April 20, 1862---Desperate Confederates jury-rig a river barrier

APRIL 20, 1862:         

The Union bombards Fort Jackson on the Mississippi River. The U.S.S. PINOLA and the U.S.S. ITASCA ignore cannon fire from the fort and steam upriver to cut the obstacle the Rebels have put in place by linking old schooner hulls together with chains. Ultimately, the boat crews are able to slip the chains, opening a gap in the barrier. All that stands between the Federal fleet and New Orleans is two forts full of heavy guns and a Mosquito Fleet.