A similar effort to turn Vicksburg's left flank was essayed by cutting a
canal at Duckport, between Milliken's Bend and Vicksburg. By this avenue
it was hoped vessels might leave the Mississippi above Vicksburg, pass
through a series of circuitous bayous and emerge again on the
Mississippi 20 miles below the city. The route was laboriously opened
for navigation and one small steamer safely passed to the river below.
Then the level of the river fell and blocked the Duckport attempt.