From Ship's Boy to Rear Admiral (in 1866)
With Ben Butler in charge at New Orleans the Union fleet moved up the Mississippi. 150 years ago today Baton Rouge, the Louisiana state capital, surrendered to James Shedden Palmer, commanding the USS Iroquois:
After the great victory [New Orleans] Iroquois advanced up the river with Farragut, with the aim of eventually joining Flag Officer Foote, who was driving southward. A landing party was sent ashore at Baton Rouge 8 May 1862 and Comdr. Palmer received the surrender of the Louisiana capital that day. Iroquois, along with Oneida, also took possession of Natchez 13 May as the fleet moved steadily toward the Southern stronghold at Vicksburg. Within a week they were below the city and preparing to pass the formidable batteries.
USS Iroquois
'L' is for Louisiana
At Baton Rouge
