January 7, 1865: Sherman Places Blame for Failure of First Attack on Fort Fisher

JANUARY 7, 1865:  General Sherman writing to Rear Admiral Dahlgren about his plans for the Carolina Campaign closed with his thoughts on the attack on Fort Fisher in December:  The more I think on the affair at Wilmington the more I feel ashamed of the army there; but Butler is at fault, and he alone.

"Admiral Porter fulfilled his share to admiration.  I think the admiral will feel more confidence in my troops, as he saw us carry points on the Mississippi where he had silenced with fire.  All will turn out for the best yet."

There are no other daily accounts of the Second Battle of Fort Fisher until January 12, when the fleet arrived at Fort Fisher for the attack.

--Old B-Runner