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| The raid on the fence before going into camp. |
We drew two days' rations and marched till noon. My company,
E, being detailed for rear guard, a very undesirable position. General Logan
thinks we shall have a fight soon. I am not particularly anxious for one, but
if it comes I will make my musket talk. As we contemplate a battle, those who
have been spoiling for a fight cease to be heard. It does not even take the smell
of powder to quiet their nerves—a rumor being quite sufficient.
We have no means of knowing the number of troops in
Vicksburg, but if they were well generaled and thrown against us at some
particular point, the matter might be decided without going any further. If
they can not whip us on our journey around their city, why do they not stay at
home and strengthen their boasted position, and not lose so many men in battle
to discourage the remainder? We are steadily advancing, and propose to keep on
until we get them where they can't retreat. My fear is that they may cut
our supply train, and then we should be in a bad fix. Should that happen and
they get us real hungry, I am afraid short work would be made of taking
Vicksburg.
Having seen the four great Generals of this department,
shall always feel honored that I was a member of Force's 20th Ohio, Logan's
Division, McPherson's Corps of Grant's Army. The expression upon the face of
Grant was stern and care-worn, but determined. McPherson's was the most
pleasant and courteous—a perfect gentleman and an officer that the 17th corps
fairly worships. Sherman has a quicker and more dashing movement than some
others, a long neck, rather sharp features, and altogether just such a man as
might lead an army through the enemy's country. Logan is brave and does not
seem to know what defeat means. We feel that he will bring us out of every
fight victorious. I want no better or braver officers to fight under. I have
often thought of the sacrifice that a General might make of his men in order to
enhance his own eclat, for they do not always seem to display the good
judgment they should. But I have no fear of a needless sacrifice of life
through any mismanagement of this army.
SOURCE: Osborn Hamiline Oldroyd, A Soldier's Story
of the Siege of Vicksburg, p. 13-5
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