I ordered McPherson to move what troops he could by a
left flank around to the enemy's front. Logan rode up at this
time and told me that if Hovey could make another dash at the
enemy he could come up from where he then was and capture the
greater part of their force. I immediately rode forward and found
the troops that had been so gallantly engaged for so many hours
withdrawn from their advanced position and were filling their
cartridge boxes. I directed them to use all dispatch and push
forward as soon as possible, explaining to them the position of
Logan's division. Proceeding still further forward, expecting
every moment to see the enemy, and reaching what had been his
line, I found he was retreating. Arriving at the Raymond road, I
saw to my left and on the next ridge a column of troops which
proved to be Can's division and McClernand with it in person; and
to the left of Carr, Osterhaus's division soon afterward appeared
with his skirmishers well in advance. I sent word to Osterhaus
that the enemy was in full retreat, and to push up with all
haste. The situation was soon explained, after which I ordered
Carr to pursue with all speed to Black river, and across it if he
could, and to Osterhaus to follow. Some of McPherson's troops had
already got into the road in advance, but having marched and
engaged the enemy all day they were fatigued, and gave the road
to Carr who continued the pursuit until after dark, capturing a
train of cars loaded with commissary and ordnance stores and
other property.

The delay in the advance of the troops immediately with
McClernand was caused, no doubt, by the enemy presenting a front
of artillery and infantry where it was impossible, from the
nature of the ground and the density of the forest, to discover
his numbers. As it was, the battle of Champion's Hill or Baker's
Creek was fought mainly by Hovey's division of McClernand's corps
and Logan's and Quinby's divisions (the latter commanded by
Brigadier-General M. M. Crocker) of McPherson's corps.

Ransom's brigade, of McPherson's corps, came on to the field
where the main battle had been fought immediately after the enemy
had begun his retreat.

Word was sent to Sherman, at Bolton, of the result of the day's
engagement, with directions to turn his co