The Mississippi River, down to the Tennesse/Missisippi border, is now in Union hands.
2,200 confederates are killed or captured. Memphis falls easily after the loss of only 348 union troops. This time the confederates do not leave their works, but there are just not enough of them to effectively man their guns against 85,000 union troops. Several weeks after the fall of Island #10 he reaches the outskirts of Memphis. What has held him up – disease, weather, he does not know, but he intends to take all advantage of it. Jackson has still not appeared, although sources indicate he may be to the south along the Mississippi. In contrast to the dark period earlier in the year when Grant’s army was plagued by disease and what seemed an enemy of unimaginable strength, Grant’s luck has turned to gold. Grant can hardly believe his luck – possibly 75% of the confederate garrison in the entire area appear to be engaging in some sort of recon in force, marching north away from their works and deadly artillery.Īpril 1862 c.jpg (149.24 KiB) Viewed 4 times Before noon, cavalry screening the right flank suddenly see a brigade of confederates across a country road. The order is given for direct assault, with the Army of the West moving in line to the first of three fortifications in the clear April morning. He has no doubt he will take the fort with his overwhelming numbers, but he expects casualties to be heavy. Not that it will be without risk, the rebels have had almost ten months to fortify their positions. With Jackson liable to relieve any siege very quickly, Grant feels he has no option but to attack while the numbers are in his favor. Grant has several options – to encircle and starve out the fortifications, to lay siege with his long range artillery (and, possibly, to bring in his newly constructed gun boats from up river), or to attack. 12,000 confederate troops are garrisoned in Memphis and the river fortress of Island #10.
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