Beschreibung:

GRANT, Ulysses S. (1822-1885). President . Autograph letter signed ("U.S. Grant") to Major M. Smith "Head Quarters, Dept. of W. Ten., Savanna," [TN], 24 March 1862. 2 pages, 4to, lined stationery, incomplete integral blank neatly inlaid . GRANT DIRECTS OPERATIONS BEFORE SHILOH: SEIZING A SUPPLY OF CONFEDERATE BACON Eleven days before the bloody Battle of Shiloh, Grant orders an foray to seize a Confederate supply of bacon. Following his successful campaign against Fort Henry and Fort Donelson, Grant moved his army near Pittsburgh Landing on the Tennessee River and prepared to move against Confederate positions in Corinth, Mississippi. He gave little thought to the possibility of an attack: "I regarded the campaign we were engaged in as an offensive one and had no idea that the enemy would...take the initiative" ( Personal Memoirs , Fawcett edn., p. 104). Here, Grant orders Smith to procede with his force to Nichol's Landing: "two miles back of which it is understood that a large quantity of Govt. (Southern Confederacy) bacon is stored. You will get it and return." To direct Smith's raid, Grant notes that a local, "Mr. H. Gibbs of Clifton will accompany you to that place and furnish a guide then who will show you where the bacon is." Encouraging Smith to avoid delay, Grant cautions him about treatment of the local civilians: "Private property is in no account to be molested nor citizens annoyed. The troops under your command should be impressed with the idea that the neighborhood where they are going is almost entirely Union. It was a citizen of the country, or rather a delegation of citizens, who gave the information of the bacon being where it is, and of its ownership." Cognizant of enemy forces in the area, Grant warns Smith to avoid conflict: "No large bodies of troops are supposed to be near where you are going but small bodies of Cavalry are known to be there...keep your men from stragling and at all times keep a guard at the boat to prevent accident there. You are particularly cautioned against engaging an enemy of your own, or superior, power. You are not going to fight the enemy but for a different object, where nothing could be gained by a small victory which would cost us a single man. Should the enemy appear therefore in sufficient force...you will return and a larger number of men will be sent." While Grant was in the midst of preparing his offensive, Confederate General A. S. Johnston advanced upon the Union encampment and launched a surprise attack near Shiloh Church on the morning of April 5, nearly driving Grant's demoralized forces into the river. However, Grant rallied the troops and launched a successful counterattack on the 6th which drove the Confederates from the field.