He had expected it.

That was Grant.

He had wrapped the coil of steel around Vicksburg and he would never relax.

Dick felt that there was no hope for the town, unless Johnston outside could gather a powerful army and fight Grant on even terms.

But he considered it impossible, and there, too, was the great artery of the river along which flowed men and supplies of every kind for the Union.
The Southern twilight turned swiftly into night and, coming from his lair, Dick walked boldly toward the town.