HDQRS. RIGHT WING, THIRTEENTH ARMY CORPS,
Camp, Yocknapatalfa, December 20, 1862.
Major-General GRANT,
Commanding Thirteenth Army Corps:
GENERAL: General Logan's division will move to the position
occupied by General McArthur's, near the Yockna Station, at 6
o'clock to-morrow morning.
I send you extract of a letter from Colonel Leggett,* giving
some information brought in by a scout from his command whom
we sent out. If this information is correct, and it seems to
be confirmed, at least partially, from other sources, I am
decently of the opinion that the rebels are concentrating
their forces at Jackson and Vicksburg, with a view of throwing
them all in Vicksburg, if necessary, and that our policy is to
have as many or more men at that point than they can bring to
bear.
In view of the fact that the railroad from Grenada to Memphis
is so seriously damaged that it will take some weeks to open
it, and that with our present long line of communication
interrupted and labile to be so again when reopened we cannot
well go beyond Grenada and for a junction with the forces
moving down the river, I think it best to fall back to the
north side of the Tallahatchie, hold that line, and then send
as many as two divisions to Memphis, to be added to the forces
collecting for the Vicksburg expedition; open the railroad
from Memphis to Grand Junction, and establish an easy and
rapid communication, which I think could be protect with our
strong cavalry force and a body of infantry and artillery on
the Tallahatchie, Holly Springs, Hernando, &c.
I have merely suggested these remarks in consequence of the note at the bottom of your letter; and I will also add that in consequence of orders from Washington placing General McClernand in charge of the expedition under you I would, if in your place, proceed to Memphis and take command of it myself. It is the great feature of the campaign, and its execution rightfully belongs to you.
In case you go I would like to accompany you with two
divisions, Lauman's and Logan's; but am ready for any position
to which you may assign me.
I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
JAS. B. McPHERSON,
Major-General.
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