Dec 31 1862.  I sent a telegram to Gen. McPherson,

HOLLY SPRINGS, MISS., December 31, 1862.

Brigadier General J. B. McPHERSON, Abbeville, Miss.:

At Memphis all reports confirm the taking of Vicksburg by Sherman, but no particulars can be obtained. General McClernand and 49 staff officers chartered the Tigress and started for Vicksburg yesterday. Hurlbut thinks the enemy have erected batteries on the river that will prevent him from getting down. Holmes is moving against Helena, but there is sufficient force there to protect the place. General Gorman is moving on Little Rock by steamers. No damage has been done rail road between La Fayette and Memphis.

There has been a great deal of cannonading to-day east of Henderson Station. Hope Sullivan has Forrest in a tight place.

I will try and get down to see you on the 2d.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 7, p 148

O.R., I, xvii, part 2, p 511

Dec 29 1862.  The pursuit of Forrest’s cavalry continues.  We may be able to trap him against the Tennessee River.  I wrote Gen. McPherson,

Dispatch from Sullivan says Forrest is making for the Tennessee river he — Sullivan in close pursuit.  The Tennessee has risen two feet.  Last dispatch received from Navy Department said there was five light draught Gunboats in the Tennessee river three feet draught waiting to go up on the first rise.

U S Grant

Maj Gen

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 7, p 137

National Archives, RG 393, Dept of the Tenn, Letters Sent

Dec 26 1862.  We may have a chance to end the constant raiding of our communications.  I sent a telegram to Gen. Sullivan,

HOLLY SPRINGS, December 26, 1862.

General SULLIVAN, Jackson, Tenn.:

Van Dorn went to Bolivar pursued by our cavalry, then struck south-east through Saulsbury and Ripley. Our cavalry was till in pursuit at that point, and have not since been heard from. This was yesterday. They are now near Grenada. Two deserters came in from Van Dorn to-day; they left him 10 miles north of New Albany at 10 o’clock last night, still going south. If there is any cavalry north of the Hatchie it must be some small irregular band.

Send cars to Davis’ Mill and I will order four regiments more up to you. Collect all the bacon, beef, hogs, sheep, and grain you can from planters. Mount all the infantry you can and drive Forrest east of the Tennessee.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 7, p 122

O.R., I, xvii, part 2, p 489

Dec 25 1862.  Now that communications to the rear have been restored, I have sent a report to Washington of my struggles with the rebel cavalry lead by Gens. Forrest and Van Dorn.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Holly Springs, Miss., December 25, 1862.

Colonel J. C. KELTON, Washington, D. C.,:

I am just sending a large wagon train to Memphis after supplies and avail myself of the opportunity (the first now for over a week) to communicate with the authorities at Washington. I had timely notice of the advance of Forrest on the road, in the neighborhood of Jackson, and took every means to meet it. General Sullivan was re-enforced from the army with me, and forces from Corinth, Forts Heiman, Henry, and Donelson sent to co-operate. As the enemy’s force was all cavalry and General Sullivan’s nearly all infantry it is possible that they have succeeded in evading our troops, so as to do some damage to the railroad, but the extent I have not yet learned. Before any decisive move had been made by General Sullivan against the enemy, or by the enemy on our railroads, communication was cut between us and a formidable move of cavalry from Grenada reported going north.

This force assembled first at Pontotoc, and as Colonel Dickey was out to the east on the Mobile road, with about half of my available cavalry, I concluded that the object was to cut him off. I immediately ordered all the cavalry that could be spared to Pontotoc, and two brigades of infantry with them, with directions to operate from there for the relief of Colonel Dickey. Before these troops got in motion, however, I learned of the rebel cavalry passing north from Pontotoc and of Colonel Dickey passing safely by their rear. I immediately notified all commanders north of me to Bolivar of this move of the enemy, and to be prepared to meet them, and to hold their respective posts at all hazards. Except at this place all have done well, the enemy being repulsed at Coldwater, Davis’ Mill, Bolivar, and Middleburg. This place was taken while the troops were quietly in their beds. The commanding officer of the post (Colonel R. C. Murphy, of the Eighth Wisconsin Volunteers) took no steps to protect the place, not having notified a single officer of his command of the approaching danger, although he himself had received warning, as hereinbefore stated. The troops cannot be blamed in the matter, for they found themselves surrounded-the first intimation they had of an approaching enemy. Notwithstanding this surprise many of the troops behaved nobly, refusing to be paroled, and, after making their escape from the enemy, attacking him without regard to their relative strength. From the enemy, attacking him without regard to their relative strength. Conspicuous among this latter was the Second Illinois Cavalry, which was stationed here at the time. Our loss here will probably amount to $400,000 of property and 1,500 men taken.

