CORNELL

UNIVERSITY

LIBRARY

 

THE GIFT or
NEWTON C. FARR

CLASS OF 1909

 

 

 

 

 

 
Cornell University Library
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NAVAL
SCENES AND REMINISCENCKS

OF THE

CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES,

ON THE

SOUTHERN AND WESTERN WATERS

DURING THE YEARS 1861, 1862 AND 1863.

WITH THE

HISTORY OF THAT PERIOD.
COMPARED AND CORRECTED FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES.

BY

Rear-ApmrraL H. WALKE, U. 5S. N.

 

“United we stand, divided we fall.”
‘Our country, right or wrong.”

 

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS AND DIAGRAMS.

 

NEW-YORK :
F. R. REED & COMPANY.
1877.
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1877,
By Henry WALEE,
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington.
PREFACE.

THE main object of this work is to narrate, minutely
and correctly, some of those interesting scenes of the late
war, in the very valuable services rendered by the gun-
boats on our Western waters, and to adjust, or correct,
important perversions and mistakes which occur in the
official and other reports. Also to commemorate the
conduct of some of those officers and men of the flotilla,
who richly deserve the thanks of their country, among
whom were those patriotic Western men who fought and
labored with our flotilla to drive the enemy from the
Mississippi.

Sailors, though reckless and improvident, are generous
and uncomplaining, but they are not insensible to the
neglect and wrong which they so often suffer, and they
rely upon the honor of those under whom they have
faithfully served, for a fair acknowledgment of their
services in the annals of their country.

The official reports of the battles of BELMont, Forr
Henry, Fort Donetson, Istanp No. 10, Fort Prttow,
Mempuis, on the Yazoo, and at GrRanp GULF, are too
brief or defective to give the public an adequate idea of
those important naval engagements, especially as to the
part taken by the various gunboats engaged, and it is,
therefore, but an act of justice to the officers and men
that A TRUE AND IMPARTIAL statement should be placed
iv PREFACE,

before the country, that future writers and historians
may not continue to give currency to the many errors and
perversions of history that have already appeared.

This work will notice also, briefly but carefully, the
valuable services of some of our eminent non-combatants
who built and equipped our Mississippi flotilla.

The authority upon which this work is based, are the
reports and letters of eye-witnesses, the log-books of the
boats, and official statements; the most important of
which are compared with each other, and with statements
from trustworthy sources other than those mentioned.

We are taught by experience that truth and imparti-
ality do not always characterize a history because it has
the sanction and direct countenance of a government,
and our Waval History of the Rebellion, issued under
the auspices of the Government and Navy Department,
does not seem to be free from the charge implied in the
preceding lines, or those expressed by the Secretary him-
self in those below. That history is elegantly written
and has been highly eulogized, yet, with due deference
to our Navy Department, we are obliged to state that it
fails to bring out ‘‘the truth, the whole truth, and
nothing but the truth,” to the extent, at least, that was
duly expected and seriously promised by its author. It
is now more than fifteen years since the war commenced,
and therefore it is time, we think, to commence a reform-
atory work in defense of the truth. We will not only
correct mistakes, but also state many important facts
which have been omitted, concealed or denied, in our his-
tories relating to the affairs herein treated.

The Navy Department was, no doubt, burdened with
an immense number of conflicting statements, both official
and private, yet making allowance for that, it is still
passing strange that official reports of our Navy should
deny, omit or suppress, so many interesting and import-
ant facts in regard to the honorable services of some of
our officers, while they bestowed special praise on others.

This injustice may be explained in some degree, and
without imputing unworthy motives to anybody, by the
fact that commanders-in-chief are often too hasty and
PREFAOE. v

confident in accepting the brief reports of battles and
movements, made by their subordinates, and in forward-
ing the same to the Department without proper scrutiny,
if they are satisfactory to themselves. These young
subordinates, therefore, can often make or mar the repu-
tation (for a time at least) of those officers who rely
on the faithful discharge of their duty for its reward,
but who, unfortunately, stand in the way of their ju-
niors.

This may seem a severe criticism upon the moral of
our Naval aristocracy, but we most humbly submit that
our Navy, like most human institutions, is full of selfish-
ness and envy.

The Springfield Republican, referring to General
Sherman's Memoirs, says: ‘‘The heroism and self
sacrifice that illumine every page of the history of the
war, were alloyed by jealousies, bickerings and intrigues,
of which the people at home had, and have, but a very
vague conception, The pure gold was there, but the
dross was there also.

‘“Upon one point there will be a general agreement ;
since these controversies over the facts of the war were
inevitable, it is every way better that they should come
now than the next century, and that they should be con-
ducted by the actors, rather than their great-grandsons.

“In precipitating them General Sherman has done
history a service, the value of which cannot be easily
exaggerated.”

Professor Swinton, who was well known as one of
the best correspondents during the war of a New York
paper, says: ‘‘ Most of the histories of that war, and
the official reports written by some of its generals, were
largely overdrawn, and written rather with a view to
manufacture fame with some military men, who were to
the history, what the hero or heroine is to the romance.”’
He intimates that ‘‘newspaper correspondents did not
view the battles and movements of the late war in pre-
cisely the same light as did their more interested actors.”’

The following are the sentiments of the Honorable
Secretary Welles, on the merits of its history, published
Vi. PREFAOR.

in the Army and Navy Journal, of September 18,’
1875 :

“Tt would be a difficult and probably an impossible
task to correct the misrepresentations, errors and per-
versions in relation to the transactions and events of the
late civil war. Many of the mistakes are doubtless inad-
vertent—false impressions—which may be imputed to
careless or superficial examination or inquiry, but not a
few were, and are, designed and deliberate misstatements.
The result of thése misstatements has been, as was in-
tended, the creation of false history, particularly as
regards the Navy and the Navy Department. Durinc
the Rebellion, these errors usually passed uncorrecti ;
but the seeds, sown by jealous rivalry and malevolent
partisanship, are bearing vicious fruit. The fictions then
planted and spread abroad are made the basis of history.
Official documents of the highest character indorse, prop-
agate and perpetuate them, so that twelve years after
these events occurred, the highest judicial tribunal in the
land declares these errors to be ‘ undisputed facts.’ ”’

While giving full credit to the higher officers, we have
not failed to remember those humble actors who fought
and suffered, but whose deeds are unknown to fame, and
whose reward is generally in their own conscience of duty
done.

The ILLUSTRATIONS and DIAGRAMS are true to nature
and to fact, and will, no doubt, be found interesting, as
well as instructive.

A complete INDEX OF NAMES will be found in the back
of the book for easy reference, which contains the names
of not only the officers but also of the men mentioned in
this work.
CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I.
PENSACOLA. Bien
Capture of the Navy Yard at Pensacola, the Navy Hospital, Fort Bar-
rancas and Fort McCrea by the Confederates. . . . . ....
CHAPTER II.

ORGANIZATION OF THE WESTERN FLOTILLA.

Building the first Gunboats.—Difficulties to be overcome.—Acknow-
ledgments of special service.—Admiral Foote at St. Louis.—The Mis-
sissippi Pilots.—Statement of Mr. Hines.—The Loyalty of the West-
ern Pilots.—The Slaughter Pen.—Pilots not recognized as Officers.
—Mr. Tennyson’s Statement.—A Flood at Cairo.—The Cairo Naval
Depot commanded by A. M. Pennock.—Early History of the Missis-
sippi Flotilla.—Letter from Commander Rodgers.—Gunboats ‘‘ Tay-
lor,” ‘ Lexington,” and ‘‘Conestoga.”—Searching for Confederate
Batteries. —Reconnoissances at Columbus.—The Gunboat “‘ Taylor.” —
Historians reticent. 2. 2. 2 1 1 1 ee ee eee ew we

CHAPTER III.
BATTLE OF BELMONT.

The ‘‘ Taylor” and the ‘‘Lexington.”—General Grant’s Order to the
Gunboats.—An Historian’s Blunder corrected.—Descriptions of the
Battles by Newspaper Correspondents.—The Gunboats protecting
Grant’s Army.—The Naval and Military forces successfully co-
operating. —Enemy’s testimony.—No official Report made to the Navy
Department.—General Grant’s Official Report.—Commander Walke’s
Report.—Admiral Foote’s treatment of Insubordinate Officers.—Cap-
tain Walke’s share in the Battle of Belmont.—The Losses on both
sides inthe Conflict. . © 2 1 6 ee we we ew we ww we ww BD

CHAPTER IV.
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY.

The Plated Gunboats of 1862.—The ‘‘Carondelet.”—Attack on Fort
Henry.—The Torpedoes first discovered.—Plan of the Attack.—
The ‘Essex ” disabled.—Flag-Officer Foote’s Official Report to

[vii]
vill CONTENTS.

Secretary Welles.—The ‘‘Carondelet” ashore, and the Flag-Officer
greatly excited.—Confederate Account of the Engagement.—The
Fort formally surrendered.—Interesting Statement of the Second Mas-
ter of the ‘‘ Kssex.”—After the Battle. Sa eee aera

CHAPTER V.
BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON.

Letters of Commander Walke to Flag-Officer Foote.—Newspaper De-
scriptions of the Action.—A Startling Incident.—Casualties in the
Fleet.—How different Results might have been attained.—Captain
Walke and the‘ Carondelet.”—Two Interesting Letters from a Partici-
pantin the Battle.—Bursting of a Gutt.—The “ Conestoga,” ‘‘ Lexing-
ton,” and ‘‘ Tyler.”—The damage sustained by the ‘‘ Carondelet.”—
Confederate General Pillow’s Account.—Inaccuracy in the Naval Rec-
ords.—Why Mistakes should be corrected-‘now. . . . . . . «>

CHAPTER VI.
AFTER THE BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON.

Congratulatory Order of Flag-Officer Foote.—Precautionary Move-
ments.—An important Reconnoissance.—The Facts relating thereto.—
A Foolish Misrepresentation.—Failure of an Experiment.—The special
Danger of Service on the Western Gunboats.—Letters of Commander
Walke and Flag-Officer Foote.—Our Flotilla nearing Columbus.—The
Rebel Gunboat ‘‘Grampus.” . . . . . 0.0.06. ee ee

CHAPTER VII.
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10.

The Movements of the Confederates for a More Defensive Position.—The
Attack on Fort No. 1, about Three Miles above Island No. 10, by
our Fleet, with the Mortars, on the 17th, 18th, and 19th of March,
1862.—Defects of the Enemy’s Position.—General Pope Cutting off
the Retreat.—A Request Denied.—The Bombardment of the Forts.—
“Well done, old ‘ Carondelet.’ —A Critical Situation.—Effect of Erro-
neous Reports in our Histories.—Flag-Officer Foote’s Report Cor-
rected.—A Brilliant Exploit.—Commodore Hollins’ Jron-clads.—Gen-
eral Pope’s Plan for Capturing Island No. 10.—Council of War on
Board the “ Benton.”—Captain Walke’s Voluntary Offer to run the
Blockade.—Strange Omissions in the Naval History.—First Example
of Running Blockades on the Mississippi.Letters of Flag-Officer

HOOLES os. 14s seer ae owt el ms 8 a ie ap a ee oe, SE le

CHAPTER VIII.

RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10.

Preliminary Correspondence of the Commander-in-chief.— What was rte-
quired of the ‘ Carondelet.”—Running the Blockade.—Flag-Officer
Foote to General Pope.—A description by a Correspondent.—Captain
Walke congratulated on his Achievement.—Importance of the Service
rendered.—Letter of Flag-Officer Foote to General Pope.—Captain
Walke’s report.—A contemplated Attack by the Fleet which was never
made.—Unequal praise.—A description by the Correspondent of The
New York Times, and also by the only Correspondent on board the

PAGE

50

71

91

99

“Carondelet,” from Zhe Missouri Democrat.—Faitbful word-painting. 120
CONTENTS. 1x

CHAPTER IX.

CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES AND THEIR ARMY

BELOW ISLAND NO. 10, APRIL 6 AND 7, 1862.
PAGE

Visit of Secretary of War and Colonel Scott.---General Pope’s letter of
Instructions to Captain Walke.—Divine Service and a Reconnois-
sance.—General Pope’s Forces and the Gunboats Capture the Rebel
Batteries below No. 10, and the Confederate Army on the Retreat.—
The ‘‘ Carondelet’s” Island Tour of Observation on the Enemy’s Line
of Forts.—Capture of one of his Batteries.—Captain Walke’s Official
Report.—General Pope’s Letter of Instructions.—The “ Pittsburg’s”
Arrival.—Extent of the Victory at Island No. 10.—Misapprehensions
Reviewed and Corrected.—Extract from the Log-Book of the ‘‘Ca-
rondelet.”—The Letter of Thanks from Secretary Welles.—Comments
of Southern Journals. . 2. 2. 1. 1. 1 1 1 we ee ew we «148

CHAPTER X.
ISLAND No. 10.

Confederate Accounts of the Capture of Island No. 10.—Letter from an

Officer on board the ‘‘ Carondelet.”—Brief Review. . .. . 175

CHAPTER XI.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.

Official Report of Flag-Officer Farragut to the Secretary of the Navy.—
Commencement and Progress of the Bombardment of Fort Jackson.—
Attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip.—Announcement of the cap-
ture of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and Surrender of New Orleans.
—Flag-Officer Farragut’s Detailed Report of the Battle of the Missis-
sippii—His General Order.—Correspondence relating to the Surren-
der of New Orleans.—Report of Flag-Officer Farragut Commending
the Conduct of those under his Command.—Congratulations of the
Secretary of the Navy.—Operations of the Mortar Flotilla.—Com-
mander Porter’s Announcement of the Passage of the Forts by the
Fleet, and the Progress of the Bombardment of the Forts by the Mor-
tar Flotilla. —Commander Porter's Detailed Report.—The Battle and
Capture of New Orleans not recorded by the War Department.—His-
tory set right by the Correspondence of Admiral Farragut and Rear-
Admiral Bailey.—Desperate Fighting of the ‘‘ Hartford,” and the lead-
ing Gunboats, “Cayuga,” ‘‘ Pensacola,” ‘‘ Oneida,” and ‘‘ Varuna.” —
The Gallant Conduct of our Marines . . . . «se + + « © 200

CHAPTER XII
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW.

Preparations to attack Fort Pillow.—Flag-Officer Foote incapacitated.
—The first Fleet Fight of the War.—Serious Inaccuracies in the Offi-
cial Reports.—The Gunboats not correctly Placed.—Recapitulation of
the Actual Facts.—General Remarks. . . . . 2. 2. 2 « we se

CHAPTER XIII.

EVACUATION OF FORT PILLOW.

Devices for Strengthening the Gunboats.—The “ Carondelet’s” Plan
Approved of by Admiral Davis.—Attempt to Dislodge our Gunboats.
x CONTENTS.

PAGE
—Demoralizing Effect of our Bombs.—The Evacuation Reported.—
The Rebel Steamer ‘‘Sovereign.”—Tennyson’s Narrative of the Evac-
uation.—History Set Right.—Important Correspondence. . . . . 269-

CHAPTER XIV.
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS.

The Federal Fleet Engaged.—The Battle Opened by the Enemy.—Re-
sults of the Fight.—Grandeur of the Scene Portrayed.—Explosion of
the ‘‘ Jeff. Thompson’s ” Magazine.—Flag-Officer’s Report of the Sur-
render of Memphis.—Colonel Ellett’s Report.—Extracts from Press
Correspondence.—Confederate Acknowledgment of our Victory.—An
Enormous Amount of Rebel Property destroyed.—An Atrocious Act
that cannot be denied._A Well-Earned Eulogy of the Mississippi
Sailors.—Expedition up the White River.—Explosion of the ‘‘ Mound
City.”—Scenes on the Mississippi. . , . . . . . . . © « . QUT

CHAPTER XV.

ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE ‘‘CARONDELET” AND THE ,
RAM ‘‘ ARKANSAS.”

Description of the ‘‘ Arkansas.”—Fortunate Preparations for Action
made by Captain Walke.—An Unequal Contest.—Captain Walke’s
Report of the Fight.—Pilot Denning Complimented.—The Armament
of the ‘ Carondelet.”—Extract from Admiral Farragut’s Report.—

A Slander Answered.—A Special Correspondent’s Description of the
Fight with the ‘‘ Arkansas.”—An Extract from De Soto’s Letter.—
Letters from Varied Sources.—Frank Leslie’s Illustrated News Ac-
count.—No Detailed Official Record of this Battle published.—Com-
mander Brown’s Account.—The Epidemic of the Season. . . . . 803

CHAPTER XVI.
RECONNOISSANCES AND GUARD DUTY. i

Burning of the ‘Sallie Wood.”—Rescue of Lieutenant Wing.—The
“Carondelet” at Helena.—Letter of Admiral Davis.—Sad Times for
the Navy in the West.—The Injustice of the Press.—The Loyal South-
erners.—Naval Orders. . 2 2 2 1 1 we we eww ww BG

CHAPTER XVII.
HELENA, VICKSBURG AND YAZOO.

An Instance of Insubordination,—Report of Captain Walke to Admiral
Porter.—General Order.—Blockading the Yazoo.—The Cairo Sunk
by a Torpedo.—Attack upon the Enemy’s Batteries at Drumgold’s
Bluff.—A severe Battle.—An ill-advised but gallant Undertaking.—
Comprehensive Orders by Admiral Polen coan Effective Blockade.
---The ‘‘Carondelet ” ordered to Protect Island No. 10.—Reports from
General McClernand and Admiral Porter. . . . . . . 2. « « 883

CHAPTER XVII.
THE “LAFAYETTE.”

Ram Gunboat ‘‘ Lafayette.” —Her Debut upon the “ Father of Waters.”
—Breaking the Rebel Blockade at Vicksburg and Grand Gulf.—The
“Lancaster,” ‘“‘Switzerland” and “Dummy.” ...... . . 847
CONTENTS. x1

CHAPTER XIX.
A REVIEW OF THE FLEET PASSING VICKSBURG. PiGh

Letter from an Officer of the “Lafayette” to The New York Times.—
Visit from Ladies of the Sanitary Commission.—Running the Block-
ade at Vicksburg.—Correspondence of The Cincinnati Commercial. . 353

CHAPTER XX.
ADMIRAL PORTER'S FLEET BELOW VICKSBURG.

Correspondence of The New York Times.—After the Battle.—Confeder-
ate Testimony to the actions of the ‘‘ Lafayette,” and their ae
tions on the Imaginary Destruction of that Vessel. . . . . 363

CHAPTER XXI.
BATTLE OF GRAND GULF.

Admiral Porter’s Plan of Action.—Captain Hoel chosen as ‘‘ Leader.”
—The Fleet Advances.—Battle of the Fort.—An Incident on Board
the ‘‘ Lafayette.”—A trick of the Enemy.—Admiral Porter’s Official
Account.—Captain Walke’s Report.—A misleading Diagram.—Oficial
Documents.—Letters to The New Albany Ledger.—Congratulatory Let-
ter to Admiral Porter on the Fall of Vicksburg, by the Bonne
Secretary of the Navy.—List of Boats and Officers. . . . . 872

.

CHAPTER XXII.
FIRST EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRIA, LA.

Blockading the Mouth of the Red River.—Destruction of Simmsport.
—Expression of Confidence in the Gunboats.—Report of Captain
Walke.—Statement of an Officer of the ‘‘Lafayette.”—The Rebel
Version.—Unfair Distribution of Medals of Honor. orders to oEne:
ceed to Vicksburg.—A Brutal Act. . . . 2... . 394

CHAPTER XXIII
SIEGE AND CAPTURE OF VICKSBURG.

Reports of Admiral Porter.—Report of Adeuben ye George M. Bache,
—Death of Foote.—Order of Convoy. :

CHAPTER XXIV.
CONTRABANDS AND GUERRILLAS.

Contrabands and Guerrillas.—Protecting the Negroes.—Incidents on the
Mississippi.—Guerrillas.—“‘ Lafayette ” and “ ake ” at the Red
River.—Contraband Trade.—Remarks. . . 414

CHAPTER XXV.
HELENA AND TUNICA BEND.

Report of Commander Phelps.—Report of General Prentiss. ee
Welles’ Letter.—Report of cung, Master Hubbell. . . . 422
CONTENTS.

xii !

CHAPTER XXVI.

BATTLE OF MOBILE. PAGE

Passing the Forts.—Loss of the ‘‘ Tecumseh.”—The Ram ‘‘ Tennessee.”
—Serious Mistake.—Surrender of the ‘'Tennessee.”—Confederate es

Account of the Battle . . . . 1...

APPENDIX.

List of Vessels and their Stations.—Letters of Distinguished Officers.—
Official Orders relating to the Mississippi Flotilla.—Admiral Porter’s
Farewell Address.—List of Vessels and Officers at Battle of New
Orleans.—List of Vessels and Officers at Battle of Mobile . . . . 441
‘VIOOVSNdd LY CUVA AAVN GHL JO YAAINEWUNS

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“paex AaByy ‘ao warsem ‘Teydsoy ‘Aiddug geo ‘yeomesieg 1 “BAIDOW WoT ‘BULA WOW

 
SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

 

CHAPTER I.

PENSACOLA.

Capture of the Navy Yard at Pensacola, the Navy Hospital, Fort Barrancas
and Fort McCrea by the Confederates.

Tux “ History of the Navy during the Rebdellion” should com-
mence with the above events, and the actual service then rendered
by the Navy in protecting and securing Fort Pickens from falling
into the hands of the enemy, as that was one of the first and most
important acts of that period.

It has not been fairly stated how or by whose agency that fort-
ress was saved, and those of the Navy who bore the burden and
responsibility of that achievement, are denied the credit due them.

One of the most distinguished and intelligent generals of our
army is mistaken when he states that the first serious step in the
drama of the war was taken on February 16th, 1861, when General
Twiggs surrendered his entire command.

It is again said that the protection of the St. Louis Arsenal in
the winter of 1860-1, was the first event in that war.

Now we assert that the surrender of the forts and the Navy
Yard, with all the government property at Pensacola, on January
12th, 1861, was one of the first serious blows of the war.

The Hon. Gideon Welles, in his excellent narratives referring to
this period, and to the forts of New Orleans, &c., says: “General
statements, official, semi-official, and otherwise, have been made in
relation to the relief of these forts, especially in regard to Fort
Pickens, in the spring of 1861. None of the published accounts,

1 [1]
2 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

however, present a full and correct narrative of all the facts and
circumstances connected with the relief and reinforcement, on two
several occasions, of that fortress. The different statements may
be accounted for, in part at least, by the fact that there were sev-
eral movements at different dates.”

This seems to be an apology for the defects in this particular
part of our naval history, but it does not fairly touch the point in
question. Our “Naval History” promises facts, and it was well
known where the facts could be found at the Navy Department.

The true story of this event was as follows:

The storeship “Supply,” Commander Walke, arrived at the
Pensacola Navy Yard on December 7th, 1860, for stores for the
U. 8. squadron at Vera Cruz.

On January 9th, 1861, thirty-three days after his arrival, Com-
mander Walke was summoned by Commodore Armstrong (then
in command of that Navy Yard), to report to him at his office;
where also Lieutenant O. H. Berryman, commander of the “ Wyan-
dotte,” Commander Farrand, and Lieutenant Renshaw were present.
Armstrong communicated to them orders from the Navy Depart-
ment, requiring the naval. forces to co-operate with the Army i in
the pending emergencies, and Walke was ordered to proceed im-
mediately-with the “Supply,” in. company with the “ Wyandotte,”
to assist Lieutenant Slemmer of the Army, in transporting his
command, ammunitions, and stores from Fort Barrancas to Fort
Pickens.

On the afternoon of that day, the “Supply” was towed from
the yard by the “ Wyandotte,” to an anchorage about three-
quarters of a mile distant, where, on account of a dense fog, she
remained during the night.

At daylight next morning (January 10th), she proceeded to Fort
Pickens, where the officers and crew of both vessels were assidu-
ously engaged, during that and the next day and intervening
night, in performing the duties which had been assigned to them.

While at Fort Pickens, on January 10th, Commander Walke
received written orders from Commodore Armstrong, of which
the following is a copy :

““COMMANDANT’S OFFICE,
U. 5. Navy Yarp, PEnsacoua,
WARRINGTON, Jan’y 10th, 1861.
“Sir:
“You will be pleased to proceed with the U. 8. Storeship ‘Supply’ to

Fort Pickens, and to furnish to the Commanding Officer of that Fort, such
quantities of the provisions on board the ship as he may require for the sub-
PENSACOLA. 3

sistence of the men in the Fort, taking his receipt 7m duplicate for the articles
so furnished. After having performed this duty, you will return with the
ship to the anchorage off this Navy Yard, and complete the loading of her
cargo with all possible dispatch. j
“‘T am very respectfully,
Your ob’nt Servant,
James ARMSTRONG,
“ Commander Commandant.
HENRY WALEE,
Commanding U. 8. Storeship < Supply”
‘Bay of Pensacola.”

Strict obedience to the latter part of this order would have in-
volved the surrender of Fort Pickens, and the capture of the
“Supply ” at the surrender of the Navy Yard on the 12th.

REPLY.

«<U. 8. Srorresur ‘ SuPPLy,’
Orr Fort PICKENs,

4 Prensacota Bay, Jan’y 10th, 1861.
oe Im -

«In acknowledging the receipt of your instructions of this date, I would
respectfully inform you that the Commanding Officer at Fort Pickens is not
ready to take the provisions referred to at.present, and requests all the assist-
ance I can give him at my command.

“Tam, very respectfully, Sir,
Your ob’nt Servant,
Hengy WALKE,
«« Flag-Officer Commander U. 8. N.

. James ARMSTRONG,
Commanding Navy Yard,
Pensacola.” .

Reports were constantly apprising the people of the enemy’s
approach to Pensacola; and it is evident now that the commodore
was not informed of all the facts by the commander of the yard,
who was a secret friend of secession. As soon as Commander
Walke received the above order (which he believed was instigated _
by Farrand), he called on Lieutenant Slemmer at Fort Pickens,
and showed him the order from the commodore, and when it was
read, he threw down the gun-sights (which he had in his hand,
to fix upon his guns) in despair, and declared that if he (Comman-
der Walke) deserted him in obedience to that.order, he would not
attempt to hold the fort any longer. But Walke promptly prom-
ised to support him with all his command. The next day, a short
time before the Navy Yard surrendered, a similar order was re-
4 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

ceived by Commander Walke, the delay of which saved both his
ship and Fort Pickens. Commander Walke had thus become the
senior and commanding officer present, and by his advice, consul-
tation, and aid, he encouraged Slemmer to hold Fort Pickens.

On January 12th, the Navy Yard was surrendered by Commo-
dore Armstrong, without defense.

A great number of our people, who were prisoners on parole,
were at the Navy Yard, utterly destitute, and without means of
going North, and Walke resolved to carry them with him to New
York.

While taking them aboard, a conference was held at the sug-
gestion of the Confederate officers, Colonel Wm. H. Chase and
Commodore Eb’er Farrand, upon the subject of holding Fort Pick-
ens, resulting in the following letter :

“Fort Pickens, PENsAcoLA Harzor,
: Jan’y 16th, 1861.
“‘Col. WM. H. CHase,

Commissioner for the State of Florida.
“Sir :

“Under the orders we have received from the War Department, we have
decided, after consultation with the government officers in the harbor, that
it is our duty to hold our position until such force is brought against us, as to
rendcr it impossible to defend it ; or until the political condition of the coun-
try is such as to induce us to surrender the public property in our keeping,
to such authorities as may be delegated legally to receive it. We deprecate
as much as you, or any individual can, the present condition of affairs, or
the shedding of the blood of our brethren. In regard to this matter, how-
ever, we must consider you the aggressors, and if blood should be shed, that
you are responsible therefor.

“« Signed by order,
“A. J. SLEMMER,
Hirst Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commanding.
“J. H. Guuman,
Second Lieutenant Artillery, Acting Adjutant of Post.”

In addition to the embarrassing circumstances which then beset
Captain Walke, while doing his utmost to encourage and aid
Slemmer personally and with all the power at his command, Slem-
mer urgently requested Walke to send him some of his officers to
relieve himself and Lieutenant Gilman from the constant and ox-
hausting watch and guard duty which they were compelled to
keep. But when that request was made known to the officers of
the “Supply,” they objected so strenuously against serving under
junior army officers, that Captain Walke gave it up in despair.
ct

PENSACOLA.

COMMANDER FARRAND HOODWINKING THE COMMODORE.

The first evidence of treachery on the part of our navy officers
appeared in the Pensacola newspapers, claiming Commander Far-
rand as the friend of secession, a few days before the surrender.

When Commander Walke was met. by Commander Farrand
and Lieutenant Renshaw in the Navy Yard, while on his way to
or from the Commandant’s office to receive the last orders from
him in person, Farrand asked Walke in a defiant manner, “ What
could he do?” and was answered that “We would see ;” and he
might have added, “when thou shalt go into an inner chamber
to hide thyself.” And on the night before the surrender, Com-
mander Walke sent Lieutenant Erben (who volunteered to go) to

Commodore Armstrong for permission, with a boat’s crew, to. de- _

. Stroy or remove the powder which was then in the magazine \e out-

_ side of the Navy Yard, to prevent it from falling into the hands
of the Confederates, if he considered it in danger : when Farrand
(on the qui-vive) interfered in the most insolent manner ;
threatened and endeavored to persuade our excellent though debili-
tated commodore to arrest Lieutenant Erben for presuming to
offer this important service to his country, and he was finally
ordered to return to the “Supply” immediately, with a very me-
nacing and unjust censure from Farrand.

The details of this affair were made public only in the proceed-
ings of the Naval Court-Martial for the trial of Commander Walke,
at Brooklyn, New York, in ‘which trial the commander showed,
through his counsel, Mr. P. Hamilton, that his course was a vin-
dication of common sense and humanity, and in harmony with
strict disclpline:

As his address to the court embodies details of considerable in-
terest, we insert a portion of it here.

“Tt is here proper that I should record my unqualified approba-
tion of the zealous, energetic, and valuable services of the officers
and crews of both vessels, in transporting soldiers, ammunition,
provisions, and other articles from Fort Barrancas to Fort Pick-
ens, and in destroying large quantities of powder and other muni-
tions of war, lest they should fall into the hands of the enemy.

“Of my own services in the execution of those duties I will not
speak, as they are fully presented in the records of your proceed-
ings.

On January 12th, 1861, the Navy Yard at Warrington, in the

i
6 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

State of Florida, capitulated to rebels, without a blow struck in
its defense, and the American flag was hauled down by William
Conway, a seaman, and acting quartermaster, in obedience to the
order of Ineutenant Francis B. Renshaw, of the U. 8. Navy.*

“The events of that memorable day will be written with the in-
delible pen of history, recording the capitulation in letters of
brass, as one of a concerted series of measures, to overthrow the
Government of the United States, established by Washington,
whose attachment to the Union was neither measured by geo-
graphical limits, nor influenced by points of the compass. It is
proper simply to add, that Conway, the ‘seaman, has remained _
loyal to. his country, whilst Renshaw and Farrand have enrolled
themselves with the Confederates.

“After the surrender of the Navy Yard, and consequent
arrest of Commodore Armstrong, who has told you he was a pris-
oner of war, shorn of all authority, the command of the naval
forces at Pensacola devolved on me, and it became necessary that
Ishould pursue such steps as in my,judgment were appropriate
to the occasion. Fort Pickens had been supplied with provisions
and other necessaries, brought in the vessel that entered the Bay
of Pensacola, on the day previous to the capitulation, and I could
render no further service to the gallant Slemmer. It then but re-
mained that I should succor the wives and children of the officers
both of the army and navy, as well as the mechanics, seamen, and
marines captured at the yard, who had been discharged on parole.
The latter were without money, and in all probability without
much credit ; hence it is not difficult to anticipate what would
have been their lot, had they remained at the mercy of their con-
querors. Doubtless all, with but few exceptions, would from _
actual necessity have been compelled to join the rebel troops, as_
several did who remained there.

“The proposition distinctly presented for solution is, whether I
should have pursued the course I did, or have left them all to
their fate. It cannot for a moment be denied that the people I
took on board the ‘Supply’ had paramount claims to the protec-

_ tion of the country. Could I have abandoned those one hundred
and six persons, people of all ages, sexes, and conditions in ‘life,
without entailing on myself severe and merited reprobation ?
Would not the nation have held me in ineffable contempt had I
left the wives and families of Lieutenants Slemmer and Gilman,

* Here our history is defective.
PENSACOLA. q

exposed to whatever difficulties, embarrassments, and trials might
have awaited them in their desertion, when at the same moment
their husbands were devoting their lives in maintaining the glory
and honor of their country! Iwill not say I deserve approbation,
but I ask you and each of you, officers of the American Navy now
sitting as my judges, whether you would have acted differently ?

“YT do not mean to indulge in any sentimentality about this
matter, but to deal with it practically./

“Whatever shelter the order of Commodore Pendergrast might
have afforded me from the complaint of those officers ; however I
might, by appealing to military discipline, have appeased their
indignation for private wrongs, what atonement could I have
offered the country for the public offense of exposing those seamen.
and marines to be tampered with, and at length seduced from
their allegiance, when it was in my power thus readily to place
them beyond the influence of temptation? I had no misgivings,
nor I have I now, of the wisdom of my conduct, and would this
day, under like circumstances, pursue the same course.

“T will venture to assert that no member of this court will con-
demn the act of taking those persons on board the ship, however
widely they may differ with me (and I think they will not), as to
the disposition I ultimately made of them.

“J have no embarrassment on that head ; prudence, aside from
‘the dictates of humanity, prompted, nay, imperatively demanded,
that I should take them directly to a northern port. Let us for a
moment consider the pecuniary loss which would have attended
my taking those one hundred and six persons to Vera Cruz, and
then endeavor to find any advantage to result from going there,
which would compensate for that loss. The voyage from Vera
Cruz to Pensacola occupied eleven days; as it cannot be fora
moment supposed the passengers were to be left there, I may say
it would have occupied about the same time to return with them,
as far as Pensacola on the way to the North, during the whole of
which twenty-two days, one hundred and fifty-one persons, of
whom forty-five were the officers and crew of the ship, and the re-
maining one hundred and six were passengers, would of neces-
sity be required to be supported at the expense of the Govern-
ment.

“J venture to declare, that there is no man whose opinion is
entitled to respect, who will say, that for the sake of delivering
the two hundred and sixty tons of coal at Vera. Cruz (were tt even
unattended with any expense), I should have carried these passen-

ROP eee no ee —— 4 Sig :
8 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

gers, including women and children, eight hundred miles in the
tropics and back, in a vessel of five hundred and forty-seven tons.
T could not have left any of them at Fort Pickens—that was not a
place for women and children.

“The seamen and marines had been released on parole, and had
no right to go there. Where else could I have left them, if I had
taken the ship to Vera Cruz with the coals ?

“There was no proper place south of Norfolk. It would have
been an act of barbarity to have taken them to Vera Cruz,
crowded as the ‘Supply’ was, like an emigrant ship. That was
not to be thought of by any man who had a decent respect for his
character.

“JT now confidently maintain that I have made it conclusively
appear, as I stated in the onset, ‘that unforeseen events occurred
which rendered it wholly inexpedient that I should have obeyed
the order of Commodore Pendergrast to return to Vera Cruz, in
view of the great public considerations springing out of such
events.’

“ After what has been said, it can scarcely be necessary to labor
this proposition of my defense. The whole transaction conclu-
sively proves the absence of any intention, obstinately, stubbornly,
perversely, or negligently, to fly in the face of my orders.

“On the day following that catastrophe, the ‘Supply ’ anchored
off the Yard, under the protection of a flag of truce, to succor
those who had claims on the Government, and needed relief.

“Tn this condition of affairs, I sailed for New York with one
hundred and six men, women and children on board, comprehend-
ing the wife and child of Lieutenant Slemmer and the wife of
Lieutenant Gilman of the Army; also Lieutenant Irwin of the Navy,
wife and two children ; Boatswain Dixon, wife and two children ;
Gunner Cooper, wife and four children ; the wife and child of
John Milmon, who had been employed as a carpenter in the Navy
Yard ; two non-commissioned officers of the Navy ; ten mechanics
who had been at work in the Yard; nine invalids ; twenty-seven
men in ordinary, and thirty-four marines ; most of whom were out
of money, destitute of provisions, and without shelter: the hos-
pital, marine barracks, and provisions of the United States having
been appropriated to the protection and use of the Florida troops.”

“On the day the ‘Supply’ sailed from Pensacola, bound to New
York, Commander Walke reported all the particulars of this event
to the Navy Department: and on his arrival at New York he
made the following report :”—
PENSACOLA. §

“«U. 8. Storesurp ‘ SupPty,’
Navy Yarp, New Yorx,
February 4th, 1861.
«Sm:

“‘T have the honor to report the arrival of this ship, 19 days from War-
rington Navy Yard, and I beg leave most respectfully to explain the circum-
stances of my return to this port.

“* Two or three days previous to the surrender of the *Warrington Navy
Yard, the officers and crew of this ship were zealously engaged day and
night in transporting military stores, Drowigions. and otherwise 1D,
the defenses at Fort Pickens. “About two o'clock on” the cca res
the Navy Yard was taken possession of by the troops of Florida. As soon
as the flags were struck, I signalized to the ‘Wyandotte’ (then under way)
to bring off the marines to strengthen Fort Pickens, but being informed that
they had laid down their arms, and that the Navy Yard, and all the public
property, with the Hospital and Forts (excent: Pickens) were captured by the
militia of Florida, I put to sea, in tow of the ‘ Wyandotte,’ and anchored be-
yond the range of cannon shot. But I could not desert our officers and peo-
ple, who were so suddenly deprived of their homes, without pay or credit,
short of provisions, under such painful humiliation, without an effort on my

being prevented from carrying out my orders at eines I resolved to
return to New York, for the double purpose of obtaining the stores, coal,
&c., required for the Gulf Squadron, and of offering a passage to the officers,
employees, seamen, and marines of the Navy Yard, who, being faithful to
their allegiance, were considered prisoners of war on parole, and also to
communicate the condition of affairs at Warrington to the Navy Depart-
ment with all dispatch, as the U. 8. Mails to that place had for some time
past been interrupted.

‘Fort Pickens ig defended with about 100 men, who are provisioned for
six months, and will resist any attack on the Fort, by a force of less than

acm men.

«Troops were daily arriving by steamer from Mobile.

“We transported all the powder from Fort Barrancas to Fort. Pickens.
and | desmoped aT TAT Was ia the magazine at Fort McCrea...

“With the inclosed list of officers and créw of this ship, I also send a list
of her passengers, and of the officers and seamen of our Navy who are re-
ported to have joined the Florida Navy, who continue to occupy their quar-
ters with the same rank they held in the U. 8. Navy.

“I reported the sailing of this vessel, and the circumstances, by letter to
you from Warrington, but the mails not being reliable, I respectfully repeat
the same in this report.

“T have the honor to be, Sir, “« Most respectfully,
Your,ob’nt Servant,
‘Hon. Isaac Toucey, Henry WALEE,
Secretary of the Navy, Commander, U. S. N.

Washington, D. C.”

* Officially, this Navy Yard is called the ‘‘ Pensacola Navy Yard.”
10 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.’

With these facts before us, our attention is next called to the
charges on which the commander was tried.

They are, jirst: “That he left his station before being regu-
larly relieved.”

And, second: “That he disobeyed the orders of Flag-Officers
Armstrong and Pendergrast.”

“Tt has been said that I left the squadron at Vera Cruz so
entirely destitute of provisions as to destroy its efficiency. On the
contrary of that, the record of this court is charged with testimony,
refuting that injurious imputation. Instead of being without
provisions, the vessels of the squadron had a greater supply than
they required ; indeed, the embarrassment was to find room to
stow all they had; hence there was no emergency that required
my return to the squadron, whilst, on the other hand, most urgent
and irresistible obligations impelled me to go elsewhere.

“Tf my judgment betrayed me in error, surely the impending
circumstances excused that error, and should now relieve me of
the consequences of it. The testimony is, that at my interview
with Captain Armstrong, on the day following the surrender, he
stated that it was his opinion that the Navy Department ‘ would
compliment,’ rather condemn my contemplated course ; adding, ~
however, that as a prisoner of war, he had no power to direct the
further movements.of the ship.

“The preceding candid review of my whole case, addressed to
honorable and high-minded officers, assures me that I have the
right confidently to claim such an honorable acquittal at the hands
of this court, as will restore me to all the honors to which my
commission in the service of the United States entitles me.

“All of which is most respectfully submitted.

: “TWenry WaALKE,
“ Commander U. 8. Navy.”

(COPY.)

“Navy DEPARTMENT, March 22d, 1861.

«Sir:

“The finding and sentence of the Naval Court-Martial by which you were
recently tried, are in theseterms :

‘«« The specification of the first charge, proven.

“«* Of the first charge, not guilty.

‘Of the first specification of the second charge, proven.

‘« Of the second specification of the second charge, not prONene

‘« Of the second charge, guilty.
PENSACOLA. 11

**« The court do therefore sentence the said Henry Walke, Commander U.
8. Navy, as follows :

‘*«To be admonished by the Secretary of the Navy.’

““The mild sentence which the court has passed is occasioned by the
peculiar and extraordinary circumstances in which Commander Walke was
placed.

“‘T have confirmed the sentence. In carrying it into execution it is my
duty, lest you should misconstrue the lenity exhibited by the court in your
case, to reniind you that the disobedience, by an officer, of a positive and
lawful order of his superior, is one of the gravest of military offenses. It
strikes at the very foundation of discipline; and therefore in all cases, when
willful and deliberate, should be met: with effectual rebuke. I am willing to

Anas RR eee a ee

 

 

* “The settled principle in military ethics in such
cases as this, that an order to a subordinate from a distant
superior is not to be disobeyed simply because it would
apparently lead to disastrous consequences; but that when,
in addition to this, | the order itself, by its very terms,
assumes facts which « do. not exist, and the subordinate is
clearly | satisfied, in the exercise of a sound judgment, that
the superior would not have made the order if he had
known the real circumstances of the case, obedience to it
would be in the highest degree blameworthy—nay,
criminal.” ~~ : : ae

s ‘Supply ” | » was detained some time, because the negro labor was
withdrawn from the Yard by their owners, who had not been paid
for previous services by the Government. He did not apprehend
an attack until it was made; the reports were various in relation
to troops advancing from different quarters on Pensacola, and he
had no notice of an immediate attack on it. A letter from the
Navy Depar tment of January 3rd, received on the 9th, was the
only warning he had from the Government to be on the alert. All
except that was rumor; so perfectly had such information been
debarred from the commodore. He said, also, that he did not con-
sider that there was any disobedience on the part of Commander
Walke, in not returning to the Yard, for he could not discharge the
duties on which he had been dispatched.
12 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

Paymaster R. W. Dunn stated, that the stores left on board the
“Supply ” were damaged, and most of what she had was left at
Fort Pickens; that it was essentially an economical measure on
the part of Commander Walke to go directly to New York, for
what the “Supply ” was required to obtain, and to relieve our
captured people from their miserable condition, by taking them to
their homes ; and to have gone at that time to Vera Cruz, would
have been both dangerous and absurd.

Commodore Armstrong, on being called a second time for
further evidence on several points, testified that his last order to
Commander Walke was to the effect that the Navy Yard was
surrendered to armed men, and ordered him to proceed at once to
Vera Cruz. In the afternoon of the 12th of January, the commo-
dore then stated that he saw the “Supply ” in tow of the “ Wyan-
dotte,” and thought she had gone out to sea. But on the following
day Commander Walke returned, and called on him. After
having determined that it was his imperative duty to take the
people home, who were then prisoners of war, and left destitute
by the negligence of our Government, and when (with all due
regard and regret) Walke respectfully solicited the commodore
for any directions or counsel upon the subject, which he thought
proper to give, he said, “I told Commander Walke that he was
acting on his own responsibility ; that I had no command or juris-
diction over anybody. I think I remarked that probably the
Department might compliment him on the course he was about to
take. He never charged Commander Walke with disobedience of
orders. It was the force of circumstances that the ‘Supply’. was
not ready. He did not give any order to Commander Walke after
the surrender. He had to send to New Orleans for stores., Did
not impute any fault or neglect of duty to Commander Walke ;
he was always about his ship superintending her when he went
down there. I certainly did regard Commander Walke as an
efficient and subordinate officer.”

James N. Cooper, carpenter, at Pensacola, being sworn, said
there were some seventy men in ordinary-at the Yard-prior to the
surrender ; did not know how many joined the Florida forces ; saw
a number take their things outside the yard who were not dis-
charged. Captain Randolph, U.S. a was then in command

for two months and a half ; ; if the men and families left had not
gone home in the “Supply,” there was no other way. Wm. Conway,
quartermaster, swore he did not know of any marines who joined
PENSACOLA. 13

the Florida \forces. After the 12th of January, when the “Supply”
sailed, there were ten or eleven men left behind. John Edwards,
seaman, testified to the same, and that he was present when our
flag was hauled down, which was done by Wm. Conway, by an
order of Lieutenant Renshaw, U. 8. Navy. Captain Morris and
Paymaster Cahoone, U.S. Navy, members of the court, were sworn,

who testified that they had known Commander Walke upwards of
twenty years ; they believed his character in the Navy was that of
a most excellent, gentlemanly, and honorable officer; and believed
him to be a subordinate officer; never heard him charged with
insubordination before.

The sequel_proved that the stores could not have been obtained
at Pensacola. New Orleans was the nearest, but as events have
proved, it was far from being the best place. Had Captain Walke
gone there, the “Supply ” Tah and probably would have shared.
the fortunes of the “McClelland.” When he sailed from Pensa-
cola, it was a matter of public notoriety, that the State of Louisi-_
ana Was verging on rebellion. What would have been his position,
being an officer bord in Virginia, had any such misadventure
befallen ‘his ship? Most certainly he could not have escaped the
imputation of having acted in complicity with the enemy. It was
quite clear that the nearest was not the best place to go to for
supplies. There was (when the “Supply ” sailed from Pensacola)
no emergency in regard to her movements, and no reason for her
detention on that part of the home station without the stores, after
the surrender, nor anywhere so much as at New York, where it
was well known the required stores were deposited ready for ship-
ment, and where she generally received them.

The facts in the evidence before the Court-Martial, referred to
and sworn to by an officer of the Navy of twenty years’ experience,
show that Captain Walke had not left his station by coming to
New York, as alleged, for that port was included in the home
station for the Home Squadron, and was necessarily the most
frequented port for our empty store-ships.

VOICE OF THE PRESS IN THIS CASE IS VERY TRUE.

The New York Evening Post of February 15th, 1861, says:
“Commander Walke deemed it his duty to take on board the
parties left in distress, and bring them to New York, at which

place ‘the ‘ship could ¥ receive the stores and return with little deten-
tion. The parties relieved consisted of :
14 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

“Marine Guard, . ? ae : - 84
Ordinary men, . é : ; a7
Invalids, . ‘ r - * %
Employed in Yard, . . 5 4 11
Officers and families, . ‘ ; r . 27

106

“These parties at least certify to the humanity of the act for
which their rescuer is now to be tried. One of the officers, who
with his wife and children was turned out from the Government
houses, states that the rebels gave them but three hours to leave
the premises and place; and he had no other means of getting
away ; and that the persons who were brought here by the ‘Sup-
ply, would have been compelled to enlist under the secession flag
or starve, if that vessel had not been placed at their service. The
Government was two months in arrears to all these parties, and
they were entirely destitute.”

The New York World did not consider that the order of Com-
modore Armstrong, under the circumstances, was disobeyed, and
as the evidence before the court proves, “the squadron at Vera __
Cruz stood in no need of provisions whatever; that matters at
Pensacola were not so arranged as to enable the “Supply ” to
receive her stores and again join the squadron with any advantage
to herself or the other ships; and that, from a business point of
view, Commander Walke, in technically disobeying orders, acted
with a great deal of common sense. Under the circumstances the__
public will think the succor given by Commander Walke tothe _
exiled sailors and marines at Pensacola wise, well timed and-hu-_
mane.” -

From the Brooklyn Times:—<The Jersey City Standard, with
other newspapers of that State, remarks: ‘As this gentleman has
many friends in New Jersey, of which he was for many years a
resident, they will be pleased to learn that the result of his Court-
Martial is to all intents and purposes in his favor. We congratulate
the gallant commander on the issue.”

The Mew York Herald remarks on this case (after publishing
the finding and sentence of the Court-Martial) : ‘How the accused
could have acted otherwise than he did, it is impossible to suggest.
A strict obedience of orders would have called forth general exe-
cration, and have marked him (Walke) as guilty of barbarous cru-
elty. His action under the circumstances is entirely approved by
the community, and shows conclusively that he deserves the repu-
PENSACOLA. 15

tation he enjoys, of possessing in an eminent degree, those traits
of character which adorn the Christian gentleman. His fellow
citizens of Williamsburgh will be glad to hear that no penalty was
laid upon him.”

The New York Express repeats the above, and remarks on this
case: “How the accused could have acted otherwise than he did,
it is impossible to suggest,” &c.

The Century, which devoted a large space to army and navy
matters, rather compliments Commander Walke by its decision.
It says, “ But inasmuch as all he did commends itself to the public
heart for its humanity, and as his duty, had he not had such order
to first disobey—he stands practically acquitted—and the admoni-
tion of the Honorable Secretary is rather. a compliment than other
wise. It is always pleasant to see an officer taking a decided
stand and responsibility, where it is done in the interest of the.
people ; since the best officer can never exhibit a higher devotion
‘to his duty and country, than when he takes the risk of adverse per-
sonal sacrifices.” Now this article was evidently intended to appear
as a generous, instead of an ostentatious display of naval clemency ;
and by it we must imagine. that the administrators of the laws of
our navy were legally deaf to the appeals of equity or discretion.

Instead of that gracious admonition, an honorable acquittal was
due Walke, in accordance with the spirit of our laws for the gov-
ernment of our navy. On this point, De Hart’s Military Law, one
of the best standard works on courts-martial, contains the follow-
ing rule at page 180: “Trials before courts-martial must often
involve the investigation of divers particulars under various dis-
tinct charges. Circumstances which are embodied in the charges,
and upon which the constructive guilt is charged, are necessarily
dependent on motive, by which the degree of criminality is deter-
mined. A portion of the specification may be found, and other
points declared void of criminality, or the entire circumstances set
forth, be proved, and yet the prisoner be declared without guilt.
So it may happen that the entire facts set forth in the specifica-
tions may be found, and yet the charge itself may not be sustained
by the court, and the prisoner acquitted. In such a case, the guilt
of the prisoner has been predicated upon the supposition that
there was a criminal knowledge or intent in the commission of the
acts alleged, but of which the evidence has cleared him.”

The relief of Fort Pickens was comparatively a pleasure trip,
glowingly described and magnificently depicted by the periodicals
of that day and the history of the present ; but we will leave that

~
16 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

part of this affair to its participants, with one or two compari-
sons.

On the 6th of April, or about fifteen days after the Honorable
Secretary of the Navy admonished Commander Walke for noé
obeying a ruinous and impracticable order, he, with all the Navy
Department, regretted exceedingly that Captain Adams obeyed
Secretary Toucey’s orders, and did not take upon himself that
“fearful responsibility” of acting upon the best evidence, and
judging as to the wisest course he could pursue in the emergency
of relieving Fort Pickens. And the Honorable Secretary Welles,
himself, and his friends, have also boasted publicly (some years
since) of acting on his own responsibility and judgment, even to
building a navy on his own authority,.or without the authority of
Congress. 7

The difficulties which beset the Navy Department at this period
of the rebellion, disturbed its equanimity to such a degree, that its
decisions varied in similar cases to opposite extremes. By fears
or favors the most severe or lenient judgments were inflicted.
For example, we may refer our readers to a fine frigate on a fancy
cruise in the West Indies, which was so very active in her move-
ments, that she dodged the orders of the Department for several
months, when she was greatly needed at home. But having some
unknown or pretended mission in the Caribbean sea, she cruised as
long as she could to avoid the mails and the vigilance of our
cruisers, and then sailed to Vera Cruz, and left that port for some
out-of-the-way port in the Windward Isles, again in time to escape
orders. Thus, though in a very slow sailing ship, her. captain
eluded the written or published orders which were pursuing him
from port to port. Finally, the truant’s mysterious movements
were made known to the Assistant Secretary, in advance, by a
private note from Colonel Charles G. McCawley, her commander

of marines, which enabled the Department to intercept the renegade
frigate with positive orders.

“Jn this case the captain had no idea of “leaving his station
without being relieved,” or ordered to do so, both of which he
purporely avoided. As the Secretary of the Navy had just
“admonished ” an officer for not keeping to the strict letter of his
orders, he could not consistently reverse that judgment in this case,
where an officer had managed to escaped the technicality of “in-
subordination,” but where “ discretion” had been used to a very
different effect than in the case of Commander Walke.
Nore.—When our country was in imminent peril (beset by formidable
foes, foreign and domestic), there was no disposition on the part of loyal
men to increase the embarrassment of the administration by needlessly
exposing its errors or defects. But as the important services of the officers
who prevented the capture of Fort Pickens by the Confederates were
unjustly disowned, we now propose to give our readers a true estimate of
their value to the country.

After the capture of Forts Barrancas and McCrea, with Warrington
Navy Yard and 1d Hospital, nearly all the officers of the navy from the South-
ern States were disaffected, or, if disposed to be loyal, believed that the gov-
ernment and people of the Northern States would not appreciate Southern
loyalty.

Commander Walke was then the senior officer on duty, of those who re-
mained loyal to the government. In fact, he was the principal actor, implicitly
relied on in all their endeavors to aid and encourage the officers of the army
to put Fort Pickens in a state of defense, and to hold it untii it could be
re-enforced. With the most commendable zeal they had executed all the
orders of the ‘‘ Commander-in-Chief,” by destroying the powder that could
not be transported to Fort Pickens, and by dismantling and spiking the
guns of Forts Barrancas and McCrea.

-The importance of these services was soon manifest, by the well-known
effect they had in strengthening our cause in the South, in suppressing the
rebellion.

The recapture and the restoration to the United States of the Navy Yard,
hospital, forts, and splendid harbor of Pensacola (the fruits of the above-
mentioned services), was not the only boon that gladdened the hearts of our
loyal people. The significant bearing of these operations in the harbor of
Pensacola in a great measure, if not altogether, prevented the British gov
ernment t from a om acknowledging (as it was-very anxious to do) the independence
of the Southern States. In the correspondence on the subject between our
Secretary of State and the British Minister at Washington, at this crisis, amost
serious question arose, as to whether or not_the Southern States_were all in
the _ hands-of-the Confederates ; and our_success, just_described, enabled
Mr. Seward to claim that they were not—that we ‘still, held. the finest har-

bor in the Southern States, with ‘Its fortifications, at Pensacola, and a part
of the State of Florida; iicluding Key West. “Bo at Reneacole, 20d. par
holding possession of this important * stronghold” of the South (due chiefly
to the gallantry, efficiency, and fidelity of the officers referred to), we were
probably saved from disunion, or 2 much longer war. These momentous
facts have, nevertheless, been most ungenerously suppressed in our history
and by the Secretary of the Navy.
MOTAV.L LYOANOD 'S ‘A

 
‘£ue ino Jo uoT}BoreQep ey} Ye Atuee ey} Bursindel syeoquny '§
-LNOWTHE fO AILLVE

 
: CHAPTER IL

ORGANIZATION OF THE WESTERN FLOTILLA.

Building the first Gunboats.—Difficulties to be overcome.—Acknowledg-
ments of special service.—Admiral Foote at St. Louis.—The Mississippi
Pilots.—statement of Mr. Hines.—The Loyalty of the Western Pilots.—
The Slaughter Pen.—Pilots not recognized as Officers.—Mr. Tennyson’s
Statement.—A Flood at Cairo.—The Cairo Naval Depot commanded by
A. M. Pennock.—Early History of the Mississippi Flotilla.—Letter from
Commander Rodgers.—Gunboats Taylor, Lexington and Conestoga.—
Searching for Confederate Batteries.—Reconnoissances at Columbus.—The
Gunboat Taylor.—Historians reticent.

Among the successful operations of the late war, none were more
gallant, none resulted in greater public benefit, than those executed
by the gunboats of the Mississippi squadron.

To the events which, in the unsettled state of our nation, then on
the verge of rebellion, were deemed of the greatest importance,
and to those who, in that hour of the nation’s emergency, were most
energetic and zealous in supporting and defending the Union, we
first direct attention. And although this work is mainly devoted
to the relation of important naval achievements on the Western
waters, we do not fail to recognize the valuable service rendered
by the men most active on shore in building and equipping vessels,
and supplying all the means necessary to the carrying out of suc-
cessful naval operations.

BUILDING THE FIRST GUNBOATS.

In the month of April, 1862, the Navy Department ordered
Commander John Rodgers to St. Louis, to superintend the construc-
tion and building of a flotilla intended to co-operate with the Army
on the Western waters. Mr. James B. Eads, of St. Louis, was
selected to build seven gunboats, to be partially plated (on the
bow and a section over the side of the vessels) with two-and-a-
half-inch iron. Plans were received, and within three months the

2 [17]
18 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

vessels were built, launched, and ready for their armament at
Carondelet, Missouri, and. Mound City, Hlinois.

As, however, the utmost dispatch was needed to ensure success,
Commander John Rodgers, before the commencement of this
flotilla, had purchased three Ohio steamers at Cincinnati, and
these, after being converted into gunboats (without plating), were
brought to Cairo, on the 12th August, 1861. They rendered such
good service as to merit the following testimonial from an eminent
army officer in a letter which was published extensively :

“ Military men high in capacity and reputation have stated that these boats
were each worth as much as a whole brigade of infantry. They kept
the Mississippi clear between St. Louis and Cairo, and at a critical time
gave us command of the lower Ohio, which otherwise would have been block-
aded by the rebels. They were far more efficient than forts or regiments
could have been in annihilating the contraband trade on the rivers, and making
the blockade of Cairo effective.”

DIFFICULTIES TO BE OVERCOME,

The energy and perseverance of Rodgers, Foote, Eads and others,
at this trying period (like that of Chauncy, Perry and Eckford on
the lakes in the war of 1812), could only be estimated by those
whose experience enabled them to form some idea of the magni-
tude of the work which these men had to execute. They were,
however, well supported by men of the same patriotic spirit.

With the exception of Lieutenants Stembel and Phelps, and a
few junior officers of our Navy, all those to whom were entrusted
important duties were ignorant of naval affairs; and they en-
countered, also, the additional disadvantage of having to contend
against sectional disaffection on the one hand, and vacillation on
the part of the Army and Navy authorities on the other. Thus the
difficulty of procuring outfits, armaments, and ammunition at a point
so remote from the navy yards and arsenals, was very greatly in-
creased. Notwithstanding all this, however, these gentlemen, at the
beginning of the nation’s troubles, succeeded in establishing an
efficient naval flotilla on our Western waters, which was first com-
manded by Commander John Rodgers, who, upon the arrival of
Captain Foote, was transferred from the command at Cairo to special
service at St. Louis, under the instructions of General Fremont.*

*In this connection it is also proper to insert the high estimation of the
subsequent services of Captain John Rodgers, as they were expressed in a
ORGANIZATION OF THE WESTERN FLOTILLA. 19

Acknowledgments of special or general services of those distin-
guished in the early period of our national agony, though fully
made in our public press, were often neglected in the details of
our official reports. Patriotic gentlemen of the Illinois Central
Railroad Company transported our men and material, without
charge, to Cairo, and elsewhere, for the naval service, frequently,
and furnished both the use of men and machinery at first cost.
And Messrs. Hamilton & Collier, at Mound City, Illinois, who
were the main reliance from first to last in building and repairing
our iron-clad gunboats at Mound City, had under their control
extensive ways and saw-mills, which were indispensable for build-
ing and repair of the river navy. These were utilized, and Mr.
Hamilton exhausted his personal credit in providing funds for
continuing work on the gunboats, at a time when there was delay
on the part of the Government’in meeting its financial engage-
ments.

ADMIRAL FOOTE AT ST. LOUIS.

On the 6th of September, Admiral Foote assumed the command
of naval affairs, at St. Louis, and he was accompanied by a num-
ber of officers of the Navy, whose names appear throughout this
work in connection with the services in which they were subse-

letter to him by the Honorable Secretary of the Navy in the following para-

‘aph:
a “* Your connection with the Mississippi Flotilla, and your participation in
the projection and construction of the first iron-clads on the Western waters
—your heroic conduct in the attack on Drury’s Bluff,—the high moral cour-
age that led you to put to sea in the Weehawken upon the approach of a vio-
Jent storm, in order to test the seagoing qualities of these new crafts, at the time
when asafe anchorage was close under your lee,—the brave and daring man-
ner in which you, with your associates, pressed the iron-clads, under the
concentrated fire of the batteries in Charleston harbor, and there tested and
proved the endurance and resisting power of these vessels, and your crowning
successful achievement in the capture of the Fingal, alias Atlanta, are all
proofs of a skill, and courage, and devotion to the country and the cause of
the Union, regardless of self, that cannot be permitted to pass unrewarded.
To your heroic daring and persistent moral courage, beyond that of any other
individual, is the country indebted for the development, under varied circum-
stances on the ocean, under enormous batteries on land, and in successful
rencontre with a formidable floating antagonist, of the capabilities and quali-
ties of attack and resistance of the Monitor class of vessels and their heavy
armament. For these heroic and serviceable acts I have presented your name
to the President, requesting him to recommend that Congress give you a vote
of thanks, in order that you may be advanced to the grade of commodore in
the American Navy.” :

This was one of those acts of justice which was not so remarkable, as the
omission of the same to others under similar circumstances.
20 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

quently engaged. He then commenced the establishment of a
naval depét at Cairo.

Under the special command of Captain Alex. M. Pennock (one of
the best executive officers of our navy), all of our naval operations
were most faithfully, skillfully and successfully conducted at Cairo
during the rebellion. This officer deserves a more worthy acknowl-
edgment than this humble narrative could properly contain, as the
long continuance of his most important and arduous services to the
naval flotilla on our Western waters are too numerous to be enu-
merated, and we regret this circumstance the more as our naval
history does not recognize these important and meritorious services,
as fully as it should have done.

In consequence of the overflow of the Mississippi and Ohio rivers,
Captain Pennock’s command was at first almost entirely and neces-
sarily afloat. It was built upon large wharf boats, steamboats,
barges and lighters—everything available being pressed into the
service, the whole presenting a somewhat novel appearance, not un-
like to a floating village. It was at this time that the services of

THE MISSISSIPPI PILOTS

were brought into requisition ; and the very efficient aid rendered
by these men—often under circumstances of the greatest difficulty
' and hardship, and always with a high degree of patriotic disinter-
estedness—entitle the pilots of the Western flotilla to honorable
mention in every work professing to relate the gallant deeds and
self-denying bravery of that eventful era in the war of the rebellion.

The subjoined brief schedules, contributed by Messrs. Hines and
Tennyson, convey some idea of the valuable aid rendered by that
class of officers. Mr. Hines was originally appointed by Barton
Able, who in the capacity of master of transportation under Gen-
eral John C. Fremont, was engaged in the preparatory organization
of an auxiliary force of armed steamers designed for the river work
of keeping open the navigation of our Western waters.

STATEMENT OF MR. HINES.

“It soon became apparent that the proportions this work (the manning
of the gunboats) would assume, rendered it necessary for naval men to
take the entire charge of the flotilla, as a distinct yet co-operating branch of
the military arm. Accordingly, under Commodore John Rodgers, the first
event testing the loyalty to the flag of the river-pilots belonging to the Cin-
cinnati Association arose in consequence of the commodore deeming the es-
ORGANIZATION OF THE WESTERN FLOTILLA. 21

tablished rates of compensation excessive. This gave rise to a protracted
discussion in the association, resulting in the adoption of arule allowing their
pilots to accept such rate of pay as might be offiered.

«This measure or decision caused some to secede from the association and.
to cast their lot with the rebel States (the majority, however, remaining loyal);
and this probobly gave rise to the rumored disloyalty of that body, which
assertion was proved slanderous by their conduct throughout the war, faith-
fully shown in the authentic narrative following.

“The fact should be remembered that this class of men, having established
friendly relations throughout the length of the Mississippi, were compelled to
overcome a natural repugnance to attack personal friends at the call of their
country, or what was at first deemed a squabble of politicians. That they
rose superior to local prejudice is proved, and should be recorded to their
credit. Having been on the field of operations in daily, and possibly hourly
intercourse with the active minds of the South, they knew full well where
the brunt would fall. It would not have excited surprise if less enthusiasm
had been manifested by the dwellers on the banks of these rivers, than by the
dense populations of the east or of the north-west, who were far removed
from where the dance of death would open. True, heedless enthusiasm was
not the rule with these river-men. They weighed probable consequences,
however, and stood by the Union to the last extremity.

«Their duties were doubly arduous, and hazardous. pa ea
to about one-third of thei rates, and about one-half 0 t which was
received by pilots in the transport-service of the Army with its security
comfort.”

 
  

The same may also be said of the acting assistant engineers,
surgeons and paymasters in the West, who entered our naval
service. Their trial of patriotism was equally severe. Their ser-
vices were indispensably important to the success of our arms.

PROOF OF THE LOYALTY OF THE WESTERN PILOTS.

It has been said that the pilots of the Mississippi and Ohio
rivers were disloyal to the Government in the time of the late
rebellion. In the dark hours of 1861, when a call was made for
pilots to go in the wooden gunboats “Tyler,” “Lexington” and
“ Conestoga” (these vessels were mere wooden shells, hastily gotten
up, and were pronounced, by even loyal “editors,” to be nothing
more than slaughter-pens), everything that could be brought to
bear to prevent or deter pilots or engineers from risking their lives
in them, was brought forward by the opposing element in our
midst. Yet more than double-the number required to pilot those’
vessels boldly came forward, offered their services, and went in
these guiiboats, well knowing that they would be a special mark
for the enemy’s sharpest practice ; for to kill the pilot would be
22 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

equivalent to disabling the vessel. The pilot-house, being a target
for the enemy, was truly named

THE SLAUGHTER-PEN

of these gun-boats. In the Fall of 1861, a call was made for fifteen
pilots to go in the (so-called) iron-clads, and in a few days the flag-
officer received over fifty applications for the position. In the
battle of Fort Henry, two pilots were killed—Marsh Ford and
James McBride. In the battle of Fort Donelson two more—Frank
Riley and William Hinton, and others were wounded ; two of
our gunboats dropping out of the action partially on that account.
Another pilot was killed just above Fort Donelson. Many dis-
tinguished names might be added to those mentioned, who were
killed or wounded in these pilot-houses ; among the killed were
Captain G. W. Rodgers* and Paymaster Woodbury, and the
wounded, Commodores Foote and Kilty, of our own Navy, and
‘Captains Buchavan and J. N. Brown of the Confederate Navy,
with their pilots in each case. It was, therefore, sufficiently proved
that the pilot-house was always the most dangerous part of the
vessel, while it was, at the same time, the only place from whence
the pilot or captain could see how to manage the gunboat. Not-
withstanding, pilots came forward voluntarily to fill the places of
the gallant men who had'sealed their loyalty with their lives, and
numbers were clamorous for appointment as pilots in the Missis-
sippi flotilla.

THE PILOTS NOT RECOGNIZED AS OFFICERS.

The pilots on entering the service were told that they held rank
and position as officers; they wore the uniform prescribed, and
were subject to all the rules and regulations of the Navy, and in
addition to their duties as pilots, they were called upon to perform

*From The Army and Navy Gazette, 1863.

The death of Fleet-Captain Rodgers has been inaccurately stated in all
the journals as having been caused by the breaking of the interior lining of
vhe pilot-house of the ‘‘ Catskill,” struck by ashot. A letter kindly shown us
by Capt. C. R. P. Rodgers, brother of George, written by Capt. A. C. Rhind,
who went on board the ‘‘ Catskill” to transfer the remains of Capt. Rodgers to
the ‘‘ Wabash,” tells the story truly. The top of the pilot-house of the ‘‘ Cats-
kill” was crushed in by a shot or shell, causing the death of Capt. Rodgers
and Paymaster Woodbury, who were the the only persons in the pilot-house.
The fact has not only a sad interest in connection with the death of the gal-
lant sailor, but is of importance in its scientific bearings.
ORGANIZATION OF THE WESTERN FLOTILLA. 23

the duties of every grade, from the commanding officer down-
wards. They therefore naturally expected that, as officers, they
would receive the respect and honor due to their rank and
services.

How they were treated will appear from the following statement
of Mr. Tennyson.

MR. TENNYSON’S STATEMENT.

“In May, 1862, I was told by Captain J. L. Phelps that the Secretary of
the Navy had ordered the pilots to be discharged from the service, and taken
on again when they were needed to move the gunboats. We were then in
front of Fort Pillow. He asked me what the result would be, and whether
the pilots would remain there to be ready when called for. I replied they
would; but as it was our custom, when employed by the month or job (and
as it appeared to me that the department wished to make us out a mercenary
set of men), we should charge according to the work required, and that, when
it came to a matter of dollars and cents, I could not think of risking myself
for a less sum than five thousand dollars, even on areconnoissance, and double
that sum to be paid my heirs in case of my death; and for an attack on Fort
Pillow, no sum of money would tempt me. I believe this was the feeling of
every pilot then in the Mississippi flotilla.

“Tn 1863 the squadron had increased to nearly the number of vessels usu-
ally employed by commerce, in addition to which there were u large num-
ber of army transports, each requiring pilots, making in all a greater number
than could be supplied. The southern pilots that had fought us at Fort Pillow,
Memphis, and other battles, were then in our army transports at seven hun-
dred and fifty dollars per month. We of the Mississippi squadron had not
asked for an increase of pay, but to be recognized by our country as officers.
Our commanders did all in their power to have it so, but failing in that, on
the first of June, 1868, Admiral Porter increased our pay to two hundred and
fifty dollars per month.

~ “Traitors have never caed us cowards; our commanders never called us
disloyal; and we feel proud to have served in the Mississippi squadron, proud
of our noble commanders. They will do us justice, as they always did. God
bless them all, wherever they may be; may they live long and enjoy the rich
peace for which they so long and patiently labored.”

To the foregoing statement of Mr. Tennyson (which was fur-
nished by request), Mr. Hines adds that “at the close of the war our
pilots were being discharged, in common with all other volunteer
officers, receiving a gratuity of three months’ pay. The order under
which this allowance was made was subsequently held to be invalid,
on the ground that pilots were not technically officers.”

That this class of officers were justified in expecting the titular
rank, honors and emoluments of officers, is shown by letters from
the commander-in-chief of the naval forces on the Western waters.
24 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

That their grievances were of long standing, is very clearly proved
in the memorial to Congressin which the case of the pilots is present-
ed, In short, it may be stated of the pilots and engineers, as well as
of almost all the volunteer officers of the Mississippi flotilla, that they
did their duty nobly, and proved themselves worthy of being relied
upon by the nation as a reserve force whenever their services might
be required.

A FLOOD AT CAIRO.

In the spring of 1862, when the naval depot was in course of for-
mation by Admiral Foote, the river was so high during the great
freshets that in order to protect the levees at Cairo, the Provost-
Marshal directed that all steamers should slacken speed on approach-
ing, it being feared that the waves created by them would other-
wise break in and inundate the city. The camps and barracks in
which our troops were quartered, and the fort commanding the
junction of the Ohio and Mississippi rivers, would all have been
submerged, had the water risen a few inches higher. The lower
part of Alexander county, at the extreme point of which Cairo is
situated, was flooded for ten-miles around; and the city was only
rendered habitable by the vigorous exertions of its inhabitants.

CAIRO NAVAL DEPOT COMMANDED BY A, M. PENNOCK.

After Admiral Foote had succeeded in the establishment of this
naval depot, Commander A, M, Pennock was placed in charge, and
remained in control for three years. His assistants were Lieutenants
J. P. Sanford and O. H. Perry, Chief Engineer Merritt (afterwards
relieved by Faulkner), Quartermaster Wise and Master-Mechanic
and Acting-Constructor R. Friganza. The thorough knowledge of
naval matters acquired by the officer last named by hard experience
of thirty years in the Navy rendered his services at that juncture
and ir that particular locality invaluable. The faithful and effec-
tive discharge of every duty by Mr. Friganza, notwithstanding the
great demands made upon his energies, deserve a far better reward
than a mere brief allusion to them in these pages.

Our naval flotilla (with the exception of its officers) was at that
time under the pay of the Army authorities, General Fremont being
commander-in-chief of the Western forces; and service in the flo-
tilla was in many respects undesirable. The confined and heated _
atmosphere of the gunboats rendered them, of course, most uncom-—
fortable and tnhealthy during the summer. The men who continued
ORGANIZATION OF THE WESTERN FLOTILLA. 25

in this service from the begining of the war on the Western waters
to the time of the opening of the Mississippi, are therefore
fully entitled to at least the gratitude of their countrymen, even
if they do not receive any more substantial reward or acknowledg-
ment.

THE EARLY HISTORY OF THE MISSISSIPPI FLOTILLA.

As the earliest authentic record of the events which this work
is written to commemorate, we give the subjoined interesting
official report of Commander John Rodgers, relative to the first
steps taken under his superintendence towards the formation of the
Mississippi squadron, which was destined to perform such gallant
and important services.

COMMANDER RODGERS TO SECRETARY WELLES.

“U. 8. Gunsoat ‘Tayior,’
Orr ComMERcE, Mo., Aug. 22nd, 1861.

«Sir: eermioamnnamtrnantsy AGA Sar

“The gunboats arrived at Cairo, Ill., safely, on the afternoon of the
12th inst., under charge of Lieutenant Phelps. Lieutenant Stemble was,
until their arrival, occupied in enlisting a crew, and I, myself, was detained
with duties incident to their conversion and outfit. They were kept at New
Albany, Indiana, by the low stage of water in the river, and arrived here as
soon as they had water to float them ; one of them being dragged by the
united power of the three over a bar having a foot less water than the
draught of the deepest of them. We have enlisted about half the men
needed for the aggregate crew of the three.

“Since then wé have not been idle; as the accompanying reports will show.
I have organized the personnel of the service, given appointments to the
necessary officers, and procured much of the material needed for immediate
service by purchase, having, from the necessity of the case, gone before the
tardy arrival of the means necessary to our active service. We have received
no powder. I bought a small quantity, and a few shot, which were requi-
site to the safe passage of ‘the vessels past Paducah, Kentucky, where the
secessionists had threatened to take them If they came unarmed. Gun
tackles were wanting ; such blocks as we could procure had to be purchased ;
no proper breeching could be procured ; a grass hawser was cut up and
made to serve the purpose.

“The arrangements of the magazine are far from complete, as one of the
vessels leaks quite badly from having been ashore and dragged over shoals.
We hope soon, however, to be in quite a good state of efficiency.

«The Western river men, I find willing and tractable, and I presume they
will readily make good artillerists. Now, however, they know far less of
their duties than I hope we shall be able to teach them. In the meanwhile
we shall continue to cruise in the river, and render, we hope, useful service
until the arrival of proper material will enable us to venture farther than

now would be proper to undertake.

.
26 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. '

“With no passing boxes, the cartridges are passed in men’s hats ; with no
magazine screens, there is, necessarily, an opening on the gun-deck to the
magazine, more exposed in a vessel drawing only four and a-half feet of
water to the fire of our own battery than desirable for so inflammatory a
material. Those boats now in process of construction at St. Louis are so
iron-plated, and so arranged in plan, as to render them, I hope, valuable
adjuncts when finished to an attack upon any battery, and we look forward
with some interest to the time when we shall test their efficiency. In the
gunboats now in the service here, nothing mcre was attempted than to ren-
der them bullet-proof. This has been accomplished.

On the 20th inst. we proposed making an excursion down the river to near
New Madrid, where General Pillow is said to be in force ; but in consequence
of a report that the rebels with a force of one thousand men had taken pos-
session of Commerce, and had erected a battery there, I determined to dis-
lodge them. We arrived here and found that, on coming in sight, they had
left the town with a train of fifty wagons, principally laden with corn, of
which it is said they took away forty-five loads from a mill in the town. The
rebels here committed a great deal of wanton destruction to property, break-
ing furniture, carrying off and tearing up women’s and children’s clothing.
Yesterday afternoon, at about six o’clock, a number of them came upon a
hill in the vicinity, and opened a fire of small arms upon the vessel. A
couple of shells dislodged them, and all again became quiet. We sent ashore
and took off afew women and children who remained in Commerce, the
men having already left, and taken refuge on the opposite shore. I return
to Cairo with reluctance, and think I shall immediately despatch a vessel to
lie off this place. The position has possibly little strategic importance, but
it is menaced by the enemy. It is the property of our friends, and it com-
mands the river. A good road, it is said, leads to it from the interior. A
couple of cannon would compel an unarmed steamer to surrender, whereby
public property in progress of transportation might be lost, or any soldiers
embarked made prisoners. It is said the rebels threaten, when this gunboat
shall retire, to make an incursion into Illinois. I think they will scarcely
venture to attempt it.

fe ««T have the honor to be,

“Very respectfully,
«Your obedient Servant,
“‘GmDEON WELLEs, “Joun Ropcrrs,
“Secretary of Navy, “Commander, U. 8. N.”

“ Washington, D. 0.”

GUNBOAT “TAYLOR” ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.

The U. 8. gunboat “Taylor” (formerly the “<A. O. Tyler,” of
onset) Bens which vessel the above report was dated, was
one of the three original, pioneers fitted out at Cincinnati, Ohio.
On the 12th of September, 1861, Commander John Rodgers was
relieved from the command of that vessel by Commander Henry
Walke, who had proceeded to Paducah, Kentucky in company wit
Flag-Officer Foote.
ORGANIZATION OF THE WESTERN FLOTILLA. 27

SEARCHING FOR REBEL BATTERIES.

Two days after (Sept. 14th) Commander Walke, in obedience to
instructions from Flag-Officer Foote, proceeded from Paducah to
Cairo, and on his arrival held a conference with General Grant, and
that distinguished officer detailed members of his staff to accom-
pany Commander Walke on a reconnoissance down the Mississippi
river to within gunshot _ of Columbus, in search of rebel batteries
reported to be in course of "Goustruction. The movement was in
co-operation with our advanced troops under Colonel Oglesby which
were eucamped at Norfolk, six miles below Caire. At Norfolk, the
“Taylor,” at the request of the colonel, took on board about one
hundred of the Ninth Illinois regiment, and then approached the
rebel fortifications at Columbus. These were found to be built up-
on the Iron Banks, at the first Chickasaw bluff, which is almost
perpendicular, ri rising from two to three hundred feet aboye the or-
dinary surface of the Mississippi, overlooking the course of the river
northward and southward about twenty miles.

The river at the base of these bluffs takes a short and rapid turn
to the southwest, where it becomes very deep and narrow, forming
strong eddies and currents and. counter-currents at Columbus. The
Confederate batteries were planted upon the spurs of the bluff, one
of them about fifty feet above the water, mounting ten heavy guns,
with a large floating battery of sixteen guns moored at Columbus
landing. Their heaviest rifled guns were planted and pivoted on
the summit of the Iron Banks, where they commanded a long range
up the river and also to their rear. The enemy’s trains of light and
heavy artillery (including some Parrot rifle guns) were ample and
well organized.

‘

A RECONNOISSANCE AT COLUMBUS.

Off these works, the Taylor rounded to, fired eight or ten 64-
pound shell into them, killing (as reported) three, and wounding
several of the enemy. She then returned to Norfolk, landed the
troops, proceeded on to Cairo, where the Army officers went ashore,
and returned to her anchorage at Norfolk.

From this date until the 23rd the “Taylor” made frequent ex-
cursions of a similar nature down the river, and she was then relieved
by the gunboat “Lexington” (Lieutenant-Commander Stembel).
28 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

THE ARMAMENT

of these three wooden gunboats, which formed the nucleus of the Mis-
sissippi squadron, was as follows: The gunboat “Taylor” mounted
six 64-pounder broadside guns, and one siege 32-pounder stern gun.
The “Lexington” mounted four 64-pounder broadside guns, and
one 32-pounder stern gun. The “Conestoga” had two 32-pounder
broadside guns, and one light stern gun.

At this period of the war, the most important points of opera-
tion in the West were Cairo, Ill., under the command of General
Grant, and Columbus, Ky., which formed a part of the command
of Gencral Polk, of the Confederate army. Columbus, situated
twenty miles below Cairo, on the Mississippi, was appropriately
styled the “Gibraltar” of the West, as it was perfectly fortified,
and was garrisoned with an army much larger than our own force
at Cairo. The “Taylor” was constantly on picket duty, reconnoi-
tering the enemy often within gunshot of their batteries ; and these
dauntless visitations were briefly recorded in the log-book under
date of September 14th and 21st, October 7th, 11th, 19th, 22nd and
31st, November 6th and ‘7th, all in the year 1861; and entry was
also made of the part taken by the “Taylor” in the battle of Bel-
mont, December 12th and January 7th.

The last of these reconnoissances was made by Flag-Officer Foote,
with the gunboats “ Essex” (Commander Wm. D. Porter), the “Tay-
lor” (Commander H. Walke), and the “Lexington” (Lieutenant-
Commander Shirk). Every particular was minutely reported to the
Navy Department by Foote, who also made reference to that region
as having been first explored by himself, with all his force, to
prove that the reports and rumors of obstructions and dangerous
torpedoes were unfounded. The previous active service of

THE GUNBOAT “ TAYLOR,”

however, though equally important, was never reported in the official
correspondence to the Navy Department.

When Commander Walke relieved Commander John Rodgers,
and assumed command of the “Taylor,” her transformation from
an ordinary Ohio river boat to a vessel of war was incomplete, ex-
tensive repairs and alterations being required before she could be-
come adapted to her new service. The reconstruction of the
steamer was progressing rapidly at Mound City, where she was
ORGANIZATION OF THE WESTERN FLOTILLA. 29

when Commander Walke received the following autograph letter
from General Grant:

GENERAL U. 8 GRANT TO COMMANDER WALKE.

“ Heapquarters, 8. E. Mo.,

“‘Carro, Oct. 6th, 1861.
“CAPTAIN :

“The services of your gunboat being much required, I will be much
obliged, if you will report with her for service in the morning.
“* Respectfully yours,
“U. &. Grant,
“ Brig. Gen'l. Com’@g.”

This order was promptly obeyed, and definite instructions having
been received at Cairo (where some of the general’s staff came on
board), the “Taylor” and the “Lexington” (Lieutenant-Comman-
der Stembel) steamed down the river to the enemy’s batteries at
Columbus, and after chasing the rebel steamer “Jeff. Davis” under
the guns of that fortress, opened fire, which was replied to by guns
of the heaviest calibre, some of them rifled. Fortunately, however,
the range from the batteries was too high, and their first volley of
screaming shells flew over and far beyond the frail gunboats; and
by a timely and necessary retreat they escaped harm. Having ac-
complished the object of their visit by drawing fire from the
enemy’s batteries, the gunboats returned to Cairo.

The Chicago Journal stated upon the authority of Mr. Charles
Cox, who at that date had just escaped from Columbus, that one
of our shells passed over the fortifications, and fell in an open space
of ground behind them.

THE OFFICIAL REPORT

made upon this reconnoissance was as follows:

COMMANDER H. WALKE TO GENERAL JU. 8S. GRANT.

«Carro, Inu., Oct. 7th, 1861.
“U. 8. Gunsoar ‘TAyLor.’
“GENERAL :

“« Agreeable to your orders of this morning, I proceeded down the river
with the U. S. gunboat ‘Taylor,’ and the ‘ Lexington,’ under Commander
Stemble, for the purpose of reconnoitering the position of the enemy, so far
as practicable. Upon approaching the head of Iron Bluffs we saw the rebel
sailors, who had been recruited at various points in the West. They were
e hardy class, though really, in a naval sense, the only raw material then at
airo.

The Eastern contingent was indeed a heterogeneous set, and comprised
the Maine lumberman and the New Bedford whaler, the Cape Cod fisher-
man and the New York “ Black-baller,” the Philadelphia ‘‘sea-lawyer,” and
the Baltimore fireman. The Philadelphia draft was the most numerous, and
that of Baltimore the least, while New York and Boston furnished about
equal numbers. Subdivided, the native clement contained among the sea-
men, those who had been in the United States navy or merchant service, or
both ; the ordinary seamen came from the merchantmen, and the coasting
and fishing vessels ; the Jandsmen, having had to choose between the army
and navy, preferred the latter, but the proportion of dendsmen from the East
wus very small, owing to an order issued in July, 1861, suspending their
shipment notil further orders, and which was not revoked un:il late in the
fall of that year. The foreign element was principally Irish, with a few
English and Scotch ; while almost every maritime nation in Europe had one
or more representatives, with the Swedes, Norwegians and Danes in the
preponderance among the mariners of the continent. These Northmen, con-
sidered the hardiest race in the world, melted away under the Southern sun,
and their bones lie bleaching on the banks of the Mississippi. Many of the
foreigners had seen service abroad, and most of them were good seamen.
But the best class, native or foreign, was composed of those who had served
in the navy at some former period of their lives, and had re-entered it, not
Because they liked the navy, but because they deemed it their duty ; and
next to them in honor stand those who had followed peaceful callings, afloat
or ashore, and left their avocations to serve their country.

The crew of the ‘‘Carondelet”” contained, perhaps, more young men
than any vessel in the fleet, the Philadelphians being in the majority, the
Bostonians next, with a sprinkling from other cities, and just enough men-
o’-war’s-men to give a naval tone, impart instruction, promote discipline
and create efficiency. The ‘St. Louis,” it is true, had more men-o’-watr’s-
men ; but Lieut. Comd’g Paulding had the first choice of a full crew, and,
having been prompted by a petty officer who had been in the frigate ‘‘Sa-
bine,” he secured all the ‘“ Sabine's” re-enlisted men who had been sent
West with the Philadelphia draft. Commander Walke, however, did not
originally get more than about sixty men, and when he was ordered to take
part in the Fort Henry expedition, it became necessary to temporarily trans-
fer forty men from the ‘ Louisville,” and a like number from the ‘‘ Mound
City,” to make up the ‘‘ Carondelet’s”” complement. These transferred men
were almost similar in composition to those of the ‘‘ Carondelet,” and they
were all agreeable and well-disposed to each other; in a word, they were
friendly. Every Eastern man had received more or less drillon the receiving
ship, at Battery Dahlgren or Fort Ellsworth, and some few had been in-
structed at the Practice Battery in the Washington navy yard ; and they
needed but a little experience in battle to make them cqual to the best
veterans. With such a crew Commander Walke fought the ‘‘ Carondelet.”
at Forts Henry and Donelson, and commander and commanded were alike
worthy of each other and of the country. The survivors still hold each
other in kind remembrance ; but the country, by means of suppressed
reports and garbled ‘historical records,” has slighted the commander and
ignorcd the services of the crew.

 

The above note is a generous contribution from the pen of Master’s-mate
John Ford, formerly of the ‘‘ Carondelet,” now of Philadelphia.
ORGANIZATION OF THE WESTERN FLOTILLA. 31

THE REBEL RAM “MANASSAS.”

We were all this time unaware of a fact which was afterwards
reported, namely, that Commodore Hollins, with his monster ram
“Manassas,” was actually about that time going up to Columbus.
However, even if we had known of her presence, we should have
taken comfort from the fact that the river was so low at that
season that she could not have ascended farther up. This ram
was afterwards taken to New Orleans to meet, Farracnt’s fleet.
where she made her mark at the Brooklyn (Commodore Craven)
and the Mississippi (Commander M. Smith). The latter, however,
with Admiral Farragut’s permission, chased her on shore and de-
stroyed her.
CHAPTER II.

BATTLE OF BELMONT.

The “Taylor” and the ‘‘ Lexington.”—General Grant’s Order to the Gun-
boats.—An Historian’s blunder, corrected.—Descriptions of the Battles by
Newspaper Correspondents.—The Gunboats protecting Grant’s Army.—
The Naval and Military Forces successfully co-operating.—Rebel testi-
mony.—No Official Report made to the Navy Department,—General
Grant’s Official Report.—Commander Walke’s Report.—Adumiral Foote’s
treatment of Insubordinate Officers.—Captain Walke’s share in the Battle
of Belmont.—The Losses on both sides in the Conflict.

Tue _first_ battle of importance in which our gunboats partici-
pated on the Western waters, was at Belmont, on the 7th of No-.
vember, 1861. During the night of the 6th the wooden gunboats
“Taylor,” carrying six 64-pounders, and the “Lexington,” with
four 64-pounders and one 32-pounder, convoyed the transports con-
taining the land forces of General Grant down the river from
Cairo ; and on the morning of the 7th, protected the landing of
the troops near Belmont.* 7

* The gunboats were, so far as could be ascertained, officered as follows:

1 The “ Taylor.”

Commander Henry Walke, in command, U. 8. Navy.
Lieut. Joshua Bishop, U. 8. N., Executive Officer.
Acting Master, Edward Shaw, Volunteer.

do. 2nd do. Jacon Gondy, do.

do. 8rd do. James Martin, do.

do. 4th do. Patrick McCarty, do.

Pilot, John Sebastian, do.

Pilot, Charles Sebastian, do.
Assistant Surgeon, Thomas H. Kearney, do.
Acting Paymaster, William H. Coleman, do.

do. Chief Engineer, Samuel Goble, do.

ist Asst. Engineer, John W. Hartupee, do.
2nd do. do. D. E. Weaver, do,

8rd_ do. do. Edward W. Goble, do.
Armorers, Oscar §. Davis and Elihu Stevens, do.
Master’s Mate, George P. Lord, do.
Master’s Mate, Edward E. Brennand, do.
Acting Gunner, Herman Peters, U. 8. N.
Carpenter, Thomas Russel, Volunteer.

[32]
 

BATTLE OF BELMONT.
First attack of gunboats Taylor and Lexington.
BATTLE OF BELMONT. 33

On the morning of the 7th of November, General Grant, from
on board the steamer Belle of Memphis, lying on the Kentucky
shore, just below Island No. 1, and about seven miles below Cairo,
issued the following order to his command :

GENERAL ORDER OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL GRANT.

“On Boarp STEAMER ‘BELLE oF MEMPHIS,’
Nov. Tth, 1861, 2 0’ CLocx A.M.

«The troops comprising the present expedition from this place, will move
promptly at six o’clock this morning.

“The gunboats will take the advance, and be followed by the first brigade,
under command of Brig.-Gen. John A. McClernand, composed of all the
troops from Cairo and Fort Holt. The second brigade, comprising the
remainder of the troops for the expedition, commanded by Colonel John
Dougherty, will follow.

««The entire force will debark at the lowest point on the Missouri shore,
where a landing can be effected in security from the rebel batteries. The
point of debarkation will be designated by Captain Walke, commanding
naval forces.

“By order of Brig.-Gen. U. 8. Grant,
“Joun A. Raw uns, A. A. G.”

IN THE BATTLE OF BELMONT,

the wooden gunboat Taylor, as the leading boat, commanded
by Commander Walke, and-the Lexington followed, Commander
Stemble, proceeded to attack the enemy’s batteries, consisting of
about twenty heavy guns. Some were planted on the “ Tron Banks,”
a short distance above Columbus, at an elevation of about two
hundred feet,,and another of about fifty feet elevation, overlooking
a long bend up the river. It was necessary to observe great caution
in order to prevent the gunboats from being disabled, as they were
needed to guard the troops on their return. They were therefore

The “‘ Lexington.”
Lieut. Commanding, R. N. Stemble, U.S. N.
Acting 1st Master, Jacob 8. Hurd, Volunteer,
Do. 2nd do. Martin Dunn, do.

Do. 8rd do. James Fitzpatrick, do.

Do. 4th do. Sylvester Pool, do.
Pilot, William Hall, do.
Pilot, Samuel Williamson, do.
Surgeon, George W. Gaiver, do.
Acting Paymaster, Augustus F, Taylor, do.
Gunner, Samuel Vroom, do.
Carpenter, Richard Carroll, do.
Armorer, Reuben Story, do.

3
34 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

kept constantly moving, while engaged, in a circle, to elude the
enemy’s shot. ‘

General Grant requested Captain Walke to attack the enemy’s
batteries, only as a diversion, and this was done with some effect.
But the superiority in
their position, and the
number, as well as the
quality of the enemy’s
guns, proved. so formid-
able that it would have
been madness to remain
jong under their fire ;
and accordingly, having
-accomplished the object
of diverting the fire
from our troops, the
gunboats withdrew
from the contest. But
the excitement and sus-
pense caused by the in-
cessant roar of artillery
and musketry, when the
enemy renewed his at-
tack, at about 2:30 P.
M., were too great to
permit any sailor to re-
main long a passive
spectator. The gunboats again steamed towards the frowning
battlements, to share in the hottest of the fight; or, to use the
words of General Grant, in writing to his father on the 8th, “ Our
gunboats exercised the rebels by throwing shells into their camp
and batteries.” ;

In the afternoon, Captain Walke, perceiving that the enemy
overshot his mark, took advantage of the circumstance, by running
his gunboats far within the range of their batteries, and then, with
impunity, continued for about a half hour to fire broadside after
broadside, the enemy’s shot all passing over them. After a time,
however, the latter corrected their mistake, and the gunboats wisely
ran out of range. The safety of our gunboats may, in a great
measure, be attributed to this ruse.

The enemy had surpassed us in placing rifled guns along their
line of defenses, and some of them were of the heaviest calibre.

BATTLE OF BELMONT.

 

 

 

 

 
BATTLE OF BELMONT. 35

Two of these guns, known as “The Lady Polk” and “ Lady Jeff.
Davis,” were mounted in the battery upon the summit of the “Iron
Bluffs,” at Columbus. Their terrible shells, as they whirled over
our gunboats, and plunged in the water or earth near them, clearly
demonstrated what an amount of destructive force they possessed.

A Confederate officer, writing to the Memphis Appeal, Nov.
10th, 1861, says: “As soon as it became apparent that our troops
had deserted their camp on the Missouri side, and while the flames
were issuing from it, surrounded as they were, the famous pivot
gun “Lady Jeff. Davis” was turned loose upon them from this side,
and Stewart’s and Smith’s batteries opened fire from a position on
this side of the river opposite them. The “Lady Davis fired two
shots.”

One of these shot was dug out of the ground, near the landing,
during the battle, and is now in the possession of Mr. David Hines, '
one of our pilots. Its form is similar to our own rifle shells, but
the base is of different metal, and grooved to fit the rifles, which
no doubt had the effect of straining the guns when fired. The
“Lady Polk” burst the day after that on which it was fired at our
gunboats at Belmont, which also exploded the powder magazine,
killing and wounding thirteen men, and also wounding General
Polk, who was stripped of his military paraphernalia, almost en-
tirely, apparently as an act of Providence because they did not
properly belong to him, or should not have been worn by him,
after he was consecrated for ever and exclusively to the service of
God. If bishops can properly take the sword, then admirals may
be excused in taking the miter or pulpit. By this accident, also,
the head of one of the men was blown off, and fell three hundred
feet away, upon a rock or small island under the “ Bluffs,” where
it remained several days. Another Columbiad of the same calibre
as the “ Lady Polk,” was afterwards removed to the head of Island
No. 10, where it burst while firing at our gunboats. The remains
of these guns are now (1869) in the Navy Yard at Mound City, Ill.

‘When the enemy was transporting fresh troops over the river,
the shell from our gunboats met his light artillery and the other
re-enforcements near the landing at Belmont. Some of the shell
struck the bank of the river, and exploding, dispersed a whole com-
pany of artillerists, killing, among others, the captain, as afterwards
related by one of the prisoners.

PROTECTING GRANT’S ARMY.

Commander Walke had ordered his gunners to elevate their aim
36 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. i

and to fire across or over the point (see diagram) at the enemy’s
transports which had on board re-enforcements hastening forward
to intercept General Grant. It was also stated on good authority
that our shots struck some of the enemy’s transports, as they were
crossing the river and when they were in the act of landing troops
for the purpose of cutting off Grant’s army from the protection of
the gunboats. This (it was thought) caused the enemy’s transports
to cross the river at a point almost beyond the reach of our shot,
and land their troops lower down; which was the very thing we de-
sired to accomplish. It enabled Grant to withdraw his army in
good order, after some hard fighting.

On this point, Pollard, in his Southern History of the War, says :
“The shots from their (our) batteries were driven through two of
the Confederate transports at the same time.”

It is therefore but fair to admit the probability that some credit
was due to the gunboats, as our light artillery was otherwise en-
gaged.*

An Acting-Master, George Lord, of the “Taylor,” while on board
another of our boats, under a flag of truce shortly after the battle,
saw a Confederate steamer, with a flag of truce, and reported to the
captain that she had been struck by a 64-pounder shell, while cross-
ing the river that day at Belmont with re-enforcements. At the
time this vessel may have been crossing, the “Taylor” was firing
her broadsides in that direction; and the inference is that these
shot-holes, which our informant noticed himself, were caused by
the gunboats.

A NECESSARY PRECAUTION.

But the position of the gunboats (though favorable for checking
the operations of the enemy’s transports loaded with their troops,
from ascending the river, to capture our transport steamers, and
cutting off the reatreat of our army), was altogether too much ex-
posed to be occupied for any length of time. The enemy’s batteries
being in full play, their shot and shell began to have a telling effect.
A cannon ball came down obliquely through the side deck and scant-
ling of the “Taylor,” taking off the head of Michael Adams, and

* Of this stage of the day’s battle, H. C. Denning thus writes in the Life
of General Grant :—‘ For a second time, his [the enemy’s] line is broken,
his troops dispersed ; again he is driven in confusion over the crest and to
the river bank. The gunboats participate in the affair, and contribute to its
success. Grant perceives that the ‘three-deckers’ are still busy in crowding
re-enforcements upon this bank, and that there is every prospect that the
enemy will rally for a third attack, and therefore pushes on to the point.
He orders the troops to re-embark.”
BATTLE OF BELMONT. 37

wounding several others. The effect of this shot, not one of the
largest in use by the enemy, convinced Commander Walke of the
necessity of removing his vessels (which had all the time been kept
moving in a circle to avoid the range of the enemy’s guns) to a
greater distance, so as to stand a better chance of security.

After firing a few more broadsides, therefore, and perceiving that
the firing had ceased at Belmont, he returned to the landing with
the gunboats, which movement was indispensable not only to the
safety of the gunboats, but also to the ultimate protection of our
transports and army. In fact the destruction of the gunboats then,
would have involved the loss of our army and our most important
military depdt in the West, at Cairo; and this could have been the
only result of an action at close quarters between these gunboats
and the batteries at Columbus, or their attempt to pass below those
batteries.

The events which immediately followed will more clearly demon-
strate the correctness of these remarks.*

THE NAVAL AND MILITARY FORCES SUCCESSFULLY CO-OPERATING.

Our troops soon began to make their appearance in order on the
banks of the river, followed by the enemy, but our transports,
having, as stated, moved up the river to escape the rifle shots from
the heights, were some time in returning to the place of debarka-
tion. As soon as the transports arrived, the troops hurried on
board. General McClernand with other officers, warned our gun-
boats of the approach of the enemy’s force, but they were all
ready and in good position to repel him. It was now that the
skill previously displayed by the officers of the gunboats was fully
appreciated, as it gave them an opportunity of rendering a service
to the army and country which should not be forgotten. The
Confederates, coming up through a corn-field en masse, opened a
desperate fire of musketry and light artillery upon the transports,
filled, or being filled, with our retreating soldiers. This fire was
immediately responded to, and that most effectually by the gun-

* We have noticed these particulars definitely in order to correct a mis-
taken idea of the facts (then and there existing) as shown in the premature
reports of that period, and adopted by some of our earliest historians of the
rebellion, and several army officers, who wondered why these frail gunboats
did not run down to Columbus and capture or chase away the enemy’s trans-
ports, and return whenever it was necessary or convenient to protect our
own. But such an attempt would have involved our gunboats in the neces-
sity of capturing Columbus with all its batteries, which was quite impossi-
ble. Had our gunboats been lost in that attempt, which was a moral cer-
tainty, all our army and Cairo would have been at the mercy of the enemy.
38 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

boats. The enemy’s artillery was seen tumbling over, and his
ranks were soon broken. ‘hey dispersed in the utmost confusion,
or fell on the ground to escape our shot and shell.

JOURNALISTS RECOGNIZING THE SERVICES OF THE GUNBOATS.

A correspondent of the Vew York Herald, under date of Novem-
ber 12th, 1861, writes as follows respecting the service of the gun-
boats on this occasion. “Their shells fell like meteors into the rebel
ranks, demolishing whole squadrons of artillery at a broadside,
sending horse and rider, cannon and cannoneer in the air in indis-
criminate masses, sweeping down whole platoons of infantry at a
charge, and throwing the rebels into confusion worse confounded.”

The Cairo correspondent of the Missouri Democrat, in a letter
dated November 10th, 1861, says: “The enemy planted their new,
fresh artillery, supported by infantry, in a corn-field just above our
transports, with the intention of sinking them when they started
up the river, and of bagging the entire army. But thanks to the
gunboats ‘Taylor’ and ‘ Lexington,’ and their experienced gun-
ners, we were saved from a terrible and otherwise certain doom.
They took up a position between us and the enemy, and opened
their guns upon them, letting slip a whole broadside at once.
This movement was performed so quickly that the rebels did not
get time to fire effectively upon us. Their guns were silenced as
soon as they opened, or were probably dismounted. The first shot
from the gunboats made a perfect lane through the enemy’s ranks.”

The Cincinnati Daily Conmercial says: “The rebels crossed
the river below the scene of the fight, and made an attempt to get
between the gunboats and our troops. They were nearly success-
ful in this, and the only wonder is that the Federal expedition did
not fall into their hands. The gunboats could not prevent the
rebels from crossing below Belmont, as they could not pass their
batteries at the town; but they rendered service of the utmost
importance in covering the retreat of ow: forces.”*

A CORRESPONDENT ON BOARD THE “LEXINGTON” DESCRIBES THE
i ACTION.

The special correspondent of the Missouri Democrat makes the

*The Life of General Grant, referring to this part of the action, says :
“The gunboats now steamed to the rescue, taking position at the distance of
sixty yards from the rebel columns, and, bringing their guns to bear, loaded
the fields with swaths and windrows of corpses and wounded men.”
BATTLE OF BELMONT. 39

following report from on board the gunboat “ Lexington :” “Cairo,
November 12th, 1861. The gunboats ‘Taylor’ and ‘ Lexington’ were
ordered to drop down to Port Jefferson on the evening of the 7th.
At 7 o’clock on the morning of the 8th, they dropped down to
Lucas Bend with the transports. After landing the men they
took up a position within one and a half miles of the rebel bat-
teries, and opened fire, playing upon them with six and eight-inch
shells. After firing some thirty rounds of shell they withdrew, as
the enemy had the range, and their missiles were falling thick and
fast across their decks and alongside, splashing and dashing in the
water, and cutting fantastic sicochets through the air. They were
firing upon them with a 94-pounder rifled cannon. The ‘Taylor’
at this time threw a 32-pound shot near General Polk’s head-
quarters, as we have since ascertained from a prisoner. Returning,
the transports were still within reach of their rifled cannon.

“At this time the enemy fired a 94-pound shell, apparently at
General Grant and his staff, who were upon the river bank. With
a most terrible whiz it passed right over their heads, and buried it-
self ten feet in the solid earth, one hundred yards distant from the
landing. The shell, a perfect curiosity, did not explode. It was
dug out of the bank and is now on exhibition here. It is eighteen
inches long, six and three-fourths inches in diameter, a sort of bolt
of iron (a cannon within a cannon), with a brass percussion fuse on
the end, that generally explodes on the slightest impression being
made upon it. This shell does not answer the discription of any
known modern or ancient missile of warfare. It is a mongrel be-
tween a Hotchkiss shell and some of the English patents. It is
said that it was made in Memphis. It was fired from a cannon
(rifle) eight tons in weight. The piece on the shell that fits the
grooves of the cannon is about two inches thick, made of a com-
position of brass and other metal, cast to fit the grooves. My in-
formant told me that he saw where one of these shell had been
thrown over three miles, and took effect on a large oak-tree twenty
inches in diameter, and fairly cut the tree down as though it had
been a sapling.

“The ‘Taylor’ and ‘Lexington’ dropped down again about four
o’clock. The heavy firing with its continuous roar warned us that
our troops were having hot work with the enemy; and having seen
that re-enforcements were marching over the distant bluffs, the gun-
boats dropped down the stream, and shelled the Confederate bat-
teries for three-quarters of an hour, with what success we could not
tell, but the shell apparently burst immediately over their heads.
40 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

The ‘Taylor’ and ‘Lexington’ evidently succeeded, however, in
throwing other shells near, or into General Polk’s headquarters ;
and the former vessel received in exchange a 24-pounder shell,
through her upper bulwarks, which passed diagonally through the
upper and lower decks, and in its passage took a sailor’s head off,
badly wounded another of the seamen, and after bounding across the
deck, finished its cause by knocking down a large heavy stanchion.

“We again withdrew to join the transports, as our troops had by
this time cut their way through the enemy, and were embarking.
After nearly all had embarked, General Grant ordered the gunboats
to drop down below the transports, as the enemy was coming upon
our rear in large force, and was so near as to be plainly visible from
the deck of the boats. As soon as they discovered that we were
dropping down, they went into the woods, but soon re-appeared in
a corn-field abreast of our transports, and immediately came up to
the river bank six or eight deep. When within one hundred feet
of our transports they commenced firing on us. Our men returned
the fire.

“The transports then dropped outside of us towards the Ken-
tucky shore, when the enemy opened on us again with their rifle
guns, shot and shell falling thick and fast around us. The ‘Taylor’
and ‘Lexington’ opened broadsides upon the rebels on the banks,
throwing shell, canister, and grape into their ranks, making great
havoc. After playing on them half an hour—the ‘Taylor’
throwing some seventy rounds, and the ‘Lexington’ between
thirty and forty—the smoke from the battle became so thick and
black that the sun could not be seen. We then steamed up the
river, protecting the transports, and throwing shell back among the
rebels until all had disappeared. About three or four miles above,
the gunboats hove to, waiting for Colonel Buford’s regiment,
which was coming to the river. Having taken an board the ‘Lex-
ington’ some twenty-eight prisoners, we started for Cairo. The
‘Taylor’ had also on board a large number of prisoners, some of
them badly wounded, and they were transferred to the steamer
‘Rob Roy,’ and anchored off Island No. 1, until our army in
Kentucky should arrive.”

A LETTER IN THE OHIO STATE JOURNAL,
describing the battle of Belmont, gives the following account of

the doings of the gunboats:
“The rebels followed, firing up to the gunboats, but only to be
BATTLE OF BELMONT. 41

scattered like chaff before the return volley of musketry, and the
thundering ‘64’s’ of the gunboats. A secesh soldier who
boasted of having captured General McClernand’s camp-chest,
told me that the first storm of bullets from the boys on the boats,
instantly killed twelve of his comrades. I was a spectator of the
fight from the deck of the ‘Rob Roy, half a mile above, and
must say, notwithstanding the character of the work, that it was
one of the grandest sights I ever saw. Over seventy rounds of
canister, ball and shell were poured into their ranks from the two
gunboats in less than thirty minutes, without which it may be
doubted whether our force would not have been cut off. Horses
and riders went somersaulting through the air as if hurled by the
right hand of a tornado. Under cover of the fire, our transports
came safely steaming up the river, where, while passing our boats
on the ‘Memphis,’ I got from General Grant’s own lips the first
report of our victory. For such it was, if to accomplish all, and
more than was intended, can be regarded a victory. At all events,
it was so viewed by the enemy, who make no face at saying that
we ‘licked them like h 1” I heard this confession from their
men and officers many times during the day, but backed up by
saying ‘it was what they needed to make their men alert and dis-
posed to observe discipline, and that when we came again we
would not find them napping.’

“ After the transports had escaped from the enemy, and the
gunboats had driven him back, they convoyed the fleet up the
river five or six miles, when, being informed by General McCler-
nand that Colonel Buford and his regiment were left behind, the
‘Taylor’ and ‘Lexington ’ returned, and soon met detached parties
of our men along the bank. After directing them to the trans-
ports ‘Chancellor’ and ‘Keystone’ waiting above, they proceeded
several miles lower down, and succeeded in finding all who were
separated from the main body of our army.

“Colonel Buford informed me that when he heard the firing at
the landing, he took the road which led from the enemy to a point
farther up the river, and under the protection of the gunboats.
The officers and men of this portion of the army, say that the shot
from the gunboats, after passing through the enemy’s ranks, almost
reached our cavalry, but that none of our people were hurt, though
forcibly apprised of the danger of being intercepted by the Con-
federate army.”

It will thus be perceived that the presence of our gunboats,
compelling the enemy’s transports to land below our troops, not

 
42 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

only saved that portion of the Federal army which retreated to
the landing and re-embarked under their guns, but that also which
took the road to Charleston, and reached the river above the place
of debarkation, and were there received on board the gunboats,
which could not be approached by the enemy. After performing
this service they convoyed the remaining transports part of the
way to Cairo. At Norfolk Captain Walke was instructed by
General Grant to await the arrival of Colonel Cook’s regiment on
the Kentucky shore. The ‘Taylor’ accordingly put her troops,
and her wounded and prisoners, on board another steamer, and
waited the return of Colonel Cook’s regiment from the vicinity of
Columbus, which took place about midnight. Our army was
highly gratified with the conduct of the naval branch of the
expedition.”

In the correspondence of the Memphis Appeal was published
an account from a surgeon in the Confederate army, then writing
his father, who makes the following statements about this battle:

“The gunboats came down within range of our camp, and com-
menced throwing shot and sheli about eight o’clock. One or two
fell inside our line, and one piece near my tent. Hamilton’s artil-
lery replied to the boats. Captain Stewart with his Parrot guns,
went two miles up the bluff and opened on the boats. One of these
guns exploded into a thousand atoms, which killed two men and
wounded another. One of these men had his right arm torn to
pieces and his ribs pulverized, he breathed half an hour. The other
poor fellow received a piece of iron under his chin, which passed
up into the brain; the blood gushed from his nose and ears, he
never breathed afterwards. A third man received a slight wound in
the arm. The fragments of the gun flew in every direction ; a horse
near mine received a glance wound from apiece of gun. Our men
were previously anxious to be led over early in the morning, but
General Polk would not allow it, as he expected an attack on
this side of the river, which was certainly the plan of the enemy,
but it was not carried out.

He further says :—“We did not get on the ground at Belmont
until the enemy were in full retreat, and we never got near them; in
fact, only one regiment of our brigade pursued them at all. I saw
almost all the battle from our camp on the top of the high bluffs ;
I tell you my feelings were indescribable. The scene was grand,
but it was terrible. Where poor gallant Armstrong was killed
there were eleven dead bodies. At the time of his death he had
a cap upon his sword, rallying his men. My friend, Captain
BATTLE OF BELMONT. 43

Wn. Jackson, was shot in the hip. I am afraid Jimmy Walker
will not recover. The day before the battle, Jackson, Major
Butler, Wilson of Watson’s battery, Lieutenant Bell, Major Gus.
Henry, and myself, dined with General Pillow. Butler was shot
and died yesterday; Lieutenant Bell dangerously wounded; Henry
had two horses shot under him; Jackson wounded as above. An
immense number of horses were killed. The dead and wounded
were lying as thick as stumps in a corn-field. The scene of the
battle-field was awful. The wounded men groaned and moaned,
yelled and shrieked with pain. In the woods and in the fields the
dead were so thick that it required careful riding to keep from
trampling their bodies.”

One of the prisoners taken during the action, writes as follows:
“During this engagement a shell from our gunboats struck very
near General Polk.” A regular Confederate artillery officer com-
plimented the firing of the gunboats “Taylor” and “Lexington ”
at the battle of Belmont very highly, in the presence of our officers;
Lieutenant Commanding 8. L. Phelps, U. 8. Navy, being one of
them. In fact, the gunboats were complimented by nearly all our
officers, but some complained that it was not right that they were not
given a chance; and none appeared to show more dissatisfaction
than the flag-officer, although he was informed that General Grant
was obliged to use all the forces at his immediate command to suc-
cessfully accomplish his object, with secrecy and dispatch, and it
was impossible for Captain Walke (if he dared to do so) to have
telegraphed to Flag-Officer Foote. But this is doubtless one of the
secret causes of the hostility evinced by a few officers, who formed
ultimately a clique on board the flag steamer. And this is the
only assignable cause why Captain Walke’s report was not sent to
the Navy Department, nor any notice taken of the gunboats en-
gaged in the battle of Belmont, by the honorable Secretary of the
Navy.

The Cairo correspondent of the Cincinnati Inquirer wrote on
November 8th, that “We all would have been taken

PRISONERS,

with the boats, if it had not been for the gunboats.”

BURYING THE DEAD.

General Grant, on the day aiter the battle of Belmont, de-
spatched the transport “Belle of Memphis,” Captain Turner, and
Pilots Charles M. Scott and David Hiner, under a flag of truce, to
44 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the battle ground, to bury our dead and take care of the wounded.
When she arrived at the landing, where our gunboats repulsed
the enemy with such terrible havoc, a party of the enemy’s troops
who were burying their dead, forbade our steamer permission to
land, but directed her to land lower down the river bank, where
they had buried or taken away their dead and wounded. They
also told our officers that no Union soldiers had fallen on that field,
and our steamer landed at the next and last house in the bend,
where a party of our officers and men went on their mournful
mission, which is well described by a correspondent of the I/is-
sour’ Democrat, when writing from Cairo, Ill, and confirmed by
David Hiner, one of our best pilots.

The correspondent thus writes: “Cairo, November 12th, 1861.
After getting permission under the flag of truce, to go and bury
our dead, and relieve the wounded who had lain upon the field for
nearly twenty-four hours, the first thing we saw after landing was
two of our dead men lying beside an old house. Three had been
thrown into a corn-crib near by, and four lay wounded in the
house, nearly dead. We went on through the woods until we
tame to a ficid where sixteen of our dead were lying just as they
had fallen, and here we also found three of our wounded, who im-
mediately received the attention of our surgeons. We also saw
here large pools of blood from their dead who had just been re-
moved from the field in wagons.

“Going on half a mile farther we came upon a large party of the
enemy burying the dead, which they had collected from the differ-
nt thickets. About fifty bodies were lying about waiting burial.
None of our killed were among them. Going on farther through
3 clearing, we came to the fallen timber where our boys charged
and took the enemy’s batteries, and where the loss on both sides
is represented as frightful. The enemy had buried and removed
their own dead, and we found twelve of our men in the position
they had fallen. On the river bank we found a number of our
dead, and here it was that one of the most heart-rending scenes of
the whole battle was enacted. Captain Brooks, of Buford’s regi-
ment, came upon the dead body of his own brother, who was a
surgeon in the rebel army. He knew he was a rebel surgeon, but
did not know he was in the engagement until he stumbled over
his corpse. The scene is described as affecting in the extreme,
and it certainly forms one of the most thrilling and horrible inci-
dents in this unholy rebellion. Captain Brooks buried his brother
and put a slab at the head of his grave.
BATTLE OF BELMONT. 45

“At this point a great many of the enemy’s dead had been
thrown off the embankment to escape our notice, but we saw where
they had been dragged and pitched off the bank. One of our
party looked over (contrary to the express orders of the Confed-
erate officers), and saw, as he supposed, seventy-five or one hundred
of bleeding and mangled corpses, heaped up among the dismantled
artillery.

“Waving buried our dead, some eighty-five in number, and
brought away about twenty of our wounded, we again reached
our transports.”

NO OFFICIAL REPORT MADE TO THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.

Admiral Foote was at St. Louis when the battle of Belmont was
fought, and so far as appears, made no report to the Secretary of
the Navy of the part which the gunboats took in the action.

General Grant complimented Captains Walke and Stembel for
the important aid they rendered to the Army in this battle. In
his second official report, he said:

“The gunboats convoyed the expedition, and rendered most
efficient service immediately upon our landing. They engaged
the enemy’s batteries on the heights above Columbus, and pro-
tected our transports throughout. Fora detailed account of the
part taken by them, I refer with pleasure to the accompanying re-
port of Captain Walke, senior officer.”

Grant’s first official report was quite as complimentary to the
gunboats, and in all the correspondence of the press their services
were highly commended.

CAPTAIN WALKE’S OFFICIAL REPORT.

Captain Walke made the following report to Flag-Officer Foote,
who was then at St. Louis :

“U. 8, Gunpoar ‘TayLor,’
*«“Mounp City, Nov. 9th, 1861.
«Sir:

“T have the honor to report, that on the evening of the 6th inst. I
received instructions from General Grant to proceed down the river in com-
pany with the ‘ Lexington,’ under Commander Stembel, for a reconnoissance,
and as convoy to some half. transport steamers. We proceeded to
opposite Norfolk, near the Kentucky shore, where we rounded to and an-
chored for the night.. I then learned for the first time the extent of the
reconnoissance.
46 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

« At three o’clock the following morning, at the request of General Grant,
the ‘Taylor” and ‘Lexington’ started down the river for the purpose of
engaging the batteries at Columbus ; but after proceeding a few miles, we
were met by such a dense fog, as to render any farther progress hazardous.
We therefore rounded to, and returned to the point from whence we started.

“* At six o’clock we all got under way ; our two gunboats taking the lead,
and convoying the steamers containing Generals Grant and McClernand
and their aides, and some 3000 troops, two companies of cavalry, and some
artillery. We proceeded down the river to the extreme end of Lucas Bend,
and beyond the range (as I thought) of their guns on Iron Banks. After the
troops had disembarked and were under marching orders (eight and a-half
o’clock), our two boats proceeded to engage their batteries on Iron Banks,
each expending several] rounds of shell, and returned to the transports; their
shot passing over us, though in some instances coming very closely to us.
At this time, with their long-ranged rifle cannon, they sent a large number
of shot half-a-mile above the transports. I requested the captains of the
transports to move up and out of range of their cannon, which they did.

“« At ten o’clock, the engagement having commenced at Belmont, we again
engaged the Iron Banks batteries, expending still more shell ; their shot
flying around us, but doing no harm, while our shell seemed to go where
they could be effective. We returned after an engagement of thirty minutes
+o the transports.

“‘At about noon, hearing of the battle of Belmont still going on, our two
gunboats made a third* attack upon their batteries, this time going nearly a
quarter of a mile nearer to them. We opened a brisk fire of shell, and seem-
ingly with good effect. While in this engagement, one of their 24-pounders
struck us on the starboard bulwarks, and, continuing obliquely through the
spar deck, took off the head of Michael Adams and broke the arm and other-
wise seriously injured James Wolfe, seaman, and slightly wounding a third.
Acting Surgeon Kearney, who was cool and assiduous in the discharge of
his duties, immediately dressed Wolfe’s wounds, but considers him in a
critical condition. We fired a few more shell, and returned ; keeping up the
fire while within reach of them.

“It is providential that we have escaped with so little damage. A frag-
ment of one of their shells struck us in the stern, doing but trifling damage.

“When nearly all our troops had re-embarked, and were about ready to
start, a sudden attack was made upon the transport vessels by a large force
coming in from above. Our gunboats being in good position, we opened
upon them a brisk fire of grape, canister and five-second shell, silencing the
enemy with great slaughter.

‘ After the transports were safely under way we followed them, throwing
a shell occasionally to repel the enemy’s approach to the banks.

“‘When a few miles up the river, we met one of the transports (‘ Chancel-
lor’) with General McClernand on board, who stated that some of their men
were left behind, and asked that we might return with our gunboats, and

* Here appears to be a mistake in the time, as the gunboats made one
decided attack on the batteries in the morning and another in the afternoon,
and the third was made still later, at the landing. They first made a recon-
noissance only.
BATTLE OF BELMONT. 47

see if we could find them. We did so, the ‘Lexington’ accompanying us,
and succeded in saving nearly, if not quite all that were left behind ; together
with about 40 prisoners, including some badly wounded.

“We then proceeded up to Island No. 1, where the ‘Rob Roy’ met us
with instructions from General Grant to turn over all the troops and pris-
oners, and remain there until Colonel Cook, who was down on the Kentucky
shore on a reconnoissance, should return. He returned at ten, and at eleven
o’clock p.m. I weighed anchor and proceeded to Cairo, having sent the ‘ Lex-
ington’ on before me.

“It is but an act of justice to the officers and crew, to state they acted
throughout all our engagements with perfect coolness, ability and courage ;
the crew answering the call to quarters with an alacrity becoming earnest
co-operators for the Government. I was astonished, with the apparently
new materials we have, to see with what zeal and efficiency they all per-
formed their parts. Commander Stembel, with the ‘Lexington,’ as consort,
supported me in all the duties of the day with a most commendable energy
and efficiency.

“Very respectfully,
“Your obedient Servant,
«To “HH. WALKE,
“A. H. Foors, “ Commander, U. 8. N.”

“ Captain U. 8. N., Commander Naval Forces.”

This report was evidently suppressed somewhere at the time,
and even now, after a lapse of fifteen years, no report of the gun-
boat operations in that battle is found in the reports of the Secre-
tary of the Navy.

The services of those boats came to the notice of the country
through newspaper correspondents only.

The Secretary says, however, in his report, that “there was with
many, great incredulity as to the utility and practicability of gun-
boats in carrying on hostilities on the river, where, it was believed,
batteries on the banks could prevent their passage.”

We admire the Secretary’s beautiful and plausible report ; but
it is very evident that he had no particular friends on board those
two gunboats, otherwise we would have had a glowing description
of their performances, and valuable services, with the names of
the friends at full length, and also, doubtless, a long commentary
on the successful settlement of the question “as to the utility and
practicability of gunboats in carrying on hostilities on the rivers,
where, it was believed, batteries on the banks could prevent their
passage.”

The services of the gunboat “Taylor” were not, it appears, re-
ported to the Navy Department at Washington, except when the
flag-officer was himself on board ; and it may here be noted that
48 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

some of Walke’s reports were recently found among the private
papers of the flag-officer. But, with all the praise which has been
expressed of the administration of the Navy Department in our
history, we are very much surprised that it did not show that
esprit de corps, patriotism, and justice, of which its patrons have
boasted, in regard to the services of the gunboats at the battle of
Belmont.

According to Christian: principles, “Let every man please his
neighbor, for his good, to edification.” “A man that flattereth
his neighbor, spreadeth a net for his feet. But he that rebuketh a
man afterwards, shall find more favor than he that flattereth with
his tongue.” Rom. xv., 2; Prov. xxix., 5, and xxviii. ch.

THE LOSSES ON BOTH SIDES AT BELMONT.

At Belmont, General Grant lost four hundred and eighty-five
men, killed, wounded and missing. One hundred and twenty-five
of his wounded fell into the hands of the enemy, but he carried off
one hundred and seventy-five prisoners and two guns, and captured
and spiked four guns which could not be carried off.

About seven thousand men were engaged on the enemy’s side,
who sustained a loss of six hundred and forty-two men. By their
own showing, the enemy had twice as many men as Grant, and
lost one;third more. ts
“IF any re-enforcements were to be sent to Price, as reported,
they were detained by this battle, and the movements of Oglesby
were entirely protected. The enemy were also compelled to con-
centrate at Columbus, lest another and more serious attack should
follow.

The “Taylor” and “Lexington” remained on picket duty below
Cairo, at anchor off Fort Holt, for some time after the battle of
Belmont, and made several reconnoissances down the river within
the lines of the enemy, and also above Cairo, on the Mississtppi
and Ohio rivers.

It is necessary that these and similar facts should be given in
detail, in order that justice be done to the merits of our naval ser-
vice, which in our history is apt to suffer in comparison with the
Army.

The particulars of the important service rendered by the gun-
boats at Belmont, scarcely find mention in the printed Army
reports, and for obvious reasons.
Nore. —History, like many other things, is largely made up of items and
atoms, and some of its most interesting passages are often drawn from the
personal experience of the principal actors.

The important services of the gunboats Taylor (Captain Walke) and
Lexington (Captain Stembel), in this action, received no public recognition
by the Flag officer, Secretary of the Navy or Congress, but were duly ac-
knowledged and commended by the press and people of the northern states.

As reflecting upon the motives of the Flag officer (Admiral Foote) and
Secretary of the Navy, in thus withholding a public recognition (so far at
least as Captain Walke was concerned) of the services of the gunboats at the
battle of Belmont, it may be well to refer to a few incidents that occured
after and before the battle.

Soon after Captain Walke had made his official report of the action, in
which he commended in the highest terms, the conduct of all his officers and
men, three of the former (men of intemperate habits), conspired against him,
and through the Chicago Times of November 19th, 1861, severely and insult-
ingly reproached him, because, in their estimation, he did not sufficiently
praise their wonderful zeal, discretion and valor. For this conduct, they were
suspended from duty by Captain Walke. and reported to the Flag officer, —the
two who were least culpable, were ordered to the Flag Steamer (Benton), at
St. Louis,—the other was dismissed the service without grace. The offend-
ers ordered to St. Louis, humbly apologized for their misconduct, and
through the intercession of the Flag officer, were restored to duty, and were
placed under his command, and shortly afterwards became members of his
staff. While atting in this capacity, they united with other officers, who had
become jealous of the Carondelet (fearing that her achievements would make
her a formidable rival of the Flag Steamer), and formed a cabal against
Captain Walke, and no doubt prejudiced the mind of Admiral Foote against
him, with all the artifice they could safely practice in their detestable de-
signs. ~ ‘

The leniency and favors shown these offenders by the Flag otficer, was
strangely in accordance with the singular treatment (to say the least of it) that
Captain Walke had previously received from the Navy Department.

Shortly after, he was tried at New York, and virtually acquitted (as here-
tofore related), and restored to active duty, with preparatory orders ; and after
he was ordered by the commandant of the New York Navy Yard, to the com-
mand of the Steamship Mount Vernon, and about to proceed on a cruise he
was suddenly and unceremoniously deprived of his command, by the Navy De-
partment. He was then ordered on duty as Light-House Inspector of the 11th

_ District, at New York, and within a few days, this order was revoked by the
same authority. This action of the Department in depriving Captain Walke
so frequently and summarily of his commands, appeared somewhat mysteri-
ous and was not understood at the time, but gave rise to the suspicion, that it
was the result of prejudice or hostile feeling.
That such was the case, appears from statements recently made by the
officer who superceded Captain Walke in the command of the Mount Vernon.
Although the Department endeavoured by solenin injunction, to prevent a dis-
closure of the motives by which it was actuated, it has now been made appar-
ent, that it was influenced by the false representations of some enemy,
who secretly defamed Captain Walke’s character, accusing lim of disloyalty
to the Government, after he had, under the severest trials ever known in the
Navy, proved his loyalty and devotion to the cause of the Union. Under
these circumstances, it was an easy matter for the cabal referred to, to impose
on the Department and by misrepresentations and falsehoods, prevent Captain
Walke and his commands on the Western waters, from receiving the credit
and the substantial thanks that were due them, and such recognition as would
have entitled him to promotion.

Impartial writers must admit that the vessels under his command, on the
Mississippi and its tributaries, were among the foremost and most efficient in
every engagement on those rivers, and in twice as mapy actions as any
others,—and their officers and men as distinguished for courage, zeal and
fidelity, as those of any other vessels of the flotilla.

But notwithstanding all this, and the fact that Captain Walke advised and
(contrary to Admiral Foote’s apprehensions) successfully accomplished the
important operation of running the gauntlet of the batteries on Island Vo 10
and the opposite shore, and was the senior and commanding officer present
when the batteries below the Island were captured; yet such was the effect
of the false representations of the designing few above mentioned, + |. the,
Department, that not only was a proper and just recognition of Capt. \, ulke’s
services witheld, but to Admiral Foote, was awarded the principal merit of
these achievements,—he was publicly thanked by Congress, and, in a great
measure, owed his promotion to the services claimed by himself and friends,
but performed by others ; and the Carondelet was robbed of her credit and the
Captain of his right and title to promotion, after he had fought about five
times as many battles as the Flag officer or any other officer of the Navy,
at the time of his promotion, Thus the chief actor in the naval operations
that contributed so largely to the capture of Island No 10 and McCall’s
army, was refused the thanks of Congress aud the rewards he deserved and the
credit due him was given to others, not only on this occasion, but in
almost all the naval battles fought on the Mississippi and its tributaries.
BATTLE OF BELMONT. 49

The military historians passed the matter over, because they felt
it would be treading on very delicate ground to admit that the
army was so closely pressed by the enemy at Belmont, that the

protection afforded by the gunboats was of vital importance to
Grant’s army.
4
CHAPTER IV.
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY.

The Plated Gunboats of 1862.—The ‘“‘ Carondelet.”—Attack on Fort Henry.
—The Torpedoes first discovered.—Plan of the attack.—The ‘‘ Essex”
disabled.—Flag-Officer Foote’s Official Report to Secretary Welles.—The
“‘Carondelet” ashore and the Flag-Officer greatly excited.—Confederate
Account of the Engagement.—The Fort formally surrendered.—Interest-
ing Statement of the Second Master of the “‘ Essex.”—After the Battle.

THE PLATED GUNBOATS OF 1862.

The organization of the, Western gunboat flotilla at the com-
mencement of 1862, at Cairo, II1., was as follows :

Flag-Officer A. H. Foote, U. 8. N., Commander-in-Chief, commanding the
“Benton,” flag steamer.

Flag-Officer’s Staff :

Commandant at Cairo, Commander A. M. Pennock, U. 8. N.
Ordnance do. Lieutenant J. P. Sanford, U. 8. N.
Ordnance do. Lieutenant Byron Wilson, U. 8. N.

Flag Lieut. do. James M. Pritchet, U. 8. N.
Secretary and Acting Paymaster-in-Chief, 8. Henriques.

Gunboat ‘‘ Benton.”

Lieutenant Commanding, 8. L.Phelps, Pilots, Horace E. Bixby, Richard E.
U.S.N. Birch, Daniel Duffy.

First Lieutenant and Executive Off- Master’s Mates, George P. Lord,
cer, Lieutenant Joshua Bishop, U. Wm. K. Thompson.

S. N. Chief Engineer, W. D. Falkner.
1st Master, John Scott. 1st Assnt. do. Samuel Bostwick.
2nd do. Jobn V. Johnston. 2nd do. do. Job Starr.
8rd do. Thomas M. Bates. 8rd do. do. Charles Ridgely.
4th do. John G. Duff. 4th do. do. Robert Long.
Surgeon, John Ludlow. Carpenter, Joseph Frigauza.
Paymaster, 8. Henriques. Gunner, John A. McDonald.

Armorer, Oliver Bray.
[50]
 

 

BATTLE OF FORT HENRY.
 
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY.

51

Gunboat “ Carondelet.”

Commander, Henry Walke, U. 8.

N.
1st Master, Richard N. Wade.
2nd do. John Dorety.
3rd do. Charles C. Gray.
4th do. H. A. Walke.

Pilots, Wm. Hinton, Daniel Weaver.
Surgeon, James 8. McNeely.
Paymaster, George J. W. Nexsen.

2nd

Master’s Mates, Theodore L. Gilmore,
do. do. Edward E. Brennard.

Chief Engineer, Wm. H. Faulkner.

ist Ass’t Engineer, Chas. H. Caven.

do. Samuel L. Brooks.

ard do. Augs. F. Crowell.

Carpenter, O. Donaldson.

Gunner, Richard Adams.

Armorer, H. H. Rhodes.

Gunboat “< Essex.”

Commander, Wm. D. Porter, U. S. N.

1st Master, Robert A. Riley.

2nd do. James Laning.

3rd do. Theodore P. Ferry.

4th do. George W. Walker. .

Assistant Surgeon, Thomas Rice.

Acting Paymaster, J. H. Lewis.

Pilots, J. McBride, Marshall H.
Ford.

Master’s Mates, Jas. B. Gray, Sam-
uel B. Brittan.

Chief Engineer, Charles Blaisdell.

ist Ass’t Engineer, R. J. Stearne.

2nd do. George D. Limon,
8rd do. J. Wetzel.
Gunner, M. B. Snyder.

Armorer, Fletcher. |

 

Carpenter, Thomas Steel.

Gunboat <‘ Louisville.”

Commander, Benj. M. Dove, U.S. N.
ist Master, Robert Getty.

2nd do. R. A. Bausman.
3rd do. Thomas M. Parker.
4th do. Samuel C. Harrison.

Paymaster, L. Jargensen.

Surgeon, A. L. Vail.

Master’s Mates, Robert Sherman,
Charles L. Felton.

Pilots, Samuel McBride, Samuel Wil-
liamson.

Chief Engineer, James P. Fulton.

ist Ass't Engineer, A. W. Handy.

 

2nd do. Jobn C. Parkinson.
8rd do. Deodatus Chapel.
Carpenter, Boggs.

Gunner, James G. Austin.
Armorer, Charles Degleman.

Gunboat Mound City.”

Commander, A. H. Kilty, U. 8. N.
1st Master, W. A. Stewart.
2nd do. C. Dominags.
8rd do. Alexander Kinney.
4th do. W. H. Harte.
Surgeon, George E. Jones.
Paymaster, John M. Gunn.
Master’s Mates, W. R. Brown, James
A. Scoville.

Pilots, Wm. R. Hose, James O. Can-
ida.

Carpenter, George Stoops.

Gunner, Thomas McElroy.

Chief Engineer, John Cox.

ist Ass’t Engineer, David B. Clemens.

2nd do. John C. McAfee.

8rd do. G. W. Hollingsworth.

Armorer, L. Stevenson.

. Gunboat “ Cincinnati.”

Commander, R. N. Stembel, U.S. N.
ist Master, Vacant.
2nd do. Pratt.

 

8rd Master, Charles G. Perkins.
4th do. Jobn Pearce.
Surgeon, Jacob Kinsey.
52 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

Paymaster, Baron Proctor. Carpenter, Thomas B. Gregory.
Pilots, Isaac D. Gaugh, H. Atten- Chief Engineer, W. McGarland.
borough. 1st Ass’t Engineer, Samuel Lovejoy.
Master’s Mates, James McB. Stemble, 2nd do. J. Armstrong.
Philip Shell. 3rd do. W. J. Sherman.
Gunner, Morton. Armorer, Benjamin Marshall.

 

Gunboat ‘ Cairo.”
Lieut. Commanding, Nathaniel C. Pilots, OscarB. Jolly, Thos.E. Young.

Bryant, U. 8. N. Master’s Mates, Daniel E. Bond,
1st Master, H. N. Hazlitt. Francis G. Jobson.
2nd do. W. C. Morse. Gunner, Charles Church.
3rd do. John Swaney. Chief Engineer, J. W. Hartupee.
4th do. Thomas Burns. ist Ass’t Engineer, J. Manning.
Paymaster, W. R. Winslow. 2nd do. J. Wilken.
Surgeon, J. H. Buckner. 3rd do. Geo. Akin.

Armorer, Charles Rollins.

Gunboat ‘ Pittsburg.”
Licut. Commanding, Egbert Thomp- Master’s Mates, J. F. Mrenols; Chas.

son, U. 8. N. H. Matthews.
ist Master, C. Bently. Chief Engincer, J. McDonald.
2nd do. Andrew Wilson. 1st Ass’t Engineer, Geo. H. Atkinson.
3rd do. W. Snyder. 2nd do. George Sandford.
4th do. E. P. Morgan. 3rd do. Charles W. Bless-
Paymaster, Cephas G. Gunn. ing.
Pilots, David E. Wade, Chas. S. Carpenter, George W. Rodgers.
Tennyson. Armorer, Thomas Smith.

Gunboat ‘* St. Louis.”
Lieut. Commanding, Leonard Pauld- Pilots, Frank Riley, Robert G. Bald-

 

 

ing, U. 8. N. win.
ist Master, Samuel Black. Gunner, Hall.
2nd do. James Y. Clemson. Chief Engineer, M. Carswell.
3rd do. Chas. L. Kendrick. 1st Ass't Engineer, F. F. Acker-
4th do. Alexander Fraser. man.
Acting Paymaster, Llewellyn Curry. 2nd — do. James L. Smith.
Surgeon, McDill. 8rd do. John Wilcoxsen.

Master’s Mate, James F. Paulding. Carpenter, Robert H. Madill.

Gunboat ‘‘ Conestoga.”
Lieut. Commanding, Phelps, U.S.N. 1st Ass’t Engineer, Alexander MeGee.

1st Master, John A. Duble. 8rd do. Michael Norton.
2nd do. Charles P. Noble. Master’s Mates, James Kearney,
8rd do. Benjamin Sebastian. Richard H. Cutter.

Ass’t Surgeon, William H. Wilson. Gunner, Henry Hamilton.
Acting Paymaster, Alfred Phelps. Carpenter, Andrew Woodlock.
Chief Engineer, Thomas Cook. Armorer, James O’Neil.
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY. 53

Gunboat ‘‘ Lexington.”
Lieut. Commanding, J. W. Shirk, U. Chief Engineer, Joseph Huber.

8. N. 1st Ass’t Engineer, Wm. H. Meredith.
1st Master, Jacob 8. Hurd. 2nd do. Wm. H. Bishop.
2nd do. Martin Dunn. Acting Paymaster, A. J. Taylor.
8rd do. James Fitzpatrick. Ass’t Surgeon, G. W. Garver.
4th do. Sylvester Poole. Armorer, Reuben Strong.

Pilots, Joseph

 

, Wm, Ford. Carpenter, Richard Carroll.

Gunboat “ Taylor.”
Lieut. Commanding, W. Givin, U. 1st Ass’t Eng’r, D. Edward Weaver.

S. N. 2nd do. Edward W. Goble.
1st Master, Edward Shaw. Armorer, Elihu Stevens.
2nd do. Jason Goudy. Ass’t Surgeon, T. H. Kearney.
8rd do. James Martin. Carpenter, Thomas Russell.

Acting Paymaster, W. B. Colesman. Gunner, Herman Peters, U. 8S. N. u
Pilots, John Sebastian, David Hiner. Master’s Mates, Ferdinand T. Cole”
Chief Engineer, Samuel Goble. man, Edward D. Brainar*

The last three boats were not of the same model or character as
the others, being simply steamboats, rebuilt with perpendicular
bulwarks and pierced for guns. They proved, however, invaluable
on the Mississippi, as they had already been found to be most ser-
viceable on smaller rivers, such as the Tennessee and the Cumber-
land, where, on account of shoals, the heavier boats could not at all
times navigate. At high water probably any of the gunboats, ex-
cept the Benton, might have ascended the Cumberland to Nashville
—the point, which of all others, it was important that the army of
the West should take and occupy as speedily as possible. When
the Carondelet was given to Captain Walke, she was considered
the least desirable one of the plated boats; but Walke had, how-
ever, in this instance, good reason to be thankful and satisfied, as
the vessel proved a most successful craft, though not as fast a
boat as the other gunboats of her class. She was in more battles
and encounters with the enemy (about fourteen or fifteen times) ; ;
and under fire, i nd oftener than any other ves-
sel in the Navy. This gunboat was built at Carondelet, Missouri,
in the year 1861, by James B. Eads, under the supervision first of
Commander John Rodgers, U. 8. Navy, and afterwards Captain
Foote. She was 150 feet long, and drew seven feet of water. The
‘sides and casemate were built to the water line at an angle of
about 45° with the level of the gun-decks, which was about a foot
above water, and covered with the casemate to the curve of the
bow and stern, enclosing the wheel, with all her machinery ;
54 SCENES AND INCIDENTS,

three ports in the bow, four on each broadside, and two in the
stern. Her armament consisted of three guns in the bow, or first
division, two old 42-pounder rifled guns, which threw a shell of
over 84 pounds weight, and one 64-pounder of the oldest pattern.
Her broadside batteries consisted of two 42-pounders (rifled), two
64-pounders, and four light 32-pounders; and her stern battery
was two light 32-pounders.. The pilot-house was built on the
upper deck, casemated and partially plated. Of these thirteen
guns of heavy calibre, four, at least, were nearly equal to the
100-pounder rifled gun, and threw their shell a great distance
with extraordinary precision ; but unfortunately they were weak
in the “reinforce,” and exploded too easily to be reliable.

These particulars are given somewhat minutely to refute some
of the published misrepresentations concerning the “ Caronde-
let’s ” speed and strength.

BATTLE OF FORT HENRY.

Fort Henry is situated on the Eastern bank of the Tennessee
Fort Henry. river, a short distance south of the State

aoe | line dividing Kentucky from Tennessee.
It commands that part of the river, and
was mounted with twenty guns, mostly
32-pounders, one or two of them rifled,
and a 10-inch Columbiad.

During the winter of 1862 an expedition
was planned by Generals Grant and Mc-
Clernand, and Flag-Officer Foote, with a
view of a combined attack being made on
this fort. Two days before the battle of
Fort Henry the weather was wet and low-
ering, and the river rose suddenly to
an unusual height. The swift current
4| brought down great quantities of drift-
| wood, fences and lumber, with large trees ;
, and it became a most difficult task for the

fleet to disentangle itself. Great masses of

driftwood lodged around the ‘“Caronde-

let’s” bows, dragging her down..the-river
over half a mile with both anchors down, and it was only by
keeping full steam power working against the swift current all
night, that the crew were able to “clear the wreck.”

   

 

BATTLE OF FORT HENRY.
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY. 55

This apparently adverse circumstance resulted most providen-
tially, and quite beyond all anticipations, in our fayor. The
enemy’s torpedoes were thereby taken from their moorings,

and afterwards, while our vessels were preparing for the attack,
they-came-in Sight, and-we found that some of them ware of reat
size and perfect construction. They floated down the river in
great numbers.

THE TORPEDOES WERE FIRST DISCOVERED

by the “look-out” of the “ Carondelet,” then anchored in advance
of our fleet. The captain reported the fact to Flag-Officer Foote
when he visited the “Carondelet” on a tour of inspection, the
day before the battle; but as this was the first appearance of
these destructive implements of war, the flag-officer did not fully
apprehend the danger to which his flotilla was exposed, until he
returned to his own vessel, when it was reported to him that
more torpedoes were observed floating down to her. He then

ordered the gunboats “Taylor,” “Lexington” and “Conestoga”
te ee ee
A whole day was spent in this dangerous work, and a large num-
ber of the torpedoes were secured, fortunately without injury to_
those engaged. On the following day, during the battle, one of

the torpedoes passed between the “Carondelet” and the “St.
Louis.”

PLAN OF ATTACKING THE FORT.

It was the design of the commanding officers, General Grant and
Flag-Officer Foote, that the fort should be attacked simultaneously
by the naval and land forces on the 24th of February. The naval
force, consisting of the so-called iron-clads “Essex,” “ Cincinnati,”
“Carondelet” and “St. Louis,” with the wooden gunboats “Tay-
lor,” “Lexington” and “Conestoga” in reserve, accordingly: pro-
eccded to attack the enemy from the river while the land forces
under General Grant marched around to attack it in the rear.

The gunboats commenced the attack, closing up to the fort
stendily for an hoor apd a half against o most gallant and desper-
ate resistance, when at the end of that time the Confederate flag
came down and a white flag was raised in its stead. The crew of
our fleet, giving three times three enthusiastic cheers, landed, and
the “stars and stripes” waved triumphantly over Fort Henry.
56 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.’

THE “ESSEX” DISABLED.

eh eee
my in the midst of the battle, which disabled her completely, and
she immediately dropped out of battle, with the majority of her
officers and crew terribly scalded. a

Our troops were so much delayed by the bad condition of the
roads, that they were unable to co-operate with the flotilla, and did
not reach the fort until a few hours after its surrender.

Full credit was given by the flag-officer to all the gunboats en-
gaged in this action, as will appear by the following official report.

 

FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE TO SECRETARY WELLES.

“U.S. Fiag STEAMER ‘ CINCINNATI,’
“ Orr Forr Henry, TENNNESEE RIVER,

“ February 6th, 1862.
«Sr:

‘The gunboats under my command—the ‘Essex,’ Commander Porter;
‘Carondelet,’ Commander Walke; ‘ Cincinnati,’ Commander Stemble; ‘St.
Louis,’ Lieut. Commander Paulding; ‘Conestoga,’ Lieut. Commander
Phelps; ‘Taylor,’ Lieut. Commander Givin; and the ‘Lexington,’ Lieut.
Commanding Shirk,—after a severe and rapid fire of one hour and a quarter,
have captured Fort Henry, and taken General Lloyd Tilghman, and staff,
with sixty men, as prisoners. The surrender to the gunboats was uncon-
ditional, as we kept an open fire upon the enemy until the flag was struck.

“In half an hour after the surrender, I handed the fort and prisoners over
to General Grant, commanding the army, on his arrival at the fort in force.

“The ‘Essex’ had a shot in her boilers after fighting most effectively for
two-thirds of the action, and was obliged to drop down the river. I heard
that several of the men were scalded to death, including the two pilots.
She, with the other gunboats, officers, and men, fought with the greatest
gallantry.

‘«The ‘Cincinnati’ received thirty-one shots, and had one man killed and
eight wounded, two seriously.

“The fort, with twent ns and seventeen mortars, was defended by
General Tilghman with the most Wetonmined Gallantry

“Very Respectfully,
“Your Ob’t Servant,
‘Hon. GIDEON WELLES, “A. H. Foore.
“ Sceretary of the Navy.”

THE “CARONDELET” ASHORE AND THE FLAG-OFFICER GREATLY
EXCITED.

In approaching to take possession of Fort Henry, the “St. Louis ”
ran ahead, and with frantic cheers some of her crew landed at the
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY. 57

fort, contrary to the express orders of the flag-officer. The “ Cincin-
nati” and “Carondelet” steamed up and flanked the batteries ; the
latter, being nearest to the fort, ran aground in that position, just as.
the order was given for their engines to be stopped, and the “ Cincin-
nati” began to drift down the river. At first sight the “Caron-
delet” appeared to be steaming ahead of the flag-officer, and Foote
immediately hailed her commander, with a few sharp technicalities
to keep in his station; but the “Carondelet” was immovable:
sticking fast to the flats, she stubbornly remained in her position
ahead of the other boats, notwithstanding all that her commander
could say or the engines do to back her off. Here was a scene!
The flag-officer in the midst of the excitement came forward in
haste, trumpet in hand, and called out again and again to stop the
“Carondelet” (unaware of the fact that his own vessel was all the
time drifting down the river) until at last he gave up the under-
taking in favor of a junior officer, whose lungs (poor fellow) proved
quite inadequate to the task of moving the “Carondelet ;” which
with the cheers, orders, groans and general confusion ; all the cap-
tain’s efforts to explain his queer situation were confounded. At
length the pantomime transformed itself into a comedy ; but a satis-
factory explanation was finally afforded by the action of the gun-
boat, sliding off the bank into deep water.

A CONFEDERATE ACCOUNT OF THE ENGAGEMENT.

The capture of Fort Henry is described as follows by Pollard,
the Confederate historian :

“A few moments before the surrender, the scene in and
around the fort exhibited a spectacle of fierce grandeur. Many
of the cabins and tents in and around the fort were in flames.
Added to the scene, were the smoke from the burning timber, and
the curling of the dense wreaths of smoke from the guns; the
constantly recurring spattering and whizzing of fragments of
crashing and bursting shell, the deafening roar of artillery, the
black sides of five or six gunboats belching fire at every port-
hole . .. thear 1 Grant (10,000) deploying around
our sm: ting to cut off its retreat. . . . The
gallant Tilghman, exhausted and begrimed with powder and
smoke, stood erect at the middle battery, and pointed gun after
gun, and remarked: ‘It is vain to fight longer; our gunners are
disabled ; our_guns dismounted ; we can’t hold out five minutes
‘longer ;’ and finally ordered the white flag to be raised.”
58 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

THE ‘ CARONDELET’S” SHARE IN THE BATTLE.

