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Jun 07 1863 (Sunday)

After surprising and capturing the Union garrison at Richmond, Mississippi, General Richard Taylor discovers that the Federal supply line no longer runs along the west bank of the river. Taylor reports, "I found that this line of transit had ceased to be of importance to the enemy, since he established his right flank on the Yazoo, at Haynes' Bluff, and almost all the stores had been removed." Dividing his forces into three assault columns, Taylor plans separate attacks against Milliken's Bend, Young's Point and Lake Providence and hopes to gain control the west bank of the river in order to "annoy and interfere with the navigation of the stream by transports, upon which Grant is dependent for his supplies by way of the Yazoo River." Despite some initial success, the Milliken's Bend column is driven off by Admiral Porter's gunboats. Porter reports, "The enemy attacked Milliken's Bend; commenced driving the negro regiments, and killed all they captured." General Hawes, leading the Young's Point expedition, has even less success. Taylor reports, "General Hawes formed his line of battle, advanced in the open field to within half a mile of the enemy, and then retired." Hawes explains, "I found about 500 of my men were rendered unfit for duty from exhaustion, occasioned by the excessive heat....Knowing that...I could not carry the camp and destroy the stores there without a useless sacrifice of life, I determined to retire by the road I came."

HEADQUARTERS NORTHEAST DISTRICT OF LOUISIANA, Young's Point, La., June 12, 1863. - Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General. - COLONEL: At 3 o'clock [in the] morning the enemy made their appearance in strong force on the main Richmond road, driving the pickets before them....Our forces, consisting of the Twenty-third Iowa Volunteer Infantry and the African Brigade, opened upon the enemy when within musket-shot range, which made them waver and recoil, a number running in confusion to the rear; the balance, pushing on with intrepidity, soon reached the levee, when they were ordered to charge, with cries of "no quarter!" The African regiments being inexperienced in the use of arms..., the enemy succeeded in getting upon our works before more than one or two volleys were fired at them. Here ensued a most terrible hand-to-hand conflict of several minutes' duration, our men using the bayonet freely and clubbing their guns with fierce obstinacy, contesting every inch of ground, until the enemy succeeded in flanking them, and poured a murderous enfilading fire along our lines, directing their fire chiefly to the officers, who tell in numbers. Not till they were overpowered and forced by superior numbers did our men fall back behind the bank of the river....The gunboat now got into position and fired a broadside into the enemy, who immediately disappeared behind the levee....In this position the fight continued until near noon, when the enemy suddenly withdrew. Our men, seeing this movement, advanced upon the retreating column, firing volley after volley at them while they remained within gunshot. The gunboat Lexington then paid her compliments to the fleeing foe in several well-directed shots, scattering them in all directions....The enemy...advanced upon Young's Point while the battle was going on at Milliken's Bend; but several well-directed shots from the gunboats compelled them to retire. Submitting the foregoing, I remain, yours, respectfully, ELIAS S. DENNIS, Brigadier-General, Comdg. District -Northeast Louisiana.

U.S. Grant reports to Henry Halleck about the progress of the Vicksburg campaign. "Vicksburg is closely invested. I have a spare force of about 30,000 men with which to repel anything from the rear....I will make a waste of all the country I can between the two rivers. I am fortifying Haynes' Bluff, and will defend the line from here to that point at all hazards." With Burnside's 8,000 reinforcements en route, Grant's has solidified his grip on the river city as well as established a fortified position to defend against any attack made by Joe Johnston in his rear. Inside the city, food is becoming very scarce. General Stevenson reports, "We have 742 barrels of flour. If we make the ration of it half a pound, the breadstuff will [last] fifteen days....Some of the rice is damaged, but I will grind it, and make it go as far as possible." Joe Johnston informs General Pemberton that he is "nearly ready to move, but don't know the best route." He asks Pemberton to "tell us how to effect it, and by what route to approach."

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT MISS. AND EASTERN LA., Vicksburg, June 7, 1863. - General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON: - GENERAL: The enemy continues to intrench his positions around Vicksburg. I have sent out couriers to you almost daily. The same men are constantly in the trenches, but are still in good spirits, expecting your approach. The enemy is so vigilant that it is impossible to obtain reliable information. When may I expect you to move, and in what direction? My subsistence may be put down for about twenty days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. PEMBERTON.

