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b"In the next two episodes Scott and James will discuss the Siege of Vicksburg. In the summer of 1863, Grant\\u2019s Army of the Tennessee came to Vicksburg, located on a high bluff converged on Vicksburg, a Mississippi town on the same river.\\xa0Union occupation of the town was critical to control of the strategic river. If it fell then the Confederacy would completely lose access to critical supply lines in Texas and Mexico.

Grant's six-week campaign began in June. His army came to Vicksburg, which was defended by\\xa0Confederate General John C. Pemberton's men, who built a series of trenches, forts, redans, and artillery lunettes surrounding the city.\\xa0 Grant's army surrounded Pemberton and outnumbered him two to one.\\xa0Trapped for six weeks, the residents of Vicksburg were forced to dig caves and eat rats to survive. But, due to Pemberton's diligence and resourceful mind, they continued to trust his command despite dire circumstances."