The National tribune., 1901-12-19

by the rctreating foe. Col. James III.
Wilson, of Gen. Grants staff, Immediate
ly undertook the construction of a bridge.
Material in abundance was at hand;
houses, stables, fences, etc, were brought
into requisitiOn, and in short time
across the bayou, over which the
whole army made its passage, marching
eight miles during the day to the north
fork of the stream. AZ the army ad-
yanced nOrthward its front was cOnsid-
erably extended. Two Of Logan's Bri-
gades were sent up the bayou to seize
bridge and repair and hold it. Another
of his brigades was sent down the bayou
to the railroad bridge to engage force
left there for its defense, which was soon
drawn off. Gen. Crocker, with his divi-
sion of McPhersOn's Corps, had marched
to DE ShoOn'S, crossed the river to Bruins
burg and by rapid march caught mp with
the enemy before it left Port Gibson. One
of McPhersOn's Divisions was still be-
hind. guarding the road from Milliken's
Bend to Perkins's plantation. ready to
move, however, as soon as Gen. Sherman
with the Fifteenth Corps was ready to
take the road.
On the night of May . the bridge over
the North Fork was repaired. The troops
commenced crossing the next morning at
daylight. They soon found the enemy
strongly posted on high ground. appar-
emily ready for Il fuss, but after few
shots were exchanged the Confederate
forces retired. 1t became obvious that
they were seeking to delay the movements
Of the Union forces TO enable them TO
withdraw to the north side of the Big
Black River. The main road occupied
by Grants force led to Hankins0n's Fer
ry, on the Big Black. Mcpherson pushed
forward on this road, and before night
reached the ferry. The enemy had made
Il safe crossing. hut had not taken time
To destroy the fcrryboat. Mcpherson
crossed Il portion of his command and
marched out in pursuit Of Bowcn's army,
which was retIeating on the high road
10 Nicksburg.
Mcpherson had encountered consid-
cradle force Of Bowen's command; but
il was evident that they were under or
dcrs not to bring on an engagement, hut
to make good their retreat.
Gen. Logan's march led him to the
forks of the roads leading from Grand
Gulf to Vicksburg and Raymond. Here
he turned in toward Grand Gulf, Gen.
Grant being with him in person. Nc
Clernand was holding the rear from the
North Fork to Willow Springs and Me
Pherson from Willow Springs to Han
kinsOn's Ferry.
Gen. Logan marched down the road
-
and learning from the negroes of the
neighborhoOd that the Confedcrates had
all crossed the Big Black He was halt
ed by Gen. Grant six miles ont from
the Mississippi River, while Gen. Grant
himself, with an escort Of 20 cavalry,
rode into Grand Gulf on May 3.
! Here he found everything moving with
| activity for sending ammunition and food
to the army The General took hasty
survey of things on shore and then board
ed a gunbOat, where he obtained the
first square meal he had eaten since
crossing the river, four days before.
The fact is, Gen. Grant crossed the
| river without Il horse, without a wagon,
without any of the usual equipments for
comfort. His headquarters wagon had
not reached De Shoon'S when he was
without them. Gen. A. J. Smith loaned
him horse, which he rode until his
headquarters met him at Grand Gulf.
1t is interesting to note that Gov.
Yates; Jesse X. Dubois, Auditor of State;
Hon. EIhu B. Washburne, Member of
Congress, all from Illinois, and Hon.
! Charles A. Dana, Assistant Secretary of
| War, crossed the river with Gen. Grant
and were with the army at the battle
of Port Gibson and during the pursuit
of the enemy. Gov. Yates and Mr.. Wash
burne cane into Grand Gulf and spent
three days there as my guests, where
they took great interest in everything
that was being done to hurry supplies for
ward for the army. They were partic-
ularly interested at the great number of
negr0es-men, women and children-who
came to Grand Gulf from the planta-
| tons. These people sought freedom by
coming within. the Union lines The men
were organized into squads Of so and
placed under the command of soldiers,