Ordered by Lt. Gen. John C. Pemberton, Confederate commander at Vicksburg,
Brig. Gen. John Gregg led his force from Port Hudson, Louisiana, to Jackson,
Mississippi, and out to Raymond to intercept approaching Union troops. Before
dawn on May 12, Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson had his XVII Army Corps on the
march, and by 10:00 am they were about three miles from Raymond. Gregg decided
to dispute the crossing of Fourteen Mile Creek and arrayed his men and
artillery accordingly. As the Yankees approached, the Rebels opened fire,
initially causing heavy casualties. Some Union troops broke, but Maj. Gen.
John A. Logan rallied a force to hold the line. Confederate troops attacked
the line but had to retire. More Yankees arrived and the Union force
counterattacked. Heavy fighting ensued that continued for six hours, but the
overwhelming Union force prevailed. Gregg's men left the field. Although
Gregg's men lost the battle, they had held up a much superior Union force for
a day.