7th Division, 17th Corps

VICKSBURG, May 9, 1863.
General JOSEPH E. JOHNSTON, Tullahoma

One brigade, about 5,000 infantry, cavalry, and artillery, at Port Hudson. Two en route from there to this place.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

HDQRS. DEPT. MISS. AND E. LA., Vicksburg, May 9, 1863.
Lieut. Gen. E. KIRBY SMITH, Shreveport, La.:

GENERAL: The enemy having effected a landing on the eastern bank of the Mississippi River, in force, at the mouth of Bayou Pierre, I have abandoned Grand Gulf, and, leaving sufficient force in Vicksburg for its protection, have taken position on the western and northern side of Big Black River and on the Southern Railroad, connecting Jackson and Vicksburg. This leaves the country from the Mississippi River toward Jackson open to the approaches of the enemy. My cavalry is weak, and wholly inadequate either to cut the lines of communication of the enemy with the Mississippi River or to guard and protect my own. Vicksburg, and consequently the navigation of the Mississippi River, is the vital point indispensable to be held. Nothing can be done which might jeopardize it. My force is insufficient for offensive operations. I must stand on the defensive, at all events until re-enforcements reach me. You can contribute materially to the defense of Vicksburg and the navigation of the Mississippi River by a movement upon the line of communications of the enemy on the western side of the river He derives his supplies and re-enforcements for the most part by a route which leads from Milliken's Bend to New Carthage, La., a distance of some 35 or 40 miles. To break this would render a most important service. I trust you will be able, as I know you desire, to cooperate with me in this vital undertaking. I hope you will let me hear from you.
I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant,

J. C. PEMBERTON.

HEADQUARTERS LORING'S DIVISION,
Near Lanier's, Baldwin's Ferry Road, May 9, 1863--9.30 p.m.
Maj. R. W. MEMMINGER,
Assistant Adjutant-General:

MAJOR: I have not yet ventured a suggestion about the movements of the troops, but will do so now, with your permission.
The enemy are reported fortifying positions along the road leading to the railroad and toward Jackson. They will not attempt to pass the Big Black or move upon the railroad until this is done. Is it not, then, our policy to take the offensive before they can make themselves secure and move either way as it may suit them? Order your forces from Jackson to Raymond. The line from Baldwin's Ferry and below it, extending to Raymond, is, I am informed, a strong one; part of it I know from observation to be so. Direct Bowen's brigade upon the line. Let my division have pontoons ready and at any moment thrown across the Big Black at Baldwin's Ferry, Stevenson to guard the approaches with his division at Hall's Ferry and the other ferries, and be ready to cross to the rear of the enemy. I believe if a well-concerted plan be adopted, we can drive the enemy into the Mississippi, if it is done in time. They don't expect anything of the kind; they think we are on the defensive.
I am, major, respectfully, &c.,

W. W. LORING.

VICKSBURG, May 10, 1863.
Col. WIRT ADAMS, Jackson:

Push your scouts as near the enemy as possible, and keep Raymond's Depot and this place well informed of their movements. Telegraph General [J.] Adams, Jackson, also of any movement of importance.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

VICKSBURG, May 10, 1863.
Col. WIRT ADAMS, Jackson:

Proceed at once to Edwards Depot, and take command of all the cavalry there and at Raymond, for operation against the enemy. Report to me your arrival there. Your command will remain at Raymond.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

VICKSBURG, May 10, 1863.
Col. WIRT ADAMS, Jackson:

General Gregg is ordered to Raymond. Direct your cavalry there to scout thoroughly, and keep him informed.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

VICKSBURG, May 10, 1863.
General JOHN S. BOWEN, Bovina:

The lieutenant-general commanding says that he is sending troops to Raymond from Jackson that you will operate against enemy, to capture or repel, as opportunity offers, and that you will only employ cavalry with you in scouting parties until you hear from him.
Very respectfully, &c.,

J. C. PEMBERTON.

VICKSBURG, May 10, 1863.
General GREGG, Jackson:

Move your brigade promptly to Raymond, taking three days' rations, and carrying only cooking utensils and ammunition; no baggage. Let no one get ahead of you, or through your lines to the enemy, or know of your movements. Use Wirt Adams' cavalry at Raymond for advanced pickets.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

HEADQUARTERS, Edwards Depot, May 10, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

DEAR SIR: My scouts from Burtonton report the enemy as having evacuated Port Gibson. They landed at Grand Gulf, and their direction of movement is up the Big Black. Col. Wirt Adams last Wednesday entered Port Gibson, captured some prisoners, horses, and ambulances. He also had a skirmish on Thursday at Burtonton, but was forced to retire before superior numbers.
The enemy in small bands are stealing horses, &c., along the Bayou Pierre. Inclosed find a return of three additional companies of the Twentieth Mississippi, and part of another company, which have been here on duty before I came.
Very respectfully,

R. V. RICHARDSON,
Colonel, Commanding Cavalry, &c.

VICKSBURG, May 11, 1863.
Brigadier-General ADAMS, or Commanding Officer, Jackson:

Send forward immediately to Raymond all of General Gist's command that have arrived, including field battery, if any there, to report to General Gregg, taking only cooking utensils and ammunition; no baggage.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

JACKSON, May 11, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

None of Gist's brigade here; no field battery; one regiment and two battalions of Walker's brigade here; seven companies of Third Kentucky mounted infantry arrived this afternoon; unless otherwise ordered, will send them to Raymond. Federal cavalry estimated force, 300; burned depot and destroyed track at Crystal Springs, on New Orleans and Jackson Railroad; trains of cars below Crystal Springs.

JOHN ADAMS.

EDWARDS, May 11, 1863.
General PEMBERTON:

Just arrived. Coming by Raymond. Enemy in force this morning 6 miles above Utica, moving toward Auburn. Raymond being entirely uncovered by moving my six companies to this point by General Bowen's order, I have sent back one squadron to guard approaches until General Gregg arrives. Skirmishing this morning 6 miles from Edwards, on Port Gibson road.

WIRT ADAMS,
Colonel, Commanding Cavalry.

VICKSBURG, May 11, 1863.
Col. WIRT ADAMS, Jackson:

Take command of all cavalry at Edwards Depot, and operate on the lines of the enemy on Big Black. Endeavor to cut his communications, &c., covering both Edwards Depot and Raymond, and keeping the commanding officers there informed of all movements.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

EDWARDS, May 11, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

The skirmishing on Port Gibson road was conducted by 75 men, and we pushed them back several miles without developing any force.

WIRT ADAMS.

BOVINA, May 11, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

An officer, who has been around and in the enemy's lines, reports about 40,000 infantry and artillery, camped from Rocky Springs to the college, north of Big Sandy. About 2,000 cavalry are gleaning the country of everything movable and sending it to their camp. Their cavalry moved as far as Fourteen-Mile Creek this afternoon, and were driven back 3 miles by Colonel [E.] Gates' scouts.

JNO. S. BOWEN.

VICKSBURG, May 11, 1863.
General GREGG:

From information from General Tilghman of the enemy being in force opposite the ferry at Baldwin's, it is very probable that the movement toward Jackson is in reality on Big Black Bridge, in which case you must be prepared to attack them in rear and on flank.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

VICKSBURG, May 11, 1863.
Brigadier-General GREGG, Raymond, via Clinton:

I directed a telegram to you from General Loring's headquarters. If the enemy advance on you too strongly, fall back on Jackson. All the South Carolina troops will be ordered to Raymond, to support you or cover your retreat, as the case may be. If, however, the enemy approaches Big Black Bridge, hold your command in readiness to attack him in rear or flank. If you should be superseded, communicate this to commanding officer. Employ the cavalry actively in scouting and harassing his movements.

