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