December 30, 1864: Porter Demands Butler's Removal for Another Attack on Fort Fisher

DECEMBER 30TH, 1864:  Determined to take Wilmington  and close the South's last important harbor but dissatisfied with General Butler's leadership, Rear Admiral Porter strongly urged the general's removal  from command.

General Grant wrote Porter:  "Please hold on where you are  for a few days and I will endeavor to be back again with an increased force and without the former commander."

Ships of Porter's squadron kept up a steady bombardment of Fort Fisher to restrict the construction of new works and repair of the damaged faces of the fort.

--Old B-Runner