150 Years Ago: April 11-12th, 1864: Forrest Attacks Fort Pillow

The USS Nita captured blockade-runner Three Brothers at the mouth of the Homosassa River, Florida, with assorted cargo. //// The USS Virginia captured blockade-runner Juanita off San Luis Pass, texas. However, on April 13th, the Juanita went aground and was recaptured by the Confederates along with the prize crew. //// APRIL 12TH, 1864: Confederate cavalry under Gen. Nathan B. Forrest commenced an attack on Fort Pillow near Memohis on the Mississippi River. The small gunboat USS New Era supported the Union troops in the fort and drove the Confederates awau initially, but Forrest came back and overwhelmed the fort. // Forrest made many attacks during March and April and taxed the resources of the Mississippi Squadron. // The battle at Fort Pillow became known as a massacre when Confederates killed MANY OF the black Union troops who made up the majority of the fort's defenders. //// --Old B-R'er