Fort Jackson
150 years ago today people in Richmond could have read some “telegraphic news” from the day before. The Union navy is firing thousands of bombs into Forts Jackson and St. Phillip on the Mississippi, but the forts have not been damaged very much at all. The spirits of the Confederate troops are excellent, and there have been few casualties. However, as Civil War Daily Gazette has reported, 150 years ago today the Union fleet under David Farragut brushed passed the forts.
From the Richmond Daily Dispatch April 24, 1862:
The bombardment of Fort Jackson.
New Orleans, April 23
Keep up the good work
–The following is a copy of an official dispatch from Major-General Lovell to Brig. Gen. Duncan, commanding at Fort Jackson:
“Say to the officers and men of your command that their hereto fortitude in enduring one of the most terrific bombardments known, and the energy and skill with which they crush the enemy whenever he dares come from under cover, attracts the admiration of all, and will be recorded in history as a splendid example for patriots and soldiers. Anxious but confident families and friends are watching them with firm reliance, based on the gallant exhibition thus far made of indomitable courage and great military skill. The enemy will try your powers of endurance, but we believe with no better success than that already experienced.
(Signed) M. Lovell.
Major-General Commanding.
Gen. Duncan’s reply to Major-Gen. Lovell runs thus:
“I have to report this morning, as previously, that the bombardment is still going on furiously. They have kept it up furiously by reliefs of their divisions. One of their three masted gunboats, painted gray, came above the point this morning, but was struck, and retired. We are hopeful and in good spirits, and I cannot speak in too high praise of all the officers and men. I have no further casualties to report. Let the people have faith and fortitude, and we will not disgrace them.
(Signed) J. K. Duncan,
Brigadier-General”
[Second Dispatch.]
New Orleans, April 23.
'They must soon exhaust themselves.–If not, we can stand as long as they can'
–The following dispatch was received from Fort Jackson to-day:
“A heavy continued bombardment was kept up all night and is still progressing. There have been no further casualties except two men slightly wounded. God is certainly protecting us. We are still cheerful, and have an abiding confidence in our ultimate success.–We are making repairs as best we can. Our best guns are still in working order. Most of them have been disabled at times. The health of the troops continues good. Twenty-five thousand 13 inch shells have been fired by the enemy, thousands of which fell in the fort. They must soon exhaust themselves.–If not, we can stand as long as they can.
(Signed) Brig. Gen. J. K. Duncan,
Comd’g Fort Jackson.
The image of Fort Jackson is at Son of the South.
Both Mansfield Lovell (born in Washington, D.C.) and Johnson Kelly Duncan (born in Pennsylvania) were West Point graduates.
