June 5, 1863, The New York Herald
THE WALNUT HILLS.
Our Walnut Hills Correspondence.
HEADQUARTERS, SEVENTEENTH (McPHERSON’S) CORPS,
WALNUT HILLS, REAR OF VICKSBURG, May 18, 1863.
THE BRIDGING AND CROSSING OF THE BIG BLACK RIVER.
The successful assault upon the enemy’s works on Big Black river yesterday morning resulted in driving his main force away from the river into the fortifications around the city. The crossing of the stream was therefore necessary before our farther advance could be made. Last night, shortly after dark, the engineers of this corps, without molestation, commenced the bridge and worked steadily at it all night. The work was pushed ahead as rapidly as possible, in view of throwing the corps across as early as possible this morning. It was expected the working parties would be greatly annoyed by the sharpshooters of the enemy. Consequently a regiment of infantry and two pieces of artillery were posted on the shore opposite to cover our operations; but, greatly to the surprise and gratification of all, no opposition was experienced during the night, and by eight o’clock this morning troops were crossing.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BRIDGE was in charge of Major A. Hickenlooper, Chief Engineer on General McPherson’s staff, assisted by Captain S. R. Tresillian, of the staff of General Logan. The material and design of the bridge were in part different from that commonly used for military purposes. In the first place, a large frame, reaching the full width of the water surface of the river, was constructed and fastened across the stream. Within this frame a number of cotton bales, sufficient entirely to fill the frame, were floated and securely fastened together by means of ropes. When this was completed it formed a floating surface of the exact dimensions of the bridge; upon this stringers were thrown across, and the bridge finished by flooring in the usual way. Thus a secure and commodious crossing was secured, more reliable and durable than a pontoon bridge, and equally as serviceable as the common bridge used for army purposes. It is a fact that after the passage of this entire corps the bridge was still compete and in a condition to cross General Grant’s whole army if necessary.
THE MARCH.
After the infantry and artillery had crossed the column moved off slowly, feeling its way, but without encountering the enemy in any force. Early this morning, it is said by the inhabitants, about three hundred cavalry dashed along this road towards the city; but as for any other force, that had left yesterday. Consequently the country was open, and our march free from obstruction.
After it was known that the enemy did not intend to dispute our approach to the city, the march of the column became quicker, bringing us within sight of the enemy’s works shortly before dark. It was, however, now too late to carry out the plan of investment, and the different corps went into camp on the various avenues of exit from the city, in order to prevent any one from leaving the place.
To-morrow the troops will be so disposed as to completely encircle the city, the artillery will be brought into position and the work of reduction commenced. Some are sanguine of an easy capture of this place. I think their anticipations will not be realized for some time, and when the place is taken it will be at a sacrifice of many lives and much material. The strength of positions around this place is truly surprising, and we may expect a good application of the spade before the place is reduced.
THE CORNFIELDS.
One thing very noticeable along the line of march from the Big Black was the immense fields of corn planted this season. Cotton seems to have been left out of the list of crops for this year’s cultivation, the entire attention of the people having been turned to the growth of articles of food. The crops at present are promising, and if they continue to thrive as they do now the harvest returns will show a fair average. To me the notion of starving the South into submission has lost much of its force since I have had the opportunity of passing over the plantations of Southern Mississippi. I think the sooner this fact is appreciated by the body of the people North the better it will be for them. The incoming crops will be ready in the course of two months, and after that the serious apprehensions of the Southern people concerning food will be at an end. If, however, it be the misfortune of the people to lose their crops by disease or drought, the fact assumes another form; but as a matter of raising crops, the country will yield sufficient for home consumption. The operations of our armies has a tendency to weaken their supplies, not only by the use of them, but their waste and unavoidable destruction. The march upon this city alone has occasioned the loss of crops on a number of plantations, and if we are long detained here many more will suffer.