Next day arrangements were made to attempt a lodgment below Haines's Bluff: This was to be done by Steele's command, while the rest of the force attacked again where we had already tried.

During the day locomotives whistled, and a great noise and fuss went on in our front, and we supposed that Grant was driving in Pemberton, and expected firing any moment up the Yazoo or in the rear of Vicksburg.

Not hearing this, we concluded that Pemberton was throwing his forces into Vicksburg.

A heavy fog prevented Steele from making his movement.
Rain began to fall, and our location was not good to be in after a heavy rain, or with the river rising.

During the night (I think) of January, 1, 1863, our troops were embarked, material and provisions having been loaded during the day.