Jan. 15, 1865-- Part 3: The Naval Brigade at Fort Fisher

"All the officers," Robley Evans wrote, "in their anxiety to be first into the fort, had advanced to the heads of the columns, leaving no one to steady the men in behind;  and it was in this way  we were defeated, by the men breaking from the rear."

The significance of the naval assault, even in failure, was perceived by the fort's commander, Col. Lamb, when he wrote that "their gallant attempt enabled the army to enter and obtain a foothold, which they otherwise could not have done."

--Old B-Runner