Unknown to Richard Taylor, June 22, 1863

Maj. Gen. RICHARD TAYLOR, Commanding District of Western Louisiana, Alexandria: GENERAL: I have just returned from my mission to General Johnston. I shall proceed to General Walker’s headquarters to communicate to him the information received from General Johnston.

*See Special Orders, No. 149, June 3, p. 31.

t Maury assumed command of the Department of the Gulf on or about May21. He was ordered from Knoxville, Tenn., to this command April 27 (see Series I, Vol. XV p. 1056), but on May 11 received leave of absence for ten days. :

I regret to inform you that he considers the situation of Vicksburg eminently critical. Grant is being heavily re-enforced by Burnside’s corps. This, added to his strength of position, renders the condition of Vicksburg, in General Johuston’s opinion, almost hopeless. The greatest success he anticipates is the withdrawal of the garrison and its safety, but the difficulties in the way of his accomplishing even this are very great. General Johnston has 25,000 men. Grant has certainly 80,000 and probably 100,000. General Johnston’s troops are far from being the best, owing to causes which you may easily conjecture. Grant is intrenched in a naturally strong position, where he ought to whip an attacking force of double his numbers.

To accomplish anything, it is extremely important that General Johnston should communicate with General Pemberton. He receives communications from him by men floating down the river at night, but can get none to him. He requests every effort to be made on this side to that end. He also desires that he may have ready means of communication with you by way of Natchez, to which point the telegraph extends. He suggests no other mode of your rendering him assistance than that already contemplated in your orders to General Walker and Colonel Harrison. General Johnston had news both from General Pemberton and General Gardner up to Saturday, the 14th instant. The former reports some sickness in fhe garrison, twenty days’ provisions, and a want of percussion caps. The latter reports a scarcity of provisions and ammunition.

General Johnston expressed himself highly gratified at your courtesy in sending to him your offer to co-operate with him in any manner he might desire, and requested me to assure you of his high personal regard.

eae am, general,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,