“The early bird catches the worm.” We tried the truth of
that adage this morning, but failed to make the catch. A few graybacks were
seen afar off, but we failed to get within range of them. Where, O where, is
General Johnston and the grand army he was to bring against us? We have looked
for him in vain. I have the utmost confidence in Grant's judgment and the
prestige of his army which has never yet known defeat, but I confess, till now,
I have been afraid of some attack in our rear. And why such a thing does not
occur is a mystery to me-at least an attempt at it. Day by day Grant is
intrenching and pushing nearer to the enemy's works, planting heavy guns and
receiving fresh troops, so the opportunity for a saving stroke by the enemy is
fast disappearing.
Camped again at dark, within two miles of Mechanicsville,
through which we passed, finding all quiet after our cavalry had driven a few
rebs beyond the town.
SOURCE: Osborn Hamiline Oldroyd, A Soldier's Story
of the Siege of Vicksburg, p. 38
