only 10,000 men could be moved by water.  Some of the steamers that had got below were injured in their machinery, so that they were only useful as barges towed by those less severely injured.  All the troops, therefore, except what could be transported in one trip, had to march.  The road lay west of Lake St. Joseph.  Three large bayous had to be crossed.  They were rapidly bridged in the same manner as those previously encountered. (12)

On the 27th McClernand’s corps was all at Hard Times, and McPherson’s was following closely.  I had determined to make the attempt to effect a landing on the east side of the river as soon as possible.  Accordingly, on the morning of the 29th, McClernand was directed to embark all the troops from his corps that our transports and barges could carry.  About 10,000 men were so embarked.  The plan was to have the navy silence the guns at Grand Gulf, and to have as many men as possible ready to debark in the shortest possible time under cover of the fire of the navy and carry the works by storm.  The following order was issued: 

PERKINS PLANTATION, LA., April 27,1863.

MAJOR-GENERAL J. A. MCCLERNAND, Commanding 13th A. C.

Commence immediately the embarkation of your corps, or so much of it as there is transportation for.  Have put aboard the artillery and every article authorized in orders limiting baggage, except the men, and hold them in readiness, with their places assigned, to be moved at a moment’s warning.

All the troops you may have, except those ordered to remain behind, send to a point nearly opposite Grand Gulf, where you see, by special orders of this date, General McPherson is ordered to send one division.

The plan of the attack will be for the navy to attack and silence all the batteries commanding the river.  Your corps will be on the river, ready to run to and debark on the nearest eligible land below the promontory first brought to view passing down the river.  Once on shore, have each commander instructed beforehand to form his men the best the ground will admit of, and take possession of the most commanding points, but avoid separating your command so that it cannot support itself.  The first object is to get a foothold where our troops can maintain themselves until such time as preparations can be made and troops collected for a forward movement.

Admiral Porter has proposed to place his boats in the position indicated to you a few days ago, and to bring over with them such troops as may be below the city after the guns of the enemy are silenced.