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Exploding Fury

Fort Henry Falls to Union Troops
'The Union soldiers gained possession of Fort Henry today, at the cost of high casualties. Federal gunboats crippled the South's hopes of maintaining control of the Tennessee River with its devastating and continued assault on the fort. During the battle, a cannon and boiler exploded on the Union gunboat, The Essex. Many of the sailors were wounded and painfully scalded by the accidents. But the attack never let up. It created such a great disturbance in the fort that many Confederate soldiers fled for their lives. With only 100 men to support the fort, General Tilghman signaled to the Northern forces to cease fire. The defeat was a heavy blow to the South.'