June 15, 1863: U.S. Grant to His Father

Transcript:

Walnut Hills, Miss

June 15^th 1863

Dear Father,

I have received several letters from Mary and yourself but as I have to do with nineteen twentieths of them received have neglected to answer them.

All I can say is that I am well. Have the enemy closely hemmed in all round. My position is naturally strong and fortified against an attack from outside. I have been so strongly reinforced that Johnston will have to come with a mighty host to drive me away. I do not look upon the fall of Vicksburg as in the least doubtful. If however I could have carried the place on the 22^nd of last month I could by this time have made a campaign that would have made the state of Mississippi almost safe for a solitary horseman to ride over. As it is the enemy have a large army in it and the season has so far advanced that water will be difficult to find for an army marching besides the dust and heat that must be encountered. The fall of Vicksburg now will only result in the opening of the Miss. River and demoralization of the enemy. I intended more from it. I did my best however and looking back can see no blunder committed.

Ulysses.

Citation: Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885), autograph letter signed to Jesse Root Grant. Walnut Hills, Miss., 15 June 1863. AMs 357/15