General Pleasonton informs Joe Hooker that Jeb Stuart has amassed "the largest body of cavalry that the enemy has ever got together," and that Stuart is planning a massive raid into Maryland and Pennsylvania "in a very few days." Pleasonton adds, "Let us act soon....My people are all ready to pitch in." Hooker concurs with the ideas of his cavalry chief and orders him to launch a preemptive strike against the Rebel cavalry force. Pleasonton's plan is to have two Cavalry divisions, supported by 1,500 infantrymen, cross the Rappahannock River and unite at Brandy Station before striking Stuart's cavalry base.

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp near Falmouth, Va., June 7, 1863. - Commanding Officer Cavalry Corps: It is recommended that you cross the Rappahannock at Beverly and Kelly's Fords, and march directly on Culpeper....The object in view...is to disperse and destroy the rebel force assembled in the vicinity of Culpeper, and to destroy his trains and supplies....The major-general commanding suggests that you keep your infantry force together, as in that condition it will afford you a moving point d'appui to rally on at all times, which no cavalry force can be able to shake....If you should succeed in routing the enemy, the general desires that you will follow him vigorously as far as it may be to our advantage to do so....Very respectfully, DANL. BUTTERFIELD, Major-General, Chief of Staff.

Casualties at Milliken's Bend: Union 652 Confederate 185.

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Jun 08 1863 (Monday)

Robert E. Lee informs President Davis that the bulk of the Army of Northern Virginia has moved from the fortifications of Fredericksburg to positions near Culpeper. Lee reports, "As far as I can learn, the enemy appears to be extending up the Rappahannock from Fredericksburg. The whole line of the Rappahannock is guarded closely, every ford defended and closely picketed to Beverly's, above Rappahannock Bridge." Lee also asks Davis if additional troops from the Carolinas, led by General Beauregard, can be sent to reinforce his army. "To gain any material advantage, I should...have a large force....It would be well for General Beauregard, with the force made available..., be...ordered to re-enforce this army." Lee adds, "If these troops remain where they are, their services will be lost to the country, and they will become a prey to disease."

CONFIDENTIAL. - HDQRS. ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, June 8, 1863. - Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War, Richmond, Va.: - SIR: We must decide between the positive loss of inactivity and the risk of action....As far as I can judge, there is nothing to be gained by this army remaining quietly on the defensive, which it must do unless it can be re-enforced....Still, if the Department thinks it better to remain on the defensive, and guard as far as possible all the avenues of approach, and await the time of the enemy, I am ready to adopt this course. You have, therefore, only to inform me. I think our southern coast might be held during the sickly season by local troops, aided by a small organized force, and the predatory excursions of the enemy be repressed. This would give us an active force in the field with which we might hope to make some impression on the enemy, both on our northern and western frontiers. Unless this can be done, I see little hope of accomplishing anything of importance. All our military preparations and organizations should now be pressed forward with the greatest vigor, and every exertion made to obtain some material advantage in this campaign. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.

Alfred Pleasonton moves his 11,000 Union cavalrymen from Falmouth to the upper fords of the Rappahannock River in preparation for tomorrow's advance into Rebel territory. He reports, "Have reconnoitered the different positions. Things look favorable. At 4 o'clock in the morning everything will be moving." A New England trooper reports that he and his comrades intend "to have a good square fight with the famous Gen. Stuart." General Buford is ordered to cross the Rappahannock at Beverly Ford, and Generals Gregg and Duffie are given orders to cross several miles downstream at Kelly's Ford. They are expected to join forces at Brandy Station before proceeding to attack Stuart's cavalry, presumed to be based four miles to the west at Culpeper.

