of ~1astern Arkansas: GENERAL: I send, with this, steamers to take on board General Ross division, to be used with the Yazoo expedition. Inclosed with this you will find copy of a letter from me to Admiral Porter,* upon which the admiral based his instructions to the vessels used in this expedition, and which I want to have carried out. Please hand the letter to General Ross for his guidance. The troops will take with them fifteen days rations, a portion of their tents and cooking utensils, but no wagons. Where the steamers are adapted, one piece might be put on the bow of each. If this expedition should. succeed in getting into the Coldwater, I want General Ross to take with him all the force he starts from Helena with. To do this you will want to establish a small garrison at die month of Yazoo Pass from the remainder of your force. Lieutenant-Colonel Wil- son, topographical engineer, has been with the expedition all the time and knows the wants, and where troops should be placed. Please fill all requisitions from him for troops or tools, as if from myself. The only change I would make in the instructions already given is, that as soon as they arrive at the mouth of the Yalabusha they turn tip that stream and take Grenada and destroy the railroad bridges there, before proceeding farther down the river. Let there be no delay in this matter. Time now is growing important. General Ross should take with him all his axes and spades, and if he has not got a good snpply, then he should be snpplied, particularly with axes, from the remainder of your command. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before T7icksburg, February 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gommanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: As connected with the subject of my communication of the 1st instant, relative to an expedition into Arkansas, I have the * Not found Page 57 ~IIIAP. XXXVI.] OOl~flESPoNDENcE, ETC.UNION. honor to add, upon the authority of General Gorman, that on the 11th instant there was a rebel force at Pine Bluff; consisting of 10,000 or 15,000 men~ of all arms. If not inconsistent with your plans, I would ask that you would permit me, with a force of 20,000 infantry, including those of that arm here and at Helena, together with proper complements of artillery and cavalry, to move against the enemy at Pine Blutf and capture or disperse him. Of the aggregate force of 20,000 infantry, 8,230 could be drawn from that portion of the Thirteenth Army Corps here, and 9,541 from that portion of it at Helena; while 3,808 cavalry, or such portion of the same as you might think proper to order, might be drawn from the same places, as also a proper complement of artillery. The success of the expedition would virtually clear the west bank of the Mississippi River of the enemy, and open the way to the extension of the Federal jurisdiction, co-extensive with its rightful limits, and would doubtless meet with the approbation of both the President and General Curtis, who are well pleased with the issue of the late expe- dition against the Post Arkansas. Your obedient servant, -JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. BEFORE YIOKSBuRG, February 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Gommanding Thirteenth Army Corps: In answer to your note of this date. suggesting an attack on Pine Bluff, Ark., after reflection, I see but one objection to it. The objection is that all the forces now here to operate with are assigned to looking to the one great object, that of opening the Mississippi, and to take off the number of men suggested would retard progress. I know the President is looking forward with great anxiety to the completion of the canal across the canal [sic], so as to admit steamers through it. This work requires all the forces here. One division is already taken from Helena for theYazoo expedition, and General Mc- Phersons army corps is employed on a work which may prove of vast importance. On the return to Helena of General Ross, and the brigade sent by you to clear out rebel forces in the neighborhood of Greenville and Cypress Bend, it may be practicable to fit out the requisite force by reducing Helena for the time to a minimum and using one division from here. The Yazoo expedition, if not successful, will return about as soon as the brigade sent from here. U. S. GRANT. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLEOK, General-in-Chief: Van Porn is crossing the Tennessee at Lambs. Bainbridge, Kasson, and Seven-Mile Island. It will take him ten days to cross on flats. I have requested a gunboat sent up. If this is done, Dodges cavalry, from Corinth, now hanging on his column; will very seriously damage him. S. A. HUIiLBUT Page 58 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. xxxVi. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, flenn., February 16, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have certain information that Van Dorn, with four brigades of mounted men, commanded by [W. II.] Jackson, [RJ MeCulloch, [J. W.] Whitfield, and [F. C.] Armstrong, with twelve pieces of artil- lery and a heavy train, is moving by Burleson, in Franklin County, Alabama, to the east of Bear Creek. I think he proposes to cross at Florence, and to remain in Middle Tennessee and operate in rear of IRosecrans. I have telegraphed to General iRosecrans and to the naval officer at Cairo to push a gunboat up. As I am satisfied this will remove nearly all cavalry from my front, at the suggestion of General Hamilton, I have ordered Griersons bri- gade to cross the headwaters of the Tallahatchee to the Yalabusha, by way of Pontotoc, cut the wires, destroy bridges, and demonstrate in that neighborhood, while the Second Iowa Cavalry, Colonel Hatch, pushes night and day toward the main road between Meridian and Vicksburg, if possible to destroy the bridge across Pearl River, in rear of Jackson, and do as much damage as possible on that line, returning by the best course they can make. It appears perilous, but I think it can be done and done with safety, and may relieve you somewliaP at Vicksburg. To cover this movement, I shall at the same time send Lee toward Holly Springs, to go to the Tallahatchee or to threaten it sufficiently to make them burn the bridge, and then sweep round to- ward Panola and Hernando, enveloping [U. L.] Blythes force and driv. ing them to the Nonconnah or into the swamp. Dodges cavalry are in Alabama, hanging around Van Dorn and de- laying him by burning bridges in his front. They have taken several prisoners right out of his column, which, by [reason] of the miserable roads, is very long. I shall gradually move out the cavalry now here as soon as the roads permit, and concentrate force enough to whip Van Dorn as he comes back, if he does come back. At present the roads are horrible. I desire by the expedition of Lee to ascertain the practicability of reaching the opening through the Yazoo Pass, so as to be ready to clear your ground should you determine to land there. The city of Memphis has more iniquity in it than any place since Sodom, but certain examples are being made which may do good. As soon as McPhersons corps leaves, I shall be able to keep better order. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT. GENERAL ORDERS,~ lln QRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 13. f Memphis, Tenn., February 16, 1863. It is reported to the general commanding this corps that irregular and unauthorized levies of money and property have been made by offi- cers, civil and military, in the service of the United States. If such ~ayments are exacted for the performance of known duty, it is extor- tion; if for non-performance of duty, it is bribery. In either event the officer offending is unworthy of a commission in the service of the Uniterl States. It is therefore ordered: I. Any officer who shall exact from any citizen money or its equiva- lent for the discharge of any official duty, or who shall demand or ye Page 59 CORPESPONDENCt, ETC.UNION. 59 ceive money for any service, real or pretended, done fo~ any person, will be immediately arrested, put in close confinement, and reported to these headquarters. II. Officers who commit these wrongs are liable to stricter rules than common soldiers, and whenever any post commander is satisfied from proof that an officer has violated his duty in this respect, he will be treated according to his offense without reference to rank. III. The habit of peculation from the people and the Government mnst be stopped at all hazards; and all officers and sofihiers cognizant of these off~nses are commanded, and all citizens requested, to report all cases within their knowledge direct to these headquarters, with all I)Ossible certainty as to time, place, and circumstaices. Prompt atten- tion will be paid to all such communications, that the honor of the army may be vindicated and unworthy men removed from positions they disgrace. These orders will be read at the head of all regiments and detached corps in this command and published in the newspapers within this com- mand. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: HENRY BINMORE, - Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 15. f Memphis, Tenn., February 17, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. S. Hamilton is hereby assigned to the command of the trOol)s in the Districts of Corinth and Jackson. The First Division, Brig. Gen. J. W. Denver, and the troops attached to that division, will constitute part of the command of Major-General Hamilton. Headquarters will be established as rapidly as possible at La Grange, Jackson, or Corinth. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: HENRY BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General. HDQRS. SEYENTEE1NTH A. C., DEPT. OP THE TENNESSEE. Memphis, February 18, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I inclose herewith a communication from Brigadier-Gen- eral Quinby * in relation to the matter of granting furloughs to enlisted men in extreme cases. I shall commence embarking General Logan~s division Friday morn- ing, and hope to get off Saturday. The commissary and quartermasters boat have been loaded for the last eight days, and are ready to haul out into the stream, so that there will be no detention on this account. The roads are in a most horrible condition, but the division will move in promptly, if it takes all the horses in the battery to haul a gun. Gen- eral Quinbys division will follow Logans as soon as transports can be provided. I have been annoyed beyond measure at the delay here, bnt could not help myselt The Ruth, which I had directed the quarter- master to stol) here and carry a portion of my command, was permitted * Not found Page 60 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. to go to Cairo for Government supplies, with a promise from the captain that he woul(1 be l)ack by a certain day. As soon as she got to Cairo she was taken possession of for a hospital boat and ordered to Saint Louis. I am very much obliged to you, general, for your kind letter of the 2d instant, and should have answered it but it only reached me four days ago. There is no particular movement of the enemy in force in this vicinity, but the guerrillas are very bold and troublesome. Gen- eral Quinby sent an expedition after [G. L.] Blythe, which returned yes- terday. The expedition penetrated to the rebel camp, captured 12 pris- oners, muster-rolls of some of the companies, several horses, l)istOls, gans, & c. The main force of the enemy got wind of our coming and left during the night. Mrs. Grant and Jesse are quite well. I have many things to tell you when we meet, and I hope to have that pleasure soon. Sincerely, yours,~ JAS. B. McPHERSON. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ JIIJQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, No. 22. f Memphis, Teun., February 18, 1863. * * * * * * VI. Brig. Gen. John A. Logan, commanding Third Division, will com- mence embarking his command on the boats to-morrow morning, the 19th instant. The assignment of the dift~rent regiments to their re- spective transports will be made in time to prevent any confusion. The troops will be provided as follows: 1. With all the ammunition required by existing orders. 2. With three days cooked rations iii haversacks and seven (lays additional on hand. 3. With all the axes, spades, and other tools in the command. 4. Division commissaries will take thirty days rations for future use. 5. With 5 wagons to each regiment, 1 to each company of artillery, and 1 in addition to each brigade and division commander. 6. With 2 ambulances for each regiment. The precise hour of march will hereafter be indicated. * * * * * * * By order of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., February 19, 1863. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. IRAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: I have just received a letter from Major-General Grant, requestin~g another division to be forwarded. If it is expected that the entire road from Columbus to Jackson, Corinth, and Grand Junction is to be main- tained, and a proper front shown to the south of Charleston and Mem- phis road, I shall probably require all the troops now in my command. If the line through Jackson is abandoned, there will be a surplus of troops. General Quinbys division is under marching orders for Vicks- burg. Logan leaves to-day. I will pass over the line to-morrow, an Page 61 ChAr. XXXVI.] CORRI~SPONDENCE, ETC .NJON. 61 think I shall select General Denvers division, which originally was part of Shermans corps. I will write more fully when I return. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLT3UT. HEADQUARTERS SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE, Germantown, February 20, 1863. Capt. HENRY BINMORE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., & xteenth A rmy Corps: CAPTAIN: Yesterday arrived here a J)rivate of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, who was captured by the rebels some three weeks since, and on Friday, the 13th instant, was released by them on parole at Jackson, Miss. Re states that there are few trool)s at Grenada. and very few along the line of the Mississippi Central Railroad. At Jackson, General [John] Adams, of Tennessee, is in command, but at the post was only about one or two regiments of men. Rebel gossip at Jackson puts their forces at Port Hudson and Yicksburg at 60,000. He was sent back by way of Meridian, and over the Mobile and Ohio hailroad. At a point between Jackson and Meridian are being erected large machine-shops. Vast qnantities of cotton, marked Confederate States, are l)ilCd along the road. Recently great amounts of sugar have been shipped from Yicksburg and vicinity to Jackson and other points near. At Jackson, five large cotton-houses are filled with the hogsheads. Along the Mobile and Ohio Railroad hardly any troops are stationed; a single train of two or three cars runs over the road each day for local accommodations. About 10 miles north of Okolona are two regiments of cavalry. Three miles north of Okolona a bridge is destroyed, and trains stop at the town. At Jacksomm are about 20 Federal officers, kept in close confine- ment and on hard fare; also about 700 Federal soldiers. TJie authori- ties parole and send north by rail 12 men each day. I desire to call your attention to one fact. There are among these l)risoners 3 men of the Seventh Kansas Cavalry. General I.] Tilgh- man has ordered them in irons, and they are now chained together, hand and foot, by heavy irons. This only because they are connected with that regiment. ls there any method of righting this wrong or of retaliation l If our policy will permit it, I will capture 3 Comifederate officers within a fortnight and put them in irons in camp of Seventh Kansas, and then open a correspondence with General Tilghman. Along this road all is quiet. The newspaper rumors of any con- siderable force south of it are entirely without foundation. The roads are almost impassable. I am, captain, your obedient servant, A. L. LEE, Golonel, Commanding Cavalry. BEFORE YICKSBURG, February 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Comdg. F?fteenth Ar y Corps: The enemy having captured one of our rams, with all her armament, and having several other armed vessels below here, makes it necessary for oum- security to have a battery of Parrott gnns below Yicksburg. If practicable, I would like to have this battery placed below Warren- ton. In this case the battery should be supported by a brigade of hi Page 62 62 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. faiitry. There would necessarily be some difficulty in supplying troops there, but as the country will afford forage, and a I)lank road will be made across the point, in the canal embankment, I think it can be done. U. S. GRANT. P. S.Captain Prime is directed to locate and build the battery re- quired, and roads leading to it IIDQRS. DIST. OF EAST. ARKANSAS, February 21, 1863. Brigadier-General Ross, Comdg. Thirteenth Div., Thirteenth A. (1: You will, on Monday next, the 23d instant, proceed with your com- mand on board of steamers Small, Lawyer, Lebanon No. 2, Citizen, Lebanon, (Dheeseman, Mariner, Saint Louis, Volunteer, Lavinia Logan, John Bell, and Key West No. 2, with fifteen days iations and 160 rounds of cartridges. Having placed your command on board, you will proceed at once to Yazoo Pass and joiu fleet of gunboats now at Moon Lake, at which point a fleet of gunboats, under Commodore Smith, awaits your arrival. You will proceed through Yazoo Pass, for the purpose of complying with instructions contained in following conimu- nications received from General Grant, of which I send copy attached.* As you may meet with obstructions, it becomes necessary that your com- mand be supplied with a large quantity of axes and spades. You will take all such belonging to your c& minand, and if, in your judgment, more is wanted, apply to Quartermaster [Reuben B.] Hatch for such. You will take but few tents, as the general commanding Department of the Tennessee is desirous that this expedition move as soon as pos- sible. You will, when you arrive at Moon Lake with yonr command, render all aid in y~ur power to remove any obstruction that may tend to pre- vent passage of steamers through said Yazoo Pass. B. M. PRENTISS. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 21, 1863. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: Having just received the dispatch (copy inclosed), I forward it for information of Major-General Grant. I have considered it prudent, under this information, to withhold the cavalry dash on Jackson. I very respectfully suggest to the major-general that it will be neces- sary, in order to maintain our troops in provisions and forage, that at least eight good boats be kept running between this point and Saint Louis. The army horses are perishing for want of long forage. I also call attention to the copy of a letter from Parsons, at Saint Louis, here~~ith,~ which indicates the necessity at that point of a con- siderable amount of river transportation, which, I take it, are forces expected by General Grant from Missouri. We are again afloat with a heavy rain. Nothing has been heard here of the gunboats ordered up the Ten- nessee. We are examining the lists of regimental surgeons, and will send down such as can safely be spared. Di-. Wirtz and Dr. Irwin, his successor * See Grant to Prontiss, February 15, p. 5~ tNot found Page 63 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 63 in charge of hospitals, affirm that none can be spared from general hospital here. The progress of rebuilding railroad from Columbus is very slow, but Colonel Webster assures me it will be completed to-morrow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. HUIRLBUT. [Inclosure.] CORINTH, February 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT: A scout caine in from Jackson last night; reports two regiments of infantry at Jackson, and a large portion of the rebel army encamped on east side of Black River, near the bridge. A force of 800 men only at Meridian, but all the surplus rolling-stock of railroad centered there. One brigade of rebel cavalry north of Grenada, and Barteaus regiment (800) at Okolona. Dodge says this is entirely reliable. I have, there- fore, suspended movement of Hatch for the present. C. S. HAMILTON. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, February 22, 1863. Major-General HURLEUT, Gomdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: So soon as all th~ rolling-stock of the railroad is got away from Columbus, the road north from Jackson may be abandoned, dis- posing of the troops guarding it as your judgment may dictate. I directed General Hamilton to have all workshops, depots of stores, and everything not required by the troops removed from all l)osts between Grand Junction and Corinth, via Jackson, to points intended to be per- manently occupied, so that, in case of necessity, this part of the road may be abandoned and the troops removed to wherever their services may be required. I do iiot want Jackson abandoned how in case of absolute necessity. ever, except If Colonel Lee is perfectly satisfied that some of his men are being l)unished, as described in his report, by rebel authority, he may serve in the same manner an equal number of the enemy, and open a corre- sl)ondence with General Tilghman, as he proposes. I will want one division of troops brought forward and held in readi- ness to join this expedition when called for. I sent orders some time ago for the Second Illinois Cavalry to be for- warded here without delay. As they have not come, I presume my order never reached you. They may now be held for further orders. If the six 8 inch howitzers at Memphis have not yet been sent here, they need not be sent, but forward them to Corinth, with all the ammu- nition belonging to them. The First Infantry will come here, as per orders. Genera~ MeClernands army corps is deficient in artillery. I have not the returns before me to designate any particular battery to be sent, but I want one with heavy gunsParrotts,if possibldforwarded as soon as possible. Vigorous measures will have to be adopted to prevent the smuggling going on from Memphis, but I do not know what to suggest. This I leave to your own judgment. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRAINT Page 64 64 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. U. S. GUN]3OAT FAIRPLAY, February 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. GRENYILLE M. DODGE, Corinth, Miss.: GENERAL: I have just received your letter of the 21st instant. I am sorry to say that Van Dorn has already crossed the river; most of his force~crossed above Big Muscle Shoals, where we could not reach him with gunboats. He has about 5,000 cavalry, and is now with Wheeler and Forrest at Columbia. There are some guerrillas on the opposite side of the river from Florence, back from the river about 2 or 3 miles. I have destroyed all flats or ferries as high up as I could getabout 6 miles above Florence. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LE IROY FITCH, Gommanding Gunboats. CORINTH, Miss., February 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Opposite Vi ohs burg SIR: There are some matters south of this that may be of interest to you, and perhaps I may be excused for communicating them direct. They have been sent, part of them, to my immediate commanders. The scouts posted at Mobile, Meridian, and Jackson have sent in long re- ports, and the substance of those that can be relied upon are about as follows: 1. No troops have come to Pembertons army since Smiths 10,000 joined him about Christmas. 2. All troops from Mobile up the road, and from Grenada, have gone to Vi6ksbnrg and Port Hudson, leaving a few thousand at Mobile, sonic 600 at Meridian, and two regiments at Jackson, and about three reolinents of militia at Grenada. A portion that left Grenada are posted on Black River. Everything in the shape of cavalry, even to the parti- san rangers as low down as Port ilud on, joined Van born in his move to Tennessee, leaving l)erhaps a regiment or two north of Grenada, a few at Okolona, and a few companies just south of me. Everything in the shape of Government property has been taken away from the coun- try bordering the Yazoo and adjacent streams, and all prominent points, such as Jackson, Grenada, Columbus, & c. At Jackson the founderies are running and a cotton-mill or two, and perhaps a Government shoe and clothing shops but every preparation is being made to take them away. West Mississippi is being entirely stripped of stock, provisions, forage, & c., and everything indicates that they aj~e getting ready for a quick move. In the last ten days some 3,000 negroes have been pressed and put to work at Columbus, Miss., and one or two points near Meridian, while the great stock of cars and engines at Meridian are being taken east and south. It appears to be the opinion of the scouts that the enemy are making preparations to take up the line of the Tombigbee for the next position, and say that it is openly talked there that gunboats will go up Big Black when their army will have to take position to save Selma and Mobile. The trains go loaded from Yicksburg daily with sick and discharged soldiers. They say that they average 12 cars a day. Last week two heavy steamboat engines and the piow to a ram went np the road to Jackson; said to be l)laced in some boat in the Yazoo. Pcs~rters and conscripts are flocking into my lines daily, and, so f~i Page 65 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. CHAP. XXXVI.] 65 as the above statements are concerned, they corroborate them. The raking of the entire State of Mississippi for stock and provisions is as vigorously carried on as it was in Tennessee by Bragg. Van iDorn took about 8,000 mounted men and two batteries away with him. He is now at Columbia, Teun., with Wheeler and Forrest, and Bragg has taken everything that is movable and that his army does not really need south of the Tennessee. He has put the railroad in order from Decatur to Tuscumbia; bought up all the corn in the valley, and got ready to move it by cars to Decatur and by boat to Bridgeport just as I struck Tuscumbia. My forces are on their way to Decatur now, which will stop that game. I still have men in Meridian, Columbus, Mobile, and Jackson, while one has gone ou to Vicksburg, and will try to get to you. Every one sends up the same report, arid you have got the substance of them in this. These little items may all be known to you, but, as they came so direct to me, I believe it is my duty to send them. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. DODGE. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Lake Providence, La., February 24, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. MCARTHUR, Comdg. Sixth Division: GENERAL: Intelligence of a favorable character has just been re- ceived from our forces at Greenville. To pursue the advantage gained, the major.general commanding directs that you order two good regi- ments from your command to report forthwith on board the steamer Maria Denning, fully armed and equipped, and provided with three days rations. The commanding officer will be instructed to report to the officer in command at Greenville, and, if no necessity requires the re.enforcement herein ordered, will return at once. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General. YOUNGS POINT, LA., February 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, commanding Sixteenth Army Corps, Memphis, Teun.; GENERAL: Please send to this place, with as little delay as possible, as many able.bodied negro laborers as can be had or spared from Mem- phis and other portions of your command. They are much needed here for work on the canal. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Tricks burg, February 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, (Jomdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I sustain your course in Liot permitting Rayfield to be tried before a disloyal court and jury, and will also sustain you in forcing outside of our lines every disloyal person of whatever age or sex. I 5 R RYOL XXIV, PT II Page 66 66 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. LOHAr. XXXVI will also approve of closing all business with persons living outside of the city. In other words, if yon deem it proper to prohibit intercourse between the country and city, do so. The district is in your command, and you can make use of the means at your hand to enforce orders. I would suggest Colonel Howe, Third U. S. Ca vairy, as a good selec- tion to place in command of the town to bring it to order and enforce any new and stringent orders you may find it necessary to publish. Have iRayfield tried as you propose, and prohibit all actions of the civil authorities, unless they (the officers) give satisfactory evidence of loyalty. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT. HDQRS. SECOND DIST., DEPT. OF Miss. AND EAST LA., Vieksburg, February 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding U. S. Forces in Front of Vieksburg: GENERAL: I am instructed by the lieutenant-general commanding this department to transmit to you the inclosed copy of a notice pur- porting to have been issued by Admiral David D. Porter, U. S. Navy. I request that you will inform me whether this document is authentic; and, if it be, whether the operations of any part of the forces nuder you are to be conducted in accordance with the principles announced by Admiral Porter or those of civilized warfare ~ While the troops of this Confederacy whom I have the honor to com- mand will actively repel the invasion of our territory by the forces of the United States, it is my desire that their operations shall be in ac- - cordance with the usages of war, of humanity, and of civilization. I shall deplore the necessity of amiy departure from theum. Therefore I hope this notice of Admiral Porter is not authentic, or that it will be reconsidered, and that in no case will its threats be executed, because I am instructed to say, if they are, the fullest retaliation will be inflicted upon the Federal prisoners now in bin bands, or whom we may capture, and no quarter will be given to any officer, soldier, or citizen of the United States taken in the act of burning houses, laying waste the plantations, or otherwise wantonly destroying the property of the citi- zens of this Confederacy; and that all such persons suspected of having been guilty of such acts will not, if taken, be treated as prisoners of war, bnt will be kept in close confinement. Relying upon your disposition to co-operate with me in averting the necessity for a resort to such measures, I am, general, respectfully, your obedient servantq C. L. STEVENSON. [Inclosure.] NOTICE. - Persons taken in the act of firing on unarmed vessels from the banks will be treated as highwaymen and assassins, and no quarter will be shown them. Persons strongly suspected of firing on unarmed vessels will not receive the nsnal treatment of prisoners of war, but will be kept in close confinement. If this savage and barbarous Confederate cannot be put a 8ec Porters reply, March 2, p. 77 Page 67 ChAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. stop to, we will try what virtue there is in hanging. All persons, no matter who they are, who are caught in the act of pillaging the houses of the inhabitants along the river, levying contributions, or burning cotton will receive no quarter if caught in the act, or if it is proved upon them. By order of David D. Porter, acting rear-admiral: EDWIN W. SUTHEIRLAND, Captain, Commanding Pam Monarch. YOUNGS POINT, LA., February 25, 18636 a. in. P. B. STANBERRY, Lient. and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., 3d Brig., 2d Div., 15th A. C.: ~lR: I have the honor to report that the firing from the rebel bat- teries near the city, at 12 p. in., was occasioned by a boat which is now lying below the mouth of canal, and proves to be a flat-boat rigged up to represent a gunboat. She has a square turret forward, with a mock cannon projecting toward the bow from within. Smoke-stacks made of flour barrels; wheel-house, & c., covered all over with a thick coat of tar. Has a hole just above the waterline at the bow, from a shot. Nothiiig else of interest. Very respectfully, yours, S. HASSLER, & cond Lieutenant Thirty-seventh Ohio Volunteer Infantry. HDQRS. C. S. FORCES IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, MISS., February 2~, 1863. Capt. B. W. SUTHERLAND, U. S. Navy, Commanding Pam Monarch: SIR: I desire to communicate with you officially in reference to the recent notice of Admiral Porter, communicated to me by you.* Should you agree to honor me with an interview, I will meet you with flag of truce at such proper time and l)lace as you may designate. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. FERGUSON, Lieutenant 61olonel, Commanding C. S. Forces. MEMPHIS, February 25, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. IIAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: Notwithstanding my urgent application to Fleet Captain Pen. nock to pnsh gunboats rapidly up the Tennessee, to intercept Van Dorii in crossing, the boats, for some cause, did not arrive until after his column had crossed. On the 20th, 60 men of the Third Michigan Cavalry crossed at Clifton, captured Colonel [J. F.] Newsoin and 61 officers and men, 40 horses, and equipments and arms, losing none on our side. The town, with consid- erable commissary stores, and the ferries, were destroyed. Dodges cavalry is out in Northern Alabama, where he is materially See inelosure iii Stevenson to Grant, February 24, p. 66. 67 Page 68 68 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHA?. XXXVI. assisted by the residents of that mountain district, and is constantly picking up prisoners. Van Dorn is reported at Columbia. I keep Rose- crans informed of all movements. We are again in the midst of a heavy storm. of rain, and all movements on both sides are suspended. Neither cavalry nor infantry can make any progress in any direction. General MeClernand sent up here a few days since 200 women and children, who were dropped upon the levee. It is not, iu my judgment, humane to send these contrabands here, but, if done, I request that some communication may come with them, so that the authorities here may know that they are here by proper authority. Night before last the steamer Belle Memphis, bound up, lauded, in defiance of orders, at Isl- and No. 37, to take on cotton, as they supposed, being hailed for that purpose. The boat was seized by 5 men, who compelled the pilot to make a landing at Cottonwood Point, in Arkansas. They then went on shore, guarding 3 prisoners, 1 the pilot. The engineer backed his boat and we~nt up the river with a lieutenant of the force on board, wounded by one of his own men. This baud is commanded by Barton. As soon as the weather will permit, I sl~iall send an expedition to destroy his house, near Bradleys Bend, and to sweep all the male inhabitants they can find down to Memphis, for the purpose of identification as members of this band. If they are identified, I shall probably not trouble your headquarters with any report. As soon as our roads are passable for teams, the several changes necessary to reduce the number of guards, & c., on the road, will be made. I regret to say that the railroad from Columbus down is not yet re- paired. The delay seems inexcusable. It is promised to be finished by this week. I am informed by the officer commanding the Cricket that he expects to leave soon. I consider it of vital importance that there should be one gunboat on duty at Memphis all the time, and request that Major- General Grant may press this matter on the attention of the admiral. Hospital accommodation is being prepared, but our force of carpen- ters is so light that the work moves slowly. [R. V.1 Richardsons guerrillas, near Covington, and [G. U Blythes, below, are still in motion, but do not do us any harm. I have heard indirectly that General Grant had ordered Hamilton to investigate the misconduct of the Seventh Kansas at Somerville. General Hamilton says he has received no such order. if such has beeu issued, I request duplicate. Your obedient servant, S. A. HUELBUT. MEMPHIS, February 25, 1863. Major-General HURLBUT, Commanding: GENERAL: The cavalry of General Dodge, under command of Colo- nel Cornyn, attacked Tuscumbia, and rear of Van Dorns column, on Sunday, 22d instant, at 4 a. in. Captured one piece of artillery, 100 prisoners, 200 horses, a large amount of stores, includingatrain of cars, and 100 bales C. S. A. cotton, considerable money, and a large number of mules.~ Colonel Cornyn and his command have swum creeks and rivers, have * See Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part I, p 63 Page 69 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 69 operated during all these terrible storms, and are now following the enemy into the mountains. Officers and men behaved splendidly, and all are entitled to the warmest praise for perseverance and daring gallantry. Scouts have arrived from the interior of Mississippi during the last twenty-four hours, and all report the enemy rapidly evacuating Ficks- burg. He is moving everything to the eastward, and the talk is that all are going to re-enforce the al-my opposed to Rosecrans, now com- manded by Joe Johnston, Bragg having been removed. Prices forces are on the east side of Black River. This news from Yicksbnrg is of such importance that I take the lib- erty of suggesting it be sent to General Grant at once. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. S. HAMILTON. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 28. f Lake Proridence, La., February 26, 1863. Trade not having been opened below Helena, Ark., by the Secretary of the Treasury. it is therefore ordered: I. That all cotton in this vicinity be seized for the benefit of the Gov- ernment, or whomsoever it may concern, under the immediate direction and supervision of Capt. John G. Klinck, chief quartermaster of the Seventeenth Army Coups, who will forward the same as fast as practi- cable to Captaiu Eddy, assistant quartermaster U. S. Army, Memphis, Tenn., and will keep a strict account of all seizures made by virtue of this order, promptly sending a duplicate report to Lieutenant-Colonel [Charles A.] Reynolds, chief quartermaster Department of the Tennes- see. Requisitions fOr details to carry out this order will be made by the quartermaster upon these headquarters. II. All cotton heretofore seized, now at this point, will be immediately turned over to Captain Kijuck, ou proper receipts being given. III. All orders from subordinate commanders in contravention hereof are hereby revoked. By order of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp, February 26,1863. General FRED. STEELE, Commanding First Division: SIR: The ram Queen of the West having disappeared down the river, may be construed as timidity on the one hand, or as evidence of having the river below free and unobstructed to the enemy. It looks to me ominous of the fate of the Indianola, and if she be destroyed or cap- tured, we must expect, of course, the enemy at any time making his ap- pearance in boats from that direction. I will leave the four 20-pounder guns there; one to cover the steamboat New Era; two to offer some obstacle to the passage of boats above Warrenton. But infantry is of no use there, except to protect and cover those guns and assist in pro- tecting the boat. There being no protection against this foul weather, and it being impossible to haul rations and forage over to the troops there, I deem one good regiment sufficient for protesting those guns and holding that point of our line. You may, therefore, withdraw, say Page 70 70 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TE~NESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Shepards and Abbotts regiments, and leave the Seventy-sixth Ohio, with instructions to use the houses near Biggs and such other covering as can be had. I sent Colonel Woods last night some signal rockets, with General Grants orders to fire one in case the rain was seen ascending the stream, and two if descending. I have suggested other signals, and await Gen- eral Grants orders, which, when received, will be communicated to you. Nearly all my cavalry (only 30) are with the foragers, up the river. I wish you would relieve the few now over at Biggs by some of Blairs and your escortsenough to bring intelligence ov~r, as well as to com- municate with the guard at the foot of the canal. I crossed over last night on foot, and the road across the swamp, though passable, is vil- lainous. Yours, truly, W. T. SHEliMAN. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CoRPs, Camp near Tficksburg, February 27, 1863. Col. CHARLES R. WoODS,. Commanding Detachment near Blygs House: Sin: I have received your several communications, and have con- ferred with General Grant and Admiral Porter. The Indianola is lost, and there is no assurance that she is sunk or disabled beyond probabil- ity of repairs. We know the enemy has two rams, in good order, and may have any number of transports. This makes vigilance on your part necessary. Admiral Porter has no gunboats or rams to go again below to en- counter the enemy; therefore the euemy has recovered the river below Yicksburg, and the Era is useless to us. You will, therefore, destroy her, not by fire, but in such a way as to leave no trace by which the enemy can guess where she is. Thus, let her machinery be detached, scattered, and sunk; pip~s the same. By night tear her to pieces and use her cabin work for bivouac for your men. When stripped as well as po~sible, scuttle and sink her in deep water. Let the work be done so that when to-morrow dawns not a trace of her will be left. If the Indianola be not sunk, I have no douht we shall soon see her and her comradesthe Webb and Queen City. The admiral has sent for several rams, one of which (the Monarch) has arrived, and he feels no uneasiness about the fleet above Vick~burg. 1 do believe the enemy may attempt a night move on our pickets, the motive being the capture of the Era and the battery. The only point where a lauding could be made on the levee is near where the Era lies and a point above you, which I shall cause to be guarded by Stuart. Should you want re-enforcetnents at any time, I will send them. General Steele is present and reads this. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. UNITED STATES MissisSi~~i SQUADRON, February 27, 1863. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, AS~ecre tary of the Navy: Sin: I regret to inform you that the Indianola has also fallen into the hands of the enemy. The rams Webb and Queen of the West at Page 71 ChAP. XX~YI. I CORIIESPONDENCE, ETC .IJNION. 71 tacked her 25 miles from here, and rammed her until she surrendered; all of which can be traced to a uowcompliance with my instructions. I do not kiiow the particulars. If she has not sunk, she may be used against the lower fleet. It would be well to caution them. DAVID D. PORTER. BEFORE YICKSBURG, February 27, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBIJT, Conidy. Sixteenth Army Corps: Your dispatch sent by special messenger is just received. It may be that some of the force is Icaving Vicksburg, but I have no evidence of the fact. It is impossible to get information from there. Even desert- ers who come can tell nothing except of their owu regiments, or brigades at furthest. It will be well to hold the division previously ordered in readiness to be moved, as in that case, if the report should prove true that the enemy are evacnating Vicksburg, they could readily be sent by steamer to Nashville. I also have a force of about two divisions to come from Saint Louis, which General Halleck can change the ~ksignation of, if he becomes satisfied that they are mor.e needed with Rosecrans than with me. If you have not already done so, telegraph General Halleck the substance of your dispatch to inc. it would be well to telegraph General Halleck direct all information you receive affecting the safety of other commands. U. S. GRANT. P. S.It is my desire that the division to be held in readiness to be brought here should be brought to Memphis without any delay. I pre- sume you so understood me, but I mention it now because I may not have been distinct on this point befQre. LA G1~ANO-E, February 27, 1863. General HuRLEUT: Brigade of rebel cavalry ~just east of Holly Springs, and railroad re- paired and cars running into Holly Springs from south. Wolf River now impassable. As soon as down, I want to scud large force and destroy road and route. The cavalry force for this purpose will want co- operation of Lees brigade. C. S. HAMILTON. LA GRANGE, TENN., February 27, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Seventeenth Army Corps, Mississippi Rirer: GENERAL: A Mr. S. Ruggles, with i)apcrs from you to go down through Mississippi, has just arrived here, and wishes me to communi- cate to you sonic information which he has obtained, and which he (leems reliable, as it was given him by Captaiii McKissick, of Company A, General Braggs First Battalion of Cavalry, lie says there are ob- structions in the Big Black River, near where the road from Grand Gulf crosses, which must be near the mouth. ~?wo steamboats were sunk in the channel, and so arranged that if a boat should pass th Page 72 72 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAP. XXXYI. lower one it would strike the upper, and, in backing, would run foul of the lower. He says they are repairing the railroad north of Oxford, and have it running from Grenada to Oxford, and the bridge across the Talla- hatchee in good repair; that a very large number, a great many thou- sands, of troops are at Big Black River Bridge, and thence along the railroad to Jackson; that they have announced their determination not to be surrounded at Vicksburg, but will evacuate should they be un- able to main tam the blockade. He says that JefL Davis is in Jackson, at the Railroad House, and has stopped the manufacture of arms at Columbus, stating that if they could whip Grant they would have all the guns they wanted, and if they couldnt they would want no more made there. They are determined not to be surrounded, and are hold- ing themselves in readiness to evacuate should such a danger become imminent. Mr. Ruggles could not get down through by way of Panola, on ac- count of high water, and had to come up this way, and accidentally met Captain MeKissick. He could obtain no information whatever about the roa,d by way of Panola. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. DENVER. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Lake Providence, March 11, 1863. Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Grant. Mr. Ruggles has been employed for several months past ou secret service, and his information has generally proved correct. JAS. B. McPHERSON. RED SULPHUR SPRINGS, Pebruary 27, 1863. GENERAL: I have the honor to report that we found no enemy in force here, but the woods and hills are full of them. They are dispersed. I think, from what information I can get, that there are about 50 in this vicinity. I have sent Captain ilanna, with the infantry, to Corinth. I have sent with him Captain Van Ess, Roddeys cavalry, Lieutenant Walker, of the same company and regiment, and 3 privates (all prisoners), that being all the booty that we have got up to the present time, except about 10 horses. I have thought it best to remain here a day or two, and pick up the stragglers that are concealed. It is the only way to break up the nest, and we can do it effectually by this course. There are about two hnndred mattresses, with pillows and bedding -for the same complete, that are stored away here in a building. All these things belong to a party in Holly Springs, and would be useful in our hospitals. Captain ilanna examined them with me, and can tell you all about them. It seems to me that these things had better be brought to Corinth. We will return, probably to-morrow night, but perhaps not till the next day. Colonel [James B.] Weaver started back yesterday. Truly, your obedient servant, GEO. E. SPENCER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 73 CHAP. XXXVT.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 73 HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before T7icksburg, February 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, U. S. Army, Commanding Department of the Iennes8ee: GENERAL: Still keeping in view the proposed expedition to clear Arkansas and the west bank of the MisSissippi River of an orgai~ized hostile force, I have continued to avail myself of all means of obtaining useful information in that respect. It appears that the force of the enemy on the Arkansas River is disposed somewhat differently from what it was according to my last communication upon this suli~ject. General Prentiss informs me, under date of the 24th instant, that there is a rebel force of 2,000 at Pine Bluff, 10,000 at Little Rock, of which 4,000 are sick, and I learn otherwise that there is a force of some 1,500 at Post Arkansas. General Prentiss~ informant informs him that these troops are very scan t of wholesome food, are much dissatisfied and de- moralized, and are apprehensive of an attack coming from the Missis- sippi River. The force I suggested in my previous communication, sud- denly thrown upon them, ought to capture or disperse the whole of them. If, in your judgment, the time has arrived for the movement, I would be glad to lead it. In that event, I would like to confer with you in regard to the proportions of infantry, cavalry, and artillery which the movement should combine. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. MEMPHIS, TENN., February 28, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assi~tant Adjutant- General: Colonel [Joseph D.] Webster reports to me that his railroad repairs will not be completed until some time next week, owing to the high water. The streams are higher than ever before known. Wolf River, in front of La Grange, is impassable. General Hamilton, from La Grange, reports a brigade of rebel cavalry at Holly Springs, and states a rumor that cars are running there. As soon as we can cross the Wolf, an expedi- tion is ordered to push down there and de~troy the works on the rail- road. The Tallahatchee is and has been so high that the railroad bridge cannot be burned. As soon as possible after getting the rolling-stock down over the road, I shall call in all forces above Jackson and post them below, keeping Sullivans headquarters there, and recall from above Union City to Columbus, strengthen the garrison at Forts Pillow and Hickman, and send a regiment of cavalry to Asboth, at Columbus. The general informed me some time since that he would send up another cavalry regiment; it has not yet reported. I was requested by General Grant, in the last comniunication received, to forward to General Mc- Clernand a battery of Parrotts. I have none within my command ex- cept at Corinth, and would not recommend that they be withdrawn. If such, however, be the order of General Grant, I will send a 20-pounder Parrott battery from Corinth. My other guns are light. Can send one of the light batteries, if desired. There is nothing new here. I expect to hear further from Holly Springs to-day, but not in time for this boat. Rosecrans telegraphs that he is prepared for any movement. It is re- ported to me that a strong naval force of the rebels is in Yazoo River, and that one or ~more of their boats is heavily iron-clad. I doubt the full truth, as the last reliable intelligence in January was that thei Page 74 74 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, UC. [CHAP. xxxvt. propose(l iron-clad had not her machinery in, and was considered a failure. There is no special news here. I am trying to get this region into shape, but the amount of rascality here is beyond all estimate. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLBUT. GENERAL ORDERS, { HDQRS. DISTRICT OF COLUMBUS, No. 11. Columbus, Ky., February 28, 1863. The Mobile and Ohio Railroad communication having been reopened, the following is published for the information and warning of the citi- zens living along the lines within the District of Columbus: It is well known that the lawless bands of guerrillas which infest the country alon~ the railroad derive their existence and support mainly from the disloyal citizens who enjoy the protection of the United States, on their oaths of allegiance, taken only to break at the first opportunity the obligation it entails. These citizens will be held responsible, with their persons and property, for the acts of guerrillas whom they cherish and support. Any one not belonging to the Confederate army who shall give arms, ammunition, or supplies to these lawless bands will be summarily tried by a military commission, in accordance with Articles of War 56 and 57, Army Regulations, which read as follows: ART. 56. Whosoever shall relieve the enemy with money, victuals, or ammunition, or shall knowin6ly harbor or protect an enemy, shall snifer death or such punishment as shall he ordered by a court-martial. ART. 57. Whosoever shall be convicted of holding correspondence with, or giving intelligence to, the en cmv, either directly or indirectly, shall suffer death or stich other punishment as shall be ordered by a court-martial. For every raid or attempted raid by guerrillas upon the railroad, and for every attack npon the steamboats or Government transports on the i~iver, the families living in closest proximity to the scene of the outrage will be arrested and held as hostages for the delivery of the real perpe- trators. The civil law re-estabIish~d in Kentucky for the benefit of the loyal shall never shield the traitor from his doom. ASBOTH. Abstract from return of the 19epartment of the Tennessee, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, corn nanding, for the month of Fcbreary, 1563. Present for --~ ~ Pieces of duty. a a . artillery. a a Command. .5 .5 ~ Headquarters. a a ,s te a an ~ Q . o n at at a a ~fl at a a Q ~ -~ ~ Thirteenth Army Corps (MeClernand): General headqnarters 29 310 402 587 Youngs Point. Ninth Division (Osterhaus) 195 4, 024 6, 182 8, 583 12 Tenth Division (A. J. Smith) 225 3, 928 6, 521 9, 558 12 District of East Arkansas (German): Helena. Twelfth Division (Hovey) 302 5, 165 7, 024 8, 279 26 Do. Thirteenth Division (Fisk) 178 3,102 4, 731 5, 574 6 Do. Cavalry Division (washburn) --- 189 3, 094 4, 721 5, 910 - - -. 12 29, 581 35, 491 ~. 68 Total 1,138 20,42 Page 75 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. Abstract from return of the Department of the Tennessee, 4-cContinued. Present for -4 ~ Pieces of a duty. ~ ~. Artillery. ~ ~ -_____ a ci Command. .~ ~ Headquarters. ci ci ci a Ic - a . Ic Icci ~. ~ a ~ as ar a a ac~ H a .5 0 Fifteenth Army Corps (Sherman): Staff 5 5 7 . Youngs Point. Eighth Division (Stuarts) 259 5, 616 7, 539 10, 287 - 20 Eleventh Division (Steele) 309 5, 562 8, 81.3 11, 132 2 16 Total 573 11178 16357 21,426 2 36 Seventeenth Army Corps (McPherson): General headquarters 13 67 94 111 LakeProvidence. Third Division (Logan) 327 6, 248 7, 535 9, 519 4 20 Sixth Division (McArthur) 2i6 4, 811 6, 038 7, 191 - - 16 Seventh Division (Quinhy) 321 5, 853 7, 423 9, 368 . - - 20 Near Memphis. Engineer troops (Bissell) 2 632 804 Total. 949 16,979 I 21,722 27,193 4 56 Sixteenth Army Corps (Hurihut): Staff 9 26 35 35 Memphis, Tenn. District of Columhus (Ashoth) 316 5, 169 7, 028 8, 507 32 7 Columhus, Ky. District of Memphis (Veatch) 348 5, 375 9, 112 10, 758 (*) (*) Memphis. Fourth Division (Lanman) 318 6, 101 7, 466 8, 674 -- 24 Moscow, Tenn. Eighth Division (J. K Smith) 199 3, 379 4, 383 5, 432 --- 8 Near Memphis. Cavalry Brigade (A. L. Lee) - - - - ... - 51 1,064 1,588 2,115 Germ ant own, Lefr Wing (Hamilton): Teun. Stafi 6 6 6 -. .. LaGrange, Tenn. District of Corinth (Dodge) 389 7, 859 10, 284 11, 753 26 32 Corinth, Miss. District of Jackson (Sullivan) - - -. 515 8, 926 11, 626 14, 234 - -. 26 Jackson, Tenn. First Division (Denver) 322 5, 595 7,196 8, 666 -- 20 La Grange. Cavalry Ba-igade (Grierson) 88 1, 914 2, 466 2, 976 Do. Total.... 2,553 45,408 61,190 73,156 58 137 Grand total Department of the 5, 193 93, 988 121, 850 160, 266 64 277 Tennessee. WASHINGTON, March 1, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Near Vicksburg, Miss.: GENERAL: There is a vacant major-generalcy in the Regular Army, and I 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. (Same to Major-Generals Hooker and Rosecrans.) HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before Vicksburg, March 1, 1863. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant A~jutant-Uenerat: COLONEL: General Ross reports, under date of the 23d installt [ultimo], that the gunboats had been in Moon Lake for the previous two days, and would start down the Pass on the morning of the 24th; also that he was embarking his division on the 23d, with the expectation of following the gunboats in two days. lie has strong hope that the Pass will be navigable by ouf boats, but thinks, in consequence of swift- Not reported in original. 7 Page 76 76 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAP. XXXVI. ness of current, narrowness of the stream, and overhanging timber, some damage may be incurred by them. Your obedient servant, WALTER B. SCATES, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., March 1, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have just returned from an examination of Bayou Bax- ter from its source down about 7 miles. The work of cleaning it out is~mnch greater than I was led to believe from the engineers reports. The recent heavy rains have raised the water in the lake and bayou from 2 to 3 feet, overflowing a considerable portion of the low country, and making it extremely difficult for the working parties to get along. They are, however, doing very well, and the men seem to be in fine spirits. About 5 miles have, been cleaned out. I am going to-morrow morning up to Asliton, near the Arkansas line, where Bayou Macon approaches within 3 miles of the Mississippi River, and if there is a probability that by cutting the line at this point boats can be floated into Bayou Macon, I shall have it done immediately; and unless the water in Bayou Baxter falls very soon, I shall cut the levee here and let in the water to fill the lake and bayou, in order to get in the boats, so that we can make use of a steam capstan to haul out logs, snags, & c. The trees, of course, will have to be sawed off under water in this case, but I am a little appre- hensive that in cutting them off, as the surface of the water now is, the water, when the levee is cut, will not rise high enough to float the boats clear of the stumps. I have had numerous applications here from parties owning cotton (or claiming to own it) to ship it to Memphis and sell it on their own account. If I once opened the door to this sort of thing, I presume nearly every bale of cotton in this vicinity would be claimed by some one, who would come forward and say that he had never done anything to encourage the rebellion, and had always been opposed to secession. My plan is to send it all to Memphis, and let it be sold by Captain Eddy, and if any of these people can establish a good, lawful, and loyal claim, let them receive the net proceeds of what belongs to them. In some instances, when the facts come under my own observation, and I know the families have been stripped of almost everything, and are really in destitute circumstances, I will grant a permit for them to sell or ship a small proportion on their own account to purchase necessaries. I have granted the l)ermission asked for in the inclosed letter.* Mrs. Sparrow, wife of Mr. [Edward] Sparrow, Senator iii the rebel Congress, with her family, consisting of three or four daughters, at present visiting here on the lakes, wishes permission to pass into the rebel lines, to remain at Yicksburg, and to take two or three of her female house servants. Can it be granted ~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. U. S. RAM SWITZERLAND, Mississippi River, Mzreh 1, 1863. General ALFRED W. ELLIZP.: GENERAL: I have the honor to report to you that I left the Era No. 5, in charge of Capt. A. Conner, on February 23, and proceeded up the Not found Page 77 ChAp. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIoN. 77 river on the 25th, with instructions from Admiral Porter to take the Switzerland and protect her machinery with cotton bales, in order to run the batteries at Yicksburg. On the 27th, I received the following dispatch from Admiral Porter: FEBRUARY 25, 1563. Sin: Return here without a moments delay. The Queen is up at Warrenton. Heavy firing last night below here. The presumption is that the Indianola is sunk or captured. Hurry down. Wait for nothing. We have nothing to meet the ram. Bring the Monarch also, if she is within hail, but do not wait for anything. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER. I immediately started down, and reached the fleet below Yazoo River on the same evening. On the morning of the 28th, Captain Conner came on board and re- ported that the Era had been taken from him by order of Major-Gen- eral Grant, and scuttled in the middle of the river. No reason was assigned for this dispositioll of a valuable boat. The 170 bales of cot- ton upon her were set ashore. Colonel Woods, who bore the orders of General Grant, has, I am informed by Captain Conner, permitted his men to seize and appropriate, not only the few articles of clothing which some of my men had left on board, but also to rip up several of the cot- ton bales and use their contents for bedding. This destruction is still going on. The following is the order, which Captain Conner was per- mitted .to see, in relation to this appropriation of private and public property in the possession of my officers: Captain CONNER: hEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY Conrs, February 27, 1863. Colouel Woods has orders as to what you will do. You must send all the negroes you have early to-morrow morning to report here under a sergeant or corporal. I have wondered why you have not already sent them. I give them rations for one day only; for your men, four days. The negroes will be put to work at once. Yours, truly, J. H. HAMMOND, As8istant Adjutant- General. iNo receipt for the cotton was given to Captain Conner, nor has oue been sent to me. I would respectfully request instructions in regard to the coarse I should pursue in this matter, as I do not wish to be held responsible for losses to the Government which occurred during my absence and without my consent. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES RIVERS ELLET, Colonel, Commanding Ram Fleet. UNITED STATES Mississippi SQUADRON, Near T7icksbttrg, March 2, 1863. lVlaj. Gen. C. L. STEVENSON, Vicksburg: SIR: Major-General Grant, commanding this department, has handed me a communication from you, * written by authority of General Pem- berton, commanding Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana. I might very properly object to notice it, as all communications relating to the Mississippi Squadron should be addressed to me as commander- in-chief of the naval department of the Mississippi River. I decline, however, to stand on a point of etiquette. I inclose you a communication t I wrote to one of my officers in rela * See Stevenson to Grant, February 24, p. 66. 1 Not found Page 78 78 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVi. tion to the notice your general has taken exceptions to; it will fully explain my views on this subject. No one is more desirous than myself that operations within the limits of my command should be conducted in accordance with the usages of war, of humanity, and of civilization, which sentiment, I am l)leased to see, is expressed by yourself. I can see no easier way to arrive at the desired end than by put- ting a stop to the inhuman practice of firing on unarmed vessels and I)eaceful citizens. I am quite satisfied that it is not civilized for parties who are overseer civilians one day, trading with our people and sol- diers the next, to be traveling around the country firing upon hospital vessels and river steamers. The hospital vessel of this squadron was attacked in sight of me. an~d a volley of musketry fired into the windows, while she had on board, and being attended with all care, some of the wounded prisoners taken at the Post of Arkansas. A few days since a band of armed desperadoes jumped on the deck of the tug Hercules, and killed in cold blood some of the unoffending crew. Men lurk in. the woods, withont a flag or distinguishing mark, and fire at any hu- man being they may see on the deck of a steamer, without caring or knowing whether it is friend or foe they are about to murder, and this we are called upon to recognize as civilized warfare. If~ sir, you call this carrying on war iii a civilized manner, we differ very widely in our opinions. If those who profess to be your followers make war on us after the manner of highwaymen, I see no icason why they should be treated with that courtesy and kindness which I believe I have the reputation of extending to all prisoners captured in honor- able warfare. In this respect I endeavor to set an example of moderation that it would be well to follow. I have enjoined upon every person nuder my command to exact the strictest obedience to my order against pillaging or injuring the property of persons on he river; and while doing all II can to avert the calamities of war, I intend to exact a strict compliance with the usages of war, of humanity, and of civilization. If persons claiming to be soldiers deviate from them, they can scarcely expect to be treated to any of the amenities of war, and their leaders should not claim for them more than they expect themselves. In this matter of firing on unarmed vessels no goo(l results have arisen; on the contrary, it has led to a system of retaliation, when, unfortunately, the guilty parties did not always sufi~r. It has led to perfect demoralization, and brought to the river banks a set of desperadoes who plunder alike both friend and foe. This system can do no good toward ending this war, and is only destructive to those who had no hand in making it if General Pemuberton is desirous that the war should be conducted on the princil)les of humanity and civilization, all he has to do is to issue an order to stop guerrilla warfare. He can exercise his judgment with regar(l to any retaliatory measures he may think proper to institute. I presume our soldiers and sailors could easily prepare themselves for any ordeal they might be subjected to, and we might hope to see our country aroused at last to a sense of the inijuries inflicted upon it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER. LAKE PROVIIENCE, LA., March 2, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Corn 4g. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have just returned from making explorations between Ashton and Grand Lake, with ~ view of determining the practicabilit Page 79 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 79 of getting into Bayou Macon from the river at that point. There is now a difference of 8 feet between the surface of the water in the river and the general level of the country behind the levee, and there is an open route across the fields, and following a road to the bayou, so that the only question is whether the country between the river and the bayou will fill up with water, after the levee is cut, deep enough to float steamboats. If so, the route is perfectly feasible and can be opened iu four or five days. I have given Colonel Bissell directions to try it, and he goes up in the morning with his regiiilent to commence the work. The Rocket I have seat down to the fleet to obtain the powder for blasting out the levee. The point where the levee will be cut is a short distance below the Arkansas line. No portion of General Quinbys division has arrived, th oughlain expecting him hourly. I shall, unless otherwise directed, order his command to disembark at Grand Lake, and push rapidly across Bayou Macon, and thence down on the high ground on the western side to some good point to the west or northwest of this place, where he can guard the bayou, to prevent the rebels from obstructing it by felling frees, and probably secure a large amount of rebel property, cotton, horses, cattle, mules, & c., which have been moved over for safety. The road from the river to Bayou Macon, at Grand Lake, is very good, and will require only two brid~es, which Colonel Bissell can con- struct rapidly out of his l)ontoon train. The work of cleaning out Bayou Baxter is progressing as rapidly as circumstances will admit. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., March 2, 1863. Brig. Gen. 1. F. QUINBY, Commanding Seventh Division: GENERAL: You will disembark your comm~ind at Grand Lake and push rapidly out to the westward, across to Bayou Macon, and thence down on the western side of the bayou 6 or 8 miles, to some good point where you can establish your main camp, for the double purpose of preventing the rebels from obstrncting the bayou by felling trees, & c., into it, and seenring a large amount of rebel propertycotton, horses, mules, & c., which have been moved over there for safety. Colonel Bissell, who will deliver this to you, will indicate the road you are to take, and will also throw pontoon bridges across the bayous or streams. There is a regiment of rebel cavalry scattered along the west side of Bayou Macon, and an organization of Home Guards, which you will have to look out for. From all I can learn, however, they are not very formidable, but it will be best to keep on the alert. There is no direct route from here across to Bayou MacQn, as a great portion of the coun- try is overflowed. You will, of course, leave a sufficient farce at your landing to protect the transports, and keel) open communication between them and your camps. One great object in pnshing forward rapidly after you land is to se- cure a large amount of cotton, which is said to be stored in sheds along the bayou, and which will probably be burned if the enemy gets wind of our coining. I would like to see you in person as soon as convenient. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. 113. McPHERSON Page 80 80 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Yicksburg, March 2, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS, Comdg Dist. of Eastern Arkansas: GENERAL: Hold Gormans division in readiness to move, under the command of General ilovey, the moment Ross returns from his Yazoo expedition. I want you to hold the country from the Mississippi River to Cold- water, by way of the Pass, as long as we are likely to use it. For this purpose you can use such of your troops as you may deem proper. Transfer one of the best old regiments from Ross to Hovey, and send Colonel McGinnis back to his regiment, or the brigade in which it i~s. With a few days such weather as we are now having, I hope to be ready for prompt action, and want Hovey, with his old division, with me. General Gorman will receive orders assigning him to the command of the post, and Hovey to the command of the Twelfth Division (his present division), Thirteenth Army Corps. These troops, when they move, will bring with them their camp and garrison equipage, ammunition to the amount of 200 rounds per man, and ten days rations. Four teams and two ambulances will be all the transportation required. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vieksburg, March 2, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT, Comdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: Break up all your garrisons north of Jackson as soon as possible, and hold all your surplus forces in the vicinity of German. town, or nearer Memphis, if you think proper, in readiness to be or- dered here, should they be required. Do not weaken Corinth, however, and only abandon Jackson, Bolivar, and Bethel when you are satisfied that those forces will be required to hold your east and westlines. The rolling stock should be got over south of the break before aban- doning the northern parts, if there is any immediate prospect of getting the road completed. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Yieksburg, March 2, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, Comdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I am now sending transports to bring down the division of troops which you received notice some days ago to hold in readiness. I hope, general, you wilt push them forward with all possible dispatch. These troops should bring with them 200 rounds of ammunition, ten days rations, all their camp and garrison equipage, and four teams and two ambuhances per regiment. Any poor mules they may have might just as well be turned over to the quartermaster in Memphis, as this country abounds in such stock and of a good quality. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT Page 81 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 81 HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY Coi~iPs, Memphis, Teun., March 2, 1863. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. BAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: Scouts just arrived from below, at La Grange, report that part of the rebel forces have already left Vicksburg. Some have gone south Tilghmans command to Grenada; Thirty-first Mississippi, Colonel [J. A.] Orr, to Yazoo City. Some troops have also gone from Vicksburg to Jackson, on line of Pearl River. Several regiments have gone by way of Selma, to fortify the crossing of Tombigbee River. Eighty mounted infantry and 200 infantry from Corinth went to the gunboats on the Tennessee. Have destroyed all flats and ferries for many miles on the river, cap- tured 1 captain, 1 lieutenant and 20 men, 40 horses, and a large number of arms, and broken up a dangerous gang. The Tennessee is as high as ever known. The delays about the rail- road are very annoying. Colonel Webster now reports that he will not be able to run trains before the 7th. As soon as this is done, I will ex- ecute the orders in relation to abandoning the road as far as Jackson. This will require, when done, a force of cavalry at Columbus, and I am waiting for the regiment of cavalry which was promised by the major- general. No news of any interest here. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLBUT. LA GRANGE, March 2, 1863. General HURLEUT, Memphis: A body of rebel cavalry ([T. N.] WauPs legion) is reported to have camped on the Coldwater last night. It will be well to have Colonel Lee watch his front closely, and to have the commands along the road notified. The report comes from a farmer. I have a cavalry force in that direction, but hear nothing from it. C. S. HAMILTON. MEMPHIS, TENN., March 2, 1863. Capt. A. M. PENNOCK, U. S. Navy, Cairo, Ill.: It is reported that the enemy threaten Fort iDonelson. Send a gun- boat up to ascertain and aid. S. A. IIURLBUT. [MARCH 2, 1863.For Asboth to llurlbut and commanding officer at Fort Donelson, in reference to Van fl~~fl~5 movement, and for Hurl- but to Rosecrans on same subject, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part H.] GRAND LAKE, ~ March 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Lake Providence, La.; GENERAL: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place, and also to acknowledge the receipt of your orders of the 2d instant. Nearly all of my transports are now here and before morning. those behind will be in 6 R RYOL XXIV, PT H Page 82 82 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEEI ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. I shall go out with a reconnoiteriu~ party at daylight in the morning, and will report the result to you at the earliest opportunity. After I have established my command. pursuant to your instructions, and ex- amined my ~iirroundings, I will come down to see you. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. F. QUINBY. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Memphis, Tenn., March 3, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. IRAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- general: SIR: All the movements required by orders are in progress, but as they involve a change of position from Columbus throughout to Mem- phis, it is rather slow progress. The garrisons belonging to Columbus are being drawn in to that point; all troops below Union City to Jack- son. This will leave a stretch of bout 70 miles between outposts of Columbus and Jackson, which can only be explored by cavalry. Sul- livan is directed to keep his cavalry moving east and north, and I shall send Asboth (Third Illinois) from this place six companies, which, with two now at Columbus, he i directed to keep out. My only ap- prehension is of the crossing by mounted men being made over the Ten- nessee and a dash through this open space on Hickman and Fort Pil- low. Grierson, with three battalions of cavalry, left La Grange yester- day to break up [It. V.] Richardsons gang near Covington. Lee,~with 400, moved this morning direct from Germaiitown; the Third Michigan, or a portion of that regiment, from Jackson, to watch the crossing of the Hatchie, and three companies from Fort Pillow to break up a ferry above Covington. The Hatchie is so high that I do not think they can escape that way, and my orders are to make the work thorough, but spare all peaceable people. If the Second Illinois Cavalry is not needed below, it would be of great use around Memphis. I consider the Sec- ond and Sixth Illinois worth all the rest for duty in this neighborhood. Lauman will be ready to embark as soon as transports arrive, and no delay shall occur which I can possibly prevent. We will lose telegraph communications from Jackson to Columbus, I think, to-night, as I have no doubt the people (long the line, or some of them, will destroy the wires. Orders have been published and will be enforced as to resigned officers, which will specially affect the prospects in business of Colonel [John] Van Arman and Captain Silfversparre. Van Arman, two weeks since, applied for leave to go to Cairo, while waiting his resignation. I allowed him four days. He has not returned, and is, I hear, at Spring- field. He has, therefore, not yet received his papers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT. [MARCH 3, 1863.For Dodge to IRosecrans, about Confederates moving toward Tennessee, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II, p. 100.] HEADQUARTERS I)EPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vieksburg, Mai ch 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT, Gomdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: If the Columbus road cannot be repaired within forty- eight hours from the receipt of thi~, break up the garrison north ~o Page 83 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UN1ON. 83 Jackson and bring the rolling-stock of the road to Memphis on trans- 1~orts. You need not send the Parrott guns from Corinth, nor any other battery, for the present, except what belongs with the troops you are sending. Respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE Before Viclcsburg, March 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. IIURLBUT, Commanding Si, teenth Army Corps: GENERAL: Seeing your last returns, I am satisfied that another divis- ion can be spared from your command. Tn the District of Columbus and the District of Jackson there are more troops than are necessary, particularly after giving up the 87 miles of road north of Jackson. I would direct, therefore, that such troops as you deem advisable be brought to the front to relieve Laumans division from railroad duty, and bring that division to Memphis or vicinity, and hold it in readiness to be moved here. Make these changes with all promptness. I want to lose no time from this forward. I will send transportation for Laumans division in a few days. The same directions given for the troops now en route, as to what shall be brought along, will be applicable to these. Direct all the troops coming from Memphis to debark at Greenville, Miss., unless otherwise directed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Youngs Point, La., ]Jiliareh 4,1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. IIURLBUT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps, ]Jfemphis, Teun.: GENERAL: You will send the 25 paymasters that were ordered here from Memphis for the purpose of paying the troops at this place, with their funds, at once, as prisoners, under a sufficient guard, in charge of a reliable commissioned officer for funds. , the protection of them and their This disobedience of orders and trifling with the payment of troops will not be tolerated. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant. General. Major-General HUELBUT, MARCH 4, 1863. Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: Admiral Porter has, at my request, sent a gunboat to bring down or convoy the paymasters with their funds. I wish you would hasteu them off with all dispatch. The absence of the paymas- ters has a ~Tery (lepressiug effect upon the men, many of whom have families at home suiThriug for the means of subsistence. Then, too, Page 84 84 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. hope to be able to make a move very soon, which may delay payments for some time. I was excessively put out at the non-arrival of pay- masters with funds. Respectfully, & c, Th S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Befrre T7ieksburg, March 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, Gomdg. Sixteenth Army Gorps: GENERAL: There is a man by the name of John P. Fairley, living in Memphis, who has been engaged in enticing our soldiers to desert, and in one instance that can be proven enticed a sergeant of an Indiana regiment to take a ride with him in his buggy for the purpose of hav- ing him captured and paroled. The man was captured and paroled, whilst Fairley was left unmolested, and allowed to return to the city with his horse and buggy. Fairley is an Indiana man, but married South. I presume he passes for a Union man, but the above are, no doubt, facts against him. As the evidence would have to be gotten from Indiana, it might satisfy the ends of justice to expel this man from our lines, family and all, and take possession of his propertyreal estateby the quartermaster. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. COLUMBUS, Ky., March 4, 1863. Colonel MOORE, Commanding at Union City: Van Dorns force is given from 8,000 to 20,000 men. He will, how- ever, hardly cross the Tennessee in force, bnt send scouting parties to forage and conscript at and around Huntingdon. Look out for them, and have them captured. A citizen will report to you with information by my orders. ASBOTH. COLUMBUS, Ky., ]Jifarch 4, 1863. Major-General IIURLBUT, Comdg. Sixteenth Army Corns, Illemrhis, Tenn.: I received from Fort IDonelson to-day the following telegram: I do not think this post is in danger. Van Dorn is about the mouth of Duck River, 40 miles off. A. C. HARDING, Commanding. To reach IDonelson from that point the rebels would have to go back again to the divide ridge, and thence follow a zigzag course, with great delay, as they cannot proceed along the river across the many sloughs at present. My impression is, therefore, that Van Porn will attempt to cross the Tennessee to lluntingdon, & c., a la Forrest. I direct Colonel Moore, at Uniou City, to scud out scouting parties in that direction frequently. Besides the Fortieth Iowa Regiment, I have sent no other troops away, but hold them in readiness. I communicate to General Sullivan above telegram - ASBOTH Page 85 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 85 JACKSON, TENN., March 4, 1863. Brigadier-General ASBOTH: My latest information places Van Dorn at Columbia. His foroes may be scattered all along the river for miles. He has no intention of cross- ing the Tennessee River in force, but may send a conscripting force over. He lost at Columbia all his corn and quartermasters stores, and is now employed in foraging. I will send immediately to the river and find out his plans. The river is high enough for gunboats to protect the crossing. If he should be foolhardy enough to attempt a raid, he must not be allowed to recross. JER. C. SULLIVAN. UNITED STATES Missi~s~~~i SQUADRON, March 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Army of the Mississippi: GENERAL: I send you a letter received from Lieutenant-Commander Selfridge, of the U. S. Steamer Conestoga, which may prove interesting to you. Respectfully, yours, & c., DAVID D. PORTER. [Inclosure.] U. S. STEAMER CONESTOGA, Off Napoleon, March 1, 1863. Actg. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding ]JiEississ~ppi Squadron: SIR: Two deserters from [T. C.] Hiudmans army a~t Pine Bluff came on board last night. They estimate the total efficient force in Arkansas as not exceeding 15,000; that from the difficulty in obtaining subsist. ence, it was detertnined to withdraw the major part of the army across the Mississippi. These men had been employed as teamsters about headquarters of their regiment. The route originally intended was to take the troops down the Washita to Monroe, and thence to Vicksburg. As this avenue is now closed,lam half inclined to believe they may try to carry them across in this vicinity. The Prairie Bird, at White River, would not be much of an obstacle, as I could not assist him in time if they come down the Arkansas. Whether I should be able to beat them off remains to be seen. I shall ram them rather than trust to the uncertainty of disabling them with my guns. One of these deserters states that about a week ago he heard some of the officers talk about fittiug up a steamer with cotton bales, but did not know whether anything had been done toward it. We are all anxious to know the fate of the Indianola, and I trust her loss will be but a teml)orary inconvenience. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. 0. SELERIDGE, Lieutenant- Gommander. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Lake Providence, La., March 5, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Connnandiug Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: The steam dredging boat Hercules has just this moment arrived here, and, in accordance with your instructions, I have ordered the captain of the steamboat Niagara to tow it down to Youngs Point Page 86 86 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. General Quinbys division has arrived, and is now disembarking at Grand Lake. Colonel Bissell is at work cutting the levee near the Ar- kansas line, and I will know ki two or three days whether we can get boats through to Bayou Macon at that point. The river is rising here slowly. The work of opening Bayou Baxter progresses more slowly than I wish, on account of the great difficulty of getting at it, the low ground being all overflowed. The little propeller Eawlins is in the lake and works well. I can send down several hun- dred bales of cotton in a few days, and have just sent up to Quinby to send me a good boat for the purpose, as I have none here. I have just received a verbal order from Commodore Graham, coming from a man I dont know, directing me to send down all the steamboats which brought down General Quinbys division. I do not like to act upon it for the reason that there may be some mistake, and your written orders to me were t? keep these boats; then again, if it should be necessary to send troops to General Quinbys assistance, or move his division, I would have no means of doing it. I am glad to hear the Indianola went down game; the old flag is not dishonored under such circumstances. I can let the water in here at any time, but think I will wait and see the result above. I shall do everything in my power to hasten things forward, and Colonel Leggett is pushing matters in the bayou as rapidly as he can. The troops are well and in fine spirits. Yours, sincerely, JAS. B. McPHERSON. P. S.This is written in the boat and in great haste. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before T7icksburg, March 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. JAMES B. MCPHERSON, Comdg. Seventeenth Army Corps: GENERAL: Stop Quinby from debarking any more troops where he now is. All transports, no matter what their size, can run into the Pass to Moon Lake, which is about half way from the river to Coldwater. I want your corps to get in there as rapidly as possible, and effect a lodg- ment at Yazoo City or the most eligible point on Yazoo River from which to operate. Send Quinby in advance with a good supply of provisions and coal. All transports he may have of over 180 feet in length direct him to unload at Moon Lake and order back to this place. I will send immediately from here all boats that will answer to go through the Pass, and, should they arrive in time, Quinby can transfer to them where he is, and send back boats as he leaves immediately down here. Quinby will have general direction in the Pass until you arrive. He may detain Ross division, now there until there are sufficient forces to defend his position. Then I want Ross sent back to Helena to form the garrison of that place, and take Hovey~s, which is composed of old and tried troops, whilst the others are raw, and with rather indifferent brigade commanders, I fear. If you think there is a reasonable prospect of the river making a channet through by either of the routes you are no~v working upon, yoa may prosecute it with the force you have left. At all events, clear ou Page 87 CHAP. XXXVi.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 87 the channel of the timber in it, and let the water in to see what it will do. I will send orders to have Denvers division stop at Moon Lake and go in by the same route. This will give you five divisions to oper- ate with, which, with the gunboats, I hope will enable you to carry ont one end of the proposed programme. Send all boats you may have at Lake Providence under 180 feet in length to Quinby. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, liT. S. GRANT. BETHEL, March 5, 1863. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN, Jackson: There is some rebel cavalry at Savannah, said to be 600. They are collecting all the fiats and boats they can get hold of at that place. I have men on this side watching them. W. W. SANFORD, Colonel, Commanding Post. IIDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, THIRTEENTH DIVISION, Steamer Lebanon No. 2, March 6, 1863. Brigadier-General Ross, Commanding Division Army, Ya~oo Expedition: GENERAL: I am pained to witness the pillaging, plundering, and irregular foraging on the part of some of the commands cf this expedi- tion. This morning at 9 oclock we came up with the Ida May, the men from which steamer were on shore shooting cattle, and many of them rushing pell-niiell through and around the house on the plantation, catch- ing chickens, turkeys. geese, pigs, & c. The women at the house were greatly frightened, and fearful that they were to be slaughtered. I have up to this day fully restrained my men within the bounds of pro- priety, but it is impossible to keep them within proper limits when they discover men from the steamers of the other brigades on shore capturing the delicacies of poultry-yards and pantries. I hand you herewith an order I have just issued, - and, with the grace of God sustaining me, I will enforce it if II have to shoot men both in and out of shoulder-straps. We cannot make good soldiers of thieves and robbers, iieither can we expect success to follow us if we thus ~out- rage every principle of truth and justice. I am ashamed when I see our good cause thus prejudiced. I fully believe in taking from the enemy whatever he may have that we, as an army, need, or if what is left with him would streunthen the rebels, but I would have it done decently and in order,~ and accord- ing to orders. I know your views on this question, and will aid you to the utmost of my ability in putting down the pillaging. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CLINTON B. FiSK. LA GRANGE, March 6,1863. General HUELBUT: Nothing further of \Tan Dorns crossing. Roddey is in Tuscumbia with cavalry and one regiment of infantry, having recrossed since Cornyns KNot found Page 88 88 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXX VI. raid. Capt. G. E. Spencer broke up a gang of conscripts at Eastport a few days since. Scouts from Montgomery, Selma, and Meridian. Two large iron-dads building at Montgomery, two iron-dads launched at Selma, February 1, and two more building, designed for Tombigbee and Alabama Rivers. Confederate officer, who was nnder charge of treason, escaped from Atlanta and came in with Cornyn, along [with] Union officers in prison there. General Willich, Colonel Williams, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Stewart, Lieutenant-Colonel Shanklin, Lieutenant-Colo- nel Dunn, and Majors Warren and Buckner are at Mobile. Five iron- dads, two wooden gunboats, and two building in Mobile Harbor, and three iron-dads and two floating batteries in Charleston Harbor. In Yazoo River one very powerful iron-clad, not complete. Cavalry from Alabama, Georgia, and elsewhere have joined Van Dorn, swelling cav- alry force to 25,000 men in Johnstons department. C. S. HAMILTON, Major- General. (Same, llurlbut to Halleck.) HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., March 6, 1863. Major-General HAMILTON, La Grange, Tenn.: I wish Denvers division moved down the railroad from La Grange to Germantown, relieving the Fourth Division, which will occupy the road from Germantown, and also around Memphis. Bethel should be attached to Corinth, and garrisoned from that point; the regiments of Sullivans command at Bethel brought to Jackson, and garrison La Grange from Sullivans force and the detached regiments at Grand Junction. John E. Smiths division nnder orders to go below. You can, if you think it advisable, bring a battery from Corinth to La Grange. I wish this movement made to-morrow. Answer if it can be done, so that I may issue orders to the Fourth Division to be ready as fast as relieved. Has Grierson started to-day ~ S. A. HURLBUT. MEMPHIS, TENN., March 6, 1863. Brigadier-General LAUMAN, Moscow: You will hold your division in readiness to move as soon as relieved by Denver. One brigade will cover the road from Germantown to the city; the others will be placed on the right and left of the railroad to cover the city. You will come, or send in, and communicate with Gen- eral Veatch as to location of camps. You will be ready to move to- morrow morning, if relieved. S. A. HURLBUT. LA GRANGE, March 6, 1863. General HURLEUT: There is but one detached regirnemit at Grand Junction. Denvers division will commence movement to-morrow. Dodge will relieve the garrison at Bethel, but Sullivans forces ought not to be diminished while there is danger from Van Dorn. Denvers division cannot reach t Page 89 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 89 Germantown with safety to road, and ought not to go beyond La Fayette until Sullivans forces are brought down. Grierson has not started. Please advise me if you still require Denver to reach to Germantown. C. S. HAMILTON. COLUMBUS, March 6, 1863. General SULLIVAN, Jackson: I will defend the Obion Bridge and co-operate with you to the full extent of my command. Will go down to-morrow myself and make proper arrangements. Have no additional information, but expect re- liable to-morrow. The transfer of the three forts on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers to another department was a hard blow for 1)0th of our districts. As it is, I have no cavalry at my disposal. ASBOTH. BETHEL, March 6, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. C. SULLIVAN, Jackson: My men crossed the river last night and destroyed the boats that had been collected at Savannah. No troops can cross from there now unless~ they get more boats. W. W. SANFORD, Colonel, Commanding Post. UNITED STATES MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Yazoo River, March 7, 186310 p. m. (Received March 12.) Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy: We know pretty positively that the Intlianola was too much damaged to be used offensively at once, but they might in the course of a month be able to operate against the fleet below. Any vessel with a ram could easily destroy her if she is not already blown up. She is a weak vessel. If she exists, I hope to have her before a mouth is over. DAVID D. PORTER. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 10. Near Vicksburg, March 7, 1863. Our camps being threatened with overflow, preparations must be made to meet such an event. The only safe ground will be the levee in front of our camps till the troops can be embarked. The water will enter the swamps to the rear of our camps, and will fill up, slowly advancing up the ditches and over the fields, until the level of the water inside is about 18 inches below the level of the water outside. To the Second Division (General Stuart) is assigned all the levee be- low the point where the IMagnolia lies. To the First Division (General Steele) all the levee above that point. General McClernands corps (the Thirteenth) has been ordered by General Grant to move up to Millikens Bend. This will give us two points to embark, viz, in the slough near General ~ head- quarters, and the present landing where the Magnolia lies. General Steeles troops will use the former and General Stuarts the latter for embarkation of men and property when boats are assigned Page 90 90 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. In the mean time each division commander will lay off and assign to each brigade its proportion of the levee, and this again will be sub- divided so that each regiment and company will, have space for the men, provisions, and camp and garrison equipage. Each division commander will designate the place to be occupied by the artillery and cavalry. When the levee is thus occupied, the quar- termaster, J. Condit Smith, will provide yawis and flats to carry stores to and from the boats to the regiments, and will, as soon as possible, provide the necessary steamboats to embark the command, placing Gen- eral Steeles boats up the slough now occupied by ~ corps, and General Stuarts near the landing of the Magnolia. These general instructions are now given, but the troops need not vacate their present camps till their respective division or brigade com- manders think they are in danger; but all possible preparations will be made in advance. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: J. H. HAMMOND, Assistant Adjutant- General. GRAND LAKE, ARK., March 7, 186310 a. m. Maj. Gen. JAMES.B. MCPHERSON, Corndg. Seventeenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that this division, with the public stores, is nearly all on board the transports again, and that we shall be ready to start for Moon Lake by 12 in. I would invite your attention to General Grants letter of instructions of the 3d instant, and ask if it be not his intention to have me move down the Yazoo River with my own and Ross division~ so soon as suitable transports are provided. I am, general, very respectfully, & c., I. F. QUINBY. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., March 7, 1863. Brig. Gen. I. F. QUINBY, Gorndg. Seventh Division, Grand Lake: GENERAL: Immediately on your arrival in Moon Lake you will dis- embark the troops from all the large boats which cannot go through the Yazoo Pass (say), over 180 feet ifl length, and send them back to bring up General Logans division. As soon as boats arrive sufficient to take your command and General Ross, you will proceed down the Yazoo River to some eligible point and effect a lauding. As soon as the troops have disembarked, and your position made secure, send the boats back to Moon Lake for the other divisions, which will be there by that time. You will, owing to the insufficiency of boats at Moon Lake, find it necessary to leave most of your transportation, in order to take down as large a fighting force as possible. You will want to take with you a good supply of intrenching tools, and if you have not got them with you send your quartermaster to Memphis and procure them. You will exercise your own judgment in selecting the point of landing on the Yazoo River, the un portant object at first being to get a position which can be easily defended until re-enforcements arrive. When we get all our troops together, we can then risk the issue of a battle Page 91 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 91 Admiral Porter reported last night that the gunboats had passed down the Yazoo nearly to Haynes Bluff. You will take along a good supply of provisions and coal. I shall come up with Logans division. Very respectfully, JAS. B. McPHERSON. MEMPhIS, TENN., March 7, 1863. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. ItAWLINS: Colonel Webster will have his rolling stock over to-morrow. I have issued orders to call in garrisons to Jackson and Columbus. I received this morning orders to arrest and send down nuder guard 25 paymas- ters aIl(l their funds. Major [Edwin D.] Judd, with a corps of paymasters, started on Tues- day, with General Quinbys (livision, to Lake Providence, with orders to take couvoy from that point below. I inclose report of senior pay- master here.* As I never received any orders as to the movements of paymasters referred to, I suggest that any orders of the kind be for- warded tUrough these headquarters, and I will see them promptly obeyed. I have never exercised any control over this branch of the service. Colonel IRoddey, with cavalry and one regiment of infantry, are at Tuscuinbia, no other troops moving within my limits. Van Dorn has threatened iDonelson, and occasionally is reported about to cross the Tuscumbia, but has not done so. It is reported by spies that a division of the enemy has gone to Yazoo City. It is probably true. There is but little stirring here, except the ordinary routine of specu- lation and thieving. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLBUT. MEMPHIS, TENN., ilEarch 7, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. ItAWLINS, A88istant Adjutant- General: SIR: Brig. Gen. John E. Smiths division is about to embark for Greenville, Miss. Great delay has taken place from the necessity of moving the entire line of troops down from La Grange to this place. Laumaus division is moving in to-day. Two brigades will camp on the right and left of the railroad depot; the other covers the railroad to Germantown. On Monday morning the railroad from Jackson to Columbus will be abandoned, and the garrisons ordered down. The most inconvenience that I apprehend from that will be the loss of telegraphic communica- tion. General Asboth is in constant apprehension of attack, but I think with little reason; but as he had no light artillery, I have sent him the Ninth Indiana Battery. I propose to bring in Denvers division to cover the whole railroad when Lauman moves below. I received the One hundred and thirty-first Regiment from below, and am preparing a regiment to go with Smiths division, to report to Gen- eral McClernand. This regiment will be taken from the garrison, and will still further reduce a force insufficient now to cover the city. * Not found Page 92 92 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. If it is expected that smuggling be repressed and the immense stores here protected from the thieves of both sides, I renew my statement that an entire division is necessary. I shall call down two regiments from Columbus in a day or two, as soon as it is certain that Van Dorn will not recross the Tennessee, and bring in Griersons cavalry from La Grange to patrol the neighborhood of Memphis, for which service they ~are worth all the rest since the Second Illinois went below. Cornyn has done splendidly with the Tenth Missouri Cavalry, and has got back safe to Corinth. I have directed Hamilton to garrison La Grange and its neighbor- hood with troops from Jackson and Corinth, as I think 5,000 effective men enough in Corinth. I believe that with a good pile-driver the road from La Grange to Corinth could be repaired in three weeks, if it is worth while; to do this, however, is not a matter of necessity as long as we hold Jackson, which I see no occasion for abandoning. The amount of plundering and bribery that is going on in and about the city of Memphis is beyond all calculation. I have one or two~toler- ably honest detectives at work, but am afraid they will be bought up. Is it utterly impossible to devise some way by which cotton and cotton dealers can be abolished ~ As the United States cannot be expected to hire all the cardinal virtues for $13 a month, soldiers on picket are bribed, officers are bribed, and the accursed system is destroying the army. Men are looking for opportunities to make money, and the whole course of the Treasury Department is tending to corrupt and degrade everybody connected with the administration of affairs. I am heartily sick, tired, and disgusted. Honesty is the exception and peculation the rule wherever the army is brought into contact with trade. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT. LA GRANGE, March 7, 1863. Major-General HURLBuT: Denvers division, twelve regiments, includes the garrisons at Hickory Valley, Davis Mills, Grand Junction, La Grange, and the post between La Grange and Moscow. One brigade must be kept on these stations until troops of Sullivan can get down the other two brigades will move to-day. Two regiments must be left at Moscow, one between Moscow and La Fayette, two at La Fayette, two beyond La Fayette, and two at Collierville. This is the utmost ground the division will cover now. The brigade left here can take post beyond Collierville as soon as Sul- livans troops arrive. The Bethel regiments and those from above Jack- son will form a brigade for that purpose as soon as you direct. Road above Jackson to be abandoned. There are now no detached regiments within Denvers command. C. S. HAMILTON. MEMPHIS ]Jlarch 7, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON, La Grange: Let the La Grange division cover the road to and including Collier- ville. The Fourth Division will hold from that point down. S. A. HURLBUT Page 93 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 93 MEMPHIS, TENN., March 7, 1863. Brig. tlen. J. G. LArnvrAN, Moscow Your division must hold the road from this side of Collierville. Den- ver will have two regiments in Collierville. Do not move up until you are relieved. One brigade of your command can cover the road from this side of Collierville to McKees Station near the city. Let the Fifth Ohio Cavalry move down with you t~ Germantown, and there leave them with Colonel Lee. S. A. HURLBUT. CROCKETT STATION, TENN., March 7, 1863. Major-General IIIJRLBUT, Memphis, Tenn.: Making inquiry of the commanders of Forts ileiman and Henry if they would co operate with me in case Van Dorn should cross at the mouth of Duck River, I received an hour ago, at Union City, a tele- gram from the operator at Paducab that Forts Henry and Heiman were both abandoned and our troops gone. If so, the whole Tennessee line from Duck River to Heiman, as well as the Kentucky and Tennessee State line, are uncontrolled. From General Sullivan I have received a telegram, at Union City, that his troops have crossed at Savannah and destroyed all boats collected there. 1 do not think that the rebels intend to cross as far south as Savannah, but north of I)uck River. I have no cavalry to send scouting parties there, and requested General Sullivan to do it, offering to replace his infantry here if he should consider it necessary to withdraw his forces. I beg to call your particular attention to the unexpected abandonment of Forts ileiman and Henry. It proves the necessity that they should form a l)art of the Department of the Tennessee. Captain Thurstons telegram in regard to trade is just received. ASBOTH. (Similar dispatch to Sullivan.) BEFORE VICKSEURG, March 8, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS, Gomdg. Dist. Eastern Arkansas: GENERAL: Direct the first division of troops coming from Memphis, probably the one commanded by Brig. Gen. John E. Smith, to pass into Moon Lake, and there await orders and transports from Major-General McPherson. They will keep with them all boats of less dimensions than 50 feet beam and 190 feet in length. All other transports they will send here. There are also troops coming from Saint Louis. Direct them to land at Lake Providence, unless they receive other directions from these headquarters. They will retain all their large class boats, but release for the Yazoo their small ones. They will probably find at Lake Prov- idence some of General McPhersons command awaiting transportation; but if they have gone, they will send these boats into Moon Lake to transport such troops as may be there. 1)irect General C. C. Washburn to hold such a force of cavalry as you cansparenot less than 1,200 menin readiness to obey the sum- mons of General McPherson. General McPherson, to avoid the delay of sending through these headquarters, is directed to call directly upon you for this cavalry as soon as he can use them and can send the tran Page 94 94 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. fOHAP. XXXVI. ports. It would be well to send General Washburn to Moon Lake as soon as the weather and roads will- permit of huin doing service there, and have him that much nearer where he will be wanted. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT. STEAMER SUPERIOR, March 8, 1863. Brig. Gen. L. F. Ross: GENERAL: Inclosed I send you an extract from a letter of instruc- tions of the 5th instant, from Major-General Grant to Major-General McPherson,* which will give you some idea of the wishes of the former and of his general plan of operations for the reduction of Vicksburg. He evidently attaches great importance to the movement down the Yazoo River, the fiuilure of which would in all probability render it necessary to make a complete change in the present programme, and, to say the least, delay for a long time the accomplishment of our imme- diate object. We cannot aftbr~ to fail, but must move surely, evcu though it be slowly, toward the proposed end. The enemy doubtless knows of your progress, and has guessed your object before this, and will make preparations to check youi- advance, commensurate with the danger to which he is thereby exposed. You will proceed with ex- treme caution, and under no circumstances bring on an engagement until reenforced by at least my division, unless confident of victory. Better fall back a little rather than jeopardize the success of the whole campaign by an untimely reverse. I shall push forward my division with all possible dispatch, but am, of course, dependent on suitable transports, which, as you will see by Gen- eral Grants instructions, are promised at once. Please avail yourself of every opportunity of communicating what- ever may be important connected with your operations, and of all that you may know of the movements of the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. F. QUINBY, Brigadier- General, Commanding. JACKSON, TENN., March 8, 1863. General ASBOTH: There are no troops this side the river. All is quiet. Van Dorn may attack Donelson, but he will n~t dare come over here. The river is over its banks. - I will keep a cavalry detachment toward Paris. JER. C. SULLIVAN. LA GRANGE, TENN., March 8, 1863. General SULLIVAN, Jackson: By order of General llurlbut, no train will be run north of Jackson after to-day. You will draw in all your troops north of Jackson to- morrow. Send the two Bethel regiments to this place, and report what troops you have on the road north. C. S. HAMILTON. * See Grant to McPherson, p. 86 Page 95 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 95 UNITED STATES Mississi~~i SQUADRON, Yazoo River, March 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: In answer to General Iluributs request for a gunboat at Memphis, I beg leave to inform you that the Cricket, commanded by a very active bfficer, is at that place, and will remain there. Very respectfully, & c., DAVID D. PORTER. IIEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Youngs Point, La., March 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. IIURLBIJT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps, Memphis, Teun.: GENERAL: Inclosed please frd copy of letter from the general com- mandirig to Brig. Gen. B. MI. Prentiss, of date the 8th instant, * for your guidance in any orders you may have to give to troops bound for below Memphis. None will be debarked at Greenville without further orders from these headquarters. