Friday, March 17, 2017

March 17, 1862: Action At Island No. 10 Continues

MARCH 17TH, 1862:  The USS Benton, with Flag officer Foote aboard, was lashed between the USS Cincinnati and St. Louis to attack Island No. 10 and Confederate batteries on the Tennessee shore at a range of 2,000 yards.

"The upper fort," Foote reported, "was badly cut up by the Benton and the other boats with her.  We dismounted one of their guns...."

In the attack, Confederate gunners scored hits on the Benton and damaged the engine of the Cincinnati.  A rifled gun burst on board the St. Louis and killed and wounded a number of officers and men.

--Old B-Runner

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