TITLE: Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. / Series I - Volume 11: North Atlantic Blockading Squadron (October 28, 1864 - February 1, 1865) AUTHOR: United States. Naval War Records Office PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1900 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 14i1 (4vrrwtl ineriiIt~J ?Eibratj 3tt~aca, ~ew Urn,k BERNARD ALBERT SINN COLLE~CT1ON 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 REcolnS, COMMANDER GEORGE P. COLYOCORESSES, U. S. NAVY, AND MR. CHARLES W. STEWART. BY AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVEI) JULY 31, 1894. SERIES IVOLUME 11. INOIRIUII ATLAINTIC LB EOCI(ADIING- SQUADHON FROM OCTOBER 28, 1864, TO FEBRUARY 1, 1865. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1900 Page R002 2~. I Page R003 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME 1. Operations of the cruisers from January 19, 1861, to December 31, 1862. VOLUME 2. Operations of the cruisers from January 1, 1863, to March 31, 1864. VOLUME 3. Operations of the cruisers from 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 Eappahannock rivers from January 5 to December 7, 1861. VOLUME 5. Operations on 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 Squadron from July 16 to October 29, 1861. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 29, 1861, to March 8, 1862. VOLUME 7. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron froi~i March 8 to September 4, 1862. VOLUME S. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from September 5, 1862, to May 4, 1863. VOLUME 9. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 5, 1863, to May 5, 1864. VOLUME 10. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 6, to October 27, 1864. II Page R004 Table of Contents Page R005 TABLE OF CONTENTS. List of illustrations Page. VII Preface Order of compilation of Series I -- ---- XIII List of vessels of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron XV Calendar October 28, 1864February 1, 1865 xix North Atlantic Blockading Squadron: Principal events Union reports Letter of the Secretary of the Navy to the President of the United States regarding delay in attacking the defenses of Wilmington, N. C 3 Capture of the British steamer Lady Sterling, October 25, 1564 59 Capture of Plymouth, N. C., by a naval force under Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, October 29November 1, 1864 1127 Capture of the British steamer Annie off New Inlet, N. C., October 31, 1864 3138 Entrance of the blockade runner Little Hattie into New Inlet, N. C., November 23, 1864 8590 Engagement of Federal ironclads with Howletts Battery, November 29, 1864 106108 Proclamation of the President of the United States declaring the ports of Norfolk, Fernandina, and Pensacola open to com merce 109 Expedition to Pitch Landing, N. C., December 2-6, 1864 121124 Chasing ashore and destruction of the steamer Ella, December 3, 5, 1864 - 126134 Capture of the British steamer Armstrong, December 4, 1864. - 136139 Engagement of Federal ironclads with Howletts Battery, December 5, 1864 144149 Joint expedition against Rainbow Bluff, N. C., December 9-28, 1864 160182 Sinking of the U. S. S. Otsego by a torpedo, December 9, 1S64.~~. 161, 162, 176 Correspondence concerning the powder boat U. S. S. Louisiana, exploded near Fort Fisher, N. C., December 24, 1864 207245 First att,ack oa Fort Fisher, December 2425, 1864 245378, 441 Letter from Lieutenant-General Grant, U. S. Army, to Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding army preparations for second attack on Fort Fisher. - - - 394 Blowing up of the bulkheads of Dutch Gap Canal, January 1, 1865 400 Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- General Grant, U. S. Army, regarding naval preparations for seconJ attack on Fort Fisher 401 Page R006 VI TABLE OF CONTENTS. North Atlantic Blockading SquadronContinued. Page. Principal eventsContinued. Union reportsContinued. Second attack on and capture of Fort Fisher, January 1315, 1865 425596 Special report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the monitor class of vessels 600602 Occupation of Confederate works at the month of the Cape Fear River and the capture of the steamers Stag and Charlotte~ - 618628 Attempted passage by the Confederate squadron of the obstruc- tions in Trents Reach, January 23, 24, 1865 632694 Capture of the British steamer Blenheim at New Inlet, N. C., January 25, 1865 - - - - 700702 Special report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, on the sub ject of harbor defenses 726736 Abstract log of the U. S. S. Malvern, flagship of the North Atlan- tic Blockading Squadron, November 26, 1864February 1, 1865. 736740 Confederate reports Entrance of the blockade runner Little Hattie into New Inlet, N. C., November 23, 1864 90 Engagement of Federal ironclads with Howletts Battery, November 29, 1864 107108 Chasing ashore and destruction of the steamer Ella, December 3, 5, 1864 133134 Engagement of Federal ironclads with Howletts Battery, De- cember 5, 1864 149 Joint expedition against Rainbow Bluff, N. C., December 928, 1864 181182 First attack on Fort Fisher, December 2425, 1864.~ 360378 Extracts from the official diary of Colonel Lamb, C. S. Army. - - 371, 372, 596, 740747 Extract from the diary of Midshipman Cary, C. S. Navy 375378 Second attack on and capture of Fort Fisher, January 1315, 1865 - -~ 377, 378, 592596 Attempted passage by the Confederate squadron of the obstruc- tions in Trents Reach, January 23, 24, 1865 663694 Placing of obstructious in James River 761, 777, 790 Letter of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Mitchell regarding an attack upon the enemy 797798 Miscellaneous reports, orders, and correspondence, October 28, 1864, to February 1, 1865 74081 List of Illustrations Page R007 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Page. United States steamer Malvern -. - -. Frontispiece. Sketcli of approaches to Plymouth, N. C 13 Sketch showing chase and place of capture of the steamer Annie 35 Plan of blockade of Wilmington, N. C - - 45 Sketch of James River, showing reconnoissance by Federal officers 73 Drawing of powder boat U. S. S. Lonisiana by Commander A. C. Rhind, U. S. Navy 231 Plan of first attack on Fort Fisher 245 United States steamer Colorado 296 Diagram by Midshipman Clarence Cary, C. S. Navy, showing plan of attack on Fort Fisher, December 24, 1S64 376 Plan of second attack on Fort Fisher 425 Drawing by Lieutenant-Commander James Parker, U. S. Navy, showing assault on Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865 501 Drawing by Captain L. L. Dawson, U. S. Marine Corps, showing assault on Fort Fisher, January 15, 1865 579 Armament of Fort Fisher and adjacent batteries 596 Map of James River from Chaffins Bluff to City Point 633 Confederate States steamer Richmond - 673 Drawing of casemate of Confederate battery on Red River, Louisiana.--- -. 733 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. It. Soley, U. 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, Lieutenant-Commander F. M.Wise, U. S. Navy, who, having received orders to sea, was relieved by Lieutenant-Commander Richard Rush, U. S. Navy, in May, 1893. The long-delayed publication was finally authorized by act of Congress approved July 31, 1894, and begun by Mr. Rush. The first five volumes were published under his efficient 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 Professor Edward K. Rawson, U. S. Navy, as superintendent. On December 8, 1899, Lieutenant-Commander George P. Colvoco- resses, U. S. Navy, was ordered to duty in connection with the compi- lation and publication of the Records. No change is contemplated at present in the outline of the plan ot publication as approved by the Department. This plan includes only the use of such material as may be certified to be contemporaneous naval records of the war, 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. 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 of the Navy and chiefs of the various bureaus. 2. The construction and outfit of the Confederate Navy, includ- ing l)rivateers, 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 in each of the above sections, as far as practicable. 111. 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 lutention of the Department to introduce throughout the volumes of the different series illustrations of each class or type of vessels 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 photographs 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 impaired, and the Department therefore has spared no pains to secure the letter books and papers of the chief actors on both sides. These papers have for the most part been obtained, and they have been copiously used in the compilation of the work. The reports of the Union coiznmanders 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 careful searches throughout various parts of the country, conducted by Page R011 PREF ALOE. XI special agent of the Department, have brought to light many dupli- cates of these papers, found among the personal files of participants. It is hoped that the publication will revive the interest of participants in the events referred to, and lead them to bring to the notice of the Department the whereabouts of any papers bearing upon naval opera- tions in the civil war of which they may have knowledge. The tenth volume of the records (Series I, vol. 10), which has recently beeti published by.the Department, gives the operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 6, 1864, to October 27, 1864. The present volume (Series I, vol. 11) gives the operations of this squadron from October 28, 1864, to February 1, 18(15. The reports and correspondence are placed chronologically, 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 miscellane- ons Confederate correspondence is placed at the end of the volume. Reference to the table of contents will show the context of these Con- federate papers. It is believed that the chronological arrangement of the records, in connection with the full and complete index to each vol- ume, will afford ample means of reference to its contents without other subdivision or classification. In reports of special or single events, in which the papers bear specific relation to those events, the chrono- logical order has been somewhat modified, and such documents have been placed together in the compilation. EDWARD K. IlAwsoN, GEORGE P. COLYOCORESSES, CHARLES W. STEWART, Compilers. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., December, 1900. 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 use 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 the Navy and contributors to the work. The quotas herein authorized of said publication for the Senate and House of Representatives shall be sent by th~ Secretary of the Navy to such libraries, organizations, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, an Page R012 XII PREFACE. Delegates of the Fifty-third Congress, it being the purpose of this dis- tribution herein provided for to place these records in public libraries, and with permanent organizations having libraries, so far as such libraries may exist in the several States and Territories. Each Senator shall designate not exceeding twenty-four and each Representative and Delegate not exceeding nineteen of such addresses, and the volumes shall be sent thereto from time to time, as they are published, until the publication is completed; and all sets that may not be ordered to be distributed as provided herein shall be sold by the Secretary of the Navy for cost of publication, with ten per centum added thereto, and the proceeds 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, Representatives, or Delegates who have designated the 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 following joint resolution regarding the distribution of the work was approved Jaiiuary 30, 1896: Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to send the undistributed copies of the Official Records of the War of the Rebellion, both of the Union and of the Confederate navies, to such libraries, organizations, and individuals as may be designated before the meeting of the next Congress by the Representatives in the Fifty-fourth Congress of the districts whose Representatives in the Fifty-third Congress failed to designate the distributees of their quota of said Official Records, or any part thereof, as authorized by the act of Congress approved July thirty-first, eighteen hundred and ninety-four, and the joint resolution approved March second, eighteen hundred and ninety-five, to the extent and in the manner and form provided in said act. The following is an extract from 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 thousand addi- tional copies of series one, volumes 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 the Cruisers, 18611865. Union cruisers. West India (Flying) Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Wilkes, U. S. N., 1862-1863. West India (Flying) Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, U. S. N., 1863-1864. Confederate cruisers and l)rivateers. 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. Abandonment and destruction of the Norfolk Navy Yard. Home Squadron, under Flag-Officer Pendergrast, U. S. N. 4. Operations on the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, 18611865. Potomac Flotilla, under Commander Ward, U. S. N., 1861. Potomac Flotilla, under Captain Craven, U. S. N., 1861. Potomac Flotilla, under Lieutenant Wyman, U. S. N., 1861-1862. Potomac Flotilla, under Commodore Harwood, U. S. N., 18621863. Potomac Flotilla, under Commander Parker, U. S. N., 18611865. 5. Atlantic Blockading Squadrons, 18611865. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Stringham, U. S. N., May 11 to Sept. 21, 1861. West India Squadron, under Flag-Officer Pendergrast, U. S. N., 1861. Naval Defenses of Virginia and North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Barron, C. S. N. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Goldsborough, U. S. N., 1861. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Goldsborongh, U. S. N., 1861-1862. I~aval Defensca of Virginia and North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officer Buchanan, C. S. N. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officer Tattuall, C. S. N. James River Flotilla, under Commodore Wilkes, U. S. N., 1862. North Atlantic Blockadin,,, Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. N., 1862-1864. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officers Forrest and Mitchell, C. S. N. * Naval Defenses Inland Waters of North Carolina, under Commander Pinkney, C. S. N. * Naval Defenses Cane Fear River, North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. N., 18641865. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officers Mitchell and Semmes, C. S. N. * Naval Defenses Cape Fear River, North Carolina, nuder Flag-Officer Pinkucy, C. S. N. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Radford, U. S. N., 1865. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Dn Pont, U. S. N., 1861-1863. * Naval Defenses of South Carolina and Georgia, under Flag-Officer Tattuall, C. S. N. * Naval Defenses of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, under Flag-Officerlngraham, C. S. N. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Dahigren, U. S. N., 1861-1865. * Naval Defenses of Charleston Harhor, 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 under this head is very scant. It is therefore hoped that those who have any Confederate naval documents upon the subject will communicate with the Office of Naval War Records, Navy Department. Washington, D. C Page R014 XJV ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS. 6. Gulf Blockading Squadrons, 18611865. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Mervine, U. S. N., 1861. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer MeKean, U. S. N., 1861-1862. * Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Rollins, C. S. N. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer MeKean, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. N., 1862-1864. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Captain Greene, U. 5- N., 1864. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Stribling, U. S. N., 1864-1865. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Farragut, liT. S. N., 18621861. Mortar Flotilla, under Commander Porter, U. S. N., 1862. Lower Mississippi River Defenses, under Commander J. K. Mitchell, C. S. N. * Mobile Defenses, under Flag-Officer Randolph, C. S. N. Trans-Mississippi Marine Department, nuder Major Leon Smith, C. S. A. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Bell, U. S. N. (ad interim), 1861. 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., 1864-1865. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Thatcher, U. S. N., 1865. * Mobile Defenses, under Flag-Officer Farrand, C. S. N. 7. Operations on the Western Rivers, 18611865. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Commander Rogers, U. S. N., 1861. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. N., 18611862. * Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Rollins, 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 Commander R. F. Piukney, 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., 18641861. * 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 hoped that those who have any Confederate naval documents upon the subject will communicate with the Office of Naval War Records, Navy Department, Washington, D. C Special Index Page R015 UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR SERVING IN THE NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKAD ING SQUADRON, OCTOBER 28, 1864, to FEBRUARY 1, 1865. Name. Advance Agawam Alabama Albemarle Alest Anemone Aries Arletta Atlanta Augusta Baltimore Banshee Bat Bazely* Belle Ben Morgan Berberry Bignonia Britannia Brooklyn Cactus Calypso Cambridge Canonicns Cores Charles Phelps Cherokee Chicopee Chippewa C~matis . Clinton Cohasset Colorado Commodore Barney Commodorellull Commodore Morris Commodore Perry Crusader Dacotah Dawn Daylight Delaware Dictator Dumbarton Emma Folus Eutaw Rate. Fourth ... Third.... Third Fourth --- Fourth ... Fourth Third Fourth ... Third Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth . - - Fourth ... Fourth Fourth . -. Fourth --- Fourth - -. Second --- Fourth ... Fourth ... Third Third Fourth Fourth - . - Fourth ... Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... First Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth - - - Fourth ... Third -. -. Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Second --- Fourth --- Fourth Fourth - . - Third..... Tonnage. 880 974 1,264 200 65 156 820 199 1, 006 1,110 500 533 510 55 60 407 161 121 495 2, 070 176 610 858 1,014 144 162 606 974 507 296 50 100 1, 425 511 176 522 513 545 997 191 682 157 1, 031 700 350 144 955 Class. Side-wheel steamer do do Schooner Screw steamer do do Mortar schooner Ironclad steamer Side-wheel steamer .....do do do Screw steamer do Ordnance ship Screw steamer do Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do Ironclad steamer Screw steamer Supply ship Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do. do do do Side-wheel steamer do do do Screw steamer Screw sloop Screwsteamer do Side.wheel steamer Ironclad steamer Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer do Crew. Guns. 98 145 144 22 15 10 90 19 145 162 24 60 82 12 24 35 15 41 75 167 32 70 96 85 42 21 92 72 64 46 16 12 626 96 68 88 29 79 147 60 57 68 174 96 70 51 135 4 10 10 2 4 7 2 4 10 2 3 I 2 4 3 5 26 I 7 10 2 2 1 6 10 6 I 2 52 7 6 6 6 7 8 4 8 3 2 4 8 I 10 * Same as Picket Boat No. 2 or Beta. x Page R016 XVI LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR. .Li~t of United States Vessels of war serving in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, October 28, 1864, to February 1, 1865Continued. Name. Rate. Tonnage. Class. Crew. Guns. Fahkee Florida Fort Donelson Fort Jackson General Putnam * Gettysburg Glance Governor Buckingliam Grand Gulf Granite Harcourt Heliotrope Henry Brinker Hetzel Howqnah Hoyt Hunchback Huron Josco Isaac N. Seymour James Adger John L. Lockwood Juniata Kansas Keystone State Lenapee Lilac Lilian Little Ada Louisiana Mackinaw Mahopac Malvern Maratauza Martin Massasoit Mattahesett Maumee Mendota Mercedita Miami Minnesota Moccasin Mohican Monadnock Moutauk Montgomery Monticello Morse Mount Vernon Mount Washington Fourth Third..... Third..... Second.... Fourth Fourth Fourth Third Third..... Fourth Fourth. Fourth Fourth Fourth Fourth Fourth Fourth Fourth Third..... Fourth Third Fourth ... Second.... Fourth Third..... Third Fourth Fourth Fourth Fourth Third Fourth Fourth Third..... Fourth Third..... Third Fourth Third Third Third First Fourth Third Third Fourth ... Third Fourth Fourth ... Fourth Fourth ... 699 1,261 900 1,770 149 26 80 886 1, 200 75 75 238 108 301 397 19 517 507 974 133 1,151 180 1,240 593 1, 364 974 129 630 196 295 974 1,034 627 786 35 974 974 593 974 776 30 3, 307 192 994 1,564 844 787 655 513 625 500 Screw steamer Side.wheel steamer do do do do Screw steamer do do Sailing sloop Screw steamer Side.wheel steamer. Screw steamer Side.wheel steamer Screw steamer do Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer Side.wheel steamer do... do do Screw steamer do Side.wheel steamer do Screw steamer . Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do Side-wheel steamer Ironclad steamer Side.wheel steamer do Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer do... Screw steamer Side.wheel steamer Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer Screw frigate Screw steamer do Ironclad steamer do Screw steamer do Side.wheel steamer Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer * Indexed in preceding volumes as William G. Putnam. 73 150 137 194 32 96 14 112 201 15 68 24 18 69 55 6 99 76 164 30 120 30 160 108 163 147 17 63 37 85 145 92 68 111 9 141 145 96 144 121 134 540 29 150 146 88 110 96 78 50 40 3 7 7 11 4 7 6 11 1 1 1 2 4 7 6 10 2 9 3 10 8 10 10 2 2 2 5 10 2 3 6 10 10 6 10 9 8 48 3 10 4 4 6 3 6 5 Page R017 LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR. List of United States Ve85els of war Serving in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, October ~8, 1864, to February 1, 1865Continued. Tonnage. Class. Crew. Guns. Name. hate. Mystic Fourth -. - Nansernond Fourth Nereus . Third New Berne Fourth ... New Ironsides . First Niphon Fourth . -. Nyack Fourth Onondaga Second Osceola Third Otsego Third Pawtnxer Third Pequot --- -. Fourth ... Phlox Fourth - . - Picket Boat No. 1 (Alpha) - - -. Fourth ... Picket Boat No. 2 (Beta) Picket Boat No. 3 (Gamma) --- Picket Boat No. 4 (Delta) Picket Boat No. S (Epsilon) - -- Picket Boat No. 6 (Zeta) Picket Launch No. 3 Picket Launch No. 4 Picket Launch No. 5 Picket Launch No. 6 Pontoosuc Poppy Powbatan Quaker City R. R. Coyler Release Renshaw Repuhhic Rhode Island Roman Sahine Saco Saffron St. Lawrence Fourth ... Fourth --- Fourth - -- Fourth --- Fourth - -. Fourth ... Fourth - Fourth - - - Fourth Third.. - - - Fourth ... First Second.. Third - - - - Fourth -- - Fourth - -- Fourth - -- Second~. - Fourth -- Secoad... - Fourth . -. Fourth - - Secoud - -- - Samuel Rotan . Fourth - -- Santiago de-Cuba . Second. - -- Sassacus Third Sangus Third Seneca Fourth - -. Shamrock Third Shawmnt . Fourth - - - Shenandoah Second. - - - Shokokon Fourth --- Spuyten Doyvil Fourth - . - ~StateofGeoraia Third Stepping Stones Fourth ... Susquehanna First Tacony Third Tahlapoosa . -. Third. - -- - Ticondero,,a Second - - . - 541 340 1,244 948 3,486 475 593 1, 250 974 974 974 593 317 55 55 55 50 55 60 Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do Ironclad steamer Screw steamer do Ironclad steamer Side-wheel steamer do do Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do - -- - do 974 Side wheel steamer 93 Screw steamer 2, 415 Side-wheel steamer 1,600 do 1, 202 Screw steamer 327 Bark 80 Schooner 90 Screw steamer 1, 517 Side-wheel steamer 350 Storeship 1, 726 Sailing fri,.,ate 593 Screw steamer do 1, 726 Sailing frigate 232 Sailing schooner 1, 567 Side-wheel steamer 974 do 1, 014 Ironclad steamer 507 Screw steamer 974 Side-wheel steamer 591 Screw steamer 1,378 . .do 700 Side-wheel steamer 116 Screw steamer 1, 204 Side-wheel steamer 226 do 2,450 do 974 do 974 do 1,533 Screw steamer * Known also as Bazely and J. E. Bazely. N W RYOL XIii 181 12 20 2 266 18 163 9 154 12 85 3 1 15 12 9 1 328~ 36 127 12 16 1 118 12 29 4 143 11 145 10 81 2 90 6 160 11 35 8 171 10 112 6 22 - . -. - - - 113 8 21 5 306j 16 145 10 202 10 163 18 XVII 7 4 11 6 18 9 8 4 10 10 12 12 65 63 164 92 376 70 118 130 145 145 189 130 32 9 12 4 10 Page R018 XVIII LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR. List of United States vessels of war serving ia the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, October 28, 1864, to February 1, 1865Concluded. Name. Rate. Tristram Shandy Fourth ... Tug Boats Nos. 1 to 6. Tuscarora Third lITnadilla Fourth Unit Fourth Valley City Fourth ... Vanderbilt First Vickshurg Third Victoria Fourth ... Wabash First Western World Fourth ... Whitehead Wilderness William Badger William G. Putnam.t Wyalusing Wyandotte Yantie Young America Young Rover Zouave Fourth --- Fourth - -- Fourth --- Third.... - Fourth --- Fourth --- Fourth - -- Fourth --- Fourth --- T ouuage.1 444 997 507 56 190 3, 160 886 254 3. 274 441 119 190 334 Class. Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do do do Side-wheel steauter Screw 5(-amer do.. do do do Side-wheel steamer Sailing ship 974 Side-wheel steamer 458 Screw si eamer 593 do. 171 (10 418 do 127 do * Indexed in this volume as Picket Boats Nos. 1-6. I Indexed in this volunie as General Putnam. Crew. Guns. 80 172 81 20 48 209 122 44 550 29 45 41 29 145 68 313 13 85 25 10 6 6 17 7 3 46 5 4 4 1 14 5 8 2 5 Page R019 H H Is:t~i..~ -~ -~0+--1 0+ H -~ H I ~ I ~-~ fs~ z H -A ~Y2 ~ ~ H ~ H ~Yj 0 ~ ~ ~I0~ 0+ C ~Y2 0 :~~: H :~: ~ ~ H ~I2 0+ ~IN~1~ ~I2 H H ~I2 0+ 0 C H 0 z 0 w Page R020 Page A001 Page A002 UNITED STATES STEAMER MALVERN Page 1 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. FROM OCTOBER 28, 1864, TO FEBRUARY 1, 1865. NWRVOL11 Page 2 Page 3 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. FROM OCTOBER 28, 1864, TO FEBRUARY 1, 1865. Letter of the Secretary of the Navy to the President of the United States, regarding delay in the proposed joint attack upon the dfenses of Wilmington, N. C. NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 28, 1864. Sin: You are aware that owing to shoal water at the mouth of the Cape Fear River a purely naval attack can not be undertaken agaiust Wilmington. Had there been water enough for our broadside ships of the Hartford class, the naval attacks of New Orleans, Mobile, and Port Royal would have been repeated there. I have, as you are aware, often pressed upon the War Department the importance of capturing Wilmington, and urged upon the military authorities [the necessity] of undertaking a joint operation against the defenses of Cape Fear River, but until recently there never seems to have been a period when that Department was in a condition to entertain the subject. Two mouths ago it was arranged that an attack should be made on the 1st of October, but subsequently postponed to the 15th, and the naval force has been ready since the 15th instant, in accordance with that agreement. One hundred and fifty vessels of war now form the North Atlantic Squadron. The command first offered to Rear-Admiral Farragut, but declined by him, has been given to Rear-Admiral Porter. Every other squadron has been depleted and vessels detached from other duty to strengthen this expedition. The vessels are concentrated at Hampton Roads and Beaufort, where they remain, an immense force lying idle, awaiting the movements of the army. The retention of so many vessels from blockade and cruising duty is a most serious injury to the public service, and if the expedition can not go forward for want of troops, I desire to be notified, so that the ships may be relieved and dispersed for other service. The importance of closing Wilmington is so well understood by you that I refrain from presenting any new arguments. I am aware of the anxiety of yourself and of the disposition of the War Departmeiit to render all the aid in its power. The cause of the delay is not from the want of a proper conception of the importance of the subject, but the season for naval coast operations will soon be gone. General Bragg has been sent from Richmond to Wilmington to prepare for the attack, and the autumn weather so favorable for such an expedition is fast passing away. The public expect this attack and the country will be distressed if it be not made; to l)rocrastinate much longer will be to l)eril its success. Of the obstacles which delay or prevent military cooperation at once, I can not judge, but the delay is becoming exceed- ingly embarrassing to this Department, and the importance of having the military authorities impressed with the necessity of speedy action has prompted this communication to you. I have the honor to be, etc., GIDEON WELLES, The PRESIDENT. Secretary of the Navy. Page 4 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admired Porter, U. & Navy, to Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding the fitting of torpedo catchers to the vessels near the obstructions. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, Virginia, October 28, 1864. Siu: It is well to be provided against all contingencies. As there is a ferriage across the obstructions for small boats, the rebels may attempt to get torpedoes over and place them under your vessels. You will have torl)edo catchers placed on the bow of each vessel now or hereafter lying near the obstructions. This can be best done by rig- ging ont a couple of spars rigged shear fashion, with a cross piece at the end with poles or iron bars running down into the water, the cross pole to be wider than the vessel, and the vertical pieces to extend below the bottom. A rope netting across the vertical poles will make the whole thing complete. I want you to try and 1)10w out a channel on the bar 2~A) feet wide. If you can get this done by the time I get back, I will attempt to go up the river. Do not trust too securely to the sunken vessels, but keep the same lookout as if they were not there. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander E. T. NICHOLS, Commanding Fifth Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Belknap, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Seneca. HAMPTON ROADS, October 28, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to your station on the blockade off Wilmington, reporting to the senior officer there. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenaut.Comnmander GEG. B. BELKNAP, Commanding Seneca, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Osceola. HAMPTON ROADS, October 28, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to sea alA resume yonr station on the block- ade off Wilmington, stopping at Beaufort to unload your shells. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander J. M. B. CLITZ, Commanding Osceola, Hampton Roads Page 5 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Arey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wilderness. HAMPTON ROADS, October 28, 18G4. SIR: You will proceed and report to senior officer off Eastern Bar [Cape Fear River], for duty on the blockade as a chaser. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID I). PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Master HENRY AREY, Commanding U. S. S. Wilderness, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Capture of the British steamer Lady Sterling, October 28, 18G4. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]lilialvern, Hampton Roads, November 5, 18G4. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith reports of the capture of the blockade runner Lady Sterling by the Folus, Calypso, and Fort Jackson, on the 28th October, off Wilmington. The Lady Sterling is a fine vessel of 1,000 tons burden, was loaded with 98() bales of cotton, and it was her first trip out. The prize is now in Beaufort, coaling. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Master Lundt, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Eolus. U. S. S. EOLUS, Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, October 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to you the capture of the British side-wheel steamer Lady Sterling on the 28th of October, while run- ning the blockade out of Wilmington, N. C., at 8:45 p. m. She was sighted by the U. S. S. Bolus at 6:10 p. m. coming out over the bar, chased for two hours and thirty-five minutes, and overtaken and cap- tured after a run of about 30 miles to the S. W., no other vessel at that time being in sight excepting the U. S. S. Calypso, who assisted in the capture. Along with this I send a complete prize list of the officers and crew attached to the U. S. S. Lolus at the time of the capture, claiming a share in the prize steamer Lady Sterling and cargo of about 900 bales of cotton. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. 0. LUNDT, Acting Master, Gommanding U. S. S. Folus. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C Page 6 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKAl)ING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Master Stuart, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Calypso. U. S. S. CALYPSO, Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. 0., October 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that the steamer Lady AS~terling, Captain D. Cruikshank, of London, just out of XVilmiiigton, N. C., bound to Nassau, New Providence, was made prize to this vessel, the U. S. S. Eolus being present, yesterday evening at 9 o~clock and 45 minutes, Bald Head light-house, distant 40 miles, and bearing N. E., about under the following circumstances: At 6:30 p. m. yesterday, 28th instant, the Calypso being at her sta- tion off the Western Bar, a roiket was seen, followed by several others, in the direction of the bar, indicating by their courses that a vessel (runner) was passing seaward, and to the westward: at the same time the reports of several guns were heard; steered a course S. E. to inter- cept her, the stranger, and at 6:44 p. m. sighted a steamer, it being dark, coming toward us; challenged her, but received no reply. At the same instant she was discovered to be burning black smoke, and had two smokestacks; gave chase at once, and commenced firing at her, she being distant about oue-third of a mile. Her course at first was varied, but in a short time her head was put on a S. S. W. course; the Calypso, under a full head of steam, in hot pursuit, set all sail, the wind being fresh from W. S. W.; continued firing at the chase, she being a short half mile ahead, but seemingly gaining on us; the night was quite dark and somewhat misty. At 8 p. m. a steamer passed to the eastward of us, evidently, like ourselves, chasing; could not make her out. At 8:35 a large steamer (which I took to be the Fort Jackson) passed us, steering to the southward, making the challenge as she passed, which we answered. At this time the chase was directly ahead and plainly in sight. To the eastward of her a steamer showing a bright, continuous light, continued on after the stranger, she changing her course to S. W., W. S. W., and round again to S. S. W. About 9:40 p. m. observed that the chase had put about and was standing in a northerly direction toward us. Immediately closed in on her, and at 9:45, she being broad oii our port beam, distant about three hundred yards, under full headway (our head being S. W.by S.) fired three shells at her in quick succession, each taking effect, whereupon her engines were stopped, and after displaying two white lightsindicating that she had surren- deredshe commenced blowing off. Immediately after this a steamer, which proved to be the Folus, passed near and spoke us. Just before firing the last three guns at the prize, this steamer, the Folus, was seen to the eastward of us, and the prize, distant about a quarter of a mile, and about the same time a flash was seen and a report of a gun, evi- dently from the Bolus, was heard. In rounding to we passed close by the Folus, when her commander informed me that he would board her, the prize, at once, she (the JiJolus) being short and easily put about. Ran up alongside of the prize and sent a boat with an officer and crew on board of her, the Folus boarding about the same time. The offi- cer sent from the Calypso at once took possession of the vessel and sent her commander and other officers on board of the Calypso, agreeably to my instructions. On boarding the prize, she was found to be on fire forward, and the attention of the officers and men was wholly directed toward extin- guishing tIme flames. It appeared from the statement of the officers of the prize that one of our first shots (with shell) iii the early part of the evening ha Page 7 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 7 entered her hull forward and set fire to the cotton therein stored. Sev- eral other shots fired at the same time took effect. The shots last fired each struck the vessel, doing more or less damage. Captain Cruikshank informed me that all his papers were left on board, and were under lock and key, and that my prize officer had the keys. He farther informed me that the vessel had on board about 980 bales of cotton arid 3 tons of tobacco. Every means was employed to get at and stop the fire, which was confined, as above stated, to the forehold. At daylight this morning, having towed, with the assistance of the BOlUS, the prize nearly to our anchorage off the Westeru Bar, we received valuable assistance in putting out the fire from the diyisional officer, Captain B. F. Sands, who in person visited the vessel and gave directions. The Yicksburg, Ames, and Dambarton, whose commanding officers attended in person, also aided; with their aid the flames were subdued. The amount of damage done can not at present be estimated, but it is not supposed to be very great. A prize officer and crew have been put on board the Lady A3teriing, with orders to proceed to Boston. I have forwarded to the prize commissioners all the papers found on board the prize, together with a list of the persons sent in her as wit- nesses. A copy of the latter is herewith enclosed. Coin was found on board of her amounting to $3,415, which is in the possession of the prize master. The Lady Sterling is said to register 900 tons, but her capacity is only about 550 tons. She is an iron vessel and apparently well built. The whole distance run in the chase was about 34 mriiles. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRED. D. STUART, Acting Master, Commanding Steamer Calypso. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of captain Sands, U~ 5. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Fort Jackson. U. S. S. FORT JACKSON, Off Western Bar, Wilmington, October 29, 1864. SIR: I have the pleasure to report to you the capture of the steamer Lady Sterling, with 980 bales of cotton, endeavoring to run out of the port of Wilmington at this entrance, by the steamers liJolus and Calypso, at about 9 oclock last night. At the same time aiiother vessel made her escape, being chased by the Dumbarton, S. by E. down the reef which the prisoners inform me was the rebel steamer Chickamauga (late Edith). The rockets first seen were directed westerly, in which direc- tion we, in the Fort Jackson, first chased, but seeing rockets sent southerly to the east of us, accompanied by guns, I turned our head in that direction. The guns fired, increasing their distance southerly, and seeing more rockets westerly, I stood W. S. W. under all steam in chase, with black smoke ahead. Coming up with chase, we challenged by lanterns and found it was the Calypso, with another vessel near her, with running light, also in chase, and passing the Calypso, and seeing nothing of the chase, I left it to those vessels, to return to the bar, where I thought my presence most required, while these vessels were chasing away from it. Soon after having turned, guns were fired i Page 8 8 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. S. W. direction, showing that our vessels were within range of the runner, and at daylight she was (liscovered near our anchorage, with the Bolus and Calypso endeavoring to extinguish a fire in her forehold, caused by shells exploding amongst the cotton. As the Vicks burg was to go north for repairs, I send her to convoy this valuable l)riZC to Hampton Roads, stopping at Beaufort for what coal she may require. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. F. SANDS, Captain, U. S. Navy, Comdg. Third Division, off Western Bar. Rear-Admiral ft D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Wells, U. S. Navy. U. S. S. ARIES, Qff Western Bar, Wilmington, IV. C., October 30, 18G4. SIR: I beg leave to send you a list of officers and men attached to this vessel claiming a share in the English steamer Lady Sterling, cap- tured by the U. S. steamers Eolus and Calypso off the coast of North Carolina, near the western entrance of Cape Fear River, while violat- ing the blockade on the night of the 28th of October, 18(4. This claim is based on the fact that the Aries assisted very materially in capture of the above-named blockade runner, as the followimi g explanation will show, viz: At 6:30 p. in., while cruising OIL our Ilight station in 4~ fathoms water, with Bald Head light bearing E. S. E., distant 3 miles, saw guns and rockets fired by a vessel bearing S. E. by E., indicating the presence of a blockade runner steering about W. N. W. and directly toward this ship. Shortly after, the stranger appeared in full view, with the U. S. S. Bolus following closely at his heels. I opened fire on the stranger at the short range of about 600 yards, one shot taking effect on his hull. This caused him to sheer off to the southward, which enabled the Bolus to close in still nearer, who in turn drove him back to the westward, toward the U. S. S. Calypso, which vessel opened fire, driving the stranger to the southward and westward, when the chase commenced on a straight course about S. W., with the Calypso on his starboard quarter, the Eolus on his port quarter, and this ship nearly astern and gaining rapidly on the chase. All three vessels chased in this manner a short time, when the Jilolus drew in between this vessel and the chase, thereby obstructing my line of fire, which rendered our presence no longer necessary, as the chase was entirely in the power of the Eolus and Calypso and his capture certain. I gave up the chase and returned to station, considering it unwise to leave the ~ to the bar wholly unguarded, as the absence of the three vessels necessa- rily would have done. When I turned back, at about 8 oclock, the chase and her pursuers were plainly seen by all on board this vessel, and we could easily have been present at the capture, had not our duty called us back to our station. At daylight on the morning of the 29th I discovered the prize to be on fire and her two captors lying near, endeavoring to extinguish it. This was about eight hours after her cap- ture. I sent men and a fire engine to assist. They remained till this morning, when they returned and reported the fire extinguished. Most respectfully, your obedient servant, F. S. WELLS, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C Page 9 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. C) Additioal report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Mairern, November 8, 1864. SIR: I have examined the Lady Sterling. She is a beautiful vessel, and no expense spared on her. She cost $250,000, is new, and wants but little done to her here to make her the finest blockader we have. She made 13 knots with one engine, which she ran out of Wilmington, [N. C.], with; our engineer broke the other. Both cylinder heads are gone, which is the only damage. She goes to New York to-morrow under convoy. Her cargo and hull are valued at $700,000. About a hundred bales of cotton were thrown overboard, the vessel having been set fire to by a shell. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D AATID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, requesting calcium lights for use in the sounds. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Albemarle Sound, October 28, 1864. ADMIRAL: I learn by General Order No. 6 that blockaders are to be furnished with calcium lights. I would respectfully represent that a light of that kind would be very useful in the sounds of North Caro- lina, enabling the picket boat at the mouth of the iRoanoke River to illuminate that river as far up as the first bend (about half a mile), thus rendering it impossible for the squadron to l)e snrprised by the ram, or by torpedo boats, which the enemy might here employ with great advantage. I therefore respectfully request that a number of these lights suffi- cient to effect this object may be forwarded, together with instructions for using them. Very respectfully, W. H. MACOME, Comdr., Co rndg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Letter from A. Berney, to Bear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting his presence in James River to witness experiments with Greek fire. JERSEY CITY, N. J., October 29, 1864. DEAR SIR: The last of next week I shall fire some 100-pound Greek fire shells, and also throw a stream of fire up at the Army of the James, by orders of General Butler, as there are many strong ironclads at Richmond, Wilmington, [N. 0.1, Charleston, Savannah, [Ga.], and other places yet, and I believe with the fire they could soon be destroyed Page 10 10 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Can you go up to the army and see the fire thrown? I am satisfied that you will a(lOpt it at once. The machine that will be used can be put on board of any monitor. Au early reply will oblige. Your obedient servant, A. BERKEY. Admiral PORTER. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Lowry, U. S. Navy, regarding the e. change of numbers between naval vessels. HAMPTON IIOADS, October 29, 1864. SIR: It will be your duty to make your number on the appearance of any naval or armed vessel on the horizon, and they should do the same. If they do not, bring them to with shot and ascertain what they are, and their character. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander H. B. LOWRY, Commanding Sabine, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Weaver, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chippewa. HAMPTON ROADS, October 29, 1864. SIR: You will get ten seamen from the Sabine, with their accounts, without delay, and proceed with all dispatch to your station off Wil- mington, for the purpose of capturing blockade runners. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID 1). PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lientenant-Qommander A. W. WEAVER, Commanding Chippewa, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieuten- ant Nickels, U. S. Nary, commanding U. S. S. Cambridge. OCTOBER 29, 1864. SIR: You will get your vessel ready for sea with all dispatch and proceed with her off Charleston. S. C~, and report to Rear-Admiral Dahlgren for duty in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Very respectfully, DAVID D. P( ~RTER, Rear-Admiral, Comm manding North Atlantic Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. F. NICKELS, Commanding U. S. S. Cambridge. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Port Jackson. October 29, 1864.At daylight saw the Calypso and Bolus in charge of a prize, which proved to be the Lady Sterling, on fire. Sent me Page 11 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 11 and hose on board to assist in putting it out. Made signal to the fleet to do the same. At 6:30 p. in. saw flashes of guns and rockets going in a westerly direction. Stood XV. N. W.; saw two steamers to the westward, who challenged us. We answered the challenge with lan- terns, both steering to the S. E.; saw a steamer steering to the S. K, which we supposed to be the Aries. She hove up a rocket from her quarter-deck in the opposite directioii to the way she was going. We saw two steamers to the eastward of Bald Head, oue apparently in chase of the other, as she was firing at her and seiiding up rockets in a southerly direction. We gave chase to the southward. The vessel we took for the it vies challenged us, which was answered by ns. At 7:10 the Vicksburg challenged us; we answered challenge, spoke, and passed her, she firing and sending up rockets. She reported a blockade run ncr S. by W. Continued the chase. At 7:20 the vessel which we sup- posed to be the Aries commenced burning black smoke and about the same time challenged us, which was answered by us with lanterns. She challenged us the second time and was answered. She then fired at us. While we answered the third time, one shot struck us under the port chains forward, penetrating the side and exploding on orlop deck, tearing bulkhead off paymasters store room and destroying a portion of the stores. Another struck the quarter-deck; passed through bul- warks overboard. Stopped ship, blew off steam, at the same time show- ing a lantern over the stern and challenged her with Coston signal, which she answered. At 7:40 hailed the Aries; ordered the captain on board. At 8 stood for our station. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Aries. October 29, 1864.Cruising oii night station. At 6:30 saw the flash of a gun, followed by a rocket, bearing E. S. E. Went to quarters and stood in the direction indicated by the rocket that the blockade runner was steering. At 7 saw the blockade runner bearing S. E. Fired five shots at her. At 7:20 saw a steamer on our starboard beam; chal- lenged her three times, and got no answer. Fired three shots at her. Then she challenged us with Coston signals. She proved to be the Port Jackson. At 7:50 returned to our station. Capture of Plymouth, N. C., and its defenses by a naval force commanded by Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, October 29November 1, 1864. Report of Commander Macomb, U, 5. Navy, commanding District of the Sounds. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off~ Plymouth, N. C., November 1, 1864. SIR: 1 have the honor to report that on the 31st ultimo I took the batteries at this place and now hold them. The Shamrock. Chicopee, Otsego, Wyalusing, Tacony, Commodore flull, Valley City, and Whitehead were engaged. We have a large quantity of ordnance stores and twenty cannon. I will report in detail without delay. Very respectfully, W. II. MACOMB, Comdr., Ciinndg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 12 12 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON. U. S. Flaqship Maivern, Hampton Roads, November 11, 1-564. SIR: I have the honor to enclose you the report of Commander W. H. Macomb in relatiou to the capture of the batteries and town of Plymouth, IN. C., which place, with all its defenses, was captured from our land forces some time last spring. This was a very gallant affair, and reflects great credit on the com- mander of the expedition and all concerned. It is a handsome finish- ing stroke, after the blowing up of the ram. The fruits of this capture are 22 cannon, 37 prisoners, 200 stand of arms, and more being picked up daily. The flags of the fort and of the Albemarle and a large amount of ammunition were also taken. If I can not raise the ram, I will completely (lestroy her, after saving her guns. I have directed all the guns at Plymouth to be dismounted and sent away, and can hold it with one or two gunboats. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Detailed report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, commanding District of the Sounds. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., Kovember 1, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to report that on the 31st ultimo I cap- tured the enemys batteries at Plymouth, N. C., and the ordnance and ordnance stores at that place, some prisoners, and a quantity of pro- visions. The following is an account of the action: After the return of Lieutenant W. B. Cushing from his expedition to blow up the Albemarle, at Plymouth, I determined to make an attack on the batteries (letending that town. Accordingly, on the 29th ultimo, the vessels under my command at that time in Albemarle Sound got underway at about 11:15 a. m. and proceeded up the Itoanoke River in the following order: Commodore limit, Shamrock, Chicopee, Otsego, Wya- lusing, and Tacony, the Valley City being sent at the same time np the Middle, River (which joins the Boanoke above Plymouth) in order to cat oft any vessels or stores which the enemy might attempt to carry out in that direction. At about 12 in. we came withiti range of the lower batteries protecting the town, upon which we opened fire, which was returned. We continued to advance to within a mile of the works, when we discovered that the channel was obstructed at a point opposite the batteries by two schooners sunk one on each side of the wreck of the So at h/leld, which, together, formed a barrier which could only have beeii passed with great danger, if at all. I therefore made signal to return, which was accordingly done, and the vessels ran out of the river at 2 p. m. with the exception of the Valley City, which vessel hay- ing heard the firing commence and cease, and supposing that we had won the day, ran down the Roanoke to within a short distance of Plymouth, where she was fired on, and then returned, arriving in the sonud at about 10 p. m. On the morning of the 30th ultimo, having been informed that there was snificient water in the Middle River, I determined to blockade th Page 13 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 13 enemy at Plymouth by going np that river and gaining the Roanoke above the town, k flowing that the rebels had no more vessels to sink in the channel, and conseqnently that I should have only the batteries to contend against should I advance from that direction. I got nnderway in the Shamrock, following the tug I3azety, Acting Ensign M. D. Ames commanding, having on board the pilot of the Wyalusing, Mr. Alfre Page 14 14 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Everett, and followed by the Otsego, Wyalusinfi, Theony, and Commodore Hull in the order in which their names are mentioned. The Chico pee and Valley City were not present, the former having been sent by me the night before to New Berue for repairs, and the latter being on her way to Hampton Roads with Lieutenant XV. B. Cushing and his dispatches, both having started before I had decided on ascending the Middle River. By the good piloting of Mr. Everett the vessels got safely throngli into the Roanoke River at abont 4 p. m. I left the Commodore Hull in the Middle River to prevent the enemy from laying torpedoes there. On our way through the Middle River we fired, by compass courses, over the woods at Plymouth, at distances varying from 2,640 to 1,700 yards, and I have since learned that onr fire at that time was very effective. It was late in the afternoon when we arrived in the Roanoke, owing to the extreme narrowness and short curves of the Middle River, bnt to prevent the enemy from blockading the river or putting torpedoes in the channel I dropped to within short range for the 100-ponnder Par- rotts and shelled him for an honr or so. Early in the morning of the 31st ultimo, having determined on attacking the batteries, I sent atng for the Commodore Hull and commenced preparations for the action. At about 8 a. in. the Commodore Hull arrived, and I stationed her at the head of the line as before, on account of her ability to fire directly ahead. At about 9 a. m. the 15. 5. S. Whitehead came np the Middle River with stores for the vessels in Albemarle Sound froni the naval depot at New Berne. As her 100-pounder Parrott had been taken out, I had her lashed alongside the Tacony, the Bazely being lashed to the Shamrock and the Belie to the Otsego (all on the port side) to keep the vessels in motion in case their engines should be damaged. We also had steam blown off the starboard boilers of all the double-enders, the fires banked very low beneath them, and the stop valve between the two boilers of each ship closed; so that there was no steam in the starboard boilers, but the water iii them being warm, it could be got up in a short time. At 9:30 a. in., the vessels being inline, I signalized to the Commodore Hull to run ahead and reconnoiter and ascertain if the channel was clear. She reported all right, and I got underway, signaling the other vessels to follow in close order. The enemy opened fire as soon as we came within range and kept up a constant and very heavy fire, directed princi- pally against the Commodore Hull and the Shamrock. As I neared the batteries I gave the order, Go a head ~ and we were soon directly opposite the enemys guns, when he was driven from his rifle pits and fieldpieces by grape and canister from the ships, which we poured in very heavily. The batteries still held out, though their fire began to be wild but as the Shamrock passed them one of her shells exploded in their magazine, which blew up with great force, some of the fragments falling on our decks. This evidently caused a panic among the rebels, for from that time their fire slackened and at length ceased altogether. I then made signal to cease firing, and then to land and take possession of the batteries, which was done without resistance. A party from this ship under Lieutenant Duer marched into the lower works (we having by this time passed the town and arrived opposite them), took about a dozen prisoners, and spiked the guns to prevent the enemy from firing on the vessels should they return to their batteries. It gives me great gratification to bring to the notice of the Depart- ment the gallant and intelligent conduct of all the commanding officers engaged, viz, Lieutenant-Commander II. N. T. Arnold, Otsego; Lieu- tenant-Commander Earl English, Wya lusing; Lieutenant-Commander W. L Truxtun, Tacony; Acting Master Francis Josselyn, Commodor Page 15 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 15 Hull; Acting Master James Or. Green, tug Belle; Acting Master G. W. Barrett, Whitehead; and Acting Ensign M. D. Ames, tug Bazely, who worked and fought their ships admirably, preserving the order of battle under a very severe fire, and pouring into the rebel works, rifle pits, and the town a tremendous fire of all kinds of projectiles. I think promo- tion would be but justice to these gallant officers, who certainly deserve the honorable notice of the Government. I wish particularly to bring before the Department the conduct of Acting Master Francis Josselyn, of the Commodore Hull, who worked his ship and battery to the admi- ration of all who saw him, and also that of Acting Master Or. W. Barrett, of the Whitehead, whom I sent on board the Gommodore Hull to pilot us through the obstructions on account of his knowledge of the river, and who acquitted himself in his usual fine style. These two deserve particular notice from the fact that the Commodore Hull was the leading ship, and on her the first and heaviest fire of the enemy was directed. I would also respectfully recommend for promotion the pilots of the ships engaged. We captured 37 prisoners, 22 cannon, and a large quantity of ord- nance stores, the exact amount of which Ii am unable to give at present, nearly 200 stand of arms (more are being picked up all the time), the ram Albemarle sunk at the wharf with everything oii board, and the colors of the batteries and the ironclad. For the part which each vessel took in the action, I must refer you to the reports of the different commanding officers, which I will forward as they are received. As commanding officer of the Shamrock, it becomes my duty to testify to the gallant behavior of the officers, crew, and marines of this vessel. The engineers department, under Second Assistant Engineer William H. Harrison, was very efficient. The dif- ferent divisions were worked remarkably well, and the guns were worked in the most spirited and effective manner, for which I am in a great measure [indebted] to Lieutenant iR. K. Duer, executive officer, and the officers of the divisions. Acting Assistant Paymaster Louis Sands, and II. A. Macomb, captains clerk, were with me on the hurri- cane deck during the engagement and rendered good service as aids, the latter acting as signal officer. I am much indebted to Colonel D. W. Wardrop, commanding Sub. Division of Albemarle, who, anticipating our requirements, arrived here with 160 men from IRoanoke Island to assist in garrisoning the works which we had captured. