Reading a biography on Stanton and the author relates a story about Lincoln and Stanton, after the fall of Yorktown, taking a small tug and scouting possible landing locations along the James in order to take Norfolk. According to the account they were quite close to the shore when Rebel horsemen spotted them, and they were in fear of being shot on, but the rebels refrained from firing. Based on this reconnaissance Lincoln determined where the troops should land and ordered Gen. Wool to use the Fort Monroe garrison to land and take Norfolk. And that Lincoln even accompanied the troops to the landing area to assure they landed at the right spot. Apparently, as well, Salmon Chase accompanied the troops as they entered Norfolk.
I have never heard of this operation before, and if true, its astounding that Lincoln put himself in such an exposed position. Was this account accurate? And what does it say that Lincoln was able to so easily take Norfolk and Portsmouth, and thus set in motion the destruction of the CSS Virginia, when McClellan spent so much time sitting on his hands at Yorktown? Why didnt Little Mac see the opportunity to take Norfolk, if Lincoln saw it?
I have never heard of this operation before, and if true, its astounding that Lincoln put himself in such an exposed position. Was this account accurate? And what does it say that Lincoln was able to so easily take Norfolk and Portsmouth, and thus set in motion the destruction of the CSS Virginia, when McClellan spent so much time sitting on his hands at Yorktown? Why didnt Little Mac see the opportunity to take Norfolk, if Lincoln saw it?
Bringing the