Category Archives: Stephen A. Hurlbut

May 5, 1863: Grant orders troops to live off the land

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant is gathering his troops for the assault on Vicksburg. He instructs Hurlbut to bring his troops, and to have the cavalry live off the land, while destroying crops and other resources that would help sustain the rebels. It seems … Continue reading →

Posted in Mississippi, Stephen A. Hurlbut, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg | Leave a comment

January 4, 1863: Grant figuring out what to do

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Lacking any direct information from the Vicksburg campaign, Grant appeared to be struggling to figure out a course of action. Rumor had it that Vicksburg had already fallen, but he also had news of Sherman’s setback at Chickasaw Bayou. Whether … Continue reading →

Posted in Mississippi, Stephen A. Hurlbut, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | Leave a comment

January 3, 1863: Why McClernand’s still not at Vicksburg

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Allen Gathman

John McClernand finds himself left out of Sherman’s advance on Vicksburg. Once again, he appeals to the Secretary of War to explain how events (or maybe Halleck) conspired against him. Then he offers some criticism of Sherman’s efforts at Chickasaw … Continue reading →

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

January 3, 1863: Sherman’s setback reported to Grant

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Sherman, commanding the amphibious assault on Vicksburg, had unsuccessfully attempted to take the Walnut Hills in the battle of Chickasaw Bayou on December 29. Here Hurlbut passes word of the failed assault on to Grant. This high gr ound would … Continue reading →

Posted in Mississippi, Stephen A. Hurlbut, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | Leave a comment

January 2, 1863: Smuggling problems in Memphis

Posted on January 2, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant, having left Hurlbut in charge of Memphis, is finding that the forces there are insufficient to stop smugglers. He suggests cracking down on businesses that are involved. Meanwhile Grant is still looking for additional cavalry, although Forrest appears to … Continue reading →

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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

December 30, 1862: Hurlbut holding Memphis

Posted on December 30, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Gen. Hurlbut outlines the situation in Memphis to Grant. He’s got it under control, but is short of troops to stop smuggling. He also castigates Gen. Davies for abandoning Island No. 10 and general timidity. Lastly, he reports that his … Continue reading →

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March 18, 1862: Setting the stage for Shiloh

Posted on March 18, 2012 by Allen Gathman

Lew Wallace (cross your eyes just right and you can see him in 3D) Grant reports the disposition of troops at Pittsburg Landing. Lew Wallace (later famed as the author of Ben Hur) has a division downstream, right across the … Continue reading →

Posted in John A. McClernand, Lew Wallace, Shiloh, Stephen A. Hurlbut, Tennessee, Ulysses S. Grant, William Tecumseh Sherman | Leave a comment