Lincoln, but his support was constant.
At last the waters began to recede; the roads crossing the peninsula behind the levees of the bayous, were emerging from the waters; the troops were all concentrated from distant points at Milliken's Bend preparatory to a final move which was to crown the long, tedious and discouraging labors with success.
I had had in contemplation the whole winter the movement by land to a point below Vicksburg from which to operate, subject only to the possible but not expected success of some one of the expedients resorted to for the purpose of giving us a different base.

This could not be undertaken until the waters receded.

I did not therefore communicate this plan, even to an officer of my staff, until it was necessary to make preparations for the start.

My recollection is that Admiral Porter was the first one to whom I mentioned it.

The co-operation of the navy was absolutely essential to the success (even to the contemplation) of such an enterprise.