Siege of Jackson
(July 5, 1863 - July 28, 1863)
(July 5, 1863 - July 28, 1863)
OUR WORKS BEFORE JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
Sketched before the Evacuation by Captain Achenbach
of Ninety-Seventh Illinois Volunteers
Harpers Weekly, August 15, 1863
CLICK ON IMAGE FOR LARGER VERSION
Warren, E. Grabau indicates in "Ninety-eight Days" that on July 4th General Johnston was moving his army near the Big Black River in a belated attempt to break the Siege of Vicksburg when General Pemberton surrendered his army. Johnson's efforts were far too late since, after months of siege, the garrison of Vicksburg was in no condition to break out in any event. From Hussey we get the degree of uncertainty that existed in the Union ranks at the time. He says that on June 23rd Smith's division was ordered to be ready to move to the Big Black, some of its regiments were sent and, on July 4th, the day of surrender, "Orders to dress & put on accoutrements at 2.00 A.M. to be ready for any emergency" were issued. Pemberton's surrender began at 8:00 A.M. Less than a day after the surrender, General Sherman had rapidly converged on Bolton with 30,00 troops. On July 3rd Sherman had received "by telegraph General Grant's notice of the negotiations for surrender; and, by his directions, …general orders to my troops to be ready at a moment's notice to cross the Big Black, and go for Joe Johnston." The moment the surrender of Vicksburg was confirmed Grant sent a two word order to Sherman by field telegraph, "Go in." By early morning, July 5th, Sherman, with three Union Corps, was hard on the heals of Gen. Johnston's army in the chase to Jackson, Miss. General Sherman has given an excellent overview of the movement of his troops during the action that led to the Siege of Jackson.
The next day (July 4, 1863) Vicksburg surrendered, and orders were given for at once attacking General Johnston. The Thirteenth Corps [including the 48th Ohio] (General Ord) was ordered to march rapidly, and cross the Big Black at the railroad-bridge; the Fifteenth by Mesainger's, and the Ninth (General Parker) by Birdsong's Ferry-all to converge on Bolton. My corps crossed the Big Black during the 5th and 6th of July, and marched for Bolton, where we came in with General Ord's troops; but the Ninth Corps was delayed in crossing at Birdsong's. Johnston had received timely notice of Pemberton's surrender, and was in full retreat for Jackson. On the 8th all our troops reached the neighborhood of Clinton, the weather fearfully hot, and water scarce. Johnston had marched rapidly, and in retreating had caused cattle, hogs, and sheep, to be driven into the ponds of water, and there shot down; so that we had to haul their dead and stinking carcasses out to use the water. On the 10th of July we had driven the rebel army into Jackson, where it turned at bay behind the entrenchments, which had been enlarged and strengthened since our former visit in May. We closed our lines about Jackson; my corps (Fifteenth) held the center, extending from the Clinton to the Raymond road; Ord's (Thirteenth) on the right, reaching Pearl River below the town; and Parker's (Ninth) the left, above the town.
Gen. William T. Sherman's Memoirs
As the chase proceeded, on July 8th Sherman's cavalry began having heavy skirmishes with Johnston's cavalry at Clinton. The skirmishing must have been very intense because Cyrus Hussey thought there would be a battle - but no battle ensued. This intense skirmishing was likely a delaying action to allow Gen. Johnston's troops time to move to Jackson's fortifications and organize a defense. Johnston's forces had dumped kerosene into cisterns, removed the handles of water pumps and driven livestock into ponds and streams and shot them. Throughout this period Cyrus Hussey is suffering from dysentery, a condition likely brought on by drinking contaminated water. His condition was not unusual. Many of the soldiers suffered from the same symptoms during this rapid march in unbearably hot and humid Mississippi summer weather. Sherman's overview of the siege states:
On the 11th we pressed close in, and shelled the town from every direction. One of Ord's brigades (Lauman's) got too close, and was very roughly handled and driven back in disorder…. The weather was fearfully hot, but we continued to press the siege day and night, using our artillery pretty freely; and on the morning of July 17th the place was found evacuated. General Steele's division was sent in pursuit as far as Brandon (fourteen miles), but General Johnston had carried his army safely off, and pursuit in that hot weather would have been fatal to my command.
