Benjamin Douglass: Siege of Port Hudson

Student Book Benjamin Douglass A Letter to His Wife, July 6, 1863 Siege of Port Hudson, May 22 - July 9, 1863

Compiled by Beverly Vaillancourt, M.Ed The Benjamin Douglass video and accompanying Student Booklet are dedicated to the staff at the Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson, Louisiana, who carefully document, preserve, and share the history of the Siege of Port Hudson, and to Russell Douglas, great grandson of Benjamin Douglass.

Special thanks to the Sauk County Register of Deeds office for their assistance in locating original Douglass land records.

“The quality of courage is one that a true soldier recognizes and admires eveywhere and under all circumstances; he attributes none of the mean and oppresive acts committed by his enemy to those who display this attribute in a high degree; his experience generally teachers him that a brave foreman is an honorable one...” ~Lieut. Howard C. Wright, 30th Louisiana Infantry (CSA)

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This student booklet accompanies the video: Benjamin Douglass A Letter to his Wife, July 6, 1863

https://vimeo.com/851467564 Student Outcomes 1. to learn the details of the Siege of Port Hudson from the Union perspective 2. to learn the details of the Siege of Port Hudson from the Confederate perspective 3. to understand common threads of concern and commitment among Union and Confederate soldiers 4. to deepen knowledge of the military dynamics of the Siege of Port Hudson 5. to deepen knowledge of military consequences of the Siege of Port Hudson

Common Core Reading Standards in Literacy in History/Social Studies, Grades 9 - 10 Key Ideas and Details •

Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of primary and secondary sources, attending to such features as the date and origin of the information.

•

Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary of how key events or ideas develop over the course of the text

•

Analyze in detail a series of events described in a text; determine whether earlier events caused later ones or simply preceded them.

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Contents

To the Student ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1 Siege of Port Hudson ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2 26th Connecticut Regiment �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 2

Primary Source Documents ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10 Letter by Benjamin C. Douglass to his wife ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������10

Company D, 26th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry ������������������������������������������������������ 10 Inquiry ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 11 Confederate soldier Kennedy, May 27, 1863 ����������������������������������������������������������������� 18 Confederate soldier Turner,: May 27, 1863 �������������������������������������������������������������������� 18 Confederate soldier Ford: June 14, 1863 �������������������������������������������������������������������������� 19 Confederate soldier Porter: June 14, 1863 ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 21 Confederate soldier Blackwood: June 15, 1863 ������������������������������������������������������������ 21 Walter Turner, Co. I, 39th Mississippi: July 5, 1863 �������������������������������������������������������� 21 Pvt. Nathaniel Van Woert, Boone’s LA Battery: July 7, 1863 �������������������������������������� 22 Lt. Green Wesley Bunn Co. F, 1st Mississippi Infantry, July 7, 1863 �������������������������� 23 Pvt. Nathaniel Van Woert, Boone’s LA Battery: July 9, 1863 �������������������������������������� 23 Walter Turner, Co. I, 39th Mississippi: July 9, 1863 �������������������������������������������������������� 23 Pvt. Nathaniel Van Woert, Boone’s LA Battery: July 9, 1863 ������������������������������������ 25 Walter Turner, Co. I, 39th Mississippi: July 9, 1863 �������������������������������������������������������� 25 Sgt. Robert Branch Tarpley Batty. G, 1st Tennessee Artillery: July 9, 1863 ����������� 25 Letter from Preston Pond to General Franklin, August 30, 1863, ���������������������������������������26 Response to Preston Pond by General Banks, commander of Union forces �������������������28

Inquiry �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������29 Essay Suggestions ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������30 Project-based Learning �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������30 Student Notes �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 35 ©2023 Sauk County Historical Society

To the Student The Siege of Port Hudson played a crucial role in the Union’s efforts to secure control of key strategic points along the Mississippi River, most importantly, Port Hudson and Vicksburg.

At almost 6 weeks, the battles that took place at Port Hudson represent the longest siege in the Civil War, and one that seems overshadowed by the battles that took place at Vicksburg, located about 135 miles north of Port Hudson. The documents that follow tell the story of the soldier’s experience at the Siege of Port Hudson, as conveyed from both the Union and Confederate points of view.

As you read through the documents, view the soldier’s experience through their words.

Look for common threads that run among all of the writings. Look, also, for strong contrasts in beliefs. Consider the following questions: • • • • • • •

How did the soldiers, Union and Confederate, view the importance of the battle? Why? Why did the siege last for almost 6 weeks?

What difficulties did the Union and Confederatre soldiers face?

How did the soldiers view their opponents in war?

What did the soldiers see as the outcome of the siege?

What sorrows did soldiers from both armies share?

What did soldiers from both armies hope for beyond a successful end to the siege?

Of importance for this battle is the Louisiana climate. The Siege of Port Hudson was fought across the summer months of May - July. Both Union and Confederate soldiers wore long sleeve uniforms. Union uniforms were made of wool. While the fabric provided insulation in the winter and had some rainproof qualities, during the summer the uniforms added to the misery of the oppressive summer heat.

Summer temperatures in Port Hudson can be quite high, with average daytime highs ranging from the upper 80s°F (around 31-32°C) to the mid-90s°F (around 35-36°C). Heatwaves are not uncommon, and temperatures can occasionally soar into the 100s°F (38°C and above).

Louisiana is known for its high humidity levels, especially during the summer months.

Relative humidity often exceeds 70% and can occasionally reach near 100%, making the air feel sticky and uncomfortable. Summer in Port Hudson typically brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms, often accompanied by heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds. Consider how these weather conditions added to the complexity of the Siege of Port Hudson. ©2024 Sauk County Historical Society

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Siege of Port Hudson The Siege of Port Hudson was a significant military campaign that was fought from May 22 to July 9, 1863, near Port Hudson, Louisiana, located along the Mississippi River. The siege was a part of the larger Union strategy to gain control over the Mississippi River, with the expectation that the capture of Port Hudson would split the Confederacy in two and severely limit its ability to transport troops and supplies.

The Siege of Port Hudson followed the Union’s 1862 capture of Baton Rouge located south of Port Hudson. Sarah Morgan Dawson in A Confederate Girl’s Diary speaks to the great sense of Southern despair, yet determination, as Union troops first occupied the city and then began confiscating and destoying private property. “I stood in the parlor in silent amazement....I could hardly believe that Abraham Lincoln’s officers had really come so low down as to steal in such a wholesale manner...Many suffered along with us, though none so severely. Indeed, the Yankees cursed loudly at those who did not leave anything worth stealing. They cannot complain of us, on that score.” (1) Baton Rouge residents took only what they could carry in carts and parcels in a flee for their lives at what would prove to be a failed Confederate assault to reclaim Baton Rouge. With Baton Rouge firmly in Union hands, plans moved forward to the capture of Port Hudson and Vicksburg to the north.

