CHAPTER XXXVI.
BATTLE OF BLACK RIVER BRIDGE--CROSSING THE BIG BLACK--INVESTMENT OF VICKSBURG--ASSAULTING THE WORKS.
We were now assured of our position between Johnston and Pemberton, without a possibility of a junction of their forces.

Pemberton might have made a night march to the Big Black, crossed the bridge there and, by moving north on the west side, have eluded us and finally returned to Johnston.

But this would have given us Vicksburg.

It would have been his proper move, however, and the one Johnston would have made had he been in Pemberton's place.

In fact it would have been in conformity with Johnston's orders to Pemberton.
Sherman left Jackson with the last of his troops about noon on the 16th and reached Bolton, twenty miles west, before halting.