"The siege at Port Hudson, largely overshadowed by the longer, large-scale siege of Vicksburg, nevertheless had many parallels to it. Like Vicksburg, Port Hudson involved logistical challenges, an overmatched Confederate defense, and a rough slog in usually adverse conditions. Among many interesting features, the Port Hudson campaign featured widespread participation of African American Federal troops. Drawing on a large body of primary sources and secondary scholarship, Thrasher presents a 'bottom-up' portrayal of the campaign"-- Provided by publisher.

Foreword / by Michael P. Gray -- Prepared for Anything: The War Comes to Louisiana -- We Are Obliged to Stay and Fight: The Confederacy Prepares to Defend Port Hudson -- My Thoughts Are Always of You: The Federal Advance Stalls -- I Should Have Resigned Long Ago: Federals Grow Impatient -- Gorgeous Yet Horrible: The Union Navy Bombards Port Hudson -- Tired and Sick of Soldiering: The Spring Stalemate -- It Failed: The Battle of May 27, 1863 -- Miserable in the Extreme: The Siege of May 28-June 13 -- A Hell of a Fellow Long Enough: The Battle of June 14, 1863 -- We Lay in the Ditches: The Siege of June 15, 1863-July 9, 1863 -- The First Time I Felt Sorry for the Brave Fellows: The Surrender -- Conclusion: Let the Battles of Port Hudson Tell It -- Appendix: Orders of Battle.