It was, indeed, a decisive blow to the Confederate cause in our quarter, and changed the whole aspect of affairs in West Tennessee.

From the timid defensive we were at once enabled to assume the bold offensive.

In Memphis I could see its effects upon the citizens, and they openly admitted that their cause had sustained a death-blow.

But the rebel government was then at its maximum strength; Van Dorn was reenforced, and very soon Lieutenant-General J.C.Pemberton arrived and assumed the command, adopting for his line the Tallahatchie River, with an advance-guard along the Coldwater, and smaller detachments forward at Grand Junction and Hernando.

General Grant, in like manner, was reenforced by new regiments.
Out of those which were assigned to Memphis, I organized two new brigades, and placed them under officers who had gained skill and experience during the previous campaign..