CONFIDENTIAL. - HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY CORPS, Warrenton Junction, Va., June 8, 1863. - Brig. Gen. D. McM. GREGG, Commanding Second and Third Cavalry Divisions: - GENERAL: You will move your command to-day in such manner as to be able to...cross the Rappahannock River at Kelly's Ford....At daylight of the 9th instant you will cross your whole command...over the Rappahannock River at Kelly's Ford as expeditiously as possible....As soon as you have crossed the river, move on as rapidly as possible...to prevent the enemy from observing it. When your infantry have crossed Kelly's Ford, direct it to move on Brandy Station....You will then, while moving forward your right in the direction of Culpeper, swing round your left to envelop such of the enemy's forces as may be east and south of Culpeper....It gives me great pleasure to state, general, you have my entire confidence in the execution of these duties. Keep me fully advised of your progress. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

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Jun 09 1863 (Tuesday)

Shortly after 4:30 a.m., John Buford sends the van of his column across Beverly Ford. Led by Colonel "Grimes" Davis, commander of the 8th New York, the blue cavalrymen smash into elements of "Grumble" Jones' Laurel Brigade. After unexpectedly finding the Rebel cavalry in force at Brandy Station, General Pleasonton reports back to Joe Hooker, "The enemy is in strong cavalry force here. We have had a severe fight. They were aware of our movement, and were prepared." From his headquarters tent on Fleetwood Hill, Jeb Stuart hears the "sharp firing of small-arms...in the direction of Beverly Ford," and quickly orders additional units towards the threatened sector. Stuart reports, "The Horse Artillery...was hastily hitched up and put in position, and orders were given to Brigadier-Generals Hampton and Robertson to move their brigades to the front, and to W. H. F. Lee, near Wellford's [Ford], to move his brigade toward Beverly."

HDQRS. CAVALRY CORPS, ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. - Brig. Gen. S. WILLIAMS, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Army of the Potomac. - GENERAL: The orders to each command were to cross the river at daylight...and push rapidly for Brandy Station. Buford's command...crossed Beverly Ford in splendid style, attacked the enemy at once, before he had time to form....In less than an hour I succeeded in forming my entire line, covering the ford, and advanced on the enemy....I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, [A. PLEASONTON, Brigadier-General, Commanding.]

Bolstered by the brigades of Wade Hampton and Rooney Lee, the embattled Rebel line stabilizes near the St. James Church. Colonel Lunsford Lomax reports, "The regiment moved out...to the brick church on the road from Brandy Station to the river, where we...charged them, driving them back through the woods....A column of the enemy's cavalry [charged] our battery near the church. This was attacked by a squadron under Lieutenant-Colonel Funsten, and repulsed." It is almost noon when "Grumble" Jones sends a courier to Jeb Stuart informing him that another Union column has been spotted advancing towards Brandy Station. An irate Stuart responds, "Tell Gen. Jones to attend to the Yankees in his front, I'll watch the flanks!" When this is relayed to Jones, he remarks, "So he thinks they ain't coming, does he? Well, let him alone; he'll damned soon see for himself."

HEADQUARTERS JONES' CAVALRY BRIGADE, Brandy Station, Va., June 11, 1863. - Maj. H. B. MCCLELLAN, Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Division. - MAJOR: The artillery took position near the brick church....The Eleventh and Twelfth Regiments...were posted in support of the artillery....About this time, General Hampton took position on my right, and General W. H. F. Lee notified me he was on my left. He was requested to keep up connection with me, which for some time was done, our lines making a right angle at the junction. The enemy now made his appearance in our rear, at Brandy Station and Miller's house. This was the force which...was reported...to General Stuart, as advancing from Kellysville. Two regiments having been called for to meet this force of the enemy..., and General Hampton having withdrawn..., this part of the field was left in my charge with only a section of artillery and one regiment of cavalry (the Eleventh)....My position becoming isolated and my force inadequate, I had started to make closer connection with General Lee, on my left, with the view of extending his line to join our forces with those near Brandy Station and Miller's house....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. E. JONES, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

General David McMurtrie Gregg's column is within sight of the rail depot at Brandy Station when a 6-pounder howitzer, stationed near Jeb Stuart's headquarters on Fleetwood Hill, begins firing. General Stuart reports, "The artillery...unfortunately had little ammunition. Ordering more artillery to that point, and directing General Jones to send two regiments without delay to hold the heights, I repaired in person to that point...Harman's and White's regiments (Jones' brigade) led the advance, and the former reached the hill about 50 yards in advance of the enemy, and just as the piece of artillery, which had up to that time checked the enemy's advance, having fired its last round, was retiring from the hill." The actions of Major Henry McClellan, Stuart's adjutant-general and Union General George McClellan's cousin, as he directs the fire of the lone howitzer delays Gregg's charge long enough for Stuart to rush reinforcements to the scene. In a series of charges and counter-charges, the Union and Confederate horsemen struggle for control of Fleetwood Hill. Stuart continues, "The contest for the hill was prolonged and spirited. Harman's regiment attacked the enemy, driving back his advance, but broke in confusion at the approach of the enemy's reserve....The artillery was hurried up..., and participated in their charge to such an extent that the cannoneers were for a time engaged hand to hand with the enemy. At this critical moment, the leading regiment of Hampton's brigade came up, and made a brilliant charge upon the flank of the enemy...thus checking his advance on the hill."

