Wednesday, November 9, 2016

155 Years Ago, November 9, 1861: Lee Writes About the Impact of Fall of Port Royal

NOVEMBER 9TH, 1861:  Major General Robert E. Lee wrote Confederate Secretary of War Judah P. Benjamin regarding the effects of the Union Navy's victory at Port Royal:  "The enemy having complete possession of water and inland navigation, commands all islands on the coast and threatens both Savannah and Charleston, and can come in his boats, within four miles of this place [Lee's headquarters were at Coosawhatchie, South Carolina].

"His sloops of war and large steamers can come up Broad River to Mackay's Point, the mouth of the Pocotaligo, and his gunboats can ascend some distance up the Coosawhatchie and Tulifinny.

"We have no guns that can resist their batteries, and have no resources but to prepare to meet them in the field."

In Other Words, This Is Serious Business.  --Old B-R'er

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