William T. Sherman to David D. Porter, November 16, 1862
Memphis, November 16, 1862.
Admiral DAviID D. PORTER, Commanding United States Naval Forces, Cairo:
Sir: Yours of November 12 is just received, and though very busy receiving and disposing of troops, I hasten to answer as well as to fill my former promise to send you a sketch of the Yazoo country. Inclosed is a map* compiled by my engineers of the best data at hand. I have another map not well scaled, which makes the mouth of Yazoo somewhat different from the one inclosed. Somewhat thus:
Towmouti or. dc hivVelasn= omer ers case ast ese ab ees ase oe malen saa eeinsca renee 10 MGnMnOUtL OL MAZOO aco la ae sina eniclasaniaacoteislna nisl sa’ciste’ss’sis slic esse mescsieraecice se 8 Haines” Blatt ater oo eee rete asm na sar ele sisla os en sise cues oatccbicinelapRatee se aasi 15 Month-of Little. Sunflowers. 22 .… caster sem aa sem las ee slew is seine el ee meee eriaeis 16 ENON TD, S65 SAS GSR A Geach Sanpd 3658 to Sse s50s0 GSAS Ss Jaconiiessealsesonalaose 9 Liverpool …… 5 5 Yazoo City 20 Woney Islands. sess seas se oe eens de cancosi seamen occ easinanicamecsiries sie cscs 60 158
To where bulk of boats are grouped.
Names of boats up Yazoo: Natchez, Magnolia, HE. J. Gay, Mary Keane, R. J. Lockland, Magenta, Ferd. Kennett, Alonzo Child, Peytona, Holmes, Argo, Louisville, Samuel Hill, Cotton Plant, Paul Jones, and John Walsh.
I am not sure on this point, as at times I hear of eleven, and again some say as many as forty, but all agree as to the large boats, Natchez, Magnolia, Peytona, Magenta, &c.
My opinion is that a perfect concert of action should exist between all the forces of the United States operating down the valley; and I apprehend some difficulty may arise from the fact that you control on the river, Curtis on the west bank, and Grant on the east bank. Were either one of you in absolute command, all, of course, would act in concert. Our enemies are now also disconcerted by divided counsels; Van Dorn and Lovell are superior in lineal rank to Pemberton, and yet the latter is in command of the Department of Mississippi and Louisiana.
I think the forces now under Grant are able to handle anything in Mississippi; and our men are now confident and pretty well drilled. We can advance southward, striking Grenada and interposing between Vicksburg and Jackson, but your fleet should be abreast or ahead of
the army. You invite these suggestions, and I think General Halleck would order a concert of action any time you are prepared.
The possession of the river, with an army ca:able of disembarking and striking inland, would have a mighty influence.
I know that the people, though full of Southern ardor, are getting tired of the devastations of war. Our new troops came with ideas of making vigorous war, which means universal destruction, and it requires hard handling to repress excesses.
I take freely of corn, horses, wood and lumber, brick, everything for the Government, but allow no individual plunder.
I was very anxious to see you before departing for the interior, but now expect soon to be off, acting under Grant, but hope we may meet below. I have admirable maps of Memphis and country round about, of which I could give you copies; but as your operations are by water, these would be of little service.
with great respect, yours,
Major-General, Commanding.