Attempting To Pass The Deadly Guns of Port Hudson
During the siege of Vicksburg to the north, Port Hudson was the Confederate stronghold to the south. In order to cut off supplies which were being shipped from the west, Farragut & Banks determined to run the fort at Port Hudson. For the dangerous passage, Farragut lashed gunboats to the sides of his large steamers to protect the heavy ships from enemy fire and to improve their maneuverability. Genesee was paired off with Richmond when the Union Fleet moved upstream on the night of 14 March and came within range of the Confederate guns. In the ensuing fight Farragut's losses were greater than those he had suffered in taking New Orleans. Richmond's steam line was severed, forcing her to drop down out of range. Genesee fought on; but a 6-inch shot pierced her hull and detonated a 10-inch shell which, in turn, wreaked havoc below; and the murderous fire shredded her rigging. Only Hartford and her consort Albatross made it past the Southern batteries.
Read more about this topic: USS Genesee (1862)
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