VICKSBURG
On May 19, the first Union assault against the Vicksburg fortifications occurred. Led by Sherman's men, the attack was focused on the northern defenses of the city. It was largely a failure, with Union forces losing nearly 1,000 men, while the Confederates sustained fewer than 100 casualties.
Three days later on May 22, Grant ordered another attack. Naval and land artillery hit the Confederate lines to prepare for the infantry attack, which saw several different waves of troops being sent forward throughout the day. On several places along the Confederate defenses, Union soldiers rushed forward, only to be repulsed. While there were a few gains made, the attack was generally unsuccessful once again. After these two attacks, Grant decided to begin a siege of the city. For the Confederates, the situation appeared grim. Johnston encouraged Pemberton to escape from the city, believing the loss of over 30,000 Confederate soldiers would be worse than the loss of the city, yet Pemberton did not heed his advice. Being a northerner fighting for the South, Pemberton did not want to appear weak in the face of Northern armies, especially in surrendering one of the most important cities in the entire Confederacy.
Vicksburgs Leaders
The Battle of Vicksburg started May 18, 1863 and ended July 4, 1863. The Battle of Vicksburg took place in the sate of Missisippi. The major generals are Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton for the Confederacy and Major General Ulysses S. Grant for the Union. Grants objective was to wound the Confederacy as they move into southern terratories, and for the Confederates they just wanted to push the Union back into the North.
The Winners
In May and June of 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's armies converged on Vicksburg, investing the city and entrapping a Confederate army under Lt. Gen. John Pemberton. On July 4, Vicksburg surrendered after prolonged siege operations.
Strategy
Vicksburg was also a vital logistical link to the resource-rich Trans-Mississippi. It was here at Vicksburg that huge quantities of molasses, cane sugar, sheep, oxen, cattle, mules, sweet potatoes, butter, wool, and salt, were transported across the great river and onto every corner of the Confederacy.
Importance
President Abraham Lincoln recognized the significance of the town above the Mississippi River. He said, "Vicksburg is the key, the war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket." Capturing Vicksburg would sever the Trans-Mississippi Confederacy from that east of the Mississippi River and open the river to Northern traffic along its entire length.
Bibliography
1. "Vicksburg." National Park Service, n.d. Web. <http://www.nps.gov/vick/index.htm>.
2Cox, Dale. "The Battle of Vicksburg - Vicksburg, Mississippi." The Battle of Vicksburg - Vicksburg, Mississippi. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2016. <http://www.exploresouthernhistory.com/vicksburg1.html>.
3.Ballard, Michael B. "Vicksburg During the Civil War (1862-1863): A Campaign; A Siege." Vicksburg During the Civil War (1862-1863): A Campaign; A Siege. Mississippi Historical Society, n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2016. <http://mshistorynow.mdah.state.ms.us/index.php?id=215>.
