On the evening of the 3d, I became satisfied that Adams contemplated an attack on Natchez, with a force variously estimated at from 2,000 to 3,000 men and six pieces of artillery. I immediately ordered Gresham to embark on board of transports, with two regiments of infantry, two of cavalry, and a section of artillery, and proceed down the river to Natchez, take command of the U. S. forces, and disperse the enemy, if the place was threatened. If it was not threatened, he was to disembark at Rodney and move out through Fayette, coming in to the rear of Natchez, then re-embark, and come up to the vicinity of Water Proof, and disembark and clean out McNeill, or drive him across the Tensas. He embarked his command on the afternoon and evening of the 4th, and started at daylight the next morning, in company with the [Mississippi] Marine Brigade, which arrived most opportunely and took on board a portion of his cavalry, and reached Natchez the same night about 10 o'clock, just in time to frustrate the plans of the enemy and prevent an attack on the place. During the night the enemy fell back, and were pursued the next day by General Gresham, but without getting into a fight, though some slight skirmishing ensued. Gresham reports that Adams has from 2,500 to 4,000 men and ten pieces of artillery-two 10-pounder rifled, two 6-pounder rifled, and six 12-pounder howitzers. Cosby's and Whitfield's brigades are still out here in our front, in the vicinity of Brownsville and Clinton, and Loring's division is at Canton, three brigades, and about 4,000 infantry at Brandon, Meridian, and Enterprise, which can be moved to Canton rapidly. It is reported through a deserter, this evening, that Harrison's force has fallen back and gone to join Taylor. Rumors come up from below that the force which has been annoying steam-boats below the mouth of Red River is crossing Red River and coming north, but it needs confirmation. I shall leave Gresham in command at Natchez, for a while, at least, as I consider him one of the best officers in my corps. My kindest regards to all the staff. Sincerely, your friend, Maj. Gen. U. S. GRANT. JAS. B. MCPHERSON, Major-General. HDQRS. 17TH ARMY CORPS, DEPT. OF THE TENNESSEE, GENERAL: I inclose herewith a report from Colonel Farrar, and also a report from Brigadier-General Ellet, showing the movements of the [Mississippi] Marine Brigade in connection with our forces under General Gresham: Colonel Farrar has shown himself a bold, adventurous, and skillful partisan, and in his recent operations about Natchez has rendered most efficient service. His forte lies in commanding a small body of resolute, daring men. From the best information I can obtain, Loring's division is still at Canton, Whitfield's and Cosby's brigades of cavalry from Brownsville, via Clinton, around to Raymond; Wirt Adams' (late Logan's) somewhere in rear of Natchez, and last week French's division (infantry) was moved from the vicinity of Meridian to Brandon, in consequence of a report that I was about to make an expedition to Canton. Strenuous efforts are being made by the rebels to stop the navigation of the Mississippi, or, at least, make it so insecure as to practically close it for commercial purposes. There has been some firing on boats in the vicinity of Rodney ; nothing very serious, however. But with the force of cavalry now at Natchez and the [Mississippi] Marine Brigade, I think I will be able to keep the river clear within my jurisdiction. The most serious affairs have occurred in the vicinity of Morganza, and several boats have been quite seriously injured. It is reported that General Dick Taylor is fortifying on Red River, below Alexandria, and that he is preparing a raft somewhere between the mouth of Black River and Alexandria to obstruct navigation. As soon as the waters rise so that gunboats can run up Red River and down the Atchafalaya, I think the "rebs" will be getting out from Morganza. I send this letter and reports direct, becau.e Major-General Sherman seems to be out of the line of direct communication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Major-General GRANT, JAS. B. MCPHERSON, Comdg. Military Division of the Mississippi. No. 2. Report of Col. Bernard G. Farrar, Thirtieth Missouri Infantry. HEADQUARTERS POST, Vidalia, December 12, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with instructions from the general commanding the District of Natchez, I moved from this post with 206 mounted men, consisting of 100 of the Tenth Missouri Cavalry, Capt. F. R. Neet; 50 mounted men of the Twenty-ninth Illinois Infantry, Captain Call; 50 mounted men of the Thirtieth Missouri Infantry, Captain Wilkinson, and 6 pioneers of the Second Mississippi Artillery, A. D., Lieutenant Organ. The object of the expedition was the capture of Camp Cotton, on the south side of Little River, 7 miles above