Tom,

I appreciate your response. I don't know if I agree that the Confederate defenses would've fallen easily had the Southern commanders been a little more obstinate. From all that I've read, morale was generally high among the soldiery and many anticipated that after the failure of the breakout attempt on the 15th that they would try again many feeling assured they would succeed.

I guess what I'm looking for is written sources of Grant's thoughts and planning prior to the campaign and whether he had made any plans for a long-term siege and or reinforcement, if needed. I also do not know what foodstuffs and ammunition was available to the Confederate defenders. How long could they have held out, if the Union forces were unable to storm the Confederate works?

I know the possibility of rescue is highly speculative; however, if the garrison appeared to be able of conducting a multi-week or more defense, perhaps Johnston might've considered rescue or a counter offensive move to relieve the pressure on Donelson.

I know "what ifs" are difficult to discuss and many times a waste of time. In some ways I'm not asking about the hypothetical, but the factual. How prepared was the Confederate garrison for a longer siege and did Grant have additional troops staged to support a longer siege or higher than expected Confederate resistance?

Thanks,

Jim