Thursday, January 16, 2014

Mallory Urges Attack on Union Fleet in James River

JANUARY 16TH: Secretary Mallory wrote Captain John K. Mitchell of the Confederate James River squadron urging that action be taken against the Union vessels downriver at the earliest possible moment: "I think that there is a passage through the obstructions at Trent's Reach. I deem the opportunity a favorable one for striking a blow at the enemy if we are able to do so.

"In a short time many of his vessels will have returned to the River from Wilmington and he will again perfect his obstructions. If we can block the River at or below City Point, Grant might be compelled to evacuate his position."

Evidently, both sides had obstructions on the river, I had always believed just the Confederates had them. Of course, Grant was putting a lot of pressure on the Confederate Army at the time.

--Old B-Runner

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