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