Reporting the fact to General Grant, he ordered me to return, to send General Parker's corps to Haines's Bluff, General Ord's back to Vicksburg, and he consented that I should encamp my whole corps near the Big Black, pretty much on the same ground we had occupied before the movement, and with the prospect of a period of rest for the remainder of the summer. We reached our camps on the 27th of July.
Gen. A. J. Smith's division, including the 48th, was part of Gen. Ord's 13th Army Corps. It played a critical role in holding the right flank of Sherman's Expeditionary Army. On July 8th Gen. A. J. Smith was ordered to move his 10th Division and Gen. Osterhaus' 9th Division toward the Southern edge of Jackson by way of the Jackson and Raymond Road "in order to gain a position well to the right". On the 10th the two divisions moved to within 1 1/2 mi. of the defensive works around Jackson, occupying the extreme right of the Union line. Gen. A. J. Smith's 10th Division was guarding the flank of the Union force. Gen. Smith ordered a reconnaissance in force be made by the 97th and 130th Illinois from Col. Landram's 2nd Brigade. They drove off a heavy concentration of Confederate cavalry, then came in contact with a major force of Confederate infantry and withdrew. Col. Owen's 1st Brigade was wheeled perpendicular to the line of battle to protect the right flank until Gen. Benton's 14th Division was moved to the extreme right to hold this position.
Col. Landram's 2nd Brigade, including the 48th Ohio, was held in reserve but the men served their share of picket duty, where most of the action was. On July 16th, when Gen. Johnston withdrew, Cyrus Hussey was in charge of the Brigade's pickets, so he was aware of the "Great stir in the city after night-indications of an evacuation."
Map of the fortifications around Jackson, Miss.
The 48th OVI was located with Gen. Smith's
reserves except when on picket duty.
Map courtesy of Brian
Risher
CLICK ON MAP FOR A LARGER VERSION
It is probable that Gen. Johnston abandoned Jackson rather than see his army trapped like Gen. Pemberton's had been at Vicksburg and that Gen. Sherman failed to pursue him because his meager supply line was already strained to the limit. With Jackson secure, Gen. A. J. Smith's troops were ordered away from the city for "the conveyance of camp and water" and probably foraging as well. Despite A. J. Smith's latter reputation for burning Southern property, this time his troops were not involved in the burning and looting which occurred after the withdrawal of Johnston's forces. Smith's troops remained in this camp for four days, then made a grueling three-day march back to their old camp at Vicksburg.
Cyrus Hussey had been making requests for leave and, on July 27th, his efforts were rewarded with a 20-day leave of absence. The regimental history states that "orders were given to issue thirty days' furlough to two men of each company; and all officers in excess of one to each company were granted thirty days leave of absence." Cyrus Hussey may have left a bit to soon, had he waited he might have had 10 more days.
The regimental history also states "Col. Sullivan, who had resigned on account of disability, produced by his wound received at Shiloh, in an appropriate speech bade the Regiment farewell, and left for home, August 9th". Cyrus Hussey, on leave, was not around for the farewell. With Peter Sullivan's retirement another voice prominent in the record of the 48th went silent. In his report Col. Sullivan concludes:
By the circular above alluded to, I am ordered to mention the weak-kneed and chicken-hearted as well as the brave officers and men of the regiment. This regiment, with but a few exceptions, has been celebrated for its good order and discipline, as well as for its dashing and gallant bravery on the field of battle.
The accompanying paper, marked A, contains the names of those gallant officers and men who deserve to be kindly remembered and rewarded by their country. [The OR remarks that the paper is lost.]
Adjt. R. C. McGill, who has since resigned, on account of bad health; Drs. Willis and Wiles, surgeons of the regiment, and Captain Lindsey, deserve special mention for their untiring efforts to preserve the good health of the men, and to enforce good order and discipline on all occasions. Those are tried and true men.