The Siege of Port Hudson was the longest siege the Civil War and what must have seemed to soldiers and civilians alike as a never-ending battle that took place in the searing summer heat. The surrender of Port Hudson occurred on July 9, 1863. With the surrender of Vicksburg just days before, the capture of both ports gave the Union control of the Mississippi River, a strategic success that had far-reaching consequences for the outcome of the war.

But, it wasn’t easy.

Port Hudson was a Confederate stronghold that guarded the southern end of the Red River and the western bank of the Mississippi River. The siege was led by Major General Nathaniel Banks of the Union Army, while the Confederate defenders were commanded

by Major General Franklin Gardner. Some 35,000 Union soldiers battled a tenacious Confederate force of only 7500 for 48 days. The casualty count from May 25th to July 9th, a total of 48 days, is staggering. Some 707 Union soldiers were killed with 3,336 wounded.

The Confederates saw 100 killed and 700 wounded. Sunstroke, the blistering heat, and disease killed hundreds of other. In the end, the Union suffered at least two casualties for every Confederate soldier defending Port Hudson.

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The fortification of Port Hudson by Confederate troops began in the fall and winter of 1862. In total, over four miles of fortications were built across ridges, ravines, and woodland plateaus. If defended according to standard military plans, an ample defense of 15,000 men would have been needed across the span of the fortifications. The military standard would never be realized. Moreover, only nineteen Confederaate heavy guns arrived by boat during the fall and winter of 1862. The question of how to place them became of paramount importance. The inclination was to space them far apart to cover as wide of an area as possible.

Now came the Union’s plan. Spies were needed to determine the extent of Confederate fortifications at Port Hudson. Since the port was still active, with plenty of steamboat travel, people were allowed to come and go, including friends and relatives of Confederate soldiers assigned to build Port Hudson’s fortifications. Writings from the time tell the tale of two women who entered Port Hudson, one dressed in mourning clothes and the other as the daughter, described by Confederate soldiers as “a maid of radiant smiles.” The women spoke of the need to travel from Port Hudson to visit a son and husband, but first needed to rest a while. Thus they learned of the type of guns at the Port, number of defenders, and other information valuable to the Union. They they spoke of departing to Jackson, when in truth it was discovered that the women had made their way back to New Orleans where Union forces waited for the intel gained from their ruse.

Next came the necessity of ensuring enough provisions - meat and corn in particular to sustain the defenders for the length of the anticipated siege. The challenges were formidable. Once again, writings from the time help to tell the story. With storehouses for provisions lacking, meat and corn were poorly stored and often led to illness among the troops. Yet, the Confederate defenders of Port Hudson held firm, though provisions were low and the threat of starvation ever present.

Changes in Confederate military strategy took place at Port Hudson with the arrival of General Gardner in late December, 1862. Foremost was the clustering of the big guns to allow for more concentrated fire power. Union forces temporarily left Baton Rouge in mid March, giving anticipation of a land assault at Port Hudson. Instead Confederate and Union gunboats on the Mississippi River lit up the river on March 14, 1863, in battle.

The conditions during the siege were harsh for both sides, with soldiers suffering from disease, malnutrition, and the extreme heat of the Louisiana summer. Despite these challenges, the Union forces continued their efforts to breach the Confederate defenses. ©2024 Sauk County Historical Society

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Of note is that Port Hudson was the Union’s first engagement for African American soldiers.

On May 27, 1863, soldiers from the 1st and 3rd Louisiana Native Guard (later designated as the 73rd and 74th United States Colored Infantry) fought as the front line with other Union troops following in a desperate attempt to take the Confederate fortifications. Coming out of the woods a mere 600 - 700 feet from a Confederate rifle pit dug along the bluff, the African American soldiers made a desperated charge. Within 15 minutes, some 250 African American soldiers were killed or wounded in this first concentrated attempt to overtake Confederate forces. Other regiments would also suffer significant losses.

The soldiers of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry took a bitter view of the day’s assault. As recounted in A History of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and Calvary in the Civil War. “It was clear to the Badgers huddled in their hastily dug pits that the morning’s assault had been a failure...

For Wisconsin’s 69 casualties the charge on May 27 was indeed a sizable ‘bushwhack.’” (2) Returns from the day listed 15 Badgers killed and 54 wounded. Things did not go much better for the 4th (or for other Union regiments) during the next days of the siege. June 13th brought a demand from General Banks, commander of the Union forces, to General Gardner, in command of the Confederate forces, for a surrender. Gardner replied, “Your note of this date has just been handed to me, and in reply I have to state that my duty requires me to defend this position, and therefore, I decline to surrender.” (2) Though outnumbered 3 to 1, Confederate morale was high.

Union gunboats were in active assault throughout May and through June 18. As one confederate soldier told of the shells being hurled at the Confederates from Union gunboats, “The momentum was tremendous. In striking ther ground even where they fell in a roadway which had been hardened by years of travel, they would penetrate at a slight angle to the dept of twelve to fifteen feet, and then taking a sheer on their course would start off on a horizontal line going how far it was impossible to tell. The sturdiest trees, when struck, would be riven as if by the lightning, and they did not seem to alter the course of the shell or lessen its force.

In most cases, after burying themselves in the gournd, they would explode, uprooting the earth like a small volcano, and throwing out pieces of roots and other substances which had probably never see the light of day before. Under such a fire, there was no place of shelter, no refuse of safely, one could only remain at his post and tranquilly await his fate, whlle the air was filled with the rushing and whistling noise, and the framents of broken shells and clods of unheaved earth were flying above in every conceivable direction.” (4) On June 14, 1863, the day of battle Benjamin Douglass describes in his “Dear Wife” letter dated July 6th, three days prior to the surrender of Port Hudson, Union forces numbering 4

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4600 men formed into assault lines. Regiments representing Wisconsin, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York faced Confederate brigades from Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi at locations later named Fort Desperate and Priest Cap. Union casualties were significant. For example, 64% of the 226 soldiers of 4th Wisconsin who stepped into battle on June 14th were either killed, wounded, or missing. Confederate sharpshooters took aim at those wounded and those attempting to rescue the wounded. Yet, while Confederate forces held, it was soon learned that food among the soldiers was scarce and disease was taking its toll. It was only a matter of time.

