M E Wolf sent me two reports from the Official Records Navy covering the naval column's assault on Fort Fisher. Private Thompson's name was mentioned in both.
Both were from Lt.-Cmdy Parker of the USS Minnesota, who commanded that ship's naval detachment in the attack.
The Minnesota contingent consisted of 190 naval personnel and 51 Marines (under command of Captain George Butler. Parker reported that "nearly all of our sailors were there (at the palisages) and some of our marines." The rest of the column had taken cover nearly a quarter mile away under the crest of the beach.
Parker continues that while reconnoituring through the palisades, he saw many Confederates on the parapets without weapons and waving their hats as if to surrender. Whereupon, he gave the order to advance and some did. Part way to the fort, he turned to see most "retreating on the run." With only about 60 remaining, they took cover by the palisades and waited until dark.
He asked for the promotions of two ensigns and an Acting Master's Mate and reported, "Corporal John Rannahan and Privates John Shivers and Henry Thompson all behaved bravely. They were the only marines I noticed at the front. Thompson got nearer to the fort than anyone from our ship by a few yards. They all remained there when the panic carried the mass away."
The Minnesota's losses were 5 seamen and 2 marines killed and 27 seamen and 6 marines wounded.
I have my questions about whether the Confederates were desirous of surrender.
Lots of Bravery in That Attack. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
