The United States forces were under great restrictions, while the Rebels could do pretty much as they pleased.

General Prentiss sent a small expedition down the Mississippi, some sixty miles below Cairo.

The Kentuckians were greatly enraged because our forces landed at Hickman and tore down a Rebel flag which the citizens had hoisted.

It was an invasion of their soil, for which they demanded apology.

A few weeks later the Rebels occupied both Hickman and Columbus, without any objection on the part of the neutrals.
Columbus was made very strong by the Rebel engineers, and supplied with many heavy guns for its protection.