In this engagement the “Carondelet” was struck by shot and
shell in thirty places, as near as could be ascertained by the car-
penter. Eight of the missiles struck within a few inches of the
port leading to the boilers, but none a
to the vessel. No one on board the “Carondelet” was killed or
wounded.

Our fleet was within eight hundred yards of the tort when the —
Confederate flag was lowered. [he paymaster and chief engin-
eer of the “Carondelet ” were informed by a gunner of the fort,
that a shell from the gunboat struck the muzzle of one their guns,
and disabled it for the remainder of the battle. She fired during

the battle one hundred and one 64-pounder and 84-pounder rifle
shell, and one solid shot.

THE FORT FINALLY SURRENDERED.

General Tilghman, with two or three of his staff, came off ina
small boat to the “Cincinnati,” and formally surrendered Fort
Henry to Admiral Foote, who sent for Captain Walke, introduced
him to General Tilghman, and gave him orders to take command
of the fort, until the arrival of General Grant, who soon after
relieved him of his charge. Some of the cabins in the rear
of the fort were still on fire, and the flames were put out by our
men. Several of the “Essex” 9-inch shell were found in the
rear of the cabins unexploded. The first glance over the fort
silenced all jubilant expressions of the victorious. On every side
lay the lifeless bodies of the victims, in reckless confusion, inter-
mingled with shattered implements of war. Our eyes then met
each other’s gaze with a sadness, full of meaning, that forbade
any attempt to speak, and, in the quietness like to that of a
graveyard, we walked slowly over the desolate scene.

The jacgest_gun of the fort was_disabled. being_fil ith
earth by one of our shets-striking the parapet near its muzzle ;
the muz was broken by our shell; a third, with
broken carriage and two dead men, was_almost_buried under
the heaps of earth; a fourth burst, scattering the mangled gun-
ners into the water and in all directions, scarcely one of them
escaping. The surgeon of the fort labored with the few he could
get to help him, to save the bleeding and dying. The scene was
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY. 59
one which robbed us of all feelings of exultation. Some of our
shell had pierced d entirely through the breastwork ; throwing tons
of earth over the prostrated gunners, and then plunging ten feet
into the earth beyond, or through the cabins_inthe-rear : after-
wards setting fire to them by their explosions. After the
wounded were cared for, and the excitement had subsided, our
men proceeded instinctively and quietly to draw the dead bodies
of the victims from the water and the earth, and then buried
them as well as they could.

The particulars of this battle were so distinct and well-known
by numerous spectators, official and newspaper correspondence,
that no one suspected that there was any room or disposition to
make a perversive or partial statement of them. But in this we
are mistaken ; and to correct the misunderstanding which appears
to have been produced by official reports as to the number of our
gunboats actually engaged, we, for the satisfaction of those inter-
ested in these particulars, and our future history, represent them
in their real position upon that occasion.

The “ Cone “Taylor,” and “ Lexington,” so-called
“ wooden gunboats,” or “the old gunboats,” were present, but
were not engaged im the battle, but were certainly three-quarters
of 5 tile astern of the iron -plated gunboats, where they could
not see Fort Henry for the smoke. Yet in an official list of offi-
cers attached to the different gunboats engaged in the battle, the
wooden gunboats were not only represented therein, as having
rendered good service in the action, but they have precedence on
that list ; and as though that was insufficient, the “ Conestoga,”
which is the smallest wooden gunboat, with a small gun on each
side, has the honor of being placed second to the flag steamer,
in precedence of the iron-clads which fought and won the battle ;
the “St. Louis” and “Carondelet” being at the foot of the list.
This apparent partiality may also be seen in the picture of this
battle in our History of the Navy, where this smallest gunboat is
magnified into the shape and proportions of the iron-clads, firing
into or over the'stern of the “ Essex.” This is the first instance
within our notice of this queer and ingenious mode of reconstruct-
ing the order of battle by placing these gunboats in the line, in-
stead of in the rear of battle.

INTERESTING LETTER FROM THE SECOND MASTER OF THE “ESSEX.”

The following is taken from the statement of James Laning,
60 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

second master of the gunboat “Essex,” relative to the events of
the engagement :

“On February Ist, 1862, the iron-clad gunboat ‘ Essex,’ whilst
lying off Fort Holt, received orders from Flag-Officer A. H. Foote,
commanding the Western flotilla, to proceed up the Tennessee
river, and anchor some five miles below Fort Henry, which was
blockading the river at that point. The iron-clads ‘Carondelet,’
Commander Henry Walke; the ‘Cincinnati,’ Commander Stem-
ble, and the ‘St. Louis,’ Lieutenant Commanding Leonard
Paulding, were completed and put into commission a few days
previous, making, with the ‘Essex,’ four iron-clads, besides the
wooden gunboats ‘Taylor,’ ‘Lexington’ and ‘Conestoga,’ now
ready for defensive operations.

“On the 5th of February, after reconnoitering up the Tennessee
to Fort Henry, we fired a few shots at the fort and returned to-
wards our anchorage. The enemy made no reply, and apparently
took no notice of our shots, until we were well on our way back.
When about two, or two and a half miles distant, the fort fired a
rifle shot which passed over our boat to the right and cut down a
number of saplings on shore. In a few moments another shot,
fired with more precision, passed over the spar-deck amongst the
officers ; through the officers’ quarters, visiting in its flight the
steerage, commander’s pantry and cabin; passing through the
stern ; doing, however, no damage except breaking some of the
captain’s dishes, and cutting the feet from a pair of his socks,
which happened to be hanging over the back of a chair in his
cabin. These shots reaching us at so great a distance, rather
astonished us, as the enemy intended they should.

“ After this reconnoissance it was decided to remove the tor-
pedoes from the island chute, and instead of going up the main
channel, to steam up the chute, and forming line of battle under
cover of the timber on the island, advance towards the fort and
open fire as we reached the head of the island at the distance of
a mile to a mile and a half and continue advancing. The wooden
gunboats ‘Taylor’ and ‘Lexington’ were therefore ordered to
remove the torpedoes, which they did without difficulty. The
army, which was encamped on both sides of the river, were to
move at daylight on the morning of the 6th, so as to make a land
attack, and prevent the escape “of the garrison, whilst the gun-
boats were to attack as before mentioned.

“On the afternoon of the 5th, Flag-Officer-Foote came-on board
the ‘Essex,’ and our crew were called to quarters for drill and
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY. 61

inspection. After putting them through the evolutions he ad-
dressed the crew, and admonished them to be brave and courage-
ous, and above all to place their trust in Divine Providence.”
The writer, who was in command of the battery, was especially
charged with the importance of wasting no shots. “‘ Remember,’
said he, ‘that _your greatest efforts should be to disable the
enemy’s guns, and be sure you do not throw any ammunition
away. Every charge you fire from e guns cos
government about eight dollars. If your shots fall short you en-
ce: en Gn reach home you demoralize him,
and get the worth of your money.’ After commending all to the
care of Divine Providence he left us, and repaired on board the
‘Cincinnati,’ which was his flag ship at that time.

“During the night of the 5th, or morning of the 6th, a heavy
rain fell, which very much_retarded the move th
and made the roads so heavy that they did not succeed in reach-
ing the scene of action until after the fort had surrendered. The
naval forces, after waiting until 11 o’clock, a. u., got under
way and steamed up the river. Arriving at the island chute, the
line of battle was formed, the ‘Essex’ on the extreme right, the
‘Cincinnati,’ with Flag-Officer Foote on board, on our left, the
‘Carondelet’ on her left, and the ‘St. Louis’ on the extreme left
—the wooden boats taking position in our rear under cover of
the island, and firing over us at long range.

“As we could only use the bow batteries ee we
could only bring, on the four iron-clads, eleveti_guns_ to hear

The fort, although mounting seventeen guns, could only bring

leven of them to bear on the island chute, so it was a fair and
square fight, and the problem was about to be solved whether
iron-clad gunboats could compete with mud fortifications. Under
the old system of warfare, I believe, it was conceded that one
gun on land was about equal to three on water.

“Upon arriving at the head of the island, the flag ship ‘ Cin-
cinnati’ opened fire, which was the signal to commence the gen-
eral engagement. The writer had, however, received orders
from Captain Porter not to fire until he had particularly noted
the effect of the ‘Cincinnati’ shots, so as to profit by their mis-
takes, if they made any, in elevation. The first three shots from
of_ammunition expended. A lesson, however, had been learned
on board the ‘Essex,’ and orders were at once given to increase
elevation. At that moment the captain’s aid appeared on the

 

 
62 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

gun-deck with orders to fire high, and blaze away ; and before I
could repeat the order, the No. 2 port bow gun belched forth her
fiery flame, and sent a_9-inch shell plump into the breastworks,
which, exploding handsomely, caused a considerable scattering of
earth, and called forth a cheer from the fleet, whilst it produced
great consternation in the fort. The ‘Essex’ had therefore
won the honor of putting the first shot into the enemv’s breast-
works. 7
—«Xnd here I must record the fact, in justice to the memory of
a brave man, who lost his life in that engagement, that the honor
of that shot belonged to So Lie.
~gun. Jack was an “ old tar,” who had seen much service on men-
of-war in Beth the English and American navies, and was-always
restl mand volunteer officer. Jack, ever on
the alert to put in the first licks, and feeling>no doubt, jealous
and insubordinate, had increased the elevation of his gun, and
just as I was in the act of repeating the captain’s order, pulled
his lock string, and blazed away.
ee fee ee rane aoe the boom of the can-
non’s roar was almost deafening. The wind was blowing across
our bows, carrying the smoke away so rapidly as to prevent any
obstruction to the view. Our fleet-kept_slowly approaching the
fort, and gradually shortening the distance. Our shells, which

were fused at fifteen seconds, were reduced to ten, and then to _

: ete ten),
five seconds. The elevation of the guns was depressed from

seven en degrees-to six, f six, five, ey ee rend then tr deere eee
every shot went_straight-home, none from the ‘ Essex’ falling
short.

“Twenty or thirty minutes after the action had began, some
one of the officers ventured to call the attention of Captain Por-
ter to the fact that the officers on the other vessels were leaving
the spar-decks and going below. ‘Oh, yes,’ says Porter, ‘I
see ; we will go too, directly.’ Just then a shot struck the pilot-
house, making the splinters fly terribly, as no plating had as yet
been put on the pilot-house. At this the order was given for all
to go below, and soon all joined us on the gun-deck. Captain
Porter, on coming below, addressed the officers and crew, and
complimented the first division for their splendid execution, ask-
ing us if we did not want to rest, and give three cheers, and they
were given with a will.

“By orders I turned over the command of the battery to the
third master, and ordered the first division to give way to the second.
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY. 63

Captain Porter then ordered the first division to the stern battery.
This was a precautionary measure the importance of which could
scarcely be estimated at that time, but became dreadfully apparent
afew moments after. A few of my men, however, reluctant to
quit the scene of action, lingered by their guns on the forward gun-
deck ; amongst the number was Jack Matthews. In the twinkling
of an eye the scene was changed from a blaze of glory to a carni-
val of death and destruction. A shot from the enemy pierced the
casemate just above the port-hole on the port side, then through
the middle boiler, killing Acting Master’s Mate S. B. Brittan, Jr.,
in its flight, and opening a chasm for the escape of the scalding
steam and water. The scene which followed was almost indescrib-
able. The writer, who had gone aft in obedience to orders only a
few moments before (thus providentially saved) was met by Fourth
Master Walker, followed by a crowd of men rushing aft. Walker
called to me to go back ; that a shot from the enemy had carried
away the steam pipe. I at once ran to the stern of the vessel, and
looking out of the stern port, saw a number of our brave fellows
struggling in the water. The steam and hot water in the forward
gun-deck had driven all who were able to get out of the ports
overboard, except a few who were fortunate enough to cling to
the casemate outside. On seeing the men in the water, I ordered
Mr. Walker to man the boats and pick them up ; Captain Porter,
who was badly scalded, being assisted through the port from out-
side the casemate by the surgeon, Dr. Thomas Rice, and one of
the men.

““When the explosion took place Captain Porter was standing
directly in front of the boilers, with his aid, Mr. Brittan, at his
side. He at once rushed for the port-hole on the starboard side,
and threw himself out, expecting to go into theriver. A seaman
(John Walker) seeing his danger, caught him around the waist,
and supporting him with one hand, clung to the vessel with the
other, until, with the assistance of another seaman, who came to
the rescue, they succeeded in getting the captain on to a narrow
guard or projection, which ran around the vessel, and thus en-
abled him to make his way outside, to the after port, where I
met him. Upon speaking to him, he told me that he was badly
hurt ; and that I must hunt for Mr. Riley, and if he was disabled
I must take command of the vessel, and man the battery again.
Mr. Riley was unharmed, and already in the discharge of his
duties as Captain Porter’s successor. He had been saved by a
sailor (John W. Eagle) from going overboard in much the same
64 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.’

manner that Captain Porter had been. This man Eagle was cap-_
tain of the No. 1 gun, and like Jack Matthews, would not leave
his gun, and although badly wounded, with his right hand in a
sling, he begged me, with tears in his eyes, not to remove him,
but to let him fight his gun. I reported the case to Captain
Porter, who decided to let him remain; and this brave fellow
fought his gun most admirably through the action, and then
‘capped the climax’ of his bravery and heroism by grasping the
casemate with his wounded hand, and clasping Executive Officer
Riley with the other one as he was falling overboard, sustaining
him until both regained a footing on the projection before men-
tioned.

“Tn a very few minutes after the explosion our gallant ship
(which had, in the language of Flag-Officer Foote, fought most
effectually through two-thirds of the engagement), was drifting
slowly away from the field of glory; her commander badly
wounded, a number of her officers and crew dead at their post,
whilst many others were writhing in their last agony. As soon
as the scalding steam would admit, the forward gun-deck was ex-
plored. The pilots, who were both in the pilot-house, were
scalded to death. Marshall Ford, who was steering when the_
explosion took place, was found at his post at t heel, standin
aS a
ing the signal bell-rope. Pilot James McBride had fallen through
the open hatchway to the deck below ; he was still living, but
died soon after. The captain’s aid, Mr. S. B. Brittan, Jr., had
fallen by the shot as it passed through the gun-deck before enter-
ing the boiler. A seaman named James Coffey, who was shot-man
to the No. 2 gun, was on his knees in the act of taking a shell
from the box to be passed to the loader. The escaping steam
and hot water had struck him square in the face, and he met
death in that position. Jack Matthews had gone overboad badly
scalded. He was picked up by the boats. Third Master Theo.
P. Terry was severely scalded, and died in a few days. He was a
brave officer.

“ Our loss in killed, wounded and missing amounted to 32. Of
these.3-were killed instantly, 4 died that night, several were
drowned (the number not definitely known), and about one-half
the wounded recovered.

“The flag-officer continued approaching nearer and nearer to
the fort, pouring shot and shell from the boats at still shorter
range, . . . until they showed the white flag to surrender
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY. 65

When I told Captain Porter that we were victorious, he immediately
rallied, and raising himself on his elbow, called for three cheers,
and gave two himself, falling exhausted on the mattress in his
effort to make the third. A seaman named Jasper P. Breas, who
was badly scalded, sprang to his feet, naked to the waist, his
jacket and skirt having been removed to dress his wounds, ex-
claiming : ‘Surrendered! I must see that with my own eyes be-
fore I die.” Before any one could interfere, he clambered up two
short flights of stairs to the spar-deck, where he was gladdened
with the sight of his own flag proudly and victoriously floating
in the breeze. He shouted, ‘Glory to God!’ and sank exhausted
on the deck. Poor Jasper died that night, that his country
might live. pu

—*The Essex’ fired seventy-two shots from two 9-inch guns
during the battle. In bedieuGe to baile pede Thales te
the powder boys to keep count of the number of charges served
to each gun. Job Phillips, a boy fourteen years old, was powder
boy. of Naw gus, After the action, Tsifed Job how many
shots his gun had fired. He referred me to a memorandum on
the whitewashed casemate ; where with a rusty nail he had care-
fully and accurately marked every shot his gun had fired ; and
his account was corroborated by the gunner in the magazine.
This may be considered as a striking example of coolness and
bravery in a boy of fourteen, who had never before been under

fire.”
OTHER ACCOUNTS,

The correspondent who was on board the “Cincinnati” and
other gunboats, gave the following incidents of this battle :

«“ The first. shell_was fired at-hallpast twelve clock, Feb. Ot,
1862. The gunboats approache e fort four abreast, mn the
following order. The ‘ Essex’ on the right, then the ‘ Cincinnati,’
‘ Carondelet,’ and ‘St. Louis.’ The fire was opened at one mile
distant from the fort, and continued while the boats steadily
advanced, until the fort surrendered, when they were but 450
yards from the fort.”

This correspondent also says that “the rebel fire was directed
principally at the flag ship, the ‘Cincinnati.”” Another corres-
spondent, says, “The enemy’s fire was principally directed to
the ‘ Essex,’ &c.”

THE “ CINCINNATL”

received thirty-one shots, chiefly damaging her where she was not
66 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

iron-plated. Her chimneys, pilot-house, after-cabin, and boats
were completely riddled. ‘Two of her guns were disabled. One
was struck by a 68-pounder on muzzle. A 32-pounder shot
struck on her side, and dented the iron. The only fatal shot
from the fort passed through just at the larboard front, killing
one man instantly, carrying his head away, and wounding several
others.

The killed and wounded on board the “Cincinnati” were as
follows : Killed, Patrick Casady, head shot away. Wounded,
William Fokeman, badly. Oscar H. Pratt, second master, leg
badly shattered by a spent ball. Martin Hussey, Geo. Mas-
sey, Wm. Curtis, Michael Dalton, and Wm. Avila, slightly
wounded.

Killed, wounded, and missing on board the gunboat “ Essex ” :
Killed, M. P. Ford, Jas. McBride, pilots, scalded to death. S.
B. Brittan, master’s mate, head shot away. David Wilson, cap-
tain of a gun, James Coffey, and Joshua T. Brice, seamen. Offi-
cers wounded, Commodore Porter, and Theodore F. Torey, third
master. Seamen wounded, John Matthews, N. McCarty, Peter
White, Geo. Nichols, and Samuel Boyer, all badly scalded.
John Rodgers, Frances Wilson, Henry H. Agen, B. H. Harring-
ton, Wm. O’Brien, Thomas Mullen, W. H. Maxey, F. Sullivan,
John O’Hara, John Castillo, J. J. Phillips, B. Louden, and B.
Soulin, all slightly scalded. Missing, A. D. Waterman, John
Lany, Henry Gramper, Henry Renolds, and James Bedard, all
seamen. Some of the seamen jumped overboard. 5S. B. Brittan,
Jr. (son of Dr. Brittan, of New York), master’s mate on the
“Essex,” was standing so near, and between the captain and
paymaster, when the top of his head was shot off, scattering the
brains over their clothes.

Commodore Foote remained in the pilot-house of the “ Cincin-
nati” during the whole of the action. The “St. Louis” was
struck by seven shots. She fired one hundred and six rounds,
and came out of the fight unhurt, and losing no lives. The
“ Carondelet ” also escaped unhurt. The rebels first thought the
“ Essex ” was the flag-ship, and fired at her until she was disabled,
then fired more constantly at the “Cincinnati.” One of the
prisoners had the specifications of the construction of the gun-
boats, and they knew where to strike them in the most vital
parts. The rebel loss was stated by prisoners taken at six killed,
and nine or ten wounded. They struck their flag at 1.40
P.M.
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY. 67

OUR GUNBOATS

did splendid fighting. We can make no distinction. The “ Cin-
cinnati,” however, was in the lead, and flying the flag officer’s pen-
dant, the chief mark. In surrendering to our flag-officer, the

rebel general remarked : “I am glad to surrender to so-gaHant
an officer.” Foote replied, “You do perfectly right, sir, in sur-

e ‘racts from the most reliable correspondence from the
scene of action, and the interesting letters written on board the
gunboats, are of course partial, more or less, according to the
nature or circumstances of the writers ; but if suppressed, much
of the accurate, minute, and important detail would be lost.

Immediately after the surrender of Fort Henry, Admiral
Foote returned to Cairo, with the “Cincinnati,” “Essex ” and “St.
Louis,” leaving Captain Walke in command afloat at Fort Henry,
with the “ Carondelet,” the “Taylor,” “Lexington” and “ Cones-
toga,” the last three being up the river in pursuit of the enemy’s
boats, which escaped from the fort when it surrendered.

The position of the commander of the “Carondelet” during
this battle was near the center of her forward fighting battery,
directing and encouraging her officers and crew to fight cour-
ageously.

OFFICIAL THANKS TO THE ARMY AND NAVY.

The State of Ohio deemed this battle sufficiently important to
merit a vote of thanks, as appears from the following :

“Relative to a vote of thanks to General Grant, Flag-Officer
Foote and others, for their courage and gallantry exhibited in the
bombardment of Fort Henry. Resolved by the General Assembly
of the State of Ohio, That the thanks of the people of Ohio be,
and through their representatives are, hereby tendered to General
Grant and Flag-Officer Foote, and the brave men under their
command, for the courage, gallantry and enterprise exhibited in
the bombardment and capture of Fort Henry, a victory no less
brilliant in itself than glorious in its results, giving our army a
foot-hold in Tennessee, and opening the way for early advance to
the capital of the State.

“Resolved, That the Governor transmit copies of these resolu-
68 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.|

tions to said officers, with the request that the same be read to the
men under their command,
“James L. Huspett,
“ Speaker of the House of Representatives.
“B. Sranron,
“ President of the Senate.
“ Passed, February 14th, 1862.”

AFTER THE BATTLE.

Under General Grant’s instructions Captain Walke proceeded
with Colonels Webster, Rawlins and McPherson up the Tennessee
river in the “Carondelet,” and completed the destruction of the
railroad bridge connecting Fort Donelson with Fort Columbus.
On the return of this expedition Captain Walke, after a consulta-
tion, was requested by General Grant to aid him in the invest-
ment of Fort Donelson with the “Carondelet,” “Taylor,” “Lex-
ington” and “Conestoga,” which were then returning from the
expedition further up the Tennessee river. But the officers in
command of these vessels, having failed to comply with Captain
Walke’s instructions to follow him to Fort Donelson, he proceeded
to that place with the “Carondelet” alone. Professional men
may understand this conduct on the part of naval officers, to be
an act of insubordination. These gunboats were originally built
and equipped under the Army auspices, and at the expense of the
War Department, and discipline should have been more strictly
enforced.

The “Carondelet ” was visited by General Grant and staff on
the morning of February 10th, to confer with Captain Walke.
At 6.10, p. m., Lieutenant-Commander W. Gwinn, of the gun-
boat “Taylor,” came on board with Paymaster Coleman, and
received the order from Captain Walke to follow him with the
“Lexington ” and “ Conestoga.” The “Carondelet ” then steamed
down the Tennessee river to its mouth at Paducah, Ky., from
whence a communication was sent to Flag-Officer Foote, relating
the chain of events preceding the battle of Fort Donelson—a fact
which will convince the reader that the “Carondelet ” arrived in
good time at the fort, and announced her readiness for service by
firing into it on the morning of the 12th ; before General Grant or_
the_Confederate_General Floyd had arrived with their_entire
force. It may also be conceded that there is some ground for
taking exception to the charge in Draper's History of the . War,
BATTLE OF FORT HENRY. 69

that General Grant was “obliged to submit to this delay to give
time for preparing the gunboats, though every hour of it was
strengthening the enemy,” as there is no doubt that Foote brought
his gunboats to Fort Donelson with all practicable dispatch.

The gunboats “Taylor,” “ Lexington” and “Conestoga,” having
preceded the “‘ Carondelet ” on the reconnoissance up the Tennes-
see river, every particular concerning them is very handsomely re-
recorded in the official reports and history. But the services of
the “Carondelet ” are not referred to, and the following copy of a
report sent to Flag-Officer Foote, will therefore serve as an ap-
propriate remedy for this odd deficiency.

COMMANDER WALKE TO FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE.

“U. 8. Gunboat ‘ CARONDELET,’
“Fort Henry, TENNESSEE RIVER,
“Say “ Feb. 8th, 1862.
“Sim:

“JT have just returned from destroying the bridge of the Memphis and
Bowling Green railroad, where I was instructed to proceed by General
Grant on the 7th inst. Colonel Webster, with other officers, and two com-
panies of sharp-shooters, accompanied me to do the work. We found the
place deserted by the enemy, leaving tents and wagons, some of which we
brought here. I am nearly out of coal and provisions. The magazine and
shell-room of this vessel leak badly, and it is doubtful whether or no our car-
penter can stop it, unless she is lightened so that he can get at it. I suspect
that some of our rifle shell have not been filled with powder, as there is a
great difference in the weight of them, and I picked up one in Fort Henry
with the fuse out, but there was no evidence of it having been filled with
powder. They require gauging. All are well on board. We expended
101 shell, and one round shot the day before yesterday. The ‘ Conestoga,’
« Lexington,’ and ‘Taylor’ have not returned.

“Most Respectfully,
“Your Ob’t Servant,
“HENRY WALKE.
46 To
“ Flag-Officer A. H. Foote,
“Commanding Naval Forces, Western Waters,
«<< Commander U. 8. Navy.”

A LETTER OF THANKS.

Flag-Officer Foote received the following letter, which was
read to all our squadron ; and a copy furnished to the command-
ers of the gunboats.
70) SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

SECRETARY WELLES TO FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE.

“Navy DEPARTMENT,
Feb. 13th, 1862.
“Sm:

‘Your letter of the 7th inst., communicating the details of your great
success in the capture of Fort Henry, is just received. I had previously in-
formed you of the reception of your telegraphic dispatch, announcing the
event, which gave the highest satisfaction to the country.

«“We have to-day the report of Lieutenant Commanding Phelps, with the
gratifying results of his successful pursuit and capture and destruction of
the rebel steamers, and the disposition of the hostile camps as far up the
Tennessee as Florence. I most cordially and sincerely congratulate you, and
the officers and men under your command, on these heroic achievements,
accomplished under extraordinary circumstances, and after surmounting
great and almost insuperable difficulties. The labor you have performed,
and the services you have rendered in creating the armed flotilla of gunboats
on the western waters, and in bringing together for effective operation the
force which has earned such renown, can never be over-estimated. The de-
partment has ohserved with no ordinary solicitude, the armament that has
so suddenly been called into existence, and which under your well-directed
management has been so gloriously effective.

“T am, respectfully,
“Your Ob’t Servant,
[Signed] ‘“GIDEON WELLES.
‘Flag-Officer A. H. Foorr, U. 8. WV.
“Commanding Gunboat Flotilla, &e., Cairo, Il.”
‘NOSTHNOG LYOd AO ATLLVA

‘£aoyeg seddq

syeoqung ‘8'O aousyerp eqy ut ‘Aqieue ogy Suy_o" We Audie 6 yawp ‘deg £10478 1078

 

 
CHAPTER V.
BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON.

Letters of Commander Walke to Flag-Officer Foote.—Newspaper Descrip-
tions of the Action.—A Startling Incident.—Casualties in the Fleet.—
How different Results might have been attained.—Captain Walke and the
“Carondelet.” —T wo Interesting Letters from a Participant in the Battle.
—Bursting of a Gun.—The “ Conestoga,” ‘‘ Lexington,” and ‘‘ Tyler.”—
The Damage sustained’ by the ‘‘ Carondelet.”—Confederate General Pil-
low’s Account.—Inaccuracy in the Naval Records.—Why Mistakes should
be corrected now.

Ir is now stated by one of our most brilliant writers of history
and biography that Foote sent the “ Carondelet” to Fort Donelson
upon a reconnoissance, and other friends of the admiral are evi-
dently led into the same error ; but on the contrary, tc our know-
ledge he never approved or disapproved of Commander Walke’s
co-operation with General Grant, nor did he reply, or allude to the
following letters upon that subject. And it is evident that no other
officer would have taken the responsibility of revoking the orders
for the “Taylor,” “Lexington ” and “Conestoga” to join the “Ca-
rondelet” upon the reconnoissance at Fort Donelson, but the flag-
officer himself. And as he was previously informed of all the
circumstances, by the letters of Commander Walke, there was no
explanation asked for, or made, when they met on the night of the
13th. The flag-officer, however, seemed to be satisfied when Com-
mander Walke informed him that the “Carondelet” would be
ready for battle again as soon as she had replenished her ammunition,
early on the following morning. We may, however, be assured by
the remarks in Pollard’s Southern History of the War, that if four
or five steamers instead of one, had menaced Fort Donelson on the
11th of February, a day or two before the enemy’s re-enforcements
had arrived, the effect would have been much more discouraging to
the enemy. General Grant, being under the impression at least
that Foote’s flotilla could not assist him immediately, instructed
Commander Walke to proceed without delay to commence the at-

: [71]
72 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

tack on Fort Donelson in connection with our army before the
enemy could receive re-enforcements or strengthen his position.
The following is the letter referred to, preceding the

BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON.

FROM COMMANDER WALKE TO TO FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE.

“JU. §. Gungeoat ‘ CARONDELET,’

“ Paducah, Feb. 10th, 1862.
“Sim:

“T received instructions from General Grant this evening, to proceed with
this vessel to Fort Donelson, on the Cumberland river, to co-operate with
our army in that vicinity. I expect to meet you before I reach there. The
‘Alps’ will take me in tow. I will call at this place. General Grant will
send the ‘Taylor,’ ‘Lexington,’ and ‘ Conestoga’ after me.

“We heard that you were on your way to Fort Donelson, but I hear no
tidings of you here to-night.

‘‘The ‘ Taylor’ has just returned from up the Tennessee River, as far as
navigable. She, with the ‘Lexington’ and ‘Conestoga,’ destroyed or cap-
tured all the enemy’s boats, broke up their camps, and made a prize of their
fine new gunboat.

“T write this in anticipation of not seeing you before I leave here, as I
am (or the ‘Carondelet’ is) very slow, and General Grant desires that I
should be at Fort Donelson as soon as I can get there. But I hope you will
overtake me, or send me your orders upon this occasion, as I am now acting
upon your general instructions repeated at Fort Henry. I expected to send
this letter from here to-night, but am disappointed in this also.

““Most Respectfully and Truly,
“Your Ob’t Servant,
“HH. WALKE,

“Commander U. 8. N.
‘To Flag-Officer A. H. Foorr, U. 8. N.,

“Commanding U. 8. Naval Forces, Western Waters.”

This letter explains the part taken by the “ Carondelet ” in the
battle of Fort Donelson. After the capture of Fort Henry, Flag-
Officer Foote was requested by Generals Halleck and Grant to
co-operate with the latter in an attack on Fort Donelson, situated
on the west bank of the Cumberland river, near the town of
Dover. This fort was stronger, both in natural position and arti-
ficial defenses, than Fort Henry, and a land attack was more difii-
cult, as there were heights above, below, and all around the works.

THE ‘“ CARONDELET ”

had the honor of commencing the attack on Fort Donelson ; hav-
ing arrived before the fort two days in advance of the other gun-
FULL LIST OF CASUALTIES AT THE BATTLE
OF FORT DONELSON.

“§$r. Louis.”—Killed: Charles Baker, ship’s cook ; F. A. Riley, pilot.
Wounded: Flag Officer A. H. Foote; R. G. Baldwin, pilot ; Charles
Smith, boatswain’s mate; R. H. Madaill, carpenter; Antonio
Calders, Thomas Kirkham, M. 5. Coon, John Thompson, seamen.

‘* LovIsvILug.’’— Killed : Joseph 8. Cortis, E. W. Avilla, Charles Billips,
John Williams, seamen. Wounded : Michael Kelley, E. 8. Collins,
William Higgins, John Paul, Charles Wright.

“ PrrtspuRG.’”— Wounded: Charles Merwin, George Smith, seamen.

“‘CarnonDELET.”—Jtilled: Alfred Richardson, coxswain ; Albert Mark-
ham, William Duff, Joseph G. Leacock, seamen. Wounded: William
Minton, pilot, mortally; John Doherty, second master; H. A.
Walke, fourth master; Samucl Brooks, second engineer ; John
Hall, volunteer gunner of the ‘‘St. Louis”; Richard Mahone,
quartermaster ; Thomas Brown, captain of gun; Joseph McBride,
ship’s cook; James Plant, James Burns, Patrick Laughlin, Edward
Green, Owen Connolly, Henry Smith, Patrick Sullivan, John Owen,
Amos Dutch, Patrick Brine, William Johnson, Benjamin Edger,
Henry Anderson, Daniel F, Charles, J. Doughty, John Murphy,
William B. Roney, Thomas Burns, James McFadden, John Dimond,
Matthew Arthur, Owen Canty, James McConnell, seamen.
BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. 73

boats, she fired upon the enemy’s works on the morning of
February 12th; and also, at the request of General Grant,
made a diversion in his favor on February 13th, as narrated in
the following report of Commander Walke to Admiral Foote.

“U. 8. Gunpoat ‘ CARONDELET,’
‘Near Fort DoNELSON, CUMBERLAND RIVER,
«¢ Feb. 15th, 1862.
“SIR:

“T arrived here (towed by the ‘ Alps’) on the 12th instant, about 11.20
A.M., and seeing or hearing nothing of our army, I threw a few shell into
Fort Donelson, to announce by arrival to General Grant, as he had previ-
ously requested. I then dropped, down the river a few miles, and anchored
for the night, awaiting General Grant’s arrival.

“On the morning of the thirteenth, I weighed anchor, and came again to
this place, where I received a dispatch from General Grant, informing me
that he had arrived the day before. and had succeeded in getting in position,
almost entirely investing the enemy’s works.

“«*Most of our batteries ’ (he writes) ‘are established, and the remainder
soon will be. If you will advance with your gunboat at ten o’clock in the
morning, we will be ready to take advantage of any diversion in our favor.’

“Timmediately complied with these instructions by throwing some 139
15-second and'10-second shell into the fort ; receiving in return the enemy’s
fire from all their batteries ; most of their shot passing over us, and but two
striking us, one of which was a 128-pounder solid shot. It passed through
our port casemate forward, and glancing over our barricade at the boilers,
and again over the steam-drum, struck, and burst the steam-heater ; and fell
into the engine-room without striking any person, although the splinters
wounded slightly some half-dozen of our crew. I then dropped down to
this anchorage, but the sound of distant firing being heard, we again attacked
the fort ; throwing in some forty-five shell, and receiving little damage.

“LT returned to this place, to await further orders, when I received a
second dispatch from General Grant, stating that you were expected on the
following morning.

“Tam, Sir, Most Respectfully,
? “Your Ob't Servant,
“A. WALEE,
“ Commander U. 8. Navy.
“Flag-Officer A. H. Foote,
“Commanding U. 8. N. Forces in Western Waters.”

In this engagement the “Carondelet” commenced firing on the
fort, at a distance of a mile and a quarter, the enemy replying
immediately as the vessel advanced, the attack lasting from ten
o’clock in the morning to meridian, and being renewed in the
afternoon. Three of the enemy’s guns were reported to be dis-
abled.
74. SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

OUR NAVAL HISTORY

is silent on some important facts in its version of this event ; viz.
that four gunboats were to have participated therein to make it
more effective, and that three of them failed to obey the orders of
General Grant and Commander Walke to accompany the “Caron-
delet” on this reconnoissance ; but it gives an unfavorable view of
the “Carondelet” alone on this occasion, especially in comparison
with the brilliant action or “what was expected to be the decisive
battle, the next day ;” which is represented as having resulted in
the surrender of Fort Donelson, by our highest possible naval
authorities. .A few particulars are called for from those who were
present on that occasion to dispel the idea that Fort Donelson was
captured by our fleet under Admiral Foote, for in reality it was
taken by General Grant, with the army.

The following are a few quotations from reliable correspondence
on the reconnoissance. A reliable correspondent of the army on
this occasion writes: “According to the admission of the rebel
officers the casualties from the attacks by the ‘Carondelet’ were
greater than those which resulted from the combined attack of the
whole fleet the next day. The attack of the next day on the water
batteries was neither the most brilliant nor the most successful
effort of the siege. About the only result was, that a single gun
of the enemy was dismounted and the unequalled fighting qualities
of the fleet demonstrated. The gunnery was generally of a differ-
ent character.”

Query: Is it at all improbable that the deliberate firing of one
gunboat by experienced gunners, with heavy rifled guns of long
ranges, should do as much execution in six hours, upon a battery
of twelve or fifteen guns of much less range, than the firing of four
such gunboats with less experienced crews, upon these batteries at
close quarters for one hour and a half, at various distances, and
much less deliberation ?

In reference to the reconnoissance and the bombardment on the
following day Captain Morgan made the same statement to the
officers on board the “Carondelet” on Sunday, the morning of the
surrender.

NEWSPAPER CORRESPONDENTS ON THE ACTION. *

The Missouri Republican of February 28th, 1862, has this report in
its correspondence of the day before the battle: “During the day
BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. 15

much uneasiness was felt as to the gunboat fleet. It was there-
fore with no little gratification that information was at last received
about noon on Thursday, that the avant courier of the fleet, the
‘Carondelet,’ Commander Walke, had arrived below the fort. In
the afternoon the report of her guns was received with cheer up-
on cheer by the troops encircling the beleaguered fort.

“Commander Walke’s operations this afternoon, although par-
taking more of the nature of a reconnoissance, were considered by
the rebel officers, as I have since ascertained, as one of the most
formidable attacks they had to encounter. Hidden behind a
jutting promontory of the river bank, the ‘Carondelet,’ herself
secure from all heavy shot of the Columbiads of the fort, hurled
shell upon shell into the water batteries of the fortifications. The
commander of these batteries has recently informed me that the
fire of the ‘Carondelet’ did more actual damage to his guns than
the heavy bombardment of the following day.”

Another reliable army correspondent writes: “The rebel offi-
cers commanding the river batteries also assure me that the prac-
tice of our gunners, in the excitement of the bombardment, was
much inferior to that displayed in the reconnoissance, when matters
were conducted with more deliberation.” And this is corrobor-
ated by the official reports in the Southern press.

The Chicago Times’ correspondent reports: “The ‘Caronde-
let’s ’ movements led to several skirmishes, though of no serious
nature. They were covered by a gallant cannonade of the gun-
boat ‘Carondelet,’ the only one that arrived. Thus single-handed
one hundred and thirty-eight rounds were thrown into the enemy’s
works, and she was finally compelled to withdraw, having received
a shot from the enemy’s 128-pounder gun in her bow, crippling
her severely, and wounding seven men. She fell back but a short
time, to repair damages and put her wounded on board the trans-
port ‘Alps. At 1.15, p. m., she commenced firing again upon
the fort, and kept up a brisk fire until she had expended all or
nearly all of her long-range shell, when at dusk she retired from
the contest, having annoyed the enemy and encouraged our
army.”

In this fight (February 13th), after Captain Walke had placed
his gunboat in a fighting position, he took his stand as before
very near the center of the fighting battery, where he remained
during the firing, giving all necessary orders, and encouraging his
people to fight courageously. They fired one hundred and eighty-
four shell. :
16 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

The “Carondelet” anchored about three miles below the fort, at
about four in the afternoon. Admiral Foote arrived at 11.30, Pp.
M., with the partially iron-clad “St. Louis” (flag steamer, Lieu-
tenant Paulding), “Louisville” (Commander Dove), and “ Pitts-
burg” (Lieutenant Egbt. Thompson) ; also the wooden gunboats
“Conestoga” (Lieutenant Phelps), and “Taylor” (Lieutenant
Gwinn), and several transports with re-enforcements for General
Grant of 8,000 men. About midnight Captain Walke reported in
person to the flag-officer.

Next morning the “Carondelet ” replenished her stock of am-
munition and partly repaired her damages, and again “shifted
berth” by orders from the flag-officer, when a startling instance
of inebriety occurred.

At this critical period, the gunner at the magazine, in a fit of
intoxication, threatened to blow up the “ Carondelet,” and send her
with all her hands to Ile was immediately ironed and con-
fined in his room, under a guard in charge of the third master, but,

during the battle, he succeeded in
» eluding his guard, and reached the
magazine hatch, where he was
stopped by the surgeon, Dr. Mc-
Neily, and others, and again se-
cured. The third master, who was
also intemperate and disaffected,
was discharged a few days after
the battle.

On the 14th of February, Flag-
Officer Foote, having instructed his
officers, and prepared for battle, at
; one o’clock, p. m., hailed the “Car-
3% ondelet,” and ordered her with the
~ other gunboats to follow the motions
of the commanding officer. At 1.20,
p. o., the flag-officer made general
signal 958. At 2.10, p. m., he pro-
ceeded slowly up the river with the
“St. Louis ” (flag steamer), “Louis-
ville” and “Pittsburg,” and formed in the first order of steam-
ing,—“St. Louis” on the extreme right, “Louisville” next,
“Pittsburg ” next, and “Carondelet” on the extreme left. At
3, P. M.,

 

Fort Donelson.

 

 

BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON.
BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. 77

THE ENEMY OPENED FIRE

upon us with two guns; their shot falling short, we did not reply
until we were within one mile of the fort, when we opened a de-
liberate and well directed fire upon the enemy’s batteries. The
flag-officer ordered his squadron to steam up faster, but not to fire
so fast. The “Louisville” and “Pittsburg,” not keeping up to
their proper positions, were hailed by the flag-officer and ordered

‘to steam up, and with the “ Carondelet ” was ordered not to fire so
fast. About 4, p. m., the battle raged with all its horrors. When
our squadron was within six hundred yards of the enemy’s bat-
teries, their heavy shot and shell penetrated the gunboats with
deadly effect, shattering the “ Carondelet’s” pilot-house and wheel
and mortally wounding her first pilot. Her port rifle gun burst,
prostrating and disabling another gun’s crew at the same port.*
She received, also, two shot in her bow between wind and water,
but still continued in line, or a little in advance, firing with her
remaining two guns without intermission.

The other gunboats, although suffering in like manner, maintain-
ed an unbroken front, and moved steadily up to within four hun-
dred yards of the batteries, receiving and delivering a fire which
soon terminated the struggle by forcing the gunboats to retire.

The enemy relaxed his fire about 4.30, p. m., and began to desert
his lower guns. The “Carondelet” was then nearly out of the
range, being almost on the flank of the enemy’s batteries, or on the
eastern shore of the river, opposite.

CASUALTIES IN THE FLEET.

At this point of the action, when the “Louisville” backed down,
Flag-Officer Foote had been slightly wounded ; the pilots of the
“St. Louis,” “Louisville” and “Carondelet,” were wounded mor-
tally ; and the port bow-gun of the latter had just exploded, pros-
trating and blinding the captain, officers and crew. Pilot-housesalso,
were battered in, and wheels broken, each vessel having been struck
about fifty times with 128-pound and 32-pound shot; and forty-

* This accident was caused by reckless disregard of the standing order, never
to fire a gun until the cartridge and shell were well rammed down to the bot-
tom of its chamber. And the reason that none were killed, and so few men
were mortally wounded by this explosion is, that they knew the danger they
had incurred, and stood farther from the gun than usual, without informing
their officers. And the gun was broken in only four large pieces, the largest
of which fell outside of the port.
78 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.:

five of our men and officers were killed or wounded. We were at
this time within three hundred and fifty yards of the enemy’s lower
battery, which mounted nine guns and several heavy Columbiads
and 32-pounders above them, all with the modern improved sights,
and manned and officered by the best men of the Southern army.

DROPPING OUT OF BATTLE.

Our gunboats were now struck by every shot in the most vital
parts, but they did not falter, and were still steaming up to the
batteries fighting with desperate earnestness, when the look-outs
informed the captain of the “ Carondelet” that our fleet was drop-
ping astern out of battle. He ordered her engines to be stopped
and reversed. Captain Walke having so recently received the ad-
monition not to precede the flag steamer, and as he had not re-
ceived instructions to pass Fort Donelson, but to follow the motions
of the flag-officer, he was obliged to back out of battle with the
squadron. The “Louisville,” being disabled and unmanageable,
was the first gunboat which commenced to back or drift out of
battle, which was not discovered by Commander Walke until he
was about to bring his broadside battery to bear on the enemy.
The “Louisville” was followed next by the flag steamer (“St.
Louis”) and then by the “Pittsburg.” The latter, in attempting
to turn, struck the “Carondelet’s” starboard quarter and rudder,
breaking off its hinges, thus compelling the “Carondelet” to re-
tire after having nearly flanked the enemy’s batteries. She was
terribly cut up, not a mast or spar was standing. All our barges,
boats, stanchions and hammock nettings, had been cut to pieces,
with the pilot house and smoke pipes riddled; port side cut open
fifteen feet, and decks ripped up, in many places plowed up ; rifled
gun and anchors in fragments ; with four men killed and fifteen
wounded, two mortally, and two solid shots in her bow between
windand water. In this condition the “ Carondelet” drifted slowly
out of battle without turning ; and her bow guns were playing on
the enemy as long as our shell could reach him.

Our decks were so slippery with the blood of the brave men
who had fallen, that we could hardly stand until we covered them
with sand. While thus drifting we received a 32-pounder from
the enemy on a ricochet in the starboard bow port, which beheaded
two seamen and cut another in two, sending blood and brains over
the captain, officers and men who were standing near them. The
“ Carondelet,” with broken rudder, wheel and wheel ropes, was
BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. 79

drifting on a point of the shore just below the fort, and thus
receiving its concentrated fire, was obliged to steam up away from
it, in the rapid current ; for certain destruction must have followed
if she had struck and lodged on the point, which the day before
the captain so eagerly sought as her protecting breastwork.

The “St. Louis,” “Pittsburg ” and “Louisville” were all terri-
bly cut up by the enemy’s shot, the latter having her wheel-ropes
shot away. Her pilot, Samuel McBride, states that as soon as he
discovered this damage, he ran out on the stern to repair it and to
hook the relieving tackles, so as to be able to steer the boat with
them, and to keep her in proper position in the line of battle. But
the shells from the gunboats “Taylor” and “Conestoga” exploded
so fearfully and constantly over the “Louisville” that the pilot
and his party were driven away from the tillers, and they took
shelter under the casemate. Thus Captain Dove was compelled
to let her drift out of battle, as she was crippled and unmanage-
able. When the flag steamer was compelled to follow the same
course, a termination of the engagement was inevitable. :

The “ Taylor” and “Conestoga” were so far astern that their
shell fell shért or exploded over our own gunboats, doing less
damage, evidently, to their enemies than to ne friends. One of
the “Taylor’s” 64-pound shell exploded over the “Carondelet”
and the fragments penetrated her stern casemate. The “ Louis-
ville,” Captain Dove, informed Captain Walke that she was also
struck by them in the same manner.

A FOOLISH MISREPRESENTATION ALLOWED TO PASS UNNOTICED.

Take, for instance, a statement which originated with and was
promulgated by, some of those who were the actors in the scene
described, which appeared in the Chicago Tribune under date of
April 2nd, 1870, as follows :

“ Captain laid the ‘ Pittsburg’ along side of the batteries
at Fort Donelson, and poured into them grape and canister, until
every water-tight compartment was riddled with rebel shot, and
his vessel went down on the bar just as victory shouted her tri-
umph, and Grant marched over the walls of the conquered fortress.
Raising and re-fitting his vessel, which was the first to run the
batteries at Island No. 10, transferred to the seaboard to assist in
finishing the war, this gallant captain was sent here, with his scars
and his nenrolas to rust away in [Mound City, IL] dreamy
activity.”

This statement was site repeated by the Mound City (IIL)

 
80 SCENES AND INCIDENTS..

Journal, and published under the eye of the officer in command,
who of all other men must have known by his participation in all
of these occurrences, that the assertions therein contained were
palpably untrue. When a contradiction was given at Mound City,
after its first appearance, the perpetrators were so completely con-
victed, and possibly ashamed, that they did not attempt any reply.

The “St. Louis” and the “ Louisville” were the first out of gun-
shot range from the fort, and were at least half a mile further off
than the “Carondelet.” The next vessel to them was the “ Pitts-
burg,” and last of all was the “Carondelet,” over a quarter of a
mile; from that vessel were fired several effective parting shots
(while she was within range), from her bow guns, and receiving
the concentrated fire of the enemy in return.

HOW DIFFERENT RESULTS MIGHT HAVE BEEN ATTAINED.

It may be noticed that the “Carondelet” had an encouraging
prospect of passing above the enemy’s batteries, and no doubt she
would have done so, had the orders of the flag-officer permitted.
Had his orders contemplated that course of action by our fleet, or
an attempt to pass the enemy’s batteries, for an attack upon his
army in the flank or rear, there was a probability that two at
least of our gunboats could have succeeded. And if our fleet had
received orders to pass these batteries with full speed, or at night,
to prevent the enemy from getting the exact range of his guns on
the gunboats, it is more than probable that several of them, if not
all, would have succeeded in passing, and on arriving at the
enemy’s rear would have cut off his retreat, co-operating with our
army in attacking his unprotected flank. Great service might
thus have been rendered with our heavy guns, which would most
certainly have decided the battle that night very satisfactorily,
and with less bloodshed. This idea was not suggested until the
day after the battle, when Foote asked Walke if he (Walke) could
have passed above the batteries. An after-thought expressed in
one of his letters.

On the following day the “St. Louis,” Commander Paulding,
made a reconnoissance near the fort and fired several shot, but
being out of range, no reply came from the enemy, who were des-
perately fighting our army under General Grant.

BURYING OUR DEAD.

On board the “ Louisville,” “ Carondelet,” and “St. Louis,” the
burial service on the following day (15th) was duly performed by
BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. ’ 81

the officers and crews of the gunboats, over the remains of their
brave companions. The scene was mournful and imposing. Na-
ture was clothed in her white wintry robes, while the distant
boom of Grant’s heavy artillery over the hills, rolling along and
dying away in the valley of the Cumberland, seemed our funeral
guns ; and on each boat a silent, uncovered party, bended over
their friends who died in the battle, The flag for which they
fought and died, hung quiet and drooping at half-mast, the last
sad token of respect to the departed, The subdued and tremu-
lous voice of their captain affected his faithful sailors with un-
usual sorrow, as the touching and solemn words fell upon their
ears: “I know that my Redeemeth liveth, and that He shall
stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my
skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God;
whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold and not
another.” In the pause which followed might be faintly heard
the service which was being read on the other vessels: “I am
the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord ; he that believeth in
Me though he were dead, yet shall he live.”

CAPTAIN WALKE AND THE “ CARONDELET.”

The services of the “‘ Carondelet” in the reconnoissance prece-
ding the battle of Fort Donelson are not mentioned in the offi-
cial reports, except by the insertion of a letter from her comman-
der. In the History of the Navy the reference to the reconnois-
sance includes the statement that “the ‘ Carondelet * (iron-clad)
had been sent forward ahead of the rest of the flotilla, and on the
13th was ordered to attack the water-batteries single-handed,”
and by an omission of the fact, makes it understood that it was
Foote’s instead of Grant’s order.

To give the reader an idea of the magnitude of the task the
“ Carondelet” had to perform, the History then gives a descrip-
tion of the fort, and makes a statement as to its great strength,

_adding pointedly: “It is very easily seen that it would be utterly
vain for a single steamer.” If this reconnoissance was in’ vain, it
should be attributed to the fact that the Navy officers did not
obey promptly the orders of their superior in command, and in
consequence failed to be present, and to join in the battle accord-
ing to General Grant’s instructions. And it can also be as easily
imagined, that if the flag-ofilcer had made the reconnoissance, it
would have been officially recorded as a glorious, if not a success-
ful affair in our naval history.

6
82 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

The Confederate historian, in reference to the reconnoissance
on the morning of the thirteenth of February, says: “ Just as the
sun rose, the cannonade from one of the enemy’s gunboats com~-
menced the conflict, which was destined to continue for several
days and nights. The fire soon became general along our whole
lines.”

AN INTERESTING LETTER.

The following letter, written on board the “Carondelet” by
one of the crew, at the time, a participant, while all the facts and
incidents were fresh in memory, is here inserted for its individu-
ality in narrating the capture of Fort Donelson.

“Fort Henry was manned by men who fought with a despera-
tion worthy of a better cause. We were scarcely mentioned in
the Fort Henry affair, although we occupied the second position,
and in our services were second to none, while those western band-
boxes, the ‘ Conestoga,’ ‘Lexington,’ and ‘Tyler,’ were puffed up
by the papers, when they were astern during the whole of the
fight, and took no active part in it. We had one man injured by
the recoil of the gun.

“The next day we proceeded to Danville to destroy the bridge
of the Clarksville and Memphis railroad. We burned part of the
railroad, and then returned to Fort Henry, remaining at this fort
until ordered to proceed against Fort Donelson, on the Cumber-
land.

“On February 12th, we arrived within sight of the fort, and
gave them nine shells (to which they did not reply) and then re-
tired, thinking the fort had been evacuated. Thus far we had
seen nothing of the land forces, or the gunboats which were to
assist us.

“The next morning (February 13th), an aid-de-camp of Gen-
eral Grant came with orders for us to proceed to the fort, while
the land forces would engage it in the rear. We went up and
fought about two hours, when the rebels put a 120-pounder
through our port bow,

SCATTERING SPLINTERS ON EVERY SIDE,

and finally lodging in our heater, which damage compelled our
retirement. It knocked down every man at the gun, killing none
but wounding seven, including the captain of the gun. It passed
within a foot of me, and the force of the air knocked me over.
In the afternoon we engaged them again, firing about fifty shells
into them, and then Captain Walke said he would wait for the
BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. 83

rest of the gunboats. In this. day’s fight: we fired one hundred
and eighty-three shelis, without losing a man ; although, as we
learned on the 16th from a rebel colonel by the name of Morgan,
their killed and wounded were over seven hundred.

“ At night the rest of the gunboats arrived, together with the
re-enforcements of troops from Cairo and Paducah, and in the
afternoon of the 14th, about 2 Pp. m., we advanced in our shattered
condition against the fort. The line of battle was as follows:
‘St. Louis’ (flag ship) on the right, ‘Carondelet’ on the left,
‘Louisville’ and ‘Pittsburg’ in the center, and three western
bandboxes in the rear. We fought desperately for about two
hours and a half, within less than half a mile from the fort, when
the rifled gun I was serving with shell exploded, knocking us all
down, killing none, but wounding over a dozen men, and spread-
ing dismay and confusion among us for a short time. For about
two minutes I was stunned, and at least five minutes elapsed be-
fore I could tell what was the matter. When I found out that
I was more scared than hurt (although suffering from the gun-
powder which I had inhaled), I looked forward and found that
our gun had burst, and was lying on the deck split in three
pieces. Then the cry ran through the boat that we were on fire,
and my duty of pump-man called me to the pumps. While
there, two shot entered our bow-ports, and killed four men, and
wounded about a dozen. They were borne past me, three with
their heads off, and a fourth with his entrails hanging out, and
partly dragging along the deck. The sight almost sickened me,
and I turned my head away.

“Then came our master’s mate, Brennan, revolver in hand,
threatening to shoot us if we did not go to our quarters immedi-
ately. I told him that

OUR GUN HAD BURST,

and that we had caught fire from the enemy’s shell on the upper
deck. He then said, ‘ Never mind the fire; go to your quarters.’
There were six of us at the pumps at the time, and we accord-
ingly obeyed his order.

“Then I took a station at the starboard tackle of another rifled
bow gun, and remained there until the close of the fight. While
running the gun out, we trampled in the blood and brains of an
esteemed shipmate; but such are the horrors of war. The
commodore and the rest of the gunboats, retired at least
twenty minutes before we even thought of it, and when victory
84 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

was almost within our grasp ; but it was not until we had four
killed and over thirty wounded (including one of our pilots, who
was mortally wounded), two of our boats shot away, our flag-
staffs gone, together with our colors, and our starboard rudder
disabled, and the boat ‘all cut up,’ as the saying is. As we left,
we fired the last eleven shots at the fort, and expended our last
cartridge in the retreat.

“About five in the afternoon the action ended, and the ‘ Car-
ondelet ’ was engaged three hours that afternoon. This is true,
notwithstanding newspaper reports were to the contrary. They
will tell you that such and such a boat went up into the teeth of
the batteries, and smashed things generally. Of course the
‘Pittsburg’ was disabled, we know, but was not the ‘ Carondelet ’
in like condition? I would not have mentioned our boat, had it
not been that we have been slighted in the western papers. The
rebels tell us a different story from what you read in the news-
papers. They said that the boat with the red stripe around her
smoke-stacks

DID MORE EXECUTION

than the other three combined, both at Forts Henry and Donel-
son. According to our officers’ watches we fought two hours,
while the reports say one hour and fifteen minutes. But it
makes very little difference now that the fort is taken.

“Our boat has three bow-guns, two rifles, and one smooth-bore
sixty-eight. The rifles are about 84-pounders. Our bow being
iron-plated, we have always fought ‘head on.’ Several of our
rifled shell were a little too large, and would stick in the gun
about half way down. Gunnery requires they should be with-
drawn, but when you are close to the enemy’s batteries, you can-
not lose time by drawing them out, so we blazed away at them,
home or no home. The gun was ran out when it bursted, or the
damage would have been greater than it was; but I sincerely
trust that the like may not happen again.

THE ‘CONESTOGA,’ ‘ LEXINGTON,” AND ‘ TYLER,’

were on hand on the 14th of February. But what were they
doing? One of them gave us three shots in our stern, which
fact is suppressed in the newspapers. I suppose they could not
see the fort. ‘ Vive la bandboxes !’

“On the 15th, we were on shore burying the dead, and I had
the last solemn duty to perform for them on earth, namely, mark-
BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. 85

ing their rough head-boards with the initials of their names. I
was present at their burial. A Catholic priest was passing by at
the time, and thought that he would say a few words over them.
Our officer checked him, and told him to wait a little longer, as
another body would soon arrive from the gunboat ‘St. Louis.’
After its arrival, he asked the attention of those gathered around
him. He made a few remarks about the deceased seamen, in
which he said that ‘although they did not die like Christians,
they died like heroes in the defense of their country and their
flag.’ He then read the prayers for the dead, and ordered us to
cover them over. They were all buried in a row, with their
faces to the West. Their names were Albert Richardson, of
Baltimore, Albert Markham, of Mississippi, William Duff, Joseph
G. Leacock, and Charles W. Baker, all of Philadelphia. The
first four mentioned belonged to the ‘Carondelet,’ and Baker to
the ‘St. Louis.’

“On the 16th (Sunday) we went up again to the fort, and found
that the white flag was flying. The fort had surrendered. The
stars and stripes borne by our troops were seen in the rear of the
fort, and we knew it was all right then. But while on the way up
to the fort I was fearful lest they might haul down the white flag
and blaze away again. I was more frightened that Sunday morn-
ing than I was during all our fighting, but I do not think that I
showed any outward signs of it. In conversation afterwards with
my shipmates, I found that they all felt about the same as your
uncle. In the fight at Fort Henry, I had a very narrow escape, but
at no time was I badly frightened, but on the 16th. Don’t mention.
John Owens and William B. Rooney were wounded on the 14th.
McFadden, of Philadelphia, also lost an arm. All belonged to the
*Carondelet.’”

These are the impressions of one of the crew of the “Carondelet,”
a young man who had been in service but a few months, written
to his parents in Philadelphia. We lost in this battle eleven killed
in the fleet, and about forty wounded.

THE DAMAGE SUSTAINED BY THE CARONDELET,

The following brief report of the damages received by the
“Carondelet” from her carpenter, Ober. Donalson, on February
14th, 1862: “One piece of shell in after casemate, in the captain’s
cabin (which was fired from U.S. gunboat “Taylor” by an acting
master, against the remonstrances of her gunners) all boat davits
shot away on the starboard side, damaging all the small boats, two
86 SCENES AND INCIDENTS,

shot on starboard casemate on iron. One shot on starboard case-
mate, cutting clean through. One shot on starboard side between
water-line and planking, three cutting through planking. Two
iron stanchions shot away. Hammock nettings on both sides of
the boat cut to pieces. One shot went through wheel, disabling
it. One shot struck the cap of the starboard bow port, glancing
on the breech of the rifle gun, and landing against the trunnion of
the after gun (killing three men and wounding others); one shot
in planking; one shot in planking of starboard bow ; one shot cut-
ting away chocks, cast-iron, breaking shank of the 800-pounder an-
chor; one shot struck on the iron casemate of port bow; four shots
on port casemate forward of rifled gun, one shot in port casemate,
lodging over the rifle gun; one shot cut away two stanchions on
port side; six shots in the pilot-house, cutting through iron casing,
completely shattering one section of pilot-house; six shotsin through
the smoke stacks, cutting them nearly to pieces, besides being struck
by several picces of shell and grapeshot. One shot through the
mainmast ; one shot cut away our ensign staff and ensign ; one shot
through the top of the wheel-house, one on the the side of wheel-
house. Several shot struck the chain cables, coal bags which cover-
ed the deck, ripping it up badly in several places; two shot in the
lower part of wheel-house, and one in the bag room, and many other
marks of shot and shell, doing more or less damage to the vessel.”

The distressing attempt to help the “iron-clads” in this battle
by these “wooden gunboats,” which had been so highly praised
for distinguished services in the battle of Fort Henry, was prompted
in like manner by the hope to share largely in a glorious victory
at Fort Donelson. But when it proved to be a disastrous defeat,
they soon disappeared and were otherwise engaged on some im-
portant business, beyond the sound of battle. See official report
of the Secretary of the Navy, 1862.

GENERAL PILLOW’S ACCOUNT

of the gunboat attack upon Fort Donelson reads thus :

“ My orders to the officers, Captains Shuster and Stankoitch, who
commanded the lower battery of eight guns, and Captain Ross
the upper battery of four, were to hold their fire until the enemy’s
gunboats should come within point-blank range of their guns.
This they did, though the ordeal of holding their fire while the
enemy’s shot and shell were thick around their positions was a
severe restraint upon their patriotic impulses. But, nevertheless,
our batteries made no response till the gunboats were within
BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. 87

range of their guns. Our entire line of batteries then opened fire.
The guns of both parties were well served. The enemy constantly
advancing delivered direct fire against our batteries from his line
of five gunboats, while the sixth moved up in the rear, kept the
air filled with shell, which fell thick and close all around the posi-
tion of our batteries. The fight continued, the enemy steadily
advancing slowly up the river, and the shot and shell from fifteen
heavy rifled guns tearing our parapets, and plunging deep into the
earth around and over our batteries, for nearly two hours, and
until his boats had reached within the distance of 150 yards of
our batteries.

“Having come in such close conflict, I could distinctly see the
effects of our shot upon his iron-cased boats. We had given two
or three well-directed shots from our heavy guns on one of his
boats, when she instantly shrunk back, and drifted helpless below
the line. Several shot struck another boat, tearing her iron case
and splintering them, as by a stroke of lightning, when the two
fell back. Then a third received several shots, making her metal
ring, and her timbers crack, when the whole line gave way and
fell back from our fire until they passed out of range.

“Thus ended the severe and close conflict of our Western heavy
guns and the enemy’s gunboats, testing their strength and the
power of heavy guns to resist them. The shot from our 32-
pounder guns produced but little effect. They struck and re-
bounded, apparently doing but little damage ; but I am satisfied,
from close observation, that the timbers of the frames did not,
and could not withstand the shock from the 10-inch Columbiads
or 32-pounder rifled guns.”

INACCURACY IN THE NAVAL RECORDS.

There is a mistake in our naval writings when the statement is
made that the enemy were so greatly demoralized by our gun-
boats that they could not be brought into effective use on the
following day, in the action which resulted in their defeat and the
surrender of Fort Donelson to Brigadier-General Grant, com-
mander of our military forces. Such an assertion gives credit to
the Navy, which, strictly speaking, belongs to the Army. The
fleet did its best, but could not boast of the victory, and no friend
of the Navy should maintain such unworthy pretensions. On the
16th the white flag was flying over Fort Donelson early in the
‘morning, when our gunboats steamed up to the fort, and Captain
Dove, who had preceded them in a tug, had the honor of receiving
88 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the tender of the first rebel sword in the fort. But the terms of
surrender were concluded on the previous night between General
Grant and General Buckner.

The batteries were found to be nine 32-pounder cannonades, two
rifled, and one 10-inch Columbiad (128-pounder).

In accounting for the impunity with which the “Carondelet ”
fired upon this fortification, while on the reconnoissance of the
13th of February, it was stated by an officer of Fort Donelson that
the fire of the principal part of their battery upon the “ Caronde-
let ” was obstructed by the timber on the point of rock, behind
which she had prudently taken shelter.

WHY MISTAKES SHOULD BE CORRECTED.

It may at first appear to the reader that the frequent repetition
in this work, of details relating to the same occurrences, is unne-
cessarily wearisome ; but it will be noticed that our narrative
frequently is at variance as to important facts and incidents with
other published works, and therefore it is necessary that the ver-
sion we hold to be correct should be substantiated from varied
and independent sources. The absence of many material facts
from the official records, as deposited at the Navy Department,
and the limbo of mistakes (as they are now called), which have
necessarily followed, would, indeed, seem to offer sufficient justifi-
cation for a critical examination of our entire naval history. It
would, no doubt, be a great satisfaction to the American people if
a full and accurate history could be compiled, which should con-
form to the only safe standard of history, namely, absolute im-
partiality, and show a readiness to award equal and exact justice
to both Army and Navy, in the numerous instances where the
nature of the services rendered co-operation of the land and naval
forces necessary.

Our endeavors must, however, be limited to the correction of
the various mistakes and misapprehensions which have arisen in
relation to the events which it is our special province to describe.
Private letters may easily lead a historian very far from the truth
by a small mistake ; and there is an instance reported in reference
to this battle, that the flag-officer writes a private letter to the
Secretary of the Navy, in which he states that the rebel officers
said that our fire had so demoralized their troops that they could
not afterwards be brought up to their work ; and the commander
of the fort actually went down to Captain Dove, of the “ Louis-
ville,” and offered to surrender to him as the representative of the
BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. 89

flag-officer, who was at Cairo. Our historian takes this as the
basis of historical proof that Fort Donelson was virtually captured
by the flag-officer, although Foote was not aware of anything of
the kind until after the work was accomplished by General Grant.

FORT DONELSON.

A very incorrect account of the action of our fleet is found in a
statement from the surgeon of the gunboat “ Pittsburg,” published
as early as February 20th, 1862, in one of the Western papers, in
regard to the respective positions of all the gunboats, as they
dropped out of the battle of Fort Donelson.

“The engagement of February 14 lasted one hour and thirty-
six minutes. The ‘St. Louis’ was crippled and fell back soon
after ; the ‘Louisville, then the ‘Carondelet,’ firing as they re-
treated, and lastly the ‘Pittsburg.’ We received two shots in
the starboard bow, which made her exceedingly thirsty, and she
soon drank in several feet of water. We were sinking. The
pumps were soon ‘manned, and our boat is still afloat, and making
herself useful as well as ornamental.”

The enemy’s guns being furnished with the most perfect sights
then in use, were fired with surprising accuracy, and almost all
their shot struck the pilot-houses, or “between wind and water,”
or entered one of the bow ports. :

The Record of Living Officers of the U. S. Navy also says that
after this bombardment “the rebels were so greatly demoralized
that they could not be brought into effective action on the follow-
ing day, which resulted in the defeat of and the surrender of Fort
Donelson to Brigadier-General Grant, commanding the military
forces.”

Some of our historical writers also assume Flag-Officer Foote to
have been present at the surrender of Fort Donelson, when the
fact is that he was then at Cairo. This matter is of the greater
importance because on the 20th of February, soon after the battle,
a proclamation was published at Clarksville, and sent all over the
country, couched in the following terms (without date) which
could not do otherwise than lead to a mistaken inference.

A PROCLAMATION

To the Inhabitants of Clarksville.
' At the suggestion of Hon. Cave Johnson, Judge Wisdom, and
the mayor of the city, who called upon me yesterday, after our
hoisting the Union flag on the forts, to ascertain my views and in-
90 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

tentions towards the citizens and private property, I hereby
announce to all peaceably disposed persons, that neither in their
persons nor property shall they suffer molestation by me, or by
the naval forces under my command, and they may safely resume
their business avocations with assurances of my protection. At
the same time, I require all military stores and army equipments
shall be surrendered, no part of them being withheld or de-
stroyed ; and further, that no secession flag or manifestation of
secession feeling shall be exhibited. And for the faithful obser-
vances of these conditions I shall hold the authorities of the city
responsible.

Anprew H. Foore.
CHAPTER VI.

AFTER THE BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON.

Congratulatory order of Flag-Officer Foote.—Precautionary Movements.—
An Important Reconnoissance.—The Facts Relating thereto.—A Foolish
Misrepresentation.—Failure of an Experiment.—The special Danger of
Service on the Western Gunboats.—Letters of Commander Walke and
Flag-Officer Foote.—Our Flotilla nearing Columbus.—The Rebel Gunboat
“ Grampus.”

On the morning of the 15th of February, Flag-Officer Foote
followed the same course in regard to Commander Walke as at
the close of the battle of Fort Henry. Notwithstanding the
crippled condition of the “Carondelet,” he ordered Commander
Walke, with that vessel and the “St. Louis,” to remain in com-
mand at Fort Donelson, while the flag-officer himself returned to
Cairo in the “Conestoga.” After he had sailed, however, Com-
mander Dove, with the “ Louisville,” was also detained, at the
request of General Grant. Before the flag-officer left for Cairo,
Commander Walke called on him in the cabin of the “ St. Louis,”
where he was sitting with one shoe off, and the foot upon his
knee, complaining of a slight wound, which was not then visible
through the stocking, nor considered serious; although there
were several extraordinary reports circulated since, one of which
‘was that it was struck by a solid shot of a 128-pounder.

Three gunboats remained until after the surrender of Fort

‘ Donelson, which took place on Sunday, February 16th, when
they steamed up the river above the fort to Dover. There our
officers and men met in good cheer. Our usual “ divine service”
was then performed on board the“ Carondelet,” as the most ap-
propriate way of giving thanks to God, “the only Giver of vic-
tory,” and under such circumstances, it makes a very happy
impression on all sincere hearts.

The “Carondelet” had had two 32 or 42-pounder shot in her
bow, “between wind and water,” and leaked badly ; her hull and

[91]
92 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

her crew being more cut up and disabled than any other gunboat
of the squadron. As General Grant could then dispense with her
services, she returned to Cairo for repairs. Arriving there on
the morning of the 17th, Commander Walke reported to the flag-
officer the success of our arms, and the surrender of Fort Donel-
son to General Grant. Flag-Officer Foote immediately issued the
following
CONGRATULATORY ORDER.

“« February 17th, 1862.
“‘Plag-Officer Foote, the commander-in-chief of the Naval Forces on the
‘Western waters, while he congratulates the survivors of the distinguished
gunboat ‘Carondelet’ in the several actions so bravely fought, sympathizes
with the wounded who have gloriously periled their lives in honor of the
Union and the dear old flag. He also sympathizes with the friends of those
gallant dead, who could not have died in a more glorious cause. Let us
thank God from the heart, and say, ‘Not unto us alone, but unto Thy

Name, O Lord, belongs the glory of the triumph of our arms.’
[Signed] “A. H. Foots,

“Flag Officer.”
The above order was read to the officers and crew assembled
on board the “ Carondelet,” and then returned to the flag-officer
by the bearer, in compliance with the verbal order of the flag-

officer.
PRECAUTIONARY MOVEMENTS.

Being apprehensive of an attack upon Cairo, where our garrison
was greatly reduced, on that morning Flag-Officer Foote dis-
patched the “ Carondelet” down the river to Fort Holt, to watch
the enemy’s approach ; and then proceeded himself without delay
to Fort Donelson, in the “ Conestoga.”

On the following day the “Carondelet” with the “Pittsburg,”
two transports, and a few troops under Colonel Buford, were or
dered on a reconnoissance down the Mississippi as far as Colum-
bus, Ky., and about 5, p. m., beat to quarters within five miles of
Columbus, and rounded to half an hour later: the “Pittsburg”
following her, without firing upon the enemy’s works, which ap-
peared intact. On the gunboats returning at 5.45, p. m., the trans-
port “D. Y. Wilson” came within hail, and was sent by Captain
Walke to the “Pittsburg” to help her up stream. The “Rob
Roy” came alongside the “Carondelet” and-assisted her: Colonel
Buford and staff came on board ; and at a quarter past ten o’clock,
p. M., the gunboats anchored at Fort Holt.

The urgency of this service, although entrusted to two crippled
gunboats, was deemed of great importance, on account of appre-
AFTER THE BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. 93

hensions awakened by the report of Captain Porter, who described
several formidable rebel gunboats seen on a reconnoissance a few
weeks previous, one of which was thought from his description to
be the “ Manassas.”

AN IMPORTANT RECONNOISSANCE,

The exigencies of the service did not permit the “Carondelet”
to retire from the field of action for her much needed repairs, for
on the 28rd, while she was under repairs, with mechanics on board,
her commander received orders to accompany our fleet down the
river on a reconnoissance near Columbus, the particulars of which
must be given to correct certain mistakes on the part of some of
our navy records, which have represented its effect in the light
of a victory over the enemy, and which attributes the evacuation
of that most formidable position to the approach of our fleet and
its terrible appearance. One description magnified the effect
produced by the threatening approach of our fleet by saying:

« Alarmed by the reconnoissance two days previous, the garrison had aban-

doned the place, and when the national forces arrived, the forts, though of
unusual strength, were unoccupied.”

The truth is that the enemy was compelled to change his base
of operations, by the action of our military and naval forces under
General Grant and Flag-Officer Foote, without any reference to
this reconnoissance. The capture of Fort Henry and Fort Donel-
sonn, in the rear of Columbus, broke the enemy’s line of defenses,
and forced him to fall back on a base further south ; which move-
ment the enemy had nearly accomplished on the 23rd, the day re-
ferred to. The last boat-load of Confederate stores was then on
its way down the river to Island No. 10 in charge of Mr. Yocum
(now of St. Louis, Mo.), and could have been easily captured, had
we known what the enemy were then doing.

A TRUE DESCRIPTION

of this reconnoissance is as follows :

On the 23rd of February, the ‘Cincinnati,’ having on board
the flag-officer, the ‘Mound City,’ ‘Carondelet’ and ‘St. Louis,’
steamed down the river within sight of Columbus on a reconnois-
sance, accompanied by the ‘Conestoga,’ convoying five transports,
the ‘Lake Erie’ and ‘ Wilson,’ with two mortar-boats in tow.

At 10 4. m., just as the ‘Iron Banks’ were in sight (according
to the laws of the Navy, from ‘time immemorial’), the ‘ Caron-
delet? mustered her crew for divine service.
94 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

As our floating castles steamed over the turbid waters of the
Mississippi, threatening its hostile shores, the service of that day
was most inspiriting, as we endeavored to ‘Remember to keep
holy the Sabbath day and hallow it.’ The voice of the command-
ing officer was heard over the silent deck, repeating the words :
‘From the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the
same, my Name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every
place incense shall be offered unto my Name, and a pure offering ;
for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of
Hosts.’ The psalm for that morning seemed to us very appro-
priate, also.” .

WHEN APPROACHING COLUMBUS

the enemy fired two guns as a signal, and then sent up their flag
of truce on the rebel transport “ Red Rover.” Our fleet, which
was three or four miles distant, rounded to, and the “‘ Cincinnati”
(in advance) hoisted the white flag, and at 10.45, A. M., sent a tug
with a flag of truce to communicate with the enemy’s boat in
Lucas Bend. At 1.45, p.m. the Confederate flag of truce returned
to Columbus. At 2.30, Pp. m. the flag-officer ordered the “Caron-
delet ” to remain and bring up the rear. The fleet then returned
to Cairo, except the ‘‘ Carondelet,” which took her post on guard
at Fort Holt at 7.10, P. m.

We may add to the foregoing particulars the remark that it is
a very poor compliment to our sailors and soldiers to have it re-
corded in the naval history that the enemy fled at the appearance
or sound of our great guns.

THE “ CARONDELET” UNDER REPAIRS.

We now return to the history of the movements of the gunboats
after the reconnoissance, to which allusion has been made. The
“ Carondelet,” being unfit for active service, and leaking badly, was
granted permission to return to Mound City, where she could be
docked, and the shot-holes (received in the various battles in which
she had been engaged), be promptly repaired. She accordingly pro-
ceeded thither on the 24th, reaching Mound City at 1, p. a.—was at
once placed on the ways, and the work of repairing was carried on
so vigorously that she came off the ways again at 11, a. m., the
following day. Having gotten up steam she returned to Cairo,
where the carpenters again went to work upon her. She was the
last boat to be repaired (her presence in the reconnoissance on the
23rd having been considered indispensable), although the damages
to the “ Carondelet ” in every respect exceeded those of any other
AFTER THE BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. 95

vessel in the squadron, according to the statement of William L.
Hamilton, the boat builder, who repaired all the gunboats of the
Mississippi fleet at Mound City, Il.

AN EXPERIMENT THAT PROVED A FAILURE.

A day or two after, we were ordered out on the Ohio river to
experiment backing up stream ; and as the “Carondelet” mean-
dered over the wide-spread Ohio at Cairo, she looked like a lame
duck, seeking a retreat from her unnatural task. The first
attempt to back steadily up against the current was proof enough
of her inability in that respect ; she immediately made a shear
over first to one side of the river, and then to the other; and
when once prevailed upon to turn, she required the whole breadth
of the river to get her head down stream again. She was then
anchored by the stern, and she yawed in the same manner in a much
smaller compass, but dragged her anchor at every swing. Fi-
nally, two anchors being tried, she dragged them both alternately,
until they came together. So the experiment failed: like Ba-
laam’s ass, the vessel refused to keep her head in the right direc-
tion, but turned aside “ out of the way,” being under no control
of the helm in such a strong current. Every trial proved alike
unsuccessful ; but when at last an attempt was made to heave
up the anchor, the mystery was increased, as it was discovered
that the anchor refused to show itself, in spite of all the force
which was applied to bring it home again. To be brief: after a
long trial, various devices revealed the fact that the wire rope of
the telegraph had caught the anchor, and held it for two hours
with the utmost tenacity.

SPECIAL DANGERS INCIDENT TO THE SERVICE.

The construction of those western gunboats was so defective,
that they were liable not only to be blown up in the ordinary
wholesale casualties of war, by a shot through their exposed
boilers and magazines, or by the torpedoes of the enemy, but
owing to their furnaces being so near the bottom of the vessel,
tne occupants were actually placed “between two fires,” as the
vessels very frequently took fire. It required unceasing vigilance
and exertion, including the passing and throwing of water day
and night, to escape the always impending danger of burning,
or of being blown up.

Another source of annoyance and distress to the crews of
these vessels at this time, was the delay (sometimes for several
96° SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

months) in the payment of their wages. This occurred often by
the pay, destined for the men, being diverted to defray other
expenses. It was a great hardship to those men, especially, who
had families to provide for. We insert a letter from Commander
Walke to Flag-Officer Foote on this subject, and the reply there-
to. Asa proof of the faithfulness of the “Carondelet’s” crew,
under greater hardships in this respect than any other gunboat
of our fleet, being almost constantly engaged on active service,
not one of her crew deserted, or, so far as we are informed, at-
tempted to desert, which was a frequent occurrence on other ves-
sels of our fleet, by men who had received their pay. But not so
with the crew of the “Carondelet.” During the first three or
four months, some of the families of these men were, in conse-
quence, turned out of their temporary homes into the street, by
relentless landlords, without money, and, as reported, often with-
out friends or credit. Every application to the captain or flag-
officer, whether in the shape of written or verbal appeals, was in-
effectual to obtain relief ; but the. efforts of the crew in this di-
rection called forth the following correspondence :

COMMANDER WALKE TO FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE.

“U. 8. Gunboat ‘CARONDELET,’
“ February 28th, 1862.
“Sir : :

“There are so many distressing cases of want represented to me in the
families of our crew who have not received any of their pay, which is con-
trary to your promises and arrangements in that respect. I most respect-
fully request that their distress may be rclieved as soon as the means can be
procured. Iam unable to discover the cause or the remedy, as the crews of
all the other vessels have been paid, I belicve.

“Very Respectfully,
«Your Ob’t Servant,
“To Flag-Officer “HH. Wake.
A. H. Foors, ‘
“Commanding U. 8. Naval Forces,
“Commander U. S. Navy, Western States.”

In reply to the above letter, the following answer, in Flag-
Officer Foote’s handwriting, was received :

FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE TO COMMANDER WALKE.

“Tell the men, with whom I sympathize, that I mean to have them paid
regularly, that for want of treasury notes they will have to wait two or three
days longer. I will arrange it satisfactorily as soon as I can do so.

[Signed] “A. H. Footer,
“FlagOfficer.”
AFTER THE BATTLE OF FORT DONELSON. 97

In the mean time every exertion had been made to complete the
repairs, and on the 4th of March, at 4.30, a.a., the “Carondelet”
was again on her way down the Mississippi, in company with our
flotilla, composed of the following vessels: Flag steamer “ Ben-
ton,” Flag-Ofticer Foote, commander-in-chief ; “Mound City,”
Commander A. H. Kilty ; ‘“ Louisville,” Commander Dove, U. S.
N. ; “ Carondelet,” Commander Walke, U. 8. N.; “ Cincinnati,”
Lieut. Commander Stembel, U. S. N.; “St. Louis,” Lieut. Com-
mander Paulding, U. 8. N. ; “Pittsburg,” Lieut. Commander E.
Thompson, U. 8. N.; and “Lexington,” Lieut. Commander
Shirk. The transports in the rear consisted of the large steam-
boats, “J. T. Wilson,” “Ike Hammit,” “Pike,” and ‘ Wiscon-
sin,” each having five mortar-boats in tow; also the “Judge
Florence,” magazine-boat, and the “ Great Western,” provision-
boat ; and the flotilla was accompanied by our troops, under Gen-
eral Buford, in the “Silver Wave,” the “ Rob Roy,” the “ Alps,”
the “Hero,” and half a dozen tugs, with a large number of
barges and laden lighters in tow ; thus making a very formidable
display.

THE FLOTILLA NEARING COLUMBUS.

About 8, a.m., our fleet rounded to in the lower end of Lucas
Bend, about three miles above Columbus, and drifted slowly
down under the fortifications until satisfied that a flag which
floated over them was, notwithstanding its odd appearance, in-
tended to represent our stars and stripes. After having been
detained two hours in ascertaining this fact, our fleet descended
the river to Columbus. The forts had been evacuated two days
previously, and were now occupied by twenty-five of our cavalry
scouts from Paducah, Ky., under the command of Colonel Haas.

Flag-Officer Foote, after holding a consultation with his offi-
cers, and the army officers present, proceeded with his fleet, and
several transports, to Hickman, twenty miles below Columbus,
and there anchored in a line across the river for the night. At
daylight on the following morning he continued

ON HIS WAY TO ISLAND NO. 10,

leaving the “Louisville,” Commander Dove, on guard at Hick-
man. The morning was dark and foggy, the pilots only knowing
the course and position of the fleet. The dim outline of high
bluffs and tall trees, with strange echoes along the shores rather
confused the “ old salt of the mountain billow,” who involuntarily
looked around for “breakers.”

7
98 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

About 7.30, a.m, the fog arose suddenly ahead, and behold!
just emerging from the forest of a deep bayou, the saucy “ Gram-
pus,” the most notorious gunboat in those waters, appeared lying
across our track almost motionless, and “close aboard.” Her
colors were struck and engines stopped (a token of submission),
and our people, taking a long breath, thought she was certainly
their prize at last.

SURPRISE OF “‘DARE-DEVIL JACK.”

The flag steamer “Benton,” being at the time in advance, our
excited officers and men looked and listened for her guns ; but
she was dumb, and so slow in her movements, that, perceiving
her tardiness, the little “ Dare-Devil Jack” (as she was called by
those who trusted more to her speed than her prowess) started
down the river with such astonishing celerity, like a scared rab-
bit, that she was beyond the reach of the “ Benton’s” 9-inch
Dahlgreen guns, before one of them could be fired. The “ Ben-
ton’s” decks and guns were then in the midst of a refreshing
ablution; they were not comme il faut or presentable so early.
And when she did fire, the shell fell short of the ‘ Grampus ”
about one-third the distance, and the game (like Cuffy’s rabbit)
proved to be “dry eating,” and unworthy of further notice offici-
ally ; and our admirable reporters had such a tender regard for
the fleet and the flag steamer, that they could not mention the
matter at all
Ol ON GNVISI ZAOPV ‘1 ON LYOd HLIM ATLLVE

 

 

 

 

 

 
CHAPTER VII.
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10.

The Movements of the Confederates for a More Defensive Position.—The
Attack on Fort No. 1, About Three Miles Above Island No. 10, by
our Fleet, with the Mortars, on the 17th, 18th and 19th of March, 1862.—
Defects of the Enemy’s Position.—General Pope Cutting off the Retreat.
—A Request Denied.—The Bombardment of the Forts.—‘‘ Well done, old
* Carondelet.’ ”—A Critical Situation.—Effect of Erroneous Reports in our
Histories. —Flag-Officer Foote’s Reports Corrected.—A Brilliant Exploit.—
Commodore Hollins’ Iron-clads.—General Pope’s Plan for Capturing
Island No. 10.—Council of War on Board the ‘‘ Benton.”—Captain Walke’s
Voluntary Offer to run the Blockade.—Strange Omissions in the Naval
History.—First Example of Running Blockades on the Mississippi.—Let-
ters of Flag-Officer Foote.

AFTER the evacuation of Columbus, the Confederates, with the
view of arresting the further progress southward of the Federal
arms, proceeded to re-enforce and fortify the positions held by
them on Island No. 10, and on the eastern bank of the Mississippi,
in its vicinity. These positions were remarkably well-chosen for
defense, but just as remarkably ill-chosen for retreat, an alterna-
tive which does not appear to have presented itself to the officers
by whom they were selected.

THE ENEMY’S POSITION.

On both sides of the river, nearly surrounding the points occu-
pied by the enemy, were impassable swamps and bayous, and their
only chance for obtaining supplies or effecting a retreat was by
the Mississippi, south of Island No. 10.

General Pope, with an army of ten thousand men, having occu-
pied New Madrid, on the western bank of the river, below Island
No. 10, at once perceived the defect in the enemy’s position, and
with great promptness and energy proceeded to take advantage
of it. With the cannon he had captured at New Madrid, he
established a line of batteries extending from that place to a point
nearly opposite to Tiptonville, fifteen miles below Island 10, over
land, and twenty miles by the river. A short distance below

[99]
100 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

this begins the great swamps, near the banks on both sides of the
river, containing but few spots of dry land, extending southward
to a distance of sixty miles. By intercepting the navigation below
Tiptonville, General Pope
shut off the enemy from his
only source of obtaining sup-
plies, and of the only route
by which he could retreat,
as all inland communication
was cut off by the swamps
and bayous.

Having established his
batteries and blockaded the
river, it was the design of
the Federal commander to
cross with his army and at-
tack the enemy’s position in
the rear from below. This
movement, however, could
not be executed without the
aid of the gunboats. The
enemy, anticipating it, had

UAND NO. 10. constructed batteries at ev-
ery point on the bank of the
river, from Island 10to Tiptonville, where troops could be landed.
Under these circumstances, General Pope requested Flag-Officer
Foote to send one of the gunboats past the enemy’s batteries at
Island No. 10 to New Madrid; a request which that officer
declincd to comply with, on the ground of its impracticability.
On the 17th of March the flag-officer reported that he had
attacked the enemy’s forts with the iron-clads at a distance of two
thousand yards or more. On account of the rapid current the
boats would have been unmanageable had they come within
shorter range; they would also have been in danger of being
carried under the enemy’s guns, as a nearer approach would ex-
pose the sterns and quarters of the vesseis, their most vulnerable
points, to five or six other batteries mounting forty-three guns.
While our gunboats were taking their positions in line of battle
according to rank without special orders, the “Cincinnati” and
““St. Louis,” with the flag steamer “Benton” between them, in
the center, lashed together ; the “Mound City ” on the extreme
right, moored to the lowest point on the Missouri shore, opposite

 
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10. 101

the “upper fort,” the “Carondelet” took her position on the
extreme left, near the eastern or Kentucky shore. Just as the
“ Carondelet ” had prepared for battle, however, she was ordered
away by the flag-officer, who took her place, and she then steamed
over to the opposite side of the river and moored (without further
instructions), alongside of the “Mound City,” heading down
stream ; the bombardment then commenced at very long range.
While it was progressing the “ Pittsburg” steamed over to the
western bank, astern of the “Mound City” and “Carondelet,”
and her commander came on board the latter, and, having no
orders, inquired of Captain Walke what he should do or where
should be the position of his vessel in the battle, and was politely
referred to the flag-officer as the proper source of ail such inform-
ation, in the absence of any special or general orders upon the
subject. The “Pittsburg” then started to join the flag-officer on
the other side of the river.

The bombardment commenced on the 17th March, at about 1,
pe. M., and continued until night; it was resumed on the following
morning and proceeded until 11 o’clock, the enemy having in the
mean time ceased firing. The flag steamer and her immediate
consorts, being the most prominent, had the honor of receiving
several shots from the enemy’s upper battery, none of them,
however, inflicting very much damage. The “St. Louis,” it is
said, lost fifteen killed and wounded by the bursting of her rifle
gun.

On the first day a deliberate and a well-directed fire, once every
minute, was kept up by order of the flag-officer; and, so far as
could be observed from the “Carondelet,” eight out of every ten
of her rifle shell struck in or very near the batteries; the crews
were now well skilled in handling the guns, and we finally silenced
the upper battery except one gun. At 4.50, the flag steamer sig-
nalled to the “Mound City” and “Carondelet” to “cease firing”
and those vessels answered the signal ; when the latter, being inse-
curely moored, steamed up the river a short distance and there
anchored. The “Benton,” “Cincinnati” and “St. Louis” contin-
ued the action until sundown, but they did not succeed in silencing
the solitary gun, which fired a parting shot just as our vessels were
about leaving to anchor for the night.

Our distance from the fort while firing continued, was at least a
mile and three-quarters or two miles, and our rifle guns only reached
it by an elevation of eight or nine degrees. The “Carondelet” fired
during this day’s bombardment, seventy-five 15-second rifle shell,
102 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

eighteen 8-inch shells, twenty-five solid 8-inch shot and two 10-
second rifle shells. The “Mound City” and the other three gunboats
expended about the same amount, according to the allowance of
time when engaged. The casualties were none, except those in-
flicted upon our officers and crew on board the “St. Louis” by the
bursting of one of her rifle guns, which killed two and wounded
eleven severely, and two slightly.

In our naval records and history only three gunboats enjoy the
honor of being mentioned particlarly in connection with this affair,
—the “Benton,” “Cincinnati” and the “St. Louis.”

The position of the two latter vessels to the flag ship reminds
one forcibly of the Scriptural account of Aaron and Hur holding
up the hands of Moses while the battle was progressing, “ until
the going dewn of the sun” ; for the “ Benton” (flag ship) was
in like manner supported by the two gunboats named with her,
throughout the whole of this bombardment.

The “ Mound City” and the “ Carondelet ” were present, how-
ever, on the western side of the river.

About three miles above Island No. 10, was situated the
enemy’s upper fort, on the Tennessee shore, which was about
equi-distant between the flag steamer and these two gunboats ;
they being within the range of all the enemy’s guns, on or above
Island No. 10, while the “Benton” was beyond the range of all
the batteries, except this one, with a gunboat on each side of
her.

The special correspondent of the Chicago Fimes, writing from
on board the flag steamer “ Benton,” four miles above the head
of Island No. 10, Mississippi river, on March 17, 1862, narrates
this bombardment, and reports that the enemy were in large force,
with Commodore Hollins and his ram “‘ Manassas” ; also that two
Confederate gunboats were sunk in attempting to pass the Fed-
eral batteries at Point Pleasant, and that four other gunboats,
which ran by General Pope’s batteries, were stopped at our New
Madrid batteries. The tout ensemble of this narrative is devoted
to the praising of the flag steamer and her consorts ; aml vice
versa, to the disparagement of the “ Mound City” and the “ Car-
ondelet,” which were, of course, “too far away to attract his at-
tention.”

On the night following, at 11.30, p.a1., on the 17th, the “ Caron-
delet ” hove up her anchor and got under way, by order of the
flag-officer, and went to the mortar-boats to protect them. On
the morning of the 18th, the flag-officer ordered her to drop down
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10. 108

again to the extreme point opposite the enemy’s upper battery, and
with the “Mound City,” to fire a shot once in every five minutes.
This order was immediately obeyed, and with her rifled guns made
good shots. Nearly every time they were fired, their shell struck
the fort ; but all her 8-inch shell fell short, even when the guns were
fired with the highest elevation which her ports would allow.

The cautious firing enjoined upon the “Carondelet” by the
flag-officer’s commendable care, was doubtless owing to the fact
that her large rifle guns, although the most effectual while they
lasted, were not constructed or modeled for such service. The
reinforce of the rifle gun especially, should be much stronger than
that of a smooth-bore, to be equally serviceable ; and as the guns
of the “Carondelet ” endured much more firing at long or short
range, than any other guns of the squadron, it was reasonable to
suppose that they also would soon do far more damage amongst
their friends than to their enemies if used much longer ; and the
bursting of one of these guns about that time, on the “St. Louis,”
was a warning. In this connection it should be remembered that
the bursting of this description of gun, as well as that of the
“Lady Polk” and “Lady Jeff Davis,” and also those of our own
fleet, when engaged in battle at Fort Donelson, killed and wounded
more of their gunners than those of the enemy.

The “Benton, ” with her consorts on the east side of the river,
and the “ Mound City” and “ Carondelet ” on the west side, were
engaged in bombarding the upper fort, firing every five minutes
from 9.30, A.M.

The account of this bombardment, according to the History of
the Great Rebellion, shows how greatly our historians have been
misled. The following is a specimen of the misunderstandings,
and of course misrepresentations, which are very frequent : “ At
8, A.M, all the gunboats dropped down, st remost, to a point
within one mile of the head of Island No. 10, were formed in
line across the river, all headed up stream, the flag steamer several
hundred yards in advance ; they opened fire,” &c.; this “con-
tinued with great vigor for several days.” :

Here is another curious account: “ All the gunboats heading up
stream, and the flag steamer several hundred yards in advance of
all of them; and they formed in a line across the river.” Such
left-handed compliments need correction.

The flag steamer “Benton” must, of course, be honored as
usual, but it is a well-known fact that these gunboats fought with
their main batteries (the bow guns), and the “ Benton,” “ Cincin-
104 SCENES AND. INCIDENTS.

nati,” and “St. Louis,” were lashed together, and over three miles
from Island No. 10, and about two miles from the nearest of the
enemy’s forts, which their smooth-bore guns could not reach.

It was, therefore, impossible that the flag steamer could be
“several hundred yards in advance” of the above-mentioned
gunboats. The “Benton” was never “within one mile” of the
island before its surrender, and in this action was nearly a mile
further from it than the two gunboats which were not mentioned.

‘““WELL DONE, OLD ‘CARONDELET.’”

At 10.20, a. m., the flag steamer made signal to the “Mound
City ” and “ Carondelet ” to “cease firing,” when the latter withdrew,
giving the cuemy one of her unerring shots as a parting salute,
that cut down a large tree which overhung their battery, which'
falling with a tremendous splash into the water, had the appear-
ance of a great explosion, and called forth the cheers of her com-
rades on the “ Mound City,” and on the western side of the river,
with the exclamation, “ Well done, old ‘ Carondelet !”* She then
returned to her former anchorage. At 12.05 the “ Mound City ”
opened fire again at two or three minutes’ interval.

At 3.55, Pp. M., a tug from the flag steamer boarded the “ Caron-
delet” with orders from the flag-officer to go up for coal and
ammunition. Afterwards she returned to the former post to
which she had been assigned, for the protection of the mortar-
boats, and there, from the mortars and gunboats, an occasional ~
shos was fired at the forts.

March 19, early in the morning, the mortar-boats and the
“Mound City ” commenced firing at an early hour, shots being
fired at the forts every minute or two. The shots fired by the
enemy in reply generally fell short or passed over our boats with-
out striking them. At 9.45, a.m, the flag-officer signalled the
“Mound City” to cease firing. The enemy then opened fire, a
few shot, from two of the lower batteries, on the mortar-boats,

* This shot was, of course, claimed for the insatiable flag steamer (by some
of her correspondents), who claimed everything, although her smooth-
bore 9-inch shell did not reach the enemy, but struck the water far short of
the upper fort, which was the nearest to the ‘‘ Benton.” Nor did she or any
other gunboat fire at the precise time when the ‘‘ Carondelet ” fired her last
shot on that occasion, with her heavy rifled gun fully charged, and pointed
with an elevation of about eight or nine degrees, and these facts were espe-
cially noticed. But it was not, however, more surprising that the staff officers
should have claimed the credit of this shot for the ‘‘ Benton ” than that they
and a few of their misguided friends should claim, or attempt to claim, ex-
clusively, the credit of the capture of Island No. 10.
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10. 105

making some very good shots for the distance, about two and
three-quarters or three miles, but did not strike them. The mortar-
boats returned the enemy’s fire, which soon ceased. The “Mound
City ” fired every fifteen minutes until 10, rp. u., when the “Ben-
ton” fired one gun and the firing ceased. March 20th the “ Mound
City ” fired a gun at the batteries with long intervals until 10.50,
A. M., when the “Benton” signalled her to cease, though the
* Benton ” and mortar-boats continued firing at the forts leisurely,
with long intervals ; but the “ Benton’s ” 9-inch shells appeared to
fall short invariably. At 2, Pp. m., the enemy fired on us again.
Some of their shot struck very near to the “Carondelet” and the
mortar-boats, but did not hit any of them. As we gave them an
immediate answer with our mortars the enemy ceased, no change
having been made in the position of the mortars or gunboats.

March 21st, at 12.20, a. m., a light was observed at the upper
battery, and the “Mound City ” fired two shots at it; the “Ben-
ton” also, between 4 and 8, a. m., fired five or six shots in the same
direction. The reason why the shot and shell from our smooth-
bore guns did not reach the batteries, was that the charge of
powder furnished for these 9-inch guns, particularly, was insufficient
to enable them to throw their shell as far as other heavy guns.
The tortar-boats continued firing at long intervals.

March 22nd, the mortar-boats fired two shells per hour, and
with the rest of our squadron remained in stat guo on the Missouri
shore ; the gunboats fired at longer intervals. All night General
Pope’s guns, which were about twenty miles down the river’s course
from our fleet, and about six miles distant in a direct line; were
plainly heard. Our transports, the “ Alps,” “ Wilson” and “ Wis-
consin” came down and took all but four of the mortar-boats in
tow up the river. At 6, p. m., the “Carondelet,” by order of Flag-
Officer Foote, dropped down about three hundred yards nearer
the upper batteries, opposite, and took up position at the end of
the point, under a clump of very large overhanging trees, prepared
to bombard Fort No. 1.

ACCIDENT TO THE “CARONDELET.”

March 23. The mortar-boats fired a bomb-shell every half-hour.
The river was rising, fast overflowing its banks; the current being
very strong, and the gunboats constantly steaming against it. At
about eight o’clock two immense cotton-trees fell upon the “Caron-
delet’s” decks, on the port quarter and wheel house, breaking up
her boats and davits; and the hammock nettings, and sky-lights
106 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

were also stove in. These trees had been undermined by the strong
current, and their fall was no doubt caused by the tremendous shocks
of the bombardment, near the river bank. Every effort was made
on the part of the officers and crew of the “Carondelet,” to extri-
cate her from the unfortunate position in which she was placed ;
and while so engaged another large tree fell with its full force across
her deck, destroying everything that had escaped on the first occa-
sion, and wounding Hugh Maguire (seaman) dangerously, and John
McBride (ship’s cook) mortally, several others being slightly injured.
The “Carondelet” was now hors de combat, and in a very

CRITICAL SITUATION,

unable to move or make signals. At 10, a.m, the flag-officer sent
the tow-boat “Alps” from alongside the “Benton,” to assist in ex-
tricating the “Carondelet,” by towing her out from the trees which
held her fast. She was subsequently towed up the river, and a
gang of carpenters from Cairo were occupied more than a week in
partially completing the necessary repairs, the officers and crew
also working night and day to clear away the wreck, and put their
vessel again in good fighting trim.

In the mean time, very heavy firing was heard distinctly below
Island No. 10 and New Madrid, which proved to be an attack of
the enemy’s gunboats, under Commodore Hollins, on General
Pope’s batteries below that place in the enemy’s rear, which our
historian describes in the particulars of the occupation of New
Madrid by General Pope, with his army of twenty thousand men.
“The peril of this enterprise was greatly increased by the pres-
ence below the island of the rebel gunboats,” “ which commanded
it to the extreme range of their cannon, some of which were
rifles.” ‘‘ Nine of these boats at some times engaged his batter-
ies, but with little effect, because their shot and shell went mostly
over the trenches, while they, lying high out of water, and above
the banks, were conspicuous marks, and therefore suffered se-
verely.” ,

A BRILLIANT EXPLOIT..

At the Confederate Battery No. 1, about three miles or more
above Island No. 10 (not on Island No. 10), a very brilliant affair
took place, and deserves our highest commendation. The service
was performed on April 1st, 1862, by an expedition under com-
mand of Colonel Roberts (who proposed and voluntarily executed
the plan), which consisted of fifty men, in five armed barges from
the squadron, fully manned and officered. It was the next day
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10. 107

very graphically described in the columns of the Cincinnati
Gazette, as follows:

“ A most daring exploit was performed last night by Colonel
Roberts, and fifty picked men from his regiment, the 42nd
Illinois. It was intensely dark, and a severe gale of wind and
thunder-storm prevailed. During the height of the storm, Colonel
Roberts and his men in five yawls, managed by crews from the
gunboats, left the “Benton,” and with muffled oars, and under
cover of the darkness, rowed down the stream in the direction of
the upper battery. When within a few rods of it, a blinding flash
of lightning glared upon the water, revealing the boats to the
sentries. They fired five or six shots, the balls whistling over-
head, doing no damage, and incontinently fled back to the camp,
which is located some distance to the rear of the battery. Our
men made no reply, but pulled up to the fortification, sprang up
over the parapet, and in three minutes’ time spiked all the guns,
six in number ; Colonel Roberts himself spiking a huge 80-pound
pivot-gun. The boats returned without a man receiving a
scratch.

“The guns, which had all been duly mounted within the past
two or three days, some having been previously dismounted by
our cannonading, were sixty-fours and eighties. The ‘Grampus’
was lying near the battery, but made no demonstration, fearing
to come out in a storm.”

The fact of the “ Benton” firing about the time of the starting
of the expedition, gave rise to much criticism ; and a similar de-
monstration on the part of the same vessel near the time when
the “ Carondelet” started to run the blockade was also commented

upon, as such a startling movement would only put the enemy

more on the alert, than otherwise. It will be readily imagined
that the immediate actors in these expeditions had good reason
for preferring silence to the diversion which the “ Benton”
thought fit to. make, which would surely attract the attention
of the enemy to the movements of our gunboats on those occa-
sions.

CONTINUING THE BOMBARDMENT.

Our mortars kept up a very heavy bombardment on the morn-
ing of April 1st, and the enemy replied with spirit from their
floating battery for a short time. Their shots were well aimed,
but occasioned no damage.

Very heavy and rapid firing was heard last night and this morn-
108 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

ing at Point Pleasant, or in that vicinity. Our mortars ceased
firing at sunset.

Flag-Officer Foote says in one of his reports that “in this en-
gagement one of the enemy’s guns was dismounted, and their
men at times ran from the batteries.” In all subsequent reports
respecting the naval operations at Island No. 10, he describes the
attack as being made at long range ; and hence it is evident that,
although some injury might have been inflicted on the enemy’s
fort, the great object of reducing these works, and of capturing
the enemy’s forces, could not be effected or materially advanced,
by the gunboats alone, owing to the position which they occupied,
and the manner in which the attack was conducted. This was
the opinion of our naval officers, and that expressed by General
Pope, judging from his official detailed report, in which, after de-
scribing the military operations below New Madrid, on the west
bank of the river (already referred to), he says: “ Meantime the
flotilla had been firing at long range, both from the gun and
mortar-boats, at the batteries of the enemy, in and opposite
Island No, 10, for seven consecutive days, without any apparent
effect, and without any advance whatever towards their reduc-
tion. This result was doubtless due to the defective construction
of the boats.”

According to the official report of Flag-Officer Foote on the
26th of March, there were nineteen Confederate gunboats and
rams in the river, among them several powerful iron-clad vessels
(as then reported and believed) ; and some of which were then
below New Madrid, under command of the indomitable Comman-
der Hollins, who with these made several attempts to capture our
fort at Point Pleasant. Hollins ran his vessels up right under
the muzzles of Pope’s guns, the shot and shell from which went
through the gunboats at nearly cvery fire; one shell, according to the
report of those who were on board, cutting its way through two
of them, resulting in terrible destruction, and the death of many
of their officers and crew. Finding his western gunboats so vul-
nerable, Hollins took a final leave for New Orleans, and a junior
officer became his successor in the command.

The names of the Confederate vessels at Island No. 10, as re-
ported by prisoners and refugees, were the “ Livingston,” mount-
ing five guns, “ Pontchartrain,” seven guns,” “Ivy, four guns,
and “M’Rae,” eight guns. There was also a floating battery of
sixteen heavy guns, and the “ Grampus” of two guns.

Below Island No. 10, after the capture of the island, Foote’s
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10. 109

flotilla, while on its way to Fort Pillow, met with five of these
Confederate gunboats, under the command of John W. Dunning-
ton, of Kentucky, formerly a lieutenant in the United States
Navy. They exchanged shots with our leading gunboats, the
“Benton” and “Carondelet,” and the shell from the enemy’s
vessels exploded over our boats, but our own rifle shells did not
reach them ; showing clearly that some of their heavy guns were
of superior range.

The second ineffectual bombardment already referred to occurred
on the 4th of April—the day on which the “Carondelet” ran the
gauntlet. The “Benton,” “Cincinnati” and “ Pittsburg” came
over to the western bank of the river, and moored close to the
place where our gunboats and mortar-boats had been tied up for
weeks, secure from all harm from the batteries above and on Island.
No. 10, which were two, three and four miles distant. From
this remote position the above-mentioned gunboats commenced a
bombardment of “ Zsdand No. 10,” over the point of land above it.

The wreck of the steamer “‘L. B. Winchester,” which had been
sunk by the enemy, lay just above the island, and about midway
between it and the Missouri shores, where the mortar-boats laid,
in a chute, across the point above the island ; and the object of
the enemy in sinking her there, was to prevent our gunboats from
running past them, through this chute, unnoticed, by which it
would have been possible for a gunboat to elude the fire of the
batteries on Island No. 10, and those on the Tennessee shore, and
then attack them in the rear.

It was stated by our commodore that in the course of the bom-
bardment on the 4th, this wreck was struck by our shell and
burned ; but the enemy said they burned the wreck themselves.

The fire from our gunboats was not replied to at all promptly,
and it seemed to have no other effect than to cause the enemy to
move their floating battery of heavy guns-from Island No. 10; as
they said, merely to place it in a more secure position, a short
distance lower down; but, as our own reports allege, because it
was cut adrift by our shot. Whatever was the cause which led
to the removal of the floating battery, the position to which it
was subsequently assigned was maintained until after the island
had surrendered, when it was scuttled and turned adrift.*

Such is the importance with which this bombardment is invested
by some of our naval reports and histories, that we find repeatedly

* See Official Reports.
110 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the statement that (combined with the spiking of a few guns, about
three miles above Island No. 10) it resulted in a great measure in
securing victory for our fleet. In one account it is represented
that there was a bombardment by these three gunboats both be-
fore and after the “ Carondelet” ran the gauntlet ; another history
makes the bombardment to have been continuous. Thus it is
intended to convey the impression that this action occurred before
instead of after Captain Walke’s determination to run the gauntlet,
and that a safe passage was made for the blockade-runners to pass
the enemy’s batteries beforehand, by the spiking of No. 1 battery
on the island, and those three miles above, and the displacing of
a floating battery of the largest guns. For this service claim is
laid to the honor of anticipating the victory, and the capture of
Island No. 10, by our fleet, before the “Carondelet” passed
down the river below the island, and “attacked and silenced the
land batteries on the Tennessee shore,” and before General Pope
crossed over the river with his army to attack the enemy in the
rear, both of which the historian is led to believe was unnecessary,
as the enemy had already surrendered to the threatening appear-
ance of our fleet, without a struggle. In fact, the variations of
the history and reports published of this event, have so befogged
the facts and circumstances, in regard to the actions of our gun-
boats, that very few writers have attempted to give us a full,
clear and satisfactory account of it.

A PERVERSION OF FACTS.

All who have any knowledge of the subject, will readily perceive
that such stories throughout are but a plausible and transparent
delusion, for which the honor of our Navy must suffer until it is
corrected. The actual facts were quite easily misunderstood, how-
ever, by the ambiguity of the official despatches, by which Fort
No. 1 was mistaken for the first or upper fort at the head of Island
No. 10. All the enemy’s batteries, on shore and afloat, opened fire
for the first time with all their vigor, upon the gunboats when they
ran the blockade, excepting the upper battery or Fort No. 1, which
the “Carondelet” passed unobserved at a distance of over a mile,
and then she passed within one hundred, instead of “three hun-
dred yards” of those on Island No. 10. Fort No. 1, on the Ten-
nessee shore, was then nearly overflowed. The floating battery
before mentioned was never moored at the head of the island, so
far as could be seen; but about half the length of the island down
the river, on the middle of the northern side of the island, and it
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10. 111

was so far from our gunboats and mortar-boats, when they bom-
barded the island on the 4th of April, that it was scarcely visible
with good marine glasses. It afterwards fired upon the gunboat
“Carondelet” when she ran the gauntlet.

Flag-Officer Foote’s official report of spiking Battery No. 1,
above Island No. 10, on the Tennessee shore, reads as follows:

“JU. §. Flag Steamer ‘ Benron,’
“Orr Isuanp No. 10,
** April 2nd, 1862.
“Hon. GIDEON WELLEs,
“ Secretary of the Navy.
«Sr:

“Last night an armed boat expedition was fitted out from the squadron
and the land forces at this point, under command of Colonel Roberts, of the
42nd Illinois Regiment. The five boats comprising the expedition were in
charge of First Master G. V. Johnson, of the ‘St. Louis,’ assisted by Fourth
Master Geo. P. Lord, of the ‘Benton,’ and Master’s Mate Scoville, of the
‘Mound City,’ each with a boat’s crew of ten men from their respective
vessels, and carried in all one hundred men, exclusive of officers, under com-
mand of Colonel Roberts.

«At midnight the boats reached the upper or No. 1 Fort, and pulling di-
rectly in its face, carried it, receiving only the harmless fire of two sentries,
who ran after discharging their guns, while the rebel troops in the vicinity
rapidly retreated. Whereupon Colonel Roberts spiked the six guns mounted
in the fort, and retreated with his boats uninjured. The commanding offi-
cer compliments all under his command for coolness and deliberation, and
as being ready to perform more hazardous service had it been required to

fulfill the object of the expedition.
“Very Respectfully,
““A, H. Foote,
“«Flag-Officer.”

THE SITUATION FROM ANOTHER STAND-POINT.

It may be judicious to take a more comprehensive view of the
situation at this time, somewhat different to that which is taken by
the writers of our history. For instance, Fort Donelson repulsed
a squadron of four gunboats, giving them a terrible battering.
Columbus was considered the most formidable of all the Confed-
erate fortifications in the west—‘“the Gibraltar of the west.”
But Flag-Officer Foote informed the honorable Secretary of the
Navy, that Island No. 10 was still more impregnable and “harder
to conquer” than Columbus. Yet, soon after, we are gravely in-
formed by the Secretary of the Navy, and subsequently by our
naval historian, that a few rowboats, officered and manned from
five of our gunboats, succeeded in effecting a landing on Island
No. 10. The historian’s statement is as follows:
112 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

“Tt appears that the battery at the head of the island, whose
guns were spiked in the night expedition of boats under Colonel
Roberts, was the one mainly relied upon by the rebels. It
mounted eleven guns, and a boat would have to pass within three
hundred yards of this strong work.”

Nevertheless the crews of these rowboats accomplish their
landing quite easily, and without loss. So, then, if all this be
true, we have suggested to us a simple calculation in the “ double
rule of three,” viz.: if Colonel Roberts, with five rowboats, cap-
tured and spiked the guns of the main battery on Island No. 10
(as stated) in three minutes, how many minutes should it take
six iron-clad gunboats to capture the island after its main battery
of “eleven guns had been spiked,” and the floating battery of
“sixteen heavy guns,” as then reported, had been driven away
down the river, scuttled and wrecked, on the 4th of April? If
all this had been as stated, Foote certainly ought to have taken
Island No. 10 immediately thereafter ; and if that distinguished
officer had done s0, his entire fleet and General Buford’s little
army could have joined with the forces under command of Gen-
eral Pope, and thus have followed up the advantage so quickly,
as to have met Farragut near New Orleans, instead of above
Vicksburg. —

Notwithstanding the abundant proof as to the actual facts,
such blunders occur in our naval records and history.

The battery in which the six guns were spiked by Colonel
Roberts, of our Army, was not on or near to Island No. 10, but
about three miles east of it,in the bend or turn of the Mississippi,
on the Tennessee shore. The achievement was the voluntary
action of Colonel Roberts, and was originated and carried out
independent of, and unconnected with, any other scheme then
known ; certainly not because this battery was ever likely to pre-
vent a gunboat from passing down the river at that stage of high
water, when it could be very easily avoided, so far, at least, as
to be harmless.

But there are many other mistakes which are quite as bad, and
worse, in other histories than those of our naval histories, but
more excusable. One historical account, especially, in a “ Sketch
of General Pope,” to be found in “ The History of the Civil War
in the United States, by 8. M. Schmucker ; revised and completed
by Dr. L. P. Brocket,” wherein, at pages 206 to 209 inclusive,
Island No. 10 is represented as havirg surrendered to Flag-
Officer Foote in consequence of his “tremendous bombardment,”
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10. 113

that being (according to the writer) the only attack made upon
the enemy’s works. General’s Pope’s army is said to have then
marched to Tiptonville, but how this march was accomplished,
with the Mississippi between them, we are not informed.

A MISLEADING PICTURE.

Of course, we are quite prepared to admit that a faultless his-
tory could not be expected, especially in consideration of the con-
flicting nature of the information reported as authentic, and
perhaps never more so than in this rebellion. It was impossible
to avoid mistakes when there were so few accounts rendered that
were not more or less partial and interested. Neither can our Navy
Department now remedy the evil. Reporters, politicians, artists
and lithographers were sometimes employed with much pains and
expense, that they should magnify the actions of our fleet, and
the deeds of our warriors, pretty much in proportion to the per-
sonal influence or inducements offered. Some of the pictures, in
particular, are good specimens of this artifice and humbug ; among
them being one purporting to represent this bombardment of
Island No. 10, under which it surrendered on the 7th of April,
1862. The picture is intended as a complete bird’s-eye view—
twenty-two and a half inches by sixteen inches—in very brilliant
colors, in which, however, the artists and artificers have, at great
pains, succeeded in misrepresenting the so-called capture of the
island ; but no such scene, or anything like it, occurred there.
Gunboats and mortars present are portrayed (see photograph
herein), as all firing at once; and all the gunboats, except the
“Taylor” and “Lexington,” are steaming rapidly down upon the
island (which, by the way, has come up to meet them about two
miles from its usual position, and is very considerably elongated),
and all the Confederate batteries blazing away at a frightful rate.
This picture is entitled—

“Bombardment and capture of Island No. 10 on the Mississippi
river, April 7th, 1862, by the gunboats and mortar fleet under
command of Commodore Foote, with his flotilla, which left Cairo
March 14th, and arrived at anchorage above Island No. 10 on the
afternoon of the following day, and immediately opened fire on
the forts, which was continued day and night until April 7th,
when at midnight the rebels surrendered, and the whole island,
with all its vast munitions of war, fell into our hands, after having
withstood the bombardment for twenty-three days.”

In the construction of the picture the flag steamer “Benton,”

8
114 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the most formidable gunboat, has the post of honor, of course.
This picture is such a remarkable illustration of the above-men-
tioned works, that they all appear to have been designed by the
same clique of artists. The true position of our gunboats on this
occasion, in relation to each other, was nearly the reverse of this
representation ; the “Carondelet ” and “Pittsburg” being then
down the river, twenty miles below Island No. 10, and having,
with our army, under General Pope, actually gained the victory
twelve hours previous to the surrender of the island to Commodore
Foote. But here these gunboats are placed prominently in the rear.

It will be interesting as well as instructive, to give the reader
the facts and impressions of an intelligent “landsman,” @ disin-
terested eye-witness,” as reported by the Missouri Democrat. The
subjoined letter was written from the ftoti!la under date of, April
4th, 1862.

“We were all most gloriously disappointed yesterday in antici-
pating a big fight. Early in the morning Captain , of the
‘Benton’ made some very mysterious visits to different boats of
the squadron, and at one time was seen very earnestly spying at
the rebel battery from the pilot-house of one of the tug-boats,
which for this purpose had been taken to a favorable position on
the Missouri shore. This was all entirely out of the ordinary
routine, and, of course, created among observers expectations that
something was to be done.

“ At ten o’clock a body of sailors about an inclined derrick on the
forecastle of the flag ship could be heard singing, ‘Heave away, my
hearty fellows: heave away,’ and seen surging backwards and
forwards, as if heaving the ponderous anchor which for more than
two wecks, to the great disgust of newspaper reporters, has held
the advance of the fleet motionless. The ‘ Cincinnati,’ which for
a long time had imitated with offensive consistency the immobil-
ity of the flag ship, was also discovered increasing her steam, and
getting ready for the change of programme so anxiously awaited.

“«What does this mean?’ was the question exchanged between
lookers-on who had not been admitted to the profound seerecy of the
‘Benton.’ The upper rebel battery was not again to be stormed,
for it had evidently been most effectually silenced by a daring spik-
ing party last Tuesday night. The fleet was not about to return
to Cairo, for Commodore Foote does not know how to withdraw
from an undertaking, and in this respect, is not unlike the little
drummer-boy, who, upon being asked to beat the retreat, after giv-
ing a number of the other calls, said he never had been taught it.

 
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10. 115

We soon had no occasion for speculating about what was to be
done, for the gunboats headed over to the Missouri shore, and were
seen leisurely taking a position to serve their broadside guns at
the floating battery ; an indistinct view of which was obtained
while it lay partly submerged under a steep bank, twenty-five
feet high, on the west side of the notorious Island No. 10. A
thrifty-looking peach orchard in full bloom, stood upon the bank
just over the battery, and enabled our gunners, more than any-
thing else, to acquire the range.

“The ‘Carondelet’ and ‘Mound City,’ not being so situated
as to take part, and at the same time exposed to a return fire,
withdrew to a less dangerous position ; the ‘St. Louis’ also was
not invited to participate, and remained at anchor in the stream.
At 11 o’clock the ‘Cincinnati’ fired the first shot ; she was soon
followed by the ‘Pittsburg’ and ‘Benton.’ The decks of the
non-combative transports were covered with spectators, who,
closely watching the exploding shells, commented upon their
effectiveness, and held themselves in readiness to dodge the
shrieking shot which were momentarily expected from the rebels.
None of these came, however, and their unutterable placitude
was most contemptible.

“ Our shooting was less frequent, and seemingly less determined,
than on the day of the first bombardment ; and for the first two
hours, we thought it simple wariness on the part of our officers,
resulting from a purpose to enter more gradually upon a more
resolute conflict ; but we were deceived when after three hours
the fire slackened instead of being increased. The ‘Benton,’
long before darkness set in, and without any special necessity,
hauled near to the Kentucky shore apparently reflecting thereby
the opinion of the commodore, that more had been undertaken
than could be accomplished. This view of the matter, we think,
was well taken, for, with the aid of good glasses, no damage was
seen to be done by our shooting, the enemy not even appearing
annoyed, and at best the policy of reducing a line of batteries by
opening upon the one most remotely situated, being exposed in
the mean time to the fire of the others, appears to us a little
strange.

“ Little reverses of this kind, or probably they may more appro-
priately be denominated failures, give great comfort to the rebels,
and will encourage them to a more desperate defense when the
final struggle comes, than they might otherwise make. To-day
everything hereabouts has assumed its former attitude. The
116 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

transaction of yesterday has been almost forgotten, and remem-
bered, if at all, as one of much noise but of little significance.”
True enough, the young and ingenuous reporter could not
then see the significance of this sudden and mysterious move-
ment of these gunboats, or the incentive which broke up their
“masterly inactivity.” But now the pages of our history will
show him that a great victory was then expected to be gained
by our army; and by this attack (in appearance at least) our
fleet could ultimately lay claim to the credit of capturing Island

No. 10.
GENERAL POPE’S PLAN OF OPERATIONS.

Colonel Bissell, of the Engineer Corps, had some time pre-
viously been directed by General Pope to examine the swamps
on the west bank of the river, above and near Island No. 10, and
ascertain whether or not a canal could be constructed from a
point above Island No. 10 to New Madrid. From his report it
appeared practicable to make a channel through the swamps, of
sufficient depth to admit the passage of light-draught boats, and
the work of opening the channel was immediately commenced.*

It was the design of General Pope to make the canal deep
enough for the gunboats; but the difficulty of the undertaking
was too great, and the time when the river would fall faster than
‘he could dig being near at hand, it was found impossible to ac-
complish the task as at first proposed, within the time required,
if at all. There appeared, moreover, but little prospect of Gen-
eral Pope obtaining any aid from the flotilla ; and he accordingly
ordered the construction of several floating batteries, made from
heavy coal barges, with which he hoped to silence at least a part
of the enemy’s forts, to enable his army to cross the river. But
General Pope did not fully rely upon their ability to cope with
the heavily-armed and strongly-built forts of the enemy ; and he
continued to urge upon Flag-Officer Foote the necessity of send-
ing down one, two, or three of his gunboats, to render the most
essential assistance. In one of his letters to that officer, General
Pope says: “I am thus urgent, sir, because the lives of thousands
of men, and the success of our operations, hangs upon your de-
cision.”

Notwithstanding the repeated solicitations of General Pope,

* We ask the attention of the reader to the above particulars, to contro-
vert explicitly the idea that this plan of operations should be accredited to
the flag-officer.
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10. 117

Flag-Officer Foote was unwilling to assume the responsibility of
ordering a movement, the practicability of which he was per-
sonally very doubtful, and which was also opposed by nearly all
his officers. In his report to the Secretary of the Navy, dated
March 20th, 1862, Flag-Officer Foote, in support of his opinion,
resting upon the advice of a council of his officers, says :

“J send to-night to sound in a narrow and shallow channel, in
hopes the present rise of water will enable me to dispatch a small
steamer, with light draft, to General Pope, near New Madrid ; *
who, as I have already informed the Department, has several
times requested that I would send him two or three gunboats, to
enable him to cross over to the Tennessee side, with the view of
attacking the rebels in the rear at that point, while we make the
attack in the front, or river side. I am apprehensive, however,
from our ill success thus far, that this project may not prove
feasible. To-day, for the first time since I have been in com-
mand of the flotilla, I called a council of war with the view of
ascertaining the opinion of the officers, with reference to sending,
or attempting to send, aid to General Pope. “The officers, with
one exception, were decidedly opposed to running the blockade,
believing it would result in the almost certain destruction of the
boats which should attempt to pass the six forts, with fifty guns
bearing upon the vessel.”

A coungil of war “ for the first time,” was called by Flag-Officer
Foote, as it appears in the above letter, on the 20th of March,
1862. Where it was held, or who were present, does not appear
therein : but one nameless officer was not “opposed to running
the blockade.”

This council appears to have been a secret one, of which we
know nothing, except by the above letter. The actual council, at
which a decision was made, was held on the 28th or 29th of
March, 1862, on board the flag steamer. At this council was read
the letter of General Pope, already referred to ; and then the flag-
officer invited the commanders to retire, as he said he would take
the opinion of each, separately and privately. It happened that
in the order of rank, the second officer called was the commander
of the “ Carondelet,” who, upon being asked his opinion on the
subject of running the blockade, earnestly advised the admiral to
send a gunboat down to General Pope (nearly in these words),

* This attempt to send a small steamer with light draft through a’ little
bayou, to New Madrid, is a very clear indication that no gunboat was
then intended to be sent there.
118 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

“if he thought her services below Island No. 10 would justify
the risk.” “On being immediately asked whether he would under-
take to pass the enemy’s batteries with the “ Carondelet,” Captain
Walke replied that he would. The admiral then said he would
send Captain Walke his orders, and that he should or would be
rewarded.*

It was considered advisable and desirable, that none but vol-
unteers should take part in this exceedingly hazardous expedition,
as it was then considered, and as it was known to Captain Walke,
that one of the officers of the “Carondelet” would probably de-
cline to go voluntarily, the admiral sent for him afterwards ; and
at the suggestion of Captain Stembel, Mr. Hoel, first master of the
“Cincinnati,” was sent for, and he consented to accompany Cap-
tain Walke on board the “ Carondelet,” and the disaffected ofticer
was excused.

It was under the circumstances just recounted—when it was
known that the whole success of General Pope’s operations de-
pended upon one, at least, of our gunboats effectually running the
blockade—that Captain Walke, confident of the morale of his
command, offered to take the “Carondelet” past the batteries.
Various accounts are given in reference to this matter in our
histories. In one of them it is said that “the ‘Carondelet ’ under-
took” to perform this service; while the important fact that it
was the advice of Captain Walke to send a gunboat to General
Pope, which was so highly appreciated by the admiral, is over-
looked or suppressed entirely. Captain Walke could not have
been guilty of such presumption as to have assumed the responsi-
bility of rushing into the admiral’s presence, volunteering his
advice, and offering to go on that dangerous expedition, without
first. being asked, and impressed with the importance of the ser-
vice which might be rendered by his gunboat below Island No.
10. It was after hearing General Pope’s letter read, and when
Captain Walke’s opinion and advice were asked, that he told the
flag-officer that if the services of a gunboat would justify the
risk he certainly would send the gunboat desired, and being asked
if he would run the gauntlet himself, replied that he would.

Certain partics have tried to take from Walke the credit of this
enterprise, by their accounts of it, by stating that General Pope’s

* We are convinced that this council of war was not consulted to carry
out the flag-officer’s plan of operations, but torclieve himself of the responsi-
bility of complying with the request of General Pope to co-operate with
him in a plan which he, Foote, did not approve of. See his official reports.
BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NO. 10. 119

plan of sending a gunboat past the batteries was abandoned after
the council of war, and then giving a long account of the opera-
tions of our fleet above the island (which had previously occurred),
to convey the idea that all this work by Flag-Officer Foote, and
the length of time to accomplish it, had superseded Pope’s re-
quest ; but that the bombardment of the island, and the spiking
of the guns on Fort No. 1, had then enabled him to risk one of
his gunboats in running the batteries to secure the capture of
Island No. 10, without reference to the operations of General
Pope. And such are the statements of the most beautiful and
confident writers on our naval affairs, during the rebellion, that
the latest production has at last accredited Flag-Officer Foote
with all the honors, as the projector and executor of all these
successful operations, which, according to their accounts, required
a hard struggle of twenty-three days to accomplish.

A GUNBOAT URGENTLY NEEDED BY GENERAL POPE.

The critical appearance of affairs at this time may be imagined
from the nature of some of the published letters ‘of the flag- Spicer:
In one of them Admiral Foote says :

“General Pope has no transports, and, without our reaching
him by running the blockade, is unable to cross over to the Ten-
nessee side from New Madrid, where he now is in force ; and it is
impossible for him, from the inundated state of the country, to
send or march his troops to this point.”

In another letter also the flag-officer alludes to the naval forces
of the enemy below Island No. 10, and advises General Halleck
and Commander Pennock, at Cairo, to prepare for the worst, “in
case he should be overpowered.” He also alludes to that report
in similar letters to the Secretary of the Navy, before and since
Walke ran the gauntlet, of the serious apprehension of a formid-
able attack upon our fleet by that of the enemy, from New Orleans
and Memphis. And the order to be on the alert, was extended
to all the other officers in command on the Mississippi, above
Island No. 10. But after the apprehended dangers were overcome
by the gunboats under command of Captain Walke—the “ Pitts-
burg” and some others having followed that officer’s example
when the possibility of successfully running the blockade had
been demonstrated—many efforts were made to detract from the
meritorious services of those who were first to make the venture,
and who subsequently, with the army at New Madrid, achieved
such glorious results.
CHAPTER VIII. :
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10.

Preliminary correspondence of the Commander-in-chief.—What was re-
quired of the ‘‘ Carondelet.”—Running the blockade.—Flag-Officer Foote
to General Pope.—A description by a correspondent.—Captain Walke con-

atulated on his achievement.—Importance of the service rendered.—

etter of Flag-Officer Foote to General Pope.—Captain Walke’s report.—
A contemplated attack by the fleet which was never made.—Unequal
praise.—A description by the correspondent of The New York Times,
and also by the only correspondent on board the ‘‘ Carondelet,” from
The Missouri Democrat.—Faithful word-painting.

ELAG-OFFICER FOOTE TO GEN. HALLECK.

“Flag Steamer ‘Benton,’ orF Isuanp No. 10,

March 26, 1862.
‘‘ GENERAL:

“Tn view of the rebels having, as is reported, thirteen gunboats at New
Orleans, irrespective of four or five below New Madrid, with the ‘Ma-
nassas’ ram at Memphis, I respectfully suggest, in the contingency of their
passing up the river, that it would be desirable to have a river battery
placed at Columbus, which would sweep the river below that point. Cairo,
being now overflowed, presents a less defensible position than Columbus.

“Tam very Respectfully,
“« Major-General “(A. H. Foote,
H. W. Haiecs, “ Flag-Officer.
Coma’g St. Louis, Missouri,”

Copies of two letters referred to on preceding pages.

FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE TO COMMANDER PENNOCK.

“Flag Steamer ‘Brenton,’ Isuanp No. 10,
March 26, 1862.
“Sir:

“You will inform the commanders of the gunboats ‘Cairo,’ ‘Taylor,’
and ‘Lexington,’ not to be caught up the rivers with too little water to re-
turn to Cairo. They, of course, before leaving, will consult the generals
with whom they arc co-operating. As it is reported, on the authority of
different persons from New Orleans, that the rebels have thirteen gunboats
finished and ready to move up the Mississippi, besides four or five below

[120]
ONDELET RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND No. 10.

 
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10. 121

New Madrid, and the ‘Manassas,’ or ram, at Memphis, the boats now up
the river and at Columbus or Hickman should be ready to protect Cairo or
Columbus, in case disaster overtakes us in our flotilla.
“ Respectfully,
‘A, H. Foote,
“« Flag-Officer.”’

DANGERS Of RUNNING THE BLOCKADE.

In a letter written by Commodore Foote to General Pope, the
risk to which any boat attempting to run the blockade would be
exposed, and the galling fire which could be brought to bear upon
it from the forts, are thus described. The letter is dated on the
6th of April, two days after the gauntlet was run, and reads thus :
“Tf it did not sink the gunboat, we would, in the Navy, consider
the gunners totally unfit for employment in the service ; and,
therefore, my responsibility for the lives of the officers and men
under my charge, induces me to decline a request which would,
especially without protection to the boat, were the rebels at all
competent to perform their duty, result in the sacrifice of the
boat, her officers, and men, which sacrifice I would not be justified
in making ; certainly not now, when by your admission it will be
easy for the new rebel steamers, reported to be on their way up
the river, to pass your batteries in the night; and if they meet
my squadron, reduced by loss, so as to be unable to cope with
them, can continue up the Mississippi or Ohio, to St. Louis or
to Cincinnati.” Attention is invited to the tone and expressions
of the flag-officer on these various occasions, before and since his
order was written to Captain Walke, dated March 30th, 1862 ;
his letters to General Pope, as given above, compared with his
reports to the Secretary of the Navy, and to General Freemont,
on or about the 5th or 6th of April, containing the anxious views
of the commodore concerning his flotilla ; and those also which
were written after the surrender of Island No. 10, to be convinced
of the effect which Captain Walke’s advice, and the important
results as they progressed to secure the victory, which the flag-
officer’s friends now claim entirely as the fruit of his labor.

The first cheering hope for the success, after the waning for-
tunes of our fleet, appears in the following letter of the flag-oflicer
to the Honorable Secretary of the Navy :

“U. 8, Flag Steamer ‘ Benron,’ orF Isuanp No. 10,
April 5, 1862.
«Sm:
‘I have the honor to enclose several letters and papers referring to our
1 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. '

action here within the last three or four days. By spiking the rebel guns
in one fort, and compelling the floating battery to cut adrift from her moor-
ings, on the following day, from our effective firing on her ; these have en-
abled the ‘ Carondelet,’ Commander Walke, to run, as I hope, successfully, the
blockade, and join General Pope at New Madrid, who has been urging me to
send him one or two gunboats, to cover his troops while he lands in force
to attack them in front.

While the ‘Carondelet’ was running the blockade last night in the
midst of a heavy thunder-storm, the batteries opened upon her with forty-
seven guns ; still, as the preconcerted signals with that vessel of firing minute
guns was made as far as the heavy thunder would enable us to hear, I
trust that she is now safely at New Madrid.

“T have the honor to be, Your Ob’t Servant,
‘A. H. Foote,

“Flag-Officer.
“Hon. GIDEON WELLES,

“ Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C.”

In an excellent report of this achievement by a correspondent
of the Cincinnati Commercial, from the gunboat “Cincinnati,”
above Island No. 10, the writer says: “Flash after flash, boom after
boom, in concert with the lightning and thunder of nature, made
us almost despair of the safe passage of the brave men, on that
daring craft ; but the God of Battles was with them, and He who
‘holds the waters in the hollow of his hand’ bore them safely
through. Fifty-one guns were fired at her ; but, when we had al-
most given her up as lost, the heart-gladdening signal of her safety
came hurling through the air, making our souls leap for joy, and
our hands clasp with a fervor of feeling that few have felt.”

Very few would ever wish to withhold the highest honor from
General Pope and his officers, Generals Hamilton and Bissell; or
from Flag-Officer Foote, and the officers and men of the Navy
who executed their instructions below Island No. 10.

The following is a copy of the order issued to Captain Walke,
by Commodore Foote, when the “ Carondelet” was about to start
to run the blockade : —

FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE TO CAPTAIN WALKE, U. S. N.

“U. 8. Steamer ‘Benron,’ orr Isutanp No. 10,
March 30th, 1862.
«$m:

““You will avail yourself of the first fog or rainy night, and drift your
steamer down past the rebel batteries, on the Tennessee shore and Island
No. 10, until you reach New Madrid. I assign you this service as it is
vitally important to the capture of this place that a gunboat should now be
at New Madrid, for the purpose of covering General Pope’s army while cross-
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10. 128

ing that point to the opposite or Tennessee side of the river, that he may
move his army up to Island No. 10, and attack the rebels in the rear, while
we attack them in front. Should you succeed in reaching General Pope, you
will freely confer with him, and adopt his suggestions, so far as your superior
knowledge of what your boat will perform will enable you to do, for the
purpose of protecting his force while crossing the river. You will also
(if you have coal, and the current of the river will permit), steam up the
river when the army moves for the purpose of attempting their fortifica-
tions. Still, you will act cautiously here, as you nov will be the only boat be-
low. You will capture or destroy the rebel steamboat ‘‘Grampus,” and
the transports, if possible, between this place and Island No. 10, at such
time as will not embarrass you in placing yourself in communication with
General Pope, at the earliest possible time after leaving this place. On this
delicate and somewhat hazardous service to which I assign you, I must en-
join upon you the importance of keeping your lights secreted in the hold or
put out, keeping your officers and men from speaking at all, when passing
the forts, above a whisper, and then only on duty, and of using every other
precaution to prevent the rebels suspecting that you are dropping below
their batteries. If you successfully perform this duty assigned to you,
which you so willingly undertake, it will reflect the highest credit upon you,
and all belonging to your vessel ; and I doubt not, but that the government
will appreciate and reward you for a service which, I trust, will enable the
army to cross the river, and make a successful attack in the rear, while we
storm the batteries in front of this stronghold of the rebels. Commending
you, and all who are under your command, to the care and protection of
God, who rules the world and directs all things,
“T remain, Very Respectfully Your Ob’t Servant,
“A. H. Foots,
«« Commander «« Flag-Officer Com. Naval Forces Western Waters.
H. Watrg, U.S. N.,
Commanding U. 8. Gunboat ‘ Carondelet.’”

«Pp. §. Should you meet with disaster, you will, as a last resort, destroy
the steam machinery, and if possible to escape, set fire to your gunboat or
sink her and prevent her from falling into the hands of the rebels.

“A, HF.”

What was required of the “Carondelet” very clearly appears
in this extraordinary order of the flag-officer, which has been pub-
lished in nearly every book which treats of this subject. But it
is evident that none have attempted or pretended to consider the
extent of its requirements from the “Carondelet.” For their
perfect accomplishment would not fall short of an exclusive vic-
tory for that vessel. The order alone will convince the profes-
sional reader, acquainted with that locality, that the services de-
manded of that gunboat far exceeded anything which the fleet
had accomplished or attempted, notwithstanding the empty boasts
of its victory. She was not only to run the blockade successfully,

'
124 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

but to capture or destroy the enemy’s gunboat “ Grampus,” and
the transports which were moored under their batteries at Island
No. 10, and also those between our fleet and Island No. 10; and
in addition to all this, to communicate with the least possible de-
lay with General Pope. The possibilities shadowed forth in the
orders to Captain Walke, and the task which he “so willingly
undertook,” appeared to be considered of too hazardous a nature
to be undertaken by the whole fleet above Island No. 10; espec-
ially when an attack from the enemy’s fleet was daily expected.
This order, therefore, meant business, and such as could not be
done without a victory. Although these orders were too intricate
and ambiguous to be carried out to the letter, Captain Walke
appreciated them, as they clearly evinced the confidence which
was placed in his wise discretion, which had before undergone
tests that had been very thorough and satisfactory.

On the 4th April, Acting First Master Hoel joined the “Caron-
delet,” all preparations being made to run the blockade of the ene-
my’s forts onand about Island No. 10. Captain Walke sent an offi-
cer to the flag-ofticer with the information that the “ Carondelet”
would run the gauntlet that night, if it would meet his approba-
tion; and, upon receiving a favorable answer, at 8, p. M., the “Ca-
rondelet” went a short distance up the river, and took a barge
laden with coal and hay on her port side. Where there was no
iron plating on the sides of the vessel forward and aft, it was pro-
tected with bales of hay, lumber, chain-cables, &c. ; the coal barge
being lashed to her port quarter, to protect the magazine and shell
rooms. Her upper deck was covered, also, with lumber, cord wood,
coal bags, chain-cables and hawsers: cables and ropes were coiled
round the pilot-house, from twelve to eighteen inches thick, and
heavy timber, with all her available iron, was securely placed as a
barricade around the boilers and engine-room ; and it was truly said,
“The brave old ‘ Carondelet’ looked like a farmer’s team, preparing
for market.” Captain Walke, being put on his own resources, was
visited by General Buford, who rendered all the assistance in his
power, and was with the captain all the preceding day, on the “ Rob
Roy,” searching for the suitable barges. The general was accom-
panied on board that night by Captain Hottendorff, of the 42nd
Mlinois, and twenty-three sharpshooters of his command who vol-
unteered to accompany her. He also remained on: board to the last
moment, to give the captain and his brave officers and crew a
hearty farewell with every encouragement from the Army officers.
No officers of the fleet were present, although by some of them it
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10. 125

was said, the “Carondelet” was going into “the jaws of death,”
and from them cheer was not expected.

All the arrangements being completed, the captain briefly ad-
dressed the crew, on the character and importance of the enterprise
in which they were about to engage ; and concluded by giving the
orders required for the occasion ; “all ready, cast off the hawsers ;”
all having expressed their readiness for the adventure. The “Ca-
rondelet,” being one of the slowest vessels of the fleet, was difficult
to manage ; on this occasion, particularly, she was very hard to steer
or turn. The weather indicated rain, and a heavy storm was com-
ing up the river rapidly. Assoon as the “Carondelet” was cast off,
her bow was slowly turned to the westward. Heading for Island
No. 10, she drifted silently past our fleet until clear of the first point,
when she steamed down the river with all speed, heedless of the
enemy’s shot, and a tremendous black storm which came roaring up
the river, threatening to sweep destruction over land and water ;
with awful blasts of lightning and thunder, the artillery of heaven
and earth combined to crush the daring intruder as she passed
through the blinding storm ; like that which the inspired psalmist
so vividly describes: “The waters saw Thee, O God, the waters saw
Thee, and were afraid : the depths also were troubled. The clouds
poured out water, the air thundered, and Thine arrows went abroad.”
We prefer, however, to give our readers some of the most perfect
pictures of this adventure, by the best writers who actually wit-
nessed the scene.

FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE TO GENERAL POPE.

U. 8. Flag Ship ‘‘ Benton,” orF Istanp No. 10,

April 4, 1862.
‘GENERAL :

“The ‘Carondelet,’ Captain Walke, left her anchorage this evening at
10 o’clock, in a heavy thunder-storm, for the purpose of running the fire of
the batteries at Island No. 10, and those lining the Tennessee shore, to join
your forces at New Madrid. By a previous concerted signal of three minute
guns, twice fired, at intervals of five minutes, which have since been heard
as near as the heavy thunder would enable us to ascertain, leads me to hope
that the blockade has been run successfully, although the batteries opened
upon her with forty-seven guns while passing. J am, therefore, so exceeding-
ly anxious to hear the fate of the noble officers and men who so readily were
disposed to attempt the hazardous service, that I beg you will immediately
inform me by the bearer, if Commander Walke has arrived with his vessel,
and the condition in which you find her and her officers and men.

“Tam Respectfully, Your Ob’t Servant,
“To Major-General “A. H. Foote,
JOHN PorE, “« Flag-Officer.
Commanding Army at New Madrid, Missouri.”
126 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

The following is an extract from the correspondence of the
New York Times, above Island No. 10, April 5th:

“ At 10 o’clock she cast loose, and started slowly down the stream.
At the same time heavy clouds had overspread the sky, and a genuine
tropical thunder-storm came howling upon theriver. It did not rain,
in the ordinary meaning of the word, but whole gulfs of water
came pouring down in masses. Nor did it thunder and lighten, in
the usual meaning given to those words, but it roared at us as if all
the electric batteries of north, south, east and west, had concen-
trated their forces, and were bellowing at us in unison, while the
lightning, in each broad flash, was so vast and so vivid that it
seemed as if the gates of some hell, like that of Milton, were
opened and shut every instant, suffering the whole fierce reflection
of the infernal lake to flash across the sky. At such a time the
‘Carondelet’ lifted her anchors and slowly swung into the stream,
watched through the almost blinding flashes by thousands of eager
eyes, whose owners, regardless of the driving storm, crowded the
decks of the other gunboats and transports to watch the heroic
undertaking. Slowly she swung round till headed down stream,
and then pushed straight ahead, keeping well over towards the
island. We could see her almost every second ; every brace, port,
and outline could be seen with startling distinctness, enshrouded
by a bluish-white glare of light, and then her form for the next
instant would become merged in the intense blackness that lay
upon the river like a pall.

“With beating hearts we saw her arrive opposite to and pass the
first battery, on the Kentucky shore, without a demonstration from
the enemy. But just below was another battery whose guns had
often pitched their immense balls a distance of four miles; and
with hearts whose beatings could almost be heard beneath our
jackets, we watched her slowly approaching in checquers of dark-
ness and flame, the dreaded works. A crashing peal of thunder,
a blinding flash of light, which scarcely had disappeared when a
broad blaze of flame burst from the fortifications, followed imme-
diately by a second and third; a few moments later, and the
reports came up to us, dulled by the power of the storm. No
reply from the ‘Carondelet.’ Slowly she steamed ahead, the sky
all ablaze about her, the Kentucky shore vomiting fierce flames,
the thunders of the storm and the roar of the rebel artillery
commingling ; as if heaven and earth had joined to crush the
audacious intruder.

“Jn about twenty minutes the ‘Carondelet’ had passed below
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10. 127

the island, chased all the way by the outbursting flashes along the
shore, roared at by the thunders above, beset by the rain and
buffeted by the savage winds. Then the flashes along the shore
ceased, and then a few moments of terrible suspense. Had she
gone down, or was’ she drifting helpless in the swift current?
Just then the roar of a gun came up faintly from below, and then
another and another. It was the signal that she had passed
through safely ; and then there went up such thunders of cheers,
and hurrisanes of shouts from the watching crowds, that even the
storm itself was outroared, and the voice of our jubilation sent
down to the rebels, who were gnashing their teeth in bafled rage
behind their fortifications.

“To conclude, I will add, that forty-seven shots were fired at
the ‘Carondelet,’ not one of which struck her! She lay off last
night a short distance above New Madrid, and this morning early
steamed up to the landing.

“Such another scene of rejoicing at her arrival was probably
never witnessed,” &c. (Signed) Gataway.

The following graphic account of the “Carondelet’s ” exploit,
written “on the spot” by one of the editors of the St. Louis
Democrat, is worthy of perusal; as the most correct and faithful
report of this event that has yet been published.

“PULL PARTICULARS BY THE ONLY CORRESPONDENT ON BOARD
THE ‘ CARONDELET.’—A NIGHT OF STORM, DARKNESS AND
PERIL ON BOARD THE ‘ CARONDELET.’—SAFE THROUGH,

AND GREAT JOY ON BOARD AND ON SHORE.

“On board the gunboat ‘ Carondelet,’ off New Madrid,
“ April 5th.

“On the 30th ulto., Commodore Foote addressed to Captain
Walke, commanding the gunboat ‘Carondelet,’ an order from
which we make the following extracts. Its complete publication
would reveal improper information. [The order referred to is
contained in the preceding pages. ]

“Last night was appointed by Captain Walke for the perform-
ance of the above order. Yesterday morning preparations began
on the ‘ Carondelet.” Planks from the wreck of an old barge
were brought on board, with which the deck of the boat was
covered, to resist plunging shot; all surplus chains were coiled
over the most vulnerable parts of the boat; an 11-inch hawser
was wound round the pilot-house as high up as the windows; the
128 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

hammock nettings were well packed with hammocks ; gun car-
riages were taken apart, and cord wood was brought up from the
hold for the purpose of constructing barriers about the boilers,
and many other minor preparations made during the day to fit
the vessel, so far as possible, for the ordeal through which she
was to pass.

