One hundred fifty years ago, on September 8, 1864, low water on the White River concerns Union naval forces: U. S. GUNBOAT HASTINGS, Devalls Bluff, September 10, 1864. GENERAL: I have come up the river with additional gunboats to assist in your movements. From the information I can gather here I am not likely to have the pleasure of seeing you unless I go over to Little Rock to congratulate you on your success and triumphs. This river is falling, and there is not now over 5 feet of water on some of the bars. If this is to be your base of supplies, the low water coming requires your prompt attention, as at 3 feet, the low-water stage, steamers could bring up very little freight indeed, while we have but one or two gunboats of sufficiently light draft to act as convoy. It is probable that all the gunboats except two will be obliged to leave this river within two weeks time. If I could have obtained conveyance I would have gone over to your camp to-day. Horseback riding for such a distance is rather too much for the uninitiated. We will make an effort to get up to Jackson-port, leaving here in the morning. I shall be glad to be of service to you in every way possible. I am, general, respectfully and most truly, yours, S. L. PHELPS, Commanding Sixth and Seventh Districts, Miss. Squadron. Major-General FREDERICK STEELE, U. S. Army, Commanding U. S. Forces before Little Rock, Ark.
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 11:00:00 +0000
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