J. C. PEMBERTON.HDQRS.

DEPT. OF MISS. AND E. LA., Vicksburg, May 11, 1863.
Maj. Gen. W. W. LORING, Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: The lieutenant general directs me to say, in reply to the communication addressed to you by Brigadier-General Tilghman, and forwarded by you to these headquarters, that it seems to him the movement purported about to be made against Jackson is in reality against Big Black Bridge, in cooperation with the force opposite Baldwin's Ferry. He directs that you hold yourself prepared accordingly. General Stevenson has been advised, and directed to co-operate with you in such an event.
Very respectfully, &c.,

F. M. STAFFORD,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

HALL'S FERRY. May 11, 1863--4 p.m.
Captain [THOMAS M.] CROWDER, Asst. Adjt. Gen., Buford's Brig.:

SIR: My scouts have just returned from across the river. Saw cavalry on the Jackson road. Citizens and negroes report a heavy force of cavalry, artillery, and infantry moving up the Jackson road. General Grant is reported to be in command of this column, and a brigadier-general who dined yesterday at Mrs. Fisher's declared it to be their intention to take Jackson. I myself heard drums northeast of this place three hours since. No enemy have appeared here to-day. Will send out a scout to-night.
I am, sir, very respectfully,

THOS. M. SCOTT,
Colonel, Twelfth Louisiana.

HEADQUARTERS FORCES ON THE RIGHT,
R. Gibson's, May 11, 1863.

Major MEMMINGER, Assistant Adjutant-General:
MAJOR: A prisoner just brought in reports that he belonged to the wagon guard of the train of the third division of the troops now advancing on Jackson. He represents two divisions as being in advance of his own, and the whole army in motion for Jackson. He represents the force as 40,000.
I am, major, respectfully, your obedient servant,

C. L. STEVENSON.
[P. S.]--I do not know the circumstances under which he was taken. He may have been sent on.

VICKSBURG, May 11, 1863.
Brig. Gen. W. H. T. WALKER, Jackson:

Move immediately with your command to Raymond. General Gregg has been ordered, if the enemy advance on him in too strong force, to fall back on Jackson. You will do likewise, in conjunction with him. If the enemy advance on you in not too strong force, you will meet them. If, instead of advancing on Jackson, he should advance on Big Black Bridge, the command, under direction of the senior officer, will attack him in rear and flank.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

VICKSBURG, May 12, 1863.
JEFFERSON DAVIS, Richmond, Va., and General JOHNSTON, Tullahoma:

The enemy is apparently moving in heavy force toward Edwards Depot, Southern Railroad. With my limited force, I will do all I can to meet him. That will be the field of battle if I can carry forward sufficient force, leaving troops enough to secure the safety of this place. Re-enforcements are arriving very slowly; only 1,500 have come as yet. I urgently ask that more be sent; also that 3,000 cavalry be at once sent to operate on this line. I urge this as a positive necessity. The enemy largely outnumbers me, and I am obliged to hold back large forces at the ferries on Big Black, lest he cross and take this place. I am also compelled to keep a considerable force on either flank of Vicksburg, out of supporting distance of Edwards, to prevent his approach in those directions.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

RICHMOND, May 12, 1863.
Lieut. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Vicksburg:

I have impressed upon the Governor the necessity to aid you by calling out all who can render even temporary service, and have ordered arms and ammunition to meet events which will thus be created. The efforts to supply you with cavalry have not been successful, but it may be that you can get mounted men from volunteers of the country. The re-enforcements sent to you should now be arriving. In your situation, much depends on the good-will and support of the people. To secure this, it is necessary to add conciliation to the discharge of duty. Patience in listening to suggestions which may not promise much, is sometimes rewarded by gaining useful information.
I earnestly desire that, in addition to success, you should enjoy the full credit of your labors.
We look anxiously and hopefully for the next intelligence of your campaign.

JEFFERSON DAVIS.

JACKSON, May 12, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON, Bovina

Gregg has fallen back some 3 or 4 miles this side of Raymond. Heavy force of enemy engaged him to-day. I have sent him six companies Third Kentucky Mounted Infantry, about 1,000 men under General [W. H. T.] Walker, and one battery--about 1,200 men; one battery to arrive in morning. Will send them forward at once. General Johnston expected here to-morrow.

JOHN ADAMS.

