[322] positions. Stevenson, on reaching the crossing, instead of turning to the left in order to gain Baker's Creek bridge, continues straight forward along the road which follows the eastern declivity of Champion's Hill, and which, being somewhat steep, presents a formidable obstacle to the assailants. This declivity is covered with woods and is intersected by deep ravines; on the north side, on the contrary, the slopes which reach down toward Baker's Creek present some open spaces of ground under cultivation. In short, the summit of Champion's Hill, which is about seventy feet above the plain, is destitute of trees and offers a favorable position for posting field-pieces. Stevenson plants himself upon this hill; Bowen occupies the crossing at the foot of the southern declivity; Loring deploys to the right along the cross-road and as far as the Raymond road. Thus a strong position defends the Confederates' left, while a road running parallel with their front connects every part of it for a distance of nearly four miles. The Federals, on the contrary, are advancing by three different routes, which, near the enemy's line, pass through an impenetrable forest scarcely accessible to a single horseman. In emerging from these narrow defiles Grant's columns find themselves among clearings commanded on every side by the enemy's positions. Pemberton has at least twenty-two or twenty-three thousand men in line, and the advantages of the ground he occupies amply compensate him for his numerical inferiority. In fact, Grant will only have about thirty thousand men under his control when Crocker, of McPherson's corps, who brings up the rear on the Bolton road, shall have arrived on the field of battle.
Hovey, who precedes him, has not been long in encountering Stevenson's outposts north-west of Champion's Hill. Just before reaching the angle which the road makes in the direction of the south, he has made a halt, and his wagons, by obstructing the road behind him, delay the arrival of McPherson's corps for some time. Grant, having been apprised by the latter that a battle is imminent, immediately takes measures for attacking the enemy. McClernand, who is posted along the central road with Osterhaus and Carr, is ordered to push forward and to combine his movement with that of the left column that is following the Raymond road. Grant would have desired to wait until McClernand
