Saturday, July 18, 2026

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, July 13, 1863

Left for Natchez at 4 a. m. Quite a fleet of boats. I understand our object is to capture large droves of cattle that the Confederates have been moving across the country from Texas and crossing Natchez. Arrived about 4 o'clock p. m. Our trip down was a pleasant one, the plantations along the river not being destroyed like those above Vicksburg. We disembarked immediately upon our arrival and marched on to the bluff were we bivouacked for the night. The good people of this place were very much surprised and disgusted at the idea of their city being occupied by the Federals. It is a beautiful place and as yet there has been no distructions of property. I received orders to take four companies of the regiment and cross the river at midnight.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 20

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