May 19 1863.  Our army has reached the outskirts of Vicksburg.  Gen. Sherman’s corps has been able to reach the Mississippi north of the city which will do a great deal to alleviate our supply problems.  After the resounding defeats inflicted on the enemy in the last few days, I cannot believe that he will put up much of a fight for Vicksburg.  I have therefore ordered a general assault to be made.

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, Numbers 134.
near Vicksburg, MISS., May 19, 1863-11. 16 a. m.

Army corps commanders will push forward carefully, and gain as close position as possible to the enemy’s works until 2 p. m. At that hour they will fire three volleys of artillery from all the pieces in position. 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 companies.

By order of Major General U. S. Grant:

JNO. A. RAWLINS.

Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 327

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 329

We have inflicted two successive major defeats on the enemy.  If we can move on Vicksburg quickly, we could capture the city in the next few days.  I sent orders to Gens. McClernand and McPherson.

BLACK RIVER, MISS., May 18, 1863.

Major General John A. McClernand,

Commanding 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 and 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.

BLACK RIVER, MISS., May 18, 1863.

Major General J. B. McPHERSON, Comdg. SEVENTEENTH 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 troops and artillery have passed, except ammunition wagons and ambulances. One brigade will be left to guard the bridge and wagon trains, and to pass the latter over as soon as all the troops are out of the way.

U. S. GRANT.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 235-7

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 324

May 17 1863.  The enemy occupied some fortifications along the Big Black River on the road to Vicksburg.  We were able to drive them off, but not before they burned the bridges across the river.  I wrote Gen. Sherman,

BLACK RIVER BRIDGE, MISS., May 17, 1863.

Major General WILLIAM T. SHERMAN,

Commanding Fifteenth 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 you gain after crossing warrants you in believing you can go immediately into the city, do so. If there is any doubt in this matter, throw out troops to the left, after advancing on a line with the railroad bridge, to open communications with the troops here. We will then move in three columns, if roads can be found to move on, and either have Vicksburg or Haynes’ Bluff to-morrow night.

The enemy have been so terribly beaten yesterday and to-day that I cannot believe that a stand will be made unless the troops are relying on Johnston’s 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.

U. S. GRANT,

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 232-3

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 321-2

We have met the enemy in battle on Champion’s Hill, just east of Edwards Station, and routed him.  I wrote Gen. Sherman,

Near Bakers Creek, Miss.
May 16th 1863
Maj Gen. Sherman, Comd.g 15 Army Corps, Gen.
We met the enemy about four miles East of Edwards station and have had a desperate fight. The enemy were driven and are now in full retreat. I am of the opinion that the battle of Vicksburg has been fought. We must be prepared however for what¬ ever turns up.
McClernand & McPherson are in full pursuit and will continue until night closes in. I want you to advance as far as possible tonight and start early in the morning again. When opposite Bolton turn North and get on to the Vicksburg road North of the rail-road and follow that.
We took to-day about 1500 prisoners and three batteries. Loss in killed & wounded heavy on both sides.
Get to Black river as soon as possible.
Yours Truly
U. S Grant
Maj Gen

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 228-9

I replied to Gen. McClernand,

EDWARDS STATION, MISS, May 16, 1863. -12. 35 p. m.

Major General John A. McClernand, 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.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 226

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 318

I received the following dispatch from Gen. McClernand,

BEFORE EDWARDS STATION, MISS, May 16, 1863.

Major General 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 prisoners, who represent the enemy to be from 50,000 to 60,000 strong. Osterhaus must be some 4 miles from Edwards Station. General 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, or bring on an engagement? General Hovey thinks the enemy has passed a large force toward Raymond, and to our rear, but an aide from General Smith knows nothing of it.

JOHN A. McClernand.

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 225

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 316-7

If we are to fight a large battle today, as seems likely, we will need every man available.  Gen. Sherman’s men, after capturing Jackson, have left that city and are now following us.  I urged him to hurry his men forward.

CLINTON, MISS., May 16, 1863-5. 30 a. m.

Major General WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg. 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 possible speed until he comes up with our rear beyond Bolton. It is important that the greatest celerity should 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.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 228

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 319

May 16 1863.  It appears that Pemberton has marched the troops in Vicksburg out to meet us in the field.  I wrote Gen. McClernand,

Head Quarters, Dept. of the Tenn.
Clinton Miss.
May 16th 1863 5.40.—A. M.
Maj. Gen. J. A. McClernand Commanding 13th Army Corps.
General.
I have just obtained very probable information, that the entire force of the enemy has crossed the Big Black, and was at Edwards Depot at 7 o’clock last night. You will therefore disencumber yourself of your trains, select an eligible position, and feel the enemy.
Our whole force is closely following you, and orders have been issued, requiring the utmost celerity in the march towards Edwards Depot.
Don’t bring on a general engagement till we are entirely prepared. Draw your troops closely to-gether and notify Blair what to do. I will leave here for the front at 8 A. M.
Very respectfully your obedt. Servt.
U. S. Grant,
Maj. Gen. Comd’g.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 224

National Archives, RG 393, 13th Army Corps, Letters Received

May 15 1863.  I wrote Gen. Halleck to inform him of our capture of Jackson and my intent to march on Vicksburg.

JACKSON, MISS., May 15, 1863,

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

This place fell into our hands yesterday, after a fight of about three hours. Joe Johnston was in command. The enemy retreated north, evidently with the design of joining the Vicksburg forces. I am concentrating my forces at Bolton, to cut them off, if possible. A dispatch from General Banks showed him to be off in Louisiana, not to return to Baton Rouge until May 10. I could not lose the time. I have taken many prisoners from Port Hudson, who state that but one brigade was left there. Port Hudson will be evacuated on the appearance of a force in the rear. I sent a special messenger to General Banks, giving him the substance of the information I had, and asking him to join me as soon as possible. This message was sent on the 10th.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 221

O.R., I, xxiv, part 1, p 36

After a short fight, we have carried Jackson.  The enemy, under Gen. Johnston has retreated to the north.  We must act quickly against Vicksburg before they can regroup.  I wrote Gen. McClernand,

JACKSON, MISS., May 14, 1863.

Major General John A. McClernand, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps:

Our troops carried this place about 3 o’clock this p. m. after a brisk fight of about three hours. The enemy retreated north toward Canton; Johnston in command. 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 allow them to do this. Turn all your forces toward Bolton 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 detaining a force to destroy the railroads north and east.

U. S. GRANT

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 215

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 310