Confederate General John C. Pemberton ordered Brigadier-General Bowen to take three brigades to fortify the east bank of the Big Black River, and its bridge, so as to cover the retreat of his main force.  This Bowen did but three divisions of Union General McClernand's corps swept them aside in a short, sharp fight.  The Confederate forces burned the bridge as they crossed the river in a disorganized retreat having lost hundreds killed or wounded and many more captured.  Pemberton, meanwhile, was able to reach Vicksburg unscathed.  (By John Osborne)

Facing the advance of two full Union Army corps and with only one Confederate division to defend the city, CSA General Joseph E. Johnston had ordered the evacuation of the Mississippi state capital the night before.  General John Gregg's troops fought a desperate delaying action outside the city all morning until the city was emptied in mid-afternoon.  That evening,  Grant and his officers held a celebration in the town while his men destroyed industry and communications before moving on towards Vicksburg three days later.  (By John Osborne)

The 150 foot steamer C.S.S. Chattahoochie was getting up steam for a mission at its home port of Blountsville in north-west Florida on the Chattahoochie River, when its boiler exploded and killed eighteen men.  Plagued by mechanical difficulties from the start of its career in January 1863, the gunboat was repaired and continued in service on the Georgia rivers until it was scuttled to avoid capture near Columbus, Georgia.  Her remains were excavated 1963 and are on display in Georgia. (By John Osborne)