January 4, 1863: Joint Army-Navy Expedition Against Fort Hindman

JANUARY 4, 1863:  A joint Army-Navy expedition under Rear Admiral David D. Porter and Major General W.T. Sherman got underway up the White River, Arkansas, aiming at the capture of Fort Hindman at Arkansas Post.  Porter described Fort Hindman as a "tough little nut," mounted 11 guns.

Porter's ship were seriously short of coal and had army transports tow them to conserve fuel.  His fleet consisted of the USS Baron de Kalb, Louisville, Cincinnati, Signal, Marmora, Lexington, New Era, Romeo, Rattler, Glide and Porter's flagship, the Black Hawk.

This date, Porter also ordered the ram Monarch to join him at the mouth of the Arkansas River

--Old B-R'er

Action at Arkansas on the Mississippi River

AUGUST 10-11TH, 1864:  Small steamers USS Romeo, USS Prairie Bird and transport steamer  Empress engaged a Confederate battery at Gaines Landing, Arkansas, on the Mississippi River.  The Confederates had secretly wheeled it into place.

The Empress was attacked on the 10th and had its captain killed and disabled her.  The Romeo came to its aid, engaged the battery and towed the Empress to safety.

The next day, the Confederates opened up on the Prairie Bird which was passing by.  Hearing the firing, the Romeo returned and the two ships were able to drive them away.

All three ships were severely engaged in the two day battle.  The Empress alone had received some sixty-three hits.

--Old B-R'er