ON BOARD THE FLAG-SHIP, TWO MILES ABOVE ISLAND NO. 10,
Saturday, March 15, via CAIRO 16.
The flotilla got under way at 5:30 this a. m., in weather thick with occasional showers and unfavorable for operations at long range. Dropped down slowly till about 7, when the flag-ship being about six miles above Island No. 10, a stern-wheel steamer ran out from the shelter of a point on the Kentucky shore, and made double-quick down the river. The Benton’s bow guns were cast loose and four shells thrown at the rebel steamer, but the distance was too great and the only effect of the shots was to accelerate the speed and set its whistle at work signaling the forces below.
At 9 a. m. the fleet rounded too about 3 miles above Island No. 10, and the Commodore ordered three of the mortar boats into position. At this hour, 1 p. m., we are well within range, but as yet have heard nothing from the enemy.
There appears to be a large force on the Kentucky shore, and we count thirteen guns in position on the bluff. A large number of transports can be seen across the low point on the Missouri shore, busily engaged around the Island; what they are doing we cannot determine. The Pollard goes now. Mortars will open soon we discern the much talked of floating battery at the island.
– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, March 18, 1862, p. 2
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