Operation on the Tennessee River in Mississippi-- Part 1

SEPTEMBER 10, 1864:  The USS Key West and Undine and transports City of Pekin, Kenton and Aurora, were surprised by Confederate shore batteries off Wastport, Mississippi, on the Tennessee River, and after a severe engagement, were forced to retire downriver.

The combined operation at Eastport was designed to secure the river at this point against the crossing of General Forrest's cavalry and provide an outpost against the threatened advance of Confederate General Hood from the east.

Departing Clifton, Tennessee, on 9 October with the gunboats in the van, the force steamed up the river and cautiously approached Eastport.

--Old B-Runner