155 Years Ago, November 7, 1861: USS Tyler and Lexington Aide U.S. Grant at the Battle of Belmont

NOVEMBER 7TH, 1861:  The USS Tyler, Commander Walke, and USS Lexington, Commander Stembel, supported 3000 Union troops under General Grant at the Battle of Belmont, Missouri, and engaged Confederate batteries along the Mississippi River.

The arrival of Confederate reinforcements compelled Grant to withdraw under pressure.  Grape, canister and shell from the gunboats scattered the Confederates, enabling Union troops to re-embark on their transports.

Grant, with characteristic restraint, reported that the gunboats' service was "most efficient" having "protected our transports throughout."

--Old B-R'er