GENERAL FIELD ORDERS, No. ––.
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT
OF THE TENNESSEE,
Near Vicksburg, May 21,
1863.
A simultaneous attack will be made to-morrow at 10 a.m. by
all the army corps of this army. During the day army corps commanders will have
examined all practicable roads over which troops can possibly pass. They will
get in position all the artillery possible, and gain all the ground they can
with their infantry and skirmishers. At an early hour in the morning, a
vigorous attack will be commenced by the artillery and skirmishers. The
infantry, with the exception of reserves and skirmishers, will be placed in
columns of platoons, or by a flank if the ground over which they may have to
pass will not admit of a greater front, ready to move forward at the hour
designated. Promptly at the hour designated all will start at quick time, with
bayonets fixed, and march immediately upon the enemy without firing a gun until
the outer works are carried. The troops will go light, carrying with them only
their ammunition, canteens, and one day's rations. The skirmishers will advance
as soon as possible after heads of columns pass them, and scale the walls of
such works as may confront them. If prosecuted with vigor, it is confidently
believed this course will carry Vicksburg in a very short time, and with much
less loss than would be sustained by delay. Every day's delay enables the enemy
to strengthen his defenses and increase his chance for receiving aid from
outside.
By order of Maj. Gen.
U.S. Grant:
JNO. A. RAWLINS,
Assistant
Adjutant-General.
SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of
the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume
24, Part 1 (Serial No. 36), p. 171
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