Pop Quiz (2 part question): During the Civil War, Gen Pemberton surrended Vicksburg to Gen Grant.

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 20:47:23 -0500

These questions will test your depth of knowledge.
1. What other battle occured during Vicksburg? Which was more significant and why?
2. When before had these two men met and what was significant about that meeting?

The answer is not obvious.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 8:48 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 20:48:57 -0500

Answer might require research

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 13 at 2015 9:14 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 21:14:17 -0500

1. Before the Union Army put a stranglehold on Vicksburg, Grant made two disastrous assaults on the city, on May 19 and 22. I think the final battle, following the siege, was more significant. Here's why, from the Vicksburg page of civilwar.org:

"In May and June of 1863, Maj. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant’s armies converged on Vicksburg, investing the city and entrapping a Confederate army under Lt. Gen. John Pemberton. On July 4, Vicksburg surrendered after prolonged siege operations. This was the culmination of one of the most brilliant military campaigns of the war. With the loss of Pemberton’s army and this vital stronghold on the Mississippi, the Confederacy was effectively split in half. Grant's successes in the West boosted his reputation, leading ultimately to his appointment as General-in-Chief of the Union armies. "

(This makes me think that I may be missing another Vicksburg battle, but I gave it a shot, MAJ Private RallyPoint Member.)

2. During the Mexican-American War, Pemberton was a fellow staff lieutenant in the same division as his future opponent in the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Feb 14 at 2015 2:01 AM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 02:01:52 -0500

The Battle Of Gettysburg was going on at the same time. Vicksburg was more important because it split the South in half. After the North took control of the Mississippi at Vicksburg the South was unable to re supply. I live in South Texas on the Cotton Trail were the South transported its Cotton for sale in Mexico

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 14 at 2015 3:24 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 03:24:56 -0500

Gettysburg is fairly well known, however there are two others that aren't as well known:

The fall of Vicksburg also demoralized Confederate forces defending Port Hudson, who surrendered shortly after Vicksburg giving the Union control of the Mississippi River.

There was also the battle of Brandy Station, the largest Cavalry conflict in US History...

They were all significant, Gettysburg... I don't think that needs explaining. Vicksburg and then Port Hudson, meant the Union controlled the Mississippi river and that the South was divided. Brandy Station meant the end of dominance of Southern Cavalry on the battlefield. I would probably rank them in that order as well.

As for previous meetings, I suspect they knew each other from the Mexican-American War, however I haven't seen any proof out there... such as correspondence between the two.

Response by CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter made Feb 14 at 2015 3:38 AM

CPO Emmett (Bud) Carpenter — Sat, 14 Feb 2015 03:38:45 -0500

You guys are getting over this sailor's head. Everybody knows the U.S. Navy saved the day when they blasted thru the Vicksburg's blockade of the Mississippi enabling Grant to attack from the east side of the river.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 8:08 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 20:08:03 -0500

Clues/interesting facts for the second question:
1. Aztec Club of 1847
2. Bell Tower
3. General Order to Junior Officer's dismount when marching with their men.