February 10, 1865: Porter Sets Down Cape Fear River Operations for Push to Wilmington-- Part 1: Army-Navy Cooperation

FEBRUARY 10TH, 1865:  Rear Admiral Porter issued an operation plan for the move up the Cape Fear River toward Wilmington, North Carolina which revealed the high degree to which naval gunfire support doctrine had been developed during the Civil War:  "The object will be to get the gunboats in the rear of their intrenchments and cover the the advance of our troops.

"When our troops are coming up, the gunboats run close in and shell the enemy in front of them, so as to enable the troops to turn their flanks, if possible ....  As the army come up, your fire will have to be very rapid, taking care not to fire into our own men....  Put yourself in full communication with the general commanding on shore, and conform to all things to his wishes...."

--Old B-Runner