port hudson

port hudson                                                                        

        Before the battle of Port Hudson occured the Confederacy wanted to rule over the Mississippi River and so did the Federal. The Confederacy was the link commerce to Europe. When the Federalist found out about the Confderacys idea they came up with a plan to gain control of the Mississippi.The Federal gained control of the Mississippi on April 28,1862. The Union gained control of Memphis on JUne 6,1862. It was important that the conferacy came up with a plan and fast but their plan failed and they set off toward Port Hudson where they set about conducting a fortress. The Confederate built along a peremiter of 41/2 miles surrounding Port Hudson. March 14,1863 Union attempted a fleet seven ships by Port Hudson. If successfull they could block confederate traffic sullies Port HUdson from the west side of the Red River. This the three hour battle caused alot of disturbance. The battle disrupted the mouth of the Red River and blocked the flow of supplies into Port Hudson. May 22 Union Banks had surrondered the Port Hudson with almost 40,000 troops.On May 27 with a heavy loss of the Union. On June 14 amassive attack along the Confederate lines the Unions loss in the two assaults was reported to have 496 killed.2945 wounded and 358 missing.This ended Banks plans for taking Port HUdson by frontal attack. The seige period was misserable for the Confererate soldiers they had no source of food supply and other essentials that they were used to.As the siege occured they would use the animals that surrounded them for food. The Union troops also suffered over-whelming heat and others were disabled. Morale was low and many men were listed for only nine months but wre held over to continue in the battle..