"The Confederate Navy’s Order of Battle at New Orleans" Topic

…: A Reflection of Political Tensions

"The ECW post on September 27, 2018 titled "Order of Battle – Why Those Lists Matter" reminded me of my own research, and I began doing what historians do: using thoughts and research of others to augment my own. The result was a reemergence in my own mind of just how the order of battle can reflect and impact political and military issues. Where this stood out was in representing Confederate naval forces at New Orleans, where a more in-depth examination of the Southern order of battle highlights tensions faced there during the first year of the US Civil War.

With the formation of the Confederacy, New Orleans was immediately classified as one of the fledgling nation's critical positions. As the home to the South's largest concentration of industry, largest population center, largest seaport, and its significance as a position controlling the Mississippi River, it was only a matter of time before the city became a contested seat of war.[1] The Confederacy quickly sought to establish land and naval defenses for this most vital area. The land defenses resembled those of other cities, fortified positions maintained through a combination of state militia, regiments mustered into the provisional army, and a small host of what became the Confederacy's regular army. Naval defenses however, were quite different, as reflected through just what organizations operated ships there…."
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Amicalement
Armand

I fail to see mention of the real villain of the piece, John A Stephenson the former commander of the Manassas whose resentment over the navies seizure of his vessel caused him not to cooperate with the Navy during the battle. His River Defence Fleet basically ran North to New Orleans as soon as the first shot was fired leaving the Forts and the Navy to defend the city.The Confederate Government failed to see the danger and were complacent in thinking that the Forts alone would defend the city.

Thanks!.

Amicalement
Armand

Umm "The River Defense Fleet supplied another six rams, but their senior officer, John Stevenson, vowed that "under no circumstances were they to receive or obey orders from any officer of the regular Confederate navy," a promise that would be fulfilled." "…all of the River Defense Fleet was lost – burned by their own captains or sunk in battle." Looks like they did mention it.

Would the six vessels of the River Defense Force have contributed to the defence of the city? Or would they be simply six more targets for the United States Navy?

Good question my dear cousin… (smile)

Amicalement
Armand