[660]
from Mobile and parts of Georgia; by McGowan and Breckenridge's divisions (nine thousand men); and four thousand of Forrest's cavalry from Bragg's army; nine thousand men from Charleston, and two thousand two hundred from Port Hudson.
Orders were sent the very day Banks invested Port Hudson, to evacuate it. Garrison there now, eight thousand.
Lee's army has not been reduced.
Bragg's force now, forty-six thousand infantry and artillery, and fifteen thousand cavalry.
Every thing not required for daily use has been removed to Atlanta, Georgia.
His army can fall back to Bristol or Chattanooga at a moment's notice, which places, it is thought, he can hold, and spare twenty-five thousand men. Mobile and Savannah are now almost entirely without garrisons, further than men to manage large guns.
No forces left in the interior to send to any place.
All further reenforcements will have to come from one of the great armies.
There is about thirty-two thousand men west of the Mississippi river, exclusive of the forces in Texas.
Orders were sent them one week ago by Johnston.
The purport of orders not known.
Herron has arrived here, and troops from Burnside are looked for to-morrow.
General Grant to Adjutant-General L. Thomas.—(letter.)
near Vicksburg, June 16, 1863.
Herewith I have the honor of enclosing Brigadier-General E. S. Dennis's report of the battle of Milliken's bend, fought on the 7th of June, 1863, together with the list of casualties.
In this battle most of the troops engaged were Africans, who had but little experience in the use of arms.
Their conduct is said, however, to have been most gallant, and I doubt not but with good officers they will make good troops.General Grant to General Halleck.—(Cipher telegram.)
near Vicksburg, June 16, 1863.
Every thing progresses well here.
Johnston's force is at Yazoo City, Benton, Brownsville, and Clinton.
I am fortifying at Haine's bluff to make my position certain, but believe I could go out with force enough to drive the rebels from between 