Date of Award
6-1958
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
History
First Advisor
Edwind Adams Davis
Abstract
Natchez first glimpsed the Federals on May 12, 1862, when a part of Farragut's fleet appeared before the city. The unwelcome guests did not land and soon sailed upriver for Vicksburg. They reappeared permanently on July 13, 1863.
The Federal arrival was unopposed and uneventful except for a great increase in the Negro population. General Ransom, the Union commander, took particular care to prevent disorder.
City economy, suffering from the Union blockade, improved somewhat after occupation. Cotton was the all important item—when the Federals passed it through the lines business prospered. If the lines were closed depression and want resulted. Illicit smuggling operations developed.
Military officials took control of city government and regulated almost every aspect of daily life. They set up regulations to prevent disease, draft native men into a militia and deal with the increasing crime rate. Their efforts were, as a whole, well directed and successful.
City social life continued much as before although most of the local young men were away in the Confederate armies. The boys in blue helped to fill the vacuum, and the city moved in a relatively gay round of parties and balls. Church and school activities likewise survived the occupation, though not without setback. As might be expected, Natchez was thankful for the return of peace.
Recommended Citation
Coussons, John Stanford, "The Federal Occupation of Natchez, Mississippi, 1863-1865" (1958). LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses. 8437.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/8437