General John C. Pemberton Trivia Quiz

Answer: Pennsylvania

John C. Pemberton was born on August 10th, 1814, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Answer: Winfield Scott

Winfield Scott ordered the division of William J. Worth to assault a group of stone buildings outside of Mexico City that were being used by Mexican troops as a mill and foundry. Worth's division (including one John C. Pemberton), supported by a powerful artillery bombardment, eventually drove the Mexicans out from the position. Mexican forces lost over 3,000 men whereas American losses only totalled 729 men killed and wounded.

Answer: Love for his Southern-born wife

Pemberton resigned from the United States Army on April 24, 1861. There is no evidence that Pemberton entertained strong Southern, pro-states' rights sentiments, and the main reason for his defection to the Confederacy was simply out of love of his Virginia-born wife, Martha (Pattie) Thompson. For him, it was a choice between fighting for the North or fighting for Pattie, and he chose his wife.

Answer: Charleston, South Carolina

As commander of the Department of South Carolina and Georgia from March 1862 to August 1862, Pemberton demonstrated a flair for administrative duties, and he successfully defended Charleston from a series of minor Union assaults. In constant need of resources and manpower, Pemberton gradually alienated the Governor of South Carolina, Francis Pickens, who asked Confederate President Jefferson Davis to remove him in mid 1862.

Answer: Earl Van Dorn

Pemberton's excellent administrative abilities soon sorted out Van Dorn's mess and disorganisation. Editors of the Jackson "Daily Mississippian" newspaper commented that "already, on every hand, the beneficial efforts of his administration of the affairs of this military district are visible" and that "no officer ever devoted himself with greater assiduity to his duties. Late and early he is at his office, labouring incessantly."

Answer: Earl Van Dorn

Although Van Dorn had failed as a Department commander, he was still an excellent cavalry commander, and his destruction of Grant's supply base at Holly Springs ruined the Union army's advance.

Answer: 1,776

The Confederate victory at Chickasaw Bluffs forced Sherman to retreat back up the river. Vicksburg was safe for the moment.

Answer: Yes

Pemberton became paralysed by indecision and could not work out Grant's true intentions. As a result, the Confederate general even failed to implement simple defensive measures such as placing obstructions in the Mississippi River and harrassing the Union navy from the riverbanks.

Answer: To move his army down the west side of the Mississippi below Vicksburg and then transport it across the river to attack from the south

Pemberton was so puzzled by Grant's movements that he initially thought that the Union commander was retreating to Memphis, Tennessee. He even detached some of the Vicksburg garrison to reinforce Braxton Bragg's army before realising the true nature of the situation.

Answer: Benjamin H. Grierson

Grierson's raid was particularly troublesome for Pemberton due to the Confederate general's lack of ability to combat it. The rebel cavalry was widely dispersed throughout the state and unable to counter Grierson. In addition, the Confederate intelligence was poor and could not keep track of the Union cavalry's location at any one time.

Answer: Champion Hill

Pemberton's 20,000 troops were surprised by Grant's 29,000 troops at Champion Hill and defeated. Of Pemberton's three divisional commanders, only John S. Bowen performed well. William W. Loring failed to cooperate with Pemberton's orders and Carter Stevenson was ineffectual. Pemberton lost about 3,600 men and Grant lost about 2,400.

The result at Champion Hill sealed the fate of Vicksburg, and Pemberton's army could still be saved.

Answer: Jefferson Davis

President Davis had ordered Pemberton to hold Vicksburg and promised relief if the army was besieged. Pemberton was reluctant to give up Vicksburg and risk the condemnation of the President and the South.

Answer: 6 weeks

The Union shelling drove the citizens of Vicksburg into nearby caves for protection. Food became scarce and the Confederate soldiers resorted to eating horses, mules, dogs, and rats. Scurvy, malaria, dysentery and diarrhea decimated the garrison.

Answer: He thought he would get more favourable terms from Grant

There were enough supplies left in Vicksburg to sustain the garrison for another week. Pemberton's strategy to surrender on this date in order to get better terms seemed to work, as Grant's conditions were very generous. However, the 4th of July holiday was not celebrated by the majority of citizens of Vicksburg until World War Two.

Answer: As a lieutenant colonel of artillery in Virginia

Pemberton's humble act to accept a demotion in order to continue fighting for the South is a testimony to his loyalty and honour. He survived the war and died in 1881. Thanks for playing!