After capturing Fort Pillow, the Federal Western Flotilla immediately targets Memphis, the Confederacy’s fifth largest city, further down the Mississippi River.
Confederates abandon an important garrison on the Mississippi River, opening a path for Federal naval forces to move downstream and attack Memphis.
February 15, 1863 – The steam ram C.S.S. William H. Webb hurried into action after Confederates learned of the Federal attack on Fort Taylor on
February 12, 1863 – The U.S.S. Queen of the West continued raiding Confederate shipping on the Red River before encountering a Confederate naval squadron. The
February 3, 1863 – The U.S.S. Queen of the West continued down the Mississippi River on her mission to stop the flow of Confederate supplies
February 2, 1863 – Acting Rear Admiral David D. Porter directed Federal naval forces to stop the flow of supplies on the Red River in