USCT Regiments At First Battle of Fort Fisher-- Part 2

XXV ARMY CORPS. Third Division, Brigadier General Charles J. Paine

THIRD BRIGADE

1st USCT--  Lt.Col. Giles H. Rich

5th USCT--  Col. Giles W. Shurtleff

10th USCT--  Lt.Col. Edward H. Powell

37th USCT--  Col. Nathan Goff Jr.

107th USCT--  Lt.Col. Dabid M. Sells

--Old B-Runner

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery to Honor Vietnam War Veterans

From the March 28, 2018, Chicago Tribune  "Cemetery to honor Vietnam War veterans" Susan DeMar Lafferty.

The Abraham Lincoln National cemetery will host a wreath-laying ceremony Thursday to commemorate National Vietnam War Veterans Day -- one of many events nationwide to honor the veterans.

U.S. Navy Losses in the Vietnam War.

Two of them:

NOEL STEVEN NELSON

St. Paul, Minnesota

Hospital Corpsman

Born:  February 7, 1946  Died:  June 30, 1967   Age 21

JAMES WESLEY WILLIAMS

Dallas, Texas

Seaman

Born:  Sept. 29, 1947   Died:  March 10, 1968, age 20

Thank You For Your Service

USCT Regiments at First Battle of Fort Fisher-- Part 1

From the North Carolina Historic Sites: Fort Fisher.

They were members of the XXV Army Corps, Third Division.  Brigadier General Charles J. Paine.

SECOND BRIGADE  Col. John W. Ames

4TH USCT--  Lt.Col. George Rogers

6TH USCT--  Lt.Col. Clark Royce

30TH USCT--  Lt.Col. Hiram A. Oakman

39TH USCT  Col. Ozora P. Stearns

--Old B-Runner

Warrenton, Mississippi in the Civil War

From Wikipedia.

I have mentioned this town in the last two 155 years ago posts.

An unincorporated community about five miles below Vicksburg, Mississippi.  At one time it was the largest town in the county, but nearby Vicksburg began to prosper especially because of its higher elevation.

During the Civil War, Confederates built a fortification there.  The town was heavily damaged during Union shelling.  The battle took place shortly after Farragut had run past Port Hudson.

I am unable to find out anything else about it.

--Old B-R'er

March 27, 1863: USS Hartford Engages and Passes Confederate Batteries At Warrenton, Miss.

MARCH 27TH, 1863:  "The USS Hartford engaged and passed below the Confederate batteries being erected at Warrenton,, Mississippi.  Two days later, the USS Albatross joined Rear Admiral Farragut, having waited above the batteries to obtain further coal and provisions which had been floated down on barges from the fleet above Vicksburg.

The Noose Closing On Vicksburg.  --Old B-Runner

Camp Delaware, Ohio: Where the 27th USCT Trained

A few posts ago, I mentioned that the 27th USCT trained at Camp Delaware.  Well, Camp Delaware is not in the state of Delaware as I thought, but in Ohio in the town of Delaware.  The camp takes it name after the town.

It was used 1862-1864.  In 1863, the camp was expanded.  White troops trained on the west bank of the Olentangy River.  Blacks on the east side.

The 96th, 121st and 127th Ohio regiments trained there as did the 5th and 27th USCT.  The 5th USCT were also at Fort Fisher, but, like the 27th, just during the second attack.

The camp was located at the intersection of Sanduskey Street and Olentangy Avenue in Delaware, Ohio.

The HMdb says the camp for Blacks was established in 1863 and that other black units from Ohio trained here.

--Old B-Runner

The 27th USCT at Fort Fisher-- Part 2: Other Battles

They were at the Siege of Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, Poplar Grove Church, Boydton Plank Road and Hatcher's Run.

In December 1864, they were at Bermuda Hundred.

At Fort Fisher the regiment suffered one killed and 4 wounded.

