March 28,1865: Helping Gen. Sherman in North Carolina

Following the Presidential conference on board the steamer River Queen, Rear Admiral Porter ordered Commander Macomb, commanding the North Carolina Sounds. "to cooperate with General Sherman to the fullest extent" during operations soon to be opened in the area.

"They will want all your tugs, particularly, to tow vessels or canal boats up to Kinston, [North Carolina]....  It will be absolutely necessary to supply General Sherman by way of Kinston."

Porter  continued:  "There will be a movement made from Winton after awhile.  It is necessary for us to get possession of everything up the Chowan River, so that Sherman can obtain his forage up there....

"I trust to Captain Rhind to remove  the obstructions at New Berne and to tow up rapidly all the provisions, and general Sherman can supply his army for daily use by the railroad, and you can get up the stuff required for the march."

So, Macomb Gets His Marching Orders.  --Old B-Runner