Lieutenant Lynch, acting quartermaster, of the regiment, is also entitled to credit for the execution of his duties.
.…
[On 8/4/63] The Health of the regiment, with but a few exceptions, is good. The strength of the regiment is, present and absent, 362 enlisted men and 27 commissioned officers. Of this number there are present for duty 268, enlisted men and 17 commissioned officers.Should time, health, and circumstances permit, I will make a more extended and minute report of the part which my regiment has taken in this struggle between liberty and anarchy since its action in the Battle of Shiloh up to the fall of Vicksburg and Jackson. [There is no record of this report but there is correspondence with Gen. Sherman requesting favors so that Sullivan might have the free time to write it.] My feeble health compels me to abridge this report, yet I trust I have fulfilled all the requirements of the said circular.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
Peter J. Sullivan
Colonel Commanding
Peter J. Sullivan [OR 8/4/63]
With the Siege of Jackson, the Vicksburg Campaign ended. The men of
the 48th Ohio relaxed in camp or traveled toward Ohio. Capt. John A. Bering,
now in temporary command of the regiment, mused in a letter about "a
solitary sentinel, who was standing guard before a battery of four siege-guns."
He stated "That battery is still there, and a splendid one it is, but
Mr. Reb. is missing. In his stead are two blue-coats, who, I think, will attend
to the guns for some time to come."
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We had scarcely time that day to give vent to our joy at the surrender,
before we were ordered to march in pursuit of Gen. Johnston, who was collecting
quite an army at Jackson, Miss.
At daybreak on the morning of July 5th, we were on the march, and continued
from day to day, under a sweltering July sun, ....
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
On the 4th instant, I received orders, through your headquarters [Lieut. Col. W. B. Scates, asst. Adjt. Gen.], to have my division in readiness to march early on the morning of the 5th. The Division, composed of eleven regiments and two batteries, with little transportation, and without tents, left camp early on the morning of the 5th to bivouac on Clear Creek, near Big Black.
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
Report of Col. William J. Landram
On the 5th inst., the Second Brigade, composed of the following regiments, viz, Nineteenth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Lieut. Col. John Cowan commanding; Seventy-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. D. P. Greer commanding; Ninety-seventh Illinois Regiment Volunteer Infantry, Lieutenant-Colonel Martin commanding; One hundred and thirtieth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, Col. N. Niles; Forty-eighth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Col. P. J. Sullivan, and the Chicago mercantile Battery, Capt. P.H. White, the effective strength of the infantry being 1,600 men, marched from Vicksburg in the direction of Jackson, Miss.,….
Col. William J. Landram, commanding 2nd Brigade (OR 7/26/63)
Report of Col. Peter J. Sullivan (present at event)
Early the next morning we marched, among 50,000 chosen troops, under the command of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman, in hot pursuit of General Joe Johnson and his forces,….
Peter J. Sullivan (OR 8/4/63)
| Sunday, July 5th Marched at 6.30 A.M.-13th, 15th, & 9th Army Corps form the expedition under Maj. Gen. Sherman. Very warm-many gave out. Encamped on Clear Creek a small clear stream. My servant "Elick" remained behind. Very unwell. Cyrus Hussey |
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Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
On the evening of the 6th we crossed the Big Black and camped near the
crossing.
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
| Monday July 6th Sent all baggage back to old camp at Vicks. Moved forward at 4.00 P.M. & encamped in fortification east of Black River at dark. Recd letter from E. A. Conkling & Brmiear's friends. Wrote to my Wife in A.M. Health better but still poor. Symptoms of Dysentery. Cyrus Hussey |
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Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
On the 7th camped near Bolton, where we had during the night, a violent storm.
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
Tuesday July 7th Moved East at 6.00 A.M. Encamped after dark on R.R. 15 mi. from Big Black. Saw Dr. Vist [Sic.] of 28th Iowa on the battle field of "Champion Hills." Hard rain at night. Rations very scarce. Cyrus Hussey |
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Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
Late in the afternoon on the eighth, moved 5 miles toward Clinton. From this point I was instructed to command the Ninth and Tenth Divisions to [march] to the right, until we entered Jackson and Raymond road, and then to move along that road, in order to gain a position well to the right.
