Union Forces Reported At Topsail Inlet, July 23, 1863

from the July 23, Wilmington (NC) Journal.

"A report reached town late night that the enemy was landing troops yesterday at Topsail Inlet.  We cannot find any confirmation on this, although it is said that three vessels, apparently containing troops, were of Topsail yesterday.

"They also be bound for Charleston or elsewhere."

Morris Island, by Charleston, South Carolina, was under attack at this time.  But with the Union forces' ability to strike anywhere along the coast due to naval superiority these reports were taken seriously.  There was always the chance that a sizable force would be landed in the Topsail Inlet area and then strike west the short distance to Wilmington and capture the city.

--Old B-Runner