155 Years Ago, January 7, 1862: Intel on Forts Henry and Donelson-- Part 2

Continued from Jan. 5

"It is too late now to move against the works on either river, except with a well-appoinred and powerful naval force."

As early as mid-December 1861, Phelps had reconnoitered the Cumberland and warned of the immense difficulties involved in a naval assault on Fort Donelson, the strategically located Confederate stronghold.

"None of these works can be seen," he observed, "rill approached to within easy range."

--Old B-R'er