March 15 to April 8, 1862
After the fall of forts Henry and Donelson and evacuation of Columbus, Kentucky, General Beauregard fortified Island No. 10 in the Mississippi River about 60 miles south of Columbus in an attempt to keep Foote's gunboats from joining Farragut's coming up from the south.
Union general Pope arrived outside of New Madrid, Missouri, on March 3rd and after reconnoitering and examining information, determined that because of 50 heavy guns and Confederate gunboats, New Madrid could only be taken by siege. That same day, Confederates abandoned New Madrid and their commander was relieved of duty.
Looking at Island No/ 10, Pope decided that a canal would have to be dug to take it and it was finished by April 4th. On April 7th, four Union regiments moved across the Mississippi to cut off the Confederate retreat. Island No. 10 surrendered and 3,500 troops captured and 500 escaped.
The fall of the island opened the way to Fort Pillow.
Pope's success along the Mississippi led to his being chosen to command the Army of the Potomac and the disaster that later came at the Second Battle of Bull Run.
Old B-R'er
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