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

[275] now become a matter of the highest consequence to secure a base of supplies. None of importance had been received since leaving Grand Gulf, and, although in this rich and fertile country where he was operating, Grant had found forage and beef in abundance, all other supplies were getting short. Two hundred wagons had come up from Grand Gulf, with Blair, but no other regular rations were received after leaving Hankinson's ferry. The only pontoon train with the army was therefore sent with Sherman, to Bridgeport, and the other two corps pushed on to the Black river, lower down, to force a passage. The main column, moving on the direct road to Vicksburg, could thus operate favorably on the flank of any force attempting either to confront Sherman, or to defend Haine's bluff; while, if the rebels still remained in force before Grant, Sherman was in a position to threaten their line of retreat, interposing between them and Vicksburg. To Sherman, Grant said: ‘I will endeavor to hold the enemy where he is, to give you time to cross the river, if it can be effected. The moment the enemy begins to give way, I will endeavor to follow him so closely that he will not be able to destroy the bridge. Let me hear from you the hour you expect to arrive at Bridgeport.’

At three and a half o'clock, on the morning of the 17th, McClernand's corps resumed the pursuit, Carr's division in the advance, followed closely by Osterhaus. Six miles to the west, the enemy was discovered in force, strongly posted at Big Black river bridge. The river at this crossing makes a bend somewhat in the shape of a horse-shoe, open towards the east. High bluffs extend on the western shore to the water's edge; on the eastern side, is an open