On the afternoon of December 24, 1864, the United States fleet opened fire on Fort Fisher. The heavy cannonade continued for the next two days. The booming of the cannons could distintively be heard in Wilmington, about twenty miles away.
Despite the terrific bombardment, Colonel Lamb noted that the greatest penetration into his sand defenses was not more than five feet perpendicularly.
The fleet was all floating in a stately line of battle in three main lines and five ironclads anchored in close to the fort. There were frigates (some of whom carried as many guns as could be found in the whole fort) Very late in the day on the 26th, the firing ceased and the fleet moved further out to sea.
No serious damage had been done to the fort and the men were in high spirits over the enemy's retreat. In the evening, they sang "Lorena" and other songs and their stringed instruments played lively airs.
Fisher Lives to Fight Another Day. --Old B-Runner