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. MACOMB, Comdr., Comdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral B. B. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Not being aware of the admirals whereabouts, I have forwarded this direct and will send the original to him when I hear where he is. Report of Lieutenant Duer, U. S. Navy, U. 5. 5. Shamrock. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 2, 18G4. SIR: The damage to this ship in the engagement of October 31 is as follows: One grapeshot starboard bow, 6 feet from water line, struck and glanced, slightly denting wood Page 16 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. One shot starboard bow, 4 feet from water line, struck and glanced, crushing and sl)lintering the wood through, 36 inches long 6 inches wide. One shell exploded over the ship abreast of foremast, a piece striking the fore topmast on port side, cutting out a piece about 24 inches long. One shell exploded forward of starboard wheel, several pieces enter- ing upper part of guard and wheelhouse and cutting hurricane deck awning, used as a barricade. One shot (32-pounder) stru k forward knee of hurricane deck, star- board side, passing through si arboard bulkhead of crank room, carry- ing away hand rail, through forward and after bulkheads of galley room, through coppers, out port bulkhead of valve room, carrying away half the bulkhead, struck spirketing of after pivot port, port side, crushing the wood, bending and breaking the braces and hinges of two after ports, glanced, splintered forward end of port hammock netting, and went overboard. One shot struck under guard, crushing the wood (15 by 4 inches) glanced, passed through iron knee of outboard bearing, cutting iron rim of wheel and injuring some of the paddle boards. One shot struck inside on port quarter, passed through side, tearing off and bending iron plate on outside. Total number of hits, six. Respectfully submitted. RUFUS K. DUER, Lieutenant and Executive Officer. Commander W. H. MACOMB, U. S. Navy, Commanding District of the Sounds. Report of Second Assistant Engineer Harrison, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Shamrock. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Plymouth, N. C., November 8, 1864. Siu: I have to report the following injuries received in the engineers department during the action of October 30 and 31, viz: Outside rim of starboard wheel bent by running upon the bank during the passage up Middle River, and cut by a shot from one of the rebel batteries at this place. One shot hole, 7~ inches diameter, through forward rib of the cast- iron bracket supporting starboard outboard pillow block. Hand rail of starboard side of crank gallery destroyed, and the gallery plate broken by a raking shot through upper part of engine room. Guard beam of port wheelhouse stove in and broken completely off. These damages, with exception of the wheel, have been temporarily repaired and the engine continues to do good service. I am, sir, with respect, your obedient servant, WM. H. HARRISON, Second Assistant and Senior Engineer. Commander W. H. MACOMB, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Shamrock. Report of Acting Assistant Surgeon Barton, U. S. Navy, U. 5. 5. Shamrock. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 2, 1864. SIR: I herewith transmit an account of the casualties on board this vessel during the engagement with the rebel batteries at Plymouth, N. C.7 on the 31st of October, 1864 Page 17 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 17 Hilled. Samuel Champs, seaman, by grapeshot through right lung. John Williams, seaman, by Mini6 ball through right side, coming out left hip. Total killed, 2. Wounded. William II. Harrison, second assistant engineer, contusion left arm; head and neck, slightly. William Bowles, laudsman, left eye lost by shell; wound in left thigh by shell; right wrist by Mini6 ball, slightly; right middle finger by splinters, slightly. John Potter, seaman, contusions on right shoulder, slightly. George W. Williams, landsman, contusion by splinters on right breast and left thigh and leg, slightly. Towndron Doty, landsmau, shell wound through calf right leg, severely; forehead, left eye, and nose lacerated by splinters, severely; right wrist by shell, slightly. James B. Sparks, landsman, had left eye knocked entirely out, acci- dently, by an oar in the hands of auother man immediately after the surrender of the rebel batteries; he is doing well. Total wounded, 6. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PHILIP II. BARTON, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Commander WM. II. MACO1JB, Commanding U. S. S. Shamrock. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Arnold, U. 5. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Otsego. U. S. S. OTSEGO Off Plymouth, N 0., November 2, 1864. SIR: I respectfully submit the following report of the part taken by this vessel in the capture of Plymouth, from the 29th ultimo to the 31st, inclusive. At 11 a. in., on the 29th ultimo, got underway by signal and took position in line of battle, and following the Shamrock and Chicopee proceeded lip the Roanoke River toward Plymouth to assist in the attack upon that place. About 11:30 a. m. the enemys lower battery ol)ene(l fire on the division, which we returned as well as the positioii of the leading vessels would permit, but with what effect I am unable to say. Obstructions being discovered in the river, a iid torpedoes suspected, signal was made to retire, which I did, in company with the other ves- sels of the division, and anchored at the mouth of the IRoanoke River about 2:15 p. m. On Sunday, 30th ultimo, got underway by signal, in company with the other vessels of the division, and took position in line of battle, following the Shamrock up Middle River to assist again in the attack upon Plymouth, and on reaching a point about 2,600 yards distant from that place commenced firing shot and shell by cross bearings over the land into the town, but with what effect I can not state, continuing it as we ascended the river at intervals until 3 p. in., when we ceased N W RYOL 11 Page 18 18 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. firing, and at 4:30 anchored in iRoanoke River, about 2 miles distant from Plymouth. At 6:20 got underway, in company with the division, and took position about a mile and a quarter from Plymouth, and bombarded the town; continuing to do so, with no reply from the enemy, nutil 7:30 p. in., when, by your order, we fell back out of range of the enemys guns and anchored for the night. On Monday, 31st ultimo, at 7 a. in., got underway in company with the other vessels of the division, having the tug Belle lashed to our port quarter, and proceeded down the Roanoke to the attack, and at 11:30 opened fire at the distance of about a mile on the enemys works, which consisted of forts, rifle pits, etc., and continued firing rapidly and effectively until 12:25 p. in., when, by signal, we ceased firing, the enemy having abandoned his work, and retreated with the greatest precipitancy, after which we anchored off the town. I am happy to say that this vessel and crew escaped uninjured, the enemys projectiles either passing over us or falling short. At the fourth discharge I lost the services of a 100 pounder rifle, in consequence of the elevating screw bending, and of a 20-pounder rifle, on account of the bed breaking. Another screw was substituted for the former, which was broken at the fifth discharge, thereby rendering the gun incapable of further service during the action. I take great pleasure in testifying to the cool and gallant conduct displayed by the officers, sailors, and marines during the fight. Acting Master P. J. Flargous, of the Shamrock, who volunteered to act as my executive officer, was of the greatest service to me (luring the engagement. I would recommend him to your especial notice. The precaution taken by Acting First Assistant Engineer Samuel C. Midlam (in charge of this vessels engine) to meet any mishap that might have occurred to her boilers and engine, merits my approbation; and the prompt manner in which the whole engineer c~orps performed its duty during the engagement was most satisfactory and creditable to it. The following is a list of the officers of this vessel, all of whom performed their several duties with zeal and gallantry: Acting Ensign T. Cr. Hale, commanding first division; Acting Ensign J. P. Gallagher, commanding second division; Acting Ensign William H. N cLean, commanding third division; ActingMasters MateL. A. Kent, commanding fourth division; Acting Masters Mate Stephen A. Abbott, commanding fifth division; Acting Masters Mate Franklin Stedman, Paymasters Clerk Robert T. Houston, First Assistant Engineer Samuel C. Midlam, Second Assistant Engineer William Otley, Third Assistants John Reilley, Albert F. Beyse, and Levi W. Lord; Acting Assistant Surgeon Cr. C. Raynolds, Pilot John Lewis. The following is a list of the ammunition expended during the engage- ment, viz: 100-pounder Parrott: Solid shot 1 Percussion shell 26 15-second fuze, naval time 11 15-second fuze, naval time 10 S second fuze, naval time 14 5-second fuze, shrapnel 2 Dahlgren IX-iuch: 10-second faze shell 1 5-second faze shell 6 Rounds grape 22 Rounds canister 5 5-second shrapnel 2 24-pounder Dahlgren, smoothbore: 5-second faze shell 10 5-second shrapnel 1 Page 19 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 19 24-pounder Dahigren rifle, percussion shell 39 Plymouth rifle charges 300 Carbine charges 230 Revolver charges 24~ Boxes primers 10 Revolver caps 260 I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. N. T. ARNOLD, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding U. AS. S. Otsego. Commander WM. II. MACOMB, Corn dg. Division of Sounds, North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander English, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wyalusing. U. S. S. WYALUSING, Off Plymouth, N. C., October 31, 18G4. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this vessel in the attack on and subsequent capture of Plymouth: I got underway on the morning of the 29th instant, took the positiou assigned this vessel iu line of battle, and proceeded up the lioanokein company with the fleet to within a short distance of obstructions across the river abreast of the Southjleld. Fiuding it impossible to pass them, or to injure the enemy at that distance, after throwing a few shell I retired, in obedience to general signal, and anchored off the mouth of the river. At 12:10 p. m. on the 80th 1 agaiu got underway in com- pany with the fleet, stood up the Middle River, and when abreast of the town commenced to throw shell into it over the woods, which I cou- tinued so doing as long as the battery could be brought to bear. At 5:20 p. m. anchored in hue in the Roanoke about 2 miles above the town. At 11 a. m. of the 31st instant, in obedience to general signal from the flagship, I got underway, took the position assigned this vessel in line, and proceeded down toward the enemys forts defending the town. We opened oii the batteries as they caine within range and for a few minutes the action was most spirited. It was evident, how- ever, that nothing could long stand the perfect shower that was being poured into their works. The position this vessel occnl)ied whemi the enemy deserted the forts commanded the main road leading to Wash- ington, [N. C.], and as they took this road I continued to shell them in hopes, if possible, to more thoroughly disorganize and force them to throw away their arms, which I think had the desired effect, from the number that have been picked up since. I am happy to state that there were no casualties of any kind on board. The vessel is not injured in any manner, and is in as good fighting condition as when she entered the engagement. The boats are more or less injured from the concussion of our own guns. The conduct of the officers and crew was most praiseworthy, and where all did their duty I can not specify any individually, except it may be Acting Master [William R.] Hathaway and Acting Ensign [L. H.1 Fossett, who were the first toenter Fort Williams, one of their strongest works, where they captured three prisoners and planted the flag. In conclusion, I can not refrain from mentioning the handsome manner in which the engine was worked, under the supervision of Chief EngiiuSer H. H. Stewart, through the whole engagement, and likewise on the day previous, while passing the narrow bends in Middle River Page 20 20 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Enclosed I send the gunners report of the amount of ammunition expended on the 30th and 31 st of October. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Lieu tenant- Commander. Comm~ ~er W. II. MACOMB, Comdg. District of Sounds of North Carolina, off Plymouth, N. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. WYALUSING, Off Plymouth, N. C., October 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following as the amount of arnmu- nition expended by this vessel on the 30th and 31st of October, during the shelling of Plymouth: Expenditure on October 30. 100-pounder rifle: 10-pound charges 41 Shell (percussion) 20 Shell (time fuze) 21 12-pounder rifle: Shell (percussion) 10 1-pound charges 10 Primers (percussion) 100 Expenditure on October 31. 100-pounder rifle: 10-pound charges 59 Shell (percussion) 21 Shell (time fuze) 39 IX-inch guns: 10-pound charges 118 Shell 48 Shrapnel 22 Grape (stand) 28 Canister 20 24-pounder howitzer: Shrapnel 27 Shell - - 20 Canister 9 12-pounder howitzer: Shrapnel 27 Shell 9 Canister 9 12-pounder rifle: Shell (time fuze) 30 Shell (percussion) 20 Primers (percussion) 400 Primers (frictiou) 100 Respectfully submitted. THOMAS CARPENTER, Acting Gunner. Lieutenant-Commander EARL ENGLISH, Commanding U. S. S. Wyalusing, off Plymouth, N. C. Additional report of Lieutenant-Commander English, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wyalusing. 1IJ. S. GUNBOAT WYALUSING, Off Plymouth, [N. C.], November 1, 1864. SIR: I send you three rebel prisoners, captured ou shore by my execu- tive officer. One is the paymasters steward of the rebel ram. I retai Page 21 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 21 one other, who was wounded and had his arm amputated on board this vessel. I am, yours, truly, EARL ENGLISH, Lieutenant- Commander. Captain MACOMB. The paymasters steward thinks there were all of 3,500 mcii in the l)lace at the time of our attack. E. E. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Truxtun, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S S. Tacony. U. S. S. TACONY, Plymouth, N. C., November 1, 1864. SIR: I have to report that in obedience to signal made from the flag- ship at 10:35 a. in., on the 31st ultimo, I got underway and took position with this vessel in line of battle astern of the Otsego (with the U. S. S. Whitehead lashed to our port quarter), being the fourth vessel in line. Stood slowly down the Roanoke River till 11:30a.m., when weopened on the batteries and rifle pits surrounding the town of Plymouth, N. C., with our starboard battery, which consisted of two XJ-inch, three IX-inch guns, two 12-pounder and one 24-pounder howitzers. Continued heavily engaged till 12:40 p.m., when we ceased firing by your order. During the engagement the officers manifested the most commendable zeal, while the crew distinguished themselves by a display of coolness, wimith, considering the fact that it was the first time the greater pro- portion of them had ever been under fire, was truly astonishing. I am happy in having to report no casualtiesnot a man scratched. I beg leave to make particular mention of Acting Masters Mate F. W. Worstell, who, with Martin Howard (landsman), James Tallentine (quarter gunner), Robert Graham (landsman), Henry Brutche (lands- man), landed and spiked a loaded IX-inch gun under quite a sharp fire of mu usketry. After anchoring abreast the wreck of the rebel ram Albemarle, Acting Ensign Rudolph [S.] Sommers, raised and destroyed two torpedoes. I also have on board one brass fieldpiece and three copper percussion torpedoes. One shell cut away the port fore-topmast backstay just above the rail, and a second, a 20-pounder Parrott, passed through the foremast about 25 feet above the deck; this, with some shattering of the starboard boats, caused by the explosion of one of our guns, constitutes all the damage done to the ship. I herewith report her in all respects ready for immediate service. The engineers department, under its very efficient chief, First Assist- ant Engineer Thomas M. Dukehart, performed its duties in the most satisfactory manner. In conclusion, I deem it proper to commend to your favorable notice Acting Master Nathaniel S. Morgan, the executive otficer of this vessel, who has at all times so ably seconded inc in the duties of my command. I enclose herewith the gunners report of ammunition expended. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. TRUXTUN, Lieutenant- Commander. Commander W. H. MACOMB, Commanding Division of the Sounds, Plymouth, N. C Page 22 22 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. TACONY, Plymouth, N~ 0., November 1, 1864. SIR: I beg leave herewith to submit a statement of shot, shell, etc., expended on the 31st ultimo, during the engagement before Plymouth, N. C., viz: 5-second XI-inch shell 19 10-second XI inch shell 12 15-second XJ-inch shell 3 Shrapnel, XI-inch 11 Canister, XJ-inch Grape, XL-inch 14 5-secondIX-inch shell 24 10-second IX-inch shell 12 Shrapnel, IX inch 5 Grape, IX-inch -. 13 Canister, IX-inch 12 24-pounder howitzer canister S 24-pounder howitzer shrapnel 22 12-pounder howitzer canister 25 12-pounder howitzer shrapnel 49 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ROBERT CAMPBELL, Acting Gunner. Lieutenant-Commander W. T. TRUXTUN, Commanding U. & S. Tacony, Plymouth, N. C. Report of Acting Master Josselyn, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Commodore Hull. U. S. S. COMMODORE HULL, Plymouth, N. 0., November 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by this vessel in the operations agaitist Plymouth from the 29th to the 31st of October, 1864: On Saturday, the 29th ultimo, I got underway at 11:30 a. in., and proceeded slowly up the iRoanoke River in advance of the fleet. I came in sight of the batteries on Batemans Hill, and at 12:45 p. m. opened fire on them at a distance of about 1 mile. The enemy replied from four guns of heavy caliber, and kept up a rapid fire. I continue(l advancing and firing from my after pivot gun, the only one that could be brought to bear on the battery, until I discovered obstructions in the river just below the battery, which were impassable by the fleet. I immediately signaled this fact to you and received orders to return and assist the Shamrock in turning, the enemy firing until out of range. During the time I was abreast Stewarts Hill I discovered a body of cavalry arid infantry in the woods at a distance of about 600 yards, which 1 (lis- lodged by opening on them from my forward pivot gun and broadside howitzers. This vessel was not struck nor injured iii any manncr by the enemy on this day, though many shot and shell passed over and very near her. I retired in company with the fleet, and came to anchor at my old position off tile mouth of the river at 2:45 p. m. On Sunday, the 30th nltimo, at noon, I got underway in obedience to your orders, following tile Tacony, in the rear of the fleet, up the Middle River to a point opposite Plymouth. Commenced firing on the town from my two 1)ivot guns at 2 oclock p. in., at an elevation of 2,640 yards, and continued my fire at short intervals until I arrived at the uppe Page 23 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 23 bend in the river, when I was ordered by you to return to the Thorough- fare between the Middle and iRoanoke rivers, and guard that point, which I did dnring the iiight. On Monday, the 31st ultimo, the tug Belle caine down river with orders for me to proceed to the Itoanoke River and report to you, which I did, and was then ordered to go down the river and reconnoiter the obstruc- tions. At this time Acting Master G. W. Barrett, of the Whitehead, came on board to assist in finding the passage, which duty he performed by going ahead of the ship in a small boat and dragging for torpedoes. No torpedoes being found, and the passage between the piles being open, I reported the same to the flagship by signal and then advanced, fol- lowed by the fleet. As soon as we sighted the batteries above the town the enemy opened fire from two IX-inch guns, and some light artillery, which was replied to spiritedly by my guns as soon as they could be brought to bear. I then went ahead at full speed, receiving and return- ing the enemys fire with shell, grape, and canister. When within 300 yards of the enemys works a heavy musketry fire was poured on my men by infantry in rifle pits and houses, which 1 answered in the same manner. This fire, though severe, did no damage, as the vessel is well protected by iron plating. Before passing the upper battery a shell from a IX-inch gun caine in over the starboard bow, killing 1 man and wounding 1 at the forward gun, passed through the berth deck and wardroom, cut away the rail- ing around the after hatch and killing 1 man, mortally wounding 2, and 3 slightly, struck the after pivot gun carriage, where it lodged, disabling it for a time. This shell fortunately did not explode. Another shell passed through the vessel, raking her fore and aft, but without doing any damage, except to the officers rooms. A third, in passing over the hurricane deck, cut away the guard brace from the forward king-post on the port side and knocked out the bows of the second cutter and the stern of the din gey. I received no injury from the lower fort, although obliged to anchor for a time when in range, owing to a derangement of the rudder chains, -which, however, was soon remedied. Ceased firing at 12 oclock in. The upper works of this vessel are considerably shattered by shot and her frame much racked by the con- stant firing and by the explosion of a niagazine on shore, which blew up just after ~he passed it. The decks need calking badly. I have already forwarded you the engineers report of the condition of the boiler and machinery. The carriage of the after pivot gun needs to be replaced, as it can not be used to any great extent as it is. The officers and crew did their whole duty, and the guns were served with great rapidity and l)recision. I am very much indebted to Acting Master G. W. Barrett, of the Whitehead, for services rendered. He was on board during the whole engagement. I would particularly mention Acting Master John 0. Johnson, my executive officer, for his bravery and coolness under fire. The powder division was in charge of Acting Assistant Paymaster Jona. Chapman, and was prompt and efficient. Among the crew I respectfully call to your notice Patrick Colbert, coxswain, captain of the forward pivot gun. His conduct was admi- rable, and though painfully wounded by a shell which killed a man at his side, he did not leave his post nntil the end of the action, and appeared as cool as if at mere target practice Page 24 24 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADJNG SQUADRON. No surgeon being on board the ship, I enclose report of Acting Assist- aiit Surgeon George Hopkins, of the Tacony, of the killed and wounded. Also report of ammunition expended. Jam, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS JOSSELYN, Acting Master, Commanding. Commander W. H. MACOlVIB, U. S. Navy, Commanding District of Sounds of North Carolina. [Enclosures.] SIR: The following is a list of those killed and wounded on board the U. S. gunboat Commodore Hull during the engagement at Plymouth, N. (J., October 31, 1864: Killed.-Henry Schroder, landsman, right arm shot off. Turner Latham, landsman, head shot off. Hugh McMarony, coxswain, shot in head. John Swaddle, landsman, extensive wound of thorax and right arm. Wounded.Patrick Colbert, coxswain, slightly. John Meadows, sea- man, slight. James Saterwaite, landsman, left knee, serious. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. HOPKINS, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. S. Tacony. Commander W. H. MACOMB, U. S. Navy, Senior Officer in District of the Sounds. U. S. S. COMMODORE HULL, ~~)ff Plymouth, N. C., November 1, 1864. SIR: I respectfully call your attention again to the condition of the machinery of this vessel. During the action of yesterday the stay to the king-post and guard on the port side was shot away, causing the outboard bearing to sink down. It will be impossible to work the engine for any length of time, it being out of line before, and this damage will make it much more so. Very respectfully, ALEX. C. STUART, Acting Second Assistant Engineer, U. S. Navy, Senior Engineer. F. JOSSELYN, U. S. Navy, Acting Master, Commanding. Report of Acting Master Barrett, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Whitehead. U. S. S. WHITEHEAD, 0/f Plymouth, N. C., November 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 29th of October I left New Berne with masters and engineers stores on board for the naval vessels in Albemarle Sound. I arrived on the 30th instant, at 6:30 p. in., off the mouth of Roanoke River, and there learned that the fleet had proceeded up Middle River. It being then too dark to find the channel. I came to anchor for the night. I got underway the following morning (31st) and proceeded up Middle River, entering the Roanoke above Warren Neck at 9:30 a. in., where I found the fleet under your command formed in line of battle Page 25 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 25 After reporting, I proceeded, by your request, on board the U. S. S. Commodore Hull for the purpose of piloting the fleet through the obstruc- tions to Plymouth, and remained on board of her during the engage- ment with the enemy at this place. For the part taken by this vessel during the engagement, I will refer you to the report of the executive officer herewith enclosed. I remain, very respectftilly, your obedient servant, G. W. BARRETT, Acting Master, Corn manding. Commander W~xi. H. MACOMB, Commanding District of the Sounds. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. WHITEHEAD, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 2, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this vessel in the engagement of the 31st of October at this place, during the time which you were absent from this vessel on special duty: In obedience to your orders, I proceeded alongside the U. S. S. Tacony and made fast to her port quarter, she being the fourth vessel in the line, and in that position remained during the passage through the obstructions at Warren Neck and until nearly abreast of the town. At 11:50 a. m. we cut adrift from the U. S. S. Tacony, steamed ahead of her, and opened fire with the starboard howitzer, using shrapnel and canister. Ceased firing at I p. in., the enemy being completely routed :iiid driven from his forts and intrencliments and in full retreat in the iear of the town. Being unable, under the circumstances, to take any prominent part in the action, no particular merit can be ascribed to any person on board, though I take pleasure in stating that all the officers and crew behaved with their customary gallantry and coolness. Expended 18 rounds of shrapnel and 15 rounds of canister. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS E. QUAYLE, Acting Masters Mate and Executive Officer. Acting Master (1. W. BARRETT, Commanding U. S. S. Whitehead. General order from Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, commending the gallant conduct of the officers and men of his command. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, GENERAL ORDER.1 Qff Plymouth, N. C., November 6, 1864. The commanding officer of the District of the Sounds wishes to express to the officers and men of the vessels under his command his thanks for their gallant and intelligent conduct during the late en gage- went, while congratulating them on their victory over the enemies of their country, and he feels confident that their future behavior will be characterized by the same bravery and prompt obedience to orders by which it has heretofore been distinguished. W. II. MACOME, Oomdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron Page 26 26 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, commending his action. HAMPTON ROADS, November 8, 1864. SIR: I have received rebel accounts of the capture of Plymouth by your command. Well done, good and faithful. Now, do not wait for orders when there is a blow to be struck. I want you at once to dismount every gun iu the enemys works and send them here. Do not keep one on shore. We will then be able to hold Plymouth with the gunboats; while a gun is on shore there is doubt. Keep up the strictest discipline, allow no one on shore away from the guns of the ship, no boats away, except as pickets after (lark, and take all precau- tions against torpedoes and rams. See if the ram Aibemarle can be raised, and tell me what is wanted. There is a rain building at Halifax, up the Chowan (Roanoke] River. Can not you get up there%~ Let me know the state of affairs in the sounds, all the places the enemy hold, etc. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID ID. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander W. II. MACOME, Comdg. Division of the Sounds, Sounds of North Carolina. [Telegram.] FORTRESS MONROE, November 9, 1864. (Received 2:30 p. in.) The following has just been received from General Palmer, in a letter to the quartermaster at Fortress Monroe: HATTERAS INLET, November 5, 1864. Just returned from Plymouth, which is a mass of ruins. Cushing has done a power- ful thing. All our guns were recaptured and some others besides. Shall hold Plymouth until I hear from General Butler. DAVID ID. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. General order from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, in commendation of lieutenant Cushing and Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy. GENERAL ORDERS, NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, No. 47. Flagship Malvern, November 15, 1864. On the 31st of October the town of Plymouth, N. C., was captnred by the following gunboats of this squadron: Shamrock, Otsego, Tacony, IVyalusing, Commodore Hu~-l, Whitehead, Belle, and Bazely, under the commaiid of Commander Macomb. The capture of this place is another result of the gallantry of Lieu- tenant Cushing, for while the ram Albemarle laid there and apparently guarded the place, an attack was not considered judicious and was never attempted. When the ram was disposed of the commanding offi- cer, Commander Macomb, taking advantage of the opportunity, which example is worthy of always being followed, pushed ahead, and after Page 27 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 27 gallant and extremely well-conducted fight, captured the town of Plymouth and all its defenses, then consisting of 22 cannon, 200 stand of arms, 37 prisoners, and all the enemys if ags. All this speaks well for the conduct of those engaged in this gallant affair, and great credit is due to all who participated in it. I hope it is but the beginning of our good fortune, and trust that it may stimulate the officers and men of this fleet to put forth all their exertions when an occasion may offer to join in battle for their country. DAVID D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Letter of commendation from the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy. INAVY DEPARTMENT, November 20, 1864. SIR: I have received your gratifying report of the 1 st instant, announcing the capture, on the day previous, of the town of Ply- mouth, N. C., with its batteries, ordnance stores, etc., by a portion of the naval force under your command. The Department is pleased at the promptness with which you availed yourself of the advantages offered by the destruction of the ram Albemarle, and of the gallantry displayed by all in the assault and capture of the batteries at Plymouth. The affair appears to have been execnted in a most creditable manner, and the Department improves the occasion to express its thanks to yourself and the officers and men under your command for the important services rendered on the occasion. You will be recommended to the President for advancement of ten numbers in your grade. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commander WM. H. 1VIACOMB, Senior Officer in the Sounds of North Carolina. Letter of the President of the United States to the United States Senate recommending the advancement of Commander lVlacomb, U. S. Navy, for distinguished conduct. To the Senate of the United States: By virtue of the authority contained in the 6th section of the act of 21st April, 1864, which enacts that any officer in the naval service, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, may be advanced not exceeding thirty numbers, in his own grade, for distinguished conduct in battle or extraordinary ~ I recommend Commander William II. Macomb, U. S. Navy, for advancement in his grade teu nnmbers, to take rank next after Commander William Ronckendorff. for distin- guished conduct in the capture of the town of Plymouth, N. C., with its batteries, ordnance stores, etc., on the 31st October, 1864, by a portion of the naval division under his command. The affair was executed in a most creditable manner. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. WASHINGTON CITY, December 5, 1864 Page 28 28 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Te1e~rarn.1 HAMPTON IROADS, October 30, 1864. The ]ilionadnock has arrived safe. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. lou. G. V Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Nichols, TA S. Navy regarding the deepening of the channel in the James River. HAMPTON IIOADS, VIRGINIA, October 30, 1864. SIR: Your letter has been received in relation to the channel I wish blown out. There is a bar, I am informed, some 200 or 300 feet in width, which Captain Smith thought could be blown out, and enable all the monitors drawing 18 feet to pass over, which they can not do now. Captain Smith had the charts and descriptions and should have left them with you. Mr. [C. H.J Cushman, of the Onon- daga, can tell you all about it, as he heard the matter discussed. He knows the parties who were employed in the blowing up business, and you must get them, calling on the ordnance officer for whatever powder you may require. If I can get this channel deepened sufficiently, I will go up to Rich- mond when I get back here, and I wish you to exert yourself to the ntmost to have it done. Get whatever you want, and do not wait for orders. I noticed when last up the river that the rebels were constructing some earthworks above the point in very easy range of your guns. Complaints have been made that the James River fleet do not fire their guns enough in the direction of the enemy. It is your duty to annoy them all you can, and not let the army say that they do all the work. By looking over the instructions I left Captain Smith, you will see that I directed him to attend to this last matter. You can direct the fire from all the guns beautifully by signal from the top of the hill near the lookout. I saw some effective shots from the monitors when last up. You will report to me from time to time what you are doing. Respectfully, yours, DAVID B. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Commander EDWARD T. NICHOLS, Senior Officer in James River, U. S. S. ]Ltendota. Report of Captain (ilisson, U. S. Navy, regarding the chase of a blockade runner. U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, At Sea, October 30, 1864. SIR : I have the honor to report that on the 30th October, 1864, at 1 p. in., in the latitude 320 16 N., longitude 760 32 W., discovered Page 29 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 29 steamer bearing N~ N. E. Stood for her under a full head of steam, and at the same moment discovered black smoke in the same direction, the U.S. S. Mount Vernon in company at this time. At 1: iSp. m. exchanged numbers with the U. S. S. Tristram Shandy in chase of the same vessel, the chase heading about S. E. by E., we edging away for the chase so as to keep her four points on our port bow. At 1:40 p. m. discovered another large steamer in chase of the same vessel. At 1:50 p. m. exchanged numbers with the U. S. S. Vanderbilt on our port quarter. At 3 p. m. the chase ahead of the Santiago de Cuba, abont 6 or 7 miles off the Vanderbilt still on our port quarter, coining up slowly, Mount Vernon on our starboard quarter, dropping astern very fast, the U. S. S. Tristrain Shandy, nnder our stern, dropping slowly, we holding our own with the chase. At 4:30 p. m. the U. S. S. Vanderbilt ranged up on our port beam about 1 mile off, where we held our own with her until 5 p. in., when she ranged about half her length ahead of us. At 5:30 p. m. the chase dropping the Vanderbilt and Santiago de Cuba, we logging 14 miles per hour, log line 52 feet to the knot, and a 28-second glass. At 7 p. m. lost sight of the chase, but stood on the same course S. E. ~ S. until 8 p. in., the Vanderbilt in sight on our port beam; half a mile distant. Not seeing anything of the chase, wore ship and stood to the northward and westward; latitude at this time 31~ 34 N., longitude 750 08 W. Enclosed you will find a diagram of the chase, marked No. 1. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. 5. 0-LiSSoN, Captain, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, flampton Roads. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT October 31, 1864. Proceed with the Ticonderoga to Hampton Roads and report to Rear- Admiral Porter. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Captain CHARLES STEEDMAN, Commanding U. S. S. Ticonderoga, Philadelphia. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 31, 1864. Order the Sassacus to proceed to Hampton Roads and report to Rear- Admiral Porter. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commander REED WERDEN, Commandant (pro tern.) Navy Yard, Philadelphia. This gives a correct speed of 15.4 knots per hour.CoMrILEiis Page 30 30 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, regarding the chase of a blockade runner supposed to be the steamer Falcon. U. S. S. SANTIAGO DL CUBA, At Sea, October 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 31st October, 1864, at 6:20 a. in.. in the latitude 320 20 N., longitude 770 14 W., discovered a vessel bearing S. S. W.; kept away for her at full spee(l. At 6:50 a. in. made her out to be a blockade runner, burning black smoke, we edging away to the southward so as to cut off. At this time discovered two other vessels in chase of this blockader, which proved to be the Tristram Shandy and Mount Vernon. At 9:30 a. in. the Mount Vernon gave up the chase, and at 10 a. in. the Tristram Shandy gave up. The chase was a three piped, side-wheel steamer and very fast, supposed to have been the Falcon, which, on her trial trip, made 21 miles per hour. At meridian the chase dropping us very fast. At 5 p. in. lost sight of the black smoke in the latitnde 300 34 N., lon. gitude 770 20 W. When last seen was heading S. S. E., the weather clear and a smooth sea. Enclosed you will find a diagram of the chase, marked No. 2. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. 5. GLISSON, Captain, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral DAvID D. PORTER Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Acting ]Jiliaster Hall, U S. Navy, regarding a scouting expedition in New Inlet. U. S. S. KANSAS Off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 31, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order of the 30th instant, I went on board of the U. S. S. Niphon, and at 5 p. in. she got underway and stood ~I1 toward the bar. At 7,she then being inS fathoms of water,Mound light bearing W. by N. ~ N., I left her in a small boat with two men. I crossed Caroline Shoal in 6 feet of water, and then stood in for the Mound. When within 200 yards of it I turned toward the range lights, got soundings on the northern rip in 5 feet, then turned and pulled down past the Mound; saw several men about the Mound, and two men, apl)arently pickets on the beach~ took soundings in the channel varying from 11 to 13 feet. I then drifted back in the channel; saw no move inent of the enemy on the water, neither could I find any obstractions, and am perfectly satisfied that the channel is clear in the vicinity of the Mound for a considerable distance above and below it. I then stood out for wreck of the Aster, passed in, and soon saw the U. S. S. Niphon; at 9 arrived alongside of her. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL HALL, Acting Master, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander P. G. WATMOUGH, Commanding U. S. S. Kansas, and Senior Officer Present Page 31 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 31 Capture of the British steamer Annie, off New Inlet, North Carolina, October 31, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting papers. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Maivern, Hampto~~ Roads, November (1, 1864. SIR: [have the honor to enclose herewith the following papers relat- ing to the capture on the 31st October of the British blockade-running steamer Annie, off New Inlet, North Carolina: 1. 1 eport from Lieutenant-Commander Watinough, commanding Kan- sas, of the capture, and enclosing a report* of a scout over the bar by Acting Master Samuel Hail, October 31, 1864. 2. lleport of Acting Master [Edmund] Kemble, Niphon, November 1, 1864. 3. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant j J. W.] Baich, How quah, November 1, 1864. 4. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant I Frank] Smith, Alabama, November 1, 1864. 5. Report of Acting Master [Henry] Arey, Wilderness, November 1, 1864. Also prize lists of the Kansas and Niphon, claiming to share in the captnre. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. lion. GIDEON \VELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kansas. U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAS, Off New Inlet, November 1, 1864. ADMIRAL: 1 have the pleasure to report the capture of the British blockade runner Annie last evening at abont 7.30 p. in., within 3 miles of the bar, by the Wilderness and Niphon. She has a valuable cargo of cotton ~some 500 bales), a lot of tobacco and turpentine. Her papers were all captnred, showing that $50,000 in gold had been shipped iii her; also a lot of Confederate bonds. The gold and bonds were thrown overboard after the Annie had stopped, and in view of Acting Master Arey, commanding the Wilderness, who endeavored, by firing a rifle, to prevent it. It was in 6 fathoms of water and bearings doubtful. The crew and passengers of the Annie I send by the Niphon to Beau- fort. A list will be forwarded. In my communication of the 30th ultimo I informed you of the intention to send in a scout to search the bar and channel inside for obstructions. It was accomplished the same evening before 9 p. m. and no sign of obstructions found. Accouipanyiiig you will find the report of Acting Master Hall, the executive of this vessel, who went on the scout. That same night at about 2 a. m. the Niphon discovered a vessel attempting to run out, as they supposed, and headed her back. *See preceding report Page 32 32 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. It now appears to have been Little Iliattie or Gertrude, both of which the Annies crew report as having gone in that night. They were in sight on the river at daylightboth side-~vheelers. The captain of the Annie reports the Tallahassee and Edith, her con- sort, as having gone ont on the west side last Friday week. The Wil- derness and Niphon both failed to fire rockets in direction of chase, as directed, but as the vessels were all in sight I was able to get seaward of them and head them [off]. This was particularly culpable under the circumstances, as the two side-wheel steamers who had been in her company in the river, and whose movements were suspicionsone with a rebel flag at her peak and apparently a large nnmber of men on her deck in dark clothing, as was also the case with the Anniehad pnt ns on our guard for a break of privateers. There was great delay in answering my challenges, and for a time I was suspicious of the character of the vessels, apparently formed in a line, the center one with a red light at her peak. I will take such means as are in my power to recover the gold and mail bag. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PEND. G. WATMOUGH, Lieutenant- Commander, Senior Officer Present. ilear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squa ron. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, to the judge of the U. S. diztrict court, Boston, Mass. U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAS, - Off New Inlet, November 1, 18G4. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following facts to support our claim for a share in the prize steamer Annie, captured by the U. S. tug Wilderness and U. S. S. Niphon. Last evening (October 31) at 7: 15 p. in., the Wilderness plain in sight on the bar station, about 1~ miles W. S. W. of this vessel, a flash of a gun was seen and the report heard, immediately followed by several others from the shore batteries and the Wilderness, and it was supposed the Niphon, in chase. This ves- sel was immediately headel to the S. S. W., fires spread, engines started at full speed, and ship cleared for action. Two of the vessels were kept in plain sight on our starboard bow. They were standing apparently to the S. E., and we calculated to cut off the chase. Iu a very few moments a third vessel was discovered forming a line a~par- ently with the other two, and plainly seen by myself, the executive officer of this vessel, and the chief engineer. As the Wilderness and the Niphon had both failed to observe the orders to fire rockets in direction of the chase, my suspicions were excited by this array, owing to the fact that during the forenoon of the day the Annie had been very plain in sight in the river, accompanied by two side wheel steam- ers, one having the rebel flag at her peak, the other an English ensign; the former together with the Annie, had a large number of men in dark clothing exposed to our view, and we were not sure but that they were intended as privateers. We approached these vessels cautiously, keeping across their way, and challenged twice without receiving an answer. The center vessel had a red light up, which was altogether irregular aiid no recognized signal. Our battery was trained upon them, and orders given to fire the pivot gun to the left of them as Page 33 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 33 challenge. This was unattended to, except by irregular lights on one of the vessels. At this time made a vessel on our port bow, challenged her, and immediately it was answered. It proved to be the U. S. S. Alabama, whom I ordered to follow this vessel with battery bearing oii the strange vessels. We approached them and renewed our challenges with lights, which were at last returned in an unsatisfactory manner. We then hailed and discovered that they were the Wilderness, Niphon, and the prize steamer Annie; ordering the Niphon back to her bar sta tion, and the prize and Wilderness to our day station for the night, and resumed our beat. About three quarters of an hour had elapsed from the first gun to the time we spoke them, part of which time had been consumed in maneuvering to approach them. At no time were they more than 1~- miles from us. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PEND. G. WATMOUGH, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. Judge [PELEG] SPRAGUE, U. S. District Court, Boston, Mass. Report of Acting Master Kemble, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Niphon. U. S. S. NIPHON, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, November 1, 18G4. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the English steamer Annie, while running the blockade by the U. S. steamers Wilderness and Niphon at 7:45 last evening. Cargo, 500 bales cotton and 30 tons tobacco; is a double propeller; has one smokestack and two masts; is said to steam 13~ knots. She was first discovered by this vessel coming out of New Inlet, standing to the southward, at 7:15 p. m. Nip hon on No.1 station in 4 fathoms water, Moand light bearing W. ~ IN. Saw U. S. S. Wilderness at the W. N. W. of us inshore; gave chase and opened fire upon steamer, keeping her on my starboard beam, the steamer Wilderness chasing astern and gaining swiftly upon her, at the same time using our battery freely npou steamer. At 7:40 the Annie surrendered; at 7: 45 was boarded by the boats from the Wilderness; at 7: 55 was boarded by boats from this vessel, taking the officers, crew, and passengers on board the Niphon. Acting Ma4er II. Arey, com- manding steamer Wilderness, coming on board and taking charge, I returned on board ship and proceeded back to my station on the bar, at which nothing more was seen to pass out or in during the remaining part of the night. The forts on shore fired several shots at the vessels. Shortly after was hailed by the Wilderness, saying she had been hit, and would be obliged to go to the day station. I would also state that with permission of senior officer present I sent a launch with howitzer, in charge of Acting Ensign E. N. Semon, into the month of the channel after dark, from which the Annie received two shots as she passed. Before and for some time after the capture, no other vessels were in sight. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMUND KEMELE, Acting Master Coin i{ear-Admiral D. B. PORTER, , manding. Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Flagship Malvern, NWRYOLll Page 34 34 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Baich, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Howquah. U. S. S. llOwQuAH, OtT Wilmington, N. C., November 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to subniit the following report: On the night of October 31, while standing in on our station at 7 p. in., heard firing in the direction of Fort Caswell. At 7: 05 p. in.. the Mound bearing W. S. VAT., Wilderness S. by E., ship in ~ fathoms of water, heading N. N. W., saw a blockade runner coming out over the bar, bearing S. by W. Put the helm to port and started ahead full speed; called all hands to quarters; I did not have room to go round with the helm to starboard. At 7: 10 Wilderness opened fire on strange vessel. At the same time Fort Fisher and the water batteries com- menced firing, their shells going well over ns. As soon as we got round so that our guns would bear, could not fire, as the Wilderness and strange vessel were in line and close together, standing S. S. E. At 7: 25 the Wilderness and stran~,e vessel together, bearing S. S. E. Niphon 5. 4- W., Kansas E. 4- S., Mound N. W. by W. At 7:30 the blockade runner, Wilderness, Niphon, and Kansas were in plain sight with the same bearing. Saw a white light; immediately after a red light was shown from the Wilderness and kept burning. After seeing the red light, slowed down and stood in for our station. At S p. m. on our station in 4 fathoms of water. At 9 p. m. Kansas spoke us; learned the vessel we saw captured by the Wilderness was the blockade runner Annie. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. BALUR, Acting Volunteer Lientenant, Con~~~anding U. S. S. How qua/i. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading kSquadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Alabama. U. S. S. ALABAMA, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, November 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to orders from the senior officer present, last evening I equipped and dispatched the ships launch, with a howitzer, an officer, and S men belonging to this ship to the U. S. S. Niphon, she to furnish an officer to command and additional men to make up the crew. At dusk the Niphon towed the launch in toward the bar and ordered it on picket duty in the channel on the bar. The Alabama took her station on the outside line, in from 6 to 7 fathoms water, between the Mound light and Smiths Island. About 7:30 p. in., as we were standing to the northward, the picket boat on the bar bear- ing N. W. by N., 2 miles distant, was observed to fire the howitzer twice, in as quick succession as they could load and repeat. 1 promptly beat to quarters and ordered fires spread and prepared for action or chase. Very soon the bar tenders began firing and approaching as if in chase, but sending up no rockets. When the firing ceased, I inferred they had intercepted and captured a blockade runner. As I proceeded to the northward, I soon met the senior officer present in the U. S. S. Kansas, he coming within hail and ordering me to man the starboard battery and follow him in. We soon after met the steamers Wilderness and Niphon, bringing out the steamer Annie, which they had just cap- tured in the attempt to run the blockade. The Annie was sent with Page 35 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 3 Page 36 36 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. prize crew to anchor on the (lay station, and the blockaders were ordered to resume their posts. By 8:30 p. m. 1 had resumed lily sta- tion, but nothing further transpired during the night under our obser- vation worth noting. The Alabamas prize lists in duplicate are being prepared to accom- pany this rel)ort. The following Unitcd States vessels were preseut and all within range of the prize when captured: The Kansas, Alabama, Iliowqnah, Niphon, and Wiidernes.~ no other vessels were within signal distance. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, FRANK SMITH, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Master Arey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wilderness. U. S. S. WILDERNESS, Off Wilmington, N. C., November 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the English steamer Annie, while running the blockade from New Inlet, by the U. S. steamers Wilderness and Niphon, at 7:45 p. in., Mound light bearing IN. by W. and Bald Head light W. S. W. ~ W., in 4~ fathoms of water. At the time of the capture I saw no vessels but Niphon and Wilder- ness; others might have been in sight. She received thirteeii shots froln the Wilderness and Niphon before she surrendered. The Wilderness overtook her after a chase of ten minutes, going at the rate of 16 miles an hour, and she going 12. The Annie is a fine steamer, with two pro- pellers, one smokestack, and is schooner rigged. She is said to make l3~ knots an hour. Besides her officers and crew she had 011 board eleven passengers, among them a Mrs. Johnson and her daughter, of Nassau, New Providence. They have been turned over to Acting Mas- ter Kemble, commanding U. S. S. Niphon. While the prisoners were being transferred to the Niphon Fort Fisher comlnenced firing on us, and the Wilderness was struck by a shell, apparently a 100-pounder rifle, entering the hurricane deck on the starboard side and going through a water tank in the port gangway, where it exploded, injuring the plank-sheer and rim of the port wheel slightly. It will be easily repaired wheu I go to Beaufort for coal. The cargo of the Annie con- sists of 540 bales of cotton, weighing from 650 to 700 pounds to a bale; also 30 tons of pressed tobacco and 14 casks of spirits of turpentine. I enclose a prize list to the Secretary of the Nayy and a duplicate to you, asking that you will please forward the one for the Secretary of the Navy to Paymaster 1W. H.] Thompson, Norfolk navy yard, who has I he accounts of the Wilderness that he ln form. , ay make it out in proper Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY AREY, Acting Master, Commandinq UI S. S. Wilderness. Rear-Admiral D. I). PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 37 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 37 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kansas, regarding reports of commanding officers. U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAs, Off Aew Inlet, November 3, 1864. ADMIRAL: I avail myself of the departure of the Santiago de Cuba at daylight in the morning to inform you that I have ordered the Seneca, that came in here day before yesterday, to remain here till further orders, in consequence of the few vessels here and the renewed activity of the runners on this bar. The Santiagos prize, the Lucy, got out this side the evening after the Annie was captured, when the sea was so rough no vessel could have maintained a close blockade of the bar. We have had a heavy blow since, up to this morning, and the weather is still thick and unsettled. It is now 10 p. in., and we have had two alarms through the mist and rain. Our search for the culprits has been in vain. The two reports of the commanding officers of the Wilderness and Niphon both failed in the essential point of declaring whether or not any other vessels were iii sight, when they knew all here claimed wit- nessing the capture of the Annie. Owino to the rough sea and bad weather these reports were not brought to me till the last moment of the day, when too late to rewrite them unless the prize and the Niphon, with the prisoners, were detained here till the following day, which I did not deem prudent or necessary, so directed those officers to insert the omission. Acting Master Kemble, of the Niphon, informed me he should write to you and request the withdrawal of his report and the substitution of one he would write, which he would forward by the senior officer at Beaufort. I am satisfied these two officers failed to make the proper, or any, signals indicating the direction of the chase, in order to be able to claim a sole share in her. Their excuses for not complying with the orders in this respect were trivial and not to be admitted. If privateers should escape, owing to such failure, those whose position as chasers calls upon them to pursue could hardly be censured if left there iii the (lark. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PEND. G. WATMOUGH, Senior Officer Present. Rear-Admiral D. I). PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading ASqnadron. General order No. 41, of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the failure of certain vessels to make required signals. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship Alalvern, Notember 9, 1864. It has been reported to me that the commanders of the Niphon and Wilderness, captors of the Annie, failed to make any signals indicating the direction the chase was taking, thereby running the risk of losing the vessel, as other blockaders in the vicinity could not, for want of proper directions, afford the required assistance. it is the impression of the senior officer off the bar that the officers commanding the Niphon and Wilderness failed to make the required, proper, or any signal indicating the direction of the chase, in order to be able to obtain a sole share in the prize. Of course a rigid investigation will be held in regard to this matter and a trial instituted for gross disobedience of orders, an(l the chances are that the offenders will lose their share of prize money and be otherwise justly dealt with. The excuses of the officers alluded to for not obeying orders were too trivial to be admitted Page 38 38 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. While a prize is the reward of the captors, when takeii, personal con- siderations are to be disregarded altogether, and cotton, vessel, and crew are to be sacrificed rather than the least chance should be offered them to escape. This war is not being conducted for the benefit of officers or to enrich them by the capture of prizes, and every commander is deficient in the high moral character which has always been inherent in the Navy who for a moment consults his private interests in preference to the public good, hesitates to destroy what is the property of the enemy, or attempts to benefit himself at the expense of others. I am satisfied that no ves- sel should escape out of Wilmington after the blockade is perfected if the orders I have instituted are strictly carried out and the signals properly made, for if the runners are chased to the middle line (when complete), or beyond it if necessary, they will be picked up by vessels stationed there; but if signals are not correctly made and privateers escape owing to the culpable neglect of a few officers, those whose position as chasers call upon them to pursue can scarcely be held responsible. I feel much dissatisfied at the conduct of the commanders of the Nijphon and Wilderness, and hope while I command this squadron that such conduct may never occur again. Honor and glory should be the watchword of the Navy, and not profit. A rigid investigation will be held in all cases reported to mc, and when I find any officer derelict in the duty of making signals I will do my best to deprive him of his share of prize, an(1 try him for disobedience of orders. l)AYJD B. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of the board of investigation regarding the failure of the commanding officer of the U. S. S. Wilderness to throw rockets. U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAS, Off New Inlet, November 18, 1864. ADMIRAL: In pursuance of your orders of the 7th instant, I selected Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. E. Dennison, of the Cherokee, and Acting Master Hall, of this vessel, and went on board the Wilderness to investigate why rockets were not thrown the night of the chase and capture of the Annie. We have to report that we found no orders had been given by the commanding officer, Acting Master Arey, to throw rockets, nor anyone appointed to attend to that matter, Actiiig Master Arey having reserved to himself that duty. The rockets and lighted match were in the pilot house at the time. He pleads the fact of it being his first night on the bar duty, having a very short time previously assumed command of the vessel, and that he had not had time to organize; moreover, that the chase was followed so quickly by the capture that he failed to remember the order, or did not think it necessary. Very respectfully, your obedient servants, PEND. G. WATMOUGH, Lieutenant- Commander. W. E. DENNISON, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant. SAMUEL HALL, Acting Master. Rear-Admiral B. B. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 39 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 39 List of vessels in the North Atlantic Squadron, and their disposition, November 1, 1864. Name. Commanding officer. Position. Agawam Commander A. C. Rhind - Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Aries Acting Volunteer Lieutenant F. S. Wells.. Off Wilmington. Alabama . Acting Volnnteer Lientenant F. Smith..-. Do. Augusta Commander T. G. Corbin convoying California m a ii steamers. Alert Acting Ensign J. Bishop i James River. Atlanta Acting Volunteer Lieut. F. J. Woodward Do. Anemone Acting Master Jona. Baker Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Arletta Commander B. M. iDove Beaufort (ordnance). Albemarle Sounds of North Carolina. Ben Morgan Acting Master A. B. Mulford Craney Island, Virginia. Banshee Acting Volunteer Lient - W. H. Garfield Baltimore (repairing,. Britannia Acting Volnnteer Lieutenant Sami. Ruse Off Wilmington. Brooklyn Captain Jas. Alden Hampton Roads. Belle Acting Gunner Win. Peterkin Sounds of North Carolina. Bazely Acting Ensign J. Connor i Do. Berberrv Acting Ensign M. Griffith Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Bignonia Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. ID. Roath. Off Wilmington. Canonicus Commander E. G. IParrott Freshwater, James River. Chicopee Commander A. D. Harrell Sounds of North Carolina. Commodore Hull Acting Master F. Josselyn Do. Ceres Acting Master H. H. Foster Do. Colorado Commodore H. K. Thatcher Hampton Roads. Cherokee Acting Volunteer Lieut. W. E. Denni. on - - Off Wilmington. Calypso . Acting Master F. D. Stuart Do. Cambridge Acting Volunteer Lieutenantj. F. Nickels I Norfolk Navy Yard. Commodore Barney.... Acting Volunteer Licut. G. B. Livingston - James River. Commodore Morris.... Acting Master R. G. Lee Do. Commodore Perry Acting Volunteer Lieutenant A. 1. Foster. Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Cactus Acting Ensign C. E. Beck Do. Crusader Acting Volunteer Lieutenant P. Hays York River, Virginia. Chippewa Lieutenant-Commander A. W. Weaver.... Off Wilmington. Clinton Acting Ensign F. J. Runnells Hampton Roads (tug duty). Charles Phelps Acting Ensign Win. Ottiwell Craney Island, Virginia. Cohasset Acting Ensign G. B. Griffin Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Clematis. . ActingVolunP~er LientenantE. P. Bruner. Off Wilmington. Dumbarton Acting Volunteer Lieutenant H. Brown... Do. Delaware Acting Master J. H. Eldridge James River. Da n Acting Master J. A. Jackaway Do. Daylight Acting Master H. A. Phelon Do. Dictator Commodore J. Rodgers Not yet reported. Dacotah Commander G. M. Colvocoresses Do. Eolus Acting Master W. 0. Lundt Off Wilmington. Emma .ActingvolunteerLieutenantJ.M. Williams Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Entaw Lieutenant-Commander Th C. Blake James River. Fort Jackson Captain B. F. Sands Off Wilmington. Fort Donelson ActingVolunteer Lieutenant T. Pickering. Do. Florida Lieutenant-Commander S. Magaw Not yet reported. Fahkee Acting Master F. R. Webb New York (repairing). Grand Gulf Commander G. M. Ransom Not yet reported. Gettysburg Lieutenant R. H. Lamson Off Wilmington. Governor Buckingham Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. MaciDiar- Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). nuid. General Putnam Acting Master H. H. Savage James River. Granite Acting MasterE. Boomer Sounds of North Carolina. Glance Acting Master W. H. Bolton York River. Howquah Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. W. Baich - Off Wilmington. Huron Lieutenant-Commander T. 0. Seifridge Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Hunchback Lieutenant Joseph P. Fyffe James River. Henry Brinker Acting Ensign J. H. Kerens Do. Heliotrope Acting Ensign J. M. Norman Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Hoyt Acting Ensign H. B. Twambly Sounds of North Carolina. lletzel Acting Master G. B. Thompson Do. Harcourt i Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). I. N. Seymour Acting Ensign J. L. Hayes Baltimore (repairing). Josco Commander A. J. Drake Off Wilmington. Juniata Captain W. R. Taylor Rampton Roads. James Adger Commander F. H. Patterson Charleston, S. C. Kansas Lieutenant-Commander P. G. Watmough - - Off Wilmington. Keystone State Commander H. Rolando Do. Lilian Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. A. Harris Do. Louisiana Acting Volunteer Lieutenant F. M. Green - Sounds of North Carolina. Lockwood Acting Ensign J. Q. A. Davidson Do. Lilac Beaufort, N. C. Little Ada Acting Ensign Edw. Manning Hampton Roads. Monticello Lieutenant W. B. Cushing Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Maumee Lieutenant-Commander J. Parker Cruising (Halifax). Mohican Commander D. Ammen Hampton RoadM. Minnesota Commodore J. Lanman Do Page 40 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. List of vessels in the North Atlantic Squadron, and their disposition, November 1, 1864. Name. Mackinaw Massasoit Mount Vernon Mattabesett Montgomery Maratauza Morse Miami Mendota Mount Washington.... Mystic Monadnock Mahopac Martin Mercedita Commanding officer. - Commander J. C. Beaumont Commander H. T. Renshaw Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. Trathen. - Commander J. C. Febiger Acting VolunteerLieutenant E. H. Faucon Lieutenant-Commander G. W. Young Lieutenant-Commander C. A. Babcock Acting Volunteer Lieutenant G.W. Graces Commander E. T. Nichols Acting Master H. H. Haynie Acting Master W. Wright Captain J. M. Berrien Commander W. A. Parker Acting Ensign M. D. Ames Lieutenant-Commander M. Haxtun Position. Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Hampton Roads. Off Wilmington. Beaufort, N. C. Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Off Wilmington. Baltimore (repairing). James River. Do. Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Guard ship (York River). Hampton Roads. James River. Sounds of North Carolina. Sent by Adjutant.General to New Orleans with draft of men from Aphrodite. Hampton Roads. Cruising (Halifax). Not yet reported. Ott Wilmington. Hampton Roads. New York. Off Wilmington. Do. James River. Sounds of North Carolina. James River. ilampton Roads. Off Wilmington. Do. James River. Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). James River. Malvern Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. C. Dunn - Nyack Lieutenant.Commander L. H. Newman . .9 Nereus Commander J. C. Howell Niphon Acting Master E. Kemble New Ironsides Commodore Win. Radford New Berne ActingVolunteerLieutenantW. ECressy - Nansemond Acting Ensign J. H. Porter Osceola Commander J. M. B. Clitz. Onondaga Lieutenant.Commander C. H. Cushman. Otsego Lieutenant.Commander H. N. T. Arnold.. - Phlox Acting Ensign D. F. OBrien Powbatan Commodore J. F. Schenek Pequot Lieutenant-Commander ID. L. Braine Pawtuxet [ Commande Picket Boat No. , r J. H. Spotts Picket Boat No. 3 Picket Boat No. 4 Picket Boat No. i Picket Boat No. 6 Poppy A eting Ensi~n Win. Clarke Hampton Roads (tug duty). Quaker City Commander W. F. Spicer Cruising (Wilmington). Rhode Island Commander S. ID. Trenchard Not yet reported. H. R. Cuyler Commander C. H. B. Caidwell Cruising (Wilmington). Renshaw Release Acting Ensign C. H. Beckshofft Beaufort, N. C. Roman A cting Ensign H. Merchant - Craney Island (hulk). Seneca Lieutenant-Commander G. E. Belkuap Cruising (Wilmington). State of Georgia Commander S. Nicholson Not yet reported. Saco Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Walker Cruising (Wilmington). Shenandoah Captain P. B. Ridgely Not yet reported. Sassacus Lientenant-Comman derJ. L. Davis Susquehanna Commodore S. W. Godon Hampton Roads. Santiago de Cuba Captain 0. 5. Glisson - Cruising (Wilmington). Stepping Stones Acting Volunteer Lient. D. A. Campbell ... Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Samuel Rotan Acting Master W. G, Nutting James River. Sangus Commander E. R. Colboun Shamrock Commander W. H. Macomb Sounds of North Carolina.. St. Lawrence Commander D. Lynch - Norfolk (ordnance). Sabine I Lieutenant-Commander R. B. Lowry Norfolk Navy Yard. Shokokon Acting Master W. B. Sheldon r Beaufort, N. d. Tallapoosa Lieutenant.Commander J. E. IDeHaven . ... Cruising (Halifax). Tuscarora Commander J. M. Frailey Hampton Roads. Tristram Shandy ActingVolunteer Lieutenant E. F. Deveus Off Wilmingten. Tacony Lieutenant.Commanuler W. T. Truxtun ... Sounds of North Carolina. Unadilla Lieutenant-Commander F. H. Ramsay Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). TiJuit Acting Ensign C. B. Parry Norfolk Navy Yard (tug duty). Vicksburg Lieutenant-Commander F. H. Baker Victoria Acting Master E. S. Eleyser . Off Wilmington. Vanderbilt Captain C. W. Pickering Do. Valley City Act-lug Master J. A. J. Brooks Hampton Roads. Wabash Captain M. Smith Do. Wilderness Acting Master H. Arey Off Wilmington. Wyalusing Lieutenant-Commander E. English Sounds of North Carolina. Whitehead Acting Master G. W. Barrett . Do. Wyandotte Acting Master T. W. Sheer Norfolk (~.uard ship). W(lliam Badger Actin~ Ensign S. G. Swain Beaufort, N. C. Young America - - Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). Young Rover Acting Master I. B. Studley Hampton Roads. Yantic Lieutenant-Commander T.C. Harris Cruising (Halifax). Zonave Acting Ensign J. L. Hayes Norfolk Navy Yard (repairing). 4 Page 41 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 41 Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. HAMPTON ROADS, November 1, 1864. SIR: Your communication of 28th October has been received. Keep the court-martial going; let them adjourn from day to day and I will send some charges right up as soon as Ii can. There will be no trouble in getting supplies. I have ordered the com- mandant of the yard at Norfolk to fill all requisitions on the approval of the captain without reference to me. Anything that you think should be done, go ahead auddo it, and I will approve it afterwards. I wish to know if a picket launch can get through the obstructions. 1 should like to blow up one of the rebel rams. Respectfully, DAViD D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral. Commander E. T. NICHOLS, U. 5. 5. Mendota. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Upshur, U. S. Navy, commanding the U. S. S. Advance. HAMPTON ROADS, November 1, 1864. SIR: Proceed with the Vance [Advancel to the station marked on the chart which accompanies this order on the blockade of Wilmington, N. C., for duty as a cruiser. Yery respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander JNO. H. UPSHUR, Commanding U. S. S. Vance Advancel. Report of Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Osceola, regarding the chase of a blockade runner. LI. S. S. OSCEOLA, At Sea, Lat. 330 25 N., Long. 750 13 TV., November 1, 1864. ADM1RAL: I have to inform you that yesterday at 11 oclock a. ni., when in latitude 330 50 N., longitude 750 45 W., discovered black smoke bearing N. W., distant about 15 miles. Gave chase immediately aIi(l continued to do so until 8:45 p. m. The chase was a side-wheel steamer, l)ainted white, with two masts and two smokesiacks, She was either a blockade runner or privateer, I think the latter, as her decks were crowded with men. When first discovered she was steer- ing toward Wilmington, [N. C.], but we pressed her so hard she was compelled to change her course to every point of the compass. At sun- set we were about 4 miles from the said steamer, opened fire with the forward 100-pounder Parrott rifle, firing five shots; finding that they fell short, discontinued the firing, but continued to follow until the time above mentioned, when we lost her in a fog bank. We kept np a uniform spee(l of 13~ knots during the entire chase. I think I can safely say that but for the darkness and fog it would have been our good fortune to have captured her Page 42 42 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. This luorniug about 7:30 we were boarded by an officer from the U. S. S. Thn(Ierbilt. Sent word to Captain Pickering of the chase yes- terday, with the opinion that I did not think she had got into Wilming- ton, but was still in this neighborhood. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. M. B. CLITZ, Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commander, U. S. Nary. Comdg. North Atlantic Squadron, flampton Roads, Virginia. Report of Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, regarding the chase of a biocko de runner. U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, A t Sea, November 1, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of November 1, 1864, at 7 a. in., in the latitude 320 18 N., ion gitude 770 40 W., dis- covered a blockade runner burning black smoke, bearing S. S. W. Started ahead at full speed, edging away to the southward so as to cut off the blockader [blockade runneri. At 10:30 a. m. discovered another vessel, a ship of war, bearing down on the chase to the westward of ns. At 11 a. in. exchanged numbers with the U. S. S. Peq~ot. At 1:50 p. m. a French steamship of war hove in sight to the southward and westward of chase, which caused her to change her course for a few minutes. At 2 p. in. the Pequot gave up the chase, we still in chase and coming up on her. At 5: 45 p. in. fired three shots at her from our rifle cannon, all falling far short of her. At 6 p. in. she was only 3~ miles from us. At 7p. m. lost sight of the black smoke, but stood on until 8 p. m. in hopes oCseeing her again. At 8p. m. wore ship to the southward and westward. During this chase the weather was cloudy, with light winds and raiu from the southward and eastward. When the chase was last seen, she was heading S. S. IE. ~ E., in the latitude 3Q0 16 N., longitude 750 54 W. She was a side-wheel steamer with two smoke ])ipes, and very fast. We were logging 13.6, ship very light, and we could not get as good speed as that of the previous two days. If we had had but two hours more of daylight, my belief is we would have captured her. Enclosed you will find a (liagrain of chase, marked No. 3. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. 5. GLIssoN, Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Captain, U. S. Nary. Comdg. N. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Report 9t~ Lieutenant- Commander Truxtun, U. S. Navy, recommending for promotion Acting Ensign Sommers, U. S. Navy. U. S. S. TACONY, Plymouth, N. C., November 1, 1864. SIR: I beg leave to submit the following statement for your consid- eration, viz: On the 23d of May last, it became necessary to send a reconnoitering party up Mackays Creek, near Plymouth, with a view of obtainin Page 43 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 43 information, and also to capture one James Dillery. Acting Ensign R. Sommers, of this vessel, volunteered for the duty. While absent from his boat during the night, she was discovered and fired upon by rebel troops, and the boat keeper forced to shove off and return to the vessel. Mr. Sommers, on discovering the absence of his boat, at once proceeded with his party to pull down the barn, from the roof of which he formed a raft., and safely brought his men through the rebel pickets to the ship. tie was accompanied by one William G. Green (ordinary seaman), whom he particularly mentioned for good conduct. On the 27th of May Mr. Sommners made a most successful reconnois- sance of the rebel batteries at Plymouth. This duty necessitated eighteen hours wading and crawling in the swamp. On the 30th of May he again made a minute reconnoissance of Plymouth, accompanied by William G. Green, who greatly assisted Mr. Somnmers in forcing his way through the tangled undergrowth of the almost impenetrable swamps. On the 7th of June Mr. Sommers, with a party, among whom was Wil- liam (I. Green, 1)ulled several miles up the Chowan River, passing time night in the attempt to sieze a rebel mail. Again taking to the swamp on the 29th of June, Mr. Sommers obtained much valuable information as to the situation of affairs about Plymouth. This time he remained so long absent that his boats crew 5U1)pOSed him captured and returned to the ship. Three days afterwards, nearly starved and almost wormi out, he was discovered paddling off to the ship on a few boards, of which he had made a frail raft. On the 29th of September he was in temporary command of the tng Martin, whemi the gunboat Valley City got ashore under a rebel battery in the Scuppernong River, and behaved with coolness and discretion. October 22, with a full boats crew, he obtained information that proved of service in the subsequent destruction of the rebel ram Albe- marie by Lieutenant Cushing. While on his return his boat was fired into by a party of ambushed rebels, and his men driven into the swamp on the opp site side. Nothing daunted, however, he determined to bring off his boat and party, omme of. whom, John Williamns, quartermas- ter, was almeady shot through 1)0th legs. William 0. Green (ordinary seaman), placing the boat between himself and the enemy, gallantly swam her down the stream (while the rest of the party made their way slowly through the dense swamp), and under a most galling fire, which soon riddled the boat, killing Williams (qnartermaster) and severely wounding (ireemi in the head. This necessitated the abammdonment of the boat: the party became somewhat scattered. Green, though weak from the loss of blood, still remained faithful to his duty ammd his officer. Finally, Mr. Somnmers, after great exertion, succeeded in bringiimg off Green and one other of the men, though poor Green had, a few hours before reaching the ship, and while floating down the river on some logs, lost his reason through suffering and exhaustion. Since then the remnainder of the party have been recovered, and on our capture of this place we found that the body of John Williams (quartermaster) had been decently buried by the enemy. After the arrival of Lieutenant Cushing, Mr. Sommers made two more reconnoissances, and was only prevented by sickness, caused by long exposure in the swamps, fromn being one of the participants in Lieutenant Cushings most successful and gallant operation. It is hardly necessary to say that Mr. Somn~ers behaved well in the late engagement at this place. In view of all these facts, I would most respectfully recommend Act- ing Ensign Rudolph Sommers for promotion to t~e grade of actin Page 44 44 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. master, and that a medal of honor, with such gratuity as the l~epart- ment may see proper, be given to William G. Green (ordinary seaman) for his rel)eated acts of gallantry. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. TRUXTUN, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Nary, to Commander Nichols, U. S Navy, regarding the U. S. steamers Wyandotte and Mystic. HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA, November 2, 1864. SIR: My orders temporarily detaching the Wyandotte and Mystic from the Fifth Division are hereby countermanded, and they will resume their former connection with that division. Respectfully, yours, 1)AVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Commander E. T. NICHOLS, U. S. S. Mendota, Senior Officer Fifth Division. Report of Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, regarding the capture of the steamer Lucy. U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, At Sea, November 2, 1864. SIR: I have to report to the honorable Secretary of the Navy that I have, after a chase of two hours, this day, at 11 a. in., in the latitude 320 40 N., longitude 770 48 W., captured the English blockade-run- ning steamer Lucy, fourteen hours from Wilmington, [N. C.], bound to Nassau, New Providence, with 414 bales of cotton and 25 tons of tobacco. Previous to her capture she threw overboard 52 bales of cot. ton. It was blowing a heavy gale of wind from the eastward, and I was unable to pick up any of it. We had much difficulty in getting a prize crew on board without loss of life. I will send her on to Boston in charge of Acting Master Frank [II.] Wilks. 1 sought to obtain her log book and any other papers which might be on board of her, but I ascertained she had thrown them all overboard previous to capture. I have obtained the following information from the captured crew of the Lucy: On the night of the 30th October the Tallahassee, com- manded by Lieutenant [W. H.] Ward, formerly of the U. S. Navy, went to sea, passing out on the south side of the shoal. On Friday night, October 28, the Chickamauga, another privateer, passed out on the south side. They are both propellers, with double screws, and are very fast, both being two-piped steamers and very close together. When the Lucy left on the night of the 1st November she left in port the Petersburg, Beatrice, Little Hattie; the North Heath and Badger being both disabled. The Santiago de Cuba is the only vessel entitle Page 44A Page 44B -7- 7- -7 -7 -7 -7 + + + + N W -VOL ii. (To face page 45.) 7 Page 45 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 45 to a share in this prize, as there was no other vessel in sight at the time of capture. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. S. 0-LISSON, Captain, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). C. Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, of arrival at City Point, Va. U. S. IRONCLAD MAHOPAC, City Point, TTa., November 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the ]llahopac, under my command, at City Point, Va., at 11:45 oclock a. m. to-day, in obedi- ence to your order by telegraph of the 1st instant, received by me at Wilsons Landing on the 2d instant, at 4 oclock p. m. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. A. PARKER, Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER Comdg. North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting plan of the blockade. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]Ilialvern, Hampton Roads, November 3, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a plan of the blockade oft Wilmington as it now exists, the crosses representing blockad ers. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID 1). PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, I). C. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Wetmore, U. S. Navy, to proceed to duty off Western Bar in coin- mand of U. S. S. Wilderness. HAMPTON ROADS, November 3, 1864. SIR: You will proceed in the Monticello to take command of the Wilderness, and take your station off the Western Bar, [Cape Fear River], outside of the bar tenders about 2 or 3 miles, and be ready to chase in the direction designated by signal. Your vessel will not be employed as a bar blockader. She is fast and will be employed exclu- sively as a chaser. Respectively, your obedient servant, l~AVIJ) D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant II. S. WETMORE, Ham)2ton Roads, Virginia Page 46 46 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order * of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Davis, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sassacus, to search for the C. S. S. Tallahassee. HAMPTON ROADS, November 4, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay in search of the Tallahassee. Steer directly east about 100 miles, then northwest, and so on up the coast, using your own judgment as to the best method of capturing her. Return here after there is no likelihood of overhauling her. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander J. L. DAVIS, Commanding Sassacus, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Nary, to Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Ticonderoga. HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA, November 4, 1864. CAPTAIN: You are hereby assigned to the Fourth Division North Atlantic Squadron, commanded by Commodore S. W. Godon, to whom you will report. Respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Captain CHARLES STEEDMAN, Commanding U. S. S. Ticonderoga. Report of Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding the proposed canal at Dutch Gap. U. S. S. MENDOTA James River, November 4, 1864. ADMIRAL: I enclose herewith a copy of a statement t made at my request by Mr. Maillefert, submarine engineer, of the estimated amoun t of work to be done, and the material which will be required to do it. I also enclose requisition for the cans and sand bags. The chart spoken of is one made in J une last, from a careful survey made before the enemy occupied their present positions, and is of importance in view of the proper commencement of the work. I should be much obliged if you could send me a copy of it. I will see General Butler about the employment of Mr. Maillefert on the work. He is now employed in connection with the canal at Dutch Gal), and informs me that he thinks it will certainly be finished iu about two or three weeks time. Should this canal be cut through, it appears to me that the cur- rent of the river will be diverted into it, making dead water in Trents Reach and a rapid deposit, or will weaken its force so much by divid- ing it that neither channel can be kept open, except by dredging. The canal cuts off some 6 miles of water course, and Mr. Maillefert See Seri~s I, vol. 3, p. 324, for report of chase of the C. S. S. Tallahassee, Not necessary to publish Page 47 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 47 tells me that the difference of level is several inches. Water will nat- urally seek its own level, and here is a passage cut for it to do so in the most direct route, and as it appears to me at the expense of Trents Reach. These are crude ideas that have entered my mind, and I sub- mit them to your larger experience and better judgment iu such mat- ters. If I am right, one work or the other is unnecessary, and the most feasible and useful one should be adopted. It is better to have one good channel than two indifferent ones. Trusting that you will not consider me presumptuous in making the above suggestions, they are respectfully submitted for your consideration by Your obedient servant, ED. T. NICHOLS, Commander, Corn dg. pro tern. Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Walker, U. S. Navy, to give notification regarding the movements of the C. S. S. Tallahassee. HAMPTON ROADS, November 4, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay off the port of Wilmington, and notify the vessels there that the Tallahassee is making her way in that direction; not being able to get coal, she will try to get in. Notify all vessels of war that you may meet that the Tallahassee left Delaware Breakwater on the 3d instant at sunset, and they will make their cal- culations accordingly. You will carry all the sail and steam you can, and return to this place when these orders are executed. I give you a chart showing the position of all blockaders. Commu- nicate with the whole line if possible, and put them on their guard. If you break down, give your orders to the first naval vessel you meet with, and direct the commander to carry them out. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAViD 1). PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant- Commander JoHN 0-. WALKER, Commanding Saco, Hampton Roads. Report of Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding the feasibility of passing the obstructions in Trents Reach. U. S. S. MENDOTA, James River, November 5, 1864. ADMIRAL: Your letter of the 1st instant by the Phlox is received. I do not think there would be much, if any, difficulty in getting a lauiich through the obstructions in Trents Reach. It might be neces- sary, perhaps, to remove a portion of the torpedo net placed above to enable her to pass. Commencing at a short distance above the obstruc- tions, the right bank of the river is strongly picketed by the enemy as far up as our own pickets extend on the opposite side. The rams lie above our lines and generally together. The greatest difficulty would be in traversing the distance without discovery, the river being in som Page 48 48 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. places short pistol shot across, and the enemy keep picket boats below their vessels. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. T. NICHOLS, Commander, Comdg. pro tern. Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. B. PORTER. Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Bruner, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Clematis. HAMPTON ROADS, November 5, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to the Eastern Bar, off Wil- mington, aud report to the senior officer there for duty on the blockade as a chaser. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID ~. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant E. D. BRUNER, Commanding U. S. S. Clematis, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. & Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Campbell, U. S. Navy, regarding the restriction of contraband trade in York River. HAMPTON ROADS, November 5, 1864. SIR: You will proceed and report to the senior naval officer in York River, and cruise there to prevent smuggling and contraband trade. You will confine yourself to no particular locality, but cruise where your services are most req iiired and your judgment dictates. Do all you can to stop the smuggling carried on there. Respectfully, your obedient servant, [DAViD 1). PORTER], Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant B. A. CAMPBELL, Commanding U. S. S. Stepping Stones, Ha~npton Roads. Report of Acting Master Poster, U. S. Navy, regarding an attempted expedition to Washington, N. C. U. S. S. CERES, Pamlico River, North Carolina, November 5, 186-1. SIR: Permit me to congratulate you on the happy result of the engage ment at Plymouth on Mouday last. I have not learned the particulars, but hear you were very successful. I was very sorry to hear of the capture of Lieutenant Gushing, for he is a brave fellow. Having heard that the rebels had or were about to evacuate Wash- ington, [IN. C.], I tried to get up to town this morning, but in conse- quence of the- strong northwest wind having blown the water out of the river I was un able to do so. I came to anchor about 2~- miles below the town. I saw what I took to be a rebel flag at their old headquarters Page 49 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 49 but as the wind was blowing toward me I could not distinguish it clearly. They manned two guns at the lo~v er fort, which was all I could see. The rifled 68-pounder on the island appeared to have been removed. Yesterday morning, while proceeding toward Washington, the steamer grounded. I was obliged to throw overboard about 9 tons of coal before I could get off, as the water was falling very rapidly. I shall be obliged to run to the inlet and fill up, which I can do in twenty-four hours. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. H. FOSTER, Acting Master, Commanding. Commander W. H. MACOMB, U. S. iNavy, Commanding District of the Sounds, U. S. S. Shamrock. [Telegram.] HAMPTON ROADS, November 6, 18641:30 p. rn. (Received 4:25 p. in.) Susquehanna and Monadnock have left. Colorado goes in half an hour. D. D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U S. Navy, to Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Colorado. HAMPTON ROADS, November 6, 1864. COMMODORE: You will proceed with your vessel to sea and cruise outside, between here and the Capes of the Delaware, using your sails principally. Return here at the end of the fifth day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commodore H. K. THATCHER, Commanding U. S. S. Colorado. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Garfield, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Banshee. HAMPTON ROADs, November 6, 1864. SIR: Proceed with the Banshee under your command to the blockade off Wilmington, and take your station as set down on the chart given you for duty as a chaser. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. H. GARFIELD, Commanding U. S. S. Banshee, N W RVOL 11 Page 50 50 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Miaeomb, U. S. Navy, repeating his request frr cal- cium lights for the RoanoA-e Ricer. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 6,1864. ADMIRAL: In my No. 4 (dated October 28) I requested that calcium lights might be supplied for the vessels in this district for the purpose of lighting up the mouth of Roanoke River, and thus preventing surprise either by the ram or torpedo boats. Since the capture of this towu these lights will be more than ever useful for lighting up the river and prevent- iiig the approach, unseen, of torpedo boats. The enemy captured the boat used by IAeutenaut W. B. Cushing and have it up the river. It is reported that she steamed up the Roanoke from Plymouth; if so, she must be in good order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOMB, Commander, Comdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral ID. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Escape of a blockade runner into Wilmington, N. C., November 6, 1864. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Young, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Ivlaratauza. U. S. S. MARATANZA, Western Bar, off Wilmington, N C., November 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose extracts from the log books and reports * of commanding officers belonging to this division of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, in reUerence to the escape of a large, two-smokestack, side-wheel steamer, bound into Wilmington. The cir- cumstances as near as I can get at them were as follows: At about 8:15 p. in., while cruising on night station, saw a rocket fired in a north- westerly direction, traveling easterly; saw several flashes of guns apparently from two vessels in chase to the eastward, close in under Oak Island. I immediately hauled in to the northward, so as to com- mand the main channel with the guns. We discovered a side-wheel steamer lying, as near as I could judge, broadside to beach, but could not distinguish whether she was on shore or not, she being some quarter of a mile to the westward of the wreck of the (ieorgiana MeCaw and directly under the fire of Fort Caswel] and Bug Light batteries. The night being very bright and clear, and the moon to the westward of us and defining our position, [we] were opened upon from Fort Caswell and shore batteries to the westward, the shell exploding beyond and some of the Whitwortli striking close alongside. I tried the range of my 100-pounder rifle, but did not succeed in striking the runner. I ran down to the westward to communicate and concert measures for the runners destruction by boats. After speaking the steamers Aries, Britannia, and tug Bolus steamed back for station, they following and closing in on the position of the runner. When I reached my station the steamer had her fore-staysail set and apparently a steam tug towing her bows around so as to point her over the bar, and as the Reports of the U. S. steamers Bignonia, Britannia, Dnmbarton, anl Nan8emond omittef a~ unnecessary to publish Page 51 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 51 moon disappeared about this time we lost the run of the vessel until she was seen under the guns of Fort Caswell, inside the bar. I would state, from the early hour of the night taken advantage of by the runner, that it is my impression that she must have been anchored under the laud to the southward and eastward of Lockwoods Folly Inlet and passed the western blockaders before she was discovered. I would also state that we have eight stations off the bar to keep, and having only seven vessels to perform the duty, we are compelled to extend our lines. I would respectfully suggest that there should be furnished one or two smart vessels to cruise from our most western station alongshore to the southward and westward 20 miles, overlap- ping Lockwoods Folly Inlet to intercept any runners. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. YouNG, Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy, Senior Officer Present. DAviD D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Acting Master Lundt, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Eolus. U. S. S. BOLUS, Off Western Bar, Cape Pear River, November 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report, with much regret, the entrance of a blockade runner over this bar last night. At 8:15 l)~ in., while patrolling my station, being in 44 fathoms water, Bald Head light bearing E. by S.,I espied a two-smokestack, side-wheel steamer off my starboard beam, close inshore, making for the bar at full speed. I immediately turned and gave chase, sending up rockets and firing at him with the 30-pounder rifle; but he got in, though I followed him until the shot and shell from the rebel batteries fell close around me. While firing the last shell from the rifle the lock blew partly off and at the same time the vent of the 24-pounder howitzer got clogged, aiid I stopped to repair damage. Meanwhile saw that the blockade runner had run aground. Stood to the westward and communicated the same to the U. S. S. Aries, and returned in company with her toward the bar, when it appeared as if the U. S. S. Bignonia was aground near the blockade runner. Stood in to within half a mile of them, and at 10:15p.m. sent in an officer and 6 men in a boat to reconnoiter and to ascertain if any of our ships were aground. The boat returned at 11:45 l~ in. and the officer reported that he stood close in and pulled around the wreck of the Georgiana ]IfcCaw and ascertained that none of our fleet got ashore, but that while standing in he saw the blockade runner get afloat and enter the harbor. The blockade run ier, not being seen in time by any vessel to the westward, and being already so close in to the bar when first discovered by me, it was impossible to head him off and to prevent his entrance. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ ~. LUNDT, Acting Master, Commanding U. S. S. JiJolus. Lieutenant-Commander GEO. W. YOUNG, U. S. Navy, Senior Officer Present Page 52 52 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Wells, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Aries. U. S. S. ARIES, Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N C., November 7, 1864. SIR: I have to report while cruising on night statIon No. 4. in 5 fathoms water, with Bald Head light bearing E. ~ S. and Spot Hill N. W. by N., at a quarter before 9 oclock last evening, I discovered a strange steamer bearing N. N. W., close under the land, steering to the eastward at full speed. I immediately gave chase, opened fire on the stranger, and threw rockets to the eastward, indicating his course. The Maratanza and Bolus soon joined in the chase and succeeded in driving the stranger aground on the northern edge of the channel. My boats were soon iu readiness to board him, but, assisted by a rising tide, he got afloat and ran in before this much-desired object could be accom- plished. The moon was shining bright and the tide was about one- fourth flood when the blockade runner ran in. Had my vessel been 1 mile farther to the westward, and other circumstances in this case remaining the same, this runner would never have got into Wilmington. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. F. S. WELLS, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander GEORGE W. YoUNG, & nior Oflicer Present. Report of Acting Master Arey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wilder- ness, regarding the chase of a blockade runner. U. S. S. WILDERNESS, Off New Inlet, November 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that at 8p. m. last evening I made a steamer coming out of New Inlet. It was bright moonlight at the time, and the How quah bore N. by E., the Cherokee S. S. W. Both vessels were plainly in sight from me. When I thought he was far enough from me to enable me to cut off his return, I started for the channel. He turned back and started for the bar to return at the same time. He got inside the bar before I did. I chased him into 3 fathoms of water, and at the time I gave up the chase I was about three-quarters of a mile from Fort Fisher. The chase returned near the Mound, and I kept him in sight till 1:30 a. in., when it shut in very thick, and I ran into 3 fathoms water and laid there during the night, and at daylight this morning a~)~)arently the same steamer got underway and went up toward Wil- mington. I am positive that no vessel went in or out of this port last night. Very respectfully, your obedient servan -, HENRY AREY, Acting Master, Commanding U. S. S. Wilderness. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 53 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 53 Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding the opening of the channel in ~ Reach. HAMPTON ROADS, November 7, 1864. SIR: Referring to your communication of 4th instant, in relation to blowing out the channel in Trents Reach, you are authorized to make requisition oi Commander Lynch for anything you may require. Employ Mr. Maillefert and go ahead as soon as possible, and try to blow out some of the channel if you do not succeed with the whole. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAATID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander E. T. NiCHOLS, Commanding U. S. S. Mendota. Report of Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Osceola, regarding the chase of the C. S. S. Tallahassee, November 7, 1864.* U. S. S. OSCEOLA, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, November 14, 1864. ADMIRAL: I beg leave to make the following report of extracts from log book of the U. S. S. Osceola; On the 7th instant, at 11:15 a. in., sailed from Beaufort, N. C., with this vessel under my command. At meridian Cape Lookout light- house bore per compass E., distant about 7 miles. At 12:30 p. in. saw a sail bearing S. by W. At 1 saw black smoke bearing S. S. W. Gave chase under a full head of steam. At 1:45 saw more black smoke bear- ing S. S. W., also saw a steamer inshore. Soon saw two other steamers in chase, the whole of them steering to S. W., and we trying to cut them oft and nearing them rapidly. Set jib, foresail, and mainsail. At 2:30 took in the mainsail on account of its making the ship steer badly. Made the steamers out to be three of our cruisers in chase of a rebel privateer or blockade runner. The leading vessels of the pursuers fired at the chase, and the fire was returned, but at too long range to reach. At 3 set the mainsail. The second black smoke we saw proved to be one of our gunboats in chase, a vessel like the Fort Donelson, one a boat like the Quaker City, and the other a screw steamer like the Aries. At 3:30 went to general quarters, cast loose the guns, and pre- pared for battle. Saw a steamer to the E. N. E. coming up, probably the Gettysburg. The steamer we called the Quaker City gave up the chase. From 4 to 6p.m.: Still in chase; the chase keeping her position ahead, but drawing into the bight between Cape Lookout and Cape Fear, and we trying to cut her off, when she hauled to the southward along the land and we gaining on her while doing so. From 6 to 8 p. in.: Still in chase and gradually gaining. At 6:15 called No. 1 guns crew to quarters and fired four shell from forward pivot (100-pounder Parrott), only being able to see the smoke from her smoke pipes against the western sky. At 6: 40 lost sight of her in the increasing darkness. Stopped the engine and hove to. Secured the battery. From 8 to midnight: Heard firing to the northward and eastward, probably the Gettysburg, which lasted but for a few minutes. At 8:30 * See also Series I, vol. 3, pp. 308340 Page 54 54 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. a steamer passed us, steering to the S. S. W. She showed the night signal of the blockading fleet and we answered. Ship hove to, only steaming ahead occasionally to bring the ships head to the swell to prevent her rolling so heavily. Sounded occasionally in 10 fathoms water. * * * * * * * The vessel we chased was probably the Tallahassee. * * * * * * * I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. M. B. CLITZ, Corn mander, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID P. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. S. Navy; commanding U. S. S. Gettys- burg, regarding the chase of a blockade runner, November 7, 1864. U. S. S. GETTYSBURG-, Beaufort, N. C., November 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on the 7th instant, at 2 p. in., off Beaufort Bar, I sighted black smoke to the southward and westward, with the Osceola, Lilian, and anoth& ~r vessel in chase. We immediately gave chase and gained steadily till dark. When off Mason- boro Inh~t lost sight of all the vessels and hauled in close to the beach to prevent the chase from turning back. Soon after saw several rockets in the direction of the fleet, but saw nothing more. At 12 m. on the 8th instant, in latitude 320 23 N., longitude 770 37 W., sighted black smoke and chased S. E. till dark,when, it being misty and rainy and nothing to be seen, gave up the chase in latitude 310 42 IN., longitude 760 25 W., having gained about 6 or 8 miles, and the chase 6 miles distant when last seen. She was a side-wheel steamer, bound in. Our furnaces being constructed for burning soft coal, it is very diffi- cult and sometimes impossible to get as high pressure of steam as is desirable in a chase with the hard and frequently inferior coal we get at Beaufort. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. II. LAMsoN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID P. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report ~f Commander Spotts, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Paw- tuxet, regarding the chase of a blockade runner. U. S. S. PAWTUXET, Beaufort, [N. C.], November 7, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order of the 26th of October, 1 proceeded down the coast. On the 27th, finding that I could not reach the Fort Jacksons station until late at night, having very heavy weather at th Page 55 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 55 time, I ran into the station assigned me, intending to deliver your dis- patches to Captain Sands the following day. The eng:nes getting out of order, I did not get down until the 29th; could not find the Fort Jackson; remained at her station that night. On the 30th went on the west side of Frying Pan Shoals in search of her; found a quantity of cotton adrift; had picked up 16 bales when, at 3:30 p. in., I discov- ered a blockade runner. hull down, to the southward and westward. Immediately gave chase, overhauled the Dumbarton in chase, gained ou her very fast, going 13 knots, and at dark had gotten within about 4 miles of her; soon after dark lost sight of her, but followed on the course until 11 p. m. She was quite a large steamer, side-wheel, one smokestack, schooner-rigged, painted light lead color. With one hour more daylight I could have caught her. On the following day I retnrned to my station. Enclosed please find the track of the vessel. On the 5th instant ran down to the Fort Jacksons station, but saw nothing of her. Will send the cotton north the first opportunity. You will please instruct me in regard to distribution of the proceeds from the sale of cottou picked up, as I understand the Government does not claim one-half, as in other cases. I arrived here to day; will coal and be at my station to-morrow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. SPOTTS, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. I). PORTER, Comdg. North A tiantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Commander ]Iifacoinb, U. S. Nary, regarding a reconnoissance to ~Jamesviile, Roanoke River. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 7, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to report that on the 5th instant I sent the Chicopee and Whitehead up the Roanoke as far as Jainesville on a reconnoissance, and also to seize any boats, cotton, or supplies belonging to the enemy. The vessels returned, however, without having seen any batteries or made any captures. Commander ilarrell, of the Chicopee, commanded the expedition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. MACOME, Commander, Comdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Order ~f Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Nary, to Commander Nichols, U. 5 Navy, to report all movements of the enemy in James River. HAMPTON ROADS, VIRcHZNLA, November 8, 1864. SIR: I desire to have definite and recent information of the positions and movements of the rebel fleet iu James River. Yomi will therefore detail two or three smart, active officers to watch theum, and direct them to report to me, through you, every movemen Page 56 56 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. of any importance made by any of the rebel vessels, and where they generally lie at night. The object is to know their habits. Very respectfnlly, yonrs, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Commander E. T. INICHOLS, Comd~q. Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron, James River. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Manning, U. S. Navy, to proceed to the Western Bar, delivering orders to vessels. HAMPTON ROADS, November 8, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to the Western Bar, Cape Fear River, and on your way stop at Beanfort, delivering orders, etc. You will then find the following vessels and deliver to them the accompanying orders: R. R. Onyler, Tristram Shandy, Gettysburg, A. D. Vance, and Fort Donelson. You will remain oft~ Western Bar until further orders. Very respectfully, [DAVID D. PORTER,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. [Acting Ensign EDw. MANNING], Commanding U. S. S. Little Ada. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to the senior officer off West- ern Bar, regarding the stations of vessels. HAMPTON ROADS, November 8, 1864. SIR: Until further orders the R. R. Cuyier, Tristram Shandy, Gettys- burg, A. D. Vance, and Fort Donelson will report for duty to blockade off the Western Bar and return to their original stations as they may be relieved by other vessels. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear- Admiral. SENIOR OFFICER OFF WESTERN BAR, Cape Fear River]. [P. S.JAs you go out, pick these vessels up from their stations. Report of Actinq Volunteer Lieutenant Balch, U. S. Navy, regarding the movements of two blockade runners. U. S. S. HOWQUAH, Off Wilmington, N. C., November 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report: While on my station at 8 p. m. last evening in 4~ fathoms of water, with the Mound light bearing W. ~ S., saw a steamer bearing W. by S Page 57 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 57 just to the southward of the Mound light, coming out. He came to the northward as far as the range lights-bearing W. ~- N. from us, when he turned and went back, lying in under the Mound. As the moon went down we drew in toward the mouth of the channel. At this time the Wilderness bore S. by W. and the Seneca N. N. B. I did not lose sight of the strange vessel until 12:30 a. m. At 5:30 p. m. on this evening a steamer came down and anchored in the river to the westward of the Mound. At daylight apparently the same steamer was lying there, and went up the river past Fort Fisher. I have the honor to be sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. BALOR, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. How quah. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding troops for the batteries at Plymouth, N. C. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 8, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to inform you that General [I. N.] Palmer, commanding district North Carolina, has this day sent 300 troOI)s to garrison the batteries at Plymouth, and he states that should General Butler, to whom he has referred the matter, think proper to hold the place more men will be sent. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. MACOMB, Commander, Comdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Commander ]lfacomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the adjournment of Confederate court at Edenton, N C., November 8, 1864. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 22, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to report that on the 8th instant Acting Master Francis Josselyn went to Edenton, N. C., with the Commodore Hull and adjourned, by my orders, a rebel court in session at that place. Mr. Josselyn says that this was the first court they had held at this town during the rebellion. Many of the residents of the town have been considered loyal, and treated as such. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOME, Commander, Comdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 58 58 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report ol Acting Master Josselyn, U. S. Navy, regarding the adjournment of Confederate court at Edenton, N~ C., November 8, 18(14. U. S. S. COMMODORE HULL, Ofi Edenton, N. C., November 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that, agreeably to your instructions, I landed with a detachment of men this afternoon at Edenton and adjourned sine die a county court which was in session in the court- house at that l)lace under so-called Confederate authority. This court, the first that has been held at Edenton since the breaking out of the war, the authorities had the impertinence to hold under my very guns. No arrests were made, I having received no order to this effect. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANCIS JOSSELYN, Acting Master, Commanding. Commander W. H. MACOMB, U. S. Navy, Commanding District of Sounds of North Carolina. Order of the Sec. etary of the Navy to Commodore Godon, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. steamers Susquehanna and Monadnock. NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 9, 1864. SIR: Proceed with the Susquehanna, in company with the ]Jilionadnock, to Hampton Roads, and report, on arriving there, to Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter for duty. Do not tow the ]IiEonadnock unless an emergency should arise which, in your judgment, may require it. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commodore S. W. GODON, Commanding U. S. S. Susquehanna, New York. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report regarding the capture of the sloops Reliance and Little Elmer in Mobjack Bay. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Mfalvern, Hampton Roads, November 10, 1864. SIR: Some days since I sent the U. S. S. Stepping Stones up to Mob- jack Bay to put a stop to the smuggling carried on there. She returned this morning, having in tow two sloops (Reliance and Little Elmer), captured for attempting to run the blockade. I enclose copy of report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant D. A. Campbell, commanding the Stepping Stones. I would respectfully ask instructions where to send vessels captured in this way; they are mostly very small craft, and there will probably be quite a number of them, as there are a great many engaged in the business. I am,sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID 1). PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary qf the Navy, Washington, 1). C Page 59 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADIN(+ SQUADRON. 59 [Enclo8llre.] U. S. S. STEPPING STONES, Hampton Roads, Virginia, November 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that while lying at anchor in the mouth of East River (Mobjack Bay) yesterday at 12 oclock in. I saw two sloops coming in and steering directly toward the Ware River. I immediately hove up anchor and gave chase, and in the course of an hour I brought them to, after firing three shots. I immediately sent the executive officer on board to search theni, but he found 110 contra- band goods on board, and the only excuse the captains could give was that they were bound to York River and ran into Mobjack Bay by mistake. You will see by reference to the chart that a man with ordinary intelligence could not make a mistake like this, as the light- house on New Point bore E. S. E., Severn River W. by S., and East River N. N. E. when captured. I therefore tow the vessels to Hampton Roads and deliver them up to you, as I consider them prizes to the Government. The names of the sloops are the Reliance, of Middle- town, N. J., William Ravat, master, and the Little Elmer, of Bayonne, N. J., Thos. Osborn, master. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. A. CAMPBELL, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral P. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. P. 5.By your order I went 011 shore and saw the provost-marshal and showed him the papers of the vessels. He informed me that the Reliance was cleared for Yorktown, but the Little Elmer had no clear- ance, and that neither vessel had any right to go into Mobjack Bay; that it is a blockaded port and has been during the war. Very respectfufly, your obedient servant, P. A. CAMPBELL, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Campbell, U. S. Navy, regarding blockade running from the eastern to the western shore of Virginia. U. S. S. STEPPING- STONES, Hampton Roads, Virginia, November 10, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order~ I have the honor to make the fol- lowing statement in regard to blockade running from the eastern to the western shoie of Virginia. During last fall and winter I was sent to eastern shore several times by Acting Rear-Admiral S. P. Lee to obtain information about blockade runners from eastern to western shore, and according to the best information I could obtain it is done in canoes. The rebels keep their canoes sunk in the creeks, and when they want to run the blockade they have their goods all ready, and in the night they get them up, put in their goods, and run into the rivers and creeks iu the vicinity of New Point light-house.. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. A. CAMPBELL, Acting Volunteer Lientena ut, Commanding. Rear-Admiral I). D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 60 60 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order qf the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Master Ilerrick, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Western World. NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 10, 1864. SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Western World to Rain pton Roads and reJ)ort to Rear-Admiral D. 1). Porter for duty in the North Atlantic blockading squadron. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Acting Master E. HERRICK, Secretary of the Navy. Commanding U. S. S. Western World, Washington. [Telegram.] CITY POINT, VA., November 11, i86411:30 p. m. (Received 1:45 a. in., 12th.) Will you leave Washington at noon, or will you be here at that time? I ask because I want to see Admiral Porter if I can get away, and will arrange to meet you at Fort Monroe and come np with you. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. Hon. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Navy. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the pursuit of the C. S. S. Tallahassee.* NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Hampton Roads, November 11, 1864. SIR: I have received numerous reports from the different vessels in pnrsuit of the rebel privateers, and the latter have been constantly chased and fired into, but without capture so far. The Chickamauqa,* I think, was chased on the 8th off Beaufort, and when last heard from vessels were in pursuit. She has been sighted and chased five times. I am in hopes she may be yet caught before she gets in. The rebels have, I think, been driven from the Northern coast. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 1)AVID ID. PORTER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral. Secretary of the Navy, Washinqton. D. C. Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of Confed- erate letter regarding the C. S. ram A lbemarle. U. S. S. SHAMROCK Off Plymouth, N. C., November 11, ~I8G4. ADMIRAL: I enclose herewith a copy of a letter t from the Secretary of the C. S. Navy to Capt. J. W. Cooke C of the ironclad Albemarle. , . S. Navy, late commander * The C. S. S. Tallahassee entered Wilmington, N. C., on November 7, 1864, and the C. S. S. Chicicamauga was at Bermuda from November 8 to 15, 1864. See Series I, Vol. 3. See Series 1, Vol. 10, p. 659 Page 61 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 61 This letter you will perceive was dated May 26, 1864, and I have lately received information that the vessel referred to therein is now ready to be launched at Halifax, [N. C.]. As there is not water enough iii this river, except during the freshets, for vessels of this class to ascend as far as Halifax, I would respectfully suggest that a land force may be sent to destroy this ironclad before she is completed. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOMB, Commander, Comdg. District of the Sounds, N. Atlantic Squadron. itear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. List of vessels and stations in James River, November 12, 1864. Name. Class. 5tation. Duty. Onondaga Ironclad Dutch Gap Delaware Purchased steamer do Picket. Alert Purchased tug do Do. Mendota Gunboat do Do. Eutaw do Deep Bottom Hunchback Ferryboat - - Curles Neck Daylight Propeller Upper Turkey Beud Commodore Morris... Lower Turkey Bend Commodore Barney Appomattox River Commodore Perry do do . Repairing. General Putnam Side-wheel do Miami Gunboat City Point Dawn Propeller Harrisons Lauding Henry Brinker Propeller (small) do Patrolling. 5amuel Rotau Schooner Chickahominy Atlanta Ironclad Newport News Young America Tug Patrol boat Repairing. Report of Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding the enemys vessels in the James River. U. S. S. MENDOTA, James River, November 12, 1864. ADMIRAL: Your letter of the 8th instant, desiring definite inforina- tion about the position and habits of the enemys vessels on the river is received. In reply I would state that froln the best information I have at present, their usual position is about 10 miles by course of the river above Trents Reach. They were formerly lower, but uloved up when General Butlers batteries opened on them, and since the blowing up of the Albemarle have moved up again. At night one of the iron- dads comes below the other two (distance not known) and goes up again about 4 a. m. She is always accompauied by one and sometimes two propeller gunboats, who keep underway below her, and two row- boats rowing guard below them again. This information I get partly from a~my people and partly from verbal report of an officer I sent up on land to reconnoiter, but I think he also got most of his information from army people. I will, however, send officers up at night and try to obtain more definite information. The river in some places is quite narrow, not more than 400 feet, and all the port side going up is securely picketed by the enemy and I presume also on the starboard, from the point where our picket line terminates. The pickets are immediately on the river bank and within talking distance of ours. There is a regula Page 62 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. tide here, six hours each day, except after rains, when the ebb lasts longer and the strength [is] accelerated. Average strength of tide about 1~ knots. I shall be able in a day or two to give you more defluite and particular information of the locality, movements, etc., of the enemys vessels. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. T. NICHOLS, Commander, Corn dg. pro tern. Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic ASquadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Webb, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pahkee, to proceed to duty at the Western Bar. NOVEMBER [12], 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to the Western Bar, off Cape Fear River, and report to the senior officer there as a bar blockader. You will use your coal very carefully, that you may not be obliged to be absent from the bar on the dark time of the month, and to avoid that, if necessary, coal at Beaufort going out. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Master F. R. WEBB, Commanding U. S. S. Pahkee. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. . Yavy, to Captain Glisson, U.S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, regarding blockade duty. HAMPTON ROADS, November 13, iSGI. SIR: You will proceed without delay to your station off the Eastern Bar, Cape Fear River, carrying out the directions in General Order, ITo. 18, as far as practicable. You are not to consider yourself as tied down to the bar, but cruise off and on either on the Bermuda line or on either side of it, as the runners may seem to come in or go out, using your discretion, but showing yourself off the bar at times near sunset, and run out as occasion may require after dark. I do not approve of using rockets so much to indicate the direction the runner is going; they can do the same, only they can throw the rockets in the wrong direction. Do not fail to make the vessels chasing show a red light over the stern in a box. This will be the best guide for those behind and prevent our vessels being fired at. I will soon have some rockets that the runners can not imitate; until then use those you have as sparingly as possible. Thefollowing are the vessels stationed on the bar at the east entrance: Alabama, How quah, Wilderness,Kansas, A gawam, Niphon, Clematis, a tug to be sent there, and three others. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID I). PORTER, 1i~ear-Admirai. Captain 0. S. GLIssoN, Commanding Santiago de Cuba, Hampton Roads Page 63 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 63 Report of Commander Rolando, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Key- stone State, regarding a blockading c~urse. U. S. S. KEYSTONE STATE, Off Beaufort, N. 0., November 13, 1864. SiR: I have the honor to report my return to Beaufort after a cruise of thirteen days on the line of blockade duty assigned me. For the first week, from the 2d of November to the 6th, 1 had consecutive gales from the southward and eastward and northward and westward, during which the ship leaked considerably in her spar deck and upper works. I sighted nothing, except our cruisers and a few sailing vessels, until the 10th instant, when, at 8:30 a. in., I made a steamer from the mast- head and stood for her. The steamer continued slow steaming, showing no smoke, pursuing her course across our bows to the westward, we standing about S. S. E. until I was 6 miles off, when her course was changed to S. by W., and she commenced throwing out puffs of black smoke from one chimney. It looked very much like a banter of speed. The Keystone State was put to her utmost speed, carrying 25 pounds of steam (all that could be carried with safety) and making 14~ revolu- tions per minute. II succeeded in getting 10~ knots per hour, which was the utmost I could drive the ship. The chase, finding that she did not run away from us, fired up on her other boiler, showing smoke from the second chimney, when she moved away from us, steaming at about 13 knots per hour. I followed up the chase for 90 miles, being then run out of sight for more thati an hour,~ and night coming on, gave it up, chagrined, and repaired to my position. The result of this chase has led me to bring to your notice the deteri- oration of speed in the ship, not with any view of complaint, but that it may be suggested, by your better experience and judgment, what should be done to get her up to her former speed. I am convinced that the condition of the ships bottom is the material cause. It was covered with metal, and not copper, in 1861, by this time worn away, and I could see, as the ship would rise to the sea, on the flare of the bow many places where the metal was hanging loose. With the same steam and making as many revolutions during the summer she could have come up to 12 -knots. The speed is in the ship, and I think with new copper and some repairs to the machinery, involving sixty days, she can be put in running order. With a smooth bottom, the engine in good order and carrying 30 pounds of steam, 1 will guarantee that I will get H knots out of the ship. During the chase I was running with only 80 tons of coal, ten days provisions, and 3,000 gallons of water in the ship, flying light, a good topgallant breeze blowing from the southward, and smooth sea ahead. Running under the most favorable circumstances and making so little speed convinces me that the cause lies in the roughness of the ships bottom. When the ship was turned over to me by Commander Peirce Crosby he mentioned that latterly there had been a great falling off in the speed of the ship, and in his judgment he attributed it to the same cause I have reported to you, viz, the defective state of the bottom. The chase was a side-wheel steamer, two smokestacks, her gaffs on deck, jaws lowered and peaked above the rail, with a hooded forecastle extending to her foremast, arched considerably above the rail of the shipI think a vessel of about 600 tons. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, II. IROLANDO, Commander, U. S. Navy. liear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 64 64 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Beaumont, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw, to proceed to Beau- fort, iS. C. HAMPTON ROADS, November 14, 1864. SIR: You will proceed with the vessel under your command to Beau- fort, N. C., and discharge the monitor ammunition you now have on board, after which you will coal up and proceed to your station off Wilmington. Be sure to be there before the dark time of the month. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander J. C. BEAUMONT, Commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding a vessel for repairs. HAMPTON ROADS, November, 14, 1864. SIR: You will send up any one of your vessels that you can best spare for repairs. I will send the Mattabesett to relieve one of the double-enders. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander W. II. MACOMB, Commanding District of the Sounds, U. S. S. Shamrock. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report recom- mending the raising of the C. S. ram Albemarle and U. S. S. Southfteld. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Hampton Roads, November 14, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a report from Commander Macomb, dated Plymouth, November 6, 1864, in which he expresses the opinion that the wrecks of the Albemarle and Southfteld can be raised. I concur with him in this, and respectfully recommend that a contract be made and a party be sent down with the necessary apparatus for doing the work as soon as possible. I think that will prove the cheapest and most expeditious method. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 6, 1864. ADMIRAL: I respectfully request to be informed whether you desire me to hold or evacuate Plymouth. From the strength of tha lan Page 65 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 65 defenses, I should judge that a few troops could easily hold them, pro- vided we hold the river. Two or three ferryboats with heavy batteries could effect this, and thus the necessity for keeping the double-enders in the sounds would be removed, and they might be otherwise more advantageously employed. Should you think it advi~able to hold the l)osition, it will be necessary that troops be sent here, as General Palmer, commanding District North Carolina, informs me he had not sufficient force at New Berne for that purpose. Should you think best to evacuate, please inform me what disposition to make of the ordnance and ordnance and other stores captured. I would also respectfully ask, What is to be done with the rain Albe- marie? I think she might be raised, were the proper submarine and raising apparatus sent out here, at small expense, and would prove a valuable vessel in onr Navy. If, however, you think otherwise, I con- sider that it would be dangerous to leave her in her present state, for the rebels would certainly make use of her armor, and therefore that she ought to be completely destroyed. The steamer Southfteld might also be raised by the same apparatus. Her engine was a very fine one. I have had the guns in all the batteries except Fort Williams spiked and dismounted, to prevent the enemy from using them should he attempt a recapture. Fort Williams is held by a garrison of soldiers, assisted by a detail of men from the ships. It commands the approaches to the town by land. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. MACOMB, Commander, Comdg. District of the AS~ounds, North Atlantic squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic iS~quadron. Report of Commander ]Jiliacomb, U. S. Navy, requesting instructions regard. ing the disposition of schooners used as obstructions in the Roanoke River. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 14, 1864. ADMIRAL: There are sunk in the river at this place, besides the ram Albermarle and the steamer ASouthfteld, three schooners, with which the rebels blockaded the channel when we attempted to ascend the Roanoke on the 29th October. I respectfully request to be informed whether the above are to be considered prizes, and also what disposition is to be made of the schooners. The barricade below the town still remains, and has been strength- ened, to prevent the enemys torpedo boats from passing, and another has been made above the town and fleet. I am, sir, very respectfully your obedient servants W. II. MACOMB, Commander, Comdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear.Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. N W RVOL 11 Page 66 66 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding postponement of the opening of canal at Dutch (lap, James River. U. S. S. MENDOTA, James River, November 15, 1864. ADMIRAL: I this evening received information from M. Maillefert that it was intended to-morrow to blow out the bnlkhead at the up-river end of the canal. As the force in the river is altogether inadequate to make use of the canal, provided it be a success, and the opening gives the enemy a chance to send down torpedoes and torpedo boats, or even to bring down his own ironclads, I addressed a letter to Brigadier General Ludlow, in charge of the work, requesting him to postpone the opening until I could communicate with you on the subject. Ii am now engaged in studying the habits of the rebel vessels at night, and it appears to me that the opening of this canal will certainly induce them to materially change their night arrangements and render it necessary to study them out again. Very respectfnlly, your obedient servant, ED. T. NICHOLS, Commander, Comdg.pro tern Fifth Division,North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral B. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Faucon, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Montgomery, to pro- ceed to blockade duty off Wilmington, N. C. HAMPTON ROADS, November 15, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay, running under canvas and saving coal, to your station off Wilmington as a chaser. You will study the printed directions given to blockaders and observe them closely. Do not fail to make the signal by steam whistle for the course the runners steer; and fire alternate grape and shell when in grape distance (250 yards), particularly at night. Direct the A. D. Vance to resume her station. Respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant E. H. FAUCON, Commanding U. S. S. Montgomery. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, making sug gestions regarding the blockade ofi? New Inlet. U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAS, Off New Inlet, November 15, 1864. ADMIRAL: Having been at this bar nearly eight months, my experi- ence tells me there should be at least one small, swift vessel patrolling the coast, close in of nights, for 3 or 4 miles above the bar toward Masonboro. Runners in many cases coming down the shore, and get- ting in the pocket under the fort are unseen by the bar vessels, an Page 67 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 67 slip in about the time they are obliged to haul off. Such a vessel as the Lilian would suit there admirably. The Cherokee I would like to reserve for similar duties along Smiths Island and the shoals to the southward of Sheep Head Rock. The How quah, Clematis, and Wilder- ness are admirable for the bar and Swash channels and the intervening space between, and all sufficient for the purpose. The Alabama, a large side-wheel steamer, is of little or no use in here; she is too large an object for inshore cruising, and I respectfully suggest, as she is reported a 13-knot steamer, that she be sent outside, and one of the smaller and slower gunboats, such as Seneca, be sent here in her place. Such an arrangement will make the blockade here pretty strong at all points, and by judicions management about coaling them, I trust never to have more than one absent at a time. Captain Clitz leaves to-day to coal and resume his station offshore. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PENn. G. WATMOUGH, Lieutenant- Commander, Senior Officer Present. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Captain Berrien, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. ]lLonadnock, regarding the cruise of that vessel from Hampton Roads to New York and return. U. S. S. MONADNOCK, Hampton Roads, November 15, 1864. SIR: Referring to your letter of the 14th instant, calling for a report of the performance of this vessel on her passage between this port and New York and the return passage, I have the honor to state that the Monadnock was taken in tow by the Susquehanna at 3 p. m. on the 6th instant, both vessels steaming and making about 7 miles per hour, excepting on occasions when the engines were slowed for the purpose of sounding, etc The light-boat off Sandy Hook was reached at 5 oclock on the morn- ing of the 8th instant, in a dense fog, and here the Susquehanna anchored for a change of weather. During the entire run from Hampton Roads to Sandy Hook the sea was quite smooth. The forward and after hatches of the vessel were closed to keep the water out, but the engine-room hatch remained open all the way. The engines worked well, averaging 48 revolutions with 20 pounds of steam, which was found to be just sufficient to keep the towing hawser moderately taut, and to favor the steering. In the afternoon of the 8th instant the fog in qnestion cleared away, the ]Jfonadnock cast off from the Susquehanna, and steamed into the harbor of New York, making at times 7 knots per hour, and anchored at 6:30 p. m. between Bedloes Island and the Battery. On the morning of the 11th instant the Susquehanna and ]Ilionadnock got underway and went down to the anchorage at Staten Island. At sunset weather fine. Both vessels got underway and proceeded to sea, the Monadnock not iu tow, making 7 knots per hour. On the morning of the 12th instant there was a fresh breeze from the southward; it was found necessary to close all the hatches, as the sea was breaking com- pletely over the Monadnocks deck, and at times, while driving her pretty well into it, the sea would curl well up the turrets and the spra Page 68 68 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. fly over the tops; it was thought advisable to go into the Delaware Breakwater, which anchorage was reached at 4 p. m. Left the breakwater at 8 oclock on the morning of the 13th instant, and steamed down the coast at the rate of 7 miles per hour; wind northwest and freshening. The passage from Chincoteague to Cape Henry was exceedingly rongh; there was considerable sea although the gale was offshore. The ship behaved well, all things considered; the rolling, however, was such as at times to cause anxiety for the boats. The sea broke completely over the vessel, curled up the tnrrets and occasionally threw the spray inside, bnt no water of consequence got below. All this time the engines were working well at 63 revointions per minute, with 25 pounds of steam, and the ship making good prog- ress, say 6 knots an hour, toward her destination. Jn conclusion, I beg to say that the ]Jilionadnock, though buoyant at all times for an ironclad vessel, is particularly so with but 200 tons of coal on board instead of 300 tons, which latter quantity is her full complement of fuel. I would further say that, from what I know of the Monadnock, I believe under favorable circumstances she will go 8 and 9 knots per hour, but not any more. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, J. M. BERRIEN, Captain. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, flampton Roads [Endorsement.] From all accounts this is the best monitor afloat, and can safely and expeditiously go anywhere, and in any weather. D. D. P[ORTER]. [Telegram.] WASIIINcfTON, November 16, 1864. See if you have any shaky steamer that will carry 300 tons. It will save time. Otherwise I will get a blockade runner. We will go on with this. General Butler left this evening and will cooperate. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Selfridge, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. ifuron, to proceed to duty off Western Bar Inlet. HAMPTON ROADS, November 16, 1864. SIR: Proceed without delay to the Western Bar entrance to Wil- mington, N. C., and take a position there to enable you to act efficiently as a chaser or header off. Try and remain on the blockade (luring the dark of the moon, and coal up during the light of the moon Page 69 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 69 Pay particular attention to night signals, whistles, etc., and do not trust anyone who shows a flash light without requiring him to make other signals. Yery respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander T. 0. SELFRJDGE, Commanding U. & S. Huron. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Belkuap, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Seneca, of arrival at Hampton Roads. U. S. S. SENECA, Hampton Roads, Virginia, November 16, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the vessel nuder my command at this anchorage from the blockade off Wilmington via Beaufort, N. (IX, in tow of the U. S. S. New Berne, the forward main engine being disabled. Very respectfully, your obedient servant,~~ E. BELKNAP, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding reconnoissances in the Roanoke River. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 16, 1864. ADMIRAL: Since the reconnoissance up the Roanoke made by the Chicopee on the 5th instant, reported in my No. 15, two others have been made in the same directionone by the Whitehead on the 9th instant, and another by the Louisiana and Belle on the 14th. No signs of the enemy were seen as high up as 4 miles above Jamesville. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. MACOMB, Comdr., Comdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admi D. D. PORTER, .nmanding North Atlantic Squadron. Letter from Brigadier- General Ludlow, U. S. Army, to Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, agreeing to postpone the opening of canal at Dutch Gap, James River. DUTCH GAP, [VA.], November 17, 1864. SIR: II have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation of the 15th instant, and would state that the canal has now reached that point of completion when but little work is needed to fin- ish it; that the mine is prepared to blow out the bulkhead at its north- ern terminus, and all that is necessary to do is to charge it with powder. Preparing the mine for the explosion is but a couple of days~ work Page 70 70 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. and the firing it should not be delayed, for fear that the powder be deteriorated by the dampness of the earth. Jn your communication you request time to communicate with the admiral in reference to the danger from the rebel ironclads descending the river via the canal, and the necessity of strengthening time fleet now ill these waters, in order to meet such a contingency. Unwilling to endanger the safety of the army and the shipping iu the James River below this point, and thoroughly appreciating the facility with which the rebel fleet might pass through the canal, I will not open the channel entirely until I receive further communication from yourself. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, B. C. LUDLOW, Brevet Brigadier-General, Commanding Post. Captain ED. T. NICHOLS, Commanding F~/th Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter U Davis, U. S. Navy, . S. ]Vav~I~ to Lieutenant- Commander commanding U. S. S. Sassacus, to proceed to duty otf Eastern Bar. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, November 17, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to the Eastern Bar and remain off there as a chaser until I relieve you. You will take on board Mr. Bradford, of the Coast Survey, to whom you will give all assistance in getting a course of soundings, of which the chart is now deficient. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander J. L. DAvIs, Commanding U. S. S. Sassacus. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, regarding the absence of vessels from the blockade. U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAS, Off New Inlet, November 17, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have a certain force to keep up this blockade with and I endeavor to so arrange it that not more than one will be absent at a time for coal. At present there are two absent; the How quah, the third, will have to go this evening. The Alabama, one of the two, left here on the 12th to tow the Seneca (disabled), with orders to fill up with coal and supply herself with anchors, returning as expeditiously as possible. Her commanding officer, after reaching Beanfort, sent me a verbal message that some pipes had arrived and that he would not begin to coal ship until to-day, the 17th, as he would be occupied fitting them. He has now been absent five days. Time Cherokee left on the evening of the 14th, with positive orders to return here to-day. She has failed to comply with these orders, and necessitates the inlet being left with but three vessels. The fault lies in time commanding officers failing to attach due value to orders and to the exigencies of the serv- ice they are upon, and I fear until they receive some startling admon Page 71 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 71 tion through examples made all efforts at anything like system will prove fruitless. I respectfully submit these cases to your action. I ani~, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PKND. G. WATMOUGH, Lieutenant- Commander, Senior Officer Present. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic ASquadron. Report of Lieutenant- Commandcr Arnold, U. S. iNavy, commanding the U. S. S. Otsego, regarding reconnoissance to Jamesville in the Roanoke River. U. S. S. OTSEGO, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 17, 18G4. SIR: I respectfully submit the following report: In obedience to your order of this (late, I proceeded in the Otsego, under my command, accompanied by the Ceres, Acting Master II. H. Foster, commanding, up the Roanoke River as far as Jamesville, at which point I was informed by the pilot accompanying me that the Otsego could not, without great difficulty and much time, proceed farther owing to the abrupt turns of the several bends between that place and Williamston, which I originally started to reach, if possible to do so, and return to Plymouth before dark. Being satisfied from my own knowledge of the river, derived from an examination of a chart (confirmed by that of the pilots), that 1 could not reach Williamston before dark, if at all, I ordered Acting Master 11. II. Foster, command- ing the Ceres, to proceed up the river farther in his vessel an(l examine the bends referred to, make a reconnoissance, capture all supplies he might see on the rivers bankcotton, etc.destroy all boats or anything else which might be useful to the enemy~ and collect such information as would be of service to us, and retur~i and report accordingly in time to permit of our reaching Plymouth by dark. The reconnoissance, con- ducted with intelligence, confirmed the opinions previously expressed by the pilots that if it was not impossible for the Otsego to reach Wil- liamston, it would require at least an entire day to do so. As your instructions forbid me to remain away from Plymouth during the night, and I could not reach Williamston without doing so, I have returned to report. We saw nothing in our reconnoissance to capture or destroy. At Jamesville we captured a rebel soldier, whom I send to you, and obtained from parties on the banks of the river information that there were two regiments at or about Williamstoii, commanded by Colonel Whitford; that there were troops between Jamesville and Williams- ton, back from the river bank a few miles, but how many they could not say, and that there was a cavalry picket half a mile from James- ville on the main road leading to Williamston of S men. I also learned that the enemy are strongly fortifying Rainbow Bluff, but I could not ascertain whether they were erecting batteries between Jamesville and Williamston or not. The Ceres went 7 miles above Jamesville, but saw no batteries or troops. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. N. T. ARNOLD, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding U. S. S. Otsego. Commander W. II. MACOMB, Commanding District Sounds, North Carolina Page 72 72 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, giving information regarding Confederate ram at Kinston, N. C. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 17, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to submit to you the following inforina- tion received through two Union soldiers who have been confined in Southern prisons and have lately made their escape: I{aving made their way from prison as far as Kinston, N. C., they met a rebel deserter (of whom they say there are many lurking iii the woods), who, on hearing that they intended going down the Keuse River to New Berne, informed them that it would be impossible to do so, as in passing Kinston they would certainly be discovered from the rebel ram lying there with her crew and armament of 4 guns on board, ready to start down the river as soon as the water should rise sufficiently. Very res~)ectfnlly, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOME, Comdr., Comdg. District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. 1?eport of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report regarding the movements of Confederate vessels in James River. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]Jfaivern, Hampton Roads, November 18, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith copy of report from Com- mander E. T. Nichols regarding the movements of the rebel vessels in James River. The army are going to blow out the bulkhead in the canal at Dutch Gap to-morrow, and I would respectfully request that the torpedo boat now in New York may be sent here as soon as possible to be used against the rebel rams. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. MENDOTA, James River, November 16, 1864. ADMIRAL: In obedience to your order to ascertain as accurately as possible the habits and proceedings of the enemys vessels in this river, I have the honor to make the following report: On the evening of the 14th Acting Master Lothrop Wight, of this vessel, volunteered his services to make a reconnoissance and proceeded to do so, accompanied by Acting Ensign F. W. Mintzer, commanding picket tug No. 6. They succeeded in reaching the bank of the river at or near the point marked A on the accompanying sketch. Here they observed one oC the enemys vessels underway, patrolling the river, while a tug had anchored some distance below. Another vessel, which they could not see, but from which they heard the steam escap- ing, anchored above, about B, the vessel patrolling. Mr. Wight a Page 73 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 73 first supposed it to be an ironclad, but was subsequently convinced that she was an ordinary propeller, as he could hear the blades of her screw strike the water as she moved along. She had a spar across her forecastle and another spar extending bowsprit-like from tbe bow, with a stay to an upright spar near the bow, not a mast. He could not see whether anything was attached to the outrigger. This vessel is probably the one the army have reported as an ironclad, which was in the habit of anchoring there at night, but iMp. Wight says she keeps underway, only dropping an anchor to swing around by at each end of her beat. All these observations were made before the moon rose; after that, fearing discovery by the pickets of the enemy, who could be plainly seen on the opposite side of the river, he retired; but made his way down again before daylight and examined the banks of the river as far as the point C~ without discovering any sign of obstructions. On the opposite side of the river he saw three boats made fast, tw Page 74 74 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. skiffs and a rowboat, but does not know whether they were used dur- ing the night. During the night he heard heavy pounding near where the lowest tug was anchored, but presumes it must have been on board - the vessel herself, as he could uot see anything on the river or river banks to account for it. He had beeu informed by army officers that the river banks where he wished to examine were picketed by the enemy, and therefore caution was necessary. He satisfied himself that there were no pickets there the night of the 14th and requested I)er- mission to go there again last night. He has returned, aiid I now give the substance of his latest observations. There are certainly no pickets from the Graveyard round to the point C, but last night men were landed at two places from the patrol boats, remained a short time, and then retired. The tug came down to the same point as on the night before and two propellers patrolled the river above her, one up and one down, passing each other about abreast of the Graveyard; each patrol. ling steamer towed a boat with a man in it, and two rowboats were constantly cruising in the river. The vessels all moved up the river this morning before daylight. After daylight Mr. Wight pursued his researches along a road to near a point marked D ~ from which he could see the smokestacks of seven steamers over the land. Five were moving up and two remained stationary; these two he feels sure were ironclads. He is certain that neither last night nor the night before did the ironclads come below Kingsland Creek. Opposite the Graveyard, and extending down along the river, are very heavy bat- teries, quite near the bank. The red dots along the left bank represent the enemys pickets. Last night Mr. Wight passed most of the time above the Graveyard, and is satisfied that no ironclad was as low as Kingsland Creek. lie goes out again to-night, and I will forward to you by mail the result of his further observations. I must commend to your notice the zeal of Mr. Wight in this work. lie sits as member of a court-martial during the day, and spends his nights in the field. I am informed that deserters from the ironclads report that they have heavy nets suspended froni outriggers extending entirely around them, and below their bottoms, as a protection against the attack of torpedoes. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. T. NICHOLS, Comdr., Comdg. pro tern Fifth Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Order of Bear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Nichols, U. S. Yavy, regarding the opening of the canal at Dutch Gap, James River. HAMPTON ROADS, November 18, 1864. SIR: Your communication has been received. Let the army go ahead and blow out their bulkhead, and when they get a vessel through just let me know. As to rams and torpedoes, they can all be avoided by proper care. Board the rams and keep oat torpedo catchers. It will serve to keep the watches on the alert, and the picket boats lively. Respeettully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander E. T. NICHOLS, Commanding Fifth Division, North Atlantic Squadron Page 75 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 75 Letter from the Secretary of the N~tvy to Rear-Admiral ]~orter, U. S. Ndvy, regarding measures to be employed in case of injury done to prize vessels or their cargoes after surrender. NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 18, 1864. SIR: From reports of captures, it is inferred that in some instances articles are throwii ~verboard after the prize has yielded or surrendered. After a vessel has surrendered or has ceased to resist, either by abandoning further effort to escape or discontinuing hostile action, it is inadmissible for those in her to throw overboard papers, cargo, or other articles of importance or value, or to injure the vessel in any manner. By doing so they subject themselves to the danger of being fired into, and the captor is justifiable in resorting to such measures, should he perceive unmistakable indications that such a course is being pursued by those on board the captured vessel. Very respectfully, etc.. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squi~dron, Hampton Roads. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Trenchard, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Rhode island. NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 18, 186-4. SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Rhode Island to Hampton Roads and report to Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter for duty in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commander S. D. TRENCHARD, Commanding U. S. S. Rhode Island, New York. instructions of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding operations in James River. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, November 19, 1864. SIR: The Onondaga, Eutaw, Maine [Miami ?], ]Ifendota, ]IiLassasoit, Hunchback, and Commodore Perry will take their stations up near the canal [Dutch Gap] when opened, the Onondaga lying in the rear of all, with her guns trained on the canal, and the others placed in a position, line astern, that will enable them to fire through the canal. At sunset steam will be kept up for all night, and the chains ready for slipping at a moments notice. At sunset all the vessels will go to quarters and prepare for night action. The guns will be loaded with shot and shell, cast loose, pointed toward the canal, and priming boxes kept at the guns. One watch will be kept on the deck at all times, night and day, and the men are to be instructed when they turn out at quarters at night. They must no Page 76 76 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. wait to dress themselves, but get to quarters with their clothes in their hands. They must be practiced constantly at night quarters. The strictest discipline must be kept up, and every violation of orders severely punished. Picket launches, with torpedoes ready for service, will be kept in the mouth of the canal ready at a moments notice to dash through and apply a torpedo to a rebel vessel, and not less than three armed boats will be stationed in the upper end of the canal, to give notice of the approach of boats or enemys vessels. If boats approach they are to be boarded and carried at all hazards. Arrangements will also be made with the army, by which pickets on the bank can signal to ns any movement of the enemys vessels. The army code of signals will be used, and you must endeavor to obtain an army signal officer. Direct all vessels in the river to arrest any boat they may see pulling up or down and keep them until the most satisfactory evidence is given that they are friends and out on the river by lawful authority. All the vessels of your command will rig out torpedo catchers on the bow, as per annexed diagram, or any other plan equally as good. Let it be understood that if rebel rams do come through the canal every vessel is to run her on board and make fast to her, keeping her ports shut by firing musketry into them. As soon as the vessels are made fast they will let go their anchor and endeavor to hold the rain in that way, having the chains ready to slip in case the fastenings are cat. I am convinced that a superior force will always capture an enemys vessel in this way. Recollect to keep lookout boats at the obstructions at omit no precautions heretofore practiced. the same time The Massasoit and Commodore Perry will be up immediately, and the Western World will take the place of one of the double-enders stationed below. She will be up immediately. No boats will be allowed to leave the vessel after sunset, except on duty, and no visiting in the daytime to our camp. Previous to the explosion which is to blow out the canal, all vessels will be moved out of the way and dropped below the canal, and the deck ports of the monitors will all be closed nutil the effects of the explosion have passed. If the rebels erect batteries opposite the canal the ironclads will drive them away. If an opportunity occurs, and men are to be found for desperate enter- prises, endeavor to have the rebel rams destroyed. The loss of a picket is nothing in comparison to the destruction of an enemys vessel. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAvID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Report of Commander Nichols, U. AS1. Navy, giving information obtained from a reconnoissance in James River regarding Confederate affairs. U. S. S. MENDOTA, James River, November 19, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the proceedings of Acting Master L. Wight last night. He was accom- panied by Acting Ensign W. B. Barnes, of this vessel, and Acting Assistant Paymaster S. T. Browne, of the Onondaga, both volunteers Page 77 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 77 The party succeeded in reaching the river bank in close proximity to the enemys picket line and near enough to one of the ironclads to get a tolerable good view of her. The vessel answers to the description of the Alabama [0?], but larger. This one was the farthest down of any and the only one they could positively identify as an ironclad. A short distauce above her they could see the loom of a large object, which they supposed to be another. They could not positively say whether the vessel they were nearest to was protected by booms from the vessel herself or not, but could distinctly make out a heavy boom extending entirely across the river below her, forming an angle with the apex downstream, the ends of the boom made fast at the shore, abont abreast of the vessel. The vessel lays near the middle of the river, but a little nearest to the north bank, and off each quarter, between herself and the boom, was a dark object, which they supposed to be boats anchored. Two of the patrolling steamers are armed with a pivot gun at each end, one with a pivot forward, and the other apparently unarmed. Mr. Wight does not think the ironclads come below the position in which he saw them last night, which is abont half a mile above Kingslaud Creek. An army officer informed him that on yesterday a large ten- oared boat came down a short distance below Kingsland Creek and placed something in the river, leaving a stake to mark the spot. Mr. Wight has prosecuted his researches with zeal and energy and under difficulties, and is deserving of credit. He speaks in terms of commen- dation of those who have been with him, and especially of Acting Assistant Paymaster Browne, of the Onondaga. Major-General Weitzel and Brigadier-General Paine, of the Eight- eenth Army Corps, have been particularly generous in giving all aid and placing every facility at the disposal of Mr. Wight for the prose- cution of his investigations. I concur with Mr. Wight in the opinion that it is next to impossible to operate against the ironclads by means of boats. Very respectfully, your obedient servant~ED. T. NICHOLS, Commander, Comdg. pro tern. Fifth Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, 6~ommanding North Atlantic Squadron. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to the Assistant Seereiary of the Navy, requesting lights for the vessels in James River. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Hampton Roads, November 19, 1864. M~ DEAR Fox: Will you please have sent me without delay ten large locomotive lanterns to put on the monitors and other vessels bows in James River; they will do better for certain purposes than the other light. If I can get two by next steamer, I will be much obliged. They talk of opening the [Dutch Gap] Canal to-morrow, and I want to be ready for torpedoes. Our fellows have all got the ram fever up there, and write doleful letters. I tell them I am glad the rams are going to be let loose; it will put some life into them. Please send the lights at once; I may want to use them immediately. Very truly, DAVID D. PORTER Page 78 78 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 19, 1864. Calcium lights promised Tuesday. What draft will do for 300 ~ Rumors that prize will have to be returned. Have telegraphed Butler to hold. Spuyten Duyvil leaves New York to-day via canals. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Contdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, November 19, 186410 p. m. (Received 10:40 p. in.) I will hold on till I hear from you. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. Hon. 0-. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of Navy. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMRNT, November 20, 1864. Your telegram to Wachusett can not be sent; line down. You will have to send up a tug, or else send word by the mail boat from Hamp- ton Roads. The general will hold on to the blow up until the Strom- boli arrives from New York. 0-. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] FORTRESS MONROE, VA., N 20, 186411:30 p. m. (Received 11:45 p. in.) Dont let General Butler stop his explosion on our account. There are vessels enough at the gap to eat up all the rebel rams, and I have put a man there (Parker) who never had the ram fever. The sooner they get through the better, and if we ask them to stop for us, delay may be hurtful. I think the Louisiana will do for our purpose. Have ordered her from the sound to Beaufort, [IN. C.], to take out everything but her boil- ers and machinery. The material had better be sent to Beaufort at once. D. D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. 0-. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of Navy Page 79 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 79 Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Louisiana. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]lfalvern, Hampton Roads, November 20, 1864. SIR: Send the Louisiana to Beaufort without delay, and report to me if she can stow 300 tons, in measurement 3,000 barrels, and not draw over 8 feet with all her coal, provisions, masts, guns, anchors, and everything else except boilers and machinery. Let me know if she will stand rnnning in a moderate sea, or how much she will stand; how much water she will make, and, in fact, everything about her. Read the following signals from the boat code signal book and you will see what I want with her. * * * * * * The vessel should be able to carry 3,000 barrels by measurement, calculating 8 barrels to the ton, and then not draw over 8 feet. I want this attended to at once. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Commander W. II. MACoMB, Commanding District of the Sounds. Orders of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, commanding District of the Sounds, regarding general in atters. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Jifalvern, Hampton Roads, November 20, 1864. SIR: I have written to you several times about matters and things in your district, but from fear you have not received my letters I repeat the substance. Dismount all the captured guns and send them to me. Use all the ammunition that will suit for the vessels under your com- mand. Send here all naval stores, copper, lead, or brass. Leave no rebel guns anywhere that may be captured. Raise the Albemarle if possible. Keep communication with me more frequently. Send all the Government-built double enders to Beaufort, N. C., to await my orders. Send the coal that conies in the sounds to Beaufort. Send all rebel dispatches to me without delay. Always let me know what is wanted, and write to me every time you have a chance. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Comniander W. H. MACONE, Commanding District of Sounds. [Telegram.] FORTRESS MONROE, November 21, 1864. Picket boat No. 5 has arrived. DAVID {), PORTER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Rear-A dmirak Secretary Navy Page 80 80 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report qf Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Baich, U. S. Navy, regarding the chase of a blockade runner. U. S. S. IIOWQUAH, Off Wilmington, N. 0., November 21, 18G4. SIR: I would respectfully submit the following report: While stand- ~ng in on my station last evening in 6~ fathoms of water, U. S. S. Kansas spoke us. At 6: 30 by the How quahs deck timepiece, Mound bearing W. ~ S., ship heading W. N. W., saw the white water of a side-wheel steamer bearing N. W., and going very fast to the N. N. E.; called all hands to quarters and gave chase; at the same time the Kansas fired a rocket and gun; we fired two rockets. At 7: 30 lost sight of her and returned to our station, the Mound bearing W. by S. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. BALCH, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. ~ear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Commander Guest, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. fosco ,of the capture of the British schooner Sybil. U. S. S. Josco, At sea, November 21, 1864. SIR: I herewith euclose duplicate prize lists of the officers and crew of this vessel for the British schooner Sybil, of Nassau, New Providence, from Matamoras to New York, loaded with 307 bales of cotton, seized in longitude 760 52 W., latitude 330 18 N. She purports to be from Matamoras to New York, loaded with cotton. There is no evidence to show that the cotton. came from Matamoras on the Mexican side of the river, and labors under the suspicion of having run the blockade. The papers of the vessel are incomplete, and being without clearance from either Mexican or French authority (the French being in possession of Matamoras when she sailed), increases the suspicion that the cotton tame from the Texas side of the river. There are no owners names ~given to the cotton, but it is principally covered by an insurance under ~n English policy. New York, to which it is nominally consigned, being merely a port of transshipment, the cotton has therefore been taken in delicto from Texas to England. Another gronud of seizure is that it i~ contraband of war, as much as gold, silver, or bills of exchange, being the basis for the Confederate loaii and supplies in England. (Reler to Diplomatic Correspondence for 1863, Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams, Mr. Adams to Lord Russell.) The papers of the outward-bound voyage show that the cargo consisted of boxes of hard- ware and merchandise (which might have been arms). The only clear- ance consisted of a letter of clearance from a British acting vice- consul, for a vice consul, for the vessel and none whatever for the & cargo. The voyage of this vessel from New York to Matamoras has ibeen undoubtedly to supply the rebels through that place and to ~receive cotton in any way she could get it, taking the coastwise chances Xo~r running the blockade. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN GUEST, Commander Comm Hon. Gw~o~ WELLES, , anding U. S. S. losco. Secretary oJ~ the Navy Page 81 NORTh ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 81 Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. school-ship Sabine. NAVY DEPAI~TMENT, November 22, 1864. SIR: The U. S. S. Sabine (second rate), being appropriated entirely for a school-ship for the instruction of apprentices, is not to be con- sidered as forming a part of the North Atlantic Squadron, but will anchor off Norfolk, under the command of the commanding officer of the naval station. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. 1). PORTER, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 22, 1864. Six locomotive lights left New York last evening by express. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Qf the Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Comdg. North A tiantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 22, 1864. (Jan you send 150 tons to Beaufort when wanted l Vessel is prepar- ing there for 300 tons. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Army of the James, Bermuda Hundred, Va. Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, of his arrival at Dutch Gap, James River,for the command of the Fifth Division. U. S. IRONCLAD MATIOPAC Dutch Gap, James River, November 22, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the ]IIahopac at Dutch Gap to-day at 11 oclock a. in., and that I have assumed the command of the Fifth Division of North Atlantic Squadron. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. A. PARKER, Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. N W RVOL 11 Page 82 82 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Corn inander Ammen, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mohi can. HAMPTON ROADS, November 22, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to the New Inlet entrance to Cape Fear River and perform such duty as may be assigned you on the blockade of that entrance. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander DANL AMMEN, Commanding U. S. S. Mo hi can. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Ram- say, commanding U. S. S. Unadilla, to proceed to duty off New Inlet. hAMPTON ROADS, November 22, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to the blockade off New Inlet and act as chaser until the vessels that belong to that bar are on their stations, when you will proceed to your station as marked on the blockade chart. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander F. M. RAMSAY, Commanding U. S. S. Unadilla. Report of Commander Macomb, U S. Navy, of the evacuation of Washing- ton, N. C. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 22, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to report that on the 17th instant Acting XTolnnteer Lieutenant F. M. Green, commanding Louisiana, visited Washington N. C., and reports it evacuated by the enemy on the 11th instant. He says: ~~rThey took all their stores with them except one 32 pounder, of 63 cwt., which they spiked and threw down the embank- ment. The rebel forces are about 9 miles out, between Washington and Greenville. The whole Pamlico region appears to have been abandoned by the rebels. The rebels now hold no position on either sound. Jam, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, W. LI. MACOME, Commander, Commanding District Sounds, North Atlartic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Commander Macomb, U.S. Navy,forwarding information regard- ing Confederate defenses in the Roanoke River. [U. 5. s~1 SHAMROCK, November 22, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have just receive(l the following as the mail closes, from two escaped negro soldiers (Union) Page 83 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 83 At Rainbow Bluff, on this river [Roanoke], the rebels have 10 guns, 4 bearing on the water and 6 on the land. They are mounting more guns. The fort is on the right side of the river (coming down). There are 1,500 troops there. At Poplar Point (2 miles below Rainbow Bluff) there are 200 troops. There are torpedoes 3 or 4 miles below Rainbow Bluff. Respectfully, etc., W. H. MAcoME, Rear-Admiral PORTER, Commander, etc. Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Studley, U. S. Navy, regarding the opening of the port of Norfolk. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, Va., November 23, 1864. SIR: The papers announce that the port of Norfolk has been opened for trade. I have received no official notice of the fact. Until I order it you will not permit any vessels other than those employed by the Army or Navy to enter this port to trade. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Master I. B. STUDLEY, Commanding U. S. S. Young Rover. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Trenchard, liL S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Rhode Island. HAMPTON ROADS, November 23, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to Eastern Bar and take your station as a chaser, cruising off and on from your position as marked on the chart. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander S. D. TRENCHARD, Commanding U. S. S. Rhode Island, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander ]Jilacomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Louisiana. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, ilampton Roads, November 23, 1864. SIR: Send the Louisiana to me at once at this place. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID ~. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Commander W. H. MACO1WB, Commanding District of the Sounds Page 84 84 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Guest, U. S. Navy, commanding the U. S. S. losco, regarding the cruise of that vessel from November 18 to 22, 1864. U. S. S. IOSCO, Hampton Roads, November 23, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have to report the incidents of my late cruise as follows: Left Beaufort 18th instant. On the 20th, finding defect in engines, determined to return to Beau- fort. 21st, seized the schooner Sybil (British), with 307 bales of cotton, from Matarnoras to New York. Sent her to ~ew York, via Hampton Roads, in charge of Acting Ensign Paul Ware. 22d,in hoisting up boat after boarding vessel, stove the boat and dropped a man overboard, who was rescued. 22d, at 4 p. in., heavy gale from S. W., which continued twelve hours; ship worked and strained to a dangerous degree, steering badly; knocked up starboard guard and lifted hurricane deck; started bolts in waterways and docks, loosened the copper about the water line, opened and split bulkhead, and generally strained her very much. By constant watchfulness and skillful steering I was enabled to keep her head to sea, but to do so was obliged to drive her into it with ten turns of the engine, equal to a speed of 6 knots; she would lot steer with less. Had she fallen into the trough of the sea, she would soon have been knocked to pieces. When the gale broke on the morning of the 22d, my observation showed that I had been drifted by the Gulf Stream to the latitude of Cape Hatteras, which determined me to come here and report to you, instead of going to Beaufort and losing the time which would be neces- sary to forward report from there and receive your orders. This vessel I do not consider fit for the blockade for the following reasons: 1st, inability to stand heavy weather; 2d, want of speed, and rolling so that a boarding boat can not be lowered in any sea at all; 3d, she will not steer. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN GUEST, Commander. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Entrance of the blockade runner Little Hattie into New Inlet, North Carolina, November 23, 1864. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Braine, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pequot. U. S. S. PEQUOT, Beaufort, N. C., November 24, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have to report that yesterday morning, at a few moments before 8 oclock a in., whilst standing to the N. N. E. near land by Stump Inlet, North Carolina, I discovered a white object close to the shore and steered for it. It soon proved to be a two-piped side- wheel steamer, heading to the southward and westward, and I itnmnedi- ately gave chase. The runner stood to the southward and westward. I hoisted colors and numbers and fired a shot across his bows. As he gave no answer, I opened fire upon him at about 8: 10 a. m. and con- tinued firing, making black smoke to attract the attention of an Page 85 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 85 cruwers near by. I continued the chase, making all (Irawilig sail. The chase slowly drew ahead of me, continuing to steam down the coast. I was close inshore and followed her, and at 10: 05 a. in. was abreast of Masonboro Inlet, and the fleet off New Inlet, Cape Fear entrance, was plainly in sight from this ship. I continued firing at the runner, although I could not reach her, with the object of attracting the attention of the blockading vessels. We wore now in sight, with my number hoisted, making black smoke and firing guns, but the blockaders failed to comprehend the chase, and I had the mortification (when close inshore, under the fire of Half Moon battery), at 10:45 a. in., to see the runner enter New Inlet entrance of Cape Fear River, North Carolina, she not being seen by any of the blockaders until she was nearly up to Fort Fisher, and it was too late to intercept her. The U. S. S. Kansas came toward and exchanged numbers with me shortly after I had passed the Half Moon battery. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. L. BRAINE, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Commander Spotts, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pawtuxet. U. S. S. PAWTUXET, At Sea, November 23, 1364. SIR: Yesterday I ran the coast dowu from Bogue Inlet to Masonboro Inlet. close in to the land, cruised off Masonboro Inlet last night; met the Pequot soon after daylight, standing up the coast. I followed the coast down to the fleet off New Inlet, intending to run the coast up in the afternoon. Just as I arrived there the Pequot was discovered chasing a blockade runner down the coast. I gave chase with the rest of the fleet, but failed to cut her off before she reached the bar. Lieutenant- Commander Braine informed me that he found her lying near the land between New River and New Topsail inlets. She must have run in last night, as she was not there yesterday afternoon. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. SPOTTS, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Boads. Report of Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba. IT. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Off New Inlet, November 23, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to Rear-Admiral David ID. Porter that I arrived off New Inlet this morning and anchored at 9:20 a. in., having come in in consequence of a heavy gale of wind from the S. and W. At 10:20 a. m. discovered a vessel under sail bearing N. by W.; made signal 8251 to the squadron to get underway, which was accomplished as soon as possible. The Kansas was the first to lead of Page 86 8(3 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. and stood in to the land to cut off the strange sail. Soon after the strange sail stood out from the lan], being opposite to the Half Moon battery, which opened lire on the vessel under sail, and which proved to be the U. S. S. Peq not, in chase of a blockade runner, which, from the peculiar state of the atmosphere, was not seen by our lookouts until she was under the guns of the fort. The time elapsed from the sight- ing of the vessel under sail was only about thirty minutes nntiii the blockade runner was in side of the bar. As she passed the fort she had the appearance of a vessel coming down the river. There are so few vessels on this bar that I have ordered Captain Clitz, with the Osceola, to remain until the Sassacus returns, hoping that it will meet your approbation. It has been blowing a gale of wind nearly every day since I left Norfolk, and I shall be compelled to come up for coal about the 1st of the month. I would earnestly request the admiral to have a permanent divisional officer stathmed off this bar, and more vessels are required for bar tenders. There are only eight here at this timethe Osceola, Kansas, flow quah, Alabama, Monticello, Cherokee, Wilderness, and Clernatis, which is disabled. I sail this even- iiig on my offshore station. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. S. GLIsSON, Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Captain, U. S. Navy. Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Warmough, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kansas. U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAS, Off New Inlet, November 23, 18G4. SIR: I have to report that this morning at 10:05 a. m. a vessel was reported from the masthead on a bearing of N. N. E. The quarter- master was sent aloft and reported he thought it was a steamer with two smokestacks, standing along the land to the S. W. I immediately sent the officer of the deck aloft, who reported it was a vessel under sail, with colors flying at peak and foremast, and that the batteries were firing at her. The signal, A suspicious sail in sight to the N. N. E. was begun; at about 10:15 spread fires, chain brought to, and the order given to heave up. At 10:20 was underway, standing to the N. W. to head off this sail. At this time the sail was seen from the deck, andI stood under four bells to head her off. After steaming a mile I discovered a two-stack steamer about a mile to the northward of Fort Fisher, standing down along the land, headed inshore, but soon discovered, to our mortification, that owing to the peculiarly rarefied state of the atmosphere the blockade had been broken during the day- time. I then headed up for the stranger under sail, at whom the bat. teries were firing, and made her out to be the Pequot. I must add here that after our signal was mastheaded the senior officer present, Captain Glisson, made signal for the squadron to get under- way, which was immediately obeyed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, PEND. G. WATMOUGH, Lieutenant. Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 87 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 87 Report of Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Osceola. U. S. S. OSCEOLA, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, November 23, 1864. ADMIRAL: This morning about 10 oclock a steamer (probably a blockade runner) was seen close in nuder the land, and near Fort Fisher. in compliance with orders received from Captain 0. S. Glisson, I have to make the following report: About a quarter to a half an hour before the signal was made for the squadron to get underway black smoke was discovered bearing N. to N. by E. Soon after a vessel was discovered under sail, which vessel was firing, and the batteries on shore also firing. The squadron immediately got underway and bore down for the sail, which proved to be the U. S. S. Pequot, Lieutenant-Commander Braine commanding. In the meantime the steamer, close in under the land and near Fort Fisher, ran the blockade through New Inlet, eastern entrance to Wilmington, N. C. The said steamer was not seen until she had reached the position referred to. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. N. B. CIITz, Commander, U. S. Navy. Rear.Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Baich, U. 5. Navy, commanding U. S. 5. Howquah. U. S. S. IIOWQUAH, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, November 23, 1864. SlR: I respectfully submit the following report: At 10:30 by the Jliouquahs deck timepiece, lying at anchor in 8~ fathoms of water, with the fleet, consisting of ten vessels, Mound bearing W. ~ S., Kansas made general signal 7826. At the same time Santiago de Cuba made general signal 8251. Spread fires and commenced heaving in chain. At 10:40 lookout reported a steamer or schooner np the beach, bearing N. W. from us, with the Half Moon battery firing at her. At 10:45 underway, standing in to the westward, with the fleet, to cut off any vessel coming down the beach. The lookout reported a white flag and two smokestacks going in past Fort Fisher. At the same time, owing to the mirage, the atmosphere was such that it was impossible to make out distinctly objects on shore, only the tops of the trees, Fort Fisher, and the Mound visible. Strange vessel up the beach proved to be the U. S. S. Pequot. At 11: 20 returned to our anchorage. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. BALCH, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. How quah. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 88 88 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Alabama. U. S. S. ALABAMA, Off New Inlet, North. Carolina, Nocember 23, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report as follows: This morning at 9: 30 a. in. I left my ship at anchor near the other ships of the squadron off the bar of New Inlet to report to Captain Glisson, on board the & tntiago de Cuba, who had just arrived and anchored near me. At 10 a. in., while in Captain Glissons cabin, a report was made that a schooner was coming down the lan(l to the northward and eastward and was being fired at by the batteries on shore. A few minutes after the report was corrected by stating a black smoke was beiig chased by the schooner, and she was firing at it. I hastened on board my ship, which was getting nn(lerway (in obedience to signal from Captain Glisson), and asked the officer of the deck what two-pipe steamer it was in sight, and which appeared to be between ns and the land, and some distance past us to the westward and nearer time bar. He informed me by reply- ing, That steamer is coming down the river, sir. I noticed her when she first passed a clump of trees betweemi the coast and the river, and have watched her ever since. She is in the river, sir; her hull is hid by the land. In heaving np my anchor the chain, parted and I was soon underway. The vessel under sail inshore was being fired at by the Half Moon battery, but which firing was mistaken by us for an attempt to prevent the U. S. S. Kansas from heading off and capturing the sail. We followed the Pawtuxet in, and soon saw the stranger haul off for the squadron under American colors. When she exchanged signals with the Kansas we found it was the U. S. S. Pequot. We followed then the motions of our senior officer and returned to our anchorage, when we were surprised to hear that the steamer seen with two pipes had been chased along the land by the Pequotand made her run in over the barright in broad daylight; but it is proper to state that the mirage, or reflection, was so great that it was impossible to make out the true nature of the case until it was too late to remedy it. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK SMIHI, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dennison, commanding U. S. S. Cherokee. U. S. S. CHEROKEE, North Atlantic Squadron, off New Inlet, November 23, 1864. SIR: I most respectfully submit the following report, viz: At 10:30 this morning, being at anchor in 8~ fathoms water, the Mound bearing W. +N., B Head light-house bearing S. W. by W.~W., I saw a steamer under sail bearing N. by W., apparently close under the land, heading to the southward and westward; at the same time the Santiago de Cuba made signal 8251. I immediately slipped and stood toward strange sail, all the fleet getting underway. A few minutes after saw a steaiu& r with two smokestacks and rebel flag flying, apparently near the Mound to the westward. The atmosphere being in such a state Page 89 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUAI)RON. 89 it was almost iInl)oSsible for me to distinguish anything close under the land, water and land seeming to blend in one. The steamer under sail proved to be the IT. S. S. Pequot. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Wiu. E. DENN!SON, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding Cherokee~ Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Bruner, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Clematis. U. S. S. (JLEMATIS, Off New Inlet, November 23, 1864. SIR: I have to report that while at anchor this morning in 8 fathoms water, at about 10:30 a. in., the officer of deck reported a suspicious- looking vessel coming from the northward. I immediately went on deck to examine it. While doing so the Santiago de Cuba made signal for the squadron to get underway. My vessel being disabled, I made sig- nal to that effect, which was answered by the Santiago de Cuba. The strange vessel proved to be a blockade runner chased by one of our vessels, and succeeded in getting into Wilmington. From where we lay it was almost impossible to see a vessel inshore on account of the great mirage. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. D. BRUNER, Acting Volunteer Lieu tenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Acting Master Arey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wilderness. U. S. S. WILDERNESS, Off New Inlet, November 23, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report: At 10 :30 this morning made a strange steamer under sail, very near the land, bearing N. W. by N. At 10:35 U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba made signal for the fleet to get underway. I immediately slipped my anchor and started in chase. The steamer made appeared to be in chase, but the mirage was so great that it was five minutes before I made the chase bearing W. by N., steaming for New Inlet very fast, and was so imear it as to render it impossible to intercept her. The steamer in chase proved to be the U. S. S. Pequot, and while she was steaming along the land I saw the Half Moon and Gatlin batteries open fire on her. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, hENRY AREY, Acting Master, Commanding U. S. S. Wilderness. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 90 90 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Extract from the official diary of Colonel William Lamb, commanding the defenses of Confed- erate (Federal) Point, with headquarters Fort Fisher, N. C. November 23, 1864.Last night was the coldest I have experienced in some time. Ice formed in bucket in Doctor Singletons house in room with fire. Six blockaders off at sunrise. At 10:45 a. m. steamer Little Hattie, Captain Libby, arrived from Nassau, having been chased from northward very closely by a blockader. The fleet of ten vessels did not observe her until too late to cat her off. Eleven blockaders off here at noon. Sixteen off Fort Caswell. This is the largest blockading fleet that I have ever known off the Cape Fear. [Telegram.] WASH1N~TON, [D. C.], November 24, 1864. There seems a hesitancy about receiving your 150 on account of (len- eral D[elafieldjs report against the matter, but you may go ahead, as we will furnish the whole quantity necessary and everything else. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary. Major-General B. F. BUTLER. [Telegram.] HAWIPTON ROADS, November 24, [1864]. The rebels have been doing mischief at Deep Water light~house. Send down and see what is the matter and protect a steamer on shore there. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander W. A. PARKER, U. S. Navy, Dutch Gap, in James River. [Telegram.] BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, November 24, 1864. (Received 11:50 p. in.) Your dispatch received. Will send a vessel immediately. W. A. PARKER, Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER. Commanding Fsfth Division. Instructions from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, regarding the affairs of the Fifth Division. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship Malvern, flamjpton Roads, November 24, 1864. SIR: You will issue an order to all the vessels of your command not to employ negroes as lookouts, as they are not fit to [be] intruste Page 91 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 91 with such important duty. Also that all lookouts shall be armed with muskets with ball, the musket to be fired once a week. lii a day or two 1 will send you five locomotive lights, which you will have placed forward in the bows of the monitors and other advanced vessels and kept trimmed. These should light up the whole river. I shall also send up a calcium light, which will show up all intruders. I hope you will be particular in keeping up the strictest discipline in your division. Have them frequently inspected at quarters, and report monthly to me. When you cant inspect them yourself send two regular officers to make the rounds. I want you to be particular about this; also in target practice. Dont be afraid to use ammunition, agreeable to regulation. fLat division wants a severe overhauling. So many reports come to me, that there must be a screw loose somewhere. They want to know that they have some one over them who will not pass over their neglect. I am, very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander W. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division, North Atlantic Squadron. General Order, No. 58, of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the absence of blockading vessels from their stations. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship Malvern, November 24, 1864. Complaints are made to me about want of vigilance on the part of bar blockaders and a want of attention to the orders issued by the offi- cers in command at the bars. In this matter of blockading, if every officer acted on his own ideas of right and wrong, there would be great confusion, hence the impor- tance of obeying implicitly the orders of the officer in command at the bars. Hereafter the commanding officer will give written orders to the com- manders of vessels be may send to coal, and give them a specified time to return. Unless broken down entirely, the officers sent away will exercise no judgment of their own in staying away on account of repairs. If any commander is found to be negligent in this respect, or any other that may endanger the public interests, the senior officer is directed to place him under arrest and send him to me, with charges and a copy of his orders. The Alabama was ordered to proceed on the 12th instant to Beaufort, fill np with coal and obtain anchors and return to her station without delay. Her commander sent a verbal message to the commanding offi- cer at the bar stating that he had stopped to make repairs, which I do not consider were absolutely requisite on the occasion. His explana- tion to me was not at all satisfactory, and I consider that he was extremely negligent in the performance of his duty. The commander of the Cherokee was equally negligent in not return- ing at the appointed time. The commander of the 1Iolus was twice absent from his station, and was the cause of a privateer getting over the Western Bar; all o Page 92 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ~vhich will be remembered and changes made that will insure perfect obedience hereafter. I look to the coininandiiig officer of the bar to see that all orders are strictly carried out; and he must not hesitate to exercise his preroga- tive of senior officer to remove anyone whom he finds guilty of a want of vigilance or disobedience of orders; and no case will be overlooked by me when brought to my notice. DAVID D. PORTER Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squa~lron. Order of Rear- Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, regarding the stations of certain vessels of his command. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Hampton Roads, November 24, 1864. SIR: You will direct the commander of the Moccasin to proceed with his vessel to relieve the Lilian, and take the position now assigned to the Lilian on the blockading chart. Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, in the Unadilla, will be down in a day or two, and will come between Masonboro and the bar. I send you the Berberry, and two more large tugs will soon be sent down, to be placed in such position as you think best. Retain the Cherokee until further orders. I have rebuked three negligent officers in a general order, and you must hereafter do as I have directed to be done to them. Always write to me freely about your wants, and all recommenda- tions will be carried out. After a short time I will have the right kind of vessels at the bar, but I found none on hand when I came here. Very respectfnlly, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admi*~al. Lieutenant-Commander P. G. WATMOUGH U. S. S. Kansas, Senior Officer off New Inlet. Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, of the safety of Lieutenant Cushings signal book. U. S. S. SHAMROCK Off Plymouth, N. C., November 24, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to report that the boat code signal book, belongiug to the torpedo boat of Lieutenant W. B. Cushing, was left by him on beard the Otsego, and consequently was not captured with the boat by the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. MACOMB, Comdr., Commanding District Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Bear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 93 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 93 Report of Commander ]Jifacomb, U. S. Navy, giving information regarding Confederate affairs in the Roanoke River. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 24, 1864. ADMIRAL: An escaped Union prisoner (negro) has come iii from Halifax since I wrote last. He states that the rebels are laying torpe- does in the Roanoke below Rainbow Bluff; at a place called Poplar Point. They have eighteen guns at Rainbow Bluff; the largest of which is a 64-pounder. Poplar Point is about 3 miles below the bluff. The pilot of the Albemarle, whose name is Hopkins, was trying to get recruits for Lieutenant Cushings torpedo boat to come down and blow up one of the double-enders. In one of the letters (captured) I sent you by the Tacony the rebel force in this place when we attacked was said to be 3,000. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. iVIACOME, Commander, Commanding District of Sounds. Rear-Admiral I). D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Letter from Colonel Prankle, U. S. Army, to Commander ]Iliacomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the importance of holding the Roanoke River as a base of operations and supplies. HEADQUARTERS FORCES OF PLYMOUTH, Plymouth, N. C., November 24, 1864. SIR: Having been informed that you have received orders for the evacuation of Roanoke River by the fleet under your command, and that you are preparing a communication to the admiral commanding relative thereto, I desire to express to you my opinions concerning the importance of this position, and of the gunboats remaining here to aid in holding it. The facilities for communication with district headquar- ters being so few and uncertain, I have thus presumed to express my opinion, knowing also that you were desirous I should do so. It is very evident that, should the naval forces leave here, the place must be evacuated by the military, unless the latter were largely rein- forced, and even in that event the presence of a few gunboats would at all times add materially to its safety. The importance of the Roanoke lii ver is apparent. From this place the river is navigable nearly or qu te to Weldon, the importance of which place, both on account of its iilway connections and communi- cations with the rebel arjny in Yirg~~ia and its water connection with the North Carolina sounds, is evident from the strenuous efforts of our Army of the Potomac to take and hold the continuation of the Weldon and Petersburg Railroad, and the stationing of a large naval fleet in the sounds and hereabouts, continually on the qui vive for rams and other floating craft, which have been, and if the place is evacuated will doubtless continue to be, built upon this river, to the annoyance of the fleet and to the threatening of the various places and posts now held by our forces in this State. The fertility of the Roanoke valley is well known and duly appreciated by the rebel authorities, who (lepend on it for large supplies for their armies, and who are now making strenuou Page 94 94 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. efforts to provide against its being taken, by fortifications and concen- tration of troops. If, therefore, the valley is of so much importance to the enemy, it must be of equal importance to us. The importance of holding this river as a base of operations and sup- plies is seen again from the fact that after the destruction of the ram Albemctrle and the subsequent occupation of the place by our troops the enemy at once withdrew all his troops from other places in the vicinity Washington, Greensboro, etc.and concentrated about 40 miles above Plymouth, at and near Hamilton; that they have commenced a very sti~ong line of works at Rainbow Bluff, at which place they have already mounted fourteen heavy guns, which works, it is clear, they propose to continue and extend to insure the security of their important places above that point. At Hamilton, too, it is well known the enemy have partially completed gunboats, as also at Edwards Ferry, and that to hurry these forward they have brought all their workmen from their Government shops at Halifax, and are now using all possible expedition to insure the finishing of these craft. These facts (as I consider them) are as well known to you as to me, since you have received them from the same authority, which appears to coincide in all essential points, as told by the different prisoners, deserters, refugees, etc., and particularly as stated by the fireman of the ram Albemarle. It is further well known to you that the river can be successfully blockaded some 12 or 15 miles above this place by piles, provided a naval force is stationed in the river to prevent the removal of such obstructions, and that such blockade can be thus made effectual against boats or rams of any class. Roanoke River thus held by the Navy, the military force is at liberty to operate on points on the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad, accessible from Plymouth or Washington to Tar- boro, by different roads, and with every prospect of success, whenever it shall please the Government to order such advances and operations to be made. Should the Roanoke now be abandoned, and should it at any future time be deemed necessary to retake it, saying nothing of the inconven- iences and perhaps considerable naval annoyance which will doubtless result from its reoccupation by the enemy, it can not be done. save at a great expense of life, and necessitating the employment of a large military and naval force. Hoping, therefore, that the place may not be evacuated, but that its occupation may be made a fact, believing as I do that good to our cause will be the result of holding it, I have the honor to subscribe myself, Yours, very respectfully, JONES FRANKLE, Colonel Second Massachusetts rtillery, Comdg. Forces, Plymouth. Commander W. II. MACOMB, L S. Navy, Cornmandin~ District of the Sounds. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to send the U. S. S. Young Rover to the Delaware Breakwater. NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 25, 18G4. SIR: Send the Young Rover to the Delaware Breakwater, where she is to remain for the protection of the shipping there. She will while there be considered as under the orders of the commandant of th Page 95 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 95 navy yard at Philadelphia, upon whom all requisitions for stores and supplies will be made. Direct the commanding officer on arriving at the breakwater to report by letter to Commodore J. 13. Hull, comman- dant at Philadelphia. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 25,1864. Can not you meet me about noon on board Porters flagship at Hampton Roads, Sunday nextl I shall be there, anyway, to finally arrange matters. G. V. Fox, Major-General B. ~. BUTLER, [Assistant Secretary of the Navy.] Commanding Army of the James, Bermuda Hundred, Va. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Adams, U. S. Navy, regarding the reported loss of the schooner L. and R. Smith. HAMPTON ROADS, November 25,1864. COMMODORE: The master of the schooner L. and R. Smith arrived here this morning and reports the loss, by sinking, of the schooner with 353 tons of coal on board, on the morning of the 23d, about 21 miles eastward of Cape Henry. All hands were saved, but nothing else. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commodore H. A. ADAMS, No. 323 Walnut street, Philadelphia. Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters in connection with his command in the sounds. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 25,1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to ackuowledge the receipt of your communication of the 20th instant, and hasten to answer it. I did receive your letter * of the 8th instant, and would have obeyed its instructions immediately, but that I had previously written to General Palmer to send troops to hold the place, which he had done (as I informed you in my No. 16, dated November 8) before I received your directions; and therefore I concluded to wait for further orders, which I thought you would give when you learned the state of affairs. See p. 26 Page 96 96 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I could not dismount the guns on shore and leave the garrison, which I had requested to be sent, without means of defense, nor did I think it was your intention to do so. I informed you in my No. 12, dated November 6, that the Albemarle and Southfleld might both be raised by the proper apparatus, but with- out that I do not think they could be gotten up. I think the ironclad ought to be raised to get her out of the possession of the rebels, who, in case this place is evacuated, will certaiuly raise and repair her. In reply to your directions to send the Government-built double. enders to BeauTort, I have to state that since the Tacony left, in obe- dience to your orders, the Shctmrock is the only navy yard-built vessel here. The guns in all the works except Fort Williams (as 1 informed you in my No. 12 of November 6) were dismounted and spiked. The communication with you has been kept up as frequently as pos- sible, but since the mail line through the canal has been broken all letters from the North come by way of Hatteras Inlet and New Berne, and only twice a week, and even in this there was great irregularity. I send this by Lieutenant-Commander Earl English, who has orders to explain to you more fully the state of affairs here. I shall com- mence moving the guns from the batteries today, so as to be iii readi- ness to carry out your instructions without delay, when I ascertain whether you were, by the receipt of my letters, acquainted with the true state of affairs here when those instructions were written, a doubt as to which fact being the only reason why I have not before done so. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOMB, Commander, Comdg. District Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, November 26, 18649: 45 a. m. Mr. Berney is to show me to-night a little exhibition of his fire appa- ratus. Please come up this pleasant day and I will go down with you in the morning to meet the Assistant Secretary. I mean to have Gemi- eral Grant here. Come up to the landing on the north side of James just below upper pontoon bridge. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral PORTER, Fort Monroe. [Telegram.] FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, November 26, 1864. I will start up to see you immediately. D. IJ. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Headquarters Page 97 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 97 Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, regarding an expedition to Deep Water light-house. U. S. S. ONONDAGA, Dutch Gap, James River, November 26, 1864. SIR: I have to report that ill obedience to your order by telegraph, re(eived on the night of the 24th instant, I dispatched the Commodore Perry, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant A. P. Foster, and the Hunchback, Lieutenant Commanding J. P. Fyffe, to Deep Water light-house. The Perry got aground in passing down the river, but afterwards got off. Lieutenant Commanding Fyffe reports that he proceeded nearly to Newport News and saw no batteries, and that the schooner reported ashore at Deep Water light-house got off yesterday morning. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. A. PARKER, Commander, Comdg. Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. S. Navy, requesting permission to attempt the destruction of the C. S. steamers Tallahassee and Chickamauga in Cape Fear River. U. S. S. GETTYSBURG, Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, November 26, 1864. SiR: I would respectfully request permission to enter the Cape Fear River and attempt the destruction of one or both of the rebel privateers (Tallahassee and Chickamauga) now said to be somewhere between its mouth and Wilmington. For this purpose I would like one of the steam torpedo boats, which could be brought down ou a steamers deck and hoisted out here; but if there should be difficulty in doing this, or if there should be use for all these boats elsewhere, I [will] undertake it in a cutter with muffled oars if you will furnish one or two torpedoes of the kind used by Lieu- tenant Cushing. The concussion torpedo for this vessel is rather large for this service (180 pounds), and it is doubtful if the momentum of a small boat would be sufficient to explode it. These privateers are probably lying near Wilmington, and I am con- fident of being able to reach them. Hoping that this proposition may meet your approval, I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. II. LAMSON, Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. NWRYOL11 Page 98 98 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of vessels in the Di8trict of the Sounds. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., November 27, 1864. ADMIRAL: The following is a brief account of the disposition of the vessels of this district: Qif Plymouth, N~ C. Shamrock, Chicopee, Otsego, Wyalusing, and tugs Belle, Bazely, and Martin. At New Berne, N. C.Commodore Hull (repairing) and Lockwood (unfit for service), and the tug Hoyt (repairing). The Whitehead and fletzel (both unfit for service) were also there, but I think by this time they have started for Hampton Roads with the Tacony. The ordnance hulks Albemarle and Renshau (the former of which leaks so badly that to save the ammunition I was obliged to charter a coal schooner to discharge her into), and the late army steamer Bombshell (which I have had hauled up on the mud to keep from sinking) are also at New Berne. The Bombshell has a couple of locomotive engines on board which might be turned to account, and I respectfully request to be informed what disposition to make of her. For her condition I respectfully refer you to the report of a survey held on her on the 15th August last, and forwarded to Admiral Lee. A report of survey on the Lockwood, dated 3tst October, has also been forwarded. The Louisiana and Ceres relieve each other in the Pamlico River, which they patrol. The sloop Granite acts as guard ship at Hatteras Inlet. I would be much obliged if you would refer to a correspondence between myself and Admiral Lee in regard to the wreck of the Underwriter, whose boilers are very valuable. Your two letters of the 24th and 22d instant came, I am told, through the canal; this is much the shortest way of communicating between here and Hampton Roads. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOMB, C~ornmander, Comdg. District Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. [Endorsement.] A party has made a coutract to attend to Underwriter. If there is any probability of that new ranui I hear of coming down to New Berne, the valuable vessels there should be removed. I do not know whether there is a chance of her getting down, but see that nothing is injured or left there to be injured if she does come. [D. D. PORTER]. Report of Commander Ammen, U. S. Navy, as senior officer present, of affairs off New Inlet, North Carolina. U. S. S. MOHICAN Off New Inlet Bar, November 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival off New Inlet Bar on the morning of the 25th. I found Commander Clitz, of the Osceola, senior officer, he having been ordered to assume the direction of affairs by Captain Glisson. Much prejudice to the blockade, it seems to me, may have been occa- sioned by a frequent change through the accidental or temporary pres- ence of senior officers, who, I understand, have assumed command fo Page 99 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 99 a short time without a full, local, and personal knowledge necessary to the most effective employment of the disposable force. This has led, I am disposed to believe, to a kind of irresponsible feeling on the part of some of the commanding officers who do not well understand the serv- ice, which could not be entertained were one of the officers of the division present at all times as senior officer. Had I found Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, the senior officer, not having had an intimation from you that it was intended that II should serve in that capacity, T would have felt somewhat embarrassed in assuming control with so limited an experience of the ground and of the material at my disposal. I have consulted fully with Lieutenant-Commander Watmough and shall endeavor to avail myself as far as possible of his experience, but suggest for your consideration the probable advantage of placing this important point in command of one of the officers of division for reasons which, no doubt, will be duly weighed by you. The Osceola, Kansas, Mammee, Monticello, Cherokee, Alabama, How- quah, Wilderness, and Clematis were here on my arrival, and the Ber- berry arrived on the following morning. Owing to a threatening appearance of the weather I directed Captain Clitz, of the Osceola, to cruise toward Masonboro Inlet and to return to signal distance this evening when I shall direct him to assume the same position for three days longer. The Kansas is nearly out of coal and I shall dispatch her to Beaufort this evening to coal, and send Mr. Bradford (the sur- veyor) in her, he having completed his instructions on board of the Wilderness. I was surprised to learn of Lieutenant-Commander Parker of the Maurnee, that his supply of coal would only last about three days longer for ordinary blockading purposes. This will make her actual effective. imess on the blockade very little, as she arrived only three days ago. The Alabama coaled at Beaufort, and, as I learn, after a detention of sev- eral days returned without having filled up, from a supposition that she could not cross the bar with the full amoun t of coal that her captain says her bunkers would carry. I have had the Wilderness and Clematis sup- plied with 12 tons of coal each, from the Alabama. The Alabama shows a large hull and spars, and being much slower than the blockade run- ners, serves quite a nseful purpose to them; her consumption of coal is very great, and her detentions in coal, at least the last time, have been the subject of an official report from Lieutenant Commander Watmough. Last night at 7 p. in., or thereabouts, we had an alarm of a vessel coming out, steering north, and the commanding officers of the How- quah and Wilderness seem satisfied that a vessel did come oat; the pilot just sent down, however (a Mr. Pucket), was on board of the Berberry, and had a shot fired close across her bows, and thinks the blockade runner did not get out. I trust, if no active operations are near at hand, you will be able to carry out without delay your intention of paying us a visit. Your presence and personal appreciation of the difficulties of the blockade would do much toward rendering it more effective. Your communication in relation to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Frank Smith, commanding the Alabama, has been received, and the investigation required is in process of execution. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. AMMEN, Commander and Senior Officer Present. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Sqnardo Page 100 100 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Ammen, U. S. Navy, as senior officer present, of affairs off New Inlet, North Carolina. U. S. S. MOHICAN, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, November 28, 1864. SIR: In my report of yesterday I did not mention the fact that the night was very favorable for evading the blockade. Early in the even- rng a mist arose over the land, and later the Mound light xvas not visible for hours. The captains of the How qaah and of the Wilderness are quite positive in their opinion that a blockade runner did escape. Last night was also very favorable, but we are not aware of any movement. I trust your contemplated arrangements for calcium lights and steam picketboats will lessen the number of successful blockade runners. The taking care of such boats will be attended with considerable difficulty in this locality, and unless some large vessel has the means of hoisting them up, 1 would fear their loss in heavy weather. I feel assured that the officer in charge here will have arduous employ- ment in keeping the disposable force properly employed, in seeing personally from time to time that every vessel goes on her station at night, and in arranging the details of the vessels and their necessary absence from time to time to coal and provision. If he does this prop- erly he will not be able to be up all night in taking care of his own vessel underway. Vessels with large hulls and heavy masts and yards can not hope, except by accident, to come across these blockade run- ners, as they see such vessels long before they themselves are visible. If the Alabama could not be employed advantageously to hoist the steam picket boats, and her boats be employed otherwise in connection with the blockade, and perhaps as the vessel of the senior officer present, I would consider it unadvisable, for the reasons given in this and my report of yesterday, to retain her on blockading duty. A suggestion of Lieutenant Marvin, the executive officer of this vessel, I consider as likely to be very effective, for a time at least, if properly carried out. Owing to the conformation of the land, to avoid the Frying Pan Shoals and to get a good departure, I think nearly all the vessels bound in shoal up their water to find their locality either about Masonboro Inlet or to the eastward. When steering to the westward and southward they have a clear beach and can go close along. The suggestion is, in placing close off Masonboro Inlet two small ves- sels for the purpose of serving as (false) Mound and range light, and in the direction of the proper bearing, or nearly, a dim light could be hoisted on board of one of two fast chasers to pass as Bald Head light in the distance. The manner of occulting these various lights here could be observed nightly, and until their system becomes developed could be repeated the following night off Masonbqro Inlet. By screening the light so as to hide them from the shore, many of the blockade runners might become victims before they became aware of the ruse. Many rockets are required in making various signals. The vessels are short of them, and none can be had at Beaufort. I have therefore to request that a supply be sent, as also blue lights, if the signal for danger be not changed. INo blue lights are issued at this time. Lieutenant-Commander Parker reports his coal out in three days; I therefore dispatch him to-morrow to Beaufort, although he left Hamp- ton lioads after the Mohican. I have requested him to inform you full Page 101 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 101 by letter of the deficiency in respect to consumption of coal of the Maumee, and have recommended him to bring a supply on deck. I send the investigation in the case of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Frank Smith, commanding the Alabama, by this opportunity. The Unadilla arrived at 2 p. m. to-day. I was glad to learn by Lieu. tenant-Commander IRamsay that you did not anticipate my being here, but at sea, offshore. I need not say that I think Lieutenant-Commander Watmongli a very valuable officer in charge, and that the heavy spars and comparatively large hull of the Mohican make her far inferior as an inshore blockader to a common tug. At sea, in heavy weather, if to windward, I could overhaul the best of blockade runners. On the arrival of Lieutenant-Commander Watmough I shall carry out what was evidently your intention and go oft the Frying Pan Shoals. The rebels are very busy at work inside the Mound, on batteries, and are to-day practicing on ranges. Lieutenant-Commander iRamsay will do something in the way of useful surveys for your purposes. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. AMMEN, Commander and Senior Officer Present. Rear-Admiral D. P. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, transmitting statement of deverter regarding the armament of Confederate vessels. U. S. IRONCLAD ONONDAGA, Dutch Gap, James River, Virginia, November 28, 1864. Sin: I have to report that a deserter from the rebel ironclad Freder- icksburg was sent on board this vessel from our army with a request that he should be returned after an examination. ]I enclose herewith the statement of the deserter, Henry B. Craft, a native of Baltimore, after which he was returned to our lines and placed in charge of Lieutenant Cassidy, U. S. Army, commanding pon- toon bridge below Dutch Gap, James River, Virginia. Respectfully, your obedient servant, Wiw. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure.] NOVEMBER 27, 1864. Henry B. Craft, native of Baltimore, three years in rebel Navy, was cast away near Cape Henry in 1861, in the schooner Florida, of Balti- more. Virginia.Flagship; Commodore J. K. Mitchell, commanding. Aft, pivot XI-inch gun, Brooke smoothbore; forward, pivot8-inch gun, Brooke rifle; one gun on each side, 6.4 rifle. Total, 4 guns. Talk of putting two howitzers on spar deck. Commanded by Lieutenant [F. E.] Shepperd; executive officer, Lieutenant [J. W.] Alexander. Spars all around her 20 feet from the sides Page 102 102 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Predericksburg.~..Aft, X-inch pivot gun, Brooke smoothbore; forward, 7-inch rifle, B rooke smoothbore one on each broadside, 6.4 Brooke smoothbore. Total, 4 guns. Commander, Thomas it. l4ootes; executive officer, [A.] Barbot. Richrnond.Lowest down the river, Win. EA.] Webb, commanding. Forward, 7-inch Brooke rifle, pivot; aft, X-inch smoothbore, Brooke; one gun on each broadside, 6.4, same as the other; howitzers the same as the others, aud spars to be put around her as the others. The bottoms are of wood. The Virginia is about 240 tons; the Richmond and Fredericksburg about 200 tons. The complement is about 150 men, but they are short. The crew are dissatisfied. One-half would desert if they had a chance. The ironclads are at auchor all the time, aud the gunboats patrol in the night to Battery Semmes, about 2 miles below the ironclads. The rowboats come down as far as Bishops, about 2~ miles below the iron- dads; return at daylight, but in foggy weather they have no pickets in the daytime; can not see any pickets on shore. The crews are not allowed to go on shore or to Richmond. Have plenty to eat and plenty of clothes. Midshipman [Alex. T.] Hunt and Masters Mate Richard N. Sprag- gins were in the boat when the crew deserted, and were left in her. The rebel army is on short rationsi pint of meal and one-fourth pound of bacon per day. Drewry.Wooden gunboat (propeller), 80 tons; 7-inch rifle pivot for. ward; VIJI-inch smoothbore pivot aft; commanded by Hamjpton.Woodeu gunboat (propeller), about 80 tons; Commander [J. S.] Maury. YIJI-inch smoothbore pivot aft; VIJI-inch smoothbore pivot forward. Nansemond.Wooden propeller gunboat, 80 tons; Captain [C. W.] Hays. YJIJ.inch smoothbore pivot aft; ~JIJ-inch smoothbore pivot forward. Roanoke.