Sunday, June 28, 2009

Vicksburg




July 1st, 2nd, & 3rd mark the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg fought in 1863 during America's Civil War. Often referred to as the "High Water Mark" for the confederacy because it was here that the tide was finally turns and CSA General Robert E. Lee began his retreat to the South towards Richmond and never again recovered for a major offensive. Another event occurred on July 4th 1863 that also delivered a great blow to the Confederacy. That being the fall of Vicksburg in Mississippi.


Vicksburg Mississippi was essentially the gateway to the Mississippi River being a major port for incoming supplies for the the south. If the Mississippi River could be controlled by the North that supply line for Lees Army would dry up and the Confederate Army would be in dire straits quickly.



A little known General named Ulysses S. Grant had been on a campaign since October of 1862 to encircle the town of Vicksburg and capture it. Several of these attempts resulted in failures and great loss of life for the Union Army as there were several forts and batteries along the river both above and below the town kept the river in Confederate hands and the terrain around the city was difficult. None the less Grant persisted. After several failed direct assaults Grant ordered his army to take up siege operations against the city. This entailed cutting off all lines of supplies and communication to the city as well as a constant artillery bombardment which drove many of the citizens into caves dug into the hillside surrounding the city. All this ended on July 4, 1863 when confederate Lt. General John C. Pemberton surrendered to Grant. Of course this was not relayed to General Lee for several days and it is said that when he found out of this loss he was sure the Confederacy was doomed.

Of even greater importance with this series of events is the victory of Vicksburg brought Grant to the attention of President Lincoln and soon after Grant was appointed to the rank of Lt. General and made the Commander of all Union forces charged with ending the war. It was through this appointment that Grant gave his blessings to General William Tecumseh Sherman to further divide the South with his famed "March to the Sea" taking Atlanta Georgia and soon after Savannah further destroying and depleting the supplies for Lees army that was taking up position around Richmond and Petersburg.
From the Victories at Gettysburg and Vicksburg, new life was breathed into the Union cause and though the war lasted another 18 months after Gettysburg, Lee never again had the momentum to make an offensive action against the Union. Shortly after Lee's surrender to Grant at Appromadox, General Joe Johnson surrendered to General Sherman in the South and essentially the war was over.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Reminder---2 Big Events This Week


First there is the Friends of the NRA banquet
being held at the Delmar VFW on Saturday June 6th. Proceeds from this event benefit the NRA Foundation which in turn supports programs such youth shooting sports, firearm safety, hunter education, women's shooting sports and wildlife conservation. Easily ½ of the monies raised stays with in the State to support these programs while the rest of the proceeds are used to help protect and defend 2nd amendment rights for citizens. Most every State has Friends of the NRA chapters raising millions of dollars each year. Click on the title of this post for more information about Friends of NRA.
Doors open at 5:30 for preview of auction items and social time attendees. Ticket prices vary according to the package you buy and range from $55.00 to $310.00. All information on packages and ticket request can be obtained by calling:
Mr. Ray Wheatly @: 443.497.6562
or by mail @:
Mr. Ray Wheatly
8840 Athol Road
Mardela Springs, MD
21837
For a great meal and for a great cause please call Ray today and get your tickets for this worthwhile event.
See You There.


If you can't make the Friends of NRA banquet please plan on attending the Casino Night at the Eagles Lodge #4503 on Alexander Ave, in Salisbury also on the evening of June 6th. This event is co-hosted by the Friends of Tracy Gibb. Proceeds from this event are used to help offset the cost of medical treatment for Tracy Gibb III. Tracy is receiving treatment for monophastic synovial spindle-cell sarcoma. Tracy's story can be found at:
Doors open at 6:00 pm and the post at the right will fill you in the details for the casino night benefit. Advance tickets are only $10.00 and $13.00 at the door. Ticket price includes buffet and table access for poker, blackjack, money wheels and more. Contact numbers are listed at the bottom of the poster shown at the right. Thanks in advance for attending.

Monday, June 1, 2009

"Friends of Tracy Gibb" Benefit.



On June 6th "Friends of Tracy Gibb" will hold a Casino Night event at the Eagles Club on Alexander Ave. in Salisbury. This is the site of the former "East side Men's Club" and "Little Jimmy's" and is located just off Rt. 13 North near Pep Boys automotive store.

The flyer posted here gives you all the information on times and events. Previous posts on this site have been dedicated to Tracy's story and as before you can be taken to the "Friends of Tracy Gibb" site by clicking on the title of this post.

Tracy has served his county and community very faithfully and now finds himself in need of community help for his family. If you like Casino Night events this would certainly be one to attend as the proceeds will go to this wonderful cause.

Thank you in advance for you participation.