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

In these operations, the absolute necessity of gaining some means of supporting the army was the first and paramount consideration with Grant. This, every one saw, must demand the first attention. Every one also saw that the means now to be attempted was that which promised relief, if relief was to be secured at all. In case of success, the river would be open from Kelly's ferry to Bridgeport, and the road on the north side clear; so that either steamboats or wagons could be used to bring up supplies. Rosecrans had contemplated some movement of this sort, and had ordered a pontoon bridge to be prepared, but had been content with such remote preliminaries.¹ Smith, too, had suggested the plan, which, however, suggested itself to every soldier; Halleck had proposed it, and Thomas had determined on it, and even given some directions in the matter, before Grant arrived. When Grant visited the ferry, the importance of the position was at once evident to him, and, that day, he issued positive orders for the movement.

Smith was instructed to make all necessary arrangements for the expedition which was to effect a lodgment at Brown's ferry. Four thousand men were detailed, and the force to throw the bridge was organized on the 24th, the day of Grant's reconnoissance; the pontoon bridge was ready in two days more; and Smith, meanwhile, examined the ground with hrs brigade commanders, and gave the requisite orders. Eighteen hundred men, under Brigadier-General Hazen, were to embark in boats, and pass down the