Part 89 (1/2)
In accordance with previous instructions, Major-General S. A.
Hurlbut started Colonel (now Brigadier-General) B. H. Grierson with a cavalry force from La Grange, Tennessee, to make a raid through the central portion of the State of Mississippi to destroy railroads and other public property, for the purpose of creating a diversion in favor of the army moving to the attack on Vicksburg. On the 17th of April this expedition started, and arrived at Baton Rouge on the 2d of May, having successfully traversed the whole State of Mississippi. This expedition was skillfully conducted and reflects great credit on Colonel Grierson and all of his command. The notice given the raid by the Southern press confirms our estimate of its importance. It has been one of the most brilliant cavalry exploits of the war, and will be handed down in history as an example to be imitated.
Colonel Grierson's report is herewith transmitted.
I cannot close this report without an expression of thankfulness for my good fortune in being placed in co-operation with an officer of the navy who accords to every move that seems for the interest and success of our arms his hearty and energetic support. Admiral Porter and the very efficient officers under him have ever shown the greatest readiness in their co-operation, no matter what was to be done or what risk to be taken, either by their men or their vessels. Without this prompt and cordial support my movements would have been much embarra.s.sed, if not wholly defeated.
Captain J. U. s.h.i.+rk, commanding the Tusc.u.mbia, was especially active and deserving of the highest commendation for his personal attention to the repairing of the damage done our transports by the Vicksburg batteries.
The result of this campaign has been the defeat of the enemy in five battles outside of Vicksburg; the occupation of Jackson, the capital of the State of Mississippi, and the capture of Vicksburg and its garrison and munitions of war; a loss to the enemy of thirty-seven thousand (37,000) prisoners, among whom were fifteen general officers; at least ten thousand men killed and (p. 391) wounded, and among the killed Generals Tracy, Tilghman and Green, and hundreds and perhaps thousands of stragglers, who can never be collected and reorganized. Arms and munitions of war for an army of sixty thousand men have fallen into our hands, besides a large amount of other public property, consisting of railroads, locomotives, cars, steamboats, cotton, &c., and much was destroyed to prevent our capturing it.
Our loss in the series of battles may be summed up as follows:
Killed. Wounded. Missing.
Port Gibson 130 718 5 Fourteen Mile creek (skirmish) 4 24 -- Raymond 69 341 32 Jackson 40 240 6 Champion's Hill 426 1842 189 Big Black railroad bridge 29 242 2 Vicksburg 545 3688 303
Of the wounded many were but slightly wounded, and continued on duty; many more required but a few days or weeks for their recovery. Not more than one-half of the wounded were permanently disabled.
My personal staff and chiefs of departments have in all cases rendered prompt and efficient service.
In all former reports I have failed to make mention of company A, 4th regiment Illinois cavalry volunteers, Captain S. D. Osband commanding. This company has been on duty with me as an escort company since November, 1861, and in every engagement I have been in since that time rendered valuable service, attracting general attention for their exemplary conduct, soldierly bearings and promptness. It would not be overstating the merits of this company to say that many of them would fill with credit any position in a cavalry regiment.
For the brilliant achievements recounted in this report, the Army of the Tennessee, their comrades of the Ninth Army corps, Herron's division of the Army of the Frontier, and the navy co-operating with them, deserve the highest honors their country can award.
I have the honor to be, Colonel, very respectfully your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, _Major-General United States Army_, _commanding_.
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_General Pemberton to General Grant._
To Headquarters, Vicksburg, MAJOR-GENERAL U. S. GRANT, July 3, 1863.
Commanding United States Forces before Vicksburg.
General: I have the honor to propose to you an armistice for--hours, with a view of arranging terms for the capitulation of Vicksburg. To this end, if agreeable to you, I will (p. 392) appoint three commissioners to meet a like number to be named by yourself at such place and hour to-day as you may find convenient.
I make this proposition to save the further effusion of blood, which must otherwise be shed to a frightful extent, feeling myself fully able to maintain my position for a yet indefinite period.
This communication will be handed you under flag of truce by Major-General J. S. Bowen.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON, _Lieutenant-General_.
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_General Grant to General Pemberton._
Headquarters, Department of the Tennessee, To In the Field, near Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 3, 1863.
LIEUTENANT-GENERAL J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding Confederate Forces, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
General: Your note of this date is just received, proposing an armistice for several hours for the purpose of arranging terms of capitulation through commissioners to be appointed, etc.