Monday, June 25, 2012

Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago: June 9th to June 17th, 1862: Action in Florida and the White River, New Commander

JUNE 9TH

Secretary of Navy Welles wrote Senator John P. Hale of the Senate Naval Committee that the introduction of ironclads has upset the balance of naval power in the world and the U.S. should use this to become a forefront naval power as the other major navies are primarily wooden ships.


JUNE 15TH

In the oft-forgotten Florida front, the USS Tahoma and USS Somerset crossed the bar of St. Mark's River and shelled Confederates near the lighthouse for forty minutes.  The artillery company there withdrew.  Sailors landed, destroyed the battery and burned the buildings and barracks.


JUNE 16TH

Action in Arkansas: The CSS Maurepas and steamers Eliza G. and Mary Patterson sunk in the White River. Arkansas, to obstruct advance of Union gunboats.


JUNE 17TH

Joint expedition to open US Army communications on the White River in Arkansas.  Gunboats engaged Confederate batteries at St. Charles, Arkansas.  The Mound City took a direct hit that exploded her steam drum causing heavy casualties.  Troops landed and stormed the Confederate earthworks, capturing them and giving the Union control of the White River.

Charles H. Davis appointed Flag Officer and Commander of US Naval forces on the upper Mississippi River, relieving Flag Officer Foote.

Old B-Runner

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