National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1885-04-11
Planning the Capture OF New Orleans.

Planning tho Capture OF New Orleans.
From an account of "The Opening of
the Lower Mississippi by Admiral Por.
ter, in the Century War Papers for April,
we quote the following, which is the ad-
miraps understanding of how the Now
Orleans expedition was planned: "on
the 9th OF November, 1861, 1 arrived at
New York with tho Poyhatan, and was
ordered to report to the Navy DEPART
mcnt at Washington, which did on tho
12th. In those days it was not an easy
matter for an officer, except one Of high
ran X, to obtain access to the Secretary of
the Navy, and had been waiting nearly
all the morning at the door of his office
when Senators Grimes aud Hale came
along and entered into conversation with
me concerning my service on the gulf
coast. During this interview | told the
senators of plan had formed for the
capture of New Orleans, and when / had
explained to them how easily II could be
accomplished they expressed surprise
that no action had been taken in tho
matter, and took me in with them at
once to seecAecretary Welles. then gave
the secretary, in as few words as possible,
my opinion on the Importance Of captur-
ing New Orleans, and my plan for doing
so. Mr.. Welles listened to me attontively,
and when / had finished what had to
say he remarked that the matter should
be laid before the President at once, and
we all went forthwith to the executive
mansion, whore we were received by
Mr. Lincoln.
my plan, which then stated, was as
follows To it out a feet Of vessels Of
war with which to attack the city, fast
steamers drawing not more than eighteen
feet of water and carrying about 250
heavy guns also hotilla of mortar
vessels, to be used in case IL should be
necessary to lombard Forts Jackson and
st. Philip before the feet should attempt
to pass them. also proposed that q
body OF troops should be sent along in
transports to take possession Of the city
after 1t had been surrendered to the navy.
When had outlined the proposed move
ment, the President remarked:
"This should have been done sooner.
| The Mississippi is the backbone Of the
rebellion F.; IL is the KEY to the whole situ-
alton. While the confederates hold IL
they can obtain supplies of all kinds, and
II Ia q barrier against our forces Come,
let's go and see Gen. Mcclellan
"At that time Gen. Mcclellan COM
manded the army of the Potomac, and
was in the zenith Of his power. He held
| the confidence. Of the President and the
country, and was engaged in organizing a
largo army with which to guarantee the
safety Of the seat Of tho federal govern
ment. and to march upon Richmond.
"0ur party was now Joined by Mr..
Seward, the Secretary of state, and VIC
proceeded to McClellan's headquarters
where we found that officer diligently en-
T. l..Ns ~ 1. .ta,w 10
sitiou. He came 10 meet the President
with that CHEEKY manner which always
distinguished him, and, seeing me, shool
me warmly by the hand. We had knowr
each other for some years, and i Away
had the highest opinion Of his military
abilities.
"'oh,' said tho President, you tw,
know each other! Then half the worl
is done
"He then explained to the general thu
object Of his calling at that time, saying
"'This Is most important expedition
What troops can you spare to accompan,
1t and take possession Of New Orlean
after the navy has effected its capture
1t 10 not only necessary to have troop
enough to hold New Orleans, but VI
must be able to proceed at once toward
Vicksburg, which is the koy to all tina
| country Watorcu ny tuc nisrisslppl uu'
its tributaries. II the eonfederates one,
fortify the neighboring hills, they will
be able to hold that point for an indefi
mite time, and 1t will require alarg
force to dislodge them
"In all his remarks the Presiden
showed remarkable familiarity wit
, the state Of affairs. Before leaving ui
, he said:
I ave will loaye this matter in tn
hands Of you two gentlemen. Make you
plans and let mo have your report as 500
as possible
"Gen. Mcclellan and myself were the
. left to talk the matter over and draw u
the plan of operations. With man O
AcClellan's energy, ii did not take Ion
to come to conclusion; and, although h
: had some difficulty in finding sufticien
l number of troops without interferin
; with other importont projects, he settle
Z the matter in two days, and reported this
D his men would be ready to embark on th
: 18th of January, 1862"