David Glasgow Farragut to Christopher C. Augur

David Glasgow Farragut to Christopher C. Augur

American Civil War (1861-1865)

Siege of Port Hudson (Louisiana : 1863)

United States--Red River

United States. Navy

Warships

Farragut, David Glasgow, 1801-1870

Augur, Christopher Columbus, 1821-1898

Admiral David Glasgow Farragut speaks about the United States Flag Ship Hartford's position, holding the Red River, and the Siege of Port Hudson. He also reports on the condition of Confederate troops. Farragut mentions Confederate naval movements and his plans if they prove to be a threat to the Union forces. The Siege of Port Hudson took place between May 21 and July 9, 1863, corresponding with the Siege of Vicksburg. The Confederates surrendered at Port Hudson a few days after the fall of Vicksburg. The fall of Port Hudson ensured Union control of the Mississippi River.

Farragut, David Glasgow

Christopher Columbus Augur Papers, 1821 - 1898

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum

1863-04-23

pdf

eng

514259

United States Flag Ship Hartford,

Above Port Hudson, April 23d 1863.

Dear General,

We have the Enemy in a tight place - he is on half rations at Port Hudson - his Arkansas troops one or two Regiments refused duty a day or two since saying that, "they would not remain there if they did not give them more food". They have heard in some way that you intend to attack them by way of Manchac and have sent out troops to meet yours. They say that if I hold Red River as I am doing that they will have to evacuate Port Hudson - I have just caught and destroyed two of their boats that were used to cross provisions from the West bank to Bayou Sara,- we have been trying to catch these boats for some time -

They say they are anxious to get their large guns away from Port Hudson for fear of losing them

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If I can only get coal up through the Atchafalaya I will accomplish all, but I do wish Gen. Grant would come along so that you could both attack the place and take it.

I have a man direct from Fort DeRussy who says these are our guns on the Atchafalaya - Bute la Rose is abandoned - the 1 m gun of the "Indianola" and six other pieces are mounted at Fort DeRussy - but that will give us no trouble as it eighty miles up the Red River and the Black Town which Gen Grants forces are to come is not over forty miles from the mouth of Red River.

I hope you will tighten the cords around Port Hudson. I will draw them tighter every. My informant says there are but a hundred and twenty five men at Fort De Russy and that it can be shelled at two miles without their being able to reply

I wish to act with

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you and I think that I am\or this ship is doing the most effective service here

I suppose Gen Banks is still in the field in the Opelousas Country - Wishing you every success in your undertakings I remain

Very truly yours

D.G. Farragut Rear Admiral

Maj: General

C.C. Augur

Comdg &c &c &c &c Baton Rouge

P.S. Please say to Gen Banks when you write him if the boats that passed Vicksburg prove to be Gun Boats I will have them at Alexandria by the time he reaches there if possible, but I fear they are Gen Ellet's Squad or Marine Brigade and carry no guns except those belonging to their field artillery, consequently I will have nothing to attack Fort De Russy, as I can not take my own ship up Red River

Resply D.G.Farragut

Complete

100

20

pen and ink

4

24.75 x 19.25 cm