Tuesday, December 1, 2020

To City Point and Bermuda Hundred-- Part 9: The Crow's Nest and Greeting

After a quick greeting with some of the Malvern's officers, the president "accompanied by Ass't Secretary Fox and A.R. Admiral Lee landed at Lookout Tree Landing."  The landing was just below where a Union lookout tower nicknamed "The Crow's Nest" would later be built.  Once up the slope, the group took horses and rode across Gen. Butler's lines. 

There is a picture of the Crow's Nest in the distance behind the monitor USS Mahopac in the James River.  The Mahopac would later take part in the attacks on Fort Fisher. (See picture to the right of this.)

The troops the party encountered were almost entirely from Butlers X Corps.  And, unlike the day before, Lincoln's visit was anticipated.  The soldiers turned out to see their commander in chief.

One Connecticut soldier, likely from the 6th or 7th Connecticut (who later took part in the Second Battle of Fort Fisher) wrote: "We were apprised that our worthy President, Abraham Lincoln, was near us and all that were not engaged on duty were ordered to appear near the regimental quarters and render a proper salute."

All That Fort Fisher Connection.  Yes!!  --Old B-Runner


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