What was the disadvantage of fighing in the are of the battle of vicksburg?

Answer 1

My great-grandfather fought there and I have made a couple journeys to see the Nat'l Military Park located there. Once one is there it is obvious to see that the land is is broken up by rivers and sloughs as well as deep canyons that have been cut into the landscape. In addition, the Confederates were fighting on the defensive and therefore in a landscape such as this it was tough for the Union forces to make progress, although their Superior numbers and the lack of reinforcements for the Confederates helped. Finally, the protracted battle and siege was fought during the summer months and therefore weather was also an issue. It is unbelievably hot and humid in Mississippi in June and July and the wool uniforms the soldiers wore must have been miserably hot and also vermin/bug infested. Finally, the water wasn't good to drink and the supply lines were too long and not always reliable.