Category Archives: Mississippi

May 22, 1863: Second assault on the Blockade Redan

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Click for large map. Grant discussed the situation at Vicksburg with his senior officers; it was a rare instance where he came close to a council of war, and he was persuaded to try another assault. Sherman felt that his … Continue reading →

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

May 21, 1863: The Richmond Daily Dispatch puts a brave face on the Vicksburg situation

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Joseph Johnston Click for large map. The Richmond Daily Dispatch reassures its readers that there’s nothing to worry about at Vicksburg. They’ve got four months’ worth of provisions! And Johnston will soon arrive with reinforcements to lift the siege. Affairs … Continue reading →

Posted in Joseph Johnston, Mississippi, Vicksburg | 1 Comment

May 19, 1863: First Assault on the Blockade Redan

Posted on May 19, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Thomas Kilby Smith *************************** Pursuing the retreating Confederates into Vicksburg, Grant was determined to assault the works immediately, rather than give them time to rest and regroup. He ordered all the available troops from his three corps to attack. With … Continue reading →

Posted in Francis Preston Blair, James B. McPherson, John A. McClernand, John C. Pemberton, Mississippi, Thomas Kilby Smith, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | 1 Comment

May 18, 1863: Bridging the Big Black

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Pemberton’s retreating troops burned the bridge over the Big Black River, but McClernand’s engineers worked through the night under sniper fire to replace it. They continued the pursuit on the 18th. From McClernand’s report in the Official Records: Driven across … Continue reading →

Posted in John A. McClernand, John C. Pemberton, Mississippi, Vicksburg | Leave a comment

May 16, 1863: Battle of Champion Hill

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Click for large map. Grant sent McPherson east from Clinton toward Edwards’ Station, where he expected to meet Pemberton’s advance. He ordered McClernand to move northwest from Raymond toward the same goal, and Sherman to move west from Jackson. His … Continue reading →

Posted in James B. McPherson, John A. McClernand, John C. Pemberton, Mississippi, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | 1 Comment

May 15, 1863: Grant moves west

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Click for large map. The message that Fred Grant saw his father receive in Jackson was a captured order from Johnston to Pemberton, saying that their armies should meet in Clinton. Grant was puzzled, as Johnston should have known the … Continue reading →

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

May 14, 1863: Grant takes Jackson

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Fred Grant on far right, ca. 1898. The Union troops made a dash from Raymond northeast to take Jackson, MS. Official Records: JACKSON, MISS., May 14, 1863. Major General John A. McClernand, Comdg. Thirteenth Army Corps: Our troops carried this … Continue reading →

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May 13, 1863: Moving toward Jackson

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Allen Gathman

Grant ordered Sherman’s, McPherson’s, and McClernand’s corps to Jackson, MS. Official Records: HDQRS. THIRTEENTH A. C., Fourteen-Mile Creek, May 13, 1863. Brigadier-Generals HOVEY, OSTERHAUS, and CARR: DIVISION commanders are notified that the general commanding the department has changed the direction … Continue reading →

Posted in James B. McPherson, John A. McClernand, Mississippi, Ulysses S. Grant, Vicksburg, William Tecumseh Sherman | 2 Comments

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