The National tribune., 1902-01-16

MAP SHOWING DISTRIBUTION OF
directed to establish himself upon the ex-
treme left of the besieging force. Gen.
Lauman, with his division, on the left OF
the Thirteenth Corps, could not cover the
ground effectively to the Mississippi
River, but Gen. Heron extended his line
and went to the waters edge, thus cut
ting off the last chance OF communication
between Pemberton and Johnston. On
June IA Gen. Parke, with two divisions
from Burnside's Ninth Corps, came down
the river and reported to Gen. Grant at
Hayness Bluff, where his entire com
mand was stationed.
Gen. Grant now had more than 10,WOO
effective men. One-half of this force was
devoted to the defense of the rear.
Gen. Johnston had gathered together
over 10000 men and was constantly re-
connoitering the east bank of the Big
Black River. 1t was obvious that ne
meant mischief. On June 20 Gen. Grant
assigned to Gen. Sherman the command
of all the forces for the defense Of his
rear. Gen. Osterhaus with his division oc-
cupied the right of the line; he was sta
toned at the railroad crossing of Big
Black and his position was well fortified;
to his left was Gen. McArthur's Division
of McPhersOn's Corps, and to McArthur's
left was Gen Tuttles Division of Shcr-
mans Corps. This division Joined onto
Gen. Parke's forces, which occupied the
strongly-intrenched position of Haynes 5
Bluff.
Good roads were constructed TO the
rear Of all of these positions, leading to
the base of supplies on the Yazoo.
Gen Sherman constantly recOnnoitcrcd
the whole line and exhibited so much
strength and activity that Gen. Johnston.
although in his front on the east side OF
Big Black, did not attempt to force Il
passage.
RANKS CALLS FOR HELP.
On May 26 Gen. Banks called upon
Gen Grant for a reinforcement Of lO,ND
men to aid him in the capture Of Port
Hudson, but not a man could be spared.
Gen. Grant was of the opinion that the
easiest way to secure the surrender of the
Confederate forces of Port Hudson was
to capture Vicksburg.
On June Gen Richard Taylor. com.
manding the Confederate forces III Louis
lana, caused force of 5000 troops to
suddenly fall upon the small garrison at
Alilliken's Bend. The Union force was
composed mostly Of colOred troops; they
fought calamity, and, with the aid Of the
gunbOats repealed the rebel attack.
Gen. Grant sent Gen. Mower with his
brigade TO the scene OF action. with in
structions to drive the enemy beyond the
Tensas Bayou.
M'CLERNAND REMOVED.
On June 90 Gen. McClernand was re
leved from the command of the Thir-
teenth Corps and Gen. Ord placed in com
mand This action was taken upon the
complaint Of Gems. Sherman and McPher-
son, who brought to Gen. Grants atten-
ton Il congratulatory order addressed by
Gen. McClernand to the Thirteenth Corps
and published in newspapers, without hav-
ing been sent to the Adjutant-G General Of
the Army in which Gen. McClernand was
serving 1t was claimed that this order
reflected unjustly upon officers and SOL
diers of other commands, and that its pub
lication was in violation Of orders of the
War Department. Gen. McClernand had
expected to command the forces operating
against Vicksburg, and was no doubt ag-
grieved at the fact that Gen. Grant as
sumed command of the troops in person.
Gen. McClernand had not received a
military education at West Point, and his
ability to command large force in the
| field was doubted. Charles A. Dana, As
sistant Secretary Of War, was with
Grants army during the Vicksburg cam
paign. His dispatches and letters to the
| War Department at Washington clearly
show that number OF the leading Off
| cials of the army were reluctant to serve
under Gen. McClernand, who was next
! in rank to Gen. Grant. 1t is reasonable
| to suppose that Gen. McClernand was
aware Of this state OF things, and was dis
posed TO resent il. At all events, he made
/ the mistake Of ignoring his immediate
commander and publishing an order
which justly gave offense and caused his
removal.
Gen. McClernand was an able and
Ipatriotic man. He threw his whole soul
into the struggle for the Union. His in
fuence in behalf of the Union at the try
ing hour when that cause needed the sup
lport of well known popular
his appointment to the rank of Major
General of Volunteers. His coOlness and
courage were proved on number OF
Ehard-fought fields, and his military record
duly considered, must add to his fame as
i citizen, u lawyer and statesman.
CLOSING IN.
During the entire month of June the
siege was pressed with great energy. The
work of constructing sunken roads or saps
was prosecuted day and night. The ain
was TO get up to the very front OF the
Confederate Notifications, undermine
them, blow them up, and carry the works
by assault through the breaches.
At 10 points along the line, in front oi
each corps, the Union intrenchments were
thrown up within few feet of the rebe
works In front of Gen. Logan the great
rebel work known as Fort Hill bristled
Logan eXcavated a sunken road and threw
up Notifications almost against the rebe
works. He mined Fort Hill and made
Ievery preparation to destroy it. June q
was the day and 3 O'Clock in the after