He was also directed to send his siege guns, four in number with the troops going by Mississippi Springs.
McClernand's position was an advantageous one in any event.

With one division at Clinton he was in position to reinforce McPherson, at Jackson, rapidly if it became necessary; the division beyond Mississippi Springs was equally available to reinforce Sherman; the one at Raymond could take either road.

He still had two other divisions farther back now that Blair had come up, available within a day at Jackson.

If this last command should not be wanted at Jackson, they were already one day's march from there on their way to Vicksburg and on three different roads leading to the latter city.

But the most important consideration in my mind was to have a force confronting Pemberton if he should come out to attack my rear.