May 31 1863.  Gen. Lauman’s troops have captured a party of men attempting to carry supplies into Vicksburg.  They also carried an encoded message.  I passed it on to Washington in the hopes that they can break the code.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Vicksburg, May 31, 1863.

Colonel J. C. KELTON,

Assistant Adjutant-General, Washington, D. C.:

COLONEL: Eight men, with 200,000 percussion caps, were arrested whilst attempting to get through our lines into Vicksburg. The inclosed cipher was found upon them. Having no one with me who has the ingenuity to translate it, I send it to Washington, hoping that some one there may be able to make it out. Should the meaning of this cipher be made out, I request that a copy be sent to me.

Very respectfully,

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

[Inclosure.]

JACKSON, May 25, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

My X A F V. U S L X was V V U F L S J P by the B R C Y A [I] J 200,000 V E G T. S U A J. N E R P. Z I F M. It will be G F O E C S Z O [Q] D as they N T Y M N X. Bragg M J T P H I N Z G a Q R [K] C M K B S E. When it D Z G J X. I will Y O I G. A S. Q H Y. N I T W M do you Y T I A M the I I K M. V F V E Y. How and where is the J S Q M L G U G S F T V E. H B F Y is your R O E E L.

J. E. Johnston.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 293

O.R., I, xxiv, part 1, p 39

Adm. Porter’s gunboats could be a useful tool in supporting our land forces as we attempt to defend ourselves from a possible attack from Gen. Johnston’s army of relief.  I wrote him,

NEAR Vicksburg, MISS., May 29, 1863.

Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Comdg. MISS., Squadron:

A force of the enemy having been driven in from about 35 miles northeast from here. I sent out a force, about 12,000 strong, on the evening of the 26th. This force is commanded by Major-General Blair, and is instructed to clear out the enemy between the Black and Yazoo Rivers, 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 route a way back can be easily opened. If you can send one or two gunboats to navigate the Yazoo as high up as Yazoo City, I would think it highly advisable, at least until Blair is hear from.

U. S. GRANT

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 286

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 361

May 29 1863.  It is beginning to look like we will not be reinforced by Gen. Banks as he has launched an assault on Port Hudson.  I wrote Gen. Halleck,

NEAR Vicksburg, May 29, 1863.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

The enemy under Johnston is collecting in large force to attack me and rescue the garrison of Vicksburg. I have had my cavalry and six brigades of infantry out looking after them, and they confirm the report of a large force being collected at Canton.

The number is reported to be 45,000, but may not be so large. If Banks does not come to my assistance, I must be re-enforced from elsewhere. I will avoid surprise, and do the best I can with all the means at hand.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 283

O.R., I, xxiv, part 1, p 40

With Johnston in our rear with an unknown number of men, we must take basic precautions to prevent being surprised.  I issued the following orders,

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE

In rear of Vicksburg, MISS., May 28, 1863.

Brigadier-General LAUMAN,
Commanding Fourth DIVISION, SIXTEENTH Army Corps:

GENERAL: You will immediately place your DIVISION in camp on the Hall’s Ferry road, on the south side of the creek, near the large hospital, its left resting on the road, and right extending toward McClernand’s left.

Strong grand guards, advanced posts, and pickets will be thrown out on the various approaches to Vicksburg leading from your front and between it and the Mississippi, and every precaution be taken to prevent surprise form front or rear, or the enemy from communicating in any manner upon 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 McClernand’s left.

Very respectfully,

U. S. GRANT,

SPECIAL ORDERS,
HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, Numbers 143.
In Field, near Vicksburg, MISS., May 28, 1863.

* * * * * * *

IV. Army corps commanders and commanders of detached forces before Vicksburg will picket all roads, respectively, in rear of their respective positions, by which their camps or the city of Vicksburg can be approached, and prohibit all persons coming into or going out of our lines without special authority form the corps or commanders of detached forces whose pickets they desire to pass or the authority of the general commanding. The pickets will be placed sufficiently far out as to prevent surprise from any raid the enemy may attempt to make, and each 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 Brigadier General J. C. Sullivan. During the absence of Brigadier General J. P. Hawkins, all troops of African descent in the District of Northeastern Louisiana will be under the immediate command of Colonel Isaac F. Shepard.

* * * * * * *

By order of Major General U. S. Grant:

[JNO. A. RAWLINS.]

Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 282

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 356-7

May 26 1863.  While we have Vicksburg invested, we must guard against an attack on our rear by Gen. Johnston’s forces.  We can clear the countryside of any supplies his army could use, forcing him to rely on a long and tenuous supply line.

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Vicksburg, May 26, 1863

Brigadier-General OSTERHAUS,

Commanding United States Forces, Black River Bridge:

GENERAL: Direct Colonel Johnson, if he 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 intrenchments opposite you, and as your teams are coming in to the river after supplies left 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 Black River that can be reached should be destroyed. All negroes, teams, and cattle should be brought in, and everything done to prevent an army coming this way supplying itself.

