Monday, February 20, 2012

Nvaal Happenings 150 Years Ago: February 15-20, 1862

FEBRUARY 15TH

Four Confederate ships attack Union batteries at Venus Point on Savannah River, but were forced back.

FEBRUARY 16TH

Union gunboats destroyed the Tennessee Iron Works above Dover on the Cumberland River.

FEBRUARY 17TH

Ironclad CSS Virginia commissioned under Captain Franklin Buchanan.

Flag Officer Foote writes Welles that he is leaving for Clarksville, Tn., with eight mortar boats and two ironclads. The other ironclads pretty cut up after the engagement at Fort Donelson and remaining for repairs.

FEBRUARY 19TH

Confederates evacuate Clarksville, Tennessee, on the Cumberland River. Foote occupies Fort Defiance and urged an immediate move on Nashville.

Trial run of USS Monitor in New York Harbor. Approximate speed will be between 6-8 knots.

General Robert E. Lee, in charge of Confederate coastal defenses is dismayed about inability to oppose Union guns on the blockaders and notifies Brigadier General Trapier in Florida that he must determine which positions can probably be held and which need to be relinquished.


FEBRUARY 20TH

Flag Officer Farragut arrives at Ship Island to begin preps for attack on New Orleans. naval ships and soldiers have been gathering at Ship Island for several s weeks already.

Rumors abound that the CSS Virginia is to attack Newport News and Hampton Roads.

Secretary of Welles wrote to Lt. Worden, commanding the USS Monitor to proceed to Hampton Roads.

The Stage Is Being Set for the Famous Battle Between the Two Ironclads. --Old B-Runner

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