EDWARDS DEPOT, May 12, 1863---1 a.m.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

General Gregg's command reached Raymond 5 p.m., yesterday. I was in the act of moving with the cavalry to strike the enemy's line below Cayuga when I ascertained he was in force at Auburn, and making particular inquiries regarding force and defenses at Edwards. I shall take position to-night to check his advance in this direction or toward Raymond. Have burned the bridges in his front over Fourteen-Mile Creek.

WIRT ADAMS,
Colonel, Commanding.

FOURTEEN-MILE CREEK,
Via Edwards Depot, May 12, 1863--11 a.m.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

My commission is dated 15th October, 1861. The cavalry force has about 800. Have just driven back the enemy near Dillon's, at crossing of Fourteen-Mile Creek.

WIRT ADAMS,
Colonel, Commanding.

VICKSBURG, May 12, 1863.
Brig. Gen. JOHN S. BOWEN, Bovina:

General Gregg reports that he has not over 100 cavalry. His advance must be covered by sufficient cavalry from your command that he may not be taken by surprise in his march on enemy's rear. I shall probably be at Bovina this evening. Col. Wirt Adams reports that he drove back the enemy this morning at Dillon's, near Fourteen- Mile Creek.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

VICKSBURG, May 12, 1863.
General BOWEN, or General LORING, Bovina:

I have ordered Gregg, with his force at Raymond (about 3,000 men), to advance on rear of enemy if he attacks Big Black Bridge. Should the enemy turn on Gregg, you will advance your whole force and attack him.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

MONTGOMERY, May 12, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Troops all beyond this place. I expect to reach Jackson Thursday morning. General Beauregard desires that we be kept together. I have letters for you.

S. R. GIST.

VICKSBURG, May 12, 1863.
Brig. Gen. JOHN GREGG, Raymond, via Clinton, by Courier:

Do not attack the enemy until he is engaged at Edwards or Big Black Bridge. Be ready to fall on his rear or flank at any moment. Do not allow yourself to be flanked or taken in the rear. Be careful that you do not lose your command.

J. C. PEMBERTON.

VICKSBURG, May 12, 1863.
Brigadier-General GREGG, Raymond:

The commanding officers of all troops at Raymond or en route from Jackson will conform to the orders given you.

J. G. PEMBERTON.

RAYMOND, May 12, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON, Bovina:

GENERAL: I am falling back to the Clinton and Jackson road, after fighting the enemy all day. Colonel [W.] Adams has informed me by note that the enemy are advancing on Raymond in strong force. He also has had a fight, and is falling back to Edwards Depot. Prisoners say this is General Logan's command.

JOHN GREGG.

HEADQUARTERS LORING'S DIVISION,
Whittaker's, May 12, 1863.
Lieut. Gen. J. C. PEMBERTON, Commanding, &c.:

GENERAL: Captain Russell, one of the captains of my command, and one of the best in it, was sent by me to learn the enemy's movements; returned last night by the way of General Bowen, and gave him information, which he telegraphed to you upon its receipt. He reports that the enemy's cavalry are on all the roads leading from the Southern College toward Edwards Depot and Raymond, and had advanced 5 to 8 miles yesterday from Southern College in the direction of those two points. His cavalry also occupies the road from Baldwin's Ferry to Auburn, and had also advanced from Utica toward Raymond, and were encamped at 3 p.m. yesterday at Roach's, 5 miles above Utica. Colonel [E.] Gates, of Bowen's command, was then skirmishing with their cavalry at Fourteen-Mile Creek, on the Grand Gulf road, 4 miles from Edwards Depot, and had driven him 3 miles. Four miles above Cayuga, their infantry and cavalry camps were at Five-Mile Creek. All these roads lead to Edwards Depot and Raymond. Marauders are busily engaged in the immediate rear of the enemy, pressing negroes, horses, mules, and provisions.
I have the honor to be, &c.,

W. W. LORING,
Major-General, Commanding.
[P. S.]--I send you a communication [11th], received toward daylight, from General Tilghman, about the enemy's movements at Baldwin's Ferry.

