Soldier Discusses Confederate Evacuation Of Jackson During Vicksburg Campaign
SC CROSS writes to his mother from Jackson, Mississippi, on July 18 [1863]. Cross references Confederate General Johnston's abrupt departure of Jackson. Johnston determined that Jackson could not be held. The Battle of Jackson was fought on May 14, 1863, during the Vicksburg Campaign.
2 pp, 4 x 8, in pencil. I have been very well... I thought I would drop a few lines to let you know we are situated here. There will not be any fight here for the Rebels have evacuated the city so we are all right. We expect to go up the river to Kentucky.The 16 corps were intending to get their flag on the state house before the 9. Corps Boys were too smart for them. We got our flag on the state house and the old flag showed that we were there. Mother I think Miss State is pretty well cleared out.
If old Johnston had a very big force he never would left this place. But he felt a little shy of Gen Grant, and it was lucky that (he) left when he did. If he had stayed 24 hours longer we should had him penned in so that he could not get out. The boys started for the city to see how it looked and to see what they could get and what do you think they got.They got sugar and tobacco and molasses and most anything they wanted. I may not write again for some some but I want you to write as soon as you get this. Direct as before from you soon SC Cross.
Grant moved his force east across the Mississippi River on April 30, 1863. Grant intended to wheel is army north to strike the railroad between Vicksburg and the Mississippi capital of Jackson. On May 12, the Union XVII Corps of Maj. James McPherson defeated Confederate troops commanded by Brig.John Gregg at the Battle of Raymond. This alerted Grant to the presence of a potentially dangerous Confederate force at Jackson, leading him to change his plans and swing towards Jackson with McPherson's corps and Maj. Johnston was ordered to take command of the growing Confederate force at Jackson, but after arriving, determined the city could not be held. Our goal is to please every customer.