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the enemy encamped?
What is your force?”
It was supposed then that artillery and means of transportation would be procured before the arrival of those troops.
I wrote on the 29th: “I am too weak to save
Vicksburg.
Can do no more than attempt to save you and your garrison.
It will be impossible to extricate you unless you cooperate, and we make mutually-supporting movements.
Communicate your plans and suggestions, if possible.”
Lieutenant-General Pemberton replied on the 3d of June: “Have not heard from you since the 29th; enemy continues to work on his intrenchments, and very close to our lines; is very vigilant.
I can get no information from outside as to your position and strength, and very little in regard to the enemy.
I have heard that ten messengers with caps have been captured.
In what direction will you move, and when?
I hope north of the
Jackson road.”
In replying to this dispatch on the 7th, I said: “Cooperation is absolutely necessary.
Tell us how to effect it, and by what routes to approach.”
Lieutenant-General Pemberton wrote on the same day:
I am still without information from you, or of you, later than your dispatch of the 25th.
The enemy continues to intrench his position around Vicksburg.
I have sent out couriers to you almost daily.
The same men are in the trenches constantly, but are in good spirits, expecting your approach.
The enemy is so vigilant that it is impossible to obtain reliable information.
When may I expect you to move, and in what direction?
My subsistence may be put down for about twenty days.
On the 10th
General Pemberton.
wrote:
The