HDQRS. SECOND AND THIRD CAVALRY DIVISIONS, June 12, 1863. - Lieut. Col. A. J. ALEXANDER, Assistant Adjutant-General, Cavalry Corps. - COLONEL: When the head of the Third Division arrived near Brandy Station, it was discovered that the enemy were there in great force. The country about Brandy Station is open, and on the south side extensive level fields, particularly suitable for a cavalry engagement....I directed the commanders of my advance brigade to charge the enemy, formed in columns about Brandy House. The whole brigade charged with drawn sabers, fell upon the masses of the enemy, and, after a brief but severe contest, drove them back, killing and wounding many and taking a large number of prisoners. Other columns of the enemy coming up, charged this brigade before it could reform, and it was driven back. Seeing this, I ordered the First Brigade to charge the enemy upon the right. This brigade came forward gallantly through the open fields, dashed upon the enemy, drove him away, and occupied the hill. Now that my entire division was engaged, the fight was everywhere most fierce. Fresh columns of the enemy arriving upon the ground received the vigorous charges of my regiments, and, under the heavy blows of our sabers, were in every instance driven back....Thus for an hour and a half was the contest continued, not in skirmishing, but in determined charges....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. McM. GREGG, Brigadier-General, Commanding.

As Jeb Stuart throws more units into the fray, the tide of the battle begins to sway in the Confederate's favor. General Gregg sends several urgent messages to General Duffié, commanding the 3rd Cavalry Division, to come to his aid, but Duffié is delayed at Stevensburg by a stubborn Rebel outpost. Colonel Percy Wyndham reports, "My command being now much scattered by the charges it had made, Colonel Duffié not coming up to my support as I expected, and seeing the enemy, strongly re-enforced, advancing from several points, I was compelled to withdraw." After almost twelve hours of fighting, a spirited charge by Lunsford Lomax's regiment settles the contest. In this charge Sgt. Mordecai Cartmell has his third horse of the day shot from under him and is cited for gallant conduct. Jeb Stuart reports, "Colonel Lomax, Eleventh Virginia Cavalry, charged directly over the crest, took the enemy's artillery (three pieces), capturing the cannoneers....Colonel Lomax pushed thence directly to Brandy Station, a short distance to his front and right, and, dispersing the enemy at that point, after a sharp encounter pursued his fleeing forces down the road toward Kelly's." As Gregg collects his scattered regiments, General Pleasonton orders a retreat. He reports to Joe Hooker, "Having crippled the enemy by desperate fighting so that he could not follow me, I returned with my command to the north side of the Rappahannock. Gregg's command crossed at Rappahannock Bridge."

JUNE 9, 1863. - Capt. W. K. MARTIN, A. A. G., Jones' Cavalry Brigade. - CAPTAIN: Moving rapidly in the direction of Brandy Station, I charged the enemy on the right of the Culpeper Court-House road, drove them across the railroad, capturing a battery of three guns and many prisoners. Observing a force of the enemy at Brandy Station, I moved toward that point, and found three regiments of cavalry, under Sir Percy Wyndham, plundering and destroying the property there. I charged, and drove them from the station, taking a stand of colors and many prisoners (among them a colonel), and pursued them some distance on the Stevensburg road. I was then ordered by the major-general commanding to advance upon Culpeper Court-House, and drive the enemy, reported to be there, from that point, and to place a picket on the Stevensburg road....The universal good conduct of officers and men need not be commented upon by me, as they were acting under the eye of both brigade and division commanders. L. L. LOMAX, Colonel, Commanding Eleventh Virginia Cavalry.

Casualties at Brandy Station: Union 936 Confederate 523.

