Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant · Chapter
Attack on Grand Gulf — Operations Below Vicksburg explained
Grant describes the strategic movement of his forces from Perkins' plantation to Hard Times, the failed naval bombardment of Grand Gulf, and the subsequent successful crossing of the Mississippi River at Bruinsburg.
What happens
Grant describes the strategic movement of his forces from Perkins' plantation to Hard Times, the failed naval bombardment of Grand Gulf, and the subsequent successful crossing of the Mississippi River at Bruinsburg. He details the landing of McClernand's and McPherson's corps, the march to Port Gibson, and the battle there against General Bowen's Confederate forces. The chapter emphasizes the logistical challenges, the division of troops along two ridges, and the eventual Union victory that secured a foothold on the east side of the river, setting the stage for the Vicksburg campaign.
Themes in this chapter
Leadership and Humility
Grant personally inspects both flanks at Port Gibson, adapts his plan based on terrain, and acknowledges the contributions of his subordinates.
The Horrors and Cost of War
The chapter describes the difficult terrain, the repulse of Osterhaus with loss, and the constant threat of enemy action, highlighting the physical and human toll.
Personal Integrity and Self-Reliance
Grant's determination to press forward despite being cut off from his base and his reliance on careful planning and resourcefulness.
Characters to notice
- Ulysses S. Grant
Narrator and commander of Union forces; orchestrates the crossing and battle at Port Gibson.
- John A. McClernand
Commands the 13th Corps; leads the advance and divides his force at Port Gibson.
- James B. McPherson
Commands the 17th Corps; his divisions reinforce McClernand and support the left flank.
- William T. Sherman
Commands the 15th Corps; ordered to withdraw from Haines' Bluff and reinforce Grant on May 7.
- David D. Porter
Admiral commanding the naval attack on Grand Gulf; his gunboats bombard the Confederate batteries.
- John A. Logan
Commands a division in McPherson's corps; two brigades of his division are used to support Osterhaus.
- John C. Pemberton
Confederate commander of Vicksburg; his subordinate Loring fails to reinforce Bowen in time.
Key passages
“When this was effected I felt a degree of relief scarcely ever equalled since. Vicksburg was not yet taken it is true, nor were its defenders demoralized by any of our previous moves. I was now in the enemy's country, with a vast river and the stronghold of Vicksburg between me and my base of supplies. But I was on dry ground on the same side of the river with the enemy.”
After successfully landing his troops on the east bank, Grant felt an immense sense of relief, even though Vicksburg remained unconquered and his supply line was severed. He was now on the same side of the Mississippi as the Confederate army.
Grant reflects on the psychological turning point of the campaign.
“The country in this part of Mississippi stands on edge, as it were, the roads running along the ridges except when they occasionally pass from one ridge to another. Where there are no clearings the sides of the hills are covered with a very heavy growth of timber and with undergrowth, and the ravines are filled with vines and canebrakes, almost impenetrable.”
The terrain near Port Gibson is characterized by steep ridges and narrow roads, with dense forests and thick underbrush in the ravines, making movement and communication difficult.
Grant describes the challenging geography that forced him to divide his forces.
“All the campaigns, labors, hardships and exposures from the month of December previous to this time that had been made and endured, were for the accomplishment of this one object.”
Every effort and sacrifice since December had been aimed at achieving this single goal: crossing the river and gaining a foothold on the east side.
Grant emphasizes the cumulative purpose of the earlier operations.
