The reinforcements would not have reached ten thousand men after deducting casualties and necessary river guards at all high points close to the river for over three hundred miles.

The enemy would have strengthened his position and been reinforced by more men than Banks could have brought.

I therefore determined to move independently of Banks, cut loose from my base, destroy the rebel force in rear of Vicksburg and invest or capture the city.
Grand Gulf was accordingly given up as a base and the authorities at Washington were notified.

I knew well that Halleck's caution would lead him to disapprove of this course; but it was the only one that gave any chance of success.

The time it would take to communicate with Washington and get a reply would be so great that I could not be interfered with until it was demonstrated whether my plan was practicable.