The turning point of the siege came when Union forces received news of the fall of Vicksburg’s surrender on July 4, 1863. Confederates realized that their situation at Port Hudson was becoming untenable. Upon learning of the fall of Vicksburg, on July 9, 1863, Major General Gardner surrendered Port Hudson to the Union forces. ************** Much can be gained from the writings of soldiers engaged in the Siege of Port Hudson.

Several diary entries are found in this student booklet. The following books also are exceptional resources to help you understand the actions of the Union and Confederate forces at Baton Rouge and Port Hudson: 1. A Confederate Girl’s Diary, by Sarah Morgan Dawson, published by Big Byte Books, 2018.

2. A History of the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and Cavalry in the Civil War, by Michael, J. Martin, published by Savas Beatie, 2006.

3. Port Hudson, the Most Significant Battlefield Photographs of the Civil War, by Lawrence Lee Hewitt, University of Tennessee Press, 2021.

4. Port Hudson: Its History, from the Diary of Officer Lieut. Howard C. Wright, 1863, published in 1973 by the Committee for the Prservation of the Port Hudson Battlefield (limited edition)

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26th Regiment Connecticut Volunteers The 26th Connecticut Regiment included 810 men under the command of General Banks.

It was organized in Norwich, Connecticut, on November 10, 1862. The soldiers left New York for New Orleans, Louisiana, on November 29th, arriving on December 16. The 26th Regiment was attached to Sherman’s Division from January 1863 to August 17, 1863.

The 26th Connecticut Regiment fought in the Siege of Port Hudson from May 24 - July 9, 1863. During the siege, the regiment lost four officers and 51 enlisted men killed and mortally wounded. Additionally, one officer and 89 enlisted men died from disease, for a total of approximately 145 casualties. Men of the 26th, as with the other Connecticut regiments, had signed up for 9 months of service.

On August 5, 1863, The Chicago Tribune reported that the 26th Connecticut volunteers had arrived in Chicago from Port Hudson via steamboat on the Mississippi River to Cairo and then by the Illinois Central Railroad to Chicago. They continuted their train ride to New York City, and then traveled by boat to Norwich, Connecticut. A total of 690 men made the trip. The Chicago Tribune opined that it was a “pity to lose such men from the service,” noting that “600 such men as are found in the 26th are worth two thousand conscripts.”

The paper suggested that Connecticut induce the soldiers with a re-enlistment payment of $1000 each, the equivalent of over $24,000 today. The plan was not to be, and with their nine-month enlistment over, the men of the 26th Connecticut left military service.

Organized: Norwich, CT on 11/10/62 Mustered Out: 8/17/63 at Norwich, CT Officers Killed or Mortally Wounded: 4 Officers Died of Disease, Accidents, etc.: 1 Enlisted Men Killed or Mortally Wounded: 51 Enlisted Men Died of Disease, Accidents, etc.: 89

Captain Jedediah Randall 26th Connecticut Wounded at Port Hudson May 27, 1862 June 6, 1862, died of his wounds, Baton Rouge, LA

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Benjamin Douglass 1866 Wisconsin Land Purchase Transfer of land from William Young to Benjamin Douglass, land originally purchased from the federal government in 1854 by James Young

Sauk County, Wisconsin, Register of Deeds land records

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Benjamin Douglass Benjamin Douglass was born in Windham, Connecticut (1827-1906). He married Abbie A. Salisbury in 1848. He enlisted in Company D of the 26th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry in November 1862. Benjamin Douglass participated in the Siege of Port Hudson and was wounded in the ferocious battle that took place on June 14, 1863. He wrote to his wife as he recoverd from dysentary in one of the nearby, make-shift hospitals. He, along with the remaining Connecticut Regiment, mustered out of service on August, 1863. Three years later, he purchased 80 acres of forested land in La Valle, Wisconsin, and settled in to clear the land, build a home, and farm the land with his family. Douglass remained civic-minded, serving in governmental positions in the town and village of La Valle.

The Wisconsin land Benjamin Douglass would come to own in 1866 originally had been purchased as a land patent in 1854 for $1.25/acre from the federal government by James Young. But the story goes back even farther. The land James Young purchased originally had been awarded by the federal government to two different soldiers as military scrip, or money, for their military service in the War of 1812, per the provisions of the Bounty Land Act of 1850. One veteran had served in the Virginia militia and the other in the New York militia. Unwanted by the families of the soldiers, the land was returned to the federal government for a cash payment.

The land settled by Bengamin Douglass had been lived on by the Ho-Chunk and other Indian tribes over the hundreds of years prior to settlement by families moving from the Eastern regions of the United States. Their forced removal from Wisconsin to west of the Mississippi River began in the 1830s as a result of a series of treaties. Over the years leaders such as Yellow Thunder laid legal claim to land in Wisconsin. In fact, during the time the Douglass family was building their barns and home, a handful of Ho-Chunk Indian villages remained in the area.

Meanwhile not far from the Douglass farm, the community of La Valle was growing, thanks to the building of a dam to power the village mill in 1854, the growth of small businesses, and the coming of the railroad in 1872. Yet, the village never reached beyond a population of 350, substantially changing when the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad ended passenger service at the La Valle depot in the early 1930s. Today the village popularion mirrors its early years at approximately 360 people.

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Benjamin Douglass homestead, La Valle, Wisconsin, with the original barns still in use.

Over the years, the final “s” in “Douglass” was lost, and the family name became “Douglas.”

Yet, the practice of farming remained, as a hops farm in the late 1860s, as a dairy farm, and then for raising beef cattle. For over a century members of the Douglas(s) family were active in local government and in helping to build the La Valle community, carrying on the family tradition of service to country, church, and community.

The tobacco box, lead bullet, and Benjamin’s 1863 letter to his wife were treasured family artifacts and kept in the family safe for over 100 years until Pearl Douglas, the wife of Russell Douglas, Benjamin’s great grandson, donated all three artifacts to the Port Hudson State Historic Site after Russell’s passing in 2011. She believed that the historic treasures should return to where their story began. Today they remain on display there. The Douglas farm was placed in trust in 2012 to serve veterans as an equine rescue farm.

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Primary Source Documents Letter by Benjamin C. Douglass to his wife [transcribed from the original letter] Company D, 26th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry July 6, 1863

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Inquiry • • • •

What are the main events described in the letter?

What is the timeline described?

What is most surprising to Benjamin Douglass?

Why do you think Benjamin Douglass shared his war experiences with his wife?

