[Walnut Hills is a little north of Vicksburg. The position of
Vicksburg on high bluffs overlooking the river was inaccessible. After
five months of exposure and labor Grant at last attained his
preliminary object, getting his troops to the rear of the city. During
this time he would not communicate his plans to the public--this
movement to a point below Vicksburg from which to operate. The North
was much discouraged over the situation; voluntary enlistment ceased.
It was important to gain a decisive victory. In January, he assumed
command himself of the expedition. The siege lasted from May 10th to
July 4th. Johnston was the commander-in-chief of the Confederate
forces and was east of the troops besieging Vicksburg. Pemberton was
in command at Vicksburg.]
Walnut Hills, Miss.,
June 15th, 1863.