General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, April 15, 1882

WESTERN UNION TELEGRAPH CO.,    

Dated, Los ANGELES, CAL., April 15, 1882.

TO HON. JOHN SHERMAN,
        United States Senate, Washington, D.C.

Letter of eighth received. I do not expect to reach Washington, D. C., till about May 12th, and do not ask Congress to make any exception in my case. If officers generally are disqualified for efficient service at sixty-two years, the law should so declare it and no chance be allowed for a repetition of the terrible discrimination made in General Ord's case. Compensation to retired officers should vary according to length and quality of service, and a vote of thanks by Congress to general officers should have some value. There are only five such now surviving, and, like the Supreme Court, they should retain their salaries without other allowances. You may announce these as my opinions.

W. T. SHERMAN,    

General.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman Letters: Correspondence Between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 356

Major-General Edward O. C. Ord to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, July 3, 1863

ORD'S HEADQUARTERS, July 3, 1863.

General GRANT:

In reply to your intimation that if General Pemberton wished an interview he would show a white flag at some specified point, General Bowen stated to General [A. J.] Smith that he knew General Pemberton would be glad to meet General Grant; and General Bowen, on the return of General Smith from you, appointed the point where the Jackson and Vicksburg road crosses the rebel trenches as the place where the white flag would be raised at 3 p.m. This point is in front of General McPherson's. The rebel time is forty eight minutes faster than mine. I will send you my time.

E. O. C. ORD.

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. 460

Major-General Edward O. C. Ord to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, July 3, 1863

Shall I notify my men of the enemys offer it will renew their energy after the momentary relaxation by indicating the hold we have on the enemy[.]

_______________

[Grant wrote his reply on the telegram:]

Certainly let them know it.[.]

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 8, p. 456-7

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General William T. Sherman, July 3, 1863

NEAR VICKSBURG, July 3, 1863.

Major-General SHERMAN:

Pemberton wants conditions to march out paroled, &c. The conditions wanted are such as I cannot give; I am to submit my propositions at 10 o'clock to-night. I have directed Steele and Ord to be in readiness to move, as you suggested, the moment Vicksburg is surrendered. I want Johnston broken up as effectually as possible, and roads destroyed. I cannot say where you will find the most effective place to strike; I would say move so as to strike Canton and Jackson, whichever might seem most desirable.

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. 460

Major-General William T. Sherman to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, July 3, 1863

PARKE'S, July 3, 1863.

General GRANT:

I am this moment in, and have your dispatch. Telegraph me the moment you have Vicksburg in possession, and I will secure all the crossings of Black River, and move on Jackson or Canton, as you may advise. I want my own corps and Ord's, with Parke in reserve; train small; all of which will be arranged [when] I know for certain that you fire in absolute possession. If you are in Vicksburg, glory, hallelujah! the best Fourth of July since 1776. Of course we must not rest idle, only don't let us brag too soon. I will order my troops at once to occupy the fords of the Big Black, and await with anxiety your further answer.

W. T. SHERMAN.

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. 461

Major-General William T. Sherman to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, July 4, 1863

CAMP ON BEAR CREEK,

July 4, 1863.

Major-General GRANT:

MY DEAR GENERAL: The telegraph has just announced to me that Vicksburg is ours; its garrison will march out, stack arms, and return within their lines as prisoners of war, and that you will occupy the city only with such troops as you have designated in orders. I can hardly contain myself. Surely will I not punish any soldier for being "unco happy" this most glorious anniversary of the birth of a nation, whose sire and father was a Washington. Did I not know the honesty, modesty, and purity of your nature, I would be tempted to follow the examples of my standard enemies of the press in indulging in wanton flattery; but as a man and soldier, and ardent friend of yours, I warn you against the incense of flattery that will fill our land from one extreme to the other. Be natural and yourself, and this glittering flattery will be as the passing breeze of the sea on a warm summer day. To me the delicacy with which you have treated a brave but deluded enemy is more eloquent than the most gorgeous oratory of an Everett.

This is a day of jubilee, a day of rejoicing to the faithful, and I would like to hear the shout of my old and patient troops; but I must be a Gradgrind—I must have facts, knocks, and must go on. Already are my orders out to give one big huzza and sling the knapsack for new fields. Tuttle will march at once to Messinger's, Parke to Birdsong, and I will shift my headquarters to Fox's. McArthur will clear the road of obstructions made against the coming of the unseen Johnston, and as soon as Ord and Steele's columns are out, I will push ahead. I want maps, but of course the first thing is to clear the Big Black River and get up on the high ground beyond, when we move according to developments. I did want rest, but I ask nothing until the Mississippi River is ours, and Sunday and 4th of July are nothing to Americans till the river of our greatness is free as God made it. Though in the background, as I ever wish to be in civil war, I feel that I have labored some to secure this glorious result.

I am, with respect, your friend,

W. T. SHERMAN.

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. 472

Major-General William T. Sherman to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, July 12, 1863

HEADQUARTERS FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS,        

Camp before Jackson, July 12, 1863.

General Lauman, in taking position to-day, got his line uncovered by skirmishers too close to the enemy's lines, and suffered considerably; loss not yet ascertained. Colonel Gresham is reported killed. Lieutenant Adams, of the artillery, was killed the first day, and Lieutenant Nelson,(*) of the Regulars. The ground to the right is so wooded that General Ord has been unable to ascertain Lauman's loss. Johnston evidently intends to make a strong fight at Jackson behind his parapet. He may endeavor to operate outside with cavalry. With plenty of rifle ammunition, I can make the town pretty hot to live in. I have published all the good news to our troops.

