The rebel position was impregnable against any force that could be brought against its front.

Sherman could not use one-fourth of his force.

His efforts to capture the city, or the high ground north of it, were necessarily unavailing.
Sherman's attack was very unfortunate, but I had no opportunity of communicating with him after the destruction of the road and telegraph to my rear on the 20th.

He did not know but what I was in the rear of the enemy and depending on him to open a new base of supplies for the troops with me.

I had, before he started from Memphis, directed him to take with him a few small steamers suitable for the navigation of the Yazoo, not knowing but that I might want them to supply me after cutting loose from my base at Grenada.
On the 23d I removed my headquarters back to Holly Springs.