I therefore determined to move swiftly towards Jackson, destroy or drive any force in that direction and then turn upon Pemberton.

But by moving against Jackson, I uncovered my own communication.

So I finally decided to have none--to cut loose altogether from my base and move my whole force eastward.

I then had no fears for my communications, and if I moved quickly enough could turn upon Pemberton before he could attack me in the rear.
Accordingly, all previous orders given during the day for movements on the 13th were annulled by new ones.

McPherson was ordered at daylight to move on Clinton, ten miles from Jackson; Sherman was notified of my determination to capture Jackson and work from there westward.