“The condition of the weather was anxiously looked forward to,
and every perceptible change in the atmosphere or wind observed,
and the consequences carefully calculated, as they were to bear
on the success or defeat of the enterprise. Late in the day there
was every prospect of a clear, moonlight night ; something very
undesirable, as may be inferred from the foregoing orders, and
that which would have given the enemy timely notice of our ap-
proach, and enabled him to serve his guns with as much accuracy
as in daylight. Under these circumstances, it was concluded to
wait until the moon had gone down; and then, be the auspices
what they might, attempt the execution of a project, the aban-
donment of which would have been a great disappointment, after
the preliminaries had attained such a degree of maturity. At
sundown the indications grew more favorable ; the atmosphere
became suddenly hazy, the wind veered to the north-west, and a
set of black clouds, rapidly increasing in width, bordered the
horizon from the north-west, strongly evidencing an approaching
storm.

“The way the batteries were to be passed was as follows : Com-
modore Foote’s injunctions concerning quietness and suppression
of all lights aboard were to be strictly observed, the guns were
run back, and the ports closed; the sailors, cap-a-pie, with
pistols, cutlasses, boarding-pikes, and muskets. Hand-grenades
had been provided, and the hot-water hoses were connected with
the boilers, and held in readiness to drench with scalding water
those who might attempt to board the boat, and overcome the
crew ; the engineer had orders to cut the cold-water supply, and
the injector pipe, if it became likely to fall into the enemy’s
hands. This, in case of necessity, would have been resorted to
instead of burning the vessel ; for it would not only have given
to the crew better means of escape, but averted the terrible loss of
life that inevitably would have resulted from the firing of the
boat, and the explosion of the magazine.

“ At dusk, twenty-four sharpshooters, Company H, 42nd Illinois,
commanded by Captain Hollenstelm, who dropped down in cut-
ters and transports, and came at dusk on board of the ‘Carondelet,’
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10. 129

were mustered on deck, inspected, received their orders (which
were to co-operate with the crew in repelling boarders), and then
taken to the gun-deck, there to remain until called upon ; observ-
ing the strictest silence in the mean time.

“The barges of hay were for protection. At 8 o’clock the
boat left her anchorage, and passed up the shore for a mile, where,
partly concealed between two transports, was a barge containing
coal and baled hay. This was immediately made fast to the
port side, it being the part to be chiefly exposed to the enemy’s
batteries. ‘The hay had been placed in layers on the wrong side
of the barge (the outer one); the crew was soon employed in
shifting it where it would afford greater protection, and at the
same time enable the gunboat to control it much easier. One
course of bales was laid over the casements astern, as they weie
to be presented to the enemy for a long time after passing the
batteries, and liable to receive all the shots sent after us, without
being iron-plated, or able to resist heavy cannon balls.

“The barge and the hay came up to the top of the broadside
port-holes, and would have been of much service had the batteries
to be passed been on a parallel with the gunboat; but such was
not the case here, for both on the mainland and head of the island
they stand upon a bank twenty or thirty feet high, and in firing
into a passing boat it becomes necessary, as subsequently demon-
strated, for them to depress their guns, in which event the barges
alongside were supposed to be important shields.

“Wr. R. Hoel, first master of the ‘ Cincinnati,’ a gentleman of
twenty-one years’ experience on the Mississippi (and whom we
‘may parenthetically state is now making his 194th trip to New
Orleans), came on board the ‘Carondelet’ at 9, a. u., and relieved
Richard N. Wade, the first master of the boat. A consultation
was immediately held with the pilots, in which the course of the
channel, and the location of the bars, were taken into considera-
tion. It had been previously determined to run down on the
Missouri side of the island, and to add to the practicability of
this, last Tuesday afternoon the fleet shelled the rebel floating bat-
tery, for the purpose of driving it from the command it held on
that channel.

“The hour approaches. At 10 o’clock the moon went down ;
the storm, which had been thickening and gathering for several
hours, was now about to burst upon us, and, greatly encouraged
by so opportune a period for starting, the captain passed the word

‘All ready,’ and the sailors were sent on shore to loosen the lines.
9
130 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

In a few moments we were under way, and after a little difficulty
in rounding with the cumbersome barges, fairly stood * out for
New Madrid.’ The machinery was so adjusted as to permit the
escape of the steam through the wheel-house, and thus avoid the
pufting which results from its passing through the steam pipes.
So silently did we proceed that it was scarcely known on board
that the boat was under way, and we thought some of the officers
were almost unbelievers when they asked the engineer, through
the speaking pipes, if he was ‘ going ahead on her.’

“Tor the first half mile everything went still and smooth be-
yond even the most sanguine anticipations, and the probability
of passing the batteries unobserved was being remarked by some,
when the soot in the chimneys caught fire, and a blaze five feet
high leaped out from their tops, lighting brightly the upper deck
of the vessel and everything around. The word was hastily
passed to the engineer to open the flue-caps, after which the
flames subsided ; but not until the rebels had the fairest oppor-
tunity to discover our approach and prepare a reception. This
was a serious mishap, because no signal, even by appointment,
could so perfectly reveal our intentions ; and what contributed to
its misfortune was the time of its happening, which was before
any of their batteries had been passed, giving them ample time to
communicate from one point to another before we came within
range. Notwithstanding all this, strange as it may seem, no
alarm among the rebels was discovered to follow, and we were
consoling ourselves over the remissness of the rebel sentries, when,
to our great astonishment, the chimneys were fired again, as if a
treacherous deity was presiding over the fortunes of our boat.*

TOE CAUSE OF THE FIRE.

“This repetition of what had seemed before an untoward event,
was on deck thought to proceed from the mismanagement of the
engineer, and it was with no little emphasis that the executive
officer demanded ‘ why in h 1 the flue-caps were not kept open.’
A subsequent examination proved, however, that it was a matter
over which the engineer had no control further than to suppress
the fire when it occurred. The escape into the wheel-house of

 

* Tt was an error to suppose, that the gunboat, or anything at a distance
from the batteries, was visible through that black thunder-storm, except by
the lightning ; as the ‘ Pittsburg,” which followed the ‘‘Carondelet,” a
few duys after, had seventy-three guns fired at her, as reported. She was,
therefore, as readily seen without those blazing chimneys to invite the at-
tention of her enemies, and frighten our fastidious spectators, or those who
have since so glowingly harped upon the awful scene.
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND No. 10. 131

the steam, which, when passing through the smoke stacks moist-
ened the soot, left it to be rapidly dried and ignited by the fire in
the furnaces.

“The rebels took the alarm. The boat now presented a broad-
side to the upper fort, and the sentries there had not failed to
discover the boat by the last accident, and alarmed the guards
at the forts below by discharging their muskets. Immediately
afterwards five rockets were sent up from the main land and the
island, and were followed by a cannon shot from Fort No. 2. The
stillness of the upper fort satisfied all those on board that the
guns had been most effectually disabled by the spiking party.
Had it not been so the rebels would have first opened upon us
with cannon from that point, since it was first alarmed, and
afforded an easy range. We concluded to rush by.

“But one course remained to be pursued by the officers of
the ‘ Carondelet ;’ that was, to let on a full head of steam, and
make the greatest possible haste by the rebel batteries, which
were now momentarily expected to open fire from all their guns.
To this end orders were hurriedly passed below to the engineers,
and the speed of the boat was soon much accelerated. Mr. Wil-
son, one of the boatswain’s mates, was stationed on the forecastle
with lead and line, to give the soundings. Mr. Gilmore, one of
the master’s mates, was placed on the forward or upper deck to
pass them to Captain Hoel, who also stood upon the deck to direct
the pilots how to steer the boat.

THE CRISIS.

“Just at this juncture, while vivid flashes of lightning lit up the
hurried preparations of the rebels as they charged and trained
their guns, while peal after peal of thunder reverberated along
the river, and the rain poured down in torrents. Now was the
time for coolness and heroism. Captain Walke deliberately giv-
ing orders ; Captain Hoel stood firm on deck in a perfect shower
of cannon balls and musket balls which were launched upon us,
and as he discovered the outlines of the banks, or the course of
the channel by the aid of the flashing lightning, his clear voice
rang out his commands to the pilots, who steadily held the wheel.
But once, we believe, during the perilous passage, did the watchful
eyes of the captain suffer the boat to gain a precarious position ;
and then it was when a lengthened intermission between the flashes
of lightning completely obscured our course, and the current,
striking the cumbersome barge, sheered the vessel, and carried it
towards a neighboring bar. The first glance of light, however,
132 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. !

disclosed our situation, and the rapid command, ‘ Hard-a-port,’
admonished us of our danger. The boat, nevertheless, soon re-
gained the channel, and our fears were dispelled by remarks on
deck, that ‘all was going well,’ and the anxiously-waited reports,
as they came up from the forecastle, ‘No bottom.’

“ Just at this time, the ‘ Benton,’ ‘ Pittsburg,’ and several mor-
tars, opened upon the rebels, who were so industriously storming
the ‘ Carondelet,’ and it gave us great satisfaction to know that our
friends were returning a fire which we could not. When we got
well out of the range of the enemy’s land batteries, passed the
first shock which greeted us from the head of the island, and were
gliding down the north bank, the exultation began, and the most
disparaging comments were made upon the enemy’s wild firing.
‘When the circumstances under which it was made are taken into
consideration, however, we doubt whether our own gunners could
have excelled. it. The furious hurricane then raging, and the
impenetrable darkness precluded a knowledge of our position,
which every turn of the wheel changed. Our boat was not very
fleet, and the barge in tow impeded a speed which might otherwise
have been made, with the current in our favor. The consequence
was, an exposure of thirty minutes to an uninterrupted fire from
four batteries on the Kentucky shore, and one at the head of the
island. The judgment which we were enabled to form from the
shrieking of their shot, was that they flew from five to thirty yards
over our heads; a few were heard to plunge in the water. One
cause of the wild shooting was in over-estimating the distance
of our boat. It was close along the bank, under their guns; and
had this been fully understood, the rebels would have found it
difficult to depress their guns to such a degree as to bear upon us,
without having them dismounted by an angular recoil.

“ After having passed the foot of the island without finding
the battery there, which for several days had been reported as
mounting a number of long-range guns, a feeling of security
came over our officers, and they would have been glad to make
it known to the crew, and afford them relief from a long and
painful suspense, but it was not over yet. A reconnoissance on
the preceding day disclosed the locality of a floating battery,
three miles below the island, on the Tennessee shore, and this re-
mained to be passed. <A light was seen burning on it as we ap-
proached, and being in no wise prepared to engage it (although
a feeling of this kind was exhibited after having thus far success-
fully accomplished our mission), the ‘Carondelet’ bore over to
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10. 133

the Missouri shore, and ran by, being fired at only six or eight
times from the floating battery. It was said that our shooting on
Thursday, when it was lying alongside of the island, cut its fas-
tenings, when it floated down to the place we found it last night,
and there it was overhauled and made fast by a rebel transport.
It evidently evinced a disinclination to fight last night, by not
firing at our boat while approaching, and reserving its fire until
we had passed by out of range ; and even the shooting was ex-
ceedingly stinted, as if through fear of provoking our return.

“Being out of danger from the enemy, the fact was made
known to the sailors, who were relieved from the rigid silence,
and permitted to join in the jubilant congratulations that passed
around the boat. A little danger, however, was still to be en-
countered, that of our batteries at New Madrid, and the colors
under which we sailed before starting being mistaken and fired
upon as rebels.

“Signal guns, according to pre-arrangement, were to be fired in
case of success, as the boat rounded New Madrid bend ; but the
incessant thunder rendered it highly probable that our guns might be
mistaken for it, and a little delay was occasioned, to avoid this
error. Our friends at the fleet, it was known, were anxiously wait-
ing to hear the result of the hazardousenterprise ; and it was feared
that every moment’s delay would dishearten, and lead them to ex-
pect disaster. Orders were given to get the guns in readiness and.
fire three times at intervals of one minute, and after a lapse of five
minutes, to fire three guns. This was accordingly done, and the
fact of the echo having borne the glad tidings back to the fleet,
was made certain by a response from the flag-ship. At the fort
above New Madrid the signal was also understood, though a mis-
apprehension had induced them to look for three perpendicular
lights (red, white and blue, with blue in the center). The non-ap-
pearance of these, however, was not thought sufficient cause for
shooting at the boat, and in a few minutes she was in the stream off
New Madrid, when Captain Walke informed those on shore with a
speaking trumpet, that she was the U.S. gunboat ‘Carondelet.’ A
fire was soon kindled at the banks, and the best landing-place made
known by the men at the fort. In rounding to, a misunderstand-
ing occured between the pilots and engineers, by which a stray
“turn ahead,’ when it should have been ‘turn back,’ was made,
resulting in getting the boat hard aground, fifty yards out in the
stream. ‘The cannon forward were all shifted to the stern, the
crew withdrew also, and with the bow thus lightened, the boat
backed off and was made secure to the bank at 1, a. m., having
134 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

been two hours in the passage and one hour aground. Purser
Nixon, desiring to add to the joy of the gallant tars of the ‘Car-
ondelet,’ asked and obtained permission of the captain to let them
‘splice the main-brace.’ This, though particularly forbidden by
the regulations, was on this occasion accorded, because of the un-
restricted enjoyment which should be allowed to follow all such
happy issues, and when the boatswain’s mate sounded ‘ grog, oh ?
there was never a ship’s crew merrier than the one on board the
‘ Carondelet.’

“Early this morning Colonel Bissell came aboard the boat, and
suggested that she be run into a slaugh close by, and secreted
from the sight of the enemy, thinking that thereby she might
hereafter operate with greater effect, and derive some advantage
by surprising the enemy at the instance of General Pope, who at
that time was under the impression that she had passed the rebel
battcries unobserved. When he was better informed, the proposed
movement was abandoned.

“ At 8, a.m, Assistant Secretary of War Scott and General Pope
came on board to congratulate Captain Walke. The boat’s arri-
val, has been heralded all over the camps hereabouts, and Army
ofticers have been flocking aboard all day, expressing their satis-
faction at her presence and promise of future co-operation.

THE ‘CARONDELET’S’ OFFICERS.

“The following names are those of the officers of the ‘Caron-
delet,’ all of whom deserve great praise for the manner in which
they conducted themselves last night under the trying circum-
stances attending the daring exploit of the boat.

“Tenry Walke, Captain U. 8. Navy.

Wm. R. Hoel, Acting First Master (Pro tempore).
Rich. H. Cutter, do. Second do.

Edw.C. Brenand,do. Third do.

O. Donelson, do. Fourth do.

Daniel Weaver and John Deming, Pilots.

Joseph 8. McNeely, Acting Surgeon.

Geo. I. W. Nixon, do. Paymaster.

W. H. Faulkner, do. Chief Engineer.

Charles H. Caven, do. First Assistant Engineer.

Saml. Brooks, do. Second do. do.
A. T. Crowel, do. Third do. do.
Frances Bufard, do. Gunner.

T. S. Gilmore, do. Master’s Mate.

J. S. Gibson, do. do. do.

R. J. Van Ness, do. Paymaster’s Clerk.”
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10. 135

FAITHFUL WORD-PAINTING.

The above is a very excellent report, and the accomplished cor-
respondent wrote of occurrences as they came within the compass
of his own observation on board the “Carondelet.” He had been
requested by the captain not to publish, or have published, any-
thing in regard to anticipated movements of the squadron, and to
exclude all extravagant personalities relating to the captain and
his officers, a request with which, it may be added, he faithfully
‘complied. But beyond the actual facts, personally known on
board the “Carondelet,” this report, like all others, needs the
confirmation of other eye-witnesses, and as such within the pre-
scribed limits of their own knowledge, one must be permitted to
make a few exceptions. The idea that the enemy saw the flames
from the “Carondelet’s ” chimneys in that terrible rain-storm, is
ridiculous when compared with what they actually saw by every
flash of lightning only. Very lberal allowances should be made
for the mistaken apprehensions which reporters make of what
they saw or heard in such a black thunder-storm, under such ex-
citement, and they should not be magnified for any purpose by
the historian. The gunboat was far more distinctly seen by the
lightning than by a dull blaze from her smoke-pipes, and the
enemy could see the ‘“ Carondelet” much plainer than they could
be seen from the “Carondelet.” It is also a mistaken idea that
our fleet bombarded the enemy’s batteries while the “Carondelet”
was running between them that dark night, which would probably
have proved a sad mark of friendship for the “ Carondelet.”

Some other misapprehensions in regard to the running the
gauntlet by the “Carondelet” require revision and correction in
various historical works. At page 550 of Roynton’s narrative of
this affair, occurs the following passage, apparently, in parts, at
least, taken from the above mentioned correspondence in the
Missouri Democrat, written by “Tip.” These, though partial and
unimportant, are interesting specimens of errors which have crept
into our national history :

“For half a mile everything went smoothly and quietly, and all
thought they might succeed in passing the batteries unobserved,
when suddenly a bright, steady flame arose several feet high from
each chimney top, and for a moment it seemed as if the steamer
was carrying two tmmense torches to light her on her way. Ter
upper decks and all about her brightened for a moment in the
red glare. Strange as it may appear, what was deemed by all as
136 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

a serious accident which would bring upon them at once the
enemy’s fire, created no movement in the rebel battery.”

Whatever may have been the motive in describing this scene in
such high colors, it certainly conveys an exaggerated idea of the
effect of the fires from the smoke-stacks. The flame could be
seen in the violent storm, by those only on board the gunboat.
All the other correspondents, who were watching the “ Caronde-
let” from a short distance, failed to see them, or they would
most surely have noticed such a remarkable blaze in their reports.

The cause of the fire was that the engineer, instead of obeying
the orders of Captain Walke, which were to run under a moderate
head of steam, to avoid noise, suffered the furnaces to be filled to
their utmost capacity ; and as the flue-caps were also kept shut,
the blaze ascended until it ignited the soot, which becoming per™
fectly dry on this occasion—because the exhausted steam was
blown into the wheel-house to smother the noise which it would
otherwise make if it escaped through the smoke-pipes, where the
soot was saturated with water. Notwithstanding all the exagger-
ations which have been made to bring this unimportant circum-
stance into history with such notoriety, is it not remarkable that
the “ Carondelet” with a “bright, steady flame” which “rose
several feet high from each chimney top,” with “her upper deck
and all about her brightened in a red glare,” was honored with a
salute from the enemy of only forty-seven guns, when the “ Pitts-
burg,” under precisely similar circumstances (except the ‘immense
torch-lights ”) was honored with seventy-three guns? But it is
still more remarkable that this little incident, or blunder, is
recorded in our history with more pains than all the services
rendered by these gunboats or the officers who commanded
them.

REPORTS AND VARIOUS ACCOUNTS IN SUPPORT OF THE FACTS RE-
LATED OF THE MILITARY AND NAVAL OPERATIONS AT
ISLAND NO. 10, PREVIOUS TO THE CAPTURE OF
THE ENEMY’S WORKS.

A day or two after the “ Carondelet ” ran below Island No. 10,
the reports of the number of guns then fired varied so greatly as
to excite considerable speculation among the reporters; from
forty-seven to seventy-four. A press correspondent in the
squadron, probably one on board of the flag steamer, comments
upon the “ Carondelet’s” movements, as follows: “It is said
that one hundred and forty-seven shots were fired at her, but
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10. 1387

this is doubtless an exaggeration. However that may be, she is
safe at New Madrid, and has coal enough to last.”

In the letter of a correspondent of The New York Times, who
was on board one of the vessels of our fleet, the following graphic
description was given of the exploit of the “Carondelet” in run-
ning the blockade of Island No. 10:

“ Above Island No. 10, Saturday, April 5th.

“My last letter gave you the particulars of a gallant affair on
the part of our troops, in spiking the most formidable rebel bat-
tery at this place ; an operation whose daring has scarcely ever,
until yesterday, been equalled, and which stamps the impress of
hero upon every man who was engaged in it. Gallant as was
this, it has been equalled, if not excelled, in the enterprise by
which the ‘Carondelet’ was, last evening, run by the rebel guns,
and moored in complete safety this morning alongside of the
national works at New Madrid. Why the ‘ Carondelet’ was se-
lected particularly for this enterprise, I do not know. Some
boat had to go, and Captain Walke, being nearly the oldest officer
in the fleet, and having on all occasions performed excellent ser-
vice, was despatched for the enterprise.

“The preparations were few. On the port side a flat-boat was
lashed, loaded with bales of pressed hay, and calculated to afford
considerable protection against the batteries located on the Ken-
tucky shore. If she got through, she would need fuel, and to
supply this, a barge laden with coal was lashed to the opposite
side, and by balancing the breast-work of hay, enabled her to be
more easily handled. During the day (Friday), two of her bow
guns were removed, and their places supplied with rifled Dahlgren
guns, short pieces of fifty and thirty pounds caliber respectively.
This is all the preparation made ; thus accoutred, she waited for
the night, whose black mantle would, to some extent, lessen the
danger of the attempt.”

Another letter from the fleet is headed, the ‘‘ Cruise of the Caron-
delet,” and says: ‘Some things can be done as well as others.
The exploit of Captain Walke, under the direction of Commodore
Foote, in taking a boat-load of hay from above Island No. 10 to
General Pope’s horses at New Madrid, under convoy of the gun-
boat ‘ Carondelet,’ running the blockade of three miles of rebel
batteries, is one of the most daring performances of the war. In
daring it ranks alongside of Colonel Roberts’ late adventurous
expedition, when, with fifty men in common barges, he boldly
landed at the enemy’s upper fortifications, and spiked half-a-
138 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

dozen or more of his biggest guns. But theenterprise of Captain
Walke, while nearly as heroic as this, is of a good deal more
consequence, and will be attended with far more important re-
sults. The forces at New Madrid and Point Pleasant needed a
gunboat, and Commodore Foote determined they should have
one. The commodore is never at fault for expedients. He had
made the corn-fields and woods of New Madrid county navigable
for light-draught steamers, where only skiffs and canoes had pen-
etrated before; but if an iron-clad vessel, loaded with heavy
cannon, could not pass overland, why then, there was the regular
channel. To be sure, tiers of antagonistic guns, graduated like
the keys of a harmonicon, were planted on the left shore, whose
metal mouths were open to blow a passing vessel into splinters.
But, trusting to Providence, a dark night, a full head of steam,
and the bales of hay, the commodore concluded to risk it, and
Captain Walke, who was the man to do it, took the regular chan-
nel. Perhaps there was some hurrying to and fro, some conster-
nation, and some profanity among the rebels in the neighborhood
of Island No. 10, when the ‘ Carondelet’ was discovered.

“One might have thought that the surprise Colonel Roberts
gave them a few nights before, would have taught the enemy
wakefulness and vigilance; but this universal supposition no
doubt produced the greater sense of security on the part of the
Confederates. Finally, some drowsy sentinel chanced to wake
from his nap in time to give the alarm, before the gunboat had
run the gauntlet ; the roll was beaten, and the rebel gunners and
infantry, rubbing their eyes, and wondering at this untimely dis-
turbance of the peace, blazed away furiously without aim, because
they thought it incumbent to make some noise on the occasion.

“It is now as good as settled, that our forces on the Missouri
side can cross the river, under the convoy and protection of the
gunboat, and take the enemy at Island No. 10, in reverse. Suf-
ficient transports have, by this time, been sent through the bayou,
and we presume that the landing opposite Point Pleasant, or
perhaps higher up, will be immediately effected. Once estab-
lished on the Kentucky or Tennessee shore, which may be done
with the aid of a few field works, until the whole army is landed,
the ‘Carondelet,’ will be at leisure for other important services.
Finding themselves out-flanked, the rebels may undertake to re-
treat, but one great reliance of the enemy for this movement has
now been cut away. Commander Walke and the crew of the
‘Carondelet,’ were joyfully received at New Madrid. There
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10. 139

were reports here yesterday morning, of hard fighting. [This
was the ‘Carondelet,’ on the sixth, reconnoitering and captur-
ing one of the enemy’s batteries.] It was also reported, that
the rebel floating battery at Island No. 10 was sunk, but from
a gentleman who was on the ‘ Carondelet,’ I learn that this bat-
tery opened fire upon her as she ran the gauntlet, and that it is
notsunk. We hear nothing from Island No. 10. It does not
seem that our firing has had much effect upon them thus far.
All felt confident now,” adds the correspondent, “ that the long and
laborious operations of General Pope would be crowned with
success, and that the army would be enabled to cross the river
and cut off the enemy’s retreat.”

The following letter from the commodore, to the general, writ-
ten after the “Carondelet” had run the blockade, will serve to
convey,an idea of the heavy responsibility and anxiety the
former felt in the fate of that vessel, although she was then detached
ou special service under General Pope, by his request, and was
virtually a part of his command.

FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE TO GENERAL POPE.

‘Flag Steamer ‘BEnton,’ orF Isutanp No. 10,
April 6, 1862.
‘¢ GENERAL:

“Your letter of this day’s date, announcing the safe arrival of the ‘ Car-
ondelet,’ was received at eight o’clock this evening. The telegram of Assis-
tant Secretary Scott reached me a few minutes later.

“Colonel Bissell, who has charge of the steamers and barges now in the
slough, en route to New Madrid, has requested that two tugs even, might be
sent to you; which would, with arrangements he could make, enable you to
transport your forces to the opposite side of the river, in case it was deemed in-
expedient to send a gunboat for that purpose. You, yourself, in a late letter,
apply for a gunboat, our smallest gunboat even, for that purpose. I could,
last night, had youmade a point of having two gunboats, sent them with com-
parative safety, as the night was dark, while the vivid lightning enabled
the pilots to keep the channel. Again, it is now too late to obtain the hay,*
and other necessary articles for the protection of the gunboat to-night, to say
nothing of the clear atmosphere, rendering a boat as visible, or as good an
object to sight, as in the day-time. or these reasons, I cannot, neither does
a single- navy officer, and I presume not a pilot in the squadron, consider
that a gunboat could run the blockade to-night, without an almost certainty
of its being sunk in the attempt, especially if the guns were served with any
degree of skill or ability whatever.

“‘T amsorry to find the expression in your letter, ‘ The success of our oper-
ations hangs upon your (my) decision,’ especially referring to my directing

* There was more danger in the hay, than protection.
140 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. '

a gunboat to attempt running the blockade in this clear night; for in my
judgment, and that of all the other officers, the boat might as well expect to
run it intheday-time. I cannot consider the running of your blockade, where
the river is nearly a mile wide, and only exposed to a few light guns, at all
comparable to running it here, where a boat has not only to pass seven bat-
teries, but has to be kept ‘head on’ to a battery of eleven heavy guns at the
head of Island 10, and to pass within three hundred yards of this strong
battery. If it did not sink the gunboat, we would, in the navy, consider the
gunners totally unfit for employment in the service; and therefore, my
responsibility for the lives of the officers and men under my charge, induces
me to decline a request which would, especially without protection to the
boat, were the rebels at all competent to perform their duty, result in the
sacrifice of the boat, her officers, and men; which sacrifice I should not be
justified in making, certainly not now, when, by your own admission, it
will be easy for the new rebel steamers, reported to be on their way up the
river, to pass your batteries in the night, and if they meet my squadron
reduced by loss, so as to be unable to cope with them, can continue up the
Mississippi or Ohio, to St. Louis or Cincinnati.

“In view, however, of rendering you all the aid you eeueek and no
doubt require, while I regret that you had not earlier expressed the appre-
hension of the necessity of two gunboats, I will to-morrow endeavor to pre-
pare another boat; and if the night is such as will render her running the
blockade without serious disaster at all probable, I will make the attempt
to send you the additional boat requested in your letter of this day’s date.

“Tam Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,

“To “A. H. Foote,
Major-General “Flag-Officer,
Jon Pore, “Commanding Naval Forces in Western Waters.

Commanding Army at New Madrid.”

The flag-officer at first declined to send a gunboat, but after
the “Carondelet ” ran the blockade in safety, he appears to have
changed his mind as to the danger of so doing, and hence he
more readily consented to send another.

CAPTAIN WALKE’S REPORT.

The following laconic unpublished letter conveyed the joyful
news of the success of the enterprise to the flag-officer.

“VU. 8. Gunboat ‘CARONDELET,’ New Maprip.
April 5, 1862.
«Sir :
“T have the honor to report my arrival here last night, about one

o’clock, all well.

“On our way down all of the rebel batteries and a large number of infan-
try opencd fire upon us, which was continued until we were out of range.

“ Providentially, no damage was done to the vessel, or the officers and
crew, who conducted themselves with admirable courage and fidelity.
RUNNING THE GAUNTLET AT ISLAND NO. 10 141

The terrible storm which prevailed at the ime, rendered it impossible to
make reliable observations.
“Most Respectfully, Sir,

“To Your Obedient Servant,
Flag-Officer “AH, WaALKE,
A. H. Foots, U. 8. N., “Commander U. 8. Navy.

Commanding U. 8. Naval Forces, Western Waters.”

This little official report of Captain Walke was suppressed or
lost sight of until very recently, when it was published by Ad-
miral Foote’s biographer, who had access to his private papers.

FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE TO SECRETARY WELLES.

“Flag Steamer ‘Brenton,’ oFF Istanp No. 10,
April 6, 1862.
“Sr:

“‘T have the honor to inform the department that the gunboat ‘ Caron-
delet’ ran the blockade on the night of the 4th inst. under a heavy fire of
forty-seven guns, and reached New Madrid safely, without receiving a shot.
Captain Walke, his officers and crew, merit the commendation of the gov-
ernment for their gallantry, coolness and general conduct on this occasion.
I would especially call attention of the department to the Acting First
Master, Mr. Hoel, of the ‘Cincinnati,’ who volunteered his services to go in
the ‘ Carondelet,’ and did go in her, although he was attached to the gun-
boat ‘ Cincinnati.’

“T enclose a correspondence, or a copy of it, which passed between Gen-
eral Pope, at New Madrid, and myself, in relation to another gunboat
attempting to run the blockade for his relief or assistance. The rebels are
very strongly fortified here, and seem determined to do all in their power to
maintain their position. I trust, however, when General Pope crosses with
his army, and moves upon their rear, that we shall be able, by an attack in
front, to carry the place. I have the honor to be,

“Very Respectfully Your Ob’t Servant,
«A. H. Foote,
‘Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Flag-Officer.
Secretary of the Navy.”

A FAIR INFERENCE.

From the concluding sentence of this letter, “When General
Pope crosses with his army and moves upon their rear,” we may
fairly draw the inference that Foote was now, for the first time,
confident that the gunboat “Carondelet” alone would’ capture
the rebel batteries below Island No. 10, and thus enable General
Pope to cross over with his army, and attack the enemy in the
rear: but the remark as to the fleet which was more than two
miles and a half above the Island, being likely to make ‘an at-
tack in front, and carry the place,’ certainly needs explanation.
142 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

This attack in front by our fleet, so frequently and significantly
referred to before and since the capture of Island No. 10, and of
which a blazing lithograph was published, was never made or
even attempted to be made. The attack on the batteries, almost
out of gunshot, after Captain Walke had resolved to run the
gauntlet, and had received his first orders, had no effect appar-
ently,—although it was connected afterwards, for a certain effect,
with the spiking of six or eight guns in the upper isolated battery,
on the Kentucky shore (not on Island No. 10, as it has been misun-
derstood and misrepresented), and the moving of the floating
battery below the Island,—and was so exaggerated as to over-
shadow or diminish the credit due to the “Carondelet,” and to
transfer the praise to those who were but remote and silent spec-
tators. When (as it is asserted) the spiking of the enemy’s guns
at their “main battery on Island No. 10 had been accomplished,”
and the monstrous floating battery had been driven away and
sunk, forsooth (according to the version in some of our histori-
cal writers), there was comparatively but little more to be done to
insure the victory ; and the gunboats had merely to take a pleas-
ure trip down the river, the way having been so thoroughly
cleared by our fleet for their descent to New Madrid. But the
fact should not be denied that all this display of non-essentials
was done after Captain Walke had determined to run the gaunt-
let without them, and doubtless would have succeeded quite as
well, and would also have saved the reputation of those who
have so assiduously magnified them to extol the vain pretensions
of their friends.
CHAPTER IX.

CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES AND THEIR
ARMY BELOW ISLAND NO. 10, APRIL 6 AND 7, 1862.

General Pope’s Letter of Instructions to Captain Walke. — Divine
Service and a Reconnoissance.— General Pope’s Forces and the
Gunboats Capture the Rebel Batteries below Island No. 10, and
the Confederate Army on the Retreat.— The ‘‘Carondelet’s” Island
Tour of Observation on the Enemy’s Line of Forts.—Capture of one
of his Batteries —Captain Walke’s Official Report.—General Pope’s Letter
of Instructions.—The “ Pittsburg’s” Arrival.—Extent of the Victory at
Island No. 10.—Misapprehensions Reviewed and Corrected.—Extract from
the Log-Book of the ‘‘ Carondelet.”—The Letter of Thanks from Secretary
Welles. —Comments of Southern Journals.

Earty on the morning after the arrival of the “ Carondelet,”
Colonel Bissell, who had carried out the plans of General Hamilton
(who projected the plan of cutting a canal in the rear of Island No,
10) came aboard with a request from General Pope that the “ Caron-
delet” should be run up the bayou, where she would be out of
sight of the enemy, if it could be accomplished with perfect safety.

The pilots of the “Carondelet,” however, would not assume the
risk of navigating this unknown chute, and in the exercise of a
wise discretion, Captain Walke respectfully declined to adopt the
suggestion, and made a satisfactory explanation to General Pope.

LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS FROM GENERAL POPE AT NEW MADRID.

The following was received on Sunday morning, April 6th:

‘“‘New Mavrp, April 6, 1862.
CAPTAIN:

“T desire to have an examination of the opposite shore made for three
or four miles below our battery of 32’s. Isend General Granger and Colo-
nel Smith for the purpose. May I ask that you will carry them down the
river for this purpose? I should like to have as close an examination made
as you think will be safe with your boat.

“ Respectfully, Captain,
Your Obedient Servant,
“JoHNn Pore,
‘Captain WaLEE, U. 8. N., “‘ Major-General.
Commanding Gunboat ‘ Carondelet.’”
[143]
SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

Just before the “Carondelet” started off on this service, divine
service was performed as usual by thecaptain. During the reading
of the prayers of the Episcopal service the captain was visited
by General Granger, Colonel Smith, of the 43rd Ohio, and Cap-
tain Martiall, of General Pope’s staff, who had come on board
under orders from the general. The officers and crew joined in
the appropriate prayer to be said before a fight at sea against any
enemy, and the words, as read, made a deep impression, apparently,
on the hearts of all on board :

“O most powerful and glorious Lord God, the Lord of Hosts,
that ruleth and commandeth all things, Thou sittest on the throne
judging right, and therefore we make our address to thy Divine
Majesty, in this, our necessity, that Thou would take the cause
into thine own hand, and judge between us and our enemies.
Stir up thy strength, O Lord, and come and help us ; for thou givest
not always the battle to the strong, but can save by many or few.
O, let not our sins now cry against us for vengeance, but hear us,
thy poor servants, begging mercy, and imploring thy help, and that
thou wouldst be a defense unto us against the face of the enemy.
Make it appear that Thou art our Saviour and mighty Deliverer,
through Jesus Christ, oar Lord. Amen.”

Immediately after the service and muster, the “Carondelet ”
proceeded with instructions from General Pope, directing Captain
Walke to make a reconnoissance of the enemy’s batteries, twenty
miles below New Madrid, consisting of heavy 64, 32 and 24-
pounders (not field-guns, as our naval history represents), which
for some time past had annoyed our troops on the Missouri shore.
In obedience to these instructions, the “ Carondelet ” moved off in
search of the enemy’s masked batteries. They soon opened fire
upon her, and received in reply a fire from her port broadside
battery, as she passed by them in succession. Her well-aimed shell
were distributed at every important point, and evidently with good
effect, as it was reported one of her discharges killed and wounded
four men at a battery ; and a shell which fell in the midst of their
encampment, in the rear of these batteries, exploding as it struck,
killed and wounded others. She continued on her reconnoissance
as far as Point Pleasant, nearly opposite Tiptonville, wher2 she
reccived on board Colonel J. B. Palmer, who had command at
that point, and then attempted in vain to draw the fire from the
battery at Merreweather’s landing. The firing from the enemy
had ceased about noon, and after dinner our army officers deemed
it advisable to return.
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 145

TESTING THE STRENGTH OF THE REBEL BATTERIES.

Although they had no instructions to attack with a view of
capturing them, they thought it would be advantageous to try
the strength of one of the enemy’s batteries with the “ Caronde-
let,” to satisfy General Pope of her ability to capture them ; to
which Captain Walke readily acceded, and opened a brisk fire
upon the last battery she had encountered, with her two 84-
pounder rifled, and one 64-pounder bow gun, as she steadily ap-
proached it, which had terrible effect. Our shot and shell struck
the enemy’s guns or breast-works at nearly every fire of our now
experienced and well-trained gunners ; and with such admirable
precision did the shells explode on that occasion, that our Army
officers were confident that the “Carondelet ” alone could destroy
all the enemy’s batteries below Island No. 10. When we were
within about six hundred yards, the fort was silent and deserted.
After clearing the rifle-pits of the enemy’s sharpshooters with
grape_and canister from our starboard broadside, we sent a boat
on shore, in charge of Master’s Mate Gibson, and sharpshooters
under Captains Hollenstein and Marshall, who spiked the guns,
consisting of one long 32-pounder, and one long 24-pounder, and
completed the destruction of their carriages, both of which were
disabled by our shot, and covered with their shattered earth-
works. There were many noticeable marks of a sad and desper-
ate struggle. ;

While the landing was being effected, a remarkalle instance of
cooland determined courage was witnessed, which deserves notice.
As the “Carondelet” was about to take possession of the battery,
she was fired on by one of the enemy, who had posted himself
behind a large cotton tree, which concealed and protected him
from our sharpshooters. He gallantly stood at his post until our
men had nearly reached the shore, being not more than one hun-
dred yards distance from us; while volley after volley from our
sharpshooters, and grape and canister from our starboard broad-
side guns were deliberately fired at’him for a quarter of an hour
without moving him. At length he ran off, stooping as he ran,
covered with dust which our grape-shot threw over him, and
finally leaped over a fence, and disappeared in the woods. The
following day he was captured, and brought into Tiptonville,
when it was discovered that during the conflict, the tip of his
nose (the only exposed part of his person) was shot off. Such
was the admiration which his bravery elicited among our sailors

10
146 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

and sharpshooters, that they were gratified as well as amused at
his narrow escape.

All the officers of the Army, as well as those of the “Caronde-
let,” were now well satisfied as to her capabilities, from what she
had already accomplished ; and they were ready for action when
General Pope should be desirous of availing himself of her ser-
vices. Captain Walke, in compliance with Foote’s orders, was,
however, anxious to avoid all unnecessary risk to his command
(as his “would be the only boat below”), until such time as the
general should be ready to make the final attack upon the enemy’s
rear ; he accordingly returned to New Madrid.. The distant
firing upon the enemy’s remaining batteries along the Tennessee
shore was not prolonged, when it was too late to see them; the
needless expenditure of ammunition being considered undesira-
able, as there was no means of replenishing the same.

Late on the evening of the 6th of April, the following letter of
instructions was received from General Pope :

‘‘New Mapren, April 6th, 1862.
“CAPTAIN :

“Tam induced to believe, by the reports of General Granger and Colonel
Smith, that you will be able to silence or take the upper batteries of the
enemy on the opposite shore. I mean the batteries immediately opposite our
batteries of 32’s. Commodore Foote sends another boat down to-night. I
design to attempt the crossing with my force to-morrow ; and I desire, if it
meet your views, that the two gunboats go down, as soon as day dawns, and
.silence the batteries, and to hold on near the shore, until the troops disem-
bark. As soon as you start, I will have the transports brought into the
river, and loaded with troops, which will cross the river, and land near you,
.as soon as the batteries are silenced. You will doubttess have to move close
into them, head on, and maintain your position, so as to cover the whole
ground in rear of the landing. Our batteries will be ordered to open as
soon as day dawns, and to keep up their fire vigorously until the object is
accomplished. I can cross 3,500 men atatime. If you can thus silence
the batteries in three hours or more, we have the rebels opposite in our

‘hands. ‘Respectfully, Captain,
“Your Obedient Servant,
“Captain Henry WALKE, “‘JoHn Pops,
“« Commanding Gunboat ‘ Cai ondelet.’” “« Major-General Commanding.

Just before proceeding in obedience to the above instructions,
Captain Walke received the following :

“New Manprp, April 6th, 1862.
“CAPTAIN :
“As soon as you have succeeded in silencing the enemy’s batteries, please
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 147

make a signal by lowering and raising your flag twice. As soon as this sig-
nal is made, the first division of this army will commence to cross, landing
on the upper side of your gunboats.
“Respectfully, sir,
“Your Obedient Servant,
“Jno. Pors,

“Captain Hanry Wags, U. 8. N., “ Major-General, U.S. A.
“Commanding Gunboat ‘ Carondelet.’”

THE “PITTSBURG’S ” ARRIVAL.

The above letter of General Pope was received by Captain
Walke, late on the evening of the 6th.

At 2, a. m., on the 7th, heavy firing was heard in the direction
of Island No. 10, by the officer of the deck on board the “ Caron-
delet,” and reported to the captain, who repaired on deck and had
the report of the guns counted and recorded, which numbered
seventy-four. The “Carondelet” was in readiness for imme-
diate service, should it have been required, to assist the blockade-
runner, the weather being similar to that on the night of the 4th,
with heavy thunder, lightning and rain. Considerable anxiety
was therefore caused by the delay of the “ Pittsburg ” in making
her appearance. After the firing of the enemy at Island No.
10 had ceased, and a sufficient time had elapsed to enable the
“Pittsburg” to reach New Madrid, Captain Walke resolved to
go up to her assistance, in case she was disabled or had met with
an accidental detention; but she arrived at daylight, having
actually stopped on her way to New Madrid, after passing Island
No. 10, while every peal of General Pope’s guns was most urgently
calling on the gunboats to unite with them in battle against the
enemy. After the “Pittsburg” arrived, her commander was sent
for, and being informed by Captain Walke of General Pope’s
orders (which he read), he said that he was not ready, but he gave
no satisfactory explanation or assurance when he would be ready
for action ; therefore Captain Walke ordered him to be ready for
action in half an hour to proceed with him, and attack the enemy’s
batteries, according to the general’s instructions. But the strange
delay at that critical moment did not inspire the hope and con-
fidence which the occasion required.

Flag-Officer Foote did not inform Walke of any intention of
sending another gunboat below Island No. 10, which may be
seen by his letter to General Pope, given on another page, and by
his written orders. He had not any idea of sending the “ Pitts-
burg” previous to the 6th of April. It was, however, most
148 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.°

important that such information should have been given to prevent
a possible disastrous meeting between our two gunboats during
that night, by a mistake. And therefore General Pope sent this
information immediately to Captain Walke.

When the time had expired, Captain Walke sent an officer,
and again ordered the captain of the “Pittsburg” to follow the
“ Carondelet ” into action without delay ; but his answer in return
was that: he was not ready, without the least intimation when
he would be ready. Despairing, therefore, of any support from
the “ Pittsburg,” and as the army transports were then passing her
from the bayou, on their way down the river, unprotected from
the fire of the enemy’s batteries: Captain Walke ordered the
“Carondelet ” to proceed immediately to attack them, with her
signal flying for the “ Pittsburg” to “follow my motions.” These
are the facts as they actually occurred, but which have been per-
verted in various historical accounts, representing the reverse,
and that the “Pittsburg” was not only present on the 6th, but
that she was the leading gunboat on that occasion (on the 7th).
And in one of these accounts she is represented as the only gun-
boat that attacked and captured the enemy’s batteries below
Island No. 10 on the 6th and 7th of April, 1862. And to cap the
climax of these fabrications, it has been reported since the war
that her commander has at the Navy department one of the most
honorable records of any officer in our Navy.

HOW HISTORIANS MAY BE MISLED BY THE STATEMENTS OF COM-
MANDING OFFICERS.

As a sample of the counterfeit material by which our history is
too often vitiated, long after the facts are generally forgotten, a
statement we have already noticed may be mentioned. It first ap-
peared in a letter to the Chicago Tribune of April 2nd, which was
copied in the Mound City Journal of April 9th, 1869, and *appar-
ently emanated from a correspondent writing from the monitors
at Mound City, then in charge of the former captain of the “ Pitts-
burg.” At the time the article was written, Commodore Walke was
in charge of that naval station, where the truth was well known,
and the assertion’ was one of the most impertinent brags that
could be published in that place. It represented that the “ Pitts-
burg,” after having performed extraordinary achievements at
Fort Donelson, was at last sunk by the enemy’s guns under its
batteries; and her captain, the correspondent goes on to say,
having raised and fitted out his vessel, was the first to run by the
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 149

batteries at Island No. 10. There was no further evidence of the
falsity of such a report required, than a reference to the state-
ment in all the official reports upon the subject.*

THE PLAN OF ATTACK EXPLAINED.

In order that the maneuvers and diagrams may be understood,
an explanation of Captain Walke’s plan of attack on the batteries
of the enemy is here given. On the 7th of April, she ran down
the rivér along the western bank, firmg at the enemy’s batteries,
as she approached them, with her port broadside battery, until
she was opposite the enemy’s lower battery, when she turned her
bow guns upon it, and fired into it as constantly as the smoke
would permit. As she approached the battery, she drifted to the
bank of the river with her head towards the fort, which soon
brought her to the Tennessee shore below the batteries; and to
avoid running on shore, she was headed up the river, but in such
a position that she could not point either of her batteries on
them ; and the enemy’s sharpshooters were taking advantage of
her predicament. Being nearly aground also, Captain Walke, by
the advice of Mr. R. Deming, her pilot, ordered him to sheer off to
the northwestward, and bring her starboard broadside battery
to bear on the enemy until they could get an offing, and then
turn her bow guns on him again. In doing this, the enemy’s
shot eut away her starboard wheel-rope, and disabled her steering
gear, which was, however, soon repaired, and she immediately
brought her bow guns to bear on the enemy again. The “ Pitts-
burg ” then made her appearance unexpectedly, and fired at long
range as she came down from New Madrid, but the batteries of
the enemy were then nearly silenced, and, after a few more shots,
were taken possession of by our gunboats. The “Carondelet”
then made the prescribed signal to General Pope, that “the coast
was clear,” so that he might crossover to the Tennessee shore.
(For illustration of above see the diagram on p. 100.)

EXTRACT FROM THE LOG-BOOK.

We give the following extract from the log of the “ Carondelet,”
as being the most original, interesting and truthful authority of
these occurrences.

“Remarks. From 8, a. m., to 12, noon, rounded to and engaged

* General Pope’s complete reports of the operations at Island No. 10, are
annexed to this chapter, in support of some of the most important facts,
which were well known and generally published at the time ; but are now
omitted by our present. histories.
150 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the lower battery, at about a quarter of a mile distant. We fired
slowly, rebels firing briskly ; owing to the calm prevailing we
frequently ceased firing to enable the smoke to clear off, so that
we could see clearly to take correct aim. After about three-
quarters of an hour firing, we observed the enemy’s fire slacken ;
we had been gradually closing upon him, using 10-second (fuses)
and rifle shell with good effect. About this time the ‘Pitts-
burg’ came down and engaged the enemy at long range, throw-
ing shell in dangerous proximity across our bows. Still closing
on the battery, ‘Pittsburg’ astern. Observing rifle-pits and
intrenchments along the enemy’s works, as we approached them
we used 5-second shell and grape, effectually silencing them.
We then steamed up to the deserted battery, made signal to the
‘Pittsburg’ two hundred and twenty-two (cease firing) ; also
signalled to General Pope that the batteries were captured and
the coast was clear of the enemy, by dipping and raising the en-
sign three times.

“ Captain Walke ordered a party of men ashore to spike and de-
stroy the enemy’s guns. Upon entering the battery, which con-
sisted of one 64-pounder siege long gun, and two 64-pounder
siege pivot gun, we found them entirely disabled by our shot.
The 64-pounder gun-carriage was broken all in pieces by our
shell; one 64-pounder howitzer was knocked entirely out of the
battery, the other struck on the tire of the wheel, broken, and
the trail driven under the platform, all with broken carriages,
and one with a 64-pounder shell or shot jammed into its mouth.
The earth was plowed up from the foundation, and scattered in
all directions over their ammunition and broken tackling, with
mangled clothes besmeared in blood. This fort was flanked with
breastworks, as a protected communication to other batteries.
Eight seige guns in battery were captured on the sixth and sev-
enth, three long guns, 64-pounders, three 64-poynder howitzers,
one 32-pounder long, one 24-pounder long ; total, eight guns.

“We received at the landing, as soon as he could get on board,
a spy, belonging to the 11th Missouri, who informed us that
the enemy were evacuating the other batteries, and in full retreat
for ‘ Tiptonville ;’ also that orders had been given to evacuate
Island No. 10, after we had captured one of their hatteries the
evening before.

“We then proceeded up to the next battery, and found it to
consist of one 64-pounder howitzer, dismounted and rendered
entirely useless by our shot. Captain Walke then ordered the
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 151

shore party to proceed up to the next battery, three hundred
yards further, and capture it ; it consisted of one 64-pounder siege
howitzer in good order, which we temporarily disabled. Observing
the enemy retreating from another gun above us, we fired into
them as they ran. The upper battery we found to consist of a
splendid 64-pounder siege-gun mounted ona pivot. The enemy
had spiked it, and set fire to a private dwelling of a loyal man
on their retreat.”

We then recrossed the river, and Captain Walke in person
communicated with General Pope at 11, a.m., and received in-
structions from him to proceed over to the lower captured fort,
and cover the landing of his troops; four transports came over
with troops, and the landing of General Paine’s division com-
menced immediately. A deserter (from the enemy) came on
board the ‘‘ Carondelet” when she first captured the fort at Wat-
son’s landing, and he reported himself to Captain Walke, who
sent him to General Pope, whom he informed that the enemy
were in full retreat to Tiptonville. A large quantity of ammuni-
tion was left at the captured forts, in good order. One 64-
pounder struck us, and passed through our fourth cutter, starboard
and quarter in the cabin, struck the stern gun, and then bounced
(or glanced) overboard.

Captain Walke asked the commander of the “ Pittsburg,” when
he came on board the “Carondelet,” after the batteries were cap-
tured, why he did not obey his order “to follow his motions,”
and why he kept out of the battle? The latter remarked that
there was no fighting going on; although he had expended a large
amount of ammunition, throwing shell persistently almost over
the decks of the “ Carondelet,” imperilling the lives of those on
board, after the enemy’s batteries were silenced, and the “ Caron-
delet ” had for some time ceased firing.

We here insert the report of

CAPTAIN WALKE TO FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE,

«U.S. Gunboat ‘ CARONDELET,’ OFF TIPTONVILLE, TENN.
April 8, 1862.
“Sir:

“Tn accordance with the instructions of General Pope, I received on
board General Granger and staff—on the moming of the 6th inst., and pro-
ceeded down the Mississippi river, opposite this place, making an extensive
reconnoissance.

‘On our way down, we exchanged a few shot with some of the enemy’s bat-
teries on the Tennessee side, and on our way back, we attacked one of two
seige guns (82 and 24-pounder) which had engaged us: we disabled and spiked
152 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

these guns without receiving any injury. The remainder of the enemy’s
batteries fired upon us on our way to New Madrid, as long as we were
within range.*

“After my return to New Madrid, General Pope informed me of your
intention to send another gunboat; and requested that I should go down the
river, and destroy the remaining batteries above Point Pleasant.

“‘At dawn the following morning, and after a given signal, it was his
design to land his army, and attack that of the enemy at or near Island No.
10. The ‘Pittsburg’ did not arrive until five o'clock in the morning; but, as
the transports (one at least, with troops on board), were under way going
down, I got under way at 6.30 (having ordered Commander Thompson,
verbally, and by signal, to follow my motions), and proceeded down to the
enemy’s lower and heaviest battery, consisting of one long 64-pounder gun
and two 64-pounder siege howitzers. We opened a constant, deliberate, and
well-directed tire upon it for three-quarters of an hour, feebly assisted by our
batteries on shore, when the enemy slackened his fire. A shot passed
through our fourth cutter and starboard quarter, cutting away the sheave of
our wheel-rope, striking our stern gun, glanced out of the stern port, and
overboard. About this time the ‘Pittsburg’ commenced firing at long range
as she came down. As soon as our steering gear was repaired, I gradually
closed on the enemy, firing a shot now and then (the ‘ Pittsburg’ at a dis-
tance astern throwing shell in a dangerous proximity over our bow), until the
fort was deserted by the enemy. I spiked and disabled the guns of this fort,
and I then proceeded up the river three hundred yards further, and found a
64-pounder siege-howitzer dismounted. Three hundred yards further on I
spiked another 64-pounder siege howitzer, and four hundred and eighty yards
further up, we found a fine 64-pounder gun on a pivot, spiked, and being
deserted by the rebels, who set fire toa private residence there, and upon
whom we fired as they ran off. <A large quantity of ammunition was left
by them at each fort. I then made the required signal to General Pope—
crossed over to our army—received further instructions from the general,
and covered the disembarkment of our army on the Tennessee shore, at the
captured fort above Point Pleasant.

‘“At evening, we steamed down to our camp opposite the enemy’s fort at
this place, and headed the gunboats for the enemy’s battery until early this
morning, when we got under way, and crossed over to Tiptonville, the
enemy having disappeared.

‘The officers and crew of this vessel, during the trials and dangers of their
battles, conducted themselves with admirable coolness and ability; to do jus-
tice to many of them will require a more special letter.

“Most Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“« Flag-Officer H. Wate,
A. H. Foors, “ Commander U. S. Navy.

Commanding Naval Forces Western Waters.”

* Their shot passed harmlessly over the boat. It was then about 7 P.M.,
and too dark for further operations. The ‘‘Carondelet” returned the fire
as she repassed these batteries, but Captain Walke had no instructions to
attack them.
f

Notr.—The following account of the operations at Island No. 10 was written
in February, 1874, by John Ford, who served as ordinary seaman on board the Ca-
rondelet at the time of those eventful occurrences, and who was afterward a petty
officer and master’s mate: ‘

RUNNING THE BLOCKADE AT ISLAND TEN.

Twelve years have passed away since the Western Flotilla, under Flag Officer

Foote, began the bombardment of Island No. 10, a strongly fortified position in the
‘Mississippi river, above New Madrid, frowning with batteries, which had been
erected to prevent our passage down that river. The fleet consisted of six gun-
boats, partially iron-clad,and sixteen mortar boats, the latter carrying one 13-inch
mortar each. With the exception of a few hours’ long-range fighting on March 17,
1862, with Battery Polk, an carthwork of seven guns on the Kentucky shore, the
gunboats did nothing; but the mortars fired at intervals, day and night, to annoy
the enemy.

The crews of these gunboats were a motley set, comprising men from nearly all
parts of America and Europe, all of whom had seen more or less service. Of the
veteran element, there were some who had fought in Mexico, others in the Crimea
and India, and a few in Italy and elsewhere, while of the raw element we had
seafaring young men from the Atlantic cities who had smelt gunpowder at Fort
Henry and in the stubborn fight at Donelson; and last, but not least, there
were a number of Western steamboat men and Lake sailors, together with six
hundred volunteers detached from various regiments in the Army of the Potomac.
Our commanders were old and worthy line officers of the navy, and their subordi-
nates were principally ex-officers of Western steamboats. Some of the latter were
at first disposed to ill-treat and despise the blue jackets under their charge, but
afterward learned to appreciate and respect them in the hour of danger.

About the time of our arrival above the island, General Pope, with an army of
10,000 men, had forced his way through southeastern Missouri and compelled the
enemy to evacuate New Madrid, which he immediately occupied. This brought
our forces within a short distance of each other, but the gunboats were unable to
reduce the formidable works of the enemy. As far as the capture of the place
was concerned, Pope wight as well have been in St. Louis as New Madrid. for he
could render us no assistance, not having even a skiff or a “dug-out” at his
command. Annoyed at his situation, he wrote to Foote, requesting that a gun-
boat be sent to him, at the same time expressing the belief that one of our boats
could pass down at night, under cover of the darkness. Further correspondence
passed between the two commanders, in which Pope was urgent, but Foote still
declined to send a gunboat. The result, however, was a council of war among the
naval officers. Foote, in his official correspondence with the Secretary of the
Navy, says that of all the commanders but one deemed the project feasible, though
he neglects to mention that officer’s name. The writer is inclined to believe that
it was Commander Henry Walke, of the Carondelet, as subsequent events clearly
point to him as the wan for the emergency.

Battery Polk, before alluded to, bad given us much annoyance; for the enemy,
whenever the wind was blowing toward us, would open fire from that battery and
occasionally from one at the upper end of the island. We were lying within long
range of their guns, and it often happened that when we were at dinner they
would fire several shots, some of which would come too near us for comfort; and,
when we beat to quarters to return the compliment, they would as suddenly cease
firing, and we, cbagrined, would return to our meal. On the night of Aprilla
number of armed boats, containing picked men from some of the gunboats, with
a detachment of the Forty-second Ilinois Regiment under Col. Roberts, cautiously
proceeded down the river with muffled oars, during a rain storm, and succeeded
in spiking the guns without losing a man. The fort, it seems, was partly inun-
dated, and the garrison, with the exception of a small guard, was withdrawn at
nightfall on that account. When we learned the result of this hazardous under-
taking, we were surprised that we had not been permitted to send a “hardy few”
to take part in it; but other and more dangerous work was in store for us.

On the afternoon of April 4 the decks of the Carondelet presented an animated
appearance. Men were ranging chains and spreading cord-wood and lumber upon
the upper deck, while others were coiling a large hawser around the pilot house;
in fact, everything was done to protect the vulnerable parts of the vessel. Every-
body was busy, and everybody anxious to know the meaning of these preparations.
At last some one whispered: ‘‘We are going to run the blockade!” But he was
laughed at. Still, we were not satisfied; something certainly was afoot, and our
minds were agitated by dread and anxiety to know the worst. At nightfalla
barge laden with bales of hay was towed alongside, and then it became definitely
known that we were to run past the batteries that night. The barge was made
fast to the port side, the side which would be exposed, and the bales piled to the
height of the upper deck. The moon was shining brightly at the time, and we
did not like the prospect of passing down on a clear night. It was our captain’s
intention, however, to wait till the moon went down. Meanwhile the atmosphere
began to grow heavier, indicating thunder. The wind suddenly changed to the
northwest, and huge dark clouds had gathered in that direction, foreteiling the
approaching storm. About nine o’clock Wm. R. Hoel, executive officer of the gun-
boat Cincinnati, came on board to relieve R. M. Wade, our first master, who had
declined to go in the vessel], and who considered our captain a madman to attempt
it. Both Hoel and Wade were volunteer officers, both steamboatmen of experience,
but the latter lacked the courage the former possessed. Hoel has a proud and
glorious naval record to-day, while Wade, in consideration of former services, was
allowed to resign. Mr. Fishback, correspondent of the Missouri Democrat, asked
and obtained permission to accompany us.

At ten o’clock the moon had gone down, and the rushing wind and muttering
thunder told us the storm would soon burst in all its fury. The order was given
to “cast loose,” and we were en route for New Madrid. Every precaution had
previously been taken to guard against accident, for the Flag Officer’s instructions
in case of disaster were of such a nature as to almost make one shudder at the
possibility of their having to be carried out. Immediately after starting the storm
burst. And such astorm! Any steamer engaged in peacetul pursuits would have
sought the shelter of a friendly bank; but there was no haven for the Carondelet
until she reached General Pope’s lines.

With our ports closed, our guns run in, and ourselves, fully armed and equipped,
sitting closely beside them; with no light on board except a dark lantern out of
view in the engine room; with no one allowed to speak above a whisper, we waited
and listened and hoped that all would go well. Then began that terrible suspense.
in which minutes scem like hours, and in which all that is cowardly in human
nature forces itself to the surface, and the struggle between courage aud fear, hope
and despair, begins and is warmly waged until the aid of prayer is invoked, which
alone affords relief. Many a fervent prayer for protection was offered in those
terrible moments by men who had almost forgotten how to pray. Nothing is
heard but the pealing of the thunder, the howling of the wind, which is now
blowing a hurricane, the rushing of our boat through the angry waters and the
beating of the rain. Meanwhile all is going well; we begin tu breathe more freely,
and to cherish the hope that perhaps we may not be discovered. Vain hope! For
suddenly a loud voice is heard through the speaking tube leading from the pilot
house, ordering the flue-caps to be opened. The voiceis Hoel’s. The soot in our
smoke stacks has caught fire, and the light is visible to those on the upper deck.
The order is obeyed, the soot burns out, but we are discovered; and the booming
of five or six guns in rapid succession tells us the enemy is on the alert. A short
interval, and then four more guns are heard; then the artillery of Heaven upens,
preceded by a flash of lightning which seems to scorch the eyelids. More guns.
more thunder and lightning, more wind and rain, and more suspense. Thus passed
our weary time on the gun deck.

Outside, exposed to the elements and the enemy’s artillery and musketry, are
stationed two men—an officer and a seaman—the latter standing on the forecastle
heaving the lead, while the former stood on the forward part of the upper deck
passing the word from the leadsman to the pilots. The officer was Theodore L.
Gilmore, of Omaha, and the seaman was Charles Wilson, a hardy old Swedish mar-
iner, who had come to this country at an early age, and had been at one time pro-
prietor of a log cabin erected on ground which is now included within the city
limits of Chicago. His pride and boast were that he had been in the navy but
twice—‘in the Mexican war and this war’—and that he could do anything were
he allowed his “own stupid way about it.” Through the trying ordeal of fire and
tempest he stood, sometimes knee deep in the water which rushed over the fore-
castle, and at each successive heave of the lead his deep, sonorous song of ‘‘No
bottom’? was heard and repeated by the officer until the danger was past.

On the island the greatest excitement and confusion prevailed among the enemy,
as is generally the case when men are suddenly called into action at night without
a knowledge of the cause or surroundings. Men slipped and fell over each other
in the darkness, and gave vent to their rage and vexation by alternately cursing
the Yankees and each other. An officer shouted: “Fifty dollars to the gunner who
sinks that boat,’ and continued to increase the rewardas each gun was fired until
he had reached a sum far beyond his ability to pay. As our boat passed close to
one of their batteries during a temporary lull in the firing and thunder, one of
our pilots heard a Confederate exclaim: ‘‘Elevate your guns!” ‘Yes, confound
you; elevate!’ said the pilot to those around hiw, at the same time chuckling with
delight at the order, for our boat was below the line of their guns at point-blank
range. The battery opened and others followed in their turn, but the brave boat
held her way.

To return to the gun deck. The firing has ceased, and the worst of the storm
seems to be over, but we are not certain as to our whereabouts. While thus won-
dering, a light is brought from the engine room, and a quarter gunner draws the
shell from three of the after broadside guns. We fire three blank cartridges, re-
load in the same manner, and after a lapse of five minutes fire three more. It is
the preconcerted signal in case of success; and, despite the occasional peals of
thunder, it is heard and understood in the fleet and at New Madrid. As we neared
the city our decks were lighted up with battle lanterns, and the guns’ crews began
to shake hands and congratulate each other on the success of a movement which,
two hours before, was deemed almost impossible. On arriving off New Madrid
we found that the soldiers bad built large fires on the bank to guide us in landing.
As we approached the shore a hail came therefrom: ‘‘What boat is that?” Com-
mander Walke replied through his speaking trumpet, in a voice of mingled joy and
pride: “The United States gunboat Carondelet.’ The soldiers cheered. us from
the shore, and we all felt proud of our commander, our undertaking and our cause,
In making a landing we got hard and fast aground, but by transporting the heavy
guns aft and sending the crew to the stern we floated off, and were soon secured
to the bank, having been two hours on the way and a similar time aground, and
having been fired at forty-seven times. Our purser asked permission to “splice
the main brace,” which was granted. This favor most seamen can appreciate, and
on this occasion the crew heartily enjoyed it. But one shot, a 12-pounder, was
found in the hay, which latter was turned over to General Pope.

The rest of the story is easily told. Weremained quiet on April 5, but on the
morning of the 6th we steamed down the river and engaged the enemy’s batteries
in New Madrid Bend. Opposite Point Pleasant we found a detached earthwork of
two 24-pounders, which we silenced and spiked. Returning up stream we again
opened on the works in the bend, but nightfall approaching we returned to New
Madrid. About four o’clock in the morning of April 7 the gunboat Pittsburg suc-
cessfully passed by the island, in a thunder storm, although seventy shots were
fired at her. Our men were inclined to speak in terms of praise about the Pitts-
burg’s exploit, but old Charley Wilson silenced them by saying: ‘‘Tut, tut; any
one could come to America after Columbus discovered it.” Meanwhile two small
steamers had worked their way to Pope through an old slough, which had been
widened and cleared of trees by Col. Bissell’s engineers. Having now two steamers
and two barges ready to land Pope’s troops on the Tennessee shore, all that re-
mained for us to do was to silence the enemy’s works in New Madrid Bend. Ac-
cordingly, at six o’clock on the morning of the 7th, our commander signaled the
Pittsburg to follow him, and the two gunboats, after a sharp fight, drove the enemy
from their batteries, which were found to mount six heavy guns. We then cov-
ered the landing of our troops, and in afew hours afterward the soldiers sur-
rounded and captured most of the retreating enemy. A few officers surrendered
the island to Foote on the next morning, April 8. . . During these encoun-
ters we had a boat cut up and a gun disabled by shot, but providentially there
were no casualties among the crew.

Commander Walke now wears the twin stars of a rear admiral, though no longer
on the “active list.” Of the men of the Carondelet, and in fact the whole squadron,
but a remnant are alive to-day, and they are scattered over the broad earth. The
bones of our fallen shipmates, mouldering on the banks of every navigable stream
in the Southwest, from Henry and Donelson to Vicksburg, Grand Gulf and beyond,
are mute but solemn evidences of the fierce nature of the struggle for the suprem-
acy of the Mississippi and its tributaries. Peace to their ashes! Our gruff but
honest old leadsman and boatswain’s mate, Charles Wilson, survived the war, but
the grass has long since grown over his grave. The shrill call of his whistle was
once all-sufficient to summon us to duty, but no sound save the trump of Gabriel
will ever muster that crew again.
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 153

THE EXTENT OF THE CAPTURES MADE BY THE VICTORY AT
ISLAND NO. 10.

The result of the military and naval operations below New
Madrid on our part, without the loss of a man was, according to
our reports, the capture of three generals, two hundred and
seventy-three field and company officers, six thousand seven hun-
dred prisoners, and twenty pieces of heavy artillery (some were
of the best character, and the latest patterns), seven thousand
stacks of small arms, several wharf-boat loads of provisions, an
immense quantity of ammunition of all kinds, many hundred
horses and mules, with wagons, and harness, and several fine
steamers.

The following vessels were captured at Island No. 10, when it
was surrendered: The “Red River,” a splendid Mississippi
steamer ; the “ Ohio Belle,” a fine Cincinnati-built steamer ; the
“DeSoto ;” the “ Admiral ;” the “Champion ;” the “ Mars ; ” and
a fine, large wharf-boat. A few other vessels were got afloat, some
of which had been scuttled by the enemy.

The following are the vessels of the enemy which were reported
to have been sunk or scuttled by the enemy on April 6th or 7th,
namely : a large floating battery mounting eight heavy guns, set
adrift by the enemy on the 7th ; the “ Grampus,” under the soubri-
quet of the “ Dare Devil Jack,” considered the fastest gunboat on
the river ; the “ Yazoo ;” the “ JohnSimmonds ;” the “ Mohawk ;”
and one or two other steamers.

In respect to this grand achievement, impartial history must
eventually assign the highest honor to General Pope and his
army, while to Captain Walke and his officers will be accorded
the first place in the naval branch of the service, for the opera-

, tions which that officer conducted, as a part of General Pope’s
command. One of the paltry excuses on which Captain Walke
was denied fully the credit due him by his compeers of our fleet
or of our Navy, was that the services, although admitted to be
of the greatest national importance, were rendered under the com-
inand, and in obedience to the instructions of Army officers; and
hence, in the general congratulatory order issued to the fleet above,
after the capture of the rebel forts and forces at Island No. 10,
there is no reference made to the gunboats which ran past, and
afterwards captured the enemy’s lower batteries, which was mainly
instrumental in leading to the immediate surrender of the island.
These orders, which we here append, were not even sent to the
154 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

commanders of either the “Carondelet” or “ Pittsburg.” They
were published in the papers, however, but they made no allusion
to the gunboats’ service below the island, which were out of sight
from the flag steamer, and apparently out of mind. But General
Pope’s reports were published soon after in a more comprehensive
and impartial form, in regard to the efficient service of the gun-
boats below the island. We insert the following from a writer
on the fleet above the island :

“On board the ‘St. Louis,’ Tuesday, April 8th, 1862. ‘The
occupation’ of Island No. 10, is thus described. At one o’clock
this morning the ‘Benton’ sent over orders to the ‘St. Louis’ and
‘Mound City,’ to drop down and take possession. The ‘St.
Louis’ was the first under way. Rapidly we rounded the point,
and, with the aid of strong current, fast approaching the batteries,
in the track pursued by the ‘Carondelet’ and ‘ Pittsburg,’ a few
nights since. Then the batteries were wrapped in a blaze of
light, and. balls hurled through the air like hail. Now we passed
under the frowning batteries, which loomed blackly abreast of us,
but the grim dogs were silent. Silence as of death reigned all
along the shore. In less than twenty minutes we rounded to at
the head of the island. The night was intensely dark, and from
the wheel-house I could barely make out the dim outline of the
shore. The batteries I could not distinguish. A few lights
twinkled here and there among the camps. The ‘St. Louis’ sig-
nalled the island by whistling, but no reply could be obtained.
Fearing, from the silence, lest some treachery might be meditated,
the drum beat to quarters, the guns were shot, and every pre-
paration was made for the emergency. In the mean time Captain
Paulding and Purser Lew Curry set out in the ship’s yawl, but
owing to the bold bluffs could not find a landing. A consultation
was held with Captain Kilty, of the ‘Mound City,’ and it was
determined to anchor in the stream and wait until daylight before
making any further movement. At early dawn I was upon deck.
The sight was indeed a formidable one.”

In this account of the enemy’s works it also says that :

“The tents were still standing upon the main shore, but no one
was visible, save here and there a detachment of contrabands,
and groups of people. Upon the island, however, there were
plenty of artillerists, leaning upon the parapets, or idly lounging
about, gazing at the gunboats with curious eyes.”

Describing the batteries the writer states that :

“The batteries on the island are four in number, and all located
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 155

on the right bank. .. Upon the left shore a plat of ground had
been laid out... The first battery was located upon the head,
about fifty feet in the rear of the bank. It mounts six guns at
present, four 32’s and two 64’s, and a splendid 24-pound rifle.”

It originally mounted seven guns, but on the 19th inst., one of
them, a 32-pounder rifle carrying a heavy conical shell, and
named the “Lady Polk,” exploded. The huge fragments are still
lying about the battery, and the shattered carriage still retains its
original position. It is the exact mate of the “Lady Polk,” which
exploded at Columbus, and after the fate of its namesake, its title
of “Lady Belmont” was changed to its present one. It is a
curious incident that they should have met a similar fate. And
now it is still more remarkable that the fragments of these two
Confederate sister guns should have been collected, mounted and
utilized as comfortable arm-chairs in the locust-tree grove, on the
top of the mound, in the Navy Yard at Mound City, Ill., by Com-
modore Walke, seven years after.

“The second battery,” this correspondent stated, “is only a
few rods below the first, constructed in a similar manner—crescent
in shape—and mounting three 32-pounders and a 24-pounder rifle.
Two 82’s which had never been mounted lie at the entrance. The
third battery is located at the center of the right. bank (west
bank), and mounts five guns—two 24-pound rifle, two 32’s, and
one 64. A 24-pound rifle in this battery burst during the firing
upon the ‘ Carondelet,’ the night she ran the blockade. Only one
man was injured by the explosion, according to the rebel accounts.
The same night a tree was blown and fell into this battery, killing
a lieutenant and a sergeant. The fourth battery is fully a quarter
of a mile below the last-mentioned, and in a peach orchard of
which I have spoken. Two 24-pound rifles are in position, and
another of the same character not yet mounted. The battery, in
reality, was never used or finished. The fresh tracks in the mud
indicate that the rebels were at work upon it yesterday. .. The
floating battery, mounting nine 9-inch Dahlgrens, formerly laid
under the guns of the third battery, but after the punishment it
received a week since, it was set adrift.

“There was a force of three hundred and twenty-five men upon
the island, divided into three artillery companies, and one of in-
fantry. . . The officers, however, were young men, none of
them being over thirty years of age—of intelligence and spirit,
evidently gentlemen’s sons, dressed in gaudy uniforms, of a dashy
and jaunty style. They took the capture with the utmost non-
156 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

chalance, damned the Yankees for not giving them a fair stand-
up fight, and their own forces on the main shore who had fled
without letting them know of it. This is an actual fact. The
entire force left yesterday (the 7th), without informing them, and
it was not until sunset that they discovered they were sacrificed,
. . . which they denounced in unmeasured terms.

“Many of our soldiers found old friends among them, and one
of them discovered his brother in one of the artillery companies.
This meeting was a very pleasing and suggestive scene, and more
so because it was a peaceful one, and not on the field of battle.

“ Among the prisoners on the island was Lieutenant Rufus J.
Polk, a nephew of Reverend General Polk. ‘On the main shore,’
there are seven batteries. The first, or the Kentucky battery,
which was spiked by Colonel Roberts, mounted six guns; the
second, six ; the third, five; the fourth, four; the fifth, five; the
sixth, six. The seventh was a large fort some distance back from
the river, surrounded by a splendid ditch, and enclosing a huge
magazine. It mounted two 64’s, pointing inland. Nearly one-
third of the guns in these batteries were rifled 24’s and 32’s, the
balance 32’s and 64’s. Besides those mounted there were twenty
guns which had never been mounted, and were lying inside of
their works.

“These observations are sufficient to prove that the enemy was
strengthening his position daily and hourly, and that dispatch on
our part was of the utmost importance to a successful attack upon
our enemy; a few days’ delay would have enabled him to fortify
every weak point in his rear as formidably as his front. The
strength of these works was not known by our commanding offi-
cers until the ‘ Carondelet” made the reconnoissance and attacked
them, which revealed that information to General Pope.”

The above from “our own correspondent,” corroborates the
facts as stated by almost all the other reports which were pub-
lished, and also by one of General Pope’s spies, who came on
board the “Carondelet” at noon of the 7th, immediately after
the capture of the batteries, and reported that a great portion of
the enemy’s works had then been evacuated, some of his infantry
and artillery having left on Sunday night, April 6th, and early
on Monday morning of the 7th. And the same statement was
made by Colonel Washington L. Elliott, of our army, who occu-
pied the enemy’s camp, with a detachment of his cavalry, on the
afternoon of the 7th, by the orders of General Pope, before
Foote had been made aware of its evacuation. Colonel Buford
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 157

had not relieved Elliott on the main land opposite Island No. 10,
until the morning of the 8th. There was no doubt that the act-
ual state of the case was truly reported by our spy, to the effect
that after the “Carondelet ” had so readily captured and spiked
the guns of one of the enemy’s batteries below the island, on the
6th, and produced a panic in the enemy’s camp, a portion of their
army began to retire, and on the morning of the 7th, they
deserted all their works on the main land, in disorder, and they
were in full retreat some hours before General Pope’s forces
crossed the river, which was, at or about one o’clock, Pp. m., on
that day (not at “midnight, twelve hours later, as stated in our
History of the Navy”). General Pope’s army was in the enemy’s
lines twelve hours (at least) before the surrender of Island No.
10 to Flag-Officer Foote, which was actually twelve hours after
the gunboats “ Carondelet ” and “Pittsburg” had silenced and
captured all the enemy’s batteries below the island. It should
be remembered that before the perilous adventure of runniug
the gauntlet was decided upon, our fleet had accomplished
but little, if anything, above the island, and there was no hope
of its making a successful attack on the enemy, whose fortifica-
tions were increasing in strength daily.

SECRETARY WELLES TO FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE.

“By telegraph from Navy YARD, WASHINGTON,
«To April 10, 1862.
“ Plag-Officer
Foote,
Commanding Gunboat Flotilla.

«« A nation’s thanks are due you, and the brave officers and men of the
flotilla on the Mississippi, whose labor and gallantry at Island 10,
which surrendered to you yesterday, has been watched with intense
interest. Your triumph is not the less appreciated because it was protracted
and finally bloodless. To that Being who has protected you through so
many perils, and carried you onward to successive victories, be praise, for
His continued goodness to our country; and especially, for this last great
success of our arms. Let the congratulations of yourself and your com-
mand, be also extended to the officers and soldiers who co-operated with

‘ou. Signed
= ie oe WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.”

The following is the general order issued immediately after the
receipt of the telegram from the secretary of the navy, in answer to
that of Flag-Officer Foote.

©
158 SCENES AND INCIDENTS,

[General Order No. 7.]
“U.S. Flag Steamer ‘Benton,’ Isuanp No. 10,
April 11, 1862.

“It is with the highest gratification that the Commander-in-Chief
promulgates to the officers and men under his command, comprising the
gun and mortar-boats, ordnance-boats, tugs, transports and others, as well
as to General Buford, and officers and soldiers of the Army, who so effectu-
ally co-operated in the reduction of Island No. 10, the following telegram
received from the Secretary of the Navy; and he trusts that the future will
be crowned with the same success to our arms, as the past has been; and
may we all, in letter and spirit, as suggested by the Honorable Secretary,
render our hearty thanks to God for His goodness in giving us the victory.

‘A, H. Foote,
Flag-Officer.”

The impressive voice of the people, and the unanimous ex-
pression of opinion through the press, with General Pope’s report
of the capture of Island No. 10, doubtless convinced the honor-
able secretary of the navy, that there was at least something
wanting in the official reports. And being anxious to give
the flotilla all the credit that was claimed for it, without de-
stroying the harmony of the Navy, as well as its cordial co-opera-
tion with the Army, hé immediately despatched the letter of gen-
eral thanks from the Navy department, to those officers whose
services had evidently been overlooked. The “ Report of Secre-
tary of the Navy (1862),” contains the letter of thanks to Captain
Walke, and other officers of his command, and to Colonel Rob-
erts and those officers and men of the fleet, and of the 42nd Illi-
nois regiment, who spiked the guns of Battery No. 1. The
first-mentioned letter of thanks to the fleet, is omitted in this
report of the secretary. But, contrary to this honorable acknowl-
edgment, our History of the Navy omits the second letter, and.
substitutes that which was previously telegraphed under false im-
pressions, or when the secretary of the navy was not informed
of the principal facts. The letter of the flag-officer to the secre-
tary, however, is inserted in both, which is dated April 11th.
After complaining, in this letter, “that General Halleck’s dis-
patches made no reference to the capture of the forts, and the con-
tinuous shelling of the gun and mortar-boats, &c.,” he finally
compliments the officers and men generally and indiscriminately.

Such is the simple and truthful account of the capture of
Island No. 10. The surrender to Flag-Officer Foote, on the
morning of the 8th, was inevitable, but delayed by the enemy,
doubtless as a ruse to gain time, to destroy their works on shore
with their vessels, and to escape from General Pope’s army.
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 159

Island No. 10, we continue to repeat, was captured by the
gunboats under Captain Walke, and the Army, both under Gen-
eral Pope’s immediate command, on the 6th and 7th days of
April, 1862, notwithstanding the false and laborious accounts to
the contrary.

The biography of Admiral Foote, lately published (1874), not
only repeats many of the misrepresentations referred to, but one
of the diagrams seems to have been tampered with by some one
deeply interested in the flag steamer. Those which represent the
three gunboats, “Benton,” “Cincinnati,” and “St. Louis,” at
close quarters with Fort No. 1, on the 6th and 7th of April, are
not true to the facts: nor as they were represented in the orig-
inal drawing of that diagram, with our fleet, at Island No. 10.

The bombardment occurred on the 17th of March, long before
the above dates, as the records herein show ; and they show also,
that on the 7th day of April, the “Pittsburg” and “ Caronde-
let” were below the island, driving the enemy out of their forts.

But in this diagram of that day, the “Benton” is represented
between two gunboats, as she was twenty days previous, when
they “made an attack on the forts, at a distance of two thousand
yards or more,” which would indicate that our fleet had an engage-
ment with the enemy’s forts on the day of their evacuation, and
the surrender of the forts about Island No. 10, as it appears in
our History, was the effect of some mysterious action of our fleet,
unknown to their officers.

Our historians seem to have been denied a freedom of acknowl-
edging the particular and most important facts of the action of
the gunboats in achieving this victory, or a proper idea of it, ex-
cepting Lossing’s and Headley’s. The History of the Great Re-
bellion, “ which attempted to give a succinct and authentic account
of the war,” gives us the following as the facts: “The transports
for General Pope passed the canal on the night of the 6th of
April, and, on the same night, the gunboat ‘ Pittsburg’ ran past
the island, and attacked the enemy’s batteries at the point desig-
nated,” &c. The most charitable excuse that we can imagine for
such a misrepresentation, is that the historian did not read the
official accounts, or those which were published from Maine to
Texas.

EXTRACT FROM A DIARY AT TIPTONVILLE.

“11th. A steamer is coming from New Madrid. At last we
have indubitable evidence that the blockade of the Mississippi is
160 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. \
raised to this point, and that navigation upon this great channel
of intercommunication is resumed.

“10 a.m. The transport ‘Trio,’ with General Pope and staff,
has just arrived. The general brings the intelligence that Island
No. 10 surrendered to the flag of Commodore Foote last night,
the 8th. The rebel gunboats and the ram were reported about
five miles below Tiptonville.”

CONFEDERATE GUNBOATS SIGHTED.

On the 11th of April, a Confederate steamer made her appear-
ance in sight of our gunboats, evidently reconnoitering, and then
retired. On the 12th inst., when the “Carondelet” and “ Pitts-
burg” were lying at Tiptonville, another Confederate steamer
came up the river in sight, which afterwards proved to be one of
the squadron of rebel gunboats which we met the next day, then
evidently on their way up the river to attack and overpower the
“ Carondelet ” and “ Pittsburg,” which they had watched up to the
afternoon of the 12th of April. They doubtless expected or
‘hoped to find them still at Tiptonville, unsupported by the rest of
our fleet from above Island No. 10.

These rebel gunboats were then guarding a very large trans-
port and barge, and, having made a reconnoissance of our position,
they retired. On the afternoon of the same day, Flag-Officer
Foote, with the “Benton,” “St. Louis,” and “ Cincinnati,” passed
down the river under all speed, making signal to the “ Caronde-
let” and “ Pittsburg,” to “follow his motions.” They immedi-
ately did so; and, joining the flotilla, continued on the way to-
Fort Pillow, accompanied by General Pope’s army in transports ;
and at evening the flotilla moored to the bank in a tropical thun-
der-storm, at Needham’s cut-off.

Early on the following morning, April 13th, our fleet started
down the river, and at about 8 o’clock, they met four or five iron-
clad rebel gunboats, with other vessels,* apparently transports.
The gunboats maneuvered for some time, all the while approach-
ing our fleet, and commenced firing at long range. The “Ben-
ton” and “Carondelet” being the two leading steamers, in two
lines returned the enemy’s fire, advancing upon him at full speed ;
the remainder of our fleet opened fire also, but they were so far
astern, and out of range, that the flag-officer made signal for them

* The enemy’s gunboats were commanded by J. W. Dunnington, of Ken-
tucky, formerly a lieutenant in the U. 8. Navy, and a quondam friend
and shipmate of Captain Walke.
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES, 161

to “cease firing ”; but at the same time hailed the “Carondelet,”
and stated that the signal was not for her, but for our gun-
boats, which were so far astern of him, that their shells were
exploding too near hishead. And it was then a matter of un-
certainty whether they were from the enemy ahead, or from our,
friends astern. After four or five shots the enemy turned, and
retreated down the river.

On board the “Carondelet,” Matthew Arthur, a quartermaster
and captain of No. 1 gun, was blown away from the muzzle of
the gun by a premature discharge, when he was pointing and ele-
vating it with a quadrant at the muzzle. His injuries were not
more serious than a broken arm, and bad burns ; and this faithful
old sailor continued in service on the Mississippi until it was
cleared of the enemy, receiving for his reward a medal of honor
from the Navy Department.

Naval operations before Island No. 10 were finally and appro-
priately closed by the following letter of thanks from the Navy
Department, read on board the “Carondelet” and “ Pittsburg ”
on the 22nd of April.

SECRETARY WELLES TO FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE.

«Navy DEPARTMENT,
April 12, 1862.
«Sm:

“The Department desires you to convey to Commander Henry Walke,
and the officers and men of the ‘Carondelet,’ also to Acting First Master
Hoel, of the ‘Cincinnati,’ who volunteered for the occasion, its thanks for
the gallant and successful services rendered in running the ‘Carondelet’
past the rebel batteries on the night of the 4th inst. It was a daring and
heroic act, well executed and deserving a special recognition. Commen-
dation is also to be extended to the officers and crew of the ‘ Pittsburg,’ who
in like manner on the night of the 7th inst. performed a similar service.
These fearless acts dismayed the enemy, enabled the army under General
Pope to cross the Mississippi, and eventuated in the surrender to yourself
of Island 10, and finally, to the capture by General Pope, of the forts on the
Tennessee shore, and the retreating rebels under General Mackall. I would
also, in this connection, render the acknowledgments which are justly due
the officers and crew of the several boats, who, in conjunction with a detach-
ment of the Forty-second Illinois regiment under Colonel Roberts, captured
the first rebel battery and spiked the guns on Island No. 10, on the night of
the 1st inst.; such services are duly appreciated by the Department, which
extends its thanks to all who participated in the achievement.

«TI am Respectfully,
“«Flag-Officer ‘Your Obedient Servant, -
A. H. Foote, : ‘*GIDEON WELLES.
Commanding Gunboat Flotilla.”
11
162 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

The foregoing letter was indorsed on the back in Admiral
Foote’s handwriting, as follows :

“Forwarded with the order that this paper, which the commander-in-chief
is most happy in transmitting to the brave and gallant officers and men
to whom it refers, shall be publicly read on board the ‘ Carondelet’ and
‘Pittsburg,’ and afterwards retained by Commander Walke, who com-
manded with so much ability and gallantry (assisted by First Master Hoel, of
the gunboat ‘ Cincinnati’), below New Madrid, which enabled the army to
cross the Mississippi at that point, and to secure, with the aid of the flo-
tilla above, the possession of Island No. 10, and the adjacent batteries on

the Tennessee shore.
“A, H. Foors,

Flag-Officer,
Commanding Naval Forces, Western Waters,
“Orr Fort Prutow, April 22, 1862.”

We cannot avoid the reflection which comes to us when we
‘consider the operations of those who robbed the “ Carondelet ”
of her credit, that had she suffered the probable fate predicted by
the flag-officer and his council of war, “with one exception,” that
there would have been quite a different cry from those parties.
General Pope and Captain Walke would then have had full credit
for offering to go “into the jaws of death,” and dragging the in-
nocent officers and crew with them. Those of the council who
“were decidedly opposed to running the blockade, believing it would
result in the almost certain destruction of the boats which should
attempt to pass the six forts, with fifty guns bearing upon the ves-
sel,” would then have been the brave but wise advisers of the
flag-oflicer, and the “one exception” would not have had his
name hid “ under a bushel” in our Navy records.

The letter of the secretary, doubtless, was owing to Pope’s
report, rather than to that of Foote, and also to the voice of the
press.

The indorsement of Foote is not in the records, or in the re-
ports of the secretary, although it was published in all the news-
papers, with the letter of thanks.

The honorable ‘secretary of the navy was also misled in the
idea that the gunboats which ran past the Confederate batteries,
so terrified our foe, without firing a shot, that he immediately and
prematurely surrendered to Foote, before the capture or the
attack was made upon the enemy’s batteries below New Madrid
by these gunboats, and before General Pope had crossed the river
at that point. The battery referred to in the letter of the secre-
tary, was not on Island No. 10, but was about three and a half, or
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 163

at the least calculation, three miles above the island, on the east-
ern bank of the river, near the boundary line of Kentucky and
Tennessee—an error which is, of course, repeated in our Mistory
of the Navy.

GENERAL MACKALL TO HIS TROOPS.

As a specimen of the suaviter in modo and fortiter in re style
of bulletin, the following order of the general in command at the
island, is inserted. The first Napoleon attached great importance
to the style of his bulletins ; and, it would seem, justly so, judging
from their effect on the people for whom they were designed.
Less fortunate, however, was General Mackall, whose order of
April 5th was as follows:

“Soldiers : we are strangers ; commander and commanded ; each
to the other let me tell you whol am. I am a general made by
Beauregard ; a general selected by Beauregard and Bragg for
this command, when they knew it was in peril. They have known
me for twenty years. We have stood upon the fields of Mexico.
Give them your confidence now ; give it to me when I have earned
it. Soldiers: the Mississippi valley is entrusted to your courage,
to your discipline, to your patience. Exhibit the vigilance and
patience of last night and hold it.

(Signed) “A. D. Macwatt,
Brigadier-General Commanding.”

The above address will convince our readers that the Confed-
erates then had no idea of surrendering to our fleet, nor until the
“Carondelet” captured one of their batteries on the 6th. This
promising “vigilance” of General Mackall resulted in a speedy
failure when two of our gunboats passed their watchful batteries
with no other damage than a cool ducking. “It is not good to
eat much honey, so for men to search their own glory is not
glory.” Pro. xxv. 27.

The floating battery which is represented to have been shelled
and driven away by our gunboats, opened fire bravely, notwith-
standing, upon the “Carondelet” and “ Pittsburg,” after they had
passed below Island No. 10. The Confederate historian makes
an interesting statement of these events, which proves that our
enemy was perfectly confident of his ability to repulse our fleet
in any attack it should make, until he was terrified by the “Ca-
rondelet’s ” attack upon the forts in his rear.

The Confederates, as usual, concealed their losses with the
164 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

utmost care. Their dead and wounded were carried from the
rebel batteries in full view of the officers and crew of the “Ca-
rondelet,” over the fieldsinto the woods for shelter during the
bombardment.

On the 8th the famous floating battery of sixteen 64-pounders,
which threw her “harmless shot” as the “Carondelet” passed,
cut a sorry figure in her last struggle to escape final destruction
and capture. Having been sent adrift the previous morning, she
ultimately floated past New Madrid, creating consternation and
receiving the fire of our fortifications. About 8, P. M., one of her
guns was dismounted, and finally, owing to her scuttled condition,
she drifted to the shore and sunk near Point Pleasant. While
firing on her one of our gunners was blown to atoms by the
bursting of his gun, at the upper fort, below New Madrid.

The Southern History of the Wur says:—“All our guns,
seventy in number, varying in caliber from 32 to 100-pounders
rifled, were abandoned, together with our magazines, which were
well supplied with powder, large quantities of shot, shell, and
other munitions of war. The transports and boats were scuttled.
Nothing seems to have been done properly. Guns were spiked
with rat-tail files, but so imperfeetly that several of them were
rendered serviceable to the enemy in a short time. The floating
battery, formerly the Pelican dock at New Orleans, of sixteen
heavy guns (and which was at Columbus), after being scuttled
was cut loose. At daylight of the 8th it was found lodged a
short distance above Point Pleasant, and taken possession of by
the enemy, with all the stores on board. The unhappy men on
the island were abandoned to their fate, the Confederates on the
main land having fled with precipitation. No single battle-field
had yet afforded to the North such visible fruits of victory as had
been gathered at Island No. 10. While the people of the South
were induced to auticipate a decisive and final repulse of the
enemy on the waters of the Mississippi, the news reached them
through northern channels that the capture of Island’No. 10 had
been effected on the 8th of April. The ‘Carondelet’ alone
captured a battery on the 6th. On that night of April 6th,
General Mackall moved the infantry and Stewart’s battery to
the Tennessee shore, to prevent the landing of the anticipated
attack.”

The above concurrent history, from the best authority on the
Confederate side, is important in order to show the dispiriting
effect of this achievement on the Confederacy.
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 165

SOUTHERN JOURNALS ON THE LOSS OF ISLAND NO. 10.

We also give the following extract from the Richmond Hxam-
ener, April 27, 1862 :

“Island No. 10, as far as regards its future relations to the
Southern Confederacy, is also among the ‘things that were. .. .
If Fort Pillow falls, of course Memphis goes with it, and New
Orleans, the grand prize of the Federals, comes next on the pro-
gramme. It is not probable that with the rich fruit so nearly
ready to pluck, the enemy will stop without some further demon-
stration, or that a stupendous effort will not be put forth to secure
the keystone of the south and west. There is little panic in
Memphis, however. The people are quietly, if not almost cal-
lously, anticipating the worst. That hope which springs eternal
in the human breast, was here most rudely shocked.”

The completeness of our operations upon the enemy’s batteries,
in the rear of their position at Island No. 10, and its fatal conse-
quences to the rebellion, will be understood by reading the lam-
entations of the press at Richmond, in connection with the
capture of Forts Henry and Donelson. It marks out the steady
progress our Army and Navy were making into the heart of the
enemy’s country, and thus far (to the southern boundary of Ken-
tucky), we had suppressed the rebellion.

The Richmond Press of April 14th, said : “The circumstances
as connected with the surrender of this position, with all its
guns, ammunition, &., are humiliating in the extreme. The
daily bulletin from Island No. 10, for many days represented that
the enemy, after an incessant bombardment for many hours, had
inflicted no injury. We were constantly assured that the place
was impregnable, and that the enemy could never pass it.
Brigadier-General Mackall assumed command on the 5th, in a
flaming order in which he pronounced himself a general, made by
‘Beauregard and Bragg.’ Two days after, the island was surren-
dered, and along with it, according to the Federal Commander
Foote, seventy cannon, varying from 32 to 100-pounders, rifled.
.... The magazines are well supplied with powder, and there
are large quantities of shot and shell, and other munitions of war,
and great quantities of provisions; four steamers afloat have
fallen into our (their) hands. The commodore says that the
works were erected with the highest engineering skill, were of
great strength, and with their natural advantages, would have
166 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

been impregnable, if defended by men (so says the writer) fight-
ing for a better cause.

“It may be that both desired to magnify his own achievements
by representing the place as stronger than it really was ; but then
did not our own accounts, in the vain boasting of the Memphis
telegrams, make the defenses just as strong and impregnable as
the burnt fool does? They certainly did, and were it not that we
have been so often surprised by the surrender of forts and forti-
fications that were boasted of as being impregnable, we should
indeed be amazed at the surrender of the famed Island No. 10,
which has furnished so many paragraphs for telegraphing. But
even the surrender need not have carried necessarily along with
it the ammunition and the boats. Could they not have been de-
stroyed? Why add all this, and the provisions, to the new present
of cannon to the Federals? Our gifts of cannon have been quite
munificent, even to impoverishing ourselves ; and we need not
add so liberally of other things in our offerings, to those who are
better supplied than we are. We do not know that we would
inquire into these matters ; we are utterly disgusted with those
islands, and trust they are ended with Island No. 10. They and
the lost forts were all fruitful enough of disappointment and
mortification ; but Island No. 10 seemed to have capped the cli-
max, and by right of excellence ought to wind up this miserable
history.”

The above statement will also assist the reader to form a cor-
rect idea of the surprise and panic the “ Carondelet” had the day
before created with her 64-pounder shell, which exploded in the
midst of their camps suddenly. The reader will find further con-
firmation of this fact in the Southern History af the War.

Lossing’s History is more just to General Pope and Captain
Walke by far, than our own Nuval History, in which the name of
the latter is omitted, except where it appears unavoidably in the
official reports.

While thus pursuing the enemy with our whole fleet, we did
not forget that it was the Sabbath day, and the commandments
thereof were gratefully remembered, and we, or some of us, kept
it the best way we could, as a day of rest and devotion. “ Per-
formed divine service,” and felt like singing the song of Moses
and Miriam : “TI will sing unto the Lord, for He hath triumphed
gloriously ; the horse and his rider hath He thrown into the depths
of the sea.”

The Navy contributed its full share of service in the war, and
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 167

can well afford to be just and truthful in its narrative of its acts,
as well to its own officers, as to those of the Army. We
therefore, while narrating with a reasonable pride, the services of
that branch of the Navy represented by the gunboats, are battling
for a fair record to those officers of the Navy and Army who have
been denied it in our histories.

The injustice of the official history is nowhere shown more dis-
tinctly than in its omission of the operations below Island No. 10,
by the army under General Pope, and the gunboats under Captain
Walke, which we have so fully and truthfully described in this
work,

To correctly appreciate the events referred to, historians must,
hereafter, look to other sources of information than our Naval
History. Nor are our records of the War Department by any
means perfect.

The official dispatches of Flag-Officer Foote differ from all
other accounts, in reference to the date of the surrender of Island
No. 10. It is represented in that despatch that the “ Pittsburg”
was above Island No. 10 on the morning of the 8th of April, while
according to the other accounts, that vessel was below the island
on the 6th and 7th,—forty-eight hours difference in time. In one
instance she is twelve hours earlier, and in the other twelve hours
later. The first telegram represents that vessel as just leaving
our fleet above Island No. 10 at 2 o’clock in the morning of April
8th, and the last reports her below New Madrid on the 6th and 7th ;
as having previously passed the enemy’s batteries, and attacking
them below the island ; which was evidently a mistake that would
naturally mislead a historian (with his ideas biased in that direc-
tion), that Island No. 10 was surrendered to Commodore Foote
before our troops had crossed over the river, or our gunboats had
captured the enemy’s batteries below Island No. 10; thereby
conferring a mistaken honor on our Navy at the expense of our
Army, and one irreconcilable with the records of both Army and
Navy.

The Secretary of the Navy Report of 1862, page 406, has this
telegram via. Cairo referred to :

FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE TO SECRETARY WELLES.

“Flag Steamer ‘Benton,’ orr Isnanp No. 10,
April 8, 1862.
“This morning at two o’clock, in a heavy thunder-storm, the gunboat
‘Pittsburg,’ Lieutenant-Commander Thompson, ran the blockade under
fire of seventy-three guns, and has probably reached New Madrid, and is with
168 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the ‘Carondelet,’ Commander Walke, as reports of heavy guns are heard
opening upon the rebel batteries on the opposite shore to destroy them, that
General Pope with his army may land on the Tennessee side, preparatory
to moving to attack the rear of the rebels at this place, while we attack them
in front.
“A. H. Foors,
“Hon. GipEON WELLES, ‘*Flag-Officer, Commanding.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.”

It is well known that in any contemplated battle no combined
simultaneous attack upon an enemy, would or could be made suc-
cessfully without some previous arrangements by the commanding
officers for that purpose. But the correspondence of those officers’
at Island No. 10 contains no information to that effect, nor an
idea of it, until after General Pope defeated the enemy, and cap-
tured all his works below and in the rear of the island, which
therefore surrendered inevitably to Flag-Officer Foote, without
his attack.

The following is the last report which Flag-Officer Foote made
to the Navy Department, of the capture of Island No. 10, already
referred to.

ENGAGEMENT OF THE “ CARONDELET” AND “ PITTSBURG” WITH
THE ENEMY IN THE VICINITY OF NEW MADRID,
APRIL 6TH, 1862.

“J, §. Flag Steamer ‘Benton,’ Istanp No. 10,
April 11, 1862.
6c Sir: .

“‘T have the honor to enclose a report from Commander Walke, of the
gunboat ‘Carondelet,’ detailing the services rendered by him and the Pitts-
burg, Lieutenant-Commander Thompson, in the vicinity of New Madrid;
from which it will be seen that the boats opened upon, and effectually
silenced, and captured, several heavy batteries on the Tennessee side of the
river, on the 6th and 7th instants; without which destruction it would have
been impossible for General Pope to have crossed over the river, for the pur-
pose of attacking the rebels in the rear at No. 10, while the gun and mortar-
boats would make the attack in front.

“‘There has been an effective and harmonious co-operation between
the land and naval forces, which has, under Providence, led to the
glorious result of the fall of this stronghold, No. 10, with the garrison and
munitions of war, and I regret to see in the dispatches of Major-General
Halleck, from St. Louis, no reference is made to the capture of the forts, and
the continuous shelling of the gun and mortar-boats, and the Navy’s receiv-
ing the surrender of No. 10, when, in reality, it should be recorded as a his-
torical fact that both services equally contributed to the victory—a bloodless
victory—more creditable to humanity than if thousands had been slain.

“Talso enclose reports from Lieutenants Commanding Gwin and Shirk,
of the gunboats ‘Taylor’ and ‘Lexington,’ in the Tennessee, giving a
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 169

graphic account of that great battle, and the assistance rendered by these
boats near Pittsburg; stating that ‘when the left wing of our army was
being driven into the river, at short range, they opened fire upon them, silenced
the enemy, and, as I hear from many Army officers on the field, totally
demoralizing his forces, and driving them from their position in a perfect
rout, in the space of ten minutes.’

«These officers and men, as well as those of Commander Walke, and the
officers and men of the ‘ Carondelet’ and ‘Pittsburg,’ behaved with a degree
of gallantry highly creditable to themselves and the Navy.

“T proceed to-day with the entire flotilla, to New Madrid, and leave
to-morrow for Fort Piltow, or the next point down the river which may at-
tempt to resist the raising the blockade.

“‘T have the honor to be, Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
[Signed] “A, H. Foors,
*‘Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Flag-Officer.
; Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. 0.”

The mistakes occurring in this report, of the presence of the
“ Pittsburg” at New Madrid on the 6th, and that “while the
gun and mortar-boats would make the attack in front,” has been
previously noticed in other reports; it seems to be at least an
after-clap, as no such combined assault occurred, nor was it ex-
pected.

The most imposing public document of this crisis is the Report
of the Honorable Secretary of the Navy, in which he ascribes the
surrender of Island No. 10 to the “persistent and severe struggles
and conflicts” of our fleet, to the commander of the naval forces
at the island, and that not a gun was fired by the Army except
from the command of Colonel Buford, which at the latter place
co-operated with the Navy.” Such mistakes are well calculated
to mislead any historian. Colonel Buford’s command was at the
canal, some six or seven miles above the island, when it surren-
dered, which was then called a bloodless victory, as the enemy
fled before Pope’s army.

In confirmation of the preceding narrative, we annex the Re-
port of the operations which resulted in the capture of Island No.
10.

‘HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
“* Camp five miles from Corinth, Miss., May 2, 1862.

Extract.)

«¢ GENERAL:

“©On the 17th of March, I suggested to Commodore Foote by letter,
that he should run the enemy’s batteries with one of his gunboats, and thus
enable me to cross the river with my command, assuring him that by this
170 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

means, I could throw into the rear of the enemy men enough to deal with
any force he might have. This request the commodore declined on the

ground of impracticability.

“‘On the 4th, Commodore Foote allowed one of the gunboats to run the
batteries at Island No. 10, and Captain Walke, United States Navy, who
had volunteered, (as appears from the commodore’s order to him,) came
through that night with the gunboat ‘Carondelet.’ Although many shots
were fired at him as he passed the batteries, his boat was not once struck.
He informed me of his arrival early on the 5th.

“‘On the morning of the 6th, I sent General Granger, Colonel Smith of the
Forty-third Ohio, and Captain L. H. Marshal, of my staff, to make a recon-
noissance of the river below, and requested Captain Walke to take them on
board the ‘Carondelet’ and run down the river, to ascertain precisely the
character of the banks, and the position and number of the enemy’s bat-
teries. The whole day was spent in this reconnoissance, the ‘ Carondelet’
steaming down the river in the midst of a heavy fire from the enemy’s bat«
teries, along the shore. The whole bank for fifteen miles was lined with
heavy guns at intervals in no case exceeding one mile. Intrenchments for
infantry were also thrown up along the shore, between the batteries. On
his return up the river, Captain Walke silenced the enemy’s batteries oppo-
site Point Pleasant, and a small infantry force under Captain L. H. Mar-
sha] landed and spiked the guns.

“On the night of the 6th, at my urgent request, Commodore Foote
ordered the ‘ Pittsburg’ also to run down to New Madrid. She arrived at
daylight, having, like the ‘Carondelet,’ come through untouched. I
directed Captain Walke to proceed down the river at daylight on the 7th with
the two gunboats, and, if possible, silence the batteries near Watson’s land-
ing, the point which had been selected to land the troops, and at the same
time I brought the four steamers into the river and embarked Paine’s divi-
sion, which consisted of the Tenth, Sixteenth, Twenty-second and Fifty-first
Illinois regiments, with Houghtaling’s battery of artillery. The land bat-
teries of 32-pounders, under Captain Williams, First United States Infantry,
which I had established some days before opposite the point where the
troops were to land, were ordered to open their fire upon the enemy’s bat-
teries opposite, as soon as it was possible to see them. A heavy storm com-
menced on the night of the 6th, and continued with short intermissions for
several days. The morning of the 7th was very dark, and the rain fell
heavily until midday. As soon as it was fairly light, our heavy batteries on
the land opened their fire vigorously upon the batteries of the enemy, and
the two gunboats ran down the river and joined in the action. I cannot
speak too highly of the conduct of Captain Walke during the whole of these
operations. Prompt, gallant, and cheerful, he performed the hazardous ser-
vice assigned him with signal skilland success. About 12 o’clock m. he sig-
nalled me that the batteries near our place of landing were silenced, and the
steamers containing Paine’s division moved out from the landing, and began
to cross the river, preceded by the gunboats. The whole force designed to
cross had been drawn up along the river bank, and saluted the passing
steamers with cheers of exultation. As soon as we began to cross the river
the enemy began to evacuate his position along the banks and the batteries
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 171

along the Tennessee shore opposite Island No. 10. His whole force was in
motion toward Tiptonville, with the exception of the few artillerists on the
island, who in the haste of the retreat had been abandoned. As Paine’s division
was passing opposite the point I occupied on the shore, one of my spies, who
had crossed on the gunboats from the silenced battery, informed me of this
hurried retreat of the enemy. I signalled General Paine to stop his boats,
and sent him the information, with orders to land as rapidly as possible on
the opposite shore, and push forward to Tiptonville, to which point the
enemy’s forces were tending from every direction. I sent no force to occupy
the deserted batteries opposite Island No. 10, as it was my first purpose to
capture the whole army of theenemy. At 8 or 9 o’clock that night (the 7th)
the small party abandoned on the island, finding themselves deserted, and
fearing an attack intherear from our land forces, which they knew had crossed
the river in the morning, sent a message to Commodore Foote surrendering
tohim. The divisions were pushed forward to Tiptonville as fast as they
were landed, Paine leading. The enemy attempted to make a stand several
times near that place, but Paine did not once deploy his columns. By mid-
night all our forces were across the river and pushing forward rapidly to
Tiptonville. The enemy, retreating before Paine and from Island No. 10,
met at Tiptonville during the night in great confusion, and were driven
back into the swamp by the advance of our forces, until at 4 o’clock a.m.
on the 8th, finding themselves completely cut off, and being apparently
unable to resist, they laid down their arms and surrendered at discretion.
They were so scattered and confused that it was several days before
anything like an accurate account of their number could be made.
Meantime I had directed Colonel W. L. Elliott, of the Second Iowa cavalry,
who had crossed the river after dark, to proceed as soon as day dawned to
take possession of the enemy’s abandoned works on the Tennessee shore,
opposite Island No 10, and to save the steamers if he possibly could. He
reached there before sunrise that morning, (the 8th,) and took possession of
the encampments, the immense quantity of stores and supplies, and of
all the enemy’s batteries on the mainland. He also brought in about two
hundred prisoners. After posting his guards and taking possession of the
steamers not sunk or injured, he remained until the forces from the flotilla
Janded. As Colonel Buford was in command of these forces, Colonel Elliott
turned over to his infantry force the prisoners, batteries and captured
property, for safe-keeping, and proceeded to scour the country in the direc-
tion of pe along Reelfoot lake, as directed.

“] am, General, Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“ Brig.-General G. W. CULLUM, “‘Jonn Pops,
Chief of Staff and of Engineers. ‘* Major-General Commanding.
Prrtspurc Lanpine, TENNESSEE.”

‘© HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
“‘New Mapropp, March 17, 1862.

“*General CULLUM :
“< If Commodore Foote can run past the batteries of Island No. 10, with

two or three gunboats and reach here, I can cross my whole force and cap-
172 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.”

ture every man of the enemy at Island No. 10 and on the mainland. I shall
send a messenger to him suggesting it; but for fear of accident you had
perhaps best send him this letter. He had best be careful in approaching
this place, in case he gets past the battery, and display a white flag some

distance off.
“T am General, Respectfully,

Your Obedient Servant,
“‘ JoHn Pore,
Brigadier-General Commanding.”

« HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE MissIssIPrPi,
“New Maprp, March 23, 1862.
“Major-General HaLLEcx:

‘« Since yesterday our gunboats seem to have ceased their fire, and are
waiting for us to reduce the batteries opposite Island 10. If I can cross
this force it will be an easy matter, as the batteries are only earth parapets,
open to the rear—such works as could be put up in twenty-four hours. The
river is very high and rising still, and the current runs so furiously that a
row-boat manned by six oarsmen, which I sent out yesterday, was unable
to stem it and floated down three miles. It was necessary to haul it back to
the upper redoubt by land. The river is over a mile wide at every point—a
distance too great for our guns to cover the landing on the opposite side.
To cross this army under such circumstances, in the face of the enemy, will
be a difficult and dangerous operation, and nothing except the utter failure
of our gunboats to achieve what they promise, and the imperative necessity
of taking the enemy’s batteries, now that they have been assailed, would in-
duce me to hazard such an operation with volunteers, without positive
orders. The difficulties have much increased since I first determined upon
such a movement by the greatly increased velocity and fury of the current.
The canal cannot be made deep enough for gunboats, and there will be
nothing to cover our landing on the opposite bank. The movement must
therefore be made under cover of darkness, which will greatly increase the
danger and chance of confusion. I see well the necessity of carrying the
enemy’s works, now that the attack has begun, but it is distinctly to
be understood that no manner of assistance has been, or, from appearances,
can be rendered us by the gunboats of the flotilla. Commodore Foote
declines to run any of his boats past the batteries, for fear of losing them.
I have offered, through Colonel Bissell, engineers to secure the boat against
damage from the enemy’s fire, but Commodore Foote fears that the enemy
may board her. Surely such a risk is much less than will be that of crossing
a large force in frail boats, over a wide, swift river, in the face of an enemy,
and without anything to cover the landing. I shall, kowever, carry out the
operation, but I would respectfully suggest that if any plan of operations
down this river has been made with the belief that our gunboat flotilla can
dislodge the enemy from any batteries they choose to place on the mainland
or on the islands, it must of necessity fail. Unless the gunboats are able to
perform what has been asserted for them, the line of the river is the strong-
est the enemy has. If the enemy have planted batteries on the upper
end of any island below us, we will have the same delay and difficulty we
have had here. I must disembark, pass around by land, establish bat-
CAPTURE OF THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES. 173

teries below the enemy, and wait until they are starved out, as it is not
likely that other places will be found where canals can be dug, so as to
bring transports below the enemy’s batteries without passing in range.
Even if such places could be found wherever the enemy established a bat-
tery, I would be obliged, as I am now, to cross without cover or the aid of
gunboats, in the face of the enemy. Of course, if the land forces are to
cross and re-cross this river at every battery of the enemy along its banks
and on the islands, and carry their works, we must be delayed in our
progress beyond all reason, and must certainly sustain some disaster.

“Thave also to complain that the corps of newspaper correspondents with the
flotilla have been put in possession of my plans for bringing down boats here
by digging a canal, and have published it in the newspapers. I fear to
write anything lest I see it in a day or two in all the newspapers in the
country. My dispatches to Colonel Buford and Commodore Foote con-
cerning the blockade of the river below them were official, and not
designed for publication. I regret to trouble you with such matters, but if
my intentions and movements are published days in advance, by persons
not under my control, I must cease to correspond with the' forces above
me.

“Tam, General, Respectfully,
“Your Obedient Servant,
‘‘Joun Popg,
Brigadier-General Commanding.”

 

[By telegraph from Headquarters, St. Louis. ]

“Cargo, March 24, 1862.
‘*Major-General Joun Pops, New Madrid:

‘Yours of yesterday received. Commodore Foote will not attempt to
run past the batteries and he cannot reduce them. If the crossing cannot
be effected with safety it had better not be undertaken. The main object is
accomplished by holding the enemy in position. If the idea of crossing is
given up, send all the forces you can spare to Bird’s point to be transported
up the Tennessee. We can there turn the enemy and cut off his retreat by
land, while your guns command the river. If this meets your views I will
also withdraw the forces from Hickman with the same object. The imme-
diate reduction of these batteries is not important, but the failure in an
attempt to cross your army over the river might be disastrous. Jam decid-
edly in favor of the move up the Tennessee. Answer.

“A. W. Hatbuc..
A TRUE COPY: ‘* Major-General.
«OC, A. Moraan,
Colonel and Acting Aid-de-Camp.”
. ‘‘New Maprip, March 27, 1862.

“« Major-General HALLECK:

“Your dispatch of 24th received. I will take Island No 10 within
a week, trust me. As Commodore Foote is unable to reduce it, and unable
to run his gunboats past it, I would ask, as the boats belong to the
174 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

United States, that he be directed to remove his crews from two of them and
turn over the boats tome. I will bring them here. I canget along without
them, but will have several days’ delay. The railroad from Bird’s point to
Sikeston under water, and route to Commerce impracticable from backwater
of swamps. ‘Troops could not be taken from here until the river is open. I
am confident of success, and shall carefully provide against every danger in

crossing the river.
“Joun Pops,

Major-General Commanding.”

 

‘HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF THE MISSISSIPPI,
“New Mapro, April 5, 1862.
“Commodore A. H. Foote:

“Your note of yesterday is just received. Captain Walke arrived safely
with the ‘ Carondelet,’ not a shot having touched her. Officers and men are
in good condition, and anxious for service. I requested Colonel Scott,
Assistant Secretary of War, to write you yesterday in relation to sending
another one of the gunboats, and, with profound respect, I venture to urge
you still further on the subject. I have- not a doubt but that one of them
could run the batteries to-night without any serious injury. Notwithstand-
ing their inferior character, the enemy’s gunboats pass and repass our bat-
teries in the night without injury. My best artillerists, officers of the regu-
lar army of many years’ service, state positively that it is impossible in the
night to fire with any kind of certainty the large guns—thirty-twos—of our
batteries, especially at a moving object. The guns fired at the ‘ Carondelet’
passed two hundred feet above her. Iam thus urgent, sir, because the lives
of thousands of men, and the success of our operations hang upon your
decision. With the two boats all is safe; with one it is uncertain. The
lives of the men composing this army are in my keeping, and I do not feel
justified in omitting any steps to fortify this movement against any accident
which might occasion disaster not to be repaired. Certainly the risk toa
gunboat moving down in the night is not nearly so great, and involves no
such consequences as the risk to ten thousand men crossing a great river in
the presence of the enemy. You will excuse me, I am sure, if I seem
urgent. A sense of duty alone impels me to present the facts to you as for-
cibly as possible.

“Tam, sir, Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“ JoHN Pors,
Major-General Commanding,”
I certify that the foregoing are true copies.

Captain and A, D. @.
CHAPTER X.
ISLAND NO. 10.

Confederate Accounts of the Capture of Island No. 10.—Letter from an Offi-
cer on board the ‘‘ Carondelet.”—Brief Review.

Tue Confederate daily bulletin from Island No. 10, for many
days, represented that “the enemy, after an incessant bombard-
ment of many hours, had inflicted no injury.” The people of the
South were constantly assured that “the place was impregnable,
and the enemy never could pass it.” The bombardment had been
one of unparalleled length. Every day the mortars continued
to boom, and still the cannon of the island replied with dull,
sullen roar, wasting shot and temper alike. The scenes of this
long bombardment are described as affording some of the most
magnificent spectacles. ... The news reached them through
northern channels, that the capture of Island No. 10 had been
effected on the 8th of April. “The evacuation was effected in the
greatest precipitation; those occupying the shore fleeing, and
leaving those on the island with the sick, and all the cannon,
seventy in number, from 32 to 100-pounders rifled, munitions, and
vessels, and six hundred prisoners.” General Mackall had just
assumed command, and issued the order containing the expres-
sion to his soldiers, “Let me tell you who I am !” &. “The enemy
was busy ; escaping the vigilance of the Oonfederate commander,
cutting a canal twelve miles long, for steamers and barges to
New Madrid, over the peninsula, through the heavy forest, which
had to be sawed off, four feet under water, by hand.” “One of
the enemy’s boats, the ‘ Carondelet,’ passing the island, engaged
Bucker’s battery.* The unhappy men on the island were aban-
doned to their fate. No single battle-field has yet afforded to
the North such visible fruits of victory as has been gathered at
Island No. 10.

The loss of this stronghold was thus lamented in Richmond :

“We have saved none of our cannon or munitions; we have

* And destroyed it, he might have said truly.
[175]
176 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

lost our boats ; our sick have been abandoned; there can be no
excuse for the wretched mismanagement and infamous scenes
that attended the evacuation ; our transports have been scuttled ;
the floating battery (formerly the Pelican Dock at New Orleans)
has been sent adrift ; in one of the hospital-boats were a hundred
poor wretches half dead with disease and neglect. On the shore
there are crowds of our men wandering about, some trying to
construct rafts with which to float down the river ; some lost in
the cane-brakes, without food.”

A LETTER TO THE PITTSBURG EVENING CHRONICLE.

These scenes, as they appeared on board the “ Carondelet,”
were thus described in the Pittsburg Evening Chronicle:

“U. 8. Gunboat ‘ Carondelet,’
“Off Tiptonville, Tenn.

“Believing that a line from this section of the country, during
these stirring and exciting times of war may not be objectionable,
I sit down to write you a sketch of our late operations in this
neighborhood.

“ Becoming tired of the dullness and inactivity displayed atthe
head of Island No. 10, the ‘ Carondelet,’ Commander H. Walke,
U.S. N., volunteered to run the blockade, which was represented
to be the Gibraltar of the Mississippi.

“At ten o’clock on the evening of April 4th, we started on
our perilous undertaking. Our orders were to have all our guns
run in, ports closed, lights extinguished, and to use every precau-
tion to protect our vessel from the enemy. The strictest silence
was ordered to be preserved by the officers and crew, and not a
word spoken above a whisper.

“Notwithstanding all our precautions, and a terrible storm
which prevailed at the time, accompanied by vivid lightning, the
enemy discovered us immediately after we started ; but we were
not to be intimidated. They first opened on us with a heavy fire
of musketry from the upper battery ; each battery then opened
upon usa terrible fire of shot andshell. About eighty shots were
fired at us altogether, to say nothing of the volleys of musketry,
to all of which we made no reply ; but through the interposition
of Divine Providence, we passed through them all in safety ; ar-
riving at New Madrid at twelve o’clock, midnight, where we were
warmly welcomed by our troops stationed there.

“Sunday morning, April 6th, 1862.
“ After divine service at the usual hour, we started down the
ISLAND NO. 10. 177

river on a reconnoissance, by order of Major-General Pope, Gen-
eral Granger and staff accompanying us. We proceeded down to
Riddle’s point, firing a few shot at various rebel batteries and
encampments on the route ; the enemy, in most instances, opening
onus. At Riddle’s point we took on board General Palmer and
staff, and proceeded to reconnoiter the batteries at Merreweath-
er’s landing, endeavoring to draw their fire, but could not suc-
ceed. We then proceeded up the river, and engaged a rebel
battery of two 24-pounders, opposite Point Pleasant, and suc-
ceeded in taking it. We then continued up to the next battery,
and succeeded in dismounting one of their guns, but did not
silence the battery, as it was growing so dark we could not dis-
tinguish the position of their guns.

“We continued up the river to New Madrid ; the rebels helped
us along by a few shot from the batteries we had passed in the
morning, on the way down. We replied, but did not stop, as we
could not see the effect of our shot, and arrived at New Madrid
at 9, Pp.m., without a scratch, and were heartily cheered by our
troops for the day’s work we had performed.

“ April 7th, 1862.

“We proceeded (under General Pope’s orders) down the river
again, to clear out all the rebel batteries. We rounded to, under
the lowest battery, and opened fire on them. After a short and
spirited engagement, we succeeded in driving them from their
works. We took the batteries in regular rotation, and cleaned
them out as we went up ; landing at each,.and spiking the guns,*
and demolishing the carriages. The troops being in readiness to
cross, we signaled the transports to-come down. After covering
the debarkation of troops, we proceeded to Riddle’s -Point, and
landed for the night, head down stream, in anticipation of an at-
tack from the enemy’s gunboats, which were lying about three
miles below us. Daylight discovered the stars and stripes float-
ing over the enemy’s works on the opposite shore, having been
placed there by Colonel Morgan’s 10th and 16th Mlinois regi-
ments. Captain Hollenstein, and twenty of his men (sharpshoot-
ers), volunteered to-accompany us through thick and thin. We
have them as long as we can. We are now lying at anchor off
Tiptonville, waiting for further orders, and hourly looking for
the fleet from Island No. 10.” ...

* Heavy guns, Foote calls them, but by our historians they are nicknamed
“ field guns.”
12
178 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

Quotations from the press might be given almost ad infinitum
to sustain the truth of our narrative, as to the efficient services
rendered by these gunboats; but a reference to the facts of the
honorable the secretary of the navy, and the official reports of
Flag-Officer Foote by letter and telegram on the 7th and 8th of
April, 1862, will show the estimation in which these services were
held, on the spot and at the time when they were rendered, and
will also corroborate the main facts, and as exactly as possible
the precise period of the enemy evacuating his forts on the Ten-
nessee shore, and the date when the “ Pittsburg ” ran the blockade
and joined the “Carondelet” at New Madrid. Discrepancy in
dates has invariably been one of the most prolific sources of error
in all histories from “time immemorial,” as two or three dates
to one occurrence will naturally produce perplexity and error.

As it was at Fort Donelson and Columbus, Ky., some of the most
ardent admirers of our fleet seem to imagine still, that this victory
was due to our formidable fleet, because of its frightful appear-
ance, so beautifully described and published under authority, un-
doubtedly for the satisfaction of some of our naval aspirants, who
depended more on their pens than their swords for victories.

A correspondent of the fleet makes the following statement of
what was expected of the “Carondelet ” alone, after running the
blockade, and before the surrender, which may be taken as cor-
roborative evidence of what was well known wherever the news-
papers were read :

“Tt is now as good as settled that our forces on the Missouri
side can cross the river under the convoy and protection of the
gunboat, and take the enemy in flank and rear.”

The order of the flag-officer to Captain Walke contains con-
vincing evidence that the “Carondelet ” was the only gunboat he
intended to send to Pope, and that reluctlantly. And there was
no other assistance or co-operation between our fleet and army
contemplated when those orders were written.

As our histories are unusually at fault in their accounts of the
capture of Island No. 10, the errors rather increasing than dimin-
ishing with the lapse of time, through the artful manipulations of
interested parties, and being desirous to do full justice to the sub-
ject, and check the current of error in some measure, we will
briefly review what we have already referred to in general terms,
concerning General Pope’s plans and the council of war.

Our naval writers have generally ascribed this victory to Com-
modore Foote, by his “own method and time, waiting to make
ISLAND NO. 10. 179

the move,” and “to win the long contested prize,” as “he had
become fully convinced of the necessity of carrying out his plan,”
though when or why he became so fully convinced does not appear
in their narratives of that affair. And finally General Pope is
represented as following the lead of the flag-officer, in his plan of
operations.

The flag-officer gave special, not general orders to Commander
Walke, and this order was written as recorded, and would show
by its date that it had precedence of all those movements and
after-thoughts which have been distorted and made to seem
the cause of our success—ignoring the result of the previous
council, and adopting the measures there decided upon, as the
original plans of the commodore instead of the general. They
knew that the order was dated March 30th, 1862, and that it was
Colonel Roberts who had spiked the guns of the uppermost bat-
tery, voluntarily, on the night of the Ist of April, 1862, which is
now claimed as a preparatory measure of Flag-Officer Foote, for
running the gauntlet ; which he had, in fact, strenuously opposed
until the second council of war. The floating battery, which was
discovered on the 4th of April, was removed on the same day—
the day the “Carondelet” ran the gauntlet. These circum-
stances have been magnified, not only to honor the officers who
were really nothing more than spectators at the decisive battle ;
but they are now accredited with the victory by some of the
authors referred to.

The official letters will show that the flag-officer never intended
to run the gauntlet himself, as well as the reason why he objected
so long “ to risk a gunboat,” by ordering one of them to run the
batteries.

The apprehension that the “Carondelet” would receive too
much credit soon began to excite jealousy, and operate upon the
tone of the reports. In his letter the flag-officer represents him-
self as being considerably relieved, and not until then did he
begin to count on a victory which he expected. General Pope
would gain the victory with the “Carondelet” to aid him. In
the face of the evidence already mentioned, and that which
appears in the preceding chapter, the attempt of our historians or
any other person, to belittle the service of the “Carondelet” in
passing the batteries of Island No. 10, must deservedly fail. Ac-
cording to all the official correspondence to the Navy Department, ,
the “Carondelet ” alone was expected not only to encounter the en-
emy’s new fleet of powerful gunboats and rams, and to attack the
180. SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

enemy’s long line of earthworks and heavy batteries below New
Madrid, but also those below and above Island No. 10; and to render
essential aid to our army by covering it while crossing the river.
This latter being, in the flag-officer’s orders, represented as of
vital importance to the capture of Island No. 10. Therefore,
Flag-Officer Foote could not be held accountable for having taken
any risk whatever, or for any failure. General Pope was respon-
sible principally, if not entirely, for the consequences of this
action.

After the “Carondelet ” had performed all the service possible,
and much more it was feared, than she could accomplish, a
mysterious silence is maintained in regard to the preliminary par-
ticulars of this achievement ; and finally there is the ungenerous
omission of those interesting facts, which, as the honorable secre-
tary says, resulted in our success, and which were so important to
those who achieved the victory. On the contrary, other vessels
which participated in the very desultory bombardment on the 4th
of April, previous to the surrender, and, as it seemed, in anticipa-
tion of the victory, were the first who enjoyed the special honor
of being represented officially as the victors of Island No. 10,
with the highest praise and congratulations in general orders, and
the thanks of the secretary of the navy; while the gunboats
under the command of Captain Walke were not mentioned.

In an account of that event, Foote’s biographer claims General
Pope’s plan of the victory for the flag-officer. It should be remem-
bered that a few facts may easily be so disarranged in reference
to time and place, as to reverse the order of the most important
points of a battle or the truths of history, which could not be
refuted without an abundance of conclusive evidence to the con-
trary ; and we are compelled, therefore, to dwell upon each fact
longer than it is desirable in order to eradicate such errors, and
to rearrange the facts as they occurred.

It is now (1876) stated positively that Foote himself came to
the conclusion that the only effectual way of taking the island.
was to send boats and transports to General Pope; but this idea
did not appear from any respectable authority, until many years
after the island was captured ; a wrong idea, as is evident by
Foote’s objections, in answer to the general’s application for a
gunboat, before and after the councils of war in reference thereto.
To enhance these assumptions, he says :

“The flag-officer was gradually feeling his way, in his own
method and time, towards making the move which should secure
ISLAND NO. 10. 181

the capture of Island No. 10.” “And it is also true,” the same
author says, “that what he there did, and at the time he did it,
won the long contested prize, and it dropped like ripened fruit
ito his waiting hand.”

As this author asserts no less than six times in a short para-
graph, we must, of course, believe he thought or hoped that he
was right, and we cannot blame him for being deceived by the
agency of ambitious participants, probably, whose concerted
stories have led our best naval writers astray on this subject, by
evading those stubborn facts which were most fatal to their pre-
tensions. In the above instance the flag-officer and all his com-
manding officers, with one exception, at least, were opposed to
the plan of operations, by running the blockade, which produced
such glorious results. We were for many years satisfied that it
was impossible to deny facts so well known, and we were contented
until now to rely on the evidence which is on record, and the in-
tegrity of a majority of the council to sustain the truth if they
were called upon to maintain it.

When that forlorn hope was called for, by the commanders-in-
ehief of our blockaded forces, to break through the enemy’s line
of fortifications, he who first planned and strenuously urged its
accomplishment, and those who performed that service so effectu-
ally by making the breach and gaining the victory, may well be
surprised to find that the merit which belongs to them, is now
being accredited to the honor of those who not only opposed the
plan, but who were inactive spectators of its successful operations.
The flag-ofticer’s letter to the secretary, dated March 20th, states
that General Pope had several times requested him to send down
two or three, or even one gunboat, but Foote was so apprehensive
that the project would not prove feasible, “and that all his officers
of the councils, with one exception,” believed it would result in
the almost certain destruction of the gunboats, that he declined
most emphatically then, and until after the “Carondelet” ran the
gauntlet on the 4th of April The council of war was, of course,
bound to secrecy for the time being, and it has been kept ever
since most faithfully ; especially concerning the decision at that
mysterious conclave. The actions of the “Carondelet” partly
revealed the secret to the knowledge of the reporters. But the
most confidential correspondent could not get a correct idea of
the contemplated movements in our fleet. And this secrecy has
since aided certain parties to conceal the facts, in reference to the
council, It is certainly most extraordinary that any reader of the
182 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

annual official report of the secretary of the navy, with the re-
ports of the commanding officers of the navy in 1862, could be
deceived into the belief that previous to the consultation with his
officers, Foote himself came to the conclusion that the only effec-
tual way of taking the island was to send boats to Pope, and that
he was “gradually feeling his way in-his own method, which
would secure the capture of Island No. 10,” and, without refer-
ence to the operations of our forces under General Pope, “what
he there did won the long-contested prize.”

We are certain that this assertion is not only untrue, but injuri-
ous to the reputation of the Navy, and of those officers, especially,
who are connected with or concerned in these erroneous state-
ments. They are, therefore, in honor bound to deny them frankly
to avoid the unpleasant and derogatory inferences, which must be
drawn from their silence. It is true that the flag-officer, in a
letter to the secretary of the navy, plainly states, after the first
council of war, in which all but one officer declined running the
blockade, “that he was seriously disposed to run the blockade
himself, with his steamer, which was better protected than any of
the others,” &c. And he also states in the same report, that
“when the object of running the blockade becomes adequate to
the risk, I shall not hesitate to do it.”

This was the advice of Commander Walke to the flag-officer,
who did not hesitate to send Walke immediately, but he did not
then express any idea of going himself under any circumstances,
or of sending any one else; and he certainly did not take any
risk, or intend running the blockade, as our historian desires to
convey the idea, that the flag-officer.was the only officer there “to
make the trial,” or as having run a risk worthy of mention, in his
narration of this event, which is so entirely engrossed with the
idea that no other individuals were permitted to appear or heard
of in the scene, if it was possible to prevent it.

But to return to the facts. After repeatedly disapproving
General Pope’s plan, in regard to the gunboats running the
gauntlet, for several weeks, the flag-officer actually declined to
send a gunboat to the general until the general proposed to take
them himself, and until after the second council of war, when he
consented to send the “Carondelet,” as her captain advised him
to do. But he did not approve of that adventure entirely, un-
til after the surrender of the Island No. 10 to our fleet, for he
objected to send another gunboat to General Pope on the day
before the surrender. Although the biographer referred to can-
ISLAND NO. 10. 183

didly admits that “Admiral Walke was the chief actor in the
scene,” the historian was evidently averse even to acknowledge
him as an actor at all in the scenes of the war, which would have
been more perfectly exemplified if he could, in this event, have
omitted the flag-officer’s order, in which the actor’s name was un-
avoidably mentioned, not only “as the chief actor” with his
command, but one of the principal councilors upon whom he
relied. Patriotism, however pretentious, which embraces its
personal and interested friends only, will surely be recognized and
receive its reward at last.

THE CREDIT OF CAPTURING ISLAND NO. 10 BELONGING TO THE
ARMY.

Our Naval History, as it is published to this date undisputed,
gives all the credit of this affair to our Navy, and with apparent
confidence avers, that Island No. 10 was surrendered before the
gunboats, below the island, attacked the enemy on the 6th and
7th. This error should be corrected by the Navy proper, as it is
contradicted by the reports of Flag-Officer Foote himself, and by
all other statements upon the subject, which have emanated from
the Army and other reliable sources. The History of the Navy
during the Rebellion, on page 553, says: “So soon as the rebels
saw that their works could no longer be held they began to evac-
uate them, and at 3.35, a. u., the morning on the 7th, before our
troops had been crossed over, Island No. 10 was surrendered to
Commodore Foote.”

“This surrender was made before the gunboats had attacked and
silenced the land batteries on the Tennessee shore.” The historian
is misled, in this case, in a veritable attempt. to “‘rob Peter to
pay Paul.” He would fain lessen the credit due to the “Caron-
delet,” for reasons best known to himself or his friends, by with-
holding the fact that she alone attacked and captured quite easily
one of the Confederate batteries on the 6th; and if, on the follow-
ing morning at 3.35, A. M., the enemy evacuated and surrendered,
the “ Carondelet,” being their only assailant on the day previous,
caused that evacuation. On the morning of the 7th, almost un-
aided, the same vessel silenced the remaining batteries and spiked
all their guns.

Tf this fact had been recognized and duly narrated, it might
have been well and truthfully said that “the rebels saw their
works could be no longer held,” and therefore began to evacuate,
as they knew that General Pope would immediately cross with
184 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

his army in pursuit of them, as he did twelve hours before Island
No. 10 was at last voluntarily surrendered to Foote. The victory
was actually won on the morning of the 7th,—the enemy was de-
feated, and all his works, being deserted, fell into our hands as
soon as we chose to take possession of them, except Island No.
10, which was waiting in vain to surrender all day to General
Pope’s successful plan of attack, as the fruits of his labor, until
finally the island was surrendered to Flag-Officer Foote at one
o’clock, a. M., on the 8th of April.

The Confederate officers unconditionally gave it up to the com-
modore commanding the gunboats. It is now asserted, most
significantly, that the Confederate officers professed to the com-
modore that they knew nothing of the batteries on the Tennessee
shore, which was, of course, absurd. This in fact was, however,
twelve hours after the enemy’s main works were evacuated, which
was commenced shortly after one of his batteries had been cap-
tured by the ‘“ Carondelet” in the afternoon of the 6th. The rest
of the enemy’s works below the island, were captured on the
morning of the 7th, by our gunboats, below Island No. 10. Thus,
according to the historian’s own reasoning, and according to dates
also, the credit was clearly due to the Army and the gunboats
mentioned.

Such errors as these, like the tempting but forbidden fruit,
grow from too much reliance on the opinions of others, with in-
correct dates, and misleading dispatches.

Such matters are too important and too injurious (as we have
shown) to both services, to be allowed to pass without notice,
especially when they are found in the history of a great nation,
and are evidently attempts to distort the truth, for promoting
personal aggrandizement.

Some allowance must generally be made for the artful decep-
tions of an enemy’s strategy, nor should an officer attempt to
build a reputation on the statements of the enemies of his coun-
try, in preference to those of his comrades. In this case the
Confederate officers’ report was incredible, but the flag-officer
must have thought that the enemy had fled, or he would not have
sent such a small force to take possession of all their works, on
the morning of the 8th of April.

It is very evident from all the circumstances, that the island
surrendered perforce to the flag-officer, through fear of an attack,
which our Army, with the “ Carondelet” and “ Pittsburg,” would
probably have made on its unprotected rear. When the gunboats
ISLAND NO. 10. 185

could cover an assault by our troops on the island, day or night.
An attack by a heavy storming party from General Pope’s army
would have been most disastrous in that extremity, when the
enemy would be compelled to make some show of resistance, after
it was too late to capitulate. They certainly thought that they
had nothing to fear in the front, and also that their batteries in
the rear were summarily captured by the gunboats below, and
' they could make no defense in an attack from that quarter.

The officers, no doubt, pretended to know nothing of the bat-
teries on the “Tennessee” shore, for that was their duty. But they
certainly thought that they had good reason for surrendering, or
they would have been guilty of treason for doing so in such
haste. Imagination must have been greatly quickened by the
sound of our guns so very near in their rear, which enabled them
to get a fair idea of what was going on, and what to expect. We
have no reason to believe that the island was surrendered through
treachery, when, twelve hours before the surrender, their main
army was retreating wildly to the southward, and General Pope’s
army, in close pursuit since noon of the 7th, captured their routed
troops by hundreds and thousands, before they could unite to
cover their retreat, or offer any resistance to our victorious
march.

This is not a presumptive view of a flattering partisan, or what
is pictured in the fertile imagination of a “ready writer,” but
facts which were witnessed from the deck of the gunboat, which
flourished in the front of the fray. And above all the victories
of the war, in this we should be most thankful to God for merci-
fully saving us all from the remorse of staining our hands with
our brother’s blood. It is quite impossible, also; to reconcile the
dates of different statements concerning the “ Pittsburg,” which
is represented by some authors of very considerable pretensions,
as being the leading gunboat on this occasion ; others represent
her as having run the gauntlet on or before the 6th, 7th, and 8th
of April, and according the design or interest by which they are
influenced. The correct date, really known on board the “ Ben-
ton” and “ Carondelet” on that occasion, by ocular demonstra-
tion, was about 2 o’clock, a. m., of the 7th of April, 1862 ; and she
arrived at New Madrid about 5 o’clock the same morning. The
confusion occasioned by the chronological errors has given the
over-zealous friends of the staff officers of the fleet a very poor
excuse for claiming this victory for themselves, like that of
Forts Donaldson and Columbus, to gratify the vanity of two or
186 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

three officers, by sacrificing the character of our fleet, and expos-
ing it to the unfavorable judgment of our people, abusing the
confidence of its best friends in the Army, and a majority of its
own officers.

It is very evident, from the tone of our History, and the official
reports in regard to this event, that if our whole fleet, under
Foote, had run the blockade, and accomplished the important
service which was rendered by the “Carondelet” at Island No.
10, it would have been extolled as one of the most glorious vic-
tories of the war, to the honor of our country, and for our fleet
in particular. The councils of war would not have been men-
tioned, nor the spiking of the heavy battery “on Island No. 10,”
or the floating battery of sixteen guns would have been there to
dispute its passage, and the batteries below the island would have
been represented with great guns, instead of field guns, by our
History.

The commanding officers of the gunboats would not have been
omitted by our historian, and the formidable Confederate fleet
which was below, would not in the reports Lave been reduced to
a few insignificant small craft.

We may be quite sure, in that case, of an honorable mention-
ing of all the principal officers; and the staff especially would
have been eulogized profusely in the present History of our Navy.

The official dispatches had, after the surrender, nothing or very
little to say in regard to the gunboats below Island No. 10,
although there was then a free communication by them on the
river. By unofficial letters from our fleet, we were told that the
“reports of the ‘Carondelet’s’ heavy guns, and those of the en-
emy’s batteries, were distinctly heard by the fleet,” but a few miles
off, and gave very decided, though “unofficial information,” as
they were counted at least as often as eight per minute by the
reporters on the 6th and 7th. The correspondent of the Cincin-
nati Coinmercial, on board the gunboat “ Cincinnati,” writes on
the 6th of April, 1862 : “To-day a heavy and fierce engagement
has been going on at, or in the vicinity of New Madrid. Up to
this writing, half-past eight o’clock, eighty-six guns have been
fired, and now there is a lull.” We could not expect, under the
present naval regime, our official reports, or our history, to give
as much, if any, minute information of these events, however in-
teresting to others, if they were not so to the writers. And the
superiority of the correspondence of the press in general, for its
freedom and frankness, having fewer errors of omission, may be
ISLAND NO. 10. 187

profitably consulted by our historians. Important mistakes oc-
curred, subsequent to the surrender of the island to Flag-Officer
Foote; but an excuse for these great errors may be found in the
official reports of this event, in the various dates, already referred
to, from the flag-ship “ Benton,” of five or six official dispatches
to the Navy Department.

As for the attack in front by the fleet as in conjunction with
that of General Pope in the rear, indeed there was no idea sug-
gested of any such attacks, until after the councils of war; and
immediately after the “ Carondelet,” as it has since appeared in
nearly all the subsequent reports of that event.

MORE EXTRACTS FROM CORRESPONDENCE.

As we were greatly interested in the gunboats at the time
spoken off, and have an anxious desire to give a truthful and ac-
curate impression of their faithful services, we hope to be excused
for the seeming repetition in citing the various proofs, in defense
of truth and justice, and also that these gunboats may be made
to appear in their proper places and circumstances in history,
as they actually were during the war, in the actions herein de-
scribed.

These are grave defects, and such have appeared in several
parts of our History, especially in those books and diagrams repre-
senting the operations of our “ Mississippi flotilla,” about Island
No. 10, on the 6th and 7th of April, 1862, and other actions on
western waters.

The reliance which was then resting upon the action of the
“Carondelet” by our army and fleet, was then freely expressed
by all the reporters of the press, in the vicinity of Island No. 10.

Another correspondent says: “....:Weshowed, some days
ago, that General Pope’s batteries would not intercept the retire-
ment of the Confederate land forces, who had only three miles
from Island No. 10 to march to Merreweather’s landing, opposite
Riddle’s point, which is five miles below Point Pleasant on the
river ; and that, with boats there, the enemy could make good his
retreat down the Mississippi. This emergency, however, no lon-
ger exists. No steamboat now dares to come up to Merreweath-
er’s landing to take General Mackall’s army away, for the ‘ Car-
ondelet’ is master of the river between New Madrid and Fort
Pillow. .Some little craft belonging to the rebels, and by cour-
tesy called gunboats, may still be crossing in the lower Mississippi,
but they will no doubt keep at a safe distance, and not attempt
188 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

to molest the ‘Carondelet.’ Altogether we think that we may
very soon look for good news from Island No. 10 and vicinity.”

Thus wrote the reporters during these operations, possessing at
least a full assurance of faith in the “ Carondelet ” as their pion-
eer. Among these, there was a correspondent of the press in our
Mississippi fleet, apparently writing from on board the flag
steamer, expressing the confident belief that “all felt that the
fate of Island No. 10 was now sealed,” which is also repeated by
our historic and biographic accounts ; but they are variously im-
bued with the prejudices of their interested friends. Then the
highest expectations and hopes were entertained of the actions
of the “ Carondelet ;” the anticipated success of our operations
hung upon her efficient service, as General Pope says in his letter
to the flag-officer, of April 6th. But bebold! after the victory is
won by Pope’s army and the two gunboats, the formidable Con-
federate fleet and heavy batteries below the island are too insig-
nificant to be mentioned or compared with those brilliant aetions
above the island, which, it-is claimed, had gained the victory be-
forehand ; and no thanks, it seems, were due for the attack in the
rear, which achieved for them their triumph. The purport of
our History is, that the enemy at Island No. 10 was silenced,
completely conquered, and finally captured, without the sacrifice
of a man, or the destruction of a gunboat, and before a move-
ment upon the enemy’s rear, or anywhere else, was made, and
(omitting the fact that our fleet was enjoying the quiet slumbers
of the night), like a glorious dream, victory dropped into the
waiting hand of the flag-officer. Such are the historical ideas of
this exploit by some of our most learned naval writers of the
present day, who were beguiled, no doubt, by some person or per-
sons of very considerable tact.

It may truly be called a protracted and finally bloodless victory,
for which the honorable secretary of the navy compliments
the flag-officer very highly, and also for keeping up such an ex-
pensive and fruitless fire in the siege of twenty-three days, which
was a very humane sentiment for the victors. But this is
not all: he says also, in his report of the operations of the flotilla,
that the guns at No. 1 battery were spiked, and the Pelican dock,
or New Orleans floating battery, was shelled out of the channel ;
that two of the gunboats might run the blockade, and get past, as
they did at night, “in a heavy thunder-storm.” Now this is an
evasion of all the principal facts in relation to General Pope’s
action and plans at Island No. 10, and it is well known by the
ISLAND NO. 10. 189

official reports, that the flag-officer was opposed to sending a gun-
boat, until after the last council of war was held, or to sending
another gunboat after the “Carondelet” ran the blockade ; but
finally, after three days having elapsed, he did so, in compliance
with General Pope’s repeated and urgent request. Yet the Hon-
orable Secretary of the Navy’s Report, appropriates exclusively
the entire credit of the surrender to the flag-officer, in contempt
of the official reports of the officers of the Army and Navy, which
show the contrary.

From these absurd distortions of the most important facts in
this event, it is not surprising that our naval histories or biogra-
phies, under such unfortunate auspices, should be in a great
measure fallacious. The security from all harm which the enemy
so often boasted and published, up to the day or two before the
surrender, is proof enough that it was not from our fleet he re-
treated, but from our Army. ;

We think that the above-mentioned compliment was far more
due to General Pope, as we are quite sure that the enemy, with
Pope’s army almost at his heels, twelve hours before the surren-
der of the island, frightened him into submission more than all
that our fleet had done in those twenty-three days siege, almost
beyond the reach of our guns, as the Confederate daily reports to
Richmond will show how secure and confident the enemy felt,
until the day before the surrender of the island, all their main
works having been abandoned twelve hours before ; and General
Pope deserves the highest commendation for his humane treat-
ment of his prisoners of war, when they were at his mercy, as no
needless loss of their lives or personal property was in the least
degree permitted. And the flag-officer was highly complimented,
especially by the honorable secretary of the navy, for the blood-
less and merciful character of the victory he claimed after such a
long, hard struggle, although it is not stated by what particular
action this happy effect was produced. We cannot imagine why
the Navy Department has not all the facts in the reports which
a historian could desire upon all these subjects, unless they were
miscarried, suppressed, or destroyed on their way to the depart-
ment.

The council of war in reference to running the gauntlet of
Island No. 10 has been so shamefully concealed or denied by our
Naval History (which history is, in this case at least, but the
echo of interested parties in the fleet), that we will here give a
“little history” of that event, to show the people of the country
190 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

how history is made sometimes ; and also, and principally, to
place the credit of that important event where it belongs.

Our Naval History says: “In a council of war called by the
commodore, it was found that the officers of the fleet, with one
exception, believed that any vessel would certainly be destroyed
in an attempt to run the blockade, exposed, as it would be, to the
fire of seventy guns. This plan was temporarily abandoned.”

The council, which was assembled by a verbal order of the
flag-officer, on board the flag steamer “ Benton,” was held on the
afternoon of March 28th or 29th, 1862.

The following commanding officers of the gunboats were
present: Commanders A. H. Kilty, H. Walke, and R. Stembel ;
Lieutenant-Commanders J. L. Phelps, L. Paulding, and E. Thomp-
son.

After the letter of General Pope to Flag-Officer Foote was
read to the council, each officer was consulted separately and
apart from the other officers; when Captain Walke, in his turn,
gave his emphatic opinion that the boat should be sent to Gen-
eral Pope. The flag-officer then asked Walke if he would under-
take to run the gauntlet himself with the “Carondelet,” and he
replied promptly in the affirmative.

The flag-officer was very much gratified with the offer of
Walke, and then promised to send him his orders immediately,
which he did, as elsewhere stated, on the 30th, a day or two after
the meeting of the council.

Here, then, is the “one exception,” whose name has been kept
in the background that others might have the glory of his suc-
cess. Query : Had his vessel “been destroyed in an attempt to
run the blockade, exposed, as it would be, to the fire of seventy
guns,” how different would our Naval History then read ?

THE COUNCIL OF WAR AND ITS CONSEQUENCES IN REFERENCE TO
THE CAPTURE OF ISLAND NO. 10.