--Old B-Runner

The 27th USCT at Fort Fisher-- Part 1: From Ohio

From the North Carolina Historic Sites:  Fort Fisher  "Black Troops at Fort Fisher.

The 27th USCT  (United States Colored Troops) participated in the mopping up operations during the Second Battle of Fort Fisher on the night of January 15, 1865.  They were also involved in the initial surrender negotiations of the Confederate troops.

The men of the 27th USCT  were from Ohio and were just one day short of one year's service, having been mustered into service at Camp Delaware on January 16, 1864.

Initially, part of the IX Corps of the Army of the Potomac, they were transferred to the XXV Corps.  Prior service had been at the Army of the Potomac's campaign from the Rapidan River to the James River May-June 1864.

--Old B-Runner

Role of Blacks at Fort Fisher-- Part 2: World War II

During World War II, Fort Fisher was again occupied by the Army, this time as part of the Coast Artillery and anti-aircraft training was carried on at the fort.

One of the first unites to arrive at Fort Fisher was the 54th Coast Artillery Regiment formed in 1941.  This unit was comprised of Blacks from the Midwest.  They trained in classrooms and had target practice.  Eventually the regiment was ordered to San Francisco.

In October 1942, the 2nd Battalion of the 54th was shipped out to the Southwest Pacific Theater.  Many of the 54th's men settled in California after the war.

--Old B-Runner

Role of Blacks At Fort Fisher-- Part 1: Civil War

From the February 28, 2018, WECT (Wilmington, N.C.)  "Black History Month:  Role of African-Americans at Fort Fisher" Ashlea Kosikowski.

John Mosely, Asst. Fort Fisher Site Manager, says Blacks played an important role from the Civil War to World War II.

At the second Battle of Fort Fisher on January 15, 1865, Bruce Anderson, a black man who enlisted in an all-white regiment, was awarded a Medal of Honor for his actions.

Soldiers of several United States Colored Troops were involved heavily in the surrender of Fort Fisher and the Wilmington Campaign January-February 1865, which came afterwards. They were buried at various places, but later had their bodies dug up and were reburied in the Wilmington National Cemetery.

--Old B-Runner

March 20, 1863-- Part 2: Farragut to Help Grant and Porter

Porter replied to Farragut:  "I would not attempt to run the batteries at Vicksburg if I were you; it won't pay, and you can be of no service up here at this moment.

"Your services at Red River will be a godsend; it is worth to us the loss of the [USS] Mississippi at this moment and it is the severest blow that could be struck at the South.  They obtain all their supplies and ammunition in that way."

Grant floated a coal barge down the river to Farragut, who steamed above Warrenton to meet this vital cargo.

Porter was referring to the loss of the USS Mississippi on March 14, 1863, during operations against Port Hudson.

--Old B-R'er

March 20, 1863-- Part 1: Farragut to Assist Grant and Porter

MARCH 20TH, 1863:  From below Warrenton, Mississippi, Rear Admiral Farragut sent the following message to General Grant and a similar one to Rear Admiral Porter:  "Having learned that the enemy had the Red River trade open to Vicksburg and Port Hudson and that two of the gunboats of the upper fleet [Queen of the West and Indianola] had been captured, I determined to pass up and, if possible, recapture the boats and stop the Red River trade, and this I can do most effectively if I can obtain from rear Admiral Porter or yourself coal for my vessels....

"I shall be most happy to avail myself of the earliest moment to have a consultation with yourself and Rear Admiral Porter as to the assistance I can render you at this place; and, if none, then I will return to the mouth of the Red River and carry out my original designs.

--Old B-Runner

The 56th Anniversary of Fort Fisher's Fall in 1921

From the March 8, 2018, Wilmington (NC) Star-News  "Back Then."

From the January 12, 1821 newspaper:  "Captain E, D. Williams, Wilmington's harbor master, noted that the 56th anniversary of the fall of Fort fisher was approaching.

"He was a youth age 16 in the Confederate Signal Service when it fell January 15, 1865."

