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Oliver Boardman correspondence and journals, 1861-1863

02_1863-05-07 Page 02

march and we would have to fight for the ground to sleep on.  None of us knew where we were going.  We didnt know but what Vicksburg was being evacuated and we were going to reinforce Rosecrans but we soon found our course was in the other direction.  We went from the Junction to Holly Springs from there almost to [Panola?]  We were within 30 miles of [Helena]? at one time.  We made a circuit of a hundred and seventy five miles in eight days and returned to Camp the tiredest set of fellows ever you saw Ill bet.  but were in good spirits nevertheless, for we had been allowed all the priveleges we could ask for and had accomplished considerable.  though not as much as was intended.  It was the intention to capture Gen Chalmers with his whol force (about four thousand)  They were at that time on Cold Water at Cold Water Station about 40 miles south east of Memphis  a smal force under Gen Lawman went from Memphis directly in front of them to attract their attention while we were getting between them and the Tallehatchie, but he made most too big

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march and we would have to fight for the ground to sleep on. None of us knew where we were going. We didnt know but what Vicksburg was being evacuated and we were going to reinforce Rosecrans but we soon found our course was in the other direction. We went from the Junction to Holly Springs from there almost to [Panola?] We were within 30 miles of [Helena]? at one time. We made a circuit of a hundred and seventy five miles in eight days and returned to Camp the tiredest set of fellows ever you saw Ill bet. but were in good spirits nevertheless, for we had been allowed all the priveleges we could ask for and had accomplished considerable. though not as much as was intended. It was the intention to capture Gen Chalmers with his whol force (about four thousand) They were at that time on Cold Water at Cold Water Station about 40 miles south east of Memphis a smal force under Gen Lawman went from Memphis directly in front of them to attract their attention while we were getting between them and the Tallehatchie, but he made most too big