Thursday, February 9, 2012

Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago: Feb. 8, 1862: Confederate Loss at Elizabeth City, NC

FEBRUARY 8TH

Foote's new armored gunboats, the Eads ships, show their worth at Fort Henry.

Two Confederate ships in Virginia ordered to stay in readiness to assist the Merrimack when it is ready for service.

USS Conestoga had gone up the Tennessee River to Chickasaw, Alabama, and seized two steamers.  Confederates destroyed three others to prevent capture.  The Union Navy pressing forward on their victory at Fort Henry.


FEBRUARY 10TH

Union ships pursuing retiring Confederate fleet up the Pasquotank River.  Engaged batteries and Confederate ships at Elizabeth City.  CSS Ellis captured, CSS Seabird sunk and three others burned to prevent capture.  Confederate fort and batteries at Cobb Point destroyed.

Foote receiving requests to send warships up Cumberland River to protect transports getting ready to attack Fort Donelson in Tennessee.

Union Secretary of Navy Welles forwarded to Cmdr. D.D. Porter names of 22 sailing vessels and 7 steamers which will be mortar boats for attack on New Orleans.

Captain Buchanan of the Merrimack (not yet renamed CSS Virginia) reported that he could not get crew from the Army.

CSS Virginia Getting Ready.  Union Navy Pressing Home Their Successes.  --Old B-Runner

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