That's a good story but doesn't look right under the facts.
The siege of Vicksburg was in spring-summer '63.
Vicksburg would have been finished eating the winter harvest, and starting to consume the spring crop.
And the previous fall was unusually wet which should have reduced the bean crop.
As Sherman's campaign (Nov-Dec '84) went from Atlanta to Savannah, the land changes from fertile farm to flooded fields.
To ensure forage for the calvary & wagon teams, he ordered the confiscation of all horse & bovine feed (the low-country
staple of rice was considered to be unfit for the animals). All the rest was to be burned.
The orders also were to leave a winter larder to each individual farm to last till the spring planting. This order was not (faithfully) carried out.
Back on topic I'm having :
Shoulder ham w/ mustard & brown sugar glaze
Spinach w/ cream cheese
Blackeyes + rice + scallions (and a little hot sauce)
a couple or 4 Shiner Bocks'
Happy New year to you !!