Vicksburger
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Dec 16, 2011
- Location
- Saint Joseph
I think Pemberton tried his best, with inadequate cavalry resources, disloyal and traitorous lieutenants (Loring and Bowen), and conflicting orders, it is a wonder he did as well as he did. He inflicted 3199 casualties in just one day, on May 22. I dislike criticizing Johnston, but he just didn't have his heart in his work, playing not to lose as usual, when being aggressive would have at least disconcerted Grant and Sherman. He needed to move in late May or early June. Yes by late June or July the Federals had too many troops for the siege to be raised. It was Pemberton's first campaign, and even Lee didn't do so well at first ( in West Virginia and at Mechanicsville). But once Vicksburg fell, there was no way Pemberton was getting a second chance. Pemberton at least tried, and yes he was a loyal and brave man.