soon
exhausted. All other subsistence was obtained from the country
through which we passed. The march was commenced without wagons,
except such as could be picked up through the country. The
country was abundantly supplied with corn, bacon, beef and
mutton. The troops enjoyed excellent health, and no army ever
appeared in better spirits or felt more confident of success.

In accordance with previous instructions, Major-General S. A.
Hurlbut started Colonel (now Brigadier-General) B. H. Grierson
with a cavalry force from La Grange, Tennessee, to make a raid
through the central portion of the State of Mississippi to
destroy railroads and other public property, for the purpose of
creating a diversion in favor of the army moving to the attack on
Vicksburg. On the 17th of April this expedition started, and
arrived at Baton Rouge on the 2d of May, having successfully
traversed the whole State of Mississippi. This expedition was
skillfully conducted and reflects great credit on Colonel
Grierson and all of his command. The notice given the raid by the
Southern press confirms our estimate of its importance. It has
been one of the most brilliant cavalry exploits of the war, and
will be handed down in history as an example to be imitated.
Colonel Grierson's report is herewith transmitted.

I cannot close this report without an expression of thankfulness
for my good fortune in being placed in co-operation with an
officer of the navy who accords to every move that seems for the
interest and success of our arms his hearty and energetic
support. Admiral Porter and the very efficient officers under him
have ever shown the greatest readiness in their co-operation, no
matter what was to be done or what risk to be taken, either by
their men or their vessels. Without this prompt and cordial
support my movements would have been much embarrassed, if not
wholly defeated.

Captain J. U. Shirk, commanding the Tuscumbia, was especially
active and deserving of the highest commendation for his personal
attention to the repairing of the damage done our transports by
the Vicksburg batteries.

The result of this campaign has been the defeat of the enemy in
five battles outside of Vicksburg; the occupation of Jackson, the
capital of the State of Mississippi,