Surrender demanded of Vicksburg
This is the first surrender demand presented to Vicksburg Mississippi (which I doubt anyone at SDG has seen before):
“The undersigned, with orders from Flag-Officer Farragut and Major General Butler, respectively, demand the surrender of Vicksburg and its defenses to the lawful authority of the United States, under which private property and personal rights will be respected.
Respectfully,
S. Phillips Lee [commanding USS Oneida ] and
Brigadier General Thomas Williams
dated 18 May 1862"
[The same Demand for Surrender had been presented to Natchez a few days earlier, with different results: Natchez surrendered 13 May 1862.]
Reference: OR (Navy) vol.18 pages 491 & 492.
N.B. Relevance: Where was Henry Halleck and his Army of the Mississippi on 18 May 1862?