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276 Pemberton saw that there was a sudden and disagreeable change in the situation. On the 29th he telegraphed to Johnston: "The enemy is at Hard Times in large force, with barges and transports, indicating a purpose to attack Grand Gulf with a view to Vicksburg." Before Johnston had time to reply and give instructions how to prevent Grant from crossing the river, the Union forces had reached the east bank, and were pushing on towards Vicksburg. On May 1st Pemberton telegraphed: "A furious battle has been going on since daylight just below Port Gibson.... I should have large reinforcements. Enemy's movements threaten Jackson, and, if successful, cut off Vicksburg and Port Hudson." Johnston replied with instructions for Pemberton to unite all his forces and beat Grant, which Pemberton found was much easier to say than to do. He did his best; but the enemy were too strong for him. After the defeat at Port Gibson his forces withdrew in the direction of Vicksburg. General Grant advanced in pursuit to where the road from Port Gibson to Vicksburg crosses the Big Black River at Hankinson's Ferry. Here the Union army halted from the 3d to the 8th of May, waiting for supplies from Grand Gulf and for the arrival of the 15th corps, which was hastening on from Milliken's Bend. Demonstrations were made in the direction of Vicksburg, which was twenty miles away, as though a direct attack was intended; but that was not General Grant's plan. His real design was to keep his forces on the east bank of the Big Black, and strike the Vicksburg and Jackson Railway about midway between the two places, thus severing the connection with Pemberton and any reinforcements that might come to him from the east. This would he done with the left and centre of the army, while the right wing would make a detour eastward through Raymond to Jackson. After