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. BEFORE VICKSBURQ March 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, Comdq. Sixteenth Army Corps: I send Colonel Dickey, commanding cavalry division, to report to you. I have explained to Colonel I)ickey, verbally, that I want the available cavalry put in as good condition as possible in the next few weeks for heavy service. My plan is to have the cavalry from your command co- operate with the cavalry it is in contemplation to start from some point on the Yazooeither Yazoo City or Liverpool. The object will be to have your cavalry move southward from La Grange iu as large a force as possible, destroying the bridge over the Tallahatchee; thence move east of south, so as to head Black River or strike it where it can be crossed; the larger portion of the cavalry to move from about Yala- busha River eastward, as if to threaten the Mobile road, but in reality to ~iover a move of a select l)ortion of the cavalry, which will go south and attempt to cut the railroad east of Jackson. Washburn will move eastward, and cut the Mississippi Central road where it crosses the Big Black. It is hoped by these moves of large forces of cavalry to cover the smaller party sufficiently to ensure their success in reaching the road east of Jackson, and to do what they ar~ sent for, and return to the main body. No vehicles should be takcn along, except ambulances, and they should have an extra pair of horses each. The troops should be instructed to keep well together, and let marauding alone for once, and thereby better secure success. I regret that the expedition you had fitted out was not permitted to go. The weather, however, has been so intolerably bad ever since that it might have failed. I look upon Grierson as being much better qualified to command this expedition than either Lee Or Mizner. I do not die-tate, however, who shall be sent. The date when the expedition should start will depend on movements here. You will be informed of the exact time for them to start. U. S. GRANT. *Seep 93 Page 96 96 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH A. C.. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, Lake Providence, La., March 9, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Corndg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: A couple of my scouts have just returned from the west side of Bayou Macon, having crossed the swamps and bayou in a canoe. They report a force of 300 or 400 rebel cavalry on the 1~Jacon Hills, nearly west from Bunchs Bend, and a force of 3,000 infantry, mostly conscripts, near Floyd. I would send out an expedition after them, but it is impossible to get across the country on account of the high water. They also report, as current among the secessionists, who are in weekly communication with Yicksburg by a route which strikes the Mississippi River nearly opposite Warrenton, that the Indianola was not snnk, and, in fact, very little injured; that she was captured by boarding, and nearly all the officers and crew taken prisoners; that she immediately started, with the ram Queen of the West, for Port Hudson, and arrived in time to participate in the attack against General Banks, and suc- ceeded in capturing the Essex; that General Banks has met with a serious repulse; that the rebels have four steamboats up the Red River converted into gunboats, ready to come down as soon as our transports make their appearance. I give you these reports for what they are worth, simply stating that the rebels on the west side of Bayou Macon believe them to be true. General Quinbys division left Grand Lake day before yesterday (the 7th), at 12 m. We have here now about 2,400 negroesmen, women, and children. What is to be done with .them when the command leaves ~ I shall go up to Moon Lake, with General Logans division, probably the last of this week. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. ENTRANCE YAzoo PASS, MISS., March 9, 1863. Capt. C. S. LYMAN, Asst. Quartermaster, Master of Transportation, Memphis, Tenn.: CAPTAIN: I am here under orders from Major-General Grant to pro. ceed down the Yazoo River with my division so soon as suitable trans. ports can be procured. 1~one can safely go through the Pass which exceed 180 feet in length. General Grant has ordered all such that he has at Yicksburg to report to me, but there will not be nearly enough. Send me at the earliest moment all the boats not over 180 feet long that you can gather, and as fast as you gather them. You cannot send too many. I am, very respectfully, & c., I. F. QUINBY Brigadier- General, Commanding. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., ~llarch 9, 1863. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Comdg. Third Division: GENERAL: It has come to the knowledge of the commanding geiieral that regiments and brigades have been in the habit of foraging on or- ders from regimental and brigade commanders, and distributing th Page 97 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 97 proceeds without turning them over to the division commissary or quar- termaster, or in any way receipting or accounting for them. This course is not only in contravention of General Orders, but of Special Orders from these headquarters, No. 26, dated February 24, 1863. INo team, no officer, no soldier has any right to forage except with a train duly organized and sent out for that purpose, nuder writ- ten orders from the divisibn commander, who will iu all cases detail an efficient and responsible officer, who will be held strictly accountable for all ~roperty taken and the disposition thereof. The officer in charge will account to the commissary and quartermas- ter of the division, respectively, for all stores seized, and any irregular- ities will be promptly reported to these headquarters, that the offenders may be dealt with according to the nature of their offense. By direction of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant-General. (Same to McArthur.) COLUMBUS, Kr., March 9, 1863. Major-General HURLEUT, Gomdg. Sixteenth Army Gorps, Memphis, Teun.: I received the following telegram this morning: Some 7,000 rebels in the vicinity of mouth of Duck River, under command of Pil- low, of infantry, and Wheeler, of cavalry. They have five ferry-boats run down from Duck River, and three more a few miles above the mouth of it, hid in the woods. The country is overflowed 2 miles from the river; no crossing. The above is reliable, the informant being employed by myself iu secret service, with directions to report only positive facts. 1 give the news to General Sullivan, as well as to the commander of the navy at Cairo, requesting the latter to order gunboats down to control the. rebels and destroy the ferry-boats collected. If General Rosecrans would send an adequate force down upon Pillow and Wheeler, they could not escape. ASBOTH. [MARCH 9, 1863.For Asboth to llurlbut, applying for re-enforce- ment at Columbus, and reply, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part Il, p. 125.] [MARCH 910, 1863.For Davidson to Asboth, and reply, in reference - to apprehended attack on New Madrid, Mo., see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 151.] UNITED STATES MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Yazoo River, March 10, 1863. (Received March 13.) Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy: I have been pretty well assured for some time that the Indianola had been blown up, in consequence of the appearance of a wooden imitation monitor, which enemy sunk with their batteries. The monitor was a valuable aid to us. It forced away the Queen of the West, and caused the blowing up of the Indianola. 7 R RYOL XXlY~ PT II Page 98 98 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. ~CHAr. XXXVI. The following is an account of the affair, taken from the Vicksburg Whig of the 5th instant: DESTRUCTION OF THE INDIANOLA. We stated a day or two since that we would not then enlighten our readers in re- gard to a matter which was pnzzling them very much. We allude to the loss of the Indiarola, recently captured from the enemy. We were loth to acknowledge she had been blown up, but such is the case. The Yankee barge sent down the river last week was reported to he an iron-clad gunboat. The authorities thinking that this monster would retake the Indianola, immediately issued an order to blow her up. The order was sent down by courier to the officer in charge of the boat. Afew hours afterward another order was sent down countermanding the first, it being ascertained that the monstrous craft was only a coal barge, but before it reached the lndianola she had been blown to atoms. Not even a gun was saved. Who is to blame for this piece of folly, this precipitancy l It would really seem we had no use for gunboats on the Mississippi, as a coal barge is magnified into a monster, and our authorities immediately order a boat that would have been worth a small army to be blown up. DAVID D. PORTER. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., March 10, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Gomdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Colonel Bissell came down last night and reported that he could now take boats in from the Mississippi River to Bayou Macon. I accordingly went up to see, and do not think the route practicable as yet, though there is no doubt that in five or six days, when the back country becomes filled with water, it can be done. The water is now rush- ing like a torrent through several of the crevasses he has made, and the back country is filling up so fast that a strong current sets from Bayou Baxter into Lake Providence. In consequence of the water incommoding you so much opposite Vicksburg, do you want any of the boats sent by General Quinby from Moon Lake, and ordered to stop here to take up General Logans divis- ion, sent down to you ~ None of them have arrived yet, though I shall expect some by day after to-morrow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON. HELENA, ARK., March 10, 1863. Brig. Gen. L. F. Ross, Gomdg. Division, Thirteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I have just had the pleasure of reading your dispatches to Major-General Prentiss, of the 7th and 8th instant, and congratulate you on the success of your expedition thus far, and hope it may prove an an~nry of still greater achievement for our cause. I cannot refrain from repeating what I have said in a former commu- nicationnot yet sent, however, for want of an opportunitythat in view of the great importance of this expedition, we must meet with no reverse, and I therefore urge upon you to proceed with extreme caution. Should you effect a landing at Greenwood, and find it to be a position that you can hold, you had better remain there until I can get re-en- forcenients to you. I shall probably be able to send forward at least one brigade on the 12th instant. The great difficulty we meet with is in procuring suitable transports. By to-morrow morning I shall have, perhaps, five that can be sent through the Pass Page 99 Clixi. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 99 I am informed by an officer on a boat this moment from Memphis that it is currently reported there and believed that the rebels have 25,000 men between Jackson and Grenada, to oppose our passage down the Yazoo. I am, general, very respectfully, & c., I. F. QUINBY. COLUMETJS, March 10, 186311 p. m. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN, Commanding District, Jackson: I have jnst received the following telegram from Fort iDonelson: Forts Henry and Heiman are evaenated. All the troops there are either here or on their way, and also the stores. The works have been leveled down, by order of General Rosecrans, & e. A. C. HARDING, Colonel, Commanding. We can, therefore, expect no assistance in that quarter. ASBOTH. NEAR HELENA, ARK., March 11, 1863. Capt. C. S. LYMAN, Master of Transportation~ Memphis, Tenn.: CAPTAIN: I am ordered to send all my large transports back to Lake 1~rovidence,to bring up General Logans division, but the John H. iDickey is in such a bad condition it was deemed advisable to send her first to Memphis for repairs. Hurry the transport up, for if the Yazoo expedition is to be successful, every energy must be strained to send the troops forward. My orders compel me to send the Von Phul down to Lake Providence for Logans (livision, though it seems a hard case. I address you as a friend to be perfectly impartial in your selection of boats for army transportation. Those which have been seized, are nearly worn out in the public service, without making much, if any, money, ought, in justice, to be released, and those which have been reaping a rich harvest in private trade should now take their turn in the transportation of the troops. At the earliest moment send another boat to take the place of the Von Phul, and have her released, for she has been almost continuonsly in Government service for the past eight months. Do not fail to send all the boats under 180 feet in length to report to me or General Mc- Pherson, at the entrance to Moon Lake. I am, very respectfully, & c., I. F. QUINBY. COLUMBUS, Ky., March 11, 1863. Major-General HURLEUT, Memphis, filenn.: In connection with my telegram of March 7, giving unofficial informa- tion of the abandonment of Forts Henry and Heiman, I beg to report the following telegram received from Fort Donelson: Forts Henry and Heirnan are evaenated. All the troops there are either here or on theft way; also the stores. The works have been leveled down by order of General Roseerans. Fort Henry was nntenahle by high water. All qniet here. A. C. HARDING, Colonel, Commanding Page 100 100 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. J tried in vain to prevent the transfer of Fort Heirnan to the Depart- ment of the Cumberland, and after the transfer was ordered, on the 3d of February, I sought to keep at least the garrison for this district, and have it replaced from the Department of the Cumberland. Now the garrison, with ten companies of cavalry and a battery, were taken across the river, and the fort this side of it is abandoned and leveled. I con- sider Heiman one of the most important points in the range of my dis- trict and the strongest position on the Tennessee River, controlling its navigation and the Kentucky and Tennessee State line and all the country toward Paducah and Columbus, and I would respectfully r~- quest to have it returned to my district,, that I may reoccupy it, and take in flank or rear any rebel force crossing the State line or the Ten- nessee. ASBOTH. COLUMBUS, Ky., March 11, 1863. Major-General HUELBUT, Memphis, Tenn.: Colonel [Henry] Dougherty just telegraphed from Paducah that Forts Henry and Heiman are occupied to-day by the rebels. I requested at once the commander of the navy at Cairo to send a gunboat to Heiman to dislodge them before they can plant batteries, and I will start with a combined brigade as soon as boats arrive from Cairo. Please authorize me to retake Heiman, although in the Department of the Cumberland. ASBOTH. CAIRQ, ILL., March 11, 1863. I4rigadier-General ASBOTH: Telegram received. I sent orders yesterday to Smith land for gun- boats to ascend the Tennessee River. Have not a boat available to send from here. Am informed that Fort Henry is overflowed. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant. COLUMBUS, Ky., March 11, 1863. Fleet Capt. A. M. PENNOCK, Comdg. Navy at Cairo: Fort Henry may be overflowed, but not Heiman, and, as officially re- ported, it is occupied by the rebels. General Sullivans troops are all withdrawn to Jackson, thereby leaving the way open from Heiman to Paducali or Columbus. It is of the utmost importance to dislodge them quickly. I embark as soon as the boats arrive from Cairo. I would beg you to order the New Era to go up if you have no other gunboats. Please answer, and I will send your order to Captain [Henry A.] Glass- ford by an express boat. ASBOTH. COLUMBUS, Ky., March 11, 1863. Major-General HUELBUT, Comdg. Sixteenth Army Corps, Memphis, Tenn.: Just received information that General Sullivan withdrew his forces from Huntingdon. If so, I infer that the rebels have crossed at Duc Page 101 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 101 River, which was delayed in consideration of Sullivans three regiments at lluntingdon and my reported menacing approach on the Tennessee. Now, as the rebels took possession of Fort Heiman, the way is open for them either to Paducah or Columbus. Dividing my small force, I sent half of it to Paducah, and asked General Sullivans co-operation on Heiman. Please give your sanction. The navy commander at Cairo answers that he has no disposable gunboat at Cairo to send up the Tennessee. I requested that the New Era, from Island No. 10, be ordered up the Ttlnnessee. May I ask yonr influence to that end ~ As I enibark the squadron of regular cavalry, the promised cavalry regiment is more needed than ever. ASBOTH. Capt. A. M. PENNOCK, Ky., March 11, 1863Midnight. Fleet Captain and Commandant of Navy, Cairo, Ill.: I just received from Memphis the following telegram: Call on the navy officer at Cairo in my name for aid, and retake Forts Henry and Heiman, if possible. Act without respect to departments, those places being cut off from their proper subordination. S. A. HURLBUT. Please let me know what you can do. Are the gunboats from Smith- land already ascending the Tennessee ~ ASBOTH. CAIRO, ILL., March 11, 1863. - Brigadier-General ASBOTH: The best we can do is to get the iron-clad gunboat Tuscumbia, heavily armed, ready as soon as possible. She will be ready by to-morrow evening. Have tried to communicate with Paducah and Smithland, to know if gunboats have gone up the Tennessee. Operators are, I sup- pose, asleep. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant. COLUMBUS, Ky., March 11, 1863. General SULLIVAN: Colonel Dougherty, commanding at Paducah, informs me that the rebels have occupied Forts Henry and Heiman. I immediately re- quested the commanding naval officer at Cairo to send a gunboat to dislodge them before they can plant a battery. I start with a com- bined brigade to reoccupy Heiman. Please send a strong cavalry force to co-operate with me on Heiman, and to prevent the rebels from coming in this direction, while I go by water to attack them. ASBOTH. COLUMBUS, Ks., March 11, 1863. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN, Jackson: I am just informed that your forces were withdrawn from Hunting- don; if so, I infer that the rebels crossed at Dnck River, and, occupyin Page 102 102 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL Forts Henry and liejinan, have nnw their way open either to Paducah or Columbus. Dividing my small force, I start half of it to Padncah and thence to Hehuan. Co-operate, if possible, and prevent their ap- proach toward Columbus. ASBOTH. LA. GRANGE, [March ii,] 1863. General HuimBuT: One of Dodges scouts, captured before battle of Murfreesborough and confined at Chattanooga, has escaped and just come in. He says no re-enforcements have reached Bragg, except conscripts and part of a brigade from Savannah and some trOoJ)5 taken from along railroad. No troops threatening to cross the Tennessee this way. River out of its banks. C. S. HAMILTON. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 115. f Washington, March 11, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. R. J. Oglesby, U. S. Volunteers, will report to Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, U. S. Volunteers, for assignment to duty in the Department of the Tennessee. * * * * * * * By command of Major-General ilalleck: L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General. [MARCH 11, 1863.For Asboth to Curtis, about re-enforcements. for Columbus, Ky., see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 152.] , TENN., March .11, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-tn-Chi~f: Col. G. G. Pride has just returned from the fleet, near Vicksburg, and reports that General Grant must have the dredge-boat of the Louis- ville Canal Company. Will you please give Captain [Walworth] Jemi- kiims, assistai~t quartermaster, orders to take her ~ 01 the four dredg- ing-machines of Barton & Robinson, but two answer the purpose. The other two can do the work oii the Louisville Canal. No other machine at Louisville, except the one belonging to the Louisville Canal Company, will answer. Please reply immediately. CHARLES A. REYNOLDS, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster. CINCINNATI, March 11, 1863. Col. L. B. PARSONS, Asst. Quartermaster, Cincinnati, Ohio: COLONEL: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, receIved to-night, inclosing copies of two telegrams and a letter from Major-General Grant, requesting you to procure and send to hi Page 103 CHAP. XXXVI.] COURESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 103 as speedily as practicable a supply of steamboat transportation for 20,000 men, a part of the steamers to be of the smaller class of boats. I have received within a few days a request from Major-General Rose- crans to aid him in the matter of his supplies by sending him ten millions rations within the next three weeks, and I have already instructed the quartermasters department here to take all the boats on the river for this transportation. Unless boats are returned here speedily from the Cumberland River, it will be impossible to fully carry out General Rosecrans ~wishes, and, therefore, still more impossible to do so if a portion of the boats are sent to General Grant. It is possible, however, that when General Rosecrans learns the wants of the army at Vicksburg, he may be able to extend the time within which the subsistence may be furnished, or to diminish the quantity, and I have, therefore, telegraphed him upon the subject. I will notify you of his answer. I desire to say, as stated to you in conversation to-day, that there can be no objection to you taking some of the smaller boats here and else- where on the river, if you will speedily replace them by larger boats, of an aggregate equivalent capacity for freight. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. G. WRIGHT. [MARCH 11, 1863.For Asboth to Davidson, about Marmadukes position, see Series I, Vol. XXII, Part II, p. 153.] WASHINGTON, D. C., March 12, 1863. Maj. ROBERT ALLEN, Saint Louis: Dispatch from General Grant, received to-day, dated 6th, says canal nearly completed. Previous dispatch says he dont want any more dredges. Prides opinion will not be acted on. II. W. HALLECK. CINCINNATI, March 12, 1863. Major-General GRANT: GENERAL: I sent you last night a copy of my letter to General Wright, * though, I think, dated wrongly as the 10th. 1 have only been able to get a reply to-day, a copy of which I inclose.t The progress is most unsatisfactory; but I can do no more here. I have, however, ordered every boat that comes from this or any place to be seized at Cairo. I feel annoyed and surprised that General Wright will not ask at once under such pressing circumstances, but perhaps I do not see both sides. I hope for a reply to his T. D. [telegraphic dispatch] to General Rosecrans by morning. L. B. PARSONS, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster. LA GRANGE, [March 12,] 1863. General HURLEUT: I desire you will place Lees cavalry, except one battalion, under my control next week. I shall send an expedition from Corinth, with a * Not found. t See ~. 102 Page 104 104 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAr. XXX Vi. supporting force of infantry, to Okolona and Columbus, and the cav- alry to penetrate, if possible, to Meridian; Cornyn in command. I want Lees cavalry to unite with Griersons, and push down througli Pontotoc, breaking up [W. C.] Falkner at the latter place, and making strong diversions in favor of (Jornyn. 0. S. HAMiLTON. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, Baton Rouge, La., March 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gommanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Anticipating the success of Admiral Farraguts proposed attempt to run the enemys batteries at Port Hudson, and to open com- munication with you, I will avail myself of the opportunity to give you a statement of our position, force, and intentions. We have at Baton Rouge a force of about 17,000 effective infantry and one negro regiment; one regiment of heavy artillery, with six light batteries; one 20-pounder battery; a dismounted company of artillery, and ten companies of cavalry, of which eight are newly raised and hardly to be counted on. Of this, three regiments of infantry, the heavy artillery (manning the siege train), the dismounted artillery, and one company of cavalry will remain at Baton Rouge. Leaving this force to hold the position of Baton Rouge, we marched to-day upon Port Hudson, by the Bayou Sara road, to make a demon- stration upon that work, for the purpose of co-operating in the move- ment of the fleet. The best information we have of the enemys force places it at 25,00EV or 30,000. This, and his position, precludes the idea of an assault upon our part, and, accordingly, the main object of the present movement is a diversion in favor of the navy, but we shall, of course, avail ourselves of any advantage which occasion may offer. Should the admiral succeed in his attempt, I shall try to open com- munication with him on the other side of the river, and in that event trust I shall hear from you as to your position and movements, and especially as to your views of the most efficient mode of co-operation upon the part of the forces we respectively command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS. U. S. FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, March , 1863. (Received by General Grant March 20, 1863.) Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gommanding United & ates Forces, Vicksburg: SIR: I herewith transmit to you, by the hand of my secretary, a dis- patch from Maj. Gen. N. P. Banks. It was sent up to me the evening I was to pass the batteries at Port Hudson. Having learned that the enemy had the Red River trade open to Vicksburg and Port Hudson, and that two of the gunboats of the upper fleet had been captured, I determined to pass up, and, if possible, re- capture the boats and stop the Red River trade, and this I can do most effectually if I can obtain from Rear-Admiral Porter or yourself coal for my vessels. By my trip up the river I have become perfectly a Page 105 ChAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 105 ~uainted with the enemys forces on the banks and his boats in the adjacent waters. I shall be most happy to avail myself of the earliest moment to have a consultation with yourself and Rear-Admiral Porter as to the assistance I can render yon at this I)lace and, if none, then I will return to the mouth of lied River and carry out my original design. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT. BEFORE VICKSBURG, March 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Commanding AS~eventecnth Army Corps: Lagow has just returned, and called my attention to several points that you want instructions on. As rebards Quinby going into the Pass with his present transports, he is the best judge of the practicability. Let him use a proper discre- tion. I have sent north for small class steamers, which should be ex- pected to commence arriving soon. In regard to the contrabands, the question is a troublesome one. I am not permitted to send them out of the department, and such num~ bers as we have it is hard to keep them in. You have received my order with regard to the pioneer corps. This will enable you to use 300 men to each division. The balance will be left at Lake Providence as long as it is a military post. When it is broken up they will have to be sent to Memphis, or some other promi. nent post. Memphis will be the place, in the absence of other instruc- tions. Exercise your own judgment about when the levees should be cut at Lake Providence. The object of having cotton brought in is to make some of our transports into rains. I will send up for what you have collected, which, with what we have, I think will be sufficient for the purpose. The Yazoo expedition seems to move slowly. Wilson thinks the rank- ing naval officer is somewhat to blame. I am anxious to see Quinby in with his force. I have a great deal of confidence in his judgment, and still more in the increased force there will be in the Yazoo when he gets there. My instructions may not have been plain in one point, but I want Quinby to move as rapidly as possible until he joins Ross, and not wait for transports to take his whole division. Have him go in just as rapidly as the transports can take him. U. S. GRANT. BEFORE VICKSBURG, March 13, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS, Gommanding District of Eastern Arkansas: You are doing perfectly right, and are carrying out previous instruc- tions, by holding the Pass from the Mississippi into Goldwater. Being near the entrance, I want you to supply everything to the command they require. Rations and coal may be required soon. If so, send them without delay. Give me all the news you receive from the Yazoo expedition promptly and direct, without sending through the army corps commander. U. S. GRANT Page 106 106 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. LA GRANGE, March 13, 1863. General HUnLEuT: One of my best spies is just iii from [S. G.] Streets guerrilla band. Courier from Jackson last night brought word to Street that heavy guns in Yicksburg were being dismounted, and place was being evac- uated as fast as possible. C. S. HAMILTON. [MAucl 14, 1863.For Rosecrans to ilalleck, giving reports about Vieksburg, & c., from Confederate sources, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II, p. 140.] MEMPHIS, TENN., March 14, 1863. Col. J. C. KELTON, Assistant Adjutant- General: Colonel Hatch just retnrned. Has completely destroyed Tallahatchee rebel bridge in the face of superior force. Prisoner taken, a native of New York, reports not more than 20,000 men at Vicksburg. There are about 1,500 rebel cavalry above the Tallahatch~e. S. A. HUIILBUT. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., March 14, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: Colonel Dougherty, at Paducah, having telegraphed that Fort ileiman was occupied by rebel forces, I ordered General Asboth, with two regiments and a battery, to disperse any force there before they ob- tained a lodgment. I have heard from him at Paducali on his way up. I am informed by General Rosecrans that he does not think any serious movement is intended there, but that our expedition will answer a good purpose. Colonel Hatch, with Second Iowa Cavalry, destroyed the bridge across the Tallahatchee thoroughly in the face of a considerable force of the rebel cavalry, without loss. Grierson started from La Grange, and, by forced march, surprised [11. V.] Richardsons camp, near Coy- ington, killing 25 and capturing 68. The remainder took to the bushes. His camp and camp equipage were burned. Lieutenant-Colonel Wal- lace, moving from Germantown for the same purpose, captured Colonel [11. F.] Looney, Thirty-eighth Tennessee, 3 officers, and several men. A mong the number is the notorious Cushman, who is wounded in the arm. I have telegraphed to Saint Louis for 1,500 horses to remount the cav- alry and get them into condition for hard service. Laumans division (Fourth) is now camped along the city lines, about miles from court- house. No special news of interest in this vicinity. I inclose copies of telegrams which strongly indicate the abandonment of Vicksburg. I submit them for what they are worth. It has been my opinion for some days that they will not risk a large army about Vicksburg, and that you may expect, as soon as foothold for any large force is obtained on the east side of Yazoo, that they will retire. Fifty desperate men with small boats, it appears to me, might drop unperceived past Vicksburg to the month of Big Black, and pulling up that stream through th Page 107 CIIAL. XNXYI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 107 swamps, now overflowed, could destroy the bridge over it. I do not think they dread anything in that shape or from that direction, and suggest it at this distance to the consideration of those who can judge l)etter on the spot. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLBUT. [Inclosures.] LA GRANGE, TE~N., March 13, 1863. General HuRLEuT: Scouts in from below. Our fleet passed down Yazoo River some days ago, creating great consternation. Troops have been sent up Mississippi Central road. Everything in the shape of rolling stock had been sent west from Meridian. There is no doubt about prepara- tions to evacnate. C. S. HAMILTON. (Same, Hurlbnt to Halleck.) LA GRANGE, TENN., March 13, 1863. General HURLEUT: Mobile and Jackson papers of 7th received. Pemberton gives no passes np Mississippi Central Railroad, and the papers indicate concen- tration of forces up Yazoo River. C. S. HAMILTON. CORINTH, Miss., March 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON: One of onr men has jnst got in from Jackson, six days on the road. Says up to time he left all troops had gone toward Yicksburg, and some more had come down from Grenada; that one division marched towar(l Yazoo City, but he thinks turned and went to Yicksburg. The trains go from Vicksburg loaded with sick and discharged soldiers. The scout has been in Jackson four weeks, and communicated often with our men. He got to Big Black, and says troops are on east side, but could discover no fortifications; that a week ago last Thursday a report came to Jack- son that we wure fighting, and they immediately pressed everybody into the service, citizens and all, and hurried them through ; the transl)or- tation sent toward Vicksburg is on side track, ready for use, but that they will not leave until they find they are cut oft. The rumor when he left was that an effort was to be made to take or cnt off our Yazoo ex- pedition, which had not then passed Yazoo City, but was coming down. He gives position of all troops east of Jackson, and number. G. M. DODGE. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF COLUMBUS, On Board Steamboat Bostona No. 2, Off Paris Landing, March 14, 1863. Commander J. W. SHIRK, Commanding Gunboat Tuscumbia: CAPTAIN: Disappointed by not finding, as officially informed, Forts Henry and Heiman occupied b~ the rebels in force, and being thns d Page 108 108 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. l)rived of the opportunity to unite in co-operation with your broad giant, the Tuscumbia, in dislodging and capturing them, I have only to request that those of the gunboats which are intrusted to control the navigation on the Tennessee may ascend to the mouth of iDuck River and destroy all ferry-boats and all means of crossing the rebels have collected or prepared. 1 will at the same time follow the rebels up the bluffs behind Fort Heiman, where your shots forced them away. Fort ileiman ii will reoccupy, leaving an adequate combined garrison to hold it. With the balance of my forces, I will return to Columbus by land. The eager readiness of the navy to serve our country whenever op- portunity offers makes it hardly necessary to request that the officers in command of the gunboat destined to remain on the Tennessee will give their hearty support to the small garrison I have to leave at Fort ileiman. - Thanking you for your efficient co-operation, and expecting soon to hear glorious news from the Tuscumbia before Vicksburg, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ASBOTH. HEADQUARTERS UNITED STATES TRooPs, Near saint Genevieve, Mo., March 14, 1863. ASSISTANT ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Headquarters General Grants Army, before Vicksburg: SIR: By orders, of which the inclosed is a copy,* I am directed to pro- ceed, on the arrival of transports, to join the forces under Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant. This command consists of a little over 5,000 men, with one battery of rifled 6-pounders and two companies of cavalry, forming my escort and provost guard. Capt. C. II. Dyer, assistant adjutant-gen- eral, who bears this communication, will present you with the i eturn for the last ten (lays, and give what other information may be required. This command is part of the force which has during the past winter been operating under Brigadier-General Davidson in Southeastern Mis- souri. It comprises the whole of his First Division, under Brig. Gen. William P. Benton, five regiments and one battery, and half his Secomid Division, three Iowa regiments, under Col. W. M. Stone, Twenty-second Iowa. The whole will form what I suppose would be a small division in your army, but I do not like to reorganize, because I would, in form- ing two brigades, be obliged to reduce General Bentons command, and I prefer to wait till I am permanently assigned in your army. In the meantime General Bentons division is thoroughly organized for any immediate service, as is also the part of the division under Colonel Stone, which really consists of his original brigade. General Bentons date is April 28, 1862; mine is March 7, 1862. The troops are in fine health and spirits, and pleased with the prospect of serving under Gen- eral Grant. Welfieys battery, First Missouri Artillery, belongs to this command, but has been detached to Cape Girardeau. General David- son j)romised that it should be returned to me but I think it doubtful whether I get it. I hope the general will send orders where to report by the retnmn of Captain Dyer. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, E. A. CARlI. Not found Page 109 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 109 HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp before Yieksburg, March 15, 1863. Col. 11. C. WooD, Assistant Surgeon- General, Present: SIR: Yours of 14th instant is received. I commanded the troops which embarked for Yicksburg from Memphis and Helena on the 20th and 22d of December last, up to January 4, when I was relieved by Major-General McCleruand, in chief command, since which time I have commanded, continuously, without intermission, the Fifteenth Army Corps, co.mposed of.thirty-one regiments of infantry, six batteries of ar- tillery, and three cavalry detachments. During all this period many changes have occurred, several battles fought, and troops shifted from steamboats to land, back again, and for some considerable time, viz, since January 20, we have been en- camped on the low, alluvial land on the neck opposite to and in sight of Yicksburg. To give an intelligent account of the hospital and sanitary arrange- ments would require statements of facts that you already possess in greatdetail,andlneednotdomoreatthis time than assert my belief that no army composed, as this was and is, partly of new regiments, ever had better hospital facilities, care, and treatment. Our hospitals are now admirably supplied with everything that a generous and bonn- tilul Government could or should bestow. You can see this yourself; and every gentleman who has sought for proper information has at all times bad access to the proper sources; and during the whole period of time since we left Memphis we have been as well supplied with surgeons, medicines, medical supplies, and hospital accommodations as was to be expected. Dr. [Charles] McMillan has been all the time my chief sur- geon, and I know that he has labored unceasingly, has exhibited a wonderful foresight, and has not failed to avail himself of every means to provide for the wounded and sick soldiers. He has not lost an hour by sickness or absence, but has been all the time most active in pro- viding for the wants of his department, and I avail myself of this opportunity to express to you, his proper superior, my unqualified approval of all his acts. I have been in many battles, and I know of my own knowledge that the wounded at Chickasaw Bayou and Arkan- sas Post were removed from the field to the steamboats with a care and system, provided by him in advance, that elicited my he~irty approval on the spot, and better managed than in any other battle that I ever witnessed or bore a part in. Individual exceptions may have occurred, as they do in Paris, Lon- don, New York, Boston, and every city on earth, much more liable to occur in battles and on the aeld, where ~ minds and passions are aroused, and the man who would enlarge on a single case of exception, and publish it to the world as a sample of the whole,is to be pitied as a miserable wretch, beneath the notice of a Government. Our morning reports exhibit the exact number of the sick in hospital and in quarters, and the dead. These go to the War Department regularly every ten days, and can there be compared with the statistics of other armies similarly composed and exposed. You may safely challenge a compari- son. Our army is admirably supplied in all respects, and no one deplores more than I do the spirit of falsehood and calumny that harrows the minds of Our people at home, and has led to your visit to our camps. In war we must expect sickness and death, but so far as your depart Page 110 110 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CILAL. XXXVI. ment is concerned, I feel assured all has been don~ and will continue to be done which skill, science, and foresight can accomplish. Our soldiers need far more the respect and confidence of their fellow- countrymen at home than they do increased supplies of medicines and hospital stores. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY Coups, Lake Providence, La.,. March 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Your dispatch by Lieutenant [David H.] Gile was re- ceived last evening. The instructions to General Quinby were to push forward to the support of General Ross as rapidly as possible, which I am confident he will do, as he is fully awake to the importance of the matter. The IEirst and Second Brigades of General Logans di- vision are embarking this morning, and will in all probability get off this afternoon. There are not boats enough here to take the whole division. Since the water has risen so that the country between here and Bayou Macon can be explored in small boats, I have had out several exploring parties, and Captain Hickenlooper has just returned, having discovered a thoroughly practicable route, indicated by the red line on the inclosed sketch.* With the exception of one point, whei~e you leave Bayou Baxter at A, the water is from 7 to 5 feet deep along an open road, 60 feet wide. At the point A it is between 2~ and 3 feet (leep, and still rising at the rate of from 10 to 12 inches in twenty-four hours. When the levee is cut here, which I propose to have done as soon as ! can get the troops and public property on ground which will be over- flowed removed, it will rise very much higher and faster. General Logan goes np with his two brigades, under instructions to disembark them near or at the Yazoo Pass, if the ground will admit, and send the boats back here for the balance of his command and a portion of General MeArthurs. He is also instructed to embark on small boats suitable to run the Pass, and push on to the support of General Quinby as rapidly as pos- sible. I shall go up on the next trip of the boats. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. LAKE PROVIDENCE, March 15, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Gomdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Dispatch just received. General Logans First and Sec- ond Brigades were on board and just ready to move. Have stopped them, and shall let them remain on board until further orders. Yours, truly, JAS. B. . MCPHERSON. P. S.No boats here to take another soldier. Sketch not found Page 111 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 111 LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., March 15, 1863. Brig. Gen. JoHN A. LOGAN, Gorndg. Third Division: GENERAL: There not being boats enough available to take the whole of your division at one time, you will proceed with the First and Sec- ond Brigades to the entrance to Moon Lake, and if ground can be found in the vicinity suitable to disembark the troops, do so immediately, and send the boats back to this place, for the remainder of your command and a portion of General MeArthurs. As fast as boats arrive suitable for going through the Ya.zoo Pass into the Coidwater, you will embark your troops and push to the support of General Quinby. Your commissary and quartermasters stores will be transferred to good, staunch boats, and also your ammu- nition. It is not advisable to have it all put on one boat, especially the last, but distributed on two or three boats, so that, in case of accident going through the Pass or down the river, we would not be seriously inconvenienced. Take with you a good supply of intrenching tools. You will exercise your discretion about taking the large boats into Moon Lake, and also in selecting the point of debarkation. If the whole country should be overflowed, the men will probably have to remain on the boats they go up on, until suitable boats for the expedition arrive from the North. By the time you reach the entrance to Moon Lake, General Quinby will undoubtedly have selected a landing place on the Yazoo, which must be held until we can get our corps together, and ready for a farther a(lvance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY Coups, Memphis, Teun., 2iiareh 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON, La Grange, Tenn.: GENERAL: I have telegraphed for 200 pack-saddles, for the use of Cornyn. How soon they will be here I do not know. I am also prom- ise(l 1,500 cavalry horses for remount of oni- cavalry. I desire that a battalion, or more, if necessary, of Giiersons cavalry be placed beyond Somerville, toward Covington, to be provided with the muster-rolls of [It. V.] Richardsons force, and to capture or kill the party. I am assured by high Confederate authority that they act without and against orders, and are simply robbers, to be treated as such. The gang must be exterminated, and the sooner the better. This need not interfere with the preparations for the movement you speak of. You will forward to me a report from Griersou, in detail, and let all cal)tured property be stated and accounted for. Forward to me, if you have received them, certain agreements found in his camp, between Richardson and cotton sellers, to pass cotton on conditions, which I am informed are there. I shall declare the entire gang outlaws, and will have no hesitation in bringing them to a drum- head court.inartial. The prisoners received are not held as prisoners of war, but as robbers and murderers, and will be so treated. Any deficiencies that must be supplied to render the cavalry efficient will be promptly forwarded on requisitions. Your obedient servant, S. A. HUELBUT Page 112 112 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. MEMPHIS, TENN., March 15, 1863. Brigadier-Geiiei~al TUTTLE, Cairo: Inform Asboth of the news from Fort Donelson, and direct him to re-enforce that post either by land or water, as he best can. This to be done if it can be confirmed that the enemy are near the fort. S. A. IIURLBUT. BEFORE VICKSBURG, March 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON: I returned this morning from a reconnaissance some 30 miles up Steeles Bayou. Admiral Porter and myself went in a large gunboat, preceded by four of the old turtles. These boats are pushing on with all dispatch to get into ihe Yazoo. It is important that a force should get in there with all dispatch. I have information direct from Yicksburg and the Yazoo River, both from persOn5 who have been there and from late papers, tliat our gunboats had been down to Greenwood and exchanged a few shots with the fort at that place. The enemy have sent up re-enforcements from Vicks- burg, and some more guns. If we can get our boats in the rear of them in time, it will so confuse the enemy as to save Ross force. if they do not, I shall feel restless for his fate, until I know that Quinby has reached him. Quinby will have the most abundant force for that route with his division and that of John E. Smith. I am now almost sorry that I directed the latter to join him. It seems impossible to get steam- ers of the class we want. I sent long enough since for them to have received them from Pittsburgh, if necessary. The route through Bayou Macon may prove a good thing for us yet in some operation. But this one, to get all our forces in one place, and that where it will be in striking distance of the enemys lines of com- munication north, is the most important until firm foothold is secured on the side with the enemy. It may be several days before I will move Logan. His freight had better be kept aboard, but the men might stay on shore as much as possible. ~. S. GRANT. BEFORE YICKSBURG, March 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. W. T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Jfmftcenth Army Corps: You will proceed as early as practicable up Steeles Bayou and through Black Bayou to Deer Creek, and thence with the gunboats now there, by any route they may take to get into the Yazoo River, for the purpose of determining the feasibility of getting an army through that route to the east bank of that river, and at a point from which they can act ad- vantageously against Vicksburg. Make such details from your army corps as may be required to clear out the channels of the various bayous through which transports would have to run, and to hold such points as, in your judgment, should be occupied. I place at your disposal to-day the steamers Silver Wave and Dili- gent, the only two suitable for the present navigation of this route. Others will be supplied you as fast as required and they can be got. I have given directions, and you may repeat them, that the party going on board the steamer Diligent push on until they reach Black Bayou Page 113 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 113 only stopping sufficiently long at any I)olut before reaching there to remove such obstructions as prevent their own progress. Captain Kos- sak will go with this party. The other boat-load will commence their work in Steeles Bayou, and make the navigation as free as possible all the way through. rphere is but little work to be done in Steeles Bayou, except for about 5 miles midway up the bayou. In this portion many overhanging trees will have to be removed, and should be dragged out of the channel. U. S. GIRAINT. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Gamp before Vicksburg, Afarch 16, 1863.- To the officer in command of detachments on board & lver Wave: SIR: You will proceed up the Yazoo about 12 miles, to the ruins of Johnsons plantation, directly opposite which comes in Steeles Bayou. Enter that bayou, which is now full and deep, and proceed to clear it of the limbs of overhanging trees, or of trees which obstruct it for the navigation of steamboats of ordinary size and draught. This bayou in about 12 miles comes into another large bayou, also called Steeles Bayou, and the latter is wide and deep, and needs no clearing. You will clear out the first reach, say of 12 miles, so that a fleet of boats can pass through it. A detail of 50 pioneers will be on board the Silver Wave, under your orders, and they will have 300 axes, saws, and all the tools necessary for the successful accomplishment of this work. Admiral Porter has already passed through this bayou, and is now at a point beyond, working his way through to the Yazoo, and it is of vast importance that this part of the channel be cleared as fast as pos- sible; therefore use all dispatch. Report the progress of your work by all passing boats to me, who will be in advance, with Admiral Porter at Youngs Point. , and to General Grant, who will be I inclose with this a sketch * showing what part is reserved for you. The Eighth Missouri, in the steamer Diligent, will l)~55 through .this same reach, and work at another point higher up, near Deer Creek. At - all turn-offs a boat will be left to point the way. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. CA1~iP BEFORE YICKSBURQ March 16, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel COLEMAN, Comdg. Eighth Missouri Infantry: SIR: You will take command of your regiment and a detail o~ 50 men from the pioneer party, provided with ten days provisions, and proceed on the steamboat Diligent up to the Magnolia, and report in person to General Grant, showing him these instructions; thence over to the mouth of the Yaioo, to the flag-ship Black Hawk, where Captain Breese, U. S. Navy, will give you a guide; thence proceed up the Yazoo to the mouth of Steeles Bayou, which you will remember as directly opposite the ruins of the Johnson plantation, where we landed on the 26th of December last. This bayou leads in a northa little westdirection to a large bayou, * Not found. 8 R RYOL lILY, PT II Page 114 114 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAT. XXXYL also Steeles Btyou, but there are submerged trees which you will please remove, so as to make this bayou navigable to good-sized boats. The water is represented as very deep, and the trees only obstruct naviga- tion by coming in contact with the chimneys and cabins of boats. In about 12 or 15 miles you will come out in a wide channel, after which you will follow the admiral, who is already beyond that point. 1 will in person follow and pass you, and there will be frequent communica- tion with you. Take at least 300 axes and a keg of spikes, so as to make rafts on which the men are to stand whilst cutting away the tree tops. Captain Smith, on board the Dacotah, will fill all your wants; if not, you can get them [supplied] at General Grants boat, the Magnolia, or of the admiral. You will also need a coil of rope, to heave away the chopped trees and limbs. Take a look at the map before you start, and understand the object to be to prepare the lower end of Steeles Bayou for the passage of boats into the main channel, and then to overtake me and the admiral high up. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. IIDQRS. DIST. EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, ]Jiliareh 10, 1863. Major-General GRANT: Mv DEAR GENERAL: General Smith with his division arrived here last night, and was stopped, as directed by you. General Quinby, with a portion of his division, was to be through the Pass into Coldwater yesterday. There are no light boats arriving, and none here. Hearing that the entire expedition would be delayed, I consulted with General Washburn and General ilovey, and came to the conclusion to send the latter on a flying trip for boats for this expedition, and learn that he procured fonr or five at Memphis, which I expect to arrive to-night. I have not heard from General McPherson yet. On yesterday I learned that General Ross was getting on without meeting resistance. This information was received by a gentleman who received a letter from an intimate friend of his residing on Yazoo, stating that General Ross had passed his place, 120 miles from here. One week ago I started two small steamers to General Ross with sub- sistence. They have not returned. I think Ross is so far advanced that it will be difficult for me to communicate, but he will get a message either to me or you shortly. I am fully impressed with the necessity of getting McPherson for- ward promptly, and assure you that everything shall be done here to that end, and trust you will indorse the course taken to hasten forward transports. Geneml, I may be too confident, but I am of the opinion that Ross expedition ere this has taken Yazoo City. General ilovey will return with boats in time to go with his division. Let me ask now, do you wish his division to leave here before Ross returns ~l I ask this question from the fact that the order to ilovey was based upon the expected return of Ross. My opinion is that if Ross does not come back, one brigade of iloveys should remain here, or that some of the troops from above should be ordered to this point. I shall forward all information I receive, and have this day sent to General MeClernand report of a success on Saint Francis River. Hav- ing several dispatches, I send with them Mr. J. M. Caldwell, who wil Page 115 ChAp. XXXYI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 115 rcturn with any you have for me. He will ask for kOl e instructions con- cerning shipment from here to Memphis. Please advise concerning. LATER .A scout just in says that on the 11th Ross was at Greenwood. Lloyd Tilghman had been there with a force of rebels to resist his pass- lug, but, finding gunboats with Ross, left with his command forYazoo City, where be would be joined by other forces. The enemy seem to fear our effecting a lodginent at that point. This information is reli- able. Respectfully, B. M. PRENTISS. SAINT LOUIs, Mo., March 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: I arrived here from Cincinnati yesterday. I inclose copies of telegrams from General lilosecrans to General Wright, with indorse- ment of General Wright; also copy of dispatch by me to General Rose- crans, with the answer of his quartermaster; also of telegram and letter to Colonel Reynolds. It will be extremely difficult to replace any boats from the Ohio. Everybody is complaining of me here for want of boats. The forage quartermaster says we are interfering with his contracts upon the upper rivers, and demands we do not take boats engaged bringing down forage, to which Colonel Allen, chief quartermaster, assents. The commissary wants his stores forwarded very l)romptly. General iVieNeil is said to be in a tight ~lc cc, and we ~ re required to send him three boats instanter. General Pope demands that we send three more boats up the Missouri to chase up those poor devils, the Indians, & c. The fact is, General Rosecrans or General Wright have nearly all the small boats engaged on the Tennessee and Cumberland, and it seems they absolutely require theni there, while we have aIr lady at or below Memphis the great bulk of our boats, and, consequently, it is extremely difficult doing our necessary business here. As you are aware, I sent you three small boats from the Ohio, and could only get permission to take eight more under any circumstances. We have sent you five more from here, and suppose several more have been sent from Cairo and Memphis. We have two or three more here repairing, which I hope to send in two or three days. I have also sent above the rapids for two or three I hear are running there, and will send them as soon as I can get them. There are also two on the Illinois, but Colonel Allen says they must not be taken unless I can supply their places with larger ones, which I cannot do. These are all the boats less than 200 feet long I can control, except such as we may seize at Cairo or when they come into port here. There have gone to you, in addition, of large boats, since your order, as follows: Planet, capacity 1,500 men; John J. Roe, capacity 1,500 men; Continental, capacity 2,000 men; Minnehaha, ca- pacity 1,200 men; Ruth, capacity 1,500 men; ~on Phul, capacity 1,500 men; Champion, capacity 1,500 men; Kennett, capacity 1,500 men; Illinois, capacity 2,000 men. Of small boatsboats under 200 feet in lengthI have sent from here as follows: Black Hawk, capacity 800 men; Golden Era, capacity 700 men; Lasalle, capacity 500 men~ Belle Creole, capacity 500 men; Alone, capacity 500 men; Lacon, capacity 500 men; Nevada, capacity 600 men; J. K. Bell, capacity 800 men; White Rose, cal)acity 700 men. From Cincinnati I sent Ella, capacity 500 men; Lady Franklin, capacity ~00 men; Diadem, capacity 500 men; City Belle, capacity 600 men; Tycoon, capacity 800 men. The following boats leave here to-night or to-morrow: Southwestern, capacity 1,00 Page 116 116 MISSISSIPPI WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. Xxxvi. men; City of Alton, capacity 1,500 men; making, in all, a capacity for 25,200 men. On these boats, however, I have sent about 2,500 men, which leaves transportation for a little over the number of men required by you, though not by any means so many small boats as you desire. Ithink,in addition, there will be within a few days as many as six to ten more small boats. I regret my inability to comply with your orders almost as much as you can, but I have done my best. Our wants for transportation here I have stated without exaggera- tion, and earnestly request, for the good of the whole service, that you will instruct the quartermaster of transportation to send back such boats as you can best spare as soon as can be safely ~lone. I deeply regret that I cannot be permitted to accompany these boats, and share the labors and good fortune which, I trust, await you. Very respectfully and sincerely, yours, L. B. PARSONS, Cot. and Asst. Quartermaster General, Supt. Transportation. P. S.If any changes are desirable, please telegraph me. [Inclosure No. 1.1 MUEFREESBOROUGH llfarch , 1863. (Received March 141.55 p. in.) Major-General WRIGHT, Cincinnati: Telegraphed you day before yesterday that I could spare you eight steamers, less than 200 feet long, if you can give me equal tonnage in other craft. W. S. ROSECRANS. [Indorsement.1 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO, Cincinnati, Ohio, March 14, 1863. Respectfully referred to Col. L. B. Parsons, assistant quartermaster, who can obtain the boats on the terms within mentioned by General iRosecrans. By command of Major-General Wright: T. L. HAYDEN, Aide-de- Camp. [Inclosure No. 2.1 CINCINNATI, March 14, 1863. Major-General ROSECRANS, Murfreesborough, Tenn.: I go to Saint Louis to-night. Please telegraph me there the names of the eight boats, and I will at once advise you whether I can replace them with other craft. How soon can they be at Cairo if I do? L. B. PARSONS, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster. [Inclosure No. 3.] MIJUFREESBOROUGH, TENN., March 14, 1863. Col. L. B. PARSONS, Quartermaster: There are but four boats here that are under the exclusive control of this department; all of the others used for the transportation of sup- plies from the Ohio River. As soon as unloaded, General Rosecrans has no objections to the exchange of boats that you propose, bnt if th Page 117 ChAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 117 short boats are taken, they must be replaced with larger boats. The~ success of this army, indeed, its very life, depends upon our having an increased supply of transportation now while we can make use of the river. The boats that were at Carthage have gone down the river. JOHN W. TAYLOR, Lieutenant- Colonel and Quartermaster. [Inolosure No. 4.] OrNOINNATI, March 13, 1863. Colonel REYNOLDS, Chief Quartermaster, or Captain LYMAN, Assistant Quartermaster, Memphis, Tenn.: As yet I cannot get permission to take any boats out of this depart- ment for General Grant. Please send him every boat that comes to Memphis less thaii 200 feet long, and all others you possibly can, un- less you have different orders from him. Also please telegraph me at Saint Louis all boats which have gone to him since the 4th. The Ruth can be taken if necessary. Indeed, I fear you must take nearly every boat. L. B. PARSONS, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster. [Inclosure No. 5.] CINcINNATI, March 11, 1863. Col. C. A. REYNOLDS, Chief Quartermaster, Memphis, Teun.: COLONEL: General Wright so far declines permitting any boats leav. ing this department, unless I send an equal amount of tonnage in re- turn. This I cannot promise to do. I hope, however, to get an order for eight or ten to-day. But I think the only safe way is for you to seize every boat at Memphis that can be possibly spared; and if Gen- eral Grant is in danger of a flood, I would take every boat and send him as soon as possible. By all means i would take such boats as the Ty- coon, and all other boats from the Ohio which are under 200 feet long. I would also take the Ruth; she has made money enough to be able to go below awhile, and let off some others, if General Grant can spare them. Pray do not let any boats return which will comply with Gen- eral Grants order, if less than 200 feet long. Will you also please advise me by telegraph the names of such boats as you have sent or have gone below since General Grants order of the 4th instant, so I may be advised of the generals necessities ~ Please also request Cap- tain Lyman to push off the boats from Memphis as fast as possible. Very respectfully, L. B. PARSONS, Colonel and Assistant Quartermaster. CAIRO, March 16, 1863. Maj. .Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, Vieksburg: I am under orders to join you with 5,000 troops of the Army of Southeast Missouri. If you have any orders in particular, please for. ward them to Memphis. E. A. CARR Page 118 118 MISStCSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL LA GRANGE, March 16, 1863. General hURL I31JT~ ilicmphis Grierson has sent out a column of 500 men. C. S. HAMILTON. HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, March 17, 1863. Brig. Gen. FRED. STEELE, Corn dg. First Division: GENERAL: The entire inhintry force, convalescents excepted, of the Second Division, are ordered to march at 7 oclock this morning, by General Grant direct, and I deem it proper to inform you, as you wish to make some arrangements for picketing. As I construe the order, General Stu rts pickets are relieved. Jam, & c., L. M. DAYTON, - Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTME~T (IF THE TENNESSEE, Before Viclrsburg, March 117,1863. Brig. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS, Comdg. Dist. Eastern Arkansas: GENERAL: Your course, in doing everything in aid of the Yazoo ex- pedition, is fully sustained, and what I wanted and expected. I sent Colonel Parsons, assistant quartermaster, over two weeks ago, for the class of bo ts required, and sent a quartermaster from here on Friday week to attend to the same thing. As you were not aware of this, however, you did right to send an agent to look after them. It is too late now to send a greater force through the Pass than has already gone and will be made up with Smiths division. My intention was, and is, that Ross shall return to Helena, and Hovey take the field with his division. Such instructions have been given General McPherson, who I intended should command that expedition. Now that I have been so much disappointed in getting transports of the right class, no more troops will go by that route than what is indi- cated above. I will make the transfer of Ross and iloveys forces as soon as practicable. The necessity of a large force descending the Yazoo, I think, has ended by the discovery of a route into the Yazoo from here by the way of Steeles Bayou and other cross bayous. Five gunboats are now on their way (four of them iron-dads) by this route. If successful, this will entirely hem in at least the transports of the enemy, and force them to surrender o retreat eastward. My orders in regard to trade prohibit it below Helena. Trade having been opened by the Treasury Department to Helena, I did not interfere with it further than to prohibit the landing of boats at any point omi the Mississippi River other thau at places occupied by troops or under pro. tection of a gunboat. As a corollary to this, all freight ascending the river is contraband, unless it has a provost-marshals permit from some point not lower down th~ ii Hel~ w ; and if taken on where no forces are stamioned, then Treasury permits and the statement of the commander of the ~unboat affording protection whilst such freight was being loaded that lie h~ d afforded such i)rotectlomI. You may make such local re:trictions to trade as you may think healthful, a keep out and restrict passing through your lines as muc Page 119 ChAP. XXXV1.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 119 as you want. Also expel all citizens both from the North and the South, who arc troublesome or exercise an unheaithl.ul influence tlJ)OI1 the troops. 1 regard a mercenary, pretended Union trader within the lines of an army as more dangerous than the shrewdest spy. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. HEAD OF MILLIKENS BEND, LA., March 18, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corjps: It was my intention to have stopped at the Bend to-day to have ex- I)lainc(l fully to you the nature of the present movements. But being delayed so late, compels me to pass on to Youngs Point. I have had information, both from my own means of knowing and from Southern papers, that Ross has penetrated to Greenwood, on the Yazoo Iliver; further, that the rebels have sent a number of steamers loaded with troops up to resist him. My efforts to get down steamers to carry troops to the support of Ross in time, have proven somewhat abortive. It is necessary, therefore, to give him aid from here. Ad- miral Porter, who was equally interested, and mnch more familiar with the country intervening between the Mississippi and the Yazoo, caused a partial exploration of the passes through by the way of Steeles Bayou to Deer Creek, and thence to the Yazoo, for the purpose of getting in the rear of any force that may have been sent up. I went with the admiral on his second excursion, and, so far as explored, know it to be perfectly practicable. I am, therefore, sending an infantry division to their support, at Admiral Porters request, and hope such favorable reports will be received as to justify me in sending all available forces through by that route. I would thus have all my forces concentrated at any given point, and save the necessity of dividing them, which I wish to avoid, if possible. I have countermanded the order for General McPherson to go through Yazoo Pass, on account of the difficulty of procuring the right kind of transportation, and because it is now too late, and will bring him with this end of the expedition. TWO divisions, however, Generals J. B. Smiths and Quinbys, are - going that route, and I hope Quinby is already with Ross. These are the h~cts which I wished to communicate principally, and to notify you that you should hold your corps in readiness to move when called upon. U. S. GRANT. MILLIKENS BEND, ]Iiliaroh 18, 1863. Brig. Gen. PETER J. OSTERIIAIJS, Commanding Ninth Division: GENERAL: I am informed by General Grant that he expects to find a navigable communication between Steeles Bayou and Deer Creek, a tributary of the Yazoo River, in which event it is understood that this army corps, together with other forces, will be conveyed through that channel to a point of concentration on the Yazoo. To meet this con- tingency, it is desirable that you should hold your division in readiness to move when called on. Yours, & c., JOHN A. MoCLERNAND Page 120 120 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CUAP. XXXVI. LAKE PROViDENCE, LA., March 18, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: The levee was cut here yesterday afternoon, and the water is flowing in at a tremendous rate, filling up the lake and bayous. We will soon be able to take a good-sized steamer in. I have directed General Logan to go UI) about 5 miles, where there is comparatively high ground, and disembark, and send the boats back for the remainder of hi~ division. If the country about the lake is likely to be overflowed, I shall move General McArthur~s division up to the same point. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPllET~SON. HELENA, ARK., March 18, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, Commanding ~5ixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: My dispatches from Brigadier-General Ross,just received, of date 15th instant, represent him as having unexpectedly found the rebel Fort Greenwood to be of great strength, so that more time and work will be required for its reduction than at first anticipated. I in- close with this a copy of the requisition made upon me by Lieutenant- Colonel Wilson,* of General Grants staff; who accompanies General Ross, for guns and ammunition. My orders from General Grant are to fill all Colonel Wilsons requisitions as coming direct from department headquarters, but I am quite unable to furnish the required articles. I therefore send Captain Davidson, chief of artillery of this district, and Captain Hatch, chief quartermaster, to your department for the needed supplies, mid I trust you will give them every facility for speedily se- curing and forwarding what General Ross needs. I need not say that it is important that General Ross be re-enforced promptly. I hope a portion, at least, of the ammunition may be forwarded to-morrow. General Ross has already in position one 30-pounder Parrott and one 8-inch howitzer, and needs 400 rounds of ammunition for each gun, be- sides that mentioned by Colonel Wilson. If it be possible, I beg that all these supplies may be sent here to-morrow. Quartermaster [Reuben B.) Hatch has also other business of impor tance to transact, in which I request that he may have your assistance. I am, general, very truly, your obedient servant, B. M. PRENTISS, SAINT LoU!s, Mo., March 18, 18633.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: General A. P. ilovey has just arrived here with instructions from General Prentiss, which instructions proceed from advice from General Grant, to procure all the small-class steamers on all the rivers, to trans l)Ort troops through the Yazoo Pass to Yazoo City. General Hovey thinks that it is vitally important that a large number of small steamers be procured. He proceeds to Cincinnati to-day. Unless heis authorized to seize boats at Cincinnati, he will fail in piocuring any. He thinks that large boats can be sent back in time to replace the small ones. No boats of any kind can be had here, all ak-eady being below. General Hovey * Not found Page 121 11A1~. XXXVI.] 1~1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. desires that you will telegraph him at Cincinnati, and give hun authority to seize boats if you judge it expedient. Direct to Burnet House. ROBT. ALLEN, Chief Quartermaster. WASHINGTON, D. C., March 19, 1863. Col. ROBERT ALLEN, Saint Louis: I cannot direct the seizure of steamers on the Ohio River unless in case of absolute necessity, and that necessity must be certified to by the Quartermasters Department. Where boats can be procured for rea- sonable hire, violent measures should be avoided. General Grants last dispatches to me do not indicate any necessity for violent seizures. H. W. HALLECK. MEMPHIS, TENN., March 19, 1863. Maj. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS, Corndg. Dist. Eastern Arkansas: GENERAL: I am now in receipt of your co~mnnication. I regret ex- ceedingly that the expedition to the Yazoo Pass is in such a precarious position. I regret very much more my inability to send you the guns and ammunition you require. I have no 8-inch howitzers except at Corinth, and have within the last two days sent to General Grant the only battery of 30-pounder Parrotts in my command. All the light draught boats which have been here, and are in con- dition to run, have been either sent below or are under orders to leave. Carr is now here with two regiments and a battery, and some small boats. I will order him to you at once. You can debark his troops and use his boats. Ross should never have been out of supporting reach, but he is, though, and must be saved, if it be possible. The delay in boats from above is chargeable to other parties, who will hereafter be answerable for it. I send from the fort here some 24-pounder guns, the best I can do for you, and will have the ammunition forwarded. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLBUT. SAINT Louis, Mo., March 19, 1863. Vlaj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: General Grant telegraphs, dated the 5th, I require thirty boats of less than 200 feet in length. They sho~tld be here at the earliest possi- ble moment. Use every exertion to procure them. General ilovey came up repeating this necessity; Colonel Parsons also. The boats cannot be procured here, and on my requisition they will not send them from the Ohio - hence my dispatch of yesterday. I am not the judge of the necessity. I am sending General Rosecrans 700,000 ra- tions, besides a large amount of forage. It cannot be necessary to hold all the Ohio boats on his account. ROBT. ALLEN, Chief Quartermaster. [MARCh 19, 1863.For Wright to ilalleck, and reply, in reference to transports for Grant and Roseerans, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part 11, p. 151. Page 122 122 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. WASHINGTON, March 20, 186310.10 a. in. Col. ]1~OBERT ALLEN, Saint Louis, Jib.: General Wright has signified his intention to send to General Grant a part of the boats employed for General Rosecrans army. Boats will not be taken by force, unless it be found impossible to procure them by other means. II. W. HALLECK. SAINT LOLTIS, Mo., March 20, 18632.50 p. m. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Colonel Parsons was sent to Cincinnati to procure boats of light draught, but General Wright was unwilling they should leave the de- l)artlnent; and owners, taking advantage of the emergency, were de- manding exorbitant rates. It was to prevent extortion that authority was asked to seize boats, if necess~iry. If General Wright will furnish boats, all will be well. We have already provided twenty-six boats of the right size, but this falls short of the number required. This expedition is so dependent upon its transportation that an in- sufficiency may prove fatal. ROBT. ALLEN, Chief Quartermaster. Capt. II. ATKINSON, COLLIERVILLE, TENN., March 20, 1863. A. A. U., First Div., Sixteenth Army Corps, La Grange, Tenn.: CAPTAIN: I have ordered ambuscade parties from each post in this brigade. The force at my disposal will be entirely inadequate to per- form this duty any length of time. I could not with my entire force ambush the approaches once. The whole front is an approach, open to guerrillas, and nearly the whole rear, for that matter. The Wolf River can be crossed at twenty points on my line by foot- men, on fallen trees and drift and reconnaissance shows that it would be a very heavy work to clear it. Small parties cross often, as foot- I)rints show. To-day at about noon considerable firing was heard on the north side of the river, about midway between this station and La Fayette. I have not been able to learn its cause. I could quickly rid the front or rear of guerrillas if I might be al- lowed discretion. These scamps do not travel ordinary roads. They go through farms and over the country, where they are familiar, with- out regard to path even. I will make the best disposition possible with the force at my com- mand to comply with this order requiring ambuscades. I have the honor to be, captain, your obedient servant, JOHN MASON LOOMIS, Colonel, Commanding First Brigade. SPECIAL ORPEPS, HDQRS. DEPAP~4MENT OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 79. Youngs Point, La., March 20, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. E. A. Carr, with the forces under his command, en route from the Department of the Missouri to this place, will debark his corn Page 123 CHAp. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 123 inand at Millikens Bend, La., and report to Maj. Gen. John A. MeCler- nand, commanding Thirteenth Army Corps. * * * * - * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. BEFORE VJCKSBURG, March 21, 1863. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Gulf Squadron: Hearing nothing from Admiral Porter, I have (letermined to send you a barge of coal from here. The barge will be cast adrift from the upper end of the canal at 10 oclock tonight. Tioops on the opposite side of the point will be on the lookout, and, should the barge run into the eddy, will start it adrift again. Admiral Porter is in Deer Creek, or possibly in the Yazoo, below Yazoo City. I hope to hear from him this evening. As soon as I do, I will prep~ire dispatches for General Banks, and forward them to you. I have sent a force into the Yazoo River by the way of Yazoo Pass. ilearing of this force at Greenwood, Miss., and learning that the en- emy were detaching a large force from Yicksbnrg to go and meet them, determined Admiral Porter to attempt to get gnnboats in the rear of the enemy. I hol~e to hear of the success of this enterprise soon. U. S. GRANT. IIDQRS. THIRD BRIG.. SECOND Div., FIFTEENTH A. C., Steeles Bayou, Miss., March 21, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel RAWLINS, Assistant A djutant- General SIR I have the honor to report that the First Brigade and all but one regiment of the Second have embarked up to 1 oclock this day; 2.30 p. in., the remaining regiment of the Second Brigade and three companies of the Forty-seventh Ohio Yolnnteer Infantry, of the Third Brigade, are now embarking. The wagon and artillery road from the head of MUddy Bayou to this point will be completed by day after to- morrow. I have the honor to be, colonel, your obedient servant, HUGH EWING. HELENA, ARK., March 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt this morning of yonr communications of the 17th, concerning the new aspect of affairs on the Yazoo. Deeming it important for the furtherance of your designs, as therein explained, that General Smith should not be longer delayed at this end of Yazoo Pass, I have issued orders to him to join General Quinby as soon as possible, after securing a sufficient number of suitable trans- ports. I inclose a copy of the order.* I have issued no detailed orders or instructions, not considering it my duty to interfere with your plans * Not found Page 124 124 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL or General Quinbys, but merely to extend all the aid in my powe whenever and wherever possible, without such interference. I am, general, very truly, your obedient servant, B. M. PRENTJSS. STEAMER PRIMA DONNA, March 21, 1863. JAeut. Commander J. P. FOSTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Fleet, Yazoo Expedition: Sin: In viexv of the depressing effect which a virtual abandonment of the Yazoo expedition would have upon our army, our navy, and our country, I most earnestly request you to return with your fleet, notwith- standing its disabled condition, to your former position above Fort Greenwood. I ask this in the hope that by land operations we may accomplish the reduction of i;he fort, and in the belief that the mere moral effect of the presence of the gunboats will go far to insure our success. I am, very respectfully, & c., I. F. QUINBY. STEAMER PRIMA DONNA, March 21, 1863. Brig. Gen. L. F. Ross, Commanding Division, Thirteenth Corps: GENERAL: You are hereby directed to return with your division to the position recently occupied by you above Fort Greenwood, Miss. By order of Brig. Gen. I. F. Quinby: M. ROCHESTER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HELENA, ARK., March 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT, ~iJom ianding AS~ixtcenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I am in receipt of your communication of th*~ 19th. I am thankful for your good wishes toward General Ross, for whoml have continued to do all in my power, although I have not any charge or control of the Yazoo expedition, General Quinby being now in com- mand on the Yazoo, and en route with two divisions for Greenwood, if he is not already there. But I have sent to General Ross supplies at various times by small and fast boats, and have (yesterday) sent him ammunition, and to-day forward the ordnance and stores received from you, expecting that it may pass General Quinbys fleet on the way and reach General Ross in time to be of service. I have not considered General Ross in present danger, as I do not understand from his dispatches that the enemy could advantageously assume the oft~nsive, but learning that he is getting short of ammuni- tion, I have had these supplies and ordnance stores sent forward in haste, fea ring lest delay might give the rebels an opportunity to re- enforce their fort, and then overl)ower him. I am not willing to permit any disaster, on the Yazoo which could be averted by any co-operation on my part, and I am glad to learn that you entertain similar feelings. I am, general, very truly, yours, B. M. PRENTISS Page 125 OnAl XXXVI. I 125 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. IIDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, March 21, .1863. Brig. Gen. J. G. LAUMAN: See that your whole division has cartridge-boxes full of serviceable ammunition. Get them under arms every morning at break of day. Let no officer sleep outside of his command. Let your artillery be ready for service. Keep the entire force in battle order. At the shortest notice you may be unexpectedly called on, and I do not wish you to lose your old reputation. S. A. HURLBUT. P. 5.I will see you this evening. WASHINGTON, March 21, 186310.55 a. m. Col. ROBERT ALLEN, & ~int Louis, Mo.: General Wright has been directed to send to Qencral Grant all the boats that can be spared. Colonel Parsons should consult with him. II. W. HALLECK. U. S. FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD Below Tficlcsburg, March 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have just received your several communications and one for General Banks, which I hope to be able to convey to him in the course of a few days, as I will probably leave here to-morrow or the next day, at furthest. I regret that I did not see Admiral Porter, as he no doubt would have sent down at least two of General Ellets rams. The two rains and one iron-clad would make the blockade of Red River complete. There are only two boats fitted as rams, the Queen of the West and Webb. There are also the Beatty and another river boat fitted with cot- ton bales, for the purpose of boarding our gunboats, but carry no guns. The Webb is at Alexandria repairing, and the Queen of the West is now in the Atchafalaya. The moment we have the mouth of the river, they transport all their provisions for Yicksburg and Port Hudson across the river to Angola Place, and then they travel np to this place by land. I had hoped to have sufficient force not to disturb the ad- miral, but as my vessels failed to get past Port Hudson (in fact, I know one was burned, and I find it reported that another was sunk, but this last I do not believe), my services are so important below that I shall be coml)elled to returm~ to New Orleans and the coast very soon. I still cherish the hope that I will find some one of my gallant fellows at the mouth of Red River, which will enable me to leave soon. 1 know that General Banks does not think he has sufficietit force to attack Port Hudson with any chance of success. Wishing you every success in your difficult operations, I a gain tender you my thanks, and remain, your obedient servant, B. G. FARRAGUT. BEFORE YICKSBURG-, March 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKs, Corndg. Dept. of the Gulf: Yonr communication of the 13th instant, per Admiral Farragut, was duly received. The continuous high water and the nature of the country almost Page 126 126 MTSSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. ChAP. XXXVI. precluding the possibility to land a force on the east bank of the Mis- sissippi anywhere above Vicksburg, has induced the hope that you would be. able to take Port Hudson and move up to Black River. By the use of your transports, I could send you all the force you would require. Finding the canal commenced here last summer by General [Thomas] Williams. I have prosecuted that work, and would before this have had it completed to the width of 60 feet but for the heavy rise in the river breaking in the dam across the upper end. It is exceedingly doubtful if this canal can be made of any practical use, even if completed. The enemy have established a battery of heavy guns opposite the mouth of the~canal, completely commanding it for one-half its length. Soon after taking command here, I conceived the idea of getting pos- session of the Yazoo River by the way of Moon Lake and Yazoo Pass. Five gunboats were furnished for this expedition, and I sent in addi- tion a division of troops, to which has since been added considerable re-enforcements. This enterprise promised most fairly, but for some cause our troops delayed so as to give the enemy time to fortify. My last information from this command was to the 17th. They were at Greenwood, on the Yazoo, a fortified l)lace, and had abandoned all idea of getting past until they could receive additional ordnance stores. By a prompt movement Yazoo City could have been captured without opposition. Admiral Porter, with five gunboats, and Major-General Sherman, with a division of troops, are now attempting to get into the Yazoo by the way of Steeles Bayou, Black Bayou, Deer Creek, Rolling Fork, and the Sunflower. They got in as far as Deer Creek withoflt any great difficulty, but I fear a failure of getting farther. This experiment failing, there is nothing left for me but to collect all my strength and attack Haynes Bluff. This will necessarily be at- tended with much loss, but I think it can be done. The best aid you can give me, if you cannot pass Port Hudson, will be to hold as many of the enemy there as possible. If they could be sent, I could well spare you one army corps, to enable you to get up the river. My effective force, including all arms, will be between (iO,000 and 70 000 if I bring all from Memphis that can be spared in an emergency. An attack on ilaynes Bluff cannot possibly take place under two weeks, if so soon. My forces are now scattered, and the difficulty of getting transportation is very great. U. S. GRANT. BEFORE VICKSEURG, March 22, 1863. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Gomd~q. Gulf Squadron: 1 regret that Admiral Porter has not been here to answer your coin- munications. On the subject of your communication in regard to fur- nishing coal, it can always be supplied either by the admiral or myself, supposing that it can be successfully floated past the batteries at Vicks- burg. It is a matter of the utmost importance to cut off trade with the Red River country. 1 do not know what Admiral Porter would suggest if he was here, but I think he might possibly spare one or more of his rams. I have not heard whether the barge of coal started to you last night reached its (lestinatioll OP not. iloping that ~hc coal reached you till right, I am, ~c., U. S. CRANT, Page 127 CHAp. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 127 BEFORE YICKSBURG, March 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Cornd~. Tlwirteenth Army Corps: You will please send forward at once to the Yazoo Pass expedition four of your 30-pounder Parrott guns, and a sufficient force (not less than 80 men) from the First U. S. Infantry. They will take with them thirty days rations. They will be under the command of Capt. George A. Williams, of said First U. S. Infantry. The steamer Dacotah has been ordered to transport them, and will be in readiness at Millikens Bend early to-morrow morning (the 23d instant) for their embarkation. By order of Maj Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. ~AWLJNS, Assistant Adjutant-General. BEFORE YICKSBURG-, March 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg~ Fifteenth Army Corps: Yonr report, and also Admiral Porters, were received yesterday. As the admiral called for more troops to protect him, I immediately ordered McPherson to send down one division of his command. 1 regret that the chances look so gloomy for getting through to the Yazoo by that route. I had made so much calculation upon the expe- dition down Yazoo Pass, and now again by the route proj)osed by Ad- miral Porter, that I have made really but little calculation upon reach- ing Yicksburg by any other than ilaynes Bluff. As soon as the admiral can get his gunboats back for service, I will concentrate all my forces and make a strike. Finding that we fail in reaching the east bank of the Yazoo upon the route you have gone, there is nothing further to do with troops where you are than to guard the gunboats, and return when they do. What difficulty is in the way of reaching the Yazoo by going down Deer Creek l U. S. GRANT. BEFOXcE YICKSBIJRG, March 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Comdg. Seventeenth Army Corps: It is now clearly demonstiated that a further force, in by the way of Yazoo Pass, can be of no service. The party that first went in have so delayed as to give the enemy time to fortify. I see nothing for it noxv but to have that force re~~rn the way they went in. I will let them try Greenwood a short time longer, however, and see, too, if Admiral Por- ter succeeds in reaching the Yazoo on his present route. In the meau time I want concentrated as near here as possible all the troops flOW scattered from Youngs Point to helena. You may take immediate steps to collect your forces. The division of General J. E. Smith will belong to your army corps. U. S. GRANT. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., March 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Commanding Third Division: GENERAL,: You will move your division to Eagle Bend, on the east bank of the Mississippi River, where General Stuarts division landed with a view to re-enforcing Major-General Sherman from that i)oint Page 128 128 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL Send the troops down by brigades as rapidly as they can be embarked. Send Leggetts brigade first, as he is well provided with tools for build- ing bridges, & c., and is a driving fellow. Very respectfully, JAS. B. McPHERSON. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., March 22, 1863. Capt. A. IR. EDDY, Assistant Quartermaster, Miemphis: CAPTAIN: The steamboat Tigress takes up to-day 105 bales of cotton on account of the United States, and 104 bales on account of W. C. Wagley & Co., in accordance with the terms of a contract entered into between Capt. John G. Klinck, chief quartermaster Seventeenth Army Corps, and said Wagley. This is cotton that has been picked by the contrabands on plantations which have been deserted by their owners, under the supervision of said Wagley & Co., they paying all expenses of feeding the contrabands, picking, ginning, and baling the cotton, and delivering it on the levee, in consideration of which they are to have one-half and the Government the other. There will be some more cot- ton sent up on the same terms, and I will approve all the papers. The cotton, I presume, is not of the best quality, as it has been standing in the field so long that it is somewhat damaged. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [JAS. B. MCPHERSON.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, March 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS, Commanding District of Eastern Arkansas, Helena, Ark.: GENERAL: I am sending up to-day, per steamer Continental, some ordnance stores for the gutiboats now near Greenwood. Please have these stores forwarded as soon as possible. Also send 20,000 ratitins from your stores for the use of the navy. They will either be re- placed, or returns made for the infantry sharpshooters who are aboard these gunboats to cover the issue. If there are troops still at Moon Lake or in the vicinity of Helena to come down here, you can turn the Continental back to aid in bringing them down. It there are no troops to bring down, she can go up to Memphis and bring the mails and a load from there. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. GENERAL ORDERS, TIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 18. Youngs Point, La., March 22, 1863. Surg. Madison Mills, U. S. Army, having reported for duty, is hereby announced as medical director for the department. All reports and returns required by existing orders and Army Regulations will be made to him at these headquarters. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, 4ssistant Adjutant- General Page 129 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 129 MEMPHIS, TENN., March 22, 1863. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. JIAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General: I inclose her copy of report of scouts from Corinth, which con- tains much information.* General Asboth has returned to Columbus, having been up the Ten- nessee as far as Perryville, and destroyed or brought off all flats and skiffs on the river. He has left a garrison at Heiman, which I consider improper, and have ordered him to bring it to Pad ucah. 1 have no official report yet from him. It is reported from various sources that Chalmers has taken command in North Mississippi, and was to ren- dezvous at Senatobia. His probable force it is difficult to state; the Grape-vine reports it 15,000, and on the march for Memphis. It is to be hoped they may try it. My men are in good trim, and I will an- swer for the result. It may be that they will attack the road. Orders are out to exercise the most rigid caution, and to be constantly in a state of preparation. Thirty guerrillas yesterday broke the track 3 miles above Grand Junction, capturing the conductor, negroes, and train-men of the wood train, and escaped. Cavalry are out after them. A portion of Carrs division are here and will be forwarded. I find great difficulty in getting horses for cavalry and artillery. I need a remount of 1,500 for cavalry alone. If the surgeons hitherto detailed from this corps are not absolutely required below, I hope they will be returned, as heavy drafts are made from necessity on this corps for hospitals. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. A. HURLBUT. MEMPHIS, TENN., March 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Dist. of the Tennessee: SIR: Four days since General Prentiss sent his quartermaster and chief of artillery here to obtain boats, heavy guns, and heavy ammu- nition for the troops at Greenwood, in the Yazoo. I considered his statement so pressing that I sent him from the fort four 24pounder siege guns, and filled the requisition for ammunition. I also sent down the boats. Brig. Gen. A. P. Hovey had passed up the river to Saint Louis and Cincinnati, to look up transportation, under orders from General Pren- tiss. I should have stopped him, but he assured me that the orders were by your direction. Captain Lyman, assistant quartermaster, has orders to seize and send forward every available boat. No exertions will be spared here to push this matter forward. I have telegraphed your message to Colonel Parsons. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLBUT. BROWNSVILLE, March 22, 1863. [Brig. Gen. GRENVILLE M. DODGE, Comdg. Dist. of Corinth:] DEAR GENERAL: I send by Captain Carmichael all the command but one squadron, which I retain to scout down both banks of Yellow Creek. We have had a detachment chasing Captain Dean with 5 men ~ Not found. 9 U UVOL XXIV, PT II Page 130 130 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL for two days,. and do not like to leave him. I shall return either to- night or to-morrow, probably to-morrow noon. I send by Captain Carmichael, as the result thus far of our expedi- tion, 16 prisoners, with their horses and equipments. One is Jim Keal, one that always goes with Doc. Smith. - We had a skirmish with Warrens men yesterday morning. They ske- daddled, and we captured 8 of their men. I hope to bring Smith and about 5 or 6 more men with me. We did not cross Bear Creek, but have scouted the country com- 1)Ietely this side of it. -There are 800 men at Gakes, just across Bear Creek. There are 1,000 (regiments and battalions) at Cherokee, 6 miles from Bear Creek, and one regiment of infantry, about 600 men, at Tus- cumbia, the whole under the command of Colonel [M. W.] Hannon. This is the 1)recise disposition of the forces. I wish you would direct that no disposition be made of these prisoners until I return. I have some evidence against some of them. In haste, truly, yours, GEG. E. SPENCER, Assistant Adjutant-General. IUKA, MISS., March 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. GRENVILLE M. DODGE, Comdg. Dist. of Corinth, Miss.: GENERAL: Accompanying please find copy of a communication * ad- dressed to Colonel Hannon, C. S. Army, at Tuscumbia, Ala., and General [S. A. M.] Woods (of Florence, Ala.), reply,* in regard to the burning of the railroad bridges between this and Burnsville. I consider the generals letter labored, and capable of being construed according to the pleasure of the writer, and therefore have no inclination to continue a fruitless correspondence. My first impression upon receiving the gen- erals letter was to send to Burnsville, by citizens teams, all the United States hospital furniture as soon as possible, and burn the rations and medicines now on hand, with all the United States property I could not send; but I am reliably informed that the village is surrounded at no great distance by Confederate armed soldiery, and, as usual, have their reporter in town. The above is respectfully submitted, and I await your reply. Your most obedient servant, A. B. STUART, U. ~ Vols., Medical Director Confederate Hospital at luka. P. S.Surg. D. C. Roberts, C. S. Army, has just returned from Tus- cumbia, Ala~., and, having read General Woods letter to him, he re- quests permission to answer it, giving the substance of the cartel as ratified by Colonel Roddey, through Captain Kirkman, C. S. Army, when he and Captain Spencer, your assistant adjutant-general, met in this village. The request has been granted. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRs. DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 81. Youngs Point, La., March 22, 1863. I. The Eighth Division, Army of the Tennessee, Brig. Gen. John E. Smith commanding, will proceed immediately from its present encamp- l~ot found Page 131 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 131 ment to Lake Providence, La., and there report to Major-General Mc- Pherson, commanding Seventeenth Army Corps, for orders. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLIKS, Assistant Adjutant-General. BEFORE VICKSBURG, March 23, 1863. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Gommanding Gulf Squadron: As you kindly offered me the co-operation of your vessels, and the use of them to transport troops to Warrenton, should I want to send an expedition to destroy their batteries, 1 have determined to take advantage of the offer. I have directed 43-eneral Steele to select two regiments from his command, and get them to the opposite side of the l)eninsula to-day, ready to embark as soon as in your judgment you think it should be done. I send no special instructions for this expedition further than to de- stroy effectually the batteries at Warrenton, and to retnrn to their camp here. They will be glad to receive any suggestions or directions from you. This is a bad day for troops to be out, but in that particular it may be favorable to us. Thanking you, admiral, for your offer of the service of your vessels, U. S. GRANT. P. S.Captain Walke, who is the senior naval officer here in the absence of Admiral Porter, asked me yesterday for cotton bales with which to pack two of the rams, for the purpose of sending them to join you. I promised him anything in the world the army has for accom- plishinent of this purpose, and presume the vessels will be sent. I look upon it as of vast importance that we should hold the river securely between Yicksburg and Port Hudson. MARCH 23, 1863. Admiral B. G. FARRAG-UT, Commanding Gulf Squadron: ADMIRAL: In the various notes I have written, including the dis- patch for General Banks, I have not mentioned that soon after taking command there in person I collected my surplus troops at Lake Provi- dence and directed the commanding officer to effect a passage through from the Mississippi River to Bayou Macon. This will give navigable water through by that route to the Red River. This is now reported l)racticable for ordinary Ohio River steamers. I sent several weeks ago for this class of steamers, and expected them before this. Should they arrive, and Admiral Porter gets his boats out of the Yazoo, so as to ac- company the expedition, I can send a force of, say, 20,000 effective men to co-operate with General Banks on Port Hudson. This force certainly would easily reduce Port Hudson and enable them to come on up the river and maintain a position on high land near enough to Vicksburg until they could be re-enforced from here sufficiently to operate against the city. Please inform the general of the contents of this, and much oblige your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT Page 132 132 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. U. S. FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, Below Vieksburg, March 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Oomdg., Opposite Vicksburg: DEAR GENERAL: I have just received your communication of this date, and am most happy to find that you concur in opinion with me as to the necessity for destroying the casemated battery, now near com- pletion at Warrenton. I gave it a good shelling to-day, and will be ready to act in concert with your troops, and afford every facility in my power whenever they are ready. I will cover the landing, and in case the ram Switzerland comes down in time, she will be best suited to land the troops, bnt in case the ram does not get down in time, the Albatross will do it. I beg to assure you in conclusion that it will always afford me great pleasure to co-operate with you in any undertaking for the common good of our common country. I am, very respectfully, D. G. FABEAGUT. BEFORE VICKSBURG, March 23, 1863. Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Gorndg. Mississippi Squadron: Troops were promptly sent to Eagle Bend, on the Mississippi River, just where the bayou makes for the river to Steeles Bayou, and have made a good road across. It is not practicable to keep a large force on the land there, but there will be constantly as many as the boat suitable kr navigating Steeles Bayou can ferry. I have no more boats of the class required here to send. The expedition by the way of Yazoo Pass seems to have come to a dead-lock at Greenwood. More forces are on the way to them, but I doubt of their being of any service. Colonel Wilson, in whose judgment I place great reliance, writes that land forces cannot act until the batteries are silenced. He thinks, too, that there has been unnecessary delay in reaching that point. By Admiral Far- ragut I received dispatches from General Banks. The general writes that he has advanced to near Port Hudson with all the forces he could spare for the expedition, about 20,000 of all arms. But as the enemy have 30,000 or over, and are fortified, he cannot expect to take the place. I havc written back by Admiral Farragut, who will leave to- morrow, and report the position of our naval and military forces at this time and the practicability of sending an army corps by the way of Lake Providence to co-operate with him, but that we had not at present the transports or the gunboats suitable for this expedition. I have sent instructions to General Quinby, who now commands the Yazoo Pass ex- pedition, to push down the river and destroy the enemys fleet if possi- ble, but to return immediately if he does not deem this practicable. He will confer with the naval commanders in this matter. It is now per- fectly practicable for such vessels as we have in the Yazoo to get into Bayou Macon. The latter has always been reported as a navigable stream. With the return of either of the expeditions now in or near the Yazoo, I could send such a force as to insure the fall of Port Hudson. With the fall of that place, Banks could move up with, say, 15,000 men, besides all I would send him, and take every point to Warrenton without deten- tion. I submit this to you, admiral, for your views, whether it would not be advisable to get out all the forces we have attempting to gain possession of the Yazoo River, and use them in the way here indicated Page 133 ChAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 133 I will heartily co-operate with you in the present enterprise so long as you deem it advisable to push it. Troops may have seemed slow in reaching you after your call, but all was due to the natural obstacles ifl the way of their reaching you earlier. I sent them promptly to Eagle Bend, having no more transports. suitable to the navigation of the bayou, but the laud from the Mississippi to Steeles Bayou was found covered with water, and had to be bridged. This is now done, and there is no difficulty in getting them up there. Please let me hear from this. you by Major Bowers, of my staff; who bears U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, March 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS, Coindg. District of Eastern Arkansas: GENERAL: Not hearing of the arrival of small boats, so long expected, I directed General McPherson to collect all of his forces in the vicinity of Helena and bring them down to where he is. I to7day learn of the arrival of a number of these boats, and the probability that General Smith has already embarked for the Pass. If this is so, let him go. Understand, if General Smith is already iu Yazoo Pass, send him down to Quinby; if not, then send him to Mc. Pherson. I send instructions to Quinby by the same conveyance that takes this. I tell him that he will be informed by you exactly what foi~ces have gone, and that no more can be expected. Yery respectfully, U. S. GRANT. BEFORE YICKSBURG, March 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. FRED. STEELE, Commanding First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps: This is a bad day for troops to be out, but may be the more propitious for the plan of yesterday, for all that. I have no special instructions to send, further than to effectually de- stroy the enemy~s batteries at Warrenton, and return to camp. I have written to Admiral Farragut, informing him that the expedition might be looked for, if possible for them to reach the other side of the point. I told him further the limited instructions from me, and that sugges- tions from him would be gladly received by the commanding officer. lf not already prepared for starting, these troops should be got ready as soon as possible. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Lake Providence, La., ]Jfareh 23, 1863. Brig. Gen. I. F. QUINBY, Comdg. Yazoo Expedition: GENERAL: Your dispatch of the 116th was received yesterday, and immediately forwarded to Major-General Grant, that he may know some of the difficulties you have to contend with. I was aware that the Pass was narrow and tortuous, with a stron Page 134 134 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. current, but I had no idea, from the engineer~s report, that the obstacles were nearly so great. In my last communication you were advised to count upon no more force than your own division, General Ross, and General John E. Smiths: Owing to the delays which have taken place, imavoi(lably in your case, and the great difl~culty experienced in getting suita~ Ic boats to go through the Pass, General Grant has made a change in the pro- gramme, and directed General Smiths division to be sent here. It is important for you to know this, that you may not count upon it for immediate support. Since we let the water in here, it has filled the lake to overflowing, and is overflowing pretty much the whole country. From the river to the lake the current flows along smoothly but rapidly, and any steam- boat that runs on the river can be tal en in. Your suggestion about having strong flat-boats is decidedly a good one, and, if we contintie to operate in force on the Yazoo, will be car- ried out. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. BEFORE VICKSBURG, March 23, 1863. Brig. Gen. I. F. QUINRY, Gomdg. Yazoo Expedition: Learning of the slow progress in getting small steamers suitable for your expedition, I wrote to General McPherson to collect all of his forces not already in the Yazoo Pass, and bring them to where he is. Since sending this order, I h. ye learned of the arrival of a number ot small boats at Helena, and the probability that Smiths division had started. As he may have made a start, but not got so far but what orders could readily be sent for his return, I hasten to change this, and will instruct General Prentiss if Smith has gone to let him go. You will understand from Prentiss, at the same time you receive this, what force you are to expect. It is highly desirable that your expedi- tion should clean out the Yazoo River, and, if possible, effect a lodg- ment from which we could act against Haynes Bluff. You will be the best judge whether this can be done. You will also have to be governed by the disposition of the navy to co-operate. We cannot order them, but only ask their co-operation. I leave it to your judgment to say whether the expedition with you should return from Greenwood or prosecute the attack further. It may be necessary for you to take more or less supplies from the citizens along the route, but in doing so prevent all the plundering and destruc- tion of property you can, and only permit such things to be taken as are actually required for the use of the army. Admiral Porter started about one week ago to try and reach the Yazoo River, below Yazoo City, with five gunboats. His route was by way of Yazoo River to Steeles Bayou, up the latter to Black Bayou, through that to Deer Creek, and up it to Rolling Fork, thence across to Big Sun- flower, and down the Sunflower to the Yazoo. I sent Sherman, with an army force about equal to yours, to co operate. If successful, they will come in below the enemy yoa are contending against, and between the two forces you would find no farther difficulties before reaching the ground I so much desire. I have not heard from this expedition for several days. At last accounts they had got up Deer Creek, but ha Page 135 CHAP. X.XXVIL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 135 not got through Rolling Fork. I cannot promise success to this expedi- tion, but it is probable that, if it does get through, such consternation will be created among the inhabitants and the troops on the Yazoo that you will hear of it. Feeling great anxiety for your success or speedy return, if the object of the expedition should prove impracticable, U. S. GRANT. P. S.Jf not sanguine of success, return immediately with your entire force and fleet. Banks is at Port Hudson, but, he writes, with a force inadequate to the task. If I now had the forces in the Yazoo River, upper and lower end, I could send an army corps to co-operate with Banks, and the two together would easily take the place and everything on the river from there to Warrenton, just below Yicksburg. The Lake Providence route through to Red River has proven a success, and it is by this route I would send them. I have neither transports nor gun- boats suitable for this expedition, all of them being in the Yazoo. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., March 23, 1863. Major-General SHERMAN, Commanding: GENERAL: Day before yesterday I marched a brigade of infantry to Eagle Bend, and thence across to Steeles Bayou, with directions to hold themselves in readiness to move up the bayou to your support, if nec- essary. While at Eagle Bend I could not find out your exact locality, but seeing the smoke of steamboats in the direction of Rolling Fork moving from Deer Creek to the Sunflower, I have directed Captain Fos- ter, with a small force of cavalry, to go across from Skipwiths Landing, a point on the river 15 miles above this, and communicate with you, if possible. He is instructed to examine particularly the character of the route and the practicability of re-enforcing you, if necessary, from here. Hoping you are well and getting along prosperously, I am, most truly, your friend, JAS. B. MCPHERSON. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., March 23, 1863. Brig. Gen. JOHN E. SMITH, Comdg. Eighth Div., near Helena, Ark.: GENERAL: Inclosed please find copy of order from Major-General Grant, assigning your division to the Seventeenth Army Corps.* You will embark your command as soon as possible, and report here for orders. I have no steamboats at my disposal now to send up for your command, so that you may experience a little delay in getting boats. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [JAS. B. MCPHERSON.] GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 19. 4 Youngs Point, La., March 23, 1863. I. In pursuance of General Ordets, No. 48, War Department, current series, Col. George P. Ihrie, U. S. Army, and additional aide-dc-camp, is hereby detailed and announced as commissary of musters for the Dc partment of the Tennessee. All rolls aud communications required under said orders will be sent through him at these headquarters. * See Special Orders, No. 81, p 130 Page 136 136 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. IJ. Army corps commanders will immediately detail commissary of musters for their respective army corps and assistant commissary of musters for each division constituting the same, who will immediately enter upon the duties required of them by General Orders, No. 48, War Department, current series. III. Corps commissary of musters and assistant commissary of mus- ters will, immediately upon notification of their appointments, report the same in writing to Col. C-. P Jhrie muste~~er of Maj. . department commissary of By Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. IIAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant-General. GERMANTOWN, March 23, 1863. Major-General IIuRLBuT: In accordance with your order, I sent a party to Fisherville last night, and captured Captains Dayly and Swain. Will send them in by the evening train. T. P. HER1IICK, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding ~S1eventh Kansas Cavalry. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 33. Memphis, Tenn., March 23, 1863. I. Maj. Gen. C. S. Hamilton, ha~ving been ordered to report to Maj. Gen. John A. MeClernand, is hereby relieved from dnty in the Sixteenth Army Corps. II. Until further assignment is made, the generals commanding di- visions and districts within the left wing of this corps will report direct to these headquarters. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. ilurlbut: HENRY BINNIOIIE, Assistant Adjutant- General. BEFORE YICKSI3URG, March 24, 1863. Brigadier-General ELLET, Comdg. Marine Brigade: 1 am just informed that to insure success of the enterprise against Warren ton, ten or twelve small boats will be required. May I request that you furnish that number l If it is intended to send a ram past Yicksburg to-night, they could be sent by her; if not, by sending them down the canal to-night to the lower end, Colonel Woods, who will com- mand the expedition, and who is now there, will get them. I will see that these boats are returned. U. S. GRANT; HEADQUARTERS MI55I5~IPPI MARINE BRIGADE, Elag.ship Autocrat, March 24, 1863. U. S. GRANT, Major- General U. S. Volunteers: - GENERAL: I am directed by General Ellet to inform you that he has arranged with Admiral Farragut to send two rams down to his assist Page 137 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 137 ance to-night. These vessels, when safely below, will, with the Alba- tross, according to an arrangement already made with the officer com- manding the troops opposite Warrenton, convey the troops across to attack the batteries, while the flag-ship Hartford silences their guns. No small boats will, therefore, be needed for the purpose contemplated to-day. Very respectfully, W. D. CRANDALL, Captain and Assistant Adjuttnt-General. BOLLYAR, March 24, 1863. Brigadier-General SULLIVAN: Colonel [Fielding] Hurst, with 100 West Tennessee Cavalry, is fight- ing about 400 at Pocahontas, and has sent for help. I send all I have, and have telegraphed to La Grange and Grand Junction to send a re- enforcement. M. BRAYlVIAN, Brigadier- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, March 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief, Washington: GENERAL: Jam led to believe, and think there is no doubt of the fact, that Maj. Gen. C. S. Hamilton is making indirect efforts to get General McPherson removed from the command of his army corps, and to get the command himself. If this is so, I wish to enter my solemn pro- test. There is no comparison between the two as to their fitness for such a command. McPherson, from his activity, good sense, winning man- tiers, and efforts to harmonize all parts of his command toward each other, and to preserve the same harmony toward all parts of this army, has made him[self I the favorite with his men and officers and one of the most suitable corps commanders probably in any service. General Ham- ilton lacks these qnaliflcations. As a soldier, I have no fault to find with him further than his natural jealous disposition, which influences his uiilitarv comidnet ~nd acts prejudicially upon the service. I inclose with this some correspondence between Generals Hurlbut and Hamilton, and which forms part of the grounds upon which I have felt it a duty to order the latter to the front, and shows partially the justness of what I here say of him. I would respectfully ask to have this laid before the President. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT. [Inolosure No. 1.1 MEMPHIS, March 11, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: I transmit to you the inelosed copies of telegrams receive~d and their answers. Major-General Hamilton seems disposed to provoke my good nature, to which there are limits. I have treated him with exceeding kindness, but mean fully to vindicate myself and the authority vested in me by the President and the major-general commanding department. I shall probably have to arrest General Hamilton, not on this account, but be Page 138 138 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. cause of his neglect to comply with the order in relation to the Seventh Kansas. I have directed him to report on this subject, which he has not yet done. I am unofficially informed that he received the order, and stated that it was one that should not be issued, and which he would not execute. I have sent for the proofs, and, if it be so, I shall arrest him and forward him to Vicksburg for trial. I have trouble enough without bothering my soul on questions of rank on telegraphic information of outside people. Until I learn by authority that I am superseded, I shall act nnder orders already received and known to be valid. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. HULILBUT. [Sub-Inclosure No. 1.1 LA GRANGE [March 11, 1863?] Major-General HURLEUT: I am authoritatively advised from Washington of my confirmation as major-general, to rank from September 19, 1862. Will you please ad. vise me of date from which you are confirmed? C. S. HAMILTON. [Sub-Inolosure No. 2.] HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., March 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. S. HAMILTON, La Grange: As I cannot perceive any advantage to the public service, I decline furnishing the information desired. I command the Sixteenth Army Corps by orders from the President. S. A. HURLBUT. [Sub-Inclosure No. 3.] LA GRANGE, [March 11, 1863?] General HURLEUT: I have no intention to deprive you of the command of the Sixteenth Army Corps, but if 1 am the senior officer, it becomes my duty to as- sume command of the District of West Tennessee, of which I will give you due notice. C. S. HAMILTON. [Sub-Inclosure No. 4.] HEADQUART2EES SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., March 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. S. HAMILTOIN, La Grange, Tenn.: I refer you to Special Orders, Ko. 30, Department of the Tennessee, February 7,1863, and to paragraph of Army Regulations. No question of seniority can arise until commissions come. I waru you very frankly, if you attempt to exercise independent authority, you will at once be arrested and sent to Vicksbnrg. S. A. HURLBUT. [Inclosure No. 2.] LA GRANGE, March 15, 1863. General U. S. GRANT: DEAR GENERAL: I do not know whether Hurlbut has furnished you with the information received from time to time through Dodges an Page 139 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. CHAP. XXXYI.j 139 my own spies from the south. I have furnished it fully to him, and I send you herewith the last intelligence from Dodge; also my own. All the transportation in the shape of rolling stock along the Jackson road from Meridian and elsewhere had gone west to Vicksburg a week since. The inclosed letter from Dodge * shows where it is. One of my spies brought me word from [Sol. G.] Streets guerrilla headquarters that the heavy guns were being dismounted in Vicksburg and being transferred east as rapidly as possible. All sources of information point to the belief that the rebels contemplate an evacuation the moment their rear is threatened. The road from Jackson, Tenn., to Columbus having been abandoned, I have drawn four regiments from Sullivan and added them to Denvers division, which now stretches from Davis Mills to Memphis. The force is sufficient to protect the road from the guerrillas now in the country, but, should any considerable portion of Van Dorns forces return, it will be necessaryto increase the road guard or else concentrate it at the most important points. Bethel is now garrisoned from Dodges forces, and the two regiments that were stationed there are now guarding the road near Memphis. Everything is perfectly quiet in the whole district. During the past week I organized and planned an expedition to clean out [R. V.] Rich- ardson, embracing a column from here, under Grierson, one from Lee, at Germantown, and a watching force from Fort Pillow. You have been made aware of the results of the expedition, which, though considera- ble, did not meet my expectations. I have also destroyed, during the week, the Tallahatchee Bridge. I have been planning an expedition with Dodge from Corinth, by which Cornyn, supported by a brigade of infantry, should try and reach Meridian, breaking up the gatigs of conscripts known to be scattered at various points along the Mobile and Ohio road. To do it I should have to increase Cornyns cavalry force by another regiment, and when he moves from Corinth I should send another strong cavalry force from here to Pontotoc, breaking up Falkuer, who is reorganizing his regi- merit at the latter place. Hurlbut says you have ordered the cavalry put in condition for heavy service, and thinks it will be hardly possible for the expedition to go. I think it would be productive of good results. llurlbut is at last confirmed, from September 17, myself from Sep- tember 19; action on McPhersons case not known. If I am to remain in the District of West Tennessee, on duty, let me ask that the district be divided, and that I report direct to you. If you deem it necessary for me to remain in my present position, I re- quest the Districts of Jackson and Corinth, and as far west as Moscow, be assigned me as a separate command, reporting direct to depart- ment headquarters. It is altogether probable that my rank is senior to McPherson, and that I am entitled to the command of the Seventeenth Corps, but it will be some time before this can be officially known. Buford is left out of the confirmed list of major-generals. I am anxious to come down to see you. Everything is so quiet that I can well be spared from my position. I send this by one of my aides, Lieutenant [Edward F.] Pierce, and trust that he will bring back an affirmative reply. I am, general, yours~ most respectfully, C. S. HAMILTON. * See DoJge to Hamilton, p. 107 Page 140 140 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. [Inclosuro No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS SIXWENTH ARMY Cours. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. IRAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to inclose the report of Colonel Lee, as re- ceived through Major-General Hamilton, and also a copy of letter signed C. S. Hamilton, brigadier-general. The report is not completely satisfactory, and no further investigation has been made by General Hamilton. The complaints have never come to me. I am satisfied that- the good of the service demands that Major- General Hamilton should be assigned to duty elsewhere. I would respectfully suggest that an exchange be effected by which General Prentiss may be detailed to this command and General Hamilton relieve him. My forbearance is nearly exhansted and if he remains here, I shall be compelled to l)ut him in arrest, which I do tiot wish to do. I can get along with almost anybody who has not confidential cor- respondents in high places. In fact I do not know that I have any ne- cessity for another major-general in these limits, and would prefer that they should earn their rank or dignify it in active service, and be relieved from the corruptions and dangers of such a place as Memphis. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT. [Sub-Inolosure No. 1.] LA GRANGE, March 20, 1863. General STEPHEN A. HURLEUT: SIR: I have the honor to receive your instructions of 7th instant, in reference to Colonel Lee and the Seventh Kansas. I submit herewith the report of Colonel Lee, in reference to the Somerville ma~ters. As regards the complaint of Mr. Rivers, you will see that Colonel Lee acted under orders in taking animals. I have in my possession a quarter- ~ receipt for Mr. Rivers whenever I can communicate with him. It must be borne in mind that Colonel Lee was in command of a brigade of cavalry, and the Seventh Kansas was only a part of his command. I am well assured that Colonel Lee exerted himself to the utmost in repressing all disorders. That disorders occurred, and more or less plundering took place, cannot be denied, but I believe Colonel Lee did all that any man could have done under the peculiar circumstances to control his men. I am disposed to think the severe censure contained in General Grants letter is unmerited, and arose from a misunderstand- ing of the nature of the trip and- the peculiarities of the whole expedi- tion. 1 have had neither time nor opportunity to investigate the matter further than to require this report from Colonel Lee, and inquire of Mr. Rivers as to his complaint. He complains to me only of having lost two mules and a horse. Colonel Lee is desirous of a full investigation into, all matters charged against him in the letter of General Grant. Your letter to me of the 7th instant seems unnecessarily harsh and peremptory as coming from a junior to a senior officer. You must be well aware that your appointment, as well as mine, as major-general, not having been confirmed, expired with the adjournment of Congress, leav- ing us both brigadiers, and as such I am yonr senior. I have not de- signed to avail myself of that change in our relative positions, bein Page 141 CHAP. XXXYL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 141 content to do my duty until the matter of rank as major-general should be authoritatively decided. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. S. HAMILTON, Brigadier- General. [Sub-Inclosure No. 2.] GERMANTOWN, TENN March 5 1863. .7 Capt. IR. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: On the 3d day of January last, I arrived at Moscow, Tenn., from Holly Springs, Miss., with my command, consisting of the Seventh Kansas Cavalry and ten companies of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry. I had few rations, and subsisted on the country. On the 5th of January, I was directed to move north of Wolf River, and endeavor to clear that country of Richardsons (Confederate) cav- alry. At 10 a. m. of that day I moved, meeting with much delay in cross- ing Wolf River. Distant 7 miles from Moscow, I received the following telegram: HEADQUARTERS LEFT WING, La Grange, January 2, 1863. Colonel LEE, Moscow: Tlie following just received: HOLLY Srarnes. Let Lee collect horses, mujes, saddles, and bridles, and mount as many infantry as possible, to clean out guerrillas between Hatchie and Tallahatchee. U. 5. GRANT. Take all serviceable animals you can find as well as saddles, and we will soon fit up a force. C. S. HAMILTON. I immediately detached companies from my column, directing them to bring in all horses, mules, saddles, and bridles fit for use. At 7 p. m. I bivouacked at a plantation 6 miles from the town of Somerville. It was rumored that the enemy was in small force at that place, and I gave orders to move at 3 a. in. on the following morning, hoping to snrprise and capture any force there. We had marched some miles after dark, and I was satisfied that no one in advance of us knew of oar presence in the vicinity. No fires were allowed, and the men were forced to lie down supperless. Soon a severe rain-storm commenced, and continued all night. At 3 a. m. I moved my command on Somerville. We reached and snrronnded that town before day, finding no force of the enemy. I immediately appointed Lieutenant-Colonel ilerrick, of the Seventh Kansas, provost-marshal of the town, placed six companies at his dis- posal2 and directed him to examine and search the town for Confederate officers and soldiers; also to gather all horses, mules, and equipments they could find. I here was informed that Richardsons force was camped about 12 miles north of this point. I immediately sent a force in that direction to learn t1~ie accuracy of the report. I also dispatched companies on all roads leading from the town, di- recting them to bring in all animals fit for service which they could find. In town many citizens were arrested suspected of connection with the Southern Army. These I personally examined and released. The people of the town treated the soldiers well, and offered them in singular profusion wiiws and liquors of all kinds. The town was liter Page 142 142 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. (CHAP. XXXVI. ally full of intoxicating liquors. At one store-house I discovered four- teen barrels of whisky which belonged to the Confederate Army. As a result of this unfortunate profusion of strong drinks, many sol- diers, who had neither supper nor breakfast, and laid on the ground without shelter, through a night of pelting storm, were induced to drink, and as a consequence I suddenly discovered that many ~were in- toxicated. Here occurred a melancholy incident. At the southern border of the town, Company B, of the Seventh Kansas, Capt. Fred. Swoyer, had been stationed as a picket. The captain had discovered a quantity of commissary stores in a building near, and stationed a guard at the entrance. The cap~tain him- self had visited a house near by to obtain a breakfast, and there drank to such an extent as to become somewhat exhilarated. During his ab- sence, a couple of men of his company persisted in an endeavor to pass into the store-house mentioned, but were prevented by the guard. On his return to his company the case was reported. He directed the company to fall in, and the men alluded to to deliver their arms and go in arrest. His tone was harsh and peremptory in the extreme. One of the men demurred, and attempted to explain. He commanded him to desist and remove his arms, drawing his pistol, and telling him he would shoot him if he said another word. The man again spoke, when the captain fired, the ball passing into the body of the man. Instantly one of the company fired at the captain, but did not wound him. The captain rode toward him and the man ran. The captain soon overtook him, both riding rapidly, and shot him through the head, killing him instantly. At the same moment the man fired, and his ball passed through the body of the captain. The company was in confusion, and many shots we~re fired at the captain, who rode rap- idly into town. He was taken into a house and died the following day. During 1 his occurrence I was at the court-house, a half mile from its scene. I immediately dispatched the commanding officer of the regi- ment with a company to quell the mutiny. It was readily quieted, though the men remained much excited. The state of my command and the inclemency of the weather con- vinced me that it would be unwise to continue a further search for the enemy, especially as we were burdened with many led animals. I im- mediately withdrew the main portion of my command from the town, leaving Lieutenant-Colonel Wallace, of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry, in charge of a detachment of the Seventh Kansas, to await the return of parties sent out. The main body proceeded some distance, there fed their horses, halting till all came up. That night we bivouacked south of Wolf River, near Moscow, and next morning reached our camp, bringing with us nearly 300 head of captured mules and horses. At Somerville two or three stores were opened and some plundering effected by drunken men. From complaints made and proven to me, I have no doubt, too, that robbery and outrages were committed by drunken men. No plunder of goods, however, was made to any con- siderable extent, as nothing that could be seen was carried by soldiers from town. The officers of the command were sober, and did all in their power to enforce order among the men. My personal staff especially risked their lives in quelling insubordination of drunken men. Arriving at camp, I directed regimental courts-martial, to try all men who had become intoxicated. This was done, and the next day th Page 143 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 143 command was paraded, and sentences of the courts, depriving more than 200 of one months pay, and inflicting further punishments, were published. At my request, a general court-martial was immediately called to try the graver offenses, which has continued in session till a recent date. Regarding this unfortunate expedition, I can only say, in mitigation of its excesses, for more than a month immediately preceding these troops had been engaged in the most arduous, dangerous, and fatiguing service, and during most of that time had subsisted alone on what could be gleaned from the country. They were almost worn out. The absence of two successive meals, and the suffering incident to the severe expos- ure of the night previous, induced them readily to drink, a the liquor was necessarily speedy in its effects. Before any one could suspect the possibility of such an event, numbers were drunk. Jn our campaigns we have, with this single exception, never found in country or town intoxicating drinks, its present scarcity in the South is proverbial; hence no special precautions suggested themselves to prevent inebriety. I am, captain, your obedient servant, A. L. LEE, Colonel, Commanding & cond Brigade, Cavalry Division. U. S. FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, March 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee: DEAR GENERAL: I have this moment received your kind note, and, like yourself, deeply regret the failure of the rams to reach me in order. I blame myself very much for not insisting on General Ellet~s waiting for a dark night. I was so much afraid of their impetuosity that it de- prived me of sleep all night, but I never for a moment supposed that he would come down in the day-time. The Switzerland is not much injnred. My engineers inform me her boilers can be repaired in four days, but unless she goes below Warrenton to make her repairs, she will be block- aded, so as to have to run it in the night. As the enemy is working very industriously to mount heavy guns, I have shelled them three or four times very heavily, but with very slight effect, as they lie down until we are finished, and then get up and work industriously again. My isolated position renders it necessary that I should be very careful of my ship, and hence I will drop down below the town until I know the result of your determination on the subject of attacking it. My idea was to have landed your men in the Switzerland and covered the land- ing with my ship. I understand they have reenforced their garrison some 200 men to-day. I do not know the difficulties of our carrying the rifle-pits as well as those who have carried them. I regret exceedingly, general, that the only time I have felt the time at my disposal, I was too unwell to take the trip up to see you, but I would have been de- lighted to have seen you on board at any time, and hope yet to have the pleasure of meeting you in this part of the world. I feel, however, that even now that I am absent from Red River is a serious loss to our country and our cause. Permit me to repeat my sincere thanks for your kindness in affording me every facility in your power since my arrival here. Wishing you every success in all your undertakings, I remain, very tru1y, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT Page 144 144 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. LEBANON No. 2, Tallahatchee River, lIfi8S., March 25, 1863. Brigadier-General Ross, Commanding Divi8ion: GENERAL: In obedience to orders from Brigadier-General Quinby, communicated to me through your headquarters, the steamers Citizen and Lebanon have been placed in readiness to get under way for Helena to-morrow morning at daylight, and the detail of guards for each steamer ordered and on board. Will you allow me, general, to suggest that it is hardly prudent to separate this amount of transportation from my brigade at present. I have just returned to my quarters from an interview with Acting Com- modore Foster and Captain Walke, senior officers of the naval depart ment of this expedition. I am assured by both of them that unless they receive orders from Admiral Porter, directing them to remain here and wait re-enforcements of additional iron-dads aud ammunition, they will weigh anchor for the Mississippi River, via Moon Lake, on the 1st proximo, and quite probably before that date, and they have no ex- pectation of receiving orders to remain. In the event of their departure, I suppose the army will follow. The transports leaving here to-morrow morning cannot make the round trip before the 6th of April under the most favorable circumstances, and some of them will without any doubt put themselves in condition not to return. My command now crowd the transports assigned me, and the sickness in my brigade is fearfully increasing. It wonld be simply murdering my men to crowd them, as it would be necessary to do should we be ordered away before the re- turn of the boats, and then is it probable that other transports will be sent into this expedition empty, to take the place of these which are expected to return with other troops? It seems to me that every foot of transportation now here should be retained until our situation is better known, or at least until our naval officers receive orders, or decide to remain here without orders. Nearly two hundred new-made [graves] at Helena contain the bodies of men of my command who were murdered outright by crowding them into dirty, rotten transports, as closely as slaves in the middle pas- sage. It was a crime against humanity and Heaven, the packing of our brave soldiers on the White River expedition. You will, there- fore, excuse me, general, if I earnestly protest against any probable repetition of such an outrage upon the gallafit men who confidently believe that I will do all I can to insure their comfort aud safety, with- out prejudice to the good cause for which they will cheerfully fight. The company from the Twenty-ninth Iowa, on the Luella, lost all their arms and clothing by the sinking of that staunch vessel, and one of my best officers, Lieutenant Nash, will doubtless die from injuries received thereby. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CLINTON B. FISK. [Indor8ements.1 H~ADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH DIVISION, Greenwood, Miss., March 25, 1863. Respectfully forwarded, with the request that it may receive the care- ful consideration of the general commanding. There is much force and pertinence in the suggestions. It could scarcely fail to result disas- trously should we be left without gunboats and transports, as seems not improbable. L. F.ROSS, Brigadier- General, Commanding Page 145 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 145 HEADQUARTERS YAzoo EXPEDITION, Tallahatchee River, Miss., March 25, 1863. The within protest is respectfully referred to the major-general com- manding the Department of the Tennessee. I am informed that Briga- dier-General Fisk was opposed to this expedition from the beginning, and it is not probable, to say the least, that he discouraged the deter- minaUon of Lieutenant-Commander Foster. in the interview to which he refers, to withdraw his gunboat fleet on or before the 1st proximo. I. F. QIIJJNBY. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Lake Providence, La., March 25, 1863. Captain FOSTER, Commanding Escort: CAPTAIN: You will proceed on board steamboat Platte Valley, with your company, General ~ escort company, and General Lo- gans escort company, armed, equipped, and provided with three days~ rations. At General Logan~s camp you will receive on board a regiment of infantry, in addition, and there cross over to Skipwiths Landing. Diserubarking at this point, you will ~trike for Deer Creek, at the junc- tion of Rolling Fork, via Lake Washington and La Fayette, and com- municate with Major-General Sherman. Having accomplished this, you will return, examining particularly the character of the roads, crossings of streams, and practicability of moving troops from Skipwiths Land- ing to join General Sherman. Exercise strict and judicious control over your men, and see that there is no straggling nor marauding. Keep a close watch for the enemy, and dont get drawn into an ambuscade. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., March 25, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: Brigadier-General Bentons command (a part of General Carrs), consisting of four regiments and a battery, has just arrived, under orders from General Prentiss, at Helena, to report to Lake Prov- idence, Thinking there is some mistake, as I understood General Grant to say that General Carr would be assigned to General McClernand, I have directed General Benton to disembark his men and horses, as they have been on boats over a week, leaving his artillery, stores, & c .,on board until I can hear from you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON. MARCH 25, 1863. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General: COLONEL: I hand you late rebel papers, which I obtained via under- ground railroad. Important news in them. I also have direct infor- ination from Vicksburg that the rebels have burst the heavy gun with which they were firing upon the dredge-boats in the canal, and weie yesterday drawing her into Vicksbnrg to cnt her off and make a mortar 10 it itVOL XXIV, PT II Page 146 146 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. ICHAP. XXXVI girn of her. General Bartlett [Barton ~?] is in command at Warrenton, headquarters, 1~ miles from town, whefte they have three regiments between Warrenton and Vicksburg. General T. H. Taylor is second in command. The Confederates themselves burned the steamer Natchez, up the Yazoo River, to prevent her falling into the hands of our forces. They also blew up the Confederate gunboat Star of the West for the same reason. I should like that Major-General Steele should have access to these papers. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES II. ABBOTT, Colonel, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 84. Youngs Point, La., March 25, 1863. * * * * * * * VII. Brig. Gen. M. D. Leggett will move with his brigade from Eagle Bend to Lake Providence, La., and there rejoin his division. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPAXTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, March 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. llunLuuT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: If Laumans division is not already en route for this place, hold them in readiness to move at short notice, but await orders from here. They need not be turned back, if started. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. - MEMPHIS, TEN~., March 25, 1863. Major-General HURLE UT, Memphis: Scouts in from south bring dispatches from one at Mobile and Merid- ian up to the 17th. No movement of troops, except heavy guards have been posted along the railroad. Forces this side of Meridian same as before reported, except two regiments of infantry have come up to col- lect corn and everything in shape of forage, and provisions are being collected and carried south over Mobile and Ohio Railroad. Are push- ing the bridges to completion to Tupelo, to enable them to take out the corn in Blackland County [l]. Gunboats Robb and Silver Lake [Wavel] went up Tennessee River yesterday; passed Pittsburg about 4 p. m. The scout reports that it is currently reported south that two of our boats in Yazoo were captured, but does not consider it reliable; also that Banks had got to rear of Port Hudson, and that they all think it will fall, and that two of Farraguts gunboats had passed Port Hudson. 0-. M. DODGE Page 147 147 CHAP. Xxxvi. I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. LA GRANGE, March 25, 1863. Major-General IIURLBIJT: Information just received from General Brayman, at Bolivar, says: Thirteen guerrillas just arrived. Sent in by Colonel Hurst at Pocahontas. They left last night. No re-enforeements had then arrived. Fifteen more prisoners sent to Bethel. Our loss, 1 private killed. Colonel Miller, of the rebel forces, killed. Sol. [G.] Street said to be desperately wounded. No danger. M. BRAYMAN. WM. SOGY SMITH. WASHINGTON, March 25, 1863. Major-General IJURLBUT, Memphis: What news have you? What from Vicksburg? What from Yazoo Pass? What from Lake Providence? What generally? A. LINCOLN. HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, March 25, 1863. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States: Two divisions of General Shermans command are in ~ Ba you, above llaynes~ Bluff, and two divisions in Yazoo Pass, near Greenwood. Water runs freely into Lake Providence, but Bayou Macon is encum- bered with trees. About 900 square miles of Upper Louisiana under water. Canal at Vicksburg deep enough but not wide enough. Enemy are repairing Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and will run to Tupelo by next week. This road is strongly guarded. All indications point to a steady abandonment of Yicksburg and concentration on Rosecrans, with a division on my left. Enemys cavalry in front of Corinth are being strongly re-enforced. This, I think, is a cover, unless X~an iDorn is driven across the Tennessee, when we may have sorhething to do. The troops in this command are in fine order and ready for what may turn up. S. A. IIURLBUT. SAINT Louis, Mo., March 25, 1863. Major-General llALLECI~: May I ask what was the purport of the order you sent to General Grant about the detention of boats? Does it give me any authority? The tow-boats employed in towing coal barges are detained, and, if con- tinued, will stop the supply of coal. ROBERT ALLEN, Chief Quartermaster. WASHINGTON, March 26, 1863. Col. ROBERT ALLEN: The orders to General Grant were peremptory, not to detain boats, but to send them back immediately. II. W HALLECK. BEFORE VICKSBURG, March 26, 1863. Admiral DAVID G. FARRAGIJT, Uomdg. Gulf Squadron: Your note of yesterday is just received. In regard to attacking War- renton, I do not know now what to say. When I first learned tha Page 148 [CLIAL. XXXII. 148 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNE~3SEE. ETC. twelve to fifteen yawis would be required, I called on General Ellet for them. The general being over to see you, no reply was received (except from his adjutant-general, that he thought they had that number) until the generals return in the evening, when he informed me that it was arranged for the rams and Hartford to transport the troops; no small boats would be required. After learning again that small boats would be required, II agaiu called on General Ellet for them, and only learned after dark that, after the losses of the vessels with the rams, he could not furnish them. II then sent foi the boats belonging to the transport fleet, and found that not more than two could be gotten. By this time so much of the night was consumed that I could not call upon the navy with any prospect of getting them through in time to be nsed this morn- mb. About 9 oclock last night, I learn~d that a force of apparently about 1,500 men left Vicksburg in the direction of Warrenton. I com- municated this fact to Colonel Woods, and left it for you and himself; who would probably have better means of knowing the destination of these troops, to judge what course was best to pursue. With a little lower stage of water, I would endeavor to occupy New Carthage. This occu- pied, and one gunboat from this fleet below the city, the enemy could be kept out of Warrenton, and also from taking supplies from a rich coun- try that can be reached through bayous with flat-boats on this side of the iiver. 1 see by Southern papers, received yesterday, that Yicksburg must depend upon Louisiana or west of the Mississippi for supplies. Holding Red River froru them is a great step in the direction of l)revent- ing this, but it will not entirely accomplish the object. New Carthage should be held, and it seems to me that, in additio~ we should have vessels sufficient below to patrol the whole river from WarrentGn to the Red River. I will have a consultatiou with Admir( 1 Porter on the subject. I am happy to say the admiral and myself have never yet disagreed upou any. policy. I am looking for a mail in today, and should one arrive with later dates of papers than you have already been furnished with, Ii will send them over. U. S. GRANT. CORINTH, MISS., March 26, 1863. Capt. HENRY BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Memphis: CAPTAIN: The enemy have taken up the line of Bear Creek again, and have thrown a force iuto Tuscumbia and Florence, in all about 4,000 and two b~ tteries, under command of Brig. Gen. S. A. M. Wood. They no doubt are a force of observation, and 1 caii move on them and drive them out. Unless this is done, they will take out immense quan- tities of forage, with which that valley abounds. if it meets the gen- erals approval, as soon as the streams and roads admit, I will march upon them with all my cavalry and sufficient infantry and artillery to insure the success of the expedition. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G-. M. DODGE. TALLAHATCHEE RIVER, March 27, 1863. Maj. 0-en. B. M. PRENTISS, Conidg. Dist. Eastern ~& ansas: GENERAL: Send me with the least possible delay the material for constructing a pontoon bridge 300 feet long. When the rest of my di. vision arrives, I shall be ready to use such a bridge Page 149 CRAP. XXXVI.] CC)IIRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 149 The rebels are straining every nerve to hold their position at Fort Pemberton, and every reconnaissance I make is answere(l by the con- struction of additional field works. I do not doubt of our success here, unless the gunboat fleet withdraws on the 1st proximo, as is now threatened. I am, general, very respectfully, & c., I. F. QUINBY. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. THIRD PITh, SEYE~TEENTH A. C., No. 51. Vista Plantation, La., March 27,1863. I. An official report having been made by Col. M. P. Leggett, in compliance with Special Orders, No 50, from these headquarters, of the amount of damage done by the burning and destroyiiig of a certain mill, cotton- gin, and other property, a portion of which was sul~ject to confiscation, and of right should belong to the Government (being the property of one William Sutton, a disloyal man), by ~C~5On5 belonging to his command, and it appearing from said official report that the dam- age amounted to the sum of $2,000, it is hereby orde~ed that that sum shall be assessed by him at once, to be placed on the next muster-rolls against the officers and men of his command, and be received by some officer whom he shall designate, and be turned over to the assi 4ant quartermaster of this division, ftr the use of the Government, except- ing $100, wh]ch shall be paid to P. L. Ward, a loyal citizen of Illinois, in compensation of cotton-seed consumed by the fire, as shown by his report. Colonel Leggett is authorized and required to exempt such i-egimeuts as were found to have had no part in the action, and also such officers and men of regiments engaged who were absent at the time, sick, or with other proper leave. II. Brigade commanders will cause this order to be read at the head of each regiment of their commands. By order of Brig. Gen. John A. Logan: II. H. TOWNES, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Teun., March 27, 1863. ABRAHAM LINCOLN, President of the United States: SIR: I avail myself of the fact that Mr. Leatherman, a prominent citizen of NI emphis, is about to visit W~ shington, to lay before the Commander-in-Chief the serious difficulties which embarrass the citi- zens of this region, as well as the army, in relation to negroes. There are within the limits of my command about 5,000 negroes, male and female, of all ages, supported by the Government, independent of those regularly organized and employed as teamsters, cooks, pioneers, & c., aiid enrolled as such. Most of these, bay, from two-thirds to three- fourths, are women and children, incapable of al-my labora weight amid incumbrance. In addition, there is a very large number, not less in Memphis alone than 2,000, not supported by the Government, crowded into all vacant sheds and houses, living by begging or vice, the victims of fruitftml sources of contagion and pestilence. Pilfering and small crimes are of daily occurrence among them, and I see nothing before them but disease and death. At the same time many valuable farms and plantations within our lines, despoiled of fences from the necess Page 150 150 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. ties of a winter campaign, deprived of customary servile labor, stripped of horses and mules, either from the needs of regular service or by ma- rauding guerrillas, lie waste and desolate. The owners are ready to cultivate, but have no labor. it is spring, the time to put in crops, either of cotton or of corn, or, what is not least in a military Point of view, those garden vegetables, the free use of which is so singularly beneficial to the health of an army. None of these things are down, except on a limited scale. The land is here, ready, the labor is here, but I know no authority which I possess to bring them together. There are many who point out and desire to hire those who were their slaves. I have no power to permit it, or, rather, none to enforce the contract if entered into. There are no civil or criminal & ourts, and, hence, the responsibility of the commanding officer, already heavy enough, is en- hanced by the want of aid from legal tribunals. I believe, from careful examination and partial reflection, that the condition of the fugitives would be improved in every respect by caus- ing them to be hired, either for wages or for clothing, subsistence, or an equivalent in the crops, to such persons as would give bond to take care of them, and put them at such work as they can do, and enforcing the contract of hire on the l)arties. it is, however, not to be denied that a very serious risk must be run in so doing. The spirit of maraud- ing and robbery, which gave rise to guerrilla parties, grows by use, and there is danger that they may be seized and run off to some portion of the South as yetnot under our control, or it may be that parties obtain- ing them may misuse their power over them, although I feel less appre- hension of the latter. If the fugitives now lurking about Memphis could return to their homes in the city and vicinity, and their former owners would receive theni and treat them kindly until the final deter- mination of their status, much of th~ misery and vice which infest the city and vicinage would be removed. In the l)resent anomalous situation of the State of Tennesseeneither exactly loyal or altogether disloyal, but yet wholly deprived of all the machinery by which civil government operatesit is impossible for any one to say whether the state of slavery exists or not. The laws of Ten- nessee recognize and establish it, but the law is in abeyance; no judges to interpret and administer, no sheriff to execute, no posse to enforce. The State is exempted, from the effects of the l)roclamation, but the military authorities, both from choice and under orders, ignore the con- dition of slavery. If they come within our lines, we allow them to do so; if they voluntarily go out, we allow; and all this works no difficulty when troops are in the field in their limited camps; but when the lines inclose a vast space of country, or fence in, as here, a great city, this incursion of ungoverned persons, without employment and subject to no .discipline, becomes vitally serious. Especially the police and ad- ministration of justice are thrust upon officers of the army. The evil is pressing, the necessity for prompt action paramount, both from feelings of humanity to the people around us and to relieve the army from this burden. I have not considered myself at liberty to adopt any course. It is difficult for me to reach my department commander, and it is doubt- ful whether his pressing duties would leave him time to decide. It was hoped Congress would adopt some plan of the kind. This has not been done. The question is one mot purely military, and I respectfully sub- mit to the President the establishment of some general rule by which this difficulty may be overcome. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. HIJRLBUT Page 151 CHAP. XXXVI.j CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 151. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before T7ieksburg, March 28, 1863. Brig. Gen. L0RENZO THOMAS, Ad General of the Army: GENERAL: Inclosed with this I send you the resignation of Maj. Gen. (ii. S. Llamilton,# out of form, not giving the reason for tendering it. It is due that. I should state that I have approved this resignation for the following reasons: I saw by the correspondence between the two generals that General Hamilton and General llnrlbut could not get along together. For this reason, I relieved the former from duty in the District of West Tennessee nnd ordered him here. Commanders hav- ing been assigned to corps by the President, I had nothing longer in the field to give General Hamilton but a division. This he refused to accept. General Hamilton, being a capable officer, I gave him the choice between taking his old positioii, under General Huribut, a di- vision in the field, the command of the District of Eastern Arkansas, or to be relieved from duty in this department and ordered to report to Washington for orders. He accepted the latter, with the request that his resignation be forwarded. 1 think, in justice to the service, his resignation should be accepted. The officer who shows that he expects a command fixed np for his express benefit, in my opinion becomes a beneficiary instead of wh t he should be, a support to the Governmeut. The propositions which General Hamilton said he could accept were, first, a division of General iluilbuts command, in a certain way, and he to be independent of the latter; the other, that I fake two divisions of the army in the field and give him, independent of army corps com- manders. This I could not do without manifest injury to the service. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vieksburg, March 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS, (iomdy. Dist. Eastern Arkansas: GENERAL: The troops that have gone down Yazto Pass are now or- dered back. On their return to Helena, debark them, and send llovey~s division immediately down to join General MeClernand at Millikens Bend. Yon will please add to Hoveys division two or three of the oldest regiments from Ross, if you think they can be safely spared from Helena. I do not much like taking troops that have been so long on board steamers, as General Ross command has, immediately into the field, but it is a necessity. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRAIN~T. P. S.--Send Quinbys and Smiths (livisions directly forward, the former to Lake Providence and the latter to this point. Let there be no delay. BEFORE VICKSBURG, March 29, 1863. Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Corn dg. Mississippi Squadron: I am about occupying New Carthage with troops, and opening the bayous from here to that place sufficiently for the passage of fiats, a * Omitted Page 152 152 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. number of which I have ordered from Saint Louis. With this passage open, I can run the blockade with steamers sufficient to land troops, with the aid of flats, either at Grand Gulf or Warrenton, whichever seems most promising. Under these circumstances, is it not absolutely essential that Warrenton and Grand Gulf should be so controlled by gunboats as to prevent further fortifications? It looks to me, admiral, as a matter of vast importance that one or two vessels should be put below Yicksburg, both to cut off tbe enemys intercourse with the west bank of the river entirely and to insure a landing on the east bank for our forces, if wanted. Will you be good enough, admiral, to give this your early considera- tion, and let me know your determination? Without the aid of gunboats it will hardly be worth while to send troops to New Carthage, or to open the passage from here there. Preparatory surveys for doing this are now being made. U. S. GRANT. UNITED STATES MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Yazoo River, March 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: 1 am ready to co-operate with you in the. matter of land- ing troops on the other side, but you must recollect that, when these gunboats once go below, we give up all hopes of ever getting them up again. If it is your intentwn to occupy Grand Gulf in force, it will be necessary to have vessels there to protect the troops or quiet the forti- fications now there. If I do send vessels below, it will be the best ves- sels 1 have, and there will be nothing left to attack Haynes~ Bluff, in case it should be deemed necessary to try it. It will require some little preparation to send these vessels below. Coal and provisions are wanted; they cannot well do without. With the force Farragut now has, he can easily dispense with one vessel to patrol the coast as far as Grand Gulf while we are preparing this thing. I will come over and see you. I have beeu quite unwell all night, aud not able to move about much. Before making a gunboat move, I should like to get the vessels back from the Yazoo Pass expe- dition. Very truly, yours, DAVID D. PORTER. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before T7icksburg, March 29, 1863. Maj; Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, Comdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: You may direct General Webster, superintendent of mili- tary railroads, to commence immediately the reconstruction of the rail- road between La Grange and Corinth. To facilitate this work, I will send you six companies of the engineer regiment. You are authorized to detail a regiment of infantry also for this duty, and employ contra bands to any extent. Detail a suitable officer for collecting any guns that may still be left on the line of the river and not in use. Have them brought to Memphis and mounted in the fort. Such as General Davies has practiced his skill upon will have probably to have a new vent reamed out. General McClernaud has made application for the Eighteenth flhinois Regiment. If you can send it as well as not, yo Page 153 153 ChAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. may do so. As they are mounted, however, and no more mounted men are required here, it may not be advisable to send it. Feeling every desire to gratify General MeClernand in every possible [way] consist- ently with the good of the service, I leave this with you, with the under- standing that Mc(Mernand can send you a very poor new regiment in j)lace of the Eighteenth. I may not want Laumans division at all but if. I do send for it, it will be in an emergency, and will want it to move with the greatest promptness, leaving baggage in charge of details from each regiment to follow. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. MEMPHIS, March 29, 1863. General KIMBALL, Jackson: Keep close watch on the Tennessee, near mouth of Duck River. Communicate freely with Dodge, but always in cipher. S. A. HURLBUT. COLUMBUS, Ky., March 29, 1863. II. XV. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Fort ileiman having been transferred to the Department o~ the Cam- berland and subsequently abandoned, its garrison, with ten companies of cavalry, were withdrawn to Fort Donelson, thuM opening my district to easy aggression from the Tennessee River as well as the Kentucky and Tennessee State line. General Sullivan having also withdrawn his force to Jackson, I reoccupied Fort ileirnan by General llurlbuts com- inand; and as my cavalry is greatly insufficient to control all the hostile Country between the Tennessee and Mississippifrom Paducah to Paris, Tenn.and prevent organization of rebel conscripts and guerrilla bands, Geperal iluribut has promised a cavalry regiment up from Helena. Learn- ing, however, that the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, Colonel Waring com- mandinga regiment organized by myself in 1861is coming down from Saint Louis, I would request permission to retain it here in place of regiment to be sent me from Helena, this substitution saving time and transportation. Colonel Waring applied last fall, in behalf of his regiment, to be united with my command, and as the General-in-Chief has kindly given me at Washington assurance of such reunion as soon as practicable, I hope that this request may be granted. The Southern telegraph being down, and the Fourth Missouri momentarily expected, I apply directly to the General-in-Chief, reporting this, my action, by boat to Memphis. ASBOTH. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 88. Youngs Point, La., March 29, 1863. I. The quartermasters department will furnish a suitable steamboat, to be called the United States Sanitary Store-boat, and put the same in charge of the United States Sanitary Commission, to be used ex- clusively for the conveyance of goods calculated to prevent disease, and supplement the Government supply of stores for the relief of the sick and wounded. II. No persons will be permitted to travel on said boat except officer Page 154 154 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL of the army and navy (and they only on permits from their proper commanding officers), discharged soldiers, and employds of the Sanitary Commission. No goods whatever for traveling or commercial purposes will be carried on said steamer, and no goods will be taken for individ- uals, or with any conditions which will prevent their being delivered to those most needing them in the army or navy. III. The contents of all packages to be shipped on said United States Sanitary Store-boat will be inspected before shipment by an agent of said Sanitary Commission, at the point of shipment, unless an invoice of their contents shall have been received, the correctness of which is assured by the signature of some person of known loyalty and integrity. A statement showing what goods have been placed on board at each trip will be sent to the medical director of the department at these headquarters. IV. A weekly statement will also be made by said Sanitary Commis- sion to the department medical director, showing what sanitary sup- plies have been issued by said Sanitary Commission, and to whom is- sued. F. All orders from these headquarters authorizing the free trans. portation of sanitary stores from Cairo south on boats other than the one herein assigned for that exclusive purpose are hereby rescinded. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- tieneral. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY Coir~s, No. 52. Memphis, Tenn., March 29, 1863. * * * * * * II. A cowardly and murderous attack has been made by guerrillas on a passenger train near Moscow, containing women, children, and citizens, resulting in the capture of part of the passengers and the robbery of all. Notice was distinctly published on the 4th of January, 1863, by Gen- eral Orders, No. 10, of the District of Memphis, that such an outrage would be retaliated by the means therein described. It is therefore ordered that Col. D. C. Anthony, provost-marshal of the District of Memphis, forthwith select, from the secessionists or rebel sympathizers within this city, ten families of the greatest wealth and highest social position, and cause them to be sent south of the lines of the United States forces, not to return. These persons so selected will be allowed to take with them such personal property as may be neces- sary. Three days will be allowed them after notice to make necessary preparations. Colonel Anthony will report the list to these headquarters, and also his final action on this order. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hnrlbut: HENRY BINMOIIE, Assistant Adjutant. Ueneral. MEMPHIS, TENN., March 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: I inclose last telegram from Dodge. It is important that he should have another regiment of cavalry, so as to relieve Cornyn. The other cavalry with him is broken down in horses. and I am yet unable, with all my efforts, to get a remount from Saint Louis Page 155 CHAP. XXXVIJ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 1155 If there is any spare cavalry below, I wish to re-enforce Dodge at Corinth and Kimball at Jackson, so as to meet any movement across the Tennessee. With the amount of cavalry now gathering on my front and left, it is important to meet them with their own arm, and thus cover the railrtad by cavalry excursions. Your obedient servant, S. A. HIJIRLBUT. [Tholosure.] CORrNTH, [March] 29, 1863. Major-General IIuRLBPT: Midshipman Henry Travis, of the sloop of war Mississippi, has ar- rived here on parole. lie says that his ship run aground, and that they fought her one hour afterward; then all hands made the shore, after firing the ship. She floated down below and blew up. They took with him 46 men and the captain of marines. The ship was not struck until after she got ashore. Says the current turned their ship; that the batteries did not do them any harm, and that they could not depress their guns enough to do them much damage. The rest of officers and men are in Jackson. A scout just in from Grenada road says only few militia at Grenada, but considerable force in Yazoo; that he heard cannonading up to Sun- day night, and three gnus Monday. Reports an increase of force on our front, mostly mounted only for infantry, and says that determined efforts are to be made to break np our communications. There is no doubt bat that the increase of cavalry is to break up our railroad, and the infantry are to relieve from railroad guard duty. No troops have been moved out of Vicksburg up to Wednesday night, except one bri- gade; that went toward Yazoo City. A great portion of the army is now east of Big Black. G. M. DODGE. CORINTH, Miss., March 30, 1863. Capt. IIEYRY BINMORE, A8sistant Adjutant- General: CAPTAIN: The position of the enemy in my front has somewhat changed in the last week. Their line now stretches from the mouth of Bear Creek, on the Tennessee River, around through Verona to Ponto. toe, and then westward to connect with roving bands near the Missis- sippi Central Railroad. Brig. Gen. S. A. iVJI. Wood, of rebel army, commands in Northern Ala- bama, having his headquarters at Florence. On this side of the river his forces are commanded by Colonel ilannon, of Sixteenth [Fifty-third] Alabama, and the entire command amounts to about 4,000 m en, mounted and being mounted, with two batteries. They vigilantly guard the line of Bear Creek, and are putting their men in condition for a raid. Next is Colonel [C. IR.] Barteaus brigade of cavalry, at Verona. He has lately been re-enforced by cavalry. Infantry have relieved his men at Okolona and other l)oints. His })ickets extend this side of Baldwyn, and west of him is stretched out [T. W.] Ham and [W. C.] Falkner, he also making arrangements for a raid while on east side of river. [N. N.] Cox, Roddey, and a small band of Van Dorns force is in Hardin, Wayne, and other counties. They are collecting together stores, are also securing a number of flats in Horse Creek and Duck River, and are ready when the opportunity offers to cross Page 156 156 MJISSJSSJPIJ, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. it is my impression that Cox, Wood, and Barteau are all fixing to make a simultaneous raid on our communications and posts. They, however, cannot move without my knowledge, and I believe it is prac- ticable for me to move on them and break them up. If I had one more regiment of cavalry, I could move east or south, supporting with infantry and artillery, and break up all their plans, and whip them badly, should they deem it prudent to give me battle. If I should move south, I could push infantry and artillery to Pontotoc, and then use my cavalry in breaking up the force south, destroy their railroad, and J believe also break the railroad in rear of Grenada. It is certainly best for us to stop this contemplated raid, and the most effect- ual method is to make one of them. If the general could at the same time send down and threaten Grenada with a cavalry brigade, it would insure our success and ;)ut them back a long time. I respectfully re- quest that you will call the generals attention to this matter. As soon as the streams fall, and the regiments they are now mounting are fully equipped, they will move; in the mean time I will endeavor to keep fully posted. Scouts have come in from Jackson and Meridian Railroad, but there is no news of importance. They have a considerable force on the Yazoo, a few militia at Grenada, while most of the Vicksburg force is camped on Big Black or railroad leading to it, and all within striking distance of Vicksburg. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. M. DODGE. CORINTH, March 30, 1863. Brigadier-General KiMBALL, Jackson: Colonel [N. N.J Cox commands a cavalry force on east side of river. Is now at Savannah aud the mouth of Horse Creek. There is also a small force on Duck Creek River. The scouts say that they are, pre- paring to cross, but I am not inclined to believe it. I keep a watch on the river from 11am burg to Clifton, and they cannot make the attempt there without my knowledge. At Florence, General [S. A. M.] Wood, rebel army, commands, and has a considerable force on each side of river. Back from river, in Wayne County, there are about 1,000 cavalry stationed, and often heavy forces go there for provisions and forage. In Horse Creek, Duck River, and other bayous they have fiats hid, and have always had them. My scouts are continually on that side of river, and, if any movement is made, will notify you. If any is made near Duck River, should like to be informed. G. M. DODGE. HBADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, March 31, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee, near Vicksburg: GENERAL: It is the policy of the Government to withdraw from the enemy as much productive labor as possible. So long as the rebels re- tain and employ their slaves in producing grains, & c., they can emplo Page 157 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 157 all the whites in the field. Every slave withdrawn from the enemy is equivalent to a white man put hors de combat. Again, it is the policy of the Government to use the negroes of the South, as far as practicable, as a military force, for the defense of forts, depots, & c. If the experience of General Banks near New Orleans should be satisfactory, a much larger force will be organized during the coming summer; and if they can be used to hold points on the Missis- sippi during the sickly season, it will afford much relief to our armies. They certainly can be used with advantage as laborers, teamsters, cooks, & c., and it is the opinion of many who have examined the ques- tion without passion or prejudice, that they can also be used as a mili- tary force. It certainly is good policy to use them to the very best advantage we can. Like almost anything else, they may be made instru- ments of good or evil. In the hands of the enemy, they are used with much effect against us; in our hands, we must try to use them with the best possible effect against the rebels. It has been reported to the Secret~ry of War that many of the offi- cers of your command not only discourage the negroes from coining under our protection, but by ill-treatment force them to return to their masters. This is not only bad policy in itself, but is directly opposed to the ~)olicy adopted by the Government. Whatever may be the in- dividual opinion of an officer in regard to the wisdom of measures adopted and announced by the Government, it is the duty of every one to cheerfully and honestly endeavor to carry out the measures so adopted. Their good or bad policy is a matter of opinion before they are tried; their real character can only be determined by a fair trial. When adopted by the Government, it is the duty of every officer to give them such a trial, and to do everything in his power to carry the orders of his Government into execution. It is expected that you will use your official and personal influence to remove prejudices on this subject, and to fully and thoroughly carry out the policy now adopted and ordered by the Government. That policy is to withdraw from the use of the enemy all the slaves you can, and to employ those so withdrawn to the best possible advantage against the enemy. The character of the war has very much changed within the last year. There is now no possible hope of reconciliation with the rebels. The Union party in the South is virtually destroyed. There can be no peace but that which is forced by the sword. We must conquer the rebels or be conquered by them. The North must conquer the- slave oligarchy or become slaves themselvesthe manufacturers mere hew- ers of wood and drawers of ~ Southern aristocrats. This is the phase which the rebellion has now assumed. We must take things as they are. The Government, looking at the subject in all its aspects, has adopted a policy, and we must cheerfully and faithfully carry out that policy. I write you this unofficial letter simply as a personal friend and as a matter of friendly advice. From my position here, where I can survey the entire field, perhaps I may be better able to understand the tone of public opinion and the intentions of the Government than you can from merely consulting the officers of your owu army.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. W. HALLECK. See last paragraph of Grant to Halleck, April 19, Part I, p. 31 Page 158 158 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Gamjp before Vicksburg, March 31 1863. Maj. Gen. FRED. STEELE, Oommanding First Division: GENERAL: In compliance with instructions verbally communicated to me to-day by General Grant, I have ordered your division,* at least the effective part of it, to embark to-morrow on steamboats for an expedition to Deer Creek. You will proceed in order to Greenville, on the east bank of the Mis- sissippi, and land your force. Reconnoiter across to Deer Creek by such route as you find best, and, when assured you can reach the plantations bordering on Deer Creek, march your division over, leaving a guard for your boats. Take with you such rations and parts of rations as can be carried or transported on pack mules. When you have reached Deer Creek, and established your road across from the boats and a kind of depot, ascertain if any of Wirt Adams cavalry is above you, viz, to the north. If so, try and capture theta and their horses. If no enemy be to your north, move down Deer Creek two or three days easy marches, of course clearing the country as you go of guerrillas and Confederate soldiers. If planters remain at home and behave them- selves, molest them as little as possible, bnt if the planters abandon their plantations you may infer they are hostile, and can take their cattle, hogs, corn, or anything you need. Cotton which is clearly private prop- erty should not be molested, but cotton marked C. S. A. should be brought away or burned. Also all provisions which are needed by us or might be used by the army in Vicksburg, unless needed by the peaceful inhabitants, should be brought away, used by your men, or destroyed. Greenville has been a favorite point from which to assail our passing boats, and one object of your expedition is to let the planters and in- habitants on Deer Creek see and feel that they will be held accountable for the acts of guerrillas and Confederate soldiers who sojourn in their country for the purpose of firing on our boats passing Greenville and the section of the Mississippi thereabouts. If the stage of water thereabouts be such as to prevent you crossing over to Deer Creek, then stop and pay Lake Washington a visit, an dsee if a practicable road leads from there. Let all the people understand that we claim the unmolested navi . ation of the Mississippi River, and will have it, if all the country within reach has to be laid waste; but that if our boats pass free and unmolested, we will spare them the ravages of war as much as we can consistent with our own interests. I inclose you a mapl If you can reach the mouth of Rolling. Fork, you will be at the point where Admiral Porters fleet turned back, where I know the country is abundantly supplied, and whence the enemy in Yicksburg is known to draw much of his corn and meat. Please report as often as possible, and in case you receive no or- ders from General Grant or myself; return to camp at the end of two weeks. I am, with respect, your obedient servant, W. T. SHERMAN. * By Special Orders, No. 77, of same date, Colonel Abbotts regiment bcing left on picket. Not found Page 159 CHAP. XXXFL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 159 HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Lake Providence, La., March 31, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of dispatches per steamboat Emperor. General Smiths division reached here last night and to-day. It will be ordered down immediately. I inclose the last dispatch which I have received from General Quinby.* Will send a messenger up to General Quinby by the first opportuiiity, directing him to come down as rapidly as possible. I have, within the last few days, had the passage from here to Bayou Macon thoroughly reconnoitered. Following the route indicated on a sketch recently sent you, the shallowest water is 3~ feet; this at a point where you leave Bayou Baxter, and just before reaching Bayou Macon, a dis- tance of from 250 to 300 yards, which could be dredged out in a short time. There are also twelve or fifteen trees to be cut off under water, for which I have been waiting for the sawing-machine to come from Memphis, which Colonel Pride told me ought to have been [here] five days ago. After this work is done, the class of boats which navigated Yazoo River Pass can go through this route. My report, with a copy of the map in my possession, with regard to Wallaces movements on the 6th of April, 1862, was sent to you by the steamboat Emperor, three days ago. If it does not come to hand, I can send you a copy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MoPHERSOX. LAxii~ PROVIDENCE, LA., March 31, 1863. Brig. Gen. I. F. QUINBY, Comdg. Yazoo Expedition: GENERAL: Your dispatch~ was received yesterday and a copy for- warded to Major-General Grant. Since your dispatch was written, Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson has been down to see the general, and returned to the Yazoo, I presume, with orders for you. As I did not see Colonel Wilson, I do not know what the orders were. Below is an extract from a letter received from General Grant this morning, from which I infer the Yazoo expedition is given up: Have Quinbys two divisions come down yet I They should be got down as soon as possible. General John E. Smiths division came down yesterday, and has been assigned to General Shermans army corps. You will, therefore, general, bring your two divisions to this place as soon as possible. With regard to everything you have done in connection with the expedition, it meets with my full approbation. I only regret that circumstances beyond your con- trol have prevented the expedition from being as successful as we hoped. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, - JAS. B. MCPHERSON. LAKE PROVIDENCE, LA., March 31, 1863. Brig. Gen. JOHN E. SMITH, Gomdg. Eighth Division: GENERAL: In accordance with instructions from Major-General Grant, you will embark your division and proceed forthwith to Young~s *See Quinby to McPherson, March ~2S, Part I, p. 408 Page 160 160 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Point, and report to Major-General Sherman, commanding Fifteenth Army Corps. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. FLAG-SHIP AUTOCRAT, Above Vicksburg, Marh 31, 1863. Adjt. Gen. LoRnNzo THOMAS: SIR: I have the honor herein to inclose the proceedings of a court of in- quiry held by order of Acting Rear Admiral David D. Porter, in the case of Josiah Reeder, pilot on steam ram Queen 6f the West, who refused to obey his officer, Col. Charles R. Ellet, to run said boat past the Vicks- burg batteries, in face of the enemy; on the 1st day of February last. Also the findings of a general court-martial, convened by my order, for the trial of one Thomas W. 0-avory, pilot, for a like offense and others. In the first case the court find, That the charges are all sustained, yet, in consideration of the imperfect understanding with the imme- diate commanders of the ram fleet, and the apparently irregular manner of doing things on those vessels, the accused is hereby released from any further proceedings, and is at liberty to go when he pleases. In the other case the court find, That it has no right to take cog nizance in the matter, the prisoner being in its opinion neither officer, non-commissioned officer, nor private, and therefore is not subject to the consequences of a violation of the Articles of War, and that it has no authority over offenses against Navy Regulations. Under these embarrassing circumstances, I would most respectfully ask to be instructed by special order how to proceed against offending parties belonging to this class, as it is absolutely necessary for the good of the service that justice be dealt in some way to such offenders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [ALFRED W. ELLET.] [IndorBelnent.] JIJDGE-ADVOCATE-GENERALS OFFICE, June ii, 1863. Respectfully returned to the Secretary of War. The question raised by the within paper is how shall pilots, engi- neers, & c., of the ram fleet be prosecuted and punished for offenses com mitted while on duty. In the first place, it is to be remarked that the force under Colonel Ellet, on duty in the ram fleet, is understood to be a special contingent and portion of the army and not of the navy of the United States. Persons, therefore, employed upon these rams are to be punished, if at all, under the laws which govern the discipline of the army. These pilots, & c., are neither officers nor enlisted men, and cannot, therefore, be tried under those Articles, which concern only offi- cers and soldiers. By a special article, however (Article 60), these persons, specified as all persons whatsoever serving with the armies of the United States in the field, though not enlisted soldiers, are made subject to orders, according to the rules and discipline of war. De Hart (page 25), in commenting upon the phrase Persons serving with the armies, holds that it includes those who serve in the army by engagement for public hire or pay. And this is precisely the case of the pilots, engineers, & c., on the rams, who are hired by the com- manding officer of the fleet to pertorm the duties of their profession for a certain period, and at the close of that period receive as a final dis- charge an order from that officer upon the aymaster for their pay Page 161 Ciixp. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 161 Article 60 was the result of a necessity felt among armies in the field (see De Hart, page 23; Ben~t, page 29), and is, therefore, espe- cially applicable to the present case. The persons in question, there- fore, should be tried by court-martial under this articleA~ J. HOLT, Judge-Advocate- General. [Inclosure.] YAzoo RIVER, March 29, 1863. In the case of Josiah Heeder, pilot on board the ram Queen of the West, on whom a court of inquiry was held for refusing to perform the duty for which it was supposed he enlisted, the charges were all sus- tained, but the court do find: 1. That the accused was discharged by Col. Charles iR. Ellet after the offense was committed, Colonel Ellet taking no steps in the matter, except to complain to the admiral. 2. It appears that the accused received assurance from General El- let, at Mound City, Ill., that the accused would not be required to run heavy batteries if he shipped in the ram fleet. 3. That, as shown by the evidence of G. W. Linsay, second master in the ram fleet, pilots, engineers, firemen, and men on board the ram fleet do not consider themselves as belonging to either army or navy. 4. That there is an ignorance existing as to what laws and regula- tions they are subject. 5. That some have been allowed to disobey orders and others have been punished for it. 6. That the discipline of the ram fleet was not very good. 7. That pilots, engineers, and boatmen in the ram tleqt are subject to the orders of the colonel commanding the ram fleet. 8. That all officers and men have to obey orders emanating from their superior officers. 9. That Col. Charles B. Ellet did, on 1st of February, 1863, give to three of his engineers the privilege of going on the Queen of the West past the Vicksburg batteries or not, and that later in the day Colonel Ellet told the same three engineers that they would have to go by the Vicksburg batteries, and they went. 10. That a discharge from a ram is the order from the commanding officer to the paymaster to pay the person the money due him. In consideration of the imperfect understanding had with the imme- diate commanders of the ram fleet, and apparently irregular manner of doing things on those vessels, the accused is hereby released from any further proceedings, and is at liberty to go when he pleases. DAVII) lIE PORTER. CORINTH, March 31, 1863. Captain BIN1~rORE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Memphis: Scouts in from Mount Pleasant and Lawrenceburg, Teun., report about 1,500 cavalry at Lawrenceburg and large force at Mount Pleasant, and have fallen back to Lowryville; one brigade at Waynesborough. Most of these forces belong to Van IDorns command, and are scattered out to obtain forage and subsistence. Everything not needed for the supply of his troops Johnston has sent to the rear. It is the common rumor that Johnston will fall back. They report heavy skirmishing in front 11 R RYOL XXIV, PT III * This indorsenient transmitted by the Adjutant-General to General Ellet, July 25, 1863 Page 162 AU MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXYL of Shelbyville, in which rebels lost 500 killed, wounded, and missing. The scouts also say it is talked among Van Dorns men that they are to return to Mississippi. He was with them two weeks. G. M. DODGE. MEMPHIS, March 31, 1863. General KIMBALL, Jackson: [iR. V.] Richardsons force was severely beaten and dispersed night before last. Send Lawler, with mounted infantry or some cavalry, to the ilatchie, about Brownsville, to pick them up. HURLBUT. LA GRANGE, March 31, 18637.30 a. in. Lieutenant-Colonel BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Memphis: All the rebel cavalry that I can hear of north of the Tallahatchee River is on its way to Panola. W. S. SMITH. COLLIERYILLE, TENN., March 31, 1863. Capt. H. ATKINSON, A. A. G., 1st Div., 16th A. U., La Grange, Tenn.: CAPTAIN: I have the honor herewith to transmit a plan of stock- ade at headquarters Twelfth Indiana Infantry,* Lieutenant-Colonel Kempton commanding. A scout sent by me to Panola, Miss., via Memphis, returned this morning, having left that place (Panola) on Monday last. He states that Geheral [J. R.] Chalmers had at Panola about 800 infantry, in two camps; also two companies of cavalry, which he used as sconts. That [G. L.] Blythe had 400 men. His headquarters were at Coldwater Sta- tion, but that Chalmers had ordered him west of Byhalia. That Chal- mers had, including the before-mentioned troops, over fifty companies reported to him, including [W. R.] Mitchells, Sol. [G.] Streets, and all th~ roving bands; that Chalmers expected to be re-enforced by three regiments from the south; that the object was to protect the people in raising a crop, and in making attacks upon this road. One cavalry company of this force, about 40 strong, were in camp about 2 miles northwest of Cockrum. I have another scout out in the same direction, whose time is np, but he does not come in yet. Yesterday p. m a cavalry force, estimated at 100, was within abou.t 2 miles of La Fayette. Cavalry reconnaissance sent from this point this a. m. heard of about 40 at Widow Bentons, about 6 miles a little southeasterly from this, but saw none. I do not know how much reliance to place in this scout, but the in- formation [differs ~?] from that received from time to time. The scout was arrested and taken before General Chalmers (according to his story), and by Chalmers released, under the scouts story that he had smuggled some contraband goods out of our lines, and had bought some cotton to return, which cotton was taken from him by guerrillas near Cockrum before he was sent to General Chalmers headquarters, at Panola. I have the honor to be, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN MASON LOOMIS, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Not found Page 163 CHAP. XXXYL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. Abstract from return of the Department of the Ten~zessee, .Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding, for March 31, 1~63. Present for ~ H Pieces of H a duty. a artillery. .~ ~ ~, p~H - ~ a - Command. a a Headquarters. H~ a . Q H ~O b~ ,~ a b~ te ~ C ~ .~ General headquarters: Staff Engineer troops (Bissell) Pioneer corps (J. W. Fonts).. Total Thirteenth Army Corps (MeCler. na,id): General headquarters Ninth Division (Osterhans) . - Tenth Division (A. J. Smith). District of East Arkansas (Prentiss): Staff (post of Helena and district). Twelfth Division (Ho. vey). Thirteenth Division (Ross). Cavalry Division (Wash. hum). Fourteenth Division I (Carr). Total Fifteenth Army Cnrps (Sher- man): Staff First Division (Steele) Second Division (Stuart) Total . Seventeenth Army Corps (Mc Pherson): General headquarters Third Division (Logan) Sixth Division (MeArthur).. Seventh Division (Quinby) Total Sixteenth Army Corps (Hurl. hut). General headquarters First Division (W. Sooy Smith). Fourth Division (Lauman)... Eighth Division (J. E. Smith). District of Columbus (As. both). District of Corinth (Dodge).. District of Jackson (Kimball). DistrictofMemphis (Veatch). Cavalry Division Total Grand total Granil total according to departmental tri.monthly report. 19 . 12 278 8 223 20 641 237 Youngs Point. 20 800 263 39 501 898 1, 083 29 195 270 9 171 178 160 209 1, 221 310 4, 024 4, 384 3, 665 3, 502 2, 953 3, 795 22, 633 402 6, 182 6, 301 10 4, 425 4, 731 4, 106 4, 662 30,819 588 8, 583 8, 796 10 5, 314 5, 574 4, 867 6, 230 39, 962 12 16 22 6 5 6 6 6 67 6 6 8 341 5,787 8,319 11,265 16 315 5,531 6,916 10,001 18 662 11,318 15,241 21,274 34 13 67 91 111 362 6,511 7,702 9,328 24 328 5,137 6,178 7,607 16 311 5,539 6,871 9,043 20 1,014 17,254 20,842 26,089 . 60 6 25 31 31 420 7,513 9,434 11,253 26 324 6, 087 7, 204 8, 419 20 233 3,764 4,900 6,135 8 356 5,798 7,364 8,857 105 13 531 10,231 13,189 15,355 25 32 393 6,705 8,544 10.186 18 318 4,817 8,086 9,353 4 143 2, 845 3, 865 4, 779 2, 724 47, 785 62, 617 74, 368 130 121 5, 660 99, 491 130,417 162, 776 136 282 5, 652 99, 402 130, 390 165, 825 Millikens Bend. Do. Do. Helena. Helena. Yazoo Expedition. Helena. Millikens Bend. Youngs Point. Youngs Point Do. Lake Providence. Berrys Landing. Lake Providence. Near Fort Pemberton. Memphis. La Grange. Memphis. Yazoo Pass. Columbus, Ky. Corinth. Jackson, Teun. Memplsis. { First Brigade, La ~econdBrsgade, Ger. mautown. 298 *Compiled, as far as practicable, from the subordinate, as the more accurate, returns. t I?ormerly of the Army of Southeast Missouri. Arrived at Millikens Bend March 26. 16 Page 164 [CHAr. Xxxvi. 164 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, ]llillikens Bend, April 1, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have just returned from. Richmond, [La.,] and find your order instructing me to furnish a daily detail of 2,000 men. Of course, the detail will be furnished, but I think it probable that you would not have ordered it with a fuller knowledge of my operations. I am for- warding the regiments of the Ninth Division to Richmond as fast as they can be crossed over Roundaway Bayou in small crafts. By to. morrow evening I expect to have a floating bridge completed, which will hasten the passage of the troops to that place, and hope, by night- fall of the same day, to have pushud forward two regiments of infantry and a strong detachment of cavalry 4 miles on the road toward New Carthage, and next day, unless the road be found impracticable, to Bayou Vidal, within a mile or two of Carthage. A cavalry reconnaissance, made to-day by a small cavalry party that swam their horses over the bayou at Richmond, found the road practi- cable about half the distance from that place to Carthage. The same j)arty capture(i the enemys mail and its carrier, going from Yicksburg, and discovered a detachment of 80 or 100 of the enemy. The prospect so far is quite encouraging, perhaps more so than that afforded by the Duckport enterprise, and I hope you will find it consistent with your general views to leave me to prosecute my present undertaking with all the resources at my disposal. 1 am now repairing the roads and bridges between here and Richmond, a distance of 12 miles, including a floating bridge of 200 feet in length, and will soon commence repair- ing the road from that place to Carthage, and constructing barges to - ply between the same places, unless stopped by unknown obstacles. I would be pleased to accompany you from this camp to Richmond. Thus you might judge for yourself. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MUCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Lake Providence, La., April 1, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Gomdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL.: From information just received from a man by the name of Hawkins, a Northern man by birth, 1 learn the following: Generals [S.] Price and [T. C.] Hiudman were in Monroe one week ago last Sunday, Hindman on his way to Vicksburg to attend a court- martial for the trial of [M.] Lovell for the surrender of New Orleans, and Price on his way to Little Rock to organize his forces for the invasion of Missouri, determined to do it or perish in the attempt. Rebels nearly starved out at Yicksburg and Port Hudson; only two weeks supply on hand. Expectation pretty general that they will have to evacuate. The Indianola was raised, guns taken off and sent to Alexandria, on Red River. Boat taken up the Big Black about a day before Admiral Farraguts arrival. Hull comparatively uninjured, upper works having been blown off by explosion. Ram Queen of the West up Red River with the Webb. A battery of two 11-inch guns at the junction of the Washita and Big Beuf Rivers. General depression among the people. Governor Moore, of Louisiana, issued an order calling out all the mil Page 165 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 165 tia of the State. Many of them object on the ground that the law au- thorizing it is unconstitutional, having been passed when there was not a quorum in the senate. Mr. Hawkins has some additional information, which he wishes to communicate to you personally. Shall I permit him to come down ~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPfiEf~SON. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 23. Youngs Point, La., April 11, 1863. I. Col. George P. Ihrie, U. S. Army, additional aide-de-camp, having been appointed commissary of musters for the department, is relieved from duty as acting inspector-general. II. Brig. Gen. J. C. Sullivan, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby appointed acting inspector-general of the department, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. IRAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 91. f Youngs Point, La., April 1, 1863. * * * * * * * VII. Maj. Gen. Richard J. Oglesby, U. S. Volunteers, will report in person to Maj. Gen. S. A. llurlbut, commanding Sixteenth Army Corps, for assignment to the command vacated by Maj. Gen. C. S. Hamilton. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. RAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 78. Youngs. Point, La., April 1, 1863. * * * * * * * III. In accordance with instructions from department headquarters, Brig. Gen. D. Stuart, commanding Second Division, will detail from his command 1,000 men to report, with shovels and spades, to Capt. F. E. Prime, chief of at 7.30 engineers, at the lower landing to-morrow morning promptly oclock, to embark on steamers and receive instruc- tions. This detail will be continued daily until further orders, aud will be relieved each evening at 6 oclock and return to the point of em- barkation. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. PAYT& N, Acting Assistant Aojntant- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 1, 186& Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I desire, through you, to call the generals attention to the fact that all our transportation boats for forage and supplies have been sen Page 166 [CHAP. XXXVI. 166 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. down the river under orders. There are but two Saint Louis boats re- maining here. I cannot get horses to remount my cavalry, because of want of transportation. As Colonel Allen informs me, I cannot get forage for the horses II have, for the same reason, and shall soon be out of rations. Less than eight first-class boats will not be enough to sup- ply this depot, running regularly between here and Saint Louis. Three of our large boats have been sent up the Cumberland, and there are none in the upper rivers. I think you must have more boats than you need below, and it will soon be a very serious matter here. and if here, then to the whole army below. I earnestly request immediate con sid- eration to be given to this matter. Yery respectfully, your obedient s~rvaut, S. A. IIURLBUT, Major- General. P. S~Iuclose extract of communication from Mr. Wallace, just in from Noxubee, Miss. [Extract.] They [the rebels] are still massing their forces upon Rosecrans, determined to over- whelm him. Their cavalry force is very largefully 20,000and they are making every effort to swell it to 25,000, and to crush him by relentless pursuit if the advan- tage is with them. They are drawing forces, to re.enforce Johnston [Bragg], from Richmond, Charleston, Savannah, Mobile, and Yicksburg, although few are gone from Vicksburg. The force within supporting distance of Yicksbnrg he estimates at from 50,000 to 75,000 men. CoRINTH, April 1, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS: The enemy are repairing all the bridges from Savannah east and from Florence north. They are also building a large number of boats in several of the creeks. They also guard the river from Florence to Duck River, and now have heavy bodies of cavalry massed near Mount Pleasant. Three gunboats have just gone up the river. 0. M. DODGE. I send the above, just received. Such preparations are to recross the Tennessee. I have sent this to-day to Cairo, to be telegraphed to Rose- crans. I respectfully and earnestly ask another cavalry regiment for Dodge at Corinth. In haste, S. A. HURLBUT. MEMPHIS, TENK., April 1, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. Tennessee: COLONEL: The following statements are from one Forest Coburn, who reports himself at these headquarters as a spy from General Banks, and who visited Port Hudson under his instructions, and while there was forced into the rebel service, and from that plac~ was sent to the Yazoo River, to work on the rebel gunboats at Ya.zoo City. From Yazoo City he was sent with others to Greenwood, to work on the rafts in Yazoo River. While there he escaped to our lines, and was sent by Brigadier-General Ross to Major-General Prentiss, at Helena, and by him forwarded to these headquarters. The subjoined are his state- ments. He was born in New York; has been living in New Orleans for seve Page 167 CHAP. XXXVI.] CO1fl~ESPONDENCF, ETC.tTNJON. 167 or eight years; left there February 11, under instructions from General Banks to visit Port Hudson and report the rebel force at that point; arrived at Port Hudson 16th of February. Reports force at Port Hud- son at about 35,000 men, three hundred held pieces~ and twenty-two or twenty-four heavy guns in battery. [D.] Ruggles and [J. B.] Villepigue are there. Rebel force between Yicksburg and Big Black River, 37,000 men;~ 9,000 men at Jackson, to support Yicksburg or Port Hudson, as may be required. Thinks there are no rebel boats in Big Black River. One ram on the Yazoo River on stocks, at Yazoo City. Length of ram, 310 feet, 60 ~feet beam; double vessel with four engines; constructed skiff-like, so as to move either way. It will be some time before it is finished. Also gunboat Mobile; her machinery is in; propeller build; can be used, but not finished; intended for two guns; no guns in Yazoo City to fit in her; intention is to casem ate her. Also steamer Magenta, covered with cotton bales; not heavy; to be manned with sharpshooters, and used for boarding. Also steamers Mary E. Keene and Lackland, to be used as steamer Magenta. Also transports Republic, Sharp, Hope, Cotton Plant, Magnolia (large size), Hartford City, Ben. MeCulloch, Saint Mary (mounted with two small gnns), and Emma Bett,used as messenger boats. There are 300 troops at Haynes Bluff, as he was in- formed; was not there himself. He gives the following description of torpedoes and buoy: Buoy made of dead cypress logs, 8 to 12 inches in diameter and 3 feet long; buoyed so that the top is even with the surface of the water. Peg in the bottom, with friction primer attached. There are a great many sunk around Haynes Bluff. He was informed that there were six guns in battery at Haynes Bluff, one 8-inch columbiad. No guns mounted at Yazoo City on the 17th of March. Arrived at Greenwood March 23; 5,000 rebel troops encamped at Greenwood at that time, and receiving re-en forcements from Jackson, and Grenada by way of Gaines Bluff. The main battery near Greenwood of six heavy guns; two small field pieces in redoubt on right of main battery, going down stream; small fort, with four field pieces, i~ mires from main battery; two guns (12-pounders) iii rear of main battery, hieing Greenwood, 2 miles distant. Main body of troops encamped ~ miles below main fort. They are constructing a new raft at Greenwood, and have commenced another raft at Yazoo City. I send these down for what they are worth. He has certainly been at the places he speaks of. Prentiss may have sent you this before. The man may be a spy, but I think riot. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLBUT. [APRIL 1, 1863.For Dodge and llurlbut to Rosecrans, about move- ments of Confederates in Northern Alabama, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II, pp. 200, 201.] GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 37. Memphis, Tcnn., April 1, 1863. I. All officers and soldiers within this command are especially pro- hibited from interfering with or in any wise molesting peaceable in- habitants within our lines engaged in the cultivation of the soil, and are enjoined to give every encouragement to the I)reparation and culture of farms, plantations, and gardens. The taking of rails or other fencin Page 168 168 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXX~VI. for firewood or other purposes is inexcusable, and must at once be put an end to. The calls of common humanity, the secnrity of the citizen, and the future well-being and comfort of the soldier largely depend upon the faithfulness in execution of this order. 11. All cases of wanton mischief upon fences, crops, dwelling-houses, or domestic animals, as well as all violations of the letter and spirit of this order, will be at once reported to the nearest officer, who is com- manded to inquire into and summarily punish the offender. lIT. In cases where a company or regiment can be shown to have committed the wrong, and they do not point out the offender, such com- pany oi~ regiment will be held liable as a body, and damages will be assessed against them, to be stopped from their pay. IV. All honorable officers and good soldiers, for the credit of the service and good of the country, will co-operate in carrying out this order. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: HENRY BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General. BEFORE VICKSBURG, April 2, 1863. Admiral DAYlD D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron: After the reconnaissance of yesterday, I am satisfied that an attack upon Haynes Bluff would be attended with immense sacrifice of life, if not with defeat. This, then, closes out the last hope of turning the enemy by the right. I have sent troops tJ~irough from Millikens Bend to New Carthage, to garrison and hold the whole route and make, the wagon road good. At Richmond a number of boats were secured, which can aid in carrying subsistence from that point to New Carthage, and will also answer for ferrying any intermediate bayous. In addition to this, I have a large force working on a canal from the river to Willow Bayou, and in clearing this latter out. With this done, there will be good water communication from here to Carthage for barges and tugs. 1 have sent to Saint Louis and Chicago for barges and tngs, and ordered all empty barges here to be fitted up for the transportation of troops and artillery. With these appliances, I intend to be able to move 20,000 men at one time. To-morrow I shall have work commenced to prepare at least six steamers to run the blockade. Having, then, fully determined upon .operating from New Carthage either by the way of Grand Gulf or Warrenton, I am of the same opin- ion as when I addressed you a few days since, that is, that it is im- portant to prevent the enemy from further fortifying either of these places. I am satisfied that one army corps, with the aid of two gunboats, can take and hold Grand Gulf until such time as I might be able to get my whole army there and make provision for supplying them. If necessary, therefore, I would send this number of troops as soon as the necessity for them was demonstrated. I would, admiral, therefore renew my re- quest to prepare for running the blockade at as early a day as possible. I shall go up to Millikens Bend to-morrow, but will be over to see you on this subject the day following. U. S. GRANT. P. S.I would respectfully suggest if it would not be well to send to Memphis for all the spare small boats belonging to your branch of service not otherwise in use Page 169 CHAP, XXXVI.] CORRhSPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 169 HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Millilcens Bend, La., April 2, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Among the letters found with the mail carrier yesterday is one signed by Sergt. A. Myott, and dated on the 27th ultimo, at Vicksburg, in which the writer says that all the force lately at Vicks- burg, except his own regiment, has gone up to Yazoo to meet the Yan- kees. This, I think, is proximately, but not literally, true. Since then, doubtless, several regiments have returned to Vicksburg. In the Yicksburg Whig, of the 31st ultimo, an order of the same date is noticed, requiring all persons to bring all skiffs and other craft to Vicksburg and deliver them to the military authorities and obtain pay- ment for the same. I mention this fact because it may import something desirable to be known. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, April 2, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, Comdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I understand that the Fourteenth, Twelfth, Eighth, and Thirty-fourth Iowa Regiments are under orders to report to me. You may direct the Fourteenth to be left at Cairo, and the Thirty-fifth, now at Cairo, -to come here. The remainder of these regiments send here also. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. BOLIVAR, April 2, 1863. Brig. Gen. NATHAN KIMBALL, Jackson: Colonel Lawler left at noon with 500 mounted men. I have also sent 200 infantry to Somerville. M. BRAYMAN. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 93. Youngs Point, La., April 3, 1863. * * * * * * * VII. Maj. Gen. C. C. Washburn, U. S. Volunteers, is hereby assigned to the command of the cavalry in West Tennessee. He will report in person without delay to Maj. Gen. S. A. llurlbut, commanding Mem- phis, Tenn., for orders. * * * * * * * By order of lVlIaj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. RAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. LA GRANGE, April 3, 1863. Brigadier-General KIMBALL: SIR: Please state precisely your information in reference to 200 rebels having crossed the Hatchie; especially what command; which wa Page 170 170 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. they were going, by points of compass, from ilatchie; also whether Colonel Hurst is notified; if so, what road he is supposed to be upon; and if your information is reliable. Colonel Grierson and cavalry have returned, bringing a number of l)riSonerS, among them Richardsons quartermaster (Wiggins) and clerk. EDWARI PRINCE, Colonel, in Charge of Cavalry. JACKSON, April 3, 1863. Col. E. PRINCE: My information as to 200 rebel cavalry crossing ilatchie is from General Dodge, Corinth. They crossed below Pocahoutas; supposed to be making for railroad between Bolivar and Jackson. General Brayman, at Bolivar, has been informed. I notified General Smith, as they may make a turn in toward Grand Junction and La Grange. NATHAN KIMBALL. [APRIL 324, 1863.For correspondence between Buford, Dodge, Garfield, Huribut, Oglesby, Rawlins, iRosecrans, and S treight, in refer- ence to operations in Northern Alabama, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, ilfillihens Bend, La., April 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennes8ee: GENERAL: I have occupied Richmond, approached within 2 miles of New Carthage, and pursued the enemy down Bayou Vidal until he crossed it, 7 miles below, and was arrested by the enemy taking with him or destroying the means of crossing after him. He is understood to have sought refuge on Saint Joseph Lake. The enemy referred to is a portion of [I. F.] Harrisons cavalry troop, which in all is represented to consist of about seven companies. Meantime I have built an excel- lent floating bridge4 200 feet long, across Roundaway Bayon at Rich mond. Yesterday evening, after some search, I found an old skiff, and made a reconnaissance from Smiths plantation, toward Carthage. A levee had extended along Bayou Vidal, from its junction with Roundaway, 2 miles to Carthage. This levee is broken in three places. I crossed all the crev sses except the last two, which brought me within a few hundred yards of Carthage, and in full view of that ilace and the Mis- sissippi River. When I had approached so near the town, the enemys pickets fired upon me and came very near hitting me. One of the balls whistled between the members of my little party, which consisted of General Osterhans, Lieutenant-Colonel Warmoth, and 3 or 4 infantry- men. The last crevasse intervened between us and the enemys picket. Besides my force here, 1 have two regiments at Richmond, one at Holmes plantation, about half way between Richmond and Smiths plantation (in rear of Carthage), and two regiments of infantry and some ten small companies of cavalry, with four mountain howitzers, at Smiths plantation. This is the present dispositiomi of my forces, covering a distance of some 30 miles. All this has been accomplishe Page 171 CUAP. XXXVI.] 171 COI~RESPONDENCE, ETC .UNJON. within three days. The communication by land from here to Smiths (2 miles from Carthage) is good. To-day I started small boats down the Roundaway, from New Car- thage to Smiths, to ascertain the navigable capacities of the stream, but have not heard the result. Any number of troops could comfortably encamp within 2 miles of Carthage. To overcome these 2 miles is the point. If a steamer could pass through the month of Bayou Vidal or tne mouth of Harpers Bayou, just above Carthage, or through the bayou still above, from Duckport to Smiths, and transport troops to Carthage, that would be one way. If piles could be driven and a way made over the crevasses in the levee, that would be another way. I have sent an engineer to-day to examine with reference to the latter, and write this communication specially to request you, if, upon the statement of the case, you think proper, to send a small steamer either by the river, the canal, or the 1) uckport Bayou, to test the former. lf you determine to send a boat, please signal inc to that effect. She should be accompanied by an armed vessel, under instructions to shell Carthage, and the fire of the vessel should be obliquely up or down the river, so as to avoid the camp of my troops in the rear. General Osterhaus will recognize the whistle of the vessel to be sent by replying with three shots from a mountain howitzer, two minutes intervening between the first two shots and three minutes between the second and third shots. lt is represented that there is but little more dry land than the levee affords at Carthage, and above and below for some miles; nevertheless, as I have already said, there is fine camping ground for an army back of Carthage, where it could wait for transportation to the river and across the river. My forces now near Carthage are drawing supplies from the adjacent country. if it is intended that they shall remain there for some days or a longer time, please advise me at once, so that I may order forward supplies. It is but just that I should bear testi- mony to the activity and zeal displayed by General Osterhans, Colonel Bennett and Captain Patterson, of the pioneers, and all the officers and men who have participated in the achievement of the results men- tioned and to the success that has attended their efforts. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MoCLERNAND. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRs. rIFTEENTIT ARMY Conps, No. 19. Youngs Point, La., April 4, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. D. Stuart having been relieved from duty with his di- vision by Special OMers, No. 92, Headquarters Departmnnt of the Ten- riessee, April 2, 1863, Maj. Gen. F. P. Blair, jr., is appointed to command the same, and will transfer his present brigade to the senior officer present for duty with it, and assume command of the Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, headquarters near the center of the present division camp. II. In relieving General Stuart of t.he command of the Second Di. vision, with which he has been so long identified, the commanding gen- eral takes the opportunity to thank him for his energetic, patriotic, and successful services. Ever present, ever active, and by a high-toned spirit of honor and dignity imparting to his troops a similar tone, he has now the deep respect and affection of his men and elicits the-praise of all his commanders Page 172 172 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. X~XVL Whilst all must yield to the decree which parts us for a time, * all may properly hope that the services of General Stuart are by no means lost to a cause which is common to a whole continent, and the success of which more interests coming generations than the people of the present day. His old comrades in arms wish him honor and success in life, and will hail his return to the colors, which for a time he must leave to the care of others. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. M. DAYTON, A cting Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Before Vicksburg, April 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLR UT, Gomdg. Sixteenth Army Gorps: GENERAL: I have ordered a regiment of cavalry from Helena to you, and sent the steamer Illinois to take them. At my request, Admiral Porter has ordered the Marine Brigade up the Tennessee River, to co- operate with Dodge. This brigade have boats bullet-proof, and have an armament of howitzers. When these troops pass Memphis, you will be able to judge of about the time they will reach Hamburg Landing, and can instruct Dodge to communicate with them there. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. CORINTH, April 4, 18.63. Lieutenant-Colonel BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant-General: A heavy body of rebel cavalry made their appearance to-day on east side of river at different points, most of them at Savannah, Old Town, opposite Hamburg, & c. Have close watch on their movements. G. M. DODGE. SAINT Louis, April 4, 1863. Col. ROBERT ALLEN, ~Chief Quartermaster: COLONEL: In reply to the letter of Major-General Grant to you of the 26th nltimo, and referred to me yesterday, I would say that I at once examined our harbor, and telegraphed to Cairo, Chicago, and Cin- cinnati. The result of which is, that I think that we can get from ten to fifteen fiat-boats and scows here, and can push up ten or fifteen else- where within a few days. I also think Ii can get the yawls at Chicago, Cincinnati, and here, and also most of the tugs. [sent a man to Chicago last night, and will go myself on the first train. Almost everything of the boat line has already been pressed into service and sent south, and it is by no means easy to fill such a requisition. It will take a little time to get these boats from Chicago, and to get them here in condition to go below, but I think we can have a good part of them on the way south within a week. I will endeavor to see there is no lack of effort to com- ply with General Grants wishes. Myself as well as others are in doubt as to the kind of boats intended in the order by fiat-boats and scows. * Stuarts appointment as brigadier -general liad been rejected by tlie Senate Page 173 CHAr. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 173 If coal barges would answer, a~ supply could be sent very soon, but there is so much difference between a barge and a common flat-boat or scow that I thiuk General Graut would have mentioned it if lie desired barges. Very respectfully, L. B. PARSONS, Golonel and Assistant Quartermaster. [Indorsement.] Respectfully transmitted to Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant for his informa- tiou. Every effort will be made to procure the boats required, but it is doubtful whether tug-boats can be got through the canal. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Millikens Bend, April 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have this moment received a report from General Oster- hans of this date. The party I sent down Bayou Vidal yesterday morning to get a ferry. boat that had been hi.dden by the enemy on the opposite side of the bayou became a subject of sharp contest between a detachment of our cavalry and a party of about 100 rebel cavalry. Our cavalry drove the enemy away, got the boat, and brought it up to Smiths plantation. General Osterhaus further reports that a small reconnoitering party sent out in a skiff toward Carthage yesterday morning was fired upon by the enemys picket at Carthage, as they had fired upon my party the evening previous. He intended to send a stronger party over on the evening of the same day on the ferry-boat referred to. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MUCLERNAND. HDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, One Mile above Greenville, Miss., April 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Gomdg. Fifteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: General Grant directed me to endeavor to get through to Deer Creek from Mrs. Smiths plantation, and to get out the cotton be- longing to the S. A. Douglas plantation. The cotton had been burned a few days since, and that route to Deer Creek was impracticable, on account of the water. I then went up to Egg Point and reconnoitered the Deer Creek road. It was also impracticable on account of water and swamps. The bridge across Black Bayou had been burned to pre- vent our getting through that way. I shall now take the road from Greenville, and shall probably be obliged to bridge Black Bayou. The enemys picket was near this place last night. It is reported that [S. W.J Ferguson was coming into the Mississi~~pi with his battery [cavalry], but he has undoubtedly been informed of our arrival. They say the rebels have 4,000 or 5,000 men at Rolling F6rk; quien sabe ~ I will en- deavor to keep you advised of our movements. The gunboat Prairie Bird will remain there with the transports. I have left two small regi- ments as a guard, and have ordered six of the steamers back to report to Commander Graham. Very truly, yours, FREDK STEELE Page 174 174 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 5, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINs, Assistant Adjutant-General: SIR: The movement of yesterday appears to have been merely a dash of mounted men. Chalmers has moved up to Senatobia. Very consid- erable activity among the irregular cavalry of the enemy is manifest along my southern front, especially south and east of Corinth. I have been anxiously waiting for cavalry horses from Saint Louis. Yesterday I received 350,which, upon inspection, are worthless. General Thomas went with me to look them over, and sent a message to Colonel Allen to send no more of that sort, but to send forward 1,500 good cav- alry horses for immediate use. I hope they may come, and come soon. Dodge received a message from iRosecrans, requesting him to move on Tuscumbia, in combination with a movement on Rosecrans part on Florence. I have directed him to send the plan of the movement, as I cannot well see how Rosecrans can reach Florence except in heavy force. As, how- ever, Dodge is strong enough to whip anything on this side of the Ten- nessee River, and yet cover Corinth, I shall have him move as requested. I have expected the Fourth Missouri Cavalry, but they have been sent to Nashville to Rosecrans. The enemys cavalry, as prdviously reported, are in force on the north and east sides of the Tennessee, with some ar- tillery; hence the necessity of active cavalry, both from Jackson and Corintha hard service, wearing to men and horses. I refer to my former letters on this subject. Respectfully, yours, S. A. IIURLBUT.. HDQRS., Smiths Plantati~n, April 6, 186311 a. m. DEAR GENERAL: I have just returned from New Carthage. We finished last night a gunboat. with which we marched to Carthage. The bayon from Richmond, 8 miles, a current against us; from that point to Holmes, 10 [nliles] from Richmond, still water, with drift-wood, some places 200 yards, quite covered, and would have to be removed and some trees cut and floated out. Two miles still farther this way the floating timber occurs again, with downward current. From It. [Richmomid] to Smiths we can soon run small flats the whole distance from Richmond to New Carthage, or to the levee at Carthage, and, in- deed, through that into the Mississippi, although, after we pass the main river levee, the depth of water is not beyond 3 feet, that we could find. Still, General Osterhaus, who was along, thinks we will have no trouble to go through. We can land steamboats within 200 yards of the main levee, and there are cross levees reaching from the river in several places to the main levee. There is no land dry save the levee. The land on the opposite shore of the Mississippi is dry, but between the shore and the bluffs or high land there is a swamp covered with water, said to be 8 miles wide. This water separates Jefferson Davis [plantation] from the main land. Small fiats will be the readiest means of conveyance from Richmond to Carthage. We can construct these rapidly here with the help of these fine mills close at hand. Ropes and spikes will be needed. The road will be of necessity inside of the levee and through the field, and in dry weather good. The breaks in the levee would be a work of much more time than would be practicable to repair. I am, general, your obedient servant, W F. PATTERSON Captain, d~c Page 175 CnAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 175 BI~Gs PLANTATION, April 6, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg. iF~fteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I have the honor to inclose to you Vicksburg Whig of 27th of March and 3d of April; also Memphis Appeal of 3d instant. There was heavy and rapid firing of cannon below here yesterday morning for about half an hour. IL have this morning information from parties, who were several miles down the river from this point at the time it occurred, who think the firing was at the Perkins plantation, 7 miles below New Carthage. They say that they are certain that it was too far west to be at Grand Gulf. At the Perkins plantation the rebels have one regiment, commanded by Colonel [I. F.] Harrison, but I can- not ascertain that they have any field or siege pieces there. It is pos- sible that our fleet may have met the enemy on the river at a point west arid below Grand Gulf. I had men down the river last evening to ascertain, if possible, where the firing occurred, but they learned nothing, excepting that it was be- low and distant. I shall doubtless soon be able to learn more about it. ~t the time Admiral Farragut came up, three of the enemys trans- ports followed his vessels, ran up Big Black River 11 miles, unloaded their cargoes of provisions at Allens Mills, and left next morning. I saw the smoke of two of the steamers, and immediately advised the ad- miral, but he could not credit it, and gave it no attention. They were loaded with 500 hogs and a large amount of corn and other provisions. The admirals vessels, when last heard from, had passed down below Natchez. The enemy at Vicksbnrg are expecting large supplies from Georgia and Alabama; 9,000 hogs and a large number of cattle are expected in a few days. The enemy are building a casemated fort at Grand Gulf and are still pushing to completion their works at War- renton. As the admiral passed Grand Gulf, the enemy, in firing their heaviest gun, burst it, killing 4 and wounding 7 of their own men. I have the honor to subscribe myself, general, your very obedient servant, CHARLES H. ABBOTT, Colonel, Commanding. MEMPHIS, April 6, 1863. Brig. Gen. NATHAN KIMBALL, Commanding District, Jaclson: Major Newsham reports from Hickman (received there) that the rebels, under command of [R. V.] Richardson, intend crossing the Obion River in the neighborhood of Dyersburg, having two large ferry-boats there for that purpose. Feel out well for them. HENRY BINMORE, Assisfant Adjutant-General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No 39. Memphis, Tenn., April 6, 1863. Maj. Gen. Richard J. Oglesby, having reported at these headquar- ters for duty, in pursuance of special orders from headquarters of De- partment of the Tennessee, will proceed to take command of the left wing of the Sixteenth Army Corps. He will establish his headquarters at La Grange or Bolivar. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: HENRY BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 176 176 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 7, 1863. Brig. Gen. GRENYILLE M. DODGE, Gomdg at Gorit~th: GENERAL: I am informed by General Grant that a regiment of cav- alry is ordered here. I shall immediately forward it to you. I am also informed that Ellets brigade is to be put under my orders. As soon as they arrive I shall order them up the Tennessee, to co-operate with you and report to you. If the plan you write of is carried out on the other side of the Ten. nessee River, your part will be of easy fulfillment. It is of great mo- ment that it should be done, as such a display of force will cover and protect movements which are now being prepared on the southern front of my line. I approve the plan as sent in by you. This movement of the enemy, in preparing fiats and bridges, is to keep themselves in condition to operate on either side of the Tennessee. I have forwarded your dispatch of to-day to Cairo, with a request to Fleet Captain Pennock to send a force up at once to destroy the com. munications. All that we can do is to watch closely every movement and strike if an opening shows itself. I sent you pack-saddles for your mountain expedition if you should chance to find the time to make one. Receive my thanks for the promptitude with which you report. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLBUT. linQEs. FIRST DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY Coups, La Grange, Tenn, April 7, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel BINMORE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Memphis: SIR: I have the honor to inclose to you copies of letters captured in ~ camp, showing some of the schemes resorted to by those permitted to trade at Memphis and other points. I am keeping a black list, upon which all such individuals are registered. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH. [Inclosure No. 1.] RALEIGH, December 4, 186~. Colonel RICHARDSON: DEAR SIR: We have daily application by deserters from the Federal camp at Memphis for paroles, and if we had any authority to do so, we could, through some friends at Memphis, induce hundreds to come to us. There is a great dissatisfaction in their camps, especially with the late levies, and by proper management they could be drawn off in large numbers. They come out, but are afraid to travel far in the country till they are paroled, for designing persons have told them that they would be captured by rebels and put iu the Southern army, and their clothing taken. Two were sent to us on yesterday, who were anxious to be paroled, and we sent them in the direction of your camp. They said there were 50 men in their regiment who would escape if they were not afraid of our men harming them. We told them not to fear. We have an arrangement already in Memphis whereby we can induce many to come to us if we are authorized to parole them. We can procure from them a large number of side-arms at reduced prices, and we will let your men have them at cost. We can have them bring with the Page 177 CHAr. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 177 the best of arms, and thus weaken their stock of arms as well as men. We therefore ask you to authorize J. M. Coleman and myself to parole such as come, and we think we can in this manner contribute largely in reducing the strength of the enemy at Memphis, and also help to arm your regiment. If you approve our suggestion, we wish you to send us blanks printed for us all. Please answer us by the first one who comes from your regiment. We wish our names not known in the matter, because such would subject us to the baser outrages of the Federals, and we can at the same time conduct the matter so it will not be discovered. You can likewise keep the same with yourself, alone. Hoping to hear from you soon, we remain, your friends, W. D. L. STEWART. J. M. COLEMAN. [Inclosnre No. 2.] NEAR SOMERVILLE, TENN., January 29, 1863. Colonel IRICHARDSON: On my way home I sold one of my black horses to Mr. Broadenax, near Belmont. He belongs to Jacksons cavalry, and if Major Buery will show him the other, he will buy him also. 1 have contributed $25 toward buying Mr. Sharpe a horse for the service, and hope it will be all right with you. I shall start to Memphis to.day, and would be off before this, only I found my child very sick. I understand Grant has gone down the river, and that he left some 2,500 troops at Memphis in a disorganized state that he could not make go with him. You shall hear from me as soon as I return. Respectfully, yours, & c., T. G. NEWBILL. [Inclosure No. 3.] FEBRUARY 1, 1863. Colonel RICHARDSON: When I was at your camp I understood you to say that you had or- ders to break up the entire trade with Memphis; consequently I now write to you upon a subject that interests a good many good citizens of this section. Since seeing you, one of Colonel [R. F.) Looneys aides ob- tained from him permission for me to take five loads of cotton to Mem- phis, and Mr. George Hood, by a similar permit, has just returned from taking some down, Now, I wish to [know] if your orders and Colonel Looneys are liable to conflict, or if I would be molested by soldiers belonging to your command, or not. My view about the one article of cotton is this, that most all of the people have sold all their cotton, while others equally as deserving of these privileges have not sold any, and that it would fall heavy on them now to have their cotton destroyed, and that it must be disposed of in one of these ways; that is, to hunt it up and burn it, let the people sell it, or wait till the Yankees come and take it for nothing. I dont think General Pemberton fully understood the situation of the people here or he would not have given such orders. I, myself, never thought of selling a bale of cotton until the Yankees got south of us, and I saw persons making money out of it that cared nothing for the South and gave themselves no trouble to accommodate Southern citizens or soldiers except at large profits. My situation was this: I had lost all my property in Missouri. I have eight children there with my mother, by my first wife, who have been made destitute by the war. I had my wife and one child with me, and but $13 in my pocket, so it is not to be wondered at if I wanted to make something for their support, and while I have been 12 R RVOL Xxiv, rT 11 Page 178 178 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVL taking cotton to market and selling it for both citizens and soldiers, I have been working out contraband articles of every kind for them and letting them go at Memphis prices. I will name some of the articles: Salt, domestics, soldier clothing, dress goods, cavalry boots, saddles, and horses, military buttons, gold lace, revolvers, caps and cartridges, medicines, & c. I have been spoken to how to bring out over a dozen revolvers and cavalry boots, hats, & c., and shall take my wife and several others down with me in d6ing so. Mr. Pierce, Mr. McFadden, Mr. Yancey, and several others belonging to yonr command want me to take their cotton; also several ladies, whose husbands are south, in the army, and they need the money and several other things that they may want me to bring out; butl have nothing to lose, and dont want to get into trouble is the reason I write to you, and also thinking that possibly you and Colonel Looney had decided any points about other things, and being of that opinion, I will make a proposition, and that is this: For every bale of cotton I am per. mitted to take t@ market. I will contribute to you $10 in Tennessee money, for the benefit of ~rour soldiers, to be used as you may think proper, which, after paying $20 per bale for hauling, will not leave a very large margin for profits. At the same time I will ever be ready to serve you or your cause in any way that I can half-way consistent with my safety. I do not make this proposition to induce you to devi- ate from what you may conceive to be your duty, but thinking it might redound to the benefit of all concerned. When I got home from your camp, I found my child sick with croup. Getting out also came very near laying me up, for my constitution has been bad ever since I had congestive chills, in 1852, and I am fearful I have delayed going to Memphis so long that the revolvers and powder I spoke for may be disposed of; but I will learn in a few days. Please write to me by bearer, and, if you think it right and proper, also indorse [inclose ~ 1 me a pass to Memphis for myself and wagons, and I will come and see you upon my return. Respectfully, yours, & c., T. 0-. NEWBILL. N. B.St~rictly confidential. [Inclosuro No. 4.] FEBRUARY 2, 1863. Colonel RIc~L4iwsoN: On my way home I sold one of my black horses to Mr. Broadenax, who bought him for his son, who was a soldier, and, I believe, belongs to Jacksons cavalry. I then gave Mr. Sharpe $25 toward buying him a horse, and wrote you a few lines by him, and inclosed your receipt for the horses. He will be there, possibly, by the time you get this. I hope, as a Southern soldier, ever true, you will be satisfied with what I have done. In regard to bringing out ammunition and pistols, caps, & c., I can only say this: If any Southern man can get them in Mem- phis, I can, and if I can get anything that you or your men want I will do so, and you can have them at cost; but by having several teamsters with me, I will be materially aided in doing so. I fear no damage, ex- cept some Union scoundrels should find out what I am and have been doing, and go to Memphis and inform the Yankees. Everything you say or do with me shall be between us, and I hope to become better acquainted with you. Yours, & c., T. 0-. NEWBILL Page 179 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 179 HEADQUARTERS FIRST DIVISION, La Grange, Tenn., 4pril 7, 1803. Lient. Col. HENRY BINMORE, Asst. Adjt. Gem: COLONEL: Following the example of Major-General Huribut in the matter of removing beyond our lines disloyal families for offenses, I have caused the accompanying letter to Col. W. W. Sanford, command- ing Fourth Brigade, to be written. If it meets with the approval of the general commanding the Sixteenth Army Corps, I will see that the di- rections contained therein shall be promptly executed. I ii~iclose also the letter from Colonel Sanford, which called it forth. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. SOOY SMITH. [Inclosures.] HDQRS. FOURTH BRIG., FIRST DIV., SIXTEENTH A. C., Germantown, T~nn., April 7, 1803. Capt. H. ATKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General: SIR: I have the honor to report that on the night of the 5th instant, a company sent out from Buntyn Station to patrol the road west of that place, discovered some obstruction placed on the railroad in two differ- ent places, composed of cross-ties and rails. They weie sufficient to have thrown a train from the track. They were removed and a vigilant watch kept during the night, but the perpetrators were not discovered nor the object of these obstructions determined. I have caused a patrol of 20 men, under charge of an officer, to be sent out from each station every night, with instructions to patrol the road all night and keep a vigilant watch. I have the honor to be, very truly, your obedient servant, W. W. SANFOIRD, Golonel, Commanding Fourth Brigade. IIDQRS. FIRST DIVISION, SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS La Grange, Tenn., April 7, 1863. Col. W. W. SANFORD, Comdg. Fourth Brigade, Germantown: COLONEL: In answer to your communication of this date, in reference to obstructions having been placed at two (lifferent points on the rail- road on the night of the 5th instant, the general coinmandin g the di- vision directs that you notify the six rebel families who live nearest the scenes of this outrage that they remove south of our lines within ten days, not to returu daring the war. You will see that this order is en- forced. The most undoubted proofs of loyalty will be required when any doubts exist as to the proper subjects of this order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HOFFMAN ATKINSON, Assistant Adjutant- General. CAMP NEAR YICKSBURG, April 8, 1863. Col. JOHN A. IIAWLINS, Asst. Adjt. G~n. to General Grant: SIR: I would most respectfully suggest, for reasons which I will not name, that General Grant call on his corps commanders for their opinions, concise and positive, on the best general plan of campaign. Unless this be done, there are men who will, itt any result fallin Page 180 180 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. LCHAP. XXXVI. below the popular standard, claim that their advice was unheeded, and that fatal consequences resulted therefrom. My own opinions are 1. That the Army of the Tennessee is far in advance of the other grand armies. 2. That a corps from Missouri should forthwith be moved from Saint Louis to the vicinity of Little Rock, Ark., supplies collected while the river is full, and land communication with Memphis opened via Des Arc, on the White, and Madison, on the Saint Francis Rivers. 3. That as much of Yazoo Pass, Coldwater, and Tallahatchee Rivers as can be gained and fortified be held, and the main army be trans- ported thither by land and water; that the road back to Memphis be secured and reopened, and, as soon as the waters subside, Grenada be attacked, and the swamp road across to Helena be patrolled by cavalry. 4. That the line of the Yalabusha be the base frQm which to oper- ate against the points where the Mississippi Central crosses Big Black, above Canton, and,lastly, where the Vicksburg and Jackson Railroad crosses the same river. The capture of Vicksburg would result. 5. That a force be left in this vicinity, not to exceed 10,000 men, with only enough steamboats to float and transport them to any desired points this force to be held always near enough to act with the gun- boats, when the main army is known to be. near Yicksburg, Haynes Bluff, or Yazoo City. 6. I do doubt the capacity of Willow Bayou (which I estimated to be 50 miles long and very tortuous) for a miJitary channel, capable of supporting an army large enough to operate against Jackson, Miss., or Big Black River Bridge; and such a channel will be very valuable to a force coining from the west, which we must expect. Yet this canal will be most useful as the way to convey coal and supplies to a fleet that should navigate the reach between Vicksburg and Red River. 7. The chief reason for operating solely by water was the season of the year and high water in Tallahatchee and Yalabusha. The spring is now here, and soon these streams will be no serious obstacle, save the ambuscades of the forest, and whatever works the enemy may have erected at or- near Grenada. North Mississippi is too valuable to allow them to hold and make crops. I make these suggestions with the request that General Grant simply read them, and simply give them, as I know he will, a share of his thoughts. I would prefer he should not answer them, but merely give them as much or as little weight as they deserve. Whatever plan of action he may adopt will receive from me the same zealous co-operation and energetic support as though conceived by myself. I do not believe General Banks will make any serious attack on Port Hudson this spring. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. CORINTH, April 8, 1863. Major-General HURLEUT: Scouts in to-day from all points south give the arrangements as fol- lows: Generals [W. M.] Inge, with 8,000 mourted men, and [J. R.j Chalmers, with 4,000 infantry, command the eleven northern counties of Mississippi. They are to watch and protect the front, from the Mis- sissippi River to the north of Bear,Creek, on Tuscumbia, to prevent any move south and closely watch us. They consider the attempt t Page 181 CHAP. XXXVI.] OORRESPO~lDENCfl, ETC.UNION. 181 take Yicksburg a failure, and are afraid Grant will undertake a move- ment. Their command is composed of militia, partisan rangers, and the mounted robbers of this State. They are concentrating at four or five different places, viz, Bear Creek, Fulton, Ripley, Pontotoc, Verona, and on the roads leading from Grand Junction and Memphis south. As soon as they are fixed I will need strength at each place. All four of the scouts agree in their reports, and the movements south and east of me corroborate them. G. M. DODGE. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 40. Memphis, Tenn., April 8, 1863. The left wing of the Sixteenth Army Corps will, until further orders, include the Districts of Jackson and Corinth. Maj. Gen Richard J. Oglesby is assigned to its command, and will establish his headquarters at Jackson. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Huribut: HENRY BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 9, 1863. Brig. Gen. GRENVILLE M. DODGE, Comdg. at Corinth: SIR: I am just informed by letter from General Grant that Ellets Marine Brigade has been ordered up the Tennessee, to co-operate with you. You will open communication with him, and place him and his command under your orders. The brigade passed here yesterday morn- ing without reporting, for which I desire you. to reprimand General Ellet. The Autocrat is his headquarters boat. You may expect him off Hamburg about to-morrow night or on the 11th. Grant has sent me a regiment (Ninth Illinois Cavalry), about 560 strong, but with most wretched horses. I shall fit them up as soon as practicable and send them to you. I am still anxiously awaiting horses. I also inclose you copy of telegram just received from Rosecrans,* and my answer.t As soon as you are advised of his approach, push strongly out to meet and support him. With the aid of the Marine Brigade, and such convoy as Rosecrans will bring with his fleet, you need not have any difficulty in clearing out the line of Bear Creek to Tuscum- bia, and should be able to draw supplies from his boats, so as to pre- vent lumbering yourselves with much train. You will telegraph at once as soon as you learn he is coming, and about what time you will start. As I propose to t4irow a strong cavalry force south under cover of your movement, I wish to time the two as. nearly cotemporaneous as possible. You will take command of the movement from Corinth yourself I suppose, leaving Brigadier-General Sxveeny in Corinth, or send Gen- eral Sweeny and hold Corinth yourself. In this particular, as in most others connected with your command, I leave you with a very large discretion, which you have long since earned the right to have reposed in you. There is positively no certain news from below further thau that General Grant has ordered down the regimental and headquarters transportation, which looks as if he expected to be on hard land again. * See Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II, p. 215. I Ibid., p. 223 Page 182 [CHAT?. XXXVL 182 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. The expedition against Yick~burg is not a failure, though it is well to let the enemy think so. In fact, it is my opinion that the right mode of attack has been at last attempted. A. IIURLBUT. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 42. Memphis, Tenn., April 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. C. C. Washburn, United States Yolnnteers, having reported at these headquarters, in pursuance of Special Orders, No. 93, from Headquarters Department of the Tennessee, dated Youngs Point, La., April 3, 1863, is hereby assigned to the command of the cavalry in West Tennessee. By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut: HENRY BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant-General. CORINTH, April 9, 186311 p. m. (Received Memphis, April 9.) Major-General HUREB UT: Scout in from Florence. Left three days ago. Forces about same as heretofore reported, except Colonel 1G. G.] Dibrells is at Waterloo. They have two batteries, one on each side of Salem and near the railroad bridge; each battery two pickets. The batteries are built of pig-iron. Yan Dorn is at Grenada with force of cavalry, and is being re-enforced. Scout says that heavy forces of the enemy have lately changed position over to their left. He also brings same reports as to ferries on Tennes- see. As before stated, quite a large force of rebel cavalry made their appearance yesterday southeast of me, near [Jacinto Cross-v] Roads. They came from south, and are a re-euforcement to the enemy. G. M. DODGE. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp at Brashear City, La., April 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: The secretary of Admiral Farragut, Mr. [E. C.] Gabau- dan, called upon me at Brashear City this morning, and gave me the substance of your dispatch. We have 15,000 men that can be moved with facility. The artillery is strong, the cavalry weak, but we hope to strengthen the cavalry without delay, as oyie of the results of this expedition. We shall move upon the Bayou Teche to-morrow, probably encounter tke enemy at Pattersonville, and hope to move without delay upon iberia, to destroy the salt-works, and then upon Opelousas. This is the limit proposed. We do not intend to hold any portions of this country, as it weake.ns our force, but will at once retain to Baton Rouge to co-op- erate with you against Port Hudson. I can be there easily by May 10. There are now 4,500 infantry at Baton Rouge, with three regiments of colored troops and two companies of cavalry, three batteries of artil- lery, with several heavy guns in position, and live gunboats and six mortars. The land force is under command of Major-General Augur; the fleet nuder Captain Alden, of the Richmond. We shall endeavor to establish communication with Admiral Farina Page 183 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 1~3 gut near Bayou Sara, but the opening of the levee opposite Port Hud- son may make it impossible. If so, we will communicate with you freely, by the way of New York, as to our progress. I shall be very glad if you will communicate with us in the same manner. To avoid delays by mail, I will send my dispatches by an officer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, April 10, 1863. Brig. Gen. 1. F. QUINBY, Commanding Dirision: GENERAL: My instructions from Major-General Grant, commanding department, of date March 28, are as follows: Send Quinbys and [J. E.] Smiths divisions directly forward, the former to Lake Providence and the latter to this point. Let there be no delay. In obedience to these instructions, you will proceed forthwith to Lake Providence with your command, and report to the commanding general at that point. There must be no delay in this movement. You will use the transports you now have, as far as necessary, reporting the surplus ones, if any, to Capt. R. B. Hatch, chief quartermaster at Helena. I am, general, very truly, your obedient servant, B. M. PHENTISS. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, fifenn., April 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS, Helena, Ark.: GENERAL: Chalmers lies below me some 35 or 40 miles, with a force whose strength I cannot I)recisely make out. He has some infantry, about 900 cavalry, and certainly one battery. His headquarters were atPanola;~are now said to be at Senatobia. I think a good brigade of infantry, with two batteries and enough cavalry for feelers, thrown in from Austin to Panola or Senatobia, would catch him, and I recommend the movement. I receive no intelligence from yourself or Grant of movements below me, and cannot act in conjunction for that reason. I can send a brigade with artflllery and 500 cavalry from this point, but they will escape any direct movement I can make. I consider it important they should be broken up by an attack in the rear, and will co-operate from this point. There is any quantity of for- age around Panola and Senatobia. If you can do this without preju- dice to the general cause, let me know. Wednesday or Thursday of next week will suit with my other combinations. Inform me of what is going on. Your obedient servant, S. A. HUTtLBUT. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS, Helena, Ark.: A very intelligent boy has just come np to me from Grenada, through Panola. Chalmers now has only about 1,800 men and one battery. Most of his men are mounted. He is fortifying Panola, and carrying off to Yockeney, 15 miles, all the provisions and forage he can get, t Page 184 184 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. ICHAP. XXXVI. go below to Vicksburg. Ammunition comes to him. In three or four days cars will run to Panola. I strongly recommend a movement across the country, if the country. is practicable. He has his battery and about 300 men at Panola, about 1,000 on Coidwater, the balance above in squads between Memphis and the Coldwater. A movement of this kind, I suggest, will do good in catting them off from supplies. Chalmers expects re-enforcements as soon as our force leaves the Yazoo, and undoubtedly will have them; so that, if the movement is made, it should be made at once. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIUIRLBUT. HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIYJSJcrN, Memphis, April 10, 1863. Major-General PRENTIsS, Comdg. Dist. of Eastern Arkansas: DEAR GENERAL: General llurlbut will order an expedition to move down from here toward Panola in a few days. I have said to him that I had not any doubt but you would co-operate in aLiy move fi~om here. We are weak in cavalry, in this, that it is scattered over a wide extent of country, and is greatly reduced for want of horses, & c. We have not over 1,000 here that would be available for a move to Panola. I have said to General llurlbut that you would lend us, I had no doubt, about 1,000 cavalry for such a move, either by sending them here to join the column moving from here or by landing them at Austin and forming a junction with us at Senatobia, south of the Coldwater. Gen- eral Chalmers has 1,500 men (mounted) at Coldwater Station and a small force at Panola. I am satisfied that it is the intention of the secesh to reoccupy the line of the Tallahatchee, to prevent any land movement from here to Vicksburg. 1 have just had before me two very intelligent boys, who left Yicksburg about ten days ago. They came to Grenada by rail, and stopped there one week; they then came on by rail as far as Yoek- eney Station, on the Mississippi and Tennessee Railroad, and walked from there here, via Panola. One of them has been engaged for four or five months selling newspapers in the secesh army at Yicksburg, and is well posted. They say that at Panola they were fortifying, and as soon as our gunboats left the Tallahatch~ they expected a large force at Panola. In my judgment, we ought to take possession of Panola without delay. If we can do so, the railroad from here there can be put in running order in ten days. Now, will you not, on receipt of this, send a small cavalry force, say 100, up to Austin, and reconnoiter the road from there toward Senatobia, as far as llutson~s Bridge, across the Coidwater, 15 miles back of Austin ~? If found passable, you will then be able to send a force, both of cavalry and infantry, out to join us when you hear that we are to move from here. I think there should be sent an iron-clad and some infantry on transports through the pass up to Panola at the same time we go from here, so as to cut off the retreat of Chalmers; also to assist us in crossing the Tallahatchee at Panola, and enable us to push below there if desirable. If you send a party to reconnoiter out to llutsons Bri~1ge, and find the road passable, please let me know; also let me know if you will lend us a little hell) here if we want it. In case you cannot get across via Austin, we, of course, will send your men back as soon as the move is accomplished. I am, general, your obedient servant, C. C. WASHBURN Page 185 CRAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 185 flEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., April 10, 18~3. Brig. Gen. W. S. SMITH, La Grange, Tenn.: The time for our projected cavalry movement is rapidly approaching. General Dodge, in connection with General Rosecrans, is about to move on Tuscumbia. After taking that place, liosecrans cavalry will move rapidly to break the Georgia Central Railroad, under cover of my in- fantry brigade at Tuscumbia, and the Marine Brigade, of Ellet, now on their way to report to Dodge. As soon as this movement is inaugurated, and the attention of the enemy drawn to that part of our line, your three regiments of cavalry will strike out by the way of Poutotoc, breaking off right and left, cut- ting both roads, destroying the wires, burning provisions, and doing all the mischief they can, while one regiment ranges straight down to Selma or Meridian, breaking the east and west road thoroughly, and sweeping back by Alabama. iRosecrans cavalry will return through North Alabama, and thus cut the road from Corinth a second time. My present advices from Rosecrans are that about Wednesday of next week it will be necessary for Dodge to move. I shall, therefore, expect your cavalry to be got into the best order possible, both by grooming and care and by rest and feed. Let no exertion be spared in this matter. I hope to have horses; if not, and there are supplies of horses in Griersons regiment or Princes, have them appraised and bought in for the United States, and turned over to the Second Iowa. Let no horses be sold or sent out of the command. I shall send the Seventh Kansas on Sunday to Corinth. I have now 100 horses for them, and want 60 more. I have telegraphed for Grierson to return at once, and expect him before Wednesday. Let the horses be all carefully shod. Final instructions as to the course, & c., will reach you in time. As this, if accomplished, will be a great thing, I am specially de- sirous that nothing interfere with the proper execution so far as the means in our power will admit. The corresponding movements from this place and Germantown will be directed by myself. Chalmers has only about 1,800 n~en and one battery; no infantry. They are at Panola and Coldwater, near Senatobia. I have requested Prentiss to throw a force in his rear from Helena. Hope he will do it. Your obedient servant, S. A. HUIILBUT. FLAG-SHIP AUTOCRAT, Off Cairo, April 10, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON: SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the ram Switzerland passed the Warrenton batteries on the night of the 30th [25th] of March, and joined Admiral Farragut below. She was thoroughly repaired and in good condition. The Lancaster was the poorest boat in the rain fleet, and was very rotten. I trust that it will not be regarded as a reckless adventure sending these boats past the Yicksburg batteries, when it is remembered that they were the best that I could command, and the great importance to the country if the passage was successfully ma(le be considered. The force nuder Admiral Farragut, in my judgment, was very inadequate for the duty he had to perform, and I feel satisfied of my success in getting one boat through to his support. The Switzerland is now commanded by Licut. Col. John A. Ellet, and I shall confidentl Page 186 186 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. expect to hear a good account from her should she meet the enemy. I am ordered up Tennessee River with my entire command. Will pro- ceed immediately npon taking in some supplies. ALFRED W. ELLET. FLAG-SHIP BLACK HAWK, Yazoo River, April 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, & c., Millikens Bend: I have received a communication from the Department which will compel me to go below the batteries with the fleet sooner than I antici- pated. I Would like to know if the transports will be ready to go with me, and how many. I would also urge the importance of throwing as many troops as possible without delay into Grand Gulf, that we may capture the guns there, and not let them mount them somewhere else. I can take the troops all in the , at Carthage, and be upon the rebels at Grand Gulf before they know it, shell them out and troops land and take possession. let the Very truly, DAVID D. PORTER. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Millilcens Bend, La., April 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have availed myself of all means within my power to forward ammunition to Carthage. Would it not be advisable for you to send an additional supply by the first safe opportunity l One brigade of General Carrs division went forward to-day as a de- tail to work on the road between here and Richmond. This division, as quickly as it can be made available, will relieve the detachments from General ~ division, stationed between Richmond and Smiths, so as to enable the latter to embark as soon as practicable after the transports reach Smiths. A deficiency of wagons for the transportation of ammunition, & c -, may cause some delay. If I find I can obviate this impediment by the use of boats on the Roundaway Bayou, I will do so. I think it important that the supporting division should have suffi- cient time to put itself in readiness immediately to follow the advance division. The two field batteries with the advance division are scarcely sufficient to meet all contingencies. May I not order forward the siege train, if I find I can send it through without delay ~? Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MoCLERNAND. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. FRED. STEELE, Comdg. Eleventh Div., Army of Tennessee: Remain with your division at Greenville, for further orders. It is a better place for your troops than your old camp, and to some extent may serve to keep the enemy from getting provisions from the Deer Creek country. Rebellion has assnmed that shape now that it can only terminate by the complete subjngation of the Sonth or the overthro Page 187 CHAP. XXXVI.] 187 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. of the Government. It is our duty, therefore, to use every means to weaken tlie enemy, by destroying their means of subsistence, withdraw- ing their means of cultivating their fields, and in every other way pos- sible. All the negroes you have you will provide for where they are, issu- ing to them necessary rations until other disposition is made of them. You will also encourage all negroes, particularly middle-aged males, to come within our lines. General L. Thomas is now here, with authority to make ample pro. vision for the negro. I will direct Colonel [Robert] Macfeely to make arrangements for sending your rations. Whilst at Greenville, destroy or bring off all the corn and beef-cattle you possibly can. The 150 bales of cotton you speak of may be brought in, and 100 additional bales if they can be taken either [from] neighbors to the Donglas plantation or persons holding office under the Confederate Government. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS, Helena, Ark., April 11, 1863. Major.General HURLEUT, Memphis: GENERAL: Your letter was received this morning. I am this day sending to General Grant nine regiments of infantry, four batteries of artillery, and one company of cavalry, which will reduce my force at this point so materially that I fear I cannot furnish the force to co-operate with your intended movement, but will write you more fully to-morrow. Rest assured, if I can, I will; it is my desire now to accommodate you. I received a communication from General Washburn, requesting me to send a party out from Austin; also suggesting the propriety of send- ing a gunboat to vicinity of Panola. The gunboats have gone below. I will either furnish you a regiment of cavalry and forward it to Mem- phis, or send the party out from Austin. General, if I send the cav- alry to you, I do it with the understanding they are to be returned. I will write to you to-morrow. Respectfully, B. M. PRENTISS. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 12, 1863. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: General Grant has constructed a road to Carthage, half a mile of which has got to be raised 10 inches. He intends cutting the levee, which will open a water communication nearly parallel to the road, the shallowest place 7 feet, but this can be dredged ~f necessary. When the riyer falls 2 feet, he can cut with safety to the road, the road being necessary for the passage of artillery and troops. One division is at Carthage and another on its way there. About three nights hence Admiral Porter will run the Yicksburg batteries with such of his fleet as he desires to take below. General Grant will send four steamers, with machinery protected by hay-bales and sand-bags, when ready. The batteries below Yicksburg will be taken in conj unction with Gen- eral Banks. This army is in very fine condition, unusually healthy, and in good heart. L. THOMAS, Adjutant- General Page 188 188 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXKVL HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Smiths Plantation, April 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, (Jonzdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I am at this place, 2 miles from Carthage. It is reported that the enemy have a force of some 1,200 or 1,500 men, including a battery of four 6-pounder and two 12-pounder guns, at the lower end of Saint Joseph Lake. By reference to the map of Mississippi, you will see that there is a road leading from Grand Gulf to Warrenton, which crosses the Big Black a short distance above its mouth, and another leading back by Willow Springs to Warrenton, which crosses Big Black higher up. Whether my forces should ascend the Big Black and disembark at the crossing of the first or second of the roads mentioned, or on the Missis- sippi shore near Grand Gulf is a question upon which I am not advised, As I have none but imperfect maps, please furnish me with a complete one, with all other information you can afford; also a guide, if you can. A messenger will be found at my headquarters at the Bend to bring anything you may wish to send. I will order the sIege pieces forward with your permission. General Benton, to whose brigade they are attached, says he can bring them. Small craft are to-day bringing commissary stores from Richmond to this place. As soon as they return, they will haul ammunition. On my way here I found a number of excellent flats partially constructed. They will be launched as soon as finished. I have ordered the Ninth and Fourteenth Divisions of my corps to bold themselves in readiness for concentration here, preparatory to embarkation. As my means ot supplying my forces with ammunition and other requisite stores are limited, and not altogether reliable, I must trust to you to assist me. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MoCLEIlNAND. P. S.I may find it useful to returu to Richmond and the Bend to- morrow. MILLIKENS BEr~n, LA., April 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Corndg. Thirteenth Army Corps: I was anxious to have seen you and had a conversation upon present movements before your leaving, if I could have done so. I will, how- ever, probably go over to New Carthage before you get away. On Tuesday or Wednesday night, Admiral Porter will run the Vicks- burg batteries, and I will send, at the same time, four steamers an(l all the, barges then ready, probably twelve. If these all get through safely, you will have 300.000 rations aboard, and transportation, by close packing, for tWo batteries and from 6,000 to 8,000 men. It is de- sirable that you should take all the men possible, with the transpor- tation at your hands, on the start. It is my desire that you should get possession of Grand Gulf at the earliest practicable moment. Concentrate your entire corps there with all rapidity, and, as soon as transportation can be got through for them, move down the river to Bayou Sara. From there you can operate on the rear of Port Hudson, in conjunction with Banks from Baton Rouge. I will write to General Banks, to be sent down by the guiiboats, inform- ing him of present plans, and timing our movements as near as pos- sible Page 189 CHAr. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 189 It is expected that General Banks will garrison Port Hudson with a few troops, and, with the remainder of his effective force, come up to co-operate in the reductiou of Yicksburg. This will give us increased facilities for moving troops from New Carthage to Grand Gulf. I wanted particularly to see you about the facilities for getting troops from Smiths plantation to New Carthage and the chances for embark- ing them; also to consult upon the probable effects of letting the water into the canal, upon the levees between Richmond and Carthage. The water will be let in on Monday or Tuesday. You will want to have your men guard against all contingencies. As water is now flow- ing through the same channels, in great volume, from various erevasses, comifiencing just below the canal, I cannot see that this new cut is going to have much effect. We must be prepared for the effect, how. ever, whatever it may be. I have been more troubled to know how to supply you with ammunition, until water communication is established, than on any other subject. If roads hold good, there will be no diffi- culty, but, without them, there will be. It is not safe to send by the river, as we do coal. U. S. GRANT. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: The enemy are now running the railroad from Decatur to Tuscumbia, carrying off supplies to Johnstons [Braggs ~] army. Dodge informs me that he expects Rosecrans force to show itself on the Tennessee about Wednesday next. I have ordered the Seventh Kansas to move to-morrow to Corinth, supplying their place at Germantown with the Ninth Illinois. This will give Dodge the two most effective regiments of cavalry that I can furnish him (the Tenth Missouri and Seventh Kansas), and place the whole under command of Cornyn. It is reported that pontoon bridges are in construction above Florence, and that the enemys left in Middle Tennessee is heavily re-enforced with a strong massing of troops near Harpeth Shoals. This may hin- (1cr or delay Rosecrans movement, in combination with which Dodge is to move; but whenever this movement does take place, which I think will be this week, the dash below will be attempted. The withdrawal of the Yazoo Pass expedition will leave a force which I think will be used to re-enforce Chalmers at Panola, iT they really in- tend to move up. I am in doubt about this, but the balance of myjudg- ment is that Chalmers is merely a cover for obtaining supplies. I have delayed starting in the actual construction of the Memphis and Charleston Railroad until the front is thoroughly cleared; mean- while am accumulating materials and supplies for the work at La Grange. Lawler has come in from a ride with the Eighteenth Illinois, and reports 1 lieutenant-colonel, 2 captains, 3 lieutenants, and 38 privates prisoners. I regret to lose the Fifteenth Regulars from the fort, but must supply their place as best I can. There is no news of any special import about this point, and all is quiet along the south front of the line. It is currently believed below that the attack on Yicksburg will be abandoned. A man from Port Hudson reports to me that they are preparing boat Page 190 190 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. ~CuIAP. XXXVI. on 1~ed mver to carry the Hartford by boarding, acknowledging that it will be a heavy loss of life, but determined to do it. Your obedient servant, S. A. TIURLBUT. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. B. N. PRENTISS, Gommanding at Helena, Ark.: GENERAL: General Washburn acted unadvisedly in asking for tem- porary use of cavalry from your command. I do not wish a regiment sent here at present, but, if it can be done, I do very much wish that the movement on the flank of Panola could be made. They are drawing supplies heavily from the country between the railroad and the Mississippi for Yicksburg. I think I shall move on Wednesday or Thursday along my entire line to clear the country, and perhaps reach far down. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARJ~Y CORPS, ]lilillikens Bend, La., April 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I think the contemplated expedition ought not to take less than 300 rounds of ammunition per man, which would give a total of 6,000,000 rounds for a force of 20,000 men. Deducting from this sum 60 rounds per man, to be carried by the soldier, the balance would be 4,800,000 rounds. To transport this amount of ammunition 35 miles by land, from here to Carthage, would require three days in the present miry state of the roads, and 300 wagons. Not having more than 150 wagons that can be made available, it would require eight days to transport it, includ- ing two for one return trip. To transport 300 rounds per gun for ten six-gun batteries of different caliber, would require three days and at least 90 wagons, making in all for the transportation of both in- fantry and artillery ammunitiou thirteen days, including four days for two return trips. To obviate this delay and to hasten the important movement in view, I would earnestly recommend that the estimated supply of am- munition for all arms be sent down in one or more gunboats. If the gunboats cannot be made available, then I would recommend that a transport be laden with ammunition and sent down. To avoid acci- dent, I would place two barges filled with wetted baled cotton, so as to shield the bow on the exposed side and the stern of the transports; and if, notwithstanding this precaution, the cotton should be ignited by the fire of the enemy, the transport might be cut loose, and thus enabled to escape destruction. Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND. P. 5.I would inquire whether some of the transports intended to run the blockade might not be used to carry camp and garrison equi- page, and thus further relieve the land movement across to Carthage, over the worst possible road since the recent rains~ of incumbrances and delays Page 191 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 191 MEMPHIS, TENN., April 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I send you the following dispatch, just received: MURFREESBOROUGH, ApriL 11, 1863. My expedition leaves Nashville to-day by river. It will probably reach Hamburg six days hence. Dodge should move as soon as your orders can reach him. Shoultt communicate with my force by messenger at Hamburg, so that each may know the whereabouts of the other. My force will probably land at Eastport. W. S. ROSECRANS. General Dodge will move on Wednesday, as agreed. I am, general, your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLBUT. JACKSON, April 13, 1863. Lieutenant.Colonel BINMORE. Assistant Adjutant- General: The following dispatch has just been received from Brigadier.General Dodge: CORINTH. Two scouts are in from the south, one from Meridian and the other from Yicksbnrg. Pembertons command is now stretched from Grand Gulf to Greenwood, with one brigade at Big Black. Two steamboats also lie at Big Black Bridge, at Jackson, one right above Jackson. For 15 miles toward Grenada, two Indian regiments; at Gre- nada lot of militia. Line of Yazoo is heavily guarded, and very strongly intreuched. They are living from hand to mouth, all their provisions being locked up in Red River. Along line of railroad great efforts are being made to collect grain and bacon, and they run one or two cars per day from each station. It was said 8,000 men were going from Yicksburg to Johnston; 3,000 went from Meridian. Five trains of empty cars toward Yicksburg the day the scouts left there. They have great fears of a movement by land. Should any troops leave Vicksburg, I shall know it. At Columbus, four or five regiments. A command from Florida, under Colonel Finney, came to Okolona three days ago, about 400 strong; also a regiment to Cotton Gin. All the militia of the State is being concentrated along our front. The rest of the forces are about as I wrote. I send the Vicksburg man to General Grant, he having been sent on his order. The steamers at Yicksburg are mostly on Yazoo and Mississippi Rivers. Front~ very firm; in rear they do not fear attack from that direction, but do fear cutting off their supplies by movement by way of Grenada or Corinth. There is no doubt hut that all their supplies come now from Mississippi, and they are getting scarce. R. J. OGLESBY. HELENA, ARK., April 13, 1863. Maj. 0-en. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, Comdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I am in receipt of your communication of the 10th, and regret the impossibility of a combined movement into Mississippi. The bottoms are now all overflowed, and they extend so far back from the river that no movement is practicable from Austin or any other point on the Mississippi. Our forces have now all left the Yazoo Pass, and there are no iron-clads or gunboats here, so that no movement is practicable from any point on the Pass or the Coldwater. Under these circumstances, therefore, I cannot offer you my co-operation in your proposed move- ment. I am very anxious to aid you ill any manner possible, and I cheerfully tender you 500 cavalry, to be used by you from Memphis in case you make the movement. 1 cannot spare a greater number, as my force is now considerably reduced by the details already made from this district to Memphis and other points, and the exigencies of the service here require constant cavalry service. I have no transports here, hay. ing sent all that could be found to transport Hoveys and Quinby Page 192 192 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. divisions down the river. If you will send a boat for them, I will send you 500 cavalry at any time, to be returned to this point after your movement is accomplished. Trusting your plans may prove successful, I remain, very truly, your obedient servant, B. M. PRENTISS. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKs: (Received May 5.) I am concentrating my forces at Grand Gulf. Will send an army corps to Bayou Sara by the 25th, to co-operate with you on Port Hud- son. Can you aid me and send troops, after the rednction of Port Hudson, to assist at Yicksburg ~? U. S. GRANT. JACKSoN, April 14, 1863. Major-General HURLEUT: The following dispatch has juist been received from Brigadier-General iDodge: CORINTH, April 17 [fl, 1863. Captain [George E.] Spencer, my assistant adintant-general, has just returned from Tnscumbia; sneceeded in getting through all the enemys camps and obtaining valuable information. The forces are posted as follows: Colonel Dibrell, 900 men, at Tuscumbia Landing; Colonel [Josiah] Patterson, 1,000, at Florence; Colonel [M. XV.] Hannon, 1,800, at Tuscumbia; Colonel Roddeys old regiment, 800, at Tuscumbia Landing; Baxter Smith, 350, 10 miles this side; Colonel Hampton [1], 300, at same place; [W. H.] Julian, 300, at Greys, 6 miles this side, and Smith, 100, at Big Bear. The above all cavalry. Between Courtland and Tuscumbia, one brigade of infantry, under Colonel Wood, as follows: Colonel [A. H.] Helvenston, 400; Colonel [J. B.] Bibb, 500; Colonel [W. B.] Wood, Sixteenth Alabama, 400. The last brigade and one brigade of cavalry, under General Hoddey, arrived at Tuscunibia last week. This more than doubles their force. They have also five pieces of artillery at Florence and six pieces at Tuscumbia. Please forward this immediately to General Hurlbut, as it may change his move- ments. It is reliable, Captain Spencer having been sent there to ascertain the facts. H. J. OGLESBY. CORiNTH, April 14, 1863. Major-General OGLESBY, Jackson: The enemy attacked Glendale this morning at daylight. So far we are driving them. I am re-enforcing strong]y. This may delay my other movement. We have lost several men. G. 31. DODGE. CORINTh, April 14, 1863. Major-General IIURLBUT: I have not heard from Ellet. I have been fighting at Glendale and have cleaned them out. They made a bold dash after a nights march, hoping to catch me asleep, but we met them half way. Our loss so far is small. They did not stand long after they found I was ready. The enemy showed themselves all along Tennessee River last night and this morning. I shall move in the morning. G. M. DODGE Page 193 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 193 HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Teun., April 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I lilciose you the copies of dispatches received from Corinth, La Grange, and Murfreesborough. It would seem as if the enemy had got notice of Uosecrans intended movement on the Tennessee. I have ordered Dodge to take 5,000 men, with two batteries, from District of Corinth, open communications at Hamburg with Iltosecrans, and as soon as their mutual whereabouts are known, to move rapidly on Tuscumbia, cutting by cavalry, if possible, the railroad from Decatur to Tuscumbia. This will take place on Wednesday or Thursday if Bose- crans succeeds in getting up the river. The Marine Brigade has not reported yet. If Ellet has gone up the Tennessee, as directed, he will be in time to co-operate. If not, he should be cashiered for running by me without reporting. His assistance would be invaluable at this time, provided his command is of any use at all, which I do not know. If iRosecrans moves with convoy, he can break through. If not, I doubt his getting down the Cumberland and up the Tennessee. Under cover of this movement, I shall sweep down with cavalry, and expect no difficulty in getting to Meridian. I am still horribly crippled for want of horses, by the gross neglect of quartermasters in Saint Louis. I have only received 200, with which I have mounted the Seventh Kansas, and sent them to Dodge. No further news of moment. Your obedient servant, S. A. HUIRLBUT. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 14 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD J. OGLESBY, Jackson, Tenn.: The movement of Dodge should be made in connection with Bose- crans. If Dodge can unite with the force from Nashville with 5,000 men, he will be strong enough. If not, I do not wish him to undertake it. It is a combined movement to aid Bosecrans. Van Dorn was badly whipped by Granger on the 10th. Most of this force near Tuscumbia is cavalry, and ought to be beaten by infantry with good batteries. If Bosecrans does not come up to Eastport, it will be only a recon- naissance in force, to be converted into a real attack, if certain of success. Ellets boats ought to have been up before this; they were ordered to Hamburg. S. A. HUIRLBUT. JACKSON, April 14,1863. Major-General HURLnUT: Your dispatch received. Have given Dodge the proper orders, as you directed. Have directed him to hold forces ready at Bethel to support garrison at Corinth, and will give same orders here. Lawler has not yet returned from Somerville; look for him to-day. I will go to Corinth to-morrow, if well enough. Think there are not less than 8,000 of the enemy from Bear Creek to TuscumUin, on Decatur railroad, now open to Tuscumbia. B. J. OGLESBY 13 R RYOL XXIV, PT II Page 194 194 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVL MEMPHIS, TE~4N., April 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. ItICHARD J. OGLESBY, Jack8on, Tenn.: liosecrans expedition left Nashville on 11th April, by river; should be off Hamburg to-morrow. Will land at Eastport. Enemy are reported 6,000 strong at Tuscumbia, with eleven pieces of artillery. Dodge must take 5,000 men, a~iid move on Wednesday or Thursday. The Seventh Kansas is on its way to Corinth, by State Line road; should leave La Grange to. day. If they do not come up in time, let Dodge leave orders for them. iRosecrans force will be 1,700. If possible, let Dodge cut the road between Decatur and Tuscumbia. The movement of Dodge will be a protection to Corinth, and the gar- rison may be well reduced, you holding force at Bethel and Jackson, ready to support, if necessary. There is no danger from below. Dodge should take at least two good field batteries. S. A. HUJILBUT. JACKSON, TENN., April 14, 1863. Brig. Gen. GItENVILLE M. DODGE, Commanding Corinth, Miss.: From your letter of the 12th instant, and subsequent dispatches to this moment, I am satisfied you have on your left, along Bear Creek to Tuscumbia, an active force of not less than 6,000 to 8,000 of the enemy, within convenient distance of strong supports. The demonstration on the Tennessee River this morning goes still further to show they have reliable strength. I am unacquainted with the nature of the orders you have heretofore received from Major-General llurlbut as to the movement against this force, nor shall I say anything to influence your movement. Of course, you will go with a strong force, if you attempt to cross Bear River. If it becomes necessary, I can send from here a supporting force. To avoid all accidents, it would be ~vell to inform me when you start and the nature of your forces. Most respectfully, yours, R. J. OGLESBY. MILLIKENS BBND, LA., April 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. iXICOLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps: Admiral Porter informs me that he can take in each of his vessels about 250 infantry. This will enable you to take about one division in addition to what the transportation sent around will take. There has been great delay and neglect in the quartermasters department in get. ting ready the barges, and the reports of progress I have received I find on a personal inspection have not been realized. There are not more than five barges ready to carry artillery on. In addition to these, you will have about three suitable for transporting infantry. In loading troops on barges to be towed by steamers, great caution should be infused into the men to keep cool, and to avoid getting too munch on one side, or, iii other words, to keep the barges trimmed. It may possibly be that these vessels will not run the blockade to-night. If they do not7 they will go to-morrow night, certain. U. S. GRANT Page 195 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 195 LAKE PROViDENCE, April 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Comdg. Third Division: GENERAL: You will embark your Command on boats as fast as they arrive, and send them to Millikens Bend by brigades. I think there will be boats enongh up to-night and to-morrow morning to take two of yonr brigades, and possibly your whole (livision. I shall go down with t.he first brigade. Send down word what time your first brigade will be ready to start. Very respectfully, JAS. B. McPHERSON. NEAR HELENA, ARK., April 15, 1863. Major-General PRENTISS, Comdy. Dist. Eastern Arkansas: GENERAL: Just as the Yazoo eXl)Cdition was about to return to the Mississippi from its position before Fort Pemberton, I issued an order, a copy of which I have the honor to inclose, in reference to the cotton thereon, or which should be put on the transports on their way back. As the boats transporting General Ross division reached Helena some twenty-four hours in advance of the others, the cotton was taken from them before my division quartermaster could comply with the order in respect to them. To this I can urge no special objection, as most of these boats were immediately needed for transportation of troops down the river, but I do claim and demand, as due to myself and all the offi- cers engaged in the expedition, an accurate and detailed report of the total number of bales taken from these boats, the number of bales found on each, and of the final disposition made of this cotton, and how much, if any, was turned over to private claimants. I sent a written order several days since to Major Hatch, quarter- master, directing him to furnish such report to these headquarters, with which, up to this time, he has failed to comply. One instance of a gross attempt to defraud the Government came to my knowledge while I was in command of the expedition, in which at least one officer of the army and two more (citizens) were implicated. General Ross, doubtless, has reported the facts to you. I will merely say that in tur- pitude it surpasses any of which I have heard connected with the ne- farious speculation in cotton. I demand that the parties to this trans- action, who have been turned over to you, but whom I intend to be sent forward to Major-General Grant, be visited with the severest pun. ishment the law and the enormity of their crime will warrant. I am, general, very respectfully, & c., I. F. QUINBY. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Department of the Tennessee, ]llillikens Bend, La.: GENERAL: The enemy have been re-enforced at Tuscumbia and its neighborhood, and line the east bank of the Tennessee from Savannah up. They are about 5,600 strong, principally cavalry, with eleven pieces of artillery. Captain Spencer, assistant adjutant-general for General Dodge, has been to Tuscumbia, and returned with full information, for which act he deserves great credit. * Not found Page 196 196 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Nothing has yet been heard of iLlosecrans expedition, or from Ellet. Dodge moves to-morrow with 5,000 men and good artillery, with inst rue tions to proceed to Juka, and await liosecrans arriving at Eastport; if hosecrans fails to get up, to make a reconnaissance in force, to be C)!1 verted into a heavy attack, if it looks feasible. Oglesby is ordered ta support him with 2,000 men from Jackson, and local garrisons, if re- quired. They are not to assume any serious risk unless to carry oiit Itosecrans movement. I feel the most abundant confidence in Dodge, and have no doubts of the result. On Friday or Saturday the cavalry from La Grange will move, and shall throw by railroad to Holly Springs, or below there, three regi- Idents of infantry and a battery, to march rapidly thence to Panda, getting in rear of Chalmers, if possible. He is now on Coidwater. In twelve hours after this expedition gets off, I shall move two of niy old regiments and a battery, with cavalry, from this place to Cold- water, to attack in front on Chalmers position, and hope to be able by lard marching to catch his battery. Glendale, east of Corinth, was attacked yesterday, but the enemy were repelled and heavily pr~rsued. S. A. HURLBUT. JACKSON, TENN., April 15, 1863. Major-General HURLEUT, Memphis: Dispatches from Dod~e at Glendale; has seen nothing of Marine Brigade; has scouts on the river watching for it; his advance will be at Bear Creek; to-night he will be at Burnsville. R. J. OGLESBY. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 15, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. S. SMITH, La Grange, Tenn.: GENERAL: 1)odge moved forward to-day from Corinth. His advance is now, this evening, at Bear Creek. General Webster will have transportation for 1,500 men and a battery at La Grange, to take your expedition on Friday morning at daylight. ~ou will run down as fir as you can before night, for I think you will be delayed repairing the railroad, and let the train run back to La Grange. The men should be picked, and should carry three days ra- tions, and be instructed to make five of it. As soon as you strike the most direct route to Panola, move steadily and rapidly down, using all possible effort to get to the rear of Senatobia and Coldwater Station, but not breaking the men down by a march. I shall move two infantry regiments) say 1,300 men, one battery, and two battalions of cavalry directly down from here, starting on Saturday morning at daylight, and pushing for a junction with you, attack in_ and driving back whatever may be in the way. II trust between us we may pick up Chalmers battery, if nothing else. If you are short of provisions, or require transportation, impress it from the country. You can hardly go amiss. You can return on either side of the Coidwater to La Grange, or move np to any point on the railroad. So much for this movement. Now for the cavalry expedition. I wish them to start sharply at or before dayli~ht on Friday morning, moving by the best route for Pontotoc. There can be nothing in thei Page 197 ChAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 197 way. There is a small force at Abbeville, but they need not pay any attention to them. Rapidity is the necessity of this special duty. Ar- rived there, the roads fork from Pontotoc. One regiment, the weaker of the two flanks, should swing to the right upon the railroad near Oxford, cut the wires, if any, cross the Tallahatchee, and move up on your track to overhaul and report to you. The other will strike the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, destroy , & c., and use up as much of the track as they can, and do it thoroughly; break up all provision depots they can find, burn tanks, and do all the damage possible; gather all the horses they can manage, and return by the best route they can select to Li Grange. The strongest and best mounted command will proceed with all pos- sible speed, making direct for the Jackson and Meridian road, and break it up, either at the Chunky Bridge or soirie other stream, catting wires and destroying track in every direction, as far as they can reach. It is not impossible that they may be able to strike Jackson or Co- lumbus. If Pearl River is fordable near Canton, an effort must be made upon the rolling stock there, and depots and shops. They are lightly guarded. In all these cases they and their horses must live on the country, and horses, of course, will be taken wherever advantageous. They should start with oats in the nosebags, and with four days l)ro- visions, cautioned when they set out to make them last. If Grierson does not arrive in time, Hatch, who is ranking officer in fact, will take command. The force sent down on the long dash will be selected without refer- ence to regiments, unless Grierson returns, when he had best take his own. Explain to the officers that as much credit and usefulness belongs to tuose who take the flank as the others. I do not know anything further to suggest. The details must be left discretionary. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLEUT. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH An~n~ CORPS, In the Field, near New Carthage, April 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Conmdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I am concentrating all my corps (except one regiment, to be left temporarily at Richmond) between Holmes plantation and New Carthage, 6 miles. I will forward the regiment to be left at Richmond as soon as you can relieve it by ordering forward other troops. The cavalry I have charged with patrolling the levee between here and Rich- mond. A detachment of 300 or 400 of the enemy, ferrying and wading bayous, .made a dash at the levee and our lines, 3 miles from here, yesterday morning, but were driven back in hasty flight, with the loss of 2 men captured, and, perhaps, others wounded. I would emphasize the opinion, previously conununicated, of the un- portance of your ordering other troops forward immediately to hold the line from here to Richmond and the Bend. Two of General Osterhaus regiments are already transferred to the Mississippi levee at Carthage. The balance of his division will follow to the same place as rapidly as smill craft (in the absence of the expected transports) will permit. No gunboats here yet. JOHN A. MOCLEIINAND Page 198 198 MISSISSIPPI, WESI TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. MfLLIKENS BEND, LA., April 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, (Jomdg. Thirteenth Army Gorps: In leaving here, you left 1,000 men, sick and straggling, without any l)rovi5iofl either of tents or medical attendance. Great difficulty has been experienced in providing for them. U. S. GIIANT. JACKSON, April 16, 1803. Lieutenant-Colonel BINiXIORE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Memphis: Colonel lice, Bethel, Tenn., tele~.raphs scouts report a large part of Braggs forces had left Tennessee liver, above Florence, and gone back to Bragg, on account of losecrans making an attack on Tullahoma. Colonel Fuller, Corinth, says scouts report squads of them in our front; been ordered to Chestervilie fbr orgmization. Seventh Kansas not yet arrived at Corinth. I. J. OGLESBY. JACKSON, April 16, 1863. Lie uten ant-Colonel BINMORE, Memphis: Dispatch was sent to General Dodge this afternoon. Have heard nothing from him to-day. Th J. OGLESBY. U. S. GUNEGAT LEXiNGTON, April 16, 1863. Brig. Gen. GRENYILLE N. DODGE, Corn mctnding United States Forces, Goriuth, Miss.: SIR: I have received your dispatches of the 1st and 3d instant. There will be two or four boats on the river all the time, as long as there is water. Our coal depot is below therefore the boats will have to make trips down for fuel, but will return as soon as coaled, unless ur~ent necessity compels me to send them off on short temporary trips elsewhere. I would have been back here before this, had it not been that my presence was required up the Cumberland. I regret to say the river is too low just now, and has been for some time, for in yboats to get over Calvert Shoals, but I am anxiously awaiting a rise. The river is now rising slowly, but whether there will be water enough for a week yet to let over or not, I cannot yet say. I trust, though, there will. I will be ready to take advantage of it. I have on this river at the present time four of my best boats. This, I trust, will be sufficient, as the remainder of the fleet is required to convoy transports on the Cumberland. Should necessity require it, I can for a short period have more boats here. With these four boats I can carry about 2,000 infantry. If the water will rise sufficiently to let us over the shoals, I will guarantee to cut off their re-enforcements from the Florence side. We c~ i~ soon drive them off or capture their entire force on the Tus. cuinbia side. I do not think, from what I can learn, that there is a very heavy force now at Tuscuinbia Landing. I am expecting some trans- ports up with troops from Nashville, and left two of the gunboats at Fort henry to give them convoy. I will let you know as soon as I can get over the shoals; and if the troops do not arrive from General Itosecran~, I would suggest that, i Page 199 CHAP. XXXVi.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 199 you can Seilfi 2,000 infantry on the gunboats and cavalry by land, we make a move without waiting, as the river is not likely to remain long at a sufficient stage. I do not think there will be over one more rise this season, and by waiting too long we may lose our only chance at Florence with the gunboats. Many thanks for your kindness. Very respectfully, LE ItOY FITCH, Li6utenant- Gommander. P. S.I will try to keep you informed of my whereabouts, and will also send you all the information I can gather. I expect to be between iDuck River and Chichasaw for several (lays yet, unless the river again commences fiillin~ rapidly. My instructions from Admiral Porter are, Go down as the river falls, and, of course, I ascend as it rises. SPECIAL HDQRS. SIXTEENTH ARMY CoRPs, ORDERs, Memphis, Tenn., April 10, 1803. I. Brigadier-General LaunYan, commanding Fourth Division, will dis- patch the Twelfth and Thirty-third Wisconsin, on Saturday morning at daylight, to march upon Chalmers position at Coldwater Station. lIe will also detach one good battery as a part of the expedition. Two battalions of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, in command of Major Hayes, will accompany the movement, the whole to be under command of Colonel Bryant, Twelfth Wisconsin. The troops will take with them fbur (Ia~-s rations and full 40 rounds of ammunition, to be carefully inspected as to condition and quantity. The march will be commenced on the her- nando road, without any beat of drum nd as quietly as possible. The ambulances will accompany the regiment, and two wagons per regiment will be allowed for transportation. For the line of march and object to be accomplished, written instructions will be forwarded. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. S. A. llurlbut: HENHY BINMOIRE, Assistant Adjutant. ~iJenerai. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 16, 1803. Brig. Gen. J. G. LAUMAN, Corn dy. Fourth Div., iiieinphis, Tenn.: GENERAL: The expedition to Senatobia will start at (laylight on Saturday morning. Major Hayes Fifth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry will report at the Nonconuah Crossing, which, I think, will have to be made at Hollow Ford. The cavalry will be or(iered to keep well in advance, communicating from time to time with Colonel Bryant. One section of the artillery should move light, without caissons, after the infantry advanced guard; the rest of the battery between the two regiments~ Strong adv~ uce guard will be kept a quarter of a mile to the front of The column, and in wooded places, and where side roads come in or any chance of cover for ambush, flankers will be throwii out to the dis- tance of 150 yards. The column will be kept closed up, and no strag- gling allowed. The expedition will move steadily on, not fatiguing the men, and as rapidly as consistent with order, throngh the most direct route, upon Coldwater Station and Senatobia, and attack at once any force that may be found Page 200 200 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. General Smiths expedition, 1,1~OO strong, leaves La Grange on Fri- day, to get in their rear. If you hear their guns, or they hear yours, you will push for a junction. Slioul(l Chalmers hold his ground, ob- serve the position of his battery, and push skirmishers, under any cover, with special or(lers to kill the horses. If the battery is crippled in horses, it is sure to be taken. In camping, every precaution must ha taken against a night attack, and the entire command must be under arms at 3 a. m. If Chalmers abandons the Coldwater line, follow him steadily toward Panola, and push the cavalry out to communicate with ~ force between Panola and Senatobia. They are ordered to turn toward this force on their return. If any force should have been sent up from below to Chalmers, which I do not expect, the two expeditions united are more than a match for them. I wish Colonel Bryant to inform his officers and men that one regi- ment of good infantry is, in my judgment, competent to meet all the cavalry north of Yicksburg. You will strictly forbid plundering of houses, stores, churches, or other buildings. You will cause forage to be taken; horses, wherever found in Mississippi, arid transportation, if needed. All arms capable of service will be taken, but no violence to peaceable l)eople. The object of the expedition should be accomplished in two days. On the return, the usual precautions will be taken; stron grear guards maintained, and a detachment of cavalry kept well to the rear. I expect this movement to be executed with good discipline, and shall hold the officers rigidly accountable for their men. I am, general, truly yours, S. A. HURLB UT. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY Coups, in the Field, near New Carthage, La-., April 17, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: At 7 oclock this morning the wreck of the steamer ileary Clay was seen floating past New Carthage, on fire. At the same time three barges were seen passiug. Without any other than small era Ut, I sent these into the stream, and succeeded in bringing to shore two of the largest, one partially laden with coal, the other laden with camp equipage, which had been put on board at Mihlikens Bend on the 15th instant. The third barge, laden with coal, passed on, but was scuttled, it being out of my power to bring her in. Besides these, a nnmbe-~ of sacks of grain, bales of hay, & c., were brought to. About 12 in., eight gunboats, which had also run the blockade a t Yicksburg, came to. Boarding the first arrival, I notified the com- mander, Captain iloel, that there was a rebel camp at Perkins plan- tation, about 5 miles below Carthage, and requested him to push for- ward and shell it, while a detachment of my forces should pursue the Ilceing enemy. He referred me to Rear-Admiral Porter, who, he said~, would soon arrive in the gunboat Benton. Soon after, Rear-Admiral Porter arrived en the Henton. I immediately called on him, and, requesting him to do so, he sent forward the gunboat Tuscuuimbia to shell the hostile camp, which was done. In the mean time General Osterhaus sent forward a detachment of the Ninth Division to pursue and harass the enemy, but with what effect has not yet been reported. I also~informed the admiral that a vessel, supposed to be Page 201 CHAr. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 201 hostile one, was seen at Perkins plantation the evening before, and that it would be advisable to cruise the river for a distance below Carthage; and, pointing oat to him the hulk of the indianola, I sug- gested to him the importance of an examination, to ascertain whether ~he could not be raised and made seaworthy. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLET~NAND. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS Gamp near lfieksburg, April 17 1863. Maj. Gen. FRED. STEELE, Gomdg. Pir8t Dirisiom, Deer Greek: DEAR GENERAL: I have your note of the 24th, and, of course, know you have and will fulfill to the letter General Grants wishes in the matter of the IDeer Creek expedition. his purpose is to destroy the resources of the enemy, and demonstrate the fact that we can reach the interior of the country when necessary. I see by the Jackson Memphis Appeal that General Stephen ID. Lee has gone up to the iluslipuckanaw, or Sunflower; it may be to Bogne Phaliah or Bayou Phaliab, as well as Deer Creek. If this be so, be will have with him a force approximating yours. You will, therefore, do well to be cautious in making weak expeditions far from the river. General Grant has ~one down to New Carthage by Willow Bayou. As soon as he returns, I will consult him as to the propriety of a longer stay there, unless, from information you may obtain there, you have reason to suppose the enemy will attempt to make a lodgment on the river at any point above us, which must be prevented, as a matter of course. Seven gunboats and two transports ran the blockaCe successfully last night. One transport (the Henry Clay) was burned, loaded with ra- tions, hay, cotton, an(l sack oats. Her crew got ashore safely, and we picked up the pilot floating on a plank just abreast of the Biggs place. Colonel Abbott is over there still. I went over last night with him, and witnessed the cannonading from the point where the IDe Soto lay. I also boarded the admiral as he passed. The gunboats lost very few men, indeed; though I hailed most of them, only one actual death was reported and six wounded. Still, I suppose the loss of life was greater. The loss of the Henry Clay is not material, as her load was small, and the boat itself a poor old concern. The Silver Wave passed uninjured. The Forest Queen had one shot in the hull and another through a steam pipe. She is repairing at the crevasses, and I expect to have her ready to go on down to-morrow or next day. All the others are supposed to be at Carthage, where Mc- Clernands corps is now. McPherson is moving down to Millikens Bend, and I suppose he will move against the Big Black River Bridges via Grand Gulf. The new canal that is to feed this new line of operations is by Willow Bayou to Carthage River to Grand Gulf, and wagons from there. I confess I dont like this roundabout project, but we must support Grant n whatever he undertakes. As soon as General S. ID. Lee perceives this move, lie will hasten back to Vicksbnrg from your vicinity. I am also told that the raft iii Yazoo at Haynes Bluff is adrift, eithe Page 202 202 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL by accident or design. We must look ouf now for some of their cotton- clad rams. I think General L. Thomas will inspect you at Greenville, and will relieve you of all able-bodied negroes. As ever, yours, W. T. SHERMAN. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 17, 1863. Licut. Col. Joim A. RAWLINS, Asst. A~jt. Genu, Dept. of the Tennessee, Millikens Bend, La.: Sin: iRosecrans telegraphs to-day that his expedition, 2,000 strong, picked men, left Palmyra on Monday last, and should be off Hamburg to-night. They are not yet heard of nor is Ellet. Dodge was at Bear Creek yesterday; has not been heard from to-day as yet. Griersons cavalry expedition started at daylight from La Grange. I do not expect to hear from him for fifteen or twenty days, unless from Southern papers. General Smith started to-day with three regiments and a battery for Panola, by holly Springs, going down on railroad, thence by land on north side of Tallahatchee to Panola. Three regiments and a battery of Laumans, with 200 cavalry, move to-morrow morning direct on Coldwater and Panola. These vaPous movements along our length of line will, I hope, so distract their attention that Griersons party will get a fair start and be well down to their destination before they can be resisted by ade- quate force. God speed him, fQr he has started gallantly on a long and perilous ride. I shall anxioasly await intelligence of the result. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLI3UT. MEMPhIS, TENN., April 17, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHAUP J. OGLn~nY, Commanding Left Wing, Jackson, Tenn.: This dispatch just received: MulummxxsnommouGm-1, A1~i1 10, 186:3. Expedition, composed of 1,900 men, under Colonel Streight, left Pairnyra Monday last, and is probably embarking on the Tennessee to-day. One hundred and twenty- five thousand rations were taken up the river from Smithland and Padiieah. Shall hope to hear from them soon. Please keep me advised of General I)odges movements. W. S. ROSECRANS. Send this out to Dodge, and let me have a report from him. They will not be up before Saturday night or Sunday, I think. S. A. JIURLBUT. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 17, 1863. Maj. Gen. IRICHARD J. OG-LESBY, Jackson, Tenn.: The message from IRosecrans must go to Dodge as soon as possible. Coinninnicatloim must be kept open with him. Use the Seventh Kansas for that purpose, and report if Rosecraim men or Ellet come in reach. S. A. LIURLIlUT Page 203 CO11I~ESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. ChAr. XXXVI.] 203 JACKSON, April 17, 1863. General HURLBIJT: Message to Dodge, from General IRosecrans, was sent forward promptly yesterday. Communication is kept open. Have ordered the Seventh Kansas, as directed, for this purpose. Nothing from Dodge this morning. 11. J. OGLESBY. JACKSON, April 17, 1863. General HunLnuT: Your dispatch just received, and forwarded to Corinth, to be sent to Dodge to-night. Have ordered Fuller to keep open communication with I)odge, and to let me hear from him as often as possible. 11. J. OGLESBY. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 17, 1863. Maj. Gen. W. S. SMITH, Grand Junction: Laumaiis expedition starts at daylight to-morrow, with orders to l)u51I to you, between Coldwater and Panola. Keep on. Use your dis- cretion and do your best. S. A. Jib IiLT3UT. GRAND JIJNCTION, April 17, 1863. Major-General HURLBTJT, Gontdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: I will push ahead with all due diligence. Let Lauman move in such a -way as to prevent Chalmers getting ont between us, to the east, in case I get to his rear. WM. SQOY SMITH. GRAND JUNCTION, April 17, 1863. Lieutenant.Colonel BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General: We are delayed by want of motive power. General Webster has l)ermitted me to use engine of freight train, now nearly due here. This will set us off again. The engineer party is not forthcoming. but we will do our own engineering. I shall still hope to make the Tallahatchee this evening. I may leave the railroad at some point this side. The cavalry got off this morning. WM. SOGY SMITh. MEMPhIS, TENN., April 17, 1863. Col. G. E. BRYANT, Twelfth Wisconsin TTols., Comdg. Third Brig.: - COLONEL: In accordance with instructions from Major-General Hurl- but, the expedition designated in Special Orders, No. 72, from these head- quarters, will start at daybreak on Saturday morning. Major Hayes, of the Fifth Ohio Cavalry, will report at the Non connah Crossing, which, I think, will have to be made at 1-lollow Ford. Time cavalry will be ordered to keep well in advance, from time to time communicating ~vith you. One scetien of artillery should move light (without caissons), alter the infantry advanced guard, the rest of the battery bet~veen the tw Page 204 204 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. regiments. Strong advance guards will be kept a quarter of a mile to the front of the column, and in wooded places, and where side roads come in or any chance of cover for ambush, flankers will be thrown out to the distance of 150 yards. The column will be kept closed up, and no straggling allowed. The expedition will move steadily on, and as rapidly as consistent with order, not fatiguing the men, through the most direct route, upon Coidwater Station and Senatobia, and attack at once any force that may be found. General Smiths expedition, 1,500 strong, leaves La Grange on Friday, to get in their rear. If you hear their guns, or they hear yours, you will push for a junction. Should Chalmers hold his ground, observe the position of his battery, and push skirmishers, under any cover, with special orders to kill the horses. If the battery is crippled in horses, it is sure to be taken. In camping, every precaution must be taken against a night attack, and the entire command must be nuder arms at 3 a. m. If Chalmers abandons the Coidwater line follow hi in steadily toward Panola, and push the cavalry out to communicate with Smiths force between Panola and Senatobia. They are ordered to turn toward this force on their return, if any force should have been sent up from below to Chalmers, which iii do not expect, the two expeditions united are more than a match for them. I wish you to inform your officers and men, upon the assurance of Major-General llurlbut, that one regiment of good infantry is competent to meet all the cavalry north of Yicksbnrg. You will strictly forbid plundering of houses, stores, churches, or other buildings. You ~wi]l can cc forage to be taken; horses, wherever found in Mississippi, and transportation, if needed. All arms capable of service will be taken, but no violence to peaceable people. The object of the expedition should be accomplished in two days. On the return, the usual l)recautions will be taken; strong rear guards maintained, and a detachment of cavalry kept well to the rear. I expect this movement to be executed with good discipline. I shall hold the 6fficers rigidly accountable for their men. J. 0-. LAUI\IAX. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY Coups, Smiths i~len1ation, April 15, 1863. Maj. 0-en. U. S. GRANT, Gom 4g. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have the honor to call your attention to, and most ear- nestly urge upon your consideration, tim e very great importance of placing at once below Vicksburg a sufficient number of transports to carry my whole command at once. This corps has now gained a posi tion that will enable us to capture Grand Gulf and cooperate in the reduction of Port Hudson. With these poiiits in our possession, thic Mississippi open to New Orleans, with the combined efforts of 1)0th armies and gunboat fleets, we shall be able to attack Yicksburg in front and rear, and soon it must fall into our hands; and, with i tsfate, a virtual end will be put to the war in the Southwest, amid a hopeful prospect of putting a speedy end to the rebellion. But to use the ad- vantages we have gained in taking our l)resent position, no time must be- allowed the enemy to prepare to meet us on the line of our present advance. A short delay here mnay endanger the certainty of our suc- cess, which must attend a ral)id forward movement at this time. The loss of a steamer, in running the blockade, will be nothing i Page 205 CHAr. XXXVI.] COTflZESP0NDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 205 comparison to what we may lose in the advantage we have now gained, the sickness of the men, and the loss of the cam~)aign, which must be made in the next six weeks. With a steam-tug or two, the quartermaster, commissary, and ord- nance stores could be towed down in flats from Hichmond in a very few days, as it would shorten the hauling one-half. These boats would be invaluable at this time. The gunboats, not being under your con- trol, cannot be relied on for the transportation of troops, while, at the same time, they can render more valuable service than in transporting the army. In every point of view, then, the importance of placing a number of transports below Vicksburg immediately cannot be overestimated, and I submit that a sufficient number should at once be sent down. Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLEf~NAND. SiVIITHs PLANTATION, LA., April 18, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Gomdg. Thirteenth Army corps: I would still repeat former instructions, that possession be gotten of Grand Gulf at the very earliest possible moment. Once there, no risk should be taken in following the enemy niitil our forces are concen- trated. Troops first there should intrench themselves for safety, and the whole of your corps concentrated as rapidly as our means of trans- portation will J)ermit. General McPherson will be closing upon you as rapidly as your troops can be gotten away and rations supplied. I see that great caution will have to be observed in getting barges past the crevasse near New Carthage, and I apprehend a loss of some artillery may be encountered. I will send over at once the pontoon train, with men to lay. it. It can at least be thrown across Bayou Yidal, opposite your headquarters, to enable troops and artillery to march a good portion of the way to Car- thage. If it can possibly be laid so as to cross the levee crevasse near Carthage, it would be of much greater service. Should we succeed in getting steamers past Vicksbnrg, they will bring you a further supply of rations. In the mean time, all the wagons, including all the regi- mental trains, should be kept constantly on the road between here and Millikens Bend. The number of wa6ous available is increasing daily. Troops guarding the different points between here and IRich- mond should gather all beef-cattle and forage within reach of them, and destroy no more than they can use. I will be over here in a few days again, and hope it will be my good fortune to find you in safe pos- session of Grand Gulf. You do not want to start, however, without feeling yourself secure in the necessary transportation. U. S. GHANT. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDORS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 108. ]JIillilcens Bend, La., April 18, 1863. * * * * * * II. Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, commanding Seventeenth Army Corps. will move forward at once two regiments of his command to liich5ond, La. They will take three days rations. III. Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson, commanding Seventeenth Arm Page 206 206 MiSSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXV1. Corps, will detail one regiment (about 500 men) of his command to IWO- tect the property of the United States on plantations between Lake Providence and Millikens Bend, La until such time as they can be relieved by the regiments of African descent, now forming. The corn- manding officer ci the regiment detailed will report for instructions to the United States commissioners of plantations at this place. * *- * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. R.z~WLINS, A ssistant Adjutant- General. IIEADQUAPJERS SiXTEENTh ARMY Conps, April 18, 1863. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS: COLONEL: In January last, while I commanded the District of Mem- phis, I received a letter from General Grant on the subject of the Charleston and Memphis Railroad, with instructions to give notice to all persons of the result of interference with the road. This notice was given in General Orders, No. 10, of the District of Memphis, and fully published in the papers. An attack was made by a party of guerrillas living north of the road, of the most gross and cowardly nature. This band of 20 or 25 are not even part of Richardsons command, but simply plunderers, who, when canght, claim organization, but are not enrolled or subject to any mili- tary authority. I proceeded to carry out the notice ~)revionsly given, the terms of which notice are taken almost word for word from Gemi- eral Grants letter, for I do not believe it is wise to ibm-eaten and not perform. The families sent ont are eight in number, and are prominent seces- sionists. This memorial * is now presented. There is no name to it of any man of acknowledged loyalty, and nearly every man on the list omzmTht to be sent south. I forward it, as in duty bound, for the con- sideration of the major-general commanding, with this remark only, that I believe the banishment has done good, not harm. I have long been of the opinion that no sympathizer should be allowed writhin our lines. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. TJURLBUT. MEMPHIs, April 18, 186:3. Licut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General: Since closing my last letter, I learn from Oglesby that Captain Fitch, Ill. S. Navy, with four gnnboats, is between Hamburg amid East- port, as advance of iosecrans expe(lition. If auything new turns up before the boat leaves, I will send it. Your obedient servant, - - S. A. HURLBUT. MEMPhIS, TENN., April 18, 18~33. Mnj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: General Dodge, with 5,000 men, moved from Corinth to Bear Creek two days since, to co-operate with expedition; force of 2,000 from Gen- Not foniid Page 207 (JIIAP. XXXVI.1 CORRESPONDEUCE, ETC.UNION. 207 eral iRosecrans to land at Eastport. They have not yet come up the river. The enemy are about 6,000, mostly cavalry, with eleven pieces of artillery, at Tuscumbia and Florence. A cavalry expedition of three regiments, under Colonel Grierson, Sixth Jllinoi~, started at daylight yesterday from La Grange to p~oc~ed to Poutotoc; thence throw OHe regiment to the right, the other to the left, cutting the MiSsissippi Cen- tral at or near Oxford, the Mobile and Ohio near Tupelo, and breaking up provision depots and cars, while Grierson, with his own regiment, goes to the Silona [Selma ~] and Jackson Railroad, an(l destroys it at. Chnnky River, or, perhaps, at the Pearl, if not strongly guarded, re- turning by Alabama. Three regiments of infantry, 200 cavalry, and a battery moved from this place this morning for Pqnola. I hope to catch Chalmers, now at Senatobia, between the two forces. Rosecrans expedition not yet heard from at Eastport; should have been there two days since. S. A. IIURLB UT. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Smith8 Plantation, Alril 19, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Department of the Tennes8ce: GENERAL: My present movement, if properly sustained, ought, and I believe will, eventuate in the extinguishment of the rebellion in the Gulf States, and limit it in the East. I~lease give me a dozen good transports. They are necessary to enable me to move my forces rapidly, and to strike the enemy before he can fortit~. They will be worth untold millions to our cause, not only in money, but in momentous military results. Without them, delay and approaching hot weather may ensue to jeopardize everything; without them, Grand Gulf may become another Yicksburg or Port hudson. The loss of a few transports in running the blockade are not worthy to count anything in the opposing scale. Earnestly sympathizing in your l)lans and purposes, no effort or per- sonal sacrifice on my part will be spared to give them complete success. Meanwhile, althou~h the process of transferring troops to the Missis- sippi levee in skiffs and other small craft must necessarily be tedious and slow, yet it will be diligently and energetically prosecuted. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCLERNAND. P. S.General, it is desirable that commissary supplies should be sent upon the transports. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp near Tficlcsburg, April 19, 1863. Licut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., ]lfillikens Bend: SIR: As it may be a matter of interest to the general in command to know, I have to report th t the fate of the three transports sent past the Yicksburg batteries during the night of April 17 is as follows: Silver Wave, Captain MeMillan, manned by officers and soldiers of General Ewings brigade, passed the batteries safely without loss or damage. Forest Queen, Captain conway, manned by her regular crew, was struk in the hull, and was disabled by a round shot cutting a stea Page 208 208 MISSISSJPPJ, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. pipe. Wheel-rope and wheel also cut away, and otherwise cut up. She drifted down opposite our lower picket station, where the gunboat Tus- cumbia, Captain Shirk, took her in tow, and landed her just above the C~CVC88C on this shore. I have ordered all the materials and whatever needed for her repairs; and Captain Conway reports to me that lie will move to-morrow night by the Warrenton batteries, and join the fleet at Carthage. The Henry Clay, Captain Rider, became disabled, and was in a sink- ing condition soon after coming within range of the upper batteries. She had in tow a barge with some soldiers on, which was cast loose and floated down stream, and is supposed to be safe. The boat itself took fire and burned to the waters edge, and floated down stream a burning mass. I was, in person, in a boat out at Biggs picket station, and my boat picked up the pilot, Taylor, floating near the burning wreck. He told a wonderful story, by no means consistent in all its parts, but as- serted positively that every human being had left the boat, save him- self, before he discovered her on fire. Several of the crew have come in, from whom I gather the following particulars: The boat had two yawls, which received on board the crew and hands, with certain excep- tions, noted below, which yawis pushed off and landed at Dc Soto, where they landed and hid behind an old levee during the cannonade. After it lm.d ceased, they began to make their way through the submerged swamps toward our camp, and all on board the yawls have reached camp, except the barkeeper and chambermaid (white) and one deck- hand, named Henry, also a white man. First yawl: Luke, a white man, has come in; John, a white man, has come in; henry, barkeeper, and chambermaid landed at Dc Soto, not heard of since; William Gould, one black man, saved. Second yawl: John Kennedy, Thompson Rowley, Jack Cook, all white in en; one white boy, three blacks; all safe. Captain Rider was last seen, by John Kennedy, on the hurricane deck, but is unaccounted for. Watchman Metz, same as Captain Rider. The boats carpenter and The second cook are represented to have gone iLit() the hol(l and closed the hatches, in which case they are surely lost. This is the most accurate account I can obtain of their fate. There was mmifestly great consternation and confusion omi board all the time~ W. T. SHERMAN. CAMP NEAR YJCKSBURG~ April 19, 1863. ~Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, lIiliUikens: Suu: Inclosed I send a report from General Steele. I think the Deer Creek country has been afflicted enough to make them, in the future, dread the Yankees visit, and would, therefore, request that General Steie be required to destroy the grist-mill which he describes, and re- turn to his camp. Extra steamners might be serb him to bring off any extra stoek or forage he may have collected, or, if you desire to afflict that region more, you might order him to go up the river a little higher an(l visit Williams Bayou. I observe by the papers they are uneasy about the llushpuckanaw or Sunflower. Some maps represent Williams Bayou as the head of the Sunflower, but mine makes the Sunflower a large river rising in the Mississippi, about 10 miles below the Yazoo Pass. If you still desir Page 209 (JIIAP. XXXYJ.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 209 to distract attention, some men from Helena might find the head of the Sunflower, and follow it a few miles. I visited the battery on the point this morning, and found Captain Phillips, who represented the embrasure gorges as too low, not admit- ting the guns to an elevation enough to reach the court-house. I have sent to the engineer, Captain Kossak, the tools and men needed to make the alterations during the night. I reached the Leon with the Armenia, so that I now feel better satisfied as to our means of coininu- nication. I have a guard of 100 men with the battery, and a chain of sentinels to my quarters, so that I could send relief in case the battery is threatened. If the enemy has boats, he may attempt to spike guns calculated to do such mischief. If yon think prudent, I will increase the guard. Matters in my camp remain in statu quo. J am, with respect, W. T. SHERMAN. - CAMP BEFORE YJCKSBURG, April 19, 1863. Maj. Gen. FRED. STEELE, Commanding First Division, Fifteenth Army Corps: DEAR GENERAL: Yours of the 18th instant is just received, and 1 hasten to assure you that I most heartily approve your purpose to re- turn to families their carriages, buggies, and farming tools, wherewith to make a crop. War at best is barbarism, but to involve allchildren, women, old and helplessis more than can be justified. Our men will become absolutely lawless unless this can be checked. Inasmuch a~ Green ville was a point from which the enemy attacked our boats, w~ were perfectly justifiable in making the neighborhood feel the conse- quences. The destruction of corn or forage and provisions in the ene- mys country is a well-established law of war, and justifiable as the de- struction of private cotton by the Southern Confederacy. Jeff. Davis, no doubt, agrees that they have a right to destroy their peoples cot- ton, but the guerrillas do not stop to inquire whose cotton they burn, and I know, as you know, the Confederate Government claims the war right to burn all cotton, whether belonging to their adherents or to Union men. We surely have a similar right as to corn, cotton, fodder, & c., used to sustain armies in war. Still, I always feel that the stores necessary for a family should be spared, and I think it injures our men to allow them to plunder indiscriminately the inhabitants of the country. Whatever restitution you may make to the families alon Deer Creek and to Mr. Hunt will meet my hearty sanction; only impr~ss on all with whom you converse that these devastating expeditions are the certain and inevitable consequences of firing on passing boats. As I think Deer Creek has been sufficiently chastised never again to (lesire a Yan- kee visitation, I shall advise General Grant to order you back to camp. You will have heard the only news from this quarter since my last. Bowens brigade has crossed to this side from Grand Gulf and now that so large a fleet of gunboats is below, he cannot return. It may be, however, tb - t the enemy intended this brigade of Missourians to work their way tip to Price. I rode through your camps yesterday, and. they are mostly dry and comfortable, but the water is close up to me. All my camps are now above my house. I am, & c., ~T T. SHERMAN. 114 17~ RYOL XXIV, PT L Page 210 210 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 19, 1863. Col. JohN B. SANBORN, (Jo mm and big Scren th .J)irisio. COLONEL: You will direct the remainder of Colonel ilolinc& brigade to move to Richmond, La., as soon as practicable, and, in order to facili- tate this, the teams from the other brigades, or, at least, enough of them to take their camp and garrison equipage, five days rations, and ammunition in the hands of the regiments of Colonel Holmes brigade, will be ordered to report to him for this purpose. After reaching Rich- mond, the teams will return to their respective regiments. Colonel Iloluies will be instructed to reconnoiter the country in the direction of Delhi and the bayou leading that way, and report upon the feasibility of sending boats through. There are a few of the enemy at Delhi, which lie must be on the alert for. He must keep up a thorough system of outposts arid l)icl~ets, and not allow his men to straggle over the country. Also collect what corn and fodder he can, and bring it in to Richmond. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. JACKSON, April 19, 186310 p. in. General HURLEUT, Memphis: If not otherwise directed by you, I shall go to Corinth in the morning, 6a.m., with 2,000 troops. Captain [Sheridan] Wait will rein am in office. li. J. OGLESBY. JACKSON, April 19, 1863. Major-General HuRIJ3UT: The bridge burned was on the Charleston and Memphis Railroad, 12 miles ~vest of Gondola, across the Big Nanse was fired in three places at 9 oclock on Wednesday last by scouts previously sent out for that l)U~l)O5C l)y General Dodge. The telegraph was cut same day by same scout at 2 [oclock]. R. J. OGLESBY. HEADQUARTERS, NINE MILES FROM BEAR CREEK, April 19, 1863. Colonel MORTON, (Jomnian ding Fhir(l Brigade you to move with your command to my support as early as want possible. Captain ~Ozro J.] Dodds will send forward with you the aninmnimition, the regimental trains, and leave all extra wagons with Coloncl [H. J. B.] Cummings and the engineer corps, who will finish tiiC bridge and hold it. Tell Colonel Cummings to hurry up the Seventh Kansas Cavalry when it arrives to me, and to be very vigilant in guard- ing die train also. Bring forward the four grins this side of the river; also my headquarters train. Have the trains crossed to-night if you are not snre time bridge will be domme, as I need you here with the am- munition. G. M. DODGE. (Show this to Colonel Cummings; also to Captain Dodds. Page 211 ChAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. 211 FLAG-SHIP BENTON, New Carthage, April 20, 1863. lVTaj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, & e.: GENERAL: I sent the Tuscumbia and Price down to Grand Gulf to reconnoiter to-day and destroy fiat-boats, and the following is the result: The rebels are at work fortifying. Three gnus are mounted on a bluff 100 feet high, pointing up river. Two deep excavations are made iu the side of the bill (fresh earth); it cannot be seen whether guns are mounte4 on them or not. About thirty tents only could be seen, but a heavy dust on the road leading along Big Black. Covered wagons were tray- cling on the road; four boats, 12 miles up Big Black, at a bridge which stops the way; they are small boats. The officers landed on the Louisi- ana side, where they found horses, cattle, mules, fowls, and l)rovisions of all kinds in great abundance; large amount of forage; plenty of ne- groes; 300 beef-cattle on one plantation; lIcople running iu all direc- tions, and driving off the negroes and cattle. My opinion is that they will move heaven and earth to stop ns if we dont go ahead. I could go down and settle the batteries, but if disabled would not be in condi- tion to cover the landing when it takes place, and I think it should be done together. If the troops just leave all their tents behind and take only provisions, we can be in Grand Gulf in four days. I dont want to make a failure, and am sure that a combined attack will succeed beautifully. I think 10,000 good men landing in Yicksburb the other night would have taken it; we can do this easier. This move has de- moralized these fellows very much; dont give the, 1 time to get ovcr it. I wish twenty times a day that Sherman was hew, or yourself, but 1 suppose we cannot have all we wish. I have been wom-king hard on barges; got the tug up to Smiths Landing with a fine one to-day; picked up another last night, which will go up to-morrow, and will also send the largest one of all to Smiths befoie sundown. We can, with the steamers and barges, land 6,000 men, if you think that enough; if we can get more transports, it will be better. The best way to send them down is to let them drift under low fires, and push by one at a time, half an hour apart, if they build no fires to light up the boat-s; should not be too close together. I would not pack them with cotton, but with wet hay, which proves an excellent defense. You will find volunteers enough in my squadron if you have any trouble, and tIme steamer men can come down afterward. Very truly, DAVID D. PORTER. IIEADQUNRTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, iS~rniths Plantation, April 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: The Forest Queen arriVed last night in a shattered con- dutmon. I am unloading the commissary and quartermaster stores from her. General Osterhaus division will be on the Mississippi levee to- night. He is moving his division down to Perkins l)lantation, for the purpose of making room for the disembarkation of General Carr, which will commence being crossed over in the morning. I have just brought to this place one large barge, and expect to bring others in the morning whi Carrs division. ~, ch will hasten the transportation of General I sent Colonel Wright ammd Lieutenant hams,. engineers, down the Vidal this morning, to examine whether a land route might be foun Page 212 212 MISSISSIPPJ, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [(ThAI. XXXYI. from here to the Mississippi River at or below Perkins plantation. Colonel Wright this moment reports that by throwing a bridge across Gilbert Bayou, and another across Bayou Bridge, with one or two other small structures, the Mississippi may be reachedby land at Perkins. If I become satisfied that this can be done, I will move a portion of my corps by land, while the balance are being crossed over in small boats to Carthage. I have ordered forxvard the detachment of this corps left at Rich- mond, learning that the detachment ordered by yoa from General McPherson had reached there. I expect to move upon Grand Gnlf so soon as two divisions shall have been placed in hand upon the levee. Having just returned from Holmes plantation, I learn that what is supposed to be a white flag is shown on the Mississippi shore, opposite to Carthage. I have sent Lieutenant-Colonel Mudd to inquire, and report concerning the matter. Details are working upon the road from here to Richmond, and the uoad is rapidly drying. Cattle are being brought in, which supply my corps with fresh meat. Nothing is omitted that will hasten the earliest practicable forward movement. Your dispatch to Rear-Admiral Porter is this moment received and corwarded. I am anxiously hoping for the arrival of additional trans- ports. At this point, your dispatch of this date comes to hand. I am re- joiced at its contents. I will cause the Forest Queeii to be held ready to afford any assistance that may be found necessary in bringing to any of the transports that may be disabled in running the blockade. I will request the admiral to hold his boats in readiness to do the same. With much respect, your most obedient servant, JOHN A. MoCLERNAND. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 20, 1863. Maj. Geii. JouN A. McCLERNAND, Corndg. Thirteenth Army Corps: Six steamers I hope will be ready to run the enemys batteries to-night. The cotton and hay for barricading a greater number is not on hand at present. These boats are now loaded and loading with 600,000 rations and a very considerable quantity of forage. Barges will enter the bayou to-day with the expectation of getting through to Carthage by Tuesday night. A large number of yawls, barges, and tugs must be here in a day or two. In addition to this, there are some twelve steamers here that will be able to run the bayous when the work of clearing them out is completed. General McPherson will keep closed up on you, but recollect that all the transportation of his army corps, as well as your own, is now being used to get through your supplies. I think no more wagons should be taken through except for transportation of ordnance stores. The steamers that run the blockade have about 160,000 rations on board and some forage. More will be goin~ to-night. Direct the teams to stop at Richmond, and establish- depots of supplies there. U. S. GRANT. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. DEPT. OF TIlE TENNESSEE, No. 110. MiUikens Bend, La., April 20, 1863. The following orders are published for the information and guidance of the army in the field in the present movement to obtain a foothol Page 213 ChAr. XXXU.] CORRESPONDENCE, tTC.UNION. 213 on the east bank of the Mississippi River, from which Vicksburg can be approached by practicable roads: 1. The Thirteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. John A. NicOleinand com- manding, ~vilL constitute the right wing. 2. The Fifteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman command- ing, will constitute the left wing. 3. The Seventeenth Army Corps. Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson commanding, will constitute the center. 4. The order of march to New Carthage will he froni right to left. 5. Reserves will be formed by divisions from each army corps, or an entire army corps will be held as a reserve, as necessity may require. When the reserve is formed by divisions, each division will remain under the immediate command of its respective corps commanders, unless otherwise specially ordered for a particular emergency. 6. Troops will be required to bivouac nntil proper facilities can be afforded for the transportation of camp equipage. 7. In the present movement one tent will be allowed each company for the protection of rations from rain; one wall tent for each regi- mental headquarters, one wall tent for each brigade headquarters, and one wall tent for each division headquarters. Corps commanders, hav- ing the hooks and blanks of their respective commands to provi(ie for, are authorized to take such tents as they deem absolutely necessary, but not to exceed the number allowed by General Orders, No. 160, Ad- jutant-Generals Office, series 1862. 8. All the teams of the three army corps, under the immediate charge of the quartermasters bearing theni on their returns, will consti- tute a train for carrying supplies and ordnance an(l the authorized camp equipage of the army. 9. As fast as the Thirteenth Army Corps advances, the Seventeenth Army Corps will take its place, and in its turn will be followed in like manner by the Fifteenth Army Corps. 10. Two regiments from each army corps will be detailed by corps commanders to guard the line from Richmond to New Carthage. 11. General hospitals will be established by the medical director between Duckport and Millikens Bend. All sick and disabled soldiers will be left in these hospitals. Surgeons in charge of hospitals will re- port convalescents as fast as they become fit for duty. Each corps commander will detail an intelligent and good drill officer to remain behind and take charge of the convalescents of their respective corps. Officers so detailed will organize the men under their charge into squads and companies without regard to the regiments they belong to, and, in the absence of convalescent commissioned officers to command them, will appoint non-commissioned officers or privates. The force so organ- ized will constitute the guard of the line from Duckport to Milhikens Bend. They will furnish all the guards and details required for general hospitals, and, with the contrabands that may be about camp, will fur- nish all details for loa~ing and unloading boats. 12. The movement of troops from Millikens Bend to New Carthage will be so conducted as to allow the transportation of ten days sup- ply of rations and half the allowance of ordnance required by previons orders. 13. Commanders are authorized and enjoined to collect all the beef- cattle, corn, and other supplies necessary for the army on the line of march, but wanton destruction of property, taking of articles, unless for military purposes, insulting citizens, going into and searching hous S without moper orders from division commanders, are positively i)iO- hibited. All such irregularities must be summarily punished Page 214 214 MISSISSIPI?I, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. 14. Brig. Gen. J. C. Sullivan is appointed to the command of all the forces detailed for the protection of the line from here to New Car- thage. His particular attention is cvalled to General Orders, No. 69, Adjutant-Generals Office, Washington, 1). C., of date March 20, 1863. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. LIAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. FIFTEENTh ARMY CoRPS, No. 90. Camp near Vicksbnrg, April 20, 1863. * * * * * * * II. General Thomas, from the Headquarters of the Army, Washing- ton City, D. C., proposes to address the troops at this camp at 10 a. m. to-morrow (Tuesday), on the policy of the war. The brigades of the Second Division and regiments of the First Division, not detached, and companies of artillery and cavalry, will be formed on their respective para(ie grounds without arms or accouterments, but dressed in their best uniforms and marched to a point facing the levee near General Blairs headquarters, at a l)oint to be selected by him, and the troops, on arrival, will be arranged by General Blair according to the nature of the ground. A single gun, from Harts battery, will be the signal for attention, and officers and men will listen to the remarks of General Thomas, and heed them as the voice of our Government. A second gun from the same battery will be the signal for marching the troops back to their resl)ective brigades. Officers and men will preserve their places in ranks during the speaking, and conduct themselves as they know good soldiers should. General Blair will make all arrangements neces- sary to carry this order into effect. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: 11. M. SAWYER, A ssistant Adjutant- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 20, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLI~S, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Millikens Bend: Owing to the prolonged delay of Itosecrans expeditionary force in coming up and reporting, General Dodge has been compelled to have a brisk skirmish, beginning at Bear Creek and continuing to Caney Creek, to which the enemy fell back in a disordered retreat. Dodge reports our loss 100 the enemys much heavier, as he found their dead and wounded abandoned on the line of retreat; Captain Fitch with his gunboats came up, and Colonel Streight, with 1,900 picked men, has JOifle(l Dodge before this time. T have orderedjThdge re-enforced with 2,000 men from Corinth, and have moved np a garrison for Corinth from Jackson and Bolivar. The enemy are no doubt strongly re-enforced with infantry. ilosecrans telegraphed inc to move Dodge on Wednesday, which I did. This expedition was delayed, and did not make its appearance at Hamburg until Sunday morning. Ellets Marine Brigade is at Hamburg, having willfully delayed at Cairo five days, as I am informed by General Sullivan. His boats are reported too deep to go up to Tuscumbia. or even Eastport Page 215 CHAP XXXVI.~ CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 215 I have directed Dodge not to attack Tuscuinbia unless the movement will be a success, which it would have been last week, but to show front strongly on Bear Creek, keeping open communication with Coriiith, and to let Streights expedition move iu his rear by Verona and Tupelo; thence across the country to their destination, and then drop back to Corinth. I suggest this course because my cavalry from La Grange have before this destroyed the railroad below and near Tupelo, and in the confusion may get fairly started across Alabama before they are known. If, how- ever, with the re-enforcements he is sure of driving the enemy from Tuscumbia, he will attack strongly. I have telegraphed to I~osecrans, and recommended a strong demon- stration on the left of Johnstons line, in aid of the Tuscumbia move- ment. The line works now to Columbus. I rejoice exceedingly in the success of the passage of the batteries. It will tend to stop the mouths of the croakers at home and of the newspaper officers in the army. I look now for the occupation of Grand Gulf and the abandonment and surrender of Yicksburg. Grierson will cut the railroad, if he lives, at or near Chunky Bridge, about Wednesday night or Thursday. No news here of any moment. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIUHLPAJT. MILLIKE~S BEND, LA., April 21, 1863. Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Corn dy. Mississippi Squadron: The boats we expected to run the blockade with to-night failed to get ready in time. They, however, will be ready to go through to-night. I sent a party yesterday to burn the houses on the point opposite Vicks- burg, but they found it impossible to get to them without great diffi- culty, and under a fire from short range of the enemys batteries. They stuck to it until they drew seventeen shots, and then gave up the job, to try it at night. The night attempt was made and failed. The enemy were found to occupy these houses with a strong guard, an(l our troops were compelled to withdraw, with a loss of 1 man wounded. it is evident that onr boats cannot run the blockade without the river being lit up to expose every steamer to full view. Under the circum- stances we may meet with a heavy loss. I would suggest, admiral, the propriety of sending a gunboat up to-morrow night, to watch below the batteries, to give such aid as they may require. A fleet of our barges has arrived, and one of the tugs. I will send some of them with the fleet. We have got a small steamer and some barges into Walnut Bayou. Hope to get them through to Carthage by Thursday. I move my head- quarters to Carthage on WTednesday. Your note, with sketch of passes to Smiths plantation, is received. I have ordered through a saw, to cut down the trees mentioned in your note as being in the way of navigation. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY Coups, Smiths Plantation, April 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Conmdy. Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I learn from General Osterhaus that he found a rebel cav- alry picket at Perkins, which he drove away, and that their infanti~y Page 216 216 MISSISSIPPJ, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI which has lately been operating from here to Saint Josephs Lake, has crossed over to Grand Gulf. Most truly, your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Gomdg. F~fteenth Army Corps: A steam fleet will run the Yicksburg batteries to-night, leaving north of the Yazoo about 10.30 p. m. They have been directed tb round to when opposite Colonel Abbotts pickets, and report to him. Please in- form Colonel Abbott of this fact, and instruct him to put out a signal light soon after he hears the batteries open. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp before Vicksbury, April 21, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Ilitillikens Bend: SIR: The party of men sent to burn the houses on the point imme- diately in front of Yicksburg returned unsuccessful. The whole point was under water, and the only means of reaching the houses was alono- an old levee with many breaks in it, through which the water sets in a strong current. On both sides of that levee the fallen abatis is impas- sable. The houses ordered to be destroyed are within 1,000 yards of the heaviest Yicksburg batteries, and the officer sent drew seventeen shots before he gave it up. In the night, I dispatched another party, who found the place picketed strongly. The party was fired on, having 1 man wounded, and returned. The enemy has too great an advantage there, and I doubt if we can destroy the buildings in question without a great cost of life. Spite of all we can do, they can light up this shore, and steamboats running the blockade must reckon on this as one of the certain attend- ing (langers. A gunboat should be below Yicksburg, to haul out of (langer crippled boats, else the loss will be heavy, but Ii suppose this is impossible now. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. SPECIAL ORDEn8, HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 111. Millikens Bend, La., April 21, 1863. * * * * * * * VII. The following will be the order of running the Vicksburg bat- teries by the steamers designated for that purpose: 1. At 9 p. m. to-night all the boats designated will steam down the river to the month of the Yazoo River, each taking one barge iu tow, where they will remain in the channel until signaled to leave. 2. George W. Graham, master of transportation, ~~-ill desiguate the signal to be used, and also the order in which the boats will run. Cu the signal being given, the first boat named will drop down with the current, and each six minutes thereafter each boat, in the or(ier desig nate(l will to steam will be signaled follow. No be used unless abso littely necessai-y for the management of the steamers until arriving nea Page 217 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 217 the upper batteries of Yicksburg. From that point all steam will be l)nt on until the last battery is run. On arrival opposite the pickets below Yicksbnrg, the boats will all ronnd to and report to Colonel Abbott, in command of pickets. 4. Should any of the boats become disabled and unmanageable, en- gineers will stop the engines and permit their boats to float past t.he batteries, when they will be taLen in tow by those still in running condition. 5. Col. C. B. Lagow, having Volunteered for the service, is put in im- mediate command of the steamer Tigress and of the entire fleet. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly. 6. After reporting to Colonel Abbott, the fleet will proceed down the river to New Carthage, and report to Maj. Gen. J. A. McClernand. Colonel Lagow will see that no barges or boats are permitted to be lost throngh negligence of steamboat commanders. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. RAWLINS,] Assistant A di utant- Genercd. MEMPIIIS, TENN., April 21, 1863. Lierit. Col. JOhN A. RAWLINS, Asst. Adjt. Gem, Afillikens Bend, La.: Sin: I send your last dispatch from Corinth- Colonel Bryant, Twelfth Wisconsin, as to also written rel)ort froiii movement on Coldwater. The river at Coldwater Station proved impassable. Our troops fell back to ilernando. I have just heard verbal report from Bryant. Major Hayes, Fifth Ohio Volunteer Cavalry, has died of his wound. his conduct was most gallant. With 40 men he captured 65 l)risoners. We have 80 in all. Fearing that Chalmers might be re-enforced from (licenwood, I have sent this morning the Fourteenth and Forty-sixth Illinois and one battery, with orders if they hear Smithsguns to force a J)assage, by bridging or otherwise, and join him. I have just received a dispatch froni La Grange that a woman just in from holly Springs reports heavy cannonading south of holly Springs on Saturday. If this is so, Smith has run across some other band or force, for Chalmers has not moved yet I think Smith has 1,500 good infantry and from Coldwatcr. a good battery, and although I am somewhat anxious about his not appearin~ in their rear at or about Senatobia before our men left Coldwater, on Monday noon, I think he is strong enough to work his way back or forward against anything l)ut a movement in force from below, of which I have no intelligence. Dodge is, I am satisfied, careful as well as brave, and will hold the line of Bear Creek as long as necessary. Your obedient servant, .5. A. HURLBUT. MEMPIHS, TENN., April 21, 1863. Col. G. E. BRYANT, Commanding Detachment: COLONEL: Your (lispatches were received between 12 and 1 oclock this momnino- teentli ~. Colonel l~ornblaser will re-enforce you with the Four- and Forty sixth Illinois Volunteers and the Fifth Ohio Battery Page 218 218 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL I send you two days rations of bread, 40 rounds of ammunition, 16 artillery horses, and 5 ambulances for your wounded and dead, which, with the prisoners, you will send back under strong guards5 and move down again on Coidwater. General Smith is in rear of Coidwater. Be prepared to effect a junction with him, and for this purpose I have sent tools for bridge-bnildin~. General llurlbut sent out cavalry on Sunday (about 100), which he has not yet heard from; they are, no doubt, with you. With the~re- enforcements II now send you, and the certainty that General Smith is in their rear, I do not entertain the slightest doubt but that the expe- dition will be a complete success. I congratulate you, and through you the officers and men, for the success that has thus far attended your movement. J. G. LAUMAN. COlUNTII, Miss., April 21, 1863. Lieui. Col. llE~uY BINMoRE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., ASixteen~th Army Corps, Memphis, Tenn. ll~rewith I inclose written statement of Mr. Wright, a refugee, con- tain~ ug some important information, which may be of interest at this time. 1 believe the statement to be true. It is almost useless for me to state that I have found everything at this command in good condition. The supplies seem to be abundant, and trooi)s in good state of discipline, with much spirit and good health. I have retained the forces at outposts of Chewalla, Camp Davis, Glen- (lale, and Bethel unchanged, except at Bethel, where I called in one regiment (Forty-third Ohio) to move with Fuller to support of Dodge. These posts and distances the general is doubtless familiar with. In order to communicate with Dodge at Hamburg, I have brought (lown a small squadron from J cksoi~, say 60 men, to be used, as soon as Hurst arrives, as vedettes and scouts, beyond the lines of pickets. At present I have no cavalry for this purpose. I communicate with l)odge by messenger and escort to Hamburg, thence to Eastport, thence 15 miles to his camp on Bear Creek. Sent him to-day ambulance, with ammunition for carbines, and mail, for the division escort of 75 men, under captain Third Michigan Cavalry. Hope we shall have no fur- ther trouble with guerrillas. To avoid all risk hox Mr. Fuller vever, has tele~-raphed he ~ill send me cipher operator for this station, and I shall send this one to Dodge, to put all dispatches in cipher. In regard to General Dodge and the forces under his command, I can say but little more than you ~re already informed of l)y dispatches. I think he feels confident of driving the enemy from Tuscumbia on to ~, n n)ake Friday, and believes himself able hold it until Strei~ht ca his trip, as already agreed upon. Of 5treight~s success, he feels evidently less sanguine. He is master of his position, and clearly realizes the enemy can be strongly re- enforced before he will be able fo attack. He has been kept back by no indolence or neglect of his own. If the thing succeeds now, it will, to say the least, be a very fortunate result. He is well supplied with rations, forage, and ammunition, and is not annoyed by sickness or con- valescents. As to any further aid from here, I think my forces too weak to be further reduced. Bethel is weak; Jackson and Bohivar suffi- ciently so. I must hold my outposts to the last. Can draw none from there. Dodge hr~ s taken his staff of scouts with him, and I am compelle Page 219 cHAP. XXXVI.] CO1~RESPONDENCE, ETC .IJNIO. to look to my OWil cavalry and outposts to look around Corinth. Shall send all important information as soon as received. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, R. J. OGLESBY. [Inclosure.] Statement of Wright, a refugee. CoRiNTH, Miss., , 1863. General Huggles and staff caine north from Columbus to Verona. An engineer came north with Wright, making maps of all the roads as far as Cotton-gin Port, at which place I got away from engineer, by taking the cut-off, piloted by a boy. Dont know what force is at Verona. All troops moved from Columbus with Ruggles. Some came up from Mobile, via Tombigbee River, to Colu mbns, on the Cherokee and Warrior. I left Selma 9th of April. Left Columbus on 16th. Parted with en- gineer Wednesday p. in., 16th. It was cavalry which came from Mobile. No troops to speak of at Sehna, the largest arsenal in the South, cx- cei)t one in Georgia (Atlanta). No troops at Meridian. No troops omi that road, except at Verona, I think, but I came across the country from Columbus. I came through Fulton Tuesday, 17th. Stopped that night 10 miles this side. Came through Bay Springs. Caine through Burns- yule Saturday. Saw no soldiers, but heard of some passing through Burnsville, doing east. Heard of none moving till then. The talk was that General liuggles was to occupy Verona, to protect people making crops. The talk is that Vicksbnrg is safe, and will be held anyhow. The negm-o who brought me owns his own team and carriage. His nias- ter lives in Columbus; he is a Union man (miller). Dont know what liuggles force is, but think it over 1,000 or 2,000. Cant say that Ve- rona is his permanent headquarters. Saw no soldiers except at Sin ith- yule, and a few 10 miles south of Fulton. Heard no news of Charles- ton later. The talk is that they can hold it. Mobile, people think, may be easily taken. Three gunboats were launched at Selma February or March, two for harbor defense of Mobile. The third (Tennessee) is a sea-going, formidable craft. Making all sorts of ammunition at Selma, but have made no guns. They are now sinking a pit for making guns of a large caliber; they have very large furnaces; hot-air furnaces, too, for brass pieces. Have any amount of iron; it comes from Montevallo, Talladega, and other places on Alabama and Tennessee Railroad. No powder-mill at Selma now in operation. They are making niter all alongtha~railroad. Dont manufacture small-arms at Selma, but are repairing many. Are doing nothing in way of maunfacture at Columbus; only a sort of barracks. Heard of no movements toward Tennessee now. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTh ARMY CoRPS, Memphis, Teun., April 21, 1863. Biig. Ccii. JAMES F. CI-IALMERS, C. S. Army Siu: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your note of this date,* under flag of truce to my outposts. In reply, I would state that I am informed that troops under your command fired upon au ambulance Not fonud. 21 Page 220 220 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. ~D~XVi engaged in the humane duty of picking up and caring for your wounded. As I understand, no lives were lost by this conduct. I mention it that you may apply the proper corrective. I am also informed by your note, and informally by others, who claim to know the fact, that a portion of the town of ilernando was burned by some portion of my command. You properly ask if it was done by my orders. My answer is best found in the copy of written orders to commander of expedition, which I inclose.* Nothing is more foreign from my wishes than wanton and malicious destruction. The necessi~ ties of war bring evil enough to private and innocent persons. At the first opportunity I shall cause rigid investigation to be made and proper punishment awarded. Ihavethehonortobe yourobedientservant, S. A. HUI~LBUT. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 25. ]lililiikens Bend, La., April 22, 1863. I. Corps, division, and post commanders will afford all facilities for the completion of the negro regiments now organizing in this depart- inent. Commissaries will issue supplies, and quartermasters will fur- nisli stores, on the same requisitions and returns as are required from other troops. It is expected that all commanders will especially exert themselves in carrying out the policy of the Administration, not only in organizing colored regiments and rendering them efficient in removing prejudice against them. ~ but also 11. In accordance with General Orders, No. 85, Adjutant-Generals Of- fice, series 1862, army corps commanders will cause to be issued to all con- valescent small-pox patients an entire suit of clothing, free of charge, on being reported for duty by their medical officer. It will be the duty of surgeons in charge of pest-houses to see that all clothing worn by the patients during their sickness is destroyed, and all other necessary precautions taken to prevent the spread of the disease. In the absence of corps commanders, issues of clothing required by this order will be directed by the highest military commander nearest the pest-houses. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. BAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant. General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Smiths Plantation, April 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Department of Ike Tennessee: GENERAL: Your dispatch of this date ordering me to direct Cap- tain Patterson to work as many of his men as he can spare in cleaning out the bayou from Richmond to the river, is received. I hasten to reply that Captain Patterson is now moving his corps (except a l)arty building a small tower at Holmes) some 7 miles below here on Vidal, for the purpose of building a bridge across that bayou. Generals Hovey and Osterhaus and Lieutenant Hams, engineer, report the scheme to be entirely practicable, and General Osterhaus says he will have his portion of the work done to-morrow evening. With two or three such structures, you will have but little trouble or delay in mov- ing your whole army by land to Perkins plantation, some 15 miles See llurihut to Laurnan, April 16, p. 199 Page 221 ChAr. XXXYI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 221 above Grand Gulf. I ant sending a barge down to General Hovey, to be used in constructing one of the bridges. Having given a description as to what portion of the pioneer corps may be spared, and believing it to be consistent with what I take to be the spirit of yonr order, and what you would have ordered yourself npon full knowledge of the facts, I have not interfered to change the order above mentioned in regard to the pioneer corps above men- tioned. If, general, in this I have erred, it only remains to so advise me, and whatever portion of the corps you may direct will be sent to report to Major Tweeddale. I have made very good progress to.day iii transferring General Carrs division to the Mississippi levee. I will send the Forest Queen up the river to-night to watch for the exl)ected transi)orts, and to give them any needed assistance. I start a courier in haste with this dispatch. Yonr obedient servant, JOHN A. MoCLERNA~D. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 92. Camp near Viclcsburg, April 22, 1863. * * * * * * * Ill. The First Division, Major-General Steele commanding, now de- tached at Greenville, Miss., will at once return to its camp at Youngs Point. and prepare for a new move. The corps quartermaster, Lieuten- ant-Colonel [J. Condit] Smith, will dispatch to Greenville such boats as he can spare, with this order; and if General Steele, commanding the division, has not sufficient boats to move the whole command at once, he can leave a brigade, or less detachment, if prudent, and send boats back for them after reaching Young~s Point. By order of Maj. Gen. NY. T. Sherman: H. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. SMITHS PLANTATION, April 22, 186311 p. m. Brig. Gemi. PETER J. OSTERHAUS, Gomdg. Ninth Division: GENERAL: Herewith you will find a communication which explains itself. You will immediately embark all of your available force, if practi- cable, upon such vessels as may be obtained, and follow after the gun. boats to Grand Gulf, or as near as may be to be beyond the range of the enemys batteries at that place. If the gunboats succeed in silenc- ing the batteries, either with or without your aid, you will, if you think yourself strong enough for the l)urpose, take and hold the place. If, in your judgment, the cover of the gunboats should be necessary to make you secure in holding the place, you will ask of the admiral some ssurance upon the subject. If you think you can do so successfully, take a leading part in the contemplated movement, and, in all events, afford every co-operation in your power. In case you should take the place, you will be re-enforced as rapidly as I can send forward troops for that purpose. Of course, you will take with you all the artillery and ammunition you can, and such number of rations as you may think proper. Very respectfully, your humble servant, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND Page 222 222 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. [Inclosure.] FLAG-SnIP BENTON, OFF GRAND GULF, April 22, 1863. Maj. Geii. JOhN A. MOCLERNAND, Commanding, & c.: GENunAL: I have been down reconnoitering to-day. They have built extensive works and have guns in them. If left to themselves, they will make this place impregnable. I drove them out of the principal work, but the other was out of range, and I could not get at them without bring- lag on a gemi~eral engagement, which I am not prepared for to-day. I shall attack the forts in the morning, and I ask that you will send down memi to hold them in ease I do take them. The Price, Forest Queen, and the big barge will bring all that is required. The Forest Queen can carry artillery, which is indispensable to hold the hills. The men will capture tents enough without bringing any. This isa case where a dash will save everything. I drove the steamer that is supplying them up Big Black River; she had not tinie to land her supplies. Dis- l)atctl is all-important at this moment. Very truly, DAVID D. POIRTEJIL SMITHS PLANTATION, April 22, 186311 p. m. R ar-Admiral DAVID I). PORTER, Comdg. Mississippi Squadron: ADMIRAL: Your communication is this moment received. General Osterhans is ordered to co-operate in tIme reduction and occupation of Grand Gulf. He will move on all the boats he can make available, at the earliest l)racticable moment. Ile-enforcements will follow him as rapidly as I can send them. Of course, it will be expected that you will alThrd him, in occupying the place, the cover of your gunboats, until lie shall have been sufficiently re-enforced against all hostile comers. Colonel [Thomas S.] Mather, chief of my staff, bears this dispatch. Youm- obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. CAMP AT MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 22, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, U. S. Army, Assistant Adjutant- General, Ilidqrs. Dept. of the Tennessee: SIR: I have the honor to report, for the information of the command- ing general, that, pursuant to instructions, on the 17th instant I coin- menced firing upon the court-house and the railroad depot in Vieks- burg with two 30-pounder Parrott rifles, placed in casemate battery ol)posite the town. The firing was continued at intervals during the (laylight until the night of the 20th, with very unsatisfactory results on the first and second days, the l)rojectiles having been thrown with much inaccuracy, and having mostly fallen short of the town. On the third the firing was better, and on the fourth day, though little effect- ive, it was excellent, the shells apparently bursting at the height and distance of the dome of the court-house, and at the very center of the ridge pole of the depot, the elevations used being 15 and 10 degrees, respectively. Still, the result of the firing, as that of siege artillery, has not been effective. The enemy seems to have quitted time use of the depot on the third day. In the night of the 20th, pursuant to in- structions, I removed to the lauding, and so soon as a steamer arrived Page 223 CHAP. XXXVI.] CO1~RESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 223 the detachment, with the guns, ammunition, & c., were embarked, and reached the First Infantry camp this morning. I wish to say that I highly appreciate the efforts of Capt. XV. Kos- sak, of the Yolunte~r Engineers, whose strong casernates, could they have been tested, would have shown that they were skillfully planned, and executed with great judgment and labor. I have the honor to be sir, veryrespectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. PHILLIPS, Captain First I~fantry. [1DQ1~s. FOURTH Div., SIXTEENTH A. C., April 22 1863. Colonel I3RYANT: COLONEL: With this you will receive a reply from General Hurl- but to the flag of truce, and further instructions iu regard to your movements. Nothing h~is been heard from General [CV. S.] Smith, and the probability is that he was obstructed by the same cause which pre- vented your crorsing the Coldwaterhigh water. It is not intended tha.t you cross the Coldwater or attack Chalmers at the crossing, unless you hear Smiths guns, as indicated in General Hurlbuts communica tion. 1 regret exceedingly that any part of your command should be guilty of such a flagrant act of van(lalism as the burning of a village, which will tend to bring discredit on our troops, and was in direct vio- lation of your orders, and I assure you the guilty parties ~vill meet with due punishment. Very respectfully, yours, J. G. LAUMAN. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Opelousas, La., April 23, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Comdy. Forces on the TTpper Mississippi: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your (us- patches, dated at Headquarters, before Vicksburg, March 23, 1863, on the 21st, by the hand of Lieutenant [Joseph F.] Tenney, of General Augurs division, at Baton Rouge. On April 10, Mr. Gabaudan, pri- vate secretary of Admiral Farragut, commanding the Hartford, at the mouth of Red River, reported at my l~eadquarters at Brashear, and gave me verbally the substance of your dispatches, which he said he had read, but did not bring with him in the dangerous passage which he was compelled to make of the batteries of Port Hudson. The information received by Mr. Gabaudan differs somewhat from your dispatches. I understand from him that it was your intention to send a force by the way of Lake Providence and the Black River, pass- ing through the intermediate bayous, to the mouth of Black River on the Red River, and that this force would probably reach the Red River by May 1 proximo, to co-operate with my command against Port Hud- son. Stimulated by this report and cheering prospect of assistance, we pushed with vigor the expedition upon which we were then engaged. Our success has been complete. We have utterly destroyed the army and navy of this part of the Confederacy, and made it impossible for the enemy to reorganize his forces for some months to come. We See Huribut to Chalmers, p. 219 Page 224 224 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. occupy Opelousas, and my advance is about 30 miles in front of this place, on the road to Alexandria. The forces of the enemy are divided, a portion of [H. H.] Sibleys cav- alry being on the Plaquemine Bayou, on the road to Texas, with General [Alfred] Mouton and the artillery and some cavalry on the road toAlexan- dna. The infantryis completely dispersed. We have captured 2,000 pris- oners, 1,000 stand of arms, ammunition, ordnance stores, & c., 20 heavy guns, demolished his foundries at Franklin and New Iberia, and the salt- works below Iberia. We have captured two steamers and sev- eral boats, and compelled the destruction of ten or twelve transport steamers, some of them laden with flour, ammunition, and arms. The gunboats Diana, Hart, and Queen of the West have been de- stroyed, and their armament captured by our forces. We have among our prisoners the most important officers of all armsCaptain [E. W.] Fuller, the commander of their fleet, captured from the Queen of the West, known here as the King of the Swamp, long in the Legislature aThi at the head of the filibuster or fighting element of the State, whose candidate he was for the office of Governor. We have also Captain [0. J.J Semmes, the first officer of their artillery, and Colonel [W. 0-.] Vincent, the chief of their cavalry. They can make no stand this side of Alexandria. The capture of the fortifications at Butte-~1Aa-Rose by the army and navy, which occurred on the morning of April 20, opens to us com- pletely the Atchafalaya to the Red River. Several days since I ad- dressed to the admiral an inquiry whether he could navigate the Red River to Alexandria, and to yourself a request to communicate the time when your co-operative force could reach Red River. Our communica- tion with the admiral is open only on Thui~sdays, when he comes down to Port Hudson. It will be communicated to him, as I am informed, by dispatches from General Augur to-day. It must be some time before it reaches you. I was disappointed in learning from the perusal of your dispatches that at their date it was undetermined whether you can send a force to the Red River or not, on account of the deficiency of your transporta- tion. It is a grief on my part that I cannot aid you in this respect. Our transportation is lamentably deficient. I had but one steamer with which to pass two divisions of my corps over Berwick Bay in this campaign. The route is open, but I can reach Red River only by forced marches. ft is six days march to Alexandria, and four or five to Simsport, at the mouth of the Atchafalaya, but until we can hear from you I shall make Washington, on the Courtableau, my base of operations. WTe can co-operate with you in any manner you suggest, by a junc- tion on the Red River or by an attack from Baton Rouge, joining your forces on the Bayou Sara, in the rear of Port Hudson. My belief is that this is the best method, as the passage of the Mississippi from the lied River is very difficult with our short transportation, and will re- quire a landing, and places us between the armies of Vicksburg and Port Hudson; but we shall not hesitate. I wait anxiously to hear from you upon these points, viz: 1. When can you be at the mouth of the Black or Red River~ 2. In what manner shall my forces co-operate with you ~ 3. Can you furnish transportation for your passage to Port Hudson, or do you rely upon us l 4. Can you supply your troops, or will you rely upon us~ 5. Is it not practicable for your force to join us by the Atchafalaya Page 225 225 ChAr. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. It is doubtful if we can supply your forces from New Orleans in operating above Port Hudson, on account of our deficient transporta- tion. My belief is that the best junction is by the Atchafalaya. We can reach Baton Rouge by the Grand River and the Plaquemine with- out transshipment, and, our forces united, make the reduction of Port Hudson certain. My own command is insufiuicient. Waiting anxiously your response, and with full confidence in your judgment and earnest co-operation, I am, very truly, yours, N. P. BANKS. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Opetousas, La., April 23, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Gomdg. Forces before Yic1csbur~q: GENERAL: Further reflection upon my letter of this date, and addi- tional information as to the condition of the country on this line, leads me to urge more strongly the point of junction indicated at its close, viz, by the Atchafalaya, Grand River, and Plaquemine Bayou to Baton Rouge. We are now 180 miles fronir New Orleans. It is with great (lifficulty that we obtain supplies now. Corn and beef are our chief support. To extend this line a hundred miles farther, as it will be on the Red River, increases the difficulty, and to push it farther still to the opposite side of the Mississippi at Bayou Sara, will render supplies very insecure, if not impossible. I commend this subject to your earn- est consideration. By the Atchafalaya all difficulties of this kind are obviated. Sup- plies of ammunition and provisions are secured a perfect field of opera- tions is in our possession, and the united forces make the result we wish certain. There are insuperable difficulties to encounter on the other line from the extent of the operations and the deficiencies of transportation. They cannot be too carefully weighed, nor too much consideration given to the advantages presented by the more southerly route. Let me say that all my ideas on the subject have been changed by my experience in this campaign. Inclosed I send a map indicating the route proposed for co operation, and also our line of march in this campaign.* I have the honor, general, to subscribe myself, faithfully, your friend, N. P. BANKS. FLAG-SHiP BENTON, Off New Gartha ye, April 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gommanding, & e.: DEAR GENERAL: Feeling that something was going on at Grand Gulf that should be stopped, I went down with the whole squadron to reconnoiter. A strong fort (at present mounting three guns only) point- ing up the river was a part of the extensive works now under way. I went down in the Lafayette and drove the workers out ; - that fort did not fire at us, but one below it did; also one lower still. Three rifled shot went over the Lafayette after I left. The rebels had a steamer (the Charm) down, bringing supplies. We drove her away before she had time to land them. These forts are only partly finished; in a week they will be formidable. I found a preacher (half Union man), who was just from Grand Gulf. Not found. 1~ R RVOL XXIY, PT II Page 226 226 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CnAi~. XXXVI. He told me all about the fortifications and the number of troops. They are throwing in troops from Yicksburg as fast as they can by land, and bringing down guns, & c., as fast as they can by water. There are four forts in all, well placed, and mounting twelve large guns. They have been preparing this place six weeks, and have known all about this move; expected it sooner. I would have attacked had there been but two forts. I made my plans to do so, bat considered it unwise to put myself in a position where I might be separated from the army, which might have happened under present circumstances. They have 12,000 troops at Grand Gulf, and still increasing the number. My informant tells me that they have plenty of beef and corn meal. They seem to have about 500 contra- bands at work. I could see no more. My idea was to attack the forts at once and land troops at the same time, but I think we should have superior numbers, for the position is a very strong one. If the troops can get by, we can land them below, and land on a road leading to the fort, or go up Bayou Pierre, which leads to the Port Hudson Railroad. As you know your own plan, I wont pretend to offer any suggestions. I merely give you the informatkn I have obtained. I send you a little plan of the place.* Very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Smiths Plantation, April 23, 1863. lVIaj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Ihave the honor to report that I received a dispatch from Rear-Admiral Porter last night, stating that the enemy was construct. ing works at Grand Gulf. He bombarded their works within range, but could not reach those upon the hill. He intends renewing the bombardment to-day, and requests an infantry force to co-operate. I have ordered all the available forces to move, yet with due caution in landing, and to remain under the protection of the gunboats. You will please forward the pontoon train as soon as possible, as a bridge across the bayou below would add greatly to the means of reaching the river. Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. MoCLERNAND. MILLLKENS BEND, LA., April 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, Gomdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: It appearing that the proprietor and editor of the Bulle- tin has been absent for some time, and the control of his paper out of his hands, you are authorized to permit its issue for the publication of the letter-list and such Northern news as you may deem proper to be pub- lished. Nabors, one of the former proprietors, I regard as one of the most dangerous, as well as most disloyal, citizens of Memphis. I would advise a close watch to be kept over him, and on the slightest devia- tion from a correct course I would expel him from our lines. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. * Not found Page 227 CHAr. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 227 MILLIKENS BEND, April 23, 1863. lxi. C. MI~IzGs, Quartermaster- General: A large number of boats have been discharged or sent up the river since I have been here, and General Grant h~ts directed the stores, except those which are perishable, and ordnance stores, to be landed, and all boats here to be discharged, except sufficient for the close trans- portation of 10,000 troops and four batteries of artillery for short trips. The tow-boats are not kept there. Barges are kept, because they are needed, and it is supposed they can be built at less cost than it would take to send them back. When no longer required, they will be sent to Memphis for sale, or such disposition as may be judged best for the interest of the service. The water is falling quite rapidly. I shall to- morrow t ke a tow-boat through the canal and bayou to Richmond, and then down to Carthage. Colonel Reynolds has been relieved from duty here as chief quartermaster, by General Grant, and I have ordered him to repoit in person to you. L. TIIOMAS, Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, April 23, 1863. Maj. Geii. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that five steamers have arrived safely, and one is above; one was sunk. General Osterhaus division was embarkedeight regiments infantry and two batteriesand are ready to start for Grand Gulf at 10 a. m. this day. Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. MoCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp before Yicksburg, April 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. JAMES B. MCPHERSON: DEAR GENERAL: 1 am ordered to move on the road to Carthage next in order to you. I would be much obli~ed if you would give me a little notice in advance of the time. The road will be clear. I now have one division (Tuttles) on the other side of the new canal, whence they can march to Millikens Bend. The other two divisions (Blairs and Steeles) will have to be ferried up to the Bend. As olir details of march and service should be as uniform as possible, I would be obli~,ed if you would send me your orders prescribing the order of march of your divisions and trains. With sincere respect, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Smiths Plantation, April 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: At 11 p. m. of the ~2d instant I received a communica- tion from Admiral Porter, ~ informing me that he had been reconnoiter- ~Seep. 222 Page 228 228 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL ing during the day near Grand Gulf, and had found that the enemy had 1)uilt extensive works there, which were occupied by guns, and that if left to himself he would make the place impregnable. He added that he had driven the enemy out of the principal work, but that the other was outof range, and could not be attacked without bringing oti a general engagement, for which he (the admiral) was not prepared. He further advised me that he would attack the~ forts in the morning, and requested that I should send a land force to hold them in case he should succeed in accomplishing their reduction; closing by saying that it was a case in which dispatch and a dash were important, and might save everything. Although not l)repared to make a sustained move- ment against the place, and inadequately supplied with ammunition, I sent an order to General Osterhaus, 6 miles in advance, to embark his division, with all the artillery and ammunition he could make available, on such boats as he could find, and hold himself in readiness to follow the gunboats, and to co operate in attacking the enemys position at the Gulf and to hold it. Many obstacles remained to encounter; col- lection of boats, which were deficient in number; difficulty in commu- nicating with officers across the flooded bayous and swamps, and muddy roads, yet by 11 a. m. on the 23d the general had embarked his division, including two batteries, and was awaiting the movement of the gun- boats. At 12 oclock, Admiral Porter (whom I called on) advised me that he had just returned from the Gulf, and that he had found the situa- tion there different; that he had discovered two more forts; in all four, and a land force estimated at 12,000, and that he had concluded to de- lay the attack upon the place, at all events until he could confer with me. Only having some 3,000 men embarked and immediately available for the movement, I determined at once to make a reconnaissance of the Gulf, and accordingly asked the use of the ram Price, which was fur- nished me by the admiral for the purpose. In an hour and a half I was within some 2 miles of the enemys posi- tion, a rough sketch of which I exhibited to you last night. The Price threw two shots, cne of which struck the foot of the bluff near the enemy. I saw no great activity of any kind displayed by the enemy, nor did I see any formidable display of batteries or forts. Indeed, it was questionable in my mind whether the enemy had any intrench- ments; yet others asserted that they had seen both rifle-pits and earth- works for the protection of infantry and artillery, and it may be so. I am satisfied, however, that there are no extensive or very strong works, although the position in itself is one of the strongest I ever saw. Upon my return, I met with Admiral Porter, and told him that I could see no activity, on the part of the enemy, and that I thought it important that the gunboats should so annoy him as to prevent him from intrench- ing. I cannot too strongly urge that it be done now. The enemy should be at once driven away from the crest and river slope of the blufi~, and I believe the gunboats can easily do it. When I have concentrated my corps, and have it in readiness for embarkation upon such transports as can be furnished, and a footing has been secured for me by the gunboats I will take the place against any force now there; probably against any likely to be there. With the increased facilities promised in the boats which ran the blockade the other night, and those understood to be coming, I will soon have my corps on the Mississippi levee, only 15 miles from the Gulf. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND Page 229 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 229 SMITHS PLANTATION, April 24, 1863. l~iaj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: If the Black River cut-off is navigable, my forces might ascend to some eligible landing on the Black River, and promptly gain the rear of the enemy at Grand Gull; and thus cut oft his escape. It that line should be found impracticable, another might be adopted ii~ marching some 25 miles across the country, to a point opposite the mouth of Bayou Pierre, which may probably be accomplished in forty-eight hours. Arrived at that point, I would have to rely on gunboats (unless transports run the blockade at Grand Gulf) to cross my command to the east bank of the Mississippi, and, if necessary, to take them to an eligible, landing on the bayou. General Williams, last year, ascended the same bayou nearly to the point at which the railroad from Grand Gulf to Port Gibson crosses it. Provisions and forage could doubtless be found on this line. Another plan is a front attack, and the reduction of the enemy~s fortifications on the bold promontory overlooking the mouth of Big Black, the Mississippi, and the town of Grand Gulf below by the gun- boats. Possessed of such a footing, the infantry can do the balance. But they must have this footing, and it can only be obtained by the gunboats, as frail transports, laden with men and munitions of war, could not be advanced under the hostile fire to the shore. The gun- boats ought to be able to do this; they can do it. These three plans, severally, may be found practicable, and two or more of them are capable of being combined. All are respectfully sub- mitted for your consideration. Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNANJJ. SMITHS PLANTATION, April 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: According to your order, I have directed General Oster- hans to make an armed reconnaissance to, and, if necessary to the object in view, below the mouth of Bayou Pierre, and to report without delay the result of his observations, so that it may be determined whether it will be best to recall him from his destination or for the rest of my corps to follow. Respectfully, & c., JOHN A. McCLERNAND. SMITHS PLANTATION, April 24, 1863. Brig. Gen. PETER J. OSTERHAUS, Gomdg. Ninth Division: GENERAL: If a practicable road can be found, you will immediately, and in person, make an armed reconnaissance from your present camp to a point on the Mississippi River opposite the mouth of Bayou Pierre. Upon arriving at that point, you will make diligent inquiry whether a practicable road exists from the mouth of that bayou to any point on the railroad between Grand Gulf and Port Gibson. Also as to the capacity of the bayou fbr navigation. If you should ascertain that no such road exists, you will push your reconnaissance with the view of ascertaining whether there is a prac- ticable road leading from a point lower down on the Mississippi to th Page 230 230 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAr. XXXVI railroad mentioned. The map shows two roads leading from a point a short distance below 1~he mouth of Bayou Pierre one to Grand Gulf and the other to Port Gibson. The object is to ascertain whether the flank or rear of the ~fl~ffiy~5 position at Cr~nd Gulf may be gained by our forces moving either by land or w~ ter from the vicinity of the mouth of Bayou Pierre. It is not expected that you will push your reconnais- sance an undue distance below a point opposite Bayou Pierre. As it is understood that the rebel Colonel [I. F.] Harrison, with an estimated force of from 400 to 700, is hovering about or near the route of your con- templated march, you will watch foi~ and capture or disperse his force. It is left with you to determine whether you will take the whole or only a portion of your division with you, and for you to decide whether you will or will not take yonr artillery or any portion of it. Take am- munition, and (if you think it unsafe to rely on the country for provis- ions) rations also, either in wagons or haversacks. Leave everything else behind that will necessarily encumber you, under the protection of a guard. Report as often as practicable, so that I may (letermine whether it will be best to recall you from your destination, or leave you there, to be followed by the rest of the corps. With respect, sir, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. P. S.Take the Second Illinois Cavalry with yon, if you think proper. It is at Perkins. SMITHS PLANTATION, April 24, 1863. Brig. Gen. PETER J. OSTERHAUS: GENERAL: This order will take the place of the one sent to-day for a reconnaissance down the river. You will send all the cavalry at Perkins plantation, including any that General Carr can spare, to make the contemplated reconnaissance. You will also send two regiments of infantry, with the cavalry, for the same purpose. You will hold in readiness for prompt embarkation upon notice. An early attack upon Grand Gulf is anticipated. Prepare for participating in it. One, and an important, object of the reconnaissance is to ascertain whether there is a practicable road from Perkins to a point opposite or nearly opposite to Grand Gulf, from which troops might be crossed to the east bank of the river, and thence marched upon that place. The nearer the point from which to effect such crossing the better, as it is intended that the troops to be crossed will participate in the contem- plated attack upon Grand Gulf. If no such point can be found nearer that place than opposite the mouth of Bayou Pierre, the reconnaissance will be extended that far, and, if necessary, still below, within safe (I istance. All instructions contained in my previous communication upon this subject not inconsistent herewith will be observed by the do achment hereby authorized. Immediately upon completing the contemplated reconnaissance, the detachment will return to Perkins plantation, nd, there encamping, guard all the approaches to that place until further orders. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. P. SIf you think it necessary, you may send a section of artillery with the detachment Page 231 CHAr. XXXVI.) CORRESPONT~ENCE, ETC.UNION. 231 IN THE FIELD, April 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Gomdg. FVteenth Army Corps: In company with Admiral Porter, I made to-day a reconnaissance of Grand Gulf. My impressions are, that if an attack can be made within the next two days, the place will easily fall. But the difficulties of getting from here (Smiths plantation) to the river are great. I foresee great difficulties in our present position, but it will not do to let these retard any movements. In the first place, if a battle should take place, we are necessarily very destitute of all preparations for taking care of wounded men. All the little extras for this purpose were put on board the Tigress, the only boat that was lost. The line from here to Millikens Bend is a long one for the transportation of supplies and to defend, and an impossible one for the transportation of wounded men. The water1in the bayous is falling very rapidly, out of all propor- tion to the fall in the river, so that it is exceedingly doubtful whether they can be made use of for the purposes of navigation. One inch fall in the river diminishes the supply of water to the bayous to a very great extent, while their capacity for carrying it away remains the same. Should the river fall sufficiently to draw off all the water on the points where you are encamped, our line will have to be by wagons across to below the Warrenton batteries. Whilst there, I wish you would watch matters, and, should the water fall sufficiently, make the necessary roads for this purpose. You need not move any portion of your corps more than is necessary for the protection of the road to Richmond until ordered. It may pos- sibly happen that the enemy may so weaken his forces about Nicks- burg and ilaynes Bluff as to make the latter vulnerable, particularly with a fall of water to give an extended landing. I leave the management of affairs at your end of the line to you. I shall send Surgeon Hewitt to the Bend to-morrow, to consult with the medical director about the best policy to pursue for caring for our sick and wounded. U. S. GRAINT. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., April 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Comdg. Third Division: GENERAL: You will move your division from this place to Richmond to-morrow, the First Brigade starting t 6 a. in., to be followed by the other brigades successively, as fast as the road is clear.* * * * * * * * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. [Inclosure.] INSTRUCTIONS. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTh ARMY CORPS, Millikens Bend, April 24, 1863. In accordance with Special Orders, No. 11O,t department liead~uar- ters, the troops will be required to bivouac until proper facilities can be afforded for the transportation of camp equipage. * Details of march omitted. I Of April 20; see p. 212 Page 232 232 MISSISSWPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. One tent will be allowed each company for the protection of rations from rain; one wall-tent for each regimental headquarters, one wall- tent for the brigade headquarters, and one wall-tent for division head- quarters. The men will be provided with three days cooked rations, and the teams of the regiments will transport, besides the camp equipage herein allowed, all the ammunition and rations possible, it being the intention to so conduct the march as to allow the transportation of ten days supply of rations and 100 rounds of ammunition per man. The re- maining tents will be neatly folded, and all the camp and garrison equipage left behind will be placed in charge of the brigade quarter- master, who will receive instructions from the quartermaster of the corps as to its dispo~ition. Attention is called to the following extract of said Special Orders, No. 110: 13. Commanders are authorized and enjoined to collect all the beef-cattle, corn, and other supplies necessary for the army on the line of march, but wanton destruc- tion of property, taking of articles unless for military purposes, insulting citizens, going into and searching houses without proper orders from division commanders, are positively prohihited. All such irregularities ninst be summarily punished. General McArthur is authorized to order the storage of all the re- maining camp and garrison equipage of his command on his quarter- masters boat, instead of the place designed herein. By order of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- qeneral. MILLIKEINS BEND, LA., April 24, 1863. Brig. Gen. C. L. MATTUJES, Comdg. iSem,enth Div., Richmond, La.: GENEPAL: You will move your command from Richmond to Smiths plantation, near New Carthage, as soon as possible. Colonel Boomer will move, with his brigade and the remaining batteries of the division, this afternoon. The Seventy-second Illinois, Colonel Starring commanding, will be left at Richn~ond, in command of the post, until further orders. Very respectfully, JAS. B. McPHERSON. P. S.If General Matthies is not at Richmond, Colonel Sanborn will carry out this order. LA GRANGE, April 24, 1863. Major.General HURLBUT: One of our soldiers just in from the enemys camps, which he visited as a spy, says that a number of independent companies have congre- gated and are moving to attack this post. It may be mere rebel brag- gadocio, but I shall clear the decks to-night. I think it more likely that a raid in force is to be made upon the railrohd line to capture a train, and therefore respectfully suggest strong guard. Chalmers is gathering his scattered forces at Waterford, 8 miles be- low Holly Springs. Grierson threw off Hatch to the east, according to orders, and was pushing down toward Pontotoc when last heard from. Chalmers is trying to get upon his track by concentrating at Waterford. WM. SOOY SMITH Page 233 CHAP. XXXVL] CORRESPONJiENCE, ETC.UNION. 233 GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, No. 26. Camp near T7icksburg, April 25, 1863. I. Pursuant to Special Orders, No. 110, from the Headquarters IDe- partment of the Tennessee, the Fifteenth Army Corps will march to Carthage, via Millikens Bend and Richmond, by the left flank, viz, in the order of the Third, Second, and First Divisions. 1. The Third Division, General Tattle commanding, will march on Monday to Millikens Bend, thence to Richmond, and keep closed np on the rear of General McPhersons corps. 2. The Second Division, General Blair commanding, will on Monday be transported in boats to the landing just above the Van Buren hos- pital, whence it will march to Richmond, and keep closed np on the Third Division. 3. The First Division, General Steele commanding, will on arrival from Greenville land at the old camp, gather up their camp equipage, and proceed by boats to a point near General Grants headquarters at Millikens Bend, and thence march to Richmond, and keep closed up on Second Division. IJ. The march will be conducted by brigades, and the wagon train disposed by each brigadier so as to obstruct the roads as little as pos- sible, but each brigadier will keep with his wagon train a sufficient guard to assist them in case of accident. III. The convalescents camp of the Third Division will be established near the site of their present camp; that for the Second and First Di- visions at a,point convenient between Van Buren hospital and General Grants old headquarters. IV. Each division commander will deposit his spare tents and prop- erty in connection with his convalescents camp, and may leave a dis- abled officer, specially charged to take care of and account for the same, with such detail as he may think necessary. The officers, however, in command of these several convalescents camps must report for orders to General Sullivan, in command of the troops left behind. V. General Tuttle will begin the movement on Monday, the 27th in- stant, and not leave the river at Millikens Bend till he has reason to believe the rear brigade of General McPherson is at least 10 miles out; and all division commanders will so manage that when they leave the river their trains shall have ten days rations and about 100 rounds of cartridges, in addition to those in the boxes of the men. Each soldier should carry 60 cartridges, two days cooked rations, a tin cup, and a good overcoat or blanket. The wagons must carry chiefly provisions, and the very smallest allowance of officers baggage and cooking uten- sils. The march should be slow, but very regular. The utmost atten- tion must be given to keeping the men in the ranks during the march. At a rest, the arms should be stacked and then the men can lie down. At night the brigade should be moved to one or other side of the road guards posted, and men bivouacked in order easily to take the road mu the morning. VI. Division commanders will use their cavalry to communicate with the troops to their front and rear, a~nd will preserve intervals, so that the troops of different divisions will not commingle. VII. Each division commander will be provided with a correct map by Captain Pitzmnan, from which brigade commanders should make sketches. By order of Maj. Gem W. T. Sherman: R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- ~Thneral Page 234 234 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 74. f MilWcens Bend La., April 25, 1863. * * * * * * * IL Brigadier-General MeArthur, commanding Sixth IDivision, will move his command to Richmond to-morrow, the 26th instant.t * * * III. Brigadier-General McArthur, ~commanding Sixth Division, xviii detail tJ~te Eighteenth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers to garrison the post of Richmond, La., relieving the Seventy-second Regiment Illinois Volunteers, there stationed. IV. The Seventy-second Regiment Illinois Volunteers, (Do]. Fred. A. Starring commanding, is assigned to the Second Brigade, Sixth Division, and will report accordingly, as soon as relieved from garrison duty at Richmond, La., by the Eighteenth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers. V. The Ninety-fifth Regiment Illinois Volunteers will l)rOCCCd to Millikens Bend, La., as soon as transportation can be obtained, and will then march forthwith to join the Sixth Division, reporting to Briga- dier-General McArthur for orders. * * * * * * * By order of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLAR~(, Assistant Adjutant- General. IIDQRS. THIRTEENTII ARMY CORPS, April 26, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gorndg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Many persons say that I could march my whole corps to Hard Times, 3 miles this side Grand Gulf. I have sent a detachment to-day to reconnoiter and officially report upon the subject. The detachment sent to Bayou Pierre are somewhat retarded in their progress by reason of the enemys burning the bridges behind them as they retreat. I am starting over to Mound Bayou to see what progress General Hovey has made in bridging Vidal and Mound Bayou. It is said he is at work on the last bridge. Several gentlemen represent that as they came down to this land- ing yesterday they saw a train of wagons moving south. Others say they had opportunities of seeing the same, but did not. It is rather probable that the enemy are reenforcing the garrison at the Gulf; hence the importance of the suggestion I ventured to make the other day, that at least a feint should be made upon Warrenton and Haynes BluffZa feint to be pushed to a bold attack, if circumstances favor. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Gamp before Vieksburg, April 26, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Carthage: GENERAL: Your letter of April 21 [24] is this moment received. I feared the difficulties you now experience, and went myself yesterday, and examined the new canal from Duckport to Willow Bayou. I sounded it in its whole length; it is nearly 3 miles long. The first mile is comparatively good; the middle mile is bad; has not an average depth of 1 foot; and the last mile has 3 feet, 2 feet, and nothing; 200 t Details of march omitted Page 235 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 235 yards at Willow Bayou is dry. 1 made a rude estimate, and allowing for four dredges (I only found two employed), will take near fifty days work to make a canal 8 feet deep. Your tugs draw 7k feet. All my orders were out to march in the morning, but I have this moment countermanded them. Steeles division is at Millikens Bend, and I will leave him there to guard that point and the road back to Richmond. Tuttle is at the canal. I will at once make him go to work to build a wabon road back along the canal to the bayou, as auxiliary to the one from Millikefts Bend. I examined it as I was sounding the canal, and think it can be done. Blairs division I will hold here, and proceed to make the examina- tions you suggest, but I am already familiar with every avenue possible. Though the water in the river has fallen 2 feet, and retired from the plain where my present camp is, still there is enough in the woods back and in the ditches for a boat to navigate from here to the Biggs place. Between Biggs and Bedfords place, opposite Warreuton, there is au old crevasse, and the cut is wide, deep, and impassable. Still, I will make further examination of it. I do not believe it possible for an empty wagon to proceed from here to any point below Warrenton for two weeks. I do not believe the new canal will be available iu one mouth. I think I can make a wagon road back from Tuttles camp to Richmond, which will be separate and distinct from the one now used, and to that extent available to your purpose. I may also, with plank, make a road across to the Hecla place from Youngs Point. I have ati excellent map, but have to-day furnished my division comi man(lers all but the original. I will inclose a sketch with this, illustrating the roads I propose to assist you. To haul hence, via Biggs and Bedfords l)iaCC, below Warreuton, is simply impossible. We did corduroy 2 miles of it once, but there are 4 feet of water now, and, even should the water sub- side, it will remain a pulpy quagmire for a month. I believe you have good bayou navigation from Carthage up to Rich- inond, and our best course is to push road to Richmond. The tug Rumsey should have run the batteries last night, but she did not go. She will start to-night, and it is favorable, being rainy and dark. She has two barges iu tow. Graham is here at this moment, and will carry this up to Millikens Bend and dispatch it to you. I am, with great respect, W. T. SHERMAN. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY Coups, Camp before Vicksburg, April 26, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. M. TUTTLE, Gomdg. Third Division: DEAR GENERAL: Since you left me this afternoon, I am in receipt of a letter from General Grant, which develops some of the difficulties I apprehended. He orders me to remain here till further orders, and wants me to construct roads to facilitate transportation. The swamp back of inc has 4 feet of water; I have navigated with large yawls. The only chance for a road is along your canal, on the lower or south bank, by leveling down the mud levee, bridging the bayou at the fir~t woods, and a good deal of work. Beyond you can reach Willow Bayou, along whose bank is a road to Richmond. You will, therefore, put a heavy detail on this road, and push it to completion as fast as possible, as I see plainly that General Grants army and Admiral Porters flee Page 236 236 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. will be caught unprovided unless every possible means be adopted to relieve their wants. We may have to plank this road in places, but let us ~rst make it passable to troops, and then plank it or not, according to the weather. Such a road will enable us to haul stores back to the bayon, when to Richinond barges could float thcm thage, a large class of boats. and then to Car- I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 27. f Camp before T7icksburg, April 26, 1863. In consequence of orders this moment received from General Grant, the execution of General Orders, No. 26, is hereby suspended. General Steeles division will encamp at Millikens Bend. General Blairs divis- iou will remain as now. General ~ division will remain at the canal. Instructions to each will be given by letter. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: B. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant. General. SMITHS PLANTATION, April 26, 1863. Maj. Gen. JoIIN A. LOGAN, Comdg. Third Division: GENERAL: You will move your wholn division forward to-morrow morning at 6 oclock. On reaching this point, a staff officer will be in readiness to show you the route you are to take, the object being to reach Judge Perkins place, on the Mississippi IRiver, 6 miles below Carthage, as soon as possible. The distance to march is something over 15 miles from here. Very respectfully, JAS. B. MCPHERSON. MEMPHIS, TENN., April 26, 186311 a. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in- Chief: I have just heard from Dodge, at Tuscumbia. On 24th he took that place without severe fighting. The enemy steadily opposed advance, but was steadily driven back. A sharp skirmish at Little Bear Creek. lie went forward yesterday to help Colonel Streight in his movement. Citizens ot Tuscumbia report that J ohuston says he can send no re- enforcements. Dodge has every confidence in his own position. The gunboats did not come up to Tuscumbia. There is great alarm among the rebels, believing this movement to be the head of a column attacking Johnstons flank and rear. I have telegraphed the above to General Hosecrans. One regiment of my cavalry has destroyed barracks, stores, and railroad at Okolona and Tupelo. Colonel Grierson, with his force of cavalry, left Pontotoc morning of 19th of April, traveling at rate of 50 to 60 miles per day, to burn engines and cars at Canton ,and thence to destroy bridges oii Jackson and Meridian Railroad. General Grant is below Yicksburg, at or near Carthage. I hope he will land near Grand Gulf and move up Big Black River, but am not advised of his plans. - S. A. IIIJRLBUT Page 237 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 237 MEMPHIS, TENN., April 26, 1863. Licut. Col. JOHN A. RA~LINS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Dept. of Tennessee: SIR: I learn from Dodge that he occupied Tuscumbia on 24th, and J)roposed to take Florence on 25th. Quite a brisk skirmish on Little Bear Creek. Loss not reported, if any. Johnston sent word to troo ~ at Tuscumbia that he could not re-enforce. Great consternation from the1belief that Dodge is the head of a column to attack Johnston in flank and rear. Colonel Streight pushes out to-day on his trip. Dodge feels confi- dent of his position. The column under General Smith dispersed Chalmers, capturing many small arms, principally shot-guns, 230 horses and mules, and a number of wagons of provisions and supplies. Our troops are now all at their stations. Nothing further from Grierson. The Second Iowa Cavalry is reported to have destroyed barracks, stores, and railroad atOkolona and Tupelo and at other points. They are not in yet, and may have some trouble, but Hatch will take care of him- self and his men. Everything, so far as I can learn, is moving well on thjs line, though Chalmers may make a dash to pass our railroad or capture a train. The men are in splendid health. Hospitals much reduced, and room enough for patients from below. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLBUT. PERKINS PLANTATION, LA., April 27, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Gomdy. Thirteenth Army Gorps: Commence immediately the embarkation of your corps, or so much of it as there is transportation for. Have put aboard the artillery and every article authorized in orders limiting baggage, except the men, and hold them in readiness, with their places assigned, to be moved at a moments warning. All the troops you may have, except those ordered to remain behind, send to a point nearly opposite Grand Gulf where, you will see by Special Orders of this date, General McPherson is ordered to send one division. The plan of the attack will be for the navy to attack and silence all the batteries commanding the river. Your corps will be on the river, ready to run to and debark on the nearest eligible land below the prom ontory first brought to view passing down the river. Once on shore, have each commander instructed beforehand to form his men the best the ground will admit of and take possession of the most commanding points, but avoid separating your command so that it cannot support itself. The first object is to get a foothold where our troops can main- tain themselves until such time as preparations can be made and troops collected for a forward movement. Admiral Porter has proposed to place his boats in the position indi- cated to you a few days ago, and to bring over with them such troops as may be below the city after the guns of the enemy are silenced. It may be that the enemy will occupy [such] positions back from the city, out of range of the gunboats, as to make it desirable to run past Grand Gulf and land at Rodney. In case this should prove the plan, a signal will be arranged, and you duly informed when the transports are to start with this view. Or it may be expedient for the boats to run past, but not the men. In this case, then, the transports would have to be brought back to where the men could land, and move by forced marche Page 238 238 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. CHAr. XXXYL to below 0-rand Gulf, re-embark rapidly, and proceed to tli~ latter place. There will be required, then, three signals Izo indicate that the trans- ports can run down and debark the troops at Grand Gulfone that the transports can run by without the troops, and the last that transports can run by with the troops on board. Should the men have to march, all baggage and artillery will be left to ran the blockade. If not already directed, require your men to keep three days rations in their haversacks, not to be touched until a movement commences. U. S. GRANT. PERKINS PLANTATION, April 27, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: General Osterhaus expects a report this evening from Colonel Keigwin, commanding expedition in the direction of Grand Gulf. That report will determine the question of the practicability of reaching a point near that place by land. Until that question is determined, I will (unless you direct otherwise) postpone ordering any portion of my command in that direction. General Osterhaus reports that some of the transports and barges assigned to him are at present unseaworthy. General Carr reports the same in regard to one of the transports assigned to him. The constant use of such of the boats as passed Yicksburg, since their arrival, in bringing troops, & c., through a narrow bayou to this place, has increased their unseaworthiness, and has left no time for repairing them. I fear more time will be required to make them seaworthy than will be agree- able to either of us. I have assigned to General Hovey the two barges that came down this morning, in addition to the steamer Horizon, but one of them is represented to be almost in a sinking condition, and will require to be repaired. Your order of the 24th instant, prohibiting the wagons from being brought over from Smiths on boats, has left behind dispensing wagons and ambulances. Division commanders make this explanation of the absence of both, and in turn I make it to you. I have, however, the corps hospital wagons along. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MoCLERNAND. PEI~KINS PLANTATION, April 27, 1863. Maj. 0-en. U. S. GuANT, Gomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Being hourly engaged in preparing orders for the im- pending movements, I send Colonel Mudd and Lieutenant Tunica, en- gineer of the Ninth Division, to make explanations in connection with the map I sent you this evening, and the reconnaissance being made toward Grand Gulf. For reasons which these officers will explain, it appears that the reconnoitering force cannot safely go farther without re-enforcement. The force consists in part of two regiments of General Osterhaus division, which it was intended should join him below, at Hard Times, in the impending movement. By ordering General Smith forward, I can enable the regiments to go on, if there be a road, but still fear that in waiting for re-enforcements they might reach Hard Times too late t Page 239 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 239 join their command. I await your direction whether I shall recall the detachment or send General Smith to re-enforce it, and protect the line of communication until General McPherson comes up. JOHN A. McCLERNAND. PERKINS PLANTATION, LA., April 27, 186311 p. in. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Gomdg. Thirteenth Army Corps; The position now occupied by the enemy at Choctaw Bayou is one from which they can be easily driven, if not captured, by sending a force to engage them in front, while the majority of the force take the road leading by the northeast side of Bruins Lake. This latter road seems to be the one the mass of the troops should take to reach the river bank near to and below Grand Gulf. If you are satisfied that Smiths division will not find transportation here, they should start early in the morning by this route. Logans division will also follow them to-morrow. The troops of Osterhaus, now out, cannot be brought back until re- lieved by other troops, and that will be too late for them to take part in the present movement with their division. You might, if the trans- portation at hand will justify it, leave one brigade of Smiths division to act with Osterhaus until all the troops can be brought together, and direct Smith to take command of the two regiments on the road when he comes up with them. This force of Harrisons should be driven entirely oat of the country, or captured. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Perkins Plantation, La., April 27, 1863. Division Commanders: Commanders of divisions to whom boats have been assigned for the embarkation of their commands will hasten to embark them, at least as far as the capacity of the boats assigned will permit, and will, when embarked, report the fact. In moving from this landing, the ram General Price, as the flag-ship of the transport fleet, will take and keep the lead. The Fourteenth Division will follow next, the Ninth Division next, and the Twelfth Division next. The destination of the transport fleet is Grand Gulf. When the flag- ship General Price shall have landed or cast anchor in the vicinity of that place, the rest of the transport fleet will do the same, as near as may be in the order of its movements; but the transports will be care- ful to keep beyond the range of the enemys batteries. When the gunboats shall have silenced all the batteries commanding the river, the flag-ship General Price will hasten to the shore, which will be the signal for all the transports to do the same. Any transports that may not see the flag-ship will follow those that may immediately precede them. JIlL approaching the shore, and in landing, the commanders of the Fourteenth and Ninth Divisions will bear in mind the importance of preserving their proper relations from right to left, and their connection with each other, and of gaining landings which will facilitate the seizure of the commanding positions below the Xold promontory bounded o Page 240 240 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. the north by the (so-called) Gulf and on the west by the Mississippi, including that promontory. The Twelfth Division, or such portion of it as may form part of the expedition, will land at such point as will most favor the object of acting as a reserve, and in support of the Fourteenth and Ninth Divisions, which it will be its duty to do. The forces mentioned will seize and hold the positions referred to until they shall have been re-enforced for a further movement. In certain contingencies it may be determined that the transports will not land at Grand Gulf, but pass on below either with or without troops (in the latter case the troops to follow by land), but in that event juiotice will be given. As previously directed, the infantry will take 40 rounds of ammuni- tion in their cartridge-boxes and 40 rounds otherwise on their persons. The rest of the ammunition will be stored outhe Empire City, with the reserve ammunition. In the absence of wagons, the commanders of the divisions mentioned will detail and hold in readiness sufficient parties to carry ammunition into the field, if needed for the use of the respective divisions to which they belong. As ambulances will be left behind for the present, they will be placed in charge of details, to guard and bring them up when so ordered. Such details as may be deemed necessary will be made by the cOin- manders of said divisions for the purpose of caring for the wounded on the field. Those who may be detailed for that purpose will be distinguished by white badges around their left arms. Success must be ohr motto! JOHN A. MoCLERNAND. SMITHS PLANTATION, LA., April 27, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg. F?fteenth Army Corps: If you think it advisable, you may make a reconnaissance of ilaynes Bluff, taking as much force and as many steamers as you like. Admi- ral Porter told me that he would instruct Captain Breese to do as you asked him with his fleet. The effect of a heavy demonstration in that direction would be good so far as the enemy are concerned, but I am loth to order it, because it would be so hard to make our own troops under- stand that only a demonstration was intended, and our people at home would charact~rize it as a repulse. I therefore leave it to you whether to make such a demonstration. If made at all, I advise that you pub- lish your order beforehand, stat that a reconnaissance in force was to be made for the purpose of calling off the enemys attention from our movements south of Yicksburg, and not with any expectation of attacking. I shall probably move on Grand Gulf to-morrow. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp before Vicksburg, April 27, 1863. Maj. Gen. FRED. STEELE, Corn dg. First Division, MiUik-ens Bend: DEAR GENERAL: General Grant, finding the bayou hence to Car- thage of less capacity than he had counted on, has countermanded my orders of march, and has required of me other things, of which the guard Page 241 ULIAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 241 lug the road from Millikens Bend to Richmond is one. You will en- camp your division in good order, with full tents, at the best camping ground you can find. By to-morrow or Wednesday I expect McPher- sons corps will be at or beyond Richmond. You will detach to that point two regiments, nuder orders of some good colonel, with instruc- tions to march to Richmond and take post so as to cover the bridge at that point, and to send vedettes and pickets up the bayou to the north- west, in the direction of the Ten sas, as far as the retiring waters will admit. You will also send some intelligent officer along, with orders to examine the bayou up toward Tensas in a boat, or,if the waters ad- mit, along the levee, and make written report of the. condition of the plantationsas to people, negroes and whites, corn, plowing, planting, & c. If guerrillas or an enemy threaten that road from the west, it must be at or near Richmond and from the direction of Tensas. Also instruct the officer who holds that point to erect a few log block-houses, or con- vert the cotton sheds, cabins, and houses of some plantation into a de- fensive outpost, to guard against a sudden dash of mounted men. I take it for granted that the swamp back of Millikens is under water, but I wish you to cause frequent inspections of the roads back to Bear Lake and to the northwest, and report the moment waters subside so as to make them practicable. General Grant directs me to control matters at this end. You will, therefore, assume absolute control over everybody on shore or in boats-tied to the shore at Millikens Bend, and enforce good order. Men in hospital must be in their hospital camps. Quartermasters must not be wandering about, and all soldiers and citi- zens must be kept within the limits of good behavior. Put the negroes in some out of the way place, where their women will not be the source of broils and disorder. When General [L.] Thomas returns from Car- thage, he can dispose of them on plantations above us. A ferry will make two daily trips between us, and I will expect frequent reports. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. SMITHS PLANTATION, LA., April 27, 1863. Brigadier-General MCARTHUR, Gomdg. Sixth Division: GENERAL: General Sherman is ordered to guard the road from Mil- likens Bend to Richmond, and including the latter place. You will, therefore, move your command forward, and hold it in reserveone brigade at Holmes plantation and the other at this pFace. All the teams will be organized into a general supply train, and sent back to Millikens Bend for commissary stores and ammunition. You will keep the wagon road between Richmond and this point in repair as far as possible. Holmes plantation is about 9 miles this side of Richmond, where there is a fine cotton-gin, with a new lattice-tower on the top of it for a signal station. This point (Smiths plantation~ is about 17 miles this side of Rich- mond. Very respectfully, your obedient sci vant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON. SMITHS PLANTATION, April 27, 1863. Col. JOHN B. SANBORN, Corndg. Seventh Division: COLONEL: You will move your command forward as soon as practi- cable, after Major-General Logans division passes, to the Perkins plan- 16 R HVOL XXIV, PT II Page 242 242 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. tation, on the Mississippi River, following the road taken by General Logans division. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY Coups, Perkins Plantation, April 28, 1803. lXIaj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gorndg. Dept. of the flennc& see: GENERAL: Having been informed by Admiral Porter thai the Price was at my disposal for the transportation of troops and as the flag-ship of the fleet of transports, I write to inform you that I have published her in my orders to division commanders as the flag-ship of the fleet, and that, until we shall have reduced Grand Gulf;. it is important that I should have control, by arrangement, of her movements with the other transports. I should state that, in the estimate of the capacities of ves- sels to carry troops, the Price was set down at 1,200. I am informed that she will only carry 250, and with even that small number she would be unable to use her guns. General Carr is embarked. So is General Osterhaus, except the bri- gade from General Smith. General [A. J.] Smith is under orders to remove with the rest of his division to a point opposite to or below, and as near as may be to, Grand Gulf, and take with him the detachment from General Osterhaus, now on the way. As yet, it does not appear that the limited number of small and in- ferior transports at my disposal will enable me to take more thau two divisions, excluding General Hoveys, which I was very anxious to take. Cant the gunboats take it, or a large portion of it do 3 miles above Grand Gulf, and put it out there wn to Hard Times, until the other trans- ports are unloaded and can come back for it ~ This would place a good division nuder an able officer in supporting distance of the ad- vance. I hope you will urge this. JOHN A. MCCLERNAM). PERKINS PLANTATION, LA., April 28, 1863. Maj. Geu. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: In disembarking ~ division at Hard Times, leave his artillery on board the transports, and, when Hoveys division moves, let it be with infantry only. Carrs artillery will operate with Hovey until his own can be brought forward. This arrangement will save time. U. S. GRANT. MILLIKENS BEND, April 28, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Gomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee, Garthage: DEAR GENERAL: I received your letter of the 27th last night, and early this morning went to see Captain Breese, and agreed with him as to the demonstration on Haynes Bluff the moment the Choctaw arrives. She was at Memphis last Saturday, and should be hereto-day. I will take ten steamers and ten regiments, and go up the Yazoo as close to Haynes as possible without putting the transports under the rifled guns of the en- emy. We will make as strong a demonstration as possible. The troops will all understand the purpose, and will not be hurt by the repulse. Page 243 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION, 243 The people of the country must find out the truth as they best can; it is none of their business. You are engaged in a hazardous enterprise, and, for good reasons, wish to divert attention; that is sufficient to me, and it shall be done. I will be all ready at daylight, and shall embark the men the moment Captain Breese notifies me he is ready. I have urged General Tuttle, in person, to push the wagon road from Duckport back to Walnut Bayou, and will let him have no peace till it is done, and will put a train of about 100 of my regimental wagons on it. Another train of my wagons, from Steeles division, will travel the road by which McPherson went out. For forage and provisions, we might run the batteries on some of the boats that are now useless on account of the decline in the waters of Walnut Bayou. The road from Youngs Point to Biggs and Bedfords, below Warrenton, is ont of the question; dismiss it from your calcula- tions. The only roads are via Walnut Bayou, and that bayou can only be reached from Millikens Bend and IDuckport. All is well here, but the rains have made. the roads, as you know, muddy and full of ruts. I am, in haste, yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN, Major- General, Commanding. CAMP EEFORE YICKSBURG, April 28, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Comdg. Army in the Field, Carthage: DEAR GENERAL: General Tuttle will finish the road to-morrow across the Walnut Bayou, along the new canal, and my quartermaster, in co-operation with Colonel Bingham, chief quartermaster, will put on it a train of 100 wagons, collected from my regimental trains, which can be kept constantly hauling to Richmond. Another train of about 80 wagons, from Steeles division, including my division and headquarters trains, will be put on the road from Millikens Bend to Richmond. I think you had better leave Colonel Bingham to control the movement of supplies from the river to Richmond, and leave your trains to haul them to Perkins plantation. Colonel Bingham can appoint a quar- termaster at Richmond to load wagons arriving there, or to ship by barge from tl4at place. The trains from your end and those here should be equalized and meet~ at Richmond. I have ordered Steele, who commands at Millikens Bend, to place two regiments at Richmond, to guard that point, look- ing to the direction of the Tensas; also two regiments to be employed as a working party on the road from Millikens to Richmond. As soon as the cavalry arrives,I have ordered Steele to cause it to patrol the road between the Bend and the Tensas. The Choctaw has arrived. We have heard some cannonading in the direction of Grand Gulf. I hope you are in possession of that place. To-morrow I will take ten regiments and go up the Yazoo. I will feel Chickasaw Bayou, and the next day draw the fire of ilaynes Bluff. I will hang about Benson Blakes, about where the Tuscumbia turned back when we reconnoitered there, and make such a demonstration as will force the enemy to re-enforce heavily at that place, and to that extent draw from Big Black River. I will use troops that I know will trust us, and not be humbugged by a repulse. The men have sense, and will trust us. As to the reports in newspapers, we must scorn them, else they will ruin us and our country. They are as much enemies to goo Page 244 244 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXX~I government as the secesh, and between the two I like the secesh best, because they are a brave, open enemy, and not a set of sneaking, croak- ing scoundrels. I believe a diversion at ilaynes Bluff is proper and right, and will make it, let whatever reports of repulse be made. The Choctaw is here, and youi will hear cannonading at ilaynes Bluff to- morrow and the day after. With great respect, ~. ~. SIIERMAK. