Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Brigadier-General Nathan Kimball, June 4, 1863

NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., June 4, 1863.

Brig. Gen. NATHAN KIMBALL, Commanding Advance Forces:

I have just received information that a portion of Johnston's force has gone into Yazoo City. In penetrating north, therefore, the cavalry going in advance will be in danger of having their rear cut off by this force closing in behind them.

The position of the enemy and his numbers must be well ascertained before going much beyond Mechanicsburg. I do not want to run any great risk of having any portion of the army cut off or defeated. If, therefore, your judgment is against reaching Big Black River Bridge with security, and getting back again, you need not attempt it.

Major Marsh, of the Second Illinois Cavalry, who bears this, has been ordered to the front to relieve Colonel Bush, of the same regiment, who will return to his army corps.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 3 (Serial No. 38), p. 384

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