Transcription courtesy Port Hudson State Historic Site

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Such is a Soldier’s Life Excerpts from Letters of Sergeant George A. Hammond, 26th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, as compiled by Evelyn Hammond published by Admiral Press, 1994 Evelyn Hammond, the great-great niece of Seargeant Hammond, compiled letters he wrote to his brothers and parents during his time at war. She states in her introduction to the series of letters that, “Beneath these facts of history lies a human story.” The diary picks up on June 16, 1863, two days after the battle in which the tobacco box carried by Benjamin Douglass was hit by a lead bullet. It ends on July 10th, one day following the surrender of the Confederates. Note: the men of the 26th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry had enlisted for nine-months.

June 16, 1863 Oh Father, you hear others tell of the battlefield, about balls, shells & Cannisters, how men felt & how the missels sounded. But I did not expect to see any fighting. I had thought we would be fancy soldiers.

But now like others I have seen enough of battle. Men lie dead, shot through the head and everywhere some are barely alive. We see a man wounded & all we can do is give him a cheering word & some water, fix his wound & see someone takes him to the hospital. A Major & Col. were all tore to pieces. No one but soldiers could stand the sight.

Our Co. done bully but others don’t care much for the9 months men. You hear men say, “9 months cowards.” After the first fight Gen’l Dwight said some enlisted for a period of 9 months had con­ducted themselves in a manner disgraceful to our officers. We felt rather sore. But this time he calls it a brave advance of our troops & the men feel better. We are not cowards but at the same time cannot advance through impossibilities, facing hails of grapeshot & minies.

It seems a miserable useless slaughter. Though some think the Rebs have but little ammunition left, little food & few men, I think they have enough to last 3 months if they get reinforcements from the rear. Don’t expect us home soon. Some say they will not write until it is all over. But when it is all over I may be gone. This will give you my account.

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July 10, 1863 Dear Father, As you see from this Confederate ledger page we are at last inside. It is great news for you at home and will cheer many sickly ones in our reg’t.

On July 7th a dispatch came from Gen. Grant saying Vicksburg had surrendered with 27,000 prisoners & quantities of artillery. Col. Clark, com­manding our Brigade, came along about 8 o’clock that morning & told us to get in line & come to the hill to cheer but to make no noise yet.

We were soon there & gave 9 hearty cheers for Vicksburg, the guns around the whole line firing in salute. That night Gen. Banks demanded a sur­render of Gen. Gardner. Gardner sent a reply that he wanted time to think.

Most of the day there was a flag of truce. Men of both sides were together talking. We then knew that Port Hudson would surrender that day or fall very soon from assault.

About 3 o’clock the Lt. Col. rode into camp with the Gen told us that this place was ours. The men were going to toss their hats & cheer but he said we must not do it then & not a man spoke.

The next day we formed in line in front of the Reb1s who were in line with their arms. They did not look much like our soldiers. Their uniforms were all a dirty gray & not all alike though some of the of­ficers had very good ones. The men looked hearty but were downcast.

Our reg’t. was deployed as a guard in their front. At 12 o’clock or so they layed down their arms. About 3 o’clock P.M. Col. Miles rode along their lines & told them they were paroled.

Of all the screeching you ever heard! They had expected to be sent to North Carolina to prison. 1 talked with some of the officers & men. They had to surrender because they had nothing to eat & little ammunition.

July 12, 1863 Well, Father, I stole away to wash myself & have some clothes washed. We will be paroling the Rebs officers (except Surgeons & Chaplains, who are not considered combatants on either side). This takes much writing & time. Expect me home in a month. ©2024 Sauk County Historical Society

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The Fifty-third Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. Comprising also a history of the siege of Port Hudson Henry A. (Henry Augustus) Willis, , 1830-1918 Published: Fitchburg, Press of Blanchard & Brown, 1889.

Library of Congress: https://tinyurl.com/mc475tzy Note: Spelling and grammar are as originally written. (page 135) Port Hudson was undoubtedly the strongest position by nature on the river, with perhaps the exception of Vicksburg. The village stood upon a high, precipitous bluff, and upon the edge of this bluff the “works” were constructed. The guns could be run out and pointed at any angle to strike the vessels, discharged and instantly run back out of the way of harm from shots from below. The position was practically impregnable from the river. As to the character of the defenses on the land side the following extracts from a letter* written by Banks to [General] Grant on the 28th of May, after the failure of the first assault, will convey a good idea of them and also indicate his feeling of weakness in his position. He says : “ The garrison of the enemy is five thousand or six thousand men. The works are what would ordinarily be styled ‘

Union Soldiers - Port Hudson, June 1863: Image–Library of Congress

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impregnable.’ They are surrounded by ravines, woods, valleys and bayous of the most intricate and labyrinthic character that make the works themselves almost inaccessible.It requires time even to understand the geography of the position. If it be possible I beg you to send me at least one brigade of four thousand or five thousand men. This will be of vital importance to us. We may have to abandon these operations without it.” (pages 159 - 161) On the afternoon of the [June] 13th received orders to be ready to move the next morning at 3 o’clock in an assault upon Port Hudson. At the time specified I was ordered by Colonel Gooding to move up the road in rear of the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts to the point of attack, and then deploy as skirmishers on the right of that regiment. During the march this order was countermanded by one from General Paine, directing me to deploy in rear of the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts at a distance of ten or fifteen paces. This last order was executed by deploying five companies, holding three in reserve. We were at this time under fire, though partially protected by a hedge behind which the deployment was.

At about 4.15 o’clock orders came to advance in quick time upon the enemy’s works, supporting the Thirty-eighth who were following a line of skirmishers and hand grenaders.

The men moved forward promptly and as they passed the hedge received a terrific volley from the enemy, who had been made aware of our approach by the loud cheering of the first line of skirmishers. They pressed steadily forward, keeping as good a line as the nature of the ground, ravines, and fallen trees, would admit, until the centre had reached to within twenty yards of the works, when we came upon the first line of skirmishers, who had been repulsed and were holding this position. I was here obliged to halt on account of the broken condition of my line, caused by the uneven state of the ground, and more particularly the halting of the Thirty-eighth Massachusetts at some distance in my rear, which detained the right and left to my line. The right soon came up, passing the Thirty- eighth, whose commander had declined to move forward until he received further orders, though requested so to do by my adjutant who had command of the right of my line. I immediately went to the left of my line to move it up, but found it utterly impossible so to do on account of the terrific fire from the enemy.