In the accounts of the most important actions some of the most
interesting features are too often omitted ; or if they are not alto-
gether ignored, they are referred to in language as obscure as
possible. To comprehend more clearly the actual truth of this
affair, we briefly recapitulate particular points of the whole sub-
ject, contrasted with the so-called “highest possible authority.”
In the first instance, the “council of war;” and its effects, which
our Naval History, and other publications, have, apparently, so
carefully endeavored to conceal and deny,was not a myth, but the
ISLAND NO. 10. 191

turning point, which resulted in the capture of Island No. 10.
Captain Walke was one of the principal characters in the opening
scene. Great efforts are made to obscure his agency in the
matter. Therefore the operations of our army and the gunboats
below, in the rear of Island No. 10, are represented by them to
have been of little or no great consequence, as the island was at
last captured by Flag-Ofticer Foote’s own method, before they
accomplished any advantage or made any attack upon the enemy’s
rear ; and quite insignificant compared with the heroic deeds per-
formed by our fleet above the island. Thus, by converting an
allusion in the official reports into a reality, the historian has, he
thinks, successfully rescued or won the long-contested prize fran
the i for our flotilla.

In regard to the “council of war” our Naval History says:
“Tn a council of war, called by the commodore, it was found that
the ‘officers of the fleet, with one exception, believed that any
vessel would certainly be destroyed in an attempt to run the
blockade, exposed as it would be, to the fire of, at least, seventy
guns. This plan was temporarily abandoned.” ,

In this off-hand style our historian is led by official favor, as it
appears, to deny or to dispose of one of the most important facts,
for fear of doing too much justice to the junior commander, and
not enough for the senior captain, as though he was not allowed
to do justice to both, especially the former and the chief actor
in the exploit.

The biographer of Admiral Foote has also been still further
misled into these errors, and says that “Two councils of all the
captains of the fleet were called together by Foote, and they ”
(without the exception) “voted that the thing was too hazardous.”
And thus he has been induced to shift all the responsibility of
Foote’s expressed opinion upon the council in both instances ; but
after the battle is won the flag-officer is accredited exclusively
with all the honors, and his officers, without an exception, are
represented in opposition to his so-called plans. The statements
in the works referred to are, of course, intended to be worded in
accord with one, at least, of the flag-officer’s reports, but the “ex-
ception ” they ignored ; and the idea that any officer ever offered
to run the blockade is rejected, and “this plan, therefore, for the
time was abandoned.”

The instigators of this detraction not only rob one member, but
the whole council, of its only redeeming virtue, by which the Navy
could claim any credit in its results,and which saved the com-
192 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

manding officers of our fleet from reproach. But that saving
exception in the council is denied by our historical works, and the
fruits are exclusively accredited to the first and chief opponent to
the successful measures which produced them. But all these
facts concerning this officer are still held in the durance vile of
profound secrecy.

The only excuse that has reached our ears from an officer of
the Navy, for such partiality, is that Walke’s services at the island
were with our Army. Although he then carried out their plans
victoriously, which plans have always since proved to be success-
ful, yet these services are not valued because they were of a mili-
tary rather than a naval order, and, therefore, such cavillers
would rule out the only part of this battle, from our Naval History,
by which the Navy could have claimed Captain Walke’s share of
this victory. All the merit of this achievement, nevertheless, like
Nathan’s lamb, is given to the most distinguished friends of our
naval authors.

It is very natural that other authors should have followed simi-
lar mistakes unawares; and we would easily forgive and forget
them if they did not seriously pervert the truth of our history
and banefully affect the rights of those whose patriotic devotion
to our country is its safeguard in times of war.

It was truly said that Island No. 10 was a hard nut to crack,
but the long “ pause” before it was cracked by General Pope was
not, however, caused by his delay at New Madrid, but by our
fleet at Island No. 10. And the kernel of that hard nut, after it
was so well cracked by Pope (to indulge in an imaginary view of
the scene, by our naval writers), dropped, inevitably, like “ripened
fruit into the waiting hand” of our flag-officer instead of our
general. Indeed, the flag-officer at first, had no intention or de-
sire to take the risk at all, as it has been stated, either himself or
“by a subordinate commander,” of running the blockade, until he
had received General Pope’s letters, and held a council of war;
and not then, as the flag-ofticer wrote, until he had a second con-
sultation, and accepted Commander Walke’s opinion and advice.

In the History of the Great Rebellion we have a few additional
points of fact in the statements of the capture of Island No. 10,
in these words: “A conference of the officers was held, at which
it was decided that one of the gunboats must run past the batter-
ies on the island” (No. 10). The careful wording of this sentence
aims to show that the plans of making the attack on the enemy
originated at this conference, which is a mistake ; as this plan of
ISLAND NO. 10. 193

attack had been proposed and urged repeatedly some time previous
by General Pope; and that last council was called to ascertain
the views of the commanding officers of the gunboats upon this
subject. This History of the Rebellion makes the constrained
admission that the “ ‘Carondelet’ undertook it,” not the captain,
whose name is here also interdicted, for that, it seems, would be
too true, and out of place, to give the credit to such an unpre-
tending individual. But, like some other wary historians, that
work bestows the honor upon the renowned “Carondelet,” until
another gunboat runs past the island on the night of April 6th,
when béhold! the “Pittsburg” is made to eclipse the “Caronde-
let” entirely, by the most extraordinary legerdemain in written
history.

We refer our readers to the official letter of the flag-officer,
dated March 20th, 1862, to the secretary of the navy, in which
he states that “the officers, with one exception, were decidedly
opposed to running the blockade.” But after the council of war
upon General Pope’s letter, he reverses his previous opinion, appar-
ently, in accord with advice of Captain Walke, and expresses that
fact in the orders to that officer, where he remarks : “If you suc-
cessfully perform this duty assigned to you, which you so willingly
undertake, it will reflect the highest credit upon you,” &. And
again he says: “ On this somewhat hazardous service to which I
assign you,” and “as your own will be the only boat below,” &c.
In a letter to General Pope, the flag-officer also writes that ‘he
was exceedingly anxious to hear of the fate of the noble officers
and men who so readily were disposed to attempt the hazardous
service, that I beg you will immediately inform me by the bearer,
if Commander Walke has arrived with his vessel, and the condi-
tion in which you find her, and her officers and men.”

These words may be seen in the report of General Pope:
“ Commodore Foote allowed one of his gunboats to run the bat-
teries at Island No. 10, and Captain Walke, U.S. N., who had
volunteered (as it appears from the commodore’s orders to him).”
“JT cannot speak too highly of the conduct of Captain Walke,”
&c. Therefore, the unkindness of these detractions appears to.
have been the secret work of interlopers, rather than the willing
pen of our “ready writers”; unless there really was more duplic-
ity in some of the principal officers than we are at present
prepared to admit. In reference to the precise time of the
battle, the various conflicting dates in the reports of that event
will surprise any intelligent officer, by the apparently careful de-

13
194 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

rangement of some of the principal facts. If one was expressly
commissioned to write in opposition to the facts which were
creditable to General Pope and Commander Walke, in order to
carry out designs more favorably for the flag-officer and his staff,
they could not have been more successful, with those dates to
aid him. Although we can admit that those erroneous dates were
accidental.

The previous conspiracy against Commander Walke by officers,
while under his command, as the case appears in the second chap-
ter of this work, will also show some light on certain officious
characters well-known in the fleet, who were the attaches of the
flag-officer, his informants and spokesmen.

As the council of war referred to is destined to some notoriety,
we give these few additional details of the principal facts, with
the officers present, as they occur to us, on that occasion which
procured the order of Flag-Officer Foote to Commander Walke,
dated March 30th, 1862. But all these facts are unblushingly
denied to have ever occurred, as they did actually take place.

Those publications to which we have referred are the only nar-
ratives of this affair which give any definite notice of these
councils of war, both of which seem to have come from the same
source, although they vary considerably from the main facts, and
positively deny that any decisive results proceeded from those
consultations. The dates are entirely omitted ; but one, at least,
arrives at the conclusion “ that the flag-officer himself came to the
conclusion, that the only effectual way of taking the island was
to send boats and transports to General Pope” ; after he and the
first council had opposed it, as being considered too hazardous,
and it was abandoned. Yet in this relation our honorable histo-
rian should know that this matter was finally settled as we have
stated.

Without very good evidence on the subject, the flag-officer, it
is said, in his own method makes the move which secures the
capture of the island, when it is so well known that he was decid-
edly opposed to it before the last council was held, and made
objections to sending another gunboat, after the “ Carondelet”
had run the gauntlet successfully. Great pains are now taken in
the use of the strongest language to conceal the facts, by several
authors, and to produce some conclusive evidence to sustain this
most flattering theory ; and the biographer is led to say of the flag-
officer, “it could not for a moment be doubted that, whatever the
risk, either by himself or by a subordinate commander, the thing,
ISLAND NO. 10. 195

when he thought it ought to be done, would be done.” True, we
admit, but this is not the whole truth ; for the most interesting
and important part of that affair is kept back.

The solemn injunction to secrecy on that occasion, has proved
to be exceedingly hostile to the truth, as it seems to have been
the most efficient means or excuse for suppressing those facts
which designing parties wished to conceal, as it appears to have
produced the effect of temporarily sealing the lips of not only the
council of war; but the facts are still sealed, and our authors
positively deny the effective decision of any council of war, but
all is attributed to Admiral Foote. Yet we should charge the
responsibility of these misrepresentations to those who made
them at the Navy Department, or the officers of the flotilla, or to
some aspirant of that period ; but we are in honor bound to ex-
pose the imposture, and assert the truth in defense of the honor
of the Navy.

These errors cannot be accounted for entirely by any evidence
in the official reports of that adventure, which though imperfect,
do not assume or claim all the credit for the flag-officer, and the
exclusive honor of capturing Island No. 10 for the flotilla, or they
would have there been displayed with all the proof, as proudly as
the specious arguments which now appear in support of that
fallacy ; and the unjustifiable attempt to implicate other officers
who were mostly interested in the whole truth of this achieve-
ment, was absurd in the extreme, if not equally dishonorable.

It may be seen by the report of General Pope (March 27th),
that he proposed to take command of two of the gunboats, and
run the gauntlet with his officers and men. There is no doubt
that he would have followed his own advice, if delayed much
longer by our fleet ; no argument is required to sustain such a be-
lief. But a day or two after (the 27th), this council of all the
captains of the gunboats was held in the flag-officer’s cabin, when
that matter was settled at once by Captain Walke’s offer to take
the “ Carondelet,” and pass the enemy’s batteries to New Madrid.

It should be remembered that it was very soon after this de-
cision at the council, that the batteries on the upper fort were
spiked by Colonel Roberts, and the floating battery removed,
under the bombardment, on the day when the “ Carondelet” ran
the gauntlet.

The biographer has reversed the order of these events, which,
by his account, were all the designs and work of the flag-officer,
long before the council was called ; intimating thereby that the
196 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.’

council had nothing to do with these mysterious designs, which
required a twenty-three days’ bombardment to perfect.

No one could have supposed that the errors of our Vaval His-
tory, which were so well known and denounced, would have been
repeated, and unfortunately exaggerated sometimes, by the bio-
graphy of our distinguished and lamented commander-in-chief of
the western flotilla.

After the stratagem of running by the forts was proposed and
urged by General Pope to Flag-Officer Foote, if any officer un-
hesitatingly offered to go, when asked if he would do so on that
occasion, Commander Walke was most assuredly that officer;
that being agreed upon, while all our forces were at a “dead

' lock,” waiting for a gunboat to go to New Madrid, and accom-
plish all that was desired of our fleet for the Army.

Captain Walke did not, therefore, presume to claim any honor
of originating, in the strictest sense of Webster’s definition of the
word volunteer, in deference to his superior officers of the Army
or Navy; but their plans he offered voluntarily to carry into
effect, and can claim to have been the first who voluntarily
accepted the challenge of the commander-in-chief to the council
in a general sense, with far more justice than any other officer
of the fleet.

This council was certainly called to obtain a voluntary leader
for a “forlorn hope,” to break the enemy’s line of defenses which
had so long held our combined forces in check, although the
commodore and most of his officers were positively opposed to
this adventure.

Our naval historians also very significantly and persistently
ascribe the credit to the commodore, as it was his “own method
and time, waiting to make the move,” and to win the “long-
contested prize,” as “he had become fully convinced of the
necessity of carrying out HIs PLAN.” But when or why “he had
become fully convinced,” does not appear in his narrative of
that critical affair, nor in the official reports before the capture.

Our army under General Pope is represented as having waited
or was delayed, until the flag-officer, in his plan of operations,
had cleared the way, and had himself virtually made all things
ready, and with his command made himself master of the situa-
tion, and before they knew what was the matter with the Con-
federate army on the main land, the officers on Island No. 10
quietly at one o’clock in the night of the 8th of April, unexpect-
edly made an unconditional surrender to him. And arrER THAT,
ISLAND NO. 10. 197

the batteries were attacked and captured by the gunboats, and
our army “crossed over.”

The flag-officer gave special, not general orders, to Commander
Walke ; and this order was written as recorded, and accordingly
(we would suppose), it would show by its date, that it had prece-
dence, and was independent of 41] those above-mentioned move-
ments and after-thoughts which the above authorities have
magnified as the first and principal measures that insured our
successes ; ignoring the cause, decision, and result of the effective
eouncil, and adopts the plan then and there decided upon, as the
original plan of the commodore, instead of the general. They
could have seen that the order to Captain Walke was dated
March 30th, 1862, and that it was Colonel Roberts who spiked
the guns of the uppermost battery, voluntarily, if not independ-
ently, on the night of the Ist of April, 1862, which is now claimed
’ as an indispensable preparatory measure of Flag-Officer Foote, for
running the gauntlet ; which he had, in fact, strenuously opposed
until the second council of war. The floating battery was
discovered and removed on the 4th of April, the night in which
the “Carondelet ” ran the gauntlet: but they say all his previous
arrangements and actions with these latter incidents gave the
victory to the commodore. The flag-officer’s letters and orders
show when and why he gave them, plain enough to undeceive
any intelligent officer on that point ; and Foote must have then
been at last convinced that Pope’s plan was the best, or he acted
against his own convictions, by yielding to the general’s last
urgent request, with Commander Walke’s concurrence and advice,
given when it was required at the council of war. The evidence
of these facts are in the orders and the letter of the flag-officer,
dated just before, and soon after the “Carondelet” ran the
gauntlet, wherein the flag-officer feelingly remonstrated against
sending another gunboat to pass the batteries at Island No. 10 is
conclusive. All of these facts seem to have been hidden from, or
they have unaccountably escaped the notice of, our naval histo-
rians and biographers, who convey the most fallacious impressions
on the subject.

Running the gauntlet by the “Carondelet” was minutely de-
scribed by several very clever correspondents of the press, as well
as that of the Missouri Democrat. From which it is quite easy
to write a fair account of this feat, especially from the minute,
beautiful, and sublime reports that they made on the subject,
being quite aw fait in every particular on which they touched ;
198 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

and our History seems to show an appreciation of these original
sketches of the scene in general.

If these facts are worth contending for, and if the “ truth
endureth from generation to generation,” and is the same a
hundred years hence, we may as well enjoy all the good
they should give us. These facts, though of minor import-
ance apparently, may lead to others of much greater interest in
the future, and it is far better that we should narrate our
own knowledge of these scenes now, than to have them greatly
exaggerated or diminished hereafter, upon the affectionate plea
that we were too merciful and modest to do justice to others, or
even to ourselves; for the praises of men are often so excessive
as to injure the reputation of their best friends, more than their
abuse, when it is cruelly false. The glowing description of this
exploit in our History of the Navy, with the most minute detail,
being based upon that of the correspondent of the Missouri
Democrat, is very good, with the peculiar exceptions to that work.
It is also transferred, in extenso, to the biography of the distin-
guished flag-officer of the flotilla. It says truly: “The sailors
were all heavily armed ; pistols, cutlasses, muskets, and boarding-
pikes were within reach on all sides, or in hand to repel board-
ers if the enemy should attempt to board her ; hand-grenades
were not forgotten, and the scalding water-hose, to parboil the
enemy, were at a convenient distance. With all these prepara-
tions, offensive and defensive, the old ‘Carondelet’ was bristling
up like an angry porcupine, ready for battle. |The scene on
deck is admirably drawn: in the dark shades of the night, with
that silence which usually proceeds a desperate encounter, the
writer’s imagination brings out in bold relief the “pioneer of
blockade-runners of the Mississippi; the silvery reflections of
the smiling moon played over the far-stvetched surface of the
father of waters, beneath a terrible black thunder-cloud rising
rapidly over her. The vessel was covered with men silently
working like beavers, whose hearts were beating for a desperate
purpose ; so full of excitement, expectation, and desire to accom-
plish the feat, that the smallest boy on board seemed to compre-
hend the daring achievement perfectly.

The woods overhung and concealed the gunboat from the view
of Island No. 10. All the surplus chain was coiled over the
most vulnerable part of the gunboat, a device followed soon after
at New Orleans. At 10 o’clock, p. m., as the moon goes down
behind the tremendous heavy thunder-storm, an order is given by
NoTe—To enable the reader to understand more fully, the causes of the
remarkable perversions of history, and the numerous misstatements and con-
celements of facts, disclosed in the foregoing pages, it may be well to refer to
the principal sources from whence they eminated. Although every effort was
made to conceal the authors of these misrepresentations and perversions, we
think they can be clearly traced to certain parties, who were desirous, that to
the Flag officer and not to the General, should be awarded the highest, if not
all the honor, for the victory and capture of Island No. 10.

In support of this statement and with the view of exposing the sophistry
and false claims of the parties referred to, we will mention certain matters
that came within our own knowledge.

After the Carondelet had captured the forts below Island No. 10, and when
the Captain of the Pittsburg was called to account for keeping his vessel so
long out of battle, he replied with a doleful expression of countenance, that
“there was no fighting’’—having made this paltry excuse, he was not asked for
any further explanation, as it would have been useless; and the matter was
referred to the Flag officer in Captain Walke’s official report. The former
replied verbally through his executive officer, (after the subject had been fully
explained to him) that he would attend to it promptly. But strange as it may
appear, nothing more was heard of that most capital offence ; and it is evi-
dent that the miserable excuse for keeping the Pittsburg out of battle,
under the pretext that there was no fighting, was accepted by the Flag officer ;
and by this means the victory was claimed for him. Notwithstanding the fact
that in his report to the Secretary of the Navy, under date of April 11th, 1862,
Foote was constrained to refer to the services of the “Carondelet” and ‘‘Pitts-
burg” below Island No. 10, in most complimentary terms—stating that sey had
“effectually silenced and captured several heavy batteries on the ‘l'ennessee
side of the river, on the 6th aud 7th instant; without which destruction, it would
have been impossible for General Pope to have crossed over the river, for the purpose
of attacking the rebels in the rear at Island No. 10,” which is exactly what the
General had previously urged, and which the Commodore resisted.

But it appears to have occured to the Flag officer and his friends, that in
order that he should have all the honor which might be due for the reduction
of Island 10, it was necessary to disparage as much as possible, the services
of the Carondelet below the Island; and it so happened, that the Captain of
the “Pittsburg” by his false pretence, not only secured immunity from pun-
ishment for one of the most flagrant offences in the naval service, but it essen-
tially aided the Flag officer and his friends in their attempt to appropriate all
the honorto which the army and navy were entitled, in the capture of that
important stronghold.

The mysterious dereliction of duty on the part of the commander-in-chief,
in failing to punish as it deserved, the misconduct of the captain of the “Pitts-
burg,” justifies the inference, we think, that he was in collusion with that offi-
cer, in the attempt to ignore the services of the “Carondelet” in the manner it
now appears in our naval history and in Admiral Foote’s biography. And it is
also evident, that the pretence of the captain of the “‘ Pittsburg” was acccpted
(apparently at least) asa sufficientexcuse, by some of the line officers on the
Flag officer's staff, who, from feelings of rivalship were jealous of the suc-
cess of the Carondelet or her commander, and having a great desire to magnify
the sevices of the Flag Steamer, as well as the Flag officer, were unwilling
that the officers and men of the ‘‘Carondelet” should receive the credit they
deserved, for the capture and destruction of the enemy’s batteries below
Island 10.

The captain of the “ Pittsburg” could certainly see and hear the fir'ng of
the guns of the “ Carondelet” ‘and the batteries on shore, on the morning of
the 7th, as everybody could who was in sight, and not blind or deaf. And
when he did commence firing (so long after having been repeatedly ordered
to engage the enemy) he might then have said ‘‘there was no fighting” for
then the batteries were nearly if not quite deserted.

History furnishes some instances in which men have been rewarded for
disobedience of orders, dut not of orders to join in battle, At the battle of the
Baltic, Sir Hyde Parker, Commander.in-chief of the British fleet, signaled
Nelson to stop firing—when informed of it, he put the glass to his blind eye,
and said, “I really don’t see the signal—keep mine for close battle, still flying.”
For his conduct on this occasion, he was raised to the rank of viscount.
ISLAND NO. 10. 199

some nameless individual,” &c., as now described ; but it is quite
certain that the historian could not have heard that order given,
unless he was on board with the correspondents referred to ; he
could not write, or know what was done, of his own knowledge,
but that of this correspondent ; and he was not obliged to know
anybody on board, but he could arrive at a correct knowledge of
facts from others, and he could or could not recognize whom he
pleased in his work; but he was obliged to believe or be gov-
erned by those for whom he wrote.
CHAPTER XI.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.

Official Report of Flag-Officer Farragut to the Secretary of the Navy.—
Commencement and Progress of the Bombardment of Fort Jackson.—
Attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip.—Announcementof the Capture
of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and Surrender of New Orleans.—Flag-
Officer Farragut’s Detailed Report of the Battle of the Mississippi.—His
General Order.—Correspondence Relating to the Surrender of New Or-
leans.—Report of Flag-Officer Farragut Commending the Conduct of
Those Under his Command.—Congratulations of the Secretary of the
Navy.—Operations of the Mortar Flotilla.—Commander Porter’s An-
nouncement of the Passage of the Forts by the Fleet, and the Progress of
the Bombardment of the Forts by the Mortar Flotilla. Commander
Porter’s Detailed Report.—The Battle and Capture of New Orleans not
Recorded by the War Department.—History set Right by the Correspon-
dence of Admiral Farragut, and Rear-Admiral Bailey.—Desperate fighting
of the “Hartford,” and the Leadmg Gunboats, ‘‘ Cayuga,” ‘ Pensacola,”
“Oneida,” and ‘‘ Varuna.”—The Gallant Conduct of our Marines.

BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.

Wuite the preceding events were progressing in our flotilla on
the upper Mississippi river, under the command of Flag-Officer
Foote, those which occurred in our fleet at New Orleans, under
Flag-Officers Farragut and D. D. Porter, were equally successful,
importent;-and laudable--Fhey’ were more correctly and fully
reported than many others which preceded them; yet in the
first reports of the battle of New Orleans, there were some serious
though accidental defects, which have since been properly and
honorably rectified, in the records of the Navy Department.
This is a memorable example of the amicable adjustment of offi-
cial mistakes, which may serve for a precedent in all similar cases.
As we cannot improve upon the reports of Admirals Farragut
and Porter, it will suffice to give them to our readers as they are
in the Report of the Secretary of the Navy, December, 1862.

[200]
 

Beginning of the Battle of New Orleans.
   

Forts, Brooklyn Hartford Mississippi. Richmond, Forte

BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 201

OFFICIAL REPORT OF FLAG-OFFICER FARRAGUT TO THE SECRETARY
OF THE NAVY.

Commencement and Progress of the Bombardment of Fort Jackson.

“United States Flag Ship ‘ Hanrrorp,’
“MisstssrpP1 River, April 2, 1862.
“Ore: LNA Oo os
«We commenced the bombardment of Fort Jackson on the 16th, which
was the earliest day possible after the arrival of coal. On the first day the
citadel was set on fire and burnt until two o’clock the next morning. On the
17th we made but little apparent impression on the fort.

“On the 18th we dismounted one of their heavy columbiads, and other-
wise appeared to damage them, and drove the men from the parapet guns, so
that they only appeared occasionally when the gunboats took part in the
bombardment to draw the fire from the bomb-vessels. On the 19tha deserter
came to us from the fort, and gave the information that I have stated above,
and much other information in relation to the armament of the forts and
their general condition.

‘“Phe wind was blowing from the northwest, and chilly, the current run-
ning with great strength, so that the ships, when under way, could scarcely
stem it, so that I shall await a change of wind, and a consequent less violent
current before I attack the forts, as I find great difficulty in avoiding colli-
sions among the vessels. Two of the gunboats, ‘Katahdin’ and ‘Sciota,’
have been seriously damaged by getting across-hawse of the ships and run-
ning into each other. We lose a great many anchors and cables, and those
articles are very much wanted in the squadron. The ‘ Hartford’ is almost the
only ship that has not lost both.

“On the first day’s fire of the enemy they put a shot through one of the
mortar-vessels and killed one man, but did not destroy her efficiency. The
second day they sunk one with a rifle shot, but hurt no one materially.
They have sent down five fire-rafts; none produced any effect upon the
fleet except the last, which only caused the collision of the ‘Sciota’ and
‘Kineo,’ both of which vessels dragged across the bows of the ‘ Mississippi,’
and carried away the mainmast of the first, and damaged them both very
much otherwise; but the raft was turned clear of all the vessels of the fleet,
put as the wind and strong current were peculiarly favorable, it gave us
more trouble than on any former occasion.

“T sent up Commander Bell last evening to destroy the chain and raft
across the river, but the current was so strong that he-could accomplish but
little, in consequence of one of his gunboats getting on shore, and she
was only saved by great. exertion, as the enemy were firing on them all the
time.

“<Gommander Porter, however, kept up such a tremendous fire on them
from the mortars that the enemy’s shot did the gunboats no injury, and the
cable was separated and their connection broken sufficiently to pass through
on the left bank of the river. The petard operator failed to fire his petards,
owing to the breaking of his wires, which prevented the full destruction of
the chain and the vessels; but great allowance is to be made for the violence
202 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

of the current, which exceeds anything we have had to contend with since
our arrival in the river.

“Tn conclusion, I regret to say that the fleet is in want of all the essentials
to carry on our work—shells, fuzes, (15’’ and 20/’,) serge and yarn to make
cartridge-bags, grape and canister shot—for all of which I made large requi-
sitions, and the articles may be on their way out.*

“The medical department is miserably supplied for the care of the
wounded. General Butler has offered to share with us, infact, everything he
has, which will supply many of our wants; but justice to myself requires
me to say that I required all these supplies sometime before I left Hampton
roads, and others immediately on my arrival at Key West or Ship Island,
and I suppose accidental causes have stopped them on their way out
here.*

“My coal arrived just in time.

“All of which is Respectfully Submitted by,
Your Obedient Servant,
“D. G. Farragut,
“ Flag-Officer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron.
«Hon, GEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.”

Attack on Forts Jackson and St. Philip.

“ United States Flag Ship ‘ Hartrorp,’
4 “« At anchor off New Orleans, April 25, 1862.
ee TR:

“T have the honor to inform the Department that on the 24th instant,
at about half-past 8, a.m., [ attacked Fort St. Philip and Fort Jackson with
my little fleet, while Commodore Porter most gallantly bombarded them,
and, besides, took them in the flank with his steamers, aided by the Ports-
mouth. Such a fire, I imagine, the world has rarely seen, but, thank God,
we got past the forts with a loss of only twenty-four killed and eighty-six
wounded; but as I have not heard what became of the three gunboats,
‘Kennebec,’ ‘Itasca,’ and ‘Winona,’ I fear they were lost in passing, and
the ‘ Varuna’ was run into by two of the rebel steamers, and finally sunk.
I took (and burned) eleven steam gunboats, and two hundred troops or
upwards. I then pushed up for the city of New Orleans, leaving two gun-
boats to aid General Butler in landing at the quarantine, and sent hima
communication by Commander Boggs, requesting him to come up at once.
I came up to within six or seven miles of the city, when two forts opened
on us, but we silenced them in fifteen or twenty minutes, although it was
warm work while it lasted. I have not yet heard of the killed and
wounded. We only lost one man, and none wounded, although Captain
Bailey,.in the ‘Cayuga,’ with Lieutenant Commanding Harrison, and this
ship, stood the first brunt of the action, before the other vessels could get

* The ordnance and hospital stores were shipped on the United States
steamer Kensington, which was prevented by bad weather, breaking of
machinery, and other causes from reaching her destination as early as
designed. She arrived, however, in season.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 203

up. We drove them from their guns, and passed up to the city in fine style,
and I now send this notice of our having taken possession of the city at
meridian or a few minutes P.M.

“But I must say I never witnessed such vandalism in my life as the de-
struction of property; all the shipping, steamboats, &c., were set on fire
and consumed. The new iron-clad ram, just finished, but without her
machinery, went floating by us. While I am finishing this report, Captain
Bailey has been sent to demand the surrender of the city to me in the name
of the United States.

“T shall now send down with this letter Commander Smith in the ‘ Mis-

‘sissippi,’ to look after General Butler, and a ram, which it appears we left
behind at Fort Jackson, as it might be more than a match for the two gun-
boats I left behind.

“In conclusion, I hope I have done all I proposed to do, which was to
take the city of New Orleans; and I will now, in conjunction with the army,
General Butler, reduce the forts, and take care of the outlet from the west,
and purpose immediately to ascend to meet Flag-Officer Foote.

«The conduct of officers and men has been such as to command my high-
est admiration, and shall hereafter be a subject of more special commenda-
tion.

“Tam, Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“D. G. Farracor,
st Fi lag-Officer Western Gulf Blockading Squadron.
‘‘Hon. Gmpzon WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.”

Announcement of the Capture of Forts Jackson and St. Philip and Surrender
of New Orleans.

“United States Flag Ship ‘Hartrorp,’
“* At anchor off the City of New Orleans, April 29, 1862.
“Sm:

“Tam happy to announce to you that our flag waves over both Forts
Jackson and St. Philip, and at New Orleans over the custom-house. I am
taking every means to secure the occupation by General Butler of all
the forts along the coast. Berwick’s bay and Fort Pike have been aban-
doned; in fact, there is a general pas and I shall endeavor to follow
itu : : <
re am bringing up the troops as fast as possible, We have destroyed all
the forts above the city, four in number, which are understood to be all the
impediments between this and Memphis.

“T am, Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“D. G. Farraeour,
“ Flag-Officer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron,
‘*Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.”
204 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

FLAG-OFFICER FARRAGUT’S DETAILED REPORT OF THE BATTLES OF
THE MISSISSIPPI.

“United States Flag Ship ‘ Hartrorp,’
“ At anchor off the city of New Orleans, May 6, 1862.

‘Sir: I have the honor herewith to forward my report, in de-
tail, of the battle of New Orleans. On the 23d of March I made
all my arrangements for the attack on, and passage of, Forts
Jackson and St. Philip.

“Every vessel was as well prepared as the ingenuity of her
commander and officers could suggest, both for the preservation
of life and of the vessel; and, perhaps, there is not on record
such a display of ingenuity as has been evinced in this little
squadron. The Srst was by the engineer of the ‘Richmond,’ Mr.
Moore, by suggesting that the sheet cables be stopped up and
down on the sides in the line of the engines, which was im-
mediately adopted by all the vessels. Then each commander
made his own arrangements for stopping the shot from penetrat-
ing the boilers or machinery that might come in forward or
abaft, by hammocks, coal, bags of ashes, bags of sand, clothes
bags, and, in fact, every device imaginable. The bulwarks were
lined with hammocks by some, by splinter nettings made with
ropes by others. Some rubbed their vessels over with mud, to
make their ships less visible, and some whitewashed their decks,
to make things more visible by night during the fight, all of
which you will find mentioned in the reports of the commanders.
In the afternoon I visited each ship, in order to know positively
that each commander understood my orders for the attack, and to
see that all was in readiness. J had looked to their efficiency be-
fore. Every one appeared to understand their orders well, and
looked forward to the conflict with firmness, but with anxiety, as
it was to be in the night, or at 2 o’clock, a.m.

“T had previously sent Captain Bell, with the petard man, with
Lieutenant Commanding Crosby, in the ‘ Pinola,’ and Lieutenant
Commanding Caldwell, in the ‘ Itasca,’ to break the chain which
crossed the river, and was supported by eight hulks, which were
strongly moored. This duty was not thoroughly performed, in
consequence of the failure to ignite the petards with the galvanie
battery, and the great strength of the current. Still it was a
success, and, under the circumstances, a highly meritorious one.

“The vessel boarded by Lieutenant Commanding Caldwell
appears to have had her chains so secured that they could be
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 205

cast loose, which was done by that officer, and thereby making an
opening sufficiently large for the ships to pass through. It was
all done under a heavy fire, and at a great hazard to the vessel,
for the particulars of which I refer you to Captain Bell’s report
(marked A). Upon the night preceding the attack, however, I
despatched Lieutenant Commanding Caldwell to make an examin-
ation, and to see that the passage was still clear, and to make me
a signal to that effect, which he did at an early hour. The ene-
my commenced sending down fire-rafts, and lighting their fires on
the shore opposite the chain about the same time, which drew
their fire on Lieutenant Commanding Caldwell, but without in-
jury. At about five minutes of 2 o’clock, a.m., April 24, signal
was made to get under way (two ordinary red lights, so as not to
attract the attention of the enemy), but owing to the great diffi-
culty in purchasing their anchors, the ‘ Pensacola’ and some of the
other vessels were not under way until haif-past three. Wethen
advanced in two columns, Captain Bailey leading the right in the
gunboat ‘ Cayuga,’ Lieutenant Commanding Harrison, he having
been assigned to the first division of gunboats, which was to
attack Fort St. Philip, in conjunction with the second division of
ships, and the ‘Hartford,’ the left ; Fleet-Captam Bell leading
the second division of gunboats in the ‘Sciota’; Lieutenant Com-
manding Donaldson to assist the first division of ships to attack
Fort Jackson, as will be shown by the general order and diagram
sent herewith. The enemy’s lights, while they discovered us to
them, were, at the same time, guides to us. We soon passed the
barrier chains, the right column taking Fort St. Philip, and the
left Fort Jackson. The fire became general, the smoke dense,
and we had nothing to aim at but the flash of their guns ; it was
very difficult to distinguish friends from foes. Captain Porter
had, by arrangement, moved up to a certain point on the Fort
Jackson side with his gunboats, and I had assigned the same post
to Captain Swartwout, in-the ‘ Portsmouth,’ to engage the water
batteries to the southward and eastward of Fort Jackson, while
‘his mortar vessels poured a terrific fire of shells into it. I discov-
ered a fire-raft coming down upon us, and in attempting to avoid
it, ran the ship on shore, and the ram ‘Manassas,’ which I had
no’ ceen, lay on the opposite of it, and pushed it down upon us.
Our ship was soon on fire-half-way up to her tops, but we backed
off, and through the good organization of our fire department,
and the great exertions of Captain Wainwright and his first lieu-
tenant, officers, and crew, the fire was extinguished. In the
206 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

mean time our battery was never silent, but poured in its missiles
of death into Fort St. Philip, opposite to which he had got by
this time, and it was silenced, with the exception of a gun now
and then. By this time the enemy’s gunboats, some thirteen in
number, besides two iron-clad rams, the ‘Manassas’ and ‘ Louisi-
ana,’ had become more visible. We took them in hand, and, in
the course of a short time, destroyed eleven of them. We were
now fairly past the forts and the victory was ours, but still here
and there a gunboat making resistance. Two of them had at-
tacked the ‘ Varuna,’ which vessel, by her greater speed, was
much in advance of us ; they ran into her and caused her to sink,
but not before she had destroyed her adversaries, and their wrecks
now lie side by side, a monument to the gallantry of Captain
Boggs, his officers, and crew. It was a kind of guerilla; they
were fighting in all directions. Captains Bailey and Bell, who
were in command of the first and second divisions of gunboats,
were as active in rendering assistance in every direction as lay in
their power. Just as the scene appeared to be closing, the ram
‘Manassas’ was seen coming up under full speed to attack us. I
directed Captain Smith, in the ‘ Mississippi,’ to turn and run her
down ; the order was instantly obeyed, by the ‘ Mississippi’ turn-
ing and going at her at full speed. Just as we expected to see
the ram annihilated, when within fifty yards of each other, she
put her helm hard aport, dodged the ‘ Mississippi,’ and ran ashore.
The ‘ Mississippi’ poured two broadsides into her, and sent her
drifting down the river a total wreck. Thusclosed our morning’s
fight.

“The department will perceive that after the organization and
arrangements had been made, and we had fairly entered into the
fight, the density of the smoke from guns and fire-rafts, the
scenes passing on board our own ship and around us (for it was
as if the artillery of heaven were playing upon the earth), that it
was impossible for the flag-officer to see how each vessel was con-
ducting itself, and can only judge by the final results and their
special reports, which are herewith enclosed ; but I feel that I
can say with truth that it has rarely been the lot of a commander
to be supported by officers of more indomitable courage or higher
professional merit.

“Captain Bailey, who had preceded me up to the quarantine
station, had captured the Chalmette regiment, Colonel Szyman-
ski; and not knowing what to do with them, as every moment
was a great loss to me, I paroled both officers and men, and
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 207

took away all their arms, munitions of war, and public property,
and ordered them to remain where they were until the next day.
I sent some of the gunboats to precede me up the river, to cut
the telegraph wires in different places.

“Tt now became me to look around for my little fleet, and to
my regret I found that three were missing—the ‘Itasca,’ ‘ Wino-
na,’ and ‘Kennebec.’ Various were the speculations as to their
fate, whether they had been sunk on the passage, or had put
back. I therefore determined immediately to send Captain
Boggs, whose vessel was now sunk, through the Quarantine bayon,
around to Commander Porter, telling him of our safe arrival, and
to demand the surrender of the forts, and to endeavor to get
some tidings of the missing vessels. I also sent a despatch by
him to General Butler, informing him that the way was clear for
him to land his forces through the Quarantine bayou, in accord-
ance with previous arrangements, and that I should leave gun-
boats there to protect him against the enemy, who I now perceived
had three or four gunboats left at the forts—the ‘ Louisiana,’ an
iron-clad battery of sixteen guns; the ‘McCrea,’ very similar in
appearance to one of our gunboats, and armed very much in the
same way ; the ‘ Defiance,’ and a river steamer transport.

“We then proceeded up to New Orleans, leaving the ‘ Wissahi-
con’ and ‘Kineo’ to protect the landing of the general’s troops.
Owing to the slowness of some of the vessels, and our want of
knowledge of the river, we did not reach the English Turn until
about 10.30, A.m., on the 25th; but all the morning I had seen
abundant evidence of the panic which had seized the people in
New Orleans. Cotton-loaded ships on fire came floating down ; and
working implements of every kind, such as are used in ship-yards.
The destruction of property was awful. We soon descried the
new earthwork forts on the old lines on both shores. We now
formed and advanced in the same order, two lines, each line taking
its respective work. Captain Bailey was still far in advance, not
having noticed my signal for close order, which was to enable
the slow vessels to come up. They opened on him a galling fire,
which caused us to run up to his rescue ; this gave them the ad-
vantage of a raking fire on us for upwards of a mile with some
twenty guns, while we had but two 9-inch guns on our forecastle
to reply to them. It was not long, however, before we were
enabled to bear away and give the forts a broadside of shells,
shrapnel, and grape, the ‘Pensacola’ at the same time passing
up, and giving a tremendous broadside of the same kind to the
208 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

starboard fort ; and by the time we could reload, the ‘ Brooklyn,’
Captain Craven, passed handsomely between us and the battery
and delivered her broadside, and shut us out. By this time the
other vessels had gotten up, and ranged in one after another, de-
livering their broadsides in spiteful revenge for their ill-treatment
of the little ‘Cayuga.’ The forts were silenced, and those who
could run were running in every direction. We now passed up
to the city and anchored immediately in front of it, and I sent
Captain Bailey on shore to demand the surrender of it from the
authorities, to which the mayor replied that the city was under
martial law, and that he had no authority. General Lovell, who
was present, stated that he should deliver up nothing, but in
order to free the city from embarrassment he would restore the
city authorities, and retire with his troops, which he did. The
correspondence with the city authorities and myself is herewith
annexed. I then seized all the steamboats, and sent them down
to quarantine for General Butler’s forces. Among the number of
these boats is the famous ‘ Tennessee,’ which our blockaders have
been so long watching, but which, you will perceive, never got
out.

“The levee of New Orleans was one scene of desolation.
Ships, steamers, cotton, coal, &c., were all in one common blaze,
and our ingenuity was much taxed to avoid the floating confla-
gration.

“T neglected to mention my having good information respect-
ing the iron-clad rams which they were building. I sent Captain
Lee up to seize the principal one, the ‘ Mississippi,’ which was to
be the terror of these seas, and no doubt would have been to a
great extent ; but she soon came floating by us all in flames, and
passed down the river. Another was sunk immediately in front
of the custom-house ; others were building in Algiers, just
begun.

“T next went above the city eight miles, to Carrolton, where I
learned there were two other forts, but the panic had gone before
me. I found the guns spiked, and the gun-carriages in flames.
The first work, on the right, reaches from the Mississippi nearly
over to Pontchartrain, and has twenty-nine guns ; the one on the
left had six guns, from which Commander Lee took some fifty
barrels of powder, and completed the destruction of the gun-
carriages, &c. A mile higher up there were two other earth-
works, but not yet armed.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 209

“We discovered here, fastened to the right bank of the river, one
of the most herculean labors I have ever seen—a raft and chain to
extend across the river to prevent Foote’s gunboats from descend-
ing. It is formed by placing three immense logs of not less than

‘three or four feet in diameter, and some thirty feet long ; to the
center one or two, inch chain is attached, running lengthwise the
raft, and the three logs and chain are then frapped together by
chains from one-half to one inch, three or four layers, and there
are ninety-six of these lengths composing the raft ; it is at least
three-quarters of a mile long.

“On the evening of the 29th, Captain Bailey arrived from be-
low, with the gratifying intelligence that the forts had surren-
dered to Commander Porter, and had delivered up all public
property, and were being paroled, and that the navy had been
made to surrender unconditionally, as they had conducted them-
selves with bad faith, burning and sinking their vessels while a
flag of truce was flying, and the forts negotiating for their sur-
render, and the ‘ Louisiana,’ their great iron-clad battery, blown
up almost alongside of the vessel where they were negotiating ;
hence their officers were not paroled, but sent home to be treated
according to the judgment of the government.

“General Butler came up the same day, and arrangements were
made for bringing up his troops.

“T sent on shore and hoisted the American flag on the custom-
house, and hauled down the Louisiana State flag from the city
‘hall, as the mayor had avowed that there was no man in New
Orleans who dared to haul it down ; and my own convictions are
that if such an individual could have been found, he would have
‘been assassinated. /

“Thus, sir, I have endeavored to give you an account of my
attack upon New Orleans from our first movement to the surren-
der of the city to General Butler, whose troops are now in full
occupation, protected, however, by the ‘ Pensacola,’ ‘ Portsmouth,’
and one gunboat, while I have sent a force of seven vessels, under
command of Captain Craven, up the river, to keep up the panic
as far as possible. The large ships, I fear, will not be able to go
higher than Baton Rouge, while I have sent the smaller vessels,
under Commander Lee, as high as Vicksburg, in the rear of Jack-
son, to cut off their supplies from the west.

“J trust, therefore, that it will be found by the government
that I have carried out my instructions to the letter, and to the

14
210 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

best of my abilities, so far as this city is concerned, which is re-
spectfully submitted.
“T am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant,
“D. G. Farracvt,
“ Flag- Officer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron.
“Hon. Grmron WELLES,
“ Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. 0.”

 

(General Order. ]
“United States Flag Ship ‘Hartrorp.’
“* Mississippi River, April 20, 1862.

«The flag-officer, having heard all the opinions expressed by the differ-
ent commanders, is of the opinion that whatever is to be done will have to
be done quickly, or we will be again reduced to a blockading squadron,
without the means of carrying on the bombardment, as we have nearly
expended all the shells and fuzes and material for making cartridges. He
has always entertained the same opinions which are expressed by Com-
mander Porter, that is, there are three modes of attack, and the question is,
which is the one to be adopted ? His own opinion is, that a combination of
two should be made, viz: the forts should be run, and when a force is once
above the forts to protect the troops, they should be landed at quarantine
from the Gulf side by bringing them through the bayou, and then our
forces should move up the river, mutually aiding each other as it can be done
to advantage.

““When, in the opinion of the flag-officer, the propitious time has arrived,
the signal will be made to weigh, and advance tc the conflict. If, in his
opinion, at the time of arriving at the respective positions of the different
divisions of the fleet, we have the advantage, he will make the signal for
close action, No. 8, and abide the resuli—conquer, or to be conquered,
drop anchor or keep under way as in his opinion is best.

‘Unless the signal above mentioned is made, it will be understood that
the first order of sailing will be formed after leaving Fort St. Philip, and
we will proceed up the river in accordance with the original opinion
expressed.

“‘The programme of the order of sailing accompanies this general order,
and the commanders will hold themselves in readiness for the service as
indicated.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 211

ORDER OF FLEET.

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“Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“D. G. Farracut,
Flag-Officer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron.”

Report of Flag-Oficer Farragut Commendatory of the Conduct of those under
his Command.

[No. 88.]
“United States Flag Ship ‘ Hartrorp,’
“ Off the City of New Orleans, May 6, 1862.
«Sir:

“‘T will bear testimony to the merit of the commanders, and let them
bear testimony to the conduct of those under their commands. J am unwil-
ling that any meritorious individuals should be passed by in silence, but
they must look to their immediate commanders for special notice, except
when they come under my eyes.

“JT shall always be ready to bear testimony to the good conduct of Com-
mander Wainwright and his first lieutenant, whose good organization of the
fire department saved this ship, and to his officers and crew, whose energy
and courage in extinguishing the fire, and keeping up the fire of the great
212 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

guns, could not be surpassed. And those who were around me, the signal-
officer, my clerk, Mr. Osborn, Messrs. Bache and Wardell, captain’s clerks,
and Master’s Mate Allen, who had charge of the 20-pounder rifle gun, (an
apprentice boy,) all did their duty well, particularly Mr. Allen, whose
energy and courage were always marked; and had he a better education, I
should certainly recommend him for promotion, but I trust that his conduct
will be remembered by the Department.

“In conclusion, permit me to say that every provision possible was
made in advance of our fight for the comfort of the wounded by the ficet
surgeon, Dr. Foltz, who was indefatigable in his exertions to ameliorate
their sufferings and dress their wounds; in fact, all whom it was in
my power to know anything about did their duty to the utmost of their
ability. ‘

“As to the commanders of the three gunboats who failed to get through,
the Department must take their own statements, as I never saw them after
we left our anchorage; but their conduct previous to the fight had indueed
me toform a high estimate of their characters, and Lieutenant Caldwell’s
conduct in breaking the barrier chain gave an earnest of an intention to do
all in his power on the day of trial. Iam sure that the mortification they
sustained by their failure has been the severest of punishments, and they
will never rest until it is removed.

“All of which is Respectfully Submitted by,
Your Obedient Servant,
“D. G. FarRacot,
“Plag-Oficer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron.
“Hon, GipEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.”

 

Congratulatory Letter of the Secretary of the Navy.
“Navy DEPARTMENT, May 10, 1862.
«Sir:

‘‘Captain Bailey, your second in command, has brought to the Depart-
ment the official dispatches from your squadron, with the trophies forwarded
to the national capital.

‘‘Our navy, fruitful with victories, presents no more signal achievement
than this, nor is there an exploit surpassing it recorded in the annals of
naval warfare. In passing, and eventually overcoming Forts Jackson and
St. Philip, the batteries above and below New Orleans, destroying the bar-
riers of chains, steam-rams, fire-rafts, iron-clad vessels, and other obstruc-
tions, capturing from the rebel forces the great southern metropolis, and
obtaining possession and control of the Lower Mississippi, yourself, your
officers, and our brave sailors and marines, whose courage and daring bear
historic renown, have won a nation’s gratitude and applause. I congratu-
late you and your command on your great success in having contributed
so largely towards destroying the unity of the rebellion, and in restoring again
to the protection of the national government and the national flag the impor-
tant city of the Mississippi valley, and so large a portion of its immediate
dependencies.

“Your example and its successful results, though attended with some

'
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 213

sacrifice of life and-loss of ships, inculcate the fact that the first duty of a
eral in war is to take great risks for the accomplishment of great
ends.
“One and all, officers and men, composing your command, deserve well of
their country. :
“Tam, Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,

“ Flag-Officer **G@mDEON WELLES.
/ “D. G. Farracor,
Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans.”

OPERATIONS OF THE MORTAR FLOTILLA,

Commander Porter’s announcement of the passage of the forts by
the fleet, and progress of the bombardment of the
Sorts by the mortar flotilla.

“United States Steamer ‘Harrier Lane,’
“ Mississippi River, April 25, 1862.

“Srr: Ihave the honor to inform you that Flag-Officer Farra-
gut, with the fleet, passed Forts Jackson and St. Philip on the morn-
ing of the 24th, and should be in New Orleans by this time, as he
can meet with no obstacles such as he has already passed, the way
being comparatively open before him.

“We commenced the bombardment of Fort Jackson on the
18th, and continued it without intermission until the squadron
made preparations to move. The squadron was formed in three
lines to pass the forts. Captain Bailey’s division, composed of
the following vessels, leading to the attack of Fort St. Philip:
‘Cayuga,’ ‘ Pensacola,’ ‘ Mississippi,’ ‘Oneida,’ ‘ Varuna,’ ‘ Katah-
din,’ ‘Kineo,’ ‘Wissahickon,’ Flag-Officer Farragut leading the
following vessels, (second line ;) ‘Hartford,’ ‘Brooklyn,’ ‘ Rich-
mond ;’ and Commander Bell leading the third division, composed
of the following vessels : ‘ Sciota,’ ‘ Irequois,’ ‘ Pinola,’ ‘ Winona,’
‘Ttasca,’ and ‘ Kennebec.’

“The steamers belonging to the mortar flotilla, one of them
towing the ‘Portsmouth,’ were to enfilade the water battery
commanding the approaches : Mortar steamers ‘Harriet Lane,’
‘Westfield, ‘Owasco,’ ‘Clifton,’ and ‘Miami’—the ‘Jackson’
towing the ‘Portsmouth.’ The vessels were rather late in getting
under way and into line, and did not get fairly started until 3.30,
A.m., and the unusual bustle apprised the garrison that something
was going on. ;

“Jn an hour and ten minutes after the vessels had weighed
anchor they had passed the forts, under a most terrific fire,
214 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. '

which they returned with interest. The mortar fleet rained down
shells on Fort Jackson to try and keep the men from the guns,
while the steamers of the mortar fleet poured in shrapnel upon
the water battery commanding the approach, at a short distance,
keeping them comparatively quiet. When the last vessel of ours
could be seen amidst the fire and smoke to pass the battery, sig-
nal was made to the mortars to cease firing, and the flotilla
steamers were directed to retire from a contest that would soon
become very unequal.

“It was now daylight, and the fleet having passed along, the
forts began to pay their attention to our little squadron of steam-
ers, the ‘Portsmouth,’ which was being towed up, and three of
the gunboats which failed to pass through. These latter became
entangled in some wrecks and chains placed in the river to ob-
struct, and which were only partially removed. One of these ves-
sels (the ‘ Winona’) got through as far as Fort St. Philip, but,
having all the guns bearing on her, she sensibly retired. The
‘Itasca’ was fairly riddled, and had a shot through her boiler.
The ‘Kennebec’ escaped unhurt.

“Tam disposed to think that our squadron received but little
damage, considering the unequal contest—one hundred and forty-
two guns on board ship opposed to one hundred on shore—placed
in a most commanding position. For twenty minutes after the
ships passed, the forts fired very feebly on the vessels that re-
mained outside ; so much so that the ‘Portsmouth’ was enabled
to drop with the current out of gunshot, though the shot fell
pretty freely about her at last. I think the fire from the ships
must have been very destructive to life.

“The last we saw of our vessels they were standing up the
river. Some explosion took place, which made us feel rather
uneasy, but which may have been the rebel gunboats. We could
see that our squadron had not destroyed all the enemy’s vessels at
the fort, for three or four of them were moving about in all direc-
tions, evidently in a state of excitement.

“Before the fleet got out of sight it was reported to me that
the celebrated ram ‘ Manassas’ was coming out to attack us ; and
sure enough, there she was, apparently steaming along shore,
ready to pounce upon the apparently defenseless mortar vessels.
Two of our steamers and some of the mortar vessels opened fire
on her ; but I soon discovered that the ‘ Manassas’ could harm no
one again, and I ordered the vessels to save their shot. She was
beginning to emit smoke from her ports or holes, and was
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 215

discovered to be on fire and sinking. Her pipes were twisted and
riddled with shot, and her hull was also well cut up. She had
evidently been used up by the squadron as they passed along.

“T tried to save her as a curiosity, by getting a hawser around
her and securing her to the bank, but just after doing so she
faintly exploded. Her only gun went off, and emitting flames
through her bow port, like some huge animal, she gave a plunge
and disappeared under the water.

“Next came a steamer on fire, which appeared to be a vessel of
war belonging to the rebels ; and after her two others, all burn-
ing and floating down the stream. Fire seemed to be raging all
along the ‘up river, and we supposed that our squadron were
burning and destroying the vessels as they passed along. It ap-
pears, however, that the McRae, one or two river boats, and their
celebrated floating battery, (brought down the night before,) were
left unhurt, and were still flying the Confederate flag.

“The matter of the floating battery becomes a very serious
affair, as they are hard at work at Fort Jackson mounting heavy
rifled guns on it, which are of no further use to them in the fort.
She mounts sixteen guns, is almost as formidable a vessel as the
‘ Merrimack,’ perfectly shot-proof, and has four powerful engines
in her. I shall, at all events, take such such steps as will prevent
her from destroying anything, and we may still hold her in check
with the steamers, though they are rather fragile for such a service.
This is one of the ill effects of leaving an enemy in the rear. I
suppose that the ships fired on her as they passed through, but
that her mail resisted the shot. She had steam on this morning,
and was moving about quite lively. I tried to put some mortar
shell through her roof, but without effect, as she moved off.

“ The forts are now cut off from all communication with New
Orleans, as I presume that Flag-Officer Farragut has cut the
wires. I have sent the ‘Miami’ around with General Butler to
the back of Fort St. Philip, to try and throw in troops at the
quarantine, five miles along the forts, and at the same time open
communication that way with the flag-officer, and supply him
with ammunition. Iam also going to send part of the mortar
fleet to the back of Fort Jackson, to cut off the escape of the
garrison by that way, and stop supplies. A deserter, who can be
relied on, informs us that they have plenty of provisions for two
months, plenty of ammunition, and plenty of discomforts. Our
shell set the citadel on fire the first afternoon we opened. It
burnt freely for seven hours, but I thought it a fire-raft behind
216 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the fort, as they continually send them down on us, though with-
out any effect.

“But few casualties occurred to vessels on this side of the
forts. The ‘Harriet Lane’ lost but one man killed, and one, I
fear, mortally wounded. The ‘Winona’ lost three killed and
three wounded, and the ‘Itasca,’ with fourteen shots through her,
had but few men hurt.

“These forts can hold out still for some time, and I would
suggest that the ‘Monitor’ and ‘ Mystic,’ if they can be spared,
be sent here, without a moment’s delay, to settle the question.

“The mortar fleet have been very much exposed and under a
heavy fire for six days, during which time they kept the shells
going without intermission. One of them, the ‘ Maria I. Carlton,’
was sunk by a shot passing down through her magazine, and then
through her bottom. The flotilla lost but one man killed and
six wounded. The bearing of the officers and men was worthy
of the highest praise. They never once flagged during a period
of six days, never had an accident to one of the vessels by firing,
and when shell and shot were flying thick above them, showed
not the least desire to have the vessels moved to a place of safety.
The incidents of the bombardment will be mentioned in my de-
tailed report.

“T merely write this hurried letter to apprise the department
of the state of affairs, and shall send it off at once via Havana.

“The sight of this night attack was awfully grand. The river
was lit up by rafts filled with pine knots, and the ships seemed
to be fighting literally amidst flames and smoke. Where we
were the fire of the enemy was high, and comparatively harm-
less.

“JT am in hopes that the ships above fared as well as we did,
though amid such a terrific fire. It was gratifying to see that
not a ship wavered, but stood steadily on her course; and I am
in hopes (and I see no reason to doubt it) that they now have
possession of New Orleans.

“T am, with great respect, your obedient servant,
“Davin D. Porter,
“ Commanding Flotilla.
“Hon. Gipron WELLEs,
“ Secretary of the Navy.

“P,§.—Captain Boggs has just arrived by way of a cut
through the swamps, and brings the following additional intelli-
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS, 217

gence: The ‘Varuna’ was sunk; about one hundred men were
killed and wounded ; ships all ready for another fight. No ob-
structions on the way to New Orleans. Eleven Confederate
vessels sunk and burnt in passing the forts. General Butler is
about to land men the back way, six miles above the forts. No
officers killed or wounded. Soldiers captured miserably armed,
dnd without ammunition.”

COMMANDER PORTER’S DETAILED REPORT.

“United States Steamer ‘Harrier LANs,’

5 “* Forts Jackson and St. Philip, April 30, 1862.
“Sir:

“T have the honor to lay before you a report of the proceedings of the
mortar flotilla under my command since the day the vessels entered the Mis-
sissippi river.

“On the 18th of March all the mortar fleet crossed ‘ Pass 4 1’ Outre’ bar,
towed by the ‘Harriet Lane,’ ‘Owasco,’ ‘ Westfield,’ and ‘ Clifton,’ the two
latter having arrived that morning. I was ordered by Flag-Officer Farragut
to proceed to Southwest Pass, which I accordingly did; there we awaited
orders, being at any moment ready to go to work on the forts.

“« As yet only the ‘Brooklyn’ and ‘ Hartford’ had crossed the bar, a short
time after the ‘Richmond’ passed over, and then the ‘ Mississippi’ and the
‘Pensacola,’ came from Ship island to try their hand at getting through;
there was not at the time a great depth of water, and their pilots were not
at all skillful or acquainted with the bar. I volunteered my services with
the steamers belonging to the mortar flotilla, and, after eight days’ laborious
work, succeeded in getting the ships through, and anchored them at Pilot
Town. I do not hesitate to say, but for the exertions of Commander Ren-
shaw, Lieutenant Commander Baldwin, and Lieutenant Commanding
Wainwright, that the two latter ships would never have got inside; the
‘Miami,’ Lieutenant Commanding Harrell, also rendered assistance, but as
his vessel was an unmanageable one, he could do no more than act as a
stream anchor to heave the ships ahead by.

“*Too much praise cannot be awarded to the commanders of the ‘ West-
field’ and ‘Clinton’ (Renshaw and Baldwin) for the exertions they displayed
on this occasion; they knew that the success of the expedition depended on
getting these ships over, and they never faltered in their duty, working
against adverse circumstances, and impeded by a fog of eight days’ duration, ,
which obscured a vessel at the distance of fifty yards ; the ‘Harriet Lane,’
also did all she could with her small power, and in the end the united power
of these vessels succeeded in getting over the bar the heaviest vessels that
ever entered the Mississippi river.

“«When the ships were all ready to move up, I directed Mr. Gerdes (assis-
tant on the Coast Survey) to proceed in the ‘Sachem’ and make a minute
survey from ‘ Wiley’s Jump’ up to the forts. He detached Mr. Oltmanns and
Mr. Harris, the first an assistant on the Coast Survey, the latter sent out by
the superintendent (Mr. Archibald Campbell) of the northwestern boundary,
to perform what might be required of -him ; the work was performed in
218 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

boats ; Lieutenant Commanding Guest, in the Owasco, being detailed by me
for the purpose of protecting them. These two gentlemen, Messrs. Harris
and Oltmanns, performed their duty most admirably: in three days they had
surveyed and triangulated over seven miles of the river, their observations
taking in Forts Jackson and St. Philip ; much of this time they were under
fire from shot and shell at a distance of two thousand six hundred yards,
and were exposed to concealed riflemen in the bushes. On one occasion
Mr. Oltmanns was fired upon from the bushes while surveying in one of the
Owasca’s boats, one of the balls striking an oar, but the boat’s crew drove
the enemy off with their rifles, and Mr. Oltmanns proceeded with his work,
establishing the positions the mortar vessels were to occupy with great cool-
ness and precision. I deem it due to these gentlemen to mention their
names honorably as a tribute to the Coast Survey—the utility of which is not
properly appreciated—and as a mark of high satisfaction with them for
their invaluable services. /

“The survey being completed, and marked positions being assigned to
the vessels when their distance from the fort could be known to a yard, I
brought up three of the schooners to try their range and durability at a dis-
tance of three thousand yards. I found the range satisfactory, and had no
reason to doubt the durability of the mortar beds and foundation. I received
but little encouragement from any one about the success of the mortars, it
having been confidently predicted that ‘the bottoms of the schooners would
drop out at the tenth fire.’ I had no doubts myself about the matter, hav-
ing perfect confidence in the schooners. Lieutenant Commanding John
Guest guarded the Coast Survey party while they wete employed, returning
the enemy’s fire whenever he thought he could do so with effect.

“On the 16th Flag-Officer Farragut moved up the fleet, and I was told to
commence operations as soon as I was ready. The schooners sailed up
partly or were towed by the steamers, and on the morning of the 18th
they had all reached their positions ready to open fire. Previous to taking
their places I had directed the masts to be dressed off with bushes, to make
them invisible to the enemy and intermingle with the thick forest of trees
and matted vines behind which they were placed ; this arrangement proved
to be an admirable one, for never once during the bombardment was one of
the vessels seen from the forts, though their approvimate position was
known. As the bushes were blown away during the bombardment they
were renewed, and the masts and ropes kept covered from view. The
place I selected for the mortar vessels was under the lee of a thick wood
closely interwoven with vines, and presenting in the direction of Forts
Jackson and St. Philip an impenetrable mass for three hundred yards,
through which shot could scarcely pass. From our mastheads the forts
could be plainly seen, though observers there could not see us in return.
The head vessel of the first division, Lieutenant Commanding Watson
Smith, was placed at this point, two thousand eight hundred and fifty yards
from Fort Jackson, three thousand six hundred and eighty from St. Philip ;
the vessels were then dropped in a line close to each other, their positions
having been marked by the Coast Survey party, and Messrs. Oltmanns and
Harris superintending personally that each one was acquainted with the
proper distance. Next to Lieutenant Commanding Smith’s division of seven
vessels (‘ Norfolk Packet,’ Lieutenant Commanding Watson Smith ; ‘ Oliver
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 219

H. Lee,’ Acting Master Washington Godfrey; ‘Para,’ Acting Master Edward
G. Furber; ‘C. P. Williams,’ Acting Master Amos R. Langthorne; ‘ Arletta,’
Acting Master Thomas E. Smith; ‘ William Bacon,’ Acting Master, William
P. Rogers; ‘Sophronia,’ Acting Master Lyman Bartholemew) was placed the
six vessels of the third division, under Lieutenant Commanding K. R.
Breese, (‘ John Griffith,’ Acting Master Henry Brown; ‘Sarah Bruen,’ Acting
Master Abraham Christian; ‘Racer,’ Acting Master Alvin Phinney; ‘Sea
Foam,’ Acting Master Henry E. Williams; ‘Henry James,’ Acting
Master Lewis W. Pennington; ‘Dan. Smith,’ Acting Master George W.
Brown,) and one vessel, the ‘ Orvetta,’ Acting Master Blanchard, all lying in
line close together.

*- All the vessels mentioned were anchored and secured to spring their
broadsides, as occasion might require. In the meantime Lieutenant Com-
manding John Guest was sent ahead in the ‘ Owasco’ to clear the bushes of
riflemen which had been found to lurk there, and cover the vessels from
the fire of the forts when it should open; the ‘ Westfield,’ ‘Clifton’ and
‘Miami’ being engaged in towing the vessels to their posts.

“‘T placed six vessels of the second division, under command of Lieuten-
ant W. W. Queen, on the northeast shore of the river, the headmost one
three thousand six hundred and eighty yards from Fort Jackson, to which
the division was directed to turn its attention. The following vessels and
acting masters composed this division:

«eT. A. Ward,’ W. W. Queen, commanding second division.

“«M. J. Carlton,’ Charles E. Jack, acting master.

«« Matthew Vasser,’ Hugh H. Savage, acting master.

“«« George Mangham,’ John Collins, acting master.

“¢ Orvetta,’ Francis E. Blanchard, acting master.

«« Sydney C. Jones,’ J. D. Graham, acting master.

“‘When the divisions were all placed signal was made to ‘commence
action,’ and they opened in order, each one firing every ten minutes. The
moment the mortars opened Forts Jackson and St. Plilip responded with all
their guns that could bear, but for some time did not appear to get the right
range ; the hulls of the vessels on the northeast shore, being covered with
reeds and willows, deceived them somewhat, though their shot and shell
went over. The fire of the enemy was rapid, and, as the shell and shot
began to grow rather hot, I sent to the flag-officer, asking that some of the
gunboats should be sent to draw their fire. For one hour and fifty minutes
Lieutenant Commanding Guest had, at the head of the mortar fleet, borne
the fire of the forts uninjured, and only left there to get a supply of ammu-
nition. After I went on board his vessel and ordered him to retire, the
mortar vessels having been reinforced by the gunboats sent up by the flag-
officer, by midday the fire on the vessels on the northeast shore (Lieutenant
Commanding Queen’s division) became so rapid, and the shot and shell fell
so close, that I went on board to move them. One large 120-pound shell had
passed through the cabin and damaged the magazine of Lieutenant Com-
manding Queen’s vessel, the ‘T. A. Ward,’ coming out near the water line,
her rigging was cut, and shot flying over her fast. The ‘George Mangham,’
Acting Master John Collins, had received a 10-inch shot near her water-line,
so I moved them both (contrary to the wishes of the officers) two hundred
yards further astern, throwing the enemy out of his range, which he did not
220 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

discover for two or three hours. At five o’clock in the evening the fort was
discovered to be in flames, and the firing from the enemy ceased. We after-
wards learned that the citadel had been fired by our bomb-shells, and all the
clothing of the troops and commissary stores had been burnt up, while great
distress was experienced by the enemy owing to the heat and danger to
the magazine. Had I known the extent of the fire, I should have pro-
ceeded all night with the bombardment ; but the crews had had nothing
to eat or drink since daylight. I knew not how much the mortar-beds and
vessels might have suffered. Night firing was uncertain, as the wind had
set in fresh, and not knowing how long 4 bombardment I might have
to go through with, I deemed it best to be prudent. A little after
sunset I ordered the firing to cease, and made the only mistake that
occurred during the bombardment. The fire in the forts blazed up again at
night, but I thought it one of the fire-rafts they lighted up every night at
the fort.

“The first and third divisions, under Lieutenants Commanding Smith and
Breese, acquitted themselves manfully that day, and though the shot and
shell fell thick about them behaved like veterans. We fired on this day over
fourteen hundred shell, many of which were lost in the air, owing to bad
fuzes. No accident of any kind occurred from careless firing, and after a
careful examination the vessels and mortar-beds were found to be uninjured.
On that night, at two o'clock, I ordered Lieutenant Commanding Queen to
drop out of the line of fire, and I placed him on the south shore, in a safer
and closer position, though not one where he could work to such advantage,
the fort being plainly visible from his late position, and the effect of the
shells could be more plainly noted. On the south shore the pointing of the
mortars could only be done from sights fixed to the mastheads, and many
curious expedients were resorted to to obtain correct firing, expedients very
creditable to the intelligence of the commanders of the vessels. We heard
afterwards that our first day's firing had been more accurate than that of any
other day, though it was all good.

“‘On the morning of the 19th we opened fire on the enemy again, when he
tried his best to dislodge us from behind our forest protection without
effect; our fire was kept up as rapidly as the men could carefully and prop-
erly Icad, the enemy returning it with what heavy guns he could bring to
hear on us, most of his shot going over us amongst the shipping and gun-
boats, which were on guard and employed drawing the fire away from us.
About nine o’clock in the second morning the schooner ‘ Maria J. Carlton,’
Charles Jack, master, was sunk by a rifle shell passing down through her
deck, magazine and bottom. I happened to be alongside at the time and
had nearly all the stores saved, also the arms. As she went down the mor-
tar was fired at the enemy for the last time, and that was the last of the
‘Carlton.’ We hauled her on to the bank when we found that she was
sinking, and were thus enabled to save many of her stores; but she finally
slipped off the bank into deeper water, and nothing was left visible but her
upper rail. Two men were wounded in the ‘Carlton.’ Acting Master
Charles Jack came out in this vessel from New York ; he lost his mainmast
in a gale off Cape Hatteras, but persevered until he arrived in Key West, and
sailed with the flotilla to Ship Island. He went through another gale, but
got into port safe. He was almost always up with the rest in working up
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 221

the river under sail with his one mast ; and when his vessel sunk he volun-
teered his services on board the vessel of Lieutenant Commanding Queen,
to whose division he belonged. On the second day the firing from the forts
was rather severe on the masts and rigging of the first division. I wanted
to move them a little further down, but was prevented from doing so at the
request of Lieutenant Commanding Smith, who seemed determined not to
withdraw until something was sunk. He had one man killed in the
* Arietta,’ Acting Master Smith, by a 10-inch shot striking between the stop
of the mortar bed and the mortar, which disabled it for a time only ; it was
repaired in two or three hours, the men meanwhile under fire, without any
occupation to keep up their interest. One or two men were wounded this
day. We had another conflagration in the fort, the shells having set fire to
some quarters put up for officers on the northwest angle of the works ;
they were all consumed. The firing seemed to be good this day, though
some said the shells went over, and others said they fell short. The proof
of accuracy was that the batteries were silenced every time the shells were
concentrated on any ove point. The fuzes being so bad, I gave up the plan
of timing them, and put in full-length fuzes, to burst after they had entered
the ground. In some respects this was disadvantageous, but we lost but
few by bursting before time in the air. The ground being wet and soft, the
shells descended eighteen and twenty feet into the ground, exploding after
some time, lifted the earth up, and let it fall back into its place again, not
doing a great deal of harm, but demoralizing the men, who knew not what
the consequences might be. The effect, I am told, was like that of an
earthquake. When the shells hit the ramparts they did their work effectu-
ally, knocking off large pieces of the parapet and shattering the casemates.
On the third and fourth day the ammunition on board began to grow
short, and the steamers had to be sent down to bring it up, the boats of the
squadron also assisting all they could, in the strong current, to supply the
vessels. The steamers laid close to the mortar vessels while the shot and
shell were flying all about ; but, strange to say, not a vessel was struck,
though I expected to see some of them injured. The employment of them
in that way could not be avoided. Everything was conducted with the
greatest coolness, and the officers and men sat down to their meals as if
nothing was going on—shells bursting in the air and falling alongside, and
shot and rifle shell crashing through the woods and tearing the trees up by
the roots. On the fifth day the fire from the forts on the head of the first
division was very rapid and troublesome. One hundred and twenty-five
shots fell close to the vessels in one hour and thirty minutes, without, how-
ever, doing them ‘any damage beyond hitting the ‘Para,’ the headmost ves-
sel, and cutting up the rigging and masts. The fire of the enemy had been
attracted to the mastheads of one of the large ships which had been moved
up, and which they could see over the woods. I deemed it prudent to move
three of them two or three lengths, much to the annoyance of the officers,
who seemed indisposed to yield an inch. Still, my duty was to look out for
the vessels and not have them destroyed. The ‘Norfolk Packet’ gota
piece of a shell through her decks, and had her rigging and crosstrees cut
away, and one man wounded. For three days and nights the officers and
men had had but little repose and but few comfortable meals, so I divided
the divisions into three watches of four hours each, firing from one division
222 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

about one hundred and sixty-eight times a watch, or altogether, during
twenty-four hours, one thousand five hundred shell. This I found rested
the crews and produced more accuratefiring. Overcome with fatigue, I had
seen the commanders and crews lying fast asleep on deck, with a mortar on
board the vessel next to them, thundering away and shaking everything
around them like an earthquake. The windows were broken at the Bulise,
thirty miles distant. It would be an interminable undertaking, sir, if I
were to attempt to give a minute account of all the hard work performed in
the flotilla, or mention separately all the meritorious acts and patient endu-
rance of the commanders and crews of the mortar vessels. All stuck to
their duty like men and Americans: and though some may have exhibited
more ingenuity and intelligence than others, yet the performance of all com-
manded my highest admiration. J cannot say too much in favor of the three
commanders of divisions, Lieutenants Watson Smith, W. W. Queen, and
K. R. Breese. Ican only say I would like always to have them at my side in
times of danger and difficulty. They were untiring in their devotion to
their duties, directing their officers, who could not be supposed to know as
much about their duties as they did. I left the entire control of these divi-
sions to themselves, trusting implicitly that they would faithfully carry out
the orders which I had given them previous to the bombardment, and know-
ing that no powder or shell would be thrown away if they could help it.
The end justitied my confidence in them. During a bombardment of six
days they were constantly exposed to a sharp fire from heavy guns. If they
sustained no serious damage to their vessels it was no fault of the enemy,
who tried his best to destroy them, and who, after I had withdrawn the
vessels of Lieutenant Commanding Queen from a very exposed position,
reported that he had sunk them.

“After bombarding the fort for three days I began to despair of taking
it, and, indeed, began to lose my confidence in mortars, but a deserter pre-
sented himself from Fort Jackson, and gave me such an account of the havoc
made by our mortar practice that I had many doubts at first of his truth ;
he represented hundreds of shells falling into the fort, casemates broken in,
citadel and outbuildings burnt, men demoralized and dispirited, magazine
endangered, and the levec cut ; we went to work with renewed vigor, and
never flagged to the last.

“On the night of the 20th an expedition was fitted out under Commander
Bell, for the purpose of breaking the chain; it was composed of the gun-
boats ‘Pinola’ and ‘Itasca ;’ it way arranged that all the mortars should
play upon the fort while the operation was going on, which they did as fast
as they could safely load and fire, nine shells being in the air frequently at
one time. The vessels were discovered, and the forts opened fire on them
at a distance of three and eight hundred yards. Lieutenant Crosby informed
me that but for the rapid and accurate fire of the mortars the gunboats
would have been destroyed. The mortars silenced the batteries effectually,
and Colonel Higgins ordered the men into the casemates, where they were
in no way loth to go. These facts have been obtained from prisoners. The
‘Itasca,’ Lieutenant Caldwell, slipped the chain of one vessel, and was
swept ashore by the current, when the ‘ Pinola,’ Lieutenant Commanding
Crosby, got her off, both remaining in that position over thirty minutes,
though seen by the enemy and seldom fired at.
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 223

‘On the 23rd I urged Flag-Officer Farragut to commence the attack with
the ships at night, as I feared the mortars would not hold out, the men were
almost overcome with fatigue, and our supply ships laid a good way off.
The enemy had brought over two heavy rifle guns to bear on the head of our
line, and I was aware that he was daily adding to his defenses and strength-
ening his naval forces with iron-clad batteries. The 23rd was appointed, but
the attack did not come off. I had fortunately dismounted with a shell, on
that day, the heaviest rifle gun they had on St. Philip, breaking it in two,
and it annoyed us no more. I did not know it at the time, but thought the
ammunition had given out. On the 23rd the order was given to move at
two o’clock in the order which 'the flag-6fficer will mention in his report.
The steamers belonging to the mortar flotilla were assigned the duty of enfi-
lading a heavy water battery of six guns and the barbette of guns which
commanded the approach to the forts; and the mortars having obtained
good range during the day were to try and drive the men from the guns by
their rapid fire, and bursting shell over the parapets. The flotilla steamers,
composed of the ‘Harriet Lane,’ Lieutenant Commanding Wainwright,
leading ; ‘ Westfield,’ Commander Renshaw ; ‘Owasco,’ Lieutenant Com-
manding Guest; ‘ Clifton,’ Lieutenant Commanding Baldwin, and ‘ Miami,’
Lieutenant Commanding Harrell, moved up, (when the flag-officer lifted his
anchor,) seventy fathoms apart, and took position under the batteries ; the
leading vessel five hundred yards off, the others closing up as the fire com-
menced. Then, as soon as the ‘ Hartford,’ ‘Brooklyn,’ and ‘ Richmond’
passed, they opened with shrapnel on the forts, having received the fire ten
or fifteen minutes before replying to it. Asthe fire was high, and they were
close in shore, nearer the forts than the enemy supposed, they occupied, as
it turned out, a safer position than the vessels further out, there being only
one killed and one wounded on board the ‘ Harriet Lane,’ while the other
steamers remained untouched. The commandars of all the vessels on this
occasion did their duty, coolly kept their vessels close up, fired rapidly and
accurately, and the signal was not made to retire until the last vessel of our
gallant squadron passed through the flames, which seemed to be literally eat-
ing them up ; every man, spar, or rope was plainly seen amid the light, and
every movement of the ships noted ; that last vessel, the gallant ‘ Iroquois,’
would provokingly linger and slow her engines opposite the forts to give
the rebels a taste of her formidable battery. When she also disappeared in
the smoke our signal was hung out to retire, our duty having been accom-
plished, and the fort turning its entire attention to our little force. It could
not, however, do us much harm, as the rain of mortar shells almost com-
pletely silenced them ; never in my life did I witness such a scene, and
never did rebels get such a castigation. Colonel Higgins ordered the men
from the batteries into the casemates to avoid the mortar shells, which fell
with particular effect on that night, while grapeshot and shrapnel from the
ships gave them but a few opportunities to fire from their casemates. The
ships had gone by, the backbone of the rebellion was broken, the mortars

-ceased their fire, and nothing was heard for a time but the booming of guns
as our fleet went flying up the river, scattering the enemy’s gunboats and
sinking them as they passed. We all sat down to rest and speculate on the
chances of seeing our old friends and brother officers again.

“T was very hopeful myself, for I knew that the enemy had been too
224 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

much demoralized during the last week by mortar practice to be able to
stand against ‘the fire of our ships. I gave the ships, when they started,
forty-five minutes to pass the forts ; they were only seventy from the time
they lifted their anchors. I lost the services of a well-armed and useful ves-
sel, the ‘ Jackson,’ for the attack on the batteries. Her commander, Lieuten-
ant Commanding Woodworth, during the affair was appointed to tow the
‘Portsmouth’ ahead of the mortar steamers, but was carried down the
stream. He persisted, however, in taking her into her berth after the bat-
tle was over and the steamers had retired, and anchored her, I believe,
within nine hundred yards of the fort. His reception, and that of the
‘Portsmouth’ was a warm one, for the cast batteries opened on them ; and,
after escaping miraculously, the ‘ Portsmouth,’ with some shots in her hull
and rigging and one or two killed and wounded, coolly drifted out from
under the guns and took her old position. Had the rebels not been over-
come with despair she would have fared badly.

“Immediately on the passage of the ships I sent Lieutenant Commanding
Guest up with a flag of truce, demanding the surrender of the forts. The
flag of truce was fired on, but apologized for afterwards. The answer was,
‘The demand is inadmissible.’ Giving the men that day to rest, I prepared
to fill up the vessels with ammunition and commence the bombardment
again. Having in the meantime heard from Flag-Officer Farragut that he
had safely passed the batteries, I determined to make another attempt on
these deluded people in the forts to make them surrender, and save the fur-
ther effusion of blood. Flag-Officer Farragut had unknowingly left a
troublesome force in his rear, consisting of four steamers and a powerful
steam battery of four thousand tons and sixteen heavy guns, all protected
by the forts. I did not know in what condition the battery was, only we
had learned that she had come down the night before, ready prepared to
wipe out our whole fleet. If the enemy counted so surely on destroying our
whole fleet with her, it behooved me to be prudent, and not let the mortar
vessels be sacrificed like the vessels at Norfolk. I commenced, then, a
bombardment on the iron-clad battery, supposing it lay close under Fort
Jackson, and also set the vessels to work throwing shells into Fort Jackson
again, to let them know that we were still taking care of them ; but there
was no response ; the fight had all been taken out of them. I sent the mor-
tar vessels below to refit and prepare for sea, as also to prevent them from
being driven from their position in case the iron battery came out to attack
them. I felt sure that the steamers alone could manage the battery. Six of
the schooners I ordered to proceed immediately to the rear of Fort Jackson
and blockade all the bayous, so that the garrison could not escape or obtain
supplies. I sent the ‘Miami’ and ‘Sachem’ to the rear of Fort St. Philip,
to assist in landing troops. These vessels all appeared at their destination at
the same time, and when morning broke the enemy found himself hemmed
in on all sides. It was a military necessity that we should have the forts.
Our squadron was cut off from coal, provisions, and ammunition ; our sol-
diers had but little chance to get to New Orleans through shallow bayous ;
the enemy in the city would hesitate to surrender while the forts held out ;
communication was cut off between them, and neither party knew what the
other was willing todo. So I demanded a surrender again, through Lieu-
tenant Commanding Guest, offering to let them retain their side-arms and
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 225

engage not to serve against the United States during the rebellion until reg-
ularly exchanged, provided they would honorably deliver up, wndamaged,
the forts, guns, muskets, provisions, and all munitions of war, the vessels
under the guns of the fort, and all other public property. The answer was
civil, and hopes were held out that, after being instructed by the authorities
of New Orleans, they would surrender. In the meantime their men became
dissatisfied at being so surrounded ; they had no hope of longer holding out
with any chance of success, and gave signs of insubordination. On the 28th
a flag of truce came on board the ‘ Harriet Lane,’ proposing to surrender
Jackson and St. Philip on the terms proposed, and I immediately proceeded
to the forts with the steamers ‘ Westfield,’ ‘Winona,’ and ‘Kennebec’ in
company, and sent a boat for General Duncan and Lieutenant Colonel Hig-
gins, and such persons as they might see fit to bring with them. These per-
sons came on board, and, proceeding to the cabin of the ‘ Harriet Lane,’ the
capitulation was drawn up and signed, the original of which I have had
the honor of forwarding to the department by Captain Bailey, no opportu-
nity occurring to send it through Flag-Officer Farragut, without loss of
time. The officers late commanding the forts informed me that the vessels
would not be included in the capitulation, as they (the military) had nothing
to do with the naval officers and were in no way responsible for their acts.
There was evidently a want of unanimity between the different branches of
the rebel service. I afterwards found out that great ill-feeling existed, the
naval commander having failed, in the opinion of the military, to co-operate
with the forts ; the true state of the case being that they were both sadly
beaten, and each laid the blame on the other. While engaged in the capitu-
lation an officer came below and informed me that the iron floating battery
(the ‘Louisiana’) had been set on fire by two steamers which had been lying
alongside of her. This was a magnificent iron steam floating battery of four
thousand tons and mounting sixteen heavy guns, and perfectly shot-proof.
She had been brought down from New Orleans the day before, and on it the
hopes of their salvation seemed to depend, as will appear by the following
letter from General Duncan, taken in the fort:
& CAPTAIN: «Fort Jackson, Louistana, April 22, 1862.
“Your note of this date relative to the steamer ‘Louisiana,’ the for-
wardness of her preparations for attack, the dispositions to be made of her,
&c., has been received.

“It is of vital importance that the present fire of the enemy should be
withdrawn from us, which you alone can do. This can be done in the man-
ner suggested this morning, under the cover of our guns, while your work
on the boat can still-be carried on in safety and security. Our position is a
critical one, dependent entirely on the powers of endurance of our case-
mates, many of which have been completely shattered, and are crumbling
away by repeated shocks, and therefore I respectfully, but earnestly, again
urge my suggestions of this morning upon your notice. Our magazines are

also in danger. “Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“Captain «J. K. Duncan, =
J. K. MircHe 1, “« Brigadier- General.

Commanding Naval Forces, Lower Mississippi River,
15
226 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

“T was in hopes of saving this vessel as a prize, for she would have been
so materially useful to us in all future operations on the coast, her batteries
and strength being sufficient to silence any fort here, aided by the other ves-
sels. Seeing her lying so quiet, with colors down and the two steamers
under our guns, I never dreamed for a moment that they had not surren-
dered. The forts and ourselves had flags of truce flying, and I could not
make any movement without violating the honor of the United States and
interrupting the capitulation which was being drawn up. The burning of
the vessels was done so quietly that no one suspected it until the battery was
in ablaze. I merely remarked to the commanders of the forts that the act
was in no way creditable to the rebel commander. The reply was, ‘we are
not responsible for the acts of these naval officers.’ We proceeded with the
conference, and while so engaged an officer came to inform me that the iron-
clad battery was all in flames and drifting down on us, having burnt the
ropes that had fustened her to the bank. I inquired of the late commanders
of the forts if they knew if the guns were loaded, or if she had much pow-
der on board. The answer was, ‘I presume so, but we know nothing about
the naval matters here.’ At this moment the guns, being heated, com-
menced going off, with a probability of throwing shot and shell amidst
friend and foe. I did not deign to notice it further than to say to the mili-
tary officers, ‘if you don’t mind the effects of the explosion which is soon to
come, we can stand it.’ If the ever memorable Commander Mitchell calcu-
lated to make a stampede in the United States vessels by his infamous act
he was mistaken ; none of them moved or intended to move, and the confer-
ence was carried on as calmly as if nothing else was going on, though proper
precautions were taken to keep them clear of the burning battery. A good
Providence, which directs the most unimportant events, sent the battery off
towards Fort St. Philip, and as it got abreast of that formidable fort it blew
up with a force which scattered the fragments in all directions, killing one
of their own men in Fort St. Philip, and when the smoke cleared off it was
nowhere to be seen, having sunk immediately in the deep water of the Mis-
sissippi. The explosion was terrific, and was seen and heard for many miles
up and down the river. Had it occurred near the vessels it would have de-
stroyedevery one of them. This, no doubt, was the object of the arch trai-
tor who was the instigator of the act. He failed to co-operate, like a man,
with his military confederates, who looked to the means he had at his dis-
posal to save them from destruction, and who scorned alike his want of
courage in not assisting them, as well as the unheard of, and perfidious act
which might, in a measure, have reflected on them.

“How different was the course of the military commanders, who, though
engaged in so bad a cause, behaved honorably to the end. Every article in
the fort was delivered up undamaged. Nothing was destroyed, either before
the capitulation or while the capitulation was going on, or afterwards. The
most scrupulous regard was paid to their promises. They defended their
works like men, and had they been fighting for the flag under which they
were born instead of against it, it would have been honor enough for any
man to have said he had fought by their side.

“‘ After the capitulation was signed, I sent Commander W. B. Renshaw
to Fort Jackson, and Lieutenant Commanding Ed. Nichols to Fort St.
Philip, to receive the surrender of the forts. The rebel flag was hauled
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 227

down and the stars and stripes once more floated over the property of the United
States. The sun nevershone on a more contented and happy-looking set of
faces than those of the prisoners in and about the forts. Many of them had
not seen their families for months, and a large portion had been pressed
into a service distasteful to them, subject to the rigor of a discipline severe
beyond measure. They were frequently exposed to punishments, for slight
causes, which the human frame could scarcely endure, and the men who
underwent some of the tortures mentioned on a list of punishments I have
in my possession must have been unable afterwards to do any duty for
months to come. Instead of the downcast countenances of conquered peo-
ple, they emerged from the fort (going home on their parole) like a parcel of
happy school-boys in holiday times, and no doubt they felt like them
also.

“When the flags had been exchanged 1 devoted my attention to Com-
mander Mitchell, who was lying a half mile above us with three steamers,
one of which he had scuttled. Approaching him in the ‘ Harriet Lane,’ I
directed Lieutenant Commanding Wainwright to fire a gun over him, when
he lowered his flag. I then sent Lieutenant Commanding Wainwright on
board to take possession and receive the unconditional surrender of the
party, consisting of fourteen naval officers and seven engineers, temporarily
appointed ; the crew of the iron-clad battery consisted of three hundred men
and two companies of marine artillery, nearly all from civil life, and serving
much against their will, so they said. Commander Mitchell and the other
naval officers were transferred to the ‘ Westfield’ as prisoners of war, and as
soon as time would allow the marines and sailors were sent in one of the
captured vessels to Flag-Officer Farragut at New Orleans. The captured
military officers were sent up to New Orleans on their parole ; and thus
ended the day on which the great Mississippi rejoiced once more in having
its portals opened to the commerce of the world. The backbone of the
rebellion was broken, and from the appearance and talk of the soldiers we
might soon hope to see the people united again under the folds of the flag of
the Union. While the capitulation was going on I sent the steamer ‘ Clif-
ton’ down to bring up trdops, and when General Phelps came up I turned
the forts, guns, and munitions of war over to his keeping. My next step
was to visit Forts Jackson and St. Philip. Never in my life did I witness
such a scene of desolation and wreck as the former presented—it was
plowed up by the 13-inch mortars, the bombs had set fire to and burnt out
all the buildings in and around the fort ; casemates were crushed and were
crumbling in, and the only thing that saved them were the sand bags that
had been sent from New Orleans during the bombardment, and when they
vegan to feel the effects-of the mortars, When the communication was cut
off between them and the city this resource of sand bags could avail them
no longer. It was useless for them to hold out; a day’s bombardment
would have finished them ; they had no means of repairing damages ; the
levee had been cut by the 13-inch bombs in over a hundred places ; and the
water had entered the casemates, making it very uncomfortable, if not im-
possible to live there any longer. It was the only place the men had to fly
to out of reach of the bombs. The drawbridge over the moat had been
broken all to pieces, and all the causeways leading from the fort were cut
and blown up with bomb-shells, so that it must have been impossible to walk
228 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

there or carry on any operations with any degree of safety. The magazine
seems to have been much endangered, explosions having taken place at the
door itself, all the cotton bags and protections having been blown away from
before the magazine door. Eleven guns were dismounted during the bom-
bardment, some of which were remounted again and used upon us. The
walls were cracked and broken in many places, and we could scarcely step
without treading into a hole made by a bomb-shell ; the accuracy of the fire
is, perhaps, the best ever seen in mortar practice ; it seems to have entirely
demoralized the men and astonished the officers. A water battery, con-
taining six very heavy guns, and which annoyed us ai times very much,
was filled with the marks of the bombs, no less than one hundred and sev-
enty having fallen into it, smashing in the magazine, and driving the people
out of it. On the night of the passage of the ships this battery was com-
pletely silenced, so many bombs fell intoit and burst over it. It had onegun
in it, the largest I have ever seen, made at the Tredegar works. I would
not pretend to say how many bombs fell in the ditches around the works,
but soldiers in the forts say about three thousand ; many burst over the
works, scattering the pieces of shell all around. The enemy admit but four-
teen killed and thirty-nine wounded by the bombardment, which is likely
the case, as we found but fourteen fresh graves, and the men mostly stayed
in the casemates, which were three inches deep with water and very uncom-
fortable. Many remarkable escapes and incidents were related to us as hav-
ing happened during the bombardment. Colonel Higgins stated an instance
where a man was buried deep in the earth, by a bomb striking him between
the shoulders, and directly afterwards another bomb exploded in the same
place, and threw the corpse high in the air. All the boats and scows
around the ditches and near the landing were sunk by bombs ; and when
we took possession the only way they had to get in and out of the fort to the
landing was by one small boat to ferry them across. All the lumber, shin-
gles, and bricks used in building or repairs was scattered about in confusion
and burnt up, and every amount of discomfort that man could bear seemed
to have been showered upon those poor deluded wretches.

“‘T was so much struck with the deserted appearance of what was once a
most beautiful spot, that I ordered Mr. Gerdes and his assistants on the
coast survey to make me an accurate plan of all the works, denoting every
bomb that fell, and (as near as possible) the injury the fort had sustained,
every distance being accurately measured by tape-line and compass, and the
comparative size of fractures noted. The work has been executed with
great zeal and accuracy, though it will only give a faint idea of the bombs
that fell about the fort ; many are lost sight of in the water, which has been
let in by the cut levees ; many burst over the fort ; but enough have been
marked to indicate the wonderful precision of fire and the endurance of the
forts. Had the ground been hard instead of being soft mud, the first day’s
bombardment would have blown Fort Jackson into atoms ; as it is, it is very
much injured, and will require thorough repair before it can be made habit-
able.

“Fort St. Philip received very little damage from our bombs, having fired
at it with only one mortar, and that for the purpose of silencing a heavy
rifled gun which annoyed us very much; we were fortunate enough to
strike it in the middle and break it in two, and had not much more annoy-
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 229

ance from that fort; two guns were capsized by a bomb. at one time, but
without injuring them ; they were soon replaced ; some trifling damage was
done to the works, though nothing to affect the efficiency of the batteries ;
it was from Fort St. Philip that our ships suffered most, the men and officers
there having had, comparatively, an easy time of it. I felt sure that St.
Philip would surrender the moment Jackson hauled down the secession flag,
and consequently directed all the attention of the mortar schooners to the
latter fort. The final result justified me in coming to this conclusion.

“T trust that you will excuse me, sir, for dwelling so minutely on matters
relating to this important victory, though I have endeavored to make my
report as short as possible.

“Every little incident in this ever-to-be-remembered drama will be inter-
esting to the true lovers of our Union, who will rejoice over the fact that
the great river which is the main artery of our country is once more in our
possession, and that we may soon hope to see the stars and stripes floating
over every hut and hamlet along its banks. It only remains for me, sir,
to do justice to the officers who have been under my command during this
arduous and sometimes unpleasant service. Commander Renshaw, Lieu-
tenant Commanding Guest, Lieutenant Commanding Wainwright, Lieuten-
ant Commanding Harrell, Lieutenant Commanding Baldwin, Lieutenant
Commanding Woodworth, are the officers commanding steamers connected
with the flotilla. Their duties were various and arduous—towing, supply-
ing, and getting under the guns of the fort when opportunities offered,
or they were permitted to expose their vessels. In the attack on the water
batteries, Lieutenant Commanding Wainwright commanded the ‘ Harriet
Lane’ (as I noticed) coolly and bravely ; and his officers and crew did their
duty, all the vessels lying quietly under the heavy fire for fifteen minutes,
until it was time to open their batteries, which they did with effect, until the
time came to retire. Commander Renshaw made his rifle gun tell with
effect, keeping his vessel in close order. Lieutenant Commanding Guest,
with his zealous crew, who had fired over two hundred shells at the forts at
different times, kept his shell flying as fast as usual, bursting (as I witnessed)
with good effect in the midst of the batteries. Lieutenant Commanding
Baldwin, who I have always found ready for any duty, no matter how ar-
duous or thankless, was in no way behind any one; his heavy battery of
9-inch and 32-pounders rattled through the outer works of the fort,
helping to keep Jackson quiet while our heavy ships were forcing their way
through logs chained together, fire-rafts, rams, to say nothing of the enemy’s
gunboats, iron batteries, and forts built to dispute the passage of any fleet
which might be sent against them. The steamer ‘Jackson,’ Lieutenant
Commanding Woodworth, towed the ‘Portsmouth’ gallantly into fire,
though his position was more gallantly than wisely taken ; he was fortunate
that his vessel and the ‘ Portsmouth’ were not cut to pieces. I have’been so
struck with the energy and zeal of Lieutenants Commanding Woodworth
and Baldwin, that I hope the Navy Department will reward them by re-
appointing them as permanent officers in the service (if they will accept it),
for while the Navy is composed of such men it will never be defeated in
equal contests. Lieutenant Commanding Harrell, of the ‘Miami,’ has had
under his command a most wretched and unmanageable vessel, and has not
had an opportunity to do himself full justice ; he was always ready to do
230 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

any service required of him, and on the night of the attack, with the rest,
worked his battery with effect. As soon as the forts had been passed, on
account of his light draught, I sent him to co-operate with General Butler
in landing troops outside, which duty he performed to my entire satisfac-
tion.

“Tf the efforts of the mortar flotilla have not met with your expectations
in reducing the forts in a shorter time, it must be remembered that great
difficulties existed, first in the soil, which allowed the bombs to sink at
least twenty feet, by measurement, before exploding, the difficulty of seeing
the fort, as it is not much above the surrounding bushes, and the endurance
of the casemates, which were deeply covered with earth, and better con-
structed than supposed ; but I am firmly of opinion that the moral effect
of this bombardment will go far towards clearing all forts of rebels, and
I draw attention to the case of Fort Livingston, which held out a flag of
truce the moment three mortar vessels appeared before it. Flag-Officer
Farragut has ordered me to repair to Ship Island to await the arrival of the
larger vessels, but not to commence any operations until he arrives.

‘IT herewith enclose the reports of the commanders of steamers in relation
to the conduct of those under their command.

“‘T have the honor to remain,
“Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“Davip D. Porter,
“Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commanding Flotilla.
Secretary of the Navy.”

The Honorable Gideon Welles has shown that the Navy
has been robbed or unjustly denied the credit due to it on several
occasions, and that of the capture of New Orleans in particular.
He says that “a volume of over one hundred pages, published by
the War Department, in 1866, is as unjust to the Navy as the
fictions of the hastily-compiled histories of partisan writers.’
That volume purports to be a “ Chronological table of battles,
skirmishes, &c., which took place during the Rebellion of 1861 to
1865.” No mention is made of the passage of the forts of the
Mississippi, or the capture of New Orleans, “by our fleet under
Farragut, whose name is not mentioned”; and “more than five
hundred names are specified in this volume, of officers, chiefly
military, but the name of Farragut no where appears in the vol-
ume.” ‘The passage of the forts, the boldest and grandest deed
of the war, and the capture of New Orleans, having been per-
formed by the Navy, are incidents not worthy to be alluded to in
this official volume of the War Department,” which, he also says,
“is not truthful nor reliable, insomuch as it suppresses or fails to
make mention of some of the most important and conspicuous
battles which took place, and wholly omits the name of the most
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 231

distinguished hero of the war.” “It is stated (page 14, April
28, 1862) Forts Jackson and St. Philip, Mississippi River, sur-
rendered to Commander David D. Porter, U. 8. Navy.” But
“the battle and passage of the forts by Farragut, which rendered
surrender inevitable, find no place in the pages of this War De-
partment volume.” It is also recorded chronologically : “ May
Ist. New Orleans, La., was occupied by the forces commanded
by Major-General Benjamin F. Butler, U. 8. Volunteers.” “The
occupation was an incident deserving to be mentioned, but the
capture, and by whom made, were passed without mention.” Our
honorable ex-secretary very well says: “I have felt it a duty to
the Navy, to the truth of history, and to the most distinguished
hero of the war, to correct the persistent misstatements which
have been made, and are still read, in regard to the capture of
New Orleans, and to some of the attending circumstances and
events of that period,” &c. Yet we must confess that this
is not altogether peculiar to our Army, but our naval records
have precisely similar defects as those here complained of,
for which neither the Navy nor the War Department are mor-
ally responsible. But our officers of the Army and Navy should
bear their share of the blame as well as the fame. Among these
remarkable mistakes, we have in this battle another specimen,
where the leading vessel is deprived of her place, and the merit
of her honorable services ; which is gratuitously bestowed upon
the flag-officer by several official representations, and of our naval
history. It is here seen that the “ Cayuga,” Captain Bailey, lead-
ing our fleet, passed the forts, and encountered that of the enemy
almost single-handed, and continued in her advanced position in
the most gallant manner. But this important fact is not men-
tioned in our history, which confers its honors as usual on those
in the rear, a peculiar mania that seems to proceed from a cring-
ing devotion to the “powers that be.”

The following correspondence we consider of interest in this
connection :

HISTORY SET RIGHT.
The following correspondence is reproduced from the files of the Navy

Department. We publish it in justice both to the truth of history and to
the reputation of those gallant officers whom it most concerns.

REAR-ADMIRAL BAILEY TO ADMIRAL FARRAGUT.

“My Dear ADMTRAL : ““Wasnineton, D. C., April 1, 1869.
“T feel compelled to call your attention to an oversight of which I
232 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

spoke to you some time since, and which has afforded me and other officers
the keenest annoyance, by historical statements growing out of the omission
to make the desired correction.

«You recollect that when the ‘ Colorado,’ under my command, was found
(after lightening her) to draw too much water to be got over the bar into the
Mississippi River, I applied to you for the command of a division of gun-
boats, and coveted the honor of leading, under your orders, the attack on
New Orleans and its defenses. Having been assigned by you to the com-
mand of a division of your fleet, with your concurrence, and at the request
of Commander §. P. Lee, I hoisted my divisional flag on board the steam
sloop-of-war ‘ Oncida,’ commanded by him. On the 20th of April, 1862,
you issued a General Order, with a programme directing the fleet to pass
the forts and ascend the river in two columns abreast. You, in your flag-
ship, the ‘Hartford,’ at the head of one column, and I at the head of
the other, About this time Commander Lee expressed a regret that he had
invited me to lead my division in his vessel, the ‘Oneida,’ alleging as
a reason that I would get the credit for what might be achieved by
his vessel. Lieutenant Commanding Harrison immediately begged me
to hoist my divisional flag on board of his little gunboat the ‘Cayuga,’
and give him a chance to lead the division, which, on going on board of
your flag-ship and stating the facts, you kindly consented to my doing ; and
on giving the gallant Harrison the opportunity he sought, the ‘Oneida,’
Commander Lee, was assigned wu position further astern. After the chain
and booms, constituting the enemy’s obstructions, were cut by Captain
Bell and Licutenant Caldwell, it became apparent that if the fleet went up
in two columns abreast, according to your written order and programme of
the 20th of April, the parallel columns of vessels would likely get foul of the
-obstructions on either side, and the whole fleet be hove into confusion under
the fire of the enemy’s forts, especially as you had determined to make a
night attack (two o’clock in the morning). Therefore, with your proverbial
foresight and sagacity, you ordered me to get my division of eight vessels
under way as soon as the dusk of the evening should obscure the movement
from the enemy, and anchor them, line ahead, near the east bank, and
gave me a further verbal order, directing me that when the signal should
be made (two red lights) from the ‘Hartford,’ to lead up with my division
cand to receive but not answer the fire of Fort Jackson (which I was directed
to leave for you to take care of when you should come up, as you expressed
it, ‘I will take care of Fort Jackson).’ I was then to open on Fort St.
Philip and pass it ; but you directed that in case at any time you should
come up in the ‘Hartford,’ we should leave room for you on the port or
west side. I accordingly passed up at the head of my division (in the
‘Cayuga’ receiving but not returning the fire of Fort Jackson. After pass-
ing the obstructions I ordered the helm put a-port and led close to the
levee, and under the guns of Fort St. Philip, thinking that the guns of that
fort would be trained and sighted for mid-river, and that they would conse-
quently overshoot me, (which they did, their shot and shell riddling our
masts, spars, sails and rigging, with comparatively little damage to the
hulls.) At this time something occurred to the ‘Pensacola’s’ machinery,
which caused a detention of the vessels of my division astern of her.
Losing sight of them, we in the ‘Cayuga,’ alone, encountered the rebel
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 233

iron-clads ‘Louisiana’ and ‘Manassas’ and their flotilla of gunboats, and
maintained unaided a conflict with ‘them, until Boggs in the ‘Varuna’
came up, and after delivering a broadside, which came into the ‘Cayuga’
as well as into the enemy in conflict with us, he passed up the river out of
sight. The ‘Oneida,’ Commander Lee, came up soon after and fired into a
steamer that had already surrendered to the ‘ Cayuga’ (being her third prize).
I then ordered Lee to go to the assistance of Boggs of the ‘ Varuna,’ then
engaged with two of the enemy’s steamers up the river, which had been
drawn off from their attack on us of the ‘Cayuga,’ to follow and head off
Boggs in the ‘Varuna.’ After seeing our (‘Cayuga’s) third prize in flames,
we steamed up the river and captured the Chalmette regiment, encamped on
the west bank of the river opposite the quarantine hospital. This rebel regi-
ment of infantry I had the honor to hand over to you for your disposition
when you came up the river after your severe contest with the forts and fire-
ships below. ;

“To give a history of all the incidents of the battle within my observation
or the part of which each vessel of my division took, would make this com-
munication too long.

“The great object of this letter is to call your attention to the fact that
in the hurry of making up your dispatches after the battle, you sent home
the written order of the 20th of April, which has been published and has
passed into history, instead of your verbal order of the 23rd, which was the
one in accordance with which the fleet passed up the river, and the battle
was fought.

“«This error has resulted in an inextricable historical muddle, as the his-
tory of the battle has been written on the basis of the published programme
of April 20th, never carried out ; the formation and position of the attack-
ing force being therefore entirely misunderstood by the historians. One
(Rev. Mr. Boynton’s) history not even mentioning me, although it did those
of officers commanding vessels under me. My name was merely inserted
(as commanding a division) at the instance of a friend, who discovered the
omission too late to make a further correction. The resolution of the
United States Senate of June 6, 1862, and accompanying documents, of
which two thousand were printed, perpetuates the error of our passing the
forts in two columns abreast. Mr. Greeley in his ‘ American Conflict,’ and
other authors, are led into the same misstatements. ‘Lossing’s Pictorial
History’ erroneously describes the ‘Cayuga’ as retiring from the fight on
account of her damages, whereas she was continually in action notwith-
standing she was much cut up with forty-two shot holes. The ‘Varuna,’
which had passed us while heavily engaged, went up the river and drew off
three of the ‘Cayuga’s’ assailants. The fight of the ‘ Varuna’ with two of
which is treated as the great event of the battle, while the leading up and
heavy single-hand fighting of the ‘Cayuga’ (Harrison’s gunboat), her taking
the surrender of three enemy’s steamers, the Chalmette regiment of infantry,
and cutting the telegraphic communication between the forts and New Or-
leans, and other circumstances, are not mentioned. Now, as I do not wish
to be compelled, even in justice to myself, or the officers of my division, to
go into the mode of correcting history by pamphleteering or newspaper arti-
cles, now so common, I must ask of you to correct this error, which I know
you will not hesitate to do, seeing how much annoyance it is giving your
234 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

friends and followers ; or, if you still have any delicacy in doing this as you
appeared to have when I spoke to you before, in consequence of a regulation
of the Department that you seemed to consider in the way, may I ask if you
see any impropriety in my requesting a Board of Inquiry, in order to get
the facts on record, since the truth of history, my duty to my officers, and
to my family, requires that I should see it done while I am here to doit. I
have the honor to be,
“Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
‘““THEODORUS BAILEY,
“To “ Rear-Admiral, U. S Navy.
Admiral D. G. Farracut, U. 8. Navy.”

ADMIRAL FARRAGUT’S REPLY.

“New Yors, April 3, 1869.
‘*My Dear ADMIRAL : ee
“‘T have received your letter of the 1st, and am really at a loss to under-
stand how you, or even historians, can take the views you express in relation
to the part in the memorable fight in the Mississippi in 1862.

“‘T have just re-read my report of May 6th, and your two reports following,
and cannot conceive how you could be more prominently mentioned to the
Department.

“In the former you are reported as ‘leading the right column in the gun-
poat ‘‘ Cayuga,” ’ as having ‘ preceded me up to the quarantine station,’ and
as having ‘captured the Chalmette regiment,’ and every possibly credit is
given you for the manner in which you conducted your line, and preceding
us to attack the Chalmette forts.

“As to historians, I can, of course, do nothing. I have read but one ac-
count to which you allude (Dr. Boynton’s), and that in reference to Mobile
Bay, in_svhich several mistakes occur, going to prove that historians are not
always correct.

“T do not see how it is possible for me to give you greater credit for your
services than is embodied in that report where your name is always promi-
nent ; but if you think that full credit has not been done you, which I con-
fess, I regret to learn, you have, of course, a perfect right to make your
appeal to the Department ; for my own part, I always maintain the convic-
tion that whatever errors may be made in the records of historians and
others, posterity will always give Jasco 10 wom justice ip due, < ?

Tee ro “Very y, Yours, 7
“DD. G. Farracvt,
“ Rear-Admiral Admiral.
T. Baruey, U. 8. Navy.
“P, §,—By referring to pages 334 and 335-337, of Draper’s history, you
will find that he gives you all the credit claimed by your own report, as well
as that given you by mine. D. G. F.”
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 235

RESPONSE OF REAR-ADMIRAL BAILEY.

Wasuineton, D. C., April 27, 1869.
‘‘My Drar ADMIRAL:

“‘T have received and carefully read your letter of the 3rd, in reply to
mine of the Ist instant, and admit all you say about prominently mentioning
my name to the Department. But you remark : ‘ As to historians, I can do
nothing.’ This isso; but the difficulty is, that the historians derived their
erroneous account of the battle from your report of the 6th of May, 1862,
and from the diagram which you sent to the Department, as the true order
of sailing into the battle with the forts. Those who have written on the
subject are not to be blamed for using the official reports of the occurrences ;
but in seeking for the correction of that report, I hope to prevent similar
error and confusion in the future. Ido so with the greatest reluctance, as
a duty to the officers under my immediate command, and to myself, and I
appeal to your sense of justice whether I could do less.

«You state, ‘I have just re-read my (your) report of May 6th, and your
(my) two reports following, and cannot conceive how you could be more
prominently mentioned to the Department.’ ‘In the former you are
reported as leading the right column in the gunboat ‘‘ Cayuga,” and as hav-
ing preceded me to the quarantine station.’

«How could there have been a ‘right’ and left column practically, when
I led my division to the attack and passage of the forts an hour before you
lifted anchors in the ‘ Hartford,’ and your center division? What I did was
done by your orders and inspiration, and to you the world has given the
credit of the attack and its success, as fully as it gave to Lord Nelson the
credit of the battle of the Nile ; but did it detract from his glory that the re-
port of the battle described how it was fought, and the exact position of his
own vessel, and those of his subordinates ?

“This matter has been. the subject of much discussion among officers
then commanding vessels in my division ; all say that no vessel of your
center division came up abreast of, or lapped their vessels. Practically,
the effect of your verbal order was, to divide the fleet into four divisions,
viz:
‘ «4st. The mortar fleet, Commander Porter.

“2nd. The first division of the gunboats, under my command, to which
was added the two sloops-of-war ‘Pensacola’ and ‘ Mississippi,’ of which
the gunboat ‘Cayuga’ (with my divisional flag) was the leading vessel.

“3rd. The center division, with your flag on the ‘ Hartford,’ and

“‘Ath. The-fear division, bearing the flag of Captain H. H. Bell.

«The first, center, and rear divisions went up to the attack in single file,
or line ahead. I went up at the head of my division at 2, a.m., or as soon
thereafter as it took the ‘ Pensacola’ (the next vessel astern of the ‘ Cayuga’),
to purchase her anchors—supposed to be about twenty minutes. You fol-
lowed without lapping the sternmost vessel of my division, and the division
of gunboats commanded by Captain Bell followed in the wake of your
division. The fact practically was that the first division, the mortar fleet,
covered the advance, the second was the vanguard, the third the main
body of the fleet, and the fourth the rear, and that the advance being
236 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

made up zw river and line ahead, the diagram does not give any idea of
the action other than to produce confusion and error. How could it
be otherwise, when no vessel of the third division lapped any one of the
second ?

“‘T enclose a copy of this (to us) unfortunate diagram, as attached to your
report of the battle, which you will notice places the ‘Cayuga’ (my flag gun-
boat) third in line of my division, whereas, according to your own state-
ment (of two columns abreast), that gunboat should have been recorded as
first in line, leading. I would ask of your friendship and your fairness
whether this diagram gives the faintest idea of the action, and whether, if
the names of names of the vessels were altered, it would not apply equally
well or better to many other battles. :

ORDER OF FLEET.

2nd division gunboats, Capt. Bell. 1st division of ships.
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“As an evidence how far the ‘Cayuga’ was ahead of the rest of the fleet
the first news received at the North is announced in the New York Times of
Sunday, April 27, 1862, thus: ‘An important report from the rebels.—One
of our gunboats above Fort Jackson, and San Philip. Washington, Satur-
day, April 26th. The Richmond Hzaminer of the 25th announces that one
of our gunboats passed Fort Jackson, and San Philip, sixty miles below
New Orleans, on the 24th. The report was telegraphed to Norfolk, and
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 237

brought to Fortress Monroe, under a flag of truce, and received from there
to-day by the Navy Department.’ ‘

“The next rebel telegram announced the arrival of the fleet before the
city. The ‘Cayuga’ in the interval had captured the Chalmette regiment,
five miles above the forts, and cut the telegraphic communication, so that
the fleet were not again reported until they arrived opposite the city.

““Now, my dear admiral, you have entirely misconceived the object of my
addressing you. It is not to complain that you have not mentioned me
prominently in your dispatch, but it is because in your report of the battle,
dated May 6th, and the accompanying diagram, you do not give the circum-
stances of the fight as they occurred, but those which would apply to your
former plan which was abandoned. From that report the reader would in-
fer that the fleet went to the attack of the forts in two columns abreast,
when it was done in single column (line ahead)—that the ‘Hartford’ was
the leading vessel, when in reality it was ninth in line astern of the ‘ Cayuga,”
in a single line or line ahead, and there was no left or right of line, but sin-
gle file. ‘

«That you should for a moment leave so erroneous a report or record un-
corrected, is a matter of surprise to your officers, and that you should not
have made the correction as soon as your attention was called to it is still
more embarrassing to us.

««They know that under your orders, I led the vanguard of your fleet, not
as represented on the diagram you have filed, but in an entirely different
order, and received forty-two certificates in the way of rebel shots striking
my vessel, in corroboration of what is known to every one of our gallant
companions in that engagement.

«‘T have delayed my reply, both because I have been occupied, and since
have heard you were ill, which I deeply regretted, and because I wished to
be certain that I said nothing in haste that would be annoying to you, or
improper in me to say, and I hope you will now see the matter as I and
others do, and make the correction so necessary to justice in your report
dated May 6, 1862, and substitute a diagram of the actual positions your ves-
sels and officers occupied in the line of attack, in place of those now on the
files of the Navy Department.

«T have the honor to be,
“Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
‘*THEODORUS BaILEy,
«« Admiral Rear-Admiral.
D. G. Farragut, U. 8. Navy.”

CORRECTION BY ADMIRAL FARRAGUT.
New Yors, May 19, 1869.

““My Dear ADMIRAL :
“I have received your two letters, the first one of which was not given

to me until to-day. as my physician has advised a total suspension of busi-
ness until I should become fully convalescent, which I am happy to say, is
now the case. It affords me pleasure to make the correction you desire,
in the diagram of the Mississippi battle, as I now fully comprehend what
238 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

you wish in this matter. In fact, I cannot understand how this sketch of
the first proposed order of battle—wherein you are placed third instead of at
the head of the column—should have been attached to the report in lieu of
the one which was afterward adopted.

“By referring to this report, you will observe that the diagram accom-
panies a general order, issued four days before the action, as a preparatory
plan of attack, which was subsequently changed. But, still, I cannot under-
stand why, even in this sketch, you should not have been placed at the head
of the starboard column.

“This diagram, as you are aware, was the original plan, to be changed,
asa matter of course, as circumstances might justify, and the vessels were
placed according to the rank of the officers respectively commanding them ;
but should not have been made part of the report of the final action, as, on
reflection, I decided that when the chains were parted the plan of ‘line
ahead’ should be adopted, as the best calculated for the preservation of the
vessels and for avoiding all chances of fouling. Therefore, when the
time arrived, and the signal given, the order of sailing was changed to
line of battle, the verbal instructions to which you allude carried out, and
you led at the head of your division, and it has always afforded me the
greatest pleasure to say that you performed your duties most fearlessly and
gallantly.

“For this reason I was, at the outset, a little surprised that you should
have apparently complained of my report, but my examiuation of the printed
diagram has fully satisfied me of the justice of your appeal.

“T shall, therefore, forward to the Department a correct sketch of the final
attack as we passed up the river. I am very truly,

«Your Friend and Obedient Servant,
“—D. G. Farracor,
“Rear-Admiral Admiral U. 8. N.
T. Bartey, Washington.”
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 239

 
  
 
  

Fort St. Philip.

“an
SF

THE CORRECTED DIAGRAM.

    
  
    

Copied from the amended Diagram on file in the Navy
Department, and certified to be a true copy.
June 2, 1869.
[signed] HOLMES E. OFFLEY, Chief Clerk.

  

With additional outlines.

 
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
   
  
 
  
 

Order of the fleet in passing up to the attack of Forts Jackson
and St. Philip, April 24, 1862.

Fiasr Drviston t Cayuga, Flag Gun Boat,
Leading under command Lt, Com. Harrison.
Capt. Theodorus Bailey, Pensacola
7 ‘P| ailey. t Capt. H. W. Morris,

Mississippi.
+ Capt Mf. Smith.

Oneida
t Com, 8. P. Lee.

Varuna,
Com. C. 8. Boggs.

+ Katahdin,
Lt.

we

Fort Jackson.

Com. G. H. Preble,

Kineo,
Lt. Com. Ransom,

Wissahickon,
Lt, Com, A, N, Smith.

Center Div. ee
Ad@’l Farragut. oO

bstructign 5

Chai
a

Hartford,
“ Cans Wainright. t

0
b»
kL,
Br Capt. T. T. Craven. t 0 24
ichmond. sk
mG "Com. J. Alden. t 0 a4
0 32
Turrp Div. =
.H. H. Bell. 68
Capt. H. H. Bei 0 2 4
oti, $2
Ree it. Com, Donaldson. t 0 = z
: a
a aL De Camp. t 0 =
Renneres Com. Russell. t 0
1:
Fie he. Com. P. Crosby. t
Tins om cadets. ‘T
Wino om, Michal {
eo %
* Mortar Fleet: 6
© ortar Capt,’ D. D. Porter. a4
yw a
ok Drvis10Nn a%,
% = First Division. ° 4

i Very respectfully,
[signed] D. G. FARRAGUT.
240 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

LETTERS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY.

“New Yorr, May 24, 1869.

. “Sm: My attention having been called by Rear-Admiral Bailey to an in-
correct sketch which accompanied my report of May 6, 1862, upon the pas-
sage of Forts Jackson and St. Philip, I have the honor to forward herewith,
a corrected diagram, showing the position of the vessels at the time they
passed through the obstructions after the chains had been separated. This
wlll demonstrate that Rear-Admiral (then Captain) Bailey led the fleet in the
‘Cayuga,’ up to the attack on the forts, as had been previously ordered, he
taking St. Philip with his division, while I reserved Jackson for the remain-
der of the squadron under my command.

“The skeleton lines show how the vessels moved up from their original
position of two lines into the line ahead.

«This correction has not been made before, because I was not aware of
the existence of the mistake—the diagram being evidently a clerical error—
and in opposition to the text, in which I distinctly state that Rear-Admiral
Bailey not only led, but performed his duty with great gallantry, to which [
called the attention of the Department.

“Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“Hon. A. E. Born, “<—D. G. FarRaAcout,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington.” Admiral U. 8. N.

“Hon. A. E. Bortz, «“Wasuineton, D. C., May 25, 1869.
Secretary of the Navy,
«Sm:

“‘T have the honor to enclose herewith, original and certified copies
of a correspondence which I have had with Admiral D. G. Farragut, relat-
ing to the battle below New Orleans, and to request that the letters marked
from A to E, be placed on the files of the Navy Department, as furnishing
a correction of that officer’s report, with an accompanying diagram hereto-
fore made to the Department.

“The object of my addressing Admiral Farragut is now gained by the
admission on his part, of the correctness of my statements, that the fleet
under his command, went up the Mississippi River to attack and pass Forts
Jackson, and St. Philip, in order of battle, ‘line ahead,’ or single file ; that
IT led the fleet into the battle at the head of, and in command of the van-
guard division ; and that the ‘Hartford,’ flag-ship, with Admiral Farragut
on board, followed my division, he being thus ninth in line, and at the head
of the rest of the fleet in the order represented by the list of vessels which I
hereto annex. After this frank admission by my distinguished commander,
I have only the regret remaining, that the error into which he was led, was
not discovered and corrected at an earlier date, thereby possibly affecting
my position in the service.

“T have the honor to be,

“Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
““THEODORUS BaILeEy,
Rear-Admiral, U. 8. Navy.”
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 241

There were other gallant acts of considerable historical inter-
est, that should be written of this battle. Captain (now Rear-
Admiral) Mel’n Smith, should have been complimented for volun-
teering foram the “Manassas” with the. “ Mississippi,” before.
he- was peated to do s so by Admiral ‘Farragut. But it was
everything that gebred in his command, or to remember all he
then heard ; and we may be assured that none of these mistakes
or einsiois of facts were known or intended by him. Our noble
Farragut was so just and generous that he never exacted all the
credit that was due to himself, especially if it would detract from, -
or reflect , unfavorably. o on the merits of others. This was the case
at the battle of New Orleans, where his flag ship was the center
of attraction for the enemy’s attacking batteries, rams, boarding-
steamers, and fire-rafts. While thus exposed in the greatest
peril, the “ Hartford” poured an incessant fire upon the enemy
from all her guns, receiving theirs in return, and diverting it
materially from the remainder of our fleet. While aground and
on fire, a very large steamer, with an army of men, ran alongside
and tried to board her, and with swords, spears, and pistols in
hand, to overpower her crew ; but the well-directed fire of the
quarter-deck battery of the “ Hartford,” under command of Col-
onel Broom, with his marines, soon blew her up with all on
board. The admiral then, with the second division of his fleet,
destroyed that of the enemy, and almost silenced the guns of the
fort; very gallantly supported by his captains and the fleet.
He acknowledged the good counsel and meritorious conduct of
all his officers and men in the most commendable terms.

In this battle the “ Varuna” was the only vessel of the United
States which was destroyed by the enemy, and this may be attrib-
uted in some measure, ta.a defect in her engine, which had at
this time but one “cut-off ;” but rather than lose the chance,
Captain Boggs determined 6 go into the battle with but one.
And when she passed the enemy’s forts, and encountered at close
quarters the enemy’s gunboats, a heavy press of steam was raised
to carry the “ Varuna” through in her proper station; and in
the darkness and confusion she ran ahead of it. But after several
of the Confederate gunboats were vanquished, destroyed, or run
on shore by the “ Varuna,” “ Cayuga,” “Pensacola,” and “ Onei-
da,” the “Varuna” being in advance, pursued another which was
running ahead of her; but sh¢ was unable to overtake her, and
gave up the chase. Captain Boggs then perceiving that another

16
242 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.
large side-wheel steamer (the “Morgan” or ram “ Stonewall
Jackson”) was in close pursuit of him, full of men prepared to
ram and board the “Varuna,” immediately turned his broadside
and bow guns to:bear, and raked her fore and aft; but not in
time to avoid being rammed, which cut her down below the water
line amidships, on the port side. But while she was sinking, she
kept her guns playing into the enemy vigorously, until they were
nearly in the water ; and with the aid of the “Pensacola,” “Cay-
uga,” and “Oneida,” she disabled her antagonist, which ran on
shore, where both vessels sank; the “Varuna” with her flags
still waving.

OUR GALLANT MARINE CORPS.

It is gratifying to recount briefly, at least, the admirable ser-
vices and noble bearing which our_marines have always main-
tained, wherever or in whatever circumstances they have been
placed. As a very important branch of our Navy, it is not only
a conservator of discipline, but an efficient force in battle, especi-
ally in a land attack. In the reports of all the battles in which
they were engaged, their commanding officers have commended
them in the highest terms, and while serving on board of Farra-
gut’s fleet, fighting their way from the mouth of the Mississippi
river up to Vicksburg, the quarter-deck batteries of the flag
steamer were fought by them under command of Colonel Broom.
This officer, with his marine guard, was ordered by Admiral Far-
ragut, on his arrival at the quarantine below New Orleans, to land
and hoist our flag over the quarantine buildings ; which order
was bravely executed, and Broom took possession of all the ene-
my’s works, and captured the Confederate troops which were
there. On the 26th of April, a battalion of about two hundred
and fifty marines under Colonel Broom and Captain Alan Ram-
say, were joined by Midshipman Hazelton, with two howitzers,
manned by sailors from the “ Hartford,” all under the command
of the gallant Captain Henry H. Bell, U. 8. Navy. They formed
and marched through the streets of New Orleans, threatened by
the exasperated populace, until they reached the U. 5. custom
house, mint, and city hall, took formal possession, hauled down
the Confederate flag, and hoisted the United States flag in
its place over those buildings, and held possession of them
until General Butler arrived with our Army on the evening of the
1st of May, having occupied these public buildings three or four
days. The thrilling scene at the landing of these brave men
is admirably described by J. T. Headley, one of our most gifted
BATTLE OF NEW ORLEANS. 2438

writers, in these few words: ‘Bell landed on the levee with two
officers and a handful of marines, and took his course for the
custom-house. The mob opened as he advanced, but closed up
behind him, cursing, and swearing that the moment a head ap-
peared above the roof of the custom-house, a bullet would pierce
it, &c. ; but after stationing his marines in front of the building,
he finally appeared there, and with no theatrical display, not
even deigning a glance to the excited multitude below, but calmly
and slowly he with his own hands lowered the rebel flag in sight
of all, and hoisted the stars and stripes in its place.”

The frequent omissions of the meritorious services of our ma-
rine corps, in our history and in our official reports, though unin-
tentional, is injurious to the harmony and efficiency of the naval
service. As the life-guards of the Navy, the marine corps should
always be as promptly credited with the merit of its good ser-
vices, as any other branch of the Navy.

Jn addition to the above-mentioned admirable conduct of the
marines, they should also be credited for their gallant attack on
Donelsonville, above New Orleans. Farragut sent Colonel
Broom, with his command, from the “ Hartford,” on shore at
Donelsonville to chastise the Confederates, who were in the habit
of firing upon our unarmed vessels, while they themselves were
enjoying the immunities of subjugation. Here the marines again,
in their soldier-like manner, landed in the face of an obstinate
enemy, of unknown strength, and drove him away and destroyed
his works.

We regret that we cannot give a full estimate of the merits
due to our marine corps in these narratives, but the following
paragraph from the Army and Navy Journal, is applicable to
our marine corps, as well as to that of other nations.

“The London Naval and Military Gazette has a good word for the ma-
rines. The small credit, itsays, which they receive must, we fear, be assigned
to the fact which constitutes their vast utility and worth. Their history as
sea-soldiers is a record of their indispensableness to our fleet, and of their
great capacity for land service. These qualifications, united as they are witha
glittering role of triumphs by ‘flood and field,’ invest them with a peculiar
and special title to consideration which no other corps can surpass ; but they
have likewise placed them under a power which is, unfortunately, not fa-
vorable to a due recognition of their merits. Under the ostensible protection
of the admiralty, their interests are so subordinated to those of the fleet,
that they have no status worthy of the name, and are far more frequently
snubbed than flattered ; sharing with the Army its dangers and its glories,
but yet not of it, they have no part nor lot in the distribution of its honors,
244 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

and thus it happens that a corps which is often in the front rank, and sel-
dom in the rear of peril, tastes little of the sweets that are the guerdon of
toil. There is not a chapter of modern English history, with its red cata-
logue of battles and sieges and ‘hairbreadth ’scapes i’ the imminent deadly
breach,’ in which the Royal Marines are not represented as taking an active
and leading part ; yet, abandoned by the War Office, and neglected by the
admiralty, rewards have either been withheld from them, or too tardily be-
stowed. As an an apt illustration of this fact, it will be sufficient to allude
to the prominent part played by the Marines in the Ashantee campaign, the
rewards for which were bestowed with a niggard hand, and after adelay which
utterly marred their grace. It is a high testimony to the sterling character
of British pluck, that with small incentives to effort beyond the stern com-
manding dictates of duty and patriotism, the Royal Marines have ever been
as resolute, daring, and efficient as any of their brethren in arms.”
We received the following copies of unpublished letters through the kindness of
Colonel J. L. BROOME, U.S. Marine Corps.

[ Copy.]
. ENDORSEMENT,
APPROVED AND FORWARDED.
[ Signed] D, G. FARRAGUT,

Rear Admiral, U. 8. Navy.

United States Frigate Hartford,

off New Orleans, November 17, 1862.
SIR:

Under the impression that a report had been made of the part taken
by the United States Marines, of the fleet under the command of Admiral
Farragut, in the military operations on shore, in the approaches to and at New
Orleans in April last, I made no report to the Colonel Commandant of the
Marine Corps at that time. I take occasion to correct the omission, and report
the following :

On the morning of the 24th April last, and immediately after the action
with Forts Jackson and St. Philip, and the destruction of the rebel fleet, the
Marines under my command, by order of Admiral Farragut, landed and took
possession of the quarantine, at the same time taking prisoners of the rebel
troops, with their officers quartered in the quarantine buildings, and hoisting
the flag of the United States on the same. Admiral Farragut, havine deter-
mined to take military possession of the city of New Orleans, until the arrival
of the troops of the United States army, under General Butler's command, a
battalion of United States marines under my command, about two hundred.
and fifty strong, were disembarked from the fleet on the 29th of April last,
and marched to the custom-house, where I detailed Captain Alan Ramsay,
with a detachment of marines, to occupy the custom-house and guard the
United States Flag, then about to be hoisted on the building. At this juncture
the marines were joined by two howitzers, manned by seamen, in charge of
Midshipmen J. H. Reed and E. C. Hazelton, from the flag-ship Hartford. Af-
ter occupying the custom-house, I received orders from Commodore H. C. Bell,
senior officer present, to march the marines to the City Hall, a distance of
about half a mile from the vessels of our fleet and near the centre of the city.
On arriving at the City Hall, I directed Lieutenant John C. Harris, with a
guard of marines, to occupy the building and to enforce order there while the
rebel flag was being hauled down from the flag-staff on the City Hall. After
performing this duty, the marines were marched to the place of embarkation
and returned to the fleet, except the marines quartered in the custom-house,
who were retained there for the purpose of guarding the United States flag.
When the troops of General Butler’s command landed at New Orleans on the
ist of May last, the force of marines on duty in the city returned to the fleet.

Respectfully, your obedient servant,
[ Signed] JOHN L. BROOME,
Captain Commanding Marines,

Gulf Squadron.
CotoneL JOHN HARRIS,

Commandant United States Marine Corps,
Headquarters, Washington, D. C.
[Copy.]
Marine Garrison,
Brooklyn, N. Y., Sept. 18, 1875.
Hon. GIDEON WELLES:

My Dear Sir :—I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of, and to
thank you for the copy of the ‘‘ Hartford Daily Times,” of the 3rd instant,
containing an article in relation to the capture of the city of New Orleans,
which contains one error, that it has seemed to me you would like to cor-
rect. I refer to that part of it of which the following is a copy :

‘*On the 27th of April, the United States flag was displayed by the navy
over the captured city.” This, to my personal knowledge, is an error, as
there was no United States flag flying in the city of New Orleans on the
27th of April, 1862. On the 26th of April, 1862, at 9 a. m., I was ordered,
in person, by Flag-officer Farragut, to go on shore’ with all the marines of
the flag-ship ‘‘ Hartford,” and to hoist the flag of the United States on the
Custom House, and haul down the rebel flag from the City Hall; and my
orders were, that if I was attacked to retreat to the Custom House and de-
fend myself there, and he would fire on the city, and signal the fleet not to
fire on the Custom House. In obedience to this order, I left the ‘‘ Hart-
ford” at about 10 aA. on the 26th of April, 1862, with 40 marines, which
included thoserescued fromthe’ Varuna,” sunk“at the férts, and with
Boatswain’s-mateyRussell, who had volunteered and had been allowed to go
with me, to rig a flag-staff, or reeve signal halliards, as might be required.
Just as I hed shoved off tiom-the shigeon this" duty, I was called back, and
Lieutenant Kautz, U. 8. N., came down the side and got into the boat, and
we immediately shoved off again and proceeded towards the shore, and
landed on the Levee, somewhere near Canal street, I think at the foot of
Poydras street. As soon as the boat landed, I hurried on shore, and called
the marines after me, who quickly followed and formed on the levee, and
as soon as formed I gave the order ‘‘right face,” intending to proceed to
the City Hall, to haul the flag down, and then go to the Custom House, and
hoist the larger United States flag, which Boatswain’s-mate Russell carried
in his arms ina bundle. At this juncture, and just as I had given the
order ‘‘right face,” as referred to, Lieutenant Kautz came to me and said :
«‘Where are you going?” I told him to the City Hall to haul the flag down
and then hoist our flag on the Custom House. Lieutenant Kautz said:
“‘No; I am ordered by Flag-officer Farragut to tell you not to do anything
until I deliver this letter to the Mayor,” when I saw for the first time he
had a large official envelope in his hand. My mind was so much occupied
in my way on shore from the ‘‘ Hartford,” and the excitement was so great
on shore among the multitude assembled on the levee, that it did not at once
occur to me to ask Lieutenant Kautz what his business was in accompany-
ing us, and J did not know of it until he gave me the orders of the Flag-
officer, on the Levee as referred to, ‘‘nottodo anything until he (Kautz) had
delivered the letter he had to the Mayor.” The mob, who were greatly
excited (seeing perhaps there was some want of unity of purpose between
Lieutenant Kautz and myself, particularly when I gave the order ‘‘ front,”
and ordered arms, after Lieutenant Kautz had delivered to me the Flag-
officer’s orders), were exceedingly demonstrative and rushed on us shouting :
“Jeff Davis,” ‘‘Jeff Davis,” ‘‘ you damned Yankees,” &., &c., which
caused me to bring the marines to a ‘‘ shoulder arms,” and I addressed the
mob, telling them in conclusion, if I was compelled to do so, I would fire
on them. At this time three or four respectably-dressed persons, who
said they belonged to the City Council, and hearing of our intention to
communicate with the Mayor, begged Lieutenant Kautz and myself to do
so without the marines, and under a flag of truce, in order to save the loss
of life that must otherwise occur, as hundreds of men were drunk and the
city was in the greatest confusion.

Under these circumstances, I, with other directions, ordered Second-
lieutenant Heisler to keep the marincs where they were, until I returned
from the City Hall ; and I proceeded with Lieutenant Kautz (the bearer of
Flag-officer Farragut’s demand on the Mayor for the surrender of the city
to the United States), Midshipman J. H. Reed and Sergeant Valentine
Knoch, United States marines, who bore the flag of truce (now in my pos-
session), a white pockethandkerchief, on the point of his bayonet. On our
way to the City Hall, 1 was twice struck by the mob and spit upon several
times ; the scene of excitement on this occasion cannot well be described, it
was intense, nearly every one seemed like an escaped lunatic, and there
were thousands of infuriated men in the streets we passed through. After
arriving at the City Hall, and while in conference with the Mayor (this was
at or about 11:30 A. M.), the Mayor, Mr. Monroe, told me, that it was re-
ported the ships were firing at the city, at the French Market, as a flag had
been hoisted there by some of the boats of the ships, and that the people
had hauled it down. This was the flag that had been placed on the mint by a
boat’s crew from the United States steamer ‘‘ Pensacola,” without orders
from Flag-oflicer Farragut, about the time Lieutenant Kautz and myself
landed on the Levee with the marines (10:30 a. m., April 26th), and was
hauled down from the mint by. Mi ord, at or about 11 a. m., April 26,
1862, and the news of its being hauled down, and the erroneous report of
the ship’s firing on the city, was received at the City Hall at 11:30 a. m.,
while Lieutenant Kautz, Midshipman Reed, Sergeant Knoch, and myself
were in the City Hall. After Mumford had torn down the flag referred to
from the mint, it was (I was told at that time) brought to Lafayette Square,
in front of the City Hall, while we were there, and torn into shreds by the
mob. In view of this excitement, it was deemed unsafe for us to return, as
we came—on foot; and I must say, in justice to Mayor Monroe, that he
exhibited the utmost concern for our safety, and he procured a carriage for
us, which was placed unknown to the mob in Carondolet street, in rear of
the City Hall; Lafayette Square, in front of the Cily Hall being packed
with at least three thousand men who were expecting us to come out of the
City Hall, as we went in, by the front door, instead of which we were con-
ducted to the carriage in Carondolet street by Mayor Monroe and his secre-
tary, Mr. Baker, who was the bearer of the Mayor's reply to Flag-officer
Farragut’s communication, and, accompanied by Mr. Baker, we proceeded
rapidly through the back, and then deserted streets to the Levee, where I
had left the marines (as before mentioned, under Second-lieutenant Heisler
to await our return from the City Hall), but found no marines there, and
Lieutenant Kautz and myself were informed by an officer. who was in a
boat alongside the Levee, that the Flag-officer had sent him for us, and that
the marines I had left on the Levee were on board the ‘‘ Hartford,” having
been sent for while we were at the City Hall.

When Lieutenant Kautz and myself reported on board the ‘‘ Hartford,”
and explained the condition of things on shore to Flag-officer Farragut, he
was much pleased with the course Lieutenant Kautz and myself had pur-
sued, as it had, no doubt, prevented serious consequences. I then remarked
to the Flag-officer, if he would let me land in New Orleans with all the
marines of the fleet, I could hoist our flag and protect it, and haul down
the flag from the City Hall ; and, I also remarked, if we did not do so, I
was sure the army under Gencral Butler would claim the ezpture of the
city. The Flag-officer replied, ‘‘I wish to avoid bloodshed in the city ; we
will see, however, when we the-Carrolton--Batteries,”” On
t at day, Saturday, April 26th, 1862, the “Hartford” pro-

ceeded up the river towards Carrollton, and when we neared the batteries
above that place, we beat to quarters, manned our guns and trained them
on the batteries. As we closed with them we saw the batteries were de-
serted, and that the rebels had set fire to the gun carriages ; the ship was
then anchored, and a party sent on shore, who spiked the guns and made
them useless to the rebels, in case they wished to remove them while our
ship was absent, as we could not leave a guard there, and had to return to
New Orleans., The. ‘‘ Hartford” remained off Carrollton that night, and
the next morning, Sunday, at 5a. m.. I landed at Carrollton in company
with Fleet Surgeon J. M. Foltz, and I proceeded up into the town, and
after obtaining such information as I could from the residents (all Germans
I met with), and who were not uncivil, I returned on board t S-ship
/‘ Hartford,” which that morning, Sunday, April 27th, 1862, got under
weigh and proceeded down the river to New Orleans, and anchored nearly
in the same berth we had left on Saturday, just above Canal street. On
Monday, April 28h, 1862, Admiral Farragut determined to occupy the city |
of New Orleans, nett. ABET 21862; hoist the flag“of"tlie’ United”
States theré; and taul down the rebel Hag flying from the City Hall. Flag-
officer Farragut told me I should have all the marines of the fleet the next

day, and, said he : al ave-no—mare_nonsense. with those fellows
shore ; you must haul that flag down from. the City Haland-DMae it on
board to-me-and—hoistour_flagon.the.Custom House, and occupy that
ng with enough -marines.to take care of it.”.. =

“Phese-werethé words of Flag-officer Farragut tome. On the next day,
April 29th, 1862, I landed in command of all the marines of the fleet. Com-
mander H. H. Bill, Fleet Captain, accompanying me, but he did not in any
way interfere with me in carrying out the orders I had received from the
Flag-officer, except to tell me when he wanted the marines to occupy the
Custom House and City Hall. The flag of the United States was hoisted
by the marines (Boatswain’s-mate Russell of the.*‘ Hartford” rigging the _
flag-staff and reeving the signal halliards), on the Custom House, in New Or-
léans;-on-the-29thday of April, 1862, at or about 11am, and the Louis-..
iana State flag was Peale down “bythe marines from the Cit Hall, at or
about noon ne day, As soon asthe flag was hauled down, I gave
it to Boatswain’s:mate Russell, and placed him between Sergeant Valentine
Knoch, First Sergeant of first company of the battalion and myself, and
marching by the right flank, I proceeded to the levee and took the flag we
had hauled down from the City Hall on board the flag-ship ‘‘ Hartford”
and delivered it to Flag-officer Farragut, as he had ordered me to do.

In o tO “in relation to hoisting the flag of the
United States on the Custom House, and hauling down the Louisiana flag
from the City Hall on the 29thof April, 1862, which would conflict with
that part of your article, which reads: ‘On the 27th of April, the United
States flag was displayed by the navy over the captured city,” it would
appear that you had been led to believe my report was incorrect in the part
you have omitted. If you have, I can only say you have been misled, as no
United States flag was hoisted in the city of New Orleans (except the one
over the mint-.on-the 26th.ofApril, and which was immediately torn down.
by Mumford, as I have stated herein), until the 29th of April, 1862, as stated
in my report, which was approved and forwarded by Admiral Farragut.
That part of it, viz : ‘‘ When the troops of General Butler’s command landed,
at New Orleans, on the first of May last, the force of marines on duty in the .
city returned to the fléct,” was added to my report in lead pencil, by Ad-

    
 

    

 

 
miral Farragut. himself, at. the time I submitted the report to him for his
approval, and I accordingly rewrote my report, with the pencil addition
Admiral Farragut had made to it.

Comment is unnecessary in regard to the ridiculous and absurd state-
ment that the army under General Butler captured the city of New Orleans.

I have the honor to be,
Very respectfully and truly yours,
(Signed] J. L. BROOME,
Bvt. Lieut. Colonel
U. 8. Marine Corps.

Hon. Gmpron WELLEs,
Ex-Secretary of the Navy,
Hartford, Conn.
 

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CHAPTER XII.
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW.

Preparations to Attack Fort Pillow.—Flag-Officer Foote incapacitated.—
The first Fleet Fight of the War.—Serious Inaccuracies in the Official Re-
ports.—The Gunboats not Correctly Placed.—Recapitulation of the Actual
Facts.—General Remarks. ‘

Tux interval between the 12th of April (when the letter of
thanks to the “ Carondelet” and “ Pittsburg,” received and read
on the 22nd of April), was actively improved by our naval forces
in the making of reconnoissances, the placing and firing of mor-
tars, replenishing exhausted stores and ammunition, and gener-
ally preparing for a fleet action.

Upon the arrival of the flotilla at Fort Pillow on April 13th,
Flag-Officer Foote, with the “ Benton,” “Mound City,” “Caron-
delet,” and “ Cincinnati,” made a thorough reconnoissance of all
the enemy’s works, approaching to within easy range of his guns,
—so near, indeed, that they opened fire upon us. The flag-officer
then returned to the rest of his fleet, which had been left a few
miles in the rear, at Plumb Point. General Pope was at this
time landing his army at the opposite shore, near Osceola.

A day or two afterwards (either on the 14th or 15th, in the
evening), Flag-Officer Foote sent his aide (or flag-captain techni-
cally speaking), Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, to inquire of
Captain Walke if he was ready with the “Carondelet” to pass
the batteries at Fort Pillow, as he had done those at Island No.
10. Foote contemplated, as it was then understood, sending two
or three gunboats, at least, with Captain Walke, below that fort,
to co-operate with Pope’s army, which was to attack the enemy
in the rear, after the same plan that had been followed so success-
fully below Island No. 10. Captain Walke’s verbal answer, re-
turned by Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, was that the “Caron-
delet,” with all her officers and crew, were in perfect readiness to
perform that service.

The intentions of the flag-officer are fully set forth in his reports

[245]
‘246 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

to the secretary of the navy, dated April 14th, 17th, 28rd, and
27th. On the 17th, he reported that Commodore Hollins had
just left Fort Pillow to bring up the heavy gunboat “ Louisiana,”
then supposed to be ready at New Orleans, but she was disposed
of the 24th.

Our army, however, was very soon ordered to Corinth, and this
prevented the execution of the plan of operations concerted by
General Pope and Flag-officer Foote.

Our fleet was thus left to blockade the Mississippi river at Fort
Pillow, unaided by an army, and (as we are informed by the
official reports) the Confederates at the same time were fitting up
a powerful fleet under Commodore Hollins (as reported by the
flag-otticer), of heavy iron-clads and rams, ten of which were re-
ported at Fort Pillow ; and ten en route to Memphis, intent on
making an attack on our fleet. Reports were daily received from
deserters of these threats, and the flag-officer, though suffering
very much from his wound, as late as the 29th had repeatedly
expressed a desire to send a few gunboats below the batteries at
Fort Pillow, even without an army to support him in a general
attack ; and he so informed the secretary of the navy in a private
letter on the 29th, that he ‘seriously thought of running the
blockade, and attacking the rebel gunboats and rams,” and he
says: “I had thought of this matter at No. 10,” &c. So that
our disabled commodore became fully convinced that running the
blockade was a very admirable mode of attacking the enemy on
the Mississippi, having changed his opinion entirely upon that
subject, after the surrender of Island No. 10.

The flag-officer reported to the secretary of the navy on the
23rd of April, 1862, that ‘the rebels were strongly fortified on
land, and had eleven gunboats lying near, or rather below their
fortifications” ; “that thirteen gunboats were there, seven of
which, however, were mere river steamers, with boilers and ma-
chinery sunk into the holds, and otherwise protected ; but they
carry from four to six or eight guns of heavy caliber, some of
which were rifled. The other boats were iron-plated, or filled
with cotton. The large steamer, of sixteen or twenty guns, being
plated, and named the ‘ Louisiana,’ has not arrived; but it is
daily expected from New Orleans.”

Up to this date our mortars were daily bombarding the enemy’s
works at Fort Pillow, which returned the compliment with un-
comfortable precision for our gunboats, which were guarding
our mortars.
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW. 247

FLAG-OFFICER FOOTE INCAPACITATED.

That flag-officer was still suffering from his badly-sprained
ankle, the discomfort of which had been aggravated by the mis-
erable treatment of a horse doctor from Cincinnati, in whose
skill the patient unfortunately confided, contrary to the advice of
his most estimable surgeons, Hiram Beauchamp and John Lud-
low. A few days afterwards the flag-officer ordered a medical
survey, which resulted in his being relieved by Rear-Admiral
Charles H. Davis. Immediately after the board of surgeons ad-
journed, Dr. McNeilly gave us the following, as the report of the
above-mentioned survey, made under the dictation and approval
of Flag-Officer Foote :

“U. §. Steamer ‘Brnron,’
“« April 15th, 1862.

“<In obedience to your order, we have made a careful examination of the
condition of your foot, which was wounded during the attack on Fort Don-
elson, and we find that its condition is such, arising from inflammation,
enduring already considerable febrile action, which seriously threatens an
increase : which if neglected, as it must be more or less with your necessary
exertions in the discharge of your duties here, would probably soon totally
unfit you for the performance of your important duties as flag-officer, and
we would therefore respecttully suggest that for the future interest of the

flotilla, you be permitted to return home to recover your health.”
Signed by Doctors LupLow, McNeruiy and BeaucHamp, of the flotilla.

The events preceding the battle of Fort Pillow are found in a
few extracts from the letters of Admiral Foote, recently published
in his biography.

“Flag Steamer ‘ Benton,’
“Off Fort Pillow, April 14th, 1862.
“To Hon. Gipzon WELLES,
“ Secretary of the Navy:

“This place has along line of fortifications, with guns of heavy
caliber ; their number and the number of their men I have not
yet been able to ascertain.

“3 p.m. General Pope has returned from the transports, and
_he informs me that he is unable to reach the rear of the rebels
from this point of the river above, and proposes to cut a canal on
the Arkansas side, which will enable us to get three or four gun-
boats below, and thus enable him to cross the river below the
upper forts, and thus cut off the batteries. We shall have three
iron-clads above, and four below, which, I presume, will be all
that will be required in case the six gunboats of the rebels make
248 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

an attack upon either division, as three of our gunboats ought
successfully to cope with six of theirs.

“The mortars are now firing, and have driven the rebel gun-
boats out of range down the river. The effects of my wound
have quite a dispiriting effect upon me.”