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Jun 10 1863 (Wednesday)

The newly recruited Black troops stationed along the west bank of the Mississippi River are tested again at Lake Providence. After skirmishing most of the day, the Rebel troops retreat and General Richard Taylor orders a general withdrawal from the region ending his attempt to break U.S. Grant's supply line. Brigadier-General Reid reports the successful action.

HEADQUARTERS POST OF PROVIDENCE, Providence, La., June 10, 1863. - Major General MCPHERSON, Commanding Seventeenth Corps. - GENERAL: An attack was made...by a rebel force, said to be 600 strong....They were met by two companies of the First Kansas Mounted Infantry, at Bayou Baxter, 6 miles from town, and skirmishing kept up till the rebel force reached Bayou Tensas..., where I determined to meet them with my whole force, about 800 strong, including some 300 of the Eighth Louisiana Volunteers, of African descent....Our skirmishers...were advanced from our main body, under cover of the bank, to within close musket range of their gun, and soon compelled them to withdraw it, after firing only 5 rounds; then I sent forward a heavy force of skirmishers to meet their whole line on the bayou, and, after a brisk fire for an hour and a half, the rebels retreated, it being dusk, on the road leading to Floyd....I then...marched the Eighth Louisiana Volunteers, of African descent, in line of battle up to the bayou. They fired four volleys into the rebels, which cleaned them out, and greatly encouraged the darkies....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. T. REID, Brigadier-General, Commanding-Post.

Three Confederate deserters report on the deteriorating conditions inside the Vicksburg defenses. "We came out because we are starving....The men are all weak, and about one-fourth of them sick, mostly with diarrhea....The town is pretty well used up, but the citizens stay in caves when you are shelling, and not many are killed. We don't like General Pemberton at all, and think General Grant is too sharp for him." Surgeon Benjamin Lay reports about the damage done by enemy mortar shells. "This morning, one of the enemy's shells from their mortars penetrated my main building, and..., blew up the surgeons' room and the office above, destroying the entire stock of drugs....It also blew three rooms into one, besides the damage to the roof and floors....We will require an entire outfit of drugs, and the use of a carpenter and brickmason for a couple of days." After surveying the damage, General Pemberton sends another urgent message to Joe Johnston.

VICKSBURG, June 10, 1863. - General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON: The enemy bombards the city day and night from seven mortars on opposite side of peninsula. He also keeps up constant fire on our lines with artillery and sharpshooters. We are losing many officers and men. I am waiting most anxiously to know your intentions; have heard nothing of you or from you since 25th May. I shall endeavor to hold out as long as we have anything to eat. Can you not send me a verbal message by a courier, crossing the river above or below, and swimming across again opposite Vicksburg? J. C. PEMBERTON.

After determining that yesterday's battle at Brandy Station was only a cavalry raid, Robert E. Lee orders "Old Bald Head" Ewell to continue his march into the Shenandoah Valley. As Ewell moves his Second Corps around General Pleaonton's right flank, A.P. Hill's men prepare to leave Fredericksburg. Lee continues to ask Richmond for further reinforcements only to be warned by Secretary of War James Seddon. "I press upon your own consideration some of the dangers to which our destitution of a covering force to this city...may expose us. I have not hesitated, in co-operating with your plans, to leave this city almost defenseless....This leaves us literally without force, should the enemy make a dash with their transports up the James."

HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, June 10, 1863. - His Excellency JEFFERSON DAVIS, Richmond: - Mr. PRESIDENT: We should neglect no honorable means of dividing and weakening our enemies....It seems to me that the most effectual mode of accomplishing this object...is to give all the encouragement we can...to the rising peace party of the North....We should bear in mind that the friends of peace at the North must make concessions to the earnest desire that exists in the minds of their countrymen for a restoration of the Union....When peace is proposed to us, it will be time enough to discuss its terms, and it is not the part of prudence to spurn the proposition in advance, merely because those who wish to...believe that it will result in bringing us back to the Union....If the views I have indicated meet the approval of Your Excellency, you will best know how to give effect to them....I leave to your better judgment to determine the proper course to be pursued. I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, R. E. LEE, General.

