Category Archives: Union military

May 11, 1863: Grant cuts loose

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Click for large map. Grant cuts loose from his supply line: “You may not hear from me for several days.” Official Records: Major General H. W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief: My forces will be this evening as far advanced toward Jackson as … Continue reading →

Posted in Henry Halleck, Mississippi, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg | Leave a comment

May 10, 1863: Sorry, Banks.

Posted on May 10, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Banks wanted Grant to come help him at Port Hudson, but circumstances have changed. Grant begs off, and asks Banks to come to Vicksburg instead. Official Records: HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE TENNESSEE, Rocky Springs, MISS., May 10, 1863. Major General … Continue reading →

Posted in Mississippi, Nathaniel P. Banks, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg | Leave a comment

May 9, 1863: Bread, coffee, and salt

Posted on May 9, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Click for large map. Sherman has made it up to Hankinson’s Ferry, but he’s concerned that there’s no way they can move their armies up to the railroad over the available roads. He recommends holding up troops and limiting wagons. … Continue reading →

Posted in Coffee, John A. McClernand, Mississippi, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | Leave a comment

May 8, 1863: Banks wants to meet at Port Hudson

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Nathaniel Banks had agreed with Grant that they would reduce Port Hudson, then go up to Vicksburg together. However, when Grant was ready, Banks had gone off up the Red River. Now Banks is back and calling Grant to Port … Continue reading →

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May 7, 1863: Grant heads for the railroad

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Click for large map. Grant could force a crossing of the Big Black and slog overland directly toward Vicksburg, but once again, he chooses to move northeast and attack Pemberton’s supply lines. If he can break the railroad line between … Continue reading →

Posted in James B. McPherson, John A. McClernand, John C. Pemberton, Mississippi, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | Leave a comment

May 6, 1863: Sherman’s coming. And he’s not a fan of the press.

Posted on May 6, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Sherman is moving most of his troops across the river to join Grant. He notes the loss of one of the tugs in running the batteries; this particular vessel carried some reporters, not Sherman’s favorite people. As it turns out, … Continue reading →

Posted in Francis Preston Blair, Mississippi, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | Leave a comment

May 5, 1863: Grant orders troops to live off the land

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant is gathering his troops for the assault on Vicksburg. He instructs Hurlbut to bring his troops, and to have the cavalry live off the land, while destroying crops and other resources that would help sustain the rebels. It seems … Continue reading →

Posted in Mississippi, Stephen A. Hurlbut, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg | Leave a comment

May 3, 1863: Crossing Bayou Pierre

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Click for large map. Having built a bridge over Little Bayou Pierre in record time, Grant’s troops got to Bayou Pierre in time to put out the fire on that bridge. The rebels retreated in front of them, and the … Continue reading →

Posted in James B. McPherson, Mississippi, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg | 1 Comment

May 2, 1863: Bridging Little Bayou Pierre

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Click for large map. Grant had possession of Port Gibson, commanding good roads on high ground. Now he needed Grand Gulf as his supply port on the Mississippi. He could attempt to take it by brute force, but it was … Continue reading →

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May 1, 1863: Battle of Port Gibson

Posted on May 1, 2013 by Allen Gathman

The Shaifer House, photo by Rob Shenk ********************* Click for large map. Grant’s immediate problem on landing at Bruinsburg was to expand his perimeter. His supply line south along the Louisiana shore and across to Bruinsburg was long and arduous. … Continue reading →

Posted in John A. McClernand, Mississippi, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg | Leave a comment