Category Archives: Henry Halleck

May 11, 1863: Grant cuts loose

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Click for large map. Grant cuts loose from his supply line: “You may not hear from me for several days.” Official Records: Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: My forces will be this evening as far advanced toward Jackson as … Continue reading →

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April 10, 1863: An overland attack is impossible

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Allen Gathman

The Richmond Daily Dispatch is confident that Grant and Rosecrans can’t unite and attack Vicksburg overland. After all, it’s impossible to subsist a large army on the enemy’s country without a secure supply line. An attack Overland from North Mississippi. … Continue reading →

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January 29, 1863: Grant’s canal attempts

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Very nice map by Hal Jespersen, www.cwmaps.com — use this link for full size. Grant reports to Halleck on two of his canal-cutting efforts. The canal attempting to redirect the Mississippi was poorly situated; although it was completed, the river … Continue reading →

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January 27, 1863: Water is up in the canal

Posted on January 27, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant’s still at Memphis. He reports to Halleck that the water is rising in the canal they’re digging to bypass Vicksburg. Is Grant waiting for Banks to show up? Puzzling. Grant’s not usually one to dawdle. Official Records January 27, … Continue reading →

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January 15, 1863: Grant’s all in

Posted on January 15, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant’s pulling all the troops that can be spared from northern Mississippi and west Tennessee and sending them down the river. He made up his mind that the way to Vicksburg would be via the river, not overland, and he … Continue reading →

Posted in Henry Halleck, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg | 1 Comment

January 12, 1863: Halleck authorizes Grant to relieve McClernand

Posted on January 12, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant got a quick response to his report to Halleck about McClernand’s “wild goose chase” in Arkansas. Halleck’s opinion of McClernand was no more positive than Grant’s, and he told Grant to either take over the Vicksburg expedition or give … Continue reading →

Posted in Henry Halleck, John A. McClernand, Mississippi, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | Leave a comment

January 11, 1863: Grant reads McClernand the riot act

Posted on January 11, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant, having arrived in Memphis where the river allowed better communications, finally found out what McClernand was up to. And he was not happy about it. Official Records: MEMPHIS, TENN., January 11, 1863-3.30 p. m. Major General H. W. HALLECK, … Continue reading →

Posted in Henry Halleck, John A. McClernand, Mississippi, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg | Leave a comment

January 9, 1863: Grant goes to Memphis

Posted on January 9, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Now that McClernand has moved down to Vicksburg, he outranks Sherman, and thus has command of the whole expedition. Grant and Halleck had no confidence in McClernand’s abilities, and viewed this as a disaster. The only solution would be for … Continue reading →

Posted in Henry Halleck, John A. McClernand, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | Leave a comment

January 7, 1862: Grant reinforces Sherman

Posted on January 7, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant, having been informed of Sherman’s defeat at Chickasaw Bayou, makes plans to move troops to Memphis in preparation for sending them downriver to help. Official Record: Washington, January 7, 1863. Major-General GRANT, Holly Springs, Miss.: Richmond papers of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Henry Halleck, Mississippi, Tennessee, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | Leave a comment

January 1, 1862: Davies pleads his case

Posted on January 1, 2013 by Allen Gathman

General Thomas Davies had come into some criticism for his abandonment of Island No. 10, but he argues here that it was necessary to do so. He also tries to get out of sending troops to Grant, but winds up … Continue reading →

Posted in Henry Halleck, Kentucky, Stephen A. Hurlbut, Tennessee, Thomas A. Davies | Leave a comment