According to Ed Bearss (he gave the dedication speech for the historical marker re the capture of the tinclad USS Petrel near Yazoo City, MS on June 15, 2008) the capture of the Petrel on April 22, 1864 by Confederate cavalry was the FIRST capture of a Federal gunboat accomplished by CSA soldiers, etc.

I am aware of Forrest's capture of gunboats just prior to his Johnsonville TN attack and some other captures in Missouri and Arkansas.

My question is this: is Ed Bearss correct, was the capture of the Federal tinclad USS Petrel by Confederate cavalry the FIRST such action....??????

thanks,

Kenneth Byrd