At this juncture General Paine came up, and after examination of the line gave the order to charge forward and enter the works. I immediately repeated the order to my regiment, which sprung forward with an alacrity and determination worthy of veterans, some of the men reaching the works and falling at the ditch, while others entered and were captured. At ©2024 Sauk County Historical Society

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this time General Paine fell severely wounded, as also did many of my best officers. The fire of the enemy was now so terrible that it was impossible to advance the men under it, and we maintained our position close up to the works during the day, keeping up a fire upon the enemy, receiving no orders until about 10 P. M., when I was ordered to withdraw and return to my position of the morning, being the last regiment to leave the field.

I was able to get off all of my wounded and the most of the dead. The sufferings of the men through this day were severe in the extreme lying in the hot sun with no shelter, out of water and no chance of obtaining a supply, many of them lying in position where any attempt on their part to move would subject them to the well directed fire of the enemy’s sharpshooters, rendered their position very critical. They uttered no word of complaint, but all, the wounded and the well, bore their trials with the fortitude of martyrs. My loss this day was very severe, especially in officers, as the official list will show.

We remained at our old camp in the woods until the 19th at 4P.M., when I was ordered by Colonel Gooding to go to the front and relieve the Thirteenth Connecticut... which position we held until the surrender of Port Hudson on the 8th of July.

In closing this report I would take occasion to speak of the conduct of my regiment during this protracted siege. Too much cannot be said in praise of both officers and men through all its trying scenes in the several engagements with which they were connected, and more

Union Artillery Battery: Image–LIbrary of Congress

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especially on the occasion of the assault of the 14th, when, with unfaltering courage, they pressed forward to the charge, having one-third of their number stricken down. My line officers, without exception, were prompt in the execution of my orders, and exhibited an enthusiasm and determination which inspired and encouraged the men to brave and gallant conduct, and testimony to this fact is shown in the loss of Captain Taft, and Lieutenants Vose and Glover, and the severe wounds of Captains Washburn, Stratton and Mudge. (page 173) The investment of Port Hudson was completed May 23d, and after repeated unsuccessful assaults, surrendered July 9th, the siege lasting just forty-seven days. There was surrendered at Vicksburg 29,491 prisoners, 172 cannon, 60,000 muskets and a large amount of ammunition; at Port Hudson 6,340 prisoners, 51 cannon, 5,000 stands of arms, 150,000 rounds of ammunition, 4,800 pounds of cannon powder, and two steamers. The number of troops engaged in the operations against Vicksburg was 71,000. The number engaged against Port Hudson was about 15,000.

In the Vicksburg campaign the losses as gathered from the official records were as follows : Federal— killed, 1,514; wounded, 7,395; missing, 453. Confederate— killed, 1,260; wounded, 3,572 ; missing, 4,227 ; surrendered, by parole certificates, 29,491. [General] Grant’s effective force ranged from 43,000 at the beginning to 75,000 at close of campaign.

The highest confederate force was 40,000, and about 30,000 when the place was invested.

In the Port Hudson campaign the losses according to official records were : Federal— killed, 708; wounded, 3,336; missing, 319.

Confederate— killed, 176; wounded, 447 ; surrendered, 6,340.

Port Hudson Earthworks ruins: Image– Library of Congress

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The archives of the Port Hudson State Historic Site contain a rare glimpse into the battle from the Confederate side of the battle. Deepen your critical thinking skills by rereading the questions posed on page 1 before reading the compiled Confederate diary, letter from a Port Hudson resident, and the letter’s response from General Banks, commander of Union forces at Port Hudson.

Note: These diary entries make reference to the United States Colored Troops, first engaged at Port Hudson with great loss of life. 179,000 free and former enslaved men fought in the Union Army in segregated units. Some 37,000 died. They were noted for their courage. To learn more about the United States Colored Troops, go to https://www.battlefields.org/learn/ topics/united-states-colored-troops.

Confederate soldier Kennedy, May 27, 1863 Fair and warm. Skirmishing all along the lines. It has grown warm. The Yanks attempted to charge our lower battery. They were repulsed with heavy loss. The fight has opened.

Our skirmishers is giving it to them. The artillery is deafening. It is one continual roar. The muskets pop as fast as canes when fire is in a cane brake. Our skirmishers have been driven in. We are laying in our rifle pits awaiting the hated foe. All are cool and determined. The Yanks are laying under the hill and if they come in sight they will catch it sure as two and two make four. The balls fly thick as hail. Negroes are fighting us on our left.

They attempted to charge on our works but were repulsed with slaughter. They say there was a regt. of Yanks behind to make them fight. Our breastworks caught on fire. We had a hot time putting it out. The Hessians have made five assaults upon our works but were repulsed with great loss. Yankee trick. We had two men wounded today. The fight opened at day break and closed at dark.

Confederate soldier Turner,: May 27, 1863 The enemy are firing on all side of the works from left to right.

The enemy made a charge this morning on Miles Legion, some with scaling ladders in their hands. They were driven back three times with heavy loss. There were also several charges made on the 15th Arkansas and 1st Mississippi, and on the extreme left were two Negro regiments, who charged us. We drove them back and cut them all to pieces. Some of

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our boys went over and searched the Negroes and found in the pocket of the first Negro who was Captain, his commission and eight dollars in green backs. He was mustered in the Service of the U.S. on the 20th of September, 1862, at New Orleans. The Captain’s name was Andrew Coillou, they have never been able to get them to make another charge, (that is the Negroes.) There were in all fifteen charges made on our lines today. The old 39th is the first Regiment that has ever fought against the Negroes in this way; at least it is the 1st Regiment that has been charges by the Negroes. They have been fighting all, they sent in a flag of truce twice this P.M. to bury their dead, but General Gardner did not recognize it as such. The grand rascals are just trying to find out our force or they are up to some trick, so General Gardner thinks.

They sent another flag of truce last this P.M. and it was reported that we have surrendered the place to them. I tell you I never saw troops so much confused in my life. I felt all over in spots.

I have never found out what the flag of truce meant. It has rained very hard during the day and I got as wet as water.

Port Hudson Rebel Rat Holes: Image– Library of Congress

Confederate soldier Ford: June 14, 1863 Today has been one of unusual activity on the part of the enemy. Last night another attempt was made to storm us. Our pickets were driven in at one o’clock a.m. but they found us wide awake, as usual unsuccessful in this attempt. At or about eleven o’clock a.m. they open fire from their siege guns and river fleet with greater rapidity than at any previous time making it too hot a place for any poor mortal to inhabit with any degree of comfort. This is certainly the most terrific cannonading I ever witnessed, and I have certainly seen some of the heaviest of the war by this time, by one o’clock p.m. its fierceness has well nigh ceased

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and the air is fully saturated with burning gunpowder, brimstone and every other combustible material that the scamps could use against us.

