AUGUST 10-11TH, 1864: Small steamers USS Romeo, USS Prairie Bird and transport steamer Empress engaged a Confederate battery at Gaines Landing, Arkansas, on the Mississippi River. The Confederates had secretly wheeled it into place.
The Empress was attacked on the 10th and had its captain killed and disabled her. The Romeo came to its aid, engaged the battery and towed the Empress to safety.
The next day, the Confederates opened up on the Prairie Bird which was passing by. Hearing the firing, the Romeo returned and the two ships were able to drive them away.
All three ships were severely engaged in the two day battle. The Empress alone had received some sixty-three hits.
--Old B-R'er
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