A powerful Union naval bombardment fails to silence the defenses of Port Hudson, Louisiana

A powerful Union naval force under Admiral David Farragut attempted to destroy the Confederate fortifications at Port Hudson, Louisiana on the Mississippi.  Farragut opened a fierce bombardment just before midnight and CSA batteries answered. Several Union ships were hit and the U.S.S. Mississippi destroyed. After three hours the engagement broke off. Port Hudson would have to be taken by land attack or siege. U.S. Navy units did break past the fortress upriver, however. (By John Osborne)