Trinity, La., and the picket stations at Trinity and Garrett's plantation. At 10 a. m., December 10, Captain Wilkinson with his command moved down the Mississippi River to a point 12 miles below Vidalia, with instructions to remain until the main body, which was embarked on a steamer at Natchez, could unite with him. At 3 p. m. I moved with the entire command in the direction of Johnson's plantation, on the Black River, 19 miles below Trinity. The road, being through a swamp, and very miry, precluded a rapid advance, so that we did not reach the Black River Ferry, until 7 p.m. The boat was on the opposite side of the river, the ferryman being instructed not to cross at that hour, but, on the order of Mr. Johnson, which I compelled him to give, he came over. At Mr. Johnson's plantation Capt. E. J. Hall, assistant quartermaster in the Confederate service, and one private were surprised and captured. Taking all possible precaution against my movements being discovered, I commenced the crossing of my forces. The boat being small, but 6 horses could be taken over at a trip, and it was 12 o'clock before I could cross the two detachments of mounted infantry, 100 men. Leaving the cavalry, under Captain Neet, to cross as rapidly as possible, with instructions to move on the Trinity road, on the west bank of the Black, and if possible capture the picket station on Garrett's plantation, taking the mounted infantry I struck off through the swamps and plantations direct for "Camp Cotton." A drizzling rain rendered the darkness so intense that it was with great difficulty my guides could follow the route indicated. For several miles the road led direct through the swamp. Several deep bayous were crossed, and at one part of the road, for over half a mile, our horses waded bellydeep in water. Owing to the fall of one of my men, about 50 of the rear guard became detached from me. Fearing that we would arrive too late to accomplish a surprise, I left a competent guide to bring them up as soon as possible and pushed on to the camp. Arriving within a quarter of a mile of the camp, I dismounted my men and moved cautiously to within 100 yards of the quarters. Ordering a charge, we rushed upon the enemy, surrounded their quarters, and captured every man but Major Wyche, who rushed from his bed at the first alarm, plunged boldly into Little River, and escaped. We here captured 1 officer and 15 men. Here our lost detachment rejoined us, and, seeing that the enemy were routed, made a bold charge into the camp. A large amount of quartermaster and commissary stores were captured and destroyed, consisting of shoes, hats, cloth, sugar, flour, &c., and also about 20 muskets. Not wishing to alarm the picket at Trinity, which I was anxious to capture, along with the ferry-boat at that place, I refrained from firing the quarters. Mounting my prisoners at once, I dispatched Captain Call across Little River, with orders to proceed with all haste to the Harrisonburg road, and then on that to move down on Trinity. With the remaining force and prisoners, I followed the road on the south bank leading to Trinity. My advance, being discovered by vedettes 4 miles above, and fearing that the boat would be destroyed, I divided my command and pushed on with all speed, deploying a portion of my command along the river bank opposite the town. I threw the remainder of my men across the ferry and into the town as quickly as possible. Here a brisk firing took place between my men on the bank and the retreating rebels, who, mounting their horses, fled in wild confusion to the swamps. Owing to the heaviness of the roads and the jaded condition of the horses and my own rapid advance, Captain Call failed to arrive in time to surprise the enemy at Trinity. Captain Neet succeeded in bringing his men across by 5 a. m. Moving rapidly on the road indicated, he skillfully surrounded the picket on Garrett's plantation, capturing all of it, consisting of 1 officer and 10 men. He rejoining me at 10 a. m. The object of the expedition being accomplished, I commenced the crossing of my men to the east bank of the Black. At 4 p. m. I moved on the direct road to Vidalia, reached Black Bayou at 7p. m., at which place we were delayed two hours in crossing. The prisoners, under a strong escort, in charge of Captain Organ, moved through to Vidalia, camping on York's plantation, 8 miles out. I arrived at Vidalia at 10 a. m. this morning. Both officers and men heartily co-operated with me in our long and tedious expedition. A part of the force marched within thirty-three hours a distance of 82 miles, through a country almost entirely a swamp, and over roads when the horses sunk knee-deep in mud. Many of the horses failed on the march, but their places were immediately and easily supplied by fresh ones from the nearest plantations. Lieutenant Organ, whom I sent back with dispatches to you, captured 2 men, with arms in their hands, who claimed to be citizens, but are known to be soldiers. Altogether we captured 3 officers, 28 privates, and 30 horses, also 1 battalion flag. Inclosed find list of prisoners.