Major-General William T. Sherman to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, July 14, 1863—8 p.m.

HEADQUARTERS,        

Army before Jackson, July 14, 1863—8 p.m.

GENERAL: All is well with us. I think I have troops enough. Johnston is still in Jackson, and our skirmishers are engaged all round the lines, and but little execution done by either party. Our lines of investment are well covered by rifle trenches. We are now firing every five minutes from four different batteries day and night, and, as soon as the ammunition train is up, will increase the fire. We now reach Pearl River above and below the town. I do not think Johnston is receiving re-enforcements; at all events, he has manifested no intention to rally, and has permitted us to surround him with parapets. A brigade is breaking railroad both ways, and as soon as I know our ammunition train is coming I will send a good brigade and artillery and cavalry to complete the destruction at Canton and Big Black River Bridge; also a cavalry party to Brookhaven, south.

W. T. SHERMAN,        

Major General, Commanding Army.

Maj. Gen. 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 2 (Serial No. 37), p. 524-5