(Old tugboat) propeller gunboat, 65 tons~ iron forward, 6-inch rifle. Captain . , hull; 1 pivot Torpedo.Tug; Lieutenant [Ivey] Foreman; two small Parrott pivot 20-pounders. Beaufort.Tug; Captain . One pivot rifle forward, 32-pounder. Three tugs on picket and three rowboats, the boats manned from the ironclads. They have torpedoes ready to apply to boats, but there is no talk of using them. Virginias plating 6 inches on sides and 8 inches forward and aft~ goes down to the knuckle. The Fredericksburg draws 11 feet, the Virginia about 13 feet, the Richmond about 16 feet. They were lightened over the bar. They were much frightened when the Albemarle was blown up. Common wood gratings go entirely round the vessels, suspended from spars, to the depth of 10 feet below the surface of the water. They are lying at single anchor about 10 miles below Richmond. Seven or eight guns at Howletts. He was a coxswain, pay $29; seamen, $22. Respectfully, etc., Wivi. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division Page 103 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 103 Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant- Commander Barnes, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Bat. NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 28, 1864. SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Bat to Hampton Roads and report to Rear-Admiral D. ID. Porter for duty. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Lieutenant-Commander JNO. S. BARNES, Commanding U. S. S. Bat, Boston. [Telegram.] FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, November 28, 1864. Move the Saugus and Canonicus up to Dutch Gap. DAViD D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral. Commander W. A. PARKER, U. S. S. Onondaga, Dutch Gap. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL BRIGADE, November 28, 1864. The ]Jfalvern left at daylight this a. m. So dark and hazy the pilot would not Venture last night. W. A. PARKER, Rear-Admiial ID. ID. PORTER. Commander, etc. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major- General Butler, U. S. Army, advising the capture of Rainbow Bluff, Boanoke River. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, November 28, 1864. GENERAL: An officer has just arrived from Plymouth, N.C., having been sent up to inform me of the state of affairs there. The rebels, after the taking of Plymouth, evacuated Washington, on Tar River, removed all the guns (20 in number) to Rainbow Bluff, on Roanoke River, and are now fortifying that place to prevent the pas- sage of gunboats at high water, which will commence in December. By capturing Rainbow Bluff we get possession of the entire Roanoke valley, the importance of which you can well estimate. Fifteen hun- dred troops, out of the 3,000 at New Berne, can be detached on this service without any fear of New Berne being molested, an dbyarapid movement Rainbow Bluff can be captured with all its guns and muni- tions of war. The troops can land within 6 miles of Rainbow Bluff and take the works in the river. The rebels have 500 men there, anticipate n Page 104 104 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. attack from us, and could be taken with ease. This will put us in possession of the rani now building at Halifax, [N. C.], an easy march from the bluffs. This move places the Weldon road within striking distance. I submit this for your consideration. It will require no troops from this quarter, unless you think the move of importance enough to war- rant it. The troops, if left at the bluffs, can be supplied by water, and we have light-draft boats enough to lie there to cover them if need be. It seems to me that to get possession of all the Roanoke valley would be most desirable. By sending gunboats to Winton, we can communi- cate with Suffolk and Rainbow Bluff at all times, and the large amounts of cotton now lying in that region will all fall into our hands. I have ordered the gunboats to hold Plymouth as long as possible, and now that we have it, all the grain on the Albemarle Sound must be cut off from the enemy. 1 hope you will think favorably of this, and I am sure of a handsome thing resulting from sending a strong army force there. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department Virginia and North Carolina. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Pebiger, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mattabesett, to proceed to duty at Plymouth, N. C. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, November 28, 1864. SIR: Proceed with your vessel when the weather will permit, to the sounds of North Carolina and report to Commander Macomb at Ply- mouth for such duty as he may assign you. Be careful not to go up the Roanoke River at night, as there are booms across both above and below Plymouth. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander JNO. C. FEBIGER, Commanding Mattabesett. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to commanding officer Picket Launch No. 5, to proceed to duty at Plymouth, N. C. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, hampton Roads, November 28, 1864. SIR: Report with your picket launch to Lieutenant Commander English, who will give you certain instructions in going to the sounds of North Carolina Page 105 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 105 On your arrival at Plymouth you will report to Commander Macomb for such duty as he may assign you. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PoRTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Commanding OFFICER, Picket Launch No. 5. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander ]Iiliacomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the holding of Plymouth, N. C. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship ]Vlalvern, November 28, 18G4. SIR: You have evidently not received my first letters, in one of which I tell you to dismount the guns and ship them, and then hold the place with the gunboats. I never intended them to leave until the whole of that region was in our possession. I have seen so many ill effects from leaving guns (those that we have captured) on shore, that I am convinced it is best always to ship them, especially in a case like this, where General Grant can not and will not send men. With the gunboats at Plymouth the troops will be protected on shore, and they can remain there while I endeavor to send you more troops, if I can get them. I will endeavor to get a thousand men. Hold on to the place at all hazards. Had you received my first letters you would [have] seen what my views were. I also send you another torpedo boat which you may find useful. Captain English will explain fully to you my wishes. Very respectfully, etc., DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander W. II. MACOMB, Commanding District of the Sounds. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Chief Engineer Wood U. S. Navy, in criticism of the U. S. S. Monadnocic. Unofficial.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 29, 18G4. SIR: I have your letter of the 21st November. I congratulate you upon the experimental success of the Spuyten Duyvil. The rebs, since the Albemarle affair, have anticipated such attacks in the James River, and therefore I do not anticipate results there. Forewarned is almost safety. I visited the Monadnock last Sunday at Hampton Roads. There is some complaint of the turret engines. She trims a little by the head, which is a blunder as the boilers could easily have gone several feet aft without impairing the space required in the engine room, and it would also have given a larger coal bunker. The most awkward feature is the arrangement for her boats. I am sure no engineer ever devised it. Can not you design a light, firm grating, ~i la Dictator, between the turrets, and some kind of sliding outriggers which can shove out, pick up a boat, and, when hoisted, slide it~ in under this grating deck, so that when the boats are all stowed under deck her guns will fire in all directions excepting at each others turret Page 106 106 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Now the boats cover the guns in several directions. The Monadnock has her ventilator as high as the top of the pilot house, which seems correct, but the one in Philadelphia oniy seemed to have it even with the turret. If you will fit out the two next picket boats for Charles- ton, I will send you two young men who have volunteered for the duty who know the ground and can go to New York at once to learn their duties, but it ought to be done soon or Sherman will capture all the ironclads with his foot soldiers. Let us go on with other torpedo boats, as you suggest, for the inspection of the Department. If those shells of guns can be discharged 60 feet under water from one of our frigates, naval battles hereafter will be carried on in the air. Let us have your views upon the subject. I am for trying it on an early day. Very respectfully, G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Chief Engineer W. W. W. WOOD, New York. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, November 29, 1861. SIR: General Grant left City Point at 10 a. m. to-day. Will prob- ably be here about 3 p. m. Very respectfully, GEO. D. SHELDON, ]tlianager U. S. Military Telegraph. Rear-Admiral PORTER. Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, regarding the departure of the llagship Malvern for Hampton Roads. U. S. S. ONONDAGA, Dutch (lap, James River, November 29, 1864. SIR: I have to report that the flagship ]Jifalvern left her anchorage for Hampton Roads, Virginia, at daylight yesterday morning; also, that your telegram of yesterday was received and that I ordered the monitors Saugus and Canonicus to Dutch Gap in obedience to it. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads. Engagement of Federal ironclads uith Howletts Battery, November 29, 1864. Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, commanding Fifth Division. U. S. MONITOR ONONDAGA, Dutch Gap, James River, November 29, 1864. SIR: I have to report that I engaged the battery at llowletts house this morning, in company with the Jlliahopac. We opened fire 9:50 a. m Page 107 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 107 and fired 50 charges, the distance being about 2,500 yards. We ceased firing at 11:30 a. m. This was an average of one shot every two minutes. ilowletts rebel battery fired 58 shots from three guns. I am not aware that we caused any damage to the rebels, and we suffered no injury from their shot. Many of their shells came very near, without hitting us. Most of our XV-inch shot fell short, but the rifled 150 pounders carried well into and around the battery. The day was not favorable, the wind being very fresh from the S. W. and nearly ahead. I shall renew the action as soon as I can replenish the coal and ammunition and make a few necessary repairs to the machinery. Sev- eral of our XNf-inch shot struck the bank a little below the battery, making large holes. Respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ A. PARKER, Commanding Fsfth Division. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Letter from Major Smith, C. S. Army, to the chief of the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography regarding the use of bolts furnished by the Bureau. BATTERY IDANTZLER, November 29, 18Gt. DEAR SIR: We were to-day engaged for three hours with three of the enemys monitors, and I had occasion to use your bolts. The dis- tance was 2,900 yards. For some reason which I can not explain I find that after about 2,000 yards direct flight the bolts vary to the right or left. This is irrespective of the kind of sabot used, nor can I tell beforehand to which side the variation will take place. I write to ask if you can account for it and if there is any means of remedying it. Both yours and the Gorgas gun struck the monitors. Once a wrought-iron 7-inch bolt shivered upon the iron or shivered a plate, as the fragments fell on the water. The Gorgas gun, unfortunately, burst. Can you not come down with the bearer, or to Drewrys Bluff ~ I think the monitors (although they retired under our fire below Dutch Gap) will probably return, and I would like to have you see the guns. Very truly, yours, FRANCIS W. SMITH, Commander JOHN M. BROOKE, Major, Commanding. Chief of Bureau Ordnance and Hydrography. [Enclosure.] Distance from No. 4 gun, Battery Dantzler, to different points of James Biver, a is of gun being 51 yards above seater. Yards. Sandy Point 519 Point of Rocks 737 Hawser 1, 878 Obstructions, left end 2,068 Obstructions, right end 2, 21 Page 108 108 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Yards. Monitors 2, 391 Opposite shore 2, 668 Land battery 2,626 Height of land battery above water, 83 feet. FRANCIS W. SMITH, Major, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS i3ATTERY DANTZLER, July 3, 1864. Order of rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant MacDiarmid, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Governor Buckingham, to proceed to -the blockade of New Inlet. HAMPTON ROADS, November 29, 1864. SIR: Proceed with the Governor Buckiugham, under your command, to the blockade of the New Inlet entrance to Cape Fear River, touching at Beanfort to land the mail and passengers. You will do duty as a chaser near the bar, under the direction of the senior officer there. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. MACDIARMID, Commanding U. S. S. Governor Buckiugham. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding money taken fro persons captured in the steamer Lucy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 29, 1864. SIR: From the roll of prisoners or persons captured in the steamer Lucy it appears that the money taken from them was in some instances sent to the prize court and in others placed in the hands of the pay- master of the Santiago de Cuba, subject to the order of the Secretary of the Navy. In all cases it should have been sent to the court, with a memorandum showing the amount taken from each person, and the sums should be in separate parcels, with the name of the owner of each parcel, so that the conrt may be able to distinguish these effects, claimed as personal, from the cargo of the vessel, and properly dispose of them. Be pleased to give directions accordingly with regard to the money now in the hands of the paymaster of the Santiago de Cuba, which was taken from persons found on board the Lucy. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 109 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 109 Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Bear-Admire l Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting a proclamation of the President of the United States. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 30, 1864. SIR: I transmit herewith, for your information and guidance, an official copy of the proclamation of the President, issued on the 19th instai~t, opening the ports of Norfolk, Fernandina, and Pensacola to commercial intercourse, from and after the 1st of December next, on the conditions therein set forth. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, (Jomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Boads. [Enclosure.] Proclamation by the President of the United State8 of America. Whereas by my proclamation of the 19th of April, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-one, it was declared that the ports of certain States, including those of Norfolk, in the State of Virginia, and Fernan- dma and Pensacola, in the State of Florida, were, for reasons therein set fortl~, intended to be placed under blockade; and whereas the said ports were subsequently blockaded accordingly, but having for some time past been in the military possession of the United States, it is deemed advisable that they should be opened to domestic and foreign commerce. Now, therefore, be it known that I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, pursnant to the authority in me vested by the fifth sectioii of the act of Congi-ess approved on the 18th of Jnly, 1861, enti- tled An act further to provide for the collection of duties on imports, and for other purposes, do hereby declare that the blockade of the said ports of Norfolk, Fernandina, and Pensacola shall so far cease and determine from and after the 1st day of December next; that commer- cial intercourse with those ports, except as to persons, things, and information contraband of war, may from that time be carried on, subject to the laws of the United States, to the limitations and in pur- suance of the regulations which may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury, and to such military and naval regulations as are now in force or may hereafter be found necessary. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington this nineteenth day of November, in [L. s.] the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-four and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-ninth. ABRAHAM LINCOLN. By the President: WILLIAM II. SEWARD, Secretary of State. [Endorsement.] Send copy to General Meigs, with instructions to admit vessels with cargoes not contraband of war. [D. D. PORTER. Page 110 110 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] CITY POINT, [VA.], November 30, 1864.lOp. m. Southern papers show that Bragg, with a large part of his force has gone to Georgia. If we can get off during his absence, we will stand a good chance, not only to carry Fort Fisher, but to take Wilmington. The troops will be ready to start the moment you are ready. U. S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. Rear-Admiral 1). D. PORTER. [Telegram.] FLAGSnIP MALVERN, Hampton 1?oads, November 30, 1864. Can start in three days on the original arrangement of 12,000 men. Will take a little longer to fit powder vessel. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT, City Point. f Telegram.] HAMPTON ROADS, November 30, 1864. I will be np on the 2d December; would come up sooner, but my machinery is apart. If yon are coming down. will wait here. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lientenaut-General U. S. GRANT, City Point. [Telegram.] FoRr MONROE, November 30, 1864. (Received 11 a. in.) The French man-of-war here wishes to go up James River to receive such persons as want to leave Richmond. Has the Department any objections ~ There is no objection here. DAVID D. PORTEE, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Telegram.] NOVEMBER 30, 1864. Is there any objection to the French sloop of war coming up to City Pointl DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT, City Point, Va Page 111 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 111 Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, to furnish coal to Iii. L 111. 5. Adonis. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Iliampton Roads, Virginia, November 30, 1864. SIR: You will be pleased to furnish the French vessel of war Adonis with coal and afford the commander a~l the facilities in your power for accomplishing her purpose in visiting the river. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander W. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron. Order ~f Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Nary, to Commander Frailey, U. S. Navy, regarding the coaling of cessels. HAMPTON ROADS, November 30, 1864. SIR: Proceed without delay to the position marked on the blockade chart and find the Vanderbilt, Fort Jackson, and Santiago de Cuba. Tell the commanders of the above vessels if they can not coal off Beau- fort to proceed here without a moments delay and fill np with coal, then to proceed to the bars and inform the officers there that I want them to fill up with coal and be ready for anything; after ~vhich you will, if possible, go into Beaufort and fill up with coal and ammunition and await furl her orders there. lhes1 )eet hilly, your obedient servant, DAVID I). PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander J. M. FRAILEY, Commanding U. S. S. Tuscarora, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] HAMPTON ROADS, November 30, 1864. You will fill up the three monitors with coal (Saugus, Canonicus, and Mahopac) and have them ready to come down here without delay. Let me know by telegraph and by letter when they are ready or will be ready. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear.Admiral. Commander W. A. PARKER, Commanding U. S. S. Onondaga, Dutch Gap, Va. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to the commandant navy yard, Norfolk. for the immediate preparation of the United States ste~tmers Tacony and losco. Confidential.] HAMPTON ROADS, November 30, 1864. SIR: It is important that the Tacony and losco should be ready for sea in three days. Fish the Taconys foremast temporarily and fix her magazine. Better put all hands at work on these vessels and let the others stand Page 112 112 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Also have the Sassacus down. Let them fill up with coal before they come down. Say to Captain Truxtun he can not leave. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Captain JOHN M. BERRIEN, Commanding Naval Station, Norfolk. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Masters Mate Vanderbilt, U. S. Navy. HAMPTON ROADs, November 30, 1864. Sin: You will proceed to Beaufort, N. C., without delay, through the canal, and deliver the accompanying (lispatch to Captain Dove. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Masters Mate [AARON] VANDERBILT, U. S. S. Malvern. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Dove, U. S. Navy, regarding double-enders. HAMPTON ROADS, Nov ember 30, 1864. SIR: Order all the double-enders at Beaufort to fill up with coal and ammunition and remain there until further orders. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander B. M. DOVE, Commanding Naval Station, Beanfort, N. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Dove, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Vanderbilt. HAMPTON ROADS, November 30, 1864. SIR: If possible, have a vessel sent out to the Vanderbilt and order her to 1)roceed here at once. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander B. N. DOVE, Commanding Naval Station, Beaufort, N. C. Report of Commander Ammen, U. S. Navy, regarding the escape of a blockade runner. U. S. S. MOHICAN, Off New inlet, North Carolina, Nov ember 30, 1864. SIR: Last night at about 9 p. m. a blockade runner passed the port and was fired at by the Wilderness at a distance of about 200 yards Page 113 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 113 The captaiii supposed that he struck her in the wheelhouse. On the going down of the sun a thick haze arose and became a thick, fleecy fog for two ot three hours, making the opportunity very favorable. The Kansas arrived this morning, having coaled. I shall leave Lieutenant-Commander Watmongli in charge and proceed to the point designated by you as my position, which lies near the point of Frying Pan Shoals. It will be very favorable to see such vessels as endeavor to make the land before night. The heavy spars of the Mohican make her visible and enable blockade runners to avoid her after night. I would suggest as probably the most available use of the vessel that she should pursue such tracks as you might designate, going whichever way the wind was favorable, and sweeping in the daytime over the greatest distance un(ler sail, with heavy banked fires. Such blockaders [blockade runners] as we might find under our lee in rough weather or with a fresh breeze would find escape difficult if made early enough to give us time to chase before dark. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. AMMEN, Commander. Bear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Pear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting circular of the Treasury Department regarding the opening of trade in the sounds of North Carolina. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, Virginia, November 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of a circular from II. A. iRisley, superintending sl)ecial agent of the Treasury Department. The object is to open trade in the sounds of North Carolina, and now that Plymouth is in our possession, a large amount of cotton can be got out by purchase. I await the orders of the Department before permitting any traffic there, and respectfully recommend that no mer- chandise of any kind be allowed to be exchanged for the products of the country, but that they must trade with money. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Pear.Admirai. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enciosure.l TREASURY DEPARTMENT, November 29, 1864. The Presidents order in relation to the purchase of products of insur- rectionary States recites the fact that the Secretary of the Treasury has appointed agents and prescribed regulations, with his approval, for such purchase at Memphis, Nashville, New Orleans, Pensacola, Port Royal, Beaufort, N. C., and Norfolk, Ma., in pursuance of the act of Congress of July 2, 1864, and orders: 1. That all products moving or being transported to such agent from the insurrectionary States, under a contract for its purchase by sub. agent, shall be free from seizure or detention by any officer of the Government. N W RYOL 11 Page 114 114 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 2. That persons having the certificate of the purchasing agent that he has contracted with them for a certain quantity of cotton or other products, to be brought from specified localities and delivered to such agent, shall have all proper facilities and passes for himself and his means of transportation to go after the l)rodlicts and bring them through the lines, and safe conduct of person and property within our lines while the products are moving or being transported to the purchasing agent, and he directs all military and naval officers en route to furnish proper facilities, passes, and protection while the products are moving to the purchasing agent, and in compliance with the regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury that persons who hold the certificate of the purchasing agent that he has bought and received from them a specified quantity of products, stating the value thereof, may be permitted by the military officers at the place of sale to take back 33A per cent of the amount received for Products in goods and merchandise not con- traband of war and not prohibited by order of the War Department. 3. The Secretary of War and of the Navy are directed to make proper orders and to give proper directions to subordinates in command for carrying oat this order. A copy of this order I left with General Shepley. I shall soon have plenty of copies here. II. A. RISLEY, Saperintending Special Agent, etc. Letter from Major- General Butler, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding a proposed joint attack upon Rainbow Bluff. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, November 30, 18G4. ADMIRAL: Brigadier-General Wild will hand you this note, and brings also orders to General Palmer about the matter of which we were speaking. Please give him an order, to be transmitted through huin to the commander of your naval forces in the sounds, to cooperate in the fullest extent with General Palmer and to move with all prompt- ness and celerity. General Wild will show you the orders, which are unsealed for that purpose, which he takes to General Palmer. If any. thing occurs to you which I have not covered in my instructions, please telegraph me, and I will reach General Wild by telegraph before he leaves Fort Monroe. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER. Rear-Admiral PORTER, Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, James River. Order of Major- General Butler, U. S. Army, to Brigadier- General Palmer, U. S. Army, to aid Federal naval forces in attack on Con- federate defenses at Rainbow Bluff, N. C. HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, In the Field, November 30, 1864. GENERAL: Information has got to me that the enemy in small force, less than 500 men, are fortifying Rainbow Bluff, 20 miles up the Ro Page 115 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCRADING SQUADRON. 115 noke, above Plymouth. Admiral Porter suggests, upon the informa- tion that he has from the naval officer commanding those waters, that a conjunct expedition of the Navy and Army would easily capture that point and hold it, and that it is of very great importance that we should do so. Therefore I propose that you shall make the attempt. Take all the forces that can be spared in your district which you may deem necessary, and move with great promptness while the enemy are en- gaged with Sherman in Georgia and with us here, so that you need not fear reinforcements. Perhaps, after seizing that point you might, by a bold push, reach the ram at Halifax. I would suggest that you could transport your troops and supplies within 6 miles, and land them below the bluff and take the enemy in the rear, but matters of detail must be left to your discretion. What I do require is promptness of action, and I rest largely on that. I rest also largely upon your energy and zeal. You had better give out that your expedition is a movement up the Chowaui upon Weldon. You are snrrounded by spies, and the moment you start any movement conjecture will be busy as to its direc- tion. Now, if you let it be confidentially understood by a sufficient number of persons that you are going up the Chowan, that will be sure to get to the enemy. Brigadier-General Wild, who does me the favor to take this to you, is also charged with some comfidential matters which he will state to von, and in which I trust you will aid him. As soon as this expedition is over I propose to send you a battalion of the Sixteenth New York Heavy Artillery as portion of your gari-ison at New Berue, and take the Fifteenth Connecticut into the field with me, unless you can state objections which do not now occur to me. I am, very respectfully, yours, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. Brigadier- General I. N. PALMER, Commanding District of North Carolina. Order of Bear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Nary, to Commander ~1~Jiacomb, U. S. Navy, to cooperate in the capture of Rainbow Bluff. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Mialvern, Hampton Roads, December 1, 1864. SIR: You will without delay prepare to cooperate with General Palmer to capture Rainbow Bluff and all the enemys munitions of war, which must be brought away or destroyed, and destroy the rebel ram at Halifax. I cant go into details, but expect the most perfect success. Positive orders go to General Palmer to-day. See him without delay and let the expedition get underway at once. If you see the orders you will see what I want. I enclose copy of a letter * written to General Butler. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Commander W. H. MACOMB, Rear-Admiral. Commanding District of the Sounds, Plymouth, N. C. See page 103 Page 116 116 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, December 1, 1864. (Received at Washington 3:20 p. in.) What chance is there of getting those tugs~ We need them much now and will need them more. DAViD D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Navy. [Telegram.] HAMPTON ROADs, December 1, 1864. When you again engage Howletts take station at Signal Tower, where you can see effect of your fire. I had no difficulty in reaching the battery with the XY.inch guns. DAVID D. PORTER. Commander Wivr. A. PARKER, Comdg. 5th Div., North Atlantic Squadron, Dutch Gap, James River. Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, regarding the preparation of monitors. U. S. S. MONITOR ONONDAGA, Dutch Gap, James River, December 1, 1864. SIR: Your telegraphic dispatch of this date relative to the three monitors, Saugus, Canonicus, and Mahopac, was received here at 6:40 oclock a. m. to-day. I have to report that the three monitors above named are ready for immediate service. The dispatch relating to llowletts battery was received at 4:10 oclock p. m. and I shall station myself at the Signal Tower to observe the effect of the fire, as you command. We are repairing the machinery of the Onondaga and shall be ready for action in three days. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. A. PARKER, fiommanding Fifth Division. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads. General Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding officers commanding off Wilmington bars. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship ]Ilalvern, December 1, 1864. Hereafter two regular naval officers will be stationed at each bar off Wilmington, who will have the sole control in regulating the stations of the different vessels stationed to guard the bars, and officers senio Page 117 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 117 to them, going in for shelter or coal, are not to interfere with the arrangements which are approved by me. Lieutenant-Commander Braine and Lieutenant-Commander Young are in charge off the Western Bar, and Lieutenant-Commander Wat- mough and Lieutenant Commander Weaver are in charge off New Inlet. These officers will be held responsible for the duties required of them. The officers heretofore assigned as senior officers at the bars will confine themselves to cruising and chasing on the stations assigiied them outside of the bar line. One of the officers assigned to bar duty will always be on the station, and in case it becomes necessary to send his vessel for coal he must transfer himself to another of the bar blockaders proper. With proper attention, with the present number of vessels, I deem it a very difficult thing to pass the blockade. Vessels putting in there for shelter, coal, or repairs must be careful to take no coal without consulting the officers in charge at the bar to know whether it will render the supply short for the bar blockaders, which are the most important vessels. Officers in charge Qf the bars will send me diagrams constantly, showing the positions of the vessels night and day. DAVID D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral, Commanding North A tiantic Squadron. Order of Bear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to commanding o!Jicers to prepare/or immediate service. HAMPToN ROADS, December 1, 1864. SIR: Use all dispatch to get the fosco coaled and ready for service and report to me here as soon as possible. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Commander JOHN GUEST, Commanding U. S. S. losco. [Same order to Lieutenant-Commander W. T. Truxtun, John Lee Davis, and F. H. Baker, commanding U. S. steamers Tacony, Sassacus, and Vtcksburg, respectively.] Order of Bear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, regarding money captured from blockade runners. HAMPTON ROADS, December 1, 1864. SIR: In all cases where money is taken from the prisoners captured on blockade runners it should be sent to the prize court where the prize is sent for adjudication. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral. Captain 0. 5. GLTSSON, Commanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba Page 118 118 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, of the capture of the British steamer Vixen, December 1, 1864. NORTH ATLANTIC . SQUADRON, Flagship, G~osport [Norfolk], Navy Yard, December 6, 1864. SIR: 1 have the honor to report the capture of the British blockade- running steamer Vixen off Wilmington on the 1st instant by the Rhode Island. As the Vi~ren is rel)orted to be leaking badly, I have ordered her up here for an examination. The report of Commander Trenchard, commanding Rhode Island, together with the prize list of his vessel, is forwarded to you to day. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Commander Trenchard, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Rhode Island, regarding the capture of the steamer Vixen, Decemb en, 1864. U. S. S. RHODE ISLAND, Hampton Roads, Virginia, December 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 1st instant, at 2:30 p. in., latitude 320 27 30 N., longitude 78~ 07 W., Cape Fear bearing N., ~ B., 83 miles distant, a sail and black smoke were made from the mast head, bearing N. by B. Gave chase. At 3:30 p. in. the vessel could be seen from the deck, the wind at the time being moderate from the eastward. At 4 p. m. the steamer was apparently dropping us, but at sunset, the wind freshening and the weather squally, we appeared to be gaining on her. Soon afterwards we lost sight of the vessel, but continued on our course at the highest rate of speed. Fortunately, after a short interval, made a light on the last bearings of the steamer, which we steered for, and about 7 p. m. came up with her, and she seemed to be broken down. The vessel was boarded at once, and proved to be the British paddle- wheel steamer Vixen. She was without register, log book, or papers, with the exception of a muster roll of her crew, which was found by the boarding officer, dated November 23, St. George, Bermuda (no year). This paper has been enclosed to the U. S. prize commissioner at what- ever port you may be pleased to order her to proceed. A temporary prize crew was put on board and the Rhode Island laid by the prize during the night. The following morning Acting Master Zera L. Tanner was placed in charge with a regular prize crew. Her paddle wheels being completely disabled from the effects of the sea and high rate of speed to which she had been driven in order to escape, and it being impossible for the prize to reach any port so crippled, it was necessary to take her in tow. As it was requisite to proceed to Hamp- ton Roads to coal, I deemed it expedient to bring the prize here. The vessel leaking very badly, it was necessary to remove some part of her cargo to discover the leak, and in doing so arms were found. The cargo appeared to be of an assorted character, as far as known. I have the honor to enclose duplicate muster rolls of this vessel at the time of the capture of the steamer Vixen, and state that ther Page 119 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 119 were no other vessels in sight at the time. At the time of the capture Cape Fear bore N. by W. 50 miles distant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant STEPHEN D. TRENCHARD, Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading AS1quadrou. Enquiry by the Secretary of the Navy of Rear-Admiral Porter, 1. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Young Rover. NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 2, 1864. SIR: Has the Departments order to you of the 25th ultimo, to send the Young Rover to the Delaware Breakwater, been executed ~ Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 2, 1864. Torpedo boat at Baltimore. Probably three or four more vessels will reach you. Tugs bought, but will be a month fitting. Shall I charter four, or can you do it there ~ U. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF THE JAMES, December 2, 18646 p. m. (Received 10:30 a in., Decelllber3.) I have just seen General Grant. He cait only send 5,000. He depends upon the Louisiana; she is at the yard. Will you send an order to work on her night and day 0? Admiral Smith has ordered no night work. Wise better send every- thing at once. D. D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, U. S. Navy. Hon. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Navy. [Endorsement.] DECEMBER 3, 1864. Everything is being done with the utmost vigor by the Bureau. The moment the Baltimore arrives she will take on board Jeffers aud Rodman, and,. with a barge in tow, loaded with about 250 barrels of powder and the Birney fluid, proceed at once to Norfolk to prepare tho Louisiana for service. H.A, WjISE] Page 120 120 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Instructions from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, regarding operations in the James River. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship Mialvern, Hampton Roads, December 2, 1864. SIR: While I am absent you will have to depend on your own resources and not wait for orders from me beyond those I leave with you for your guidance. When the gap is open, if it ever proves suc- cessful, you will have to be on the alert for rams and torpedoes and keep the lookouts I have directed to be kept in a previous order. The picket boats must always be kept in readiness at night, with their torpedoes ready for service, and if an ironclad should come down they must destroy her, even if they are all sunk. For this purpose you must select men of nerve to command them, who will undertake any- thing, no matter how desperate. The picket boats should be carefully used; steam should not be kept up in the daytime, and they should be kept but for one purpose. The locomotive light must be lit on the bow of the Onondaga and the torpedo catcher fitted for a full due and to be carried at all times. Something must be done up the river, and I have an idea that one of those rams can be blown up by two men, with cork jackets on, getting above them or below them and floating down on them with the current. It was practiced on the Mississippi on one of our vessels there, and the torpedo attached to the bow, but it did not explode. Now, I propose a long, light pole, 30 feet long, with a torpedo at the end, supported at 10 feet from the end by bladders or gutta-percha life-preservers and a life-preserver at the other end to make the spar float easy. The men will not be in the least danger from the explosion, though they will likely be captured. They will get their reward and be entitled to the full value of the ram or vessel blown up. We must run great risks to strike terror to an enemy. One of the torpedoes used in picket boat No. 4 is the only kind to use. An assistant surgeon in your division offered a plan of small boat which I think feasible, but the above is more sure. One vessel must be appointed to patrol the river, and visit the light. houses every day, and have things kept in order. If occasion offers, cooperate with the Army. Dont be afraid of expending ammunition judiciously. There is plenty of it. Where you cant see the object well, do the firing by signal. Encourage the officers to perform daring acts. Though we may sometimes lose them by capture, we mnst not forget the old saying, Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Trusting to your discretion to do all things right, I remain, Very respectfully, your obedient servant~ DAVID I). PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander W. A. PARKER, Comdg. Fifth Division, North Atlantic Squadron, James River. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, Washington, December 2, 18641: 30p. m. Your dispatch of the 30th November to Commander Wise has been shown to me. If General Grant moves 12th, as originally intended, is not the other matter necessarily void ~ G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Navy., Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER Page 121 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 121 Expedition to Pitch Landing, December 26, 1864. Report of Commander Xacomb, U. S. Navy, transmitting papers. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, i)ist. Sounds North Carolina, off Plymouth, N. C., December 9, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the satisfaction to report that on the 2d instant I sent the Chicopee up the Chowan River to bring oft some cotton, pro- visions, and supplies held by the rebels, which I had been informed were stored near Pitch Landing. You will perceive by Commander flarrells report, which I enclose, that the expedition was a very successful one. My orders to Commander Tiarrell are herewith forwarded. Since the return of the above expedition I have ordered the Chicopee to Edenton, N. C., and Sandy Point, in Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, to seize another amount of cotton, which, from information (from Captain Harrell), I find to be about 30 bales, and which is in his possession. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOMB, Commander District of the Sounds, North Carolina. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. S. Malvern, Flagship, Hampton Roads, Virginia. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Dist. Sounds North Carolina, off Plymouth, N. C., December 1, 1864. SIR: You will proceed up the Chowan River as far as you deem neces- sary, capturing cotton, cattle, and anything belonging to the enemy. If you are fired npon, burn houses in the immediate vicinity, and, in short, do all you can to annoy the enemy. After having accomplished this you will return as soon as possible. Very respectfully, W. H. MACOMB, Commanding Sounds of North Carolina. A. DAvID HARRELL, Commanding U. S. S. Chicopee. I will expect the Chicopee to return by the 6th, and Commander ilarrell will report to me. Report of Commander Harrell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. Chicopee. U. S. S. CHICOPEE, Chowan River, rNorth Carolina], December 5, 1864. SIR: I have the gratification to report that, availing myself of the permission granted me by yourself (after having received your written orders), 1 left Plymouth on Friday, December 2, and proceeded to Roanoke Island, where Colonel Wardrop very promptly placed a detachment of soldiers on board under the command of Lieutenant. Colonel W. W. Clarke for the accomplishment of the duty proposed. I landed a detachment of sailors under the command of Lieutenant [E. A.] Walker for the purpose of cooperation. The party landed a little above the mouth of the Wiekacon Creek, with orders to march to Pitch Landing, that place being 9 miles distant by land and 2~ miles by water, where the rebel Government, as I was informed, had a deposi- tory for cotton and army supplies. At the same time I ordered th Page 122 122 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. steam picket boat No. 5 to proceed up that stream, it being impossible for the Chicopee to do so, it being narrow and tortuous. Both parties arrived without accident, and captured the place, bringing off about 85 bales of cotton, a quantity of cotton yarn, together with 7 prisoners and 52 contrabands, aiid burning and destroying the following list of property, viz, say, 75 barrels beef, 7,000 pounds of tobacco, 5 barrels of molasses, 100 boxes adamantine candles (40 pounds each), 75 sacks of salt, 1,000 pounds of coffee, 10 barrels crushed sugar, 300 pairs of cottou cards, 2,000 blocks of cotton yarn, 45 sets army harness, 31 mules, 6 horses, 10 army wagons, 250 graiu sacks, 4,000 pounds of bacon; also a quantity of pease, beans, leather, shoes, boots, clothing, etc., belonging to the Confederate Army. I was compelled to have the horses and mules killed because I had no transportation. You will perceive that a very large amouut of valuable property was destroyed for the same reason. I am happy to state that the whole affair was well managed and a perfect success. One soldier was (I fear) mortally wounded. I feel greatly indebted to Lieutenant-Colonel Clarke for the energetic coopera- tion which he afforded. Lieutenant Walker, the executive officer of this vessel, commanded the sailors and performed his duty with his usual promptness and gallantry. Acting Ensign James A. Crossman, Act- ing Masters Mates [J. A.] Beleher and [C. C.] Johnson accompanied the command aiid performed their duty well, as I am informed. I placed Mr. Johnson in command of a detatchment of marines on board the picket boat. His duty was particularly arduous and hazardous; he performed it to the admiration of all hands. I am informed that the commander of the picket boat, Acting Ensign [J. II.] Chapman, performed his duty well and gave entire satisfaction. It only remains to add, which gives me great pleasure, that Acting Assistant Surgeon (21. L. Simpson volunteered and accompanied the party, rendering timely service to the wounded. I have omitted to state, which I now do, with great pleasure, that I was accompanied by Colonel Wardrop, who gave me the assistance of his long experience. I enclose Lieutenant Walkers report.* Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. D. HARRELL, Commander, U. S. Navy. Commander WM. II. MACOMB, U. S. Navy, Commanding Division of the Sounds of Korth Carolina. Additional report of Commander Harrell, U. 5. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. Chicopee. U. S. S. CHICOPEE, Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, December 7, 1864. Sin: Subsequent to my hasty report of the 5th, I have ascertained that there were destroyed at Pitch Landing, beside what has already been mentioned, 875 sacks of salt. In the safe of the rebel commissary was found a quantity of Confederate money and bonds. The following amount was turned over to me: Confederate bills, representing about $1,400; Confederate bonds, representing $8,000, which I forward to you. I also omitted to state that a valuable bridge was burned. Our force was fired, upon during their return, but the rebels were soon driven off I herewith forward a quantity of official and private papers cap- tured at Pitch Landing, which will throw a good deal of light upon ~Not necessary to publish Page 123 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 123 the manner in which the rebels receive their supplies. Beef, pork, candles, etc., were marked with the United States brand, all of which it is said were received from Norfolk, Va. It affords me pleasure to state that perfect harmony existed between the two branches of the service during the whole expedition. Several rebels were killed and wounded; the exact number could iot be ascertained. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. D. HARRELL, Connnander, U. S. Navy. Commander WILLIAM I-I. MACoMB, Commanding Division Sounds of North Carolina. Report of Commandei Harrell, transmitting Confederate bills captured. U. S. S. CHICOPEE, Norfolk Navy Yard, February 24, 1865~ SIR: I have the honor to enclose (~l 7,360) Confederate bills and bonds captured by this vessel at Pitch Landing, N. C. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. D. HARIRELL, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commander, U. S. Navy. Secretary U. S. Navy, Washington, D. C. [Endorsement.J Have been distributed as curiosities. W[ELLES]. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Chicopee, Commander A. D. Harrell. December 3, 1864.Off Itoanoke Island. At 4 p. in., having the col- onel, lieutenant colonel, a number of lieutenants, with two companies of men, numbering 63 men each, from Roanoke Island, on board, hoisted all boats and started up the sound. At 5:45 passed out of Croatan Sound. Underway until 11:25 p. in., when we anchored in the mouth of Chowan River. December 4.At 7 a. in. got underway with a flatboat and a picket boat (No. 5) in tow and proceeded up the Chowan River. At 10:30 a. in. picked up 2 men in a boat trying to cross the river. At 11:20 sent the picket launch No. 5, with the marine guard on board, up the Wiekacon Creek. At 11:30 came to anchor abreast of Einres Landing and landed all the soldiers and officers in charge of them; also 70 of our men and 3 officers, Acting Ensign James A. Crossinan, Dr. Simpson, and Acting Masters Mate J. A. Beicher, Lieutenant E. A. Walker in charge. At 2:30 p. in. came to off Longfield Landing. From 4to6 p. in. lying at anchor off Fishers [Fishery] Landing. From 6 to 8 had the battery all ready for action. At 11: 45 p. in. heard musketry firing ~n shore bearing W. N. W. Lookouts stationed as nsnal. December 5.At 9:15 a. in. got underway and steamed up the river as far as Einres Landing; turned around and came back to Fishery Landing. Sent the dingey ashore to bring off a contraband. From meridian to 4 p. in.: At 12 got underway and steamed up to Einres Landing; came to anchor and transported all of our men and troops on board, they having captured 7 prisoners, bales of cotton, whic Page 124 124 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. were taken on board, and a number of horses and wagons, which were destroyed on the bank, not being able to carry them away. We also received on board 43 contrabands. Having everything on board, we started down the river with torpedo boat No. 5 in tow. At 5:30 p. in. passed Fishery Landing. At 9 stopped off the mouth of Roanoke River; sent picket boat No. 5 with dispatches to Plymouth. At 9: 3() steamed down the sound. List of stores captured at Pitch Landing, December 4, 1864: 85 bales of cotton, t bale of sheeting, 150 bundles twist (5 pounds each), 24 bandIes twist (6 pounds each), 22 stand arms, 8 sabers, 1 holster pistol, 11 cavalry saddles, 8 sets complete mule han- ness, 6 horse collars, 252 ponnds manufactured tobacco, 2 blankets. December G.At 12:30 p. m. came to anchor off Roanoke Island and landed all the troops and contrabands. At 2:30 p. m. three gentlemen caine on board with snbmarine diving apparatus and a calcium light to go to Plymonth. At 5:30 p. m. got underway and steamed up Croatan Sound. December 7.At 3:30 p. m. anchored off Plymouth, and made fast to the wharf and commenced to discharge cotton. March 5, 1865.Lieutenant-Commander H. N. T. Arnold took com- mand. [Telegram.] HAMPTON ROADS, December 3, 1864. (Received 12 p. in.) I am just down from the [Dutchi Gap. Telegraphed you from there. The Louisiana will be ready to-morrow night, and we are waiting for the important material. l)AVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. lion. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, December 3, 186412:30 p. m. Your telegram to Mr. Fox of this a. m. received. Everything is being done by the Bureau with the utmost vigor. The moment the Baltimore arrives she will leave again with Jeffers and Rodman to assist in fitting out the Louisiana. The Stromboli is on her way to you with 80 torpedoes on board and 2 of Beard slees clock movements. If you have not Beardslee near you, let me know. H. A. WIsE, Chief of Bureau. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, senior officer off New Inlet, regarding various affairs of his command. U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAS, Off New Inlet, December 3, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your two communications of November 24, one in reference to the Alabama bein Page 125 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 125 sent outside. She is now coaling; on her return I will dispatch her immediately and send her to the Cherokees station. The Moccasin is on the Western Bar. I will send your order around to the senior officer of that station. The Unadilla and Buckingham are here; also the Berberry. The commanding officer of the Berberry reports himself as unfit for any duty. A survey is now being held on him. There is a deserving acting ensign (iRowntree) on board the How quah, well acquainted with the bar, who has volunteered for com- inand of the Berberry, and I will put him on board, subject to your approval. The two additional tugs alluded to will give a fine force for this bar. Two vessels have succeeded in getting in during the last week, owing chiefly to the misty weather. We are now holding a fine large side-wheel steamer inside; she has been waiting three nights for a chance to run. General Orders 53 to 60 and accompanying circular are in hand. Permit me to express my conviction that your general order in refer- ence to the official conduct of officers will have a most beneficial effect. It is already manifest. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, PEND. G. WATMOUGH, Liee~tenant- Commander, Senior Officer Present. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. The Santiago de Cuba has just put in and hoisted the senior officers flag. Report of Commander Beaumont, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture of the schooner Mary, of Nassau, New Providence. U. S. S. MACKINAW, At Sea, Lat. 32~ 11 N Long. 78~ 34 W., December 3, 1864. SIR: I respectfully inform the Department that I fell in with to-day at 1 p. m. and captured the schooner Mary, of Nassau, New Providence, bound from Dewees Inlet, South Carolina, to Nassau, New Providence, with a cargo consisting of 77 bales of cotton,50 boxes of tobacco, 1 barrel turpentine. The Mary left Dewees Inlet on the 1st instant. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. BEAUMONT, Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Extract of journal of the U. S. S. Mackinaw, referring to the capture of the schooner Mary. U. S. S. MACKINAW, At Sea, December 3, 1864. Saturday.Weat her cloudy; wind southward and westward and variable. At 1 a. m. sounded in 26 fathoms. Steering various courses. Several sails in sight. At 1:10 p. m. saw a suspicions schooner steerin Page 126 126 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. S. E.; steered for her and fired a gun to bring her to. Sent a boat on board and found her to be the Mary, from Dewees Inlet, South (Daro- lina, bound to Nassau with cargo of cotton and tobacco. Took charge of her and put prize crew on board in charge of Acting Ensign J. S. Blake and 6 men. Latitude 32~ 11 N., longitude 780 14 W. Order of Lieutenant- Commander Watinough, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Rowutree, U. S. Navy, to perform blockade duty in command of the U. S. tug Berberry. U. S. S. KANSAS, Off New inlet, December 3, 1864. SIR: You will assume command of the tug Berberry for the present, relieving Acting Ensigit Griffith. The Berberrys station is off the bar on a bearing of W. to W. by N. from the Mound light. You will hold this position closely and exert the utmost vigilance to prevent the entrance of any runners, and be prompt to signal by rocket and guns the attempt to run ont of any vessel. You are not to chase from the bar, but maintain your station. The first necessity is to be prompt to move in, with the decline of light. Exercise every care against ground- ing; have careful leadsmeu trained daily at giving exact soundings. You are familiar with the bar, and I expect good results from your command. Respectfully, your obedient servant, PENB. G. WATMOUGH, Lieutenant- Commander, Senior Officer Present. Acting Ensign [ROBERT WJ ROWNTREE, U. S. S. How quah. Chasing ashore, December 3, and destruction, December 5, 1864, of the steamer Ella. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Braine, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. Pequot. U. S. S. PEQLTOT, Off Western Bar, C ape Fear River, December 4, 1864. SIR: I have to report that December 2, at 1 p. in., whilst lying close inshore near White Point Swash, coast of South Carolina, I discovered a two-piped, side-wheel steamer coming in from the southward. As she did not see me, I lay quiet until 1:40 p. in., by which time she had run close inshore near Little River Inlet, North Carolina, and bore N. E. from me. I then started, steering east, to intercept her and crowd her on the land; she immediately stood to the eastward, a~~d I hoped to compel her to run for the blockaders. I made black smoke and fired five guns to attract cruisers, without success. When off Shallotte Inlet she stood to the southward and eastward. I-chased upon that course until 6 p. in., when, being near the end of Frying Pan Shoals, she sud- denly changed her course N. N. W. to run up the shoal. I did the same, and at 8:20 p. in., being in 6~ fathoms water near the blockaders, I threw up five rockets and burned the night signal to alarm the blockaders. Having, as .1 supposed, put them upon the alert, I stood offshore to 8~ fathoms and patrolled until daylight, when I had the satisfaction to see the runner ashore about 1~ miles S. by W. of Bald Head Point Page 127 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 127 At 7:30 a. m. I went in with other vessels to destroy her by shelling. I had the satisfaction to strike her twice with 150-pounder shell amid- ships, and so seriously damaged her that this morning (December 4) the rebels are firing at her from five batteries and doing their best to finish what the blockaders commenced. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. L. BRAINE, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID B. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dunn, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Emma. U. S. S. EMMA, Off Western Bar, Wilmington, [N. C.], December 3, 1864. SlR: 1 respectfully beg leave to make the following report: At 5:30 a. in., beiiig in my station in 3~ fathoms water off the bar, Bald Head light bearing N. N. E. per compass, a blockade runner was discovered from this vessel bearing E. by S., close in under the shore of Smiths Island, and steering for the bat. 1 immediately went ahead at full speed, heading N. N. E. to cut her off from the bar, at the same time throwing up one rocket to signal to the vessels nearer the bar. As soon as practicable I opened fire npon her from my broadside guns, the runner being then distant about 700 yards. At 5:40 saw that she was turning round, and then I immediately headed for her until I got in 2~ fathoms water, the runner being then about 500 yards distant, when I altered my course to the southward and stopped the engines. At this time I discovered she was ashore on the sonth end of Marshall Shoal. I lowered a boat, armed and equipped, and ordered my executive offi- cer, Acting Ensign [Charles] Zimmerman, to board and fire her at all hazards. I was then in 2 fathoms water, with a shoal bar between the Emma and the runner, and had kept up a brisk fire on her from my port battery. By the time the boat shoved off it had got to be so light that our position was plainly discernible from the shore batteries, dis- tant about 1,200 yards, from which they opened quite a lively fire, the shot nearly all passing over us; also saw six boats in the water near the runner. Seeing that a single boats crew would be exposed to immi- nent peril, with scarce a possibility of success, I reluctantly recalled her and moved off out of range. At 6: 30 hoisted my boat and steered for my day station. The blockade runner is a very long, low, side-wheel steamer, schooner- rigged, with two smokestacks, one forward, the other abaft the paddle box. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Tiios. C. DUNN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander G. W. YOUNG, Senior Officer off Western Bar, Wilmington. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Young, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Maratanza. Cape u~ S. S. MARATANZA, Off Western Bar, Fear Biver, December 4, 1864. SIR: Ihave the honor to report that on the morning of the 3d instant, at about 5:30 a. in., the steamer Emma discovered and succeeded i Page 128 128 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. driving a large two-smokestack steamer (blockade runner), evidently bound in, on shore on Marshall Shoal, Smiths Island. After seeing her gronnded, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dunn, of the Emma, hav- ing reported the fact to me, I directed the Britannia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant iluse, and the Aries, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Wells, to run in and try the range, and if they found it practicable, to endeavor to disable the vessel so as to prevent her getting off. Finding that the 30-pounder rifle would reach by the vessels keeping underway to avoid the batteries, and the Pequot, Lieutenant-Commander Braine, arriving about this time, I moved all the vessels into a position south of the forts and commenced firing upon her at long range. I estimate that she was struck some forty times, the Pequot, in her second or third fire, explod- ing the boilers. After one hours ebb, Lieutenant Braine returned to the squadron. Seeing that the vessel was on shore, it was decided that we should make the attempt to burn her after dark, as she lay directly under the guns on Smiths Island, but owing toaS. W. wind, which sent a heavy swell inshore, and consequently breaking outside of her, the vessel was obscured and we were unable to attempt it. At daybreak Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Devens, commanding the Tristram Shandy, ran in and sighted her, firing several projectiles into her, and from his report she is bilged and gone down by the head. As soon as boats can approach her I shall endeavor to destroy her by fire. The night expe- dition fitted out for last nights services I placed under charge of Act- ing Volunteer Lieutenant iluse, of the Britannia, with the Emma, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dunn Tristram Shandy, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Devens, and Nansemond, Acting Master Porter, with a boats crew and boat from each one of the blockading fleet, and I only regret to say that the weather prevented them from successfully operating. I would also mention that the Ghipjpewa, Lieutenant-Commander Weaver, and Huron, Lieutenant-Commander Selfridge, rendered assist- ance in the forenoon with their XI-inch guns, and also furnished boats for the night expedition. I have only to regret that this vessel could not take her place in the destruction of this blockade runner, as her 100-pounder rifle has given evidence of great weakness and both pivot slides having beeu con- demned by survey some time since, and I am endeavoring to nurse them as much as possible until they are renewed. Enclosed please find the reports. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G-EO. W. YOUNG, Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present. DAVID D - PORTER, Bear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Seifridge, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Huron. U. S. S. HURON, Off Western Bar, December 4, 1864. - SIR: I have the honor to report that yesterday morning, hearing firing in the direction of the Western Bar entrance, I proceeded to that point and .found a portion of the fleet firing at a blockade runner that had gone ashore during the night Page 129 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 129 Opened fire with the 30-pounder Parrott, and had the satisfaction of putting some shots through her. Several of the enemy~s shots passed over us without damage. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, THOS. 0. SELFRIDGE, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Huse, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Britannia. U. S. S. BRITANNIA, Off Western Bar, North Carolina, December 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the expedition fitted out nnder my charge last night to destroy the block- ade runner lying on the shoals off ~ Island: At moondown the Britannia, Tristrans Shandy, Emma, and Nanse- mond, followed by the tug Moccasin, with boats from the squadron, started in for the blockade runner, her position being judged from bearings taken during the day, the intention being for the vessels to go as near as practicable and deliver fire iu passiug, afterwards the boats to come up by signal. AL 9:30p.m. the vessels advanced in the above order and all turned, in 12 to 14 feet water, without being able to see the ship ashore, owing to the darkness and mist. At this time the Emma came up and hailed, giving an order from Lieutenant-Commander Upshur not to make any attack, as the weather was too rough. Hauled off into 3 fathoms water, when I left the ship in my gig, accompanied by a boat from the Tristram Shandy, under Acting Ensign [Benjamin] Wood, to ascertain whether an attack was practicable by boats. I went into the breakers in 7 feet water, but was not able to discover the ship. Finding that the sea was making and the wind increasing, I returned with the boats and passed within hail of all the vessels, ordering them to return to their night stations, and giving orders to the tug to pro- ceed with the boats to the coal schooner at the buoy for the night. At daylight discovered the vessel high up on the shoal, listed to port and settled by the head, evidently having been seriously damaged by the firing of yesterday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAML. ilusE, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Devens, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tristram Shandy. U. S. S. TRISTRAM SHANDY, Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C., December 4, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order of yesterday, I followed the Bri. tannia iu toward Smiths Island for the purpose of destroying the block- ade runner on shore on the S. E. end of Reeper Shoal. At 9:30 p. m. N W RVOL 11 Page 130 130 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. we started in and came around in 2 fathoms water, close in to the bar. Could see nothing of the blockade runner. Sent our third cutter, armed by 3 officers and 9 men, to the Britannia. Remained in close to. the bar in from 3 to 24 fathoms water all night. At 2 a. m. saw a pro- peller close iu among the breakers; challenged her and received no answer, and before I could see her again she ran back over the bar and went inside. Weather very dark and hazy. At 5 a. m. got the ship in close to the Reeper Shoal, and had everything ready for the purpose of shelling the blockade runner. At 6:10 a. m. saw her (we were in 24 fathoms water, and the vessel not over 60 yards from us) and com- menced firing on her. Saw several of our shell strike her. They were percussion and exploded. As soon as we were visible from the shore, Fort [Battery] Holmes, two batteries of Whitworth gnus and a gun which I think is a 32-pounder, opened on us, their shot striking the water close to and many going over us. I kept this vessel in the line of the smoke of our guns (we being directly to windward and the smoke hanging close to the water) while loading, and thus had a chance to change my position and not allow the batteries to get a range on me. At 7 a. m. I withdrew and came out to our day station, having expended the following number of shell: 29 12-pounder shell, 13 20- pounder shell. When I came out the vessel had gone down by the bows. I am very certain she is cotton loaded and was running out by the Marshall Shoal channel. The gun which I suppose to be a 32-pounder is mounted about 2 miles below the Bald Head light. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD F. DEVENS, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander GEORGE W. YOUNG, U. S. Navy, Senior Officer Present off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C. Report of Acting Master Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nansemond. U. S. S. NANSEMOND, Off Wilmington, N. C., December 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report: In obedience to your order of the 3d instant, I reported to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Samuel Huse, commanding U. S. S. Britannia, to assist with this vessel in the destruction of the blockade runner ashore on Smiths Island Shoals, and at 9 p. m. proceeded, in company with U. S. steamers Britannia, Tristram Shandy, and Emma, inshore on a direct line with the stranded steamer, until in 24 fathoms water, but owing to the state of the weather, which was very thick, could not see her, and the wind being fresh from southward made too much sea for small boats, and it was deemed advisable by the senior officer to post- pone the attack, and according to orders we resumed our usual night station off the bar, Bald Head light bearing E. to E. by S., in 3 fathoms water. - I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. PORTER, Acting ]Jfaster, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander GEO. W. YOUNG, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Maratanza, Senior Naval Officer Present Page 131 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 131 Commendatory report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]Jlialvern,. off Norfilk, December 9, 1864. SIR: I enclose you a report of the l)urning and destruction of the blockade runner Ella, loaded with arms and ammunition, and bound into Wilmington. She was set fire to nnder the enemys battery by Acting Ensign Isaac S. Sampson, of the U. S. S. Emma. The affiuir reflects credit on all concerned. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 1). (1. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Young, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. Xaratanza, trans- mitting enclosures. U. S. S. MARATANZA, Off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C., December 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose a copy of the report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dunn, commanding U. S. S. Emma, together with that of Acting Ensign Sampson, of same vessel, of the destruction of the blockade runner Ella, which vessel was forced on shore on the morning of the 3d instant. By the judicious arrangements made by Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dunn, and the strict attention to the same by Acting Ensign Sampson, assisted by Acting Third Assistant Engineer Churchill, the expedition proved a perfect success, which would probably not have attended it if more boats had been employed, as the enemy were thrown off their guard by the interval allowed to intervene between her being run on shore and last nights reconnoissance and her destruction. The steamer was evidently loaded with arms and munitions of war and from the report of Acting Ensign Sampson must be new. From papers found on board she must have sailed from Nassau some time in the latter part of November. It was satisfactorily proven that the fire opened on her by the Britannia, Aries, Pequot, Emma, Huron, and (Jhippewa after she was grounded was most effectual in placing her in a condition which rendered it impossible to get her oft and, since she was fired, it precludes the slightest chance of saving her cargo, except in small portions and in a damaged condition. From the verbal report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dunn, the Ella is an iron steamer, the paddle boxes and masts being of the same material. I would also state that whilst cruising on night station picked up a box marked L. C. 18, evidently having contained rifle shell of 5~ inches in diame ter, which box must have been thrown overboard from the Ella, as a large quantity of boxes of the same description were passed during the first and mid watches. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. W. YOUNG, Lieutenant- (3ommande - Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 132 132 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. LEnclosure.] U. S. S. EMMA, Off Western Bar, Wilmington, December 6, 1864. SIR: Ibeg leave respectfully to report that being on my station last night near the blockade runner driven ashore by this vessel on the morning of the 3d instant, and deeming the opportunity a favorable one for attempting her destruction, in accordance with your suggestions of yesterday, I sent in a boat in charge of Acting Ensign Isaac S. Sampson, with instructions to examine her carefully, and if possible to board and set her on fire. I ordered him to take some prepared 24-pounder howitzer shells and place them where their explosion would cause the greatest damage to her machinery. Acting Third Assistant Engineer A. L. Churchill accompanied the expedition for that purpose. Enclosed you will please find the report of Acting Ensign Sampson, which will show how the work was performed. I consider the destruc- tion of the steamer as very complete, as she burned fiercely for three hours, the shells placed in her machinery exploding after she had been burning half an hour. The conduct of the officers and men engaged in the expedition com- mands my warmest approval. I enclose also the only paper found on board (a cargo receipt), showing the steamers name to be the Ella. In returning to the ship the boat was fired on by the shore batteries, but no damage done. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. C. DUNN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Lieutenant-Commander, GEG. W. YOUNG, Senior Qfllcer off Western Bar, Wilmington, N. C. [Subenolosure.] U. S. S. EMMA, North Atlantic Squadron, off Wilmington, N. C., December 6, 1864. SIR: I beg leave to make the following report and detail relative to burning the blockade steamer Ella: After leaving the ship, about 1:30 a. in., I steered in toward Bald Head light, according to your instruc. tions previous to leaving the ship. According to your instructions I had my oars muffled. One officer, Acting Third Assistant Engineer A. L. Churchill, and six men, named as follows, James Green, boat. swains mate; Charles Miller, sailmakers mate; Peter Hans, ordinary seaman; William Scott, ordinary seaman; Joseph Fitzpatrick, lands- man; Charles Chapman, landsman, for good conduct throughout the expedition demand my unqualified commendation. 1 steere(l directly for Bald Head light until in 7 feet of water. I sighted the blockade runner ashore, I should judge, about 250 yards from the beach. I heard the sentries passing the word on shore very distinctly, at same time pulling cautiously toward the blockade runner. Not seeing anyone on board I went alongside under her port bow (it being the offshore side). I boarded her, leaving two men in charge of the boat I then placed one on watch (my boats crew armed with cutlasses and pistols). With the others I went toward the after part of the ship. The first room I looked into was the pilot house, beiimg forward of all houses on deck (I having a dark lantern with me). The next rooms were the ships galley and storeroom; there I made preparations to light a fire, wetting the fuel wed with turpentine, which I took from the Emma for that occasion. I then proceeded farther aft into the room over the engines. The engines were two powerful oscillating engines. I there made read Page 133 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 133 to make another fire, wetting the fuel with turpentine as before. I then proceeded farther aft to a mess-room; there I made ready for another fire; then proceeding farther aft, I came to the captains cabin, where I made search for papers to identify the steamers name. I found some Nassau newspapers and a receipt for some cargo which had been received on board at Nassau, which receipt gave me the steamers name as Ella. The Ella was, I should judge, a new steamer of above 1,000 tons burden. She was a side-wheel steamer with two smokestacks and two masts. There were heavy boxes and barrels about the decks; what they con- tained I was unable to ascertain, not daring to show a light on deck. I was unable to get into the ships hold, it being half full of water. I then caused some 24-pound shells to be taken out of my boat, which I took from the E~~ma,in obedience to your orders, and I placed them as near the engines as possible (the fuzes being already cut). Having done all in my power, I deemed it prudent to light my fires and make good my retreat, which I did as follows: I caused my boats crew to get into the boat, excepting Acting Third Assistant Engineer A. L. Churchill andoneman,whomldetainedonboardtoaidmeinsettingfiretothis ship. I then repaired to the captains cabin, and there lit the first fire, then into the mess-room, there lit the second fire, while Acting Third Assistant Engineer Churchill lit the fire in the engine room. I then repaired into the ships galley and there lit the last fire; then, after making sure that she was well fired, I ordered all the boats company into the boat, and getting in myself proceeded out toward the U. S. S. Emmas night station; arrived on board at 4:30 a. m. At this time the sky was well illuminated by the flames from the blockade-running steamer Ella. At this time there was heavy firing from the batteries on shore at Smiths Island. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ISAAC S. SAMPSON, Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. C. DUNN, Commanding U. S. S. Emma. P. S.I took from the blockade runner Ella seven Enfleld rifles with bayonets and one ships compass. [Telegram.] DECEMBER, 1864. Steamer Ella is ashore about 14 miles off; draft 6 feet. If she can be lightened before day the ship can be saved. Can you send a steam- boat over? She wants a guard. I have refused. Shall I comply? If you send small boats they will be of service. Let them report here and I will have a pilot ready. JOHN J. HEDRICK, Colonel, Commanding. General H~BERT, Smithville. [Telegram.] SMITHYILLE, rDecember 2, 1864.] Use your discretion about sending a guard. Can send you no boats. No steamer can be had. Captain HARDEMAN. Colonel HEDRICK Page 134 134 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] [DECEMBER 3, 1864.] Send a steamer here to take off crew of Ella. General H1~BERT. Captain HARDEMAN, ,8mithriile. [Telegram.] BALD HEAD, December 3, [1864]1O a. m. The Ella is ashore 1~ miles from shore, opposite the Hill battery or left of land fronts. She is abandoned. We keel) the enemy far off, but their shots reach the ship. She has been struck. She cant be saved. General HJ~BERT. General WHITINcf, Wilmington. [Telegram.] BALD HEAD, December 3, 186411 a. m. The Ella is hulled and full of water. She is lost. The enemy has reached with his shot to Colonel Hedricks house. He is still firing slowly. General HI~BERT. General WHITING, Wilmington. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, December 4, 1864. (Received at Washington 5: 45 p. in.) Can you charter two tugs for mel They will do until 1 can get the others. l)AYID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. (4. V. Fox. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 4, 1864. Telegram from Dutch Gap received. Will charter a couple of tugs. Jeffers and Major Itodman go dowu to-morrow. Wise promises every- thing quickly. G.Y. Fox, Assistant Secretary. IRear.Admiral D. D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, December 4, 1864. (Received 5:45.p. in.) The Young Rover sailed three days ago. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Page 135 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 135 [Telegram.] CITY POINT, December 4, 18644 p. m. When can you be ready with our other experiment 6? Captain Edson, ordnance officer at Fort Monroe, will place ordnance stores at your disposal. Time is valuable from the news we get. B. F. BUTLER, Major- General. Admiral D. D. PORTER. [Telegram.] NAVY YARD, NORFOLK, December 4, 1864. We are ready for the 150 tons of powder. Will you give directions to have it bagged ready to go on board 6? DAVID B. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Read quarters Army of the James. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Parker, U. S. Nary, regarding measures for keeping the James River open. HAMPTON ROADS, December 4, 1864. SIR: The possibility is that the James River may be frozen over all the way down to Norfolk. It has happened before. As soon as the cold commences setting in severely you will sheathe the bows of all the vessels of your division at least 2 feet above water line and extend- ing aft to the knuckle, or to the curve of the bow. As the ice begins forming you will keep the vessels moving up and down the river breaking it up, and enabling the transports to run at all times. This will be rather a large operation for the few vessels you have in your division, and you had, therefore, better call ou the army authorities. They have a large Ilumber of boats that would be well adapted for ice breaking, and they are very much interested in keeping the river free of ice. You must guard all your vessels, coal transports, etc., against run- ning ice. Sheathe their bows, and have them anchored in places where ice does not run, and close to a military station, where they can not be boarded by parties coming off on the ice. A closing of the river would be a most serious matter, and you must adopt every means in time to prevent it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID B. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander W. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division, North Atlantic Squadron, James River. Report of Commander Dove, U. S. Navy, commanding naval station, Beaufort, N. C., regarding movement of vessels to and from that place. NAVAL STATION, BEAUFORT, N. C., December 4, 1864. SIR: Agreeably to your order of the 24th ultimo I begin the weekly report of arrivals and departures. The arrivals were all for coal and supplies, except the Rhode Island and her prize, which stopped outside for the mails Page 136 136 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The JiJolus is repaired and will take in her coal to-morrow. The Alabama would have sailed yesterday, but there was not wafer enough on the bar. She will go out this morning. I am glad to report au improved spirit in the blockaders. The Cher- okee, for instance, took in coal enough yesterday by 4 p. m. to go out with your order to the T7anderbi it. Untortunately, it was low water just then, and she could not cross the bar. The Mattabesett left for Hatteras Inlet yesterday morning at 7, 50 that your order of the 30th detaining her did not reach [her] in time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENT. M. DOVE, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Truxtun, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tacony. HAMPTON ROADS, December 4, 1864. SIR: You will proceed with the Tacony under your command to Beau- fort, N. C., and await further orders there. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander W. T. TRUXTUN, Commanding U. S. S. Tacony. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Captain Ridgely, U. S. Navy, to proceed on a cruise to Old Bahama Channel. HAMPTON ROADS, December 4, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to the Old Bahama Channel and thereabouts and see if you can not pick up some of the rebel privateers now fitting out and cruising against our commerce. You will endeavor to return to Beaufort as soon as the 12th, if cir- cumstances will admit of it. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Captain DANIEL B. RIDGELY, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Shenandoah. Capture of British steamer Armstrong, December 4, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, (iostort [Norfolk] Navy Yard, December 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture, on the 4th instant, of the British blockade-running steamer Armstrong, last from Wilmington, with a cargo of cotton, part of which was thrown overboard in the endeavor to escape; 133 bales of it were picked up the next day. The R. R. Cuyler, Gettysburg, and Mackinaw chased and participated in th Page 137 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 137 capture of the steamer, and the two first named, with the Montgomery, in the capture of the cotton thrown overboard. The Arrnstronq is a fine, new steamer; for a description of her I respectfully refer you to the reports of the commanders of the B. B. Guyler and Gettysburg, which will be forwarded to you. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAYIn D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Gettysburg. U. S. S. GETTYSBURG, At Sea, Lat. 330 10 N., Long. 750 10 W., December 4, 18G4. SIR: I have the honor to report that at 11 a. m. to-day, in latitude 320 38 N., longitude 780 01 W., we sighted black smoke bearing N. N. E., and soon made out a blockade runner with a vessel in chase, which prov d to be the U. S. S. B. B. Onyler, Commander Caldwell. The chase now changed his course toward the Cuyler to avoid ns. About 11:25 a. m. sighted another vessel bearing W. N. W., which proved to be the U. S. S. Mackinaw, Commander Beaumont, steering directly for this vessel. I immedlately ran up my ensign and numbers, and as the distance was too great to make them out, fired a gun toward him to let him know I was a cruiser, when he changed his course toward the chase. At 12 m. the chase bore N. by E. ~ E., the Onyler N. E. by N., and the Mack- inaw W. by S. At this time we exchanged numbers and signals with the Mackinaw, and by 12:30 passed ahead of her and across her bow, leaving her astern apparently at the rate of l~ to 2 miles per hour. We were now rapidly drawing up with the chase, which kept away more toward the Cuyler. Opened fire from the 30-pounder Parrott, the shells apparently falling near the chase; those from the Cuyler falling on both sides of her. At 2 p. ni. the chase hove to. At this time the bearings and approximate distances of the difft~rent vessels from the Gettysburg were as follows: Prize, N. by E. ~ E., 3 miles; B. B. Cuyler, N. E4 E. 2~ miles; Mackinaw, S. S. E., 3 miles. The prize proved to be the Arm- strong, with cotton fromWilmingtou to Nassau; she is an iron side-wheel steamer, 230 [feet] long, 26 feet beam, with four engines of 50 horse- power each. The capture took place in about latitude 330 10 N., longitude 780 10 W. During the chase the Gettysburg averaged 13~ knots per hour. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, It. II. LANSON, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Lieutenant, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy. Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. S. Navy, regarding cotton picked up by the U. S. steamers Gettysburg and B. B. Cuyler. U. S. S. GETTYSBURG, At Sea, Lat. at meridian 320 54 N., Long. at meridian 770 48 W., December 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that I have this day picked up 62 bales of cotton in company with the U. S. S. B. B. Onyler, the boats and crews of the two vessels working together Page 138 138 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. This cotton is supposed to be that thrown overboard from the block- ade runner Armstrong, captured yesterday. Commander Caidwell, of the B. P. (Juyler, being the senior officer, has taken charge of the cotton. No other vessel was in signal distance. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, li. II. LAMSON, Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nary, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Caidwell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. IL R. Onyler. U. S. S. H. R. CUYLER, Lat. (D. A.) 320 57 N., Long. 770 53 W., December 4, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that at 8:20 a. in., December 4,1864, in latitude 320 20 N., longitude 770 53 W. (by dead reckoning), sighted and gave chase to a steamer burning black smoke and bearing W. by N. At 10:30 a. m. the Gettysburg hove in sight and headed the runner oft; who changed her course from W. S. W. to N. W., with the intention of doubling around this vessel. We changed our course to cut her off, and at 12 had her near enough to open fire on her with our rifle gun. Sev- eral shot took effect, and one shell, passing through the starboard side, exploded in the cabin and set her on fire. At 2 oclock p. in. the vessel hove to and we took possession of her, she proving to be the English- built vessel Armstrong, an iron steamer of about 630 tons (old measure- ment), built in September, 1864. Length, 232 feet; beam, 261 feet; depth, 101 feet; four engines of 50-horsepower each. She left Wil- mington on her second trip for Nassau in company with another runner on the night of the 3d. She was loaded with 743 bales of cotton, about 300 of which they i-eport being thrown overboard. She had also on freight about $25,000 in Confederate scrip. At the time of the capture the prize bore N. W. by N., distant ~ miles, the Gettysburg bearing S. W., distant 3 miles, and in signal distance, and the Mackinaw S. by E., dis- tant 6 miles. The Mackinaw hove in sight about 11 oclock a. in., bearing forward of the beam, but owing to the greater speed of all the other vessels, she was nearly astern when the capture was made. During the chase the Onyler was going 134 to 134 knots per hourthe prize about 13. The Gettysburg headed the prize, so that in attempting to cross our bows she got into the trough of the sea, rolling heavily, and to this fact I attribute our early capture of the vessel. The only ships paper found on board was the contract with the builders for constructing the vessel, signed (July 5, 1864) by Thos. Wingate & Co., Glasgow. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. B. CALDWELL, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Aavy, Washington, D. C. Additional report of Commander Caidwell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. R. R. Cuyler, forwarding prize lists of that vesseL U. S. S. H. H. CUYLER, Gosport Yavy Yard, Va., December 13, 1864. SIR: Enclosed herewith I have the honor to forward prize lists of the U. S. S. R. P. Cuyier for the capture of the steamer Armstrong o Page 139 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 139 December 4, and the picking up of two lotsone of 62 bales and the other of 71 balesof cotton on December 5, 1864. I have also to add (having omitted it in my previous report) that we continued the search for cotton on the 6th instant without success. The Armstrong cost in Glasgow 35,000 ($175,000). I took from the person of the master and purser $4,400 in American gold, which I sent under seal to the judge of the United States district court for the port of New York, together with the $25,000 of Confed- erate bonds (cotton bonds). Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. B. CALDWELL, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commander. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Extract from the Journal of the U. S. S. Mackinaw, December 4, 1864. U. S. S. MACKINAW, At Sea, December 4, 1864. Sunday.Weather moderate; wind from the westward. At 2 a. in. prize castoff and proceeded on her course to Beanfort. At 9 boarded the brig Hattie F. Wheeler, from Cardenas for New York, with cargo of sugar. At 11:20 saw black smoke off port beam; bore up for it, steering S. by E. under all sail and steam. At 11:40 discovered a long, white steamer with two funnels to the eastward; at the same time made out the steamer burning black smoke to be the Gettysburg. We kept gradually chang- ing our course np to as high as N. by W., thins keeping the chase from escaping to windward and all the time gaining on her. We fi red sev- eral shots at her from onr forward rifle, the shots generally going over her. We discovered a sail to leeward of the Gettysburg, in chase also, and firing. At 1: 55 p. m. the chase hove to and stopped her engines, at which time the bearings of the vessels from each other were about as follows: The Gettysburg about one and one-half points off starboard bow; the chase abont three points off starboard bow, 2~ miles distant, and the P. P. Cuyler three points forward of starboard beam, 3 miles off. At 2:10 stopped and sent a boat on board the prize, which proved to be the Armstrong, from Wilmington, with cargo of cotton, bound to Nassau. At 5:40 picked up two bales cotton. Latitude 320 52 N., longitude 780 12 W. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, to attempt the capture of party of Confederates en route to Smithfield, N. C. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Hampton Roads, December 4, 1864. SIR: I have received information that a party of 65 sailors, 200 bar- rels of powder, and a train are going to Smithfield. See if you can not capture them. I think they are going to the ram. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Commander W. H. MACOMB, Pear-Admiral. Commanding District of the Sounds, Plymouth, N. C Page 140 140 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Bear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting list of vessels and their stations in the North Atlantic Blockading Sqnadron. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Norfolk Nary Yard, Va., December 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose the semiinonthly list of vessels in the North Atlantic Squadron, with their cominandi i~ g officers and present stations. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] Semimonthly list of vessels comprising the North Atlantic Squadron, with their command ing officers and pre8ent station. Name of vessel. Commanding officer. Present station. Agawam Alabama Anemone Alert Atlanta Aries Augusta Arletta Albemarle (hulk) Berberry Britannia Banshee Bignonia Belle Bazely (now Beta) Brooklyn Canonicns -- Chicepee Clematis commodore Hull cores Cherokee Calypso cambridge Commodore Barney... - colorado cactus commodore Morris ... - crusader Commodore Perry cuyler,.R. R Chippewa cohasset clinton Dumbarton Delaware Dawn Daylight Dictator Dacotab Emma Eolus Eutaw Fort Jackson Florida Fort Donelson Falikee Grand Gulf Gettysburg Governor Buckingliam General Putnam Granite. Glance Howquali. Huron Hunchback H. Brinker Commander A. C. Rhind Norfolk Navy Yard. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant F. Smith Wilmington. Acting Ensign W. C. Borden Do. Acting Ensign J. Bishop James Liver. Acting Yolunteer Lieutenant T. J. Woodward. Newport News. Acting Master F. S. Wells Wilmington. Commander T. G. Corbin Not reported. Commander B. XE. Dove Sounds, North Carolina. Do. Acting Ensign M. Griffith Wilmington. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Sami. Hose Do. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. H. Garfield -. Do. Acting volunteer Lieutenant W. D. Roath ... - Do. Sounds, North Carolina Do. CaptainJ. Alden Hampton Roads. Lieutenant-Commander Belkuap James River. Commander A. D. Harrell Wilmington, N. C. Acting Yolunteer Lieutenant F. D. Bruner .... Do. Acting Master F. Josselyn Sounds, North Carolina Acting Master H. H. Foster Wilmington. Acting Yolunteer Lieutenant W. B. Dennison Do. Acting Master F. D. Stuart New York. Acting Yolunteer Lieutenant J. V. Nickels .. Norfolk Navy Yard. Acting volunteer LieutenantG. B. Livingston. James River. Commodore H. K. Thatcher Hampton Roads. Acting Master and Pilot J. Evans Do. Acting Master H. G. Lee James River. Acting volunteer Lieutenant P. flays York River. Acting volunteer Lieutenant A. P. Foster James River. Commander [C. H. B.] Caidwell Wilmington. Lieutenant-Commander Weaver Off Wilmington. Acting Ensign [G. B.J Griffin Norfolk Navy Yard. Acting Ensign F. J. Runnells Do. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant H. Brown Off Wilmington Acting Master J. H. Eldridge James River. Acting Master J. A. Jackaway Do. Acting Master H. A. Phelon Do. Commodore John Rodgers Not reported. Do. Acting Yolunteer Lieutenant T. C. Dunn Off Wilmington. Acting Master XV. 0. Luudt Wilmington. Lieutenant-Commander H. C. Blake James River. Captain B. F. Sands Wilmington. Not reported. Wilmington. Do. Not reported. Off Wilmington. Do. James River. Hatteras Inlet. York Liver. Wilmington. Do. James River. Do. Acting volunteer Lieutenant T. Pickering Acting Master F. R. Webb Lieutenant R. H. Lamson Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. MacDiarmid.. Acting Master H. H. Savage Acting Master E. Loonier Acting Masters Mate W. H. Bolton Acting volunteer Lieutenant J. W. Baich Lieutenant-Commander T. 0. Seifridge Lieutenant J. Fyffe Acting Ensign J. H. Kerens Page 141 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 141 Semimonthly list of vessels comprising the North Atlantic Squadron, with their command- ing officers and present statio Continued. Name of vessel. Heliotrope Hoyt Hetzel Ilarcourt ilosco Juniata James Adger I. N. Seymour Kansas Keystone State Lilian Louisiana Launch No.4 Launch No.5 Launch No.6 Lockwood Lilac Little Ada Monticello Manmee Mohican Minnesota Mackinaw Massasoit Mount Vernon Moccasin Mattahesett Montgomery Maratanza Morse Miami Mendota. Mount Washington. Mystic - . -. Monadnock Mahopac Martin Mercedita Malvern Nyack Nansemond Nereus Niphon New Tronsides New Berne Osceola Onondaga Otsego Phlox Powhatan Pequot Pawtuxet Picket hoats Nos. 1, 2, 3,4,5, and 6 changed to Alpha ]3eta . ~. . - Gamma Delta Epsilon Zeta Poppy Quaker City Rhode Island Release . Renshaw Seneca State of Georgia Saco Shenandoah Susquehanna Santiago do Cuha Stepping Stones Samuel Rotan Saugus Shamrock Sahine Shokokon Sassacus St. Lawrence Tallapoosa Commanding officer. Acting Ensign James N. Norman Acting Enaigu H. Ii. Twamhly Acting Master G. B. Thompson Commander J. Guest Captain W. H. Taylor Commander T. H. Patterson IAeutenant.Commander P. G. Watmough Commander Rolando Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. A. Harris Acting Volunteer Lieutenant F. M. Green Acting Volunteer Lieutenant 1). A. Camphell.. Lieutenant-Commander Jas. Parker Commander ID. Ammen Commodore J. Lanman Commander J. C. Beaumont Commander H. T. Renshaw Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. Trathen Acting Ensign W. G. Upton Commander J. C. Fehiger Actg. Vol. Lieut. Commander E. II. Faucon Lieutenant-Commander G. W. Young Acting Volunteer Lieutenant G. W. Graves Commander E. T. Nichols Actin, Master H. H. Haynie Acting Master W. Wright Commander E. G. Parrott Lieutenant-Commander J. M. Prichett Acting Ensign M. ID. Ames Lieutenant-Commander M. Haxtun Lieutenant W. B. Cushing Lieutenant-Commander Newman Acting Ensign J. H. Porter Commander J. C. Howell Acting Master E. Kemhle Commodore W. Itadford Commander J. M. B. Clitz Commander W. A. Parker Lieutenant-Commander H. N. T. Arnold Acting Eusi n [P. F.] OBrien CommanderJ. F. Scheuck Lieutenant-Commander D. L. Braine Commander J. H. Spotta Present station. Hampton Roads. Sounds, North Carolina. Norfolk Navy Yard. Do. Hampton Roads. Do. Not reported. Hampton Roads. Wilmington. Do. Do. Navy Yard, Norfolk. James River. Sounds, North Carolina. Not reported. Sounds, North Carolina. Beaufort. Wilmington. Do. Do. Do. Hampton Roads. Wilmington. James River. Wilmington. Do. Sounds, North Carolina. Wilmington. Do. Not reported. James River. Do. Norfolk Navy Yard. York River. Hampton Roads. James River. Sounds, North Carolina. Baltimore. Hampton Roads. Wilmington. Do. Not reported. Boston. Hampton Roada. Supply steamer. Wilmington. James River. Sounds, North Carolina. James River. Hampton Roads. Wilmington. Do. James River. Acting Ensign H. F. Curtis Sounds, North Carolina. . James River. Do. Acting Ensign E. M. Bogga Do. Do. Acting Ensign [Win.] Clarke Norfolk Navy Yard. Commander W. F. Spicer Wilmington. Commander [S. D.] Trenchard Do. Acting Ensign C. II. Beckahoift Beaufort. - Sounds, North Corolina. Lieutenant-Commander M. Sicard Norfolk Navy Yard. Not reported. Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Walker Guard ship, Hampton Roads. Captain D. B. Ridgely Off the Bahamas. Commdore S. W. Godon - Hampton Roads. Captain 0. 5. Glisson Wilmington. Transferred to Potomac do. tilia. Acting Master W. G. Nutting York River. Conimander E. R. Colhoun James River. Commander W. H. Macomh Sounds, North Carolina. Lieutenant-Commander H. B. Lowry Norfolk. Acting Volunteer Lientenaut W. B. Sheldon... Beaufort. Lieutenant-Commander J. L. Davis Norfolk. Commander D. Lynch Do. Lieutenant-Commander DeHaven Boston Page 142 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 142 Semimonthly list of Ve8sels comprising the North Atlantic Squadron, with their command- ing officers and present stationContinued. Name of vessel. Commanding officer. Present station. Tusearora Commander J. M. Frailey Wilmington. Tristram Shandy Acting Volunteer Lieut. [Edward F.] Devens - Do. Tacon~ Lieutenant-Commander W. T. Truxtun Sounds, North Carolina. Ticonderoga Captain C. Steedman Hampton Roads. Unadilla Lieutenant-Commander F. M. IRamsay Wihnington. Unit Acting Ensign C. B. Parry ... Norfolk, Va. Vanderbilt Captain C. W. Pickering Wilmington. Victoria Actin~ Ensign W. Moody Navy Yard, Norfolk. Vieksbnrg Lieutenant-Commander F. H. Baker Hampton Roads. Valley City Acting Master J. A. J. Brooks Sounds, North Carolina. Vance, A. ID Lieutenant-Commander 5.11. Upshur Wilmington. Wabash Captain M. Smith Hampton Roads. Wilderness Acting Master H. Arey Wilmington. Wyalusiug Lieutenant-Commander E. English Sounds, North Carolina. Whitehead Acting Master G.W. Barrett Norfolk Navy Yard. Wyandotte Acting Mast.er T. W. Sheer ~uard ship, Norfolk. Y6ung America Acting Ensign and Pilot [Oliver] Lasher Norfolk Navy Yard. Young Rover Delaware Breakwater. Yantic Lieutenant-Commander T. C. Harris Wilmington. Zonave Hampton Roads. Very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. [Telegram.j NORFOLK, i)ecember 5, 1864. I am all ready and shall call on the ordnance officer at Fort Monroe for material. Beardslee was the man I wanted, not Berney. I have found him. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Dutch Gap, Va. [Telegram. - BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, December 5, 186411:20 a. m. Please have at once all the powder of which I spoke to you put iii sand bags or flour sacks ready for shipment. You will see Admiral Porter on the subject. You will get the bags of the engineer depart- ment at Fortress Monroe. If not, notify me by telegram. BENS. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. Captain EDSON. [Telegram. I NATY DEPARTMENT, December 5, 1864. One tug obtained at Baltimore, another at Philadelphia, will be sent immediately. -Letter of introduction sent, which, when found, retain. G. Y. Fox, A8sistant Secretary of Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton 1~oads Page 143 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 143 Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Graves, U. S. Navy, making 8ug- gestions after an inspection of light-ho ases. U. S. S. MIAMI, Aikens Landing, Va., December 5, 1864. SIR: I have to report that, in obedience to your order of the 30th ultimo, I proceeded on the U. S. S. Henry Brinker, and inspected the light-houses in this command and hereto append the report.* The light keepers are all supplied with copies of the rules and regu- lations from the Light-House Board. In regard to means of defense, I would suggest that each light-house should be supplied with a few hand grenades, and repeating or breech-loading rifles, with bayonets to beat off any boats attacking them; also with some rockets to signalize to the gunboats in case of an attack, a plan of which I append. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. W. GRAVES, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Miami. Commander WILLIAM A. PARKER, Commanding Pifth Division North Atlantic Squadron. [Enclosure.] Signals to be used by the keepers of light-houses in the Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron. On discovery of the approach of an enemy, the light-house keeper to display a blue rocket. If the enemy retreat, or are beaten off, the light-house keeper to dis- play a red and blue rocket. The above signals, when seen by any gunboat, to be answered by a white and red rocket. [Telegram.] NORFOLK, VA., December 5, 1864. (Iteceived 9 a. in., December 43.) Spuyten Duyvil and launch No. 6 have arrived. Had to put Spuyten Duyvil in the dock; she will be ready in a day. DAVID D. PORTER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES. Pear-Admiral. [Telegram.] FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Norfolk, December 5, 1864. Please send, without delay, 60 more obstruction shells, with wires 200 feet long, for the Spuyten Duyvil. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral GREGORY, Pear-Admiral. United States Hotel, New York City, N.Y. Not necessary to publish Page 144 144 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Miacomb, U. S. Navy, commanding District of the Sounds, regarding various matters. ALBEMARLE SOUND, NORTH CAROLINA, December 5, 186. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your let- ter of the 1st instant, enclosing a copy of a letter to General Butler, an(l of two of the 30th ultimo. In obedience to the directions of the letter of the 1st December, I am now on my way to New Berne to communicate with General Palmer. I left Plymouth at 11 oclock a. m. in the army steamer John Farron. The schooner Mary Elizabeth will be sent to you to-day with three 1K-inch Dahlgren gnns and some 32-pounders (captured at Plymouth) and their carriages, etc., and probably some captured ammunition. I do not think that the Commodore Hull and Ceres, the only two light- draft vessels I have in a serviceable condition, will be sufficient for the purpose mentioned in your communication of the 11 st instant, and I respectfully request more vessels of that kind. 1 shall, however, do my best as it is. iRespeetfully, etc., W. II. MACOMB, Commander, Commanding District Sounds. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, etc. Engagement with flow letts battery, December 5 and 6, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Chief Engineer Peake, U. S. Navy NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Gosport Navy Yard, December 8, 1864. Siu: In an engagement on the 5th instant with the monitors against the enemys batteries up the James, where our fire was very effective, the Saugus was struck once in the turret with a solid Brooke rifle shot which completely disabled the turret. The causes will be explained in a letter herewith enclosed, which I directed the chief engineer to write for your information. The turret of the Saugus is one of the best [turrets] of the ironclads, with the exception of the plan of putting in the bolts. We can repair the vessel here if the engineers plan is adopted and make her better than ever. The Mahopac was struck six times without receiving any damage. Our firing was very good, but I have not received Commander Par- kers report. It was fortunate [that] the occurrence took place here instead of at Wilmington. It is calculated that ten such shot would destroy the turret, so many bolts having been broken and thrown out by one shot. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID ID. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Enclosure.] FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Norfolk Navy Yard, December R, 18154. SIR: In the engagement of the 5th instant with Howletts battery, and the Saugus, the latter was sLruck twice, once in the side armor th Page 145 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 145 other in the turret by 7-inch Brooke rifle shot, resulting in damages as reported in survey held on the 6th instant. On the following day the Mahopcc was struck five times without receiving any damage, her turret having a number of bolts in each sheet put in from the outside tapering before leaving port, while those of the Saugus were put in from the inside and not filling the holes or drawing the sheets together as would be done if put in from the outside tapering. The third sheet from outside of turret being left larger than the others, it was sup- posed in riveting bolts they would upset in that place and form a shoulder that would prevent bolts driving in, which is not the case, there being no shoulder formed at that place. From the effects of this shot and one received in June last (of which a report was made), in my opinion, ten similar shots would entirely loosen the sheets and render the turret useless. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN L. PEAKE, Rear-Adiiiiral D. D. PORTER, Acting Chief Engineer, U. S. Navy. Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Commander Parker, U. 5. Navy, commanding Fifth Division. U. S. MONITOR ONONDAGA, Dutch Gap, James River, December 7, 1864. SIR: I have to report that I engaged yesterday and the day before the batteries at llowletts house and opposite the anchorage with the four monitors. I witnessed the fight at the foot of the Signal Tower in obedience to your order. The Mahopac and the Saugus were struck several times by shot from llowletts batteries, but none of the crews were wounded. The enemy used heavy shot, apparently iSO-pounder rifle and X-inch columbiad. The damage done to the monitors can be easily repaired, I think, and they are ready for immediate service. The battery at llowletts house affords an excellent opportunity for target practice, being on a hill visible from the ship, but the field bat- teries can only be fired at by signal from the fort or Signal Tower opposite to the ship. The fire from the monitors was good and accurate generally, but we were unable to silence the enemy; that from the Saugus on the 5th instant was particularly excellent, eliciting expressions of admiration from the army officers present, as her XY-inch shot struck the parapet and exploded inside the fort at nearly every discharge. I will send on the detailed report as soon as it can be prepared. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. PARKER, Rear-Admiral DAVID B. PORTER, Commanding Fifth Division. Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Commander Coihoun, U. 5. Navy, commanding U. S. 5. Saugus. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER SAUGUS, Dutch Gap, James River, Virginia, December 6, 1864. SIR: In the engagement on the 5th instant with llowletts battery we took position just below the obstructions in Trents Reach, distant N W RVOL 111 Page 146 146 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. from the battery about 2,100 yards. We fired 40 10-second shells, nearly all of which exploded in or over the battery. The enemy fired at us 32 shots from two guns, one a X-inch columbiad, the other a 7-inch Brooke rifle. We were struck twice by the latter, once on the turret and once on the side armor on starboard bow, just below the surface of the water. The hit on the turret was a severe one, breaking five of the 2-inch bolts which secure the base ring to the turret. Thirty-six of the turret bolts are brokeu and forty others are started, probably a number of them being fractured. I am satisfied that blow was not more severe than some received by the Weehawken when under my command off Charleston, the effect of which was some eight or ten bolts broken, showing the great superiority of the original plan of securing the turret plates. The shot which struck on the side armor did no damage. To-day we fired at the batteries opposite Dutch Gap. As they could not be seen from the Saugus, I directed the firing by signal from Bat- tery Sawyer. The practice was good. The enemy returned our fire with a X-inch columbiad, and used a 200-pounder Parrott against Bat- tery Sawyer. We were not struck. We expended 23 10-second shell and 7 10-second shrapnel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMD. I~. CoLilouN, Commander. Commander WM. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division. Report of Commander Coihoun, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of practice with Howletts battery. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER SAUG-US, Dutch Gap, James River, Virginia. December 6, 1864. SIR: Herewith enclosed is a report of our practice with llowletts battery on the 5th instant. It is made by request of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy several months since, previous to your assuming command of the North Atlantic Squadron. I have reported to Commander William A. Parker, commanding Fifth Division, this engagement and the one to-day with the batteries opposite Dutch Gap. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMD. R. CoLilouN, Commander. I3~ear-Admiral DAVTD D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. [Enclosure. I U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER SAnG-US, Dutch Gap, James River, Virginia, December 5, 1864. SIR: I have tbe honor to report the engagement to-day with How- letts battery. We fired from the two XV-inch gnus 14 shells in twenty-seven and one-half minutes, or at the rate of 30 per hour. The estimated distance was 2,100 yards, and the elevation of the guns 7~ degrees. We fired two points on the starboard bow, turnin Page 147 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 147 the turret after each discharge of the guns ten points, or 105 degrees. The aim was deliberate and the firing good, as nearly every shell exploded in or over the battery. Commander William A. Parker, com- manding Fifth Division, who had a good position on shore to observe, said he had not seen better practice. There was so little wind that the smoke from No. 1 delayed the firing of No. 2 gun. If there had been a breeze, we could have fired 36 shells per hour. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMD. li. COLHOUN, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commander. Secretary of the Navy. Report of board of survey on the U. S. S. Saugus. U. S. IRONCLAD SATJGUS James River, Virginia, December 6, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order of this date to report upon the nature and extent of the injury to the turret of this vessel, received from a shot fired from Howletts battery on the 5th instant, would respectfully report: This vessel was struck from a distance of about 2,100 yards by what appeared to have been a solid wrought-iron shot from aBrooke rifle, indenting the turret about 3 inches and at about 20 inches above the base ring, near the edge of the sheet. The fracture extended through to the edge of the sheet, with cracks of about 6 inches in length, radi- ating from the center of the indentation. The inside sheet is bulged inward about 24 inches, with two large fractures clear through the sheet one inches in length. 