W. T. SHERMAN,        

Major-General.

Major-General GRANT, Vicksburg.

_______________

* Captured, not killed.

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. 522

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Edward O. C. Ord, June 23 1863

[June 23 1863]

You need only fire when you see something to fire at.  It is not necessary to keep up a constant fire—

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 8, p. 410

Major-General Edward O. C. Ord to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, June 23, 1863

ORD'S HEADQUARTERS, June 23, 1863.

Pretty lively firing on my left, as if a sally.

I have sent to Lauman and Hovey, if an attack occurs on either side of them, to re-enforce the point attacked.

E. O. C. ORD,        

Major-General.

General 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. 208

Major-General Edward O. C. Ord to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, June 24, 1863

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,

June 24, 1863.

Colonel Bush, Second Illinois Cavalry, reports, "Our pickets report that the rebels were at work at Baldwin's Ferry last night." I shall ascertain whether it is true or not. If they are preparing to cross, I will send notice.

E. O. C. ORD,        

Major-General.

General 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. 209

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Edward O. C. Ord, June 25, 1863

NEAR VICKSBURG, June 25, 1863.

General ORD:

McPherson secured the crater made by the explosion. The cavity made was sufficiently large to shelter two regiments. The enemy made an effort to drive our troops away. Our loss about 30 killed and wounded, some ten of them officers, and 3 field officers. Guns will be in the crater by morning, with rifle-pits to the left to defend it. If we can hold the position until morning it will evidently give us possession of a long line of rifle-pits to the right, and a fair way of advancing to enfilade to the left.

U.S. GRANT.

(Same to General Herron.)

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. 441

Major-General Edward O. C. Ord to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, June 25, 1863

[June 25, 1863.]

How is McPherson doing holding his own Shall I hold men ready to move that way if so how many

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 8, p. 416

Major-General Edward O. C. Ord to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, June 25, 1863

[June 25, 1863.]

A colored man got in last night from Vicksburg Started night before re [he] was servant to staff officers to Gen Lee confirms other statement about provisions & Sick inside thinks the men wont stand it a week longer

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 8, p. 416

Major-General Edward O. C. Ord to Lieutenant Colonel John A. Rawlins, July 1, 1863

HDQRS. THIRTEENTH A. C., Near Vicksburg, July 1, 1863.

Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, A. A. G., Dept. of the Tennessee:

COLONEL: I have the honor to send to headquarters two prisoners, with a black boy, captured near the mouth of Big Black by Maj. James Grant Wilson, Fifteenth Illinois Cavalry, while attempting to cross the river in a canoe. Major Wilson found a few letters in the possession of the prisoners, which are inclosed for the information of the major-general commanding.* If the statements in the letters of the amount of rations (and the black boy says it has been but one-quarter pound of bacon and meal each for ten days past) can be relied on, the information is valuable. It is strongly corroborated by the statements of deserters for some days past.

E. O. C. ORD.

_______________

* Not Found.

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. 457

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Edward O. C. Ord, July 1, 1863

[July 1, 1863.]

Major Wilson's report looks as if it would be prudent to move out troops. They had better be sent to Big Bayou tonight, and tomorrow take a strong position, whilst the Cavalry reconnoitre the enemy. We can tell better then what to do.

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 8, p. 451

Major-General Edward O. C. Ord to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, July 1, 1863

ORD'S [HEADQUARTERS], July 1, 1863.

Major-General GRANT:

Shall I send out a brigade with artillery to the south, to meet the reported march?

E. O. C. ORD.

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. 457

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Edward O. C. Ord, July 1, 1863

HEADQUARTERS, July 1, 1863.

General ORD:

Have you any information besides what I sent you? If it is really true that the enemy have 12,000 troops at Hankinson's Ferry, they should be met. I will telegraph General Herron to ascertain more fully.

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. 457

Major-General Edward O. C. Ord to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, July 1, 1863

ORD'S, July 1, 1863.

GENERAL: I have positive intelligence, from cavalry just in and from the report of Major Wilson, that the enemy have crossed at and near Hankinson's Ferry. I have ordered Lawler, with a brigade, to move down east of Warrenton, and occupy the ground between Warrenton and Hankinson's Ferry. He will be off in half an hour, if you do not direct otherwise.

E. O. C. ORD,        

Major-General.

General 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. 209

Major-General Francis J. Herron to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, July 1, 1863

HERRON'S HEADQUARTERS, July 1, 1863.

General GRANT:

I do not place any confidence in the report of the infantry being at Hankinson's Ferry, but think it probably a scout of their cavalry crossed. I have telegraphed fully to General Ord.

F. J. HERRON.

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. 457

Major-General Edward O. C. Ord to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, July 1, 1863

ORD'S, July 1, 1863.

Nothing further than the dispatch from Herron, which came from Logan and Major Wilson, via Warrenton. Wilson was stationed near Hankinson's Ferry. I think it is likely the enemy has shown some force there, perhaps as a feint. I have two brigades ordered to be ready to march for the country between Warrenton and Hall's Ferry. Shall I send them off?

E. O. C. ORD.

General GRANT.

[Indorsement.]

A cavalry picket, to give notice if crossing is attempted, will be sufficient. Only move troops after it is known there is a force to oppose.

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 2 (Serial No. 37), p. 209