| The "Essex" of Farragut's Command (history.navy.mil) |
JUNE 23, 1862.
General WILLIAM PRESTON,
Abbeville:
General Van Dorn has ordered that your troops proceed with least possible delay to Vicksburg. Copy of last telegram will be furnished. Transportation by rail has been sent you to-night for at least two brigades. Rations have been ordered for ten days. Your mule teams will be disposed of by orders to-morrow morning. Prompt action in necessary.
DANIEL RUGGLES,
Brigadier-General, C. S. Army.
Series I., Vol. 17, Part 2, Page 622.
After Farragut captured New Orleans his gunboats sailed unopposed to Vicksburg. Initially only a brigade manned the works of the city. Yet, Confederate authorities refused demands of surrender and gradually reinforced the town. A bombardment started in late May and continued until July 26th without dislodging the Confederate troops. After that Farragut returned to New Orleans. The defense of Vicksburg in this period is little noted historically, but it stands in stark contrast to the string of disasters previously experienced by the rebels in the west, when investments had up to this time resulted in the surrender of various garrisons.
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