McClernand's Expedition Page 41

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Oxford, Miss., December 19, 1862.
Major General J. B. McPherson,
Commanding Right Wing, &c.:
There will be no farther advance of our forces until further
directions.
The enemy under Forrest have crossed the Tennessee below
Clifton and are now near to Jackson. Communication it cut off,
so that I cannot hear from there.
Page436 WEST TENN. AND NORTHERN MISS.
[CHAP.XXIX.
Sullivan reports the strength of the enemy at from 5,000 to
10,000 and still crossing. Dodge, however, had a scout among
them before they commenced crossing, who estimates their force
at about 5,000.
Ingersoll's cavalry watched their movements for the last 25
miles, and yesterday had an engagement with them at Lexington,
resulting in a defeat for us, Colonel Ingersoll and two pieces
of artillery falling into the hands of the enemy. Last night
Sullivan brought them to a halt about 6 miles from Jackson.
I have re-enforced Sullivan to the full extent of the capacity
of the road to carry troops, partly from Columbus, partly from
Corinth, one brigade from here, and by concentrating of the
forces of the District of Jackson. Lowe is also moving from
Heiman. I think the enemy must be annihilated, but it may
trouble and possibly lead to the necessity of sending further
forces from here.
A dispatch from General Halleck, received late last night,
directs me to divide my forces into army corps, one of which
is to be commanded by Major-General McClernand, he to have the
chief command of the Vicksburg expedition, but under my
direction. I was in hopes the expedition would be off by this
time, and it may be that they are about starting.
We must be ready for any move. I think, however, it will not
be a retrograde one.
U. S. GRANT,
Major-General.