The fighting 137authorities had invested in new boats
specifically designed for river warfare.
Nothing of much consequence occurred in
January, as winter storms inhibited military
operations. On 2 February, in broad winter
TheVicksburg campaign, December 1862-May 1863
daylight, the Union ram Queen of the West
steamed past the Vicksburg batteries. Although
it was struck 12 times, its commander, Colonel
Charles R. Ellet, made it past and then struck
three Confederate vessels, destroying the