Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) to Stephen Augustus Hurlbut
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01553 Author/Creator: Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson) (1822-1885) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 March 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written near Vicksburg, Mississippi. Grant, commander of the Army and Department of the Tennessee, writes to General Hurlbut. Grant sends Colonel Dicky, commanding a cavalry division, to report to Hurlbut. Grant plans for Hurlbut's cavalry to cooperate with other cavalry forces stationed on the Yazoo River in Yazoo City and Liverpool Heights, Mississippi. Intends for Hurlbut's cavalry to destroy a bridge over the Tallahatchie River. Mentions the coordination of other forces, with the objective of destroying railroads and bridges surrounding Vicksburg. Also coordinates troops in relation to the Yalobusha River and Big Black River. Informs Hurlbut of Union General Cadwallader Colden Washburn's movement. Writes that troops on the expedition "should be instructed to keep well together and let marauding alone for once..." Regrets that the expedition Hurlbut had previously prepared for was not permitted to go. States that [Grierson?] (possibly General Benjamin Henry Grierson) is better qualified to command the current expedition than Lee or Mizner (possibly General Albert Lindley Lee and Colonel John K. Mizner).
During the Vicksburg campaign, Colonel John Kemp Mizner served as the Union commander at LaGrange, Tennessee. The Battle of Vicksburg took place 18 May- 4 July 1863, resulting in a Union victory.
Head Quarters, Dept. of the Ten.
Before Vicksburg, March 9th 1863.
Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut
Comd.g 16th Army Corps,
Gen.
I sene Col. Dickey, Comd.g Cavalry [struck: Brigade] [inserted: Division], to report to you. I have explained to Col. Dickey, verbally, that I want the available Cavalry put in as good condition as possible in the next few weeks for heavy service.
My plan is to have the Cavalry from your command co-opperate with the Cavalry it is contemplated to start from some point on the Yazoo, either Yazoo City or Liverpool.
The object will be to have your Cavalry men Southward from Lagrange, in as large a force as possible, destroying the bridge over the Tallahatchie, thence move East of South so as to head Black River, or strike it when it can be crossed. The larger portion of the Cavalry to move from about [2] [struck: Black River] Yalobusha river Eastward as if to threaten the Mobile road but in reality to cover a move of a select portion of the Cavalry which will go South and attempt to cut the Rail-road East of Jackson. Washburn will move Eastward and cut the Miss. Central road when it crosses the Big Black.
It is hoped by their moves of large forces of Cavalry to cover the smaller party sufficiently to ensure their success in reaching the road East of Jackson and to do what they are sent for and return to the main body.
No vehiclces should be taken along except Ambulances and they should have an extra pair of horses each. The troops should be instructed to keep well together and let marauding alone for once and thereby better secure success.
I regret that the expedition you had fitted out was not permitted to go. The weather however has been so intollerably bad ever since that [3] it might have failed.
I look upon Grierson as being much better qualified to command this expedition then either Lee or Mizner. I do not dictate however who shall be sent.
The date when the expedition should start will depend on movements here. You will be informed of the exact time for them to start.
Very respectfully
U.S. Grant
Maj: Gen.
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