How was Raymond involved in the logistical situation for the Union forces?
HILLS: A common myth about the Vicksburg Campaign is that Grant cut loose from his supply base and lived off the Mississippi countryside. In fact, Grant established a huge supply base at Grand Gulf, and accumulated over two million rations there. These rations and ammunition were transported by wagons of all types and sizes, largely along the old historic Natchez Trace, to Grant’s army. Each train had approximately 200 wagons, and each train was protected by a minimum of a brigade of troops, sometimes more. One train left Grand Gulf on May 11 and arrived in Raymond on May 15; one train left Grand Gulf on May 12 and arrived at Champion Hill on May 17; and one train left Grand Gulf and arrived at Raymond on May 16. So, the Raymond area became a distribution point for food and supplies as Grant’s troops moved westward from Jackson. When Grant’s troops left their camps to move inland on May 8, they carried three days’ rations in their knapsacks. Yes, they did a lot of foraging from the Mis
