On the 6th I had written to General Halleck: "Information from the other side leaves me to believe the enemy are bringing forces from Tullahoma." Up to this time my troops had been kept in supporting distances of each other, as far as the nature of the country would admit.

Reconnoissances were constantly made from each corps to enable them to acquaint themselves with the most practicable routes from one to another in case a union became necessary.
McPherson reached Clinton with the advance early on the 13th and immediately set to work destroying the railroad.

Sherman's advance reached Raymond before the last of McPherson's command had got out of the town.

McClernand withdrew from the front of the enemy, at Edward's station, with much skill and without loss, and reached his position for the night in good order.

On the night of the 13th, McPherson was ordered to march at early dawn upon Jackson, only fifteen miles away.
Sherman was given the same order; but he was to move by the direct road from Raymond to Jackson, which is south of the road McPherson was on and does not approach within two miles of it at the point where it crossed the line of intrenchments which, at that time, defended the city.
McClernand was ordered to move one division of his command to Clinton, one division a few miles beyond Mississippi Springs following Sherman's line, and a third to Raymond.