Vicksburg Jackson

Grant Changes Plan Success at Raymond convinced Grant to shift his focus from the Confederate railroads to the capitol of Jackson Would allow him to isolate Vicksburg from reinforcements under Johnston

Central Position Grant took 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.” Required 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 Would 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 Jackson May 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 Jackson May 14, 1863 After Raymond, Grant divided his forces McPherson’s corps moved north through Raymond to Clinton Sherman pushed northeast through Raymond to Mississippi Springs

Battle of Jackson May 14, 1863 Having forces in Clinton (west of Jackson) gave Grant a positional advantage Cut-off Vicksburg from aiding Jackson. Secured multiple avenues of attack for the Union

Battle of Jackson May 14, 1863 Jefferson Davis ordered Johnston to Jackson to salvage the rapidly deteriorating situation Johnston arrived May 13 He immediately wired President Davis saying, “I am too late” and ordered the city evacuated

Battle of Jackson May 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 Jackson May 14, 1863 Brigadier General John Gregg was left to fight a delaying action Gregg assisted by bad weather Heavy rain muddied the road toward Jackson and ruined Federal ammunition. Slowed Federal advance and gave Confederates time to withdraw At 2:00 pm, Gregg learned Confederate supply train had left Jackson and decided to withdraw his force Federals entered Jackson at 3:00 pm on the 14th

Battle of Jackson May 14, 1863 Grant neutralized Jackson militarily by: burning the machine shops and factories cutting telegraph lines destroying railroad tracks Jackson became known as “Chimneyville” With Vicksburg isolated, Grant began his move west Set up the decisive battle of Champion Hill

Next Champion Hill and the Big Black River