* I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BERNARD G. FARRAR, Colonel, Commanding. No. 3. Report of Brig. Gen. Alfred W. Ellet, commanding Mississippi Marine Brigade. HEADQUARTERS MISSISSIPPI MARINE BRIGADE, Flag-ship Autocrat, Natchez, Miss., December 8, 1863. GENERAL: I proceeded with all possible dispatch to join my command. Not finding the fleet at Rodney, I followed to Natchez, where I arrived in time to see and confer with General Gresham previous to his leaving for the front. The enemy was said to be in considerable force but a few miles from town. It had been decided before my arrival to march out and meet him by two roads. My command, under Lieutenant-Colonel Currie, had already left on the Pine Ridge road, General Gresham commanding in person by the Washington road, the two commands to meet about 5 miles beyond Washington and proceed together to Fayette, &c. I immediately followed my little force and assumed command upon coming up with it. Arriving at the junction of the two roads I could learn nothing from General Gresham nor the enemy, and consequently returned to Natchez through Washington, the way the general should have gone out. Upon reaching Natchez, after night I learned for the first time that the enemy had retreated south and the general was in pursuit, and that his couriers to me had miscarried. Captain Clark, of his staff, soon after arrived with a request from the general for me to drop down to Ellis' Cliff, that the enemy was marching for that point, which I accordingly did, arriving soon in the morning. I had scarcely landed at Ellis' Cliff and disembarked my forces and received information that the enemy had been in camp on the cliff during the night, but had marched about 3 o'clock toward Natchez, * Omitted. when I received a dispatch from General Gresham, forwarded by river by Colonel Johnson, to the effect that his cavalry had obtained a position in the enemy's rear, and wishing me to return to Natchez and march down to his assistance by the Woodville road, and thus intercept and cut off his retreat. I at once returned to Natchez and marched out as requested on the Woodville road; met the general returning, after his arduous chase, the enemy having eluded him and escaped by the Washington road. You will readily observe that although all hands have been pretty actively employed we have not accomplished much except to give Mr. Adams something of a bad scare. He was at last account in full retreat, not having fulfilled his purpose of taking Natchez, much to the disappointment of his entirely loyal friends of this vicinity. I shall proceed to-morrow to Water Proof, and propose to feel the country through to Lake Saint Joseph. Any communication will find me somewhere between Natchez and your city during the next three or four days. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED W. ELLET, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Maj. Gen. J. B. MCPHERSON. No. 4. Report of Brig. Gen. Wirt Adams, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS BRIGADE, Near Kingston, December 7, 1863. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to present the following brief report of the movements and operations of this command since leaving Gallatin up to the present date: In obedience to orders from the commanding general of division, I marched from Gallatin on the 1st instant in the direction of the Mississippi River, and took the shortest road from that point to Natchez, by way of Union Church, at which place Colonel Wood joined mé with his regiment on the 2d instant, raising my total effective strength to 1,059 men. From that point I moved rapidly to the vicinity of Natchez, halting east of and near Washington on the afternoon of the 4th instant, and threw out active scouts and spies in and around the city, with the view of attack if the strength of the garrison and the state of its defensive works afforded reasonable prospect of success. Reliable information, obtained during the afternoon and night of that day, was procured to the effect that the garrison consisted of 1,200 white and 1,500 negro troops, all inside the fortifications, which were completed, or nearly so, and mounting six heavy guns, commanding all the practicable approaches. These works were perfectly protected on the river side by a precipitous bluff of 100 feet running their whole length, thus preventing ingress of a dismounted force from that side, which I deemed the place of attack most promising of success. A dash into the city by either a part or the whole of the force promised no compensating result. I therefore determined to move |