In Louisiana, Union forces advance to surround the Mississippi River fortress at Port Hudson

Union troops under General Nathaniel Banks on the landward side of the Confederate fortications on the Mississippi River at Port Hudson advanced from the east and north in a pincer movement.  Fighting several skirmishes along the way Banks' forces surrounded the strongpoint.  After initial attempts to take it by storm ended in failure, Port Hudson was besieged for the next seven weeks and finally surrendered on July 9, 1863.  (By John Osborne)