Although Lee did not mention capturing Fort Fisher, Commander W.A. Parker wanted that Army-Navy expedition to capture it. He wrote: "I am of the opinion that 25,000 men and two or three ironclads should be sent to capture this place, if so large a force can be conveniently furnished for the purpose....
"The ironclads...should be employed to divert the attention of the garrison of Fort Fisher during the landing of our troops at Masonboro Inlet, and to prevent the force there from being used to oppose the debarkation....
"Fort Fisher would probably fall after a short resistance, as I have been informed that the heavy guns all point seaward, and there is but slight provision made to resist an attack from the interior."
Of course, the Confederates either already had or were quickly building a line of fortifications across the peninsula to the Cape Fear River.
At the time, however, Union efforts along the Atlantic coast were primarily directed at capturing Charleston and the attack on Wilmington was postponed and the city continued a haven for blockade-runners until the fall of Fort Fisher in early 1865.
Thinkin' 'Bout It. --Old B-R'er
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