The Pemberton/Davis/Johnston issues regarding Vicksburg are well known. I've read all of the exchanges on this forum about the controversy. Just out of curiosity, I'm interested how others feel about Pemberton's "Catch-22".
So if you were General Pemberton, which orders would you obey ?
Davis' or Johnston's ?
Pemberton should have obeyed his own! Davis wanted Vicksburg protected and Johnston wished for Pemberton to move out into the grand wide open (into the mythical Netherland). In reality, there was no initial problem between Pemberton and Davis. It appears they were somewhat on the same page. Anyway, regardless of Davis's or Johnston's wishes, Pemberton had correctly concluded that Grant's main objective was Edwards. As a consequence, he arrayed his army on defensive (high) ground around Edwards (not to be confused with the bridgehead at the Big Black River Bridge). He also aligned his troops to cover all the ferries or crossings which threatened Vicksburg and his rear. It was there outside Edwards where Pemberton awaited Grant's men -- on high ground in defensive positions with a potential offensive move.
Pemberton's decision to place his army in such a manner was decided before Johnston stuck his nose in the matter. I'm not saying Pemberton would have defeated Grant in what would have been a battle in and around Edwards, but it would have likely been a battle on a scale similar to battles fought in Virginia. In the end Pemberton "obeyed" Johnston after debate with Richmond as to whom had control or final say over his army. Pemberton decided he had to try and follow Johnston's orders. He thusly left the high ground, got into low ground with both flanks in the air, all the while trying to decipher more messages sent from a deluded Johnston while he moved. We now know the result of that decision. It's only a wonder how he (Pemberton) alluded disaster.
In contrast, Grant received an order on May 17, 1863, while his army was preparing to attack the Rebels trapped in the bridgehead at the Railraod Bridge at Big Black after Champion's Hill, to retreat and remove his army to help Banks to take Port Hudson. Grant basically told the messenger to screw off, regardless of how high up the order came. He moved ahead with his plan and eventually took Vicksburg.
Pemberton should have done the same with Johnston -- disobeyed the order or, at least, resigned his command on the spot. He did neither. As a result, a comedy of errors occurred.