155 Years Ago, January 15, 1862-- Part 2: Overcoming the Challenges on Western Waters

Foote was constantly beset with the problem of having too much to do with too little material, even to the point of being unable to train his crews in gunnery.

That he met these difficulties successfully, however, was demonstrated in the Union Navy's steady sweep down the western rivers.

--Old B-R'er

155 Years Ago, January 13, 1862: Demonstrations on the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers

JANUARY 13, 1862:  Flag Officer Foote ordered three gunboats up the Cumberland and two up the Tennessee River on demonstrations.

--Old B-R'er

155 Years Ago: Foote Relieves Rodgers in Command of Western Waters

SEPTEMBER 5, 1861:   Captain A.H. Foote reported at St. Louis, Missouri, to relieve Commander J. Rodgers in command of naval operations on the western rivers.

--Old B-Runner

155 Years Ago Naval Forces on Western Rivers Established--Part 2

Under John Rodgers, three river steamers were purchased at Cincinnati.  Rodgers, overcoming no little difficulty in obtaining and training crews, getting guns and other equipment, converted the steamers to gunboats USS Tyler, Lexington and Conestoga.

These three gunboats, as stated by Alfred Thayer Mahan, were of inestimable service "in keeping alive the attachment to the Union where it existed."

--Old B-R'er

155 Years Ago: Naval Forces on Western Rivers Established-- Part 1

MAY 16TH, 1861:  Commander John Rodgers ordered to report to the War Department to establish naval forces on the western rivers under the command of General John C. Fremont.  The importance of controlling the Mississippi and its tributaries which pierced the interior in every direction was recognized immediately by the U.S. Government.

This control was not only militarily strategic but was a vital factor in keeping the northwestern states in the Union.

--Old B-Runner

Union Convoy Problems on the White River

JULY 27TH, 1864:  Col. Lewis B. Parsons, USA, Assistant Quartermaster and Chief of Western River Transportation, wrote Lt.Cmdr. Phelps, US Navy commander on the White River, about the unavailability of sufficient gunboats to convoy needed supply ships: "I am now in receipt of letters from three different officers, urgently enquiring if something can be done to prevent the detention of boats for convoys, in consequence of which, it is extremely difficult to send stores and supplies from Helena, Memphis, and other points....

"I have no doubt everything is being done in your power and consistent with your means, but considering the importance of the subject and the expenditure, is it not advisable to increase the means, so that convoys, if necessary, may be sent as boats arrive?

"If this can not be done, would it not do if two or three gunboats be stationed at different and dangerous points and boats be permitted to proceed without convoys?"

What Parsons was talking about was that supply ships were not allowed to proceed up the river without being in a convoy and protected by Union gunboats.  Often this meant waiting until several ships gathered and a warship found to escort them, causing delays.

Confederates were constantly harassing Union shipping along the western rivers.

--Old B-Runner

Confederates Harassing Union Ships on the Rivers

JUNE 2ND, 1864:  Union gunboats convoying transports on the western rivers continued to be harassed by Confederate field artillery along the banks.    The USS Louisville sustained severe damage in a exchange of fire at Columbia, Arkansas.

The next day, at Memphis, Lt. Cmdr. John G. Mitchell of the USS Carondelet, also observed: "Not a steamer arrives here from Cairo but what has been fired upon by  gangs numbering from 12 to 100 men..

The Union warships could control the waterways, but troops on land were needed to prevent the buildup of Confederate batteries and guerrilla activity.

--Old B-R'er