John A. McClernand to Ulysses S. Grant, January 8, 1863

Steamer Tigress, January 8, 1863.

Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT, Commanding Department of the Tennessee :

When I arrived at the mouth of the Yazoo River I found that our army, having been repulsed near Vicksburg, was re-embarked under General Sherman’s order for conveyance to Milliken’s Bend, on the Mississippi River.

On the next day, the 4th, while the troops were still on the transports, I assumed command of the land forces of the Mississippi River Expedition and immediately determined, with the co-operation of Admiral Porter, to sail with my whole command for the Post of Arkansas via the mouth of White River, the cut-off, and the Arkansas River, for the reduction of that Post.

I am now here and will immediately resume my voyage to the appointed destination. The reasons justifying and requiring this movement may be stated as follows:

1st. The failure of the Mississippi River Expedition in the object of reducing Vicksburg and the present impracticability of reducing that place with the force under my command by a front attack unsupported by a co-operative movement in the rear of the place.

2d. The importance, nay duty, of actively and usefully employing our arms not only for the purpose of subduing the rebellion but to secure ane compensation for previous expense and loss attending the expeition.

3d. The importance of reducing the Post as a means of freeing the navigation of the Mississippi River in the vicinity of the mouths of White and Arkansas Rivers from molestation by the enemy.

4th. The importance of making a diversion of the enemy, who are alleged to be marching to certain points in Missouri, and of co-operating with General Curtis’ column in Arkansas.

5th. The counteraction of the moral effect of the failure of the attack

near Vicksburg and the reinspiration of the forces repulsed by making them the champions of new, important, and successful enterprises.

6th. The intense desire of all worthy officers and men to be usefully employed.

I will dispatch officers on transports from this place for additional supplies of quartermaster’s, commissary, and ordnance stores. Thesame transports will bear all who were wounded near Vicksburg in our hands to the hospitals above.

I expect, after completing any operations undertaken in Arkansas, unless otherwise directed, to return with my command to a point on the Mississippi River near Vicksburg, and direct my attention to the following objects: The seizure of Monroe, on the Vicksburg and Shreveport Railroad, and, if possible, New Carthage, on the Mississippi, below Vicksburg, and some point on the Red River; also to the practicability uf isolating Vicksburg by opening another channel for the Mississippi.

Having been en route on their transports since starting from Milliken’s Bend, and my taking command, I have been unable to obtain, and consequently am unable to furnish, reports of the strength and condition of my forces. I will do this at the earliest practicable moment.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,
Major-General, Commanding.