McClernand's Expedition Page 8

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE,
Jackson, Tenn., October 29, 1862.
Major General WILLIAM T. SHERMAN, Memphis, Tenn.:
I am directed by General Grant to acknowledge the receipt of
your report of the 21st and letter of the 22d, and to say to
you his information is that Bowen is moving north of the
Hatchie, with the evident intention of getting on to the
Mississippi River to cut off navigation. An expedition will be
sent to cut him off from here.
A flag of truce from Corinth went into Holly Springs last
week. They allowed our officers to stay in town from Sunday at
3 o'clock p. m. till 10 a. m. Monday. They were taken to the
hotel and allowed every liberty. Van Dorn threw no restraint
around them, and seemed perfectly indifferent how much they
learned. Our officers estimated the force there at not over
25,000.
The enemy are beginning to move now. Price is at Ripley.
Information is in that troops are going south, possibly going
to Mobile. The general heartily approves your course in
expelling secession families as a punishment and preventive
example for guerrillas firing into boats. He would also
recommend that if it becomes necessary to distribute food to
the poor and destitute families, or to unemployed contrabands,
to make an assessment on the better provided secession
citizens to pay the expenses.
Rosecrans has been ordered to Cincinnati to receive further
orders. This is greatly to the relief of the general, who was
very much disappointed in him. This matter the general will
explain to you when he sees you. He much regrets that Hurlbut
is ordered away, and has telegraphed to have the order
countermanded.
Adjutant-General Fuller, of Illinois, telegraphed to-day that
in addition to eight regiments heretofore sent, one regiment,
the One hundred and third, is under orders to move Wednesday;
the One hundred and eleventh and Ninety-fifth within four days
afterward. He further telegraphs that ten more regiments can
be forwarded in next ten days if paid and armed. The general
will try and send troops to you; possibly not more than one
brigade armed, and one regiment without arms to take charge of
siege guns.
The general has abandoned all idea of the expedition. He finds Curtis indisposed to co-operate with him. From the newspaper and
Page308 WEST TENN. AND NORTHERN MISS. [Chap.XXIX.
other reports it is probable that McClernand will go to Helena and lead whatever expeditions may move from there and report to Curtis. As soon as the promised re-enforcements arrive the
general will make arrangements for a forward move, and will
then send a staff officer to inform you fully of plans and how
he desires your co-operation.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
WM. S. HILLYER,
Colonel and Aide-de-Camp.