TITLE: Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. / Series I - Volume 7: North Atlantic Blockading Squadron (March 8, 1862 - September 4, 1862) AUTHOR: United States. Naval War Records Office PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1898 Page A Production Note Cornell University Library produced this volume to preserve the informational content of the deteriorated original. The best available copy of the original has been used to create this digital copy. It was scanned bitonally at 600 dots per inch resolution and compressed prior to storage using ITU Group 4 compression. Conversion of this material to digital files was supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Digital file copyright by Cornell University Library 1995. This volume has been scanned as part of The Making of America Project, a cooperative endeavor undertaken to preserve and enhance access to historical material from the nineteenth century. Page B (if 71 BERNARD ALBERT SINN COLLECTION NAVAL HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY THE GIFT OF BERNARD A. SINN, 97 191 Title Page Page R001 OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE NAVIES IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. / PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. JOHN D. LONG, Secretary of the Navy, BY PROF. EDWARD K. RAWSON, U. S. NAVY, SUPERINTENDENT NAVAL WAR RECORDS, AND MR. ROBERT H. WOODS. BY AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVED JULY 31, 1894. SERIES IVOLUME 7. NOIRTII AfiPL ANTIC 13 LOCIKADIING- SQUADIRON FROM MARCH 8 TO SEPTEMBER 4, 1862. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1898 Page R002 I K /1- Page R003 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME 1. Operations of the cruisers from January 19, 1861, to Deceniber 31, 1862. VOLUME 2. Operations of the cruisers from January 1, 1863, to March 31, 1864. VOLUME 3. Operations of the cruisers froni April 1, 1864, to December 30, 1865. VOLUME 4. Operations in the Gulf of Mexico from November 15, 1860, to June 7, 1861. Opera- tions on the Atlantic Coast from .January 1 to May 13, 1861. Operations on the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers from January 5 to December 7, 1861. VOLUME 5. Operations oii the Potomac and Rappahannock rivers from December 7, 1861, to July 31, 1865. Operations of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron from April 4 to July 15, 1861. VOLUME 6. Operations of the Atlantic Blockading Sqnadron from Jnly 16 to October 29, 1861. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 29, 1861, to March 8, 1862. I Page R004 Table of Contents Page R005 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. List of illustrations vi Preface ~xxn Order of compilation of Series I xiii, xiv List of vessels of North Atlantic Blockading Squadron xv, xvi Calendar, March to September, 1862 xvii North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Principal events: Union reports Engagements in Hampton Roads between the U. S. forces and the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack), March 89, 1862 373 Boat expedition from U. S. S. Daylight, and death of Acting Mas- ters Mate Corlace, March 12,1862 97 Capture of New Berne, N. C., March 1314, 1862 108119 Escape of steamer Nashville (formerly C. S. S. Nashville) from Beaufort, N. C., March 17, 1862 136139 Expedition to Washington, N. C., March 21, 1862. 130153 Charter of the steamship Illinois for the purpose of ramming the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack) 157164 Destruction of schooner Kate, April 2, 1862.... 196 Second appearance of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack) in Hampton Roads, April 11, 1862 219-225 Expedition to the Dismal Swamp Canal 250, 255 Expedition fbr the destruction of the Chesapeake and Albemarle Canal, April 23, 1862 260, 277 Escape of the steamer Nashville into Wilmington, N. C., April 24, 1862 264276 Bombardment and capture of Fort Macon, N. C., April 2526, 1862 277283 Capture of the British brig Intended, May 1, 1862 296298 Cooperation of the Navy with the Army in the operations against Yorktown, Va., May 47, 1862 310322 Order of Flag-Officer Goldsborough for cooperation with Major General McClellan on James River, May 7, 1862 327 Engagement of Federal vessels with Confederate batteries in James River, May 8, 1862 328 Engagement with Sewells Point battery, May 8, 1862. Appear- ance of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack) in Hampton Roads - 330338 Destruction of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack), May 11, 1862~ 341, 342 Engagement at Drewrys Bluff, Va., May 15, 1862 356370 Joint expedition of Army and Navy forces up Pamunkey River, May 17, 1862 377382 Capture of a party of Federal officers and iiien at City Point, Va., May 19, 1862 393401 Reconnoissauce up the Appomattox River, May 27, 1862 430 Capture of steamer Nassau (formerly Gordon), May 28, 1862 433 Reconnoissance in Blackwater River, North Carolina, May 28, 1862 440 Reconnoissances up James River, May 30 and 31, 1862 -- 440443 Page R006 VI CONTENTS. North Atlantic Blockading SquadronContinued. Page. Principal eventsContinued. Union reportsContinued. Destruction of Confederate defenses on Jamestown Island, Vir ginia 473 Engagement between U. S. S. Jacob Bell and Confederate bat- teries at Watkins Bluff, June 20, 1862 493 Destruction of schooner Emily, June 26, 1862 504 Expedition up Little River Inlet, North Carolina 506 Destruction of steamer Modern Greece off Wilmington, N. C., June 27, 1862 514518 Reconnoissance in James River, July 4, 1862; capture of C. 5. 5. Teaser 543546 Order making the James River Flotilla an independent division of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under command of Commodore Charles Wilkes, July 6, 1862 - - -. 548 Expedition to Hamilton, N. C., July 9, 1862 556558 Engagement at Harrisons Landing, Va., August 1, 1862 607 General instructions of the Secretary of the Navy regarding the right of search, August 18, 1862 656 Evasion of the blockade of Wilmington, N. C., by steamer Caro lina and a schooner 660662 Sinking of the U. S. S. Isaac N. Seymour, August 24, 1862 671 Order of the Secretary of the Navy for the withdrawal of the flotilla from James River, August 25, 1862 673 Operations in Chowan River, North Carolina, August 323, 1862 676679 Withdrawal of flotilla from James River 686 Conimodore Wilkes relinquishes command of the James River Flotilla, August 31, 1862 692 Order of the Secretary of the Navy relieving Flag-Officer Golds- borough of command of North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, September 2, 1862 695 Order of the Secretary of the Navy appointing Captain Lee an acting rear-admiral, and to command the North Atlantic Block- ading Squadron, September 2, 1862 695 Acting Rear-Admiral Lee relieves Rear-Admiral Goldaborough in the command of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, September 4, 1862 698 Abstracts of log books of United States vessels - . - 698736 Confederate reports Engagements in Hampton Roads between the U. S. forces and the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack), March 89, 1862 4173 Second appearance of the C. S. S.Virginia (Merrimack) in Hamp ton Roads, April 11, 1862 223225 Terms of capitulation of Fort Macon, N. C., April 26, 1862 283 Engagement with Sewells Point battery, May 8, 1862. Appear- ance of the C. 8.8. Virginia (Merrimack) in Hampton Roads - 335338 Destruction of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack), May 11, 1862 335338, 787799 Engagement at Drewrys Bluff, Va., May 15, 1862 369,370 Vessels sunk and burned in the Pamunkey River, May 517, 1862. 379382 Capture of a party of Federal officers and men at City Point, Va., May 19, 1862 396, 398 Report of Commander M. F. Maury, C. S. Navy, regarding sub- marine mines in James River, June 19, 1862 544 Miscellaneous reports, orders, and correspondence, February 28 to August 28, 1862 737-80 List of Illustrations Page R007 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page United States Steamer Monitor Frontispiece. United States Steamer Monitor, outline sketches 25 Sketch of Pamlico River and Washington, N. C 152 Steamer Bahama 242 Confederate States Steamer Virginia, outline drawing 335 Sketch of battery at Hardens Bluff, Va 388 Sketch of obstructions in Cape Fear River, North Carolina 493 Sketches showing positions of gunboats while protecting the army at Harri sons Landing, James River, Virginia 534, 542 Sketch of James River, Virginia 544 Sketch of submarine mines planted in James River by Confederates 545 Sketch of the Confederate States Steamer Richmond 590 Sketch of a creek emptying into James River, Virginia 619 Sketch of Confederate States Steamer Virginia No.2 620 Sketches of plan to capture Confederate vessels in James River, Virginia... 624, 626 Sketches of torpedoes manufactured abroad for Confederates 680, 682 Confederate States Steamer Virginia - 790 vi Page R008 Page R009 PREFACE. The work of preparing for publication the Official Records of the Union and Confederate navies, which was begun July 7, 1884, was organized under the superintendency of Prof. J. R. Soley, IT. S. Navy, at that time librarian of the Navy Department, afterwards Assistant Secretary of the Navy. In August, 1890, the work of collecting these records and their clas- sification was ably continued by his successor, Lient. F. M. Wise, U. S. Navy, who, having received orders to sea, was relieved by Lieut. Com- mander Richard Rush, U. S. Navy, in May, 1893. The long-delayed publication was finally authorized by act of Con- gress approved July 31, 1894, and begun by Mr. Rush. The first five volumes were published under his efficiei~t administration, and the important duty of organizing the office for the distribution of these volumes was accomplished.* In March, 1897, Mr. Rush,having been ordered to sea, was succeeded by Prof. Edwaid K. Rawson, U. S. Navy, as superinten(leflt. No change is contemplated at present in the outline of the plan of publication as approved by the Departmeut. This plaii includes only the use of such material as may l)e certified to be contemporaneous naval records of the wai-, which is divided into three series, in the following order of arrangement: I. The first series embraces the reports, orders, and correspondence, both Union and Confederate, relating to all naval operations on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and inland waters of the United States during the war of the rebellion, together with the operations of vessels acting singly, either as cruisers or privateers, in different parts of the world. These reports are accompanied by occasional maps and diagrams. In this series the papers are arranged according to squadrons and flotillas, chronologically, and, as far as possible, the Union reports of any events are immediately followed by the Confederate reports. * From January, 1887, the office has had the competent assistaiice of Mr. Robert H. Woods, a graduate of the Naval Aca(lemy, as chief clerk, under whose immediate supervision the volumes are l)repared for the press.E. K. R. I Page R010 x PREFACE. II. The second series embraces the reports, orders, and correspond- ence relating to 1. The condition of the Union Navy in 1861, before the com- mencement of hostilities, and to its increase during the progress of the war, including the annual and special reports of the Secretary ot the Navy and chiefs of the various bureaus. 2. The construction and outfit of the Confederate Navy, includ- ing privateers, setting forth also the annual and special reports of the Confederate Secretary of the Navy and chiefs of bureaus. 3. Statistical data of all vessels, Union and Confederate, as far as can be obtained. 4. Returns of naval and military property captured by the navies of both sides during the war. 5. Correspondence relating to naval prisoners. This series is also arranged chronologically iii each of the above sections, as far as practicable. III. The third series embraces all reports, orders, correspondence, and returns of the Union and Confederate authorities not specially relating to the matter of the first and second series. It is the intention of the Department to introdnce throughout the volumes of the different series illustrations of each class or type of ves- sels referred to, in order to preserve the identity of these ships as they actually appeared during the war. These cuts have been reproduced either from l)hOtographs of the vessels themselves or from the carefully prepared drawings made from official sources. Much difficulty has been found in collecting the records, for, while the official reports of commanders of fleets and of vessels acting singly are on file in the Navy Department, it is found that the correspondence between flag-officers and their subordinates is frequently missing. Without this squadron correspondence the historical value of the work would necessarily be incomplete, and the Department therefore has spare(1 no pains to secure the letter books and papers of the chief actors ou both sides. These papers have foi- the most part been obtained, and they have beeii copiously used in the compilation of the work. The reports of the Union commanders are full and fairly complete. It is to be regretted, however, that the Confederate records are not equally complete, due to the great difficulty found in collecting them, and also to the fact that a large part of the archives of the Confederate Navy Department was burned at the close of the war. Frequent carefu Page R011 PREFACE. XI searches throughout various parts of the country, conducted by a special agent of the Department, have brought to light many duplicates of these papers, found among the personal files of participants. It is hoped that the publicatioii will revive the interest of participants in the events referred to, and lead them to bring to the notice of the Depart- ment the whereabouts of any papers bearing upon naval operations in the civil war of which they may have knowledge. The sixth volume of the records (Series 1, vol. 6), which has recently been published by the Department, gives the operations of the Atlantic Blockading Squadron from July 16 to October 29, 1861, and also those of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron (the Atlantic Blockading Squadron having been divided at that date into two squadrons) from October 29, 1861, to March 8, 1862. The present volume (Series I, vol. 7), comprises the operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from March 8 to September 4, 1862. The reports and correspondence are placed chronologically in each division, with a distinct heading for every paper. In the record of events in which both sides took part, the Confederate reports (where they could be obtained) immediately follow the Union reports, while the miscellaneous Confederate correspondence is placed at the end of each division. Reference to the table of contents will show the context of these Confederate papers. It is believed that the chronological arrangement of the records, in connection with the full and complete index to each volume, will afford ample means of reference to its con- tents without other subdivision or classification. In reports of special or single events, in which the papers bear specific relatioii to those events, the chronological order has been somewhat modified, and such documents have been placed together in the compilation. EDWARD K. RAWSON, ROBERT H. Woons, Compilers. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., May, 1898. NOTE.The following is an extract from the law governing the dis- tribution of the sets comprising the publication (act of Congress approved July 31, 1894): * * * Of said number, six thousand eight hundred and forty copies shall be for the nse of the House of Representatives, two thou. sand one hundred and twelve copies for the use of the Senate, and one thousand and forty eight copies for the use of the Navy Department and for distribution by the Secretary of the Navy among officers of th Page R012 XII PREFACE. Navy and contributors to the work. The quotas herein authorized of said pul)lication for the Senate and House of Representatives shall be sent by the Secretary of the Navy to such libraries, organizations, and individuals as may be designated by the Seiiators, Representatives, and Delegates of the Fifty-third Congress, it beiiig the purpose of this dis- tributioii hereiii Provided for to place these records iu public libiaries, and with permanent organizatioiis having libraries, so far as such libraries may exist iii the several States and Territories. Each Senator shall designate not exceediiig twenty-four and each Representative and 1)elegate not exceeding nineteen ot such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time, as they are lublished, until the l)ublication is completed; and all sets that may not be ordered to be (listributed as provided herein shall be sold by the Secretary of the Navy for cost of 1)ublication, with ten l)ercentnm a(lded thereto, and the l)roceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address, the Secretary of the Navy shall inform the Senators, Repiesentatives, or l)elegates who have designated time same, who thereupon may desig- nate other libraries, organizations, or individuals. The Secretary of the Navy shall inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. The followiug joint resolution regarding the distribution of the work was approved January 30, 1896: Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatiecs of the United States of America ni Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to send the undistributed copies of the Official Recor(ls of the War of theRebelhion, 1)0th of the Union and of the Confederate miavies, to such libraries, organizations, and imidividuals as may be designated before the meeting of the next Congress by the Reprcsentatives in the Fifty-fourth Congress of the (listricts whose Representatives iii tIme Fifty-third Congress failed to designate the distribm~tees of their quota of said Official 1~ecords, or any l)art thereof, as authorized by the act of Congress approved July thirty- first, emghteen hundred and ninety-fonr, and the joint resolution approved March second, eighteemm hundred amid ninety-five, to the extent and in the manner and form provided in said act. The following is an extract froni the act of Congress of May 28, 1896, which increased the edition from 10,000 to 11,000 copies: * * * For printing, binding, and wrapping one thonsand addi- tional copies of series one, vohumnes one, two, three, and four, for sup- plying officers of the Navy who have not received the work, two thousand four hundred dollars Page R013 ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS. SEIRIES I. 1. Operations of tlie Cruisers, 18611865. Union cruisers. West India (Flying) Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Wilkes, U. S. N., 1802-1863. West India (Flying) Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, C. S. N., 18631864. Confederate cruisers and privateers. 2. Operations in the Gulf of Mexico, January to June 7, 1861. Surrender of the Pensacola Navy Yard. Cooperation of the Navy in the relief of Fort Pickens. 3. Operations on the Atlantic Coast, January to May 13, 1861. Cooperation of the Navy in the attempts to relieve Fort Sumter. Ahandonment and (lestruction of the Norfolk Navy Yard. Home Squadron, under Flag-Officer Peuder~rast, U. S. N. 4. Operations on the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, 18611865. Potomac Flotilla, nader Commander Ward, U. S. N., 1861. Potomac Flotilla, under Captain Craven, U. S. N., 1861. Potomac Flotilla, under Lieutenant Wyman, U. S. N., 18611862. Potomac Flotilla, under Conunodore Harwood, U. S. N., 18021863. Potomac Flotilla, under Commander Parker, U. S. N., 18631863. 5. Atlantic Blockading Squadrons, 18611865. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Striughain, U. S. N., May 13 to Sept. 21,1861. West India Squadron, under Flag-Officer Pendergrasl, U. S. N., 1861. Naval Defenses of Virginia and North Carolina, nuder Flag-Officer Barron ,C.S.N. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Goldshorough, U. S. N., 1861. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Goldsborongh, U. S. N., 18611862. Naval Defenses of Virginia aiid North Carolina, under Flag-Officar Lynch, C. S. N. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officer iluchanan, C. S. N. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officer Tattuall, C. S. N. lames River Flotilla, under Commodore Wilkes, U. S. N., 1862. North Atlantic Blockadiu~ Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. N., 38621864. James Itiver Squadron, under Flag-Officers Forrest and Mitchell, C. S. N. Naval 1)efenses Inland Waters ot North Carolina, under Commander Pinkacy, C. S. N. Naval Defenses Cape Fear River, Nor:h Carolina, under Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, uu(ler hear-Admiral Porter, U. S. N., 18641865. James River Squadron, under Fla~Officers Mitchell and Seinmes, C. S. N. Naval 1)efenses Cape Fear River, North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Iinkney. C. S. N. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Radford, U. S. N., 1865. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Du Pont, U. S. N., 18611863. Naval Defenses of South Carolina and Georgia, under Flag-Officer Thttnali, C. S. N. Naval Defenses of Charleston HarBor, South Carolina, under Flag-Otlicer Ingraham, C. S. N. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Dallgren, U. S. N., 186:11865. Naval Defenses of Charleston HarBor, South Carolina, under Flag-Officer Tucker, C. S. N. Naval Defenses of Savannah, Ga., under Flag.Officers Hunter and Tattuall, C. S. N. XIII * The Confederate material nuder this head is very scant. It is therefore hoped that those who have any Confederate naval documents upon the suhject will communicate with the Office of Naval War Records, Navy Department, Washington, D. C Page R014 XIV ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS. 6. Gulf Blocknding Squndrons, 18611865. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Fla~-Offlcer Mervine, U. S. N., 1861. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Oflicer MeKean, U. S. N., 18611862. * Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer bums, C. S. N. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, nuder Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Larduer, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Actin~ Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. N., 18621864. East Gulf Blockadin~ Squadron, nudes- Captain Greene, U. S. N., 1864. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Stribline, U. S. N.. 18641865. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. N., 18621863. Mortar Flotilla, under Conimander Porter, U. S. N., 1862. Lower Mississippi River Defenses, under Commander J. K. Mitchell, C. S. N. * Mobile Defeases, under Flag-Officer Randolph, C. S. N. Trans-Mississippi Marine Department, under Major Leon Smith, C. S. A. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Bell, U. S. N. (ad interim), 1863. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. N., 1864. Mobile Defenses, under Admiral Buchanan, C. S. N. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Palmer, U. S. N., 1864-1863. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Thatcher, U. S. N., 1865. * Mobile Defenses, under Fla~-Officer Farrand, C. S. N. 7. Operations ou the Western River8, 18611865. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Commander Rodgers, U. S. N., 1861. Naval Forces on Wesl~ern Waters, under Flag. Officer Foote, U. S. N., 18611862. * Mississippi River I)efenses, under Flag-Officer bums, C. S. N. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. N., 1862. * Mississippi River Defense Fleet, under Captain Montgomery, C. S. A. Mississippi River Defenses, under Conunauder R. F. Pinkney, C. S. N. * Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag Officer Lynch, C. S. N. Mississippi Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. N., 18621864. Mississippi Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. N., 18641865. * Naval Defenses of Red River, Louisiana, under Lieutenant J. H. Carter, C. S. N. The Confederate material under this head is very scant. It is therefore moped that those who have any Confederate naval documents upon the - ubject will communicate with the Office of Naval War Records, Navy Department, Washington, D. C Special Index Page R015 LIST OF UNITED 5Th TES VESSELS OF WAR SEE VING IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQ UADRON. NAME. A. C. Powell Fourth ... Albatross Fourth . . I Amanda Fourth ... Anacostia Fourth -. - Aragot I Aroostook I Fourth Baltimore Fourth Ben Morgan Fourth ... Brandywine Second ... Braziliera Fourth ... Cambridge Thir(l.. Ceres . Fourth ... Charles Phelps Fourth . -. Chippewa Fourth ... Chocura Fourth - . - Ciinarron Third Co-ur do Liou Fourth ... Cohasset Fourth Commodore Barney Fourth ... Commodore Perry Fourth ... Congres Second - Corwin Cumberland Second Currituck Fourth ... Dacolah Third Dawn Fourth Daylight Fourth Delaware Fourth ... Dragon Fourth Ellis Ericsson I Fernaudina Fourth Galena Third Gemsbok Fourth ... Genesee Tliird. Granite Fourth ... Henry Brinker Fourth ... Hetzel Fourth ... Hnuchhaek Fourth ... Illinoist Isaac N. Seymour Fourth Island Belle Fourth Jacob Bell Fourth ... Jamestown Third RATE. TONNAGE. CLASS. 65 Screw steamer 378 do 368 Bark 217 Screw steamer 507 Screw steamer 500 Side-wheel steamer 407 Ship 1,726 I Storeship 540 Bark 858 Screw steamer 144 do 362 Supply ship 507 Screw steamer 507 (10 860 Side-wheel steaumr 110 (10 100 Screw steamer 513 Side-wheel steamer 513 do 1, 867 Sailing frigat Coast Survey steamer 726 Slool) of war 193 Screw steamer 997 Screw sloop 199 Screw steamer 682 do 357 Sidewbeel sleamor 118 . Screw steamer Steamer 297 Bark 738 Screw steamer 622 Bark 803 Screw steamer 75 Sailing sloop 108 Screw steamer 200 Side-wheel steamer 517 do 133 Side-wheel steamer 123 do 229 Side-wheel steamer 1,150 Sloop of war Name chan~e(l to Alert, later to Watch. I Chartered steamers. CRE~V. GUNS. 18 68 71 67 94 18 35 72 68 96 40 23 80 80 122 29 32 96 29 406 56 288 52 147 34 57 68 42 79 150 103 130 15 18 69 99 30 24 49 186 1 5 6 2 4 1 6 5 2 1 4 4 10 3 4 4 4 50 2 24 5 6 2 4 5 1 6 6 6 8 1 1 2 4 2 2 4 20 x Page R016 UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR. List of United States vessels of war serving in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron Continued. XVI NAME. RATE. TONNAGE. Jc,hn L. Lockwood Fourth 180 King Philip Fourth 500 Louisiana Fourth ... 295 Mahaska Third 832 Maratanza ThiA 786 Marblehead Fourth 507 Minnesota First 3, 307 Monitor Third 776 Monticello Fourth 655 Morse Fourth 513 Mount Vernon Fourth 625 Mount Washington Fourth 500 Mystic Fourth 581 Kaugatuck Fourth 192 New tronsides First 3, 486 Octorara Thftd 829 Patroon Fourth 183 Penobscot Fourth 507 Philadelphia Fourth 500 Port Royal Third 805 Rescue Fourth ... 111 Roanoke First 3, 425 Roman Fourth 350 St. Lawrence Second 1, 726 San Jacinto Second 1, 446 Satellite Fourth 217 Sebago Third 832 Seminole Third 801 Shawsheen Fourth 180 Sonoma Third 955 Sophronia Fourth 217 Southfield Fourth 751 Stars and Stripes Fourth 407 State of Georgia Third 1, 204 Stepping Stones~ Fourth 226 Susquehauna First 2,450 Thomas Freeborn Fourth 269 Tioga Third 819 Uncas Fourth 192 Underwriter Fourth 341 Valley City Fourth 190 Vanderbilt Second 3, 360 Victoria Fourth 254 Wachnsett Third 1, 032 Whitehall Fourth 326 Whitehead Fourth 139 Win. Badger Fourth 334 Win. G. Putnam Fourth 149 Yankee Fourth 328 Youn~ America Fourth 173 Young Rover Fourth 418 Zonave Fourth 127 CLAss. Side.wheel steamer do Screw steamer Side.wheel steamer do Screw steamer Screw frigate Screw steamer do Side.wheel steamer Screw steamer Side.wheel steamer Screw steamer do do Side.wheel steamer Screw steamer do Side.wheel steamer Screw steamer Screw frigate Sailing ship Sailing frigate Screw steamer Side.wheel steamer do Screw sloop Side-wheel steamer do Mortar schooner Side.wheel steamer Screw steamer Side.whecl steamer do do do do Screw steamer Side.wheel steamer Screw steamer Shle.wheel steamer Screw steamer Screw sloop Side.wheel steamer Screw steamer Sailing ship Side.whecl steamer do Screw steamer do do CREW. 30 3 14 1 85 5 145 6 ill 8 81 4 540 47 49 2 96 3 78 2 50 3 40 1 65 5 22 449 20 102 10 49 5 82 4 24 1 111 8 20 1 347 44 19 1 374 52 278 12 43 2 156 6 120, 5 40 2 165 6 32 3 61 4 94 5 113 9 21 1 264 15 67 2 105 6 62 3 69 4 48 5 209 15 44 3 167 9 62 4 45 1 29 1 17 2 48 3 13 1 85 5 25 Page R017 I I I I _ I C _____ I I I cf~ H C~2 I C, ~ ~ CL C, ~ - C, - 5 ~ -~ ii ~~v1 ~ C ~%iU :~~: LN~~ 0 [TJ U H co 0) Page R018 Page A001 Page A002 UNITED STATES STEAMER MONITOR Page 1 N ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. FROM MARCH 8 TO SEPTEMBEt{ 4, 1862. NWRV0L7 Page 2 A -~- Page 2A Page 2B C -z 0 C iT/fri 514 P E 4 J(7E T~7of64e ~\ ]Iorses7~o~? 2. 0\ BAY CacpeCliailes K~ri~hei~oaaj~s I ~zz9J L-vnm IIaveN. HAMPTON ThOADS AND APPROACHES Showiza~ the sceiie of tlle~attZLe between tile MONITOR aadlLe MERftIMACI((C S SVLRCTIN1A~. Statute iMile Page 3 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. FROM MARCH 8 TO SEPTEMBER 4, 1862. Engagements in Hampton Roads between the U. S. forces and the C. S. 5. Virginia (Merrimack) and consorts, March 89, 1862. [Telegram.] NEWPORT NEWS, March 8, 1862. The Merrimack is being towed down by two steamers past Uraney Island toward Sewells Point, so reported to me from the tiunTherland. MANSFIELD, Brigadier- General. Major-General WooL, Commanding. [Telegram.] NEWPORT NEWS, March 8, 1862. The Merrimack is close at hand. MANSFIELD, Brigadier- General. General WooL. [Telegram.] NEWPORT NEWS, March 8, 1862. The Merrimack is engaging the (1umberland at close quarters. MANSFIELD, Brigadier-General. General WooL. [Telegram.] NEWPORT NEWS, March 8, 1862. The Yorktown [C. S. S. Patrick Henry] is passing with two other steamers. MANSFIELD. Major-General WOOL. Page 4 4 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] NEWPORT NEWS, March 8, 1862. General Mansfield has gone to visit the pickets. A shot from the Congress just struck the upper wharf. W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. General WooL. [Telegram.] NEWPORT NEWS, March 8, 1862. The Gongress has surrendered, but agroutid at Signal Point. I expect to see her in flames soon. We had driven oft from her the gunboats. We want ammuiiition for all our guns at once by land. MANSFIELD. Major-General WooL. [Telegram.] NEWPORT NEws, March 8, 1862. We want powder by the barrel. We want blankets sent up to-night for the crews of the Cumberiand and the Congress. rfhe Merrimack has it all her own way this side of Signal Point and will probably burn the Congress, now aground, ~vith white flag flying, and our sailors swimming ashore. These must come by laud to-night. MANSFIELD. General WOOL. [Telegram.] NEWPORT NEWs, March 8, 1862. We have no more ammunition and the Merrimack and Yorktown are off Signal Point. Send us cartridges and shells for 8-inch columbiad and howitzers by land. MANSFIELD. Major-General WooL. [Telegram.] NEWPORT NEWS, March 8, 1862. The Congress is now burning. The enemys steamers have hauled off toward Pig Point. (Japtaill Whipple is here, and so is Max Weber, the Twentieth, and the coast guard, and cavalry. We should have another light battery to resist attack by land if they come. MANSFIELD, Brigadier- General. General WooL. Report of Major-General Wool, U. S. Army, regarding the attack by the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack) upon the U. S. ships in Hampton Roads. FORT MONROE, VA., March 8, 1862. The Merrimack came down from Norfolk to-day, and about 2 oclock attacked the Cumberland and Congress. She sunk the Gumberland, an Page 5 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 5 the Congress surrendered. The Minnesota is aground and attacked by the Jamestown, Yorktown, and Merrimack. The St. Laurence just arrived and going to assist. The Minnesota is aground. Probably both will be takei. That is the opinion of Captain Marston and his officers. The Roanoke is under our guns. It is thought the Merrimack, Jamestown, and Yorktown will pass the fort to-night. JNO. E. WooL, Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Major-General. Secretary of War. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, VA., March 8, 18628:30 p. rn. No firing for last two hours. Newport~ News camp is nbiiijnred. We are towing transports out to sea to keel) clear if the Merrimack (owes down to the fort. illinnesota and St. Lawrence still aground. The title will not float them for three hours. JNO. E. WooL, Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Major- General. Secretary of War. The Merrimack has gone back to Craney Island. J. E. W. Report of Lieutenant Worden, U. S. Navy, of the arrival of the U. S. S. Monitor in Hampton Roads. U. S. S. MONITOR, Hampton Roads, March 8, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that I arrived at this anchorage at 9 oclock this evening, and am ordered to proceed immediately to the assistance of the Minnesota, aground near Newport News. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN L. WORDEN, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Lieutenant, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy. [Temegram.] MARCH 8, 1862. One man [of the] Seventh New York had his leg takemi off by a piece of shell and one mnami of the artillery detachment had bones of his feet crushed by carriage running over it. No other casualty in the fore. All the wounded were removed from the Congress before she was burned. News of the arrival of the Monitor has infused new life into time men. W. D. WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutant- General. Major-General WooL Page 6 6 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. [Telegram.] MARCH 9, 1862. Fifty thousind rations are being put on board the Commerce, and will go up as soon as the coast is clear. From appearances the Monitor is giving the Yorktown and Merrimack more than they want. LEG. B. CANNON, Aid-de- Camp. General MANSFIELD. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Flag.~fficer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, reporting the condition of affairs in Hampton Roads and urging his immediate return. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., March 8 [9], 18G26 p. m. DEAR COMMODORE: After a four-hours fight the Monitor has driven the Merrimack away from the Minnesota, which is aground oft Newport News, and did not come off at high water to-day, though she was moved and headed downstream. Lieutenant Worden, who commanded the Monitor, and fonght her, is injured iii both eyes, so as not [to bel able to see. Wise takes him up to Washington, and I think you had better bring back Jeffers to handle the Monitor. She is yet uninjured, and my impression is that the Merrimack is very little hurt, though I can not say. She retired under fair headway. I think it of the utmost importance that you should return at the earliest inomemit. We do not want any of your tugs; there are enough here. Yours, truly, G. V. Fox. [Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGH, Sounds of North Carolina.] [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS, Fortress Monroe6 :45 p. m. (Received March 9, 1862.) The Monitor arrived at 10 p. rn. last night and went immediately to the protection of the Minnesota, lying aground just below Newport News. At 7 a. m. to-day the Merrimack, accompanied by two wooden steamers and several tugs, stood out toward the Minnesota and opened fire. The Monitor met them at once and opened her fire, when all the enemys vessels retired, excepting the Merrimack. These two ironclad vessels fought part of the time touching each other, from S a. in. to noon, when the Merrimack retired. Whether she is injured or not it is impossible to say. Lieutenant J. L. Worden, who commanded the Monitor, han- dled her with great skill, assisted by Chief Engineer Stimers. Lieu- tenant Worden was injured by the cement from time pilot house being driven into his eyes, but I trust not seriously. The Minnesota kept up a continuous fire and is herself somewhat injured. She was moved considerably to-day, and will probably be off to-night. The Monitor is uninjured and ready at any moinemit to repel another attack. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary. G. WELLES, Secretary Nary Page 7 NORTH ATI ANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 7 [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, March 97 p. m. Your noble boat has performed with perfect success, and Worden and Stimers have handled her with great skill. She is uninjured. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Nary. J. ERICSSON, Esq., New York. Telegram.] FORTRESS MONROE9 p. m. (Received March 9, 1802.) Consulting with General Wool, I have ordered the frigates out of the roadsthe St. Lawrence to the Potomac, Roanoke and ]Ihnnesota to New York, the latter being disabled. The Monitor, of course, remains. If there are any of those 11-inch guiibeats (I think there are two in Boston), please send them at once to this place. They can keep clear of the Merrimack and be of great assistance. Nearly all here are of the opinion that the Mierrimack is disabled. I was the nearest person to her outside of the Monitor, and I am of the opinion she is not seriously injured. I have sent a steamer for Coin- modore (A oldsborouglm. I can not see that anything more can be (lone by the Navy. G. V. Fox. Hon. G. WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., March 9, 1862. The Minnesota has been moved about one and one-half her length, but is still aground. She is considerably injured. About 150 ot her crew have left her and are now in the fort. She has had 5 killed and 20 wounded. If the Merrimack comes out again, she will probably be destroyed. It is thought exceedingly doubtful whether she can be got oIL The Sjpanlding will go up to try it to-night. The commander of the Monitor is severely injured in the face froru the effects of a shot striking the outside of a miarrow opeuing through [which] he was look- ing. He has gone to Baltimore to-night. WM. D. WITIPPLE. General MANSFIELD. [Telegram.] OLD POINT COMFORT, March 9, 1862. Please look out for Virginia until my return. I may have to stay over to-night, as my presence is indispensable. I think the Merr- mack is laid up for a few days, not more, and in that time the harbor will be elear~i for the iron combatants. It is a most historical fight four hours fighting and nobody hurt. Everybody is in good spirits, especially as the Minnesota is oft. 6-. V. Fox. Hon. M. BLAIR, Postmaster- General Page 8 8 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Captain Marston, U. S. Navy, senior officer present. U. S. S. ROANOKE, Hampton Roads, March 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that yesterday at 1 oclock one of the lookout vessels reported by signal that the enemy was coming out. I immediately ordered the Minnesota to get underway, and as soon as the two tugs appointed to tow this ship came alongside I slipped our cable. The Merrimack was soon discovered passing out by Sewells Point, standing up toward Newport News, accompanied by several small gun- boats. Every exertion was made by us to get all the speed on the Roanoke that the two tugs were capable of giving her, but in conse- quence of our bad steerage we did not get ahead as rapidly as we desired to do. The Merrimack went up and immediately attacked the Congress and Cumberland, but particularly the latter ship, which was hid from us by the land. When about 7 or 8 miles from Fortress Mon- roe the Minnesokt grounded. We continued to stand on, and when we came in sight of the Gum berland we saw that she had careened over, ap~)arently full of water. The enemy, who had been joined by two or three steamers from James River, now (levoted themselves_ex~lusively to the Congress, but she being aground could bring but iew gnns to bear on them, and at ten minutes before 4 oclock we had the mortifica- tion of seeing her haul down her flag. I continued to stand on till we found ourselves iu 3~ fathoms water, and was on the ground astern. Fiiiding that we could go no farther I ordered one of our tugs to tow its round, and as soon as the Roanokes head was pointed down time bay, and I found she was afloat again, I directed the tugs to go to the assist- amice of the Minnesota, under the hope that with two others which had accompanied her they would be able to get her off, but up to the time that I now write have not succeeded in doing so. At 5 oclock the frigate ~3t. Lawrcn cc, in tow of the Cambridge, passed li5~ and not long after she also grounded, but by the aid of tho Cam- bridge she was got afloat again, and being unable to render any assist- ance to the Minnesota, came down the harbor. In passing the batteries at Sewells Point, both going and returning, the rebels opened their fire on us, which was returned from our l)ivot guns, but time range was too great for them, while the enemys shot [fell] far beyond us. One shot ~vent through our foresail, cutting away two of our shronds, and several shells burst over and near the ship, scattering their fragmuents on the deck. Between 7 and 8 oclock we discovered that the rebels had set fire to the Congress, aimd she continued to burn till 1 oclock, when she blew up. This was a melancholy satisfaction to me, for as she had fallemi into the hands of the enemy it was far better to have her destroyed than that she should be employed against us at some future day. It was the impression of some of my officers that the rebels hoisted the French flag, but I could not make it out. At 8 oclock I heard that the Monitor had arrived, and soomm after Lieutenant Commanding Worden came on board and I immediately ordered him to go up to the Minne- sota, hoping that she would be able to keep off an attack on the Minnesota till we had got her afloat again. This morning the Merri- mack renewed the attack on the Minnesota, but she found, no doubt greatly to her surprise, a new opponent in the Monitor. The contest has been going on during most of the day between these two armored vessels, and most beautifully has tIme little Monitor sustained herseli showing herself capable of great eII(lIIUlnce Page 9 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 9 I have iiot received any official account of the loss of the Congress and Cumberland, but no doubt shall do so, when it will be transmitted to you. I should do injustice to this military department did I not inform you that every assistance was freely tendered to us, set~ding five of their tugs to the relief of the Minnesota, and offering all the aid in their power. I would also beg leave to say that Captain Poor, of the Ordnance Departzneiit, kindly volunteered to do duty temporarily on board this ship, and from whom I have received much assistance. 1 did hope to get this oft by this days mail, but I have been so constantly employed that I fear I shall not do so. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN MARSTON, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Captain and Senior Officer. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Abstract log cf the U. S. 5. Roanoko. March 8, 1862.At 1:08 p. m. saw signal p51, which we answered at once and signalized tug Young America to come alongside and take us in tow. At 1: 10 saw the ]Ilerrimack aroutid Sewells Point heading for Newport News. Slipped our chain and started up in tow of the tug Dragon. The Minnesota also got underway and steamed toward New- port News. At 1:30 the tug Young America came alongside to assist in towing us to the action. At 2 p. m. the tugboat Dragon cast off front alongside and took a hawser out ahead. Set the spanker and jib. At 2:30, coming in range of Sewells Point battery, they opened fire, and several shot and shell passed over and fell around this ship. One rifle shot passed through the foresail and cut away a shroud on each side of the fore rigging; put on stops at once. The forward pivot gun was trained on Sewells Point battery and fired, but fell short. On opening Newport News Point, about 3:30, found the Cumberland sunk, the Minnesota aground, and the rebel steamers Merrimack, Jamestown, and Patrick Henry, together with some three or four small steamers, en- gaging the Congress and Newport News encampment and fort. At about 4 oclock the Congress struck her colors and hoisted the white flag. The rebels then opened fire at the Minnesota at long range with rifled guns. Several of their shot fell arouiid this ship. All and every exertiou was made to get this ship up to the scene of action and to the relief of the Congress and Minnesota, but could not. We worked her head down the river, and sent the tugs to the relief of the Minnesota. Fn,m 4 to .0 p. m. calm, ship underway, endeavoring to get up to Newport News; the water shoal. The Minnesota aground and our ship dragging into the mud and could mot get into action. With the assistance of tIme two tugs and sail got the ship about, then up [top]gallant masts, made sail, and sent the tugboats to assist the Mmnnesota. At this time the Cum- berland had been sunk and the Congress her colors struck. Passing Sewells Point the battery kept a brisk fire on us each way, the shot passing over and some fragments striking us in hull and rigging. When out of range we came to anchor. At the time of getting up the topgallant masts the leading lilock bolt in the deck drew, s trikingJohii MeDonough in the head, who, it is feared, is mortally woumtded. Find- ing it impossible to get up the rivet-, and keeping up a brisk lire wit Page 10 10 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. our pivot gun on Sewells Point, stood down river and anchored between Fortress Monroe and Sewells Point, leaving the Minnesota and St. Lawrence up the river in action with the Merrimack. Froni 6 to 8 p. in.: At 6 the steamers Atlantic and America towed us to our anchorage in the roads. The Minnesota remains aground and the Congress enveloped in flames. At 6: 06 the whole rebel fleet withdrew under Sewells Point and anchored. The steamer Monitor arrived. March 9.At 12:30 a. in. the ship Congress blew up. At daylight called all hands. Saw the Merrimack, Jamestown, and Patrick Henry oft Sewells Point. At 7:45 the Merrimack drifted slowly down, and at 8:06 opened fire on the Monitor, she returning it. At 8:30 the Mer- rimack opened a brisk fire on the Minnesota and Monitor, both return- ing the fire. The engagement lasted three and one-half hours. At meridian, the Merrimack, with the other rebel boats, returne(l toward Norfolk. March 10.At 2:06 a. in. the U. S. gunboat Whitehall caught fire and was destroyed. Sent the Yonng America to her assistance. At 3:20 a boat arrived with dispatches to, and returned with dispatches from, Captain Marston. The Whitehall is a total wreck. At 4:45 the U. S. S~tea~] frigate Minnesota got afloat and came down to her anchor- age in the roads. At S the U. S. S. Monitor came down. Called all hands and cheered her. March 11.At 10 a. m. saw black smoke and steam of three steamers over Sewells Point. March 12.Got underway for New York. Report of Captain Van Brunt, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Minnesota. U. S. S. MINNESOTA, March 10, 1RG2. Sin: On Saturday, the 8th instant, at 12:45 p. in., three small steam- ers, in appearance, were discovered rounding Sewells Point, an das soon as they came into full broadside view I was convinced that one was the iron-plated steam battery Merrimack, from the large size of her smoke pipe. They were heading for Newport News, and I, in obedience to a signal from the senior officer present, Captain .J. Marston, imme- diately called all hands, slipped my cables, and got underway for that point to engage her. While rapidly passing Sewells Point the rebels there opened fire npon us from a rifle battery, one shot from which going through and crippling my mainmast. I returned the fire with my broad- side guns and forecastle pivot. We ran without further difficulty within about 14 miles of Newport News, and there, unfortunately, grounded. The tide was running ebb, and although in the channel, there was not sufficient water for this ship, which draws 23 feet. I knew that the bottom was soft and lumpy, and endeavored to force the ship over, but found it impossible so to do. At this time it was reported to me that the Merrimack had passed the frigate Congress and run into the sloop of war Cumberland, and in fifteen minutes after I saw the latter going down by the head. The Merrimack then hauled off, taking a position, and about 2:30 p. in. engaged the Congress, throwing shot and shell into her with terrific effect, while the shot from the Congress glanced from her iron-plated sloping sides without doing any apparent damage. At 3:30 p. in. the Congress was compelled to haul down her colors. Of the extent of her loss and injury you will be informed from the official report Page 11 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 11 At 4 p. m. the Merrimack, Jamestown, and Patrick Henry bore down upon my vessel. Very fortunately the iron battery drew too much water to come within a mile of us. She took a position on my starboard bow, but did not fire with accuracy, and only one shot passed through the ships bow. The other two steamers took their position on my port bow and stern, and their fire did most damage in killing and wounding men, inasmuch as they fired with rifled gnus; but with the heavy gnn that I could bring to bear upon them I drove them off, one of them apparently in a crippled condition. I fired upon the Merrimack with my pivot 10-inch gun without apparent effect, and at 7 p. m. she too hauled off and all three vessels steamed toward Norfolk. The tremendous firing of my broadside guns had crowded me farther upon the mud bank, into which the ship seemed to have ma(le for herself a cradle. From 10 p. in., when the tide commenced to run flood until 4 a. in., I had all hands at work with steam tugs and hawsers, endeavoring to haul the ship off of the bank, but with out avail, and, as the tide had theii fallen considerably, I suspended further operations at that time. At 2 a. in. the iron battery Monitor, Commander [Lieutenant]. John L. Worden, which had arrived the previous evening at llamptoii iRoads, came alongside and reported for duty, and then all on board felt that we had a friend that would stand by us in our hour of- trial. At 6 a. in. the enemy again appeared, coming dowit from Craney Islaiid, and I beat to quarters, but they ran past my ship and were heading for Fortress Monroe, and the retreat was beaten to allow my men to get something to eat. The Merrimack ran down near to the Rip Raps, and then turned into the channel through which I had come. Again all hands were called to quarters, and when she approached within a mile of us I opened upon her with my stern guns and made signal to the Monitor to attack the enemy. She immediately ran down in my wake, right within the range of the Merrimack, completely cov- ering my ship as far as was possible with her dimensions, and, much to my astonishment, laid her self right alongside of the Merrimack, and the contrast was that of a pigmy to a giant. Gun after gun was fired by the Monitor, which was returned with whole broadsides from the rebels with no more effect, apparently, than so many pebblestones thrown by a child. After a while they commenced maneuvering, and we could see the little battery point her bow for the rebels, with the intention, as I thought, of sending a shot through her bow porthole; then she would shoot by her and rake her through her stern. In the meantime the rebel was pouring broadside after broadside, but almost all her shot flew over the little submerged propeller, and whemi they struck the bomb- proof tower the shot glanced off without producing any effect, clearly establishing the fact that wooden vessels can not contend successfully with ironclad ones; for never before was anything like it dreamed of by the greatest enthusiast in maritime warfare. The ill errirnack, find- itig that she could make nothing of the Monitor, turned her attention once more to me. In the morning she had put a 11-inch shot under my counter near the water line, and now, on her second approach, I opened upon her with all my broadside guns and 10-inch pivot a broad. side which would have blown out of water any timber-built ship in the world. She returned my fire with her rifled bow gun with a shell, which passed through the chief engineers stateroom, through the engineers mess room, amidships, and burst in the boatswains room, tearing four rooms all into one iii its passage, exploding two charges of powder, which set the ship on fire, but it was promptly extinguishe Page 12 12 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. by a party headed by my first lieutenant; her second went through the boiler of the tugboat Dragon, exploding it and causing some con- sternation on board my ship for the moment, until the matter was explained. This time 1 had concentrated upon her an incessant fire from my gun deck, spar deck, and forecastle pivot guns. and was informed by my marine officer, who was stationed on the poop, that at least fifty solid shot struck her on her slanting side without producing any apparent effect. By the time she had fired her third shell the little Monitor had come dowi~ upon her, placing herself between us, and compelled her to change her position, in doing which she grounded, and again 1 poured into her all the guns which could be brought to bear upon her. As so n as she got off she stood down the bay, the little battery chasing her with all speed, when suddenly the Merrimack turned around and rait full speed into her antagonist. For a moment I was anxious, but instantly I saw a shot plunge into the iron roof of the Merrjmack, which surely must have damaged her. For some time after the rebels concentrated their whole battery upon the tower and pilot house of the Monitor, and soon after the latter stood down for Fortress Monroe, and we thought it probable she had exhausted her sup- ply of ammunition or sustained some injury. Soon after the Merrimack and the two other steamers headed for my ship, and I then felt to the fullest extent my condition. I was hard and immovably aground, and they could take position under my stern and rake me. I had expended most of my solid shot and my ship was badly crippled and my officers and men were worn out with fatigue, but even then, in this extreme dilemma, I determined never to give up the ship to the rebels, and. after consulting my oflicers, I ordered every preparation to be made to destroy the ship after all hope was gone to save her. On ascending the poop deck 1 observed that the enemys vessels had changed their course and were heading for Craney Island. Then I determined to lighten the ship by throwing overboard my 8 inch guns, hoisting out provisions, starting water, etc. At 2 p. m. I proceeded to make another attempt to save the ship, by the use of a number of powerful tugs and the steamer S. A. Spaulding, kindly sent to my assistance by Captain Tuilmadge, quartermaster at Fortress Monroe, and succeeded in drag- ging her half a mile distant, and then she again was immovable, the ide having fallen. At 2 a. m. this morning I succeeded in getting the ~l1iJ) once more afloat, and am now at auchor opposite Fortress Monroe. It gives me great pleasure to say that during the whole of these try- ig scenes the officers and men conducted themselves with great cour- age and coolness. I have the honor to be, your very obedient servant, (L J. VAN BRUNT, Captain, U. S. Navy, Commanding Frigate Minnesota. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. MINNESOTA, March 10, 1862. Report of killed and wounded on and along8ide the Minnesota in the action of the 8th and 9th March, 1862. Killed on board the Minnesota: 1. Alexander Winslow, captain maintop. 2. Henry Smith, coxswain. 3. Dennis Harrington, captain naizzen tol); killed alongside on board the Whitehall Page 13 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 13 } Names not ascertained yet. 6. Robert Waugh, died on board Minnesota. Wounded on board the lllinnesota: 1. John Gunn, quartermaster, seriously. 2. Henry Leeland, quarter gunner, seriously. 3. Charles Dunlap, ordinary seaman, mortally. 4. Samuel W. Hiller, ordinary seaman, slightly. 5. Christopher Sewell, coal heaver, mortally. 6. Charles Thompson, seaman, seriously, perhaps mortally. 7. Joseph Augustus (musician), seriously. 8. Samuel W. Thomas (musician), slightly. 9. Seth Bennett (musician), siightJy. 10. Atwell Kean, landsman, slightly. 11. John Clark, seaman, seriously. 12. Patrick Joyce, ordinary seaman, slightly. 18. Julius Bartlett, quartermaster, slightly. 14. Joyce Moore (colored), landsman, slightly. 15. Eli Parris (colored), landsman, slightly. 16. Ansel iRichchurch, seaman, slightly. Wounded alongside on board the Dragon: 18. 17. Names not ascertained; now on board the hospital ship Ben 19. Morgan. 20. Name not known (engineer), slightly. Total killed, 6. Total wounded, 20. Very respectfully, WM. MAXWELL WOOD, Fleet Surgeon. ~ Captain G. J. VAN BRUNT, Commanding U. S. S. Minnesota. U. S. S. MINNESOTA, March 10, 1862. SIR: I most respectfully offer the following report of ammunition expended on the 8th and 9th instant: 78 solid shot, X-inch. 180 shell, IX-inch, 15-second. 169 solid shot, IX-inch. 35 shelL VIJI-inch, 15-second. 67 shell, X-inch, 15-second. 5,5671 pounds of service powder. I also wish to report to you that the battery require8 refitting, being rendered useless. Locks and sights broken, breechings, side tackles, and block straps cut, blocks destroyed, ramumers and sponges broken, etc. With what I have on haiid I can equip ten 9-inch guns besides the pivot. The devises on the pivot slide have carried away; the slide itself requires overhauling. Seven of the guns of the spar-deck battery were thrown overboard; also one 12-pounder boat howitzer. A part of the small arms is missing; also belts, cartridge boxes, scabbards, amid frogs. All the articles put on board the Whitehall for safe-keeping are destroyed, she having been burned last imight. Very respectfully, etc. CHARLES W. HOMER, Gunner. G. J. VAN BRUNT, Esq., Captain Page 14 14 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. U. S. S. MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 10, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order of this date, I submit the following report of damages sustained by this ship in hull, spars, and boats in the engagements on the 8th and 9th instant with the rebel steamers Merrimack, Yorktown, and one other, nanie unknown: Port side: iReceived one shell on afterquarter at the water line, which cut through the planking; one shell between main and mizzen riggiug below air-port line, which passed through chief engineers stateroom, crossing and tearing up the deck over the cockpit and striking the clamp and knee iii carpenters stateroom, where it exploded, carrying away the beam clamp and knee ai~d completely demolishing the bulk- heads, setting fire to the same and ripping up the deck. One shell l)assed through hammock netting abaft of main rigging, striking spar deck oii starboard side, cutting through four planks, then, ricochetting, carrying away truck and axle of gun carriage and wounding waterways. Two shell passed through No. 8 port, carrying away planking timbers and deck clamps and splintering several beams and castings. One shell passed through forward part of No. 6 port, carrying away planking tim- ber and upper sill; one shell under forerigging, which cut away sheet cable, penetrating planking timber, and splintering deck clamps. One shell on starboard side carried away hammock nettings and gangway boards. There are several wounds on port side, received from fragments of exploded shell. One shell passed through the mainmast 14 feet above deck, cutting away one-third of the mast and buirsting some of the iron bands. One shell struck spar deck in starboard gangway, cutting it up. One passed from port to starboard gangway forward of mainmast, where it exploded, wounding two boats. Very respectfully, EBZ. THOMPSON, Carpenter, U. S. Navy Captain t~. J. VAN BRUNT, Commanding U. S. S. Minnesota. U. S. S. MINNESOTA, Off Hampton Roads, March 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that the boatswain department was injured to the extent enumerated below while engaged with the rebels on the 8th and 9th instant: Port jib guy shot away; lower boom topping.lift falls; port fore. topsail brace; port mizzen-topsail brace; port main lift; port main top- gallant clewline; main topmast pendant; forward guys of lower booms; shronds in port main rigging; fore-topmast staysail halyards. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PAUL ATKINSON, Boatswain. Captain G. J. VAN BRUNT, Commanding U. S. S. Minnesota. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Minnesota. March 8, 1862.At 12:45 p. m. saw three steamers off Sewells Point standing toward Newport News. One of these was supposed to be the Merrimack from the size of her smokestack. We immediately slippe Page 15 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 15 chain and steamed toward Newport News. At 1:30 went to quarters. At 2, when off Sewells Point, the enemy opened fire upon us, which was immediately responded to by this ship. One of the enemys shot took effect upon the mainmast. We immediately fished and secured it with a hawser over the masthead. At 3 the ship grounded, Newport News bearing north [west 0?], distance about 1 mile. We backed the engine and set the mizzen topsail to back the ship off, but all to no effect, as it was high water when the ship grounded. The three rebel steamers, when we had grounded near Newport News, had attacked the U. S. ships (?urnberiand and Congress. At 3:30 the Cumberland went down with her colors flying. At 4 the Congress struck her colors and hoisted a white flag. At 4 the rebel steamers and the Minnesota commenced action, the rebeis firing directly upon our bows. We immediately transported four of the broadside guns to the bow ports and commenced firing. Two of the rebel steamers commenced moving to the south- ward. We then opened fire upon them with our port battery. We received several shot and shell in our port side, killing two men and wounding several. From 6 until S p. in.: Action still continued with our port battery and bow guns, the rebels doing considerable damage to the Minnesota. At 7 the rebel steamers hauled off. From 8 until mid- night: All preparations were made to get the ship afloat, such as getting out stream anchor, getting tugboats alongside, and making them fast; transported two of the 9-inch broadside guns to the stern ports of the cabin. March 9.At 2 a. m. the ship floated, but soon grounded. The U. S. battery Monitor, Commander [Lieutenant] J. L. Worden, arrived and reported for orders. From 4 until 8 a. in.: Received 100 9-inch solid shot from Fortress Monroe. Still at work trying to get the ship off. At 4:15 found it impossible to get the ship afloat, as time tide had fallen too much. At 6 a. m. the three rebel steamers made their appearance directly astern, and commenced firing upon us, which was promptly responded to. Signalized the Monitor to engage the enemy. She commenced an attack upon them, when they steamed toward Sewells Point, followed by the Monitor. From 8 a. m. to meridian: U. S. S. Monitor still engaged with Merrimack, at close quarters most of the time. At ii the Merrimack again returned and took her position upon our port side, distant about 1 mile, and commenced to fire upon our ship, striking her in several places, doing much damage. The enemys fire promptly returned by this ship; one man killed and several wounded. The Merrimack retired. We commenced lightening the ship by starting water, hoisting out provisions, and heaving overboard seven of 8-inch guns. At 1 p. m. the Merrimack steamed toward Nor. folk. At 2 corn mnenced to get the ship afloat and succeeded in swing- ing the ships bows down the channel. All hands were called to stand by their bags and hammocks in case we failed to get the ship off at high water, having expended nearly all of our solid shot, 9-inch. At 4:30 we succeeded in getting the ship afloat and proceeded one-fourth of a mile, when we again grounded. March 10.At 2 a. m. succeeded in getting the ship afloat. Came to anchor in Hampton Roads. Report of Fleet Surgeon Wood, U. S. Navy, transmitting list of killed and wounded. U. S. S. MINNESOTA, March 12, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose a list of the killed and wounded, so far as any returns have been made, in the action of this squadron wit Page 16 16 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. that of the enemy on the 8th and 9th instant. Most of the wounded of the Congress and Cumberland are now in the army hospitals at New- L)ort News and Fortress Monroe. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. MAXWELL WOOD, Fleet Surgeon. Flag-Officer Louis M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure.] Li8t of killed and wounded during the engagement on the 8th and 9th of March, 1862, off Newport News. On board U. S. S. Minnesota: 1. Alexander Winslow, captain main top, killed. 2. Henry Smith, coxswain, killed. 3. 1)ennis llarrington, captain mizzen top, killed. 4. John Gunn, quartermaster, wounded. 5. Henry Leeland, quarter gunner, wounded. 6. Charles Dunlap, ordinary seaman, wounded. 7. Samuel W. Hiller, ordinary seaman, wounded. 8. Christopher Sewell, coal heaver, wounded. 9. Charles Thompson, seaman, wounded. 10. Joseph Augustus, musician, contused. 11. Sanmnel W Thomas, musician, wounded. 12. Seth Bennett, musician, wounded. 13. Atwell Kean, land snian, wounded. 14. John Clark, seaman, injured in groin. 15. Patrick Joyce, ordinary seaman, contused. 16. Julius Bartlett, quartermaster, wounded. 17. Ansel iRichchurch, seaman, contused. 18. Joyce Moore (colored), landsman, wounded. 19. Eli Parris (colored), landsman, wounded. Total killed, 3; wounded,16. On board U. S. S. Whitehall: 1. Andrew Nesbitt, third assistant engineer, killed. 2. Charles OConnor, boy, killed. 3. Robert Waugh, seaman, killed. On board U. S. S. Dragon: 1. [Jos.] McDonald, wounded. 2. [Charles J.] Frieze, wounded. 3. Name not a scertaiti ed, wounded. On board U S. S. Roanoke: 1. John MeDonough, third, ordinary seaman, (~oI1tuse(l wound of scalp; serious. From U. S. S. Congress. 2. Robert Rogers, ordinary seaman, lacerated wound of wrist; mint serious. From U. S. S. Gum berland. 3. T. Wade, first-class boy, lacerated wound of neck; not serious. 4. John Stockwell, boatswains mate, dislocation of shoulder joint. ( . AS. S. Cumberland: 1. Butt, burns and contusion of head and face. 2. John Grady, seaman, lacerated wound of right arm; burns of face. 3. John MeGnun, ordinary seaman, slight wound right side of head. 4. John Bates, ordinary seaman, slight wound of left arm and buttock Page 17 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 17 5. John Devine, carpenters mate, wound of left heel. 6. Edward Cobb, signal quartermaster, slight wound of head, throat, and abdomen. 7. John Gardner, quartermaster, contusion of right thigh. 8. Alex. McFadden, marine, lacerated wound of left arm. 9. John B. Cavanaugh, ordinary seaman, slight wound over left temple. 10. John Burt, ordinary seaman, contusion and abrasion of back. 11. Jos. Russell, quartermaster, exhaustion; a long time in the ~vater. 12. Tochlin Livingston, ordinary seaman, ii iterinitten t. 13. James Benson, ordinary seaman, rheumatism. 14. Mr. Stuyvesant, master, slight penetrating wound, left forearm, from splinter. TOTAL. Killed. Wounded. Minnesota 3 16 whitehall 3 16 Dragon 3 Roanoke congress Cuniberland 6 37 * Two now on Roaneke; 14 in Fort Monroe and Camp Butler. Very res~)ectfully, WM. MAXWELL WOOD, Fleet ASurgeon Additional report of Fleet Surgeon Wood, U. S. Navy, transmitting list of killed and wounded. U. S. S. MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, March 14, 1862. SIR: Since the report I had the lioiior to forward yesterday, I have received from Baltimore the enclosed list of wounded on board the U. S. S[hip] Congress. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. MAXWELL WOOD, Fleet Surgeon. Flag-Officer Louis M. GOLDSBORO~IJGH, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure.] Li8t of wounded on board the U. S. frigate Congreaa during the action ore the 8th in8tant. 1. Surgeon Edward Shippen, concussion. 2. Mr. Rhodes, pilot, badly burned; died on the 9th. 3. Spencer Fish, ordinary seanian, slight wound in foot. 4. William Bangs, ordinary seaman, slight wound on face, hand, and legs. 5. Charles Trask, seaman, slight burn on the head and face. 6. Harry M.illenbrock, ordinary seaman, slight burn on the arln. 7. Emanuel Denoviel, ordhPary seaman, badly burned on face and hands. 8. Charles Wilson, seaman, slightly wounded. NWRVOL7 Page 18 18 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 9. William McAbee, boatswains mate, badly burned oii face aiid hands. 10. John Cahill, seam an, slightly wounded. 11. John Barritts, fractured thigh. 12. Edwin G. Pepper, wound on the scalp, face, and hands. 13. Jesse II. Jewell, marine, badly burned on face, hands, arms, and legs. 14. Lawrence Furlong, slightly burned on face. 15. John McClusky, amputation of thigh. 1~. Alexander Johnson, severe wound, right thigh. 17. John Brislin, amputation of thigh; died since. 18. George Webster, seaman, amputation of arm; severe wouiid of thorax. 19. Thomas Serrin, ainputatioi~ of arm and serious injuries of body. 20. Charles Tyman, corporal, amputation at hip joint; died since. 21. [Leroy], ships quartermaster, amputation of leg; died since. 22. James Goulding, Ninety-ninth [New York] Regiment, wound of scalp. 23. Patrick Clancey, marine, wound on neck and leg. 24. Stephen Brinnen, Ninety-ninth [New York] Regiment, fractured leg. 25. Samuel Furlong, Ninety-ninth INew York] Regiment, burns on head and face. 26. William Chapman, seaman, burns on face and hands. 27. James MeFaden, seaman, bruised on right shoulder and left leg. 28. George S. Dean, ordinary seaman, wound on face, shoulder, and leg. 29. David Ferguson, seaman, thigh bruised. 30. Thomas Gannon, ordinary seaman, punctnred wound. Report of Captain Purviance, U. 5. Navy, commanding U. S. frigate St. Lawrence. U. S. FRIGATE ST. LAWRENCE, Hampton Roads, March 10, 18G2. SIR: -I have the honor to report the arrival of this ship on the 6th instant in Lynn Haven Bay, from New York. After anchoring, a strong gale from the northwest commenced, and continued through the night and -the Thllowing day. On Saturday the wind abated, and while waiting for wind and tide, the U. S. gunboat Cambridge came alongside and reported that the rebel steam ram Mierrinwek and some side-wheel steamers were engag- hug the frigates Gongress and Cumberland at Newport News. At half past 2 we got underway in tow of the Cambridge and, when abreast of the rebel battery at Sewells Point, the battery opened fire one of the shells exploding under the forefoot of the & . Lawrence, doing, however, no material injury. The fire was returned, and, it is believed, with some effect. The Cumberland had at this time gone down, having been run into by the Merrimack, and the Congress had surrendered, after a terrible slaughter of her men and when rendered perfectly powerless by the fire of the rebels. The Minnesota was aground and was engaging the enemy, whose force consisted of the rebel steam ram and four or five side-wheel gun- boats. When near the Minnesota the & . Lawrence grounded, and a Page 19 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 19 that time opened fire, but her shot did no execution the armor of t~e Mierrimack proved invulnerable to her comparatively feeble projectiles. Taking advantage of these portentous circumstances, the Merrimack directed her attention to firing several projectiles of formidable diinen- sions, one of which, an 80-pound shell, penetrated the starboard quarter about 4 inches above the water line, passed through the pantry of the wardroom and into the stateroom of the assistant surgeon on the port ~1 sioe, completely demolishing the bulkhead, and there struck against a strong iron bar, which secured the bulls-eye of the port; it returned into the wardroom expended. It fortunately did not explode, and no ierson was injured. The damages done by this one shot proved the power of the projectiles which she employed, and readily explained the quick destruction of our wooden and antiqnated frigates. Our position at this time was one of some anxiety. Being aground, the tug Young America came alongside and got us off, after which a powerful broadside from the spar and gun decks of the St. Lawrence, then distant about half a mile, thrown into the Merrimack induced her to withdraw, whether from necessity or discretion, is not known; cer- tainly no serious damage could have been done. After which we pro- ceeded slowly to the anchorage, which we reached about p. m. The Merrimack again appeared the following morning and sustained for several hours the consolidated fire of the Jllinnesota and Monitor, abandoning the conflict finally, but apparently unharmed. The Minnesota remained aground during the night, was supplied with additional ammunition, and in the morning, when attacked by the Merrimack, fought her guns with an energy, skill, and indomitable per- severance worthy of the noble and patriotic cause which she was defending. Unable to move, she was forced to present her feeble broad- side to the enemy, who remained at long range, offering the smallest surface to her antagonist. The Monitor, whose performances more than equaled the highest expectations, contributed most powerfully to the withdrawal of the Merrimack, and her earlier arrival would have pre- vented the unfortunate loss of our two defenseless frigates. All the officers and crew zealously aud efficiently performed their (luties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. Y. PURVIANCE, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. Captain. Abstract log of the U. S. ship St. Lawrence. March 8, 1862.[Hamptou Roads.] At 1 p. m. steamers Roanoke and Minnesota stood toward Newport News. At 1: 30 discovered rebel steamers. At 2, U. S. S. Cambridge came out and informed us that the rebels were engaging the U. S. ships Cumberland and Congress. At 2:30 called All hands up anchor - hove up anchor, were taken in tow by the U. S. gunboat Cambridge, and stood up the roads for the enemy. At 5:25, passing Sewells Point, the batteries opened on us, firing some half dozen shot and shell, one of which passed over our quarter-deck forward the mizzenmast and just clearing the bows of the whaleboat, another carrying away the starboard quarter block on foreyard. This fire was instantly returned by the long 32-pounders of the first division and the 8-inch 63 cwt. shell guns of the second division port, some fall- ing short and others apparently landing in or near the battery. Pro- ceeded up the channel; discovered the Minnesota to be aground; abou Page 20 20 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADI~ON. 5:50 took the bottom ourselves; found under our starboard quarter 34 fathoms water. The tug Young America came to our assistance; making her fast to our starboard quarter she, after a time, succeeded in back- ing us olt Finding it impossible to go any higher up, and the tide being rapid ebb, we stood toward Fortress Monroe. Discovered the rebel ram iilierrimack, with two steamers, in chase of us, no doubt intending to head us oft; if possible, abreast of Sewells Point. About 7 the Merrimack opened lire on us at about 900 yards distance, which was immediately answered with our starboard broadside, and there was rapid firing for a few minutes, when the order was given to cease firing. One shell (rifled) from the Merrimack passed through our starboard quarter about 8 inches above water line, carrying one frame entirely, and the half of another, away, entering the wardroom pantry, smash- ing barrels and boxes of stores, cutting through bulkhead, combing, and striking the deck a little abaft the magazine hatch, it ricochetted, passing into the after room on the port side, bending the iron brace, and, breaking the handle of the air-port plunger, it rebounded on ward- room deck without exploding. The tug Young America having fouled her propeller, cut our towline. Sent a hawser to the Cambridge, which towed us down abreast of the fort; caine to with starboard anchor, hay- ing fired at Sewells Point and the Merrimack some 80 odd shot and shell. From meridian to 8 p. in.: Fired 12 shot and shell in return to Sewells Point, all falling short, distance being too great. Fired 74 shot and shell in return to Merrimacks fire; being dark, could not see the effect. March 9.At 12:30 a. m. magazine of the U. S. frigate Congress exploded. Crew at general quarters during the night. At day-light discovered rebel steamers off~ Sewells Point gettiiig up steam. From 8 to meridian: Rebel vessels engaging the Minnesota and battery Moni- tor at the mouth of James River. From meridian to 3 p. in.: Vessels still fighting at mouth of James River. At 2:10 p. m. rebel steamers hanled oft; many of the tugs in the river go up to assist the Minnesota in getting off. The Brandywine was towed out of the harbor and up the bay by one of the guiiboats. All the schooners, etc., dropped (lown near the light-boat. From 3 to 6: All batteries ready for action. Report of Commander Radford. U. S. Navy, transmitting reports relative to the sinking of the U. S. ship Cumberland. FORTRESS MONROE, VA., March 10, 1862. SIR: It is my painful duty to have to report the loss of the U. S. ship (Jumberland, under my command, on the 8th instant at Newport News, Va. I was on board the U. S. steam frigate Boanoke, by order of the hon- orable Secretary of the Navy, as member of a court of enquir~f, when the Merrimack came out from Norfolk. I immediately l)rocured a horse amid proceeded with all dispatch to Newport News, where I arrived only in time to see the Cumberland sunk by being run into by the rebel iron- clad steamer Merrimack. Though I could not reach the Cumberland before the action was over, I have the satisfaction of reporting that she was fought as long as her guns were above water. Everyone on board must have done their duty nobly. I send with this the report of Lieutenant George U. Morris of the action, he being, in my absence, the commanding officer, and also the surgeons report of the wounded saved. The loss was very large i Page 21 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 21 killed, wounded, and drowned, though the number can not be ascer- tained. Enough is known, however, to make the loss over one hundred. I send also a list of the men known to have been saved, but have no accurate means of giving the names of those lost or killed, as no officer or man brought anything on shore save what he stood in, consequently I have no muster roll of the crew. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. RADFORD, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, & cretary of the Navy. [Enclosures.] NEWPORT NEWS, March 9, 1862. SIR: Yesterday morning at 9 a. m. discovered two steamers at anchor oft Smithfield Point, on the left hand or western side of the river, dis- tant about 12 miles. At 12 in. discovered three vessels under steam, standing down the Elizabeth River toward Sewells Point. Beat to quarters, double breeched the guns on the main deck, and cleared ship for action. At 1 p. m. the enemy hove in sight, gradually nearing us; the iron- clad steamer Merrimack, accompanied by two steam gunboats, passed ahead of the frigate Congress and stood down toward us. We opened fire on her; she stood on and struck us under the starboard fore chan- nels; she delivered her fire at ~he same time; the destruction was great. We returned the fire with solid shot with alacrity. At 3:30 [p. in.] the water had gained upon us, notwithstanding the pumps were kept actively employed, to a degree that the forward mag- azine being drowned we had to take powder from the after magazine for the X-inch gun. At 3:35[p. in.] the water had risen to the main hatchway, and the ship canted to port, and we delivered a parting fire, each man trying to save himself byjumping overboard. Timely notice was given, and all the wounded who could walk were ordered out of the cockpit, but those of the wounded who had been carried into the sick bay and on the berth deck were so mangled that it was impossible to save them. It is impossible for me to individualize; alike officers and men all behaved in the most gallant manner. Lieutenant Selfridge and Master Stuyvesant were in command of the gun deck divisions, an(I they did all that noble and gallant officers could do. Acting Mas- ters Randall and Kennison, who had charge each of a pivot gun, showed the most perfect coolness and did all they could to save our noble ship, but I am sorry to say without avail. Among the last to leave the ship was Surgeon Martin and Assistant Surgeon Kershner, who did all they couJd for the wounded, promptly and faithfully. The warrant and steerage officers could not have been more prompt and active than they were at their different stations. The loss we sustained I can not yet iitforin you, but it has been very great. Chaplain Lenhart is missing. Masters Mate John llarrington was killed. I should judge that we have lost upward of one hundred men. I can only say in conclusion that all did their duty and we sunk with the American flag at the peak. I am, sir, very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, GEO. U. MORRIS, Lieutenant and Executive Officer. Commander WILLIAM RADFORD, Commanding U. S. Ship Cumberland Page 22 22 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. List of the officers 8(1 red from the U. S. 8hip Cunlberland. William Radford, commander. Edward Kershner, assistant surgeon. George U. Morris, lieutenant. Edward B. Bell, boatswain. Thomas 0. Seifridge, lieutenant. Eugene Mack~ gunner. M. S. Stuyvesant, master. William M. Laighton, carpenter. William P. Randall, acting master. David Bruce, sail maker. William W. Kennison, acting master. Henry Wyman, masters mate. Charles Heywood, lieutenant marines. E. V. Tyson, masters mate. Lewis Smith, pilot. Charles ONeil, masters mate. Charles Martin, surgeon. Hugh Nott, paymasters clerk. I)rowned, John L. Lenhart, cha~laia; killed, .John M. Harrington, masters mate. Officers and men when action commenced 376 Officers and men when action was over 255 Killed and drowned 121 This is a large number, and I am in hopes more men will be found. WM. RADFORD Commander. Report of Lieutenant Morris, U. S. Navy, commending for gallantry Lieutenant Heywood. U. S. Marine Corps. WASHINGTON, D. C., April 12, 1862. SIR: Owing to the hurried manner iii which my official report to Captain Itadford was made, I omitted to mention to you the gallant conduct of Lieutenant Charles ileywood, U. S. Marine Corps, whose bravery upon the occasion of the fight with the Merrimack won my highest applause. May I respectfully ask that this be appended to my former report. Very respectfully, your ol)edient servant (lEO. U. MORRIS, Hoti. GIDEON WELLES, Lieutenant, U. AS. Navy. iSecretary of the Navy. Report of Acting Master Kennison, U. S. Navy, regarding his mervice on board the U. S. ship Cumberland. 47 CHESTER SQUARE, Boston, March 18, 1862. SIR: I most respectfully solicit a commission as lieutenant in the Regular Navy of the United States. During the terrible action of the 9th [8th], off Newport News, the forward 10-inch pivot gun of the Cumberland, as all around say, eveii the rebels, that the gun was well worked and handled, and there was no sign of flinching; eveii at the instant of collision a shot was fired which the rebels themselves say did great execution on board of the Merrimack. After she had struck us, I did not stop to look at her, but superintended the loading, to give her a few more of the same sort. Even after the deck was burst up with a shell, near the abeam pivot hole, I worked the forward hole until the order was given to take to the boats. At this time the port forecastle deck was under water, and with a last shot at the enemy I left my quarters to look out for a chance to save myself. I had got between the fore and main rigging when th Page 23 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 23 ship went down, whence I was taken by a tug. That day I had three escapesfrom shot and shell, from drowning, and from steam. It has beeii my constant aim since I have been in the service to get ahead, and think that the reports will show that the captain and officers of the Cumberland and Congress will certify that I performed all my duties in a proper manner. I was formerly a shipmaster, as certificates and rec- oininendations now at the Department will show. I think that my services on that day entitle me to a commission as lieutenant in the Regular Navy. Praying that you may grant my request, I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Wiw. W. KENNISON, A eting Master, U. S. Ship Cumberland. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant Pendergrast, U. S. NaVy, executive elficer of the U. S. ship Congress. FORTRESS MONROE, VA., March 9, 1862. Siu: Owing to the death of my late commanding officer, Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith, it is my painful duty to make a report to you of the part which the U. S. frigate Congress took in the effort~ of our vessels at Newport News to repel the attack of the rebel flotilla on the 8th instant. The following are the minutes, as iiear as I can inform you: At 12:40 p. in. the Merrimack with three small gunboats were seen steaming down from Norfolk. When they had turned into the James River channel and had approached near enough to discover their char- acters we cleared the ship for action. At 2: 10 p. m. the Merrimack ol)eued with her bow gun with grape, passing us on the starboard side at a distance of about 300 yards, receiving our broadside and giving one in return. After passing the the Congress she ran into and sunk the U. S. sloop of war Cumberland. The smaller vessels then attacked us, killing and wounding many of our crew. Seeing the fate of the Cumberland, we set the jib and top- sails, and, with the assistance of the tugboat Zouave, ran the vessel ashore. At 3: 30 the Merrimack took a position astern of us, at a distance of about 150 yards, and raked us fore and aft with shells, while one of the smaller steamers kept up a fire on our starboard quarter. In the meantime, the Patrick Henry and Thomas Jeft~rson [James- town], rebel steamers, approached us from up the James River, firing with precision and doing us great damage. Our two stern guns were now our only means of defense. These were soon disabled, one being dismounted and the other having its muzzle knocked away. The men were swept away from them with great rapidity and slaughter by the terrible fire of the enemy. At about 4:30 I learned of the death of Lieutenant Smith, which happened about ten minutes previous. Seeing that our men were being killed without the prospect of any relief from the Minnesota, which ves- sel had run ashore in attempting to get up to us from Hampton Roads, not being able to bring a single gun to bear upon the enemy, and the ship being on fire in several places, upon consultation with Commander William Smith, we deemed it proper to haul down our colors without any further loss of life on our part Page 24 24 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. We were soon boarded by an officer from the Merrimack, who said that lie would take charge of the ship. He left shortly afterwards, and a small tug came alongside, whose captain demanded that we should surrender and get out of the ship, as he iiitended to burn her immedi- ately. A sharp fire with muskets and artillery was maintained from our troops ashore upon the tug, having the effect of driving her offi The Merrimack again opened on ns, althongh we had a white flag at the l)eak to show that we were out of action. After having fired several shells into us she left us and engaged the Minnesota and the shore bat. teries. We took the opportunity to man the boats and send the wounded ash ore. We then ourselves left, the ship being on fire near the after magazine and in the sick bay. In fact, the ship was on fire from the commencement to the end of the action, three times in the sick bay and wardroom and twice in the main hold, produced by hot shot thrown from the Merrimack. I lament to record the deaths of the fidlowing officers: Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith, Acting Master Thomas Moore, and Pilot William Rhodes, won nded (since dead). In conclusion, I beg leave to say that the officers, seamen, and marines performed their whole duty well and courageously. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUSTIN PENDERGRAST, Lieutenant, U S. Nary. Captain JOHN MARSTON, Senior Officer. I will send in a list of the casualties aiid missing as soon as I can ascertaiii them. Very respectfully, AUsTIN PENDERGRAST, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Report of Lieutenant Pendergrast, U. S. Navy, regarding the casualties on the U. S. ship Con- gress. PHILADELPHIA, PA., March 19, 1862. SIR: I very respectfully submit the following report as to the casual- ties which occurred oim board the U. S. frigate Congress iu the action of the 8th instant at Newport News: Total number of officers and men on board 434 Total number of officers and men on board accounted for 298 Total number of killed, wounded, and missino 136 Total number of wounded taken on shore 26 Total number killed and missing iJO Total number of wounded (since (lead) 10 Total number of killed, mis sing, and died on shore 120 I regret exceedingly to record the death of Masters Mate Peter J. flargons. He was a good, brave, and promising young officer, and is milversally regretted. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, AUSTIN PENDERGRAST, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington City, I). C Page 24A Page 24B r a z C) C z r m m H 0 z I 0 z G) C,) m C) H 5 z -Il 0 a 0 ~1 0 S z r 0 z 0 F 0 1 C z r CI) m 0 1 0 z ~1 Page 24C Page 24D Li TRANSVERSE SECTION THROUGH TURRET OF ORIGINAL MONITOR Page 25 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 25 Report of Lieutenant Greene, U. S. Navy, executive officer of the U. S. S. Monitor. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER MONITOR, hampton Roads, March 12, 1862. SIR: Lieutenant Commanding John L. Worden having been disabled in the action of the 9th instant between this vessel and the rebel iron- clad frigate Merrimack, I submit to yon the following report: We arrived at Hampton Roads at 9 p. m. on the 8th instant and immediately received orders from Captain Marston to proceed to New- port News and protect the Minnesota from the attack of the Merrimack. Acting Master Howard came on board and volunteered to act as pilot. We left Hampton Roads at 10 p. m. and reached the Minnesota at 11:30p.m. The Minnesota being aground, Captain Worden sent me on board of her to enquire if we could render her any assistance, and to state to Captain Van Brunt that we should do all in our power to protect her from the attack of the Merrimack. I then returned to this vessel and at 1 a. m. on the 9th instant anchored near the Minnesota. At 4 a. in., supposing the Minnesota to be afloat and coming down upon us, got underway and stood out of the channel. Finding that we were mistaken, anchored at 5:30 a. m. At 8 a. in. perceived the Merrimack underway and standin g toward the Minne. sota. Hove up the anchor and went to quarters. At 8:45 a. in. we opened fire upon the Merrimack and continued the action until 11:30 a.. in., when Captain Worden was injured in the eyes by the explosion of a shell from the Merrimack upon the outside of the eyehole in time pilot house, exactly opposite his eye. Captain Worden then sent for me and told me to take charge of the vessel. We continued the action until 12:15 p. in., when the Merrimack retreated to Sewells Point and we went to the Minnesota and remained by her until she was afloat. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. GREENE, Lieutenant and Ordnance Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, 1); 0. Report of Acting Assistant Surgeon Logue, U. S. Navy, of casualties on board the U. S. S. Monitor. U. S. S. MONITOR. Off Fortress Monroe, March 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to your Department the casualties that occurred on board this vessel during her action with the rebel steamer Merrimack on Sunday, March 9. The engagement began at 8:30 a. in., but no injury was experienced by either officers or crew until 10 oclock. At this hour precisely Mr. Stodder, first master (volunteer), was dis- abled by concussion of the brain while engaged on tile lookout in the turret. insensibility remained for about ten minutes, but the reaction following did not run high enough to require active treatment. Mr. Stodders injury resulted from his knee coming in contact with the turret at the instant a heavy shot from the Merrimack struck it. About ten minutes later Peter Trescott, seaman, was sent down from the turret, Lieutenant Worden having been wonnded, made no report of this engagement until 1868. This report is on tile in the Navy i)epartment.COMHLERs Page 26 26 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. suikring also from concussion of the brain. This injury did not result in total insensibility, but the circulation remaining depressed for some time, I administered stimulants in small quantities, watching carefully for reaction, and when it was established controlled it successfully by cold effusion to the head. These were the only accidents that occurred until a percussion shell near the close of the action exploded against the lookout chink of the pilot house and resulted in severe injury of the eyes of Lieutenant Commanding John L. Wordeii who was stationed there during the engagement. I made an examination and succeeded in removing from the corneal conjunctiva some minute scales of iron and a small quantity of paint forced by the exploding shell from the bars composing the pilot house. He also, in a small degree, suffered from concussion, but this complication required no treatment. My further treatment of Captain Worden consisted entirely in making cold applications to his eyes, which was continued until, at the solicitations of his friends, Assistant Secretary of the Navy Fox, and Lieutenant Wise, U. S. Navy, he was removed from the Monitor to be taken to Washington. I am pleased to report that on the morning following the engagement the injured parties remaining on board were ready and reported for duty. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, DANIEL C. LOGUE, Acting Assistant Surgeon, Steamer Monitor. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary, U. S. Navy. Lefler from Chief Engineer Stimers, U. S. Navy, to Captain John Ericsson, giving an account of the engagement. IRONCLAD MONITOR, Hampton Roads, March 9, 18G2. M~ DEAR SIR: After a stormy ~)assage, which proved us to be the finest seaboat I was ever in, we fought the Merrimack for more than three hours this forenoon and sent her back to Norfolk in a sinking condition. Ironclad against ironclad. We maneuvered about the bay here and went at each other with mutual fierceness. I consider that both ships were well fought. We were struck 22 timespilot house twice, turret 9 times, side armor 8 times, deck 3 times. The only vul- nerable point was the pilot house. One of your great logs (9 by 12 inches thick) is broken in two. The shot struck just outside of where the captain had his eye, and it has disabled him by destroying his left eye and temporarily blinding the other. The log is not quite in two, but is broken and pressed inward 14 inches. She tried to run us down and sink us, as she did the Cumberland yesterday, but she got the worst of it. Her bow passed over our deck and our sharp upper edged side cut through the light iron shoe upon her stem and well into her oak. She will not try that again. She gave us a tremendous thump, but did not initire us in the least. We are just able to find the point of contact. The turret is a splendid structure. I do not think much of the shield, but the pendulums are fine things, though I can not tell you how they would stand the shot, as they were not hit. You are very correct in your estimate of the effect of shot upon the man on the inside of the turret when it was struck near him. Three men were knocked down, of whom I was one; the other two had to b Page 27 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 27 carried below, but I was not disabled at all and the others recovered before the battle was over. Captain Wordeii stationed himself at the pilot house, Greene fired the gnus, and I turiied the turret until the cap- taiiu was disabled and was relieved by Greene, when I managed the turret myself, Master Stodder having been one of the two stunned men. Captain Ericsson, I congratulate you upon your great success. Thousands have this day blessed you. I have beard whole crews cheer you. Every man feels that you have saved this place to the nation by fuiiiishing us with the means to whip an ironclad frigate that was, until our arrival, having it all her own way with our most powerful vessels. I ani, with much esteem, very truly, yours, ALBAN C. STIMERS, Captain J. ERICSSON, Chief Engineer. No. 95 Franklin Street, New York. Letter from Chief Engineer Stimers, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the performance of the U. S. S. Monitor. Private.] IRONCLAD MONITOR, Hampton Roads, Virginia, ]lfarch 17, 1862. Mv ])EAU SIR: The fact that our movements have been so fully described by so many people and so fully published, has caused me to rather neglect writing many letters which I ought to have attended to, chief among which are the letters I ought to have writteti you. Permit me first, my dear sir, to offer my respectful sympathy for the loss of your gallant son. I knew him well; indeed, we were shipmates in that same Merrimack when she sailed under an honorable flagby people who did not steal her. We were not well prepared by calking for a gale of wind when we left New York, and moreover, our wind pipes were not high enough. I wanted Captain Ericsson to make them the same height as the turret, which would have prevented nearly all our difficulties, but he thought them high enough to prevent any mischief, and urged the inconvenielice of stowing higher ones when we should go into battle. Aside from these defects, I consider the form and strength of the vessel equal to any weather I ever saw at sea. It flows right across her deck; it looks to the sailor as if his ship was altogether under water, and it is only the man who has studied the philosophical laws which govern floatation and stability who feels exactly comfortable in her during a gale of wind. The effects of the shot upon the vessel prove to my mind in the strongest language that laminated rolled plates are far superior to solid forged plates. The pilot house had a beam 9 inches thick by 12 inches depth, struck at an angle of 30 degrees by a 68-pound rifle shell, and it indented into the iron three-fourths of an inch and broke the beam. The turret, which is not so thick by 1 inch, was struck by a similar missile and at an equally short range (about 30 yards) at an angle of 90 degrees indented into the iron 24 inches (three times as far) but did not crackle the iron in the least. The indentation is carried all the way through in every case (7 in number) in which the turret was struck, and it is for this reason that laminated plates are better than the solid. We fired nothing but solid cast-iron shot, and whenever we were directly abeam of her [Merrimack] and hit her, our shot went right through her. Her sides are at an angle of 45 degrees Page 28 28 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I am now building around the pilot house solid oak, covered with 3 inches thickness of wrought iron in three thicknesses, at an angle of 30 degrees with the horizon. Over this we will smear tallow which has been blackened by mixing it with black lead. I consider that when this is done it will thoroughly protect the eye of the observer within, as it will carry the shot too high to permit the fragments to come through. The bronze shot which Captain I)ahlgreii has sent us I consider as superior for our purposes to the wrought iron. Their weight (160 pounds) is in their favor, so far as the gun is concerned, over even the cast-iron shot, and from the experiments tried they will have a superior penetration. Our difficulty, however, was not the want of penetration of the cast-iron shotas we now have proofbut their want of homo- geneity caused them to go almost anywhere except where the gun was aimed. The bronze cast over the hollow 9-inch shot must give a very well-balanced missile, and remove the only difficulty we had. With much esteem and respect, I am, very truly, yours, ALBAN C. STIMERS. Commodore JOSEPH SMITH U. S. Navy, Chief of the Bureau of Yards and Docks, Navy Department, Washington, 1~. C. Letter from Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Jeffers, U. S. Navy, requesting information regarding ammunition expended by the U. S. S. Monitor. U. S. FLAGSHiP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Jllarch 16, 1862. Sir: The Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, etc., has expressed a desire to know, if possible, how much ammunition was expended by the Monitor in her late engagemneuut, especially solid shot, and whether this shot was wrought or cast. He also wishes to be made aware of the results of an examination of your bores and vents, and to have takeui an impression of the interior orifice of the latter. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Lieutenant Commanding WM. N. JEFFERS, U. & Cased Battery Monitor. Report of Lieutenant Jeffers, U. S. Navy, regarding ammunition expended by the U. S. S. Monitor. U. S. CASED BATTERY MONITOR, Hampton Roads, March 16, 1862. SIR: In answer to your enquiry I have to report that the Monitor expended forty-one solid cast-iron shot in her engagement with the Merrimack, equally divided between guns 27 and 28. On inspection of the bore with a mirror no trace of injury can be observed. I have no means of examining the vent by taking an impression. Unless absolutely necessary I shall fire no more cast-iron solid shot, as I nun satisfied that shells are not more liable to fracture. The bronze coated shot I shall reserve for especial occasion. The wrought-iron shot I shall send on shore to remove the temptation to fire them. I a Page 29 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 29 satisfied that the Merrimack can not seriously inj are the Monitor, but an explosion of a gun might destroy the turret. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. N. JEFFERS, Lieu tenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII) Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Commander Glisson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mount vernon. U. S. S. MOUNT VERNON, Baltimore, Aid., ]Jliarch 17, 1862. SIR: This vessel having been one of those in Hampton Roads on the 8th and 9th instant, I feel it to be my duty to report to you the part we took on those days. We were lying alongside of the coal ship Phelps coaling ship, with no fires lighted and part of the machinery apart aiid ou shore for repairs, when at 12:40 we observed the rebel vessels coming down the Elizabeth River. I immediately hoisted signal No. 551 to the squadron, and at 12: 55, the signal not being aim swered, fired a shotted gun in the direction of I lie enemy to call attention to it. At 1:10 the U. S. frigate Roanoke made signal No. 1q18. Being unable to move for the reasons above stated, I dispatched an officer to ask the senior officer to allow me a tug to tow me into action. This he could not do, as he needed the services of the only tugs at his disposal for the U. S. frigates Minnesota and Roanoke. I then sent to the United States quartermaster to endeavor to borrow an army tug for the purpose, but without success. I used every exertion in getting my machinery off from shore, and succeeded by daylight on the 9th in having the vessel under steam and ready for any service that might be needed. I was subsequently ordered to tow the U. S. ~toreship Brandywine to Baltimore and finish my rel)airs. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. 5. GLISSON, Commandcr, U. S. Navy. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding the Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Mount Vernon. March 8,1862.At 12:40 p. m. observed the rebel ironclad steam frig- ate Merrimack coming down the Elizabeth River. At 12:55 fired a shot in the direction of the enemy to attract the attention of the senior officer to our signal. Seimt a boat to ask the senior officer to send us a tug to tow us into action, our machinery being apart and our fires not lighted. At 1:30 observed the U. S. frigates Minnesota and Roanoke weigh their anchors and proceed in the direction of the enemy in tow of steam tugs. Our boat returned with the information that the senior officer needed the only tugs at his (lisposal for the above-named frigates. Endeavored to procure a tug from the quartermasters department without success. At 2: 15 the action commenced between the U. S. frigates Congress and Cumberland and the battery at Newport News and the enemy, consisting of the Merrimack, Yorktown, Jamestown, and three smaller steamers Page 30 30 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. At 2: 20 shots were exchanged between the rebel batteries at Sewells Point and the flagship Minnesota. At 3:20 the Minnesota gronnded near Newport News. Heavy firing going on between all the vessels engaged. At 4 observed the U. S. frigate Congress hoist the white flag. At 4:30 sent on shore for the machinery of this vessel that was being repaired there. At 5:15 the U. S. frigate St. Lawrence passed up on her way to the scene of action in tow of U. S. S. Cambridge, the action still continu- ing. At 6:30 the U. S. frigate Roanoke returned to the roads, also the U. S. S. Mystic. The combatants ceased firing for the night. At 8:30 discovered the U. S. frigate Congress to be on fire. The U. S. S[hip] St. Lawrence returned to the roads. At 11: 30 the U. S. ironclad bat- tery Monitor passed np toward Newport News. Received the machinery from the shore, none of it being repaired. Lighted the fires and com- menced getting up steam. March 9.At 12:30 a. m. observed the U. S. S[hip] Congress blow up. At daylight observed three rebel steamers coming down toward Sewells Point. Backed the vessel down toward the senior officers ship and fired a shot at the enemy, which fell short. From 8 to meridian: Heavy firing going on between the Minnesota and ironclad battery Monitor on one side and the ]Iilierrimack, Yorkto~~n, and Jamestown on the other. At 11:30 proceeded alongside the U. S. s~oreship Brandywine to take her in tow. At meridian proceeded with the Brandywine in tow. At sunset New Point Comfort distant 6 miles. Report of Acting Master Watson, U. S. Navy, regarding casualties on the U. S. S. Dragon. U. S. S. DRAGON, Hampton Roads, March 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report, while endeavoring to tow U. S. S. Minnesota off the bottom during the engagement with the Merrimack, received a shell into the boiler, where it exploded, doing serious damage to the boiler and completely destroying the inside of the vessel, with the exception of the magazine; seriously wounding Benjamin S. Hun- gerford, quartermaster; Charles J. Frieze, seaman; [Jos.] McDonald, fireman, who were put on board hospital ship. Also lost all small arms and eqi~ipments, spy and marine glasses, cabin furniture; all my accounts, appointment, clothing, sword, revolver, and watch; together with sixty days rations, which were passed aboard steamer Whitehall by order from Minnesota. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. WATSON, Acting Master, Commanding. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Sqnadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Goodwin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Amanda. U. S. BARK AMANDA, Baltimore, March 10, 1862. SIR: Your order of 9th instant to proceed to this port was received 12, noon, of that day, and considering it as a i)eremptory order admit- ting of no delay, I immediately hove up my anchor and, in tow o Page 31 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 31 steamer Curritack, proceeded on, although a part of my ships company and three officers were doing duty in other parts of the harbor. My executive officer, Mr. R. J. iloffuer, and Masters Mate Campbell, with 11 men, I sent on board steam tug America to assist first the Roe noke and then the Minnesota (the captain of that tug having refused to lend his aid), and presume he was [they were] at the latter ship when I left. On the evening of the 8th, hearing the Monitor was expected lip the bay, I l)ulled down to the inner lightship, boarded her, and caine up iu her, pointing out to Captain Wordeii the position of your ship. When lie again got underway, no pilot was to be found willing to take her up to Newport News, or rather to the Minnesota, and I (letailed from the Amanda Acting Master Samuel howard as a pilot for the Monitor, having perfect confidence in his knowledge of the channel, and without doubt he was on board the battery when I left. Hoping I have not been in error in any of the above actions, I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, N. GOODWIN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, U. & Navy. [Captain JOHN MARSTON, U. S. Navy.] [From the Evening Press, March 18, 1862.] Among the many incidents in connection with the naval engagement in Hampton Roads, there are two which have come to our notice, which we deem worthy of praise: When the Minnesota was found to be aground and in great danger of l)eitig destroyed by the ilferrimack, all the available tugs at Fortress Monroe were sent to her assistance. At that time the America, a very l)owerful st~am propeller in the employ of the Government, was lying off the fort, and was ordered to go to the relief of the Minnesota. The cap- tain refused to get up steam ~n the vessel. The provost- marshal iinme- (liately called for volunteers to man tile America. The bark Amanda (six guns), which had arrive(l a few days before from the blockade off Wil- mingtomi, was lyfug at anchor near by, and the first lieutenant and Masters Mate George C. Campbell, of Willimantic, Coun., with 13 men, volunteered immediately, went on board the propeller, ordered the engineer to get up steam, put the captain and crew under a guard of marines and sent them to the fort, Ii ove up anchor, amid went up and stayed by the Minnesota until she was brought to her anchorage abreast of the IRip Raps on Monday morning. The America was nuder fire during the whole engagement, and the officers without sleep or rest from Saturday until Monday, but no lives were lost, though the vessel was a good deal damaged. The other fact is this: After the Monitor arrived twenty Baltimore pilots refused to take her to Newport News, excusing themselves because they did not know the / channel when, at any other time, they would have jumped at the chance. At this juncture Acting Master Howard, of the Amanda (before mentioned), offered his services, piloted the Monitor to where the Minnesota was aground, and was the means of saving that vessel as well as Newport News probably. We hope such deeds may not be overlooked. [Endorsement.l Respectfully referred to Flag-Officer Goldsborough. [G. V. Fox.j YAYY 1)BPARTMENT, Jlarch 21, 18(12 Page 32 32 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Abstract log of the U. S. storeship Brandywine. March 8, 1862.At 1 :30 p. in. the Merrimack hove in sight steering for Newport News, in company with three tugs. At 2, frigates Iloanoke and Minnesota got underway and proceeded to Newport 4ews. At 2: 25 firing comnienced from the Rip itaps, Sewells Poiiit, Craney Island, and Newport News. 4: firing still continues from five rebel boats and replied to by the Congress, Cumberland, and others on our side. At 5: 30 p. ni. the frigate St. Lawrence came in, towed bytlie steanier Cambridge, and l)Loceeded to Newport News to assist our force there. All hands to quarters. At 8: 30 p. in. saw fires at Newport News, found to be the frigate Congress burning; continued to burn dur- iiig the watch. At 11: 30 the Ericsson battery [Monitor] came in and proceeded to Newport News. iIarch 9.Cou~mences with calm, clear weather. The Congress still bnriiing. At 12: 30 a. in. the Congress blew ul). At 5: 30, day breaking, saw the Minnesota in position. At 6 saw three rebel steamers approaching. Called all hands to quarters. United States guiiboat hoisted signal, got underway, and fired a gun. At S firing commenced from the Merrimack, which was returned by the Ericsson battery [lion- itor] and Minnesota. It has been reported here that the U. S. ship Ciunbe~land has been sunk by the Merrimack. All hands still at quar- ters. From 8 to 12 in. the Merrimack and Ericsson battery [Monitor] The enoa(e(l each other. ~-11gageaz~uiu iiiu~u auun 12 in., ~ the U. S. S. ifount Vernon came alongside with orders to take this ship to Baltimore. Abstract log of the U. S. bark Braziliera. March 8, 1862.At 1 p. in. a rebel steam battery ma(Ie her appear- atice off Sewells Point, accompanied by several smaller gunboats. Minnesota, Roanoke, ai id gunboats got underway and proceeded to the scene of action. At 4 saw that the frigate Congress had the white flag flying at her peak and main topgallant masthead. Wind at the time moderate from the W. to W. S. W. Very heavy firing from our forces against the rebel ships and batteries. At 6 the Roanoke returned in tow of small tugs. The St. Lawrence arrived at 5 and proceeded imme- diately to the supI)ort of the Minnesota, bitt returned to Fortress Moti- roe at 6:45. At 8 firing on both sides slacking. At 7:50 fire broke out on board the frigate Congress. She blew np between 12 and 1 a. m. Two gunboats and Ericssons battery [Monitor] arrived. ilarch 9.At 7 a. m. rebel gunboats opened tire oii the Minnesota and Ericsson battery [Mionitor]. Forenoon, heavy firing between our naval force and the rebel batteries and gunboats. At noon the rebel forces hauled off and stood up toward Norfolk. Storeship Brandywine left in tow of U. S. S. Mount Vernon at 1 p. m. In the evening the steam frigate Minnesota returned to her anchorage. March 10.At 2 a. in. saw flames break out from the steamer White- ha ii. She burned to the water and sank. At 8 the Ericsson battery Monitor] returned front Newport News and anchored under Fortress Monroe. At 2 p. m. tug George Washington came alongside with an acting master and 38 men from the IT. S. frigate Roanoke to remove us lower down. At 5:40 came to anchor, light on point S. W. by W., dis- taut 1 mile Page 33 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 33 Abstract log of the U. S. S. Cambridge. March 8, 1862.At 1 : 30 p. in. saw the rebel steamer Merrimack and two others coming out from behind Sewells Point. The Minnesota and Roe noke got underway to engage them. We immediately steamed out to the frigate St. Lawrence, at anchor 5 miles below, and took her in tow and started for Hampton Roads. From 4 to 6 p. in.: St. Lawrence in tow. When abreast of Sewells Point, ~the enemys batteries opened flue upon us, which was returned by both ships; found the Cumber- land sunk, the Congress ashore on Newport News Point and her crew leaving her, and the Minnesota aground, the Merrimack engaging her. The St. Lawrence taking the ground, cast off~ from her and prepared to tow her again. Several shot struck the ship without doing much injury. From 6 to 8: Endeavoring to get the St. Lawrence in tow, stove in our quarter-rail by collision. Observed the Congress on fire. The enemys vessels withdrawing toward Sewells Point. At 8 p. in. got the St. Lawrence. in tow again and stood down for the fort, the enemys vessels firing upon us. At 8:30 dropped the St. Lawrence and anebored. Reported on board the Roanoke. At 11 the bombproof biittery Monitor got underway and stood up for the Minnesota. March 9.At 12: 40 a. in. the Congress blew up. Two small steamers caine down from the Minnesota and communicated with the I?oanoke. At 8: 50 the Merrimack and Monitor came to close quarters, apparently trying to board. Heavy firing betweemi them. At 9:30 received or(lers to go to Beaufort, N. C., from the senior officer and immediately got our anchor and stood down the bay. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Mystic. March 8, 1862.At 1: 10 p. in. observed rebel steamer Merrimack and two other of the enemys steamers coming down Elizabeth River toward Newport sews. At 1:20 flagship fired gun. At 1:25 U. S. S[team] frigate Minnesota got underway and proceeded toward Newport Ne~vs. At 1:40 flagship Roanoke got underway. At 2 action commenced at Newport News between U. S. frigates Cumnberland and Congress and the enemy. At 3 got underway in tow of steamer Kingston and followed flagship. At 3:20 observed three steamers coming down James River. At 3:50 the U. S. frigate Congress struck her flag. At 4 flagship turned -back. At 4:10 turned round and followed flagship, it being apparent that in our disabled state we could not be of any assistance. At 5:20 U. S. frigate St. Lawrence passed us, going up in tow of the U. S. S. Cambridge. At 5:50 engaged Sewells Point battery with our starboard guns. At 8: 20 discovered a large fire bearing W. S. W., supposed it to be the Congress set on fire by the rebels. At 9 U. S. S. Monitor arrived and proceeded toward Newport News. March 9.At 8 a. in. saw rebel ~teamers off Sewells Point. At 8:30 action commenced off Newport News between rebel steamers Men i- mack and two others and U. S. steamers Minnesota and Monitor. At 9:30, iii amiswer to signal from flagship, dropped farther down, inom~ out of the way of the guns of the fort. At noon action still going ou at Newport News. At 12:30 p. in. action ceased between the United States steamers and the rebels, the latter running away up Elizabeth River. NWRV0L7 Page 34 34 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Lieutenant Greene, U. S. Navy, to 3. H. Murray, esq., regarding Quartermaster Williams, of the U. S. S. Monitor. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER MONITOR, Hampton Roads, March 2.5, 1862. DEAR SIR: I received to-day your commuuicatioii of the 21st instant. Peter Williams, quartermaster, is the iiame of the man who steered this vessel during her engagement with the Merrimack on the 9th instant. Please give my regards to Mr. Fox, and my apology to him for not speaking to him about his kind iiote of the 11th instant. Yours, truly, S. D. GREENE, J. H. MURRAY, Esq. Lieutenant, U. S. Nary. Nary Department, Was/i ington, D. (I. Report of Major-General Wool, U. S. Army, commanding Department of Virginia. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Port Monroe, Va., March 9, 1(S62. GENERAL: Two hours after I sent my hurried dispatch to the Secre- tary of War last evening the Monitor arrived and saved the Minnesota and St. Lawrence, which were both aground when she arri red. The Merrimack, supported by the Yorktown and Jamestown, com- menced an attack on the Minnesota (still aground) early thuis morning, and after a contest of five hours was driven off in a sinking condition by the Monitor, aided by the Minnesota, and towed by the Jamestown and Yorktown toward ~orfolk, for the purpose, no doubt o possible, in the dry dock for repairs. , f getting her, if It is reported that Magruder is approaching Newport News with a large force of infantry. I have reenforced that post with three regi- ments, a light battery of six pieces, and a company of dragoons. The command consists altogether of over or about 8,000 men. My command consists altogether of 10,000 effective men. The Cmnberland was sunk, and we lost more than onehaif of her crew. The Congress surrendered, but the crew was released and the officers taken as prisoners. The Minnesota has got off, but it is reported she is in a sinking condition. It is to be hoped that I will be largely reenforced, imuch uding two addi- tional light batteries. The Monitor is far superior to time Merrimack. The first has only two guns, while the Merrimack has eight. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN E. WOOL, Major-General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General. Commanding the Army, Washington, D. C. (Similar report to Secretary of War.) Report of Brigadier-General Mansfield, U. S. Army, commanding brigade. HDQRS. FIRST BRIG., FIRST DIV., DEPT. OF VIRGINIA, Newport News, March 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that in the forenoon of Saturday, the 8th instant, tL~ commanders of the Congress and Cumberland, at anchor in the stream, nutified me that the ironclad Merrimack steamer of th Page 35 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 35 enemy was approaching from Norfolk to attack them, and I immedi- ately telegraphed you to that elket. At about 2 oclock p. m. she approached very near these vessels slowly, engaged first the Congress, and passed on to the Cumberland and ran into her, and all within a mile of our batteries. I immediately ordered Lieutenant-Colonel G. Nauman, chief of artillery, to open our batteries of four columbiads and one 42-pounder James gun to fire on her. It was done with alacrity and kept up continuously with spirit a~ long as she was in range, and although our shot often struck her, they made no impression on her at all. J also ordered three of our S inch siege ho~vitzers from the land batteries hauled by hand and brought to bear oii her from the bank of the river, and two of Howards light battery rifled guns, but no visible serious damage to her from our guns was done, such was the strength of her maiJ. As soon as the Cumberland was sunk, three steamers, supposed to be the Yorktown, Jamestown, aIl(1 a~ tug came down the River from Days Point under full head of steam. Our guns were then turned on them, but they kept at a distance and moved rapidly past, and received but little damage from us. During the sinking of the Cumberland, the Congress slipped her cable and hoisted sail and ran ashore just above Signal Point, where many of her men escaped to the shore, and was then followed by the Mer- rimack, and after two raking shots she hauled down her flag and hoisted a white flag and ceased action. The enemy then sent two steamers with Confederate flags flying and made thst on either side of her, with a view to haul her off or burn her. As soon as I saw this I ordered Colonel Brown, of the Twentieth Indiana Regiment, then close at hand, to send two rifle companies (A and K) to the beach. The two rifled guns, under Captain Howard, and a rifled Dahlgren howitzer, manned by Master Stuyvesant and fourteen sailors of the Cumberland, went into action from a raking position on the beach, covered by sand banks and trees, against these steamers. We here had them at about 800 yards to advantage, and immediately they let go their hold on the Congress and moved out of range with much loss. They endeavored to approach her again with a steamer and rowboat, but were beaten off with loss, till fluially the Mierrimack, finding her prize retaken, approached and fired three shots into her and set her on fire. The remaining men escaped from the Congress over the bows of the ship to the shore, assisted by our boats, and the woun4ed were removed by dark. Thus closed the tragedy of the day. The enemy retired at dark toward the opposite shore, and the Congress illuminated the heavens and varied the scene by the firing of her own guns and the flight of her balls through the air till about 2 oclock in the morning, when her magazine exploded and a column of burning matter appeared high in the air, to be followed by the stillness of death. Thron~h the whole day our troops were under arms, and the officers and men engaged at the batteries and as riflemen on the beach performed their duty well, and the enemy were beaten off wherever we could penetrate them. All was done that it was possible to do under the circumstances to save these ships from the enemy. Some officers and men from the Cumberland as they escaped to the shore, caine forward and volunteered their services at our guns and afforded aid. Toward the close of the day the enemy must have experienced considerable loss. There were none killed of my command, and but one man, private of the Seventh New York Volunteers, severely wounded by a shell from the Mlerriinack, resulting in the loss of his leg Page 36 36 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The loss on the part of our Navy must have been great by the burst- ing of shells and the drowning by the sinking of the Cumberland, although our best efforts were made to save them. Our ships were perfectly helpless against the Merrimack, as their broadsides produced no material effect on her. All of which is respectfully submitted. Jos. K. F. MANSFIELD, Brigadier- General Major-General JOHN E. WOOL, Cot~nandig. Commanding Department of Virginia. Report of Colonel Wardrop, Ninty-nintli New York Infantry. IIDQRS. UNION COAST GUARD , 99TH IIEGT. N. Y~ V., Camp Hamilton, Va., March 20, 1862. SIR: I have this morning received the official report of Captain William J. Mclntire, commanding Company D, of this regiment, who has been doing duty on board of the U. S. frigate Congress from January 13 until March 8, when they were attacked by the rebel ironclad gunboat Merrimack, or Virginia, and forced to surrender, after the ship was ashore and helpless. Captain Melntire reports 9 killed, 10 wounded, 7 missing. Respectfully, your obedient servant, D. MT. WARDROP, Colonel, Commanding Ninty-ninth Regiment, N. Y. V Lieutenant CHARLES LORCH, Post Adjutant, Camp Hamilton. Report of Captain Molntiro, Ninety-ninth New York Infantry (Union Coast Guard). FORTRESS MONROE, VA., March 18, 1862. SIR: I have tte honor to report to you that with my company I was on board the U.~3. frigate Congress in the fight with the ironclad float- ing battery Merrimack, or Virginia, on the 8th instant, off Newport News, Va. As you are aware, my company was detailed on the 13th of January last to make up the crew of the Congress, having that day paid off ai~d discharged over 300 men; we remained on board practicing at the big guns until the 8th instant, at which time there were with me George L. Elder, second lieutenant, and 87 enlisted men of may com- pany; of the ships officers and men there were two hundred and sev- enty odd. About 1:30 p. in., on the 8th day of March, 1862, the ilferri- mock opened fire upon us with her two bow guns, and as she passed up the James River gave a broadside from four guns, to which we replied with our starboard battery and stern guns, as long as they would reach. The Merrnmack after going up the river, just beyond our range, turned toward the sloop of war Cumberland, lying some 800 yards above us; after firing many raking shots into her (the C[umberland]) she (the 2lI[errimack]) ran into the C[umberlandj; then drawing off a short dis- tance the M[errimack] renewed fire, and ran again into the C[umberland], when the latter comnienced sinking rapidly, and very soon fell over on her beam ends; during this time the Merrimack was occasionally send- ing a shot into us, and engaging the shore battery, L Company Page 37 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 37 Fourth U. S. Artillery, which was actively firing upon her. Only our stern guns could be brought to bear on the iIf[errimack], and those endangering the (J[umberland], we ceased firing; but before the (Thin- berland sank, the rebel steamers Jamestown, Yorktown, and a tug, which came in sight at the beginning of the action, had reached an effective position aud were rapidly firing upon us, to which we gave an almost constant answer with our starboard guns. When the Merrimack was approaching the Gamberland, finding our ship would not swing to her cable we let it slip, set sail, and ran her aground. The Merrimack having sunk the Gumberland, was placed in a raking position toward us, about 100 yards from our stern, when she commenced a rapid and most destrucive fire with shot and shell upon us, breaking the muzzle of one and dismounting the other of our stern guns; it was only then our commander, Captain William Smith, ordered our flag to be lowered. The rebel steamers continuing to fire upon us, we hoisted a white flag to the peak, when in a few minutes the rebel tug Beaufort came along- side; an officer boarded us, ordered the men ashore; said he would take officers and burn the ship, and seemed unwilling to wait for the wounded to be taken out; bitt, thank God, our troops on shore kept up such a galling fire upon his vessels that he was forced to leave our decks and move his tug off in haste; when she left our side a short distance, notwithstanding our white flag, the Merrimack opened on us again with shot amid shell, one shell bursting on our gun deck, killing five or seven, it is said, but so many dead were lying around that it was impos- sible to tell which number was correct. About the time the rebel offi- cers left our deck many of the men jumped overboard into the river, and some twenty-odd upon the Beaufort. The latter were the only prisoners taken. The ships boats being lowered, we commenced active operations to get the wounded and men on shore, and our exertions were not lessened by a knowledge among the officers that the fire was increasing immediately over the powder magazine (and then we could only hope to delay the first progress by covering the hatches, which was done), yet it was in the dusk of the evening when the officers left, the wounded and all the. men having been sent on shore. During the whole of this terrible engagement my men behaved with admirable bravery and coolness, and though the ship was on fire several tunes in different places during the action, and the dead and wounded were falling everywhere, yet all orders were promptly obeyed, and everyone kept at his post. Among such general good behavior it would seem difficult in justice to the rest to especially notice any one of my company as most emi- nently active and useful, and yet the concurrent testimony of the ships officers and my own observation was that Second Lieutenant George L. Elder and Private John Reel displayed the coolest courage and greatest activity in fighting the ship, helping the wounded, and deserve to be particularly mentioned in this report. Previous to the approach of the Merrimack within rifle musket shot of us, Lieutenant Elder and myself were engaged in seeing that our men were at their posts, help- ing the wounded to the cockpit, passing water to extinguish the fire, and pnlling on ropes to work the ship, whichever was most necessary. On the Merrimack nearing us, we carried muskets to the poop deck and fired at her portholes. Being ordered from here on account of sharp. shooters firing from the M[errimack], we descended to the captains cabin, and while firing from there a shot passed through the cabin, killing our sailing master, Mr. Moore, on the qnarter.deck, and the sl)linters it made knocked a marine down and myself, wounded him very badly on the face and head, and throwing Lieutenant Elde Page 38 38 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. against the bulkhead. I escaped with but a light scratch on my wrist and a bruise on my breast. On reaching the shore, Lieutenant Elder and myself started to find our wounded men, whom we saw in the hos- pitals of the different regiments in Camp Butler, receiving every atten- tion from the surgeons of the Army. During that night Corporal Charles Tyman, who was badly wounded in the hip, died under the surgeons knife; the next day at 110011 we buried him and Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith and Quartermaster Leroy, of time U. S. Navy, with the honors of war, in the camp burial ground, all receiving their death wounds on the frigate Congress. The bodies of all killed, excepting those iu this action, were probably burned that night in the ship, as her magazine exploded shortly after midnight. The next mnormiing, find- ing the Monitor was fully a match for the Merrimack and was keeping her engaged 2 miles from us, I in anned two boats with 20 of my own men and made a three hours search and found nothing worthy of note. It now becomes my painful duty to add a list of the killed, miss- ing and wounded of my company.