Union troops occupy Natchez, Mississippi, further ensuring the opening of the Mississippi River

After the surrender of the Confederate bastion at Vicksburg, the opening of the Mississippi swiftly continued with the occupation of Natchez, Mississippi, about fifty miles further south on the river.  A Union brigade under Brigadier-General Thomas E.G. Ransom landed in the afternoon and received a surprisingly hospitable reception from the wealthy planters in the area. Notably, little destruction of property took place. (By John Osborne)