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH Aun~ Coups, Camp before Yieksburg, April 28, 1863. Maj. T. S. BOWERS, Adjutant, flead quarters General Grant: DEAR MAJOR: I go up the Yazoo to-morrow to make a diversion in Grants favor. It is important that the general should know all that is transpiring here. Send him by courier the letter which comes with this, and, if anything comes for me, open the letters, show them to Steele or send them up the Yazoo, according to contents. I will be there three days, at least. In that time I hope to make the enemy move many troops, which otherwise would be moving against Grant at Grand Gulf. Yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN. [NEAR YICKSEURG, April 28, 1863.] General F. P. BLAIR: DEAR GENERAL: 1 copy part of a letter received in the night from Qeneral Grant. In case of a demonstration on [laynes Bluff; I will want the Second Division in to make it, but you will perceive the in- glorious nature of it. I will go up to see Breese, and also to increase the efforts on the road, a copy of which order you will also see. In case of a demonstration, the men composing the expedition should have simply two days rations on their persons. I will not resolve on it till I see what boats the navy has available. [Extract.] The effect of a heavy demonstration in that direction (Haynes) would be good, so far as the enemy are concerned, but I am loth to order it, because it would be so hard to make our troops understand that only a demonstration was intended, aiid our people at home would characterize it as a repulse. I therefore leave it to you whether to make such a demonstration. If made at all, I would advise that you publish your order beforehand, stating that a reconnaissance in force was to be made for the pur- pose of calling the enemys attention from our movements south of Yicksbnrg, and not with any expectation of attacking. I shall probably move on Grand Gulf to-morrow. Yours, truly, U. S. GRANT. The effect on our troops would be bad. The dear people would be encouraged by a new repulse, and it is too late to have any effect on Grand Gulf. A demonstration to be converted into a real attack would probably succeed now, but it wont do to make a foothold at Haynes Bluff and G-rand Gulf too. I will see what Breese has, and also at Millikens Bend, and be back about 12 noon. Yours, SHERMAN Page 245 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 245 HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Camp before Vieksburg, April 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. FRED. STEELE, Gorndg. First Divisibn, ]liillilcens Bend: DEAR GENERAL: The Choctaw has arrived, and, in pursuance of General Grants wishes, founded on good policy, I shall to-morrow take ten of General Blairs regiments and proceed up the Yazoo, to make a diversion in favor of Grants move on Grand Gulf. We will probably spend to-morrow night near our old Chickasaw Bayou, and then move np close to ilaynes Bluff. We must do all that is possible to make the enemy believe that the movement is a real attack, though it would be bad management to attempt a lodgment here and at Grand Gulf beth, as the enemy could fall on one or the other. If by a diversion at ilaynes we enable General Grant to make a safe foothold at the month of Big Black, he can then renew our old plan by moving on the Jackson road, and then we should make a real attack on Haynes, but until we know that Grant has secured a base at Grand Gulf, it would be bad war for us to make a foothold on the Yazoo. We - should hold our forces in reserve to re-enforce Grant, or to operate after we know that Grant is able and intends to move inland from Grand Gulf. While I am up Yazoo, give your thoughts to covering iRichinond and improving that road. We may float provisions back from Richmond, but I feel assured all the stores from here to General Grant must pass in wagons over a very precarious road; therefore improve it as much as possible. At least two regiments should be employed all the time on the bad places. Tuttle will make the road from his camp to Richmond along Walnut Bayou, in no way interfering with your road. Colonel Bingham, Grants chief quartermaster, should arrange for the trains. Should any ne.ws come from Grant, dispatch it to me, up Yazoo, day or night, and keep Grant advised of all passing events, and of what you hear up Yazoo. As soon as the cavalry arrives, keep at least one regiment north and west of Richmond. We must cover that road good from the direction of Tensas. Condit Smith will be my chief quartermaster, and will see you daily. Yours, truly, W. T. ShERMAN. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 96. Camp near Viclcsburg, April 28, 1863. I. In compliance with instructions from Major-General Grant, a com- bined gunboat and army expedition will be made up the Yazoo, for the purpose of diverting the attention of the enemy from the movement~i now in progress below Vicksburg. This- demonstration will be inade~ as soon as the gunboat Choctaw, hourly expected, has arrived. II. The corps quartermaster, Lieut. Col. J. Condit Smith, will providc~ ten good steamboats, and have them at the lower landing, near these headquarters, by to-morrow morning. III. General F. P. Blair will detail ten good regiments of his division to be ready with three days rations, 60 rounds of ammunition, and iii light marching order, ready to embark promptly on a signal of two guns from Harts battery, which will be fired as soon as notice is receivel that the gunboats are ready Page 246 246 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. IV. Woods and Barretts batteries will be embarked at Millikens Bend, and will afterward be distributed, one section of guns to a boat, and the artillerists will make a barricade for themselves and their guns on the forward decks of hay bales. V. Although there be no intention to make an attack on Haynes Bluff or, in deed, to disembark the troops, yet all preparations should be made to take advantage of any opportunity afforded by events. Officers and surgeons will make the same preparations as though a battle were contemplated. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: Th M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., April 28, 1803. Licut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Asst. Adjt. Gem., Millikens, La.: Asboth reported night before last that Cape Girardean, now gar- rlsoned by McNeil, was attacked by Marmaduke. I directed him to send two regiments of infantry there from Columbus, with a section of artillery, and squadron of Fourth Missouri Cavalry, which has been done. They are to return to Columbus as soon as troops come down from Saint Louis. I am now temporarily mounting the Sixth Iowa Infantry on horses and mules captured in tbe Chalmers expedition, and shall send them, with the Second Iowa Cavalry and Fourth Illinois, to meet Grierson on his return, and disperse any force that may be gathering to annoy or impede him. Grierson has the Sixth and Seventh Illinois, and is, I think, strong enough to come through. Loring has moved to Grenada from Greenwood, but, I think, not in time to interfere with Grierson. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT. BELOW GRAND GULF, LA., April 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Fifteenth Army Corps: We have had terrific cannonading all day, without silencing the enemys guns. Finding the position too strong, late in the day I de- cided to again run the blockade, which has been successfully done. I shall be able to effect a landing to-morrow, either at the lower end of Grand Gulf or below Bayou Pierre, with all of McClernands corps and Logans division. Have also a second division of McPhersons com- mand that can be landed next day. Move np to Perkins plantation with two divisions of your corps as rapidly as possible. Leave the other division for the present to occupy from Youngs Point to Richmond, and to hasten up supplies and ord- nance stores. Under the directions sent a few days ago, between Mac- feely and Bingham, the public teams and barges, rations ought to get along to supply thearmy. The cavalry can collect beef-cattle and grain for some little time. Direct the two regiments of cavalry brought down from Helena to move forward on this line, one to occupy from Richmond to Smiths plantation and the other to come on to Perkins plantation. U. S. GRAKT Page 247 CuAr. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UJION. 247 MEMPHIS, TENN., April 29, 18636 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Scout just in from Jackson, Miss., reports that Grierson has destroyed 20 miles of Southern Mississippi Railroad, burning thirteen trestles, destroying one culvert, and capturing three trains of cars. The enemy are gathering near Okolona to intercept his return. I hav~ sen~t 1,200 men this morning from La Grange to t~ke them in the rear and help Grierson. His orders are to return by Alabama. If accomplisked as reported, it is agallaut thing. ~. ~. HURLBUT. CORINTH, April 29, 18635.30 p. m. Major-General HURLEUT: Scouts in from Hamburg report that all the gunboats (five) and all transports (nine) left Hamburg at 11 oclock to-day to descend river, to return no more. The Marine Brigade left last Friday. Had severe fight at mouth of Duck River. Three gunboats, that came up with the order for Stanley and gunboats to go out, had also encountered light battery, and had fight at same place. Dodge took rations of bread and meat balance of stores were taken back on transports. This leaves river open again. I shall have to communicate with Dodge through country, 50 miles. No other information to-day. R. J. OGLESBY. CORINTH, April 29, 186310 p. m. Major-General HURLEUT: It would be impossible for Dodge to move a force in the direction of Okolona before Friday morning. Now that gunboats have gone, he will have to guard his rear to crossing of Bear Creek. Do not believe it prudent to reduce his force. Better send 1,000 men from here but I have no artillery to send with them. Dodge has twenty-four gnus. R. J. OGLESBY. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, ~rashear City, April 30, 18636 a. m. Major-General GRANT: DEAR SIR: I modify my dispatch sent by the admiral se far as to recommend the union of our forces on the Bayou Sara. My fear was that our supplies could not be. made secure, but upon further reflection I am satisfied that, with the force you propose to send and my own, we can march directly to the rear of Port Hudson, and thus open commu- nication by the way of Baton Rouge for all supplies. In this view, the Bayou Sara route is the most feasible. We are auxiQus to hear from you. There is no news here. Very truly, yours, N. P. BANKS. STEAMER SYKES, Atchafalaya River, April 30, 1863. Major-General GRANT: DEAR SIR: It is of the utmost possible importance that you should send a force to the Red River immediately to co-operate with army an Page 248 248 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXX Vi. navy now here. We have the Atchafalaya and the mouth of the Red River All addition to my force now will give us the whole country west of the Mississippi. Please give me all information of your movements in this direction. Very truly, yours, N. P. BANKS. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, On the Road to Port Gibson, Miss., April 30, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I am pushing forward the Thirteenth Army Corps, with the hope of seizing the bridge across Bayou Pierre, near that place. Please canse all that belong to the corps in the rear to follow rapidly. JOHN A. McCLBRNAND. NEAR GRAND GULF, MISS., April 30, 1863. Col. J. P. BINGUAM, Chief Quartermaster: Prepare two tugs to run the blockade, with two barges each in tow. Colonel Macfeely will have the barges loaded to nearly their full capa- city with rations, and then fill np with oats and hay, so as to cover the tugs as nearly as possible. Do this with all expedition, in forty-eight hours from receipt of orders, if possible. Time is of immense impor- tance. Should their crews decline coming through, call on the coin- inanding officer for volunteers, and discharge the crews. Those volun- teering will be continued in charge after running the blockade. U. S. GRANT. LA GRANGE, April 30, 1863. Major-General HURLEUT: I sent a party last evening to overtake Hatch and give him informa. tion of Griersons doings and movements, together with an order to pass in and engage Chalmers. I also sent a scout to Grierson, to tell him what we are doing. Can the force at Corinth or Tuscuinbia render any assistance moving toward Alabama ~ WM. SOOY SMITH. COLUMBUS, Ky., April 30, 186310.20 p. m. Lieut. Col. HENRY BINTVIORE, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Miei phis, Tenn. At the request of Major-General Curtis, I ordered, on 28th instant, six companies of Fourth Missouri Cavalry to co-operate with the New Mad- rid troops against Marmaduke, and to operate on their return on the Obion against the two rebel captains, Porter and Cotter. I have not yet heard from the expedition, but Capt. Frank Moore, Second Illinois Cavalry, has just reported with Captain Cotter and 25 of his men, cap- tured in the vicinity of Eaton, Gibson County, Tennessee, after a si Page 249 CuAr. XXXVI.] COPAWSPONDENCE, ETC.-UNION. 249 days scout and pursuit through the swamps. Captain Moore nearly succeeded in capturing Captain Porter also, who escaped in a skiff across the Forked 1)eer liver, with Moore in hot pursuit. ASBOTLI. Abstract from return of the Department of the Tennessee, AIoj. Gen. U. S. Army, commanding, for April 30, 1563* Ulysses S. Grant, Command. Army headquarters Engineer troops Thirteenth Army Corps: Headquarters Ninth Division Tenth Division Twelfth Division - District of Eastern Arkansas. - Thirteenth Division Second Cavalry Division ... Fourteenth Division Total ThirteenthArmy Corps. Present for duty. a p4 a bS ii a a .,~ an an 0 26 29 249 253 276 12 157 94 209 1,279 Fifteenth Army Corps: Headquarters First Division Second Division Third Divisiont Total Fifteenth Army Corps. Seventeenth Army Corps Headquarters Third Division Sixth Division Seventh Division Total Seventeenth Army Corps. Grandtotal operating a,~ainst Yicksburg. Sixteenth Army Corps: Headquarters Engineer troops (Bissell) First Division Second Division, or District of Corinth4 Third Division, or District of Jackson4 Fourth Division Sixth Division, or District of Columbus. First Cavalry Division District of Memphis Total Sixteenth Army Corps. Grand total Department of 5, 355 the Tennessee. 513 310 3, 894 3,873 4, 808 3, 019 1, 712 3, 795 21,411 602 787 402 4, 634 4, 574 5, 483 12 4, 329 2, 323 4, 662 26,419 588 7, 141 7, 296 6, 867 12 5,231 2, 678 6, 224 36, 037 Pieces of artillery. Headquarters. k L~ ~ ~ - ~. - - Not reported. In the field. 6 6 12 12 6 12 6 48 13 13 15 348 5,424 7,029 10,528 10 320 5, 597 7, 083 9, 749 20 308 5,043 6,294 7,549 8 989 16,064 20,419 27,841 38 12 64 89 111 362 6,136 7,076 9,160 . 24 244 3, 959 4, 582 5, 829 16 290 4, 781 5, 735 8, 054 20 908 14, 940 17, 482 23, 154 60 2, 730 44, 422 53, 596 73, 674 122 9 --. 9 9 398 492 4i6 7147 8,928 11,255 26 517 10, 236 13, 216 15, 356 25 30 82 1,406 1,900 3,020 7 324 5,840 7,010 8,350 22 335 6,717 8,613 10,149 ..... . 113 2,827 3,873 4,628 297 4,868 7,614 8,691 24 2,153 39,041 51,561 61,950 49 91 91, 989 116, 483 149, 769 55 In the field. Near Grand Gulf. In the field. Do. Helena, Ark. Do. Do. In the field. In the field. Millikens Bend, La. Youngs Point, La. In the field. Memphis, Teun. Grand June.. Tenn. La Grange, Tenn. Corinth, Miss. Jackson, Tenn. Memphis, Teun. Columbus, Ky. Memphis, Teun. Do. 237 * Compiled from the subordinate returns. Formerly known as the Eighth Division, Army of the Tennessee. ~ Embraced in the left wing Sixteenth Army Corps, Maj. Gen. Richard J. Oglesby commanding Page 250 250 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. OrgG.nization of the Department of the Tennessee, lJfaj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, U. S. Army, commanding, April 30, 1863. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS. Engineer (Missouri) troops, Maj. Henry Find. Pioneer Cbrps, Capt. John W. Fouts. 4th Illinois Cavalry, Company A, Capt. Embury D. Osband. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. Jom~ A. MOCLERNAND. GENERAL HEADQUARTERS. 2d Illinois Cavalry (seven companies), Col. John J. Mudd. 3d Illinois Cavalry, Company L, Capt. David R. Sparks. 6th Missouri Cavalry (seven companies), Col. Clark Wright. Pioneer Corps, Capt. William F. Patterson. Signal Corps, Lient. Hiram G. Fisher. NINTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. PETER JOSEPH OSTERHAUS. Fir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. THEOIHILUS T. GARRARD. Col. LIONEL A. SHELDON. 118th Illinois, Col. John G. Fonda. 54th Indiana, Col. Fielding Mansfield. 49th Indiana, Col. James Keigwin. 22d Kentucky, Maj. William J. Worth- 69th Indiana, Col. Thomas W. Bennett. ington. 7th Kentucky, Capt. Elisha B. Tread- 16th Ohio, Capt. Eli W. Botsford. way. 42d Ohio, Lient. Col. Dou A. Pardee. 120th Ohio, Col. Marcus M. Spiegel. 114th Ohio, Col. John Cradlebaugh. Cavalry. 3d Illinois, Company A, Sergt. Jefferson Van Note. 3d Illinois, Company K, Lient. John Zimmerman. Artillery. 7th Michigan Battery, Capt. Charles H. Lauphere. 1st Wisconsin Battery, Lient. Charles B. Kimball. TENTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ANDREW J. SMITH. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. STEPHEN G. BURBRIDGE. Col. WILLIAM J. LANDRAM. 16th Indiana, Col. Thomas J. Lucas. 77th Illinois, Col. David P. Grier. 60th Indiana, Col. Richard Owen. 97th Illinois, Col. Friend S. Rutherford. 67th Indiana, Lient. Col. Theodore E. 108th Illinois, Lient. Col. Charles Turner. Buehler. 130th Illinois, Col. Natl~aniel Niles. 83d Ohio, Col. Frederick W. Moore. 19th Kentucky, Lient. Col. John Cowan. 96th Ohio, Col. Joseph W. Vance. 48th Ohio, Lient. Col. Job R. Parker. 23d Wisconsin, Col. Joshua J. Guppey. Cavalry. 4th Indiana, Company C, Capt. Joccph P. Lesslie. Artillery. Chicago Mercantile Battery, Lient. Patrick H. White. 17th Ohio Battery, Capt. Ambrose A. Blount Page 251 Cuir. XXXVI.) 251 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .11NIOl~. TWELFTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. ALVIN P. HovEY. Escort. 1st Indiana Cav~1ry, Company C, Lient. William MeReynolds. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. GEoHGE F. MCGINNIS. Col. JAMES R. SLACK. 11th Indiana, Col. Daniel Macanley. 47th Indiana, Lieut. Col. John A. Mc- 24th Indiana, Col. William T. Spicely. Langhuin. 34th Indiana, Col. Robert A. Cameron. 24th Iowa, Col. Eber G. Byam. 46th Indiana, Col. Thomas H. Bringhurst. 28th Iowa, Lieut. Col. John Connell. 29th Wisconsin, Col. Charles R. Gill. 56th Ohio, Col. William H. Raynor. Artillery. Peoria (Illinois) Battery, Lient. Prank B. Fenton. 1st Missouri Light, Battery A, Capt. George W. Sehofleld. 2d Ohio Battery, Lient. Augastus Beach. 16th Ohio Battery, Lient. Russell P. Twist. FOURTEENTh DIVISION. Brig. Gen. EUGENE A. CARR. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. WILLIAM P. BENTON. 33d Illinois, Col. Charles E. Lippincott. 99th Illinois, Col. George W. K. Bailey. 8th Indiana, %Jol. David Shunk. 18th Indiana, Col. Henry D. Washburn. 1st United States, Maj. Maurice Maloney. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. MICHAEL K. LAWLER. 2ist Iowa, Col. Samuel Merrill. 22d Iowa, Col. William M. Stone. 234 Iowa, Lieut. Col. Samuel L. Glas- gow. 11th Wisconsin, Maj. Arthur Platt. Art illery. 1st Indiana Battery, Capt. Martin Klanss. DISTRICT OF EASTERN ARKANSAS. Maj. Gen. BENJAMIN M. PRENTISS. THIRTEENTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. LEONARD F. Ross.t First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. FREDERICK SALOMON. Brig. Gen. CLINTON B. FISK. 43d Indiana, Col. William B. McLean. 2cbl~ Iowa, Lient. Col. Robert F. Patter- 35th Missouri, Col. Samuel A. Foster. son. 28th Wisconsin, Lient. Col. Charles Whit- 334 Iowa, Col. Samnel A. Rice. aker. 36th Iowa, Col. Charles W. Kittredge. 33d Missouri, Col. William A. Pile. Artillery. 3d Iowa Battery, Capt. Mortimer M. Hayden. * Formerly known as the Army of the Southwest. Transferred from Saint Gene- vieve, Mo., to Millikens Bend, La., March 1326, and organized as the Fourteenth Division, under General Orders, No. 50, headquarters Thirteenth Army Corps, of March 28. t Brig. Gen. Willis A. Gorman commanding post of Helena, Ark Page 252 252 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CaM. XXXVI. SECOND CAVALRY DIVISION~ Col. CYRUS BUSSEY. Pir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. Licut. Col. BENJAMIN L. WILEY. Co]. POWELL CLAYTON. 5th Illinois, Maj. Abel H. Seley. 2d Arkansas (four companies), Capt. 1st Indiana, Maj. Thomas N. Pace. James W. Demby. 3d Iowa (Companies E, F, U, H, L and M), Maj. Oliver II. P. Scott. 5th Kansas, Lient. Col.Wilton A. Jenkins. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN. FIRST DIVISION. Maj. Gen. FREDERIcK STEELE. Pir8t Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. FRANCIS H. MANTER. Brig. Gen. ChARLES E. HOvEY. 13th Illinois, Col. Adam B. Gorgas. 25th Iowa, Col. George A. Stone. 27th Missouri, Col. Thomas Curly. 31st Iowa, Col. William Smyth. 29th Missouri, Col. James Peckham. 3d Missouri, Cob Isaac F. Shepard. 30th Missouri, Lient. Cob Otto Schadt. 12th Missouri, Col. Hugo Wangelin. 31st Missouri,Lieut. Col. Samuel P. Simp- 17th Missonri, Col. Francis Hassendeubel. son. 76th Ohio, Col. Charles R. Woods. 32d Missouri, Maj. Abraham J. Scay. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN M. TIJAYER. 4th Iowa, Co]. James A. Williamson. 9th Iowa, Maj. Don. A. Carpenter. 26th lowa, Col. Milo Smith. 30th Iowa, Col. Charles H. Abbott. Cavalry. 3d Illinois, Company D, Capt. Thomas M. Davis. Kane County (Illinois) Company, Licut. Thomas J. Beebe. Artillery. 1st Iowa Battery, Capt. Henry H. Griffiths. 2d Missouri, Battery F, Capt. Clemens Laudgraeber. 4th Ohio Battery, Capt. Louis Hoffinana. SECOND DIVISION. Maj. Gen. Fn~xi~ P. BLAIR, jr.* First Brigade. Second Brigade. Col. GILES A. SMITH. I Col. T. KILBY SMITh. 113th Illinois, Col. George B. Hoge. 55th Illinois, Col. Oscar Malmborg. 116th Illinois, Col. Nathan W. Tupper. 127th Illinois, Col. Hamilton N. Fidridge. 6th Missouri, Col. James H. Blood. 83d Indiana, Col. Benjamin J. Spooner. 8th Missouri, Maj. Dennis T. Kirby. 54th Ohio, Lient. Col. Cyrus XV. Fisher. 13th United States (1st Battalion), Capt. 57th Ohio, Lient. Col. AmericusY. Rice. Edward C. Washington. ~Assigned April 4, vice Stuart Page 253 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. HUGh EWING. 30th Ohio, Col. Theodore Jones. 37th Ohio, Lient. Col. Louis von Blessiugh. 47th Ohio, Col. Augustus C. Parry. 4th West Virginia, Lient. Col. James II. Dayton. Artillery. 1st Illinois Light, Battery A, Capt. Peter P. Wood. 1st Illinois Light, Battery B, Capt. Samuel E. Barrett. 1st Illinois Light, Battery H, Lieut. Levi W. Hart. 8th Ohio Battery (section), Lient. James F. Putnam. Cavalry. Thielemauns (Illinois), Companies A and 13, Capt. Milo Thielemaun. 10th Missouri, Company C, Capt. Daniel W. Bahlou. ThIRD DIVISION.* Brig. Gen. JAMES M. TUTTLE. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. RALPH P. BUCKLAND. 114th Illinois, Col. James W. Judy. 93d Indiana, Col. Dc Witt C. Thomas. 72d Ohio, Licut. Col. Le Roy Crockett. 95th Ohio, Col. William L. MeMillen. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOSEPH A. MOwER. 47th Illinois, Lient. Col. Samuel R. Baker. 5th Minnesota, Col. Lucius F. Hubbard. 11th Missouri, Lient. Col. Andrew J. Weber. 8th Wisconsin, Licut. Col. George W. Robbins. Third Brigade. Col. JOSEPH J. WOODS. 8th Iowa, Col. James L. Geddes. 12th Iowa, Licut. Col. Samuel R. Edgington. 35th Iowa, Col. Sylvester G. Hill. Artillery. Capt. NELSON T. Spoon. 1st Illinois Light, Battery E, Capt. Allen C. Waterhouse. 2d Iowa Battery, Licut. Joseph R. Reed. SIXTEENTh ARMY CORPS.t Maj. Gen. STEPhEN A. I-IUELBIJT. ENGINEER TJtOOPS.t Engineer (Missouri) Regiment of the West, Col. Josiah W. Bissehl. FiRST DIVIShON.~l Brig. Gen. WILLIA~ SooY SMITH. First Brigade. Col. JOHN M. Loo~mis. 26t~h Illinois, Licut. Col. Robert A. Gill- more. 90th Illinois, Col. Timothy OMeara. 12th Indiana, Lient. Col. Sal. 1). Kemp~ ton. 100th Indiana, Col. Sanford J. Stoughton. Second Brigade. Col. STEPHEN G. HICKS. 40th Illinois, Maj. hiram W. Hall. 103d Illinois, Col. Willard A. Dickermuan. 6th Iowa, Col. John M. Corse. 46th Ohio, Col. Charles C. Walcutt. * Formerly known as the Eighth Divisioi, Army of the Tennessee. Tuttle assigned to command April 1, and designation of division changed April 3. The divisions numbered, as herein indicated, by General Orders, No. 43, Ilead- quarters Sixteenth Army Corps, April 13, 1863. t At Grand Junction, Tean. ~iHeadquarters and Second Brigade at La Granre Teun the First Brigade at Col- lierville, the Third at Moscow, and the Fourth at~Gcrmant~wn. CHAP. XXXVI.] 25 Page 254 254 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [OHM?. XXX WI. Third Brigade. Fourth Brigade. Col. JOSEPH R. COCKERILL. Col. WILLIAM W. SANFORD. 97th Indiana, Col. Robert F. Catterson. 48th Illinois, Licut. Col. Lucica Great- 99th Indiana, Col. Alexander Fowler. house. 53d Ohio, Col. Wells S. Jones. 49th Illinois, Col. Phineas Pease. 70th Ohio, Maj. Williani B. Brown. 119th Illinois, Licut. Col. Samuel E. Tay- lor. Artillery. Capt. WILLIAM COGSWELL. 1st Illinois Light, Battery F, Capt. John T. Cheney. 1st Illinois Li,ht, Battery I, Lient. XVilliam N. Lansing. 1st Illinois Light, Battery M, Lient. Henry G. Eddy. 2d lllinois Light, Battery D, Capt. Charles S. Cooper. 6th Indiana Battery, Capt. Michael Mueller. 1st Missouri Light, Battery K, Capt. Stiliman 0. Fish. Unassigned. 15th Michigan, Licut. Col. John McDermott. 2d West Tennessee Cavalry (eight companies), Capt. Asa N. hayes. FOURTh DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JAcon G. LAUMAN. First Brigade. & cond Brigade. Col. Is~c C. PUGH. Col. CYRUS HALl. 41st Illinois, Lieut. Col. John H. Nale. 14th Illinois, Licut. Col. William Cam. 534 Illinois, Lient. Col. Seth C. Earl. 13th Illinois, Col. George C. Rogers. 3d Iowa, Col. Aaron Brown. 46th illinois, Col. Benjamin Dorablaser. 33d Wisconsin, Col. Jonathan B. Moore. 76th Illinois, Licut. Col. SamuelT. Busey. Third Brigade. Col. GEORGE E. BRYANT. 28th ilLinois, Lient. Col. Richard Ritter. 32d Illinois, Col. John Logan. 53d Indiana, Lient. Col. William Jones. 12th Wisconsin, Lient. Col. Dc Witt C. Poole. Artillery. Capt. GEORGE C. GUMBART. 2d Illinois Light, Battery E, Licat. George L. Nispel. 2d Illinois Light, Battery K, Capt. Benjamin F. Rodgers. 5th Ohio Battery, Lient. Anthony B. Burton. 7th Ohio Battery, Capt. Silas A. Burnap. 15th Ohio Battery, Lient. James Burdick. Cavalry. 15th Illinois (detachment), Maj. James G. Wilson. FIRST CAVALRY DIVISION.t Maj. Gen. CADWALADER C. WASHBURN. First Brigade4 Second Brigade. Col. BENJAMIN H. GRIERSON. Col. LA FAYETTE MOCRILLIS. 6th Illinois, Lient. Col. Reuben Loomis. 3d Illinois (detachment), Lient. Col. 7th Illinois, Col. Edward Prince. James M. Ruggles. 2d Iowa, Col. Edward Hatch. 4th Illinois, Lient. Col. Martin R. M. Wal- lace. 9th Illinois, Maj. Ira R. Gifford. *At Memphis, Teun. t Headquarters at Memphis. Washhnrn assigned to command April 3. ~ Grierson, with Sixth and Seventh Illinois, on raid through Mississippi; Second Iowa at La Grange, Teun Page 255 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. DISTRICT OF COLUMBUS.* Brig. Gen. ALEXANDER ASI3OTII. Cairo, Ill. Brig. Gen. NAPOLEON B. BUFORD. 128th Illinois (detachment), Lieut. Will iam A. Lemma. 14th Iowa (nine companies), Col. William T. ShaW. 34th Wisconsin, Companies G and I, Maj. George H. Waither. 4th Missouri Cavalry, Company A, Lieut. Adolph Krebs. Clinton, Ky. Col. DAVID MOORE. 21st Missonri, Col. David Moore. 2d Illinois Cavalry, Company B, Capt. Thomas J. Larison. 4th Illinois Cavalry, Company D, Capt. John H. Felter. Columbus, Ky. Col. GEORGE E. WARING. 16th United States, Company A, Capt. Solomon S. Robinson. 25th Wisconsin, Col. Milton Montgomery. 27th Wisconsin, Col. Conrad Krez. 31st Wisconsin, Licut. Col. Francis II. West. 34th Wisconsin, Companies A, B, C, D, F, 11, and K, Lieut. Col. Henry Orif. 2d Illinois Cavalry, Companies L and M, Capt. David Sollanburger. 15th Kentucky Cavalry, Company C, Capt. Jonathan Belt. 4th Missouri Cavalry. (ten companies), Lieut. Col. Gustav von Helmricb. 9th Indiana Battery,t Licut. George R. Brown. Fort Heiman, Ky. Col. CIIAUNCEY W. GRIGGs. 111th Illinois, Lient. Col. J. Frank Black. 3d Minnesota, Maj. Hans Mattson. 15th Kentucky Cavalry, Companies A and D, Capt. Samuel Dnncan. Fort Pillow, Tenn. Col. EDWARD H. WOLFE. 52d Indiana, Lient. Col. Zalmon S. Main. 32d Iowa (six companies), Col. John Scott. 2d Illinois Cavalry, Company D, Lieut. George Sebold. Hickman, Ky. 13th Wisconsin, Company D, Capt. Edgar W. Blake. 15th Illinois Cavalry, Company E, Capt. William D. Hutchens. Island No. 10. 15th Wisconsin, Companies G and I, Capt. John A. Gordon. Paducak, Ky. Col. JAMES S. MARTIN. 40th Iowa, Col. John A. Garrett. 34th Wisconsin, Company B, Capt. Cor- nelius Cuntz. 15th Kentucky Cavalry, Companies B, B, and F, Lient. Col. Albert P. Henry. DISTRICT OF MEMPHIS4 Brig. Gen. JAMES C. VEATCH. First Brigade. Col. ChARLES 1). MURRAY. 117th Illinois, Col. Risdon NI. Moore. 131st Illinois, Maj. Joseph L. Parvis. 89f~h Indiana, C apt. Elias S. Stone. 15th United States, 2d Battalion, Maj. John R. Edie. Hurlbuts (Illinois) battery (improvised), Lient. Albert Cudney. ~ Or Sixth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. Ileadquarters at Columbus, Ky. Detachment at Fort Heim~ u. I Or Fifth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. Second Brigade. Col. WILLIAM H. MORGAN. 120th Illifiols, Col. George W. MeKenig. 25th Indiana, Lient. Col. John Rhein- lander. 32d Wisconsin, Maj. Abel B. Smedley. CnAr. XXXVI.] 25 Page 256 256 [Caiw. XXXVI. MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. Third Brigade. Fourth Brigade. Col. THOMAS STEPHENS. Col. JoHN F. RITTEJI. 87th Illinois, Col. John B. Whiting. 5th Ohio Cavalry (eight companies), Col. (i3d illinois, Col. Joseph 13. MeCown. William H. H. Taylor. 1st Missouri Cavalry, Companies G, K, 2d WisconsinCavalry(eight companies), and M, Lient. Col. John T. Price. Lient. Col. Levi Sterling. Unattached. 3d U. S. Cavalry, Col. Marshall S. Howe. LEFT WING. Mnj. Gen. RIcIIAnD J. OGLESBY. pisruicv OF CORINTH. Brig. Gen. GIIENVYLLE M. DODGE. Eir8t Brigade. Brig. Gen. THOMAS XV. SWEENY. 5~2d Illinois, Lient. Col. John S. XVilcox. 66th Indiana, Col. Do XVitt C. Anthony. 2d Iowa, Col. James B. Weaver. Second Briqade. Col. AUGUST MERSY. 9th Illinois, Licut. Col. JesseJ. Phillips. 12th Illinois, Maj. James R. ilugunin. 122d Illinois, Lient. Col. James F. Drish. 81st Ohio, Lient. Col. Robert N. Adams. Third Brigade. CoL MOSES M. BANE. 7th Illinois, Lient. Col. Richard Rowett. 50th Illinois, Maj. Thomas W. Gaines. 57th Illinois, Lient. Col. Frederick J. Huribut. 39th Iowa, Col. Henry J. B. Cummings. 18th Missonri, Col. Madison Miller. Fourth Brigade. Col. JOHN W. FULLER. 27th Ohio, Lient. Col. Ze~h. S. Spaulding. 39th Ohio, Col. Edward F. Noyes. 63d Ohio, Col. John W. Sprague. Cavalry Brigade. Col. FLORENCE M. CORNYN. 1st Alabama, 1st Battalion, Mnj. Michael F. Fairfield. 7th Kansas, Licut. Col. Thomas P. Her- rick. 10th Missouri, Lient. Col. William D. Bowen. 5th Ohio, 3d Battalion, Mnj. Joseph C. Smith Bethel, Tenn. Col. ELLIOTT W. RICE. 7th Iowa, Col. Elliott W. Rice. 43d Ohio, Col. Wager Swayne. 11th illinois Cavalry; Companies A, B, and I, Maj. Otto Funke. 2d Michigan Battery, Capt. William H. - Ross. Danville, Miss. 66th illinois, Col. Patrick B. Burke. Glendale, Miss. 64th IllinoVs, Lient. Col. John Morrill. Artillery. Maj. GEORGE H. STONE. 1st Illinois Light, Battery G, Capt. Raphael G. Rombaner. 2d Illinois Light, Battery B, Capt. Fletcher H. Chapman. 12th Illinois Infantry, Company G, Capt. James N. MeArthur. 52d Illinois Infantry, Company H, Capt. Maurice J. McGrath. 57th Illinois Infantry, Company D, Capt. Peter M. Wickstrnm. 3d Michigan Battery, Capt. George Robinson. 1st Missonri Light, Battery D, Capt. Henry Richardson. 1st Missouri Li~ht, Battery 11, Capt. Frederick Welker. 1st Missouri Light, Battery I, Capt. Benjamin Taunrath. 2d United States, Battery F, Lient. Charles Green. * Or Second Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. Headquarters at Corinth, Miss Page 257 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNIoN. 257 DISTRICT OF JACKSON.* Brig. Gen. NATHAN KIMBALL. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gem MASON BRAYMAN. Col. MICHAEL K. LAWLEE. 43d Illinois, Col. Adolph Engelmaun. 18th Illinois,f Liout. Col. Daniel TI. Gist Illinois, Maj. Simon P. Ohr. Brush. 106th Illinois, Col. Robert B. Latham. 54th Illinois, Col. GreenvilleM. Mitchell. 12th Michigan,t Col. William H. Graves. 126th Illinois4 Lieut. Col. EzraM. Beards- Illinois Light Artillery, Independent Bat- ley. tery, Capt. Thomas F. Vaughn. 22d Ohio, Col. Oliver Wood. Third Brigade. Col. JA1~~ES M. TRUE. 62d Illinois, Lient. Col. Daniel B. Rohinson. 50th Indiana, Lient. Col. Samuel T. Wells. 27th Iowa, Col. James I. Gilbert. 1st West Tennessee, Lient. Col. William T. Wilson. Cavalry Brigade. Col. JOHN K. MIZNER. 11th Illinois~ (eight companies), Lient. Col. Bazil D. Meek. 3d Michihan, Lient. Col. Gilbert Moyers. 6th Tennessee, Col. Fielding Hurst. Artillery. Capt.. MEREDITH H. KIDD. 14th Indiana Battery, Lient. Francis W. Morse. 14th Ohio Battery, Capt. Jerome B. Burrows. 7th Wisconsin Battery, Lieut. Galen E. Green. SEVENIEENTH ARMY CORPS. Maj Gen. JAMES B. MCPHERSON. ESCORT. Ohio Cavalry, 4th Company, Capt. John S. Foster. THIRD DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN. First Brigade. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN E. SMITHI! Brig. Gen. ELIAS S. DENNIS. 20th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Evan Richards. 30th Illinois, L lent. Col. Warren Shedd. 31st Illinois, Col. Edwin S. MeCook. 20th Ohio, Col. Manning F. Force. 45th lilinois, Col. Jasper A. Maitby. 68th Ohio, Col. Robert K. Scott. 124th Illinois, Col. Thomas J. Sloan. 78th Ohio, Lient. Col. Zachariah M. 23d Indiana, Lient. Col. William P. Chandler. Davis. * Or Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. Ileadquarters and Third and Cavalry Brigades at Jackson, the First Brigade at Bolivar, and the Second (organized April IS) at Corinth. IDetached at Middleburg. I At Jackson, under command of Col. Jonathan Richmond. ~ Companies A, E, and I at Bethel Tenn Seventeenth Army Corps. , ., and Company G with Sixth Division, II Assigned April 23. Brig. Gen. I. N. Haynie relieved, on tetider of his resignation, March 6. Assigned April 13. 17 R RYOL XXIV, PT II Page 258 MISSISSIPPI, XVEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CIIAP. XXXVL Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. JOHN D. STEVENSON. 8th Illinois, Lieut. Col. Robert H. Sturgess. 81st Illinois, Lieut. Col. Franklin Campbell. 7th Missouri, Capt. Robert Buchanan. 32d Ohio, Col. Benjamin F. Potts. Artillery. Maj. CHARLES J. STOLBEAND. 1st Illinois, Batter~~ D, Capt. Ilenry A. Rogers. - 24 Illinois, Battery G, Capt. Frederick Sparrestr~ns. 24 Illinois, Battery L, Capt. William H. Bolton. 1st Miebigan, Battcry II, Capt. Samuel De Golycr. 34 Ohio Battery, Capt. William S. Williams. Escort. 24 Illinois C valry, Company A, Capt. John R. ilotaliug. SIXTH DIVISION. Brig. Gen. JOHN McARTIIuR. Second Brigade. Brig. Gen. ThOMAS E. G. RANSOM. 11th Jllinois, Lient. Col. Garrett Nevins. 724 Illinois, Col. Frederick A. Stm ring. 14th Wisconsin, Licut. Col. Lyman M. Ward. 17th Wisconsin, Lient. Col. Thoinais Mc. Mahon. 18th Wisconsin, Colonel Gabriel Bonek. First Brigade. Brig. Gen. HUGH T. REIm* 17th Illinois,t Maj. Frank F. Pc~ ts. 95th Illinois,t Licut. Col. Thomas XV. humphrey. 1st Kansas, Licut. Col. Otto M. Tenni- son. 16th Wisconsin, Col. Benjamin Allen. Third Brigade. Brig. Gen. MARCELLIJS M. CROCKEII.~S 11th Iowa, Col. William Hall. 13th Iowa, Col. John Shane. 15th Iowa, Licut. Col. William XV. Belknap. 16th Iowa, Licut. Col. Addison H. Sanders. Artillery. Maj. ThOMAS D MAURICE. A Illinois, Battery F, Capt. John W. Powell. 1st Minnesota Battery, Lieut. Henry hurter. 1st Missouri, Battery C, Capt. Charles Mann. 10th Ohio Battery, Capt. Hamilton B. White. Escort. 11th Illinois Cavalry, Company G, Licut. Stephen S. Tripp. _________ Assigned April 22. Serving with Third Brigade, Third Division. On detached service, reporting to division commander. - to brigade return. Divisi~ return report.s Cob ~l Crocker commandin~ accordin XVslliam Hall commanding brigade, and Lient. Col. John C. Abererombie command- ing the Eleventh Iowa. Crocker was assigned April 30 to command the Sevpnt~ Dici ion, but did not assume that command till May 2. 25 Page 259 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. SEVENTh DIVISION. Col. JoHN 13. SANBORN. Ehr8t Brigade. SeCond Brigade. Col. J1~ssE I. ALEXANDER.t Col. SAMUEL A. II0LME5.~ 4811 Indiana, Col. Norman Eddy. 56th Illinois, Col. Green B. Raum. 59th Indiana, Licut. Col. JelThrson K. 17th Iowa, Col. 1)avid 13. Ilillis. Scott. 10th Missouri, Licut. Col. Leonidas Ilor- 4th Minnesota, Lient. Col. John 13. Tour- hey. tellotte. 24th Missouri, Company F, Licut. Daniel I)riscoil. 80th Ohio, Col. Matthias I-I. Bartilson. Third Brigade. Col. GEORGE B. BOOMER. 93d Illinois, Col. Holden Putnam. 5th Iowa, Licut. Col. Ezekiel S. Sampson. 10th Iowa, Col. William E. Small. 26th Missouri, Ma]. Charles F. Brown. Artillery. Capt. FRANK C. SANDS. 1st Missouri Light, Battery M, Lient. Junins W. MacMurray. 11th Ohio Battery, Lient. Fletcher 13. Armstrong. 6th Wisconsin Battery, Capt. Henry Dillon. 12th Wisconsin Battery, Capt. William Zickerick. Escort. 2d Illinois Cavalry, Company 13 5th Missouri Cavalry, Company C uapt. Samuel P. Tipton. U. S. FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, Off Red River, May 1, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gorndg. Dept. of the Tennessee: IDEAR GENERAL: I herewith inclose to you a communication broi~ght from General Banks by my secretary, who went down past Port Hudson in a skiff, carrying my dispatches to General Banks and the fleet below. Its soiled condition is owing to the secretarys being compelled to carry it in his mouth when pursued by the enemys pickets on his return to this ship across the peninsula. General Banks has defeated General Taylor at Pattersonville, on the Teche, capturing 2,000 l)risone~s. Our gunboats cal)tured the Queen of the West, Diana, and one other. The Queen was burned, but we got her guns. The enemy was fleeing before General Banks, who, when last heard from, was at Holinesville, within 30 miles of Alexandria. Kirby Smith has gone up to Arkansas for re-enforc~rnents for Taylor, and if I had one or two of Admiral Porters vessels to send up to the mouth oi Black River, I could capture Kirby Smiths whole fleet. By remaining 259 Iii the absence (siUce April 14) of Brig. Gen. Isaac F. Qiiinby, on sick leave. Vice Sanborn. I Since April 24, vice MattLics, relieved. ~ See of April 10, p. 182 Page 260 260 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL here, I prevent them from sending re-enforcements from Port Hudson to Alexandria. General Banks, learning that the gunboats had passed Yicksburg, had calculated on my being able to meet him at Alexandria, and so I will if the boats come down to me. I have written a most imploring appeal to the admiral for them; otherwise, ~ny time and fuel being nearly expended, I shall soon have to abandon my post and return t~ New Orleans. The enemy have sent every man that they can spare to Johnston, in anticipation of the coming battle between him and Rose- crans. If I had obtained the two iron-dads I asked for, I would have been, I think, this day with General Banks in Alexandria. How it will be now I cannot tell. The enemy has removed the guns of the Indianola from Fort IDe R~.ssy, Red River (where the Queen of the West was captured from ns), to Alexandria, to defend that city. There are no guns between this and Alexandria, but this ship draws too much water, and the two small boats would be captured by the enemys fleet of gunboats and transports by boarding. I can get no news of General Banks since Monday last. We learn throngh rebel sources that you# cavalry has made a raid on the Jack- son Railroad. I sincerely hope it is true. Very truly and respectfully, ID. G. FARRAGUT. NEAR GRAND GULF, MISS., May 1, 1863. Maj. Geii. JohN A. MOCLERNAND, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps Push the enemy, with skirmishers well thrown out, until it gets too dark to see him; then place your commaiid on eligible ground, wherever night finds you. Park your artillery so as to command the surround- ing country, and renew the attack at early dawn. If possible, push the enemy from the field or capture him. No camp-fires should be allowed, unless in deep ravines, and to the rear of the troops. U. S. GRANT. FLAG-snip BLACK HAWK, May 1, 1863. Major- General BLAIR, Commanding Division: DEAR GENERAL: Please keep one regiment on picket up about the burned houses, with orders to feel across north and east toward the bluffi Also one regiment below the flat, along the levee, which also leads back to the bluff. Also let one boat cross ~o the other side of Yazoo, and feel along up the bank as far as water will permit. I think this party will be able to get a good look at the reach, at the head of which the heavy battery is. Instruct eadi officer to keep up the idea of our at- tacking as soon as we can find a road across. We will call in the pickets this evening and drop down, but to-day the firing of heavy ord- nance will depend on the enemy. We will seem to be feeling for a dis- Qmbarkatiou. Look out for those small Whitworth bolts from the hills abreast of us. In case of real danger of serious damage, order the boats to drop down out of danger. Yours, W. T, SHEI~IAN Page 261 ChAr. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.TJNION. 261 FLAGSHIP BLACK HAWK, May 1, 1863. Major-General BLAIR: DEAR GENERAL: I inclose for your perusal a letter* just received from General Grant. 1 have, in pursuance thereof, ordered Steele and Tuttle to move at once to Perkins plantation. lustead of disembark- ing at Chickasaw this p. in., perform the same programme, except at S p. m. move down stream slowly to Chickasaw, and, when that is passed~ run back to our old camp at Young~s Point, and move all your division, camp and garrison equipage, everything, to Millikens Bend, according to our first orders of march. Your division will remain at Millikens Bend, awaiting further orders and to cover this end. I shall in person go to Perkins, via Millikens Bend. I will hammer away this p. in., be- cause Major Rowley, now here, says that our division has had perfect success, great activity being seen in Yicksburg, and troops pnshing np this way. By prolonging the effort, we give Grant more time. There- fore, move quietly after dark (8 p. in.), slowly, ti]l we are about John- stons, and then let out for home. Make immediate orders to cover the case. Yours, SHERMAN. MEMPHIS, TENN,, May 1, 1863. Maj. Gen. RICHARD J. OGLESBY, Corinth, Miss.: As soou as Dodge gets to Burnsville, or in supporting distance of Corinth, let him send all the cavalry he can spare through Jacinto and Booneville, west of railroad, to effect junction with 1-latch, who has gone toward Okolona from La Grange, to attack rebel force meeting there to intercept Grierson on his return. S. A. IIITRLBUT. CoRlNTH, May 1,1863. Major-Geueral HURLEUT: If you can do so, please stop transports from Eastport, and order 300 saddles and equipments taken off and sent to I)odge here. Dodge gave Streight 300 saddles with horses to mount. Had authority from Streight to take 300 saddles and equipments from boats. They left before he got back to Eastport. He fears he will lose them. Dodge wishes artillery ammunition taken off also, which he placed on same boats. Streight left Tuscumbia Sunday night. Dodge followed Mon- day morning. Met the enemy at Town Creek, and had a fight. Drove them off on Tuesday. Streight got two days march on them, and went toward the mountains. On the 28th, Van Dorn appeared at Florence with a heavy force. Dodge fell back to Tuscumbia. On the 29th, returned to Little Bear Creek. Last night (30th), to Big Bear Creek. Will try to cross and get to Burnsville to-night. I am sending him 8,000 rations to Burn sville. Van Domn has fifteen pieces of artillery, and has fallen down to Brush Creek, toward Eastport. Roddeys force fell back toward i)ecatnr. Is not following Dod~e. II. J. OGLESBY. * Of April 29. See p. 246 Page 262 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. 262 [~IIAr. XXXVL PORT GIBSON, Miss., May 2, 1863. Maj. Gem J. B. MCPHERSON, Comdg. AS~eventeenth Army Corps: You will detach a strong brigade to proceed tothe ford, 3 miles above the town, under the guidance of the black boy sent herewith. Send also a staff officer to return and report to me concerning it. Let the brigade push across the bayou and attack in flank the enemy, now in full retreat through ~~iIlow Springs, demoralized and out of am- munition. General John E. Smith, with his brigade, will execute this order. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. BAWLIKS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. MILLIKENS BEND, May 2, 1803. Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAILI, Millikens Bend: DEAR GENERAL: You are already fully advised of the orders whicli control the movements, and that my orders are merely in fulfillment of General Grants. To-morrow I shall proceed in person to Pdchmond. where I expect to overtake General Steeles and Tuttles divisions. Thence I shall go to Smiths plantation, and so on to Perkins, whence I shall endeavor to put myself in communication with General Grant. You will remain at Millikens Bend and cover the road out as far as Richmond. I inclose two letters,* from Colonels Stone and Schadt, which give the most intelligent account yet received of the way from Richmond toward Tensas. It was from that direction alone that I apprehended danger to the road, but these reports show that for the next ten days no approach can be made from that quarter. The One hundred and twenty-seventh Illinois, Colonel Eldridge, is now detailed from your division to work on the bayou. Let it remain as a working party, to be employed under Captain Jenney, at Richmond, in making a dam across Roundaway. It can be counted as one of the two regiments ordered to guard that point. There are two regiments of cavalry here somewhere, one of which has been sent out to Joes Bayou, by General Steele, by die road by which General Burbridge traveled last December. That road must leave the river 1 or 2 miles above this. Please order these two regi- ments of cavalry to proceed to Smiths plantation, beyond Richmond, and thence send an officer to me, with a morning report of their strength, that I may iustruct them according to General Grants orders. One of the regiments should start at once, and the other as soon as it returns from the expedition on which it was sent by General Steele. If the enemy supposes we have evacuated the peninsula, they may be foolish and rash. I wish you would to-morrow night take three or four regiments, put them on board of steamboats, and send them down to the levee, beyond the canal, and order them to march round the levee, by the 30-pounder batteries, to the foot of the canal, and, in case of seeing anything, push on to Biggs and the crevasse; you will see how complete the trap. The difficulty will be in landing, but I think the water has so far subsided that a landing can be made without diffi- culty. You might order it examined by daylight by one of the small Not found Page 263 CHAr. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 26~i tugs. I know such an expedition made and repeated occasionally will prevent any ~rnall party from coming across to molest our trains pour- ing along the road to Carthage. I wish you would & auso a thorough inspection of the invalid camin~ and see that men do not shirk labor. I feel assured in them you will find plenty of men who can do all the heavy detail work of unloading steamboats and loading tip wagons. This will leaVe sour regiments for real soldier duty. I will communicate with you often, and keep you advised of the actual state of affairs. Send the cavalry forward at once, that I may station them for carry- ing dispatches and exploring the country beyond Bayou Vidal. Yours, truly, ~. T. SHELIMAK. GRAND GULF, Miss., May 2, 1863. Commanding Offixr of U. S. Forces at or near Port Gibson, Miss.: SIR: 1 have the honor to request that you will allow a suspension of hostilities between our forces for the period of twenty-four hours, and extend the usual privilege of burying my dead and looking after my wounded. I would ask that 1 field officer be allowed to go from each brigade, and 1 orneer of the line, with 10 men from each regiment. Lient. Frank [Francis] Carter, aide-de-cainp, the bearer of this dis- l)atcll, is fully authorized to arrange any terms that may be deemed advisable. Very respectfully, JNO. S. BOWEN, Brigadier General Provisional Army C. S. SPECIAL ORDERS.] PORT GIBSON, MISS., May 2, 1863. Brig. Gen. Michael K. Lawler, U. S. Volunteers, will report to Brig. Geii. B. A. Carr, commanding Fourteenth Division of the Thirteenth Army Corps, for duty. JOHN A. MCCLE1INAND. GENERAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 29. Camp before Vieksburg, May 2, 1863. 1. The Third Division, Brigadier-General Tuttle commanding, will move via Richmond and Smiths plantation to Perkins plantatioD, on the Mississippi, below Carthage. II. The First Division, Major-General Steele commanding, will move via ILtichmond and Smiths plantation to Perkins. These two divisions will dispose of their camps, property, convales- cents, and sick in the manner described in General Orders, No. 26. Ill. The Second Division, Major-General Blair commanding, will move from its present camp to Millikens Bend, selecting good camps in com- pact shape, and will guard this end of the line as far as liichmond. Special written instructions will be given to General Blair from time tG time by General Grant, or the general commanding this corps. IV. The commanding general Fifteenth Army Corps will move to- day to Millikens Bend; this evening, or early to-morrow morning, t Page 264 264 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVT. iRichmond, and thence to Perkins place, to which point all communica- tions for him will be addressed. V. The chief quartermaster and commissary of this corps will dis- pose their supply boats at some convenient point of Millikens Bend, and will use extraordinary efforts to push forward supplies, both for our own corps and General Grants army; but the officers and men of the whole army should be impressed with the real difficulty of supplying so large an army of men and horses by such a road, and that the men must carry on their persons as heavy loads as they can bear. The march should be slow, with regular rests, and so arranged that troops will not be kept standing and waiting unnecessarily. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: li. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. FIFTEENTII ARMY Cones, No. 30. Jlfiltikens Bend, La May 2, 1563. 1. General F. P. Blair will take charge of all the country bordering the Mississippi and back as far as Richmond, and will give all needful orders at Millikens Bend. At least two regiments of iuf~intry and one of cavalry will be kept at Richmond, and one regiment should protect the road. The other regiment of cavalry will, as soou as it returns from the scout, be ordered to patrol the road from Richmond to Smiths l)lantatlou, near Carthage. IT. The convalescents and men left behind by the absent regiments must be reduced to order and system. The officer senior in rank with each regiment, brigade, or division must be made to report, and~ keep his men in camp, subject to orders and their appropriate share of labor. The surgeons, of conrse, control all men in general hospital, but the commanding officer present must command the men, and be held re- sponsible that they earn their pay and do military duty to the extent of their strength. Because men are unable to march, or because they are under medical treatment, there is no reason why they should not re- main in camp and be prepared to handle their muskets when the lives and safety of all require it. III. When provision trains or other stores are sent from Millikens l3end to the army below, General Blair will detail a sufficient escort to accompany each, composed, as far as possible, of the men left behind belonging to regiments in the advance, with orders to report to their respective commands for duty. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. MEMPHIS, May 2, 1863Noon, us Excellency ABRAhAM LINCOLN, President of the United States: I learn from two independent sources that Colonel Grierson has passed below Jackson, Miss.; cut the railroad at llaziek~r t- tul ule- stroyed 50,000 pounds of bacon and an ammunition train, and is 01, his way down to Baton Rouge to join General Banks. 1 believe it to be trues as my orders were to push south if safer than to come north. S. A. IIURLBUT Page 265 CaAI?. XXX~I~ CORt~ESPONDENCE, I~TC.4JNION. 265 JACKSON, May 2, 1803. Lieutenant-Colonel BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General: I returned here this morning. General Dodge returned to Corinth last night. His force will be in today. Have ordered brigade to re- turn here as soon as can procure transportation. I sent from Burns- yule this morning Colonel Cornyn, with Tenth Missourir Seventh Kan- sas, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, and 200 mounted infantry, with ten days rations, to join Colonel Hatch, as directed. Th J. OGLESBY. HDQR5. DEPT. OF THE GULF, NINETEENTh ARMY Cones, Opelousas, La., May 3, 1863Noon. Major-General GRANT: DEAR SIR: If you can forward by the Black iRiver the corps men- tioned in your dispatches, we can expel the enemy from Louisiana; and hol(ling between us the country west of the Mississippiyou by the Tensas and Black and I by the AtchafalayaYicksburg and Port Hudson must fall. Both (lepen(l upon the country west. Can you not forward these troops now f It is of the most vital importance that we should be strong here now, when the enemy is panic-stricken. I send information received here of the movements of Kim-by Smith. Can you inform me of the forces in Arkansas%~ I shall move in the direction of Alexandria to-morrow morning, to ascertain the enemys force and intentions in that qnarter. This will (letermine my immedi ate movements. Very truly, yours, N. P. BANKS. BELOW GRAND GULF, Miss., May 3, 1803, VIA MEMPHIS, TENN., May 10. lion. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War: When the troops left Grand Gulf to meet General Grant, the Second Missouri IRegiment, 400 strong, was left as a garrison. This morning, 4.30 oclock, the three magazines were blown up, and the five heavy guns, except one; prior to which the regiment left, except 2 men to fire the traimis. Admiral Porter proceeded to the place with his fleet tud took possession. L. THOMAS. GRINDSTONE FORD, MISS., May 3, 18636.55 a. m. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: By working all night, the bridge at this crossing was got ready for the troops at sunrise. Before one brigade had finished crossing, the enemy ol)ened on the head of the columu with artillery. It is also stated by contrabands that the enemy were re-enforced during the night. Under these circumstances, I deem it prudent to guard all the roads to the rear. You will, therefore, leave one brigade of your reserve di- ~A~U at the crossing of Bayou Pierre, on the direct road from Port Gibson to Grand Gulf. Dlrcct them to keep pickets fiLr down the river, to watch the enemys movements in that direction Page 266 266 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, tTt~. [dilAr. xxx Vt The brigade so left can furnish the guard for the new bridge at Port Gibson. Leave the remainder of the reserve division at the forks of the road where you turn directly to the left toward this place, and about 7 miles from Port Gibson. This is th~ second place where you take the left-hand road to reach this place. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY COR~PS, In the Field, North Branch of Bayou Pierre, May 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have just received word from General Carr. He threw skirmishers across Bayou Pierre on the burning ruins of the railroad bridge, and found that the enemy had retreated. He commenced retreating last night at 1 oclock, expecting that we would move on the direct road from Port Gibson to Grand Gulf. He had brought up 8,OPO men as a re-enforcement, had fortified at the rail- road bridge, and all the heights to Grand Gulf; but seeing our flank movement, Pemberton, who was in command, said that he must fall back, an(l accordingly (as I have already said) is doing so. JOHN A. McCLEIINAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Willow Springs, May 3,1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I am closed up in the rear of the long train attached to the Seventeenth Army Corps. if that corps is able of itself to go on, there is no occasion for the train to get out of my way, but if you think I should be in supporting relation to it, the train should be ordered to our side. The enemy from the best accounts were massed at and near the lower bridge at Port Gibson, expecting that we would move on the direct road to Grand Gulf. The flank movement now being expected I think is rapidly drawing him in the direction of the crossing of Big Black. Had you not better be careful lest you may personally fall in with the enemy on your way to Grand Gulf? JOHN A. McCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTh ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Willow Ford, May 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Consdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: My corps will be out of rations to-morrow. I am, as you are aware, without means of transportation. I ask that you will cause rations to be sent ont immediately, in charge of some officer instructed to report to me. Lieutenant-Colonel [Wesford] Taggart is behind, col- lecting what articles of subsistence he can, but the troops in advance left scarcely anything. I would suggest a fact whiclC may become very important in connection with the subject of this communication. It is this: Ten miles farther on the Jackson road, the Big Black can be reached at halls Ferry, within 2 miles. The Big Black might be navigated to that ferry. JOHN A. McCLERNAND Page 267 CHAP. ~YVt.] COkkESPONDENCE, ETO.IJNION. 26~ HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH AI~M~ CORPS, Near Port Gibson, ]Iiliay 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gorndy. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Your two dispatches are received. 1 have left one bri- gade of General Carrs division at Port Gibson, and ordered the second brigade of division to halt at second turn of the road to Willow Springs. The balance of my corps is on the way to Willow Springs, or to any point you may desire to have them halted. I have thrown two regi- ments ont to the left, to feel for enemy on my left flank. JOhN A. MoCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, On the Road to Willow springs, Miss., May 3,1863. Brig. Gen. E. A. CARR, Gorndg. Fourteenth Division: GENERAL: General Grant iuforms me that be completed a bridge about 6 or 7 miles from Port Gibsoti at sunrise, and that McPhersons column was encountered by the enemy. He also informs inc that the enemy were re-enforced last night. Under these circumstances, he directs that a brigade be left at the crossing of the Bayou Pierre, on the direct road from Port Gibson to Grand Gulfthe same brigade I directed you to place t& watch just before I left you. The same brigade will guard the new bridge we made over Bayou Pierre last evening, also our rear, by pickets to be posted along down Bayou Pierre as. far as you well can. The object, of course, is to watch the line of the Bayou Pierre. The remainder of your division you will post as favorably as possible at the forks of the road, where you turn directly to the left to reach the cross- ing of the south fork of Bayou Pierre, about 7 miles from Port Gibson. The forks referred to is the second place where you take the left-hand road to reach the crossing at south fork of Bayou Pierre. McPherson moved on the same road from Port Gibson to the crossing referred to. It is desirable that you should keep up your communication between Port Gibson and the second fork of the road referred to, by pickets, if possible. Report to me in advance often. JOHN A. MOCLEIRNAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, Willow ~3prings, May 3, 1863. Commanders of divisions will observe the following instructions until otherwise ordered: The Ninth Division, General Osterhaus, will advance to and hold the place where the Jackson road crosses the Willow Springs Branch or Ford, near ~ farm. The Twelfth Division, General Hovey, will advance to and hold the place where the Vicksburg and Jackson roads fork. The Tenth Division, General [A. J.] Smith, will advance to and hold - the place where the Yicksburg and Grand Gulf roads fork. In bivouacking for the night, it is desirable that the different divis- ions should be so disposed as to enable them to be handled with facility and to snpport each other. The artillery should bu posted so as to enable it to command the sur- rounding [country] Page 268 268 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE~ ETC. [CHAr. XXXVL As one division of the Seventeenth Army Corps moved on the Grand Gulf road, and two other divisions of the same corps on the Vicks- burg road, it is believed that, if any surprise or attack should be at- tempted by the enemy, it will be from the northeast, on the Jackson road, or from the east, on some private road. Jf, however, the divisions of the Seventeenth Army Corps should be forced back, which i sJm- probable, it would be necessary to maintain the approaches from Grand Gulf and Vicksburg. Pickets should be throw n out, and great vigilance observed. JOHN A. MoCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Grand Gu~j La., May 3, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. C. SULLIVAN, Gomdy. Troops between Millikens Bend and Smiths Plantation: GENERAL: You will give special attention to the matter of shortening the line of land transportatiou from above \Ticksbnrg to the steamers below. As soon as the river has fallen sufficiently, you will have a road constructed from Youngs Point to a landing just below Warrenton, and dispose of your troops accordingly. Everything depends npon the promptitude with which our supplies are forwarded. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. [Indorsement.] HEADQUARTERS, Millikens Bend, May 4, 1863. Respectfully forwarded to Major-General Blair. I have no troops with whom to execute this order. Major-General Blair having assumed command at this point, and having control of all the forces, is, therefore, the proper officer to execute the provisions of this order. JER. C. SULLIVAN, Comdg. Troops between Millikens Bend and Smiths Plantation. GRAND GULF, MIss., May 3, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Fifteenth Army Gorps: My base is now at this place, and, in executing your orders for join- ing me, yon will govern yourself accordingly. I wish you to collect a train of 120 wa& ns at Millikens Bend and Perkins plantation. Send them to Grand Gulf, and there load them with rations, as follows One hundred thousand pounds of bacon, the balance coffee, sugar, salt, and hard bread. For your own use, on the march from Grand Gulf, you will draw five days rations, and see that they last five days. It is unnecessary for me to remind you of the overwhelming impor- tance of celerity in your movements. On the 1st instant, at 2 a. in., we met the enemy, 11,000 or 12,000 men, nuder [J. S.] Bowen, with [M. E.] Green, [W. E.] Baldwin, and [B. D.] Tracy, in a very strong position near Port Gibson, 4 miles south, and engaged them hotly all day, driving them constantly. Our victory was complete. We capture(1 500 prisoners, four guns, killed Genera Page 269 ~1IA1?. XXXVI. 269 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. Tracy and a large number of the enemy. Our own loss will not exceed 150 killed and 500 wounded. The country is extremely broken, and, therefore, very difficult to operate in. Yesterday we pushed into Port Gibson by 8 oclock, to find the enemy gone, and all the bridges across Bayou Pierre destroyed. The bridge was rebuilt, and our troops pushed on to Willow Springs. Found the tine bridge over the north fork of Bayou Pierre destroyed. IRepaired it, and by 5 oclock this morning were in motion again. By 9 we were at Willow Springs, having met the enemys skirmishers just beyond the bayou. Logan is now on the main road from here to Jackson, and Mc- Pherson, closely followed by i\fcClernand, on the branch of the same toad from Willow Springs. The enemy is badly beaten, greatly demoralized, and exhausted of ammunition. The road tb Yicksburg is open. All we want now are men, ammunition, and hard bread. We can subsist our horses on the country, and obtain considerable supplies for our troops. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS Memphis, Tenn., May 3, 1863. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. P~AWLINS, MiUikens Bend, La.: SIR: I have the honor to report that General Dodge and his coin- inand have returned to Corinth. General Dodge furnished to Colonel Streight 500 horses, and the latter-named officer proceeded upon his mission, pursuant to instruc- tions already furnished to you. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. A. JIURLBUT. WILLOW BRANCH, Miss., May 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Your dispatch of this date is received. I wrote to you yesterday, directing the letter to Grand GuW that my corps was with- out the means of transportation and would be without rations to-day, except as far as it could gather them in the rear of the Seventeenth Army Corps, and requestin~ that rations be sent out. I infer that you did not receive the communication. I repeat the request that it con- tains. The teams belonging to this corps are, as you are aware, behind, and cannot be brought here unless water transportation is afforded to bring them across the river. I have sent three officers successively to look after this matter, but, of course, their efforts will avail nothing unless transports can be made available for temporary use. I reconnoitered ahead on the Jackson road last night, and found nothing. A rebel force, variously estimated from two regiments to 10,000 men, are reported by different spectators to have passed yes- terday morning, on the Jackson road, to the forks of Yicksburg and Grand Gulf roads, and to have returned a short distance, and turned to the left to cross the Big Black, at the crossing of the Yicksburg road. This counter movement, no doubt, was caused by our advance on Wil- low Springs. You are aware that I have left a brigade at Port Gibson anl ai~othe Page 270 270 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CnAr. XXX VI. at the rst turn of the road west of the bridge across the north branch of Bayou Pierre. Shall I iiot order them to join or follow inc when I movel JOHN A. MoCLElINAND. WILLOW SPRINGS, Miss., May 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. - GRANT, Conzdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that General Osterhaus has reconnoitered along the Jackson road 6 miles. No portion of the en- emy retreated on the road beyond General Osterhans present camp. The portion that retreated, as already reported, turned to their left, to make their way to ilankinsons Ferry, whi~h is where I understand your headquarters are. An Irishman, who deserted from the enemys transports crew last night at Halls Ferry, reports that there are four steamers at Halls Ferry, which the enemy have ordered to be destroyed upon our appear- ance. Halls Ferry is 11~ miles from here and L~ miles from the Jack- son road. Shall I make an effort, by a night march, to seize them l Please answer at once. JOHN A. MeCLERNAND. WILLOW SPRINGS, Miss., May 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. 5; GRANT, Corndg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: No trains or provisions have yet arrived from Grand Gulf. The officer in charge of transports has given preference to the Seven- teenth Army Corps in everything. The baggage of that corps is being sent forward, to the exclusion of ammunition and provisions for the Thirteenth Army Corps; priority is eveizi given to forage over neces- sary supplies for the Thirteenth Army Corps. Only three of the wagons of my corps had been crossed over the river up to.this morning. I am convinced that your order to send out provisions and ammunition with any teams that may be found at Grand Gulf has failed to challenge obedience. Without necessary provisions and ammunition, of course, 1 cannot answer for results. Early this morning I sent a strong detachment, consisting of cavalry, infantry, and artillery, to Halls Ferry, to seize, if possible, any boats there. I went 5 miles on the way myself. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. WILLOW SPRINGS, May 4, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Conidy. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Col. Clark Wright informs inc that he drove [1. F.] Har- risons forces to Van Buren Bayou, 7 miles back of Saint Joseph, and captured 15 prisoners, some mules and horses. A portion of the cav- alry under his command has just arrived; the balance he will bring over to Grand Gulf, and thence push forward to join me. I hope every facility will be afforded to hasten the transportation of his command, with its camp and garrison. equipage and trains, across the river. JOHN A. MoCLERNAND Page 271 CHAr. XXXVl.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 271 CAMP NEAR CARTHAGE, May 4, 1863. General F. P. BLAIR, Gomdg. MiUikcns Bend: DEAR GENERAL: You will have heard that General Grants forces crossed below Bayou Pierre; marched on Port Gibson, where there was an engagement, which resulted in the flight of the enemy, the capture of four field guns and 500 prisoners. In consequence of this, the enemy evacuated Grand Gulf, where Gen- eral Grant was yesterday. I have an order from Grant to hurry up, cross at Grand Gulf; and hurry forward, bringing along certain provis- ions and wagons that will strip the road. He is evidently moving by the road on the east side of Big Black. As near as I can make the road 13 miles to Richmond, 17 miles to Smiths, 7 miles down Vidal to bridge, and 6 to Perkins; total, 43 miles. Then it is 20 miles down river to Hard Times and 3 across in boats to Grand Gulf Now, you know we have not wagons and boats to handle all the material needed by this army, but the whole success of this plan depends on its hardihood. I will push ahead, and arrange to cross Grand Gulf and follow Grant, wherever he may be. But some other way must be found to feed this army. I wish you would cause our old road over to Biggs to be exam- ined; ~and if it can be used on foot, we might fell trees fore and aft, and make on the logs a plank road; then, by running the Warrenton bat- teries, we could run steamboats up to the crevasse. Please make all the preliminary examinations, and even commence the work, if you judge we may need it. I know we will. I did not hear the guns last night, and infer the tugs did not run the batteries. At all events, at this moment I cannot learn anything of the affairs at the river bank, as I am at Smiths, and we can only reach the river at Carthage by boats. One division of McPhersons corps is here (McArthurs), but I shall pass it. Keep everywhere hauling stores forward, so as to reach the Mississippi at Carthage or Perkins. Yours, in haste, W. T. SHERMAN. CAMP AT PERKINS, May 4, 18632 p. m. Major-General BLAIR, Comdg. ]Jiliillikens Bend: DEAR GENERAL: I left Steeles division last night at Dawsons plain tation; staid at Smiths, and rode to this point, arriving at 10.30 a. m. Distance from Smiths,14 miles; total distance from the Bend,43 miles. Road tolerably good, but lumpy, from old plow furrows and ruts. All the road would becoihe awful in a rain. At the moment of my arrival, two barges floated by on fire; burned low. I had barely time to order a boat out, with orders, if possible, to bring a line a shore and bring them to, but the barges were so burned that the ropes could not be made fast, so the barges floated by and are lost. This is all we know of the running the blockade last night. The steamboat Empire City passed up from Grand Gulf this morning, is now at Carthage, and may have stopped the tugs and remaining barges there, but I am uneasy lest these tugs and barges have come to some bad end. McClernands four divisions are across the river, and two of McPher- sons are also across. You will have heard of the fight at Port Gibson and evacuation of Grand Gulf Grants headquarters are now there, and JI will go do~u in the Empire City this evening, and come back by day Page 272 272 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXYL light. 1 am ordered to take Steeles and Tuttles divisions down by land 20 miles, and cross over at Grand Gulf. 1 hope to get across by the day after to-morrow. I found one of NeArthurs brigades at Holmes plantation, and another at Smiths. I think it is Grants purpose to leave one division of McPhersons at this end of the road, and yours at that end. I am satisfied that the danger of moving the batteries is too great, and this road too long, and therefore I want you to put as large a force as possible in making a road across to Biggs, and to reconnoiter the ground around the crevasse to a good landing below Warrenton. If satisfied it is feasible, widen the old road, and cause the worst part to be bridged, using any material at the Bend. As soon as I see Grant, I will give more specific orders. I feel satisfied now, from the low water in the bayous here, that the swamp at Biggs is dry, except a small place where the canal water passes. I would prefer that the batteries at War- renton should be attacked, but this road must be shortened, else this army will be without food in two days. I am ordered to cross over 175 wagons with me, and send an order to Smith with this to hurry back to me the wagons of my own corps. I am, with great respect, your friend and servant, W. T. SHERMAN. SPECIAL ORDERS, IN THE FIELD ON BIG BLACK, Miss., No. 77. May 4, 1863. Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker, commanding Seventh Division, will detail from his command two regiments of infantry, as a I)arty of observa- tion. One regiment will move up the river to the right, the other down the river to the left. The main body will advance under cover of the hills to avoid observation, while flankers will proceed cautiously, ex- ploring every blind road, bridle-path, or crossing, with a view to discover what works, if any, the enemy may have erected on the banks of the river and what fordable places or ferries there may be, the officer iii command keeping a running sketch of the route passed over. The commanding officers of the regiment will be selected for their skill in reconnoitering. * * * * * * * By ordei of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. HANKINSONS FERRY, MIss., May 5, 1863. Capt. E. K. OWEN, U. S. Navy: Place the fiagship (yours) in the mouth of Big Black River, to watch any movement of the enemy in that direction. Leave Captain Mur- 1)hys vessel iu front of Grand Gulf, to guard the stores, and to convey any steamer that may require it. This will enable Captain Murphy to carry out Admiral Porters wish to have a survey made of Grand Gulf and surroundings. Send the remaining iron-dads to the vicinity of Warrenton, to watch the movements of the enemy there, and to prevent them from sending troops across the river, to ipterrupt oni- lines from Millikens Bend and Youngs Poimit, U. S. QRANT Page 273 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 273 HANKINsONs FERRY, Miss., May 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. B. M. PRENTISS, Corndg. Dist. of Eastern Arkansas: GENERAL: You will send, without delay, immediately after the re ceipt of this order, all the cavalry in your district, except two regi ments, to report to INJaj. Gen. S. A. flurlbut, corn manding the Sixteenth Army Corps, at Memphis, Tenn. Lient. Col. J. D. Bingham, chief quartermaster, has been directed to instinct all steamers leaving Millikens Bend to report to you, to assist in transporting the troops to Memphis. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. CAMP AT PERKINS, May 5, 18637 a. m. Major-General BLAIR: SIR: I received your letter last night, telling of the sinking of one tug, and the two burning barges floating by tell the rest of the tale. I now inclose you an Qrder* to come forward to me at Grand Gulf leaving four regimentstwo at Millikens Bend and two at Richmond which two must in turn be relieved by others to be sent down from Memphis. Turn over all command to General Sullivaii and come for- ward, bringing along as much rations and stores as you can, for there is little or nothing down here. Send me word by courier when you will reach Grand Gulf, and in what order. I was down. to Grand Gulf last night. Grant was supposed to be ont about 24 miles. The enemy has escaped across Big Black River, and Grant will now probably strike in the direction of the Jackson Railroad. It was Grierson who made the cavalry raid down to Meridian, and he is supposed to be traveling toward Baton Rouge or Dixie. It has pro- duced a sort of panic South, and Grants movements will complete it, some say. Of course, I wish you to come forward with all possible expedition; only bring your men in in good shape. Yours, ~T T. SHERMAN. PERKINS, May 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. FRED. STEELE: DEAR GENERAL: I have General Grants orders to come to Grand Gulf and cross over with my two divisions. The only road is down the river, to a point opposite where, I am told, the steamers ferry troops. You will, therefore, uot stop at Perkins, but march right along down the Mississippi to a point opposite Grand Gulf, continuing your march, so that your men may arrive iu good order and condition. The distance from here is represented at 20 miles. J am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. CAMP AT PERKINS, May 5, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. M. TUTTLE, Corndg. Third Division: GENERAL: I have General Grants orders to march my two divisions down to Grand Gulf and to cross over. The distance from ~ is * Special Orders, No. 98, of same date 18 R RYOL XXIV, PT II Page 274 274 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. represented at 20 miles, and the road lies along the levee; therefore continue your march down, so as to reach Grand Gulf in good order. I apprehend great difficulty in the matter of food, and caution you to give the subject your whole attention. instruct all regimental com- manders that every ounce of food must be economized. I fear the four barges which were designed to pass Yicksburg might have come to evil. Two burning barges floated by here an hour since. I have sent back to Millikens Bend for 175 of our wagons, to follow me to Grand Gulf, but Grant orders me to so arrange that three days rations last five days. We must cafitiou all the iuen accordingly. There are now six divisions of our men across and operating east of Grand Gulf. Let us catch up as quiclily as possible consistent with bringing our men there iu good fighting conditiou. lam, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. CAMP ON BIG BLACK, MISS., ]lfcty 5, 1863. Brig. Gen. M. M. CROCIiER, Gomdy. Seventh Division: GENERAL: You will immediately detail two regiments of infantry from Colonel Boomers brigade and a section of artillery to proceed across Big Black, iu the direction of Warrenton and Vicksburg, on a reconnaissance. The infantry will be preceded by a squadron of cav- alry from Colonel Wrights (Missouri) cavalry, which has already gone down to cross the bridge. The commandiub officer will be instructed to examine the roads, find out, if possible, the points toward which the enemy retreated, his designs, & c. The object being simply a reconnais- sance, he must not allow himself to become seriously engaged. If the enemy are as far back from the river as has been reported by contra- bandssome 8 milesthe infantry need not proceed more than 4 or 5 miles, select a good position, and await information from the cavalry. The expedition will return to-night~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. HANKINSONS FERRY, May 5, 1863. lVlaj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBIJT, Gomdg. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: Send Laumans division to Millikens Bend, to be for- warded to this army with as little delay as practicable. Let them move by brigades as fast as transportation can be gotten. This division will bring with them all their camp and garrison equipage and transpor- tation. I am ordering to you all the cavalry from Helena, except two regiments. You can further strengthen your southern line by bringing troops from the District of Columbus. The completion of the road from Grand Junction to Corinth will enable you to draw off all the troops north of that road. Make such disposition of the troops within your command as you deem advisable for the best protection of lines of com- munication. When the road to Corinth is completed, put in there as i~st as possible sixty days supply of provisions and forage. This order for Laumans division is in addition to the four regiments ordered a few days since. You will have a large force of cavalry; use it as much as possible for attracting attention from this direction. Impress upon the cavalry the ncces~ity of keeping ollt of peoplc~ houses or taking wha Page 275 ChAr. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UMON. 275 is of no use to them in a military point of view. They mn~t live as far as possible off the country through which They pass, and destroy corn, wheat crops, and everything that can be made use of by the enemy in prolonging the war. Mules and horses can be taken to supply all our wants, and, where it does not cause too much delay, agricultural imple- ments may be destroyed. In other words, cripple the rebellion in every way, without insulting women and children or taking their clothing, jewelry, & c. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. HANKINSONS FERRY, Miss., May 5, 1863. (Jol. W. S. IILLLYER, A. A. D. (2, Corndy. at Grand Gulf, Miss.: We will risk no more rations to run the Vicksbnrg batteries. The river falling will enable ns to contract our lines so as to give but Smiles of land transportation to bring them from Youngs Point to below Warrenton batteries. The road has been commenced on this route, and will prob- ably be finished in a day or two. When this is done, all the troops this side of Richmond can join their divisions and corps in the field, and you will so direct them. All the forage, stores, and cotton brought by us should be brought to [Grand] Gulf, in anticipation of this move, as soon as possible. To prevent any misunderstanding, I will state that the troops to come here are two brigades of General MeArthurs division, two brigades of General Blairs (the third of his to follow as soon as re- enforcements arrive from Memphis), and one regiment of cavalry. The two regiments of MeClernands corps can remain at Grand Gulf to con- stitute the garrison there; also a squadron of the cavalry and one of Logans batteries, now behind at Perkins plantation. All other forces are to return to Youngs Point. U. S. GRANT. hEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TIlE TENNESSEE, lIfillikens Bend, La., ililiay 5, 1863. Maj. Gen. STnPIIEN A. HURLEUT, Commanding Sixteenth Army Oorps, Memphis, Tenn.: GENERAL: Recent attempts have demonstrated the impossibility of sending supplies by the Yicksburg batteries during these moonlight nights. The army is, therefore, dependent upon land transportation for supplies. The distance to be wagoned to a point from which stores can be sent to Grand Gulf by steamboats is 44 miles and since General Grant has advanced into the interior from Grand Gulf it is feared that, with the present limited land transportation, it will be impossible to keep the army from suffering. The advancing force has only 2 wagons to a regiment, with which to carry five days~ rations, ammunition, and other stores. All other teams have been thrown into the general sup- ~)ly tiain, which is still inadequate. Under these circumstances the chief commissary and quartermaster here request me to advise you of tht~ facts, and ask you to please send forward all teams that can pos- sibly be spared from your command. They will be returned to you as soon as the present cumergency passes away. General Grant is in the advance, and cannot be consulted on the subject of this letter, but the great importance of keeping the army supplied induces me to present these facts for your consideration. If you can spare any teams, it i Page 276 276 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. xxxvi. of the highest importance that they be sent at once. Captain Eddy is unable to furnish them. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. S. BOWERS, Acting Assistant Adjutant- General. IIEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY Coups, Memphis, Teun., May 5, 1863. Lieut. Col. JOHN A. ItAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General, Mijilikens Bend, La.: Sin: I inclose herewith a short statement from Major-General Oglesby, of the results of Dodges expedition. You will perceive that~ it has been thoroughly a success, so far as this command is concerned. There is more doubt of the success of the expedition from iRosecrans. The chief cause of failure In this (if it fails) will have been in the delay of a week which intervened from the time they were to report. By referring to my previous communications, you will perceive that the several movements indicated in them t~ be carried on by this command have been performed with a reasonable degree of accuracy, and with a very brilliant success in the main attempt to pierce the enemys country. The movement on Tuscumbia on the one side drew attention and gath- ered their cavalry in that direction, while the movement on Coldwater and Panola drew Chalmers and his band in the other. Thus our gallant soldier, Grierson, proceeded with hi~ command unchallenged, and has splendidly performed the duty he was sent upon. I very earnestly sup- port his claim for promotion, earned by long and meritorious service, and now crowned by this last achievement. I trust he will be able to join the main army below Grand Gulf; if not, he will go to Banks. In either event he will be a gain to the part of the army he may join. If it be practicable, I strongly request that he and his command may be sent to me. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT. [Inclosure.] JACKSON, May 5, 1863. Major-General HURLEUT: I have just received the following dispatch from Brigadier-General Dodge: Rebels came up with Colonel Streight, between Moulton and Blountsville, 5 miles south of Somerville. Streight ambushed and whipped them badly. Rebels sent word from Decatur to Chattanooga that Streight was making for that i)lace. Forrest and Roddey are on his track. I think Streight is far in advance of them. G. M. DODGE. I have heard nothing from Cornyn since he left Burnsville, Saturday last. R. J. OGLESBY~ OPELOUSAS, LA., May 6, 1863. (Received May 10.) Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg., & e., Grand Gulf: GENERAL: By the 25th, probably, by the 1st, certainly, we will be there.* Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, N. P. BANKS. * Answers Grant to Banks, April 14, p. 192 Page 277 CHAr. XXXVI.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 277 HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Willow Springs, Miss., May 6, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Colonel Taggart, chief commissary Thirteenth Army Corps, calls to see you this morning. His object is to get an order placing a hundred wagons of the Seventeenth Army Corps, or any wagons, at his disposal, for the purpose of bringing rations to the men of the Thirteenth Army Corps. He will explain the necessity for it. General Osterhaus reports that he learns that the main force of the enemy on the east of Big Black has returned to Edwards Station, on the railroad and east of the Big Black. The detachment encountered by General Osterhaus yesterday was a corps of observation sent out tc watch our approach. The cavalry with General Osterhans is now occu- pying a11 the roads noi theast and south of the cross-roads near Caynga Reconnoitering parties have been sent from the same vicinity toward Utica and Gahlatin. A corps of observation has been sent out toward Edwards Station, while still another party has been sent up th~ river in pursuit of the rebel steamers. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. CAMP OPPosITE GRAND GULF, May 6, 186312 m. Major-General BLAIR: DEAR GENERAL: I sent you orders to follow us, leaving two regi- ments at Richmond and two at Milhi kens Bend, to be relieved by others from Memphis. when these regiments are to follow and overtake us. General Grant has ordered one brigade of McArthurs division, also, to remain, and the other to join him. The steamboats here are poor con- cerns, except the Forest Queen, and the ferrying across will be a slow process. I would not be surprised if you wonld.overhaul us before we are all across. General Grant wants the commanding officer at Millikens Bend, General Sullivan, I suppose, to call in all the troops on this road, and occupy the road from my old headquarters to a point below Warrenton. The road will need a good deal of work. You may send in to Milhikens Bend all at Richmond, and see that all detachments of my corps either keep along ahead of you, or return to Milhikens Bend, to be put on that road. Steamboats, after passing us over to Grand Gulf; will run up to get supplies there, viz, on the west bank, below Warrenton. You will find plenty of forage along this road, especially this end of it, viz, from Perkins to Hard Times. Your map is correct as far as Perkins place, which is at the lower end of Bayou Vidal. From Perkins to this point the road is well marked, following Lake Saint Joseph, along which you will find some magnificent plantations. At Dr. Bowers you can sent across the lake in a boat, and procure plenty of beef, hogs, and sheep. Corn is to be fonud in all the stables, and from Dr. Bowers to this place there is growing wheat, oats, and corn, on which you can feed your horses. The whole distance from Milhikens Bend to Hard Times plain tation is 63 miles; road cannot be mistaken; better at this end thaii at yours. Steele overtook his command, and rode in about an hour ago, and has gone back a mile or so to give the necessary orders for embarkation. I will cr~s over to-ni~ht, and will try and send you back all possibl Page 278 278 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. X~XVL orders and information; but in case of accident follow ns to Grand G iii f~ and farther, according to the news that meets you there. Yesterday Grant was at ilankinsons Ferry, 18 miles out of Grand Gulf, on the south side of Big Black, the enemy facing him on the north bank. No fight since the one near Port Gibson. The Fourth Iowa Cavalry has just rel)orted to me. It will cross over and join Grant. The other regiment will remain under General Sullivan, or command- ing officer at Millikens Bend. I ani deeply grieved at the loss of the tug with her precious cargo. We have picked up the barges, and will save some J)rovisions, but none of the reporters ~ They were so deeply laden with weighty matter that they must have sunk. in the language of our Dutch captain, What a pity for religion is this war! but in our affliction we can console ourselves with the pious reflection that there are plenty more left of the same sort. Dont hurry your march too much, for I feel certain it will take some days to pass over the troops now here, and the wagons. Try and arrive in good, compact order, and with as much provision an(i am- munition left as possible. Grant reports plenty of meat and corn on the other side, but salt coffee, sngar, and bread are out of the question save in our commis- sariat. Knowing, as you must, the actual condition of things behind you, give orders or do all you can to expedite the new line proposed from my ohi headquarters to yours at Riggs, and so around to a point below War renton. I want my chief quartermaster and commissary to join me by that route. You will be delighted with the country alon~Bayon Saii~t Joseph. On leaving Perkins, send a detachment of cavalr~ix-itli a staff offi~~ ahead to ascertain [what there is to take you across. If yoa], be delayed, camp back about iRouths place, which is magnificent, wit Ii plenty of corn-fodder and everything. The house and farm have been plundered sadly, but the planters had all gone off, and no one left to protect them. I shall begin to look~ for you on the third day from this, unless we move far inland. Grant is now 18 miles northeast of Grand Gulf I will keep in mind where you are, and await your junction with anxiety. With great respect, your friend, W. T. SHERMAN. CAMP ON BIG BLACK, 2lfa~~ t3, 1863. Maj. Gemi. JOHN A. LOGAN, Gomdg. Third Division: GENERAL: You will move your division to Rocky Springs to-morrow at 10 a. m. Major ilickenlooper, of my staff, who has been over the moad, will act as guide, and select the encampment. The men will march with three days cooked rations in haversacks, and you will take in the wagons of your division all the ammunition and rations you possibly can. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPhERSON. CAMP ON BIG BLACK, Miss., May 6, 1863. Brig. Gen. M. M. CROCKER, Comdy. Sereuth Division: GENERAL: You will detail one brigade of your division to replace the brigade of General Logans division guarding the bridge across th Page 279 CHAP. XX~V~LJ CORhEFAPONDLNCE, ETC.IJNION. 279 Big Black at Hankiusons Ferry, and one battery, his division being under orders to march at 10 a. in. to-morrow. Very respectfully, JAS. B. McPHERSON. ilANiuNsoNs FERRY, May 0, t803. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. IIURLI3UT, Corn dy. Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: Telegraph to General Halleck direct the forces I have drawn from you, and, should re-enforcements be necessary to hold your district, let him know it. Whilst headquarters are so distant, ~ommunicate direct with Wash- ington in all important matters, but keep me advised at the same time of what is goin gon. Everything here looks highly favorable at present. The only thing now delaying us is the ferriage of wagons and supplies across the river to Grand Gulf~ We hold the bridge across Black River at this place, and have had troops within 7 miles of Warrenton. Also command the next crossing, some 15 miles higher up the river, from which another road leads direct to Vicksbnrg. Rations now are the only delay. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. [MAY 6, 1863.For llurlbut to Rosecrans, in reference to Streights raid, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part I, pp. 283, 284.] HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Rocky Springs, May 7, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: My whole corps is up to, or beyond, this point. I rode forward early this morning to the front, and within a short distance of Halls Ferry the enemy has planted a battery (probably of three guns) on the west bank of Big Black, for the purpose of commanding the ferry. My pickets are close upon the east side of the river. General Oster- hans has bivouacked one brigade of his command, with a section of artillery, on the far side of Big Sandy. The remainder of his coin- mand is on the near side of the same creek. General Carr has biv- ouacked his division to the right of General Osterhaus, and has placed his siege guns in position. General ilovey is moving forward to take position to the left of Gen- eral Osterhaus. General Smith is in reserve on the I4ttle Sandy, about 1~ miles in the rear, and, besides holding himself in readiness to sup- port the front, will hold and guard the approach of the Utica road. I ~-understand that General Sherman has seized seven transports, and thus longer delayed the wagons which I am relying on to bring adequate supplies of food and ammunition. The enemy is fortifying at Edwards Station, and fugitive negroes report that he is rapidly con - centrating re-enforcements at Edwards Station and west of there by rail. I think the enemy is in strong force. Is it not important that the A i~rmy of the Tennessee should be fully supplied and put in the best~ fighting order i The political consequences of the impending campaign will be momentous. I am still causing the country to be scoured Page 280 280 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. The Forest Queen is said to be the only boat now available to cross men and materials of war. Would not the exigency justify the risk of running the blockade with additional transports ~ General Logans division is up to Rocky Springs. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. ROCKY SPRINGS, MISS., May 7, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Gorndg. Thirteenth Army Go~ps: If your rations are up, so as to give you three or more days 6n hand move in the morning to Auburn with at least one division, and the re- inainder between that and Baldwins. You have a direct route to Au. burn, and also to Baldwins. I do not yet know if there are intermediate roads. If there are, move one division on each of the roads named, and the other two on the intermediate roads. Should there be but the two roads, move the four divisions so as to bring them well up on the line connecting the two places. General McPherson will move on a road south of you, so as to be well up. Send all the teams you can spare, after putting three days rations in the mens haversacks, back to Grand Gulf for rations and ammunition. Shermans forces being in the rear, will protect our trains for one more trip, if they move promptly. Send me a statement of the amount of rations and ammunition you have on hand and on the way between Grand Gulf and your camp. Trains should not go entirely unguarded, but should be accompanied by at least 2 men to each wagon. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Gamy on Big Black, Miss., May 7, 1863. Brig. Gen. MI. M. CROCKER, Gomdg. Seventh Division: GENERAL: As soon as your divjsion is relieved by a division of Gen. eral Shermans corps, you will move forward to Rocky Springs, or any other I)oint which may be designated in the mean time. The men will always be provided with three days cooked rations, in haversacks, and the trains of the division will carry all the ammunition and provisions they possibly can. One brigade of General Shermans division, with a battery, will be instructed to relieve yours at the bridge across Big Black. Very respectfully, JAS. B. MCPHERSON. ROCKY SPRINGS, MISS., May 7, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. LOGAN, Gomdg. Third Division: GENERAL: You will move your command to-morrow morning, at 6 oclock, in the direction of Utica, and will camp to-morrow night at or in the immediate vicinity of that place. I sent you a sketch showing the relative position of this point, with others which will be occupied by our troops to-morrow night. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON Page 281 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.ITNION. 281 ROCKY SPRINGS, Miss., ]lIay 7, 1863. Brig. Gen. M. M. CROCKER, Gomdg. Seventh Division: GENERAL: The Third Division, General Logan commanding, moves from here to-morrow morning at 6 oclock to Utica, a distance of 12 or 14 miles. Come forward with your command as rapidly as possible, after being relieved by Major-General Sherman. A staff officer will be here to direct you on the right road. Leave an officer or competent man to bring forward the train which you sent to Grand Gulf to-day, when it arrives, and see that it gets or~ the proper road. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON. P. 5.Colonel Booiner has the map showing the road to Utica, & c. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Alexandria, May 3, 18638 a. in. Major-General GRANT: DEAR SIR: My command reached Alexandria yesterday without op- position, the advance entering the town early in the afternoon. Ad- miral Porter, with his fleet and several of Admiral Farraguts boats, took possession of the town yesterday morning without resistance. I have stated to him that I can furnish his fleet, that of Admiral Far- ragut, and. your transports with coal, and your army partially with provisions, by the Atchafalaya and Red River, but it will be difficult. If Port Hudson is reduced, all this can be done direct from New Orleans, and our future operations will proceed without interruption from want of supplies and with certain success. In answer to your dispatch received iii cipher, I replied I could co- operate with you on the 25th instant or the 1st of June. Our success- fuil march here enables me to do this on the 25th May. I shall have 15,000 good men, all told. We can move by the Bayou Sara to the rear of Port Hudson, get our supplies from Baton Rouge, where Major- General Augur can join us with 4,000 men. With the fleet of Admiral Porter above, that of Admiral Farragut below, and our forces in the rear, or so many of yours as you can spare, the fall of the post will be instant and certain. I beg your most favorable consideration to this matter. Lieutenant-Colonel Irwin, my adjutant, will explain my views more in detail. I have the honor to be, with much respect, general, yonr obedient servant, N. P. BANKS. MILLIKENS BEND, LA., May 8, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that, since the 2d instant, I have forwarded by wagons to Perkins plantatiou and Grand Gulf over 300,000 rations of hard bread, coffee, sugar, and salt, 225,000 rations of salt meat, and 130,000 of soap. The oPher parts of the ration not bein Page 282 282 MISSISSII4J, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI considered essential, only a small amount was sent for issue to Los- pitals. The above statement does not include the amount forwarded to-day, as the reports of the day have not yet been handed to me. There has been no delay in sending forward stores from this place, the commis- saries working night and day when there were any to be loaded. There are now on hand at the place nearly 2,000,000 complete rations. In- voices have been received of a half million more rations em route. On relieving Colonel Hawkins, I directed Colonel flames to keep con- stantly on hand at this place 3,000,000 complete rations. This amount I expect to have in the course of a week. I will use every exertion to keep your army supplied. I have just seen your letter to Colonel Hillyer in relation to the parts Oi the ration you desire sent. These instructions will be strictly com- plied with. No more meat will be forwarded until a proportionate quantity of hard bread has been sent. - The new road across Youngs Point will, I am informed, be placed in good condition in a day or two. There will then be no difficulty in sup- plying your army. The rations are here, and all that is required are he means of transportation to get them forward. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, li. MACFEELY, Lieutenant- Colonel, and Chief Commissary of Subsistence. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTI-I ARMY Cones, In the Field, Big Sandy, May 8, 18637 p. in. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Conidg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Yonr dispatch of this date,* modifying previous inst rue- tious relative to the route of my contemplated march, is received. You say you understand the Telegraph road, leading from the Jack- son or Raymond road to Edwards Station, diverges a half mile beyond Caynga. Is there not some mistake about this? I have with inc an intelligent negro, who has been driving a team at intervals for fourteen years from Port Gibson to Edwards Station. He says the Telegraph road to Edwards Station diverges from the road leadiug from here to lta:ymnond 7 miles beyond Caynga, an(l about 2 miles beyond Auburn. The l)oint of divergence is at Barrows l)lantation. General Osterhaus has consulted a map found by him 1 o-day, and is of the same opinion. This Telegraph road forms part of the main road leading from Port Gibson to Edwards Station. Sixty wagons, laden with ammunition, are reported to have left Grand Gulf at 2 p. m. They should be here in the morning. Herewith will be found a statement of the strength of the several divisions of the Thirteenth Army Corps, and the supply of provisions on hand.t Colonel Taggart is expecting to be able to supply the whole with three days rations in the morning. If you wish me to move my corps before the expected supplies of ammunition and rations come up and are issued, please so advise me. Three deserters crossed the Big Black this evening, near Halls Ferry and came into my camp. They report the enemy to be concentrating between the bluffs on the east side of Big Black and Bolton. Edwards Station is about the center of this line on the east side of the Big Not found, but see letter of 7th, p. ~8O. I Not found Page 283 CHAP. XXXVI.] COPd~ESPONDENOE, ETC.UNJON. 283 Black. They are burning cotton on the west side of Big Black, and (leclare they will leave notLino- valuable between that station andYicks- burg. If I am not ordered to move in the morning, I will direct General Osterhaus to send a detachment of one or two companies to fl~fl~5 Ferry, and feel the enemy if he is there. JOHN A. MuCLERNAND. JUNCTiON OF GRAND GULF AND PORT GIBSON ROADS, May 8, 18638 a. m. Col. JOHN A. IRAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: I arrived at this point last night. My rear vedettes were firing during the night and morning with the advance of the enemy. His main force fell back to Port Gibson during the evening and night. I am still unable to give reliable information of where the infantry are or where they come from. I am induced to believe, however, that we see their entire force, which could not exceed 1,000 or 1,200 men, with five pieces of artillery. If such is the fact, that force might have been at Fayette and been ordered np by Adams to drive me out, instead of coming from Port Hudson, as reported by contrabands. I will move back in that direction to-day, and ascertain, if possible, the true state of affairs. Surgeon [James L.] Kirnan and three of my men were captured in the charge yesterday. I had no other loss. My force is about 300 men and four howitzers. I took one days rations from a train this morning for them. Nothing in this vicinity in the way of subsistence. I will re- port immediately any other information obtained. I am, sir, with very high respect, your obedient servant, CLARK WRIGHT, Colonel, Commanding. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 80. f In the Field, Rocky Springs, Miss., May 8, 1863. * * * * * * IV. Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker, commanding Seventh Division, will move his command in the direction of Utica to-morrow morning at ~ oclock precisely. V. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, commanding Third Division, will move his command in the direction of Utica to-morrow morning at 6.30 oclock precisely. By order of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. Rocxx SPRINGS, MISS., May 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, 6orndg; Thirteenth Army Corps: Brigadier-General Tuttles division (Fifteenth Army Corps) has beer directed to move forward to-night to the point now occupied by Brig. Gen. A. J. Smiths division, of your army corps. You will, therefore, order the latter to move up to the Big Sandy. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 284 284 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP XXXVL ROCKY SPRINGS, MISS., May 9, 18639 p. m. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: Move your command tomorrow on the Telegraph road to Five-Mile Creek. Instructions have been given to Generals Sherman and Mc- Ph& rson to move so as to continue on the same general front with you. Have all the lateral roads leading from yonr line of march carefully examined, to facilitate communication with the other corps in case of necessity. Please send a competent officer to Perkins plantation to superintend the transportation of your remaining camp and garrison equipage to Grand Gulf, and tha storage thereof at that point. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUXRTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Big & tndy, May 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Your dispatch of this date is this moment received. A train with a limited quantity of ammunition and rations came up late last evening. It will take some time to sort and issue the ammunition; also to issue the rations. I hope to have all done by or before 9 oclock in the morning, and to take up the line of march, at least by that honr, for Five-Mile Creek, which is about 10 miles from here. The reconnoi- tering party sent out by me this morning, and of which I advised you, went to Five-Mile Creek, and have returned. A reconnoitering party of the enemy had come as far in this direction as Cay uga, but had re- turned just before my party reached that place. Please advise me what relation General Shermans and McPhersons corps will bear during the advance to mine. I send an orderly to bring any information you may be pleased to give me on this point. Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. CAMP AT flANKINSONS FERRY, May 9, [1563]4 a. m. Major-General GRANT: Yours of May 8 is received. It came too late to halt one of my bri- gades at the forks of the road, but I will send orders for Tuttle to re- main at Willow Springs, which will cover the same point, and I advise you to issue some general order, and send it to all points, prescribing just how many wagons there shall be to each regiment, how many to each brigade, & c., on this march. There are 500 wagons across the river, and with each is an officer pressing to have it cross over, as if the absolute safety of the army depends on that wagon. Make some uniform and just rule, and send somebody back to regulate this matter, or your road will be crowded and jammed unless it is done. McArthur is ready to cross over, and can escort trains out. Blair will be there to-day or to-morrow, and should remain at Hard Times till you have all the wagons and provisions you aim to secure. It is useless to push out men here till their supplies are regulated, unless you intend to live on the country. Hillyer is doing his best, but each corps and (livision and brigad Page 285 ChAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENC]~, ETC.UNION. 285 commander is there, urging forward his particular wagon, and the steamboat can oniy bring wagons in a particular ratio. The rule I adopted was: 1. Two wagons per regiment of troops. 2. Wagons exclusively loaded with provisions and ammunition. 