After capturing Fort Pillow, the Federal Western Flotilla immediately targets Memphis, the Confederacy’s fifth largest city, further down the Mississippi River.
Tag: M. Jeff Thompson
The Fall of Fort Pillow
Confederates abandon an important garrison on the Mississippi River, opening a path for Federal naval forces to move downstream and attack Memphis.
The Battle of Plum Run Bend
Confederates launch a surprise attack on the Mississippi River to keep the Federals from continuing downstream to capture Fort Pillow and Memphis.
The Fall of New Madrid
Confederate defenders abandon a position on the Mississippi River under artillery bombardment from John Pope’s Army of the Mississippi.
We Thirst Not for Your Blood
M. Jeff Thompson leads 3,000 secessionist Missourians in disrupting Federal operations and engaging in several skirmishes in southeastern Missouri.
Writing in a Spirit of Caution
Abraham Lincoln addresses the delicate issue of John C. Fremont’s proclamation imposing martial law in Missouri and freeing slaves belonging to disloyal masters.