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War-dated ALS signed “U. S. Grant, Maj. Gen,” one page, 5.25 x 8.5, April 21, 1863. Letter to General William T. Sherman. In full: “A steam fleet will run the Vicksburg batteries tonight leaving the mouth of the Yazoo about 10 1/2 P.M. They have been directed to sound…when opposite Col. Abbott’s pickets and report to him. Please inform Col. Abbott of this fact and instruct him to put out a signal light soon after he hears the batteries open.” Integral second page bears several dockets relating to the letter In fine condition, with intersecting folds, and some scattered mild soiling.
Grant’s final option to take Vicksburg was bold but risky: March the army down the west side of the Mississippi, cross the river south of Vicksburg, and either attack from the south and the east or join forces with General Nathaniel P. Banks, capture Port Hudson, and then together reduce Vicksburg. Admiral David Porter would have to sneak past the guns to get sufficient gunboats and transport ships south of the city. Once they had completed the downstream passage, they would not be able to return past Vicksburg's guns because the river current would slow them too much.
The Civil War Day By Day Almanac notes that the following day, April 22, a Federal flotilla comprised of six transports and 12 barges attempted to pass the batteries at Vicksburg. One of the transports and half of the barges were sunk, but the remainder completed their journey, bringing much-needed supplies to Grant’s men below the city. The most significant result of the campaign was control of the Mississippi River, which basically cut the Confederacy in two.
Ten days after the fall of Vicksburg on July 3, 1863, Grant was rewarded for his victory with a promotion to major general in the regular army, effective on July 4, 1863. Sherman would later observe of Grant, his close friend and illustrious commander, “In that brief period [from Belmont to Vicksburg] he discovered the power that was in him.” A letter of the utmost military importance; Vicksburg is considered Grant’s finest campaign. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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