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
Wednesday July 8th Cool & cloudy in the morning. Troops suffering on account of rain. Moved forward at 6.00 P.M. & encamped at Clinton. Cavalry advanced skirmishing nearly all day. Water scarce & poor. Expecting a battle near this camp tomorrow. Cyrus Hussey |
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Thursday July 9th Moved forward at 5.45 A.M. Enemy gone. Passed Thro. Clinton about 9.00 A.M. 3 Corps here -- the Cmd. Halted about 9:30 A.M. Health quite poor. Cyrus Hussey |
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Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
From the description given me and the reconnaissance made on the afternoon of the 9th, in addition to the position ascertained by our guide, General Osterhaus and myself felt convinced that we that we had reached the road designated, and so moved in the direction of Jackson, until our Cavalry met the advanced pickets of the enemy and drove them in.
Immediately after crossing a bridge, about 1 1/2 miles from the city, General Osterhaus deployed a portion of his division to the right and front of the road, and advanced to the brow of a ridge, driving in the advanced guard of the enemy. Overlooking, or higher than the ground between us and the main works, some pieces of artillery were immediately brought in position, and opened fire on the force in front and on the city.
The First Brigade [Col. Owen's] of my division advanced along the road, and was deployed to the right and front on the same ridge with General Osterhaus, with battery in position. Learning from our cavalry pickets that a heavy cavalry force of the enemy was on our right, and endeavoring to get in out right rear, I threw two regiments of First Brigade [Col. Landram's] perpendicular to our line of battle to protect the right flank, and the whole Second Brigade, with the Mercantile Battery, were formed in line to the right, between the creek and the crest of the hill then occupied by our troops. My Division was then on the extreme right, and I deemed it necessary, from the reports received, to look well to our right flank. The troops formed in line of Battle, and the front were skirmishing during the day, and bivouacked in that position during the night, having a strong picket well in advance.
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
Report of Col. William J. Landram
…[the 2nd Brigade] marched from Vicksburg in the direction of Jackson, Miss. near which place we arrived on the tenth instant. The First Brigade having the advance, the Second as a reserve.
William J. Landram, commanding 2nd Brigade (OR 7/26/63)
….until the 10th, when we reached the fortifications around Jackson. Our Regiment was then deployed as skirmishers, and advanced through the timber and bivouacked for the night. The following day we were ordered to the right, in support of the first brigade, where we remained during the siege, principally engaged in picket duty.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Report of Col. Peter J. Sullivan (present at event)
….and after four days' march, hungry, thirsty, and sunburned, we came up to him at Jackson, Miss., where we found him strongly entrenched, with formidable breastworks. And forts in his front and flanks, and the Pearl River and an impassable swamp in his rear.
Peter J. Sullivan (OR 8/4/63)
Friday July 10th Health poor-Dysentery for several days. Moved toward Jackson at 5.00 A.M. 8.00 A.M.-Moving slowly-3 mi. to works. 8.30 A.M. Word that Rebs will make a stand out of works. Very warm. Challender [Michael Candler, Co. A] & [Lewis] Beeson [Co. A] sick. Sharp unwell. Halted-Feeling very badly Dysentary. Osterhaus & Burbridge's Brigades engaged. Our Brigade guarding flank. Went to Hos[pital]. Cyrus Hussey |
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Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
On the 11th, the enemy's pickets advanced early in the morning, but were driven back, and the [the 1st] brigade maintained its position during the day. Late in the evening the Fourteenth Division, Brigadier-General Benton, commanding, moved to our right flank, and occupied the front, perpendicular to our line of battle.
….
On the 11th instant, two regiments of the Second Brigade [Col. Landram's] (Ninety-seventh and One hundred thirtieth Illinois) were ordered to reconnoiter well to our right flank, and found a considerable body of cavalry that, after several well directed volleys and a handsome charge by our troops, were driven from their position. Still further to the right, and within the timbers, a heavy body of infantry was discovered. Our troops returned to camp without the loss of a man.
