February 25, 1863---The U.S.S. BLACK TERROR

FEBRUARY 25, 1863:         

In an attempt to intimidate the Rebels, Admiral David Dixon Porter launches a Quaker Gunboat the U.S.S. BLACK TERROR downriver. At 300 feet she is over 100 feet longer than the C.S.S. QUEEN OF THE WEST, the largest ship on the river. Smaller Confederate ships flee the monster, some run aground, and some are abandoned rather than be destroyed by a pile of logs dressed up as a battleship. Admiral Porter is grimly amused and satisfied.