History of Aransas Pass, (San Patricio County) Texas United States of America

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Aransas Bay, Tex., April 22, 1862. Two sloops with 32 men commanded by Capt. Neal and Lieut. Canfield, from Camp Aransas, captured two Federal launches, which had come into Aransas bay and taken three sloops. One of them, the Democrat, after being stripped of her sails was left to its captain and mate, who had to pole their way to land. With the other two the Federals bore down Toward Shell Banks, evidently expecting to pass the fort unchallenged and, once out of Aransas Pass, to have the protection of a blockading vessel. When pursued by the two sloops, having no safe egress from the bay, they abandoned their prizes took to their launches and soon entered Blind Bayou. Headed off on land by Neal and Canfield, they left their launches and ran to the sand-hills. There were 22 of them and before they disappeared they exchanged a few shots with their pursuers.

Aransas Pass, Tex., Nov. 17, 1863. Detachment 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, Department of the Gulf, and Gunboat Monongahela. At sunset on the 16th Gen. Ransom, who was leading an expedition against Fort Esperanza, landed the 13th and 15th Me., part of the 20th IA. and two boat howitzers at the south end of Mustang Island and marched up the beach toward the north end, where the Confederates had a garrison of about 100 men, with 3 pieces of heavy artillery. At 4 o'clock the next morning he had marched 18 Miles, when he halted to rest his men and wait for daylight. Resuming his march a little after 6 o'clock he encountered the enemy's pickets about a mile from the garrison, and after a slight skirmish drove them into their camp. About this time the Monongahela steamed up and threw a few 11-inch shells into the enemy's lines causing consternation among them. The garrison surrendered unconditionally and Col. Isaac Dyer, with the 15th Me., was left in charge of the post.

SOURCE: The Union Army A History of Military Affairs in the Loyal States 1861-65 -- Records of the Regiments in the Union Army -- Cyclopedia of Battles -- Memoirs of Commanders and Soldiers. 8 vols. Madison: Federal Publishing, 1908.

History of Aransas Pass, (San Patricio County) Texas

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