McPherson, James Birdseye (1828-1864) to William T. Sherman
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03551 Author/Creator: McPherson, James Birdseye (1828-1864) Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 March 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 26 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Major General McPherson writes to Major General Sherman to report the success of an expedition to destroy Confederate railroads and equipment around Meridian, Mississippi. McPherson records the miles marched in this brief summary of operations under his command. Relates that a full report will follow.
"I have the honor to Submit the following brief summary of the operations of my Command during the recent Expedition, which will be followed by a full and Complete report as soon as it can be made out ...
"Large numbers of, Waggons [sic], horses, Cattle, & Mules were brought in - most of them taken from disloyal men in the Country - The reports not having been sent in by the Division Qr. Masters I am unable to give at present the precise number -
Recapitulation
No. of Miles marched 360.
" R. R. Destroyed 55.
" " R. R. Bridges & Culverts destroyed 53.
" " Feet of Trestle work Destroyed 6,075.
" " Cars Destroyed 28.
it " Locomotives Do. 19.
" Car Wheels Do. 724....
"The11th Ills. Cavalry in a gallant Charge on the Enemy just before entering Jackson, Captured one gun, 3" Brass rifled, Caisson & limber Complete."
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.