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Jun 11 1863 (Thursday)

William Rosecrans sends a circular to his generals asking each: "Do you think an immediate or early advance of our army advisable?" The answer is unanimous in the negative as represented by the response of "Little Phil" Sheridan. "I do not think an...advance of our army advisable. It will be difficult, at the present time, to pursue Bragg to the Tennessee River, and subsist our men and animals, and keep open our communications." When Henry Halleck again urges "Old Rosy" to attack, "I deem it my duty to repeat to you the great dissatisfaction that is felt here at your inactivity," Rosecrans is quick to disclose the results of his general officer survey. An unimpressed Halleck responds, "There is another military maxim, that councils of war never fight. The responsibility of fighting or refusing to fight...must rest upon the general in immediate command. It cannot be shared by a council of war."

MURFREESBOROUGH, TENN., June 11, 1863. - Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: I am preparing to strike a blow that will tell; but, to show you how differently things are viewed here, I called on my corps and division commanders...for answers, in writing, to these questions: 1st. From your best information, do you think the enemy materially weakened in our front? 2d. Do you think this army can advance...with reasonable prospect of fighting a great and successful battle? 3d. Do you think an advance advisable at this time...? Not one thinks an advance advisable until Vicksburg's fate is determined....I therefore counsel caution and patience at headquarters. Better wait a little to get all we can ready to insure the best results, if by so doing we...observe a great military maxim, not to risk two great and decisive battles at the same time....To expect success, I must have such thorough grounds that when I say forward, my word will inspire conviction and confidence, where both are now wanting....W. S. ROSECRANS, Major-General.

Nathaniel Banks prepares to launch another attack against Port Hudson. "The following preparations for an attack upon the enemy's works be made as speedily as practicable: 1. Bags filled with cotton, fascines, or other similar preparations will be made for filling the ditch....2. Pioneers will be detailed, provided with the necessary implements for opening a way for artillery into the enemy's works....3. Storming parties and parties to carry the cotton bags or fascines will be detailed." The attack is scheduled for midnight. "The following will be the general order of each column of attack...: 1. Three hundred men skirmishing and covering the storming party. 2. Seventy pioneers, carrying 35 axes, 18 shovels, l0 pickaxes, 2 hand-saws, 2 hatchets. 3. Storming party, 300 men, carrying cotton bags. 4. Thirty-four men, to carry balks and chesses of bridges. 5. Main assaulting column, marching in lines of battle as far as the ground will permit." Despite the detailed instructions, and a devastating preliminary bombardment, the attack quickly ends in failure. General Weitzel reports, "At 12 midnight a line of skirmishers...moved out...toward the parapet of the works in front, but found the fire of the enemy so hot that they were compelled to lie down for protection while receiving it." Inside the city, General Gardner sends an urgent message to Generals Pemberton and Johnston. "I have repulsed the enemy in several attacks, but am still closely invested. I am getting short of provisions and ammunition of all kinds and should be speedily re-enforced."

HEADQUARTERS TWENTY-SECOND MAINE VOLUNTEERS, Before Port Hudson, June 11, 1863. - Colonel MORGAN, Commanding Brigade. - COLONEL: My command commenced the advance this morning at 12 o'clock. The advance was necessarily slow, owing to the deep ravines and other obstructions we were obliged to encounter at every step. The enemy opened a heavy fire from the front soon after we deployed, but the men advanced steadily until we reached the bayou, when a severe fire was opened on both flanks, rendering a farther advance impracticable. I subsequently withdrew the men to a ravine a few yards in our rear for protection. Companies A and B reached the enemy's works during the darkness....Captain Gilman, of Company B, with fifteen men, reconnoitered the works in the vicinity of the Slaughter house without molestation for several minutes....After firing on the gunners of a battery in rear of the Slaughter house he returned to the bayou...Captain Gilman represents the enemy as posted in a deep and almost impassable ravine, with rifle-pits in rear. Judging from the fire of the enemy he has, in my opinion, at least 1,000 men on my flanks and front. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. G. JERRARD, Colonel, Commanding Maine Volunteers.


