Vicksburger
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2011
- Location
- Saint Joseph
We are coming up on the anniversary of Grant's massive assault against the Vicksburg fortifications, all of which were a smashing defeat and bloodbath. Grant never could defeat Pemberton when he was defending behind prepared fortifications. Pemberton planned to advance and cut Grant's supply line, while Johnston attacked from the direction of Jackson. But Johnston peremptorily ordered Pemberton to come out from his prepared works near Edwards Station and link up with him north of Edwards, which is when Grant struck Pemberton's army as it tried to move north, near Champion Hill. Thus the retreat back to the Vicksburg fortifications, and the stage set for May 19 and 22 assaults, both bloody failures for Grant. My gggreat uncles fought at the 2nd Texas Lunette, one was killed May 22, the other endured the 47 day siege, unsurpassed for heroism and devotion to duty. Neither lived to marry, have a family, and so on, so I honor their sacrifice this way.
I like the quote from Thomason, on the Texas monument: (if I can remember it correctly)
"For these men believed in something. They considered life a light thing to lay down in the faith they bore. They were terrible in battle. They were generous in victory. They rose up from defeat to fight again, and while they lived, they were formidable."
3199 casualties on that one day (Federal), Confederate casualties do not exceed 500.
I like the quote from Thomason, on the Texas monument: (if I can remember it correctly)
"For these men believed in something. They considered life a light thing to lay down in the faith they bore. They were terrible in battle. They were generous in victory. They rose up from defeat to fight again, and while they lived, they were formidable."
3199 casualties on that one day (Federal), Confederate casualties do not exceed 500.