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On September 23, the Union Steamer Kensington, Schooner Rachel Seaman, and Mortar Schooner Henry James appeared off the bar at Sabine Pass. The next morning, the 2 schooners crossed the bar, took position, and began firing on the Confederate shore battery. The shots from both land and shore fell far short of the targets. The ships then moved nearer until their projectiles began to fall amongst the Confederate guns.
Confederate forces numbering 30 infantry and artillerists, additionally supported by 30 cavalrymen, were unable to return fire as the outdated garrison's batteries were unable to reach the Union fleet. After dark, the Confederates evacuated, taking as much property as possible with them and spiking the 4 guns left behind. On the morning of the 25th, the schooners moved up to the battery and destroyed it while Acting Master Frederick Crocker, commander of the expedition, received the surrender of the town. Union control of Sabine Pass made later incursions into the interior possible.
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