At this time General McClernand occupied Clinton with one division, Mississippi Springs with another, Raymond with a third, and his fourth division and General Blair’s division of General Sherman’s corps were with a wagon train, still in the rear, near Auburn. At the same time General McArthur, with one brigade of his division of General McPherson’s corps, was moving toward Raymond on the Utica road. It was not the intention of General Grant to move these forces any nearer Jackson, but to have them in a position where they could be in supporting distance if the resistance at Jackson should prove more obstinate than there seemed any reason to expect.
On the retreat of the enemy, General McPherson followed directly into the city of Jackson. A fine battery of six pieces was found, and around the Deaf and Dumb Institute, which was used as a hospital, tents enough were seized to encamp an entire division. The commissary and quartermaster’s stores were in flames. The Governor and State Treasurer had withdrawn, taking the State funds and papers. All citizens officially connected with the State or Confederate Governments had also left. Many soldiers remained, besides a large number in the hospital.
Early on the morning of the day following the occupation of the city of Jackson it was decided to evacuate the position. There were several reasons which induced General Grant to arrive at this decision, prominent among which was the difficulty of keeping intact his long line of communication, and the fear that General Johnston—who was known to be hovering in the region north of Jackson with a force estimated at twenty thousand men—would attack his rear. The force which he encountered just before reaching Jackson, under General Gregg, had divided, one portion going to Canton from the north, and the other from the south. Johnston and Gregg combined might prove altogether too formidable. It was therefore decided to return to Clinton and move upon Vicksburg.
The main column of the enemy was at Edwards’ Station, proposing to give battle there. Soon after daylight the column was in motion, General McPherson in advance. They reached Clinton at noon, and after an hour’s delay marched to their camping ground, a short distance from the village of Bolton.
The programme of the advance was arranged by General Grant and General McClernand as follows:—Extreme left, General Smith, supported by General Blair; on the right of General Smith, General Osterhaus, supported by General Carr; General Hovey in the centre, with McPherson on the extreme right, and Crocker as reserve. In this order the advance was made; General McClernand’s corps, with the exception of General Hovey’s division, reaching the position by way of the several roads leading from Raymond to Edward’s Station.
On the evening of the 15th, General McClernand heard that the enemy was advancing from Edwards’ Station to Raymond, and quickly placed his troops in order of battle to repel the anticipated attack. Extensive reconnoissances revealed the fact, however, that he was merely feeling his position and force, and that no attack need be expected that day.
At nine in the morning, General Osterhaus took possession of Bolton, capturing a rebel mail and several prisoners. General McClernand placed his army in camp early in the evening, and by daylight the following day each division occupied the ground selected, and prepared to offer battle.
BATTLE OF BAKER’S CREEK, OF CHAMPION HILL, MISS.
May 16, 1863.
Early this morning General McClernand’s corps was put in motion. General Hovey’s division was on the main road from Jackson to Vicksburg, but the balance of the corps was a few miles to the south. General Ward was on a parallel road, and General McPherson’s corps followed Hovey’s division closely.
The enemy’s first demonstration was upon the Union extreme left, which they attempted to turn. This attempt was most gallantly repulsed by General Smith, commanding the left wing. At seven o’clock the skirmishers were actively engaged; and as the enemy sought the cover of the forest the Union artillery fire was opened, which continued without intermission for two hours. At this time General Ransom’s brigade marched on the field, and took up a position as reserve behind General Carr.