Richmond sat along an important Confederate supply line running into Vicksburg from the west. Union forces were able to advance against this supply line following their victories at the battles of Milliken's Bend and Young's Point. Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman dispatched Brig. Gen. Joseph Mower's Eagle Brigade from the Vicksburg trenches to coordinate with Brig. Gen. Alfred W. Ellet's Marine Brigade and drive Maj. Gen. John George Walker's Confederates from Richmond.