April 9, 1863: U.S. Grant to Stephen Hurlbut

Transcript:

Head Quarters, Dept. of Union [illeg.]

Millikin’s Bend, La. Apl. 9^th 63

Maj. Gen. S. A. Hurlbut,

Comdg 16^th Army Corps.

Gen.

Suppress the entire press of Memphis for giving aid and comfort to the enemy by publishing in their columns every move made here by troops and every work commenced. Arrest the editors of the Bulletin and send him here a prisoner, under guard, for his publication of present plans via New Carthage & Grand Gulf.

I am satisfied that much has found its way into the public press through that incoragibly gassy man Col. Bissell of the Long. Regt. I sent him to you thinking he could not do so much harm there as here. His tongue will have to be tied if there is anything going on where he is which you don’t want made public. I feel a strong inclination to arrest him and trust to find evidence against him afterwards.

Very respectfully

U. S. Grant

Maj. Gen.

Citation: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), autograph letter signed to Stephen A. Hurlbut.Milliken’s Bend, La., 9 April [18]63. AMs 357/12