E.R.S. Canby's forces, the XVI and XIII corps,
moved along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay, forcing the Confederates
back into their defenses. Union forces then concentrated on Spanish Fort
and Fort Blakely. By April 1, Union forces had enveloped Spanish Fort,
thereby releasing more troops to focus on Fort Blakely. Brig. Gen. St.
John R. Liddell, with about 4,000 men, held out against the much larger
Union force until Spanish Fort fell on April 8, allowing Canby to
concentrate 16,000 men for the attack on April 9. Sheer numbers breached
the Confederate earthworks compelling the Confederates to capitulate.
The siege and capture of Fort Blakely was basically the last
combined-force battle of the war. African-American forces played a major
role in the successful Union assault.