To the right of Slaughter’s house at eleven thirty a.m. a heavy column of infantry emerge from the woods and halt in the edge of the opening. Our battalion is ordered to reinforce Colonel Province in front of whose position they are and five or six hundred yards to our left we go at a double quick and are at the desired point in a few Earthworks Ruins: Image-Library of Congress moments, just as we are taking position I see the Yankee officers charging up and down their line evidently speaking words of encouragement to their men and the officers commands in a loud shrill voice, “Forward, double quick, march”. They advance only a few paces, a round of grape and canister is hurled at them and they fall to the ground and crawl back to the shelter of the woods and we see no more of them for the day. Heavy skirmishing on the extreme left all day. Mortar fleet keeps up a protracted shelling through entire day and night. Our causalities twenty or twenty-five today.

We could see the enemy packing off their dead and wounded. Of course don’t know their loss. At four o’clock p.m. General Banks sends a flag of truce with a long commuication demanding a surrender and making some severe threats in case we don’t. That he has us surrounded with batteries of the finest guns in the world and if we don’t, he will open such a fire that will be impossible for us to stand fifteen minutes and etc. General Gardner simply replies, “Tis my duty to hold the place”. General Banks communication filled three sides of foolscap. General Gardner’s reply is the simple sentence above. All expect that immediately after the denial that the Yanks would open upon us afresh but not so, everything comparatively quiet during the night. We go back to our position at seven o’clock p.m.

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Confederate soldier Porter: June 14, 1863 Tremendous cannonading from enemy. Our pieces are still. Enemy sends flag of truce.

Demands us to surrender. General Gardner sends word to Banks, we will try him awhile longer. Also flag of truce on our right for the purpose of taking their dead and wounded.

Enemy made a public attempt at a charge last night in which they seem to have lost considerably. We are now learning to live economically but to hold this place would live on com for two weeks.

Confederate soldier Blackwood: June 15, 1863 Slept on our arms last night. Keeping up a third of the company for guard or rather watch the enemy shelled us pretty heavily all night. About dawn of day the enemy made a vigorous assault on our left and up to this time have made four attempts to charge, being repulsed each time. The artillery has been pinning shot and shell into our entire line all the morning, but up to this time, (eight o’clock a.m.) there has been no demonstration in front of the old 12th Arkansas.The enemy promised on yesterday to take dinner with us today at two o’clock p.m.

The enemy’s loss is very heavy, we suffered him to come within twenty yards of our line before firing and our guns being loaded with buckshot, the men perfectly cool, the effect of our fire was to the enemy horrible in the extreme, but they pressed our breastworks closely.

Some of them actually falling in the ditch, and every few succeeded in gaining a footing on the parapet. We captured one hundred. The enemy had hand grenades whlch they threw over the breastworks , only a few burst, and we returned the compliment by throwing them back. Later in the evening a brigade of negroes, backed by a brigade of whites, made a charge on the extreme left, but were repulsed with great slaughter.

Our heavy guns on the river being in position to rake their lines. Sharpshooting and cannonading continued till after nightfall. Our loss is twenty men killed and wounded, the enemy’s supposed to be between two and three thousand.

Walter Turner, Co. I, 39th Mississippi: July 5, 1863 I was very much surprised to get up this morning and find everything so quiet. I was detailed with three men to go out on picket last night to the same post I had the other night.

I could not discover anything but the noise, talk and laughter of some of the 1st Colored ©2024 Sauk County Historical Society

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Regiment of Louisiana Native Guards. All was very quiet last night no firing on either side.

They fired thirty-five times. “Whistling Dick” has paid us his respects again this morning.

There is little skirmishing this morning around the lines. Lieutenant Gardiner of Company G and a private from our company went over to where the Yankee pickets were to learn the news and also to get a newspaper. They got neither news nor paper. They say it is rumored that they have taken Vicksburg.

Sickness prevailing very rapidly among our troops, there are four or five daily in our regiment, and they say it is the case with all the regiments inside the works. It rained very hard this P.M. I got quite wet. I have been up every night for ten days. Am on for tonight.

July 6, 1863 It is quite a pleasant day. I am just off picket. The Yankee picket fired three or four volleys at some of our men in trying to cross their line carrying dispatches from General Gardner to General J.E. Johnson. Some of our men went over to see the Yanks yesterday and got some newspapers. Norwich Bulletin, the one this news came from was that Lee was in Pennsylvania marching around the country and the regiment was marching in the rear trying to get into the front. Bully! Bully! Another paper says that Taylor tried to take Donaldsonville but was defeated, loss not known. I spent the morning with Dr. Moore, had a very pleasant time indeed. Had a very good dinner, much better than I am in the habit of getting. I had beef for dinner, corn bread, hominy, and coffee. My dinners for the last week have been nothing but corn bread. We had cheering news from our cavalry up north and some of the papers say our cavalry had made several raids in Arkansas and Tennessee destroying every thing that came before them such as provisions and property. They had made a raid through Elizabethton Tennessee destroying a great deal of goverment property.

Pvt. Nathaniel Van Woert, Boone’s LA Battery: July 7, 1863 Rained last night. At 7 A.M. the Yanks set up a hurrah and shouted to us that Vicksburg had surrendered. At noon they fired general salute from all their siege guns and their fleet.

At sunset they indulged in another great shout of joy and jubilation. They told us that Grant had repulsed Lee somewhere in Pennsylvania. We had never heard that General R. E. Lee was in Pennsylvania and were not disposed to believe it. They must have heard something interesting and exciting judging from the noise they are making for they keep it up.

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Lt. Green Wesley Bunn Co. F, 1st Mississippi Infantry, July 7, 1863 We are still at the breastworks. Heavy cannonading and sharp shooting this morning and heavy charge is anticipated. The enemy is advancing their line of works rapidly and have four 24-pounder guns in about one hundred yards of our breast works and it is supposed by our co=anders that they are tunneling under the parapet in order to blow us up. It does look like impossibility for us to hold this place many days longer. We have some discouraging news in regard to the fall of Vicksburg, though none of us believe the report. If it is so we will eventually have to surrender or starve, and that very soon. Some of the soldiers make breakfast on mule meat this morning. Others say they cannot eat it. If they starve still say they are willing to live on peas. We have abundance of them and have principally lived on them for three weeks and are still willing to eat them rather than surrender. We have heard of reinforcements until we have despaired or nearly so. Yet we are going to remain as long as possible.

