There are two routes from Raymond to Jackson: the Clinton Road and the Raymond Road.  If we choose either road to concentrate our forces, we run the risk that the enemy will use a small force to hold us in place while using the other road to strike us in the flank.  Therefore we must advance down both road simultaneously.  I wrote Gen. Sherman,

Major General WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Fifteenth Army Corps:

Move directly toward Jackson, starting at early 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 McClernand’s DIVISIONS will be thrown forward, one by the Clinton road, and one by the road where you are.

U. S. GRANT

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 212

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 307

Ninety-Eight Days, Warren Grabau, p 241

I will not tolerate the mistreatment of wounded enemy soldiers and civilians.  I have sent explicit instructions to Gen. McClernand to prevent this from happening.

RAYMOND, MISS., May 13, 1863

Major-General McClernand, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps:

Please detail a Regiment from your advanced Division to act as Provost Guard of this town. Charge the Provost Marshal to relieve all the guards now on duty here by new details—to see that prisoners and hospitals are properly protected—and that soldiers are required to conduct themselves in an orderly manner, and prevented from entering and pillaging houses.

U. S. GRANT

He replied with a report of his corps’ action today.

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, May 13, 1863.

Major General U. S. GRANT, Comdg. Dept. of the Tennessee:

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of this date. In pursuance of your instructions, I set my Army Corps in motion at 6 o’clock A. M. and arrived at this place about 3. P. M. I sent Genl Osterhaus Division forward to Raymond, but upon reaching the creek 4 miles this side, I am just informed by him—he found Genl Steele’s Wagontrain just starting, and may not be able to reach Raymond tonight in consequence. If not, he will be at Raymond at 5-1/2 o’clock A. M. tomorrow. He is instructed—upon reaching Raymond, to make a detail of one Regiment, and to fully execute your orders, in relation to guards— hospital—and police discipline of soldiers to prevent the pillaging of houses. According to your instructions of yesterday—I sent Genl Smith’s Division to guard from New Auburn to Raymond, the ammunition and provision trains, on their way from the Gulf, together with the train of the 13th Army Corps. The latter only has arrived. The other Divisions, I moved on the North side of Fourteen Mile Creek. In order to effect this movement safely, and to make a demonstration as directed by you, I threw Genl Hovey’s Division forward within two & a half miles of Edward’s Depot, and drew it up in line of battle, until the 9th and 14th Divisions had Crossed Baker’s Creek, which was attended with some delay on account of having to explore the road and construct a ford—the bridge having been destroyed. In consequence of this delay, Genl Hovey’s Division did not arrive until 4-1/2 oclock P. M. I am happy to be able to report that 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 withdrawing the Division from its position. I had anticipated trouble in effecting the change of position in so delicate a matter with flank and rear exposed. I hope the threatening demonstration against Edward’s Station held by my command for several hours today may have so far divided the attention of the enemy, as to have furthered your plan in the main movement against Jackson. I enclose copy of order to Genl Osterliaus for your information. The mail train from the Gulf has just arrived safely. Genl Blair’s Division is near. Genl Smith burned the bridge at his encampment on 14 Mile Creek before leaving. He is encamped tonight, near Old Auburn.

Your obedient servant,
JOHN A. McClernand

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 209-10

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 305

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

May 13 1863.  I sent several sets of instructions to Gen. McClernand about our approach to Jackson.

DILLON’S PLANTATION, MISS., May 13, 1863.

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

One DIVISION of General Sherman’s corps is north or WEST of Turkey Creek. To-morrow he 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 Bolton.

Edwards Station is evidently the point on the railroad the enemy has most prepared for receiving us. I therefore want to keep up appearances of moving upon that place, but want to get possession of 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 tree advanced DIVISION, leaving the Fourth, or Smith’s, in about its present position. From my map there seems to be two creeks, from 1 to 2 miles in advance of your present position, toward Edwards Station, which you might reach. General Steele has sent one regiments down the north side of Fourteen-Mile Creek to communicate with you.

U. S. GRANT.

RAYMOND, MISS., May 13, 1863.

Major General John A. McClernand, Comdg. 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 point of 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 DIVISION back at or near Dillon’s plantation. This is where Sherman camped last night.

U. S. GRANT

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 208-210

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 300,305

After Gen. McPherson’s victory at Raymond, the enemy has apparently retreated to Jackson, the state capital.  I will follow him there.  I wrote Gens. McClernand and Sherman,

DILLON’S PLANTATION, MISS., May 12, 1863-9. 15 p. m.

Major General John A. McClernand, 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 determined to follow, and take first the capital of the State. Accordingly McPherson is ordered to move at daylight from Raymond toward Clinton and Jackson. Sherman leaves here at 4 o’clock 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 Blair’s DIVISION, with an additional train, to-day.

Under present instructions, these trains will divide at the forks of the road where you and Sherman separated this morning. I would direct, therefore, that your Fourth DIVISION go back to Old Auburn, and wait until these trains come up, both of them, and conduct them after the army on the Raymond road, until they receive further orders from these headquarters.

U. S. GRANT.

DILLON’S PLANTATION, MISS., May 12, 1863-9. 15 p. m.

