Vicksburg, as if it was at that time promptly made. Another reason for a change of his first plan, and in favor of a prompt movement on Vicksburg, was the information that troops were expected at Jackson from the Southern cities under command of Gen. Beauregard. Meanwhile the army was lying at Hawkinson's Ferry, waiting for wagons, supplies, and the arrival of Gen. Sherman's corps. Hawkinson's was the lowest of three ferries over the Big Black below the railroad. Hall's and Baldwin's were the names of the others. It was on a new military road from Grand Gulf to Vicksburg. In order to facilitate Gen. Grant's operations by destroying the enemy's lines of communication and preventing the early concentration of reënforcements, a cavalry raid of unusual boldness was made in the rear of Vicksburg. Col. Benj. H. Grierson, commanding the first cavalry brigade, had proposed a descent into the State of Mississippi, without meeting the approval of the commanding general until the 1st of April, when he was instructed to prepare for an expedition. The force was stationed at Lagrange about fifty miles east of Memphis, and four miles west of the junction of the Mississippi and Charleston railroad. On the 17th, Col. Grierson was ordered to move his force, consisting of the 6th Illinois cavalry, Col. Loomis, 7th Illinois, Col. Edward Prince, and 2d Iowa, Col. Edward Hatch, out on the road to Ripley. Feints had previously been made from Lagrange, Memphis, and Corinth, in orto divert the attention of the enemy from the real movement. Early on the next day, the 18th, the force proceeded to Ripley: from that village, the 2d Iowa, advancing on the left flank of the column, took a southeasterly direction, and crossed the Tallahatchie about five miles northeast of New Albany. Meanwhile the main body proceeded directly south and crossed the river two miles east of New Albany. At the same time a battalion of the 7th Illinois marched on the right flank and crossed the river at New Albany. Skirmishing was kept up throughout the day by all the forces with detached bodies of the enemy, who were on both sides of the river, but unable to impede the progress of Col. Grierson. At night the 6th and 7th encamped about four miles south of New Albany, and the 2d Iowa about four miles east of that place. About midnight an attack was made upon this regiment, which was promptly repulsed. On the morning of the 19th a detachment was ordered by Col. Grierson to proceed eastward, another to move back to New Albany, and a third to march northwest toward King's Bridge, where a Confederate force under Maj. Chalmers was reported to be encamped. These movements were designed to lead the enemy to believe that the object of the expedition was to break up the different military organizations in that part of the country. This was successful. About nine o'clock the main body resumed its march in a southerly direction, with the 2d Iowa on its left flank. The various detachments which had been sent out soon joined the main column, and the whole force proceeded to Pontotoc. A small Confederate force was here encountered, and pursued through the town by the advance, and their entire camp equipage was captured, and also four hundred bushels of salt, which were de stroyed at night. Col. Grierson encamped sir miles south of Pontotoc, on the road leading to Houston. Early the next morning, Major Lall, of the 2d Iowa, with about one hundred and seventyfive of the least effective portion of the command, one piece of artillery, and all the prisoners, moved northward, on the return to Lagrange. The object of Col. Grierson, in ordering this movement, was to relieve his command of incumbrances, and to lead the enemy to believe that the expedition had retraced its steps. The march southward was then resumed, and the force encamped that night about ten miles beyond the town of Houston. On the next day, the 21st, Col. Hatch, of the 2d Iowa, was ordered to move his com mand toward Columbus, and destroy as much of the Mobile and Ohio railroad as possible, to attack Columbus if the opposing force was not too strong, and march thence to Lagrange, taking such route as he might consider to be the most suitable. In this movement, Col. Hatch was quite successful. It entirely mis led Gen. Chalmers, who was in pursuit of Col. Grierson, and gave the latter a start of two or three days. The main body now continued its march to Starkville, and captured a mail, which was destroyed. At Dismal Swamp, four miles from Starkville, a halt was ordered, and a part of the command continued on five miles farther to one of the principal tanneries in the State, which was destroyed, with a large stock of boots, shoes, saddles, and leather. On the 22d, the command again united and marched twenty-seven miles, nearly to Louisville, Mississippi. The deep streams and marshes made the route very difficult and perilous, On the next morning the command reached Philadelphia; here a mail was captured and destroyed. About daylight, on the next morn ing, Newton was reached, where two trains of cars, loaded with all kinds of quartermaster and commissary stores, ammunition, and shells, were captured, and their contents destroyed. One bridge was destroyed about half a