THE GREAT REBELLION: A Chain Stretched by the Rebels Across the Lower Potomac; Important from Missouri; The Rebels to Make a Stand at Carthage (10/20/1861)

New York Times archives – Times Machine ^ | 10/20/1861

[Homer_J_Simpson]

WASHINGTON, Saturday, Oct. 19.

A CHAIN ACROSS THE POTOMAC.

The gunboat Resolute was nearly sunk on the Potomac this morning, while endeavoring to tow two vessels past the rebel batteries at Chopowamsic Creek. The Commander of the flag-ship, the Union, had ordered the Resolute to convoy the vessels up. Accordingly, the schooner Fairfax, loaded with hay, was taken alongside nearest the batteries, forming a perfect breastwork. The Lady Ann, another river vessel, was taken on the other side, and the Resolute steamed up the river, the batteries keeping up a brisk fire, though doing little damage as long as the vessels were in motion. Suddenly, however, Capt. FOSTER of the Resolute felt the boats foul of some obstacle, which upon inspection proved to be a chain, apparently stretched across the river. In vain did the engineer of the Resolute work his engines -- the vessels would not budge for three quarters of an hour. During all this time the rebels poured in shot and shell with great rapidity. Persons on the flag-ship counted no less than one hundred and fifty-four shots. The schooner Fairfax, being nearest the batteries, of course got the worst of it. It is estimated that at least fifty shots struck her, about twenty-five of which were in her side and sails. Several struck the sails reefed on the yards, and many portions of her rigging were broken. Finally the ropes fastening her to the Resolute were shot away, and she drifted near the shore, where she was captured by the rebels. Capt. FOSTER would have fired her, but had not time, so urgent was the necessity of caring for the safety of his own vessel, which was fouling the chain.

[Homer_J_Simpson]

Free Republic University, Department of History presents U.S. History, 1861-1865: Seminar and Discussion Forum
The American Civil War, as seen through news reports of the time and later historical accounts

First session: November 21, 2015. Last date to add: May 2025.
Reading: Self-assigned. Recommendations made and welcomed.

Posting history, in reverse order

https://www.freerepublic.com/tag/by:homerjsimpson/index?tab=articles

To add this class to or drop it from your schedule notify Admissions and Records (Attn: Homer_J_Simpson) by reply or freepmail.

Link to previous New York Times thread

https://freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/4004860/posts

[Homer_J_Simpson]

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[Homer_J_Simpson]

The Great Rebellion: A Chain Stretched Across the Lower Potomac – 2-4
Important from Missouri: A Stand Made by Gen. Price at Carthage – 4
Horse Department of the Army – 4-5
Affairs at Cairo: Fight between Rebel and Federal Cavalry – 5
Condition of Indian Affairs at Dacotah – 5-6
Progressive Success of the Sanitary Commission – 6
Editorial: Dissatisfaction Among the Rebels – 6
Editorial: A War of Boundaries – 6-7
Editorial: Treason Subsisting on Loyalty – 7-8
The Fortification Circular in Canada – 8
Gen. McClellan’s Political Proclivities – 8
Archbishop Hughes Guilty of Heresy on the Slave-Trade – 8
Affairs in Kentucky: Important from Louisville, Ky. – 8
Obituary: John A. Brownlee – 8

[Tax-chick]

We met some Union reenactors of the Battle of Carthage at McDonald’s one morning. They said the Confederates were all about being authentic!

[sauropod]

Bkmk.