Hey everyone, thanks for tuning in to episode number 296 of our Civil War Podcast.

I'm Rich.

And I'm Tracy.

Hello y'all.

Welcome to the podcast.

When Ulysses says grants most trusted subordinate, William T. Camsa Sherman, learned that John Pemberton

had agreed to surrender Vicksburg, Sherman declared, Glory Hallelujah, the best 4th of July

since 1776.

The citizens of Vicksburg surely felt differently about the matter, as they had to set about rebuilding

their personal lives, repair their homes, and patch up a town scarred by federal shells

and bullets.

Meanwhile, both Grant and Sherman were eager to press the federal's advantage by immediately

turning their attention to the other Confederate force nearby, the so-called Army of Relief

that was led by Josephine Johnston.

As we mentioned previously, Johnston had been under pressure for weeks to do something,

anything, to help Pemberton, and he had finally left his encampment at Canton, north of Jackson,

and started to move the Army of Relief toward Vicksburg.

But even though he was finally moving, Johnston did so only slowly and cautiously as he approached

the Big Black River and the federal's exterior line.

With Pemberton ready to surrender Vicksburg, Grant directed Sherman to get ready to take

the Union troops who had been meaning the exterior line and move out and attack Johnston.

When replied, Telegraph me the moment you have Vicksburg in possession, and I will secure

...