TWO WEEKS IN CAMP AT BIG BLACK RIVER

During this time, the 16th Ohio, along with most of Gen. Osterhaus' Ninth Division, 13th Army Corps, remained camped near Big Black River Bridge, about 10 miles east of Vicksburg and the siege in progress there. Cpl. Theodore Wolbach, Company E, provides more description of their camp and times:

It was a short walk from camp to the edge of the bluff that overlooked the part of the river valley that contained the rebel works and battlefield of a month before. Rains had revived and refreshed the trampled grasses and weeds to such an extent that the traces of the battle of May 17th were almost obliterated and seemed like an affair of long ago.

On the 10th it rained frequently very hard and continued nearly all day. That night the 16th was ordered out and lay on their arms until morning. It was a little dismal, but better to be up and ready than caught napping.

Foraging trains, under heavy escort, were sent out beyond our lines and invariably encountered rebel cavalry, who were easily driven off while the wagons loaded. This foraging on the east side of the river ceased when Johnson's Infantry came closer.

It may be speculated that Osterhaus' Division, including the 16th Ohio, was pulled off the siege line at Vicksburg and sent east to Big Black River as a rear guard, Gen. Grant knowing Confederate General Joseph Johnston had a large force in the area with a strong desire to relieve Pemberton's besieged garrison at Vicksburg.

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Period map showing the approximate campsite of the 16th Ohio near Big Black River Bridge June 8 through 23, 1863:

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Modern day map of the 16th Ohio's march from their position on the siege line at Vicksburg, Mississippi, to their new camp near Big Black River Bridge. Route and positions are estimated based on current research:

Red pin - approximate position of 16th Ohio with Gen. Osterhaus' Ninth Division from May 19 to June 8, 1863, on siege line at Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Green pin - approximate campsite of 16th Ohio west of Big Black River Bridge, June 8, 1863.