3. According to the discretion of the officer in charge. I left Colonel [George A.] StQne at Hard Times, but Blair will be there to-night. Please make a general order on this subject at once; publish it to all corps, divisions, and brigades, and let Hillyer enforce it. Stop all troops till your army is partially supplied with wagons, and then act as quickly as possible, for this road will be jammed as sure as life if you attempt to supply 50,000 men by one single road. I will halt Steeles division here, Tuttles at Willow Springs, and Blairs at Hard Times, each ordered to keep supplied with beef and corn, and as much bread, sugar, and coffee as possible. General Crocker moves to the front to-day. Yours, in haste, ~. T. SHERMAN. ROCKY Spitu~c~s, Miss., May 9, 1863. Maj. T. S. BOWERS, Judge-Advocate- General, Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gem.: What I have wished to impress upon the generals remaining on the Lonisiana side of the Mississippi is, that the wagon road from Milli- kens Bend to Perkins plantation should be shortened by every pos- sible means, and that, when circumstances will admit of it, it shall run from Youngs Point to a point below Warrenton. Meanwhile all pos- sible exertion should be made to keep the army supplied by the present route. Hard bread, coffee, and salt should be kept up anyhow, and then the other articles of the rations as they can be snpplied. Has either of the regiments of cavalry from Helena reported ~ As soon as they arrive, send one of them forward with all dispatch. U. S. GRANT. ROCKY SPRINGS, Miss., May 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commanding Fifteenth Army Corps: I do not calculate upon the possibility of supplying the army with full rations from Grand Gulf. I know it will be impossible without constructing a(lditional roads. What I do expect, however, is to get lip what rations of hard bread, coffee, and salt we can, and make the country furnish the balance. We started from Bruinsburg with an average of about two days rations, and received no more from our own supplies for some days. Abundance was found in the mean time. Some coyn meal, bacon, and vegetables were found, and an abundance of beef and mutton. A delay would give the enemy time to re enforce and fortify. If Blair were up now, I believe we could be in Yicksburg in seven days. The \ command here has an average of about three days rations, which could be made to last that time. You are in a country where the troops have already lived off the people for some days, and may find provision Page 286 286 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXML more scarce, but as we get upon new soil they are more abundant, par- ticularly in corn au(l cattle. Bring Blairs two brigades up as soon as 1)OSSible. The advance will move to-day to about 3 miles beyond Caynha, and also on the Utica road. Your division at Willow Springs should also move to this place~. U. S. GRANT. CAIuP AT IIANIINSoNs FERRY, May 9, 1863. Major-General BLAIR, Corndg. Second Division: DEAR GENERAL: I rode forward 6 miles to day to Rocky Springs, and found all the army moving. Also General Grant, with whom I had a fall conversation. He is satisfied that he will succeed in his plan, and, of course, we must do our full share. To-morrow we break the boat bridge across the Big Black at this point and move toward Jackson. I send you a copy of my orders of march, which I think are full enough, without further elaboration. The first 5 miles out from Grand Gulf the road is up hil~and rough, but it gradually improves. At 8 miles there is a fork, the right hand being the main road, which you are to follow. The left hand comes to this ford, and from here to Rocky Springs there is an excellent road. At Rocky Springs the two roads meet, and in 2 miles cross Big Sandy. Ii will be at Big Sandy to-morrow night, the 10th. The next day I will be near the town of Auburn. McPhersons corps moves off to the right, via Utica, and MeClernands to the left, following the Telegraph road. By the time we reach Auburn, General Grant expects to discover in what manner the enemy intend to fight, and will then make new coin- binations accordingly. We have very little from Yicksbnrg. The enemys pickets are out 4 miles north of this bridge, and apparently are watcliing to see if we intend to advance on this road. When we march off, they may attempt to attack you in flank, but you must be prepared for any event; but I rather suppose they will have enough to do to oppose our head of column. They will hardly attack our flank without superior strength, and that they cannot have. You will find corn, cattle, and sheep at the plantations. Protect houses and l)rivate families as munch as possible, but use all the corn growing or gathered possible, and use freely of all meats found by the way. Forage regularly by brigade, according to orders. I await your coming with intense anxiety, as I want your division always, with its batteries. I regret that Ewings brigade had to be left, but it will come up as soon as relieved by four regiments from Meni- l)his. I send an orderly with this, and a copy of Wilsons map, which is a little fuller than ours in the country south of Big Black. The or(ierly will stay with you, and you can send him forward so as to over- take me at Auburn, where I want to learn your whereabouts and every- thing that you think I ought to know. Our men here are all healthy, and now make their marches regularly and without straggling. Please watch this, and dont let the wagons get encumbered with trash. We will be in want of salt, bread, sugar, and coffee. We may safely trust to the country for meat. Make your men carry plenty of all these in their haversacks) and, if they are loaded, make your marches accord- ingly. Poads are very dusty; middle of day hot, but mornings and evenin c~s cool. Hoping soon to see you in person, I am, your friend, W. T. SHERMAN Page 287 q CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 287 CAMP AT CRoss-RoAns, ASeven miles frou~ Utica, May 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: General Crockers division arrived here and went into camp at2 p.m. General Logans division is just coming np. Colonel Wrights cavalry are in Utica, and have had some little skirmishing with the enemy. I inclose his report.* The information that I have been able to obtain thus far is very indefinite. I sent Captain Foster to the front, where Newlands Mills used to be; there are no snch mills in existence, having been destroyed a few years since. He saw or heard nothing of the enemy. Colonel Strong and Lieutenant Gile, with a few orderlies, went through from this point to Caynga. A short time before they reached the town,50 rebel cavalry were there. About half of them left and went toward Jackson; the remainder went to Utica. Some of the citizens in the vicinity of Utica say Beuuregard is at or near Jackson. I may be able to get some more authentic information before morning; if so, will send it to you immediately. Please tind a sketch of my camp, and a Vicksburg paper of the 6th instant.t Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPIIEIISON. IN FIELD, Rocicy Springs, Miss., May 9, 1863. Brigadier-General MCARTHUR, Commanding Sixth Division: DEAR GENERAL: Yours of the 8th instant t has just come to hand, and I am extremely anxious for you to come forward to the front with your command as soon as possible. We want every available man in the field when the battle comes off, which cannot now be long delayed. Of conrse, you cannot move the whole of your command until the new road is completed, as it will not answer to leave our only line of supplies unguarded. Two brigades, however, may be more than are necessary to guard your portion of the line; if so, send one immediately, to be followed by the other at the earliest moment practicable. You can consult with Colonel llillyer as ~ which will be the most ex- peditious for your commandto be taken on boats from James plan- tation to Grand Gulf, or for you to march to Hard Times Landing, via Lake Saint Joseph. Bring with you what hard bread, coffee, & c., you can, and aminuni- lion. Provisions, excel)t meats, are very scarce. I march this morning toward Utica, which you will find on the in- closed map.I I am gratified to hear the officers and men are well and in good spirits. I have been trying to get you aB forward since I first reached Per. hins ])lantation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON * Sec Wright to Rawlin, ~ay 5, p. 2S3. tNot found Page 288 288 MISSISSIPPI, WEST T~NNESSEE, ETC [CHAr. XXXVI IN FIELD, Rocky ~prings, Miss., May 9, 1863. Colonel WRIGHT, Commanding Cavalry: COLONEL: Your dispatch, 8th, is received. Reconnoiter the enemy cautiously, and, if possible, find out his strength and intentions. Keep me fully advised of any important movements. Find out, if possible, whether troops have been running up hortli from Port Hudson, on the Mississippi Central Railroad. You can fall back at dark to some good position near Mrs. Myers. Leave vedettes along the road and near the different crossings, to give notice o.f any movement on the part of the enemy. Caution the vedettes to be particularly vigilant. I have sent my escort company to New. lands Mills. Very respectfully, JAS. B. McPHERSON. MEMPHIS, TENN., May 9, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. D~partment of the Tennessee, ~ Bend, La.: - GENERAL: Yesterday evening at 7.20 p. m. I received your dispatch. General Veatch was notified at once, and sends to-day four regiments of to Millikens La. The - gadier infantry Bend, Fourth Division Bri General Lauman commanding, is ready to embark by brigades, as soon us transportation is furnished. I send you this division complete, and only regret that I am not there ti fight it. I call in to-day four regiments from Corinth and two from Columbus, to fill vacancies. I hope you will sweep out the rabble, especially as I learn that mis- chief makers are looking after you, with hopes based upon your downfall. I will keep this line, and be able to spare troops after a while. It is hard to part with my men, but I know you will give them a chance. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLB UT. [MAY 912, 1863.For Hurlbut to Rosecrans, in reference to Streights raid, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II, pp. 320,326.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Rocky i~prings, Miss., May 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Gomdg. Dept. of the Gulf: GENERAL: My advance will occupy to-day Utica, Auburn, and a point equally advanced toward the Mississippi Southern Railroad, between the latter place and the Big Black. It was my intention, on gaining a foothold at Grand Gulf~ to have sent a sufficient force to Port Hudson to have insured the fall of that place with your co-operation, or rather to have co-operated with you to secure that end. Meeting the enemy, however, as I did, south of Port Gibson, I fol. lowed him to the Big Black, and could not afford to retrace my steps. I also learned, and believe the information to be reliable, that Port Hudson is almost entirely evacuated. This may not be true, but it is the concurrent testimony of deserters and coutrabands. Many days cannot elapse before the battle will begin which is to de- cide the fate of Yicksburg, but it i~. i.mQossibie to predi~t liow long i Page 289 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 289 may last. I would urgently request, therefore, that you join me or send all the force you can spare to co-operate in the great struggle for open- ing the Mississippi River. My means of gaining information from Port Hudson are not good, but I shall hope, even before this reaches Baton Rouge, to hear of your forces being on the way here. Griersons cavalry would be of immense service to me now, and if at all practicable for him to join me, I would like to have him do it at once. For fear of this accidentally falling into the hands of the enemy, I will not communicate to you my force. I am, general, very iespectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Gayuga, Miss., May 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: The head of my column is arrived at this place. Its advance guard is at Five-Mile Urcek. Various rumors of the enemys crossing detachments of cavalry and infantry over Big Black are afloat, but as yet are unauthenticated. I beg to remind you again that my corps is supplied with a very small number of teams, and their cooking ntensils in lar~e part are behind. It is but just, both to you and myself, that this fact should be stated. Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. MoCLERNAND. CAYUGA, MISS., ]Jifay 10, 18634 p. m. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Oomdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: Your note, written at 9 a. in., is just received. My headquarters will remain here to-night and be removed to Auburn in the morning. You need not move to-morrow, except to better your position on Five-Mile Creek. Sherman, whose rear will not be able to pass this place to-night, will move up so as to be about the same distance from the Vicksburg and Jackson Railroad as yourself. McPherson will ah~o move on to about the same east and west line, starting from Utica. Your note complains of went of transportation. I have passed one and a J)art of another of your divisions, and am satisfied that the trans- portation with them, to say nothing of the large number of mules mounted by soldiers, would carry the essential parts of five days rations for the - command to which they belong, if relieved of the knapsacks, officers, soldiers, and negroes now riding. You should take stel)s to make the means at hand available for bringing up the articles necessary for your corps. Equal facilities have been given each of the army corps in all respects, no special order having been given to favor any one, except to give the first 30 wagons to the Thirteenth Army Corps. U. S. GRANT. CAYUGA, MISS., May 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Corndg. Seventeenth Army Corps: General McCleruand is now on Five-Mile Creek, on the Telegraph road to Edwards Station. He is directed to move no farther to-morrow, but to reconnoiter the road to Fourteen-Mile Creek. 19 R RYOL XXIV, PT II Page 290 290 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. ICHAP. Sherman will not get much past this place to-night. Iu the morn- ing he will move forward to Auburn, and, if he meets with no resist- ance, xviii throw his advance forward to Fourteen-Mile Creek, oii the Raymond road. Move your command forward also, so as to occupy something near the same east amid west line with the other army corps. Let me know what point you move to. Send your cavalry out to watch the enemy as far to the southeast as you can. U. S. GRAI~~T. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Weeks Plantation, 4 miles east of Utica, May 10, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Inclosed please find a sketch of my position.* The road is very dry and dusty following the divide between Big Black and north fork of Bayou Pierre. There are no streams on the road, and the troops have suffered some for want of water. On my arrival in Utica about noon, I found Colonel Wright, with his cavalry, who reported considerable skirmishing with the enemy, but as no one was hnrt, the skirmishing amounted to very little. There were probably 100 rebel cavalry in our front, and a small force rel)orted at the bridge across Tallahala Creek, north fork of Ba~ ou Pierre, on the road to Crystal Springs. I immediately dispatched Colonel Wright, with his whole cavalry force, in a southeast direction, crossing the creek lower down than where this force was said to be stationed, and then to proceed up on the south side and cut them off, if possible. He was also instructed to leant all he could of the movements of the enemy, and as it is only 18 or 20 miles to the Mississippi Central Railroad, and probably not many troops in that direction, to make a dash over that way, and (lestroy the telegraph and railroad track, it he shonld find it practicable. A forward movement of about 5 miles will bring miie on an east and west line with Auburn, and near one of the branches of Fourteen-Mile Creek. 1 had to be guided to-day in selecting camps somewhat by the chances of getting water. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. SPECIAL JRDERS, HDQRS. SEVENTEENTh ARMY Co~~ps, No. 81. Weeks Plantation, Miss., May 10, 1863. * * * * * * * II. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, commanding Third Division, will move forward his command to-morroxv morning at 6.~0 oclock. III. Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker, commanding 8eventh Division, xvill move forward his command to-morrow morning at 8 oclock. By order of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutctnt- General. * Not found Page 291 Czar. XflYLJ COBBESPONDENOE, ETO.UNION. 291 flout. Col. Jon MzxrHzs, Tan., May 10, 1863. Aesietant Adjutat1tGeaera4 M0iknPa Bes4, La.: Sin: I received, by Colonel (JohnJ Riggin (Jr.], on Friday, at 7p. in., orders for five regiments to be sent to itillikens Bend. They were on the boats before 10 p. m. on Saturday. I also received orders for move. mat of the Fourth Division. They are ready, and await transporta- don. To supply the vacuum at Memphis, I have ordered down two regiments from Columbus, now on their way, and a few from Corinth, which wrn be here to-day or tomorrow. As I have a very strong interest in my old division, and know their preference, I respectfully ask of the muijor general commanding to at- tach them to General Shermans corps, as they and I have the fullest confidence and largest acquaintance with him and his command. I send them with their entire regimental and division train, as I suppose they will be needed for public service. I inclose copy of dispatch from Dodge as to the doings of his cavalry near Okolona. Hatch had been down in that neighborhood three days before, and I think t shall keep up a succession of cavalry movements in that corner of the State until I hear from Streights expedition, about which I ant anxious. I hope you will be able to send this division back across the country from Vicksburg. I hope they are not to bo permanently separated from this command. Your obedient servant, S. A. HUBLBUT. guess] Major-General OGLuen, Jackson: . Cornm, Jfay 9,1863. Cavalry have returned. They fought at Tupelo Wednesday, and whipped Generals Buggles and Gholson badly. Captured 81 prisoners of war, representing ten regiments and battaions; captured 160 hones and any quantity of shot-guns, rifles, & c. General Chalmers was at Pontotoc with 2,600 men, but did not get into the fight. One brigade. of infantry (Arkansas) came to Okolona on Saturdiy and Sunday by cars; also one regiment of cavalry. The Second Alabama arrived there from Pensacola. They profess to. be able to throw troops enough into the place to stop us m tweuw-four hours. The cars run to Okolona. A. flag of truce came in from Maijor-General [S. J.] Gholson in relation to the prisoners. It was of no great importance. The officer says we cut them up badly. G. IL DODGE. (Same, (Jglesby to Binmore.) JhofoN, May 10,1863. LieutenantrColonel BxNxouz, Assistant A4jutane-Gmserai: Dodge says with the 40 cars at Corinth to.day and the 12 sent don to.night, he will get off only half of Fullers brigade. We have no more railroad transportation to send him. Podge says scout in frdm Alabama to-day [says] that two regiments of Forrests command passed through Burleson two days ago, going to Tupelo. B. J. OGLESBY Page 292 292 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Five-Mile Creek, May 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Ii venture to make a suggestion, which, of course, will be only estimated accordiub toits value. Reports and what should be the policy of the enemy combine to warn us that he will attempt to cross the Big Black in our rear, and isolate us by cutting our commu- nications. Having steamboats at his disposal, he could rapidly cross troops for that purpose. In view of this danger, I would inquire whether it would not be dvisable for us to shift our advancing columns farther to the left, resting our left flank upon the Big Black ~ By so doing, we could prevent the desceut of the enemy. Steamers could effectually guard the river and avoid the disadvantage of detaching forces to command both Halls and Baldwins Ferries. If this approach should be adopted, and I should continue on the left, I could move by two roads to Fourteen-Mile Creek, from Cayuga to Baldwins Ferry, and from Old Auburn to a point on the road from New Auburn to Baldwins Ferry. The rebel map sent this morning will illustrate these roads. General Shermans corps could move to the intersection of Fourteen-Mile Creek by the road leading from the vicinity of Old Auburn to Edwards Station, and General McPherson could move still to the right of General Sherman. If the object of the movement so far to the right is to threaten or destroy the railroad in the direction of Jackson, could that not be done by a detachment suddenly thrown in that direction~i Indeed, would not the movement to the left, by drawing the enemys attention in that direction, facilitate that result ~ JOHN A. MoCLERNAND. IN THE FIELD, Five-Mile Creek, May 11, 1863. JAeut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: COLONEL: The cavalry sent out this morning to reconnoiter on the roads leading to Edwards Station and to Raymond, have returned. The party going to Edwards Station found the enemy within half a mile of Fourteen-Mile Creek in too strong force to allow the party to proceed farther. Negroes informed the officer in command that the enemy in- tended to offer obstinate resistance at that creek. Still, I do not think he is in strong force there. You heard this morning the result of the reconnaissance on the Ray- mond road. Our party fell in with the enemys pickets, who ran. There is little or no water between here and Fourteen-Mile Creek; so we will probably have to fight for the water of that stream. I think of sending General Smiths division from Cavuga to Bald. wins Ferry, and from there to the right, on the road leading from Baldwins Ferry to New Auburn, until his right forms a junction with the left of the balance of the corps, instructing him to leave such a force to guard Baldwins Ferry as he may think expedient. Cavalry only can reach Baldwins to-night, and I have only one company to send, the balance being worn out for the present. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND Page 293 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 293 FIVE-MILE CREEK, May 11, 1803. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Corndg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Osterhaus has just returned from the reconnoitering force sent forward this morning. One regiment of that force is now at the forks of the IRaymond and Edwards Station roads. Detachments of cav- alry are sent forward from that point, nuder instructions to proceed upon both of these roads to Fourteen-Mile Creek, and return with such information as they may be able to obtain. Water was found in the vicinity of New Auburn, but only a scanty supply. Beyond the diver- gence of the. Edwards Station road and New Auburn, General Sherman might find water on a branch of the Fourteen-Mile Creek. Your obedient servant, JOIIN A. MOCLERNAND. FOURTEEN-MILE CREEK, May 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Oomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: After a sharp skirmish, in vhich a few of my men were wounded (number not yet ascertained), I seized the main crossing of Fourteen-Mile Creek. General Hoveys division accomplished this re- suit before 11 a. in., instant, and immediately established [an out- post] a half mile beyond, on the hills comm nding the approach from Edwards Station, thus holdii~g the creek and the road beyond it. I had substantially anticipated your order in that respect of this (late. I have also sent infantry and cavalry to reconnoiter, with the view to deter- mine upon further operations. I trust in all this my conduct will meet with your approbation. General Osterhaus is coming up, and this ex- plains the unauthorized story of threatened danger. General Smith has communicated with me, and will hold the bridge over Fourteen-Mile Creek, west of thL, to-night, and, at the hazard of extending his line too much, will watch as well as he can Baldwins Ferry. The enemys pickets fled from the bridge upon the generals approach. General Carr is here. I have just captured a prisoner (a Missourian), who says that the enemy will refuse battle until we reach the railroad bridge. This, however, he expresses as an opinion. Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. MuCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, May 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: On the map incloscd* is traced ~ new road, now being opened from Baldwins Ferry to intersect the Halls Ferry and Cayuga road somewhere between the two last-named places. This road is re- ferred to in the communication of the rebel scout, Russell, to General Loring. Negroes coining in this mornint~ report. that the enemy expect to throw a force upon our rear. This road may form part of the route by which, with the aid of their steamers, they may attempt to ii nk ns and fall on our rear. Would it not be advisable for some corps in the rear to send forward strong detachments to hold Halls and Baldwins Ferries and frustrate this probable desibn ~ JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. * Not found Page 294 294 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CuAr. XXXVI. [Inclosuro No. 1.] SUNDAY EvExJN~, May 10. W. C. WELLS: I have been at Roachs all day, waiting for my scouts, but, behold, none oC them have come up to the mark. I send Ranse with dispatches, which you will forward proml)tly, as agreed upon. I also want my mare and saddle to-night, if possible. If you see any of my lost scouts, tell them to report at my house. The Yanks are at Utica; 1,500 cavalry and artillery. Yours, J. U. RUSSELL. P. 5.I could find horses if I could find my men to press the horses. [Inclosure No. 2.1 FIVE MILES ABOVE UTICA, May 10, 18636 p. m. Major-General LoRING: My scouts were iu Cay uga and Utica last night; one went some dis- tance below the college. The main force of the enemy is encamped from the college down to Rocky Springs, amounting in all to 20,000 or 30,000 men. A regiment of cavalry and three pieces of artillery ad- vanced into Utica last even ing; another regiment of cavalry auvanced to Utica this morning; in all, about 1,500 men. The enemys pickets are 3 miles above Utica. on the Raymond road. They say they are goin -, to Raymond and Jackson. A new road is being cut from the college and Flails Ferry road into the Caynga and Baldwins Ferry road. About 300 of Wirt Adams cavalry are at this place now. A more extensive scout will be ont to-night, and the result reported on to-morrow. J. R. RUSSELL, Capt. (Jo. B, Twenty-second Miss. Regt., Comdg. Scouts in Hinds. IIEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRps, Five-Mile Creek, Miss., May 11, 1863. To the Division Commanders: All of the Thirteenth Army Corps, except the Tenth Division (Brig. Gen. A. J. Smith), will take up the line of march in the morning for Four- teen-Mile Creek, and will move forward on the Auburn and Edwards Station road. The distance from here to Fourteen-Mile Creek, by the route mentioned, is estim ated at some 9 miles. The Edwards Station road diverges to the left and north from the Auburn road about a mile beyond Old Auburn. The Twelfth Division, General liovey, will take the lead at 4 a. m. to-morrow. The Fourteenth Division, General Carr, will follow next as soon as pr cticabl.e. The Ninth Division General Osterhaus, will follow next as soon as jwacticable. The trains of the three divisions will follow tog-ether in the same order, the ammunition trains preced- ing the ba~gage trains. General Osterhaus will detail two regiments, a section of artillery, and a company of cavalry, to follow and guard the trains. He will also cause the pioneer corps, and all the cavalry, except one company, t Page 295 Onar. flXVLJ 296 ~OmIEspOiqDENCE, ETO.UNION.. report to General Hove~iC Captain Patterson commanding pioneer corps, and Mqjor [Daniel B.] Bush yr.], commanding the cavalry, should report to General Hovey immediately, who will use the cavalry to guard the column against surprise. The ambulance train will immediately follow their respective divis- ions. The Tenth Division, General Smith, will take up the line of march at 4 oclock to.morrow morning for Fourteen-Mile Creek, and will move from Caynga, via Baldwins Ferry, to such point upon that creek as will connect the right of his division with the left of the re- mainder of the corps. If General Smith can find a more direct route, cutting oil the angle of Baldwins Ferry2 and to the west of the route of the other divisions, he will adopt it in preference to th4~ route via Baldwins Ferry .In either or any case, however, he will make suck disposition of a part of his force as will enable him to prevent the en- emy from passing troops in the east bank of Big Black, at or near Bald- wins Ferry. It is expected that the columns moving upon the two routes mentioned will move rapidly, but cautiously, so as to arrive at Fourteen-Mile Creek at the same time. In the absence of an engage- ment in approaching thc creek, it is intended that the corps will form a compact limo behind the creek, resting its right upon the Edwards Station road. It is also expected that General Shermans left will rest upon the same road, and that the movements of both corps will be so regulated as that both will arrive at the creek at about the same time. If in approaching the creek an engagement ensues, of course the different divisions of the Thirteenth Army Corps will be applied as cir cumstances may dictate. JOHN A MoCLEBNAfl CAruGA, Miss., Eq U, 1863. Maj. Gem. Jon A. MOCLflNAND, Oossdg. TI& irtestk meg Owye: The Fifteenth Army Corps is here, with six brigades and but four batteries, and all of them smooth-born guns. To equalize the st.illery, it will be necessary to retransfer the battery given to you from tInt corps, whilst it Killikems Bend, and also to temporarily detach a sec- tion of 20-pounder Parrotts for the ensuing battle. Four 20.pounder Parrotts are enough to handle in this timbered country, and these two guns will help the Fifteenth Army Corps in action very materially. U.S. GRANT. CnuGA, Miss., Nag 11, 1863. Maj. Gem. Jon A. MOCLnNAUD, (Jomdg. Tliirtaitli Army Corp.: The battery you were expected to send to Maji. Gen. W. T.. Sherman commanding Fifteenth Army Corps, in pursuance of the directions the general commanding, of this date, was the First Iowa Battery, Cap- tain Griffiths commanding, formerly with Gemeral Sherman. You will, therefore, order the First Iowa Battery, Captain Griffiths commandint, to. report immediately to Maj. Gem. W. T. Sherman. The one you directed to report to him will be returned to you. By order of )lajj. Gem. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. BAWLiNS, Mdefrst Adjvtst4~.sw4 Page 296 296 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. CAYUGA, Miss .,May ii, 18638.15 p. m. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: In accordance with my verbal instructions this afternoon, you will move your command at daylight to-morrow on the Auburn and Ed- wards Station road, and, if practicable, a part of one division by the road to the westward of the one just mentioned. Move cautiously, but rapidly as convenient, and so that your entire corps will arrive on the Fourteen-Mile Creek simultaneously and in a compact line. It is also important that your corps reach the creek at or about the time that Shermans does, he having to move only about 7 miles. Ii shall pass to the front early to-morrow, and go to Raymond if I can from that place. I shall return on the road to a convenient point for headquarters in the vicinity of Fourteen-Mile Creek. U. S. GRANT. CAYUGA, Miss., May 11, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Fifteenth Army Corps: It will be necessary to guard IJalls Ferry with a regimeiit of infantry and a company of cavalry until our positions are fully taken, after which cavalry alone can watch the rear. McClernand is directed to guard Baldwins Ferry. I will direct Tuttle to send a regiment for this duty, so that you need not make any further detail until you want his relieved by some other troops. A company or squadron of the Iowa cavalry with you should be sent back this evening to stay with the regiment at Halls Ferry. U. S. GRANT. CAYUGA, Miss., Ma~q 11, 18638.15 p. m. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Corn dg. Fifteenth Army Corps: MeClernand is ordered to move up by the Telegraph road, also a road to the left of that to Fourteen-Mile Creek, starting at daylight. Mc- Pherson, is ordered to move on to Raymond. I will go forward to-mor- row, probably as far as Raymond, and return in the evenino- t Fourteen-Mile Creek for headquarters. ~ o near Colonel Hillyer writes that about 200 wagons are loaded, and xviii leave for the front to-day, escorted by two regiments. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Auburn, May 11, 1863. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General: SiR: I ann halted on the ~.round at Auburn, near the l)ond of water described by Captain Prince [\AT. E. Prime?]. I have ridden forward a mile or so, and water is very ~carec to Fourteen-Mile Creek ,and ,when we cross it, we should push on to Raymond, 11 miles (listant. If MeClernand moves on the Telegraph roa(l, lie should reach Four- teen-Mile Creek, 8 miles in front of his present camp, at the same time that I do. I shall await orders here. I sent you two letters back, through Colonel Scates, we found in the post-office here, dated May 10, speaking of assembling 0many millions rations in Yicksburg for the siege. Also one from J. Condit Smith. The messenger who brought it met the wagons I had sent back in anticip Page 297 CHAP. Xxxvi.] CORI~E8PONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. tion of that very event. These wagons all belong to my corps, and is an(I xviii be the reason of my being short of provisions and ammunition, but I foresaw that there would be no teams at IXijilikens Bend, and, therefore, I ordered back the wagons of lily corps, which were acting as a supply train alter having deposited their provisions at Perkins. I know of no provisions at Perkins but those brought by my train, but Simth will now I)ush them forward as fast as possible. I think he will have about 150 wagons, which, if pushed, will make 30() tons, or one steamboat load a day, which would soon make l)rovisions abundant at Grand Gulf. I think it very prudent to cover Halls Ferry, ~nd note the fact that one of Tuttles regiments is detached to that point. I send a company of cavalry to report to the officer commanding the infantry regiment. I shall expect orders in the course of the night. Prepared to move at daybreak. Yours, W. T. SHERMAN. CAYUGA POST-OFFICE, Miss., May 11, 18631 p. in. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Corndg. S1erenteenth .A rmy Corps: Move your command to-night to the next cross-roads if there is water, and to-morrow with all activity into Raymond. At the latter l)lace you will use yonr utmost exertions to secure all the snbsistence stores that may be there, as well as in the vicinity. We mnst fight the enemy be- fore our rations fail, and we are equally bound to make our rations last as long as possible. Upon one occasion you made two days~ rations last seven. We may have to do the same thing again. I look to you to im- press the necessity of this upon your division and brigade commanders, and through them upon the troops. One train of wagons is now arriving, and another will come with Blair, but withal there remains the necessity of economy in the use of the rations we have, and activity in getting others from the conutry. Sherman is now moving out on the Auburn and Raymond road, and will reach Fourteen-Mile Creek to-night. When you arrive at Ray- mond, he will be in close supporting distance. I shall move McClern and to Fourteen-Mile Creek early to-morrow, so that he will occupy a place on Shermans left. I will either see you my- self to-morrow at Raymond or send you further instructions to that place. U. S. GRANT. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 82. f Roachs Plantation, Miss., May 11, 1863. ~ 1. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, commanding Third Division, will move forward his command on the road leading- to Raymond at 3.30 a. m. to. morr6w, the 12th instant. II. Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker, commanding Seventh Division, will move forward his command (following the Third Division) at 4 a. m. to-morrow, the 12th instant. * * * * * * By order of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. 29 Page 298 298 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. JACKSON, May 11, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel Bii~~XIoRE, Assistant Adjutant- General: The following dispatch just received from General Dodge: The First Alabama Cavalry have retnrncd from their trip to Monroe and Fayette Counties, Alabama. They bring in several prisoners; one of whom says Streight was captnred by combined forces of Roddey and Forrest and Walker, beyond Gun- tonville, going in direction of Rome, Ga. They c anot give time or place. I know that Roddey attacked Streight and took two pieces of artillery. Report since this that Forrest attacked the next night (midnight), and retook the artillery, and after, and by their prisoners report, the three captured him. One thing is certain, Roddey and Forrest are not now following him. Scouts say that the rebels believe that an expedition is being sent south from here, and have sent two regiments and two bat- talions and Roddeys command and five regiments of Forrests conimand, all nader command of Roddey, south, on the Cotton-gin road. The men say they are to oper- ate in the rear of any force that leaves here. Van Dora is also reported killed, by a citizen. Forrest gone to Tennessee to take command. There is no doubt that several monnted re~iments have been passing down the Cotton-gin road. The Ala- bamians ran across some of ihem, and a pretty large force is concentrated at and aboat Okolona. I will not be sarprised if they intend a raid on our comuninications. G. M. DODGE. R. J. OGLESBY. IIDQRS. DEPT. 0F THE GULF, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS, Alexandria, - La., May 12, 18638 a. m. Major-General GRANT, Comdg. Forces before l7icksburg: GENERAL: Your dispatch of the 10th instant I received by the hand of Captain [II. A.] U1ffl~rs this morning at 6.30. I regret to say that it is impossible for me to join you at Yicksburg in time or with force to be of service to you in any immediate attack. I have neither water nor land transportation to make the movement by the river or by land. The utmost I can accomplish is to cross for the purpose of operating with yon against Port Hudson. I could cross my infantry and artillery without transportation, receiving supplies from Baton Roube, in the rear of Port Hudson. That is the utmost I can accomplish on the other side of the Mississippi above Port Hudson. Were it within the range of hnman power, I should join you, for I am dying with a kind of van- ishing hope to see txvo armies acting together against the strong places of the enemy. But I must say, without qualification, that the means at my disposal do not leave me a shadow of a chance to accomplish it. I have been making preparations to join your corps at Bayou Sara, and though this would have laid all my trains and supplies open to the enemys cavalry, I should have risked it. We believe that a force of about 7,000 of the enemy has left Arkansas River to join Kirby Smith at Shreveport, leaving the Washita at Pine Bluff; near Monroe; then to come down the Red River to Grand Ecore, above Natchitoches, where they are fortifying in strong position. There is undoubtedly a Texan column on the road to join them. My advance is now 60 miles above Alexandria. The only course fkr me, failing itt co-operation with you, is to regain the Mississippi and attack 1~ort Hudson, or to move against the enemy at Shreveport. Port Hnd~on is reduced in force, but not as you are informed. It has now 10,000 men, and is very strongly fortifled~ This is the report of Admiral Farragut, whose fleet is above and below the works. I regret very much my inability to join you. 1 have written Colonel Grierson that you desire him to join you, an(l have added my own re- quest to yours. Captain Ulifers goes to Baton Rouge to communicate with him Page 299 CHAP. XXXVI.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 299 Wishing you all possible success, and feeling that you have all the prayers of our people, I have the honor to be, with sincere respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Fourteen-Mile Creek, May 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Corn dg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: After a sharp skirmish, in which a few of our men were wounded (number not yet ascertained), I seized the main crossing of Fourteen-Mile Creek. General llovey~s division accomplished this result at 11 a. in., instant, and an outpost was immediately established on the opposite side oC the creek. I am now reconnoitering with the view to throw a division across and in advance when the rest of my corps comes up. If this cannot be done without bringing on a general engagement, [will advise you, and ask further directions. believing that this course will meet with your approbation. The message I sent by your aide-dc-camp relative to General Osterhaus danger turns out to be without foundation. The messenger who brought it to me is repudiated by Genera.l Osterhaus. So all is well with him. I have heard from General Smith, who is some 3 miles distant. Yours, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. FOURTEEN-MILE CREEK, Miss., May 12, 186311 a. m. Maj. Geii. JOHN A. MUCLERNAND, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: Sherman has gained the crossing at this place, with a little skirmish- ing, with a loss of 6 or 8 men killed and wounded. He will probably succeed in following out original intentions of going in advance of this place to the cross-roads. Gain the creek with your command, if possible and hold it with at least one division thrown across. Reconnoiter the roads in advance, and also in this direction, so as to open communication with General Sherman and myself. If bridges are destroyed, make fords, if possible. U. S. GRANT. DILLONS PLANTATION, MISS., May 12, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: Cue division of General Shermans corps is north or west of Turkey Creek. To-morrow lie will move north and strike the railroad between Bolton and Edwards Station. McPherson is undoubtedly in Raymond, and has had, from the amount of firing heard, a hard fight. He will also move on to the railroad toward l3olton. Edwards Station is evi- dently the l)oint on the railroad the enemy has most prepared for re- ceiving us. I therefore want to keep up appearances of moving upon that place, but want to get possession (if less guarded points first. You will, then, move to-morrow, to keep up this appearance, a short distance only from where you now are, with the three advanced divisions, lea Page 300 300 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXYL ing the Fourth, or Smiths, in about its present position. From my map there seems to be two creeks, from 1 to 2 miles in advance of your pres- ent position, toward Edwards Station, which you might reach. Gen- eral Steele has sent one regiment down the north side of Fourteen-Mile Creek to communicate with you. U. S. GRANT. DILLONS PLANTATION Miss., May 12, 18639.15 p. m. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: General McPherson gained Raymond this afternoon, after a severe fight of several hours, in which we lost from 400 to 500 killed and wounded. The enemy was driven at all points, leaving most of his wounded and over 100 prisoners in our hands. He retreated toward Clinton, and no doubt to Jackson. I have de- termined to follow, and take first the capital of the State. Accordingly, McPherson is ordered to move at daylight from Raymond toward Clin- ton and Jackson. Sherman leaves here at 4 oclock in the morning, in the same direction. You will start with three of your divisions as soon as possible, by the road north of Fourteen-Mile Creek, to this place, and on to Raymond. The road is plain, and cannot be mistaken. A supply train left Grand Gulf yesterday, and Blairs division, with an additional train, to-day. Under present instructions, these trains will divide at the forks of the road where you and Slierman separated this morning. I would direct, therefore, that your Fourth Division go back to Old Auburn, and wait until these trains come np, both of them, and con(luct them after the army on the Raymond road, nutil they receive farther orders from these headquarters. U. S. GRANT. DILLONS PLANTATION, MISS., May 1~, 18639.15 p. in. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Fifteenth Army Gorps: After the severe fight of to-day at Raymond and repulse of the enemy toward Clinton and Jackson, I have determined to move on the latter place by way of Clinton and take the capital of the State, and work from there westward. McPherson is ordered to march at daylight to Clinton. You will march at 4 oclock in the morning and follow Mc- Pherson. MeClernand will follow you with three divisions, and send his fourth back to 01(1 Auburn, to await the arrival of trains now on the road and Blairs division, to conduct theni to the army. U. S. GRANT. FOURTEEN-MILE CREEK, MISS., May 12, 1863-10.45 a. m. Maj. Geim. J. B. MCPHERSON, Comdg. & venteenth Army Corps: Sherman has gained the crossing at this place with a little fighting for it, the enemy having first destroyed the bridges, however. MeCler- nand is west from here on the Telegraph road with three divisions, and one thrown around by Baldwins Ferry. No news from him yet, but firing reported in that direction. If yOu have gained Itaymondq throw back forces in this direction until communication is opened with Sher- man. Also feel to the north toward the railroad, and, if possible, d Page 301 CHAP. XXXVl.J CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. stroy it and the telegraph. If the roa(l is optued, I will ride over to see you this evening, but I cannot do so until I know MeClernand is se- cure in his position. U. S. GRANT. DILLONS PLANTATION, Miss., May 12, 18639.15 p. in. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Comdg. Seventeenth Army Corps: Move on to Clinton and Jackson at daylight in the morning. Sher- man will leave here at 4 a. m. to follow and support you. MeClernand will also follow from his position whit here. , li is about 4 miles northwest from U. S. GRANT. RAYMOND, May 12, 186311 p. in. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gommanding, & e.: GENERAL: It is rumored, but with how nmch truth I have not been able to ascertain, that heavy re-enl~rcemeuts are comin~ to the enemy from Jackson to-night, and that we may expect a battle here in the morning. I shall try and be prepared for them if they come. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. IIDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, ]Jiiiay 12, 18639.50 a. m. Brig. Gen. M. M. CROCKER, L1omdg. Seventh Division: GENERAL: I am directed by the major-general commanding to re- quest you to have your division turn out nuder arms at 3.30 a. m. to- morrow, to give particular attention to your pickets, grand guards, and outposts, instrncting your officer of the day to make a thorough inspec- tion of all the guards after 12 oclock to-night, cautioning the men to be on the alert against any surprise. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [WM. T. CLARK,] Assistant Adjutant- General. POST OF PROVIDENCE, May 12, 1863. Major-General GRANT: An nunaturalized Englishman arrived here this morning from Yazoo City, which place, he says, he left on the 1st day of May, and arrived on the Mississippi River, opposite this place, on Saturday last, having traveled, as he says, some hundred miles by water in a dug-out. His name is John Locke, a ship-carpenter by trade. His family reside in Memphis, to which place I have furnished him transpoi4ation. He says he went to Yazoo City some fifteen months since; was watchman on the steamer John Walsh, which lies above the raft, near Gi~eenwood. and was used by the rebels to carry troops frou Yazoo City to Greenwood; has cavried as many as 1,500 at a time on her when fighting was going on at Fort Pemberton. Other boats, named as follows, are in the Yazoo above the raft, at Yazoo City, bein~ repaired: The Magenta, a large ~oat1 QoJ~ ~m Age, a large boat; the Arcadia, not a large boat; Mag 30 Page 302 302 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CfiAP. XXXVL iiolia, a large boat; Hartford City, a small boat; Ben. McCulloch, a small boat; the Hope, a small boat; J. L. Larkiand, a large boat; the Republic, a large boat; the Alonzo Child (her machinery has been taken ont and sent to Mobile to be pnt in another boat); the Amos Betts, a small boat; the Mobile, a small boat, which is being converted into an iron-clad gnnboat. The J. F. Pargoud is sunk at Greenwood. They are building a boat, 310 feet long, at Yazoo City, for a gunboat rain, but the water has been around her, so that they have not been able to work on her for the last three mouths, and the ground has caved in nuder her, so that she is careened over to one side. The frames of the hull are not all up in her, but they have a great deal of timber ready to go into her as soon as the water falls. The Star of the West is sunk at Greenwood, below the raft there, to keep it from floating down. The raft below Yazoo City broke away just before General Shermans last attack on Haynes Bluff. They have two flat-boafs in the middle of the raft, to let the dtiftwood through, and have a great many men working on it, making repairs. The raft is fastened to trees on each side of the river by chains. The raft comes together from each side.of the river at an angle pointing up the river. The rebels have no soldiers at Yazoo City, except sick ones, and not a gun mounted there, and most of the guns have been removed from Haynes Bluff to Fort Pemberton since Shermans last attack. There are no soldiers from Rolling Fork to this place; all gone to Yicksburg within the last fonr or five days. He saw a courier coming this way, who told him they had a fight at Grand Gulf, and had driven the Yankees back to their boats; that General [J. S.] Bowen was in command there. The crew of the iron-clad Arkansas, which was sunk last summer near Baton Rouge, are at Fort I~emberton, and some of Wauls Legion. They have no gunboat wh~ tever in the Yazoo. Says the people of Yazoo City were greatly troubled about Griersons raid on the Jackson and New Orleans Railroad, and thought it snr- passed auythin~ done by Morgan or Forrest. Says there are 4,000 bales of Confederate cotton on the Yazoo River, 60 miles above Yazoo City, at Murdocks place, landed there for the purpose of being rebaled. It had been roughly used on transport boats. Captain [I. N.] Brown, formerly of our Navy, who commanded the Arkansas (iron-clad), was going to England to see about boats there, but was still at Yazoo City when he left. I send you this direct, supposing there may be something in it that may possibly be useful to you. I am satisfied that the informant told the truth as far as he knew, as II cross-examined hini thoroughly. The Confederates made a raid across Bayou Macon, to Bissells Cut, near Ashton, some ten days ago, and carried away some 15 or 20 ne- groes. I made a reconnaissance up there, and found it was possible for our trool)s to cross the bayou, which they did on Sunday last, and at- tacked the enemy, who had concentrated some 700 men at Caledonia, on the bayou. Our forces, the First Kansas Mounted Juftmntry, 300 strong, nnder Major Roberts, and 100 men of the Sixteenth Wisconsin Infantry, attacked them, drove them out of Caledonia and drove them as far as Pinhook, a village 7 miles south of Caledonia, where they took reftige in log-houses, from which they could not be dislodged without artillery, which we did not have. Their loss was 4 killed, that we know of; the number of their wounded we have no means of knowing, but are satisfied it was considerable Page 303 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 303 Our loss was 1 killed. 1 accidentally drowned, 9 slightly wounded, and 3 takeu prisoners. T~ took 2 prisoners from the enemy. The enemys troops were commanded by Colonel [F. A.] Bartlett, who has taken the place of Colonel [S. L.] Chambliss. The officers who were met by a flag of truce sent to procure the body of one of our men, who was killed at Pinhook, represented that they had received a re-enforcement of 1,500 men flow i)elhi the day of the fight, which is possibly true. They represent that 10,000 men came down from Little Rock to Monroe to ~,o to Alexandria, but hearing that the army of Banks was retreating from that place, the troops were riot sent there; and if this is true, it may be expected that au attempt will be made to operate upon your line of communication from Ducliport to Carthage. This information was derived from Matt. Johnson, of Wiltons planta. tion, who has gone over to the enemy and raised a company, and was in the fight. He is the nephew of Col. Dick Johnson, of Kentucky, and had his family sent to Kentucky from the Bend some time since. I am informed that I have incurred the displeasure of the commis- sioners of plantations for withdrawing troops from their neighborhood to concentrate them here, in order to enable me to make this attack, and that they induced General Thomas to ask you to remove me from command of the l)ost in consequence. I consider that the best way of protecting them is to attack the enemy on the other side of the bayou, instead of waiting for them to attack me on this side. II. T. REID. JACKSON, iVilay 12, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel BINiVEORE, Assistant Adjutant- General: The following dispatch was received at 11 p. m. last night from Gen- eral Dodge: Scouts are coming in from all directionsone from Tuscumbia and one f:oiu south and southeast. All the troops from Decatur to Bear Creek have moved in three col- umns southwest, said to be going to Tupelo, Fulton, and Columbus. Report that [J. B.] BillIe has crossed Tennessee aud gone to Fnlton. Reason given that they cannot live in the valley. Scouts say Streight was captured within 20 miles of Rome, Ga., and taken there. There are 41 of his wounded and 2 surgeons at Somerville, Ala. Forrest and a force in Georgia captured him. This is all rebel report, but comes by all the scouts. One says he was captured at Blouutsville; another says he lost 300 prisoners at Stringers Gap. He destroyed all of rebel train. There is a movement of a considerable force from the north of Ripley to south side; thence through Russeliville toward Columbus or Tupelo. Flag of truce I sent up valley was stopped and turned back, and it was to prevent our lin(iin0 out this move. I know to a certainty that all the troops south of the river have passed south on three roads, as I have cut these roads in several places to-day and all reports agree; also the scouts from up the valley tell the same story. This may have sonic relatiou with the Vicksburg report. I send scouts south to-night, and would suggest that they be sent from La Grange. G. M. DODGE. R. J. OGLESBY. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., May 13, 1863. General GRANT: More complete investigation of the country on the Red and Missis- sippi Rivers leads inc to believe that it is possible for me to join you. I shall make every sacrifice and hazard everything to accomplish this object. My advance will move to Simsport, Red River, to-day. Page 304 304 MISSISSIPPI, WEST rfENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVl hope to move my command from Simsport by the aid of transports arid naval vessels to Grand Gulf, in which event ten or twelve days will accomplish the movement. I am now 350 miles distant from you. Nothing will be allowed to delay our movements. I will keep you advised of our progress from day to day. I can add about 12,000 to your column. I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS. HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, Alexandria, La., May 13, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Commanding Forces at Vicksln& rg: I have sent, subsequent to the dispatch of yesterday, transmitted by Captain Gibbs, a note of this date, informing you of my determination to join you at all hazards with as little delay as possible. There are great difficulties in the way of our movement, but we shall overcome them all. My belief is that your first suggustion of sending a force to co-operate with us against Port Hudson is best. Port Hudson cag be reduced without delay arid with perfect certainty if you can assist us with from 10,000 to 20,000 men. We can then aid you by a force of 25,000, and, if Hunter joins us, with still stronger numbers, and furnish supplies, ammunition, and everything necessary for the support of your army and our own from New Orleans without trouble or delay. I earnestly urge upon you the consideration of this subject in this light, but, should it be impossible for you to conform with it, I shall move to you as soon as possible with the force that I have stated. At best, the movement against Port Hudson can delay us but a few days, and will not only give you our co-operation, but will free your cavalry from the difficulties which now prevent its return. My headquarters will be at Simsport to-morrow. The moral effect of the reduction of Port Hudson upon Yicksburg and the junction of our forces after that will be inappreciably great. N. P. BANKS. Memoranda upon the military morements of May, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Comdg. Forces at Yicksburg: Let me again earnestly press upon your consideration these advan- tages in reduciug Port Hudson: 1. Enabling me to aid you at Yicksburg with 25,000 men at least, instead of 12,000. 2. The certain and immediate reduction of Port Hudson, and the immense moral efThct produced thereby both on our troops and on those of the enemy at Yicksburg. 3. Perfect security for my communications with New Orleans, and for procuring ample supplies of provisions and ammunition for both armies from New Orleans; also coal for both fleets and transports. 4. Should Hunters troops join me, as promised and expected, the additional aid of those troops. 5. A secure line of retreat for all these forces in case of disaster. 6. Facilitating the rejoining your command by Colonel Griersons cavalry. N. P. BANKS Page 305 CHAP. XXXVI.] COI~RESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 305 RAYMOND, Miss., May 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Corndg. Thirteenth Army Corps: Colonel [William L.] Duff will point out to you where you can report your command, and march to this place in two columns. McPherson moves direct on Clinton. Sherman takes a right-hand road, about 1 mile from town, and moves toward Jackson. I want you to place one division at the I)oint oC divergence of the two advance corps, and leave the balance in town and back toward my camp of last night. It would be well to leave one divisiou back at or near Dillons plantation. This is where Sherman camped last night. U. S. GRAI~T. HEADQUARTERS THIRTERNTH ARMY CoRPS, Allay 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dis- patch of this date. In pursuance of your instructions, I set my army corps in motion at 6 a. in., and arrived at this place abonh 3 p. m. I sent General Osterbaus division forward to Raymond, but upon reach- ing the creek, 4 miles this side, I am just informed by him, he found General Steeles wagon train just starting, and may not be able to reach Raymond to-night, in consequence. Jf not, he will be at Raymond at 5.3() a. m. to-morrow. He is instructed, upon reaching Raymond, to make a detail of one regiment, and to fully execute your orders in rela- tion to guards, hospital, and police discipline of soldiers, according to your instructions of yesterday. I sent General Smiths division to guard, from New Auburn to Raymond, the ammunition and provision trains on their way from the Gulf, together with the trains of the Thir- teenth Army Corps. The latter only has arrived. The other divisions I moved on the north side of Fourteen-Mile Creek. Tn order to effect this movement safely, and to make a demonstration as directed by you, 1 threw General Iloveys division forward within 2~ miles of Edwards Depot, and drew it up in line of battle until the Ninth and Fourteenth Divisions had crossed Bakers Creek, which was attended with some delay, on account of having to explore the road and construct a ford, the bridge having been destroyed. ln consequence of this delay, Gen- eral Hoveys division did not arrive until 4.30 p. m. I am happy to be able to report f hat this movement has been safely effected without loss, although the rear guard was attacked, and we had to skirmish with the enemy, whom we dispersed. On withdrawinb the division from its l)05i- tion, I had anticipated trouble in effecting so delicate a movement with my flank and rear both exposed tb attack. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND. RAYMOND, MISS., May 13, 18637.30 p. in. Major General MOCLERNAND, Gomdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: Move one division of your corps through this place to Clinton, charg- ing it with destroying the railroad, as far as possible, toa point on the direct Raymond and Jackson road. Move another division 3 or 4 miles beyond Mississippi Springs, and 8 or 9 miles from this place, and a third to Raymond, ready to support either of the others. Also direct your 30 pounder siebe gufls to follow close behind the advance guard of the 20 R RYOL XXIV, PT Il Page 306 306 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVJ. division which takes post beyond Mississippi Springs, on the main Jack- son road. You ~vi1l begin your movements at 4 a. m. to-morrow. Mc- Pherson reached the railroad at Clinton at 3 p. in., without encounter- ing any serious opposition. U. S. GRANT. HDQRS. THIRTEENTH A. C., Fourteen-Mile Cree1~, lIfay 13, 1863. Brigadier-Generals HOVEY, OSTERHAUS, and CARR: Division commanders are notified that the general commanding the department has changed the dire4rou of the general movement from Edwards Station to Jackson, Miss., via Raymond, and that he has re- quired that the Fourteenth, Twelfth, and Ninth Divisions of this corps move on the road north of Fourteen-Mile Creek to Maymond, via Dil- lons plantation, the present headqnarters of the department. The execntion of this movement will pass the flank and rear of our force in face of the enemy (close by) between Edwards Station and Bolton, and will require great vigilance and promptitude. General Hovey will move his division forward at 6 oclock in the morning, to the first favorable position beyond the point where three roads converge in advance of his present outpost. if course, skir- mishers will be sent in advance. On reaching such a p6sition, he will form in line of battle and cover the other divisions, while they file in his rear to the right, on the Raymond road. The Ninth and Fourteenth Divisions will hasten to follow the Twelfth Division in this order, to the point where they will turn to the right on the Raymond road, and, when they have passed the Twelfth Division, will fall in the rear and protect it. The baggago and ammunition trains of the three divisions, and am- balances, excel)t five empty ones to a division, will be sent back by 6 a. m. to the Baldwins Ferry and New Auburn road, some 2 miles in the rear, to be forwarded on that road under the protection of a detachment from the Tenth Division. Division commanders will see that their men are provided with at least 80 rounds of ammunition per man, and three days rations in their haversacks. Each division commander will leave with the ammunition train an officer. General ilovey will use the cavalry to guard the rear and exposed flank against surprise. JOHN A. MUCLERNAND. FOURTEEN-MILE CREEK, May 13, 1863. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH: GENERAL: I am just advised by General Grant that he has changed the direction of his movement from Edwards Station to Raymond and Jackson. He desires your division to be sent to Old Auburn, to await the arrival of two trains and condnct them after the army from that place, via Raymond, until they overtake it, or dilThrent orders are given. One of these trains left Grand Gulf on the 11th instant, under the escort of Blairs division ; another left yesterday. I suppose Blairs division will, together with your division, form the escort from Old Auburn forward. The three divisions of the Thirteenth Army Corps here are required by the commai~ler of the department to move fr6mu here b5 the roa Page 307 OHM?. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. ~O7 north of Fourteen-Mile Creek, via Dillons plantation, to Raymond. This will make it necessary that three (hvlSiOflS shall pass their flank and rear in front of the enemys position between Edwards Station and Bolton. Hence I have determined to send the trains of these divisions back to the road leading from Baldwins Ferry, via New Auburn, to Raymond immediately, moving your division from its present position on the same road to the point where it intersects this (the Old Auburn and Edwards Station) road. You will hasten forward the trains, your own excepted, on the Baldwins Ferry and New Auburn road, under an escort, to be detached from your command, nn til they overtake their divisions. The escort may remain in advance until you come up to it, or you may order it back to rejoin you, as you may prefer. J desire you to hasten to the l)oint 2~ miles in my rear, to which I have ordcre(l the trains of divisions with me, as, if they get there before you, they may be exposed to attack. Any movements you can safely make and not delay you, which would impart the design of a movement against Edwards Station, might assist the delicate movement to be made by the other divisions of the corps in the morning in front of the enemy. The general is inexplicit as to the detachments guarding Baldwins Ferry, but I cannot believe that he instructs that they should be left behind and exposed to the danger of capture or dispersion. Report often of your progress and state. Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. IN TILE FIELD, Grossing of Fourteen-Mile Greek, May 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Your dispatch instructing me to move by the road north of Fourteen-Mile Creek to Dillons plantation, and thence to Raymond, is received, and will be promptly executed; and also your instructions In regard to the guarding of the expected supply train. I infer that General Blairs division will also escort the supply train. In moving by the road north of Fourteen-Mile Creek to Dillons, my flank and rear may be exposed to attack from the enemys line between Edwards Sta- tion an(l Bolton advantage. , nevertheless, 1 will try and protect myself to the best JOHN A. M.CCLERNA~D. RAYMOND, Miss., May 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, GoIndg. Fifteenth Army Corps: Move directly toward Jackson, starting at e rly dawn in the morning. McPherson will start at early dawn from Clinton, which place he reached at 3 p. m. to-day without difficulty. Two of MeClernands divisions will be thrown ftrward, one by the Clinton road, and one by the road where you are. U. S. GRANT. RAYMOND Miss., May 13, 1863. Maj. Gen. J~ B. MCPHERSON, Comdg. Serenteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: Move at early dawn upon Jackson. Sherman will move at the same hour by the direct Raymond and Jackson road. MoCle Page 308 [Gza. IflYL 508 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. nand will be brought up to this point with his rear, and his advance thrown on the two Jackson roads. U. S. GRANT. SPECIAL OuDas, HDQES. FzvTESNTH AnY Oou~s, No. 104. 5 Miuefrefp$ Spr*sga, lB..., II q 18,1868. L The First and Third Divisions of this corps will move to-morrow morning on the road to Jackson, Miss., punctually at 5 a. in., the Third. Division leading, with the cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel [Simeon D.J Swan, in the advance, as to-day. II. Order of march: - I. TCtW. diviflos.Mowers brigade and two batteries of artillery, - Matthies brigade, Bucklands brigade. Each brigade to be followed by two ambulances and one ammumtion wagon per regiment AIIother wagons to follow the division under charge of some quarter- master, who will, on the.occurrence of danger, move them out of the road, so that they can promptly regain II. Side fences and cross fences to be let down by skirmishers and regi-. mats whenever a halt or delay takEs place. 2. Steeles diuIein.Manters brigade, Thayeti brigade, Woods bri- gade. ArtSllery.Two batteries near the front and one toward the rear; two ambulances and one ammunition wagon to be near each regiment. All other wagons audvehicles to be massed in rear, with a guard. March must be steady forward, skirmishers forward and to the right The enemy will not probably stand till near Jackson. HI. The cavalry will feel well to the front and right General Mc- Phersons corps is on our left and abreast of us. McClernands follows onbothroads. IV. The men and officers must keep their posts. . Thirst and fatigue are to be expected, but the safety and success of all will make all good soldiers bear cheerfully the deprivation of rest and water. We must - strike before the enemy can concentrate, after we have cut his line In two. Men found in ambulances, on mules, or horses without a written ticket of a surgeon must be dismounted and sbnt to their ranks. Bear guards must do their whole duty. Straggling now is as much a crime as rebellion, and will Justify extreme and summary punishment, and officers and rear guards will be justified in inflicting immediate punish- ment on men avoiding their full share of duty. Our corps must be first in the breach, but must be compact and strong. By order of M4 Gen. W. T. Sherman: B. K SAWYER, AeaIetsat A4jutast-GseraL WsmNGToN, Sq 18, 1863. M4 Gen. STEInER A. Human, Nayhfr: Gnn4L: Your dispateh of May 5 is just received. In the ab- sence of General Grant, I wish you to keep me advised of the affairs of your district. When you wrote, the operations of Colonels Grierson and Streight seemed most successful, but I since learn from Confederate papers that the latter has been captured with his entire force of 1,800 men and & Sn Part I, p. 560 Page 309 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 309 horses; possibly the former may meet the same fate. I have not heard of his reaching General Grant or General Banks. It will be time enough to act on the matter when we are certain of the result. A regiment of Missouri c valry is said to be at Columbus unemployed; if it c nnot be sent to General Ho ecrans, as was at one time requested, it certainly should be vigorously employed in the field. At this season all the cavalry must be kept lively at work, supplying so far as possible the losses of horses in Ihe country passed over. S& rpplies of forage and provisions ShOUld be obtained in the same way. rfhis will weaken the enemy, compel him to scatter his forces, and put our cavalry to the best possible use. In getting remounts, the tired horses should riot be per- mitted to fall into the hands of the enemy. Where they cannot be brought away, they should be shot. Jn the hands of the enemy, after a few days rest, they couh1 be used against us. The enemy in his rai(is in Western Virginia drive off every horse, mule, and beef they can find, no matter whether they belong to friends or foes. We must live upon the enemys country as much as possible, and destroy his supplies. This is a cruel warfare, but the enemy has brot ght it upon himself by his own conduct. Except in your use of the cavalry, you must be very careful about dividing your forces too inch, lest the rebels should concentrate and carry some important point of your line of defense. It was reported. here that you at one time contemplated abandoning Memphis. That is for us the most important place in West Tennessee. Memphis and Columbus must be held at all hazards. Yours, truly, H. W. HALLECK. FLAG-SHIP GENERAL PRICE, Grand Gu~,t May 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, & e.: GENERAL: I entered Alexandria, La., on the 6th, having taken pos- session of Fort Dc Russys heavy works, half way up the river. Gen- eras Banks arrived in Alexandria twenty-four hours after I did. Your dispatches to him met me on Red River, and he received them twelve hours afterward, on the 11th. I dont think you will get any assistance from that quarter, at least for some time. He expects you to co-operate with him. General Hunter, I heard, had arrived in New Orleans with a large force. I am pretty sure they are evacuating Port Hudson. They have no provisions. Very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER. CLINTON, May 14, 18635.30 a. m. Major-General SHERMAN, Comdg. Fifteenth Army Gorps: GEN~RAL: General Crockers division is all on the march for Jack- son. General Logans division is just stretching out on the road. I have had a regiment of infantry and Logans pioneer company, under charge of my engineer and General Logans, destroying the railroad. General Joe Johnston is in Jackson, and it is teported they have 20,000 men. I do not think there is that many, though they have col- lected consider-ble of a force. They have fortified on the different roads on this side of town, and are forming abatis. Very respectfully, JAS. B. MCPHERSON Page 310 310 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL JACKSON, MISS., May 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Comd~q. Thirteenth Army Corps: Our troops carried this place about 3 oclock this p. in., after a brisk fight of about three hours. The enemy retreated north toward Canton; Johnston in comman(i. It is evidently the design of the enemy to get north of us, and cross the Black River and beat us into Vicksburg. We must not aliow them to do this. Turn all your forces toward l3olton Station, and make all dispatch in getting there. Move troops by the most direct road from wherever they may be on the receipt of this order. Sherman and McPherson will immediately retrace their steps, only (letaining a force to destroy the railroads north and east. U. S. GRANT. HDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, May 14, 1863. Brig. Gen. A. J. S~ iTrr, Corn dg. Tenth Division: GENERAL: The enemy have evacuated Jackson, and moved north toward Canton, on the railroad from Grenada to Jackson, Miss., with the design, as General Grant thinks, to cross the Big Black and gain Yicksburg before we do. Move your division, in the quickest possible time, toward Edwards Station, aud to it,if you find it to be practicable; otherwise toward Bolton Station, so as to be able to co-operate with the forces at Bolton. Send all the supplies of the Thirteenth Army Corps, except your own, to Bolton with all possible dispatch, under escort, and bring your own, too, if you move directly to Bolton. This will not include the supplies between Dillons plantation and Raymond, which will be sent forward to Raymond. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. IIDQRS. THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, May 14, 1863. Brig. Gen. A. P. HOVEY: CENERAL: Your dispatch, dated to-day, at Camp Clinton, is re- ceive(L* The order controlling your movem cut was based on one from General Grant, which contemplates, in spirit and substance, that you will be close enough to Clinton to support McPherson, if he should need it., or to occupy that place if he should leave it. It is also a l)art of the design that you should destroy the railroad as far as possible toward Edwards Station. Any place that you may select for your camp at or neai Clinton answering to these conditions will be proper and satis- factory. I have also heard that [W.] Adams rebel cavalry, some 200 strong, are at Bolton. If you can pounce upon him and catch him, do so. I am led to believe th t you can establish an easy and short line of conununication with Carr. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. RAYMOND, MISS., May 14, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Corndy. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have the honor to report that General Osterhaus reached here last night about 1 a. m. * Not found Page 311 Oni. flXVLJ OOEflSPONDENOE, ETO.UNIOt - 811 V The head of General Cans division reached here about 6.30 S m and has gone forward on the Jackson road. It will probably eamI to-night 4 miles. beyond the Mississippi Springs, the point designated by you. He is instructed to destroy the railroad westward. I have instructed Generals Carr and Hovey to open communication with each other. The positions assigned to them respectively I take it to be about 6 miles apart. General Smith reported to me last evening that he was at Old. Auburn, and again before day that the train from the Gulf was near him. Deport also brings Blair within a few miles of Smith. In accord- ann with what I understand to be your instructions, and because it would have exposed it to capture or destruction I instructed General Smith to withdraw the detachment he had left I,ehind to watch Bald- wins Ferry. Everything seems to be going on well, though the tre- mendous rain-storms of last evening and to- day have made the march laborious and less expeditious than it would have been under more. favorable circumstances. Unless you direct otherwise, i will instruct General Osterhaus to send part of the supply train onthe Jackson road and part on the -Clinton road, retaining part here. Reports are fully ripe that the enemy are in strong force at Edwards Depot; yet, if so, it Is surprising that he did not attack my rear yes- ter4py more vigorously than he did, as this place is more readily acces- sible to the di& rent parts of my command, which, agreeably to your instructions, is divided over a more considerable space than any other z~ow known to me. I will remain here for the present hence any orders you may wish to give will find me here or be forwarded to me. JOHN A. MoCLEBNAKD. BA-rxoivD, Miss., May 14, 1863. Xt~j. Gen. U. S. GnaT, Commanding Dqartusnt .1 tk. Tenses: GnnnL: I have ordered Generals Can, Hovey,-and Osterhaus to concentrate their divisions upon Bolton, and General Smith to move his division toward Edwards Station, and contingently to Bolton, each with all possible dispatch. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. JacKsoN, Miss., May 14, 1868. Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR, J Commanding flith D4leios, Fifteenth Anmej Cwye: - This place was carried at abo~it 3p. a this day, the garrison retreat- ing north toward Canton, under command of Genera Jce -Johnston. Their design is evidently to cross thc Big Black and pass down the peninsula, between the Big Black and Yasoo Rivers. We must beat them. Turn your troops immediately to Bolton. Take all the trains with you. Smiths division and any other troops now with you will go to the same place. If practicable, take parallel roads, so as to divide your troops and train. - U. S. GRANT Page 312 312 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. JACKSON, Miss., May 14, 1863. Maj. G-en. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Fifteenth Army Corps: Designate a brigade from your command to guard the city. Collect stores and forage, and collect all public property of the enemy. The division from which such brigade may be selected will be the last to leave the city. You will direct them, therefore, to commence immedi- ately the effi~ctual destruction of the river railroad bridge and the road as far east as practicable, as xvell as north and south. The Fourth Iowa Cavalry and a brigade of infantry should be scnt east of the river, with instructions for the cavalry to go on east as fi~r as possible. Troops going east of the river should burn all C. S. A. cotton and stores they find. U. S. GRANT. SPECIAL ORDERS, ThJQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 105. Jackson, Misg., May 14, 1863. The Second Brigade, Third Division, Brig. Gen. J. A. Mower corn. mandin ~, will constitute the garrison of the post of Jackson, Miss. General Mower will report to the cominandino- o-eneral for specific instructions. General Mower will detail a provost-marshal for the I)05t, and all prisoners of war will be sent to him, at the State-house. The First and Third Divisions of this corps will proceed, early to-inor- row morning, to destroy the railroads leading from this l)05t, the First Division taking the roads running to the east and south, and the Third Division those to the north and ~vest. The destruction of the roads will be extended out as far as PO55iblC, and must be complete. The rails and ties will be taken up and pla~c-d in stacks, and the ties set on fire, in order to warp the rails and so render them unfit for use. Dis- patch is of the utmosL importance. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: It M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. JACKSON, MISS., May 14, 1863. Colonel WR1GHT, Comdq. Sixth Missouri Cavalry, Clinton, Miss.: COLONEL: - Keep your headquarters at Clinton. Thoroughly explore all the roads north and west from the town toward Bolton. The enemy retreated from this place on roads leading north, probably to concen- trate at some point west. Learn of their movements on your front and right flanks, and report. Be prompt and earnest. By order of ~ ajor-General McPherson: [WM. T. CLARK,] Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS ,~ IIDQR s. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 18. Jackson, Miss., JUdy 14, 1863. Soldiers of the Seventeenth Army Corps! Your general congratulates you on your noAe endrir uce and heroic bravery. Your long and tedi- ous marches, through dust and heat, borne without a murmur; your unflinching courage and victorious onsets at Port Gibson, Raymond, and Jackson, driving the enemy at every l)oint, prove you worthy your noble ancestry, and have made you heroes in American history. You Page 313 ChAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 313 general is proud of you. Your country honors you, and will remember you and your deeds with gratitude and exultation. The enemy is still active, though defe& ted. Let us iress him and crush him, till one nationality is ours, and one flag alone, the flag of our fathers, floats over American soil and protects American l)eople. JAS. B. Mc1~ilERSON. BOLTON, Miss., May 15, 18634.45 p. in. Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR: GENERAL: I have the honor to communicate the following or(Ier from Major-General Grant to me: GENERAL: Move your command early to-morrow toward Edwards Depot, marching so as to feel the force of the enemy, should you cimeounter him, and without bringing on an engagement, unless you feel entirely able to contend with him. Communicate this order to Major-General Blair, who will move with you. General, in explanation, I would say that I have been reconnoitering an(i skirmishing at intervals all day. Hoveys division is disposed on the right an(l next to the railroad; Osterhaus in the center, to which I will also move Carr as a reserve; and you on the left, to be co-operated with by Smith when he comes. Circumstances, of course, may alter this plan. You may move your division at 5 oclock in the morning from Raymond northwest about 14 miles to the forks of the road, and follow the Edwards Station road. Keep up communication with Osterhans and Carr, on your right. The purpose is first to feel the enemy, and then engage him, if we find it can be (lone with success. 1 will be near the center. Communicate with me often. I have suggested to General Grant to move McPherson on the north side of the railroad, to cut off the escape of the enemy, if we should engage and beat him. JOHN A. McCLERNAND. BOLTON, Miss., May 15, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Defit. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Osterhaus seized Bolton this morning at 9 oclock, taking several prisoners. Soon after, General ilovey arrived by the way of Clinton. Reports were rife that the enemy were moving in strong force upon me by the Edwards Station and Bolton road, and particularly by the Edwards Station and Raymond road. Rapidly disposing my scanty foices to meet him, I pushed forward reconnaissances in every direction toward Edwards Station and Brownsville. Skirmishing at intervals occurred throughout the day, and just before sunset the enemy under- took to feel my position and force. He was l)romptly met and repelled. We are now resting on our arms. General Carr came up to Raymond this evening, and. I moved him out a mile and a half to the road leading to Edwards Station, in supporting distance of Osterhaus, arid to cover the main road to Edwards Station. I will move him in the morning-by the middle road. Blair is at Raymond, and I will move him on the road now held by Carr. Smith is probably at or near Dillons to-night. I will move him, if I can, in immediate co-ol)eration with Blair. ilovey having the right, and resting his right near the railroad, Osterhaus and Carr center, and Blair and Smith the left Page 314 814 mssissxrPi, flST TENNESSEE, ETC. raDAr. Kim I will move forwardby 6 oclock In the morning, and at least feel the enemy. It is very desirable that McPherson should at the same time move forward upon Edwards Station, on the north side of the railroad, and cut off the enemy If I should drive him from hi~ position. Broken bridges may delay the movement on both sides of the railroad. I have beaM nothing of the general supply train. May I rely on it, or shall I send back the entitled teams of the regiments to Grand Gulf? If so, will there be troops on the way to protect them? General Ostsrhaus has just captured a letter written by a rebel cap. tam in Vicksburg, in which he says that on the 10th instant theabel force there was 40,000, and estimates our force at 70 000. JOHI% A. kOCLERNAND. BoLToiI, Miss., May 15, 1863. Brig. Gens. (Jin, SMITE, Hovur, and OsTnnus: The following will be the order of movement to-morrow as near as maybe: General Blair will move on the road first, diverging to Edwards Sta. tion from the Raymond and Bolton road, about if miles this side of Ray- mond, and will form the left wing. General Osterhaus will move pn the next road to Edwards Station, diverging about 3 miles this side of Raymond, and will form die center. General Can will move up to, and then on, the same road with Gen- eral Osterhaus, and as a reserve. General Hovey will move on or near the road on the south side of the railroad from Bolton to Edwards Station. Each of these divisions will move promptly at 6 oclock in the morn- ing, except General Blairs, which will move at 5 and will leave the bag. gage trains in the [rear], or otherwise dispose of them, so that they will be out of the way. The movement will be toward Edwards Station, with the purpot~e to. feel the enemy and to engage him If it be found expedient to do so. Let each division keep up communication with that or those next to it, and all move on parallel with each other as near as may be. It is ex- pected that General Smith will be up in time to co operate with General Blair on the left. It has been asked that General McPherson be directed to move forward from Bolton, on the north side of the railroad, so as to cut off the enemys esospe. Let every arm be furnished with adequate ammunition. Straggling from the lInes should be prevented. I will be found near the center of the line of advance. Division commanders will communicate with me often. JOHN A. MoOLEBNAND. General Mona, JAoKsox, Miss.,May ii, 1863. Ceususaesdks, Poet of Jackson: Dna GENnnL: We will march for Bolton, via Mississippi Springs,. to-morrow ncon. Push the work of destruction, especially of types, presses, sugar, and everything public not needed by us. Thework should be all done by 10 a. m. to-morrow. You will move at ip. in., bringing up the rear. Dont mention th Page 315 (211AP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 315 fact to any one till after to-morrow at 8 or 9. Be sure to destroy all tents by burning them in a pile to the rear of the State-house to-morrow about noon. You may release all prisoners (citizens) whom we dont want to carry along; some now, others just as you start. I make a general order on all these points, but send you notice now that you may act advisedly. You must work at night, if necessary, to destroy what might be useful to an enemy. YOUrS, W. T. SHERMAN. Brigadier-General MOWER, JACKSON, Miss., May 15, 1863. Commanding Jackson: DEAR GENERAL: It is represented to me that the provost-marshal is giving license to 501(liers to take the contents of stores, taking things not necessary or useful. This, if true, is wrong. Only such articles should be taken as are necessary to the snb~istence of troops, and the private rights of citizens should be respected. Please give the matter your attention. The feeling of pillage and booty will injure the morals of the troops, and bring disgrace on our cause. Take every possible precaution against fires at the time of our leaving to-morrow. I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 35. Jackson, Miss., May 15, 1863. I. The work of destruction to railroads, artillery, and other public property, heretofore begun, will be prosecuted with the utmost energy till ii a. m. to-morrow, all working parties coining toward the main depot, where all the iron and ties should be effectually destroyed. 11. At daylight to-morrow all heavy wagons will be dispatched under escort, made up of details from each regiment, embracing the foot-sore and tired men, back on the road we came, an(l will await the arrival of the column at Mississippi Springs. 111. At 12 oclock (noon) to-morrow General Steeles division will march by the same road, rea4~bing Mississippi Springs about 4 p. iii. He will be followed by General Tuttles division, General Mowers brigade bringing up the rear, and marching from the State-house at 1 p. in. All the captured tents, harness, and other materials now in nse by the different regiments, and not needed for further use, will be fired at the time of abandoning the camps. Onebattalion of cavalry will precede the column, and the others follow. IV. 1)ivision, brigade, and regimental commanders and quartermas- ters will see that their wagons are ready to move at daylight, and will place some officer iu charge of each brigade train, and keep them dis- tinct, so that they may follow their respective brigades at Mississippi Springs. The march hence to Bolton must be rapid, but in the best order. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant-General Page 316 316 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL CAInO, ILL., May 15, 1863. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.: Following just received by telegraph from Paducab, May 14, 1863, to Captain Pennock, U. S. Navy, fleet captain and commandant; station, Cairo: Am just down from Tennessee River. have on board prisoners captured at Linden, Tenu. On the night of the 12th, took on board gunboats 55 men and borses of First West Tennessee Cavalry, under command of Lient. Col. W. K. M. Breckenridge. Landed them on east side of river. Sent gunboats to cover nil landings above and below. Colonel Breckenridge dasbed across country to Linden, surprised the rebel force, more than twice his nnmber, capturing Lieutenant-Colonel [W.] Frierson, 1 captain, 1 sur- geon, 4 lieutenants, 30 rebel soldiers, 10 conscripts, 50 horses, 2 armiy wagons, arms, & c. With court-house, which was rebel depot, were burned a quantity of arms and sup- plies. The enemy lost ~3 killed; our force none; only 1 horse killed. Colonel Brecken- ridge after his exploit reached our vessels in safety and recrossed river. Will send prisoners to Cairo. S. L. PHELPS, Lieutenant-Co~ mander, Commanding Tennessee Divi8ion Missi8sippi Squadron. A. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, before Edwards Station, May 16, 18637.50 a. m. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, 6omdg. Seventeenth Army Corps: GENERAL: My artillery has engaged the enemy on my extreme left. I am, as I advised you this morning, convinced that if you will move on the far side of the railroad and fall on the enemys flank and rear, it wonld be decisive; besides, Hovey may need support by a co-opera- tive movement by you, either on the north or sonth side of the railroad. Respectfully, yonr obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND. IN THE FIELD, Before Edwards Station, May 16, 1863. Brig. Gen. A. P. HOVEY: GENERAL: Our forces have engaged the enemy ~with artillery on the left. Move forward on the right, cautiously but promptly. Very respectfully, JOHN A. McCLERNAND. BEFORE EDWARDS STATION, MISS., May 16, 1863. M& . Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee; GENERAL: At 9.45 a. m. General Hovey has advanced on his road about 4 miles. Finds the enemy strongly posted in his front, showing two pieces of artillery at the distance of some 400 yards. The general has taken 15 prisorers, who repre~eut the enemy to be from 50,000 to 60,000 strong. Osterhaus must be some 4 miles from Edwards Station. Gen- eral Smith is about the same distance. McPherson, I think, should move up to the support of Hovey~ who thinks his right flank will encounter severe resistance. Shall I hold Page 317 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 317 or bring on an engagement ~ General Hovey thinks the enemy has passed a large force towaid Raymond, and to our rear, but an aide from General Smith knows nothing of it. JOEl~ A. McCLERNAND. BEFORE EDWARDS STATION, May 16, 1863. Brig. Gen. A. P. HOYEY: GENERAL: Your dispatch is received.* I have referred the ques- tion of bringing on an engagement to General Grant, who is said to be close by. Osterhans is about 4 miles from Edwards Station; Smith 5 miles, and both have driven before them the enemys pickets and skirmishers. Carr is well up to Osterhans, and so is Blair toSmith. It appears that no force has passed to our left and rear. So soon as I am advised by General Grant, I will communicate with you. Mean- time take any advantage you can, without bringing on a general engage. ment. Watch your left as well as right. Communicate often. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. BOLTON, Miss., May 16, 1863. Brig. Gen. A. J. SMITH: GENERAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note to General Can, advising him of your arrival at Raymond. In- closed you will find orders for the movement of your divi sion.t If you are prompt in your movement, at 4 a. m. yon will take the lead iu the left wing, General Blair having orders to move at 5 a. m. You will take the road to Edwards Depot, which leaves the Raymond and Boltoli road 1~ miles this side of Raymond, divergin~ to the left. JOHN A. McCLERNAND. CLINTON, Miss., May 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, Coindg. Thirteenth Army Corps: You will direct Major-General Blair to move with his division to the support of General Osterhaus as soon as possible, mnoving on the same line by the first lateral road leading into the one on which Osterhaus is now marching. Establish communication between Blair and Osterhaus at once, and keel) it up, moving forward cautiously. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JN& . A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjntant- General. IN THE FIELD, West of Bolton, Miss., ]Ifay 16, 186~lO.15 a. m. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: From all intormation gathered from citizens and prisoners, the mass of the enemy are south of iloveys division. McPherson is now up Not found. t See MeClernand to Carr, & e., May 15, p. 314 Page 318 318 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. with Hovey, and can support him at a~ny point. Close up all your forces as exp~ditiously as possible, but cautiously. The enemy must not be allowed to get to our rear. If you can communicate with Blair and Ransom, do so; and direct them to come up to your support by the most expeditious route. U. S. GRANT. EDWARDS STATION, Miss., May 16, 186312.35 p. m. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MOCLERNAND, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: 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. I am with Hovey and McPherson, and will see that they fully co-operate. U. S. GRANT. IN THE FIELD, Before Edwards & ation, May 16, 1863. Generals Smith and Osterhaus will attack the enemy vigorously, and- press for victory. Generals Carr and Blair will support Generals Smith :ln(l Osterhaus. General Carr will place General Lawlers brigade as a reserve in front of his first position to-day. By order of Maj. Gen. John A. McClernand: A. L. LEE. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, May 16, 1863. General OSTERHAUS: We are informed that a force of infantry and artillery are pressing between you and Smith. We threw Blairs right and Carrs left be- tween the road. Look out for the enemy there. By order of Maj. Gen. John A. McCleruand: A. L. LEE. EDWAIIDS STATION, Miss., May 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR, Jr.: GENERAL: You will hasten to come up with your division to this place, and, closely following General A. J. Smith, move on to the rail- road bridge across Big Black. Report the distance of your march to-day; also all captures made by you. Very respectfully, JOHN A. MUCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, in the Field, May 16, 1863. Genera] CARR: Jnformation is received that the enemy are pressing inihutry and ar- tillery between Smith and Osterhaus. You will throw a brigade on the left of your road, and ad vance it to OP~O5C any such attempt. General Blair will also throw a brigade fiom his right for the same purpose Page 319 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 319 XVhellever your brigade commander is satisfied that no danger is to be apprehended from that quarter, he will resume his position. By order of Maj. Gen. John A. MeClernand: A. L. LEE. ONE AND A HALF MILES rno~i BAKERS CREEK, ]Jfay 16, 1863. Maj. Gei. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department: GENERAL: I received an order last evening from General MeCler- nand to take the road from Raymond to Edwards Depot, which I accord- ingly did, and am now, at 9.50 a. in., within 14~ miles of Bakers Creek. General A. J. Smiths (livision is with me. We are feeling the enemy cautiously, skirmishing, and I have sent to ascertain the exact where- abouts of Osterhaus, Carr, and ilovey. We shall attack as soon as we can (levelop the enemys position and ascertain that of our friends. Respectfully, & c., FRANK P. BLAIR, JR. CLINTON~ MISS., May 16, 1863. Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR, Jr., Corn landing E~fth Division, 1f~fteenth Army Corps: Information received indicates that the enemy have moved out to Edwards Station, and are still pushing on to attack ns with all their force. Pnsh yonr troops on in that direction as rapidly as possible. If yon are already on the Bolton road, continue so; but if you still have a choice of roads, take the one leading to Edwards Depot. Pass yonr troops to the front of your train, except a rear guard, and keep the ammunition wagons in front of all the others. I sent you orders on the 14th to move directly from wherever you might be to Bol- ton. Did you receive the order? If you take the Edwards Depot road, you will want to communicate with the troops along the railroad by all cross-roads, after having advanced to west of Bolton. Precantions in approaching Bakers Creek are necessary. Before doing so, know where friend and enemy both are. U. S. GRANT. CLD~TON, iVil SS., May 16, 18635.30 a. m. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Corndg. Fifteenth Army Corps: Start one of your divisions on the road at once, with their ammunition wagons, and direct the general commanding the division to move with all 1)OSSible speed until he comes up with our rear beyond Bolton. It is important that the greatest celerity shonld be shown in carrying out this movement, as I have evidence that the entire force of the enemy was at Edwards Depot at 7 p. m. last night, and was still advancing. The fight may, therefore, be brought on at any moment. We should have every man in the field. U. S. GRANT. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 36. Boiton, Miss., ]liay 16, 1863. The movement to-morrow will be as follows: I. All the effective cavalry will constitute the advance, and will move as soon as day breaks by a road that will be explained to them by th Page 320 320 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. general commanding. All the non-effectives will be put under an officer, and ordered to accompany the wagon-train, to protect it. II. General Steeles division will lead and General Tuttles follow. Each division commander will designate a good officer to take charge of the tired and foot-sore, to remain with the wagon train, composed of all the wagons of this corps, which will follow the troops, and as soon as firing is heard in the front, the wagons will be parked, and all wagon gnards will prepare to defend it. III. The troops will march light, followed only by ammunition wagons and ambulances, which will follow brigades. IV. The occasion calls for the utmost energy of all the troops. One determined effort and the opportunity for which we have all labored so hard and patiently will not be lost. Our destination is now the Big Black River, 13 miles distant, beyond which lies Vicksbnrg. The command- ing general announces that the other corps with which we are acting have to-day signally repulsed the enemy, and our part is to make that repnlse a complete defeat. V. The artillery of each division will be massed and kept near the front of each division. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: H. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. CLINTON, Miss., May 16, 18635.45 a. m. M~j. Gen. J. B. ICPIIERSON, Comdg. Seventeenth Army Corps: I have just received information that the enemy have crossed Big Black with the entire Vicksburg force. He was at Edwards Depot last night, and still advancinh. You will, therefore, pass all trains, and move forward to join MeClernand. I have ordered your rear brigade to move at once, an(l given such directions to other commanders as will secure a prompt concentration of your forces. U. S. GRANT. JONES PLANTATION, May 16, 18636 a. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, fe.: GENERAL: I think it advisable for you to come forward to the front as soon as you can. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. MCPHERSON. SPECIAL ORDERS, HDQRS. SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS No. 87. Near Edwards Depot, Miss., May 16, 1863. I. Brig. Gen. I. F. Quinby, having returned from leave of absence and rel)Orted for duty, will assume command of his division and will re- lieve Brig. Gen. M. M. Crocker. General Crocker, on being relieved, will report to these headquarters for duty. II. The major-general commanding, on relieving Brig. Gen. 1. 1W. Crocker from the temporary command of the Seventh l~ivision, desires to express his high appreciation of his soldierly qualities, his efficiency in command, his gallantry and heroism on the field, where he displayed in the battles of the 12th, 14th, and 16th such skill in handling hi Page 321 CHAP. XXXYI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNlON. 321 division, suGh coolness and daring intrepidity, as have won for him the respect and admiration of every officer and soldier in this command. * * * * * * * By order of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., May 16, 18636 p. m. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General in-Chief: The Jackson Appeal, just received, of the 10th, states that General Grant occupies Raymond and is threatening Jackson. Reports from below say he has cut railroad bridge ou Big Black. No official intelli- gence has reached here for three days from General Grant, but unoffi- cially I am informed to the 10th of May that MeClernands advance is within 5 miles of Jackson, and McPherson near the railroad crossing. S. A. IIURLBUF. MEMPHIS TENN Ma Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, , ., y 17, 1863. Commanding Department of the Tennessee, in the Field: GENERAL: The last brigade of the Fonrth Division leaves to-night or in the morning, having been detained for want of boats to move them. I have directed the division to Millikens Bend, where I suppose they will find orders. If no ordeis are there, they will push forward an officer to receive orders from you. Two companies of the Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry and three batteries accompany and make part of the division. Marniaduke, with his force, is on Crowley~s Ridge, near Wittsbnrg. Price is reported to have sent half his force to Kirby Smith, at Monroe, and to be on his way to join Marmaduke with the residue. He left Little Rock on the 11th of May. Prentiss cavalry had a sharp conflict wTith them at Wittsburg. Under these circumstances I have directed Preutiss to hold the cavalry destined for this point. Rebel cavalry in considerable force are gathering at Okolona, inten- tion not knoxvn, but I presume to cover Northern Mississippi. Chalmers, with his force, was on Friday near Coldxvater, northwest of Holly Springs, probably 1,500 stiong. A movement in this direction may possibly be attempted, if they can gather streiigth enough. No news of any kind frour Washington. Your obedient servant, S. A. IIURLBUT. BLACK RiVER BRIDGE, Miss., May 17, 186g. Maj. Gen. WILLIAN T. SHERMAN, Commanding E~fteenth Army Corps: Our bridges here will not be ready to cross before daylight in the morning. Secure a commanding position on the west bank of Black River as soon as you can. If the information yon gain after crossing war-rants you in believing you can go imme(llately into the city, do so. If there is any doubt in this matter, throw out troops to the left, after advancing on a line Itir the railroad bridge, to open commnunicatiorm8 with the troops here. We 21 l~ T~-YOL XXlV, PT II Page 322 322 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [ChAP. XXXVI. will then move in three columns, if roads can be found to move on, and either have Vicksburg or flaynes Bluff to-morrow night. The enemy have been so terribly beaten yester(lay and today that I cannot believe that a stan(l will be made unless the troops are relying on Johnstons arriving with large re-enforcements, nor that Johnston would attempt to re-enforce with anything at his command if he was at all aware of the present condition of things. IL S. GRANT. EDWARDS STATION, Miss., May 17, 18638 a. in. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Commauding Eifteen~th Army Corps: MeCleruand has engaged the enemy at their works, about 1 mile east of the railroad bridge. I have or(lered the pontoon train with Blairs division to go to Bridgeport. I will endeavor to hold the enemy where he is, to give you time to cross tIme river, if it can be effected. The moment the eneimmy begins to give way, I will endeavor to follow him so closely that he will not be able to destroy the bridge, lit inc hear from you the hour you expect to arrive at Bridgeport. U. S. GRANt. BRIDGEPORT, May 17, 18632 p. m. General GRANT: DEAR SIR: Blairs and Steeles divisions are here. I found a picket on the other side. Threw a few shells, and the j)icket of 1 lieutenant and 10 men surrendered. 1 now have a regiment across, and the 1)011- toons ought to be done in a couple of honis. I expect to be on the high lands back of Vicksburg by night. (inc of Tuttles brigades is broken down by the march: will be left at this bridge. You may count on my being across in thi-ce hours. Shall I push into the city, or secure a point on the ridge? Yours, W. T. SHERMAN. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 37. f Bridgeport, Miss., May 17, 1863. This corps will move on the road to Yicksburg at early dawn to- morrow, the Second Division in the advance, followed by the First and Third Divisions in the order named. The artillery of the Third Division will cross the river before dawn. The Secoud Brigade, Third Division, Brigadier-General Mower com- manding, will remain on the east bank of the river until the transpor- tation of the corps shall have been passed over under the direction of the chief quartermaster, and will then cross the bridge and await orders from the general commanding. The brigade of General Ewing will cro~ss in rear of General Tuttles division, and at the first halt for i-est will push forward and take its place in the column. All prisoners of war and soldiers left behind from sickness or other can~e will be subject to the command of General Mower. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: It. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General Page 323 CHAr. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 323 MEMPHIS, TENN., May 17, 18639 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: One of my spies, just in from Vicksburg and Jackson, has brought papers to the 14th. General Grant defeated [J.] Greggs brigade at Raymond on Tuesday, the 12th. Rebel loss admitted in papers at 700. Next day Gregg was re-enforced by XV. H. T. Walker, of Georgia was attacked at Mississippi Springs, and driven in toward Jackson. On Thursday, at 10 a. in., my spy, then at Grenada, saw a telegram from Canton that the Federals had taken Jackson from the eastprobably a cavalry movement. General Joe Johnston arrived at Jackson on the 13th, and went out toward Yicksburg with three brigades, He must have been west of Jackson when the capture was made by our forces. Spies say 50,000 men are ordered to Vicksbnrg from Tennessee and Yirginia. The force with which General Grant fought Greggs brigade was from Port Hudson; Walkers from Charleston. General Grant will have his hands full if the re-enforcements talked of arrive. Spy also says they admit that General Banks captured Alexandria after a sharp battle. Every horse fit for service in Mississippi is claimed by the Gov- ernment to mount their troops. He also reports that General Grant has struck the railroad near Edwards Station. This man is reliable. Ene- mys mounted men in considerable force at Panola and Okolona, and 2,000 strong opposite Savannah. They threaten my railroad, and, I think, cover movement of troops from Tullahoma toward Vicksburg. S. A. HURLBUT. MEMPHIS, TENN., May 17, 1863. Brigadier-General LAIJMAN: You will proceed with your command to Millikens Bend, where you should find orders. If you do not find orders there, send an officer at once to Major-General Grant to ask for orders as to your movements. I suppose you are wanted on the Big Black,but at this distance can give no directions. Report at once on arrival to the acting assistant adjutant-general at Millikens Bend. Keep a strong guard ready for action after leaviug Helena, and a gun squad always on duty. Take the battery near Greenville, if you can. Yours, S. A. HURLBUT. ENN., May 17 1863 JACKSON T Lient. Col. HENRY BINMORE: Th~ following dispatch has just been received from General Dodge: Scouts have just come in from Meridian and Montgomery, via Okolona. They say that about April 15, 10,000 men went from Yicksburg to Bragg, bnt were stopped at Montgomery and returned to Yickshurg. That since then no troops have gone east; that ten or twelve days ago all the troops scattered over Mississippi and Alabama were ordered to Vicksburg. That two regiments went from Mobile, leaving only one there; also two from Mont_emery, leaving one company there, and one at Selma, and some detachments were picked up at other places, not to exceed two regiments in aji. They give the position of troops now as follows: At Meridian, one regiment; at Okolona, between 4,000 and 5,000; and all the bridges on the Mobile and Ohio Rai1ro~ d strongly guarded. The road between Meridian and Jackson was repaired so that cars ran over it ten days ago, and they are now running it. Chalmers is in Panola County. The forces from Tennessee River reached Okolona about five days ago; thinks fioddey was not with them. They also say that it was reported currently, ud l~o in the papers, that Port Tlnd~on w~ t~4ion. This Was eight days ago. Al Page 324 324 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVL the rolling stock on the Southern road was worn out, and had been replaced by Mem- phis and Charleston stock. The rebels think that Vicksburg will fall, and acknowl- edge a defeat at Port Gibson and Grand Gulf. At Mobile they are building a new line of intrenchments inside of the old one; also still at ork on the Columbus forti- fications. Everything in the shape of Government works and stores has been moved to Selma. Ruggles is in command at Okolona; has infantry, cavalry, and artillery. No troops of any consequence in Columbia. The above can be relied upon in the main. Up to the time they left Romesix days a~othey put forces at Vicksburg between 20,000 and 30,000. G. M. DODGE, Brigadier-General. