Porter's Operation Plan for Move Up the Cape Fear River-- Part 1

FEBRUARY 10TH, 1865:  Rear Admiral Porter issued an operations plan for the move up the Cape Fear River which revealed the high degree to which the naval gunfire support doctrine had been developed during the Civil War.  He stated:  "The object will be to get the gunboats in the rear of the intrenchments and cover the advance of our troops.  When our troops are coming up, the gunboats run close in and shell the enemy in front of them, so as to enable the troops to turn their flanks, if possible....

"As the army come up, your fire will have to be very rapid, taking care not to fire into our own men....  Put yourself in full communication with the general commanding on shore, and conform in all things to his wishes...."

Yep, Always Bad to Fire Into Your Own Men.  --Old B-R'er