The Union forces exploded a mine today in a tunnel under the Confederate works. But no attempt was made to charge the works.
Rumors of the impending fall of Vicksburg began to spread through the Union lines. As the Fourth of July, the 87th anniversary of American Independence, drew nearer, a grand, final and successful assault would be made on the rebel works.
General Grant had learned from an intercepted message that General Johnston's was to create a diversion on July 7, in order to give the forces at Vicksburg a chance to cut their way out. Grant, therefore began to make plans for a full assault on the 6th.
By this time the covered tunnels had been run up close to the Confederate's works in a number of places. The tunnels were now being widened to permit the Union troops to pass through four abreast. Materials for crossing the ditches were also collected.
All this time a bombardment had been kept up on the city by the gunboats in the Mississippi River.
General Pemberton called on his division commanders today, asking for information "as to the condition of your troops, and their ability to make the marches and undergo the fatigues necessary to accomplish a successful evacuation." Two of the generals were outspoken in favor of surrender, and the other two expressed the opinion that any attempt to evacuate would prove a failure.
