; Grant then continues to describe the enemy’s positions upon the high bluffs of Vicksburg. It is very important to understand the extreme defensive location of Vicksburg, to perceive the superior leadership of General Grant to capture it.“When New Orleans fell in the spring of 1862, the triumvirate Vicksburg, Grand Gulf and Port Hudson was destined to become the last obstacle to the total Federal control of the Mississippi.” Abraham Lincoln thought Vicksburg was ‘the key,’ so Vicksburg was the focal point of Union strategy. Obviously, Vicksburg was one of the most important objectives of the Union army. General Ulysses S. Grant was placed in charge of the Vicksburg campaign. He was an exceptional strategist and arguably one of the best generals this country has ever seen. “His campaign, while often overlooked by the general public, is considered by some historians to be brilliant. In this highly readable treatment of the Vicksburg campaign, historian James R. Arnold, makes the case that Grant's adroit military maneuvers were the equal of Napoleonic campaigns.” The Confederates also realized the extreme importance of Vicksburg and were going to do anything in their power to hold on to Vicksburg. Confederate President Jefferson Davis said, "Vicksburg is the nail head that holds the South's two halves together." General John C Pemberton was in charge of the defense of Vicksburg. Some may question his competency; “We had a very low opinion of the John C Pemberton whose incompetence lost Vicksburg.” This however, is not entirely accurate; Grants superior military strategy made it impossible for the Confederates to hold Vicksburg, no matter who was in charge of the defense. Grant military campaign in Vicksburg took place in May of 1863 it began with a series of victories around Vicksburg so that he could ultimately reach the city. Grant had opened up most of the Missis...
