REPORT 17 Report of Maj. Gen. Dabney H. Maury, C.S. Army, commanding Division. HEADQUARTERS MAURY’S DIVISION
MAJOR: I have the honor to report that the expedition
under General Sherman and Admiral Porter, which endeavored to penetrate,
by way of Steele’s Bayou, Deer Creek, Rolling Fork, and Sunflower River,
into Yazoo River, has been defeated and driven back. Colonel Ferguson now
occupies Black Bayou, and has established communication with General Lee
at Lower Deer Creek.
Vicksburg, March 27, 1863 So soon as I was informed of this movement of the enemy, I ordered General Featherston to proceed with a portion of his brigade to re-enforce Colonel Ferguson, and to assume command of his forces. I also gladly availed myself of General Lee’s offer to conduct a force from Haynes’ Bluff up Lower Deer Creek, and ordered him to attack, if possible, the enemy on Black Bayou. These measures have resulted in the complete defeat of the enemy. I cannot too highly commend Colonel Ferguson’s energy and daring. To his prompt soldiership we are indebted for the arrest of the progress of the expedition until such re-enforcements came to him as have enabled us to defeat it. He has been in the advance all the time, continually pressing the enemy back. His only fear has been lest the enemy should escape. It is again my pleasure to call to your favorable notice Brig. Gen. S.D. Lee, who volunteered to conduct a force by Lower Deer Creek to Black Bayou, and has been most energetic overcoming the difficulties of that route. The enemy retreated before General Lee could reach him. Not having yet received General Featherston’s complete report of his operations, I have nothing more to add at this time. DABNEY H. MAURY,
Major (J.J.) Reeve, Assistant Adjutant-General
Major-General
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