John A. McClernand to Richard Yates

Private to

Hd. Qrs. 13th Army Corps.

Before Vicksburg. Feb. 4th 1863.

His Excellency

Richd Yates. Govr &c

Your two favors by Mr Ferry are recd. Accept my thanks for these kind assurances.

You have learned ere this, doubtless, that Genl. Grant has relieved me of the command of the Miss. River expedition.

When relieved I had returned from Port Ark. and had encamped opposite Vicksburg. Commanding the river above and below the city and cutting off the enemy's communications by water. I had heard nothing whatever of Genl Banks.

My expedition against Port Arkansas was necessary to what is fundamental in war – the keeping open of military communications. The enemy at the Port had been constantly sending forth detachments to obstruct the navigation of the Miss. river. Yet Genl. Grant censured the expedition.

I am persecuted in a thousand ways.

I shall be forced to leave the service unless protected by the President.

I found the army defeated and disheartened, yet in seven days after assuming command led men to victory and inspired their confidence.

Genl. Grants retreat from Oxford and failure to notify Sherman of the facts dooms the expedition under the latter against Vicksburg to defeat.

The President ought in consistency to continue me in the command of this expedition. I believe he desires to do so, and perhaps is unadvised that I am relieved of it.

The Governors of Ind. Ill and Iowa understood that I was to have command – they acted upon that idea in forwarding the new enlistments.

The messenger is waiting for this hasty letter. Do what you can for me.

Signed John A McClernand

13th Army Corps

Before Vicksburg Feb 4th /63

Advices from Gen McClernand