Feb. 13, 1865-- Part 2: Confederate Naval Detachment Evacuates Charleston for Wilmington's Defense

Since Charleston was to be evacuated and the naval squadron there scuttled, there was no need for the crews  anymore.  Commodore John R. Tucker detached 300 men and officers from the CSS Chicora, Palmettos State and Charleston, as well as men from the Navy Yard.

They were placed under the command of Lieutenant  James H. Rochelle, to assist in the final defense of Wilmington.

The naval detachment was assigned to Major General Robert F. Hoke's division which held the defensive line across the peninsula between Fort Fisher and Wilmington.

--Old B-R'er