The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1864-03-19
THE OPERATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI IN 1888
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GEN. JOSEPH L,
JOHNSTON.

THE OPERATIONS IN MISSISSIPPI IN 1862
OFFICIAL REPORT OF GEN. JOSEPH L
JOHNSTON.
The official report of Gan Joseph E. John
sson, OF his operations in Mississippi, although
called for by Congress on tbs lIsh of Dscsm.
Der lest, has only made Its appearance in prin,
within the pas. fs " days In referring to it
at present, it is not Tor as to attempt to accoun;
for the delay in its publication. Many Of the
facts embraced ia this report have already
been given to the public in the synopsis of the
correspondence between Gan. Johutson and
the Government authorities Ia Richmond
Passing over these, we come to the dispatches
between Gen. JOHNSON and Lieut.. Gen Penn.
bsrtoD, with reference 10 tbs operations
around Vi;ksburg,
Ga the Oh Of May, Gen. Johnston ihsn, st
Tullahoma. received dispatch from the Sec.
rotary of War, directing him to proceed at
ores TO Mississippi, and take chief command
Of the forcss there. Ga the 18th of the same
month he received dispatch from Gen. PEN
bsrton, dated Vicksburg, Nay 18Th, asking for
reinforcemsnte, as the enemy, In large force,
was moving from the MississipDi, south.of
the Big Black, apparently in the direction of
Edwards Depot, and expressing tho Dsi'e'
that tha. point would be the battlefield, i he
could forward safii sient force, leaving troops
enough to secure the safety of Vickfharg.
On the ION Con. j Johnston dispatched Gen.
P<mberton notifying him Of his arrival at
jackson, informing him of the occupation of
Clinton by portion of Grants army, and
urged the Importance of re-establishiag com
muDications, ordering him 70 come up, if prac
ticablo on Shsrman's rear at once, and adding
so b. at such q detachment would be of i'm
~msnse value. The troops here could cooper
ats. All the strength you eau quickly assem-
bic should be brought Time is all impoI-
tant"
Subsequently Gen. Johnston ordsred Gen.
Psmbsrson to svaeuats Vicksburg and to take
the read leadidg to Clinton. This order was
disregsrdsd. In concluding his report, Gen.
Johnston, says:
Convinced Of the impossibility of collecting
q sufficient force to break the investment Of
vioi.burs, :heRid !: be eomPisssd-appreeia'
ting the difficulty o. sssiSs.ns Inc CARTON, Moa
son he'd lost most Of their value by the re-
psatsd passage of armed vessels Ar trans
ports. I ordered the evacuation Of both places.
General Gardner did not receive this order
before the investment of Port Hudson, II at
oil. General Psmbsrton set aside this order.
under the advice of council OF wafi and
though he had in Vieksburg eight thousand
Z frssh troops, not dsmoralssd BY defeat, dec.
Z dsd that it 81 was impossible TO withdraw the
army from this position. with saeh morale
and material - to DO Of further service to the
Confsdsrssy bat "to hold Vieksburg 80
long a possible, with the firm hope that the
0ovsrnmsnt may yet b able to ssstst me IN
navigation of the Mississippi river" Vicks-
burg was greatly impeffillsd when my instruc'
lions from Tullahoma, 70 concentrate, were
sselse ed II was icss when my orders OF tho
l3th and l5:h Of May wers disJbeyed. To
this loss were added the labor, privations, aud
certain capture of . gallant army, when my
orders, for lss evacuation were set aside.
In this report have been compelled TO enter
into many details, and 70 make some aniIaad
Versions upon the conduct OF General Fem
berton. The one was no pleasant task-the
other a moot painful daty both have been
forcsd cpon ne BY the official report Of dsn.
Fsmbertop, made TO the War Department In
stsad Of to me, TO whom 1t wss due.
General Psmbsrtou, BY direct assertion and
BY Implication, pnts upon me the respo osioiLty
Of The movsuent which led bis army 10 defeat
n Bsker's creek and Big B'aek bridge--de
f.sss which Produced the loss OF Vieksburg
and its army
This statement has been circulated by the
press, Ia ,oore or less detail. and with more or
fess marks OF an official character, until my
silence would be simost an acka0 wledyment
Of the ius.ics Of the charge.
A proper regard tor the good opinion Of my
0ovsfnmsns has compelled ms, therefore. 10
throw as,de that >dslicscy which ] would
gladly have observed towards . brother OH
car. euaeripg much undessrved obloquy, and
80 sheW thai IN his short campaign General
PHnberton made not dDgte movement in
obedisnes 70 my orders, sad regarded none OF
nv Impressions; and, 6uai'y, did not embrace
Tie ouiy opportunity 70 save HE army, that
/. ID ven by ~ ordsr to abandon V'okstu.g.