If General Sherman goes in command of the troops, I will go myself in command of a proper force, and will insure the capture of the post." McClernand winced under this, and Sherman quietly walked off into the after-cabin.

He beckoned me to come there, while McClernand was apparently deeply engaged in studying out a chart, making believe he was interested, in order to conceal his temper.
Sherman said to me: "Admiral, how could you make such a remark to McClernand?
He hates me already, and you have made him an enemy for life." "I don't care," said I; "he shall not treat you rudely in my cabin, and I was glad of the opportunity of letting him know my sentiments." By this time, General McClernand having bottled up his wrath, or cooled down, I went in to him and we discussed the matter.

He consented that Sherman should go in command of the troops, and the interview ended pleasantly enough.
The above extracts from Admiral Porter's journal were sent by the admiral to General Sherman, inclosed in a letter dated "Washington, May 29, 1875," and signed "David D.Porter." J.E.TOURTELOTTE.
After leaving the Yazoo, the Army of the Mississippi rendezvous was at Milliken's Bend.

During the night of January 4th or 5th, General McClernand came on board the Forest Queen, and with General Sherman went to the Black Hawk flag-boat.

There an interview took place, during which the expedition to Arkansas Post took shape.
General Sherman having asked leave to take the post, and Admiral Porter having decided to go along, McClernand thought best to go with his entire army, although the enemy were supposed to have only about four or five thousand men, and the fort was little more than a large earthwork commanding the river.
General Sherman's command was then entitled the Second Corps, Army of the Mississippi, and was comprised of the First Division, Blair's, Hovey's, and Thayer's brigades, commanded by Steele; and the Second Division, commanded by David Stuart, with Colonels Giles A.and Kilby Smith commanding brigades.
Our fleet was convoyed by three ironclads and several other gunboats.