Major General WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Comdg. Fifteenth Army Corps:

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 o’clock in the morning and follow McPherson. McClernand will follow you with three DIVISIONS, and send his fourth back to Old Auburn, to await the arrival of trains now on the road and Blair’s DIVISION, to conduct them to the army.

U. S. GRANT.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 207-8

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 300

Gen. McPherson has won an important, but costly victory at Raymond.  I received his report,

HEADQUARTERS SEVENTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Raymond, MISS., May 12, 1863.

GENERAL: We met the enemy, about 6,000 strong, commanded by Brigadier-General Gregg, at a point 2 1/2 miles WEST of this place, where they were posted and fully prepared to receive us. After a sharp and severe contest of about three hours’ duration, in which Major-General Logan’s DIVISION was chiefly engaged, the enemy were driven back and retreated precipitately, passing out of this town on the Jackson road, Edwards Depot road, and Gallatin road.

The rough and impracticable nature of the country, filled with ravines and dense undergrowth, prevented anything like an effective use of artillery or a very rapid pursuit. Our loss has been pretty severe in General John E. SMITH’s and General Dennis’ brigades, though I think 250 will cover the total killed, wounded, and MISSING. The loss of the enemy is fully as heavy, if not more so than ours. There are over 80 of their wounded in town, besides the number left on the battle-field and picked up by our men. We disabled two of the enemy’s guns, one by bursting, which fell into our possession, and captured about 100 prisoners. We have to mourn the loss of Colonel Richards, of the Twentieth Illinois, who was killed while gallantly encouraging his men. Colonel Ed. S. McCook, Thirty-first Illinois, was wounded in the foot. These, as far as I know, are the only casualties of the field officers. As soon as the returns are in, I will give you full particulars. Two rebel colonels are known to have been killed.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JAS. B. McPHERSON,

Major-General.

I replied,

DILLON’S PLANTATION, MISS., May 12, 1863-9. 15 p. m.

Major General J. B. McPHERSON, Comdg. SEVENTEENTH Army Corps:

Move on to Clinton and Jackson at daylight in the morning. Sherman will leave here at 4 a. m. to follow and support you. McClernand will also follow from his position, which is about 4 miles northwest from here.

U. S. GRANT.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 206

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 300-1

I have just received the following report from Gen. McPherson.  He is engaged with a strong Rebel force in Raymond.

2-1/2 mils from Raymond, We have met and engaged the enemy at this point 1000 strong. Thus far we have apparently the advantage, though the battle is not yet ended—Woods, ravines prevent the effective use of our Artillery.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 206

National Archives, RG 94, War Records Office, Union Battle Reports

May 12 1863.  We are closing in on the town of Raymond.  I wrote Gen. McPherson,

CAYUGA POST-OFFICE, MISS., May 11, 1863-1 p. m.

Major General J. G. McPHERSON, Comdg. Seventh Army 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 place will use your utmost exertions to secure all the subsistence stores that may be there, as well as in the vicinity. We must fight the enemy before 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 impress 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 other from the country.

Sherman is now moving out on the Auburn and Raymond road, and will reach Fourteen-Mile Creek to-night. When you arrive at Raymond, he will be in close supporting distance.

I shall move McClernand to Fourteen-Mile Creek early to-morrow, so that he will occupy a place on Sherman’s left. I will either see you myself to-morrow at Raymond or send you further instructions to that place.

U. S. GRANT.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 200

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 297

May 11 1863.  I wrote Gen. Halleck,

CAYUGA, MISS., May 11, 1863,

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

My forces will be this evening as far advanced toward Jackson as Fourteen-Mile Creek – the left near Big Black River, and extending in a line nearly east and WEST – as they can get without bringing on a general engagement.

As I shall communicate with Grand Gulf no more, except it becomes necessary to send a train with heavy escort, you may not hear from me again for several days.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, vol 8, p 196

O.R., I, xxiv, part 1, p 35-6

I received the following report from Gen. McClernand,

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Cayuga, MISS., May 10, 1863.

Major General 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 Creek. Various rumors of the enemy’s 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 utensils in large part are behind. It is but just, both to you and myself, that this fact should be stated.

Your most obedient servant,
JOHN A. McClernand.

 

I replied,

CAYUGA, MISS., May 10, 1863-4 p. m.

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

Your note, written at 9 a. m., 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 also move on to about the same east and WEST line, starting from Utica.

Your note complains of want of transportation. I have passed one and a part of another of your DIVISIONS, and an satisfied that the transportation with them, to say nothing of the large number of mules mounted by soldiers, would carry the essential part 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 steps 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.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 192-3

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 289

May 10 1863.  I wrote to Gen. Banks informing him that I will not be able to send troops to reinforce his assault on Port Hudson as planned.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Rocky Springs, MISS., May 10, 1863.

Major General N. P. BANKS, Comdg. 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-operate with you to secure that end.

Meeting the enemy, however, as I did, south of Port Gibson, I followed 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 contrabands.

Many days cannot elapse before the battle will begin which is to decide the fate of Vicksburg, but it is impossible to predict how long it 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 for opening the Mississippi River.

My means of gaining information from Port Hudson are not good, but I shall, even before this reaches Baton Rouge, to hear of your forces being on the way here.

Grierson’s 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 respectfully, your obedient servant,

U. S. GRANT.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 190

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 288-9