CHAPTER XXXIII.
ATTACK ON GRAND GULF--OPERATIONS BELOW VICKSBURG.
On the 24th my headquarters were with the advance at Perkins' plantation.

Reconnoissances were made in boats to ascertain whether there was high land on the east shore of the river where we might land above Grand Gulf.

There was none practicable.

Accordingly the troops were set in motion for Hard Times, twenty-two miles farther down the river and nearly opposite Grand Gulf.

The loss of two steamers and six barges reduced our transportation so that only 10,000 men could be moved by water.