July 4th, 1863.
"Be ready to
march at a minute's notice," is the order. At the same time we learn that
Vicksburg has surrendered; that Johnson is in a trap, and that we are to help
"bag the game." So away we go, in light marching order. We marched
eight miles and camped for the night.
SOURCE: David Lane,
A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 63
Near Jackson, Miss., July 11th, 1863.
On the 6th of July,
at about 3 o'clock p. m., we fell into line and started for the Big Black
River, distant about two miles. The Rebels had shown themselves in considerable
force on the opposite bank, and had engaged our skirmishers from rifle pits,
which were dug close to the river bank, and were concealed by a thick growth of
small cane, killing and wounding several of our men. Their force was unknown to
us, the river fifteen to twenty feet deep, the banks level, and, on the other
side, covered with a heavy growth of timber.
Bridges must be
built, and the hazardous task was assigned to the First Brigade. In crossing a
level stretch of cleared land, by looking back, I could see the whole brigade
in motion, winding along like a huge serpent and extending nearly a mile in
length, and a feeling of pride and exultation surged over me as I saw, once
more, the grand old Ninth Corps advancing on our country's foe, and led, too,
by the glorious Seventeenth.
On arriving at the
river we formed in line behind a bank, thickly covered with brush, and awaited
the darkness of night before beginning our task.
At dusk each
regiment was formed into reliefs, for fatigue duty, and the work of building
began.
Contrary to our
expectations, no opposition was offered. A raft was built on which skirmishers
were carried over, but they found no enemy. As soon as they discovered our
determination to cross, they fell back toward Jackson. We built our bridge, and
crossed the next day, July 7th, at 12 m. A deserter told us they had heard of
the surrender of Vicksburg, and had left in haste. Quite a number of mules and
beef cattle were left behind, and were taken in charge by our Quartermaster.
Here our advance assumed somewhat the nature of a forced march. We halted but a
few minutes at a time, and continued, until nearly midnight, to feel our way.
Our first day's march, after crossing the river, was over a rough, broken
country, covered by a thick growth of timber, which afforded a grateful shade,
alternated by open stretches of cleared land, where the sun beat down upon us
in all its fierceness. Many of our men fell out; several were sunstruck, two of
whom died in a few minutes. On our previous short marches we had been greatly
inconvenienced by the scarcity of water, but we had now to travel thirty miles
through a country almost destitute of springs or streams, the inhabitants
depending on cisterns and artificial ponds for themselves and stock. I have not
seen a well of water in Mississippi. The negroes tell us we will not find a
drop of water for thirteen miles for man or beast. The long-continued drought
has nearly exhausted cisterns and dried up most of the artificial ponds. We
could only push ahead and trust in providence. But we were not left to perish, for
that very night we marched into camp in the midst of one of the heaviest
thunder showers I ever witnessed. It seems to me as much a miracle as the
"Smiting of the rock for the Children of Israel." And I thanked God
and took courage. That, and the frequent showers that followed, saved thousands
of men and horses from perishing of thirst. As often happens when large bodies
of troops are in motion, our supply train did not come up, and the second
morning from the river found us with empty haversacks. Unlike Virginia, this
part of Mississippi abounds in cattle and hogs, and the ravines around our camp
were soon converted into slaughter houses, from which our men supplied
themselves with meat. We stayed here until 2 o'clock p. m. for the train to
came up; half rations were issued, and we resumed our march, and kept it up
until midnight. This was a hard day for men and horses, owing to the scarcity
of water and the excessive heat. A number of men died of sunstroke, anl
twenty-five horses were found dead. Not a man of the Seventeenth has died,
although several were compelled to fall out. As for myself, I marched near the
head of the regiment all day, and was ready for a like excursion the next
morning. We camped that night within five miles of Jackson, and our advance had
already skirmished with their pickets, who had slowly fallen back. We were
aroused at 4 in the morning, drew four days' rations, and a little after 5 were
on the move, cautiously feeling our way to avoid surprise. We marched in this
way about two miles, when the enemy was discovered about three-fourths of a
mile ahead, in a cornfield, drawn up in line of battle. Smith's division formed
quickly to oppose them, artillery was ordered to the front, and every
preparation was made for an engagement, but, before our artillery could be
brought to bear, they fell back to the left of the city and took up a position
in a piece of timber.
About a mile from
that place we halted and prepared again for battle. Rebel cavalry could be seen
hovering near our left, while a strong force of infantry could plainly be seen
in the woods in front of us. Our brigade the First—was ordered to the front,
and formed in line of battle, supported by the Third Brigade. The Forty-fifth
Pennsylvania and Second Michigan deployed as skirmishers about forty rods in
advance of us. They moved cautiously about one hundred yards, when the enemy
fired on them, wounding four. This was a signal for an advance. We had formed
in a cornfield, and advanced at 2:30 p. m. The sky was cloudless; not a breath
of air was stirring. Our course, after emerging from the cornfield, lay across
a level pasture. We advanced steadily, but the Rebels fell back as we
approached, firing occasionally, until dark, when we halted in the wood until
morning, sleeping on our arms. Soon after daylight we were up and after them,
keeping, all this time, our line of battle. As we emerged into an open field we
were saluted by a volley that passed harmlessly over our heads. This was their
parting salute, for they immediately retired behind their fortifications, and
we took up the position assigned us on the left of the city.
I have written these
sketches as I could snatch a moment here and there, a few lines at a time.
SOURCE: David Lane,
A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 64-8
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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[.]
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
* * * * * * * * * *
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[.]
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.
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