Pvt. Nathaniel Van Woert, Boone’s LA Battery: July 9, 1863 We hear this morning that General Robert E. Lee is certainly in Pennsylvania with his army and is marching on Harrisburg, the capital of that state. A truce and suspension of hostilities here was concluded this A.M. and Port Hudson has been surrendered. The elements seem to resent it. Excessively hot, rain and heavy thunder. We learn that Vicksburg was surrendered

by Major General Pemberton to General U. S. Grant on the fourth, and that there is no further need for continuing the fight at Port Hudson. The psychologic moment has passed. The great Mississippi River is now open to the enemy and their warships and gunboats and transports may navigate it, up and down at their own sweet will. The Trans-Mississippi Department is severed.

Walter Turner, Co. I, 39th Mississippi: July 9, 1863 All is quiet today. No firing from either side. Flags of truce were going in and out all night, and this A.M. A great many of our boys have been over to see the Yankees. They say a party of their leading men were to meet a party of our leaders in consultation this morning at 7 o’clock. We have since heard that Port Hudson would be surrendered to the Federals and that they would march over and take possession of the place at 12 o’clock today. Oh, how awful to think that I am or soon will be a prisoner and at the mercy of the Federals and away from home. God, the Chief Ruler and Preserver of all things, wilt Thou have mercy upon us ©2024 Sauk County Historical Society

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and those whom we have left behind, all that are near and dear to us and permit us to meet once more on earth?God spare me to see my dear mother for Christ’s sake - is my prayer.

Before we surrendered this A.M. General Gardner sent an orderly to General Banks asking him upon his word of honor as a gentleman -”Was Vicksburg surrendered to them on the 4th of July at 10 o’clock AM.?” And he said, “Yes, on his word of honor Vicksburg was surrendered to them on the 4th of July at 10 o’clock A.M.” And on hearing that General Gardner surrendered this place, for it would be foolish to try to hold it after Vicksburg was

Print Caption: Marching out of the Garrison, and surrender of their arms, colors, armament, munitions, public funds, and material of war to the victorious army of the Union, under Major Gen N.P. Banks, Prisoners taken 5000, also 7000 stand of arms, 50 pieces of artillery, siege of guns etc. etc. Published Currier & Ives, November 3, 1863: Source: Library of Congress

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given up. We have all left the works and are now in our tents or rather such tents we could provide. It commenced raining late this P.M. and continued to rain until late in the night. No more firing in Port Hudson.

Pvt. Nathaniel Van Woert, Boone’s LA Battery: July 9, 1863 The ceremony of laying our arms, etc. was gone through with and the “boys in blue” marched in and took possession. The first thing they did was to issue rations to their half famished prisoners of war. The steam frigate Hartford, which has been held above Port Hudson since the night of March 14th• passed down the river in front of our now silent batteries. Eight transports arrived at the landing and loading up to the guards with infantry departed at dusk for Donaldsonville, La.

Walter Turner, Co. I, 39th Mississippi: July 9, 1863 A day never to be forgotten by the men of Port Hudson. I never had such a feeling in my life. I would give the world almost if I could just be at home with my dear mother and family.

We were ordered to form a line of battle and march down by 6 A.M. We are in town now.

Have been marching backwards and forwards five or six hours. We have just given three cheers to General Beall and he gave us a little talk truly gratifying. It made me sadder. Colonel Shelby also gave us a talk, but very short for his eyes filled up and his mouth quivered so that he could not say much. Beall says that we are the bravest of the troops and have done our duty faithfully. He says we are not whipped - that we surrendered to overwhehning numbers of the enemy. It was because we were short of annnunition - forced to surrender on that account and that only.

The enemy have been splurging around Port Hudson since the surrender, as big as life picking up everything that they could find. They have treated us very cleverly indeed as a general thing.

They don’t seem to be very cheerful. Not as much as they could have if they could have come in by an assault. I am very low in spirits for fear of not being paroled. It is reported that we will not be paroled for some time, and I feel awful on my dear mother’s account.

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Letter from Preston Pond to General Franklin, August 30, 1863, near Clinton, Louisiana What did the residents of Port Hudson think about the Union Army and the battle that they witnessed for some six weeks? This letter from Preston Pond to Union General Franklin provides citizen insight.

Maj. Gen. Franklin: Sir: Rumors are in circulation that the Federal officers at Port Hudson have declared their purpose to make a general devastating raid through this part of the country. I do not know whether such rumors are well founded, but think it quite likely that they are, and that the purpose, if it exists at all in the minds of the Federal officers at Port Hudson, has been provoked by the actions of some parties, some of whom are regular Confederate troops, while others are of irregular function; both of which however, are pursuing a very irregular system of warfare . I wish to say to you that this system of warfare is not approved here, but that we are powerless to prevent it. These guerillas, or whatever you may term them, are regarded universally with as much disapprobation by us as by you, and our people suffer much by their lawlessness. But we have neither the means of prevention nor redress, and remonstrance is of no avail. There is no Confederate officer of any considerable grade here, or near here, to control and direct the action of these men. I assure you that the universal sense of the people here is bitterly opposed to this system of irregular warfare. It is not only irregular as a system of warfare, but, as most necessarily the case, degenerates into a system of indiscriminate plunder, of which our people are victims to an extent which would surprise you.

But what can we do with a sparse population, without arms, quietly pursuing the occupations of a peaceful life? We can only deprecate what we cannot prevent.

No doubt the Federal officers, exasperated by the harassing of these irregular squads, entertain the conviction that they are upheld and sustained by the popular feeling and favor.

I assure you that such is not the fact; directly the reverse is true.

While we are willing to see the war carried forward by legitimate means, and in the accordance of the rules of civilized and decent warfare, and to bear the consequences which such a state of hostilities may carry along with it, we do not see the propriety of that system of action which he have occasion to deplore as much as yourself. It would be a 26

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harsh measure, general, not to say a cruel one, to visit an unoffending and helpless people with widespread and cruel devastation. While it would not remedy the evil, it would be, in fact, as it would appear to the world, an act of frenzied retribution upon the innocent, who deprecate the acts of the guilty as much as you can. Such an act would be injudicious· for your interest as it would be unjust to us, upon whom this plan of desolating vengeance would fall.

Not one of these guerillas would be reached or affected by any devastation which you could inflict, nor would they care if you should lay the entire country in ashes. This must be evident, since men who had any interest at stake would not wantonly invite destruction as these men do. The people here take no part in these raids, and are bitterly opposed to the whole thing.

If the Federal officers have seriously entertained such a purpose, let me entreat you that it be reconsidered, and that a quiet and peaceable population shall not be made to suffer useles injury for what they cannot prevent.

I should like to have a personal interview with you, if I could be permitted to enter and depart from your lines without taking the oath of allegiance to your Government. There is much I could say to you which I do not wish to write.

