5 April 1862

Duncan, Johnson Kelly, 1827-1862

Autograph note signed

Title: to Mary Grimshaw Duncan

Enemy gunboats attacked, trying to reach New Orleans, then retreated. Writes of "another turn at the Enemy today - six gun boats and four frigates having come up to point of woods below. All gone back again, and well." Written to his wife in New Orleans. Johnson K. Duncan was a Confederate Brigadier General in command of the coastal defenses that protected New Orleans, including Fort Jackson and Fort St. Philip. Despite a valiant defense, Union gunboats were able to sail past these positions and on to New Orleans on April 24th. On April 29th both New Orleans and Duncan's forces were…

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