Jno. A. Rawlins to Charles S. Hamilton, December 24, 1862
Holly Springs, Miss., December 24, 1862.
Inclosed I herewith send you a copy of dispatch just received from Colonel Grierson. One a little later from Grand Junction says fighting is now going on uorth of that place. It is probable therefore that the enemy are now turning their course south :
Van BUREN, December 24A—4 p. m. Major-General GRANT: The rebels have just passed through this place and are going directly south. Van Dorn is in command. They are moving toward Saulsbury, 5} miles from here. We are atill in close pursuit and constantly skirmishing with their rear. They broke the
telegraph, set fire to the culverts and trestle- work, and destro yed dwellings and barns. The garrison at Middleburg killed, wounded, and captured a number, giving {hem a hot reception and fighting nobly. I dispatched you from Middleburg. B. H. GRIERSON, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry.
The force at Salem should be informed of this, and be on the lookout for them to give them a salute as they pass. U. 8S. GRANT,
Houuiy Sprines, Miss., December 24, 1862. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON, Oxford, Miss. :
The following dispatch is just received. Send it to Colonel Hatch by to-morrow morning if possible: NEAR BOLIVAR, December 24, 1862. Major-General GRANT:
I arrived in Bolivar 11 o’clock last night. Pickets at that place were driven in last night. Our presence no doubt saved the place, as it is evident they did not know of our presence until this morning.
We struck their trail on Middleburg road this morning, evidently a large force. 7,000 or 8,000. My column is now moving. Have been skirmishing all the morning; a number of the enemy killed an: wounded; uo loss on our side.
Later—MIDDLEBURG, December 24. The enemy repulsed from this place by our infantry. We came up with their rear; they struck off to the left toward the Van Buren road; we are in close pursuit; their number from 5,000 to 7,000, I have but 1,400 men. Cannot the Seventh Illinois, Third fowa, and balance of the Third Michigan be sent after me. From latest information
they appear to be going southeast. ill keep you advised as well as possible. B. H. GRIERSON, Commanding.
U. 8. GRANT, Major-General.
BOLIVAR, TENN., December 24, 1862—a. m. General GRANT: Arrived at 11 o’clock last night; pickets driven in here this morning; think only a feint; think they have gone north to join Forrest. My column now moving east of north; will keep you advised as fai as possible. B. H. GRIERSON, Colonel, Commanding Cavalry.
HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss., December 24, 1862. Col. B. H. GRIERSON, In pursuit of Van Dorn, near Van Buren :
Your dispatches from near Middleburg and Van Buren have been sent to the commanding officer at Salem, whose forces consist of infantry and artillery and are about 15 miles east of here; also to Colonel Hatch, who started last evening with his cavalry force to the mouth of Tippah Creek, on the Tallahatchie, in pursuit of a portion of the enemy near there. He may be able to join you after you cross the Tallahatchie, and may intercept the enemy’s retreat. Make every possible exertion to harass and destroy the enemy. Take Hatch with you in the pursuit if you meet with him.
By order of Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant:
Assistant Adjutant-General.
SAULSBURY, December 24, 1862—after dark.
Major-General GRANT:
GENERAL: Have just arrived at this place; enemy still going southward, their rear only a mileahead. We areconstantly picking up their
Stragglers, Have just learned that they talk of turning to the lett a
short distance. Shall throw out scouts and observe their movements,
and camp to-night without camp-fires. I sent you dispatch from Middleburg and also from Van Buren.