My second Brigade, with the Mercantile battery, during the siege, was ordered to be held as reserves, and was placed about 100 yards in the rear of the line of battle, doing their portion of the picket duty.
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
Report of Col. William J. Landram
On the 11th Instant, the Ninety-seventh and One Hundred and thirtieth Regiments Illinois Volunteers were ordered to make a reconnaissance toward Pearl River, on our Right Flank, with a view of determining the position of the enemy at that point. The One hundred thirtieth Illinois found the Rebel cleverly in some force, posted in a cornfield, and by several well directed volleys and a handsome charge drove them from their position. The two regiments then advanced toward the river, where, finding the infantry of the enemy posted in great force, they were ordered to withdraw, which was done in order, and the regiments returned to camp without the loss of a man. The Seventy-seventh Illinois assisted in destroying the railroad leading south some 15 miles, and the Ninety-seventh Illinois guarded the train that was ordered into the country to forage.
Col. William J. Landram, commanding 2nd Brigade (OR 7/26/63)
Saturday July 11th |
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Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
Early on the morning of the 12th, my line was advanced, and the flank regiments wheeled into line of battle, when the men went immediately to work construction rifle pits.
The establishing of this line was strongly resisted by the enemy, as it drove them from an important position and brought within our lines an abundance of good water. This line was maintained during the remainder of the siege of Jackson, with the enemy's works in plain view, and our pickets so advanced as to compel the enemy to fall behind their trenches.
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
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Gen. A. J. Smith |
"July 12th
There had been a sharp fight off to our right a day or two before our
tro[o]ps were closing in around the rebel works and a good many were killed
on both sides. During that day the rebels asked for a truce to bury their
dead which was granted and during the truce we left our trees and took
a look around and talk[ed] with the rebel pickets. After a little some
of the f00l yanks who had more curiosity than discretion sounter ed off
towards the rebel lines when the rebs fired off their guns to warn them
off. When nor knowing what they meant by firing on us during the truce,
every man jumped to his tree and let it fly at the rebs.and it sounded
for a little while like all pondimonium had broke loose and the bark from
the trees was flying until the air was full of it. Our officers got us
to hear the orders to cease and when all was quiet again we crawled out
from behind our trees and called out to the rebs, say Johnie what the
thunder did you mean by that? Well says the Johnies back, we don't want
you damned yankeys coming over here till after the truce and then let
them come all they want to. ………………………..
Gen A. J. Smith, [was] our Division commander who['s] headquarters was
about a mile back in our rear[. H]earing the firing and thinking perhaps
the rebels were trying to take advantage of us in some way, he mounted
his horse (Old Billy) a thorough bread Kentucky racer, ordering the staff
and orderlies to follow him. He headed Old Billy for the front and gave
him the spurs and the boys in the rear that seen it said, they thought
they had seen wild riding before but they thought the General and Old
Billy broke all past records on that ride. His staff and orderlies urged
their horses to the top of their speed to try to keep up but could hardly
keep in sight…. They had not made much more than half the distance
when the General reached our skirmish line with his hat in hand and his
old white hair streaming back in the wind. He rode up to the officers
of the skirmished line and said what the Hell is up?"
William Wiley, 77th Illinois*
* Terrance J. Wincschel, ed. The Civil War Diary of a Common Soldier. Louisiana State University Press, 2001.
Report of Col. William J. Landram
On the 11th Instant, the Ninety-seventh and One Hundred and thirtieth
Regiments Illinois Volunteers were ordered to make a reconnaissance toward
Pearl River, on our Right Flank, with a view of determining the position
of the enemy at that point. The One hundred thirtieth Illinois found the
Rebel cleverly in some force, posted in a cornfield, and by several well
directed volleys and a handsome charge drove them from their position.
