Lessons we can learn if we look back to July 4, 1863

Grant enters Vicksburg

The Hill    "This year’s July 4th celebrations will be different than years past as our country continues to battle through the COVID-19 pandemic. There are some lessons we can learn if we look back to July 4, 1863, to the Vicksburg victory and Abraham Lincoln’s letters on July 13, 1863, after Grant’s victory and on July 14 to General Meade, the victorious general of the Battle of Gettysburg. These two letters have much to teach us about character and leadership which can and should be applied today. 
"On July 4th, 1863, the Union forces were victorious in the Battle of Vicksburg, a crucial turning point in the Civil War. Control of Vicksburg, Miss., meant control of the Mississippi River, which would allow for the transportation of men and supplies. 
"Additionally, Union control of Vicksburg divided the Confederacy in half. Commenting on the importance of Vicksburg for victory in the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln had said that “Vicksburg is the key. The war can never be brought to a close until that key is in our pocket.” After several unsuccessful attempts to capture Vicksburg, General Grant commenced a siege of Vicksburg on May 25, 1863, which lasted for six weeks until the Confederate forces, led by General John Pemberton, surrendered on July 4. 
"During the time that Grant was waging war on Vicksburg, the historic Battle of Gettysburg was taking place. Fought for three days, from July 1 to July 3, General George Meade, who had taken control of the Army of the Potomac just three days earlier, defeated Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s forces. " . . .