It
would not have happened to a great or even a fairly good general
officer. The best that can be said for him is that if he
were without personal blame, that it is the chief incident
of a campaign which he went through without credit.
But the worst example of timidity and inefficiency in American
military history, not excepting Hull's surrender, was the
attempt and repulse at Fort Fisher. I do not mean when I
say timidity, personal cowardice. But I mean the fear of
the ordinary risks which accompany every bold and successful
operation in war. This timidity is not infrequently, as it
was in this case, characteristic of men who thrust themselves
into places for which they are not fit.
It was highly important to capture Wilmington, of which Fort
Fisher was the key. It was the last remaining gateway for
the admission of necessary supplies and ammunitions of war
to the rebellious States from the outer world. It was a military
position of great importance, a chief centre of the rebellion,
and a great object in our military operations. General Butler
entered upon this undertaking with every advantage.
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