Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 06:00 AM History Articles: U.S.N. Operations, Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers
Posted by: Dr. James Jones
16-March 17, 1863, Operations of U.S.N. on Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers
Summary report of Lieutenant-Commander Fitch, U.S. Navy, regarding operations on the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers, from December 16, 1862, to March 17, 1863.
U.S. Gunboat Lexington
Smithland, Kentucky, March 17, 1863
Sir:
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On the [16th of December]...the gunboats left the upper Ohio for operations in [the Cumberland and Tennessee rivers], but not finding water enough in the Cumberland, and expedition was formed to cooperate with Colonel Lowe up the Tennessee.
On the 20th of December [1862] the expedition left Fort Henry and proceeded up the [Tennessee] river as high as Duck River Sucks, where the troops were disembarked. Leaving two boats to guard the transports, I started on up the river with the remaining two, but having grounded on Duck River Bar, I was obliged to return without getting higher.
On the 24th (learning that the place was in danger) I returned to Fort Henry with two boats, leaving two above to guard the transports.
On the 25th...I proceeded on down the river to Paducah as that place was reported to be in danger. I left the Brilliant to guard Forts Henry and Hindman [Heiman] till the expedition from above returned.
On the 28th the expedition having returned, the gunboats joined me at Paducah.
On the 1st of January [1863] I left the General Pillow at Paducah and proceeded up the Ohio to the mouth of the Cumberland, with the gunboats Fairplay, St. Clair, Brilliant, and Robb. Arriving at Smithland, I found both flanges of the starboard wheel of the Fairplay broken entirely off, and consequently, by directions from the fleet captain, had to take her up the river for repairs. Also, being out of coal, I sent the boats to Caseyville, to take on a good supply. Finding on my arrival at Caseyville all the mines monopolized, I was compelled to take possession of them in order to get coal for the flotilla. After the St. Clair and Brilliant had finished coaling, the returned to Smithland and started up the Cumberland for Nashville with a fleet of transports. The Robb remained at Caseyville to hold possession of the mines and have a large barge filled for our use.
On the 4th...I arrived at Madison, Ind., and made arrangements for going on the ways. On the 5th went on the ways and commenced repairs. On the 21st, having completed repairs, returned to Smithland and made preparations for going up the Cumberland.
During my absence the Robb had brought down from the mines some 10,000 bushels of coal, and, with the [U. S, S.] Pillow, was patrolling the Tennessee, the St. Clair and Brilliant being yet up the Cumberland. I started to join them on the 22d, having in convoy a fleet of some 26 transports.
On the 28th I reached Nashville with the second fleet of transports and three gunboats. On the 30th returned down the river with a convoy of boats. The gunboat Silver Lake joined the fleet and reported for duty. On February 3 left Smithland with a fleet of 46 transports and the gunboats Lexington...Fairplay, St. Clair, Brilliant, Robb, and Silver Lake.
At 8 p.m. arrived at Dover, [Tenn.], found the garrison completely surrounded by the enemy, and out of ammunition. The gunboats shelled and dispersed the rebels.
On the 7th arrived at Nashville with the entire fleet. On the 8th went above Nashville with the gunboats Fairplay and Robb, to the mouth of Stone’s [sic] River, to destroy some flats and ferries there. On the 9th returned to Smithland with a fleet of transports. On the 13th left Smithland again with another large fleet of transports, arriving at Nashville on the 15th instant. On the 17th returned to Smithland, coaled and started up the Tennessee [i.e., to the south] with the gunboats Lexington, Fairplay, St. Clair, Brilliant, and Robb, leaving the Silver Lake and Springfield to convoy to Nashville a small fleet of transports.
On the morning of the 20th reached Clifton,[Tenn.]; found our forces in possession and the town in flames. Assisted the land forces back to the west side of the river and took charge of their prisoners....
During the afternoon of the same day we took a detachment of dismounted cavalry aboard each boat and landed them on Eagle Nest Island for the purpose of searching for rebel stores and rebels, said to be on or near the island
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[From the 22d to 26th the fleet patrolled the Tennessee River in Alabama and returned to Smithland, Kentucky on the 4th of March.]
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On the 12th [March] a fleet of transports started for Nashville under convoy of the gunboats St. Clair, Robb, and Springfield.
On the 13th the Lexington, Fairplay, and Brilliant made a patrol up the Tennessee: found all quiet in that vicinity.
Two boats will patrol the Tennessee constantly, while the remainder will remain on the Cumberland to patrol and convoy.
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Very respectfully, your obedient servant,
LeRoy Fitch, Lieutenant-Commander.
Navy OR, Ser. I, Vol. 24, pp. 56-58.
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