NEAR VICKSBURG, May 22,
1863,
VIA MEMPHIS, May 25.
General H. W. HALLECK,
Washington, D.C.:
Vicksburg is now completely invested. I have possession of
Haynes' Bluff and the Yazoo; consequently have supplies. To-day an attempt was
made to carry the city by assault, but was not entirely successful. We hold
possession, however, of two of the enemy's forts, and have skirmishers close
under all of them. Our loss was not severe. The nature of the ground about
Vicksburg is such that it can only be taken by a siege. It is entirely safe to
us in time, I would say one week, if the enemy do not send a large army upon my
rear. With the railroad destroyed to beyond Pearl River, I do not see the hope
that the enemy can entertain of such relief.
I learn that Jeff Davis has promised that if the garrison
can hold out for fifteen days he will send 100,000 men, if he has to evacuate
Tennessee to do it.
What shall I do with the prisoners I have?
U. S. GRANT,
Major-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. 37
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