150 Years Ago: August 13-14th, 1863-- Operation on the White River in Arkansas

AUGUST 13-14

Even though the Mississippi River was under Union control, there were still Confederates on the tributaries. 

A naval force under Lt. Bache (I wonder if he was related to the head of the Coast Survey A.D. Bache) consisting of the USS Lexington, Cricket and Marmora proceeded up the White River in Arkansas and at Des Arc destroyed a large warehouse and the telegraph line for a half mile.

They also captured two Confederate steamboats loaded with cotton and destroyed General Marmaduke's pontoon bridge.

It was not a huge operation, but one of many continual thrusts that kept the South always on the defense. It might not even have been reported in northern papers.

--Old B-Runner