March 16, 1862 (Sunday): Disorganization at Island No. 10

General John P. McCown

HEADQUARTERS,
Madrid Bend, March 16, 1862-10.30 a. m. 

General LEONIDAS POLK:
    GENERAL: Captain Cummings established a signal station at Battery Numbers 1 last night. He unfortunately used a white flag. I soon discovered it and ordered the battle-flag substituted. Captain Rucker, who commands Battery Numbers 1, allowed a tug with a white flag to go near his battery. The overflow prevented my communicating promptly with Captain Rucker. General Trudeau went to the boat and explained their mistake; informed the enemy that we did not wish to communicate with them. Captain Rucker told the officer that he, on the contrary, was ready for action. I regret the affair.

J. P. McCOWN,

Brigadier-General.

2 p. m.-Shelling us. No damage done. We have not replied to boats.

J. P. McC.,

Brigadier-General.

MADRID BEND,

March 16, 1862-9 p. m. (Received March 17.)

Major-General POLK:
    The mortar boats have been shelling us all day. They opened some
guns. No person hurt. I have just returned from Tiptonville, and will endeavor to carry out your orders without friend or foe knowing it.

J. P. McCOWN,

Brigadier-General.

HEADQUARTERS,
Madrid Bend, March 16, 1862.

Major General LEONIDAS POLK:
    GENERAL: I received your dispatch with Colonel Jordan's letter. I will, if possible, execute your instructions. My experience in that line makes me tremble for the result. The gunboats are now off the point dropping down.
    Respectfully, yours, &c.,

J. P. McCOWN,

Brigadier-General.

(Copy to General Beauregard.)

Official Records, Series I., Vol. 8, Part 1, Page 784.

McCown would soon be relieved for having abandoned New Madrid.  Although graduating 10th in the class of 1840 from West Point and serving well in the pre-war Army as a Captain, McCown was out of his element with a larger command.