acting on behalf of the state government, responded heatedly: “I have to state that Mississippians don’t know, and refuse to learn, how to surrender to an enemy. If Commodore [Flag Officer] Farragut or Brigadier-General [Major General] Butler can teach them, then let them try.” Autry’s reductions in rank for Farragut and Butler were likely intentional insults rather than mistakes. Martin L. Smith, commanding Confederate forces in the city, replied similarly, “Having been ordered to hold these defenses, it is my intention to do so as long as in my power.” And Mayor Lazarus Lindsay added,
...more
Hilarious
