Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, July 5, 1863

Last Wednesday we moved from our encampment at Mound Bluff Church, and after two days' marching, came to this place, and we are now encamped on ——— Creek, between Canton and Edwards' Depot, and twelve miles from the latter place. The enemy's out-posts are only three miles off, beyond the Big Black, and a collision is expected at any hour. The situation at Vicksburg is unchanged, as far as we know, but General Price is in possession of Helena, Arkansas, which will create a diversion in favor of the besieged, as he is in a position to cut off Grant's supplies. The "Fourth" passed off very quietly with us, there being an order against making any loud noise. A speech was made by some one in a brigade just across the creek from us. Night.—We have just received orders to march at 3 o'clock to-morrow morning with this additional injunction: "On this march there is to be no loud hallooing, firing of guns, or cutting down of large trees. The men are to march in their files, and company officers are to see that this order is enforced or they will be cashiered. Penalty for the disobedience of this order is death." This order, signed by the Commanding General, together with the various reports of the enemy's movements, put us on the tip-toe of expectation as to what was up. The very latest is to the effect that General Pemberton has surrendered to General Grant. The news comes so direct, and bears such a good face, that we all believe it. We are now satisfied we are to begin a retreat in the morning; whither, we know not.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 216

Diary of Private W. J. Davidson, July 7, 1863

While waiting for the brigade to move, I will endeavor to write up what transpired yesterday. At about I A. M. we were aroused from sleep with orders to fall into line, but no movement was made for nearly two hours. We saw that the wagon-train was in front, and this indicated a fight or a retreat; at 3 o'clock we began the march at a quick gait, which was kept up until evening, when we bivouaced on the Jackson road, fifteen miles from that place, and three from Clinton.

We had passed in a few miles of the enemy early in the morning, but so silently that he was probably unaware of the movement. The wagon train was sent by another route for safety. We now have confirmation of the news from Vicksburg. There is no longer any doubt about its truth. The place surrendered after the garrison had subsisted ten weeks upon mule meat and pea meal. The officers and men are to be brought within our lines and parolled, the officers to retain their side arms. It is said that there is a heavy column of the enemy, under General Osterhaus, following in our wake. General Johnston is having the pond, which afforded water to the army last week, ditched off, and to make it palatable for our pursuers, is having dead mules thrown into it. It is the only chance for them to get water this side of Big Black. Bragg's army is reported falling back to Chattanooga, leaving our homes to the mercy of the foe. It is now ten o'clock, and Ector's Brigade, which is in line of battle in our rear, and ours are all the troops left here, the rest having gone ahead.

SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 216-7

Dr. Spencer G. Welch to Cordelia Strother Welch, July 17, 1863

Near Bunker Hill, Jefferson County, Va.,        

July 17, 1863.

You will see by this letter that we have gotten back into “Old Virginia" again. It seems that our invasion of the North did not prove successful. We fought a dreadful battle at Gettysburg, Pa. It was the greatest battle of the war. We drove the Yankees three miles from the battlefield to a long range of high hills, from which it was impossible to dislodge them. General Lee had to fall back to keep them from getting the advantage. My brother was not hurt in the battle. Milton Bossard, Captain Cromer, Buford Wallace, Mr. Daniel's two sons and many others from Newberry were killed; but it is better for us all to be killed than conquered.

We have had some very disagreeable marching, as it has rained so much, but I have gotten hold of an old horse, which helps me along very much.

We have plenty of beef and bread to eat. We gathered up thousands of beeves in Pennsylvania-enough to feed our army until cold weather. This is a great consideration.

My servant got lost in Maryland. I do not think it was his intention to leave, but he was negligent about keeping up and got in rear of the army and found it too late to cross the river.

One of your letters came to me in Pennsylvania, and three since we left there.

We hear that Vicksburg has fallen. That is unfortunate, but I do not feel at all discouraged. Countries have been overrun, and then not conquered.

When we get settled down in camp again I will try to write you a longer and better arranged letter. We don't know what minute we may move, and under such circumstances I never can write with any satisfaction. I have George's picture yet. It is a wonder I did not lose it.

SOURCE: Dr. Spencer G. Welch, A Confederate Surgeon's Letters to His Wife, p. 59-60

Diary of Private Louis Leon: July 13, 1863

News came to us to-day that Vicksburg had fallen on the 4th. Heavy skirmishing, fighting all day. Our brigade again acted as the rear of our corps, our regiment being its rear. We started our retreat at dark and marched to Williamsport, six miles, through mud and slush ankle-deep, and raining very hard. We marched one mile to the right of and crossed the Potomac at midnight, after wading through the canal, which we destroyed. The river was up to my chin, and very swift. We crossed in fours, for protection, as otherwise we could not have crossed. Our cartridge boxes we carried around our necks to keep the powder dry. On the south bank tar was poured so that we would not slip back in the river, as the mud was very slick. J. Engle, of our company, was stuck in until some of the boys pulled. him out. We went six miles further, and I honestly believe more of us were asleep on our night's march than awake. But, still, all kept up, for the rear was prison. We then halted, made fire to dry ourselves, just as day was breaking on the morning of the 14th.

