t of more than two
hours with McPherson's corps, in which he was badly beaten. He
was pursued until near night, but without further damage to him.

During that evening I learned that General Johnston, as soon as
he satisfied himself that Jackson was to be attacked, had ordered
Pemberton peremptorily to march out from the direction of
Vicksburg and attack our rear. Availing myself of this
information, I immediately issued orders to McClernand and Blair,
of Sherman's corps, to face their troops towards Bolton, with a
view of reaching Edward's Station, marching on different roads
converging near Bolton. These troops were admirably located for
such a move. McPherson was ordered to retrace his steps early in
the morning of the 15th on the Clinton road. Sherman was left in
Jackson to destroy the railroads, bridges, factories, workshops,
arsenals, and everything valuable for the support of the enemy.
This was accomplished in the most effectual manner.

On the afternoon of the 15th I proceeded as far west as Clinton,
through which place McPherson's corps passed to within supporting
distance of Hovey's division of McClernand's corps, which had
moved that day on the same road to within one and a half mile of
Bolton. On reaching Clinton, at 4.45 P.M., I ordered McClernand
to move his command early the next morning toward Edward's
Station, marching so as to feel the enemy, if he encountered him,
but not to bring on a general engagement unless he was confident
he was able to defeat him; and also to order Blair to move with
him.

About five o'clock on the morning of the 16th, two men, employees
on the Jackson and Vicksburg railroad, who had passed through
Pemberton's army the night before, were brought to my
headquarters. They stated Pemberton's force to consist of about
eighty regiments, with ten batteries of artillery, and that the
whole force was estimated by the enemy at about twenty-five
thousand men. From them I also learned the positions being taken
up by the enemy, and his intention of attacking our rear. I had
determined to leave one division of Sherman's corps one day
longer in Jackson, but this information determined me to bring
his entire command up at once, and I accordingly dispatched him
at 5.30 A.M. to move with all possible speed un