mile east of the place, and three heavy trestlework bridges ten miles farther up the railroad. On the 25th, Col. Grierson reached Nichols's Plantation, seven miles west of Montrose. A more southerly route was now pursued. At Raleigh a halt was ordered for the night, and a scout sent to cut the telegraph wires on the railroad between Lake Station and Jackson. On arriv ing within seven miles of the railroad, a regi ment of Confederate cavalry was met, which had left Brandon in search of Col. Grierson. They were on the direct road to his camp, and only fourteen miles distant. The scout succeeded in misleading the enemy, and returned safely to camp. Col. Grierson immediately moved his command over Leaf river, and destroyed the bridge, thereby preventing the possibility of a surprise in the rear. The command then moved on to Westville, and crossed the Pearl river at a point ten miles distant from the latter place. Two battalions, which had been sent out in advance, under Col. Prince, moved rapidly to the railroad station at Hazelhurst, and captured forty cars, loaded with shell ammunition, quartermaster's and commissary stores. When south of Starkville, Capt. Forbes, of Co. B, 7th Illinois, was ordered to march to Macon. As he approached within a short distance of that place, he found it occupied by a considerable force of the enemy. He then moved to Newton, and thence to Enterprise, one hundred miles east of the main body of Col. Grierson's force. Here he sent a flag of truce to Col. Goodwin, commanding the Confederate force in the place, and demanded his surrender. Col. Goodwin requested one hour in which to determine his reply. But Capt. Forbes, finding the enemy to be stronger than he had supposed, and having accomplished his object in diverting their attention, before the expiration of the hour commenced a rapid movement to join Col. Grierson, then more than a day's march distant. Taking a westward course, he soon struck the route of the main body at Pearl river, and effected a junction. Near Gallatin a 32-pound Parrott gun, destined for Port Gibson, was captured and spiked. Five miles east of Gallatin, a detachment was sent to the railroad at Bahala, which destroyed the track, several cars, water tanks, and a considerable amount of other property, and cut the telegraph wires. On the morning of the 28th, Brookhaven was entered by the advance so suddenly that two hundred of the enemy were surprised and made prisoners. A large number of muskets and five hundred tents, at a camp of instruction, were destroyed. The main body, after leaving Gallatin, encountered a cavalry force under Col. Garland, when a skirmish ensued, in which several of the enemy were killed and others taken prisoners. A feint, for the purpose of deceiving the enemy, was made toward Port Gibson, and another toward Natchez, when the main body marched to Brookhaven. On the 30th, Col. Grierson moved in a southerly direction, and destroyed all the bridges between Brookhaven and Bogue Chito Station. At the latter place fifteen cars, partly loaded with army stores, were destroyed, together with the depot and other railroad buildings. The force then marched to Summit, where twenty-five freight cars were destroyed. Thence Col. Grierson moved from the railroad to a point between Magnolia and Liberty, for the purpose of reaching the Clinton road. Finding a regiment of the enemy's cavalry at Wall's bridge, on the Tickfaw, a dash was made upon them, in which eight or ten were killed, several wounded, and the rest put to flight. The loss of Col. Grierson was one killed and five wounded. Moving then east of the Tickfaw a short distance, the march was continued directly southward. At Edwards's bridge another regiment of the enemy's cavalry was posted, purposely to dispute the passage. A battalion was sent to engage them, while the main body moved on in the direction of Greensburg. Only a few brief skirmishes took place with this regiment. The march thus far had proved a constant surprise to the inhabitants, and as it was supposed that Col. Grierson would return to Lagrange, My force will be this evening as far advanced along Fourteen Mile creek, the left near Black river, and extending in a line nearly east and west, as they can get communicate with Grand Gulf no more, except it be without bringing on a general engagement. I shall comes necessary to send a train with a heavy escort. You may not hear from me again for several weeks. arrangements had been made to cut off his re- railroads, telegraph, public stores, &c., and then treat. It was apparent now that his intention push west to rejoin the main force. Gen. Sherwas not to return, but to march through the man moved forward on the Edwards's Station State. Preparations were therefore made at road, crossing Fourteen Mile creek at Dillon's Osyka to stop his progress. It was well known Plantation. Gen. McClernand moved across that to advance any farther south it would be the same creek farther west, sending one dinecessary for him to cross several bridges. vision of his corps by the Baldwin's Ferry road Hence a regiment of Confederate cavalry was as far as the river. At the crossing of Fourteen so posted as to flank his force, while a body of Mile creek, both Gens. McClernand and Sherinfantry was thrown in his front, to hold him man had considerable skirmishing with the in check until the cavalry could make an at- enemy to get possession of the crossing. On the tack upon his flank and rear. Col. Grierson, evening of that day, May 11th, Gen. Grant sent understanding his danger, at once ordered a the following despatch to Maj.