When it became likely that Grant might strike the railroad in the
vicinity of Edwards Station, Pemberton moved from Vicksburg toward that
point with his main force, leaving a strong reserve in this city. At the
same time he ordered the units collecting at Jackson to hit Grant's
flank and rear if the opportunity presented itself. Maj. Gen. John A.
Logan's Division, in advance of McPherson's Union Corps, reached the
vicinity of Raymond, a crossroads village 15 miles from Jackson on May
12, and was there engaged by a Confederate brigade under Brig. Gen. John
Gregg. A sharp clash lasting several hours followed, Gregg's outmanned
infantry being driven back toward Jackson. Each side lost about 500 men
during the engagement. Confederate resistance at Raymond indicated to
Grant that Jackson might be held more strongly than had been
anticipated, and rumors reached the Union Commander that strong
reinforcements under Johnston were expected there. Grant then determined
to make sure of Jackson and, on May 13, wheeled his entire army toward
the east.
[Illustration: THE VICKSBURG CAMPAIGN
_MARCH 29-MAY 18, 1863_
==> LINE OF GRANT'S MARCH
x BATTLES]
Johnston arrived by rail in Jackson, on the night of the Raymond
engagement, in order to take field command of all troops defending
Vicksburg, and was notified that Grant's Army was between Pemberton's
forces and those in Jackson. About 12,000 troops were at Jackson,
against which the entire Union Army was reported to be moving. Johnston
telegraphed Richmond, "I am too late."
[Illustration: _Photograph of Vicksburg taken from across the
Mississippi River by a Union surgeon during a bombardment._ From
_Photographic History of the Civil War_.]
In a pouring rain, Sherman and McPherson approached Jackson on the
morning of May 14. Johnston posted the brigades of General Gregg and
Brig. Gen. W. H. T. Walker on the approaches to the city with
instructions to hold just long enough for valuable stores to be removed
from Jackson northward to Canton where he hoped to combine forces with
Pemberton. Delaying their attack until the rain (which would spoil their
powder) slackened, the Union infantry charged the Confederate
entrenchments, driving the defenders before them and capturing the city
along with 35 guns and much equipment. Having intercepted a dispatch
from Johnston to Pemberton ordering a junction of all Confederate
troops, Grant put his men on the road toward Edwards Station at daylight
the following morning. His plan was to drive a wedge between the
Confederate forces before Johnston, circling to the north, could effect
a junction with Pemberton. Sherman remained in Jackson to destroy the
railroad yards and stores.
[Illustration: _A Union assault during the battle of Champion's
Hill._ From a wartime sketch.]