155 Years Ago, January 21, 1862: Mortar Boats Could Be Effective at Donelson

JANUARY 21, 1862:  Lt. S.L. Phleps, on the basis of his own reconnaissance missions and intelligence reports reaching him, re-emphasized the advisability of using mortar boats at Fort Donelson, noting that "the position of Fort Donelson is favorable for the greatest effect of bombshells, both in and about it.

"Effective mortar boats must prove the most destructive adversaries earth forts can have to contend with."

However, Flag Officer Foote, urged into early action by the Army commanders, was unable to use mortar boats to "soften up" the Confederate works at Donelson.

**  The USS Ethan Allen, Acting Lt. William B. Eaton, captured schooner Olive Branch bound from Cedar Keys, Florida, to Nassau with cargo of turpentine.

--Old B-Runner