As soon as I learned that the rebel cavalry had moved north from Pontotoc and that Colonel Dickey was safe I ordered all the cavalry that could be spared for the purpose (about 1,500 men) to pursue the enemy, and not leave them until they were captured or completely broken up. They found them near Bolivar, and were close upon their heels all day yesterday, compelling the enemy to change his course southward,killing and capturing quite a number. Last night the Federals and rebels encamped near Saulsbury, and I presume the pursuit is still going on. General Hamilton sent a brigade of infantry, with one battery, to Salem, to operate against the enemy if he should return by that route. Have also sent the remainder of the cavalry force that returned from the expedition to the Mobile road, to intercept the enemy wherever he may attempt to cross the banks of the Tallahatchie. I yet hope the enemy will find this a dearly-bought success.

I am now occupying the line of the Tallahatchie, with the strongly guarded, to the rear, waiting for communication to be opened, to know what move next to make. It is perfectly impracticable to go farther south by this route, depending on the road for supplies, and the country does not afford them. Our immense train has so far been fed entirely off of the country, and as far as practicable the troops have been also. For 15 miles east and west of the railroad, from Coffeeville to La Grange, nearly everything for the subsistence of man or beast has been appropriated for the use of our army, and on leaving our advanced position I had the principal mills destroyed.

The expedition under Colonel Dickey was quite successful. White out he captured about 200 rebels with a fair proportion of horses, arms, and equipments; found large quantities of corn collected on the Mobile road, which he destroyed; also a few cars. The road was completely broken up from Saltillo to south of Tupelo. Reports as they are handed in to me will be duly forwarded.

U. S. GRANT.

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 7, p 103-105

O.R., I, xvii, part 1, p 477-8

Dec 23 1862.  I have received a report of the location of a large force of the enemy’s cavalry.  I immediately sent word to Gen. McPherson,

HOLLY SPRINGS, MISS., December 23, 1862.

Major General J. B. MCPHERSON, Oxford, Miss.:

A force of rebel cavalry are now encamped at the mouth of Tippah Creek, going south with a large number of led horses and mules, probably those captured here. The main body of the rebels went north from here. Send this word to Hatch. By properly directing his course he may recover much that was lost here.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 7, p 91

O.R., I, xvii, part 2, p 468

Dec 21 1862.  We have again been raided by Rebel cavalry, this time lead by Van Dorn.  I sent a telegram to Gen. Halleck

OXFORD, MISS., December 21, 1862-8 p.m.

The rebel cavalry commanded by Van Dorn made dash into Holly Springs yesterday at daylight, capturing the troops, stores, &c. Their movement from the Yalabusha was very rapid. I heard of their crossing and ordered force to Pontotoc to intercept them, but they traveled as fast as the scouts who brought the news. Next their departure from Pontotoc, going north, was reported. All my available cavalry was ordered in pursuit and are still out. As the rebels outnumber them three to one I do not expect much. When communication was broken with the north I had troops concentrate to resist an attack on Jackson. Do not know the result. If enemy are falling back north of the Tallahatchie I may find it necessary to send forces to Corinth. I would like to send two divisions more to Memphis and join the river expedition with them. This would make it necessary to fall back to Bolivar. The enemy are falling back from Grenada.

U. S. GRANT.

Major-General Commanding.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 7, p 83

O.R., I, xvii, part 1, p 476

My supply route compromised, I have no choice but to fall back.  I sent a telegram to Gen. McPherson,

Major General J. B. McPHERSON,

Commanding Right Wing:

Fall back with your entire command to the north side of the Tallahatchie, the troops retiring by the same route they advanced on.

I will instruct the cavalry to advance toward Grenada to keep up the idea of an advance as much as possible. Keep your transportation as well to the front as much as possible and instruct your commissaries to collect all the cattle fit for beef they can and corn-meal from the mills.

