Fort Beauregard.—VIII 32-pdrs., I 6-inch rifle, V 42-pdrs., I 10-inch, I 8-inch, II 24-pdrs., II 6-pdrs. = 20 guns.
At 8.30 a.m. the main squadron formed in line ahead, and passing in between the forts turned towards Fort Walker, delivering their broadsides as they passed within 600 yards. Turning, they passed Fort Beauregard (across the channel and two miles from Fort Walker), delivering broadsides. On the third time passing Fort Walker, it was deserted and taken possession of. Fort Beauregard had been silenced sooner and was taken possession of in the afternoon. The flanking squadron had been sent to attack a flotilla of Confederate gun-boats, which retreated up the river; they then took part in the general engagement. Federal loss, 8 killed, 23 wounded. Duration of action, five hours.
Earthworks on the Mississippi,
February 6, 1862.
FEDERAL.
VAN DIVISION—IRON-CLAD GUN-BOATS.
| Guns. | |
| Cincinnati | 13 |
| Essex | 7 |
| Carondelet | 13 |
| St. Louis | 13 |
REAR DIVISION—WOODEN GUN-BOATS.
| Guns. | |
| Conestoga | 7 |
| Taylor | 7 |
| Lexington | 7 |
CONFEDERATE.
Fort Henry.—Twenty guns, mostly of heavy calibre.
The squadron advanced in two divisions, line abreast, the iron-clads leading, and opened fire at 1700 yards, slowing down and approaching to 600 yards. Stopping at this position, the action continued for an hour and a quarter, when the fort surrendered. During this engagement the Cincinnati was struck 31 times, Essex 15 times, St. Louis 7 times, Carondelet once. Casualties, 2 killed, 37 wounded, of whom 28 were scalded by the steam from the boiler of the Essex, which was pierced.