US Civil War Siege of Port Hudson 1863 From 21 May to 9 July 1863 a crucial siege developed at the Confederate stronghold of Port Hudson on the Mississippi River.  On May 27 after the repulse of their frontal assault the Union troops settled down into a siege which lasted 48 days. The principle commanders were Major General Nathaniel P Banks fro the Union and Major General Franklin Gardner for the Confederacy.  Casualties were estimated at 12,208 in total (5,000 to the US and 7,208 to the CS). After hearing of the fall of Vicksburg the Confederate garrison finally surrendered its strategic prize: opening up the Mississippi River to the Union fleet. Report of Captain C M Jackson, Acting Assistant Inspector-General CS Army of the surrender of Port Hudson. Port Hudson Surrendered yesterday at 6am.  Our provisions were exhausted, and it was impossible for us to cut our way out, on account of the enemy's works.   Our casualties during the siege are 200 killed and between 300 and 400 wounded.  About 200 men have died from sickness.  At the time of surrender, there were only 2,500 men for duty.  I came out through the enemy's lines about an hour after the surrender, and tried to ascertain the strength of General Bank's army, but did not succeed; but from my own observation, I am led to believe his force to be 25,000 or 30,000 men.    -   C M Jackson, Acting Asst. Insp. Gen. to Maj. Gen. Frank. Gardner. Name Rank Company Unit Status   Edward Dowling Private B 1st Ind. H Artillery Regiment Mustered out in 13 January 1866 US Edward J Dowling Private C 30th Louisiana Infantry Deserter CS Henry Dowling Private D 14th Me. Infantry Regiment   US James Dowling Private B 12th Louisiana Artillery Paroled CS James Dowling Private C 26th Me Infantry Regiment   US Michael W Dowling Private H 26th Connecticut Infantry Regiment Discharged 24 July 1863 US Samuel B Dowling Private E 28th Me Infantry Regiment   US Thomas A Dowling Private H 24th Connecticut Infantry Regiment Honourable Discharge 30 September 1863 US Link for more: http://www2.cr.nps.gov/abpp/battlesw/la010.htm Source: Port Hudson State Commemorative Area Civil War Battlefield Center 5 February 2001