Lincoln's 1864 Trip to City Point-- Part 8: Visiting the USS Onondaga and Within Range of a Rebel Battery

It is probable that there was a delay at this point while the Deep Bottom pontoon bridge was opened to permit river traffic.  

Once aboard the president's vessel, the USS Baltimore, Admiral Lee came on board and was greeted by Lincoln and Butler.  Then, the Baltimore, followed by the Agawam, steamed upriver toward Trent's Reach.  Fox noted that the men on ships they passed cheered the president.

Just before reaching the Malvern, the Baltimore drew up alongside one of the more technologically-advance monitors in the Union fleet, the double-turreted, iron-hulled USS Onondaga.

Lincoln made a brief visit to this ship (as he was always interested in anything dealing with new and improved technology).  The ship's deck officer recorded  that the president "visited" the vessel.

Then it was back to the USS Baltimore and on to the Malvern where they arrived about 10:30 am.  This put the Lincoln party well within range of a powerful Rebel battery not two miles distant.  Assistant Secretary of the Navy Fox wondered why "they did not open fire."

Probably Didn't Know the President Was Aboard.  --Old B-Runner

February 11, 1865: Attack On Half Moon Battery, NC

FEBRUARY 11TH, 1865:  The USS Keystone State, Aries, Montgomery, Howquah, Emma and Vicksburg engaged Half Moon battery, situated on the coastal flank of the Confederate defense line which crossed the Cape Fear Peninsula, six miles above Fort Fisher.

The bombardment contained General Hoke's division while General Schofield's troops moved up the beach and behind their rear.  Deteriorating weather, however, prevented the landing of pontoons, and Schofield withdrew his troops to the Fort Fisher lines.

Porter's gunboats also engaged the west bank batteries.

--Old B-Runner

Union Ships Attack Half Moon Battery Above Fort Fisher

FEBRUARY 11TH, 1865:  The USS Keystone State, Aries, Montgomery, Howquah, Emma and Vicksburg engaged Half Moon Battery, situated on the coastal flank of the Confederate defense line (by present-day Carolina Beach) which crossed the Cape Fear Peninsula six miles above Fort Fisher.

This bombardment contained General Hoke's division while General Schofield's troops moved up along the beach and got behind the Confederates.

Deteriorating weather conditions, however, prevented the landing of the pontoons, and Schofield withdrew his troops back to the Fort Fisher lines.

In the meantime, Porter's ships in the Cape Fear River engaged the west bank batteries.

--Old B-Runner