HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE TENN., Near Vicksburg, June 27, 1863.
Brig. Gen. E. S. DENNIS, Comdg. District of Northeastern Louisiana:
GENERAL: There is
now a probability that [E. K.] Smith will come into the point opposite
Vicksburg, for the purpose of aiding the rebel garrison in their escape or to
furnish them supplies. Should you discover any attempt of the kind, concentrate
your whole force, black and white, from Lake Providence, down at Young's Point,
or the most suitable place for resisting them. With Johnston in my rear, I
cannot detach troops for that purpose. Should such a move become necessary,
notify the negro commissioners of the fact, so that they can warn the planters
in time to drive in their stock and hands within our lines for safety.
You had better
notify the commissioners at once that such a course may become necessary.
Respectfully,
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. 444-5
