How's That Civil War Interactive?
Unfortunately, on this date 145 years ago, Fort Fisher had already been captured, surrendering to overwhelming numbers around 9:45 PM.
Bragg's choice to take command of the fort, General Colquitt, about ran over himself quitting the fort to avoid capture. A wounded Colonel Lamb had turned command of the fort over to Major James Reilly at 4:30 PM. Major Reilly surrendered the fort to General Terry, setting off a massive fireworks and rocket display from the fleet.
Around 1 AM today, the 16th, Bragg sends telegrams to Robert E. Lee, Governor Vance and President Davis, "I am mortified at having to report the unexpected capture of Fort Fisher, with most of its garrison, at about 10 o'clock to-night. Particulars not known."
Well, What Did He Expect? --B-R'er
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