NOVEMBER 23RD, 1864: Constantly alert to the need to strengthen his squadron for the difficult work of convoying and patrolling the Western Rivers, Rear Admiral Lee on this date dispatched a group of officers on a confidential mission to Cincinnati, Pittsburgh "and other places if necessary, for the purpose of purchasing ten sound, strong, and swift light draft steamers to be converted into gunboats."
Ten were eventually bought, converted and added to the Mississippi Squadron in early 1865.
--Old B-R'er
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