ant made McPherson destroy the railroad in Clinton to prevent reinforcements and re-supply, then move eastward to Jackson. Sherman was to attack Jackson from Raymond, and McClernand was to stay in Raymond to protect the rear and reinforce Sherman or McPherson. Jackson had 6,000 Confederate troops to Grant’s 25,000 Union troops. Needless to say, Jackson was taken relatively easily. The commander at Jackson, General Joe Johnston, retreated his forces north to Canton. Grant’s decision to keep going without supplies was key to this victory. If he had waited for supplies, they would have then had to face an increasingly growing Confederate army of over 14,000 troops with another 9,000 close behind. Grant was now in position to take what he initially came to take: Vicksburg. At this point, the Confederate’s moral was very low while the Union’s confidence was increasing. Union forces almost seemed invincible. Grant’s success was defiantly having an impact. On May 18th, the federal army crossed the Big Black River and pushed towards Vicksburg. The first Union forces arrived in this direction was the 15th Army Corps under the command of Major General William T. Sherman, Grant’s most trusted and experienced subordinate officer. The next corps to get there was that of the 17th Corps commanded by the young James McPherson. The final Corps arrived, the 13th Army Corps commanded by Major General John McClernand, as these troops arrived, they started to slowly make their lines longer to the left and to the right. While investigating the Confederates works and prepare for the attack, which they knew, would be ordered shortly. On May 19th, Grant decided to make a better reconnaissance then furl his entire force against Vicksburg on May 22nd. Early that morning, Union artillery fell silent. Union Soldiers moved forward for over three miles, toward the defense of Vicksburg. Again they succee...