Another letter, of April 29th, says:

“T am happy to learn that Captain Davis is coming out, as I
am really unable to cope, in my ill-health, with the duties of
flag-officer.” :

It is claimed that Fort Pillow was actually captured while Foote
was still in command of our Western flotilla, although he left the
fleet in Davis’ hands as early as the 9th of May. The following
letter to Captain Davis, U. 8S. N., should prevent any further mis-
understanding on that point.

“Flag Ship ‘ Benton,”
“Orr Fort Pintow, May 9th, 1862.
“SIR:

“‘In consequence of the state of my health, the secretary of the navy has
directed you to report to me for the purpose of performing such duties as
the circumstances of the flotilla require.

“By the authority of the secretary of the navy, and the advice of a board
of surgeons, I leave the flotilla this day temporarily, for the purpose of recruit-
ing my health at Cleveland, Ohio; and you will be pleased, during my absence,
to perform al} the duties of flag-officer ; and as such, and being hereby in-
vested with flag-officer’s authority, all officers and others attached to and
connected with this flotilla, will obey your orders, and act under your in-
structions.

“‘T am, respectfully, your obedient servant,
(Signed) “A. H. Foote,
‘‘Commodore CaarLes H, Davis, U. 8. N., Flag-Officer.
“ Commanding pro tem,
“U. 8. Naval Forces, Western Waters.”

Flag-Officer Foote was richly entitled to the highest honors for
his great success as commander of our western flotilla. And it is
satisfactory to observe that great praise was duly given him for
the very able and efficient manner in which he performed all the
difficult duties pertaining to his very extensive and important
command.

Foote’s distinguished successors were selected from among the
best officers in the Navy. We regret, however, that in these com-
paratively brief sketches, it is impossible to give a fair and just
estimate of their comparative merits.

Flag-Officer Foote’s letter to the secretary of the navy, dated
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW 249

April 28th, 1862, states that “a report came to him last evening,
that the steam-ram ‘Louisiana,’ of sixteen guns, had arrived at
Memphis ; and that in ten days she would be up here, and elear
the river to a certainty.” On the 29th, he wrote again that he
had received another report, “that thirteen rebel gunboats below
were to attack us at three o’clock that morning ; six or seven of
which were rams.” ‘ We were on our arms all night, ready for
a hard fight, but the rebels did not make their appearance.”

THE NAVAL PITCHED BATTLE AT FORT PILLOW.

This was one of the first naval engagements of the war, and the
first fleet fight with the enemy.

We had been fully warned by refugees of the intention and
preparation of the enemy, to attack us with their rams, and orders
were given by Flag-Officer Foote to the commanders of gunboats,
nearly a week before he relinquished command, to keep up steam
and preparations in every particular by all our fleet; to be ready for
battle at any moment, day or night. This most important order,
however, was not strictly and properly obeyed by several of our
gunboats, and the flag steamer “ Benton ” was one of them. Great
efforts were afterwards made to forestall public opinion on this
point, by representing her as the most prompt, active, and efficient
gunboat of the squadron, in the reports of this battle by the
newspaper and other correspondence of the “ Benton,” immedi-
ately after the action, some of which have been recently pub-
lished.

No special instructions were given relating to the general order
of battle in which the enemy was to be met, or the plan of attack.
It appeared to be an oversight that these points were not satis-
factorily understood, by general orders; unless it might have
been impossible to anticipate the enemy’s mode of attack, and so,
to avoid confusion, the experience and discretion of the com-
manders was necessarily relied upon.

On the 10th of May, 1862, our fleet, consisting of seven partially
iron-clad gunboats, was divided in two divisions. The flag
steamer, in the first division, with three gunboats, was moored on
the Tennessee shore, and the second division of four gunboats, on
the Arkansas shore, with bows down stream. This was the posi-
tion of the fleet when Flag-Officer Davis (one of the best officers
of our Navy in all respects), took command. The vessels were,
however, so similar in appearance, that it was very difficult, if
possible, for him to designate them. Hence the defects of his
250 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

report of this action, in respect of a just discrimination in favor
of those who were most deserving.

The following is a brief recapitulation of the facts from an ab-
stract log-book of the “Carondelet,” which is a minute and correct
detail of the daily occurrences on board a man-of-war.

“On the 8th of May, two days previous to the battle of Fort
Pillow, at 4.15, a. m., observed rebel gunboats’ smoke below the
bend, about six miles distant ; beat to quarters and got ready for
action. Three rebel guuboats came in sight. One of these
steamed up to the place where our mortars were in the habit of
firing, during the day, evidently with the intention of capturing
them. Our flotilla on the Arkansas shore opened fire on one of
the boats that was advancing up the river, but all their shots fell
short about half the distance. The flag-officer made signal to
flotilla 222, ‘cease firing.’ He then hailed the ‘Carondelet,’ and
ordered her not to fire, and to pass the order to the ‘ Pittsburg’
above her. The ‘Benton’ then fired one shot, which fell short a
long way. The enemy, not finding the supposed object of their
search (the mortar-boat), returned to Fort Pillow, after which
(about 6 o’clock), two mortar-boats dropped down the river near
Craighead Point, and opened a brisk fire on the enemy’s works,
which was continued until late that evening without obtaining
any reply.

“On this occasion the enemy’s gunboats did not come within
gunshot of us. We were ready for them, and our men were ‘on
watch and watch’ for several previous days and nights on board
the ‘Carondelet,’ with steam up, ready for action, in anticipation
of an attack by the enemy’s ram fleet, then at Fort Pillow. Flag-
Officer Foote had given orders that the flotilla should be ready for
battle at any moment, day or night, and the enemy was fully ex-
pected when he made his appearance.

“On the afternoon of the 9th a small steamer came up the river
from Fort Pillow with a flag of truce. One of our tugs was im-
mediately despatched, from the flag-steamer ‘Benton,’ to meet
her, and after a short conference, she returned with two Union
surgeons, who had been made prisoners by the enemy at the
battle of Belmont. By this ruse de guerre, or timely movement,
the eneniy obtained a perfect knowledge of the position of our
fleet and mortar-boats. On the morning of the 10th the weather
was pleasant but hazy. The river, being very high, overflowed its
banks for many miles through the forest to the highlands. Our
fleet had not changed its position, but had remained in nearly the
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW. 251

following order for several days. The flag ‘steamer ‘ Benton,’
Flag-Officer C. H. Davis, commander-in-chief, and Lieutenant-
Commander S. L. Phelps ; the ‘ Carondelet,’ Commander Walke ;
and the ‘Pittsburg,’ Lieutenant-Commander Egbert Thompson,
moored to the Tennessee shore at Plumb Point, heading south,
down stream. The ‘Mound City,’ Commander A. Kilty, the
‘Cincinnati,’ Lieutenant-Commander R. N. Stembel; the ‘St.
Louis,’ Lieutenant-Commander Henry Erben, and the ‘Cairo,’
Lieutenant-Commander W. C. Bryant, moored in like manner to
the Arkansas shore opposite Plumb Point, six miles above Fort
Pillow. The night had been calm, quiet and foggy. Steam was
up ; lines singled and ready for slipping ; on board the ‘ Caronde-
let,’ the crew lying on their arms ; sentinels and watchmen on the
lookout for the first glimpse of the enemy. At 4, a. m., on that
morning (the 10th) a mortar-boat was towed down the river, as
usual, to Craighead Point, near Fort Pillow, accompanied, on
that morning, by the ‘ Cincinnati’ as her guard boat, in case the
enemy should make a sudden attack upon her. The mortar
opened fire upon the enemy at 5 o’clock.”

At 6, 4.M.,a heavy volume of smoke was observed moving rap-
idly up the river from Fort Pillow. Before the call or drum was
heard on board the ‘Carondelet,’ the crew caught the alarm,
sprang to the guns, and cleared ship for action; and the gun-
tackles, swords, pistols, boarding-pikes, rifles, gun-carriages, ram-
mers and sponges, shot and shell, crowbars and handspikes, were
all ready for battle in three or four minutes.

The Confederate ram fleet, composed of nine vessels, came in
sight at 6.30, a.m., when the flag steamer “ Benton” made general
signal to “ get under way,” but the morning was so calm and hazy
that the signal was not visible, and verbal orders were passed by
Mr. Birch, her first pilot, to the “Carondelet” and “ Pittsburg ”
through the trumpet. The “Carondelet” instantly obeyed the
order, slipped her hawser and was off for the enemy immediately.
While passing the “Benton,” Admiral Davis ordered the “ Caron
delet” “to go ahead,” and not wait for the “Benton.” This order
of the flag-officer was issued and passed by the urgent sugges-
tion of Richard Birch, first pilot of the “ Benton,” who, as soon as
he saw the enemy’s fleet coming, ran below and called up all the
officers, and directed the flag-officer’s attention, particularly, to
the dangerous position of the “Cincinnati,” an act for which he
deserves great credit, as time was precious, and the “Benton”
was then unable to proceed. Captain Walke immediately gave
252 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

orders to “go ahead” with all speed, to the rescue of the “ Cincin-
nati,” which vessel was then about four miles down the river,
near Craighead Point, heaving up her anchor. The enemy’s fleet
of eight or nine iron-clad rams, strong and swift, came in sight,
steaming up with all speed, and evincing a desperate determina-
tion to rout our fleet or sink in the attempt.

At about 6.30 a.a., they came racing round the point led by
the large rakish and formidable ram, “General Bragg.” When
all were in sight, and that ram far ahead, she rammed the “ Cin-

      
 

   

eee ee

  

9 ang,
‘a, 1 eee

mead pan
S

In these approximate diagrams of the battle near Fort
Pillow, the numbers designate the names of the United States
gunboats, and the Confederate gunboats by their initials,

as follows :—
United States Gunbdoats. Confederate Gunboats.
No. 1, Benton, L. R., Little Rebel,
Flag steamer. Flag steamer.

2, Mound City. Bg., Gen. Bragg.

8, Carondelet. Bd., Gen. Beauregard.

4, Cincinnati. P., Gen. Price.

5, St. Louis. 8., Gen. Sumpter.

6, Pittsburg. L., Gen. Lovell.

7, Cairo. J. T., Gen. Jeff. Thompson.

V. D., Gen. Van Dorn.

cinnati,” cutting an immense hole in her starboard side, and into
her shell-room, the consorts of the “Bragg” also ramming the
“ Cincinnati” slightly, by which time the ‘Mound City” and
“Carondelet” arrived and drove them off.

The gunboats that were stationed on the other side of the
river, did not see the enemy’s fleet, nor the general signal to get
under way as soon as the boats at Plumb Point. But Captain
Kilty, of the “ Mound City,” did not wait for the signal, as it could
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW. 258

not be seen at that distance in a calm; and started about the
time the “ Carondelet ” was passing the “Benton,” and the other
gunboats (with the exception of the “ Mound City”) did not get
under way until after the “Benton” with the flag-officer had
started. As to this fact, Captain Kilty, Richard Birch, pilot, and
other officers of the “ Benton,” and the writer of this narrative
are living witnesses.

The “ Carondelet,” being the leading vessel on the east side of
the river, ran with all speed in advance of them to meet the ene-
my, and to save the “ Cincinnati.” When the “Carondelet” and
“Mound City ” were about one-half or three-quarters of a mile

 

distant from the “ Cincinnati,” the “ General Bragg” rammed the
“Cincinnati” by striking her on the starboard quarter, as the
latter apparently turned her head to the northward. After the
collision, they turned around, and parted in opposite directions ;
the “Bragg” heading down the river, and the “Cincinnati” up.
The “ Carondelet ” being in pursuit of the “ Bragg,” renewed her
firing at that vessel (which was suspended during the collision),
and crippled her machinery so effectually, that she drifted out of
battle down the river, disabled. By that time four more of
the rams, with the “General Van Dorn,” “General Price,” and
the “General Sumpter,” advanced rapidly to ram the “ Cincin-
nati.” The “Carondelet’s” guns were turned against them as
well as upon the retreating “ Bragg.” The “General Price” and
“General Sumpter ” came up, and ran into the stern of the “Cin-
cinnati,” which was then retreating, and in a sinking condition.
254 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

AN FFFECTIVE SHOT.

The “Carondelet ” continued firing upon them all, and one of
her Dahlgren rifled shells passed through the second or third boat
(the “Sumpter” or “ Price”), cutting her steam-pipe, which dreve

    
 

FF Postin.
ATAN May 101962,

the crew from her casemates, as they were filled with steam.
This was seen by the captain, who stood over the gun, when it
was pointed, leveled, and fired by his order.

The “Benton,” cut loose and drifting, following the “ Caronde-

    

ey

let” at a distance of about a mile astern, came down to her
aid, after the first division of the enemy’s fleet had been checked
and defeated by the “Cincinnati,” “ Carondelet,” and “Mound
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW. 255

City,” and the “Carondelet” was, almost alone, engaged with
the enemy’s second and third division, after her consorts were
rammed, disabled, and finally compelled to run ashore. The
“Mound City ” and “St. Louis,” under Captains Kilty and Erben,
of our second division, when coming down, the former met the
ram “ Van Dorn,” which had passed above the “Cincinnati” and
“ Carondelet.” The “ Mound City” fired her bow guns into her,
but the “Van Dorn” succeeded in ramming her badly on the
starboard bow, and they both retraced their course immediately.
The “ Mound City” (in a sinking condition) up, and the “ Nee
ae down the river.

“St. Louis” returned with the “Mound City,” after we
a ae the enemy’s fleet. In the mean time, the remaining

 

Confederate rams, “ Genera: Jeff. Thompson,” “General Lovell,”
and “ General Beauregard,” came up and attacked the ‘* Caron-
delet.”

That vessel was between the fire of the two fleets, while round-
ing to, to make room for the rest of the fleet, and in order to
take her proper station on the left ; this brought her out nearer
to the shoal, in the middle of the river (referred to, we presume,
in the report of the Confederate commodore) ; and while thus
engaged, she received a discharge or two of grape shot, that
swept across her decks, from the “Pittsburg,” which had just
arrived, too late to fire into the enemy, and then she returned to
assist the “Cincinnati” to run on shore.

The smoke of battle was so dense at intervals, that neither the
movements of the enemy or our own vessels could be clearly dis-
256 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

tinguished within a quarter of a mile ; and the firing of both was
thereby interrupted. Meanwhile the enemy’s flag steamer “ Little
Rebel,” dashing into the midst of our fleet unawares, barely es-
caped annihilation ; but she found her way out in double quick
time, under the lee of their disabled rams, after being close under
the “ Benton’s” broadside.

As the smoke rose it was seen that the enemy, being fully satis-
fied with their reception and entertainment, were retreating with
all possible dispatch and confusion, taking their disabled vessels in
tow under the guns of Fort Pillow. As the enemy’s vessels re-
tired, the “ Benton ” and “ Carondelet” continued the engagement
and fired on them until they had passed beyond their reach. The
“St. Louis ” and “ Cairo,” the latter vessel coming down too late to

 

6th Position. 7.80 A.M.

participate in the action, returned with the “ Mound City,” which
sunk at the first island above.

The “Cincinnati,” with the “Pittsburg” and a tug in attend-
ance, steamed over the river, and sunk on the Tennessee shore.
The “Carondelet” remained on the battle-ground, undisturbed,
the day and night following, at anchor on the bar, as a guard or
picket-boat, for our fleet, and to protect the mortar-boat, thus
occupying the place of the “Cincinnati.” On the morning of the
12th she took the place of the “ Mound City,” and anchored near
the Arkansas shore. Commander Walke was assigned the com-
mand of that division by order of Flag-Officer Davis.

The enemy did not ram or damage our mortar-boat, but the
“Van Dorn” fired into her as she passed up to meet the “Mound
City.” The commander, Acting Master Gregory, of the mortar-
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW. 257

boat, bravely fired on the enemy’s fleet as long as he could with-
out peril to our own; and he well deserved the praise he received
for the same in the report of Flag-Officer Davis.

The report of the commander of the Confederate fleet will also
throw some light upon the action of the vessels under his com-
mand. His anticipations and assurances, that our gunboats would
never penetrate down the Mississippi, were, nevertheless, soon
mournfully dissipated at the battle of Memphis. The report is
as follows :—

“Flag Boat ‘ Little Rebel,’ Fort Pillow, May 12th, 1862.
“Sir :—I have the honor to report an engagement with the
Federal gunboats at Plumb Point Bend, four miles above this place,
on March 10th, 1862. Having previously arranged with my offi-

     

7" Peston.
At 180m May ptitea.

cers the order of attack, our boats left their moorings at 6, A. M.,
and proceeding up the river passed round a sharp point which
soon brought us in full view of the enemy’s fleet, numbering eight
gunboats and twelve mortar-boats. The Federal boat ‘Caronde-
let’ (‘Cincinnati’) was lying nearest us, guarding a mortar-boat
that was shelling the fort. The ‘General Bragg,’ Captain N. H.
H. Leonard, dashed at her, she firing her heavy guns and retreat-
‘ing towards a bar where the depth of water would not be sufficient
for our boats to follow. The ‘Bragg’ continued boldly on under
fire of nearly their whole fleet, and struck her a violent blow that
stopped her further flight. She then rounded down the river
under a broadside fire, and drifted until her tiller-rope, that had
got out of order, could be readjusted. A few moments after the
17
258 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

‘Bragg ’ struck her blow, the General ‘Sterling Price,’ First Officer
I. E. Harthorne, ran into the same boat aft, a little starboard of
her amidships, carrying away her rudder stern-post, and a large
piece of her stern. This threw the ‘ Carondelet’s’ (‘ Cincinnati’s’)
stern to the ‘Sumpter,’ Captain M. W. Lamb, who struck her,
running at the utmost speed of his boat. The ‘General Earl Van
Dorn,’ Captain Isaac Falkerson, running, according to orders, in
the rear of the ‘Price’ and ‘Sumpter,’ directed his attention to
the ‘Mound City,’ at the time throwing broadsides into the ‘ Price’
and ‘Sumpter ;? and as she proceeded by, skillful shots from her
32-pounder (Wm. G. Kendall, gunner), silenced a mortar-boat
that was filling the air with its terrible missiles. The ‘Van Dorn,’
still holding on to the ‘Mound City’ midships, in the act of strik-
ing, the ‘Mound City’ sheered, and the ‘Van Dorn’ struck her
a glancing blow, making a hole four feet deep in her starboard
forward quarter, evidenced by splinters left on the iron bow of
the ‘ Van Dorn.’

“ At this juncture, the ‘Van Dorn’ was above four of the en-
emy’s boats, as our remaining boats the, ‘General Jeff. Thompson,’
Captain J. H. Burk; the ‘Colonel Lovell,’ Captain J. H. Hart,
were entering boldly into the contest in the prescribed order. I
perceived from the flag boat, that the enemy’s boats were taking
positions where the water was too shallow for our boats to get at
them ;* and as our cannon were far inferior to theirs, both in num-
ber and size, I signaled our boats to fall back, which was accom-
plished with a coolness that deserves the highest commendation.
I am happy to inform you, while exposed at close quarters to a
most terrific fire for thirty minutes, our boats, although struck
repeatedly, sustained no serious injuries. General M. Jeff.
Thompson was on the ‘ General Bragg ; his men and officers were
divided among the boats. They were all at their posts, ready to
do good service, should the occasion offer. To my officers and
men [I am highly indebted for their courage and promptness in
executing all orders. On the 11th inst. I went on the ‘Little
Rebel,’ in full view of the enemy’s fleet, saw the ‘Carondelet’
(‘Cincinnati’) sunk near the shore, and the ‘Mound City’ sunk
on the bar. The position occupied by the enemy’s gunboats above
Fort Pillow offers more obstacles to our mode of attack than any
other between Cairo and New Orleans, but of this you may

* The shallow water to which the ‘‘Cincinnati” retreated must have
deepened very suddenly to accommodate the heavy rebel rams when they
rammed her and the ‘‘ Mound City.”
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW. 259

rest assured, they will never penetrate further down the Missis-
sippi.
“J. E. Monteomery,
“Senior Captain Commanding River Defense Fleet.

“N.B. Our casualties were two killed and one wounded (arm
broken).”

The foregoing is taken from the correspondence of the Memphis
Appeal, and, excepting the mistakes in naming vessels, may, we
presume, be considered tolerably correct, if not perfectly so, from
the writer's stand-point. Their ignorance of many noteworthy
circumstances on this occasion, and of the names of our gunboats,
-did not prove that their system of espionage was less defective
than our own. It should be understood that although the Confed-
erates maneuvered their fleet with admirable skill and courage in
the onset, they failed in unanimity of action in their line of battle,
which was broken in detail by the concentration of our fire upon
their leading rams, and that their Commodore Montgomery (not
Commodore Hollins, as misrepresented), who commanded the fleet,
was not a naval officer, or had not been educated as such ; hence
a concert of action was wanting in his movements, as well, we
may here add, as in ourown. The “ Bragg” and “Sumpter” were
disabled and driven out of battle before all our fleet come into
action, and the river was so high that there was no shallow water
there within its banks except on the bar. The intention was to
surprise our mortar-boat and our gunboat “ Cincinnati,” and cap-
ture the former, at least, before our fleet could come to their
rescue. But in this, if not in all other particulars, they failed,
and received considerable damage to several of their rams by our
shot and shell, which they do not acknowledge. None of our
people were killed, and Commander Stembel was the only one
who was dangerously wounded. He was shot in the back of the
neck, receiving a. terrible and painful wound. Fourth Master
Reynolds and two seamen were also wounded. The narrative in
our histories of this battle is of course very incorrect, for in these
particulars the historian is misled by the various reports of the
battle. Our History of the Navy says of the commencement that
“ The rebel steamers in advance made directly for the mortar-boat,
which for a time was unprotected; but the ‘Cincinnati’ and
the ‘Mound City’ hastened to her rescue, and she was saved.”
This was not the case, as we have fully shown in the preceding
narrative.
260 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

In the columns of some newspapers we were told that the
“Cincinnati” alone repulsed the whole Confederate fleet at Fort
Pillow; and that we sunk two of the enemy’s boats without
material damage to our own fleet ; and such are the errors of our
present history. Fresh from the scene of action, and full of
patriotic ardor, the reporters, firig wild on both sides, rarely hit
the mark, but sometimes create fame allied to the Byronic defini-
tion of that quality, namely: “heads blown off, and names mis-
spelt in the Gazette.”

Another history of our civil war is equally unfortunate in the
matter of facts pertaining to this battle. In abrief account it reads
thus : “In less than half an hour the Confederate flotilla had
been disabled or destroyed. Some had their boilers shot through,
others had been butted and sank.” This statement taken in an
inverted sense would be much nearer the truth in reference to the
results of the battle of Fort Pillow.

The Records of Living Officers of the Navy, one of the most
satisfactory works of its kind, although it may, in some instances,
be too flattering to that arm of our national defenses, has also
been misled by the few particulars which it contains from our
official reports.

It states that Captain Winslow “was present” on this occasion,
whereas he was not in any of these battles in the West, owing to
a serious accident which disabled him, and he was detached from
the Mississippi squadron at his own request, when Porter, his
junior, took command ; and he with others was rewarded tenfold
more for one successful battle, than others were for a dozen hard-
fought successful ones, obtained under less favorable circum-
stances, or of less political or popular interest, though quite as
meritorious.

The Pittsburg Lvening Chronicle of this period contains the
following notice of the “Carondelet ” and her officers :

“The U. 8. gunboat ‘Carondelet’ (Commander Walke) is
already famous through the part taken by her at Fort Henry,
Fort Donelson, Island No. 10, Fort Pillow, and other minor
points. The bold and hazardous exploit of running the rebel
blockade at Island No. 10 amid circumstances well calculated to
dismay the bravest heart, will ever be gratefully and proudly re-
membered, for it secured for us a most important and bloodless
victory. It is not generally known that six of the principal offi-
cers of the ‘ Carondelet’ arefrom Pittsburg. These are the First
Master, E. Brennand ; Chief Engineer, Wm. H. Faulkner ; Ist As-
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW. 261

sistant Engineer, Chas. H. Caven ; 2nd, 8. 8. Brook ; 8rd, Augustus
¥F. Cowell; and Pilot Murray. These brave fellows have never
obtained the credit they deserve ; and we feel it due to them to
say so. Their merit, however, will, we hope, be substantially re-
eognized by the Navy Department some of these days.

A prominent citizen has furnished us with a copy or abstract
of the log-book of the ‘Carondelet,’ descriptive of the part she
took in the recent action on the Mississippi, and as it will be read
with interest, we give a portion of it,in support of important
facts which have hitherto been suppressed. The log is dated
May 10th, and it begins thus :

“From 4 to 8, a.m. Weather clear and warm; at 5, mortar-
boat took her position, and opened fire; “Cincinnati” accompa-
nying her. At 6.35 rebel gunboats hove in sight round the bend.
Called all hands, beat to quarters, and slipped our line. At 6.40
Flag-Officer Davis made signal to the squadron to follow his mo-
tions. We being faster than the “Benton,” which could not
then move, Flag-Officer Davis ordered us not to wait for him,
but make the best of our way down to the assistance of the “Cin-
cinnati,” upon which the enemy was advancing with their full
force, eight in number.

«We then made for the leading rebel gunboat, apparent-
ly a ram, intent on striking the “Cincinnati.” When about
three-quarters of a mile from the “ Bragg,” opened fire upon her
with our bow guns. Still steaming down the river, we observed
her (the rebel ram) strike the “Cincinnati” with her prow, on the
starboard quarter. Two more rebel gunboats advancing up the
river toward the “Cincinnati,” we opened upon them with our
bow guns, engaging the ram at the same time with our starboard
battery. We evidently struck one of the rebel boats in a vital
part of her machinery or boilers, with a 50-pounder Dahlgren
shot, a little forward of her wheel-house, as steam issued immedi-
ately in large quantities from all parts of the casemates ; she then
drifted back disabled.

“¢ We then rounded to, head up stream, brought our port bat-
tery to bear on the retreating rebel gunboats ; also our stern
guns, dropping down all the time after them, within range of
their batteries. The rebels retreated, evidently in great confu-
sion, and appeared to be badly cut up by our flotilla. The enemy
struck us with fragments of shell. Providentially no damage
was done to this boat during the hard-fought engagement, which
262 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

lasted one hour and ten minutes from the first to the last gun fired
by the “ Carondelet.” ’?”

The preceding, with other reliable reports, were not published
with the captain’s knowledge or consent, but they are given here
to show that the truth was better known then by the public than
it is at present, or even by some of our historians who were misled
by the various ex-parte reports and erroneous records at the Navy
Department.

Each of the gunboats appeared to have had its advocates in the
press, claiming the highest merit according to the position and
interest of the writer. Jt was generally reported that the “Cin-
cinnati” repulsed the whole rebel fleet. In one case it was stated,
“ A simultaneous attack was made upon her by the whole of their
(the rebel) gunboats, but with very little effect.” Another
account, from the “Mound City,” says: “The ‘ Cincinnati’ and
‘Benton ’ [according to the reports] were comparatively the only
ones engaged with the enemy’s gunboats, while, if the truth were
told, it would be the ‘Cincinnati’ and ‘Mound City ;? we were
the second boat in action, and engaged in close quarters one of
the rams, which no other boat besides the ‘Cincinnati’ did. The
‘Benton’ was engaged firing her broadsides here and there, but
no attempt was made by either of the rebel rams to run her
down.”

The “Cincinnati,” “ Mound City,” and ‘‘Carondelet,” were, it
appears, the only gunboats of ours which had sufficient steam to
go into action.

Jeff. Thompson reported in his dispatch, that “after a hand-
some scrimmage of thirty minutes, we (they) backed down the
river.” So, by their own admission, although they had the advan-
tage of several miles’ start of our fleet to the point of attack, the
enemy were defested almost immediately upon its arrival, by the
fire of our first three gunboats that were in advance, namely, the
“ Cincinnati,” “ Carondelet,” and “ Mound City.”

The absence of just discrinination in representing the maneu-
vers of our gunboats in battle, and the favorable mention of two
or three only in particular, in the reports or general orders, on several
similar occasions, have elicited various appeals for justice to some
neglected gunboat of our western flotilla. Generally our official
correspondence is too partial and incomplete to be of any mate-
rial service to the historian ; and hence, the importance of requir-
ing a report from each commanding officer, and ta keep a perfect
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW. 263

log-book for his vessel, and a fully detailed record of his services
in battle.

No wonder the correspondence of the Cincinnati Commercial,
near Fort Pillow (May 23rd, 1862) should declare that the reports
of “that naval conflict, for absurdities and Munchausenism, must
certainly bear off the palm from all the many historians whose
fertile fancies and pliant pens have celebrated that event.” After
enumerating some of them, he concludes: “ Now this and similar
reports provoke considerable mirth here ; but to the smile which
they evoke, naturally succeeds the query—why are such reports
written and published? Is our cause so desperate, that we must
bolster it up with ridiculous and improbable falsehoods, and a
systematic suppression of facts.” But how much more ridiculous
and inexcusable it is now, to perpetuate the fabrications, by
repeating them constantly in historical works, written under the
dictation, evidently, of some officer. whose deeds or whose com-
mand was especially and exclusively magnified.

The production of absurd reports during the war may be seen
more clearly by a few quotations from various historical works of
considerable celebrity, in their description of this naval battle
near Fort Pillow.

Besides those already referred to, there is, in the Records of
Living Officers of the U. S. Navy, in which an account of this
battle is necessarily very brief and carefully expressed, to avoid
thereby nearly all the previous mistakes. It says : “‘The flotilla
was quickly in motion to receive them” (the enemy). “ An ac-
tion of an hour’s duration, at close quarters, followed, at the end
of which the enemy retreated under the guns of Fort Pillow,
three of their gunboats having been disabled.” Another histori-
cal account, though as brief, is less correct, which reads thus in
its termination: ‘After an hour’s conflict, they” (the enemy’s
fleet) “retired with the loss of three gunboats.” Headley’s recital
is more than a match for all the rest in its sublime and interest-
ing flights of fancy. Lossing’s History of the Civil War of
America, in attempting to give a more perfect account of this
battle from all the reports thereof, has only increased the number
and variety of mistakes. Draper, with caution, has avoided the
irreconcilable reports, and as at a venture, drawn a more correct,
though dim outline of a few important facts concerning this en-
gagement. It was verily impossible to give a true and full
account of this battle, as all the facts were never recorded or
published.
264 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

Our narrative of the battle of Fort Pillow, as a statement of
facts, is entirely different in several important matters from the
official report of Flag-Officer Davis, and the account of our naval
historian before referred to.

The first mistake in these reports is, that “the leading vessels
of the rebel squadron made directly for mortar-boat No. 16,
which was for a moment unprotected.” The facts were, that they
made directly for the “Cincinnati,” which was anchored in the
stream to protect the mortar-boat for that day, as each gunboat
performed this duty alternately. Secondly, the “ Cincinnati” was
not the leading vessel, properly speaking, nor was it the first to
make the attack on the enemy in the onset of the battle, as de-
scribed by our naval records, though she was first in self-defense,
as she was the first vessel attacked by the enemy. She was then
at anchor near the mortar-boat, and was heaving up her anchor,
with her stern towards the enemy’s fleet, when they came up sud-
denly around the point, a half a mile below her, and before she
could get up her anchor and turn fairly on her nearest antago-
nist, the ‘General Bragg,” dashing far ahead of all her followers,
fatally rammed the “ Cincinnati” on the starboard quarter in
her shell-room; Captain Stembel being also very severely
wounded about the same time. She was therefore obliged to re-
treat, but was overtaken by two other rebel rams, each of which
successively struck her on the stern, though without much force.
The two leading rams were soon disabled by our guns, and the
“ Carondelet ” and “Mound City ” (to their credit) were the first
gunboats which ran to the rescue, and commenced a deliberate
and well-directed fire upon the enemy’s fleet, as they were run-
ning down to meet it.

The report that the “Cincinnati” was running down upon the
enemy’s rams to attack them, when three of them ran into her

. quarter and stern is in itself an absurdity. Nor did the “ Mound
City ” at any period of this battle follow the “ Cincinnati,” as re-
peatedly stated, but waited, and very properly, too, according to
naval discipline, for the signal, or the motions of the flag-oflicer.

The flag steamer “ Benton,” however, was not then ready to
proceed, for want of sufficient steam, and the weather being calm
and hazy, her signal could not be seen from the “ Mound City”
in time, she being on the opposite side of the river. She finally
started without seeing the signal.

The “Carondelet” started as soon as she got orders from the
flag steamer through the trumpet, before the signal was made,
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW. 265

and was the leading gunboat in the first division of our squadron,
while the “Mound City ” was the leading one of the second divi-
sion. Both steamed down to the rescue of the “ Cincinnati,” and
attacked the enemy. The “Carondelet,” keeping her lead after
the “Mound City” was rammed, engaged the three first rebel
rams, the “Bragg,” “Price” and “Sumpter;” but they had
rammed the “Cincinnati” before the “Carondelet” could get
near enough to intercept them. The “Van Dorn,” passing them,
and at the same time firing at the mortar-boat, met the “Mound
City,” and rammed a large hole in her bow. The “Benton,” fol-
lowing the “Carondelet” at a distance astern, was the fifth to
engage the enemy ; the “St. Louis,” following the “Mound City,”
at the same time engaged the enemy. The “ Pittsburg,” follow-
ing the “ Benton,” was the sixth and last to enter the engagement,
being detained somehow until her hawser was cut or cast off by
one of the “Swallow’s” crew, when she started and arrived in
time to fire into the “Carondelet !” The “Cairo” was so late that
she did not reach the field of action.

To arrive at anything like the truth in a description of this
battle, we must insist upon the general fact, that the positions of
our gunboats, in several particulars, were almost in the reverse
order to that represented in our naval records. It has been repre-
sented by these high authorities that the “ Cincinnati,” with the
“Mound City” following her, apparently “ were the leading vessels
in the line of battle,” which hastened to the support of the mor-
tar-boats, and were repeatedly struck by the enemy’s rams, at the
same time that they disabled the enemy and drove him away.
Then the flag steamer “Benton” is represented as the third vessel
in action—encountering the enemy’s advance. And in the order
of succession the “Carondelet” comes into battle following the
“ Benton ” and “ Mound City,” according to which she would be
No. 4, as a natural sequence, when really she was far ahead of the
“Benton,” and not behind the “Mound City.”

Our History of the Navy, after the statements in the reports,
concludes to notice, indefinitely, the presence, though not the
position of the “Carondelet,” by admitting that, after going by
or through the first and second divisions of the enemy’s fleet, she
gave the finishing stroke to one of the enemy’s third division,
thus :—“In the third division of the rebel line, a gunboat engaged
with the ‘Carondelet’ received a 50-pounder shot through her
boilers, and she was also disabled.”

The “Carondelet” appears, in several reports, to have been a
266 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

laggard or the scapegoat, in this instance, for the “ Benton,”
which was not (though she ought to have been) ready for battle,
and in the lead, as the flag steamer should, of course, have the
most respectable place in the fleet. To suit her rank and to save
her credit, she is evidently made to take or appear in the place of
the “Carondelet,” and this vessel has, in consequence, no position
assigned to her in this battle in the naval records ; and a majotity
of these reports, which have been published, were evidently
originated on board the flag steamer for that purpose.

A brief statement of these facts was sent by Captain Walke
to Rear Admiral Davis, in 1863 or 1864, to which the latter made
no objections, axcept one, which was, that the flag steamer was
not hard aground, as Captain Walke thought, when he passed
her. These ideas are more clearly developed in the private
letters in Admiral Foote’s biography, where the executive officer
of the “ Benton,” in his usual blandish style, describing the begin-
ning of this battle, says: “ By this time, the ‘ Benton,’ ‘Mound
City’ and ‘Carondelet,’ were far enough down—half way, at
least—to Stembel’s assistance, to open an effective fire. The
‘Pittsburgh,’ not yet clear of the bank ; and the ‘ Cairo’ just sent
a boat out to cast off her hawser. The ‘St. Louis’ came down
pretty well. Two rams were making for the ‘Cincinnati,’ and
once again hit her in the stern, receiving the fire of the stern
guns. That boat struck Stembel twice, doing little damage, but
using sharpshooters to such effect as to dangerously wound Stem-
bel, and Fourth Master, Mr. Reynolds, and one man in the leg.
By this time we were in their midst, and I had the satisfaction of
blowing up the boilers of the ram that last hit the ‘Cincinnati’
by a shot from our port bow 42-pounder rifle. I fired it delibe-
rately with that view, and when the ram was trying to make
another hit. Another ram had now hit the ‘ Mound City’ in the
bow, and had received the fire of every gun of that vessel in the
swinging that followed the contact. We interposed between
another and the ‘Mound City,’ and the fellow, afraid to hit us,
backed off, where he also blew up from a shot hitting a steam-
pipe or cylinder. All the rams drifted off disabled, and the first
one that blew up could not have had a soul remaining alive on
board, for the explosion was terrific. We could have secured two
or three of them had we had steam-power to do so; but as it
was, we saw them drift down helpless under the fort, and one is
said to have sunk in deep water.” This account of the battle,
like all the others from the flag steamer, merely mentions the
NAVAL OPERATIONS ABOVE FORT PILLOW. 267

“ Carondelet ” as though unavoidably in the rear, if at all ; and the
former is represented in her place, intercepting the enemy’s rams
and saving our fleet from utter destruction. But, in reality, the
Benton was not near enough to interpose any interference with
the rams, until they began to retreat under the fire of the
“ Carondelet.” Immediately after this letter from the “ Benton,”
we are not only informed that the enemy, being afraid to ram
that huge monster, “backed off,” but a few days after the reports
from that vessel, being greatly improved, state that the rebels
confessed and declared to the same interesting party, that they
would have been victorious, but for the “ Benton ;” and so quick
was this confession, that it appeared to be almost miraculous, if
it were true. But this was only a phantom to screen the flag
steamer for not being ready for action, or for battle, as she should
have been on that occasion.

Here is another of the same sort, and apparently from the
same source, found in an article of the Cincinnati Zimes, dated
May 16, 1862, whose correspondent writes under the heading,
“The round of the Fleet, and the efficiency of the Flag Ship.”
“Your correspondent made the rounds of the fleet yesterday, as
he usually does two or three times a week. In most of the
accounts given of the late action here, too little credit has been
given to the ‘Benton,’ Captain Phelps, which certainly rendered
the most efficient service of any boat belonging to the flotilla.
The rebels, as has been stated, were afraid of her, and conse-
quently she had superior freedom of action, and, as she was
admirably handled, she treated the rams very roughly. Had it
not been for her, the ‘Carondelet,’ Captain Walke, which was
moving down to the foe, would have been cut off from the fleet,
and possibly captured, if her gallant commander had not blown
up his ship, which is very probable, rather than let her fall into
the hands of the enemy. The officers of the flag ship, and espec-
ially Commodore Davis, are greatly pleased and have a higher
opinion of her than ever. She turned to the right and left, and
from the left to right, and upwards, downwards and across the
river ; would have done credit to a light-draught steamer. The
rebels were afraid, and declared they could have been successful
but for her.” In this letter the “Carondelet,” or her captain, is
complimented with the acknowledgment that they were in the
midst of the battle ; but it is not true that they were saved from
the enemy by the “Benton,” when she came down to the “ Caron-
delet; for the Confederates at that time had retreated beyond
268 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the range of our guns, as the last shot we fired at them fell
short.

When the “ Arkansas” ran through our combined fleets at
Vicksburg, Farragut and Davis frankly acknowledged that they
had not steam enough to pursue her. Here the flag steamer,
without steam, is represented to be “ahead,” leading those gun-
boats which were all ready when the enemy appeared, and which
started immediately to the rescue of the “Cincinnati,” leaving
the flag steamer behind, immovable and securely moored at the
bank of the river, like the “Pittsburg” and “Cairo.” But we
give her credit for finally cutting her moorings, when she drifted
down the river, until sufficient steam was raised to work her
engines, and she then (though late) joined in the battle. All
honors are due to Flag-Officer Davis, and no fault can be attrib-
uted to him, as his orders were not properly executed.
Norre.—We have here endeavored to give a perfectly impartial narration
of these scenes, as they appeared to us and other eye-witnesses, and also as
they are described by the Confederate authors; in order that both sides may
contribute to an impartial history of our civil war before the principal actors
have passed away.

In Captain Montgomery’s account of this battle, he very naturally and
truly attributes his want of success to the facility with which our light
ee gun-boats could run over the shoals, where his rams could not

ollow.

The locality of these numerous shoals was not known by any of our
officers, except the pilots (whose valuable services in this battle contributed
greatly in saving our fleet from disaster), but they were promptly pointed
out to the commanding officers, who were informed by the pilots also of the
probable advantages or dangers of an attempt to run the gun-boats over
these bars.

After the battle, Captain Walke with the ‘‘ Carondelet ” and her consorts
steamed to the western shore of the river, and anchored on the shoals oppo-
site Plumb Point, where the Confederate rams could not approach or attack
them without being exposed to a raking fire from our heavy rifled guns;
and they could not possibly ram our gun-boats as they did in deep water.
The selection-of this secure anchorage by Captain Walke with his division,
and its advantageous position in supporting distance of the remainder of
our fleet, then lying near the opposite shore (as indicated in Captain Mont-
gomery’s report), no doubt prevented the enemy from making another
attack. .

Neither of the Commodores, however, seemed satisfied with the result
of the battle, and to the surprise of all who knew the particulars of this
fight, the flag-officer and his flag-steamer are highly complimented, and
he was finally promoted for his eminent skill and success on this and other
occasions. And the officers of the ‘‘ Carondelet” were privately censured
by him (while under the influence of gross misrepresentations), because they
did not capture some of the Confederate rams when their vessel was nearly
surrounded by the enemy’s vessels ; fighting them almost alone, and assailed
from all quarters. This covert abuse of the ‘‘ Carondelet” and her officers
was soon silenced, and finally it was handsomely atoned for by Flag: officer
Davis, when he presented Captain Walke with a pair of shoulder-straps. See
letter in the Appendix, page 445.

A day or two after the battle, the buncombe letters from the flag-steamer
claimed that she was the leading and principal fighting vessel of our fleet,
and in this battle saved it from certain destruction, and that she rescued the
“Carondelet ” in particular, when in fact the latter vessel was the first to
encounter the main body of the enemy’s fleet at close quarters alone; and
she disabled some of the rams, checked the advance of the enemy, and some
of his rams were actually retreating before any of our fleet came to her assist-
ance or in supporting distance, except the ‘‘ Mound City.” The ‘‘ Benton”
joined the ‘‘ Carondelet” in completely routing the enemy, and no other
Federal gunboat was present at the close of the battle. The ‘‘ Cincinnati” and
“ Mound City ” were sinking, and retreating with all speed up the river. The
«Pittsburg ” was aiding the ‘‘ Cincinnati,” and the ‘‘ St. Louis” was detained
by the ‘‘ Cairo’s” delay, until they both were too late to participate in the
pursuit of the enemy. The ‘‘St. Louis” then ran to the assistance of the
“Mound City.”

We have deemed it proper and necessary, in vindication of the truth of his-
tory, to add these particulars respecting the battle of Fort Pillow—the facts in
relation to which have been so perverted and misrepresented, that the truth
is in great danger of being entirely Jost sight of; and unless it is revived by
the surviving actors of these scenes, a true account of the naval oper-
ations on the Western rivers, and of this first pitched battle between the
National and Confederate fleets in particular, will sink into oblivion.
HaTOANYH LY SNROe LHDIN

syBoQuND eyB1epasmoD

 
CHAPTER XIII.
EVACUATION OF FORT PILLOW.

Devices for Strengthening the Gunboats.—The ‘‘ Carondelet’s” Plan Ap-
proved of by Admiral Davis.—Attempt to Dislodge our Gunboats.—De-
moralizing Effect of our Bombs.—The Evacuation Reported.—The Rebel
Steamer ‘‘ Sovereign.” —Tennyson’s Narrative of the Evacuation.

Tuts battle with the enemy’s formidable rams, at Fort Pillow,
suggested the necessity of strengthening the guards of our gun-
boats, to effectively resist the enemy’s new mode of attack.

Flag-Officer Davis therefore gave orders to the commanding
officer of the iron-clads, to strengthen their vessels on the water-
line with wood and iron, or both combined, in order more effec-
tually to resist the enemy’s rams. This order brought the mechan-
ical skill of the officers of each vessel into play. Many devices
were suggested, according to the prevailing vocation of the me-
chanics on board each vessel ; a practical illustration of the truth
of Aisop’s fable—the carpenter, blacksmith, engineer and sailor,
each had his invulnerable project (the currier was silent on this
occasion). After much consideration the sailor’s plan received
the preference, the more elaborate conceptions of others, for want
of time and material, being found impracticable.

Accordingly, logs were procured, and securely suspended and
lashed, at the water-line of our gunboats, which rendered their
sides invulnerable to the enemy’s rams.

But these formidable buttresses of heavy logs on the water-
line of the gunboats proved to be a serious obstruction to their
speed ; and they were dispensed with during, and after the battle
of Memphis, the carpenters and blacksmiths fortifying the bow
with heavy timbers and railroad iron. The work of protection in
this manner was progressing, when an inspection of the fleet was
ordered, to ascertain the relative merits of the ram-proof inven-
tions, and the plan of the ‘“‘ Carondelet ” was adopted by the flag-
officer, as is shown in the following order :

[269]
270 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

“The mode of protecting the forward and after parts of the gunboats
adopted by the ‘ Carondelet’ is recommended to the captains of the other
gunboats, except Captain Thompson, who has already made the ‘ Pittsburg’
secure. The flag ship will furnish the requisite material, and the iron work
will be done on board the ‘ Swallow,’ on application to the fleet captain.

“Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“©. H. Davis,
“Flag-Officer,
“To the “Commanding Mississippi Flotilla.
Captains of the Flotilla.”

Here we may clearly see that Captain Davis was actually
“commanding officer, present, of the Mississippi flotilla.” Some
of the friends of Admiral Foote claim “that Fort Pillow
was captured while he was still commander-in-chief ;” and as
Foote retained this technical command until June 17th, many
readers would conclude that Memphis, also, “was actually cap-
tured while he was still in command,” and all of which “his fore-
sight and patient skill had prepared” and “had fully anticipated
for himself,” and not for “a subordinate commander,” of course ;
but alas, one at a time only can justly be rux hero of a battle,
which he must fight and win for himself.

Flag-Officer Davis continued bombarding Fort Pillow daily,
after the battle, and two of the gunboats were detailed to guard
the mortar-boats until evening, when they were towed to a posi-
tion where they would be under the immediate protection of the
fleet until next morning. Fort Pillow returned our fire, but with-
out effect, our boats being partially protected under the dense
forest on the river bank; many of the enemy’s shell, however,
struck and exploded very near them.

ATTEMPT TO DISLODGE OUR MORTAR-BOATS,

The enemy made a reconnoissance on Craighead Point on the
22nd of May, having the advantage of being concealed from our
view, the purpose being evidently that of dislodging our mortar-
boats, by a land attack upon them by their troops, while our gun-
boats were anchored or moored to the river bank some distance
above them. On that day, however, the “St. Louis” (Lieutenant
W. McGannigle), with General Quimby, Colonel Fitch, and a few
of our troops, started for the Point at an early hour, but discover-
ing the enemy’s pickets, they withdrew. The next day an increased
force made a reconnoissance, but the enemy, anticipating this
movement, had a larger force in readiness, which was placed in
EVACUATION OF FORT PILLOW. 271

ambush on the Point, and scouts were then sent out to decoy our
troops into:the snare. Our little party were not caught napping
—they were ready for an engagement with equal numbers. After
assuming the offensive, however, it transpired that they were
likely to be overpowered by superior numbers, and our troops
were therefore compelled to retire, with the loss of two privates
of the 34th Indiana Regiment, and a wounded lieutenant, to the
“St. Louis” at the landing. After receiving our troops on board
the “St. Louis” opened her broadsides upon the enemy, which
silenced and dispersed them immediately. The enemy’s gunboats
made no further attempts on our mortar-boats.

Our bombardment must have had a terrible effect upon Fort
Pillow and its occupants, as they kept up a constant and well-
directed fire im return upon our mortar and guard-boats. They
threw their shells with such precision that our gunboats were
frequently compelled to change positions. On one occasion two im-
mense shells came near striking the “Carondelet.” One of them
fell so near as to throw the water on her deck, as it plunged
beneath her bottom. She immediately weighed anchor and moved
up the river a short distance, when another bombshell struck just
astern of the berth she had left, which would have sent her to the
bottom had she been in her first position. The enemy’s mortar,
from incessant firing, soon exploded, and their rifle shell then be-
gan to strike, and explode with surprising precision for such a
distance. But their fuses were too short for the distance, and
burst prematurely, doing our people no harm. It was evident
that a concealed signal station was somewhere in. the surrounding
woods or in the bend of the river below us, telegraphing the aim,
and the result of the firing from Fort Pillow. The constant ex-
plosion of our bombs had a demoralizing influence upon the
enemy ; one, as reported by a refugee, falling fairly on the head
of a sentinel, buried him instantly—and their firing became more
and more desperate and heavy.

On the night of the 4th of June a great many explosions were
heard and fires seen at Fort Pillow, indicating a speedy evacua-
tion or general movement by the enemy.

This proved to be the case. Our flag-officer, on receiving intel-
ligence of the fact, made signal, at dawn of the 5th, to his fleet,
to get under way, and at ten minutes past 4 on that morning he,
with his gunboats, moved down the river to the fort, in the fol-
lowing order: “Benton,” “Mound City,” “Louisville,” “Caron-
delet.” “Cairo” and “St. Louis,” accompanied by the ram fleet
272 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

under Colonel Ellet, with the “Monarch,” “ Queen of the West,”
“Switzerland ” and “Lancaster.” At 5, a. m., the fleet rounded
to at Fort Pillow, which was found abandoned, when they took
possession of the works. Flag-Officer Davis, when first informed
of the evacuation—very early on the 4th—sent for Colonel Fitch,
and made arrangements to occupy Fort Pillow immediately.
Fitch returned to the transport “Hetty Gilmore,” and with a
detachment of troops, started for the fort, arriving in advance of
our flotilla. Colonel Ellet, following Fitch, hoisted our flag on
the fort before the latter could debark his command.

The enemy had destroyed everything that they could not re-
move. Three large rifle guns and two 10-inch mortars were
burst ; fourteen or fifteen large guns were left in the fort dam-
aged, two of them spiked. The water batteries were of great
extent, capable of mounting about sixty guns; two 128-pounders
in the lower battery were both dismounted and spiked; they
were marked “C. 8. A. 1861,” and weighed 16,000 pounds each.
Some of their batteries were casemated and bomb-proof, and of
superior construction. On the bluffs an area of five or six miles
in the rear was rendered impassable by cavalry or infantry, by
fallen trees, abatis, chevaux de frise, and breast-works ; there were
also deep ravines and all other natural advantages for defense,
equal, if not superior, to those of any other fort in the Confeder-
ate States.

The spoils taken were fifty wagons, camp equipage, and com-
missary stores ; two 128-pounder cannon ; two 10-inch mortars, and
two 32-pounder rifle-guns. A gun was found loaded to explode
by the heat of a fire built under it, in time to perpetrate mischief
to any of our people while they were taking possession of the de-
serted works ; the foundation was burnt, however, and the gua
had tumbled over before it could explode.

The lower batteries were about fifteen or eighteen feet above
the level of the river at its height. Another formidable battery
was planted about half-way up on the bluff, and on the summit
were mounted their iron monsters, overlooking the bends of the
river for many miles, and commanding the approach of an ene-
my in any direction. At an elevation of about two hundred and
fifty feet, these Chickasaw Bluffs are intersected with numerous
deep gorges and thickets in the rear, giving the position a most
defensive character.

THE “SOVEREIGN.”

At meridian the fleet again steamed down the river, and at
EVACUATION OF FORT PILLOW. 273

3.30, P. M., met the Confederate transport “Sovereign,” coming
up the river in search of our two pilots, whom Admiral Davis
had sent to communicate with Admiral Farragut. The leading
gunboats of our fleet opened fire upon her ; she turned and
escaped beyond their reach, and was soon out of sight. But the
admiral despatched the tug “ Spitfire,” with a howitzer, and Lieu-
tenant Bishop, in chase. It was evident that the “Sovereign”
was too fast for the tug. The latter, however, by taking advan-
tage of the short turns in the bayous, made a more direct course
down the river, and finally intercepted the “Sovereign” through
a chute at Island No. 37. This brought the “Sovereign” within
gunshot of the tug, which shelled her so effectually that she ran
ashore, and was captured with no one on board but a loyal boy,
whom they had pressed into their service ; the lad, seizing the
first opportunity, returned to the steamer in time to save her
from a terrible explosion, which was prepared for her and our
tug, with all its officers and crew. He also made signals to our
tug in time to save the “Sovereign” from destruction by our
shell ; while her captain and the rest of her officers were on their
flight through the country, burning cotton with enthusiastic zeal,
to prevent the “Yanks from gobbling it all up,” as they used to
say away down on the Mississippi river.

It is here proper to remark that the Mississippi squadron had
not destroyed the property, or disturbed the peaceful people of
the South, nor would such a thing have been countenanced except
as a military necessity.

TENNYSON’S ACCOUNT.

John §. Tennyson (one of the above-mentioned pilots) writes
the following narrative of their adventure :

“ At meridian of the 4th of June, I received a note from Flag-
Officer Davis, stating that he wished two pilots of the Mississippi
to carry dispatches to Commodore Farragut. I volunteered, and
at 1, Pp. M., same day, Samuel Williamson and myself reported on
board the flag ship ‘ Benton,’ then above Fort Pillow. We were
put in possession of the dispatches, and received verbal instruc-
tions in case of loss. A small canoe or * dug-out’ was furnished
us for the voyage, and a detail of men from Colonel Fitch’s regi-
ment, to carry the canoe across the land, to a point on the Mis-
sissippi river four miles below Fort Pillow, the distance by water
being twelve miles.

“We started at 3.30, p. M., intending to get at our point of em-

18
274 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

barkation at sunset, but made it one hour before that time. We
saw three of the enemy’s gunboats pass down. As soon as they
had passed we embarked in our little canoe, being then fairly in-
side the enemy’s lines, with four hundred and sixty miles to pass
before we would see the ‘stars and stripes’ again. We paddied
out across the river and saw enough to know that Fort Pillow was
evacuated. We passed Randolph. Saw no lights, and began to
congratulate to ourselves on a speedy voyage. But on turning
the point helow, three rebel gunboats, in line, with cutters near
each shore rowing guard became visible. The night was cloudy,
but the moon was full. With a fine glass we saw a cutter ap-
proaching us. Neither of us spoke, but by signaling agreed to
lay in shore. We happened to stop alongside of a large log, and
the cutter sheered off, and as they did so we heard the remark,
‘that’s no dug-out, it is only a drift log.” We also heard our
names mentioned, and that we were carrying letters from Flag-
Officer Davis, to bring Farragut’s fleet up and get them between
two fires. We waited until they were one hundred yards above
us, when we shoved out. After passing Island 35 we concluded
to exchange our boat for the first skiff coming in our way, as the
rebels had the ‘dug-out’ mark on us. This we expected to do at
Peccan Point, twenty miles below Fort Pillow. On reaching that
point, we found three rebel gunboats laying at the Arkansas
shore, and a cutter near the Tennessee shore. We floated between
the cutter and the gunboats without being seen, aiming for a
point on the Arkansas shore where we might lay by, deeming it
unsafe to attempt running during the day, until we should get
below Memphis. Our point gained, rest was out of the question ;
mosquitoes and gnats kept us busily engaged.

“ At about 9, A.M., six rebel gunboats passed down, two passing
on our side, carefully scrutinizing with their glasses. About 2,
p.M., the transport steamer ‘Sovereign’ passed up. An hour
later we heard heavy guns firing, and saw the ‘Sovereign’ coming
down, and shot falling near her, but could not see our gunboats.
The first one coming in sight was a tug. A shot falling near the
‘Sovereign’ deterred us from embarking to join the ‘ Benton,’
now in sight at the head of our fleet. The ‘Sovereign’ and tug
passed us at about equal speed. The tug, by taking a short cut
over the bar at the head of tHe chute of Island 37, gained on
the ‘Sovereign,’ and brought her in range of the 12-pound howit-
zer, which, after three rounds, drove the ‘Sovereign’ ashore, with
ner safety-valve weighted down, throttles closed, and fires fuil,
EVACUATION OF FORT PILLOW. 275

with the intention of blowing her up; which purpose, however,
was defeated by a loyal boy, sixteen years old, who remained by
her after she was abandoned by her crew. This lad, having some
knowledge of what should be done, took off the extra weights
from the safety-valves, opened the throttles and let her blow
through, opened the fire doors and flue caps, and wet out the fires.
Then he procured a sheet and signalled to the tug, which at this
time, fortunately enough, was busily engaged endeavoring to un-
load their howitzer, having rammed home a charge of fixed am-
munition shell first ; and the delay caused by this blunder enabled
them to see the boy’s emblem of surrender. The tug went along-
side of the ‘Sovereign,’ leaving her clerk and carpenter on board,
and was afterwards placed in my charge.
(Signed) “Jno. 8. Tennyson.”

Our fleet was now approaching the city of Memphis. The sun
was setting clear, and as the dark shadows came over the scene,
our fleet of gunboats, rams and transports, in a train over ten
miles in length, winding slowly down the river, soon became in-
visible, except by. a forbidden light which here and there flashed
along the line. The flag steamer being far in advance, a tug was
sent from her to the “Carondelet,” with a verbal order from the
flag-officer, to proceed no further for the present, which order was
also given to the rest of the fleet in herrear. But Captain Walke
knew that the flag steamer was alone, and, by this time, nearly
down to the city of Memphis, where the enemy’s fleet was waiting
to attack our fleet ; and he realized the danger to which the flag
steamer alone would be exposed, if the order was obeyed. He
was, therefore, convinced that the order was not delivered cor-
rectly, and upon his own responsibility continued in pursuit of the
flag steamer, to obtain more certain instructions at that critical
period. She ran to within two miles of Memphis, where she found
the “ Benton” anchored below the “ Hen and Chickens.” Captain
Walke found, upon inquiry, that the order referred to above
was misunderstood, and it was immediately countermanded, which
soon brought our fleet within signal distance, in order of battle.
We mention this instance of naval experience to show some of
the dangers which beset our western flotilla, through the mistakes
of inexperienced officers, especially when a concert of action in
the fleet was so indispensable to success, in the presence of an en-
emy. Another case in point soon followed :

The next morning at dawn the enemy’s fleet steamed up to
276 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

attack us, when our rams, which were greatly needed to make the
onset upon those of the enemy, were several miles up the river.
While waiting for them, maneuvering to get some of our gunboats
into the line of battle, the whole fleet, in the variable currents,
appeared to be wavering or disinclined to meet the enemy, who
therefore ran up to make a bold attack, but he was coolly kept at
bay by our well-directed shot and shell, until our rams began to
join the flect. But, unfortunately, as we then thought, only two
of them came in time to make the first attack, which deceived the
enemy with the idea that they were unarmed river boats, coming
down to make a formal surrender to him ; and our rams succeeded
in ramming the enemy before receiving their fire. The consorts
of our ram squadron, by another mistake or misunderstanding of
orders, did not participate in the battle at all.
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CHAPTER XIV.
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS.

The Federal Fleet Engaged.—The Battle Opened by the Enemy.—Results of
the Fight.—Grandeur of the Scene Portrayed—Explosion of the ‘‘ Jeff.
Thompson’s” Magazine.—Flag-Officer’s Report of the Surrender of Mem-
phis.—Colonel Ellett’s Report.—Extracts from Press Correspondence.—
Confederate Acknowledgment of our Victory.—An Enormous Amount
of Rebel Property Destroyed.—An Atrocious Act that cannot be Denied.
—A Well-Earned Eulogy of the Mississippi Sailors.—Expedition up the
White River.—Explosion of the ‘‘ Mound City.”—Scenes on the Missis-
sippi. ‘
AFTER the evacuation of Fort Pillow by the enemy, Admiral

Davis proceeded down the river to Memphis, with the flag steamer

“Benton,” Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, “ Louisville,” Com-

mander Dove, “Carondelet,” Commander Walke, “St. Louis,”

Lieutenant-Commander McGanigle, “Cairo,” Lieutenant-Com-

mander Bryant, with the ram fleet under command of Colonel

Charles Ellett, consisting of the “Queen of the West,” ‘ Mon-

arch,” “Lancaster,” “ Mingo,” “Lioness,” and the “Switzerland.”

The six vessels last named had been transformed into rams,

strengthened with timber to a thickness of three feet, bolted

and plated with iron.

Admiral Davis anchored the gunboats near the “Hen and
Chickens,” about two miles above Memphis, on the night of the
5th of June, 1862. Being warned on his way down that the
Confederates would attempt the defense of Memphis, he was not
surprised the next morning to find their fleet ready for battle.
It consisted of eight iron-clad rams, namely: “General Van
Dorn,” Commodore Montgomery, flag steamer, “General Price,”
“ General Lovell,” “ General Beauregard,” “ General Jeff. Thomp-
son,” each mounting four heavy guns; the “General Bragg,” and
“General Sumpter,” each three heavy guns, and the “Little
Rebel,” mounting two guns.

The battle, which lasted an hour and ten minutes, was com-
menced by the enemy (whose vessels were in double line of battle
opposite Memphis), firing upon our fleet, then a distance of a mile

[277]
278 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

and a half to two miles above the city. Their fire continued for
a quarter of an hour, when the attack was promptly met by two
of our ram squadron—the “ Queen of the West ” (Colonel Charles
Ellett), leading, and the “Monarch ” (Lieutenant-Colonel ‘Ellett,
a younger brother of the leader). These vessels fearlessly dashed
ahead of our gunboats, ran for the enemy’s fleet, and at the first
plunge succeeded in sinking one and disabling another, although

 

In these diagrams the United States gunboats are designated by
numbers, and the Confederate rams by thcir initials,

No. 1, Benton, Flag steamer. L. R., Little Rebel,
2, Carondelet. Confederate flag steamer.
8, St. Louis. Bg., General Bragg.
4, Cairo. Bd., General Beauregard.
5, Louisville. P., General Price.

6, Tug Jesse and Dauntless. | 8., General Sumpter.
7, Ram Queen of the West. | L., General Lovell.

8, ‘ Monarch. J. 'T., General Jeff. Thompson.
9,‘ Lancaster. V. D., General Van Dorn.
10, ‘* Switzerland.
11, Transports and supply
boats.

their astonished antagonists received them gallantly and effectively.
The “Queen of the West” and “Monarch” were immediately
followed in line of battle by the gunboats in the order given at
the beginning of this chapter, under the lead of Flag-Officer
Davis, and all of them opened fire, and continued the same from
the time they got within good range, until the end of the battle ;
two or three tugs keeping all the while at a safe distance astern,
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. 279

The “Queen of the West” was a quarter of a mile in advance of
the “Monarch,” and after having rammed one of the enemy’s
vessels (see reports to the secretary of war), she was badly rammed

      
  

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THE ONSET OF OUR RAMS AT THE BATTLE OF MEMPHIS.

by the “Beauregard,” which then, in company with the “ General
Price,” made a dash at the “Monarch” as she approached them.
The “Beauregard,” however, missed the “Monarch,” and struck

 

THE ENEMY’S FLEET DISCOMFITED.

the “ General Price” instead, in the port side, cutting her down
to the water-line, tearing off her wheel instantly, and rendering
her hors de combat. The “ Monarch” then rammed the “ Beaure-
280 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

gard,” which was several times raked fore and aft by the shot and
shell of ow iron-clads, and she quickly sank in the river opposite
Memphis. The “General Lovell,” after having been badly rammed

 

THE ENEMY’S FLEET RETREATING.

by the “ Queen of the West ” (or the “ Monarch,” as it is claimed),
was struck by our shot and shell, as officially reported, and at
about the same time and place as the “ Beauregard,” sank to the

 

TIE ENEMY ROUTED.

bottom so suddenly as to take a considerable number of her officers
and crew down with her, the remainder being saved by small
boats and our tugs. The “General Price,” “Little Rebel,” with
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. 281

a shot-hole through her steam chest, and the “Queen of the
West,” all disabled, were run upon the Arkansas shore at Hope-
dale, opposite Memphis; and the “ Monarch” afterwards ran into
the “Little Rebel” just as our fleet were passing her in pursuit of
the remainder of the enemy’s fleet, then retreating rapidly down
the river. The “Jeff. Thompson,” below the point and opposite
“ President’s Island,” was the next boat disabled by the shot and
shell of our pursuing squadron. She was run ashore, burned and
blown up. The rebel ram “Sumpter ” was also disabled by our
shell and captured. The “Bragg” soon after shared the same
fate, and was run ashore, where her officers abandoned her, and
disappeared in the forests of Arkansas.

All the rebel rams which had run on the Arkansas shore were
captured. The “Van Dorn,” having the start, escaped down the
river alone, and the “Monarch” and “Switzerland” were dis-
patched in pursuit of her and a few transports, but returned
without overtaking them, although they captured another steamer.

The scene at this battle was rendered most sublime by the des-
perate nature of the engagement, and the momentous consequences
that followed very speedily after the attack had been commenced.
The people in tens of thousands crowded the high bluffs over-
looking the river, some of them apparently as gay and cheerful as
a bright May morning, and others watching with silent awe the
impending struggle. The roar of cannon and shell soon shook
the earth on either shore for many miles; first, wild yells, shrieks,
and clamors, then loud, despairing murmurs, filled the affrighted
city. The screaming, plunging shell crashed into the boats, blow-
ing them and their crews into fragments ; and the rams rushed
upon each other like wild beasts in deadly conflict. Amidst all
this confusion and horror, the air was filled with the coal and sul-
phurous blinding smoke ; and, as the battle progressed, all the
cheering voices on shore were silenced, every voice became trem-
ulous and disheartened, as it became evident that their fleet was
faltering, and one after another of their vessels sank or became
disabled. The deep sympathizing wail which followed each dis-
aster, went up like a funeral dirge from the assembled mu!titude,
and had an overwhelming pathos; but still many gazed through
their flowing tears, upon the struggle, until the last hope gave
way, and then the lamentations of the bereaved burst upon the
ear, in deep heart-rending. cries of anguish.

The die was cast, and the crowd of mourning spectators melted
away, in unutterable sadness for loved ones lost, and their sanguine
282 | SCENES AND INCIDENTS. !

hopes of victory forever gone. The spectacle was one which
subdued all feelings of resentment on the part of the victors, and
awakened a natural sympathy towards the vanquished—their fel-
low-countrymen—on shore. The general grief and the weight of
woe inflicted, on some of the spectators, was such as could arise
only from a civil war, like
that in which we were then
engaged.

The crowning scene,
though less distressing, was
more terrific and sublime
than anything which had
preceded it. In the hour
of triumph and naval su-
premacy, when our gunboats
were returning to Memphis,
occurred the explosion of
the “Jeff. Thompson” mag-
azine. In an instant, before
any sound had reached our
ears, the heavens were light-
ed up as by a magnificent
coronal, its snow white
crest reaching beyond the
clouds. Then came the
terrific roar, and the scene
—one that can never be forgotten—was of surpassing beauty and
grandeur.

   

Preeidents Island

RAM ‘JEFF. THOMPSON” BLOWN UP.
VICTORY WON !

FLAG-OFFICER’S REPORT OF THE SURRENDER OF MEMPHIS.

Admiral Davis to Secretary Welles.

“U. 8. Flag Steamer ‘Brenton,’
““Mempuis, June 6, 1862.
«Sir:

“In my dispatch of yestesday, dated at Fort Pillow, I had the honor to
inform the Department that I was about moving to this place with the men-
of-war and transports.

“JT got under way from Fort Pillow at noon, leaving the ‘ Pittsburg,’
Lieutenant Commanding Egbert Thompson, to co-operate with a detachment
of Colonel Fitch’s command, in holding possession of and securing public
property at that place, and also the ‘‘Mound City,” Commander A. H.
Kilty, to convoy the transports containing the troops not then ready to move.
On my way down, I came suddenly, at a bend of the river, upon the rebel
transport steamer ‘Sovereign,’ which turned immediately to escape from us.
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. 283

I sent Lieutenant Joshua Bishop, with a small body of armed men in a tug
by whom she was captured. She is a valuable prize. The gunboats
anchored at 8, P.M., at the lower end of Island 45, a mile and a half above
Memphis. The mortar, tow-boats, ordnance, commissary, and other ves-
sels of the fleet tied up at Island 44 for the night.

“At daylight this morning, the enemy’s fleet, consisting of the rebel rams
and gunboats, now numbering eight vessels, were discovered lying at the
levee. They dropped below the railroad point, and returning again, arranged
themselves in front of the city.

‘At 4.20, the flotilla, consisting of the following vessels :—The flag ship
‘Benton,’ Lieutenant Commanding, L. 8. Phelps; ‘ Louisville,’ Commander,
B. M. Dove; ‘Carondelet,’ Commander, Henry Walke; ‘Cairo,’ Lieutenant
Commanding, W. C. Bryant; and the ‘St. Louis,’ Lieutenant Commanding,
Nelson McGunigle,—got under way by signal, and dropped down the river.
The rebels, still lying in front of the town, opened fire with the intention of
exposing the city to injury from our shot. The firing was returned with
due care in this regard. While the engagement was going on in this man-
ner, two vessels of the ram fleet, under command of Colonel Ellett, the
‘Queen of the West’ and ‘ Monarch,’ steamed rapidly by us, and ran boldly
into the enemy’s lines. Several conflicts had taken place between the rams,
before the flotilla, led by the ‘Benton,’ moved at a slower rate, could arrive
at the closest quarters. Meantime, however, the firing from our gunboats
was continuous, and exceedingly well directed. The ‘General Beauregard’
and ‘Little Rebel’ were struck in the boilers, and blown up. The ram
“Queen of the West,’ which Colonel Ellett commanded in person, encoun-
tered with full power, the rebel steamer, ‘General Lovell,’ and sank her,
but in doing so, sustained some serious damage.

“Up to this time the rebel fleet had maintained its position and used its
guns with great spirit. These disasters, however, compelled the remaining
vessels to resort to their superiority in speed as the only means of safety. A
running fight took place, which lasted nearly an hour, and carried us ten
miles below the city. It was ended in the capture or destruction of four or
five remaining vessels of the enemy, one only, supposed to be the ‘Van
Dorn,’ having escaped. Two of the rams, the ‘Monarch’ and ‘ Lancaster
No. 8,’ pursued her, but without success; they brought back, however,
another prize.

‘‘The names and fate of the vessels composing the rebel fleet are as fol-
lows :—The ‘General Lovell,’ sunk in the beginning of the action by the
‘Queen of the West ;’ she went down in deep water in the middle of the
river, altogether out of sight. Some of her crew escaped by swimming ;
how many went down in her, I have not been able to ascertain. The ‘ Gen-
eral Beauregard,’ blown up by her boiler, and otherwise injured by shot,
went down near shore. The ‘ Little Rebel,’ injured in a similar manner,
made for the Arkansas shore, where she was abandoned by her crew. The
‘Jeff. Thompson,’ set on fire by our shell, was run on the river bank, and
abandoned by her crew. She burned to the water’s edge and blew up by
her magazine. The ‘General Price’ was also run aground on the Arkansas
shore ; she had come in contact with one of the rams of her own party, and
was otherwise injured by cannon balls. She also was abandoned by her crew.
The ‘Sumpter’ is somewhat cut up but is still afloat. The fine steamer,
284 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

‘General Bragg’ is also above water, though a good deal shattered in her
works and hull. The ‘ Van Dora’ escaped.

“Of the above-named vessels, the ‘Sumpter,’ ‘General Bragg,’ and ‘ Lit-
tle Rebel,’ will admit of being repaired. I have not received the reports of
the engineers and carpenters, and cannot yet determine whether it will be
necessary to send them to Cairo, or whether they can be repaired here. The
pump of the ‘Champion No. 3,’ will be applied to raise the ‘ General Price.’
No other vessels of the rebel flotilla, will, I fear, be saved.

‘“‘T have not received such information as will enable me to make an ap-
proximate statement of the number of killed, wounded, and prisoners, on
the part of the enemy. One of the vessels going down in deep water, car-
ried a part of her crew with her ; another, the ‘General Beauregard,’ having
been blown up with steam, many of her crew were frightfully scalded. I
doubt whether it will ever be in my power to furnish an accurate statement
of the result of these engagements. The attack by the two rams under Col-
onel Ellett, which took place before the flotilla closed in with the enemy,
was bold and successful.

“Captain Maynadier, commanding the mortar fleet, who accompanied the
squadron in the tug, took possession of the ‘ Beauregard,’ and made her
crew prisoners. He captured also, other prisoners during the action, and
received many persons of the rebel fleet who returned and delivered them-
selves up, after their vessels had been deserted. It is with pleasure that I
call the attention of the Department to his personal zeal and activity, the
more conspicuous because displayzed while the mortar-boats under his com-
mand could take no part in the action.

«The officers and men of the flotilla performed their duty. Three men
only of the flotilla were wounded, and those slightly. But one ship was
struck by shot.*

‘“‘T transmit herewith, copies of my correspondence with the mayor of
Memphis, leading to the surrender of the city. At 11, a.m., Colonel Fitch,
commanding the Indiana Brigade, arrived and took military possession of
the place. There are several prizes here, among them four large steamers,
which will be brought at once into the service of the government.

«‘T have the honor to be,
“Very respectfully,
Your Most Obedient Servant,
“C. H. Davis,
Flag-Officer,
“Commanding Western Flotilla, Mississippi River, pro tem.
‘Hon. Grpron WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.”

This is certainly an excellent report, equally without flattery
or detraction. We are happy to acknowledge the just and gener-
ous encomiums passed upon the gallant and humane conduct of an
officer of the army in command of our mortar fleet, who, while not

* The ship was the ‘‘ Carondelet,” and the wounded men belonged to her
crew.
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. 285

engaged in the battle, took steps to spare unnecessary bloodshed
by rescuing our drowning foes.*

We also admire the impartiality of this report, and the flag-
officer’s frank' and manly acknowledgment that the officers and
men of the flotilla performed their duty.

COLONEL ELLETT’S REPORT OF THE BATTLE.

Colonel Ellett to the Hon. H. M. Stanton, Secretary of War.

*‘ Opposite Mempuis, June 6, 1862.

“Via Carro, June 8, 1862,
se Sm: i

“The rebels made a stand early this morning opposite Memphis, and
opened a vigorous fire on our gunboats, which was returned with equal
spirit. I ordered the ‘ Queen,’ (my flag ship) to pass between the gunboats and
run down ahead of them upon the two rams of the enemy, which first boldly
stood their ground. Lieutenant-Colonel Ellett, in the ‘Monarch,’ of which
Captain Dryden is first master, followed gallantly. The rebel rams endeav-
ored to back down stream, and then turned and ran, but the movement was
fatal to them. The ‘Queen’ struck one of them fairly, and for a moment
was fast to the wreck. After separating, the rebel steamer sunk. My
steamer, the ‘Queen’ was then struck by another rebel steamer and disabled,
but though damaged, she can be saved. <A pistol shot wound in the leg
deprived me of the power to witness the remainder of the fight.

“The « Monarch’ also passed ahead of our gunboats, and went most gal-
lantly into action. She first struck the rebel boat that struck my flag ship,
and sunk the rebel. She was then struck by one of the rebel rams, but not
injured. She then pushed on and struck the ‘ Beauregard,’ and burst in her
side. Simultaneously the ‘ Beauregard’ was struck in the boiler by a shot
from one of our gunboats. The ‘Monarch’ then pushed at the ‘Little
Rebel,’ the rebel flag ship, and having got a little headway, pushed her
befare her, the rebel commodore and crew escaping. The ‘Monarch’ then,
finding the ‘Beauregard’ sinking, took her in tow until she sank in shoal
water. Then, in compliance with the request of Commodore Davis, Lieu-
tenant-Colonel Ellett despatched the ‘Monarch’ and ‘Switzerland’ in pur-
suit of the remaining gunboat and transports, which had escaped the gun-
boats, and two of my rams have gone below. I cannot too much praise
the conduct of the pilots, engineers, and military guards of the ‘Monarch’
and ‘ Queen,’ the brave conduct of Captain Dryden, or the heroic conduct
of Lieutenant-Colonel Ellett. I will name all parties in a special report.

“Tam, myself, the only person in my fleet who was disabled.

[Signed] “‘CHARLES ELLETT,
Colonel, Commanding Ram Fleet.”

* Credit for a like noble action is also claimed for another ofticer, Captain
Pike, who rescued the rebel officers from the ‘‘Beauregard.” This noble
conduct contrasts most favorably with that’ of the enemy at Hampton
286 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

The letter of a special correspondent from Memphis, will give
us more light on the subject: he describes this as “a terrible
scene.”

A ship going down in an instant, with all hands on board, is a
terrible scene—one calculated to appall the stoutest heart. The cur-
rent of the river at Memphis sets close to the Tennessee side, and
rushes by like a strong man in a race ; the plummet gives seventy-
five to one hundred feet of water. The “ Lovell,” being in the
middle of the current, took in the gurgling, whirling water
through her torn sides. Down! down !! down !!! she settled like
a lump of lead. Her crew became terror-stricken. They rushed
hither and thither, bereft of reason. One poor fellow, with his
left arm torn off by a cannon shot, with unspeakable horror in his
countenance, was seen, now beckoning to those on shore, and now
looking up to heaven to the great Father of us all for help. Un-
availing the cry ! Amoment later, and the boat with a lurch, gave
way beneath his feet, and drew him down in the eddying whirl-
pool.

A wail of agony went up from the water and from the land.
Fifty human beings were buffeting the current, grasping at sticks,
and straws, and pieces of the boat, and such movable things as
floated by them. “Help, help,” was the cry which rose upon the
air, and reached the ears of thousands amid the interval of the
still roaring thunder of the cannonade. There was no help for
them on shore. No pen can describe the agony of that mo-
ment to thousands. There were their friends, defeated, crushed,
humiliated, drowning, and they powerless to help.

No wonder that tears were shed on shore. No wonder that
women wept; they had been invited to a different entertain-
ment—the annihilation of the “hireling Yankees.” They had
an exhibition of chivalry and prowess which should redeem
all the ground lost in the war. Aside from the agony of
the hour, was the bitterness of humiliation, terrible to those
who had ridden rough-shod over all who did not accept secess-
sion.

GALLANTRY AND HUMANITY OF OUR FLEET.

No sooner was the cry for help heard than by a natural im-
pulse there was a rush made by the men of the “ Benton ” to ren-
der assistance. The yaw] was launched in a moment, and so eager
was the crew to save the drowning that it was swamped in the
rush, and two of the noble-hearted men were barely saved from
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. 287

watery graves. Other boats put off from the fleet, and several
were saved when nearly exhausted. Some by their own efforts
reached the shore and crawled up the bank more dead than alive,
and were kindly cared for by the crews of the “ Monarch” and
“Queen of the West.” Brave and noble-hearted men are the
sailors of the western fleet. Theirs all power to crush—theirs all
efforts to save—to crush an enemy, to save when crushed. How
glorious such conduct when contrasted with that which the poor
struggling sailors of the “Cumberland” received at Hampton
Roads from those on board the “ Merrimac.” There, rifle-shots—
here, help! Bright, amid all the distress, all the horrors, all the
infamy of this rebellion, will shine forever, like the stars of heav-
en, these acts of humanity.

Just as the “Beauregard” was sinking, Captain Pike, of the
ordnance department, went alongside in his tug and rescued a
rebel officer, who had been wounded by splinters, and was lying
helpless upon the deck. He stated that when his commander fled,
one of his brother officers stooped down and picked his pocket of
a valuable gold watch.

CONFEDERATE ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE VICTORY.

The Confederate historian has not given us a detailed account
of this battle, but alludes to its consequences very significantly :
“The occupation of Memphis by the enemy was a serious dis-
aster to the South, although it did not open the Mississippi; for
it gave him extraordinary facilities for almost daily re-enforce-
ments of men and supplies and for the preparation of expeditions
to penetrate to the heart of the Confederacy.”

In justice to both sides, and to give a particular and full ac-
count of this battle, we insert the following from the Memphis
Argus, published on the evening after the naval fight (June 6,
1862) :

“ As was generally anticipated, several gunboats of the Lincoln
fleet made their appearance around the bend above the city, this
morning, arriving below the island a little before 6 o’clock.
Their appearance created an immediate movement in our fleet
under the brave Commodore Montgomery, who had been waiting
for them, and his boats were at once headed up stream to offer
them battle.

‘Our fleet was composed of the following boats: ‘General Price,’
‘Van Dore,’ (flag ship) ‘General Bragg,’ ‘General Jeff. Thomp-
son,’ ‘General Lovell,’ ‘General Beauregard,’ ‘General Sumpter,’
288 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

and ‘ Little Rebel,’ all rams and under the supreme command of
Commodore Montgomery.

“Upon arriving opposite the mouth of Wolf river, the Federal
boats in the meantime advancing from the island, the order was
given to fire, which was accordingly done by the ‘Little Rebel.’
Three shots were fired by the Confederate fleet before any reply
was made by the enemy, who, however, continued advancing. A
short time after, the fire was opened by the advance boats of
the Federal fleet, and a brisk interchange of cannonading was
kept up for some time, the shots from both sides generally wide
of the mark. Up to this time no damage at all had been done.
The engagement had then continued probably twenty minutes.
Several more of the enemy’s gunboats now cameinsight. Aware
of their arrival, which would give the enemy such great superior-
ity that he could not continue the engagement at that point with any
hope of success, Commodore Montgomery, who is using the ‘ Lit-
tle Rebel’ as his flag vessel, ordered the fleet to fall back. The
order was reluctantly obeyed, the fire, however, being kept up
vigorously. Our fleet retired to opposite Beal street, no longer
in line of battle, when one of the Federal rams, name unknown,
shot ahead of the remainder of the fleet in pursuit. On reaching
the vicinity of our fleet, preparations were made to receive her.
The ‘Beauregard’ at once prepared to strike. The two bore
down on each other in gallant style. The contest was of short
duration, as the ‘Beauregard’ avoided the blow intended for
her, and struck her adversary forward of her wheel-house. The
blow placed the Federal adventurer virtually hors du combat,
and she hauled off and made for the Arkansas shore, where she
remained during the remainder of the engagement.

“In the meantime another Federal ram started to the first’s as-
sistance, rapidly passing the city under afull head of steam. The
‘Beauregard’ having disabled her first adversary, turned about
to run into this one, the ‘Monarch.’ The ‘ Price’ also moved up,
and the boats were rapidly moving together. A heavy blow
aimed by the ‘ Beauregard,’ missed her and struck the ‘ Price’
squarely on the wheel-house, which was torn off, leaving the boat
nearly a wreck. She at once made for the Arkansas shore, and
at last accounts she had sunk. A number of persons on board
were killed and wounded by the enemy’s sharpshooters. At this
period the four iron-clad gunboats of the enemy, among them we
presume, the ‘Benton,’ ‘Carondelet’ and ‘Mound City,’ none
of which had yet taken any other part than firing at along range,
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. 289

slowly advanced, moving down for the scene of action. The can-
nonading on their arrival was fiercely renewed, and in a short
time the ‘General Lovell’ was pierced by a large shot which
caused her to fill rapidly and settle down.

“We had by this time lost two boats, and fighting was at close
quarters. The ‘Little Rebel,’ which was at this time in the
thickest of the fight, was soon afterwards struck by one of the
Federal shot.* She at once started for the Arkansas side, making
it, and stopping near the ‘General Price.” Commander Mont-
gomery and a majority of the officers and men, perhaps all,
escaped. The ‘Beauregard’ still continued vigorously firing as
she retreated towards the point. Two or three of the enemy’s
large boats closed on her immediately, pouring in broadside after
broadside. She was struck several times by shot which raked her
fore and aft. A Federal ram came up also, dealt her a blow, and
she commenced sinking rapidly, in deep water. At a quarter to
eight o’clock the gallant vessel had already sunk until only her
upper deck and chimneys were visible. A Federal tug was sent
out to her assistance, in which the officers and men were con-
veyed to the Arkansas shore.

“The remaining Confederate boats, ‘Jeff. Thompson,’ ‘Van
Dorn,’ ‘Sumpter’ and ‘Bragg,’ were now moving very rapidly
down the river, aware that their only hope of safety, after the
loss of the other four, and the arrival of the remainder of the
Lincoln fleet, was in retreat. They soon rounded the point below
and from Memphis could [not] be seen ; but our reporter, who wit-
nessed their movements from the ‘Mound,’ observed one of them
run rapidly to the Arkansas shore. Reaching, it she paused, and
a moment, after flames were discovered issuing from her upper
deck. She was evidently permanently disabled by the enemy’s
fire, and abandoned and fired by her officers and crew. The pur-
suit still continued to the foot of President’s island, as far as the
eye could reach the gunboats rapidly firing as they advanced, a
shot occasionally being returned by our fleet. In a short time
two of the Federal iron-clads were discovered steaming back, ac-
companied by the ‘Monarch.’ The conclusion arrived at by those
witnessing this retrogade movement, from the ‘ Mound,’ was, that
the remainder of our fleet had met the fate of the others.

* The “Little Rebel” was shot through her steam-chest, run ashore and
Ce before the ‘‘Monarch,” which had very little headway, could
reach her.

19
290 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

“The loss of life in this engagement cannot be estimated with
any degree of accuracy. The cannonading, we presume, killed a
few, but a number we know to have fallen by the enemy’s sharp-
shooters. Whenever the contending boats came together rapid
reports from guns and pistols could be distinctly heard from the
shore. It is supposed that quite a number went down in the
sinking vessels. Among those known to be killed was Captain
Wm. Codd, of the ‘General Lovell,’ an old Mississippi steamboat-
man, and as brave and true a man as ever trod a deck. Thus
closed the most hotly contested naval engagement fought on the
Mississippi river.”

An enormous amount of rebel property was captured by our
squadron, including the formidable rams “ General Bragg,” “ Gen-
eral Price,” “General Sumpter” and “Little Rebel,” with the
“General Jeff. Thompson” destroyed. Our rams, under Colonel
Ellett, and the shells from our guns, also destroyed the rebel gun-
boats “ General Beauregard” and “General Lovell.” In addition
to the above we captured at Memphis, the following fine large
Mississippi steamers, each marked “C. 8. A.,” namely, “ Victoria,”
“FH. R. Hill,” “Kentucky,” “New National,” “Sovereign,” and
the “ Conway,” the latter being captured by the rams “ Monarch”
and “Switzerland,” below Memphis. A large quantity of cotton,
in steamers and on shore ; the navy yard, and all the Confederate
property, which became ours by right of conquest. We also
caused the destruction of a large steam ram on the stocks (sister
ship to the renowned “ Arkansas”), and two fine steam tugs. The
Confederates lost about one hundred killed and wounded, and one
hundred and fifty prisoners. The gunboats which we captured
from the enemy were soon repaired for service, but none of them
were suitable for shallow water navigation.

The foregoing statements of eye-witnesses afford a very correct
idea of the battle. But some allowance may be made, as usual,
for the bias of interested parties. The flag-officer’s report was as
perfect as it was possible to make it at that time, with the infor-
mation he had at his command.

No serious injury was received by any one on board the United
States fleet. As already stated, Colonel Ellett had a pistol shot in
the leg ; and a shot which struck the “Carondelet” on the bow,
broke up her anchor and anchor stock, and the fragments were
scattered over her deck and among her officers and crew, wound-
ing Acting Master Gibson, of West Virginia, and two or three
others, slightly. Both of these were standing, at the time they
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. 291

were wounded, on the forward deck with Captain Walke. The
heavy timber which was suspended on the sides of our gunboats,
at the water-line, to protect them from being sunk by the rebel
rams, greatly impeded their progress in the battle, and was there-
fore cut adrift as speedily as possible from the side of the “Car-
ondelet,” while that vessel was in chase of the “Bragg” and the
“Sumpter.” The latter had just landed a number of her officers
and crew. Some of whom were emerging from the bushes along
the bank of the river, unaware of the “Carondelet’s ” proximity,
when Captain Walke hailed them through the trumpet, and
ordered them to stop or be shot. They obeyed immediately, and
the captain ordered a tug close by to take them on board, and to
deliver them to Flag-Officer Davis on board the “Benton,” a
short distance ahead, which was promptly done.

An atrocious act, reported in the Memphis papers, namely, that
our fleet had fired into the city, cannot be denied, but that act
was not authorized by any responsible officer of the fleet. It was
the work of a young acting master on the flag ship “ Benton,”
who being afterwards asked what induced him to do so replied,
with a vacant smile, that he “thought it would be a good thing.”

The following is the notice referred to:

“One 64-pounder from the Federal gunboats struck the resid-
ence of N. Cavelline, Esq., in South Memphis, which passed
through the roof, struck a large tree, and, advancing at an angle
of 45 degrees, passed through the chimney, knocking it down and
completely covering up with bricks, a little boy lying in bed. It
was a shell, and did not explode, and, strange to say, tie little
boy escaped unhurt. A shot struck the city ice house, doing no
very serious damage. One larger shell fell near a crowd on the
bluff, in front of the ‘Cayoso,’ but did not explode, and no damage
was done. The bluffs in front of the city were crowded with
spectators. Many ladies were seen with the tears trickling down
their cheeks, humiliated at the triumph of the Federal boats. All
the stores, with few exceptions, were closed, business of every
kind being suspended. Not less than five thousand persons were
on the wharf. The train which left on the Mississippi and Ten-
nessee road was jammed and crammed by our citizens, many of
whom had remained until the last opportunity to get away.”

Jeff. Thompson, notable in partizan or border warfare, having
signally failed with those terrible rams at Fort Pillow, now re-
signed them to their fate ; full of “Dutch courage ” he, as it was
said, stood reclining on his horse, watching the effect of this
292 SOENES AND INCIDENTS.

desperate struggle, and seeing at last his rams all gone, captured,
sunk or burned, he exclaimed, with philosophic composure, “They
are gone, and IJ am going,” mounted his horse, and disappeared
from the wailing of his countrymen for a more auspicious field of
action.

The smoke of the battle and from the burning steamers, cotton
and all property, public or private, contraband of war—fires of
their own kindling—cast a gloom over the city. About seven
thousand bales of cotton alone, besides sugar and molasses in
large quantities, were destroyed, while Beauregard’s cavalry,
scouring the country with firebrands in hand, destroyed as much
more, perhaps ; and martial law ruled Memphis with a high hand.
But when our fieet drew near and knocked the pride out of their
warriors, the subdued and the loyal people were cheered with the
prospect of peace.

MORE PRESS CORRESPONDENCE WORTHY OF CREDIT.

The special correspondent of the Missouri Democrat (Memphis)
June 18th, 1862, made the following report :

“The day after the brilliant naval victory at Memphis, a promi-
nent clergyman who has been strongly Secesh, remarked that
‘when he saw the officers of the Federal Navy pacing the decks
of their gunboats during the whole engagement, and saw that
the rebel officers and men were concealed, he could not help ad-
mitting in his own heart, that the Northern men were braver
than the Southern.’ The country seems surprised that a fleet of
such great pretensions as that which was reported to be able to
capture either the upper or the lower Mississippi fleet, would be
completely annihilated in an hour and three minutes, at a time
and place of its own choosing. ‘l'o one who saw the fight there
was no surprise. Furious bombast came out to attack deliberate
skill. The rebel fleet. came to Memphis two days before the bat-
tle, as was represented by Commodore Montgomery and his offi-
cers, ‘only ta coal,’ previous to capturing the Federal flotilla.
The citizens were called upon to bring forward any coal, however
small the quantity, they might have in their dwellings. Much
fuel was thus collected, and the rebel officers assured the people
that no detriment would befall the city, but that many miles
north they would give battle to, and entirely overthrow Commo-
dore Davis’ fleet. When, therefore, it was reported on Tuesday
night, that the Yankee fleet was five miles above, there was great
commotion in the minds of some, and great expectations in the
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. 293

hearts of others, and notwithstanding the cannonading commenced
at 5.30, a.m., on Friday, almost the entire population had col-
lected on the bluffs to witness the engagement.

“The ‘Little Rebel,’ Montgomery’s flag ship, was permitted to
discharge two shots before our fleet made a reply, and our tardi-
ness to enter the fight was construed by the enemy into a disrelish
for the exercise. Cheer after cheer went up as our fleet seemed
to retire from the approach of the enemy. The stern guns of the
‘Louisville,’ ‘Benton’ and ‘St. Louis,’ were then discharged in
quick succession, yet still to the enemy we seemed to be retreat-
ing. The noble old flag ship ‘Benton,’ however, soon turned her
iron broadside to the hostile fleet, and all our boats rapidly
rounded to, and placed their bows to the enemy, giving him a
broadside as they turned. The ‘Benton’ then advanced, and im-
mediately following her went the ‘St. Louis,’ while the ‘ Caronde-
let,’ ‘Cairo’ and ‘ Louisville’ stood close abreast. Then fearfully
the battle raged, first at long, but soon at short range.

“The reader has already been informed how rapidly and effectu-
ally the rebel fleet was sent down. Let us now step inside of one
of our floating fortifications to note the action. Your correspon-
dent, with the consent of Captain McGannigle, was, at the time
of the engagement, on board the gunboat ‘St. Louis.’ The
position of this boat, by rank of the commander, is the rear, her
captain being the youngest commanding officer in the fleet, though
in this fight the ‘St. Louis’ stood next to the ‘Benton’ on the
starboard side, and dealt skillfully and terribly with the enemy.
When the rebel gunboats came in sight to give battle, it was at
first thought the object of the mission was a flag of truce with a
message from the city authorities. This thought, however, was
goon dispelled by a shot from the enemy. As soon as it was evi-
dent that a fight was on hand, Captain McGannigle descended to
the gun-deck to cheer his men and encourage them to deeds of
valor. The gallant young officer passed from gun to gun caution-
ing his men to be calm and deliberate, not to fire without taking
certain aim, and to waste no ammunition at random. ‘Slow and
well-directed firing,’ said he, ‘will do much more execution than
careless shooting. Here is a chance to distinguish yourselves, and
sustain the fair reputation of the “St. Louis.”’ All the officers
and men were in excellent spirits and eager for a brush. During
the hottest of the engagement every man was cheerful and at his
post. Captain McGannigle and Lieutenant Johnson were all the
time on the spar-deck, carefully watching the movements of the
294. SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

enemy’s boats, and noting the effect of our shot. Pilot Under-
wood handled the wheel with great skill, while McDonald, the
indefatigable gunner, with the coolness of a veteran, and with
certain aim, sent telling charges into the approaching fleet. The
bow guns, which bore the brunt of the fight, were under direction
of Second Master Kendrick, and told fearfully on the enemy.
The captains of these guns, Glerun, McDonald and Robinson,
well heeded the advice of their commander—every shot was a
‘sure pop.’

“At one time, as the boats neared the Arkansas shore, the sharp
crack of rifles was heard and balls went whizzing around our ears.
‘Sharp shooters in the woods,’ sang out the master’s mate, Mr.
Crocker. ‘Rake them with the broadside,’ was the laconic re-
sponse of our brave commander ; and scarcely had the words gone
forth until a dense volume of white smoke belehed forth, with
fiery tongues licking the water and surrounding air, a deafening
roar resounded along the hollow shore, great trees were seen
tumbling down, while branches, leaves, mud and rebels were
scattered in every direction. This prompt response to the cap-
tain’s orders was magical in its effect on the entire fleet, and for-
ever silenced the ‘tooth-pick sharpshooters.’

“During the entire engagement the ‘St. Louis’ allowed the
flag. ship to precede her, of course, and the fact that less rounds
were fired by this boat than any other, is evidence that the gunner
obeyed the captain’s orders, ‘ waited for the smoke to clear up,
took deliberate aim, and drove every shot to the mark.’ So calm
were the officers and crew, and so regular and systematic the
orders and execution, that, but for the dread reality of war, the
scene might easily have been construed into that of a mere holiday
target practice.”

THE MISSISSIPPI SAILORS EULOGIZED.

It is not surprising that these men should have been called
brave even by the most haughty and boastful of enemies. What
is here written of the officers and men of the “St. Louis,” would

' likewise apply to those of all the other boats and rams, for their
management was such as to merit the approbation of the whole
country. Our Mississippi flotilla was navigated and controlled, in
a great measure, by men accustomed to those waters, and their
deeds of valor in many hard fought battles, entitled the river men
to honorable association, in the pages of history, with the sailors
of our navy, and won for them equal renown to that of the Eastern
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. ' 295

fishermen in 1814, whose marvelous exploits taught the boasted
navy of England how to surrender. Nor was the battle of Mem-
phis, June 6, 1862, by any means the greatest of their achieve-
ments. “Had an overruling Providence intended to humble the
haughty secessionists of Memphis by a single stroke of his power,
to a finite mind there appears no more effective mode than ‘to
cause the total destruction of the rebel fleet, under the immediate
observation of this much vaunted people. The quick work of our
gunboats was an unmistakable evidence of Northern skill and
bravery, while the defeat to the rebels was both humiliating and
convincing.”

It was thought by the spectators of this battle that our shot
generally. fell wide of their mark, but this is probably a great
mistake, though a natural one. To an inexperienced observer,
looking down upon the river at right angles, or obliquely with the
line of firing, the effect of the shot would be seen only when it
would strike the water before or after it struck the enemy, unless
it lodged in her hull, and in these two cases they would hardly
see it at all, as, particularly when firing over smooth water, upon
a ricochet the shot will strike the water repeatedly before it
reaches its destination. Otherwise its course would not be visible
from such a stand-point.

The position of the contending fleets from the beginning to the
end of this battle is represented in the subjoined diagrams.

The capture and destruction of Confederate property at Mem-
phis, by our flotilla, was unsurpassed at any naval engagement
during the war. New Orleans may be excepted, and its value
may be safely estimated at a million of dollars.

Lieutenant-Commander 8. L. Phelps, of the “Benton,” in a
letter to Commodore Foote, describes this battle with more accu-
racy than is usual with him, though it is almost exclusively in
praise of the “Benton,” of which he was the executive officer.
This letter has, by its publication, now become historic, which leads
us to state that its account of the positions and operations of the
gunboats of the fleet, was very partial to his own boat.

It was very well known by the officers of our squadron that the
“Benton,” or flag steamer, was the slowest vessel in it,-until the
other gunboats were compelled to protect their sides with heavy
logs, which retarded their speed so much that they could not keep
pace with the “Benton.” Moreover, they dared not go ahead of
her without committing a breach of discipline; hence the great
credit that is claimed for her superior skill and agility, on this
296 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

occasion, is somewhat equivocal. Our fleet formed in a very good
“line abreast ;” as perfectly as the variable strong currents would
permit, at the commencement of the battle; which line was
maintained until the enemy was defeated, but in the pursuit the
flag steamer gradually gained on our squadron until the chase was
ended, and then only was she “a considerable distance ahead,”
about five or six hundred yards. But before this the other gun-
boats had thrown off those obstructions to their progress, and
were then gaining on the flag steamer. This remarkably interest-
ing private letter, published in a historical work, reads thus:
“The ‘ Benton,’ then, as through the action, was considerably in
advance of the other vessels, seemingly the most speedy of them
all, and pursued the now retreating rebels with an accuracy of fire
and an execution really terrible.” This was a very gratifying ac-
count for the writer, no doubt, and as it was the first time the
“Benton” had “led” our fleet into battle, we can cordially ac-
quiesce in her claims for the “lion’s share,” of the honors in this
instance.

LIST OF UNITED STATES GUNBOATS, WITH THEIR OFFICERS AT THE
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS.

Tron-clad ‘‘ Benton” (Flag Steamer).

Flag-Officer, Charles H. Davis. Acting 1st Assistant Engineer, Wm.
Lieut. Commander, 8. L. Phelps. C. Bleakney.
Acting Assistant Paymaster 8. Acting 2nd Assistant Engineers, J.
Henriques. Y. Starr, C. W. Ridgelew, Rob-
Acting Masters, George P. Lord and ert Long and Oliver Brady.
Gilman D. Groove. Pilots, Richard Burch, Daniel T.
Acting Chief Engineer, Samuel W. Duffy and Horace E. Bigsby.
Bosdwick.
Tron-clad ‘ Louisville.”
Commander, Benjamin M. Dove. Acting 1st Assistant Engineer, A. W.
Assistant Surgeon, Abram M. Vail. Hardy.
Acting Assistant Paymaster, Lewis Acting 2nd Assistant Engineer, John
Jorgensen. C. Parkinson.
Acting Masters, R. H. Bandsman, T. Acting 8rd Assistant Engineer, D.
M. Parker, 8. C. Harrison and Chapel.
R. L. Ker. Acting Master’s Mate, Charles L.
Acting Chief Engineer, J. B. Fulton. Felton.

“, Pilots, Samuel Williamson and Samuel McBride.

Iron-clad ‘‘ Carondelet.”
Commander, Henry Walke. Acting Chief Engineer, Charles H.
Assistant Surgeon, J. I. McNeiley. Caven.
Acting 1st Master, Ed. E. Brennand. Acting 1st Assistant Engineer, Sam-
Acting 2nd Master, O. Donelson. uel 8, Brooks,
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. 297

Acting 2nd Assistant Engineer, Au- T. Murry.

gustus T. Crowell. Acting Master's Mates, Theo. Gill-
Acting Paymaster, George J. W. more and J. C. Gibson.

Nixon. Carpenter, George W. Kenney.

Acting Pilots, John Demming and Gunner, Francis Buford.

Lron-clad ‘ Cairo.”
Lieutenant Commanding, N. C. Bry- Acting 1st Assistant Engineer, Jno.

ant. Manning.
Assistant Surgeon, Stephen Fass. Acting 2nd Assistant Engifteer, James
Acting Paymaster, Wm. R. Win- Wilkins.
slow. Acting 3rd Assistant Engineer, Geo.
Acting Masters, Hiram R. Haslett, W. Aden.
James.C. Moore, John Seraney Acting Master’s Mates, Danl. D. Bond
and Thos. Burns. and T. J. Jobson.
Acting Chief Engineer, Jno. W. Har- Pilots, O. B. Jolly and Thos. E.
tupee. ; Young,
Lron-clad “St. Louis.”
Lieutenant-Commander, Wilson Mc- T. Ackerman.
Gunnigle. Acting 2nd Assistant Engineer, James
Acting Masters, J. B. Johnston, C. L. Smith.
J. Kendricks, Alex. Frazier,and Acting 8rd Assistant Engineer, Jno.
Lewellyn P. Paulding. 8. Williamson.
Acting Chief Engineer, Wm. Cars- Acting Master’s Mate, J. H. Mes
well. Adams.

Acting 1st Assistant Engineer, Thos. Pilot, R. G. Baldwin.

LIST OF CONFEDERATE RAMS AND THEIR COMMANDERS,

“Little Rebel,” Commodore J. E. Montgomery, . . 2 Buns.
“General Bragg,” Captain W. H. W. Leonard, 3
“‘General Beauregard,” Lieutenant J. H. Hunt, 4
«General Price,” 1st Officer J. E. Henthorn, 4
«General Sumpter,” Captain W. W. Lamb, . 8
“Colonel Lovell,” J. C. Delancy, & ee in) oe ae ks EE
“General Jeff. Thompson,” J. H. Burk, ‘i 4
“‘General Earl Van Dorn,” Isaac L. Falkerson, 4

28

guns.

 

EXPEDITION UP THE WHITE RIVER.

A few days after the battle and capture of Memphis, Admiral
Davis despatched the “Mound City,’ Commander Kilty, “St.
Louis,” Lieutenant-Commander Wm. McGunnigle, and “Lexing-
ton,” Lieutenant-Commander Shirk (followed by the “Conestoga,”
on the [4th of June), with the captured transports “New Nation-
al,” “Jacob Musselman” and “ White Cloud,” and also with
troops and provisions, under the command of Colonel Fitch, of
the Indiana Brigade.
298 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. '

On the morning of the 16th this fleet steamed up the White
river until 6, p.a., when they came near the little town of St.
Charles, situated on a high bluff, about one hundred miles from
‘the mouth of the river. Commander Kilty, hearing that this
point was well fortified, halted and anchored out of range. Col-
onel Fitch sent out a company of scouts, on each side of the river,
to reconnoiter; a tug was also sent ahead on the same errand,
developing, as they soon discovered, the enemy’s intentions. On
the morning of the 17th the “Mound City,” followed by the
“Musselman” and “New National,” with troops, then the “St
Louis,” ‘“‘ Lexington” and “ Conestoga,” ran up until they came
within sight of the bluffs in the bend. Half a mile in advance of
them, the “ Mound City ” opened fire, and the troops were landed.
The other gunboats passed on slowly up the river until within range
of the batteries, when they poured in a steady fire, which was
soon returned. They advanced in good order towards the ob-
structions, which the enemy invariably planted before his batteries,
and continued firing. The fort opened upon them with 32 and
42-pounder rifled guns, which were the most accurate and destruc-
tive guns of that period.

EXPLOSION OF THE “MOUND CITY.”

The battle was raging for half an hour longer, when a shot
struck the “Mound City” on the port bow (unplated), cutting its
way completely through her casemate, piercing the steam-drum,
and letting fly its terribly fatal contents upon all on board but
one, inflicting death or the greatest agonies on about two hun-
dred souls. Thirty-five only escaped very serious injury. Every
officer but one was scalded or killed. The first master, C. Down-
ing, of Peoria, Ill., only escaped, he being on the upper deck out
of reach of the steam. Captain Kilty was in the pilot-house, and
was terribly scalded. Some of the crew jumped overboard, several
were reported to have been shot by the enemy while swimming,
and many were drowned.*

* With reference to the above charge made against Captain Joe Fry (for-
merly an oflicer of the U. 8. Navy) that while he was then in command of
the Contedente battery, and during this engagement, and while our men
were struggling in the water, Fry’s command fired on them with grape and
canister. <A letter from the captain of the ‘‘St. Louis” (which took the
place of the ‘‘ Mound City,” immediately after that vessel was disabled) pub-
lished in one of the St. Louis papers, shortly after the battle, absolutely re-
futed the report, and at the same time commended the personal character
of Captain Fry, his former classmate, as far superior to such ignoble con-
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. 299

The “ Lexington,” Commander Shirk, then towed the “Mound
City” out of danger. The fort was taken by our troops under
Colonel Fitch, without the loss of a man. The enemy’s loss is
not known. Their commander, Colonel Fry, who was formerly a
lieutenant in our Navy, was wounded and captured.

Our gunboats were called iron-clads, but they did not deserve
the name, as they were so imperfect in their armor as to be very
little better than wooden vessels, and far more dangerous in the
service required of them, than any other war vessels. Some of
them were truly and quaintly styled “thin” or “ tin-clads.”
They were got up under the pressure of circumstances, as the
delay in building more perfect monitors then, would have been
fatal to our progress into the enemy’s country.

By this time, however, the nation had been fully aroused to the
demands on its strength, and the present monitors were ordered
to be built. But so much time was required for their completion
that but one or two small monitors, and those of the most inferior
class, were finished in time to be of any service. One of them,
the “ Osceola,” at an opportune moment, rescued our “ tin-clad ”
fleet from destruction, checked the progress of the enemy’s raids
into Kentucky northward, and finaJly held undisturbed possession
of several important points on the rivers.

Had the other monitors been ready in time, many precious lives
would have been saved, and the war, no doubt, considerably short-
ened.

And shall we benefit by this experience? In the spirit of our
fathers, whose faithful warnings are esteemed so lightly, we repeat
the old patriotic sentiment, “in time of peace, prepare for war.”
In this last expedition, however, going up the White river, Cap-
tain Kilty chased and captured the very large new steamer
“Sarah Donelson,” with a load of cotton, but both vessel and
cargo were, as usual, claimed by loyal men (so tospeak), and he did
not receive any prize money, which certainly should have been
granted tosuch a deserving and afflicted officer. He was for several
years perfectly helpless, requiring the attendance of a nurse and
body-servant, and he will require the latter for the rest of his life.

Lieutenant-Commander Byron Wilson, succeeded Captain Kil-
ty, in command of the “ Mound City,” rendering very important

duct. We have alsc received reliable assurances from other friends of Cap-
tain Fry, that he did not fire, or permit his men to fire upon our men while
they were in the water, on the above-mentioned occasion.
800 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

services during her subsequent career at the Yazoo, Vicksburg,
Grand Gulf and Red river.

THE PROGRESS OF OUR FLOTILLA DOWN THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER
FROM MEMPHIS.

On the 29th of June, Admiral Davis’ fleet proceeded down the
Mississippi from Memphis, being composed of the following gun-
boats and transports: “Benton” (flag), “Carondelet,”  Louis-
ville,” “St. Louis,” six mortar-boats in tow of transports, and the
provision boats. On the 30th, met one of our “rams” between
Napoleon and Choctaw Bend, which reported that Admiral Farra-
gut’s fleet had arrived above Vicksburg with eight of his vessels,
and Admiral Porter, with the mortar fleet below. On the morn-
ing of July Ist, as the flotilla was passing Young’s Point, at the
mouth of the Yazoo river, they came in sight of Farragut’s fleet
above Vicksburg. We exchanged signals, and all hands of both
squadrons cheered gloriously as the Mississippi flotilla rounded to,
and anchored in their midst.

SCENES ON THE MISSISSIPPI.

Regret and commiseration were often manifested on the way as
we steamed down the river, at the sight of desolate and deserted
homes. Sometimes well-dressed negroes were seen (and others
the reverse) standing on the banks ; but very few of the proprie-
tors were visible, although the wives and daughters would often
appear, apparently pleading for their homes, with fear, and that
womanly confidence of the southern ladies, a sight which never
fails to touch the heart of the true sailor. An instance of this
nature occurred while the fleet was passing Young’s point. The
family, consisting of several little girls and their teacher, assem-
bled on the levee. Our officers waved their hankerchiefs, but they
dared not respond, and there they stood, anxious, mute, yet effi-
cient protectors of their homes. On a subsequent occasion, when
at Alexandria, Louisiana, May 7, 1863, a young lady from the
North was at the hotel, but could not get home, and was thereby
very unhappily situated. When she saw our fleet and our officers,
waving to her, she was so overjoyed as to answer the salute by
the customary wave of a handkerchief. For this, the lady was
threatened with imprisonment, which was particularly urged by
her landlady ; but the presence of our army and naval forces pre-
vented this from being done. Some of the officers of the “ La-
fayette,” being apprehensive and interested, were thus informed
BATTLE OF MEMPHIS. 301

as they called on her immediately. This treatment doubly en-
deared our country-woman to her Union fellow-citizens, and ac-
cordingly she was invited and received on board our gunboat
with the greatest pleasure, and conveyed to New Orleans, a day
or two after, in one of our transports, and from thence she proba-
bly returned to her native home.
CHAPTER XV.

ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE ‘“CARONDELET” AND THE
RAM ‘‘ ARKANSAS.”

Description of the ‘‘ Arkansas.”—Fortunate Preparations for Action Made by
Captain Walke.—An Unequal Contest.—Captain Walke’s Report of the
Fight.—Pilot Denning Complimented.—The Armament of the ‘‘ Caron-
delet.” —Extract from Admiral Farragut's Report.—A Slander Answered.
—A Special Correspondent’s Description of the Fight with the ‘‘ Arkan-
sas.’—An Extract from De Soto’s Letter.—Letters from Varied Sources.—
Frank Leslie’s Itlustrated News Account.—No Detailed Official Record of
this Battle published.—Commander Brown’s Account.—The Epidemic of
the Season.

Tur ‘“ Arkansas” was one of the two rams which were designed
and built by the Confederate government for the special purpose
of destroying the United States fleet on the Mississippi. She was
built at Memphis, where she barely escaped being captured by
our victorious fleet in the action of June 6th, 1862. She left
there in an unfinished state, being hastily removed and towed
down the Mississippi and up the Yazoo river. Her consort, which
was left on the stocks at Memphis, was fired by her builders, and
forsaken, to fall into the hands of the victors a burning prize. As
it was said that the “ Merrimac” was especially fitted for service
in Hampton Roads, so of the “ Arkansas” it has often been truth-
fully remarked that she was so constructed as to be in every way
suited for the Mississippi. She was built upon the most approved
model, of the best material, and so as to be of immense strength.
Her armor and armament were each put to the severest possible
test when she passed through our combined fleet, under Admirals
Farragut and Davis, above Vicksburg, when she proved herself
fully equal to the glowing descriptions which had been given of
her by the enemy; and, so far as her powers of resistance and
attack were concerned, she far surpassed the expectations of our
naval officers. She was built as a sea-going steamer, of 1200 tons;
her ram, like that of her consort, captured at Memphis, was a
sharp cast-iron beak, about three feet deep on her stem, project-
ing four feet therefrom, and clasping the bow six feet on either

[302]
 

Arkansas Carondelet.

Battle between the Carendelet and Arkansas.
THE ‘‘OARONDELET’’? AND THE ‘‘ ARKANSAS.’”’ 803

side, and bolted through solid timber about ten feet.* Her cut-
water was heavily iron-shod. She was thoroughly covered with
T-rail iron upon heavy thick timber bulwarks, and cotton pressed
casemating, almost impervious to shot. Her port-holes were
small, with heavy iron shutters; and her machinery was below
the water-line. She had, according to our most reliable reports,
a battery of ten heavy guns—100-pounder, 64-pounder and 32-
pounder rifled guns—and was commanded by one of the best of
the Confederate officers, with a picked crew. In every respect
she was far superior to the rams “General Bragg ” and “General
Van Dorn,” which sunk the U. 8. gunboats “Cincinnati” and
“Mound City” at the naval battle above Fort Pillow, or the
“ Merrimac,” except in size.

FORTUNATE PREPARATIONS.

From July Ist to 15th, 1862, our combined fleets above Vicks-
burg, under Admirals Farragut, Porter and Davis, had comparative
rest while preparing to attack the enemy’s batteries at that point.
Here the commander of the “Carondelet” embraced the first
opportunity of having a heavy timber casemate built over the
boilers of his vessel, which protected them from the enemy’s shot
and shell in her subsequent career. This bulwark had only just
been completed when she fought the “ Arkansas,” and so well did
the enemy plant his shot for the boilers that they invariably
lodged or struck against this casemate after they had passed
through the sides.

On the 15th of July, 1862, at 4, a. w., the gunboats “ Caronde-
let,” Captain Walke, “‘T'aylor,” Captain Gwin, and the ram
“Queen of the West,” Captain Jos. Ford, got under way with
separate and independent orders.

The “Carondelet” was then at anchor four miles below the

* Dimensions of the beak or ram of wrought iron bolted on the cutwaters
of the Confederate rams built at Memphis. One is now lying in the Navy
Yard, Brooklyn, New York.

a foam

2 ft. 8 in,

9 ft. 10 inches spread.

 
304 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

mouth of the Yazoo, when orders from Flag-Officer Davis to
Captain Walke, formal, brief, and verbal, were suddenly delivered
by Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, late in the evening of the 14th,
directing the “Carondelet” to make a reconnoissance up the
Yazoo river on the following morning, and alone, as Captain
Walke was induced to think, as no intimation was given that any
other gunboats were to join him. Neither was anything said to
intimate that the ram “ Arkansas” was expected to attempt to
run through our fleets then anchored above Vicksburg. The
crew of the “Carondelet” were so reduced and debilitated by
sickness, that she could not fight more than one division of guns.
She started on her dubious voyage of discovery at early morn of
July 15th, and steamed up nearly to the mouth of the Yazoo. All
was calm, bright and beautiful. The majestic forest echoed with
the sweet warbling of its wild birds, and its dewy leaves sparkled
in the sunbeams. All seemed inviting the mind to peaceful re-
flection, and to stimulate it with hopes of future happiness at
home. Such anticipations were altogether of too joyous a nature
to last long. When at the mouth of the Yazoo, the “Taylor”
and “ Queen of the West,” which boats had been sent on the same
expedition, under separate orders from the flag-officer, passed the
“Carondelet,” they being faster boats, and steamed ahead.

At six o’clock the “ Queen” and the “Taylor,” the former two
and the latter one mile ahead of the “Carondelet,” discovered a
large, formidable-looking ram eoming down boldly upon them.
They were then about six miles above the mouth of the river,
where it empties into the Mississippi. The “Arkansas” (for
such it proved to be), approached rapidly, and opened a brisk
fire upon the “Queen of the West,” which boat fired one or
two shots, and began to retrace her course with all dis-
patch. As she passed the “Carondelet” Captain Walke ordered
her to report the arrival of the “ Arkansas” to the fleet. The
“Taylor” also stopped her engines, and got around, firing a few
shots at the enemy. As the “Queen” passed the “Carondelet”
the latter was firing her bow guns into the “ Arkansas.”

Soon after, while the “ Carondelet” was turning to avoid being
fatally rammed by the “Arkansas,” and at the same time firing
her bow guns and then her broadside guns fairly at the enemy’s
bow, the “ Taylor” came under her protection. Being “forward”
of the upper deck of the “Carondelet,” with his trumpet in hand,
Captain Walke hailed Captain Gwin as the “Taylor” was pass-
ing across his bow, and ordered him to go and report the approach
THE ‘‘CARONDELET’’? AND THE “‘ ARKANSAS.’ 3805

of the “Arkansas” to Flag-Officer Davis; but no answer was
heard, and the “Taylor” came round to the opposite side below
the “Carondelet,” where she remained and fired occasionally with
the stern gun at long range. The “ Arkansas,” which was much
faster than the “Carondelet,” lessened her speed, and closely en-
gaged that vessel, a running fight being kept up for about an hour,
at a distance of five hundred yards to twenty feet. The “ Arkan-
sas’” bow guns were much superior to the stern guns of the “ Caron-
delet,” but the latter were so well served that the “ Arkansas ”
suffered severely. For a while the “Arkansas” slackened her
speed, but at length made a dash to pass or board the “ Caronde-
let,” when Captain Walke, who was on deck, anticipating the
enemy’s intentions, ran to the main hatch and ordered his boarders
on the upper deck, to board or repel the enemy, which was being
promptly obeyed by some of the men, but as the “Arkansas ”
suddenly increased her speed to pass the “Carondelet ” the board-
ers were again ordered to their guns, and as the “Arkansas”
passed within twenty feet, the “Carondelet” received her
broadsides. The shot from the “Carondelet” penetrated the
“ Arkansas,” and smashed in her pilot-house ; and while passing,
the “Carondelet” crowded her to the western bank of the river.
But having her wheel-rope shot away while closely pressing the
« Arkansas,” the “Carondelet” unavoidably ran ashore herself ;
when she fired her bow guns in the stern ports of the “ Arkansas,”
as she ran down the river, with her flag shot away, in pursuit of
the “Taylor ” and “Queen of the West.” The flag of the “Ca-
rondelet ” waved undisturbed during the battle. She had but four
killed and ten wounded—four seriously, and six slightly. The
Confederates had their commander wounded, ten of their crew
killed, fifteen wounded seriously, and others, her commander re-
ports, slightly ; which was double the loss of the “Carondelet,”
though the latter was not half her size. The “Taylor” was at
this time full of troops, who were on deck unprotected, and they
suffered greatly. In view of all the circumstances attending this
action, it is regarded as a good fight by the “Carondelet,” as her
consorts were too frail to give her any assistance. She not only
maintained an unequal contest with her formidable: adversary
without assistance of any importance, but she detained and evi-
dently compelled the ram to relinquish the combat, and inter-
cepted her pursuit of the “ Taylor” and “Queen of the West,” and
gave protection to those vessels.

The following is a copy of the report of Captain Walke to

20
306 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

Admiral Davis immediately after the battle, when the full amount
of loss was unknown.
CAPTAIN WALKE TO ADMIRAL DAVIS.
“U. S. Gunboat ‘‘ CARONDELET,”
“Orr Vicessure, July 15, 1862.

“Sm: :

“In obedience to your orders passed to me yesterday evening, by Act-
ing Fleet Captain S. L. Phelps, I got under way this morning, about four
o’clock, and in company with the United States gunboats ‘Taylor’ and
steam ram ‘Queen of the West,’ proceeded up the Yazoo river upon a recon-
noissance. We had reached six miles up, when we discovered a formidable-
looking ram gunboat, since proved to be the celebrated - Arkansas.’ The
‘Queen of the West,’ ‘Taylor’ and ‘ Carondelet,’ turned to retreat down the
river, to avoid being sunk inevitably, firing upon her with the bow, broad-
side and stern guns. The enemy vigorously returned the fire with his bow
guns, while in pursuit, and had greatly the advantage of us, being thor-
oughly protected, and having a superior battery. We continued the fight
one hour, when the ‘Arkansas’ came up to run into us. I avoided her
prow, and as she came up we exchanged broadsides, and she passed us im-
mediately. When we fired our bow guns fairly at her, the shot seemed to
glance from her invulnerable stern. At this moment our wheel-ropes were
a third time shot away, and we ran into the shore. Two shot-holes were
observed in the ‘Arkansas,’ however, and her crew were pumping and bail-
ing at the time, and one of her men was seen to be thrown overboard.*

««We have received very extensive damages in our hull and machinery,—
having some thirteen effective shot holes through us. In the engineer’s de-
partment, three escape pipes cut away, steam guage and two water pipes.
In the carpenter’s department, about nineteen beams cut away, thirty tim-
bers, three boats cut up, deck puinps cut away, and many other injuries to
the vessel. We had some thirty killed, wounded and missing, in all. On
board this vessel, four were killed and ten wounded ; a number of our crew
jumped overboard when the steam escaped, two of whom were drowned.
The gunboat ‘ Taylor’ sustained me through the fight, in a very gallant and
effective manner.

‘7 will enclose the detailed account of the carpenter and chief engineer
as soon as I can have them made. We expended about thirty 82-pounder,
+wentp-five 8-inch, six 30-pounder rifles, six 50-pounder rifle shot, and six 42-
pounder, 5-second rifle shell.

“The officers, and most of the crew behaved ia a most gallant manner. I
am sir,

‘“Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant, *
“A. WALKE,
Commander, U. S. N.
“ Flag-Officer
C. H. Davis,
Commanding United States Naval Flotilla, Mississippi.”

* This man was cut in two, while looking through a port of the “‘ Arkan-
sas,” by a cannon shot from the ‘‘ Carondelet.”
THE “‘CARONDELET”’ AND THE ‘“‘ ARKANSAS.’”? 3807

PILOT DENNING COMPLIMENTED

Many instances of excellent and characteristic deportment on
the part of members of the crew, might be mentioned as highly
deserving of praise and commendation ; one or two, however, must
suffice, and may be taken as a fair specimen of our Western boat-
men. Pilot Denning distinguished himself throughout this action
for his fearless coolness in every emergency. He combined in his
nature the affability of the cultured Frenchman with the cool and
reasoning habits of the staid natives of Connecticut, and the
pleasing self-possession and quiet manner of the educated river
men of the West. His presence of mind under all circumstances
was highly appreciated by all on board. Pilot Denning was on
on deck with the captain, walking among the groaning, dying and
dead (who had been placed there by merciful shipmates to gain
momentary relief from the stifling steam which filled the vessel),
when for a brief space the deafening roar had ceased. Then im-
mediately after came the expected death-struggle—an almost
“hand-to-hand” encounter, as our powerful antagonist came
rushing upon us; and Denning, seizing his pistol and musket, ad-
vanced to meet the enemy’s fierce broadside, firing away at them
until they were beyond his reach. He afterwards apologized to
his commander for the departure from the strict orders of duty
in steering the vessel ; but his conduct had been so amusingly
cool as to afford just one of those examples which do not fail of
having a salutary influence upon all their comrades. Those who
know Mr. Denning will readily appreciate the scene.

THE ARMAMENT OF THE “ CARONDELET” MISREPRESENTED.

It may here be proper to correct some erroneous impressions
conveyed in the references made to this encounter by our naval
historians. It is represented that the armament of the “ Caron-
delet” had been materially increased and improved—that she had
mounted “ 9-inch and 8-inch guns, and a 100-pounder rifle gun.”
The contrary was the case; for her battery had been reduced
by the loss of two 84-pounder rifle guns, for which a 50-pounder,
and a 30-pounder rifle gun had been substituted. It is
further said that the wooden gunboat “Taylor” and the ram
“ Queen of the West,” were each unarmed ; but the “'Taylor’s”
original battery of six 8-inch or 64-pounder shell guns and one
stern-chaser, 2 32-pounder, had been improved only a few weeks
previously by the substitution of a battery of Parrott rifled guns.
This inversion is, evidently, the work of some interested party.
308 SCENES AND INCIDENTS..-

It was a well-known fact that during the time the “ Carondelet”
was under the command of Captain Walke, there were no 9-inch
guns then on board, although several of the gunboats had them.
Eight months after the battle with the “ Arkansas,” Captain
Walke put them on board of the “Carondelet” from the “ Lafay-
ette,” and this steamer’s official record will show that “on the 4th
of March, 1863, at 6.30, the ‘ Carondelet ’ came alongside to take
the two 9-inch guns from this vessel.” This error would not have
been so noticeable were it not for the number of similar mistakes
made concerning the gunboats.

In the first volume of the late History of the Navy, at page
516, the following remarks occur : “ This statement of the arma-
ment of these boats must be received only as approximating cor-
rectness, as it is not taken from an official report. The guns on
board of our vessels were so frequently changed during the war that
it was somewhat difficult to determine what the precise battery was
at a specified time, unless the commanding officer made a special
report. Some of these gunboats carried 9-inch smooth-bore guns,
and 100-pounder rifles; and it is easy to see, therefore, that
they were very formidable vessels. The ‘Essex’ mounted a 10-
inch Columbiad, with which she often, it was said, threw shells from
Lucas Bend into the streets of Columbus.” All this reference to
the heavy battery of other gunboats appears to be made for the
special purpose of justifying the pretension on the part of his in-
former, we presume, that the armament of the “Carondelet,” in
this solitary instance, is particularly described, and so greatly
improved as to prepare her for accomplishing more than our
combined fleet were prepared for. The enemy (as at Hampton
Roads) were boasting that they would visit our flotilla shortly
with another “ Merrimac,” and our historian, to justify the infer-
ence that the “ Carondelet” alone, was sent to follow, as a suffi-
cient protection to the two wooden gunboats, has been induced
to reverse the facts by ignoring the “ Taylor’s” new “ Parrott”
rifled battery, and almost doubling the weight of the “Caronde-
let’s” old battery of light 6, 7, and 8-inch guns, to “9-inch and
8-inch, and a 100-pounder rifle.” These forminable guns belonged
only to the iron-clads “ Benton” (flag-steamer) and “Essex,”
and perhaps the “Cincinnati;” the latter two having but
recently been completely repaired and improved with a new and
improved armament at St. Louis or Cairo,—certainly no improve-
ment had then been made in the “ Carondelet’s ” battery, and these
facts could easily have been ascertained if they were desired.
o

THE ‘‘CARONDELET’’ AND THE “‘ ARKANSAS.’ 309

This misstatement was designed evidently by an expert, and, with
other reports as to the positions of the boats and the length of the
battle, was intended to throw the responsibility of the escape of
the “ Arkansas” upon the “ Carondelet,” and thus screen the two
two gunboats mentioned, and the fleet on the Mississippi.

Thus the History of the Navy, and the Biography of Admiral
Foote represent the “ Carondelet,” the first, as leading the retreat,
and the second represents her being shoved on shore by the “ Ar-
kansas.”

The facts are, that the “Carondelet” was in chase of the
“ Arkansas,” and firing into her stern, when the steering-ropes
of the former were shot away, which caused her to run ashore.
The “Taylor” was then half a mile at least ahead of the “ Arkan-
sas,” and the “ Queen” over a mile and gaining.

With the exception of the “Benton” and the “ Essex,” it is diffi-
cult to believe how any of this class of gunboats were so very for-
midable as our Vaval.History represents the “Carondelet” to have
been on this particular occasion. The writers referred to, however,
were “at sea,” and had to aetermine the position of the “Caron-

delet” between the great extremes of being shoved on shore, and

at the same time deserting those poor unarmed gunboats, leaving
them to the tender mercies of the enemy. Such is the product
of our official reports, and it is most probable our naval historian
was instructed to follow them implicitly. In the biography
referred to, there is a letter published, containing a report of this
battle to Flag-Officer Foote, from the acting flag-lieutenant, who
was on board the “ Carondelet,” with Flag-Officer Davis, on a tour
of inspection, a day or two after the battle, to ascertain the facts
and particulars thereof. This letter reads thus in reference to
the battle: “The ‘Taylor’ and ram ‘Queen of the West’ were
to go on this reconnoissance, while the ‘ Carondelet’ should go
up to the mouth of the Old river, and remain till the return of the
first two. The boats left here about 4, a.m., and before 6, a.m.,
began firing, as we supposed, on guerrillas, bushwhackers, or the
like. We, however, soon ordered steam up. It appears that the
boats met the ‘ Arkansas,’ very soon,—that she had a few minutes’
fight with the ‘Carondelet’ at close quarters, in which she (the
* Arkansas’) seems to have got holes below the water-line, as they
were seen pumping and bailing ; and that after shoving the ‘ Car-
ondelet’ on shore, she pushed on, now using her bow guns with ef-
fect on the old ‘Taylor’s’ square stern, at two hundred yards dis-
tant. Gwin made a good fight of it.”
3810 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

This report is hased on other reports by friends or enemies,
according to the choice of the author of it, regardless of the offi-
cial report of Captain Walke.

The guns of the “Carondelet” were heard by our fleet on the
Mississippi for an hour and a-half before the “Taylor” and “ Queen
of the West” returned to the Mississippi river, and during most of
that time the “Carondelet” was engaged with the “ Arkansas ” at
close quarters, protecting the other boats while they made their
escape.

The commander of the “ Arkansas,” who was wounded at the
time, and probably made his report from the bombast of his sub-
ordinates, said, “‘ We drove an iron-clad ashore with colors down
aud disabled,” and it is from this that our acting fleet lieutenant
took his cue when he attempted to belittle the service of a rival

‘boat, though the facts and all the particulars were made known to
him in the reports of the officers of that boat.

The only motive that we can imagine why our history has mag-
nified the strength of the “Carondelet” on this occasion so
pointedly, is, to prevent her from appearing as a eat’s paw to our
fleet.

The “Taylor” was not, we are quite sure, within a quarter of a
mile of the “ Arkansas” at any time; and when nearest to her
the ‘“‘ Carondelet” was between them; and yet she alone made a
“good fight on that occasion.”

After the “Arkansas” passed the “Carondelet,” she was run-
ning slow, and was so far astern of the “Queen of the West”
and the “ Taylor,” that when they reached the fleet she was not
in sight.

Our Naval History represents the “Carondelet ” as the first
gunboat seen “coming out of the Yazoo,” leaving the “ Taylor ” be-
hind making a “good fight with the ‘Arkansas,’” &e, &c.
All this was too cunningly manipulated to have been worked
out by the historian, were he so disposed. The source was the
flag steamer, and the plain intent of these false reports was to
throw upon the “ Carondelet ” the responsibility for the escape of
the “Arkansas,” instead of upon the remissness of the fleet.
The report of the commander of the “Carondelet” was sup-
pressed for some reason which the elite of the Navy will not per-
mit us to know.

The report of the flag-officer, though quite lengthy concerning
the abortive movements of his boat and the fleet, notices the
THE ‘‘CARONDELET’’ AND THE ‘‘ ARKANSAS.’ 811

action in the Yazoo only incidentally, as a disagreeable prelude to
the events of that day, in these words: “ After a severe fight with
the “Taylor” and “Carondelet ” in which both vessels were par-
tially disabled,” &e., &e.

Had the “ Taylor” and “Queen of the West” promptly obeyed
the orders from the “ Carondelet” (on the appearance of the “ Ar-
kansas”) to steam down and warn the fleet, this latter vessel
might have been captured or destroyed, as her speed, when ap-
proaching the fleet, was so reduced that it was plain she had
received serious injury from her encounter with the “Carondelet.”
But, as it happened, the “General Bragg” was the only boat of
our fleet with steam up and ready for battle ; and she was the most
suitable and formidable for the emergency, as it was proven at
Fort Pillow, where she sunk the “ Cincinnati” with one stroke of
her iron prow ; yet her commander, Lieutenant Bishop, failed to
attack, for want of orders, and the chance was lost.

Master McLoughlin, who was officer of her deck on this occa-
sion, makes this statement :

“Close watch was kept for signals, none appeared ; and then
the mortification, regret and anger followed the daring enemy, as
she steadily moved through our fleet, firing and receiving broad-
‘side after broadside. She blew up the ram ‘ Lancaster, which
attempted to intercept her course, and baffled every attempt on
our part to intercept her way to Vicksburg.”

Discipline without discretion, in this instance, may be said to
have aided the escape of the enemy. The fault lay with the blind
adherence to the letter of the law on one hand, by Lieutenant
Bishop, and a misunderstanding or disregard of his orders by
Lieutenant Gwin on the other. Yet under the circumstances as they
appeared at first, it is but fair to presume that the desire to par-
ticipate in the action, and his aversion to leave the “ Carondelet ”
altogether in an unequal and desperate contest, would excuse, if
not justify Lieutenant Gwin in exercising his discretion, particu-
larly as each of the commanding officers were unfortunately act-
ing independently, under separate orders, and seemed responsible
to no one but the commander-in-chief.

Extract from Admiral Farragut’s report, which expresses can-
didly and forcibly the naval opinion at the time.

“It is with mortification that I announce to the Department
that notwithstanding my prediction to the contrary, the iron-clad
ram ‘Arkansas’ has at length made her appearance and taken us
all by surprise. We had heard she was up at Liverpool in the
312 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

Yazoo river, and Lientenant-Colonel Ellett informed me that the
river was too narrow for our gunboats to turn, and was also too shal-
low in some places, but suggested that Flag-Officer Davis might
send up some of his iron-clad boats, which drew only six or seven
feet of water. When this was proposed to Flag-Officer Davis, he
consented immediately, and General Williams offered to send up
a few sharpshooters.*

“The next morning they went off at daylight, and by six in the
morning, we heard firing up the river, but supposed it to be the
gunboats firing at the flying artillery said to be lining the river. Ina
short time, however, the gunboats, except the ‘Carondelet’ appeared
and the ram in pursuit. Although we were all lying with low fires,
none of us hadsteam, or could get it up in time to pursue her, but
she took the broadside of the whole fleet. It was a bold thing, and
she was only saved by our own feeling of security. She was very
much injured, and was only able to drift down at the lowest speed,
say one knot, and with the current she got down to the forts at
Vicksburg before any of us had steam up.

“T had a consultation with Flag-Officer Davis, and we thought
it best to take the evening, when he dropped down to take the
fire of the upper battery, and my squadron passed down with the
determination of destroying the ram, if possible. But by delays
of getting into position, &c., it was so dark by the time we
reached the town, that nothing could be seen but the flashes of the
guns, so that to my great mortification I was obliged to go down
and anchor with the rest of my fleet to protect the transports,
mortar-boats, &c. The ram is now repairing damages done to her.
Be assured sir, however, that I shall leave no stone unturned to
destroy her.”

We insert the following letters of newspaper correspondents,
not only for their descriptions, but also to show the comparative
accuracy of their reports with the official reports made at the
time, from which our present historical accounts so radically
differ.

From a special correspondent on the fleet :

“U.S. Gunboat Flotilla, Wednesday, Judy 15, 1862.
“They had proceeded about five miles further, when those on
the gunboats were startled by the appearance of the ‘Queen’

* The reader will observe that this statement differs very materially from
ed ane as well as that which was made by Lieutenant-Commander 8.
. Phelps.
THE ‘‘CARONDELET’’ AND THE ‘“‘ ARKANSAS.’ 313

coming full speed down the river, with, evidently, every pound of
steam she could make.

“She flew by the ‘Carondelet’ with the words ‘the “ Arkansas”
is coming,’ without heeding Walke’s orders to report it to the admi-
ral. She came swiftly round the point and made for the ‘ Caron-
delet’ but the captain (Walke) is one who knows no such word as
‘back out,’ and swinging around broadsides to avoid raking shots,
the ‘ Carondelet’ belched forth a whole broadside into the rap-
idly advancing craft. Imagine the consternation. produced when
the balls were seen to strike and fall harmlessly in the water.”

From a reliable correspondent of the Cincinnati Times, July
22:

** ACCOUNT OF THE GALLANT FIGHT MADE BY THE GUNBOAT ‘ CARONDELET’
COMMANDED BY CAPTAIN WALKE, IN THE RECENT ENGAGEMENT
WITH THE REBEL IRON-CLAD RAM ‘ ARKANSAS,’

“Captain Walke saw and knew his antagonist at once, but
determined to give her battle, and he did so in most gallant
style. There are no braver officers in the fleet than the ‘ Caron-
delet’ bears. She has always distinguished herself where an op-
portunity occurred, and she always will, under her present com-
mander. The Union vessel sent several shots against the mailed
sides of her foe as she advanced, but did her no apparent harm. The
‘ Arkansas’ answered with heavy metal which told fearfully on
our gallant craft.”

A special dispatch to the Chicago Zribune, July 16, 2, P.m.,
said : “A reconnoissance of the ‘ Arkansas’ showed nine holes in
her side, none of which, however, seemed greatly to have im-
paired her fighting qualities.”

The Chicago Tribune gives the following tolerably good report
of the battle.

“ At daybreak on the morning of the 15th of July last, heavy
firing was heard up the Yazoo river, and it was announced that
the long-talked-of, long-expected ram ‘Arkansas’ was about to
make the attempt to run the Federal fleet, and obtain a position
beneath the gunsat Vicksburg. The firing became more and more
rapid, and a position on the hills of Vicksburg revealed the smoke
of several gunboats rapidly descending the Yazoo river, keeping
up a cannonade as they came. The rear boat was distinguished
from the others by the large volume of smoke which she poured out,
and as the chyuney of the ‘ Arkansas’ was known to be seven feet
in diameter, she was at once pronounced to be the ram. All eyes
314 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

were therefore fixed on the big smoke, and it was watched with
the most intense interest. Soon the ram entered the Mississippi.
The fleet of Commodore Davis, together with ten boats, were ly-
ing about five miles below the mouth of the Yazoo river, and
while the ram was making this distance there was a cessation of
firing ; the Federal boats, which had first attacked the ram up the
Yazoo, having joined the fleet some time in advance of her arrival.

“In afew moments the firmg was renewed, and became more
and more intense as the ram neared the fleet, until one continuous
roar announced that a strife more terrific than any this war has
yet furnished, was going on. For a while immense clouds of
white smoke shut out of view all movements, and only the con-
tinuous roar announced that the ‘ Arkansas’ still lived. After
some twenty minutes the big smoke emerged from beneath the
white cloud, and presently there hove in sight a low black craft
with the rebel flag flying at her stern, which scon made the land-
ing. Generals Breckenridge, Van Dorn and Smith, accompanied
by their aids, and followed by the populace, hurried to the river.
Captain Brown, her commander, was standing on the deck, the
blood running down his face. In response to the cheers of the
crowd he removed his cap, disclosing a gap in his forehead, and
said, ‘Boys I never was under fire before, but Iam not so scared
as I expected to be.’ He afterwards stated in private conversa-
tion, that when he came in full view of the flotilla, he had no
hope of ever seeing Vicksburg.

“The boat was covered with T railroad iron, turned and
matched, presenting a plain surface. The places where the balls
had struck were indicated by bright, glistening spots, and literally
dotted with them. Her smoke-stack was so completely riddled
that it could only be repaired by sheathing. One shell struck her
fair on the prow, breaking the iron plating, and burying itself in
the timber beneath. An 11-inch solid shot went through her iron
side on a line just above her fighting deck, passed through her
smoke stack, and striking the opposite wall or side mashing a man
who chanced to be there, and fell to the floor. Another shot
struck the side of a port-hole and passed in, killing several. She
had been considered and announced as perfectly invulnerable,
and the commander himself, and all others, were astonished, at the
manner in which she was torn up. Her loss consisted of ten
‘killed, and as many wounded. One man who had recklessly put
his head out of a port-hole, was cut in two bya shot, and his head
and shoulders fell into the river ; his less snd body were imme-
.

THE ‘‘CARONDELET’’ AND THE ‘‘ ARKANSAS.”? 815

diately thrown after his head. In contrast of this recklessness, an-
other man was so overcome with terror, that he could not stand
on his feet ; an unfortunate shot killed him while lying on the
deck. The shot which wounded the captain, who was in the
wheel-house, killed the first pilot and wounded another, and for a
moment there was no one at the wheel. Her subsequent career
and destruction is well known. The bravery of her commander
and crew is cheerfully acknowledged by all, and the rebel ram
‘ Arkansas’ will long be remembered for her memorable trip on
the 15th of July, 1862.”

Just after this battle, many reports appeared in which other
gunboats were named as having taken the leading part in the
fight with the “ Arkansas.” Thus, at Cairo the following one was
published :

“ Captain Graham, of the gunboat ‘Taylor,’ arrived here yes-
terday. His fight with the ‘ Arkansas’ is one of the most gallant
naval affairs of the war. For two hours and a half of the time
without any support, fought his formidable adversary at a dis-
tance of from three hundred to two hundred yards. Fourteen of
her shot struck him. The ‘ Arkansas’ did not get off scot free
by any means, for Captain Graham says there were five shot
holes in her starboard side, which was not exposed to the fleet,
and there were also several in her port side. It was a sort of
‘Merrimac’ performance, and we were all more scared than
hurt.”

The following appeared in the New York Herald:

“U.S. Gunboat ‘Taylor,’ Mississippi River,
“July 19, 1862.

“Enclosed I send an extract from our log, giving an account of
the engagement between the gunboat ‘Taylor’ and the rebel ram
‘ Arkansas,’ on the Yazoo river.”

Here the effort is made to convince the country by the publica-
tion of the remarks in her tampered log, that the “Taylor” was
the valiant craft which. first (though unexpectedly) met and at-
tacked the forbidding looking enemy, with her bow, broadside
and stern guns ; in fact, the “Carondelet” was most of the time
between her and the enemy, in such a position that it was almost
impossible for the “Taylor” to fire at the “ Arkansas” with her
stern or broadside guns, without firing into or over the “Caron-
delet” ; and the nearer the “Taylor” was to the “ Arkansas,”
with the “Carondelet” between them as a shield, the more secure
she was from harm.
316 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

The reports were so untrue on this occasion, that they called
forth a letter of remonstrance from Captain Walke to Admiral
Davis, the flag-officer, requesting an adjustment of these misrep-
resentations ; but this letter seems to have miscarried.

A letter from Memphis, by a correspondent of the Cincinnati
Commercial, was as follows:

“ Memphis, July 29, 1862.

“The news from below is interesting, though hardly cheering.
We are obliged to rely principally on the accounts brought by
the ‘Queen of the West,’ and as she makes out a most brilliant
affair for herself, and just the other thing for the entire balance
of the fleet, Iam inclined to think that her story is too deeply
shaded on the one side, or too highly colored on the other.”

In a Chicago paper of the 28th of July, appeared the follow-
ing :—A special of the Times from Memphis says: “Captain
Gwin, of the gunboat ‘Taylor,’ reports eight killed and sixteen
wounded. He accuses Captain .... commanding the ‘Queen
of the West,’ of having made no effort whatever to bring his
vessel into action. The officers of the ‘Lancaster’ say that the
‘Queen’ was the first boat that discovered the ‘ Arkansas,’ and
that she ran for the protection of the fleet without firing a gun,
and in disobedience of a signal to come to the aid of the ‘Caron-
delet,’ while the latter engaged in close quarters with the ‘Ar-
kansas.’” This report was not strictly correct.

It is not known‘that Flag-Officer Davis made any detailed
report of this battle in the Yazoo, to the Navy Department, ex-
cept that which is found in the report of the secretary. The cor-
respondent of the Cincinnati Times, of July 22nd, 1862, is truein the
statement “that upon the approach of the ‘ Arkansas,’ the ‘Tay-
lor’ backed for a little distance, and fired several times, giving
her full leisure and opportunity to perceive that her antagonist
was a powerful iron-clad ship, that could every way overpower
her.” And that she ran under the protection of the “ Caronde-
let,” is recorded in her log, as published.

The Cincinnati Daily Conwmercial says: “We are perfectly
aware of the gallantry and good management of Captain Walke
on several historic occasions, and no officer of the gunboat fleet
has been more impartially or justly praised by our correspondent
than he has.”

The war correspondent of Cincinnati Times, of July 22nd, 1862,
and of July 18th, says : “The hostile boat had a large and beau-
tiful flag at her stern, but the ‘Carondelet’ shot the colors away
THE ‘‘CARONDELET’’? AND THE ‘‘ ARKANSAS.”’ 817
after the fourth fire, sparing us the mortification of seeing the
hateful symbol of defiance flung insolently in our faces, as the rebel
passed down the river in the teeth of our helpless fleet.”

In relation to the “Taylor,” the Chicago Times’ special cor-
respondent at Memphis, July 21st, writes: “A good thing is
told of Captain Gwin, of the ‘Taylor,’ who was sent up the
Yazoo river to look after the ‘ Arkansas.’ He disappeared on his
errand with the old wooden gunboat, which is not strong enough
to fight anything that carries guns, and the next that was seen of
hiw, he came tearing down round the point, with the ‘ Arkansas’
in his rear, putting balls through his wooden stern at every shot.
His stern-chasers were blazing away manfully with as much
effect on the iron walls of his antagonist as could well be imag-
ined. He said afterwards, he was like the man who was sent out
from camp to procure game for breakfast. He went out to look
for rabbits and prairie chickens, and met a grizzly bear, who
froze to his coat tail, and caused a precipitate retreat. Rushing
back to camp with the bear in close proximity, he astonished his
comrades by an uproarious sarcastic introduction : ‘Here, boys !’
he cried, as the grizzly bounded into camp, ‘Ive fetched the
game !’”

The “ Taylor,” being the first boat despatched to Cairo with the
news, reaped all the glory her officers could acquire for her and
themselves by ingenious misrepresentations.

To make something like a reconciling account of the conflicting
statements, two battles are represented. The “Taylor,” accord-
ing to the arrangements of these parties, made a long and good
fight of it—one at long range ; and that of the “Carondelet,” (to
make a fair distinction) was at very close quarters.

One of the best reports published at that time (although erro-
neous in some particulars) was that produced in Prank Seslie’s It-
lustrated News, as follows :

“NAVAL COMBAT IN THE YAZOO RIVER BETWEEN THE U. S. GUNBOAT ‘CAR-

ONDELET’ AND THE REBEL RAM ‘ ARKANSAS.’—UNION
BOATS RECONNOITER THE YAZOO.

“Next to the ever memorable combat between the ‘ Merri-
mac’ and the ‘ Monitor,’ that of the ‘ Carondelet’ and the‘ Arkan-
sas’ is the most exciting. Like the former engagement, it ended
ina drawn battle. On the 14th July, the gunboats ‘ Carondelet’
and ‘Tyler’ were sent by Commodore Farragut to survey the
‘Yazoo river, and ascertain the exact condition of the rebel iron-
plated ram ‘ Arkansas,’ about which there were various reports.
318 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

They arrived at the mouth of the Yazoo, fifteen miles above
Vicksburg, at seven in the evening, and anchored for the night.
Next morning, at daylight, they tripped anchor, and slowly
steamed up the Yazoo, the ‘Tyler’ considerably in advance.
About ten miles up the river, smoke was seen across a little point
of land, which, as Captain Gwin, of the ‘Tyler,’ surmised, pro-
ceeded from the rebel ram, now rapidly steaming towards the
‘Tyler.’
COMMENCEMENT OF THE FIGHT.

