At all events the bullets of the enemy whistled by thick and fast for a short time.

In a few minutes Sherman had the pleasure of looking down from the spot coveted so much by him the December before on the ground where his command had lain so helpless for offensive action.
He turned to me, saying that up to this minute he had felt no positive assurance of success.

This, however, he said was the end of one of the greatest campaigns in history and I ought to make a report of it at once.

Vicksburg was not yet captured, and there was no telling what might happen before it was taken; but whether captured or not, this was a complete and successful campaign.

I do not claim to quote Sherman's language; but the substance only.