Johnston had been reinforced; during the night by Georgia and South Carolina regiments, so that his force amounted to eleven thousand men, and he was expecting still more.
Sherman also came upon the rebel pickets some distance out from the town, but speedily drove them in.

He was now on the south and south-west of Jackson confronting the Confederates behind their breastworks, while McPherson's right was nearly two miles north, occupying a line running north and south across the Vicksburg railroad.
Artillery was brought up and reconnoissances made preparatory to an assault.

McPherson brought up Logan's division while he deployed Crocker's for the assault.

Sherman made similar dispositions on the right.

By eleven A.M.both were ready to attack.