[1]   ALS, RPB. Hurlbut replied on May 23:

``I forward the following, just received from Col. John A. Rawlins, assistant adjutant-general, rear of Vicksburg, 20th:

`` `The Army of the Tennessee landed at Bruinsburg on 30th April.

`` `On 1st May, fought battle of Port Gibson; defeated rebels under [John S.] Bowen, whose loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners was at least 1,500; loss in artillery, five pieces.

`` `On 12th May, at the battle of Raymond, rebels were defeated, with a loss of 800.

`` `On the 14th, defeated Joseph E. Johnston, captured Jackson, with loss to the enemy of 400, besides immense stores and manufactories, and seventeen pieces artillery.

`` `On the 16th, fought the bloody and decisive battle of Baker's Creek, in which the entire Vicksburg force, under [John C.] Pemberton, was defeated, with loss of twenty-nine pieces of artillery and 4,000 men.

`` `On the 17th, defeated same force at Big Black Bridge, with loss of 2,600 men and eleven pieces of artillery.

`` `On the 18th, invested Vicksburg closely. To-day General [Frederick] Steele carried the rifle-pits on the north of the city. The right of the army rests on the Mississippi above Vicksburg.'

``I learn further that there are from 15,000 to 20,000 men in Vicksburg, and that Pemberton lost nearly all his field artillery; that the cannonading at Vicksburg ceased about 3 p.m. of 20th. Grant has probably captured nearly all.'' (OR, I, XXIV, III, 344).