General John Pope's force marches overland through…
March 1862 CE
General John Pope's force marches overland through swamps, lugging supplies and artillery, reaches the New Madrid outskirts on March 3, and lays siege to the city.
Brigadier General John P. McCown, the garrison commander, defends both New Madrid and Island No. 10 from the fortifications.
He launches a sortie, under Brigadier General M. Jeff Thompson, Missouri State Guard, against the besiegers and brings up heavy artillery to bombard them.
On the 13th, the Confederates bombard the Yankees with little effect.
Since it seems impossible to defend New Madrid, the Confederate gunboats and troops evacuate to Island No. 10 and Tiptonville.
On the 14th, Pope's army discovers that New Madrid is deserted and moves in to occupy it.
A U.S. Navy flotilla, under the command of Flag-Officer Andrew H. Foote, arrives March 15 upstream from Island No. 10.
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