DECEMBER 3-4TH, 1864: The USS Moose, Carondolet, Fairplay Reindeer and Silver Lake engaged Confederate field batteries on the Cumberland River near Bell's Mills, Tennessee, silencing them and recaptured three transports taken the day before.
The gunboats were protecting General Thomas' right flank before Nashville, had started down the river on the night of the 2nd after hearing that Confederate troops under General Forrest had erected a battery at Bell's Mills. They succeeded in surprising the Confederates and a sharp engagement ensued.
The ships returned to Nashville with valuable information on the composition and strength of Southern forces that proved vital in the upcoming Battle of Nashville.
--Old B-R'er
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