New Madrid, Mo

a strong Confederate position, fortified by General Leonidas Polk and garrisoned by troops from Beau regard’s command. It was captured by the Federals under General Pope, March 14, 1862. Pope had been dispatched by Halleck for this purpose and, moving down the Mi i ippi River, had encamped two miles from New Madrid. Siege guns having been brought from Cairo, General Plummer was sent by night to sink trenches and place sharpshooters. This having been accomplished, firing began early March 13. Three of the six Confederate gunboats were speedily disabled, and the next night, in the midst of a storm, New Madrid was evacuated. Many valuable supplies were captured.