155 Years Ago, January 7, 1862: Intel on Forts Henry and Donelson-- Part 3

The difficult assault on Fort Donelson five weeks later gave truth to Phelps' careful observation.

Meanwhile, Flag Officer Foote reconnoitered down the Mississippi River with the USS Tyler, Lexington and Essex, the latter one of the first two ironclads ready.

Pushing a Confederate gunboat ahead of him, Foote proceeded within range of the batteries at Columbus and found "one of the submarine batteries."  But learning that the river was generally clear of these, he was able to report that "my object was fully attained."

--Old B-Runner