USS George Mangham-- Part 2: Battle of New Orleans

The USS George Mangham was with the Mortar Fleet's Second Division anchored in the east bank of the Mississippi River.  As the swift current slackened on 24 April, 1862,  Farragut's fleet steamed boldly through a break in the obstructions and engaged and passed Forts Jackson and St. Philip.  They then engaged and captured the Confederate squadron resisting their advance up the river.

Meanwhile, the mortar boats continued their bombardment of the forts.  The Mangham received a shot through her hull in the engagement.

Having passed the forts, there was no defense against Farragut for the Confederates.  He went upriver to New Orleans and easily captured it 25 April.

This opened the way for the Union fleet to sweep northward up the river.  The Mangham and the mortar boats stayed below the forts, which surrendered  28 August.

Old B-Runner

USS Norfolk Packet-- Part 1: Bought By Navy and at Battle of New Orleans

From Wikipedia.

Was a large schooner purchased by the U.S. Navy 10 September 1861 and commissioned  7 February 1862.

It was 108 feet long,  gad a 28.2-foot beam, was a sailing ship, crew of 40 and mounted a 13-inch mortar, two 32-pdr. guns and two 12-pdr. guns.

It was bought from George Goodspeed of New York City and converted for naval use by J. Engles at the New York Navy Yard.   First commander was Lt. Watson Smith.

Assigned to the mortar squadron of  Cmdr. David Dixon Porter and participated in Farragut's attack on New Orleans.  The flotilla moved into position on 16 April and the mortar ships pounded Forts Jackson and St. Philip below New Orleans. Farragut's ship ran past the forts and New Orleans surrendered the next day.

--Old B-Runner

February 10, 1862: Porter Gets His Mortar Flotilla

FEBRUARY 10TH, 1862:  Secretary of the Navy Welles forwarded to Commander D.D. Porter the names of 22 sailing vessels and 7 steamers which would comprise the Mortar Flotilla.

This potent force, to which would be added the USS Owasco, "as soon as she can be got ready," later conducted an intensive bombardment of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, preparatory to to Flag Officer Farragut's drive past these heavily fortified works on the way to New Orleans.

--Old B-R'er