<P> Whether this was a conscious adaptation to circumstances or a blind urge on McClernand's part to gather more and more force is a matter of speculation . Although McClernand's men eventually drove the Confederates from the field in a series of frontal attacks, Port Gibson does not stand out as an example of effective offensive tactics . </P> <P> Undoubtedly, the most successful frontal attack of the campaign occurred during the battle of the Big Black River on 17 May . Brigadier General Michael K. Lawler, a Union brigade commander, perceived a weak spot in the Confederate fieldworks opposing him . He formed his brigade into a formation reminiscent of the assault columns used by Napoleon: two regiments leading, with a third following closely in support, a fourth in reserve, and two regiments on loan from another brigade to pin the enemy with fire and serve as an exploitation force . Lawler utilized natural cover to bring his brigade close to the enemy, and when the attack came, it was vigorous and impetuous . The unsteady Confederate regiment facing Lawler broke and ran when this assault force reached its breastworks . </P> <P> The Napoleonic influence can be seen on a larger scale as well . During the Union march from Port Gibson to Jackson, and then to Champion Hill, Grant deployed his corps on separate routes to facilitate movement, but close enough to support each other should Confederates be encountered in force . Napoleon referred to this practice as the battalion carr6c, which can best be summarized by the adage, "march dispersed, fight massed ." As he closed on the Confederates at Champion Hill on 16 May, Grant contrived to bring three converging corps - size columns to bear upon the enemy in a classic "concentric attack ." The outnumbered Confederates could have been attacked from three directions and possibly destroyed, but Union command, control, and communications were inadequate to the task of coordinating the action . Only one of the three Union columns ever became fully engaged . </P> <P> But if Union tactical art was mediocre on average, Confederate skill was generally lower still . The Confederate forces defending Mississippi constituted a "department" and never were formally designated as an "army ." Prior to the campaign, units were dispersed, having spent the winter in garrison and in fortified positions . Regiments had little recent experience operating together as brigades and divisions . Not until Grant crossed the Mississippi and moved into the interior did a major portion of the department assemble as a field army . Not surprisingly, the assembled forces had difficulty even forming up and marching as a unit, let alone fighting . At the battle of Champion Hill, the Confederate army was unresponsive and uncoordinated . Individual brigades and regiments fought hard and well, but higher - level command and control was lacking . </P>

During the civil war the ranks of both armies were