JUNE 20TH, 1864: USS Morse and Cactus engaged and drove off Confederate batteries which had opened fire on Union Army supply wagons near White House, Virginia. Rear Admiral Lee reported: "Deserters afterwards reported that a force estimated at 10,000 of Wade Hampton and Fitzhugh Lee's cavalry intended attacking our trains, but were deterred from the attempt by the fire of the gunboats. The next day the USS Shokokon broke up an attack on Union Army transport Eliza Hancox at Cumberland Point, Virginia.
The Navy to the Rescue. Must Be Nice to Have Control of the Rivers.
JUNE 20-24TH, 1864: Iron screw steamer USS Calypso and wooden side wheeler Nansemond transported and aided Union Army expedition in the vicinity of New River, NC. The object was to cut the Wilmington & Weldon railroad, but Confederates had learned of the attempt and compelled the troops to board the ships and leave.
This railroad's strategic importance made it the target of many Union attempts to destroy it.
--Old B-Runner
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