[1] Although they coordinated their activities with the Mississippi River Squadron led by Charles H. Davis, the reporting structure was problematic for Union Navy leaders.

[2] The brigade was never incorporated into the Union Navy, however, when David Dixon Porter took over command of the Mississippi River Squadron, he demanded and received full authority over the ram fleet.

Ellet promised recruits bonuses, the opportunity to serve aboard clean vessels with good food and the potential for fame.

Other vessels were added to the ram fleet including the tugs Alf Cutting, Bell Darlington and Cleveland; the hospital ship Woodford and the transports Autocrat, Baltic and Diana.

[7] In February 1863, the Queen of the West was run past the batteries of Vicksburg, Mississippi to support Admiral David Farragut south of the city.

[8] On 26 March, the ram ships Switzerland and USS Lancaster were run past the batteries at Vicksburg to support Admiral Farragut.

Both ships received heavy fire from the batteries and the Lancaster was run aground and sunk to avoid capture by the Confederate forces.

[10] On 14 June, the unit joined Brigadier General Joseph A. Mower in the Battle of Richmond, Louisiana and skirmished with the Confederates, losing 3 wounded.

[11] On 19 June, Brigadier General Ellett ordered construction of a casemate on the Louisiana side of the Mississippi River opposite Vicksburg.

[12] On 25–30 June, a detachment of the brigade on the steamer John Rains, formed a part of an expedition to Greenville, Mississippi under the command of Lt. Col. Samuel J. Nasmith of the 25th Wisconsin Infantry.