Siege of Vicksburg

Hello there. My name is Ulysses S. Grant, but you can call me General Grant. A very long time ago, our country had a big disagreement, and people were not getting along. It made me sad. My job was to be a leader and help everyone be friends again. There was a city called Vicksburg on a big hill right next to the mighty Mississippi River. The river was like a big road for boats, but nobody could use it. I knew I had to help open the river so all the boats could travel and share things again.

To help the city, my friends and I, the soldiers, traveled to Vicksburg in the year 1863. The city was way up high on a big hill, so it was tricky to get to. We decided to be very patient. We made a big, gentle circle all the way around the city. It was like we were giving the city a big, long hug. We didn't want to fight. We just wanted to wait for the people inside to be ready to talk and be friends. While we waited, we told stories and sang songs. It was like a very long camping trip with all my friends. We knew if we were patient and kind, we could solve this big problem together.

We waited for many days. Then, on a very special day, July 4th, 1863, the city of Vicksburg opened its gates. Everyone was ready to be friends again. It was a very happy day. The big Mississippi River was open again for all the boats to go splish-splash up and down the water. I was so proud that we solved the problem by being patient and working together. It showed me that even when things are hard, waiting and being kind is a wonderful way to bring everyone together as friends.