Feb. 24, 1865: More Navy Reductions and the Impact on Lee's Army

FEBRUARY 24TH, 1865:  Secretary Welles similarly directed Rear Admiral Dahlgren to send north vessels under his command that were no longer required, especially the least efficient.  "The Department is of the opinion that the fall of Fort Fisher and Charleston will enable us to reduce the expenses of the maintenance of the Navy."

Even as the Union Navy was being cut back, the effect of Northern sea power was felt more and more by General Lee's army.  With its last access to the sea, Wilmington, now controlled by the North, the shortage of essential supplies -- including shoes, artillery, blankets. lead, medicines and even food for men and horses -- became increasingly desperate.

By now, much of Lee's famed cavalry, for want of horses, had become infantry.

--Old B-Runner