“Tn another moment a heavy report was heard from the enig-
matical gunboat, and a huge round shot went howling over the
deck of the ‘Tyler.’ Another and another followed and the
craft increased her speed perceptibly, the ‘Tyler,’ meanwhile,
turning to give her a broadside. Before the Union vessel was in
position the enemy was upon her, and discharged three guns at her
in rapid succession. The ‘Tyler’ fired her broadside, but the
shot seemed, even at that distance, to have no effect upon the
rebel, while the latter had pierced her opponent in several
places. The stranger was iron-clad, and very strong. There was
no longer any doubt that she was the ‘ Arkansas.’ Nor was any
further evidence wanting to show how vastly she was the superior
of the wooden vessel, which soon turned her bow down stream,
and steamed toward the Mississippi as rapidly as possible.

“Strange to say, the ‘ Arkansas,’ in spite of her strength and
weight, is quite fast—nearly as; much so as the ‘Tyler’—and
kept very close behind her, firing at irregular intervals, while the
Nationalist returned the hostile favors with her stern guns. Al-
most every shot of the enemy did damage, though most of them
injured the boat only. One round shot entered above the stern-
post, and killed and wounded eight or ten men, carrying away the
heads of four sailors who were standing in a line working the
piece. :

“There was every prospect the ‘ Tyler’ would be sunk or blown
into the air. Yet her brave officers and crew, though they
regarded their condition as desperate, still kept up a responsive
fire. The enemy’s shot crushed and splintered her timbers, and
few of the loyal hearts on board expected to escape.

“The ‘Tyler’ put on all steam ; and still she could gain but
little upon her pursuer, which followed with the cruelty of a Fury
and the directness of a Fate.

“ By the time the brave Unionists reached the mouth of Old
river, eight of her men had been killed and seventeen wounded.
THE ‘‘CARONDELET’’ AND THE “‘ARKANSAS.”? 319

Some of the reports give the number as eleven killed and twenty-
one wounded, though I think the former more nearly correct. At
present, however, no information of an entirely trustworthy char-
acter can be obtained. The only officers that suffered on the
‘Tyler’ are Chief Engineer Gobel, who was killed, and John
Sebastian, principal pilot, mortally wounded.

“With a heroism worthy of our cause, Captain Walke, of the
‘Carondelet’ ordered the ‘Tyler’ to proceed with all speed to
alarm the fleet, and advise it to prepare for her approach, while he
engaged the rebel monster. In ten minutes afterwards the ‘ Car-
ondelet’ and ‘ Arkansas’ were alongside each other, and conflict
commenced in earnest. The ‘Carondelet’ commenced with her
bow guns, which were admirably worked, striking her opponent
with a rapidity and precision which the enormous strength of the
iron-plating alone prevented taking immediate effect. The
‘ Arkansas’ used in return her rifled and smooth-bore guns with
terrible effect, some of the shots going right through the ‘ Caron-
delet.’ Five men were killed and wounded by the shot and splin-
ters. Seeing her inability to cope with her antagonist, Captain
Walke ran the ‘Carondelet’ alongside the ‘ Arkansas,’ and grap-
pled her.

 

THE ‘CARONDELET’ GRAPPLES THE ‘ARKANSAS.’

“The order ‘Boarders away’ was instantly passed, and the
crew of the Union gunboat speedily mounted the deck of its
adversary. When there they found no foe to. engage, and looked
around for somebody or something to fight. The crew of the
‘ Arkansas’ had retired below, and the iron hatches were closed and
fastened beneath, so that it was utterly impossible to go down
and continue the action. The menof the ‘ Carondelet’ were much
in the condition of one who attempts to open an oyster, but
has neither knife, scissors or stone with which to perform the oper-
ation. Rifle and pistol shots annoyed them from various loop-
holes, and hot water and steam were sent forth from the pipes of
the ‘ Arkansas,’ while the guns of the rebels continued to play
against the comparatively frail sides of the ‘Carondelet.’ The
‘Carondelet’ replied with her steam apparatus, and this kind
of fighting might have continued till both were exhausted
had not the vessels struck bottom, by which the grapplings were
loosed and the ‘ Arkansas’ allowed to drift down the stream, leav-
ing the ‘Carondelet’ by the shore. To the surprise of those on
the latter boat, the ‘ Arkansas’ did not renew the battle, but put
on all steam and moved slowly down the river.
320 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

“The ‘Tyler’ had, meanwhile, reached the Union fleet about
half an hour before the rebel ram made its appearance, but the
time had not been sufficient to prepare fully for her coming. The
best, however, that could be done was done, and in an incredi-
bly short period the Louisville, Cincinnati and Cairo were ready
for the monster. The Union rams were put ready ; the vessels
of Farragut’s squadron beat to arms, and the excitement was in-
tense.

THE REBEL RAM ENGAGES THE UNION FLEET.

“ As the ‘Arkansas’ approached she encountered gunboat No. 6
of Farragut’s fleet, carrying one heavy 11-inch Dahlgren and two
small 12-pounders at the bow. This boat received several shots
from the ‘ Arkansas,’ and replied vigorously with her big gun,
sending one ball through the side of the latter. Without stop-
ping her engines the ‘ Arkansas’ ran past No. 6, and next encoun-
tered the ‘Louisville, which gave her the full benefit of her
broadside and bow guns. The ‘Arkansas’ had by this time
reached a position where her shot were effective in every direction,
and she used all her guns at the same moment, firing at transports
and gunboats indiscriminately. None of the boats were able to
give the ‘ Arkansas’ more than one or two broadsides before she
was out of reach. Most of the balls were thrown at short range,
but many of the solid projectiles glanced off, while the shells were
shivered into a thousand fragments by the force of the concussion
alone. The ‘Benton,’ ‘Louisville’ and ‘Cincinnati’? moved as
speedily as they could turn in the river, and followed closely upon
the heels of the ‘ Arkansas.’

“ As the rebel boat passed the ‘Hartford,’ ‘Iroquois’ and ‘ Rich-
mond,’ she received a heavy broadside from each. The ‘ Essex,’
which arrived only a few days since, managed to send two 100-
pound steel shot fairly through the sides of the ‘ Arkansas,’ causing
her to careen fearfully. One of them is thought to have struck
near her water-line and caused her to leak badly, as she kept her
pump constantly going, and poured out a large stream of water
from her sides. One of the ‘Richmond’s’ 100-pound Parrott shot
is also supposed to have gone completely through her. After
each discharge of her guns the port-holes of the ‘ Arkansas’ were
instantly closed, her sides presenting nothing but a mass of almost
impenetrable wood and iron. One of these port-holes was left
open for a moment, and a ball from the ‘ Benton’ entered, killing
ten men and wounding several others. A shot from one of the
boats, at short range, is said to have struck at right angles upon
THE ‘‘CARONDELET’’ AND THE ‘‘ ARKANSAS.’ 321

the side of the ‘Arkansas,’ and rebounded, falling into the water
close to the vessel from which it was discharged.
THE RAM KEEPS ON HER WAY.

“The ‘Arkansas’ did not slacken her speed during her progress
down the river, but kept steadily forward, firing her guns as she
inoved ahead. Her speed of motion is not as great as some of
her friends have thought she would attain, her immense weight
causing her to draw too much water for rapid movements. Her
enormous iron prow was prominent to view, but she did not at-
tempt to use it upon any of the boats after the first attack. This
was probably owing to her slow pace, and it is to her failure in
this respect that we are doubtless indebted for the present safety

of our boats.
THE RAM ‘LANCASTER NO. 3’

at one time started for the ‘Arkansas,’ intending to run her
down ; but before proceeding far she received three shots, one of
which severed her steam-pipe, by which a number of her crew
were severely scalded, two of them fatally. Notwithstanding the
great number of boats opposed to her, the ‘Arkansas’ succeeded
in passing safely through and seeking the protection of the rebel

batteries.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RAM.

“Two days before Memphis surrendered to the National forces
the rebel ram ‘ Arkansas,’ then in an unfinished state, was towed,
with her plating and guns on board of her, down the Mississippi,
and taken to a convenient place about fifteen miles up the Yazoo
river, there to be finished. Her length over all is one hundred
and eighty feet, and she has sixty feet breadth of beam. Her
model is a combination of the flat-bottomed boats of the West
and the keel-built steamers designed for navigation in the ocean
or deep inland waters. Her bow is made sharp, like that of the
«Plymouth Rock’ or ‘Commonwealth,’ and her stern tapers so as
to permit the water to close readily behind her. In the center of
her hull she is broad and of great capacity, and for nearly eighty
feet along the middle she is almost flat-bottomed, like an ordinary
freight or passenger boat on the Western waters.

“The engines of the ‘Arkansas’ are low-pressure, and of
nine hundred horse power, all placed below the water-line, and
well protected from injury by hostile missiles. Her cylinders are
said to be twenty-four inches diameter and seven feet stroke. She
is provided with two propellers, working in the stern and acting
independently. These propellers are seven feet in diameter, and

21 ;
322 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

are each provided with four wings or flanges, and are capable of
making ninety revolutions to the minute. In consequence of the
independent action of the engines, one propeller can be revolved
forward while the other is reversed, thus permitting the boat to
be turned in little more than her own length. A network of iron
rods, an inch in diameter, and with meshes more than a foot across,
extends around the upper part of: the propellers to protect them
form injury by floating logs and driftwood. When under full
steam it is claimed that the ‘Arkansas’ can make twenty-two
miles an hour down the current of the Mississippi.

“The draught of the boat, with her machinery, armament and
plating, is upwards of nine feet. Her sides are covered partly
with railroad iron of the T pattern, dovetailed together, and
firmly bolted. Along her afterworks and around her stern she is
clad with 2-inch plate iron, the whole extending thirteen inches
below the water-line, and fastened in the best manner possible.

“Forward she carries an enormous beak of cast iron, which is so
made that the entire bow of the boat fits into it like a wedge into
a piece of timber. The supporting sides of this beak are perforated
in numerous places, to admit huge bolts that pass completely
through the bow and are riveted at either end. The entire beak
weighs eighteen thousand pounds, and is of sufficient strength to
penetrate the hull of any war vessel on the river. The sides of
the boat are of eighteen inches solid timber, and, with their mail
covering of railroad and plate iron, are proof against any but the
heaviest projectile.”

The illustration accompanying this account was “ from a sketch
by an officer,” one of the clique, ne doubt, that has before been
alluded to in this work, and contains errors already mentioned,
and not a few others.

In this elaborate illustration, a fleet of our gunboats is engag-
ing the “Arkansas” in the Yazoo, including the “Tuscumbia,”
which was not then built, and which did not join our fleet until
about nine months after this affair occurred. The report also
states that the “ Essex” was sending her 100-pound steel-pointed
incendiary shot through the “ Arkansas,” “making her careen
fearfully.” And the “Benton” must of course appear in her
right place, most conspicuously. The “Arkansas” was accom-
modating enough to leave open, “for a moment only,” one of
her impervious ports, through which a “cannon ball from the
‘Benton’ passed, killing ten men, and wounding several others,”
which was all that were reported to have been killed and wounded
THE ‘‘CARONDELET’’ AND THE ‘“‘ ARKANSAS.”’? 393

by our combined fleets. The “Benton” was all this time on the
opposite or east side of the river, with the fleet of Admiral Far-
ragut most of the time between her and the “Arkansas”; her
fire being thus almost entirely obstructed.

The Navy records contain no official detailed account of this
affair from the commanders of the gunboats, and our History of
the Navy is equally devoid of any official or true account of it.

Each commander is naturally partial to his vessel, as in the
smoke and confusion he can see little of the general action of the
fleet, and hence the advantage of having the reports of all the
commanders recorded with that of the commander-in-chief; and
this, we may add, was the plan adopted by our most distinguished
admirals, Farragut and Porter.

We do not mean to impute any neglect to Admiral Davis in
these remarks, who always performed his duties most admirably,
when supported by his officers.

COMMANDER BROWN’S REPORT.

The report of the commander of the “ Arkansas” completes the
narrative of this event. It was as follows:

“Vicksburg, July 15th, 1862.

“Sir: We engaged to-day, from six to eight, a. m., with the
enemy’s fleet above Vicksburg, consisting of four or more iron-
clad vessels, and two heavy sloops of war, and seven or eight
rams. We drove an iron-clad ashore with colors down and dis-
abled, blew up a ram, burned one vessel, and damaged several
others. Our smoke-stack was so shot to pieces that we lost
steam, and could not use our own vessel as a ram. We were
otherwise cut up, as we were engaged at close quarters ; lost ten
killed, and fifteen wounded ; others with slight wounds.

“Very Respectfully,
“Tsaac N. Brown.”

We have already referred to this report, with reference to the
“gunboat ashore with colors down,” and will here say further
that the “ Arkansas” had run past the “Carondelet” before this
vessel got ashore, which fate the “ Arkansas” herself barely es-
caped, as she passed down with her colors shot away. The
“Lancaster” was not blown up, but received a shot in her mud
receiver (an attachment to the boilers of all the Mississippi boats),
which caused an explosion of steam therefrom, which scalded
several of her crew; this was the basis of the report that the
“ Arkansas ” “blew up ” a ram.
324 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

This report of Captain Brown, under all the circumstances and
difficulties of obtaining the precise facts, was certainly very good,
and there is no doubt that it was intended to be perfectly cor-
rect.

No vessel of our fleet was burned by the enemy. Captain Por-
ter burned one of his bomb vessels, which got on shore and could
not be got off.

On the other hand, one of the pilots who was in the “ Arkan-
sas” during her action with the “Carondelet,” states the amount
of injury which she received from the “Carondelet’s” guns was
not officially nor fully reported, nor was the number of deaths
correctly stated ; instancing the first pilot, whose death resulted
from splinters and the concussion caused by a shot striking the
pilot-house, while he was looking through the peep-hole. This
statement rests on the authority of Mr. James J. Brady, who was
associated with the pilot (Mr. John Hodges) thus killed ; Captain
Brown being also wounded in the head at the same time.

It was frankly and very justly admitted by honorable men, that
this exploit of the “ Arkansas” was one of the greatest naval
feats of the war. Beset with many difficulties, with defective
engines from the beginning, and in the appalling risk of running
the gauntlet through our combined fleets; he was severely
wounded on the head in the onset, yet he faltered not, but gal-
lantly sped his course through the hail-storm of shot and shell ;
and finally received the gratulations of his friends, with that
modest grace which is always characteristic of the true hero.
Our navy officers may well admire the valor of their quondam
friend and comrade, Captain I. N. Brown. :

The slander of the “ Carondelet” and her commander which
was published by a Vicksburg paper and repeated recently by
one in New York is unworthy of our notice.

FRIEND MEETING WITH FRIEND IN BATTLE ARRAY.

It frequently happened during the war, that men who had been
friends, and had enjoyed friendly intercourse for many years,
and who still cherished a fond remembrance of their former
friendship, met in conflict as deadly foes, and were brought into
antagonism, in some cases, even with the members of their own
family, and at other times with the companions of -childhood,
the greatest sorrow incident to this fratricidal war. Then it was
that the words of the inspired psalmist were realized in all their
bitterness ; “For it is not an open enemv that hath done me this
THE ‘‘CARONDELET’’ AND THE ‘‘ ARKANSAS.’ 395

dishonor, for then I could have borne it: neither was it mine ad-
versary that did magnify himself against me. Yea, even mine
own familiar friend whom I trusted, who did also eat of my
bread, hath laid great wait for me. But be Thou merciful unto
me, O Lord: raise Thou me up again, and IJ shall reward them.”*

These verses were strikingly appropriate in the case of the
<* Arkansas” and the “ Carondelet,” for the commanders of these
vessels were old friends, having been shipmates and messmates in
a voyage around the world, although they had not met since that
voyage, nor were they aware of each others’ presence until the
battle was over.

The epidemic of the season commenced very soon after the date
of the encounter with the “ Arkansas,” and our Navy and Army
suffered to an alarming extent, so that the re-enforcements did not
fill the vacancies whichit made. At Cairo, June 12th, 1862, Pay-
master George D. Wise gave the following description of our
hospital steamer to Flag-Ofticer Foote :—

“T wish you could see our hospital boat, the ‘Red Rover,’ with
all her comforts for the sick and disabled seamen. She is decided
to be the most complete thing of the kind that ever floated, and
is every way a success. The Western Sanitary Association gave
us, in cost of articles, $3,500. The ice-box of the steamer holds
three hundred tons ; she has bath-rooms, laundry, elevator for the
sick from the lower to the upper deck, amputation room, gauze
blinds to the windows to keep the smoke and cinders from annoy-
ing the sick, two separate kitchens, for sick and well, and a regu-
lar corps of nurses.”

Referring to the “Carondelet’s ” records of that period we find
that two-thirds of her officers and crew were sick.

* From Psalms lv. and xli., in the Episcopal prayer-book, a copy of which
was on board the ‘‘ Carondelet,” presented by the Episcopal church at
Cairo, Ill. The book was carried with the vessel throughout the campaign,
and received over one hundred rents and scars from the enemy’s shot.
After the battle with the ‘‘ Arkansas,” it was picked up tattered and wet
from among the dead and bleeding.
CHAPTER XVI.
RECONNOISSANCES AND GUARD DUTY.

Burning of the ‘‘Sallie Wood.”—Rescue of Lieutenant Wing.—The ‘‘ Ca-
rondelet ” at Helena.—Letter of Admiral Davis.—Sad Times for the Navy
in the West.—The Injustice of the Press.—The Loyal Southerners.—
Naval Orders.

BURNING OF THE “SALLIE WOOD.”

The “Carondelet,” having been ordered to Cairo, left for that
place soon after her battle with the “ Arkansas.” On the 23rd of
July the pilot of the ill-fated steamer “Sallie Wood ” (Mr. Lucas),
was picked up when he was coming down the middle of the river
in a skiff. He informed Captain Walke that his vessel was fired
on by the enemy’s light artillery at Carolina landing, Princeton,
Argyle landing, and Island 82. At the last-mentioned place the
shot took effect, piercing the steam-drum and stopping the en-
gines. The pilot ran her ashore on Island 82; the Confederates
continuing fire from the opposite side of the river, until all his
‘passengers, officers and crew were driven on the island. As the
eeemy, for want of a boat, could not board her immediately, Mr.
Lucas returned to the “Sallie Wood,” launched her skiff, took his
trunk, and after destroying the mail, descended the river as far
as Island 84, where he concealed himself, from which place he saw
the light of his burning steamer. The following night he de-
scended the Mississippi to a point seven miles below Carolina
landing. There were about thirty-five persons on board the
“Sallie Wood,” thirty-three of whom were taken prisoners, most
of them being sick soldiers, with one or two women, with some
children. Under the direction of Mr. Lucas all the places from
which the “Sallie Wood” was fired on were shelled by the “Ca-
rondelet,” but there was no response elicited to indicate the
presence of an armed force. The “Carondelet” continued her
way up and arrived at Island No. 82 after dark, despatching an
armed party to a woodman’s house, to make inquiry respecting
the fate of the people who were o * ~~ the “Sallie Wood.”

[326]
RECONNOISSANCES AND GUARD DUTY. 327

The house was found to be deserted, although we had seen it lit
up a few moments before the party reached it. The ‘“ Caronde-
let” steamed on slowly, the night being very dark, passing the
remains of the “Sallie Wood,” and stopping occasionally and
blowing her steam whistle to ascertain whether or not any of our
people were still on the island. No sound was heard until she
reached the upper end of the island, when a feeble voice was
heard calling for assistance. A boat was immediately sent on
shore, which returned with First Lieutenant Wing, Co. G, 4th Wis-
consin Volunteers, who had been three days without food, con-
cealed in the driftwood. His strength was now almost exhausted.
All of his companions had been discovered by the close search of
the enemy, and captured. Lieutenant Wing informed Captain
Walke that the mail on board the “Sallie Wood” was thrown
into the river with a weight attached. The “Carondelet” had
run aground in the mean time, and it took all night with “all
hands” to get her afloat again.

A short distance above Island 82 a refugee surrendered himself
(Mr. Montague), who stated that the Confederate batteries on
the river were composed of four guns, two iron rifled 6-pounders
and two brass 12-pounders. At Island 83, above Greenville, some
guerrillas were quartered near a school-house, and the “ Caronde-
let” sent her shell among them with a precision that told them
their haunts were known, and they had barely time to escape ;
between their hasty flight and our exploding shells it was hard to
tell which raised the greatest cloud of dust.

The “Carondelet” having arrived at Helena Captain Walke
called on General Curtis, and gave him all the information re-
specting the enemy that had been collected on the passage up.
This was very gratifying to the general, as several boats had
passed him without stopping. He desired very much the services
of one or two small fast gunboats to keep the river clear and to
prevent the enemy from crossing over to his rear. His army ap-
peared to be in very good condition.

Seven refugees from Arkansas, and one contraband, were picked
up from small boats, after leaving Helena, and brought to Mem-
phis, at which place the “Carondelet” arrived on the 30th of
July. Up to this point she had made her way with great diffi-
culty, from the want of fuel, which could only be procured by
foraging parties, who were obliged to go well guarded into the
enemy’s country and take what could not be purchased. After a
short stay at Memphis the gunboat proceeded up the river and
328 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

arrived at Cairo about the 5th of August. Nothing of importance
transpired during the passage from Memphis to Cairo, and there
was indeed very little more firing on our transports by the guerillas
until 1863, when their operations were renewed extensively in the
Cumberland and Tennessee rivers.

The “ Carondelet’s” repairs having again been completed (and
they were on this occasion very extensive), she was reported by
Captain Walke, on the 15th of October, ready for active service.
She had then the honor of paying the last tribute of respect to
our brave and efficient commander-in-chief, Admiral Chas. H.
Davis, by saluting his victorious flag at Cairo, and also the flag
of that distinguished officer, Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter, on his
assuming the command of our western fleet. The following let-
ter of Admiral Davis, in reference to the report of the above
mentioned voyage of the “Carondelet,” is pertinent.

“U.S. Nava Depot, Caro,

“SIR: August 24th, 1862.

“Your instructive communication of July 31st, giving an account of your
recent cruise up the river from Vieksburg to Memphis, fills a gap in the his-
tory of the squadron, which gives it great importance.

“‘T shall forward a copy to the Department.

“Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant
C. H. Davis,
“Commander Commanding U. 8. Naval Forces on Western Waters.
H. WALKE,
Commanding ‘ Carondelet.’””

These were sad times for our navy in the West, which was not
only contending with the frowning battlements of the enemy, and
that fell disease which grapples the stranger as “stolen fruit,”
but also, and worst of all, with that relentless monarch, “the
Press,” “mightier than the sword,” and to which presidents, cot-
ton, iron, and railroad kings must bow ; therefore why not those
poor servants who fight their battles for them? “Off with his
head!” was the mandate which often went thundering over the
land, and down fell too frequently the pride and flower of our
Navy and Army. Who cannot feel for the anguish of the man
who discovers that all his love and devotion to the interests of
his country, and his endeavors in her defense, are neither dis-
cerned nor appreciated ? But it must ever be so ; for the voice of
the press and of the masses, in a popular government, can over-
throw and reverse platforms and campaigns, and those who make
them.
RECONNOISSANCES AND GUARD DUTY. 829

The following is a sample by a correspondent of one of our
western papers. He found that Yazoo means “ death,” and that
this was making sad havoc among the poor sailors and soldiers in
that region. He accordingly attacks the admiral commanding, in
high style, for keeping him in such bad company, and then says :

“The results of the expedition are these : gained, nothing ; lost,
the ‘Carondelet’ shot to pieces, the ‘ Louisville’ disabled, the
‘Benton’ riddled, the ‘Taylor’ demolished, the ‘Essex’ and
‘Sumpter’ thrown away, the rams ‘Lancaster’ and ‘ Queen’ sent
into dry-dock for weeks. The loss of the ‘Essex’ alone to the
river flotilla is irreparable. She has been under reconstruction
for six months, and has cost a mint of money, and on her first
trip she was cut off, and compelled to go to New Orleans. The
gunboat flotilla is actually ruined, and we shall know it to our
sorrow before sixty days pass over our heads.”

This tirade appears to flow from superlative patriotism, which
we greatly admire ; but the personalities in this case were more
damaging to our country than to its officers. The writers of such
effusions should remember that they are (even when true) often
as discouraging to the success of a campaign, and encouraging to
the enemy, as a defeat in battle. It was equally unjust and inju-
rious to underrate our enemy by reporting that our gunboats and
great guns frightened them into submission, when the graves of
our brave men killed in action will prove that such was not the
case.

It must be admitted that the Army and Navy officers under a
republican form of government cannot expect much protection
from it when attacked by the public press.

In time of war especially, the strife for advancement and rank
hides justice from sight frequently, and men who controlled the
‘press, and who had a capital of political influence, often aspired
to and obtained positions in the Army and Navy, for which they
were by no means qualified. Against them, a regular officer
without influence could have little hope for a fair show before
the people ; but the historian should make reparation, and bring -
forth the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

THE LOYAL SOUTHERNERS.
Although the Southern States, by deserting the national flag,
and, through a majority of their representatives, assuming the

awful responsibility of the war, brought upon themselves the
fearful punishment which followed, yet there were many loyal
330 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

Southerners who were compelled to leave all that was dear to
them and suffer as those who were the principal actors in the con-
spiracy. Such persons had their patriotism put to the most severe
test, especially the old and wealthy. And our magnanimous
government found itself generally unable to protect them. Among
the many thousands who thus suffered for their loyalty to the
Union, were two uncles of Captain Walke, George McIntosh and
William Walke, of Norfolk, Va.; the former of whom was has-
tened to his grave by the extreme excitement and sorrow, which
he was unable to endure.
NAVAL ORDERS.

The following orders will commend themselves to the notice of
naval readers, and will help to explain and render more easily
understood some features of this work :

[General Order, No. 4.] “U.S. Mississrppr SQUADRON,
“Cairo, IL, Oct. 18, 1862.
«<The commanders of all vessels will see the following orders carried
out, and senior officers will immediately report to me any violation of
them.

“Every precaution must be taken against a surprise by the rebels, partic-
ularly in the light-draught gunboats, and for this reason they must uot lie
tied up to a bank at any time.

“The guns must always be kept loaded with grape and canister, and the
small arms at hand, loaded and ready to repel boarders.

“‘ Boats are never to land at places where rebels are likely to cut off the
men or fire on the boats, without their being completely protected by the
guns of the vessel.

“Protected lookouts must be kept on the alert at all times.

“« Boats are not allowed to go on shore to get provisions, except at places
occupied by the United States troops.

“No person will be allowed to pillage under any circumstances, and all
those who do so are to be reported to me.

“Vessels will show as few lights as possible in navigating the river at
night, and not allow the men to congregate in conspicuous places in daytime,
when in suspicious looking neighborhoods.

“When any of our vessels are fired on, it will be the duty of the com-
mander to fire back with spirit, and to destroy every thing in that neighbor-
hood within reach of his guns. There is no impropriety in destroying
houses supposed to be affording shelter to rebels, and it is the only way to
stop guerrilla warfare. Should innocent persons suffer, it will be their own
fault, and teach others that it will be to their advantage to inform the Gov-
ernment authorities when guerrillas are about certain localities.

“Every evening at sunset our vessels will go to quarters, with every thing
ready for action and guns pointed for the bank. At night the watch must
always be on deck, and unless otherwise ordered, no vessel will lie without
low steam.
' RECONNOISSANCES AND GUARD DUTY. 331

«‘This general order is to be passed over to any other commander who
may be ordered to the vessel.
“Davip D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

[General Order, No. 5.] “JU. S. Missrssrepr SquaDRon,
“Cairo, Ill., Oct. 18, 1862.

‘Commanding officers are required to pay particular attention to the
dress of their crews; and they will require the officers and men to dress
strictly in the uniform of the Naval service at all times. The store vessel
will accompany the squadron, and clothes can be procured at all times by
making requisition on the paymaster.

‘* Attention will be paid to the appearance of boat’s crews, who must
not be permitted to leave the vessels unless properly dressed ; and the com-
mander-in-chief would regret being obliged to notice any remissness in rela-
tion to this matter.

“The flag ship will, every morning, make signal what dress is to be
worn.

“A white flag will signify, dress in white; a blue flag, dress in blue;
white above the blue signifies white frocks and blue trowsers ; blue above
the white, blue shirts and white trowsers.

“Davip D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admiral,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”
[General Order, No. 6.]

‘Mondays and Fridays will be the days set apart for general exercise at
the great guns and small arms; and this rule must not be deviated from
without reporting the reasons to the commander-in-chief. The crews of the
different vessels will be frequently exercised in landing in boats, which are
expected to be armed when called away, according to the requirements of
the Ordnance Manual.

“Davip D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

[General Order, No. 9.] «U. 8. Misstssrppr SQUADRON,
“Cairo, Ill., Oct. 20, 1862.
“‘Owing to the unusual number of sick in this squadron, it becomes im-

perative to adopt some sanitary measures to endeavor to bring about an im-
provement in the health of the crews.

“Hereafter breakfast will be served to the men on their turning out in the
morning, and before washing decks.

“‘The crews are to examined at morning and evening quarters % see if
they are comfortably clad, and have their under flannels on.

“Boats are not allowed to leave the vessels in hot weather without
awnings, and boat keepers are required to keep the awnings spread along-
side.
332 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

“In iron-clads, where the sun can not get to the decks, drying stoves must
be freely used.

“Commanders will, when practicable, give the crews fresh meat and veg-
etables three times a week.

‘‘The men will not be permitted to sleep in the open air, or where night
dews can affect them ; but will be piped down at 8 p.m. in winter, and at 9
in summer.

“Every means must be adopted to keep the men healthy, and although it
is very desirable to have clean ships, commanding officers will do well not
to wet the decks too often ; the comfort and health of the men must be the
first thing to be looked after.

“Davin D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

{General Order, No. 21.] “VU. §. Mississrppr SQuaDRon,
“Cairo, Ill., Dec. 2, 1862:
“Commanders of all vessels will not permit any commerce to be carried
on at any points not occupied by U. 8. troops, no matter what permits they
may have, unless they are mine.

«The commanders of vessels will carefully examine all steamers not in the
employ of the government or carrying troops, and send to me all those car-
rying contraband or improper merchandise. The object is to break up
carrying of anything into rebel ports.

“Tregret to say that vessels have been allowed to land goods between
Helena and Memphis, and I hope a stricter lookout may be kept up in
future.

«The following vessels have been carrying contraband goods, and must
be examined by every vessel that meets them.

“Everything in the way of military clothing is contraband : men’s shoes,
salt, ready-made men’s clothing, saddles, medicines, munitions of war,—and,
on the whole, I think it is a good plan to pass nothing.

“List of vessels reported as having been carrying contraband of war, viz:
‘Blue Wing,’ ‘Black Hawk,’ ‘J. R. Williams,’ ‘Lake City,’ ‘Conway.’

“Davip D. PorTER,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”
[General Order, No. 22.]

 

UNIFORM FOR PILOTS.

“Frock coat, double-breasted, with nine buttons on the front, and be-
hind the same as other officers ; three buttons onthe cuffs. Shoulder straps
with silver wheel half-inch in diameter ; cap, gold band, oak leaf with silver
wheel in the center.

“Davin D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admirat
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”
CHAPTER XVII.
HELENA, VICKSBURG AND YAZOO.

An Instance of Insubordination.—Report of Captain Walke to Admiral
Porter.—General Order.—Blockading the Yazoo.—The Cairo Sunk by a
Torpedo.—Attack upon the the Enemy’s Batteries at Drumgold’s Bluff.
—A Severe Battle—An Jll-Advised but Gallant Undertaking.—Compre-
hensive Orders by Admiral Porter.—An Effective Blockade.—The ‘‘Car-
ondelet ” ordered to Protect Island No. 10.—Reports from General Mc-
Clernand and Admiral Porter.

Arter the “Carondelet” had completed her repairs at Cairo,
she was ordered to Helena, Ark., when Captain Walke took com-
mand of the lower division of the Mississippi squadron, then
consisting of the gunboats “ Benton,” “ Bragg,” “Mound City,”
“St. Louis” and “Carondelet,” with the ordnance-boat “Judge
Torrence,” and the supply-boat “ Greatp Western.”

On the 15th of November he convoyed and co-operated with
General Hovey, in an expedition to the White river, with the
“Carondelet” and transports. The other gunboats, drawing too
much water, could not accompany her.

[General Order, No. 13.] “U.S. Mississrpp1 SQUADRON,
“Cairo, Oct. 31, 1862.
“Officers in command of divisions will communicate to me in a concise
manner, all information relating to the hydrography of the river on which
they may be employed, making a tabular form of the returns, about the
number of inhabitants, disposition of the people, &c.

“ The object is to enable me to know where and when to operate to advan-
tage with the light draft steamers.

‘For this reason, all important matters should be noted, viz : the state of
water between different turns, the accessibility of places, lightest stage of
water, the amount of commerce, the facilities for inland attack, the ferries,
and all information that may be useful here.

“Davip D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admirat
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

While on this service an instance of lack of patriotism and in-
subordination occurred on the part of a commander who had been
[333]
334 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

selected from civil life. Although great care was undoubtedly
exercised in the selection of that class of officers, incompetency
and lack of patriotic ardor was not unfrequently noticeable among
some of the subordinate officers, and a few of the officers in com-
mand, and this, of course, measurably increased the cares and
responsibilities of the chief officer in command. The case to
which reference is now made occured in the manner described in
the following report :

CAPTAIN WALKE TO ADMIRAL PORTER.

“U. 8. Gunboat ‘‘ CARONDELET,”
‘‘MisstssipP1 River, Nov. 21, 1862.
SIR:

‘‘The ‘ Mound City’ arrived here last night at ten o’clock, being towed
by the ‘Maria Denning.’ I must here observe that the conduct of the offi-
cer in charge of the ‘ Maria Denning’ was, at least, unbecoming and un-offi-
cer-like. After detailing the ‘Mound City’ to convoy the ‘Denning’ to
Vicksburg, and amply supplying her with coal to go and return with, she
attempted to leave or desert the ‘Mound City’ on their way back to Helena,
and the ‘Mound City’ brought her to, only by firing a shot ahead of her.
Upon hearing that an expedition was on the way to White river, Captain
Wilson permitted the ‘Maria Denning’ to leave her without coal, to come up
here and get some for her. But the officer in charge demurred, and
required a peremptory order from General Hovey to take in one thousand
bushels of coal for the ‘Mound City,’ and to go down the river again,
deliver the coal to her, and tow her up here. He then came to see me, con-
cealing the fact of having received the above order, with the coal, and
attempted to show me the impropriety of obeying the order, which was given
atmy request. While Captain Wilson was reporting the ‘Mound City’s’ arri-
val in person, the ‘Maria Denning’ slipped off and passed up the river with-
out leaving the coal on board the ‘Mound City.’

“This morning, when the fleet ascended the river, I could not follow;
but as the ‘Signal’ has just arrived, we will manage to tow up until some
coal which I have ordered arrives.

“Tam sir, Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“ Acting Rear-Admiral ‘“H. WALKE,
D. D. Porter, Captain, U. 8. Navy.
Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Cairo, Ill.”

Here is a case in point which assumes grave proportions where
the fact is borne in mind that this vessel was engaged in carrying
prisoners for exchange. A transport leaving her proper position
under the guns of her convoy, incurs the risk of the rising of the
prisoners and possible capture of the vessel, with attendant loss
to the United States. The report made to the commander-in-
chief in this case is apparently mild, considering the gravity of
HELENA, VICKSBURG AND YAZOO. 335

the offense. The maxim “obey orders if your break owners,”
being sound in principle, should be closely followed, and cases
where a departure from this principle can be sanctioned are rare
indeed. Another venerated maxim, which is most important to
the efficient preservation of discipline and harmony of action in
the military and naval service, is that “none are fit to command
but those who have learned to obey.”
BLOCKADING THE YAZOO.

On the 21st of November, Captain Walke was ordered by Ad-
miral Porter to go down and blockade the Yazoo river with all
his squadron (then at Helena), except the “ Benton” and “ Bragg,”
which drew too much water. His instructions were to proceed
to the mouth of the Yazoo as soon as practicable, and prevent the
erection of batteries at that point, and if he found he could enter
the river, he was to push in as far as possible, keeping the com-
munication clear. These instructions were strictly obeyed. On
his arrival at the mouth of the Yazoo, Captain Walke despatched
a Yazoo pilot with a tug, to ascertain the depth of the water
which was found to be too low to permit any of the gunboats to
ascend. The river was falling at the time, and fell for several
days after.*

By the 10th of December, the water had risen a few feet, and
Captain Walke sent a tug and two light-draught gunboats up the
Yazoo. They encountered several parties of sharpshooters on
the banks of the river, who were dispersed ; a number of torpe-
dues were also discovered in the river, and these were picked up
or exploded; After the return of the expedition, Captain Walke
held a consultation with the commanders of all the vessels of his
squadron, which then consisted of the iron-clads “ Carondelet,”
Captain Walke ; “Baron de Kalb,” Lieutenant-Commander John
G. Walker; “ Pittsburg,” Lieutenant Hoel ; “Cincinnati,” Lieu-
tenant-Commander Bach ; “ Mound City,” Lieutenant-Comman-
der B. Wilson; and “Cairo,” Lieutenant-Commander Thos. O.
Selfridge ; and the light-draught gunboats “Signal ” and “ Mar-
mora,” Acting Masters Scot and Getty ; and the ram “Queen of
the West,” Captain E. W. Sutherland, U. 8. A., commanding.

* This man, who proved to be incompetent, and unworthy of the name
of pilot, was sent to Captain Walke by Admiral Porter, being highly
recommended to him by some persons who were interested in the weltare of
the flotilla, and who were confident of the ability of this precocious pilot of
the Yazoo river. We mention this as an instance of the great difficulty of
securing competent officers of this class for our gunboats when they were
indispensable.
336 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

On the following morning, Captain Walke ordered the “ Cairo,”
“Pittsburg” (lightest draught iron-clad), the “Queen of the
West,” “Signal,” and “ Marmora,” to ascend the Yazoo river
under the following instructions : The small boats, with the “ Sig-
nal’? and “Marmora,” were to proceed cautiously in the advance,
and drag with grappling irons in the stern to catch the wires or
torpedoes near the shore ; the wires were to be cut, and the tor-
pedoes exploded or destroyed ; great care was enjoined upon the
officers to avoid the ordinary channels of the river, to avoid run-
ning the steamers over the torpedoes. The ram “Queen of the
West” was to follow the “Signal” and “Marmora,” to clear the
river banks of the enemy, and the “Cairo” and “Pittsburg”
were also to follow in reserve, to shell the woods with their very
heavy guns, and protect the expedition.

THE “‘ CAIRO” SUNK.

After proceeding up the river eighteen or twenty miles, a num-
ber of torpedoes were discovered, some of which were picked up
by the small boats, and some exploded by firing musket balls into
them. But amidst the hurry and excitement of the scene, the
“Cairo,” advancing too rapidly (contrary to orders), was sunk
by the explosion of a torpedo under her bow. This was the only
mishap of importance to this squadron. All the torpedoes thus
far were destroyed, and there were no breast-works or forts
on the banks of the Yazoo discovered, below Drumgold’s
Bluff.

Lieutenant Commander T. O. Selfridge, with the officers and
crew of the “Cairo” (none of whom were lost with that vessel),
was immediately ordered to take passage on board the “ Mar-
mora” for Cairo, IIL, and report the particulars of his sad acci-
dent to Rear-Admiral Porter. The following day, Lieutenant-
Commander Walker, commanding the gunboat “ Baron de Kalb,”
with the ram “Queen of the West,” gunboat “Signal,” and tug
“Laurel,” under orders from Captain Walke similar to those
he had previously given, proceeded about fifteen miles up the
‘Yazoo, and in some few places received the fire of musketry from
its banks. They burned the buildings of Johnson’s plantation,
and dragged the channel of the river, the only casualties being
one man killed, and one wounded on board the tug.

A third expedition up the river was sent, but before it had
made or attempted any discoveries, Lieutenant-Commander Gwin’s

expedition was met with, and nothing more was done until our
Ny
Nore.—Acting Rear Admiral D. D, Porter, U. 8. Navy, in his official report
of this expedition, says, “ had the orders of Captain Walke been carried out, no
accident could have occured’—and in an article on Torpedo Warfare, pub-
lished in the North American Review, for September and October 1878, le
‘confirms Captain Walke’s account of the expedition, and refers to his services
in the Yazoo, in complimentary terms, as will appear from the following ex-
tracts :

‘When I took command of the Mississippi Squadron in 1862, I was
almost immediately called upon to assist the Army in the attack on Vicks-
burg, and leard, for the first time, that the Yazoo River, where the Army,
under General Sherman, intended to disembark, was filled with Torpedoes.
I at once sent a force in that direction, under Captain Walke, to clear the river
of obstructions. The duty was a dangerous one, and the officers and men
were much exposed while dragging the river, cutting the wires, and bringirg
the Torpedoes ashore. The machines would sometimes explode, but thanks to
careful handling, no material damage was done.”’

‘All the time our people were at work at this dangerous duty, they were
fired upon by sharp-shooters from rifle-pits along the river-banks,—but these
were finally driven away by grape and canister from the gunboats, which
were as obnoxious to the Confederates as their Torpedoes were to us. The
river had been dragged for a distance of eighteen miles.”

Captain Walke’s first experience with these ‘Torpedoes, was on the Ten-
nessee River, February 4th and 5th, 1862, and this puodlic recognition of his
valuable services on the Yazoo, by the Admiral of the Navy, is justly due him.
At the time Acting Rear Admiral Porter took command of the Mississippi
Squadron, Captain Walke was, by the laws of the Navy and the Navy
Register, the senior officer, and was thereby more entitled to the chief
command; and it should be recorded to his credit, that he was the only
officer who, under such mortifying circumstances, cheerfully submitted to the
arbitrary will and unfounded predjudices of the Secretary of the Navy, and
served his country with unabated zeal, under a junior officer, with implicit
obedience. Admitting that the President of the U. 8. and Secretary of the
Navy had the right to appoint a junior over a senior officer to perform any
special service for which that junior officer was considered the best qualified,
still, the senior officer, who had performed all his duty in a satisfactory
manner, should certainly have been relieved from his embarrassing position
as soon as practicable, in order to maintain a proper regard for all concerned,
in the honor of the Naval service. But this indifference to the rights of a
senior officer, with his “long and faithful service” to his country was clearly
in accordance witha settled purpose to keep Walke in the “ front” of the
enemy, and at the same time prevent him from receiving the thanks of Con-
gress, which would restore him to his proper place over his juniors, on the
Navy Register. But he was denied (as we have stated) the thanks of Con-
gress, for his important services at Belmont and Island No, 10, with indepen-
dent commands, and also, for his services in all the other battles of the
Mississippi Flotilla.
HELENA, VICKSBURG AND YAZOO. 337

fleet and army arrived. The following general order had been
issued to the vessels of the squadron :

“U. 8. Gunboat ‘CARONDELET,’
‘*MississrpPr River, Dec. 1, 1862.
“<< Sr. :

‘The commanding officers of the vessels of the squadron in this vicin-
ity will please to keep a quarter watch during the night, and sufficient
steam to work their engines. In case the enemy should fire upon any of the
squadron, the vessel nearest will return the fire immediately ; and in case
they should fire from a battery or field artillery, all the squadron will go to
quarters immediately, and place themselves in such a position as to engage
the enemy to the best advantage. In case of the approach of the enemy’s
gunboats our squadron will get under way in the first order of sailing
(being careful not to fire into each other) or such orders as may be given here-
after.

“‘T am, Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
““H. WaxzE,
Captain, U. 8. N.”

The river being still very low, none but the “light draught”
and most defenseless boats could cross the bar at its mouth, and
these were accordingly sent first on a reconnoissance. It was not
expected, however, that the light “tin-clad” gunboats could take
and hold possession of a stream in the immediate vicinity of the
enemy’s strongest and most extensive works, which were provided
with every means of capturing such vessels, or even a fleet of
“tin-clads,” if they remained twenty-four hours in that part of
the river alone.

ATTACK UPON THE CONFEDERATE BATTERIES AT DRUMGOLD’S BLUFF.

On the 27th of December fcur of our heaviest iron-clads and
two gunboats, led by the lamented and gallant Lieutenant-Com-
mander Wm. Gwin in the “Benton,” the largest, most powerful,
and invulnerable steamer in the fleet, designated by the admiral
as the “Old War-Horse,” attacked the Confederate batteries at
Drumgold’s Bluff, with the confident expectation of destroying
them in a short time; but after a severe battle of an hour and a
quarter, in which the “Benton,” being in the advance, and more
exposed in the narrow river than the rest of the squadron, suffered
greatly, the gunboats eventually withdrew from battle. Of
twenty-five shots which struck the “Benton,” none entered her
casemate ; nine of them, however, plunged through her upper
deck, and three or four, as we are informed, entered the ports.

22
338 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. .

The captain superintended all the desperate fighting in every par-
ticular ; but at last, to see where to point his guns with good
effect, he imprudently exposed himself. While he was standing
on deck by the pilot-house, observing the effect of his shot upon
the enemy, with his marine glass, a cannon ball struck him on
the right breast and arm obliquely, tearing away the flesh and
wounding him fatally. The gunboats being so cramped in the
very narrow channel, and it blowing very hard, they could not
fight with effect, and were therefore obliged to withdraw from
battle. The casualties reported were: Lieutenant-Commander
Wm. Gwin, mortally wounded; Acting-Master and Executive
Officer G. 8. Lord, slightly wounded; Master-at-Arms Robt.
Boyle, both legs shot off and killed; Gunner N. B. Willets,
wounded in the breast by splinters; Thomas Smith, thigh shat-
tered (since died) ; Alex. Campbell, seaman, jaw shattered ; Alex.
Lynch, seaman, slightly wounded in the head; Stephen Walsh,
seaman, wounded in the leg slightly ; James Cullen, seaman,
slightly wounded in the head; Geo. Gollender, seaman, slightly
wounded. These casualties all occurred on board the “ Benton.”

It should be stated, in justice to Admiral Porter’s better judg-
ment, that this expedition somewhat exceeded his instructions
and advice, and no one in the squadron regretted the unfortunate
result more than himself.

THE ATTACK.

It was unquestionably a very gallant attack to divert the enemy
in favor of the advance of General Sherman’s army, but it proved
to be very costly. It was of little avail to attack formidable
works of the enemy at Haines’ or Drumgold’s Bluffs then, because
there was no reasonable prospect of holding possession of them
without a large army. The results of the service rendered in
these narrow, crdoked rivers, and the numerous graves of our brave
officers and men on the banks of the Tennessee and Cumberland,
may be accepted as conclusive proof that the light-dranght gun-
boats necessarily used on such expeditions could not cope with
the enemy’s field artillery ; and yet it has been a matter of sur-
prise with many that this enterprise at Haines’ Bluff was not suc-
cessful. Some, also, have wondered why our gunboats did not
capture Grand Gulf without troops to hold it ; and others have
wondered why our boats did not attack and capture Fort Colum-
bus’ batteries and the rebel transports at the battle of Belmont.
Such persons form an estimate of the capabilities of our western
HELENA, VICKSBURG AND YAZOO. 339

flotilla, which, though doubtless very flattering, was altogether
exorbitant. From the early successes of our western gunboats it
was not surprising that more was expected of the gunboats than
could possibly have been accomplished under the circumstances.
It is enough to state that orders were faithfully obeyed ; and it
may be anticipated that time and a more accurate knowledge of
the circumstances will do a great deal towards dispelling all such
mistaken ideas. What is needed is that the truth should be clearly
told, so as to supplant the errors which have crept into the his-
torical accounts now found in all our libraries.

On the 28th of ‘December, 1862, Admiral Porter, with the re-
mainder of his flotilla, arrived at the mouth of the Yazoo, and
made preparations for ascending that river, with the transports
containing General Sherman’s army, and to cover their debarka-
tion when he made his attack on Vicksburg.

The following comprehensive orders of Admiral Porter reveal
the movements of his flotilla.

ORDERS TO THE FLEET WHILE IN THE YAZOO RIVER.

[General Order, No. 25.] U. S. Mississrppr SQUADRON,
Dec. 31, 1862.

«The vessels will be a little above Chickasaw Bayou ready to go into
action at half past 3, a.m , and when the order is given to advance, will take
the position marked on the chart.

«The ram ‘Lioness’ will go ahead and clear the river of torpedoes. The
* Louisville,’ ‘Baron de Kalb,’ ‘Cincinnati,’ and ‘Benton,’ will leave room
for her to return, keeping on the left hand side of the river going up. Open
fire as the forts discover themselves, and give them shell and shrapnel at
the proper distance. When the soldiers are ready to land, the transport
steamers will pass between the vessels astern ; ‘ Carondelet,’ ‘ Pittsburg,’
«Mound City,’ ‘Tyler,’ ‘Lexington,’ ‘Marmora,’ and ‘Forest Rose ;’ they
will stop firing as the steamers come up, and close on the forts above.
Rockets will be sent up for all the steamers to stop firing when the troops
are ready to charge. If the troops are driven back, and do not get to the
fort, these steamers will retire around the bend out of gun-shot. The sig-
nal to retire will be continuous signals of costens. Good look-outs must be
kept for the above-mentioned signals.

“Let there be no confusion, and do not foul each other, if it can be
helped, but retire in line out of fire, the stern vessels going first. Let
every light be put out on the vessels, except the battle lanterns. Keep the
ports covered as you go up, and until the battle commences. I will put
false lights on the left side for the enemy to fire at. There will be explosions
on the raft, explain it to the crews.

‘‘ Each iron-clad will carry a red light in her stern port.

“Davi D. PorTER,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”
340 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. }

ORDERS TO THE FLEET WHEN LEAVING THE YAZOO RIVER.

(General Order, No. 27.] “U.S. Mississrprr SquaDRON,
«January 2, 1863.
“The vessels up the river will get under way in the following order ;
the senior officer, Lieutenant-Commander Owen, coming last, and seeing that
nothing is left behind. The vessels down by Chickasaw Bayou, will sig-
nalize, or send the ‘Marmora’ up to notify those above that the transports
have gone, when they will move down, keeping behind each other in sup-
porting distance. Keep steam up, and anchor in line at the mouth of the

Yazoo, on the right hand side of the river.
“Davip D. PortTER,

Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”
(General Order No. 28.]

“The iron-clads up and down the river will keep their guns loaded with
solid shot, in case aram comes down. The enemy’s ram, if it comes, will
be attacked by our rams, when the iron-clad’s cables must be slipped, and
the ram engaged at close quarters. A look-out boat is kept up river, and the
signal for danger will be guns fired by her. The lower vessels will close up
at once, without waiting for orders, and do all they can to destroy the ene-
my’s vessel. <A bright look-out must be kept down riveras well as up. Sig-
nalize the moment a stranger is seen, and prepare to act together. Every
officer must take for granted that the enemy will annoy us in every way and
wil not wait for orders when danger unexpectedly confronts him. An officer
can never make a mistake in firing a gun at his enemy.

“Davip D. PortTER,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

AN EFFECTIVE BLOCKADE.

The effective character of our blockade of the Yazoo had so
annoyed the enemy, and interrupted his supplies, that he resorted
to some rare devices to evade it. The nature of one of these
schemes will be understood from the following communication,
which was forwarded to Captain Walke through Lieutenant
Shirk :-—

GENERAL DEVEREUX TO MAJOR WATTS.

“ HEADQUARTERS SEcoND District DEPARTMENT,
MIssIssIPPI AND East LouIsIaNna,

Vickspurea, Miss., Dec. 6, 1862.
“Mason:

“Tam instructed by Major-General Smith to say that he has learned
with much surprise that a number of the enemy’s gunboats have followed
their flag of truce within our military lines, and are now lying at or near
Young’s Point. Thisis wrong, and considered to be an infringement on that
sacredness which is attached to a flag of truce. Orders have been given to
HELENA, VICKSBURG AND YAZOO. 341

our forces as far up as Terrapin Neck, to make no hostile demonstration
during the presence of the flag, and in the same spirit is expected that the
Federal officers in command, will at once order the armed boats not present
as an escort to proceed above Terrapin Neck, and not again come below un-
til the flag passes that point. You are desired to make this demand.
“Tam, Major, Very Respectfully,
‘Your Obedient Servan:,
“JoHN G. DEVEREUX,
“ Major Major & Ad. General.
A. G. Watts,
Agent for Hachange of Prisoners.”

Of course we could not be influenced by any such stratagem ;
the enemy had fired upon our gunboats from Terrapin Neck,
and had endeavored to drive us away ; but failing in the attempt,
with the loss of some men, his force had been dispersed by the
guns of our squadron. The above letter, therefore, had no effect
upon the movements of the squadron.

The Yazoo was kept clear of all obstructions, and the torpedoes
were removed nearly up to Haines’ Bluff, and the banks of the
river were cleared of the enemy, except that here and there a
party of skirmishing sharpshooters would appear, and speedily
disappear on its banks. No dangers attended the navigation of
the Yazoo to the above point, with ordinary caution and obedi-
ence to orders.

During the blockade by our squadron in the iower Mississippi,
under Captain Walke’s command, one man only was killed, and
a few were wounded, by the guerrillas who fired from the chap-
paral banks. Several of the enemy were killed and wounded by
our shot on these occasions, according to the reports of a refugee.
While the expedition under Porter and Sherman was up the Ya-
zoo river, on December 26th, 1862, the “‘ Carondelet ” was ordered
up the Mississippi for the protection of Island No. 10, which was
then threatened by the enemy, and was being deserted by our
troops. Stopping on the way thither at Fort Pillow, the captain
went on shore, and proffered his services to the army command-
ant there, but they were coldly declined. This was a few weeks
only before the capture of and massacre at that post. The “Car-
ondelet ” then proceeded up the river with all the speed she could
make, and arrived at Island No. 10 after the enemy had aban-
doned the attempt to regain possession of that strong position.

The attempt upon the island had been made by a Confederate
force of about three or four thousand men, composed of
eavalry, infantry, and artillery, at 11, p. m., on February 3rd,
342 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

1863, from the banks of the river on the Tennessee shore, their
artillery from that post throwing shot and shell into the island ;
thus intercepting our transports, and again blockading the Missis-
sippi river, until the gunboat “New Era,” came to the relief.
This raid had created such a panic at Columbus and Hickman,
that the commanding officer of our army at that station destroyed
upwards of one hundred thousand dollars’ worth of property,
which was of great value to our army at that time, to prevent its
falling into the hands of the enemy. The following dispatch
was sent in consequence of the attack :
“CotumsBts, eb. 3, 1863.
“‘Brigadier-General J. M. TuTre,
Commanding Post at Catro:

“Island No. 10 was attacked by rebel cavalry and artill. ry, numbering
three or four thousand. Send the steamer ‘ United States’ down with
troops, as stated in your last telegram, but do not expect troops from here
to-day. I need them at the island. “« ASBOTH,

Brigadier-General, U. & Army.”

CAPTURE OF ARKANSAS POST.

Admiral Porter, with the “Louisville,” “Baron de Kalb,” and
“Cincinnati,” with the wooden and light-drafts “ Black Hawk,”
“Lexington,” “Rattler,” “Glide,” “Signal,” “Forest Rose,”
“Romeo,” “Juliet,” and “ Marmora,” attacked Arkansas Post, in
conjunction with General J. A. McClernand, on the 4th of Jan-
uary, 1863. ;

The following were the preliminary orders issued to the fleet
by the admiral, previous to the attack :

[General Order, No. 29.} ' © U, §. Missrssrppr SquapRon,
Jan. 4, 1862.
“If the vessels find coat at Napoleon, they will stop and supply them-
selves, if not, rendezvous at the mouth of White river.
‘« Let the transports do the towing, and save all the coal possible. Take

in wood when convenient.
: ““Davip D. Porter,

Acting Rear-Admirat

Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

[General Order, No. 30.]
“Tn ascending the White and Arkansas rivers, the following order will

be observed.

“Lieutenant-Commander Watson Smith will go ahead in the ‘ Rattler,”
sounding with the lead, and when he comes to shoal water, (less that nine feet,)
he will hoist the cornet. If he can go through with that depth of water, he will
HELENA, VICKSBURG AND YAZOO. 343

t

hoist the blue jack. The ‘Romeo,’ Juliet,’ and ‘Forest Rose,’ will follow
the ‘ Rattler,’ sounding with two leads, their guns trained forward of the
beam, and the fuses cut to one second. The ‘Marmora’ will go ahead of
‘this ship, sounding, and the guns similarly prepared. Vessels will not wait
for orders to fire when they see the enemy’s troops, or when fired upon.
Commanders wil look out for torpedoes, or floats, or wires extending from
the bank. Boats will be kept manned to remove them. The ‘ Louisville,’

‘Baron de Kalb,’ and ‘ Cincinnati,’ will come after this vessel. The ‘Sig-
nal’ will follow the twentieth transport, and the ‘Lexington’ will bring up
the rear. ; ;

“The ‘Red Rover’ and ‘Torrence’ will remain at the mouth of White
river, and guard it and the coal barges, notifying any light-draft gunboats,
and all coal or store boats, to stop at the mouth of White river until fur-
ther orders.

“«The cornet over the jack will signify danger near from the enemy.

“Davip D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

As soon as the army was ready on shore, the attack was com-
menced, in the afternoon, by Admiral Porter, with his whole
fleet. The advance was made under a tremendous cannonade.
A gunboat was at the same time sent past the fort to cut off the
enemy’s retreat, but she was stopped by a barricade, and obliged
to return, after being very much cut up. The army also attacked
the enemy’s works, and were preparing for a decisive assault,
when the enemy hastily struck their flag, and hoisted a white one.

During the battle, re-enforcements of the enemy came down the
river on their transports, and landed troops ; some of them were
captured, however, by our army before they reached the fort;
the steamers escaped.

The fort was at first gallantly defended by Colonel J. W.
Dunnington, formerly a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. As a pris-
oner of war, a few days after the battle, on his way up to Cairo,
he said that he had no thought of surrendering when he first
‘heard that the white flag was raised on all their flag-staffs by
order of their commander-in-chief. He ordered it down from his
flag-staff, and hoisted the Confederate flag again, and continued
the fight for some time after, even when he was told that their
army had surrendered, and declared that he would not strike his
‘colors. On being informed that all their works in the rear had
surrendered to our army, and that the consequences would be
terrible to their troops if he persisted in firing any longer, he sur-
xendered to Admiral Porter. The following are General Mc-
Clernand and Admiral Porter’s reports :
344 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

GENERAL M’CLERNAND TO GENERAL U. 8S. GRANT.

“ FLEADQUARTERS, ARMY OF THE MIssISsIPPI,
Post of Arkansas, Jan. 11, 1863.
“Major-General U. 8. Grant,
Commanding Department of the Tennessee :
‘‘GENERAL :

“I have the honor to report that the force under my command attacked
the post of Arkansas to-day at one o’clock, having stormed the enemy’s
works. We took a large number of prisoners, variously estimated at from
seven to ten thousand, together with all his stores, animals and munitions of
war. Rear-Admiral David D. Porter, commanding the Mississippi squad-
ron, effectively and brilliantly co-operated, aecomplishing this complete
success.

“Joun A. McCLERNAND,
Major-General Commanding.”

 

ADMIRAL PORTER TO SECRETARY WELLES.

“U.S. Misstssrppr SQUADRON,
Arkansas Post, Jan. 11, 1868.
“Sr:

‘‘T have the honor to inform you, that on the 4th of January, General
McClernand conciuded to move up river upon the post of Arkansas, and
requested my co-operation. I detailed three iron-clads, the ‘Louisville,’
‘Baron de Kalb,’ and ‘ Cincinnati,’ with all the light-draft gunboats, all of
which had to be towed up the river. On the 9th, we ascended the Arkan-
sas river as high as Arkansas Post, when the army landed within about four
miles of the fort. The enemy had thrown up heavy earth-works and exten-
sive rifle-pits all along the levee. While the army were making a detour to
surround the fort, I sent up the iron-clads to try the range of their guns, and
afterwards sent up the ‘ Rattler,’ Lieutenant-Commander Watson Smith, to
clear out the rifle-pits and the men behind an extensive earth-work in front
of our troops. The ‘Black Hawk’ also opened on them with her rifled guns,
and after a few fires the enemy left their works and our troops marched in.

At two o'clock General McClernand told me the troops would be in posi-
tion to assault the main fort, a very formidable work, and I held all the ves-
sels in readiness to attack, when the troops were in position. At 5.30, P.m.,
General McClernand sent me a message stating that everything was ready, and
the ‘ Louisville,‘ ‘Baron de Kalb,’ and ‘ Cincinnati,’ advanced to within four
hundred yards of the fort, which then opened fire from three heavy guns and
with musketry. The superiority of our fire was soon manifest ; the batteries
were silenced, and we ceased firng, but no assault took place, and it being
too dark to do anything, all the vessels dropped down and tied up to the
bank for the night. The ‘Baron de Kalb,’ Licutenant-Commander Walker,
‘Louisville,’ Lieutenant-Commander Owen, and the ‘Cincinnati,’ Lieuten-
ant-Commander Bache, led the attack, and when hotly engaged, I brought
up the light-draft vessels, ‘Lexington’ and ‘Black Hawk,’ to throw in
shrapnel and rifle shell. This flre was very destructive, killing nearly all the
artillery horses in and about the fort.
HELENA, VICKSBURG AND YAZOO. 345

«‘ When the battery was pretty well silenced, I ordered Lieutenant-Com-
mander Smith to pass the fort in the light-draft iron-clad, and enfilade it,
which he did in a very gallant and handsome style, but suffered a good deal
in his hull in doing so. All his cabin works were knocked to pieces, and a
heavy shell raked him from stem to stern in the hull. Strange to say, two
heavy shell struck his iron plating (three-quarter-inch) on the bow, but did
not injure it. He got past the fort, but became entangled among the snags
placed in the river to impede our progress, and had to return.

“In this evening attack the vessels of all the commanders were well-han-
dled, particularly the iron-clads. It was close quarters all the time, and not
a gun was fired from our side until the gunboats were within four hundred
yards from the fort. The condition of the fort attests the accuracy of the

. fire, and the prisoners inside give the ‘Baron de Kalb,’ Lieutenant-Com-
mander Walker, the credit of doing the most execution. I was informed
again this morning by General McClernand, that the army was waiting for
the navy to attack, when they would assault the works. I ordered up the
iron-clads with directions for the ‘Lexington’ to join in when the former
became hotly engaged, and for the frailer vessels to haul up,in the smoke
and do the best they could. The ‘Rattler,’ Lieutenant-Commander Smith,
and the ‘Glide,’ Lieutenant-Commander Woodworth, did good execution
with their shrapnel, and when an opportunity occurred I made them push
through by the fort again, also the ram ‘Monarch,’ Colonel Chas. Ellett,
and they proceeded rapidly up the river to cut off the enemy’s retreat by the
only way he had to get off.

‘By this time all the guns in the fort were completely silenced by the
‘Louisville,’ Lieutenant-Commander E. K. Owen, ‘Baron de Kalb,’ Lieu-
tenant-Commander J. G. Walker, and ‘ Cincinnati,’ Lieutenant-Commander
G. M. Bache; and I ordered the ‘ Black Hawk’ up for the purpose of board-
ing it in front. Being unmanageable she had to be kept up the narrow
stream, and J took in a regiment from the opposite side to try and take it by
assault. As I rounded to, to do so, and the gunboats commenced firing
rapidly, knocking everything to pieces, the enemy held out a white flag, and
I ordered the firing to cease. The army then entered and took possession.
Colonel Dunnington, the commander of the fort, sent for me, and surren-
dered to me in person. General Churchill, of the rebel army, surrendered
to the military commander. Our army had almost surrounded the fort, and
were preparing to assault, and would no doubt have carried it with ease.
They enfiladed it with rifled field pieces, which did much damage to the
houses and light work, leaving their marks in all directions. I do not know
yet what were the operations on the land side. I was too much interested
in my own affairs, and in placing the vessels as circumstances required.

“Tn all this affair there was the greatest zeal on the part of the officers
commanding to carry out my orders, and not a mistake of any kind occurred.
No fort ever received a worse battering, and the highest compliment I can
pay those engaged is to repeat what the rebels said: ‘You can’t expect men
to stand up against the fire of those gunboats.’ A large number of persons
were captured in the fort—I don’t know how many—and at sundown the
army were hurrying in the cavalry and artillery. 1 herewith enclose the
reports of the commanding officers, and a list of killed and wounded, and
will take another occasion to mention to the Department the names of those
346 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

officers who have distinguished themselves particularly, though it is hard to
discriminate when all did their duty so well.
“T have the honor to be,
“Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“Davi D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admirat

“Hon. GIDEON WELLEs, Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

Secretary of the Naay.”

This victory is generally accredited equally to the Army and
the Navy. The losses in the Army were, however, much greater
than fell to the Navy ; the former having one hundred and forty-
six killed and missing, and eight hundred and thirty-one wounded,
while the fleet had three killed, and twenty-six wounded. The
enemy reported sixty killed, and eighty wounded, and a loss of
five thousaad prisoners, seventeen cannon, and three hundred
small arms.

The Navy was fortunate in its immunity from heavy loss in
killed and wounded generally. It was exempt from many of the
trials incident to land operations, especially from the fate of
falling into the enemy’s hands as prisoners. Here let us note that
our naval forces on the Mississippi treated the prisoners in their
hands with a kindness, in happy contrast, generally, we regret to
say, with the course of the enemy. Our prisoners were treated
almost, if not quite, as well as our own troops, on the principle
that the poor soldiers were but the instruments of others.
CHAPTER XVIUL
THE ‘‘LAFAYETTE.”

Ram Gunboat ‘‘Lafayette.’—Her Debut upon the ‘‘Father of Waters.”—
Breaking the Rebel Blockade at Vicksburg and Grand Gulf.—The “ Lan-
caster,” ‘‘ Switzerland” and.‘‘ Dummy.”

On the 22nd of January, while the “ Carondelet” was guarding
Island No. 10, Captain Walke received orders detaching him from
that vessel, instructing him to take command of the U. S. ram
gunboat “Lafayette,” which was then at Cairo, completing her
equipment and receiving her ammunition, stores, officers and crew.
The “ Lafayette” was over two hundred and eighty feet long, and
about forty feet beam, with a heavy sharp iron prow or ram.
Her armament consisted of two 11-inch Dahlgren bow guns, four
9-inch broadside guns, two 24-pounder howitzers, and two 100-
pounder Parrott rifled stern guns. Her lower bulwarks and hull
were plated with one inch iron, placed over one inch thick of
India rubber. The upper bulwarks were plated with three-
quarter inch iron, and also the pilot-house and her upper deck
covered with a half-inch iron plating. She was a side-wheel
steamer, but floated so deep that her guards were in the water,
obstructing her speed, and rendering her almost unmanageable
when she started down the river. Her speed was afterwards in-
creased very much by lightening her and cutting away some of
the wheel guards.

The following is a list of the “Lafayette’s” officers when she
was commissioned at Cairo on the 27th of February, 1863 : '

Captain, H. Walke, U.S. Navy. Act’g Ensigns, Fred. G. Sampson, Vol.

Acting Master, Ed. Morgan, Vol. do. Elias Smith, do.
Chief Engineer, Robert Tate, do. do. J. L. Morgan, do.
Paymaster, James P. Kelly, do. do. J. 8. Bryant, do.
Surgeon, H. Beauchamp, do. 1st Ass’t Eng., Albert M. Rowe, do.
Pilots, John Denning, do. 2nd do. Jas. Wilkins, do.
. do. Robt. Keyes, do. 3rd do. J. R. Paul, do.

[347]
348 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

4th Ass’t Eng. Ebenezer Hill, Vol. Master's Mate, H. C. Marsh, Vol.

Gunner, George Price, do. do. Wm. P. Higbee, do.
Carpenter, C. N. Underwood, do. do. Thos J. Twitchell, do.
Master’s Mate, Paul Morgan, do. do. H. G. Warren, do.

do. Sturges O. Lovell, do. do. F. H. Dumont, do.

do. Chas. Slocum, do. Paymaster’s Clerk, H. F. Frost. do.
Passenger, Acting Lieutenant J. McLeod Murphy.

Previous to her departure from Cairo her captain and officers
had the honor of presenting the Rev. Isaac P. Labach, who had
just built an Episcopal church in that place, with the plate for the
communion service, which he inscribed with her name. The re-
membrance of his early training often warms the heart of the
faithful sailor, as he thinks of such cheering promises as “The
angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him,
and delivereth them ;” “We have wished you good luck, ye that
are of the house of the Lord.” Good luck followed the “ Lafa-
yette” and her people through all her battles. Though her hull
was pierced through with rifle shot and shell, none of her officers
or crew were ever seriously hurt. These facts are interesting in
connection with the first service of the “Lafayette,” and it may also
be mentioned that her officers and crew observed a proper regard
for the ceremonials of divine service. Ancient mariners would have
called the offering a propitiatory one, and would therefore have
attributed their subsequent successful career to the especial favor
of the Almighty. But without being superstitious the officers of
the “ Lafayette” regarded their contributions as a small but “rea-
sonable service,” remembering the promise “ Blessed are they that
sow beside all waters.” The Navy generally, wheresoever serving,
are not insensible to pastoral appeals for the help of churches. Pecu-
niarily such appeals are always honored, and strange as it may
appear to the careless and unconcerned, this church was built in the
midst of a fierce war by contributions from the officers of the
Army and Navy and a few residents, with less trouble or delay
than it would have been in times of peace and prosperity.

The active service of the “Lafayette” commenced with her de-
parture for the Yazoo river, where she arrived (before the plating
had been completed), on the 3rd of March, 1863.

On the 8th she made a reconnoissance down the river to within
gunshot of Vicksburg, General Sherman and Admiral Porter
being on board. She threw nine 100-pounder Parrott rifle shell
at the batteries near Vicksburg, and at the court-house, which
overlooks the city and country ; and these shell, which left their
THE ‘‘ LAFAYETTE,’’ 349

mark where they struck, were heard whistling over their heads
by the prisoners, captured from our ill-fated “Indianola,” who
were in jail immediately behind the court-house.

As soon as her crew were well drilled and disciplined, and her
machinery put in good order, the “Lafayette” was ordered to
take her place in the advance, as one of the principal vessels to
blockade the river above Vicksburg, and guard our army and
the canal, while Admiral Porter, with the gunboats “Louisville,”
“Cincinnati,” “Carondelet,” “Mound City,” “Pittsburg,” four
mortars and four tugs, penetrated the interior of the State of Mis-
sissippi, through the dense forests, by the bayous and chutes of
the overflowed country, where he was obliged to clear his way by
cutting or butting the trees out of his course until he reached the
highlands. Here the enemy had concentrated a large force of
sharpshooters, infantry and artillery, of 20 and 30-pounder rifle
guns, which, under cover of the natural defenses afforded by the
woods and cliffs, fired from almost every direction upon our gun-
boats with comparative impunity. They also cut and felled large
numbers of trees across the only channel by which the gunboats
could return, to capture them before our army, which was to have
co-operated with them, could come to their aid. To escape the
great danger of being blocked up, and finally overpowered, Ad-
miral Porter returned to the Mississippi river. This was done
with great difficulty, however, he being obliged to fight and liter-
ally cut his way back, which he accomplished without loss of
life, and with little harm to his men. He destroyed a large quan-
tity of Confederate corn and cotton, and captured a great number
of mules, horses and cattle. About twenty thousand bales of
cotton were burned by the enemy to prevent it from being cap-
tured by our gunboats. The panic caused by this most daring
aquatic invasion into the heart of the enemy’s country compelled
them to make an extraordinary extension of their line of defenses
and outposts, and to drain Vicksburg of all its surplus stores,
military resources and strength, to guard and fortify the approach
to its rear, wherever a gunboat or a boat expedition could float.

This Yazoo expedition, although it did not share so badly as
others, yet had a hard struggle and considerable suffering. As
the boats returned one by one, some presented a sad and ludicrous
appearance. The transports came first, stripped of all their stately
pipes, fine carved work, flag-staffs and gay colors, as wrecks
overloaded with exhausted but merry troops. Our so-called mud-
turtle gunboats came out at last all right, if not improved by the
350 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

excursion, in their apparently native element, polished under the
rough and tumble, sliding over shallow sloughs, and rubbing
through the wooded bayous, for which they were so well adapted.

THE “ DUMMY.”

During Porter’s expedition up the Yazoo Pass the “Lafayette”
was joined by the “Switzerland” and other boats of Ellett’s
squadron, at the mouth of the canal, to guard that position in the
interests of our army and its workg. On the return of Admiral
Porter, another of his notorious “dummies” was sent, like the
first, past Vicksburg, which drew the fire of the enemy’s batteries.
The first of these sham monitors, a few weeks before, was built
under the supervision of Lieutenant-Commander Owen, and con-
sisted of an old coal-barge, ‘with imitation smoke-pipes made of
barrels, with furnaces of mud to get up smoke, and wheel-houses
made of old material, altogether giving her the appearance of a
formidable “monitor.” She was towed within range of the bat-
teries of Vicksburg at about midnight of March 10, and then sent
adrift. As she slowly and defiantly moved past the batteries she
drew their fire to their full extent of ninety-three guns. Then
came a panic for the safety of the “Indianola,” their valuable
prize, recently captured by them. After passing the batteries at
Vicksburg, causing a heavy expenditure of ammunition, the
dummy laid, as it was reported, nearly a day at the mouth of our
canal below Vicksburg, when the enemy tried their utmost, in
vain, to sink her with their rifled guns. The dummy was then
again sent adrift into the current by our soldiers, and to the
enemy it had the appearance of making for the “Queen of the
West,” which had just come up the river to Warrington, and
which, on seeing the black monster coming from “our lines,”
quickly retreated, stopping on her way down to blow up or sink
their prize, the “Indianola,” which was then being repaired near
the plantations of Jo and Jeff. Davis. This work they had effect-
ually accomplished, when the supposed monitor again made her
appearance, and the “Queen of the West” started once more on
the “double quick” down the river never to return. Being re-
cognized at last, after a long but slow chase, the dummy was
captured.

Admiral Porter has given an excellent account of this affair in
a letter written about that time. He said: “Much as we have
come to mourn over the loss of the ‘Indianola,’ I do not suppose
that a more ridiculous thing ever occurred than the blowing up
THE ‘‘ LAFAYETTE.”’ 851

of this gunboat after the rebels had her so securely in their
clutches, and it will hardly be believed, when the history of this
war is written, that a wooden dummy could have achieved so re-
markable a victory. It was a great relief to us here, for who
could imagine the damage the ‘Indianola’ could have effected on
the river in case she had been saved. But it was not to be; for
like the Confederate iron-clads, she went down below to ‘Davy’
to condole with her friends. Night before last I sent off another
terrific monster, a perfect imitation of our ‘Lafayette,’ which
latter vessel dropped down towards the turn of the river in the
afternoon, and shelled the fortifications with a few 100-pounders.
At 11 o’clock at night her dummy namesake made her appearance
before the batteries, belching out huge volumes of smoke through
her beef-barrel chimneys, and the way the rebels peppered her
was a caution to all dummies. This little artillery sport must
have cost the rebels a thousand charges of powder, and the burst-
ing and dismounting of five orsix guns. The next time we try this
game they will find something better than dummies to practice at.”

THE MARINE BRIGADE RUNNING THE GAUNTLET OF VICKSBURG,
UNDER COLONEL ELLETT.

During the night of the 25th of March, 1863, the steam rams,
“Lancaster” and “Switzerland,” left their moorings, near the
north end of the canal (after General Alfred W. Ellett had sent a
cordial invitation to Captain Walke to accompany him with the
“ Lafayette,” which invitation could not be accepted as an officer of
Admiral Porter’s fleet, although it was the desire of Admiral Far-
ragut). The rams proceeded slowly down the river, and were soon
out of sight; their intention being to pass Vicksburg (under cover
of the darkness) unobserved. But they were so slow in their move-
ments that it was daylight when they passed Vicksburg, and the
“Lancaster” was unfortunately blown up by one of the enemy’s
shot through her boiler, and her officers captured. The “Switzer-
land” was also shot through and nearly sunk before she could gain
the shore below and opposite Vicksburg, where she was soon re-
paired, and rendered very good service to the fleet until the war was
ended.

ADMIRAL PORTER’S FLEET RUNNING THE GAUNTLET OF THE

BATTERIES AT VICKSBURG.

On the 16th of April, the “Lafayette,” with the gunboat
“Price” and a coal-barge in tow, ran the gauntlet at Vicksburg
with Admiral Porter's fleet, and on the following day, though her
352 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

pitman was shot through by a rifle shot, she made a reconnois-
sance below New Carthage, and on the 22nd, with all the fleet,
ran down to Grand Gulf, and fired twenty-two rifle shells into the
enemy’s works to announce her presence, and get the range of
the guns.

The following is a copy of a general order of Admiral Porter
to the commanding officers of his fleet, before running the gaunt-
let at Vicksburg.
“U.S. Missrssrppr SQUADRON,
«Sm: “Flag Ship ‘Biack Hawk,’ April 10, 1863.

“You will prepare your vessel for passing the batteries at Vicksburg,
taking every precaution possible to to protect the hull and machinery against
any accidental shot. When the vessels do move, it will be at night and in
the following order : ‘Benton,’ ‘Lafayette,’ ‘Price,’ ‘Louisville,’ ‘Mound
City,’ ‘Pittsburg,’ ‘ Carondelet,’ other vessels that may arrive hereafter, and
army transports passing as fast as they can. Every vessel will take in tow
a coal-barge, to be secured on the starboard side. No lights will be shown
on any part of the ship. All ports will be covered up until such time as the
vessels open fire, which they will do when their broadsides bear upon the
town, or when it can be safely done without interfering with other vessels.
The crews must work the guns without light on the deck, and all the guns
must be set for about nine hundred yards, which will reach light field-pieces
and infantry. Fire shell, and sometimes grape. Don’t fire after passing the
town—the lower batteries are not worth noticing. When arrived below
Warrenton, the flag ship ‘ Benton’ will burn a costen signal, when each ves-
sel will hoist a red light, that I may know who is missing.

‘The sterns of the vessels must be protected securely against raking shot.
The coal-barges must be so arranged that they can be easily cut adrift. No
vessel must run directly astern of the other, so thatin case of the headmost ves-
sel stopping, the sternmost one will not interfere with the pilot, or endanger
the other vessels. Before starting, the hour of departure will be given, and
every vessel will have her fires well ignited so that they will show as little
smoke as possible. Upon approaching the batteries, every vessel will
exhaust in the wheel-house, so as to make but little noise. If any vessel
should receive such damages as to cause her to bein a sinking condition, the
best plan will be to land her on the island below the canal.

“The vessels must not crowd each other, nor fire their bow guns when
abreast of the town or batteries. Fifty yards is the closest they should be
to each other. After rounding the point below and being clear of the shoal
water, hug the shore enough (or the side opposite Vicksburg) to get into the
shade of the trees and hide the hulls. In case any vessel should ground un-
der the enemy’s batteries at Vicksburg, with no prospect of getting off, she
must be set fire to thoroughly, and completely destroyed. Avoid running
on the sunken levees opposite Vicksburg.

“Very Respectfully,
“Davin D. Porter,
“To Acting Rear-Admiral Commanding Mississippi Squadron.

Commanders of ‘Benton,’ ‘ Lafayette,’ ‘Louisville,’ ‘Price,’ ‘Mound
City,’ ‘Pittsburg,’ ‘Carondelet,’ and ‘ Tuscumbia.’ ”
CHAPTER XIX.
A REVIEW OF THE FLEET PASSING VICKSBURG.

Letter from an Officer of the ‘‘ Lafayette” to the New York Times.—Visit
from Ladies of the Sanitary Commission.—Running the’ Blockade at
Vicksburg.—Correspondence of the Cincinnati Commercial.

Tue following brief recapitulation of some of the critical events
mentioned in the foregoing chapters, gives the individual view by
a very intelligent officer, who had command of the rifled guns on
board the “Lafayette,” and was therefore actively occupied in
the engagements to which he refers. His description, contained
in letters to his friends, was published in the New York Times,
and gives a very correct insight into many of the scenes therein
depicted. Writing on the 18th of April, 1863, he says:

“We still live. The whole gunboat fleet passed the Vicksburg
batteries on Thursday night, without receiving material damage.
All praise to the Lord and Admiral Porter. Not a single life was
lost so far as I can learn, and only half a dozen persons were
wounded, but two of them seriously. Thus we now have below
Vicksburg, the ‘Lafayette,’ ‘Benton,’ ‘Carondelet,’ ‘ Pittsburg,’
‘ Tuscumbia,’ ‘ Louisville,’ and ‘ Mound City,’ all gunboats proper ;
the ‘General Price,’ both a gunboat and a swift transport; the
‘Silver Wave,’ transport, and the lively little tug ‘ Joy,’ the latter
kept under cover of the ‘Benton.’ The other transports did not
fare so well, and their particular fate is probably better known
to you than to me. How we escaped the firing ordeal as well as
we did, is a mystery to us all. We were under fire for over an
hour: and such a fire! Earthquakes, thunder and volcanoes,
hailstones and coals of fire ; New York conflagrations and Fourth
of July pyrotechnics—they were nothing to it.

“ We started from our moorings about 9.30, Pr. mu, but owing
to the clumsiness of the ‘Benton,’ which persistently refused to
point her head down stream, it was an hour later before the fleet
were under way in her wake. It was 11, p.m, when we came
slowly drifting to the ‘turn.’ At 11.20, the first shots greeted us

23 [353]
354 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

from the batteries. Our ship’s crew had already been half an
hour at quarters, observing perfect silence, and attending to such
instructions as the officers of divisions, the captain, and the exec-
utive had to give, for the regulation of their conduct during
the action. Each of the vessels having been ordered to fire on
passing the batteries, all our broadside guns on the port side
were got ready, and elevated so as to reach, some the lower,
others, the middle and upper tier of rebel batteries. All our men
behaved admirably. Asa measure of protection for the ‘Price,’
that vessel was lashed under cover of our starboard side, thus hay-
ing her entire lower lines protected by her casemates. We also
had to tug along a coal-barge, deeply loaded, which was stuck
early in the engagement, thus relieving us of one great obstacle
to our movements. The pilot of the ‘Price, Wm. Baldwin, acted
heroically, as did also his assistant, Wm. Hiner, and indeed all the
officers and crew. Ensign Dahlgren, signal officer, was every-
where active, receiving and transmitting ordérs during the terri-
ble fire.

“ The ‘Lafayette’ seemed to attract particular attention from
the rebel batteries almost from the start. Her tall chimneys and
wheel-houses dlmost immediately identified her as the bell-wether
of the fleet ; the large steamer and barge alongside also made her
a particularly good mark, as by firing at her, they could kill more
than ‘two birds with one stone.’ Before we could reach a point
within easy range, the whole heavens were suddenly illuminated
by the intentional conflagration of a house or some large building
on the Louisiana shore ; thus revealing every object on the river
to the rebel batteries. It was an ingenious pre-arrangement to
make sure of their aim. The lurid flames, as they shot up from
the opposite shore, almost to mid heavens, converted the star-lit
night into the brightness of noonday. The first intimation of our
approach to the rebei batteries, was the low, dark hull of the
‘Benton’ stealthily creeping round the point. The admiral
chose to lead the van, and of course received the first salute.
The first shot seemed to me to be a rifle projectile—say a 20-
pounder Parrott—which passed over the ‘ Lafayette ’ fore and aft,
with a swinging ascent suggesting haste. The low hum of the
men’s voices was instantly hushed to silence, and they took their
position, ready to receive the first order, ‘Run out and fire.’
Standing there amidst that silent group of rough but earnest men,
periling their lives for their country, I thought of the kindness
of our ‘dear Southern brethren,’ as shot after shot swept over us
THE FLEET PASSING VICKSBURG. 355

with the scream of tigers eager for prey. The batteries once
vocal, the firing became continuous and instantaneous. They
grew more rapid, louder, and nearer each moment.

“The tiring began at 10.55, and continued about an hour and
a quarter, during which a perfect tornado of shot and shell con-
tinued to shriek over our deck, and among all the vessels of the
fleet. Five hundred, perhaps a thousand, guns were discharged,
but not more than one in ten struck, or did any damage to the fleet.
They mostly went over. First our forward broadside 9-inch, then
the midship, and lastly the after (port) guns gave out an answer-
ing shot in the very teeth of the Confederate batteries. In such
a case, it was hard to ‘turn the other cheek ;’ in fact, it wa® more
satisfactory to give than to receive.

“On running out the guns, a good view could be had through
the ports, of the rebel batteries, which now flashed like a thun-
der-storm along the river as far as the eye could see ; but the in-
cessant spatter of rifle balls, the spray from falling shot, the
thunder of steel-pointed projectiles upon our sides, did not incline
one to take a very protracted view of the scenery. <A few dis-
charges of grape, shrapnel, and percussion shell was all we could
afford at the time to bestow upon our rebel friends, in exchange
for their compliments. At each round the rebel artillery-men
gave a shout, which seemed surprisingly near. At one time we
could not have been one hundred yards from the Vicksburg
wharves. Our vessel, with the steamer and barge lashed to our
starboard side, became almost unmanageable, drifted in the eddy,
and turned her head square round, looking the batteries in the face.
At this time we seemed to be receiving their concentrated fire, at
less than a hundred yards from the shore.

“The smoke from our own and the rebel guns, with the glare
of the burning buildings from the opposite shore, made it difficult
for the pilots to make out the direction we were going. The ene-
my, supposing we were disabled, set up a fiendish yell of triumph.
We soon, however, backed round, and once more presented our
broadside to them, and slowly drifted past, as if in contempt of
their impotent efforts. Shells burst all around the pilot-house,
and at one time Mr. John Denning, our pilot, was literally bap-
tized with fire. He thought himself killed, but he brushed the
fire from his head, and found he was unhurt. Mr. Denning is a
Massachusetts man, and during a long experience in his profession
has earned the reputation of being one of the best pilots on the
Mississippi. That he is one of the coolest under fire, his conduct
356 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

as the pilot of the ‘Carondelet’ at Island No. 10, and now of the
‘Lafayette,’ in conducting her safely past the Vicksburg batter-
ies, fully demonstrates. He was assisted by Mr. Keys, of St. Louis,
who acted with great presence of mind and efficiency.

“As soon as the fleet had passed out of the range of the rebel
batteries, they congregated together, and there were mutual in-
quiries as to how each got through. There were also rousing
cheers for the admiral, for Captain Murphy, for Captain Greer,
and other commanders. I omitted to mention that as the gunboats
reached the vicinity of the canal, our Union soldiers and others
who had gathered at that point to witness the exhibition, cheered
lustily for the admiral and for the old flag.

“Captain Walke, cool, energetic and strong-voiced, went from
one part of the ship to the other, trumpet in hand, now issuing
his orders, then cautioning some over-rash officer not to expose
himself. He was here at one moment, there at the next, every-
where by turns, having an eye to every movement of the ship,
whether on deck or down below. Executive Morgan exhibited
the tact, judgment and deliberation of the accomplished officer,
and nothing escaped him. In common with Captain Walke, Mr.
Morgan had two or three very narrow escapes from the rebel
thunderbolts which came through the ship’s sides. One of these,
a 100-pounder steel-pointed shot, struck the crown of the case-
mate, in the direct wake of the boilers, and passing through it
like so much wood, fell with a crash upon the heavy iron grating
which covers the boilers, and thence glanced, carrying away the
board partition of the boiler-room, and swept a mass of rubbish
directly over him.

“Nine shots struck the ship, and several of them penetrated
the casemates, making large holes and scattering their fragments,
and that of the wood-work through which they passed, in all direc-
tions, and yet not one of the two hundred persons, who were
scattered in all parts of the vessel, received a scratch, or was in
any way injured by them. J doubt if the most skillful athlete
could have hurled half as many bricks into such a crowd of men
without injuring more or less of them. The fragments from the
beds, though scattered all about the opening to the magazine
light, were found not to be in any dangerous proximity to the
light. Singular to state, not any of the bales of hay or planks
used to ward off the rebel shot, were struck in a single case on
our vessel. <A large part of the chimney guys were cut away, and
one shot went through the upper pilot-house, fortunately struck
THE FLEET PASSING VICKSBURG. 357

an iron capstan head, which turned it aside, thus saving the
life of the pilot.

“The missiles from the rebels were wrought iron and steel-
pointed, and were thrown by some of the heaviest rifle guns
known to modern warfare. They measure 12 and 14 inches in
length by 6 and 8 inches in diameter, and weigh about one hun-
dred pounds. One of these shots passed through the wheel-house,
cut the pitman or crank arm half off, and lodged in the opposite
side, buried two feet in the solid wood of the pillar-block. In its
passage it made a wreck of this deponent’s state-room. After the
action I found in and around the premises, say two bushels of
corn shucks, very fine ; a mattrass sacking converted into pulp; a
large quantity of pine chips and shavings; the ruin of a straw
hat, and a pile of blankets and clothing, all covered with the
debris of the room, which had been most elegantly ventilated.
The master-at-arms left the place, which is used as a light-room
for the magazine, only an instant before, and was sitting near the
door in the passage. ‘Say what you please, gentlemen,’ said Mr.
Morgan, ‘there is a good providence in all that.? ‘Let us be
thankful to God, gentlemen,’ said Captain Walke, as the firing
ceased, and his vessel was borne upon the swift current of the
Mississippi beyond the reach of the rebel batteries. ‘Let us be
thankful to our heavenly Father for the preservation of our lives.’

“T now learn that not one life has been lost of the two thousand
and odd men who floated past Vicksburg on this gunboat fleet.
While awarding full credit to the able management which has
been displayed, it would be little less than impious not to acknowl-
edge the hand of God in delivering us from the power of the
enemy. Such an event has not marked the history of this war.
On board the ‘ Benton’ the lights were all extinguished and the
men groped their way in the darkness, unable to find their way
except by the sense of feeling. One man had his leg carried off
by ashot. The occurrence caused some temporary confusion. A
boy was wounded by a rifle ball which entered the port where he
was standing. These men were the only persons seriously injured
on any of the vessels; one of the officers was slightly injured in
the side.

“Upon a more careful examination of the wounds received by
the ‘ Lafayette,’ it is evident that her casemates proper are proof
against even the heaviest shots fired from the Vicksburg batteries.
Where the heavy shot penetrated our sides, there was only the
iron plates, an inch in thickness, over oak planking about three
858 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

and a half inches thick, Whenever the rebel shot struck the
casemates of the ‘Lafayette’ at their thick parts, they penetrated
only about half or three-quarters of the way through, and the
fragments of the shot remained imbedded in the wood. This
trial of her strength has fully satisfied the officers of the ‘ Lafay-
ette’ of her capacity to endure any amount of pounding she is
likely to receive on the Mississippi.* It should be borne in mind
that the shots received were within short range.

“The officers of the ‘ Lafayette’ are from different parts of the
country. Captain Walke is a post captain in the regular Navy,
and won great credit by his conduct at Island 10, in command of
the ‘Carondelet.’ The first lieutenant, or executive officer, Ed-
ward Morgan, is from St. Louis, and a very capable officer. The
surgeon, Dr. Beauchamp, one of the ablest in the flotilla, is a
western man. He has been singularly successful, during his career
on the Mississippi, as a medical practitioner and surgeon. The
paymaster, Mr. Jas. P. Kelly, son of the well-known rector of St.
Bartholomew’s church, in New York, but now of Chicago, looks
after the pecuniary interest of the officers and crew, and is de-
servedly one of the most popular officers on board. His room
was partially mutilated by a solid shot which was aimed at the
after port, but which passed nearly through the casemate, splitting
off the ceiling on the inside. The ensigns are, with one excep-
tion, from the eastward. Mr. John A. Bryant, officer of the first
division, and ordnance officer, besides a long experience in the
merchant service, in which he has commanded many vessels, out
of New York and Philadelphia, has also had extensive experience
on board war vessels, and was for some time the drill-officer on
board the receiving aan ‘North Carolina.’ He is one of the offi-
cers who came out with Captain J. MeLeod Murphy, and his
varied experience made his appointment to the ‘Lafayette’ a very
valuable acquisition. Mr. Fred G. Sampson, officer of the second
division, is a young man of much promise from New York City.
He was on board the ‘Essex’ last year, and narrowly escaped
death from scalding at the time her steam-drum was perforated
by a shot in the fight at Fort Henry. Mr. Elias Smith, officer of
the third division, is a native of Rhode Island, but of late years
has been a resident of New York, and was for several years an
attache of the Vew York Times. I am too intimately acquainted
with the last-named individual to feel at liberty to speak in very
high terms of his qualifications as an officer. Mr. J. S. Moran,

* This proved to be since a mistaken impression.
THE FLEET PASSING VICKSBURG. 359

the officer of the fourth division, is from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
He is now absent on temporary leave. There are eight master’s
mates on board, all of whom are from the west and from Penn-
sylvania, accomplished and promising officers. Several of them
have seen service in the army. One, Mr. Thos. Twitchell, is
captain’s aid and signal officer.

“The pilots of the ‘Silver Wave,’ as well as the eight men who
volunteered to man the vessel on this trying occasion, deserve
special mention for their bravery, which, I hope, and have no
doubt, they will receive from a source which will be of more ben-
efit to them than this public mention of their services. The pilots
were Lieutenants O’Neil and Chamberlain, of Co. G, 30th Ohio
regiment. The captain of the boat also behaved with great
courage. They removed the windows from the upper part of the
pilot-house, so as to give an unobstructed view of everything, and
at the same time to prevent accident from flying splinters. They
then took the wheel by turns, or passed the word how to steer,
the man at the wheel occupying a position where he could be dis-
tinctly seen by the rebels as she went careering by. [It should
be mentioned that the ‘Silver Wave,’ which is a stern-wheel boat,
got involved in the eddy, and was obliged to back out, and went
a half a mile up stream to make another start.] She was struck
only once, and no one was injured on board except a mule; the
poor brute, probably frightened by the commotion, became en-
tangled and hung himself by his own halter.

“The ‘Henry Clay’ was apparently set on fire early in the
engagement. The crew escaped in a boat (with the exception of
the pilot) to a log and floated down the stream. He was afterwards
rescued. The ‘Forest Queen’ was nearly cut in two by a shot.

“The engineer, who was scalded, was the only one injured.
The ‘Tuscumbia’ towed her ashore below the mouth of the canal.
She will probably be repaired and used. Excuse the length of the
yarn. It is seldom the occasion offers so good a one.

“ Yours, E. 8.”

A visit from some ladies of the Sanitary Commission, who came
all the way down the Mississippi river in a frail little steamer,
greatly encouraged the blue jackets with their kind sympathy and
cheering words. The effect of that visit on the men was quite im-
pressive, and a sailor’s prayer-book, given as a memento for the
use of the crew, was received with gratitude, and is still very
highly prized. After the ladies had been on board the “ Lafay-
ette,” every movement of the crew was more cheerful and lively ;
360 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

and when the order was given to “ prepare for action,” the utmost
earnestness and enthusiasm was displayed by every one on board,
making the captain feel perfectly satisfied that all were ready to
meet the call, even to the “cannon’s mouth.”

After our fieet had run the gauntlet, some disparaging remarks
were made and published, because one or two of the transports
were headed up stream, as though intending to run back. This
movement of the boats was caused by the current, which for a
time had control of them, and headed them, temporarily the
wrong way ; the remarks were, therefore, extremely ungenerous
and unjust. The officers and men of the army who ran the gaunt-
let on the transports did so voluntarily, though they were entirely
unprotected from the fire of the enemy, and every way more ex-
posed to danger than any of our gunboats.

It should be remembered that it is a fact well known to all
experienced pilots of the Mississippi river, that any stern-wheel
boat, when running down that river and turning a point like that
above Vicksburg “as close as she can,” will invariably strike a
counter current or an eddy, which will turn her completely around
before she can resume her course, and unless she continues her
headway, she cannot steer so easily out of such an eddy. After
passing: Vicksburg on this occasion, the “ Lafayette ” was caught in
one of these eddies, just below the city, which turned her about
repeatedly, in spite of all that her powerful engines could do
working reversely with the most skillful pilots. Other boats of the
fleet were turned about there, likewise. The stern-wheel trans-
ports could not be as easily managed as the side-wheel boats.
Under such circumstances, the movements of the “ Silver Wave,”
or other such transports, could be easily misunderstood by a
landsman, and as easily explained by a nautical man.

These same transports also ran the blockade at Grand Gulf,
without flinching ; and their officers and crews won the highest
praise for their gallant conduct. General Grant was at that time
above Vicksburg, and General Sherman below : and both these
distinguished generals, as well as the officers and men of our flo-
tilla, were proud of the brave fellows who thus exposed them-
selves to such great risks. A few days afterwards, six of these
defenseless transports, the “ Empire,” “Tigress,” “ Moderator,”
“@G. C. Cheeseman,” “ Anglo-Saxon,” and “ Horizenia,” ran the
gauntlet nobly.*

* On this point, the History of the Great Rebellion states:
“The crews of these steamers, with the exception of that of the ‘Forest
THE FLEET PASSING VICKSBURG. 361

And it should be remembered that this practice of running the
gauntlet by our gunboats was inaugurated by General Pope and
his officers of the Army before mentioned, at Island No. 10.

The letter of the correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial,
written from Milliken’s Bend, on the 23rd of April, 1863, says:

“Like Columbus’ passage across the Atlantic, blockade-running
on the Mississippi has ceased to be a novelty of the war, and from
its frequent occurrence has come to be talked of as a very ordi-
nary feat. When Captain Walke, of the iron-clad “Carondelet,”
ran the gauntlet at Island No. 10, more than a year ago, it was
declared one of the most daring accomplishments of the rebellion.
This was followed by the Fort Jackson affair, then came Farra-
gut’s passage of the Vicksburg batteries, which he had to repeat
shortly afterward to save himself from being left high and dry
on the banks of the Big Mud. This spring we have had the ex-
ploits of the ‘Queen of the West,’ ‘ Indianola,’ ‘ Switzerland,’ and
‘Lancaster ’ ; besides Farragut’s performance at Port Hudson, and
within the past ten days, two very successful attempts with our
gunboat and transport fleets.”

It gives us pleasure to be able to say that we know of no in-
stance in which these transport captains and pilots faltered in
their duty. In every instance they voluntarily and most satisfac-
torily accomplished what they undertook to do, without fear or
favor ; they were as undaunted as any men in our fleet, and they
equally with others deserve the gratitude of their countrymen for
the important service they rendered.

At a very critical time, when the “Louisville” struck the
“Price” on her starboard quarter, the “Lafayette” had three
vessels on her starboard side, crowding her head in shore, and she
was in imminent danger of running ashore at Vicksburg, close
under the enemy’s batteries, which exposed the “Price” to the
enemy’s fire, and in that position the ‘ Lafayette” was therefore
unable to afford shelter or protection to her consorts, but rather
required relief herself. The “Price,” however, soon after left
her in her dangerous situation and escaped, and about the same
time a shot having struck the coal-barge, putting her in a sinking
condition, she was cut adrift, thus releasing the “ Lafayette”
from her incubus.

Queen,’ Captain D. Conway, and ‘Silver Wave,’ Captain McMillan, were
composed of volunteers from the Army. Upon the call for volunteers for

this dangerous enterprize, officers and men presented themselves by hun-
dreds, anxious to undertake the trip.”
362 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

The barge soon sunk in full view of the enemy, who gave three
cheers, mistaking her for the “ Lafayette,” as will be presently
seen.

Carpenter’s report of the damage to the U. 8. gunboat “Ta-
fayette,” while passing the batteries at Vicksburg, on the night of
the 16th of April, '1863. ;

“First shot struck the starboard forward port-shutter, glanced
off with little damage ; one shot struck casemate forward on port
side, passing through the iron-plating, lodging in the casemate ; one
shot struck about twenty feet aft on the port side, glancing off with
but little damage ; two shots passing through iron-plating, and
three inches of plank, cutting off three carlins, passing through port
and starboard bulkheads, over boilers, lodging against the inside
of the casemating ; one shot struck the lower edge of the
casemate, about twenty feet forward of the wheel on the port
side, and there lodged ; one shot passed through both bulkheads
and pitman, cutting through a stringer running fore and aft on
the port side, then passing through officer’s quarters, and through
engine timbers, and inside casemate on starboard side under the
shaft ; one shot passed through the forward and starboard side
of the upper pilot-house ; one shot struck on the port side, just
abaft the wheel, passed through iron-plating, lodged in casemate.

(Signed) “Crark M. Unperwoop,
Carpenter.”

Four of the above-mentioned shot passed or struck within a
few inches of the most vital parts of the steamer, which if either
had struck, would have probably destroyed the majority of her
crew. One of these was a rifle bolt, which would have penetrated
her boilers, had it not struck a spare capstan, which was placed
there to protect them. Another lodged in the thickest part of
the casemate, a few inches short of the steam-piston, and the
other two were near exploding our magazines and shell-rooms.
‘uospuy wog Burssel PoOOVUuVel ercupy

‘pucmmory “sel " pzojye

 
\

CHAPTER XX.
ADMIRAL PORTER’S FLEET BELOW VICKSBURG.

Correspondence of the New York Times.—After the Battle-—Confederate
Testimony to the actions of the “Lafayette,” and their Gratulations on
the Imaginary Destruction of that Vessel.

TuE correspondent of the Mew York Times writes on the Sun-
day after our fleet had passed the batteries :—“ April 19th, at
New Carthage. The first Sunday which followed the passage of
the Vicksburg batteries by the Union gunboats and other vessels
which came down on Thursday night, assembled at New Carthage,
within sight of the plantations of Colonel Joe and Jeff. Davis,
which are only three miles below on the Mississippi side. In
plain sight from ‘Ion’ plantation, where most of the vessels made
a temporary stop, lies the wreck of the gunboat ‘ Indianola,’ which
was destroyed by the rebel captors upon the appearance of the
celebrated Quaker monitor. The night was one of the most tem-
pestuous which had been witnessed for a long time on the Missis-
sippl river. Continuous and heavy thunder, with incessant light-
ning which kept the heavens in a blaze, and a torrent of rain, were
the features of the night.

“Sunday morning, however, dawned clear and rosy, with a
pure and bracing atmosphere, which gave a glow of delight to all
and made them more than satisfied with their surroundings. The
officers and crews of the different vessels, as is customary, were
early dressed in their Sunday suits, and arrangements made for
enjoying the day in the best possible manner. The extraordinary
events of the last two days through which they had passed, added
zest to their enjoyment. The sight of the green-clad earth after
so long confinement on board of their boats, where no attractions
on terra firma but the wild forest could be seen, was a luxury
quite enjoyable. At eight o’clock all the gunboats hoisted their
ensigns, which floated proudly in the morning breeze, from a
dozen flag-staffs. To the enemy who still lingered in sight of the

[363]
364 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

place, the exhibition of the old flag so unexpectedly in their midst
must have been anything but pleasant, assuming that all their de-
clared hatred of the stars and stripes is a true expression of their
feelings. After the usual quarters for inspection at nine o’clock,
the church flag is hoisted above the ensign, and all hands are
called to muster around the capstan, where the captain generally
reads the services prescribed or selected by himself for such occa-
sions, the officers and men listening in respectful silence, to the
solemn, the almost inspired utterances of the service of the
Protestant Episcopal church.

“ By the kind thoughtfulness of Mrs. Holt, of the Sanitary Com-
mission, who lately visited the fleet, each of the officers and men
on board the ‘ Lafayette’ is supplied with a neat little compilation
entitled the ‘Soldiers’ Prayer Book, arranged from the Book of
Common Prayer, with additional Collects and Hymns.’ Could that
kind lady, and the generous Society who have printed this little
book for circulation in the Army and Navy, have been able to look
in upon this silent worshiping group, upon this pleasant Sabbath
morning, would it not have repaid them somewhat for the interest
they take in the sailor and the soldier ?

“ After the usual prayer for the protection of the ‘fleet in which
we serve,’ for the ‘President of the United States, and all others
in authority,’ which are read with an unction and responded to
evidently from the heart, Captain Walke gave out the 20th
hymn, and then might have been heard floating across the calm
waters of the Mississippi, from many voices, the noble words:

“«*God bless our native land,
Firm may she ever stand,
Through storm and night ;
When the wild tempests rave,
Ruler of wind and wave,
Do Thou our country save,
By Thy great might.

««« Por her our prayers shall rise,
To God, above the skies,
On Him we wait ;
Thou who art ever nigh,
is Guarding with watchful eye,
To Thee aloud we cry,
God save the State.’

“The roll of the crew is then called off, each man answering to
his name, and also giving his rate, and the services are closed.
THE FLEET BELOW VICKSBURG. 865

“Let the good people at home, whose prayers constantly ascend
for the protection of our arms, remember that there is also on
board most, if not all our vessels of war, that becoming recogni-
tion of the Divine Being, and our dependence on His favor, which
must have its effect upon the service, and secure the blessing
of the Most High. The crews were permitted to take a stroll
ashore, to visit each other among the different vessels, to gather
wild flowers, which now are springing forth in great profusion,
and to enjoy themselves generally. Thus passed the first Sunday
below Vicksburg.

“The troops are already gathering here in large numbers, and
important movements are in contemplation. They are, of course,
a secret with the military generals and admirals of the fleet, who
are now co-operating for the common object of opening the Mis-
sissippi. The Army and Navy are in excellent health; we are
within easy distance of the headquarters of the Army above Vicks-
burg, with which there is almost daily communication.”

As an evidence at this period of our operations, that the “La-
fayette” was to the enemy quite notable, we will add the follow-
ing Confederate statement, taken from the Register and Adverti-
ser, under date of April 20th, 1863.

“ Vicksburg.

“One of the rams, the ‘ Lafayette,’ was the next object to
which. our cannoniers paid their compliments, and she too became
hors de combat, and sunk beneath the waves. It will be remem-
bered that it was this boat that made a demonstration against the
city on her own hook, some time since. She carried a monster
armament, and was invulnerable. So little is known about her
destruction, that I can give no particulars further than that she
received the doom which she deserved, and which awaits some of
her consorts next time they approach our batteries. The invul-
nerability of the boasted gunboats is fast becoming a myth.

“ Boasting herself upon her own powerful guns, she did not
expect to find that a more formidable Hydra stands within, whose
jaws with iron teeth severely grin.

“By the time these two had received their quietus, the balance
had passed our upper batteries, and were approaching the city,
when the transport ‘Silver Wave’ was set on fire by a shell,
and burned to the water’sedge. This made three boats destroyed
out of nine which started on the voyage.”

In these representations the wish doubtless misled the judg-
366 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

ment, as the “ Lafayette” was neither sunk or disabled, as the
enemy subsequently discovered to his sorrow.

On the 23rd of April, 1863, the “ Lafayette,” by the orders of
Porter, dropped down on a reconnoissance, and engaged the ene-
my’s batteries at Grand Gulf, with 100-pounder Parrott, contin-
uing her fire upon them until the admiral ordered her to cease,
when she anchored ; and the admiral, with his staff, steamed
up the river.

On the 24th, the “Lafayette” opened fire again on the batter-
ies at Grand Gulf. Also on the 27th, when she received dispatches
by the “ Price” from Admiral Porter, to prepare for battle, hav-
ing been, with the “Mound City ” and “ Pittsburg,” over a week
within gunshot of the enemy’s batteries, previous to the battle.

CAPTAIN WALKE TO ADMIRAL PORTER.

“JU, §. Gunboat ‘ LAFAYETTE,’
. “Diamond Island Bend, below Vicksburg, April 17, 1863.
“e IR :

“T have most respectfully to report that in obedience to your orders of
the 10th inst. the gunboat ‘ Lafayette,’ now under my command, passed the
batteries at Vicksburg last night, accompanying you with the following por-
tion of your flect, viz: ‘Benton’ (flag), ‘ Lafayette’ (towing a coal-barge and
the ‘General Price’), ‘Louisville,’ ‘Mound City,’ ‘ Pittsburg,’ ‘ Carondelet,’
and three transports, viz: ‘ Forest Queen,’ ‘ Henry Clay,’ and ‘ Silver Wave,’ all
of which passed safely down to this point with but trifling injury, except the
transport ‘Henry Clay,’ which caught fire and was burned, and the ‘ Forest
Queen,’ which received a shot between wind and water, and was obliged to
come to, below Vicksburg. The ‘Lafayette’ received nine effective round
and rifle cannon shots through her casemates, while closely engaged with
the rebel batteries. She was struck first in the port waist with a 32-pounder
solid shot, which passed through obliquely from forward, aft to the star-
board casemate. The second, a rifle 100-pounder bolt, struck upon the same
plate at right angles, passing through and breaking through the iron-work,
and our stern capstan over the boilers.* Third, a 100-pounder rifle bolt
through the port wheel-house, port pitman, and through the starboard side.
Fourth, a 100-pounder rifle through the lower edge of the iron plating for-
ward of the port wheel-house amidships, into the spousel a few feet short of
the port cylinder in a direct line. Fifth, a 32-pounder on port side, abaft
the wheel-house, through plating. Sixth, a 32-pounder on the port bow,

* This spare capstan was unshipped, being in the way of the stern guns,
and carefully placed over the boilers, with the hope of a providential protec-
tion to them. And this Wentworth rifle bolt came through the casemate di-

‘rectly for the boilers, but struck the capstan, knocking it into splinters and
glancing over the heads of the company of sharpshooters lodged in the star-
board side. When it was first picked up on board, it was coated with shin-
ing black lacker. It was presented to the admiral when he came on his tour
of inspection.
THE FLEET BELOW VICKSBURG. 367

through plating broken. Seventh, a glance shot on the starboard bow port.
Eighth, a glance shot on hog chain, bending it, and through the upper pilot-
house. Ninth, grape-shot through smoke-pipes, barge and mainmast slightly
injured by shell. In consequence of the difficulty in seeing our position
while passing in the smoke, fire and noise, with the coal-barge and ‘ Price’
alongside, she being reported on fire twice, the ‘Lafayette’ came near run-
ning into the bank under the batteries at Vicksburg, which enabled the ene-
my to take unerring aim for the short time we were there. We returned the
fire at the same time, but the fighting bolts of our 24-pounder broke adrift.
The safety of the vessel being paramount to all other advantages that could
be derived from the random shot, with the ‘ Louisville’ afoul of us, I discon-
tinued our firing after one or two rounds. The coal barge was sunk by a
shot in her bow. The ‘Price’ cast off after we passed the batteries. We
arrived safely at this place, without the loss of a man killed or wounded.
We left the Yazoo river at 9.30, P.M, and arrived here at 1.30, a.m, being un-
der fire one hour and twenty minutes.
“Tam, sir, Most Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
“H. WaLxE,
“ Acting Admiral Captain U. 8. Navy.
D. D. Porter,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

REPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER S. E. WOODWORTH.

“New CartTHace, April 7, 1863.
«Sir :

«‘T have the honor to report my safe arrival at this place with the U. 8.
steamer ‘General Price,’ having passed the batteries at Vicksburg without
the loss of a‘man, and but three slightly wounded. The‘ Price’ is badly cut
up in her upper works, particularly the wardroom and steerage. ‘Two 73-
inch rifle shell having exploded inside, destroying the officer’s quarters, and
setting the vessel on fire twice. We were struck by thirteen different shot
and shell and musket balls. While drifting down the river to enable the
‘Lafayette’ to fire her guns, the ‘ Louisville’ ran into my quarter, and stove
one of my boats, at the same time obliging me to cast off from the ‘ Lafay-
ette’ and make the rest of my trip alone, the coal-barge between us being
stove by a shell bursting in it.

“Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant
“8. E. WoopwortTs,
* Admiral Commanding U. 8. Steamer ‘ Price.’
D. D. Porter,
Commanding U. 8. Missssippi Squadron.”

From the above reports it will be seen that the enemy’s practice
was certainly very good, particularly with their Whitworth rifle
bolts, which took effect near the vital parts of the “Lafayette,”
although they did not quite reach their fatal destination. But
many which passed just over her, strack the “Price” or “ Louis-
368 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

ville,” being aimed at the center of the great floating mass, and
striking in their upper works, made great havoc in the officers’
upper cabins, and set fire to the “Price.” The shot which glanced
from the starboard bow port of the “Lafayette” into the coal-
barge would probably have struck the “Price” “between wind
and water,” if the barge had not been between them. It is evi-
dent, therefore, that it was unwise to present such an attractive
object for the enemy’s attention, unless it could be used effectively
as a dummy, to divert the enemy’s fire from our fleet, especially
as it was probable that the enemy would light up the river to
enable their gunners to see our gunboats, an advantage to them,

as was proved by the destructive fire
| they inflicted on the “ Lafayette,”
“Price” and “ Louisville.”* The rest
of the fleet passed down the river
with less trouble, except the “Tus-
cumbia,” with transports, which, in at-
tempting to strictly follow the instruc-
tions of Admiral Porter, were drawn
into an eddy of the river, and were
turned about in a remarkable manner,
making somewhat uncertain their ulte-
rior destination. Finally, however, they
turned down stream all right.

Referring to the diagram the expe-
rienced reader will not be surprised
that those stern-wheel boats which
turned close around the point nearly
opposite to Vicksburg, keeping as far

wiCkeEURG: as possible from the enemy’s batteries,

should have twirled round and run

ashore or into each other, unavoidably, by these eddies and coun-
ter currents.

The “ Lafayette,” with a large coal-barge on one side, and the
“Price” and “ Louisville” under her protection, found herself
unable to use her guns with full effect on the enemy.

On the 22nd of April, 1863, the “ Lafayette” with the rest of
the fleet, except the flag-steamer ‘“‘ Benton” and the “ Tuscumbia,”
anchored within gunshot above the batteries at Grand Gulf, thus

 

 

 

 

* Such arrangements (it was then known) had been made a year previous
at Fort Pillow, when the enemy was under apprehensions that our fleet
would attempt to run the blockade at that point.
THE FLEET BELOW VICKSBURG. 369

obstructing labor in the fortifications, pending the time for a
combined attack, now expected in a few days. We copy the fol-
lowing instructions and general orders from Admiral Porter :

“Circumstances oblige me to go up river ; while I am gone I wish you
to do all you can to prevent the rebels working on the forts without wasting
ammunition, and try and drive the steamers away. The ‘Carondelet,’
‘Mound City,’ ‘Louisville,’ and ‘Pittsburg’ will remain here and be some
place where they can use their rifle guns. I find there are two forts below
the ones we saw, and deem it prudent to consult with the general before we
stand a chance of separating from them altogether.”

The following general orders were issued about this period.

{General Order, No. 44.] “JU. §. Misstssrepr SQUADRON,
April 10, 1863.

“No commander will permit any one under his command to land for the
purpose of taking property of any description, from plantations along the
river within the limits of this squadron.

“The duties of commanders will be confined to seizing rebel property
afidat.

“No person will be allowed to pillage, burn or destroy (unless from mili-
tary necessity, which must be shown), under penalty of the severest punish-
ment.

«“Davip D. PortTER,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

 

[General Order, No. 47.] “‘U. S. Mississrppr SQUADRON,
Yazoo River, April 15, 1863.

“‘The commanders of all vessels in the Mississippi squadron are directed
to conform strictly to the orders of March 31st, 1863, issued by the secretary
of the treasury, regulating trade. No officer must interfere with the pur-
chase, sale, or transportation of goods or merchandise, which shall be con-
ducted under the regulation of the treasury department, by treasury agents,
or other authorized officers of the treasury department, and any officers will
give such aid in carrying out the provisions of the said act, and in enforcing
due observance of the said regulations of the secretary of the treasury, as
can be given without manifest injury to the public service.

“Tt is further ordered, that any officer, who may have in his possession
any property belonging to the insurrectionary States, not required for mili-
tary purposes, shall turn it over to a treasury agent, taking duplicate receipts
for the same. All papers, receipts and vouchers, relating to such property,
should be turned over to the treasury agent, or any document showing the
right to possession of such property by the individuals from whom it -was
taken.

“No officer will take on board his vessel any cotton, tobacco, goods or
merchandise, unless necessary for military purposes, or ordered to do so by

24
370 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. |

me. Nor will they interfere with trade upon these rivers, unless it may be
to prevent the violation of the regulations aforesaid.

«Every commander will furnish himself with a copy or the regulations of
the treasury of March 81st, conform strictly to them himself, and make all
others under him do the same.

“Davin D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

{General Order, No. 54.] “U. 8. Mississrprr SquaDRon,
May 18, 1863.

‘‘ When pilots enter the service of the United States they are subject to
all the rules and regulations for the government of the Navy, and the inter-
nal regulations of the vessel to which they may be attached.

“Pilots must exhibit to their commanders, when they first report for
duty, their appointment and their oath of allegiance, which must be sent to
me.

“Pilots when at the wheel are to attend strictly to that duty.

“It is too common a thing to see a pilot conversing with all around him
while attending to the steering of the vessel.

‘« Officers must not be permitted to approach a pilot while steering, unless
it is necessary to address him on a matter of duty.

“After the pilots have been one month in service their commanders will
report on their qualifications as pilots, when, if retained in the service, they
must wear the prescribed uniform, viz : Blue frock coat with nine buttons
on each breast and strap with a wheel in the center, also a wheel on the
front of the cap, but no gold band.

‘‘Paymasters are authorized by the instruction of the fourth auditor, to
pay the mess in which a pilot is subsisted one dollar per diem.

““When two pilots are attached to a vessel one must be on board, and
when only one pilot is attached to a vessel he must never go out of signal dis-
tance.

‘Pilots must never leave a vessel without obtaining the captain’s per-
mission. ;

‘Pilots entering the Navy are to understand that they cannot resign when
it suits them to do so; the exigencies of the service must be consulted in all
cases.

“The five oldest pilots in the squadron will constitute a board for the ex-
amination of pilots.

‘‘ Pilots are responsible that the steering apparatus is kept in order, and
must report to the commander when anything is out of order.

“Davip D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

“« At all times, when at anchor or otherwise, the pilots are responsible that
the vessel does not get aground, and during the fall of the river, when at
anchor, they will carefully sound around and report to the commanding offi
cer should it be in their opinion necessary to move.”
THE FLEET BELOW VICKSBURG. 371

[General Order, No. 61.] “U. 8. Missrssrppr SquapRoN,
Flag Ship ‘Buack Hawk,’ May 28, 1863.
“The list of contrabands must be sent me on the first of every month
without fail, and commanders must comply promptly with this order, as the
Navy Department is particular about it.
‘No changes must be made in the disposition of contrabands without an
order from me.
“* Any one enlisted in the service must be accounted for agreeable to the
regulations.
“Vessels in the upper fleet will send their list to Captain Pennock, fleet
captain, and commandant of station, Cairo, Ill.
“Davip D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

[General Order, No. 63.] “U.S. Mississrprr SquaDRON,
Flag Ship ‘Biacx Hawk,’ June 10, 1863.
“«It is proposed to increase the wages of first-class pilots in the Missis-
sippi Squadron to two hundred and fifty dollars per month, and one ration,
commencing from the first of June, 1863.

_**Commanders of all vessels will report to me the names of their pilots,
the time they have been in the service, their qualifications as pilot, whether
they are regularly licensed, and how long they have been at the business.

“Commanders will also state what engagements their pilots have been in,
and how they conducted themselves in said engagements.

“Jt will afford me great pleasure to make this small tribute to those
who deserve it, and I hope it will be an inducement to others to merit pro-
motion.

“First-class river pilots will receive two hundred and fifty dollars per
month, and one ration, on entering the service hereafter. The second-class
pilots will receive one hundred and seventy-five dollars and one ration
When any pilot thinks he is deserving of promotion, if he will apply to me,
I will have him examined by a board of pilots. :

“‘ Davy D. PorTER,

Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”
CHAPTER XXI.
THE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF.

Admiral Porter’s Plan of Action.—Captain Hoel Chosen as ‘‘ Leader.”—The
Fleet Advances.—Battle of the Fort.—An Incident on Board the ‘‘ Lafay-
ette.’"—A Trick of the Enemy.—Admiral Porter’s Official Account.—Cap-
tain Walke’s Report.—A Misleading Diagram.—Official Documents.—
Letters to the New Albany Ledger.—Congratulatory Letter to Admiral
Porter on the Fall of Vicksburg, by the Honorable Secretary of the Navy.
—List of Boats and Officers.

ADMIRAL PORTER'S PLAN OF ACTION.—GENERAL ORDER TO THE
COMMANDING OFFICERS OF THE FLEET.

“Flag Ship ‘ Benton,’
Ashwood Landing, Mississippi River, Apri 27, 1863.
“Tn going into action with the forts at Grand Gulf, the following orders
will be observed. It is reported that there are four positions where guns are
placed, in which case it is desirable that all four places should be engaged
at the sametime. The‘ Louisville,’ ‘Carondelet,’ ‘Mound City,’ and ‘ Pitts-
burg,’ will proceed in advance, going down slowly, firing their bow guns at
the guns in the first battery on the bluff, passing one hundred yards from
it, and one hundred and fifty yards apart from each. As they pass the
battery on the bluff, they will fire grape, canister and shrapnel, cut
at half second, and percussion shell from rifle guns. The leading vessel,
(‘Louisville’) will round to at the next battery, keeping the bow presented,
or if carried past by the current, come up again and engage it. The next
vessel will engage the third battery, and the next the fourth, the last vessel
preparing to double on what appears to be the heaviest of the lower bat-
teries.

“The ‘Benton’ and ‘Tuscumbia,’ will attack the upper battery on the
bluff, going down slowly, and firing shell with five-second fuse, one gun to
be loaded and fired with canister. The ‘ Lafayette’ will drop down at the
same time, stern foremost, until within six hundred yards, firing her rifled
guns with percussion shell at the upper battery. The ‘Tuscumbia’ will
round to outside the ‘Benton,’ not firing over her while so doing. After
rounding to, she will keep astern and inside of the ‘Benton,’ using her bow
guns while the ‘Benton’ fires her broadside guns. The ‘Tuscumbia’ and
‘Benton’ will also fire their stern guns at the forts below them whenever
they will bear using shell altogether. The ‘Louisville,’ ‘Carondelet,’
‘Mound City ’ and ‘ Pittsburg,’ will also keep their stern guns trained on the
batteries on their quarter, firing deliberately and trying to dismount the

[872]
Confederate Forts. Benton. Tuscumbia. Pittsburg.

Battle of Grand Gulf, First position, R. Ad. D. D. Porter Commanding.

 
     

   

SS Sa
Ft on Point of Rocks. Louisville
Tuscumbia. Carondelet,

  

Mound City,

 

Pittsburg fae Lower Forts.
afayette,

Battle of Grand Gulf, 2d Position.
  

Confederate Batterias. Pittsburg Louisville. Mound City,

Tuscumbia. Carondelet.
Lafayette.

Battle of Grand Gulf, 3d position.
THE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF 373

enemy’s batteries. The four vessels leading will take position one hundred
yards from the breach or landing, firing their five-second shell, and one gun
firing altogether with shrapnel cut at two and one-half seconds, unless the
commanders see that it is too long or too short. If I find that the upper
battery is soon silenced, I will hoist the guard flag, and blow a long whistle
for the ‘Lafayette’ to drop down and assist the four steamers at the lower
batteries. If I want the ‘Tuscumbia’ to drop down and assist at the lower
batteries, I will blow long and continued whistles until the order is obeyed.
The ‘Lafayette’ and ‘Tuscumbia’ must concentrate their fire on what
appears to be the heaviest battery below, and obtain such a distance as will
enable them to fire accurately at the guns of the enemy. The stern, side
and bow guns must be used by all the vessels when practicable, and when
there is no possibility of firing into each other.

“Tf a battery is silenced perfectly, each vessel must pick out the next one
the commander thinks troublesome, and get a position where she will not
interfere with any one else. When it is practicable to form a line abreast,
and bring all the bow guns to bear on one place, that will soonest end the
fight. Every vessel should be well packed with hammocks, bags, and awn-
ings, around the pitmans. Every precaution should be taken against the
houses on deck taking fire. Water buckets and tubs should be kept filled
all about the spar deck ; an officer or trusty person to look out and report if
fire breaks out. The guns must be run into a taut-breeching, and the
men cautioned about sticking themselves out of the ports when loading.

“Coolness in firing is recommended ; let not a shot be thrown away. If
any vessel is disabled in machinery, let her drop her anchor at once, and
fight as long as she can ; one anchor to be kept ready for this purpose. If
sharpshooters appear on the hillside, or in rifle-pits, throw shrapnel cut to
the proper length at them; calculating that the initial velocity is twelve
hundred feet per second. The ‘Benton’ will take position as circumstances
may require. Commanders will send for their pilots, and explain to them
what is to be done, Also explain the position of the forts to the officers,
and let every man know what he has to do. Let the officers explain the
same thing to the crew at quarters. The water is falling ; no vessel will
anchor for the present in less than four fathoms water, and the lead must
be frequently tried.

“Very Respectfully,
“Davip D. PortEr,
Acting Rear-Admiral
«Captain Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
HeEenry WALES,
Commanding ‘ Lafayette.’”

CAPTAIN HOEL CHOSEN AS “ LEADER.”

The annexed diagram shows the plan of attack, and also the
minuteness with which the admiral had considered and arranged
every detail.

The Mississippi was at this time very high, overflowing its banks
in many places, and consequently the water was generally very deep.
374 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

In the bend, however, above the Point of Rocks and upper batteries,
at high water there was a sand bar of shoal water, which at low
water was an island; and this was
the shoal over which the “Lafay-
ette” was stationed, and most dread-
ed by her pilots during action. In
view of the dangers of navigation,
the original programme was altered
so that the “Pittsburg” took the
lead, Acting Lieutenant Hoel (her
commander) being an excellent river
pilot, possessing great skill and
experience in the management of
steamers on the Mississippi, and a
dé brave and competent officer, who
ae Shak a cin, had always proved himself fully
ie. BLS L-Firte equal to all that was required of
A7EAre him. Our regular naval officers in
* The change in the position command of the other gunboats
of these gunboats was made just were doubtless more suitable other-
before the battle commenced.
wise for the post of leader, but Cap-
tain Hoel was better acquainted with the locality, the channels of
the river, and the strong currents sweeping in various directions,
amongst which it would be ne-
_cessary to maneuver when in
battle, and therefore all cheer- ¢
fully yielded the distinguished
and honorable part pe. leader
to a junior, in deference to the oo
superior judgment of their com- ~
mander-in-chief.

 

 
 
   

wre eg

THE FLEET ADVANCES TO THE
ATTACK.

On the 29th of April, 1863,
Admiral Porter, with all the
fleet, arrived, and attacked
Grand Gulf in the follow-
ing order: The “Pittsburg,”
“‘ Louisville,” ‘ Carondelet,”
and “Mound City” attacked
the lower batteries (but not stern foremost, as that part of the
THE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF. 375

order of battle was changed, so that the fleet commenced the
attack with the bow gun). The “Lafayette,” “Benton” flag-
steamer) and “Tuscumbia” — emeppiereepe ence.
following, rounded to above,
and attacked the upper bat-
teries. The “ Lafayette” fired
thirty-five rounds of 11-inch,
9-inch, and 100-pounder Par-
rott rifle shell, and then
turned her 11-inch bow guns
again upon the enemy with
apparent good effect, adapt-
ing her position to the orders _
received, and the fixed fuses
of her shell. About 10 0’clock
the admiral hoisted the guard
flag on the “ Benton,” the pre-
concerted signal to indicate
that the “ Lafayette ” was to
go tothe assistance of the gun-
boats engaging the lower batteries. She obeyed immediately, and
quickly rounded to below them, by running her ram into the bank
of the river, against which she
“brought up” with her star-
board broadside with such
violence, that all her people
were thrown off their bal-
ance. She then continued
firing at close quarters, with
all her guns, as they were
brought to bear on the ene-
| my’s works. The 11-inch
guns on the upper batteries,
and her starboard broadside
guns, and a 100-pounder Par-
rott gun (shifted to the
broadside port), on the lower
batterjes ; and (with the aid
of the other gunboats) si-
lenced them effectually with-
in two hours after she had joined in that part of the attack.
She then steamed up the river, firing into the upper battery on

   

 
376 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the “Point of Rocks,” enfilading it from below, with her 11-inch
bow-guns, as she approached that point, and passing very close
under it, she took her former
position in an eddy over the
shoals or flats, to the north
and east of the battery,
steadily firing into it with
her large bow guns. The
“Lafayette” was immedi-
ately followed by the “ Louis-
ville,’ ‘“ Carondelet,” and
“Mound: City,” and these
three latter gunboats ran in
a circle, accelerated in that
maneuver, between the swift
current and counter-currents
of the river ; which enabled
them to fire all their guns as
they bore upon the battery,
at a distance of five or six
hundred yards. The “ Pittsburg ” still remained in her original
position, under the bank opposite the middle battery (which
had been silenced), and being
in a flanking position, she ==#=Seef=fei*:
with the above-mentioned — s'feiza.
gunboats fired into the upper
battery, until all their guns
but one were silenced. The
“ Benton,” which had in the
mean time steamed up the
river, finally made signal for
the fleet to follow her mo-
tions, which was promptly
obeyed by all the fleet but
the “Tuscumbia,” which
boat, being badly disabled,
drifted down to Desharoon’s _4
plantation, five or six miles 2
below. She was thus una-
voidably separated from the
rest of our fleet.

As soon as the “Lafayette” had joined the rest of our fleet.

 

     
TIE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF. 877

and Captain Walke had made his report to the commander-in-
chief in person, and had returned to the “ Lafayette,” he was fol-
lowed immediately by one of the admiral’s secretaries, with verbal
orders to the captain that he should return with the “ Lafayette ”
alone, and again attack the upper batteries on the “ Point of
Rocks,” to silence them, and to drive the enemy away from them.
This she did promptly and most effectively in about twenty-five
minutes, with her 11-inch bow guns ; and she remained near there
until our fleet had passed, when she followed in the rear.

General Grant and his officers anxiously watched this attack of

e “Lafayette,” and he is said to have remarked that he seldom
or ever saw shell thrown with more precision, or explode in better
time than did her 11-inch shell on that occasion. All our fleet
and our army transports under cover of their attack ran by the
batteries, and arrived safely that night at Desharoon’s plantation.

The “Lafayette” received about forty shot into or through
her hull, five only doing any serious damage.

Several exciting incidents occurred on board the “Lafayette.”
Key and Denning, the pilots, relate that while conversing with
some persons who had sought security in the rear of the pilot-
house, and who were on the lookout for passing shells, and ready
to show their good breeding by politely bowing, and giving way
to such as appeared desirous to come too close, a 64-pound shell
from the batteries on the Point of Rocks elicited the quick query,
“Look out! Where’s that coming?” Before an answer could
be given, the shell struck a corner of the wheel-house, thus giving,
as it were, its own sharp answer, “there !” and went past, but ex-
ploded so near their heads that the air was filled with its blazing
powder and flying fragments. The shock stunned the sturdy
pilots for a moment, but they hung fast to the wheel, and held
the vessel’s bow steady to its work, until our monstrous bomb-
shells, exploding in the fort at almost every fire, soon silenced its
guns and routed the enemy.

Our fleet was employed the two following days in transporting
General Grant’s army over the river. On the morning of May
2nd the “ Lafayette” was ordered up to the rebel batteries on a
reconnoissance, where she fired four 11-inch shell, which killed
several of the enemy in the lower battery, as reported on the fol-
lowing day by a refugee from the forts. They returned but two
shot, both passing over. Having accomplished the object of her
visit, she returned, having been under fire much longer than any
other vessel of the squadron.
378 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

CAPTURE OF THE FORT.

During the night of the 3rd of May several fires and explosions
were observed at Grand Gulf from on board the “Lafayette,”
and reported to Captain Walke, who immediately communicated
the intelligence to the admiral, reporting it to him in person at
4.40, p.M., while in his berth. Porter thereupon ordered Walke
to proceed without delay with the “Lafayette” to attack Grand
Gulf. At early dawn she was well on her way to the fort, fol-
lowed by the admiral, with all the fleet except the “‘ Tuscumbia,”
several of which were faster than the “ Lafayette.” She arrived
first, however, at the enemy’s batteries, now deserted, and had the
honor of first planting our flag thereon. The upper batteries and
those on the Point of Rocks were next to be taken possession of,
and a spirited race followed, with all the fleet participating, which
was extremely exciting. The “Lafayette” got the lead again,
though only by a few feet, when the “Carondelet,” then com-
manded by Acting Lieutenant J. McLeod Murphy, of political
fame, blocked the way. Her commander, taking advantage of
the position of his gunboat on the start, ran her in the way of the
“Lafayette,” and lodged the “Carondelet” against her port
wheel-house or guards, preventing her from passing ahead.
Amidst the noise and confusion caused by the warning voices of
the pilots, the orders or signals of Captain Walke to keep off were
unavailing, and the “ Carondelet,” seeming to take it to be a scrub
race, resorted to this ruse de guerre to keep ahead, and gain the
honor of first raising our flag over the enemy’s works. But just
then the admiral in the “Benton” (the old war-horse !) came up,
and all had to give place to the flag. But the “Lafayette’s”
officers and men had the satisfaction of first planting her flag on
the principal lower battery, of one 100-pounder, one 8-inch Co-
lumbiad, and two 32-pounders. The “Pittsburg,” Captain Hoel,
placed her flag over the fort next above, or middle battery, with
three times three cheers all around. And the admiral took pos-
session of the principal fort on the Point of Rocks, and hoisted
our flag thereon.

AN OLD TRICK OF THE ENEMY.

While the admiral was examining the forts at Grand Gulf, im-
mediately after taking possession thereof, we were startled by
the firing of one of their heavy guns, which hurled a shot over
our gunboats, as they lay at the Point of Rocks, as though some
THE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF. 379

brave ghost of the enemy had determined to give us the last shot.
Matthew Arthur had just warned some of our men of the
danger. The gun was loaded to the muzzle, and exploded by a
concealed fire under it. Fortunately there was no one near it or
hurt by it. A card was picked up in this fort with this invective
written, “We will meet you again, you damned aa

The following is copied from the remarks of an abstract log-
book of the “Lafayette”: ‘‘ At the upper batteries there were
found three 32-pounder rifle guns and one 8-inch gun. We could
not ascertain what other armament they had, owing to the explo-
sion of their magazines, which covered all the guns near it with
earth. Received a contraband on board who stated that the day
previous, when the ‘Lafayette’ went up to reconnoiter, that one
of her shells took effect in their lower batteries, killing four men.”
The enemy had evidently dismantled their forts, and removed,
concealed, or destroyed, as many of their guns, and as much of
their military stores, as possible, and escaped by their steamers
on the Big Black river, and by the railroad to Port Gibson.”

 

ADMIRAL PORTER'S OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE ACTION AT
GRAND GULF.

“Flag Ship ‘ BENToN,’
Below Grand Gulf, April 29th, 1863.
“Sm:

“‘T have the honor to inform you that by an arrangement with General
Grant, I attacked the batteries at Grand Gulf this morning, which were very
formidable. After a fight of five hours and thirty minutes we silenced the
lower batteries, but failed to silence the upper ones, which were high, strong
built, had guns of heavy calibre, and the vessels were unmanageable in the
heavy current. It fired but feebly toward the last, and the vessels all laid
by and enfiladed, while I went a short distance to communicate with Gen-
eral Grant, who concluded to land the troops, and march over to a point
two miles below Grand Gulf. I sent the ‘Lafayette’ back to engage the
upper batteries, which she did, and drove the enemy out of it, as it did not
respond after a few fires. At6,P. M, we attacked the batteries again, and,
under cover of the fire, all the transports passed in good condition.

“The ‘ Benton,’ ‘Tuscumbia,’ and ‘ Pittsburg’ were much cut up, having
twenty-four killed and fifty-six wounded, but they are all ready for service.
‘We landed the army in the morning on the other side, and marched to
Vicksburg.

(Signed) “D. D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admirat.
«Hon.
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.”
380 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

CAPTAIN WALKE’S REPORT.

“«U. §. Gunboat ‘LAFAYETTE,’

«Sr: Off Grand Gulf, May 2, 1863.

‘“‘T have the honor to report the particulars of the attack made by the
Mississippi Squadron on the enemy’s batteries, on the morning of the 29th
ulto., in obedience to your general order of the 27th ulto, so far as it came
under my observation. About 7, A. M., of the 29th, the fleet got under way
in answer to your signals, and proceeded down to the rebel batteries of
Grand Gulf in the following order. The ‘ Pittsburg’ led the attack with
this vessel, which rounded to above the upper batteries, and opened a brisk
fire upon the enemy with her 100-pounder rifle guns, until the remainder of
the fleet had passed down and taken their position, viz. : The ‘Pittsburg,’
‘Louisville,’ ‘Mound City,’ and ‘Carondelet ’ attacked the lower batteries,
while the ‘Benton’ (flag), ‘ Lafayette,’ and ‘Tuscumbia’ engaged the upper
batteries. Each vessel rounded to against the enemy’s batteries in order,
and kept up a heavy firing with their broadside and bow guns, as they were
brought to bear upon them. The ‘ Lafayette,’ after firing thirty-five rounds
of 100-pounder rifle shell and shot, turned her broadside and 11-inch guns
upon them, firing with good effect, apparently, until about 10, a.m. The
adiniral (then) hoisted the guard flag (a preconcerted signal) for the ‘ Lafay-
ette’ to change her position from before the upper to the lower batteries,
where she proceeded, and continued firing her 11-inch bow guns, 9-inch
guns, 100-pounder rifles, and 24-pounder howitzers, from the starboard
broadside, thus continuing a vigorous and effective firing upon all the bat-
teries, which, while she passed up with the rest of the fleet, were silenced.
All the fleet passed above, except the ‘Tuscumbia,’ landing at Ruth’s plan-
tation, in obedience to your signal. The ‘Lafayette’ was struck by can-
non shot about forty times during the day, five of which only did any
serious damage. I enclose our carpenter's, gunner’s, and engineer's reports.
Expended one hundred and sixty 11-inch shell and shrapnel, twenty-eight
9-inch, fifty rifle, and ten 24-pounder howitzer shell.

“The officers and crew of this vessel deserve my highest praise for their
coolness, courage, active and excellent conduct during the five hours and
five minutes’ fighting, none of whom, thank God, were hurt, except Lieuten-
ant W. T. Luttrell, who was slightly wounded.

+ At 3, P. M., we observed the enemy repairing his shattered batteries, and
by your order the ‘Lafayette’ ran down, and with a few rounds from her
bow guns silenced the upper battery, and dispersed the rebels. After which
we turned her 100-pounder rifled guns upon them, firing at five minute in-
tervals, until 8 o’clock, when we anchored. At 9, P. M., the fleet, with some
transports, were observed coming down the river slowly. We weighed an-
chor, and beat to quarters, and for a diversion opened a brisk fire upon the
enemy’s upper battery, with our 100-pounder rifles. While passing, the
fleet fired into all the batteries, and the ‘ Lafayette’ followed in the rear, and
came to, at this place, without any serious damage, except several shot
through our iron, and into our casemating.

“Most Respectfully, Sir,
“ Rear-Admiral Your Obedient Servant,
D. D. Portsr, “H. WaLxs,

Commanding Mississippi Squadron.” ; Captain U. 8. Navy.
THE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF. 381

The number of shot and shell mentioned in the official report
of the carpenter of the “Lafayette,” which struck that vessel
during this battle, is as follows :

THE DAMAGE TO THE “ LAFAYETTE.”
“ April 29th, 1863.

“The U. S. gunboat ‘Lafayette’ received seventeen shots
during the bombardment of Grand Gulf, but few of them
did much damage. One shot received in the starboard fan-
tail two inches above the water line; also three in starboard
wheel-house, which passed through the casemating; one shot
cut off one wheel arm, and lodged against inside casemate ;
three shots struck forward of starboard wheel, passing through
the iron-plating, and lodging in the casemate; also one shot
cut off the main-mast. Two shots struck the davits forward
of starboard wheel-house, carrying away the captain’s barge.
The balance struck the hammock nettings and chimneys, doing
but slight damage. While passing the batteries in the same
evening, the vessel was struck thirteen times, doing but slight
damage. “Very Respectfully,

(Signed) Crark M. UnpERwoon,
Carpenter.”

J. T. Headley, in his usual generous and happy style, gives a
brief account of this battle in the following words :

“ Admiral Porter attacked these batteries with six heavy gun-
boats, and, after a fight of five hours and a half, completely
silenced them, took all the transports by in safety, and the next
morning, with his gunboats and transports, conveyed the army to
Bayou Pierre, &c. The fight at Grand Gulf was one of the
hardest, if not the hardest, stand-up fight during the war. The
enemy’s guns were very heavy, and placed in the most command-
ing positions for a mile along the river, and although some of the
gunboats were literally cut to pieces, there was not one that did
not get at close quarters. The current was very powerful, and
would whirl them around like tops, distracting the aim, and ex-
posing every side to the rebel batteries ; but they maintained a
distance of forty to three hundred yards, and never retired until
the enemy was silenced. The severity of the battle is shown by
the heavy loss sustained in three ships—seventy-nine killed and
wounded. Twenty-six killed and wounded on board the ‘Benton,’
though iron-clad.”

This information doubtless comes from the reports of Admiral
382 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

Porter, and the other commanding officers, which contradict the
official diagram pointedly referred to in this narrative.

The gunner’s report of the expenditure of shot and shell in his
department could not be correctly made out for several days
after. His subsequent report showed that there had been fired
three hundred and twenty ll-inch shell, shrapnel and grape,
seventy-three 9-inch shell, shrapnel! and grape, one hundred 100-
pounder shell and bolts, and ten 20-pounder howitzer ; in all five
hundred and three projectiles, nearly thirty tons, which proves
that energetic activity ruled on that occasion in the “ Lafayette.”

ADDITIONAL REPORT OF ACTING REAR-ADMIRAL PORTER.—DESCRIP-
TION OF GRAND GULF AND THE BATTERIES AFTER
ITS EVACUATION.
“ Mississippi Squadron, Flag Steamer ‘ Benton,’
Grand Gulf, Mississippi, May 3, 1863.
“Sir:

“T have the honor to report that I got under way this morn-
ing with the ‘Lafayette,’ ‘Carondelet,’ ‘ Mound City,’ and ‘ Pitts-
burg,’ and proceeded up to the forts at Grand Gulf, for the
purpose of attacking them, if they had not retreated. The
enemy had left before we got up, blowing up their ammuni-
tion, spiking the large guns, and burying or taking away the
lighter ones.

“The forts consisted of thirteen guns in all; the works are of
the most extensive kind, and would seem to defy the efforts of a
much heavier fleet than the one which silenced them. The forts
were literally torn to pieces by our fire. Colonel Wade, the com-
mandant of the batteries, was killed, also his chief of staff.
Eleven men were killed that we know of, and many wounded, so
our informant says ; he also says no one was permitted to go into
the forts after the action except those belonging there. We had
a hard fight with these forts, and it is with great pleasure I report
that the Navy holds the door to Vicksburg. Grand Gulf is the
strongest place on the Mississippi ; had the enemy succeeded in
finishing the fortifications, no fleet could have taken them. I
have been all over the works, and found them as follows: One
fort on ‘Point of Rocks,’ seventy-five feet high, calculated for
six or seven guns, mounting two 7-inch rifles, and one 8-inch, and
one Parrott gun on wheels (carried off). On the left of this work
is a triangular work, calculated to mount one heavy gun; these
works are connected with another fort by a covered way, and
double rifle-pits, extending three-quarters of a mile, constructed
THE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF. 383

with much labor, and showing great skill on the part of the con-
structor.

“The third fort commands the river in all directions; it
mounted one splendid Blakely 100-pounder, and one 8-inch gun,
and two 32-pounders, which were lying bursted and broken on
the ground. The gunboats had so covered up everything with
earth, that it was impossible to see at a glance what was there.
With the exception of the guns that were dismounted or broken,
every gun that fell into our hands was in good condition, with a
large quantity of ammunition. This is by far the most extensive
built work, with the exception of those at Vicksburg, I have yet
seen, and am happy to say we hold it. I am dismounting the
guns, and getting on board theammunition ; and, as I leave in an
hour for Red river, Lieutenant-Commander Owen will carry out
my instructions. I hear nothing of our Army yet. Was expect-
ing to hear their guns as we advanced on the forts. Since mak-
ing the above examination, two new forts have been found, nearly
finished ; they have no guns, but were complete of the kind as
regards position, and had heavy field-pieces in them.

“T am, Sir, very respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
(Signed) “Davin D. PortEr,
Rear-Acting Admiral, Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
“Hon. Gipron WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.”

A MISLEADING DIAGRAM.

To elucidate the official reports of engagements, diagrams are
not unfrequently appended.

To be of any value, a diagram should be correct in its teach-
ings, and this cannot be when they are drawn to serve the vain-
glory of those who made them, rather ‘than to represent the facts
as they were at the time.

A case in point is the diagram which accompanied the report of
the honorable secretary of the navy, in reference to the action at
Grand Gulf; which seems plainly to have been invented by some
young and ambitious commanders, to glorify the “ Tuscumbia ”
and the “Carondelet,” and flag steamer, at the expense, if not
by the robbery, of the credit due to other gunboats and their offi-
cers.*

Our account as given in this chapter of the acts and positions
of the boats in that battle, agrees perfectly with written official

* The “Lafayette ” was one of the first in and the last out of this battle.
SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

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THE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF. 385

reports, which clearly show that the “Benton” and “Tuscumbia”
were the two last into battle, and the two first out of it ; and that
they were not in company with the “ Carondelet” at any time, as
there represented. The flattering remarks and the positions of
the two gunboats, “Tuscumbia” and “Carondelet” in the dia-
gram, being almost the reverse of the truth.

Official documents constitute of necessity the ground-work of
history, and we refer to them in the report of the secretary of the
navy for 1863 (pages 471 to 479). There it may be seen that all
the official reports of the battle at Grand Gulf are at variance
with the diagram of that battle. For instance, in the reports of
the commanding officers, we find positive statements that their
boats were in constant motion during the engagement, and in
various positions, the “ Pittsburg” being the only exception.

The “ Benton’s ” wheel was disabled, and she turned round and
dropped down stream some fifteen hundred yards, and run into
the bank to enable her to turn round again. The “ Tuscumbia”
was turned round and round by the strong currents, and being
damaged and unmanageable, she was compelled to drop out of
battle, when she should have anchored.

The “Carondelet” was not with the “ Benton” or “'Tuscum-
bia,” her position being astern, and below all the fleet.

The statement on the face of the diagram is positive that the
three gunboats mentioned “did not change position,” &c. Hence
either the text and diagram, or the official reports, must be radi-
cally and totally untrue. Both have the official insignia, but all
who were engaged in that battle can honestly and unhesitatingly
pronounce the diagram a gross misrepresentation, the gunboats
not having been in a position like that therein represented.

The ram “Lafayette” was one of the largest vessels of ot Mis-
Sissippi fleet, and in this diagram she is placed in a very humilia-
ting position, at a remarkable distance beyond the range of bat-
tle, with the fleet between her and the enemy, and so arranged as
to attract the attention of all who read the Report of the Secretary
of the Navy, with the Appendix of the Reports of Officers in 1863.

This flattering diagram is the only one of its kind referring to
the naval battles above New Orleans, and bearing as it does, un-
mistakable evidence of foul play on its face, should long since
have been erased from our naval records.

