What was day-to-day life like for civilians during the siege? I read that the Union launched more than 22,000 shells during the siege...what effect did this have on the city's morale and what kind of damage did this shelling cause?
Bonus Question: What was Northern and Southern public reaction like to the extensive shelling of the city (I reckon I can gather what the Confederate public reaction was, but was the shelling of Vicksburg seen as particularly egregious)?
As might be expected, life for civilians was not particularly pleasant. Some lived in caves along the bluffs to escape the constant, terrifying, shells. However, the bombardment did little damage to property and few civilians were killed or wounded. The bombardment certainly took its toll on morale, but slowly in conjunction with the realization no one was coming to help the city.
But the worst hardship was caused by lack of food and water. Grant methodically stripped the area of excess food and cut off Vicksburg's routes of supply. Civilians were forced to eat horses, mules, dogs, and according to one popular antidote birds, same as the soldiers. The army had its own problems, so civilians were largely on their own. People horded food and shopkeepers were accused of profiteering. Scurvy was also a problem. When the Union finally took over the city, they shared their rations will the starving residents.
I can't offer any direct evidence to your bonus question, only say I personally have not seen any Northern denouncements of the treatment of Vicksburg.