Destroy all the mills within reach of you and the bridges after you are done using them.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 7, p 79

O.R., I, xvii, part 2, p 445

Dec 20 1862.  The Rebel cavalry under Forrest has disrupted our communications to the point that our advance must be stopped.  I wrote Gen. McPherson,

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Oxford, Miss., December 19, 1862.

Major General J. B. McPherson,

Commanding Right Wing, &c.:

There will be no farther advance of our forces until further directions.

The enemy under Forrest have crossed the Tennessee below Clifton and are now near to Jackson. Communication it cut off, so that I cannot hear from there.

Sullivan reports the strength of the enemy at from 5,000 to 10,000 and still crossing. Dodge, however, had a scout among them before they commenced crossing, who estimates their force at about 5,000.

Ingersoll’s cavalry watched their movements for the last 25 miles, and yesterday had an engagement with them at Lexington, resulting in a defeat for us, Colonel Ingersoll and two pieces of artillery falling into the hands of the enemy. Last night Sullivan brought them to a halt about 6 miles from Jackson.

I have re-enforced Sullivan to the full extent of the capacity of the road to carry troops, partly from Columbus, partly from Corinth, one brigade from here, and by concentrating of the forces of the District of Jackson. Lowe is also moving from Heiman. I think the enemy must be annihilated, but it may trouble and possibly lead to the necessity of sending further forces from here.

A dispatch from General Halleck, received late last night, directs me to divide my forces into army corps, one of which is to be commanded by Major-General McClernand, he to have the chief command of the Vicksburg expedition, but under my direction. I was in hopes the expedition would be off by this time, and it may be that they are about starting.

We must be ready for any move. I think, however, it will not be a retrograde one.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 7, p 68-9

O.R., I, xvii, part 2, p 435-6

I received the following telegram from Gen. Halleck.  By direct order of the President, I am to give Gen. McClernand a command and allow him to participate in the expedition on Vicksburg.

WASHINGTON, December 18, 1862-10.30 a.m.

Major General U. S. GRANT:

The troops in your department, including those from Curtis’ command, which join down-river expedition, will be divided into four army corps. It is the wish of the President that General McClernand’s corps shall constitute a part of the river expedition and that he shall have the immediate command under your direction.

H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief.

 

I wrote Gen. McClernand,

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Oxford, Miss., December 18, 1862.

Major General JOHN A. McCLERNAND:

GENERAL: I have been directed this moment by telegram from the General-in-Chief of Army to divide the forces of this department into four army corps, one of which is to be commanded by yourself, and that to form a part of the expedition on Vicksburg.

i have draughted the order and will forward it to you as soon as printed. The division now commanded by Brigadier General George W. Morgan and Brigadier General A. J. Smith will compose all of it that will accompany you on the expedition, and the divisions of Brigadier General F. Steele and Brigadier General M. L. Smith will accompany you, and will be commanded directly by Major General W. T. Sherman, who will command the army corps of which they are a part. Written and verbal instructions have been given General Sherman, which will be turned over to you on your arrival at Memphis.

I hope you will find all the preliminary preparations completed on your arrival and the expedition ready to move.

I will co-operate with the river expedition from here, commanding this portion of the army in person.

Major-General Hurlbut will have command of the Third Army Corps, most of which is here with me. He will therefore be directed to report immediately to these headquarters for orders.

The instructions now with General Sherman provide for the garrison of Memphis, and forms part of the Second Army Corps.

The District of Columbus is attached to your command, but for the present will report direct to these headquarters and will receive orders direct also.

It is desirable that there should be no delay in starting. If unforeseen obstacles should be in your way, however, inform me of it by messengers to Columbus and by telegraph from there. Also send me a field return of your entire command – that is, of the river expedition – before starting.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 7, p 61-62

O.R., I, xvii, part 1, p 476

O.R., I, xvii, part 2, p 425

Dec 18 1862.  Rebel cavalry led by Nathan Forrest is creating great havoc behind our lines.  I wrote Admiral Porter to attempt to gain his assistance in stopping him.

OXFORD, MISS., December 18, 1862.

Admiral PORTER, CAIRO, Ill.:

I am informed there is now four feet of water in the Tennessee. Gunboats there would be of immense value.

Forrest and Napier are now on this side of the river with from 5,000 to 10,000 men and have got near to Jackson.

I hope my force will be able to drive to the river. I have been concentrating troops all day to meet them.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 7, p 60-1

O.R., I, xvii, part 2, p 426