it was grant's opinion that at champion hill (may 16, 1863) mcclernand was dilatory, but grant bided his time, waiting for insubordination that was blatant enough to justify removing his politically powerful rival. after a bloody and unsuccessful assault against the vicksburg entrenchments (ordered by grant), mcclernand wrote a congratulatory order to his corps, which was published in the press, contrary to an order of the department and another of grant. he was relieved of his command on june 18, two weeks before the fall of vicksburg, and was replaced by maj. gen. edward o. c. ord. the duty of notifying him of his dismissal fell to lieutenant colonel james h. wilson, who'd held a grudge against him for an earlier chastising. once mcclernand read the order, he exclaimed in shock "i am relieved!" then seeing the look on wilson's face, he made a joke out if it by saying "by god sir, we are both relieved!"