150 Years Ago-- March 24th-25th, 1864: We Need Sailors

MARCH 24TH, 1864: Rear Admiral Porter reported his forces had seized more than 2,000 bales of cotton since beginning the Red River Campaign. //// MARCH 25TH 1864: The USS Peosta and USS Paw Paw engaged Confederate troops attacking Army units at Paducah, Kentucky, forcing them to withdraw. //// More Army-Navy cooperation in that General Gillmore reported that the Army had five steam transports operating in the Port Royal vicinity on picket duty and transports, but didn't have any seafaring officers. He requested Navy officers a to assist the ships. An officer was placed on temporary duty this date. //// Welles called President Lincoln's attention to scarcity of seamen and suggested the transfer of 12,000 soldiers from the Army to Navy. This was later accomplished by a bill sponsored by Senator Grimes of Iowa. //// Major General Banks' Army arrived at Alexandria, Louisiana, a week later than originally planned. The main force of the Red River Campaign was now assembled. --Old B-Runner