--Old B-Runner

Walk the "Sugar Loaf Line of Defense" March 17

From the Federal Point Historical Preservation Society.  Carolina Beach, N.C.  (south of Wilmington)

Saturday, March 17, 2018, people will be able to walk the Confederate Sugar Loaf Line of Defense with noted Civil War historian, professor and author Chris Fonvielle.  I doubt that there is anyone who knows more about Fort Fisher and the Wilmington Campaign.

The walking tour will be from 2 to 4 p.m..  A $10 donation would be appreciated.

This will also include Confederate entrenchments in the proposed "Ryder Lewis Park."

After the fall of Fort Fisher on January 15, 1865, Confederates used this line of defense to slow the Union advance on Wilmington.

--Old B-R'er

Patrick Mullen, USN-- Part 2: Two-Time Medal of Honor Winner

Patrick Mullen received his second Medal of Honor a month and a half later aboard the USS Don.

General order No. 62, June 29, 1865.

"Served as a boatswain's mate aboard the USS Don,  1 May 1865.  Engaged in picking up the crew of picket launch No. 6, which had swamped.  Mullen, seeing an officer who at the time was no longer able to keep up and was below the surface of the water, jumped overboard and brought the officer to the boat, thereby rescuing him from drowning which brave action, which brave action entitled him to wear a bar on the medal he had already received at Mattox Creek, 17 March 1865."

Two Medals of Honor!!  --Old B-Runner

Patrick Mullen USN, Two-Time Medal of Honor Recipient-- Part 1: His First One on USS Wyandank

Patrick Mullen received his first Medal of Honor during the same action that Aaron Anderson received his.  Only 19 U.S. military personnel have ever received two Medals of Honor.

He was born in Ireland on May 6, 1844, and died February 14, 1897.

His first medal came while he was stationed on the USS Wyandank on March 17, 1865.

His citation reads:  "Served as boatswain's mate on the USS Wyandank during a boat expedition on Mattox Creek March 12, 1865.  Rendering gallant assistance to his commanding officer, Mullen, lying on his back, loaded the howitzer and then fired so carefully as to kill and wound many rebels causing their retreat."

--Old B-Runner

The USS Wyandank, Aaron Anderson's Ship

From Wikipedia.

Last month I was writing about a black sailor from this ship by the name of Aaron Anderson who received a Medal of Honor for his actions at Mattox Creek, Virginia in March 1865.  I'd never heard of the ship.

USS Wyandank (1847)

Acquired by Navy 12 December 1861.  Out of service circa 1879

132'5" long, 31'5" beam.  Mounted two 12-pdr. guns.

Wooden-hulled, sidewheel ferry boat built in New York City in 1847.  Sometimes documented as the Wyandanck.  Acquired from the Union Ferry Company of New York City.

Used as a store ship for the Potomac Flotilla.


After the war, the ship was stationed in Annapolis, Md., and served into the 1870s as  a floating barracks for the U.S. Marines assigned to the USNA.

Broken up there in 1879.

--Old B-Runner

March 13, 1863: Naval Engagement at Fort Pemberton, Yazoo Pass

MARCH 13TH, 1863:  The USS Chilcothe, Lieutenant-Commander J.P. Foster, USS Baron De Kalb, Lieutenant-Commander J.G. Walker and a mortar schooner, reengaged the Confederate works at Fort Pemberton as the Yazoo Pass Expedition attempted to move down the Tallahatchie River to Greenwood, Mississippi.

In action described by Walker as "severe,"  Chillicothe sustained 38 hits in an exchange of fire lasting about an hour and a half.  her ammunition exhausted, the Chillicothe retired; the De Kalb continued to engage the fort for some 3 more hours before withdrawing.

Lt. Col.  James H. Wilson, USA, remarked:  "The rebel position is a strong one by virtue of the difficulties of approach ...."  The gunboats were unable to bring their full fire power to bear on the works, and the Army was unable to render effective assistance.  Thus, though the fort was damaged by the attack, the follow up operations could not be pressed to make the Confederates withdraw.

