June 14, 1863: William T. Sherman to David Porter

Transcript (excerpt):

Our siege is settling down into a chronic state, but I feel certain that Time is working favorably to us. We have as you know received reinforcements and they are composed of good troops. I feel no concern about Johnson though assured public feeling, as the South will force him to make a desperate attack, [but he has genius?]. We must commit no mistake. I think their men have fought so much behind parapets that we can whip them in the open field and therefore we must manage not to be too much divided and to catch Johnson the moment he offers Battle. The Garrison of Vicksburg will soon feel the effects of pestilence. I see acres of hospital tents and the yellow flag denotes nearly all the hospitals. I can see dead animals lying unburied, but I am free to admit their men stand to their places like heroes. My “sap” is up to their Main Ditch and I have two side parallels quite close up…

I have read the Black Hawk Chronicles and will always read it with pleasure emanating from such a quarter. In return I send you the Vicksburg Daily Citizen of reduced dimensions. I know you will read it and though you will pity the poor victims? of your bombs, you will not feel hurt as they charged with purposely firing at yellow flags. They stream from nearly every house top.

I hope you will keep up the Shelling in the maximum capacity day & night whilst we dig our trenches. The web is closing in fast and we will secure our victim unless some superhuman effort from without relax our grasp…

Citation: William T. Sherman (1820-1891), autograph letter signed to David D. Porter. Camp, Walnut Hills, Miss., 14 June 1863. AMs 532/6