Nothing heard from Banks. Ihave suggested to Gorman propriety to Stephen A. Hurlbut, January 3, 1863
Holly Springs, Miss., January 3, 1863.
Some citizeus of Memphis were overheard to say that there was a determination that we should not run the Memphis and Charleston Railroad; that it will be easier to interrupt that and force us to move the army to Memphis for supplies than to come here to fight the main army.
It is my determination to run the road as long as we require it, and if necessary I will remove every family and every species of personal property between the Hatchie aud Coldwater Rivers. I will also move south every family in Memphis of doubtful loyalty, whether they have taken the oath of allegiance or uot, if it is necessary for our security, and you can so notify them. For every raid or attempted raid by guerrillas upon the road I want ten families of the most noted secessionists sent south. If the enemy, with his regularly-organized forces, attack us I do not propose to punish non-combatant citizens for it; but these guerrillas receive support and countenance from this class of citizens, and by their acts-will bring punishment upon them.
In this matter I wish to give this letter all the force of an order.
U. 8S. GRANT, Major-General.
MEMPHIS, January 3, 1863. General GRANT:
I have received dispatches from Gorman. Sherman has had a bitter fight; forced the first line of intrenchments, captured and holds one 9-gun battery; captured their main fort on Walnut Hills at point or bayonet, but supports did not come up, and our men were driven out with great slaughter. Morgan Smith is wounded ; Giles Smith, colonel Eighth Missouri, and Wyman, Thirteenth Mlinois, killed. Loss about 3,000, killed and wounded. No official report from Sherman. Price and Joe Johnston are at Vicksburg. Steamers from below are seen bringing up troops. I fear Sherman is overmatched. He has sent for ammunition. I sent him to-day all I have, 230,000 rounds. Have sent his order forward to be telegraphed from Cairo. He wants 4,000,000 rounds. The Blue Wing, with ammunition, was taken below Helena and has gone up the Arkansas. I this day send three barges of coal for the fleet, which they greatly need. Davies still holds the troops above and says he does it
by order of General Halleck. Sherman ought
to be re-enforced. I think they outnumber him, besides the advantage
of position.
Nothing heard from Banks. I have suggested to Gorman propriety
of throwing his whole available force, except fort garrison, to Vicksburg.
The messenger Schultz, who was bringing your reply, was captured,
but destroyed his dispatches. The road from here to Germantown is
full of guerrillas and some regular cavalry. I trust the railroad may be
forced through rapidly. It must be strongly guarded down to the depot, as we can’t spare any guard. Sherman’s wounded will be here before long, I suppose. I am preparing hospital buildings in case they