--Old B-R'er

Fort Anderson, New Bern, N.C.-- Part 3: Mounted 6 Cannons

One source said Lt. Col. Hiram Anderson was later killed at the Battle of Cold Harbor in 1864.  I  couldn't find anything else on his death, but one source did say that the 92nd New York, his regiment suffered heavy losses there.

From N.C. Military Installations Civil War

One of a series of Union forts built 1862-1863 to protect New Bern, N.C.  Mounted four 32-pounders carronades, 24-pdr. howitzer, a 12-pdr. howitzer.  Named for Hiram Anderson.  The 92nd New York garrisoned it.

--Old B-Runner

Fort Anderson, N.C.-- Part 2: Fear of the CSS Neuse and Readiness to Fight

A newspaper article dated February 28, 1863, had this to say about Fort Anderson:

"Fort Anderson is in excellent trim for fighting, if attacked by a land force; and it is occupied by troops not likely to give it up before it becomes actually necessary.

"If the ram the enemy now has nearly ready (CSS Neuse) above Kinston should succeed in making its passage down the Neuse (River) it might alter circumstances materially.  There is much hope that the machine will not be able to navigate the Neuse above here, for the channel is narrow, and in many places shallow.

"Vessels have been sunk to obstruct the passage about one mile above us; but that will not place us out of range.  Our rifle gun, however, would enable us to return compliments.

--Old B-R'er

Fort Anderson, N.C.-- Part 1: the 92nd New York and Hiram Anderson

From the Thomas Legion site.

Not to be confused with the Confederate fort on the Cape Fear River.  This was a Union fort across the Neuse River from New Bern, North Carolina.

A relatively small fort named for Union Lt. Col. Hiram Anderson.  The fort was built flanked on both sides by swamps and approachable from the front only be a long narrow causeway.

It was garrisoned by the 92nd New York, commanded by Anderson.

--Old B-Runner

Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend Coming Up

From the March 8,2018, Hampton Roads (Va.) Daily Press  "Battle of Hampton Roads Weekend."

The Mariners' Museum and Park (100 Museum Drive, Newport News, Va.) will be marking the 156 anniversary of the Battle Between the Monitor and Virginia (which took place March 9, 1862. today).

To mark the battle, there will be family-friendly activities, lectures, tours, hands-on-activities, cannon firings and re-enactors on hand from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

--Old B-Runner

156th Anniversary of the Battle of the Ironclads

Also called the Battle of Hampton Roads.  On this date 156 years ago, the Union's USS Monitor fought the Confederacy's CSS Virginia in the first battle of ironclads ever.  The battle ended in a draw, but forever changed naval architecture.

--Old B-R'er

Black Soldier Bruce Anderson Receives Medal of Honor at Fort Fisher

From African American Medals of Honor Wikipedia.

While I am on the subject of Blacks receiving Medals of Honor, this one got his at Fort Fisher.  Plus, you didn't often see Blacks serving in white regiments.

BRUCE ANDERSON

Army, private 142nd New York at the Second Battle of Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865.

Voluntarily advanced with the head of the column and cut down palisades.

--Old B-Runner

Black Sailors Receiving Medals of Honor-- Part 2: Three of Seven at Mobil Bay

WILSON BROWN--  Landsman--  USS Hartford--  Mobile Bay--  August 5, 1864

JOHN HENRY LAWSON--  Landsman--  USS Hartford--  Mobile Bay--  August 5, 1864

JAMES MIFFLIN--  Engineer's Cook--  USS Brooklyn--  Mobile Bay--  August 5, 1864

JOACHIM PENSE--  Seaman--  USS Kearsarge--  off France vs. CSS Alabama--  June 19, 1864

--Old B-R'er

March 8, 1863: USS Sagamore Captures a Blockade Runner

MARCH 8TH, 1863.  155 Years Ago.

