July 16, 1862 (Thursday): The Arkansas Stands Off A Union Fleet

The Arkansas Running the Union Fleet at Vicksburg

VICKSBURG, July 16, 1862.

President DAVIS:
    Enemy opened all their guns and mortars last evening and shelled the city and batteries until after dark, when eight of their vessls of war passed down under fire of batteries and Arkansas' baraodsides. What damage was done to them have not larned, though they were repeatedly pierced by shot of heviest caliber. One heavy shot passed through side of Arkansas, killing 2 men and wounding 3. This was all the damage done to us, with exception of one house burned down in city. Our troops have contempt for the fleet and bombardment and await coolly for troops to land. The Arkansas is the admitration of all, and her daring and heroic act has inspirex all with the greatest enthusiasm. She is now being repaired and will soon be ready for orders.


EARL VAN DORN,
Major-General.

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 52, Part 2, Page 329.

The Arkansas had a short, but distinctive career in which she was the master of the Union vessels deployed against her.  In August she would be ill-advisedly taken to Baton Rouge, where he engines failed and she was blown up to prevent capture.