NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS., May 29, 1863.
Maj. Gen. F. P. BLAIR, Jr.,
Commanding Advance Expedition:
Yours of the 28th, inclosing report of Colonel Johnson, is
just received. It is so important that we should save all our troops to act
together, that I would direct that you take no risks whatever, either of a
defeat or of being cut off. If you are satisfied of the presence of a large
force at Canton and north of there, returned immediately, leaving Mower's
brigade at Haynes' Bluff. If you deem Haynes' Bluff in danger of an early
attack, you may also leave McArthur, with the brigade of his division.
Returning, destroy all the forage and stock you can, and obstruct all roads
behind you by burning bridges, felling timber, and in all possible ways. I
requested Admiral Porter yesterday to send a gunboat or two up the river to
cruise until you return. You may rest at Haynes' Bluff' with your entire
command until you receive further orders from me. Such information may be
received from the enemy and sufficient re-enforcements arrive here as to make
it advisable to send out an army large enough to clean out Joe Johnston and his
party.
U.S. GRANT.
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. 361-2
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