* All of which is respectfully submitted. Yours, obediently, WILLIAM J. MOINTIRE, Captain (Jompa fly D, Ninety-ninth Regiment New York Volunteers. Colonel D. W WARDROP, Union Coast Guard 99th Re gt., New Ilork State 1Tol~ Ca~inp Hamilton TTa. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, transmitting letter of thanks from the Department to Lieutenant Worden, U. S. Navy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Ma re/i 21, 1862. Sin: I herewith enclose a copy of a letter of thanks addressed by the Department on the 15th instant to Lieutenant Commanding John L. Worden, which you will cause to be read to the officers and crew of the MQnitor. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comndg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Enclosure.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 15, 1862. Sin: The naval action which took place on the 10th [9th] instant between the Monitor and the Merrimack at Hampton Roads, when your vessel with two gnus engaged a powerful armored steamer of at least eight guns, and after a four hours conflict repelled her formidable antagonist, has excited general admiration and received the applause of the whole country. The President directs me, while earuestly and deeply sympathizing with you in the injuries which you have sustained, but which it is believed are but temporary, to thank you and your command for the heroism you have displayed and the great service you have rendered. The action of the 10th [9th], and the performance, power, and capa- bilities of the Monitor, must effect a radical change in naval warfare. Nominal list (omitted) shows 9 killed, 15 wounded, and 7 missing Page 39 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 39 Flag-Officer Goldsborough, in your absence, will be ftirnished by the Department with a copy of this letter of thanks, and instructed to cause it to be read to the officers and crew of the Monitor. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Lieutenant JOHN L. WORDEN, U. S. Navy, Commwnding U. S. S. Monitor, I Vashington, D. C. A resolution expressive of the thanks of Congress to Lieutenant 3. L Worden, of the U. S. Navy, and to the officers and men under his command in the Monitor. J?esolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the thanks of Congress and of the American people are due and are hereby tendered to Lieutenant J. L. Worden, of the United States Navy, and to the officers and men of the ironclad gunboat Monitor, under his command, for the skill and gallantry exhibited by them in the late remarkable battle between the Mottitor and the rebel ironclad steamer Merrimack. SEc. 2. Be it further resoleed, That the President of the United States be requested to cause this resolution to be communicated to Lieutenant Word en, and through him to the officers and men under his command. Approved, July 11, 1862. Joint resolution tendering the thanks of Congress to Commander John L. Worden, of the U. S. Navy. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That iii pursuance of the recommenda- tion of the President of the United States, and to enable him to advance Commander John L. Worden one grade, in pursuance of the ninth section of the act of Congress of sixteenth July, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, that the thanks of Congress be, and they are hereby, tendered to Com- mander John L.Worden for highly distinguished conduct in conflict with the enemy in the remarkable battle between the United Stutes ironclad steamer Monitor under his command, and the rebel ironclad frigate Merrimack, in March, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, Approved, February 3, 1863. Letter from the crew of the U. S. S. Monitor to Captain Worden, U. S. Navy, expressing their sympathy and affection. HAMPTON ROADS April 24th 18G2 U. S. Monitor To our Dear and Honered CAPTAIN DEAR SIR These few lines is from your own Crew of the Monitor with there Kindest Love to you there ilonered Captain Hoping to God that they will have the pleasure of Welcoming you Back to us again Soou for we are all Ready able and willing to meet Death or any thing else only gives us Back our own Captain again Dear Captain we have got your Pilot house fixed and all Ready for you when you get well again and we all Sincerely hope that soon we will have the pleasure of ~vel- coining you Back to it again (for since you left us we have had no pleasure on Board of the MOnitok we once was happy on Board of ou Page 40 40 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. little ]lionitor But since we Lost you we have Lost our all that was Dear to us Still) we are Waiting very Patiently to engage our Antago- nist if we could only get a chance to do so the last time she came out we all thought we would have the Pleasure of Sinking her But we all got Disapointed for we did not fire one Shot aiid the Norfolk papers Says we are Coward in the Monitor and all we want is a chance to Shew them where it lies with you for our Captain we can teach them who is cowards But there is a great Deal that we would like to write to you But we think you will soon be with us again yourself Butt we all join in with our Kindest Love to you hoping that God will Restore you to us again and hopping that your Sufferings is at an end now and we are all so glad to hear that your eye Sight will be Spaired to you again, we would wish to write more to you if we have your Perinissioii to (10 50 But at Present we all conclude By tendering to you our Kindest Love and affection to our Dear and Honered Captain. We Remain nutill Death your Affectionate Crew THE MONITORS Boys. [Endor8enlent.] This letter was addressed to me, on the envelope which covered it, at Washington, D. C., and was received two or three days after its (late. JOHN L. WORDEN. Letter from lieutenant Morris, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Murray, U. 5. Navy, recommen(dng fo promotion Acting Master Kennison. U.S. S. PORT ROYAL, Brooklyn Navy Yard, May 1, 18G2. DEAR FRANK: Your letter reached me safely. You asked me to report in writing the conversation we had concerning Mr. Kennison during the late action of the (Jumberland. I (10 not remember the words, but the substance was that I considered him one of the most promising masters I knew, and recommended on that account, as well as for his marked bravery during the action, he should be promoted by the De- l)artnient. lie had charge of the forward l)ivot gun. I was near him when the Merrimack ran into ns. He contrived to fire his gun coolly and calmly. Perfectly unmoved, he continued to fire his gun until she sank. Yours, truly, GEO. U. MORRIS. Lieutenant FRANK K. MURRAY, U. S. Navy. Report of Lieutenant Morris, U. 5. Navy, regarding ~his recommendation of Acting Master Kennison, U. S. Navy. U. S. GUNBOAT PORT ROYAL Off City Point, ]lfay 24, 18G2. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your comninub cation of the 19th instant, in which you ask: Will you please state distinctly whether Mr. Randall and Mr. Kennison stand on an equal footing, or whether it is still your opinion that Mr. Kennison is preem- inently distinguished d?~ By referring to my official report of the action between the Cumber- land and Merrimack, you will perceive I stated that Mr. Kenniso Page 41 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 41 and Mr. Randall were equally distinguished for coolness and bravery. I will inform the Department that I did not meiitioii Mr. Kennison as having been preeminently distiiignished in that action, but as being 1)re- eminently qualified for the position of acting volunteer licutenaucy, on account of his having evinced during the period he was on board the Cumberlaud a strong desire to l)eLfect himself in all (unties appertaining to his new profession, in which lie was eminently successful. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. U. MORRIS, Lieu tenant, U. ~. Nary. Hon. GIDEON WTELLES, ASecret((ry of the Navy. Report of the Secretary of the Navy of the Confederate States, transmitting official reports of Lieutenant Jones and Surgeon PhiUips, C. S. Navy. CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Navy Department, 1?ichm ond, March 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to lay before you the official report of the naval engagement between the James River Squadron, under the conl- inand of Flag-Officer Franklin Buchanan, and the enemys fleet in hampton Roads on the 8th instant. Flag-Officer Buchanan, in the immediate command of the steam sloop Tirginia, was disabled near the close of the engagement by a I)aintul, though not dangerous, wound, and the report is made by the executive officer upon whom the command devolvedLieutenant Jones. The steam sloop Virginia, of 10 guns; the Patrick Henry, Commander Tucker, of 6 guns; the Jamestown, Lientenamit Commanding Barney, of 2 gulls; the Raleigh, Lieutenant Commanding Alexander; the Beau- fort, Lieutenant Commanding Parker, and the Teaser, Lieutenant Coin- manding Webb, each of 1 gun, composed our squadron. With this force of 21 guns, Flag-Officer Buchanan engaged the encimmys fleet, consisting of the frigates Cmtmberland, of 24 guns; the Congress, of 50 gnus; the St. Lawrence, of 50 guns, and the steam frigates Minnesota and Roanok-e, each of 40 guns, the enemys batteries at ~ewport News, and several small steamers armed with heavy rifled guns. The engagement commenced at 3:30 p. in., and at 6 oclock p. m. he had sunk the Cumberiand, captured and burned the Congress, disabled and driven the Minnesota ashore, and defeated the St. Lawrence and Roanoke, which sought shelter under the guns of Fortress Monroe. Two of the enemys small steamers were blown up and two transport steamers were captured. The Camberland went down with all on board, her tops only remain- ing above water, but many of her people were saved by boats from the shore. Time loss of the enemy has not been ascertained. Our loss is very small, but has not been officially communicated. The flag of the Congress and the sword of the officer commanding at the time of her surrender are at this Department, together with the flag and sword of the gunboat Fanny, captured by Flag-Officer Lymmch in October last; and I submit for your consideration the propriety of providing for the safe-keeping of these and similar trophies. To the dashing courage, the patriotism, and eminent ability of Flag- Officer Buchanan and the officers and men of his squadron our countr Page 42 42 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. is indebted for this brilliant achievement, which will hold a conspicuous place among the heroic contests of naval history. With much respect, your obedient servant, S. R. MALLORY, AS1ccretary of the Navy. To the PRESIDENT. [Enclosure.] C. S. STEAM BATTERY VIRGINIA, Off Sewefls Point, Afarch 8, 1862. FLAG-OFFICER: In consequence of the wound of Flag-Officer Buch- anan it becomes my duty to report that the Virginia left the yard this morning at 11 a. in., steamed dowu the river past our batteries and over to Newport News, where we engaged the frigates Camberland, Congress, and the batteries ashore, and also two large steam frigates, supposed to be the Minnesota and Roanoke, and a sailing frigate and several small steamers armed with heavy rifled guns. We sank the Cumberland, drove the Congress ashore, where she hauled down her colors and hoisted the white flag, but she fired upon us with the white flag flying, wounding Lieutenant Minor and some of our men. We again opened fire upon her and she is now in flames. The shoal water prevented our reaching the other frigates. This, with approaching night, we think saved them from destruction. Our loss is 2 killed and 8 wounded, two of our guns have the muzzle shot off. The prow was twisted and the armor somewhat damaged; the anchors and all flag- staffs shot away and smokestack and steam pipe were riddled. The bearing of officers and men was all that could be wished, and in fact it could not have been otherwise after the noble and daring conduct of the flag-officer, whose wound is deeply regretted by all on board, who would gladly have sacrificed themselves in order to save him. We were accompanied from the yard by the Beaufort (Lieutenant Parker) and Raleigh (Lieutenant Alexander), and as soon as it was discovered up the James River that the action had commenced we were joined by the Patrick Henry (Commander Tucker), the Jamestown (Lieutenant Barney), and the Teaser (Lieutenant Webb), all of which were actively engaged and rendered very efficient service. Enclosed I send the sur- geons report of casualties. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CATESBY AP B. JONES, Executive and Ordnance OtJicer. Flag-Officer F. FORREST. [Subenelosure.] C. S. S. VIRGINIA, Year Sewell~ Point, March 8, 1862. SIR: I have to report the following casualties resulting from the action of to-day: Flag-Officer F. Buchanan wounded in the left thigh, a Mini& ~ ball having passed entirely through the fleshy portion, grazing feinoral artery and inflicting a serious wound. Lieutenant IR. [D.] Minor wounded in left side (not dangerously). Midshipman Marmaduke, slight wound of arm. Two men killed (names not known) and 5 men wounded, one losing an eye. Very respectfully, D. B. PHILLIPS, Surgeon of Flagship. Lieutenant CATESBY AP ROGER JONES, C. S. Navy Page 43 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 43 Killed.Charles Dunbar, Waldeck. Wounded.William Burkes, seaman; Johii Capps, Co. E, Forty-first Regiment; A. J. Dalton, Company E, Forty-first Regiment; Emerson Ivas, seaman; John Leonard, seaman. Message of the President of the Confederate States, transmitting to Congress the report of Flag-Officer Buchanan, C. S. Navy. EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, April 10, 1862. To the Senate and House of Representatives of the Confederate States: I herewith transmit to Congress a communication from the Secretary of the Navy, covering a detailed report of Flag-Officer Buchanan of the brilliant triumph of his squadron over the vastly superior forces of the enemy in Hampton Roads on the 8th and 9th of March last. JEFFERSON DAVIS. [Enclosure.] CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Navy Department, Richmond, April 7, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit herewith copy of the detailed report of Flag-Officer Buchanan of the brilliant triumph of his squadron over the vastly superior forces of the enemy in Hampton Roads on the 8th and 9th of March last, a brief report by Lieutenant Jones of the battle of the 8th having been previously made. The conduct of the officers and men of the squadron in this contest reflects unfading honor upon themselves and upon the Navy. The report will be read with deep interest and its details will not fail to rouse the ardor and nerve the arms of our gallant seamen. It will be remembered that the Virginia was a novelty in naval archi- tecture, wholly unlike any ship that ever floated; that her heaviest guns were equal novelties in ordnance; that her motive power and her obedience to her helm were untried, and her officers and crew strangers comparatively to the ship. and to each other; and yet, under all these disadvantages, the dashing courage and consummate professional ability of Flag-Officer Buchanan and his associates achieved the most remark- able victory which naval annals record. When the flag-officer was disabled, the command of the Virginia devolved upon her executive and ordnance officer, Lieutenant Catesby ap li. Jones, and the cool and masterly maummer in which he fought the ship in her encounter with the ironclad Monitor justified the high esti- mate which the country places on his professional merit. To his experience, skill, and untiring industry as her ordnance and executive officer the terrible effect of her fire was greatly due. Her battery was determined in accordance with his suggestions, and in all investigations and tests which resulted in its thorough efficiency he was zealously engaged. The terms of commendation used by the flag-officer in characterizing the conduct of his officers and men meet the cordial endorsement of the Department, and tlme concurrent testimony of thousands who witnessed the engagement places his own conduct above all praise. With much respect, your obedient servant, S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy. To the PRESIDENT Page 44 44 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Subeiiclosure.] NAVAL HOSPITAL, Norfolk, ilfarch 27, 18G2. SIR: Having been confined to my bed in this building since the 9th consequence of a wound received in the action of the pre- had it in my power at an earlier date to prepare the official report, which I now have the honor to submit, of the pro- ceedings on the 8th and 9th instant, of the James River Squadron under my command, composed of the following-named vessels: Steamer Virginia, flagship, 10 gnns; steamer Patrick Henry, 12 gnns, Com- mander John R. Tucker; steamer Jamestown, Lieutenant Commanding J. N. Barney, 2 guns; and gunboats Teaser, Lieutenant Commanding W. A. Webb, Bea~fort, Lieutenant Commanding W. H. Parker, and Raleigh, Lieutenant Commanding J. W. Alexander, each 1 gnu; total, 27 guns. On the 8th instant, at 11 a. in., the Virginia left navy yard, Norfolk, accompanied by the Raleigh and Beaifort, and proceeded to Newport News to cugage the enemys frigates Cumberland and Congress, gun- boats, and shore batteries. When within less than a mile of the Gum- berland, the Virginia commenced the engagement with that ship with her bow gun, and the action soon became general, the Cumberland, Congress, gunboats, and shore batteries concentrating npo.u us their heavy fire, which was returned with great spirit and determination. The Virginia stood rapidly on toward the Cumberland, which ship I had determined to sink with onr prow, if possible. In about fifteen minutes after the action commenced we ran into her on starboard bow; the crash below the water was distinctly heard, and she commenced sinking, gallantly fighting her guns as long as they were above water. She went down with her colors flying. 1)uring this time the shore batteries, Congress, and gunboats kept up their heavy concentrated fire upon us, doing us some injury. Our guns, however, were not idle- their fire was very destructive to the shore batteries and vessels, and we were gallantly sustained by the rest of the squadron. Just after the Cumberland sunk, that gallant officer, Commander John B. Tucker, was seen standing down James River under full steam, accompanied by the Jamestown and Teaser. They all came nobly into action, and were soon exposed to the heavy fire of shore batteries. Their escape was miraculous, as they were nuder a galling fire of solid shot, shell, grape, and canister, a number of which passed through the vessels without doing any serious injury, except to the Patrick henry, through whose boiler a shot passed, scalding to death fonr persons and wounding others. Lienten ant Commanding Barney promptly obeyed a signal to tow her out of the action. As soon as (lamnages were repaired the Patrick Henry returned to her station and continued to perform good service during the remainder of that day and the following. Having sunk the Gum berland , I turned our attentiomi to the Congress. We were some time iii getting our proper position, in consequence of the simoalness of the water amid the great difficulty of managing the ship when in or near the mud. To succeed imm my object I was obliged to run the ship a short distance above the batteries Oil James Hive?, in order to wind her. During all the time her keel was imi the mud; of course she moved slowly. Thus we were subjected twice to the heavy guns of all the batteries in passing up and down the river, but it could not be avoided. We silenced several of the batteries and did much injury on shore. A large transport steamer alongside of the wharf was blown up, one schooner sumik, and another captured and sent to Nor. folk. The loss of life on shore we have no means of ascertaining Page 45 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 45 While the Virginia was thus engaged in getting her position for attacking the Congress, the prisoners state it was believed on board that ship that we had hauled off; the men left their guns and gave three cheers. They were soon sadly undeceived, for a few minutes after we opened upon her again, she having run on shore in shoal water. The carnage, havoc, and dismay caused by our fire compelled them to haul down their colors and to hoist a white flag at their gaff and halfmast another at the main. The crew instantly took to their boats and lauded. Our fire immediately ceased, and a signal was made for the Beaufort to come within hail. I then ordered Lieutenant Commanding Parker to take possession of the Congress, secure the officers as prisoners, allow the crew to land, and burn the ship. He ran alongside, received her flag and surrender from Commander William Smith and Lieutenant Pcndergrast, with the side arms of those officers. They delivered them- selves as prisoners of war on board the Beaufort, and afterward were permitted, at their own request, to return to the Congress to assist in removing the wounded to the Beanfort. They never returned, and I sul)mit to the decision of the Department whether they are not our l)risollers. While the Beaufort and Raleigh were alongside the Congress, and the surrender of that vessel had been received from the com- inander, she having two white flags flying hoisted by her own people, a heavy fire was opened upou them from the shore and from the Con- gress, killing some valuable officers and men. Under this fire the steamers left the Congress, but as I was not informed that any injury lund been sustained by those vessels at that time, Lieutenant Command- ing Parker having failed to report to me, I took it for granted that my order to him to burn her had been executed, and waited some minutes to see the smoke ascending her hatches. During this delay we were still subjected to the heavy fire from the batteries, which wa~ always ~)romptly returned. The steam frigates Minnesota and Roanoke and the sailing frigate St. Lawrence had previously been reported as coming from Old Point, bu~ as I was determined that the Congress should not again fall into the haiuds of the enemy, I remarked to that gallant officer Flag-Lieutenant Minor, That ship must be burned. He promptly volunteered to take a boat and burn her, and the Teaser, Lieutenant Commanding Webb, was ordered to cover the boat. Lieutenant Minor had scarcely reached within 50 yards of the Congress when a deadly fire was opened upon him, wounding him severely and several of his men. On witness- ing this vile treachery, I instantly recalled the boat and ordered the Congress destroyed by hot shot and incendiary shell. About this period I was disabled and transferred the command of the ship to that gallant, intelligent, officer, Lieutenant Catesby Jones, with orders to fight her as long as the men could stand to their guns. The ships from Old Point opened their fire upon us. The Minnesota grounded in the north channel, where, unfortunately, the shoalness of the channel prevented our near approach. We continued, however, to fire upoim her until the pilots declared that it was no longer safe to remain in that position, and we accordingly returned by the south channel (the middle ground being necessarily between tIme Virginia and Minnesota, and St. Lawrence and the F~oanoke having retreated nuder the guns of Old Point), and again had an opportunity of opening upon the Minnesota, receiving her heavy fire in return, and shortly afterwards upon the St. Lawrence, from which vessel we also received several broadsides. It had by this time become dark and we soon after anchored off Sewells Point. The rest of the squadron followed our movements, with th Page 46 46 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. exception of the Beaufort, Lieutenant Commanding Parker, wh 0 pro- ceeded to Norfolk with the wounded and prisoners as soon as he had left the Congress, without reporting to me. The Gongress, having been set on fire by our hot shot and incendiary shell, continued to burn, her loaded guns being successively discharged as the flames reached them, until a few minutes past midnight, when her magazine exploded with a tremendous report. The facts above stated as having occurred after J had placed the ship in charge of Lieutenant Jones were reported to me by that officer. At an early hour next morning (the 9th), upon the urgeut solicitations of the surgeons, Lieutenant Minor and myself were very reluctantly taken on shore. The accommodations for the proper treatment of wounded persons on board the Virginia are exceedingly limited, Lieu- tenant Minor and myself occupying the only space that could be used for that purpose, which was in my cabin. I therefore consented to our being landed on Sewells Point, thinking that the room on board vacated by us could be used for those who might be wounded in the renewal of the action. In the course of the day Lieutenant Minor and myself were sent in a steamer to the hospital at Norfolk. The following is an extract from the report of Lieutenant Jones of the proceedings of the Virginia on the 9th: At daylight on the 9th we saw that the Minnesota was still ashore, and that there was an iron battery near her. At 8 [oclock] we ran down to engage them (having previously sent the killed and wounded out of the ship), firing at the Minnesota and occasionally at the iron battery. The pilots did not place us as near as they expected. The great length and draft of the ship rendered it exceedingly difficult to work her. We ran ashore about a mile from the frigate and were backing fifteen minutes before we got off. We continued to fire at the Minnesota, and blew up a steamer alongside of her, and we also engaged the Monitor, sometimes at very close quarters. We once succeeded in running into her, and twice silenced her fire. The pilots declaring that we could get no nearer the Minnesota, and believing her to be entirely disabled, and the Monitor having to run into shoal water, which prevented our doing her any fur- ther injnry, we ceased firing at 12 [oclock] and proceeded to Norfolk. Our loss is 2 killed and 19 wounded. The stem is twisted and the ship leaks. We have lost the prow, starboard anchor, and all the boats. The armor is somewhat damaged; the steam pipe and smokestack both riddled; the muzzles of two of the gnus shot away. It was not easy to keep a flag flying. The fiagstaffs were repeat- edly shot away. The colors were hoisted to the smokestack and several times cut down from it. The bearing of the men was all that could be desired; their enthusiasm could scarcely be restrained. During the action they cheered again and again. Their coolness and skill were the more remarkable from the fact that the great majority of them were under fire for the first time. They were strangers to each other and to the officers, and had but a few days instruction in the management of the great guns. To the skill and example of the officers is this result in no small degree attributable. Having thus given a full report of the actions on the 8th and 9th, I feel it due to the gallant officers who so nobly sustained the honor of the flag and country on those days to express my appreciation of their conduct. To that brave and intelligent officer Lieutenant Catesby Jones, the executive and ordnance officer of the Virginia, I am greatly indebted for the success achieved. His constant attention to his duties in the equipment of the ship; his intelligence in the instruction of ordnance to the crew, as proved by the accuracy and effect of their fire, some of the guns having been personally directed by him; his tact and man- agement in the government of raw recruits; his general knowledge of the executive duties of a man-of-war, together with his high-toned bear- ing, were all eminently conspicuous, and had their fruits in the admi- rable efficiency of the Virginia. If conduct such as his (and I do no Page 47 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 47 know that I have used adequate language in describing it) entitles an officer to promotion, I see in the case of Lieutenant Jones one in all respects worthy of it. As flag-officer I am entitled to someone to per- form the duties of flag-captain, and I should be proud to have Lieu- tenant Jones ordered to the Virginia as lieutenant-commandant, if it be not the intention of the Department to bestow upon him a higher rank. Lieutenant Simms fully sustained his well-earned reputation. He fired the first gun, and when the command devolved upon Lieutenant Jones in consequence of my disability, lie was ordered to perform the duties of executive officer. Lieutenant Jones has expressed to me his satisfaction in having had the services of so experienced, energetic, and zealous aii officer. Lieutenant Davidson fought his guns with great precision. The muzzle of one of them was soon shot away. He continued, however, to fire it, though the woodwork around the port became ignited at each discharge. His buoyant and cheerful bearing an(I voice were conta- gious and inspiring. Lieutenant Wood handled his pivot gun admirably, an(1 the execu- tive officer testifies to his valuable suggestions during the action. His zeal and industry in drilling the crew contributed materially to our success. Lieutenant Eggleston served his hot shot and shell with judgment an(l effect, and his bearing was deliberate, and exerted a happy influ- ence on his division. Lieutenant Butt fought his gun with activity, and during the action wa~ gay and smiling. The Marine Corps was well represented by Captain Thoin, whose ti-a uquil mien gave evidence that the hottest fire was no novelty to him. One of his guns was served effectively and creditably by a detachment of the United Artillery of Norfolk under the command of Captain Kevill. The muzzle of their gun was struck by a shell from the enemy, which broke off a piece of the gun, but they continued to fire as if it was uninjured. Midshipmen Foute, Marmaduke, Littlepage, Craig, and Long ren- dered valuable services. Their conduct would have been creditable to older heads, and gave great promise of future usefulness. Midshipman Marmaduke, though receiving several painCul wounds early iii the action, manfully fought his gun until the close. He is now at the hospital. Paymaster Semple volunteered for any service, and was assigned to the command of the powder division, an important and complicated duty, which could not have been better performed. Surgeon Phillips and Assistant Surgeon Garnett were prompt and attentive in the discharge of their duties. Their kind and considerate care of the wounded and the skill and ability displayed in the treat- ment won for them the esteem and gratitude of all who came under their charge, and justly entitled them to the confidence of officers and crew. I beg leave to call the attention of the Department to the case of l)octor C-arnett. He stands deservedly high in his profession, is at the head of the list of assistant surgeons, and, there being a vacancy in consequence of the recent death of Surgeon Blacknall, I should be much gratified if Doctor Garnett could be promoted to it. The engines and machinery, upon which so much depended, performed much better than was expected. This is due to the intelligence, expe- rience, and coolness of Acting Chief Engineer Ilamsay. His effort Page 48 48 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. were ably seconded by his assistants, Tynan, Campbell, herring, Jack, and White. As Mr. Rainsay is only acting chief engineer, I respect- fully recommend his promotion to the rank of chief; and wOul(l also ask that Second Assistant Engineer Campbell may be promoted to first assistant, he having performed the (lilties at that grade during the engagement. The forward officersBoatswain Hasker, Gunner Oliver, and Car- penter Lindsaydischarged well all the duties required of them. The boatswain had charge of a gun and fought it well. The gunner was indefatigable in his efforts. His experience and exertions as a gunner have contributed very materially to the efficiency of the battery. Acting Master Parrish was assisted in piloting the ship by Pilots Wright, Williams, Clark, and Cunningham. They were necessarily much exposed. It is now due that ii should mentiou my personal staff. To that gallant young officer Flag-Lieutenant Minor I am iiiuch indebted for his pron)1)tness in the execution of signals; for renewing the flagstaffs when shot away, being thereby greatly exposed; for his watchthlness iii keeping the Confederate flag up; his alacrity in conveying my orders to the different divisions, and for his general cool and gallant bearing. My aid, Acting Midshipman Rootes, of the Navy; Lieutenant For- rest, at the Army, who served as a volunteer aid, and my clerk, Mr. Arthur Sinclair, jr., are entitled to my thanks for the activity with which my orders were conveyed to the different parts of the ship. During the hottest of the fight they were always at their posts, giving evidence of their coolness. Having referred to the good conduct of the officers in the flagship immediately under my notice, I come now to a mia less pleasing task when I attempt to mark my approbation of the bearing of those serving in the other vessels of the squadron. Commander John H. Tucker, of the Patrick Henry, and Lieutenant Commanding J. N. Barney, of the Jamestown, and W. A. Webb, of the Teaser, (leser ye great praise for their gallant conduct throughout the enga~ement Their judgment in selecting their positions for attacking the enemy was good; their constant fire was destructive, and contrib- uted munch to the success of the (lay. The general order under which the squadron went into action required that, in the absence of all sig- nals, each commanding officer was to exercise his o~vu ju(lgnlent and discretion in doing all the damage lie could to the enemy, an(1 to sink before surrendering. From the bearing of those officers on the 5th, I am fully satisfied that that order would have beemi carried out. Commander Tucker speaks highly of all under hini, and (lesires par- ticularly to notice that Lieutenant-Colonel Callemider St. George Noland, commanding the post at Mulberry Island, on hearing of the (leficiency in the complement of the Patrick Henry, promn~)tly offered the services of 10 of his men as volunteers for the occasion, one of whom, George B. Webb, of the Greenville Guards, Commander Tucker regrets to say, was killed. Lieutenant Commanding Barney reports every officer and man on board of the ship performed his whole duty, evincing a conrage and fearlessness worthy of the cause for which we are fighting. Lieutenant Commanding Webb specially notices the coolness dis- l)laye(l by Acting Master Face and Third Assistant Engineer Quinn when facing the heavy fire of artillery and musketry from the shore whilst the Teaser was standing hi to cover the boat imi which, as previ- ously stated, Lieutenant Minor had gone to burn the Congress. Several of his men were badly wounded Page 49 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 49 The Raleigh, early in the action, had her gun carriage disabled, which compelled her to withdraw. A~s soon as he had repaired damages as well as he could, Lieutenant Commanding Alexander resunied his posi- tioii in the line. He sustained himself gallantly during the remainder of the day, and speaks highly of all under his command. That evening he was ordered to Norfolk for repairs. The Beau fort, Lieutenant Commanding Parker, was in close contact with the enemy frequently during the day arid all on board behaved gallantly. Lieutenant Commanding Parker expresses his warmest thanks to his officers and men for their coolness. Acting Midshipman Foreman, who accompanied him as volunteer aid, Midshipmen Mallory and Newton, Captains Clerk Bain, and Mr. Gray, pilot, are all specially mentioned by him. On the 21st instant I forwarded to the Department correct lists of the casualties on board all the vessels of the squadron on the 8th; iione, it appears, occnrred on the 9th. While in the act of closing this report I received the communication of the Department, dated 22d instant, relieving me teniporarily of the (olumand of the squadron for the naval defenses of James River. I feel honored iii being relieved by the gallant Flag-Officer Tattuall. I much regret that I am not now in a condition to resume may corn- mand, bnt trust that I shall soon be restored to health when I shall be ready for any duty that may be assigned to me. Very respectfully, FRANKLIN BUCHANAN, Hon. S. It. MALLORY, Flag-Officer. Secretary of the Navy. Letter from Lieutenant Rochelle, C. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Tucker, C. S. Navy, giving an account of the services of the C. S. S. Patrick Henry and the part borne by her in the engage- ment in Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 8 and 9, 1862. C. S. S. PALMETTO STATE, Charleston, 8. 0., January 30, 18G5. DEAR SIR: I am glad to learn from you that Flag-Officer Lynch has been (lirected by the Department to prepare a narrative of the memo- rabie and gallant deeds of the Comifederate Navy. Judging from the tornier works of the flag-officer, I think we may congratulate ourselves that the Navy has fallen into good hands, amid feel confidence that the prol)osed book will not only be a valuable comitribution to the history of this giant war, but also a pleasant addition to the literature of the (lay. hitherto there has been no effort made to l)opularize the Navy; our officers, trained in an illustrious and exclusive service, have looked with a feeling akin to contempt on both the praise and blanie of the l)eliodical press; hence the only records of the Navy are to be found iii dry amid terse official dispatches, exceedingly uninteresting to unl)ro- fessional readers amid unintelligible to the great mass of the people. Let us hope that the forthcoming work will be popular with the people, remove many of the prqjudices against our service, and assist the pres- ent generation to the just conclusion that the willows of the Navy are as glorious as the laurels of the Army. Among the naval events that Flag-Officer Lynch will be called upon to relate, the career of the Patrick Henry will perhaps claim a promi- nent place, and if you think there is anything in this letter which will N W RVOL 7 Page 50 50 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. aid the flag-officer to a fuller understanding of the services of that ves- sel, you are quite at liberty to send it to him. The Patrick Henry, a very beautifully modeled side-wheel steamer, of about 1,400 tons burden, was called the Yorktown before the war, and was one of the line of steamers running between Richmond aud New York. She was considered a very fast boat and deserved her reputation. When the Commonwealth of Virginia seceded from the Union this vessel was fortunately in James River. She was seized by the State, and the governor and council determined to fit her out as a man-of-war. She was taken up to the wharf at Rocketts, a suburb of Richmond, and the command conferred upon Commander John Ran- dolph Tucker, an officer of the U. S. Navy who had resigned his com- mission in that service in consequence of the secession of his native State, Yirginia. Naval Constructor Joseph Pierce, with a number of mechanics from the Norfolk navy yard, commenced the necessary alterations, and in a few months the passenger steamer Yorktown was converted into the very creditable man-of-war steamer Patrick Henry, often guns and 130 officers and men. The vessel, being properly equipped, proceeded down James River and took a posifion oft Mulberry Island, on which point rested the right of our Army of the, Peninsula, under Magruder. It was dull work lying at anchor. The officers rarely went on shore, the vessel being kept always with bamiked fires and prepared to repel an attack, which might have been made at any moment, the enemys batteries at Newport News and the guard vessels stationed there, the Congress, (Jumberland, and several gunboats, being plainly in sight. After awhile the monotony became so irksome that Commander Tucker took the Patrick Henry down within long range of the Federal squadron and opemmed on them, with the hope of inducing a gunboat to ascend the river and engage vessel to vessel. The challenge was not accepted, however, and time enemy having moored a field battery of rifled guns up the banks of the rivem-, and taken a secure position from which they opemmed an annoying fire, time vessel was steamed slowly back to her station oft Mulberry Islammd. The Northern papers stated that in this little affair, which took place on September 13, * 1861, the fire of the Patrick Henry did considerable damage to the frigate Congress. About this time intelligence was received that one or two of the Federal gunboats came up the river every night omi picket duty, and anchored about a mile and a half above their squadron. Here was a chance; so on the night of the 1st December, 1861, the Patrick Henry again went down the river, keeping a sharp lookout for the expected picket boats. Not a sign of a vessel was seen, and when day broke there was the enemys squadron and batteries looming up against the dawn, with all the gunboats quietly at anchor around the larger ves- sels. As the Patrick Henry could not have returned unseen, and as the enemy had five gunboats at hand which might be induced by an imnpu- dent attack to come out from under the gnus of their batteries and engage at close quarters, Commander Tucker laid the broadside of his vessel to the foe ammd opened with all the battery. The Federals were evidently taken by surprise, and it was some minutes before they replied to the fire. They soon got to their guns, however, and the sun, as it rose, was greeted with a roar of artillery that shook the windows in Norfolk and roused the people of that themi gay city from their slum. bers at a most inconvenient hour, after the fatigues of the last nights ball. See Vol.6, p. 207 Page 51 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 51 The Federal fire was well directed, and one officer and several men were wounded on board the Pat. One gunboat in particular, com- manded by a Georgian, Lieutenant II. K. Davenport, was noted for the precision with which she used her rifled guns. The old sailing master of the Patrick Henry, a seaman of sixty winters, was much pleased with the manner in which Davenport used his guns. He said to some- one standing near him: Look at that dirty, ugly-looking craft yonder. Well, whenever you see a puff of smoke go up from her, look out, for as sure as you are born there will be a blue pigeon about. The skirmish having continued for an hour or more, and the enemy still keeping under the guns of his batteries, the Patrick Henry returned to her usual anchorage.* In February, 1862, the ladies of Charles City, a county bordering on the James, desired to present to the Patrick Henry a flag which they had made for her as an evidence of their confidence in the vessel and their appreciation of the services she had rendered them by keeping marauding expeditions from ascending the river to pillage and perhaps destroy the famous old country seats that are to be found on its banks. But the flag was destined never to be presented. Such stirring times were at hand that the few hours necessary for the ceremony could not be spared. The ironclad Virginia was about to make an attack upon the Federal fortifications and squadron at Newport News, and the Pat- rick Henry was to participate in the battle. The day before the attack was to be made the Patrick Henry was moved down to Days Neck and an anchorage taken from which any vessel coming out from Norfolk could be seen. The next day, the 8th of March, 1862, was bright, placid, beauteous. All eyes were watching for the appearance of the Virginia. About 1 oclock in the afternoon she came steaming out from behind Craney Island, at tended by her satellites, the gunboats Beau. fort and Raleigh. Grand, and strong, and confident, a Hercules of the waters, she moved straight upon the enTemy. It was not necessary to call All hands up anchor on board the Pa trick Henry. The anchor was raised with a run, and under a full head of steam the vessel sped on her way to aid her powerful friend. The Confederate vessels in James River formed in line ahead as they approached the batteries at Newport News, the Patrick Henry, 10 [guns], Commander Tucker, leading; next came the Jamestown, 2 [guns], Lieutenant Barney, and next the Teaser, 2 [guns], Lieutenant Webb. The Virginia reached the scene of action first. Amid the iron hail which fell harmlessly on her armor she ran into and sunk the Gum- berland. A hearty cheer rom the James River vessels greeted her suc- cess, but there was no time to give up to exultation. The long lines of the Newport News batteries were close at hand, and in order to reach the naval combat it was necessary to pass them. The guns of the Pat- rick Henry were elevated for a range of 800 yards, that being the dis- tance at which the pilots expected to pass the batteries. And now the hush which precedes the shock of battle settled alike on Federal and Confederate. Glimpses could be caught of the men at their guns through the embrasures of the enemys batteries, but not a sound came from them. As the Patrick Henry ranged up abreast of the first bat- tery she delivered her fire, and the flash from her guns had hardly vanished when the Federal works were wrapped in smoke and their projectiles came hissing through the air. The first shots from the Pat- rick Henry went over the batteries, her guns having been elevated for a range of 800 yards; consequently she was passing the batteries at * See Vol.6, p. 457 Page 52 52 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. less than that distance, and to this circumstance is to be attributed her not having been sunk or disabled by them. The enemy supposed she would pass as far from them as the channel would allow and had elevated their guns for that range. The vessel passing closer than they thought she would, their shot for the most part passed over her. She was struck, however, several times during the passage. One shot l)assed through the crew of No. 3 gun, wounding two men and killing one. Poor fellow, he was an humble hero; his last words as he fell were Never mind me, boys. Having passed the batteries with comparatively little damage, the Patrick Henry became engaged in the thick of the fight. Whilst the forward guns were engaging one enemy, the after guns were firing at another. The situation of the Confederate wooden vessels at this time seemed desperate. The Newport News batteries were on one side; on the other the frigates Minnesota, St. Lawrence, and Roanoke were com- ing up from Old Point Comfort, and in front the beach was lined with field batteries and sharpshooters. Fortunately for the Confederate wooden vessels the Minnesota, St. Lawrence, and Roanoke grounded, and the small vessels which accompanied them, warned by the fate of the Cumberland, returned to Old Point. The Minnesota, however, was near enough to take part in the action, and opened a heavy fire after she grounded on the Confederate squadron. About this time Flag-Officer Buchanan hailed the Patrick Henry and directed Commander Tucker to burn the Congress, which vessel had run ashore near the beach and surrendered. The gunboats Beaqfort, Raleigh, and Teaser had attempted to burn her, but had been driven oft by the heavy fire of the enemy. The pilots stated that there was a shoal near the Congress, and between that vessel and the Patrick Henry, over which the latter vessel could not pass. Commander Tucker there- fore determined to approach the Congress as near as this shoal would permit, and then to send his foats to board and burn her. The boats were prepared for the service with combustible materials, the boats crews and officers to command them held ready, whilst the vessel was steaming in to the Congress. This movement of the Patrick Henry placed her in the most iniminent peril. She was brought under the con- tinuous fire of three points. On her port quarter were the batteries of Newport News, on her port bow were the field batteries and sharp- shooters on the beach, and on her starboard bow was the Minnesota. It sooii became evident that no wooden vessel could long float under such a fire. Several shots struck the hull; a piece was shot out of the walking beam. As the sponge of the after pivot gun was being inserted in the piece the handle was cut in two by a shot. Half in prayer and half in despair at being unable to perform his duty, the sponger exclaimed, 0 Lord, how is the gun to be sponged! the fate of the battle, no doubt, in his opinion depending on the proper sponging of that particular gun. It must have been a great relief to him when the quarter gunner of his division handed him a spare sponge. This state of things could not last long. A rifle shot from the field batteries pene- trated the steam chest; the engine room and fire room were filled with steam; five or six of the firemen were scalded to death; the engineers were driven upon deck, and the engine stopped working. The vessel was enveloped in a cloud of escaped steam, and the enemy, seeing that some disaster to the boiler had occurred, increased his fire. At the moment no one knew what had happened, the general impression being that the boiler had exploded, and it is an unmistakable evidence of the courage and discipline of the crew that the fire from the vessel did no Page 53 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 53 slacken, but went on as regularly as before the incident. As the vessel was drifting toward the enemy, the jib was hoisted to pay her head around, and the steamer Jamestown, Lieutenant Barney, gallantly came to her assistance, and towed her from her perilous position. The engineers soon got one boiler to work. The other was so badly dam- aged that they were unable to repair it at the time, and with the steam on one boiler alone the Patrick Henry returned to the conflict. Night, however, soon closed in, and, as in the darkness it was impossible to dis- tinguish friend from foe, hostilities ceased for the time, and the battle of Hampton Roads had been fought and won. During the battle the shores of the Confederate side of ~he Roads were lined with spectators from Norfolk and the ad~jacent country, all(1 never, not even in the days of the gladiators, ha~d an assemblage such a spectacle performed before them. The night after the battle the Confederate squadron anchored uiider Sewells Point, at the mouth of Norfolk Harbor. There was little time for slumber that night, as the conflict was to be renewed the next morning, and it was necessary to make many repairs and preparations. About midnight a column of fire ascended in the darkness, followed by a terrific explosion. The Federal frigate Congress, which had been on fire all the evening had blown up, the fire having reached her magazine. At the first peep of dawn on the 9th of March the Confederate squadron was underway, it having been determined to destroy the Minnesota that near As the vessel being still aground Newport News. daylight increased the Minnesota was discovered in her old position, but the Minnesota was not the only thing to attract attention. Close alongside of her there lay such a craft as the eyes of a seaman never looked upon beforean immense shingle floating on the water, with a gigantic cheese box rising from its center; no sails, no wheels, no smokestack, no guns. What could it be? On board the Patrick Henry many were the surmises as to the strange craft. Some thought it a water tank sent to supl)ly the Miinnesota with water; others were of opinion that it was a floating magazine replenishing her exhausted stock of ammunition; a few visionary characters feebly intimated that it might be the Mionitor which the Northern papers had been boasting about for a long time. All doubts about the stranger were soon dispelled. As the Virginia steamed down upon the Minnesota the cheese box and shingle steamed out to meet her. It was indeed the Monitor, and then and there coni- menced the first combat that had ever taken place between ironclads. The Patrick Henry and the other wooden vessels took little part in the events of the day, except to exchange shots with the Monitor at long range as she passed and repassed during her maneuvering with the lirginia. At one time the Virginia did not seem to move. Appre- hen sions were entertained that she had got aground or that some part of her machinery was damaged. Signal flags were run up on board of her, but the flags did not blow out clear and it was some minutes before the signal officer of the Patrick Henry could make out the num- bers. At length he reported the signal to be Disabled my propeller is. No wooden vessel could have floated twenty minutes under the fire that the Virginia was undergoing, but if her propeller was disabled it was necessary to attempt to tow her back to the cover of our bat- teries, so the Patrick Henry and Jamestown started to make the attempt. They had gone but a short distance before the Virginia was seemi to move and her propeller to turn, and the sacrifice was not nec- essary. That evening all the Confederate vessels went into the harbor of Norfolk and anchored Page 54 ~i4 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Flag-Officer Tattuall having relieved Flag-Officer Buchanan, who had been seriously wounded in the first days fight in Hampton Roads, and all the vessels having been repaired and refitted, on the 13th 111th] of April the squadron again sallied out to meet the enemy.* In case the Virginia should not be able to capture or destroy the Monitor, the gunboats Beaufort and Baleigh and two small tugboats were assigned the duty of carrying her by boarding. The squadron steamed about in Hampton Roads for two days in succession, and the Jamestown captured several of the enemys transports, but neither the Monitor nor any other Federal man-of-war could be induced to leave the protection of the guns of Fortress Monroe. * * * * * * * [JAMES H. ROCHELLE, Lieutenant, C. S. Nary.] Flag-Officer JOHN R. TUCKER, Commanding Confederate Naral Forces, Charleston, AS. C. [The remainder of the letter not found.CoMPILERS.] Expenditure of shot, shell, and powder [by the C. S. S. Patrick Henry] in engagement on 8th and 9th [March, 1862]. 30 12-pound charges, X-inch pivot. 35 9-pound charges, 8-inch broadside. 41 16-pound charges, 8-inch pivot. 19 S-pound charges, 8-inch broadside. 5 12-pound charges, S-inch pivot. 16 6-pound charges, rifled 32-pounder. 8 8-pound charges, 8-inch pivot. Loaded shell. 30 X-inch shell; 20 of 15-seconds, 10 of 19 Sinch solid shot. 10-seconds. 16 rifled shell, 32-pounder. 92 8-inch shell; 46 of 15-seconds, 46 of 10-seconds. iNOTE.The banding of the port rifled 32-pounder, 57 cwt., gun burst after the third fire, renderi~~g it useless for the rest of the action. Expended during the action, 138 shell of all descriptions and 19 solid shot. Report of Major-General Huger, C. 8. Army, commanding Department of Norfolk. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORFOLK, Norfolk, Va., March 10, 1862. SIR: I telegraphed yesterday to the Secretary of War the fact of the naval engagement on the 8th and 9th instants. As the battle was fought by the navy, Flag-Officer Forrest will no doubt report to the Navy Department the result of the engagement. The batteries at Sewells Point opened fire on the steamers Minnesota and Roanoke, which attempted on the 8th to pass to Newport News to the assistance of the frigates attacked by the Virginia. The Minnesota ran aground before reaching there. The Roanoke was struck several times, and for some cause turned around and went back to Old Point. The two sailing vessels (Cumberland and Congress) were destroyed the first sunk and the other burned by the Virginiaand on the 9th See l Page 55 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 55 the Minnesota, still aground, would probably have been destroyed but for the ironclad battery of the enemy called, I think, the Monitor. The Virginia and this battery were in actual contact, without inflicting serious injury on either. At 2 p. m. on yesterday, the 9th, all our vessels came lip to the navy yard for repairs. The Virginia, I understand, has gone into dock for repairs, which will be made at once. This action shows the power and endurance of ironclad vessels. Cannon shot do not harm them ,and they can pass batteries or destroy large ships. A vessel like the Vir- ginia or the Monitor, with her two guns, can pass any of our batteries with impunity. The only means of stopping them is by vessels of the same kind. The Virginia, being the most powerful, can stop the Moni- tor, but a more powerful one would run her down or ashore. As the enemy can build such boats faster than we, they could, when so pre- pared, overcome any place accessible by water. How these powerful machines are to be stopped is a problem I can not solve. At present, in the Virginia, we have the advantage; but we can not tell how long this may last. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. HUGER, Major- General, Commanding. General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector General. Report of Major.General Magruder, C. S. Army, commanding Department of the Peninsula, of his cooperation with naval attack. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE PENINSULA, Youngs Farm, Virginia., March 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, at 9 p. in. on the 8th instant, of your telegram announcing tIme glorious achievement of the C. S. war steamer Virginia, and to report that before daylight I had troops on the way to the immediate vicinity of Newport News and proceeded iu person to join them. On my arrival I found my advance guard of one regiment of infantry, Colonel Cumniing, Tenth Georgia, and some 300 cavalry (of ours) drawn up in line of battle within 1 mile of Newport News and (500 yards of the enemys pickets of infantry and cavalry. As I obtained from all quarters reliable information of the enemys great strength, which was verified by our observation of the fort and vicinity, amounting to at least 12,000 infantry at Newport News alone, which at any moment could be increased to 18,000 from Fort Monroe, I saw that it was utterly impossible to do anything toward attacking the fort. My own troops, which are obliged to be divided to defend the two roads, Yorktown and Warwick, being when united only about 4,000 infantry, 4~50 cavalry, and a few pieces of light artillery, the larger number being too heavy to bring over the roads, which are recently worse than ever. Finding, as I anticipated, that the naval attack produced no effect upon the fort except to increase its garrison, I contented myself with occupying the most advanced posts, Bethel and Youngs Mill, where the troops are now. I believe the enemys plan was to ascend James River by land and water, to attack and capture, if possible, Jamestown Island, whic Page 56 56 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. would cause the fall of Yorktown, and then to occupy Suffolk, James- town, and West Point, and leaving Norfolk to fall with the fall of Richmond, if that could be accomplished, and to direct all his energies against the latter place. For the present his plans innst be somewhat frustrated, but I consider that the Patrick Henry, Jamestown, and Teaser having gone to Norfolk and the Virginia into the dock for rcpairs, affords the enemy an admirable opportunity of fully retrieving his losses by placing the Ericsson battery [15. 5. S. Monitor] at the mouth of James River and ascending at once the bank of that river, attacking, sul)ported by the Ericsson battery [U. S. S. Monitor], the works of liar- deifs Bluff and Mulberry Island Point, which are weak, and thns fore- Pig my troops to fall back to protect Jamestown and Williamsburg, and isolating and reducing Yorktown. I therefore hope that the steamers Patrick Henry, Jamestown, and Teaser may without delay ascend the James River, and should they reqnire repairs, have them done at Rich. mond. When the Virginia is repaired they could rejoin her at any moment, as she would be the mistress of the roads. I have not had time to report that the troops ordered to Suffolk were embarked from Kings Mill wharf immediately after the reception of the orders, as I am informed. A considerable number of the regiments sent were on furlough, and I therefore sent a somewhat larger number than that called for, estimating the number by the aggregate present and absent. I presume those absent will join at once. I sent also two batteries, that of Cobbs Legion and the First Company of Howitzers, the latter being asked for by General Randolph. I have sent 350 cavalry, that number being embraced in Cobbs Legion. I beg leave respectfully to invite the attention of the Secretary of War to my remarks in relation to the location of the three steamers. I have at length assembled many negroes, and the defensive works begin again to progress satisfkctorily. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. BANKHEAD MAGIZuDER, Major- General, Commanding. General COOPER, Adjutant an ci Inspector General. Resolution of thanks to Captain Buchanan and the officers and men under his command. Resolced by the Congress of the Confederate States qf America, That the thanks of Congress are due and are hereby cordially tendered to Captain Buchanan and all under his command for their unsurpassed gallantry, as displayed in the recent successful attack upon the naval forces of the enemy in Hampton Roads. Approved, March 12, 1862. Report* of Flag-Officer Buchanan, C. S. Navy, acknowledging the resolution of thanks from the Confederate Congress to the officers and men under his command. NAVAL HOSPITAL, March 25, 18G2. SIR: I have the honor to receive your communication of the 19th instant, enclosing a copy of a resolution of Congress tendering the thanks of that body to the officers and men under my command for our successful recent attack upon the naval forces of the enemy in Ilamp- ton Roads. * From the Richmond Dispatch, March 31, 1862 Page 57 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 57 On Sunday morning last the officers and men in uniform were assem- bled in the sail loft in the navy yard and formed into a hollow square, with the officers in the center. When uncovered the enclosed general order was read, then your letter, followed by the resolution of Con- gress. The whole scene was quite iml)ressive, and the officers and men properly appreciated the honor conferred upon them by their country. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANKN. BUCHANAN, Flag- Officer. lion. S. 11. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy, Richmond. [Enclosure.] GENERAL ORDER.] NAVAL HOSPITAL, March 21, 1862. Ininiediately upon the receipt of this order, or as soon thereafter as practicable, Commander John iR. Tucker the senior officer present under my coiuwiand, will cause to be read in one of the public build- ings of the navy yard, in the presence of the officers and crew of the James River Squadron, the enclosed communication from the Hon. S. il. Mallory, Secretary of the Navy, forwarding a resolution of thanks from the Congress of the Confederate States of America for our vic- tories over our enemies on the 8th and 9th instant. The flag officer takes this opportunity to renew to the officers and crews nnder his command his thanks for the gallantry, perseverance, and determimmation with which they sustained on those days the honor of the flag and the country. They may very soon be called upon to give sonic frirther evi(leImce that they will sustain the high character and reputation acquired by the squadron in that conflict. FRANKN. BtICHANAN, Eta g-OtJiccr, Commanding Squadron, Waters of Virginia. Resolution of thanks to the officers and crews of the Patrick Henry, Jamestown, Teaser and other vessels for gallant conduct. Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, That the thanks of Congress are due, and are hereby tendered, to the officers and crews of the Patrick Henry, Jamestown, Teaser, and other vessels engaged, for their gallamit conduct and bearing in the naval combat amid brilliant victory on the waters of James River on the 8th and 9th of March, 1862. Approve(l, April 16, 1862. Letter of congratulation from Flag-Officer Tattnall, C. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Buchanan, C. S. Navy. SAVANNAH, GA., March 12, 1862. Mx- DEAR BUCHANAN: The reports from Norfolk have kept us in a state of hopeful but painful anxiety in regard to your unexampled conibat off Newport News, until the accounts of last evening reported the result and the return of the ships to Norfolk. I congratulate you, my dear friend, with all my heart and soul, on the glory you have gained for the Confederacy and yourself. The whole affair is unex- ampled, and will carry your name to every corner, of the Christian world and be on the tongue of every man who deals in salt water. That which I admire most in the whole affair is the bold confidenc Page 58 58 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. with which you undertook an untried thing. To have faltered, or to have doubted, might have been fatal, but you proved yourself (as the old Navy always esteemed you) a man not of (lOubt or faltering when you had undertaken an adventure. If your wound be severe I shall regret it, but if it be not so, your friends will not find fault, as it crowns your worth. I hope that Congress will make you an admiral, and put you at the head of the Navy. You have my vote for it from my very heart, and I am sure that all your seniors will cry Amen. You do not know how much you have aided in removing the gloom which recent military events had cast over us. Do let some friend at your bedside write me one line to tell me the nature of your wound. God bless you, my dear Buchanan. Your friend, very truly, JOsIAH TATTNALL. FRANKLIN BUCHANAN, Plag.Offlcer, C. S. Navy. P. S.The enemy have cut us off from Fort Pulaski, but the fort is well supplied with provisions, etc., and is in excellent condition. Letter of congratulation from Major-General Magruder, C. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Buchanan, C. S. Navy. HEADQUARTERS, Youngs Mill, Virginia, March 10, 1862. COMMODORE: It is with the most cordial satisfaction that I tender you my most hearty congratulations on the glorious and brilliant victory you achieved over the enemy on Saturday and Sunday last. I consider it the greatest achievement of the age, and am delighted beyond expression that it was accompiislle(l under your auspices and that of my friend Lieutenant Catesby ap it. Jones. I went down in person as soon as I heard of the attack, and had given some orders for the movement of troops and one of my regi- ments, with 250 cavalry, and remained in front of the works within a mile and a half for some two hours yesterday without artillery, bat though very strongI think at least 15,000they did not come out to attack us. I regret to hear that you are wounded, but hope your wound will not prove serious. I send you this hasty expression of my extreme satisfaction by Sergeant Tabb, whose departure I can not (lelay. With the highest respect, I remain, commodore, very sincerely, yours, J. BANKHEAD MAGRUDER, Major- (Jeneral Commanding. Commodore BUCHANAN, C. S. Navy. Letter from Lieutenant Jones, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Davidson. C. S. Navy, regarding the engagement of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack) in Hampton Roads, March 9, 1862. SAFFOLD, EARLY COUNTY, YA. [GA.], August 20, 1862. MY DEAR DAYIDsOY: It has recently come to my knowledge that Captain Fairfax has been making ill-natured remarks in regard to the Virginias not taking the Minnesota. In these uncertain times I think that those best acquainted with the facts should state them; hence this letter Page 59 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 59 I was in command 011 that day and solely responsible for the manner that the ship was fought, but it was then, as it is now, a matter of con- gratulatioii with me that those next iu rank were officers in whose judgment I could confide. The action lasted near four hours. We had run iuto the Monitor, cansing us to leak, and had received a shot from her which caine near disabling the machinery, but continued to fight her until she was driven into shoal water. The Minnesota appeared so badly damaged that we did not believe that she could ever move again. The pilots refused to place us auy nearer to her (they had once mu us aground). About 12 [oclock] the pilots declared that if we did not go up to Norfolk then, that we could not do so until the next day. I consulted with Simms, whose decided opinion was that the action should cease, and directed him to get your opinion. He informed me that you agreed with him. Shortly after I ordered the ship to be taken to Norfolk. This is a brief statement of the facts as I regarded them, and I should very much like to have letters from you and Simms, each giving the reasons that made it, in his judgment, advisable to discontinue the fight at the time we did. I wonld write to Simms myself, but do not know where to find him. You would much oblige me by commumcat- ing with him. Perhaps you had. better send him this letter, but let me have a reply from you without awaiting his, as I am very anxious to receive the letters before commencing active operations in the Chatta- hooch ec. Hoping soon to hear from you, I remain, very sincerely, yours, C. AP It. JONES. Lieutenant HUNTER DAVIDSON, C. S. Navy, Richmond, Va. Letter from Lieutenant Davidson, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Jones, C. S. Navy, regarding th3 engagement in Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 9, 1862. OXFORD, N. C., & jptember 12, 1862. MY DEAR JONES: * * * I am satisfied myself that you did all that any other officer could or would have done. It was unfortunate that you could not have bad some idea of how near old Van Brunt was to leaving the ship, but since the greatest man can not possess any of the supernatural, you did all that your country could have expected of you. * * * * * * * We are all in high spirits at the prospect of getting possession of old Maryland again. Have we not great cause for congratulation upon our successes ~ Always happy to hear from you. Very truly, your friend, HUNTER DAVIDSON. Lieutenant CATESBY AP iR. JONES, C. S. Navy.] Letter from Lieutenant Jones, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Davidson, C. S. Navy, regarding the engagement in Hampton Roads, Virginia. SAFFOLD, [GA.], October 1, 1862. MY DEAR DAVIDSON: The endeavor to equip the Chattahoochie has kept me moving so much that yours of the 12th only reached me a few days since Page 60 60 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I was much gratified by it, though your conclusions are not stated in the manner I would prefer. What I should very much like to have from you is a brief narrative of the facts as they appeared at the time to you, and upon which was based your opinion as to the propriety of running up to Norfolk when we did. A somewhat similar statement to that in my letter to you would be all sufficient. As to what we learned afterwards, that is a different thing. For instance, had I known the pilots as they afterwards l)roved themselves, I would have forced them to place us nearer the Minnesota, etc. You say nothing of Simms. I should like to have his address, if you have not sent hun the letter I wrote you asking him also for a statement. iDo let me have your reply as soon as possible. * * * * * * C. AL~ 11. JONES.] [Lieutenant HUNTER DAVIDsON, C. S. Navy.] Letter from Lieutenant Davidson, 0. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Jones, C. S. Navy, regarding the engagement in Hampton Roads, Virginia. C. S. S. TORPEDO, Submarine Batteries, James Rirer, Va., October 25, 18G2. Mv DEAR JONEs: Only a few days since I received yours of the 1st instant, the delay owing in part to the mails, and much perhaps to the fact that my family being at Chester (about halfway between Richmond and Petersburg, on The railroad), and not having occasion to write to me, I have not enquired at the post-office for some weeks. I have misplaced your first letter upon the Merrimack fight. I dont exactly recollect the narration referred to in your last, but I will endeavor to go over the ground of the 9th March, 1862, off Newport News, to your satisfaction, for I have ever since believed that your position as commander of the Virginia was the most difficult of the war, and that your conduct on that occasion merited more commendation than did Admiral Buchanan for the battle of the 8th, the day before. At daylight on the morning of the 9th March, 1862, you and myself entered into conversation on the upper deck of the Virginia in regard to the course to be pursued in the action, which we all saw must take place between ourselves and the enemys ironclad, the Monitor, then in sight at anchor off Newport News. You expressed your determination to attack and rain her, and to keep vigorously at her until the contest was decided, and you left the impression upon my mind that the engagement could only end in the overthrow of either the enemy or ourselves. As soon as we could make preparations and get under- way, the Virginia stood toward the Minnesota, then aground on the 17- foot shoal off Newport News, and was met in a short time by the Monitor. The action was carried on by maneuvers, which, between ironclads, necessarily consumed much time, only exchanging shots when they were supposed to take effect. The Monitor engaging so much of your attention, you had little time to attack the Minnesota, as it was evident the formers object was to relieve the latter by drawing us off~ Whilst this novel warfare was going on, the Virginia was mu aground by the pilots, and remained so for about three-quarters of an hour, I think. It was during the grounding of the Virginia that the Monitor received her coup de grdce and hauled off on the shoals, out of the reach of our guns Page 61 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 61 and gave us the opportunity to fire about eleven shells from my big bow gun at the Minnesota, six of which, not exploding prematurely as the rest did, appeared to take effect, although we were 1 miLe distant, and one of which blew up a large steamer alongside of the Minnesota, killing 21 men and wounding many others. When the Virginia was floated again, I was informed that the pilots declared that it was impos- sible for us to get nearer the Mi,tnesota. This circumstance, together with the fact that our officers and men were completely broken down by two days and a nights continuous work with the heaviest rifled or(lnaflce in the world, and that the ship was believed to be seriously illJure(l by ramming and sinking the Gumberland, and that if she should run aground and remain so in attempting to reach the Minnesota, she would probably open forward where her horn had split the stem, and become an easy prey to the enemy, and in consideration also that the Monitor was drawn off and sought safety in shoal water, and that the Minnesota was crippled beyond the hope of safety, induced you, by the advice of the lieutenants whom you consulted, to return to Norfolk. I still think, as I then thought, that it was the proper course for you to i)nrstle, and that you had made the best fight of the two days engagement. I am getting on slowly here with the submarines. I shall soon have about 12,000 pounds powder down at different stations on the river. My late experiments prove that powerful galvanic batteries can be relied on to act with unerring certainty at the distance of a half mile under water. This is the way we should obstruct all our rivers if suffi- cient powder can be got. I dont believe you can find a Yankee to risk a blowing up. The Navy generally is not getting on well heretoo much jealousy, etc. Everyone wants notoriety and promotion, and I think a good many are looking out chiefly for No. 1. M. F. Manry has gone to Europe with about $4,000,000 for gunboats, etc. A. B. Fairfax, with his son and Buck Murdaugh and $500,000, are on their way to Northern Alabama, in the coal and iron region, to establish a naval foundry, tis said, of vast proportions. Wood, with a few picked men, is operating on the banks of the Potomac, getting a boat where he can, shoving off and burning all he can. Minor has his ordnance shop here in fine order. At Drewrys Bluff they are building winter quarters, and Butt is the last ~f the Virginias left.* * * * * * * * HUNTER DAVIDSON. Letter from Lieutenant Simms, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Jones, C. S. Navy, regarding the action of the latter as commanding officer of the C. S. S. Virginia. PETERSBURG, VA., December 6, 1862. M~ DEAR JONEN: Your letter of the 21st of November has just come to hand, and I avail myself of the earliest opportunity of replying to your questions. I did hear you ask the pilots to place you near the Minnesota, amid I not only heard them tell you that they could get no nearer to her, but they told me so, too. The ship had been aground at a considerable distance from the Minnesota, and a short time after she floated the Monitor ran into shoal water aiid ceased firing. It was about this time that you asked my opinion as to our further movements, and I uimhesi- tatingly gave as my opinion (the pilots saying that we could not get to Matter omitted of a personal nature Page 62 62 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the Minnesota) that we were oniy wasting ammunition without doing any damage. I also consulted with Lieutenant Davidson, who coin- cided with me. I had also heard that the ship was leaking badly forward, and that it would be impossible for the ship to be taken to Norfolk until the day following, unless we took advantage of that days tide, and as there was nothing for us to fight (the Mionitor having gotten out of onr reach), and the Minnesota being in a l)osition (accord- ing to the pilots) where we could not get at her, was a sufficient reason in my opinion for ceasing firing. I do not remember the exact conversations that occurred between Lieutenant Davidson and myself when I consulted with him in regard to cease firing, bat I do remember that he fully agreed with me that it was best to do so, and to go to Norfolk. With the hopes that you may be not only succcessful in getting to sea, but successful in worrying the Yankees when you get out, I remain, Very truly, your friend, CHARLES C. SIMMS. Lieutenant Commanding C. AP 11. JONES, Commanding Steamer Chattahoochee, Saffold, Ga. Nomination of Captain Buchanan to be admiral in the C. S. Navy for gallant conduct in the engagement in Hampton Roads, March 8, 1862. NAVY DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, August 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to recommend the following nominations for appointment in the Navy, nuder act of Congress, entitled An act to amend an act entitled an act to provide for the organization of the Navy, approved March 16, 1861, and for other purposes, approved April 21, 1862. Adiniral.Franklin Buchanan, of Maryland, a captain in the Navy of the Confederate States, for gallant and meritorious conduct in attack- ing the enemys fleet in Hampton Roads and destroying the frigate Congress, sloop of war Cumberland, and three small steamers, whilst in command of the squadron in the waters of Virginia, on the 8th of March, 1862. * * * * * * * With much respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant, S. li. MALLORY, The PRESIDENT. Secretary of the Navy. Appointment as commander from the Secretary of the Navy of the Confederate States to Lieutenant Jones, C. S. Navy. CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Navy Department, Richmond, May 6, 1863. SIR: You are hereby informed that the President has apl)oillted you, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States, to rank from the 29th day of April, 1863, for gallant and meritorious conduct as executive and ordnance officer of the steamer Virginia in the action in Hampton Roads on the 8th of March, 1862, and in the action at Drewrys Bluff on the 15th of May, 1862 Page 63 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 63 Should you accept the appointment, you will notify this Department thereof. Registered No. 30. The lowest number takes rank. S. R. MALLORY, Secretary oJ the Navy. Commander CATESBY AP R. JONES, C. S. Navy, Charlotte, N. C. Letter from Lieutenant Wood, C. S. Navy, to Commander Jones, C. S. Navy, regarding the promotion of the latter. Private and confidential.] CONFEDERATE STATES OF AMERICA, Executive Department, Richmond, lTa., May 14, 18G3. M~ DEAR MR. JONES: The story of your promotion is a long one, and I can not give you now the details but we meet. will when I did not notice the omission of the battle of the 9th, or I would have had it corrected at once. I know that it was for the Monitor fight that the President directed your name to be sent in for promotion. lie could not have noticed the omission, for he has been sick for the last six weeks, and yesterday was at the office for the first time in a month, and so signed the papers as they were laid before hini. But even if this were not so, you must not think of declining promo- tion. In this mighty struggle all private feelings must be laid aside. The question is, Can you be of more use as a commander thau as a lieutenantl You owe it to the country and service to accept it. The latter is almost unanimous in awarding you promotion. For yourself and friends, you ought to accept. At the proper time I will bring this before the President, for some notice should be taken of it. 1 will bear in mind your brothers application. As soon as the President recovers sufficiently, I take it, the appointments in the Pro- visional Navy will be made. Truly, yours, etc. J. TAYLOR Woon. [Commander CATESBY AP It. JONES.] Letter from Flag-Officer Buchanan, C. 5. Navy, to Commander Jones, C. S. Navy, regarding the promotion of the latter. NAVAL COMMANDANTS OFFICE, Mobile, May 14, 18G3. DEAR JONES: Your letter reached me by this days mail. I am sincerely rejoiced to hear of your promotion at last. It ought to have been given to you long ago. Why the fight with the Monitor was not mentioned I know not, except as there was no capture or niaterial damage done to her, Mr. Mallory may think it not necessary to mention it. I really do not think you ought to refuse your promo- tion on that account. Your previous and subsequent services to the 9th of March entitled you to your promotion. Let me know what Mr. Mallory says after he receives your letter. I am sure he has no inten- tion to reflect upon you. My squadron is increasing fast, and I want good officers to command the new steamers now under construction. Page 64 64 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. also want a fleet captain and flag-lieutenant. I wish you and Minor could join me as commanders of some of the steamers, or fleet captain and flag-lieutenant, if they wont promote M. I am anxious to have another crack at the vile vagabonds. It would please me not a little to sink my old ship, the Susquehanna, now oft this harbor. We shall soon hear stirring news from Tennessee and Missis- sippi. The fight has commenced near Raymond, rMiss.1. Our victory was a glorious one on the Happahannock, but General Jacksons loss is a terrible blow to the country. Regards to all friends who may be with you. Sincerely, your friend, etc., FRANKLIN J3UCHANAN. Commander C. APR. JONES,C. S. Navy, Charlotte, N~ C. Letter from Commander Jones, C. S. Navy, to the Secretary of the Navy of the Confederate States, accepting promotion. CHARLOTTE, N. C., Allay 21, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation of the 6th instant, informing me that the Presideiit has appointed me, by and with the advice of the Seiiate, a commander in the Navy of the Confederate States, to rank from the 29th day of April, 1863, for gallant and meritorious conduct as executive an(l ordnance officer of the steamer Virginia in the action in Hampton Roads on the 8th of March, 1862, and in the action of Drewrys Bluff on the 15th of May, 1862, and, as requested, I respectfully notify the Department that I accept the appointment. In your letter to the President of April 7, 1862, accompanying Flag- Officer Buchanans official report of the actions of the Virainia on the 8th and 9th of March, 1862, you were l)leased to refer in highly compli- mentary terms to my services whilst in command of the Virginia after Flag-Officer Buchanan was wounded on the 8th of March, and also on the 9th in the fight with the Monitor. 1 allude to this, as you are aware, for the first time, and would not do so 110W but that as ito mcii- tion of these services is made in the commission I have just accepted, my silence might be construed in to an admission that I did not consider them as important as those named. My promotion would have been far more valued had the commission have noticed my services whilst in command of the Virginia. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CATESBY AP R. JONES, Commander, (J!. S. Nary. Hoit. 8. 11. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy, Richmond, Va. Rapport du Commandant du Gassend.i sur le combat naval livr~ dans la rade Hampton entre les forces F6derales et celles des Conf6d~r6s Extraits.] 1 combat le 8 mare. Le 8 an matin, petite brise de N. N. 0., tri~s beau temps,faiblejusant. Vers midi 40 une masse, ayant laspect dun toit de caseruc, surinont6 dnu large tuyau, apparut ~ lentr& ~e dElizabeth River nit l)CU en dedan Page 65 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 65 de la pointe Sewalls. On reconnnt irnm~diatement le Merrirnac, (jill, escort( (le deux caiinonni~res (le Beai~fort et le Raleigh), savan~ait lente- ment vers le clienal de Hampton Roads. Apr~s quelques ~volutions e1Thctu~es sans doute I)OUP sassurer da bon fonctioiinernent de sa machine, le ilLerrimae sembla un instant retourner vers Norfolk; mais pen apr~s, ii reprit frauclienient sa marche, se dirigeaiit, avec nue vitesse apparente de 6 nuiids, vers les fr6gates F~d~rales Li voiles Gum- berland et Con gress, inoai1l~es Li 1entrPe de la rivi~re James. Les detix caimoiii~res Ptaient rest~es Li lentr(e de Ia rivh~re Elizabeth, pour surveiller le mouvement des navires F~d~raux monilh~s sons la fortere~sc Monroe. Les Threes inaritimes F~d~ra1es. a~ monillage, se composalent de la fr& gate ~u liPlice Minnesota, tonjours sons pression et en branlebas de combat depuis pins d~nn mois; de la frPgate Li liPlice koanoke en bran- lebas Pgalement, inais qnune nPgligence inexplicable laissait depuis (juatre mois avec son arbre de couche cass~, et pP essayait de troinper lennemi par un inutile Pehappement de vapeur; de Ia frPgate Li voiles St. La wre nec arriv& e la veille i)oLlr remplacer le Cumberland Li Newport News, et qui avait moniliP Li grande distance en dehors; 4 e dei~x tiois- iiPits ariuPs chacun de 6 canons. II y avait, en outre, 4 canonniPres Li roues on Li hPlice, niie demi-douzaine de tugboats (portant chacun un canon I~arrot de 30) et une quantitP ~gale (le ferrys. Aucuit de ces navires ne paint sapercevoir (le larrivPe en rade de lenin redontable ennemi, et cc ne fut pie, plus dun quart dlieure apr& s son apparition, qunn coup de canon tir6 par une des canonni~res aiinoii~a qnil Ptait en vue. Yers 1 30 seulenient, Ic Minnesota hissa son grand foe et mit en inarche Li petite vitesse, aid6 par un tugboat le reuioi-quant par tribord. Le J1oanol~-e remorquP par deux tugboats le snivait plus lenteinent encore. Arriv6 prPs de Rip Raps, Ic Minnesota stoppa et Plouigea des amainres coinme po~~i prendre Ic Roanoke Li la ineinoinque; mais ii paint bieiit(t y renoncer, et, veins 2 entin il remit en marche, se dirigeaut, avec 7 on 8 nwuds de vitesse, veins Newport News oii le combat seiigageait. Son tugboat (le Dragon) se poita alors an secours dn RoanoAe qui continua Li savancer avec lenteur, ses trois remorqnenrs ne ponvant qnLi grand peine mi time refonler le conrant. La canonniPre Li roucs Whitehall et Ia canonni~re Li bPliee Mystic se port& rent aussi veins Newport News, mais dies ne prirent quune part tiPs mPdiocre an combat. A inesnine quc ces navires ainnivPrent par le travers de la batterie de Sewalls Point, cette batterie onvinit le fen sur eux; ils y repondirent; mais cc tir Li grande port5c (2,500 environ) anquel se joignit celni de Rip Raps, iie dut I)roduire quun effet insignifiant. Veins 2 30 le Minnesota sPchona sur les accores noind de hampton middle ground, Li un mille de Newport News. Les batteries et les cation- nnres dn Sud ic canounPrent Li grande distance. Le Roanok-e alors, einaignant sans doute aussi un Pehonage, quc son pen de vitesse rendait imminent, chan gea de route, et, larguant ses voiles, revint an mnonil- lage sons ha forteresse oii ii ainniva veins 4. Les remoinqucuins se I)orte- rent an secours dn Minnesota. Le Mystic revint aussi an inonillage veins Ia inPme henre, et ia frPgatc St. Lawrence qui, j usqnalors, sPtait dinigPc continnehiement veins iendroit engag6, imita Pgalcment ha man~uvrc dn Iloanoke et du Mystic. Le Meu-rimac cependant navait pus ccss6 de se diniger veins les fuP- gates quil vonlait dPtruire; ies 2 canonniPres Iavaient i-ejoint et 1 2 ii se tronvait Li ientr6e de James River. - N W RVOL 7 Page 66 66 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Ii fnt immediatemeilt sa1u~ par une violente eanonnade des 2 fr6gates et des batteries de Newport News. La batterie Conf6d6r~e de Pig Point y r(pondit. Le combat nous fiit alors en grande partie cacli~ par la pointe qui ne nous permettait (le voir qiie les matures des fr6- gates. Mais nous pinnes constater l6nergie du fen qui, pendant un quart dheure surtout, fut des plus violents. On apercevait lentr6e de la rivh~re coiistammeut fouett~e dans toutes les directions par les boulets qni ricocliaieuit, et Ia puissance des d6tonations nons indiqnait que c 6taient (les pi& ces du plus fort calibre qni (prouvaient Ia cuirasse du illerrimac. Celni-ci, apr& s avoir envoy~ une bord6e an Congress hi plus rapproch(e des deux fr6gates, savan~a vers le (Jumberland, dont ii pouvait avoir S redouter la formidable artillerie, le choqua, avec une vitesse de 4 Li 5 mz~nds au plus, par le travers en brisant en partie son 6peron. Apr~s c~tre revenu en arri& re de deux longueurs et avoir envoy~ une seconde bord~e au Congress le Merrimac aborda uiie seconde fois le Cu ml)erla nd qui coula presque iniim~diateiuent. II (tait alors 211 30 environ. Ii paraitrait m& me que cc secon(1 choc n~tait nas n~cessaire. Les deux steamers Yorktown et Jamestown qul, descendus de James River, atten daient nim pen plus haut le moment de lattaque, apr~s avoir canonn~ le Congress en passant, parurent alors dans hampton Roads, et engag& rent nn combat trPs vif avec les cauonni~res F(d6rales et le Minnesota toujours ~chon6. Le Merrimac repaint anssi en dehors de la pointe, tira alternativement sur le Congress et les batteries de Newport News, l)elldaflt que les canonniPres du Sud en fluisaient autant. Vers 31i cette fr6gate hissa son foc et borda ses huniers, conrut nite longuer en avant et scchona aussit5t sum les baucs sud de lentr6e (le Ia riviPre. Presque an in& me instant elle amena son pavilion qi2elle rempla~a par un pavilion blanc et pen apr~s, cue en hissa na autre an grand niht. Cest alors que se passa le fait suivant dont se sont plaint les journaux du Sud. D~s quc le pavilion blanc cut annone6 aux Conf~d6r& s la reddition de Ia fr(gate, us cess~rent leur fen, et nue de leurs canonnii~rcs, le Raleigh, sal)procha delle et l& longea par babord pour prendre les officiers et dire aux hommes de l~quipage de se rcmmdre a terre dans leurs canots; mais an moment oii la canonmmE~re, sans d6fiance, abordait Ia frPgatc des coups de fusil tir6s par les F6d& aux cach6s dans la lisi~re des bois et quclqucs-uns partis dn Congress tu~rent et blcss~rent plusicurs officiers et matelots dn Raleigh. Quelques hommes m~me dn Congress furent atteints par les balles venant de terre. Ce fait, dont se sont anibrement plaint les Commf~d~rPs, a ~ reprodnit par Ia plupart des journaux dn Nord aucun ne la contredit; lnii deu x (le New York Herald du 14) le confirme an contraire. Le Merrimac continua Li tirer snr les batteries de Newport News, jusquan moment oim le Raleigh abandonna le Congress (vers 4). Tons alors se rapproc1i~rcnt du Minnesota qui, toujours 6chou6 et 16g& rement incline sur babord, et entour6 de 3 ou 4 gunboats, 6chan geait des bonlets a grande port& ~e avec le Yorktown et Ic Jamestown. Le Roanoke ~tait dLjLL en route I)oU~ le monillage; le St. Lawrence qui arrivait an fen, ne devait y prendre part quun instant, et tout faisait croire que la r~sistattce du Minnesota ne pouvait se prolonger. Cepen- dant le pen de profondeur de 1eau ne permettait pas an Merrimac de sapprocher de la fr~gate, et les autres navires 6taieut dun trop faible echantillon pour scxposer de pr~s a sa puissante artillerie. Les com- battants semblaicut, daillenrs, 6puis~s par les 6motions et les fatigues dnne lutte incessaute de plus de 3 heures. Peuti3tre, les Conf6d6r6s Page 67 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 67 presque assar~s de prendre la fr& ~gate le lendernain, ne voulajent-ils pas trop endommager la coque ni la machine. Quoiqnil en soit, le fen se ralentit beaucoup; vers 6 ii ~tait compli4ement Pteint et les navires disparurent pen ~\ pen dans Ia brume qii estompait b~g& ement 1h~i- rizon. A 7h 30 le Con qress ~tait en fen et santait ~ minuit avee une d~tonatioii 6ponvantable. Les Conf(d& r& s avaieiit en outre r& hissi ?~ enlever de James River et conduire ~i Norfolk Ic Reindeer batean-citerne qni, seni, alimentait dean le fort et les navires. Tout seniblait done d~sesp& r6 le 8 an soir, et tine paitique o~n6ra1e setablait s~tre empar~e des esprits. La terrible uiiachine (ic guerre, Si sonvent annonc6e, 6tait eufin apparue, et, en niie heure ~ peilie, avait detruit deux des J)1US forts iiavires de lUnioii, fait taire de puissautes batteries de c~te et vn fnir devant elle le reste des forces maritimes qui, la veille, bloqunient les 2 rivi~res. Plusleurs navires c1iang~reiit de monillage, et tons se tinrent I)rets ?t prendre le large an premier inonve- meat de lennemi. Tout ~tait en rumeur an Fort Monroe; les ferries, gunboats, et tugboats allaient et venalent dans tontes les directions, les tambours et les clairoiis battaient et soiinaient avec niie ardeur inusit6; le Fort Monroe et la batterie de Rip Raps Pchangeaint des signaux de nuit sans relhche. Malgr6 les seconrs dnne deini-douzaine de vapeurs, le Minnesota ne ponvait parvenir h se reiiflouer, et jai appris iu~me qnnn conseil de guerre teun ~X ce sujet, avait en un niornent la pens~e de le brftler. DPJa 7 on 8 J)ieces avaient Pt6 jet~es par dessus le bord et quelqnes-unes enclou~es, lo rsqne vers 8.40 arriva le Monitor (batterie Ericsson) qni devait sanver le Minnesota et Ic reste des navires an monillage. Lenvoi de ce nonvel auxiliaire rafterinit la coiifiance ~braul6e. Ii se dirigea imxn6diatement vers le lieu oii la fr(gate ~tait ~chou~e et nionilla an large de celle-ci. Les navires ConfrdPr(s avaient pris leur poste sons Sewalls Point et la unit se passa sans incidents, cliacun attendant avec impatience les r~snltats de lexp~rience dn lendenuain. Combat du 9. Le 9 an matin, petite brise dest, tr~s bean temps, h~g~re brume. Au jour, on aper~ut ~\ lentrPe d~Elizabeth River, les navires ConfPd6- r~s sons vapeur, le Minnesota tonjours immobile, et ~ sa gauche, ~i peine visible, nite petite masse noire snrmont& e (1nn panache de vapeur. A 8 la bruine s~taiit compl& tement dissip6e, le Merrimac, l)recede dn Jamestown et du Yorktown, se dirigea vers Ia fr(gate F6dPrale. Les steamers h~gers commenc~reut le feu; mais la petite masse noire s6tait mise en monvement, et bient6t un nuage de fnm~e et le bruit de deux fortes d~tonations vinrent apprendre aux canoiuni& es A qui dies avalent affaire. On les vit alors abandonn~r la partie et se retirer sons les bat- teries de Sewalls, laissant le ]Jlerrimae d6fendre seul lhonnenr de leur jeune pavilion. Le Minnesota occup~ A se d~s~chouer, ne prit part an combat (ina (le rares intervalies, et laction se r~duisit A an v6ritable duel entre les deux batteries. Le combat sengagea dabord A grande distance, inais les deux ennemis ne tard& rent pas A se rejoindre, ehacun deux cherchant A tronver le d~fttnt de la cuirasse de son adversaire. Dans cette lntte, tonte d~vointions, dans nn chenal resserr6 et pen profond, le Monitor, dont Ic tirant dean nest pas Ia moiti6 de celni dn ]Jlierrirnac, avait un avantage 6norme sur celni-ci; sfur de sa mamienvre ii ponvait alier A toute vitesse, se rapprocher on seloigner, comme ii le jngeait convenable Page 68 68 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. sans avoir ~i redouter nil & houage. La batterie Confrd~rPe ne pouvait, au contraire, se mouvoir et ~voluer quavec les plus grandes pr& cautions, maigre 1habilct6 ~videiite de son pilote. D~s le commencement de 1action, cUe s~tait 6cliou~e et Ptait rest~e immobile pendant 1111 quart dheure. Cependant le combat continnait avec mie ardeur ~gale. Plnsieurs fois, dans leurs Wolutions, lesdeuxadversaires setaient canon- nes ~t quciques m~tres de distance, et malgr6 leur puissante artillerie, les lourds projectiles rebondissajent en apparence parfaitenient inoift~n~ifs. tue fois Ic ]Jlierrimae aborda le Monitor, mais soit que son (peron efit (t( cornpl& tement bris6 la veille, soit qnil fut plac6 trop haut, ii choqua son ennemi fl hauteur de la flottaison et ne prodnisit qnnne lPg& rc d(pres- sion sur Ia puissante armature qni d(fend cette partic. Pen apr& s, la mht de pavilion dn Merrimacfnt bruis~ par nii bonlet, et les liunes de la rade, comm e les remparts de la forteresse, saln(rent de hurralis fr(n6tiques cet accident comme une victoire. Mais bient6t un matelot apl)arut sur la plateforme, montrant an bout dnne hampe le drapean, un instant disparn. Deux on trois fois, la batterie Ericsson se rapprocha dn Minnesota et interromjjit son/eu pour ref roidir ses pieces. La fr~gate alors tirait par bord(e snr le Merrimac qni ripostait avec vigneur et dont un des boulets frappa Ia chandi(re dn tugboat Dragon qul, aniarr6 le long de Ia fr(gatc (chouPe, se tenait pr~t ft la remorqaer. La chandiPre (data, faisant sombrer le Dragon brfilant et blessant plusicurs hoinmes. Yers midi et demi enfin, apr~s 4 henres de ,le Merrintac reprit Ic chemin de Sewalls Point; le Monitor so rapprocha dn Minnesota, ct, pen al)res, toute Ia dotille conf6d6r(e rentrait ft Norfolk. Pendant la unit snivante, Ia fr(gate (chouPe fat renflonec, et(~ 2du matin, le 10, une des canouni& res qni avait pris part an combat, le Whitehall, prenait fen et sautait ft deux cncfiblurcs dn (Jassendi. An jour, lo Minnesota et le Monitor monillajemit en rade. to Meinrimac ma pam avoir re~u f~0 ou ($0 boulets, lo tuyau Plait lit- t(raleinent cribiP et le miit de pavillon a (t( coup(. Aucun des coups na cii deffets bien sPricux. La piemiPre 1)latltic dii blindage, qucique- lois Ia seconde, (tait bris(, inais ii ny a on nulle part de pentratiou. (3riicc ft linclinaison des surfiiccs, alors quo le fcr so brisait sons Ic choc, ii ny avait pas do courbure intPrienre (10 la masse totale, comnimic cola a en lieu presque toujours pour la batterie Ericsson. La plaque, qui n(tait pas brisPe, restait ft pen prPs intacte. Ccpciidai~t, 2 coups, lun au ras, lautre an-dessous de la tiottaison, omit fait (darer par le choc un morcean de bois ft lint(rieur, mais daus aucun cas, le naviro nft fait dcau. La disposition inclinPe dcs plaques s(par(cs et do pcu do largour, fixtes par des bonlons ft (cron imit(rieurs, permet cmi outro an Merrimac de so r(pamer l)romptomnent. Daus la matinPe dii 9, nit boulct dii Monitor lni brisa sa chaimme un pen ati-dessous do l(cnbier; lancre tomba et la chaine, violemmnont chass(e an dedans, blessa griPvcmout uii liommo. Uno pi& co fut brisPe ft la volPe; elle ucn continua pas moiiis le foti sans autmo accident. On assure quo, loins do 1abordago du Cumberland, uno partic do I(qni- page do celni-ci sPlan~a sum Ia toiture du Merrimac; mais ils out gli ss( sur le plan incliuP et so sont noyPs pour la pinpart. Cest sans donto ft cot incident quo doit so rappoitor la dispamition do 200 honnucs do co navime. Lo Monitor a (t~ touchP par 23 projectiles. Quelques-uus (taicut lanc(s par le Minnesota ft ladresse du illerrimae et us nont produit quo leftct dun coup do uziartean. Los bonlets dii Merrimnac, coux sum- tout tir(s presque ft bout portant, out en quelquos rPsultats. Troi Page 69 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 39 bonlets cylindro-cortiques 1anc~s par les piPees ray6es out fait une etupreinte de pr~s de 4 pouces de profondeur sur la enirasse. Deux (Fentre eux out laiss~ la uP3me saillie intPrieure sur Ia tour et un bomine, appuy~ sur les parois unt~rieures 1eudroit choqu(, a & t6 pro- jet( et contusionn~. Un troisi~me projectile a frappe nines des plaques (ic Ia gu~rite dii timonier et a produit nue telle d(pressiou que Ia Iiiiiaill~ (le fer a & tP projet~e avec violence et a avengl6 le caj)itaillc qui avait, en ce moment, hi tC4e appuy~e sur la plaque. Les autres l)oHlets (jili out atteiiit le Mionitor, et qul, pour hi phupart, etaient ronds, ne in out pas pan avoir prodnit un effet bien puissant; ceux surtout qui out frapp( la muraille noninalement. Deux, cel)efldault, out porte stir hi muraille an ras dii 1)Oilt, out sonlev(~ et dPchuir6 cehni-ci en faisant tb-chir les ~)laques et en en brisant trois. Les autres nont pro(luit cine des effets unsignifiants. [Translation.1 Report of the commander of the Gassendi of the naval engagement which took place in Ilamp ton Roads, between the Federal forces and those of the confederates. hr8tJigllt, March 8. Extracts.] On the morning of the 8th, light breeze from the N. N. W., very fine weather, slight ebb tide. About 12: 40 a mass, having the appear- ance of a barracks roof, surmounted by a large funnel, appeared at the entrance of Elizabeth River, a little inside of Sewells Point. Every one recognized the ]Iferrimack immediately, which, accompanied by two gunboats, the Becu(J~rt and the Raleigh, advanced slowly toward the chiaminel of H amupton Roads. After several evolutions, execulte(l doubt- less to assure herself of the good workiuig of her machinery, the ]ilerri- mack seemed for an instant to turn back toward Norfolk; but in a short time after, she boldly stante(I again oii lien course at aii a.I)parellt speed of 6 knots, standing for the Federal sailing frigates (iumberiand au(l Congress, am-honed at the entrance of James River. The two gunboats remained at the entrance of the Elizabeth River to watch the move- ments of the Fe(Ieral vessels anchored oft Fortress Monroe. The Federal naval force at the anchorage coiisisted of the screw frigate ]Ifinnesota, for more than a mouth cleared for action, with steam np; of the screw frigate Roanoke, also cleared for action, but which an inexplicable negligence had allowed to remain for four months with lien main shaft broken, amid which tried to deceive the enemy by a useless blowing off of steam; of the sailing frigate 8t. Lawrence, which had arrived the (lay before to replace the Cumberland at Newport News, and which had anchored at quite a distance outside; of two three-ma sted ships, each armed with six cannon. There were besides four gunboats, paddle wheel or screw; a half dozen tugboats (each carrying a 30- pounder Parrott), and an equal number of ferryboats. Not one of these vessels appeared to notice the arrival of their for- mni(hable enemy in the roads, and it was more than a quarter of an hour after her appearance that a shot fired by one of the gunboats announced that she was in sight. At about 1: 30 the Minnesota hoisted her jib and started at moderate sl)eed, aided by a tugboat towing by the starboard side. The Roan oke, towed by two tugboats, followed her more slowly still. Having arrived near the Rip Raps the Minnesota stopped and ran ont lines as thou ghi to take the Roanoke in tow; but she soon appeared to relinquish that, and about 2 oclock she at length started at a speed of 7 or 8 knots Page 70 70 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. standing toward Newport News, where the engagement took J)lace. Her tugboat (the Dragon) then went to the aid of the Roanoke, which continued to advance slowly, her three tugs being unable, without great difliculty, to make her stem the current. The paddle-wheel gun- boat Whitehall and the screw gunboat Mystic bore off toward Newport News also, but they took a very minor part in the fight. As these vessels would come abreast of the Sewell I~oint battery, that battery opened fire upon them. They replic(l to it, but this fire at long range (about 2,500 meters), to which was added that of the Rip Raps, could but produce an insignificant effect. About 2:30 the Minnesota ran aground on the shoals north of Hamp- ton Middle Ground, a muile from Newport News. The Southern bat- teries and gunboats fired upon her at long range. The Roanoke fea doubtless to take the ground also, which her want of ring s1)eed rendered imminent, then changed her course, and, spreading her sails, came back to the anchorage off the fortress, where she arrived about 4 oclock. The tugs went to the aid of the ]llinnesota. The Mystic caine back to the anchorage also about the same hour, and the frigate St. Lawrence, which up to that time had steadily proceeded toward the scene of the engagement, imitated likewise the maneuver of the Roanoke and Mystic. The Merrimack, however, had continued to direct her course toward the frigates which she wished to destroy. The two ganboats had rejoined her, and at 2 oclock she was at the entrance of James River. She was immediately greeted by a violent cannonade from the two frigates and from the batteries of Newport News. The Confederate battery at Pig Point replied. The fight was then hidden from us in a great measure by the 1)oillt, which allowed us to see only the masts of the frigates; but we were able to estimate the force of the fire, which, during a quarter of an hour, particularly, was of the hottest. We could see the entrance of the river constantly swel)t in all direc- tions by the shot that ricoclietted, amid the strength of the detonations indicated to us that they were guns of the heaviest caliber which were testing the armor of the Merrimack. This vesse], after having delivered a broadside at the Congress, the nearest of the two frigates, advanced toward the Cumberiand, whose formidable battery might well be dreaded, and struck her amidships at a speed of 4 to S knots, partially breaking her ram. After drawing off two ships lengths, and having delivered a second broadside at the Con- gress, the Merrimack a second time rammed the Cumnberland, which sank almost immediately. It was then about 2:30. It would seem that this second blow was unnecessary. The two steamers Yorktown and Jamestown, which, having descended James River, awaited a little higher up the moment of attack, after Paving opened fire upon time Congress in passing, appeared in Hampton Roads and engaged in a very sharp fight with the two Federal gun- boats and the stranded Minnesota. The Merrimack reappeared also outside the point, fired alternately at the Congress and at the batteries of Newport News, while the Southern gunboats did likewise. Toward 3 oclock that frigate hoisted her jib, sheeted homne her topsails, ran forward a ships length and grounded immediately on the sand banks south of the entrance of the river. Almnost at the same instant she struck her colors, which she replaced by a white flag, and a little later she hoisted another at the mainmast. It was at this time that the following incident occurred of which the Southern papers complained: So soon as the white flag had announced to the Confederates the sur- ren(her of the frigate, they ceased firing and one of their gunboats, th Page 71 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 71 Raleigh, approached her and raii alongside of her on the starboard side to take oft the officers and to tell the crew to go ashore in their boats; but at the moment that the gunboat in good faith came along- side the frigate, guns fired by the Federals hid iii the edge of the woods, an(l some also from the Congress, killed and wounded many officers and sailors of the Raleigh. Some meit even oii the Congress were struck by the balls coming from the land. This iiicidcnt, of which the Confeder- ates have bitterly complained, has been cO!)ied by the majority of the Northern newspapers; not one has contradicted it. One of them (the New York Herald, of the 14th) has, on the contrai-y, confirmed it. The ilerrimaek continued to fire at the batteries of Newport News np to the moment that the Raleigh dre~v off from the Congress (about 4 oclock). All of them then drew near to the Minnesota, which, still aground and slightly inclined to starboard and surrounded by three or four gunboats, exchanged shots at long range with the Yorktown and Jamestown. The Roanoke was already en route for the anchorage. The St. Law- rence, which arrived on the scene of action, took l)aLt but for a short time, and everything looked as though the resistance of the Minnesota could not be prolonged. However, the shoalness of the water did not permit the Merrimack to draw near to the frigate, and the other ves- sels were of too slight a build to ~Xl)O5C themselves near her I)o~verfu1 battery. The combatants appeared, besides, exhausted by the emotions and fatigue of a continued struggle of more thaii three hours. Perhaps the Confederates, almost sure of taking the frigate on the morrow, did not wish to damage the hull nor the machinery too much. However it may be, the fire slackened a great deal. About 6 oclock it had entirely ceased, and the vessels disappeared little by little in the fog which obscured the horizon. At 7 30 the Congress was on fire, and blew up at midnight with a tremendous report. The Confederates had suc- ceeded, besides, in cutting out in James River and taking to Norfolk the water tank Reindeer, which alone supplied the fort and vessels with water. Everything seemed desperate on the evening of the 8th, and a gen- eral panic appeared to take possession of everyone. The terrible engine of war, so often aniiounced, had at length appeared, and in an hour at most had destroyed two of the strongest ships of the Union, silenced two powerful land batteries, and seen the rest of the naval force, which the day before blockaded the two rivers, retreat before her. Several vessels changed their anchorage, and all held themselves in readiness to stand out to sea at the first movement of the enemy. Everything was in confrision at Fort Monroe- ferryboats, gunboats, and tugboats were coming amid going in all directions; (lrumns and bugles beat and sounded with unusual spirit. Fort Monroe and the battery ofthe Rip Raps exchanged night signals without ititermission. In spite of the assistance of half a dozen steamers, the Minnesota could not suc- ceed in getting afloat again, and I learned even that a council of war, held on this subject, entertained for a moment the thought of burning her. Already seven or eight guns had been thrown overboard and some others spiked, when, about 8: 40, the Monitor (Ericsson battery) arrived, which was to save the Minnesota and the rest of the vessels at the anchorage. The sending of this new auxiliary restored the shakemi comifidence. She immediately directed her course toward the place where the frigate was stranded and anchored beside her. The Confederate vessels had taken their position imiider Sewells Point, all(l the night passed without incident, each one awaiting with impa- tience the results of the trial of the morrow Page 72 72 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The fight of the 9th. On the morning of the 9th, slight breeze from the east, very fine weather, light fog. At daylight, at the entrance of the Elizabeth River, the Confederate vessels were seen under steam, the ]Ifunmesota still immovable, amid to the left of her, scarcely visible, a small black mass, surmouimted by a curl of smoke. At 8 oclock the fog completely dispersed. The Merrimack, preceded by the Jamestown and Yorktown, stood for the Federal frigate. The lighter vessels commenced the attack, but the little black mass had put itself in motion and soon a cloud of smoke and the noise of two loud reports apprised the gunboats with whom they had to deal. They were then seen to abandon the attack anti retire under the battcries of Sewells [Point], leaving the Merrimack to defend alone the honor of their young flag. The Minnesota, occupied in efforts to get herself afloat, only took part in the fight at long intervals, and the action resolved itself into a veri- table duel between the two batteries. They engaged in the fight at first at long range, but the two cmi emies were not slow in coming together, each one striving to find the weak spot in the armor of her adversary. In this contest, of naval tactics entirely, in a narrow channel of little depth, the Monitor, whose draft is not half that of the Merrimack, had an enormous advamita~e over the latter. Sure of her working, she could run at full spee(l, apl)roach or retire, as she judged best, without fear of runnimmg aground. The Confederate battery, on time contrary, could not move nor 1)ellorm any evolutions except with the greatest precaution, iii spite of the evi- dent skill of her pilot. At the commencement of the action she grounded and remained immovable for a quarter of an hour. However, the light contimmued with an equal ardor. Several times in their evolutions the two adver- saries fired upon each other at a distance of a few meters, and in spite of their 1)owerful batteries the projectiles bounded off perfectly harm- less, apparently. Once the Merrimack ran into the ]Jiionitor, but whether her rain had been completely broken the (lay before, or whether it was placed too high, she struck her enemy at the water line aimd produced ommly a slight (lel)ression on the powerful armor l)latilig which protected that part. Shortly after, the flagstaff of the Merrimack was shot away by a ball, and the tops in tIme roads, as well as the ramparts of the fortress, saluted this accident with frantic lmurrahs as a victory. ilut soon a sailor appeared omi the gratings, showiming at the end of a staff the flag which had tbr ami immstaimt disappeared. Two or three times the Ericsson battery drew near to the Minnesota aimd stoppe(l firing to cool her gui is. The frigate then fired a broad- side at time Merrimack, which rel)lied with energy, and one of her balls struck the boiler of time tugboat Dragon, whmiclm, moored aloumgside of the stranded vessel, held herself in readiness to take liner in tow. The boiler exl)lotletl, causiming the Dragon to sink, scal(liimg aiid wounding several mneim. At hemmgth. about 12:30, after four hours of fighting, the Merrimack started for Sewells Poimit. The Monitor canine up to the Minnesota anti a little while after all the Con federate flotil hi returned to Norfolk. Duriming the following imight the straiided frigate was gotten afloat, anti at 2 a. m. of the 10th one of the gunboats which had taken part i Page 73 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 73 the fight, the Whitehall, took fire and blew up at two cable lengths from the Gassendi. At daylight the Minnesota and the Monitor anchored in the roads. The Merrimack appeared to me to have received fifty oi sixty shot. The funnel was literally riddled, and time flagstaff shot away. None of the shot bad made a very serious impression. Time first iron plate of the armor, sometimes the second, was broken, but nowhere was the aritior penetrated. Owing to tIme slope of the sides even when the iron woul(l break nuder the blow, there was no internal bending of the entire structure, as mine any always happened to the Ericsson battery. The unbroken plate remained almost intact. However, from the concussion caused by two shots, one at the edge, the other below the water line, a piece ot wood flew off inside, but the vessel did not make water in either case. The sloping arrangement of the sel)arate and not very wide plates, fastened on the inside by nut bolts, allowed the Merrimack to be ~mromptly repaired. l)uring the morning of the 9th a ball from the Monitor parted her rire)-)~/n(wks1 chain a little below the hawse hole, time anchor dropped and tIme chaiiu, violently driven inward, seriously wounded a man. A gun was broken at the muzzle. They, nevertheless, continued to fire it without other acci(lent. Jt is asserted that at the time of the ramming of the Gumberland a I)art of her crew leaped on the roofing of the Merrimack, but they slid off time incline })lalIe and the greater part were drowned. It is doubt- less to this incident that the disappearance of 200 men from that ship is due. The Mon [[or was hit by twenty-three prqjectiles. Some shells were thrown by the Minnesota at the Merrimack, and they produced no more etl~ct than a blow of a hammer. The balls from time Mierrimack, espe- cially those fired almost muzzle to muzzle, l)roduced some results. Three cylimidro-conical balls fired from the rifled guns made an inden- tation nearly 4 inches deep on the armor plating. Two of them made an equally deep indentation on the inside of tIme turret, and a maim leanimmg against the inside walls at the place receiving the blow was thrown forward amid wounded. A third ~)rojectile struck one of the iron plates of time pilot house and made such a depression that iron splinters were violently thrown off and blinded time captain, who at that nmoinent was leaning his head against the plate. The otimer shots which reached the Mionitor, and were for the most part round, did not appear to me to have produced a very great effect, those especially which struck the si(1e5 ~e1~)endicnlarly. Two, Imowever, struck the side at the edge of the deck, lifting ammd tearing it, causing the iron plates to give way, and breaking timree of them. The others only produced insignificant effects. Order of the Assistant $ecretary of the Nary to Flag- Officer Goldsbor- ough, U. & Navy, to return to Hampton Roads. HEADQUARTERS 1)EPARTMENT OF ViRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., March 8 [9], 1862. Mv DEAR COMMODORE: I request you will turn over the command of the naval part of your expedition to Rowan, and retunim at ommce to hampton Roa(ls. General Wool ~suggests that you bring back one or two of your best steamers Page 74 74 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. In this you must use your judgment. The Ericsson [Monitor] is here doing good work. Yours, in haste, LII. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary. Flag-Officer L. M. (IOLDSBOROUGH. Report of Captain illarston, U. S. Navy, acknowledging order regarding the removal of United States vessels from Hampton Roads, Virginia. [U. S. S.] liGANOKE, Hampton Roads, illarch 9, 1862. SIR: I have this moment received your letter relative to removal of the Brandy icine and other vessels from the harbor, and shall endeavor to carry out your views as speedily as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN MARSTON, Captain and Senior Officer. Hon. G. V. Fox Assistant Secretary of the Navy. [Telegraiii.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY [OF THE] POTOMAC, March 9, 186212 :15 m. [sic]. Let the Leslie go to Wyman and direct hini to send his fastest vessel to the mouth of the Potomac to watch the approach of the enemy, Meirimack or aiiy other steamer. If any comes in sight, proceed up at once and give information by telegraph. J. A. IiAIIEGREN. Lieutenant PARKER. [Telcgraiii.] WASHiNGTON, March 9, 186211 a. m. Merrimack sunk the Cumnberland; the Congress surrendered. iliinne- sota and St. Lawrence ran aground approaching scene of coiitest. At 8: ~3O last night Merrimack had retired to Craney Island. Please be fully on alert. See that Fort Carroll is placed in a condition for defense as rapidly as possible in ease Merrimack should run by Fort Monroe. Until further orders stop passage of army transports passing from Philadelphia to Annapolis amid Perryville by canal. What is conditiomi of Fort Carroll ~ GEo. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General, U. S. Army. Major-General J. A. I)mx, Baltimore, Md. [Tclcgraui.] WASHINGTON, March 9, 18621 p. m. If the rebels obtain full command of the water, it would seem impos- sible for you to hold Newport News. You are therefore authorized t Page 75 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 75 evacuate that place, drawing the garrison in npon Fort Monroe, which, I need not say to so brave an officer, is to be held at all hazards, as I will risk everything to sustain you should you be attacked by superior forces. From indications here, I suspect an intention of the enemy to fall back nearer to Richmond, that they may better concentrate their forces. An attack on you is not improbable. If the II 5-inch gun is at Newport News, I would suggest its immediate removal to either Fort Monroe or Fort Calhoun, unless it will enable you to retaiii possession of Newport News. By authorizing you to withdraw from Newport News I do not mean to give you the order to do so, but to relieve you from grave sense of responsibility, which every good officer feels in such a case. 1 would only evacuate Newport News when it became clear that the rebels would certainly obtain complete control of the water and render it unten able. Do not run the risk of J)lacing its garrison under the neces- sity for surrendering. You will also please inform me fully of yonr views and wishes, the practicability and necessity of reenforcing you. The performances of the Merrimack place a new aspect upon every- thing. 1 may very probably change my whole plan of campaign just on the eve of execution. G. B. MCCLELLAN. Major-General JOHN E. WOOL. [Telegram.] MNRCH 9, [I862]2p. in. Please have the following communicated to Captain Wyman as soon as ])ossible: The Merrimack has got out of harbor and had pretty much used up our ships at Hampton Roads. It is impossible to say what she may attempt, but as a proper precaution it is pro- posed to be ready to block the channel of this river in the event of au attempt to enter it. By direction of the President, it his been ao-reed on by General McClellan, General Meigs, and myselfthe Secretary of War presentto fill some canal boats and other craft and tow them down near the place where it would be advisible to sink them. I wish you therefore to send up some of the steamers to tow down. You have no doubt received my dispatch to send a fast vessel to observe the mouth of the Potomac; let this duty be well looked to. Will General Hooker please to inform me of this reaching Captain Wyman? JOHN A. PAHEGREN, Commandant Navy Yard. Brigadier-General HOOKER, Commanding. [Telegram. I BUDDS FERRY, [Mn.], March 9, 18G29 :15 p. in. I was absent when yonr telegram for Captain Wyman reached this office; it was, however, duly communicated. Captain Wyman is of the opinion that the Merrimack can not ascend the Potomac. HOOKER, Brigadier- General. Captain DAHLGREN Page 76 76 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] NAVY YARD, March 9, i~62. p. m. I beg leave to inform you that upon consultation with such pilots as I have in the yard, I find them to be of Opinion that a vessel (Irawilig 22 feet water can pass up the Potomac within a hundred yards of the arsenal. As far as the light-house on Blakiston Island, some 30 miles, there is abundant water for any ship. About 5 miles higher up is the first obstaclethe Kettle Bottoms. The channel passes among these shoals for 5 miles an(l the pilot says 24 feet can be had, which I doubt; the narrowest part about 30() yards wide. From this the channel continues good until just below Aqnia, where it shoals so that 23 feet is considered the best water at common high tide. having passed this the water deepens, passing the batteries and shoals about Mattawoman Creek, where the depth at common high tide is 22 feet. This obstruction is less than a mile in extent, after which the channel deepens several feet; though its narrows, it runs deep very nearly to the arsenal and perhaps some 3 miles from the capital. The actual blocking of the river is only to be rcsorte(l to when the exigency arises, the means being at hand. There are three points where it can be donethe Kettle Bottoms, below Smiths Point, and at Mattawom an. I would advise that some heavy ordnance be got ready for placing at the arsenal, at Giesboro Point, and at Buzzard 1~oint. Fort Wash- ington should also have suitable cannon. I have telegraphed to the flotilla for some steamers to tow down the blocking vessels as soon as General Meigs has them ready. It happens, nnfortunately, that the only two good steamers belonging to the yard are at Fortress Monroe. JOHN A. I)AHLGREN. His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. [Telegram.] MARCH 98:20 p. m. Two of the large yard steamers are at Fort Monroe; one of them is not yet repaired, so that I have but one little tug. I would suggest authority to charter or hire one or two of the best steamers in the river, if necessary, without consent of tile owner. JOHN A. I)AHLGREN. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary. [Telegram.] MARCH 9, [l862]3:iOp. in. I am making arrangements to place an 11-inch gnu and some 10-inch mortars on Giesboro Point, which will command at short range the nearest point that a vessel drawing 22 feet can approach the capital; the channel passes within 50 yards of this position. As I have but Page 77 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 77 handful of men, it might be convenient to have some assistance from the neighboring regiments. Jf so, please authorize it. JOHN A. DAHLGREN. General MCCLELLAN, Commanding. [Telegram. I YVAR DEPARTMENT, March 9, 18625:30 p. m. The steamer Sophia will leave G street wharf in ten minutes, having in tow eight canal boats loaded with sufficient stone to sink them. Another steamer, with eight more, will leave iii the course of the night. The captain of the Sophia bears a letter to the officer in command of the flotilla, stating that the boats are to be sunk if necessary. This telegram is sent for your iutbrmation. By order of General Meigs, Quartermaster-General: D. 11. lIUCKER, Quartermaster and Colonel. Captain DAIILGREN. [Telegram.] H EADQ tJARTEIl 5 1 )EPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, 1 ~a ., iJJarch Li ,18G2. I want for immediate defense, to be sent as soon as possible. 2,OUO regular infantry all(1 8,000 volunteer intimtry; five batteries of light artillery, regulars it possible; 1,100 horses to furnish the five batteries, to complete the batteries I have here, and for the unmounted cavalry. The rebels are threatening Newport News. Scouts report they have apl)eared in large force within 5 miles of that port. With this force 1 can evacuate Newport News by land if necessary. You can probably best determine, from a knowledge of the enemys movements near you, what additional force I may require. I want three quartermasters, the chief of whom should be a superior man, and four brigadier-generals, with an efficient staff~ For the performance of the Merrimack, I refer you to Mr. Foxs telegram annexed. JOHN E. WOOL, ill ajor- General. Maj. Geii. GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Commander in ChieA I Vashington. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, March 9, 1862. General Dix has been ordered to send you 4,000 men as rapidly as possible. Do you want any more reenforceinents for defensive pur- poses~ li. B. MARCY, Chief of Staff. Major-General JOHN E. WOOL Page 78 78 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram,] MARCH 9, [1862J9 p. m. The propsed measures for guarding the Potomac are in progress. I am informed from the Quartermasters Department that eight canal boats loaded with stone were about to leave, and eight more would leave during the night. I have sent instructions to the commandant of flotilla as to their disposition and use at the three places where the channel has least depth of water. The only 11-inch gun and 50-pounder which 1 have will be landed on Giesboro Point before midnight. The platforms will be laid and the guns in position to-morrow morning. The mortars will also be placed. Shot are being cast for all of them and a full supply will be ready to-morrow. The Secretary of War has visited the defensive points and given me authority to draw on any of the regiments or forts for men, guns, or munitions. He has also authorized me to take for the while tile private steamers plying on the river for present use of tile Government, and I have sent round for them. If there should be any use at all for a battery on Giesboro, there ought to be 20 of the heaviest cannon. Shot of 170 pounds at 50 or 100 yards will be apt to do something. A smart steamer has been dispatched to the mouth of the Potomac to observe it. JOHN A. I)AILLGREN. His Excellency the PRESIDENT. Telegraph also to Secretary of Navy. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, VA., March 9, 186210:15 p. m. Your telegram to Major-General Wool received. The performance of the Monitor to-day against the Merrimack shows a slight superiority in favor of the lion itor, as the Merrimack was forced to retreat to Norfolk after a four hours engagement, at times the vessels touching each other. The damage to the Merrimack can not be ascertained. She retreated under steam without assistance. The Monitor is all ready for her tomorrow, but I think the Merrimack may be obliged to lay up for a few days. She is an ugly customer, aiid it is too good luck to believe we are yet clear of her. Our hopes are upon the Monitor, and this days work shows that the Mcrrimaek must attend to her alone. Have ordered the large frigates to leave. (A. V. Fox Assistant Secretary. Major General MCCLELLAN, Washington, 1). C. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 9, 1862. If the Oneida can go to sea, send her to Hampton Roads instantly. Send any vessels you have. Dont delay a moment. GIDEON WELLES. Captain HIRAM PAULDING, Commanding Navy Yard, New York Page 79 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 79 Telegram.] NEWPORT NEWS March 9 1862 I have jllst completed my arrangements for battle in the morning. The enemy is 1~ miles on the river road beyond my brick-house pickets. A large body of cavalry, some infantry, and artillery are as above posted, yet they may simply be there to reconnoiter and wait the result of the Merrimacks operations. The Merrimack and other steamers have gone to Norfolk, and we hold the waters. We want hard bread, flour, whisky, and spades, shovels, and picks. Let them all come by boat. It is well to scud infantry to Newmarket Bridgethis obliges him to light us iii front. MANSFIEEn, I3riyadier- General. Major-General WOOL. rTelegrarn.] NEWPORT NEWS, March 9, 1862. Can you tell me anything about the Minnesota? MANSFIELD. Captain WHIPPLE. [Endnr~eiucnt~.] Minnesota is afloat alI(l coining (lowli. JohN E. WOOL. Order of Quartermaster- General Meigs, U. S. Army, to Colonel Tngalls, U. S. Army, regarding the method of attacking the ]Jlerrimack should she appear off Annapolis, Md. EXECUTIVE MANSION, Washington, March 9, 1862. Should the Merrimack, which did so much damage at Newport News, attempt anything at Annapolis, it .is believed that the best defense would be an attack by a number of swift steamers, full of men, who should board her by a sadden rush, fire down through her hatches or grated deck, and throw cartridges, grenades, or shells down her smoke pipes; sacrifice the steamers in order to take the Merrimack~ If an overwhelming force can be thus thrown on board, there will be little loss of life, though the steamn transports may be destroyed. Of course the steamers should be provided with ladders, planks, grapplers, and other meaims to board with. The Merrimack has iron sides sloping above water to a deck about 9 feet wide; said to be an iron-grated deck. Promotion, ample reward, awaits whoever takes or destroys her. By order of the Secretary of War: M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General. Colonel INGALLS, Quartermaster, Annapolis. You, of course, have a swift steamer outside on the lookout Page 80 80 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from the ASecretary of 1 Var to the governors of X~w York, Miassa- chusctts, and Maine regarding preparations for defense oJ the ports of those States against attack by the Mierrimack. WAR DEPARTMENT, Ilashington, March 9, 18G2. The opinion of the naval coiumaiiders here is that the Merrimack will not venture to sea, but they a(lvisc that imiiiediate l)rel)arat.ions be made to guard against the (langer to our iorts by large timber rafts, protecte(l by batteries. They regar(l timber rafts, guarded by batteries, as the best protection for temporary purposes. General Totteu says (10 not neglect the batteries. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary q/ War. The GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK, Albany; MASSACHUSETTS, Bo~ton~ MAINE Portland. IVeport of Acting Master Shaftkland, U. S. Navy, commandinq t~ S. S. Cnrritnck, Qt arrival at Hampton Roads. lIT. S. S. CURRITITCI~, Hampton Roads, March .9, 1~b2. SIR: I beg to inform you of the arrival of the (3urrituck at this an- chorage. During the passage from New York, in company with the i~achemn and Ericssons floating battery [Monitor], which vessel we were ordered to convoy to Cape Henry, our machinery became disabled. I was ol)liged to come in to an anchorage to repair it. I shall be all ready for sea and will sail at 4 oclock this afternoon, and l)roceed toward Port Royal as fast as ])ossible. I remain, respectfully, yours, W. F. SHANKLAND, Acting ]illaster, in (Jonun and. Ilomi. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary OJ Nary. Order (if time senior 4jicer, Hampton Roads. Virginia, to Aetinq ifaster Shankland, U. S. Navy, to procee(1 off Cape henry. U. S. S. IIOANOKE, Hampton Roads, March 9, 1862. SIR: Your orders to proceed to Port Royal are temporarily suspended, and you will proceed off Cape Henry and prosecute the blockade vigor- ously and efficiently. Very respectfully, your obedieiit servant, JOHN MARSTON, (Japta in and Sen mr Officer. Acting Master W. F. SHANKLAND, U. S. S. Gurritack, Hampton Roa(is. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY POTOMAC, ihliareh 10, 18621 a. m. You will suspend operations for the l)resent for sinking boats or placing obstructions in the Potomac. GIDEON WELLES. Captain JOHN A. DAHLGREN Page 81 81 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] WAR DEPARTMENT, March 9, 1862. The Mierrimack, an armor-clad vessel belonging to the rebels, issued from Norfolk yesterday and captured several of the United States blockading vessels and threatens to sweep our whole flotilla from Chesa- peake Bay. Under these circumstances it is of the last importance to capture or destroy the Merrimack, and the whole wealth and power of the United States will be at command for that l)urpose. As this move- ment was anticipated and the subject of discussion between you and myself last December, you have no doubt thought of various modes by which it could be met and overcome most promptly. The Secretary of War desires you quietly to call a meeting of from three to nine pci-sons, at your discretion, of the best judgment in naval engineering and war- fare, to meet immediately at your fathers house or some other con- venient and suitable place, and to sit as a committee to devise the best plan of speedily accomplishing the capture or destruction of the Mierri- mack. I would suggest the name of Abram S. Hewitt as a member of the committee. You will bear in mind that every hours delay to destroy the Merrimack may result in incalculable damage to the United States, and that the l)lan or plans for her destruction should be sub- mitted at the earliest hour practicable for the approval of this Depart- mnent, to the end that their execution may not be unnecessarily delayed a moment. To enable you to communicate hourly with this 1)epartment, the telegraphic company is directed to transmit all messages from you at the expense of the Government. Acknowledge this dispatch the moment you receive it. Spare no pains or expense to get the committee together immediately. Act with the utmost energy. You and each member of the committee will con- sider this whole matter confidential. P. II. WATSON, Assistant 8ecretary of War. HENRY B. ItENWICK, Esq., 21 Fifth Avenue, corner Ninth street, New York. [Telegram.] OLD POINT COMFORT, March 10, 12629 a. m. By the strenuous exertions of the officers amid crew the Minnesota was got oft at daylight and is anchored oft the fort. The Whitehall, an old ferryboat, was accidentally bnrned last night. I asked you to send the small gunboats from Boston to this anchorage. I would also suggest that the Wachnsett, Captain Missroon, be ordered here. The Dacotah was ordered to touch here, and I shall keep her. Will you hurry her by telegraph l This force will be sufficient in the absence of iron vessels. The Merrimack has not appeared, and I hope we shall get everything clear in the harbor, so that the combat, if again commenced, shall be between the iron vessels alone. The Sabine, ordered to this point a week since, is mmot wanted. The Monitor is down receiving the cheers of the garrison and vessels. Whether I shall return to-night depends upon the coiidition of things. I wish to see the frigates off before I leave. G. V. Fox, Assistant & cretary. Hon. G. WELLES, Secretary of Navy, Washington, D. C. NWRY0L7 Page 82 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Captain ilfarston, U. AS. Nary, of the destr~uction by fire of the TX S. S. Whitehall, March 10, 1862. ew York, March 17 1862. L. S. S. ROANOKE N SIR: The constant pressure on my mind for the last four days pre- vious to my leaving Ilanipton Roads, caused by the multitudinous duties devolving on me, led me unintentionally to omit reporting several things which it was my duty to have informed you of; and which omis- sions I trust you will, under the circumstances, pardon and overlook. On Monday, the 10th instant, at 2 oclock a. in., the tug Whitehall, while lying near the landing at Fortress Monroe, caught fire aiid was in a few minutes so completely enveloped in flames that her commander, Acting Master Baulsir, and crew had only time to escape, saving only the clothes they had on. 1 had Acting Master Ilaulsir on board and questioned him as to the cause of the catastrophe, but he could form no idea as to its origin, and only knew that it commenced in the fire room. The destruction of the Whitehall is imot a very serious loss to the Gov- ernment, as she was so perfectly rotten as to have rendered her, in my opiniomi, wholly unworthy of repair. Actimig Master Baulsir being entirely destitute of clothing and his services imot specially wanted here at this time, I gave him permnissiomi to go to his home, as I also did to most of the officers of the Congress and Camberland, with orders to report from thence to you. I also omitted to immfbrm you that, at the suggestion of the honorable Assistant Secretary of the Navy, I had the Brandywine towed up for safety to Annapolis by time steamer Mount Vernon, the latter vessel to go to Baltimore amid comnplete her repairs. The Brandywine also would have gone to Baltimnore, but she drew too much water. Arrangements weme made by me, l)revious to my sailing, for towing to Baltimore the gunboat Mystic and tugs Dragon and Zonave, all of which were thought by Mr. Fox had better be sent immediately away. The execution of this I left with Captain Van Brunt. The coal ships, the hospital ship, and Bra ziliera were removed out of range of the guns of the fortress an(l safely anchored to the eastward of it. For these omissions on my part I trust you will pardon me, for no one but myself can form an idea of the constant drain there was on my energies. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN MARSTON, Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of. Captain Marston, U. S. Navy, regarding the removal of vessols from Hampton Roads. U. S. S. iIOANOKE, Hampton Roads, March 10, 18623 a. m. SIR: I have this moment received your hetter* of the 9th relative to the dispositiou of the ships and steamers at this l)lace, and shall at once carry out your suggestions as early as practicable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN MARSTON, Captain and Senior Officer. lion. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Fortress Monroe. *Not found Page 83 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 83 [Telegram.] MARCH 10, 1562. The following communication has been received from jLieutenant Commanding McCrea, of the lower flotilla: POINT LoOKOUT, [March i0]f~: 20 a. m. From appearances the Merrimack is off the Point. I senif Master Pierson with this communication to the Department. F. A. l~ARKER, lou. G. WELLES, Lieutenant. Secretary of the Navy. Telegram.] WASHINGTON, March 10, 186210:27 a. m. It is directed by the President that the Monitor be not too much exposed; that in no event shall any attempt be made to proceed with her unattended to Norfolk. If vessels can be procured and loaded with stone and sunk in the channel it is important that it should be done. The San Jacinto and Dacotah have sailed from Boston for Hampton Roads and the Sabine in tow of Baltic and a tug from New York. Gun- boats will be ordered forthwith. Would it not be well to detaili the Minnesota until other vessels arrive l GIDEON WELLES, Secretary IVacy. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Navy. Letter ro~n Captain Miarston, U. S. Navy, to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, requesting use of army tugs for the removal oJ vessels .trom the harbor. U. S. S. IlOANOKE, Hampton Roa(ls, March 10, 1862. SIR: It having been determined to remove all the ships from here and place tbe hulks, etc., into a secure position, I shall require all the tugs that can be spared. Will you therefore please make arrangements with General Wool to send all the tugs he has to me at once~ Any steamer that can tow. The officer who takes this will wait for a reply. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN MARSTON, Captain and Senior Officer. lion. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of Navy, Fortress Monroe. P. S.I can congratulate you on the safety of the Minnesota. Cap. taiui Van Brunt is now on board of me. [Telegram.] NAVY I)EPARTMENT, March 10, 18623 p. m. Send the Wachusett to Hampton Roads. Have the work on the other gunboats carried on day and night with all the force possible to I)llt on them, and when ready send them to Hampton Roads. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Captain WILLIAM L. HUDSON, Commandant Navy Iar(l, Boston Page 84 84 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] MARCH 10, [1862]3 p. m. (in returning to the yard I found that Wyman had ordered back the stone barges, and they were on the way up. I have sent down a steamer to make then return to the flotilla. It may be well to see that they do not get to Washington by mistake. J. A. DAHEGREN. General MEIGS, Quartcrma8ter- General. r Te1egrain.~ NEWPORT NEWS, March 10, 1-62. The enemy on our front are not in sight this morning. The Yorktown and two other small steamers that passed down out of the river on the 8th should not be permitted to return, and there should be a gunboat here always. I shall send out a reconnoissance after breakfast under Colonel Weber to find out where the enemy is. We should have 100 axes and helves. My official report will be sent in to-day of our doings to date. MANSFIELD, Brigadier- (leneral. General MOOL. [Telegram .1 HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., March 10, 1862. Nothing of importance has occurred to-day. The Merrimack has not made her appearance since yesterday. It is not yet ascertained how much she was injured. The chief engineer of the Monitor says three balls from the Monitor passed through the ]Jlcrrimack. I hope the regiments promised will be forwarded without delay. Colonel John C. Robinson, at Annapolis, declined going to Baltimore, as he did not wish to remain over night in that city uiitil he was certain of transportation. I have ordered him forward immediately. We have but one 1~-inch gun, and that is at this post. If I can get the number of men and batteries asked for, I think I will be able to keep Newport News, that is, if no accident happens to the Monitor. In her contest with the Merrimack she suffered very little, although she was struck twenty-three times. I congratulate you on your glorious success in taking the batteries on the Potomac. JOHN E. WooL, Major-General MCCLELLAN. Major- General. [Telegram.] NAVY I )EPARTMENT, March 10, 1862. & in Jacinto and Dacotah sailed on Sunday for Hampton Roads. Hudson telegraphs that gunboats can not be got ready before Wednes Page 85 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 85 day. Pauldinglias sent the Sabine to the roads. Order her elsewhere if you think best. GIDEON WELLES. Captain G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Xary, Or Senior NAVAL OFFICER, Fortress Monroe. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Nary to Flag-Qflicer Golds- borough, U S. Nary~ regar(ling affairs in flamptoit Roa(1s, lirginia. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe Th Miarch 10 18G2. , ., M~ DEAR COMMODORE: As the Spaulding is off in a few minutes I write a line more. The Minnesota came off at daylight, and is now g~t- ting ready for sea; she is no use here. The San Jacinto, Dacotah, and two 11-inch gunboats are ordered here; the two former have sailed. I trust you will return with Jeffers as early as possible. Yours, most truly, G. V. Fox. [Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [Telegram.] OLD POINT COMFORT, March 10, 18G2. Please send down moorings for the Monitor; I should think a third. class sloops would be about right. Let there be a good buoy with a shackle on top: also send 30 fathoms of 1-itich chain, shackle at each end. G. V. Fox. JOHN LENTHALL, Chief Bureau of Construction, Nary 1)epartment, Washington. [Tele~rani.] OLD POINT COMFORT, March 10, 18G2. All quiet to-day. Buchanan cOmmafl(led Merrimack first (lay, and was wounded; second day, Lieutenant Catesby Jones. She is repair- ing for another attack. Thiik I shall return to-morrow night. Tell the President that the Monitor shall take no risk excepting with the Merrimack. Love to Virginia. G. V. Fox. Hon. MI. BLAIR, Postmaster- General, iVashington, 1). C. Report of Commander Totten, U. S. Nary, commanding U. S. ship Brandy- wine, of the grounding of that vessel en route for Baltimore. U. S. S. BRANDYWINE, Chesapeake Bay, March 10, 18G2. SIR: Under orders from Captain John Marston, the senior captain at Hampton Roads, I left that place on the 9th about midday, at shor Page 86 86 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. notice, slipping our cables, in tow of the U. S. ~S. Mount Vernon for Baltimore. Ou the next morning near daylight the ship was run on the Middle Ground Shoals. abreast of the Potomac. where she lay until 3:30 of the 10th, when with much (lifficulty, by the assistance of the steamer, she was got off and continued np the Chesapeake. As I could have very little confidence in the pilot of the Mount Vernon, I determined to anchor off Aunapolis, or a few miles beyond, until a cal)able pilot and more powerful steamer could be obtained before proceeding to Baltimore. I am apprehensive that the rudder of the ship is damaged, as it took the ground and thumped heavily for several honrs. I regret to be under the painful necessity of reporting the death of Masters Mate George Parks, who fell overboard on the afternoon of the 10th while the vessel was being towed. He was l)icked up, but not iuitil lie had got far astern and life was nearly extinct. I have the honor to be, very resl)ectfully, your obedient servant, B. J. TOTTEN, Commander. Iloii. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS I)EPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, 1 ~a., March 10, i8628:10 p. m. Telegram received. The Merrimack has not appeared to-day, and everything is quiet. The Monitor is all ready for her. Most of the vessels are cleared away from the front of the fort. The Minnesota has repaired sufficiently to remain until the other steamers arrive. The St. Lawrence and Roanoke will go to-morrow. The English sloop of war Rinaldo arrived to-day from Charleston. I will remain, I think, until Commodore Goldsborough arrives. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary. Hon. G. WELLEs,, Secretary of the Nary, Washinqton, 1). 0. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, March 10, [1862.] Minnesota had not been got off when so rel)orted yesterday, but was finally got off during night and returned to her usual station at the entrance to the roads and is again ready for action. ]Jlonitor came down early this morning and was greeted with enthusi- astic cheers by the various vessels in the harbor. General Wool and staff and Secretary Fox went on board this forenoon. She was found not to be damaged in the slightest degree, and is as well prepared as ever for another conflict. Her l)erformance was perfectly satisfactory to her officers and men, and they all speak of her in the highest terms. Gunboat Whitehall caught fire at 2 oclock this morning and was totally destroyed. Three of her guns, all of which were shotted, went off at intervals, and a shell, which burst in the air, scattered several fragments abont without doing any damage. Another gun was saved by harbor crew Page 87 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 87 British sloop of war Rinaldo arrived this forenoon from off Charleston. No news. Latest estimate of number killed on Congress is ~O, including three officersLieutenant Joseph B. Smith, commanding; Acting Master Thomas Moore, and Coast Pilot William Rhodes. Captain William Smith, who commanded the Congress until recently transferred, was unhurt. Twenty-seven are reported wounded 40 were taken prisoners; none of them were officers. Masters Mate 1~eter [J.] ilargous is missing. On board the Cumberland, Reverend Mr. Lenhart, the chaplain, was drowned, and Masters Mate John M. llarringtou was killed. But few of the wounded escaped to the shore. The number of killed and drowned is stated at about 150. On the Whitehall, Third Assistant Engineer Andrew Nesbitt, and Robert Waugh and Charles OConnor, seamen, were killed, and two or three were wounded. On the Dragon, which received a shot in her boiler, 3 men were wounded, not officers. The William Whildon received a shot in her boiler and the Rescue was damaged in her machinery. Former was towed to Baltimore to-night by Adelaide. Minnesota lost 6 men killed and 17 wounded, not including any officers, so far as is known. She is said to have received quite a number of shots. Roanoke received but two shots and little damage was occasioned. No casualty occurred on board except the falling of a man from aloft. It is generally believed now that Merrimack must have received serious damage. It is the testimony of some that she was considerably listed on one side as she went behind Sewells Point, probably to bring some leak above the water. A tug came out from Elizabeth River this forenoon, and after taking some observations returned without making any demonstration. BABCOCK. II. II. CRAIG, New York. Approved. JOHN E. WooL, Major- General. [Telegram. I WAR DEPARTMENT, March 10, 1862. Your dispatch of this morning received.* Why not take, say, three large and swift steamers, drawing not more than 16 feet of water when loaded, fill their bows and streogthen theni generally, amid protect their machinery with timber l Could not three such vessels be fitted up and made ready for sea in three or four days, and would they not 1)e suf- licient for the destruction of the Merrimack by running her down, if managed by volunteer commanders and crews ~ Telegraph immediately for Carryall to return. P. II. WATSON, Assistant Secretary of War. hENRY R. I{ENWICK E sq., New York. * Not fouud Page 88 88 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to the senior otjicer in Ramp- ton Roads to send vessels to the rescue of the U. S. ship Vermont. OLD POINT COMFORT, VA., March 10, 1862. DEAR SIR: I have just received a telegram from the honorable Secretary of the Navy, in which he states that the Vermont* was last sceii helpless on the 6th instant, in latitude 330 45 N., longitude 680 W., drifting S. S. E. ~ E. about 2 knots per hour. He wishes ves- sels sent immediately. Will you send down an order to the St. Law- rence to catch her, if possible, before she gets outside, and let her go in l)ulsuit and stay by here and the San Jacinto, Sabine, and Baltic, hourly expected, must also be dispatched at the earliest moment to continue the pursuit without returning, except for coal, until the Ver- mont is found; then to tow her into New York, the Delaware, or Port Royal, as may be most convenient. Very truly, G. V. Fox Assistant Secretary. Captain JOHN MARSTON, Senior Naval Officer, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 10, 1862 9:45 p. m. If Chocara and Penobseot have imot sailed, send them to Hampton Roads as soon as steam can be gotten up; also the Marblehead, or any other gunboat ready. Answer. GiDEoN WELLES. Captain MILLIAM L. HUDSON, Corn mandant Navy Yard, Boston. Letter .from the Secretary of the Navy to the senior otJlcer in Hampton Roads, transmitting information regarding the movement of biocka ((C ranners from foreign ports. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 10,1862. SIR: I herewith transmit the following papers, referred to this Department by the Secretary of State: Copy of dispatch from U. S. consul at Liverpool, relating to the Her- aid and Bermuda, dated the 14th ultimo. Extract from disiatclm from the same, dated February 15, relative to the Bermuda. Extracts from dispatch of the U. S. consul at London, dated February 15, concerning the brig Gambia and bark Windward, and the invoices of the South- wick and Economist. Copy of dispatch, No. 11, dated February 17, in relation to the Bremen bark Leibnitz, from the U. S. consul at Cardiff~ You will perceive that some of these vessels have valuable cargoes, comprising mostly arms and munitions of war. The utmost vigilance should be exercised to prevent them or their cargoes, by transshipment, from entering any of tile Southern l)orts within your command. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Captain JOHN MARSTON, Senior Officer Present, Hampton Roads, Virginia. ~ For search for U. S. ship Vermont, see Vol. I, pp. 335352 Page 89 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 89 [Enc1osure~] U. S. CONSULATE, Liverpool, February 14, 18G2. SIR: The steamer Herald, referred to in my last dispatch, cleared at the custom-house yesterday. She will sail either to-day or to-morrow direct for Charleston. From her light draft of water they expect to run her directly over the stone vessels sunk in the channel. Peter Roney is to be the first mate, and is to pilot the vessel in. Charles Taylor, of Dublin, is said to be her owner. The report is that the South- ern agents have secured him the truth, I presume, is, that they have paid him for the vessel with permission to register her in his name, and that he is merely the nominal owner. She has taken ou 5 guns, a number of large canvas packages, contents unknown, 5 tons potatoes in sacks, and a large quantity of coal and provisions. The Bermuda, now loading, up to this date has taken on board 100 cases 54 Inch shells, 100 cases 3-inch shells, 325 cases 74--inch shells, 3 rifled cannon, Th-iuch bore; 2 rifled cannon, 54--fnch bore; 2 rifled can- non, 3-inch bore, and 3 breech-loading rifled cannon of the Whitworth patent, one 10 feet long, 84-inch bore, and the other two larger than this; 6 wooden gun carriages for ships or garrisons, and 12 for fleldpieces, 156 tons saltpetei, 19 cases of small arms, 6 cases clasped and bound with iron, very heavy, and 3 other cases, contents unknown. Her cap- tains name is C. William Westendorif, as you will perceive from the enclosure marked No. 1, containing a note written by him. There is much activity among the Southern agents, more than there has been at any time before since my arrival in England. I have the honor to be, etc., THOS. II. DUDLEY. lion. Wi~~. II. SEWARD, Secretary of State. U. S. CONSULATE, Li cerpool, February 15, 1862. SIR: ~ * * Edward ilaigh, of Liverpool, the cotton broker of Fraser, Trenholm & Co., is the imominal owner of the steamer Bermuda, now loading at this port for Bermuda. The register isiu his name, but it is understood that she belongs to the South, and that his name is merely used foi- the purpose of having her registered as an English vessel. Within the last two days they have taken oft the old gilding from the stern of the ship and put on in its place a palmetto tree. Since my dispatch of yesterday, she has taken on the following addi- tional cargo: One heavy rifled cannon, 10 cases, rather light, contents unknown, 46 cases~ 8 4--inch hollow shells, 9 heavy casks, contents unknown, 30 bundles sappers spades, 3 small round cases, 6 bales, 5 %xxvz~Xk ~vs~s ~A t~ ~x~i~xx ~X%xxw~xx~,. * * * Tnos. II. DUDLEY, U. S. (Jou8fl. Hon. WM. II. SEWARD, Secretary of State. CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, London, February 15, 1862. SIR: The bark Windward and brig Gambia have sailed for the West Indies, both said to have cargoes for the South, the latter considerabl Page 90 90 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. gunpowder. * * * I herewith send the invoice of the AS~OUthWjCkS cargo, so far as it has been received at the custom-house. It has not all gone in yet, although the steamer has sailed, by which you will see that 18,320 Enfield rifles, valued at ~4,960; 104,600 pounds powder, valued 3,800; 100 bags, 16,372 pounds coffee, 9,000,000 percussion caps, can- non, shell, tubes, etc. This is not the full invoice of her cargo, but as far as it has been rendered, is correct. She cleared for Nassau. The cargo of this vessel and that of the Economisi, which left two weeks ago, are of great importance to the rebels and ought not to be allowed to reach there. * * * F. H. MousE, U. S. Consul. Hon. Wi~iz. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. U. S. CONSULATE, Cardiff, February 17, 1862. DEAR SIR: It becomes my duty to inform you that I have just learned from good authority that a large Bremen bark, called the Leibnitz, Captain Schilling, is now loading here with salt, with the intention of running the blockade. I know that the bags first brought to her were not considered strong enough by the captain, as they might be subjected to much land transportation, and that stouter ones were procured. The broker will not tell where she is going; the captain says To the East, while the mate has privately said to Baltimore. It is probable that her papers will be made out for Baltimore, so that if she is met by any of our armed vessels at the mouth of the Chesa- peake she might be allowed to go on and themi land her cargo some- where in Virginia. But should any of our vessels meet her, she should be followed and watched by them. With the highest consideration, etc., CHAS. 1). CLEVELAND. Hon. WM. II. SEWARD, Secretary of State. P. S.Since writing the foregoing, I have received additional con- firmation of the statements therein made from a patriotic American cal)tain, whose vessel lay alongside of the Leibnitz for some days, and who, from frequent communications with the officers, has no doubt she will enter Chesapeake Bay if she can. C. I). CLEVELAND. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE. VA., March 11, 1862. Telegram received. I will scud St. Lawrence, Sabine, San Jacinto, and Baltic after the Vermont. The Roa aoL-c goes to New York to-night or in the morning, if wind permits. The harbor in the vicinity of the guns of the fort is cleared of vessels. The Union gun is all ready. Magruder in some force is in vicinity of Newport News. Troops to-day were being ferried over from Craney Island to Sewells Point. Flag of truce said the Merrimack (now Virginia) was resting a little. Saturday she was commanded by Franklin Buchanan, who, with his lieutenant, Minor, was wounded Page 91 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 91 Sunday, Lieutenant C. ap. Roger Jones, formerly of the Navy, had command. Nobody hurt the second day. The ]liinnesota, by the great exertions of her people, is in condition for fighting, with her steam power unininred. The Monitor is entirely ready and anxious for the appearance of the Virqinia. If Commodore Goldsborongl returns in the morning I will leave to-morrow night. U. V. Fox. Hon. G. N\ELLES. Instructions front Captain ]liarsto n, U. S. Nary, to Captain Van Brunt, U. S. Nary, preparatory to the (1 epart are of the former for New York. U. S. S. IROANOKE, Hampton Roads, March 11, 1862. SIR: I send to you all the remaining officers of the Forbes. By direction of the honorable Secretary of the Navy, her engineers were to be sent to Hatteras and the other officers to be distributed among the different vessels of the squadron; this last has, to some extent, been attended to. I also send you about fifty men, as Assistant Secretary Fox informs me that vessels will shortly be in here which will reqnire additions to their crews. The gunboat Mystic and tugs Zonave and Dragon are to be towed to Baltimore, by either the steamer Baltimore or King Philip, and the A)nanda by the one left by the other three, or you can divide them more equally. Captain Poor has charge of the King Philip and the Baltimore, and will give them to you for the purpose intended above. As you are aware, I am going to New York with this ship, and the St. Lawrence to Philadelphia. Flag-Officer Goldsborough will be here in a day or two. Please take charge of all the letters and papers I leave behind for different vessels. I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you before I go, when I shall probably have other subjects to speak to you about. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN MARSTON, Captain and Senior Officer. Captain C-. J. VAN BRUNT, U. S. S. Minnesota, Hampton Roads, Virginia. [Telegram.] MARCH 11, 18629 a. m. I am now ready to send the only 11-inch gun here to its position on Giesboro Poimit. It is probably the only heavy gun in this vicinity. It blew so freshly yesterday that there was (langer of the scow foundering on the way if sent. Is it still considered necessary to mount it ~ Captain Wyman considers more barges necessary than those to be sent. He wrote me that none of them had reached him at midnight, but they were met going down. JNO. A. DAHL4ZiREN. Brigadier-General MEIGS Page 92 92 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, Washington City, March 11, 186212: 27 p. m. I take it for granted that all measures of precaution ordered are to be carried out, having no orders to the contrary. How many more canal boats should be sent down ~ I will order eight more made ready and sent as soon as possible, and as litany more as you desire. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster. Captaiti JOHN A. DAHLGREN, Commanding flashington Navy Yard. Report of Captain Miarston, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs in Hampton Roads, Hrginia. U. S. S. ROANOKE, Hampton Roads, March 11, 1862. Sin: It having been represented to me by Fleet Surgeon Wood that the hospital ship required additional medical assistance, I have this day ordered Assistant Surgeon Ira Bragg to be temporarily attached to her. I also yesterday ordered Lieutenant Thomas 0. Selfridge to command the Monitor, the appointments snbject to the approval of Flag.Officer L. M. Go]dsborongh. At the suggestion of Assistant Secretary of the Navy G. V. Fox, I am using every exertion to get this ship to sea for the purpose of going to New York, and hope to be off by this evening or to-morrow morning. The St. Lawrence sailed this day for Philadelphia. I have divided the crews of the Congress and Cumberland between this ship, the Minnesota, and St. Lawrence, and have given some of the officers l)errnission to return to their homes with orders to report to you from thence. Very respectfully, your obedient servant JOHN MARSTON, Captain and Senior Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. P. 5.Since writing the foregoing I have, on the urgent request of Captain Van Brunt aiid Chief Engineer Loring, transferred for tempo- rary duty to the Minnesota Second Assistant Engineer Thomas J. Griffin. with orders to report to me at New York when the Minnesota arrives there. [Telegram. I OLD POINT COMFORT, VA., March 11, 18628 p. m. Please see General Ripley, and ask Dahlgren to assist him if neces- sary in casting some projectiles for the Union gun here. How is Wor- den ~ Connecticut just arrived. G. V. Fox. Lieutenant HENRY A. WISE, Nary Department, Washington, D. C Page 93 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 93 [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., March 11, 1862. Do not you think you can allow the wrought-iron shot to be used in the XJ-inch gunsl It is the only thing that will settle the ]Jferrimack. If you think so, she ought to have more. We must have more of these boats with 15-inch guns, and you must go ahead with your furnaces at once to make them to stand solid shot. The Monitor is anxious for another brush. Buchanan commanded the first day and was wounded~ Catesby Jones the second day. Tell Wise to tell me how Wordens eyes are; all the crew wish to know. They love him. G. V. Fox. Captain DAHEGREN, Commandant Nary Yard, Washington, D. C. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, March 11, 1S62. I think it would be a risk to fire shot so heavy as those of wrought iron from the XI-inch guns, eighty-five of which are as heavy as the gun itself. If a gun should burst in [the] tower of the Monitor it would disable the vessel at once and the Merrimack would be a free cruiser. I would prefer to block the Merrimack in the harbor and take Norfolk. Now that the Mijanesota is in good order, she and the Mionitor ought to disable the Merrimack, or get her ashore. I am only awaiting the action of the Senate and then for as large guns as you want with solid shot. I will give your message to Wise. Give me a hint in time if the Merri- mack is to get loose, for there are some things to look out for here. J. A. DAIILGREN. Captain G-. V. Fox Assistant Secretary Navy. Letter from Lieutenant Baylor, U. S. Army, to Brigadier- General Bipley, U. AS. Army, regarding means for destroying the C. S. S. Virginia (ilerrim ack). FORT MONROE ARSENAL, VA., March 11, 1862. SIR: I have just received your dispatch. 1 have already tried the Dyer projectile for the 12-inch rifled gunthat is, I have fired it four timesonce with 40 and three times with 50 pounds powder. In two cases the projectile was regular in its flight and gave at 28 degrees a range of over 6,000 yards; in the other cases it turned over in its flight, owing to a piece of the sabot coming off. Since the recent naval engagement, it is thought that nothing can stop the Merrimack here except the Monitor and the big guns (the 15-inch and 12-inch). Geri eral Wool is desirous of having both of these guns mounted on tile beach and plenty of ammunition for them as soon as pbssible. I have the 12-inch mounted on the carriage originally intended for the 15-inch, alid a sand breastwork around it. Can not tile carriage that Captaimi ilodman was making for the 12-inch be finished up and sent down immediately? Please forward as soon as possible 100 projectiles (Dyers) for the 12-inch rifled gun, 50 of them to be one-half an inch thicker than thos Page 94 94 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. first made; also 100 of the thickest shells for the 15-inch. Please for- ward also as soon as possible 200 solid shot (Dyers) for the 42-pounder and 400 for the 32-pounder. Please direct the sabots of the 12-inch shells to be put on very carefully, and also of the other rifled projectiles. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. 6. BAYLoR, First Lieutenant o/ Ordnance. Brigadier-General J. W. RIPLEY, Chief of Ordnance, Washington, D. C. I Telegram.] WASHINGTON, D. C., March 11,1862. Let the name of the gun heretofore known as the Floyd be chailged and hereafter be called the Lincoln. What are you now doing with the two big guns~ Can they be mounted on the beach so as to be avail- able for defense~ Do you want any aid in mounting theme it there is a carriage for the 12-inch gun, mount the 15-inch gun on that carriage, and let another carriage be prepared for the 12-inch gun. EDWiN M. STANTON. Secretary oJ war. General JOHN E. WOOL. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer (loldsborough, V. S. Navy, transmitting information regarding the steamer Economist. NAVY DEPARTMENT , March 11, 1862. SIR: I transmit herewith for your informatio~m an extract from a dispatch addressed to the Secretary of State omi the 19th ultinio, by the U. S. minister at Brussels, iu relation to tile steamer Economist No.2, which vessel is suspected of a design to carry mnnitions of war to the rebels. Jam, respectfully, your obedient servant, GiDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, or the SENIOR OFFICER PRESENT, llamjton Roads, Virginia. [Enclosure. 1 LEGATION OF THE UNITED STATES, Brussels, February 19, 1862. SIR: * * * I learn that he has purchased several batteries com- plete, numbering in all eighty cannon of various calibers, and that they are to be shipped from Hamburg by a steamer, the Economist No. 2, which is to proceed thence to London to take in blankets, etc., thence to Gravesend, [England~, to fill up, as those which l)receded her have done, with powder, clearing for Nassau, her shippers hoping she can run the blockade thence. The Economist No. 2 is a new English steamer, this being her first voyage. * * * I have the honor to be, etc., H. S. SANFORD. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary of State Page 95 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 95 Letter front Captain ]Ilarston, U. S. Navy, to Captain I ~an Brunt, U. S. Awry, transmitting report of damages to the U. S. S. iiliount Vernon while towing the U. S. storeship Bran dywine. [U. S. S.] IROANOKE, March 12, 18624 a. m. M~ DEAR VAN BRUNT: I enclose you a communication which I received from Commander Glisson at 9 oclock last night. His vessel is unfortunate. The steamer I sent with orders for the St. Lawrence returned last evening without finding her, but the Carrituck caine up from the capes to clean her l)ropeller, and she reports that the St. L[awrence] went to sea with the wind from the southward, after having been towed by her, in doing which she got a hawser round her propeller; she will clear it this morning. [ send with this a few bills requiring signatures from commanders of vessels. If in your power, will you call on the captain of the Binaldo for me. I had not time to return his call. Mr. Fox is still here, and will remain till Goldsborough collies. The wind is fair, an(l I shall be off as early as possible. Did I tell you that Buchanan was said to be dying? I send you the Day Book of yesterday. The Amanda, I find, went up to Baltimore, so her executive informed me. Thus you will only have the Mystic and two tugs to tow up, which had better be done to-day by the steamer Baltimore. If the Sac/tent is not required here any longer, I think you had better let her go to her destination, Port Royal; she was only detained by Mr. Fox in case we required her to tow. I believe I have nothing more to say, except God bless you, ever prays, Yours, most truly, MARSTON. Captain G. J. AAN BRUNT, iliinnesota. The Day Book covers the l)ackage I send you. Will you have tIme goodness to send any letters that may come for me to New York; indeed, any for this ship. Will you put a stamp on my letter? I am utterly out. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. MOUNT VERNON, Off Core Point Light, [Md.], Chesapeake kay, March 11, 1SG?. SIR: I have to inform you that I anchored off this place last night, and shall proceed again with the Brandywine in tow toward Annapolis, Md., at which place we hope to arrive this evening. We have experienced heavy weather in towing, the weather having been boisterous and the sea rough. The Brandywine touched off the mouth of the Potomac yesterday morning, but we succeeded in getting her off yesterday afternoon, in assisting her we carried away our bowsprit, knocked a hole in our port bow, started two of the beams, and carried away five knees. I shall be compelled to place the vessel on the screw dock on her arrival at Baltimore, to repair those damages and to fix the propeller wheel, which is loose. That can be done while the repairs to the engine are being made. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. S. GLIssoN, Commander, U. S. Nary. Captain JOHN MARSTON, U. S. Navy, Senior Officer, etc., Old Point Comfort, Va. P. S.Please send our letters up to Baltimore from the post-office Page 96 96 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] NAVY YARD, WASHINGTON, March 12, 1862. I have the moorings for the Monitor and would send them direct but am short of three steamers, two being now detained at Fort Monroe. The fourth is here, taking in new boilers, so I shall have to send by way of Baltimore. Why not let the St. Lawrence and Brandywine enter the Potomac and take post at the Kettle Bottoms, or higher up at shoal parts of channel? In case of any InisliaL) to tile Monitor this river would be inaccessible by sinking the frigates. Mr. Grimes says Fessenden is not in favor of the furnaces; they would be too late to do for the Merrimack. JOHN A. 1)AHLGREN. Hon. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Navy. [Telegram.] MARCH 12, 186210: 4~7 a. in. Captain Wyman informs me that the barges sent dowii have no arrangement for sinkiiig them, and have so little stone in them that he thinks they would not be very efficient in blocking the channel. JNO. A. DAHEGREN. Brigadier-General MEIGS, Quartermaster- General. [Telegraii.] NEW YORK, March 12, 1862. Fire your gulls on a dead level at 200 yards and you will sink the pirate in two rounds. Do not be afraid of falling short, as the ricochet from our bow guns will be nearly parallel and full efficient in bulling the enemy. Attacking Jand batteries, employ exact elevation. An interview with Stimers would not change a line of my plans. What spare plates do you want l J. ERICSSON. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of Navy. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, March 12, 1862. I telegraphed last night that I thought it would be unsafe to put shot into the XI-inch heavier than 170 pounds, which is the weight of their caidron; that I will have some wrought-iron shot made of 170 pounds and also some bronze shot. It seems to me that the Minnesota shonid have all her masts and spars out of the way except the lower yards, from which shells should be dropped into the funnel of the ]Ilerrimack if they come in contact. Please send up the yard steamers Baltimore and Philip as soon as they can be spared. They are nrgent~y wanted here for the communication along the river. J. A. I)AHLCREN. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Page 97 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 97 [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, March 12, 1862. The projectiles for the Union gun shall be put immediately in hand. Worden is doing very well indeed. He was leeched last night and slel)t well. No one but the surgeons amid his wife are allowed to see him. Joe Smith is to be buried to-morrow. Nothing new here, but if anything turns up will let you know. H. A. WISE, A8sistant Inspector Ordnance. Assistaiit Secretary Fox. Report of Commander Glisson, (79 5. Navy, commanding U. S. S. ]Ilount Vernon, of arrival at Baltimore, Md. U. S. S. MOUNT VERNON, Baltimore, 9114., ilfarch 12, 1862. SIR: I have to report the arrival of this vessel at this l)oIt, having beeii three (lays in towing the U. S. storeship Brandy wine as far as Annapolis, owing to the weather. My orders were to bring her here, but, in consequence of hei large draft of water, my pilot would not take her farther than Annapolis. I presume that Captain Totten will com- municate with the 1)epartmnent on the suli~ject. I was ordered by the senior officer at Hampton Roads to have the necessary tem~)orary rel)airs done on the hull, cii guile, and boiler of this vessel while at this port. These repairs will not, I 1)resume, take more thau five or six days. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. 5. GLISSON, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Lockwood, U. S. Navy, of a boat expedition from the U. S. S. Daylight, and the death of Acting Masters Mate Corlace, March 12, 1862. U. S. PROPELLER DAYLIGHT, Off York River, Virginia, March 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 12th instant, about 1:30 p. in., an armed boat from this ship was on shore at the marshes abreast of our amichorage, about 2 miles distant, when several aimed men were discovered approaching them without being perceived by the boats crOw. Finding that they were likely to be cut off, we stood in near enough to cover their retreat and sent the rebels flying with a few shells from our guns. The officers conduct who were with the boat, Acting Master J. II. Gleason and Acting Second Assistant Engiiieer Van Ucusalear Terry, was, in my opinion, highly reprehensible, in not having a lookout kept; also in not making a stand against the enemy, who fired on them, and it was not returned, although our party numbered six to eight of the rebels. N W BVOL 7 Page 98 98 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Mr. Gleason lost a Colts navy revolver and Mr. Terry a musket, both belonging to the ship. Iii one of the boats sent to their assistance Acting Masters Mate James Corlace was mortally wounded in the abdomen by the accidental discharge of a musket which he was ~)ushi1Ig under the thwart of the boat, with the imizzle toward and near him. I regret exceedingly to have the melancholy duty to report his (leatit at 6: 50 p. in., about three and a half hours after the unfortunate accideiit occurred, oii the 12th instant, lie was sensible until about five minutes before his (hiSSolu- tioii, and left with Acting Paymaster Denison his last behests. We buried his remains on a sand ri(loe near the cemiter of the island on which stands New Point [Comfort I light-house, Mathews County, Va., yesterday. A cedar tree, the only one there, stands near the grave, at the head of which we this morning placed a board with a suitable inscril)tion. He had been with us only about two months, and by his attentiomi to his duty was making a favorable impressioim. Enclosed herewith I forward Acting Assistant Surgeoii Heaths cer- tificates of his death. His mother resides in Boston, Mass. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML. LOCKWOOD, Commander. Flag Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROITGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, flampton Roads. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., March 12, 1862. I hope you will give Dahlgren money enough to get up his furnaces at once. The lesson of Sunday is for 20-inch guns. Not a inomnemint of delay should occur. I have not thought the ~lIerrimack was much injured, but we are now better prepared for her, by the harbor being cleared of noncombatants. Everybody here feels that the Monitor can simik the Mierrimack, but it will be a terrible struggle. Considering that the officers, crew, and engineers had a horrible passage, arrive(l at it) p. in., amid handled an untried experiment without l)revioLls drill, and went into action at S a. in. next day, their conduct is beyond praise. I went on board and thanked them. Do not forget the great guns. G. V. Fox, [Assistant Secretary of the Nary.] Hon. JAMES W. GRIMES, U. S. Senate, Washington, [D. C.]. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Se~fridge, U. S. Navy, relieving him of command of the U. S. S. Jiilonitor. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 12, 1862. SIR: You are hereby relieved from the command of the cased battery Monmtor and will turn that vessel over to Lientenamit Comumanding William N. Jeffers. in thus relieving you, I beg you to understan Page 99 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 99 that it is oidy done in coiisequeice of (lirectiOliS made by the Depart- went before you were ordered to her. Your coiiduct has given the higlie st satisthetion to everyone. I am, very resl)eetfully, your obedient servant L. M. (~OLDSBOROUGH, Flag-Ofjiccr, Goln(lg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Comitianding Tuos. 0. SEL1rnIn~E, JR., u. ~. (Jasc(l Battery Monitor, hampton Roads, Virginia. [Telegram.] IIEAD~ UARTERS DE PA UTiVIENT OF VIRGINIA Fort Mionroc, Va., iilarch 12, 18G22 p. m. Ii1a~~0theei (~o1dsborougli arrive(l this morning, and I shall return by this evenings boat. A flag of truce gives no iiiformation authentic enon ih to repeat. All quiet. U. Y. Fox, Assistant Secretary. lloii. U. WELLES 7 A5eeretary of the Nary, Washington, ft (1. [Telegram.] FAIRFAX CoURT-housE, LYA.], March 12, 18G2. (aii I rely on the Monitor to keep the Merrimack iii check, so that I can niake tort Monroe a base of operations ~ Please answer at oiice. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, (al)taill U. V. Fox, Major- (Jeneral. Fort Mmroe. [Telegram.] FAIRFAX COURT-HOUSE, March 12, 18G2. The possibility of the Merrimack appearing again paralyzes the move- nieiits of this army l)y whatever route is adopted. Ho~v long a time would it require to complete the vessel built at Mystic River workin night and day~? how long would Stevens require to finish his vessel. so t~tr as to enable her to coiiteiid with the Merrimack ~ if she is unin- jured, of course no l)reealltion wo1ll(l avail, and the Monitor must be the sole reliaiice. But if injured so as to require considerable repairs, these things are important to be considered. The general would desire any suggestion of your own on this subject. By order of Major-General McClellan: J. C. BARNARD, Chief Engineer. U. V. FOX, Assistant ASecretary of the Nary. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, ]Jlarch] 12, r1862]8 10 p. m. it is thought the Monitor is a Illatell for the Mierrimnack. The former has two gulls and the latter eight. The Monitor is our chief depen Page 100 100 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ence. If any accident should befall her, Newport News would be taken, probably dependitig on the land forces. It is said Magruder has from 15,000 to 18,000 men, extending from James River to Yorktown. 1 have about 12,300 effective troops, including the garrison of Fort Monroe, and only about 110 regular artillery. I do not believe the channel could be blocked between Sewells Point and Craney Island without our first taking Sewell battery, consisting of from five to thirty guns, several of which are 10-inch. JNO. E. WooL, Major-General G. B. MCCLELLAN, ~1I~jo~ General. Fai~fax Court-House. [Telegram. I MARCH 12, 1861. Yours received; all quiet here to-day; flag of truce, bitt little news. Parties on flag froni Norfolk say slyly that Merriuwek [was] severely handled by what they call our cheese box; she woiit venture out until rel)aired. Cable pertect. Expect to leave here to-morrow at 10 oclock unless otherwise ordet-ed. Yours, W. II. ItEiSS. [ ?j E. S. SANFORD, VVashinqton. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, [March] 13, [1862]2 a. in. I think you can rely upon the Monitor. That is the universal opinion. It is reported from Norfolk to-day that the ilerrimack has beeti consid- erably injured, much more than we at first supposed. The Monitor is iiot injured at all; the Minnesota also is ready for action. Will keep her here. JOHN E. XVOOL, Major-General G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General. Fairfax Court-House. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 13, 1862. The Monitor is more than a match for the Merrimack, but she might be disabled in the next encounter. I can uiot advise so great depend- ence upon her. Burnside and Goldsborough are very strong for the Chowan River route to Norfolk, and I brought up lnaI)s, explanations, etc., to show you. It turns everything, and is only 27 miles to Norfolk by two good roads. Buruside will have New Berne this week. The Monitor may, and I think will, destroy the Merrimack in the next fight, but this is hope, not certainty. The Merrimack must dock for repairs. G. V. Fox. Major-General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Fairfax Court-House Page 101 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 101 Order of Play- Officer Goldsborougli, U~ S. Navy, to Lieutenant Jeffers, U. S. Nary, to assume command of the U. S. S. Monitor. U. S. FLAGSHW MINNE8OTA, Hampton Roads, March 13, 1862. SIR: You will relieve Lieutenant Commanding Thos. 0. Seifridge, now iii command of the iron-cased battery Monitor, and assume the coinmaiid of her. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding WA. N. JEFFERS, Hampton Roads, Virginia. [Telegram.] MARCH 13, [1862]9 a. m. (Received 9:25 a. in.) Captain Wyman says he would like to have four or six more barges. Do you think further measures necessary? J. A. DAHLGREN. Brigadier-General MEIGS, Quartermasters Depa.rtment~ [Telegram.] WAR DEPARTMENT, March 13, 1862. On Sunday I sent down fifteen boats. On Tuesday eight more, mak- ing twenty-three in all. l)o you want more? If so, notify Colonel Ilucker by telegraph and also me. M. C. MErnS, Quartermaster- General. Captain DAHLGREN. [Telegram.] WAR DEPARTMENT, March 13, 18626:20 p. m. I ordered yesterday nine barges and some men to load them sent down. Does Captain Wyman need more yet? I believe in precaution. I would not trust this city and the fleet you see coining into the river to the strength of a single screw bolt in the Monitors new machinery. If one breaks, the Merrimack beats her. The Merrimack, too, is rel)orted able to outrun, neglect her, and pass her. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General. Captain DAHLGREN. [Telegram.] MARCH 13, 18626 p. m. I have your two telegrams. Captain Wyman writes me that he has placed eight barges on the Kettle Bottoms, eight off Smiths Point, an Page 102 102 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. seven off Mattawoman. He thinks there 5110111(1 l)e four or six more on Mattawoman. and asks for them, with their anchors. If it is desired to put the matter beyond doubt, then it will be better to let the two frigates at the mouth of the Potomac enter and procee(1 to the Kettle Bottoms or Smiths Point, anchor, and prepare to sink them as soomi as the Merrimack reaches the Potomac. She can not get by them. The telegraph at Fort Monroe should give twelve hours notice; and it would be well to send a fast vessel, like the ]Jfetamora to the mouth of the Potomac to observe and to convey intelligence. JNO. A. 1)AHLGREN. Brigadier-General MEIGS, Quartermaster- General. [Telegram.] MARCH 13, [1862]6 p. m. Please send six more barges to Captain Wyman. J. A. DAHLeTREN. Colonel IFtUCKER, Assistant Quartermaster- General. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, D. C., March 13, 18629:15 p. m. I have seen Fox. He says the Merrimack is not able to come into the Chesapeake, and is slower than the Monitor. The latter fought nuder very disadvantageous circumstances, is uninjured, and is capa- ble of mastering her adversary. He seems to regard the operations of the Merrimack as confined to Hampton Roads above the fort. The Secretary has telegraphed concerning Burnside and Wool. No troops ordered to Fr3mont from this army. IRVIN MCDOWELL Brigadier- General. Major-General MCCLELLAN. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, March 13, 1862. Major-General McClellan desired by telegram to know if the channel between Sewells Point and Craney Islaud could be blocked. I reply that it would be impracticable without first taking the battery, 30 guns, on Sewells Point, amid then sink 20 boats loaded with stone, exposed, however, to a fire of 30 guns on Craney island. The flag- officer, Goldsborongh, agrees with me in this opinion. To take tlme batteries it would require the Monitor. Neither of us think it would (10 to use the Monitor for that service lest she should become crippled. She is our only hope against the Merrimack. JOHN E. WOOL~ Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Major- General. AS~ecretary of War Page 103 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 103 Letter from the Secretary of the Nary to the Secretary of War regarding means to prerent the exit of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack). NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 13, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to suggest that this Department caii easily obstruct the channel to Norfolk so as to prevent the exit of the Merri- mack, provided the army will carry the Sewells Point batteries, iii which duty the navy will give great assistance. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. bit. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of IVar. Letter from the Secretary of War to the Secretary of the Navy offering means to preie~it the exit of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack). WAR 1)EPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., March 13, 1862. SIi~: I am directed by the Secretary of War to say that he places at your (lisj)osal any transports or coal vessels at Fort Monroe for the purpose of closing the channel of the Elizabeth itiver to prevent the Merrimack from again coming out. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. ThOMAS, Adjntan t- General. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Faiifax Court-House, March 13, 18629:46 p. m. I would respectfully suggest that the Secretary of the Navy be requested to order to Fort Monroe whatever force Du Pont can now spare, as well as any available force that (4oldsborough can send up as sooli as his present operations are completed. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, of the arrival in Iliamp- ton Roads of the U. S. S. Dacotah. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 13, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. S. Dacotah arrived at this port this morning. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag-Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Sqnadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 104 104 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Miissroon, U. AS1. Navy, commanding U. AS~. S. Wachusett, of the departure ~f that vessel from Boston. U. S. SLOOP OF WAR WACHUSETT, Off Woods foil, March 13, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to forward enclosed to the Department a list of officers and the crew of this vessel. I left the navy yard, Boston, at (3:15 p. m. yesterday. The engines are doing well, and a full report of performance will be forwarded to the Department on arrival at Hampton Iloads. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. MISSROON, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commander. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Telegram.] FORTRESS MONROE, March 13, [1862]. To CRAIG, New York, and FULTON, Baltimorc and Philadelphia: Steamer Merrimack is afloat at Norfolk yard and large force workmen employed in repairs. Serious damage was received by one of prongs on bow, an(l forward part of vessel was stove in; that part is now being strengthened. People of Norfolk are said to be in state of mingled rejoicing and fear. Lieutenant W. N. Jeffers is now iii command of Monitor. BABCOCK. Approved. JOHN E. WOOL, Major- General. Report of Commander McKinstry, U. S. Navy, commandinq U. S. S. Dacotah, of the arrival of that vessel in Hampton Roads. U. S. S. DACOTAH, Hampton Roads, March 13, 1862. SIR: In compliance with the order of Captain William L. Hudson, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, this ship left Boston on the 9th instant and arrived at this anchorage on this day at 10 a. m. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES P. MOKINSTRY, Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUcTH, Commander. Commanding U. S. Naval Forces. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Goidsborongh, U. S. Nary, transmitting information regarding the movement of blockade runners from foreign Ports. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 13, 1862. SIR: I enclose herewith for your information copies of dispatches received by the Secretary of State, giving information of the following Page 105 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 105 named vessels, now fitting out in foreign ports with the intention of running the blockade: Boadicea, Mary Banfield, sailed from Liverpool: Fanny Lewis, loading at Liverpool; Intended, Lycurgus, Fanny or Annie Laurie, loading at London; Bermuda, loading at Liverpool; Herald, said to be a fast sailer; Maturin Cor, loading at Havre with cloth. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Biamjpton Roads. [Enclosures.] U. S. CONSULATE, Liverpool, February 19, 1862. Sin: The bark Boadicea, 855 tons, owned by Fernie Brothers & Co., sailed from this port on Saturday last loaded with salt, coal, and bagging. She cleared for St. John, New Brunswick. The Mary Banfield, a small vessel of 123 tons, cleared on the 17th instant for Nassau. She is loaded with salt. Her consignees are Strong & Co. I have reason to believe the cargoes of both these vessels are intended for the South, and that they will attempt to run the blockade. The Fanny Lewis, which ran the blockade at Charleston and brought a cargo of cotton and resin to Liverpool, is now taking in a cargo of saltpeter for the rebel Government. She will clear from here in about a week for Valparaiso and attempt to run the blockade at Charleston. Her nominal captain will be an Englishman and she will clear as an English vessel and sail nuder that flag; but Captain Walker, who com- manded her when she left Charleston, will go out in her and be her real commander. The understanding is that if they meet with the blockad- ing squadron, Captain Walker is to bide below; if found, to pretend to be a passenger, and the English captain is to represent himself as the captain and that they have got off their course, and remain until night comes on and then, under cover of the darkness, either run in or make for Nassau. * * * Since writing the above, the destination of the Fanny Lewis has been changed from Valparaiso to Nassau; she will clear for this last port. The name of her nominal commander is Mitchell. 1 am, etc., THOS. H. DUDLEY, U. S. Consul. Hon. WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. U. S. CONSULATE, London, February 21, 1862. Sin: Several sailing vessels are about to leave this port with salt, coal, and some iron and other cargo for Nassam~, under circumstances which give them the appearance of being on ~outherii account, though as yet we have no positive proofs of the final destination of these cargoes. The names are, the brig Intended, schooner Lycurgus, with coal for Nassau; the Fanny (probably Annie Laurie), a bark, is loading wit Page 106 106 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. salt for Nassau. There is no doubt but that vessels have left Bristol with arms an(l ~minunition and I have written to the consul to ferret them out and report. ~ * * I am, etc., F. II. MORSE, Consul. Hon. W~. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. LIVERPOOL, February 19, 1862. SIR: * * * The Bermuda weiit down 7 iiiclies last night. She will soon be away and will have a valuable cargo oii board and is surely going to Bermuda. This vessel took on board last night and to.day twelve gun carriages for field artillery. The guns for some must have been taken on board iii iron strapped boxes, or are not omi board yet. Since I wrote, there 11 as gone on board four gnus from 3 to 5 touts weight and two [of] 7 tomis (so says the stevedore). This must be a mistake, but it establishes the fact of there being six guns of the heaviest caliber on board. Aside from the carriages mentioned, she has a good many carriages with iron runs, broad auud narrow, evidently intended for use in light sail. She is now taking in 10 tons telegraphic wire. * * * * * * * U. S. CONSULATE, Dublin, February 21, 1862. SIR: * * * The spirit of brag is already displayed by those citi- zens of Dublin who have gaine(1 the knowledge of the steamers new errand. They think there is no steamer in our whole Navy tha.t can catch the Herald. I hope her valuable qualities will soon be tested by our fleet. So much has been said about her qualities, I think site will make our naval fleet a good prize. The greatest efforts were made to keep the transactioiis appertaining to the Herald in silence. * * * I hope the next dispatch will bring the good news of the capture of the steamer Herald. I am, etc., HENRY B. 1fAM1~IOND. Hon. WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. U. S. CONSULATE, Havre, February 21, 1862. SIR: I beg respectfully to state that 300 bales of the rebel cloths, in relation to which I have for months been in correspondence with the American minister at Brussels, are now being shipped in this port, by the French ship Maturin Cor, ostensibly for Havana. Her purpose may be to run the blockade, or, failing that, to reship from a West India port. E.G.& Co. E.G.& Co. Most of the cloths (bales) are marked B~ or - I am, etc., JAMES 0. PUTNAM. Hon. WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State Page 107 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 107 Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Uoidsborough, U. S. Navy, transmitting information regarding the movement of blockade runners from foreign ports. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 13, 1862. SIR: I herewith enclose information derived from dispatches received at the State Department in relation to vessels that are suspected of an intention to attempt to run the blockade. They are the Oreto (may be (lesiglie(l for a privateer), Philanthropist, Mary Ellen, Rangoon, Fanny 1e wis, Modern (~ reece, Gireassian, Bermuda, Ba hama, Economist No. 2, Robert Druce, Amen da, Alexander, Naomi, and Wind ward. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure.] Information respecting vessels suspected of a design to carry munitions of war to I be rebels, deriredfroin dispatches received at the Department of Slate. Fromit the U. S. consul at Liverpool, under date of February 26: The ()reto has not sailed; it is understood she will ship her crew for Malta or Gibraltar. 11cr guns will be smuggled oii in some way. There is 110 doubt she is inteimded as a privateer. Tile ship Philanthropist, 805 tons, will clear to-morrow for Havana, loaded primleipally with saltl)eter, and is to run the blockade. The l)ark Mary Ellen cleared about twelve days ago for the coast of Africa. At the time that was supposed to be her destination. From iiit4rination received since, her real destination is thought to be Charleston. Cargo of arms, munitions of war, and dry goods. The steamer Ran qoon has commenced to load for the South. It is thought she will not attempt to ruin the blockade, but land her cargo ~ii ~assau 01 Bermuda, and sen(1 it to Charleston iii the Herald or Caroline, which are to run regularly between those places. She may, however, attempt it, as both vessel and cargo can now be insured. Tonnage, 1,750 toums. The Fanny Lewis is taking on cases supposed to contain rifles and pistols. Her saltpeter is all on. From the U. S. consul at Cardiff, under date of February 21: There are two vessels that have come into this 1)ort that intend to run the blockade it they cami. The Modern Greece sailed On the l9tll for Gibraltar with coal, and the Cireassian 15 110W loading with coal for Bermuda. From these places or elsewhere they intend to take arms amid stores ammd sail for the United States. From tile U. S. minister at Brussels, under date of February 25: r1~lle I;erm1I(la is about to make another venture from England, south, amid, iii addition to tile Economist No. 2, the Bahama is also about to leave with war materials for the rebels. The cargo of the Economist No. 2 is looked upon as one of tile mnost importalit yet dispatched. Bight complete batteries of rifled cannon, with amnmummitioll to match wemld be a formidable addition to rebel resources. Captain I3ulloch will take her out Page 108 108 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. From dispatches from Bristol, dated February 12: Two vessels which have already run the blockade and returned here all right, the Robert Bruce, of Bristol, and the Amanda, of Bangor, [Me.], U. S., are about to load again (ostensibly) for Havana. There are three Confederate vessels at present in this portthe Alexander, of Portsmouth, the Naomi, of Charleston, and the Wind- ward, of Norfolk. All display the Confederate flag. Capture of New I3erne, N. C., March 1814, 1862.* Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, commanding naval forces in the sounds of North Carolina. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, N. C., March 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of all the rebel batteries upon the Neuse River, the complete defeat and rout of the enemys forces iu this vicinity, and the occul)ation of the city of New Berne by the combined forces of the Army and Navy of the United States on yesterday, Friday, at noon. The incidents of the expedition, briefly stated, are these: The fleet under my command, and that of the army, left Hatteras Inlet at 7 :30 on Wednesday morning, 12th instant, and arrived without accident or delay at the poiiit which had been selected for disembark- ing the troops, and within sight of the city of New Berne, at sundown on the evening of the same day, where we anchored for the night. On Thursday mornilig I hoisted my l)enLlant on board the steamer Delaware. At 8:30 a. m. our gunboats commenced shelling the woods in the vicinity of the proposed place of landing, taking statioiis at intervals along the shores to protect the advance of the troops. At 9:30 a. in. the trool)s commenced landing, and at the sante time SiX naval boat howitzers, with their crews, under the colnlnan(l of Lieutenant H. S. MeCook, of the Stars and Stripes, were l)ut on shore to assist in the attack. The army commenced to move up the beach at about 11 :30 a. in., the debarkation of troops still continuitig. In the meantime our vessels were slowly moving up, throwing shells in the woods beyond. At 4:15 p. m. the first of the enemys batteries opened fire on the foremost of our gunboats, which was returned by them at long range. The troops were now all disembarked and steadily advancing without resistance. At sundown the firing was discontinued and the fleet came to anchor in position to cover the troops on shore. At 6:30 a. in., Friday, 14th instant, we heard a coutiiiuous firing of heavy guns and musketry inland, and immediately commenced throw- ing our shells in advance of the position supposed to be held by our troops. The fleet steadily moved up and gradually closed in toward time bat- teries. The lower fortification was discovered to have been abandoned by the enemy. A boat was dispatched to it aiid the stars and stripes planted on the ramparts. As we advanced the upper batteries opened fire upon us. The fire was returned with effect, the magazine of one exploding. * For acconnt of part taken by armies, see Official Records of the Union and Con- federate Armies, Series I, Vol. IX, p. 196 Page 109 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 109 Having proceeded iii an extended line as far as the obstruction in the river would l)erlnit, the signal was made to follow the movements of the flagship, aiid the whole tiect advanced in order, concentrating our fire on Fort Thompson, mounting thirteen guns, on which rested the enemys land defenses. The army having, with great gallantry, driven them out of these defenses, the forts were abandoned. Several of our vessels were slightly iiijured in passing the barricades of l)iles and torl)edoes, which had been placed in the river. The upper battery having beeii evacuated on the approach of the combined forces, it was abandoiied and subsequently blew up. We now steamed rapidly up to the city. The enemy had fled, and the l)lace remains in our possession. Upon our api)roacll several points of the city were fired by the enemy where stores had been accumulated. Two small batteries, constructed of cotton bales, and mounting two guns each, were also fired by them. Two small steamers were captured, another having been burned. A large raft composed of barrels of })itch and bales of cotton, which had been prepared to send dowmi upon the fleet, was fired and floating agaiiist the railroad bridge set it on fire and destroyed it. In addition to the prizes, a quantity of cotton, l)itch, tar, a gunboat and another vessel on the stocks, several schooners afloat, and an immense quantity of arms and munitions ot war fell into our hands. At about 4 p. m. I sent several of our vessels to the right bank of the Tremit River to carry General Fosters brigade to occupy the city of New Berne. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. ItOWAN, Comnwn(ltnq U. AS1. Naval Forces in Pamlico ASOUHd. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROITGH, tJomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Endorsement.] U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, March 17, l(%2S:3Op. 111. I have the honor to forward this highly importaiit and interesting dispatch to the honorable Secretary of the Navy by Commander Hazard. I received it a few minutes since, and lose not a moment iii sending it to Baltimore by the steamer Commodore, which brought it to me from Hatteras Inlet, in order that it may reach Washington early to-morrow forenoon. Most res~)ectfully, your very obedient servant L. M. GOLDsBOROUGH, Hon. GIDEON WELLES Flag- Officer. Secretary of the Navy, Washington City. List of rebel fortifications on the Neuse River, near New Berne, N. C., reduced by the United States naval forces under command of Commander S. C. Rowan, March 13 and 14, 1862. No. I .Fort Dixie, four guns; one 6-inch rifle, three 32-pounders. No. 2.Fort Ellis, eight guns; among which were, viz, one 8-inch columbiad, one 6-inch rifle. No. 3.Casemated work, two guns. No. 4.Fort Thompson, twelve guns; two 6-inch rifles, ten 32- pounders. No. ~.Fort Lane, four guns; two 6-inch rifles, two 32-pounders. And two forts in front of city, mounting two guns each Page 110 110 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Detailed report of Commander Eowan, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Lieutenant MoCook, U. S. Navy, commanding naval battery; also, list of casualties. IT. S. S. PHILADELPHiA, Off New Berne, N. (J., March 20, 18G2. SIR: I beg leave to submit the following detailed report of the attack upon New Berne and its approaches: I left Hatteras Inlet on Wednesday, March 12, at 7:30 a. iii., with the following naval force under my command: Philadelphia, my flag- ship, Acting Master S. Reynolds, commanding; Stars and Strtpcs, Lieutenant Commanding 11. Werden; Louisiana, Lieutenant (Joinmaiind- ing A. Murray; Hetzel, Lieutenant Commanding II. K. Davenport; Dela ware, Lieutenant Commanding S. P. Quackenbush Commodore J)(~).~.y~ Lieutenant Commanding C. W. Flusser; Valley City, Lieutenant Commanding J. C. Chaplin; Under writer, Lieutenant Commanding A. Hopkins; Commodore Barney, Acting Lieutenant Commanding H. T. Renshaw; Hunchback, Acting Lieutenant Commanding E. 11. Colhonn; South field, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding C. F. W. liehin; Morse, Actiim g Master Commanding Peter hays; [Henry] Brinier, Acting Master Commanding J. E. Giddings, and Lockwoo(l, Acting i~Iaster Commanding G. W. Graves. By 8 a. m. the naval fleet tooether with the army transports, were steaming rapidly up the soumid. A 1 p. iii. we made Brant Island, distant about 1~ miles. At 2:10 p. in., the advance division of the gunboats having entered the month of Neuse River, and being some miles in advance of the flagship, I made signal to stop, that the fleet might be concentrated. At this time General Bnrnside came alongside the flagship and re(luested that cite of onr gunboats might be sent to the mouth of Pamnlico River, intelligence having been received that two steamers were in that river. To guard against a possibility of an attempt by the enemy to cut off any of our transport vessels which might remain umiprotected in the rear of the fleet, I dispatched the Lockwood to lay oft the mouth of that river during the night. At 3:40 p. in., having come up with the advamice, signal was made to form hue ahead, and the fleet again moved on, having now fairly entered Keuse River. At 5 p. in., the gunboats being now fhr in advance of the army trans- l)orts and in sight of the obstructions placed by the enemy in the river o1)1)osite to their batteries a small steamer was discovered abont 6 miles ahead, apparently reconnoitering. The Delaware was dispatched in pursuit. Failing to overtake the chase, but having driven her under the guns of the batteries, she retnrned. At 6:10 p. m. the naval fleet came to anchor in three columns off Slocumns Creek, the 1)oiIIt decided npon for the debarkation of troops, and about 15 miles distant from New Berne. Early the following morning (13th) I hoisted my pennant on board the Delaware. The Stars and Stripes and Louisiana were I)laced on the west side of the creek, and the Hetzel and Valley City on the east. At about S a. in. the troops started from the transports, and at the same time time gun- boats, stationed as above, opened with grape amid shell omi the point selected for landimig, the fire ceasing as the first brigade landed. At 9 a. in. six naval boat howitzers, commanded respectively by Acting Master C. B. Daniels (U. S. S. Hetzel), Mr. E. P. Meeker (U. S. S. Phil- adelphia), Acting Master J. B. Hammond (U. S. S. Hetzel), Mr. B. C. Gabaudan (U. S. S. Delaware), Lieutenant Tillotson (Union Coas Page 111 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 111 Guard), anti Lieutenant T. W. B. Hughes (Union Coast Guard), all under the command of Lieutenant R. S. liXicCook, of the Stars and Stripes, were lauded to assist in the attack. The Perry was moved up opposite the position of the battery in the interior near the railroad, with directions to open fire and unmask it. The Soul h/ield was ordered to follow and take a position iiear the Perry. The LTnderleriter was soon directed to join them aiid use her rifle gun oidy. The Morse was stationed a mile below these vessels and the Corn- mo(lore Perry [Commodore Barney~j and Hunchback below the Morse. As soon as the last brigade was embarked for landing, I went up the river with the Delaware to make a recounoissance of Fort I)ixie. As I apj)roached, the battery opened fire, which was returned, and, the Perry coming up, a spirited aiid very effective fire was kept lip by that vessel until dark, I having returned at the request of General Burnside to communicate with him. Haviiig dispatched the Delaware on special service, I returned to the Southjield, after having communicated with the general, and proceeded in that vessel to the Perry, which vessel was ordered to cease firing, as the night had set in with a heavy fog. The Soatk field and Lockwood were anchored 2 miles below Fort Dixie, and, as near as I could judge, abreast the advaiiced position of our forces, the Delaware joining me during the night. At daylight on the morning of the 14th the report of a gun, sup- 1)osed to be a fieldpiece on shore, was heard. The Delaware, Hunch- back, and Lockwood were immediately ordered to get underway. The fog being too dense to signalize, the Lockwood was directed to trace the land down and order up the vessels that had been stationed along the shore fl-Gill our position to the point of debarkation. The Delaware and Soathfield were ordered to move up and open fire on Fort Dixie. They were soon joined by the heavy ships from below, followed by the more distant vessels that had been guarding Slocums Creek. Receiv- ing no response from Fort Dixie, a boat was sent ashore and the American flag raised on the ramparts. I then passed on up and opened fire on Fort Ellis, which was returned until the fort blew up. At this time our troops were pressing on the enemys entrenchments in rear of Fort Thompson. I made signal, Ad vaiice in line abreast, and closed up toward the barriers and opened fire on Fort Thompson and in direc- tion of the sound of the enemys fire in the interior. At this jniictnre an offh~er from General I3urnside came down to the beach and informed me that our shells were falling to tile left, and near our own troops; changed direction and continued the fire and advanced to the barriers. Fort Thompson having ceased to return our fire, made signal Follow my motions, an d advanced through the first row of obstruc- tions in line ahead. As we passed the obstructions our troops ap- l)eared on the ramparts of the fort waving the American flag. We threw a few shell into Fort Lane, but receiving no response ordered the Valley City to raise the American flag on the remaining forts and passed rapidly up the river in line ahead. As we passed up, and on opening Trent River t~vo batteries were discovered mounting two gnus each on the wharves in front of the city; both, however, were deserted. Passed up the Neuse River and opened fire froni the Delaware on some steamboats that were attempting to escape up the river, one of them having in tow a schooner loaded with commissary stores. One of the steamers was run inshore and burned; the other two, together with the schooner, were captured Page 112 112 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. At about 12 oclock in., I ran the Delaware alongside the wharf and informed the inhabitants that we intended iio injury tG the town. At this time fires broke out in several portions of the city, it apparently being the intention on the part of the enemy to destroy it. Fire was also communicated to a floating raft in Trent River, filled with bales of cotton saturated with turpentine, which had been prepared to scud down to the fleet. This, drifting against the railroad bridge, set fire to and destroyed it. The Louisiana and Barney were sent to the Trent side of the town in order to secure any 1)ublic property that niight be found there. Several hundred stan(l of arms and other munitions of war and a large amnoumit of naval stores, together with a large three-masted schooner, fell into our hands. At 2 p. in., our victorious troops a})pearing on the opposite side of the Trent, the work of transportation coinmeiiced, and at sundown the army was iii full occupancy of the city. The obstructions in the river were very formidable and had evidently been prepared with great care. The lower barrier was coml)osed of a series of piling driven securely into the bottom and cut off below the water. Added to this was another row of iron-capped and pointed l)iles inclined at an angle of about 45 degrees dowii the stream. Near these was a row of thirty torpedoes, containing about 200 pounds of l)owder each, aimd fitted with metal fuzes connected to spring percussion locks with trigger-lines attache(l to the pointed piles. The second barrier was quite as formidable as the first, though not so dangerous. This was about a mile above and abreast of Fort Thompson, and consisted of a line of sumiken vessels, closely massed, amid cheraux-de-frise, leaving a very narrow passage under the battery. In passing through these obstructions the Perry struck one of the iron stakes and carried the head of it off stickiiig in her bottom. The Barney had a hole six inches long cut in her, and the AStars and Stripes was also injured, but fortunately the torpedoes failed to serve the enemys purpose. The forts, six in number (exclusive of those on the Trent) were well constructed earthworks, varying in distance apart from one-half mile to 1& miles and mounting in all thirty-two guns, ranging from 32-pounders to 80-pounders rifled, all in barbette, with the exception of one case- mated fort mounting two guns. I forward herewith the report of Lieutenant MeCook, commanding the naval battery in the battle of New Berne. The conduct of this officer, as also the officers in command of the gnus amid their crews, is worthy of all praise. The list of killed am1d wounded in this little command, amounting to less than 50 all told, will show that where the hottest of the fire was there they were. It again becomes mny pleasing duty to bear testimony to the gallant bearing of the commanders of the different vessels, their officers and crews. I must beg leave to express my grateful thanks for the able manner in which I have been supported by them. I am happy to add that no casualties occurred on board the vessels under mny command (luring the engagement. I have.the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. IROWAN, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 113 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 113 [Enclosures.] U. S. S. PhILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, N (1., March 19, 18G2. Sin: I have the honor to submit the following detailed report of the operations ot the battery under my command during the action near this place on the 14th instant: Iii obedience to your order of the 13th, 1 took conimand of the naval battery of six howitzers, and on the morning ol that day landed ~~itIi the advance of the army at Slocums Creek. 1 was 1)laced in the brigade and nuder the orders of General Foster, aiid at oiice moved forward to join hini. The roads were very heavy, in sonic 1)laces almost I inpassable, and had it not been for the assistance which was cheerfully rendered me by the army the I)ieces could iiever have gone forward. We marched steadily forward till 9 oclock at night and then halted to rest. At 1 a. in. of the 14th we again iiioved forward, and at 3 a. m. reported to General l}urumside, who ordered us to halt. At daylight we resumed our march. At about 7 a. in. General Bnriiside ordered me to take a l)Osition in front of the left of the enemys works. 1 moved the battery forward to the edge of the cleared space and deployed it to the left of the contity road, opening tire at once with shell and shrapiuel, at a distance of about 600 yards. Opposed to us, and behind the breastwork, was a battery of eleven fleldpieces (six of which paid l)articular attention to us) and a nuutiber of riflemen, who annoyed us excessively whenever the smoke would lift clear of our guns. Fn attempting to drive these latter from the breastwork I advanced the battery some distance, firing canister, but was compelled to hill back to my original position after having one gun disabled, an officer and several men wounded, anti one killed. For an hour and a half we maintained our position under a heavy fire of shell, grape, and musketry, when a gallant charge by our troops cleare(l the enemy from the breastwork. I at once moved forward into the work with three of my l)ieces and all may remnaining ammunition. General Foster themi ordered me forward with a I)ortioIl of his brigade. When we had arrived within 200 yards of the railroad a detached body of the enemy appeared in sight. The gnus were at once l)rel)aLed for action amid pointed toward a cleared spot on the opposite side of the railroad that the enemy seemed to be making for. As they came into this Open space I gave the order to fire, but before the order could be executed Acting Master Hammond rashly (lashed forward in front oC the guns and demanded their surrender. To this demand they coin- plied by throwing down their arms and holding up their hands in tokemi of submission. The prisoners proved to be Colonel Avery and a 1)ortiou of his coin- mnand, the Twenty-fifth North Carolina Itegimument. They had beemi drivemi from the rifle pits by our troops amid were endeavoring to make their escape. From this poimit I was ordered down the railroad to New Berne. Obtaining two cars, I placed my gnus upon theuui and reached the burning bridge to find our navy in possession of the city and the gunboats transporting the troops across the river. The cheerfulness with which the brave men under my command dragged their guns through the heavy roads, part of the time exposed to a drenching rain, and the gallant manner in which they sustained NWRV0L7 Page 114 114 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the heavy fire of the enemy, is worthy of all praise. I would especially call your attention to the gallant conduct of Orderly Sergeant J. Men- denliall, Company E, Union Coast Guard; Seamen James Judge, George H. Mansell, John Williams, Charles Patterson, and Ordinary Seaman 1)uncan Douglas. These men, with the exception of Mei~denhall,acted as captains of gulis, and from their intimate acquaintance with the howitzers were of great service. The conduct of my officers was all that I could wish. Acting Masters Daniels and Hammond, of the Iletzcl, rendered inc most valuable aid. One gun in each of their sec- tions was in charge of F. P. Meeker, of the flagship, and F. C. Gaban- dan, of the Delaware. To their coolness and courage all can testify. The gun in charge of Lieutenant Hughes, of Company B, Union Coast Guard, suffered severely, and was finally disabled. During a portion of the engagement he loaded the gun himself, until carried away wounded. Mr. I)aniels made an attempt to carry forward two of the captured pieces~ but after dragging them some distance they stuck fast in the mud. Lieutenant Tillotson, of the Coast Guard, after firing away all his ammunition, left his section, and I have since learned was picked np by the retreating enemy. On going into action, I discovered that some of the men had straggled off, leaving me about fifty men to fight the guns. Among those I regret to report the following casualties: Killed.Private Arthur McGinnis, Private John Sheehy, Company B, Union Coast Guard. Wounded.Second Lieutenant T. W. B. Hughes, Orderly Sergeant J. Mendenhall, Sergeant James C. Freeman, Corporal Thomas Riley, Pri- vate John McDougal, Private S. S. Fonda, Private Nicholas Mertz (yet missing), Company B, Union Coast Guard; Seaman John Williams, Ordinary Seaman Jeremiah Sullivan, Ordinary Seaman George Bushee, Ordinary Seaman Thomas Simmons. Killed, 2; wounded, Ill. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. SHELDON MCCOOK, Lientenant, U. S. Navy. Commander S. C. ROWAN, Commanding Naval Forces in the Sounds of North Carolina. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, N. C., March 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that the only casualties to the forces under your command ~m1 the engagement at this place on tIme 13th and 14th instants occurred in tIme naval howitzer battery under the com- mand of Lieutenant H. S. McCook, U. S. Navy, cooperating with the forces on shore, and are as follows, viz: Killed.Arthnr McGinnis, private Company B, Union Coast Guard; John Sheehy, private Company B, Union Coast Guard. Wounded.Lieuten ant T. W. B. Hughes (severely), second lieutenant Company B, Ummion Coast Guard; J. Mendenhall (slightly), orderly ser- geant Company B, Union Coast Guard; James C. Freeman (slightly), sergeant Company B, Union Coast Guard; Thomas Riley (slightly), cor- poral Compammy B, Union Coast Guard; John MeDougal (severely), private Company B, Union Coast Guard; S. S. Fonda (slightly), private CompamiyB, Union Coast Guard; Nicholas Mertz (missing),private C~un- pany B, Union Coast Guard; John Williams, seaman (severely), U. S. S Page 115 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 115 Roanoke; Jeremiah Sullivan, ordinary seaman (slightly), U. S. S. Morse; George Bushee, ordinary seamaii (slightly), Thomas Simmons, ordinary seaman (slightly), U. S. S. Valley City. hilled ~ wounded 11. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SATXIL. J. JONES, Assistant Surgeon, U. AS. Navy. Commander S. C. IIOWAN, Commanding U. S. Na cal Forces in Sonnds oJ North Carolina. Report of Lieutenant Werden, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Stars and Stripes. U. S. S. STARS AND STRIPES, ~)fl~ New Berne, March 15, 18G2. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your order I got underway at 7 : 30 a. in. on the 13th, and stood in to cover the landing of the troops at the mouth of Slocum~s Creek. I anchored at a point distant half a mile from shore and three- quarters of a mile from the mouth of the creek. Having discovered a small body of cavalry and infantry in the woods, I fired a fe~v shots and (hisl)ersed them. At 11: 30 a. in. ceased firing and remained at anchor during tIme night. At 9: 15 a. in. on the 14th, in obedieimce to your order, I steamed up toward New l3erne. in crossing over the obstructions placed in the channel by the rebels we struck severely upon one of the sunken spears, resulting in no serious injury. At 11 : 30 a. in. I anchored off the city. I have no casualties to report. Ii herewith emiclose reports* of expendi- tine of ammunition ali(I seizure of prize; also list of officers an(l crew. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. WERDEN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commodore STEPHEN C. ROWAN, Corn man ding Na cal Forces. Report of Lieutenant Quackenbush, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Delaware. U. S. S. DELAWARE, Off New Berne, N. C., March 15, 18G2. SIR: I have the honor to herewith submit to you the following report: At 7 a. m. on the morning of the 12th instant got underway, in obedience to a general signal from the flagship. Passing within hail, we were ordered to proceed in advance of the fleet to the muouth of the Neuse River, where we arrived and anchored at 12:40 p. m. of the same day. At 3 p. in., in accordance with signals to this vessel, we followed the flagship, and at 6: 50 caine to anchor with the squadron about 15 miles below New Berne. At 7 a. in. of the I 3th instant got underway and ran close inshore for the purpose of ascertaining a proper 1)lace for the troops to land amid to cover their landing by shelling the woods. Returning to flagship, took on board Commodore Row aim and aids, and continued to shell the woods to protect our army while landimig and marching. Not found Page 116 116 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. At 4 p. iu. engaged battery on Johnsons Point, and at S p. m. raii aloiigside of the steamer Philadelphia for the night. On the morning of the 14th~ at 8 a. in., east loose from the Philadel- phia and stood up the river in advance of the fleet toward New I3erne. We engaged the enemys batteries along the river, receiving and returning their fire as we passed rapidly up, and when off New I3erne gave chase to two steamers, one of which had a schooner in to~v; brought them to with shots from our rifle howitzer; after which sent boats and captured them. They proved to be the Albemarle and Old North State. At 2: 30 p. m. commenced transporting troops from Ferry Point to the town, and, finishing, at 6:30 came to anchor near the Philadelphia. I am, very res~)ectfLilly, your obedient servant, S. P. (uAcKnNBusll, Lieutenant, Gomman(ling. Commodore S. C. IlowAN, (Jomdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Albentarle and Pantlico Sounds. Report of Lieutenant Hopkins, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Underwriter. U. S. S. UNDERWRITER, New Berne, N. C., ]Ifarch 15, 1862. Sm: I have the honor to report that on the morimilig of the 13th, in obedience to your orders, I got underway and 1)roceeded up the river and reported myself to Lieutenant Commanding Flusser. I took the 1)OsitioIt assigned me and shelled the woods. lleceiving no respoitse front the enemy, we retired for a short tinie. At 3 p. in. we again advaitced and fired upon a poiiit where a battery was stlpL)osed to be. The enemy themt fired upon us, firing two shots. We then fired upomi theni until dark, when we proceeded to our former anchorage, in obedience to orders. Oim the morning of the 14th, the weather beitig very foggy, and hear- in g continued firhig, I got underway and proceeded in the direction of the firing. In company with the rest of the fleet, I advanced tip the river and limed upon the supL)osed position of the enemy. We then fired upon time batteries as they appeared. I have every reason to believe that a shell from my 80-pounder rifle eiploded the magazine of a battery that had previously fired upon us. I am happy to say that the officers and ineit under my commatid are everything I could wish them to be. I have to congratulate you upon the entire success of our arms against so superior a force of the enemy. I have no casualties to report. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obediemtt servant, ALFRED HOPKINS, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commander S. C. ROWAN, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Pamlico Sound. Report of Lieutenant McCook, U. S. Navy, commanding naval battery. U. S. S. PIIILADELPHIA, March 15, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your orders I took command of the naval battery of six ho~vitzers on the morning o Page 117 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 117 the 13th. After a very fatiguing march I reported at the headquarters of General Buruside at 3 a. in. on the morning of the 14th. 1 was assigned a position by General Buruside in front of the enemys works, and was placed in the brigade and under the command of General Foster. I am happy to state that during a sharply contested fight of about two hours we maintained our position under a very heavy fire of field guns and musketry. One of my guns was struck by a shell and disabled. The casualties in my command were 3 killed and 10 wounded, SeIne of the latter badly. I will have the honor to submit to you a more detailed report* at aii early day. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, II. SHELDON MOCOOK, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Commander S. C. I4OWAN, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Pamlico Sound. Unofficial letter from Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy. NEW BERNE, N. C., March 15, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: New I3erne is ours, and a splendid thing it is. The army deserves all praise, and the navy, you know, is always right side up. We reached the proposed landing place at sundown of the next evening after you left ns. I anchored my squadron above the creek, an(l the transports came straggling in during the night. The general came on board and had a talk. It was decided to laud early next morning. At daylight I had Murray, Davenport, Chaplin, and Werden in losition to cover the landing, and in the most economical iuauner swel)t the woods with 32-pounder shell. The army commenced to land abont 8 oclock a. m. Six howitzers in command of McCook were put On shore with the first brigade under Foster, who pushed ahead, amid, as they advanced, I pushed ship after ship along the shore. The night closed in thick fog. in the meantime I made a reconnoissance in the Delaware and drew the fire of the four- gun battery. I left and the Lockwood to amuse themselves with the battery till night. I returned in the meantinme to the place where the inshore battery was said to be. The head of our colunmn had passed, tIme battery was deserted, whether iii consequence of the gulls of tIme Perry amid South field that had beemi playing on it during time forenoon or not I am unable to say. The general came to me at this i)oillt and after deciding upon a plan of signals for the night we separated. The army pushed gallantly on to within a mile or two of the enemys imitrenchmnents, where it bivouacked for the night. At daylight a dense fog. I went from the Philadelphia to the Delaware and shortly after heard the report of a gun. Sent the Lockwood down to bring up all time broad horns and theim use them to even up time broadside batteries. Igot hold of time shore and groped slowly along with time Hunchback and Perry until we came plump on time point. In the meantime time fir ing became general and soon I was satisfied that our whole force was engaged. I commnenced throwing 5, 10, 15 secomid shells inshore and notwithstanding the risk, I determined to continue till the general sent me word. I know the persuasive etfoct of a 9-inch, and thought it better to kill a Union man or two than to lose the effect of my moral suasion. The effect was terrificlarge pine trees were cut dowmm like so ~Seep. 113 Page 118 118 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. many twigs. In the meantime I advanced very gingerly up to the infernals and opened on the four-gun battery; but [one] shot was lived from it, when it was abandoned. The first large battery was next visited. By this time I had all my broad-horn force in line abreast moving very slowly up to the infernal machines. The old pilot (who is atrump) sang , Youmust stop or you will be all blown up,but I told him we must run some risk and I hoped their machines would not go off, and sure enough they did not. I gathered the line in a little and went on very slowly, the enemy firing weak and wild. I saw he was demoralized by the army in his rear, and if I did not push on Buruside would be defeated. The enemy blew up, or we blew up, with our shell, one of his magazines. Behm swears his Stilton cheese did it. The moment the army succeeded in drawing the enemy from his extended lines of rifle pits in the rear of the second large battery, that magazine blew up and the jig was up. I moved then rapidly up to the city, took possession of an immense amount of stores and arms, munitions, vessels and cotton, and lots of pitch and tar. In fact, the town is an immense depot of army fixtures and manufactures, of shot aiid shell, gun carriages, etc. I went over the battle ground with the general to-day. It was a sad sight, the rain poured in torrents and the dead lay scattered over the ground, some in the mud, others half buried in the water of the pits. The wounded were objects of pity, poor creatures, lying exposed and begging a little water. All was done for their comfort that is possible under the circumstances. I think this fight the most gallant affair of the Army that has occurred during the war. Seven thousand five hundred entrenched troops with sixteen pieces of artillery ought to have whipped 11,500 Yankees out of their boots. Our naval battery was the boast of the day. All the officers in com- mand, save one, behaved splendidly. I hope you will have little Daniels restored to the Navy; I mean to write to Fox about him. Miller is a trump; so is my clerk, Gabaudan, and Hughes, of the Coast Guard, who is wounded. The blue jackets stood to their gnus like men. The Coast Guard flunked, with a few exceptions. We are preparing to move on Beaufort. Can not you insure the retention of the Nashville until we get there. I have a great deal to say, but no time. About 300 killed and wounded on our side. Generals unhurt. Troops fought like regulars. Very truly, yours, S. C. IIOWAN. [Flag-Officer L. M. GOLI~snoRoUGII, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading A~qUa(1ro n.] Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, commending Acting Master Daniels of the U. S. S. Hetzel. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, N. 0., March 26, 1862. SIR: I take great pleasure in forwarding the enclosed letter, written by Lieutenant Commanding Davenport, recommending young Mr. Daniels to the favorable notice of the Department. I had the honor, on previous occasions, of calling the attention of the Department to the merits of this youth while serving as my clerk on board the Pawnee, particularly of his cool bravery under a heavy fire at Aquia Creek during my bombardment of that place Page 119 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 119 Such was my appreciation of Mr. Daniels pluck and ability that I assigited to him the responsible duty of reorganizing the boat howitzers for the attack on New Berue, which duty he performed with so mitch zeal and ability that I gave him command of one of the sections, and nobly did he bear himself in the face of the enemy when our whole bat- tery was exposed to a murderous fire of musketry and grape which cut down one-fourth of the crews. I beg leave, respectfully, to renew the hope that the youth may be restored to his original position in the Navy which he lost by insubor- dination as a schoolboy. Very respectfully, S. C. ROWAN, Commanding U. & Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. [Hon. (2. V Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy.] Letter of congratulation from Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, March 22, 1862. SIR: Your dispatch announcing your success at New Berne reached me in due season and was immediately forwarded to the Navy Depart- ment. 1 beg to comigratulate you, your officers an(l men, for the glorious achievement. I expected nothing less. I trust that Beautort and Fort Macon will soon share a similar fate with New Bernethat is, be iii your possession. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. (IOLDSBOROTJGH, Flag- Officer. Commander S. C. ROWAN, Commanding Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Letter of thanks from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, and the officers and men of the flotilla. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 27, 1862. SIR: Yours of the 17th instant is received, enclosing the highly interesting and important dispatch of Commander Stephen C. Rowan, in command of the flotilla on the inner waters of North Carolina, com- municating the successful achievemuents of himself and his command, in cooperation with the army, in capturing the rebel batteries upon tIme Neuse River, the defeat and rout of the enemys forces in that vicinity, and the occupation by the combined forces of the Army and Navy of the United States of the city of New Berne. This brilliant victory has been the source of great satisfactiomi to the whole country amid a(l(ls additional obligations to those previously acquired in the operations in Albeniarle Sound and at Elizabeth City. You are desired to convey to Commander Itowan and the officers and men of the flotilla the thanks of the Department and of the Government fhr the services and gallantry which have been displayed in the combined operations of the army and naval forces. I am, respectfully, your obedient servamit, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. IXI. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading squadron, Hampton Roads Page 120 120 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] WAR DEPARTMENT, March 14, 186212 m. Your telegram* relative to barges received. I have ordered eight more sent down. I have seen nothing yet to satiscy me that in the next engagement the Monitor will not be sunk. M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- Gcnerai. Captain DAHEGREN. Report of Flag- Officer Goidsboronqh, U. S. Nary, urytny the speedy prepa- ratton (~/ ironcla(ls Jor use in Hampton Roads. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, hampton Roads, Virginia, March 14, 1862. SIR: In view of the actual state of things existing here, I would most respectfully urge that the ironclad vessels preparing at the North should be got ready for service at the earliest possible moment, auid that both of them be (lispatched for these roads. By working upoii them with a largely increased force (lay and night one or both of them, perhaps, might reach here in season to do infinite good. Up to this time the enemy has made no further demonstration with either the Merrimack or the other vessels associated with her in the late attack. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII, Flag- Officer, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, D. C. [Telegram.] FORT MON ROE, March 14, [18G2]. I beg you will send me more trOol)s. The Merrimack is preparing and they are strengthening her weak points. It is thought she will be pre- pare(l to come out in a very few days. If she should overcome tIme Monitor we would lose Newport News, an important position, unless I have troops enough to meet and repel the rebels before they can reach Newport News. JOHN E. WooL, Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Major-General. Secretary of War. [Telegram.] FORTRESS MONROE, March 14, 1862. All quiet here. Two rebel tugs seen off Sewells Point this forenoon, making recon- noissance. No signs of Mierrimack. See P. 101 Page 121 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 121 Foggy; windN.E. Gunboats Uncas, Currituck, and Sachem are here. Name of Captain Davis was erroneously telegraphe(l Sprague in Wednesdays dispatch. BABCOCK. ~4rk, and FULTON P1 CRAIG New I , tiladeiphia and Baltimore. Approved. JOHN E. WOOL, [Major. General. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, D. C., March 14, 1862. The Secretary of War wishes you to consult with Major-General \\Tool as to tile safest place to put the commissary sul)plies to avoid tileir being destroyed by the rebel iron-plated steamer. J. P. TAYLOR, Commissary- General of Subsistence. Captaimi J. M. TAYLOR. [Telegram.] NEWPORT NEWS, ]Jrarch 14, [1862]. Two steamers are reported to have passed up the river l)y this post within ami hour.* In the fog we could not see them froln our battery, but they were heard and sparks seen. MANSFIELD, Brigadier. General. General WooL. [Telegram.] HEADQITARTERS, Fort Monroe, March 14, 1862. Why not send down Professor Wylnans [Winans] new steamed Jt is reported that she is in the shape of a cigar and runs very fast. She would answer to run into the Merrimack or any other vessel. She is at Baltilnore. JOHN E. WOOL, Major- General. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, March 14, 1862. For the present retaiii the San Jacinto at Hampton Roads as a part of your squadron. GwEoN WELLES, Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROTJGH. Secretary Navy. See P. 745 Page 122 122 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Flag- Officer (Joldsboroagh, U. 8. Navy, to the captain of army transport 8. II. AS~paulding, to proceed to Hatteras Inlet carrqing men and amm unition for the naval service. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 11, 1(SGQ. SIR: General Wool having placed the 8. A. 8pauidinq temporarily under my orders, you will please l)ioceed with her to Hatteras inlet, and on your arrival there deliver the men and ammunition you have on board for the naval service. Should there be no naval steamer at the inlet will you please give Mr. Hale such aid as may be in your power to facilitate the forwarding of the men and ammunition to Commander itowan ~? Mr. Hale will return with you, if possible, according to the orders I have given him, but you are not to wait an uiireasonable time for him. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GoLnSnoJzouGH, Flag- Officer. Captain HowES, U. 8. 8team Transport 8. A. Spaulding. Order of Flag. Officer Goldsborough, U. 8. Navy, to Acting ilfasters Mate Hale, to s aJ)erint end the transportation oJ men an(l (tntmunition to Hatteras inlet. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, March 14, 1862. SIR: You will take charge of the men and ammunition to be sent to Hatteras Inlet by the 8. A. ASpauldinq, and on your arrival there deliver them to Commander S. C Howan Sound. . , commali(ling naval forces in Pamlico Should there be no naval steamer at Hatteras Inlet you will request the commanding officer at Fort Hatteras to forward the men and ainmu- nitiomi to Commander Rowan in one of the army steamers, as it is impor- tant we should have them at the earliest practicable moment. After delivering the mcii and ammunition to Commander liowan you will return to this place in the Spauldin. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servamit, L. M. GoLDSEOuoUGH, Acting Masters Mate THOS. G. HALE, Flag-Officer. U. 8. 8. Minnesota, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Report of Commander Totten, U. 8: Navy, commandinq U. 8. storeship Brandywine, oJ the arrival of that vessel at Baltimore. U. S. S[HIP] BRANDYWINE, Baltimore, Md., March 14, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of this vessel at this port last evening, having been towed from Annapolis by the Government tugboats Page 123 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 123 I had the honor in a previous communication to report the loss of one of our masters mates by drowning, Mr. George Parks. lie was buried at Annapolis, the commanding officer there, Brigadier- General Hatch, very kindly rendering us every facility and furnishing an escort. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, B. J. TOTTEN, Commander. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag- Otlicer (Joldsborough, U. S. Navy, of the arrival in Hamp ton Roads of the U. S. S. Chippewa. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 14, 1862. Siu: I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. S. Chippewa arrived this morning from Baltimore. 1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag. Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Brigadier-General Meigs, 11. S. Army, regarding the steamers Vanderbilt and Atlantic. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 14, 1862. DEAR Sin: Are the Vanderbilt and Atlantic in your employ; and if so, where are theyl Yours, very respectfully, G. ~. Fox. Brigadier-General M. C. MEIGS, Quartermaster- General, U. S. Army, lVashington. [Endorsement.] QUARTERMASTER-GENERALS OFFICE, March 16, 18621:5Ojp.m. The Vanderbilt, I am told, is now in New York. She is itot, so far as I am advised, in employment of the War Department. The Atlantic was lately in New York discharging a load of cotton. On 1st March I directed that she should sail on Momin day, the 3d instant, for Port Royal. She is there or on her way back, unless she accompanied Da Pont to Fernandina. Captain Rodgers could inform you as to this probably. Respectfully, M. ~. MEIGS, Quartermaster. General Page 124 124 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of the Secretary of War to the Quartermaster- General at New York, regarding the steamers Vanderbilt and Atlantic. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, 1). (1., ~llarch 11, 18G2. SIR: If the steamers Vanderbilt and Atlantic, or citi ier of them, are in the service of time War Department, or lln(ler your control, you will please turn them over to Assistant Secretary Fox for the use of the Navy Department. Yours, truly, EDWiN M. STANTON, Colonel TOMPKINS, Secretary of War. Assistant Quartermaster- General, New York. Letter from Major- General Wool, U. N. Army, to Flag- Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Navy, regarding a suspicious erafi off Seweils Point. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort illonroe, la., 1/arch 14, 1R62. Sir: It has just been reported to me a suspicions craft is oft Sewells Point. I am not without apprehension that some iuovemmmeimt is niaking that requires our attei ution. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN B. WOOL, Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGH. ]JJajor- General. Letter from Major. General Wool, U. S. Army, to Flag- Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Navy, regarding suspicious movements of the enemy. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort ]JI2)flroe Ia Mar(h ii 1& U. , ., [SIn:] General Mansfield informs inc this evening that there Ii as been considerable movement of troops from Big Bethel toward time Warwick River, which empties into the James River about 12 miles al)oVe New- port News. I have also some reason to believe tlmat time emmemumy have been moving troops, and perhaps ordnance, from Sewehls i~oint to Craney Island, and possibly from that quarter toward I)ays Poimut on the right bamuk of the James River, nearly opposite Warwick River; all(l General Mansfield also reports that he believes a steamner of time enemy passed up by Newport News to-night, as indicated omuly by time sparks, and he also reports that they were crossing considerably fromn Days Point over to the Warwick side. 1 am not without apprehension that the Mierrimack contemplates coming out, and that a simultaneous attack by water and by Lmmm(l mmnmy be made to-morrow or soon, an(I I desire you will send up early to-mor- row morning tugs to Newport News. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN F. WooL, Major- General. Flag-Officer GOLDSBOIIOUGH Page 125 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 125 Letter from the Secrct((ry of the Navy to Flag- Officer Gol(lsborough, U. S. Nacy, naming additional vessels for his command. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 14, 18G2. SIR: The following steamers, which were under orders to other squad- ions, but are now at hampton Roads, or on the way there, will form a l)alt of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron under your command, viz: Wachnsett, Commander J. S. Missrooiv Dacotah Commander J. P. MicKinstry; Chocura, Lieutenant-Commander T. H. Patterson; Penob- scot, Lieutenant-Commander J. M. B. Clitz; Currituck, Sachemn. Also the steamers Commodore Barney and Commodore Perry, which you were directed to send to Port Royal when they could be spared. I am, resl)ectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, hampton Roads. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, promising cooperation in case of a movement against Norfolk. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 11, 18G2. SIR: Yours enclosing the dispatch5 of Major- Geiieral McClellan, sug- gesting that the Secretary of the Navy be requested to order to Fort Monroe whatever force Du Pont can now spare, as well as any available force that (ioldsborough can send up as soon as bis present operations are completed, has been received. If a movement is to be made upomi Norfolk, always a favorite meas- ure of this Department, instant measures will be takeu to advise and strengthen Flag-Officer Goldsborouglm; but unless such be the case, I should be extremely reluctant to take any measure that would even teniporarily weaken the efficiency of the blockade, especially at the 1)OilIts under the command of Flag-Officer Du Pont. The importance of capturimig Norfolk is, I know, deemed almost indis- pensable by Flag-Officer Goldsborough, who will be happy to cooperate iii a movement in that direction, and will, I need imot assure you, have the active and earnest efforts of this Department to aid him with all the force that can be placed at his disposal. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GlDEoN WELLES. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 15, 1SG2. Send the St. Lawrence to the Kettle Bottom Shoals in the Potomac. if she has not arrived, send orders to her at some point on the Dela- ware. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. Commodore G. J. PENDERGRAST, Commandant Navy Yard, Philadelphia. ~Seep. 103 Page 126 126 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 15, 1862. Proceed forthwith with the Brandywine into the Potoiuiac. Answer. (hi)EoN WELLES. Commander B. J. TOTTEN, Corn man ding U. S. Frigate Bran dyw me, Baltimore, Md. [Telegram. I BALTIMORE, March 15, 1862. Order received. Will proceed without delay as soon ~S steam power can be obtained. How far up the Potomac shall I go~ B. J. TOTTEN, Commander. SECRETARY NAVY. [Telegram.] NAVY 1)EPARTMENT, March15, 1862. Come up as far as Kettle Bottoni Shoals. Lieutenant Wyman, of the flotilla, has iii structions. CIDEON WELLES. Commander B. J. TOTTEN, U. S. Frigate Brandywine, Baltimore, lid. Letter from the Secretary of the Nary to Flag-Officer (loldsborough, U. S. Nary, requesting a statement regarding the cause ami circumstances of the loss of the U. S. ships Congress and Cumberland. NAVY DEPARTMENT, 11 arch 15, 1862. SIR: The recent calamities at Hampton Roads by the armored steamer Merrimack whi its in those waters on cli made appearance the 8th and 9th instant, with the loss of the Cnmbcrland and Conqrcss, have caused alarm throughont the country. It would be difficult to insti- tute a formal enquiry into this disaster and the atten(ling circumstances at this time, but the Department (lesires to possess itself, so far as I)racticable, of the facts, and also to ascertain whether the suggestions, l)lan of operations, and other measures 1)roposed by yourself were car- ried into effect, or wherein they failed, a.iid the cause or reason of the failure. Unfortunately you, who have given the subject ceaseless attention, and on whom the Department relied for not Ol)ly most of its information, but to meet and overcome this formidable vessel, were absent on other duty when the occurrence took place. But, being now at your l)ost, 1 (lesire that you will, as early as you can, without detri- ment to other active duties, communicate your views, opinions, and the circumstances attending this untoward afthir, the errors, if there were any, and to whom and what cause attributable. Is it not now possible to sink vessels in the narrow chaniiel or strait in Elizabeth River, through which the Merrimack passes, so as to prevent her egress? I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, (hliinEoN WELLES Flag-Officer L. M. (IOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 127 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 127 Letter from the ASeeretary at the Nary to Flag- Otileer Goidsborough, U. S. Aa ry, regarding the plactug of obstructions to prerent the C. S. S. Vir- gin ia (Merrimack) from coming oat from Noifolk, Va. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 15, 1862. SIR: There is a degree of apprehension in regard to the armored steamer Merrimack which it is difficult to allay. If it is possible to place obstructions, by sinking vessels iii the iiarrow channel of Eliza- beth River, so as to prevent her from coming out, it is desirable that it should be (lone at any cost. Such I know to be the wish of the Presi- dent as well as the Department. and a large committee of highly respect- able gentlemen from the cities of New York, 1~hil adelphia, and Boston, at the head of whom was Mayor Opdyke, have just called upon me to urge that vessels might be forthwith sunk in the channel. I have already written you iu regard to closing up the strait through which the Merrimack comes out. Of course the work will be attended with great difficulty and danger, as you will have to pass the various bat- teries. Still, if time channel can be closed it should be done, as that is the only certain means of guam-ding against the formidable vessel, except by cal)tllring Norfolk, which, if the army were disposed, I think the most desirable and effective movement. The entire su~ject is com- mitted to your judgment, for you best kimow the case. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSJ3OROUGH, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] MARCH 15, [1862]11.15 a. m. The Monitors guns are Nos. 27, 28, West Point, 1859. T. A. Hunt. I will send you their tensile strength. H. A. WISE, Assistant Inspector of Ordnance. Captain DAHLGREN, Nary Yard, Order of Commander Romean, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Werden, U. S. Na~y to assume command of the naval force in Albemarle Sound, North Carolina. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, N. C., March 15, 1862. SIR: You will proceed xvitli the Stars and Stripes under your com- mamid, accompanied by the Lockwood, to Albemarle Sound, arid assume command of the forces there, consisting of the Ellis, Whitehead, Shaw- sheen, Ceres, and Putnam. The object of keeping this force in these waters is to guard the canals emptying into the North and Pasquotauk rivers and Currituck Sound. You will have Lieutenant Commanding Franklin in commuand in places off Elizabeth, with time Ellis, Whiteh cad, Shawsheen, an(l Ceres. I on will take position off North River with time Stars and Stripes, Lockwood, amid Putnam; the latter two vessels can anchor inside th Page 128 128 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. bar in bad weather, and can make a daily reconnoissauce of the mouth of the canal and Currituck Sound, which must be well watched to prevent the enemy from making a descent on iRoanoke Island. You can obtain coal at IRoanoke. The o1z~ject of the forces now uhl(ler your command being to guard the canals and Currituck Sound, you must be the j udge as to the best disposition to make of your forces. Very respectfully, S. C. ItOWAN, Commanding Naval Forces in Pamlico Soun(l. [Lieutenant iREED WERDEN, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Stars and Stripcs.] Report ~f Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, ~f the need of fi or efficient steamers for the blockade of Beau ftrt, N. C. U. S. S. CAMBRiDGE, Off Bea~fort, N. C., March 15, 1862. Sin: I have to report that this vessel is uiiseaworthy and requires extensive repairs. I respectfully request that she may l)e relieved amid ordered to return to one of our Northern ports for the l)U~l)O5C of refittiiig ships. I have also to report that at least four swift and efficient steaniers are re(luiLed to blockade this port; they should carry powerful batteries. I amu, sir, very respectfully, your obediemit servant, WM. A. PARKER, Commander. iou. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C. [Telegram. I WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., March 15, 1862. You will turn over the steamer Illinois to Assistant Secretary Fox, to be placed at his disposal. EDWIN lxi. STANTON, Secretary of War. Colonel TOMPKINS, Assistant Quartermaster- Gencral, New York. [Telegram.] WAR I)EPARTMENT, Washington City, D. C., March 15, 1862. Your dispatch just received. Orders have been given to Colonel Tompkins to turn over the Illinois to you to be disposed of as you may direct. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Hon. U. V. Fox, New York Page 129 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 129 Telegraiii.] WAR DEPARTMENT, March 15, 1862. The Secretary of War directs me to ask you for what sum you will contract to destroy the JThrrimack or prevent her from coming out from Norfolk, you to sink or destroy her if she gets out. Answer by telegraph, as there is no time to be lost. - JoIIN TUCKER, Assistant & crctary of War. C. [ANDERBILT, Esq., New York. [Teh~graiii. NEW YORK CITY, March 15, 1862. Mr. Vanderbilt desires me to say he can make 110 satisfactory reply to the enquiry made of him, but ~vill be in Washington on Motiday next to confer with the Department. W. I~. IhNsMouE. lloii. E. NI. STANTON. Report (~t Flag- Officer (Joldsborough, U. S. Nary, 0] the arrival in Hamp ton Roads of the U. S. S. 8an Jacinto. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. S. San Jacinto arrived here yesterday. Agreeably to the orders received by telegram, I shall retaimi her as one of time North Atlantic Blockaditi g Squadron until directed to do otherwise. She may be of great service here ~vhen the Merrimack and consorts mmext appear, particularly to contend against the latter. I am sorry to state that the telegraphic cable between this and Cherrystone ceased to act yesterday. It is, I umiderstamid, to be under- run un mediately. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. (3-OLDSBOROUGH, Flag-Officer, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C. Report oJ Commander Missroon, U.. S.. Nwry~ commanding U. S. S~ Wachusett, aJ~ arrieal in Hampton Roads. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, flampton Roads, Virginia, March 16, 1862. SIR: I have the homwr ~o report the arrival of this vessel here this evening, amid that I have rel)orted in obedience to the orders of the Department to Flag-Officer Goldsborough. The steam works of this vessel have performed very satisfactorily during the whole passage hence from Boston, amid give reason to expect time fullest satisfaction for lime future. ~i W ltvOL 7 Page 130 130 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The performance of the vessel at sea, in several particulars, is by no means what I had expected. Her rolling (always excessive in a l)ro- peller) is so unusually sharp, quick, and deep as to make it doubtful if her battery, especially the K I-inch guns, can be worked, if at all, with any degree of efficiency in an ordinary seaway, the attempt to (10 50 being at the risk of serious casualties to her guns crews, and she seems to be entirely without the buoyancy essential to her safety as a seaboat with her present heavy battery and disposition of weights. Respectfully, sir, your obed iei it servant, J. S. MIssnooN, Conirnander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C. Letter from Captain Vase, U. S. Navy, to commanding officer U. S. S. Currituck regarding approach of the enemy. FLAGShiP MINNESOTA, hampton Roads, March 16 1862. Sin: Blue lights burned at night by our tug l)ackets indicate the approach of the enemy. The tugboats go out nightly toward Sewells Point and the mouth of the Elizabeth and James rivers. Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. L. CASE, Captain of the Fleet. COMMANDING OFFiCER U. S. S. CURRITUCK. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 16, 1862. Have you information that the St. Lawrence is in the Potomac l GIDEON WELLES. Captain J. A. DAHLGREN, Commandant Navy Yard, Washington. I Telegram.] BALTIMORE, March 16, 1862. ~Te have no medical officer and no medicines. Men much exposed and some sick. A surgeon might be obtained here. We have but one anchor, and that a light one, for the vessel. Sufficient steam power has not yet been obtained. When it is, I shall leave as soon as l)ossible for the Potomac. INo reply to telegram of yesterday yet received. B. J. TOTTEN, Commanding U. S. Storeship Brandywine. SECRETARY OF NAVY Page 131 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 131 [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 16, [1862]. Come up as far as Kettle Bottom Shoals. Send sick to receiving 5hj1), or, if necessary, employ surgeon for few days until relieved in Potomac. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commander B. J. TOTTEN, U. S. Frigate Brandywine, Baltimore, Md. Report of Commander Armstrong, U. S. Navy, of the movements of the U. S. S. State of Georgia from January 27 to March 17, 1862. U. S. S. STATE OF GEORGIA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 17, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to instructions, I left Hampton Th)ads on the evening of the 27th of January aiid arrived oft Beaufort, N. C., on the night of the 28th. On the morning of the 29th, having supplied the U. S. bark Gemsbok with some water and pro- visions, dispatched her to Hampton Roads for supplies and sent by her a notice of my arrival here to you. The night of February 7 was very stormy. About noon of the 8th the schooner Pearl was missing from her anchorage of the previous day. On the night of the 8th the U. S. S. Rhode Island came in, bringing the mail an(l fresh provisions for the crew. On February 12 a sail was seeii in the offing. Ran out and boarded the English schooner Mars, iii charge of a prize crew of the U. S. S. Keystone State. On the 13th exercised crew in firing at a target with great guns. On the 26th a sail was seen; ran out and boarded the American schooner Sarah S. Boyce, with coal for our squadron at Port Royal. On the morning of the 28th, at daylight, a sail was seen, which proved to be a steamer, apparently at anchor, with the American flag and signals hying. At about the same time a boat was seen coining off from shore under sail. This ship was got underway, when the strange steamer started ahead, then turning toward us, as if to speak, dashed oft at great speed for the channel. This ship gave chase, and the Parrott gun (the only one bearing) was fired at her to bring her to, but without avail. After she passed throngh the channel she fired one gun at us, a rifle gun of small caliber, which fell short of us, when she hoisted the rebel flag. This ship kept on until well within range of the guns of Fort Macon and came round as the steamer was passing iii behind it, and all the port guns were discharged at her, all falling short except the l~arrott gnu, which for the first time passed beyomid her an(l the angle of the fort. No guns were fired from the fort, though the men were at them and could have been counted. In order to remain on my station as long as possible, this ship when at anchor had been lying with banked fires. On the morning of the 28th, although steam was got up as quickly as possible, the steam in working off was reduced, reducing the speed of this ship, and as the rebel steamer was under a press of steam, she outran me.* ~Yor the passage of the C. S. S. Nash xille into I3eaufort, N. C., see Vol. 1, pp. 332 and 745 Page 132 132 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The Nashiiilc is said by officers acquainted with her to have a speed of 13 knots, greater by from 2 to 3 knots than I have ever gotten out of this 51111). I do not attempt to conceal my inortilication at the escape of this vessel, but can not blame myself 1~r any want of vigilance or endeavor to l)revellt it. Our guns have been cast loose, at all times ready, one watch in readi- ness at the guns, and when, froni signals at the fort or other indica- tions, I had reason to suspect a vessel, all hands were at quarters. The boat that caine off on the 28th coiitained two black men, a woman and her daughter. They gave us the news that three companies had left Fort Macoii tbr New ilerne, where an attack was expected; that the news of your glorious success in the soun(1 had created a paine ii l}eaufort; that the schooner Pearl had gotten out on a stormy mght, about three weeks previous, corresponding with the time I missed her. On the night of the 28th 1 ran (lowil to New Inlet and sent Mr. Corson, 1)ilOt, who was well acquainted with the coast, amid a boats crew, with a commnummication of that date to the senior officer oft~ Wil- mington, covering one to you announcing the arrival of tile steamer, believed to be the Nash rule. .1 returned ~vith all speed oft Beaufort. On the 2d the U. S. bark Gemsbok arrived frommi Fortress Monroe, and 011 tile 4th Connnaiider Glissomi caine in in the U. S. S. Mount Vernon, bringing back Mr. (Joison and the boats crev. I forwarded by him a cominumcatiou of that date to you. Oii tile 11th the IT. S. S. Cambridge, Commander Parker, arrived. On the 12th two shots were fired at its from Fort Macon, one of which fell short about 5() yar(hs. On the 13th, about 9 a. in., aiid again at 1 p. in., a cannonading was heard to the northward ot ll5~ sillee which no trains have been heard to leave the depot. On the 16th the steamer Aashville was lying a~t aiichor under the guns of Fort Macon; a heavy sea was rolling in from the S. W., which prevents her egress. My coal being as low as a pIoper regard for the safety of the ship at this season of the year would permit, I left for this place, leaving the U. S. S. Cambridge amid bark Gemsbok at anchor off the port. During the whole period of my stay off Beaufort we have had ahmiiost a constailt succession of bad weather. As the ship lightens from tile uSC of coal she becomes much out of trim. I woul(I ask that a bunker might be made in the fore hold ill which coal could l)e stowed for ballast and be used in an emergency; it will improve her sl)ee(l. At I~h~iladelphia I poimited out the expediency of cuttiimg away the side I)ortion of the house omi deck miow used as an armory. This would emmable me to work the cable with a (leek tackle and transport the guns fore and aft. It was not domme there for want of time. The starts of the Parrott gun require shifting in order to point it with more advantage. The entrance to Beaufort has three channels, th3 Sine Chanuiel, nearest the fort, with depth of 1() feet; the South Chan- nel. by which the Nashville entered, with a depth of 18 feet, and the old Southeast Channel, mentioned as the channel on the chart of 1857, with a depth of 14 feet. To blockade the co:mst of Oushow Bay effectually requires a force of five steamers, three of which should be off Beaufort Page 133 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 133 I enclose the bimensal report of the ship fbr transmission to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. Sir, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. F. ARMSTRONG, Commander. Flag-Officer L. i\L. GOLIJSBOROUGH, Comdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborongh, U. S. Navy, ~f the arrival in Hamp- ton Roa(ls of the U. S. steamers Wachusett (Hid Penobseot. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA. Hampton Roads Viroinia March 17 1862 .1 SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. steamers Wachusett and Penobscot arrived in these roads yesterday. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. (ThLDSBOROUGH, Flag-Officer, Comdg. North Atlantie Blockading Squadron. lou. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Nwvy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, of the arrival of the U. AS. S. State of Georgia in Hampton Roads, 57irgin~a. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, hampton Roads, Virginia, Miarch 17, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. S. State of Georgia arrived from off Beaufort, N. C., this morning. She is here for coal and supplies and will return to her station the moment she has received them. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, of the detailing of the U. S. S. Sachem for Coast Survey duty. U. S. FLAGsIIW MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 17, 1862. SIR: Mr. Patterson, of the Coast Survey, has communicated to me your wish that I should exchange for the Coast Survey steamer Uneas one of our vessels precisely similar to her, an(l accordingly I have given him the Sachem. The Uneas requires, as I am informed, considerable repairs. She has now on board the officers amid crew of the Sachem, and I have dispatched her to Baltimore with orders to await instruc- tions from Washington concerumin2 what is necessary to be done to her for efficiency. I know not whether the Coast Survey or the Nav Page 134 134 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Department is to have her put in order, and hence my reason for refer- ring the matter as I do. Her commander is ordered to report his arrival at Baltimore to the Navy l)epartinent. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Flag- Officer (ioldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Crane, U. S. Nary, commanding U. S. S. Uncas, to proceed to Baltimore. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Road, Virginia, March 17, 1862. SIR: Proceed to Baltimore with U. S. S. Uncas under your command, and on your arrival there report the fact immediately in writing to the honorable the Secretary of the Navy. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Ti. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag. Officer. Acting Master Commanding L. G. CRANE, Commanding U. S. S. Uncas, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Commander J~rcntiss, U. S. Navy, to proceed to (inty off Neaufort, N. C. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton I?oads, Virginia, March 17, 1862. SIR: The moment your repairs are finished you will l)roceed with all possible dispatch directly to your blockading station off Beaufort. Your presence there is very much needed. I am, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, L. M. (ii-OLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Commander C. A. PRENTISS, U. S. S. Albatross, Baltimore. N. B.The State of georgia has just returned to this place, and reports that the Nashrille intends to get out from Beaufort, if possible. I infer from your late letter to Captain Marston that you must now be ready to start, and I therefore repeat to you my urgent desire that you will do so without a moments delay. L. M. G. Report qf Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the possibility of the escape of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack) from Hampton Roads, Virgin~a. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 17, 1862. SIR: In reply to your communication of the 15th instant I have the honor to say that, in my judgment, it is not now practicable to sin Page 135 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 135 vessels in the channeiway of Elizabeth River so as effectually to pre vent the egress of the Merrimack. Her construction forbids her going to sea. Therefore there need be no alarm at l~hiIadelphia, New York, 8oston~ etc. If I had half a dozen large and fast steamers, such as those running nit the Hudson and East rivers, I am satisfied that I could easily cap- ture the Merrimack by running her down with one or more of them at my time she might make her appearance. No arms need be put on board of them. Upon their immense momentum alone I should rely, and, iii my judgment, success would be certain. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROTJGII, Flag Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squa(lron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). (J. Report oJ Captain Marston, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Roanoke, of arrival at New York from hampton Roads. U. S. S. ROANOKE, New York, March 17, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that I arrived here this day in five days from hampton Roads. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN MARSTON, Captain. Flag--Officer L. M. GoLDSBoRoUGH, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Sqnadron, Hampton Roads. Letter front the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Aavy, regarding the charter of the steamships Illinois and Ara go. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 17, 1862. SIR: The Department has chartered the steamships Illinois and Arago, which are to report to you at Haml)ton Roads for the purpose of assisting in running dowiin time Merrimack should she again make her appearance. The Illinois sails from New York to-day. The Arago will sail about Wednesday. A copy of the cli arter party will be sent to you in a day or two. I aiim, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GoLDSBORoIJGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Unofficial leller from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer (Jo!dsborongh, U. S. Navy, regarding the movenment of additional vessels to Hampton Roads. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 17, 1862. DEAR CoiviMoDonE: Every available vessel we have will be ordered to report to you to assist in the arumy movement which is to take plac Page 136 136 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. immediately from Hampton iloads. I have chartere(l the Illinois and Arago to report to you to be nse(l as rams. Sand baos will go by the Arc go to protect their boilers. We telegraphed Pu you to keep the San Jacinto. The lVachasett sailed the 12th from Boston, and three gunboats; two, I think, went to Beaufort. I will also send what l)oats are heavily arme(1 from the Potomac. If a hawser could be trailed near the Merri- macks stern, it would be sucked in and disable her, but these are all bell-cat ideas. Yours, in haste, G. V. Fox. P. S.Please (olislilt with Colonel Woodbury, of the engineers, who is now at 01(1 Point Cornlort. Escape of the steamer Nashville (formerly C. S. S. Nashville) from Bean fort, N~ C., March 17, 1862. Report of commander Armstrong, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. State of Georgia. U. S. S. STATE OF GEORGIA, Off Beaufort, N. C., March 23, 1862. SIR: On my arrival here I find that the rebel steamer Nashville has escaI)e(1. As it itiust be of importance to the Government to have early information of the flict, I have (lirected Commander Parker to l)Ioceed with the Cambridge to Hampton Roads an(1 repoi t to you. The gunboat Chippewa and baik Gemsbok are with this ship oft the port. it is believed that the bark Glenn has been fitted out as a privateci. She is lying oft the fort at the entrance of the cnannel and will no doubt eideavor to escape. The Cambridge has but a few (lays coal on board, and iii view of giving you the information I have thought it my duty to send her np at once. Very respectfully, sir, your obed lent servant. JAS. F. ARMSTRONG Commander, Commanding U. S. S. State of Georgia. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Corn (1g. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [P. S.]Since writing this letter the l)ark Glenn has taken Ihe and burned up. Very resL)ectfully, JAs. F. ARMSTRONG Commander. Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Cambridge. U.S. S. CAMBRIDGE, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 25,1862. SIR: I have to report that the Confederate steamer Nash rule e~cape(1 from Beaufort Harbor and went to sea on the evening of the 17th instant between the hours of 7 aiid S oclock. The night was intensely dark, and although the Cambridge was under- way guarding the channel through which I thought that the Nashville would atteml)t to escape, and every precaution resorted to for strict watchfulness, she was not seen by anyone on board. The Gemsbolc was auchore(L at the mouth of the center or southern passage and discovered her in time to fire npon liei. It is believed that the Nashville was hit, but it is not known what damage was done Page 137 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 137 When the Gcmsbok fired we started in chase to the southeast, suppos- ing in this direction we might cut off the ~Aashrille, and fired several times. She, however, escape(l by the southeastern channel. I deeply regret this unThrtunate occurrence aiid took all the precautions I could think of toprevemmt it. There are three channels leading to the harbor of Beaufort, N. C., two of which will admit large vessels to pass through, and it is impos- sible for one steamer to guard tlien~ all at the same time. Moreover, you are probably hware that the Nashville is a much faster steamer than the Cambridge. I am confideiit that any officer who has ever visited the port of Beaufort will agree with me that four swift and efficient steamers carry- ing heavy batteries are required to blockade that port effectually. IIaol there been one more steamer present oim the night in question the Nashville might have been taken or destroyed, for then time channel through which she passed out Woul(l have been guarded. The reason why it was not guarded was that the pilot of the (?emsbok sai(1 there was In)t sufficient water in that clmaiinel to allow her to pass out. This opinion seemed probable, as the Nashville ha(l entered the port by the southern channel, which we were themi guarding. hi respectfully request that a court of enquiry mimay be ordered to investigate the affair. I herewith enclose the report of Mr. Miller, the first lieutenant and executive officer of this vessel. I am, sir, res~)ectfIllly, your obedient servant WM. A. I~ARKER, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. (~-oLDsnoRouGLI, (Jomdg. Ao rth Allan tie I;ioekadlnf/ ~ aa(ir() a, Hampton koa(ls. Endw-seuiiciit,. I Ilespeetfuihy forward to the Navy l)epartment. One of the first things to engage iimy earnest attemitiomi omi arriving here from Hatteras was to dispatch vessels oil Heautort, amid aceor(lilmghy I got time Chippeua off for there omi tIme 18th instant, the State of Georqia oim time 20th, and the Albatross on the 23d, which vessels are now at that station. The Miount ~er)wn I sent off Wilmuington omi the 18th. L. M. (ioLDsBoRoucaI, Flaq- ogicer. It is to be regretted that the blockade at this point was imot mimore efliciemi t. [WELLES.] I Exlcl(.~1Ir~. I U. S. S. CAMERIDCE, March 21, 18G2. Sin: I submit the following rel)ort of the escape of the steamer Nash- ville from the harbor of Beaufort, N. C.: At about 7 p. in. of the 17th imistant the Gemsbok threw up a rocket and fired a gumi as a signal that a vessel was coining out of the hmarbor. At this time ~ve were underway about a half mile S. S. W. fromum the (Jemsbok, which was anchored abreast the southern or short channel at the distance of a mile from it. We did not see the Nashville, but the shells of the (ieinsbok exh)lo(le(l in a N. E. (lirection, indicating tlmat time vessel was passing omit the eastern channel. We themi stood S. E. and endeavored to cut her oIL The course was afterwards changed to S. S. B. At oime time we thought we saw time vessel N. E. of ns and fired our port guns Page 138 138 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. After standing 2 miles in a S. S. E. direction from the Gemsbok we returned to her and were informed that the Nashrille had gone out the eastern channel. I think it impossible to prevent a steamer getting out of the harbor of Beaufort with only this vessel and the Gemsbok blockading it. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. N. MILLER, Lieutenant. Commander WM. A. PARKER. Report of Acting Lieutenant cavendy, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Gemsbok. U. S. BAin~ GEMSROK, Blockading Beaufort, N. (1., March 22, 18G2. SIR: I take the earliest opportunity for transmitting the particulars of the Nash rules running this blockade out of Beaufort harbor on the evening of the 17th of March. We lay 1 mile from the entrance of the south channel, and just oat of the range of the guns of Fort Macon. As it appears that my senior officer, Captain Parker, of the Cambridge, did not see the Nashrillc, it devolves upon me to give you a statement of the affair by presenting you a full extract from the ships log: 6 to 8: Light airs from S. W.; latter part calm. At 7: 40 p. m. observed the rebel steamer Nashrille coaling Outsi(le Port Macon; l)eat to quarters signalized imme- diately to Cam bridqe, Enemy is comin~ out; Cambridge bearing S. one-half mile (listant; fired our bow gun, hoisted foretopsail and jib, and sprung the ship with starboard spring broadside to channel. The moment the Nashrille canie under our guns, tired at her as (juick as we could load; the Nash rule being now 1} miles from as, stood out the ]naiu ship channel with all speed; being calm, she soon got out of the range of our gnus, the Cambridge moving slowly to S. E. We fired twenty gnns, and no doubt the rebel steamer was struck, as she came out without a light to 1)0 seen, and wheu we fired the third amid fourth gnus her lights were seen hying fore an(l aft, an(l out again an(l up again. After the Nasluille being out of range of our guns, the Cambridge 1)ore S. E. from us, (listant i~ miles; she fired three or four guns, but, as it appears, did not see the enemy. This occurred just before the moou rose Aashrille outside. Proni the time she was first observed until omit of range of our guns was twenty-five minutes. 8to 12: Fine weather aud light breeze from E. N. E. At 8: 40 p. m. Captain Cavendy went on board Cambridge; captain and officers told Captain Cavendy they did not see the enemy and fired three or four shots where our shells burst. Captain returned at 9: 13; all quiet; sharp lookout kept; air 56g. The above is a correct statement of the occurrence, and it is extremely mortifying to me that she was successful. It being calm at the time, it was impossible for me to approach her. I feel confident iii saying that had I been iii charge of a steamer instead of a sailing vessel, with my preseiit officers and crew, the course of the Nashville would have beemi finished. The Chippewa arrived here on the 19th and the State of Georgia on the 22d. The flag officer will please communicate this to the l)epartmnent. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD CAVENDY, Acting Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. P. S.The day before the Nashville came out I thought I observed through my glass that the afterpart of her hurricane deck had been taken off. E.C Page 139 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 139 Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the feeling excited by the escape of the steamer Nashville. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 27, 1862. My DEAR SIR: I have yours about the Nash rule. It is a terrible blow to our naval prestige, and will place us all very nearly in the position we were before our victories. The Secretary wishes to order the Albatross to the Gulf, or else take Prentiss out of the vessel. For two weeks he tried to get him to sea, but could not. He told Lenthall he would not go until he had everything lie wanted; if he did lie would come right back. Finally he wanted to turn his vessel into a rain. He better go south. Can you spare him ~ You recollect Armstrong said that at (layliglit lie discovered the Aashrille at anchor 3 miles inside of him. This is not blockade. You can have no idea of the feeling here. It is a Bull itun to the Navy. Yours, most truly, U. V. Fox Flag-Officer L. M. GoLDsBoitOuGH. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, to Lieutenant Bryson, U. S. Nary, conlman(liflg U. S. S. (ihippewa, to proceed to duty off Beaufort, N. C. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, hampton Ii~oads, Virginia, Marc/i 18, 1862. SIR: Proceed off Beaufort, N. C., with the U. S. S. Chippewa under your command, and remain there closely and vigorously blockading the place until further orders, or as long as your supply of fuel and pro- visions will possibly permit. The enemys steamer Nash iille,at last accounts, was still at Beaufrwt. Do everythiiig in your power to pre- vent her from escaping, an(l if she can be captured, I wish it doiie. It is of the greatest importance that you should not delay a moment in getting to your destination. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. UOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Lieutenant Commanding ANDREW BRYSON U. S. S. Chippewa, Iliampton Roads, Virginia. P. 5.It may be that two of the new gunboats will have reached Beaufort before you get there, or appear shortly after your arrival. If so, you will proceed at once off Wilmington, N. C., and assist in block- ading that port. L. M. U. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Commander Glisson, U. S. Nary, commanding U. S. S. Mount Vernon, to proceed to duty off Wilmington, N. C. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 18, 1862. SIR: Proceed off Wilmington, N. C., with the Mount Vernon under your command, and remain there closely and vigorously blockadin Page 140 140 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the place until further orders, or as long as your supply of fuel and provisions will possibly permit. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Commander 0. S. GLISSON, U. S. S. Mount Vernon, Ham Roads, Virginia. Letter from Brigadier- General Mansfield, U. S. Army, to the Secretary of the Navy, regarding the position 0/ thc U. S. ships Congress and Gum- berland. NEWPORT NEWS, Camp Butlcr, March 18, 1862. SIR: I feel it to be lay duty to report to you the condition of the Cumbcrland. She is sunk (leek un(ler water, perl)endiclllar to the shore, 800 yards from my battery of four coluinbiads and one James gnu, bows out, the three masts at an aijole of 43 degrees, pointing to the southward. her guns and every article iii her just as she went down, prow foremost. This ship can l)e raised whole and taken into Fort Moiiroe and her guns landed, and tlieii taken into dock and repaire(l immediately. If she is suffered to remain long in this posi- tion she will fill np with innd and be more (lifficult to handle. The Congresss keel is square off the shore and about 500 yards off. She blew up after bnrning to the waters edge, and all her guns must be now accessible and can be recovere(l if worked at immediately. The Monitor will keep off any steamer that should attelnl)t t~o inter- fere with the operations of workmen, an(l our gaits can keep off any- thing but the Merrimack. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your servant, Jos. K. F. MANSFIELD, Briga(lier- General. Iih)n. GIDEON WELLES, Sccrcta ry of tli c Nary. P. S.Thie Cumberland sunk so (~1lickly that I presume she has but a very few holes in her. J. M Brigadier- General. Letter from the Secretary of the Nary to Flag- Q~icer Goldsborouqh, U. S. Navy, regarding the steamers Octorara an(l 1 ictoria. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 18, 1862. SIR: The steamers Octorara and Victoria have been ordered to report to yon for temporary service under your comurnamd and sailed from New York yesterday afternoon. The former has the new propeller fbr the Mercedita on board, which shonld be lauded if it interferes with her guns. I am, respectfully, yonr obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBoRoU~u, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, hampton Roads Page 141 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 141 Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding orders issued to certain vessels. U. S. FLAGSHIP MiNNESOTA, Jlantpton Roads, Virginia, March 18, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to inform the Department that early this morning I (lispatche(1 the U. S. S. (ihippewa with all speed to assist in the blockade off Ileautort, N. C.; also that 1 have given orders to Commander Prentiss, of the IT. S. S. Albatross, now at 1~altimore, to proceed to the same l)Oint imme(liately on the conhl)letion of his repairs. Time U. S. S. State of Georgia will return thither as SOOIl as she Icis flimished coalimig and provisiomug here. We heard of the victory at New l3erne last night. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. (iOLDS1IOROUCXH, ilag- Officer, Corn n anding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. CIDEON WI9~LLES, Secretary of the Nacy, Washington, I). C. Letter fron~ the Assist((nt Secretary of the ATai~q to Flag- Officer Goldsbor- ough, U. S. Aacy, regarding a(l(litional vessels for his command. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 18, 1862. Sw: Your No. 1(51 has been received. The Department infi)rmned you yesterday of having chartered the stealnslmil)5 Arago and I llinoi8 to assist you in runnino down the Merrimack. Will you imeed any others ~ if so, they shall be 1)rocnred. J~espectfully, your obedient servant, Ci. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Coin dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, hampton Roads. Report of Commander Totten, U. S. Navy, regarding transportation of stores. U. S. S[HIP] BRANDYWINE, Baltimore, lid., March 18, 1862. SIR: Your order in relation to the charter of a schooner to take stores, etc., to the fleet in Pamnlico Sound was receive(1 yesterday and I imimmediately attended thereto. As I am under orders from the Secretary of the ~ avy to proceed forthwith up the Potoniac, and as the stores required are in this vessel, I have determined to load the chartered schooner at once, imot waiting to time tiumme directed in your letter, viz, the 15th of April ,and 5e11(1 her off as soon as loaded, it happens opj)ortunely tlmat I am i)revented by northwest winds and a difficulty in obtaining tugs from leaving here immediately in compliance with the orders from the l)epartment. I trust I may not derange any of your plans by my action in this matter, but I can see no other mode of procedure than that I have adopted. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 13. J.TOTTEN, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Hampton Roads Page 142 142 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to flag-officers of blockading squad- rons, transmitting information regardiny the sjtcamer Oreto. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 18, 1862. SIR: I enclose herewith for your information a copy of a dispatch received by the Secretary of State from the U. S. consul at Liverpool in reference to the gunboat Oreto, supposed to be fitting out as a priva- teer for the Southern Confederacy. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer S.F. Du PONT, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, Ship Island. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Jiampton Roads. Flag-Officer W. W. MCKEAN, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West, Fla. [Enc1osure.~ U. S. CONSULATE, Liverpool, February 27, 1862. SIR: I have positive evidence that the Oreto gunboat is intended for the Southern Confederacy. She is to carry sixteen guns, is intended as a privateer, and from present appearances looks as if she would start ~u her cruise direct from this l)ort. She has taken on board this morn- ing 70 barrels of l)ork and beet; 60 sacks of navy and 6 barrels of cabin bread, together with other l)rovisions. The guns are to be shipped at some other port in England. Jam, sir, your obedient servant, THoS. ii. l)UDLEY, U. S. Consul. Hon. WIXI. H. SEWARD, Secreta. y of State. She has one funnel, three masts, bark rigged, eight I )ortholes for guns on each side, and is to carry sixteen guns. Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. tYavy, regarding proposed combined attack upon Beaufort, N. C. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne,N~ C., March 19, 1862. SIR: General Burnside is organizing a force against Beaufort by land, and I am preparing such cooperation, through Core Sound, as my means and the character of the vessels will admit of. The Nashville is still at Beaufort, anchored un(ler the fort, on the inner face of it. The fort is well garrisoned and provisioned. I must earnestly request you to send five mortar vessels, if possible, off Fort Macon, to be in readiness to open on the fort as soomi as the army opens from our mortar battery on the land side. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. HOWAN, Commanding N~ival Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. 1\L GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 143 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 143 Letter front Brigadier- General Burnside, U. S. Army, to Commander L~owan, U. S. Nary, requesting the transJer of a detachment of the Fourth Rhode Island I~fantry. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA, New Berne, March 19, 1862. COMMODORE: By direction of General Buruside I have the honor, respectfully, to request that if possible the men of the Fourth Rhode Island Regiment, now on duty on your vessels, shall be relieved and transferred as early as practicable to the Eastern Queen. It is very iml)ortant that they should be present with their regiment. I am, Commodore, very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEWIS RICHMOND, A ssstant Adjutant- General. Conmiodore S. C. R4WAN, Comm ending Na ral Forces. Order ~f Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, to Lieutenant Murray, U. S. Navy, to proceed in command of c~pedition to lIashington, N. C. U. S. S. PHILADELPI-IJA, Off New Berne, N. C., March 19, 1862. SIR: You will proceed with the force placed nuder your command, consisting of the Louisiana, Delaware and Commodore Perry, to Wash- iiigton, N. C., and take possession of all the l)ublic property there, ~)roInisi11g to respect all private property provide(l die 1)nblic I)roperty is given up. The lens and apparatus belonging to Hatteras light must be returned. Should there be opposition iii removing the barriers you will exercise your (liscretion as to whether you can silence the fort or not. If, after a short bombardment, you tind the resistance continues, you will imine- diately dispatch your fastest vessel to report the fact to me, and in the meantime haul out of range and confine your operations to removing the obstructions under cover of night, until I joiu you iii persoii with reenforcememi ts. Very respectftilly, S. C. IROWAN, Commanding Na ia.l Forces, Pam lico Soun(l. Lieutenant Commanding A. MURRAY, Commanding U. S. S. Louisiana, Off New Rerne. Letter front the commanding ogicer of H. T. 31. 5. Gassendi to Flag~ Otjlcer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, requesting communication with Nor fink by flag of truce. [Traiislatioii.] H. I. M. S. GASSENDI, Flampton Roads, March 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to request you to be good enough to put at my disposal to-morrow, March 20, a flag of truce to send an officer to Norfolk to take the dispatches of our consuls. I am, sir, your very humble servant, GAUTIER, Captain of the Gassendi. COMDR. IN CHARGE NAVAL FORCES OF UNiTED STATES, Hampton [Roads] Page 144 144 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. ~. Navy, regarding steamers for running down the ]Jlerrimack. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 19, 1862. SIR: The Illinois arrived here yesterday afternoon, and I suppose the Arago will be on hand very soon. It; besides these, I had two others, such as those of great weight, high speed, andlight draft, ~vliich inn on the North and East rivers, tlie running down of the Merrimack wonl(l be more certainly an(1 effectually acconll)lislIed. Lieutenant Seifridge was given a short leave to visit his friends in lioston, and it has not yet expired, but the public interests, in iiiy Ju(lglnent, require his ii~iinediate return to this place. I would be 1)leased if the IJepartineiit would telegraph him to that effect 111)011 the receipt of this. The telegraph here is still out of order. I am, very res~)ectf1llly, your obedient servant L. M. (4oLDSlIoRoUGH, Flag- Otjicer, Comm andinq North Atlantic Blockading AS~quadron. lIon. GiDEoN WELLES, & cretary of the Nary, Washington, 1). C. Instructions from Flag- Officer (Joldsborouqh, U. & Navy, to the cap- tain of the chartered steamer illinois regarding an attack upon the Merrimack. U. S. FLAGShiP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roa(1s, Virginia, March 20, 1862. SIR: The object in chai~tering the illinois, as I ant fully informed by the Government, is to nse her as a ram against the vessels of the enemy, more especially and particularly against the Merrimack, or Virginia, as she is called by the rebels; and to do this effectually it is advisable that she should be made to strike that vessel with the greatest possible velocity, at right angles to her side or stern, the side to be preferred, or in case she can not be so struck, then even a severe blow, somewhat slanting, delivered on either side or stermi, might, and probably would, disable her so as to insure at least her capture. In the event of an attack occurring in these waters between the forces of the LTnited States and those of the rebels, and of my not I)lacing an officer of the Navy ott board the Illinois to direct her movements, you will l)erfornt this duty to the best of your ability, and thus destroy the Merrimack, if possible. As to any injury the Illinois herself may sits- taiti in carrying out the object in view, even though it should involve ultimately her entire uselessness, that is not to be regarded for a moment. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROITGH,, Captain D. B. BARTON, FlagQJlcer~. Commanding & eamer illinois, Hampton Roads, Virginia., (A copy of the foregoing order, with the proper alteration of miames, was made for Captain H. A. Gadsdemm, commanding steamer Arago, and. dated March 21. Page 145 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 145 (A. copy also made, with the proper alteration of names, for Captain Lefevre, commanding steamer Vanderbilt, and dated March 23, chaug- Pig the first sentence so as to read: The iiiain object of Government with regard to the Vanderbilt is, etc.) (An exact copy, with l)roper alteration of names, made for Captain D. S. Babcock, commanding steamer Illinois, and dated March 30.) (An exact copy, with proper alteration of names, made for Captain A. B. Lowber, commanding steamer Ericsson, and dated April 11.) Letter from the captain of the chartered steamer Illinois to Flag-Officer (ioldsborongh, U. S. Nary, regarding the refusal of his crew to ram the Merrimack. S. S. ILLINOIS, ilampton Roads, Virginia, March 20, 1862. Sin: Yonr dispatches of the 20th are received, informing me that the steamship Illinois is chartered l)artidularly by the Government for the purpose of running down the Merrimack, or the Virginia, as she is so called by the rebels. On informing my officers, engineers, and ships company of the pnr- pose she was chartered for, they all refused, with the exception of five (viz, Captain 1). B. Barton, Chief Engineer Stephen II. Scott, Chief Mate John 1)eaken, Purser M. Otis Itoberts, amid SteWdr(l J. H. Doran), they having previously shipped for port or l)orts in the Umiited States, West Indies, or Gnhf of Mexico, and not agreeing to l)erform duty in the Illinois when used as a ram to mn down the enemys iron ships. Very respectfnlly, yonr obedient servant, D. B. BARTON, Commanding S. S. Illinois. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDsBoROuUH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, to Commander Poor, U. S. Nary, to proceed to duty on the chartered steamer I ilinois. U. S. FLAGSIIJP MINNESOTA, flamptom Aoa(ls, I irginia, March A~0, 1862. SIR: Iii accordance with the terms of the written agreemiment made between Messrs. Roberts amid Fox tor the nse of the steamship Illinois in the service of the United States, I (iceIn it l)~OI)C~ to direct that you will proceed amid remnaimi on board that vessel, so as to (himect her move- ments imi the evemit of an attack occurring in these waters between the forces of the United States and those of the rebels. The object in chartering the Ellinois is to nse her as a rain against the vessels of the enemy, more especially aii(I particularly against time Merrimack, or Virginia, as she is called by the rebels; and to do this etleetnahly, it is desirable that the Illinois should be ma(le to strike her with tile greatest possible velocity at right angles to her side or stern, the side to be h)reterred; or in case she can not be so stiuck, then a severe blow eveii somewhat shamiting delivered on either side or stern might and ~irobably wonld disable her so as to imisure at least her capture. But of course the details of this service are left to your own choice. N W RYOL 71 Page 146 146 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. In appointing you to this extremely important duty, I beg to say that I have every confidence in your zeal, ability, and determination, and if you can accomplish the great object in view, viz, the destruction of the Merrimack, you will render a service to your country worthy of the highest reward. Bear in mind that any injury the Illinois herself may sustain, even though it involve ultimately her entire uselessness, is not to be regarded for a moment. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant L. M. GOLDSBOROU Gil, Flag- Officer. Commander C. H. PooR, Fortress Monroe, Va. Report of Flag- Ofliccr Ooldsborough, U. S. Navy, of the arrival of United States steamers in Hampton Roads. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, flampton Roads, Virginia, March 20, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. steamers Anacostia, Freeborn, Victoria, and island Belle arrived here yesterday afternoon. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag-Officer, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, D. C. Order of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Goldsbor- ough, U. S. Navy, regarding the return of United States vessels to the Potomac River. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 20, 1862. SIR: Send back to the Potomac immediately the vessels of the flotilla that convoyed the army transports of Ileintzelmars division to Old Point, as they will be needed to convoy another detachment. They are the Anacostia, Freeborn, and Island Belle. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, 0-. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary. Flag--Officer L. A. cTOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Ham Roads. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Geo. W. Blunt, esq., of New York, rcgardiug the charter of vessels. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 20, 1862. I enclose herewith extracts from Flag-Officer Goldsborouglis dis- patches No. 161* and 165,* on the subject of running down the Merri- See iP. 134, 144 Page 147 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 147 muck. Can you charter a couple of such vessels as he refers to; and if so, upon what terms ~ Answer by telegraph. I am, respectfully, G. V. Fox. GEO. W. BLUNT, Assistant Secretary. New York. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, March20 1862 Proceed to Hampton Roads without delay and report to Flag-Officer Goldsborough. Inform the Department by telegraph when you leave. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. Commander GEO. A. PRENTISS, Commanding U. S. S. Albatross, Baltimore, Mid. Order of Flag- Officer Goidsborough, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Goodwin, U. S. N commanding U. S. bark Amanda, to pro- ceed to blockade duty off Wilmington, N. C. U. S. FLACTSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 20, 1862. SIR: The moment your repairs are completed you will proceed to your station oft Wilmiiigton, ~. C., for the purpose of assisting in block. ading that port. Have all your supplies completed at Baltimore, as we have no longer a storeship here. Be economical in all your demands. Examine and distribute carefully among the blockading vessels off Wilmington the enclosed general orders and extracts from the foreign correspondence of this Government. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding N. GOODWIN, U. S. Bark Amanda, Baltimore, Md. Order of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Commander Arm- strong, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. State~ of Georgia, to proceed to duty off Bea~fort, N. C. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 20, 1862. SIR: Proceed oft~ Beaufort, N. C., with the State of Georgia under your command and remain there closely and vigorously blockading the place until further orders, or as long as your supply of fuel and pro- visions will possibly permit. I am, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Commander J. F. ARMSTRONG, U. S. S. State of Georgia, Hampton Roads, Virginia Page 148 148 NORTH ATLANTJC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report ~t Flag- Officer Goldsboro~qh, U. S. Navy, regarding the distribu- tion of information received from abroad. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 20, 1862. SIR: T have the honor to inform YOU~ in reply to your letter of March 7, in whicli you enquire if I cause the information from time to time sent to Ineconcerning the fitting out of suspicious vessels abroadto be communicated to the vessels of this blockading squadron, that, as soon as the extracts from the foreign correspondence of the Goveril- ment are received by me I cause them immediately to be printed on the press which I have on board and distributed among the vessels of this squadron by the earliest opportunity. I am, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- OtJiccr, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GrnnON WELLES, Secretary of the Nacy, Washington, D. C. [Telegram. I NEW YORK CITY, March 20, 1862. (Received 2: 40 p. in.) Please send me the necessary authority for action by this days mail. Be in time. The ship leaves to-morrow. Please answer. C. VANDERBILT. Hon. E. M. STANTON. [Telegram.] WAR DEPARTMENT Washington, March 20, 1862. Your telegram received. The President and this Department are highly gratified at your proml)titude, and that you are so thr forward. I shonid be glad to have a detailed statement of your preparations and pioceedings by mail. The necessary authority for action will be for- warded by this days mail amid instructions will also be given to General \\Tool and the oflicers at Fort Monroe. Yours, truly, EDWIN M. STANTON. C. ~ANDERBILT, 5 Bowling Green; i\ew York. Letter /-onm the Secretary nf War to C. Vanderbilt, esq., regarding the eq aipm ent and cmnp by n en t of the steamer Va uderbi It. WAR DEPARTMENT Washington City, March 20, 1862. SIR: The President desires to turn to the utmost account your l)atri- otic amid generous gift to the Government of the great steamship Van- derbilt, and to use and employ that ship for protection amid defense against the rebel ironclad ship ilcrrintack, a mid also to secure at th Page 149 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 149 present time the advantage of your great energy and nautical experi- ence; a~(l to that end, having accepted your gift of the Vanderbilt, he authorizes and directs me to receive her into the service of the War Department, and to use and em})loy the said steamship and her officers and crew, umi er your supervision, direction, alI(l command, to aid the protection and defense of the transports now in the service of this Department on Chesaieake l3ay, Elarnpton Roads, and adjacent waters, and wherever the sai(l transl)orts may be bound. Coii tiding in your patriotic iiiotives and purposes, as well as in your skill, judgment, and energy, full discretion and authority are conferred upon you to arm, equip, navigate, use, manage, an(l employ the said steamship Vanderbilt with such commander an(l crew and under such instructions as you may deem fit for the purposes hmereinbefore expressed. Instructions will be given to the Quartermaster-General to furnish you with supplies, an(l to treat aimd recognize the Vanderbilt, her officers and crew as in the Government service and nuder the special orders of this Department. Whatever instructions or authority you may require for the proper conduct and efficiency of said steamship in time Govern- ment service will be given omi application to this Department. To the officers whom you immay place in comnman(l of sai(l ship you will give such instructions as you may deemui proper, communicating a copy thereof to this Department for its information. By order of the President: EDWIN M. STANTON, i~ecretary of War. C. VANDERBILT, Esq., Yew York City, N. Y~ Letter from the Secretary of 1/ic Nary to Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, transmitting in ormation, regarding the construction of Confederate ressels. NAVY DEPART~IFNT, March 20, 1862. SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of a cominummication received from Lieutenant Barrett relative to ironclad vessels at Norfolk. You are requested to iii form the Department whether or not, in your ol)inion, time statement is entitled to any cre(hit; also to furnish any information you have in regar(i to vessels at Norfolk. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLD5BOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Biocka ding Sqnadron, ha mpto a koads. [Enclosure.] NAVY YARD, NEW YORK, March 17, 1862. SIR: Yesterday I met at the Havana Hotel several of time company of Zonaves, actors (Frenchmen). In conversation they stated that while imm Norfolk, two months since, they had visited the navy yard, tIme Merrimack, and that they had also secum four otlmer ironclad vessels of the same Inodel as the ilerriiiiack, but smaller. They also said tlmat they were told one of them was an 01(1 frigate. From all I heard I should judge the vessels alluded to were begun after time Merrimack some two or three weeks. The Frenchman said that General Blanch- ard was residing at time navy yard; tlmat Captain Forrest accompanie Page 150 150 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. them around the yard and on board the Merrimack. I can not say whether this informatioii is from a reliable source. I should judge it was, as several of the Zouaves confirmed the statement made to me by their companions. I considered the statement of importance, and have the honor respectfully to snbmit it to your consideration. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD BARRETT, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. [Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy.] Report qf Flag- Officer Goldsborouyh, U. S. Navy, regarding the construc- tion at Norfolk of Co~frderatc ganboats. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 21, 1862. SIR: I have never before heard anything about the four additional plated vessels alluded to iii Licuten alit Barretts coni in unication. 1 (10 not credit the story. They aic constructing at 4orfo]k six gun- boats, each to be built, armed, etc., according to the specifications I had the honor to forward from Roanoke Island, at the time I sent Mr. Maurys maunscript letter to Captain Lynch concerning them. I can hear of nothing at Norfolk except the Merrimack, Jamestoun, Yorktown, Germantown, Plymouth, United States, Beaufort, Raleigh, and perhaps one or two others similar to the latter two. They may attempt to plate some of the gunboats they are building in a light way, and also the Germantown and Plymouth. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSEOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of thc Navy, Washington, 1). 0. Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Lieu- tenant Murray, U. S. Navy, regarding the expedition to Washington, N. 0., March 21, 1862. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA Off New Berne, N. C., March 27, 1862. SIR: Lieutenant Commanding Murray returned from Washington, N. C., this morning. His report of his visit to that place is herewith enclosed. I have to regret that the lens has not yet been returned. The author- ities assured Captain Murray that the lens was taken away without their knowledge or consent and carried to Tarboro in a little steamboat. I purpose holding the authorities responsible for the return of the lens before I l)romnise protection to the inhabitants. It may be a matter of policy not to enforce this demand, if satisfactory proof offers that the authorities had 110 knowledge of the removal of the lens; but I shall, if possible, ascertain the guilty parties aiid take all the property I can find that will reimburse the Government. I shall of course consult with General Burnside on this point Page 151 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 151 The political sentiments of the inhabitants of Washington are divided, but the reception given our people is more hopeful than aiiy we have yet witnessed in these waters. The rabid secessionists proclaimed that we intended to burn the town, and this fear alone may induce many to seem what they are not. I shall institute a secret enquiry into the antecedents of the authorities and remaining inhabitants, and if I find that they are not ~I1 reality what they seem (good Union men at heart), I shall treat theni with less consideration. For the 1)resent I shall keep a strict blockade of the river and town and shape my course as circumstances may seem best for the interest of my Government. From the best information obtained, the enemy commenced disman- tling his forts below Washimmgton before I reached here, aiid redoubled his haste on my arrival iii this river. So far as I can learmi, nearly all the military stores all(l munitions were (lestroyed or carried off and the naval stores and cotton belonging to individuals burned. Two gunboats on the stocks; one, intended to mount six guns, was launched and carried np the river out of sight, and was burned the night our forces arrived, as stated by reliable authority. Time other gunboat; of less size, remained on the stocks and was sawed iii pieces by our people, assisted by time authorities, to l)revent her (lestruction by lire, which would have endangered the towii. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. J~OWAN, Gonidg. U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds ~f North Garoitna. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROTTGII, Oomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, lEampton Roads. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. LoUIsIANA, IVashington, [N. 0.1, Marc/i JG, 18G2. SIR: In obedience to your orders* of time 20th [19th 1 instant, I pro- cee(led to this l)lace, arriving at the obstructions about 5 nmiles below omi time mnornimig of the 21st. Time naval column eonsiste(l of this vessel, the Delaware, Lientenamit Comnin a iid iii g Qn ackenbush, and the Commodore Perry, Licutemmant Coinniandimug Flusser. We were acconli)anied to the obstructions by the steamer Admiral, army transl)ort, with eight companies of the Twreiity.fourth Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, Colonel Stevenson, and a small tugboat. We met with imo resistance, the batteries having beeui abandoned amid their armamnemit removed. By blastiuig amid otimer processes we soon forced a channel through the l)iles, thongh they had been driven very deep (in triple row) and cut off 3 feet below the surface. At 11 a. mu. we arrived abreast the town, the Delaware bringing from tIme traim sport the field officers, two companme~, ami(l the regimental band. The authorities, with many of the citizens, met us on the wharf where I briefly explained to them the object of oum visit. The military theim formed an(l we l)roeeede(l to the court-house, where, with all the ceremonies, we hoisted tIme tiag of the Union. The troops returned to the Delaware with unbrokemm rammks. I found on further consultation with tIme authorities, on whom I had made my deinauid for the restoratiomm of tIme hatteras light l)roperty, that uuiderlyimig an appareimt ac(luieseelmce of the people of the towmm and * Seo p. 143 Page 152 152 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. neighborhood in permitting the l)uihliug of g ulil)onts and the construe- tioii of batteries to repel the approach of the Federal forces, was a deep-rooted aiketion for tue 01(1 Union, and not a little animosity to its enemies, the latter element iiot 1)eiug diminished by the iinportatioii of trool)s froni a (hstant State. The result of this state of affairs was to lie anticipate(lt.he uban- doument of its defenses by the troops, billowed l)y the (lestrllction of what relnaine(1 of Confe(lerate prol)erty by the l)eolile. The launched gunboat had been towed several miles np the river, loaded with turpentine, and fired the night of our arrival. A few hundred bushels of meal and corn left in the commissary store were (listributed to the l)O0~ by my or(ler. The most valuable part of the hatteras light property, the lenses, have beeu~ taken to Tarboro. I have hopes of their recovery through ~0 WASH/tVGTOA, NJ C. r 0 0 Bal/e7y. Piles cid off under wa/er. Th rzq/d of Ihis removed. Channel. lowszana & Perry. Blue/IT & While Buoys. liii liii ... r -, Page 153 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 133 the instrumentality of the people of Washington. The rest of the property is secllre(1 with chaniiel buoys and moorings. In addition to the batteries on either si(le of the obstructions, the enemy had thrown up breastworks east of the towii and joining, exten(ling half a mile; they also had fortified their camp, which com- manded the high road. A sketch of the river from the obstructions to the bridge above the town is enclosed; it inelu(les all the fortifications. The woods and swamp in this and Hyde County are represented as beiiig alive with refugees from time (lratt. Many of them encourage(1 by our presence came in; they are (leep and bitter iii their denunciations of the secession heresy, an(1 })romise(1 a regiment, if called upon, to aid in the restoration of the flag. If this expedition has not as yet been fmnitThl in profitable results, its future promises well. The place shonid not l)e neglected; it could soon be refortified, time gnus being traceal)lC only a.s far as Tarboro. In case our force is too limnite(l to permit of a (livision Pr the purpose ot hol(liIlg possession, perio(llcal visits at least should be nima(1C. We have been (lelayed two (lays in consequence of low water, the Corn modore Perry being a gron mm (1. I am. very respectfully, your obed emit servant. A. ~\lvnnAx~, Licutenan t, Coat n a H(li ug (oiainn. Commander S. C. IROWAN, Comdg. Na ml Forces, A ibern one an(l I~aniiico 8o unds. Report ()jf Commander Lockwood, U. S. Nary, regar(ling assistance ex ten(le(l to (hartere(l vessels 1). II. Bills (01(1 Eureka. U. S. PuomEi~LER 1)AYLIGHT, 0ft~ York Rjrer March 21, 18G2. 7 SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 15th instant, whilst at anchor iii Mobjack Bay, on the lifting of a demise fog we (liscovered a schooner imisliore which proved to 1)e the 1). If. Bills, tromn Boston for Perrvvil le, chartered by (loverninent. Sue was hard and thst in 6 fret of water within hail of time shore. Our boats, armned, remained by her that (lay amm(l time lollowimig night, and succeeded in getting her afloat without imujumy and anchored her near us on the morning of time 16th. Site procee(led up the bay iii time afternoon. Yesterday morning. beimig at amichor micar time mouth of York River, with thick, heavy IN. E. weather, toward imooim time IOO httimmg, we (us- covere(l a small steam propeller ashore on l)rumn Jshami(1 Flats, and imnmediately got underway and steamned down abreast, amid as micar to her as the pilot thought l)rlldent to go, and sent an arlile(l boat to her, which soon returned with an (mid colore(l woniammthme cook, and only pci-son omi board. Time vessel had run imi time mmighit previous, havimig cast oft her tow of two schoommers with mitules belonging to tIme Govern- mnent. Finding their vessel hard an(1 fast., the crew took the boat and deserted her, leaving the old imegress alomme amid ignorant of their (1 epartu i-c. Time propeller is mmamned Eureka, and l)eim)llgs at Bound Brook, N. J., is from Perryville, ammd was clmartcre(1 by the ({overmiment, and the pre- cipitate abandoimmemit other bylmer crew should lie knownin the proper quarter, that the owners may imot meceive compensation from the GoV- ernmemmt for loss arising fromn time neglect of pertormance of duty of their agents Page 154 154 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Our boats succeeded in getting her off about 11 a. in., with the loss of her rud(ler and some 30 barrels of water, which were started. I sen(l her down under charge of Acting Master Gleason, and have directed him to return to-morrow in the Cherrystone boat with his officers and mcii. I have heard that the rebels are building three gunboats at West Point, on York River, and that they are makitig a steam gunboat of the light-boat taken from York Spit. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL LOCKWOOD, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII, Corn dy. Aorth Atlantic Blockading ASqua(lron, ilampto a Roads. Telegr:ou. BALTIMORE, March 21, 186.2. I would have left here this morning tor Kettle Bottom Shoals, but the steamer engaged failed us, beii ig seized by the army. No other to be obtained at present. B. J. TOTTEN, Contmander, SECIlETARY NAVY. Letter from. the Secretary of the Nary to Flay- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, seeking in(~-wmatiou regarding the conntruction of Confederate vessels. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 21, 1862. SIR: General Man shel(1 writes me nn(ler (late of the 19th instant as follows: I was last night informed from pretty good authority that the rebels were building tWo steamers at Rielonionol an(l two at Norfolk and several hundred men it work on them. This may be an exaggeration, but I think it (1llite likely they arc building one at Richmond an(l another it Norfolk. Have you aity iu(hriuation that leads you to suppose that the infor- iliatioli or suppositioiis of General Mansfield are correct in regard to the construction of additional iron mail war steamers either at Norfolk or Rich mond~ lam, respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH (Jorndg. North Atlantic Blockadi~g Squadron, Hampton Roa(ls. [Telegram. I U. S. S. ALBATROSS, Baltimore, ~1Iarch 21, 1862. SIR: I am getting underway for Hampton Roads, 1 oclock. GEO. A. PRENTISS, lIon. GIDEON WELLES, Commander. Secretary Navy Page 155 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 155 Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, of the arrtval of the U. S. S. Chocura at flampton Roads. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 21, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. S. Chocura arrived ill these roads yesterday afternoon. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. (iOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the ~ai~y, Washinqton, P. C. [Telegram.] BALTIMORE, March 21, 1862. The Alabama and Albatross have sailed. The Brandywine is detained for want of tugs of sufficient power. JAS. MCDONNELL, U. S. Nary. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Navy. Letter from Mcssrs. Johnson & Higgins to Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, regarding the raising of the U. S. ship Camberland. OFFICE OF JOHNSON & HIGGINS, AVERAGE ADJUSTERS AND INSURANCE BROKERS, No. 89 Wall Street, Nec York, March 21, 1862. DEAR SIR: We are applied to by the I)epartment to make a propo- sition to raise the Camberland. We can not do this understandingly without some knowledge as to her exact position. Will you do us the great kindness to have a diagram of her present position made, and inform us as to the depth of water there and in her ~)roximity. We should also like to know the extent of her wounds and how long she was filling, and any other information that in your opinion would influence us in the steps to be taken. Your compliance will greatly oblige, Your obedient servants, JOHNSON & HIGGINS. Commodore L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Hampton Roads. P. S.As the Department wants instant, we have to beg that we may receive this at your very earliest convenience. [Endorsement.] MARCH 21 1862. DEAR SIR: At the request of Assistant Secretary Fox, I have made the application named above to the gentleman signing the letter. Yours, truly, GEO. W. BLUNT Page 156 156 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsboroigh, U. S. Navy, of the arrival of vessels. U. S. Fmx~suiv MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, lirginia, March 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the J)epartinent that the steamship Arago and 17. S. S. Octorara arrived here yesterday afternoon. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSEOROUGH, Flag-Officer, Comdq. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. lou. GIIEON WELLES, ASecret((ry of the Navy, Washinqton, 1). 0. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsboro ugh, U. S. Nary, to Commander Prentiss, U. ~S. Aary, to proceed with the U. S. S. Albatross to (let!! off Beam- fort, N. C. U. S. FLAGSIIJP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, arch 22, 1862. SIR: Proceed off Beautbvt, N. C., with the Albatross iiiider your corn- niand, and remain there closely and vigorously blockading the place until further or(lers, or as long as your supply of fuel and provisions will possibly permit. The enemys steamer Nash rilie, at last accounts, was still at Beaufort. Do everything in your power to prevent her from escaping, and if she can be captured, l~ ~vish it done. It is of the greatest importance that you should not delay a moment in getting to your destination. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant L. M. GOLDSBOROITGH, Commander OT. A. PRENTISS, Flag-Officer. U. AS. S. Albatross, Hampton Roads, Virginia. P. 5.Should Beaufort with Fort Macon thil into our possession or should there be at any time more of our vessels off there than may be absolutely necessary to maintain the blockade an(l l)revent the escape of the Nashville, I wish every steamer not needed, or that possibly can be spared, to go off Wilmington, N. C., and assist in blockading that port. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Letter from Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Major- General Wool, U. S. Army, regarding chartered steamer Eureka. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, I srginia, March 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the steam propeller Eureka arrived here this morning in charge of a naval officer. This vessel, as the accompanying extract will show, was chartered by Government and was (leserted by her crew at the mouth ot the York River, her tow of two schooners with mules having been cast adrift. She is at your service. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Major-General JOHN E. WOOL, Flag- Officer. Commanding 1)epartmen t oJ Virginia, Fortress Monroe, Va Page 157 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 157 Order of Commander JYowan, U. S. Na ep, to Lientenant Hopkins, U. S. Nary, to proceed to Albemarle Son n(l. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off Yew Berne,N. (J., March 22, 18G2. SIR: You will proceed without delay with the steamer Underwriter under your command to Elizabeth City, N. C., and report to Lieutenant- Commanding Reed Werdeu for duty in Albemarle Sound. Very respectfully, S. C. ROWAN, Commanding Naval Farces, J~amlico Sound. Lieutenant Commanding ALFRED HOPKINS, Commanding U. S. S. Underwriter. Order of Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, to Lieutenant ~1~erden, U 5 Navy, regarding coal vessels. U. S. S. PILILADELPIJIA, OtV New Berne, ]Iliarch 22, 1862. SIR: I send you the steamer Underwriter for duty under your com- mand. On her arrival you will l)lease dispatch the steamer Ellis, with orders to report to me. Direct Captain Franklin to stop at Iloanoke anchorage and ascertain the number of coal vessels there and the quantity of coal on board each. If any one of theiui be empty and will come, I will give them freight to Philadelphia or New York at 40 cents per barrellay days not less than four nor more than six. Keep yourself ready to go through the swash. 1 may want to send you to Beaufort in a few days. Very respectfully, S. C. I4OWAN, Commanding Naval Forces, 1~amlico Sound. lieutenant Commanding R. WERDEN, Commanding Naval Division, A Ibemarle Sound. Correspondence regarding the charter of the steamship Illinois for the pur pose of ramming the Merrimack. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, transmitting correspondence with the captain of the chartered steamer Illinois. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, ilampton Roads, Virginia, March 22, 1862. SIR: The conduct of the captain of the Illinois has been anything but what I expected, and his whole crew is demoralized and unwilling to run dowit the Merrimack. It seems to me as though he came here predetermined not to do what he was expressly chartered for. Argu- nient and persuasion are useless upon such a character. To-day he proposes to me, in writing to annul his charter party. 1 forward here- with a copy of his communication. I have not the engineers or firemen necessary for her engines, and am so much disgusted with this whole proceeding that I have determined to let him go with his vessel wher- ever he likes. I also forward a COI)Y of a letter I have ~vritten to him upon the subject Page 158 158 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. In chartering steamers for the service in view it would, I think, be infinitely better for the Government to officer and man them entirely. Then, and themi only, j)erhaps, can we place iml)licit confidence in having done what is wanted in a proper manner. I have no doubt that volunteers in abundance, good and true, may be procured in New York to serve on board the Illinois in the way wanted. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, (}omdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. (I. [Enclosure No. I.] STEAMSHiP ILLINOIS, Hampton Roads, I virginia, March 22, 1862. SIR: As Captain Poor, of the U. S. Navy, has taken command of the steamship Illinois and has ordered the crew (who have refused duty on said ship when used as a ram) to leave the ship, and replaced them with men from the Navy, out of my control, and also out of the control of my officers, I therefore do respectfully ask you to receive the steamship Illinois, and give me a receipt for her accordingly. Otherwise, under the circumstances, I must annul the charter party and return the ship to New York. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. B. BARTON. Flag.Officer L. M. G OLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure No. 2.] U. S. FI~Ax~snw MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 22, 1862. SIR: I have just received your letter of this date. Your whole conduct concerning the Illinois is of a character which bespeaks anything but duty to your country, and I regard your pro- ceedings as a wiliftil abandonment of your charter. How dilforent the bearing of the captain of the Arago, whose vessels charter is similar to that of your own. As soon as Captain Poor and his men are removed from the Illinois you can go with her where you like, with the distinct un(lerstanding that you yourself annul the charter party and desert the trust confided to you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Qfficer, Conidy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. ft B. BARTON, Esq., Commanding Steamship Illinois, hampton Roads. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Marshall 0. Roberts, esq., relative to rechartering th~ steamship Illinois. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 25, 1862. SIR: This Department will charter the Illinois on the same terms as in the charter just canceled by her captain, excepting the maritime risk Page 159 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON 159 provided you put on board a captain, crew, and officers who are will- ing to attempt to run do~vn the Mierriinack. Charter party to corn- mence the day the vessel leaves New York. I am, respectfully, etc., (3-IT)EON WELLES. 14. 0. ROBERTS, Esq., IVashingtoa, D. C. Letter from Marshall 0. Roberts, esq., to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, relative to the charter of the steamship Illinois. NEW YORK, March 26, 1862. SIR: I am in receipt of duplicate copies of your correspondence with the Navy Department in relation to the steamship Illinoi8, and beg to say that the charter will show for what purpose the ship was chartered, and to say further that I did not feel authorized to inform the officers or crew that she was intended to mu down the Merrimack or chartered for any other purpose. But presuming under the charter party there could be no misunderstanding on the subject, I left the matter entirely with your good self~ 1 really regret the turn things have taken, and assure you Captain Barton had no authority from me to annul the con tract. I chartered the Illinois to Mr. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, at a time when she was under employment in another service, and for an emergency that had ariseii at Fort Monroe. Mr. Fox inibruned me there was no time to be lost. Captain Barton was recommended to me by Moses Taylor, esq., of this city, in whose employ lie had been for seventeen years past, bat never before iii mine. In accordance with a letter just received from the Navy 1)epartment, a copy of which you will please find herewith, I have concluded to send the Illinois back to Hampton Roads, under directions to Captain D. S. Babcock, to comply with your orders to the fullest exteiit. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MARSHALL 0. ROBERTS. Commodore L. 14. G-OLDSBOROUGH Flag- Officer, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Letter from Marshall 0. Roberts, esq., to the Secretary of the Navy relative to the charter of the steamship illinois. NEW YORK, April 15, 1862. SIR: I had the honor to receive your dispatch of the 24th ultimo, stating that The Department approves the course of Flag-Officer (ioldshorough in accepting the annulling of the contract between the owners of the steamer Illinois and the Department for the charter of said steamer, and that, in view of all the circum- stances in the case, it does not feel justified in allowing any pay from the date specified in the charter party. There are circumstances connected with the charter of the Illinois and occurrences which led to the alleged annulling of the charter party not known to the Department at the date of your dispatch which I beg leave to bring to your attention, in the confident hope that the Page 160 160 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. may afford sufficient ground for a reconsideration of the action of the Department, and justify an allowance of pay from the date specified in the charter party. When application was made for the Lllinoi8 by the Department she was un(ler charter to the War Departmeiit as a dispatch vessel. Although at somewhat less ~~er (heal l)ay, this service was less haz- ardous to the ship aiid the ships company than the present. r~ lie release from that contract was obtained by the Navy 1)epartment, aiid she was speedily dispatched to Fortress Monroe, under the charter of March 17. At the time of sailing her officers and crew, excel)t Captain Barton, were not informed of the actual purpose of the charter, because at that time it was not thought expe(lielit to disclose it. In fact, I considered myself precluded by injunctions from a high quarter from divulging it to anyone except the captain. But to guar(1 against tIme refusal by ammy of the ships company to serve omi the arrival of time steamer at her I)lace of (lestination, the charter party l)rovi(lcd that the Department should be allowed the right to l)nt on board ammy officers amid mimen to take the l)lace of any officems or crew who should refuse to go nuder fire. This provision of the charter l)arty was relied upomi as a resource, should any of the officers or crew refuse to serve wheim jimformned of the object of the charter. Accompanying this are the (lepositions of Captain Barton and Purser Roberts, stat the occurrences from tIme timne of shipping the officers and crew of the Illinoi~ in New York to her arrival in Hampton Roads omi time 18th March, ami(l to her return to New York on the 24th of tlmat Inomith, together with all the correspondence l)etweeli Flag-Officer Goldsborongh amid Captain Bartomi; by which it xvill be seemi that Captain Barton, in his letter of the 20th March, imifbrmned Commodore Goldsborough that five of the officers of his ship, viz, the captain, first mate, first engineer, purser, and stewar(i, had (leteriliine(1 to remain on board. T his letter had not been received at the Department at the date of your dispatch of the 24th March. It will be seemi also that Captaimi Bartomi and Purser Roberts exerted themselves to induce the crew to remain, and did prevail upon twelve, in addition to the five already memitiommed, to continue omi board. The subsequent difference of views was no doubt the result of mutual mimisunderstanding. Captain Poor havimig taken command of the ship, Captain Barton, in his tender of the ship to the flag-officer, supposed he was acting in obedience to the conditions of the charter pam-ty, and after his avowe(l determination to remain on board the ship ami(l aid in running dowim the ]Jferrinwck, and after the efforts lie had made to secure the services of his officers amid men, I am umm~vilhing to suspect him of amiy inteutiomi to l)revent the ship from cam-rying out the object of the I)epartment. Captain Barton is a loyal citizen of worth and of well-knowim i-ectitude, and has been upward of twenty years in the service of Mr. Moses Tay- lor, a gentleman of the highest character, and omie of the most extemisive and honorable shipping merchants in the city of New Yoi-k. He sup. posed, as I supposed, that on the refusal of any of the officers and mcmi to serve, their places would be suh)h)lied by time flag-officer, or by any officer of time Navy that should be placed in commami(l of the ship, and that it was his duty to tender the ship to the Government. But he was wholly without authority to annul the charter party; and had not the coin-se of the flag-officer been al)proved by the l)epartment, I should doubt his power to accept aim unauthorized abrogation of the charter Page 161 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 161 I ought, perhaps, not to omit to a(ld that the difficulties of shipping a crew for the return of the Illinois to Fortress Monroe were considera- bly aggravated by the arrival of the crew of the Arayo, who, having (juit their ship, returned to New York, and l)revailed upon the fresh crew of the rilinois to refuse to serve, and nearly a day elapsc(l before their places could be supl)lied. I am, sir, your obedient servant, MARSHALL 0. I~OJiERTS. Lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Aavy. Letter from Marshall 0. Roberts, esq., to the Secretary of the Navy, giving full details relative to the chartering of the steamship Illin6is, NEW YORK Jane 6 IS6~ SIR: I have read carefully the statement* of Mr. Fox in reply to my letter previously addressed to the Bepartment in relation to the charter of the steamship Illinois, and regret to say that betweca that gentle- man and myself there is an entire misunderstanding of the matei ial facts as lie relates them. I beg leave to submit herewith my under- stalldmg at the time, hoping that the facts may be fbund to justify my conclusions. On Saturday, March 15, Mr. 0. S. Ilaisted called at my office to say that the Government wanted to hire or purchase the steamship illinois ior an extra hazardous employment, and said Mr. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, was then in the city, at the Astor House, sent by the President for that purpose, and advised inc to see him at once. I stated to himmi that the illinois was then in the Government service, bitt still in port. At Mr. Jlalsteds urgent solicitation who insisted that the business of the Government would admit of no delay, I went to the Astor House, found Mr. Fox in his rooni, amid informed him of my earliest desire to meet the wishes of the I)epartrnent iii every way in my power, and expressed the desire that he would freely command my tim~. I said, i)o you wish to charter or purchase steamshipsl He answered by asking, What ships are here~ I replied, I have two, the Illinois and i~hiladelphia, and know of no others except the Van- derbilt and Havre lines. He answered, But the Atlantic will be back to-niorrow. I said, Do you want the Illinois? He answered, I do not know. Is she not already in the service of the War l)epartmemit? 1 replied, Yes, bitt perhaps that may be changed, if important. But I could get no answer from Mr. Fox to show the least I)OSSible desire to employ the ship. On leaving Mr. Foxs room, lie followed me out to the hall of the Astor House (his room being 011 the same floor with the hall and office). Still hoping lie might suggest to me some mode of serving miiy Govern- macnt, I walked with him more thami ten minutes up an(L (lowli the hall, but got nothing from him beyond the remark that lie was then going ill) the river to West Point, and exl)ecte(l to return to Washington OIl Sunday afternoomin. On Sunday morning, 16th, a messenger called at my house, saying the quartermaster wished to see me at his office, upon Not found. N W RYOL 71 Page 162 162 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. reaching which, Captain Stiiisoii haiidcd me a letter, of which the following is a copy: QUARTEI!A5TEIIGENEIIA LS Oviics~, New York, March P, 1SKJ. SIR: I have been (1ireete(l l)y tbe Secretary of War to turn over the steamer illinois to the Navy I)epartment. Xou will therefore 1)l(~se consider hec as iii the service of ihat Department from 12 oclock m. to-morrow. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 1). 1). TOMPKINS Issislon t ()uar/crwaster (cnrro 1. MAIISHALL 0. ROBERTS, Esq., Owner of the Steamer Illinois, New York. On reading the above letter, I was at a loss to know what to (10; the Illinois being transferred to the Navy Department, not (lisellarged, as was the usual mode of procedure. 1 P)ld Captain Stinsoii that I was greatly embarrassed, bnt was ready to take any course that woul(1 facili- tate the object of the Navy I)epartment. lie sai(l, have you not seen Mr. Fox? I replied, Yes, for some time yester(lay, l)ut hetold niche was going up the river, and did not appeilr to want the Illinois for his l)epartment for any l)ll~l)O5C whatever, although he did not say so. Captain Stin son said, (let the Illinois ready for sea; I know they want her. Not willing to take so much responsibility, I called and con- sulted my friend Moses Taylor, who advised me to get the shuip ready, and in the absence of her regular captain, sai(l he would authorize Cal)taiu Barton, who had been iii his employ for a quarter of a century, to take her to sea. Mr. Taylor and myself, notwithstanding it was Sunday, proceeded at once to the ship to get her ready for service, without regard to expense or labor. Fagged and tired, I reached my house at itearly 4 oclock p. in. and learned for the first time that Mr. Fox had been there twice amid would return. In five minutes lie was announced, and I met him in my library. Then for the first time lie sai(l he wanted the Illinois for immediate service, and asked if she was rea(ly fbr sea, and if she could leave early the next morning. I answered that she was ready, and could sail at the time named. He then said, I will take her at the same rate of compensation I)aid by the quartermaster. This, you are aware, was $1,200 per day, as dispatch vessel, with n0 more than the ordinary risk. I answered that the service was diff~ient, much more hazardous and costly, and worth more money than that. lie said he would give no more auid left the room, proceeding (howl) the stairs, fol- lowed by myself. At the foot of the stairs, I said, You have suc- ceeded in procuring the ships discharge from the service of the War Department, and as you do not want her, I will ~() (hown and inform the people on board and discharge the crew, but regret to (10 it, not only because I have been put to expense and somne trouble to get her in readiness for this duty, but because I wish to do the Government any service in my power. He rel)lied, 1 will give you the same price paid for the Arago, $1,300 per day. I agreed to this 1)roposition, although the illinois was a better conditioned ship amid more expensive to run. I state these particulars because it may be inferred froni Mr. Foxs statement that the difference iii coinl)ensation l)etweeii the two I)epart- ments was greater. I then sai(l, Mr. Fox, I lmn(lerstalid the i)urpose for which you intend to use the ship, and h thuimuk her perfectly compe- tent to run down the Jllerrflna(l-, but, said I, supl)ose any of the crew should refuse to go under fire. lIe ahswere(h, That is all pro- vided for in the contract, which you will obtain from Mr. Isaac Bell Page 163 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 163 an(l let your OWIl CO~~ correspond with that, but let the Illinois leave early to-morrow morning. The Arc go can not be got ready for several (lays, as they have some repairs to make to her boilers. I callc(l at the house of Mr. Bell and obtained a COI)Y of the contract and enquired if anything had been said to hini about the service to be rendered by the illinois or the A rago. He replie(l, Not one word. having receive(l my information on that subject from Mr. 1-laisted in contidence, I did not feel at liberty to mention it to anyone except (~ap~ tam Barton. My son, a lad of 18, who desired to go out in the 51111), was iot informed of the nature of the voyage. Had I state(1 it to the crew ot the Illinois, in any of theni probably would not have gone out in the ship, and she would have been delayed over the day named, and as I suJ)posed any such contingency was provided for l)y the arrangement with the Department I did not feel at liberty to disclose it, especially as its ~)ublieity might do mischief in other respects. The contract (listinctly covered all the points. The Assistant Secre- tary will not deny that this is the contract nuder which the Illinois sailed, and I most respectfully refer the honorable Secretary to it, on tile in the Department. If it was expected the crew would be shipped expressly to run (lown the Merrimack, why provide in the charter for the emergency of their retilsing, on reaching theirdestination, to go nuder fire? The charter party provides for precisely the emergency which hap l)ened, showing, in the opinion of both parties, that it was likely to occur nuder the circumstances. The men were shipped without know- ing that the ship was to go under lire, and it was in the contempla. tion of both parties that more or less of them, when they should ascertain this, would refuse to serve; and in that event the Govern- imient, not tile undersigned, ~Tas to supply the deficiency. That it was so understood will be apparent by the fact that tile tiag-ofticer sent on board several men, besides Commander I~oor, who immediately called up the ships company aild announced not only the purpose of the ship, but that lie was in command. Mr. Fox argues his case with all the skill and zeal of an advocate. In order to show that I could not have been restrained front avowing the oh~ject of the charter of the Illinois and thins shipping a crew ex~)ressly for that purpose by any consideration of the confidential nature of the service, or by any injunction of secrecy, he asserts at three different times (on pages 2, 4, and 9) that I stated in the inter- view at my house, before makimig the contract, that it would be neces- sal-v for me to inform the people on board of the service exl)ected from them, as they might oi~ject to going in the vessel on such duty. Had I said this, and then omitted to inforni them, I might thimik myself as (lehiliquent, as Mr. Fox charges me with being. But no such intimuatiomi was made, or any such thought entertained for a moment by me. All that transpired in the two interviews between us is as stated above. As stated iii my letter of the 13th of April, I felt myself precluded from disclosing the inmature of time service by the intimation through Mr. Halsted, as I then supposed from a high official source. But had no such imitimation been made, the urgemmey of the service, the late hour (Sumiday afterimoomi, and the sailing hour next niorning), amid time belief that the provision iii the charter that the place of ammyone refusing to go under fire could be supplied by the flag-officer, would probably have deterred me from raising time (juestion at that time. I can only explain the discrepamicy by assuming that Mr. Fox has inadvertentl Page 164 164 NORTH ATI ANTIC BLO( KAI)ING SQUADRON. confounded lily reiiiarkwhen I su1)pose(l his intention was not to char. tei the ship, after having withdrawn her from the War I)epartmeiit that t ninst iiiforin the ships people on board and (liseharge the men with the nitreal declaration which he puts in my mouth. Upon a review of the entire case I have no fault to tiiid with iiyself but 1 greatly regret that there should be any misunderstanding with Mr. Fox. Nor can I consider myself responsible for tine occurreinces at Fortress Monroe, n~r for tine snrrender of the charter by Captaiin Barton, or the accel)tance of such surrender by Commodore Goldsboronmghi, or that I otiohit to be subjected to all its consequences. While, therefore, I make no claim for the ships service from the (lay the charter was anunlied by the nnauthorized act of Captain Barton (22d March) to tile date of the second charter (28th of that month), I caii not l)LLt think tilat the first charter should be held to be in operation dnriiig the time the ship was iii the actual service of the Navy l)epart- nieiit, viz, frola the 17th to tile 22d March. I beg leave, also, in conclusion to say that the price fixed for the service of the steamship Illinois is less remunerative tilan any other corn mnercial employment ilIvolvilIg the sa~ne amount of capital iilveste(l, and I here declare tllat I wonld not tbr the whole of it have a l)ersonal difficulty with the Navy l)epartiilent. 1 am, sir, very respectfully, yonr obedielit servant MAInSJIALL 0. ROBERTS. Hon. (iwI~oN WELLES, #ccrc/ cry ~a the Ac. cy. UNirED STATES (IF AMERICA, Southent 1)istriet qJ New 1o4 ss: 1, On this twelfth day ot Julie, A. I). lS(2, befbre Ilie, George W. Morton, Limited States Commissiol icr, ~)ersoliah1y appeared M arshall 0. Roberts, to me l)ersonally known, wino, being Ily me (lilly swormi, did depose amid say thia~t lie had reol the toregoimig statement of flicts and subscribed the same, amid that the same were true. 1mm witmiess whereof I have Jieieillit() subscribed my name a.mmd affixed my seal of office the day and year last above written. [SEAL.] GEG. XV. MORTON, U. AS. Commissioner. keport of I1 Icy-Uffi err (loldsborocqh, U. S. Ncr i,, regarding the move- mints o} the U. AS. stecmers A ibctross and ilcrhlehead. IT. S. FLA GSIH P Id INNESOTA, ![(( )flJ)tOfl hoc (is, I ivy HOc., ]JIi(( rein 28 lR(;~ Sia: I have the hommom to informn The l)epamtmimemmt that the U. S. S. Albatross, lmaviii g linishi ed her repairS iii Baltimore, left these roads for blockading duty off Beaufort, N. C., timis moriming; also that the U. S. S. Mc.rblehead arrive(l here this morning. I am, very respectfully, your obediemit servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Plcg- Queer, Corn dy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of tine Nary, Washington Page 165 NORTh ATLANTIC B LOC K ADJN( ~ SQITADRON. 165 Report of Flag-0~Jicer Goldsborough, U. ~. Nary, regarding (loaederate vessels ufl(ler construction. U. S. FLAUSHu MiNNESOTA, IThfltJ)tO U Ji~OUdS, 1 ry i itia, JI(( rth :2], jS62. SIR: Iu reply to your coiuniuiiicatioii ot the 21st iiistaii{. I have the honor to state that I Live ~() direct iulornmtiou which leads me dis- tiiictly to understand that; the eneiuy is ~)Ie~)aring the iron cased boats mentioned by General Mansfield. Several months since he a(lvertised fl Prol)osals to build six, and it is not at all unlikely therefore that he is 110W ictually eIigage(l Hi jwe- several iorfolk, I ant induced to l)elicve Of the six gunboats buildiiio ft N that two of them are very much lari~er thami I lie rest; have a l)eatil (if 40 feet. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDS1IOROUUH, Flag 0/Peer, (oui (lff. Aorth I tl(( U tic I:lockading Squadron. bit. GIDEON \VI~1wEs, & crctary ot the nary, il((ShiUgtO)?, I). (1 Report of Flag- Officer (Joldsborough, U. S. A(( ry, regar(ling the r(iusal of the crew of the chartered steamer Arago to serve in ranuning the 0. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack), the arrival ol the steamship I anderoilc in Izlami)ton Roads, ((nd h is J)ropOsc(i met/i 0(1 (~/ attacking the Merr i)n~ek. U. S. FLAc~sll1r I\IINNESOTA, IIainj)ton Roads, I ~irgin ia, March 2], tG2. SIR: The captain of the Ar((go informs inc this lnorliing that in comi- sequence of a visit yesterday of thc engineers of the Illinois while lie wa~s absent on board this ship emmg~iged with me, his owi emigineers, exeel)t the head one, all called up~ii him this mnormiimmg aIl(l })roteste(1 their unwillingness to serve iii running the Merrimack dowii itid that the firenlemi and crcw go ~vit Ii them in this iii manly deterunmiatiomi. The reason they assign for their course is that they were iiot imitoritmed at New Yoik of tile purpose the vessel was imitemm(led to subserve. The captain himself aimd his officers arc all well disposed. Jic will dispatch his purser this afternoon fbr New York to get, it possible, volunteer engineers aiid fireinemi, amid themi, lie thtimiks, his crew will not iefuse to serve. Uiifortunately his chief engimmeer, who, I am t~ol(l,is a first-rate imman, amid exercises great control over all llml(ler him on boaid, was lett at New York to rejoin the vessel hicie. He is still absent. The captain ichies greatly upon him to get another crew of engineets alm(1 fiteinemi, and hemice his reasomi for seimdimmg oft the pursem. I am, very resl)ectfllhhy, youl obedient seivant, Flag- Ofticer, Corn dg. North Atlantic Rio(ka(ling Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C. P. 5.If the purser succeeds in getting the engineers and firemen I can put enough of the other men 011 board in case those now there should still persist in refusing to undertake the task assigned. Should the Merrimack appear (hlllimmg the absence of the purser, the captain assures me that he will, despite of all unwillingness of his men Page 166 166 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. obey my orders and run her down, but this intention he will not (livulge. lie strikes me very favorably, and I have no doubt he will do as he says. ~f he Vanderbilt has just arrived here under charter or authority of the War lflepartment. A fine spirit l)revails oii board of: her throughout. I am not at all apprehensive about the illerrimacl1s escape. Ny l)lalls are all fully digested ami I am morally sure of success in her capture or destruction if 1 can oiily get my vessels thirly at her. The mtioiaeutum of a vessel weighing only 1,000 toiis, with a speed of but 10 kmiots per hour, is 160 tons greater than that of a shot weighing 200 pounds and impelled with a velocity of 1,0W) feet per secoll(l. Rut a ship like the Vcutdcrbi it, P)r instance, weighs quite 5,000 toiis, and can easily be worked ill) to 15 knots per lionr heiice her momen- tuin can be made to eNceed that of the shot just mcntioiied by consid erably more than a thousandfold. The ill err OJl((c/. could not possibly resist sack a blow for a mnoiaent, nor iiideed, as I believe, the tenth l)alt of it. Running her (Iowa is the only way to insure her capture or (lestrllction ,it is by for the safest course to be and, furtlicimore adopted. Should she go to New port sews, it is not my iliteiltion to follow her there but the mao~aeiit she comes down loward these roads and gets where my vessels can act without gronll(lillg we shall all be at her. Am~y attack of hers upon Newl)ort News would amount to nothing, for onr men there could easily retiie beyond reach of her shells. Indeed, the place itself is but of little consequence to its. Were the Merrimack to escape beyond these roads, she would in all probability go at once to York River, an(l thus (herange entirely our contemplated attack upon Richmond. As a matter of course, 1 keep all these considerations hilly in view. Most respectfully, L. [VI. (iInsnoRoUo-H, Flag- 0/fleer. Letter from the Secretary of tile iYa~ry to Flag- Otjmeer (ioldsborough, U. S. Au. rq, transmitting information of tile arrival at Bermuda, West Indies of tile blockade runner Economist. NAvy DEPARTMENT March 23, 1862. SIR: Tile l)epartment herewith transmits an(l (lirects your special attention to a copy of a dispatch dated the 5th instant, received by the Secretary of State from the U. S. consul at Bermuda, reporting the arrival there from England of the steamer Economist. The sims- picious character of this steamer has been frequently brought to the notice of the blockading squadrons, and the indications are that site will atteml)t to run into some one of the blockaded ports. Vigilance should be exercised. I am, respectfully, etc., (jInEoN WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII, Corn dg. North Atlantic Bloeka ding Squadron, flanlpton koa.(is. [Enclosure.] CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Bermnda, March 5, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the British screw steamer Economist, having on board a full cargo and the first lieutenant of th Page 167 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 167 Southern steamer Nash rule and two pilots belonging to the Southern States, arrived at these islands on the 28th nltino, having cleared at London on the 29th of January last for Melbourne. She is owned, as ier register, by Richard G. Brisberg, of Liverpool, is 472 tons burden, is 1)ark rigged, and draws 10 feet of water. She is a long, narrow steamer, with no topinasts or spars, and reported very fast. She caine here to rel)lenish her coal, and, as I am informed, intended to leave at once alter doing so, but the late news from the Southern States seems to have disarranged their 1)lans, amid at present they seem undecided what. to do. I am unable to learn anything reliable in regard to her cargo. I ala, sir, etc., C. M. ALLEN, Consul. SECRETARY (IF STATE, llaShifl(Itou., 1). (1. Report of F laq- Qificer Go 1(151)0 ~o ugh, U. S. Nary, requesting t1 e j) resence of fire mortar ressels off Neaufort, N. C. U. S. FLAGSHiP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 24, 1862. SIR.: Commander liowan writes me nuder date of the 19th instant earnestly requesting that, it 1)ossible, five mortar vessels may be sent WI Fort Macout to be in readiness to opeii on the fort as soon as the army will open upon it with its mortar battery on the land side. The i\ashrille, he states, was still at l3eaufort, anchored under the fort, on the imuner thee of it. If the Department has any mortar vessels near at hand that cami be spared for time service in view, it ~vonld be well, I think, to send them off Beanfort. I ama in hopes that both Beaufort and Fort Macon will fall into our possession at an early moment. 1 ani, very res~iectfully, your obediemit servant, L. M. (AOLDSBOROUGII, Flag- Officer. lion. GIDEON V\ELLES, Secretary of the Aarq, lVashington, 1). C. Letter from the Assistant Secretary ~f the Nary to Flag- Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Nary, regarding available force for cooperation with the moremeuts of the army. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 24, 1862. Mv DEAR SIR: General [J. G. Barnard has informed you of the plan of operations amid the desire the army has to have you strike a blow for them. I told the President that it must be left entirely to your judg- ment, beariuug iii mind that your first duty was to take care of the Merrimack. 1-Je agrees to that. At the same time I do not like to have the Army say that the Navy could not hell) them, so we are ordering everything we can raise to report to you. The Sebago and Maratanza. (similar to the Octorara) will probably be in time, so will the Galena, ironclad vessel, and you can probably brin Page 168 168 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. back some of the North Carolina fleet, though they amount to very little. The 1~awnee is ordered up from Du Ponts sqlla(lron. The St. Lawrence was ordered into the Potomac; in my absence you can make what use you wish of her. Please send back the yar(l boats and Potomac Flotilla crai as fast as you can, as they are much required here. If Burnside gets to Beaufort, and the Na~hrille is destroyed, 1 fancy one sailing vessel will be enough off that J)Ort; so, altogether, you will have considerable of a force, such as they are, before the army is ready. If it is not enough, I will take care to exl)lain it; but, if you can, I should like to see you knock down the town for tlieni. They consider it as saving several mouths in the campaign. We want the Octorara to go south after this matter and the Merrimack is de& aled. The pvopeller a~A mail she has better go by the Rhode island. We will send you the Jiaratauza amid Sebago probably without coma- manders, or at least one of them, and you must oive th cam to your best men, keeping in view semmiority if it possesses merit, hot without. The President has sent you the Vanderbilt. Are you in waimt of any more for ranms~ They chiarge ~3,O00 per (hay for those soummd boats. The Roanoke is to 1)e ironclad. Caim not you spare Stimners~! We want him here for one of the board omm iroiichad vessels. We shiahi have a dozen monitors improved an(l carrying t~vo 15 mdi guns. Is Buchamman dead ~ I think the Merrimack is shifting her battery. Has she been iii the (hock ~ Could one of these Potonmac fishing nets be sunk across the channel ~ Prize money for fleet captains is fixed as agreed upon when you were here. Most truly, yours, & . V. Fox. Flag--Ofluicer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, regarding the move- ments of United States vessels. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 25, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to immformn the Department that the IT. S. S. Cambridge arrive(l here this muorning from off Beanfort, N. C., within dispatches; also the U. S. S. Young Rover fromn off the mouth of the Rappalmanmiock, for supl)hies. 1 have this muorning sent the Iictoria to that blockading statiomin, with directions to returmi as soomi as relieved by the Young kocer, which will be iii the course of a (lay or two. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading #SVnadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsboroagh, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Braine, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Monticello, to proceed with that ves- sel to duty off Wilmington, N. C. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 25, 1862. SIR: I wish you to get (at Baltimore from time receiving ship ammd navy agent) together everything iii time way of provisions, clothing Page 169 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADIN( SQUADRON. 169 stores, coal, water, etc., necessary to enable ~OH to return to your station oft Wilmington, N. C., without any delay here whatever, except it may be for a deficiency of your ordnance stores, absolutely neces- sary to l)e made good. It is very important that you should go to Wil- nijuotoli at the earliest possible moment. I )irect your especial attemition to the enclosed extracts from the for- eign correspondence of Government, relative to the fitting out of ves- sels abroad to violate this blockadc. The latest of these extracts, several copies of which are enclosed, you will cause to l)e (listributed among the vessels oft W:linington l)lockadillg. I am, very respectfully, your ol)ediellt servant L. lxi. GoEDsnoRouciI, Flag- Officer, Aorth Atlantic Blockading AS)qna(lron. Lieutenant Comniamaling 1). L. BRAINE, U. S. S. Mon ticello, I altim ore. Letter from the captain 0/ the chartere(i steamer Arago to Flag- 0th cci- (Joldsborough, U. S. Nary, regarding the refusal of his crew to serre in ramming the Merrimack, an(l requesting to be/Prnished wit/i a crew fur his ressel. U. S. CHARTERED STEAMSHIP ARAGO, Hampton Roads, I irginia, March 25, 1862. SIR: I regret exceedingly the necessity that compels me to apl)ly 10 you for a sul)ply of officers and men to make this ship at all serviceable to the Government. Since my aiinonncement to the men that this ship was to be used as a rain against the rebel floating battery Merrimack, a panic has seized the ci-ew and most of the officers and men refused duty. In the engine (lepartlnent all refused with the single exception of the chief engineer. In the sailing department my chief officer is sick with Chagres fevem- and must be semit home, and the other officers aiid fourteen seamen refuse to serve any loumger omi board. I aiim therefore compelled to apply to you for at least 4 enlneers, 12 firemen an(I 12 coal F _ passers, {leck officers and 12 seamen, until I can procure tromn New York or elsew-here other men to fill the positions vacated by those who have determined to leave this ship befom-e 4 oclock I~ In. this day. Again regretting the necessity of making this application, I remain, sir, yonrs, obediently, IJENnY A. GADSDEN, (loni nian dcv. Commodore L. lxL GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Co ntdg. North A tla ntic I3locka (hug Squadron. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant Greene, U. S. Navy, to furnish a statement regar(ling the qualities of the U. S. S. Monitor as a sea boat. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 25, 1862. SIR: You will please state to the 1)epartment your opinion of the qnalities of the Monitor as a sea boat; also the impressions regarding her in this respect of other exl)erienced men on board The fullest an Page 170 170 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. most minute particulars respecting her motions, buoyancy, etc., in a sea way, are desired. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Lieutenant S. D. GREENE, U. AS. AS. lion itor, Hampton Roads, Report of Lieutenant Greene, U. 8. Navy, regarding the seagoing qualities 0/ the U. 8. 8. Monitor. U. S. S. MONITOR, Hampton Roads, Miareh 27, 18G2. SIR: I received to-day your communication of the 25th instant. I do not consider this steamer a seagoing vessel. l)uring her passage from New York her roll was very easy and slow, and not at all deep. She 1)itched very little, and with 110 strain whatever. She is buoyant, but not very lively. The inconveniences we experienced can be easily remedied. But she has not the steam power to go against a head wind or sea and I think it very doubtful if she could go fioi~i here to Delaware 13a by herselt as she woul(l be unable to make headway against a sea; she would not steer even in smooth water, and going slow she does not ihilid her helm readily. At sea she would be unable to work her guns, as we are obliged to keel) the ports closed and calked, they being but 5 feet above water. For smooth water operations, such as she was engaged ill ~n the 9th instatit, I think her a most desirable vessel. The 01)1111011 of experi- eiiced seamen on board is the same as my own. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. D. GREENE, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Lieutenant, U. 8. Navy. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Flag- Officer (Joldsborough, U. 8. Navy, to Commander Rowan, U. 8. Navy, rega)ding rantore(l preparations 0/ the enemy to destroy the United States vessels in the sounds of North Carolina. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 26 1862. SIR: I enclose you herewith a letter* j ust received from General Wool in relation to the preparation of t~vo ironclad gunboats by the enemy for the purpose of destroying our vessels in the sounds of North Carolina, etc. The report may I)e true, indeed it 1)robably is true, amid hence the necessity for increased vigilance in watcliimmg the Currituck Canal and keeping it closed. Momentum is a po~verful element to destroy aim ironclad vessel. In my belief, any one of the ferryboats you have, with good headway, would crush any ironclad gunboat the emmemy can produce. A vessel weighing only 500 tons, and going at 10 knots Not 101111(1 Page 171 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 171 per hour, would have a momentum 80 times greater than that of a 200-pound ball with a velocity of 1,000 feet per second. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Commander STEPHEN C. ROWAN, (Jomdg. U. S. Naval Flotilla, Sounds of North Carolina. Order of (Join mender Rowan, U. S. Navy, to Acting Lienteaunt hens/i aw, U. S. Nary, to i)rocee(l to [Jnar(i duty in the Ne use Rivcr. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, N. C., Marc/i 2U, i5b2. SiR: You will take a position with the Barney off Slocums Creek as an ontl)ost to prevent small craft from passing dowmi the river without a pass signed or eudorsed by me. You will also keep a good lookout on the fleet to guard against ~)lundering on their part. You are author- ized to look into the hold of any sailing vessel leaving here that you have reason to suspect. You can look for deserters or assign any other politic reason you choose for your visit, the object of which will be to l)revellt dishonest people from carrying off f)ro~)erty that has beeu stolen or sold without authority. You will not examine the steamer of General Burnside. The passes 1 may sign are intended to cover fhe vessels empty. When any goods are found on board, such as you may have reason to sHsI)ect have been stoleim or obtained without leave and not designated in the pass signed or countersigned by itie, you ~vill detain the vessel, large or small, boat or canoe, and send the person iii charge to inc. I want you to combine a sollIl(i discretion in the performance of this duty with good temper aud tact on the l)art of your subordinates. Very res~)ectfully, S. C. ROWAN, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds North Carolina. Acting Licufenamit li. T. ItENSIIAW, Commanding U. S. S. Corn ?nodorc Larney. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborongh, U. S. i\avy, oj the arrival (~f the U. S. S. I~atroon. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, March 27, 18W?. SIR: I have the honor to inform the I)epartmeut that the U. S. S. Patroon arrived in these roads yesterday. I am, very respectfully, your obediemit servant, L. M. (AOLDSBOROTJGH, Flag-Ogicer, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 172 172 NORTh ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] MARCH 27, 1862. A man that I sent to the Monitor with some shot is just back. He says that two contrabands reported that the iIierrimacl1 ha(1 6 feet water in her hold when she reached the navy yard after the conflict with the Monitor, an(1 that her own pumps wonl(l iiot keep her free. rp~vO refugees also state that the Merrimack seems to have coin )leted her repairs. J. A. DAIILGREN. Hon. GiDEoN WELLES, A~ecretq iy OJ the N((vq. keport of Lieutenant Werden, U. k~. Nury, transmitting iformation regarding the construction of (Jonfc(lerate gitnhoats at Norfolk. [U. S. S.J STARS AND STRIPES, Powells Point, [N~ 0.], March 27, 1862. SIR: Captain Hopkins came here this morning with the within jufor- mation from the enemy, which he assures inc is perfectly reliable. I send it to you at once, that you may a(l ViSe Inc what to (10. rphie Put- nunt and Ceres are quite used up, and the Lockwood is leaking so badly that it is with difficulty that she can be kept afloat. Call you not send me one or two of the broad horns a? I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, H. WERDEN. Commander S. C. ROWAN, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces Pamlico Sound. [Enclosure.] Two ironclad gunboats building at Norfolk to come through the north channel. One of them is nearly ready to be launched. The troops have all left Elizabeth City, except a few of the militia. The inhabitants of Elizabeth are rapidly coming back since the (leparture of the troops, and they manifest a good feeling toward our vessels. A small battery is being built near the mouth of the north canal. Very respectfully, etc., ALFRED IIOi~KINS, Lieutenant, Commanding U. sS. S. Underwriter. Letter from the Secre(ary of War to Major- General Wool, U. S. Army, intro(i acing Mr. I an(lerbilt and bilt. , in relation to the steamship Vander- WAR t)EPARTMENT, Washington, D. 0., March 27, 1862. GENERAL: Allow me to introduce to you Cornelius Vanderbilt, esq., of New York, and commend him to your confidence and kind atten- tioii. On Saturday last you were informed by telegraph from this Depart- ment that the steamship Vanderbilt had been given to the Governmen Page 173 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 173 and accepted by the President and asSigne(I to special duty to guard the trallsl)o1ts in the service of this i)epaitment and to aid in the destruction of the Merrimack. I am waiting for intelligence from you of the arrival of the Vauderbilt, as requested in my telegram, and t~ared something had delayed her, but Mr. Vanderbilt infornis me she aruive(1 on Sunday. I hope that you may find much advantage iu the use of the Vanderbilt. 1 have also detailed the ]Iietamora, the fastest vessel that could be chartered, to run as a packet between the Thrtress and Cherrystone Point atid guard the telegraphic cable. You will 1)lease give such orders as you may dcciii l)LoI)eL for that l)urpose. 1 have placed the ]lletamora at the disposal of Mr. Vanderbilt while he is at Fortress Monroe. Yours, truly, EDWIN M. STANTON, Necretary of Uar. Major-General JOHN E. WOOL Commanding (it Fort Monroe. Or(ler of the Secretary of liar to Major- General lVooi, I. N. Army, in regard to tit C stea ins/tip 1 ~anderbi it. WAP~ DEPARTMENT, Washington, P. C., March 27,1Sb~ GENERAL: Mr. Scott, Assistant Secretary, h~is just arrived, and briiips me your note of the 24th,~ stating that you had turlle(l the Van (IC/hilt over . us disposition of the to Flag-Officer Coldsborou~h TI Ian de)bilt was iuot contemplated by my iiistructioius to you, nor designed as the mode of euuploying that vessel. She belongs to the Wai- I)epartmueut, aii(l is to act exclusively nuder its orders. lou ~vill therefore take measures to have her placed immediately under comnuand of this Department and relieved from duty under Flag- Officer ({oldsborongh. Yours, truly, EI)WLN M. STANTON, Necretary of War. Major-General JohN E. WOOL. Report oJ (Join inan(ler Iriowan, (T AS. Aavy, regard ing the prpa rations for attack upon Beaaj%rt, N. C. U. S. S. PHILADELPHiA, Off New Nerne, N. C., March z-8, 1RG2. SIR: General Parke moved from here to Morehead City oui the 22d instant. General Buruside pai(l him a visit there, who iiuforuns inc that Parke summoned the fort to surrender, which was declined, lie is now erecting mortar batteries, and will cross to the seashore with a regiment or two and make approaches from the westward. There is a difficulty in the way in the latter movement; water has to be crossed, Not found Page 174 174 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQIJADRON. and requires our aid. I have already informed you that I was ~repar- jijo such force as the dej)tlI of water iii the soun(l admits of. t have recalled the Ellis from Albemarle aIl(l sent the Underwriter to take her l)lace. This vessel and the little Granite and a stern-wheel steamer that I captured here will constitute the naval fleet. The general wants the stern-wheel boat for the purpose of carrying troops from Morehead City to the neck of land on the west side of the fort for the purpose above stated. The stern-wheel boat will be commanded by Lieutenant MeCook, who is to pass the fort in her, and if disabled to i)urn her and take to his boats and join Franklin in the Ellis, whom I shall order to keep out of range in the sound until time army opens lime, when he is to do all he can with his rifled-banded gun. I had time honor to suggest the l)ropriety of seiiding five of our mortar vessels to cooperate. Any suitable vessels that you can spare from your command would be of ititmuite importance to the general besieging. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. ROWTAN, (Jomdq. U. N. Naral Porees, Nounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. (i-OLlsnoaoI;n-i, Coindy. North A tla it tie Bloeka (lifl(/ & ~x 110 (Iron, 110/Up ton Roads. Rjport of Commander Rowan, br. A~. Nary, reyardinq the seizure o two sehooners in i~wnte!Io Creek, Aorth Carolina. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, QtJ New Nerue, V C.. iJE(( reh 2S, 1862. SIR.: I sent Lieutenant Commanding Quackenbush to visit the Pungo and seize some vesseh said to be hauled imito the creek, lie returne(I yesterday, bringing with him two schoommers, with a number of Northern women and two men who claimned his l)rotection. General Buruside has given them 1)ernlissioIi to occupy houses in town. I have the honor to l)e, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. ROWAN, Comndfl. U. S. Aural Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. 0 OLDSi~ nOUGH, Comdy. North A tian tie Bloeka d in.q & jua(lron, Hampton Roads. Report o/ Lieutenant Qoackenbush, U. S. Nary, of the seizure of~ the sch ooners A lbem arle and Lion in Pantego Creek, North Carolina. U. S. S. DELAWARE, 0 New Berne, N. C., March 28, 18G2. SIR: I have the honor herewith to submit to you the following report: In obedience to your verbal order, on the 25th instant, at 10:30 a. mu., weighed anchor and proceeded down the Neuse River, arriving oppo- site Wades P the night. oint, Pamhico River, at 7 p. in., where we anchored for The following morning, at 5:30 oclock, weighed anchor and, running in close to Wades Point, landed M. Rilbett, pilot. Returning, we entered the mouth of the Pungo River at 7 a. nin. At 7:30 laid to and sent a boat up Juaran LJordans ?J Creek for the purpose of ascertaim Page 175 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 175 ing if there was a schooner there. The boat returned at 8 a. in., having failed to (liscover any vessel. At 9 :80 entere(1 the Pantego Creek, aiid proceeding slowly up to its head (liscovered two large schooners, which I)roved to be the Albemarle and Lion, owne(1 by Boyle and i~ichard Re(ldick, of Suffolk Va. Sent two armed boats, took possession, and towed them out, when we anchored at the mouth of Pantego at 6:30 p. m. The following morning at daylight received omi board several famni- lies, who came off for protection, after which weighed anchor and proceeded on our way to this 1)lace, arriving at 12 a. m. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. P. QUACKENBUSIT. Commander S. C. IRowAN, Comdg. U. S. Nave 1 Forces, A ibemarle and i~amlico Sounds. Letter from the Secretary of the Nary to Flag- Officer Go ldsboro ugh, U. S. Navy, regarding reports not received. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 28, 18G2. Sin: Referring to the dispatch * from this l)epartmemmt of the 25th November, 1861, you will please state why the reports therein called for have not been made. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GoLDsBoROu~u, Corn dg. North Atlantic I3locka(iing Squadron, Hampton Roads. instructions of the Secretary of the Navy to /lag-officers commanding blockading squadrons, regarding eras oims of the blockade. NAVY I)EPARTMENT, March 28, 1862. SIR: Whenever a case is brought to your kmiowledge of an evasion of the blockade within the limits of your command you will, witliont uiimmecessary delay, convene a court of enquiry for the purpose of a rigorous investigation of the circumstances attending such evasion and direct the court to report, in addition to the evidence and a statememit of the material facts ascertained, their opinion whether the evasion was iii any manner the consequence of negligence or other fault on the part of commanding or other officers or persons in the naval service, naming persons censurable, if any. The record of any court convened under this order will be promptly dispatched to the Department. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads. Flag-Officer SAML. F. Du PONT, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. (7. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, (ilomdg. Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West, lila. Flag-Officer D. C-. FAURAGUT, (iomdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, Ship Island. See Series I, Vol. 6, p. 4~4 Page 176 176 NORTH ATLANTIC BbOCKAD1N~ SQUADRON. CHERRYSTONE, VA., March 28, 1862. Yesterday afternoon I visite(l the l((fl(lcrbilt and foLln(I her prepara tioiis t~tr advanced and that she is at any moment ready for action. Her steam is kept constantly up. There are seven steamers here, all readx- to act as rams, with more or less efficiency, but by their combined operations abundantly able to (lestroy the Merrimack. In my judgihent, it is iinl)ossible for the Merrimack to come down to Fort Monroe with- out being sunk by the rains. She can run up ~Jaines i~iver, she can attack Newport sews, and do what she pleases above Fort Monroe, as the channel above is too narrow and crooked to admit of the steam rains being worked against her with effect; but while remaining up there out of our reach she caii do us no harm. Commodore Golds- borough is fully awake to the unportance of destroying the ]Icrrimack, an(l has a clear comprehension of the manner in which that chu best be (bile with the means at his command. Ithiiuk he will do his duty both skillfully amid bravely, and I have no doubt with success. Mr. Vauder hilt fully approves Commodore (4oldsborouglms l)laiI of battle, and desires the steamer lafldcr/)jlt to remain under Goldsborough~s coin- maiid. I have directed her so to remain until otherwise ordere(l 1)y you. Tue large gum ls are iiot ina(le as available as they ought to i)e. The 13-inch gun is not yet rea(ly to be u5cd with any efliciency, although it is liiounte(l 111)011 a carriage. It is important to have the great gun ma(he available immediately for defense against the Merrimack. If you approve, I will return this afternoon to aid iii niakimig it rea(ly. The oflicers of two steamers of the French navy, now here, weimt to Norfolk yesterday uiider a flag of truce seiit 1)y Commodore Goldsbor- ough. On their return this mornimig they at oiice got up steam in both ships, although they have had their flies out for time last week. This looks as if they anticih)ated a naval engagemnemit to come off soon. This is mill tile informnatiomi I can gather as to the force and disposition of time i-ebels. I thiiik they will make 110 fight thuis side of Iticllmuond. Our chief difficulty will be to land transportatiomi. I will await your answer here. 1~. II. WATSON, Assistant kSeeretary of War. iloum. E. M. STANTON, ASeeretary (~/ War. Order of Co inma ader lb wa a, U. AS1. Aa cy, to Lieutenant 9 eackenbush, L. N. Aaeq, to proceed with the U. 1S. AS. I)elaaare to the I1amlic() River, to eat oft corn JimUnteation a- ith Washinqtoa, N. C. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER I~ILJLADELrnIA, Off JVca- I;e,-.~e, jlho eli 29, ii-+2. Sin: XrOil will proceed without delay to the l~amnhico River for the pmui~oseof nitercepting all communication between Waslmiiigton, [N. C., and the sound. It. is ref)orted that a vessel is expected hourly iii tim I ~amhico or Pungo from the West Indies through Ociacoke. You wihi also ascend the Pamhico and show your vessel oft Washimig- toiu, and be very careful that no attemmipts are made to remount the guns. Remain in time river until further orders. Very respectfully, S. C. JIOWAN, Commanding U. S. Macal Forces, etc. Lieutenant Commanding S. P. QUAcKENBuSII, Commanding U. S. S. Delaware Page 177 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 177 Order of Commander lb wan, U. AS~. Navy, to Lieutenant Werden, U. S. Navy, enjoining a strict watch on the movements ~/ the enemy. U. S. FLAG-SHIP PHiLADELPHIA, New Berue, N C., March 29, 1862. SIR: I have ordered the steamer Morse to report to you for duty off Elizabeth City. It is very desirable and important to keep a close watch on both canals and to use every meaiis in your power to ascer- taili what the enemy is doing on either canal. Whether the North River Canal is permanently obstructed and whether the enemy can come through the Elizabeth City Canal [Dismal SwalnplJ with his new gunboats. Employ spies if you can find intelligent and reliable negroes, and I will approve any bills for reasonable sums thus expended. Be vigilant and prohibit all intercourse with the shore excel)t un(lcr your own immediate orders and for special purposes connected with the public interest. Very respectfully, S. C. ROWAN, Commanding Naval Forees, etc. Lieutenant Commanding It. WERDEN, Comm ending Naral Division, A ibemarle Sound. Letter from Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, to Flag- Officer Goldsbor- ought, U. S. Navy, regarding condition of ajThirs in the sounds of North Carolina. NEW BERNE, N. C., March 29, 1862. FLAG-OFFICER: I have been very busy since I las-t wrote you. This tliiuig of playing commander in chief is attendcd with a great deal of thitiking, working, and, what is worse thaii all, writing. I travel charmingly in harness with the generals, particularly the chief, who is a trump. Since my last note nothing startling has occurred in a naval way. The general wants to keep me and my force with him. Report says that the enemy is concentrating a large force at Uoldsboro to move on us. I tell him they can not come into this town so long as the navy surrounds three sides of it. He thinks so, too, but ~vhcu I talk of sending more force to Albeinarle he feels uncomfortable. Hawkins, in command at Itoanoke, has a big scare on him, notwitlistandimig I have five of the small vessels there under Werden. The Ellis brings a report from Elizabeth that the enemy is plating his new gunboats and intends paying us a visit. This news l)mlts the scare on me, and I have determined to seII(l Flusser and I~eter Hays there to hull him and board him. When the general learns that two of the big ~umi vessels, as he calls them, have heUt, he will begin to fidget. From what you learn of the I)ismal Swamp locks there is but 17& feet width; the contract, or specification, calls br vessels of 22 feet beam. Can it be possible that there can be deception iii thisf I can shut up the channel at Elizabeth tempomarily, amid would do so at once, but for the difficulty of guarding so many I)Oimits amid having ammything left to work with. I understand the Albemarle Canal is closed amid a solid roa(l now crosses it. Have you any information to give imie omi this pointl Cant you spare me the Miami? She would be a tower of stremmgth to run down the coats of mail. If you can l)ossibly do so I know you will, for it was mny parting request. 