A similar case, though, occurred at New Orleans, in the case of
Rear-Admiral Bailey, which is referred to elsewhere in this work.

This question of the merits of each boat may not interest the

25
386 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

general reader, but it is of great importance as a question of
right and wrong, and especially so to those who took part in the
battle, and whose professional reputation is dear to them. Offi-
cers who flattered themselves with having done their whole duty,
now find confronting them public documents conveying alto-
gether different impressions. Verily, “the pen és mightier than
the sword.”

Admiral Porter expressed impartially his satisfaction with the
action of each and all the gunboats engaged in this battle, as fol-
lows :

“To Captain WaLkE, Commander Woopworrs, and others :

‘“‘T feel much indebted for your active and energetic attention
to my orders, and your ready co-operation with the army corps
commanders at all times, which enabled them to carry out their
plans successfully.”

It is here proper to observe that it was a moral impossibility
that Admiral Porter could have knowingly permitted such a glar-
ing deception as this diagram to go upon record.

Referring to this battle, we may here mention that the build-
ing of gunboats had become a lucrative business, and one of much
competition ; and the aspirants for government patronage were
alive on the subject, and every means was employed to advertise
their particular craft, which may account to some extent for the
extraordinary and incoherent publications upon this and other
naval operations on the Western waters.

The following will afford some information and amusement.
Doubtless the immense number of shot and shell howling through
the air and crashing everything before them, and threatening
death and destruction without intermission for five hours and a
half, would hardly permit a novice in war to see more than one
boat, to the exclusion of everything else.

From the Wew Albany Ledger :—

“We publish this highly ifteresting letter from the chief en-
gineer of the gunboat ‘Tuscumbia’ (Mr. John Hartupee), written
to a gentleman in this city, giving a detailed and truthful account
of the part taken by her in the fight at Fort Gibson. It will be
observed that Mr. H.’s account puts quite a different face on the
affair to that given by the correspondent of the St. Louis and
Cincinnati papers. As Mr. H. was acting as chief engineer dur-
ing the engagement, and as he is in no wise interested in giving
any other than a truthful statement of the affair, we must accept
[Note.]

The Admiral must have known that no vessel could get nearer than the
Lafayette to the enemy's batteries at the battle of Grand Gulf. This was
shown by the reports of commanding officers, soon after the battle. And
while on a tour of inspection on the following day, with some of his staff, he
was informed that the Lafayette ran her bow into, and swung against the bank
of the river under the lower forts, which threw their grape shot, canister and
incendiary shell like hail upon her sides, leaving abundant proof of her close
approach to the forts, when she silenced them. And when leaving the
.Lafayette, the Admiral observing a quantity of earth on her starboard wheel-
house, ordered it to be removed, not reflecting, probably, that the Lafayette
had been almost constantly in motion since the battle, and that her crew had
barely time to plug the shot holes and repair other damages, which were
far more important than the removal of this additional evidence of the gal-
lant position she held during the action.

The position of the gunboats in the original diagram, annexed to the gen-
eral order of battle sent to the commanding officers on the evening before the
attack, will be seen by reference to the copy of the diagram and general or-
der, on pages 373 and 374 of this book. :

No officer, under any circumstances, is allowed to complain of an order of
battle relating to his command, however objectionable he may consider it, or
however discouraging it may appear.

The positions assigned to vessels in the programme of the order of battle,
and their positions on the “ oflicial diagram,” are somewhat similar; but the
latter is not signed by the Admiral, and it contains an unauthorized com- |
pliment to the flag steamer Benton and steamers Tuscumbia «and Caron-
delet ; and this unjust discrimination, which ignores the equally gallant ser-
vices of other gunboats, is’ unfortunately made more mischievous and mis-
leading by the Report of the Secretary of the Navy, of which it forms a part,
as the “ official diagram ’ of the action.

The false representations of this so-called “ official diagram,’ might be
‘attributed to carelessness, were not the desires of the designers to magnify
the importance of their own services at the expense of other officers, too pal-
pable to admit of so charitable a conclusion.

While the officers of the Western Flotilla were always disposed to award
the flag steamer all the bonor she was entitled to, they did not relish the idea
of doing so, by robbing other vessels. or their officers of their well-earned
reputation. In this case; however, the honor conferred on the flag steamer
was shared by two other vessels, whose young commanders had not partici-
pated in any close encounter with the euemy’s forts ‘before; and were, per-
haps. a little too eager for distinction to properly consider the rights of otiers.
The commander of the Carondelet on this occasion had just re-entered the
Navy as an acting volunteer Lieutenant, and having been advanced (far above
many of the more experienced officers of the Flotilla) to this important com:
mand, he was desirous, no doubt, to show that he well merited this special
recognition of his skill and gallantry. /

To “lie like a telegram” has become proverbial as the standard of

mendacity, but to lie like a diagram, we think must hereafter take
precedence—it is not so easily detected, is more permanent in its effects,
and redouunds more to the honor and glory of the author. All that is ne-
cessary, after an engagement, is to draw up a diagram showing, that whilé
the rest of the fleet remained beyond the range of the enemy’s cannon, your
own vessel vigorously assailed him at close quarters, throwing immense shot
and shell into his works, shivering his timbers, and spreading death
and destruction all around. Such a diagram can be forwarded to Washing-
ton, and incoyporated into the Reports of the Secretary of the Navy, to re-
main among the National Records, as an enduring monument to the skill and
heroism of its authors. This “new process” of achieving greatness (by
nicely drawn diagrams,) is more pleasant and safer than the old fashioned way
of Nelson, Decatur, Hull and Farragut, by which the officers and men were
often put to a great deal of trouble, and in danger of being hurt, or losing
their lives or their limbs,
‘But in regard to the paper purporting to be an “ official diagram ”
of the battle of Grand Gulf, there is a miserable discrepancy between the re-
ports of the commanding officers of the favored vessels and the statement
and representation in the diagram. By the former itis asserted that the ves-
sels were constantly in motion ; and by the latter, that they did not change
position during the whole of the action, except for ten minutes, and with that
exception, remained all the time right under the guns of the enemy. In rela-
tion to this vain boast of the immovable position af these gunboats, it appears
by reference to the order of battle that the Lafayette was required to change
her position at a given signal by the Admiral ; and she did so accordingly,
from one fort to another, at close fighting, until they were all virtually
silenced. And much of that time the Lafayette was nearer the forts, being
inshore of the gunboats referred to; and she was longer under fire. These
facts are suflicient, we should think, to condemn the so-called “ official dia-
gram” in the estimation of every intelligent reader, as a fraud in respect to
other vessels of the flotilla.
M .

“Fair play is a jewel,” and as highly prized by sailors generally as by
men of any other calling ; and it is not to be supposed that the Admiral was
aware of the gross injustice done by the authors of this false diagram to the
officers of the Lafayette. The uniform friendship he manifested for them, his
report of the action, and his high sense of honor, preclude such an idea.

The Benton and Tuscumbia, as heretofore stated, were regarded as the
strongest and best protected vessels of the Flotilla; but the former was never
engaged in a close action with the enemy’s forts until Admiral. Porter took
command ; and the latter was, for the first time, thus engaged at the battle of
* Grand Gulf.

The bad effects of such diagrams as we have been considering, and the
difiiculty of correcting them, may be seen in our “ History of the Navy,”
where is still found (in the report of the Secretary of the Navy,) an errone-
ous diagram of the battle of New Orleans, although Admiral Farragut gen-
erously acknowledged the error, on complaint of Admiral Bailey, and fur-
nished the Navy Department with a cérrect diagram of the battle.

It is advisable to notice such evils in our naval service, with the view of.
preventing their recurrence, and of exposing the false pretences by which
some men obtained advancement and promotion.

_ One of’the most extraordinary instances of ill-requited fidelity to the
Government was experienced by the commanding officer afloat, at Pensacola,
after the capture of the navy yard at that place—an account of which ap-
pears in the first chapter of this book—when in spite of the opposition .
of his disaffected superior and inferior ofticers, he rendered every possible
assistance to the army officers in saving Fort Pickens, which resulted in
the re-capture of the navy yard and the restoration of the State of Florida
to the United States, and probably prevented the acknowledgment of the in-
dependence of the Confederate States by the British Government. And
although he was highly commended for his conduct on this occasion by the
press of the Northern States, and by all loyal people. he was condemned by
the Secretary of the Navy, with full knowledge of all, the facts relative to
this important service. :

Strange as this case may be, its sequel is still more surprising, as ap-

pears in the recent finding of the Board of Rear Admirals, convened to con-
sider the claims of a junior officer of the Commander referred to, for advance-
ment and promotion for his services at Pensacola on the above mentioned

occasion. The Board reported that it was especially struck with the highly
creditable and meritorious conduct of this junior officer, and its “marked

and important bearing on the success of our arms;” and he was recom-

_mended for promotion, with the approval of the Secretary of the Navy, for.
zeal in discharging his duty. Te is thus credited and recommended for pro-
motion for merely participating in that service for which his commanding
officer (who assumed and bore all the responsibility,) was condemned by an
unjust court and a mislead Secretary. :

This finding of the Board of Rear Admirals, reversing as it were, that of
the Court Martial, appears to justify the remarkable conclusion, that 4s the
Captain had been robbed of his credit and reward, and as they were confer-
red exclusively upon the junior officer, the latter may be regarded (without.
any fault of bis own,) as the “receiver of stolen goods.” n

Such instances are too common in our Navy, but under no pretext sheuld
the injured officers be denied ample reparation. There are but few instances
which can justify the arbitrary raising or lowering the relative rank and
position of officers in the Navy or Army in time of war, and fewer still in
time of peace. But since the “bloody war is over,” about ten to one promotions
have been made through political influence rather than, for meritorious
conduct, or for “eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle, or extraordinary
heroism,” according to the laws established by Congress for that purpose.

This indifference on the part of our Government to the just claims of some
of its officers, appears to be quite as remarkable as the finding of the Board
of Rear Admirals, above referred to.
THE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF. 387

what he says as truth, and reject the statements of the corres-
pondents alluded to as false.

“The ‘Tuscumbia’ was struck by over eighty solid shot, most of
them thrown from rifled 100-pounder Parrott guns—the most
formidable cannon in use.* Besides this she received a very large
number of shells. She was for two hours within fifty yards of the
rebel guns, receiving at one time the combined fire of thirty guns,
and being struck oftener than all the other vessels of our fleet com-
dined. Ter iron plating was not penetrated, nor does it appear
from Mr. H.’s letter @ single plate or bolt was sprung ; but it is
plain that the ‘Tuscumbia’ proved herself one of the staunchest
built and most efficient of all our iron-clads. We are aware that:
certain parties at Cincinnati and St. Louis are anxious to: monop-
olize all the government contracts for gunboats for the Western
fleet. We hope for their credit that it is not possible that they
have subsidized venal correspondents to traduce the contractors
and builders of the ‘Tuscumbia,’ that they may thus secure the
monopoly they are seeking. If they have undertaken this, they
will certainly be disappointed, if the evidence of so creditable a
witness’as the ‘ Tuscumbia’s’ chief engineer may be esteemed of
any value.”

“ QurYoung’s Point correspondent, it will be seen, also speaks in
the highest terms’ of the part taken by the “Tuscumbia” in the
fight, and says that she is pronounced the very best and most
effective gunboat in the Western Navy.” The praise in this in-
troduction carries with it a conviction that the writer was not
only deeply interested in the following letter, but more so in the
“Tuscumbia,” and her builders.

The letter, so strongly indorsed for public notice, was written

from the only gunboat that dropped out of battle.
“Lying off Grand Gulf,

‘On board Gunboat ‘Tuscumsta,’ May 4th, 1863.

“Dear Sir: Believing you would like to hear from the
‘Tuscumbia,’ and those on board, I will write you afew lines. In
the first place I will give you a short extract from the engineer’s
log belonging to this vessel. ‘ April 29th, received orders to raise
steam and prepare for action ; got under way at seven o’clock
and fifteen minutes; engagement opened at ten o’clock by the
gunboats “ Pittsburg,” “Carondelet,” “Louisville” and “Mound
City,” on the lower batteries; the gunboat “Lafayette ” enters

® The Confederates had no Parrott guns, though they hadrifled guns very
much like them. :
388 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the engagement and opens fire on the middle battery ; gunboats
“Benton” and “Tuscumbia” enter engagement ; the latter en-
gages upper battery, opening a brisk fire with her 11-inch guns at
four hundred yards; the engagement becomes general ; a shell
enters the forward port-hole, exploding in the turret, killing three
men and wounding eleven; engines working well; steam one
hundred and twenty pounds; First Assistant Engineer Perry South
and Third Assistant Bull at engines; 11 o’clock ; engines working
well; steam one hundred and fifteen pounds; thermometer in
engine-room one hundred and five degrees; shell entered the
upper pilot-house, wounding Mr. Joseph McCamant, pilot ; hog
‘chains all shot away but one; shell enters port side, passing
through cylinder timbers and pitman, exploding between cylinder
timbers, and setting vessel on fire ; fire soon extinguished ; First
Assistant Engineer Joseph Hilliard, and Tlurd Assistant Engineer,
Wm. Milligan, at engines; 12 o’clock; engine working well ;
steam one hundred and twenty pounds ; thermometer one hundred
and seven degrees in engine-room ; two shells enter our port side,
exploding between the cylinder timbers, tearing Mr. Perry South’s
room to fragments; no one hurt; shell enters our port side, ex-
ploding in after turret, killing two men and wounding nine;
Second Assistant Engineer Mr. Horman, and Third Assistant Oliver
Gough, at engines; 1, Pp. M.; engines working well; steam one
hundred and fifteen pounds ; thermometer one hundred and five
degrees in engine-room ; shell enters our starboard side, exploding
between cylinder timbers ; firing from guns very heavy ; second
shell enters starboard side, exploding between cylinder timbers ;
First Assistant Engineer Perry South, and Third Assistant Engineer
Benjamin Bull, at engines ; 2, p.m. ; shell entered wheel-house, carry-
ing away all wheel-chains; engines working well; steam one hun-
dred and twenty pounds; shell passed through pilot-house, shot
away all bell-wires and starboard speaking trumpets; handled
engines by passing orders through port speaking trumpet ; First
Assistant Engineer Jos. Hilliard,and Third Assistant Wm. Milligan,
at engines ; port-piston breaking, caused by the stern of the vessel
dropping, but working as well as can be expected ; 3, P. M.; star-
board engine in good order; port engine out of line, but not dis-
abled ; steam one hundred and twenty pounds ; thermometer one
hundred and eight degreesin engine room ; shell entered starboard
side, exploding between port cylinder timbers, disabling port en-
gine by breaking full-stroke cam yoke ; started propeller but could
not handle the vessel ; came to anchor to repair damages ; repaired
THE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF. 889

damages by changing cut-off yoke to full-stroke yoke; got under
way in half an hour; worked engine full stroke ; ready for action
again; engagement ended and we landed opposite Grand Gulf.
‘Joun M. Harrures,
‘ Acting Chief Engineer.’

“The engagement lasted five and one half hours. The ‘Tus-
cumbia’ received, eighty-two solid shot, and it is impossible to
count the shells that exploded in her. The upper work is a per-
fect wreck. No man could have lived on her deck for a minute.
It is believed here that we were under the heaviest fire ever known
in naval warfare. The rebels concentrated all their fire on us for
at least two hours. More than one-half the time during the fight
we were not more than fifty yards from the muzzle of thirty guns,
and some of these guns 100-pounder Parrotts, a gun which throws
projectiles with greater force than any gun now in use. But all
would not do. They could not penetrate the iron sides of the
‘Tuscumbia.’ It is believed here that we were under a heavier
fire than ever was known before, not excepting the ‘Keokuk’ at
Charleston. We received more shots than all the other vessels
combined. But our plating proved perfectly invulnerable against
all efforts to penetrate it.

“There was one great blunder committed in building the ‘Tus-
cumbia,’ and that is, the location of her magazine. To give you
an idea of this, I will just say that in action the hatches of the
magazine are necessarily left open. When the shell exploded in
her turret, the fire from it burned the boy very badly in the face,
who was stationed in the door of the magazine to pass powder
up. This will be altered before the vessel is pronounced fit for
action again. You must not think that the ‘Tuscumbia’ is dis-
abled beyond repair ; she will soon be ready to goin again. Her
engines are ready now. All she wants is to raise her wheels, and
weld her wheel-chains, and that isa short job. I think you will
hear a good account of her yet. We took four hundred and ninety
prisoners, and I think, from what one of them said when he saw
the ‘Tuscumbia,’ that we gave them as good as they sent. Said
he: ‘There’s the d——d square box that gave us hell, and she
does not look as if she was hurt.’ Since the fight we have buried
three men, who died from the wounds received, making in all
eight killed. I am happy to inform you that we are all enjoying
good health. All the New Albany boys right side up. Wm.
Milligan is doing very well. As there are a number of persons
390 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

on this boat from New Albany, you have my permission to pub-
lish any part of this you may see fit.
“T remain, very respectfully,
“Jonn W. Harturre.”

The foregoing letters, like many other statements of special
interest to the writer, is controverted by. the official reports of
Admiral Porter and Lieutenant-Commander J. W. Shirk, which
seem to reverse the phase of this account very considerably.

Admiral Porter says: “The ‘ Tuscumbia’ showed great weak-
ness as a fighting ship, though her commander did his best to
keep her in a position, where she did exceilent service. The cur-
rent turned her round and round, exposing her at every turn. It
was a hard fight and a long one, on both sides.”

The congratulatory letter of the secretary of the navy is here
inserted as further evidencing the light in which this achievement
was held.

CONGRATULATORY LETTER TO REAR-ADMIRAL PORTER ON THE SUR-
RENDER OF VICKSBURG.

“Sir : “Navy DEPARTMENT, July 13th, 1863.

“Your despatch of the 4th inst., announcing the surrender of Vicks-
burg, on the anniversary of the great historic day in our national annals, has
been received.

‘The fall of that place insures the severance of the rebel territory, and
must give the country the speedy uninterrupted navigation of the rivers
which water and furnish the ocean outlet to the great central valley of the
Union. For the past year the key to the Mississippi has been Vicksburg ;
and so satisfied of this was the rebel chief who pioneered the rebellion, and
first gave the order to open the fires of civil strife, that he staked his cause
upon its retention. By the herculean efforts of the army under the admira~
ble leadership of General Grant, and the persistent and powerful co-opera-
tion of the navy commanded by yourself, this great result, under the provi-
dence of almighty God, has been achieved. <A slave empire divided by
this river into equal parts, with liberty in possession of its banks, and
freedom upon its waters, cannot exist. The work of rescuing and
setting free this noble artery, whose unrestricted vital current is essen-
tial to our nationality, commenced with such ability by the veteran
Farragut and the lamented Foote, and continued by Davis, is near its
consummation. You have only to proceed onward, and meet that veteran
chief, whose first act was to dash through the gates by which the rebels as-
sumed to bar the entrance of the Mississippi, whose free communication to
and above New Orlearfs he has ever since proudly maintained.

“When the squadrons of the upper and the lower Mississippi shall com-
bine, and the noble river be again free to the people, the nation will feel its
integrity restored, and the names of the heroic champions who signalized
themselves in this valuable service, will be cherished and honored.

“Present and future millions, on the shores on those magnificent rivers
THE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF. 891

which patriotism and valor shall have emancipated, will remember with un-
ceasing gratitude the naval heroes who so well performed their part in these
eventful times.

“To yourself, your officers, and the brave and gallant sailors who have
been so fertile in resources, so persistent and enduring through so many
months of trial and hardship, and so daring under all circumstances, I ten-
der, in name of the president, the thanks and congratulations of the whole
country on the fall of Vicksburg.

“Very Respectfully,
GIDEON WELLES,
« Rear-Admiral Secretary of the Navy.
Davip D. Porter,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron, Vicksburg, Miss.”

[General Order, No. 76.] “U. 8. Mississrppr SquaDRon,
“Flag Ship ‘Biackx Haws,’
Off Vicksburg, July 24th, 1863.
“Owing to the increasing sickness in the squadron, and the scarcity of
men, it becomes necessary for the efficiency of the vessels to use the contra-
bands to a greater extent than heretofore ; the white men cannot stand the
southern sun, an exposure to which invariably brings on the disease of this
climate, remittent fever. But while employed only on the ordinary duties
of the vessels, I find that little or no disease exists. The blacks must there-
fore be used altogether as boats’ crews, or for duty requiring exposure to
the sun ; every precaution being taken to keep them from being taken sick.
The blacks must also be used to defend the vessels where there is a deficien-
cy inthe crew. This policy is dictated by necessity, and it is believed that
in cases of emergency the blacks will make efficient men. It is desirable
that none but the best class of negroes should be taken into the service, and
before being shipped they must undergo a physical examination by the sur-
geon. When qualified, they can be promoted to second-class firemen, coal-
heavers, landsmen, O. §., but not to petty officers. Only clothes enough will
be issued to them to make them comfortable until they are out of debt, and
in all cases they must be kept distinct from the rest of the crew ; they can be
stationed at guns when vacancies exist, to pass shot and powder, handle
hand-spikes, at train-tackles and side-tackles, pumps and fire-buckets ; and
can be exercised separately at great guns and small arms.
“« Great attention will be necessary as respects the cleanliness of the blacks,
as they are not naturally clean in their persons.
“The policy of the government is to use the blacks, and every officer
should do his utmost to carry this policy out.
“Davin D. PortTER,
Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

The following is a copy of the general order of Rear-Admiral
Porter, read to the gunboat fleet immediately after the battle of
Grand Gulf :
392 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.’

[General Order. ]

‘“‘T take this occasion to thank the officers and men engaged in the at-
tack on the forts at Grand Gulf, for the unflinching gallantry displayed in
this affair. Never has there been so long and steady a fight against forts so
well and ably commanded ; yet at the end of five and a half hours the guns
were silenced, four or five dismounted (as we learn from deserters), another
commanding officer and his aid killed.

‘We have met losses which we cannot but deplore ; still, we should not
regret the death of those who died so nobly at their guns. Officers! men !
let us always be ready to make the sacrifice when duty requires it. Those
who have shared in the engagement of the 29th of April may always speak
of it with honest pride. It is not our fault, that the enemy’s guns and mu-
nitions of war are not in our hands—ours is the duty to silence batteries—it
cannot be expected that we shall land and take possession.

[Signed] “Davip D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
“Below Grand Gulf, May 2nd, 1863.”

The following is a list of the gunboats and their officers which
composed the U. 8. Mississippi squadron, under command of
Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter, U. 8. Navy, April 16th, when it

passed the batteries at Vicksburg, and at the battle of Grand
Gulf, April 29th, 1863 :

Tron-clad Steamer ‘* Benton” (flag).

Lieut. Commander, J. A. Greer. Acting Master's Mates, Wm. Kisner
Ass’t Surgeon, N. L. Bates. and Hiram Simonton.
Acting Assistant Paymaster, C. G. Engineers: Acting Chief, Job V.
Lowndes. Starr ; 1st Assistant, Hector W.
Acting Masters, E. C. Brennan, J. Fairfoul ; 2nd Assistants, Oliver
F. Reed, and N. B. Willetts. Bray and Alonzo A. Jenks ; 8rd
Acting Ensigns, Wm. J. Lees, H. Assistant, Benjamin Farmer.
8. O'Grady, and Peyton H. Ran- Acting Carpenter, Richard Rock-
dolph. ford.
Iron-clad Ram Steamer “ Lafayette.”
Captain Henry Walke, U. 8. Navy. Lovell, 8. R. Winram, and Ch.
Acting Vol. Lieut., Ed. Mordan. H. Slocum.
do. Ass’tSurgeon, Dr. Beaucamp. Engineers : Acting Chief, Rob’t Tate,
Acting Ass’t Paymaster, Jas. P. Kelly. Acting 1st Ass’t, J. Wilkins ;
do. Ensigns, John L. Bryant, 2nd Ass’t, Jno. W. Paull; 8rd
Fred. G. Sampson, and J. L. Ass’ts, E. B. Hill and Max
Moran. Pratt.

Acting Master’s Mates, Paul Morgan, Acting Gunner, Geo. Price.
Wm. P. Higbee, Sturgis O. do Carpenter, J. W. Lister.

Tron-clad Steamer ‘‘ Louisville.”

Lieut. Commander, Elias K. Owen, Acting Ass’t Surgeon, Lafayette
U. 8. Navy. Clapp.
THE BATTLE OF GRAND GULF.

Acting Ass’t Paymaster, D. L.
Ruth.

do. Ensigns, H. A. Coffenberry,
Chas. Nelson, H. J. Harkins,
Geo. V. Mead, R. H. Louglands,
Frank Bates, and Jno. T. Black-
ford.

Acting Master’s Mates, Jacob J.

393

Drew, Chas. Smith, Jr., and C.
8. Scantan.

Engineers : Acting Chief, James B.

Fulton ; ist Ass’t, J. J. Hardy ;
2nd Ass’t, C. W. Reynolds ; 8rd
Ass’t, Chas. F. Degelman.

Acting Gunner, Wm. Shields.

do. Carpenter, D. H. Curry.

LTron-clad Steamer ‘‘ Tuscumbia.”

Lieut. Commander, James W. Shirk,
U. 8. Navy.

Ass’t Paymaster, Geo. A. Lyon.

Acting Ensigns, Lewis Kenny and E.

M. Clark.

Engineers: Chief, Jno. W. Hartu-

pee ; 1st Ass’t, Perry South ; 2nd
Ass’t, W. J. Milligan.

fron-clad Steamer ‘‘ Mound City.”

Lieut. Commander, Byron Wilson,
U.S. Navy.
Acting Lieut., A. R. Langthorn.
do. Ass’t Surgeon, Thos. Rice.
do. do. Paymaster, B. J. Dona-
hoe.
do. Master, F. T. Coleman.

Engineers :

Acting Master’s Mate, Rich. T. Lam-
port

Chief, Ed. Merriman ;

ist Ass’t, E. R. Clemens ; 2nd

Ass’t, Jno. M. Hartnett; 8rd

Ass’ts, Geo. L. Baker and Rich.

Carter.

do. Ensigns, §. B. Coleman, D. Acting Gunner, Thos. H. Green.

Stebbins, and W. H. Decker.

do. Carpenter, Jerome Burns.

Tron-clad Steamer ‘‘ Pittsburg.”

Acting Vol. Lieutenant, W. R. Hoel.
do. Ass't Surgeon, F. M. Follett.
do. do. Paymaster, C. H. Gould.
do. Master, Geo. W. Rodgers.
do. Ensigns, Chas. H. Hall, Jas.

Ovatt, Freeman Vincent, and
Geo. W. Garlick.
do. Master’s Mates, Henry N.

Wells, Jno. Scott, and Chas.
Jones. .

Engineers : Chief, 8. B. Goble ; 1st
Ass’t, Eli R. Pavy ; 2nd Ass’ts,
Wm. H. Mitchell and Julius El-
liter.

Acting Gunner, Frank C. Green.

do. Carpenter, Poplar.

 

Tron-clad Gunboat ‘‘ Carondelet.”

Acting Vol. Lieutenant-Command-
ing, J. McLeod Murphy.
Ass’t Surgeon, D. R. Bannon.

Acting Ass’t Paymaster, J.G. Worden.

do. Ensigns, Oliver Donelson,
Scott D. Jordan, E. W. Miller,
and T. A. Quin.

Hastings and W. H. H. De
Groot.

Engineers : Chief, Chas. H. Caven ;
1st Ass’ts, Geo. H. Atkinson ;
2nd Ass’ts, M. Norton and Wal-
ter Barton ; 8rd Ass’t, Jno. Mc-
Williams.

do. Master’s Mates, Lauren W. Acting Carpenter, Geo. W. Kenny.
CHAPTER XXII.
FIRST EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRIA, LA.

Blockading the Mouth of the Red River.—Destruction of Simmsport.—Ex-
pression of Confidence in the Gunboats.—Report of Captain Walke.—
Statement of an Officer of the ‘‘ Lafayette.”—The Rebel Version.—Unfair
Distribution of Medals of Honor.—Orders to Proceed to Vicksburg.—A
Brutal Act.

On the third of May, 1863, Admiral Porter, with the “ Benton,”
“Lafayette,” “Pittsburg,” and ‘General Price,” descended the
Mississippi river, and arrived on the fourth, at the mouth of Red
river, where the “ Estella,” “ Switzerland,” and “ Arizona” joined
them, and ascended that river to Alexandria. The fleet captured
all the enemy’s forts on the way the next day, and took posses-
sion of all below that town on the sixth, in advance of General
Banks’ army.

Our squadron arrived at Alexandria, on the seventh of May,
1863, and anchored in the following order: “Lafayette,” “Es-
tella,” “Switzerland,” flag steamer “Benton,” “ Pittsburg,”
“Price,” and “ Arizona.” On the following day our fleet
returned down the river, except the “ Lafayette,” which remained
at Alexandria until the 13th instant. Both in ascending and de-
scending this narrow and tortuous stream with the “Lafayette”
(which was three hundred feet long) great difficulty was experienced
in keeping that vessel from running into the eddies and on shore.
Notwithstanding all the care and caution exercised, she got
aground twice, in rounding the short bends of the river, but for-
tunately, on a soft bottom, so that she was hauled off without
injury.

AN EXPRESSION OF CONFIDENCE IN THE “LAFAYETTE.”

The following paragraph, extracted from the Alexandria cor-
respondence, shows the estimation in which our gunboats were
held at that time. Under date May 9th, 1863, the writer says:
“ This morning, all but one of the numerous gunboats that lay in
front of the town have disappeared, the ram ‘ Lafayette,’ re-
maining alone, to protect the citizens from their friends on the

[394]
FIRST EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRIA, LA. 395

‘Webb,’ &c. From what I can learn of the strength of the
‘Webb,’ and from my own opinion of the capabilities of the
‘Lafayette,’ the place would be safe enough, if the rebels had a
hundred ‘Webbs.’ The ‘Lafayette’ is a terrible-looking cus-
tomer.”

There was no hostile demonstration made by the enemy of any
importance, on this first expedition, and the people were unmo-
lested ; but the second expedition, under General Banks and Ad-
miral Porter, was attended with several exciting events which are
already mentioned in history, and we can add but little more of
general interest to the subject; but as an incident of the war
at that time we insert the following account by Rev. Amos
D. McCoy, priest of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in
Brooklyn, N. Y., June 2, 1875. “In Alexandria, La., I was
from 1847 to 1854 building St. James’ Church,—and in 1854,
it was consecrated by Bishop Polk to the worship and_ ser-
vice of Almighty God, according to the order of the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the United States of America, not having a
single cent of debt upon it, The building was Byzantine, forty
feet by sixty-four feet, and would conveniently accommodate
four hundred and fifty persons. The cost of the building and
lot, when completed and paid for, was nine thousand three hun-
dred and ninety-five dollars, to which I contributed personally,
my whole salary of eight hundred dollars, for three successive
years. After that, I went from there to St. Peter’s Church,
New Orleans, for seamen and others. In November, 1857, there
was put in St. James’ Church an elegant organ and furniture,
and it was richly furnished throughout at a cost of not less
than three thousand dollars. When General Banks was retreat-
ing through Alexandria, after his defeat at Mansfield, La., the
church was fired by a torch, and the whole building with its con-
tents was consumed. It was reported to me that an officer of the
Navy, under orders, set it on fire, though Dr. Davidson, senior
warden, had been assured by a colonel of the Federal Army that
the church should be preserved.” The Rev. A. D. McCoy says
that he was also informed from good authority, that at the time
Alexandria was almost totally destroyed by fire, the Roman
Catholic church was protected from the fire by the priest, who
stood guard by it and boldly declared that the incendiaries
should not burn his church unless they walked over his dead
body. Such are the consequences of civil war, which always
prey upon the weak or unprotected, against the sacred right of
396 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

churches, women and children without pity. He was also
informed that when material of immense quantity was required
to form a dam in the river for our fleet to pass over the bar,
widow’s houses were not spared, however blameless their owners ;
and we regret that such an act is sometimes justified by the ne-
cessities of war.

The “Lafayette” remained in the Red river at Alexandria,
until General Banks returned to Port Hudson. She with the
“Pittsburg” then blockaded the mouth of that river (in
place of Admiral Farragut’s flag ship “ Hartford”) to inter-
cept the enemy’s supplies or re-enforcements for Port Hudson,
until that stronghold was captured by General Banks. This was
a long, tedious and sickly position for the crews of these two ves-
sels. Nothing occurred to break the monotony of this service
except the dispersion of the enemy’s forces under General Taylor,
of Kirby Smith’s command, which were on their way to the re-
lief of Port Hudson, as was conjectured. The narrative of this
service is briefly contained in the following report.

DESTRUCTION OF SIMMSPORT.

CAPTAIN WALKE TO ADMIRAL PORTER.

“U.S. Gunboat ‘ LAFAYETTE,’
Red River, June 4th, 1863.
«Sir:

“Yesterday morning I sent the ‘Switzerland’ ona reconnoissance down
the Atchafalaya to Simmsport, as requested by Commodore Palmer. When
she arrived there, she was fired into by the rebel artillery, wounding several
of her crew, and damaging her machinery. After returning the fire for a
considerable length of time, she returned and reported to me. As soon as
her steam-pipe was repaired, I sent her to Commodore Palmer, with the re-
quest that he would send a few troops to capture the enemy’s artillery, after
I had driven him away from his guns at Simmsport. But she returned this
morning without obtaining any assistance from the army, or the promise of
any ; so I ‘got under way’ immediately with the ‘Pittsburg,’ proceeded to
Simmsport, and shelled the rebels away from their breastworks, and fired
their camp, and the houses which had been occupied as their quarters. The
‘Switzerland’ accompanied us at a distance, with our sick and wounded.
No casualties occurred on this expedition. I have returned to our former
anchorage, but shall be obliged to go to the mouth of this river soon, in con-
sequence of low water.

“Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
H. WALKE,
“DPD. D. Porter, Captain U. S. Navy.
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”
FIRST EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRIA, LA. 397

Commodore Palmer afterwards informed Commodore Walke
that the request was not complied with, because his message was
not delivered by Lieutenant-Colonel J. A. Ellett, the commander
of the “Switzerland.” He adds that he has no recollection of
seeing the “Switzerland” or her commander on that occasion,
and, consequently, no answer could have been returned to Captain
Walke by that officer from him as reported by the colonel.

The statements of one of the officers of the “Lafayette” will
throw some additional light on the nature of the service. It is as
follows, being dated

“ Mouth of Red River,
Monday, June 8th, 1863.

“On learning that the rebels had made a stand at Simmsport,
four miles from the entrance of the Atchafalaya, the ram ‘Swit-
zerland,’ Lieutenant-Colonel John E. Ellett, went down to recon-
noiter and sound for the depth of water. He had passed Colonel
Simms’ plantation on the left bank, where General Banks had his
late headquarters, without interruption ; but a mile further down
the steamer: was greeted with a shower of bullets from rifles fired
from both sides of the river. A considerable fortification, just at
the village of Simmsport, which concealed a foree, then fired, as
well as sharpshooters from behind the levee and trees. Several
pieces of light artillery were planted behind the earthworks at
Simmsport, which opened a sharp cannonade on the ‘Switzerland.’
Her pilot-house was riddled with shot, grape and other missiles,
which, passing through her light woodwork, wounded three of her
crew. The ‘Switzerland’ kept on her course, firing rapidly her
6’s and 24-pounder howitzers, with grape and solid shot. After
getting below, she rounded to and repassed the battery, which
continued a sharp fire upon the steamer. She returned to the
‘Lafayette’ immediately, and receiving further instructions from
Captain Walke, Colonel Ellett proceeded to Bayou Sara, and re-
ported to General Banks, asking for troops to clear out the rebel
nest. The pressing demand for all the available force at Port
Hudson, however, prevented him from obtaining troops, and he
returned at 2 o’clock, p. m., Thursday, the 4th.

“The ‘Lafayette, having put her sick on board the ‘Switzer-
land,’ as that vessel had orders to remain at the mouth of Red
river, proceeded to Simmsport, followed by the ‘Pittsburg,’
Acting Lieutenant Hoel. The ‘Switzerland,’ contrary to orders,
came down to take a hand in the fight if found necessary. The
entrance of the Atchafalaya is narrow and almost imperceptible
398 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. !

until close to it. The river had considerably fallen, and it seemed
a rather hazardous undertaking to take such large vessels into so
narrow and crooked a stream. Our approach seems not to have
been suspected. At one mile distant we came in sight of the
rebel fort, and sent two 11-inch shell close to if not into their
works. In ten minutes more we were up with the fort, firing as
we proceeded. As soon as we came within rifle range, our sharp-
shooters, stationed in our towers on the wheel-houses, poured a
raking, plunging fire down into their forts, causing the whole
party to pick up and skeddadle in the greatest possible haste.
They had previously hitched up their field artillery, and were
galloping on the double quick across the field. So precipitate
was their flight they had not time, or did not dare to return to
their headquarters to get their personal luggage and official
papers, many of which fell into our hands. Documents and cor-
respondence of an important character were thus obtained, reveal-
ing plans and the number and disposition of troops they have in
the neighborhood. The ‘secretary’ of the adjutant-general was
full of papers, marked with distinguished addresses, among others
that of ‘Major-General J. B. Magruder, Jackson, Miss.,’ and ‘Q.
M. D. A. Mennet, Camp Bernard, 22nd Regiment, Arizona Brig-
ade.’ One paper, indorsed ‘special order,’ which was addressed
to the lieutenant-colonel commanding the forces at Simmsport,
forbade him from holding any communication whatever with Point
Coupee Parish, or allowing any one to cross to and fro, alleging
that it was of the highest importance to prevent the enemy ascer-
taining our (their) real situation on this side of the Atcha-
falaya.”

This information did not, however, either surprise or enlighten
our officers, as it was evident from our position at Port Hudson
that the enemy would, if possible, endeavor to intercept our
transports passing through this channel, and establishing a line of
communication himself from Point Coupee to Alexandria, and the
surrounding country, preparatory to a concentration of his forces
against General Banks to compel him to raise the siege and to re-
enforce their garrison at Port Hudson.

Several trunks were captured at Simmsport, containing the
wearing apparel of officers high in rank, also valises filled with
clothing, &c., indicating a hasty retreat. These were returned to
the locality from whence they came, to be restored to their own-
ers with their contents, except such papers as were of use to our
commander-in‘chief.
FIRST EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRIA, LA. 399

THE CONFEDERATE VERSION.

Our Rebellion, Record, 1864, gives us the following incorrect
version of this affair :

“ At Simmsport the fleet came to a landing. The town itself
does not exist—-a few chimneys alone marking the former site—
having been burned by Colonel Charles Rivers Ellet, in retaliation
for their having fired on his boat, the ‘Queen of the West.’
Colonel John Ellett afterward visited the place with the ‘Swit-
zerland,’ during the siege of Port Hudson, when~he had a severe
engagement with the batteries, and finished the work of his
cousin.”

This is a specimen of several misrepresentations of this Simms-
port fight, which appear to have emanated from the “Switzer-
land’s” friends or foes, and were doubtless intended as crumbs of
special news.

UNFAIR DISTRIBUTION OF MEDALS OF HONOR.

In 1861 it was provided that medals of honor should be given
to such petty officers, seamen, landsmen and marines as distin-
guished themselves by their gallantry in action. The number
limited to two hundred was extended by the act of Congress, May
17th, 1864, to such as should receive promotion under this law.

In awarding these tokens of merit it was notorious that the
deserts of the “Carondelet’s” crew, which had bravely fought
through so many more battles than any other gunboat, were
omitted. This mortifying circumstance elicited the following
letter from Captain Walke to the officer then in command of that
vessel.

«U.S. Gunboat ‘LAFAYETTE,’
Red River, May 31st, 1863.
«Sm:

“«T have observed that several of the crew of the gunboats ‘Benton,’
‘Louisville,’ and ‘De Kalb,’ have ‘medals of honor’ awarded to them for
their meritorious conduct, while there are none mentioned for the ‘ Caron-
delet.’ I think this omission must have occurred in consequence of the fact
that I (Captain Walke) was detached from the ‘ Carondelet,’ and up at Cairo
when the notice was given for the names of those who were worthy of
medals (although I had reminded and expected my successor to attend to
this matter, which was no doubt forgotten or neglected). Therefore I would
respectfully request that you would, as the present commander of the ‘ Car-
ondelet,’ recommend Michael Riley, quartermaster and captain of bow gun,
who has always conducted himself admirably, and fought his gun valiantly
and most skillfully through @/ the battles and perils in which the ‘ Caron-
400 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

delet’ has been engaged. Mate Brown has been equally faithful, brave
and efficient in all the battles, blockades, &c., in which the ‘Carondelet
has been engaged, since she first came down the Mississippi river; alsc
John Ford, clerk, captain of a 64-pounder gun, until he joined the ‘Lafay-
ette,’ and Wilson, B. mate, always efficient, brave, and faithful in the dis-
charge of all his duties on board the ‘ Carondelet.” When she ran the
gauntlet, he stood outside, and gave the soundings admirably, past Island
No. 10. These men have not only braved all these battles, but disease, and
many privations in their country’s cause, manfully ; and I trust you will be
so kind as to recommend each of them for a medal, for honors justly due ;
and oblige
“‘ Your Friend and Obedient Servant,
Henry WALEE,
“Lieut. Commanding Captain U. 8. Navy.
J. McLEop Murray,
Acting Lieutenant U. 8. Navy,
U. S. Gunboat ‘ Carondelet.’”

We may here give a brief example, which is, that the only man
on board of the “Carondelet” who acted in a most cowardly
manner in battle, and in the captain’s presence, was the first man
to receive a medal for meritorious conduct, upon the subsequent
recommendation of this acting volunteer commander.

ORDERS TO PROCEED TO VICKSBURG.

Just previous to the operations which resulted in the fall of
Vicksburg, the following letter was written.

“U.S. Gunboat ‘ LAFAYETTE,’

Mississippi River, July 1st, 1863.
«Sr :

‘“‘T have received orders from the admiral to proceed to Vicksburg.
The ram ‘ Switzerland’ will be sent to your assistance in keeping the block-
ade of the Red river, and the ‘Sachem’ will remain with you until she
arrives. “Very Respectfully,

‘Your Obedient Servant
“ Acting Vol. Lieutenant H. Wage.
‘Wm. R. Host,
Commanding U. 8. Gunboat ‘ Pittsburg.’”

Under orders from Admiral Porter, the “Lafayette,” on
the second of July, 1863, steamed up the river for Vicksburg,
leaving the gunboats “ Pittsburg,” “Switzerland,” “Sachem,” and
“ Estella,” to guard the mouth of the Red river.

A BRUTAL ACT.

The “ Pittsburg” on the day following visited Simmsport, and
here an incident occurred which deserves notice. A poor man
FIRST EXPEDITION TO ALEXANDRIA, LA. 401

went on board of her to enlist, or obtain some employment to
enable him to support his wife and little ones who were standing
on the bank of the river anxiously awaiting the result of his ad-
venture. As soon as he reached the upper deck of the boat, a
volunteer acting executive officer (or mate) a man of an ungoverna-
ble temper, approached him in a threatening manner with the
most profane language, and without provocation knocked him
overboard with a musket, when he sank to rise no more. The
wife, with a heart-rending shriek, fainted and fell to the earth
with the infant in her arms. The inhuman skulk, recoiling from
the light of conscience, went down to his berth, complaining that
he was sick, and, by various artifices, so effectually deceived
the officers and crew that they believed him to be dying.
Admiral Porter, being informed that he was dying, deferred a
court-martial, and the miserable creature thus escaped punish-
ment. This may be thought by some to be a solitary instance in
our fleet of the horrors of war, and too shocking for “ ears polite,”
but, being true it is quite as necessary to be related for instruction,
as those glorious deeds which are more or less connected with the
horrors of war.

Near this time, and at a short distance above Port Hudson (as
we are informed through the Rev. Mr. McCoy), there resided a
poor old man with a large family, who was visited by some of
our gunboat men, to take away a large quantity of lumber and
building material which he had been a long time collecting to
build a house for his family. The old man begged them for
mercy’s sake, to spare his property, as he had no hand in the war,
being exempted from service by his age ; nor in any way by word
or deed disloyal to the United States, nor had molested our people
in the least degree, but all to no purpose ; and finally the old vet-
eran advised them not to attempt it, that he did not wish to hurt
any of them, but declared that he would defend his property with
his life. He prepared himself for defensive battle, with an old
shot-gun without lock, which he loaded to the utmost with buck-
shot and slugs, and secured it in a concealed position, pointing
in a direction to cover the approach to his lumber; and with a
coal of fire at hand, then and there he lay in wait for the marau-
ders. They soon arrived upon the scene of action, and were in
the act of carrying off the plunder. At the fatal instant the old
man fired his gun ; and (as reported through Mr. McCoy) thirteen
men were killed and wounded. The remainder fled to their boat
as quick as possible, with their killed and wounded, reporting

26
402 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

their defeat by the sudden arrival of a large re-enforcement of the
enemy. This misadventure for the time being saved that vicin-
ity from the ravages of war. The orders of the admiral to his
fleet, which are inserted in this work, will convince the reader that
he had done all that could be done to prevent such outrages upon
unarmed people.

The evils of war should be strongly impressed upon the minds
of our people, and the effects of this civil war should be carefully
recorded for the instruction of posterity. Flattering accounts of
glorious victories should not alone fill the pages of our history, for
such often intoxicate the mind with vanity and false ideas as to
the nature and consequences of war.

The old proverb says : “ Experience is a hard school, but fools
will learn in no other.” War, at best, is an evil, second only in
rank to dereliction of principle. When necessary, it should be
waged with all our national strength, but it should always be
prosecuted according to the laws and usages of nations; savages
and cowards only wage war upon unarmed individuals,
CHAPTER XXII.

SIEGE AND CAPTURE OF VICKSBURG.

Reports of Admiral Porter.—Report of Lieut. Geo. M. Bache.—Death of
Foote.—Order of Convoy.

REAR-ADMIRAL PORTER’S REPORT.

“May 28rd, 1863, Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Buack Hawk.’
“Sm :

“On the evening of the 21st, I received a communication from General
Grant, informing me that he intended to attack the whole of the rebel works
at 10, a. M., the next day, and asking me to shell the batteries from 9.30, a.
M., until 10.30, a. m., to annoy the garrison. I kept six mortars playing
rapidly on the works and town all night, and sent the ‘Benton,’ ‘Mound.
City,’ and ‘Carondelet,’ up to shell the water batteries and other places,
where troops might be rested during the night. At 7o’clock in the morn-
ing, the ‘Mound City’ proceeded across the river, and made an attack on
the hill batteries opposite the canal. At 8 o’clock I joined her with the
‘Benton,’ ‘Tuscumbia,’ and ‘ Carondelet.’ All these vessels opened, and
finally silenced them, though the main work (on the battery containing the
heavy rifled guns) was done by the ‘Mound City,’ Lieutenant Commanding
Byron Wilson. I then pushed the ‘Benton,’ ‘ Mound City,’ and ‘ Caronde-
let’ up to the water batteries, leaving the ‘Tuscumbia’ (which vessel is still
out of repair) to keep the hill batteries from firing on our vessels after they
had passed by. The three gunboats passed up slowly, owing to the strong
current ; the ‘Mound City’ leading, ‘Benton’ following, and the ‘ Caronde-
let’ astern. The water batteries opened furiously, supported by a battery
on the starboard beam of the vessels. The vessels advanced to within four
hundred and forty yards (by our marks), and returned the fire for two hours
without cessation ; the enemy’s fire being very accurate and incessant.
Finding that the hill batteries behind me were silenced, I ordered up the
« Tuscumbia’ to within eight hundred yards of the batteries, but her turret
was soon made untenable, not standing the enemy's shot, and I made her
drop down. I had been engaged with the forts an hour longer than General
Grant asked ; the vessels had all received several shots under water which
we could not stop up while in motion ; and not knowing what might have
delayed the movements of the Army, I ordered the vessels to drop out of
fire, which they did in a cool, handsome manner. This was the hottest fire
the gunboats have ever been under ; but owing to the water batteries being

[403]
404. SCENES AND INCIDENTS. '

more on @ level with them than usual, the gunboats threw their shell so fast
that the aim of the enemy was not very good. The enemy hit the vessels
a number of times, but fighting bow on, their shot did but little damage ;
not a man was killed, and only a few wounded. I had only ammunition
enough for a few minutes longer, and set all hands to work to fill up from
our depot below. After dropping back, I found that the enemy had taken ~
possession again of one of the lower hill batteries, and was endeavoring to
remove his guns, and had mounted a 12-pounder field-piece to fire at Gen-
eral McArthur’s troops, which had landed a short time before at Warring-
ton’s. Isent the ‘Mound City’ and ‘Carondelet’ to drive him off, which
they did in a few moments. The officers and men of all the vessels behaved
with their usual gallantry ; they had none of them been to rest for three
days and nights, most of them having been engaged in firing on the batter-
ies and town, and I allowed them to devote the afternoon to the necessary
repose.

““T beg leave to enclose a letter from General McArthur, explaining why
he did not, to use his own expression, take advantage of the results gained
by the gunboats. I have since heard from General Grant that the Army
did assault at the right time vigorously ; in the noise and smoke we could
not see or hear it; the gunboats, therefore, were still fighting when the as-
sault had proved unsuccessful. The Army had terrille work before them,
and are fighting as well as soldiers ever fought before, but the enemy’s
works are stronger than any of us dreamed of. General Grant and his sol-
diers are confident, and I am confident, that they have brave energetic gen-
erals in this Army, and will soon overcome all obstacles, and carry the
works. nace

“Tam, Sir, your Obedient Servant,

D. D. Portsr,
Acting Rear-Admirat
“ Hon. Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.”

OFFICIAL REPORT OF THE SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG.

ADMIRAL PORTER TO SECRETARY WELLES.

“U.S. Mississippi Squadron,

4 Flag Ship ‘Biacx Haws,’ July 4th, 1863.
“Sim:

“T have the honor to inform you that Vicksburg has surrendered at
last to the United States (foces to us), after a desperate but vain resistance. .
That she has not done so sooner has not been for want of ability on the
part of the military commanders, but from the magnitude of the de-
fenses, which were intended to repulse any force the government could pos-
sibly send there. What bearing this will have on the rebellion, remains to
be seen ; but the magnitude of the success must go far towards crushing out
the revolution, and establishing once more the commerce of the States bor-
dering on this river. ;
SIEGE AND CAPTURE OF VICKSBURG. 405

“History has seldom had an opportunity of recording so desperate a de-
fense on one side, with so much courage, ability, perseverance, and endur-
ance, on the other ; and if ever an Army was entitled to the gratitude of a
nation, it is the Army of the Tennessee, and its gallant leaders.

“The Navy has necessarily performed a less conspicuous part in the cap
ture of Vicksburg than the Army ; still it has been employed in a manner
highly creditable to all concerned. The gunboats have been constantly em-
ployed below Pittsburg in shelling the works, and with success, co-operat-
ing heartily with the léft wing of the Army. The mortar-boats have- been
at work for forty-two days, without intermission, throwing shell into all
parts of the city, even reaching the works in the rear of Vicksburg, and in
front of our troops, a distance of three miles.. Three heavy guns, placed
on scows--a 9-inch, 10-inch, and a 100-pounder rifle—were placed in posi-
tion a mile from the town, and commanded all the important water batter-
ies. They have kept up an accurate and incessant fire for fourteen days,
doing all the damage that could be done by guns under the circumstances.
Five 8-inch, two 9-inch, two 42-pounder rifles, and four 30-pounder shell
guns have been landed, at the request of the different generals commanding
corps, from the gunboats, and mounted in the rear of Vicksburg, and
wherever I could spare the officers and men from our small complement,
they were sent to manage the guns, with what ability, I leave to the general
commanding the forces to say. In the meantime I stationed smaller class
gunboats to keep the banks of the Mississippi clear of guerrillas, who were
assembling in force, and with a large number of cannon, to block up the
river, and cut off the transports bringing down supplies, re-enforcements,
and ammunition for the Army. Though the rebels, on several occasions,
built batteries, and with a large force attempted to sink or capture the trans-
ports, they never succeeded, but were defeated by the gunboats, with severe
loss on all occasions. Without a watchful care over the Mississippi, the
operations of the Army would have been much interfered with ; and I can
say honestly that officers never did their duty better than those who have
patrolled the river from Cairo to Vicksburg. One steamer only was badly
disabled since our operations commenced, and six or seven men killed and
wounded. While the Army have had a troublesome enemy in front and
behind them, the gunboats, marine brigade under General Ellett, and a
small force under Generals Dennis and Mower, have kept at bay a large
force of rebels, over twelve thousand strong, accompanied by a large quan-
tity of artillery. Though offered battle several times, and engaged, they
invariably fled, and satisfied themselves by assaulting half-disciplined and
unarmed blacks.

“The capture of Vicksburg leaves us a large Army and Naval force free
to act all along the river ; and I hope soon to add to my department the
vessels which have been temporarily lost to the servic , viz., the ‘ Indiano-
Ja’ and ‘Cincinnati.’

“The effect of this blow will be felt far up the tributaries of the
Mississippi; the timid and doubtful will take heart, and the wicked
will, I hope, cease to trouble us, for fear of the punishment which will
sooner or later overtake them. There has been a large expenditure of am-
munition during the siege. The mortars have fired 7,000 mortar shell,
and the gunboats 4,500; 4,500 have been fired from the naval guns

.
406 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

on shore, and we have supplied over six thousand (6,000) to the different
Army corps.

«T have the honor to remain,

«« Very Respectfully, :
Your Obedient Servant,
Davin D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admirat

“Hon. Commanding Mississippi Squadron.

GIDEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.”

THE ATTACK OF THE U. S. GUNBOAT “CINCINNATI” ON THE UPPER
BATTERIES IN THE BATTLE OF VICKSBURG. REPORT OF
LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER GEORGE M. BACHE.

‘Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Buack Hawk,’ ahove Vicksburg,
May 27th, 1863.
Sir:

‘In obedience to your orders, the ‘ Cincinnati’ got under way this morn-
ing at seven o’clock, and steamed slowly down until a little abreast of where
the mortars lay, when we rounded to. The enemy fired several shot from
a gun called ‘Whistling Dick,’ but soon gave up. At half-past eight, with
a full head of steam, we stood for the position assigned us. The enemy
fired rapidly from all their batteries. When abreast of our position, and
rounding to, a ball entered the magazine, and she commenced filling rapidly.
Shortly after, the starboard tiller was carried away. Before and after this
time the enemy fired with great accuracy, hitting us almost every time.
We were especially annoyed by plunging shot from the hills, an 8-inch
rifle and a 10-inch smooth-bore doing us much damage. The shot went en-
tirely through our protection—hay, wood and iron.

‘‘ Finding that the vessel would sink, I ran her up stream, and as near the
right-hand shore as our damaged steering apparatus would permit. About
ten minutes before she sunk we ran close in, got out a plank, and put the
wounded ashore. We also got a hawser out to make fast to a tree to hold
her until she sank. Unfortunately, the men ashore at the hawser left it
without making it fast, the enemy still firmg. The boat commenced drift-
ing out, and I sang out to the men to swim ashore, thinking we were
in deep water, as was reported that we really were. I suppose about fifteen
drowned, and one, probably, taken prisoner, will sum up our whole loss.

“The boat sank in about three fathoms of water, lies level, and can be
easily raised. She lies within range of the enemy’s batteries. The vessel
went down with her colors nailed to the mast, or rather the stump of one,
all three having been shot away. Our fire, until the magazine was drowned,
was good, and I am satisfied did damage. We only fired at a two-gun
water battery.

“Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
‘* Acting Rear-Admiral Gzorce M. Bacus,
D. D. Porter, Lneutenant Commanding.

Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”
SIEGE AND CAPTURE OF VICKSBURG. 407

For further particulars as to this important and interesting
subject, we must refer our readers to the Report of the Secretary
of the Navy for the year 1863. For the sake, however, of
showing the honorable mention made of the commanding officers
in our flotilla, we subjoin the following orders and reports of Ad-
miral Porter :

DETAILED REPORT OF REAR-ADMIRAL PORTER.

“U. §. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Buack Hawk,’ off Vicksburg,
July 18th, 1863.
“Sir:

“‘T have the honor to report to the Department the different actions that
have occurred on this river since the investment of Vicksburg; and it now
remains for me to give credit to the different officers who have participated
in the events transpiring here. -

“When I took command of this squadron the river was virtually closed
against our steamers from Helena to Vicksburg. It was only necessary to
impress the officers and men with the importance of opening communication
with New Orleans, and every one, with few exceptions, had embarked in
the enterprize with a zeal that is highly creditable to them, and with a de-
termination that the river should be opened if their aid could effect it. With
such officers, and the able general who commands the Army, I have not
feared for the result, though it has been postponed longer than I thought it
would be.

“First and foremost, allow me speak of Captain Pennock, fleet captain and
commandant at Cairo. To him I am much indebted for the promptness
with which he has kept the squadron supplied with all that was required or
could be produced. His duty has been no sinecure, and he has performed
it with an ability that could not have been surpassed by any officer in the
Navy. He has materially assisted me in the management of the Tennessee
and Cumberland squadrons, keeping me promptly informed of all the move-
ments of the enemy, and enabled me to make the proper disposition to
check him, exercising a most discreet judgment in moving the vessels to
mect the rebels when there was no time to hear from me. The war on the
banks of the Tennessee and Cumberland has been carried on most actively.
There has been incessant skirmishing between the guerrillas and the gun-
boats, in which the rebels have been defeated in every instance. So constant
are these attacks that we cease to think of them as of any importance,
though there has been much gallantry displayed on many occasions.

“« Lieutenant-Commanders Phelps and Fitch have each had command of
these rivers, and have shown themselves to be most able officers. I feel no
apprehension, at any time, with regard to movements in that quarter. Had
it not been for the activity and energy displayed by Lieutenant-Commander
Fitch, Captain Pennock and Lieutenant-Commander Phelps, General Rose-
crans would have been left without provisions. To Captain Walke, Com-
mander Woodworth, Lieutenant-Commanders Breeze, Greer, Shirk, Owen,
Wilson, Walker, Murphy, Selfridge, Pritchett, Ramsey and Acting Volun-
408 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

teer Lieutenant Hoel, I fecl much indebted, for their active and energetic
attention to all my orders, and their ready co-operation with the army corps
commanders at all times, which enabled them to carry out their plans suc-
cessfully.

«The ‘Benton,’ Lieutenant-Commander Greer, ‘ Mound City,’ Lieutenant-
Commander Byron Wilson, ‘Tuscumbia,’ Lieutenant-Commander Shirk,
‘Carondelet,’ Acting Lieutenant Murphy, and the ‘Sterling Price,’ Com-
mander Woodworth, have been almost constantly under fire of the batteries
at Vicksburg, since the forty-five days’ siege commenced. The attack of
the 22nd of May, by the ‘Benton,’ ‘Mound City,’ ‘Carondelet’ and ‘Tus-
cumbia,’ on all the water batteries, in which three were silenced, and four
guns injured or dismounted, was one of the best contested engagements of
the kind during the war.

‘On the next attack of the same gunboats, when General Grant opened
all his batteries for six hours, the river batteries were all deserted, and the
gunboats moved up and down without having a shot fired at them, showing
the moral effect the first attack had.

“The attack of the ‘Cincinnati,’ Lieutenant-Commander Bache, on the
water batteries, will long be ranked among the most gallant events of this
war ; and though Lieutenant Bache had the misfortune to have his vessel
sunk under him, he well deserves the handsome commendation bestowed
‘upon him by the Department. To Lieutenant-Commander Ramsey, of the
‘Choctaw,’ was assigned the management of three heavy guns, placed on
scows, and anchored in a position to command the town and water batteries.
Every gun the enemy could bring to bear on these boats was fired incessantly
at them, but without one moment’s cessation of fire on the part of our sea-
men, though the enemy’s shot and shell fell like hail among them. This
battery completely enfiladed the batteries and rifle-pits in front of General
Sherman, and made them untenable.

“The mortar-boats were under charge of Gunner Eugene Mack, who for
thirty days stood at his post, the firing continuing night and day. He per-
formed his duty well, and merits approval. The labor was extremely hard,
and every man at the mortars was laid up with sickness, owing to excessive
labor. After Mr. Mack was taken ill, Ensign Miller took charge and con-
ducted the firing with marked ability. We know that nothing conduced

-more to the end of the siege than the mortar firing, which demoralized the
rebels, killed and wounded a number of persons, killed the cattle, destroyed
property of all kinds, and set the city on fire. On the last two days we
were enabled to reach the outer works of the enemy by firing heavy charges
of 26 pounds of powder ; the distance of three miles, and the falling of
‘shells was very annoying to the rebels. To use the words of the rebel officer,
‘our shells intruded everywhere.’ :

«Lieutenant-Commander Breeze has been very efficient in relieving me of
a vast amount of duty, superintending, personally, all the requirements
made on the Navy, and facilitating the operations of the Army in every
way that laid in his power. In every instance where it was at all possible
to bring the ‘Black Hawk’ into action against the enemy’s batteries, he has
not hesitated to do so, though she was not fortified exactly for that purpose
His long-range guns have done most excellent service at different times.

“I beg leave to mention the different commanders of the light-draughts,
SIEGE AND CAPTURE OF VICKSBURG. 409

who have carried out my orders promptly, aided in keeping guerrillas from
the river, convoyed transports safely, and kept their vessels in good condi-
tion for service, viz.: Acting Volunteer Lieutenant George W. Brown,
commanding ‘Forest Rose ; Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. Downing,
commanding ‘Signal; Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. 8. Hurd, command-
ing ‘Covington ; Ensign Wm. C. Handford, commanding ‘ Robb ;’ Acting
Master J. C. Bunner, commanding ‘ New Era;’-Acting Volunteer Lieutenant
J. V. Johnstone, commanding ‘Romeo ;’ Acting Volunteer Lieutenant John
Price, commanding ‘Petrel ; Acting Master W. E. Fentress, commanding
‘Rattler,’ Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. E. Smith, commanding ‘ Linden;’
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant E. C. Brennand, commanding ‘Prairie Bird,’
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. Gandy, commanding ‘Queen City.’ There

-are others who deserve commendation, but these seem to me the most
prominent.

«The action of the 4th of July, at Helena, wherein the ‘Tyler’ partici-
pated so largely, has already been reported to the Department. There is no
doubt left on the minds of any, but that the ‘Tyler’ saved Helena ; for,
though General Prentiss fought with skill and daring not excelled in the
war, his little force of thirty-five hundred were fast being overpowered by
the enemy, with eighteen thousand men, when the ‘ Tyler’ took a position,
and changed the fortunes of the day.

“T must not omit to mention Acting Volunteer Lieutenants Hamilton and
Richardson, of the powder vessels, ‘Great Western’ and ‘Judge Torrence.’
They were unremitting in their attentions to their duty during the siege,
supplying without delay every requisition made on them by the Army and
Navy, and volunteering for any service. When the Army called on the
Navy for siege guns, I detailed that officer, and men I could spare, to man
and work the batteries. Lieutenant-Commander Selfridge had command of
the naval battery on the right wing, General Sherman’s corps. This battery
was worked with ability, and elicited the warmest praises from the com-
manding general. One thousand shells were fired into the enemy’s works
from Lieutenant-Commander Selfridge’s guns. His services being required
up the river, I relieved him a few days before the surrender, and Lieutenant-
Commander Walker supplied his place, and conducted the firing with the
same ability. Acting Master Charles B. Dahlgren was ordered to report to
General McPherson for duty, and was assigned the management of two
9-inch guns, which were admirably served. Acting Master Reen, of the ‘ Ben-
ton,’ had charge of the batteries at Fort Benton, so called by General Her-
ron, in honor to the occasion. General Herron generously acknowledged
the services of those I sent him, which communication I enclose with this
report.

‘«T have endeavored to do justice to all who were immediately engaged
in the struggle for the mastery of the Mississippi. To the Army do we owe
immediate thanks for the capture of Vicksburg ; but the Army was much
facilitated by the Navy, which was ready at all times to co-operate. This
has been no small undertaking. The late investment and capture of Vicks-
burg will be characterized as one of the greatest military achievements ever
known. The conception of the idea originated solely with General Grant,
who adopted a course in which great labor was performed, great battles
were fought, and great risk was run. A single mistake would have involved
410 SCENES: AND INCIDENTS.

us in difficulty ; but so well were all the plans matured, so well were all
the movements timed, and so rapid were the evolutions performed, that
not a mistake has occurred from the passage of the fleet by Vicksburg, and
the passage of the Army across the river, up to the present time. So con-
fident was I of the ability of General Grant to carry out his plans when
he explained them to me, that I never hesitated to change my position
from above to below Vicksburg.. The work was hard, the fighting severe,
but the blows struck were constant.

“In forty-five days after our Army was landed, a rebel army of sixty
thousand men had been captured, killed, and wounded, or scattered to their
homes, perfectly demoralized ; while our loss has been only five thousand
killed, wounded, and missing, and the temporary loss of one gunboat. The
fortifications and defenses of the city exceed anything that has been built
in modern times, and are doubly unassailable from their immense height
above the bed-of the river. The fall of Vicksburg insures the fall of Port
Hudson and the opening of the Mississippi river, which, I am happy to say,
can be traversed from its source to its mouth, without apparent impediment,
the first time during the war.

“‘T take this opportunity to give to Mr. Fendal and Mr. Strausz, assistants
in the coast survey, the full credit they deserve for their indefatigable in-
dustry. Since they have been attached to the squadron, they have been
connected with almost every expedition that has been undertaken ; they
have kept both Army and Navy supplied with charts, when they could not
be otherwise obtained ; they were found ready at all times to go anywhere
or do anything required of them, whether it was on a gunboat expedition,
or in the trenches before Vicksburg, engineering, when the general com-
manding called for volunteers from the Navy. They have added to our
collection of maps many geographical corrections which are valuable, and
they have proved to me that no squadron can operate effectively without a
good corps of surveyors.

«‘T have the honor to be,
“Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
Davin D. Porter,
“« Hon. Acting Rear-Admirat
GIDEON WELLES, Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
Secretary of the Navy, Washington.”

This full, generous, and detailed report of the meritorious con-
duct of each and all the commanding officers, including those who
had a special command at Vicksburg, certainly far surpasses all
others which have come under our observation. It is a notable
example of the generous regard which Admiral Porter has always
shown for those who have served their country under his com-
mand. An example which, we trust, will be followed by our
children’s children to the end of time. Our naval historian
briefly sets forth the fact that our lamented Rear-Admiral Foote
was actuated by the same principle, in these appropriate words :
SIEGE AND CAPTURE OF VICKSBURG. 411

“The nobleness of Commodore Foote’s character was ever seen
in the very warm commendations with which he mentioned in his’
dispatches every officer whom he thought deserving. He was a
warm admirer of General Collom, of General Halleck’s staff, and
in the dispatches announcing the fall of Columbus, he took special
pains to commend to the secretary, Commanders Dove, Walke,
and Stembel, and Lieutenants Paulding, Thompson, Shirk, Phelps,
and Sandford.”

The following order was received in the fleet when Vicksburg
surrendered :

[General Order, No. 16.] “Navy DEPARTMENT,
June 27th, 1863.

“A gallant and distinguished Naval Officer is lost to the country. The
hero of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson—the daring and indomitable spirit
that created and led to successive victories the Mississippi flotilla—the
heroic Christian sailor, who in the China seas and on the coast of Africa, as
well as the great interior rivers of our country, sustained with unfaltering
fidelity and devotion the honor of our flag and the cause of the Union, Rear-
Admiral Andrew Hull Foote, is no more.

‘©On his way to the command of the South Atlantic Blockading Squad-
ron, a position to which he had been recently assigned, and the duties of
which were commanding the earnest energies and vigorous resources of a
mind of no ordinary character, he was suddenly prostrated by disease, and
after a brief illness, breathed his last at the Astor House, at New York, on
the evening of the 26th inst.

«« Among the noble and honored dead whose names have added lustre to
our Naval renown, and must ever adorn our national annals, few will stand
more pre-eminent than that of the gallant and self-sacrificing Christian
sailor and gentleman whose loss we now deplore. Appreciating his virtues
and his services, a grateful country had rendered him while living its will-
ing honors, and will mourn his death.

«Asa mark of respect, it is hereby ordered that the flags at the several
navy yards, naval stations, and on the flag ships of squadrons, be hoisted
at half-mast, and that thirteen minute guns be fired at meridian on the day

after the receipt of this order.
‘*@mMEON WELLES,

Secretary of the Navy.”

[General Order, No. 73.] “U.S. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Buacx Haws,’
Off Vicksburg, July 28rd, 1863.

«« Now that the duties of the squadron are less arduous, no reason exists
why it should not at all times present a neat and uniform appearance. The
commanders are requested to be particular in regard to the appearance of
their vessels and crews ; that discipline and etiquette, for which the Navy
has always been noted, must not be lost sight of on these rivers, for etiquette

is the soul of the service. Neat boats and crews indicate the character of
‘ 4
412 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the vessels, and the appearance of officers on or off duty, the character of
the commander. It is too common for officers to call upon the commander-
in-chief, on matters relating to duty, without their side arms or proper uni-
form, which is contrary to the established customs of the Navy. The at-
tention of commanders of light drafts is particularly called to these
matters, as there is a want of neatness. about some of them quite inexcusa-
ble. The rules and regulations issued by me to the light drafts, will not
only secure neatness if followed, but efficiency in every department of the
vessel,

“‘Great attention must be paid now to the health of the crews ; the men
must be kept out of the sun, and under awning in boats, or on shipboard.
They must not work in the heat of the day, but in the morning and evening.

“Davw D. Porter,
: Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

[General Order No. 67.] “U.S. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Biack Haws,’
June 25th, 1863.

‘* Order of Convoy.—When gunboats are detailed to convoy vessels, the
commanders will arrange signals as follows : Close order, three (8) whistles ;
Enemy in sight, a continued whistle and fire a gun ; Four (4) whistles, gun-
boat wants to communicate ; Five (5) whistles, convoy must stop for gun-
boat to reconnoiter. The gunboat, when there is only one, will keep close
astern of the last steamer, and engage any guerrillas while the boats are
passing out of gun-shot. No transport will be allowed to land or keep out
of line without there is actual necessity, or notifying the gunboat, and the
gunboats will not be allowed to scatter themselves further than two hundred
yards apart. When the gunboats are approaching a gunboat station, they
will turn over the transports to the vessels of war there, unless they are
specially detailed for convey all the way through. When they deliver the
convoy past all danger, they will report to senior officer present, who will
order them to return to their station, &e. The divisional commander will
issue any order he may deem necessary, not conflicting with mine. Gun
boats will, at all times, keep a strict look out, and when in dangerous
neighborhoods, keep sharpshooters on deck, and a gun loaded with shrap-
nel. In running at night, cabin lights of gunboats and transports must be
kept covered up, and every precaution taken against being hit.

“Davip D. Porter,
Acting Rear- Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

[General Order, No. 68.] “U.S. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Buack Hawk,’
June 27th, 1863.

“The officers and soldiers of the Department of the Tennessee, belonging
to Companies A and B, 58th O. V. I., Lieutenant Charles Kette, command-
ing on ‘Mound City.’ Co. C, 58th O. V. I, Captain E. J. Brannais, com-
manding on ‘Signal.’ Co. D, 58th O. V. L., Lieatenant Louis Keller, com:
manding on ‘Carondelet.’ Co. E, 58th O. V. IL, Lieutenant D. Specht,
SIEGE AND CAPTURE OF VICKSBURG. 413

commanding on ‘Baron de Kalb.’ Cos. F and G, 58th O. V. I., Lieutenant
Jacob Haering, commanding on ‘Benton.’ Co. H, 58th O. V. I., Lieutenant
Wm. H. Hals, commanding on ‘Pittsburg.’ Co. I, 58th O. V. I., Lieuten-
ant Stephen Defenbaugh, commanding on ‘Linden.’ Co. K, 58th O. V. 1,
Captain Wm. 8. Friesuer, commanding on ‘Louisville.’ Co. D, Tl. V. 1,
Captain E. P. H. Stone, commanding on ‘Tyler.’ Co. K, 20th Ill. V. 1,
Lieutenant T. V. Smith, commanding on ‘Petrel.’ Co. A, 101st Il.
V. I. Lieutenant Chas. Hunt, commanding on ‘General Bragg,’ and Cos.
G and H, 101st Ill. V. I., Lieutenant W. T. Luttrell, commanding on ‘La-
fayette,’ have been now employed in this squadron since the month of
March, doing duty as Marines, on board of the vessels to which they have
been attached. They have participated with us in the attack on Fort Pem-
berton, the Yazoo Pass Expedition, the reconnoissance of Deer Creek,
attack on Haines’ Bluff, the passage of Vicksburg, the battle of Grand Gulf,
the capture of Alexandria and forts on the Red river, the attack on the
batteries at Vicksburg of the 22nd of May, in the attack on Vicksburg
again on the 20th of June, and various other affairs, in all of which they
have done themselves great credit.

“It affords me gratification to bear testimony to their good conduct,
bravery in action, and attention to their duties. I shall take pleasure in
mentioning personally those brave officers of the Army who fell in battle, or
were wounded while at their post fighting for their country, and deem my-
self fortunate in having had detailed for the squadron, so brave and efficient
a party of men, who will always possess my entire confidence. I take
pleasure in paying this just tribute to them, and hope they will continue to
merit approval, as they have hitherto done. Part of those officers and
soldiers were necessarily employed on vessels which could not enter into an
engagement, but they always expressed a desire to serve in battle, and de-
serve as much credit as their more fortunate companions in arms, who were
able to fight for their country.

“Davin D. PorTER,
Acting Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”
CHAPTER XXIV.
CONTRABANDS AND GUERRILLAS.

Contrabands and Guerrillas. —Protecting the Negroes.—Incidents on the Mis-
sissippi.—Gucrrillas.—‘‘ Lafayette” and ‘‘ Pittsburg” at the Red River.—
Contraband Trade.—Remarks.

Tue great American Civil War caused some variation in our
dialect; the most prominent is that of General Butler’s application
to the slave (contrabands), the importance of whose position
could not be ignored. The planters throughout the region tra-
versed by our gunboats, to secure their slaves, drove them west-
ward as fast as possible, even chaining them in gangs to prevent
their escape.

As the war was prolonged, changes were required in the treat-
ment of this class of our people, who had become a powerful ad-
junct to the forces of the enemy. The General Order, No. 4, was
promulgated to obviate this evil, and invite them to accept their
freedom, and to enlist in our service, which brought many to the
river banks, with such portables as they could bring with them.
Althought it was with evident regret that they left their native
homes, all rejoiced to escape their dreaded deportation to Texas.
Some of them, being pursued by their masters, came off to the
gunboat in small boats, presenting a most pitiable condition ; one
with a shackle on his wrist, came on board “ Lafayette,” terribly
lacerated by the lash and the bite of dogs, from which he said he
had just escaped. Another (a young man) having by the skillful
use of his club, and heels, eluded the pursuit of man, and horse
and dogs, reached the vessel in a small skiff, so terror-stricken,
that he immediately commenced begging for his life, and it was
with difficulty he was convinced that he was safe with friends,
nor did he recover from the shock until the surgeon, paymaster,
and some of his own people took care of him.

On the 29th of June, the rebels made a raid upon Colonel
Acklen’s and the neighboring plantations. At about three o’clock
in the morning, twenty-five or thirty of their cavalry rode in haste
and captured two of our sick men ina temporary hospital near the

[414]
CONTRABANDS AND GUERILLAS. 415

bank of the river where the gunboat “ Pittsburg” was anchored.
The “Lafayette” was then anchored below and opposite the
mouth of Red river, where she cut off the enemy’s communication
with Port Hudson, most effectually. The cavalry succeeded in
carrying off a negro patient. The slaves fled to the woods, and
hid from the enemy,who were reported to be in reserve surround-
ing the plantation. At daylight, the shore opposite the “Lafay-
ette” was covered with a multitude of blacks, of all ages and de-
scriptions, with their movable household goods. The watch on
board the “Lafayette” soon spread the alarm, when all hands
rose immediately, and the river was soon covered with a living
mass passing to and from the landing.

The “small-armed men” and “sharpshooters” were marshaled,
and sent off in pursuit of the enemy, who had retired beyond the
reach of our batteries. The slaves under our protection returned
to their homes, and brought down their chattels in horse, mule
and ox wagons, or on their backs ; and, in their boats and barges,
came down the river, waving their hats and handkerchiefs. The
remaining boats and several very large coal-barges were hastened’
on shore under the guns of the “Lafayette” to receive the terri-
fied fugitives, who, by the efforts of our generous crew, were soon
in various ways sheltered and partitioned in separate families and
well provisioned from the stocks at their deserted homes. The
childlike confidence of the poor people in their defenseless state,
the abject submission and perfect faith of these bewildered men,
women and little children, wrung a throb of pity from many,
whose rugged sphere in life had nearly chilled the pulse of ten-
der emotion. “Thank you, massa;” “God bless you, massa ;”
“De Lord reward you, massa,” was repeated again and again by
these poor people as they met their benefactors, and when order
was restored, silence was observed and prayer heard in all their
new quarters. Some of the best able-bodied boatmen of the con-
trabands joined the “Lafayette’s” crew, and the old, as elders,
preserved a happy degree of harmony among their people.
Morning and, evening prayers were observed with due reverence.
The solemnity of the Sabbath was undisturbed, the quarter-deck
and coal-barges being devoted to its service. At evening the
hearty prayer and sacred psalm re-echoed along the banks of the
river, dying away in the quiet of the night; then the brilliant
but pensive moonlight, a cool sea-breeze, and the lonely warbling
of the nightingale or mocking-bird of the forest floating over the
placid waters of the Mississppi, formed a picture of serene beauty
416 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

truly refreshing, though ut intervals interrupted by the mourn-
ful roar of distant guns on the cliffs of Port Hudson, as it wound
its way up the great river.: “Hear! O heavens, and give ear, O
earth ; for the Lord hath spoken ; I have nourished and brought
up children, and they have rebelled against me.” “The ox
knoweth his owner, and the ass his master’s crib ; but Israel doth
not know, my people doth not consider.”

System being essential to their comfort, small temporary apart-
ments of boards and canvas for families, stewards, cooks and
messes were arranged for them; and the negroes, accommodating
themselves to circumstances, were as happy as possible in their
new homes, having their afternoon dance, with evening songs,
and prayers following.

They bade us good-bye at last, with sadness, looking, may be,
for the last time, on their native home, as it receded from their
gaze. All was quiet again on board, but sympathy still plead for
the oppressed. :

Nine hundred of these people were sent to Port Hudson, in the
gunboat “Pittsburg” and steamer “St. Maurice,” with a barge
in tow, and as fast as they accumulated under the protection of
the gunboats, they were transferred to Port Hudson, Baton
Rouge or Vicksburg.

The intelligent officer of the “ Lafayette,” to whose correspon-
dence we have referred, makes the following statements of the
above-mentioned events :

“ All the planters throughout that region have taken the alarm
at the near prospect of the fall of Port Hudson and Vicksburg,
and are starting their slaves off to Texas. They contrive to take
them unawares, and bind and chain them in gangs. The slaves
were then deserting the plantations and flying for succor to the
gunboats or to the army. They all seem as happy as larks at
having escaped the dreadful fate which awaited them, of going
to Texas ; and are ready to fight, dig or die for ‘Uncle Abraham
and their freedom.’ ”

To properly describe the guerrilla warfare carried on by de-
tached parties, and even by individuals, would alone require a
volume ; rumor attributing to one man the killing of fifty Union-
ists. Our steamers were terribly harassed by guerrillas in the
spring of 1863. The transport “Imperial” with two batteries of
artillery and one regiment of Indiana troops on the way to Grand
lake and Lake Providence received on board several Union men
(whose houses were burnt by the Confederates), and these men
CONTRABANDS AND GUERRILLAS. Al7

gave information of the enemy’s movements in firing on on our
boats in transit, from the river bank. This information obtained
from the southern people caused our.troops to land and burn the
guerrilla houses and huts, for fifteen or twenty miles down the
river on the west bank to Lake Providence, where the rebels had
wantonly shot some colored troops whom they had captured near
Goodrich’s landing. At that point our troops had fortified them-
selves, and this retaliation was a military necessity in this partic-
ular instance. —

The capture of some of our officers, referred to in Order No. 92,
(in the appendix) as reported by the officers of the “Rattler,”
was a scene of rare excitement. This small gunboat had just
relieved the “ Forest Rose,” a vessel of the same class, whose officers
were to have attended the church on the Sunday following, but,
fortunately for them, they were ordered elsewhere, and their
friends were caught in thetrap. The commanding officer, engineer,
and pilot, with about a dozen others from the unlucky “Rattler”
accompanied some ladies to church, in Rodney, which was about
three hundred yards from the landing. Soon after the service

-commenced there was a voiceless commotion around the church,
and presently a band of guerrillas, armed to the teeth, marched
in and demanded, at the peril of their lives, the immediate sur-
render of the party of officers and men from the Yankee gunboat.
The engineer sprang through the window, revolver in hand,
fought and forced his way back to the gunboat. The captain,
being the most conspicuous and unarmed, was first arrested.
The pilot, in the confusion, hid himself behind his lady friends,
who retained their seats until the church was deserted, when he
escaped. The engineer reached the “ Rattler’s” small boat in
time to get on board the gunboat, which was at anchor. She pre-
pared to fire on the town, but being warned by the guerrillas to
desist under a threat that they would hang all the captives, whom
they paraded on the bank of the river, the gunboat was silenced,
and her unfortunate officers and men marched for Richmond.

This was not the last of the “Rattler’s” ill-luck. Her com-
mander had lacked system and discretion ; and his successor was
not only deficient in these two essentials, but reported to be also
a traitor and deserter. Several months subsequent to the above-
mentioned circumstances, when the “ Rattler” was stationed at
Island No. 108, or Hurricane island, another unfortunate affair
was narrated to us by one of the officers, substantially as follows:
The executive officer or chief officer of the “Rattler,” and a

27
418 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

large part of her crew went on shore, by permission of the captain.
As they did not return to the vessel, great anxiety ensued, and
Master’s Mate Welles took an armed boat and started after them.
He was met by a suspicious-looking boat coming towards the ves-
sel full of men, whom he hailed, and receiving an improper an-
swer, warned them off, and returned to his vessel while firing on
them. The suspicious boat returned to the shore again, but the
combination of circumstances aroused the suspicions of all on
board, and the captain was obliged to take the steamer to the
shore.and get his officers and men, who, by this time, began to
suspect the foul play which had been arranged between the cap-
tain and executive officer, who deserted to the enemy next day.
It was afterwards reported in the fleet that the intention of these
officers was, to sell the vessel to the enemy while so many of her
crew and officers were on shore, then fill her with Confederate
troops, and steam down the river to board and capture the “ Ben-
ton” (then lying at Natchez) at night ; and then, with the “ Ben-
ton” to capture the remainder of our fleet in detail. Their de-
signs were, however, frustrated by a drunken leader of the rebel
party.
THE SUPPRESSION OF CONTRABAND TRADE.

A truly gratifying feature of our operations in the west at this
stage of the war, was the harmonious co-operation of land and
naval forces. Actuated by a common sentiment, their entire
energies were devoted to the work of suppressing the rebellion,
and this feeling continued, without interruption, until treasury
regulations for commercial intercourse were promulgated much
to the annoyance of Army and Navy commanders. General
Grant, especially, declining to name any as suitable for appoint-
ment under those regulations.

In this connection the subjoined order of Admiral Porter
clearly exhibits another one of the many difficulties incident to
the naval command on the Mississippi and its tributaries.

|General Order, No. 209. ] “U.S. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Brack Haws,’
Mound City, Ill., May 31, 1864.

“General Washburn has issued the following order in relation
to illicit trade on this river, which has so long been tolerated by
officers commanding military posts and treasury agents, and by
which the war of the border of the Mississippi river has been much
prolonged.
CONTRABANDS AND GUERRILLAS. 419

[General Order, No. 4.] Heapquarrers, Drviston or West TENNESSEE.
Memphis, Tenn., May 14, 1864.

«« Abuses existing on the Mississippi river render the interference of mili-
tary power imperative. Boats have cleared almost daily from Memphis,
with clearances for any landing place they may choose, and that without any
further restriction than a clause in their clearance that they will not violate
the laws of the United States. Boats thus cleared, loaded to the guards
with a variety of merchandise, proceed down the river, sometimes landing
on the shore, sometimes rounding to and anchoring out, and communicating
with the shore in small boats. They open trade with all classes of people ex-
cept loyal ones. They negotiate with rebel chieftains and guerrillas for the
bringing in of cotton and taking out supplies. They invite rebel officers
and soldiers on board, and drink and hobnob together.

“Some boats, I am assured, have been out forty or fifty days, from their
clearance, from Memphis, replenishing their supplies from time to time
from other boats proceeding up or down the river, running into every creek,
bayou and lagoon where the Confederate trade can be carried on. Even
the farce of landing under the guns of a gunboat is seldom complied with.
The revenue aids on board of each, with very few exceptions, are known to
be bad characters, and many of them are proven to be in complicity with
persons engaged in contraband trade. One arrested yesterday is known
to be a Confederate soldier, belonging to a regiment in Arkansas, and is
now in the ‘Irving Block.’ Another, when the boat was overhauled upon
which he was aid, took the precaution to throw his valise overboard, thus
destroying the evidence of his crime.

“It is therefore ordered that no boat shall land between Cairo and White
river, except where there is a garrison of United States troops. They will not
be allowed to land in skiffs or small boats, nor will they be allowed to land
supplies at any military point named above, except for the use of the United
States troops, and such persons as are residing within the Federal lines,
without special permits in such case from their headquarters.

“The ram ‘Monarch’ will proceed to-morrow morning at six o’clock down
the Mississippi river, and arrest every trading boat found between Memphis
and White river. All passengers on board who are women and children, or
all persons not liable to conscription by the laws of the Confederate States,
will be put on shore at the first landing, together with any effects they may
have ; and parties liable to conscription are presumed to be in the rebel
army, and will be brought as prisoners of war to this city. The commander
of the ‘Monarch’ will send each boat to this city under guard, which will
be furnished by Brigadier-General Buckland, and ne boats will be allowed
to land except at Helena, on the way up.

“« Signed by order of
‘ Major-General C. C. WasHBuRN.
“«W. H. Morean,
Assistant Adjutant-General.””

“JT agree fully with General Washburn in all he says, and
am glad to see that at last there may be some hopes of destroying
420 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

the system of trade with the rebels, which, if continued, this war
must be carried on indefinitely.

“General Washburn speaks in his general order of the ‘farce of
landing goods under the surveillance of the gunboats.’ If there
has been such a ‘farce’ enacted, it is contrary to my orders, as
the gunboats have been directed to examine every article that
went on shore, to prevent the landing of contraband of war, for
while Army officers commanding posts indorse orders of treasury
agents for supplies, sufficient in amount to keep a large rebel
army, the Navy could do no more than see that these supplies
were not contraband, and seize them where they were. I trust
there will be no more farces, and, it is ordered, that no gunboat
permit any supplies of a private nature, and not exclusively for
the public service, to be landed anywhere on the river, except
at military posts. Let due notice be given to all boats going up
and down the river, and let the commander of each district see
that all boats are furnished with a copy of this order.

“The commanders of districts will permit no interference or
seizure of vessels within the limits of my command for illicit
traffic by other than naval vessels. They will co-operate with
commanders of military posts to the best of their ability in put-
ting down the contraband traffic, which is becoming more for-
midable daily.

“No organization of vessels other than purely naval, will be
permitted to regulate the affairs properly coming under my juris-
diction, and, if any vessel or vessels so organized, should persist
in interfering with the duties devolving on the Navy, command-
ers of districts will use all the force they have to arrest such
vessel.

[Printed] “Davip D, Porter,
Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

A commander able to infuse his subordinate with a spirit of
patriotic zeal and intrepidity,had long since shown to the satisfac-
tion of the Army and Navy, his high sense of honor, and thorough
knowledge of military etiquette, by the ability with which, in his
first command in the Navy, he met the delicate question of reia-
tive rank between Army and Navy officers who on that occasion
were on duty, but on a civil mission. The Army officers, in virtue
of their higher rank, laid claims on shipboard, inconsistent with
Naval usage, but after a spirited struggle, yielded their case to
CONTRABANDS AND GUERRILLAS. 421

the disciples of Neptune. The principle being established that
the presence of a superior in rank on separate duty cannot affect
the rights and responsibility of the commander to the proper De-
partment of their government.

Notwithstanding the general valor and intelligence of our vol-
unteers, they required experience to qualify them for service.
Submission to orders was wanting; the absence of discipline, or
in some cases the want of common sense, was the source of fre-
quent mistakes and accidents, really dangerous to officers and
men. For instance, while the “Taylor” was anchored off Fort
Holt, the captain of that vessel, as well as the captain of the
“Lexington,” was obliged to complain several times to the colo-
nel commanding, and finally to the commander-in-chief at Cairo,
that the troops at this fort frequently fired over, and apparently
at the gunboats, and not until some of their musket balls, which
were picked up onthe decks or cut out of the gunboats were pro-
duced, could this abominable carelessness be stopped.
CHAPTER XXV.
HELENA AND TUNICA BEND.

Report of Commander Phelps.—Report of General Prentiss.—Secretary
Welles’ Letter.—Report of Acting Master Hubbell.

From the Report of the Secretary of the Navy we give the
particulars of the attack on Helena.

“JU. 8. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Biack Haws,’ off Vicksburg,
July 11, 1863.
“Sir:

‘*T have the honor to enclose you a full report of the late affair at Hel-
ena, where the gunboat ‘ Tyler’ saved the day, and enabled our little band
of soldiers to capture a number of the enemy.

«‘T remain, Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
Davi D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admirat
“Hon. Commanding Mississippi Squadron.
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C.”

REPORT OF LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER S. L. PHELPS.

“U.S. Iron-clad Ram ‘Eastport,’
Helena, Arkansas, July 8, 1863.
“Sir:

‘General Holmes, with a reported force of eighteen thousand rebels,
attacked this place at daylight on the morning of the 4th inst., and was
repulsed after a hard-contested fight of several hours’ duration.

«The enemy attacked the center of the defenses, and carried the rifle-pits
and a battery upon the crest of the hills in the rear, which commanded not
only Helena itself, but also all the other defensive works, including Fort
Curtis. After possessing himself of that position, he pushed large forces
down the slope of the ridge into the gorges, and his sharpshooters began the
work of driving the artillerists from the guns in the main fort. Rebel guns,
both above and below the town, had been planted upon commanding posi-
tions, and opened fire upon the line of defensive works across the river bot-

[422]
HELENA ‘AND TUNICA BEND. 423

tom, about one thousand yards in width, and his troops were in force near
them to secure the advantages the capture of the works upon the hills
would offer for closing upon the town from both directions along the river
bottom. The ‘Tyler’ had been covering the approach by the old town
road ; but Captain Pritchett discovered the enemy pressing down the hill-
side after the capture of the battery in the center, and took up such a posi-
tion that, while his broadside guns poured a destructive fire upon the slopes
and enfiladed the ravines, his stern guns effectually silenced the rebel battery
below, and his bow guns played simultaneously upon the upper one. The
slaughter of the enemy at this time was terrible, and all unite in describing
the horrors of that hill-side and the ravines after the battle as baffling de-
scription, the killed being literally torn to pieces by shell, and the avenging
fire of the gunboat pursued the enemy two or three miles to his reserve
forces, creating a panic there which added not a little to the end of victory.

«The enemy’s loss is very heavy. Our forces have buried three hundred
and eighty of his killed, and many places have been found where he had
Jhimself buried his dead. His wounded number eleven hundred, and the
prisoners are also eleven hundred. Our cavalry forces are hourly discover-
ing dead and wounded in the surrounding country, and are bringing in
stragglers and deserters. Boats passing up the river for two days after the
battle were continually hailed by deserters from the rebel ranks wishing to
get on board to escape.

“An examination of the field, and the reports I hear, convince me that
the ‘Tyler’ contributed greatly to the defeat of the enemy, and the terrible
slaughter in his ranks is largely hers. It is due to Captain Pritchett to add
that he took up an admirable position, and used his battery in a manner
alike creditable to himself and to his officers and men.

“First at Belmont, then at Pittsburg Landing, and now here, the ‘Tyler’
has been of inestimable value, and has saved the fortunes of the day. The
garrison, numbering but three thousand three hundred men, with lines en-
tirely too extensive for such a force, evidently fought with a courage and
determination without superior example in this war.

«« Our loss in killed and wounded is about one hundred and eighty.

«‘T am Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
S. L. PHELPS, <
Lieutenant-Commander
Commanding Second Division Mssissippi Squadron.
“ Acting Rear-Admiral
Davi D. Portes,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

‘

LETTER FROM MAJOR-GENERAL PRENTISS COMPLIMENTING LIEU-
TENANT-COMMANDER PRITCHETT.

“Headquarters District of Eastern Arkansas.
Helena, Arkansas, July 9, 1863.

<< ADMIRAL : ; ;
«‘T take pleasure in transmitting to you my testimony concerning the
424 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

valuable assistance rendered me, during the battle at this place on the 4th
instant, by Lieutenant-Commander James M. Pritchett, of the gunboat
‘Tyler.’ I assure you, sir, that he not only acquitted himself with honor
and distinction during the engagement proper, but with a zeal and patience
as rare as they are commendable. When informed of the probabilities of
an attack on this place he lost no time and spared no labor to make himself
thoroughly acquainted with the topography of the surrounding country ;
and I attribute not a little of our success in the late battle to his full knowI-
edge of the situation, and his skill in adapting the means within his command
to the end to be obtained. Nor can I refrain from mentioning that after the
engagement, and while we were expecting a renewal of the attack, Com-
mander Pritchett, commanding a division of your fleet, was unusually
eflicient in procuring timely re-enforcements.

“Permit me to add, sir, that I can conceive of no case wherein promotion
would be more worthily bestowed than in the case of Commander Pritchett,
and it will afford me much pleasure to learn that his services have received
a proper reward. I write this communication, sir, quite unsolicited, and
without the knowledge of Commander Pritchett.

“«T have the honor to be, sir,
With Much Respect,
Your Obedient Servant,
: B. M. Prentiss,
““Davip D. PortEr, Major-General.
Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

The above is another example of generosity and justice of an
Army officer to the Navy, worthy of imitation.

CONGRATULATORY LETTER TO LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER JAMES M.
PRITCHETT.

«Navy DEPARTMENT,
July 27, 1863.
“Sir:

“T have received from Rear-Admiral Porter the reports of your suc-
cessful co-operation with the army, in repelling an attack of a much superior
rebel force, upon the troops of General Prentiss at Helena, Arkansas, on the
4th instant. ‘

“Your prompt action on the occasion deserves and receives the unquali-
fied approbation of the Department. Rear-Admiral Porter and General
Prentiss compliment you in terms of great praise for your skill and the
effective management of the guns of the ‘Tyler,’ which were served with
such disastrous and signal effect upon the ranks of the enemy.

“It is no reflection upon the troops of General Prentiss, who are repre-
sented to have fought with determined gallantry and bravery against over-
whelming numbers, to say that they were saved, in all probability, from
serious disaster by the valuable assistance rendered by the ‘Tyler,’ under
your command.

‘Accept the Department’s congratulations for yourself and the officers
und men under your command, for your glorious achievement, which. adds
HELENA AND TUNICA BEND. 495

another to the host of brilliant successes of our navy and army on the anni-
. Versary of our national independence.
“Very ene &e.,
“ Gipzon WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.”
“ Lieut.-Commander
James M. Prircnert, U. 8S. N.,

“Commanding U. 8. Gunboat ‘ Tyler,’
Mississippi Squadron.”

The first important service of this kind by the “Taylor ” (Tyler),
at Belmont, was ignored by the flag-officer and secretary of the
navy.

FIGHT AT TUNICA BEND.

The following incidents were related by Acting Master Hub-
bell, of the gunboat service :

“ After the defeat of Banks’ army in the Red river expedition,
and subsequent retreat to Morganza, a portion of the fleet, con-
sisting of the ‘ Choctaw,’ Lieutenant-Commander Ramsey, as flag
ship, the ram ‘Avenger,’ ‘Forest Rose, No. 9,’ ‘Naiad, No.
53, &c., were engaged in covering the embarkation of the army
on the transports that had been sent around from Atchafalaya.
Tunica Bend, situated between Morganza and Port Hudson, was
a favorite rendezvous for guerrillas, who amused themselves by
firing into unarmed transports passing down the river, ofttimes
loaded with women and children belonging to .the South. For
the purpose of intimidating these marauders, Lieutenant-Com-
mander Watson of the ‘Lafayette’ had caused some written
notices to be placed on the trees there, warning them that for
every unarmed transport fired into by them, he would take a
Confederate prisoner out and shoot him.

“This not having the desired effect, in the early part of 1864
the ‘General Bragg,’ a gunboat captured from the rebels at
Memphis, was stationed at the foot of what was called the Tunica
Road, and in June of the same year, the tin-clad ‘Naiad, No.
53,’ Acting Master Hubbell, was ordered to anchor a mile below
her, off Tunica Island. For over two weary months the ‘ Naiad’
lay there, exposed to the heat of a torrid zone, and the terrific
nightly onslaught of Confederate mosquitoes, with nothing to
while the monotony save the occasional cry of ‘sail, ho? when a
temporary excitement was created by the advent of a transport
passing down the river, when, if the captain was not a rebel,
426 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. -

papers a month old were bundled up and thrown overboard, the
boat of the ‘Naiad’ was speedily lowered and the prize hastily
secured, brought on board, dried, and the contents greedily de-
voured from captain down.

“The rebels on shore at Woodville, a camp distant some ten or
twelve miles inland, at length, weary of inaction, determined to
test the efficiency of a battery of 6-pounder Parrott guns, cap-
tured by Kirby Smith’s forces from Banks during the Red river
expedition, and about daylight on the morning of June 24, the
captain of the ‘Naiad’ was hurriedly aroused by the announce-
ment that a rebel battery was firmmg on the ‘General Bragg.’
The latter was originally a side-wheel gulf steamer, erect walk-
ing-beam, and when converted into a gunboat by the rebels had
her machinery protected by bales of cotton, pressed between
large timbers ; she mounted on a flush deck forward and aft, two
32-pounders on pivot. The ‘ Naiad’ was on of those incongruities
built by the government during the war, of light draft and still
lighter armor, and commonly designated tin-clad, from the fact
that the plating consisted of but one-quarter inch or boiler plate-
iron, only bullet-proof. She was a stern wheeler, mounted eight
24-pounder brass guns, Dahlgren or boat howitzers, and had a
crew all told of about seventy men,

“Orders were immediately passed on board the ‘ Naiad’ to slip
the cable and beat to quarters. She had not proceeded, however,
over a boat’s length on her course to the assistance of the ‘ Bragg,’
when a section of the rebel battery opened on her, the first shot
taking effect in the starhoard smoke-stack, and the next tearing
through the pilot-house, tearing the barrel of the wheel to pieces,
thereby disabling the steering apparatus, mortally wounding one
of the pilots, and a splinter from the barrel of the wheel entering
below the right knee of Captain Hubbell, and disabling him from
duty.

“The action lasted about an hour, the ‘Naiad’ receiving a
number of shots from the battery, the shells exploding in the
hold several times and setting her on fire, wounding one of the
master’s mates and killing several of the crew. One shell, like the
rest, meeting with just sufficient resistance from the one-quarter
inch iron to explode it, completely demolished the armory and
dispensary on the gun-deck. :

“The advent of the double-turreted monitor ‘ Winebago,’ at this
time, turned the tide, and, although they had nearly a thousand
men supporting their battery, they did not wait to limber up, but
HELENA AND TUNICA BEND. 427

hastily fled, seeking refuge in a belt of woods a mile or so distant,
followed by the huge 15-inch shells of the monitor.

“The ‘Bragg’ was uninjured, but the more unfortunate
‘Naiad’ was towed up to the month of the Red river for repairs

and for the purpose of burying her dead in the Naval burying
ground contiguous thereto.”
CHAPTER XXVI.
BATTLE OF MOBILE.

Passing the Forts.—Loss of the ‘‘ Tecumseh.”—The ram ‘‘ Tennessee.” —.
Serious Mistake.—Surrender of the ‘‘ Tennessee.” —Confederate Account
of the Battle.

Tue following short account of this battle, taken principally
from a letter of one of the crew of the flag ship “ Hartford,” im-
mediately after that victory, is interesting and instructive in its
originality, truth and freedom. It was written to a gentleman in
New York, who has always taken great interest and pleasure in
the history of our country; a patron and faithful friend of our
soldiers and sailors, and who, as presiding member of one of our
historical societies, has contributed very much to the perfection of
the history of the late war.

The above-mentioned letter, which is addressed to George A.
Jarvis, Esq. (who is a distant relative of Commodore Jarvis, U.
8. N., and whose kindness we gratefully acknowledge), begins
with the account of the battle of Mobile, in these words :

“Begging you to cast all newspapers aside, I will suppose
you seated before your map, or rather chart, and having informed
yourself thoroughly of the position of every place of importance,
you will immediately see the vast importance of Mobile Bay and
its defenses, and realize the great results of our victory. As
things were before the fight, we had to keep up an outside block-
ade of great force, for fear the rebel vessels and iron-clads would
come out and break it, or destroy the vessels composing it. In
order to keep up the blockade, coal depots and a place for the
repairs of the fleet had to be provided, in good or bad weather.
We had the sea to contend with, and were constantly menaced
by rebels inside of the bay, and were open for an attack by med-
dling foreigners, who should choose to send a powerful fleet to
enter the bay. It was necessary to relieve the government of this
state of affairs, and the necessity of an outside blockading fleet,
and to capture or destroy the rebel fleet, and forts which guarded

the entrance of Mobile Bay, in order to hold possession of that
[428]
Ft Gains

Flag Ship Hartford. Monitors Ram Tennessee,

BATTLE OF MOBILE.

 
BATTLE OF MOBILE. 429

bay, as that was the important object for which the battle was
fought. I am thus particular in giving you the object, because
many think it was only to capture the city of Mobile. And I
am sure when our people think well of the importance of this
bay, with the number of vessels captured or destroyed of the
enemy, and the number of our own vessels allowed to proceed on
other very important duties, they will see the value of our suc-
cess, and how God has delivered us.

“With this explanation I propose to tell you of our fight and
its results. By general order No. 10, herewith enclosed, you will
see the admiral’s directions of preparation for battle. All our
fleet being ready on the 4th, except the ‘Tecumseh,’ the admiral
delayed the attack in waiting for her, and as she arrived in the
evening of the same day, the 5th was appointed as the day of
battle. The morning was almost a calm, only a little breeze from
the south-west. About 4.15, a. m., the ships commenced to get
into position as previously orderéd. We had fourteen vessels,
and four iron-clads (monitors). The iron-clads took the inside
position or next to the fort, and were to engage the rebel iron-
clads, and take off their fire from the wooden vessels. The
wooden vessels were lashed together, the largest vessels having
the post of honor, starboard side, the object of lashing the vessels
together being for mutual assistance ; and if one vessel was dis-
abled the other could take her past the forts. Besides, in this
arrangement only one-half of the fleet was exposed to the direct
fire of the forts.

« All being ready, the signal was made for the fleet to advance.
Of the enemy’s forces the greatest was at Fort Morgan. Its guns
overlooked the channel, and just below there was a most power-
ful water battery ; and to the north-east of these batteries in line
of battle, were the powerful ram ‘Iron-clad’ and three gunboats,
holding a most advantageous position, giving us a raking fire as
we advanced, the course of the channel, which we were compelled
to follow, giving them this great advantage for the time being.
Our ships advancing, with a beautiful flag at each mast-head,
presented a scene worthy of the brush of an Angelo or Raphael.
The sight was grand, indeed, as we approached Fort Morgan and
their fleet bristling with heavy guns. It was cheering to see our
brave tars going steadily into battle for their country. But soon
the terrible fact manifested itself that that the seemingly fair
field of placid water was filled with torpedoes to destroy our
whole fleet. For the water batteries and rams we cared nothing ;
480 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

it was a sailor’s delight and glory to have a fair stand-up fight
and manfully stand its consequences.

“The admiral had intended to lead the fleet into battle, but the
‘Brooklyn’ had a torpedo catcher, and four guns which trained
ahead, and it was on this account the admiral consented that she
should take the most honorable position; the ‘Hartford,’ bearing
the flag, following her, and thus we entered into battle. The Par-
rott guns on the forecastle commenced firing. We were some-
what delayed, however, in getting the iron-clads into position and
keeping them there.

“ All was working well, and the two ships in advance received
but a few shots. The battle had fairly begun. The gallant
‘Tecumseh,’ Captain Craven, was ahead, steaming directly for
the rebel ram, having shotted his gun with steel, and a heavy
charge of powder, and he had other shot in the slings ready to
reload, and it is thought that he would have captured or sunk the
rebel ram if his vessel had not been sunk. But, alas! when
all was prepared, his whole heart and mind bent on giving a fair
fight to the rebel ram, a torpedo exploded under his own ves-
sel, and before his gallant crew or himself could escape, the
hungry waves had swallowed his noble vessel and companions up
without warning or notice of the disaster—with only time to ex-
claim ‘She is sinking ! she’s gone !’

“The whole fleet saw the ‘Tecumseh’ go down with our noble
friends. The admiral ordered a boat from the ‘ Metacomet’ to
pick up the survivors, if any, which order was obeyed in the face
of grape-shot that was fired upon them from Fort Morgan, and
five were saved. Some few were afterwards picked up on the
beach by the rebels, and made prisoners. And thus sadly ended
the career of the ill-fated ‘ Tecumseh.’

“Seeing this end of one of our vessels near his own, and sup-
posing his ship to be running on to a nest of torpedoes, Captain
Allen hesitated, and finally backed his vessel and stood confused.
The rebels, seeing this, poured a destructive fire into the ‘ Brook-
lyn’ and ‘ Hartford,’ and cheer after cheer went up from the fort.

“Every one felt that we had arrived at a crisis of the battle, and
eagerly inquired why the ‘Brooklyn’ did not steam ahead.
Oh, that terrible delay! Iam sure that disaster would soon have
followed, if the gallant old admiral had not asked if there was
not room for him to pass the ‘ Brooklyn,’ and, on being answered
in the affirmative, ordered the ‘Hartford’ to steam ahead, and
gallantly was the order executed, and soon the cheers of the defi-
BATTLE OF MOBILE. 4381

ant enemy were hushed by the terrible broadsides of the old
‘Hartford, which drove them from their guns, and re-inspired’
the ‘Brooklyn,’ and the whole fleet, with the admiral’s bravery.
Things now looked and worked differently ; the fort and batter-
ies were soon passed ; then we had the ram and gunboats of the
enemy to contend with, and they gave us a very hard fight, as we
had to keep in the channel to prevent ourselves from getting on
shore, and there they raked us fore and aft, by their most galling
fire. At one time the huge ram made directly for the ‘ Hart-
ford,’ but her commander’s heart seemed to fail him when he
saw our terrible broadsides turned upon, and awaiting his advance.
It was sore, indeed, to be receiving the fire of the gunboats, while
we were unable to return it. That state of things lasted but a
short time only fortunately, for our poor fellows were horribly
cut to pieces by the shot and shell; but to their honor, not one.
left his station. Steaming ahead, we at last got our broadside to
bear on one of the enemy’s gunboats (the ‘ Gaines’), a half iron-
clad, and with one broadside so disabled her that she ran on
shore and was burned. The ram had left us as we passed the
middle ground, but still another gunboat, the ‘Selma,’ annoyed
us, and one of her shot killed one of the crew of our consort (the
‘Metacomet’), when the admiral ordered her to cut loose from
the ‘Hartford,’ and go after her. The order was gallantly and
promptly obeyed, and one shell from the ‘Metacomet’ killed nine
and wounded seven of the ‘Selma’s’ men, and compelled her to
surrender to the ‘stars and stripes.’ The gallant action of the
admiral inspired the whole fleet though three-quarters of a mile
behind the Hartford, and each vessel fought her way through the
enemy’s line of battle, and came up to the flag ship most gallantly
to the ‘Pocket’ or lower fleet anchorage.

“Our ships, and the dear old flag never looked so beautiful as
they did that morning after the terrible two hours’ hard fighting.
Oh! it was a grand sight, as each ship came up'and cheered the
‘brave admiral and the old flag ship ‘ Hartford’ as they passed.
Many were the congratulations in the good old tar language, and
not a few but devotedly thanked God for our victory, though
all felt sad indeed, for the ill-fated ‘ Tecumseh ;” but she sank in an
array of glory that will live forever, in the hearts of the com-
panions of her gallant crew, and a grateful country.

THE RAM ‘TENNESSEE.’

“ But our congratulations were soon interrupted by the actions
432 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

of the enemy’s ram ‘Tennessee’ making her appearance, and
steaming boldly towards our fleet. The admiral’s quick eye
caught sight of her movements, and immediately ordered his fleet
to get under way. We had just got our anchor under the bow,
and preparing to hoist it to the ‘cat-head,’ when the ‘crew were
called to quarters,’ and the guns loaded or reloaded with a heavy
charge of powder and solid shot. The ‘Hartford’ was steaming
for the ram, which was coming directly to attack her, Buchanan
having declared to his officers that he would destroy our flag ship
or be sunk in his own. Having been foiled in his first attempt,
he now renews the attack with the utmost desperation. Our
brave admiral knew well his intentions, and was willing to meet
his iron-clad ram, with the wooden sides and iron hearts of the
‘Hartford.’

“On came the ram, with tremendous volumes of black smoke
pouring from her smoke-stack, disregarding the attacks and firing
of the other vessels of our fleet in her mad desire to sink the
‘Hartford.’ The sloops of war, ‘Monongahela’ first, and then
the ‘Lackawanna’ of 1400 or 1500 tons, with eleven guns, dashed
into the ram at full speed, and the good old ‘Hartford’
flinched not, but ran swiftly for her antagonist. The enemy, see-
ing our undaunted flag ship bearing down with all her power to
strike a decisive blow, began to waver, and appeared to lose his
confidence, shifting. his course from port to starboard, or from
side to side. But there was one quick eye which had, before all
others, caught his movements and detected the cause, and a smile
of perfect eonliloney: peculiarly his own, and so dear to us all,
brightened up his face as he quietly remarked, ‘We have him. It’s
all right now. He’s afraid of us.’ His intention was to boldly
run in the midst of our fleet, throw it into confusion, and, if pos-
sible, sink our flag ship at least, and escape to Fort Morgan or
Fort Gaines. Instead of that, the ‘Hartford,’ by skillful manage-
ment, rammed the ‘ Tennessee,’ although the ram by dodging was
not struck, as fairly as the admiral intended.

“The vessels ran against each other on the port or left side of
the bow, and the ram struck the ‘ Hartford’s’ port anchor, which,
fortunately, had not been catted, or hoisted up to the cat-head,
and it served as a fender or shield; but the ram drove its
heavy flukes into the ‘ Hartford’s’ bow three or four inches, ripping
it several feet, twisting the massive anchor like lead, then ground
along her side, and let drive a shot through her, the ‘Tennessee’
receiving in return the compliments of the ‘Hartford’s’ broadside
BATTLE OF MOBILE. 4383

within eight or ten feet.* They quickly passed each other in
proud defiance, and like valiant gladiators turned upon each other
for another deadly throw. No visible damage was inflicted upon
the combatants, except that the ram had her ‘cocked hat’
knocked off, that is, her smoke-stack.

“While the ‘Hartford,’ the ‘Monongahela,’ ‘Ossipee,’ and
‘Lackawanna’ were turning again with all speed to run into the
‘Tennessee,’ the ‘Brooklyn’ and ‘Richmond,’ with the monitors
‘Manhattan,’ with 15-inch guns,the ‘Chickasaw ’ and‘ Winnebago,’
with 11-inch guns, were battering to pieces the ironed casemates
of the ‘Tennessee.’

“All the above-mentioned vessels were bent on ramming the
‘Tennessee’ at the same time, and in so doing the ‘ Lackawanna,’
running through the cloud of smoke from a hundred guns, blindly
plunged her sharp bow into the side of the ‘Hartford,’ cutting
her down nearly to the water’s edge at the mizzen-mast. This ter-
rible crash into our flag ship by one of own ships was very dis-
couraging, and for the moment but little hope was entertained
for the safety of the flag ship; but none left their stations, and
the only feeling manifested was the desire to get the admiral out
of the ship, which was supposed to be sinking; and it was not
until he had satisfied his officers and men that the ship was not
injured below the water-line, that they were contented to let him
remain on board. No time was lost, however, by our ships, but
they went at the ‘Tennessee,’ running her down, and firing their
broadsides into her. One or two of our monitors were firing 11-
inch shell into her stern, another (the ‘Manhattan’), was firing
15-inch shell into her with terrible effect, which smashed in her
casemates.

“ Finding himself surrounded by our ships, coming down on him
from every quarter, apparently fresh and uninjured, Buchanan
made a vain attempt to repair the damage to his port shutters,
which our shell had knocked down or jammed, which disabled his
battery. He was wounded in the attempt to open one of them,
and one of his crew was also killed by the same shell. Although

* The Confederate sailors poured forth a most vociferous broadside of
curses at the ‘‘ Hartford,” while that ship was pounding the ‘‘ Tennessee”
with 9-inch shell; and unfortunately for the ‘“‘Tennessee” at this crisis,
the gun carriage of one of her best guns was so damaged, that the gun
could hardly be pointed, and Admiral Buchanan, being impatient and exas-
perated by the delay, took the matter in hand himself, and while pointing
the deadly shot, was knocked over and badly wounded by a shell from the
“Hartford,” which entered into or near the port where he stood.

28
434 SCENES AND INCIDENTS. }

covered with six inches of iron, and almost invulnerable, our
heavy 9-inch, 11-inch and 15-inch shot and shell, at close quarters,
so battered in some of these shutters as to imprison Buchanan in
his own cage, as most becoming to one who was always overdoing
and often overbearing.

“The ‘Tennessee’ being almost silenced, and the ‘Hartford,’
‘Monongabela’ and ‘ Lackawanna’ now close aboard of her, and
the ‘ Ossipee’ about to strike her at full speed, the enemy hoisted
a white flag, but too late to avoid being struck by the ‘Ossipee,’
which sheered off from her immediately, but gave her a slanting
blow.

“The closing scene of this fight was a grand sight, and the
second victory was in many respects more important than the
first. It was now, indeed, a fit time to congratulate our good
and brave admiral, and each other. Every one felt how fortunate
it was that Buchanan came out so boldly in the day to give us
battle. Had he attacked us at night he might have caused some
confusion, but as it turned out, we had cause to be thankful.
And the admiral remarked, those who had the ram fever would
now get better, and sleep sound, as the stars and stripes now
waved over his casemates.

“Our attention was soon called to the killed and wounded, and
many were the sad scenes. Dear friends only a few minutes before
were congratulating each other on our first victory and their for-
tunate escapes, were now dead, dying or severely wounded. It
was more sad to recall those painful sights now in the quiet con-
templations of peace, than in the excitement of battle and blood-
shed that morning, when all seemed to regard it a pleasant duty
to hazard their lives in the service of their country.

“J have written you a very long letter, and yet if I should at-
tempt to describe the actions of each vessel, I could not finish it
in a week, but they all performed their part admirably. The
‘Hartford,’ by common consent, is estimated to have performed
the part of an 2dmiral’s flag ship perfectly ; and the highest com-
pliment I can pay her officers and crew, is to repeat what their
‘matter of fact,’ and very cool captain (Drayton) reports, ‘that
no one left his station,’ nor was a report made of a single instance
of misbehavior in battle.

“Forts Morgan, Gaines and Powell, and the ram, with the
enemy’s gunboats, except one, are all in our possession, with the
officers and men captured.”

Captain Drayton states in his report that “The rapidity of our
BATTLE OF MOBILE. 435

fire, together with the smoke, so completely disordered the
enemy’s aim, that we passed the fort with no great injury or loss
of life. A shell which came through the side, and exploded a
little abaft the mainmast, killed and wounded a large portion of
the No. 7 gun’s crew, being the only one that caused much de-
struction.” He also says that “As we passed the shore batteries,
we came directly under the fire of the gunboats ‘Selma,’ ‘ Morgan,’
and ‘Gaines,’ and the ‘Tennessee,’ being only able to direct our
fire on one at a time. The shots from the others (enemy) were
delivered with great deliberation and consequent effect, a single
shot having killed ten men and wounded five.” At this period
the “Hartford” and “Metacomet” received the concentrated
fire of the enemy.

Three of the enemy’s gunboats were retreating at a good fight-
ing distance ahead, raking the flag ship’s decks with the largest
guns, mounted for stern chasers, to which the “ Hartford” could
not return a shot ; and the “Tennessee” was. following and firing
into her from another quarter. It was certainly a well-devised
plan of the enemy, and, from all accounts, well executed. But
why was our fleet a mile astern of the “Hartford” when the whole
force of the enemy was concentrated to destroy her? And, we
we may ask, where would our fleet have been if the flag ship had
not led and drawn it by her almost irresistible and matchless ex-
ample? This may be asking too much, and we may say that
God himself has given us the victory. “Therefore, not unto us,
O Lord, not unto us; but unto Thy name be given the glory.”

We are very much gratified to see the following order re-
corded in our history, which was so becoming to the admiral.

“Flag Ship ‘Harrrorp,
Mobile Bay, August 7, 1864.
‘The admiral desires the fleet to return thanks to Almighty God for the
signal vietory over the enemy, of the morning of the 5th inst.
“D. G. FARRAGUT,
Rear-Admiral
Commanding W. G. B. Squadron.”

 

[General Order, No. 10.] “«U. §. Flag Ship ‘Hartrorp,’
Off Mobile Bay, July 12, 1864.
“Strip your ships and prepare for the conflict. Send down all superflu-
ous spars and rigging. Trice up or remove the whiskers. Put up the splin-
ter nets on the starboard side, and barricade the wheel and steersman with
sails and hammocks. Lay chains or sand-bags on the deck over the ma-
chinery, to resist the plunging fire. Hang the sheet-chains over the side, or
436 SCENES AND INCIDENTS.’

make any other arrangement for security that your ingenuity may suggest.
Land your starboard boats, or lower and tow them on the port side, and
lower your port boats down to the water’s edge. Place a leadsman and
a pilot in the port quarter boat, or the one most convenient to the com-
mander.

“The vessels will run past the forts in couples, lashed side by side, as
hereinafter designated. The flag ship will lead, and steer for Sand Island,
N. by E. by compass, until about Fort Morgan ; then N. W. half N., until
past the middle ground ; then N. by W., and the others as designated by
the drawing, will follow in due order, until ordered to anchor ; but the bow
and quarter line must be preserved, to give the chase guns a fair range, and
each vessel must be kept astern of the broadside of the next ahead. Each
vessel will keep a very little on the starboard quarter of his next ahead, and
when abreast of the fort, will keep directly astern, and as we pass the fort,
will take the same distance on the port quarter of the next ahead, to enable
the stern guns to fire clear of the next vessel astern.

“Tt will be the object of the admiral to get as close to the fort as possible
before opening fire ; the ships, however, will open fire the moment the
enemy opens upon us, with their chase and other guns, as fast as they can
be brought to bear. Use short fuses for the shell and shrapnel, and as soon
as Within three or four hundred yards, give the grape. It is understood
that heretofore we have fired too high ; but, with grape shot, it is necessary
to elevate a little above the object, as grape will riddle from the muzzle of
the gun. :

“Tf one or more of the vessels be disabled, their partners must carry them
through, if possible ; but if they cannot, then the next astern must render
the required assistance ; but, as the admiral contemplates moving with the
flood tide, it will only require sufficient power to keep the crippled ship in
the channel.

«Vessels that can, must place guns upon the poop and top gallant fore-
castle, and in the tops on the starboard side. Should the enemy fire grape,
they will remove the men from the top gallant forecastle and poop to the
guns below, until out of range.

“The howitzers must keep up a constant fire, from the time they can
reach with shrapnel, until out of range.

: “D. G. FarRaeut,
"  Rear-Admiral
Commanding W. G. B. Squadron.”

(General Order, No. 11.]

“Should any vessel be disabled to such a degree that her consort is un-
able to keep her in her station, she will drop out of line to the westward,
and not embarrass the vessels next astern by attempting to regain her sta-
tion. Should she repair damages so as to be able to re-enter the line of
battle, she will take her station in the rear, as close to the last vessel as pos-
sible.

‘* As soon as the vessels have passed the forts, and kept away north west,
they can cast off the gunboats at the discretion of the senior officer of the
two vessels, and allow them to proceed up the bay, to cut off the enemy’s
gunboats that may be attempting to escape up to Mobile. There are certain
BATTLE OF MOBILE. 437

black buoys placed by the enemy from the piles on the west side of the
channel, across it towards Fort Morgan, It being understood that there are
torpedoes and other obstructions between the buoys, the vessels will take
care to pass eastward of the easternmost buoy, which is clear of all obstruc-
tions.

“*So soon as the vessels arrive opposite the end°of the piles, it will be
best to stop the propeller of the ship, and let her drift the distance past by
her headway and the tide ; and those having sidewheel boats, will continue
by the aid of their paddle-wheels, which are not likely to foul with the
enemy's drag ropes.

“D. G. Farracot,
Rear- Admiral.”

The account of the battle will show that the failure of the
enemy’s extensive torpedo arrangements, and the masterly man-
euvers of our fleet to avoid them, drove him at last to resort to
the most desperate efforts to retrieve his fate, by repeating, if
possible, his famous exploit in Hampton Roads, March 8, 1862,
with the monstrous iron-clad ram “ Merrimack.”

We add the following account of the “Naval fight and capture
of the forts in Mobile Bay,” from the Southern History of the War.

“In the early part of August Admiral Farragut, who com-
manded the Yankee fleet off Mobile, secured the military co-oper-
ation of General Canby, for attacking and investing the forts in
the harbor of Mobile. On the morning of the 5th of August the
Yankee fleet, numbering fourteen steamers and four monitors,
carrying in all more than two hundred guns, and manned by
twenty-eight hundred men, made their entree into Mobile bay.
The Confederate naval force that was to encounter this huge
armada was composed of one iron-clad and three wooden vessels.
Such was the fighting disparity of force in a fight which the
Yankees afterwards claimed to take rank with the victories of
Nelson !

“In the early light of morning the attacking fleet moved
stéadily up the main ship channel, when Fort Morgan opened
upon them, and was replied to by a gun from the ‘Brooklyn.’ A
moment later and the Yankee iron-clad ‘Tecumseh’ struck a tor-
pedo, and disappeared instantaneously beneath the waves, carry-
ing with her her commander, T. A. M. Craven, and nearly all her
crew. The Yankee flag ship ‘Hartford’ now took the lead, and
scarcely passed the fort when the Confederate ram ‘Tennessee’
dashed out at her. The three Confederate gunboats, the ‘Mor-
gan,’ the ‘ Gaines’ and the ‘Selma,’ were ahead. After a desperate
struggle between the fleets, the ‘Gaines’ retired to Fort Morgan
438 . SCENES AND INCIDENTS:

in a sinking condition ; the ‘Selma’ surrendered to the fleet, and
the ‘Morgan’ escaped to Fort Morgan.

“Having passed the forts and dispersed the gunboats, Farragut
ordered most of the vessels to anchor, when about 9 o’clock he
perceived the Confederate ram ‘Tennessee’ standing up for the
‘Hartford.’ He immediately ordered all the Yankee monitors, and
such of his wooden ships as were adapted to the purpose, to
attack the ram, not only with their guns but bows on at full
speed. And then began one of the most remarkable naval con-
flicts of the war. A single vessel was beset by a whole fleet.
She was struck three times ; and as the ‘Hartford,’ the third
vessel which struck her, rasped along her side, the Yankee poured
a whole broadside of 9-inch solid shot within ten feet of her case-
mate. The ‘Chickasaw’ was pounding away at her stern, the
‘Hartford’ and three others of the fleet were again bearing down
upon her, determined on her destruction. Her smoke-stack had
been shot away, her steering chains were gone, and she lay at the
mercy of the enemy. It was not until resistance was hopeless
that Admiral Buchanan, himself wounded on the ‘Tennessee,’
surrendered the vessel, and ordered the white flag to be hoisted,
just as she was about being struck by the vessels converging upon
her, and when she was already disabled, and her crew almost in a
smothering condition.

“Such was the naval fight in Mobile bay, which the Yankees
ranked among their most brilliant victories ; exalting Farragut
above Nelson ; apostrophizing their hero after the modern New
York fashion of big dinners, and having hired poets to recite to
him in public ‘masterly ballads.’

“The Confederates had a very different and plain estimation
of the affair. Their losses in killed and wounded had been only
twenty-two. That of the enemy was nearly three hundred, not
including the one hundred and twenty-three who went down in
the ‘Tecumseh.’ The Richmond Examiner gave a list of twenty-
eight Yankee vessels engaged, having two hundred and twenty
guns. It said, ‘It was a most unequal contest in which our gallant
little navy was engaged, and we lost the battle, but our ensign
went down in a blaze of glory.’ The forts were still held, and on
the 6th of August one of the Yankee iron-clads commenced shell-
ing Fort Gaines. This was a powerful work, with a garrison of
six hundred men, and provisioned for six months. Colonel An-
derson, in command, communicated with the enemy’s fleet by
flag of truce, without the sanction of General Page, who was in
BATTLE OF MOBILE. 439

command at Fort Morgan. General Page inquired by signal
what his purpose was, but received no answer. His attention was
attracted by signal guns. General Page repeatedly telegraphed
‘Hold on to your fort.’ The same night he visited Fort Gaines,
and found Anderson on board the Yankee fleet, arranging terms
of capitulation. He left peremptory orders for Anderson, on his
return, not to surrender the fort, and relieved him of his command.
Fort Morgan signalled the next morning, but no answer was re-
ceived, except hoisting of the Yankee flag over the ramparts of
Fort Gaines. From this time onward movements of the enemy
were in progress for capturing Fort Morgan ; and on the 22nd of
August, at day-dawn, a bombardment was opened from the shore
batteries, the monitors and ships inside, and the vessels outside of
the bay. At 6,4. m., of the 28rd a white flag was displayed by
the Confederates, and at 2 o’clock, p. m., the fort was surren-
derered.

“Fort Powell had been already attacked on the night of the
5th, and blown up, the guns falling into the enemy’s hands.

“The capture of Forts Powell, Gaines and Morgan, and the
destruction of the Confederate fleet, gave the Yankees possession
of the bay, and closed the port to all ingress or egress of blockade
runners. The city of Mobile was still in possession of the Con-
federates,” &c.

Many interesting particulars of this battle have been related by
several of the officers and crew, as they recur to them. The fol-
lowing are said to be some of the remarks of Admiral Farragut,
when he saw the ram “Tennessee” was approaching his ship:
“He is after me! Let him come on. Admiral for admiral! flag
ship for flag ship! I'll fight him.” In his determination to keep
the enemy in sight, he nimbly mounted into the main or mizzen
rigging to overlook the scene, with a marine glass in hand, and a
small rope or lashing to secure himself from falling overboard, if
struck by a shot or falling spars. And thus for nearly two hours
of intense excitement, he rose step by step, as the battle raged,
until he almost reached the top, where he remained after the last
gun was fired, when the enemy hauled down his flag, and showed
the white flag at the peak.
 
 

. N,

Qa
©

Rear Admiral H. WALKE U.

ARTOTYPE HARROUN & @IERSTADT N. Ye
(440 )

Nore.—The thirst for renown created a spirit of rivalry and jealousy
which appeared in the official reports and orders of the Mississippi
Flotilla. It was also shown in the preceding letters (pages 157 and 158),
wherein the important service of the gunboats below Island 10 is entirely
ignored. And when it was afterwards unavoidably acknowledged by
the Flag Officer and Secretary of the Navy, special praise was given to an
officer who joined the ‘Carondelet” but an hour or two before she
started on her perilous adventure, and who was repeatedly represented as
the only officer w 10 volunteered on that occasion (pages 141, 161 and 162).
This was (to say he least) a very ungenerous reflection upon the conduct
of the other officers and men on board, and an unjust insinuation that he
alone deserved credit as a volunteer; when in fact it was due to all the
officers and men of the ‘‘Carondelet,” and not exclusively to Acting
Master Hoel; for nearly all of the officers and crew of the vessel had (as
was fully understood, at the time, by the Flag Officer), agreed to go with
Captain Walke, before Hoel knew that the ‘‘ Carondelet ” was engaged
to run the blockade.

After that matter was settled by the Flag Officer and the captain of
the ‘* Carondelet,” Mr. Hoel was sent for, and (in the presence of Foote,
Stemble, and Walke) consented to go with the latter in the ‘‘ Carondelet.”

The credit of running the gantlet voluntarily was, therefore, equally
due to nearly all the officers and crew of the ‘‘ Carondelet,” with the
sharp-shooters of the 42d Illinois Regiment, and the correspondent of
the Missouri Democrat, and not to Captain Hoel only, who went on board
just before she started for New Madrid. 3

The design of the Flag Officer, in thus singling out one officer for
‘special commendation,” was no doubt to magnify his services and in-
crease his merits in the public estimation, and to create a contrast highly
favorable to him ; but injurious and unjust in its effect, to the other
officers of the ‘‘ Carondelet,” and a false impression was thereby pro-
duced, as to the conduct of the commander of the ‘Carondelet ”
on this occasion, which has been intentionally and unfairly continued
*n the reports of the Secretary of the Navy.

In his first report of the operation of running the blockade, the Flag
Officer says: ‘‘ I would especially call the attention of the department to
the Acting First Master Hoel of the ‘Cincinnati,’ who volunteered his ser-
vices to go in the ‘Carondelet,’ and did go in her.” The inference to be
drawn from this invidious distinction, is that Hoel was the re one on
board the ‘‘ Carondelet” who ‘did go in her” voluntarily; and thereby
the captain, with his officers and crew, are to be excluded from the
honor of being considered volunteers. :

And to still further mislead the public respecting the true history of
this transaction, some writers have, erroneously, to say the least, repre-
sented that the Flag Officer was entitled to the credit of having taken
upon himself the responsibility (without the concurrence of any of his
oilicers) of ordering Captain Walke to run the gantlet with the ‘‘ Caron-
delet.” On the contrary, he greatly feared that she, or any other vessel,
would be destroyed, in an attempt to pass the enemy’s batteries. Ina
letter to General Pope, written immediately after the ‘‘ Carondelet” had
passed the forts, he said : ‘‘Iam therefore exceedingly anxious to hear
the fate of the noble officers and men, who so readily were disposed to:
attempt the hazardous service” (see page 125), No exception is made in
this letter. In the orders, also, which Walke received from the Flag
Officer, after the former had offered to run the blockade, the following
words were written: ‘‘If you successfully perform this duty assigned to
you, which you so willingly undertake, it will reflect the highest credit
upon you and all belonging to your vessel” (page 123). This recognition
of Walke as the commanding and leading volunteer, was then well -
known.

General Pope, in his report of this exploit, says: ‘‘On the 4th, Com-
modore Foote allowed one of the gunboats to run the batteries at ‘Island
10, and Captain Walke, United States Navy, who had volunteered (as
appears from the Commodore’s order to him), came through that night
with the ‘ Carondelet.’

‘‘T directed Captain Walke to proceed down the river at daylight on the
3th with the two gunboats, and, if possible, silence the batteries near Wat-
son’s Landing, the point which had been selected to land the troops. . . .

“« Teannot speak too highly of the conduct of Captain Walke during the
whole of these operations. Prompt, gallant, and cheerful, he performed the
hazardous service assigned him, with signal skill and success. About 12M.
he signaled me, that the batteries near our place of landing were
silenced.”

Before the victory was won, the Flag Officer (in his letters, reports,
and orders) acknowledged that the captain of the ‘‘Carondelet” was
one of the chief actors in the operations that resulted in the capture
of the enemy’s forts and army, at Island 10; and he was profuse in his
promises of reward to that officer, if he successfully performed the
hazardous service he had assumed.

After having accomplished all, and much more, in fact, than was ex-
pected, and while our fleet was moored above the Island, anxiously
waiting to hear from the ‘‘ Carondelet,” the Confederate officers surren-
dered Island 10 to Flag Officer Foote—twelve hours after she had cap-
tured their forts.

In the congratulatory order, however, referring to this victory, no
allusion whatever is made to the important. service of the ‘‘ Carondelet.”
But the injustice of this slight was so glaring that the Secretary of the
Navy sent a letter of thanks to the commander of the ‘‘Carondelet,”
commending him in most complimentary terms. Referring to the
exploit of running the blockade, he says—‘‘It was a daring and heroic
act, well executed, and deserving a special recognition.” The Flag
Officer concurred in and indorsed the sentiments expressed in this letter.
General Pope, also, as above mentioned, commended very highly the
gallant and eminent services of the captain of the ‘‘ Carondelet,” in his
battles with the Confederate batteries below Island 10 (see p. 170).

These distinguished officers fully appreciated the importance of the
services of the ‘* Carondelet,” at the time they were performed, and, asa
reward, her commander was as well entitled to the thanks of Congress as
were many of the officers who received them.

It should be remembered that the ‘‘ Carondelet” went alone on this
desperate mission, without any other gunboat, or the prospect of any, to
aid her in the decisive conflict with the enemy’s forts, and with the risk
of an attack from the Confederate fleet below the Island.

The letters of Admiral Foote show that he was unwilling to under-
take to pass the batteries on Island 10, and the opposite shore, with the
most powerful gunboat then on the Mississippi; and he at first de-
clined General Pope’s request, to send one, for the reason, he said, that
she would almost certainly be destroyed. He also feared an attack from
the powerful fleet of gunboats and rams reported below New Madrid,
some of which frequently assailed General Pope’s batteries—the firing
having been plainly heard by the officers of our fleet for several succes-
sive days and nights before the ‘‘ Carondelet” ran the blockade. The
Confederates had nine gunboats in this attack on General Pope’s works,
and four or five more heavy iron-clads were then expected from New
Orleans. Compared with the capture of Fort Henry, it must be admitted
that our victory at Island 10 was far more difficult to achieve, and of far
greater importance to the country. At Island 10, Captain Walke had,
on the first day, but one gunboat to contend with all the enemy’s
batteries below New Madrid, and on the second day, but two. At Fort
Henry, Flag Officer Foote had four iron-clad, and three wooden gun-
boats; and for his victory on that occasion, and his unsuccessful attack
upon Fort Donelson, Congress passed the following resolution :

‘Resolved, that the thanks of Congress and of the people are due, and
are hereby tendered, to Captain Foote of the United States Navy, and to
the officers and men of the Western Flotilla, under his command, for the
great gallantry exhibited by them in the attack upon Fort Henry and
Fort Donelson; for their efficiency, and their unwavering devotion to the
aie of their country.” (Public Resolution No. 2, approved March 19,
1862.

This generous recognition of Foote’s good conduct and valuable ser-
vice was due to him, and was highly commended throughout the
Northern States; and the same recognition, we are persuaded, would have
been accorded to those who won the victory at Island 10, if their merits
and services had been properly presented to Congress. At Fort Donel-
son, the ‘‘ Carondelet ” was thrice as long under fire as any other gunboat
of our fleet. ;

In referring to running the gantlet by the ‘‘Carondelet” and cap-
turing Island 10, Headley, in his work entitled ‘‘ Farragut, and our Naval
Commanders,” says, ‘‘ Every officer felt the peril into which the intrepid
Walke was moving;” that ‘‘vast results hung on the welfare of that
single vessel ;” and her commander ‘‘stands in all the sublime proportions
of a true hero,” &c.

Lossing, in his admirable history ‘‘The Civil War in America,” cor-
roborating the statements of eye-witnesses, and of disinterested parties
well acquainted with the facts, says (vol. 2, p. 246): ‘‘Captain Walke
performed his assigned duty admirably, and struck the final blow that
secured a victory for the nation.” He also says (vol. 2, p. 247): ‘‘ever
since the ‘Carondelet’ ran the blockade, grave doubts were entertained
by the Confederates of their ability to hold Island 10; and Beauregard’s
quick preceptions were satisfied that the siege must soon end in disaster,
and perhaps disgrace. Andon the morning after the passage of that
vessel to New Madrid, he departed for Corinth.” And General Mackall,
after the same vessel had attacked his forts, and captured one of them,
abandoned all his works and made a hasty retreat, leaving the
artillerist only on the Island. ‘‘Never,” says this historian (p. 248),
‘‘was a victory more complete and decisive;” and again, ‘‘the victory
at Island 10 produced the most profound sensation throughout the
entire republic. Its importance to each party in the conflict could
scarcely be estimated;” ‘‘every loyal heart was filled with joy and
hope; and government securities, which were two and a half and three
per cent. below par, immediately commanded a premium.” ‘+ Panic
everywhere prevailed along the ‘Father of Waters’ below Island
No. 10. Martial law was proclaimed at Memphis; many inhabitants
fled, and some of the remainder proposedto lay itin ashes, to save it
from northern invaders.” ‘‘The most dreadful apprehensions filled the
Confederate States from New Orleans to Richmond.” On this subject
“‘Pollard’s Southern History of the War” (vol. 1, p. 300), says: ‘*No
single battlefield has yet afforded to the North such visible fruits of victory
as has been gathered at Island No. 10” (p. 175). The great impor-
tance of this battle is also strikingly recognized by other reliable author-
ities of the Confederate States, when, lamenting their terrible loss, they
predicted the consequences, that, ‘‘If Fort Pillow falls, of course Mem-
phis goes with it, and New Orleans, the grand prize of the Federals,
comes next on the programme.” . . 3

In making the quotations above, describing scenes in which the writer
participated, he is aware that be exposes himself to the charge of
egotism or vanity by his rivals or their friends: but there is a necessity
for it, in order to correct the erroneous impressions produced by some
authors, respecting the naval operations to which the quotations relate.
They show also that, by a fair estimate, the claims to merit, distinction,
and reward for services rendered to the country by the commander of the
‘Carondelet’ at Island 10, and elsewhere, will compare most favorably
with the services of many of those officers who received the thanks of
Congress and promotion. All the authentic accounts of this victory were
joyfully received, and its importance acknowledged, in all the Northern
States, and our loyal people were willing to accord their thanks, through
their representatives in Congress, as prescribed by its own acts; but
neither the President nor the Congress of the United States took any
official notice of it whatever. The miserable attempt of some lurking
officials, with our Naval History, to deprive General Pope, as well as
Captain Walke, of the credit of their important services, was evidently
based on the pitiful pretense that ‘‘there was no fighting” on that
occasion. This was the excuse offered by the commander of the ‘‘ Pitts-
burg” for not promptly joining in the battle. The biographer of Foote,
while he admits that Walke was the chief actor, anticipates the surrender
of Island 10 twenty-four hours; which he says occurred twenty-five
minutes past three o’clock on the morning of the 7th of April (instead
of the 8th), which was actually before the ‘‘ Pittsburg” had arrived at
New Madrid. This author adopts the blunders of the History of the
Navy exactly; and states that our fleet was on the point of attacking
Island 10 with a grand assault, in co-operation with the army, when it sur-
rendered to the Flag Officer. This is a great mistake; for our fleet was
then lying quietly moored for the night, and the officers and men were
all asleep, except those on watch; when (between twelve and one o’clock
A.M. of the 8th) the Island was surrendered. Our army, with General
Pope, crossed the river on the 7th (immediately after our gunboats, under
Captain Walke, had captured the enemy’s batteries below the Island),
and during that day and part of the night our troops pursued and cap-
tured most of the Confederate army. The misstatements referred to seem
to have been made in the interest of a clique at the Navy Department,
which should bear the responsibility of their appearance in the works
referred to.

Island No. 10 was considered the key of the Mississippi, which
shows the great benefits (so much needed for the cause of our country)
that resulted from this most decisive victory. Its merits were also
seen by the extraordinary efforts made to obtain the honors and rewards
of the victor by misrepresentations; and by defrauding those of the
credit who had bravely fought for it and won it.

As some writers of our history are still in the dark on this subject,
we are desirous of making it better understood, and we hope to be ex-
cused for repeating the fact that the plan for achieving this victory was
certainly due to Generals Pope and Schuyler Hamilton, and the most
dificult and perilous naval part of it was executed by Captain Walke.
This plan was so highly valued that it was invariably adopted as the best.
mode of attacking the enemy’s forts on the western waters.
The Secretary of the Navy, and all the commanders-in-chief with
whom Captain Walke served in the rebellion, and the most reliable
authors who have written on the subject, in periodicals or as correspond-
ents of the principal newspapers in the Northern States, gave Captain
Walke the highest praise, but not a word was heard from the President
or Congress. Such was never the case before in our navy, and probably
in no other. There are many other instances of rank injustice respect-
ing the meritorious actions of Walke’s command, from the first to the last
naval battle on the Mississippi river, some of which are too personal
to relate in this work. That most scandalous diagram of the battle of
Grand Gulf deserves, however, special notice in the consideration of this
subject. Here the ‘* Lafayette? was much longer under fire, and at close
quarters, than any other vessel of our fleet, and after she was withdrawn
from battle by signal of the admiral, she returned, and in twenty-five
minutes actually silenced the enemy’s main battery, which our fleet had
failed to do after five hours and thirty minutes’ hard fighting, the
‘‘Lafayette” being one of the first in and last out of battle.

The official illustration is plain enough in the report of the Secretary
of the Navy, of 1863 (p. 480), to convince any sensible man, at a glance,
of its invidious design to magnify the merits of its authors, while it
slanders most shamefully their senior brother officer, by grossly misrep-
resenting the position of the ‘‘ Lafayette” in that battle; and, like the
first diagram of the battle of New Orleans, and the picture of the cap-
ture of Island 10, shows that these illustrations are not always reliable.

These interesting points of our history are often discussed by our
officers of the army and navy, by which much valuable information is
contributed. We find in our Army and Navy Journal of June 7, 1879,
the following, from one of the most estimable officers of Admiral
Farragut’s fleet, who said, in a response for the Navy, and in reference to
Farragut’s appointment to the command of the Gulf Squadron, and his
ascent of the Mississippi : ‘‘But for that happy accident of his, having
been auspiciously named just in the nick of time, Farragut, with all his
intrinsic greatness, might have passed away like ordinary mortals,
unwept and unsung by his country. Farragut, supported by men around
him greatly imbued by his spirit of indomitable energy, dash and
daring, promptly availing himself of that fortuituous circumstance,
inaugurated a style of fighting peculiarly his own, of running the gantlet
of the proud fortifications, and hurling the fleet of wooden vessels against
defenses that were deemed impregnable at the time, by the ablest
engineers of the world. And it was by this little fleet, thus animated by
his spirit, and under his intrepid guidance, that New Orleans was captured,
Mobile subdued, and to a Jarge degree the ultimate fall of Port Hudson
and Vicksburg was hastened. In view of these recognized facts,
I venture to assert that the name of Farragut is deservedly immortal.”

This admirable eulogy was richly due to our noble Farragut. These
strains of exalted praise, however, have been sung for nearly all of
our successful commanding officers, and if the opportunities are
offered, many such heroes will always be found in our navy,
whether they are commanders of fleets, or of gunboats, or of launches.
As a reward for such distinguished service they will receive the
thanks of Congress, agreeably to the act, in such cases, made and
provided, if their merits are properly represented to Congress by the
Secretary of the Navy and the President of the United States. When
‘the Navy Department puts forth all its energies” to secure the capture
of fortifications (like those below New Orleans) with a powerful fleet,
and our best officers in command, the chances of gaining a victory, and
thereby creating a hero, are a hundred per cent. more favorable than when
a haphazard and insufficient force is sent to perform similar service, with
the prospect of ‘‘almost certain destruction.” ;

We fully concur in all that has been said or written in honor of our
noble Farragut, and we believe that all those officers who received re-
wards under the act of Congress referred to, have justly deserved them.
But while cheerfully according to Admiral Farragut the highest honors,
it is vain, we think, to attempt to brighten his fame, by giving him the
credit of inaugurating the practice of passing the enemy’s batteries; when
it is so well known to our gallant officers that it was General Pope who
first adopted and urged this ‘‘ peculiar style of fighting.” By referring
to dates, we find that the ‘ Carondelet” ran the gantlet at Island No. 10,
on the 4th of April, 1862, twenty days before Farragut passed the forts
below New Orleans, which was on the 24th of April; and by a fair com-
parison it may be claimed as the result of the passage of the batteries oa
Island No. 10, that it hastened the capture of that island, Fort Pillow,
Memphis, Vicksburg and Grand Gulf. And it may also be as justly claimed,
that the previous services of the captain of the *‘ Carondelet ” hastened the
recapture of Pensacola Navy Yard, and the capture of Fort Henry, Fort
Donelson, Fort Columbus, Ky., and many other less important posts. Far-
ragut had seventeen of our best men of-war suited for river service when
he passed the batteries below New Orleans. Captain Walke had but one
frail gunboat when he passed the batteries of Island No. 10, and captured
those in the rear, which insured the victory. Comparatively speaking,
these services were of equal importance with the means afforded as those
of Farragut. And the ‘‘eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle, or
extraordinary heroism” to be rewarded in accordance with the Act of Con-
gress, was as fully shown in the one case as in the other; and we can see
no just reason why the commanding officer who set the example of
passing the enemy’s batteries is not entitled to the same reward as the
commanding officer who followed it. The same difficult and dangerous
service was as successfully performed by Captain Walke, in which he
was quite as independent and responsible, if not more so, without any
such encouraging support of the Navy Department, or that even of the
officers of the squadron to which his vessel belonged, when he ran the
gantlet at Island No. 10. This exploit was then considered to be an
action of unprecedented and ‘‘extraordinary heroism,” throughout the
country, and in the navy. It was the most important service rendered to
our country by any one or two small vessels, and equal to any subsequent
service by an equal force. And certainly the important war services of
Captain Walke’s several commands were equal if not superior to most of
those gallant acts for which commanding officers were rewarded with the
thanks of Congress, and promotion, with the ten years’ additional active ser-
vice on full pay, ‘‘for eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle or ex-
traordinary heroism.”

Captain Walke, on several memorable occasions, had been compelled,
in defense of his honor, to resist the tyranny of certain officers of the navy,
and sorely defeated his enemy’s detestable attacks, while they were opera-
ting under cover of the Navy Department, as its records will show. He
never sought or expected any favors from the department, but. was ready
for any service the Government required of bim, and always performed it
effectively. The ill-treatment he received from the department, and its
evident prejudice against him, offered a powerful temptation to the ambi-
tious proteges of the Secretary of the Navy to take advantage of his aid,
and as a fair game in war, keep Walke in the front of battle, and rob
him of any credit he might gain, and appropriate it to themselves.
Captain Walke had certainly rendered most excellent service to his coun-
try from the beginning tothe end of the late war. He was, with his
command, always longer under fire, and more closely engaged with the
enemy, in all the battles of the Mississippi, with one or two exceptions
(when he was in the line of battle), than any other officer of the navy. He
was constantly confronting the enemy’s forces, defeating them almost in-
variably, in an effective and gallant manner. And as often or oftener than
any other officer of the navy he was successful with but little bloodshed,
or lossof any kind to the government.