U. S. GRANT.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 278

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 351

Gen. Joseph Johnston is still north of Jackson with an army that is reputed to have 30,000 men.  We must maintain the siege of Vicksburg while protecting ourselves from any force that might be sent in relief of the city.  I wrote Gen. Halleck informing him I have asked for reinforcements.

NEAR Vicksburg, MISS., May 25, 1863.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief:

There is evidence of a force collecting near Big Black River, north-east of here about 30 miles. I have ordered all the force that can be spared from WEST Tennessee, and communicated with General Banks, asking him to come with all the force he can. I can manage the force in Vicksburg and an attacking force on the rear of 30,000, but may have more to contend against. Vicksburg will have to be reduced by regular siege. My effective force here is about 50,000, and can be increased 10,000 more from my own command.

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General, Commanding.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 267

O.R., I, xxiv, p 39

May 25 1863.  I received the following note from Gen. Pemberton, commander of the rebel forces in Vicksburg.

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF Mississippi AND EASTERN LOUISIANA,
Vicksburg, MISS., May 25, 1863.

COMMANDING GENERAL UNITED STATES FORCES,

In Front of Vicksburg:

SIR: Two days having elapsed since your dead and wounded have been lying in our front, and yet no disposition on your part of a desire to remove them being exhibited, in the name of humanity I have the honor to propose a cessation of hostilities for two hours and a half, that you may be enabled to remove your dead and dying men. If you cannot do this, on notification from you that hostilities will be suspended on your part for the time specified, I will endeavor to have the dead buried and the wounded cared for.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. PEMBERTON,

Lieutenant-General, Commanding.

I replied,

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Vicksburg, MISS., May 25, 1863-3. 30 p. m.

Lieutenant General J. C. PEMBERTON,

Commanding Confederate Forces, Vicksburg, MISS.:

SIR: Your note of this date, proposing a cessation of hostilities for two hours and a half, for the purpose of giving me an opportunity of collecting the dead and wounded, is just received. As it will take some time to send word to all my forces to avail themselves of the opportunity afforded, and to return this to you, so that notice may be given to your troops of the cessation of hostilities, I will name 6 p. m. to-day as the hour when we will commence collecting any wounded or dead we may have still upon the field. From that hour for two hours and a half all hostilities shall cease on our side.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 266

O.R., I, xxiv, part 1, p 276-7

May 24 1863.  Having regained communications with the Mississippi River, I sent a detailed report of our progress to Gen. Halleck,

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Vicksburg, MISS., May 24, 1863.

Major General H. W. HALLECK,

General-in-Chief, Washington, D. C.:

GENERAL: My troops are now disposed with the right (Sherman’s corps) resting on the Mississippi, where the bluff strikes the water, we having the first crest and the upper of the enemy’s water batteries. McClernand is on the left with his corps, his right having about one brigade north of the railroad, the rest south of it. One DIVISION occupies the roads leading south and southeast from the city. The position is as strong by nature as can possibly be conceived of, and is well fortified. The garrison the enemy have to defend it I have no means of knowing, but their force is variously estimated from 10,000 to 20,000.

I attempted to carry the place by storm on the 22nd, but was unsuccessful. Our troops were not repulsed from any point, but simply failed to enter the works of the enemy. At several points they got up to the parapets of the enemy’s forts, and planted their flags on the outer slope of the embankments, where they still have them. The assault was made simultaneously by the three army corps at 10 a. m. The loss on our side was not very heavy at first, but received repeated dispatches from General McClernand, saying that he was hard pressed on his right and left and calling for re-enforcements, I gave him all of McPherson’s corps but four brigades, and caused Sherman to press the enemy on our right, which caused us to double our losses for the day. The whole loss for the day will probably reach 1,500 killed and wounded.

General McClernand’s dispatches misled me as to the real state of facts, and caused much of this loss. He is entirely unfit for the position of corps commander, both on the march and on the battle-field. Looking after his corps gives me more labor and infinitely more uneasiness than all the remainder of my department.

The enemy are now undoubtedly in our grasp. The fall of Vicksburg and the capture of most of the garrison can only be a question of time. I hear a great deal of the enemy bringing a large force from the east to effect a raising of the siege. They may attempt something of the kind, but I do not see how they can do it. The railroad is effectually destroyed at Jackson, so that it will take thirty days to repair it. This will leave a march of 50 miles over which the enemy will have to subsist an army, and bring their ordnance stores with teams. My position is so strong that I could hold out for several days against a vastly superior force. I do not see how the enemy could possibly maintain a long attack under these circumstances. I will keep a close watch on the enemy, however.

There is a force now at Calhoun Station, about 6 miles north of Canton, on the Mississippi Central Railroad. This is the force that escaped from Jackson, augmented by a few thousand men from the coast cities, intended to re-enforce the latter place before the attack, but failed to reach in time.

