March 28, 1864: Sailors Baling Cotton

MARCH 28TH, 1864:  The versatility of Union gunboat crews was continually tested.  Crewmen from the USS Benton, Lieutenant Commander Greer, had hone ashore on the 27th near Fort De Russy (Louisiana) and taken some 13 bales of cotton from an abandoned plantation.

They returned this date, Greer reported, and "got 18 bales from the same place, which they baled themselves, using an old awning for the purpose."

More Prize Money for Everyone.  --Old B-Runner