Battle of Island No. 10 and New Madrid Hans Mohr

Background Island No. 10 is just up the Mississippi river from New Madrid, MO. Barely rose out of the water. Roughly a mile long and 450 yards across. No longer exists as an island due to the changing course of the river.

Preceding the Battle Other Confederate strongholds had fallen before the battle, leading them to choose Island No. 10 as their last defense against the Union on the Mississippi. The Union marched south after learning of Confederate movements around New Madrid. Union Leaders: General John Pope, Flotilla commander and General Andrew Foote. Confederate leaders: General John McCown.

Bombardment and Capture of New Madrid Union arrives on the 2 nd of March, Artillery arrives on the 12 th, Union begins siege. Confederacy returns fire on the 13 th with little success, retreats to Island No. 10. Union takes the empty town on the 14 th. Begins to set up artillery for siege of Island No. 10 upon arrival.

Gunboat Movement The Gunboats led by Gen. John Foote moved in on the 15 th, but could not get within range of the island due to Confederate artillery. Captain of the boat Carondolet volunteered to attempt to pass the island at night on March 29 th, after three weeks of artillery firing upon the Confederates from the town.

Passing of the Carondolet Before attempting to pass the island, the Union needed to prepare first. Soldiers infiltrated the island and spiked the first gun battery on the 1 st of April. On the 2 nd, all available gunboats attacked a floating battery, causing it to break loose and float downriver. They also waited until a moonless night, and on the 4 th, the Carondolet was able to make the run unscathed even after being discovered.

Confederate Retreat and Surrender With the support of the gunboats, Union infantry were able to invade the island on the 7 th. The Confederacy began to retreat south to Tiptonville, but were slowed by gunboat fire. Tipped off by spies, Gen. Pope also began moving troops to cut of the Confederate retreat. Surrounded and outgunned, the Confederates surrendered.

Effects With the victory at Island No. 10, the Mississippi was now open to the Union almost all the way to the ocean, which basically cut the Confederacy in half.

Numbers The Confederacy is reported to have surrendered 7,000 men, but official records say only around 4,000 men were on the island. After capture, 500 Confederates were able to escape the Union.