Knowing that such an attack was certain to be made, the Confederates had neglected no precaution in the way of defence.

Ninety miles below the city, and twenty miles above its mouth, at the Plaquemine Bend, were the forts of St.Philip and Jackson.

The former, on the left bank, had forty-two heavy guns, including two mortars and a battery of four seacoast mortars, placed below the water battery.

Fort Jackson, besides its water battery, mounted sixty-two guns, while above the forts were fourteen vessels, including the ironclad ram _Manassas_, and a partially completed floating battery, armored with railroad iron and called the _Louisiana_.

New Orleans was defended by three thousand volunteers, most of the troops formerly there having been sent to the Confederate army in Tennessee.
The expedition against New Orleans was prepared with great care, and so many months were occupied that the enemy had all the notice they could ask in which to complete their preparations for its defence.