In the various battles from Port Gibson to Big Black River Bridge, we have taken nearly 6,000 prisoners, besides killed and wounded, and scattered a much larger number.

The enemy succeeded in returning to Vicksburg with only three pieces of artillery. The number captured by us was seventy-four guns, besides what was found at Haynes’ Bluff.

From Jackson to this place I have had no opportunity for communicating with you. Since that, this army fought a heavy battle near Baker’s Creek, on the 16th, beating the enemy badly, killing and capturing not less than 4,000 of the enemy, besides capturing most of his artillery. Loring’s DIVISION was cut off from retreat, and dispersed in every direction.

On the 17th, the battle of Big Black River Bridge was fought, the enemy again losing about 2,000 prisoners, seventeen pieces of artillery, and many killed and wounded. The bridges and ferries were destroyed. The march from Edwards Station to Big Black River Bridge was made, bridges from crossing the army constructed, and much of it over in twenty-four hours.

On the 19th, the march to this place was made and the city invested.

When I crossed the Mississippi River, the means of ferriage was so limited, and time so important, that I started without teams and an average of but two days’ rations in haversacks. Our supplies had to be hauled about 60 miles, from Milliken’s Bend to opposite Grand Gulf, and from there to wherever the army marched. We picked up all the teams in the country and free Africans to drive them. Forage and meat were found in great abundance through the country, so that, although not over five days’ rations were issued in twenty days, yet there was neither suffering nor complaint witnessed in the army.

As soon as reports can be got from corps commanders, I will send in a report, embracing the campaign from Milliken’s Bend to the investment, if not the capture, of Vicksburg.

When I crossed the Mississippi River, it was my intention to detach an army corps, or the necessary force, to co-operate with General Banks to secure the reduction of Port Hudson and the union of the two armies, but I received a letter from General Banks, stating that he was in Louisiana, and would return to Baton Rouge by May 10. By the reduction of Port Hudson he could add only 12,000 to my force. I had certain information that General Joe Johnston was on his way to Jackson, and that re-enforcements were arriving there constantly from Port Hudson and the Southern cities. Under this state of facts, I could not afford to delay. Beating the enemy to near Port Gibson, I followed him to Hankinson’s Ferry, on the Big Black River. This placed my forces 15 miles on their way from Grand Gulf to this place, Big Black River Bridge, or Jackson, whichever I might turn my attention to. Altogether, I am satisfied that my course was right, and has given us with comparative ease what would have cost serious battles by delay.

This army is in the finest possible health and spirits.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

U. S. GRANT,

Major-General.

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 260-3

O.R., I, xxiv, part 1, p 37-9

I have sent orders to my Generals to halt plans for another assault and to begin siege operations.  I wrote Gen. McClernand,

NEAR Vicksburg, MISS., May 23, 1863.

Major General John A. McClernand,

Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps:

Your dispatch of last night is received. Any further assault on the enemy’s works will for the present cease. Hold all the ground you have acquired; get your batteries in position, and commence regular approaches toward the city.

Order General Quinby to his former position on your right, and to report to his corps commander. Send McArthur’s whole force back to the Big Bayou crossing of the Warrenton and Vicksburg road, with instructions to hold that crossing and the adjacent highlands. Keep all roads south of you leading to the city well watched. There are plenty of supplies at Chickasaw Bayou Landing. Direct your commissary to get up full rations for your men, and your ordnance officer full supplies of ammunition.

By order of Major General U. S. Grant:

[JNO. A. RAWLINS.]

Assistant Adjutant-General.

 

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 343

During the assault of Vicksburg yesterday, I wrote to Adm. Porter asking him to use the guns on his boat to shell the defenses of the city.  Today I got his reply.

UNITED STATES Mississippi SQUADRON,

Above Vicksburg, May 23, 1863.

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

GENERAL: Yours of May 22 has been received. I am doing all with the mortars and gunboats that can be done.

I attacked all the batteries yesterday as high as the water batteries at hospital, but 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 haul out of action to repair damages. I fought the batteries one hour and a half longer than you asked me to do.

I 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 your left of going into the fort on that range of hills. Those hills, as I told you, had no one on them. I forward your letter to General McArthur.

Hope you will soon finish up this Vicksburg business, or these people may get relief. I wrote to General Hurlbut four days ago, telling him that I thought you would thank him for every man he or any one else could send you.

General Banks is not coming here with his men. He is going to occupy the attention of Port Hudson, and has landed at Bayou Sara, using your transports for that purpose.

If the people in 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

I replied,

NEAR Vicksburg, MISS., May 23, 1863.

Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER,

Commanding Mississippi 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 Vicksburg. There is no doubt of the fall 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 about 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 Lauman to disperse them, although I do not like to detach any troops until this job here is closed up. One week is as along as I think the enemy can possibly hold out.

U. S. GRANT

 

The Papers of Ulysses S Grant, Vol 8, p 257-8

O.R., I, xxiv, part 3, p 342-3