Comte de Paris, History of the Civil War in America. Vol. 4.
Henry Coppee , LL.D., Ed.

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[457] But the water was too low to allow navigation above this point. The cavalry, pushing to within a few miles of Grenada, announced that this town was occupied by Ross' brigade, sent in this direction, as we have said already, by S. D. Lee. The object of the expedition was now attained; there was nothing left but to return. But instead of retiring promptly, as prudence required, after having ventured into the vicinity of a superior force and so far from any assistance, the Federals spent several days, contrary to the strict rule established by Sherman, in gathering cotton and loading their vessels with it. After having disembarked at Yazoo on the 28th of February, they sent these vessels to carry their booty to Vicksburg. They were near paying dear for their imprudence. A little above Yazoo City, Coates had landed his cavalry for the purpose of seizing all the roads leading therefrom. A detachment of this force encountered a part of Ross' brigade, which had left Grenada and outflanked the flotilla by a rapid march; it was quickly driven back into the town. If Ross, who, it is said, had fifteen hundred men under his command, had pushed forward, he would have found the Union infantry in the act of disembarking, and would certainly have driven it into the river. Instead of that, he hesitated, parleyed, and was satisfied with skirmishing and investing the town while waiting for the arrival of reinforcements which Forrest had promised him.

The latter, in fact, immediately on his arrival at Starkville had sent his division to the encampment it had occupied during the winter behind the Tallahatchie. Richardson's brigade had received orders to help Ross to fight the Federals on the Yazoo. It joined him on the 4th of March. But Coates had availed himself of the respite which was allowed him to fortify his position. A large redoubt protected by a ravine and situated near the town had been repaired and occupied by the Eleventh Illinois, a white regiment. Not being able to post all his forces in it, Coates had established himself in the town with the Eighth Louisiana, a negro regiment. The Confederates attacked him early on the 5th after having easily driven back his outposts. Richardson, who had taken the command of all the Southern forces, proceeded toward the town with a part of his brigade, and directed Ross to take the remainder of his own troops to attack the redoubt. He