I have been in the Confederate army, as you probaly know, but am now disconnected with it, and expect to remain so. At all events, if I ever fight you, it will be in a fair, open, and manly battle, unless a savage system of devastation should drive me to a desperation which I hope never to reach.

I have the honor to be, very repectfully, yours, Preston Pond, Jr.

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Response to Preston Pond by General Banks, commander of Union forces September 7, 1863 New Orleans, La. Mr. Preston Pond, Jr., in the name of the people of Clinton, protests against the irregular warfare pursued by men he calls guerillas. He does not seem to be opposed to the war for the overthrow of the Government, at least his letter does not show that. Now, it is not material to the United States whether the war against its authority is pursued by regular or irregular courses or parties. Whoever they are or in whatever form they appear, they must be overthrown, and the country that supports them put in resistence to them, or else disabled from providing them with supplies. It is very natural, when the commanding officer at Port Hudson finds that his position is threatened, and his men captured by men pursuing irregular courses of war, as is stated, that he should determine to make an invasion of the country where they are,. and from which they get supplies.

The remedy is for the people of this section to reestablish the government and to take arms for the defense of their own homes and their own property. Whenever they do that, the Government of the United States will not only assist them, but will give them the power, which Mr. Pond now thinks they do not possess, of accomplishing this result.

Until the inhabitants of the rebel districts assume this position, they must expect that the Federal troops will not only not protect, but they may look for the destruction of their property by them. It is impossible that we can allow officers and soldiers to be murdered by the men haunting these districts under the plea that the people of the country disapprove of the manner in which they wage war is not known at these headquarters wherther such a movement is in contemplation or not. It is not probable, however; but if there should be cause for it, I do not see that the commanding general can forbid its execution.

N.P. Banks, Maj. Gen., Commanding.

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Inquiry Learning begins with asking questions. You have read several diary entries from both Union and Confederate soldiers. As you were reading, what questions came to mind? Consider the questions below abut the soldier’s experience. To gain a deeper understanding, revisit the Benjamin Douglass video and reread diary entires of particular interest. Compare and contrast what you learn from these primary source documents.

Use the following questions to deepen your understanding of the siege and the soldier’s experience, and to deepen your understanding of the the soldiers of both the Union and the Confederacy’s dedication to the consequences of the siege and surrender of Port Hudson.

• What did you find most interesting about about the siege, the soldiers’ viewpoints, and the surrender?

• What is your main takeaway after reading these diary entries?

• Did you encounter any long-held prejudices? What were they and how did they impact soldiers’ viewpoints?

• The Confederate soldiers speak to the lack of food and munitions during the last two weeks of the siege? Why did they continue to engage in battle given these very difficult conditions?

• What message does the Currier & Ives print of the surrender of Port Hudson shown on page 23 convey to civilians just learning about the Siege of Port Hudson?

• What common themes are found throughout all of the diary entries and letters?

• What five main points made in Preston Ponds letter to General Franklin. What counterpoints did General Banks make?

• Why do you think General Banks allowed the Confederate soldiers to be paroled instead of being sent to prison?

• How do these primary source readings help to deepen your knowledge of the dynamics of the Civil War?

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Essay Suggestions 1. History is easily written from the side of the victor. However, it’s only one side. Victory and defeat are highly complex events. What do you learn from the diary entries written by Confederate soldiers? How did their entries deepen your understanding of the dynamics of the Siege of Port Hudson? How did they help you to gain a deeper understanding of the Union and Confederate points of view? Provide examples in your essay.

2. General Banks, in his reponse to the letter written by Preston Pond to General Frankin, states, “Mr. Preston Pond, Jr., in the name of the people of Clinton, protests against the irregular warfare pursued by men he calls guerillas. He does not seem to be opposed to the war for the overthrow of the Government, at least his letter does not show that.

What diverse perspectives does General Banks describe? What assumption(s) is he making? How can both General Banks and Mr. Pond gain a better understanding and perhaps reconcile long-held beliefs?

3. Confederate soldier Walter Turner notes, “Lieutenant Gardiner of Company G and a private from our company went over to where the Yankee pickets were to learn the news and also to get a newspaper. They got neither news nor paper. They say it is rumored that they have taken Vicksburg.” (page 19) What conclusions do you make?

Project-based Learning Work with a team of 3 to 5 classmates to research a topic of your choice. Determine how the topic will be studied and presented. Who will manage the research? Who will design the presentation? Who will manage the research timeline and plan the presentation? Who will write the script for a media presentation or develop a paper to present? How will the presentation be evaluated?

Begin by listing 5 ideas for research. As a team, determine which topic would be the most interesting to research and present. Then determine a timeline for your research and presentation. Be sure to meet as a team at particular times to share your progress and determine how best to present what you’ve discovered through your research.

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Resources Library of Congress Civil War Collection https://www.loc.gov/search/?in=&q=civil+war+collection&new=true Port Hudson State Historic Site https://www.lastateparks.com/historic-sites/port-hudson-state-historic-site The Sauk County Historical Society Civil War Collection https://saukcountyhistory.org/voices-of-the-civil-war Wisconsin Historical Society https://www.wisconsinhistory.org/ Wisconsin Veterans Museum https://wisvetsmuseum.com/

Questions?

For information about the Voices of the Civil War series, please email education@saukcountyhistory.org.

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Port Hudson Rebel Rat Holes: Image-Library of Congress

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Port Hudson Rebel Rat Holes: Image-Library of Congress

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Video Critical Thinking Questions 1. Philip Cheek writes of a sense of good-will between the Union and Confederate soldiers at the time of surrender. Given all of the property destruction and war death that occurred over the almost 5 years of fighting between the Union and Confederate armies, why do you think this occurred? Is it what you would have anticipated happening? Why or why not?

2. There is a long-time myth that General Lee surrendered his sword to General Grant, who refused to accept it. What would be the significance of Lee surrendering his sword to Grant? How do you think the story began? Why do you think such misinformation remained as part of the Appomattox surrender story for decades until dispelled by historians?

3. The surrender of Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia was the beginning of the end for the Confederacy. Yet, it was not the end of the story of the Civil War. The impact of the war would be enduring. Given the Emancipation Proclamation and the destruction caused by war, what changes did Confederate soldiers returning home confront?

What might have been their reaction to the social, economic, and political changes that befell the former Confederacy?

4. Look closely at the two Harper Weekly drawings of Richmond as the Union Army marches into the city. What do you notice about the crowd? What story does this tell?

What information is the artist attempting to convey? (Markers 4:59 to 5:15 in the video.)

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Student Notes

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