Beef, mutton, poultry and forage were found in abundance.

Quite a quantity of bacon and molasses was also secured from the country, but bread and coffee could not be obtained in quantity sufficient for all the men.

Every plantation, however, had a run of stone, propelled by mule power, to grind corn for the owners and their slaves.

All these were kept running while we were stopping, day and night, and when we were marching, during the night, at all plantations covered by the troops.

But the product was taken by the troops nearest by, so that the majority of the command was destined to go without bread until a new base was established on the Yazoo above Vicksburg.
While the troops were awaiting the arrival of rations I ordered reconnoissances made by McClernand and McPherson, with the view of leading the enemy to believe that we intended to cross the Big Black and attack the city at once.
On the 6th Sherman arrived at Grand Gulf and crossed his command that night and the next day.