From what I have read, the Confederates had spotted the Union fleet as it passed the mouth of the Arkansas River and the assumption made that the fleet was traveling on up river to Helena, Memphis or some other point up river. Does anyone know of any official report(other than the after action reports by Churchhill and Deshler) about the fleet being spotted there or later when they came up the White and crossed back to the Arkansas on the connecting Bayou?
Thanks in advance.