Page:War and its Heroes.djvu/75

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Tin-: WAR AN!) ITS hero 77 General Pemberton first attracted public attention by his gallant defence of the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi, lhc particulars ofwblch will foi the most interesting chapters in the bistory of tbia second war for independence. On the 18th* of May, l v i>-'>, Vicksbwg, in oonsequenoe of I diaaater at Big Black Bridge. ly invested by the Yankee forces ander Grant, the right of his army resting on the river above the city. As a la ral Pent- berton, with a weakened but glorious little army, retired behind his works. To appease the clamor that had been raised against him, and to repel the ch ai that he designed selling Vickaburg, he exhorted his soldiers to follow him, and at what price he would sell it, for it would not be less than his own life and that of every man in his command. The sii ge WM continued until the 4th of July, when, after a heroic defence, the place was unconditionally Bun Pembertun, in the letter which proffered surrender, stated hia reasotta for doing so, as follows : •• 1 make this proposition to save the further effusion of blood whi :h must

wi*e be she 1 to a frightful extent, feeling myself fully able to maintain my

ai for an indefinite period." The terms of the capitulation were thus announ< "The entire force of the Confederate troops, were to surrender, :<- ;■ the United irmy, under General tir.mt my, t.. be immediately parol* d and - ii their arm-; all mounted officers to have the privtl rty to be reep< ct< 1, and all ] 01 i D any manner with I I the ]•?:• leaving the Federal lines on parole. All ammunitioi artillery and - in our ]■ -