In early February 1865, several Union warships went up the Cape Fear River to engage Fort Anderson, but the main attack started Feb. 17th. The monitor USS Montauk joined in on the attack. On February 18th, Union General Jacob Cox decided against attacking the Confederate fortifications frontally and sent two thirds of his force around Orton Pond and found the enemy right flank poorly protected.
General Oscar W. steel's brigade found the undermanned 2nd SC Cavalry out of their trenches and got in behind Fort Anderson. General Hagood , the fort's commander, outgunned and outnumbered and with no hope of reinforcements decided the evacuate.
By daylight, Feb. 19th, most of the Confederates were out of the fort and heading toward new defensive lines along Town Creek. A short battle ensued with Confederate defeat and Wilmington fell Feb. 22nd.
That Was About It for the Confederacy. --Old B-Runner
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