SOURCE: Louis Leon, Diary of a Tar Heel Confederate Soldier, p. 40

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: July 4, 1863

Early this morning the stillness is interrupted by the national salute, for it is the eighty-seventh anniversary of the nation's birth. The day passes by pleasantly without any demonstration. During the evening it is surmised that Grant and his army have, with imposing grandeur, celebrated the day. Vague rumors are on the wing this evening that Grant to-day has made another successful swing; that Vicksburg has fallen.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 177

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: July 6, 1863

Full reports come to-day from Vicksburg; how the news cheers the soldiers. Loud shouts are heard everywhere; the Seventh feels proud to know that their history is identified with Grant and the army of the Tennessee.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 177

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 Rear Admiral David D. Porter, July 3, 1863

[JULY 3, 1863.]

Admiral PORTER:

I have given the rebels a few hours to consider the proposition of surrendering; all to be paroled here, the officers to take only side-arms. My own feelings are against this, but all my officers think the advantage gained by having our forces and transports for immediate purposes more than counterbalance the effect of sending them north.

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 Ulysses S. Grant to Rear Admiral David D. Porter, July 3, 1863

NEAR VICKSBURG, July 3, 1863.

Admiral PORTER:

The enemy have asked armistice to arrange terms of capitulation. Will you please cease firing until notified, or hear our batteries open? I shall fire a national salute into the city at daylight if they do not surrender.

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. 459

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

GRANT'S HEADQUARTERS, July 3, 1863.

General SHERMAN:

I judge Johnston is not coming to Vicksburg; he must be watched, though. I judge from the fact that I have just received a proposition from Pemberton to appoint three commissioners to arrange terms of capitulation, to save effusion of blood, &c. I reply that the appointment of commissioners is unnecessary, because he could put an end to it by surrender, and be treated with all the respect due prisoners of war. When we go in, I want you to drive Johnston from the Mississippi Central Railroad; destroy bridges as far as Grenada with your cavalry, and do the enemy all the harm possible. You can make your own arrangements and have all the troops of my command, except one corps—McPherson’s, say. I must have some troops to send to Banks, to use against Port Hudson.

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. 461

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

Rear Admiral David D. Porter to Major-General Ulysses S. Grant, July 4, 1863

JULY 4, 1863.

General GRANT:

I congratulate you in getting Vicksburg on any honorable terms. You would find it a troublesome job to transport so many men, and I think that you will be left so free to act it will counterbalance any little concession you may seem to make to the garrison.

I see they are taking a blow-out to-night.

PORTER.

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. 470

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 Ulysses S. Grant: Special Orders, No. 180, July 4, 1863 (draft copy)

Head Quarters, Dept. of the T[en]

Near Vicksburg, July 4th 1863,

Spl. Orders, No 180

II II 1 Immediately On the surrender of the City of Vicksburg Maj. Gen. Herron will advance one Brigade of his Division to within the fortifications of the enemy. He will immediately throw out guards to prevent all persons, from soldiers or citizens, from entering or leaving the city.

The divisien of Maj. Gen. J. A. Logan will march in and take eha

2 II Maj. Gen. J. A. Logan is assigned temporarily to the command of the city of Vicksburg, and He will march his Division immediately within the entrenchments of the enemy to a suitable camp ground. He will ta furnish all the guards necessary to prevent the escape of citizens or prisoners from the Vicksburg or the entrance of soldiers and all out side parties into the city.

One regiment will be immediately placed on guard in the city to preserve order and to prevent pillaging and other destruction of property.

Five companies, commanded by a competant Field Officer, will report at once to Lt. Col. Bingham, Chief Quartermaster, to guard a collect and guard all captured property, and to superintend working parties of such negroes as may be collected and employed in discharging boats and otherwise labor in the Quartermaster's Dept.

3  No citizens will be permitted to land from steamers until authority may hereafter be given.

4 All able bodied negro men in the city will be immediately collected and organized into working parties under suitable officers & non-commissioned officers. They will at once be set at policing the city and all the grounds within the entrenchments.

5. Capt. Comstock, Chief Eng. will superintend direct the destruction of the outside approaches made to the enemy's works. All necessary details will be made for this purpose by the Comdr of the 17th Army Corps, either from his PyPioneer Corps, negroes collected, or by details from the ranks. All heavy Artillery will be moved into the entrenchments and properly located for defence. Division Engineer officers, or in their absence, Division Qr. Mrs. will collect and save all mining tools belonging to their respective commands.

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 8, p. 454-5

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant: Special Orders, No. 180, July 4, 1863

SPECIAL ORDERS, No. 180.}

HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE,        

Near Vicksburg, Miss., July 4, 1863.

