siana, building roads and bridge each step of the way. On diversion, brought on by Major General Frederick Steele, was to move a division north of Vicksburg to destroy supply stations and take livestock that Confederate forces desperately needed. And on the plus side, Steele was going to get Pemperton’s attention in the north, spread his forces, and conceal Union movement to Hard Times. This was surprisingly a success. Hurlbut contributed the second diversion; he was to launch a pattern of cavalry raids to strain Pemperton’s already thin defense. Sherman had the third diversion. He was to draw forces away from Vicksburg towards Haynes Bluff. Grant, beginning to think his plan had failed, encountered an escaped slave. The slave then notified Grant on the location of a good road to Bruinsburg. Grant moved his forces further south. On May 1, 1863, Grant finally reached the eastside. He then began making a supply base while waiting for Sherman and his forces. While Grant was waiting for supplies from Memphis, which was taking too long, he left with out them. He knew if he would wait for the supplies, Vicksburg would have time to be reinforced. Grant decided not to wait for the supplies any longer and just move to Jackson and attack Vicksburg from the rear. The Union leaders hardly agreed with this “carry-what-you-can” plan and sent a message to Grant to wait for the supplies in Baten Rouge. This message never made it to Grant, it was too late and he was already in the execution phase. Sherman joined Grant on May 7th; the exact same day Grant would begin his movement to Jackson. He moved thru Rocky Springs to Raymond. McClernand was ordered to move straight north to Auburn. Grant wanted Pemperton to assume that his next target was Champion’s Hill. McPherson and Sherman got to Raymond on May 12th after Confederate forces retreated to Jackson. Soon, McClernand met up with Grant and Raymond, Gr...