The two regiments then advanced toward the river, where, finding the infantry
of the enemy posted in great force, they were ordered to withdraw, which
was done in order, and the regiments returned to camp without the loss
of a man. The Seventy-seventh Illinois assisted in destroying the railroad
leading south some 15 miles, and the Ninety-seventh Illinois guarded the
train that was ordered into the country to forage.
Col. William J. Landram, commanding 2nd Brigade (OR 7/26/63)
Sunday July 12th Teams went to Clinton After rations in morning. 6.00 A.M. Very little firing. 8.00 Our artillery opened. 9.00 Artillery ceased & the infantry advanced. Firing continuous but light. 4.30 P.M. No change. Recd. Mail—letter from my wife of June 28th. How blank the soldier’s life would be without these messages of Dear Ones. Cyrus Hussey |
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Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
During the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th, our pickets were constantly skirmishing with those of the enemy.
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
Monday July 13th Wrote to my Wife answering her letter of 21st, 23rd, & 28th ult.-Raining. No change of position today-Heavy Picket. Cyrus Hussey |
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Report of Col. William J. Landram
The Second Brigade [Landram's] relieved the pickets of the First on the third or forth day after out arrival.
Col. William J. Landram, commanding 2nd Brigade (OR 7/26/63)
Tuesday July 14th Flag of truce from 12.00 M. to 4.00 P.M. Heavy fighting on our left. Cyrus Hussey |
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Wednesday July 15th Recd. a letter from my Wife of 2nd inst. Pickets had hard fighting in P.M. Tuttle's Div. took the place of Osterhaus which went about 1/2 mile to the rear. Expecting a large supply of Ammunition from Vicks. soon. Cyrus Hussey |
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Report of Col. Peter J. Sullivan (present at event)
During the siege, which lasted eight days, we were almost continually on the alert, and gradually and steadily advancing on the enemy until the night of July 16, when, after severe fighting, he stole away and fled from the veteran Sherman and his gallant and well-disciplined troops, who loved him as a child would a fond father. Our casualties were but two men.
Peter J. Sullivan (OR 8/4/63)
Thursday July 16th |
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On the morning of the 17th, we discovered that Gen. Johnston, after destroying his stores, had evacuated the preceding night. The loss of our Corps (13th) in killed and wounded was 760.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
The rebels having evacuated the city and their strong works during the 16th and 17th, I was ordered and moved my Division back about 1 mile, for the convenience of camp and water.
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
Friday July 17th |
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Saturday July 18th Cloudy &hazy-no movement. My health getting good. Cyrus Hussey |
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Sunday July 19th A.M. Clear & warm. Wrote to my Wife. P.M. Cloudy & light rain. Forwarded Ordinance Communication to Josh. Recd my Wife's letter of 4th July. Cyrus Hussey |
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Monday July 20th No change of camp. wrote to my Wife answering her letter of July 4th. Wrote communication asking "Leave of Absence". Orders to march at 5.00 A.M. 21st. My application staved off by Col. Landram. Cyrus Hussey |
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On the 21st, we were ordered back to Vicksburg.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
On the morning of the 21st, I moved my division to the rear, with all the sick and wounded belonging thereto, and encamped at Mississippi Springs, some 8 miles from Jackson.
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
Tuesday July 21st |
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Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
On the morning of the 22d, I moved to Champion's Hill,….
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
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Greyhound Insignia of |
General Smith's Greyhounds
The 83rd Ohio, which the 48th Ohio was merged with proudly called themselves Greyhounds. Private William Wiley's (77th Illinois) diary indicates that the Greyhound moniker may have been wide spread within the division. On the return from Jackson A. J. Smith moved his division as rapidly as if they were on a forced march although there was no apparent need for it. William Wiley said "senior officers partaking of Mississippi rum was blamed". A. J. Smith was known to drink to excess on occasion and it may have been the case in this instance. It is also possible that Smith intended to keep his troops in good shape for a time when a forced march was necessary. At a later date "Smith's Guerrillas", the 16th Corps, would be the toughest in the Union Army. It is likely Smith who made them that way. That the men took pride in their ability to move rapidly is indicated by the adoption of the greyhound as a regimental symbol by the 83rd Ohio. The general's approach to command of Smith's "Greyhounds" of Smith's earlier campaigns have much in common with his methods with "Smith's Guerrillas" of his late campaigns.
