Graham, Harvey (b. 1827) to General John Alexander McClernand
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08458.01 Author/Creator: Graham, Harvey (b. 1827) Place Written: St. Louis, Missouri Type: Document signed Date: 1 September 1863 Pagination: 3 p. ; 31.9 x 21.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written from Benton Barracks, then on the outskirts of St. Louis. Graham, Lieutenant-Colonel of the 22nd Iowa Infantry Regiment, recalls events that took place 22 May during Union operations against Vicksburg, Mississippi. Relates that he had been on the right of Michael Kelly Lawler's Brigade, and that together they led an advance against the city. Writes "It is my firm conviction and belief, that had the 13th Army Corps been reinforced by a few brigades, thus enabling you to send support to the front, the success of your command would have been complete. As it was, success was achieved, but afterwards lost- Vicksburg was in your hands, but was wrested from you by superior numbers. - " Discusses troop positions, Confederate actions, and several other members of the 22nd Iowa.
General Ulysses S. Grant's operations about Vicksburg took place 18 May- 4 July 1863, resulting in a Union victory. On 22 May, the Union launched an assault against the city which was initially repulsed. Harvey was taken prisoner during the Battle of Vicksburg, but returned to his regiment in 1864, and was mustered out of service 25 July 1865.
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