Benjamnin F. Butler, Butler's Book: Autobiography and Personal Reminiscences of Major-General Benjamin Butler

Upon the suggestion of the flag-officer, on the 6th of June, I had issued an order as follows:--

headquarters Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, La., June 6, 1862.
Brigadier-General Thomas Williams, Commanding forces, Baton Rouge, La.:

General:--I am directed by the major-general commanding to say that he will send you the remainder of Everett's battery, with its horses and harnesses, the Thirty-First Massachusetts and the Seventh Vermont Regiments, and Magee's cavalry, with transportation, ammunition, and forage for all.

With this force the general will expect you to proceed to Vicksburg with the flag-officer, and then take the town or have it burned at all hazards.

You will leave such force as you may judge necessary to hold Baton Rouge. Camp Moore is believed to be broken up substantially, and perhaps you will think a regiment sufficient; Colonel McMillan's is recommended, as he has two pieces of cannon. The flag-officer has distinct instructions to open the river, and will do it, I doubt not. A large force is sent to you with what you have, and sufficient, as it would seem, to take any batteries and the supporting force they may have at Vicksburg.

You will often be amused by reports of the enemy's strength. Witness your report of the numbers approaching Baton Rouge. These stories are exaggerated always. You will send up a regiment or two at once and cut off the neck of land beyond Vicksburg by means of a trench across, thus:--

Diagram showing Vicksburg's position on the River.

making the cut about four feet deep and five feet wide. The river itself will do the rest for us.

A large supply of spades and shovels has been sent for this purpose.

Report frequently.

By order of the Major-General Commanding:

George C. Strong, A. A. G., Chief of Staff.