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Jun 12 1863 (Friday)

Despite receiving reassurances from General Pleasonton that his Union cavalry have smashed Jeb Stuart's horsemen and forced the postponement of any northern movement by the Confederate Army, Joe Hooker remains unconvinced. "I am not so certain as you appear to be that the enemy will abandon his contemplated raid." After sending out scouting parties, Pleasonton reports, "There is no news of the enemy's movements. I have parties out to the right on the lookout....The information I receive is, that they will play the defensive until we make a false step." A wary Hooker replies, "Look sharply to your right. By no means allow the enemy to turn it. Though he may be crippled by your gallant attack..., he will use the more exertion to get you or us at a disadvantage." He also issues orders to his general officers to prepare "to move at very short notice." Hooker continues, "The movements likely to be made [will be] of a nature to require the greatest possible mobility. Every article of every kind and description in excess of the allowance in orders, to be turned in to the quartermaster's department without delay." As Joe Hooker prepares his army for a march, General Halleck sends instructions to Generals Schenck and Milroy should Rebel forces appear in the Shenandoah Valley.

HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, D.C., June 12, 1863. - Major-General SCHENCK, Baltimore: Harper's Ferry is the important place. Winchester is of no importance other than as a lookout. The Winchester troops, excepting enough to serve as an outpost, should be withdrawn to Harper's Ferry. The troops at Martinsburg should also be ready to fall back on Harper's Ferry. No large amount of supplies should be left in any exposed position. H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief.

Samuel Yohe, a provost marshal in Pennsylvania, reports that draft enrollment is "progressing slowly and regularly in almost all districts." However, in Monroe County enrollment officers attempting to arrest a deserter are "overpowered by a band of [armed men]." According to Yohe, "They are part of an organized society in the county to resist the conscript act." Additional problems erupt in Rush County, Indiana, when one enrollment officer is killed and another is mortally wounded.

STATE OF INDIANA, OFFICE ACTG. ASSISTANT PROVOST-MARSHAL-GENERAL, Indianapolis, June 12, 1863. - Col. JAMES B. FRY, Provost-Marshal-General: - SIR: Three men charged with the murder in Rush County were brought to this city by provost-marshal of the Fourth District and surrendered to the U.S. marshal. Affidavits have been filed with the district attorney charging them with obstructing the enrolling officer....The enrollment has been completed in the sub-district in which the murder was committed. The danger was that the truly loyal citizens would take the law in their own hands, but moderation prevailed, and I hope the danger from this quarter has ceased to exist. I have the honor to be, colonel, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CONRAD BAKER, Acting Assistant Provost-Marshal-General for Indiana.

Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus implores President Jefferson Davis to send 30,000 additional troops to Vicksburg. "The failure to reenforce to this extent certainly involves the loss of the entire Mississippi Valley." Pettus continues, "General Johnston believes that the question should be decided by the Government. We concur with him. We respectfully submit...that you order the requested number of troops to be sent." It is clear that Pettus is taking his cue from Joe Johnston who is convinced that he does not have enough troops to break U.S. Grant's hold on Vicksburg and believes that it is now a choice between giving up either Tennessee or Mississippi.

JACKSON, MISS., June 12, 1863. - Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War: I have not considered myself commanding in Tennessee since assignment here....To take from Bragg a force which would make this army fit to oppose Grant, would involve yielding Tennessee. It is for the Government to decide between this State and Tennessee. J. E. JOHNSTON.

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Jun 13 1863 (Saturday)

General Ewell leads his men into the Shenandoah Valley. He reports, "Resuming the march..., we passed by...Front Royal, arriving at Cedarville....At this point I detached General Rodes division..., to capture, if possible...Berryville, and thence to press on Martinsburg. With the remaining two divisions..., I proceeded to Winchester." Jubal Early's division, in the van of the column skirmishes with Milroy's defenders near Winchester. General Milroy reports, "Considerable skirmishing with artillery all forenoon. [Colonel] McReynolds was attacked at Berryville...; repulsed the enemy, but is falling back to this place....I fear the attack is only a feint to cover a great raid."

HEADQUARTERS EARLY'S DIVISION. - Maj. A. S. PENDLETON, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Second Corps. Army of Northern Virginia. - MAJOR: Early in the morning...Hays' and Gordon's brigades and Jones' artillery and the trains were crossed over...the North Branch of the Shenandoah....I diverged from the Winchester and Front Royal turnpike at Nineveh, and reached the Valley turnpike at Newtown, and thence advancing toward Winchester....I halted my command here, forming it in line on either side of the turnpike, and proceeded to reconnoiter the ground for the purpose of ascertaining the strength and position of the enemy near Kernstown....[General] Gordon then advanced his brigade...and, in conjunction with skirmishers sent out by Hays, drove the enemy's force across the Cedar Creek turnpike and over the ridge between that road and Abraham's Creek....The enemy then occupied Bowers' Hill, near Barton's Mills, with infantry and artillery, and it being too late for any further operations that evening, Hoke's brigade...was ordered back to Kernstown....In this position the troops remained all night, under a drenching rain....Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. A. EARLY, Major-General, Commanding Division.

