Vicksburg

Jackson

Grant Changes Plan

• Success at Raymond convinces Grant to shift his focus from the Confederate railroads to the capitol of Jackson– Will allow him to

isolate Vicksburg from reinforcements under Johnston

Central Position• Grant takes advantage of

“central position” between Confederates at Edwards and Jackson– “If an army can be emplaced

between segments of a larger force, it has an improved likelihood of defeating these reduced elements and thus by extension the entire force overall.”

– Requires audacity

Central Position• “Because he did not know the strength of the

Confederate force he would confront, Grant decided he required his whole army to attack Jackson. This scheme meant he would be turning his back on Pemberton. Grant calculated carefully: Nothing Pemberton had done so far indicated that he was an aggressive leader; consequently, Grant believed he could deal with Jackson and return to fight Pemberton before that general realized what was afoot. It was an audacious plan of Napoleonic vision….

Central Position

• …. By virtue of careful logistical preparation followed by rapid marching, Grant had achieved the central position Napoleon cherished. Having interposed his army between the two Confederate wings, Grant intended to use the central position in Napoleonic style by defeating one wing and then countermarching to defeat the other before the two wings could cooperate.”– James Arnold, Grant Wins the War, 136

Isolation of Vicksburg

• Will allow Grant to “isolate” Pemberton from support from Johnson

• Isolate:– A tactical task given to a unit to seal off (both

physically and psychologically) an enemy from his sources of support, to deny an enemy freedom of movement, and prevent an enemy unit from having contact with other enemy forces. (FM 101-5-1)

Battle of JacksonMay 14, 1863

• Jackson served as a major strategic site: – Capital of

Mississippi– Closest major city

to Vicksburg– Railroads and

major highways– Machine shops

and factories– Telegraph lines

Battle of JacksonMay 14, 1863

• After Raymond, Grant divides his forces– McPherson’s

corps moves north through Raymond to Clinton

– Sherman pushes northeast through Raymond to Mississippi Springs.

Battle of JacksonMay 14, 1863

• Having forces in Clinton (west of Jackson) gives Grant a positional advantage– Cut-off Vicksburg from

aiding Jackson.– Secured multiple

avenues of attack for the Union

Battle of JacksonMay 14, 1863

• Jefferson Davis orders Johnston to Jackson to salvage the rapidly deteriorating situation

• Johnston arrives May 13 – He immediately wired

President Davis saying, “I am too late” and orders the city evacuated

Battle of JacksonMay 14, 1863

• Johnston’s decision was overly hasty and reflected his overall defensive mindset

• He probably at least could have held Grant long enough for Pemberton to move forward and hit Grant’s rear

• Instead, Johnston “usually preferred retreating to fighting”– Michael Ballard, Vicksburg,

National Park Civil War Series, p. 36

Johnston will be controversially removed from command for his defensive response to Sherman’s Atlanta Campaign

Offensive

• What’s all this say about the principle of war of offensive?– Offensive operations are essential to maintain the

freedom of action necessary for success, exploit vulnerabilities, and react to rapidly changing situations and unexpected developments.

• Offensive actions are those taken to dictate the nature, scope, and tempo of an operation.

• Offensive action is key to achieving decisive results; it is the essence of successful operations.

Central Position

• But what quenched whatever little offensive flair Johnston may have had was Grant’s central position

• Johnston’s full assessment was– “I arrived this evening, finding the enemy’s

force between this place [Jackson] and General Pemberton, cutting off communication. I am too late.”

Battle of JacksonMay 14, 1863

• Brigadier General John Gregg is left to fight a delaying action

• Gregg assisted by bad weather– Heavy rain muddied the road toward

Jackson and ruined Federal ammunition. – Slows Federal advance and gives

Confederates time to withdraw• At 2:00 pm, Gregg learns

Confederate supply train has left Jackson and decides to withdraw his force

• Federals enter Jackson at 3:00 pm on the 14th

Battle of JacksonMay 14, 1863

• Grant neutralizes Jackson militarily by:– burning the machine shops and factories– cutting telegraph lines– destroying railroad tracks– Jackson became known as “Chimneyville”

• With Vicksburg isolated, Grant begins his move west

• Sets up the decisive battle of Champion Hill

Next

• Champion Hill and the Big Black River