1 have beemi as happy as a clani at highi water umitil this Albeinarle news, amid I am now as N W RVOL 7 1 Page 178 178 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. nervous as the rest, though I say nothing. If the three new boats, ironed, added to the two we know of conic out an(l can horn us, as did the Merrimack to the Gum berland, we shall be wiped out and the army must share our flute. Foster is entrenching, building two forts in the rear of the town. I was out there today with Burnside. I dont like this building forts so far back, indeed forts of any kind, which, if taken, may be turned on the webfooted people; and I so stated to the general. Rut Foster is an engineer, and he must build forts. What think you of my doings at Washington l If I had a force of one or two broad horns I would go there and frighten the peol)le out of their boots unless the lens is returned. I aimi on the track of the party concerned in its removal, and if I find the authorities slippery I shall scout them. On the other hand, I am a believer in moral suasion. The hearts of the people of North Carolimia are not with the rebels; the woods and swamps are full of refugees fleeing from the terror of conscription. A fellow by the name of [Colonel James H. lj Lane held a fort on the opposite side of the Neuse the day we arrived. He told his soldiers to go home and hold themselves iii readiness to obey his call. The call was made and responded to by 36 of the ThO; the rest are in the swamps, and the doughty hero is looking [for] them and carrying them oft; tied to horses, to Goldsboro. I sent the Delaware to the Pungo after two schooners. The l)eol)le in 1-lyde County are fleeing in all directions. Quackenbush afforded l)rotection to several women and brought them here. The people say they wont fight us, and if they must fight it will be on our side. The general has decided to arm these people and orgamiize them as North Carolinas reserve. Lieutenant ilaxtun, of the State ~f Georgia, caine up in the last train (hand cars) last night from Beaufort. He landed on Cove [Corel side amid took his boat across. He brings no news of importamice. I gave him three of our code signal books to take to Franklimi when lie gets down. Five feet can be carried through the sound. The little wheel- barrow I captured here will soon be ready. The general is very anx- ious to get her to Morehead City. I shall send McCook. She will not pass nearer thaim a mile and a half of the fort and will be under fire while she runs about 3 miles. It does not occur to me to be very hazardous, yet I would not expose the people if they did not express so strong a desire. I fought it off until lie l)roposed to get volunteers, who would get a large sum if they succeeded. I then told himn I would undertake it. It is a chamice shot that will hit the little craft; that shot may cripple her, in which case he is to take to his boat immne- diately amid pull to Beaufort. One of my pilots has just carried some crafts through the canal to Beaufort. He imiformns me that the fort opened on Beaufort while he was there, but the best shot omily reached to within 30 feet of the wharf. The gumus must be imidifferent, or the commandant of the fort is only trying to fool us, siiice the distance is by chart not over a mile and a half. April 1.I expect to start the little wheelbarrow to-mnorrow, escorted by Franklin in the Ellis. I have directed MeCook to be very prudent, and Franklin is to knock spots out of the fort with his rifled gun. I know of no safer gun, rifled, than the banded 32-pounder, notwith- sta~~iing the objection to introduce them on the part of the bureau. I shall send the little Granite down when we are ready to open on the fort. The captain is spoiling for a fight. I shall have at Elizabeth two broad horns nuder Flusser to watch my friends at Elizabeth Page 179 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 179 (~eneral Buruside has offered to 1)ut his whole navy nuder my coin- imind. I eoul(i iiiake something of some of the vessels by putting heavy 32-pounders on them, taken from the forts, l)nt I am not ~villing to trust iiiyself in the hands of his people, and I have iio officers or inei~ to spare. Please give me your i(leaS on this 1)OiIit. think ot suggesting to the general to mu two of tlmeuui between Minmora [Merriunon fl and here. They might as well (10 something. I have semut two lanne lies to Beaufort at the generaPs re nest. He wants one of my lOt) Parrotts there. Shall I let him have it? I am ilghting shy. I am, very truly, yours, S. C. lIOWAN. Flag-Ofticer GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding. Report (/1 Flag-Officer (ioldsborough, U. S. Ya)y, explaining the delay in for ica rd my in/or/nat ion requested by the I)epartinen t reg(( rding the rela- ti CO i/iC/itS of eo//I///a/tding o~Jteers. IT. S. FLAGShIP MiNNESOTA, J1amptoim Ro((dS, li/-gill U(~ Ji( re/i U), 1862. SIn~: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt ot your commumn- eation~ of time 2Sth imistamut, amm(l iii re~)ly beg leave to say that the reports therein alluded to have not l)een made, because, From their nature, 1 supposed they would umot be expected umitil aiim pie opportummi- ties had occurred to enable mime to (letermiline fairly amid justly with regar(l to their requiremnents. The task they imimpose is both (litheult and delicate, amid to this honr I cami not comiscuemitionsly assigmi time rela- tive merit of each amid every comnmamuding officer attached tO) the squad- ron under mnv comnummamid, minor, indee(l, do I Feel mimyseht yet l)rel)are(I to sl)eak with exact justice to all conceruie(l in relatiomi to time othicers br- memly imi the Navy amm(l servimig wider actiming appoimitmimemits auid those now attached to seagoing vessels who mire on the retired list. I can state, however, that in my belief ca~hm amid every one of time above is thoroughly loyal to his country. Not a sign to time contrary has ever been evinced or evemm whispered, to my knowledge. My attentiomi at this tunic is especially givemi to time Ale,-i-ia/eelc and to ai(himmg our Armny imi its contemplated opematiomis imi this quarter. As sooii as these moinen tons affairs am-c off uumy hands I shall, I hope, have it mimore imi my power to respomid to the wishes of the l)epmirtmnent with regar(l to tIme imidividuals in view. The steamer lillinois arrived today, and I am happy to say iii a con- (hitiomi as reported te me ready for the service she is to l)erlorm. The Cambridge left to day for Wilmimmgton, N. C. I amn, very res~)ectfnlly, your obediemmt servamit, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGIT, Flag- Qffieer~ Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Sqaadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, P. C. See page 175 Page 180 180 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Flag- Officer (Joidsboroagli, U. & Nary, to Commander Parker, U. S. Nary, to proceed to duty oft Wilmington, N. C. U. S. Fi~~siin MINNESOTA, Hamptoa Roads, Virginia, March 30. 1862. SIR: Proceed off Wilmington, N. C., with the Cambridge under your coininaiid, ana remain there closely and vigorously blockading the place until further orders, or as long as your supply of fuel and provisions ~vill possibly 1)ermit. I am, very respectiully, your obedieut servant, L. M. (4oLDSBOROUGI, Flag- Officer. W. A. PARKER, (Jomdg. U. S. S. Cambridge, hampton Roads, Virginia. P. S.As a matter of course, Coinniander Parker will report huinseh to the senior officer oft Wilmington and receive his orders as to the J)articular point lie is to guard. l)istribute copies of the accompanying printed papers among all the vessels oft Wilmington. L. M. CL Order of Commander Rouan, U. S. ATa ry, to Lieutenant Werden, U.S. Navy, regar(ling duty assigned to the U. S. ~S. Skawsheen. U. S. Fi~Au -STEAMER I~ii I LA1)EL1~ILJA~ New Berne, N. C., March 30, 1c~G2. SIR: On the arrival of the Morse you will order the Shawsheen to l)roceed to this i)lave and report to me. You will direct the captain of the Shairsheen to bring dowii all the parts of the engine belonging to the Seymour aiid all and every (lescriptioli of stores and sup~)lies that have been takeii from that vessel and are now on board the Ceres, Lockuowl, 1~a tnani, or Whiteltead. Very respectfully, S. C. ROWAN, Commanding Naral Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Lieutenant Conimnandimig WERDEN, Co in mand ing Naval Forces A lbeni arle Sound, or, in his absence, Senior Officer present o~ Elizabeth City. Report of Flag- (I~tJicer Goldsborongh, U. S. Navy, acknowledging the receipt of 1)epa rIm en ts com in unicat ions. U. S. FLACS1IIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, ]Iiiarch 31, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to intbrm the I )epartment that its coinmuni- cations of March 21 and 27, conveying, respectively, tIme thanks of Government to the officers and crew- of the Monitor and to (Jommnander Rowan, his officers and men, have been (luly received and forwarded; also that of 21st instant, requiring rel)orts on certain desiccated vegetables; that of the 28th, calling for courts of enquiry to investi- gate violations of blockade, an(l that of the 29th, recalling at my request the detachments of Assistant Surgeon Bragg and Second Assistant Engineer Griffin Page 181 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 181 All the extracts lately received relative to prol)OSe(l violations of this blockade have been printed and are l)eing circlllate(l as fast as possible among the vessels of my squa(lron, with instructions to coin- manding officers carefully to observe them. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. (iOLDSBOItOITGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic fliockading & jna dron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Yarn to Lieutenant Flasser U S. Order of Commander liowan U S Navy, to proceed off Elizabeth City, LY. C to watch thc mocements of the enemy. U. S. FLAGSHIP PHILADELPHIA, Off New lierne, March 31, 1862. SIR: You will l)roceed in the steamer Corn modore Perry to Elizabeth City, N. C. On your arrival there you will assume command of the naval forces in front of that place. You will make such close (laily inspection of the towim as will assure you that time enemy is not torti- tying. The great object of your presemice oft Llizabetlm is to prevent the enemy from sending his gunboats through the canal, ~vhich must be l)revente(l at all hazards. Use evemy nmeans to obtain information of the movements of the enemy. Mislead him as much as 1)ossible as to the real object of your presemice. Obtain reliable information if pos- sible as to the state of the canal, the width of time locks, the beam of time guimboats, ammd the extent of time fortifications at the mnilldamn. Any reasoimable sum expended for such information will be author- ized. When you thimmk it prudent you can go to North l~iver in time Whitehead and some other smuahl steamner for muakimig a close reconnois- sauce of the commdition of the canal, that you may be able to report all time particulams to inc in writing, amid in person on your return here. You will leave your vessel at Elizabeth and your orders with Lieu- tenant Commanding I-Iopkins. Wishing you better health ,and success in your expedition, I am, very respectfully, S. C. ROWAN, Commanding Naval Forces, etc. Lieutenant Commanding C. W. FLUSSER, Commanding Steamer Commodore Perry. Report of Commander Glisson, U. S. Nary, commanding U. S. S. Mount I ~erno n, regarding the imp(( i re(i co nd itio n of that vessel. U. S. S. MOUNT VERNON, Off Wilmington, N. C., March 31, 1862. SIR: I herewitim enclose you the report of the chief engimmeer of this vessel, by which you will see the bad condition ot our boiler. We arrived off this place on the 20th instammt, after encountering a fearful gale of wind from the southeast. Our boiler comnmemmced leaking and it was almost impossible to keep steam on. We were obliged to keep the bilge pump going to keel) the ship tree from water. After anchor. ing at 9 oclock imi the eveiming tIme leak becammue so bad as to render it absolutely necessary to blow time water out of the boilem, notwitlistand- ing the threatening appearamice of the weather. We worked all nigh Page 182 182 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. on the boiler and have succeeded in temporarily stopping the leak. It is, however, liable to break out again at any we can not carry sufficient steam to contend moment, and 1 fear that rendered helpless at anyinstant so far as the steam is concerned. I shall do all in my power to keel) the boiler in repair and keel) her afloat until my coal is out, which will be about the first of May next. I would most respectfully request the flag-officer to send another steamer oft here as early as practicable, as one is not sufficient to keep up a strict blockade. We are all well, and everything is quiet off Wilmington. Since our return here the weather has been very boisterous. 1 am, sir, very respectfiully, your obedient servant, 0. S. GLISSON, Commander Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, ~ ~. NavY. Cont nm anding the Atlantic Blockading Squn (Iron. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to flag-officers eominandinq bloc1~-ading sq 1W drons, to Jarnish jortniqhtiy i~jJft)it5. NAVY DEPARTMENT, ]Jliaich -1, 1S62. SIR: You will please furimish the 1)epartment every fortnight with a statement of the respective stations of the several vessels coln})osing your sqnadron. I am, respectfully, your obediemit servant GIDEON WELLES. Flag--Officer L. M. GOLDSIIOROUGII, Co in dg. North A tin ntic Blockading Squadron, Ilianipton Roads. Flag-Oflicer 1). G. FARRAGUT, Corn dy. Western Gulf Blockadinq Squadron, kSh i/) Isian(l. Flag- Officer Wixi. W. MCKEAN, Co in (1g. Eastern Gulf Blockading Squa (Iron, Key lVe~t Fla. Letter from the Secretary of the Nary to flag-officers coin inan(ling blockad- ing sq if (((lions, tin nsnuitting iq/ormnation regarding the shipment of munitions of war in steamer Bahama. NAVY DEPARTMENT, March 31, 18G2. SIR: I transmit herewith for your information a copy of dispatch No. 2, receix-e(l at I~)epartment of State from the U. S. consul at New- castle-upon-Tyne, concerning the movenients of the steamer Bahama, which is now loading at that place with guns and other munitions of war. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES Flag--Officer SAML. F. Du PONT, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Poit Royal, S. C. Flag-Officer I). G. FARRAGUT, Coin (1g. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, Sh ip Island. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Coin dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton koads. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key lVest, ha Page 183 183 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ~Euc1osure. I CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Newcastle-upon- Tyne, March 11, 1862. SIR: I have to inform you that the British steamer Bahama, referred to in my dispatch No. 1, dated the 27th of January last, is now nearly loaded and is expected to sail from West ilartlepool docks in a few days. She is entered out for Hamburg and the West Indies. Her cargo consists of shot, gunpowder, and other munitions of war; she has also a small gnu on deck, and I heard several others will be shipped before she leaves. She is a fine screw steamer, bark rigged, and about 800 tons register. I have written to Mr. James 11. Anderson, our con- sul at Hamburg, to look after her and report full particulars to your Del)artment. If I can obtain any further information about the Bahama I will write by the next mail. I duly received your dispatches dated 22d January and 17th February, respectively. With great respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant, HERBERT DAVY, U. ~. Vice-Consul. SECRETARY OF STATE, Washington. Report of Acting Master Warren, U. S. Navy, commanding U~ S. S. Vie- t(fli~(, of the duty pe~ formed by that vessel at the mouth of the Rappa- hannock River. U. S. S. VICTORIA, Mzrch 31, 1862. SIR: Immediately after receiving your orders on Tuesday, the 25th instant, I steamed up to the mouth of the Rappahannock River and anchored at 9 p. m. After daylight on the morning of the 26th, I sent two boats on shore with my executive officer in charge of one and a masters mate in charge of the other, to reconnoiter. At 11 a. m. they returned with a negress and three children The white men all ran away as they landed. From the negress I learned there was a battery of three or four guns 2 miles farther up the riversay 4 miles from Windmill Pointand that their picket guard extended nearly to Windmill Point. They were not strong at their batterysay 70 or 80 men. I sent her on shore again, hoping to get further information the next day from her. On the 27th the boats went on shore again and found a number of armed men occupying a large house. They came on board again at 1 p. m. The boats attempted to land at another point and were fired upon before they landed. I immediately commenced shelling the woods and other places of concealment and sent a few well-directed shells into and around the houses occupied by their armed men. On the 25th my boats attempted to land at another place and were again pursued by mounted arnied men. I boarded the American bark Lapwing, from Rio for Baltimore, 3,000 bags coffee. On the 27th I stood off and spoke U. S. ship St. Lawrence, bound up the bay. Also spoke schooner Laura Gertrude, from Alexandria, with horses and mules for Hampton Roads. Also boarded ship Ca8ilda, of Baltimore, from Liverpool for Baltimore Page 184 184 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKAThING SQUADRON. On the 3Otli steamer champion came along and took our pilot, who belonged to that boat. I have returned to the roads for another pilot and further orders, the Young Rorer not having retnrneu to relieve me. I am, very respectfully, your obedieiit servant, J. D. WARREN, Acting Miaster, Commanding U. S. S. I ~ictoria. Commodore L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, giving the stations of the vessels of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. IT. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, 1 rirginia, April 1, 1R62. SIR In obedience to your instructions of the 31st ultimo, I have the honor to append the following statement of the respective stations of the vessels of my squadron at the present date, according to the latest information in my possession Minnesota Waclinsctt San Jacinto J)acotali Clecura lenolseot (htorara Ajacostia Frechori Marblehead ]raziliera Roman (coal ship). Charles Phelps (coal 511)) William Badger Ben Morgan (hospital) Rescue (tng) Cohasset (tug) Young America (tog) - Monitor (battery) . . -. Cuirrituck Victoria Baltimore Islan(l Belle Patroon Louisiana Stars aol Stripes Valley City Underwriter lietzel I)elaware Commodore Perry. Slatiomi. Sounds of North Carolina. Do. i)o. 1)o. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Oil hleaufort, N. C. 1)o. Do. I1)o. Oil Wilmington, N. C. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Off York River. Off Rappalmannoek River. Baltimmuore, Md. Do. Do. Do. New York. Baltimore, Md. X~cssel. Station. vessel. Ilaiiii)ton Roads. Commodore Barney.. Do. Ellis Do. Shawslieen Do. Lock Woo(l DO. Ceres Do. Morse I)o. Putnam Do. Whmitelead Do. Philadelphia 1)o. uirinker Do. Granite I)o. hunchback Sonthijeld 1)o. Albatross l)o. State of Georgia Do. Cluppewa Do. Genisbok 1)o. Jamestown Do. Cambridge Do. Mount Vernon Do. Monticello I)o. Anmanda Do. Fernandina Do. Daylight Do. Young Rover Sounds of North Carolina. Brandywhje (store. I)o. ship) Do. Mystic (repairing)... Do. Do. Zonave (repairing) 1)ragon (repairing) Do. Dawn (repairing).... 1)o. Uncas (repairing) ... * This vessel was ordered a week or so since to go off Wilmington direct froni Baltimore, and tie presumption is she left three or tour days ago. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBoRou~H, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. HOD. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, D. C. P. S.Since writing the above, the U. S. S. Seminole has arrived here from Port Royal. L. M. G Page 185 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 185 Letter from Miajor- General Wool, U. S. Army, to Flag- Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Nary, requesting the presence oJ a gunboat ((t Nec-port XeI(-s 10 HEADQUARTERS 1)EPARTMENT OF VIRGIN LA, Fort Monroe, Va., April 1, 1 62. Sin: I have just received a dispatch from Brigadier- General Mans- field at Newport News, by which I am informed that yesterday one of the camps at or iiear that place was shelled by an eneniys gunboat. The general asks for a gunboat to be stationed at Newport News dur- ing the day to keep off the enemy and protect the landing of troops an(l supplies. I hope you will be able to eomj)ly ~vith his desires. I ani, very resl)ectfully, your obedient servant JOHN E. WOOL, Major- General. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROITGH. Order of Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, to Lieutenant ilfcCook, U. & Nary, to procee(l in charge of the steamer Oi(l North AStute to Caroitna City ,X. C. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILA1)ELPHIA, Off New Berne, April 1, 1862. Sin: You will [take] charge of the stern-wheel boat Old North State an(l nroceed in her to Carolina City through Core Soniid. You will use rreat care and prudence in passing Eortr Niacon. You will pass the Ioi-t through the swash between Canal [Carrot0?] Island and Bird Island. You must use your discretion as to whether it will be best to make this passage in the night or by daylight. The Ellis will accompany you to within long range of the fort an(I will assist you in any way possible. Omi your arrival at Carolina City you will rel)ort to General Parke amid deliver to liimii the vessel an(l launch with their officers and crews. This done, return here and rel)ort to me. Wishing you every success and a safe arrival at the point of your destination, 1 i-emain, very respectfully, S. C. ihOWAN, Commanding U. S. Naral Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Lieutenant Commnauiding it. S. McCoow, Commanding U. S. S. Old North State. Order of Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Franklin, U. AS~. Nary, to proceed with the U. S. S. Ellis to Fort Miacom N C as con- sort to the steamer 01(1 North State. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER PIIILADELPIJIA, Off~ New Berne, April 1, i%2. SIR: You will proceed in company with the stern-wheel boat th rough Core Sonnd to Shackletord Bauiks, where you will remain until the Old North State passes the tort to Carolina City. This completed, you xvill return to this place. Very respectfully, S. C. IIOWAN, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, etc. Lieutenant Commanding FRkNKLIN, Commanding U. S. S. Ellis Page 186 186 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Commander Rowan, U. ~ Navy, to Jieatenant Werden, U. S. 1\T~j ty, to obtain information regarding movements of the enemy in the Albemarle Canal. U, S. FLAG-STEAMER PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, April 1, 1862. SIR: I send the Perry, Captain Flusser, with the Morse, Whitehead, and J~ntnam, to watch Elizabeth. I have also directed Captain Plus- ser to make a l)ersonal reconnoissance with the Whitehead and launch of the Albemarle Canal. It is reported that the enemy will attempt to pass the canals with his gunboats that are sai(l to be partially l)iated. Do all in your power to obtain information of the nioveLnents of the enemy by land or water. Please send me all Ilags taken from the three mnasted schooner NapoleQu. Very respectfully, S. C. ROWAN (Jommandinq U. S. Naval Forces, etc. Lieutena~ it Coin inanding R. WERDEN, Coin nianding U. S. 2~aval Force, Albentarle Sound. instructions of the A~ecretary of the Navy to flag-officers commanding blockading squa(lrons, regarding officers and creus of vessels seized ,,Thr violation (4 the blockade. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 1, 1862. SIR: Complaint has been made by the English minister of the sep- aration of master and crews of vessels seized for violation of the blockade and sent in for adjudication, claiming that it is not regular, and may be, esl)ecially as regards the master, attended with serious detriment to the owners. So far as it can be done with safety, the officers amid crews will be kept together and sent into l)Ort with the prize. I am, respectf~ully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer S. F. l)u PONT, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C. Flag-Officer D. U. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, Ship island. Flag.Officer Wm W. MCKEAN Coindg. Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West, Fla. Flag--Officer L. lxi. GOLDSBOROUGH, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regar(ling the U. S. ship Cumberland. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 1, 1862. SIR: The Department desires you to secure anything or any part of the Cuinberland that is above water an(I is worth saving. I am, respeethilly, your obedient servant, Flag Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, GIDEON WELLES. Comndg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 187 187 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADiNG SQUAI)RON. Report of (iommander kow((n, V. S. Naey, (o)nman(1ing naval forces, Carolina, trans/flitting list oJ vessels laden with prize sounds of North nacal stores. U. S. S. PHiLADELPHIA, 0 New Berne, N. (J., April 1, isY;2. SIR: I enclose herewith a list of returning vessels freighted by me \V itli prize naval stores which fell iiito my hands when 1 caL)ture(l New Berne, N. C. I have the honor to I)e, very respeettully, your obedient servant, S. C. ItOWAN, Corn man ding Naval Forces, Son ads OJ North Caro un a. Flag-Officer L. M. (~)LDSBOROUGH, Contdg. North Atlantic Blocka(i big Sqna(iron, Hampton Roads. [Enclosure.] List of United States merchant vessels freighted by Cosnrnander S. C. 1?owasi, commanding U. S. naral forces in the sonnds of North Carolina, cit/i prize narol stores captured by the ~q nadron under lila coni inonci when Xcii Beriie was occn pied by the U. S. nacal forces osi the 14th hare/i, showing the coigo of coch, antI consigned jar adjudication to the judges of the U. S. district coiict at the port for ic/i ic/i. they hare sailed. Name of vessel. Cargo. Reported owner. Alfred II. Partridge . . 386 barrels rosin, Ii barrels tar, 4. 50i) dressed shingles. Sarah A. Falconer- - - - 556 barrels rosin, 64 casks riisin. 1. A. Saiiilers 731i barrels and 25 casks riisin. Eva hell 950 barrels rosin Palina 1.331 barrels rosin. t n-pen- tine, anil pitch. 118 barrels oil, and 257 casks rosin. Harriet and Sarah. - -. 753 barrels and 136 casks iosin 1 000 dressed sbiii- les Eotben aSS baa i els i oasn Lizzie Tayliar 505 ba ri Is anil 318 casks so~in 101 li n rels tnrlien- tine aid .32 650 dressed shin Irs Clifton 900 b-iriels inil 74 casks rosin 9 bales cotton. To wlnit liort (~Oii- signed. Cicero Jestice New York. Jiibii II. Planner 1)o. 5:tiJ barr~-ls. Win. File re Philadelphia. inainder, Ilicliaril Taylor. Win. G. llr\n i)o. 1,174 barrels rosin anil ldtcli, New Yiirk. 43 casks rosiIi, ~iiiil 118 barrels oil, Alex. i\I iller; 162 casks anil 52 barrels maui, J. ii. 1lariiier I ill barrels aiid 51 casks rosin, \Vin. Wliitlord - Jarvis Pldladelldda. Wiii. P. Moore . New York. itosiii anil sliiiigbs, Cu-em Philadelphia. Jistice; torpentine, F. Ellis. 513 hiarrels aiid 8 casks rosin, New York. David hell :187 barrels and 66 casks insin, \V in. (5. Bi-yiie: 1 li~ilea cotton, 1)ibble & Bros. S. C. I~OWAN, Commanding Na cal Forces in SoWudS o/ North Carolina. Report of Flag-Officer (ioldsborongh, U. S. Na-vp, regarding orders given to certain vessels oJ his eom)nand. U. S. FLAGSHIP MiNNESOTA, Iliampton Roads, Virginia, April 2, iS62. Sm: I have the honor to inform the Department that this morning I ordered the U. S. guIlboat Marblehead to relieve the I)aylight in the blockade off York River; also, that I dispatched this morning the U. S Page 188 188 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. gnnboa.t Okocura to Raltimore, in tow of the Victoria, to disel]gage from her propeller a cable which has fouled it and rendered it teml)o- raiily useless. The Victoria is under orders to return immediately to these roads. I am, very resl)ectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Contdg. North it tian tic Nioclading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, D.C. Report 0/ (i7ojnmander Rowan, U. AS. Navy, regarding the construction by the enemy of three iron cla(1 gunboats. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA Off New I3crne, N. 0., April 2, 1862. SIR: Lieutenant Coininandiiig Franklin returned in the Ellis on the 28th nltiino from 1~lizabeth. lie left there the Underwriter, Putnam, an(l Wliitchead. lie reports that a negro informed him that the enemy was Woikimmo near completion, three new gunboats, which he was plating. rpltCse boats may not be heavily plated, but if fitted as rams they would be very tormidable agaimist my slight little craft. I would respectfully urge upon the coninmander in chief the propriety (I may say the necessity) of sending the Miami into these waters as the only vessel capable of coping with these little mail-clad craft, should they succeed in entering the sound. The commanding-general is threatened in front, and is unwilling that I should have less than six of my heaviest vessels to protect his flanks at this l)lace. I have sent two heavy ships, the Perry and Morse, all that can be spared, to Elizabeth, with instructions to be very vigilant amid give me time earliest irmformatiou of the enemys movement. Time cornmnamider in chief is too fainilliar with my position in these waters not to know that iii case my little squadron should be destroyed, the army must necessarily share the same fate, unless Fort Macoii is taken in the meanwhile. 1 h.ave the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. ROWAN, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag- Officer L. lxi. GOLDSBOROUGII, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Ha~npton Roads. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsborongh, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Patterson, U. A~. i~avy, to proceed with the U. S. S. Chocura to Baltimore for repairs. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton koads, Virginia, April 2, 1862. SIR: Proceed to Baltimore with the U. S. gunboat Chocura under your comniand and have hem- propeller cleared without delay by resorting to any means necessary for the purpose, and then return to this place at the earliest momnerm t practicable. The Victoria will take you imm tow. On reaching Baltimore, put your- self in communication with Carpenter Jamues McDonnell, U. S. Navy Page 189 189 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. superiiitendent of naval repairs, whose address is 6S N. Broadway, corner of Mullikin street. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flay- 9 cer. (Join 4g. North Atlantic Blockading Sq a a(lron. Lieutenant T. II. PArTEnsON, U. S. Gunboat (fihocura, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Order of Flag-Officer (loldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Acting llaster War- ren, U. S. Nary, to proceed to Baltimore to tow the U. S. S. Chocura. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 2, 1862. SIR: Proceed with the Victoria uiider your coinmafl(l and take the gunboat Chocura in tow to Baltimore, aiid then return to this place without delay. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GoLDSi3OROITGH, Flag- Officer. Acting Master Commanding J. D. WARREN, U. S. S. Victoria, hampton Roads, Virginia. Order of Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, to Lieutenant 2lTurray, U. S. Nary, to proceed in command of the U. S. S. Louisiana to Washington, IV. C. U. S. S. PhILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, April 2, 1862. SIR: You will proceed to Washington, N. C., and on your arrival there investigate the circumstances of the visit of the Delaware to that l)lace and obtain any other iutom-nmation of interest. After remaining there twenty-four hours you will return to this l)lace, bringing the I)ela ware with you, leaving the Brinker to carry out her written instructiolis. Very respectfully, 5. C. lIOWAN, Commanding Naval Forces, Sown(1s oJ North Carolina. Lieutenant Commanding A. MURRAY, Commanding U. S. S. Louisiana, off New Berne. Letter from Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, to Flag- 9 fleer Goldsborongh, U. S. Nary, regar(liitg affairs in the sounds of No-th Carolina. NEW REfINE, April 2,1862. FLAG-OFFICER: I have omitted, I think, to mention the reissue of your proclamation. We found a. printing pre~~ here, and the general had any number of cupieS struck off. lie sent the mnannscril)t COI)Y to inc to sion, to which I (lemnrre(1, but tile general thought that the officer commanding the naval forces present ought to sign the procl Page 190 190 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. mahoii ; so I signed it. it in this I erred, you must attribute it to any cause rather than a (lesire to arrogate to myself what Properly belongs to you. The general has just left me. 1-Ic says our 011t1)osts lIa(l a brush last iii~ht with the enemys cavalry. We killed one of them and one of our si(le was tak~eii prisoner. rPhe Perry started for Elizabeth this morning while the general was on board. He l)ecaiile a little nervous and wanted her to remain for a few (lays till we heard front the enemy. I told him I had sufficient force here to protect lihn from an attack by land of 50,000 mcii. The Hunch- back and Jletzel are iii position above his hues in the Neuse. The Valley City is opposite iii the Trent and the Low isiana will be in pOst- tion to-day above the railroad bridge. The Soath~ield is off time town jim the Trent, and the Barney is off Slocums Creek, ready to come Ill) at any moment. Time Delaware and Brinier are in the [~amhico Ihiver laimdimmg the enemy~s woumided at Washington aimd kee~)immg- a lookout that the points are not agiun arlue(l, alm(1 to l)ick him a schooner or 50 eNl)eete(l (billy froimi the West II1(lies thmrouglt Ocracoke. I am told that a brisk trade has been kept up through this inlet up to our arrival at Ri )alIoke. I have been waiting from day to (lay the (leparture of a mail. The general promises to give inc twemity-tomir hours imotice. To-imigh t Cap- taimi Reynolds came off aid told mime that three mails have left in time last week. If this is so the o(~I~em.al aim(l I will lmax-e a mow. I shall comm sidet it very iliscourteous, to say tIme least of it, but until I kimow it fiomn his own lips I shall not believe it. As late as this morning he gave mmmc the sanme assurance. If the mails have left you must miot blamime inc thr imot ~vriting. I am out of sugar. I~lease order 20 barrels to be semit bytirst con- vevaimee. Very truly, yours, S. C. ROWAN. Flag-Officer L. I\I. GoI~nsnommuG1I, Commanding North At lan tic Blocka (ling Squadron. I am shipping the captured naval stores by returnimig vessels. I scud a list of sim ipnmeiits so far. Time l)toperty behomigs to rabid secesh, but swear theN- are good Ummiomi till they timid it \vommt (10; theim they show the cloven toot. Order ~/ Flag- Otlicer (ioldshoroa~h, U. S. Nary, to Lieutenant Nicholson, U. 8. Aa ry, contmn((nding U. 8. 8. Marblehead, to J)roceed to (luty in York Rirer. IT. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, I irgin ia, April 1 ~G2. SIR: Proceed to the mouth of York River with time U. S. miiboat Marblehead mimider your coin mamid timid relieve time U. S. S. Daylight iii close!y and vigorously bhockadiimg that river ummtih further orders or as long as your 5u~)ply of fuel amid provisioums will possibly l)erlnit. I am, very respectfully, your obcdiemmt servammt, L. lxi. GOLDSI3OROUGH, Lieutenaum t Coni maandi mug- S. NICHOLSON, Officer. U. 8. 8. il[arblehead, 1I(onptOn Roads, I irginia Page 191 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 191 Letter from Major- General McClellan, U. S. Army, to Play- Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Nary, requesting the detail of a naval officer for tempo- rary duty as harbor master. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Hampton Roads, April 2, 1862. M~ DEAR GOLDSBOROUGH: Will you do me the favor to detail one of your officers on temporary duty as harbor master to control the movements of the transports ~ If he will report to inc or to General Marcy in the morning I will have him placed in communication with iiy chief quartermaster, General Van Vliet, and turn over to him the entire control of the vessels, with the sincere hope that he will use any force that may be necessary to force the captains of vessels to obey orders. I think this arrangement will be best for all. You can then control fully the positions of vessels and keel) your front clear. All I ask is that men, horses, and material shall be disembarked ~vith the utmost rapidity and the vessels sent back to Washington at once. GEO. IL MCCLELLAN, Sincerely, yours, Major- General. Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding Fleet. P. S.If you can spare more than one oflicer for a very few days it will be well. My wish is to enable you to prevent the possibility or interference with your military arrangements, and to leave the control afloat where it belongs, i. e., to time Navy. Do not hesitate to refuse my request if it will in anyway interfere with your convenience or arrangements. MeC. Request from Brigadier- General Casey, U. S. Army, to Major- General Wool, U. S. Army, for a gunboat to accompany transport Hero to Newport News, Va. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort ]Ilionroe, Va., April 2, 1862. GENERAL: I am instructed by Brigadier-General Silas Casey to make a requisition for a gunboat to accompany the transport hero to Newport News this evening. I understand the transport has been fired upon, and I respectfully request you to furnish, if possible, an escort. The gunboat would have to report at the steamer Constitution, on which General Casey has at present his headquarters. I have the honor to be, gemmeral, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. P. ENGLE, Captain, Assistant Qnartermaster. Major-General WooL, Commanding at Fortress Monroe. Letter from the Secretary of the Treasnry to Flag- Officer Goldsborongh, U. S. Navy, placing at his disposal, for service, the revenue steamer E. A. Stevens. TREASURY DEPARTMENT, April 2, 1862. SIR: This letter will be handed you by Captain Shippen, command- ing the E. A. Sterens,* who has been directed to place himself tein *AlSo called Naugatuck Page 192 192 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. porarily under your orders. The P. A. & ceens is a boat of peculiar construction, Which has been generously Placed at the (lisposal of the Government by E. A. SLevens, esq., of Iloboken, who built her at his owin expense. She is now in the revenue service. A 12-inch gnu has been ordered for the Stevens, and upoti its arrival at Fortress Monroe is to be substituted for the gun now on board. Captain Shippen will l)e very llapl)y to perform any service you ma v assign him, and I cordially corn mnemid him to your favor. Yours, truly, Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGH. Letter from the commanding o~Jieer of H. 11. 1!. S. Rinaido, to Pi((q- ()gicer (ioldsborough, U. ~. Nary, regarding the delivery oj dispatches by flag of truce. 11. 1 M. S. RINALDO, Qif Fortress Monroe, April 2, 1862. SIR: Having dispatches for the British consul at Noriblk and Rich- mond front Lord Lyons, which I have beemi asked to transmit, I have the honor to re(luest you will be pleased to allow me to send them by an officer belonging to her iBrittanic Majestys ship under my corn- inand, nuder a flag of truce, to-mmmorro~v, the 3d instant, at any hour most convenient to you, when you may have a steamer at your disposal suit- able for such service. I have the honor to be, sir, your most o1)edient servant, W. N. W. HEWETT, Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGII, U. ~. Frigate -lltnnesota, JIain])tOn ftoads. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to flag-officers commanding block- a di ig squa (irons, trausm itting ~i~torniation reg((rdinq the mo cement of blockade runners from foreign ports. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 2, 1862. Sw: I herewith enclose a copy of a dispatch addressed to the Sec- retary of State, dated the 7th ultimno, by time U. S. coumsmml at hamburg, rel)ortilmg the saihimug from that port of the ship Careilie witlm a cargo of arnms, it is belmeved, for the insurgemits. The steamer ASonthwick, heretofore brought to your attention, was at Funchual March 3, destined for Nassan, and recemit advices state tlmat the steamers Bermuda, South wick, an(l Herald are or were at Bermuda. I am, respectfully, your obediemmt servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer W. W. MCKEAN, Co)n man ding Eastern (~ a If Blockading Squadron. Flag--Officer I). G. FARItAGUT, Comm an(ling Western U ulf Bloekading Squadron. Flag-Officer L. M. (4OLDSBOROUGH, Corn dg. North A tlant ie Blockadinq Squadron, hampton Roads. Flag-Officer SAMUEL F. I)u PONT, Port Royal, S. C Page 193 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 193 [Enclosure.] U. S. CONSULATE, llambarg, March 7, 1862. SIR: The Carcilie sailed from this port yesterday for St. Thomas, having on board, according to my belief, a cargo of arms for the South. A steamer could easily overhaul her. She sailed under the Ham- burg flag. I am keeping up a strict surveillance, and all my discoveries are immediately reported to Mr Sanford Over 200,000 arms, which our minister at Brussels. my agent has seen, have arrived here from the interior within the last two weeks. Your obedient servant, JAMES H. ANDERSON, Consul. Hon. WM. H. , Secretary of State. P. S.I have written a copy of this letter to the consul-general at Havana. J. H. A. Report ~f Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, of the arrival at Hamp- ton Roads of the U. S. steamers Aroostook and Bienville. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 3, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. gun- boat Aroostook arrive(l here yesterday afternoon from Philadelphia. In the evening the U. S. S. Bienville arrived from Washington with ordnance. I am, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSIIOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Goidsborough, U. S. Navy, regar(ling transfer of coal vessels to Admiral Du Ponts com- m an(l. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 3, 1862. SIR: If there are any coal vessels at Hampton Roads that can be sl)ared from your service, send them immediately to Flag-Officer IDa Pont, Port Royal. Can you spare the Albatross from your commandl Have you merchant steamers enough for your peculiar service ~ I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. N W RVOL 71 Page 194 194 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer ()oldsborongh, U. S. Nary, regarding the U. S. S. Seminole. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 3, 18G~2. SIR: You can retain the Seminole until you no longer require her, and then dispatch her to Philadelphia for full repairs. * * * * * * 1 am, respectfully, your obedient servant, eTIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.1 NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 3, 1862. Proceed at once to Hampton Roads and report to Flag-Officer Goldsborough. UJDEON WELLES. Lieutenant D. L. BRAINE, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Monticello, Baltimore, Md. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Goldsborongh, U. S. Navy, regarding orders issued to Lieutenant Braine, of the U. S. S. Monticello. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 3, 1862. SIR: Lieutenant Commanding Braine, of the Monticello, has applied to the Department for orders to sea. He appears to be unaware of your instructions to him to proceed off Wilmington with that vessel, and the Department has therefore directed him to report to you at Hampton Roads. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, eTIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton koads. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, regar(ling U. S. vessels Anwnda and Rhode Island. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 3, 1862. SIR: The Department acknowledges the receipt of your Nos. 182,184, 186, 188, and 189. The U. S. bark Amanda has been detached from your squadron and ordered to the Gulf The U. S. S. Rhode Island will probably leave Philadelphia on the 5th instant for the Gulf, touching at Hampton Roads. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. Yorth Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 195 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 195 Letter from the comman ding officer of the steamship Illinois to I lag- Officer (Joldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding that vessel. STEAMSHIP ILLINOIS, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 3, 1862. Sin: The Illinois sailed from New York on her present cruise on Friday, 28th March, at 3 :30 p. in. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ID. S. BABCOCK, Commanding S. S. Illinois. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, U. 8. Flagship Minnesota, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Order oJ Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Woodward, U. AS. i\ary, commanding U. S. S. Shawsheen, naming duties to be perjormed by that vessel. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, April 3, 1862. Sin: You will take in tow the prize schooner Napoleon and take her through the swash into Hatteras Inlet. On your arrival there you will ascertain the number of navy coal vessels there and order them to pass the swash if their draft of water will permit, sending one to Roanoke and another to Powells Point to report to Captain Werden. You will also tow the Eliza J. Raynor through the swash and direct her to come here and anchor below the barriers and report to me. Assist the schooner Howard and the Granite to execute their orders and hasten here. You will examine the condition of the Neuse River light-boat and report the articles on board. Enquire if we have any sugar in the inlet; if so, have it sent here. This duty done, you will return here with all dispatch, taking coal from some of our coal vessels. Be careful not to injure your vessel. Do not attempt to round to with a strong ebb tide; pass down below the vessels before doing so. Very respectfully, S. C. IROWAN, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Acting Master THoS. J. WOODWARD, Commanding U. S. S. Shawsheen, off New Berne. Letter from Major- General McClellan, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Navy, regarding the plan of operations against York- town, Va. HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY OF POTOMAC, Hampton Roads, April 3, 1862. DEAR SIR: I find that I have wagons sufficient to move the greater l)art of the force now here, and have accordingly concluded to advance toward York to-morrow morning. Unless delayed by an obstinate resistance on the part of the enemy, our advanced guard ought to be in rear of the Ship Point battery at about 2 oclock to-morrow afternoon, and in possession of it by from 3 to 3:30 oclock Page 196 196 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I propose on the next day (5th) to invest Yorktown, di rowing a suffi- cient force above it to prevent the escape of the garrison by land, unless they abandon the place on our approach. So many (lays would elapse before I could collect the transports necessary to land a force on the Gloucester side, that I have thought it more prndciit to advance upon Yorktown without waiting for the movement on the other side. I would now respectfully ask for such assistance in the way of gunboats as you can properly afford. A couple (or more) of gunboats to-morrow afternoon near Ship Point battery would be of great use to us. If you can send all your available force, after providing for the other objects you have in view, so as to reach the vicinity of Yorktown day after to-morrow, I think we can make short work of it. If we can arrange matters so that I can get in rear of Yorktown before you open fire, we ought very soon to get the place. I shall have troops at Howards Bridge to-morrow by mi(lday, and we might arrange to communicate there, but I expect to have the tele- graph completed to my headquarters to-morrow evening and can then tell you the exact state of affairs and the time when 1 shall probably reach the rear of Yorktown. If at all possible, I will come out to see you this evening, but in the meantime, let me ask the flivor that you will inform me what I can probably count upon at Ship Point and Yorktown in the way of naval assistance. Very truly, yours, (4EO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- Genera!, Commanding. Flag-Officer GOLDSBORouGH, Commanding A~qnadron. Report of Commander (Nisson, U. ~. Nary, ~f the destrnetion (g the schooner Kate, of Nassau, New I ~rori(lenee. U. S. S. MOUNT VERNON, Qtf Wilmington, N. C., April 1, 1~G2. Sin: I have to report to you that at daylight on the morning of the 2(1 instant we discovered a schooner to the westward, at the distance of about 13 miles from us. She was standing in foi time shore. We immediately slipped our cable and ma(Ic all sail in chase. We soon dis- covered it to be their intention to beach the schooner, as they could minot fetch into Lockwoods Folly Inlet, the wind being fresh from the north- ward and eastward. At (5:15 we observed the crew of the schooner leave for the shore in their boat, and at the same time discovered the schooner to be on shore in the surf with all sail set amm(l pressing her farther omi. At 45: 54) we observed smoke coming out of her cabin. At 7 semint a boat in charge of Acting Master Alick Allen, manned and armed, and provided with buckets to extinguish the flames. At 7: 15 the fire was entirely put out. We anchored as near the schooner as was prudent imin 3t fathoms of water; ran a hawser to her, weighed the anchor, and steamed ahead to try to haul her off; time hnawser parted, and we again anchored imin our former position to make further efforts to get her off. We fired several shot from our 32-pounder guns in the (lirec- tion of a party of rebels who were concealed in the bushes amid firing rifles at our men on board of the schoommer. At 7:20 observed a steamer standing in for Bald Head and the U. S. bark Fernandina standin Page 197 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADIN~~ SQUADRON. 197 toward the steamer. At 7:30 both vessels stood toward us, and at 7: 40 the 11. S. S. Cambridge iiiade her number. At 8: 15 the Fernandina opened fire on the rebels in the sanie direction as that in which we had been firing. At 8: 30 made signal to her to cease firing, the rebels hav- ing dispersed. Both vessels then anchored near us, sending their boats to assist us in getting the schooner off. All hands on board of the schooner employed in starting overboard salt to lighten her. The tide was falling rapidly. At 3 oclock in the afternoon, having started overboard half of the cargo of salt and fully ascertaiiied that she had no other articles on board, and that there was no chance of getting her oil; it was deter- mined, after consultation with Commander Parker and other officers, to l)nrn her, after scuttling her which was done. The Mount Vernon and the Cambridge fired some shot through the burning schooner, and all the vessels remained by her until 5 p. in., when her masts fell, her deck fell in, and both hull and cargo were so thoroughly destroyed as to render it impossible for the rebels to derive any advantage from them. All the vessels themi returned to the anchorage off Bald I-lead. The schooner prove(l to be the Kate, of Nassan, New Providence. Her papers, log book, etc., which are munch injured by the fire in her cabin, I forward you by the U. S. bark Fernandina; also an American and a secession flag and a private signal marked Leonora, all of which were badly burned by the lire and were the only flags found on board. The surf ran so heavily alongside of the schooner and the water was so shallow there that it was impossible to load any of our boats with any part of her cargo without risking their loss, otherwise much of the cargo could have been saved. By her papers I see that she has borne three (hifterent names, viz, the Leonora, Lucy C. Holmes, and the Kate, of Nassau, New Providence. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. S. GLisSON, Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commander, U. S. Navy. Commanding the [North] Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the move- ments of vessels under his command. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 4, 18G2. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. S. Daylight arrived here yesterday afternooii from off York River, and this morning the U. S. S. Marblehead left these roads to take the place of the Daylight temporarily on that blockading station also that the iloating battery called the Nan gatuck, or Stevens, arrived here from Baltimore yesterday afternoon, and in the evening the Bienville left for Philadelphia with sick men on board from this sqna(lron. The Daylight is tinder orders to proceed to assist in the blockade off Beaufort, N. C., as soon as she has coaled, and the Monticello, which reached here this morning from Baltimore, will go at once off Wilmington, N. C. Both the Monticello and Daylight are amply supplied with the latest infor- mation concerning proposed violations of this blockade l)rinted for distribution Page 198 198 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. In reply to a cQmmulncation from the Department dated the 1st instant, 1 have to state that the steamer illinois sailed from New York on her present cruise on Friday, March 28, at 3: 30 p. m. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, 1). (37. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. 5 j\T~q vy, regarding orders issued to Lieutenant Braine, commanding U. S. S. Monticello. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Jrlanzpton Roads, Virginia, April 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of my orders ~ to Lieutenant Commanding l3raine, dated March 25, 1862. The commu- nication which I have just received from the Department, therefore, informing me of the application of this officer for orders to sea surprises me. Another letter, sent by this days mail, will inform the Depart- ment that the Monticello is now here, on the point of leaving for Wil- mington, N. C. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROIJGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary. Report of Flag. Officer Goidsborough, U. S. Nary, regarding coal vessels for Flag- Officer Dn Ponts command, and referring to the U. S. steam- ers Daylight and Albatross. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 4, 1862. SIR: There are no coal vessels here that cau be spared from our service and sent to Flag-Officer 1)u Pont. It is my intention to send the Daylight off Beaufort as soon as she can be provided with coal, water, etc., which, weather permitting, will l)e in the course of two or three days from this time; then, 1 think, the Albatross can be spared from my command. I should prefer to have one more merchant steamer, with matters properly arranged at the place of her departure as to engineers, crews, etc., for the peculiar service of this place, but unless captain and all hands come here already engaged for that service, and willing to execute it, she would probably prove rather a source of embarrassment than an object of substantial assistance. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLD~BOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. * See p 16 Page 199 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 199 Order of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Glitz, U. S. Navy, and other commanding officers, to report to Commander Missroon for duty in York River, Virginia. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 4, 1862. SIR: Report youi self to Commander J. S. Missroon for duty, and obey any orders he may give you concerning the movements of your vessel. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOIDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Lieutenaut Commanding J. M. B. CLITZ, U. S. S. Penobscot. Lieutenant Commanding S. NICHOLSON, U. S. S. Marblehead. Lieutenant Commanding THOMAS S. PHELPS, U. S. S. Corwin. Lieutenant Coiimanding GEORGE BROWN, U. S. S. Octorara. Acting Master Commanding J. . WARREN, U. S. S. Victoria. Acting Master Commaudilig W. F. SHANKLAND, Jr., U. S. S. Carrituck. instructions of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Na iy, to Commander 3lissroon, U. S. Navy, regarding cooj)eration with the army for the re(luction of Yorktown and Gloucester Po jut. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 4, 1862. SIR: I have directed the officers commanding the i~enobscot, Marble- head, Corwin, Octorara, I ~ictoria, and Currituck to report to you for duty, and to obey your orders concerning the movements of their ves- sels. With these vessels and the IVachusett you will proceed to coop- erate with the army at and about York River, aid thus to execute the services which I have fully exl)lained to you in person. I wish you to keep yourself in as easy communication with General McClellan and his authorized oflicers as practicable, so that by the information he or they may afford from time to time your steps may be made correspond- ingly with those of the army. The first object in view, as you are aware, is the reduction of Yorktown and Gloucester Point, and thus to open the navigation of York River and its tributaries to our army trans- ports and navy vessels. The next is to keep those streams clear of the enemy to every necessary and practicable extent. In the landing and covering of our army forces, and in protecting its transports, you will afibrd every assistance in your power. These instructions are necessarily only general; details I intrust to your own sound discretion and judgment. In assigning you to the discharge of these highly important duties, I beg to say that I place every confidence in your circumspection and in your ability to execute them in a way at once creditable to yourself the Navy, and the country. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Conimander J. S. MISSRooN, U. S. S. Wachusett Page 200 200 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, to Acting Master Chase, U. S. Nary, to proceed in the prize schooner Caroline Virginia to Hatteras Inlet, for the purpose of lightening the schooner Eliza J. Raynor. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Qfl~ New Berne, April 4, 18G2. SIR: You will proceed to Hatteras Inlet in the schooner Caroline Vir- ginia. On your arrival there take from the schooner Eliza J. Raynor sufficient ordnance stores to bring said schooner to a draft of 8 feet or less. Having done this, you will direct the schooner Eliza J. I?aynor to cross the bulkhead and make the best of her way to this place. You will return also in the Caroline Virginia. If there are any heavy coal schooners in the inlet that can not l)~5S over the swash, take their names and draft. Very respectfully, S. C. ROWAN, Commanding Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Acting Master LUKE B. CHASE, Comdg. U. S. Prize Schooner Caroline Virginia, off New Berne. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Big Bethel, April 4, 18G25:40 p. m. We have turned Ship Point battery, and our cavalry no doubt [is] in possession by this time. Our advanced guard is at Corkleville [Cockle- town fl, about 5 miles from Yorktown. No longer necessary to land at Sand Box. I shall order a division to disembark at Ship Point. Will you be good enough to send a colll)le of gunboats there to prevent acci- dents. Van Yhiet will communicate with you. It would be well to send the gunboats there early in the morning. All goes well. CEO. B. MCCLELLAN, M(Vor- General. Flag-Officer L. M. (IOLDSBOROUGH, U. S. S. Minnesota. Letter from Major- General McClellan, U. S. Army, to Flag- Ogicer Golds- borough, U. S. Navy, regarding the advance upon Yorktown, Va. BIG BETHEL, April 4, 18G28:30 p. m. M~ DEAR COLDSBOROUGH: Our advanced gnard is about 5 miles from Yorktown, our left column where I ordered it to go (Youngs Mills). I hear that the rebels are being reenforced from Richmond, and rather think we shall have a fight to-morrow, as I shall endeavor to cut their retreat. Would it not be well for you to have some of your gunboats in the vicinity, ready to act according to circumstances? We may find them useful if I succeed in beating the enemy in front of Yorktown. To-morrow night I will give you more definite information. Truly, your friend, CEO. B. MCCLELLAN. Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGH, [U. S.] S. Minnesota Page 201 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 201 Letter front Colonel Hawkins, U. S. Army, to Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, advising the release of the schooner Zenith. HEADQUARTERS. Roanoke Isla iid, N. C., April 4, 1862. Sw: I have two men here, Bloxham and Sorns, who were taken on board ot t lie schooner Zenith by one of the vessels under your com- mand. [ think there is ito doubt about the cargo of corn oii board belonging to the citizens of Core Sound, who, as you know, are very poor and wholly dependent upon the mainland for their 511P1)lies. We are not in want of the corn here, and I feel disposed to let theni pro- ceed to their homes, should such a course be in accordance with your ideas. Be kind enough to let me hear from you at your earliest convenience in relation to this matter. Most faithfully, your obedient servant, IIUSH C. I-IAwKLNS, Corn mending Fourth Brigade and Post. Commodore S. C. HOWAN, Commanding Naval Forces in North Carolina. Report of Flag-O~Jicer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, relative to operations in Iork River. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 5, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to state that the IT. S. steamers llachusett, Penobscot, and Currituck left here early this morning for operations in and about York River. I have had the honor of receiving the communications of the Depart- ment relative to the detachment of the Amanda and the future dispo- sition of the Seminole. Your instructions concerning Acting Masters Mate Hargous and the seamen of the Congress will receive due attention. A heavy firing has been going on for several hours in the direction of Yorktown, and from information received by me this morning from General McClellan I have no doubt whatever that our army is now busily engaged in reducing the place. 1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBoROuGn, Flag- Officer, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting hester Warren, U. S. Navy, commanding the U. S. S. Victoria, of his return from Baltimore. U. S. S. VICTORIA, April 5, 1862. SIR: In accordance with your orders .to me on the 2d instant, I pro- ceeded on my way to Baltimore, to wing the U. S. guiiboat Chocura. We arrived there in safety on the 3d instant, at 2.30 oclock ~ nm., and I immediately called on the U. S. Navy agent, who supplied mae with a sufficient quantity of coal to till my coal bunker, amid I lett Baltimor Page 202 202 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. on the 4th instant at 5 oclock p. in., and have arrived safely back to this place, ready for service again. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. B. WARREN, Acting Master, Commanding U. S. S. Victoria. Commodore L. M. GOLDSBOROUGIJ, Flag- Qflicer, Contdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Detailed report of Acting Master Woodward, U. S. Nacy, regarding the execution of orders in Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina. U. S. S. SHAWSHEEN, Pamlico Sound, Apri~ 5, 1862. SiR: In obedience to your orders I proceeded to the inlet with schooner Napoleon and towed her to sea without much trouble; then took lighter alongside the schooner B. J. J]aynor to lighten her; sup- plied myself with coals from the Charlotte Williams, she being deepest (Iraft, and gave her orders to proceed to Powells Point to report to Captain Werden; also gave orders to schooner Neptune to proceed to Roanoke Island to report to Captain Werden, these being all the coal schooners at the inlet for the Navy. Found the schooner Charles H. Mol- 1cr with stores; gave him orders, after towing him over the swash, to proceed with all dispatch to New Berne, to report to you on his arrival, and to anchor below the barricade. After lightening the Raynor up to 8 feet, towed him over the swash. Went to the steamer Suwanee, took 73 boxes of shell for 100-pounder Parrott guns, the boxes in bad condi- tion, and one cask of packing; then took lighter up over the swash and put ammunition on board the Raynor again, and gave him orders to proceed to New Berne and report to you on his arrival, and to anchor below the barricade. Having met two coal schooners ou their way here, 1 believe I did right in sending the remaining two to Roanoke Island. I examined the ~euse River light-boat and found her in fair condition, perfectly tight, and lamp fixtures nearly complete, good ground tackle, etc. The hoisting chains to lamp have beemi taken away. There is one howitzer carriage on board, two spare warps or hawsers, an(l a quan- tity of stores, consisting of the following articles: Five barrels beef 8 barrels rice, 21 barrels bread, 7 barrels dried al)I)les, 4 barrels beans, 3 barrels vinegar, 1 barrel molasses 4 boxes cheese boxes coffee, and several water ~ 2 boxes tea, 2 barrels. The Ilioward and Granite were ready to leave when I arrived down. Havin~ done all as directed iu your letter of instructions, I left the inlet for New Berne at 5 p. in., 5th instant. Passed on the way here schooner C. IL Moiler, bound here, and schooner Palma, bound out. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant Thos. J. WOODWARD, Acting Master, Commanding U. S. S. Skawsheen. S. C. ROWAN, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, for the restriction of unauthorized trading. NAvy DEPARTMENT, April 5, 1862. SIR: It is not unlikely that some vessels may make their appearance at Old Point, or in that vicinity, for the l)ULPO5e of trading with th Page 203 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 203 army and naval forces without authority to do so. None should be allowed there without the permission of the Treasury, War, or Navy l)epartments, and should you discover any that have not such permis- sioii you will seize them and send them into port for adjudication. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Asrqnadro n, Hampton 1?oads. Letter from Major- General Wool, U. S. Army, to Flag- Otficer Golds- borough, U. S. Navy, giving information regarding Confederate vessels. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., April 5, 1862. SIR: It is reported to me that the Virginia was in the dry dock last night with coal oim board and two new guns. She is expected to be taken out of the dock to-day. The Yorktown, Jamestown, Teaser, and four other gunboats are at Norfolk. Captain Pegram is to command the Virginia. I am, sir, very respectfully, JOHN E. Wooi~, Major- General. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Hampton Roads. Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, transmitting report ~f Lieu- tenant Murray, U. S. Navy, regarding condition of affairs at Washing- ton, N~ C. U. S. S. PILILADELPUJA, Off New l3erne, N. C., April 5, 1862. SIR: The general has sent the enemys wounded to Washington. I sent the Albemarle to land them, but, by stupidity or accident, Mr. Chase ran her on the piles, when she sank immediately. The Delaware was fortunately in sight and came to the rescue of the wounded men then on board. To guard against any indiscretion on the l)art of the officers then in the Pamnlico, I dispatched Lieutenant Commanding Murray in the Louisiana. The condition of affairs in Washington may be inferred from Captain Murrays report, which is herewith enclosed. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. iltowAN, Connnanding U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Endorserneiit.] Respectfully forwarded. The Albemarle, the vessel alluded to, was a prize steamer taken at New Berne. L. M. (IOLDSBOROUGH, Flag-Officer. APRIL 16, 1862 Page 204 204 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure,] U. S. S. LOUISIANA, Off New Berne, N. U., April 5, 18G2. SIR: In Compliance with your orders of the 2d, by some delay not sent to me until the 3d, I proceeded to Washington, N. C., arriving at the obstructions below on the evening of the latter day, where I found the Delaware and Brinker. On the morning of the 4th I went up to the town in company with the I)ela ware and put myself iii coiniuumcation with some of onr friends. 1 learned that Mr. Itesl)ice (the niayor) had been taken out ot his bed the night before amid carried oft; that a (letachmnent of cavalry was in the neighborhood for the l)llLpose of arresting the Union men, and in con sequeiice most of the respectable people had left town for the woods, a reign of terror prevailing. The report th~at the Confederate army was marching from Kinston oii New Berne is not fully sustaine(l. I returned over the obstructions before night, and proceeded to visit, and tinahhy to destroy, by blasting and fire, a fortification, partially masked, which np to this l)resent time had escal)ed our observation. It was a formidable affair, with barrack accommodations for a thousand troolis, situated on the right bank, about 2 miles below the obstruc- tions. I also visited time Albemarle in company with tile commanding officers, engim meers, and carh)enters. She was pronounced a total loss, and 1 ordered her destruction. She was omi fire when we left. 1 thimmk the disaster to tile Albemarle the result of negligence or incapacity. I send you Confederate (hates to 31st March, and remain, very respect- fully, your obedient servant, A. MURRAY, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commander S. C. ROWAN, U. S. Navy, Conmdy. in Albentarle an(i Pamlico Mends, North Carolina. Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, of the arriral at Beaufort, N. C., of the prize steamer Old North Atate. U. S. S. PHILADELPHiA, Off New Berne, N. C., April 5, 18G2. SIR: I have the pleasure to report the safe arrival at Beaufort, N. C., of the prize steamer Old North & ate, llml(ler commiinand of Lieutenant MeCook, which left here on the 1st imistant for Core Sound and success- fully ran past Fort Macon imi the night. She is now performing good service imi transporting troops across the Bogue. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. itowAN, Comdg. U. S. Naral Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. (iOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Bloekadin q Squadron, Hampton Roads. P. S.I would also informn you that the Ellis has assumed a position in Core Sound. The Granite, 1 fear, draws too munch water to enter the sound. S. C. li Page 205 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ~2O5 Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, gicing information 9/ an attack by the blockading squadron npoa Fort Macon, N. C. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Oft. New Berue, N. C., April 5, 18G2. SIR: I have the honor to report that an aid of General Parke arrived here this afteriioon from Beanfort, all(1 l)y him I am informed that a fire was opened upon the fort yesterday afternoon by time blockading squa(Iron, which was kept up for about one hour and a half Geimeral Parke is getting his nIle gnu and mortars in position as last as possible. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. RowAN, Comdg. U. S. NaLal Forces, Sounds ~f North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSROROITGH, Comdg. North A tian tic Blockading Sqnadron, LIi(u)tp on Boa ds. Letter from Major- General McClellan, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Nary, regar(ling operations against Iorktown, Va. HEADQUARTERS OF THE AHMY OF THE POTOMAC, Five Miles from Yorktown, April 5, 18G21O:30 p. m. Mv 1)EAR FLAG-OFFiCER: The rebels are close in my front and we have had sharp cannonading most of the afternoon, with bnt little loss on onr side, some eight or ten killed. Our neighbors are in a very strong position, their left at Yorktown (strongly entrenched with nuiner- ous guns), thence extending along the line of the Warwick River to its mouth. This river is some 7 feet deep to a point near Lees Mill, banks marshy and almost impassable; from point to point they have batteries. The roads are inferior and I have had great (litheulty in moving. To-morrow I shall spend in making reconnoissances, in reJ)air- ing the roads, getting up supplies, and establishing my (lepot at Ship Point. I can not turn Yorktown without a battle, in which I must use heavy artillery and go throngh time preliminary oi)eratiolms of a siege. The reconnoissances of to-morrow will en able me to form a pretty cor- rect judgment of what I have to meet and the best way of overcoming the di4liculties before me. Naval cooperatioum seems to me more essen- tial than ever. I cami best give you my ideas by to-immorrow night. I learn that time Mystic has reached you. Will you be able to put her at the Yorktown batteries if I find it imecessary~ If I find the position as strong as I now anticipate, I will probably propose to you that I shall get my siege guns and ummortars in battery to open simultaneously with the action of such naval vessels as you cami spare. Reenforcements are said to be arniviimg from Richmond and Norfolk. I fear our Severn, [Va.], expeditiomi may be imnl)racticable. I received this morning a dispatch from the Adjutant-Gemmeral informing me that MeDowelis corps (some 85,000 men) had been withdrawn from my command. I need not tell you that nothimmg could Imave astonishmed me more. I received the dispatch while listening to the rebel guns, and was well assured that I required all the force I had coummted upoim. I shall seuid this through Missroon and ask him to read it. Do let me hear from you occasionally; as often as your duties will permit Page 206 206 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. J can tell you better to-morrow evening about the Severn [River, Virginia,] and will ask Missroon to come to see me to-morrow. Ever your friend, GEG. B. MCCLELLAN, Flag-Officer GoLDSBoROUGH, Major- General, Commanding. Commanding Squadron. Letter from Flag- Officer Goidsborough, U. S. Navy, to iJli0or- General McClellan, U. S. Army, regarding proposed operations against York- town, Va. IJ. S. S. MINNESOTA, Hampton toads, Sunday, April 6, 18623:30 p. m. Mv DEAR GENERAL: Just this moment received your dispatch of last night. The Mystic is not here, nor do I expect her for some time to come. Until the guns oii Gloucester Point be turned by the move- ment up the ~Severii it will be wholly impracticable, in my judgment, for the small naval force I can now detail to assist you to attack the forts at Yorktown and Gloucester with any prospect of success, unless, forsooth, it be practicable to run past those forts at night and so get on the inside of them and assail them in flank. Of this Missroou may judge. Tell him what I say. You know my position here. I (lare not leave the Merrimack and consorts unguarded. Were she out of the way everything I have here should be at work in your behalf; but as things stand you must not count upon my sending any more vessels to aid your operations than those 1 mentioned to you. Some of them are~ now at and about York River, under Missroon, an(l the other three I hold here to move with your division up the Severn if you still imitend to scud over there, and if you do not, I shall send them off to Missroon on being informed of the fact by you. I wish it had been in your power to carry out the plan of landing at the Sand Box, up the Severn, and moving from Fort Monroe and about Newport News simultaneously. Will you not still have serious diffi- culty in your way in marching a force from Shipping [Ship] Poimut to Yorktown ~? The moment you tell me of your intention not to carry out the Sev- ern movement I shall dispatch the three vessels now here forYork River service to Missroon, but until I do hear from you on the subject I shall keep them on hand ready for a spring at a moments notice. Write me or telegraph as often as you can. I feel an intense iuterest in you and your operations. In great haste, yours, most truly and faithfully, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Major-Genera] GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Commanding Army of the Potomac, near Yorktown, Va. Letter front Commander Missroon, U. S. Navy, to Major- General McClel- lan, U. S. Army, regarding the extensive d~fenses of Yorktown, T~a,. [U. S. S.] WACHUSETT, April 5 [6], 186211:45 a. in. Mv DEAR GENERAL: I received your note of 4th last evening, pro. posing to me to shell at long range to-day noon. I was prepared t Page 207 NORTH ATLANTIC I3LOCKADING SQUADRON. 207 do so with three gunboats to-day. At daylight this morning we had the first clear view, which disclosed vast additions to the fortifications of which I had the plansso vast that these boats would be destroyed in twenty minutes. I have to-day discovered the positioii of the masked battery of four 10-inch guns, to which have been added extensive works, and some more guns have been reported. I am now trying to (lraw its fire by advaiicing and firing at long ranges; so far without effect. have this moment received your note of yesterday of 11 p. m. It came too late for me to get to you to-day. I wish I could; but, my dear sir, I am without officers. I have not one with whom I dare to leave this vessel. None have any experience whatever. 1 saw your troops advancing along Wormleys Creek toward the masked battery of fonr 10-inch guns. Until these are takeii I can not advance with this range. When these are taken they can be turned on the water battery which lies nearest to us, and which has lately been made more extensive also, as I see by the new earth. When you take the Wormleys Creek we can have uninterrupted communication at any and all times. The view is good froiii where I am. Your signal officer did not come on board, and would be very serviceable if here. I am, with the commanders of the two vessels with me, anxious to assist you; but you see the cost of its attempt in the existing state of things. Depend on it, all the fortifications have been largely increased. Our want of officers is a hard trial, and my presence is a necessity to my vessel; yet, if you still wish it at any time that I should join you, I will do so. Your views in writing will be carried out faithfully, if possible, or by signal. If you want me to take the boats under fire say so, and it shall be done at once, no matter at what cost. I am writing this on deck while firing. Yours, very truly, J. S. MISSROON. General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN. Letter from Briqadier- Geaeral Howard, U. S. Army, to Acting Master ShamHand, U. S. Nacy, requesting cooperation. HEADQUARTERS HOWARDS BRIGADE, Shipping [Skip] Point, Va., April 6, 1862. CAPTAIN: General Howard directs me to request you at once to reconnoiter the Poquosin River and ascertain what facilities there are on that river for transporting supplies to howards [Ilarwoods] bridge. Also to see if any transports can be found in that river. Will you also send one boat to the Span iding to be subject to the order of Colonel Miller, while he is landing commissary storesl I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. D. SEWALL, Assistant Adjutant. General. Captain SHANKLAND, U. S. Gunboat Gurrituck Page 208 208 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter fro n Comma n dci ill is~~oo~~, U. S. Nary, to ]Ifojor- General McClel- lan, U. S. Army, gicing a(lditional injormation. regarding the frrtiftca- tions in York Rirci, Virqinia.. SITNDAY, April 6, 18621 p. m. M~ l)EAR GENERAL: 1 have reCeive(1 your favor of this date by Colonel Key, and hasten to say that I have already written you via Shipping [Ship] Point in reply, giving my reasons for not having joined you. Tue time yoa l)roposed to proceed with me had elal)sed, aiid par- ticularly the difficulties of my leaving my vessel, owing to the want of officers of experience to take care of her. I have explained in my note of to-day, and have repeated to Colonel Key, the greatly increased strength of the fortifications as seen from this position. The forts at Gloucester are very formidable indeed, and the water batteries of Yorktown have evidently been mci-eased in dimensions within a few days, as indicated by the new caith. As I pointed out to you in our interview, the works to be most appre- hended (though they all ai-e too formidable for our vessels or three or four times theli- numbers and class) are the guns in mask, about one- fourth to one-half of a mile this side of Yorktown wh pointed out to Colonel Key. , icli position I The enemy are still on Gloucester Point; how strong I can not say. So long as lie holds that formidable work (or, indeed, upper and lower work) we surely can not command the York iRivem-. All the gunboats of the Navy would fail to take it, but would be destroyed in the attempt; yet I will not hesitate to try the experiment, if re(Juired to do so, with time force, however inadequate. I have explained to Colonel Key that if you turn the masked works which 1 fired on to-day and received its tire in return, the guns would command time next water battery, which is about the fifth of a mile from it, toward Yorktown, as it appears from this ship. With those two batteries carried, this force might approach near enough to shell Yorktown at bug range, but nothing more. These vessels of this class are not calculated for closer or heavier work. As I could not go in time to reach you to-day, as requested, I sent, after dispatching my letter to you, the second in rank, Lieutenant Corn- mnanding Clitz, to confer with you; aimd now, with Colonel Key, I pro- ceed to Wormleys Creek to meet you or General lleintzelman. XTeiy truly, yours, J. S. MI~SROON, General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN. Commanding. Order of Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Behrn, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Elizabeth City. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, O.fl New Berne, April 7, 1862. SIR: You will l)roceed in the Soutk field under youi- command to Albeinarle Sound. You will find Captain Werdemi in the Stars and AStripes oft Powells Point, to whom you will report, and then proceed without delay to Elizabeth City an(l report to Captain Flusser. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. RoWAN, Commanding Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Act. Vol. Lieut. Comdg. C. F. W. BEwvr, Commanding U. S. S. SouthJield. off New Berne Page 209 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 209 Letter from the Secretary of the Nary to Lieutenant Braine, U. S. Navy, regarding orders. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 7, 1862. SIR: Please inform the l)epartment why you awaited its orders at Baltimore (telegraphing it to that effect) when you had before you orders from Flag-Officer (?roldsborough to return to your station off Wilmington, etc., and to he there at the earliest possible momeiit. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Lieutenant 1). L. BRAINE, Commanding U. S. S. Monticello, off Wilmington, N. C. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Messrs. Dunham & Co., New York, urging the early sailing of the steamer Ericsson. NAvY DEPARTMENT, April 7, 1862. You will please direct the captain of the Ericsson to proceed with that vessel as early as possible to Hampton Itoads and report to Flag- Officer (Ioldsborough. It is desirable that the Ericsson should sail before Wednesday if you can get ber off. I am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. DUNHAM & CO., New York. Report of Commander Miissroon, U. S. Na ry, regarding movements in cooperation with the army against Confederate dLfenses in York River. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, At anchor between Sand Box and Wormleys Creek, April 8, 1862. SIR: I reached this anchorage, after a passage of four hours, at 11:10 a. m. on the 5th instant, after having dispatched the Penobseot, with the Carrituck, to Ship Point. Lieutenant Commanding Clitz found the battery at that place in possession of our trool)s. The Currituck was left there upon the requi- sition of General McClellan for a small gnnboat to remain till the l)ost should be well Occul)ied. The Penobseot reported to me at this place (where I found the Marblehead) a few hours after. On the same (lay I received a comnmnunicatiomi from General McClellan asking such assistance as we might be able to render, about noon on the 6th, by throwing shell into Yorktown, iC it could be done without seriously exposing the vessels, in order to divert the enemy. Arrange- mnents were made accordingly to proceed at the time intimated to attack at long shell range the nearest water battery in view at the time, if not prevented by intervening works, and which is situated an eighth of a mile or more in advance than represented in the sketch we possess of the enemys works. To reach Yorktown it was necessary to dislodge the gunners from that water battery, which has lately been very much increased in dimensions, as shown by the addition of new earth, as have all the N W RVOL 7 1 Page 210 210 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQIJADRON. fortifications 1)0th at Yorktown and Gloucester Point. At the latter place additional and more elevated works have been erected than those of which we had information. The position of the masked battery having now become an object of much concern, as on it would depend our first advance, and the day being hazy, a clearer inspection at early dawn on the following day, 6th, revealed the four large columbiads but indistinctly, of which we had notice, behind some mere fringe wood, near the position represented in the sketch of the enemys works. To assure myself of the strength of this battery, and to get our own longest ranges, I ran in about noon of the 6th with the Waehusett, Penobseot, and Marblehead and threw in a few shells from each of these vessels, several of which falling among them. The enemy opened from a concealed rifle cannon of heavy caliber under time masked battery, which threw near and fhr beyond us, but withheld the fire of the columbiads, which were manned at the time, in expectatiomi of our nearer approach, when the vessels immediately withdrew just out of range, having accoml)lislled in several particulars the object of the movement. This work is very formidable, both from its heavy cannon, its exten- siveness, and its very elevated position, which enables it to throw a l)lunging fire upon the decks of these gunboats, as well as a horizontal fire from its rifle cannon. The contemplated movements of General McClellan about nooti of the 6th were iiot, however, made by him. The balloon observations also show its construction an(l strength to be formidable to any attack from the the rear by troops, while its masked sitnation renders it a very indistinct target from the vessels. I think it alone would destroy all the vessels, while it would receive little or no im~jury from our fire. The balloon survey also shows that it is only vulnerable to the can- non in Yorktown, so that should we gain it by a land attack our troops could be driven out by a concentrated fire from that point. All the works on the river sides are extremely formidable ,far more so than we have had any idea of; and I learn that works on the land side are very extensive, reaching across the l)enimlsula. To attack the works on the river front several heavy frigates or vessels of much endurance would be necessary to insure success. While the now unmasked batteries of columbiads and rifle cannon remain in the hands of the cimemy, it [they~ forms a complete barrier to these vessels, to pass which would only insure their (lestruction. This opinion is sustained decidedly by all the commanding officers with mue. I have so informed General McClellan, wlmile stating that such a requisi- tion would only be justifiable by the most urgent necessity. I believe that this is also the opinion of those generals who have lately made balloon observations. The presence of these vessels is very important to the army for the protection of their transports, the enemy having several steamers and armned scnooners in the river which appear to be zealous and imudefati. gable in their movements. The Octorara would be the most serviceable vessel on this station, on account of her light draft and heavy rifle guns. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, J. S. MJSSRooN, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 211 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 211 Letter bom Major- General McClellan, U. S. Army, to Flag- Otticer Golds- boroagh, U. S. Kary, regarding conditions in York Ricer. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Yorktown, April 8, 18G2. M~ DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: Your kind letter received. From the informatiou received thus far I am inclined to think that the masked battery on the river bank below Yorktown is not in existence, but that the gun fired upon Missroon was from the advanced bastion of the place itself. Porter thinks that he has found a place from which we can enfilade their water batteries. I go there in a few minutes to look at it. Should it prove to be so, we can enable the gunboats to take an effective part in the contest. The weather is infamous (has been raining hard for the last t~elve hours and still continues), the roads are horrid, and we have the devils own time abont supplies. I have made strong representations as to the withdrawal of the First Corps, which has forced me to abaiidon the Severn movement, and hope the President may be induced to change his order. Prisoners say that Joe Johnston has assumed command; that heavy reenforceinents are arriving, and that they intend to fight the great battle here. I am probably weaker than they now are, or soon will be, but I will whip them in spite of the fact that 50,000 men have been withdrawn from my command since 1 commence(1 the operation. This reduction of force necessitates more caution on my part. The position of the enemy is immensely strong, but we are learning itiore of it every hour. Our men behave splendidlybrave and patient as men can be. I will communicate with Missroon this morning, and write you fully to-night. In great haste, sincerely, your friend, GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General, Commanding. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, [U. S. S.] Minnesota. Porters camp is just off shelling range; his pickets and sharpshooters are near enough to pick off their cannoneers. Letter from the Secretary of the Yavy to flag-officers commanding block- ading squadrons, transmitting injormation of the arrival at Bermuda of the steamer Herald, carrying munitions of war. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 8, 18G2. SIR: I herewith transmit for your information a copy of dispatch No. 14, received at the Department of State from the U. S. consul at Bermuda, respecting the arrival at that place of the steamer Herald, with a valuable cargo of arms and munitions. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. N. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, flimpton Roads. Flag-Officer SAML. F. DU PONT, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C. Flag--Officer WM. W. McKEAN, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key IVest, Fla. Flag-Officer I). 0-. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, Ship Island Page 212 212 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Bermuda, M~reh 24, 1862. SIR: I beg to inform you that the British side-wheel steamer Herald, of Dublin, reported fourteen days from Madeira, arrived here this morn- ing. She is consigned to J. T. Bourne, agent for the so-called Southern Confederacy. She is a long, narrow iron vessel of about 600 tons bur- den, and draws but 9 feet of water; is white below water line and black ne smokestack and two masts w above has o , ith yards on the foremast. It is reported sue is to take the cargo of tile Bermuda, but from her appearance I should think she has on board a full cargo. Tile steamers Bermuda and South wick are still here. I think the Soutluciek will leave soon, and iresnme the cargo of the Bermuda will be reshipped. They have tried to get storage for it, but as there is a large quantity of pow- der the authorities will not allow it to be landed. Vourteeim men came as passengers in the Bermuda. They are sul)posed to be Southerners. I am, sir, your obedient servant, C. M. ALLEN, Consul. Hon. SECRETARY OF STATE, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Miissroon, U. S. Nacy, regarding the formidable character of the fortifteations in York River. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, At anchor between Sand Box and Wormleys Creek, April 9, 1862. SIR: In my official communication of the 7th [8th] instant, I had the honor to inform you of the extremely formidable character of the forti- fications amid of their commanding position upon this river. I should have exemplified their power by a comparison with time works omi Hil- ton Ilead, S. C., which engaged the entire fleet of Flag-Officer Dm1 Pont for four hours. From my inspection of the works on Hilton Ilead I should say that they were not so powerful by 50 per centum, at least, as those 110W before us~ nor can we ascertain with certainty the existence of concealed works, as no deserters come in to us. An inspection of the river and chart shows that the works on both sides of it are so admirably located with regard to mutual protectioii amid assistance that I could not engage one and escape the concen- trated fire of the whole. To give good effect to our fire we must pass a line drawn north and south through Wormleys Creek, when the enemys fire would probably destroy, within one hour, not only these vessels, but a dozen like them, while our fire, owing to the position of their most advanced works, would inflict little injury. In my communication of the 7th instant I intimated a desire to have the Octorara with me. I did not intend to suggest an increase in time number of vessels of the gunboat class, but desired an exchange for one of those already assigned to this duty, owing to her lighter draft and rifle gun, much needed here. Indeed, 1 would prefer not to have an imicrease of vessels which are so ihly calculated to endure the fire of lan(l batteries. The more we have time more will be expected of them in the attack, while I know they can do bmit little service in such an attack. I apprehend that too much is expected from these vessels b Page 213 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 213 the general, notwithstanding my understanding with him in your cabin, and your own remarks to him, of their vulnerability. I am prepared, however, to attempt all of which these vessels are capable. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, ~ ~ MISSRooN, Commander, Senior Naval Officer Present. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLUSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Iliampton Roads. Letter from the Secretary qf the Navy to Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the steamer Ericsson. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 9, 1862. SIR: The steamship Ericsson is to leave New York today for Hamp- ton Roads to report to you for such duty as you may require of her in running down the MierrDn ack. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Boads. Letter from Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, regarding the Confederate gunboats building at Norfolk, Va. U. S. FLAGSIIIP MINNESOTA, hampton Roads, Virginia, April 9 1862. SIR: I am in receipt of your communication of the 1st and 2d instant. I wrote to you some days ago that two plated gunboats were prob- ably being l)repared by the enemy at Norfolk, and that they might be intended for the sounds of North Carolina. Should they appear in those sounds, you caii, I am satisfied, readily capture or destroy them with the ferryboats under your control by running them down. This, in my judgment, is the only proper way to accomplish the object, situ- ated as you are, and it is, I think, in orally certain to succeed. Those gunboats, I take it, can be at most but small affairs, as the breadth of the lock above Elizabeth City will not admit a vessel of a greater beam than 17 feet 4 inches, and it is scarcely l)rol)able that, with your vigi- lance over the Currituck link of the Albemarle Canal, any attempt will be ma(le to get any into the sound except by the way of Elizabeth City. Time Miami is in tIme Gulf of Mexico, but a vessel like her, with a rudder at each end, would not answer well as a ram. 1 have no other information about a solid road across tIme Currituck link of the Albemarle Canal than what your letters convey. It strikes me as altogether imnpractical)le for you to take the exclusive control of any of General Burusides vessels with tImings standing as they now do. Exercise your own discretion about letting the general have the use of one of the 100-pounder Parrotts. I regret that the general should have persuaded you to sign the proc- lamation to which you allude. Jim a military point of view, he urged upon you, in my opinion, a wrong proceeding, and to satisfy him of thi Page 214 214 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. fact it is only necessary, I think, to remind him that it was General Dix, commanding a department, and miot General Lockwood, command- ing a division of his forces, who issued the proclamation to the people of the eastern shore of Virginia; nor was the former present at any time among the people to whom the proclamation applied, while the latter was commanding an armed force in their midst to compel obedi- ence to what that instrument required. There were shipped to you from Baltimore by schooner Charles H. Miolla [iiroller], on the 19th ultimno, 7,792 pounds of sugar. My situation here is such that it is impossible for me to detail any more vessels for the sounds of North Carolina. Besides the Merrimack and consorts, all of which are now lying off Craney Island in a state of readiness to attack us at any moment, I have an expedition under Com- mander Missroon to engage my attention, which expedition is required to cooperate with General McClellan in York River. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commander S. C. iROWAN, Flag-Officer. ~ Sounds of North Carolina. Report of Flay- Officer Goidsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding measura taken fin- the restriction ~f unauthorized tradinq. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 10, 18G2. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of the 5th instant imistructing me to cause the seizure of vessels trading with our army and navy forces iii this vicinity without permission from Government. I have taken measures to have this order l)roperly exe- cute(l, and Major-General Wool has promised me his cooperation. I have this day received the communication of the l)epartment dated the 8th instant directing due notice to be given the postmaster hei-e of the departure of vessels for the South, and also that covering a copy of a dispatch from the U. S. consul at Bermuda relative to time steamer Herald, which 1 have caused to be printed for circulation. I learn from a letter of the 9th from the Department that the steamer Ericsson was to have left New York on that day for this Place. T am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GoLDsBORouGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Commander Missroon, U. AS. Navy, to Acting Master Shankland, U. S. Navq, commanding U. S. S. Currituck, to proceed to duty at Ship Point, Virginia. U. 5. 5. WACHUSETT, York River, April 10, 1862. SIR: Until I shall make other arrangements than exist now with General McClellan, you will proceed and remain at Shipping [Ship] Point, [Poquosin River], for such service and protection as you may be called upon to render that post Page 215 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 215 I wo~1d wish you to call here on the 13th for further orders. While you continue at Shipping [Ship] Point, there should be an understand- ing with the military commandant at that place, so as to secure a con- current actioii between the port and your vessel in case of necessity. Respectfully, J. S. MISSROON, Connnanding, (t:Ld Senior Naval Officer. Acting Master W. F. SHANKLAND, U. S. S. Currituck. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Yorktown, April 10, 18628: 10 p. m. I have had a good view to-day of the river defeiises of Yorktown and Gloucester. If you can spare her, l)lease send the Nangatuck and any other small vessel with an SO or 100 pounder rifle. With such guns we can probably prevent their landing men and sul)l)hies troiii York in day- light and caii annoy them much at night. If the Mystic can run the batteries, she can break up all their communications by lana and dis- turb them terribly, even if she can not drive them out of the water batteries by a reverse fire. GEo. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General. Commodore GOLDSBOROUGH. [Telegram.] Confidential.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Yorktown, April 10, 18G210 p. m. Nothing of interest to-day. Weather and roads a little better. Shall make good progress in landing heavy guns atA supplies to-morrow. hookers division commenced arriving. Found other landing places. Examined watcr defenses. Enemy strengthening works and receiving reeuforcements. Gloucester well fortified on land side. G. B. MCCLELLAN, ]Ih~jor- General. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War, Washington. Letter om the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- QJicer Goidsborongh, U. S. Navy, transmitting information regarding the movements of the (ion- federate schooner Star. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 10, 1862. SIR: 1 herewith enclose copy of a dispatch dated 12th ultimo, re- ceived by the Department of State from the U. S. consul at Guade- loupe, in relation to time schooner Star, which vessel is said to be loading with a cargo for some port in North Carolina. lam, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag--Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comm an ding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron Page 216 216 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Pointe ~ Pitre, Unadeloupe, March 12, 1862. SIR: The Southern schooner Star, of 85~ toiis, six men, David Gaskell, master, arrived in this port on the evening of the 2d instant from Washington, N. C., ~vith a cargo of 60,000 shingles, 16,800 staves, 8 barrels tar, and 6 barrels spirits of turpentine, sold at the following rates: Shingles, $9.14; staveH, $50.58 per thousand; tar, $5 per barrel; turpentine, 88 cents per gallon. The schooner will in a few days effect her return to Washington, laden with sagar, molasses, coffee, and apothecary ingredients. Accord- ing to a conversation held by Captain Gaskell, the wants of Washing- ton are great and things of immediate necessity are held at enormous prices. I resort to the British steam packet as the surest and most expedi- tions mode to con vey these facts to your knowledge, thinking that this will reach you at a due and proi)itious nmoinent. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, II. THIONVILLE, U. S. Vice- Consul. Hon. W. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C. Letter from the Secretary of the NaVy to flag-officers commanding block- ading sqaadm-ons, trans initting u~/ormation regarding the shipment from foreign ports of arms and munitions of war. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 10, 1862. SIR: Enclosed are extracts from dispatches received at the l)epart- ment of State respecting vessels fitting ont in England or that have sailed with supplies for the insurgents, viz: Concerning the Fanny Lewis, Annie Childs, Rosina Claypole, Mary, Konigen Augusta, and Oreto (privateer), from dispatches of the consul at Liverpool, dated the 12th and 22d of March. Concerning the lliarshai Ney, Bahama, Economist, Southwick, Minna, and Pacific, from dispatches of the consul at London, dated the 14th, 21st, and 22d of March. The steamer Bahama is reported at Hamburg, March 20, 1-eceivilig on board 100,000 muskets. Her commander is said to be a native of South Carolina and boasts of having twice run the blockade. Most of the vessels named have already been brought to your notice. Some of them are heavily loaded with Enfield rifles and munitions of war. The impression seems to be gaining ground that a well-organized stock company has been formed in England whose object is to thro~v supplies into the South. It therefore behooves the officers who have been charged with the maintenance of the blockade to strain every nerve to thwart the purpose in view and to cut off the insurgents from all foreign aid. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer SAML. F. Du PONT. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Flag-Officer D. U. FARRAGUT. Flag-Othicer WM. W. MOKEAN Page 217 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 217 [Enc1o~ure.Extracts.] From the U. S. consul at Liverpool, dated March 12, 1862: * * * ~f he Fanny Lewis, referred to in previous dispatches, sailed oii Monday last. As yet there has been no notice published by the cus- toni-house of her clearaiice, if any was effected. Her cargo consists of about 900 bags saltpeter, 229 coils manila rope, 40 barrels and 10 casks soda ash, 28 barrels caustic soda, 50 packages hardware, lot machinery, 625 barrels gunpowder, bales of cotton, and flannel goods, etc. The powder was put on in the river just before she sailed. * * * From the U. S. consul at Liverpool, (lated March 22, 1862: * * * The cargo of the rebel steamer Annie Childs, which ran the blockage at Wilmington and arrived at this port some (lays ago, was 634 bales of cotton, 788 barrels rosin, 215k and 10~ boxes manufactured tobacco, one box peanuts, arid one box contents unknown. Her coin- manders name is W. C. Hammer. Her consignees at this place, Fraser, Trenholm & Co. She is an American steamer, was called the North Carolina, and is said to be [have been] owned, J)revious to her seizure by the Confederates, by New Yorkers. - I understand she is to be loaded with arms and munitions of war and sent back to Wilmington. I will obtain an accurate description of her and send it in my next dispatch. A small bark, called the Rosina Claypole, is loading nominally for Kings- tomi, in Jamaica; her cargo is intended for tlTh South. She will either run the blockade or land it at some port in the West Indies. She is only 184 tons burden, and conimnanded by Captain Vickers. The bark Mary, formerly belonging to one of the Southern ports, but now sailing nnder the English flag, is also taking on a cargo for the South. She will clear for St. Thomas. The ship Kilnigen Augusta, of 510 tons burden, commanded by Captain Schaull, is also taking in a cargo for the Southern Confederacy. She will clear for Havana. It is not unlikely that all of these vessels may land their cargoes at some of the West India ports and run them in upon steamers, rather than incur the risk of running the blockade with sailing vessels. * * * The gunboat Oreto, so often referred to iii my communications to the Department, was reported in the papers on Wednesday last as having taken her final departure from this port, but she was back again iii the river the same evening. A part of the crew of the steamer Annie Childs have just left my office; they tell me that Captain Bulloch is to com- mand the Oreto, and that four officers for this vessel came over with them in the Childs. The names of three are Young, Low, and Maffet or Maffitt; the fourth was called Eddy on the ship; the first two are lieutenants, and the other two, last named, midshipmen. They further state that these officers during the voyage wore naval uniforms; that they caine on the Clmilds at a place called Smitliville, some 20 miles down the river from Wilmington; that it was talk ed about and understood by all on board that their object in coming was to take the command of a vessel which was being built in England for the Southern Confederacy. They further state that it was nnderstood in Wilmington before they left that several war vessels were being built at Liverpool for the South. Information from them, from the pilot who was in charge, as well as from other confidential sources, leads inc to believe that she, the Oreto, will sail from here direct to Madeira, amid from thence to Nassau, and there will attempt to run into one of tIme Southern ports. I understand that at least a part of the armament, together with several cases of small arms, within the last two days have been taken to her on a fiat. boat. * * Page 218 218 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. From the U. S. consul at London, dated March 14, 1862: The Marshal Ney has iiot yet arrived at ilayre, conseqnently no European officers have yet been embarked. Quite a number of cannon, gun carriages, and large quantities of shell have gone to Hartlepool, 230 miles from here, to be shipped, I hear, on board the screw steamer Bahama. This vessel is an iron screw, 245 feet long, 35 feet beam, depth of hold 22~4~, aiid 1,530 tons. She will receive all necessary attention from Mr. Marshall of that consular district. * * * I trust it will be remembered at the Navy Department, and by our naval commanders on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts, that the steamers Economist and & ntthwick have near 40,000 F nfield rifles, with a large (juantity of powder, rifled cannon, army clothing, etc., on board, designed for the insurgent States. -* * * From the U. S. consul at London, dated March 21, 1862: * * * The rebel steamer Minna did not get out of the dock until last evening, and I think will not be got to sea before to-morrow. She is very deep, with a full aiid, for the Confederates, valuable cargo. She is drawing 17 feet water aft and 14 forward, and it is said will run about 9 knots l)C~ hour. During the l)resent week she has taken in several thousand more Enfield rifles and has now on board, we are con- fident, 10,000, and perhaps double this quantity, several thonsaud pistols (revolvers), sabers, ball cartridges, a (~llaILtity of saltpeter, etc. I fear an invoice can not be procured until next week. She will go to Bermuda, ~a ssau, Matamoras, or some other convenient port for reship- ment, if she can not get into Fernandina, which, from accounts they send here seems to be almost an open port. The steamer Pacific, her captaimi said last evening, will certainly be ready to leave on Saturday evening. She has coffee, tea, clothing, Enfleld rifles, etc. She will take out a number of passengers, some Southermiers, some foreigners, surgeons, and officers for the rebel Army. I have very direct information that she will take omit some heavy rifled cannon, at least for her owim use. She is called one of the thstest boats afloat, and threats are given out that we simall find her very trouble- some. I trust, therefore, the Navy I)epartinent will give her all neces- sary attention. * * * From the U. S. consul at Londomi, dated March 22, 1862: * * * I herewith forward an invoice of time cargo of the steamer Minna. You will notice that her camgo is mostly made up of tea, coffee, blankets, leather. boots and shoes, swords, knapsacks, rifles, etc. Only 8,580 rifles are invoiced, but we think there are more omi board; also that she has powder, saltpeter, and revolvers. The Pacific at this timne, 4 p. m. Saturday, shows no signs of moving to-day. I have good authority for thinking she is detaimied for a quan- tity of rifles, which are coming froni Birmninghamn. I here~vith send a description of her, taken from an Americami shmipmnaster here, but as she was run on the Galway line, between Galway and New York, she must be well known to many there, and by somne of our naval officers. There are two or three sailing vessels here which have ballasted with coal and are taking in assorted cargoes for Nassau. Should anything be discovered to give them a rebel complexiomi, they will be reported. I amn, sir, very sincerely, your obedient servant, F. H. MORSE, Consul Page 219 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 219 fecond appearance of the C. S. S. Virginia (Mierrimack) in Hampton Roads, April 11, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton koads, Virginia, April 12, 1862. Sin The Merrimack and consorts all made their appearance yester- day morning and remained between Sewells Point and Newport sews, out of gunshot from Fort Monroe an(l the Rip Raps, until late in the afternoon, wheini they returned to their anchorage under Craney Island. Among the hundreds of sailing vessels congregated here several had anchored, contrary to my advice repeatedly and formally urged upon the proper authorities on shore, in aii exposed position, well over toward Newport News, and three of them were captured by the enemys vessels. Except. this nothing further of any importance occurred. Had the Merrimack engaged the Monitor, which she might have done, J was quite prepared, with several vessels, to avail myself of a favorable moment and run her down. This experiment, however, must not be made too rashly, or until the right opportunity presents itself; as to fail in it would be to enable the Merrimack to place herself before Yorktown, etc. I am, I believe, fully impressed with all the considerations attending the case in view, and shall most certainly do my best in the premises. Of this the Department may feel itself most hilly assured. The Ericsson and ~Scbago arrived last evening. It is very desirable that the new ironclad steamer at the navy yard, New York, slio uld be got here at the earliest moment practicable. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. Report of Major-General Wool, U. S. Army. FORT MONROE, April 11, 186211 a. rn. The Merrimack came out and planted herself between Newport News and Sewells Point, with time Yorktown and Jamestown and several gun- boats and tugs. The tugs came down as fhr as Bates Dock and carried oft three small vessels, empty. I)riving cattle across Hamptoii Bridge this morning it was broken down and I could not cross; otherwise I would have sent my artillery to protect them. Brigadier-General Caseys division * was quite nearwithin a mile. I believe it is the intention to strengthen the rebels opposite the Warwick Court-House. Brigadier-General Keyes corps is opposite the rebels. I have telegraphed McClellan that the Yorktown and Jamestown were crowded with troops opposite to General Keyes. I have a battery at Newport News, but Brigadier-General Mansfield says for the want of horses it is of no use. Everything we had has been General Caseys division was not near. See Official Records, Union and Confed- erate Armies, Vol. XI, Pt. III, p. 89 Page 220 220 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. put in requisition to aid the Army of the Potomac; consequently we are somewhat in a crippled condition. The roads arc almost impassable. JOHN E. WOOL, Hon. E. M. STANTON General. & cretary of IVar. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, April 11, 18625 p. m. Merrimack came down toward the Monitor and AS1telens. The latter fired four or five rounds and the Merrimack one round, when she, with her consorts, returned to Craney Island. Thins ends the day. What the night may bring forth I am unable to say. JOHN P. WOOL, lou. E. M. STANTON, Major- General. & cretary of War. [Telegram.i FORTRESS MONROE, April 11, 1862. (Received at Washington, ID. C., via l3altimore, April 129:25 a. in.) I said two days since that we were looking for [the] Merrimack and sunshine together; both are here this morning. Day opened bright [and] clear, with [the] broad expanse of Hampton Roads almost unruf- fled by wave. About 7 oclock I a] signal gun froni [the] Minnesota turned all eyes toward Sewells Point, and, coming out from under [the] land, almost obscured by [a] dim haze, [time] Merrimack was seen, fol- lowed by [the] Yorktown, Jamestown, and four small vessels, altogether seven in number. There was instantaneous activity among [the] trauus- ports and vessels in [the] upper roads to get omit of [the] way [of tile] steamboats, several of which were crowded with troops, [and] moved (lown out of danger. Steam tugs ran whistling and screaming about, towing strings [of] vessels behind them, whilst sloops, schooners, and brigs, taking advantage of what air there was, got up sail [and] moved out [of] harms way. In [the] course [of an] hour [the] appearance [of crowded roads was greatly altered. Forest [of] masts between fortress [Fort Monroe] and Sewells Point disappeared, and [the] broad, open expanse of water bore on its sur- face only [the] rebel fleet and two Fremich and one Emuglish meu[-of-]war, which, with steam up, still maintained position. Curious maneuvers. 8:30 oclock: For [tIme] last hour the maneuvers of [time] rebel fleet have apparently been directed toward (lecoying our fleet up toward Seweils Point. When [the] Merrimack first appeared she stood directly across the mouth [of] Elizabeth River, followed her consorts as if they were bound [for] Newport News. [Tile] Merrimack approached [the] English sloop of war, and after apparently communicating with her, fell slowly and moved back toward her consorts in rear. [The] French amid English vessels then moved up as if they had been informed that [the] lower roads were to be [the] scene of conflict and they had been warned to get out of range. For an hour [the] rebel fleet kept changimug position without making any decided advance in any direction Page 221 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 221 On our part no movement was lna(le. The Monitor, with steam up and iii fighting trim, laid quietly near her usual anchorage. [The] Naugatuck (Stevens battery) came out and took position alongside [the] Monitor. Signals were exchanged between our vessels, the fort, and Rip Raps, but no movements were made. Curiosity grew rapidly into suspense. A bold stroke. At length [the] Yorktown moved rapidly up and, after advancing well toward Newport News, steamed rapidly toward Hampton. The object was then seen [to] be the capture of three sailing vessels, two brigs, and [a] schooner, transports, which were lying either aground or had not been furnished with a steam tug in order to make their escape. The bold impudence of maneuvering continued; the appar.ent apathy of our fleet excited surprise and indignation. There was a rebel boat, not built for war purposes, having the pro- tection of the Merrimack and his coiisorts, where, it appeared to impar- tial eyes, she could easily be cut oft; and yet no attempt on our part to do it. Of course there were good reasons for this policy, though the crowd could not see it. FULTON. SECRETARY WAR. Abstract log of the U. S. bark Brazilieraa April 11, 1862.At 7:20 a. iii. the rebel fleet, consisting of ten ves- sels of different sizes, came out from Norfolk. Cleared ship for action. From 9 to 10 purchased our anchor. At 11 let it go again and veered away 30 fathoms. All the rest of the morning the rebel fleet continued to hover around between Sewells Point and Newport News. One of their steamers went into the bight about Hampton Roads and took three small prizes. All the steam fleet of our Navy underway. The English and French steamers are at anchor far tip the river toward Newport News. Afternoon: The vessels of both fleets hovering about and keeping about as far from each other as they have been since morning. At 4 p. m. the Merrimack let fly a gun, I think at the Nauga- tuck, and both the Naugatack and the fort answered it in return, after which the rebel fleet went away to Sewells Point and our fleet all anchored. Abstract log of the U. 5. S. Chocura. April 8, 1862.At 2:30 p. m. a tugboat came from flagship with orders to prepare to get underway, as the Merrimack and six other rebel vessels were at Craney Island and expected out. April 11.At 7:30 a. m. flagship fired a sigimal gun for all vessels in the fleet to get underway and be ready for action, as the Merrimack and five other rebel steamers were in sight coming this way. At 4 p. iu. the Merrimack opened fire on the Monitor at long range, but the shot fell far short. At 4:10 the Merrimacks fire was returmied from the Octorara amid Naugatuck without doing any damage. At 5 the Merri- mack, with her consorts, turned and steamed toward Norfolk and went out of sight behind Sewehls Point. April 12.Heard heavy firing and saw a large columnim of smoke in the direction of Yorktown. At 2:20 p. m. the San Jacinto signaled to the flagship that the rebel flagship was aground Page 222 222 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Abstract log of the U. S. S Dacotah. April 11, 1862.At 7:30 a. m. saw rebel steamers Merrimack, York- town, and Jamestown; cleared slip for action. From 8 to meridian: United States squadron underway, watching the maneuvers of the rebel vessels. Rebel steamer Yorktown took two prizesa schooner and sloop. From meridian to 4 p. in.: Squadron underway, watching the movements of the enemy. At 5p. m. rebel vessels went behind Sewells Point. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Daylight. April 11, 1862.At 7: 10 a. m. saw several steamers up the river. At 7: 25 the Minnesota fired a gun and made signal No. 5; got into position. At 8: 10 Minnesota made signal No. 438; waiting for the Mer- runack and the rebel steamers which are in sight. From 12 to 4 p. in., waiting for the rebel steamers (six of them in sight besides the Merrimack). April 12.At 8: 30, in obedience to signal from the Minnesota, called all hands to quarters and prepared for actioii; stood up toward the Rip Raps, but finding that the Merrimack did not come out, ran nuder the stern of the Minnesota and received L)eLILILssion to coal. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Minnesota. April 11, 1862.At 6:30 a. m. the rebel steamer Merrimack, with several others, came out, passed Sewells Point, standing in the direc- tion of Newport News. 8 a. in. to meridian: Made signal to get under- way; beat to quarters; ]Jlerrimack and seven other steamers in sight. Steamer Yorktown (rebel) stood toward Hampton Roads and made fast to two schooners and a brig and towed them toward Sewells Point. The rebels are not disposed to come out of shoal water. From meridian to 4 p. in.: Still standing up and down the roads. At 2:30 p. in. the Merrimack fired two shots, which were returned by the Naugatuck; nothing of importance transpired. At 5 the rebel steamers steamed toward Norfolk; made signal to pick up moorings. At 6:25 got ship to her moorings. Abstract log of the U. 5. 5. San Jacinto. April 11, 1862.At 7:30 a. m. flagship fired a gun and hoisted No. 5; beat to general quarters; slipped the cable and kept position in chan- nel, with head npstream. Immediately after hearing the signal gun from the flagship, saw the Merrimack and six other rebel steamers coming past Sewehls Point. From 8 to meridian: Crew at quarters during the watch, and enemys fleet maneuvering between Sewells Point and Newport News. One of the enemys fleet crossed over toward Hampton Bar and captured two brigs. Meridian to 4 p. in.: Crew at quarters during the watch, and enemys fleet in sight. The Merrimack fired three shot at the Monitor, which fell short. At 4:45 p. in. enemys fleet stood in Elizabeth River in line of battle, the Mer- rimack leading. At 5 p. In. the whole fleet passed in out of sight. At 5:30 beat the retreat Page 223 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 223 Report of Flag-Officer Tattnall, C, S. Navy, of the capture of three merchant vessels within the bar of Hampton. FLAGSHIP VIRGINIA, Off Se wells Point, April 12, 1862. SIR: I had the honor to address you yesterday by telegraph in regard to the movements of the Virginia on that day. I have now to iiiformn you more particularly that, the weather having cleared up, I left the anchorage off Norfolk at 6 a. m. and dropped down to Hampton Roads, within long range of the enemys batteries, which fired several shot at us, but without efihet. Their steamer Monitor was lying close under the protection of the batteries. The flagship Minnesota, with a large number of men-of-war and merchant vessels, was lying below the forts. A few of the latter lying above the forts, on our al)proach retired to the squadron below. Signal guns were at the same time fired by the squadron. Several of the men-of-war, including the Monitor, got up steam, and I thought it to be their intention to engage me, but they suffered me to hold my position until late in the afternoon without doing so. Observing three merchant vessels within the bar of Hampton, I directed Lientenant-Conunandant Barney, in the Jamestown, to capture them, if he ton nd they could be approached without too munch risk. This was very promptly and creditably accoml)lished, and the vessels were towed out with the assistance of the steamer Raleigh, Lieutenant- Commandant Alexander, who followed the Jamestown in for the latter purpose. They proved to be the brig Marcus, of Stockton, N. J.; brig Saboah, of Providence, and schooner Catherine zg Dix, of Accomac. One of the brigs was loaded with hay; the two others were in ballast. A part of their crews, to the number of thirteen, were captnred. The capture of these vessels, almost within gunshot of the Mionitor, did not affect her movements. The prisoners were examined separately, but the only information received, in which they all concurred, was that the steamer Vanderbilt was with the enemys fleet below, and that she had been fitted with a ram, very low down on her stein, for the purpose of attacking the Virginia. They were mistaken in her being present, for late iii the afternoon she joined the fleet from sea. This steamer, as powerful in her lower frame as the Virginia, was known to be fitting at New York for the purpose of aiding the Monitor, and I have reason to think that others of the enemys steamers, now below, are prepared to do the same. The enclosed paragraph* from a Northern paper, foumid on board of one of the prizes, refers to this. I have reason to think, also, that obstructions have been placed in the channel between Fortress Monroe and the Rip Raps. It is observed that the enemys large ships pass the posts very near to Fortress Mon. roe, thus avoiding the midchannel. This morning I left Craney Island and moored to the buoy off Sewells Point, in sight of the enemys ships. I shall act with proper prudence, for with the Virginia at the mouth of James River the enemys operations in that direction may be checked, which will aid the plans of General Magruder, as I understand them. I shall take especial care not to be cut oft from Norfolk. Not found Page 224 224 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The enemys plan, obviously, will be to get me in close conflict with the Monitor, and, as iii that event I must occasionally lose my headway entirely, to seize the o1)portunity to run into inc with the Vanderbilt and other vessels, which, for that purpose, will keep out of the m~lPe. The alterations, it is thought, have decreased the speed of the Vir- ginw 1 mile the hour. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, JosIAH TATTNALL, lion. S. R. MALLORY, Flag-Officer, Commanding, etc. Secretary of the Nary. Instructions of the Secretary of the Navy of the Confederate States to Flag-Officer Tattnall, C. S. Navy. C. S. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Richmond, April 12, 1862. SIR: Your dispatch of yesterday, announcing your cruise in the roads and your cal)ture of three small vessels and twelve prisoners, and your letter of the 10th instant, have been received. Captain Lee has been instructed to make all practicable dispatch with the port shutters, and I see no reason why they should not all be in place in a few (lays. No immediate necessity for your leaving the roads exists, and con durring with you in the opinion which you express, that were the Vir- ginia to pass the forts now Norfolk would be in danger of immediate capture, you will not subject it to this hazard without the sanction of the I)epaitment. Circumstances may, however, reminder a dash in York River, or even farther, expedient, and hence the importance of prepar- ing your ship for it. I am urging the completion of the new ironclad gunboat (the Richmond), which will be able to do good service under your command. You will please keep a vigilant watch upon the enemy, who must not be allowed to cross the river nor to ascend the James Iliver. The 32-pounder rifled gun of the Teaser, one of your squadron, was burst near the muzzle a. few days ago, and she caine here for another and returns with it to-day. The ]Jlonitor and her consort are probably expecting the ]Ilystic,* an ironclad boat from New York, and hence did not assail you. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. 11. MALLORY, Flag-Officer, JOSIAH T~TTNALL, Secretary of the Navy. (Jomdg. Naval Defenses, etc., Steamer Virginia, Hampton Roads. Extract from report of Commander W. N. W. Hewett, V. C., Royal Navy, commanding H. K. S. Rinaldo, dated 26th April, 1862, off Fortress Monroe, forwarded to the Admiralty by Vice- Admiral Sir Alexander Mime, K. C. B., on the 24th May, 1862. Early on the morning of the 11th the Confederate iron-cased battery Virginia (late Merrimack), accompanied by four gunboats and two tugs, was seen approaching from the direction of Norfolk. At 7:10 a. m. the Federals fired two alarm guns from the iron-cased battery Monitor and the fortress. The Virginia and her consorts continued steaming ~ This refers to the U. S. S. (aleuia, which vessel was built at Mystic, Con Page 225 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 225 for Fortress Monroe, but when abreast of Sewells Point, well out in the stream, the gunboats and tugs stopped, and the Virginia proceeded as before, ~)ass1ng within 200 yards of me. At 7:45 the fort on the Rip Raps fireti two shots at her, both falling short. I then slipped from my l)ort anchor, and in company with the French war steamers Catinat and (iaS8en di, headed for Newport sews, keeping out of the range of the Federal guns. At 9 a. in. the Confederate gunboat Patrick Henry, with some little assistance from the gunboat Teaser, captured three transports close inshore on the Federal side, without being interfered with, and towed thent up to Norfolk. From this hour until 4 p. in. the Confederate squadron cruised about the roads without opposition, the Virginia occa- sion ally going within range of the Federal guns on the Rip Raps and Fortress Monroe, as well as those of the large squa(lron under the guns of the fortress. At 4 p. in. the Virginia fired three shots at two Fed- eral gunboats inside the bar for the protection of the schooners and transports. They immediately returned the fire, but the range being too long no damage was done on either side. The Virginia then steamed back to Craney Island with the rest of the squadron. I was at this time anchored near Newport News. The next (lay the Virginia and her consorts steamed down to Sewells Point and remained there all that day, the Federal squadron making no attempt to harass or engage them. During the time the Virginia was in Hampton Roads I had a good Opportunity of witnessing her movements. It was surprising to see how easily she turned, and she was apparently handled with the greatest ease. I calculated her speed to be a little over 7 knots per hour, which is better than her former speed as the Merrimack, and somewhat faster than the U. S. frigate Minnesota. Report of Commander Missroon, U. S. Navy, transmitting eoj~y qf letter sent to Major-General McClellan regarding the strength of the fort ifica- tions of Yorktown. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, April 11, 1862. Sum: I beg to forward you a copy of a communication sent Gemieral McClellan to-day, for your information, in relation to the strength of the enemy upon the bay side, as it affects the vessels now here. A very intelligent negro informed General McClellan and myself yesterday that up to November last he had been employed upon the fortifications of Yorktown, amid that he had assisted in niounting thirty-six large rifle cannomi in the upper batteries. The enemy is now busily at work increasing his works to bear upon the shipping at Gloucester, but his finished works are so formidable that I am ummable to check the work now going on. To go withimi range would insure the destruction of all the vessels, without accomplishing the object. They have had too much time allowed them since our arrival to get reenforcements for works vastly more formidable than imagined by us. If an attack be delayed much longer this anchorage will not be ten able. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, J. S. MIssuooN, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLD5BOImOUGII, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. N W UVOL 7 1 Page 226 226 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. WACHUSETT, April 11, 18628 a. m. M~ DEAR GENERAL: This (early) morning was remarkably clear and favorable for observations, and the following may be relied upon, viz: A short distance left of wharf are 10 cannon, bearing on the bay, on elevated ground. Still farther to left of these are 12, elevated, and bearing on the bay. On the water battery are 8 plainly in view, and on the lull, whence they fired on the 6th, 4. Total in Yorktown, 34 guns, bearing on the bay. On the two upper batteries at Gloucester 16 guns bear on the bay, with 5 empty embrasures in the water battery (the guns may be only withdrawn from our view), making 50 cannon which bear upon the bay, apparently of heavy caliber. Appearances indicate an intention to throw up works opposite to the anchorage. If they do so,it will probably be so fi~r inland as will be beyond shell range of XJ-inch gults. If in range, we can shell them with effect; but if not, vessels would be compelled to retire toward Toos Point. I have expected that move- ment of his. The enemy is active to-day with his working parties at Gloucester. Respectfully, yours, J. S. MISSROON, Commander. [General G. Th MCCLELLAN.] 11 a. m.The enemy is now erecting a work in advance of their upper forts, some distance in front of them, and between the two high chimneys and this anchorage, but so completely covered by 16 heavy cannon on that side that I can not approach near enough to prevent the progress of the work. These boats can not go under such a fire as appears before us. .1. S. M. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, VA., April 11, 18625 p. m. I have not failed to keep you advised of what is passing in Hampton Roads. Among other conjectures it is thought the Merrimack intends to make her way to Yorktown to relieve the rebels of our gunboats and to drive us from Ship Point, where he had his depot of supplies. I will keep you advised of all movements if it is possible. The flag- officer has at last furnished us with a gunboat to keep the enemys boats from entering Hampton Creek. JOHN E. WOOL, Major- General. Hon. F. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Yorktown, April 11, 186210 p. m. Weather good. Work on roads progressing. Nothing is left undone to enable us to attack with least possible delay. Reconnoissance Page 227 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 227 pushed boldly and satisfactorily to-day. Several skirmishes to-day, in which we have had a few wounded, none killed. Iii every case drove back the enemy with considerable loss on his side. Our nien show the ntmost spirit in all these affairs, and have been uniformly snccessful. I am delighted with Franklins orders. I shall make the movements I have alluded to as soon as possible after he arrives. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Hon. E. M. STANTON, Major. General. & eretary of War, Washington. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Yorktown, April 11, 1862JO p. m. Franklins (livisioll is ordered to join me. I will now make the move- ments proposed. It will be some three or four days. Weather good; roads improving. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, ]IIcUor- General. Commanding, Jlanwton Roads. [Telegraiii, via Cherrystone.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 11, 18622:15 p. m. The French sloop of war Gassendi, now at Hampton Roads, designs proceeding to Alexandria, having the approbation of the Government. G. V. Fox, Assistant & cretary. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Letter from the & cretary of the Navy to flag-officers commanding block. ad ing squadrons, transmitting injhrmation regarding the movement of blockade runners from Liverpool. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 11, 1862. SIR: I herewith transmit a copy of a dispatch, No. 42, dated March 26, received by the Department of State from tile U. S. consul at Liv- erpool, reporting the departure from that port of the steamer Oreto and giving further information and description of the steamer Annie Childs and bark Mary. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN. Flag--Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Flag-Officer S. F. Du PONT. Flag.Officer D. G. FARRAGTJT Page 228 228 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] U. S. CONSULATE, Liverpool, ]Jiiarch 2G, 18G2. SIR: The Oreto took her departure from this port on Saturday after- noon last. The pilot who took her out says she will not return, but go direct to Bermuda. This may be true or not. Captain Bulloch and the officers referred to iii my dispatch No. 38 were on board. The bark Mary, referred to in No. 30, is clearing to-day. She will attempt to run the blockade. 11cr cargo consists of coal, iron, hard- ware, bales of clothing, blankets, shoes, spades, etc. Enclosed, marked No. 1, find a description of her. She will clear fbr St. Thomas. Enclosed, marked No. 2, is a minute descriptiomi of the steamer Annie Childs. This vessel on Saturday last was nominally transferred, and will therefore clear from here an English vessel. She will load a cargo for the Confederate Government and run or attempt to run the block- ade. She has not taken as yet any cargo on board. I have the honor to be, etc., THOS. 11. DUDLEY, U. S. Consul. Hon. W~i. H. SEWARD, Secretary o~/~ State. Instructions of Flag. Officer t9oldsborough, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officers of nacal vessels in Hampton Roads, in view of the probable attack of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack). U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, A 12, 1862. There are many indications to my mind that the Merrimack and con- sorts intend an attack upon us to-night. Be thoroughly pi-epared, therefore. She must be run down at all hazards, and if she attempt to go to Yorktown she will have to go around the Horseshoe, where she must be followed and run down. The salvation of our army now before Yorktown greatly depends upon the accomplishment of her destruction, or at least crippling her. All commanders of vessels, those of the Van- derbilt, Arc go, illinois, and Ericsson included, will do their very best in the premises, and none will be considered as liavin~r disobeyed orders who will bring about the end in view, whether signals be made to them or not for the l)urpose. All are to exercise a sound discretion and to bear in mind that at night it is very difficult, if not iml)ossible, to tell any one vessel, other than the flagship, 1)articularly what to do. Destroy the Merrimack by running her down is what I want all to (10, and this, whether the attack be made to-night or on any other night. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. To EVERY NAVAL XESSEL iN THE ROADS. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Yorktown, April 12, 1862. I desire very much that the Octorara should join the Severmi [River, Virginia,] expedition. If you can do so without attracting too muc Page 229 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 229 observation, will you Please have a naval reconnoissance maae of the mouth of the Severn [River, Virginia,] to find out the strength of the rebel fortifications there ~ Gi~o. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General. Flag-Officer L. M. (}OLDSBOROUGH, Commanding, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS AuMv OF THE POTOMAC, Near Yorktown, April 12, 1862. I will now be able to make our second movement. Where shall Frankliiis vessels reudezvousl What of the Naugatuck ~ Can I have her l We are pretty quiet here, but working hard. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General. Flag-Officer L. M. (IOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding, Hampton Roads. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Gilles- pie, U. 8. j\~ ~ to proceed with stores to the Rappahannock River. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, April 12, 1862. SIR: You will please take from the U. S. ship William Badger the provisions and stores on board of her for the Young Rover and proceed with them to the Ilappahannock River. On your arrival there, deliver the stores to the Younq Rover and take from thence the contrabands she has oim board, whom you will bring to this place as soon as possible. You are authorized to employ a pilot; it is possible that one of the York River pilots on board the William Badger may answer your purpose; if so, you are authorized to take himn~ jf the shore. , not, you will have to get one from I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Acting Master W. T. GILLESPIE, Flag- Officer. Corn dg. U. N. Ship Braziliera, Hampton Roads, Virginia. P. 5.Tell the commanding officer of the Young Rover to receive no more contrabauds oim board till further orders from me. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the President of the United States, urginq the restriction of the exportation of anthracite coal. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 12, 1862. SIR: It is of the greatest importance that the exportation of anthra- cite coal from ports of the United States to any and all foreign ports should be absolutely prohibited Page 230 230 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The rebels obtain this coal for their steamers from Nassau and Havana, and the fact that it burns without smoke enables them to approach blockaded ports with greater security, as all other coals throw out so much smoke as to render their presence visible a great (listance at sea. I am, most truly, sir, your ol)edient servant, GIDEON WELLES. The PRESIDENT OF THE UNITEJ) STATES. Report of Flag- Officer ~oldsborongh, U. S. Navy, regarding the move- ments of the (I. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack). U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA. Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 18, 1862. SIR: Although the Merrimack and consorts hovered about inside of Sewells Point (hiring yesterday, none of them, except a very small tug, appeared outside of that l)oint, and she, doubtless, only to reconnoiter. To-day up to this hour, 3 p. in., they all remain at anchor about (Jraney Island, and seem to be quiet. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, P. (1. [Te1e~ram.] BALTIMORE, April 13,1862. Old Point letter brings nothing later than dispatch of Wools last night, except that, as the MerrimaJk remained stationary off Sewells Point, it was thought she was aground. The letter closes thus: 4 p. m.The Merrimac1~ still lies in the position she assumed early this morning. The other vessels of rebel fleet were about, but she remains (luietly and it is the opinion of some that she is a~round, as the tide is quite low, but this is only a matter of surmise. 5 p. rnThe Merrimack still remains off Craney Island, and from the cluster of tugboats around her, it is pretty certain she is aground. The Saranac [Suwanee] came in tliis morning from Hatteras. No news. The Rhode Island, from Key West and the blockading squadron in the Gulf, also came in this morning and left again for [New] York. No news transpired. FULTON. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the move- ments of certain vessels of his command. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 13, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. bark Braziliera left these roads this morning to take provisions and store Page 231 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ~?31 for the U. S. S. Young Rover off the Rappahannock River and to receive from that vessel some contrabands which she has lately taken on board. The Braziliera has instructions to return immediately to Hampton Roads. The U. S. S. Daylight left this place this afternoon for Baltimore to get water, whence she will proceed immediately to assist in the blockade off Beaufort, N. C. The U. S. bark Fernandina arrived here this afternoon from off Wil- mington, N. C., and was dispatched at once to Baltimore to get her supplies. She will return to her station as soon as these are obtained. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 11th instant, enclosing information from the U. S. consul at Liverpool, dated March 26, and to forward herewith statements of vessels boarded by the Jamestown and Fernandina. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Flag- Officer (Joldsborougk, U. S. Navy, to Commander Lock- wood, U. S. Navy, comman(liflg U. S. S. Daylight, to procee(l to duty off Beaufort, N. C. U. S. FLAGsILW MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 13, 1862. Sn~: Proceed off Beaufort, N. C., with the U. S. S. 1)aylight under your command, and remain there, closely and vigorously blockading the place until further orders, or as long as your supply of fuel and l)rovisions will possibly permit. Distribute carefully among the com- nlan(liug officers off Beaufort copies of the accon)~)anying extracts and of all other extracts you may receive relative to proposed attempts to violate the blockade. Proceed first to Baltimore and there fill up your water tanks, losing no time whatever in doing so, and go from there direct to Beaufort. Get from Commander Prentiss, off Beaufort, the instructions given him by me in relation to sending some of the vessels no~v off Beaufort to Wilmington in case Fort Macon should hill into our possession, and govern yourself accordingly. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GoLnsnououGu, Flag- Officer. Commander SAML. LocKwooD, U. S. S. Daylight, ilampton Roads, Virginia. Letter of Commander ]Ifissroon, U. S. Navy, to Major- General McClellan, U. S. Army, stating objections to a naval attack on Gloucester Point. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, York River, April 13, 1862. Mv DEAR GENERAL: Your proposal to throw shells into the enemys works at Gloucester last night was about to be attempted at 11 p. m Page 232 232 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. (although I could not believe that it would injure the works lie has been erecting), when the movement of the vessels was immediately signaled by their pickets, and I was unwilling to carry three vessels of this light description under such a destructive fire as the enemy was prepared to concentrate from fifty cannon upon theiii. The wind was directly U~Oll their works, which would have driven the vessels upon Yorktown had any accident occurred to their machinery. The works of the enemy are entirely too formidable, both in structure and cannon, to warrant an attack by three such light vessels as these, an(l I should be very unwilling to attack them, unless it be to a limited extent, simultaneously with your assault. The enemys pickets are stationed all along the whole extent of Gloucester and are sleepless. Yours, very respectfully, J. S. Missuoo~, Commander. Major-General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS, Near Yorktown, April 13, 1862. We are much in want of 15 and 20 second fuzes for 11-inch gun and for Parrott and Dahlgren shells. J. S. MISSROON. Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGH. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Near Yorktown, April 13, 1862. If you possibly can, please spare nine something with a 100-pounder rifle. We need it to annoy their working 1)arties on the other side of river. All goes well. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Flag-Officer L. M. GOEBSEOROUGH, General. Commanding Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 14, 1862. I have ordered the & bago to your assistance. She is I)rovided with a 100-pounder, and is of the same class and construction as the Octorara, and will take the place of the latter. Inform Missroon of these facts, if you please. L. M. GOLUSBOROUGH, Major-General MCCLELLAN, cer. Near Yorktown Page 233 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 233 [Tulegram. j NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 14, 1862. The mortars and beds were shipped yesterday at Pittsburg and are ordered with the utmost possible dispatch by way of Baltimore, and will probably reach you by the close of this week. Five thousaiid 13-inch shells and flizes were ready to leave the Boston navy yard yesterday for 01(1 Point. No exertion shall be spared on our part to carry your wishes out. U. V. Fox. Major-General C. B. MCCLELLAN, Near Yorktown. Report of Commander Lockwood, U. S. Nary, commanding U. S. S. Day. light, of his intended departure for Beai~fort, N. C. If. S. PROPELLER DAYLIGHT, Off Baltimore, Md., April 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that I arrived here this morning at 7:30 a. m. from Hampton Roads, having been ordered here by Flag- Officer Goldsborough for a supply of water, with orders to proceed without delay to Beaufort, N C., on blockading duty. 1 shall leave in execution of the order this afternoon, and proceed direct to Beaufort without stopping at Hampton Roads. Enclosed herewith I forward a list of the ofticers of this vessel. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML. LOCKWOOD, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, of the nonappearance of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack.) U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 14, 1862. Siu: The Merrimack and consorts did not make their appearance yesterday, nor have they done so to-day up to this hour, 3 p. m. The lookouts report that all of them have gone to Norfolk, or at any rate, considerably above Craney Island. The weather for the last two days has been mild and clear, and tbxorable for a sally on their part. I am satisfied that Commodore Tattuall now commands the Merrimack. I shall avail myself of an early opportunity to recover the officers and men taken from the Congress on the 8th ultimo. All of them, I believe, are now in Richmond. I intend to suggest that they either be 1)lace(1 at once on parole, or else given up in exchange for an equal number of the enemy, put upon parole by me, taken in the fight off Elizabeth City. Your dispatches concerning the men from the Congress and Cumber- land, now on board the Brazilicra, and enclosing the report from the U. S. consul at Halifax, [Nova Scotia], have been received to-day. I have just dispatched the Sebago to assist in the operations in York River. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Qfficer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. UlDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington Page 234 234 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from the Secretary of the Nary to Flag- Officer (ioldsborongh, U. S. Nary, regardinq the U. S. Frigate St. Lawrence. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 1-1, 1862. SIR: The Department proposes to send the St. Lawrence to sea unless you can make her of service at Hampton Roads. She is now anchored at the Kettle Bottom Shoals, in the Potomac, and will be ordered down if you want her. If you need any life preservers on board the vessels designed to oI)erate against the Merrimack, you are at liberty to procure them, either by requisition on the Department or otherwise. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Letter front ilajor-General llool, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Goldsbor- onqh, U. S. Nary, regarding expected attack by the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack). HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGiNIA, Fort ]Jlonroe, Va., April 11, 1862. SIR: I am informed that the Merrimack, if she receives coal this even- ing, anticipated from Richmond, will attack Newport News to-morrow. I am, respectfully, your obedient servaiit, JOHN E. WooL, Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Major- General. Report of Acting ilaster Studley, U. S. Nary, regarding negroes sent to Jiliampton Roads. U. S. S. YOUNG ROVER, April 11, 1862. SIR: The bark Braziliera has arrived here with instructions to take certain negroes from this vessel. The said negroes 1 have seiit to the roads, with a list of their na~nes, but the messenger fbr some reason or other neglected to carry out the instructions I gave him, hence this mistake. The negroes were turned over to the 1)rovost-marshal, whose receipt I have. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, IRA B. STUDLEY, Acting Master, Commanding. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH Hampton Roads, Virginia. Letter from Commander Missroon, U. S. Nary, to Major- General McClellan, U. S. Army, regarding the battery on Gloucester Point. [U. S. S.] WACHUSETT, April ii, 1862. M~ DEAR GENERAL: I am very sorry you are obliged to defer your visit to-day, as we may soon have thick weather Page 235 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 235 The enemy are collecting about the picket station I designatea yester- day as the one where notes were being taken. The troops are in the rear, out of range, and came down in squads of a dozen to look at the ships. They seem to anticipate us. From the ship to-day it would seem that the works being thrown np at Gloucesters upper works are to defend their rear, which has been neglected up to this time to a certain extent. Our movement on it should be hastened, to save our troops as much as possible. Last night a contraband came on board froiu Gloucester in a canoe, at which they fired. He is not intelligent; says there are only five companies of troops in Gloucester, and that they have many pickets out: one company of fifteen or twenty men near the creek (Sarahs); that they expect the Merrimack here, Colonel or General Magruder having written for her to come np, which is promised him; that the battery at Gloucester Point is commanded by Jeff Page. late of U. S. Navy, a good officer; Richard L. Page, also formerly of Navy, in com- mamA of one of the upper works at Gloucester; that they are very sanguine of sinking vessels, and have practiced their firing, which is very accurate; says Page (Jeff) can kill a dog at a mile. He knows roads and creeks. I will send his p. nm. [sic]. If you want him, telegraph. Would it not be well to communicate with Flag-Officer, Magruders expectation of Merrimack coming here? It can do no harm, and if she escape in the night we might be telegraphed the fact, as we must have room to oppose her more than we have here. One-halt hour on board this vessel is all that would be necessary to give you a clear idea from this standpoint. I much fear if we delay, or are obliged to delay our landing, the troops will find a battery in the rear of picket station to oppose them with telling effect. Yours, J. S. Missnoo~. Major-General MCCLELLAN. 4eneral Orders. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, York River, April 14, 18G2. To communicate between the vessels of this division by night, the following regulations will be observed: 1. One sharp whistle will bring the Penobseot within hail of this ship, or that of senior officer present. 2. Two sharp whistles will bring the Marblehead alongside, and within hail. 3. Three sharp whistles will bring the vessel of the third in seniority within hail, and so on. One long continuous whistle of ten seconds or thereabouts will notify the approach of the enemy, or our intention to attack the enemy, and for all vessels to go to quarters and to get underway by slipping cable. Two lights vertically placed on board of the vessel of the senior officer (when signal thus made) will signify remain at quarters without slip- ping. One long continuous whistle will be sounded by any vessel perceiving the enemy approaching. J. S. MISSROON, Commander and Senior Qjicer Present Page 236 236 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Flag- Officer (10 ldsborouyh, U. S. Nary, rcy((rdtng the c~pected attack of the 0. 5. 5. Virginia (Merrimack) ((n(l consorts. U. S. FLAGShIP MINNESOTA, Hampton J?oads, Vsrginia, April 15, 18628 p. in. SIR: The Merrimack an(1 consorts still remain quiet and at anchor near Norfolk. Their next move, I uuderstand, is to shell Newport News. The place is no longer of any material consequence to us, and it is not my inten- tion to be drawn up there by the enemy. Our troops stationed there, as both Generals McClellan and Wool assure me, can easily fall back out of the way of all harm. It woul(l l)e extremely hazardous, if hot positively destructive, for me to go among the shoals and narrow waters thereabouts with my large vessels. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, P. (1. Report of Flag- Officer Goidsborongh, U. S. Nary, giving the stations of the vessels of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 15, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your instructions of March 31, I have the honor to enclose herewith a statement of the present distribution of the ves- sels belonging to this squadron. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Oomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). 0. [lEnclosure.] Distribution of the ressela belonging to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Flag- Officer L. IL. Goldsbo~-ongh commanding, April 15, 1862. Vessel. Commanding ollicer. Stations. Remarks. Minnesota Captain G. J. Van Brnnt~. - Hampton Roads, va. - Wachusett Commander J. S. Missroon do Left for York River, April5. San Jacinto Commander Win. Roneken do dorif. Dacotab CommanderJ. P. MeKinstry. do Seminole Commander J. P. Gillis (10 Monitor Lientenant Commanding do Win. N. Jefters. Choenra Lientenant Commanding F. do It. Patterson. Penobseot Lienten ant Commandin,, J do I)o. M. B. Clitz. Octorara Lientenant Commandin do George Brown. Marblehead Lieutenant Commanding do LeftforYorkRiver,April4. Somerville Nicholson. Aroostook Lientenant Commanding J do C. Beaumont. Acting Master W. T. Gil do lespie. Braziliera Page 237 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 237 Distribution of the vessels belonging to the North Atlantic Blockading Sqnadron, Flag- Officer L. It. Goldsborough commanding, April 15, 1862Continued. Coiuiianding officer. Remarks. Vessel. Statiom... Roman Actin~ Master F. P. Allen Hampton Roads, Va - - Charles Phelps . ... Acting Master Win. F do Coal ships. North. William Badger --- Acting Master H. P. Carr do Beu. Mor~an Acting Master Win. Shank- do Hospital ship. land. Victoria Acting MascerJ. I). Warren do Baltimore Acting Master C. Germain do Patroon Acting Master Robert G do Lelar. Currituck ActingMasterW.F. Shank do land, jr. Rescoc Acting Master sMateC.A (10 Blanchard. Cohasset Acting Masters Mate R do Berry. Youii~ America .. First Assistant Engineer do Jas. Hamilton. Corwin Lieutenant Comioanding do Thos. S. Phelps. Sebago Lieutenant Commanding F do W. Henry. Illinois Lieutenant I). S. Babcock do Vanderbilt Lieutenant Lefevre .do Arago Lieutenant (}adsden do Ericsson Lieutenant Lowber do Louisiana - Lieutenant Commanding A Soondsof North Caro. Mnrray lina. Stars and Stripes.. Lieutenant Commanding do Reed Werden. Valley City Lieutenant CommandingJ do C. Chaplin. Underwriter Lieutenant Commanding A do Hopkins. Hetzel Lieutenant Commanding It (10 K. I)avenport. 1)elaware Lieutenant Commandiiig S do Ellis P Quackenbush. Lieuh imant Comnianding C do L Ii i innkliii tJoinmodore Perry - Lieutenant Commanding C. . ... do XX Flusser Commodore Barney Actin Lieutenant Corn. do mnanding R T Renshaw. Hunchback Acting Lieutenant Coni do iiiandmmig E R. Colhoui. Sonthtield Actin~ Volunteer Lientemi do ~nt Commanding C. F. W. llehm Shawshecn tin Master Thos. 4 do XX oodw iid Lockwood -~ctingM 1 km t.W. Gras-es do Morse Actin Ma.ter Peter Hays do Ceres Actui Mastec J. MaciDiar (10 mill Putimani Actin~ Maste Wmii. J (hI Hotelikiss Whitelicad Actin Mastci Charles A (10 French. Philadelphia Acting Master S. Reynolds (10 H. Briuker Acting Master J. E. Gid do dings. Granite Acting Masters Mate E do Booiiier. Daylight Commander S. Lockwood... tiff l3eaufort, N. C .... State of Georgia ... Chippewa Gemsbok Commander J.F. A rmstroiig do Lieutenant Commanding A. - . . . .do I1ryson. Actiiig Volunteer Lieuten- do ant Commandiiig E. Cay. emidy. Mount Vernon Commander 0.8. Glissoii ... Off Wilmington, N. C - Jamestowim Commander C. Greeii do Cambride Commander XV. A. Parker do MouticelTo Lieutenant Coinmandimig I). I.... .do L. Braine. I To lie used as a rani. Left for York Riyer, April 5. Left for York River, April 14. 1To be used as rains. 1~ Left Hampton Roads for Ilaltimore, April 13, for water. Thence to go at cluce to Beanfort. April t5 passed Hampton Roads oii her way to Beanfort. Left Hampt((n ItoadsApril 5, for Wilmington Page 238 238 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Distribution of the ves8els belonging to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Flag Officer L. 31. Goldsboro~egh commanding, April 15, 1862Continued. Vessel. Commanding officer. Stations. Remarks. Fernandina Acting Volunteer Lieuten- Off Wilmington, N. C - Arrived atHampton Roads ant Commanding G. W for supplies, April 13. Browne Sent to Baltimore to re- turn to station at once. Young Rover Acting Master I. B. Stndley Off Rap p ah a on ok River, Va. iDawn Lieutenant Commandiu~ A. New York Undergoing repairs at New G. Clary York. Brandywine Commander B. J. Totten.... Baltimore, Md Storeship. Mystic Lieutenant Commanding H., do N.T.Arnold. Dragon I Act.ing Master W. Watson do Undergoing repairs at Bal. Uncas Acting Master L. G. Crane do timore. Zouave Pilot [John A.] Phillips do Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBoROUGII, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Sqnadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Telegram. I HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 15, 1862. Have found what seems to be a good lauding l)lace for Franklin, who has returned to superintend embarkation of his division. Naval rifled shells have annoyed enemy considerably to-day. All our work being rapidly pushed, but there is an immense deal to do. Saw no signs to-day of reenforcements to the enemy. Weather good again. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Hon. E. M. STANTON, Major- Ueneral. Secretary of War. Report qf Commander Missroon, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Cur- rituck. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, York Rirer, Virginia, April 15, 1862. SIR: Having no especial duty for the Citrrituck to-day, I can better dispense with her now than hereafter, and as she has less than fifteen days provisions, medical and other stores, have concluded to dispatch her to Hampton Roads, with directions to hasten back as early as 1)05- sible, as her light draft makes her invaluable to us in the approaching service at this place. The ammunition required to-day may be brought by the Curritack. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, ~ ~ MISSROON. Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII, Comdg. U. S. Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads, Virginia Page 239 NOt~TH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 239 Order oj the Secretary of the Nary to Acting Master Gillespie, U. S. Aavy, to proceed to duty at Port Royal, S. C. NAvY DEPARTMENT, April 15, 1862. SIR: Proceed with the U. S. bark Braziliera to Port Royal, S. C., and report to Flag-Officer Sami. F. Du Pont for duty on the South Atlantie Blockading Squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GII)EON WELLES. Acting Master W. T. GILLESPIE, Comdg. Queer U. S. Bark Braziliera Ha , mpton Roads. Explana to rif report of Li euten ant Braine, U. S. Nary, regarding the execution of orders. U. S. S. MONTICELLO, Off Wilmington, N. C., April 15, 1862. SIR : In answer to your communication* of the 7th instant, I beg leave to say that I considered it my duty as well as the proper courtesy (me you, to report this vessel when ready for sea. As regards my tele- graphing that I awaited the 1)epartments orders, I must refer you to the fact that although I had orders to proceed to Wilmington, N. C., with all dispatch, and I was using every effort so to do, yet the nature of the Departments orders, detaching an assistant engineer from the Monticello, and directing him, upon her arrival at Hampton Roads, to report to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, led me to believe that I was to proceed first to Hampton Roads, instead, as I intended, directly down the coast. Being in doubt, I telegraj)hed as I did, not wishing through courtesy to ~efer the I)epartment to the nature of my orders whilst they conflicted with an implied order alluded to above. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, D. L. BRAINE, Lieutenant Co Hon. GIDEON WELLES, , mmanding. Secretary of the Yavy. Report of Flag- Officer (loldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the C. S. S. lirgini(( (Merrimack), and the visit of the French minister to Nor- folk, Va. IT. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Yirginia, Wednesday, April 16, 18G23 p. m. SIR : The Mierrimack and company still keep themselves in reserve, and remain, I believe, anchored either off or above Norfolk. Yesterday the French man-of-war Gassendi, with the French minister, Mi. Mercier, on board, went from this to Norfolk, her captain having informed inc that the matter was well understood at Washington and by General Wool, to whom, I understood him to say, M. Mercier was referred by the State Department. The thing, however, was mentioned to me rather informally thami officially, just as he and the minister were quitting this ships gangway. ~Se& ~ p. 209 Page 240 240 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The minister himself said notliiiig to me 111)011 the subject, although he was 011 board and in conversation with me for some time. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J~. M. (ioLDsnopoITGu, Play- Officer, (Jowdy. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON BELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washinqton, .7). C. Report of Play- Qjicer Goldsborouqh, U. S. Nary, regarding the movo ments of vessels. U. S. FLAGSILIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 16, 1862. SIR : I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. steamers Port Henry and Somerset put Ia here yesterday evening on their way to Key West, the former for repairs, the latter for coal. I have sent the Port Henry to Baltimore. The U. S. S. Currituck arrived here yesterday from York River for 5U1)l)lies. The order detaching the U. S. bark Braziliera from this squa(lroll has been received. I am, v cry respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROIJGH, Play- Officer. Comdq. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Lett-r from Commander Missroon. U. S. Navy, to Major- General McClel- lan, U. S. Army, regarding the shelling of York River batteries. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, York River, Apri~ 16, 18G2. Mv DEAR GENERAL: I sent the Anacostia last night to throw some shell into Gloucester at 11 and 1 oclock. Her commander reports to-day that lie threw eleven into Gloucester and one into Yorktown, several of which were seen to explode. He says that when he com- menced on Gloucester, lights were visible where they were apparently at work, but were extinguished immediately. He also informed me that he had no more explosive shells, and asked to return. As I had nO instructions iii his case, I left lmiui to act on his own discretion, Ia view of the orders lie received from Captain Wyman. He has left, and requested me to forward enclosed letter to yon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. MISSROON, Major-General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Commander. Commanding Army of Potomac, near Yorktown, Va. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. ANACOSTIA York River, April 16, 1862. SIR: I have expended all the explosive projectiles for the 50-pounder rifled gun, and as Captain Missroou will not give his consent for u Page 241 1~ORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 241 to bring the 9-inch guns into action even at iiiglit, fearing that we may be crippled, and that in assisting us he may get some of his own ves- sels crippled, which he wishes to keep 111 good order for what he comi- siders more important duties expected hereafter. 1 am therefore of but little use here at 1)resent, and shall return to day to the Potomac, when I hope to exchange my 9-inch gulls for a coul)le of 80-pounder rifled guns, and with them to return here soon. We have landed in the enemys works between twenty and forty shells since we have been here. Very respectfully, yours, 0. C. BADGER, Lieutenant Co , umanding. [Major-General GEG. B. MCCLELLAN, U. S. Army, Commanding Army of Potomac, near ~orlctoa-n, Va.] Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, regarding the expedition up the Pasquota~ tk River, North Carolina. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, N. C., April 16, 1862. SIR: Lieutenant Commanding Flusser ascended the Pasquotauk to within 3 miles of the locks with the Whitehead and Putnam. Here the river became so crooked that lie considered it very hazard- o~is to go farther, owing to the danger from musketry or shell, and the impossibility of turnimig the vessels. Colonel Hawkins sent a (letachmelit from Roanoke to cool)erate in this movement, which resulted in the cal)ture of upward of 70 militia, who are now prisoners on the island, amid the obstruction of the new cut in the river through one of the sharp turns. We are getting up a strong force, to be commanded by Ceneral Reno, for the purpose of destroying the locks. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. RowAN, Commanding Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUcXH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to flag-officers commanding blockad- ing squadrons, transmitting information regarding the m oveni ent of vessels from foreign ports carrying munitions of war. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 16, 1862. SIR: I transmit herewith extracts from a dispatch of the U. S. coiisnl at Liverpool to the Department of State, dated the 29th ultimo, giving further imiformatiomi concerning the bark JJIary and in relation to a vessel called the Eagle~s Wing; also extracts from a disratch of the U. S. minister to Belgium, dated the 28th, amid from (lispatches of the U. S. consul at Hamburg, dated the 26th aiid 27th ultimo, respecting the steamer Bahama. The screw steamer Pacific, of which you have been advised hereto- fore, is reported as at London on the 27th ultimo, loaded with powder, N W RVOL 7 1 Page 242 242 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. guns, swor(is, blankets, cannon, etc., with the intention of sailing the next day for Nassau, or some oiie of the blockaded ports. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Coiudg. Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, (Jomdg. North Atlantic Blockadinq Squadron, Fliampton Roads. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, (Jomdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, Ship island. Flag--Officer S. F. Du PONT, Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C. [Enclo8ure.] From the U. S. consulate at Liverpool, (lated March 29. 1862: * * * The bark Mary, referred to in dispatch No. 42, sailed on the 27th. I understand she took on a large quantity of powder while in the river. She will make direct for one of the Southern ports, I think Wilmington, and attempt to rim the blockade. She is owned by Fernie Brothers & Co. Her consignees at Liverpool are Inville & Tomlinson. A small boat called the Eagles Wing, of 176 tons burden, owned by Curry, Kellock & Co., cleared and sailed yesterday for Havana and Nassau. She carries a mixed cargo for the South, and I am informed will atteml)t to run the blockade. * * * From the U. S. minister at Brussels, dated March 28, 1862: * * * I have the honor to enclose herewith some information touching the steamer Bahama, referre(1 to in my (lispatch No. 55, as being engaged at Hambnrg taking iii a large aiid valuable cargo of cannons and small arms for the rebels. She will probably leave to-day or to-morrow, with the intention of seeking to mu the blockade. I also enclose a sketch of the vessel. She is a new screw steamer of about a thousand tons measurement, painted black, with a narrow red stripe around her waist; yellowish- gray below the water line; yellow houses and boats; much gilt and fili- gree work about her bows and stern; upper half of her chimney red, lower half black; name gilded on light-blue ground on each bow and upon her stern; roofs of her houses ronn(led and painted white; three masts, two of them square-rigge(l, carrying topgallant sails; heads and yards painted black; five boats in sight Page 243 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 243 From the U. S. consul at Hamburg, dated March 26 and 27, 1862: The Bahama is still loading with contraband. Up to the 24th sixty- four brass cannon had been put oii board ot her, 6 and 12 pounders. I am fearful that her name will be changed, because her commander yes- terday sent the ships clock to a clock maker to have the word Bahama taken off and his own name, Captaiu E. L. Tessier, substituted. At present she draws 16 feet of water, and when she is fully loaded she will draw from 18 to 19 feet. * * * Report of Commander ]liissroon, U. S. Navy, oJ the shelling of the York River batteries by the U. S. S. Seba go. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, LYork River, April 17, 1862. SIR: I beg to enclose requisition of the Sebaqo for ammunition. The Sebago has been throwing shells from her 100-pounder rifle into Yorktown and Gloucester at intervals, and with effect, t6r the last two days. Her fire was returued fiom two heavy rifles on the Yorktown works yesterday, which, though it did not strike her, exhibited excel- lent long-range practice, throwing the water over her and all passing in close proximity. The object having been obtained, I withdrew her by signal. I have taken 100 tons coal from the Ontario. The Currituck has received 40 tons, and the army vessels 20 tons. A small balance of a few tons is now going to the Marblehead. We shall require at an early daysay in five days or less timeabout 100 tons of coal for the J?enobseot, Sebago, and Marblehead. Respectfully, sir, J. S. MISSROON, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Flag- Officer (ioldsborongh, U. S. Navy, regarding the crew of the U. S. bark Braziliera. U. S. FLAGShIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 17, 1862. SIR: The present crew of the Braziliera is made up essentially of men who belonged to the Congress and Cumberland, with one man who belonged to the Whitehall and four men who belonged to the R. B. Forbes. As these men have not yet received their accounts, and as it is the wish of the Department to indulge theni with a leave of absence for a while, I respectfully request perumission to send the Braziliera up the Potomac to the St. Lawrence, to transfer over to that vessel the above men and to receive from her an equal number in return. t am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 244 244 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from time ASecretary of the Nary to Flag- Officer Goldshorough, U. S. Nary, approring plan 0/ operations ((gainst time 0. 5. S. Virginia (Mer- rimack), and enjoining cooperation with ]Ili~jor-Ueneral McClellan in York River. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 17, 1862. SIR: The measures adopted by the (4overiinmeitt aud yourself in rela- tiou to the armore(l steamer Merrimack ~vi1l, I think, under your direc- tioim and execution, be effective in overpowering her, provided she gives you the opportunity. If she does not, her po~ver ~vihl be restricte(L to narrow limits and where it ~vill l)e corn I)aratively harmless. Should she venture out, the iliinne8ota, or some [one] or more of the large steamers, will I)e able, I doubt iiot, Lin(ler full speed, to run her do~vn. The Department has full confidence in your judgment and efficiency in the discharge of this and every duty intruste(l to you. The attention of the whole country, as well as of the l)epartment, is turned with intense interest at this time to the naval and army move- ments in lower Virginia. ~ commend your determination not to be (irawn into a conflict where the enemy can take you at (lisadvantage, and would enjoin unceasing vigilance at every l)Oint. It can not be maiiy days before the (Jalena, which is now receiving her armament on board, will be with you, and will, I trust, proVe an efficient acquisition to your squadron. Your determination, should the enemy shell sew- port News, not to be drawn among the shoals and narrow waters there- abouts, seems to me wise and proper. You will actively and earnestly cooperate with Major-General McClellan, whose positioii amid movements at Yorktown and on York River are of mnomemitous interest and consequence to the whole country. Any amid all aid that you can render him and the Arniy you will extemid at all times. It is important and absolutely essential that he should secure all the assistance that lie may require of time Navy and that it is in your power to bestow, consistently with your other duties. The general objects and designs of the Government, and the great imiterests depeimdent on the naval and army movements in the vicinity of Hampton iRoads, are well understood by you. In addition to the general facts from time to time communicated to you, the Assistant Secretary of the Navy has visited yon omi your station and made known the wishes of the Government in person. Whether amid to what extent you cami detach any l)Ortion of your com- man(l from their employment on other stations at this juncture I am unable to decide. To your judgment these and other matters are comi- tided with a solicitude and aimxiety that I can iiot express, but with a confidence that the coumitry will not be disappointed in you. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROIJGH, Corn (1g. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, hampton Roads. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag. Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. 5. 5. Young Rorer and the limits of his com- mand. NAVy DEPARTMENT, April 17, 1862. SIR: The steam bark Young Rorer has been detached from your squadron and ordered to report for duty in the Potomac Flotilla, unde Page 245 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 245 Lieutenant Commanding Wyman, the order of transfer having been sent direct. Your command will not hereafter embrace the Rappahannock River, which is placed nuder charge of Lieutenant Commanding Wyman, of the ilotihla. I am, resL)ectfuhly, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Corn dy. North Atian tic Blockadinq Squadron, Hampton Roads. I Tclegramj NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 17, 1862. There are not any ships carriages for Parrotts 100-pounders that can be spared froiu our ordnance, but it is thought that the 8-inch case- mate carriages, of which there are some oii hand at Fortress Monroe, can be made to answer with very little alteration. G. V. Fox. Major-General MCCLELLAN. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsborongh, U. S. iATary, to Acting Master War- ren, U. S. i\a ry, commanding U. S. S. Victoria, to proceed to duty off Wilmington, N. C. U. S. F~AGsnw MINNESOTA, hampton Roads, Aprd 17 1862. SIR: You will proceed off Wilmington, N. C., with the U. S. S. Vic- toria under your command. Immediately on your arrival you will report to the senior naval officer there for (luty in closely and vigor- ously blockading the place until further orders, or so long as your sup- ply of fuel and l)rovisions will possibly permit. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant,. L. M. GOLnSEOROuGII, Flag- Officer. Acting Master Commanding J. 1~. WARREN, U. S. S. Victoria, Hampton Roads, Virginia.. General report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, acknowledging Ut e Departments corn mu nicat ions. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that I yesterday dispatched the U. S. S. Victoria to assist in the blockade oft Wilining- ton, N. C. I have this day, subject to the approval of the Department, appointed Barry 1). Mulligan an acting third assistant engineer in the U. S. Navy, and ordei-ed him to report for duty on board the steamer Rescue. Your cominunicatioll of April 16, conveying further information con- cerning the bark Mary, the steamships Bahama, Pacific, etc., has been received and printed Page 246 246 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The steamer Ericsson left the wharf at New York on Wednesday, the 9th of April, at 1 p. in., and proceeded as far as the quarantine, where, on account of bad weather, she anchored for the night and proceeded on her voyage at 9 oclock the next morning. Your dispatch of the 17th instant, api)roving of my course with reference to the enemy, and expressing the solicitude of the Department concerning the l)resent aspect of affairs in and about Hampton Roads, has been received. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, IlTashington, D. C. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Pilot Phillips, com- manding U. S. S. Zonave, to proceed to Hampton Roads. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, April 18, 1862. Sin: You will proceed at once, being ready, to Hampton Roads with the Zonare under your command. The question you asked can be answered here. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Pilot Commanding JOHN A. PHILLIPS, Flag. Officer. U. S. Gunboat Zouave, Baltimore, Md. Order of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, to Acting Master Wat- son, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. 1)ragon, to procee(i to Hampton Roads. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, April 18, 1862. SIR: You will proceed at once, being ready, to Hampton Roads with the Dragon under your command. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Acting Master Commanding ~. WATSON, Flag-Officer. U. S. Gunboat Dragon, Baltimorc, Md. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborouglt, U. S. Nary, acknowledging the Departments commendatory letter. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 19, 1862. SIR: In acknowledging yesterday the receipt of your communication* of the 17th instant, coin mending the course I have pursued and intend ~Seep. 244 Page 247 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 247 to pursue in relation to the Merrimack, and expressing confidence in my ability to discharge the duties intrusted to me, I did not obey the iml)ulse of my heart to thank you most sincerely for the kindness and consideration it evinces, because I really had not time to do so. Owing to the large mails which now arrive here, scarcely more than an hour or so intervenes between the time of receiving my letters and that of the (lel)arture of the return mail, and consequently I have but a very limited period at my disposal to frame my replies. Your communication, sir, is very gratifying to my feelings on many accounts, but especially so, because of the outrageous and ridiculous comments made by some of the newspapers of the country iii alluding to the ilierrimacks visit the other day. I am well aware of the objects and designs of the Government in this vicinity, and I well know, too, the intense interest they excite, and how much there is at stake. Depend upon it, sir, that everything iii my power shall be done to carry them out, and bring about the most happy results. I only await a suitable opportunity to crush the Merrimack. Any and all aid that I can render General McClellan, consistently with my duties here, shall be most cheerftilly extended to him and his army at Yorktown and on York River. Again thanking you, sir, most profoundly, for the encouragement your letter in view affords, I have the honor to subscribe myself, Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, L. M. GoLDSBOROuGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. (J. Report of Flag- Officer ~iJoldsborough, U. S. Nary, acknowledging the Department~s communication regarding the limits of his command. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of April 17, informing inc that the Rappahannock River is no longer embraced in my command, amid of the detachment of the Young Rocer from this squadron. To-day I have received your communication con- cerning the supply vessels Connecticut, Rhode Island, amid Massachusetts. I have to-day, subject to the approval of the Department, al)pointed Jacob [John J.] Everhart an acting masters mate, with orders to report for duty on board the Braudywine at Baltimore. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. (iOLDSBOROUGH~ Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Lockwood, U. S. Nary, regarding proposed plan of attack upon Fort lllacon, N. C. U. S. PROPELLER DAYLIGHT, Blockading off Beaufort, N. C., April 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival here with the U. S. S. Daylight on the 17th instant, and on relieving Commander Prentiss, h Page 248 248 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. proceeded with the IL S. S. Albatross to Port Royal, taking with him a small Prol)eller, the iliaqic, attached to Flag-Officer Dii Pouts command, which had pat iii here in distress. I called on the coiiimanding general, Parke, whose headquarters are on Bogue Island [Banks l]. I have on board of my vessel a signal officer an(1 two privates belonging to his command, and am thus enabled to communicate with huin at all times. On the following day I held a consultation with the commanders of the different vessels relative to our several (lilties an(l submitted a plan of attack on Fort Macon by the naval forces, which, after an interchange of views and opinions, was adopted an(1 will be carried into execution when the land forces have completed their batteries and signify their readiness to open lire. Our plau is similar to that practiced at Port Royal. General Burmiside, who is at New Rerne, I am infbrmed, dispatched four days ago a schooner loaded with coal fr6ni Hatteras Inlet for this place for the U. S. S. State of (Jeorgia and the Chippewa, which we are expecting to arrive hourly. I trust, sir, that the opportunity of doing something to establish my fair fame may not be taken from me, and that the contemplated attack on Fort Macoim will emmable me to confound my enemies, and that this foul conspiracy against me may be exposed. I hope that sunimary measures may be taken in reference to the base conduct of Acting Paymaster Charles H. I)enisomi, which I reporte(1 to you from Baltimore, and could there be a general removal of the officers of this vessel to break up this combination the interests of the service would be promoted. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL LOCKWOOD, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. P. 5.I enclose herewith a list of officers of this vessel. S. L. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Conunander Taylor, U. S. Navy, to proceed in command of the U. S. S. (Jalena to Hampton Roads. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 19, 1862. SIR: Proceed with all possible dispatch to Hampton Roads with the steamer (Jalena lln(Ier your command and report to Flag-Officer L. M. Goldsborough. I am, respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. Commander ALFRED TAYLOR, New York. Letter from H. K. Lawrence, esq., to the Secretary of the Nary, proposing to (lestroy the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack). WASHINGTON, D. C., April 18, 1862. SIR: I propose to the Navy Department to destroy the rebel ironclad steamers Merrimack, Jamestown, and Yorktown within twenty days fro Page 249 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 249 this date, the United States Government paying me for the destruction of the steamer Merrimack $500,000 and for the destructioim of the steam- ers Jamestown and Yorktown $100~000 each. The respective sums named to be paid on the destruction by me of either of the said steamers. The Government is to furnish me with 2,000 pounds of gunpowder for the purpose, and with the necessary transportation for my men and apparatus from the city of Washington to a point as near the said steamers as shall be deemed safe to venture. In event of the said steamers being removed from their present posi- tion, beyond my reach, or being (lestloyed by other means before the expiration of this proposal, then the Government shall refund to me the amount of my actual outlay to carry out this proposal, not to exceed $1,800. I have the honor to remain, your obedient servaiit, H. K. LAWRENCE. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to H. K. Lawrence, esq., in regard to his proposition to destroy the U. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack). NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 18, 1862. You are informed, iu reply to yours of this date 1)roposing to destroy the Merrimack, Jamestown, and Yorktown for a specified amount, that if you state your plans to the Department your proposal will be considered. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. H. K. LAWRENCE, Washington. Letter front II. K. Lawrence, esq., to the Secretary of the Navy, regarding plan Jbr the destruction of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack) by means of submarine armors. APRIL 19, 1862. SIR: I propose to the Navy Department to destroy the rebel ironclad steamer Merrimack within twenty days from this date and to prepare for the purpose four submarine armors, for which the Department shall pay me ~1 ,800, payable at the time I shall leave Fort Mommroe with my men to carry out this proposal. Time Department shall furnish me with 1,500 pounds gunpowder and facilities and material to manufacture the necessary torpedoes at the arsenal in Washington. In event of my success in destroying the Merrimack to the satisfac- tion of the Department, the Secretary of the Navy pledges himself to recommend an appropriation by Congress of ~10O,000 as my compensa- tion and to use his influence and best exertions to have said appropria. tiomi passed. H. K, LAWRENCE. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of Navy, Washington D. U Page 250 250 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from the Assistant AS1ecretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Navy, regarding the afr~iirs of his command. Private.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 19, 1862. DEAR COMMODORE: I have your two notes. I am glad Missroon is more iu accord with the General. lie is one of our best officers. The Navy is suffering severely from the condition of things at Hampton Roads, the great public not understanding why we can not take York- to~vn. The feeling here is that McClellan has put himself into a very tight place, and that a rush l)ast the batteries at Yorktown only can relieve him, or very greatly assist him. The President sends daily about the Galena, and Paulding promises her Tuesday. The Maratanza, double rudder, has sailed from Boston. The command of this latter vessel you are to leave vacant. I wish John K Goldsborough] was here to take her. The best officers seem to wish this class of vessels, and we will try and work him into one. Upon the arrival of the Galena, I presume from the anxiety the general expressed to me, that he would like to have her above Yorktown. Some of our brave fellows will have to go with her, but I do not feel very great anxiety. A pas- sage at night, under full steam, across the line of fire has been demon- strated by this war to be easy of accomplishment. Most truly, yours, G. V. Fox. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, regarding the expedition to the Dismal Swamp Canal. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, OtT Elizabeth City, April 20, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I left New Bem-ne on the evening of the 17th, followed by two of the large army transports with two regiments, which were joined by three regiments of Colonel flaw- ki ns command, all under the command of Brigadier-General Reno. This united force left Roanoke Island at 5 oclock on the evening of the 18th aimd reached the point of debarkation opposite Cobbs I~oint about. 10 oclock the same night. This command was landed by the boats of the Navy amid transport vessels between midnight and daylight, together with three wagons, loaded with blasting material for the purpose of destroying the locks in the Dismal Swamp Canal. The head of the column did not move into the road till nearly day- light; the rear left about 7 oclock. The force moved up the left bank of the Pasquotank about 8 to 10 miles, when the emmemy met it about 2,000 strong. A brisk but short engagement took place at a point about 1 to 2 miles below the river bridge, and about 3 miles below the first lock. The enemy were driven back and our troops held the field, where they bivouacked. At 10 oclock the same night our troops corn- menced to retire for the point of debarkation, which was reached at early daylight on Sunday morning, destroying the bridges behind them. The troops were embarked as soon as possible amid returned. Gen- eral Reno left here for New Berne about noon, having left a letter to be sent on shore under flag of truce asking permission to remove the remainder of his wounded, about eleven in number Page 251 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 251 Our force was 3,000 effective men, and our loss is 10 to 15 killed and 30 to 40 wounded. The enemy lost 20 to 30 killed; his wounded were removed, it is supposed. I regret to inform you that the lock has not been destroyed. About 10 oclock I received intelligence that the enemy had fallen back on Norfolk. 11 presume he will return immediately on learning that our troops are moving in an opposite direction. I shall destroy the mouth of the North River Canal* before I leave, if I can get the services of the submarine material from the engineer. I am loading an additional vessel with sand to be sunk at the mouth. If I had the Ellis here now, I would send her to the locks and blow them up, notwithstanding time danger to the vessel from the flood and rapids consequent thereon. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. ROWAN, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. lxi. GOLnSBOROUGH, Conidg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Order of Flag- Otlicer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Browne, U. S. Nary, to return to duty off Wilmington, N. C. U. S. FLAGSHIP MiNNESOTA, Hampton Roads, April 20, 1862. Sin: Unless you have received orders from Washington detaining you at Baltimore you will, as soon after the receipt of this as possible, return with the [5. 5. bark Fernandina under your coinniand off Wil. niington, N. C., and remain there as formerly, blockading the place until further orders, or until it is absolutely necessary for you to leave there for supplies. It is entirely unnecessary, I take it, for you to touch at these roads. The enclosed printed information is for distribution among the commanders of blockading vessels off Wilmington. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding G. W. BROWNE, U. S. Bark Fernandina, Care of Navy Agent, Baltimore, Md. Letter from Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Major- General Wool, U. S. Army, regarding a system of signals in case of attack by the enemy. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, April 20, 18G2. GENERAL: I deem it proper to communicate to you that in case of a night attack on the part of the enemy, or an attemupt omi his part to escape by us, all the vessels belonging to the squadron under my com- mand and acting under my authority will hoist at one of their mast- heads three lights, disposed of vertically, the upper one i-ed, the next ~A part of Albernarle and Chesapeake Canal Page 252 252 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. below it blue, and the lower one red, in order that they may be readily distinguished from those of the enemy, and thus not be tired upon by the guns of Fortress Monroe or the Rip Raps. Besides these lights, each of my vessels, if absolutely necessary, will resort to the private night signal to make herself known as one of ourselves, which night signal is a single roll of fireworks, the first third of which exhibits a white color, the second third a red color, and the last third a green color, each third lasting, perhaps, only the fractional part of a minute, and each succee(lilig the other with only an interval of a few seconds. The answer to this l)rivate night signal, if made by anyone or more of my vessels, will be also a single roll of fireworks, with the first third exhibiting a red color, the second thir(l a white color, and the last third a red color; but it is not likely in the eases put that any answers will be necessary, and therefore in all ~)rObability none will be made. In the event, however, of any attack by the enemy, or his attempt to escape, this ship and others in all probability will have to make various night signals iii the way of orders and recognition, but these are iiot to be coiifounded with those just alluded to; and, in order to guard care- fully against anything of the sort, the colored lights at thc masthead mentioned above should be kept steadily in view and regarded, unless shot away, as a governing symbol. Should you deem it advisable, I will, with pleasure, make anyone or more of your officers, w hoin you may desigiiate, acquainted with our code of night signals, with the understanding that he, or they, will regard the information as strictly confidential and only to be used to avoid accidents. It occurs to me that it would 1)e well to keep tije light of the light-house at Fortress Monroe from showing at all in the direr- tion of Elizabeth River, and also that no light whatever should be exhibited on the Rip Raps. Will you l)erlnit me to suggest, therefore, that orders be given accordingly. The light-h mouse at Fortress 1~Ionroe is a governing mark for vessels coining from Norfolk, and by blinding the portion mentioned no inconvenience can be experienced by ourselves. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servaimt, L. M. GoLDSJIORouGII, Major-General JOHN E. WOOL, Flag-Officer. (low fll((fl(ling I)ejpartment of 1 irgmnia, Fortress ]IIon roe, 1 ~a. Letter from Major- General Wool, U. 8. Army, to Flag- Officer Goidsbor ough, U. S. Nary, regarding communication by signal. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF \TIRGIMA, Fort Monroe, Va., April20, 1862. SIR: I thank you for your communication of to-day. The signals described will claim my particular attention, and I will send an officer (perhaps two) to see you and receive your exl)lanations of their use when the Merrimack again makes her apl)earance. One of tIme officers will be the signal officer, who may possibly make an arrangement with you to have a signal officer on board of your ship to signalize with the fort. Very respectfully, your obediemit servant, JOHN E. WooL, Major- General. Flag-Officer L. M. CTOLDSBOROUCfH Page 253 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 253 Letter from lIliajor-General McClellan, U. S. Army, to the Assistant Sec- retary of the Navy, making enquiry regardiny the preparation of the U. S. S. Galena. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, April 20, 1862. [SIR:] How soon can J count on the Galena with certainty0? I am fast rcaching a point where the success of my operations iuiist, to a cer- taiii extent, (lepend upon the fact of her cooperation, or the reverse. She will be of very great assistance to me, and, if she can do what we were talking of; will shorten my work here very much. (lEo. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General. Hoii. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Letter from Flag- Officer (Joldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Major- General Wool, U. S. Army, regarding the light-house at Fort Monroe. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton I~oads, April 21, 1862. GENERAL: In your note of yesterday you do not allude to my prop- osition concerning thc light-house at Fort Monroe, and, therefore, it may be that I did not make myself sufficiently understood. The light of that light-house is a governing tiark by night for ves- sels coming from Norfolk, and it onght, therefome, I think, [bej at once so blinded by boards or otheiwise as to show no light whatever in that direction, and it should be kept so blinded as long as this wam- lasts as it does. This will occasion no inconvenience to vessels approaching Hampton Roads from the bay or sea. Also, iii my judgment, no light should be exhibited omi the Rip Raps. I take it that you have abun- dant authority iii the premises, and therefore 1)eg to invoke it to carry out these suggestions if you agree with me in opinion. Under no cir- cumstances would the keeper of the light-house venture to disregard your directions, although he may not be placed immediately under your orders. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant L. M. GOLDSImOROITGH, Flag- Ojjicer. Majoi--General JOHN E. WOOL, Commanding Department of Virginia, Fortress Monroe Va. Order of Commander Missroon, U. S. Navy, to Acting illaster Shankland, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Cheseni ans Creek on special duty in connec- tion with the army. U. S. S. WACIIUSETT, York Ricer, 1 ~irginia, April 21, 18622 a. m. SIR: You will please pi-oceed without a moments delay to Cliese- mans Creek, with such purchases and tackles as I am able to furnish you with from this vessel, for the purpose of moving heavy pieces of ordnamice for the arumy, to which duty you will give your 1)ersonal atten- tion until the work required of you shall be accomplished, when yo Page 254 254 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. will return to this anchorage with the purchases loaned by me, as they are necessary to this vessel. Go to Artillery Landing, Cheseman s Creek. Respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. MJSSROON, Master W. F. SHANKLAND, U. S. Navy, Commanding. in Command of Currituck. Get there by early daylight if possible. Order of Commander Ro wan, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master ]IiliacDiar- mid, U. S. Navy, to proceed to New Berne, N~ C., for repairs to the U. S. S. Ceres. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off Elizabeth City, April /21, 1862. SIR: Proceed in the Ceres, under your command, to New Berne, N. C., and report to Lieutenant Commanding Murray for repairs. On your way down you will communicate with the inlet and get the news, and send here two of the coal schooners supposed to be there; that is, send them to Roanoke; send the third one to New Berne. You will ascertain from some person in the inlet whether there is any matter for the Navy there, mail or other. Should you want coal, take it from the army vessels. Jf you receive any very important news, return with it to this place. Use all dispatch in reporting. Very respectfully, S. C. ROWAN, Commanding Naval Forces, etc. Acting Master Commanding JNO. MA~IDIARMrn. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Purviance, U. S. Navy, to proceed to duty in Hampton Roads. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 21, 1862. SIR: On the receipt hereof proceed with the U. S. frigate St. Lawrence to Hampton Roads and report to Flag-Officer Goldsborough for duty. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, G. WELLES. Captain II. V. PURVIANCE, Comdg. St. Lawrence, Kettle Botto~i~ Shoals, Potomac River. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Ringgold, U. S. Navy, to proceed to duty in Hampton Roads. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 21, 1862. SIR: On the receipt hereof proceed with all dispatch to Hampton Roads and report to Flag-Officer Goldsborough for duty. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Captain C. RINGGOLD, Commanding U. S. [Ship] Saliine, New York Page 255 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 255 Lette~fromn the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. iYai~y, regarding certain vessels of his command. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 2i, 1& 62. SIR: Enclosed herewith is an unsealed order to Flag-Officer Du Pont to send the Susquehc(nna to Hampton Roads for duty under your com- mand. You will immediately dispatch one of your vessels with it to Port Royal. The steamer selected for this purpose and to supply the l)lace of the Susquelianna should be one that will be of little service to you for military purposes, but should at the same time be suitable for blockading duty. Perhaps one of the several merchant steamers under charter will answer the l)urpose. The I)epartment as yet has received no reply to its letter of the 14th instant, asking if you needed the St. Lawrence, nor to its telegram of Saturday repeating the enquiry and also informing you that the Sabine, at New York, was at your service. It has, nevertheless, ordered both of those vessels to report to you. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, giving i~formation regarding the construction of gunboats at Norfolk, and referrin~q to the expedihon to Dismal Swamp Canal. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, VIrginia, April 22, 18G2. SIR: Three white men (one of them accompanied by his wife and two children) were picked up last iiight by the Baltimore. They were in a boat amid had, as they say, escaped from Norfolk. One of them has been working for a long time past in the Gosport navy yard. lie describes the Merrimack as being off~ the yard, with a large gang of men working upon her, day and night, fitting shutters to all her side ports. She has always had them, he says, to her end ports. He also informs me that four new wooden gunboats have been completed at the Norfolk yard, and a fifth over in Norfolk, and that all are now ready for service. Furthermore, that at the Norfolk yard they are building fapidly a vessel to be just like the Merrimack in every respect, except in size, which is only to be about a thousand tons; that she is already far advanced toward completion in her woodwork and has even the woodwork of her covering, or house, finished. Neither her engines nor any of her iron plates have yet been put in place. It is expected she will be ready for use in about a month or so. This, he says, is the only vessel to be plated that the enemy is preparing at Norfolk. Besides the above five gunboats, they are nOw building there four more. I am perfectly satisfied of the truth of all these statements. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLBSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington ,D. C. N. B.By a late Norfolk paper, which I forward to the Department to-day, it appears that a fight came off last Friday near Elizabeth Cit Page 256 256 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. between some of General Burnsides mcii and the enemy, and that the latter were driven halfway to Norfolk. The object of the attack on our part was, I know, to destroy the lock of the Dismal Swamp Canal at South Mills, which I have no doubt has been accomplished effectually.* With this lock destroyed, and the Currituck link of the Albemarle and Chesape8ke Canal kept choked, 110 ironclad or other gunboats can go from Norfolk to the sounds of North Carolina. No vessel drawing over 3 or 34 feet water can pass through Curri- tuck Sound from Norfolk, and so get into Croatan and Pamhico sounds. I speak from positive information on this point, for I had the experiment tried in effect by Lieutenant Jeffers, when he was dispatched by me in charge of an army stern-wheel boat, drawing only 3 feet or so of water, to destroy some salt works at Old Currituck Inlet. Could General l3nrnside be promptly reenforced with a body of 40,000 men, I aiim convinced that he could possess himself of Norfolk in a fort- night after their arrival at Itoanoke Island. This idea I have enter- taiiied ever since that island surrendered to our arms, and the more I think of it the more I am confirmed in my belief. With the force tile general would then have, lie would, undoubtedly, use the roads leading from Powells Point, Winton, and Gatesvihle, all three of which are good and l)ractica.ble, and hold Roanoke IsJan(l and Winton as bases of operation. These considerations may be of moment before a great while~ if they are not so now. Most resl)ectfuhly, L. M. G. [Telegram.] U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton koads, I lrgina, April 22, 1862. I do not think that I can use either the St. Lawrence or Sabine to any advantage. t wrote to the Department concerniiig ami exchange of some men between the St. Lawrence and Braziliera. Can this be donel L. M. GOLDSBOR0UGII, GIDEON WELLES, Flag- Officer. iSecretary of the Nary. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPAMTMENT, April 22, 1862. The (~alenct sailed this forenoon for IIalnl)toIl i~oa(ls direct. C. V. Fox. Major-General U. B. MCCLELLAN, Headquarters Army Potomac. Report of Commander Missroon U. the need S. Navy, regarding of large supplies of ammunition. U. S. S. WACIIUSETT, J~J~ River, Virginia, April 22 186~ SIR: The expenditures of ammunition from these vessels, and espe- cially that for the 100-pounder rifle of the Sebago, are large, and as it * See p. 250 Page 257 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 257 is probable that they will all have to expend ]argely for several con- secutive days when the expected attack is made, according to the arrangements now made, I telegraphed you to-day that we should want an early and a large supply, of which the vessels of this class can carry but little more than a days full supply. I am borrowing 30 to 2~i paper fuzes for the rifles from the army, and am trying now to borrow for immediate use. Our fire from the 100-pounder has done important work in prevent- ing the erection of works aiid in getting shells into eiemys works day and night, to which General McClellan attributes much importance. It is exl)ected, I find, that the (Jalena shall be made to pass between Gloucester Point and Yorktown batteries, up the York River. If it be attempted before the reduction of most of these works, she will be destroyed probably, as her armor is only 2 or 2t inches thick. The general tells me that Mr. Fox, Assistant Secretary, told him she could go up with impunity. Respectfully, J. S. MissRoo~, Comm an(ler. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Corn dg. North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant Morris, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Port Royal, to proceed to duty in Hampton Boa (18. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 22, 1862. SIR: Proceed with the U. ~. S. Port Royal under your command with the utmost dispatch to Hampton Roads and report to Flag-Officer Coldsborough for duty. Before sailing transmit to the I)epartment a muster roll of the crew and a separate li8t of the officers of the Port Royal. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GWEON WELLES. Lieutenant GEG. U. MORRIS, Commanding Steamer Port Royal, New York. Letter front the Secretary of the Navy to flag-officers commanding block- a(l ing squadrons, transmitting information regarding the blockade run- ners Memphis, Melita, and Bahama. NAvY DEPARTMENT, April 22, 1862. Sin: I transmit herewith for your information a copy of a dispatch received by the Secretary of State from the U. S. minister at Brussels in i-eference to the steamers Memphis, Melita, and Bahama, supposed to be intended to run the blockade. Yery respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer W. XV. MOKEAN. Flag--Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT. Flag--Officer SAML. F. Du PONT. N W RYOL 7 1 Page 258 ~tJo NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKAD]N~ SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] Confidential.] LEGATLON OF TILE UNITE]) STATES Brussels, ilpril 1, 1862. SIR: With reference to my (lispateli of the 20th March, I have to report that an offer has been made by the owners of the new steamer Mcmph is to leave Liverpool 20th instant with a cargo of 1 100 tons con- sistmg of blankets, shoes, cloth, powder, etc., which cost 65,000, and with the ship valued at 90,000, to run her into the llall(ls of our blockading squadron or aground so that she can be secured, for 53,000. The Afelita, referred to, has been sold to rebel agents and that cargo can not be secured as prqjected. The Ialiama, Captain Tessier, for- merly of the Bermuda is about full, an(l at last advices was to leave hamburg immediately. She has, I presume, the most valuable cargo yet sh1l~)ped by the rebels, is very fast, and it is undonbtedly intended to inn tile blockade with her. Her draft is reported 16 feet which I think an exaggeration. * * * I have the honor to be, with great resl)ect, your obedient servaiit, II. S. SANFORD lou. Wi~i. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. Report oJ Flag- Officer Goldsboro ugh, U. S. Nary, regarding the U. S. ressels St. Lawrence, AS~abine, and Uneas. U. S. FLAGSHIP \IINNE5oT4, Hampton Roads, I rirgntta, April 23, h5G2. SIR: Your letter of the 21st instant, which (lid not reach me until to day, stating that the l)epartment hIa(l hot then received a reply to its questions about the St. Lawrence amid Sabiuc, surprises mae not a little, as I returned an answer to the telegram by telegraph in five minutes after its receipt, and to the eff~ct that neither of those frigates could be used to any advantage. I have since, however, on more mature reflection, concluded that it their present spar-deck guns could be removed and replaced by 100-pounder rifles, and the vessels arranged so as to afford high elevation and abundant training to these gulls, that then they might be of very great service, and have so expressed myself to both Assistant Secretary Fox and Captain 11 arwood in repeated notes. Armed as those frigates now are, they can not be of any use in this quarter, but, omi the other baud, would rather be a source of embarrassmemit than efficiency. We received n~ mail yesterday. A letter to muie fioin the navy agent at Philadelphia, dated the 15th instant, reached mae only this morning. A letter from me to the navy agent at l3altiunore had muot reached him four days after it was mailed here. There is something wrong somewhere. The Uneas has just arrived here on her way to Port Royal, amid by her I will dispatch your order to Flag-Officer I )u Pont about ordering the Susquekanna to report to me at Hamuptomi Roads. 1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servammt, L. M. GOLD51IOROUGH, Flag. Officer, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Tiomm. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Aary, Washington, D. (1. P. S.As the Uneas, which leaves immediately, will be able to answer all that the Department requires, will it be necessary for m Page 259 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 259 still to dispatch another vessel to Port Royal ~ If so, I shall have to send the Patroon. L. M. G. Report of Commander ]Ifissroon, U. S. Nary, regardinq ammunition. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, York Ricer, Virginia, April 23, fS62. SIR: Your letter of the 22d was received by the Patroon last evening. The pyrotechnist examined the fazes on board the Marblehead, which Captain Nicholson had complained of. The fazes upon which I reported unfavorably were those contained in, and extractc(l from, fifteen 32-pounders, and in fifteen XL-inch shells, all which were used in the experiment or test. I received your dispatch yesterday, requiring a more specific requi- sition for ammunition than contained in my dispatch. In ieply, I beg to say that these vessels can not carry in their magazines and shell rooms more than ammunition enough for thirty hours constant firing; that they have now nearly or (luite that quantity, but that a supply should be micar at hand exceeding that which may be expended in thirty hours; a contingency which will be likely to occur if the army be able to open the way to these vessels to pass up the York River to points where there will probably be continuous opposition, and which I believe we shall have to encounter up to West Point. The works of the enemy are excessively strong and powerfully armed. Their cannon are managed and served with surprising accuracy, exceed- big aiiything I have heretofore known, amid there is every imidication of a most determined resistance. More than fifty heavy cannon bear impomi this bay, and the destruction of vessels of this class is inevitable if taken under such a fire without their having the power to inflict any damage, or but trifling damage, to the enemy, owing to the superior an(l well-chosen position of their batteries. I believe that any number of vessels of this or the gunboat class will not prevail against works so located as those now before me, and that an increase of numbers will only add to our casu:ilties. General McClellan proposes to dismount some of the cannon before these ves- sels advance, and it is an evident necessity that he should do so to a very large extent. I have forwarded to Commander Poor a general requisition for ammnu- mtmon such as the vessels will be likely to require, bat which they can not stow till the present stock be expended. It will have to remain in the vessel bringing it. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, ~ ~ MISSROON, Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUcTH, Commander. Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsboro ugh, U. S. Nary, regarding the U. S. steamers Dragon and Cambridge. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia., April 23, 1362. * * * * * * * I have the honor to inform the Department that the Dragon arrived here from Baltimore yesterday afternoon, and this morning the Cam Page 260 260 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. bridge came in from the blockade off Wilmington, [N. C.], for sup- plies. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L; M. (~oLDsnoI1oucui, Flag- Office)-, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Sqnadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, AS1ecretary of the Nary, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Lieu- tenant Flusser, U. S. Na cy, regarding the expedition for the (lestr action of the Chesapeake and Albemarie Canal, April23, 1862. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off Elizabeth City, N. C., April 26, 1862. Sin: Finding the army had failed to accomplish the purpose for which it was landed near Elizabeth City, and having returned to its posts without accomplishing either the destructwn of one or the other of the canals, I resolved to nudertake it with the navy. I accordingly gave orders to Lieutenant Corn inandin g Flusser, ai d, furiiish in g hi in with all the means he required, lie accomplished the work to my entire satisfaction, and in his usual able and energetic manner. I enclose Lieutenant Commanding Flussers report. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant S. C. l~owAN, Commanding Naval Forces, ASOUfl(15 of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Conidg. North Atlantic Blockading A~q ua(lron, J1amnpto~~ Roads. [Enclosure. I U. S. S. COMMODORE PERRY, Qif Elizabeth City, April 25, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order, 1 left this place on the 23d instant in the Lockwood, with the Whitehead an(l 1~utnam Ia company, each with an officer and a detachment of men on board, the Lockwood tow- ing the wrecking schooner Emma Slade, with the apparatus for blowing lip the banks, to block up Albemarle amid Chesapeake Canal. At the mouth of North IRiver we were joined by the Shawshcen, having in tow a schooner which had been sent the day before to itoanoke Island to be filled with saud. In the afternoon of the 23d, fifty men were landed on each bank, while a launch with a heavy 12-pounder was sent np the canal; amid with this force we moved up 2 miles, examining the bamiks to find the best place for operations. I concluded to place the obstruction miear the mouth, that the men while at woik might be under cover of the guns of the steamers aiid the enemy be prevented from removing it. The schoommer was sunk just inside the canal, and with brush, stumps, rails, trunks of heavy trees, and earth, the passage was obstructed from the schooner about 50 yards above. We were occupied from noon till sunset of the 23d and from 7 :30 a. in. till half an hour after sunset on the 24th. Farth was thrown iu by hand from each bank as far as could be, but we had no wheelbarrows to carry it to the middle. Professor Maillefeit, of the New York Submarine Engineerimig Coin- pany, and his assistants, were of great service to me; indeed I wa Page 261 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 261 mostly governed by his advice, as lie is more familiar with this sort of work tbaii I am. Tile is of opinion that it will require two or three months labor with a dredgiug machine to remove what we have placed in a day and a haL He says it will be easier and cheaper to cut a new outlet than to remove the obstruction. The rebels have, I think, no thought of using that canal, as they have themselves been obstructing it above and below the bridge. It would be well to send a steamer there daily until the timber is well watersoaked and sunk. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. FLUSSER, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commander S. C. IRowAN, Corn dg. U. S. Naval Forces, Inner Waters of North Carolina. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Aaty, regar(1ing cooperation with the Army Of the Potomac. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 23,1862. M~ DEAR COMMODORE: I have your note of the 20th imistant, and your two of the 21st. It is perfectly understood that the army were to dash up the peninsula without the navy, and in fact we were never informed of the movement. I found it out accidentally, and did my best to turn it to Norfolk, knowing the scant force we had and the benefit the rebels would derive from the ]Jferrimaclc. Rut, as it was determined to go on to the peninsula, we threw all the force we could toward you, and so continue to do, because the cry will be (it has already commenced) for the Navy to pull them out of the slough. The Navy have done it several times during the war for our army frie,nds, but the golden opportunity is now presented to save the Army and immortalize the Navy. Harwood has written you about the Parrott gulls. All our rifles of large caliber seem to be failures, which leaves us in the lurch about such guns. Meekers commission, or appoint- ment, has been sent. it is all right about Daniels; lie could imot be reinstated as midshipman. Rowans clerk has no chance at present. I wish you could send two merchant steamers in lieu of the Susquehanna. 1)u Pont will send up a wail about withdrawing that noble ship, but the (4overnment and people call upon us to lift the Army of the l~otomac out of the mire. The submarine boat I hope will be with you before many days, also another blow-up matter,# iii which the party takes the risk and labor for $100,000, if successful. I think the Galena will trouble them if she runs batteries. Our Potomac Flotilla now have the run to Fredericksburg. Do not you learn anything about New Orleans~ Most truly, yours, 0-. V. Fox. Report of Commander ilfissroon, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Corwin. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, York River, Virginia, April 23, 1862. SIR: The steamer Cor win arrived yesterday. Captain Phelps informed that after the landing of troops had been effected, he was See pp. 248, 249 Page 262 262 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. jutended to proceed hence on other duty, to the Potomac, of some importance. 1 beg to say that as the (lorwin draws 10 feet, she can not approach the appoiiited landing within 1,900 yards, at which distance her light battery of one 20-pounder Parrott and two howitzers would not be of material assistance, especially as we have as many vessels and guns as are necessary to cover the landing, and as can operate to advantage. I do not expect a serious opl)osition. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, ~ ~ MISSROoN, Commander. Flag-Officer L. IM. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Rcport of Commander Missroon, U. S. Navy, requesting to be relieved from (luty in cooperation with (Jeneral MicCiellan against the York River batteries. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, York Ricer, Virginia, April 23, 1862. Sin: I beg that you will relieve me from an unpleasant position, not only on my individual account, but that the naval service may not be su bjectedi to censure or disagreeable criticism. It is evident that General McClellan expects these gunboats to per- form duties under the fifty cannon of Yorktown and Gloucester, occu~)ying most commandimig positions, which would, in my opinion, cause their destruction, while they could inflict little or no serious injury to the enemy. While General McClellan hears silently a general officer propose to me to take these vessels under a destroying firethereby apparently acquiescing in the propositionhe has taken me asi(le to say, Cap- tain, if I coin manded a flotilla as you do, I should hesitate before I would take the vessels under such a destructive fire, and, Captain, I do not see that the vessels cami do anything now. 1t you will do me the favor to relieve me, the opportunity will be afforded General McClellan of finding iii my successor one whose views coincide with his as to the ability of these vessels to endure the fire of Yorktown and Gloucester; while, it he fail to find that concurrence, it will afford evidence against the measure, very satisfactory to the Navy to possess. In view of coming events, I think it is due alike to the service and to myself to relieve me on this application for the above reasons. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, J. S. MissRooN, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Commander illissroon, U. S. Navy, requesting to withdraw his application J~r reliej from duty in the Eork River. U. S. S. WACIIUSETT, York River, Virginia, April 23, 1862. Sin: I have received your letter of this date by the Patroon, and have just received a dispatch from General McClellan, informing m Page 263 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 263 that Commande.r Rodgers lla(l proeeede(l to Fortress Monroe to await the Galena, and that he did not need the blocks and tackles now. I therefore return the letters directed to Corn man dci Rod gers herewith to you. Time blocks and tackles are on board the J~alroon. I had previously furnished what were needed tor lall(ling mortars. The gun carriage makers have completed the work on the carriage of the Sebago, and I send them to you by the 1~atroon. I have to request, sir, that the request to be relieved, which I made this afternoon, be suspended, or that I be permitted to withdraw it. Respectfully, sir, J. S. Miss~oo~. Flag-Officer GULDSBOROUGH, Comma uiding North A tian tic Blockading Squadron. Report of Flag-Officer (ioldsborougli, U. S. Nary, regarding the U. S. ste((m C)~8 (1 alena (en (I MCtra taltZ((. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 21, 1S62. SIR: The (Jalena and iliaratanza arrived here to-diiy about noon the former vessel, the Galena, with the cain on the eccentric shaft carrie(l away and the eccentric arm or main steam rock shaft of starboard engine also carried away. The cam is repaired, but a new arm for rock shaft will probably be necessary. Engineers are now engaged in (leciding what must be done, and whether we cami do it here or not. If I get their report before the mail closes, I will give the 1)epartmnent tIme result. I think, aml(l hope, that the work can be domme here, and that, too, without mach delay. Commander Rodgers is already in command of the (Jalena. The Illarat((nza I have sent to Yorktown. The mail is about closing, and I have not yet received the report from the engineers. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Commanding North Atlantic Blocka cling Squadron. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, D. (1. Letter/row the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of IVar, regarding a plan to capture Norfolk, Ira. NAVY 1)EPARTMENT, April 21, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of dispatch* No. 214 of Flag-Officer Goldsborongh, received this day by the Department. The views expressed by him in regard to the possession of Norfolk accord so fully with my own that I dcciii it a duty to communicate thema to you. I know not that it is possible, in the existimig state-of things, to reenforce General Burnside, as proposed, but the capture of Norfolk would, iii my opinion, next after ~ew Orleans, be the most decisive blow that would be struck for the suppression of the rebellion. See pp. 255, 256 Page 264 264 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I also send you an extract from a dispatch of Commander Missroon, of the steamer Wachusett, York River, iii relation to the works at Yorktown. 1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Hon. E. M. STANTON, & cretary of War. Escape of the steamer Nashville into Wilmington, K. 0., April 24, 1862. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to fernish official information. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 12, 1862. SIR: Enclosed is a slip from a newspaper, in which it is stated that the rebel steamer Nashville ran out of Wilmington, N. C., on the 30th ultimo, with a cargo of cotton. Have yon official information omi the subject~ What force was blockading the port at the tinmel I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squa(lron, Hampton Roads. [EnclosureNewspaper clipping.1 The rebel steamer Nashville.A letter from an officer on board the U. S. S. Daylight, dated l}eaufort, N. C., May 2, says The steamer Nashville ran the blockade on the 24th of April and entered the harbor of Wilmington by Cape Fear River (miot by the new inlet, as before stated) and got aground iiiside of Fort Caswell, having oim board 60,000 stand of arms and 40 tons of powder. They sent steam- ers from Wilmington and Smithville to lighten her and succeeded in getting her oft on the 26th, when she 1)roceeded to Sinithville, where she took in two lighter-loads of cotton and ran the blockade out of the harbor on the 30th of April amid went to sea. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the lack oi official information. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Iliampton Roads, Virginia, May 13, 1862. SIR: I have no official information with regard to the Nashvilles hy- ing rumi out of Wilmington, I~. C., on the 30th ultimo, with a large cargo of cotton; nor do I believe it. She doubtless did run into that place on or about the 24th ultimo. The Jamestown, Monticello, and Victoria must have been off Wilming- ton on the 30th ultimo. The Mount Vernon left these roads early this morning for Wilmington. The vessels 110W oft there are the Chippeua, Penobseot, Monticello, State ~f Georgia, and Victoria. The Cambridge is to go off there the moment she can leave l3altimore. I am,. very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. Aorth Atlantic Blockading Squadron. lIon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C Page 265 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ~65 Report of Commander Green, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Jamestown. SOIIITIL \\INDSOR, (JONN., May 24, 1862. Su~: 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th instant, euquiring into the circumstances of the running of the l)lockade at Wilmington by the NashriUe and of her exit loaded with cotton. In reply 1 respectfully state the facts relating thereto, so far as I am informed, and which were immediately placed on recor(1 for transmission to the flag-officer. Oii the 24th ultimo the Jamestown was obliged to haul oft from New Inlet on account of a strong breeze froni the northward and eastward. On the 25th, whilst on our retnrn, we fell in with the Mount Vernon and communicated with her. As we came in sight of time light-house, late in the afternoon, six steamers were discovered near the batteries bear- lug the rebel flag, and apparently awaiting our approach. I did not suspect that the larger steamer was the Nashriile, but supposed their intention was to endeavor to dispute the blockade, knowing probably that the ~Jamestown was the only vessel on that side of the shoal, with a view to cover the exit of other vessels loaded and waiting iiiside to make good their escape. I was not able to fetcli far enough to windward to reach the steamers on that tack, but stood in toward them until within 3 miles, when, not wishing to place the ship so near the land as ~vonld 1)revellt maneuver- lug, I wore ship in the hope of drawing them away from the land and from under the protection of the batteries. We now discovered that the largest steamer was aground, and as the wind was getting light (about a 3-knot breeze), and it would be impossible to reach them before Hi ght, I called for the opinion of the three senior sea officers as to the best mode of procedure for attacking the enemy. Time opinion was unanimous that the most certain way of insuring success would be to euI(leavort() ol)tain the assistance of our steamers on the other side of the shoal. I accordingly stood on to the shoal into 8 fathoms of water and threw up several rockets and fired a gun to attract attention, but without effect. The wind had become very light amid I concluded to sen(1 a boat across time shoal. She was sent imin charge of Acting Master I Midshipmanl Bache, who volunteered, as did also Acting Master Ehlery. Iii the morning, 26th, tIme Monticello came around and took us in tow, and we stood in prepared to attack steamers and battemies. The wind at this time sprung up from time northward and eastward, and imicreased so that when within about 8 miles of time bar the sea and wind had risen so much that it was evident the Monticello could not manage the ship when brought into action head to wind and sea. I was therefore compelled very reluctantly to cast ofL I directed Lieu- tenaimt Commanding Braine to go in tIme Monticello and reconnoiter amid endeavor to destroy the large steamer which was side-wheel and of American build. Captain Braine S00~ returned and reported that time steamer had got inside and beyond the range of his guns. At this time the Victoria, steamer, arrived, amid I ordered her in to keep as close a blockade as could be, and the Monticello to returmi to her position on the other side. I was compelled to carry sail to clear time shoal, and the wind and current prevented my returim until time 1st. On meeting the Victoria, which vessel was then iii 1)lain sight of the light-house at Federal Poimit, Acting Master Warren, in command, informed me of the plan pursued by him in blockading, which was to take the bearings of a knowim irnint and keep just in sight (luring the (lay, and when night set in to run in i)y compass close to the emmtranc Page 266 266 NORTH ATLANTIC 1~LOCRADING SQUADRON. and anchor, not showing any light. I had not heard of the reported escape of the Aashcdlc at the time, nor do I think she coul(l have got out at New Inlet with a cargo, as at high tide there is but it feet on the bar, and I have heard that was the draft of the steamer when light. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES GREEN, (Jomman dcv. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, I). C. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborotmgh, U. S. Navy, giving extracts from reports of commanding officers, U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Norfolk, Yb., ~Jnne 3, 18G2. SIR: The following extracts atfor(l all the official information I have received with regard to the escape of the Nashville into and out of Wilmington, N. C.: From Commander Lockwood nuder date of Heaufort, N. C., April 30, 1862: The U. S. gunboat Chippewa returned here last evening from Fort Caswell, N. C., where I had sent her on the 27th instant, at the request of Major-General Burnside, [with] a hag of truce, to land a number of parole(l prisoners captured in Fort Macon. Lieutenant Commanding Bryson reports that the Nashcillc ran the blockade at [Cape] Fear River on the 24th instant about 10 a. m. with a large and valuable cargo of arms and munitions of war, passing in through the northern passage, New Inlet, where she grounded, and the rebels, with several tugboats, were busily work- ing until the night of the 25th or morning of the 26th, when they succeeded in getting her into l)ort. From Lieutenant Commanding Rraine, under date of Wilmington, May 5, 1862, whose letter was only received by me yesterday, June 2, 1862: I have the honor to inform you that on the 29th April, 1862, two soldiers of the rebel Army, names, Henry Garwood and George Henry, privates, deserted from Fort Caswell and came off to this ship. They gave me the following inforniation relative to the rebel forces nt this place: In Fort Caswell there are betweeii 550 and 600 men. They have received lately in the fort 5,000 pounds bacon, 200 barrels flour, and other provisions. The fort mounts thirty-six guns in all; four of them are carronades, placed so as to rake the moat (whiek haa 5 feet depth of water in it). The guns in barbette are thirty in number; six are rifle guns, and look toward the eutrancc to the harbor, and with these are four VILI-inch columbiads, looking in the same direction. The balance of the guns are light 32 and 24 pounders. In and about the fort, at Federal Point, New Inlet entrance, are 2,000 men, the greater portion of them in camp, about 4 miles to the northward of Federal Point. At Smithville there are six companies of artillery and six lieldpieces. The guns in earthwork at New Inlet are twenty-four in nuniber; of their class and caliber I have no information. These deserters informed me that the steamer Nashville, now called the William L. JVragg, and sailing under English colors, ran in at New Inlet on the 26th of April. Whilst doing so, she struck on the bar and lay there twenty-eight hours, during which time a portion of her cargo was taken out by live tugs which went to her assistance. They state that while she lay on the bar the II. S. sloop of war James/own came to within about 3 or 4 miles of her and then stood offshore. The Xashrillc is reported by them to l)e injured, having her port wheelhouse stove in, and that she was towed to Wilmington. From Comniander Armstrong, nuder date of Wilmington, May 14, l862~ whose letter was also only received by inc yesterday, ,June 2, 1862: The rebels it Fort Caswell are busy strengthening their hrtification and leveling the saud hills to the westward of the fort. They have placed obstructions in th Page 267 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 267 channel, and have a line of floats across the entrance of Cape Fear River. Contra- bands, who came off on Monday., May 4, report that the steamers Nashville and Gordon had previously gone out. I place no reliance on their statement, although a rumor prevailed at Beaufort, N. C., before I left there, that such was the case.~ I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, expressing surprise at the lack of official information. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 9, 18G2. SIR: Your No. 273, dated the 3d instant, has been received. The Departiaent is surprised not only at the insufficiency or mismanage- ment of the blockading force off Wilmington when the rebel steamer Nashville ran into and out of that port, but also at the neglect of the commanding officers to report those circumstances promptly. The first official information that reached the Department of the escape of the Nashville into Wilmington on the 24th or 25th of April was the report of Commander Green, under date of May 24, in response to an enquiry of the Department. Lieutenant Braine, who, it would appear from Commander Greens report, was sent to attempt to destroy the Nashville while aground, does not, iu his letter to you oi May 5, mention his action in the mat- ter, but states that he had learned from a deserter of the escape of the Nashville into Wilmington. No official information of the Nashville having run out of Wilmington has been received. Commander Armstrong says in his report to you that he had heard from some contrabands that such was the case. Officers on blockading duty should be required to report promptly to the flag-officer or the Department all matters of importance pertain- ing to the blockade. You will require of Lieutenant Braine and the commanding officer of the Victoria, and of other vessels that were off Wilmington when the lWtshville ran in and out, a report of the facts within their knowledge relating thereto. I enclose herewith a copy of the report of Commander Green, above mentioned, upon which the Department has ordered a court of enquiry. It is said that the steamer Theodora, or Gordon, also escaped from Wilmington about the same time the Nashville did. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH Commanding, etc., Norfolk, Va. Order of Flag-Officer Goldshorough, U. S. Navy, to commanders of vessels blockading off Wil- mington, N. C., to fcrnish reports. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Norfrlk, Va., June 10, 1862. SIR: You will send me a full report of all the facts within your knowledge concerning the late eutrauce of the Nashville into Wilming- ton and her subsequent escape from that port Page 268 268 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Officers on blockading duty under my command are xe(luired to report promptly to me all matters of importance pertaining to the blockade. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GoLDsnOuOuGu, Flag- Officer, (Jomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Commander 0. S. (ILISSON, Commanding U S. S. Mount Fcrnon. Commander J. F. ARMSTRONG, Commanding U. S. S. State of Georgia. Lieutenant J. M. B. (iLITZ~ Commanding U. S. S. Penobseot. Lieutenant A. BRYSON, Commanding U. S. S. Chippewa. Lieutenant D. L. BRALNE, Commanding U. S. S. Monticello. Acting Master J. I). WARREN, Commandinq U. S. ~S. Victoria. Report of Commander Glisson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mount Vernon. U. S. S. MOUNT VERNON, Off Wilmington, N. C., Jnne 16, 1862. SIR: Your letter of the 10th instant has been received. In answer, I have to state that I have known nothing of the entrance of the Nash rille or of her departure from Wilmiiigtomi. Contrabands state that she rait in on the 25th April an(l out on the 29th of the same month. OiL the 25th April I was on my way to Itaml)ton Roads for coal; on the 29th the Mount Vernon was at Hampton Roads. and it was there that I first heard that the Nashville had got into Wilmington. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. S. (3LissoN, Commander, U. S. Nary. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROITGH, Corn dg. A tlan tic Blockading Squadron, hampton koads. Report of Commander Armstrong, U. S. Navy, cimmanding U. S. S. State of Georgia. U. S. S. STATE OF GEORGIA, Off Wilmington, N. C., June 16, 1862. SIR: Your letter of the 10th instant has beemi received. T have no knowledge of any facts concerning the entrance of the Nashville into this port or her subsequent escape from it. Contrabauds who came off from shore reported, as in entioned in my letter of May 14, her escape from this port prior to the arrival of this ship. I have since heard their statement confirmed. Very respectfully, your obedient servaimt, JAS. F. ARMSTRONG, Commander, Commanding. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron Page 269 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 269 Report of Lieutenant Clitz, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Penobsoot. U. S. STEAM GUNBOAT PENOBSCOT. Off Cape Fear, North Carolina, ~Jane 16, 1862. SIR: lii reply to your letter of the 10th instant, in relation to the arrival and departure of the steamer Nashville at and from the port of Wilmington, N. C., I have to state that I know nothing of my own knowledge, as I was not present at the time. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. M. B. CLITZ, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROuGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading ~Squadron, Norfolk, Va. Report of Lieutenant Bryson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chippewa. U. S. GUNBOAT CHIPPEWA, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, Jane 21, 1862. SIR: Your order, dated Norfolk, Va., Juiie 10, 1862, directing me to send you a full report of all the facts within my knowledge concerning the late entrance of the Nashville iiito Wilmington and her subsequent escave from that port, has been received, and in reply I have to state that of my own knowledge I can say nothing. [n explanation of the above, I would respectfully state that at the time it was said that the Nasheille ran in (on or about the 25th of April) I was at Beaufort, N. C. At the time she is said to have escaped from that harbor (and it is said that she went out of the western bar channel on the night of May 4) 1 was off New Inlet. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. BRYSON, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag--Officer LOUIS M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading ~S1q aadron. Additional order from Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Braine, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Monticello. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Norfolk, Va., ~Jnne 11, 1862. SIR: Iii addition to the information relative to the evasions of the blockade of Wilmington by the Nash nIle, required from you in my letter of yesterday, you will give me in detail an account of your action iii obedience to Commander Greens (lirections to you to run in an(t attempt to destroy the Nashville while aground on the bar at the entrance of the harbor. Your letter to me, dated May 5, does not allude to this order of Com- mander Green. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag. Officer, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding D. L. BRAINE, U. S. S. Monticello, off Wilmington Page 270 270 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant Braine, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Monticello. U. S. S. MONTICELLO, Beau fort, N. (7., June 15, 18(12. Sin: In reply to your letters of Julie 10 and 11, instant, in which you require a full report of all the facts within my knowledge concerning the late entrance of the vashrnle into the port of Wilmington and her subsequent escape from that port; also in detail an account of my action in the matter, I beg leave to state that on Saturday, April 26, 1862, the Monticello being at anchor off the western entrance Cape Fear River, it 3: 30 a. in. we discovered a boat to the southward of Smiths Island pulling up to the northward and westward along the line of Fryitig Pan Shoals. We immediately got underway. The boat proved to be a cutter in charge of Acting Master Bache, from the LI. S. sloop of war Jamestown. Hebroughtnews of a rebel steamer being ashore on thebar at New Inlet entrance, near Federal Point light-house, with orders from Commander Green, of the Jamestown, for the Monticello and steamer Twtoria to proceed around the shoals. I directed the U. S. S. Victoria to follow us, taking in tow the cutter belonging to the Jamestown, and at 7 a. m. stood to the southward to clear the end of Frying Pan Shoals. At 10: 30 a. m. made a sail to the eastward across the shoals, which proved to be the Jamestown; stood across the shoal, and at it: 20 a. m. telegraphed the following to the Jamestown: Shall I tow you? The Jamestown signalized: Communicate, I wish to. 1 ran close to her and was ordered on board by Commander Green. lie (lirected me to take him in tow. At 12 meridian took the Jamestown in tow and stood for New Inlet. At 2: 30 p. in. the weather became squally and thick; wind increased from the northward and eastward; we were ordered to cast off the hawser. We now stood in at full speed to New Inlet, and at 3: 30 p. in. we were near the bar when we discovered a large side- wheel steamer showing English colors lying in Cape Fear River, appar- ently discharging cargo into tugboats alongside of her. I stood in as close to her as the water would permit. She was beyond the reach of our guns. At 4 p. m. stood out to the southward and eastward; at 4: 30 discovered the Victoria and Jamestown and stood for them, making the following telegraphic signals: The strange steamboat is inside, safe, discharging cargo; she is American built. I then received orders from Commander Green to proceed around Frying Pan Shoals to our former station; the Victoria was ordered iiito New Inlet. I immediately stoo(l to the southward and around the shoal and om instant, at 9. 13 a. in., anchored on our i the morning of the 27th station oft the western bar, Cape Fear River. The evening of the 27th instant two deserters froni the Confederate Army stationed at Fort Caswell came oft to the ship in a small boat; their names were Henry Garwood (private) and George Henry (private). My letter to you, May 3 (1862), gave you all the infor- mation I received from them. In that I stated the Nash cille struck on the bar at New Inlet whilst trying to get in and la~ there twenty-eight hours, during which time a portion of her cargo was takemi out by tugs. These deserters were sent to Beaufort, N. C., to be forwarded to yon so that they might give you personally all the information they possessed. I remained at my station on the blockade nntil May 18, when I was ordered by Commander Glisson to Beaufort, N. C., for provisions and coal. At the expiration of forty-eight hours after may arrival there I left Beaufort, N. C., and at 11: 30 p. in., on the night of the 21st of May, I took up niy station on the blockade oft New Inlet. As regards th Page 271 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 271 escape of the steamer Nash iille, I have no personal knowledge of it. I was told l)y some officers that the contrabands which caine off from New Inlet to the U. S. S. (ihippewa said that the Nasliiille ran out of New Inlet entrance to Cape Fear River on the miight of the 29th April, 1862. This, sir, is all the information I possess relative to the entrance and egress of the steamer Nashrille. I am, very resI)ectfully, your obedient servant, D. L. I3RAINE, Lieutenant, Commanding U. i~. AS. Monticello. Flag-Officer I~. M. GOLDSBOROUGH Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, No4oIk. Report of Acting Master Warren, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Victoria. U. S. S. VICTORIA, Ofi Wilininqton Bar, June 15, 1862. Sin: Your orders nmm(ler date of the 10th instant, directing inc to send a full report of all the facts within my knowledge concerning the late entrance of the Nash rille into Wilmington and her subsequent escape from that port, has been received this (lay, and in reply I beg leave to say that on the 26th of April, last, whilst lying off Fort Cas- well, I received orders from Captain Braiiie, of time U. S. S. Monticello, to accompany him around to New Inlet, the other side pf Cape Fear, to assist him to destroy a large steamer said to be ashore there. We imnmimediately started around Frying Pan Shoals. Off the somithermi end of the shoals I was sent to board a vessel some way off; which separated miiny vessel h7onl the Monticello. On my way around I spoke the U. S. sloop of war Jamestown working offshore, the wind blowing strong frommi the northeast, amid she had lost one anchor. I spoke the Monticello, who stated that the steamer above alluded to had floated oft amid gone into the river. I was then ordered by Captain Green to go to the Federal I~oim~t channel and stay there for tIme present. TIme iThntieello returmied to Fort Caswell to guard that channel. It being at that time too dark to approach the channel, I kept underway all imight. 0mm the 27th, at daylight, I stood in, and at 8 oclock a. in. anchored in 9 fathoms of water. At 11:30 Igot underway and stoo(l in nearer the channel. Seelming a steamer aground in the river, I stoo(l iii as near as I dared to, and made the steamer imiside to be the Nashville (as I sill) posed). I iminediafely seimt a rided 30-pounder shell at her, but she was too far distamit for me to reach her. At 3 p. m. the steamer floated and went up the river. I kept umiderway till 6 oclock, sounding and taking bearings. At 6 p. m. I anchored off the channel as imear as I could ju(lge. I have heard mammy stories about tIme Nashville, but this is all I know about her. All of which is most respectfully submitted. Your obedient servant, J. I). WARREN, Acting ill aster, Conunanding U. S. S. Victoria. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH Conunand ing North Atlantic Blockading Squadron Page 272 272 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of the opinion of the court of enquiry. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 8, 1862. SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of the 01)1111011 of the court of enquiry which was recently convened at Philadelphia for the purpose of inves- tigating the causes of the escape of the rebel steamer Nashville from capture while aground near New Inlet Nort April last. , h Carolina, on the 24th of The court, it appears, are of opinion that The discretion of the senior officer, Commander Glisson, of the Mount Vernon, in leaving the station when he did, without being relieved, was not well exercised, and in a great measure tended toward the escape of the Nashville. As the Department can not give the detailed and specific instructions which might remedy a want of judgment or discretion in subordinate officers of a squadron, it must rely upon the vigilance of the flag-officer for such supervision as will prevent a repetition of occurrences so little creditable to the service as the escape of the Nashville. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII, Commanding, etc., Norfidk, Va. [Enclosure.] Opinion of the cou,t. The opinion of the court relative to the facts and incidents which have come before them in their investigation of the f~ilure to capture the rebel steamer (supposed to be the Nashville) whilst aground on the New Inlet Bar by the U. S. ship Jamestown, commanded by Commander Charles Green, is as follows: The court is impressed with the fact given in evidence that the James- town was ordered to sea in great haste by the commanding officer of the blockading squadron from Hampton Roads, through the urgency of the Navy Department, without having completed her repairs, in being unsupplied with the full complement of boats and anchors. In the opinion of the court, the condition of the ship tended very much to impair the efficiency of the Jamestown and to lessen the confidence of the commander and officers in her ability to perform the service of the blockade; written evidence is produced that Commander Charles Green remonstrated against going to sea thus unprepared, but obeyed his orders. The court is of opinion that the part of the coast of North Carolina abont Cape Fear is one of the most exposed during the winter and spring months, rendering very difficnlt and at times almost impossible for a sailing vessel to maintain position, and frequently very dangerous, especially with a defective outfit. It is doubtful, in the mind of the court, whether the force, consisting of the Jamestown and three steamers, was competent to guard the two entrances to the Cape Fear River and maintain a strict blockade, the first being a sailing vessel and the last, steamers defective ~11 their machinery. There were no directions given to the commanders of these vessels how to act or to what their attention was to be called, and they were permitted to leave their stations for supplies without being relieved by others Page 273 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 273 In the opinion of the court, the discretion of the senior officer, Com- mander Glisson, of the Mount lemon, iii leaving the station when he did, without being relieved, was not well exercised, and iii a great measure tended toward the escape of the Ncu~hrille, as the guarding of the New Inlet was left thereby entirely to the Jamestown, a sailing vessel, with an armament inadequate, as has been proved, deficient in an anchor and a first cutter, while the old channel was left to be guarded by the JIOflticell() and lictori((, steamers. It is the opinion of the court that Commander Green, on discovering lights while at anchor to the northward of the bar, acted on the even- ing of the 23(1 of April with cautious prudence ~I1 slipping his cable and getting underway, aiid they are satisfied that lie used all (liligence to keel) his ship as iiear the entrance (luring the night as the weather permitted. From the evening of the 28d to the afternoon of the 25th it is shown that the state of the weather was such as to preclude his maintaining a position under sail to intercept vessels bound in or out. Had Commander Glisson left one of the three steamers iu his company, this could have been effected, as appears to the court was his duty to have ordered. The court thinks that Commander Green should have guided his movements by the time of high water an(l have sighted the bar at that time, when vessels bound out or in would have, in all prob- ability, made the attempt to run the blockade. The court was sur- prised to find that no attention had been l)ai(1 to this event, and that no attention appears to have been giveli to the tides. There is little doubt, from the information derived from the witnesses and the documents submitted to the court, that the Nash rule passed in on the morning of the 24th and grouII(led on the bar at that time, where she lay some thirty-six hours, till the morning tide of the 26th Al)ril. The court is of opinion that after the discovery of the rebel steamer aground on the afternoon of the 25th Commander Green had not the force to attack her or effect her capture, by reason of the inade- quate armament of the Jamestown, in having no gnus of long rammge, or with boats at iiight, being deficient in a first (utter. Finding himu- self so situated, he consulted his officers, wno coincided in his opinion, when lie ma(le (lihigent exertions to procure the aid of the steamers to effect the capture or destruction of the rebel steamner. At the samne time, it is in evidence that those two steamers, the Monticello and Vic- toria (the Mount lemon having left her station the day before without a relief) were some distance off, and the Monticello defective in her machinery, from ~vhich cause his iutemmtions were retarded and frus- trated by the delay which ensued. The court would also notice the willful neglect and deviation of Acting Master Warren, in command of the Victoria, from his orders, in giving chase to a schooner, thus failing to join the Jamestown in the shortest possible tune. It is extremuehy (loubttul whether the Jamestown and the two steamers were of sufficient force to have made any successful attempt to capture the rebel steamer after she had got off and within the par, or have effected her destruction, although the Victoria was of light (Iraft of water, protected, as the rebel steanmer was, by the forts and the armed tugs that had come to her assistamice. If it had been possible, it was not deemed advisable to attempt it. The high character of Commander Green for energy amid attention to his duties, which the officers of time Jamestown have borne testimony to, has satisfied the court that Commamider Green, under the circamstamices, N W UVOL 71 Page 274 274 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. acte(l with desire to perform his duty, an~ that the escape of the Xash- rule is in iio manner to be imputed to the neglect of Commander Charles Green, commanding the Jamestown at the time and place of said escape. ChARLES WILKES, Captain, U. AS. 7~ary, and President of the Court. WILLIAM lB. WHITMAN, Judge-A dvoeate. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, making comments upon the opinion of the court of enquiry in the case cf Commander Green, U. S. Navy. V. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Nofoll, Ia., July 14, 1862. SIn: The opinion of the court of enquiry in the case of Commander Charles Green, of the Jamestown, a COI)Y of which was recently for- warded me by the Department, accompanied by remarks from the honorable Secretary, contains some statements so unfounded in fact and so calculated to injure others entirely innocent of wrong in the premises, that I deem it incumbent upon inc to submit to you the fol- lowing comments with regard to theni and the papers herewith tramis- mnitted. It is very clear to my mind that the evidence adduced, instead of being full and complete in relation to the affair involved, was but of a very meager character, although it may have beemi the best, in absence of important witnesses, that could have been obtained; and that upon this the opinion is predicated. It is stated that The court is impressed with the fact given in evidence that the ~konesIown was ordered to sea in great haste l)y the commanding officer of the blockading squadron from Hampton Roads, through the urgency of the iNaVy 1)epartmnent, without having completed her repairs in beino unslll)phied with the Pill complement of boats and anchors. As t.bis stands, and with the opinion separated from the proceedings, one would naturally infer that I am the officer alluded to, and the omission therefore to name who, in the minds of the court, that coin- inanding officer was, is calculated to implicate me. The truth is, at the time in view I was and had been for several weeks in the sounds of North Carolina. I had nothing whatever to do with the preparation of the Jamestown for service, nor did I order her to sea. Again, in alluding to the Jamestown and three steamers as being the vessels detailed to guard the entrances to Cape Fear Ri~rer, it is stated: There were no directions given to the commanders of these vessels how to act, or to what their attention was to be called, and they were permitted to leave their stations for supplies without being relieved by others. So far from there being the slightest truth in this conclusion about directions to commanding officers, I doubt whether in the whole his- tory of blocl~ades such minute instructions ever were given to cruisers as those furnished to all the vessels of the North Atlantic Rlockading Squadron engaged 011 blockading service; and iii support of this asser- tion, and as a matter of justice to mnyself I ask that the accompanying papers may be carefully examined. They are just such as were given to the vessels alluded to in the opinion, and as have been given to every vessel of this squadron sent on blockading service since a very short time after I tirst took conmmand in it. If they contain no (lirec- tions to commanders how to act or to what their attention is to b Page 275 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 275 called, then I am incapable of issuing any that will, lint upon this point the Department will judge for itself and decide upon the conse- quence due to the courts retlections. It is not a little remarkable that as tar back as last December the president of the court, Captain Wilkes, obtained from me a printed copy of all these papers, except, of course, those headed extracts, etc.; and, unless I am greatly mistaken, Captain Riuggold, another member of the court, must also have been simila rlv provided with them. And it is further stated that The court would also notice the willful neglect and deviation of Aeting Master Warren, in command of the Victoria, from his orders, in giving chase to a schooner, thus failing to join the Jamestown in the shortest possible time. Upon this, very naturally, the Department has felt itself called upon to dismiss Acting Master Warren from his command; but it now turns out, from the proceedings of another court of ell(luiry, which were for- war(le(l by me yesterday to the Department, that Acting Master War- i-eu was ordered by his superior officer, Lieutenant Comntuanding Braine, to do the very thing which has brought upon him the courts censure, an(l resulted in his displacement. So much for relying implicitly upon mere ex JJ(~te testimony. 1 find that I omitted to notice in the proper place the remark of the court about the vessels being permitted to leave their stations for sup- l)lies without being relieved by others. No vessel of this squadron has been allowed to leave her blockading station except in a case of abso line necessity. Every available one had to be kept constantly on blockading service, and thus an arrangement of relief vessels was I a practicable. 1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSEoRoUGII, FlQq- Officer, (Jomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Sqaadron. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nacy, Washington, D. (J. Record of proceedings of a court of enquiry, held on board the U. S. S. Penobsoot, June 24, 1862. * * * * * * * The court convened pursuant to adjournment on the 28th instant, at 10 oclock a. in. Present, Commander 0. S. Glisson, Lieutenant Coin. manding J. M. B. Clitz, Lieutenant Cominaudimig II. N. T. Arnold, J udge-Advocate Theodore E. Smith. The proceedings of the last meeting were read amid approved. There being no further testimony to be obtained on this station, and after reading over the evidence and maturely dehiberatimig thereon, the court are of the following opinion: That no person or persons oii board of the U. S. S. Monticello or the U. S. S. Victoria are at all censurable for the entramice or escape of the steamer Nash rille iiito or from the port of Wilmingtomi, N. C., in April last. But the court are of the opinion that Commander J. F. [Charles] Green, of the U. S. ship Jamestown, is censurable for not having destroyed or attempting to destroy the s1Il)posed steamer Nashville while ashore on the bar of New Inlet, N. C., on the 2tth April, 1862. Also for imot having nmailmtaine(1 his prOper station on blockading serv- ice. The court feel called upon to say that they have labored unde Page 276 276 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. great disadvantages in passing an opinion on Commander Greeii with- out having been able to obtain evidence from either him [or] his officers and crew. 0. 5. GussoN, (Jommander, Senior Officer. J. M. B. CLITZ, Lieutenant, Commanding, U. S. Navy. H. N. T. ARNOLD, Lieutenant, Commanding, U. S. Navy. THEODORE E. SMiTH, Judge-Advocate. The court having finished the business before it, adjourned. Commander 0. 5. GLissoN, Senior Officer. THEODORE B. SMITH, Judge-Advocate. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the repair8 to the U. S. S. Galena. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 25, 13G2. SIR: The damages sustained by the machiuery of the (Jalena are being repaired at our own workshop on shore at Fortress Monroe and 1 am greatly in hopes, from the reports I receive, that they will all be made good iu the course of to-day. There are difficulties, however, to contend with, but I have a strong impression that they will be effec- tually overcome. Nothing of importance has transpired here since my last. I am, very resi)ectfully, your obedient servant, E. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- 0 Jlcer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, regarding the steamers Patroon, Massachusetts, and Port Royal. NAVY DEPARTMENT, A 25, 18G2. SIR: If you can spare the Patroon send her to Port Royal with orders to report to Flag-Officer Du Pout for duty in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. The steamer Massachusetts will probably leave New York to-day. The steamer Port Royal, Lieutenant George U. Morris commanding, is now under orders to report to you for duty. She may riot be ready for sea before the 30th instant. I am, respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH Page 277 NORTH ATLANTIO BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 277 Letter from Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, to Major- General Burnside, U. S. Army, reporting the successful obstruction of the North River Canal. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off Elizabeth City, April 25, 1862. GENERAL: We have effectually obstructed the North iRiver Canal.* I enclose you an abstract from the Norfolk 1)ay Book, which Flusser captured in the post-office on the morning of his arrival in the canal. I have been up the Pasquotank several juiles above Elizabeth City. Troops can be landed on either side of the river within 6 miles of South Mills. The body of the adjntait has been sent in by flag of truce and brought off by the Delaware. General Blanchard informs Major Jardine (who was here for the wonuded) that they, the wounded, have becit sent to Fortress Monroe. I also enclose a communication from General Blanchard to General IReno. Yery respectfully, S. C. ROWAN, Comman(ling U. S. Naral Forces, Sounds North Carolina.. Major-General A. E. BURNSIDE, Corn man ding 1)epartment North Carolina. Bombardment and capture of Fort Macon, NI C., April 2526, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Iilianmpton Roads, Virginia, May 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that Fort Macon is miow in our })ossession. rUle accompanying reports give all the official information I have received with regard to its capture. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag. Otficer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. lou. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Lieutenant Franklin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Ellis. IT. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off New Beruc, N. C., May 1, 1862. SIR: I have this moment anchored off New Berne and avail myself of the mail to-morrow to inform you of the fall of Fort Macon, after a bombardment of ten hours. I enclose copy of Lieutenant Commanding Franklins report of his participation in the affair, which has disappointed me. I regret to say that this officer did not make prize of the vessels in port, but suffered Captain Lockwood to come in and seize them. I forbore captnring these vessels before the fort fell, in consequence of their being English, though principally owned by rebels. A part of the Albemarle and Chesapeake Canal Page 278 278 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I refer the matter for your consideration. I think the vessels are my 1)rlzes. I have the honor to be, very resl)eettully. your obedient servant, S. (2. i~OWAN, Corn dy. lii. S. 2\aval Threes, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. Nil. GoLnsnououun, Comdg. Ao rth Atlantic Blochadiuq Sql(adrOn, Hampton Roads. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. ELLIS, Off Beai~fort, N C., April 26, 1862. Sm: I have the honor to make to you the follo~ving report: Fort Macoii suVrendered after being bombarded for ten hours. In my letter of the 28d instant to you I mentioned the sul)erior range of the forts gnus and my inability to reach it at 2 miles, even with the increased charge of S pounds. On Friday, the morning of the attack, the wind was fresh from the southward and westward, making sufficient sea to render my fire very uncertain and to endanger the vessel on the shoals. These circumstances and the poor range of my gun decided me not to engage with the Ellis, so I was obliged to content myself with offer- ing the services of my people to assist at the gnus on the canal boats. Mr. Porter worked one for a short while, but orders soon came to stop it, and when the firing ceased [we] were engaged in sounding out a better position for them. \Tery respectfully, your obedient servant, C. L. FRANKLIN, Lieutenant, Commanding Ellis. Commander S. C. IIOWAN, Commanding 12. 5. Na cal Forces in North Carolina. Report of commander Lockwood, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Daylight. U. S. S. 1)AYLIGHT, Beaufort Harbor, April 26, 1862. 8w: I have the pleasure to inform you that Fort Macon is ours after one (lays boiiibardiiueut, iii whicb the oinul~oats under my command participate(l. Our loss is one engineer, wounded in the arm by a round shot, or rather the splinters, the shot entering our starboard quarters an(l lodging in the opposite side of the ship. The army had 2 wounded and 1 killed, I hear. Particulars of our part in the capture hereafter. In haste. Yours, respectfully, SAML. LocKwooD, Commander and Senior Officer. Flag--Officer L. M. (?rOLDSBOROUGII, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Additional report of Commander Lockwood, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Daylight. U. S. PROPELLER DAYLIGHT, Beaufort Harbor, April 27, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 25th instant our batteries on shore being in position, fire was opened about 6 a. m. on Fort Macon Page 279 NORTh ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 279 Oii its being reported, J got underway and steamed toward the other blockading vessels, making signals foi them to get underway, to pre- Inre for action, and form in line ahead. When within range, as near as the shoals allowed us to approach, the Daylight opemied tire, followed in succession by the steanmer State of (Jeoryi((, Comman(ler James V. Armstrong; the gunboat Cit ippetta, Lieutenant Coininamidiug A. Bryson, and the bark (lemsbolc, Acting Lieutenant Edward Cavendy. The three steamers kept underway, steaming around in a circle, delivering their tire as they came within range at a mile and a quarter distant from the fort. The bark anchored. After firing a number of rounds of shot and shell, fimiding that the sea from a southwest wind blowing on shore caused the vessels to roll so quick and deep as to render our guns almost unmanageable, to affect our range and the accuracy of our aim, I reluctantly withdrew, after being engaged about an hour and a quarter, hoping that the wind amid sea would subside so as to enable us to renew our firing in the after- noon. I the more readily adopted that course, as we did not contemn- plate to be continuously engaged, but to occasionally open fire omi time enemny, whom we expected would hold out for several (lays. The wind amid sea increasing rendered the renewal of the engagement impracti- cable that afternoon by the gumiboats. Toward evening a flag ot truce was displayed from time fort, which passed into our possession the follow- ing morning, and we heartily cheered the reappearance of our glorious tlag over the ramparts of Foit Macon about 10 a. iii., April 26, 1862. On entering- the l)ort I had an interview with Major-General Burn si(le and we signed on jointly the terms of capitulation the part of the liidtcd States forces. \Vc expended nearly half of our 15-second fuzed shells, and, I am happy to say, with good effect, and our time of attack was most oppor- tune, as we (Irew the fire of time enemy from an imuportaut land l)attery, which enabled our forces to repair damages caused by the concentrated fire of the enemy thereon. The fire of the enemy on the vessels from guns of greater range was excellent; their shot and shell fell around us in every direction. Many good line shots l)assed just over and beyommd us, as we successively l)assed their line of fire, and we were exceedingly fortuimate in receiving so little damage. The Daylight was struck by an Vhf-inch solid shot on time starboard quarter below the spar deck, passimin g through several bulkheads and the deck below to the opposite side of the vessel in time engimme room about 6 inches above the machinery, amnong which it (Iropped. A sl)hinter fractured the smuall bone of the rioht forearm of Actimig Third Assistant Engimmeer Eugene J. Wade; an(l I am happy to state that this was the only casualty that occurred afloat. I am informned that our forces on shore had 1 killed and 2 wouminded, alI(1 that time enemy lmad S killed and 20 wounded. It is remnam-kable that so imuportant a victory should have beemi achieved with so little loss of life, particularly as the interior of the fort was literally covered with fraginemits of bombs and shell, ammd many of their guns disabled. I herewith enclose the reports of the several commnanders, and it gives me great pleasure to commend the gallantry of all. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servamint, SA1~iL. LOCKWOOD, Commander and Senior Officer Present. Flag--Officer Louis M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Coindg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 280 280 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Renort of Commander Armstrong, U~ S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. State of Georgia U. S. S. STATE OF GEORGIA, Off Port Macon, N. C., AI)ril 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to hand herewith a statement of the amount of ammunition expended during the action of yesterday. The lire of the enemy was well directed, their shot and shell falling thick and fast around us, one passing through the American ensign at the peak. While making the circle under the tire of the fort we touched bottom slightly, without damage. The coolness an(1 spirit displayed by the officers and crew of this ves- sel deserve the highest praise. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES F. ARMSTRONG, Commander. Captain SAMUEL LocKwooD, Commander and A~enior Officer, off Port ]IJi((coit, AT. C. Report of lieutenant Bryson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chippewa. U. S. GUNBOAT CHIPPEWA, Beai{firt, April 27, 1262. SIR: In obedience to your orders T herewith transmit you an account of the part takeim by this vessel at the bombardment of Fort Macon on the 25th instant. In accordance with your signal we got underway at 8 oclock and, following in line, stood in for the fort. I am surprised that our tiring should have been so accurate, when I take into consideration the roll- ing of the vessel. At times the muzzle of our XI-iiich pivot gun was within a very short distance of the water. I)nring the time we were iu the engagement, we tired twelve rounds from the XI-inch gun and ten from the 20-pounder Parrott. The shell from the fort passed through our rigging and exploded all around us, but I am happy to be able to state that no one was injured; neither did the hull or rigging receive the slightest damage. Both officers and men, few of whom had ever been nuder lire before, behaved with the greatest coolness and bravery. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. BRYSON, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commander SAiXIL. LocKwooD, & nior Officer Present. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Cavendy, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Gemsbok. U. S. S. [BARK] GEMSBOK, Off Beaifort, N. C., April 25, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you the following statement of the part this vessel took in the bombardment of Fort Macon betweeii the hours of 8 and 10 a. in. on the above date. Agreeably to signal from my senior officer I prepared the ship rea(Iy for action. At 7: 55 perceived signal to get underway to the fort an Page 281 281 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. open fire. At 8 hove up anchor and stood in toward Fort Macon and anchored close in to the breakers in 4 fathoms water, distant 1 mile (large distance) from the fort. Immediately opened fire and continued firing until the flagship stood off, when I hove up anchor and stood for the anchorage. Fired twenty. eight shot and shell at the fort. Having but a small quantity of long- range fuzes that would reach it, compelled me to use hollow shells and shot instead. l)uriiig the time the ship was in action several shot and shell came very near us; only one did any damage, however, carrying away the torwar(l starboard niaintopmast backstay 10 feet from the deck; also carrying away main topsail halyards and main brace. 1 am, sk, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDw. CAVENDY, Commanding Gemsbok. SA1~IUEL LocKwooD, Senior O~icer, Commanding U. S. S. Daylight. Order of congratulation of F1ag.Officer Goldsborough, U S. Navy, to Commander Lockwood, U. S. Navy, and regarding the disposition of vessels. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 2, 1862. SIR: I beg to congratulate you and the officers and men associated with you upon the capture of Fort Macon. Be good enough to coiumu- iiicate to them my entire satisfaction at the gallant conduct evinced on the occasion, and receive for yourself the same manifestation. The attention of the Navy Department is already drawn to the deed. I wish you to send the Chippewa and State of Georgia off Wilmiiig- ton, IN. C., without delay, to assist in blockading that place. The Daylight and Gemsboh can remain at Beaufort until further orders. I have this day ordered a thousand tons of coal to be sent from Philadelphia to Beaufort for the use of our vessels there and oft Wilmington, and also a full supply of provisions, stores, and clothing to be sent from Baltimore to Beaufort for the same purpose. Tell the comn)anding officers of the Chippewa and State of Georgia that here- after they will find supplies at Beaufort, and direct them to inform the commanding officers they may meet off Wilmington that they, too, hereafter, are to go to Beaufort for supplies. In short, no vessel sta- tioned at Beaufort or off Wilmington is to come here unless her condi- tion is such as to render the move absolutely necessary, or unless she be ordered by the Navy Department or myself to do so. It is very desirable that the coals, provisions, stores, etc., should be landed and stored conveniently and safely, so as to avoid demurrage. This you will endeavor to manage. The clerk accompanying the l)1~O- visions, etc., is to remain with them and attend to their delivery, taking all necessary receipts. Direct him, however, not to deliver any article unless there be a requisition for it, duly approved by the senior naval officer present. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag. Officer. Commander LocKwooD, U. S. S. Daylight Page 282 282 NORTR ATLANTIC I3LOCKADTNG SQUADRON. Report of Commander Lockwood, U. S. Navy, regarding the steamers Alliance and Gondar, captured at the fall of Fort Macon, transmitting terms of capitulation. U. S. S. DAYLIGHT, i~eaifort Harbor, N. C., ~1Lay 8, 18G2. SIR: On the Cal)ture of Fort Macon I found two ships, the Alliance and (jondar flying the English flag, lying itear the railroad depot at Morehead City, in charge of their masters, with a guard of soldiers oii board to prevent the removal of the cargo or property, consisting of turpentine, rosin, aIi(l cotton, and yesterday Brigadier-G eneral Parke in conunand of this division, turned them over to moe, with SIHI(lry paperS thund at the custommi-hiouse when our forces entered 1}eaufort, ou examining which I ama satisfied that they are lawful prizes, an(l have no doul)t but that their transfer to the English flag is fraudulent. Report says they belong to parties in Charleston, S. C., and New York. They have beemi here since time latter part of August last, amI(1 claim to have arrived before a blockade of the harbor existed, and the captain of the Alliance says he applied to the commanding officer in less than fifteen (lays after the blockade actually took place for permission to leave. I limid that the Gondar took imi cargo as late as the 22d January last, and they have been watching for a chance to run the blockade, having sev- eral times dropped down near the entrance of the harbor for that pur- l)ose. The Alliance, from her bills of la(hing, dated St. John, New Brunswick, August 12, 1861, must have cleared for Havana amid emitered at the Confederate custoum-hmonse, Beaufort, N. C., August 28, 1861. Time Gondar, by her bills of lading, found also at the Comifederate customn-house, dated Liverpool, July 3, 1861, must have cleared for Nassau, New Providence, an(l entered Beanfort custom-house Septemo- ber 2, 1861. Being satisfied that they are lawful prizes, I have put a prmze crew on board of each and ordered them to New York for adjudi- cation. The Gondars cargo was salt and iron. The captain of the Alliance is Imere. 11cr (argo consisted of grimmdstommes, quicksilver, cas- tor oil, spool cotton, mackerel, tin 1)late, block timi, bar iron, sheet iromi, iron wire, pig iron, and two trumiks of 1)ercmtssioml caps. The log book of the (~ondar is missing for time perio(l prior to Captain Matthew Robert Goodings leavimig her to command the Nashville, and ~John Jennings was al)1)ointed to command the Gondar March 17, 1862, time day the Nashville is said to have run time blockade. Both ships are American built, and have had their namne and Liverpool recently painted on their stern, under which, on one of Ihern, suflicient letters are visible to make out Charleston. There is said to be at the railroad depot about 400 barrels of rosin and turpentine which, report says, was formerly loaded on board the bark Glenn to run the blockade, l)ut was subsequently lamided to comi- vert her into a privateer. I shall enquire into it, and if I can get sufficient proof of that fact, I shall confiscate it amid semmd it North for adjudication. The U. S. ship Gemsbok will sail in company with the above prizes, convoying them as far as off the capes of the Chesapeake, when she will go to Hampton Roads amid they to New York. There is a report here that the Nashville ran out of Wilmington, N. C., on the 30th April, takimig with her two steaumboat and one lighter loads of cotton, hurriedly put on board and nustowed. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML. LocKwooD, Commander and Senior Qftlcer. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 283 283 NORTH ATLA~TIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. P. S.1 send also herewith a COPY of the terms of capitulation of Fort Macon. S. LOCKWOOD. [Enclosure.] hums oJ capita lulion. FORT MACON, N. C., April 26, 1R62. The following are the terms of capitulation agLeC(l 111)011 for thc sur- rcllder to the forces of the United States of Fort Macoti, Bogne flaiiks, North Carolina: ARTICLE 1. The fort, armament, and garrison to be surrendered to the forces of the United States. ARTICLE 2. The ofticers and men of the garrison to be released Oil their l)arole of honor not to take ill) arms against the United States of America until prol)erlY exchanged, and to return to thcir homes, taking with them all their private effects, such as clothing, bedding, books, etc. M. J. WHITE, Colonel, C. S. Army, Commanding Fort Macon. SAML. LOCKWOOD, Comjnander, U. S. Nary, an(i Senior 0/fleer. JOIIK (~. PARKE, Brigadier- General I ~o 1 unteers, Commanding Third Division, Department North Carolina. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborongh, U. S. Navy, acknowledging the Departments communications. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 26, 1862. Sin: The information, dated the 22d instant, from the Department coil cernin g the steamers Baha ma, Mel ita, and Miemphis, has been received alld )rinted. The informatimm about tile vessels at Liverpool and 13cr- Illuda preparing to violate this blockade, selIt to IIiC from tile Depart- ment on the 25th, has just been received; also the dispatch dated the 24th concerning the steamship Karnak, and that of the 25th relating to the I~a,troon, Massachusetts, and Port Royal. I have the honor to state that I have chartered the schooner Victory for the puipose of keeping our naval force in the York Itiver supplied with ammunition. I enclose ilerewith the duplicate of the charter party. The Connecticut arrived here from the south this morning. The engineer reports that the rel)airs on tile Galena will be completed to-day. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Otjlcer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary oJ the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Major- General Wool, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Golds- borongh, U. S. Navy, transmitting information from the command~ng officer at Fort Wool. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Jlonroe, April 26, 1862. SIR: Enclosed herewith I have the honor to transmit a note just received from Lieutenant.Colonel ilelleday, commanding at Fort Wool Page 284 284 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. for your information, although it is probable that you are already aware of tlie movemeii ts of the rebels referred to. JOHN E. WOOL, Flag-Officer L. M. cTOLDSBOROUGH, Major- General. U. A~. Steam I Frigate Minnesota, ilampton Roads. [Enclosure.] Fomi WOOL, April 26, 1862. SIR: Everything quiet at Fort Wool. I presume it is reported to and known at headquarters that the rebels are basy sounding the chaunel opposite and this side of Sewells Point, and that floating lights are to be seen at night at the place where the boats worked during the day. A gtlnl)oat might destroy those buoys, or whatever they are. I am, colonel, most respectfully, yours, G. 13. HELLEDAY, Lieutenant- Colonel, Commanding Fort Wool. Colonel W. I). WHIPPLE, Assistant Adjutanb General. Report of Flay- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, relative to some of the cessels (~J his comn?an(l. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 27, 1862. SIR: In consequence of discharging the crew, formerly of the Cam- berlaa(l, agreeably to your order of the 25th instant, I shall iiot have itmen enough left for the Braziliera. Can 40 men be sent here for that ship? The Mount Vernon, just arrived from off Wilmington, will also have to be provided with a new crew forthwith, and it will take some (() men for the purpose. In all, therefore, 100 men are now required here. The frigate St. Lawrence arrived here to-day. The machinery of the Galena has been repaired. Agreeably to your instructions of the 25th instant, I have to-day ordered the Patroon to Port Royal. I have also sent the Chocura to York River; the Pen obseot is to return here from that place. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the communication from the l)epartinent concerning James Corlace, killed on the 12th ultimo. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. cTIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, P. C. Report of Commander Glisson, U. S. Navy, regarding the inadequate force on the blockade off Wilmington, N. C. U. S. S. MOUNT VERNON, Hampton Roads, Virginia, April 27, 1862. SIR: I have to report to yoa the arrival of the U. S. S. Mount Vernon from Wilmington, N. C. I have also to rel)ort that the Jamestow Page 285 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 285 will have to return for supplies on the 1st May. The illonttcello can remain until the 15th and the Victoria na til the 20th May. After the Jamestown leaves there will be only two vessels oft Wilmington, one off each entrance, which force is totally inadequate to maintain an effi- cieiit l)lockade. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. S. (3LIssON, Commander, U. S. Nary. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding [North] Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Order from Flag- OtJicer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Acting iiiaster Lelar, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Patroon, to proceed to duty in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. U. S. FLAGShIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, April 27, 1862. Sw: You will l)roceed to Port Royal, S. C., and report to Flag-Officer Du Pont for duty in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. (4oLDSBORoUGII, Flag- lc6r. Acting Master Commanding ROBEItT G. LELAR, U. S. S. Patroon, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Order front Commander Bowan, U. ~. Navy, to Lieutenant Murray, U. S. Nary, to dispatch the U. S. S. Miors~ to Elizabeth City, N~ C. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, 0fl~ Elizabeth City, April 27, 1862. Sin: On the arrival of the Underwriter you will dispatch the Morse with orders to rel)ort to the senior officer off Elizabeth City. Direct the Morse to coal before leaving and not to ran on snags in passing through Croatan Sound. Direct Captain Hays to arrange his movements so that he will make good anchorage at night and avoid grounding anywhere. Very respectfully, S. C. i~OwAN, Coniman ding Naval Forces etc Lieutenant Commanding A. MURRAY, Commanding U. S. S. Louisiana. Letter from Lieutenant Badger, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Wise, ET. S. Navy, advising the use of liquid fire to repel boarders on the U. S. S. Monitor. U. S. S. ANACOSTIA, Rappahannock River, April 27, 1862. DEAR SIR: It has occurred to me, from the movements of the Mier- rimack on her last visit to Hampton Roads, and from other reasons, that the enemy has sonic plan to draw the Monitor oat from under the guns of the fortress, in order to capture her by boarding and towing her up Elizabeth River by her (the Merrimacks) superior power or momentum Page 286 286 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Suppose half a dozen men were to spring on the ]ilionitors decks pro~ vided with grapuels and chains, and make them fast, just after her two guns had been fired; uiidoubtedly she could be towed off and they could not help themselves. It seems to me that it would not be difficult for theni to l)rovide a few men with armor to perform this duty, and with coniparative safety, since only musketry could be used against them. In such an event it strikes me that the liquid lire, with which you witnessed an experiment four or five months ago at the navy yard, Washington, would be a good thing to drive them off with. The pipe of a hose thrown out of the small holes in the dome, or out of the l)ilOt house, would, I think, clear the (lecks sooner than the heaviest discharge of musketry that could possibly be brought to bear. If you thiiik well of this idea, pray call Foxs attention to it. lie was present and witnessed the effect of the liquid fire on the occasion referred to. Very truly, yours, 0. C. BADGER. Lieutenant H. A. WIsE U. S. Navy, Ordnance Bureau, Nary Department, lVash in gton. Letter from Major- General Wool, U. S. Army, to Flay- (Njicer (Joldsbor- onqh, U. S. Nary, giving intelligence regar(iing the C. ~. S. Virginia (Merrimack). HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF ViRGINIA, Port Monroe, Virginia, April 27, 1862. I)EAR SIR: I send a man (contraband) who, with several others just arrived from Portsmouth [Norfolk] navy yard. ~ has He is intelligent and can give you some information as to the talk of the Merrimacks intention to conic out to-morrow. He also brings intelligence of our navy having arrived at New Orleans, as reported in the yesterdays Richmond paper, etc. By direction of Major-General Wool: T. J. CRAM, Colonel Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROU Gil. lid-dc- Camp. Report 0J Flag~QJlcc,- U oldsbo rough, U. S. Navy, regarding the movements oJ vessels. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, 1 ~irginia, April 28, 1862. SIR: The U. S. S. Cambridge returned to her blockading station off Wilmington, N. C., yesterday afternoon. Last night the U. S. S. 1~enobscot arrived here from York River. Copies of the gemieral lorderi from the Department, forbidding the communication of intelligence concerning naval movements, etc., have beeii received and will at once be distributed, with directions that they are to be read publicly on the qLlarter-deck of every vessel in this squadron. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary Page 287 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQU ADRON. 287 Order of Flay-Officer (Joldsborough, U. & Nary, to Commander (ilisson, U. S. Narq, to proceed with the U. S. S. Mount Vernon to Baltimore for repa rs. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, hampton Roads, April 28, 1862. SIR: You will proceed to Baltimore with the ]Iliount Vernon under your command and have her boiler repaired there with all possible dispatch. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROTJGH, Flag- Officer. Commander 0. S. GLISSON, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Mount Vernon, ilampton Roads. Letter from Commander Missroon, U. S. Navy, to ulfajor-General McClellan, U. S. Army, regarding the York River defenses. U. S. S. WACHUSETT York River, April28, 1862. GENERAL: I have reason to believe that the enemy has withdrawn his long-range rifles from Yorktown and has placed them in the woods, to operate oi this anchorage. The shells for the two 100-pounder ves- sels are nearly exhausted, and I am just now advised that a supply vessel mimay not be expected under three days and to husband our shells iii time meantime. Should the enemy place rifles behind emubankmemmts 900 yards beyond the margin of the river our 11-inch gnus could not reach them, their range for accurate firing being only 1,320 yards and short of 3,000 yards at extreme elevation, while the 100-pounders, mounted on extremely vulnerable vessels, with their machinery exposed and with crews as yet unl)racticed, and short of shell, thongli with abnndance of shot, could do little toward displacing the enemy. As the first duty of importance for the vessels will be to cover the landing of General Franklins division, they mnst be kept intact and. ready for it. I therefore think it proper to take a position somewhat farther outside mny present anchorage till I get a supply of ammunition, or till General Franklin be ready to move, bnt in the meautline shall keel) a steamer in position to protect the l)omltoons I see near Sand Box, amid shall also throw a few 1 [-inch shells iiuto Yorktown or Gloucester, when l)racticable, at night. I should think that the pontoons at Sand Box indicate to the enemy the intention to land at Gloucester. Very respectfnlly, ~. ~. MI~S~OON, Commander. Major-General GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN, Corn dy. Army of the Potomac, Headquarters near Yorktown, Va. Order of Connnander Rowan, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Quackenbush, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Delaware, to proceed on an cvpedi- tion up A lbemarie Sound. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off Elizabeth City, April 29, 1862. SIR: Proceed up the Albemarle Sound with the Delaware under your coinmuand, accompanied by the (Jeres and. Whitehead. You will visit Hertford, show your force off Edenton, and visit Plymouth Page 288 288 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Should there be any vessels on the stocks you ~vil1 destroy them, if of sufficient size to be used by the rebels. It is reported that a small steamer is hauled up and concealed in the Perqnimans River, near Blanchards Bridge; if you find you can, with- out too much risk, cut her out, do so. Report says there is some militia stationed at the bridge. Use good discretion. Say to the people of the towns you visit that their safety depends on their neutrality and good conduct. Promise nothing in the way of protection to any of these people residing on shore. Communicate with Plymouth and llertford in person, and keep your people in hand, that they neither scatter nor do violence to private property. Public property will be seized and destroyed, and such vessels as you may find will be captured. Dont remain over night in the river within musket range. As soon as you have completed your visit to Plymouth, you will direct the Ceres and lYhitehead to retnrn here and you will proceed to New Berne, communicating with the commander of the Granite, now sta- tioned at Ocracoke Inlet, on the way. Yery respectfully, S. C. ROWAN, Commanding Naval Forces, etc. Lieutenant Commanding S. P. QUACKENBUSH, Commanding U. S. S. Delaware. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the move- ments of the U. S. steamers Dawn, New Berne, and Massachusetts. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, hampton Roads, 51rgini((, April 29, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to state that the U. S. S. Dawn, from New York, en route for Port Royal, put into this place this morning for repairs to her engines. I have this morning sent the U. S. S. New Berne to Baltimore, owing to the condition of her boilers, which, upon care- ful examination, directed by me, have beeii found very defective, in consequence of age and long-continued use, and require extensive repairs. The U. S. supply steamer Massachusetts arrived here to.day. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nacy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Missroon, U. S. Navy, regarding the shelling of the York Ricer batteries by the vessels under his command. U. S. S. WACHUSETT York River, April 30, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that at the request of General McClellan to annoy the enemy by firing a few shells by day and night, these vessels have been engaged in that duty almost daily, wheii per- mitted by circumstances to do 50, and by the limit prescribed by their store of ammunition, especially since the 13th instant Page 289 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 289 On the 14th instant all the vessels shelled very effectively the woods on Gloucester, where the enemy were erecting a battery abreast the anchorage, and soon drove them away; we have since learned that the six companies engaged there were that night withdrawn to Yorktown and the intended work abandoned. On the 15th the Anacostia and Sebago, each mounting a rifled cannon of long range, arrived at this anchorage and were immediately brought iiito requisition. They both shelled very effectively the attempted extension of the main works on Gloucester and caused the eiiemy to desist from their work, killing an officer in charge, his horse, and 2 men, as we have since learned. The shelling on that point was renewed early on the morning of the 16th. On the same day the & bago threw her shells into Yorktown, narrowly escaping the well-directed shots from the enemys heaviest rifled cannon; she resumed the firing at midnight. On the 17th she again threw her shell at Yorktown and Gloucester. On the 20th the & bago threw her rifle shell with precision upon the Gloucester works. On the 21st she again shelled the enemy. On the 24th, the enemy being at work again upon an extension of his works on Gloucester, the & bagos rifled gun did good execution, completely driving them away from it. On the 25th the iltaratanza commenced on Gloucester and Yorktown, throwing her rifle shell into the rebel camp and water battery with fine effect, causing great commotion, and it is believed, from the activity of the ambulance and its subsequent direction to the hospital, to have cause(l the enemy some casualties. On the 26th she again operated on two occasions duriiig the day, successfully lodging her shell in the immediate vicinity of the magazine in the water battery in Yorktown and enemys camp. The Sebago also threw her shell into Yorktown with accuracy on the same day. On the 27th the Sebago and the Maratanza both operated effectually on the Yorktown works, bursting their shells on the ramparts, camps, and in the water battery. At midnight the llliaratanza again annoyed the enemy by her shells. On the 29th the Maratauza drove off by her shells a working party of the enemy from the fortifications oiin Gloucester, and on the same day she and the Sebago were ordered to shell a steamer plying betweeu Yorktown and Gloucester. The fire of the former~ is believed to have struck the steamer, when she ran up York River. The Sebago then threw several shell, which exploded in the midst of the camp at York. town, evidently doing much damage. The services of both these vessels are now suspended by the want of shells, the one having twenty and the other but sixteen on hand. On the 5th of April, at the request of General McClellan to get some shells into Yorktown, the Wachusett, Marblehead, and Penobseot were run within long range of the nearest works of the enemy on the following day, with a view first to ascertain the locality of a masked battery said to contain X-inch coluinbiad cannon. These vessels discharged several shell, which, on taking effect, the fire was replied to by several shots from a rifle cannon of long range, when the vessels withdrew under the impression that the position of the supposed battery had been unmasked. This, it would now seem, was not the masked work we looked for. N W RVOL 7 1 Page 290 290 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Since then the Miarbiek cad and Penobseot have rendered good service in discharging XI-inch shell into Yorktown and Gloucester on all suit- able occasions under cover of night, and with impunity, so far, to them- selves. On the night of the 28th instant the fire of the enemy passed over the Marblehead without inflicting injury. The number of shells expended in each of these operations has been by necessity carefully limited by our stock on hand. It has now become so much reduced that I am admonished to desist in a great degree from the further expenditure of the 100-pounder (rifle) shell till a fresh supply be received and now expected within two days. Lu the meantime we can only use the gunboats with XI-inch guns under cover of night. Solid shot would be a useless waste, as they do not effect the object in view. As 1 shall this day relinquish this vessel to my successor, I would beg to say that she is not xvell suited to service in this narrow river. Her great length prevents her movement with that facility which would tend to her benefit when under the enemys fire, and she is so extremely crank that her heavy cannon when run out to battery careens her so much as [to] render useless the sights of her guns, as well as to impair their extreme ranges. A small gunboat with a 100-pounder ride gun would be infinitely more serviceable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. MissRoo~, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. cTOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading ~qaadron, Hampton Roads. Additional report of Commander Missroon, U. S. Navy, regarding the duty performed by the vessels under his command. IJ. S. S. WACHUSETT, York River, Virginia, April 30, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that I have this evening tratisferred the command with which I was intrusted to Commander William Smith, with my insti uctions from you in regard to the duty at this place, and that I shall proceed at daylight to Boston iii obedience to the orders of the Department of 22d instant, transmitted through you. I had the honor of forwarding to you, sir, to-day, a detailed state- ment of the duty performed by the vessels at the request of General McClellan, with the object of annoying the enemy, and I omitted to state therein that during the whole time various services were also rendered at his request in landing cannon and mortars at Ship Point and at Wormleys Creek, and that the Currituck was for several weeks stationed at Ship Point, until released by the verbal consent of Gen- eral McClellan. It was understood that the vessels should protect the landing of General Franklins division at the beach opposite Sand Box, and with that view General McClellan and staff, and also General Franklin, have made inspections from the deck of the Wachusett, but no defluit~ arrangement had been entered into with me as to the exact position, nor as to the particular manner in which that important service was to be performed, nor as to the time Page 291 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 291 I have several times urged the necessity upon General Franklin for a (letined arrangement, without obtaining it. In our last interview on the 19th instant he promised to visit the Wachusett on the following day (20th) at mioon, and to be accompanied by his staff, including Cob- iicl ~B. S.] Alexander, of Engineers. The ~veather was itmipleasant on the 20th, and I have neither heard from nor seen General Franklin siiice. Lu view of the great importance of a clear understanding on tlntt subject, I have represented to my successor its necessity. I feel it to be of importance that this statement be laid before you at this time, in order to record the facts of the case. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. S. MlssuooN, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GoLDSBoRoITGH, (Jomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, regarding the retention of a uaial force oft Elizabeth City with a view to restricting the inorements oJ new ironclads under construction for the enemy. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off Elizabeth City, April 30, 1862. SIR: In consequence of the failure to destroy the locks in the Dismal Swamp Canal, and the rel)ort that the caiial is being deepened for the purpose of bringing through some ironclad vessels, one of which is now coml)leted, another nearly so, and a third is being built out of sight in Deep Creek, I deem it advisable to keep all the force I can oft Elizabeth. To enable me to do this, it will be necessary to detain the Underwriter as a guard ship to the army at New l3erne. I shall therefore send her down amid anchor her in the position now occul)ied by the Hunchback an(l oider that vessel here. When I return I shall have here the Perry, Lieutenant Commanding Flusser ; the Barney, Lieutenant Commanding Chaplin ; the Stars and Stripes, Lieutenant Comm an ding MeCook ; the Son thileld, Lieutenai t Commanding Behmn; the Morse, Licutenamit Commanding Hays; to be joined by the Hunchback. I have directed Flusser to hold his force iii a threatening positioim, with his own ship or the Barney around tIme bend, and two of the tugs to keel) watch up in the swamps atnight, and in the day to keep a sharp eye on the firm ground, to prevent the enemy from erecting batteries. The remainder of the force is drawn up in line in the Pasquotank, in trout of the city, with beautiful shooting ground across the neck of land which forms the bend. By reference to the sketch you will see the position of the ships. In case any ironclad vessels come through either canal I shall change my tactics and draw them into the soundb, where I shall have room to maneuver. Very respectfully, S. C. liowAN, Commanding Nacal Forces, etc. Flag-Officer L. N. GOLDSBOROUCXH, CcnnmaHding North Atlantic J3lockadina Squadron Page 292 292 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Beport of Commander Lock wood, U. S. Nary, royarding affairs oft Beaufort, N. C. U. S. S. DAYLIGHT, Off Beaufort, N. C., April 30, 1862. SIR The U. S. gunboat Chippewa returned here last eveuing from Fort Caswell, N. C., where I had sent her on the 27th instant, at the re(luest of Major-General Ruruside, a flag of truce, to land a number ot paroled prisoners cal)turcd in Fort Macomi. Lieutenant Commamiding Brysoim reports that the Nashville rami the l)lockade at [Cape 1 Fear River on the 24th instant, abont 10 a. iii., with a large and valuable cargo ot arms and munitions of wrar, passilig ill through the northern ~)assage, New Inlet, where she grounded, and the rebels with several tugboats were busily working uimtil the imight of the 25th or morning of the 26th, when they succeeded in getting her into l)ort. The Chippewa returned here for coal, which had been daily expected, as General Buruside had dispatched a schooner load for the use of her and State of Georgia. The coal vessel arrived this morning and is along- side the Chippeu-a. I shall dispatch them as soon as they can be got ready for sea, agreeably to your orders, to report to time senior officer oft [Cape] Fear River, and should have done so the day after the fall of Fort Macon, which occurred the day after the Nashville ran the block- ade, had they have had coal for more titan a few days. The Chippewa is short of provisions, and I shall try to make up a months supply for her from the bark Gemsbok, which vessel I shall be obliged to send to the roads, as she leaks and has lost her Thise keel by getting aground on crossing the bar to enter the harbor, through the ignorance of the pilot. I send herewith Acting Lieutenant Command- mug Cavendys report. This would be a good l)lace of deposit for coal, provisions, small stores, and lubricatiimg oil, which is in constant demand by the engi- neers department for the vessels stationed here and blockading off I Cape] Fear River, North Carolina. Should it meet your approbation I trust you will order a supply sent here soomi, and could a numnber of 10 and 15 second fazed shells for 32-pounders be also sent they would be very desirable. Both the Chippewa and State of Georgia are in want of oil and other stores which I am unable to furnish, except iim limited qnantities, an(1 by so doing I am reducing this ships supplies so as to require their being replenished at the earliest moment. The valves and cimambers of the auxiliary pump of the Chippewa are worn out, and she requires a new one. The galley of the State of Georgia is burned or wormi out. The service, however, requires that they should report for duty, as you directed, to the semmior officer off~ [Cape] Fear River, and he must determine on the necessity of their going to the roads for supplies. I.am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML. LocKwooD, Commander and Senior Officer. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, (Jomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. P. S.It i~ reported that the Nashville had her cargo transferred to her from another vessel at Nassau, New Providence. S. LocKwoo, Commander Page 293 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 293 [Enclosure.] U. S. Snip GEM8BOK, Beau/rt Harbor, April , 1362. SIR: I respectfully submit to you the particulars of the damage this ship has sustained on the bar while getting in here. At 2: 50 p. m. the steamer A~1ta~ of Georyia took us in tow. She had a pilot on board, and while crossing the bar this ship (drawing 14 feet t) inches water) struck the bottom aiid the towline parted. The St((te of Georgia could not tnrn at the time, as the channel was too narrow, an(1 was just gettiiig clear of the bottom herself. Immediately got a towline ready for the Ohippewa, which was coining up, and askc(1 the captain to take me in deep water, but lie said had not the power. liiimediately found the depth of ~vater, an(l got out the launch and brought out the stream anchor and cable on starboard quarter, the ship thumping heavily, and hard bottom; started water in hold and kept the pumps going; fired signal guns and hoisted signal of distress at fore royal masthead, tide still rising. Loosed the fore-topsail, backed the sail, and hove on stern hawser, ship thumping heavily yet. At 4:15 the ship got afloat and stood into (3 fathoms water aiid caine to anchor. At 5: 30 p. m. Chippewa caine alongside with a pilot on board, an(l told me if I could get the ship ready before dark he would tow me iii, and came for that purpose; got up our anchor and gave her a tow- line and proceeded on in tow at (3:30 p. in., and at 7 p. m. ship struck in 14 feet water, soft bottom; parted towline; Chippewa came back and gave us a towhine and tried to get us oft; but failed, tide falling. Let go starboard anchor on forefoot. At 12 p. in. tide rose, got out anchor and ha~vser on starboard bow and hove taut, and then hove up star- board anchor. The ship beginning to thump heavily, sent boat on board the Chippewa and asked them to come and heave us oft; but the pilot then said he could not do it. The ship swinging to the eastward, made head sail, hove on the hawser, and got off by degrees in 3 fathoms of water; l~t go the anchor. At daylight the Chippewa came and towed us in. The ship now leaks 8 inches in twenty-tour hours, and the carpenter reports that he thinks the forefoot is oft~ the ship, as he has exainimmed with a boat hook and fiumds the copper of the ship torn ill). It is my Opinion that it is necessary for the ship to go into the dry dock. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD CAVENDY, Captain SAMUEL LOCKWOOD, Acting Lieutenant, Commanding. Senior Officer, Commanding U. S. S. Daylight. Letter from Lieutenant Wise, U. S. Nary, to Lieutenant Badger, U. S. i\a ry, respondinq to his-suggestions regardinq the use of liquid fire. BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington City, April 30, 1862. DEAR SIR: Your letter* of the 27th caine to me this a. mu. With reference to the Monitor, the moment I jumped on board of her after time fight I saw that a steam tug with twenty men could have taken the upper part of her in as many seconds, and perhaps the in si(le, too, by dropping two or three 12-pouimder shrapnel (lown her little steam 8- p ~Su Page 294 294 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. pipe; or at all events by choking the turret, and eveii could that not have been done, it was quite easy to have danced round with the dome, ~)eIiectly safe from harm. Rut, indeed, the vessel was not intended to be left alone, and should never be run into if it could be avoided; and then, while in battle, with nimble gunboats as consorts, her decks could be kept clear even were an attempt made to capture herby boarding. Now, however, I hear that hot water pipes are arranged so as to scald the assailants when they may dare to set foot on her. With respect to that liquid fire stuff; which is petroleum, naphtha, and beuzine, it might do very well on an. emergency, in all save the risk of the fire running down the gratings of the Monitor or the crevices about the turret and setting her going below. Moreover, we have sent to all the big guns in the roads shells filled with Birneys l)reparation, nearly the same elements as the liquid fire, which will puzzle the devil himself, even in his own dominions, to put out, should one crack over or into hell. Very truly, yours, II. A. WISE, Assistant Inspector Ordnance. Lieutenant 0. C. BADGER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Steamer Anacostia, Rappahannock River. Order of the Secretary of the Nary to flag-officers commanding blockading squadrons, regarding the enlistment of contrabands for the naval service. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 30, 1862. SIR: The approach of the hot and sickly season upon the Southern coast of the united States renders it imperative that every precaHtioa should be used by the officers comuluan(ling vessels to continue the excel- lent sanitary condition of their crews. The large number of persons knowim as contrabands flocking to time protection of the Uimited States flag affords an op~)ortunity to provide in every department of a ship, es~)ecially for boats crews, acclimated labor. The flao--officers are 1e(luire(I to obtain the services of these persons for the country by enlisting them freely in the Navy, with their consent, rating them as aoy~, at ~S, $9, or $10 per month anti one ration. Let a monthly return be imiade of the number of this class of persons employed on each ves- sel under your conmman(l. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII. Flag-Officer S. F. l)u PONT. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT. Flag-Officer WM. W. McKEAN. Report of Commander Glisson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mount Vernon, of arrival at Baltimore, lJJid. U. S. S. MOUNT VERNON, Baltimore, Md., April 30, 1862. SIR: I have to report the arrival of the U. S. S. Mount Vernon at this port this mornimig. On my arrival the circular from the Depart Page 295 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 295 ment, a copy of which is enclosed, was placed in my hands, the order stating that the list was to be forwarded without delay. I considered it to be necessary for me .to forward it direct to the Department with- out sending in [it] via Hampton Roads. The Government engineer here informs inc that the boiler of this vessel will have to come out. The work will be pushed forward as rap- idly as possible. I am, sir, very respectfully, yoar obedient servant, 0. S. GLISSON, Commander, U. S. Navy. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding [North] Atlantic Blockading Squadron. I?eport of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, of the departure of the U. S. S. Cambridge to Baltimore for repairs. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, April 30, 1862. SIR: The Cambridge returned here this morning from on her way to Wilmington, [N. C.], on account of a leak in the check-valve casing, the seat of which having worked from the easing into the feed pipe, disabling feed pumps. The casing of the valve is found to be very much worn and has a hole in it an inch in diameter. I have sent her to Baltimore to have the repairs effected, with orders to l)roceed from there (hrect to Wilmington the moment they are done. In a week at furthest she ought to be oft~ Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag-Officer, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, IL C. Report of Pilot Phillips, commanding the U. S. S. Zonare, regarding the condition of that vessel. U. S. GUNBOAT ZOUAVE, Baltimore, April 30, 1862. SIR: I left Baltimore for Hampton Roads yesterday at 2 p. in., and came to at Patuxent at 9 oclock p. ni. on account of a thick fog. When I started to get underway this morning the engineer informed me that the socket bolts that were put in in Baltimore had given out, and that he could not keep the boiler in water, it was leaking so badly, so determined on returning to Baltimore to have the necessary repairs fixed. When done I will proceed to Hampton Roads with dispatch. Hoping my return will meet with your approbation, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servamit, JOHN A. PHILLIPS, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Zouave. Commodore G-OLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [First endorsement.] Received May 1. I beg to refer this communication to the Depart- ment, in order that it may be satisfied of the faithless way iii which th Page 296 29(3 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. repairs of our engines, etc., are supervised by the assistant engineer stationed at Baltimore to guard the Governments interests. For such shameful neglect there certainly can be no excuse. The very work he had done to the Zouave, after keeping her in Baltimore five times as long as she ought to have been detained, gives way in a few hours after leaving there, and requires the return of that tug again to Baltiinoie to have the same done over again. Respectfully, L. M. CTOLDSBOROTJCTII. [Second eiior~eioeiit.] The Zouave was ready three weeks ago, and might then have returned to Fortress Monroe bnt for the unwillingness of her engineer, who made all kinds of frivolous objections aiid excuses, and who was, it appears by his remarks to others, determined not to go till the battle of York- town was over. The su~)eriI1tending engineer had done everything that was required, and the repairs, in his opinion, had long since been com- pleted. His only error appears to consist in not reporting these facts to the Department sooner. From the best information I can obtain the delay has been caused by the determination of the engineer of the vessel to keel) out of an expected battle. The two socket bolts referred to in the within letter were not part of the repairs made at Baltimore, but were the original work. They are very small affairs, and could have been repaired in two hours with the means on board, and there was no reason for returning. The engineer of the vessel is either grossly incapable or cowardly. B. F. ISHERWOOD, Engineer in Chief. MAY 3, 1862. Capture of the British brig Intended. Report of Commander Green, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Jamestown. U. S. SLOOP OF WAR JAMESTOWN, Off Wilmington, N. C., May 1, 1862. SIR: The British brig Intended was fallei in with this morning about 29 miles to the eastward of Federal Point light. She was steering about N. by E. and did not haul on a wind until she found it was impos- sible to get ahead of this ship. Her papers are in several respects incomplete. I have therefore sent her to Philadelphia for adjudication, nuder charge of Acting Master G. H. Avery, with Midshipman (I. A. (Drall and eight men. There is a passenger on board the brig, but the captain can give no account of him, and has no passenger list. Her cargo is 1,000 bags of salt, some coffee, medicines, acids, etc. Her bills of lading are incomplete, and she has no letter of instructions. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servammt, CHAS. GREEN, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, JTampton Roads. The Intended is on the list of vessels expeete(l to ruin the blockade Page 297 NORTH ATLANTIC IiLOCKADING SQUADRON. ~97 Additiona~ report of Commander Green, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Jamestown. IT. S. SLOOP OF WAR JAMESTOWN, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, May 2, 18G2. SIR: The former report of the capture of the brig Intended being brief and incomplete for want of time, the following is presented as more hilly explaining the circumstances: On the morning of the 1st instant we discovered a brig standing across our bows, steering about north, with all sail set, the wind being about southeast. This course would take her about to Stump Inlet, one of the finest on this part of the coast. We made sail, and when he fouiid that we would cut him off he hauled on the wind. We fired a gull, and after seeing that we still gained on him he shortened sail. When we came up to him we found his name to be the Intended, of London, which being on our list made us the more suspicious. When the boarding officer got on board and asked to see his papers, he first said, Am I not out of your jliris(hic- tion ? and then produced some papers, after secreting some in his bosom, and said that was all he had. Among them was only part of the invoice, and he did not produce the remainder, but said he had no more, so that either lie kept back part of his papers or he was not pro- vided with tllem all. He had no letter of instructions and no letter to his consignee, and he declined to inform us what the articles were which were not on his manifest. He had, moreover, a passenger, of whom he could give no account except that he was an American, bound from Europe to Baltinmore, who had gone to Nassau instead of coming (lirect to New York. This led me to suspect that he migllt be either a pilot who had gone out for the purpose of bringing in vessels, or the owner of the cargo, as he seemed to take a great interest in it. Tile boarding officer brought the master on board this ship, where all his answers were contradictory and evasive. He said he had had no sights for three or four days, and the boarding officer had seeii his sights for that day worked up on his slate. He had no log book. As soon as he came on board, he asked if there were other vessels blockading here, and while here he asked rwo or three persons the same questiomi. Ills cargo was salt, cofl~e, tea, castor oil, and other oils, medicines, acids, etc. These were on his manifest. What lie had besides I am not aware. He said his loiigitude was 770 08 or 05, and the boarding officer had seen it worked up on his slate 770 29. When asked if he was steering the proper cour~e for Baltimore, he replied that lie was, and on being asked where he was, said lie did not know; he had been knocking about here for two or three days, and yet lie said he had not got a cast of the lead, though lie was ill 15 fathoms of water. This ~ passenger, after the prize crew were put on board, drew up a protest and got the captain to sign it and sent it on board. it is herewith enclosed. I have the honor to be very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAN. GREEN, Conmniander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] AT SEA, ON BOARD BRITISH BRIG INTENDED, OF LONDON, Thirty miles from land, May 1, 1SG2. I do hereby l)rotest agaimist my ibreible remliovemiieiit from oii board my vessel as above miamed by ami :lrmIie(l crew and ofhicers froni the I J. S Page 298 298 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ship Jamestown, Captain Green, on a legitimate voyage from Nassau, New Providence, to the city of Baltimore, U. S. A., and I further pro- test against the removal of my crew, all British subjects, and further declare I am now and started on a voyage as above mentioned, and I do solemnly protest against such treatment. JAMES GIuFFITHs, Master. Letter from Commander Rowan, U. S. Navy, to Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs in sounds of North Carolina. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, N. C., May 1, 1862. SIR: I left the forces off Elizabeth City in command of Flusser in the Perry; Barney, Chaplin; South field, Behm; Stars and Stripes, McCook (temporarily till I meet Franklin), with the Shawsheen, Putnam, and Lockwood. I dispatched Lieutenant Commanding Quackeubush up Albemnarle Sound with the Ceres and Whitehead. I enclose a copy of his orders,* which will explain the object of his service. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. IIOwAN, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Letter from Major- General Wool, U. S. Army, to Flag- Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Navy, regarding C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack). HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., May 1, 1862. SIR: I have just received the following report from five contrabands who have arrived from Portsmouth, [Va.]: Fort Macon was taken on Friday last; 18 rebels were killed and 27 wounded. General Beauregard has evacuated Corinth and fallen back on Memphis. It is reported that Commodore Tattn all and the principal officers of the Merrimack have resigned. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN E. WOOL, Major- General. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Hampton Roads. P. S.The Merrimack lies off the marine hospital at Craney Island, fast to the buoy. She now mounts twelve gumis. There are no other steamers there. JOHN E. WooL, Major- General. [Endorsement.] On learning positively that Fort Macon is in our possession, I shall at once send an ample supply of coals and provisions to Beaufort for * See p. 287 Page 299 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 299 our vessels blockading off Wilmington. In anticipation of that fort falling into our hands, I gave directions long since for all the vessels off Beaufort that could possibly be spared to go immediately off Wil- mington when the event occurred. Having a depot of supplies at Beanfort will greatly facilitate the maintenance of the blockade of Wilmington. Most respectfully, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. MAY 1, 1862. Report of Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wachu- sett, of the shelling of Yorktown, Va., with Ilirney incendiary shells. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, Uork River, May 1, 1862. SIR: On board the schooner which caine here yesterday were some Birney incendiary shells. Mr. Birney was here and desirous of making some experiments before going to Washington, where he has been called by the Secretary of the Navy. 1 directed Lieutenant Commanding ~icholson, of the Marblehead, to take some of the shells and, with Mr. l3irney on board, go in and throw them into the enemys works. He did so, and made a report of his proceedings, a copy of which I send you herewith. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. SMlTH, Commanding U. S. AS. Wachuseit. Flag-Officer L. M. cTOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. LEnclosure.] U. S. S. MARBLEHEAD, ilork River, May 1, 1862. SIR: In obedience to orders I procee(led towar(l Yorktown last night and at 1 1 : 20 l~ in., within good range, opened fire upon the enemys works with the Birney incendiary shell. At the second discharge the enemy rctnriied our fire from a heavy rifle gun. He fired three times, one of his shell ex~)loding within 20 yards astern of this vessel. I continued to fire, and expended seven Birney shell and three rifle shell from the Parrott gun. The first five Birney shell landed and exploded well, and the flames were distinctly visible. The other two I believe fell short and in the water, as I had hauled off at Mr. Birney s request, lie thinking we were landing the shell too far inland. It had been raining all day, and we had drizzling rain and thick weather during our firing. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. iNIduoLsoN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commander WM. SMITH, U. S. ~. Wachusett, York River, Virginia. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. frigates Sabine and St. Lawrence. ~AYY DEPARTMENT, May 1, 1862. SIR: In consideration of the two frigates, the Sabine and St. Lawrence, being an incumbrance to you at Ilainptoii Roads, the Department ha Page 300 300 NORTH AThAN~rIC I3LOCKA1MNG SQUAPRON. revoked the order to the former and encloses herewith an order for the latter to proceed to Key West.and report for duty in the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. J am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GoLDSBOROUGH. [Tefegrain.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE POTOMAC, Near Yorktown, May 1, 1862. How long would it take to arrange ten sloops or schooners as mortar ketches for 13-inch mortarsf I have ten extra ones complete. We will soon be ready to open. Are getting on well. Rebels fire a great deal and do but little harm. GEG. B. MCCLELLAN, Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Major- General. Commanding. Letter from Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, to Flag- Officer (Joldsborough, U. S. Navy, requesting instructions in regard to sunken vessels. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA Off New Berne, N. C., May 1, 1862. SIR: A number of vessels captured by the enemy before the block- a(Ie was enforced at Hatteras Inlet and brought to New Bernie were sunk in the river Neuse as a barricade. I respectfully request instructions as to what disposition I shall make of them. The owner of one of these vessels came here some two weeks since to recover her. I gave him permission to raise her and have her valued and give me a receipt for her. Shall I do the same in other casesl I could raise these vessels and send them North as prizes were it not a doubtftil matter whether the expenses would be l)aid, much less prize money. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. ROWAN, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton koads. Report of Acting Master Graves, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Lock- wood, of engagement with the enemy in Pasquotank River. U. S. S. LOCKWOOD, Pasquotank River, North Carolina May 2, 1862. SIR: While lying at anchor at Three Mile Reach al)ont (laylight this morning the enemy opened fire upon me with one or imiore tieldpieces at a bend in the river from three-quartem-s of a mile to a mile (listaut Page 301 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 301 After a sharp engagement of twenty minutes duration I drove them from their position (as I have subsequently learned), wounding 8 of their number and disabling the carriage of one of their fieldpieces. iNo casualties on oar side. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. W. GRAVES, Acting Master, Cornrna~di~g. Lieutenant Commanding C. W. FLUSSER, Commanding Naval Forces, Elizabeth City, N. C. Report of Flag- O~icer Goidsborough, U~ S. Nary, of arrival of U. S. S. Susquehanna at, and departure of U. S. S. Penobseot from, Hampton Roads. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, May 2, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report that the U. S. S. Susquehanna arrived here last evening from Port Royal. To-day, at meridian, the U. S. S. Penobscot left this place for Wilmington, N. C., touching at Beaufort. I beg to acknowledge the receipt of the following communications from the Navy Department: Those dated April 30, relating to the enlisting of contrabands for the purpose of obtaining acclimated labor (luring the hot season, and concerning the transfer of L. F. Robinson, seamaii, to this squadron; also that dated May 1, informing me that 140 men are to be sent here from Boston to supply vacancies. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag-O~Jicer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from the Secretary of the Nary to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding additional vessels for his squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 2, 1862. Sin: The Port Royal and Mahaska, side-wheel steamers, will soon reach Hampton Roads. Upon the arrival of either, you will deliver the enclosed order to Lieutenant Commanding Brown, of the Octorara. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROLTGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Road8. Order from Flag. Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Clitz, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Penobseot, to proceed to duty off Wil- mington, N. C. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 2, 1862. SIR: Proceed first off Beaufort, N. C., with the U. S. S. Penobseot nndei- your command, and deliver the accompanying dispatch to the senior naval officer stationed there; then proceed off Wilmington Page 302 302 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. N. C., and report yourself to the senior naval officer there for duty in blockading that port, at which service you will continue as long as your supplies will last, or until further orders. Say to the naval officers commanding vessels off Wilmington that a full supply of coal, provisions, stores, and clothing will be kept hereafter at Beautbrt, N. C., for their use, and to that place, and not here, they will go for them when necessary. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROuGH, Plug- Officer. Lieutenant Commanding J. M. B. CLITZ, U. S. ,S. Penobseot. P. S.Carefally distribute among naval officers commanding vessels at Beaufort and off Wilmington the accompanying circulars, general orders, and extracts from the foreign correspondence of Government, lately received, concerning proposed violations to this blockade. Order from Flag. Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Commander Lock- wood, U. S. Nary, prohibiting trade with the enemy. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 2, 1R62. SIR: You are to be very careful and not allow the vessels employed by the Navy to convey coals, provisions, etc., to Beaufort, N. C., to trade there in any way whatever, either with the enemy or our owii people; indeed, trading by any vessels, unless expressly authorized by the honorable Secretary of the Treasury, ought not to be allowed at Beaufort under any l)lea whatever. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLD$BOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Commander LOCKWOOD, Senior Naval Officer at Beaufort, N. C. Instructions from Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Senior Naval Officer off Wilmington, N. C., regarding supplies for blockading vessels off that port. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 2, 1862. SIR: Hereafter the blockading vessels stationed off Wilmington, N. C., will proceed to Beaufort, N. C., for supplies of coals, provisions, stores, and clothing, at which place a goodly quantity of those articles will be kept ready for delivery. Water, of course, can also be got Beaufort in abundance. None of the vessels alluded to above are to come to these roads unless their condition be such as to render the move absolutely necessary, or unless ordered here by the Navy Depart- ment or myself. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. The SBI~IO1~ NAVAL OFFICER OF THE U. S. NAVY, .kngaged in Blockading off Wilmington, N. C Page 303 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 303 [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, Camp Winfleld Scott, May 2, 18629:45 p. tn. I think we will be ready for you on Monday, or at latest Tuesday night. Will it be possible for you to run up here to-morrow or Sunday for an hour or two to arrange final movements? I think your vessel should not make its appearance here by daylight, but arrive after dark and run through before daybreak. With the aid of the Navy, I think a glorious success awaits us. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Captain JOHN RODGERS, Major-General. U. S. S. Galena, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] Confidential.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF POTOMAC, Near Yorktown, JIlay 2, 186210:30 p. m. It is probable that I will be able to open a very heavy fire Oil Monday morning, certainly by Tuesday morning. I think ~he gunboats can pass the batteries any dark night. They certainly can after a days firing ou our part. I have proposed to Captain Smith that he shall run by the night after we open. Rodgers will, I suppose, be available for the same l)urpose. I think the effect of such a movement will be to enable me to gain possession of Yorktown on the second or third day. Can you spare for this decisive attack some more vessels? It is all important to make this blow a sure one. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to flag-officers, regarding sus- pected vessels preparing to clear from Liverpool for the insurgent States. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 2, 1862. Sin: I herewith transmit extracts from dispatch No. 44 of the con- sul at Liverpool, addressed to the Secretary of State, relating to the Metropolis, Minko, Sophia, and Julia Usher, suspected vessels, and also extract from a dispatch of the consul at Hamburg, dated April 5, men- tioning the principal articles of the Bahamas cargo. The ship E?inigen Augusta cleared from Liverpool on the 15th ultiino for Havana with a cargo for the Southern States, and the ship Patras, from Falmouth, on the 12th ultimo, for the purpose, it is suspected, of attempting to evade the blockade. The steamer Melita, at Hamburg, has, it is said, been purchased by the rebel agents for the purpose of taking a cargo to the insurgents. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Flag-Officer S. F. Du PONT. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN. Flag-Qffiocr D. G. FARRAGUT Page 304 ~O4 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [EnclosureExtracts. I From the U. S. consul at Liverpool, April , 1862: * * * The ship Metropolis, owned by Fernie Brothers & Co., sailed from this port on Monday last. She cleared for St. John. I called the attention of the Department to this vessel in a previous dis- patch. She has taken out a mixed cargo for the Southern States. From what I learn I think she will not attempt to run the blockade, bnt land it at Nassau or Bermuda. ~ * * The screw steamer Minho, 253 tons burden, commanded by Park, entered to load at the custom-house at this l)ort on the 28th of March, cleared on the 1st instant for Havana, and sailed yesterday. She belongs to J. Bibly, and was purchased last week by A. B. Byrne, the intimate friend ot Captain Bulloch. The greatest dispatch has been l)racticed iii getting her ready for sailing. She has not takeim a full cat-go. So far as I have been able to ascertain, it consists of clothing, hardware, and heavy cases, contents unknown. Site has beemi put- chased to run bet~veen the Southern States and Nassau, Bermuda, and Havana. She is to carry into the Southern ports the cargoes of sailing vessels; is built of iron; hull painted black; bark rigged; one~ funnel, cream color, with black top; miame carved on headboard; life boat mid- ships l)alnted white tw black. , o on swing davits forward amid two aft, painted The screw steamer Columbia has been bought by same party for same purpose. She is at present undergoing repairs, and has not yet entered for loading. * * * The screw steamer Sophia, 453 tons burden, commanded by Albozan and owned by G. H. Fletcher & Co., has entered to load for Havana. I think she is loading for the Southern States, and will attempt to run the blockade. Will send a description in my next dispatch. She has takeim on board some 900 bags saltpeter, a number of large heavy cases, contents unknown, a large quantity of quarter-inch wire, a large quaint- tity of iron in bars, hoops, and heavy plates, also six railway turntables. Fraser, Trenholm & Co. entered for loading at the custom-house yesterday the steamer Julia Usher. She is 449 tons burden, and is to be commanded by Captain W. C. Hammer, the same who commanded the Annie CIiilds when she ran the blockade. She is to be loaded for the Confederate Goverumnent and mini the blockade. * * * From the U. S. consul at Hamburg, April 5, 1862: * * * I have ascertained, after muany laborious efforts, the marks on a portion of the Bahamas cargo. They are as follows: ~ 600 boxes of bombshells or cartridges. ~ 100 boxes of bombshells or cartridges. ID. 5. 57 large boxes of cavalry swords. P. W. 16 boxes of swords. 5. 5. 24 boxes of filled shells. E. G. 7 boxes, contents unknown. E. L. 10 boxes, contents unknown. ~ 6 boxes heavy English guns. 64 brass cannon, 8 batteries heretofore described. * * * * * * Page 305 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 305 Lctter from Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, to Major- General ]IIeCleUan, U. S. Army, regarding vessels otT Yorktown, Va. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads May 3, 1862. SIR: The wooden gunboats may, and probably can, pass the batteries of a (lark and otherwise suitable night without being sunk, but it iiinst be borne in mind that the move takes them away from their supplies of ordnance, fuel, etc., and that they may possibly be compelled to iel)ass them. Smith may not have such a night on the one after you open, particularly considering the present stage of the moon. 1 was greatly in hopes that before the gunboats should be invited to run the gantlet, Gloucester Point battery would have been turned and taken. Then matters would have presented themselves to my mind in a much more favorable light. Just as the enemys forces are presse(l at Yorktown, so will the desire increase to get the lIIerrimack and consorts off there, and the more cautious I must be about sending vessels away from this; they have been threatening us for several days past. Seven vessels of ours are already off Yorktown, and this, you are aware, is the full number originally agreed upon between us in our conferences as sufficient to answer ends, as then un(lerstood; but, if events will permit, I will increase the number between now and next Monday iiight, and as largely as I can consistently with my duty. I am, very respectflilly, your obedient servamit, L. lvi. GOLDSBOROITGH, Flag- Officer. Major-General GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Near Yorktown, Va. Report of Lieutenant Quacken bush, U. S. Nary, commanding U. S. S. Delaware, concerning movements of vessels in soun(ls of North Carolina. U. S. S. I)ELAwARE, Off New Berne, N. C., ]Ilay 3, 1862. SIR: In compliance with your orders on the 29th instant., I weighed anchor at 2: 30 p. iii. and proceeded iii the direction of llertford, accom- J)allied by the steamers Ceres and llThitehead; arriving off the mouth of I~erquimnans River, the fleet came to amichor at 6: 23 p. m. On the following morning, at 6: 10 a. in., we weighed anchor and pro- ceeded imp the Perqniinaus River as far as Ilertford, and, not being able to a(lvance farther on account of the stumps in the river we anchored at 8:46 a. in. off llertford, in company with the other boats. At 9 a. in. I went ashore and held a comisultation with the authorities of the l)lace, who assured me the steamer had left there some time, and after posting a l)roclamatioIi in the town, and finding no l)nblie l)roperty of any kind, I returned on board my vessel, and at 9: 40 a. in. weighed anchor an(l l)roceede(l in the direction of Plymouth, at which l)lace we arrived, in company with the other boats, at 3 : 30 p. in. .1 l)roceeded omi shore, and after delivering the proclamation to the town councilmen I returned on board. At this l)lace there was a vessel om the stocks, but, being assured that it was the property of a l)1ivate individual, did not destroy it. N W RYOL 7 2 Page 306 306 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. At 4:45 p. m. we weighed anchor, followed by the Ceres and White- head, and proceeded on our way toward Edenton. Arriving at this l)lace, we passe(l in front of the towii and came to anchor beyond musket range for the night at 6: 43 p.m. On the following morning, at 8 a. iii., we got underway and made signal for the Ceres aiid lVhitehead to pass within hail, and, ordering them to proceed to Elizabeth City, we started for Hatteras Inlet. Arriving at 7:25 p. in. we came to anchor for the night. At 12:30 p. in. on the following day we weighed anchor all(I stood for Ocracoke Inlet, and, arriving at 4:22 p. in., came to anchor and made signal to the commander of the Granite to come aboard, whereupon he answered the signal, and a few minutes after he hoisted the signal (can not distin- guish). We again hoisted the signal and kept it flying some time, whereupon, lie not answering it, we weighed anchor and proceeded in the direction of New Berne; arriving at the month of Kense River at 8 p. in., we anchored for the night. At 5:30 a. in. on the following morning we weighed anchor for New Berne, at which place we arrived at 8:30 a. ni. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S~ P. QUACKENBUSH, Lieutenant C Commander S. C. ItOWAN, , ommandinq. Corndg. U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Letter from Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to the Secretary of the Navy, acknowle(lging receipt of orders front the Department. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, flampton Roads, Virginia, May 3, 1862. SIR: The U. S. tugboat Zonave arrived here this morning from Baltimore. I have just sent the Rescue there for repairs, to return immediately. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the orders for the St. Lawrence amid Octorara. The former were delivered to Commander Sch~nck, who arrived this morning. I have received the cominuiiica- tion of the Navy Departmeiit, dated May 1, pioposing a remedy for the delays of vessels sent to be repaired at Baltimore; also, that of the 2d instant, about certain suspected vessels at Liverpool, Falmouth, an(l hamburg. A draft of 149 men arrived from Boston this morning. I am, very respectfully, your obediemit servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag-Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. (3-IDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Repori of Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, of gunboats being built by the Confederates. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, N. C., May 3, 1862. SIR: The enemy is building a gunboat at Deep Creek, at the head of the canal. The work ~vas commenced about two ~veeks ago Page 307 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADiNG SQUAl )RON. 307 From the most reliable information I can obtajim the enemy has in hand, and at various stages of completion, eleven or twelve gunboats, two of them ironclad, and all to be plated to protect machinery. One of the ironclads is complete, or nearly so; the other is in a state of forwardness. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. ROWAN, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Letter from Commander Lockwood, U. S. Navy, to Flag- Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Navy, requesting another vessel ordered to Beaufort, N. C., to ree~foree the U. S. S. Daylight. U. S. PROPELLER 1)AYLIGHT, Beaufort Harbor, North Carolina, JIlay 3, 18G2. SIR: I this evening received a dispatch from Brigadier-General John G. Parke, commuanding Third Division, wherein he expressed a wish that I would detain one of the vessels, etc., as per copy, which I herewith enclose. Having made all necessary arrangements for the departure of the State of Georgia foi- her station off FCape] Fear River blockading, which is not only in compliance with your orders but, ii my opinion, of more importance than her remaining here for the l)resellt, have imot thought it advisable to recall her order for that service, and the Gemsbok having distribnted her provisions, reserving only sufficient to carry her north, I can not detain her, and shall remain here with the Daylight alone, and request that you will, in c oinpliance with the wish of Brigardier-General Parke, order another vessel here to reenforce the Daylight. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML. LOCKWooJ), Commander and Senior Oflicer. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squad ron~, Hampton Roads. [Enclosure.] IIDQRS. THIRD DIvIsIoN, DEPT. OF NORTH CAROLINA, Beaufort, May 3, 186~& . CAPTAIN: Having just received a communication from General Burn- side, looking forwam-d to the early removal of the troops fi-om this vicinity, and deeming a stronger force than the simple garrison of the fort absolutely necessary, I have the honor, respectfully, to request that you detain one of the vessels now about leaving until 1 can hear further from the general commanding. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. PARKE, Brigadier- General, Commanding Third Division. Captain SAML. LOCKWOOD, U. S. Navy, Senior Officer Page 308 308 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Gommandcr Lockwood, U. S. Navy, to Flay- Officer Goldsbor- ough, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs at I3caufort, N. (1. U. S. S. DAYLIGHT, Beaufort Harbor, May 4, 18G2. SIR: I this morning received your (lispatelles of the 2d instant from Lieutenaiit Commaiid ing Cli tz an(I coinnii~iiieated their contents to Commaiider Armstrong, of the State of Georgia, who had sailed this morning but was iii signal (listance. rplle (Jhippcwa sailed oit the 3d and the Gemsbok otily awaits sufficient water to get the l)rize ships over the bar. We hope to get them oft to-morrow. We, with ~he army, are gettitig the buoys together and repairing them preparatory to ~)1aciIIg tlieiii iii their proper positions on the bar. 1 read at muster your approbatory remarks of our conduct on the capture of Fort Macoim to the officers and crew to-day, and it gives nie pleasure to hear that our efforts meet your ap~)robatioI1. I shall look about here for the most convenient, secure, and safe place of (lel)osit for our coal, stores, etc. The railroad depot at lVhorellea(l City is recommended by the provost-marshal. Sixteen or 17 feet of water can be carried to the wharf at high water, an(l if a sufficient force is kept here to protect it from attack, it woul(l I)1obably be the best l)lace we could select. I will consult with 8rigadier-Gener~~l Parke about it, an(l if it wihi be advisable to use, we can occupy it at omice and the stores will be protected froni tIme weather. There arc about 40() barrels of rosin and turpentine, belomigimig- to the same owners who loa(led tIme ships A Iliance and Gondar, I am al)ollt semiding to New. York. It was iii temided for theum, but they could not take it, and it was left there amid is claimed by the agent as his iIi(hividual 1)roperty, alm(l I only delay seizing it oh account of witnesses to prove its charactem-, which I am in l)Hrsuit of, an(l hope to unravel the case SOOn. I shall endeavor to carry out your orders about our supply vessels traffickium g. In your l)rlnte(l extract of April 11, 1 notice that Fraser, Treimholmm~ & Co o - ., f Liverpool, have puichiased 5hi1) A )fleli((, of l~liihadelphmia, to load br Confederate States. It is the sa mime firm who are the reputed owimers of time Alliance and Gondar, captured by me here. I emmelose here~vith the bimensal returns; also a tabular statemeimt of time expiration of the temmn of cii histument of the cm ew of this shin ip. I aiim occasionally reminded of it by tIme meim who expect their discharge, ammd inform theni that they nmust await oi-dei-s froumi the~ l)epartnmeimt. Time Nashvilles having i-un the blockade at Wilmington, N. C., is credited. I am, sim-, respectfully, your obediemmt servant, S. LOCKWOOD, Comma-u der and Senior Otjicer. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLD5BOROUGH, (Jomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Letter from Major- General McClellan, U. S. Army, to Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding movements of the enemy. MAY 4, 1862. [SIR:] I learn that a large part of the rebel foice marched to Biglers Mill, on the York River, last imighit, to take sail from there to Wes Page 309 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 309 Point, [Ma.]. It is of the lirst importance to my operations that some of your gunboats hurry up to West Point to destroy the transportation and report to me the state of affairs. Franklins division will be rc~ady to go up under COI1VO~ of the other gunboats as soon as I can hear from the river. GEO. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General, Corn m anding. Commodore SMITH Comm andinq Fleet. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY POTOMAC, May 4, 1862. We have taken Yorktown. I will need the gunboats to move up York River. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Letter front Flag-Officer Goldsboroagh, U. S. Nary, to Major-General McClellan, U S. Army. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, ]JIay 4, 1862. With my whole heart I do most cordially congratulate you on your brilliant an(l important achieveineiit. The guiiboats shall accompany you up York River. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Major-General U. B. MCCLELLAN, Commanding Army of tkc 1~otomac, etc., near Yorktown, Va. [Te1e~ram .1 HEADQUARTERS ARMY POTOMAC, May 4, 1862. If it appears that West I~oint is not strongly held, I would suggest pushing the Galena and some gunboats up the James River. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General. Hon. U. V. Fox. [Telegram.~ HEADQUARTERS ARMY POTOMAC, May 4, 1862. The enemy having evacuated Yorktown, General McClellan has no need of the Galena on York River. lie would like you to send up James River immediately, as fir as l)ossible, to harass the enemy as much as may be in your power. By order [of] Major-General McClellan: J. J. ASTOR, Colonel and Aid-dc-camp. Commodore GOLDSBOROUGII Page 310 310 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] MAY 4, 1862. Biglers Wharf is burning. There are no batteries for 12 miles up the river. I have sent a steamer to burn the railroad bridge over Pamiinkey River. SMITH. Major-General MCCLELLAN. [Telegram.] MAY 4, 1862. Steamer Chocura has returned from West Point, [Va.]. No obstruc- tions or batteries on the river. No guns or troops at West Point. White flag at that place and at other points on the river. The frames of two large vessels building at West Point. W. SMITH. Major-( ~eneral MCCLELLAN. Cooperation ~f the Vary with the Army in the operations against Yorktown, Va., May 4 to 7, 1862. Report of Commander Smith, U. S. I~avy, transmitting report of Lieutenant Patterson, U. S. liavy. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, Yorktown, Va., May 5, 1862. Sin: About 7 oclock yesterday morning we saw an American ensign floating over one of the rebel redoubts at Yorktown, and a few minutes afterwards I received from General McClellan a telegraphic dispatch saying, Yorktown is in our possessiomi; please run up and help us in commnnicating with Gloucester, and requesting me to send some of the boats up York River to reconnoiter and seize schooners. The squadron was immediately underway and stood up the river. When near Gloucester I sent Master Whitehead, of this ship, to hoist the American flag at that place. I then dispatched the Corwin, Lieu- tenant Commanding Phelps, and Currituek, Acting Master Shanklaud, to reconnoiter up York River to the distance of 10 or 12 miles; the other vessels anchored at this place. We found only one small schooner, which had been abandoned; all other vessels had gone up the river; some few were still in sight, but at a considerable distance. At 11 a. m. I received a dispatch from General McClellan requesting me to send two boats to reconimoiter as far up as West Point, and let the rest escort Franklins divisiom which was to go by water. I directed Lieutenant Commanding Patterson in the Chocura to proceed up the river to West Point, taking with him the Corwin (which had not yet returned), and to send back the Currituek. At 2 p. m. the Currituek returned, and her commander reported that he had been about 12 miles up the river; that Biglers Wharf, 10 miles above here, was burning, and he had not seen any batteries on the bamiks. Just as the Currituek returned I received a dispatch from Genera Page 311 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 311 McClellan saying it was of the first importance that some of the boats should hurry up and destroy the transportation. I therefore dispatched the Cicrrituck, with orders to go up the river and if possible destroy the railroad bridge over the Pamankey River, and then telegraphed to General McClellan to inform him of what I had done. At 4 p. m. I received another dispatch froiii General McClellan, requesting me not to burn the bridge, but to save it if possible. I im- me(liately dispatched Lieutenant Commanding henry in the S ebago up the river, with orders, when he should meet the Corwin returning here, to send her back in pursuit of the Currituck and prevent the burning of the bridge. At Sp. m. Lieutenant Commanding Patterson, in the Chocura, returned and reported that he had been to West Point; that he had not found any batteries or soldiers at that place, or at any other point on the river, but found there a white flag flying, and saw white flags flying at many places as he went up the river. I enclose a COl)Y of his report. At 9: 30 p. m. Lieutenant Commanding Henry, in the Seba go, returned, having met the Corwin and sent her in pursuit of the Currituck. The Sebago towed down a small schooner and launch captured by the Corw in, having on board four deserters from the rebel camp and five men belonging to small vessels in the transport service, all of whom had given themselves up to the steamer, and whom I have to-day trans. ferued to tIme provost-marshal; also ten negroes who had given them- selves np and whom I have transferred to Colonel In galls, at Yorktown. This forenoon General Franklins division ai-e arriving and anchor- ing here, preparatory to a start up the river to-morrow morning. We will accompany them. The Corwin and Currituck have not yet returned. I have the honor to be, very respeetfifily, your obedient servant, W. SMITH, Corn manding U. S. S. Wachusett. Flag-Officer L. 14. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, flampton Roads. [Enclosure.l U. S. STEAM GUNBOAT CHOCURA, Q/f Yorktown, Va., May 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your order of this morning I left Gloucester Point at noon, and at 1:30 was joined by Lieutenant Commanding Thomas S. Phelps in the Corwin. We proceeded up York River, prepared for action, but found every house deserted, apparently, except by females and negroes; a white flag was displayed as we approached. Biglers Wharf we found burning at each end, and in the immediate vicinity, from two buildings, hospital flags were flying. Zantzingers wood and coal wharf, above Biglers, and on the opposite side, is destroyed in several places. On reaching West Point the narrow, intricate channel and shoal water prevented my approaching in this vessel as near as I would have wished, and it was too late to do so in boats, but I could easily distin- gnish the frames of two vessels (apparently intended for gunboats) on fire, and partially consumed. Near the point is a small water battery with three embrasures which was deserted, and 1 think without any armament. Here also a white flag was displayed Page 312 312 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. There are no obstructions in the channel of the river, nor batteries on its banks. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. H. PATTERSON, Commander w. SMITH, Lieutenant, Commanding. U. AS. l~. Wachusett, off Yorktown, Va. Report of Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, forwarding reports of Lieutenant Phelps and Acting Master Shankland, U. S. Navy. U. S. S. WACHITSETT, We8t Point, York River, May 7, 1862. Sw: On the afternoon of the ~ith instant there was considerable fighting between our forces and the rebels about 6 miles above York- tow ii. At S p. in. General McClellan sent an aid to reqnest me to send two of the gunboats off the mouth of Queens Creek, about 6 miles up the river, to shell the rebels, who, it was thought, were endeavorimig to turn his flank. I immediately dispatched Lieutenant Commanding Nicholson with the Marblehead and Lieutenant Commanding McCann w-ith the ihI((ratafl.z(( to l)eLform the (luty. Before the gunboats reached the station time firing had ceased, and at 9:30 p. m. General McClellamm telegraphed to General Franklin that our troops were 10 miles from Yorktown. At 7 a. in., on the 6th, the transports conveying General Franklins (ilviSlomi began to immove up the river to \Vest Point, uml(ler the escort of this ship, the Chocura, amid ASeba go. At 1: 15 p. m. I anchored here with a l)art ot the transports and the remainder of them arrived in the course of the afternoon. The landing of the trool)s was ilnme(liately begun, and is still going on; we are assisting them. I found here the steamer (7orw in, Lieu temmant Commanding Phelps, and (Jurrituck, Acting Master Shankland. From these officers I received reports, of which I forward herewith col)ies. Time prisoners were delivered to the provost-marshal at Yorktown. Last even ing I sent the Currituck up the Pamun key River to endeavor to eah)tnre some schooners rel)orted to be there. She returned this mnoriming, aml(l her commander made me a report of his proceedings, of which 1 enclose herewith a copy. About 1 p. in. to-day some of the enemy opened fire from some field- pieces, l)laced on a hill on the left thank of the camp. Our vessels immediately commenced shelling them, and in a few minutes they retired, nO damage having been done to our l)eOple. I sent Lieutenaiit Commnauuding Phelps in the Corwin up time Mat- tapony River to day to learmi something of a l)arty of rebels reported to be crossing that river. He returned this evening and rel)orts that lie went lip the river 26 miles amid ascertained that about 4,000 rebels passed last night across at iDumikirk Bridge. Soldiers were deserting rapidly; white flags were flying on the banks. A deserter who caine in last night reports that 40,000 rebels are in the neighborhood. We have several prize vessels, all of themmi small and of little value. What disposition shall I make of them l I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. SMITH, Commanding U. A~. Gunboat Wachusett. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSIiOROUGII, Comdy. North Atlantic Blockadinq iS~quadron, Hampton Roads Page 313 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 313 [Enclosure No. 1.] U. S. S. CORWIN, West Point, Va., May 5, 18G2. SIR: I deem it necessary to place before you as early as practiclll)le the following items of imifommatiomi which I obtained from I)LiSoners Who appear to be friendly to the Union, and who, as they state, were torce(l to serve the rebels against their wishes, viz: Eight feet water cau be carried up the Masapony [Mattapony~ River to abont 3 miles above Walkertown [XYalkertoii], but this river has been closed by sinking seven schooners in the channel a short distance above West Point. In the Pamunkey, 9 or 10 feet cami be carried to the railroad bridge, but they have fifty vessels, mostly schooners, which they coniinenced to sink on yesterday near a place called the White House, or at Iiidiamr Town. The rebels are prepared to destroy the railroad bridge, having saws an(l combustibles ready for this purpose. The eneniy are falling back upon the Chickahominy near Richmond, where they are fortified, etc.; also they intend to make a stand betweeio Fredericksburg amid Richmond, probably at the junction of the Virginia Central and the Fredericksbnrg railroa(ls, or micar Chesterfield ,and from Yorktown bacj to the Warwick and Williamsburg. General ~Jolimistoii is supposed to have 123,000 men on the pemuinsula and Icus fallen back where he call escape being cut up by the naval forces. This was decided npou iii a coumicil of war held at Yorktown on his taking conlmand. A new iromiclad steamer sul)erior to the Virginia, to be called the Bra n(lywine, was launched at Norfolk some eighteen hays since (to be (ommnalide(l by Captain I~egramn) and is thaught to be iuearhy ready. There have beemi also several other gunboats fitting for service. Tue channel iiear tIme naval hospital at Norfolk, Va., is ol)struct(d nearly all the way across, leaving omily room sufficient for tIme Virginia to pass through, arid thie old frigate United States is in readiness to be sunk in the gap if necessary. I ani informed that six gunboats (partially built) and the York River light-boat were destroyed on yester(lay. I am respectfully, your obedieiit servamit, THOS. S. PHELPS, Lieutenant, U. S. Nary, (Jornmandinq. Captain W~. SMITH, (Jomdg. Div. Aorth Atlantic Blockading Squadron, lark River. Additional, and I believe reliable: Gemmeral Johnston all(L General Magruder are falling back to Hanover Court-House, [Va.1, 13 miles from Richmond, to take up their hue of defense on the Chickahonuiny. About 4,000 of the enemy have cmi- deavored to cross the Mattapoumy River in this vicimuity, but were pre- vented by the presence of our force, and they are pushimig farther up the country. There are at present about 2,000 within 3 uniles of us. Some distance back immiand, on the south side of the river (dimming t lie umight), we observed the camp fires of the emmemny, cxteum(himmg about a miiile in length. I am, respectfully, T. S. PnELPS Page 314 314 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Jtnchsiiro No. 2.] U. S. S. CORWIN, West Point, York Ri rer, Virginia, May 5, 18G2. Siu: II respectfully report that in obedience to your order of the 4th iii stailt, accompanied by the Curritnck, Captaii Shanklan d, I proceeded up York Itiver at full speed, white flags being displayed on the north bank as we advanced; when near Kings Creek, discovered a company of the rebel cavalry on the south si(le of the river, who were driven oft by our shells, and it is believed that three saddles were eiIIl)tie(l. Con- timining on, discovered Biglers Wharf to be on fire, and two schooners, one sloop, and a launch, loaded with stores and officers effects, endeav- oring to escape. Succeeded in capturing one schooiier and the launch, when the others were abandoned and fired by the rebels and were (lestroyed. Having reached the town of Cappahosic, where white flags were dis- played, and feeling that my instructions would not warrant a farther advance to the westward, ii turned the vessels (lowustream intending to secure the various schooners at anchor which we had passed. After capturing a small sloop, Captain Pattersoii arrived and directed inc to cover his steamer while he made a reconnoissance near West Point. When that duty was accomplished we again started down the river, capturing another schooner, and wheim near I3iglers Wharf I met the Sebaflo, Captain Henry, who (lelivered your instructions to prevent the Cnrrituck from destroying the railroad bridge, which duty I was enabled successfully to accomplish. On my arrival at West Point at 9:30 p. in. Captain Shankland rej)orted that he had landed, taken possession, and hoisted the Ameri- can flag. Six white men were captured iii the prizes; one I re taille(l to act as pilot and the others I sent to you by Captain Ileitry, as they had information of importance to commuiiicate which I deemed necessary for you to have at the earliest moment. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS S. PHELPS, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy, Commanding. Commander WM. SMVUH, U. S. Navy, (Jomdg. Division of North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, U. S. S. Wachnsett. [EncIo~nre No. 3.] YORK RIVER, Off~ West Point, May 7, 1362. SIR: In compliance to [with] your instructions to me, May 4, l)ro- ceeded up the York River and anchored at ~:30 p. in. of the same (lay oft West Point and landed with two boats crews for the purpose of hoisting the American ensign over the fort. While in the act of hoist- ing the flag the female portion of the inhabitants gave vent to their feelings by cheering. Benjamin Robinson, who is well known here to be a strong rebel, threatened to have them arrested and sent to Richmond, and, using other language disrespectful to the flao I had him arrested. When iii presence of Paymaster Yorke, he acknowledged that he was a seces- sionist, and would be a damned scoundrel if he was imot; also that he came to XVest Point for the purpose of getting what information he could about the U. S. Army an(h Navy for the purpose of sending it to the rebel Army. The said Robinson owns a farm opposite West Poin Page 315 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 315 on the south shore, which place has becit a rendezvous for the enemys pickets. as we shelled them out yesterday morning. I therefore con- sider it my duty to hold the said Robinson for your decision. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. F. SHANKLAND, Acting Master, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Currituck. Commander WA. SMITH, Commanding the York River Expedition. [Enclosure No. 4.] YORK RIVER, Off West Point May 7, 1862. SIR: In compliance to [with] your orders to me of May 6 to proceed up the Pamunkey River as far as first island to reconnoiter, and save what property I might find which was in possession of the rebel forces, I beg to report that on my arrival at first island, at 6 oclock on the morning of the 7th, I found some twelve to twenty schooners sunk across both channels, and above the sunken vessels I found two all ready to be sunk, but not having time to sink them they were run ashore, the rebels leaving them as I hove in sight. I got them ofi~ and towed them to this anchorage; they are named the American Coaster and the Planter, both hailing from Yorktown. On my passage up I found that they had burned two gunboats on the stocks about 10 miles above West Point. They have left, apparently uninjured, a small steam engine and boiler~ also a quantity of timber and lumber. I saw no signs of the enemy, or anything like fortifications. The channel is sufficiently deep for any of the gunboats. With one stout tugboat the sunken vessels could be removed, in a very short time, sufficient for the fleet to pass. I was informed by a contraband, whom I found upon the island, that it was the intention of the rebels to sink some fifteen more to-day. Hoping that this will meet your approbation, I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WA. F. SHANKLAND, Acting Master, (ommanding U. S. Gunboat Currituck. Commander W. SMITH, Commanding York River Expedition. Additional report of Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the attack at West Point, Va. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, West Point, York River, May 12, 1862. SIR: In my communication of the 7th instant I itiformed you that an attack had been made ott that day ott the left flank of our army, and that our vessels shelled the enemys artillery, which was posted on a hill to the left, forcing them to retire very precipitately. This was all that we could see from the ship. I have since learned from some of the army officers engaged iu the affair that the shelling from our ships was very destructive to the enemy, causing them to retreat so rapidly that they left many of their killed and wounded on the field; indeed, many of them give the credit of the victory, or repulse, to the ships, for without them, they say, our forces could not have withstood the attack, but would have been compelled to fall back on the camp Page 316 316 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. On the 8th instant I sent the Maratauza and Chocura with General Franklin into the Parnunkey Rivet to search for a I)laee suitable for a landing for the troops. They fbniid what the general waiited. Oti the 9th General Frankijit moved ill) the Parnunkey to his new landing, accomloanied by the Maratauza and Marble/i cad. In the after- 110011 ot the same (lay General Porter informed me that in tIme evemmimig lie I)roPOsed lauding a sniall force omi time West Point si(le of the river, to make a reconnoissance along the railroad. I sent the (Jhocura with him. They meturmmed the following morning. On the 10th, (ienerals Franklin, Marcy, and Van Yliet caine on board to request me to send up tIme Pamumikey to make a reconnoissamice toward the White House, at the crossing of the West Poimit lfailroad over that river. I sent the (Jhocura and Sebago to join the Maratu,tza and Marblehead, then in the river, to l)elforIml the (luty. Xestem(la~ muorniling, the 11th the Chocara reached the White house, about 45 mu iles l)y water from here. The railroad bridge had beemin destroyed by the rebels. All a(lvance guard of our trool)s was at the bridge, and time ()hocura remaimins tlmere. TIme Marblehead stol)I)ed alI(l reminmaimins at Cumimberiand Landimmg. at the foot of tIme secomid islaimd. Time Maratauza is about i 4 miles up the river watching time railroad, amm(l time & baqo is at General Frammklius Iandimmg. The vessels had very little trouble iii gettimig through the obstructions which had been l)lace(1 in the river by smmmmken vessels. Time tmmps do not like to move in time neighborhood of time rivers umiless arcomupammied by a gunboat, and we accommodate them as much as we l)ossibly calm. Front (ommtrabands and others we learn that the rebels have a great dread of f line guminboats. A divisiomm of 4,000 rebels fiommin Gloucester tm-a veled up time Matt~mpommy imearly 40 miles to find a crossing, rather Ih~mmm cominme minear West Poimint, because they heard that somne of tIme gun- boats ~vere there. There is now a line of colnmnunicatioll between this point and Gemi- eral McClellans lmeadquartoms. Our crews are healthy. I have the hollor to be, v ely respectfully, youm obedient servant XVivi. SMITH, Commanding U. S. S. Wachusett. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBORouGH, (Join dg. North Atlantic Blockading Sqaa (iron Hampton Roads. Letter from Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, enquiring for official report of affair at West Point, York River. NAVY 1)EPARTMENT, May 20, 1862. SIR: It has been state(I in tIme newspapers tlmat tlme gunboats ren(lere(1 x-ery essential ai(l at West Poimmt, York River, to the (hivisiomi of Gemmeral Frammk iii, amm(l (ooperate(1 with mmmi in repehhiming aim attack of lime emmemny. Time I)epaltmmlemmt Imas receive(l imo official iimfonmmmatiomm of time affair amid would emmi1mtile if ammy has beemt reee!ve(1 by you, amm(l it so, the phmr~)olt of it. I aiim, respectfully, yommr ol)ediemmt semvammt, C IDEON WELLES. Flag Otbcer L. M. (ioLDsmmo coui;ii, lIai)inJ)ton hm)(( (is, I irgi/tia Page 317 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 317 Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding operations in York River. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, flampton Roads, Virginia, May 22, 1862. Sin: In reply to your communication of the 20th instant, I beg leave to ciiclose a copy of a portion of a dispatch* from Commander Smith. Tiuis is all the official information I have on the operations of the gun- boats at West Point, York River, Virginia, at the time alluded to. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. (iOLDSIIOROUGIL, Flag- Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, D. C. Letter from Secretary of Navy to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy,- desiring r~port of affair at West Point and of expedition up Pamunkey River under Lieutenant Commanding Murray, U. S. Navy. ~NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 23, 1862. SIR: Before acting on the reportt of Comiiiander Snuith acquainting the Department with the extraordinary remissness by which lie lost three iIlIl)o1tallt officers of his vessel, the Department desires the rel)ort of the affair at West Point, where the gunboats are said to have done goo(l service asked for on the 20th instant. The Department also desires a rel)ort of the expedition up the Pamunkey River nnder Lieutenant Commanding Murray, which is printed in the New York papers. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Letter from Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to the Secretary of the Navy, concerning affair at West Point, and transmitting report of expedition up Pamunkey River. U. S. FLAGsHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, May 21, 1862. SIR: Enclosed with my dispatch No. 251 I had the honor to send to the Department a copy of a portion of a disnatchi fi-oiu Commander Smith, which included all the information I possessed with regard to the affair of the 7th at West Point. herewith I transmit a second copy, and with it I submit the following brief extract from a dispatch, (hated May 7, from Commander Smith, which was the first notice 1 received of the matter. It was written at West 1~oint: Al)out 1 p. m. to-day some of the enemy opened fire froni some fieldpieces placed oii a lull on the left flank of the camp. Our vessels imrlle(liatelycomuulenced sluelijiug them, and in a few minutes they retired, no damage having been (lone to our people. I also tramismnit herewith, in obedience to your instructions of yester- day, a eopy of a report$ from Lieutenant Commanding Murray, received yesterday afternoon, concerning the late expedition up the I~amunkey River. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLISBouOuGn, Flag-Officer, Conmdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary. Washington, 1). C. lor full dispatch of Commander Smith. see pp. 315, 3113. See p. 393. t See pp. 377, 378. Page 318 318 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Lieutenant Seifridge, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Stevens, U. S. Navy, requesting report of the landing of Franklins division at West Point, to be forwarded to flag-officer. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 26, 1862. DEAR Sin: In consequence of the disability of the flag-officer to write, his right hand being disabled, he requests me to say that he wishes you to forward, through Commander Smith, of the Wachusett, your detailed report of the landing of Franklins division of the Army of the Potomac at West Point. He wishes all the iiiformation in your possession in regard to the operations of our vessels at that point, that both he and the Depart- ment may be fully cognizant of the important service that the iiavy rendered in preventing a disastrous check to our army. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS 0. SELPRIDGE, THOMAS II. STEVENS, Flag-Lieutenant. Commanding U. iS. iS. Maratanza, James River, Virginia. Letter from Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, forwarding report of Lieutenant Stevens, U. S. Navy. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, City Point, James River, May 29, 1862. SIR: I forward herewith a copy of a report handed to me to-day by Lieutenant Commanding T. H. Stevens, of the U. S. S. Maratauza. At the time the attack refeired to in the report was made by the rebel forces on General Franklins division this ship was anchored off the low-er 1)art of the landing; the Chocura was above, near the month of the Pamunkey; the Sebago was getting underway from the upper part of the anchorage to accompany the Corwin up the Mattapony, and the illiaratanza and Marblehead were a short distance below, on their way from Queens Creek, the latter aground, and the former assisting in get- ting her afloat. I made signals to the Carritack to go to the assistance of ihe Marblehead, and to the & bago and ]Ifaratanza to take a l)osition near this ship. The enemy were seen with fieldpieces on a hillside firing at our troops, who were hid fi-om our sight by intervening woods. A few discharges of shells from the lVachusett, Maratauza, and iSebago silenced the enemy and drove them hastily from their position, saving our army, as I have understood from army officers, fro in total defeat. It seems that the gunboats rendered a much more important service to the army than we on board were at the time aware of, and I only reported that an attack had been made on General Franklins forces by the rebels, who were shelled by the gunboats and dispersed, a~ that was all that could be seen from the ship. Had I known at the time the valuable services rendered by the gun- boats, I would have reported it, as a knowledge of it might have been of some advantage to us. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. SMITH, Commanding U. S. S. Waehusett. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 319 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 319 [Endorsement.] MAY 31, 1862. I beg to forward these reports with regard to the very essential service afforded by our gunboats iii York River in assisting our army when attacked at West Point. They have but just come to hand. Very respectfully, L. ii\I. GOLDSBOROUGIJ, Flag- Officer. Hon. SECRETARY OF NAVY, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. MARATANZA, 0/f 1Ve~t Point, May 7, 1862. SIR: About 11: ~3 this inornimig, hearing the sound of heavy firing in the rear of this place, I proceeded on board time IlTachusctt for the par- l)O5~ of tindimig means to join my command, which I had passed on my way to rel)ort to you and to receive your instructions. About half l)ast 11 General Franklin telegraphed for tile assistance of time gunboats, stating that he was attacked by a large force of the enemy and wanted immediate support. At this time the Maratauza was anchored about 2~ miles below, engaged in towing off the Mar- blehead. Receiving your orders to go aboard the Maratauza aimd brimig the vessel into action, 1 l)roceede(l at once in your gig for this purpose. Immediately upon getting on board I weighted amicimor, cleared for action, amid, when abreast of ammd as close to time position of the cimeiny as we conl(l get, I ol)ened fire with the 100-pounder I~arrott, about which time the AVbayo also opened. The fire was kept ill) for about three- quarters of an hour (this vessel remaaimmiiing underway) with terrible and tellimig effect upon time enemy, whose fire soon began to slacken, and they comnmnenced retreatimig. At 2: 22 p. in. ceased firing and anchored. It is the generally received opinion, so I gather from the officers and mimen composing General Franklins comninand, that tIme accurate amid destructive fire of the gunboats was greatly instrumemital iii saving the army from serious reverse and (lisaster. I found the use of the army signals oim this occasion invaluable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. 