E. Kirby Smith to Richard Taylor, May 20, 1863

GENERAL:

I have done all in my power to expedite the movement of Walker’s division. He will, however, arrive too late to materially impede the enemy in their retreat.

Should General Banks have secured his movement beyond the power of interruption by you, I would suggest the expediency of operating with your force on the Mississippi—on General Grant’s line of communication. Should General Banks have crossed the Mississippi with the

intention of re-enforcing Grant, especially does the importance of this movement force itself upon me.

The country east of the Mississippi is stripped of supplies. The enemy crossed below Grand Gulf. They must draw everything from the west side of the river, Their line of communication extends from Milliken’s Bend to Grand Gulf. Could you transport your force up the Tensas and operate on Grant’s line of communications, his campaign on the west bank may be checked, if not frustrated. I know not what the physical obstacles may be to this movement. I know your desire is naturally great to recover what you have lost in Lower Louisiana, and to push on toward New Orleans, but the stake contended for near Vicksburg is the Valley of the Mississippi and the Trans-Mississippi Department; the defeat of General Grant is the terminus ad quem of all operations in the west this summer; to its attainment all minor advantages should be sacrificed.

General Grant’s army is now supplied from Milliken’s Bend by Richmond, down the Roundaway and Bayou Vidal to New Carthage; his army is dependent on the supplies brought, almost unprotected, by this route, and their interruption will reduce him to statvation or a change of base.

Very respectfully,