-Gen. Halleck, charge upon the infantry, and, with one dash, at Washington: broke through their lines, and soon left them far in the rear. Fortunately he met with no loss, and continued his march south to Greensburg, thence direct to Clinton. About ten miles above that town he crossed the Amite river. On the Big Sandy creek a camp of partisan rangers was found, which he attacked, and destroyed one hundred and fifty tents, with the camp equipage and private baggage. Several horses were also captured. He then marched on the Greenville Spring road toward Baton Rouge. About ten miles from the latter place he suddenly came upon a force of cavalry, under Col. Stewart, and captured the entire body. About four o'clock in the afternoon of the 1st of May he entered the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In seventeen days the troops had marched over eight hundred miles through the heart of the State of Mississippi. A large number of the enemy were killed and wounded, and it was estimated that over four millions of property were destroyed. On two important railroads communications were cut off with strong positions of the enemy. Over a thousand prisoners and more than twelve hundred horses were captured, and great excitement was created throughout the State. Meantime, as the army of Gen. Grant lay at Hawkinson's Ferry, waiting for supplies and the arrival of Gen. Sherman's corps, demonstrations were made to induce the enemy to think that route and the one by Hall's Ferry, next above on the Big Black river, were objects of much solicitude to Gen. Grant. Reconnoissances were made on the west side of the Big Black river, extending within six miles of Warrenton. On the 7th of May an advance was ordered. Gen. McPherson's corps were required to keep the road nearest Black river to Rocky Springs. Gen. McClernand's corps moved on the ridge road running from Willow Springs, and Gen. Sherman followed, with his corps divided on the two roads. All the ferries were closely guarded until the troops were well advanced. It was the intention of Gen. Grant here to hug the Big Black river as closely as possible with Gen. McClernand's and Gen. Sherman's corps, and thus get them to the Jackson and Vicksburg railroad, at some point between Edwards's Station and Bolton. Gen. McPherson was ordered to move by way of Utica to Raymond, and from thence into Jackson, destroying the That night Gen. McClernand's corps was near Black river. Gen. Sherman, in the centre of the line, was at and beyond Auburn; and Gen. McPherson, about eight miles to the right, with his corps, had advanced a few miles north of Utica. Corn, salt meat, and live stock were found abundant. On the next morning, Tuesday, May 12th, Gen. McClernand's advance drove in the enemy's pickets, and brisk skirmishing ensued for an hour or two, with little loss on either side. By noon the enemy had disappeared from his front. Gen. Sherman early set a division in motion, which came upon the enemy at the crossing of Fourteen Mile creek. The cavalry advance was fired upon from the thick woods that skirt the stream, and was unable, owing to the nature of the ground, to make a charge or clear the enemy from their position. A battery was brought forward, supported by two. regiments, and skirmishers thrown out, who drove the enemy slowly until a brigade was thrown upon their right and left flanks, when they withdrew toward Raymond. The principal resistance to the line of march was, however, in front of Gen. McPherson. At ten o'clock his advance, under Gen. Logan, came upon a Confederate force, estimated at ten thousand, but which proved to be two brigades under Gens. Gregg and Walker, posted on Fondreu's creek, about two miles south of Raymond. Brisk skirmishing began at once, which soon brought on a general engagement. The enemy was almost wholly concealed at first by the woods bordering the stream, behind which their forces were posted. Their artillery was on an eminence, which commanded the Federal approach. The battle continued for three hours, when the enemy, after heavy loss in killed, wounded, and missing, withdrew in two columns, the principal one taking the road to Jackson. Gen. McPherson immediately occupied Raymond. Gen. Grant was at this time with Gen. Sherman's corps, and had ordered that corps and also Gen. McClernand's to move toward the rail road from Vicksburg to Jackson by parallel roads, the latter in the direction of Edwards's Station, and the former to a point on the railroad between Edwards's Station and Bolton. But he afterward ordered these two corps to march to Raymond, in consequence of being informed that the enemy had retreated to Jackson after the defeat near Raymond, and also that reënforcements were daily arriving at Jackson, and that Gen. Joseph E. Johnston was hourly expected there to take the command in person. He says: "I