The USS Sagamore, Lieutenant Commander English,  captured sloop Enterprise bound for Mosquito Inlet, Florida, to Nassau with cargo of cotton.

--Old B-Runner

Black Sailors Receiving the Medal of Honor-- Part 1

From Wikipedia  "African American Medal of Honor recipients."

AARON ANDERSON--  Landsman--  USS Wyandank--  March 17, 1865--  Mattox Creek, Va.

ROBERT BLAKE--  contraband--  USS Marblehead--  Dec. 25, 1863--  Stono River, S.C.

WILLIAM H. BROWN--  Landsman--  USS Brooklyn--  Aug. 5, 1864--  Mobile Bay

--Old B-R'er

Battle of Fort Anderson, New Bern N.C.

From Wikipedia.

Not to be confused with the Fort Anderson on the Cape Fear River below Wilmington, N.C..

Also called the Battle of Deep Gully.  Fought March 13-15, 1863.  We are coming up on the 155th anniversary of it.

Part of the Longstreet Tidewater Campaign.

Confederate General D.H. Hill advanced on New Bern, North Carolina.  Confederate Gen. W.H.C. Whiting at Wilmington refused to cooperate and send men.

Hill had initial success at Deep Gully on March 13 and the federals retreated to Fort Anderson on the opposite side of the Neuse River from New Bern.  Investing it, Confederate forces were forced to withdraw with the arrival of Union gunboats.

Hill then moved to threaten Union forces at Washington, North Carolina.

--Old Secesh

Battle of Deep Gully and Fort Anderson-- Part 2: Confrontation At Fort Anderson

On March 13, the Confederates met the federal troops eight miles outside New Bern and pushed them back to Deep Gully.  There was more fighting there and then the Union troops retreated back to Fort Anderson.

At daybreak the next day, Pettigrew opened fire on the fort with his artillery hoping to avoid attacking it as he was sure he would lose a lot of men..  he sent a request to the Union commander of the fort, Lt.-Col. Hiram Anderson to surrender.  Anderson refused.

Anderson requested a cease fire so he could consult with New Bern's commander, General Foster, but this was a ruse to buy time so that the Union gunboats could come up and provide support.  When they did, Pettigrew withdrew

General Daniel Hill then retired to Washington, North Carolina and prepared to lay siege to it.  However, he was able to gather food and supplies from Union forces in his move on New Bern.

There were an estimated seven casualties at Deep Gully and Fort Anderson.

--Old B-Runner

Battle of Deep Gully and Fort Anderson, N.C.-- Part 1

Not to be confused with the Confederate Fort Anderson located on the Cape Fear River below Wilmington, N.C..

From North Carolina History.Org site.

In the last post about action in North Carolina in March 1863, there was quite a few mentions of Deep Gully and Fort Anderson.  I did some more research on them.

After the Confederate victory at the Battle of Fredericksburg, General James Longstreet was given the assignment to gather supplies and  maintain supply lines in North Carolina.

On February 25, 1863, he ordered General Daniel H. Hill, commander of the North Carolina District and his 12,000 men to recapture New Bern.

Hill planned a three-pronged attack on that city.  From Kinston, General Julius Daniel would attack New Bern fro the lower Trent Road.  General Beverly H. Robertson would attack from the upper Trent Road.  Then General James J. Pettigrew's brigade and Major John C. Haskell's artillery were to attack Federal Fort Anderson and gunboats from Barrington's Ferry.

--Old B-R'er

N.C. Timeline, March, 1863-- Part 3: Siege of Washington

MARCH 14--  Action at Fort Anderson (Deep Gully)

MARCH  21--  Capture of British steamer Nicholai I near Little River Inlet

MARCH  23--  Skirmish at Winfield (Buffaloes)

MARCH 24--  Skirmish at Rocky Hook Creek

MARCH  30 to April 20--  Siege of Washington and pursuit of Confederate forces, including Federal naval operations.

