Only one gunboat had arrived.

There was a little skirmishing each day, brought on by the movement of our troops in securing commanding positions; but there was no actual fighting during this time except once, on the 13th, in front of McClernand's command.

That general had undertaken to capture a battery of the enemy which was annoying his men.

Without orders or authority he sent three regiments to make the assault.

The battery was in the main line of the enemy, which was defended by his whole army present.