One circumstance, however, would probably in any event, have impelled him to take the bolder course.
The situation in Vicksburg was becoming alarming.

It was evident the town must fall and with its surrender the Federal fleet would soon regain possession of the Mississippi.

The fall of Vicksburg, supplemented by the retreat of Lee's army on Richmond, would dishearten the Southern people, and stimulate the North to renewed efforts.

It was essential, therefore, to counterbalance the impending disaster in the West by some brilliant exploit in the East.
There was perhaps another reason for this great forward movement, founded on the relation of the Confederacy to the principal European powers.

England still made a pretence of neutrality, but the aristocracy and ruling classes sided with the South, and a large association of their most influential men was established at Manchester to aid the slaveholding oligarchy.