Downcast from defeats at Champion Hill and the Big Black River Bridge, the demoralized remnants of Pemberton’s army made its way into the defenses of Vicksburg on May 18.
Hot on their heels and eager to end the campaign quickly, the men of General Sherman’s corps pressed the Confederates relentlessly.
Having defeating the Confederates every where they encountered them since they crossed the Mississippi, Grant believed a quick, sledgehammer blow would shatter the Confederate line and give him Vicksburg.
The target of that heavy blow was the Stockade Redan complex, a trio of large forts that blocked the Graveyard Road entrance to the city.
At 2:00 p.m. on May 19, Sherman launched his assault on the huge earthwork that commanded the road. Struggling through the deep ravines on either side of the road, the blue-clad troops contended with manmade obstacles as well as the steep inclines.
Pinned down, the Federals sought shelter wherever they could find it and remained until night provided cover for their retreat. The assault cost Sherman close to 1000 casualties.
Three days later on May 22, Stockade Redan was again attacked as part of a general assault on all major Confederate positions along a three mile front. This time, Sherman sent his men straight down the old Graveyard Road.
When the Union artillery ceased the bombardment that morning, the attackers were led by 150 volunteers who carried planks to bridge the ditch in front of the redan and ladders to scale the walls.
The Confederate defenders held their fire until the Federals had almost reached the redan. Then they rose from behind the walls and delivered a devastating volley of musket fire that nearly filled the road with dead and wounded.
Other unsupported assaults by parts of Sherman's corps were unsuccessful, and again, Sherman’s troops were forced to retreat after suffering terrible losses.