JACKSON, May 12, 1863.
General PEMBERTON:

Courier just from Raymond talked with General [J.] Gregg on the battle-field. Our troops falling back before greatly superior numbers. Brigadier-General Walker within 4 miles of Gregg, with 1,000 [men]. Gregg requested courier to see me instantly on arrival at Jackson, and request that I telegraph you for re-enforcements.

JOHN J. PETTUS.

JACKSON, May 13,(*) 1863--8.40 p.m.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

I have lately arrived, and learn that Major-General Sherman is between us, with four divisions, at Clinton. It is important to reestablish communications, that you may be re-enforced. If practicable, come up on his rear at once. To beat such a detachment, would be of immense value. The troops here could co-operate. All the strength you can quickly assemble should be brought. Time is all-important.
Your obedient servant,

J. E. JOHNSTON.
[Indorsement.]
Received between 9 and 10 a.m., May 14, while en route from Bovina to army at Edwards Depot.
J. C. PEMBERTON.

JACKSON, May 13, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON, Bovina:

Nothing definite from General Gregg as to who made attack. Reported that Gregg made attack, and had decided advantage for awhile; that enemy received large re-enforcements, and forced him to fall back. He is just this side of Mississippi Springs. Sent forward from here this morning one battery and a battalion. General Gregg's loss about 400, principally wounded.

JOHN ADAMS.

EDWARDS DEPOT, May 13, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

Telegraphed Adams, in Jackson, this morning for news of enemy in the neighborhood of Raymond, and received the following answer:

JACKSON, May 13, [1863.]
General LORING, Edwards Depot:
General Gregg at Mississippi Springs. Enemy thought to be advancing from Raymond on the Springs in force; ascertained from prisoners and otherwise to be very large, from 30,000 to 40,000, consisting of two army corps, General McPherson in command. Probable that the telegraph wires will soon be cut. I am sending forward one battery--all that is here. Last arrival of troops here was the Thirtieth Georgia, which has arrived at Mississippi Springs. The next troops will be here this evening at 5 o'clock. Will be pushed forward as fast as possible. Prisoners state that General Sherman has crossed Big Black. I derived this information from Gregg at 10 o'clock.

JOHN ADAMS.
[W. W. LORING.]

BOLTON DEPOT, May 13, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

After checking a column of the enemy yesterday, for 4 miles at Dillon's, I marched by General Gregg's order to Raymond, and fell in his rear. In withdrawing, marched from Mississippi Springs this morning at 3 a.m., and am now equidistant from Raymond to Clinton and Bolton, to protect the railroad. Colonel Thompson's command remains with General Gregg. The enemy encamped 1 mile east of Raymond. No movement yet reported.

WIRT ADAMS,
Colonel, Commanding Cavalry.

MISSISSIPPI SPRINGS, May 13, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON,
Care of Major-General Loring, Bovina:

GENERAL: I am at Mississippi Springs, falling back on the road from Raymond to Jackson. I am waiting to learn whether the enemy come this way or go toward the Southern Railroad. 1 have with me Brigadier-General Walker, with 1,000 men of his command. Other re-enforcements are said to be coming. I fought Major-General Logan's division yesterday from 10 a.m. until 3.30 p.m. My troops fell back in perfect order. The enemy has not yet pursued. His pickets are reported to be a short distance--1 mile--this side of Raymond, on this road. Our engagement of yesterday was very severe and loss considerable.
Very respectfully,

JOHN GREGG.

MISSISSIPPI SPRINGS, VIA CLINTON, May 13, 1863.
Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:

The enemy are advancing from Raymond in force. I shall retire before them until further re-enforcements or other orders.

JOHN GREGG.

BOVlNA, May 13, 1863.
Brigadier-General GREGG, Clinton, Miss.:

You must not attack the enemy in superior force, but fall back, if necessary, to Jackson, and occupy intrenchments. All the three now there and arriving will be kept for defense of that place for the present. If enemy fall back, you will advance on his flank and rear, taking care not to get into a position to be cut off.

J. C. PEMBERTON.