April 13, 1862: Recon of Mississippi River Below the Forts

APRIL 13TH, 1862:  Coast Survey party under Ferdinand H. Gerdes, begins surveying the Mississippi River below Forts Jackson and St. Philip.  Harassed by fire from the forts and riflemen on the river banks, Gerdes' party worked for five days to provide Flag Officer Farragut with a reliable map of the river, forts, water batteries and obstructions across the river.

In Preparation for the Attack.  --Old B-Runner