July 22nd
We resumed our march at an early hour and marched hard all day. They rushed us through as if we were on a forced march. We could not see any particular use in it as we had driven the enemy all out of the country and was simply going back to Vicksburg to go into camp. But as we learned afterward some of our head officers had got too much Mississippi rum aboard to know what they were doing. Our boys had got to calling themselves Gen Smith's greyhounds on account of being run around so much and on this march when ever Gen Smith would come in sight they would set up the most unearthly howling like a pack of hounds. At one time the Gen rode up to our Col and asked him what the hell his men meant by howling that way when ever he ca[me] near. The Col told him he guessed he was trying to make hounds of them by running them so hard. Huh sais the Gen damn them I give them enough to do without howling that way and he put us through all the faster from that to Vicksburg and the harder he marched us the harder we yelled."
William Wiley, 77th Illinois*
* Terrance J. Wincschel, ed. The Civil War Diary of a Common Soldier. Louisiana State University Press, 2001.
Wednesday July 22nd |
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We arrived at our old camp during the night of the 23d.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew J. Smith
….and on the 23rd reached my old camp in the rear of Vicksburg, having accomplished the march from Jackson to Vicksburg in three days.
….
From the 5th instant, or day of leaving Vicksburg, to my return (23d instant), I have lost 6 killed, and wounded and missing; and 11 missing; aggregate, 54.
Gen. Andrew J. Smith, commanding Tenth Division (OR 7/27/63)
Thursday July 23rd |
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The following day we marched through Vicksburg and camped one mile below, on the Mississippi river. Here we received our tents, having slept in the open air, exposed to the changeable weather, since April, which, together with short rations, being at times compelled to subsist on green corn alone, caused considerable sickness in the Regiment.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Friday July 24th |
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July 25th, we received notice that Major Moats had died on the 11th inst., from the effects of the wound received at the charge of the 22d of May. He was a brave, faithful and unassuming officer, and was held in high esteem by the whole Regiment.
We now resumed our daily routine of camp duty, that had been interrupted during the siege, which, after reveille, at daylight, consisted in attending roll-call; then followed guard-mounting and sick-call; after this, company drill until 11 A. M. In the afternoon we had battalion or brigade drill, and occasionally a "grand review," closing the day's exercises with dress-parade at sun-down, tattoo by the band at 9 o'clock, and "taps" at 10 P. M., when the guards ordered "lights out." Soon after, the Regiment was wrapped in slumber, as peaceful as though there was no war devastating the land. Thus the days slowly passed, while we lay broiling in the hot sun, in an open field, on the banks of the Mississippi.
After the siege, the Regiment received the Enfield Rifle in exchange for the old Austrian, which was a much better weapon for service, and we were well pleased with the change.
John A. Bering & Thomas Montgomery, 1880
Saturday July 25th |
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Sunday July 26th Storm & rain. Made returns of C.C. & G.E. Recd Letter from Susan Insley & Joshua Hussey. Recd a letter from my Wife of 12th & 17th inst. Hired "William" [as a] cook for 5.00 per month. Wrote short letter to my Wife before I received her letter. Cyrus Hussey |
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Monday July 27th Got 20 days Leave of Absence". Making preparations to go home. Cyrus Hussey |
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Monday July 28th Started on Steamer "Sultana" in evening. She went up Yazoo after troops to go to Helena Ark. This will delay us at least one day. [This is the infamous Steamer Sultana] Cyrus Hussey |
References:
Grabau, Warren E., 2000. Ninety-Eight Days: A Geographer's View of the
Vicksburg Campaign, Univ. of Tennessee Pr.
Stanley P. Hirshson, The White Tecumseh, Wiley, 1997, p. 158-162
Shelby Foote A Narrative: Fredricksburg to Meridian, Vintage 1986