The Smith Briggs at the 1863 Peninsular Campaign-- Part 2

Later in the day, the Smith Briggs dropped a mile down river to prevent an enemy flank movement. On the 26th-29th, the Smith Briggs patrolled the river between White House and West Point to prevent guerrillas from intefering with transports conveying troops to White House.

On the 27th of June, the ship captured a large number of rebel horses and July 2nd destroyed an enemy battery at Cumberland Heights. From July 3rd to Union forces withdrew from the area, the Smith Briggs patrolled the Pamunkey River.

For his "arduous service well-performed, Capt. LEE enjoys the hearty respect of all connected with this department, both as an officer and a man."

The New York Times certainly had high regard for Captain Lee, an Army man commanding a gunboat. I have to wonder if he'd had sea experience before the war.

--Old Secesh

The Smith Briggs At the 1863 Peninsular Campaign-- Part 1

From the July 25, 1863, New York Times.

During these operations, also called Dix's Peninsular Campaign, the Army gunboat Smith Briggs was attached to Rear-Admiral Lee's Squadron and under the command of Captain Lee.

The Smith Briggs had just had repairs at Norfolk when it received orders from General Dix to go to Fortress Monroe and from there to Yorktown to await further orders from the Commanding General of the Department.

On June 23rd, 1863, the ship was at West Point near the mouth of the Pamunkey River. On June 24th, the Smith Briggs joined four gunboats and twelve transports and left on the 25th for White House which was found to be in possession of rebel cavalry. The gunboats opened fire and quickly dispersed them.

--Old Secesh