Posted on 03/11/2024 6:39:18 AM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson
The steamship Western Metropolis from New-Orleans, Feb. 29, arrived last evening.
In the Era of the 28th, we find the following concerning Admiral FARRAGUT's operations at the entrance of Mobile Bay:
"We are again to be interested lookers-on of active war. The roar of cannon again resounds through the Department of the Gnd. The initiative steps of the operations which will soon place Mobile under the rule of the Stars and Stripes have been taken, and it may not be long ere we shall have to publish the glorious news that 'Mobile is ours!'
By the arrival of the United States steamship Tennessee, direct from the fleet, we learn that the mortar fleet, together with the gunboats Calhoun' Octorora, Jackson and Sebago, commenced the bombardment of Fort Powell on Wednesday last.
The fort is situated at Grant's Pass, which connects Mississippi Sound with Mobile Bay, and its capture is necessary to future operations against that city.
Up to the time the Tennessee left the bombardment was unremitting, and was still being vigorously prosecuted. The rebel batteries were replying rapidly to the fire of our fleet, but without damaging any of the vessels seriously.
The only casualty that had occurred on the Union side was the wounding of a man on the Octorora. A portion of his jaw was shot away by a fragment of a shell which exploded over the vessel.
An officer just arrived from Fort Jackson informs us that the sullen roar of the mortars, or "bummers," as they were facetiously termed during the siege of Port Hudson, could be distinctly heard in that vicinity on Wednesday, the wind blowing strongly in a favorable direction for conveying the sound to the ears of the listeners there.
The Tennessee brings three rebel soldiers who deserted to our fleet.
(Excerpt) Read more at nytimes.com ...
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Department of the Gulf: Initiation of the Operations Against Mobile – 2
The War in the Southwest: Affairs at Chattanooga – 2-3
From Tennessee and Alabama: Union Convention at Huntsville, Ala. – 3
The Army of the Potomac: Arrival of Gen. Grant – 3
Gen. Butler’s Department: Suffolk, Va., Captured and Occupied by Our Forces – 3
From North Carolina: The Recent Execution of Deserters by the Rebels – 3
Prisoners of War Exchanged: Federal Officers Released from Richmond – 3-4
The Presidency: Letter of Declination from Secretary Chase – 4
Abolition of Slavery in Virginia – 4
News from Washington: Special Dispatches to the N.Y. Times – 4
Proceedings of Congress – 4-6
Editorial: The Work of Or Armies – Economy of Forces – 6
Editorial: The Confederate Currency – 6-7
Bragg and Grant – 7
Management of Our City Conveyances – 7
England’s Disposition – 7
General News – 7
Amusements: Italian Opera – 7
Metropolitan Fair – Book Department – 7
Though I just poo-poo'd its strength as a fort for not really having walls, it's effectiveness was of worth. Before U.S. Captain Farragut famously said, "Darn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" (except he didn't say "darn") at the Battle of Mobile Bay, he had faced Fort Powell. Between that and other engagements Farragut faced on his way to Mobile Bay, Farragut's fleet had 315 casualties, with only 32 among the Confederates.
https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/fort-powell/
https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/battle-of-mobile-bay/
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