Description: |
Ordered by Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton, Confederate commander at Vicksburg, Brig. Gen. John
Gregg led his force from Port Hudson, Louisiana, to Jackson, Mississippi, and out to Raymond to intercept
approaching Union troops. Before dawn on May 12, Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson had his XVII Army Corps
on the march, and by 10:00 am they were about three miles from Raymond. Gregg decided to dispute the crossing
of Fourteen Mile Creek and arrayed his men and artillery accordingly. As the Yankees approached, the Rebels
opened fire, initially causing heavy casualties. Some Union troops broke, but Maj. Gen. John A. Logan rallied a
force to hold the line. Confederate troops attacked the line but had to retire. More Yankees arrived and the Union
force counterattacked. Heavy fighting ensued that continued for six hours, but the overwhelming Union force
prevailed. Gregg’s men left the field. Although Gregg’s men lost the battle, they had held up a much superior Union
force for a day. |