The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Robert E. Lee on Fort Fisher

Came across a letter from Robert E. Lee to Jefferson Davis where he reported on the situation at Fort Fisher as reported to him by Braxton Bragg. It was dated Jan. 15, 1865.

"General Bragg telegraphed at 8 p.m. yesterday from Sugar Loaf that the enemy succeeded on the night of the 13th in extending a line across the Peninsula between him & Fort Fisher. That upon close examination he thought it too strong to attack with his inferior forces. Fisher has been reinforced with sufficient veterans to make it safe & that the width of the river is such that the enemy cannot control it even with artillery of which he has as yet landed none. Bombardment of Fisher on the 14th light. Weather continues fine & sea smooth. I have telegraphed a reply to concentrate his forces & endeavor to dislodge him. That he will land his cannons & besiege Fisher. He gives no estimate of strength of enemy, & makes no call for reinforcements."


So, Lee wanted Bragg to move upon the Union forces, but that was never to happen. Plus, 350 more troops, even veterans, was not much against close to 6000 federal troops. About the only reason I can think of for Bragg's inactivity was fear of the Union Naval guns. Otherwise, the Union troops would be caught between two Confederate forces, one heavily fortified.

Bragg Should Have Done Something. --Old B-R