2014 LBG Seminar Session #9: Grant in Mississippi

Session #9 of the 2014 Licensed Battlefield Guide Training Seminar, held on March 11, 2014 at Vicksburg National Military Park's Visitor Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

Ranger Jake Koch presents Grant in Mississippi: Landing at Bruinsburg, Battles of Port Gibson, Raymond, & Jackson.

Musical Intro is an excerpt from "Kingdom Coming" by 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band at the Vicksburg Sesquicentennial Civil War Heritage Fair on April 5, 2013. Used with permission.

Grant in Mississippi

A. Cavalry Raids
Grierson's Raid Description (Brief) April 17 -- May 2
Route of the Raid
Streight's Raid (Brief) April 19 -- May 3
Route of the Raid
Importance of the Raids

B. Landing at Bruinsburg April 30
C. Battle of Port Gibson May 1
McClernand supports Grant in the plan to cross (despite mutual dislike)
Grant's Army is on dry ground on the Mississippi side of the River!!!
Profile Bowen/arguably best commander
Strength Comparison
Battle Description
Black Bear Story
McClernand's Stump Speech
"Town to Pretty to burn" Myth

D. Raymond May 12
Lack of Confederate Cavalry, stress importance of Grierson & Streight's Raids
Profile McPherson
Profile Gregg
Strength Comparison: Featherweight vs. Heavyweight with blindfolds on.
Battle Action
Aftermath: Grant chooses to march on Jackson

E. Jackson May 14
Profile Joseph E. Johnston: General View/Personal Opinion
Strength Comparison(More troops on way for Johnston)
Battle Action
3rd Rebel Capital to Fall
Destruction of Military Supplies
Grant turns West