512
THE VICKSBURG CAMPAIGN.
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Miyl7^1863.
tVepsTedunderUiedlreolionofLioulPC.H4INS U.S. Bn^r- ftr/i*by F. MAS ONAct Asst. Engineer.
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of the CHIEF OFENGENEERS
positions were admirable for advancing upon the enemy’s line. McClernand,.with two divisions, was within a few miles of the battle-field long beforenoon, and in easy hearing. I sent him repeated orders by staff-officers fullycompetent to explain to him the situation. These traversed the road sepa-rating us, without escort, and directed him to push forward, but he did notcome. J Instead of this he sent orders to Ilovey, who belonged to his corps,to join on to his right flank. Hovey was bearing the brunt of the battle atthe time. To obey the order he would have had to pull out from the frontof the enemy and march back as far as McClernand had to advance to getinto battle, and substantially over the same ground. Of course, I did notpermit Hovey to obey the order of his intermediate superior.
We had in this battle about fifteen thousand men actually engaged.This excludes those that did not get up — all of McClernand’s commandexcept Hovey. Our loss was 410 killed, 1844 wounded, and 187 missing.
J“It is true, in front of McClernand therewas a small force of the enemy, and posted in agood position behind a ravine, obstructing his ad-vance ; but if he had moved to the right by the
road my staff-officers had followed, the enemymust either have fallen back or been cut off.”—From “ Personal Memoirs of U. S. Grant.” C. L-Webster & Co.