Battle of Galveston

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The Battle of Galveston occurred on January 1 1863 when Confederate forces under Gen. John B. Magruder attacked and expelled occupying Union troops from the city of Galveston, Texas. The Union force consisted of three Massachusetts companies of 260 men and seven warships in Galveston harbor. Facing a fortified enemy supported by naval gunfire, the Confederates were forced to retreat an hour after their initial attack at dawn. The Confederate gunboats Bayou City and Neptune arrived shortly thereafter, and while the Neptune was disabled, Bayou City succeeded in boarding the USS Harriet Lane. During this time, the USS Westfield was grounded on a sandbar, and was unable to be freed. A three hour truce was called by Magruder, but Union Fleet Commander William B. Renshaw, ignoring the negotiation offer, attempted to destroy the grounded Westfield as well as allow his remaining ships to escape. Renshaw was subsequently killed by an accidental explosion on the Westfield. Union troops on shore were convinced that their own ships were surrendering, and therefore laid down their arms. The ships did not surrender, and succeeded in retiring to Union controlled New Orleans.

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