MARCH 30--  Skirmish at Washington

MARCH  30--  Skirmish at Rodman's Point

MARCH 30--  Skirmish at Deep Gully

MARCH--  George W. Lee leads a Confederate cavalry squad from Atlanta, Georgia, into Cherokee County, North Carolina.  They abduct 8 suspected Unionists and take them back to Georgia.  As with the Shelton Laurel Incident, North Carolina's Governor Vance is outrages.  (West)

N.C. Timeline, March 1863-- Part 2: Confederates Attack New Bern

MARCH 6-10--  Expedition from, New Bern to Trenton, Pollocksville, Young's Crossroads and Swansborough.

MARCH 7--  Skirmish at Core Creek

MARCH 7--  Skirmish near Dover

MARCH 7-10--  Expedition from Newport Barracks to Cedar Point

MARCH 7-14--  Expedition from New Bern to Mattamuskeet Lake.

MARCH 8-16--  Confederate expedition against New Bern and Federal naval operations.

MARCH 10-13--  Demonstration on New Bern

MARCH 13-14--  Skirmishes at Deep Gully and New Bern

--Old B-Runner

N.C. Timeline for March 1863-- Part 1: Action At Kinston

From the N.C. Sesquicentennial site.

MARCH-APRIL:  Confederate Gen. D.H. Hill's operations against New Bern and Washington.

March 1-2--  Expedition from New Bern to Swan Quarter.

March 2--  Entrance of blockade runner Cornubia into New Inlet.

March 3--  Skirmish at Fairfield

March 3--  Capture of Federal landing party at Little River Inlet.

March 4--  Skirmishes near Fairfield and Swan Quarter

March 6-8--  Demonstration on Kinston.

--Old B-R'er

Aaron Anderson-- Part 6: His Life

Aaron Anderson was born in North Carolina and enlisted at the age of 52 (quite old for an enlisted man).  he lived in Philadelphia before and after the war.  But, the name confusion (Anderson or Sanderson) has made it difficult to track him in history.

He might have returned to Philadelphia and lived and worked in South Philadelphia as a laborer, cook, white washer and coachman.  Records show he died in January 1881.

The talk will be given February 24 from 10 to noon  "Kitchen Table Stories: Aaro Anderson, African-American Civil War Hero and Medal of Honor Recipient."

--Old B-Runner

Aaron Anderson-- Part 5: Blacks in the Navy and Medal of Honor Recipients

The U.S. navy during the Civil War was not as segregated as the Army.  However, blacks almost always held the lowest ranks.  Aaron Anderson was a landsman, one of those.

Even so, many Blacks served in the Navy and 25 of them were Medal of Honor recipients.

--Old B-R'er

Aaron Anderson-- Part 4: The Potomac Flotilla

The Union's Potomac Flotilla began as a thrown-together collection of small steamers assigned to hold the Potomac River and protect Washington, D.C..  Some were former side wheel ferry boats like the one Anderson was assigned to, the USS Wayandank.

Eventually the Potomac Flotilla grew to twenty vessels operating out of Washington Navy Yard.  Its goal was to harass and drive off Confederate troops along and near the Potomac River, conduct raids (such as the one Anderson was on) prevent smuggling and to disrupt Confederate operations.  A particular emphasis was on the area known as the Northern Neck.

--Old B-Runner

Aaron Anderson-- Part 3: Medals of Honor for the Action

The Medal of Honor citation said that the men of the boat carried out their duties "courageously in the face of a devastating fire which cut away half the oars, pierced the launch in many places and cut the barrel off a musket being fired by the enemy."

This action typical of the operations of the Potomac Flotilla in the Chesapeake Bay region will be the focus of the program at Stratford Hall given by Peter Luebke, historian of the Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington, D.C..  John Bachman, public events director at Stratford Hall will also speak.

--Old B-Runner