A small portion of the Union Western River Flotilla lies at rest before Haines Bluff. The capture of this strategic location by W.T. Sherman in May has given U.S. Grant an unfettered supply line as he invests Vicksburg Ms. Capture of Vicksburg will give the Union control of the Missippi River. This splits the South East from West. On July 4, 1863 Vicksburg will surrender. The capture of Vicksburg along with the Battle of Gettysburg will give Lincoln the upcoming election. This election will also give Lincoln freedom to pursue that goal which he considers most important of all. The unification of the United States. The closest ship is the USS Choctaw another converted steam boat. The armor on this ship was backed with 1" thick rubber. (It rotted rather quickly). These ships were designed to operate in the shallow waters found in many parts of the river. They were generally armed with heavier guns than the army which made them a nasty and formidible foe. Their backing made the difference in several land battles. Things you probably didn't know (or even thought of) Most citizens of Vicksburg didn't celebrate the Fourth of July until World War II because of the surrender on July 4, 1863:)