therefore determined to make sure of that place, and leave no enemy in my rear." On the next day, the 13th, Gen. McPherson moved to Clinton, and destroyed the railroads and telegraph, and captured some important despatches from Gen. Pemberton to Gen. Gregg, who had command on the previous day in the battle of Raymond. Gen. Sherman moved to a parallel position on the Mississippi Springs and Jackson road, and Gen. McClernand moved to a point near Raymond. On the 14th, Gen. McPherson and Gen. Sherman each advanced from his respective position toward Jackson. The rain had fallen in torrents during the night before, and it continued to fall until about noon, thus making the roads at first slippery, and then miry. Nevertheless, the troops marched in excellent order and spirits about fourteen miles, when they came upon the enemy. The main body of their force in Jackson had marched out on the Clinton road, and encountered Gen. McPherson about two and a half miles from the city. A small force of artillery and infantry also took a strong position in front of Gen. Sherman, about the same distance out from Jackson. On the march of Gen. McPherson from Clinton toward Jackson, Gen. Crocker's division held the advance. All was quiet until he reached a hill overlooking a broad open field, through the centre of which, and over the crest of the hill beyond, the road to Jackson passed. On the left of this latter hill the enemy had posted his artillery, and along the crest his line of battle. As the Federal force came within range, the artillery of the enemy opened fire. The battery of the First Missouri was moved to the left of a cotton gin in the open field, and returned the fire for nearly an hour, when the guns of the enemy were withdrawn. Meantime, Gen. Crocker had thrown out two brigades to the right and left of his battery, supported by another brigade at a proper distance, and had also pushed forward a strong line of skirmishers, and posted them in a ravine in front, which protected them from the fire of the enemy. After a little delay they were again advanced out of cover, and a desultory fire ensued between the opposite lines of skirmishers, in which the enemy, owing to the nature of the ground, had the advantage. At length Gen. Crocker, seeing the necessity of driving the rebels from the crest of the hill, ordered a charge along the line, the execution of which has been thus described: "With colors flying, and with a step as measured and unbroken as if on dress parade, the movement was executed. Slowly they advanced, crossed the narrow ravine, and, with fixed bayonets, reached the crest of the hill in easy range of the rebel line. Here they received a tremendous volley, which caused painful gaps in their ranks. They held their fire until they were within a distance of thirty paces, when they delivered the returning volley with fearful effect, and, without waiting to reload their muskets, with a terrific yell, they rushed upon the staggered foe. Over the fences, through the brushwood, into the inclosure, they worked their way, slaughtering on the right and left without mercy. The enemy, astonished at their impetuosity, wavered and fell back, rallied again, and finally broke in wild confusion." They finally retreated north, but without further damage. When Gen. Sherman encountered the enemy, he soon discovered the weakness of the latter by sending a reconnoitering party to his right, which had the effect of causing them to retreat from that part of their line. A few of the artillerists, however, remained in their places, firing upon Gen. Sherman's troops until the last moment, evidently having been instructed to do so with the expectation of being captured in the end. At this time Gen. McClernand occupied Clinton with one division, Mississippi Springs with another, Raymond with a third, and his fourth division and Gen. Blair's division of Gen. Sherman's corps were with a wagon train, still in the rear near Auburn. At the same time Gen. McArthur, with one brigade of his division of Gen. McPherson's corps, was moving toward Raymond on the Utica road. It was not the intention of Gen. Grant to move these forces any nearer Jackson, but to have them in a position where they could be in supporting distance if the resistance at Jackson should prove more obstinate than there seemed any reason to expect. On the retreat of the enemy, Gen. McPherson followed directly into the city of Jackson. A fine battery of six pieces was found, and around the Deaf and Dumb Institute, which was used as a hospital, tents enough were seized to encamp an entire division. The commissary and quartermaster's stores were in flames. The Governor and State Treasurer had withdrawn, taking the State funds and papers. All citizens officially connected with State or Confederate Governments had also left. Many soldiers remained, besides a large number in the hospital. At night, Gen. Grant, who with Gen. Sherman's corps had arrived at Jackson, was informed that Gen. Johnston, as soon as he had satisfied himself that Jackson was to be attacked, had ordered Gen. Pemberton peremptorily to march out from Vicksburg and attack the Federal rear. Availing himself of this information, he immediately issued orders to |