Adam Badeau, Military history of Ulysses S. Grant from April 1861 to April 1865. Volume 1

President A. Lincoln to General Grant.—(Cipher telegram)

Are you in communication with General Banks? Is he coming towards you, or going farther off? Is there or has there been any thing to hinder his coming directly to you by water?

General Grant to General Halleck.—(Cipher telegram.)

The approaches are gradually nearing the enemy's fortifications. Five days more should plant our batteries on their parapets. Johnston is still collecting troops at Canton and Jackson. Some are coming over the railroad, and all the country is joining his standard. The destruction of the enemy's artillery and ordnance stores was so complete, that all these must be brought in from a distance. I sent a large force up between the Yazoo and Black rivers. Forage, beef, and bacon was destroyed by our troops, and the stock brought to camp. I am now placing all my spare force on the narrowest part of the land between the rivers, about forty-five miles northeast, with the cavalry watching all the crossings of Black river.

We shell the town a little every day, and keep the enemy constantly on the alert. We but seldom lose a man now. The best of health and spirits prevail among the troops.

General Grant to A. Lincoln, President U. S.—(telegram.)

I send by mail letter from General Banks of June 4th. I am in communication with him, he having Port Hudson closely invested.

General Grant to General Halleck.—(telegram)

It is reported that three divisions have left Bragg's army to join Johnston. Breckenridge is known to have arrived