Appendix to chapter IX.
Congratulatory order of General McClernand.
General orders, no. 72.
headquarters, Thirteenth army corps, battle-field in rear of Vicksburg, May 30, 1863.
comrades: As your commander, I am proud to congratulate you upon your constancy, valor, and successes History affords no more brilliant example of soldierly qualities.
Your victories have followed in such rapid succession that their echoes have not yet reached the country.
They will challenge its grateful and enthusiastic applause.
Yourselves striking out a new path, your comrades of the Army of the Tennessee followed, and a way was thus opened for them to redeem previous disappointments.
Your march through Louisiana, from Milliken's bend to New Carthage and Perkins's plantation, on the Mississippi river, is one of the most remarkable on record.
Bayous and miry roads, threatened with momentary inundation, obstructed your progress.
All these were overcome by unceasing labor and unflagging energy.
The two thousand feet of bridging which was hastily improvised out of materials created on the spot, and over which you passed, must long be remembered as a marvel.
Descending the Mississippi still lower, you were the first to cross the river at Bruin's landing, and to plant our colors in the state of Mississippi below Warrenton.
Resuming the advance the same day, you pushed on until you came up to the enemy near Port Gibson, only restrained 