I. On the surrender of Vicksburg, Major-General Herron will advance one brigade of his division to within the fortifications of the enemy. He will throw out guards to prevent all persons, soldiers or citizens, from entering or leaving the city. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan is assigned temporarily to the command of the city of Vicksburg, and will march his division within the intrenchments of the enemy, to a suitable camp-ground. He will furnish all the guards necessary to prevent the escape of citizens or prisoners from Vicksburg, or the entrance of soldiers and all outside parties into the city. One regiment will be immediately placed on guard in the city, to preserve order, and to prevent pillaging and other destruction of property. Five companies, commanded by a competent field officer, will report at once to Lieut. Col. J. D. Bingham, chief quartermaster, to collect and guard all captured property, and to superintend working parties of such negroes as may be collected and employed in discharging boats, and other labor in the quartermaster's department. No citizens will be permitted to land from steamers until authority may be given hereafter. All the able-bodied negro men in the city will be immediately collected and organized into working parties, under suitable officers. They will at once be set to policing the city and the grounds within the intrenchments. Captain Comstock, chief engineer, will direct the destruction of the outside approaches made to the enemy's works. All necessary details will be made for this purpose by the commander of the Seventeenth Army Corps, either from his pioneer corps, negroes collected, or by details from the ranks. All heavy artillery will be moved into the intrenchments and properly located for defense. Division engineer officers, or, in their absence, division quartermasters, will collect and save all mining-tools belonging to their respective commands.

II. Lieut. Col. William L. Duff, chief of artillery, will immediately collect and take care of all ordnance stores outside of the enemy's works at Vicksburg. He will call on Major-General McPherson and Major-General Herron for such details as he may require in carrying out this order.

*          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *          *

By order of Maj. Gen. U.S. Grant:

[JNO. A. RAWLINS,]        

Assistant Adjutant-General.

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. 477

Lieutenant Colonel John A. Rawlins to Commodore George W. Graham, July 4, 1863

Vicksburg will probably be surrendered at 10 oclock today, the terms have not yet been fully settled, will be by nine oclock, will send you word. Dont go off half cocked[.]

SOURCE: John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 8, p. 470

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Henry W. Halleck, July 4, 1863—10:30 a.m.

NEAR VICKSBURG, MISS.,        

July 4, 1863—10.30 a.m.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,
        General-in-Chief:

The enemy surrendered this morning. The only terms allowed is their parole as prisoners of war. This I regarded as of great advantage to us at this juncture. It saves probably several days in the captured town; leaves troops and transports ready for immediate service. General Sherman, with a large force, will face immediately on Johnston and drive him from the State. I will send troops to the relief of General Banks, and return the Ninth Corps to General Burnside.

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 1 (Serial No. 36), p. 44

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Nathaniel P. Banks, July 4, 1863

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,        

Near Vicksburg, July 4, 1863.

Maj. Gen. N. P. BANKS, Comdg. Department of the Gulf:

GENERAL: The garrison of Vicksburg surrendered this morning. Number of prisoners, as given by the officers, is 27,000; field artillery, one hundred and twenty-eight pieces, and a large number of siege guns, probably not less than eighty. The other stores will probably not amount to any great deal. I held all my surplus troops out on Big Black River and between there and Haynes' Bluff, intending to assault in a few days. I directed that they be kept in readiness to move on the shortest notice to attack Johnston. The moment the surrender of Vicksburg was agreed upon, the order was given, and troops are now in motion. General Sherman goes in command of this expedition. His force is so large I think it cannot fail. This move will have the effect of keeping Johnston from detaching a portion of his force for the relief of Port Hudson. Although I had the garrison of Vicksburg completely in my power, I gave them the privilege of being paroled at this place, the officers to retain their side-arms and private baggage, and field, staff, and cavalry officers to take with them one horse each. I regard the terms really more favorably than an unconditional surrender. It leaves the transports and troops for immediate use. At the present junction of affairs in the East and on the river above here, this may prove of vast importance. I hope, general, and from what, Admiral Porter tells me, this probably will find you in possession of Port Hudson.

I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

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. 470-1

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Jesse Root Grant, July 6, 1863

VICKSBURG, July 6, 1863.

DEAR FATHER, — Vicksburg has at last surrendered after a siege of over forty days. The surrender took place on the morning of the 4th of July. I found I had continuously underestimated the force of the enemy both in men and Artillery. The number of prisoners surrendered was thirty thousand and too hundred. The process of parolling is so tedious, however, that many who are desirous of getting to their homes will escape before the paroling officers get around to them. The Arms taken is about 180 pieces of Artillery and over 30,000 stand of small Arms. The enemy still had about four days rations of flour and meat and a large quantity of sugar.

The weather now is excessively warm and the roads intolerably dusty. It cannot be expected under these circumstances that the health of this command can keep up as it has done. My troops were not allowed one hour's idle time after the surrender but were at once started after other game.

My health has continued very good during the campaign which has just closed. Remember me to all at home.

ULYSSES.

Massachusetts Historical Society, Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 47: October 1913—June 1914, p. 478-9