Navy Profiles
On the Tennessee and Cumberland with Grant
Brigadier General U. S. Grant is credited with capturing two strategic forts in the western theater in early 1862, but he could not have done it without the Navy. As a matter of fact, the Navy captured Fort Henry before Grant's troops even arrived! The side-wheel steamer Conestoga, Lieutenant commanding George M. Blodgett, participated in Commodore Foote's capture of Fort Henry on the Tennessee River, and Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River between 6 and 13 February, 1862. On June 17, four vessels under command of Commander A. H. Kilty, including Blodgett's Conestoga, attacked two batteries at St. Charles, on the White River, Arkansas; the first was carried by the gunboats, and the second by troops from the 46th Indiana Infantry. As a result of this engagement, Lieutenant W. McGunnegle, commanding the gunboat St. Louis, reported that Lieutenant Shirk (gunboat Lexington) and Lieutenant Blodgett "rendered every assistance in the power of men. For their skill and bravery in action and the energy displayed by them to assist the wounded [of the gunship Mound City], they are deserving of the highest honors."1
(to be continued ...)
Notes:
1. Peck, 690; Neeser, ii:118-9; McGunnegle to Flag Officer Davis, ORN 34:167.
See Researching and writing about Vermont Blue-Jackets in the Civil War for explanations of references.
