AUGUST 9TH, 1864: Lt. General Grant wrote to Rear Admiral Lee in response to a question as to the usefulness of the Union ironclad monitors in the James River: "...I think it would be imprudent to withdraw them. At least two such vessels, in my judgement, should be kept in the upper James.
"They stand a constant threat to the enemy and prevent him taking the offensive."
Plus, the monitors had the best chance of fighting off the three Confederate ironclads at Richmond.
From experience, Grant well understood the vital role sea power played in the war. He was a master of using the North's naval advantage for his own uses.
--Old B-Runner
No comments:
Post a Comment