This subject should be considered as a matter in which our national
honor and justice is involved, and we have tried to present the facts
to our readers, as clearly as possible. The merits of Captain Walke’s
services were most highly commended by our intelligent people, and
by all who wrote upon the subject, except the author of our History
of the Navy. They were in like manner acknowledged by all the
commanders-in-chief under whom he served, even by his junior, and
the relenting Secretary of the Navy, as deserving the highest rewards
from the government. And we believe that in spite of all the adverse
vivalry in the service, no one has ever openly denied or disputed these
facts, as they can be clearly verified by our public records. It was,
therefore, the imperative duty of the Secretary of the Navy to have ad-
vised the President and Congress of Captain Walke’s meritorious services,
inorder that he should receive the proper reward prescribed by the act
of Congress for those officers of the navy who, for their ‘‘ daring and
heroic act, well executed, deserved the special recognition” of the
government, as the Secretary of the Navy says, in his letter of thanks
to Captain Walke (p. 161), or as the law reads, ‘for eminent and con-
spicuous conduct in battle, or extraordinary heroism.” Therefore, Cap-
tain Walke expected to receive the rewards provided by Congress, as the
above meritorious conduct came within the purview of its act, and
entitled him to its thanks, and gave him the right to claim and to ex-
pect them, by a fair administration of the laws for the government of
the Navy.

If ‘‘a nation’s thanks are due to” Foote for the capture of Island No.
10, as Secretary Welles said, surely it was doubly due to Captain Walke,
who accomplished all that was achieved by the navy.

In this, as in other instances before mentioned, the Secretary of the
Navy (we think) grievously failed to discharge his duty both to an officer
who had so constantly risked his life in his country’s behalf, and to the
government which the Secretary had sworn to serve faithfully. His in-
terested friends, consulting their mutual benefit, would naturally cater to
his caprice; like those shrewd and finished courtiers, of whom he had so
bitterly complained.

With no loyal friends or representatives from the South in Washington,
while sectional hatred prevailed, there was generally very little sympathy
for, or confidence in, the loyal officers who were natives of the Southern
States. And although warned of this, some of these officers left the
homes of their childhood, and were ready, if needed, to sacrifice their
lives to save the integrity of their country. They cheerfully accepted any
active service in the navy they could get, although in danger of ‘‘ being
put on the shelf” in disgrace, for the least appearance of disaffection—
a fate which Rear Admiral Winslow, Captain Fitzhugh and others barely
escaped. Without political friends, the patriotic devotion and services of
our officers from the South, who remained faithful to their allegiance,
under great discouragements, were seldom fully recognized and appre-
ciated, or any more than those of our adopted citizens, if as much.

Favoritism in our navy is not only the cause of discontent and disaf-
fection in the service generally, but is much worse in time of war, espe-
cially when it causes to pass unnoticed the misconduct of an officer in
keeping out of danger, or out of battle, when he should engage the enemy.
Such cases, though rare, are too important and demoralizing to be ignored
entirely. Two instances of this character occurred in the Mississippi flotilla,
which are not mentioned in history; one at Fort Pillow, the other at
Island No. 10. Inthe first instance referred to, some of our gunboats
were ‘‘taken by surprise,” or were not prepared, as they were ordered to
be, for battle, and were not ready, ‘‘ with steam up,” when the enemy’s
fleet was expected to attack them; and when ordered to attack the enemy
they did not properly obey the order. The result was, that two of our gun-
boats, which were ready, and the first to encounter the enemy, were ram-
med before the others could go to their aid, and they finally sunk. A few
days after the action at Fort Pillow, we met the same fleet at Memphis,
and, our fleet being ready for battle, gained a signal victory, and nothing
was said of the previous disobedience of orders. The facts relative to the
disobedience of an order at Island No. 10 were stated in a former note. But
by way of comparison, and to show the effects of the deep-rooted preju-
dice that influenced the Navy Department, we refer to the instance of
disobedience of orders mentioned in the first part of this book. In that
case, an officer who could expect no favors from the department was un-
justly charged by the Secretary of the Navy with, and was tried for, dis-
obeying orders which were known to be impracticable from the change
of circumstances, and (although he was virtually acquitted in considera-
tion of his meritorious conduct on that occasion) he was, nevertheless,
admonished, with an assumed exhibition of leniency, because of ‘‘ the
peculiar and extraordinary circumstances under which the accused was
placed.” This admonition was read with due solemnity in open court to
the accused officer, who had rescued our loyal people (after the capture of
the United States Navy Yard, at Pensacola), from the terrible doom of
imprisonment, when it was his paramount duty to do so.

Soon after General Grant became President of the United States, Com-
modore Walke was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral on the active
list. But the Navy Department still withheld such commands from him
as his rank entitled him to, before he was retired, and until it was too
late. Although he had suffered and faithfully served in the most difficult
and trying duties, the department bestowed its patronage more liberally
upon his juniors, without regard to his just claims for a suitable com-
mand. One of these juniors who was so especially favored, however, was
a highly esteemed relative of Rear Admiral Walke, who had rendered
very important services in the Western fiotilla, but had no opportunity
of engaging in battle. Other juniors, under similar circumstances, have
received superior commands, after peace was declared.

And ever since the war, a disposition has been manifested to ignore
the services of some of our older and meritorious officers, by attempts to
induce Congress to reduce their pay, and deprive them of any right to
command, if not to crowd them out of the navy altogether, and in many
instances, their names have been placed so far below their juniors on the
Navy Register (apparently at least), that their relative rank ca’ .ot be
easily ascertained. And they have no other mark of distinction in the
Register, than the epitaph over their names, which consigns them to
inaction—‘‘ Retired on his own application,” or ‘After 40 years’ ser-
vice,” &c.

“Till Hawke did bang, Mons. Conflang,
You sent us beef and beer;
Now monsieur's beat, we’ve naught to cat,
Since you have naught to fear.”
APPENDIX.

LIST OF VESSELS AND THEIR STATIONS.—LETTERS OF DIS-
TINGUISHED OFFICERS.—OFFICIAL ORDERS RELATING
TO THE MISSISSIPPI FLOTILLA. — ADMIRAL

PORTER’S FAREWELL ADDRESS.

Tue following is a tabular statement of the stations of the ves-
sels which composed the Mississippi flotilla, and of their officers,
under the command of Rear-Admiral David D. Porter, June,

1863 :

Name of Vessel.
Argosy,
Abraham,
Black Hawk,
Baron de Kalb,
Brilliant,
Choctaw,
Carondelet,
Chillicothe,
Conestoga,
Cricket,
Curlew,
Covington,
Clara Dolsen,
Champion.
Eastport,

Exchange,
Forest Rose,
Fair Play,
Fulton (ram),
Fannie Barner,
Fannie,
General Price,

Commander.
Acting Master E. M. King,
Ensign Wm. Waggener,
Lieutenant-Commander K. R. Breeze,
Lieutenant Jno. G. Walker,
A. V. L. Chs. G. Perkins,
Lieutenant-Commander T. M. Ramsey,
Lieut.-Commander J. McL. Murphy,
Lieutenant-Commander J. P. Foster,
A. V. Lieut. A. R. Langhorne,
Acting Master G. Hentig,
A. V. Lieut. J. 8. Hurd,
A. V. Lieut. John Scott;
Acting Master A. Phelps,
Lieutenant Commanding 8. L. Phelps,

being converted into a gunboat
A. V. L. G. W. Brown,
Acting Master J. G. Groves,
Acting Master 8. Goodman,

“ce

“cc ce “ce

Commander 8. E. Wordsworth,

Where stationed.
Tennessee river.
Insp. boat Cairo.
above Vicksburg.
Yazoo river.
Cumberland river.
Yazoo river,
below Vicksburg.
repairing at Cairo.

Arkansas river.
6e ce
Tennessee river.
rec’g ship Cairo.
fitting out Cairo.
rep’g at Mound
City.
Cincinnati.
Yazoo river.
Yazoo river.
Tennessee river.

6 “c

“ “ce

Below Vicksburg.

[441]
442 APPENDIX.

Name of Vessel. Commander.
General Pillow, A. M. Mate J. H. Rivers,
General Bragg, Lieutenant Joshua Bishop,
General Lyon, Pilot R. E. Birch,

Great Western, A. V. Lietenant W. F. Hamilton,
Horner, Master R. Dalzell,

Hastings, A. Ensign M. E. Flanagan,
Judge Torrens, A. V. Pt. J. F. Richardson,
Juliet, A. V. Pt. Edw’d Shaw,

Key West No. 8, being converted into a gunboat at

Kenwood, Acting Master J. Swaney,

Lafayette, Captain H. Walke,

Louisville, Lieutenant Commanding E. K. Owen,
Linden, A. V. Lieutenant F. E. Smith,

Lioness (ram), Master T. O. Roddy,

Lexington, Lieutenant Commanding Le Roy Fitch,
Little Rebel, Acting Ensign A. F. Rennell,

Mound City, Lieutenant Commanding B. Wilson,
Marmora, A. V. Lieut. Robt. Getty,

Monarch (ram), ° Ligaienant re W. Bartlett,

Madison, ee

Manitou, Lieutenant Commanding F.O. Selfridge,

New Era, Acting Master W. C. Bunne,
New National, Acting Master Grant,

Naumkeag, being converted into a gunboat at
Pittsburg, A. V. Lieut. Wm. B. Hoel,
Petrel, A. V. L. Geo. P. Lord,

Prairie Bird, A. V. L. E. C. Brennard,

Queen City, | A. V. L. J. Goudy,

Robb, A. V. L. Ensign R. Wilkinson,
Rattler, A. V. L. A. Master W. E. H. Fentress,
Romeo, A. V. L. J. V. Johnston,

Red Rover, Acting Master W. R. Welles,

St. Clair A, Acting Master G. W. Fouty,

Switzerland(ram), Maj. J. Lawrence,
Signal, A. V. L. C. Dominey,

Where stationed.
guard’g Mo. boats.
Arkansas river.
dispatch boat.
above Vicksburg.
Tennessee river.
above Vicksburg.
White river.
Cairo.

Arkansas river.
below Vicksburg.

Yazoo river.
Arkansas river.
Tennessee river.
Cairo guard.
below Vicksburg.
Memphis.
Tennessee river.
ord. barge Cairo.
above Vicksburg.
Island No. 10.
dispatch boat.
Cincinnati.

below Vicksburg.
Yazoo river.
White river.
Tennessee river.
Cumberland river,
Arkansas river.
Yazoo river.
above Vicksburg.
Tennessee river.
below Vicksburg.
Yazoo river.

Springfield, A. V. L. T. B. Gregory, Cumberland river.
Silver Lake, Acting Ensign J. C. Coyle, * i
Sovereign, Acting Master T. Baldwin, Yazoo river.
Silver Cloud, — being converted into a gunboat at Cairo.
Tuscumbia, Lieutenant Commanding J. W. Shirk, below Vicksburg.
Tyler, Lieutenant-Commander J. M. Pritchett, Arkansas river.
Brown, A. V. L. J. A. French, repairing at Cairo.

LIGHT-DRAFT VESSELS

just purchased and fitting out.

Florence Miller, proposed name, Moose No. 34, flag ship of 8th Div. of

light drafts, Captain Fitch.

Rachel Miller, proposed name, Reindeer No. 35, Acting Vol. Lieut. H. A.

Glassford.
APPENDIX. 443

TUGS,
with their commanders and stations,
Victory No. 33, Acting Ensign C. J. Hubbell, the above destined for upper
Ohio and tributaries.

Dablia, Acting Ensign W. H. Strope, above Vicksburg.
Hyacinth, sé “s B. Heizermanse, ee fs
Laurel, ss fe W. R. Owens, ef es
Nettle, e se R. Eltringham, “ “s

Joy, ét “ Chl. H. Gulick, below Vicksburg.
Daisy, eo «__-D. OC. Bowers, Cairo.

Myrtle, se ss Jas. M. Bailey, se

Misletoe, v es Jas. L. Quigley, s
Mignonnette, se se M. B. Rumse, ee

Pansey, &e «Wm. Harris, ns

Fern, “ sf Jno. M. Kelley, we

The marine brigade, under command of Brigadier-General Al-
fred W. Ellett, commanding, is inserted here for the kindred

service rendered by that organization. :

Autocrat, Captain J. R. Crandall, Transporting troops.
Adams, Lieutenant-Colonel G. E. Currie, fs ss
Baltic, Major J. J. Halliday, £6 ff
Diana, Colonel Ch’s R. Ellett, “ ee
E. H. Fairchild, Captain James C. Brooks, oF fs
John Raine, Major J. M. Hubbard, s =
Woodford, Dr. Jas. Roberts, a “

General Grant kept these vessels busily engaged in transporting
troops.

LIST OF GUNBOATS OF THE MISSISSIPPI FLOTILLA, AND WHERE THEY
WERE STATIONED IN 1864.
[General Order No. 199.] “U.S. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Biack Hawk,’
Mound City, Ill., May 27, 1864.
General Orders 80, 141, and 195, are hereby revoked, and the following
will be substituted :

1st District,
From New Orleans to Donaldsonville, composed of the following vessels :
Essex, General Price, St. Clair,
Alexandria, Argosy,

2nd District,
From Donaldsonville to Morganzia, composed of the following vessels :
Lafayette, Kenwood, Avenger,
Juliet, Ouachita, Nymph,
: Chickasaw,
444 APPENDIX.

8rd District,
From Morganzia to Fort Adams, composed of the following vessels :

Choctaw, Winnebago, Fort Hindman,
Gazelle, Gen. Bragg, Cricket,
Neosho, Little Rebel, Naiad,

Ozark.

4th District,
From Fort Adams to Natchez, composed of the following vessels :

Chillicothe, Champion, Lexington,
Cincinnati, Siren, Peri.
5th District,
From Natchez to Vicksburg, composed of the following vessels :
Benton, Curlew, Rattler,
Pittsburgh, Mound City, Forest Rose,

Judge Torrence,
6th District,
From Vicksburg to Arkansas River, composed of the following vessels;

Louisville, Marmora, Romeo,
Prairie Bird, and two other light drafts.
%th District,

From Arkansas River to Memphis, composed of the following vessels:
Hastings, Tylor, Silver Cloud,
Naumkeag, Queen City, Linden,

Fawn, Exchange.

8th District,
From Memphis to Columbus, composed of the following vessels:

Carondelet, Osage, New Era,
Huntress.
9th District,
From Cairo to the head of Tennessee River, composed of the following
vessels:
Tuscumbia, Peosta, Paw Paw,
Tawah, Key West, Robb,
Elfin, Undine.
10th District,
Cumberland River and the upper Ohio, composed of the following vessels:
Brilliant, Fair Play, Reindeer,
Moose, Springfield, Silver Lake,
Victory.

At station at Cairo, and to be ready at all times for the admiral’s service :
Fairy, Sybil.

The vessels of one district are not to be ordered away by the command-
er of another district, unless it can be shown that a great emergency exists
for so doing ; but commanders of districts will co-operate with each other,
APPENDIX. 445

and when occasion requires render all the aid and assistance in their
power.

Observe and carry out the requirements of General Order No. 84.
“Davip D. Porter,
Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

The following letters are inserted by the publishers in justice
to Rear-Admiral Walke.

“U.S. Naval Depot, Cairo,
Sept. 28, 1862.
“Dear CaprarIn WALKE:

“« Will you do me the favor to accept the accompanying pair of shoulder
straps, suited to your rank, together with my sincere congratulations?
They will serve to remind you of the interesting scenes in which we have
acted together, and will be received by you as a mark of my high apprecia-
tion of your personal gallantry, and the able support which you never failed
to afford to your commander-in-chief.

“Very Faithfully and Truly Yours,
C. H. Davis,
Acting Rear Admiral, &e,”

“Corinth, Miss., July 28, 1862.
“Hon. GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy.
«Sr:

“Understanding that promotions are to be made in the navy for meri-
torious conduct, permit me to recommend Captain Henry Walke, who has
served in the Western waters with distinction since the beginning of our
present troubles. Captain Walke has shown himself ever ready for any
service the vessel commanded by him might be calculated for, and, if a
landsman may judge, has shown both skill and personal bravery in all cases,
He served in guarding our frontier at the time I commanded at Cairo (fron-
tier of loyalty), protecting our debarkation and re-embarkation at Belmont,
besides doing good service in repelling the attack made upon our troops
while embarking on that occasion ; commanded a gunboat at the capture of
Forts Henry and Donelson, and was the commander selected to run the
gauntlet of the rebel batteries at Island No. 10, which resulted in such-ad-
vantages to our arms.

“Tn every instance Captain Walke has proved himself worthy of the con-
fidence bestowed upon him, and I hope he will receive the reward of his
merit.

“Tam, Sir,
Very Respectfully,
Your Obedient Servant,
U.S. Grant,
Major-General,”
446 APPENDIX.

“YU. §. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Biack Hawg,’
Off Vicksburg, July 7, 1863.
“Sir:

“‘T have the honor to enclose an application from Captain Walke, re-
questing a leave of absence. I indorse the request with much pleasure, as
I consider Captain Walke entitled to all the consideration the Department
can grant. He has served faithfully on this river since the war began. and
has been in almost every battle ; has never allowed sickness to interfere
with his duties, and has stood at his post when he might conscientiously
have retired on sick leave. Captain Walke’s services entitle him to some-
thing better than an iron-clad on the Mississippi, and though I shall regret
very much to lose his services, and the pleasant associations we have had
together, still it will afford me much pleasure to see him placed in a position
where he would feel gratified at the notice and consideration of the Depart-
ment for past services. I venture to say he will always be found among the
most zealous and faithful in the performance of his duties.

“T have the honor to remain

Very Respectfully,
Your Ob’dt Servant,

D. D. Porter,
Acting Rear-Admiral
** Hon. Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”
GIDEON WELLES,
Secretary of the Navy,

Washington, D. C.”
‘Navy Department,
July 24, 1863.
“Sir:

“Your long and faithful service in the Mississippi river, and the bravery
and zeal uniformly manifested by you, have been noticed by the Depart-
ment, and deserves and receives its commendation. Under successive com-
manders who have awarded you this approbation for fidelity and reliability
from the organization of a naval force in the Mississippi, you have endured
the exhausting debility of the climate and seasons, as well as encountered,
whenever the occasion demanded, those who waged war on the flag and the
government. The long continued and important services are properly ap-
preciated and deserve the thanks of the Department.

«A change is due you, and you are therefore hereby detached from the
Mississippi squadron, and you will proceed to New York and report to Rear-
Admiral Paulding for the command of the U. 8. steamer ‘Fort Jackson.’
which vessel will soon be ready for service, and where you will have oppor-
tunity to acquire additional honors from the country you have so faithfully
served.

“Very Respectfully,
GmpEON WELLES,
«Captain Secretary of the Navy.
Henry WatkgE, U. 8. N.,
Mississippi Squadron.”
Nots.—This letter of thanks expresses in general terms and with an ap
pearance of fairness, the commendations of the Navy Department for ‘‘the
long continued and important services” of the officer addressed ; but the
Secretary carefully omits to mention a single one of the meritorious actions
performed by that officer. It was written at the suggestion of Act. R. A. Por-
ter (Walke’s junior), and the writer could say no less without injury to his
own character. But when compared with letters that were intended to be of
substantial benefit to the parties receiving them, and to insure their promotion,
it shows clearly that the Secretary knew very well how to leave undone or
unnoticed those things which he ought to have done or noticed. Take, for
instance, the letter addressed to Capt. Rodgers, wherein his achievements
are set forth in glowing terms, for the sole purpose, no doubt, of securing a
vote of thanks from Congress, and the promotion of that officer and others
over their seniors, for having gained one or two victories. It is admitted,
that these officers deserved the rewards they received ; but Capt. Walke had
been engaged as commanding officer in several important and successful
attacks on the enemy, and was a principal actor present in four or five
times as many successful battles as the officers referred to, or as Foote,
Davis, Rowan, Dahlgren, Winslow, Worden or Cushing—all of whom were
recommended in most complimentary terms by the Secretary of the Navy
to the President, for a vote of thanks and promotion, The claims of offi-
cers, thus presented, were never disputed in Congress, and the vote of
thanks was readily passed, and promotion awarded in all such cases. And
if the Secretary had fairly represented to the President and to Congress
the meritorious services performed by Capt. Walke and other officers, they,
no doubt, would have received the same rewards. But they had no infiuen-
tial ‘friends at court,” and being actively engaged in presence of the
enemy, could not, like the favored few, visit Washington City, where
they could have contended for their own interests, as successfully, perhaps,
as they were then contending for the interests of their country.

There can be no question, that the services of Capt. Walke and some
other officers, who were not rewarded by a vote of thanks and promotion,
were, to say the least, equally as meritorious as those of some who were
thus rewarded. Without considering what was done at Belmont, where
Capt. Walke was the commanding officer present, or what was done at
Fort Donelson, where he acted in the same capacity during the first day of
the battle, and leaving out of view his important service at Fort Henry,
Fort Pillow, Memphis and other places on the western rivers,—there was
one action alone, which as fully entitled him to the thanks of Congress and
promotion, we think, as the single actions for which, mainly, inslow,
‘Worden and Cushing were promoted. We refer to the operation of run-
ning the gauntlet of the Confederate batteries on Island 10 and the Tennes-
see shore, and we regret that for the purposes of this note it is necessary to
do so, as it will be but a repetition, though brief, of a transaction which,
with all its incidents, has been particularly described in the eighth chapter
of this book.

The situation of Island 10, when the Carondelet passed the batteries, was
briefly this : Gen. Pope, with 10,000 Federal troops. was on the western
side of the river—Mackall, with 5,000 Confederates, was on the eastern side.
He was in a perfect cul-de-sac, being completely surrounded on all sides by
impassable swamps and bayous, excepting his front, on the river, which
was protected by several heavy batteries

For weeks Gen. Pope had urged Admiral Foote to send down one or two
gunboats, to take these batteries, but the Admiral declined his requests, fear-
ing it would result in the certain destruction of the boats,
Under these circumstances, and considering the importance of the cap-
ture of the batteries protecting Mackall’s army, Capt. Walke advised the
Admiral to assume the responsibility and risk of sending a gunboat past the
batteries on Island 10 and the Tennessee shore ; and finally, notwithstand-
ing the hazardous character of the service, volunteered to take his own ves-
sel past the batteries. This he accomplished successfully, as heretofore
related, and took or silenced all of the Confederate batteries, thus enabling
Gen. Pope to cross the river ; which resulted in the capture of the whole of
Mackall’s army and of Island 10, with all its stores and munitions of war,
without the loss of a man on the Federal side.

It is claimed by the friends of Capt. Walke, that the service rendered by
him on this occasion will compare favorably with any of the one or two
achievements for which other officers received the thanks of Congress and
promotion ; but his claims were not properly presented, and he was de-
frauded of his well-earned reward by an unlriendly Secretary, and the
machinations and false statements of intriguing and unscrupulous rivals.

There is no doubt, that the ungenerous rivalry among navy officers and
the favoritism of the Navy Department, which have so often marred the
efficiency and harmony of the naval service, prevented the proper and just
execution of the act of Congress upon the subject of promotions in the
navy. Officers who had no war record to speak of, and who had rendered
but little service of any kind, were in several instances promoted over their
seniors, who had performed all their duties faithfully and efficiently, and
had rendered meritorious service on several occasions.

The war record of Capt. Walke began in the war with Mexico, and he
was present, and (as executive officer of the bomb brig ‘‘ Vesuvius”) rendered
efficient service at the capture of Vera Cruz, Tuspan, and Tobasco.

At the commencement of the civil war he was in command of the store-
ship ‘‘ Supply,” and aided Lieutenant Slimmer, of the army, in preventing the
capture at Pensacola, of Fort Pickens, and disabling Forts McCrea and Bar-
rancas. He also rescued his own command and all our loyal people from
the hands of the Confederates.

His services on the western waters, from the battle of Belmont, through
sickly seasons to the opening of the Mississippi, have already been related.
He participated in every important battle on that river, and contributed as
much as any other navy oflicer to the success of the Federal arms in that
part of our country.

Having served faithfully and efficiently in the west, and his health bein
impaired by constant exposure in an unhealthy climate, he was telensed
from duty on the Mississippi, and ordered to sea, in command of the United
States steamer ‘Sacramento ;” and sent in search of the ‘‘ Alabama.” Having
touched at all the noted ports in the north and south Atlantic, on her way
to the East Indies, the ‘‘ Sacramento” reached Cape Town five weeks after the
‘‘ Alabama” had passed to the northward, and following on in pursuit, the
“Sacramento” arrived at Lisbon, two weeks after the ‘“‘Alabama” was sunk by
the ‘‘ Kearsarge.” The ‘‘ Sacramento” then blockaded for eighteen months at
Calais, the Confederate cruiser, ‘‘ Rappahanock ”—a vessel of the same class as
the ‘‘ Alabama,” and intercepted her when she escaped into British waters
under British colors, and followed her nearly into Liverpool, where, as it
was reported, she was immediately seized, to be sold for the benefit of our
government. Capt. Walke thus saved our commerce, probably, from the
destruction of a second ‘‘ Alabama ”’—a service which has received no public
recognition from the Nayy Department.
(An Abridged Copy.)

To THE Hon. Hovsr or Rerresenrarives or Tum UNITED Staves, in CONGRESS
. . ASSEMBLED.

The undersigned, your memorialist, a retired officer of the United States Navy, would,
respectfully submit to your consideration whether his “ war record” is not fully equal in
merit, and as fully entitled to recognition as that of those officers of the Navy who have
received the thanks of Congress for eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle, or extra-
ordinary heroism. ‘

The war services of your memorialist began in the war between Mexico and the United
States in 1847, and he was present at the surrender of Vera Cruz, Tuspan, and Tobasco,
as executive officer of the Bomb Brig ‘‘ Vesuvius.” In the lamentable rebellion, he was.
first in command of the U. 8. Store Ship “ Supply,” at Pensacola [1860 and 1861], where,
under great difficulties, opposition, and disaffection, he rendered great and indispensable
assistance to Lieut. Slimmer, of the Army, in preventing Fort Pickens and his ships from.
being captured with the Pensacola Navy Yard, by reinforcing that most important fort,
and disabling Forts McCrea and Barranéas, and rescuing our loyal people from imprison-
ment. This service enabled our government to regain possession of Florida, and the only
naval port in the Gulf of Mexico, and probably prevented the acknowledgment of the
Southern States by the British Government. :

He commanded the gunboats at the battle of Belmont (the first battle on the Missis-
sippi), and protected our army, under General Grant, from the overwhelming reinforce-
ments of the enemy, while he was re-embarking his army ; and also prevented the enemy
from cutting off part of Gen. Grant's army on the retreat to his transports, for which he
was highly commended in the official report of that battle by Gen. Grant. Your memo-
trialist commanded the gunboat ‘‘ Carondelet” at the battle of Fort Henry, iu the front,
with Flag Officer Foote’s fleet—the first decisive battle to test the strength of our gunboats
with that of the enemy’s forts on the Western waters—and he, with all the fleet, received
the thanks of Congress and the State of Ohio, for their eminent skill and gallantry.

By instructions from Gen. Grant, your memorialist attacked Fort Donelson with the
‘‘Carondelet ” alone (as three other gunboats failed to obey the order to join her in the
attack) ; and effectually bombarded that fort all the day preceding the general battle,
which was gratefully acknowledged by the Flag Officer in his report of that event. In
this battle of two days, the ‘‘ Carondelet,” having been the first to engage the enemy and
the last to retire. She was thrice as long under fire as any other gunboat and her loss in
officers and men greatly exceeded that of all the rest of the flotilla.

At Island No. 10 he not only advised Flag Officer Foote to send a gunboat to aid Gen.
Pope at New Madrid, but set the example by readily offering to run the gantlet with the
‘‘ Carondelet” alone ; and doing so, he accomplished far more than was expected, by
ultimately capturing all the enemy's batteries below the Island (with but little assistance
from the gunboat .‘‘ Pittsburg”) *. * * * * resulting in a most important and almost
bloodless victory to our army and gunboats, under Gen. Pope, who commended your
memorialist in thé highest terms in his official report of the capture of the Confederate
Army at Island No. 10. A letter of thanks and commendation was also sent to him and
his command for their gallantry, skill and signal success on that oceasion, by the Hon.
Secretary of.the Navy, indorsed and approved by Flag Officer Foote, in, these words: ‘* It
wes a daring and heroic act, well executed, and deserves a special recognition,” and, ‘‘ which
eventuated in the surrender of Island No. 10.” His telegram said also: ‘A nation’s thanks
are due to.you and the brave officers and men.” If the nation’s thanks were due to Foote,
it is doubly due to your memorialist for gaining the victory. Pollard’s.‘‘ Southern History
of the War” says, ‘No single battlefield has yet afforded the North such visible fruits of
victory as has been gathered at Island No. 10.” Lossing’s History of ‘‘ The Civil War in
America” says, ‘‘ Never was a victory more decisive and complete ; every loyal heart was
filled with joy and hope, and government securities, which were two and a half and three
per cent. below par., immediately demanded a premium,” &c. (vol. 2, p. 246). Thus your
memorialist sustained the reputation of our navy, and the Mississippi Flotilla, by volun-
tarily opening the blockade of the Mississippi River. ;

_ At the battle of Fort Pillow, the ‘‘ Carondelet” was the leading gunboat of the first
division of our ficet in attacking the enemy and rescuing the ‘ Cincinnati.” She ran into
the midst of the Confederate fleet, continually firing into, and disabling them, and finally
vanquished and drove them off, with the aid of a few of our gunboats as they came into
battle ; the ‘‘ Carondelet ” being the first of her division in, and the last out, of the conflict.
She was much longer under fire at close quarters than any other vessel of our fleet ; and
remained alone in possession of our battle-field.
At the battle of Memphis (between the same fleet), the ‘‘ Carondelet,” still under the
command of your memorialist, was the second in the line of battle with the flag steamer
‘* Benton.” In this engagement we captured or destroyed all the enemy’s fleet: (except one
gunboat), and took the City of Memphis, a large number of tine steamers, and all of the
public property. :

The ‘‘ Carondelet,” under bis command, was. the principal gunboat that engaged the
famous Confederate ram ‘‘ Arkansas,” which was greatly her superior in size and strength;
and after a well contested battle the ‘“ Arkansas ” relinquished the combat, with a loss, in
killed and wonnded, nearly twice as great as that of the ‘‘ Carondelet.” In the winter of
1862, your memorialist was detached from the ‘* Carondelet” and ordered to take com-
mand of the ‘‘ Lafayette,” then at Cairo, whence, in an unfinished condition, she joined’
our fleet at Vicksburg, and with it passed the enemy’s batteries at that place.

At the hattle of Grand Gulf, the ‘\ Lafayette” (commanded by your memorialist), led
the second division of Rear Admiral Porter’s fleet, in the attack on the upper battery on
the Point of Rocks, whence she was ordered to the assistance of the first division at the
lower batteries, and with it silenced them. She then ran close up and under the battery on.
the Point of Rocks and passed it, followed by the other gunboats, and nearly silenced it,
when our fleet was, by signal, withdrawn from the battle of five hours and a half duration.
As soon as the ‘ Lafayette’ joined our fleet above, she was ordered back alone to attack
the upper battery, and although his vessel was pierced through with many shot, your
memorialist immediately obeyed the order, and silenced the battery in twenty-five minutes,
effectually. He remained there until our fleet ran down at night and passed the batteries,
when the ‘‘ Lafayette’ followed. Having passed the whole range of the enemy’s forts a
third time ; and made the last attack upon them a few hours before they were evacuated.
She was over ten hours, or nearly twice as long under fire as the rest of our fleet. The
‘Lafavette,” with our fleet, transported Gen. Grant’s army across the Mississippi, which
resulted in the capture of Vicksburg. She then ran up to Alexandria, which was exceed-
ingly dangerous navigation for an ironclad, nearly 3800 feet long. On her return she
relieved the *‘ Hartford,” and blockaded the mouth of Red River. : .

Your memorialist was in the front, or the leader, in nearly all of these victories, and
for many of them Rear Admirals Foote, Davis and Porter were thanked and promoted. ~

Soon after the fall of Vicksburg, your memorialist was ordered, to sea, with the.
U. S. Steamer ‘‘Sacramento,” in search of the renowned ‘‘ Alabama ;” and touching
at all the most noted ports in the North and South Atlantic ocean, on her way to the
East Indies, she reached Cape Town five weeks after the ‘‘ Alabama” had passed to
the northward ; the ‘‘ Sacramento,” following, arrived at Lisbon two weeks after the
“Alabama” was sunk by the “‘ Kearsarge.” The ‘‘ Sacramento” then blockaded a Con-
federate gunboat of the same class as the ‘‘ Alabuma”’ (the ‘‘ Rappahanock ”’) about fifteen
months at Calais, France, off and on, and intercepted her when she escaped into British
waters under British colors ; following her nearly into Liverpool. Your memorialist thus

‘probably saved our commerce from tue destruction of a second ‘‘ Alabama,” an act which
has received no public recognition.

Your memorialist has never lost an officer or man or anything committed to his charge,
except in battle, though serving on the most sickly stations. And he has been more than
thirty years afloat, on strict naval duty, and credited with eighteen years and nine months
sea service. He was never excused from. going to sea by his own request or on his own
account.

Furthermore, your memorialist has always successfully defended our flag. Acquitted
of any serious fault, he was subjected, by the government, to the unjustifiable expense and
mortification of a needless trial by a Court of Inquiry and a Court Martial. The latter,
for disobeying orders under such circumstances, that, if known, the orders would not have
been given, and their execution being impracticable and disastrous, it was his paramount
duty to act upon his own discretion, which he did; and-rendered a most important service
to his country, for which he was highly commended by all impartial and fair minded men,
iucluding some of the members of the Court Martial, but no official approbation was
shown for the valuable services thus rendered.

Your memorialist, having been engaged in twice as many victorious battles as a majority
of those officers, who have received the thanks of Congress, and the rewards provided for
eminent and conspicuous service in battle, would most respectfully present this petition
for a recognition only of his services, by a vote of thanks, without any additional pay or
rank, for your favorable consideration.

All of which is humbly and respectfully submitted,

HENRY WALKE,
Rear Admiral U. 8S. Navy.
APPENDIX. 447

The foregoing letter of the secretary was very acceptable and
encouraging at the time ; but a comparison of its wording with
those letters of his addressed to those officers whom he specially
wished to recommend, and who on that recommendation received
the thanks of Congress and thereby promotion above other equally
deserving officers, will show how the honorable secretary can,
when so disposed, magnify or ignore services rendered.

The following general orders will convey interesting informa-
tion of the discipline enforced in the Mississippi flotilla.

[General Order, No. 95.1 “U.S. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Buack Haws,’
Cairo, Ill., Sept. 25, 1863.

‘The following qualifications will be required in officers who are applicants
for promotion, viz :

““Good Moral Character.

“Good Physique.

“‘Good Professional Knowledge.

“Good Mental Qualifications. ‘

“They must write and read well; have a good knowledge of arithmetic ;
a knowledge of the management of great and small guns, and stationing the
men. They must also possess a knowledge of all the duties required of an
officer in the Ordnance Manual, and a knowledge of the management of a
vessel ; they must show letters from their different commanders, testifying
to their attention to ditty, moral character, &c., &c.

The commanders of a district can have candidates examined for promo-
tion, and will allot them numbers, according to their merit, from one to ten
—ten being the highest number of merit.

«The result of allexaminations, together with the letters of recommenda-
tion, will be forwarded to me, indorsed on the back, and I will make the
promotions as required.

“Three members will constitute a board, a regular Naval Officer always
presiding as senior.

«Engineers will be examined by a board composed of aregular Naval Offi-
cer presiding, and two engineers of good ability, as members.

“The candidate engineers are to be examined on the steam engine, and in

the English Manual of Education.
“Davip D. Porter,

Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

{General Order, No. 92.] «U.S. Mississippi Squadron,

Flag Ship ‘Biack Haws,’
Sept. 24, 1863.
“No officer belonging to this Squadron (excepting by order of. commanders
of districts), will ever be permitted to go on shore at any place, or under
any circumstances, unless such place is under control of United States
troops, and actually occupied by the same ; and it will be the duty of any
senior officer to report to me any infraction of this rule.
448 APPENDIX.

“No boats except those of commanders of districts, will ever be permitted
to leave the vessel while patrolling, or to tie to the bank ; and it will be the
duty of the commanders of districts to arrest at once any offender, or officer
disobeying this order.

‘‘ Notwithstanding the numerous orders I have given to avoid captures by
an active enemy, three or four mishaps have occurred, owing to a positive
disobedience of orders, for which the parties concerned will be proceeded
against when they come within my jurisdiction. /

“This order alludes particularly to Acting Master Fentress, commanding
U. S. 8. ‘Rattler,’ who recklessly, and in positive disobedience of orders,
went on shore at Rodney to church, unarmed, and permitted himself to be
captured.

“Davin D. Porter,
Rear-Admirat
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

[General Order, No. 105.] “U.S. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Biack Haws,’
Oct. 10, 1863.

“The following precautions are to be observed hereafter, to prevent fire
to the public vessels by incendiaries.

«The sentries are not to permit any one to approach the public property
at night without arresting them. If they are officers, the sentry is to call the
sergeant or corporal of the guard and pass them on board; if strangers, they
are to be detained, and if attempting to escape, to be fired on. All strangers
so caught are to be detained by the guard until further orders.

“The sentinels on the vessels near the workshops, are to look out for the
latter, and to arrest any one approaching them.

“The watchmen on the ‘ Louisville,’ and other boats repairing, are to be
armed with muskets and revolvers, and are to arrest any suspicious person
approaching the property. The watchmen on the ‘Louisville’ are to keep
their watch aft on the fan-tail, and permit no boats to approach any of the
vessels. If the boats refuse to come in when hailed, they are to be fired
upon with ball.

“Watchmen are to be kept on the levee, and to move up and down as far
as the prize steamers, for which they are to look out as well as for other
property. They are to arrest persons of suspicious character running about
the levee.

“The gunboats in the harbor, and receiving vessel, are to stop all small
boats on the river at night, and keep them until further orders. No row-
boats to be permitted on the river after dark.

“The executive officers will have the wharf-boat carefully examined
throughout after the workmen leave, to see that no attempts have been
made to burn the vessel, and that no one is stowed away. All the shops
must also be examined, the windows closed, and the doors locked securcly.

“Two tugs will always lie with steam up, ready to tow into the streaia at
a moment’s notice, any vessel that may be set on fire. The officers of the tug
will not be out of their vessel after dark, for the present.

“The ‘Lexington’ and ‘Tyler’ will place sentinels on the little boat ‘St.
APPENDIX. 449

Mary,’ and the tugs adjacent, where sentinels will be relieved through the
night ; they are to have loaded muskets, and to carry out the above orders.

‘The gunboats guarding the powder boats must be close enough to see
any row boat approaching at night, and to fire on them at once if they do.
not pull for the gunboat when hailed. A strict watch must be kept on board
the gunboat, and the officers must be on the alert at night.

‘One of the tugs must keep under way along the levee, to arrest any boat
they may see moving about in the river.

“It behooves every officer and man to be watchful at this time, and see
that no attempt-to burn the property under their charge shall succeed. If
persons are incautious and reckless enough to approach our sentries without
notifying them who and what they are, they must suffer the penalty for so
doing. It is no time for trifling ; people of proper character will not be
prowling about at night. ,

“Officers returning at night to the wharf boat and their vessels, are par-
ticularly cautioned to answer promptly a sentry’s hail, and tell who they
are.

«Officers are instructed to arrest any suspicious persons they may see in
the day time, prowling about the levee where public property is kept.

‘ “Davip D. Portsr,
Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi: Squadron.”

,

(" To be read to the officers and crew assembled on the quarter-deck of
every vessel in the Squadron.

{General Order, No. 158.] “TU. 8. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘ Back Haws,’
Jan. 18, 1864.

«Tt has been my endeavor to draw up such rules and regulations for this
Squadron that no officer or man could claim ignorance of the law, or devi-
ate from its requirements for want of proper teaching. It has been my am-
bition that the character of the fleet should remain untarnished during a
war where unbridled license has had too much sway, and where (I regret to
say) the honor of the flag has been sullied more than once by the conduct of
unprincipled persons. If I should shut my eyes and ears to the fact that
some of my command are rioting in excesses disgraceful to humanity, I
should be as culpable as the offenders, and unworthy the trust placed in me
by the government. :

“ Order is heaven’s first law, and order I intend to have, if it leads to the
dismissal of every one concerned in committing outrages on unoffending
persons. One would suppose that the reputation of the fleet would be suf-
ficiently dear to every one connected with it, to prevent anything like an
act of injustice against persons notin arms against the government, and it
might be inferred that the intelligence for which our country has had credit
hitherto, would be a guarantee against acts committed contrary to the rules
of civilized warfare, and the laws of humanity.

“T regret to say that I have been deeply mortified in one or two instances *

* The names are omitted, as unnecessary in this work.
29
450 APPENDIX.

by the conduct of persons in charge of some of the gunboats, the most
prominent of whomis . . . . . These two officers, in the absence of
their gallant commander, (who has led her. . . . through battles
that will render her name historic, and which have reflected much honor
and credit on the brave crew,) have committed offenses against the laws of
justice and humanity, which call for the severest punishment the law can
inflict. Lost to all sense of propriety, and regardless of all orders, they
have both indulged in a system of petty pillaging and outrages on unarmed in-
dividuals, and have converted the vessel of which they had charge into an
instrument of tyranny and aversion to the people, instead of upholding that
nice sense of honor, propriety, and discipline, by which the Navy has been
known since it first had an existence.

“Aster a careful investigation into the charges alleged against them,
‘ they have been found guilty of a violation of article 7th, section
Ast, and violation of squadron orders, Nos. 4, 24, and 42; guilty of placing
two quartermasters on watch while they were below ; violation of article
10th, inflicting other punishment than allowed by law, ‘and guilty of cruelty
to seamen ; violation of article 3d, section 2nd, going beyond the range of
guns ; pillaging houses, and taking therefrom china ware, boxes, trunks,
glass, and even an ivory crucifix ; and permitting others to commit similar
outrages ; culpably. inefficient in the performance of their duties, and other
offenses unbecoming officers and gentlemen. These acts demand the sever-
est punishment, and it will not be through any fault of mine if it is not me-
ted out.

«Added to other bad conduct of these officers, is a charge of cruelty to
seamen, which is never inflicted by any one but officers who have not the
moral character to command the respect of their subordinates, and maintain
discipline. I will take this opportunity to pay a tribute to the good conduct
of the crew, who, notwithstanding the ill-treatment shown them in the
‘absence of their commander, and the bad example set them by the officers,
have conducted themselves like honest men; and though a few of them par-
ticipated in the outrages committed by the orders of certain of the officers,
I hold them entirely blameless, considering the example of their superiors.

“The court of inquiry has brought to my notice several acts of cruelty
and illegal punishment, which meet with my strongest disapprobation.
The law is sufficient to bring to punishment any offender; and when an
officer undertakes to violate it he need expect no consideration from me; I
will do my best to have him dismissed from the service, no matter what his
claims may be. At the same time, I set my face against any attempt at in-
subordination vr neglect of duty on the part of the seamen ; and while I
insist on every kindness and proper indulgence being shown to them, I ex-
act from them strict obedience to all proper and lawful orders. I feel
‘pleased to say that no commander of a squadron ever had more cause to
feel satisfied with the conduct of the seamen, &c., under him than I have,
cand it will be my pleasure to afford them every comfort which their loyalty,
‘bravery and good conduct entitle them to. May every officer be governed
by my feelings on this subject ; and in maintaining discipline let them re-
‘member what is due to the laws, and the rational beings over whom they
have control.

“J hope the case now before you will be the last instance of pillaging or
APPENDIX. 451

maltreatment of inhabitants, while I command this squadron. Let the
Navy be considered a protection to the people who wish to be peaceful ; let
every officer who loves the name of honor put his face against those prac-
tices which will bring the Navy into disrepute ; and while no means will be
left untried to destroy rebels in arms, let all our acts towards citizens be
characterized by feelings of justice, mercy and honor. Let us not lose sight
of the customs long recognized, and sanctioned by civilized nations, and not
subject ourselves to the odium which attaches itself! frequently to a whole
corps, owing to the bad conduct of a few of its members.

“TI will be the judge when rebel property is to be invaded, and will take
care of the interests of the government without the unauthorized assistance
of such officers as have lately brought the blush of mortification to my
cheek. s

«These officers will be brought to trial by court-martial, and it is to be
hoped that the example will not be lost on any one who are similarly in-
clined to disobey the laws and general orders for the guidance of the Missis-
sippi Squadron.

“Davin D. PortTER,
Rear-Admirat
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

SPECIAL ORDERS AND RULE OF ACTION FOR THE MISSISSIPPI FLO-
TILLA WITHIN THE “ ENEMY’S LINES.” SPIES, GUERRILLAS,
TORPEDOES, &C.

[General Order, No. 121.] «U.S. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Buack Hawk,’
Cairo, Ill., Nov. 12, 1868.

‘Owing to disobedience of orders on the part of Acting Master .
of the U. S. S. ‘Eastport,’ in permitting a steamer to land when not under
his guns and protection, and then paying her a visit in a boat with a small
crew, the steamer ‘ Allen Collier’ was destroyed by guerrillas and .
taken prisoner.

“This is to notify all persons belonging to this squadron that no steamer
will under any circumstances be allowed to land at any point on the Missis-
sippi river, except at a military post or with a gunboat close alongside of
her, and in such a position that the guns of the gunboat will completely
command the levee.

« Davip D. PorTER,
Rear-Admirat
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

[General Order, No. 184.] “JU. §. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘Buack Haws,’
Alexandria, La., Mar. 20, 1864.
“The enemy have adopted new inventions to destroy human life and
vessels, in the shape of torpedoes, and an article resembling coal, which is
to be placed in our coal piles for the purpose of blowing the vessels up, or
injuring them. Officers will have to be careful in overlooking coal-barges.
452 APPENDIX. |

Guards will be placed over them at all times, and any one found attempting
to place any of these things amongst the coal will be shot on the spot.

“The same policy will be adopted towards those persons who are caught
planting torpedoes, or floating them down, or with any of these inventions
in their possession.

‘Extra vigilance will be required in preventing the passing of boats across
the different rivers. Anything in the shape of a boat or scow must be de-
stroyed, no matter to whom may it belong. No pass will be given to any
to cross or recross ariver. No letter of any kind will be permitted to pass,
and no boats will, after this, take from the banks any one (except contra-
bands) who have not passes from me. No one will be allowed to go on
board any gunboat unless the commander knows them personally, and can
‘vouch for them. Their names must be mentioned in the log and the facts
reported to me.

“The transports are not to take on board refugees or prisoners of war, or
deserters, and only such persons as are authorized at Cairo, or by me.

“ All persons captured are to be thoroughly searched, also all trunks and
clothing. Ali letters to be sent to me. ‘When wheeled vehicles are captured -
the lining and seats are to be cut and examined, horses, harness, and in fact
everything, where there is the least chance of stowing correspondence. No
person is to be released who is caught carrying mails, but sent to Cairo, as
a prisoner of war. The same with all ferrymen, whose property will be
confiscated on the spot.

«“The names of the persons who are engaged in the torpedo business are :

. . .. and the sooner they are got rid of the better.
““Davip D. PortTER, ‘
Rear-Admiral,
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

 

[General Order, No. 194.] “U. 8. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘ Buack Hawg,’
Off Mouth Red River, May 20, 1864.

“The attention of all officers in the squadron is called to the facts men-
tioned below, and they will use every effort to have the persons named ar-
rested, and frustrate their designs :

ee ‘ alias ‘ Hickory Dick,’ resides at Mrs.. . . . . upon
MPs. s.440% plantation, at, or near Indian Point, about five miles below
Prentiss on Old River or Old River Lake, as it is sometimes called. Indian
Point is where rebel dispatches to and from Richmond to the Trans-Mississippi
Department cross the Mississippi River, and said. .... alias ‘Hickory
Dick,’ is the bearer of said dispatches across the river, or is ferryman.
dat Bt —resides on the Davis or old Ross plantation, two miles east of
Mrs...... Said... . is chief of couriers. Courier stations (going
east) are at the following places: 1st.—At..... or Davis’ plantation.
2nd.—At Strong’s Ferry, on the Sunflower ; 8rd.—At Boyd’s Ferry, on the
Tallahachee ; 4th.—At Thompson’s, twenty-two miles west vf Grenada.
Sina mode of secreting dispatches, while awaiting couriers, is to bury
them—sometimes at the corner of the house.

€O MTS. a BNC He ng aoe —reside one-fourth of a mile back
of Prentiss ; profess to be loyal, but are spies for the rebels ; go to Memphis
APPENDIX. 453

occasionally, get all the items they can, and communicate with. .... and
niente Fe , rebel scouts.

*€ Capte x52 & % —resides near Fryan’s Point; is a very bad man;
carries news, and is doing much harm.

ME ee esd —resides above the mouth of White river (in Arkansas) ; is in
the woods part of the time near Johnson’s, and is oceasionally at... ..
house. He is the chief of a gang who practice a system for putting torpe-
does into wood, and it is more likely to be done on Islands 63 and 76 than at
other points. The plan is to use gas-pipe, or shot-gun and musket barrels,
cut into pieces from ten to fifteen inches long, insert a screw plug into the
ends, fill the tube with powder, and then employ negroes to bore into the
ends of the wood and insert the tubes, plug the auger hole, and obliterate the
surface appearance on the ends with dirt or otherwise.

“Gen.... .—is preparing to use Greek-fire, and proposes to use it
against steamboats. His present point of attack is between Helena and
Memphis ; he has some 1,200 men under his command, and is provided with
what he terms ‘ Rocket Battery,’ with ‘hailshot.’ His battery was crossed
from the east to the west side of the river above Helena not long sincc.

SO Soe —is preparing to fell trees upon steamers in Yazoo river. The
plan is to select places where the river is crooked and difficult to navigate ;
select such trees that lean over the water (of which there are many), saw
into them on the side next the water, then upon the opposite side, some two
or three feet above the first cut, making the two cuts very nearly sever the
tree, then bore into the tree at right angles with and half way between the
cuts, put in a sufficient quantity of powder and attach a slow match, or put
in a torpedo, such as is proposed to use in wood, and explode it with per-
cussion at the time boats are passing.

“Davin D. Porter,
Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

[General Order, No. 84.] «U.S. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘ Brack Haws,’
Cairo, Il., August 20, 1863.

“By order 80 it will be seen that the river Mississippi is now divided into
districts, each district under command of a divisional officer. When com-
manders are ordered to repair to any point, they are to report to the com-
mander of district, get his orders, and take their stations. It will be their
duty to report by first opportunity anything of importance that may occur.
Thcy are not to leave their stations, except to patrol a short distance, above
and below, and to prevent the passage of rebel troops or munitions of war
across the river. Ferries must be regulated so that no improper persons
will pass to and fro.

“Cultivate good feelings with the inhabitants, and allow no improprieties
to be committed by officers or crew.

“‘ Pay particular attention to all general orders.

Warn all passing vessels if there are guerrillas about, and convoy them
past danger, if not too far from the station.

“No vessels are to be delayed for convoy.
454 APPENDIX.

“Make all reports to commander of division, who will sign all requisi-
tions, &c.; or if too far off, send all requisitions to Capt. Pennock, at
Cairo.

“Notify the commander of division when short of coal and provisions.
If the station is too far from the commanding officer, report by letter, and
remain at the station until the divisional commander is heard from.

“As the dispatch vessels go down, find out when they will return, and
have the sick and their accounts ready to go up in her.

“When an officer is very sick, he will be sent at once to Memphis hospi-
tal, without further order than that of the commander.

“‘The gunboats will never tie up at the bank at night, but lie at anchor
ready for anything. Be careful that torpedoes are not drifted down on the
vessels, and guard against the approach of boats. Never anchor exactly on
the same place, but shift position often.

“Davip D. Porter,
Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.”

ADMIRAL PORTER’S FAREWELL ADDRESS.

[General Order, No. 24.] “JU. S. Mississippi Squadron,
Flag Ship ‘ Buack Hawk,’
Mound City, Ill., Sept. 28, 1864.

“«The government has thought proper to assign me to another command.

“‘In taking leave of the officers and men who have served with me in
scenes of trial and peril, I desire to express the regret I feel at breaking up
the most pleasant associations of my life, and also to assure them that I
have always felt the most sincere gratification at the manner in which I
have been supported throughout this extensive command. I may be at-
tached to other squadrons, but I feel that I shall never again derive such en-
tire satisfaction as I have experienced while connected with the one I am
about to relinquish.

““No common events have occurred here to make me feel as I now do,
for the associations are of no ordinary character that make me take the
deepest interest in all those who are connected with the Mississippi squad-
ron ; and IJ shall never regret when either officers or men who have served
under me here, shall join me in other scenes where we may be called to
serve our country.

«When I first assumed charge of this squadron, the Mississippi was in
possession of the rebels from Memphis to New Orleans, a distance of eight
hundred miles, and over one thousand miles of tributaries were closed
against us, embracing a territory larger than.some of the kingdoms of Eu-
rope.

“Our commerce is now successfully, if not quietly, transported on the
broad Mississippi, from one end to the other, and the same may almost be
said with regard to its tributaries.

« These results are owing to the indomitable spirit evinced by the officers
and men of the Mississippi squadron.

“ Although the aid that has been given to the Army by this squadron, in
APPENDIX. 455

capturing strongholds, and its co-operation with the land forces generally,
has not been properly estimated and acknowledged ; history will do justice
to all concerned, and you can with pride point to many a fortified place,
which would now be in the hands of the rebels but for the exertions of the
Navy in these waters.

“‘T need not say to all, that I trust you will continue to keep up that dis-
cipline and vigilance which have made the Mississippi squadron efficient,
and that when a new commander takes my place, he may admit there is
nothing defective in this large organization.

“Tt has been my aim and desire to bring the discipline here to the high-
est state of perfection, and if I may have seemed over-strict to those unac-
customed to Naval discipline, all will, I think, admit that I have endeavored
to be just.

“Tf I have caused those to be punished who have not done their duty, or
who have been false to their trusts, I have sought every occasion to promote
those who have distinguished themselves in any way, and the door to pro-
motion has been open to any sailor in the fleet, who chose to exert himself
and deserve advancement. The records of the fleet will show where men
who were petty officers or seamen two years ago, are now lieutenants, a
position which I was sixteen years in reaching after I first entered the Navy.

“Again let me impress upon you the importance of vigilance and discip-
line. The enemy we have been fighting so persistently is now in his last
dying agony, and a few months more or less will close this rebellion. Do
not, by any want of vigilance on your part, give the rebels a chance for a
single success over you. Remember all the general orders I have issued
with regard to the proper precautions to be observed. I can trace many of

_ the mishaps which have occurred to want of attention to orders on the part
of those in command, and though I am happy to say that instances of this
kind are few, I cannot but regret that they have taken place, for the sake of
the squadron and those concerned.

“There cannot, however, be any war without captures, and while I re-
gret the brave fellows who have been killed or thrown into the hands of the
enemy, by inattention to orders, I console myself that in almost all cases the
flag was properly defended, and the vessels seldom surrendered.

“Go where I may, I shall always entertain a lively recollection of scenes
on the Mississippi and its tributaries, scenes that will hereafter be chronicled
by historians as they deserve to be, and those who have figured in them, or
performed prominent actions, will certainly be remembered by a grateful
country, when she is rescued from the hands of the wretched rebel traitors
who desire her overthrow.

“JT pid you all farewell, hoping that we may meet on other fields.

“Bre we die, our country will have a debt to pay to those foreign nations
who have dared to hamper us while struggling in the mightiest contest the
world ever saw—may we then all meet again.

‘Davip D. Porter,
Rear-Admiral
Commanding Mississippi Squadron.

“NB. To be read to the officers and crew upon the quarter-deck of every

vessel in the Mississippi Squadron.”
456

APPENDIX.

LIST OF VESSELS AND OFFICERS AT THE CAPTURE OF THE CITY OF NEW
ORLEANS.

Steam-Sloop ‘‘ Hartford.”

Flag-Officer, David G. Farragut.
Captain, Henry H. Bell, (Fleet).
‘Commander, Richard Wainwright.
Lieutenants, James 8. Thornton and
Albert Kautz.
Fleet Surgeon, J. M. Foltz.
Surgeon, Stewart Kennedy.

Assistant Surgeon, Joseph Hogg.

Paymaster, George Plunkett.

Chief Engineer, James B. Kimball.

Master, John C. Watson.

Acting Masters, Daniel 8. Murphy,
Ezra S. Goodwin, Horace J. Dra-
per, and Albert Cook.

Second Assistant Engineers, John
Pindy, Edward B. Latch, and
Fletcher A. Wilson.

Third Assistant Engineers, Conrad
J. Cooper, Charles M. Burchard,
Isaac De Graff, and Albert H.
Fulton.

Acting Midshipmen, Herbert B. Ty-
son, Edward C. Hazeltine, John
Henry Read, and Henry J. Blake.

Acting Master's Mates, Edwin J.
Allen, Thomas Mason, Lewis S.
Locke, and George H. Lounds-
berry.

Boatswain, James Walker.

Acting Gunner, John Duncan.

Acting Carpenter, James H. Con-
ley.

Fleet Captain’s Clerk, Thomas B.
Waddel.

Steam-Frigate ‘‘ Colorado.”

Captain, Theodorus Bailey.
Lieutenants, John L. Davis, Joseph
E. De Haven, and Robert Boyd.

Surgeon, Philip 8. Wales.

Assistant Surgeons, Morris H.Henry,
Adrian Hudson, and J. Otis Bush.

Paymaster, A. W. Russell.

Chief Engineer, George Gideon.

Acting Masters,Jobn Sherrill, Joseph
W. Tuck, James Taylor, Tecumseh
Teece, and William B. Stoddard.

First Assistant Engineer, Loyd A.
Williams.

Acting First Assistant Engineer,
David Fraser.

Second Ass’t’nt Engineer, J.Cox Hull.

Acting Second Assistant Engineer,
Jobn Fraser.

Third Assistant Engineers, Albert
Murray, L. L. Olmstead, William
L. Smith, George H. White, Web-
ster Lane, and Isaac R. McNary.

Acting Midshipmen, F. J. Higgen-
son and William R. Bridgeman.

Acting Master’s Mates, Alexander
Cushman, Nathaniel Hobbs, Moses
W. Stone, Augustus Farrell, and
David T. Potter.

Boatswain, Zachariah Witmarsh.

Gunner, James D. Barton.

Carpenter, George E. Anderson.

Sailmaker, Joseph C. Bradford.

Coast Pilot, Daniel Pepper.

Captain’s Clerk, B. F. Monroe.

Paymaster’s Clerk, William R, Up-
ham.

Steam-Sloop ‘‘ Pensacola.”

Captain, Henry W. Morris.

Lieutenants, F. A. Roe and James
Stillwell.

Surgeon, J. Winthrop Taylor.

Paymaster, George L. Davis.

Acting Surgeon, W. B. Dick.

Second Lieutenant Marines, John C.
Harris.

Chief Engineer, 5. D. Hebbert.

Acting Masters, E. C. McKay and
E. C. Schultz.

Second Assistant Engineers, 8. L. P.
Ayres and C. H. Ball.

Third Assistant Engineers, T. G.
Smith, J. L. Vanclain, J. T. Mer-
cer, J. T. Hawkins, George W.
Magee, and John C. Huntley.

Gunner, D. A. Roe.
APPENDIX.

Acting Master’s Mates, George A.
Storm, Joseph Kent, and Charles
Gainsford.

457

Paymaster’s Clerk, George C. Rich
ardson.

Steam-Sloop ‘‘ Brooklyn.”

Captain, Thomas T. Craven.

Lieutenant, R. B. Lowry.

Surgeon, Samuel Jackson.

Assistant Surgeon, James 8. Knight.

Paymaster, Charles W. Abbot.

Chief Engincer, William B. Brooks.

Masters, J. C. Stafford, George Dew-
hurst, Lyman Wells, and James
O’Kane.

Acting Master, Thomas B. Beekering.

First Assistant Engineer, B. E. Chas-
saing.

Second Assistant Engineers, James
Atkins, Alexander V. Fraser, Jr.,

and James H. Morrison.

Third Assistant Engineers, Charles
F. Mayer, Jr., B. D. Clemens,
Jacob L. Bright, and Joseph Mor-
gan, Jr.

Midshipman, John Anderson.

Acting Midshipmen, H. T. Grafton
and John R. Bartlett.

Master’s Mates, Henry OC. Leslie,
Robert Beardsley, William Taber,
and BE. 8. Lowe.

Captain’s Clerk, Joseph G. Swift.

Paymaster’s Clerk, William Robert-
son.

Sloop “‘ Portsmouth,”

Commander, Samuel Swartwout.
Lieutenant, Philip C. Johnson.
Surgeon, J. 8. Duncan.
Assistant Surgeon, H. M. Wells.
Assist’t Paymaster, Casper Schenck.
Master, Francis O. Davenport.
Acting Masters, Andrew A. Ward,
William G. Mitchell, and Gilbert

Richmond.
Acting Midshipman, Walter Abbot.
Master’s Mates, John Smith, Thomas
P. Jones, Thomas B. Gammon,
and Sidney 8. Beck.
Acting Gunner, Thomas Cassidy.
Assistant Sailmaker, Henry J. Hay-
den.

Steam-Sloop ‘“‘ Oneida.”

Commander, S. Philips Lee.
Lieutenant, Montgomery Sicard..
Chief Engineer, Francis C. Dade.
Surgeon, John Y. Taylor.
Paymaster, Charles W. Hassler.
Master, Francis 8. Brown.

Acting Masters, -Pierre Giraud,
Thomas Edwards, and Elijah
Rose.

Midshipmen, Frederick J. Naile and
George W. Wood.

Second Assistant Engineers, Horace
McMurtrie and Reuben H. Fitch.
Third Assistant Engineers, Alfred

T. Brower, George W. Stivers, and
Richard M. Hodgson.
Captain’s Clerk, Charles W. Higgins.
Acting Boatswain, James Herold.
Acting Gunner, William Parker.
Acting Master’s Mates, Edward Bird,
Daniel Clark, George B. Alling,
and John J. Earle, Jr.

Steam-Sloop “ Mississippi.” ‘
ee TTT TOE,

Captain, Melancton Smith.

Lieutenant, George Dewey.

Surgeon, Robert T. Maccoun.

Assistant Surgeon, J. W. Shively.

Paymaster, T. M. Taylor.

Chief Engineer, William H. Ruther-
ford.

Marine Officer, Captain P. H. W.
Fontainé.

%Acting Masters, Frederick T. King,

George Munday, Charles. F. Chase,
Robert L. Kelly, and F. E. Ellis.
Ensigns, A. 8. Barker, O. A. Batch-

eller, and Edwin M. Shepard.
458 APPENDIX.

First Assistant Engineer, G. B. N. James J. Noble, and Henry W.

Towers. Phillips.
Second Assistant Engineer, J. Cox Acting Master’s Mate, Henry B.
Hull. Francis.

Third Assistant Engineers,Frederick Boatswain, Joseph Lewis.
G. McKean, Samuel R. Brooks, Gunner, William Cope.
Carpenter, John Green.

Steam-Sloop ‘‘ Varuna.”

Commander, Charles 8. Boggs. Acting Second Assistant Engineer,
Lieutenant, C. H. Swasey. James Schultz.
Acting Assistant Surgeon, W. G. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
Bruce. E. C. Mayloy, Samuel Robinson,
Acting Assistant Paymaster, Charles and George L. Harris.
T. Fitch. Acting Gunner, Thomas H. Forturn.

Acting Masters, Ezra Leonard, John Acting Master’s Mates, Thomas H.
D. Childs, and David H. Hayden. Lawrence, Silas H. Bevins, Henry
Acting First Assistant Engineer, D. Foster, and James L. Blauvelt.

Robert Henry. Captain’s Clerk, E. B. Deshler.
Steam-Sloop “ Iroquois.”
Commander, John DeCamp. Second Assistant Engineers, Benja-
Lieutenant, David B. Harmony. min C. Bampton, E. 8. Boynton,
Lieutenant, Frederick U. McNair. Franklin K. Hain, and John H.
Surgeon, Benjamin Vreeland. Hunt.
Paymaster, Robert A. Clark. Carpenter, John A. Dixon.
Acting Masters, John F. Hardenand Acting Gunner, William Ryder.
John McFarland. Paymaster’s Clerk, William P. For-
First Assistant Engineer, in charge, man.
John H. Long. Master’s Mate, Charles F. Willard.
Steam-Sloop ‘‘ Richmond.”
Commander, James Alden. First Assistant Engineer, Eben Hoyt,
Lieutenants, A. Boyd Cummings Jr.
and Edward Terry. Second Assistant Engineer, J. L.
Acting V olunteer Lieutenant, Thomas Butler.
F. Wade. : Third Assistant Engineers, Albert
Paymaster, George F. Cutter. W. Marley, G. W. W. Dove, R.
Surgeon, A. A. Henderson. B. Plotts, and Charles E. Emery.

Captain of Marines, Alan Ramsay. Acting Third Assistant Engineer,

Assistant Surgeon, John D. Murphy. Charles J. Cooper.

Chief Engineer, John W. Moore. Acting Master’s Mates, H. F. Moffatt,

Acting Masters, Frederick 8. Hill, 8. J. Russell Howell, William R.
B. Coggeshale, and Charles J. Cox, John B. Bradley, and Robert
Gibbs. P. Swann.

Steamers‘ Sciota.”

Lieutenant Commanding, Edward Acting Assistant Paymaster, Chas.
Donaldson. H. Lockwood.

Lieutenant, Henry A. Adams. Second Assistant Engineer, Charles

Assistant Surgeon, H. F. McSherry. E. De Valin.
APPENDIX. 459

Acting Masters, A. McFarland and ples, and 8. J. Hazazar.
Graham P. Foster. Third Assistant Engineers, Edw.
Acting Master’s Mates, John H. Field, Curtis, A. H. Price, and H. M.
Graham C. Taylor, John H. Sta- Quigg.
Captain’s Clerk, J. H. Reifenyder.

Steamer “ Katahdin.”

Lieutenant Commanding, Geo. H. Second Assistant Engineer, T. M.

Preble. ~~ Dukehart.
Liettenant; Nathaniel Green. Third Assistant Engineers, F. A. R.
Assistant Surgeon, Somerset Robin- George, William P. Reid, and
son. William W. Heaton.
Acting Paymaster, R. F. Ladd. Acting Master’s Mates, George Le-
Acting Masters, George Harris and mard, J. W. Hartshorn, J. W.
W. H. Polleys. Thode, and A. Whiting.

Captain’s Clerk, Edward P. Preble.
Steamer ‘* Winona.”

Lieutenant Commanding, E. T. Sprague.

Nichols. Third Assistant Engineers, Joseph
Lieutenant,John G. Walker. = == __—- Walters, Edward Gay, and Robert
Assistant Surgeon, Arthur Mathew- F. Hatfield.

son. Acting Master’s Mates, William F.
Paymaster, Henry M. Denniston. Hunt, Alfred Staigg, Frank H.
Acting Masters, Charles Hallet and Beers, and Charles D. Hammett,

Felix McCurley. Jr.

Second Assistant Engineer, Jas. P. Captain’s Clerk, A. F. O'Neil.
Steamer ‘‘ Itasca.”

Lieutenant Commanding, C. H. B. Third Assistant Engineers, James

Caldwell. M. Benckert, Truman Jones, John
Lieutenant, George Bacon. Borthwick, and Henry E. Hen-
Assistant Surgeon, Heber Smith. shaw.

Assistant Paymaster, Arthur J. Acting Master’s Mates, William E.

Pritchard. Bridges, Neil Alexander, George
Acting Masters, Edmund Jones and Spencer and Joseph B. Crane.

' Amos Johnson. Captain’s Clerk, Fitz Henry Price

Steamer ‘* Cayuga.”

Lieutenant Commanding, Napoleon Second Assistant Engineer, George
B. Harrison. W. Rogers.

Lieutenant, George H. Perkins. Third Assistant Engineers, Ralph

Assistant Surgeon, Edward S. Boget. Aston, J. W. Sidney, and J. C.

Acting Assistant Paymaster, J. W. Chaffee.

Whiffin. Acting Master’s Mates, James Gillin,
Acting Masters, Thomas H. Mortore Charles Post, Theodore B. Magee,
and E. D. Percy. and Robert C. Bostwick.

Captain’s Clerk, Charles M. Burns.
460 APPENDIX.

Steamer “ Pinola.”

Lieutenant Commanding, Peirce First Assist’t Engineer, Jno. Johnson.
Crosby. Third Assistant Engineers, Peter A.

Lieutenant, A. P. Cooke. Sasse, William F. Law, and John

Assistant Surgeon, Luther M. Lyon, Everding.

Assistant Paymaster, C. 8. Warren. Acting Master’s Mates, William H.

Acting Masters, William P. Gibbs Thompson, William C. White,
and John G. Lloyd. and Charles V. Ramuel.

Steamer ‘‘ Wissahickon.”

Lieutenant Commanding, A. N. Second Assistant Engineer, Thomas
Smith. 8. Cunningham.

Lieutenant, Edward E. Porter. Third Assistant Engineers, Augustus

Acting Masters, George Fernig, R. Mitchell and Philip H. White.
Price Walter, and B. G. Handy. Acting Master’s Mates, Charley M.

Assistant Surgeon, H. Ackley. Bird, Inmez M. Forsyth, and O.

Assistant Paymaster, F. C. Upton. L. 8. Roberts.

Steamer ‘‘ Kineo.”

Lieutenant Commanding, George M. Second Assistant Engineer, 8S. Wil-

Ransom. kins Cragg.
Lieutenant, A. 8. Mackenzie. Third Assistant Engineers, James
Assistant Surgeon, A. 8. Oberly. Maughlin, C. F. Hollingsworth,
Acting Assistant Paymaster, Henry andC. J. McConnell.

W. Dinian. Acting Master’s Mates, William 8.
Acting Masters, Oliver Colburn and Keen, John Bartol, Jr., Walter

L. A. Brown. H. Davis, and George A. Faunce.

Steamer ‘‘ Kennebec.”

Lieutenant Commanding, John H. Second Assistant Engineer, Henry

Russell. W. Fitch.
Lieutenant, T. B. Blake. Third Assistant Engineers, B. C.
Acting Masters, Henry C. Wade, and = Girving, L. W. Robinson, and E.
William Brooks. E. Roberts.

Assistant Surgeon, Charles H. Perry. Acting Master’s Mates, H. E. Tulk-
Acting Assistant Paymaster, C. L. ham, J. W. Merryman, J. W.
Burnett. Page, and J. D. Ellis.
Captain’s Clerk, George P. Lovering.

Steamer “ Harriet Lane.”

Commander, D, D. Porter (Com- Assistant Surgeon, T. N. Penrose.
manding Mortar Flotilla). “= Second Assistant Engineers, M. H.
Lieutenant Commanding, J. M. Plunkett, and C. H. Stone.
Wainwright. ~~-~—--uent Third Assistant Engineers, J. E.
Lieutenant, Edward Lea. Cooper, A. T. E. Mullin, and Rob-
Acting Masters, J. A. Hannum, W. ert N. Ellis.
F. Monroe, and C. H. Hamilton. Acting Master’s Mate, C. M. Davis.
Assistant Paymaster,R.I. Richardson. Captain’s Clerk, John B. Norris.
APPENDIX.

461

Steamer “ Westfield.”

Commander, William B. Renshaw.

Acting Masters, C. W. Zimmerman,
L. D. Smalley, F. C. Miller, Gus-
tav Vassallo, and Joseph H. War-
ren.

Acting Assistant Surgeon, E. H.
Allis.

Second Assistant Engineer, William
R. Greene.

Third Assistant Engineers, George
S. Baker, Charles W. Smith, and
John Van Hogan.

Acting Midshipman, Stephen A. Mc-
Carty.

Acting Assistant Paymaster, Charles Master’s Mates, David Harvey, John

C. Walden.

P. Arnette, and Wm. L. Babcock.

Captain’s Clerk, Dudley 8. Griffith.

Steamer “* Miami.”

Lieutenant-Commander, A. D. Har-
rell.

Acting Lieutenant, Robert Town-

send.

Acting Masters, William N. Wells,
Milford Rogers, and John Lear.
Assistant Surgeon, David Kindleber-

ger.
Acting Assistant Paymaster, William
H. Sells.

First Assistant Engineer, James F.
Lamdin.

Acting Second Assistant Engineer, L.
W. Simonds.

Third Assistant Engineers, Guy
Sampson, Henry D. Heisner, and
Charles C. Davis. ,

Acting Master’s Mates, John Queve-
do, William H. Harrison, and
Robert Roundtree.

Captain’s Clerk, William C. Fay.

Steamer “J. P. Jackson.”

Lieutenant Commanding, Selim A.
Woodworth.

Surgeon, Thomas 8. Yard.

Paymaster, A. D. Weld.

Acting Masters, Stephen D. Jay,
Charles G. Arthur, and Minor B.
Crowell.

Master’s Mates, Jeremiah Murphy,

William H. Howard, and Albert
B. Axtell.
Second Assistant Engineer, John B.

Morgan.
Third Assistant Engineers, James
Barnes, Samuel Strude, and

James D. Cadwell.
Captain’s Clerk, M. W. Whitlock.

Mortar Schooner ‘‘ Norfolk Packet.”

Lieutenant Commanding, Watson
Smith.

Assistant Surgeon, A. B. Judson.

Acting Master’s Mates, W. E. H.

Mortar Schooner ‘‘ T. A. Ward.”

Lieutenant Commanding, Walter W.
Queen, .
Assistant Surgeon, A. A. Hoebling.

Fentress, William Collins, and
John Bath,
Acting Master’s Mates, William

Hatch, George W. Wood, and
James McDonald.

Captain’s Clerk, Archer Tein.

Mortar Schooner “ Horace Bealls,”

Lieutenant-Commander, K. R.

Breese.

Acting Master, George W. Sumner.
Assistant Surgeon, R. T. Edes.
462 APPENDIX.
Acting Master’s Mates, James Becker, H. Baker.
William G. Morris, and Thomas Captain’s Clerk, Albert W. Bacon.

Steamer ‘ Clifton.”
Acting Lieutenant Commanding, C. Acting Master’s Mates, William W.

H. Baldwin. Weld, Charles Albert, and Loring
Acting Masters, Robert Rhodes, B. Cannon.

8. Weeks, and E. A. Howell. Acting Second Assistant Engineer,
Acting Assistant Surgeon, D. D. T. James A. Fox.

Nestell. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
Acting Assistant Paymaster, James 8. 8. Vollum, L. Spanburgh, and

Wing. P. Finnigan.

Midshipmen, Hayden T. French, Captain’s Clerk, 8. M. Taylor.
and H. B. Rumsey.

Bark ‘‘ Houghton.”
Acting Master Commanding, New- Clifton, and Theron W. Squires.
ell Graham. Assistant Paymaster, Clifton Hellen.
Acting Master’s Mates, George R. Paymaster’s Clerk, Henry Cushing.

Mortar Schooner ‘‘ Henry Janes.”

Acting Master Commanding, Lewis Acting Master’s Mates, Anthony
W. Pennington. Soper, Z. Predmore, and R. W.
Spates.
Mortar Schooner “ William Bacon.”

Acting Master Commanding, Wil- Act’g Master’s Mates,Chas.D. Thomp-
liam P. Rogen. son, Geo. W. Law, and Henry E.
Ripley.
Mortar Schooner “‘ Sea Foam.”
Acting Master Commanding, Henry Acting Master’s Mates, Jas. Perkins,
E. Williams. Joseph Moss, and Ambrose Felix.

Mortar Schooner ‘‘ Para.”

Acting Master Commanding, E. G. Acting Master’s Mates, Edw. Ryan,

Furber. Jno. McDonough and W. W. Hughes.
Mortar Schooner “ George Mangham.”

Acting Master Commanding, John O’Brien, John M. Richards, Wil-

Collins. liam H. Dade, and John Wil-
Acting Master’s Mates, Samuel A. liams.

Mortar Schooner ‘‘ Sarah Bruen.”

Acting Master Commanding, Abra- Rider, James 8. Hyde, and Syl-
ham Christian. vester Rowland.
Acting Master’s Mates, Niles C.

Mortar Schooner ‘‘ Racer.”

Acting Master Commanding, Alvin Manler, Henry C. Whitmore, and
. Phinney. David B. Cosey.
Acting Master’s Mates, Everett 8.
APPENDIX. 463

Mortar Schooner ‘‘O. H. Lee.”
Acting Master Commanding, Wash- Chadwick, Arthur T. Parsons,
ington Godfrey. and Thomas G. Hall.
Acting Master’s Mates, Joseph H.
Mortar Schooner “ Dan Smith.”
Acting Master’s Mates, George W. Brown, Francis W. Towne, Erich Ga-
brielson, and R. 8. Sommers.
Mortar Schooner ‘* Adolph Hugel.”
Acting Master Commanding, James Acting Master’s Mates, Peter Deck-
Van Boskirk. er, and W. H. Thompson.
Mortar Schooner “ Maria J. Carleton.”
Acting Master Commanding, Charles _ler, Douglas F. O’Brien, and Ge-
E. Jack. rome B. Johnson.
Acting Master’s Mates, August Ad-
Mortar Schooner ‘‘ Sidney C. Jones.”

Acting Master Commanding, James Wagstaff, W. C. Graham, and J.
D. Graham. W. Cortelyon.
Acting Master’s Mates, R. W.

Mortar Schooner “ Sophronia.”
Acting Master Commanding, Lyman Acting Master’s Mates, E. W. Pel-
Bartholomew. ton, and Andrew F. Williamson.
Mortar Schooner ‘‘ Matthew Vassar.”

Acting Master Commanding Hugh Penfield, David H. Greswold, and
H. Savage. George 8S. Hines.
Acting Master’s Mates, William H.

Mortar Schooner ‘‘ C. P. Williams.”

Acting Master Commanding, A. R. gan, William Cowlings, and George

Langthon. C. Penfield.
Acting Master’s Mates, John R. Fe-

Mortar Schooner ‘“‘ J. Griffith.”

Acting Master Commanding, Henry Acting Master’s Mates, R. M. Clark,

Brown. and Thomas Lavensaler.

Mortar Schooner ‘‘ Orvetia.”

Acting Master Commanding, Francis Adams, Sanford Randall, and
E. Blanchard. William Munro.

Acting Master’s Mates, Enos O.

Mortar Schooner ‘‘ Arletta.”

Acting Master Commanding, Thom- Bunce, Sylvim W. Fetchett, and
as E, Smith. Thomas Devine.
Acting Master’s Mates, Israel 8.
464

APPENDIX.

Coast Survey Steamer ‘‘ Sachem.”

Assistant Commanding, F. 4H.
Gerdes.
Assistants, J. G. Ottmans, James

Harris, and Richard D. Halter.

Sailing Master, Thomas A. Sears.

Mates, Eben. Johnson, W. H.
Shrively, W. Thompson, and J.
Duffy.

Aid, Thomas Bowie.

LIST OF VESSELS AND OFFICERS AT THE BATTLE OF MOBILE BAY,
Aveust 5, 1864.

Steam-Sloop “ Hartford,” (Flag Ship.)

Rear-Admiral, David G. Farragut.

Fleet Captain, Percival Drayton.

Lieutenant-Commander, Lewis A.
Kimberly.

Lieutenants, J. Crittenden Watson,
A. R. Yates, Herbert B. Tyson,
and La Rue P. Adams.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Geo.
Mundy.

Fleet Surgeon, J. C. Palmer.

Fleet Paymaster, Edward T. Dunn.

Fleet Engineer, William H. Shock.

Surgeon, Philip Lansdale.

Assistant Surgeons, William Com-
mons and F. Woolverton.

Paymaster, William F. Meredith.

Chief Engineer, Thomas William-
son.

Captain Marines, Charles Heywood,

Rear Admiral’s Secretary, Alexan-
der McKinley.

Acting Ensigns, G. B. D. Glidden,
William H. Whiting, H. H.
Brownell, H. H. Heginbotham,
Robert D. Bogart, and William
L. Dana.

First Assistant Engineer, Edward
B. Latch.

Second Assistant Engineers, John
Wilson, Isaac De Graff, and H.
_ L. Pelkington.

Third Assistant Engineer, Jas. E.
Speights.

Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
William McEwan, T. Benton
Brown, and John D. Thompson.

Paymaster’s Clerk, Horatio N.
Wood.

Acting Master’s Mates, Richard P.
Herrick, George B. Avery, Wil-
liam H. Hathorne, William H.
Childs, and Joseph J. Finelli.

Steam-Sloop ‘‘ Richmond.”

Captain, Thornton A. Jenkins.
Lieutenant - Commander, dward
Terry. xe
Acting ~ Volunteer Lieutenant,

Charles J. Gibbs.
Surgeon, Lewis J. Williams.
Assistant Surgeon, J. McD. Rice.
Paymaster, Edwin Stevart.
Chief Engineer, Jackson McElmell.
Second Lieutenant Marines, C. L.
Sherman.
Acting Master, Prince 8. Borden.
Ensign, Philip H. Cooper. _
Acting Ensigns, Lewis Clark, Colby

M. Chester,
Wright.

First Assistant Engineer, Emory J.
Brooks.

Second Assistant Engineers, Albert
J. Kenyon, Absalom Kirby, John
D. Ford, and Robert Weir.

Third Assistant Engineers, William
H. Crawford, Charles W. C. Sar-
tar, James W. Patterson, and
Thomas McElmell.

Acting Master’s Mates, James West,
Theodore J. Werner, William C.
Seymour, and Walter A. De Witt.

and Arthur H.

Pilot, William Stewart.
APPENDIX. . 465

Steam-Sloop ‘‘ Lackawanna.”

Captain, J. B. Marchand. First Assistant Engineer, James W.
Lieutenants, Thomas 8. Spencer, Whittaker.
and 8. A. McCarty. Second Assistant Engineers, E. J.
Paymaster, James Fulton. Whittaker and George W. Roche.
Surgeon, T. W. Leach. Third Assistant Engineer, Isaac B.
Acting Assistant Surgeon, W. T. Fort.
Hutchinson. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
Acting Masters, Felix McCurley and David Hennessy and George W.
Jobn H. Allen. Sullivan.
Ensigns, G. H. Wadleigh and Frank Acting Master’s Mates, William J.
‘Wildes. Lewis, C. H. Foster, and John C.
Acting Ensign, Clarence Rathbone. Palmer.

Steam-Sloop “ Brooklyn.”

Captain, James Alden. R. Cassel.

Lieutenant-Commander, Edward P. Second Assistant Engineers, John D.

~Lull. ~~" Toppin, David Hardie, Haviland

Lieutenants, Thomas L. Swann and Barstow, and George E. Tower.
Charles F. Blake. Third Assistant Engineers, F. C.

Surgeon, George Maulsby. Goodwin, Joel A. Bullard, and

Assistant Surgeon, H. Smith. William H. De Hart.

Paymaster, Gilbert E. Thornton. Acting Third Assistant Engineer,

Chief Engineer, Mortimer Kellogg. Henry H. Artbur.

Ensigns, Charles H. Pendleton and Acting Master’s Mates, Frederick C.
C. D. Sigsbee. Duncan, A. L. Stephens, and Wil-

Acting Ensigns, John Atter and D. liam H. Cook.

Monitor ‘‘ Tecumseh.”
Commander, T. Augustus Craven. Acting Assistant Paymaster, George

Lieutenant, John W. Kelly. Worke.

Acting Masters, Charles F. Langley Second Assistant Engineers, F. §.
and Gardner Cottrell. Barlow and Henry 8. Leonard.

Acting Ensigns, John P. Lettie and Acting Second Assistant Engineer,
William Titcomb. T. Ustick.

Chief Engineer, C. Faron. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,

Acting Assistant Surgeon, William George Relter and James L. Par-
A. Danker. sons.

Steam-Sloop ‘< Monongahela.”

Commander, James H. Strong. Acting Ensigns, D. W. Mullan,

Lieutenants, Roderick Prentiss and James H. Rodgers, George Gerard,
O. A. Batchenor. and P. E. Harrington. |

Surgeon, David Kindleberger. Second Assistant. Engineers, Joseph

Acting Assistant Surgeon, William Trilly, J. J. Bissett, Edward
B. Lewis. Cheeney, and Philip J. Langer.

Assistant Paymaster, Forbes Parker. Acting Third Assistant Engineer,

Chief Engineer, George E. Kutz. , Amos ©. Wilcox.

30
466 APPENDIX.

Steam-Sloop ‘‘ Ossipee.”

Commander, William E. Le Roy. Second Assistant Engineer, William
Lieutenants, J. A. Howell and Rich- H. Vanderbilt.

ard 8. Chew. Acting Second Assistant Engineers,
Surgeon, B. F. Gibbs. Martin H. Gerry, James R. Webb,
Acting Assistant Surgeon, Jon. K. George W. Kidder, and Alfred

Bacon. Colin.
Paymaster, Edward Foster. + _ Third Assistant Engineer, John
Acting Chief Engineer, James M. Matthews.

Adams. Acting Third Assistant Engineer,
Acting Masters, C. C. Bunker, and William Collier.

Cc. W. Adams. Acting Master’s Mates, George Pil-

Acting Ensigns, Charles E. Clark, ling and William Merrigood.
Henry S. Lambert, and William Assistant Gunner, John Q. Adams.
A. Van Vleck.

Steam-Sloop ** Oneida.”

Commander, J. R. Madison Mullany. John Sears.
Lieutenants, Charles L. Huntington, First Assistant Engineer, Reuben H.

Charles 8. Cotton, and Edward N. Fitch.

Kellogg. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
Surgeon, John Y. Taylor. W. E. Deaver and Nicholas Dil-
Acting Paymaster, George R. Martin. lon.

Chief Engineer, William H. Hunt. Acting Master’s Mates, Edward Bird,

Ensign, Charles V. Gridley. Daniel Clark, and John Devereaux.
Acting Ensigns, John L. Hall, and Pilot, John V. Grivet.

Steam-Sloop ‘ Seminole.”

Commander, Edward Donaldson. Acting First Assistant Engineers,

Surgeon, John I. Gibson. Claude Babcock and Alvin R.

Paymaster, Levi J. Stockwell. Calden.

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, John Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
A. Johnston. William Drinkwater, Patrick I.

Acting Master, William A. Marine. Hughes, and William H. Whiting.

Acting Ensigns, Francis Kempton, Acting Master’s Mates, C. A. Thorne
Walter §. Church, and David K. and Henry Webb.
Perkins.
Tron-Clad ‘* Winnebago.”

Commander, Thomas H. Stevens. Acting Chief Engineer, Simon
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Wil- Shulltice.

liam F. Shankland. First Assistant Engineer, John
Acting Master, Austrony 8. Megath- Purdy.

lin. Acting First Assistant Engin-

Acting Ensigns, James Whitworth, ecrs, James Monroe and John Wil-
Michael Murphy, and John Mor- son.

risey. Acting Second Assistant Engin-
Acting Assistant Paymaster, Henry  eers, E. L. Morse and Philip All-
Gerrard. man.

Acting Assistant Surgeon, Joseph Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
G. Bell. Robert D. Wright, James W.
APPENDIX. 467

Quinn, James Morris, and Thomas Atter, John L. Hall, William Ed-
J. Myers. gar, and Charles 8. Lyons.
Acting Master’s Mates, Henry C. Acting Gunner, Robert Sherman.

Monitor ‘‘ Manhattan.”
Commander, J. W. A. Nicholson. Acting First Assistant Engineer,

Lieutenant, E. M. Schoonmaker. William H. Miller.

Acting Master, Robert B. Ely. Acting Second Assistant Engineers,

Acting Chief Engineer, C. L. Carty. James B. Farrand and Thomas

Assistant Surgeon, John H. Austin. Finnie.

Acting Assistant Paymaster, H. G. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
Thayer. Edward Misset, Charles F. Stroud,

Acting Ensigas, John B. Trott, and Harrie Webster.
George B. Mott, and Peter France.

Steamer ‘* Galena.”
Lieutenant-Commander, Clark H. P. Wright.

Welles. Acting Ensigns, Henry Pease, Jr.,
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Chas. and Sanford S. Miner.

W. Wilson. Second Assistant Engineers, Charles
Acting Master, D. W. C. Kells. H. Greenleaf and John A. Scot.
First Assistant Engineer, William G. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,

Buehler. Patrick Burns and William
Acting Assistant Paymaster, Theo- | Welcker.

dore Kitchen. Acting Master’s Mates, Francis Tut-

Acting Assistant Surgeon George tle and James H. Delano.

Steamer “« Conemaugh.”

Lieutenant-Commander, J. C. P. De- Acting First Assistant Engineer, A

Krafft. Lapoint.
Acting Masters, J. W. Staplefordand Acting Second Assistant Engineers,
James F. Alcorn. P. H. Kendricken and Robert

Assistant Surgeon, J. J. Allingham. Whitehill.

Acting Assistant Paymaster, C. BE. Acting Third Assistant Engineers, J.
Taylor. F. Knowlton and Thomas Kidd.
Acting Ensigns, William A. Byrnes, Acting Master’s Mates, John Bow-
J. D. Hademan, and William F. man, John K. Myttinger, and Wil-

Dolliver. liam Campbell.

Steamer “ Port Royal”

Lieutenant-Commanders, Bancroft | Fortesque 8. Hopkins.
Gherardi and Thomas C, Bowen. Acting First Assistant Minguieer.
Acting Masters, Edward Herrick and Fletcher A. Wilson.

Thomas M. Gardner. Second Assistant Engineers, Francis
Acting Assistant Surgeon, Edward 8B. Allen and Henry Snyder.

R. Hutchins. Acting Second Assistant Engineer,
Acting Assistant Paymaster, Frank John B. McGavern.

K. Moore. Third Assistant Engineer, W. C. F.

Acting Ensigns, William Hull and Reichenbuck.
468 ‘APPENDIX.

Acting Master’s Mates, Eugene V. liam A. Prescott, snd Samuel 8.
Tyson, Henry D. Baldwin, Wil- Bumpus,

Steamer ‘‘ Metacomet.”
Lieutenant-Commander, James _E. Jobn White, and Henry C. Nields.

Jouett. —" “~-Birgst: Assistant Engineer, James At-
~ Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Henry kins.
J. Sleeper. Second Assistant Engineer, George
Acting Masters, N. M. Dyer and  P. Hunt.
John O. Morse. Third Assistant Engineers, George B.
Acting Assistant Surgeon, E. D. Rodgers, James H. Nash, and D.
Payne. W. King.
Acting Assistant Paymaster, H. M. Acting Master’s Mates, J. K. Good-
Hamman. win and Rufus N. Miller.

Acting Ensigns, George E. Wing, Pilot, John H. Collins.

Steamer “ Octorara.”
Lieutenant-Commander, Charles H. William W. Shipman and M. N.

Greene. McEntee.
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Wil- Second Assistant Engineer, Rozeau
liam D. Urann. B. Plotts.
Acting Masters, H. §. Young and Acting Second Assistant Engineer,
Henry R. Billings. Jarol Huber.
Assistant Surgeon, Edward R. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
Dodge. Joseph Knight and Gustar W.
Acting Assistant Paymaster, Joseph Best.
H. Pynchon. Acting Master’s Mates, George P. Gif-
Acting Ensign, George H. Dodge. ford and George W. Adams.

Acting First Assistant Engineers,

Steamer “‘ Kennebec.”
Lieutenant-Commander, William P. Acting Ensigns, John J. Butler,

McCann. Hosea E. Tinkham, and Joseph D.
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Ed- Ellis.

ward Baker. Second Assistant Engineers, Lewis
Acting Assistant Paymaster, Edward §W. Robinson and John 8. Pearce.

T. Barker. Acting Third Assistant Engineer,
Acting Assistant Surgeon, George James Eccles.

W. Hatch.

Steamer “ Sebago.”

Lieutenant-Commandcr, William E. Acting First Assistant Engineer,
Fitzhugh. William Morris.

Acting Master, Jerome B. Rogers. Acting Second Assistant Engineer,

Acting Assistant Surgeon, T. Mun- W. P. Agers. :

sen Coan. Acting Third Assistant Engincers,
Assistant Paymaster, Henry A. Robert Miller, Bernard Kerby, and
Strong. Franklin Babcock.

Acting Ensigns, Chas. B. Dorrance, Acting Master’s Mates, Thomas Ells-
E. D. Martin, and Sam’1G. Blood. mon and Ephraim R. Foster.
APPENDIX. 469

Steamer “ Pinola.”
Lieutenant-Commander, Oscar F. Second Assistant Engineer, Howard

Stanton. D. Potts.
Acting Assistant Paymaster, A. B. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
Robinson. Samuel A. Appold, Philip Ketler,
Acting Assistant Surgeon, A. T. Francis E. Hasmer, and Patrick H.
Hanson. Friel.

Acting Ensigns, Charles V. Rum- Acting Master’s Mate, John Ros-
mell, James W. Brown, William ling.
Symonds, and Albion P. Gibbs.

Steamer “ Itasca.”

Lieutenant - Commander, George James Igo, and Edward 8S. Lowe.
Brown. Second Assistant Engineers, John
Acting Master, Richard Hustace. Bothwick and George C. Irelan.
Acting Assistant Paymaster, Alfred Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
G. Lathrop. : Charles A. Laws and Alfred
Acting Assistant Surgeon, Henry Hort.
Brockwood. Acting Master’s Mates, L. E. Heath

Acting Ensigns, Charles H. Hurd, and Marcus Chapman.

Steamer “ Pembina.”
Lieutenant-Commander, J. G. Max- Putnam, and Charles L. Crandall.

well. Second Assistant Engineers, James
Acting Master, Bowen Allen. W. Sidney and Richard M. Hodg-
Acting Assistant Surgeon, A. R. son.

Holmes. Third Assistant Engineer, Charles
Acting Paymaster, Walter Fuller. F. Nagle.

Acting Ensigns, William Lyddon, Acting Master’s Mates, Henry T.
Braddock M. Chester, Charles Davis.

Monitor ‘‘ Chickasaw.”
Lieutenant-Commander, George H. Acting First Assistant Engineer,

Perkins. Charles Chadwick.
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Wm. Acting Second Assistant Engineers,
Hamilton. Elisha P. Bartlett, James J. Ma-
Acting Masters, Ezekiel D. Percy ratta, and Thomas H. Nelson.
and E. B. Pike. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
Acting Chief Engineer, William Albert H. Goff, Sarill Whitehead,
Rodgers. . Alexander H. Wiggins, Alfred
Acting Assistant Paymaster, Ed- Wilkinson, Henry Wentworth,
mund S. Wheeler. and George Harris.
Acting Assistant Surgeon, Garrett D. Acting Master’s Mates, Allen A.
Buckner. Mann, M. F. Kershaw, M. G.
Acting Ensigns, George L. Jorden Jones, and F. A. Case.
and J. Louis Harris. . Gunner, John A. McDonald.

Steamer ‘‘ J. P. Jackson.”

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, 8. W. Acting Assistant Surgeon, Thomas
Pennington. 8. Yard.
470 APPENDIX.

Acting Assistant Paymaster, Charles Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
B. Perry. James D. Cadwell, Albert Mayer,
Acting Ensigns, Robert Henderson, John E. Hease, and L. R. Bur-
William H. Howard, and Joseph goyne.
H. Wainwright. Acting Master’s Mates, Achilles Ka-
Acting Second Assistant Engineer, linski and Charles Heath.
Charles Goodwin.

Steamer ‘* Cowslip.”
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Charles Acting Master’s Mate, Jacob Teal.

G. Arthur. Acting Third Assistant Engineer,
Acting Ensign, John Dennett. J. R. Davidson.
Acting Second Assistant Engineer, Acting Master’s Mates, Frederick A.
Benjamin 8. Cook. Grass, Jr., and J. P. Canfield.
Acting Third Assistant Engineer, Acting Second Assistant Engineer,
John Miller. John Rogers.

Acting Master, William T. Bacon.

Steamer ‘* Stockdale.”
Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Thom- Acting Third Assistant Engineers,

as Edwards. William Cromwell and Ambrose
Acting Master, Spiro V. Bennis. Kimball.
Acting Assistant Paymaster, John Acting Master’s Mates, Frederick H.
W. Day. Johnson, Charles H. Cleveland,

Acting Second Assistant Engineer, and Daniel Dennis.
Alexander M. Geary.

Steamer ‘‘ Buckthorn.”

Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Com- Acting Second Assistant Engineer,
manding, Washington Godfrey. Robert A. Copeland.

Acting Master’s Mates, Benjamin F. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
Robinson, Henry J. Wyned, and Edward R. Hubbard and Alfred
Henry A. Mayo. QO. Tilden.

Steamer ‘‘ Genessec.”

Acting Master, George E. Nelson. Second Assistant Engineers, F. D.
Acting Assistant Paymaster, Charles Stewart and Thomas Fitzgerald.

H. Lockwood. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
Assistant Surgeon, Francis H. At- George W. Kiersted and Thomas
kins. Campbell.

Acting Ensign, William F. Bacon. Acting Master’s Mates, H. E. Giraud
Acting First Assistant Engineer, and A. H. Morgan.
David Frazier.

Steamer “‘ Glasgow.”
Acting Master, Richard J. Hoffner. Robert 8. Lytle.

Acting Ensign, Charles Welles. Acting Third Assistant Engineer,
Second Assistant Engineer, John F. John McAutiffe.
Bingham. Acting Master’s Mates, John F. Ba-

Acting Second Assistant Engineer, kerand William Jones.
APPENDIX. 471

Steamer ‘ Estrella.”

Acting Master, G. P. Pomeroy. Acting First Assistant Engineer,

Acting Ensign, W. W. Duley. Robert G. Pope.

Acting Assistant Surgeon, W. H. Acting Third Assistant Engineers,
Kinney. Geo. R. Marble and Jas. F. Winters.

Acting Assistant Paymaster, Peter Acting Master’s Mates, E. G. Caswell
H. Taws. and F. A. Sherman.

Steamer “ Narcissus.”
Acting Ensign, William G. Jones. cake.

Acting Third Assistant Engineers, Acting Master’s Mates, Charles R.
John L. Young and William Pan- Marple and Edward A. Moorse.
INDEX.

(GS Ses arso List of VESSELS AND OFFICERS AT BATTLES OF MoBiLe
: AND New ORLEANS.

Note.—Much care has been taken to make a correct Index, but the won-
derful orthography of reports and correspondence makes the task a very

uncertain one.

In another edition we will make corrections where errors

are discovered or brought to our notice in time.

The names of those who were killed in battle, or who died of their wounds, are
distinguished by a *,

Able, Barton, 20.
Ackerman, F. F. engineer, 52, 297.
Acklen, Colonel, 414.

*Adams, Michael, seaman, 386, 46.
Adams, Richard, gunner, 51.
Adams, Henry, capt. chap. i.
Adams, colonel, chap. ii.

Agen, H. H. seaman, 66.

Akin, George, engineer, 52, 297.

Alden, commodore, 211, 236.

Allen, captain, 430.

Allen, master’s mate, 212.

Anderson, colonel, Conf. 488.

Armstrong, commodore, U. 5. N.,
chap. i.

Armstrong, J. engineer, 52. es

*Armstrong, colonel, Conf. chap. iii.
Arnold, M. qr. master, 161.
Arthur, Matthew, qr. master, 379.
Asboth, general, U. 8. A. 342.
Atkinson, G. H. engineer, 52, 393.
Attenborough, H. pilot, 52.
Austin, J. G. gunner, 51.

Avilla, W. seaman, 66.
Bartlett, E. W. lieut. 442.
Bates, T. M. master, 50.
Baldwin, ©. lieut. chap. xi.
Baldwin, master, 442.
Baldwin, R. G. pilot, 52, 297.

*Baker, C. W. seaman, 85. .
Bailey, captain, U. 8. N. chap. xi.
Bailey, J. M. ensign, 443. .
Bailey, rear-admiral, chap. xxi.

[473]

 

Bache,
xxiii.
Baker, G. L. engineer, 393.
Bache, clerk, 212.
Banks, gen. U.S. A., chap. xxi)
Bartholomew, L. master, 219.
Barton, W. engineer, 393.
Bannon, D. R. surgeon, 393.
Baldwin, Wm. pilot, 354.
Bausman, R. A. master, 51, 296.
Bates, N. L. surgeon, 392.
Bates, F. ensign, 393.
Berryman, O. H. lieut., 2.
*Bell, lieut. Conf. 43.
Bell, H. com. chap. xi.
*Bedard, James, seaman, 66.
Beauchamp, H. surgeon, chap
xii, xix, xxi.
Beauregard, gen. Conf., 292.
Bently, C. master, 52.
Bishop, Joshua, lieut. 32, 50, 278,
283, 442.
Bishop, W. H. engineer, 53.
Bixby, H. E. pilot, 50, 296.
Bissell, colonel, U. 8. A., chap. vii,
viii, ix.
a R. E. pilot, 50, 251, 258, 296,

lieut. com. chap. xvii-

Blaisdell, Charles, engineer, 51.
Black, Sam. master, 52.
Blessing, C. W. engineer, 52.
Blanchard, F. E. master, 219.

Bleakney, W. C. engineer, 296.
474.

Blackford, J. T. ensign, 393.
Bostwick, Sam. engineer, 50, 296.
Boggs, commodore, chap. xi.
Boggs, carpenter, 51.
Bond, D. E. master, 52, 297.
*Boyer, 8. seaman, 66.
Bowers, D. C. ensign, 443.
Boyle, Robert, master-at-arms, 338.
Brannais, E. J. capt. U. 8. V. 412.
Brown, master’s mate, 400.
Brown, J. N. captain, Conf. 22,
328, 824,
Browne, W. R., master’s mate, 51.
Brown, Henry, master, 219.
Brown, G. W. master, 219, 409, 441.
*Brooks, surgeon, Conf. chap. iii.
Bors 8. 5. engineer, 51, 134, 261,
2

Brooks, J. C. captain, marines, 443.
Brockett, L. P., 112.
Broom, colonel, marines, 241, 242.
*Breas, J. P. seaman, 65.
Breeze, K. R. lieut. com., chap.
xi, xxiii, Ap.
Brady, J. J. Conf. pilot, 324.
*Brennard, E. E. master’s mate,
chap. iii, iv, viii, xii, xiv, xxiii, Ap.
Brennan, E. C. master, 392.
Bray, O., engineer, 50, 296, 392.
*Brittan, 8. B. master’s mate, chap.
iv.
*Brice, J. T. seaman, 66.
Bryant, W. C. lieut. com. iv, xii,
xiv.
Bryant, J. 8. ensign, 347, 358, 392.
Buchanan, F. capt. chap. ii, xxvi.
Buford, colonel, U. S. A., chap.
iii, vi, ix.
Buford, F. gunner, 134, 297.
Buckner, J. H. surgeon, 52.
Buckner, general, Conf. 88.
Bunne, W. C. master, 442.
Bunner, J. C. master, 409.
Butler, B. F. general, chap. xi.
*Butler, major, Conf., 43.
Burns, Thomas, master, 52, 297.
Burk, J. H. captain, Conf. 258, 297.
Bull, B. engineer, 388.
Burns, Jerome, carpenter, 393.
Cahoone, B. paymaster, 13.
Carroll, Richard, carpenter, 33, 53.
Caven, C. H. engineer, 51, 134, 261,
296, 393.
Canida, J. O. pilot, 51.
Canby, general, U. 8. A., 487.
Carswell, M. engineer. 52, 297.
*Casady, P. seaman, 66.
Caldwell, C. H. B. lieut. com.

xi.
Campbell, Arc, surveyor, 217, 338.

 

INDEX.

Campbell, Alex. seaman, chap. xxii.
Cavelline, N. 291.

Carter, Richard, engineer, 393.
Chapel, D. engineer, 51, 296.
Chase, Wm. H. col. Conf. 4.
Chamberlain, lieut. pilot, 359.
Church, C. gunner, 52.
Christian, A. master, 219.
Churchill, general, Conf. 345.
Clapp, Lafayctte, surgeon, 392.
Clemens, E. B. engineer, 51, 393.
Clemson, J. Y. master, 52.
Clark, E. M. ensign, 393.

Cooper, Jas. N. gunner, 12.

* Cox, Charles, 29.

Cox, John, engineer, 51.
Coleman, Wm. H. paymaster, 32, 53.
Coleman, 8. B. ensign, 393.
Colemon, F. T. master, 53, 3938.
Cook, colonel, U. 8. A., 42, 47.
Cook, T. engineer, 52.
Codd, Wm. captain, Conf. 290.
*Coffey, James, seaman, 66.
Collins, John, master, 219.
*Craven, commander, chap. xxvi.
Conway, D. captain, 361.
Conway, W. qr. master, 6, 12, 13.
Costello, John, seaman, 66.
*Crowell, A. F. engineer, 261.
Coffenbury, H. A. ensign, 393.
Coyle, J. C. ensign, 442.
Crandall, J. R. captain, marines,
Craven, commodore, chap. Xi.
*Crowell, A. F. master’s mate, 51,
184, 297.
Crosby, lieut. com. chap. xi.
Crocker, master’s mate, 294.
Cutter, R. H. master, 66.
Curtis, Wm. seaman, 66.
Curtis, general, U. 8. A. 327.
ae G. W. gen. U. 8. A., 171,
Cullen, James, seaman, 338.
Curry, D. H. carpenter, 393.
ery G. E. lieut. col. marines,
Davis, Jefferson, Conf., 30.
Davis, O. 8. armorer, 82.
Davis, Charles H. rear-admiral,
chap. xii, xiii, xiv, xv, xvi.
Dalzell, R. master, 442.
Dalton, M. seaman, 66.
Dahlgren, C. B. ensign, 354, 409.
Dennis, general, 405.
Decker, W. H. ensign, 3938.
Degicmat, Charles F. engineer, 51,
Deming, John, pilot, chap. viii, ix,
xiv, Xvili, xix, xxi.
INDEX.

DeCamp, John, captain, 211, 236.
gee ‘W. H. H. master’s mate,
Delaney, J. C. captain, Conf., 297.
Devereux, J. G. general, Conf., 341.
Deer Stephen, lieutenant,
*Dixon, D. gunner, chap. i.
*Donahoe, B. J. paymaster, 398.
Dorety, John, master, 51.
Dominy, C. master, 51, 298.
Donaldson, O. carpenter, 51, 85
134, 296.
Dougherty, John, chap. iii.
Donaldson, lieut. com., chap. xi.
Donelson, O. ensign, 393.
Dove, B. M. com., chap. iv, v, vi,
xiv, xxiii.
Dowing, C. lieut., 409, 442.
Drew, J. J. master’s mate, 393.
Dryden, captain, master, 285.
Drayton, P. com. chap. xxvi.
Duble, J. A. master, 52. ;
*Duff, Wm. seaman, 85.
Duffy, T. D. pilot, 296.
Duff, J. G. master, 50.
Dunn, R. W. paymaster, 12.
Dunn, M. master, 33, 53.
Dunnington, J. W. col. Conf., chap.
vii, ix.
Duncan, J. K. general, Conf., 225.
Dumont, F. H. master’s mate, 348.
Eads, Jas. B. naval cons., 17, 18, 53.
Eagle, John W. seaman, 63.
Edwards, John, seaman, 138.
Ellett, Charles, col., chap. xiii, xiv,
xvii.
Ellett, Charles R. 399, 448.
Ellett, J. A. lieut. col., chap. xiv,
Xv, xxii.
Ellett, A. W. general, U. S. A.,
851, 443. :
Elliter, Julius, engineer, 393.
Eltringham, R. ensign, 448.
Erben, lieut., chap. i, xii.
Farrand, E. com., 3, 5, 6.
Falkner, W. D. engineer, 24, 50,
134, 260. os s sees
Farragut, adm. chap. ii, vii, xi, xiii,
XV, XvViii, xxvi.
Faulkner, W. H. engineer, 51.
Falkerson, I. L. captain, Conf., 297.
Fairfoul, H. W. engineer, 392.
Farmer, Benj. engineer, 392.
Ferry, T. P. master, 51.
Felton, C. L. master’s mate, 51,
296.
Fentress, W. E. master, 409, 442.
Fendall, surveyor, 410.
Fitzpatrick, James, master, 33, 58.

?

 

475

Fitch, captain, 442.
Fitch, col., chap. xii, xiii, xiv.
Fitch, lieut. com., 407, 442.
Flanagan, M. E. ensign, 442.
Fletcher, armorer, 51.
Foote, chap. ii, and following.
Ford, Wm., pilot, chap. iv.
Follett, F. M. surgeon, 398.
*Ford, Marsh, pilot, 22, 51, 58, 64,66.
Ford, John, master, 400.
Fokeman, Wm. seaman, 66.
Foltz, Dr. fleet surgeon, 212.
Foss, Stephen, assis’t sur., 297.
Foster, J. P., lieut. 441.
Fouty, G. W. master, 442.
Fremont, gen., chap. ii, viii.
Friesner, captain, 413.
Friganza, R. constructor, 24.
Friganza, Joseph, carpenter, 50,
Fraser, A. master, 52, 297.
Frost, H. F. paymaster’s clerk, 348,
Fry, Joe, captain, 298.
French, J. A. lieut., 442.
Fulton, J. P. engineer, 51, 296, 398.
Furber, E. G. master, 219.
Gaiver, G. W. surgeon, 33, 53.
Gaugh, I. D. pilot, 52.
Galaway, correspondent, 127.
.Garleck, G. W. ensign, 393.
Gandy, J. lieut., 409.
Getty, Robert, master, 51, 235, 442.
Gerdes, surveyor, 217, 228.
Gilman, lieut. U. 8. A., 4, 6, 8
Gilmore, T. L. master’s mate, 51,
131, 184, 297.
Gibson, J. S. master, 184, 145, 290,
297

Glassford, H. lieut., 442.
Glerum, gunner, 294.
Goodman, S. master, 441.
Gough, Oliver, engineer, 388.
Gondy’ Jacob, master, 32, 58, 442.
Goble, Samuel B. engineer, 32, 53.
Goble, J. B. engineer, 393.
*Goble, Ed. W. engineer, 32, 53.
Godfrey, W. master, 219.
Gollender, Geo. seaman, 388.
Gould, C. H. paymaster, 393.
Grant, general, chap. ii, ili, iv, v, vi,
Xvii, Xix, xxi, xxiii, xxiv, Ap.
Grant, master, 442.
Gray, Charles C. master, 51.
Gray, James B. master’s mate, 51.
Granger, col. U. S. A., 170, 177.
Graham, J. D. master, 219.
*Gramper, H. seaman, 66.
Gregory, T. B. carpenter, 52, 442,
Gregory, master, 256.
Grady, 8. O. ensign, 392.
Graham, captain, 316.
476

Groove, G. D. master, 296.
Grove, J. G. master, 441.
Greeley, Horace, 233.
Greer, J. A. lt. com., 856, 392, 407.
Green, Thomas H. gunner, 393.
Green, F. C. gunner, 393.
Gunn, J. M. paymaster, 51.
Gunn, C. G. paymaster, 52.
Guest, John, lieut., chap. xi.
Gulick, C. H. ensign, 443.

*Gwin, Wm. lieut. com., chap. iv,

V, XV, Xvii, xix.
Hamilton & Collier, 19, 95.
Hamilton, Phil. lawyer, 5.
Hamilton, H. gunner, 52.
Hamilton, general, U. 8. A., 122.
Hamilton, W. F. lieut., 409, 442.
Hall, gunner, 52.
Hall, Charles H. ensign, 393.
Hall, Wm. pilot, 33.
Hals, Wm. H., 412.
Halliday, J. J. major, marines, 443.
Halleck, general, U. 8. A., chap. iv,
vii, viii, ix.

Haering, Jacob, lieut., 412.
Hass, colonel, U. 8. A., chap. xi.
Harrison, 8. C. master, 51, 296.
Harrison, lieut. com., chap. xi.
Harris, surveyor, 217, 218. -
Harris, Wm. ensign, 443.
Hart, J. H. captain, Conf., chap.

xii.
Harte, W. H. master, 51.
Hartshorne, I. E. Conf., chap. xii,
xiv.
Hardy, J. J. engineer, 393.
Harrington, B. H. lieut. com., 66.
Harrell, lieut. com., chap. xi.
Harkins, H. J. ensign, 393.
Hartnett, J. M. ensign, 393.
Hartupee, J. W. engineer, 32, 52,
297, 886, 389, 393.
Handford, W. C. ensign, 409.
Handy, A. W. engineer, 51, 296.
Hastings, L. W. master’s mate, 393.
Hazelton, midshipman, 241.
Hazlitt, H. N. master, 52, 297.
Heizermanse, ensign, 443.
Henry, G. major, Conf., 43.
Hentig, G. master, 441.
Henriques, 8. paymaster, 50, 296.
Herron, general, U. 8. A., 409.
Higgins, colonel, Conf., chap. xi.
Hilliard, Jos. engineer, 388.
Hill, Eben B. engineer, 348, 392.
Higbee, W. T. master’s mate, 348,
392

Hiner, David, pilot, 20, 23, 43, 44,
53.
Hiner, Wm. pilot, 354.

 

INDEX.

*Hinton, Wm. pilot, 22, 61.
Hoel, Wm. R. lieut. com., chap. iv,
vii, viii, xvii, xxi, xxii, xxiii.
Hose, Wm. R. pilot, 51.
Hollins, commodore, Conf., chap. ii,
vii, xii.
Holmes, general, Conf., 422.
Hollingsworth, G. W. engineer, 51.
Holt, Mrs., 364.
*Hodges, John, pilot, 324.
Horman, engineer, 388.

| Hottendorf, captain, U. 8. V., 124,

125, 145, 177.

Houghtaling, colonel, U. 8S. A.,
chap. ix.

Hovey, general, U. S. A., 333.

Hubbell, Hon. J. L. of Ohio, 68.

Hubbell, master, 425.

Hubbell, C. J. ensign, 443.

Hubbell, captain, 426.

Hubbard, J. M. major, Conf., 448.

Huber, Joseph, engineer, 58.

Hunt, J. H. lieut. Conf., 297.

Hunt, Charles, lieut. U. 8. V., 413.

Hurd, J. 8. master, 33, 58, 409, 442.

Hussey, Martin, seaman, 66.

Irwin, lieut. 8.

Illinois Central R. R., 19.

Jarvis, Geo. A. 428.

*Jackson, Wm. Conf., 48.

Jack, C. E. master, 219, 220.

Jargenson, L. paymaster, 51, 296.

Jenks, A. A. engineer, 392.

Johnston, J. V. master, 50, 293,
297, 409, 442.

Johnson, Cave, 89.

Jones, G. E. surgeon, 61.

Jones, Charles, master’s mate, 393.

Jolly, O. B. pilot, 52, 297.

Jobson, F. G. master’s mate, 62,
297.

Jordan, 8. D. ensign, 393.

Kearney, T. H. surgeon, 82, 46, 53.

Kearney, James, master’s mate, 52.

Kelly, - ames P. paymaster, 347,

58, 892.

Been C. L. master, 52, 294,
297.

Kenny, G. W. carpenter, 297, 398.

Kendall, Wm. G. Conf., 258.

Ker, R. L. master, 296.

Keyes, Robt. pilot, chap. xviii, xix,
XXi.

Kenny, Lewis, ensign, 398.

Kettle, Chas. lieut. U. 8. V., 412.

Ketter, Louis, lieut. U. 8. V., 412.

Kelly, John M. ensign, 448.

Kilty, A. H. commodore, chap. ii,
iv, vi, X, xii, xiv.

Kinney, Alex. master, 51.
INDEX.

Kinsey, J. surgeon, 51.
Kisner, Wm. master’s mate, 392.
King, E. M. master, 442.
Laning, James, master, 51, 59.
*Lany, John, seaman, 66.
Tangrhorne, A. R. master, 219, 398,
ae W. W. captain, Conf., 258,
Labach, Rev. Isaac P., 348.
Lamport, R. T. master’s mate, 393.
Lawrence, J. major, U. 8. V., 442.”
Lewis, J. H. paymaster, 51.
Lewis, H. ensign, chap. xxi.
Leacock, J. G. seaman, 85.
Lee, captain, U. 8. N., chap. xi.
Leonard, W. H. W. captain, Conf.,
257, 297.
Lees, Wm. J. ensign, 392.
Lister, J. W. carpenter, 392.
Limon, G. D. engineer, 51.
Lord, G. P.. master’s mate, 32, 36,
50, 296, 442.
Lord, G. 8. master, 338.
Long, Robert, engineer, 50, 296.
Lovejoy, 8. engineer, 52.
Lovell, general, Conf., 208.
Lovell, S. O. master’s mate, 348, 392.
Louden, B. 66.
Lowndes, C. G. paymaster, 392.
Louglands, R. H. ensign, 393.
Lucas, pilot, 326.
Ludlow, John, surgeon, 50, 246.
ee W. T. lieut. U. S. V., 380,
Lynch, Alex. seaman, 338.
Lyon, Geo. A. paymaster, 393.
Mack, Eugene, gunner, 408
Marshall, B. armorer, 52.
Marshall, 8. H. captain, U. 8. A.,
145, 170.
Marsh, H. C. master’s mate, 348.
Manning, J. engineer, 52, 297.
Mathews, C. H. master’s mate, 52.
*Mathews, Jack, seaman, 62, 66.
Madill, R. H. carpenter, 52.
Massey, Geo. seaman, 66.
Maxey, W. H. seaman, 66.
Maguire, H. seaman, 106.
Mackall, general, Conf., chap. ix, x.
*Markham, A. seaman, 85.
Maynadier, captain, U. 8. A., 284.
Martin, Jas. master, 52, 53.
McAdams, 8. H. master’s mate, 297.
McAfee, J. CO. engineer, 51.
McArthur, general, U. 8. A., 404.
*McBride, J. pilot, 22, 51, 64, 66,
296.
McBride, Sam. pilot, 51, 79.
McBride, cook, 106.

 

477

McCawley, C. G. col. U. 8. V., 16.
McCarty, P. master, 32.
*McCarty, N. seaman, 66.
McClernand, general, U. S. A,
chap. iii, iv, xvii.
McCamant, Joseph, pilot, 388.
McCoy, Amos D., Rev. 395, 401.
McDonald, J. A. gunner, 50.
McDonald, J. engineer, 52, 294.
McDill, M. D. surgeon, 62.
McElroy, T. gunner, 51.
*McFadden, seaman, 85.
McGee, A. engineer, 52.
McGarland, W. engineer, 52.
McGanigle, lieut. com., chap. xiii,
XIV.
McIntosh, Geo., 330.
McMillan, captain, 361.
McNeely, J. 8. surgeon, 51, 184,
246, 296.
Dh aero colonel, U. 8. A., 68,
9.
MeWilliams, John, engineer, 393.
Mead, George V. ensign, 393.
Meredith, W. H. engineer, 53.
Merritt, eng ineels 24,
Merriman, Ed. engineer, 393.
Mitchell, Wm. H. engineer, 393.
Mitchell, J. K. captain, Conf., chap.

xi.

Milligan, Wm. J. engineer, 388, 393.

Miller, E. W. engineer, 393.

Miller, ensign, 409.

Morton, gunner, 52.

Morse, W. C. master, 52, 297.

Morgan, E. P. master, 52.

Morgan, W. H. adj. general, 419.

Morgan, capt. Cont., 74, 356.

Morgan, colonel, U. 8. A., 177.

Morgan, Ed. master, chap. xviii.

Morgan, J. M. ensign, 347, 358.

Morgan, Paul, master’s mate, 348,
892.

Mordan, Ed. vol. lieut., 392.

Moran, J. L. ensign, 392.

Morris, capt. U. 8. N., chap. i, xi.

Montgomery, commodore, Conf.,
chap. xii, xiv.

Mower, general, U. 8. A., 405.

Mullen, T. seaman, 66.

Murry, L. paymaster, 52, 297.

Murphy, J. McLeod, lieut., chap.
xviii, xix, xxi, xxiii, Ap.

Murray, pilot, 261.

Nelson, Chas. ensign, 393.

Nexsen, G. J. W. paymaster, 51,
134, 297.

Nichols, J. F. master’s mate, 52.

*Nichols, Geo. seaman, 66.
Nichols, lieut. com., chap, xi.
478

Noble, C. P. master, 52.

Norton, M. engineer, 52, 393.

Oglesby, col., 27, 48.

Oltmans, surveyor, 217, 218.

Osborn, clerk, 212.

Owen, lieut. com., chap. xvii, xviii,
xxi, xxiii, Ap.

Owens, W. R. ensign, 443.

Owens, John, seaman, 85.

Ovatt, James, ensign, 393.

O’Brien, Wm. seaman, 66.

O’Hara, John, seaman, 66.

O’Neil, J. armorer, 52.

O’Neil, lieut. pilot, 359.

O’Grady, H. 8. ensign, 392.

Page, general, Conf., 438.

Paine, general, U. 8. A., 151, 171.

Palmer, J. B. colonel, U. 8. A., 144,
177.

Palmer, commodore, U. 8. N., 897.

Parker, T. M. master, 51, 296.

Parkinson, J. C. engineer, 51, 296.

Paul, J. R., engineer, 347, 392.

Paulding, lieut. com., chap. iv, v, vi,
X, Xxili.

Paulding, J. F. master’s mate, 52.

Paulding, L. P. master, 297.

Pavey, E. R. engineer, 393.

Pendergrast, commodore, U. 8. N.,

hs

Pennock, A. M. captain, 20, 24, 50,
119, 120,407.

Perry, O. H. lieut. U. 8. N., 24.

Peters, H. gunner, 32, 53.

Perkins, C. G. master, 51, 441.

Pearce, John, master, 51.

Pennington, L. W. master, 219.

Phelps, general, U. 8. A., chap. xi.

Phelps, master, 441.

Phelps, lieut., chap. ii, iii, iv, v, x,
xii, xiv, xv, xxiii, xxv, Ap.

Phelps, Alfred, paymaster, 52.

Phillips, Job, boy, 65.

Phillips, J. J. seaman, 66.

Phinney, A. master, 219.

Pillow, general, Conf., 26, 48, 86.

Pike, captain ordnance, 285, 287.

Polk, general, chap. ii, iii, xxii.

Polk, R J. lieut. Conf., 156.

Pool, Syl. master, 33, 53.

Pope, general, chap. vii, viii, ix, x,
xii.

Porter, W. D. commander, chap. ii,
iv, v.

Porter, D. D. commodore, chap. xi,
Xvi, xvii, xviii, xix, xx, xxi, xxii,
xxili, xxiv, xxv, Ap.

Poplar, carpenter, 393.

Price, general, Conf., 48.

Price, George, gunner, 348, 392.

 

INDEX.

Price, John, lieut., 409.
Pritchet, Jas. M. flag lieut., 50, 407,
Pratt, Max, engineer, 392.
Pratt, O. H. master, 51, 66.
Preble, lieut. com., 211, 236.
Proctor, Baron, paymaster, 52.
Prentiss, general, Conf., 409, 425.
Queen, H. W. lieut. com., 219, 220,
222,
Quimby, general, U. 8. A., 270.
Quin, T. A. ensign, 393.
Quigley, Jas. L. ensign, 443.
Ramsey, F. M. lieut., chap. xxiii,
xxv, Ap.
Randolph, captain, Conf., 12.
Randolph, P. H. ensign, 392.
Ransom, lieut. com., 211, 236.
Ramsay, Alan, captain marines,
241, 407, 425.
Rawlins, colonel, U. 8. A., 68.
Rennell, A. F. ensign, 442.
Reen, master, 409.
*Renshaw, F. B. lieut. Conf., chap.

i, Xi.
*Reynolds, H. seaman, 66.
*Reynolds, C. W. engineer, 393.
Reynolds, master, 266.
Reed, J. F. master, 392.
Rhind, A. C. lieut. com., chap. ii.
Hidpeley: Chas. W. engineer, 50,
Rice, Thomas, surgeon, 51, 68, 393.
*Richardson, Albert, seaman, 85.
Richardson, lieut., 409.
*Riley, Frank, pilot, 22, 52.
Riley, R. A. master, 51.
Riley, Michael, master, 399.
Rivers, J. H. master’s mate, 442.
Rhodes, H. H. armorer, 51.
Richardson, J. F. pilot, 442.
Roberts, James, Dr., 448.
Rodgers, John, commodore, chap.
ii, iv.
*Rodgers, G. W. captain, 22.
Rogers, W. P. master, 219.
Rollins, Charles, armorer, 52.
Rooney, W. B. seaman, 85.
Roberts, colonel, 106, 107, 187, 156,
158, 179.
Robinson, gunner, 294.
Rockford, Rich. carpenter, 392.
Rosecrans, general, 407.
Rowe, A. M. engineer, 347.
Roddy, T. O. master, 442
Ross, captain, Conf., 86.
Russell, T. carpenter, 32, 53.
Russell, lieut. com., 211, 236.
Ruth, D. L. paymaster, 393.
Rumse, M. B. ensign, 443.
INDEX.

Rogers, G. W. master, 398.

Rogers, G. W. carpenter, 52.

Rogers, C. R. P. captain, 22.

Sanford, J. P. lieut. U. S. N., 24,
50, 411.

Sandford, G. engineer, 52.

Savage, H. H. master, 219.

eee F. G. ensign, 347, 358,

2.

Scantan, CO. 8. master’s mate, 393.

Scott, colonel, 174.

Scott, John, master’s mate, 398.

Scott, Charles M. pilot, 43.

Scott, John, master, 50, 441.

Scot, master, 335.

Sebastian, John, pilot, 32, 53, 319.

Sebastian, Charles, pilot, 32. ~

Sebastian, B. master, 52.

Selfridge, T. O. lieut. com., chap.
xvii, xxiii, Ap.

‘Scoville, J. A. master’s mate, 51.

Shaw, Ed. master, 32, 442.
Shirk, lieut. com., chap. ii, iv, vi,
ix, xiv, xvii, xxi, xxiii, Ap.
Shields, Wm. gunner, 393.
Sherman, Robt, master’s mate, 51.
Sherman, W. J. engineer, 52.
Sherman, general, Preface, chap.
xviii, xix.
Shell, P. master’s mate, 52.
Shuster, captain, Conf., 86.
Simonton, H. master’s mate, 392.
Slemmer, lieut. U. 8. A., 3, 6, 8.
Slocum, master’s mate, 348, 392.
Smith, Thomas, armorer, 52.
Smith, J. L. engineer, 52, 297.
Smith, colonel, U. 8. V., 170.
Smith, M. captain, chap. xi.
Bealls Charles Jr. master’s mate,
93

Smith, A. lieut., chap. xi.
Smith, W. lieut., chap. xvii.
es T. E. master, 219, 221, 409,

Smith, major gen. Conf., 340.

Smith, E. ensign, 347, 358.

Smith, Kirby, Conf., chap. xxii,
XXV.

Smith, T. V. lieut. 413.

Smith, Thomas, seaman, 338.

Snyder, W. master, 52.

Snyder, M. B. gunner, 51.

Soulin, B. seaman, 66.

Soymanski, colonel, Conf., 206.

South, Perry, engineer, 388, 393.

Specht, D. lieut. 412.

Stembel, R. M. lieut., chap. ii, iii,
iv, vi, vii, x, xii, xxiii.

Stevens, Elihu, armorer, 82, 53.

Stevenson, L. armorer, 51.

 

479

Starr, Job V. engineer, 50, 392.
Stanton, Hon. B. of Ohio, 68.
Stankoich, captain, Conf., 86.
Stewart, W. A. master, 51.
Stearne, P. J. engineer, 51.
Steel, Thomas, carpenter, 51.
Stemble, J. M. master’s mate, 52.
Stone, E. P. H. captain, 413.
Story, R. armorer, 33.
Stoops, George, carpenter, 51.
Strong, R. armorer, 53.
Stebbins, D. ensign, 393.
Stewart, capt. Conf., chap. iii.
Strauss, surveyor, 410.
Strope, W. H. ensign, 443.
Sullivan, F. seaman, 66.
Sutherland, E. W. captain, U. 8.
A., 335.
Swaney, J. master, 52, 297, 442.
Swartwout, captain, U. 8. N., 205.
Swinton, prof., Preface.
Taylor, A. F. paymaster, 33, 53.
Tate, Robert, engineer, 347, 392.
Taylor, general, Conf., 396.
*Terry, T. P. master, 64.
Tasers J. 8. pilot, 20, 23, 62,
Thompson, Jeff. general, Conf., 30,
258, 262, 291.
Thompson, Wm. K. master’s mate,
5

0.
Thompson, E. lieut. U. 8. N., chap.
iv, Vv, vi, X, Xii, xxiii.
Tilgham, general, Conf., 56, 57, 58.
*Torey, T. F. master, 66.
Tomey, Isaac, chap. i.
Turner, captain, 43.
ae A. M. general, U. S. A,
342.
Twiggs, general, U. S. A., 1.
Twitchell, T. J. master’s mate, 348,
359.
Underwood, pilot, 294.
Underwood, C. N. carpenter, 348,
362, 381.
Vail, A. L. surgeon, 51, 296.
Van Ness, R. I. clerk, 184.
Vroom, §. gunner, 33.
Vincent, F. ensign, 393.
*Wade, colonel, Conf., 382.
Wade, R. N. master, 51.
Wade, D. E. pilot, 52.
Waggener, Wm. ensign, 441.
Walke, com., chap. i, and follow-

ing.
Walke, H. A. master, 51.
Walker, G, W. master, 51.
*Walker, James, Conf., 43,
Walker, J. G. lieut. com., 325, 336,
407, 441.
480

Watson, J. OC. lieut. com., chap.
XXil.

Walke, Wm., 330.

Walsh, Stephen, seaman, 338.

Watts, major, A. G. Conf., 340.

Warren, H. G. master’s mate, 348.

Waterman, A. D. seaman, 66.
*Wainwright, lieut. com.,

xi.
Wardell, clerk, 212.
MeO, Cc. ©. gen. U.S. V2,
9.
Weils, H. N. master’s mate, 393.
Welles, Gideon, Preface, &c.
Weaver, D. E., 32, 51, 53, 184.
Webster, col., U. 8. A., 68.
Wetzel, J. engineer; 51.
*White, Peter, seaman, 66.
Welles, master’s mate, 418, 442.
Wise, G. D. paymaster, 24, 325.
Sapo 8. pilot, 33, 51, 278,
296.
Williamson, J. 8. engineer, 297.
Williams, capt. U. 8. A., 170.
*Williams, general, 312.
Williams, H. E. master, 219.

chap.

 

INDEX.

Wilson, B. lieut., 50, 299, 334, 835,
898, 408, 407, 442.
Wilson, A. master, 52, 131.
Wilson, W. H. surgeon, 52. 5
Wilson, T. master’s mate, chap. iv,
viii.
Wilson, D. gunner, 66.
*Wilson, F. seaman, 66.
ae J. engineer, 52, 297, 347,
2.

Wilcoxsen, John, engineer, 52.
Willets, N. B. gunner, 338, 392.
Wilkinson, R. ensign, 442.
Wisdom, judge, 89.
Winslow, captain, U. 8. N., 260.
Winslow, W. R. paymaster, 52, 297.
Wing, lieut. U. 8. A., 327.
Winram, 8. R. master’s mate, 392.
*Woodbury, paymaster, 22.
Woodcock, A. carpenter, 52.
Woodworth, §. E. lieut. com.,
chap. xi, xvii, xx, xxi, xxiii, Ap.
Wolfe, James, seaman, 46.
Worden, J. G. paymaster, 393.
Young, T. E. pilot, 52, 297.
Yocum, Mr. 93.

LIST OF NEWSPAPERS

AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS REFERRED TO IN THIS WORK.

Army and Navy Journal, chap. xi.

Brooklyn Daily Times, chap. i.

Century, chap. i.

Cincinnati Commercial,
viii, Xxv.

Cincinnati Enquirer, chap. iii.

Cincinnati Times, chap. xv.

Chicago Times, chap. v, vii, xv.

Chicago Tribune, chap. v, ix, Xv.

Daily Bulletin of Island No. 10,
chap. ix, x.

Frank Leslie’s Illustrated News,
chap. xv.

Jersey City Standard, chap. i.

Memphis Appeal, chap. iii, xii.

Memphis Argus, chap. xiv.

Missouri Democrat, chap. iii, vii, x,
xii, xiv.

Missouri Republican, v, viii.

Mound City Journal, chap. v. ix.

New Albany Ledger, chap. xxi.

New York Evening Post, chap. i.

New York World, chap. i.

New York Herald, chap. i. iii, xv.

New York Express, chap. i.

chap. iii,

 

New York Times, chap. viii, xi, xix,

EX.
Ohio State Journal, chap. iii, iv.
Pittsburg Evening Chronicle, chap.
X, xii.

Richmond Examiner, chap. ix, xi.
Richmond Newspapers, chap. ix.
Springfield Republican, Preface.
Draper’s History of the War, chap.

iv.
Headley, Farragut and Our Naval
Commanders, chap. ix, xii, xxi.
History of the Navy during the
Rebellion, chap. i, viii, x, xii, xv,

XX, Xxiii.

History of the Great Rebellion, chap.
vii, 1x, x, xii.

Life of General Grant, chap. iii.

Lossing, Civil War in America, chap.
vii, ix, x, xii.

Record of Living Officers of the
Navy, chap. v, xii.

Sherman, Memoirs, Preface.

Southern History of the War, chap.
iii, iv, v, ix, xvi.
oncongeess! FA R.15783.
A. BILL

Granting a pension to Julia Walke, widow
the late Rear-Admiral Henry Walke, 2’
rate of one hundred dollars per mont”

 

 

 

 

By Mr. WILson, of New Y

 

 

Marcu 19, 1897.—Referred to the Cor
Pensions and ordered to be prip’
  
 

TATLVES “OF |

_ The anaunieied, your: “mamorialigt: va: * retired Sfived ‘of the United
States Navy; would respectfully submit to your consideration, whether his
war record is not fully equal in merit, and as fully entitled: to. recognition,
as that of those officers of the navy, who-have received the thanks of Con-
gress, for'“‘eminent and conspicuous conduct in battle or’ extraorditiary
heroism.”’

The war service of your memorialist began. in the. war, bates the
United States and Mexico—he was present,at the surrender. of Vera Cruz,
Tuspan, and Tobasco, as executive officer the Bomb’ Brig‘ Vesuvius.”” .

In the late lamentable rebellion, he was first in command of the Untied
States Storeship ‘‘ Supply,” at Pensacola (1860-1861); where under extra-
ordinary difficulties, with the opposition of disaffected officers of all grades,
on shipboard and on shore, he rendered great and indispensable’ assistance
to Lieut. Slimmer of the army, in preventing. Fort Pickens and the ships in
une harbor. from being ee with the Eenenee Navy ‘Yard, by rein-
MeCrea and he a: the same time Teaoued a large number: ‘of. loyal people
from watt and imprisonment. The late Board of «Rear Admirals was
‘“‘especially struck with the highly ‘creditable’ and meritorious conduct ”
of the officers at Pensacola, in 1861, which: they’ thought ‘‘ liad a marked
and. important bearing. on the success of our-arms.’? Your memorialist
was’ the ‘commanding officer, after:the- surrender of the Navy Yard at Pen-
sacola, and, of course, assumed: all the responsibility of, conducting: the
naval operations in the harbor (which | resulted so benefi¢ially to our arms),
and. in .co- -operation with the officers of the army executed them.» And
although your memorialist was the chief actor in these highly creditable
operations, he was unjustly charged with a grave offense on that occasion,
for which -he now seeks reparation. This important service enabled our
government to regain possession of Florida, and the only naval port on the
Gulf of Mexico, and probably prevented the acknowledgment of the inde-
pendence of the Southern Confederacy by the British Government.

Your memorialist commanded the gunboats ‘‘Taylor’’ and ‘‘ Lexing-
ton’? at the battle of Belment (the first on the Mississippi), and protected
our army under Gen. Grant, while re-embarking, from the overwhelming
re-enforcements of the enemy, and prevented him from cutting off a portion
of our troops, on the retreat to the transports—for which service your
memorialist was highly commended in the official reports of that battle
by Gen. Grant, although it does not appear to have been reported to the
Navy Department, as it was not recognized officially.

He commanded the gunboat ‘‘Carondelet’’ at the battle of Fort Henry ;
which was the first decisive battle to test the strength of our gunboats
with that of the enemy’s forts on the western waters, when our success was
considered by the most eminent military officers to be extremely doubtful.
The ‘‘ Carondelet’ held her position in the front line of battle during the
whole of this engagement, and your memorialist, with all the officers and
men of Flag Officer Foote’s fleet, received the thanks of the Secretary of the
Navy, of Congress, and of the Legislature of Ohio, for their.skill and gal-
lantry on that occasion.

By instructions from Gen. Grant, your memorialist attacked Fort
Donelson with the ‘‘ Carondelet”’ alone (three other gunboats having failed
to obey the orders to join her in the attack), and effectually bombarded
the Fort all the day preceding that of the general battle. This service was
fully appreciated and acknowledged by all those who witnessed it. The
‘Carondelet ’’ was also in the front line of battle on the following day,
and having been the first to engage the enemy, and the last to retire, she
was thrice as long under fire as any other gunboat, in this battle of
two days—and her loss in officers and men greatly exceeded that of all the
rest of our flotilla. In the Flag Officer’s written order he says, ‘‘he con-
gratulates the survivors of the distinguished gunboat ‘Carondelet,’ who in
tlhe several actions so bravely fought,” &c.

At Island No. 10 in the Mississippi, your memorialist not only advised
Flag Officer Foote to send a gunboat to aid Gen. Pope at New Madrid, but
set the example by freely offering to run the gantlet of the enemy’s
batteries with the ‘‘Carondelet”’ alone ; and, doing so, he accomplished far
more than was expected by the Flag Officer, by ultimately capturing all
the enemy’s batteries below the Island (with but little assistance from the
‘‘Pittsburg’’), which resulted in one of the most important victories of the
war without the loss of a man on the Federal side, and opened the blockade
of the Mississippi River, which would not have been attempted if your
memorialist had not captured the Forts below Island No. 10, for our army
would have been recalled, as that was the purport of Gen. Halleck’s
despatch to Gen. Pope a few days previous to the capture of Mackall’s
army. Your memorialist was highly commended for his conduct on this
occasion by Gen. Pope in his official report, who said: ‘‘I cannot speak too
highly of the conduct of Captain Walke during the whole of these opera-
tions; prompt, gallant, and cheerful, he performed the hazardous service
assigned him with signal skill and success.”’ A letter of thanks and com-
mendation was also sent to him and his command for their gallantry, skill
and signal success, by the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, indorsed and
approved by Flag Officer Foote. In his first telegram, addressed to the
Flag Officer, the Secretary says, ‘“‘ A nation’s thanks are due to you and
the brave officers and men of the Mississippi flotilla, whose labors and
gallantry at Island No. 10, which surrendered to you yesterday, has been
watched with intense interest.” And referring to the action of your
memorialist, in running the gantlet of the enemy’s batteries, the Secretary
says, ‘‘It was a daring and heroic act, well executed and deserving a
special recognition ;’’ and again he says, ‘‘These fearless acts dismayed the
enemy’ and ‘‘eventuated in the surrender to yourself of Island No. 10.”
Tf a nation’s thanks were due to the Flag Officer, who at a distance wit-
nessed sume of those daring deeds, surely they were doubly due to your
memorialist, who executed them, and by leading the ‘‘ forlorn hope”’ broke
through the enemy’s line of defenses. Pollard says, in his Southern History
of the War, ‘‘ No single battle-field has yet afforded the North such visible
fruits of victory, as have been gathered at Island No. 10.”

Lossing, in his History of the Civil War, referring to the same subject
says, ‘‘ Never was a victory more decisive and complete, every loyal heart
was filled with joy and hope, and the government securities, which were
two and a half, and three per cent. below par, immediately demanded a
premium,’’ vol. 2, p. 246. J.T. Headley and other distinguished authors,
as well as the press from Maine and California, were still more compli-
mentary in their estimation of this unequaled exploit. Thus your memori-
alist sustained the reputation of our navy, and that of the Mississippi flotilla,
by voluntarily opening the blockade of the Mississippi River.

At the battle of Fort Pillow, the ‘‘ Carondelet,’’ under his command, was
the leading gunboat of the first division of our fleet, in attacking the enemy,
and rescuing the ‘‘Cincinnati.’’ She ran into the midst of the Confederate
fleet, continually firing into and disabling them, and finally vanquished and
drove them off, with the aid of a few of our gunboats, as they came down
and joined in the battle—the ‘‘Carondelet”’ being the first of her division
in, and the last out of the conflict. She was much longer under fire at
close quarters, than any other vessel of our flotilla, and remained alone, in
possession of the battle-field.
4

In the battle at Memphis (between the same fleets), the ‘‘ Carondelet,”
still under the command of your memorialist, was the second in the line of
battle, with the flag steamer ‘‘Benton.’’ In this engagement we captured
or destroyed all the enemy’s fleet (except one gunboat), and took the City
of Memphis, a large number of fine steamers, and all of the public
property.

The ‘‘ Carondelet,’’ still under his command, was the principal gunboat
that engaged the famous Confederate ram ‘‘ Arkansas,’’ which was
greatly her superior in size and strength ; and after a well contested battle,
the ‘‘Arkansas’’ relinquished the contest, with a loss, in killed and
wounded, nearly twice as great as that of the ‘‘ Carondelet.”

In the winter of 1862, your memorialist was detached from the ‘‘ Caron-
delet,’’ and ordered to the ram ‘“‘ Lafayette,’ then at Cairo; whence, in an
unfinished condition, she joined our fleet at Vicksburg, and with it passed
the enemy’s batteries at that place.

At the battle of Grand Gulf, the ‘‘ Lafayette’’ (commanded by your
memorialist) led the second division of Rear Admiral Porter’s fleet, in the
attack on the ‘‘ Point of Rocks,’’ whence she was ordered to the assistance
of the first division at the lower batteries, and with it silenced them. She
then ran close up and under the batteries on the ‘‘ Point of Rocks,”’ and
passed it, followed by three other gunboats, and nearly silenced it, when
our fleet, by signal from the flag steamer, was withdrawn from the battle
of ‘‘five hours and thirty minutes” duration. Assoonas the ‘‘ Lafayette”’
joined our fleet above, she was ordered back alone, to attack the upper
battery on the ‘‘ Point of Rocks,’’ and although his vessel was pierced
through with many shot and shell, your memorialist immediately obeyed
the order, and silenced the battery within twenty-five minutes effectually.
He remained there until our fleet came down at night and passed the bat-
teries, when the ‘* Lafayette’’ followed.

Having passed the whole range of the enemy’s forts the third time, and
made the last attack upon them, a few hours before they were evacuated,
she was under fire more than ten hours, or nearly twice as long as any
other vessel of our fleet, and frequently within ‘‘ point blank range.”’

The ‘‘ Lafayette” aided in the transportation of Gen. Grant’s army
across the Mississippi, which resulted in the capture of Vicksburg. She
ran up the Red River (the navigation of which was exceedingly dangerous
for an ironclad nearly three hundred feet long) to Alexandria.

On her return she relieved the ‘‘ Hartford,’’ and blockaded the mouth of
the Red River.

Your memorialist was in the front, or the leader, in nearly all these
engagements on the Mississippi and its tributaries, and for one .or two of
these Rear Admirals Foote, Davis, and Porter were thanked and promoted ;
and nearly all of the officers who have been thus rewarded had gail
but one victory, or were in but one or two battles.

Soon after the fall of Vicksburg he was ordered to sea with the Uni
States steamer ‘‘Sacramento,’’ in search of the renowned ‘‘ Alabama
and touching at all the most noted ports in the north and south Atlar
ocean on her way to the East Indies, she reached Cape Town five wee
after the ‘‘ Alabama’’ had passed to the northward; the ‘ Sacrament
following, arrived at Lisbon two weeks after the ‘‘ Alabama’’ was sunk
the ‘‘Kearsarge.’’ The ‘‘Sacramento”’ then blockaded a Confederate g
boat of the same class as the ‘‘ Alabama” (the ‘‘ Rappahannock’’).ab:
fifteen months ‘‘off and on”’ at Calais, France, and intercepted her wl
she escaped into British waters under British colors, following her nea
into. Liverpool. Your memorialist thus probably saved our comme
from the destruction of a second ‘‘ Alabama ;’’ an act which has recei:
no public recognition.

Your memorialist has never lost an officer or man or anything cc
mitted to his charge, except in battle, though serving in the most sic]
stations. He has been more than thirty years afloat, on strict naval du
though credited with eighteen years and nine months sea service.
was never excused from going to sea by his own request or on his o
account.

Your memorialist has always successfully defended our flag.

Acquitted of any serious fault, he was, however, subjected to the unjt
ifiable expense and mortification of a needless trial by a court of inqu
and a court martial. The latter for disobeying orders under such circt
stances, that if known, the orders would not have been given, and tk
execution being impracticable, or most surely to result in great inj
to the public interests, and to the officers, sailors and marines left at P
sacola, in a helpless and destitute condition ; it became the paramount di
of your memorialist, under the exigencies of the case, to act promp
upon his own responsibility, and as his best judgment and discretion mi
dictate. And doing so, he rendered a far more important service, than
could possibly have rendered, had he been able to carry out the orde
issued by the Commodore ; who admitted in his testimony before the co
martial, that ‘‘he did not impnte any fault or neglect of duty to Comm
der Walke, but regarded him as an efficient and subordinate officer,”’ <
acknowledged that he told the undersigned that he believed the Secret:
of the Navy would ‘‘compliment him on the course he was about to tak
But no official approval was received for the valuable service thus render

The conduct of your memorialist on the occasion referred to, met w
the approbation of all impartial and fair-minded men, including some
the members of the court martial. It was also approved of by the put
press generally. In commenting upon the subject, the ‘‘ New York
Herald” said: ‘‘ How the accused could have acted otherwise than he did
it is impossible to suggest. A strict obedience of orders would have called
forth general execration and have marked him (Walke) as guilty of bar-
barous cruelty.” ‘This action under the circumstances is entirely
approved by the community.’ Similar sentiments were expressed by the
‘*New York Post,” ‘“‘ World,’ ‘‘ Brooklyn Times’ and a number of other
papers.

The importance of this service in the harbor of Pensacola was fully rec-
ognized in the finding of the board of rear admirals already referred to.

So highly did they appreciate it that they recommended for promotion
a junior officer, for the zeal he manifested in executing the orders, for
which your memorialist was censured; and which the board said, ‘‘ had
such a marked bearing upon the success of our arms.”’

Your memorialist has been engaged in three or four times more
victorious battles, either as commanding officer, or as one of the com-
manding officers and chief actors, and has been much longer under fire, and
in the presence of the enemy on blockade duty (with an inferior force
under his command), than a majority of those who have received the
thanks of Congress, and the rewards provided for ‘‘eminent and conspicuous
conduct in battle, or for extraordinary heroism.’? Our history will show that
there are but few officers in the navy who have served their country more
readily, faithfully, and effectually during the war, than your memorialist,
but the merit of some of his most valuable service has been ignored or
ascribed to other officers. He therefore most respectfully presents this
petition (as an act of justice to himself) for a recognition of his services,
by a vote of thanks.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

HENRY WALKE,
REAR ADMIRAL, UNITED States Navy,
No. 492 Third Street, South Brooklyn,
New York.
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