Prelude to Vicksburg: Chickasaw Bayou, December 26-29, 1862

The Battle of Chickasaw Bayou was a grand missed opportunity for the Union Army in its desire to crush the Rebellion. If Union General Sherman had proceeded with haste, the Federals could have captured Vicksburg and delivered a master stroke against the Rebels seven months before Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, 1863. Historically, the Union took four days to launch their "Grand Assault", giving the Confederate defenders in their trenches ample time to receive much-needed reinforcements. Can you