Two weeks ago, General McClernand drafted a congratulatory order to the men in corps and released a copy of it to the press. It read in part: "You assaulted the enemy's defenses in front...and within thirty minutes had made a lodgment and planted your colors upon two of his bastions....How and why the general assault failed, it would be useless now to explain. The Thirteenth Army Corps...would scorn indulgence in weak regrets and idle criminations....Simultaneous and persistent attack all along our lines until the enemy's outer works should be carried..., would have probably insured success." The order is published in several newspapersin the North, contrary to Grant's instructions that all reports and orders must go through his headquarters. When this is brought to McClernand's attention, he replies: "The newspaper slip is a correct copy of my order....I regret that my adjutant did not send you a copy..., as I...thought he had."

HEADQUARTERS THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS, Near Vicksburg, Miss., June 13, 1863. - Lieut. Col. JOHN A. RAWLINS, Assistant Adjutant-General: - SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of Major-General Grant's dispatch to General McClernand in relation to his address to the officers and soldiers of the Thirteenth Army Corps. The major-general commanding was absent at the time of its receipt, and has not yet returned. I hasten to comply with the order of General Grant by inclosing a correct copy of the address. Your most obedient servant, WALTER B. SCATES, Lieutenant-Colonel and Assistant Adjutant-General.

Explaining his "desire to avoid unnecessary sacrifice of life," Nathaniel Banks asks General Frank Gardner to surrender Port Hudson. "To push the contest to extremities...may place the protection of life beyond the control of the commanders of the respective forces." Gardner responds: "My duty requires me to defend this position...; therefore I decline to surrender." After receiving Gardner's answer, Banks promptly begins preparations for another attempt to break Gardner's Port Hudson defenses.

SPECIAL ORDERS No. 140. - HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, Before Port Hudson, June 13, 1863. A general assault upon the works of the enemy at Port Hudson will be made to-morrow morning....General Grover...will make a vigorous and determined assault at the point in front of Colonel Dudley's present position....The artillery cross-fire in front of this point of attack will commence at 3 a.m....The attacks by skirmishers will commence at 3.30 a.m....General Augur will make a feigned attack on the part of the works in front of Holcomb's battery and slaughter-house, to be made vigorously, and converted into a real attack should circumstances favor it....General Dwight...will make an attempt to gain an entrance to the enemy's works on our extreme left....By command of Major-General Banks: [RICHARD B. IRWIN,] Assistant Adjutant-General.

With reports that Rebel infantry units are active near Berryville and Winchester, General Schenck instructs General Milroy, commanding at Winchester, to "use great caution...and to be prepared for falling back in good order if over-matched." Schenck reports, "Ewell, with Jackson's old division, and in force has been fighting us...at Winchester, and is pressing on...Martinsburg. I have not the means to check him at the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad or at the Potomac River." General Hooker reacting quickly by dispatches orders to move the Army of the Potomac. "This army will be transferred from this line to the Orange and Alexandria Railroad....The point of concentration...will be in the vicinity of Centreville." Orders are also sent to Milroy to withdraw from his exposed position, but downed telegraph lines prevent the message from being received in Winchester.

WINCHESTER, June 13, 1863--9 p.m. (Via Martinsburg, June 14--11 a.m.) - Major-General SCHENCK: Have been skirmishing; occasionally pretty severe. One battle, in which the enemy were repulsed and his lines broken and scattered by two of the Ohio and one Virginia regiment, assisted by the artillery. We captured some prisoners of a Louisiana brigade, who say they belong to Ewell's, recently Jackson's old corps, and that this corps is all in front us....McReynolds will soon be here. He had a fight with the rebels, and repulsed them before leaving Berryville. He is closely pursued and hard pressed by a heavy body of cavalry. I can hold this place five days if you can relieve me in that time. They will surround, but can't take, my fortifications. R. H. MILROY, Major-General.

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