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. J. OGLESBY. [MAY 1718, 1863.For iluribut and Dodge to iRosecrans, in refer- ence to Streights raid, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II, p. 335.] BLACK RIVER, Miss., May 18, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNAND, (Jonnnctnding Thirteenth Army Corps: Move your corps as early as possible, taking the direct road as far as Mount Albans. From that point reconnoiter well as you advance. If a parallel road can be found within 3 miles of the direct road, take it. No teams will be allowed to cross the river until all the troops are over, except ambulances (ud ammunition wagons. One brigade will be left to guard the bridge and trains, and to bring the latter over after the troops have all passed. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, in the Field, Big Black River, May 18, 18637 a. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: Your dispatch is received, and I have the honor to inform you that its contents as to the order of moving my forces and trains were anticipated by a corresponding order communicated to division commanders last night. I will commence crossiag over the river within twenty minutes. You say take a parallel road if I find one; I suppose you mean to divide my forces on two roads, if I can. If I am mistaken, please correct me. Can you inform me the distance from the bridge to Saint Albans ~? Respectfully, yours, & c., JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. BLACK RIVER, MISS., May 18, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Gomdg. Seve~4eenth Army Corps: Start your columns at the earliest practicable moment. Their road, you being in the center, will be the direct Vicksburg road. No teams will be allowed to pass over the road until all the troop~ and artillery have passed, except ammunition wagons an I ambulances. One brigade will be left to nard the bridge and wagon tr ins, and to pass the latter over as soon as Il the troops a~ !t of the way~. Th ~! U1~ANT Page 325 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORI~ESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 325 WASHINGTON, I). C., Allay 18, 186311 a. m. General BURNSIDE, Cincinnati, Ohio, and General ROSECRANS, Murfreesborough, Tenn.: Dispatches just received say that General Joe Johnston, with a con- siderable force, has left Tennessee to re-enforce Vlicksburg. To cover this movement, the enemy will probably threaten an advance, and at- tempt raids into Kentucky and Tennessee. The best way to counteract this is to concentrate your forces and advance ag( inst the enemy in Tennessee, moving, if possible, in such a manner as to threaten East Tennessee. II. W. HALLECK. MEMPHIS, TENN., May 18, 186311 p. m. ~Iaj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Scouts report all the cars on Mobile and Ohio Railroad below Okolona drawn off south to transport troops to Jackson. Mobile papers of the 14th admit defeat of Gregg and Walker, but say heavy re enforcements are moving on General Grant from South Carolina, Georgia, and Ten- nessee, and that he will be crushed. Estimated his force at 50,000. General Grant has taken Jackson; capitol burued. From 6,000 to 10,000 mounted men are concentrating near Okolona, threatening ad- vance in the direction of this railroad. A citizen just up from Jackson reports that the enemy abandoned \Ticksburg on Saturday, marching on the ridge northeast to Lexington. S. A. IIURLBUT. UNITED STATES MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, Flag-ship Black Bitwlc, near T7ieksburg, May 18, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. IIURLBUy, Commanding, & e., Memphis, Tenn.: GENERAL: I am not in any way authorized to say so, but my opinion is that General Grant should be re-enforced with all dispatch, and with every man that can be sent him from all directions. He will have the hardest fight ever seen during this war. The atten- tion of the nation should now be devoted to Vicksburg. I received your communication in relation to Dr. Dickenson, and have referred the matter to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. Captain Breese sent Dr. Dickenson to Memphis to collect evidence. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID ID. PORTER. JACKSON, May 18, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel BIN]~IORE, Assistant Adjutant- General: Three men in from Meridian last night report railroad in running order to Jackson for last ten days. Confirms tenor of last dispatches from that quarter. IRoddey is reported crossing Big Bear Creek, and Forrest at Clifton, crossing. I hardly believe this can be true to any extent. Dodge is watching every point closely. One man was killed yesterday by shell thrown across from Savannah. B. J. OGLESBY Page 326 326 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEV, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. JACKSON, May 18, 1863. Lieutenant-Colonel BINMORE: The following has just been received from General Dodge: Scout reports position of forces about Okolona as follows: Stretched front Okolona to Pontotoc, U. F.] Smiths regiment, Ewings [0?] battalion, Barteans rcgimcut; at Oko- lona, Fourth Alabama, Colonel LW. M.] Inges battalion, Second Alabama; at Aber- deen, four regiments of Forrests command. Forrest was also reported there, but scout could get no reliable news that he was there. Colonel Thompson was there making arrangements for coupling. One brigade of militia, under [S. J.] Gholson, expected there as soon as they could get cars. They talk of a raid to Memphis and on our railroad. Were very confident bitt few troops were left on the road. Had full news of Streights capture, and their papers say 600 under Forrest took him. There is no doubt of the re-enforcements going to Pemberton; also of Johnston being there, and up to Saturday morning there is no doubt of Grants whipping in every fight. Scout says it caused great consternation. The force coming from Georgia stopped some place east of Jackson. They count Grants force at 50,000, and papers say Johnston will have more. The re-enforcements from Port Hudson that had arrived were two brigades. Vicksburg correspondence of May 13 says Kirby Smith had whipped part of Banks forces in Louisiana. G. M. DODGE. R. J. OGLESBY. JACKSON, May 18, 1863. Lieut. Col. HENRY BINMORE: The following dispatches have just been received from General Dodge: General Johnston is in command at Yicksburg, so Mobile papers of 14th say; also that he is taking a heavy body of troops there with him. Paper says an avalanche awaits Grant, and that he will rue the day he crossed the Mississippi. It speaks of Gregg being whipped by Grant at Raymond, also at Mississippi Springs, 8 miles from Jackson; gives names of officers killed, and falls back on hope that Johnston will wipe Grant out. G. M. DODGE. Scout just arrived from Okolona; left Saturday night; reports that Grant took Jackson on Thursday and burned the capitol; that all the cars, from Thursday to Saturday, were being used in bringing troops from Georgia and South Carolina to re-enforce Pemberton, and no cars arrived there while he was there. 1-Ic brings South- ern papers of 14th. Correspondence from Jackson of 10th says one brigade from Port Hudson had just arrived, and that troops from Georgia and South Carolina were pouring in. Telegram to Mobile News of 13th says Grant was at Jackson, and heavy firing was then heard; also says that Grant has Jackson and burned the capitol; also that troops were pouring in to help Pemberton. I will send position of force south shortly. G. M. DODGE. Yours, Th J. OGLESBY. REAR OF YICKSBURG, Miss., May 19, 1863. Rear-Admiral DAVID P. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squad-ron: My forces are now investing Yicksburg. Shermans forces run from the Mississippi River, above the city, 2 miles east. McPherson is to his left, and McCLernand to the left of McPherson. If you can run down and throw shell in just back of the city, it will aid us, and demoralize an already badly beaten enemy. The enemy have not b~en able to re- turn to the city with one-half of his forces. We beat them badly on the 16th, near Edwards Station, and on the 17th, at Black River Bridge, taking about 6,000 prisoners, besides a large number killed and wounded Page 327 327 ChAP. XXXVI.l COI~RESPOND ~NCE, ETCU TION. Two (hVi5LOl18 we e also cut off from their retreat, and have gone east- war(l, many of their inca throwing down their arms and leaving. The enemy only succeeded in getting back three pieces of artillery. I have instructed my quarterm~ ster and commissary to send up boats to Lakes Landing with forage ~tnd provisions; xviii you please sCfld a convoy ~? Please send a boat up to Ilaynes Bluff, which I think is evacuated. Our cavalry have gone up to see. U. S. GIRANT. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Near Vieksbury, Miss., May 19, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Corndg. Dept. of the Tennesse~: GENERAL: Mv skhmishers are near the enemys works, and my hues (not yet completed) are advancing. I hu ye opened with artillery on the works. Your (hispatch by Colonel Lagow is received. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MUCLERKAND. YOUNGS POINT, LA., May 19, 18634 p. m. Brigadier-General LAUMAN: GENERAL: Please return to this place immediately for the purpose of taking the troops now here up Yazoo River. General Grant is investing Yicksburg, and directs that all troops and gunboats come to his a~ssistance immediately up Yazoo. The troops here are being got ready; come at once. I have ordered all troops at Bowers Landing to return here by forced marches. Please send the same orders. By command of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Aetin Assistant Adjutant- General. YOUNGS POiNT, LA., May 19, 18638 p. in. Brig. Gen. J. G. LAUMAN, Commanding Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: You will proceed, with all of youi~ command now at this place, 011 steamers to be assigned you by Lientem nt-Colonel Bingham, chief quartermasteu, to Chickasaw Bluft~, and there debark and pro. ceed to the army in the field. After debarking, you xvill make a reconnaissance to ascertain the position of the enemy, if in the vicinity, and open counmunicat ion with General Steele, who is supposed to occupy the left of our lines1 and report the result of s me to Colonel Biugham, chief quartermaster, at the landing. The main body of your command will be held in readiness to escort the supply train, which will he in readiness to go forward with you. Take with you all youi xvagons, amid loa(l them with supplies at the point of debarkation. No bagoage of any kind will be taken. You pill vary the details of this order as in your judgmefft circum stances may require. By or(ler of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, A at tTh7 A ss~sta nt A dju to itt General Page 328 328 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Brig. ~~ ~. ~. ~ YouN& s Pou~r, LA~ May 19, 1863. Corn mancling Fourth Division, AS~iWtcenth Army Corps GENERAL: Colonel Pughs brigade~ will proceed without delay from the lower landing to Bowers Landing, below Warrenton, from whence they will go to Grand Gulf by steamers, and remain at that place as the permanent garrison. Camp and garrison equipage and baggage of every description will be left at the convalescent camp, opposite the lower landing, in charge of~ an officer and small guard. No baggage will be taken that can pos- sibly be dispensed with. Land transportation will be regulated accord- ing to instructions furnished by Colonel Biugham, ch~f quartermaster. You will proceed yourself immediately to Grand G~~lf; and organize the troops and wagon trains at that place, and immediately npou the arrival of Colonel Pughs brigade, you will proceed with Colonel flails and Colonel Johnsons brigades, of McArthurs division, now garrison- ino~ Grind Gulf to headquarters the ~ the taking with of ~.vt~ir in front, you such supply trains as may be got ready at Grand Gulf. By order of Maj. Gen. IT. S. Grant: T. S. BOWERS, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. YOUNGS POINT, May 19, 1863. General LAUMAN: Advices from General Sherman render it necessary for you to return and take your troops by way of Chickasaw Bayou. Order back the two brigades at Bowers Landing. I have three regiments here for you. Grant has had glorious luck; has taken seventy-five pieces of artillery and plenty of prisoners. Yours, truly, JER. C. SULLIVAN. BLUFFS NEAR MISS. RIVER, JUST ABOVE YlCI(SBURG-, May 19, 1863. Admiral PORTER, U. S. Navy: You can rely on any information which may be given you by the bearer. We have the city invested, and all the bluffs between this and Snyders under our control. There are no troops at ilaynes BluftX General Grant has sent Colonel Taggart. to communicate with Admiral Porter by way of Snyders Bluff. General Grant wishes the admirals co operation in taking Vicksburg. We are short of rations. and xvant rations sent up the Yazoo to Snyders, if the Chickasaw Bayou is not navigable. Very truly, yours, FIIEDK STEELE. (Any officer of the Army or Navy of the United States; into whose hands this may fall, will please forward it to Admiral Porter iininedi- ately.) IIDQRS. 15TH ARMY CORPS, Walnuf hills, May 19, 1863. Admiral Porter, or & nior Officer at Mouth of Yazoo: DEAR ADMIRAL: My right is on the Mississippi. We have posses- sion of the bluff down a mile or more below the mouth of the bayou Page 329 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETCUNION. 329 Cant you send immediately a couple of gunboats doWn~ They can easily see and distinguish our men, and can silence a water battery, that is, the extremity of their flank on the river, and enfilade the left flank of their works. I think nearly all the guns of their upper batteries are moved inside of Vicksburg and are now on the land front. You will have no trouble in distinguishing our flank; it is about one-quarter of a mile below a cattle pen, on the immediate shore of the I would get General Grant to make this request, bat he is far on the left flaiik and it would take hours to find him. Truly, yours, W. T. SHERMAN. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 134. Near Vicksburg, Miss., May 19,186311.16 a. m. Army corps commanders will push forward carefully, and gain as close l)osition as possible to the enemys works until 2 p. m. At that hour they will fire three volleys of artillery from all the pieces in posi- tion. This will be the signal for a general charge of all the corps along the whole line. When the works are carried, guards will be placed by all division commanders, to prevent their men from straggling from their compa- nies. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. Maj. Gen. II. W. HALLECK, MEMPHIS, TENN., May 19, 1863. General-in. Chief: The secessionists in this city have dispatches purporting to be re- ceived from Senatobia, 17th and 18th, which state that our forces at Raymond were beaten on the 16th by [W. W.] Loring; that 12,000 to 13,000 re-enforcements had arrived near Jackson from Brandon; that Pemberton, with 30,000 in en, was advancing on Jackson by the Clinton road, and Maxey from Port Hudson, with 7,000, at Crystal Springs; that General Grants forces commenced falling back from Jackson to Port Gibson on 16th. Later, lSth.The main Federal army at Jackson has surrendered, ex- cept cavalry, which escaped across Pearl River. Said to be two di- visions surrendered. Much of this is inconsistent with last known relative position of the two forces. if Pemberton has taken any such force out of Yicksburg, it is evacuated. The main army has not been at Jackson, and before Pemberton could reach Clinton he must have engaged General Grant. The steamer Express, just up, left Youngs Point on Sunday; reports Yicksburg still occupied in force by the enemy, but brings no dis- patches. From all accounts I am satisfied that from 10,000 to 15,000 troops have re-enforced the enemy near Jacksonperhaps more. S. A. HUREBUT Page 330 ~33O MJkSJSSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. iVIEMPIIlS, TENTh, May 19, 1863. Brig. Gen. W. S. Sl~nTu, La Grange, Tenn.: (3-ENEIIAL: You will move with all the mounted men oC your command from La Grange, on the morning of the 21st, at daylight, with one sec- tion of artillery well horsed, through North Mount Pleasant and Farm- ington. There your cavalry will be joined by Colonel McCrillis com- mand, with his howitzers. The force will then cross the Coldwater, and beat up Chalmers quar- ters wherever he may be, break and disperse his force, and, if possible, capture his guns. They will take all horses and mules, wagons and provisions that can be found, and drive off the cattle from any portion of Mississippi they may pass through, but not so as to impede the main purpose of crushing out this force. After effecting this end, they will gather and drive in the stock, & c., an(l bring in all ablebodied negroes that choose to come. I think Chal- mers will be found near Cochrans, or perhaps as far down as Luxahoma. [G. L.] Blythes battalion is about 12 miles south of Memphis, engaged in conscripting and obtaining horses. Colonel Hatch will command the united force. Let the movement be rapid as possible, at the same time prudent. The force united will be about 1,700 men. If even met in open ground, bring them to close qnarters at once. They wont bear the saber. The men should take three days rations. Women and old persons must be respected, and no firing of towns or houses will be permitted. Impress wagons to bring in forage and provis- ions captured, and destroy what cannot be brought in. It is hard war- fare, but my orders from General ilalleck are to pursue this course as the enemy has done in West Virginia. If horses give out, do not turn them loose, but shoot them, as other- wise they may recover and be used by the enemy. Your obedient servant, ~. A. IIUI{LBUT. MEMPHIS, TENN., May 19, 1863. Col. L. F. MOCRILLIS, Commanding Cavalry, Germantown, Tenn.: Sin: You xvill take your entire cavalry force, except light camp guard, and, starting about daylight of the 21st, will effect a junction with Colonel Hatch from La Grange at or near Varmington, on the road from Germantown to Byhalia. He will bring about 1,100 men and two pieces of artillery. You will report to him, and he will then take charge of the expedi- tion and show you the detailed orders. I suppose Chalmers to be on the other side of Coidwater, perhaps near Luxahoina. The men will take three days provisions, and had best cook them before starting. See that the howitzers are well supplied with ammunition, and have a rigid inspection of mem~, arms, ammunition, and horses. The work before you I want thoroughly well done, and have confi- deuce in your zeal and ability to do it. Your obedient servant, S. A. HUIILBUT Page 331 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC .UNION. ~31 CAIRO, ILL., May 19, 1863. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.: The following telegram was received yesterday by me: WASHINGTON, May 18, 1863. Captain PENNOCK, Senior Officer U. S. Navy, Cairo; The War Department proposes to send a force up the Arkansas River. In the ab- sence of Commodore Porter, give all the co-operation in your power and necessary instructions. H. W. HALLECK. I answered it as follows: MAY 18, 1863. H. W. HALLECK, General in-Chief, Washington, D. C.: I have no control over the movements of the naval forces below this station. Ad- miral Porter has left his instructions with Lieutenant-Commander Breese, at mouth of Yazoo River. In regard to the disposition of naval forces above Yicksburg, will forward your telegram for co-operation to him by earliest opportunity. A. M. PEYNOCK. The dispatch has been forwarded. A.. M. PENNOCK, Fleet Captain and Commandant of Station. BIG BLACK, May 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department, & e.: GENERAL: Since receiving your order to defend the bridges (which arrived this morning), I have just this instant (4 p. in.) received an order from General MeClernand to hasten my division to the front. I am bound to presume that this is in accordance with your orders, and I shall be with General McClernand before midnight. This leaves the bridges entirely unguarded. Colonel Wright, of the cavalry, ordered by you to report to me, has up to this Pine failed to do so. Before receiving your order, I sent my cavalry escort out to make a reconnaissance down Big Black, but they have not yet returned. I have the honor to be, with great respect, yonr obedient servant, ALVIN P. HOVEY. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, near Vi ohs burg, ay 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Comdg. Seventeenth Army Corps: GENERAL: I propose to make a charge upon the enemys lines within an hour or two. The point of attack is on my right, and I think miot far from your left. If the enemy should move out to attack my right flank, I trust you will feel justified in undertaking to prevent him from doing so. Respectfully, yours, & c., JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, near TTiclcsburg, May 20, 18638 a. in. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Department of the Tennessee: GENEIIAL: I have the honor to report that General Hovey, with his division, is now about 2 miles from here; the general himself is here. My order to him was written in ignorance to him to remain at Bi Page 332 33~2 MiSSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. Black [sic], but, reaching him after your order re~ ched him, he under- stood it to be a revocation by your authority, by your previous order. Taking it for granted that he would be controlled by the order directly emanating from you, 1 did not deem it necessary to write to him in explanation; even if I had done so, it would not hav~e availed to sto) him, as he had come some distance in this direction before 1 received nottee of your order. I think, however, from the generals representa- tion, that 110 hostile movement threatens our rear; he knew of none; besides, he left two companies behind at the railro~id bridge. Cannot his division, or a part of it, be permitted to take part in the assault to- morrow ~ lie awaits your order, an officer being sent back to halt his command until you are heard from. Any communications you may be pleased to send will be forwarded to him. General ilovey suggests that only one bridge should be l)reserved at the Big Black, and that the one nearest to the railroad bridge. I am close up to the enemys works all along my line. Have lost in killed and wounded a number of men to-day, but have silenced most all the guns in my front. I propose to assaniu the enemys works iu the morning, and have made arrangements with that view. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAIND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPs Near Vicksburg, Allay 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee; GENERAL: I have the honor to communicate the following, viz: In my front we have met a formidable line of earthworks, chiefly square redoubts or lunettes, connected to~ether by a line of rifle-pits, and the whole line in a very commanding position. Moreover, I am informed from various sources that they have two lines of defense in the rear of the one I am now attackiub. I do not think the J)osition can be carried with our present extended lines. In my Opinion a change of the plan of attack and the concentration of our forces on some particular l)oint or points would give better assurance of success. Otherwise, perhaps, a siege becomes the only alternative. With respect, sir, your obedient servant, JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY Cones In the Field, near Vicksbnrg, Miss., May 20, 1863. lVJaj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Corndg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have suffered considerable loss, but am pressing for a sharp engagement up to the enemys works. I hear nothing on the right or center. JOHN A. MOCLEIRNAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTII ARMY CORPS, In the Field, near Vicksburg, May 20, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: General Smith is within some hundred yards of the works. He says McPherson should advance ou his right. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,A. MCCLERNAND Page 333 CHAr. XXXVl.J CORRE5PO~DI& E, ETC.UNION. 333 HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, [May 20, 1863]-~3.50 p. m. Major-General GRANT: Colonel Whiting, commanding at Warrenton, reports General John- ston, with 3,000 or 4,000 men, building a bridge across Big Black, from 12 to 20 miles off My cavalry are now reconnoitering toward Baldwins and Halls [ferries]. I have no corroboration of the report. Will send word to Lauman. A. gunboat should watch Warrenton. JOHN A. MoCLERNAND. MEMPHIS, TENN., May ~0, 18633 p. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: Spy in Corinth left Atlanta on May 8. Stopped five days in Chatta- nooga. Saw Streight at Atlanta. His ammunition gave out. Govern- ment stores remOve(1 from Atlanta. While he was in Chattanooga seven brigades passed on their way south. Two days afterward, at Stevenson, other troops passed southall from Braggs army, they saybound to Vicksburg. Rome is being fortified. He thinks none of the troops seen stopped at Rome. This city (Memphis) is full of rumors of disaster to General Grant. S. A. HURLBUT. WASHINGTON, May 20, 18634.05 p. m. Brigadier-General ELLET, Cairo, Ill.: The Secretary of War thinks that such of your boats as may be avail. able and not required in the Cumberland and Tennessee should proceed immediately to Yicksburg. H. W. HALLECK. [MAY 20, 1863.For Dodge to Rosecrans and Oglesby to Hurlbut, in reference to Streights raid, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II, p. 343.] NEAR VICKSBIJRG, MISS., May 21, 1863. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Gomdg. Mississippi Squadron: I expect to assault the city at 10 a. in. to-morrow. I would request, and earnestly request it, that you send up the gunboats below the city and shell the rebel intrenchments nutil that hour and for thirty minutes after. If the mortars could all be sent down to near the point on the Louisiana shore, and throw in shells during the night, it would mate- rially aid me. I would like at least to have the enemy kept annoyed during the night. U. S. t~RANT. GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. . Near Vicksburg, hay 21, 1863. A simultaneous athek will be made to morrow at 10 a. in. by all the army corps of this army. During the clay army corps commanders will have examined all practicable roads over which troops can possibl Page 334 334 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. pass. They will get in position all the artillery possible, and gain all the ground tljey can with their infantry and skirmishers. At an early hour iu the morning a vigorous attack will be commenced by the artil- lery and skirmishers. The infantry, with the exception of reserves and skirmishers, 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. 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. The troops will go light, carrying with 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 Yicksburg in a very sh6rt time, and with much less loss than would be sustained hy delay. Every days delay enables the enemy to strengthen his defenses and increases his chance for receiving aid from outside. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. IIAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. NEAR YICKSBURG, Miss., May 21, 1863. Brig. Gen. JOHN MUARTHUR, Commanding AS~iXth Division, AS~eventeenth Army Corps: Inclosed you will find orders for the three army corps here.* Your command being detached, will necessarily have to act independently. I want you to move with your entire force on the \Ticksburg road, to- ward the city. Move cautiDusly, and be prepared to receive an attack at any moment. Penetrate as far into the city as you can. Should you find the city still in possession of the enemy, hold as advanced a posi- tion as you can secure yourself upon. U. S. GRANT. GENERAL ORDERS, IJDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 38. Walnut Hills, Miss., M~ty 21, 1863. In addition to the details set forth in General Orders, No. , from Headquarters IDepartinent of the T~nnessee, the following is added: Generals Blairs and Tuttl& s divisions will assault along the main road, by the flank, the head of the column preceded by a selected, or volunteer, storming party of about 150 men. The skirmishers along our whole front will, during the night, advance within 100 yards of the enemys works, and will, with the spade or ax, prepare pits, or fallen trees, so as to give them cover from which to kill artillerists who attempt to load the guns, also to keep down the fire of the enemys infantry in the rifle-pits during the assault. As soou as the head of the column is seen to enter the works, these skirmishers will hastily scale the works and fire upon the enemy and drive him as far as possible. The artillery will collect all the ammunition they can, close at band, and will begin at daylight to fire on the enemys sallyport, the bastions, and batteries, that have a fire on the ground over which the column must pass, firing with breat care and precision, reserving in their cais * See General Fiehi Orders, No. , p. 333 Page 335 CILAL. XXXYJ.] COI~RESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 335 sons, if possible, about 100 rounds of canister and shrapnel for service after p~ssiug the parapet. No wagons of any kind will attend the assaulting columns, but, as soon as the infantry has passed ibside, the artillery will follow, aiid after the artillery the ambulances and ammunition wagons, one to a regiment. No other wagons will enter the enemy~s lines until we are in full pos- session of Vicksburg and notice is given division commanders to call up their wagons. Officers will assault on foot, but may have their horses brought to them inside by their servants, as soon as the troops have passed in. General Steeles division will in like manner attack, by any route he may select, the one to the ft-out of Thayer being suggested. Each column will attack by the watch, and not depend on signals. All must presume that others are doing their best, and do thQir full share. As soon as the enemy gives way, he must be pushed to the very heart of the city, where he must surrender. There is another valley, or bayou, on the other side of the one now separating us from the enemy. If the enemy retreats across that bayou, our troops must follow at their heels, and not permit them to rally in an interior work. The general now looks to his corps to give the world the signal cx- ample of steady courage and its resultssuccess. We must have Vicksburg, and most truly have we earned it by former sacrifices and labors. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Befrre Vieksburg, Miss, May 21, 1863. Memorandum order. The chief engineer, quartermaster, and commissary will perfect the arrangement about supplies. The cavalry will keep a picket at Black River, near Bridgeport, and constantly patrol the country to the north and east. The troops will press the enemy at all points with sharp- shooters and skirmishers, and all officers are charged to study the ground to the frontand rear of their positions. A map will soon be prepared, ei~bracing our part of the general line. Division command- ers near may take advantage of any opening toward a lodgment inside the enemys works. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. HAYNES BLUFF, Miss., May 21, 1863. Maj. JAMES GRANT WILSON, Gommanding Detachment Fifteenth Illinois Gavaby: SIR: In accordance with orders from Maj. Gen. IT. S. Grant, you are hereby directed to keep the cavalry of your command well to the east and north, and observe closely every movement of the enemy, who are reported to be assembling an army in the vicinity of Brownsville. Should you ascertain to a certainty that the enemy are concentratin Page 336 33(3 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. there, conimence with your cavalry the destruction of all corn between the Black and Yazoo Rivers, as far as you can possibly reach. Drive in also all stock upon which an army might feed in the same event. IRepoit to these headquarters protnptly all you may observe concern- ing the movement of the enemy. By order of Brigadier-General Lauman: W. H. F. RANDALL, Assistant Adjittant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRPs, In Field, near Vicksburg, Miss., May 21, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that General ilovey has destioyed the upper bridge over Big Black, and an officer has been sent to the cars to destroy the enemys ammunition at Edwards Depot. Major [Henry P.] Hawkins has just reported that there is no rebel force in the rear, except one brigade in the neighborhood of Raymond. That force is so demoralized that many threw away their arms, swear- ing they would fight no more. The last seen of them they were 12 or 14 miles east of Big Black, on their way to Jackson. One hundred and sixty-nine head of beef-cattle have been collected and left at the hospital for the wounded, but theywere short of other parts of rations. Your most obedient servant, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. JACKSON, May 21, 1863. Lient. Col. HENRY BINMORE, Assistant Adjutant- General, Memphis: The following dispatch has just been received from General Dodge: Scout left Okolona Monday night at 5 p. in.; says Grant left Jackson 10 a. in. Sun- day, and that he burned the town. Johnston attacked him at 3 p. m. same day at Ed- wards Station, and np to 4 p. m. Monday fighting was still going on. Rebel reports were all against Grant. iRe-enforcement~ from east were still pouring into Johnston, said to be 30,000 in all. The force at Okolona was being re-enforced. The brigade that arrived there bronght thirteen pieces artillery and 100 new army wagons. They say they are fixing for a big raid; even talk of coming into Corinth; think evacuating the place. Everybody in Mississippi is getting away. Scout saw negroes going east by the drove. All his news was the report received at Okolona by telegraph and current among the citizens and soldiers. It was said that Johnston had taken large nnmber of prisoners; that Pemberton was a traitor, and had sent a bouquet to Grant, so arranged as to give position of rebel troops. I have no doubt but what fighting was going on Sunday and Monday. G. M. DODGE. R. J. OGLESBY. JACKSON, May 21, 1863. Major-General IIURLBUT: Scouts in from east of Tennessee River report forces moving from Savannah to Linden. A force is crossing at Muscle Shoals south. This is the point at which Kirby Smith crossed to go to Yicksburg last win- ter. This force is likely crossing the trains of the troops who went south through Chattanooga several days ago. A heavy force has left Braggs army to join Joe Johns~oii before Grai~t. R. J~ OGJA~SJ3Y Page 337 ChAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 337 LA GRANGE, TENN., lJfay 21, 1863. Lieutcnant.Colonel BINMOnE, Assistant Adjutant- General, AS1iXteCflth Army (Jorps: SiR: A railroad man, a refugee from Jackson, gives much valuable information as to -the whereabouts of the rolling 4ock of the roads cen- tering at that point. He says they have 30 serviceable locomotives and over 200 cars this side of Jackson, on the Mississippi Central Railroad and the Memphis branch. This large amount of transportatioll gives them the power of running a force northward with great rapidity, either to escape from General Grant or to threaten and l)crhaps cat oft his line of communication. This movement has no doubt already received the consideration of the general commanding our corps, but the information as to the quan- tity of rolling stock may be new. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, - WM. SOGY SMITH. U. S. S. TUSCUMBJA, Below T7icksburg, May 22, 18632 p. m. Maj. Geii. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: I attacked the batteries this morning at 8 oclock with the gunboats, after they had been playing on them all night. We silenced all the hill batteries, and then attacked the water batteries at short range. The enemys fire slackened considerably, but not enough to induce inc to continue the action, the men being very much fatigued. Continued the action an hour and a half longer than you requested, and I wished to keep ammunition enough on hand in case you hove in sight. In the mean time McArthurs division were seen straggling along the top of the hills near the deserted batteries. The enemy, perceiving they were unaccompanied by artillery, got one or two field-pieces in one of the batteries we had silenced. I immediately got under way with two of the gunboats and shelled them out. Could General MeArthur have known the state of things, he could have gone into the forts without any trouble, and can do so now. I will write to him, and inform him of the fact. It is an important position, and commands all the batteries down to the water batteries. There is only one gun on the battery opposite the Marine Hospital. We disabled the big rifle gun above the canal, after a short action with it, and we now hold the river within 1,800 yards of the batteries in front of the Marine Hospital. Very respectfully and sincerely, DAVID D. PORTER. NEAR VICKSBURG, Miss., JYLay 22, 18638.30 p. m. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron: Your note, dated 2 p. in., is just received. I had sent you a dispatch stating that the assault at 10 a. m. was not successful, although not an entire failure. Our troops succeeded in gaining positions close up to the enemys batteries, xvhi ch we yet hold, and, in one or two instances, getting into them. I now find the position of the enemy so strong that I shall be compelled to regularly besiege the city. I would request, 22 R RVOL XXIV, PT II Page 338 888 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ITO. [GNAt ZXZVL therefore, that you give me .11 the assistance you can with the mortars. and gunboat.. MoArthur has been ordered to Join MoOlernand, but I wish to countermand the order, if it has not already been executed. I liavo no means of communicating with General MoArthur, except by way of Youngs Point. will you do me the favor to forward to 1dm the accompanying? U. S. GRANT. P. 8.If the gunboats could come up and silence the upper water battery and clear the southern slope of the second range of hills from the Yasoo Bottom, it would enable Sherman to carry that position, and virtually give us the city. The mortar-boats, I think, could be brought with security to within 1 mile or less of the bluff, on the. Mississippi shore, from which they could rain shells Into the city. Let me beg that every gunboat and every mortar be brought to bear upon the city. Near FLAG-SHIP BLwr HAWK, Yickebvrg, May 22, 1803Evening. 114 Gen. u. S. GRANT, Oomma.sMsg Forces ft. Rear of Y**uburu: Dun GrnInAL: I wrote to you to-day that we had commenced an attack with all the gunboats on the forts on the hills, which sllencM, and then proceeded to the water battery in front of the hospital, In hopes of silencing that.. We found it a hard nut to crack, and fought it two hours, with apparently no damage to men, fort, or guns, which is not very strange, considering it stwids back from the river, none of it is above ground, and we never saw a man. The vessels were a good deal cut up, but fortunately no one was killed. (Ice of the hill batteries, after we had dismounted the gun, went to work to repair damages, and got a field piece in the fort, which we fond out, and shelled the people away; General McArthuts troops, which were landed at Warrenton this morning, went straggling along that way and were fired at by this field piece. It is a pity they did not assault, for they would have taken the place without any trouble, as there were not 20 men in it. It is the most important fort along that range of hills, commands the big rifle- gun fort, which we damaged and silenced, and the latter commands the rest of the batteries. I thought it would be well to let you know this, also that all the left of Vicksburg is open for 11w enemy to go out or In as he likes~ To-day, before General McArthur came up, a large number of rebel cavalry went out, and a short time after a company of our cavalry came in, looking for Warrenton, and they never even met each other. Mc- Arthur has only 8 000 men; if he had 5,000, he could bbook up all that range of hille. I? he will assault the forts, with the aid of the gun- boats,, he will take them alL They are poorly manned; still, he must have ladders, as the ditches deep. Our men are much used up, but we will bombard all we can. There is no danger of our firing into you, as we know exactly where you are. Most 6f our shell fall beyond the court-house, and none to the left of the fort, which General Sherman has been working at t& day. Very respelitfolly, PAVII) P. PORTER Page 339 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 339 HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, iVIaj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: May 22, 1863. GENERAL: I have had a hotly contested field all day, beginning with ~rtillery at daylight and infantry at 10 oclock, ~vhen a general charge was made upon the enemys line.* The casualties are considerable, in eluding in the list of killed Colonel Boomer, Lieutenant-Colonel Dunlap, and several other commissioned officers, and several field and line officers wounded, and many privates kille(l and wounded. General Quinbys division came too late to be applied in the engage- ment, to-day. Generals Osterhaus, Carr, and ilovey report to me that their ~ien are exhausted by fi~tigue and a want of sufficient food and rest. General Quinby also says his men are very much fatigued. I (loubt if a considerable portion of their commands will be qualified for efficient action to-morrow. General IcArthurs troops have not arrived, although I understand that his camp is within 2 miles and his headquarters within 1. I sent him some artillery to-day, and heard firing from it this evening. On the receipt of your order, I instructed him to bring forward his (livision, if there was no public property at Warren~on to l)rotect, other- wise one brigade only, and have just learned that he probably had but one brigade with him. I still think that to force the enemys works we will have to mass a strong force upon some one or two points of his defenses. The enemy made two sorties this evening, but were repulsed. He seems disposed to turn my right flank; indeed, I this moment learn that lie is attempt- ing to pass between McPherson and me. I have some doubts, however, on this point. In order, however, to guard against this danger, I would suggest that General McPherson immediately extend his line by in- fantry or a sti-ong picket until it joins my l)icket. In the morning I could relieve any force thus moved iu this direction by a brigade of General McArthurs division, which I now understand to be on the way here. Your obedient servant, JOHN A. McCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, May 22, 1863. Major-General MCPhERSON: GENERAL: General McClernand directs me to tell you that there is a wide bap between our ri~ght and your left. In order to reduce it, we have ordered a brigad of Quinbys division to our right, and ordered them to throw out pickets toward you, and wish that you would so ex- tend your left by Pickets as to close the gap. I am, sir, with respect, your obedient servant, WRIGHT HIVES, First Leut. Sixth Infantry, U. S. Army, Major and Aide-dc-Gamy. P. 8.The enemy have been making demonstrations toward our right all the evening. For Grant to ilctlerup od, and othcr dispatches from McClernand of this date, see Part I, pp. 172, 173 Page 340 840 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CIIAP. XXXVL HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Vicksburg, ]Jli8s., Allay 22, 1863. Maj. Gen. JAMES B. MCPHERSON: GENERAL: Since my last dispatch, I have received corroborative in- formation (doubted by mc, however) that the enemy are trying to turn either your flank or mine. I have exten(Ied my right as much as pos- sible. You will decide whether you will extend your line, infantry or pickets, so as to substantially connect with mine until morning. Your obedient servamit, JOHN A. MCCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS May 22, 1863. Commanders of divisions will hold all the ground they have gained by such means as they may think best, and provide for the refreshment of their men. Their positions will be protected by adequate guards, and every vigilance used to guard against surprise; they will spare no pains; during the night will make rifle-pits and intrench batteries in the most eligible positions. Orders from the general commanding the department are awaited, and will probably control the operations of to-morrow. They will, dur- ing the night, provide the troops of their commands with rations and suitable ammunition for all arms, and obserxTe the orders heretofore issued in relation to camp-fires, firing of guns, and sounding of bugles. By order of Maj. Gemi. John A. McClernand: WALTER B. SCATES, Lieutenant- Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, May 22, 1863. Brig. Gen. PETER J. OSTERHAUS: GENERAL: You must advance and assault the enemy, and thereby make a diversion. If you cant do so, let me know iL In that case you can stand on the defensive, and I will apply General flovey~s bri- gadeat least a partin support of Can. One or other of these things must be done. JOHN A. McCLERNAND. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, near Tfieksburg, May 22, 18631.30 p. m. Sent an order to Colonel Landram to post two of the regiments of his brigade behind the two right regiments of General Lawlers brigade; also that General Burbmidge post two regiments of his brio-ade behind the two left regiments of General Bentons, so as to fill up the space between ~ and Bentons brigades, and cover the space between the forts, and that the whole force move forward immediately and vig- orously. By order of Maj. Gen. John A. MeClernand: WALTER B. SCATES, Lieutenant Colonel and Assistant A6jutant- General. (Orders delivered verbally. Page 341 ChAP. XXXVJ7. I CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 341 HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, near Viclcsburg, Miss., May 22, 18631.30 p. m. Brig. Gen. PETER J. OSTERHAUS, Commanding Ninth Division: GENERAL: I have the honor to say, by order of the major-general commanding, that lie is advised by General Grant that General Sher- man will make a feint upon the right at 1 a. in., and that General Mc- Phersons skirmishers believe that preparations are making for a night attack npon his front. In case of such an attack or any commotion toward the center, push the and fall upon the rear of the enemy. I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant WALTER B. SCATES, Lieutenant- UQionel and Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, TENTH DIVISION, General SMITH, May 22, 18632.40 p. m. Commanding Tenth Division: Our men are holding the flanks of the fort in front of us. There is a heavy cross-fire upon us, and we have lost many killed and wounded. They are hnrling hand-grenades upon us, and hurting ns considerably that way. Yours, & c., W. J. LANDIRAM, Commanding Brigade. CAMP BEFORE YICKSBURG, May 22, 1863. Major-General GRANT: SIR: We have had a hard day~s work, and all are exhausted. I leave Ewings and Giles A. Smiths brigades clo~e up to the enemys works, with Ransoms brigade on the left, two of Tuttles brigades in rear of the batteries, and two brigades in reserve. I have ordered all to con- struct breastworks, and have a thousand picks and shovels for that pur- pose. From Ewings l)ositioIl a sap may be made to reach the right bastion, and it may he we can undermine amid blow it up. My men are too exhausted to do all this to-night. Steele also assaulted, but failed, and after dark will withdraw behind the first hills. If Admiral Porter will send two of his best gunboats along this shore, and with his heavy artillery at close range clear the hill in front of my right on the immediate bank of the river, we may secure that flank of the enemys works, and thereby turn them. I think you had better send a staff officer to Admiral Porter, and convey to him the fact that the enemy and his works are stronger than we estimated, and that he should bring to bear on Vicksbumg every gun at his command. A gun- boat fleet should attend each flank of our army, co-operating with it, and his mortars should come within easy range and drop shell by the thousand in the city. I think his niom-tar-bo~ts may safely come down this shore within 1,000 yards of Steeles right. Yours, truly, W. T. SHERMAN Page 342 342 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. GENERAL ORDERS, HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 39. Walnut Hills, Miss., ]Jiliay ~2, 1863. I. General Blair will hold the present ground now occupied by Gen- erals Ewing and Giles A. Smith, and xviii withdraw the other brigade to a position of easy support. II. General Tuttle will dispose two of his brigades to support the batteries, and hold the other in reserve near the forks of the road. III. Generals Ewing and Giles A. Smith will construct in their front a rifle-pit or breast-height of logs, and lay out a covered road to their rear, to be constructed as soon as tools can be procured. IV. The artillery will hold its present position, and lose no time or effort in renewing the supplies of ammunition. V. Each regiment will, nn(ler cover of night, move their dead and wounded; inter the former, and remove the latter to the hospitals. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: 11. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. WASHINGTON, May 22, 1863. Major-General IIIJRL]3IJT, Miemphis, Tenn.: We have news here in the Richmond newspapers of 20th and 21st, inclnding a dispatch from General Joe Johnston himseW that on 15th or 16tha little confusion as to the dayGrant beat Pemberton and [W. W.] Loring near Edwards Station, at the end of a nine hours fight, driving Pemberton over the Big Black and cuttino- Loring off and driving him south to Crystal Springs, 25 miles below Jackson. Joe Johnston te]egraphel all this, except about Loring, from his camp between Brownsville and Lexington, on the 18th. Another dispatch indicates that Grant was moving against Johnston on the 18th. A. LJNCOLTh UNiTED STATES MISSISSIPPI SQUADRON, A bore Vicksbury, A/lay 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Army of the Tennessee: GENERAL: Yonrs of May 22 has been received. I am doing ~ll with the mortars and gunboats that can be done. I attacked all the batteries yesterday as high as the water batteries at hospital, bnt I found it impossible, with our slow vessels, to get beyond that point, the current was so strong. We were perfect targets for the enemy. The Tuscumbia was soon disabled, and the other boats cut up between wind and water, and we had to hani out of action to repair damages. I fought the batteries one hour and a half longer than you asked me to do. T do not think it possible to get the gunboats up to the point you speak of without sacrificing every vessel and man on board, but I am feeling my way along with the mortars, and drop them down a little every day. Depend that I am doing everything that can be done with my small means. I think we lost a fine chance yesterday on yonr left of goin~, into the fort on that range of bills. Those hills, as I told you, had no one on them. I forwarded your letter to General McArthnr. Hope you will 500fl finish up this Vicksburg business, or these people may get relief. I wrote to General Iluribut four days ago, telling hi Page 343 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORUESPONDENCE, ETC.IJNION. 343 that I thought you would thank hini for every man he or any one else coul(l send you. General Banks is not coming here with his men. He is going to oc- cupy the attention of Port Hudson, and has landed at Bayou Sara, using your transports for that purpose. If the people iu the batteries now in our possession see us sending coal barges by, it would be well to fire on any boats the enemy may send out to destroy them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER. NEAR YICKsBuRG, Miss., ]Jfay 23, 1863. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding ]Jiliississippi Squadron: Your note of this date is just received. I am satisfied that you are doing all that can be done in aid of the reduction of Yicksburg. There is no doubt of the fail of this place ultimately, but how long it will take is a matter of doubt. I intend to lose no more men, but to force the enemy from one position to another without exposing my troops. I have information that the enemy under Johnston, who have been threatening me, have gone back to Calhoun, on the Mississippi Central Railroad. There is but abofit 8,000 of them, much demoralized. A force is collecting at Yazoo City which numbers now about 2,000 men. Does this expose your boats now up the Yazoo? If so, I will send Lanman to disperse them, although 1 do not like to detach any troops until this job here is closed up. One week Is as long as I think the enemy can possibly hold out. U. S. GRANT. NEAR YICKSBURG, Miss., May 23, 1863. Maj. Gen. JOHN A. MCCLERNA~D, Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps: Your dispatch of last night is received. A~ny further assault on the enemys works will for the present cease. Hold all the ground you have acquired; get your batteries in position, and commence regular ap- ])roaches toward the city. Order General Quinby to his former position on your right, and to report to his corps commander. Send McArthurs whole force back to the Big Bayou crossing of the Warrenton and Vicksburg road, with instructions to hold that crossing and the adjacent high lands. Keep all roads south of you leading to the city well watched. There are plenty of supplies at Chickasaw Bayou Landing. l)irect your com- missary to get up full rations for your men, and your ordnance officer full supplies of ammunition. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. I4AWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. GENERAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 40. f Walnut Hills, Miss., May 23, 1863. I. The works of the enemy being too strong to be carried by assault, must be reduced by a system of regular approaches. These should b Page 344 344 MISSISSJPPJ, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. made according to the well-established principles of the military art, and, to secure a fair share of labor, and -to keep Ihe goO(l soldier at his post, the following rules will apply to this corl)s: II. Each division commander will call in his pioneer cori~s, and pro- ceed to make a good covered road from his base toward some salient of the work in his front, taking every advantage of the natural ravines characteristic of this country. Where these valleys do not fulfill the object, the regular sap must be made. Captain Jenney will forthwith repair to these headquarters, and give his general supervision of this workappointing an engineer to each branch of the work. On this species of work soldiers may properly be employed, and negro labor, w hen organized. III. It is the duty of the quartermasters department to look to roads and communications to the rear, and it is made the duty of division quarterniasters to look to the roads leading to our depot, viz, Lakes Landing, at mouth of Chickasaw. These quartermasters will impress negroes and soldiers hanging behind their regiments without arms, and dodging their share of duty and labor; an(l that these may be dis- tinguished from the soldier in the proper discharge of his duty, or the negro servant of the officer, all teamsters and authorized servants should be furnished a written ticket or order assigning him to such duty. When not so provided, any division or brigade quartermaster will impress him, and put him to useful wdrk. Sickness, also, will not be pleaded as an excuse. Sick soldiers must stay in their regimental camps or at their hospitals. If well enough to wander about, they can work on a road, or in loading wagous. The north line of defenses of Yicksburg are our military object. Grand depot, at the mouth of (Dhickasaw. Temporary supplies of ammunition and provisions will be kept iu the rear of each division. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: iR. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjutant- General. MEMPHIS, TENN., JYfay 23, 1863. His Excellency A. LINCOLN, President: I forward the following, just received from Col. John A. IRawlins, as- sistant adjutant-general, rear of Yicksburg, 20th: The Army of the Tennessee landed at Bruinsburg on 30th April. On 1st May, fought battle of Port Gibson; defeated rebels under Bowen, whose loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners was at least 1,500; loss in artillery, five pieces. On 1~2th May, at the battle of Raymond, rebels were defeated, with a loss of 800. On the 14th, defeated Joseph E. Johnston, captured J ackson. with loss to the enemy of 400, besides immense stores and manufactories, and seventeen pieces artillery. On the 16th, fought the bloody and decisive battle of Bakers Creek, in which the entire Vicksburg force, under Pemberton, was defeated, with loss of twenty-nine pieces of artillery and 4,000 men On the 17th, defeated same force at Big Black Bridge, with loss of 2.600 men and eleven pieces of artillery. On the 18th, invested Vicksbnrg closely. To-day General Steele carried the rifle- pits ou the north of the city. The right of the army rests on the Mississippi above Vicksburg. JNO. A. RAWLINS. 1 learn farther that there are from 1~,000 to 20,000 men in Yicksburg, and that Pemberton lost nearly all his field artillery; that the cannon- ading at Yicksburg ceased about 3 p. m. of 20th. Grant has probably captured nearly all. S. A. IIURLBUT Page 345 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 345. LA GRANGE, May 23, 1863. Major-General HuI~LnuT, & xteenth Army Corps: The following just received from Colonel Hatch: I have not found the enemy in Ibrce up to this time. Considerable skirmishing with inferior forces. I shall move toward Senatobia or Paiiola in the morning. EDWARD HATCH, Colonel, Commanding. WM. SOGY SMITH. [MAY 23, 1863.For Dodge to Rosecrans, in reference to Confederate movements in Northern Alabama, see Series I, Vol. XXJLl, Part II, p. 3~8.] MAY 24, 18632.30 p. m. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: I have but o:ie gunboat here~ she is unfit for the purpose. The Ca- rondelet below is unfit to go into a fight. Tuscumbia disabled; and it would be too small a force to pass up by the batteries. I will write you on the subject. In the mean time, I will open all the mortars on that spot. DAVID D. PORTER. HEADQUARTER.S THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Vicksburg, May 24, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: Your note in relation to establishing a garrison at War- renton is this moment received. I have no available cavalry at pres- ent. Two companies of the cavalry of the corps reported to you yes. - terday evening. Three companies left early this morning as an escort for a train going to Warrenton, one company this morning to Halls Ferry, and my body-guard went to Baldwins Ferry. I have one brigade at Big Black, two regiments at Perkins plantation, and hold ~ present lositiou by a force much diminished and weakened by the casualties of battle and fatigues of the campaign. It is hardly safe to weaken it further by detachments from it. Would it not be better for MeArthur or Lauman to garrison Warren. ton until one of the regiments from Perkins comes up, or would it not be better to garrison it by the troops now at Grand Gulf; or would it not be better still to make a depot on the river opposite MeArthurs left flank, and construct a new road from it, or by his present encaml)- ment to these headquarters, which would save a distance of 5 or 6 miles, and supersede the necessity of garrison ~? If this is not satisfactory, I will immediately send a regiment there to garrison it. JOHN A. MUCLERNAND. SPECiAL ORDERS, ( HDQRS. SEVENTEEi~TH ARMY CORPS, No. 02. Near TTick-sburg, Miss., May 24, 1863. * * * * * * * IV. Brigadier-General MeArthur will ,as soon as relieved by Brig Page 346 346 MISSISSJPPI, WEST TENNE SEE, ETC. WJIAi. XXXVI. adier-General Lauinan, proceed with his Comlnan(l to this point, and report in person for orders to these headquarters. * * * * * * * By order of Major-General McPherson: WM. T. CLARK, Assistant Adjutant- General. HAYNES BLUFF, [May 24j 1863. Major-General GRANT: I shall send 250 cavalry across the Yazoo, and up between iDeer Creek and Sunflower, to drive out the secesh who are gathering up stock, and to drive the stock iuto our lines. Captain Walker will send a gunboat up Sunflower at same time. C. C. WASHBURN. JACKSON, May 24, 1863. Major-General HURLEUT, Memphis: Scout in to-day report cavalry all concentrating at Columbia, Tenn. They are all ordered to be there in five days. Will you allow me to send a cavalry force from Corinth in the direction of Florence and De- catur, to annoy them, and see what they are doing? Have you any news from General U. S. Grant? H. J. OGLESBY. NEAR YICKSBURG, Miss., May 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Comdg. Dept. of the Gulf: I send Colonel Ri ~gin, of my staff, to commnnicate with you on the subject of co-operation between our respective forces in the effectual opening of the Mississippi River. Colonel Riggin can give you all the particulars of my present situation more minutely than can well be done in a short communication. I now have Vicksbnrg invested, and draw my supplies from the Yazoo above Yicksburg, and from Warrenton be- low the city. I feel that my force is abundantly strong to hold the enemy where he is, or to whip him if he should come out. The place is so strongly fodified, however, that it cannot be taken without either a g~eat sacrifice of life or by a regular siege. I have determined to adopt the latter conrse, and save my men. I can get no accurate iuformation as to the number of men the enemy have nor the amonnt of provisions or ordnance stores. They are cvi- dently deficient in artillery. The gr ate~t (anger now to be apprehended is that the enemy may collect a force outside and attempt to rescue the garrison. My cavalry force is insufficient to guarfi l)rol)eriy against this, but with what I have I am doing thc best I can. The railroain1 is effectually broken at Jackson, so that an army to come here within the next twenty days would have to haul their supplies and ordnance stores with teams at least 40 miles. The rebels set such a value upon the possession of a foothold on the Mississippi River, how- ever, that ~ desperate effort will be made to hold this point. For thi~ reason, I deem it advisable that as lirge a force be collected here as possible. Having all my avail ble force that can be spared from West Tenne Page 347 CUAP. XXXVL] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. UNION. 347 see and Helena here, to get any more II must look outside of my own department. You being engaged in the same enterprise, 1 am com- pelled to ask you to give me such assistance as may be in your power. When I commenced writing this, it, was my intention to propose send- ing you, if you will furnish the transportation, 8,~i00 or 10,000 men to co-operate with you on Port Hudson, but, whilst wr4ing, a courier came in from my cavalry, stating that a force of the enemy are now about 30 miles northeast of here. They may be collecting there for the purpose of making an attack. At present, therefore, I do not deem it prudent to send oft any men Ii have, or even safe, without abandoning some of the advantages already gained. I would be pleased, general, to have you come, with such force as you are able to spare. You can be sup- plied with everything from Youngs Point. The road~is now good across the point opposite Vicksburg, and, with your transports, the ferriage cau be made. 1 am in hopes this letter will find you in possession of Port Hudson, and, therefore, of a much larger force to bring to this place than you could otherwise detach. Colonel Grierson would be of immense value to me now. If he has not already started, will you be kind enough to order him here imme- diately ~ He should come up the Louisiana shore, to avoid delay. U. S. GRANT. MAY 2~, 18639.30 p. m. General SHERMAN: I am fitting a gunboat, the only one I have, to go down and attack the water battery; she will be ready to-morrow. DAVID D. PORTER. FLAG-SHIP BLACK HAWK, Near Vicksburg, May 25, 1863. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy: SIR: There is a strong force of vessels at the mouth of Arkansas River, ready at all times to accompany any expedition, but I doubt if the water hi the river, which is falling rapidly, is favorable to such an enterprise beyond the post. DAVID D. PORTER. HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Near Vicksburg, Miss., May 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT: GENERAL: I have the honor to inform you that Col. Clark Wright has not reported to General Osterhaus, and refuses to do so, having no orders to do so, as he says, and under orders that conflict with it. He also asks for two 12-pounder howitzers. I most respectfully ask that Colonel Wright may be ordered by you to report to General Osterhaus. General Osterhaus reports that the wounded, surgeons, and nurses left at Raynmond have been captured by the enemy and paroled. He thinks there is no great force at present in the rear, bat the enemy is fortifying Jackson and collecting large numbers of negroes there. His scouts found a small rnounte(l picket at the cross-roads west of Browns- ville. It is rumored that Johnston is near with a force, and that the enemy intended visiting the hospital at Champions Hill to-day, toca Page 348 348 MISSISSIPPI. WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CIIAI. XXKVI. ture and parole the wounded and sick there. In consequence of this rumor, all who were able left the hospital for his headquarters. He is wholly unable to keep pickets on all the routes, and l)atrol the roads and country, without more cavalry. I earnestly hope you will supply him. It is understood j;hat the Fifty-fourth Indiana, left as guard at Bay. inond, was afterward sent by you, as a guard of prisoners, to the river; if so, will you be pleased to order them to join their brigade at the Big Black? I have the honor to be, general, your most obedient servant1 JOHN A. MOCLERNAND. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, iNo. 140. Near Vicksburq, Miss., May 25, 1863. Corps commanders will immediately commence the work of reducing the enemy by regular approaches. It is desirable that no more loss ot life shall be sustained in the reduction of Yicksburg md the capture of the garrison. Every advantage will be taken of the natural in- equalities of the ground to gain positions from which to start mines, trenches, or advance batteries. The work will be under the immediate charge of corps engineers, corps commanders being responsible that the work in their immediate fronts is pushed with all vigor. Capt. F. E. Prime, chief engineer of the department, will have general superintend- ence of the whole work. He will be obeyed and respected accordingly. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Near T7icksburg, Miss., May 25,4863. Maj. Gen. WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Gomdg. Fifteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: By an agreement entered into between the major-general commanding and Lieutenant-General Peinberton, commanding Confed- erate forces in Vicksburg, there will be a suspension of all hostilities for two hours and a half to cot at 6 p. m. of to-day, during which time you will send and bury our dead and gather in any of our wounded we have in front of your line. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. CIRCULAR.] * HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Vicksbarg, Miss., Map 25, 1863. There will, therefore, be a suspension of hostilities, from 6 p. in. to 8.30 p. in., to bury the dead and gather in the wounded. All commanders will respect the truce with absolute fidelity, and avail themselves of the opportunity to bring in and bury the dead. Surgeons will be sent with stimulants. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: R. M. SAWYER, Assistant Adjatant- General. * Indor~ed on preceding cornnnrnication Page 349 CHAP. XXX VI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 349 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Vicksburg, hay 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. B. lvii. PRENTISS, Commanding District of Southeastern Arkansas: GENERAL: The taking of Vicksburg is going to occupy time, contrary to my expectations when I first arrived near it. To watch the enemy and to prevent him collecting a force outside near enough to attack my rear, 1 require a large cavalry force. If, therefore, you have not sent off the cavalry ordered to West Tennessee, scud them at once to report to rue on the Yazoo River. If you are certain that you ~iu maintain your position with fewer forces than you now have, send me all the in- fantry and cavalry you can spare. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT. MEMPHIS, TENN., May 25, 186311.30 a. m. Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, Generalin-Okief: The Luminary is just up from Vicksburg. No official dispatches. Lyford, ordnance officer, writes, date 22d, 9 p. in.: Our loss is not very heavy for the position we have gained. They make a firm re- sistance. I think we shall have the place to-morrow. We completely encircle the town, and our men to-night have their colors plantefl on the enemys works, and are lying on the exterior slope. The gnu and mortar boats are in front of the town, work- ing away. Our captnres thus far are ahont (3,000 prisoners and 74 pieces of artiller~, some of which have been destroyed. General Granl is in good spirits. If we take Yicksbnrg, we shall take about 15,000 prisoners, with Pemberton, & c. S. C. LYFORD. Our troops lie thns: One corps in center, within a mile of the court- house; Sherman on the right, l-~ miles; and MeClernand on the left some distance. The cavalry in my front has gone south. Hatch, with 1,800 cavalry, is after them. Scouts at Corinth report all the cavalry east of Tennessee River assembling at Columbia, under orders. S. A. HURLBUT. FLAG-SHIP AUTOCRAT, ,Helena, Ark., May 25, 1863, VIA CAIRO, ILL., May 29. Hon. E. M. STANTON: I have the honor to request that another regiment of infantry be added to my command. I find from experience that my force is too small, and entirely insufficient to head against the enemy I have to con- tend with in the field, and at the same time provide for the safety of my boats. If permitted to choose, I would ask that the Thirty-third Regi- ment of Illinois Volunteers, COl. Charles E. Lippincott commanding, be added to the Marine Brigade. No additional boats will be required for this increase of the command. ALFRED W. ELLET. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE Near Vieksburg, Miss., May 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLEUT, ~Jommanding Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: You will, if you have not already done so, send a heavy cavalry force as far south as Grenada. Every available man of you Page 350 350 MISSISSiPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXAXTI. infantry force that can be possibly spared from their present position y~u will send forward at once to this place. Judging from the returns~ the garrison for the District of Columbus can be considerably reduced without dan~er. Contract everything on the liac from Memphis to Corinth, and keep your cavalry well out sonth of there. By this meau~ you ought to be able to send here quite a large force. The forces of Joe Johnston (froth 0 000 t of the Big Black, ai~d about 30 miles ~ 10,000) are reported west northeast of here. From this force no serious huger is apprehended, but they may re-enforce it until it becomes formidable. The investment of Yicksburg is complete, and supplies for our army are drawn from Chickasaw Bayou, on the Yazoo above, and Warrenton, on the Mississippi, below the city. Send General Kimball, it he can possibly be spared, in command of the re enforcement for this place. By order of Maj. Geu. U. S. Grant: JKO. A. PAWLINS, Assistant Adjnta~ I- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CoRps, Memphis, Tenn., May 25, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, n~ the Field, Vieksburg: GENERAL: We in the rear, and the country bi~hind us, are watching with unspeakable pride the glorious track of the Army of the Tennes- see. Every sort of congratulation for the glory already won, and the crowning victory to come. I cannot, with business, fashion, as yet, in the reality of the past and anticipation of the future. Sic. I send the Luminary, with a full of cargo ammunition, reducing me to 100 rounds per man. I hope it will not be needed for Vicksburg, but it will be in the future. Johnston has called off all troops from above. Anticipating this, I had ordered Colonel Hatch, of the Second Iowa Cavalry, to take all the mounted men outside of Memphis, and look up Chalmers. I have just heard from their first interview. Hatch found him in Senatobiaswamp. Charged at once; killed 9, and drove the others into Panola, across the Tallahatchee, except such as fled toward Helen. Chalmers is re- ported to have had 2,000 regulars and 1,000 conscripts. Hatch has 1,7001,200 cavalry and 500 mounted infantryThur mounted howit- zers, and one section of 6-pounders. My cavalry will be at ~vork all the time as far as I can reach. As yet I have not called up the cavalry from Helena, as Prentiss has some fears for his place. The entire line here is now quiet. Your obedient servant, S. A. HURLBUT. MEMPHIS, TENN., May 25, 1863. Brig. Gen. J. W. IRIPLEY, Chief of Ordnance: General Grant has sent for heavy supply of ammunition. I send to-day all there is here. Requisitions sent from here on the 2d of May have not yet arrived. I shall be stripped to-day, an(1 there should be heavy supplies forwarded at once for this corps and for the army below. S. A. HUI[LBUT Page 351 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORIIESPONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 351 MEMPHIS, TENN., May 25, 1863. Col. ANSON STAG-ER, Washington, D. C.: Guerrillas, with artillery, infest the Mississippi banks below Napoleon, Ark., making it necessary for every boat to have convoy. This is the cause of non-arrival of boats since yesterday. Large force threaten rail- road between Memphis and Grand Junction. General Jlurlbut is ready. W. G. FULLER. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ IIDQRS. OF THE ARMY, ADJT. GEN.S OFFICE, No. 234. * Washington, May 25, 1863. * * * * * * II. Maj. Gen. E. 0. C. Ord, U. S. Volunteers, will rel)ort in person for duty, without delay, to Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, commanding De- partment of the Tennessee. * * * .* * * * By command of Major-General Halleck: E. P. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant- Ceneral. NEAR YICKsBuRG, MISS., May 26, 1863. Col. A. K. JOHNSON, Corndg. Gavairy Expedition: Since ordering you to proceed north on the east side of Big Black IRiver, 1 have determined to send a large infantry and artillery three to clear out any force the enemy may have between the Black and the Yazoo Ilivers. You will not go, therefore, as directed, but join with the cavalry the main expedition. Three brigades will start from the Seventeenth Army Corps by the Oak Ridge road, and an equal number from the Fifteenth Army Corps, by way of ilaynes Bluff, all to unite near Sulphur Springs. They will probably get started this evening. You will join them with your cav- alry force, and report to the commanding officer of the expedition for orders. U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Vieksburg, ]Iliay 26, 1863. Brigadier-General OSTERHAUS, Commanding United States Forces, Blacic i~iver Bridge: GENERAL: Direct Colonel Johnson, if lie has not already passed, to go by way of Bolton, and destroy all the cars, Confederate cotton, grain, and provisions in store there. if Johnson has passed, send some of the cavalry still left to accomplish the same purpose. Have your teams bring in all the cotton in the intrenchmeuts opposite you, and as your teams are coming in to the river after supplies let them bring in the cotton with them. Let the cavalry destroy all the railroad bridges as far out as they go beyond the Black. All forage beyond BlackRiver that can be reached shonld be destroyed. All negioes, teams, and cattle should be brought in, and everything done to prevent an army coming this way supplying itself. U. S. GRANT Page 352 352 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXFL CIRCULAR.]* HEADQUARTERS FiFTEENTH ARMY CoRPS, Walnut fills, May 26, 186g. It has been reported by several deserters that an attempt was to have been made last night by the enemy to cut their way out; that the signals were given, but the men failed to respond. The general commanding directs that the utmost vigilance be exer- cised by the troops along our front to prevent the enemy succeeding, should they contemplate a like attempt to-night. By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman: L. N. DAYTON, Assistant Adjutant- General. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 141. f In Field, near Vicks burg, Miss., May 26, 1863. 1. Three brigades will be immediately detached from the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, each, including the brigade at ilaynes Bluff. The whole will be under the temporary command of Maj. Gen. F. P. Blair. The troops from the Fifteenth Army Corps will proceed immediately to ilaynes Bluff.t Those from the Seventeenth Army Corps will move by the Oak Ridge road to Sulphur Springs. At or near the latter place a junction will be formed between all the forces, when they will move upon and drive out the enemy now collecting between the Black and Yazoo Rivers. The expedition will carry in haversacks and wagons seven days rations of bread, salt, and coffee and 15 in cartridge-boxes. ~ 0 rounds of ammunition, including that The commanding officer of the expedition will report at these head- quarters for special instructions. * * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JOHN A. RAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Before Vieksburg, May 26, 18639 p. m. Major-General LOGAN, Gomdg. Third Division: GENERAL: I have directed the Sixty-third Illinois and four compa- nies of the Eighty-seventh to report to you to-night. Instruct General Leggett to move with his brigade toward Sulphur Springs, on the Ben- tou road, at 11.30 to-night. He can march his command 6 or 8 miles, and halt them in a good position for the night, and theii march early in the morning until lie i-caches the position, where lie will report in per- son, for orders, to Brigadier-General MeArthur. Major- General Grant informs me that a deserter states that the rebels will make an atteml)t to cnt their way out to-night. You will instruct your pickets to be par- ticularly vigilant, and have your comnmnand posted so as to best resist any attempt of this kiiid, and at the same time prevent our men from falling into confusion. Iu~truct the brigade and regimental command- * To division commanders. The First Brigade, First Division, and Second Bi-igade, Second Division, Fifteenth Army Corps, and Fii;st Brigade, Third Division, Seventeenth Army Corps, designated for this service Page 353 CL1AL~. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 353 er~ that, in case of an attack, and they are obliged to fall back, not to fall back in the road, as our artillery will be so placed as to sweep it. Tell General Smith to look out for a road which passes down through a ravine to his front and right toward the enemys works. The road winds around in the valley to the front of our right battery, near the white house. I intended to see you this afternoon; after going to Gen- eral Grants headquarters, I came back by yours, but learned you had come down to see me, and returned immediately and found you had left. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. B. McPHERSON. [MAY 26, 1863.For Dodge to iRosecrans in reference to expedition in Northern Alabama and Middle Tennessee, see Series I, Vol. XXIIl, Part II, p. 364.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Before Port Hudson, May 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Gorndg. at Jackson, Miss.: GENERAL: Upon the receipt of the report of General Dwight, who visited you recently, my command moved from Simsport for Port Hud- son, landing at Bayou Sara a.t 2 oclock on the morning of the 22d. We reached Newport on the 23d, and moved upon Port Hudson. ~ev- eral combats were had with the enemy, in which we were successful. Outside of his intrenchments he has no power. Yesterday we made a combined assault upon his works. They are more formidable than have been represented, and his force stronger. The fight was very bitter, and our losses severe. The enemys losses are large, but not in com- parison with ours. On either side we pushed our troops close to the line of his fortifications, and on the right our forces occupied opposite faces of the same parapet with the enemy. But we have not strength enough yet to carry their works. There are 5,000 troops that I can bring to my support in three days. It is necessary that the enemy should be pre- vented from re-enforcing the garrison; I hope that he will be so occu- pied as to make it impossible for him to do. so. Next to that, it is essential that you should assist us if you can. We have ammunition, provisions, artillery, and cavalry, and want nothing but the men. We shall be grateful for any aid, however slight. Our solicitude for your safety is tempered with the strongest hopes that your good fortune and signal ability will establish the perfect success of all your plans. The garrison of the enemy is 5,000 or 6,000 men. The works are what would ordinarily be styled impregnable. They are surrounded by ravines, woods, valleys, and bayous of the most intricate and labyrinthic char- acter, that make the works themselves almost inaccessible. It requires time even to understand the geography of the position. They fight with determination, and our men, after a march of some 500 or 600 miles, have done all that could be expected or required of any similar force. I send this by an officer of my staff, and hope that information may be received from you without delay. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS. P. S.With the gunboat that takes this communication to you, I send back the steamers Forest Q~jeen and ]VJ94~rator that you sent for 23 R RYOL XXIV, PT II Page 354 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. 354 [ChAP. XXXVT. the transportation of my troops. If it be possible, I beg you to send to me at least one brigade of 4,000 or 5,000 men. This will be of vital importance to us. We may have to abandon these operations without it. WALWT HILLS, May 28, 1863. Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Sqyadron: DEAl~ ADMIRAL: I was on the hill to our extreme right yesterday morning, to take advautage of any success to be gained by the gun- boat attack on the enemys left flank. At 9 a. m. I saw four gunboats ad. vance from below, and engage the enemys lower batteries, and soon the Cincinnati came down from above, steering directly for the upper water batteries. From our position we could only see the hill which shielded them from the rear. As the gunboat approached, she was fired on from these points. We directed 30-pounder Parrotts, some 6-pounder guns, and our musketry opened on all points within reach, but these bat- teries were covered by the shape of the ground. As the Cincinnati neared, she fired several of her bow guns, but as the current would have carried her below, she rounded to, firing from her broadside guns, but soon presented her stern. The enemys shot at first went wild, but soon got her range, and struck her several direct shots, and two right under her stern. She ran slowly up stream, keepin~ mid-channel, and, when about I~ miles up, she steered directly to the shore in the bend. I saw that her larboard quarter-boat was shot away, and her flag-staff, but other- wise she appeared uninjured. She ran to the shore and soon sank; her bow appeared down and her stern up, her upper decks out of water. The moment I saw her sunk, I sent a company of the Seventy-sixth Ohio to her relief. I could see by our glass that she was near shore, and her l)eople on the bank. Waiting a couple of hours to hear more definite news from her, I came to the center of my line, and dispatched one of my aides, Lieutenant [Jacob C.] Hill, to see that all possible assistance should be afforded her crew, and received message that a boat had been sent to you, and that as soon as dark would make it safe, you would send down a boat with all the assistance required. I received the fol- lowin~ official report. Inasmuch as you must know all, I have no occa- sion to report more than that the style in which the Cincinnati engaged the batteries elicited universal praise, and I deplore the sad result as much as any man could. The importance of the object aimed to be accomplished, in my judgment, fully warranted the attempt. It has been unsuccessful, and will stimulate us to further efforts to break the line which terminates on the Mississippi in such formidable batterie~ I am, & c., W. T. SHERMAN~ HALLS PLANTATION, May 28, 1863.. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, (iomdg. Dept. of the Tennessee: GENERAL: I inclose a report from Colonel Johnson, commanding the cavalry, whom I have since seen. He has no doubt of the entire cor- rectness of the statement, with the exception tl~at he believes the num- bers are greatly exaggerated. I have not as yet determined m~.pon the Not found Page 355 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 355 course to be taken by me, but will do so early in the morning, upon con- sultation with division and brigade commanders. If I shall determine to push on, and it shall be fonnd that the enemy are in the force repre- sented, or anything like it, it will be necessary for me to go over to the Yazoo River and rejoin you by that ronte if you can send np transpor- tation for mc under convoy of a gunboat. If you hear nothing more from me in the next few days, you may con- clude that I have taken this course. If, however, I should determine that I am not justified in pushing forward and separating myself fur- ther from your army, I will endeavor by a forced march to reach Haynes Bluff in one days march. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK P. BLAIR. [Inclosure.] HARTS PLANTATION, Miss., ]Jifay 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR, Commanding Expedition, & c.: GENERAL: I received the following information from Richard A. Barkley, who resides 1~ miles back from Wesley Chapel, Yazoo County: Generals Johnston and A. P. Hill have together 45,000 men; that General A. P. Bill reached Jackson some two days ago. Hill is now at Jackson. Johnston was at Canton night before last. General [S. R.] Gist, from South Carolina, reached Canton with 6,000 men a week ago last Wednesday (yesterday). Johnston brought 8,000 men when he came. General [W. W.] Loring reached Canton on Thursdaylastwith his (livis- ion. Three thousand stragglers from Pemberton have reached Johnston and been put to service. Colonel [E.] Gates, First Missouri (rebel), who was a prisoner at Big Black, escaped and passed this point six or seven days ago; also Captain Cordon and his adjutant. General A. P. Hill sent a communication to Pemberton, which reached him Tuesday last. The above information is entitled to much consideration. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. K. JOhNSON, 6~olonel, L1omrnanding Cavalry. BRYANTS PLANTATION, Miss., May 28, 1863. Brigadier-General MOARTHUR, Commanding Division: GENERAL: I have stopped my command at this place, 8 miles from Mechanicsburg, waiting for orders. We can encamp within l~ miles of this point, and have water for our horses. There were two rebel sol- diers here when onr advance came up. We ran them off, but could not catch them. Please send instructions by orderly. Respectfully~ your obedient servant, A. K. JOHNSON, 6olonel, L1ommanding Cavalry. [Indorsement.] AT MILE POST, 31 MILES TO YAzoo CITY, MISS.5 p. in. Major-General BLAIR, Expeditionary Corps: GENERAL: I have just received the above dispatch. There is water at a spring about half a mile to the right of the road at this place. Page 356 356 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAP. XXXVI. think General Mowers division had better encamp here. I will go oii with the other division to Harts plantation, about 4 miles farther on, when I will communicate with Colonel Johnson. Your obedient servant, MeARTHUII. MECHANICSBURcf, May 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR, Commanding Expeditionary Corps: GENERAL: Our cavalry report the enemy advancing on them with infantry, and driving them. I have ordered np two regiments and bat- tery to their support. The wagon-train had better be stopped where it is until 1 can find out what it means. Mr. Reed, whose house I have stopped at, says that this is General Johnstons force we are encountering. The roads fork here, one going to Yazoo City, the other to Benton. We cannot all go to the creek to water, as the skirmishing is too close, say about one-half mile from town. I will communicate with you again shortly. Yours, McAIITIIUR. HEAD )UARIERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, In rear of Vicl1-sburg, Miss., May 28, 1863. Brigadier- General LAUMAN, Commanding Fourth Division, Sixteenth Army Corps: GENERAL: You will immediately place your division in camp on the Halls Ferry road, on the south side of the creek, near the large hospital, its left resting on the road, and right extending toward MeClernands left. Strong grand guards, advanced posts, and pickets will be thrown out on the various approaches 10 Vicksburg leading from your front and between it and the Mississippi, and every precaution be taken to prevent surprise from front or rear, or the enemy from communicating in any manner npon these roads. Every means will be resorted to in order to harass the rebels. You will also, without delay, open a good road over the nearest practicable route to MeClernands left. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 143. f In Field, near Vicksburg, Miss., May 28, 1863. * * * * * * * IV. Army corps commanders and commanders of detached forces before Yicksburg will picket all roads, respectively, in rear of their re- spective positions, by which their camps or the city of Vicksbnrg can be approached, and prohibit all persons coming into or going out of our lines withont special authority from the corps or commanders of de- tached forces whose pickets they desire to pass or the authority of the general commanding. The pickets will be placed sufLlciently far out a Page 357 CHAP. XXXVI.] CORUESPONDLNCE, ETC.UNION. 357 to prevent surprise from any raid the enemy may attempt to make, and cacti commander will notify the others of the position of his pickets. V. All that portion of the State of Louisiana now in the occupancy of the Army of the Tennessee will constitute the District of Northeastern Louisiana, and be commanded by Brig. Gen. J. C. Sullivan. During the absence of I ~rig. Gen. J. P. Hawkins, all troops of Africaii descent in the District of Northeastern Louisiana will be under the immediate command of Col. Isaac F. Shepard. * * * * * * By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: [JNO. A. IIAWLINS,] Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TI-IE TENNESSEE Walnut ilills, before Vic1~sburg, Miss., May 28, 1863. SUR~EOThGENERAL, U. S. ARMY, Washington, D. C.: Sin: I have the honor to report my arrival yesterday at the head- quarters of Major General Grants army in the field, having left Mem- phis on the 24th instant. I have had an interview with Surg. M. Mills, medical director to-da and have learned the followino: After the engagement on the 12th stant, at Raymond, Miss., there were 180 wounded, of the Seventeenth Army Corps, left in charge of four medical gentlemen, now in the hands of the enemy. After the engagement Pu the 14th instant, at Jackson, Miss., there were 240 or 250 wounded, of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, left in charge of Surg. II. S. Hewitt, U. S. Volunteers, with four or five others. After the engagement on the 16th instant, at Champions Hill, there were left 1,581 wounded, of the Thirteenth and Seventeenth Army Corps, with 18 medical officers and Dr. Taylor, regimental surgeon, in charge of the whole. Thete were, in addition, four others, with seven rebel surgeons, in charge of the rebel wounded. After the engagement at Black River Bridge, on the 18th instant, there were 150 wounded, of the Thirteenth Army Corps, left in charge of a regimental surgeon. The total number of wounded left (many of whom have been per- initted to come inside of our lines since) within the lines of the enemy, as General Grants army fell back for the purpose of investing the city of Vicksbnrg, was 2,161, and the total number of medical officers 19. in charge of our own, and 4 others assisting the rebel surgeons in the care of their wounded. The medical director informs me that all supplies have been in great abundance, and at all times on hand and ready for every emergency on this rapid and particularly arduous campaign. On the 19th instant, 5 wagons, loaded with medical supplies, were forwarded to Champions Hill, and arrived safely. In Jackson the drugs in the drug stores were approl)riated, which were ample. On the 21st instant, thirty days ra- tions were forwarded under a flag of truce, and distributed to the wounde(l within the lines of the enemy. The wounded from the battles (two assaults, with quite a heavy loss, and a repulse) here before Vicksburg have been removed to hospital transports, i. e., t~e worst cases, and sent to 1~Iemphis as rapidly as ci Page 358 358 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. [CHAr. XXXVI. cumstances would permit. The more slightly wounded are to be taken care of in division hospitals. Every arrangement is being made to be ready for the tug of war, which is expected to come off in a few days. The Cincinnati (gunboat) was sunk yesterday morning by their water batteries, and quite a number of lives lost. At long intervals, firing has been kept np since I arrived yesterday, while the pickax and spade have been kept constantly at work, day and night, for days. The general commanding expects confidently that the city will be surrendered in a few days. I intend to commence to-morrow visiting the division hospitals, and have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, JNO. E. SUMMERS, Medical linspector, U. S. Army. N. B.A copy of the above sent to the assistant surgeon-general at Saint Louis. HELENA, ARK., May 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. STEPHEN A. HURLBUT, Commanding, d~c., Memphis, Tenn.: GENERAL: I am this day in receipt of a communication from Major. General Grant, bearing date of the 25th instant, from which the follow- ing is an extract, viz: If, therefore, you have not sent off the cavalry ordered to West Tennessee, send them at once to report to me omi the Yazoo River. Having been unable to secure transportation for the cavalry to Mem- phis, I must, pursuant to the above instructions, send them below. Sincerely wishing that the change in their destination may not seri- ously embarrass any plans yon may have been maturing for operations in your district, I remain, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. M. PItENTISS. MIi~MPnIs, TENN., May 28, 1863. Maj. Gen. RIonAnn J. OGLESBY, Jackson, Tenn.: Vicksbnrg is going to be a siege. Grant demands more force from me. I have ordered four regiments from Columbus, and you will send eight regiments of infantry from your command to this place to go down. Grant wishes Kimball to take command. If lie is able, you will send him. The regiments will take no tents, except shelter tents and hospital. The baggage will be reduced by personal inspection to the minimum. Six wagons and the ambulances will be allowed to a regiment. ~o artillery will be required. The line from Grand Junction to Corinth will be pushed through, and Jackson and Bolivar abandoned as posts, probably. I shall send all the cavalry I can spare to Grenada. Report what regiments you will send. Act promptly. S..A~. HUIILBUT Page 359 ~IIAP. XXXvI.] CORI~ESt~ONDENCE, ETC.UNION. 859 HIQRS. FOURTH DIVISION. SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, In the Field, May 28, 1863. Col. I. C. Pucfll, Commanding First Brigade: The following dispatch has just been received: HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTh Aui~ COni~s, AThy 28, 1863 GENERAL: My scouts have just returucd, with a vague report of 400 or 500 rebel cavalry crossing at Halls Ferry to-day. I place little reliance in the story, but think it better for you to he placed on your guard. If they ha~ e crossed (which I dont believe), a raid is intended somewhere. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN J. MUDD, Colonel and Chief of Cavalry. The general directs, if you have not already done so, that you throw out pickets on the right flank, to extend around to the Halls Ferry road. By order of Brigadier-General Lauman: W. H. F. RANDALL, Assistant Adjutant- General. [MAY 28, 1863.For Dodge to Rosecrans, in reference to movements of Confederates in Northern Alabama, see Series I, Vol. XXIII, Part II, p. 370.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Near Vicksburg, Miss., May 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Corndg. Dept. of the Gulf: GENERAL: I send Mr. C. A. Dana, inspector of the pay department, to urge the same suggestions made by me in the communication of which Colonel Riggin was bearer. I have nothing further to add since my last that Mr. Dana cannot communicate more fully than can well be done in a written statement. The enemy are now concentrating a force near Canton, Miss. With an additional force here, I could detach everything but about 25,000 men, and go with the balance and capture or disperse him, leaving the State of Mississippi an easy prize to our armies. Hoping, general, this may find you in possession of Port Hudson, and of all the Mississippi River below here, 1 am, with great respect, yours, truly, U. S. GRANT. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, May 29, 1863. Major-General GRANT, near Vielcsburg: GENERAL: The inclosed letter I had written to be sent to you at the moment yours of the 25th was presented to me by Colonel Riggin. I regret it does not find me in condition, to go to your support with all my force. Without abandoning Port Hudson altogether, it will be iinpos- sible for me to do so, and then the aid I can give you must be very little. My force is far less than you imagine, and, with such detachments from it as would be necessary to protect New Orleans, while Port hudson, Mobile, and Kirb; Smith are within a few days movement of New Or- Page 360 360 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC [CHAP. XXXVI. leans, my assistance would be insignificant, not enough to counter- balance the disadvantage occasioned by such movements of the enemy in this quarter as would follow the withdrawal of my troops. I can only send you men; the mat6riei of my army will be without transpor- tation. 1 can use only such boats as can come through Grand L~ke, which only allows at this stage of water 5 or 6 feet, and they are few in number. Colonel iRiggin will inform you what my force is, how much less than you imagine, and how slight the aid must be that it is in my power to give you. When I caine to Port Hudson, it was with the understanding from General Dwights report that you could assist us in its reduction,if it did not fall before my force alone. It is unexpectedly strong, not stronger than I had supposed, but stronger than anybody here would for a moment admit. We can reduce it,if ui~ii~terrupted,in the course of a week or ten days. With 10,000 men in addition, we could carry it in three (lays. If we hold Murfreesborough, Yicksburg, and Port Hudson at the same time, the enemy will beat us all in detail, and the campaign of the West will cud like the campaigns of the East, in utter and disgraceful defeat before an inferior enemy. I cannot move my force to you in time or strength to be of service, for want of transl)ortation. If you can aid me by the assistance of 8,000 or 10,000 men for a few days only, I shall be re- lieved. This I am confident is the only method of obtaining success. It is in accordance with your original proposition, & ud the view upon which I have made all my movements. I had expecte(l to meet your trOOl)5 here on the 25th of May, in accordance with your letter and dispatch, and, had I been so fortunate, should now have been on my way to Vicksburg. What is required at this juncture of our affluirs is a bold action on one side or the other. That which promises greatest results, at the least cost of time and strength, is for you to aid us. You can hold your posi- tion for a few days against any enemy, or, if obliged to bend your line a little to give and take, you will recover at once, and destroy the enemy thus seduced to your camp. Unless we succeed on the river, the war goes over to another year. By the concentration of our forces, even at some risk, we shall succeed. That concentration is absolutely dependent upon the fall of Port Had- son. I beg you to consider this, and render us your aid. Do not send a few thousand men, because it costs time. Let us have 10,000, and we will rush to you with all our power. I can furnish the transportation, be- cause we want nothing but the men and muskets, and can use for this purpose the vessels of the fleet. The decision should be immediate. Colonel Griersons cavalry is of great importance. It is now the only cavalry force we have. He has rendered us great service, and his im- mediate departure will entirely cripple us. I hope to avoid a separa~ tion fr6m him by joining you at the same time he moves, upon the plami I have suggested. I inclose a memnorandum * of the heavy artillery I can bring with my corps, if relieved here, in addition to the 15,000 men I can give you. Much exhausted and ill, I feel I have not stated as I ought the streugth of my case, but I am sure you will feel its importance, though it be not clearly expressed. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, N. P. BANKS. * Not found Page 361 ChAP. XXXYI.] CORRESPONDFJNCE, ETC.UNION. NEAR YJCKSBURG-, Miss., May 29, 1863. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, (low dy. Miss. Squadron: A force of the enemy having been driven in from about 35 miles north- east from here, I sent out a force, about 12,000 strong, on the evenino~ of the 26th. This force is commanded by Major-General Blair, and is instructed to clear out the enemy between the Black and Yazoo iRivers, and, if possible, destroy the Mississippi Central Railroad bridge over Black River. There is great danger of the enemy crossing Black River in rear of this force, and cutting them off from their return to this place. I have instructed General Blair in cases of this kind to strike for the Yazoo River, by which ronte a way back can be easily opened. If you can send one or two gunboats to navigate the Yazoo as high np as Yazoo City, I would think it highly advisable, at least nntil Blair is heard from. U. S. GRANT. LAKES LANDINQ Miss., May 29, 1863. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Gomdy. Miss. Squadron: Will you have the goodness to order the Marine Brigade to Haynes Bluff; with directions to disembark and remain in ocenpation until I can relieve them by other troops l I have also to request that you put at the disposal of Major Lyford, chief of ordnance, two siege guns, ammu- nition, and implements complete, to be placed to the rear of Vicksburg. After they are in battery, and ready for nse, I should be pleased to have them manned by crews from your fleet. U. S. GRANT. FLAG-SHIP BLACK HAWK, May 29, 1863. General GRANT: DEAR GENERAL: The brigade will leave for Haynes Bluff early in the morning. I have not a 9-inch gnu herenot anything larger th~ u a 32-pounder (long range), excepting one 10-inch gnu with shell. This would require too much work to mount it, on account of pivot-bolts, & c. I am fitting it oim a mortar-boat, to throw shells into the pits in front of Sherman. I ordered two 9-inch guns sent to General MeArthur at Warrenton. They are there now, on board the Tuscumbia, ready to be delivered. The difficulty will be in hauling them so far, though, perhaps, they may be in a better place for your purposes. I have six 8-inch guns on the Manitou, which vessel is now up at Yazoo City. The moment she arrives, I will direct her commander to land the guns, and send to Cairo at once for more 9-inch guns. Very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER. NEAR VJCKSBURG, Miss, May 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR, Jr., Commanding Advance Expedition: Yours of the 28th, inclosing report of Colonel Johnson, is just received. It is so important that we should save all our troops to act together, that I would direct that you take no risks whatever, either of a defea Page 362 [CHAr. XXXVt 362 MISSISSIPPI, WEST TENNESSEE, ETC. or of being cut off. If you are satisfied of the presence of a large force at Canton and north of there, return immediately, leaving Mowers bri- gade at ilaynes BlufL If you deem ilaynes Bluff in danger of an early attack, you may also leave McArthur, with the brigade of his division. IReturning, destroy all the forage and stock you can, and obstruct all roads behind you by burning bridges, felling timber, and in all possi- ble ways. I requested Admiral Porter yesterday to send a gunboat or two UI) the river to cruise until you return. You may rest at Haynes Bluff with your entire comman(l until you receive further orders from me. Such information may be received from the enemy and sufficient re-enforcements arrive here as to make it advisable to send out an army large enough to clean out Joe Johnston and his party. IT. S. GRANT. HEADQIJARTERS IDEPARTME~4T OF TIlE TENNESSEE, Near I7ick8bnrg, Miss., May 29, 1863. Brigadier-General OSTERIIAUS, Co~nnianding at Big Black River Bridge: GENERAL: Burn up the remainder of Big Black River bridge. Make details from the negroes collected about your camp and also from the troops, and have as much of the road taken up, east of the river, as you can. Pile the ties up, and lay the rails across them and burn them up. Wherever there is a bridge or trestle-work, as far east as you send troops, have them destroyed. Effectually destroy the road, and partic- ularly the rails, as far east as you can. Very respectfully, U. S. GRANT. HELENA, ARK., May 29, 1863. Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding, re.: M~ DEAR GENERAL: I received yesterday your communication of the 25th instant,* and take pleasure iu being able to say in reply thereto that I shall send you the Fifth Illinois Cavalry, as soon as transports can be secured, and these I am momentarily expecting from Memphis, whither Chief QuarterMaster hatch has gore. I also received a communication from Lieutenant Lyford, senior ord- nance officer, requesting inc to send you four 24-pounder siege guns, with carriages, implements, and ammunition. I had these guns in po- sition, but, by dint of hard labor, succeede ci in getting them to the levee last night, and will forward them by first boat. I cannot, general, with a due regard to the safety of this place, send away any of my infilutry regiments. You will certainly do me the jus- tice to believe that nothing short of what seems to me at least to be an absolute necessity would induce me to withhold a single man or omit to do n~~thing left to my discretion that could by any possibility be of any assistance to you. I trust you will not deem it out of place, general, for me to congrat- nlate you on the triumphant success which h~s thus far attended your operations against Vicksbnrg. I need not to assure you that the eyes of the nation, and almost its last hope, are centered in you and the See P. 349 Page 363 CHAI~. XXXVI.] CO1~RESPONDENCE, ETC.UNJON. 363 gallant army you have so long and so successfully commanded. I am free to admit that I feel altogether sanguine and confident of the result. My only regret is that I am not permitted to be with you, where, I am vain enough to believe, I could render you more efficient service, and thus do more to maintain and uphold the cause in which all our hopes are centered, and npon the triumph of which depend not alone our national honor but our national existence as well. I have the honor to be, general, your most obedient servant, B. M. PRENTISS. SPECIAL ORDERS, IIDQRs. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, No. 144. Near Vieksburg, Miss., May 29, 1863. Army corps commanders and commanders of detached forces will take immediate steps to obstruct and render impassable for troops all roads leading into the rear of their respective commands and into Vicks- burg, except the main Jackson roa4, via the Big Black Railroad bridge and the different roads to ilaynes Bluff. On the Bridgeport road, and on all roads south of it, cxc ept the main Jackson road, the obstructions will be commenced as far out as the Big Black River, and, on all other roads to be obstructed, as far out as pos- sible; every bridge on them will be destroyed, and at favorable points the timber cut across the roads, in toward the city, and up to our rear pickets. The main Jackson road, via Big Black Railroad bridge, and the different roads to Haynes Bluff, will be left unmolested. By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant: JNO. A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant- General. HEADQUARTERS SIXTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Memphis, Tenn., May 29, 1863. Lient. Col. JOHN A. RA\ TLINS, A ssistant Adjutant- General: SIR: Your dispatch was received at 11.30 p. m. last night. I have ordered four regiments of infantry from Columbus District and eight regiments from Jackson and Corinth, to be pushed forward with all dispatch. They will be ready to move down as soon as boats can be furnished. Jac