Feb. 24, 1865: More Navy Reductions and the Impact on Lee's Army

FEBRUARY 24TH, 1865:  Secretary Welles similarly directed Rear Admiral Dahlgren to send north vessels under his command that were no longer required, especially the least efficient.  "The Department is of the opinion that the fall of Fort Fisher and Charleston will enable us to reduce the expenses of the maintenance of the Navy."

Even as the Union Navy was being cut back, the effect of Northern sea power was felt more and more by General Lee's army.  With its last access to the sea, Wilmington, now controlled by the North, the shortage of essential supplies -- including shoes, artillery, blankets. lead, medicines and even food for men and horses -- became increasingly desperate.

By now, much of Lee's famed cavalry, for want of horses, had become infantry.

--Old B-Runner

Naval Happenings 150 Years Ago: February 9th to 11th,1863-- Getting Supplies a Blockade Problem

FEBRUARY 9TH

Admiral Du Pont wrote Welles about logistical problems on the blockade.  They have run out of oil for machinery and getting coal is always a problem.  The supply ship Union arrived and had supplies, but buried under other cargo and the captain wanted to give it to Du Pont on his return from the gulf, but Du Pont forced him to give him what he had.

Also, the Union was supposed to be carrying rations such as: sugar, coffee, flour, butter, beans, dried fruit and clothing, but didn't have any.


FEBRUARY 10TH

Confederate troops disabled the ram Dick Fulton at Cypress Bend, Arkansas, by gunfire.


FEBRUARY 11TH

Admiral Porter also concerned with supply problems.  Coal also is a problem.

Old B-Runner