11. STEVENS, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commander \V~i. Si~uTu, Conidy. U. S. S. Wachnsett, and Senior Ogicer Present. Order of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Phelps, U. S. Navy, to furnish particulars regarding captures made by the U. S. S. Corwin. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 26, 1862. SIR: The flag-officer directs me to say to you that the imiventory he has received of the prizes captured by time Corwin May 4 and 5 and turned over to the Young America is not sufficiemit. He wishes forwarded to him the full l)articulars relating to th Page 320 320 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. eaptuPe of the same, how aiid where captured, the (:irdurnsta1)ce~, their destination at the time, j~ersoiis aid papers found on board, etc. The hag-officer is unable to write, from a disabled hand. Very resl)ectfully, y~ )iir o1)edient servant, THos. 0. SELVRLDGE, Plag-Licutcnant. Lieutenant Tilos. [S. I PHELPS, (Jonuuandin!J 1. AS. AS. Corw in. Report of Lieutenant Phelps, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Corwin, regarding prizes captured in York River, Virginia. U. S. S. CoRwu~, West Point, Va., June 3, 18G2. Siu: iii regard to the prizes delivered to the Young America, I have respectfully to report that the schooner ])irecter wiis cal)ture(l l)y this vessel oii the 4th ultiino (the Curritnek in company, about 1 mile asterzi) above Biolers Wharf alI(1 9 miles above Gloucester Point. She had on boar(l one white boy and seven negroes, aII(l was loaded with the etlects of Captain J. R. White, assistant quarterniaster. general, C. S. Ariiy. At the time of her capture she was endeavoring to reach West I~oiiit, \a., and oii the appearance of this vessel Capt am White returned to the wharf, set tire to it iii three l)laces, aiid escal)ed by lall(l. Tlicianncli iiiarked 19. S. l)rig Dolphin was captored near the village of Cappahosic, about 10 miles from Gloucester l~oiut, while escaping to the north shore. She was loaded with commissary stores alm(l the effects ot (ieneral Raimis, C. S. Army. She had oim board one coninmis- sary, one clerk to commmmiss~ry (late steward oinin the Virginia), and three soldici s belonging to the Louisiana Volunteers. They tore np and threw overboard heir papers betiwe we could get to them. The J)l15- ommers were semit iii time prizes and the ASebago to Yorktown. At the time of the above captures the guard boat General Scott and sloop Champion, loaded with muskets and army stoles, were fired and abandoned by their crews, they escaping to the shore. The sloop Water Utteh belonged to time Confederate States an(1 was called Ca ptaimt T. J. Pages flagship; was abandoned on the eveiming of the 4th of May, on the arrival ot the gummboats at this place, and was seized omm time 5th by time Corn ins boat at Mis. Rrookss farm, on the north shore of tIme Mattapony River, imear West Point, Va. Time Curri- twl~ was iii conml)almy at the ti mime. r1~ime long gig was seized at West Point by the Currilnek. Time scimooners American Coaster amid Planter, hOade(l with dirt amm(l ready tom sinking by the rebels, were captured by time Cnrritnck omm the 7th or StIm of May on time Painunkey River above Cimmnberland. Omi the arrival of thme Yonnq America for thmemmm I Imad time (lilt removed amid, by your order, loaded with iroinm ammd timber takemi troimi the navy yard at tlmis place. At the timmie the first tlmree prizes mnemmtiolmc(l ut time reh)ort were cap- tlmre(l thme vessels commiposimig time York River Sqoadrmn, miot mmaimmed ~vere off Yorktow mm. 1 respecttully emiclose a commiplete list of the officers and crew of this steammmer. 1 am, very respectfuhly, your obedient servammt, T. S. PIIEmS, Lientena n t, Comma uding, Ii. S. ]Vaxy. Flag-Officer L. XI. GOLDSBoUOITGu, 17. 5. Navy, Coni (1g. North Atlantic Blockading m~iaadron, 11am]) ton Uo(t(1S Page 321 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 321 [Eudor~emcut.] JULY 12, 1862. The sioop Wate~- Witch. quite a small affair, is at the Norfolk navy yard, aIi(l leaks so badly that until partially rel)aire(l she can not be sent away from there. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Order from Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Shankland, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Currituck, desiring particulars of prizes captured in York River, Virginia. U. S. Fm~siiw MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 26, 1862. SIR: The flag-officer directs me to say to you that the inventory lie has received of the prizes captured by the Curi-itucl~- May S and turned over to the Young America is not sufficient. He wishes forwarded to him the full particulars relating to the cap- ture of the same; how and where captured, the circumstances, their destination at the time, persons or papers found on board, etc. The flag-officer is unable to write, from a (lisabled hand. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. 0. SELFRIDGE, Flag-Lieutenant. Acting Master W. F. SHANKLAND, Jr., Commanding U. S. S. Currituck. Report of Acting Master Shankland, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. Currituck, regarding prizes captured. U. S. S. CURUITUCK, Pamunkey River, June 6, 1862. SIR: Your letter dated May 26 is receive(l. With regard to the cap- ture of prizes made by me on the 7th of May, I beg leave to state that I received orders on the afternoon of the 6th from Captain Smith to proceed up the Pamnunkey Itiver as far as the first island to capture, if possible, a number of schooners lying at that point filled with sand and stone for the purpose of sinking them across the chaniiels, there being a channel on each side of the island. I left the anchorage at West Point at 6 p. m. and anchored 2 miles below the lied Bluff, not deeming it prudent to go farther that night. At 4: 3() a. m. got underway and ran up to the island, where we arrived at 6:30 a. m. I there found some ten to twelve schooners sunk and two afloat about 100 yards above the sunken ones. I sent the first and second cutters in charge of Mr. Hale, executive officer, to bring them out. They proved to be the American Coaster and the Planter. On one was bent mainsail, foresail, and jib, and the other nmainsail and jib. I had a thorough search made, but nothing was to be found on board. The above schooner hailed from Yorktown. From a contraband on the island I leam-ned that these two schooners were to be sunk with the rest, and that the rebels were coming off NWRVOL7 2 Page 322 322 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. when I hove in sight. They had been sinking the vessels up to 5 oclock that morning. The party was in charge of a captain of the rebel Army. 1 left the island with both schooners in tow at 7 a. m. and arrived at West Point at 10:15 a in., and reporte(l immediately to the senior officer, Captain Smith. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. F. SHANKLAND, Acting Master, Commanding U. S. S. Currituck. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDsBOROUGH, Comdg. the North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads. Endorsement.] JULY 127 1862. The Planter was subsequently given up to her owner in consequence of his Union sentiments and valuable services to our vessels up the York and Pamunkey rivers. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, F lag- Officer. Report of Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, of movements of the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack). - U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, May 5, 1862. SIR: Yesterday afternoon, between 1 and 2 oclock, the Merrimack came down and anchored just inside of Sewells Point, and after remain- ing there a few hours she went back and anchored off Craney island, where she now lies with her steam up. She was accompanied by only one small tug. The precise object of her movements it is difficult to divine, but one point with her, I think, is to watch James River, up which she can go as high as Hog Island, if not still higher; or, in other words, some 50 or 00 miles or more. She may attempt to force her way to York River, and be now only waiting for the opportunity of her choice to occur. To get there, with the number of vessels now engaged in transporting our troops, pro- visions, guns, etc., up to West Point, [Va.], would be very disadvan- tageous to us, and this, of course, is well known to the enemy. Rumor places our gunboats detailed for York River as being already off West Point and our army as having already advanced to the Chickahominy. I have nothing more reliable up to this hour to com- municate. I beg to inform the Department that I have ordered 1,000 tons of coal to be deposited at Beaufort, N. C., and also a supply of provisions, clothing, and stores for the use of our vessels blockading off Wilming- ton, iN. C., and have given orders to those vessels to go to Beaufort hereafter for those articles, and not to come here unless absolutely necessary. The State of Georgia and Chippeua I have ordered to leave Beaufort and go off Wilmington. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag-Officer, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 323 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 323 Report f Lieutenant Braine, U. AS~. Navy, commanding U. AS. S. ]Ilionticello, ojinjormation received from two deserters from Fort (Jaswell, N. (7. U. S. S. MONTICELLO, Off Wilmington, N (3., May 5, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that on the night of the 29th of April two soldiers of the rebel Army, iiames, henry 0-arwood and George Henri, privates, desertcd from Fort Caswell and came off to this ship. They gave me the f4hlowing information relative to the rebel forces at this J)lace: In Fort CaswelL there are between 550 and 600 men; they have received lately in the fort 5,000 pounds bacon, 200 barrels flour, and other provisions. The fort mounts 36 guns in all; 4 of theni are carronades l)laced so as to rake the moat (which has 5 feet depth of water in it). The gnus in barbette are 30 in iiumber; 6 are rifle gnus and look toward the entrance to the harbor, and with these are 4 8-inch columbiads looking in the same direction. The balance of the gnus are light 32 and 24 pounders. In and about the fort at Federal Point, New Inlet entrance, are 2,000 men, the greater portion of them in camp about 4 miles to the north- ward of Federal Point. At Smithville there are 6 companies of artillery and 6 fiehdpieces. The guns in earthwork at New Inlet are 24 in number; of their class and caliber I have no information. These deserters inform me that the steamer Aashville, now called the William L. Wragg, and sailing under English colors, ran in at New Inlet on the 26th of April; while doing so she struck on the bar and lay there twenty-eight hours, during which time a portion of her cargo was taken out by five tugs which went to her assistance. They state that while she lay on the bar the U. S. sloop of war Jamestown came to within about 3 or 4 miles of her and then stood offshore. The Nashville is reported by them to be injured, having her port wheelhouse stove in, and that she was towed up to Wilmiiugtouu. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, D. L. BRALNE, Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Monticello. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Norfolk, Va. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT POTOMAC, May 5, 1862. SIR: Your comunuluication* of to-day just received. West Point is not occul)ied by the enemy, so that, important as it is to me to send ves- sels up James River, of course defer to your judgment. I will commu- nicate further after I return from the front. GEG. 13. MCCLELLAN, Major- General. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Hampton Roads. Not fontid. Page 324 324 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Flag- Officer ~Joidsborough, U. S. Navy, to the Secretary of thc Nacy, recommending Yorktown as a good place Jor a navy yard, U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, May 6, 1862. SIR: I would beg to say to the Department that, in my humble judg- ment, Yorktown is a very much better place for a navy yard than Gosport, Va. In many respects it affords singular advantages for the 1)nrpose. I mention this thus early, in case the Departiueiit should have occasion to turn its attention to the subject of locating another dockyard in the waters of the Chesapeake, or in case it should wish to establish any sllOl)S there for piesent eiids. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. N. GOLDSnoRouGH, Flag- Q~Jicer, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nacy, Washington, D. U Report of Flag- Officer (Joldsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding mocements of United States vessels in Hampton Roads. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, May 6, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the U. S. S. Port Royal arrived here this morning. Agreeably to your instructions of May 2, I shall (lispateli the Octorara immediately for Ship Island. I shall also dispatch the Braziliera immediately, now that she has men on board in place of those who belonged to the Cumberland, for Port Royal. Both vessels will leave this afternoon. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROITGH, Flag- Officer, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. (I. Letter from Flag- Officer (ioldsborongh, U. S. Navy, to commanding officers ~f vessels of North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, regarding the enlistment of contrabands for the naval service. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 6, 1862. SIR: The approach of the hot and sickly. season upon the southern coast of the United States renders it imperative that every precaution should be used by the ofticers commanding vessels to continue the excellent sanitary condition of their crews. The large number of per- sons known as contrabands flocking to the protection of the United States hag affords an opportunity to provide in every department of a ship, especially for boats crews, acclimated lal)or. The commanding officers under my command are required to obtaimi the services of these persons for the country by enlisting them freely in the Navy, wit Page 325 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 825 their consent, rating them as boys at ~8, $9, or $10 per month and one ration. Let a monthly return l)e made of the number of this class of persons employed on board the vessel under your command. L. M. GOLDsnOnOIJo-u, Flaq- Otficer. COMI~IANDING OFFICERS OF ~ESSELS OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC REOCKADING SQITAlYRON. Letter from Commander Rowan, U. S. Nary, to Mjor- General Pa rAe, U. S. Army, requesting the return of a naral detail serving on the steamer North State and launches. 17. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Off New Berne, May 6, 1862. Mv DEAR GENERAL: I am greatly iii want of my l)eople now serv- ing with you in the North State and in the launches. I hope you will sen(l theni to me as soon as l)ossible, as some of my vessels are without guns crews. If the launches cant come through the canal, I will send the Ellis for them. I send the two captains of guns, who will take charge of the launches and bring theni up with the coast guard l)eople belonging to the Hunch back all(1 South/jeld. Hoping to see you sooii and congratulate you on your splendid suc- cess, I am truly, yours, etc., S. C. IROWAN, Commanding Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Major-General PARKE, Commanding at New Berne, N. C. [Telegram.] XVASIIINGTON, May 6, 1862. The Norwegian corvette Norvier is expected to arrive at hampton Roads with the Norwegian minister on board. Has she yet arrived~ If not, telegraph inc when she (loes, and inform the commander that the Norwegian minister will visit him at Hampton Roads. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBoRouGH. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, May 6, 1862. I have received the following (hispatchi from New York: The 2%e8111ille is in Wilmington. One of her passengers is here. The police are after him. G V Fox Assis taut Secretary. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLD5BOROITGH Page 326 326 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 7, 1862. The Norwegian sloop of war arrived in these roads this morning at 10 oclock. The inessaoe to her commander has beeii delivered. L. M. GoLDsnoRouGH, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Flag-Officer. Secretary Navy. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, May 7, 1862. The Department desires you to afford every possible aid to thi movements of General McClellan, and endeavor to harass tile retreat of the rebels whenever they can be reached by gunboats. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGU, Hampton Roads. Order of the President of the United States to Flag- Officer Goidsborough, U. S. Navy, regarding the sending of gunboats up the James River. FORT MONROE, VA., May 7, 1862. SIR: Major-General McClellan telegraphs that he has ascertained by a reconnoissance that the battery at Jamestown has been abandoned, and he again requests that gunboats may be sent up the James River. If you have tolerable confidence that you can successfully contend with the Merrimack withont the help of the Galena and two accompa- Ilyilig gunboats, send the Galena and two gunboats up the James River at once. Please report your action on this to me at once. I shall be found at General Wools headquarters. Your obedient servant, A. LINCOLN. Flag-Officer GOLDSPOROUGH. Letter from the Secretary of the Treasury to Flag- Officer Goldsborongh, U. S. Navy, regarding the sending oJ gunboats up the James River. MAY 7,1862. DEAR COMMODORE: The President has read me the note he has addressed to you. Should it result in your sending the (Jalena, as indi- cated, may I ask the favor, unles8 you think it really injudicious, of letting tile Sterens [Naugatuckj go with the (Jalena. Yours, truly, S. P. CHASE, Secretary of the Treasury Page 327 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 327 Letter from Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. iVavy, to the Secretary of the Treasury, regarding the sending of gunboats up the James River. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Han~pton Roads, Virginia, May 7, 18629:30 p. m. M~ DEAR SIR: I really do think it injudicious, for Various reasons which I will explain to you hereafter, to send the Stevens with the Galena, but, if you insh;t upon it, of course, she shall go. Most truly and faithfully, yours, L. M. G-OLDSBOROUGH. lion. S. P. CHASE, Fortress Monroe. Order of Flag- Officer Uoldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Captain Rodgers, U. AS. Nary, commanding U. S. S. Calena to the James River. , proceed with gunboats up U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 7, 1862. SIR: Proceed with the Galena, Aroostook, and Port Royal up the James River, and with them do all that may be in your power to assist the army under the command of Major-General McClellan, and endeavor to harass the retreat of the rebels wherever they can be reached. Inform the conunanders of the Aroostook and Port Royal that it is my orders they accompany you with their respective vessels, aiid act implicitly under your instructions. It is the desire of the President of the United States that the expedition should start at once, to-night. In the discharge of this highly iml)ortant duty I, of course, leave all details entirely to your own discretion, in which I have every confi- dence. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commander JOHN RODGERS, Flag- Officer. U. S. S. Galena, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Golds- borough, U. S. Navy, giving information in regard to C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack). Private.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 7, 1862. Mv DEAR SIR: Do you think it is true about the Nashville? Isher- wood and Lenthall say the Merrimack must draw 22 to 24 feet of water. She drew 17 launched, and at 19 the top of her screw would be 3 inches above water. Yet she has got a deck above it, and that deck is under water. By the chart I see 34 fathoms can only be carried 5 niiles above Newport News, and 18 feet to Chickalioiiiiny, about 33 miles above. The news from McClellan is that the enenmy are retreating along James River, being afraid of the other si(le, which is covered by our gunboats. I saw all the defenses of Yorktown, and am satisfied that if Missroon had pushed by with a couple of gunboats the Navy would have had the credit of driving the army of the rebels out, besides immortality to himself. Yorktown altogether had but fifty gumis, aiid none pointing up river. The water batteries on both sides were insignificant, and, according t Page 328 328 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. all our naval conflicts thus far, could have been passed at night with iflIJ)unity. As Johnston wrote Davis, they magnified their defenses and liunibug~ed us Truly, yours, G. V. Fox. Flag-Officer L. M. GoLDs~oROUGii, Hampton Roads. Report of (Jommander Green, U. AS. Aavy, commanding U. ~. s/tip James- town, 0/ the arrival oJ that vessel at ilampton Roads for sn~)plie5 and rep~~ irs. L. S. SLOOP OF WAR JAMESTOWN, Hampton Roads, Virginia., May 8, 1862. Sw: I respectfully report the return of this ship from the blockade of Wilmington, N. C., fur supplies, and beg leave to mention the wants of the ship ut other respects. The rudder l)uIltles appear to be much wont, requiring examination. l3oth decks and upper works require calking. The catheads are reported decayed, also the half ports. The force pumps on the berth deck all(l the donkey engine require repairs. We a.re deficient two bower anchors, one first cutter, and three cap- stait bars. The ship has, with scarcely any internuissiomi, been eBlployed ibr the 1)ast eleven mouths on blockading service, during which time the crew have not beemi allowed liberty and several are at present on the sick list, with scurvy. We are short of our original complement 9 men, and there are S who were sent in the prize brig Intended, and 11 whose time of service expires during the iwesent month, so that on the 1st of June we shall be short 28 men, besides 2 U~0I1 whom a medical survey will be necessary. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. GREEN, Commander. Flag-( )fli cer L. M. U OLI)SBOROITGII, Comdy. North A tian tic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. NAVY DEPARTMENT, lYashinqton, via Cherrystone, May 8, 1862. The l)epartnient collsi(lers it imperative that you should send a (livi- sion of gunboats up James River, accompanied by the iron vessel Calcite. GiDEoN WELLES, Secretary Navy. Flag-Officer L. M. UOL~snOitOITGII, Hampton Roe (Is. Enqaucmnent of Federal vessels with Confederate batteries in the James River, May 8, 1862. Report of Commander Rodgers, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Galena. U. S. S. GALENA, Off Ho,q Island, May 9, 1862. SIR: We fought two batteries yesterday, each of about a dozemi guns. We silenced the first one at Rock Whari, but fimiding that we were exI)elL(ling too many shells 111)011 the secon(l at Mother Tynes Bluff, i pitt the Galena abeam of it as close as the pilot com~ihl take her, in goo Page 329 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 329 5-second range, and disconcerted the aim of the rebels while the Aroostook and Port Royal ran by. No one in any of the vessels hurt; vessels not injured. The Iorktown and Jamestown, lying between these batteries, moved up the river as we approached, and they disappeared. We ran aground yesterday, and are still unable to get off. I hope to do [so] this evening. The pilots saythe channel marks bave been misplaced. I will write a fuller account. Very respectfully, your obedient servaimt, JOHN itODGERS, Commander. Flag-Officer L. lxi. GOLDSBOROUGH, Connnandinq North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Additional report of commander Rodgers, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Galena. U. S. GUNBOAT GALENA, J~mestown Island, May 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on 8th instant we offered battle to two batteries of about teit guns each, some of the gumis heavy rifled, and the Jamestown and Yorktown gunboats. As we approached the batteries which we silenced, the rebel boats lying betw-een them moved up the river. After this vessel had passed and rel)assed the secoiid battery seven times in all, as closely as the pilot could carry us, the Galena laid still, abreast its guns, while the Aroostook and Port Royal ran by; she was thus able so to disconcert the aim of the rebel artillerists that our boats escaped a shot. None of the pilots have been up the river within a year; simice then the channel marks have been altered. Off Hog Island the (lalena ran aground. 1mm atteml)timmg to work her oft the engine stopped, the pipes having been filled with sand amid pieces of wood. The injection water is taken from the bottom of the vessel, hear the keel, and thus in working the engine while agroun(l, the condenser becomes filled with mud, and the valves choked with whatever com- poses the bottom. In consequence of not being able to use our own steam, amid of hay- immg grounded at high tide, notwithstanding commstammt labor and assist- amice, we remained thirty-six hours on the bottoma. This mornimig we ran up the river as far as Upper Brammdomm, alm(l foumid everything clear. We retilrne(l here to comumnunicate. Harrisons Bar has upon it at high tide ommly 14 feet water, through a very crooked amid narrow channel. I regar(1 it as iminevitable that we shall get aground in passing this bar. We can not use the emigine whemi we do so. The Arooslook amid Port Royal will not be able, together, to resist time five gumiboats which are above us. I have the honor, therefore, to request that about three or four gumi- boats may be semit to reemiforce us, so as to engage the enenmy with assurance of success while we shall be I)aralyze(l in J)assing the shoal water. Jamestown Islamid is a good 1)oimmt to sen(l ainumnummition to. It is about 7 miles from Williamsburg, and the road is very good. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JOhN JIODGERS, (Jonunander, Flag-Officer L. lxi. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding i\o)th Atlan tic Blockading Squadron Page 330 330 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Brigadier- General Man~fteld, U. S. Army, to Major- General Wool, U. S. Army, announcing surrender of the steam tug John B. White. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, May 8, 1862. The rebel steam tug John B. White has just come in to deliver her- self up. I sent her in charge of a guard to you immediately; the cap- tam will give you much informatioti. Norfolk is being evacuated and the people represented friendly. The Merrimack is still commanded by Tattuall, and has orders to run either for the York or James River. MANSFIELD, Brigadier- General. Major-General WooL. Engagement with Sewells Point battery iliay 8, 1862.Appearance of the C. S. S. Virginia (1iterrimack) in Hampton Roads. Letter from the Secretary of War to Flag-Officer Ooldsborough, U. S. Navy, requesting infor mation. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., May 9, 1862. SIR: The President instructs me to iiiforiu you that he desires au immediate report upon your operations yesterday specifying First. What instructions were given by you to your officers, respec- tively. Second. What, if anything, was accomplished by them. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON. Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding in Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington, I. C., May 9, 1862. I am directed by the President to transmit the following telegram to you for publication. Respectfully, yours, THOMAS T. ECKERT, Assistant Superintendent U. S. Military Telegraph. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. [EnclosureTelegram.] U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, May 9, 1862. SIR: Agreeably to communication just received from the 11011. Edwin M. Stanton, I have the honor to report the instructions I gave yester- (lay to the officers commanding the several vessels detailed to open fire upon Sewells Point were that the object was to ascertain the practica- bility of landing a body of troops thereabouts and to reduce the work Page 331 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 331 if it could be done; that the wooden vessels should attack the lirincipal works in enfilade, and that the Monitor, to be accompanied by the $tei~ens, should go up as far as the wreck and there operate in front ou the Alierrirnacks appearance outside of the wrecks. The Monitor had orders to fall back in to fair channel way, and only to engage her seriously in such a position that this ship, together with the merchant vessels intended for the purpose, could run her down if an opportunity presented itself. The other vessels were not to hesitate to run her down, and the Baltimore, an unarmed steamer of light draft, high speed, and with a curved bow, was kept in the direction of the Monitor expressly to throw herself across the Merrimack, either forward or aft of her plated house; but the Merrimack did not engage the Monitor, nor did she place herself where she could have been assailed by our ram vessels to any advantage, or where there was any prospect whatever of getting at her. My instructions were necessarily verbal, and in giving them I supposed I was carrying out your wishes in substance if not to the letter. The demonstration resulted in establishii~g the fact, that the number of guns at the principal work on Sewells Point has been essentially reduced and is not greater now than about seventeen, and that the number of men now stationed there is comparatively quite limited. The quarters connected with this work were set oii fire by our shells, and no doubt seriously injured. I am, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag. Officer, Commanding Naval Blockading Squadron. His Excellency the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES. Report of Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. 8. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA Hampton Roads, Virginia, May 9, 1862. SiR: The Galena, Aroostook, and Port Royal (by (hirection of the President for me to detail time (Jalena and two gunboats for the purpose) went up James River early yesterday morning. Also by direction of the President, our vessels shelled Sewells Point yesterday mainly with tIme view of ascertaining the practicability of landing a body of troops thereabouts. The Merrimack came out, but was even more cautious than ever. The Monitor was kept well in advance and so that the Merrimack could have engaged her without difficulty had she beeim so disposed, but she declined to do it, and soon returned an(l anchored under Sewells Point. The Jamcstown arrived here yesterday. Her condition is such that I shall have to dispatch her to Philadelphia for repairs. The Cayuga also arrived here yesterday from the Mississippi River with dispatches aiid left for New York in the evening. The St. Lawreiw~e sailed this morning for Key West. In all, there are now seven of our vessels up the York River, and three of them up the James River. Could I have exercised my own judgment, I should have withdrawn some from the York River, and thus increased the number of those sent up the James. Our vessels up the James River were no doubt engaged for several hours during yesterday, but whether with the enemys vessels or wit Page 332 33~ N( d~TII ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. one of his forts oii the south side of the river, we have not yet ascer- tained. All the enemys gunboats that were at Norfolk, eight in numl)er, including the ~1amestown and Yorktown, are up the James River, and our three vessels must be this side of them. I am, very respectihlly, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGII, Flag- Officer, (Jomdq. North Atlantic Blockadinq Squadron. lion. GIDEON ~ELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Ilashtngton, I). (1. Report of Commander Gillis, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Seminole. U. S. S. SEMINOLE, Hampton Roads, Virainia, May 8, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order we got underway at 11: 45 a. in. and stood up to and abreast Se~vells 1~oint battery. Opened fire upon it with our 11-inch shell gun and (liScharged sixty-nine shell, 15 and 10 second, about two-thirds of which fell in and imear their battery, one of which carried away their flagstaff and flag, and when it was being rel)laced another of our shell shot it away or the man who was waving it. We also fired some 32-pounder shell of 15-second. Several of the enemys shot, some ritle(I, passed over and ahead of us. One of our shell fired the enemys works, which continned to burn lively for some time. Toward the close of the action, which ceased about 3: 30 p. in., the Merrimack approached, but not within range of our guns. We were struck in the 1)0w, carrying away I)art of hammock nettings. The officers and crew of this vessel behaved with their usual courage and coolness. Will send a report more detailed if you wishit. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JNO. P. GILLIS, Commander. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, U. S. Navy, (7omdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. I respectfully enclose the requisition for ammunition signaled for. Report of Lieutenant Constable, U. S. Revenue Marine, commanding U. S. revenue steamer E. A. Stevens (Naugatuck). U. S. REVENUE STEAMER E. A. STEVENS, Hampton koads, May 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that I received orders yesterday morning from Flag-Officer Goldsborough to proceed with the vessel under my coi~mai~d,in company with a squadromi composed of the steamers Sasquelianna, San Jacinto, Dacotah, Seminole, and Monitor, for the purpose of shelling Sewells Point battery, to draw out, if possible, the rebel steamer Merrimack into a position where she dould be attacked simultaneously by the large steamers. My individual orders from the flag-officer were to take a position for the purpose referred to, and engage the battery, and if the Merrimack made her appearance to fall back out of the way to induce her to come out into the roads, so that she could be attacked l)y the large steamers which were then at anchor below the fortress. In accor(lance with these orders I got nimderwa Page 333 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 333 from my position at 10: 10 a. in. and stood out in mid-channel to await the movements of the squadron. At [12 :]35 p. in., seeing that the squadron of attack was underway, I proceeded with the vessel under my command toward the place of acuion, governing my movements by those of the flagship Susquehauna, under command of Commodore Lardner, under whose orders I was placed by the Ilag-othcer. I selected a position oft the battery of the enemy within a distance varying from three-quarters of a mile to a umile and a quarter (a distance less thami that of one-(Juarter of the actual range of our heavy gnu), from which I threw shell iimto the enemys battery with good effect until the Merrimack made her al)l)earauce, coming out of Elizal)eth River, when, with the rest of the squadron, led by the flagship, we slowly retired toward Hampton Bar. Everything ou board was conducted to my sati8faction, with the excep- tion of the premature explosion of four shells (two of tlictn being ti inc fuze and two percussion fuze), and the fact that the projectiles frequently start from the cartridge alter loading oii the berth decl~. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedieiit servamit, 1). C. CONSTABLE, .Lieuten(u?t, Comnn~nding. Hon. S. P. CHASE, Secretary of the Treasury, Wa8hington, D. U. Letter of thanks from the President of the United States to Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy. FORT MONROE, VA., May 10, 18(12. Mv DEAR SIR: I send you this COl)Y of your rel)ort of yesterday for the purpose of saying to you in writing- that you ai-e quite right in sui- posing the movement made by you and therein reported was made in accordance with my wishes verbally expresse(1 to you in a(lvance. I avail myself of the occasion to thank you P)r your courtesy and all so far durino in your conduct, as known to me, b y brief visit here. Yours, very truly, A. LiNCOLN. Flag-Officer (iOLDSBOROUGH. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Dacotah. Allay 7, 1862.At 1:10 p. in. the Merrimack reported as coming down from Norfolk. May 8.Meridian to 3 p. in.: Steamned up abreast of Sewells Point batteries, preceded by the Naugatiwk, Monitor, Seminole, and Susque- hanna. The squadron then opened fire. One of the batteries was soon silenced, but the other kept up a desultory fire. At 4:50 let go anchor. President Lincoln passed us in a steam tug. At 5:45 mus- tered at quarters. The Merrimack returned to her anchorage off Craney Islaimd. May 9.At daylight rebel steamer Merrimack in sight oft Crammey Island. At 3:30 a. in. the Merrimack al)peared to be steaming toward us. At 8, Me~rimaek in sight oft Craney Island. At 10 the Monitor got underway and steamed up river. At 6:45 ~ in. guims fired from Sewells Point. Fort Wool rel)lied with shell (luring the remainder of watch. Soldiers embarking at wharves. At sunset the Merrimack in sight by Craney Island Page 334 334 NORTH ATLANTIC I3LOCKADING SQUADRON. Allay 10.At daylight saw steamboats apparently Luiding troops at Willoughbys Point. Merrimack still retained her 1)OsitiOlI. From 8 to meridian: Merrimack lying near (Jraney Island with steam up. Troops landing on the Virginia shore inside Fort Wool. At 6 p. in. Merrimack in sight off Craney Island. From S to midnight a large fire in the direction of Norfolk. May 11.At 3 a. in. a large fire, bearing S. ~ E., another sprang up bearing S. S. W., caused by the rebel steamer Merrimack. At 4:55 the rebel steamer Merrimack blew ill). At 6:15 stood up Elizabeth River in company with U. S. S. AS1usquehanna, San Jacinto, Seminole, Jlfount Ver- 1WU~ Monitor, and Nacyatuck. From 8 to meridian: Passed Sewells Point and went carefully up Elizabeth River through the obstructions. Ship scraped over a sunken wreck alongside the frigate United States. At 11 came to off naval hospital. The U. S. S. San Jacinto grounded on the obstructioiis; still lies upon them. From meridian to 3: San Jacinto got clear and anchored near ns. Abstract log of the U. S. ship Jamestown. Allay 8, 1862.At 9:50 a. in. came to anchor, Old Point light-house 5. 860 20 W. From meridian to 4 p. in.: The U. S. S. Afonitor and four other steamers got underway and stood up toward Sewells Point. At 12:30 the other vessels commenced firing. The shore batteries returned the fire. At 2:45 an enemys steamer appeared, when the Minnesota and five other steamers got underway and stood up. At 3:30 the enemy disappeared and the steamers commenced returning. Amy 9.At 9 a. m. Alonitor got nnderway and stood up toward Sewells Point. Four American steamers of war got underway and stood toward the Alonitor. Firing from the Rip Raps ceased at 5:30 P. III. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Minnesota. May 8, 1862.From 4 to 8 a. in.: Rebel steamer J. B. White came down from Norfolk and was taken by General Wool. At 12:35 p. in. Susque- hanna and other vessels opened fire. Battery on Sewells Point opened fire. At 1:30 the Monitor went close in to the battery. At 2:15 the fleet began to draw off and the Merrimack appeared coming out. The Merrimack, coining round Sewells Point, flied a gun and made signal to ship to keep underway; slipped chain. At 4:30 the Merrimack retired. May 9.At 7:25 p. m. a heavy gun was fired from Sewells Point. Returned by the Rip Raps; continued firing rapidly; no response from the enemy. May 10.At 10:30 p. in. a steamer from Lynn Haven Bay came alongside and reported the surrender of Norfolk to the United States forces. May 11.From 4 to 8 a. in.: Two fires seen in the direction of Nor- folk; another seen in the direction of Craney Island. At 5:30 Lieu- tenant Selfridge went to reconnoiter off Sewells Point, flag-officer hay- ing received reliable information that the enemy had blQwn np the Mer- rimack. Ordered the Seminole, Susquehanna, Dacotah, Monitor, Mount Vernon, and Naugatuck to proceed toward Sewells Point. At 5:30 a. in. above vessels were underway. At 6 a. in. most of the fleet were around Sewells Point Page 334A Page 334B C. S. STEAM FRIGATE VIRGINIA. Made from original, (Irawn by Robert Minor, C. S. N. (Maury papers Page 335 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 335 Abstract log of the U. S. ship St. Lawrence. May 8, 1862.At 11:30 a. m. gunboats Seminole and Dacotah, sloops of war Sasquehanna and San Jacinto, and iron clad batteries Mionitor an(l Naugatuck got underway to attack Sewells Point and Craney Island. From meridian to 3 p. in.: Part of the fleet were underway and standing toward Sewells Point; when withiii range the Seminole opened fire on the rebel batteries, followed by the other vessels of the fleet. The Monitor approached the batteries to within short range and fired several shots. Afterwards she increased her distance, firing at intervals. A dense smoke was seen off Sewells Point, supposed to arise ftom a large tire. Also a smoke apparently coming from Norfolk. This was afterwards found out to be the Merrimack. The Minnesota fired two blank cartridges, but of her object we were ignorant. The gunboat tJayuga came in, bringing the intelligence of the capture of New Orleans. Abstract log of the U. S. S. San Jacinto. May 8, 1862.At 11 : 30 a. in. stood over to Sewells Point in com- pany with the following U. S. steamers: Susquehanna, Dacotah, Semi- nole, Monitor, and 17. A. Stevens. At 12:36 p. m. commenced shelling the rebel battery on Sewells Point and kept it up till 3: 20. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Susquehanna. May 8, 1862.At 11:45 a. m. Captain Lardner came on board from shore and we immediately got underway under steam. At 12 m. beat to quarters and cleared the ship for action and stood toward Sewells Poimut, in company with San Jacinto, Dacotah, Seminole, Mionitor, and B. A. Stevens. At 12:30 fired on the rebel batteries at Sewells Point. The other vessels also commenced firing. The majority of our shot were fired from the rifle and pivot guns. The rebels fired at long intervals, and at 2 p. m. they slackened fire and about this time their flag was shot away; and the ships having obtained nearly the exact range, most of the shell exploded inside of the fort. Made signal to the fleet Emuemys fort appears abandoned. At 3 p. in. made signal to Follow our ~ and stood toward Fortress Monroe, the rebel steamer Merrimack steaming down from Craney Island toward us. Flagship made signal Resume your moorings. At 4:30 Merrimack turned and stood toward Craney Island again. At 5 came to with starboard anchor in 15 fathoms water; veered to 40 fathoms chain. Report of Flag-Officer Tattuall, C. S. Navy. RICHMOND, VA., May 14, 1862. Sin: In detailing to you the circumstances which caused the destruc- tion of the C. S. S. Virginia and her movements a few days previous to that event, I begin with your telegraphic dispatches to me of the 4th and 5th instant, directing me to take such a position in the James River as would entirely prevent the enemys ascending it. General finger, comunauuding at Norfolk, on learning that I had received this order called omi me amid declared that its executio Page 336 NORTH ATLANTIC flLOCKADLNG 8QIJADRON. would oblige bun to abandon immediately his forts oii Craney Island and Sowells Point and their guns to the enemy. I informed him that, as the order was imperative, i must execute it, but suggested that he should telegraph you and state the consequences. lie (11(1 so; and on the 6th instant you telegraphed me to endeavor to afford l)rotection to Norfolk as well as the James River, which replace(l me in my original l)osition. 1 then arranged with the general that he should notify me when his preparations for the evacuation of Norfolk were sufficiently advanced to enable me to act independently. On the 7th instant Com- modore Ilollins reached Norfolk with orders from you to consult with me and such officers as I might select in regard to the best disposition to be lna(le of the Virginia under the present aspect of things. We had arrange(I the conference for the next day, the 8th, but ou that day, before the hour appointed, the enemy attacked the Sewells Point battery, and I loft immediately with the Virginia to (lefen(l it. We found six of the enemys vessels, including the ironclad steamers ~ and Aauqatuclc, shelling the battery. XVe l)assed the battery and stood directly for the enemy, for the purpose of engaging him, and I thought an action certain, particularly as the Minnesota and Vander- but, which were anchored below Fortress Monroe, got underway and stood up to that l)oint, apparently with the intention of joining their squadron in the roads. Before, however, we got within gunshot the enemy ceased firing and retired with all speed uLn(ler the l)rotectioll of the guns of the fortress, followed by the Virginia until the shells from the Rip Raps passed over her. The Virginia was then l)laced at her moorings near Sewells Point, and I returned to iNou-folk to hold the conference referred to. It was held on the 9th, all(l the officers l)resent were Coloimel Anderson and Captain , of the Army, selected by -General finger, who was too unwell to atten(l himself, and, of the Navy, myself, Commodore Holhins, Captains Sterrett and Lee, Commander Richard L. Page, and Lieutenants Catesby ap II. Jones and ~J. Pembroke Jones. The opinion was unanimous that the Virginia was then employed to the best advantage aimd that she should continue for the l)resent to pro- tect Norfolk, and thins afford time to remove time public property. On the next day, at 1() oclock a. in., we observed from the Virginia that the flag was not flying on the Sewells Point battery and that it al)peare(I to have been abandoned. I dispatched LieutenamutJ. P. ~Jones, the tiag-lientemmant, to Craney Island, where the Confederate flag was still flvin~, aml(l lie there learned that a large force of the enemy had landed on the bay shore and was marching rai)idly on Norfolk; that the Sewells Point battery was abandommed and our troops were retreating. I then (lispatched time sanme officer to Norfolk to confer within General Huger and Captain Lee. 1-le found the navy yard in flames, aimd that all its officers had left by railroad. On reachimug Norfolk lie found that Gen- eral linger ammd all the other officers of the Army had also left; that the enemy were within half a mile of the city, and that the mayor was treating for its surrender. On returning to the ship he found that Craney lslan(l an(l all the other batteries on the river had been abandommed. It was now 7 oclock in the evemming, and this unexpected information ren(lered l)romnpt measures necessary for the safety of the Virginia. The pilots had assured me that they could take the ship, with a draft of 18 feet, to within 4() miles of RiclInIon(l. This the chief pilot, Mr. Parrish, and his chief assistant, Mr. Wright, had asserted again an(l again; an(l on the afternoon of the 7tl~,in m Page 337 NORTh ATLANTIC B LOCK ADING SQUADRON. 337 cabin, iii the preseilce of (oiiituodore Itollius atid (Jal)taiil Sterrett, in relily to a question of mine, they both eIlll)hatical1y declared their abiJity to do 50. (oiifidiiig in these asSuralices, and after consulting with the first and thig lieutenants aiiU learning that the officers most judiciouS course, I (letelInimled fA) ~eiiei~ihl, tlio~ighit it t1~ lighten the 51111) at once an(l run up the river for the )lotectiou of Rjclimiioiid. All llan(ls having been called oii (leek, I state(l to tlieiii the condition ot things, and my liolie that by getting up die river before the enemy could be made aware of our (lesigli we niighit capture his vessels, which had ascended it, aiid render efficient aid hi the defemise of hiclinioiid, but that to effect this, would require all their ener~y in lighite~iimig the ship. They Lel)lied with three cheers all(I went to work at once. The jijiots were on (leek aII(l heard this address to the crew. Beimig quite unwell, I had retired to bed. Between 1 a11(l 2 oclock in the morning the first licutenamit rel)orte(1 to inc that after the crew had worked for five or six hours 011(1 lifted the shlil) so as to 1eII(ler her uiilit for action, the pilots had declared thieii inal)ihity to carry IS feet above the Jamestown Flats, up to which point the shore on each side was occujiietl by the enemy. On (lemnandilig fioma the (hiieJ pil ;t, Mr. Parrish, an exidanation of this j)alj)able deception, lie replied that IS Icet coul(l be carried after the j)revalence of easterly winds, but that the wind for the last two days had been westerly. I had no time to lose. The ship was not iii a colI(lition for battle cxcii with an enemy of equal force, an(l their force was overwhelming. 1 therefore (letermnimied. with the concurrence of the first an(l flag hienteiiants, to save the crew for future service by landing them at (Jramiey Island, the only road for retreat open to us, and to (lestroy the ship to l)Levelit lieu fhlhing into the hands of the eiieiny. 1 may add that, although not formally con stilted, the course was approved by every commissioned officer iii the ship. There is no (lisseuting 0[)iliioii. Tl~ sIiij) was accor(hiligly put on shore as near the niaimiland in the vicimiity of (iraney Islamid as ~)055L l)le, and the crew handed. She was tlieii fired, aiid after burning fieicely fore an(1 aft for upward of an hour, blew up a little before S on the moimiing of the 11th. We marched for Suffolk, 22 miles, and reached it in the evening, and from thence caine by railroad to this city. It will be asked what motives the pilots could have had to deceive me. The only imaginable omie is that they wishe(l to avoi(l going iiit.o battle. IIa(l the ship not beeii lifted, so as to render her unfit for action, a desperate comitest must have ensne(l with a force against us too great to ~astify much hope of success; and as battle is not their o(clLpat ion, they adopted this deceitful course to avoi(l it. I can not iinagiiie another motive, for I had seen mio reason to distrust their goo(1 hhith to the Confederacy. My acknowledgments are (lime to the first lieutenaiit, Catesby at) II. Joiies, for his ulitmrmng exertions and for the aid lie Ielidere(l mime in all things. The (hetails for firing the ship amid lauding the crew were heft to huini, and everythimig was comidiicted with the utmost perfect ordem. To the other officers of the ship generally 1 am also thankful toi the great zeal they displayed throughout. The Virginia no longer exists, but 300 brave and skillful officers and scainemi are saved to the Confederacy. N W RYOL 7 2 Page 338 338 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 1 presume that a court of enquiry will be ordered to examine iiito all the circumstances I have narrated,* and 1 earnestly solicit it. Public 01)1111011 will never be 1)llt right without it. I irni, sir, with great respect, your obe(lient servant JOSIAh TATTNALL, Hon. S. R. MALLORY, Oj,ficcr, (Jommanding. ASecretar?f 0/ the Nary, Extract from letter from Commander W. N. W. Hewett, V. C., of H. B. M. S. Rinaldo, dated Fortress Monroe, May 10, 1862, forwarded by Vice-Admiral Sir Alexander Mime, K. C. B., on the 24th May, 1862. May 8, 1862.The same morning a Confederate tugboat arrived at Fortress Monroe from Norfolk, having deserted. She reported that the Confederates were prepared to evacuate Norfolk, etc., and that they had sunk the Viryinia [iiferrinwckJ. On this intelligence becoming known, at 12: 30 p. in. of the same (lay, a Federal squadron, consisting of the Dacotah amid Oneida, screw sloops of 6 guns each; the Mn Jacinto, screw, 11 guns; Susqmelanna, paddle sloop, 15 guns; Monitor and N~iu- gatuck, iron-cased batteries, moved up the river ~o~vard Sewells I~oint and commenced shelling the Confrderate battery on that point, at a very long range. This was tile prelude to their intended attack on Norfolk. The Comlfe(lerates retnrlle(l a slow fmre. I suppose their ~un5 are not of very long range. The Federal squadron continued firing up to 2: 30 p. mu. without intermission. The Monitor was at this time about 1,800 yards frommi Sewells Point. She was then observed to be coining back again toward the rest of the squadron, which were some 4,000 yards from the Point, an(l in the direction of Newport News. Tile smoke of a steamer could be seen rising above the trees and moving along toward Hampton Roads fromn the directiomi of Norfolk. At 3 p. m. the Confederate iromi-cased battery Virginia rounded Sewehls Point, and the whole of the Federal squadron steamed (low-mi quickly under the guns of the fortress. As the Virginia alone caitie within ramige of their guns, amid those of Fort Wool on the Rip Raps, the Federal frigate Minnesota, accomnl)aIlied by four large steamers, which are intended to act as rams, proceeded up the river abreast of 01(1 Point amm(1 joined the rest of the squadron. With the exception of a few shots fired from the Rip Raps at the Virginia, the Federals made 110 attemnl)t to muolest her, but, 011 the contrary, as she approached tliemu they steaine(1 away from her. They left off firimig at Sewehls Point immediately on sightiming her coming from Norfolk. Sue would most likely have made her appearance before had the water been sufficiently high. The Virginia, having driven the Federal fleet away, returned and amichored under Sewells Point, where she now remains. Letter from the Secretary of ~ to Major- General McClellan, U. S. Army, regarding probable engagement of the U. S. S. lJfonitor and the C. S. S. Virginia (Merrimack). FORT MONROE, VA., May 9, 1862. [SIR:] The last reports fromn Commander Rodgers were, last evening, that lie had l)assed Days Point and Hardens Bluff, aft em hieavy cammon- For full account of the destruction of tho Virginia, soc pp. 787799 Page 339 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. 339 ading at both places. He started at 6 yester(Iay. The ]Jlerrimaclk and lion it0) are at this nioineiit approaching each otliei (1 1 oclock a. aII(h will l)robably engage, unless the illerriinack fitils back to Se~vells Point. No trool)s were landed there yesterday on account of her EDwiN M. STANTON, Major- ( ~ci icral MCCLELLAN. Secretary of War. Letter from the Secretary of War to Flag- Officer (iolosborongh, U. S. Nary, enclosing telegram. HEADQUARTERS I)EPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA, Fort Monroe, Va., May 9, 1862. SIR: The President directs me to acknowledge the receipt of your rel)ort,* and also to transmit the enclosed telegram flout General McClellan, and submit to you what measures, if any, are required to aid the (Jalena~ Your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGH. [Secretary of War.] [Enclosure.Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT, Williamsburg, [ Va.], May 9, 186212 m. Heard a few minutes ago that (Jalena was aground off Hog Island. I judge not badly for the reason that Rodgers does not throw off coal. Have sent him all the assistance he asks. My troops are in motion in magnificent spirits. They have all the air and feelings of veterans. It will do your heart good to see them. Have effected junction with Franklin. Instructiotis have beeti given so that the Navy will receive prompt support wherever and whenever required. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Hon. E. M. STANTON, Major- General. Secretary of War. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT, Williamsburg, May 9, 1862. It is believed that the enemy have a line of signals from the vicinity of Hog Island to Norfolk, and they probably know that the (Jalena is aground. Have informed Captain Rodgers that everything I have is at his disposal should he require any assistance. G. B. MCCLELLAN, Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Hampton Roads. See pp. 330, 331 Page 340 340 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF TIlE POTOMAC, Williamsburg, May 9, 1862. The last heard from the Galena she was still aground, the tide was rising, aid two boats were trying to get her oil. (~. B. MCCLELLAN, Major- General, Commanding. Flag-Officer GoLnsBoRouGH. lYq)ort 0/ Lieutenant Jeflers, U. S. Nary, commanding U. S. S. Monitor, rcyar(ling reConnOisSancC oj the works at Sewells Point. U. S. [RONCLAD STEAMER MONITOR, May 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that his Excellency the President caine alongside this morning and enquired whether there would be any military impropriety in my getting un(lerway without your previous order, to which I replied that it was necessary and proper that you should be informed in order that you might know that I had not acted without authority. He then directed me to proceed on a reconnois- sance of the works at Sewells Point, which we engaged yesterday, to ascertain whether those works had been abandoned or reenforced; not to violate your instructions relative to engaging the Merrimack; in short, to niake the reconnoissance aiid rel)ort to hiiii the result in the course ot the day. He proceeded to the tlagship, leavin~ me to un(lerstan(l that if not forbidden by signal I was to procee(l as soon as 1 completed coaling. I enclose my repolt,* not yet handed in. Very respeethully, WILLIAM N. JEFFERS, Lientenant, Commanding. Flag-Othicer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comma ud ing North Atlantic Blockading ASq nadron. Or(ler of Flu g-Oflicer Goldshorongh. U. S. i~ary, to Commander Green, U. S. Aa rq, to in ma n tiing U. S. ship Jamesto Wa, to proceeti to Phila- (lelpitia nary yaJ(l. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton loads, May 9, 1862. SIR: In coiiseqiwnce ot the condition of the Jamestown you will procee(l with her to Philadelphia and there report yourself to the com- mandant of the navy yard and inform hiiii iii (letail of the ships defects~ and, et conise, ot the re~)airing ot which she stands in need. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 1~. M. GOLDSEOROUGH, Flag- Officer. Commander C. GREEN, I -. S. S[ Ii iI)1 ~J((iii(sto?C1t, JianlJ)to)t RoO(ls, I iigiflia. Not 10110(1 Page 341 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 341 Report qf Flag-Officer Goldsborouqh, U. & Na ~ )Yy/UFdiflf/ (~{NUS ift 1J[amptom Road8 U 11(1 V iCt1U ti,. U. S. FLAGShIP INI iNNESOTA, lila mpto a Roads, ~ 7rg inja, ha!! 10, 1S62. SIR: I regret to say that I have ho acting iiutster tO) rccolnnlen(l for the command of the Fernandina. The President and Secretary ot War have the Naltimore at iheir (uS- I)osal to convey them about these roa(IS. They are almost comistantly afloat. The most active muovememits are going on iii lammdiimg a large body of troops at Willoughbys Point to mu~orch 111)011 Northik, ~vhich place this morning seemed to us to be in flames. The nioment the Presidemit amid ~)arty have done with time Baltimore I will send her to Washington, agreeably to your or(Iers. I am, very respectfully, your obediemit servant, L. NI. GOLDSIIOROUUJL, Play- Officer, Contdy. iNortlt Atlantic Blockading Squadron. iou. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the i\ary, Washington, 1). (1. P. S.On fnrther reflectioum I am induced to comicimiole that the great smimoke was too far to the eastward to have pmocee(le(l froimi a lire in the city of Norfolk. It may have beei~ occasioIk~d by time burning of build- lags outside of that city. Yesterday there was also a comIsi(leral)le tire in the (hirection of Nom-thik navy yard, 01 I~omtsmmioutlm. L. M. (;. [Telegram.] FOnT MONROE, ifay 11, 1862. Merrimack blown up by the rebels 2 minutes l)efore 5 oclock this morning. She was set fii-e to about 3 oclock amid the eXl)lOSiOll took 1)lace at the time stated.* It is sai(l to have been a grand sight by those ~vho saw it. Time Monitor, Ste rens, and the gumiboats have gone 111) toward Norfolk. EDWIN hI. STANTON, ASccrctarq o/ liar. Hon. P. II. WATSON, Assistant Sccrcta rq of IVai-. NAVY 1) EPAUT MENT, Washington, hay 11. 1862. 1 suggest preparatiomis for ami imumnediate attack omi Fort Cas~vel1, [N. C.], with all the force you cami spare, imicludimig the two) irommcla(ls so soon as they can be spai-ed, which should be iii a comll)le of days. Answer by telegraph amid report daily by the Chmerrystomme boat. Push all time boats up the ~Jamnes River. evemi to liichmnommd, umiless the Presi(lemmt directs to the comitramy. (ZiIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. Flag-Officer L. M. (}OLDSIIOROTTGII, 11(0 ifll)toiO Roads. 1-or Confeder:ote o(eoHhIt, see pp. 333:~38, 787799 Page 342 342 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, ha Cherrystone, May 11, 1862. Discharge the ram steamers un(ler charge of the Navy Department. GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. GoLDSBOROUC-H, f[any to it Roads, I Tirginia. [Telegram.] U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 12, 1862. The President ordered me not to discharge the ram steamers niitiL I could hear from Washington after he got there. Tue Monitor and Stevens are both up the James River at this moment with orders to go to Richmond and shell the 1)lace into a surrender. The moment that work is done [will take the ironclads to Wilmington, N. C., and reduce Fort Caswell. This was my intention before receiving your telegram. The only vessel I now have in Hampton ltoa(ls is this ship. My letter of to-day to go by the mail and reach ROll to-nioirow ~vi1l give you particulars. L. M. GoLDSIIORoUGII, Flag- 0~icer. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Nary. Report of Flag- ()giccr Goidsborough, U. S. Nary, regarding surrender of Koifolk and blowing np oJ C. S. S. ITirginia (Merrimack). U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, May 12, 1862. SIR: In the surrender of Norfolk by its civil authorities day before yesterday to the ferces of our army under General Wool ~v1iich landed at Willoughbys Point, nothing bilt the city itself was given up. Early yesterday mom-ning I witnessed. aim awful explosion in the direc- tiomm of Craney Island, and inferred iinlnC(liately that either the works on that island or the Mci-rimnack had beemi blown np.* A few minutes afterwards, an officer from the gnam-dship I)acotah caimme omm l)oard lll1(l ilmtorme(l me that time Mierrbnack no longer existed, for, from the Dacotah, they had seen her blown to pieces. Supposing from this that Craney Island and all the rest of the exterior defenses of Norfolk were about to be abaiido tied, or,if not, that tlmey might be subdued, I itume- (liately ordered the Monitor, Ste cens, Sasquehanna, L*acotah, Scmnino le, San Jacinto, and Moant Vernon to get underway, ammd gave them such orders as I judged necessary jim the premises. Before they could get oft; however, I had tlisl)atched my aid, Lieutenant Selfridge, in a tug, to proceed oft Sewells Point and as far above it as he could get with safety, in order to ascertain the real condition of things. lie landed at Sewells Point and hoisted our flag on the works, which he found * For Confodorate account, see pp. 335-338, 787799 Page 343 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 343 had been abandoned; but the guns were iiot spiked. Commander Case, cal)taili of the fleet, went on to Craney Island in another tug, and there hauled down two rebel flags and hoisted our own in their })laces. Our ships proceeded omi to Norfolk unmolested, and there the ASusquehanna, Seminole, Dacotah, and San Jacinto now lie, immne- (liately oft the towii and in close proximity to it. The ilion itor and Stecens have both gone up the James River, with orders from me to reduce all the works of the enemy as they go along, spike all their guns, blow imp all their magazines, and tlmemi get 111) to Richmond, all with the least 1)Ossible delay, an(1 shell the city to a surrender. With the above works re(Iuced, I can keep our vessels sup- plied with coal, or(lnance stores, provisions, etc., without difficulty. I intended to have (liscilarged to-day the Arago, Illinois, and Ericsson, but the President ordered me not to do it, until I should be written to 111)011 the subject frommi Washington, and gave inc his reason why lie wished those vessels to be longer d.etaiiied. I accompanied the President and Secretaries Chase and Stanton yes- terday to Norfolk on board the Baltim ore, but I did not return with the l)arty. in the afternoon I visited the navy yard and went all over it. It was still burning in very many places. Nearly everything is (lestroyed. Of the buildings, the officers (jilarters alone remain iiitact. There are a large iiumber of iron tanks, however, apparently in perfect condition, a good (leal of mast and other timber, a number of 01(1 md generally worthless guns, and considerable machinery of one kind or niiother. The dock gates are all (lestroyed, and the l)ier emids, con- llecte(l with the gates, have been blown up to a 1)artial degree, but otherwise the dock itself seem s uninjured. rflie 1~resident said to me verbally that he wished all the guns at the forts ammd (lockyard to be remnoved to Fortress Monroe, and umiless he should think l)m01)er to conununicate to you other~vise I I am to have this work done. ~ presume that On returning from Noitblk I left our naval forces there under the (dial-ge of Captain Lam-dnei-, an olh cei- in whose (lisem-etioll and good sense I have great confidence. I gave hiimmm full (hil-ections as to inter- course, etc., with the shore. But I shah have to go there agaimi to-day or to-morrow, and for several days afterwards, omi matters of importance. I amn, very I-esl)ecttuhhy, your obedient sei-vant L. N. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- O~Ju-er, (Jom(lg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. lion. GIDEON WELLES Secretarq of the Nary, Washington, 1). (J. Report of Lieutenant Phelps, U. S. Nary, commanding U. S. S. (lorwin, of capture of three teams from the (Jo ederate Army, May ii, 1d62. U. S. S. Coi~wiN, West Point, lTa., hay 27, 1862. Sin: I have respectfully to repoit that ou the I ith instant we cap- tul-e(1 in King and Queen County three teams imi the employ of the mel)cl Army, consisting of thim-ec wagons, five mules, and two horses, and subsequemitly a horse, belonging to a Captain 1{obinsomm, C. S. Army, heft behimid on tIme 4th instamit on time appearance of our gun- boats, the captain escaj)ing ncm-oss the liver Page 344 344 NORTh ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The wagons were (lestroye(l, 1)llt the animals were made to swim the Th~tt~i1ommy and brought in. Time Army not wanting them, I, 011 yester- day, tIme 26th, shipped timemum. ~cr scimoommer Idu, to the U. S. marshal at Baltimore. I have the hommor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Tilos. S. PhELPS, liiel(tefla)tt, U. S. Nary, Commanding. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDsm1o1~ouGH, U. S. Navy, Corn dy. Xorth Atlautic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Letter from Commander Smith, U. S. Navy, eommandinq U. S. S. Wachu- sett, to FI((g- Qificci (iold.shoro ugh, U. S. Aavy, enclosiuf, report of Lieu- tcna at Ste rens 0/ operations in the I~amnnkey k iver, 1 ~irginia. U. S. S. WACHUSETT, City Point, James River, May 27, 1862. SIR: I forward the enclose(l at tlme l)articlllar request of Lieutenaimt Comumuamudimug Stevemus. lie thinks timat imm the presemit war time services of time Navy, amud especially of the gumiboats, altimough appreciated by time l)eol)Ie amud acklmowlc(lged unofficially by the Armimy, are too much overlooked by time (3-overmimmient, f)robably because they are imot brought to time notice of time l)epartmmmeimt by official rej)orts of ommm officers. As he believes he has (lomme imis oluty, line is (lesirons timat the Departmemit shoubi know it. I therefore forwilr(l time rel)ort, that it may, if yoa thimuk it exl)e(lieIlt, go to time i)epartmnemmt. I (10 imot tlnimmk it or ammytimimug else. will do mis Iminimelt good. The Navy has friemuds I (loubt that umavy officers lmave, at hea(lqmmarters. Very resiiecttuhiy, your o1)Cdielmt servant, W. SMITH, Flag-Officer T~. M. GOTASIIoIU )VCTII, Comdg. North A tl((nt ic Bloeka (hug Squa(lro n, Hampton Roads. [ElicioMure. U. S. S. IVIARATANZA, l~amunLey firer, May 12, 1862. Smu: I have to report thinat simmee my last comumnunication, at the re(iLIest of C-enerai Stoimenmain, I proceeded time same day as the date of my letter up time Pammmnmm key River imm time Choenra as far as the White house, for tile purpose o~ explorimug the river and suI)portimmg his advance. We ninet with no obstacles of ammy kind, and foumind water emmough for vessels drawing It) feet. Saw at time White House quite a force of mounted rebels, which we 50011 slmelled out amm(l l)ilt to flight. The inforinmiatiomi (lerived fromu our recommmmoissammce will be of value to the geimeral coinmnanding, as it will enable Imimmi to make time White house, (listamice only 22 mumiles from Iticlummiond, with a good road lead- lug to the city, tIne base of his operations, or Cummmberland, as lie may elect. The railroa(l bri(lge erossiming the l~amumm key at the White House lm:m(1 been (lestroyed by time rebels, and a!so several gunboats at ditierent l)oimmts omm time river. On immy return I left the Chocura at time Wlmite house, time Marblehead at Ciimmmberland, and (hirecte(l thine comujaudimmo officer of time Sehago to return an(l report to you Page 345 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 345 The Maratanza, at the request of General Franklin, occupies a poilit midway between Eltham and Cumberland, where the railroad from West Point to Itichmond approaches quite iiear the river, for the pur- pose of cutting oft the use of the roa(l by the rebels. I hope the disposition of the force will meet your approval. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. II. STEVENS, Senior Officer, U. AS. Nary, in Pam unLei~ Ricer. Captain W~i. Si~wrH, Commanding U. ~. S. llTachusett, Senior Ollicer 1~rcsent. Report qf Fiag-O~Jiccr Goldsborough, U. S. NaVy, regarding attairs at Hampton Roads, Virqinia. U. S. FLAGsIIII MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Iirgini((, May 12, 1562. SIR: I have t~e honor to inform the i)epartinent that the U. S. ship Jamestown left these roads on the morning of the 10th instant for 1~hila- deiphia to be repaired. On the morning of the same day the U. S. bark (1cm sbok arrive(l fronL Beaufort, an(l in the afternoon the Mount Vernon arrived from Baltimore. I sent the (iemsbok for repairs to Baltimore ill the afternoon. I have received the cominnuicatioli of the 1)epartmemit dated the 10th instant, informing me that Lieutenant N. B. Ilarrisoim has beemi ordered to rel)ort to me on the 20th instant for the comnmnall(l of the Mahaska. I have (letached Acting Master Alick Allen from the Mount Vernon and ordered him to return to his home an(l thence report himself by letter to the Navy Department. Accordimig to time reports of his corn- manding officer, this man is an habitual drunkard an(l a (lisgrace to the service. As soon as I obtain his address I will for~var(l it to the 1)epart- went. I have (letached Acting Master William N. Griswold from this ship and ordered him to the Mount lemon in 1)lace of this ofticer. I am, very respectfully, your ol)e(liemit servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Corn dg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C. Report of Commander Rodyers, U. 5 ATa,l~Y, commanding U. S. AS. Galena, regarding Co ~Jcder(( te batteries on ~Iam es Ricer. U. S. S. GALENA, off James Isl((n(i, iIlay 12, 1S62. SiR The JJlionitor and A aug((tuck have arrived. I move up time river this evenimig. There are two batteries on the south bank of James Riverone at Rock Wharf Landing an(l one at 1-lardeims, or Mother Tynes BlufF. The first one we silenced when we caine. imp time secoimd lire(l a.t time Monitor ~Um(l 2iaugatuck this morning. The garrison is veiny smallnot more, Page 346 346 NORTh ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. tliinl~, than 50 meii. The works are very strong toward the sea, all(l have heavy artillery. Captaiii Jeffers rel)oLts that they only lnallne(1 a single gun during his ~)assage, having apparently no more thai a guns crew. Four guns were fired in succession, and titemi a single one served. If it meets your views, a small landing ~)arty of marines and sailors, in conjunction with vessels, can easily carry these important ~vorks 27 feet can be carried up to them. We shall need l)rovisious for the vesscls, amnmniiitioii, an(l coal. I do not think the Galena at present llee(ls anyflting. If you think proper to take these batteries, sl1l)l)hics can follow them by way of the river. There may be more mneii than 1 or Captain Jetlers saw, l)nt 11 feel (jute sure myself that most of the garrison has beeii takeii away. Very respectfully, your obedient servai it, JouN m)DGERS, Corn ma n(ler, 1. A~A. Na in,. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Bloel1adin g AVJU((drofl. Captain Jeffers desires inc to say that he could iot elcvate his guns enough to reach the battery withont going io() tar oil IA) iiiake his fire effective ; therefore lie did not returli their lire, but passed them with- ont notice. Order front ]ilag-O(llcer Goldsboroagh, U. AS. Nary. to Commander Boa-an, U. AS. Nary, to send two ressels to Baltimore frr repairs. U. S. FLAU 51! IP Id INNESOJA, Sin: You will without (lelay scud the halley City and Underwriter to Baltimore for repairs. 1 am, very resJ)ectfully, your obedient servant L. id. UoLnsImoRolTon ]l(U/ Ofjieer. Commander STEPHEN C. 1t)WAN, iT. S. Navy, Comndy. U. AS. Namal Iorees, 8ounds of North Carolina. NAVY I)EPAnTMnN1, na Cherrystone, May 12, 1R62. Have an inventory of the timings at the Norfblk yard taken, Prel)a~a- tory to an immediate resliInI)tion of business nlI(ler the usual naval organization. Officers will at once I)e or(lere(l to that yard. The Secretary will be with you Wednesday lorenoomi hAy boat from here. C. V. Fox, Assistant Seeretarq. Flag-Officer L. M. GoLDSBoRouGH, llia~npton Roads, 1 ~iryin U( Page 347 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 347 Or(ler from iJfajor- General MicCiellan, U. S. Army, to General Grover, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE POTOMAC, (lamp (it Ropers Oh urch, i!ay 12, 1862. l-ieadq uarters in oves early to- morrow in ornin g to C nin berlan d. Main - taiii Coiniiiiiiiicatioii with Colflmall(leP Rodgers, and keep the General l)rolnptly and hilly advised of his movements and position. By cominaiid: S. WILLIAMS, Assistant Adjutant- General. Brigadier-General C. GROVER, flilliamsbnrq. [Telegram.] U. S. S. MINNESOTA, Port Monroe, May 13, 1862. From what I gather, Rodgers, when last heard from, on the 11th instant, was at a point about 2~ miles this side of City Point. The Monitor an(1 A~tcrens have probably joined him ere this. Some delay may l)e experience(1 at the obstructions place(I by the enemy 10 miles this side of l~ielimnond, but nothing more I apprehen(l; nor (10 I think that the (lelay will be beyond half a (lay or so at most, although, of course, it is iInI)ossil)le br me to judge with any great I)reciSioll upon the subject. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH. Ilomi. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Aa ry. [Telegram.] tT. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, May 13, 1862. (Received 6:44 p. in.) SIR: Commander Rodgers wrote to General McClellan yester(lay that lie went the (lay before with the gunboats past Little Brandon. Everything quiet and no sign of troops crossing the river. He fonud two batteries of teii or twelve guns each ou the south side of James Iliver, one opposite the mouth of the Warwick, the other about south- west from Mulberry Point. The upper battery ou Hardens, or Mother Linces [Lines or Tynes] Bluff has heavy ritle(1 pieces. Between the battemies lay the ~Jamestown ami(I lorl1-town. He olThred them battle, but they declined it and moved oIL He silenced one battery, amid find- iii it required too much animnunitiomi to silence the other, rami past it. I-Ic says the Galena cami not use her engines when aground, and that she will almost certainly ground in passing up to City Point. The ifomu to) alL(l Stereos had mmot joimmed him at that time. Acting Masters Mate Hargons, with those of the Congresss crew that were I)risoners at llichlmnomi(l, has just arrived here. lie amid his mcmi having been released omi l)arole, I have ordered him to take them all to the receiving vessel at Baltimore, and i-e(lueste(l Captaimi l)orniu to consult the l)epartmmient as to their further dispositiomi. hiargous amid l)arty came from Riehimimond (lowil the James River. lie imiformiis mime that 10 miles this side of Richmnomid time river is obstm-ncte(l by a great many sumiken vessels ami(l that two vessels are kept iii rea(hiliess to fill up time gap left opemi as soon as our vessels shall approach it. All is quiet iii these roads aIi(l at Norfolk. May I mequest that the Brandywine immay b Page 348 348 NORTH ATLANTIC I3LOCKAI)ING SQUADRON. seiit to these ioads iioiii Baltimore without (lelay? I shall iiot dis- charge the ineichaiit rams until I hear again Ironi the l)epartinent upon the subject. We want 2,000 1)rojeetiles br our 1~ariott 100-pounders. L. M. GoLDsl3oItouGl, Flag- Ogicer. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretarq ~ Nuy. Letter from Flag-Officer (ioldsborough, U. S. Nary, to commandant navy yard, Yew York, requesting eight pilots frr coast of North Carolina. U. S. FLAGSHIP MiNNESOTA, Hampton Roads, iIIay 13, 18G2. SIR: In order to effect a certain very important service, I am in want of at least eight men, as pilots, who are thoroughly well acquainte(l with the eutrances to Wilmington, N. C., that of the main ship chini- nel aii(l that of New Inlet. The coastimig captains in Ne~v York, I am told, are among the very l)est to 1)e found. Messrs. McCrady, Mote & Co. and Messrs Sturges, Clearmnan & Co., both South street, New York, have beemi a long time, I am iIlformne(l, in the North Carolina trade and can Perhal)s designate the mcii in view. Will you be kind enough, Commodore to have them l)rocured and sent to inc at these roads~i I~ach, like the others you sent mae, will have to be authorized by you to get a pass from the quartermaster in lialtimnore to come here, or else the bay boats may not be willing to bring theiti in the absence of such a l)ass. Will you also be kind eiiough to inform me by telegraph of the receil)t of this comumumiicatiou? I am greatly in hopes that you may be able to get for us really good men, and such as are at least well acquainted with the entrances indi- cated, or who can fimid their way through them. With every sentiment of resl)ect, I am, Commodore, your most obedient servant, L. M. UOLmI~sBoRouGH. Commodore HIRAM PATTEDING, Commanding U. S. Naval Station, New York. [Telegram. I hAMPTON ROADS, May 13, 1862. The reports in the papers about the navy yar(l at Norfolk are utterly and entirely false. To have destroyed it more effectually than hias been done would indeed have been a (hifhcult task; essentially it is iii utter ruins. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Hon. GIDEON 1V\ELLES, Flag-Officer. Secretarq Na vq. Order from the Secretary of the Nary to Flag- Officer (Joldsborougli, U. AS. Navy, to (lelay mo cement against Wilmington, N. C. NAVY 1)EPARTMENT, ]JIay 13, 1862. SIR: The Government have determined to strike a blow farther south with the iromi boats and all the force ~vhmich can be s1)ared, so soon a Page 349 NORTh ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 349 Ricliiiiond. falls. You will therefore delay your movement upon Wil- [nington for the present. No report has yet been received relative to the Nashville, which the papers report as having been two (lays on shore at New Inlet: I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, ({IDEoN WELLES. Flag-Officer L. M. (4OLDSBOROUGH, (Jo)ndg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, hampton Roads. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, The Secretary left this evening all(l will prol)ably (liscilarge the Ara go, as she is wanted ilnlne(liately in New York. Brandywine has beeii ordered to the roads. The other rains, the President says, may be discharged if the War Department wishes them. I believe General Meigs has telegraphed to take them up. G. V. Fox, Acting Secretary. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSROROUGII. Letter .bo,n Captain Blake, U. S. Nary, to Flag- Wyicer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, presenting congrat alat ions. NAVAL ACADEMY, Newport, B. I., May 13, ASG2. M~ DEAR GOLDSBOROUGH: I can not forbear offering you my most sincere congratulations upon the success of your operations in llainp- ton Roads. I thank God that you had the thinness not [to] be (Irawit by the Merrimack into a position where she could have takei~ you at disadvantage. In this part of the country there was great apprehen- sion felt that she would have enticed some of your command into a narrow channel and exposed theni to land batteries, as ~vell as to her own ram, but by your skill and judgment all this was foiled and every- body here is thankful for it. Believe me, as ever, faithfully, yours, 0-. 5. BLAKE. Flag-Officer GOLDSBOROUGH. Report of Captain Van Brunt, U. S. Navy, enclosing a report o~/ Lieuten- ant Watters, U. S. Navy, of examination oJ (Jon/c(ierate d~/~nses at Seiceli~s Point Va. U. S. S. FRIGATE MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, lirginia, May 1.1, 1~G2. SIR: I have the honor to enclose a report of an examination of the Confederate fortifications and their armamiment, Ina(le nuder my imumue- diate supervision by Lieutenant Watters, U. S. Navy. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. J. VAN BRUNT, Captain. Flag-Officer L. M. GoLDSBOROUGII, Comdg. North A tla u tie Blocka ding Sq aa(lr() n, Ha mpt() n iTha(ls. Sce pp. 2642743 Page 350 850 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Eiic1osurc~.] U. S. STEAM FRmATE MINNESOTA, Fortress JIThn roe, Ia., iIa~, ii, iSb7. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the examiiia- tion of the defenses at Sewells Point, near the itiouth of the Elizabeth River, also the marks and data on the gui~s, which are all navy of the calibers of 6 inches, 9 inches, and some few 01(1 42-pounder ship car- ronades. The works are well constructe(1, SLll)I)lied with magazines, many of which contain powder an(1 loaded shells; also bombproof trav- erses and store rooms, and along the line are found furnaces for heating shot, with tubs of water adjacent, containing wads to be used with such shot; there were also earth wads on these batteries, to be used for the sanie purposes. None of the guns are spiked or disabled in anyway. All are well mounted and supplied with implements, amid in each battery the dis- tances in yards are givei, in conspicuous letters, from time battery to the buoys which mark the channel, to govern the gunners in their use of the tangent sights, with which the guns are supplied as they are in the Navy. Some of the guns have the old elevatiiu~ quoin and bed, others have the modern navy elevating screw of Pooks pattern. Some are mounted On army carriages and others omm navy truck carriages, running on the ordinary army traverse, but all are serviceably muonim ted and well provided. The difterent batteries, commencing at the first on the extreme right, three-fourths of a mile to the eastward of Sewells Point fort, are connected by a continuous line of rifle pits command- imig the approach from the watel- side, and in comijunction with tile bat- teries would have made all atteml)t at lamidimig to turn the rear of time princil)al battery a very hazardous exploit. The shells, rifle ammd otlmer, found in the store rooms are of the best inventions, embracing concus- sion and time fuzes, and in some eases combining time advantages of both. The rifled gnus, of which there are three, are long double for- tified navy 6-inch smoothbore, of 58 hnmmdred~veight, rifled and reemi- forced over the first reemiforce by a belt of iroii 2 feet in length and 1 ~ 4 inches thick, very neatly fitted, having the appearance of tile Palrott gun and giving it the necessary strength to meet the increased weight of the projectile, which is about 80 pounds. The first battery examimmed is on tile extreme right of the line, is a masked battery, completely screened by wood and brush from the water side, just completed, except to mount the guns, the carriages for which are on the premises, and enabled me to see they were imitemided for 80-pounder rifle guns. The battery is constructed for four guns, omme a casemate with railroad-iron roof; amid time other three in barbette, with magazimme and bombproof traverse adjacemit. This battery is much nearer the Rip Raps, which it fromits amid commands, and might have proved very annoyimmg if the guns had been in l)osition. The second battery is situated on ami elevated site half a mnihe to the left, and has two rifle 80-pounder guims in casemates with railroad-iron roof, supported with massive framm~e~vork of yellow pine. These gumis are navy 32s, altered amid reellforce(l. The third battery, a fow hun- dred yards to the left, again is composed of three smimoothobore guns in barbette, navy 32-pouuders. Next in successiomi is the primicipal fortifi- catioll on the point, a well-built earth fort, hmavimig bastiommed flanks, with redan imi fromit. It has commodious barracks amid officers quarters and parade ground. It is surroun(le(l with a ditch; its rear is pro- tected by an extemot (of swamimpy hamid, l)ahisadeol, amid with hue of rifle pits inside palisade, the whole covered with heavy guns on the fort a Page 351 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 351 intervals, the spaces l)etweelL irepared with loopholes all(l banquette flr musketry. 111 the interior are iiainerotis Juagazities and bombproof traverses, to serve as store rooms. The guiis are 9-inch Dahigren, of the newest make, some rifle camion, some 32-pounders, an(l a few old 42-pounder carronadesin all 33 guns. To be more explicit, there is one ritle 80-pounder, seven are 9-inch Dahlg-ren guns, eighteei are heavy 82-poun deis, and the renialuder are of lighter weight. The left of this Put is l)1-otecte(l ti-out landing- parties by the batteries on Craney Islaud- the rblit thet-efore is the most exposed the an(l is con sco ueuitlv strongest 1)Oiult. The i-ight has two bastions, crowning an elevated piece of gronn(l, with cross fire in front all(L oii the tiamik. There is a (led) (litehl, all(l on flue flank auid rear of the bastions the 5C~~l) is l)ali- sa(lc(1, the points Of the palisades projecting out about 30 degi-ees and placed about 3 feet above flue base of scarp. On one of these bastions the only rifle piece in the fort had been nlonIlte(l, all(l we found it in the gorge ol flue bastion slutuig to a truck for the purpose of being- trans- porte(l to flue masked battery oui the right, confirming the opinion, with reg-al-(l to the calmiages to und in that 1)luce. Appelude(1 is a description of the guns on the works. 31(0-ks eta guns. (mthibt-i. 61-melt 61-fitch 6j.iitehi Rifle. 6~-iite1i hi~-iicI 6~-iiie It 6~-iiiel~ 9-inch 9-inch 9-inch .... 1011(11 9 110 Ii 9 110 ii 61 iiieli 6 mt Ii (id int it 61. 1mb 61 111111 (1 ~ til. 111(11 61 101 Ii 6 1111 Ii (ft jn1 It 61 inch Girth 6 10(11 6 11(11 6mb 61111 It 6 lOt It 6 111th St thi No. hare. ase ring. 722 11. F 639 TF.N 405 C.F 282 167 151 19 7 265 11 17 268 3 304 298 293 603 445 161 407 165 Lost Lost 204 132 258 153 347 26 152 a Covert-ti it vent patch. I FP.F 1 (a) 1 (2.A.& Co I \V 1 I P.P I T.F 1 \v.P 1 Vt~.P 1 T.F 1 t\~.P 1 1i.F 1 C.F 1 C.F 1 T.F 1 T.F 1 F.P TI 1 FP.P B.F TJ.c (b) 1 C F J. W 1 1 1 C.A.& Co 1 1 CA..& Co 1 C.A.& Co Weight.. - _______ Right. Left. 581.16 C.W.5 {1852 58. 2. 18 {1849 57.123 JS.C {1848 61. 3.10 A. 5 W - . - {1845 57.319 LB 11 32 P849 63.3.20 L.MP~. 1845 27.306 CAM... 1846 9,292 ilts. TA. II... {1855 9,103 lbs. J.AD~.. {1855 9, 158 lbs. G. M {1859 9,157 lbs. TAIl... {1855 9, 292 lbs. TAll.... 9158 lbs tIM 1859 9, (018 lbs. J. A. 13... 1855 62. 1. 18 LM.P... {1846 61.3. 08 AS. W~ 1845 61.3.18 A5.W 1845 67.2.26 ~ 1849 57.2.18 (1.5(1 1848 57.3.27 EB.B.~ 1855 57.2.15 G5.C 1848 572.27 EB.B.~ 1847 62.3.2 L.M.P 1845 620.23 GAM 1845 58.3. 20 591.14 32 1821 60. 2. 14 32 1819 59. 1. 12 32 1820 27.1.25 (1A.M 1846 60. 0. 00 32 1820 42~. 3.12 A. 5. W. - 1842 27.3.2 (1AM 1840 b Marks lost. Five 01(1 42-pounder (iurronades, mounted. Six 01(1 42-poundei- cal-roll ~idcs, (his uuIohlulte(l Page 352 352 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKAI)ING SQUADRON. Chic old 42-pon tiller cai-ronade, (lisinounted, in fort. Some of these gulls are SO 01(1 the iiiarks cait not l)e (lisecrIled. Eiflo cannon, S~lonoels 3 Nine-inch sntoothbove 7 Double fortified 32-pounders 18 Eight 32-pounders Forty-two ponndcr ship carroiiades 6 Gnus mounted 38 GUuB dm5nmonntc(l 7 Total 45 Ver~-respecttully, youi obedient servat it, J OlIN WATTERS, Lieutenant (~ ~ Navy Captain (~. J. VAN BRUNT, U. S. Navy, Gonunandinq U. ~. ~ Minnesota. Letter from Flay- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Nary, to (Jommander kodgers, U. ~. Nary, regarding supplies joy the vessels up the James Urer. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, May 1.1, 1862. Slit: I have just received your letters of the 11th aiid 12th instant. The fact that Lieutenant Commanding JelThrs did not obey my or(lers to reduce all the forts, spike all the guns, and blow 111) all the maga- zines as he went along up James River, atid then 0l)CII a way to furnish you with sul)plieS of any kind you iiiight desire without difficulty, com- pletely deranges all my l)lails and calculations and embarrasses me exceedingly. From what I gather, there was not even an attempt on his part to obey my oi-ders. This ship is imow the only one I have left in these roads, and at Nor- folk itself I have but four. I must look to the effect of a reverse, as well as of a success, to our aimy now near Richmond. Surely none ot the vessels up James River can be in want of provisions already. Should you be in want ot ot-dnance before I can get a supply to you up James Rivel-, you must try anti get it sent to you from York River, where there is an ordnance vessel with a large supply of stores on board. Say to Commander Smith that it is my orders lie should afford you every l)ossible facility in furnishing you with ordnance stores. He has also a vessel loadeti with provisions aiid stores in York River, from which you can (iraw anything you may iteed in case of necessity. General McClellan, I am sure, will do everything in his power to assist you in gettiiig supplies aci-oss the 1)eliiiisula, and to Jamestown Island from Williamsburg, as you suggest; and Comniander Smith must, and will, assist you on the other side. Write me immediately on the receipt of this, and let me know if it is absolutely necessary that I should break up all my arrangements here and at Norfolk, of vessels, to get you 5t11)1)lies up James River, because Lieutenant Jefters did not obey my or(iers, m-epeated to him over and over again. The (lilticulty of the work on Ilardimigs [hardys, Har- dens] Bluff is the only omie, as I understand the case, to overcome, in order to get supplies to you unii1terru~)tedJy. Is this sol I have two vessels here in full I-ea(liness to dispatch to you, one with coal aiid the other with ordnance stores, and was only waiting to hea Page 353 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 353 that the river had been cleared, agreeably to my orders to Lieutenant Jeffers, in order to send them off. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commander J. RODGERS, U. S. Navy, Flag-Officer. Gonidg. Div. of North Atlantic Blocl1adinq Squadron, up James kirer. Vielerram.] U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton koa(ls, Abty 14, 1862. (Received at Washington, I). C., May 15.) SIR: I have dates from Commander Rodgers of the 12th iiistant. The Monitor and Stevens had joined him where he was lying off James Jamestown] Island and he was to move up the river that evening. Until joined by the Monitor and Stevens he was, as lie says, unable to resist the five gunboats of the enemy above him, because the (Jalena would iiievitably [have] grounded in passing the bar, and thus leave only the AroostooA and Port Royal to assist [resist] them. Notwith- standing my orders to Lieutenant-Commanding Jeffers to reduce all the enemys works on James River as he went along, spike their gulls, and blow up their magazines, and thus leave the river entirely open so that supplies of any sort might be forwarded Without difficulty, lie has not carried them out, and 1 ani now informed that two of their works on the river bank of James River, one at Rock Wharf Landing aiid the other at Hardens, or Mother Tynes [Linces, Lines] Bluff, both between here and our vessels up the James River, must, in effect, be taken before the river can be navigated by our supply vessels. My present intention is to send the Susqacitanna and Dacotah up the river for the purpose of taking these works, which, as Rodgers informs mmmc, although strong in gutis are probably weak in meum. I have put two 100-pounder Parrotts on board the Sasquehanna, and the Dacotah came here provided with one. The Seminole I shall retain at Norfolk and perhaps the San Jacinto besides, but if I do have to send the San Jacinto with the 5u8- quehanna and Dacotah, then 1 shall have to move this ship up to Nor- folk and then leave nothing in these roads for the time being. Before sending off this expedition I hope to hear from Rodgers again, to whom I have written by mail of to-day. If he succeeds in getting to Rich. mond, there may be no necessity for it. L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, lion. UIDEON WELLES Flag- Officer. Secretary Navy. Report of. Captain Rowan, U. S. Navy, of affairs in soun(ls of North Carolina. U. S. S. PHILADELPHIA, Elizabeth City, N. (J., illay 11, 1862. SIR: I congratulate you on the occupation of Norfolk and the destruc- tion of the Merrimack. The coast is now clear and the navy will be able to support the gallant McClellami on both sides. N W RYOL 7 2 Page 354 354 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. We were informed on the evening of the 10th of the evacuation of Norfolk, and I immediately dispatched two vessels up the Chowan as high as Winton to intercel)t the retreat of the enemy in that direction. I shall send a force up the Itoanoke under Flusser as high as he can safely go, the maui object being to seize some steamers running to Jamestown. A party of 100 men landed last night, commanded by Captain Flusser, and marched 2 miles back of the city to a farmhouse, where he found the apparatns belonging to one of the light-houses in the sound. I have it on board this ship. I shall send more detailed accounts hereafter. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. C. JIOWAN, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Sounds of North Carolina. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Commander Armstrong, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. State of Georgia, of affairs off Wilmington, N. C. U. S. S. STATE OF GEORGIA, Off Wilmington, N. C., May 14, 1862. SIR: I have dispatched to-day the U. S. gunboat Victoria to Beau- fort, N. C., for sul)plies. The iPenobscot and Monticello are off Cape Fear; this ship and the Chippewa off New Inlet. This ship requires a new galley and galley pipe, and has but one anchor. I enclose a requi- sition for an iron-stocked anchor of 2,500 pounds. The rebels at Fort Caswell are busy strengthening their fortification and leveling the sand hills to the westward of the fort. They have placed obstructions in the channel and have a line of floats across the entrance of Cape Fear liver. Contrabands who came off on Monday, May 4, report that the steamers Nashville and Gordon had previously gone out. I place no reliance on their statement, although a rumor prevailed at Beaufort, N. C., before 1 left there that such was the case. I trust that the vessels absetit for supplies will soon return here, as this part of the coast requires several vessels to guard it effectually, and it is now almost the only l)Oint left iu the possession of the enemy where vessels can attempt to run the blockade. I send up two deserters from Fort Caswell mentioned in the enclosed report of Lieutenant Commanding Braimme. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. F. ARMSTRONG, Commander, Commanding. Flag-Officer L. M. cTOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Instructions from Flag- Officcr Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, to Commander Rodgers, U. S. Navy, regarding operations in the James River. U. S. FLAGSHIP MINNESOTA, Hampton Roads, May 15, 1862. SIR: I presume that Lieutenant Commanding Jeffers, of course, told you of my wishes that our vessels in James liver, especially the Monitor, should push on up to Richmond, if possible, without any unnecessary delay, and shell the l)lace into a surrender. The enemy Page 355 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 355 from what I gather, is placing obstructions iii the way, of sunken ves- sels, about 10 or 12 miles this side of Richmond, and his vessels are all above that point, within, they say, 5 miles of the city. The Monitor, Aroostook, Port Royal, and & evcns can, I am informed, all get over the bar just this side of Rocketts, and eveu to Richmond itself. The Galena can not do so, but the rest will be force enough. As the obstructions have beeii put down very hurriedly, and consist, I am told, of nothing bitt vessels, there will be no great difficulty, 11 take it, in clearing a passageway. I can find no one to confirm your impression that 27 feet of water may be carried past White Shoal. With a good pilot, the Susque- kanna, drawing 19 feet, may be got up to and above Days Point, and I am arranging to send her, the Daco tah, and two of the gunboats in York River, if I can get them, all four, to throw 100-pounder project- iles to destroy the two forts of which you speak in your letters of the 11th and 12th. These vessels will be accompanied by a schooner loaded with coal, and by another with ordnance stores on board, both of which to be sent right up to you the moment all (hifficulties are removed. If you wish them to stop at Jamestown Island, direct some one there to deliver a communication from you to such efiect as soon as they may appear in sight of that island. it is more than probable that they will be towed lip by either the Sebaqo or Marc tanza, for these are the two gunboats I am in hopes of getting from the York River, amid I have sent Commander Case there for the express purpose of securimi g their services. Should Richmond fall into our possession, inform me of the fact at the earliest possible moment. Send off a special messenger with the intelligence, if she can get here sooner than a letter by mail. I shall send up a good body of marines to take the above forts in reverse, in case of finding theiim strong iii guns and weak iii men. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUC~H, Flag- Officer. Commander RODGERS, U. S. S. Galena. Report of Lieutenant Murray, U. S. Nary, commanding U. S. S. Sebago, enclosing an order from the Secretary of the Navy. U. S. S. SEBAGO, Gumberland Point, Pamunkey River, May 15, 18G2. FLAG-OFFICER: I enclose you a letter I received to-day, delayed by its being sent to the White House. I lost no time in visiting General McClellans headquarters and mak- ing arrangements to act in concert. The movements of the army toward the White House are retarded by the bad condition of the roads ; we will be there to-morrow. I send by tug 201 projectiles for Parrott gun. I learn by signal that a movement of the whole army will take place in the morning. Franklins and Porters corps of the army moved this morning and are now encamped around the White House. Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. MURRAY, Lieutenant, Comdg. Naval Forces in York and Pamunkey Rivers. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Gommanding .NavaL Force8, North Atlantic Page 356 356 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] CUMBERLAND [POINT, VIRGINIA], May 14, 1862. SIR: The Secretary of the Navy, now on board the U. S. S. Balti- more, at this place, desires me to apprise you that Commander Smith and Lieutenant Commanding Stevens have been, by request of General McClellan, ordered to James iRiver, leaving you senior officer in these waters. Very respectfully, Lieutenant Commanding A. MURRAY. WM. FAXON, Chief Clerk Navy Department. Letter from Brigadier- General Mansfield, U. AS~. Army, to Flag- Officer Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, advising employment of a tug for keeping open communication. NEWPORT NEWS, VA., May 15, 1862. DEAR SIR: Allow me to suggest that a very small tug be kept on the James, watching the same and communicating with your ship and the vessels of our Navy up the river. It may bring news of the highest importance at times. Very respectfully, yours, FLAG-OFFICER, U. S. Navy, Hampton Roads. Jos. K. F. MANSFIELD, Brigadier- General, U. S. Army. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to flag-officers, regarding disposition of prizes. NAVY DEPARTMENT, May 15, 1862. SIR: The Department calls your attention to the fact that of the numerous prizes taken by the blockading squadrons only three of them have beemi sent to Boston. A fair proportion of the prizes should be sent to that port for adjudication. I am, respectfulJy, your obedient servant, G. V. Fox, Flag-Officer S. F. Du PONT, Acting Secretary. Comdg. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Port Royal, S. C. Flag-Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Flag-Officer WA. W. MCKEAN, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key I Vest, Fla. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Engagement at Drewrys Bluff, Virginia, May 15, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer Goldeborough, U. S. Navy, forwarding reports of commanding officers. U. S. FLAGSHIP SUSQUEHANNA, James River, Virginia, JJIay 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose here~vith the reports of an engage- ment which took place on the 15th instant between our vessels up thi Page 357 NORTh ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 357 river and a fort of the enemy oii Wards or I)re~vrys Rhiff, which fort is at the obstructions which have been placed in the river, and about 8 miles from iRichmoud. The Stevens went to Norfolk last night to carry seven of the woun(led to the hospital, thence to return to Hampton Hoads. The force now up this river coiisists of the lIac/iusctt, Galena, Moni- tor, Miaratanza, Aroostoolk, Port Royal, and the tug J)ra you. The Dacotah was dispatched yesterday from this river to l)roceed, as directed by the Department, to New Orleans. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Flag- Officer, Corndg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Rodgers, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Galena. U. S. S. GALENA, Off City Point, James Firer, May 16, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report that this vessel, the Aroostook, the ]1Ionitor, and Port Royal, with the Noagatuck, moved up the river, get- ting aground several times, but in eeting no artificial impediments, until we arrived at Wards Bluff about 8 miles from Richmond where we encountered a heavy battery and two separate barriers, Iorme(l of spiles and steamboats and sail vessels. The pilots both say that they saw the Jamestown and Yorktown among the number. The banks of the river we found lined with rifle pits, from which sharpshooters annoyed the men at the guns. These would hinder the removal of obstructions unless driven away by a land force. The Galena ran within about 60() yards of the battery, as near the sl)iles as it was deemed proper to go, let go her anchor, and with a spring swung across the stream, not more than twice as wide as the ship is long; theim, at 7 :45 a. in., opened tire upoii the battery. The wooden vessels, as directed, anchored about 1,300 yards below. The Monitor amichored near, and at 9 oclock she passed just above the Galena, but found her guims could not be elevated enough to reach the battery. She then dropped a little below us and made her shots effective. At 11:05 the Galena had expended nearly all her ammunition, and I made signal to discontinue the action. We had but six Parrott charges and not a single filled 9-inch shell. We had 13 men killed and 11 wounded. The rifled 100-pounder Parrott of the Nangatnek burst, half of the part abaft the trunnions going overboard. She is therefore disabled. The Galena and Monitor can, with a supply of ammunition, silence the battery at Hardens Bluff. The result of our experiment with the Galena I enclose. We dem- onstrated that she is not shot-proof ; balls caine through, and many men were killed with fragments of her own iron. One fairly penetrated just above the water line and exploded in the steerage. The greater part of the balls, however, at the water line, after breaking the iron, stuck in the wood. The l)ort side is much im~jured; knees, timbers, and planks started. No shot l)emletrated time spar (heck, but in three places are large holes, one of them a yard long and about 8 inches wide, made by a shot which, in glancing, com~)letCly broke through the deck, kill- ing several meim with fragments of the (leck plating Page 358 358 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The Galena should be repaired before sending her to sea. I would suggest the Washington navy yard, since so many people there have an interest in iron plating, and she so ~vell shows the effect of various shot. No gull is disabled, but we need ammunition. On James River an army can be landed within 10 miles of Richmond on either bank. We command City Point, and are ready to cooperate with a land force iii an advance upon Petersburg. In going up James River above this ])Oint it will be desirable to protect the crew from sharpshooters 111)011 the river; tim ey annoyed us. To command important points and prevent the reoccupation of old Fort Powhatan at Hoods, more vessels are needed. Some should continually pass up and down the river to l)reveflt the erection of new batteries. I can not too highly coiumneiid the cool courage of the officers and crew. Lieutenant Newman, the executive officer, was conspicuous for his gallant and efthctive services. Mr. Washburn, acting master, behaved admirably. These are selected amongst time number. The Aroostool-, Port Royal, and Naugatuck took the stations previ- ously assigned them, and did everything which was possible; the Moni- tor could not have done better. The barrier is such that vessels of the enemy, even if they had any, probably can not pass out; ours cami not pass in. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JOHN RODGERS, Flag-Officer GOLDSBoROUGH, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hampton Roads, Virginia. Report of Assistant Surgeon Van Gieson, U. S. Navy, of casualties. U. S. S. GALENA, Near City Point, May 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the killed and wounded in tile actiomi at Wards Bluff; near Richmommd, May 15, 1862: U. S. S. Galena: Killed.Thomas Ready, captain foretop; James II. Webber, third- class boy; Michael Manney, landsman; Martimi Mulberry, lammdsmnan; Johir Smith (4th), ordinary seamnaii; Bobert Boyd, ordinary seaman; Richard A. Adams. seaman; John Quigg, ordinary seaman; John Rus- sell, lammdsman; Williaimm II. Horton, ordimmary seaman; Joseph ~Johnson, private marine; Jared D. Boorom~ gummner; David Patterson, landsmamm. Wounded.John OConnor, third-class boy, burned amid wound of ankle joint; William Stevens, first [class] seaman, not seriously; George McDonnell, seamnan, slightly; Thomas Finnegan, seaman, arm seriously injured; Henry Watson, ordinary seaman, slightly; Williamn Harrison, landsman, slightly; Thomas Clark, landsmaii, not seriously; l)iedrich Visser, seaman, slightly; Andrew MeCleary, actimig masters mate, not seriously; Owen Dougherty, coal heaver, muortaliy; Frederick W. John- somi, first-class boy, not seriously Page 359 NORTH ATLANTIC I3LOCKAI)ING SQUADRON. 359 Port Royal: Wounded.George [U.] Morris, commaiider, flesh wound of right leg. Naugatuck: Woun de(1 .Jam es Wi] toii, musket shot, not serious; Peter Dixon, not seriously. 11 espeetfully, your obedient servant, JIANSFORD E. VAN UIESQN, Assistant ~urycon, U. ~. S. Galena. Commander JOHN RODGERS. Report of Lieutenant Newman, U. S. Navy, executive officer of U. S. S. Galena. U. S. S. GALENA, Off City Point, James River, May 16, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order of this (lay I have the honor to sub- mit the following report of the condition of this ships hull: On the port side her bulwarks, between ports Nos. 5 and 6, are started in about an inch and the timbers broken. Thirteen shot and shell have perforated her si(le, splintering considerably; forward of No. 1 port the bulwarks are badly shattered. Several hanging kiiees are started off from side and spar-deck beams; maiiy seams are opene(l iu the side, and the gun deck beneath the guns will require calking. In forward rooni of war(lrooIn time hanging knee is starte(I about 2~ inches and the side injured. In forward l)art of steerage a shell per- forated the side aimd started the hanging knee about 2 inches. In after room a diagonal knee is slightly started and tIme air port stoven in. In the coal bunkers the side is also injured. On spar deck, several glancing shot have made indentations in the iron plates and broken deck planks; in two instances apertures about 18 inches by 4 inches have been IIla(le; the hammock nettimig is shat- tered. The wheel is injured, one boat davit gone, and several awning an(l rail stanchions. The armor is starte(I from the stem, also at the junction of the bars on the stern, an(l on the starboard quarter near port No. 8. Respectfully, your obedient servant, L. H. NEWMAN, Executive Officer. Commander JOHN RODGERS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces in James River. Additional report of Lieutenant Newman, U. S. Navy, executive officer of U. S. S. Galena. U. S. S. GALENA, Off City Point, May 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the following wounds received by this vessel in the action of yesterday. One rifle shot, one round shot, 8-inch, piercing the side forward of bow port. One round shot, 8-inch, near water line under second port. One round shot under fore chains, glanced. One round shot, S-inch, piercing the side between ports 3 and 4., One round shot, 8-inch, glancing just below port No. 4 Page 360 360 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADINd SQUADRON. One round shot, S-inch, water line, penetrating its diameter. One round shot, 8-inch, piercing the side below port No. 5. One round shot, 8-inch, 3 feet abaft port No. 5. One shell, S-inch, pierced the side and exploded on gui 1 (leek. One roun(l shot, S-inch, amidships, penetrating its diameter. One rifle shot amidships, glancing. One round shot, 8-inch, glancing. One round shot, 8-inch, penetrating half its (liameter, just above water line. One rifle shell, about the gun-deck frame. One round shot, 8-inch, below midship port. One round shot, 8-inch, 2 feet forward of midship l)ort. One round shot, 8-inch, 4 feet abaft midship port. One round shot, 8-inch, 6 feet abaft midship port. One Sinch shell 1 foot above water line, piercing side and exploding in steerage. One round shot, 8-inch, piercing at junction of spar deck and side. One round shot, 8-inch, lodged at water line, penetrating its diameter. One round shot, 8-inch, lodged 4 inches be1o~v water line. One round shot, 8-inch, glanced, indentation 4 inches. One round shot, 10-inch, piercing side abaft quarter port and passing through the wood of side opposite, starting the armor. One rifle shot below after l)ort. One round shot, 8-inch, about hallway between true and false stern- l)05t. Three shots on deck near stern, one knockiiig away binnacle. One shot cut away portions of wheel and frame. One shot abreast main fife rail, carrying away one stanchion. Two shots forward of main fife rail, going through hammock netting. One shot forward of smoke pipe, going through hammock netting. One shot abreast galley, going through hammock netting. One rifle shot, glamicing along curve of spar (leck waterways. One shot through hammock netting forward of iron wheelhouse. One shot abaft foremast, knocking away angle iron on starboard side. Fonr shots through smoke pipe. One shell through smoke pipe just above spar deck grating. The launch and first cutter are badly stoven, and the gig slightly hurt by a piece of shell. One boat davit shot away. Very respectfully, L. II. NEWMAN, Executi cc Officer. Commander JOHN RODGERS, Commanding U. ~. Na cal Forces in James Ricer. Additional report of Lieutenant Newman, U. S. Navy, executive officer of U. S. S. Galena. U. S. S. GALENA, James River, May 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of injuries received by this ship during the engagement of the 15th instant: Forwai-d of bow l)ort two shots passe(l through the bulwarks, on tIme l)Ort side, breaking timbers and shattering the inside planking. One shot knocked off the upper hinge of forward half-port. Time armor is started from the stern. Below port No. 2 a shot 1 foot above water lin Page 361 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 361 broke through the armor and lodged, fragments of the. ball remaining in the ships side. Abaft l)ort No. 3 a shot, glancing, made an indenta- tion about 13 inches above the water line. Betweeu ports No. 4 and 5, one shell passed through the bulwarks, knocking away rack for capstan bars. One shot struck and rebounded, indenting armor. One shot broke the armor and, penetrating about 8 iiiches, lodged in the ships side 8 inches above the water line. Above port No. 5 a rifle shot struck the curve joining side and npper deck, breaking the plate and thick strake beneath, the a glancing below the same port. One shot broke armor and lodged in ships side about 24 feet above water line. Abaft the port, one shot, breaking through the armor, lodged. One shell passed through the bulwarks and exploded, injuring galley and fire room bulkhead. One shot indented armor about 6 inches. One rifle shot broke armor and glanced. Four other shots, one 18 inches above water, indented and broke armor, then rebounded. These shots injured the side severely, breaking timbers, shattering spirketing and planking, crushing in the side, and starting three hanging knees; one 14 inches from upper deck beam and 3 inches from side, the other about 14 inches from beams and side. Below port No. 6 one shot 24 feet above water indented armor 4 inches. Abaft the port two shots struck, one indenting armor and rebounding, the other, passing through armor, lodged in the ships side; these, striking very nearly in the same place, have broken spirk- eting and injured the ships side severely. Another shot indeiited and rebounded. One shell passed through ship and exploded in steerage, injuring engine-room bulkhead and starting hanging knee 14 inches from gun-deck beam and 1 inch from side; the shell entered about 15 inches above water line. Oiie shot just above water line broke armor, penetrating 8 inches, lodged in ships side; this shot started hanging knee 2 inches from gun-deck beam and side. Above port No. 1, one struck curve joining upper deck and side, broke through armor and wood. then glanced. Abaft port No. 7, one shot at water line, broke armor alI(l, ~)enetrating 8 inches, lodged in ships side. Below port No. 8, one shell (rifle) indented armor about 4 inches and exploded. Forward of port No. 9, one shot, 10-inch, l)assed through the bulwark on port side and, crossing the deck, l)assed through the opposite side starting three bars of armor from the side, then lodged; this shot, besides breaking timbers and planks, has started the bulwark omi star- board quarter. Below No. 9 port one rifle shot broke armor and glanced. Between stern and rudder posts, oiie shot glancing has made a slight indenta- tion and started the bars of armor at the j umictioii or line of butts astern. The upper deck, abaft, is brokemi through in two 1)laces by glancing shot; armor plates, beams, lodges, and carbines and planks are carried away and the framing of after hatch badly injured. Abaft engine-room hatch a shot, glancing, has indented the l)lates about one-half an inch. Fragments of a shell have broken through and indented the plates. A shot abaft the wheel has indented the iron about 14 inches. One shell burst near the bottom of smokestack, carrying away about 4 square feet of iron. Four shots also 1)asse(l through the pipe, carry- ing away both midship stays. Wheel frame and wheel are injured by a shot; binnacle carrie(l away. The launch and first cutter badly stove; gig slightly hurt by frag- ment of shell. One boat davit shot away and another struck and bemi Page 362 362 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. by a shot, which glanced. One stanchion of main fife rail shot away, also several raiL stanchions and portions of iron-wire railing. Ham- mock rail and netting shattered; staft~ of life buoy shot away. Flag- staff struck b~y two fragmeiits of shell, and ensign by one cannon and thirteen rifle. Hawser bent to kedge abaft cut, and the knob on chock rstockJ of kedge knocked off. One catfidi shot away and the block lost. The projectiles used by the rebels were chiefly S-inch shot, one which had struck the side and rebounded was l)icked np in the launch; a portion of another is embedded in the spirketing between ports Nos. 4 aiid 5 on starboard side of gnu deck. One shroud of port fore rigging is shot away. Respectfully, your obedient servant, L. TI. NEWMAN, 16 ((-ative Officer. Commander JOHN JIODc{ERS, U. S. Navy, Commanding Naval Forces in James Iliver. Report of Lieutenant Jeffers, U. 5. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Monitor. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER MONITOR, James iliver, Virginia, May 16, 1862. SIR: I submit the following report of the movements of this vessel during the action of yesterday: Shortly after weighing anchor from our position iiear Kingslaiid Creek a sharp fire of musketry was commenced from both banks oii all the ships. At 7: 30 I discovered an extensive fortification on ait elevation of about 200 feet, with several smaller batteries, all apparently mounting guns of the heaviest caliber. At the foot of the bluff in the river, an obstruction formed of sunken steamers and vessels secured with chains, and the shallow water piled across the river [sic]. The (Jalena haviiug anchored at about 1,000 yards distant from the fort, and being warmly engaged, I endeavored to pass ahead of her to take off some of the fire, but found that my guns could not be elevated suffi- ciently to point at the fort. I then took position on the line with the (Jalena and maintained a deliberate fire until the close of the action, when, in company with the other vessels, I dropped down to the anchor- age of the morning. The fire of the enemy was remarkably well directed, but rarely toward this v~ssel. She was struck three times; one solid S-inch shot square on the turret, two solid shot on the side armor forward of the pilot house; neither caused any damage beyond bending the plates. I am hapiiy to report no casualties. In conclusion, permit me to say that the action was most gallantly fought against very great odds and with the usual effect against earth- works. So long as our vessels kept up a rapid fire they rarely fired in return; but the moment our fire slackened they remanned their gulls. It was impossible to reduce such works except by the aid of a land force. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM N. JEFFERS, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commander JOHN RODGERS, Commanding James River Flotilla Page 363 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 363 Report of Lieutenant Morris, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Port Royal. U. S. GUNBOAT PORT ROYAL, Off City Point, Va., May 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that yesterday morning at ~3 a. m. I left the anchorage, and in consort with the steamers under your com- mand stood up the river. While proceeding, the enemys riflemen opened upon us from the woods, their bullets piercing our bulwarks. Returned their fire with a few shots from our 24-pounder howitzers, which had the effect of silencing them. At 8 a. m. engaged a powerful battery on a high bluff, and perceived that the channel was obstructed by sunken vessels. We fired rapidly aiid were answered by the enemy, whose fire was very accurate, one shell striking us on the port bow below water line. The water flowed in freely, so that it was necessary to draw off iii order to repair damage. Another shot struck forward the wheel, below water line. On our return we were again fired upon by riflemen lurking in the woods. I am pleased to state that all the officers and men performed their duty in a fearless and gallant manner. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, (lEo. U. MORRIS, Lieutenant Cot Commander JOHN RODGERS, , nmanding Port Royal. Commanding Expedition, James River. Report of Assistant Surgeon Fort, U. S. Navy, of casualties on board U. S. S. Port Royal. U. S. S. PORT ROYAL, Off City Point, Va., May 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the following list of casualties which occurred during the fight of yesterday: Captain George U. Morris received a severe flesh wound upon the outer portion of lower third of the right leg, caused by a Mini6 rifle ball from the enemys sharpshooters, who were stationed along the banks of the river. Also Peter Djxon, a seaman from the U. S. S. Naugatuck, who received a severe contusion of left shoulder by the bursting of a rifle gun. He was immediately transferred to this vessel, where he now remains. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. FORT, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Commander JOHN RODGERS, Commanding Expedition, James River, Virginia. Report of Lieutenant Constable, U. S. Revenue Marine, commanding U. S. revenue steamer E. A. Stevens (Naugatuck). U. S. REVENUE STEAMER B. A. STEVENS, City Point, May 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that in ye~terdays attack upon the enemys battery at Wards Hill [Bluff], near Richmond, Va., I placed the vessel under my command in the position assigned me by you in the hue of attack, a ad opened fire upon the battery, which I continned until the bursting of our gun Page 364 364 NORTH ATLANTIc~ BLOCKADING SQUADRON. While getting iiito position during the bombardment, and while falling back with the squadron, this vessel was under quite a heavy tire of musketry, wliicli was constantly returiied by us with shell and canister from our light broadside guns. I have likewise to report to you that two of my crew are wounded, one by a musket shot through the ariu and the other by a severe coiitn- sion. They have beeii sent on board the Port Royal for surgical treat- ment. My officers and crew behaved to my entire satisfaction. I would respectfully request that you appoint a board of officers to examine into and report upon the cause of the bursting of our Parrott guit. I am, sir, very resl)ectfully, etc D. C. CONSTABLE, Lieutenant Commander JOHN RODGERS, , Commanding. Commanding U. S. Naval Forces in James River, 1 Tirginia. Additional report of Lieutenant Morris, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Port Royal. U. S. GUNBOAT PORT ROYAL, Off Jamestown Island, May 17, 186,2 SIR: In obedience to the enclosed order, I arrived here yesterday at 10:30 p. in. Sent a boat on shore and found the island entirely deserted. I succeeded this morning in finding a negro, by whom I sent the enclosed dispatch to the military governor at Williamsburg. At 11 a. in. an army officer came on board with the enclosed dispatch from Colonel Campbell. Finding that the dead bodies were very much decomposed and offen- sive, I had them buried on shore in a suitable spot. At 1 p. mu. heard heavy firing down the river, and, from the surgeons enclosed report, deemed it expedient to sight the battery and see if there was a possi- bility of my proceeding to Fortress Monroe. At 2:30 weighed anchor to reconnoiter batteries. At twenty minutes of 3 sighted the vessels under your command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, (lEo. U. MORRIS, Lieutenant, Commanding, U. AS. Navy. Flag Officer L. M. GOLDSBOROUGH, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure No. 1.] U. S. S. GALENA, Off City Point, James River, May 16, 1862. SIR: If the river should be Open, l)roceed to Fortress Monroe with your vessel and the Naugatucic, bury the dead, put the wounded in hospital, an(l send ami officer to the flag officer with accompanying dispatches. Should you not learn at Jamnestown Island that the river has been opened by time tlag-othcei~, send a miegro to the commamiding officer at Williamsburg, asking him to open communication with you. Upon the arrival of the person deputed by him, send an officer, with the dis- patches, to the flag officer, buuy the dead, ask for ambulances to carry the wounded to Williamsburg or where it may be best for them to go, aml(l wait for an answer. Bring mae any instructions or advice o Page 365 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 365 important events which would govern my actions as soon as you pro- cure them. \Tery respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN RODGERS, Commander, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant Commanding GEO. U. MORRIS, U. S. Gunboat Port Royal. [Enclosure No. 2.] U. S. S. PORT ROYAL, OtT Jamestown Island, May 16, 1862. SIR: Will you be kind enough to send an officer immediately to com- municate with me relative to the batteries below. The disposition of our dead and transportation of the wounded depend on your answer. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. U. MORRIS, Lieutenant Con COMMANDING OFFICER, , nnanding Port Royal. Williamsburg, Va. [Enclosure No. 3.] HEADQUARTERS MILITARY GOVERNOR, Williamsbarg, illay 17, 1862. LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your dispatch of yesterday, and herewith send First Lieutenant [Frank P.] Robinson to communicate with you upon the subject-matter referred to. Our information is that the batteries below are all deserted by the enemy, but the precaution has been taken to send forward forty cavalry to examine the ground and report as far as practicable to you. By order of David Campbell, Colonel and Military Governor: WM. G. MCCANDLESS, Adjutant. GEO. U. MORRIS, Lieatenant, Commanding Gunboat Port Royal. [Endosure No. 4.] U. S. S. PORT POYAL, Jamestown Island, May 17, 1862. SIR: The condition of the men transferred to this ship from the U. S. S. Galena, who were wounded during the engagement at Wards Bluff, Va., is such that to have them removed to the army hospital would endanger their lives. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. S. FORT, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant Commanding GEO. U. MORRIS, U. S. S. Port Royal. Report of Lieutenant Beaumont, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Aroostook. U. S. STEAM GUNBOAT ARoosTooK, City Point, May 16, 1862. SIR: I would respectfully report that in obedience to your order I got underway on Thursday, May 15, from my anchorage just above Kings- land Creek, in company with the (Jalena, Monitor, Port Royal, an Page 366 366 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Sterens Battery, and proceeded up the river, under a sharp fire of mus- ketry from both banks, to which I replied occasionally with howitzers and small arms. At 7:35 a. m. the enemy opened fire from a heavy battery ou Wards Bluff. At 8 a. m. anchored about 1,000 yards below the battery and opened a steady fire from my XI-inch gun. At 9:45, seeing that the enemy had my range perfectly, I changed my position about 100 yards farther down and again opened fire. At 11 a. in., iu obedience to sig- nal, in company with the rest of the squadron, I dropped down to my anchorage of the morning. During the engagement I received a shot at the water line under the after part of the starboard forechains, which cut off the planking, laying the timbers bare, and another 8-inch solid shot through the star- board bow, 1 foot above the sheet hawse hole, which lodged in the harness cask.