Second Union attempt to take Vicksburg by infantry assault ends in bloody failure with 500 dead

After the failure of the hastily mounted initial attack two days before, Union General U.S. Grant mounted a more carefully planned all-out infantry assault. Twelve hours of heavy artillery and naval bombardment preceded the attack which began in the morning.  Furious fighting on three sides of the town went on into the afternoon and ended with the repulse of the attackers who lost more than 500 men killed and 2,500 wounded.  Grant then decided to reduce the bastion by siege.  Vickburg surrendered on July 4, 1863. (By John Osborne)