March 24, 1863 (Thursday): Cannons on the Mississippi

General C. L. Stevenson, (Library of Congress)

VICKSBURG, March 24, 1863.

Lieutenant-General PEMBERTON:
   Close observation with the telescope for the last two days confirms the report of an intelligent deserter that a large part of the forces opposite to us have left; most of them, he states, have gone to Moon Lake, some to Lake Providence, and one division to Deer Creek.  The division landed below Skipwith's and marched across; the dredging-boats have been moved out of the canal, and are tied up near the transports.  The work there, I think, has been suspended for the present.  The two Federal gunboats are still here.  I think that Farragut is waiting for an interview Porter, with the view of running some of his iron-clads past.

C. L. STEVENSON

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 24, Part 3, Page 688.

Carter Littlepage Stevenson was another of those types who affronted academia by overcoming finishing 42nd in the 45 man West Point class of 1838.  Despite this he rose to command a division sized element under Pemberton at Vicksburg.  The previous day the Hartford and Albatross had attempted to silence Confederate shore batteries at Warrenton, south of Vicksburg.