The 15 day Seige of Knoxville by the Southern General Longstreet and the ensuing 20 minute assault on Fort Sanders finally broke the back of the Southern domination in the area. The Northerners, as defenders, had a disadvantage in numbers of four to one. It was a very bloody assault by a brigade made up of several Mississipi divisions, and one from Georgia. The losses on the Southern side were very great. A Northern officer made the statement that "I know of no instance in history where a storming party was so nearly annihilated. It is very doubtful whether 100 men of this brigade returned unhurt to their lines". All of the officers in the assault were killed or wounded and a total of 500 soldiers were either killed or wounded. More than 250 southern soldiers were taken prisoner.