Hello, Though you'd directed your enquiry to Terry I'd like to throw a few chunks your way. As Terry stated the Official Records would be the definitive source of information regarding operations in the area you are interested in researching. You can view the OR's at Cornell University's "Making of America" website.

Century Magazine, again available for perusal through the website listed above, contains several articles written over several years written by Civil War participants. Though not particular to the area in question you might want to read Vol. 29, January 1885-Recollections of Foote and Gunboats, James B. Eads, Pg.419 as well as James B. Eads: The Civil War Ironclads and His Mississippi, Heritage Books Inc., March 2004, ISBN: 13-978-088424779. Procurement and construction information aplenty in both texts, as well as several of the operational figures prominent in the events.

Regards, Henry E. Whittle