12 inches and the other about 20 Five of the large 2-inch bolts are broken in the base ring, while 36 of the turret bolts are broken, and 40 others are started and probably some of them fractured. The entire sheet on one edge is started from the base ring to top of turret, and at one spot is about 3 inches out of place. From the appearance of the bolts they seem to have been injured by overheating, and we attribute the large number broken to the peculiar construction of the turret. Very respectfully, your obedient servants, EDMD. It. COLHOUN, Commander, U. S. Navy. ALEX. HENDERSON, Chief Engineer, U. S. Navy. JOHN L - PEAKE, Acting Chief Engineer, U. S. Navy. Commander WM. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division, James River, Virginia. Report of Lieutenant-commander Belknap, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Canonicus. U. S. S. CANONICUS, Dutch Gap, James River, Virginia, December 5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your order I opened fire this afternoon, in company with the Mahopac, upon the lin Page 148 148 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. of rebel works extending across from Devils Elbow to a point on the river abreast Farrars Island. The rebel batteries could not be seen from our position in the river, but by your direction I went on shore at the signal station near Battery Sawyer, and directed the tire of the two vessels by signal. After the range and direction had been obtained, the practice was tolerably good. The distance was about 2,300 yards, and the expendi- ture of projectiles from this ship was 21 shells and 1 cored shot. The enemy fired only two guns in reply, their shells exploding over and beyond Battery Sawyer. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GRO. E. BFLKNAP, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Commander WM. A. PARKER, Comdg. U. S. & Onondaga, P~fth Div. North Atlantic Squadron. Second report of Lieutenant-Commander Belkuap, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Canonicus. U. S. S. CANONICUS, Dutch cap, James River, Virginia, December 6, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that in obedience to your orders I moved up to the obstructions this afternoon, below llowletts bat- tery, and engaged that work at a distance of about 2,200 yards. I ceased firing from the right gun at the seventh round, the upper portion of the outer plate of the turret having been forced out 1 inch and 8 boltheads broken oW by the blast of the gnu. At the twenty-fourth fire, the tide having become slack, I withdrew from action. Our practice seemed to be very good. The rebel battery replied spiritedly to our fire, firing in all 44 shot and shell fortunately none of them struck this vessel. We expell(ie(l 24 shells, 10-second fuze. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. E. BELKNAP, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Commander WiVI. A. PARKER, Comdg. U. S. S. Onondaga, Fifth Div. North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Potter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mahopac. - U. S. IRONCLAD MAHOPAC, James River, Virginia, December 7, 1864. SIR: I have to report that this vessel moved up yesterday, iii obedi- ence to your order, to attack llowletts battery. At 2:20 p. m. anchored on starboard beam of the Canonicus, estimated distance from battery 2,100 yards; opened with 10 second shell, giving greatest ele- vation. Fired 6 shell with partial success, 50 pounds of powder, carry- ing over, and 35 falling short. There were two reasons for our slowness of fire; we were directly to leeward of the Canonicas and her smoke greatly troubled us; and the straps of the shell gave way, so that three had to be sent below after reaching the muzzles of the guns. We were struck by five projectiles, one round shot breaking a deck- plate over the cabin and deck between the beams, striking the turre Page 149 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 149 very licarly sQuare, breaking off one boithead, starting plate ill and cracking it slightly outside; inside, cracked plate, broke off one bolt- head, and started upper fastenings of pilaster. A rifle shot glanced from turret, struck the deck abeam of turret, breaking one turret bolt- head and one on deck. A rifle shot struck the deck on overhang aft, carrying away port warping chock. A round shot through musket screen of turret. A round shot passed half its diameter through top of musket screen and struck the pilot house square a little above its base, breaking one bolthead off outside; in side, breaking off two boitheads, starting ten others, cracking inside plate badly, and forcing the point opposite the point of impact in very much. The rifled projectiles were, T thiiik, 7~ or 8 inches and the round shot 10 inches in diameter. The depth of the indentation on turret of the square hit is 1 ~ inches, that of the pilot house is 2~ inches. The shot striking fairly broke into many pieces; that against pilot house covered turret with fragments, the largest weighing 22 pounds 6 ounces, many small ones [falling~ through gratings into turret; that against turret throwing fragments on board the Canonicus. Shot struck all around us and a number between the two vessels, lying so close that at one time their sterns touched. A few minutes after 3 we hove short and backed down the river to our anchorage, the Canonicus having pre- ceded us. We are at work repairing the deck plate, and I would rec- ommend that the repairs be completed before the vessel is sent to sea, as it will make a bad leak. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWD. E. POTTER, Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy. Commander W. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron. [Telegram.] OFFICE SOUTHERN TELEGRAPH COMPANIES, Hancocks, [December] 5, 1864. (Received December 6.) We have had a lively fight at Dantzler with the ironclads all the evening. The 7-inch gun has been most active. Struck the ironclads four or five times. The dents are apparent and men are seen working on them. All the land and mortar batteries opened. General Pickett asks that you send it as many wrought-iron bolts as possible. Distance 2,300 yards. S. (~. LEITCH, Commander J. M. BROOKE, [Captain]. C. S. Navy. Order of Lieutenant General Grant, U. S. Army, to Major- General Butler, U. S. Army, regarding expedition against Port Fisher, N. C. IIEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE UNITED STATES, City Point, Va., December 6, 1864. GENERAL: The first object of the expedition under General Weitzel is to close to the enemy the port of Wilmington. If successful i Page 150 150 NORTH ATLANTIC I3LOCRADING SQUADRON. this, the second will be to capture Wilmington itself. There are reason- able grounds to hope for success, if advantage can be taken of the absence of the greater part of the enemys forces now looking after Sherman in Georgia. The directions you have for the numbers and equipment of the expedition are all right, except in the nnirnportant matter of where they embark and the amount of entrenching tools to be taken. The object of the expedition will be gained by effecting a landing on the mainland between Cape Fear River and the Atlantic north of the north entrance to the river. Should such landing be effhcted whilst the enemy still hold Fort Fisher and the batteries guarding the entrance to the river, then the troops should intrench themselves, and by cooperating with the Navy effect the reduction and capture of those places. These in our hands, the Navy could enter the harbor and the port of Wilmington would be sealed. Should Fort Fisher and the point of land on which it is built fall into the hands of our troops immediately on landing, then it will be worth the attempt to capture Wilmington by forced march and surprise. If time is con- sumed in gaining the first object of the expedition, the second will become a matter of after consideration. The details for execution are intrusted to you and the officer immediately in command of the troops. Should the troops nuder General Weitzel fail to effect a landing at or near Fort Fisher they will be returned to the army operating against Richmond without delay. ~. ~. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Army of the James. [Telegram.] BUTLERS HEADQUARTERS, December 6, 1864. What day can we start from the fortress l I wish not to keep troops on board transports a day longer than possible, as it will take some days to reach Savannah anyway. Is there anything I can aid you in ~ BENJ. F. BUTLER, llliajor- General Command ~. y. Admiral PORTER. [Telegram.] GOSPoRT [NORFOLK] NAvY YARD, December 6, 1864. Your telegram is received. The vessels to carry the ammunition will be ready in the morning, completely fitted. The ordnance officer at Fortress Monroe is doing everything he can to expedite matters. Most of our ammunition is here and will com- mence loading up to-morrow. I will report progress to-morrow evening so that you can make your calculations when to embark. I think I can, by to-morrow, tell you within an hour when we can be ready. We are ready in every other respect. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic squadron. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Dutch Gap, Va Page 151 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 151 [1eleuraii. GOSPORT [NORFOLK] NAVY YARD, December 6, 1864. Keep the three monitors ready to move down at a moments notice. See that each has her pilot to bring them as far as the roads. DAVID D. PORTER, BearAdmiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Commander XV. A. PARKER, Comg. Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron, James Rtver. [Telegram.~ BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, Navy Department, Washington City, December 6, 18643:30 p. m. A torpedo apparatus and .~O torpedoes have this day been forwarded from the ordnance yard here by an army transport to the care of the senior officer at Fortress Monroe. II. A. WISE, Commander B. LYNCH, Chief of Bureau. U. S. Ship St. Lawrence, off Norfolk, Va. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Young, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. JYlaratauza, regarding the escape of a blockade runner. U. S. S. MARATANZA, Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River, December 6, 1864. SIR: This morning between 1 and 2 oclock T distinguished the noise of paddles of a side-wheel steamer running evidently for the bar, and apparently coming from the southward; in a few moments made a white object a little on port bow; challenged her by light and Coston signal, but receiving no answer (as soon as II could get the ships head payed off to port), I fired at the steamer, who doubled across our bow and started at full speed to the northward and westward. I fired three times at her and also sent up rockets indicating the direction taken by the steamer, but as the haze lay close to the water, lost sight of her in a very short time. I would remark that the night was very smoky, and if it had not been for the noise of her wheels she could have passed through the fleet undiscovered. I am inclined to believe that the vessel ran in to Fort Caswell a short time afterwards, as the officer of the boat who fired the steamer Ella heard a vessel blowing off steam inside the bar about 4 oclock. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, (lEO. W. YOUNG, Lieutenant- Commander and Senior Officer Present. Rear-Admiral ID& vIn D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron Page 152 152 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, of his return from New Berne after interview with General Palmer, U. S. Ar~~y. U. S. S. VALLEY CITY, Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, December 6, 1864. ADMIRAL: As I informed you in my No. 55, I started for New Berne on the 5th instant to have an interview with General Palmer, in obedi- ence to your letter of the 1st December. Ihaveseenthegeneralandam now on my way back to Plymouth, having ordered the Commodore Hull and Ceres up also. While at New Berne I saw the Valley City, which vessel had been delayed there by some disarrangement of her pump, and I ordered her to proceed to Plymonth also to take part in the coming attack. Hop- ing that my reasons may be a sufficient excuse for detaining the Valley City, I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOMB, Commander, Commanding District Sounds. 1~ear-Adiniral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Acting Master Sheer, U. S. Navy, regarding the Norfolk custom- house. U. S. GUARD VESSEL WYANDOTTE, Elizabeth River, Virginia, December 7, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the custom-house at Nor- folk was opened to-day for commercial bnsiness, and that vessels are passing out under a clearance paper signed by J. II. Hudson, collector of the port, and without the proper military passes heretofore required. The custom-house authorities inform the captains of vessels that the gnard ships have no further right to interfere with their free passage in and out of this port. As my orders require me to forward with my return the passes by which the vessels are passed, I am at a loss how to proceed under the new regulations. I therefore respectfully ask for instructions regarding them. I am, sir, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, THos. XV. SHEER, Acting Master, Commanding. Commander EDWD. T. NICHOLS, U. S. Navy, Comdg. Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron, James River. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Leonard,. U. S. Navy, to proceed to Craney island anchorage for powder. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, Virginia, December 7, 1864. SIR: You will take command of the Louisiana, and as soon as she is ready take her to the anchorage at Craney Island, anchoring her well out of the channel and in an unfrequented place. Wliilst you ar Page 153 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 153 engaged taking powder on board you will have no fire 01 any descrip- tion whatever on board, and you must get your meals cooked ou board the nearest hulk to you. Take every precaution to prevent fire. Allow no unauthorized per- sons to come on board. Wet the decks frequently. Take great care that your men have no opportunity to get drunk, and adopt such pre- cautions as may be necessary for the safety of the vessel. Ask and obtain of Captain Lynch a revolver for each of the officers, which you will return as soon as you are relieved from the vessel. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID LD. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Ensign GEG. LEONARD, U. S. Navy, U. ~S1. S. Louisiana. instructions from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, regarding measures of protection in James River. GOSPORT [NORFOLK] NAVy YARD, December 7, 18G4. SIR: The burning of vessels by the rebels along the James River threatens to become a serious thing unless checked, and you must immediately take steps to put a stop to it. The rebels started a party of 60 sailors and 10 cart loads of powder to a place called Smithfield a few days ago, and it is without doubt their intention to seize upon some vessels, load them with powder and attempt to blow up some of our vessels. I telegraphed you to send two vessels there at once, but send them under the command of a vigilant naval officer. At night keep one stationed opposite Pagan Creek with her lights out and out of the way of vessels coming down the channel. At night, when the weather will permit, send out guard boats with muffled oars, well armed, and in charge of an officer to be relied on. The boats will lie quietly close in with the land and keep a good lookout for boats putting off from shore. Let them get outside of the guard boats, and then give chase to and capture them at all hazards. These marauders are nothing more than pirates and it matters little how they are dealt with. There is but little need of vessels now at Dutch Gap. The ]Ifendota, Gommodore Perry, Henry Brinker, and Western World can all be spared to patrol between the points of Nansemond River and Lawns Creek, above the Point of Shoals. You must direct their officers to destroy every boat they see or hear of along the river, but never to land except in strong force and armed, and under the guns of their vessels. Whenever any commander finds a vessel anchored close inshore, he may depend it is for the purpose of communIcating with the rebels or trafficking. Such vessels must be detained and made to give a satisfac- tory account of themselves. You must give the light-houses at White Shoal and Point of Shoals a careful protection, and generally go there at night, avoiding them in the daytime except to examine them. When small vessels are found lying in the river in calms and not under protection, take them in tow and keep them anchored near you for the night. If there are three or four, tow them all until you get a number together and then protect them. It may look like a want of watchfulness on the part of the Navy if these vessels are destroyed, and I require the greatest vigilance nigh Page 154 154 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. and day, and that the gunboats move up and down guarding vessels at anchor or underway. When there is any appearance of rebels along the shore, or a likelihood of their being there, shell the place well. You will have to deal rigidly with vessels placing themselves in dan- ger, for the chances are they do it purposely. Whenever a vessels light is seen anchored in the channel way at night go to her, make her haul out of the channel into such water as she will be safe in, and put out her light, keeping one ready lit in a bucket to show to a passing vessel. Caution the transports to keep an armed watch on deck, and allow no boats to approach them. Xevei send your boats to board a vessel at night unless the gunboat is close by and can be seen by the people ou board the vessel to be boarded. Establish a system of passwords for your boats, changing them every night. This will prevent mistakes. Whatever may be desirable to guard the river and prevent these depredations you will do without further orders from me, and hold every officer to a strict accountability for inattention to orders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Commander W. A. PARKER, Comdg. Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron, James River. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, regarding the destruction of a blockade runner off New Inlet, North Carolina. U. S. 0-UNEGAT KANSAS, Off New Inlet, December 7, 1864. ADiVEIRAL: I have to report that the engine and boilers of the tug Clematis have been condemned to extensive repairs. I have ordered her to Hampton Roads. The illoccasin has arrived here and will take her place at the bar. This morning at daylight a runner was discovered on shore on the outer edge of the Caroline Shoal, about E. S. E. from the Mound. I stood in for her, accompanied by the Maurnec, ]Jiiontice lb, and Bucking- ham, the tugs in attendance, and opened fire at long range. I can not say what damage we did her, but in an hours deliberate firing think she was struck. Her people were seen leaving in boats after the first few guns, our shot and shell falling around and near the vessel. The fire was returned by the Mound, Fort Fisher, and the numerous con- necting and masked batteries, but with no results, as, with the excep- tions of a few rifle shots, allfell short. I ceased firing when indications of wind from the southward and a rising sea promised to effect the destruc- tion. She now presents the appearance of having been bilged. The sea is making a clean breach over her. When the weather permits we will endeavor to finish her. Our picket boats and tugs saw nothing of her. She is a long, low, double-stack runner. The large, fine steamer before alluded to is still in, having made one attempt to get out, but returned to ground on the beach under Fort Fisher. Since mylastl sent in four boats from this vessel, the Maumee, Monticello, and How quah, to capture and destroy her at her anchorage just this side of the Rip, but as the boats entered over the bar several of the officers in the boats saw a steamer passing the lights toward the Swash Channel. They continued on Page 155 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 155 however, until they turned inside Caroline Shoal, and it was a fortunate circamstance, for instantly afterwards the forts and batteries opened a very heavy fire of shell, etc., on the bar. The officer commanding, Act- ing Master [Samuel] Hall, of this vessel, deeming their expedition dis- covered, aiid having seen their prey, as was supposed, leaving by the other channel to the northward, returned after the firing ceased. No steamer is known by bar vessels to have gone out that night, and day- light showed her still at anchor. My opinion is she moved down close under Fort Fisher after dark and returned before daylight to her anchorage, for two mornings afterwards we discovered her there and her bow on the beach, but on our moving in to examine her she backed off and retired to the Rips, where she still is. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PENDLETON G. WATMOUGH, Lieutenant- Commander, Senior Officer Present. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. [Telegram.] NORFOLK, December 8, 1864. Miami has been ordered to City Point. Three gunboats to patrol the river between Pagan Creek, Ragged Island Creek, and Point of Rocks. All the vessels will row guard at night, and every precaution taken to prevent surprise. There are now 65 rebel sailors, with 10 cart-loads of powder, at Smith- field, on or near Pagan Creek. They came from Richmond around by Franklin. These are the men doing the damage. DAVID D. PORTER, .1? ear-Admiral. Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT, City Point, Va. Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, responding to telegraphic orders regarding precautions against surprise. U. S. S. ONONDAGA, Aikens Landing, below Dutch Gap, James River, December 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegram, dated Norfolk, December 8, which was received by me at 3:30 oclock p. m. It reads as follows: Send the two monitors Mahopac and Canonicus down to hampton Roads, Virginia, at once. Station the Mendola at City Point. D. D. PORTEE. A second dispatch was received at 4:30 p. in., as follows: Go down the river yourself and give the commanders of all the vessels orders to be on the alert and to row guard along the shore; also to shift their positions after dark, and to lie somewhere where they show no lights. Arm the tugs and keep them patrolling. Order the commander of the Miami to have all his boats out and row guard about City Point. Let me know by telegraph what has been done, and send full reports by mail. Send the Miami to City Point instead of the Mendota, as ordered by telegraph this morning. D. D. PORTRR, Rear-Admiral Page 156 156 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. in reply I have to state that the three monitors are at City Point; also the Miami and iiliendot a. I have ordered the Afahojpac and Cctnonicus to Hampton Roads, Virginia. I have removed all the vessels below Dutch Gap to Aikens Landing. I shall go down the river to visit the differ- ent vessels and put them on the alert, as you direct. I ordered the Miami down on the 6th instant to City Point, as I thought that the Government property was unsafe without a proper guard. The Mendota went to City Point this morning to make the ordnance inspection of the different vessels in the river and the ordnance vessels at City Point. I shall order the Mendota to return to Aikens Landing, below Dutch Gap. The rebel rams came down the river last evening to about three-fourths of a mile above Fort Brady, bat made no attempt to pass it. All the field batteries near Dutch Gap were manned yesterday afternoon. I sent two gunboats to patrol the river last night, viz, the Hunchback and the Daylight. Respectfully, yours, WM. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads, Virginia. [Telegram.] NORFOLK, December 8, 1864. Dont let any of the vessels fire at the 1-Iowlett battery, and keep them all out of fire until further orders. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander W. A. PARKER, Comdg. U. 8. 8. Onondaga, James River, Dutch Gap, Va. Report of Commander Parker, U S. Navy, responding to telegram forbid. ding the ~fi ring from the vessels upon Howletts battery. U. S. S. ONONDAGA, Dutch Gap, James River, December 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your telegraphic dispatch, dated Portsmouth, [Va.], December 8, which was received on board this vessel at 1: 45 oclock p. in., and the reply sent back imme- diately. It reads as follows: Dont let any of the vessels tire at the Howleft battery. Keep them all out of fire till further orders. D. D. PORTER. In consequence I shall remove this vessel below l)utch Gap, and all others except the picket boats at night. I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, WM. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 157 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 157 Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to provide accommodations for Major Casey, U. S. Army, witnessing the attack upon Port Fisher. NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 8, 1864. SIR: Afford Major Casey such information and facilities as will aid him in carrrying out the enterprise intrusted to him, and provide him with such accommodations on board of one of the vessels of your squadron as comport with his rank in the Army. Very respectfully, etc. GiDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. ~. PORTER, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads. Report of Commander Beaumont, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of prize cotton. U. S. S. MAOKINAW, Beaufort, N. C., December 8, 1864. SIR: I respectfully inform the Department that I have to. day shipped in the supply steamer New Berne and sent to New York for adjudica- tion 27 bales of cotton, picked up at sea by this vessel while cruising on the 4th and 5th instant. I have the honor to be, very respectftilly, your obedient servant, J. C. BEAUMONT, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Lieutenant Miot, Imperial French Navy, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, acknowledging courtesies received. [Translation.] ON BOARD THE ADONIS, December 9, 1864. ADMIRAL: My stay at Bermuda Hundred having to be prolonged for a fortnight, 1 have not thought it advisable to keep any longer the pilot, Mr. Nelson, whom you have kindly offered me. I have had nqthing but satisfaction in my relations with Mr. Nelson, and I desire, as far as is permissible, to pay a just tribute to his discre- tion, his conduct, and his ability as a pilot. I respectfully beg you also, admiral, to receive my warmest thanks for the thoughtful and gracious kindness that I have received from you on this occasion, and I hasten to seize this opportunity to renew to you, admiral, the assurance of my most respectful sentiments. EDE. [PAUL EMILE] MIOT, Lieutenant, Imperial French Navy, Commanding the Adonis. Rear-Admiral PORTER Page 158 158 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Gunner Peters, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Beaufort, N. C. NORFOLK December 9, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to Beaufort, N. C., through the canal, and report. to Commander B. M. Dove, commanding naval station at that place. Respectfully, yonr obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Gunner HERMAN PETERS, Commanding Picket Launch No. 6. Report of Rear-Admiral .Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the purchase of the U. S. S. Theta. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship ]Iifalvern, Gosport Navy Yard, December 9, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to state that I have completed the purchase of the tug John T. Jenkins and propose to name her Theta, the next on the list of the Greek alphabet of those already purchased. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAvID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Harrell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chicopee, of the capture of property at Edenton, N. C. U. S. S. CHICOPEE, Albemarie Sound, North Carolina, December 9, 1864. SIR: I have to report that in obedience to your order of the 8th instant I visited Edenton and sent a party of armed sailors and marines from this vessel and the Valley City on shore, under the command of Lieutenant Walker and Acting Master Brooks, commander of the last- named vessel. The persons whom you ordered seized, to wit, George W. Parrish, Joseph A. Woodward, J. W. Poole, could not be found. Their houses were examined and all the cotton found brought off. There can be no doubt of the illicit traffic carried on by the persons above named. The evidence found at Pitch Landing over their sworn signatures to Captain George (rebel commissary), together with that of citizens of Edenton under oath, taken before Lieutenant Walker, who acted by my order (all of which is herewith enclosed),* fixes it upon them beyond all reasonable doubt. Having understood that some cotton was stored at Sandy Point, I sent an armed party under the command of Acting Ensign J. A. Cross- man at 12 oclock (midnight) on shore to secure it. He found that it had been effectually concealed or removed to some distant point. I retain the papers, but can send copies if reqnired. W. H. M[ACOMBJ Page 159 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 159 I captured a sloop on my return from Sandy Point. The captain states that lie is from Great Bridge. He has a pass signed by a Major McLaughlin, without date or place. Has no manifest or bill of lading. He has given a false statement of the nature of his cargo, as proved by examination. The paper which I enclose, as you will perceive, states that the goods belong to and were purchased by the persons therein named, and for family use, signed by C. C. Poole, agent. He does not state whether United States agent or not. The whole story is false from beginning to end. The two men found on board are the owners, as they will swear, their intention being to sell the cargo to rebels for cotton and return it to Poole and buy another load for a similar purpose. I beg leave to call your attention to what all the Union people of Edenton state (see deposition), to wit: That the blockade running of the men whose names I have given places the necessaries of life far beyond the reach of persons of moder- ate means, $1 United States curreiicy being demanded for 1 pound of bacon, $3 per yard for calico. Of course such prices could not be given, and the articles are sent to the enemy and exchanged for cotton. It places the Union families of that place and neighborhood com- pletely in the power of these three or four men, who assist the rebels in every way they possibly can. I enclose a statement of the captured cotton, with the [names of] the persons who profess to own it; also a list of the reported cargo of the sloop (no name). James Porter and Henry Pope were on board and are the true owners of the same. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. D. HARRELL, Commander, U S. Navy. Commander W. H. MACGAB, U. S. Navy, Commanding Division Sounds of North Carolina. P. S.Discovering that there was a good deal of bad feeling, and threats having been made against the Union people of Edenton, I deemed it necessary to send an order to the mayor of the town, a copy of which I enclose. A.D.II. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. CHICoPEE, Edenton Bay, North Carolina, December 9, 18G4. SIR: The recent visit of the Union gunboats to this place may have caused unpleasant feelings toward the friends of the Union residing in and about Edenton. Should any violence be offered to Union men and their families in person or property, summary punishment will instantly follow. You will promulgate this to the citizens in such manner as you may deem proper. The delivery of this to you by one of my officers will be considered equivalent to a receipt for the same; therefore ignorance of its cQntents by any person in your town can not be pleaded in excuse for any viola- tion of this order. Very respectfully, etc., A. D. HARRELL, Commander, U. S. Navy. The MAYOR of Edenton, N.C Page 160 160 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. U. S. S. CHICOPEE, A ibemarie Sound, December 8, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your orders of the 8th instant I proceeded ashore with the boats crew of this ship and those of the Valley City. I took possession of the books and papers of Messrs. Parrish and Hathaway; also seized all the cotton in the possession of the following gentlemen: Mr. Parrish, 5 bales; Mr. Feagan, 7 bales; Mr. Woodward, 1 bale, 4 barrels loose cotton; Mr. H. H. Bond, 1 bale; Mr. James C. Johnson, jr., 2 bales. Mr. Hatha- way was arrested, agreeably to orders, and was afterwards released by your authority. Messrs. Parrish, Woodward, and Poole had left town and could not be arrested. I seized a bridle marked United States and a cavalry saddle in possession of John P. Houghton, who could give no satisfactory account of it. I am, respectfully, yonr obedient servant, E. A. WALKER, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Commander A. D. IIARRELL, Commanding U. S. S. Chicopee. Joint expedition against Rainbow Bluff, December 928, 1864. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Commander Xacomb, U. S. Navy, commanding expedition. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Ship iVilalvern, off New Inlet, December 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a report from Commander Macomb in relation to his operations. As Jam not now in a position to advise him, I have to trust that he will do everything for the best. I am, sir, vei~y respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D.C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. WYALUSiNG, Roanoke River, North Carolina, December 11, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the operations of the naval part of the expedition to capture Rainbow Bluff in obedience to your orders of the 1st December. The arrangements which I mentioned in my Kos. 56 and 57 having been completed, I started up the river from Plymouth at 5 p. in., Decem- ber 9, in the Wyalasing, leaving the Shamrock (as she can not go stern- foremost) to guard Plymouth. The Otsego and Valley City, and tugs Belle and Bazely, and the picket boat No. 5 started at the same time, and I left orders for the Chicopee, Ceres, and Commodore ifull to follow as soon as they should arrive at Plymouth. After steaming slowly up the river we arrived at a sharp bend just below Jamesville, where I came to anchor for the night, the army forc Page 161 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 161 having agreed to communicate with me at this town. After coming to anchor in the Wycdusing I made signal for the other vessels to do so also. In obedience to this order the Otsego had stopped her engines and was just about to let go her anchor when a torpedo exploded under her on the port side, and shortly afterwards another exploded under her forward pivot gun, which was thrown over on the deck by the con- cussion, the two explosions injuring her so badly that she sank in afew minutes, her spar deck being about 3 feet under water. Fortunately no one was killed ou board the Otsego, and with the exception of a few slight scratches no one was injured. The Otsego had spars rigged out ahead of her to which was fastened a net for the purpose of catching the torpedoes, and two were found in the net after she sank. She must have stopped directly on top of a line of these inferual machines. Six were picked up after the explosion. The night pissed without dis- turbance and in the morning I determined to send the Bazely to Ply- mouth to find out what the army were doing and to get rations from the iSharnrock for the Otsegos crew. I also wished to get up a coal schooner to take the guns from the Otsego. I got the Bazely alongside of the Wyalusing and sent Acting Assistant Paymaster Sands on board to take the dispatches to Plymouth, and then sent the tug to the Otsego to get some men and an officer. When the Bazely had got within a few yards of the Otsego another torpedo exploded under her, and she went dowu right alongside the Otsego. By this explosion 2 men were killed, but none of the officers. While at this place we fired with musketry and great guns into the woods on the banks, partly to let the army forces know where we were, and partly to drive off any rebels that might be skulking there. We, however, heard nothing from the army that day, and in the evening I sent the picket boat No.5 with an armed launch belonging to the army up the river to try and get some news from the army forces. The pilot of the Wyalusing, Mr. Everett, went in the launch and took the boats through a place called Devils Gut, by that means avoiding a long reach of the river and coming out a short distance below Williams- ton. Here they sent up two rockets and fired a gun or two, but no answer was made. The boats returned this morning with intelligence, obtained from negroes on the river, that the river was full of torpedoes, there being as many as forty in one place on the river. These torpedoes are made on some new plan with an air chamber, on the same principle as that used by Lieutenant Cushing. They are very sure, and every one we have picked up was in good condition, two of them bursting as we were hauling them ashore, but hurting no one. I forgot to mention that after the destruction of the Bazely we had the river dragged all round, and six more torpedoes were picked up, all right by the Otsego. Since the return of the boats which I sent up to Williamston I have determined to send First Assistant Engineer S. C. Midlam to you with dispatches,to inform you of our situation and ask your advice. In the meantime we will continue up the river, though our progress will be very slow, for we shall have to drag all the way before us with small boats, that being the only way we can proceed with the vessels with any safety. I have taken out most of the guns from the Otsego, and am contiun- ing the work. I have sent for a diver with his submarine apparatus, with which he has been examining the Atbemarle, to examine the Otsego. N W RYOL 111 Page 162 162 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. When we advance any farther it will be necessary that we have more vessels; otherwise we will be unable to patrol the river below us, and consequently the rebels will be able to lay more torpedoes and blow us up on our return. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOMB, Commander, Comdg. District Sounds of North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. P. 5.li a. m. December 11, 1864: We are now making preparations to advance and will start in a short time. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Arnold, U. S. Navy, regarding the loss of the U. S. S. Otsego. U. S. S. OTSEGo, Off Jamesville, Roanoke River, December 11, 1864. SIR: It becomes my unpleasant duty to report the sinking of this vessel, on the evening of the 9th instant, by torpedoes laid down by the rebels off this place. The first explosion which caused this mishap occurred at about 9:15 p. in., the torpedo exploding against the port side of the ship under the wheel. It was followed by another about ten minutes later under the foremast. She commenced sinking rapidly at the time of the first explosion, and immediately after the second she sank in 2~ fathoms of water. Every precaution was taken which time and the ingenuity of [those on board] my ship could devise before ascending the river. To Mr. Samuel C. Midlam, senior engineer in charge, I am much indebted for the plan adopted to prevent what unfortunately occurred. By this plan we secured two torpedoes. No lives, I am happy to state, were lost by her sinking. I enclose the report of the surgeons, containing a list of the casualties caused by the occurrence. I was ably seconded by my officers and crew in this difficulty. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. N. T. ARNOLD, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding U. S. S. Otsego. Commander W. II. MACOMB, U. S. Navy, Commanding District of the Sounds of North Carolina. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. WYALUSING, Roanoke River, North Carolina, December 11, 1864. SIR: I would respectfully report the following list of casualties by the blowing up of the U.S. S. Otsego on the night of December 9,1864: Samuel Dixon, coal heaver, wounded in the leg slightly. There are a few others slightly bruised and scratched, but not suffi- ciently to be excused from duty. Respectfully submitted. GEO. C. IIAYNOLDS, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander II. N. T. ARNOLD Page 163 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 163 Report of Commander Nacomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of the U. 5. 5. Oteego. U. S. S. WYALUSING, Near Jamesville, Roanoke River, December 11, 1864. ADMIRAL: 1 have the honor to report that I have made arrange- ments to leave the Otsego and proceed up the river. She is under the protection of Lieutenant-Commander Arnold and a portion of her officers and crew. On her hurricane deck there are two 24-pounder howitzers and two 20-pounder rifles, behind breastworks of cotton bales. For these there is ammunition enough to last for some time. We have got the awning spread over the hurricane deck as a shelter for the officers and men, and have got the galley up from the main deck; alto- gether they are made as comfortable as possible under the circumstances. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOMB, Comdr., Comdg. District of Sounds of North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral P. P. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Commander Macomb, U. 5. Navy, regarding accident to the U. 5. 5. Commodore Hull. U. S. S. WYALUSING, Above Jamesviile, [N. C.], December 11, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have respectfully to report that the U. S. S. Commodore flull, while on her way to this river, met with an accident to her boiler, injuring it to such an extent as not only to prevent her farther progress, but will require the boilers to be raised before it can be repaired. I have no officers to spare now to hold a survey. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOME, Comdr., Comdg. District of Sounds of North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. P. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 5. Navy, regarding orders given to Commander Xacomb, commanding expedition. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, ilampton Roads, Virginia, December 12, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I received intelligence to-day, through a masters mate, who came from the sound, that the Otsego had struck a torpedo and been sunk in Roanoke River. He heard the news from the captain of a tug. I dont know whether this intelligence is reliable, but fear that it is so. I ordered Commander W. II. Macomb to cooperate with a laud force of 1,300 men under Gen- eral Palmer, and capture the enemys works at Rainbow Bluff, some distance above Plymouth, N. C. The gunboats of light draft were to go up while the army marched across by land. The forts on Rainbow Bluff were not completed, and I wanted to occupy the place before they were, capture the guns, and destroy the ram at Halifax. All this were easily done, provided our forces moved soon, which was done. They started two days after I sent the orders. At last acconuts the gun- boats were engaged with the enemys works, as heavy firing was hear Page 164 164 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. from Plymouth. What the result is I have yet to learn, having received no other information than that brought by the masters mate. He informed me that the vessels were all fitted with torpedo catch- ers, but that the torpedo that sunk the Otsego was fired by wires from the bank. We leave Hampton Roads in the morning to perform the work before us. We have been delayed three or four days by heavy gales of wind. The weather now promises to be fine, and I trust my anticipations may be realized. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rectr-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, ~S1ecretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Nacomb, U. S. Navy, regarding progress of affairs. U. S. S. WYALUSING, Roanoke River, nine miles above Jamesville, December 13, 1864. ADMIRAL: The boats dragging ahead have just found a new nest of torpedoes at this point in the river in a curve called Shad Island Bend, and we are now dragging them ashore. Up to this time we have found twenty-one at this place, and they seem to continue as far as we can see. The army went on to within a short distance of Rainbow BluIL When there, provisions became low, their transport being astern of us, and they returned to Jamesville after slight skirmishing. I went down and had an interview with them there, and they deter- mined to start ahead again to-morrow. This time they advanced on the left bank. We are making all the progress we can, about 5 miles a day. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. MACONE, (Jomdr., Comdg. District of Sounds of North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. ID. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Commander 1Y[acomb, U. S. Navy, regarding progress of affairs. U. S. S. WYALUSING, Roanoke River, seven miles above Jamesville, N. C., December 13, 1864. ADMIRAL: I hope none of my previous letters have made you doubt that we were going on up the river. We are progressing; progressiii g but slowly, to be sure, but still we go ahead and dragging the river for torpedoes ahead of us. I intend to get the vessels to Rainbow Bluff and beyond, if possible, and to destroy the ram building above. In writing before I have been much hurried, and it may be I have given you wrong impressions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. MACONE, Comdr., Comdg. District of Sounds of North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral David D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 165 NORTE ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 165 Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding advices received from Colonel Frankle, U. S. Army. U. S. S. WYALUSING, Roanoke River, December 15, 1864. ADMIRAI~: I wish respectfully to call your attention to the necessity of having an armed steamer to guard the Otsego while she is being raised, or while the valuable property is being taken out of her. I wrote immediately to Plymouth, [N. C.], to send up the submarine diver who was examining the Albemarle, after the Otsego was sunk, but he had left for the North to get his raising apparatus. I received information to-day from Colonel Frankle, commanding the army part of this expedition, that he intended, much to my surprise, to fall back to Plymouth for the purpose of recruiting his men, and will advance again after they are rested. I shall go on. Very respectfully, etc., [W. II. MACOME], Comdr., Comdg. District of Sounds of North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Letter from Colonel Frankle, U. S. Army, to Commander Macomb, U S. Navy, announcing no intention of change in proposed operations. HEADQUARTERS FORCES OF PLYMOUTH, Plymouth, N. C., December 16, 18643 a. m. SIR: In reply to yours* of 15th, just received, permit me to assure you that you are mistaken in supposing that I intend any change of operations in this expedition. From the fact that the severe weather and the marches of the first five days of the movement had put upon the sick list over half my men, many of whom are barefoot, and at the demand of my medical officers that the men should be brought under shelter (which General Wild also advised) for a few days, that their health might be improved, and supposing it a matter of little difference to you whether I lay here or at Jamesville for the few days which must pass before we are able to resume operations, I concluded to bring the men here, where such shelter as they needed could be had. One of the transports, the ~cneral Berry, leaves here to-day for IRoanoke Island to obtain provisions, a supply of which will be sent Lieutenant-Colonel [0. A.] Bartholomew upon her return. Shoes and stockings will also be procured for such as need them. The Berry remains under my orders, and will communicate with you daily until I am ready to move again. Rations will probably be fur- nished Colonel Bartholomews command to-morrow. If you desire it, I can and will send a small force of my well men to occupy Jamesville, though the men will be better cared for here. Again permit me to assure you that no change is intended, but that the programme previously agreed on will be carried out, so far as possi- ble, on my part. I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, JONES FRANKLE, Colonel, Comn~anding Forces, By Wiw. G. HASKELL, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Commander W. II. MACOMB, U. S. Navy, Commanding District of the Sounds, U. S. S. Wyalusing. Not found Page 166 166 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] BEAUFORT, N. C., December 17, 1864. Inform me fully by telegraph of Commander Macombs movements and of the force accompanying him; where they now are, and such information as you can obtain of them. Respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear.Admiral. Acting Assistant Paymaster E. MELLACH, U. S. Navy. New Berne, N. C. Report of Lieutenant Duer, U. S. Navy, regarding rumored reinforcement of Rainbow Bluff by the enemy. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, District of Sounds, North Carolina, Plymouth, December 18, 1864. SIR: Two deserters from Wilmington came aboard here to-day. They came from Wilmington via Weldon, and report that three regiments left Weldon last Friday evening to reinforce Hamilton and Rainbow Bluff. They have no other news. Respectfully, RUFUS K. DUER, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Commander W. II. MAGOME, Commanding District of Sounds of North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Acting Master Foster, U. 5. Navy, regarding the rumored placing of torpedoes by the enemy. U. S. S. CERES, Off Cedar Landing, Roanoke River, December 18, 1864. SIR: I have just received information from a reliable person that the enemy have a boat with torpedoes in the neighborhood of Sweetened Water Creek and that they arrived there with the intention of putting them down last night, which I have no doubt they did after I passed down the river. I think it proper to communicate the fact to you to prevent the passing of our boats till I drag the river, which I will com- mence to do as soon as my boat returns to me. The John Parron arrived just before I left Plymouth and had on board stores for the fleet, which I would have brought up but that I was led to believe by a person connected with the Treasury Department that he had dispatches of the greatest importance to deliver to you from the Navy Department and from Admiral Porter, but which turns out to be something connected with trade regulations of no account. I con- ferred with Mr. Duer before leaving and he thought the dispatches might be of utmost importance to you and that I had better leave the provisions till the next time, which may be for the best till the torpe- does below you are raised. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. II. FOSTER, Acting Master, Commanding. Commander W. II. MACOME, Commanding District of Sounds of North Carolina. Colonel Frankle told me to say that he expected some more troops, but did not say when; neither did he say when he would start Page 167 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 167 Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the increased necessity for small guiv boats. U. S. S. WYALUSING, Ten miles below Rainbow Bluff, N. C., December 19, 1864. ADMIRAL: As we advance up this river the necessity for small gun- boats increases. It is impossible for the double-enders to cruise up and down the river, as it is with difficulty they can be got round the curves with hawsers and a tug; yet it is necessary that the river below us be kept clear of torpedoes, and the only way to do that is to have a boat constantly cruising up and down. Besides, it may be necessary for us to convoy the army transports. The only small vessels I have here at present are the Valley City and Ceres, the former of which is occupied dragging the river ahead of us, leaving but one vessel to patrol a river of 50 miles in length. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. MACOME, Commander, Commanding District of Sounds. Rear.Admiral D. ID. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Picket boat No. 5 I use as a dispatch boat at present. Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding annoyance from sharpshooters. U. S. S. WYALUSING, Roanoke River, December 19 [20], 1864. ADMIRAL: We are now 8 miles from Rainbow Bluff, [N. C.]. We have found no more torpedoes since those reported in No. 65. The sharpshooters on the banks have commenced to annoy us. To-day they fired on our boats dragging ahead, and wounded 4 men and an officer from the Chicopee, one of the men dangerously. The Val- ley City immediately opened on them and drove them off. I am sending a dispatch to Colonel Frankle, who, with the land force, is at Plymouth, telling him where we are and that it is time for him to come up. He has been at Plymouth for the last week recruiting his men. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. H. MACOMB, Comdr., Comdg. District Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral ID. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Letter from Colonel Frankle, U. S. Army, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding proposed movement of his command from Plymouth. HEADQUARTERS FORCES OF PLYMOUTH, Plymouth, N. C., December 20, 1864. COMMANDER: I expect to be prepared to move from here to-morrow afternoon; am only now waiting the arrival of transports with provi- sions, etc., from Roanoke, which are hourly expected. Please, if possible, send the Ceres or some one of your boats as a guide Page 168 168 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I shall move upon the plan proposed some days since, unless upon con- sultation with you, which I shall have as soon as I reach you, some other programme is considered better. I am, sir, yours, very respectfully, JONES FRANKLE, Colonel Second Massachusetts Artillery, Commanding. Oommander W. II. MACOME, U. S. Navy, Commanding District of the Sounds. Additional letter from Colonel Erankle, U. S. Army, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding proposed movement from Plymouth. HEADQUARTERS FORCES OF PLYMOUTH, Plymouth, N. C., December 20, 18649:30 p. m. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge receipt of your communication of this date, and to say in reply that upon the arrival of my transports to-morrow, as I advised you in my last letter per Ceres, I shall embark my troops to join you. Ii believe we have some provisions here which belong to you; if so, I will take them along as you request. I am, sir, yours, very respectfully, JONES FRANKLE, Colonel, Commanding, By WM. G. HASKELL, Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Commander W. II. MACOMB, U. S. Navy, Commanding District of the Sounds. Report of Acting Master Brooks, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Valley City, regarding an engagement with the enemy at Poplar Point, December 20, 1864. U. S. S. VALLEY CITY, Roanoke River, Poplar Point, North Carolina, December 21, 1864. SIR: I respectfully report the following: About 5 p. m. yesterday I called the boats in, intending to anchor for the night, when immedi- ately the enemy opened with musketry from the bushes, mostly upon the marine guard in charge ot Acting Ensign Fossett, of the Wyalu- sing, who were on shore to guard the boats while ahead dragging for torpedoes. They gradually fell back under cover of our guns, when the enemy opened upon this vessel with musketry and artillery. I replied briskly, directing my fire principally up a side hill, where his artillery was posted, about 700 yards off. I was obliged to run a line ashore, to spring the vessels broadside on, which was bravely done by Acting Ensign Milton Webster, my executive officer, amid a shower of musket balls. We engaged the enemy till he ceased firing, and dark- ness coming on, dropped out of range. The Chicopee, coming up, also engaged him, as did also the Wyalusing. The enemy at first seemed to have but two guns, but soon brought up more, and when he ceased I think he had five or six pieces. I regret having to report the death of Mr. Lewis, pilot of the Otsego, who was killed instantly by a musket ball through the head. Also one of the Wyalusings men was seriously wounded by a shell which passed through the wardroom and out through the side of the ship. One shel Page 169 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 169 entered the ships side, passing through the coal bunker, lodged within a few inches of the boiler. One struck an awning stanchion and another the ships side, but did not penetrate. The bullet-proof iron plating on the sides of the vessel evidently saved the lives of many of my men, and I would recommend that the same be placed all around the ship upon the first opportunity. My officers and men behaved with their usual coolness and bravery. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. J. BROOKS, Commander W~. H. MACoME, Acting Master, Commanding. Commanding District of the Sounds. Report of Acting Master Brooks, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. S. Valley City, regarding shots fired from the enemys battery December 21, 1864. U. S. S. YALLEY CITY, Jamesville, N. C., December 21, 1864. SIR: In obedience to orders, I got underway at 3 p. m. of the 21st, and proceeded a short distance up the river to draw the enemys fire. As soon as I commenced moving up he opened with musketry, and imme- diately upon rounding the point, and before my guns could bear, I received four shots from a battery but a few hundred yards off, which must have been thrown up during the night. Three out of the four took effect; one passed through the pilot house and, exploding, killed 1 man and seriously wounded Mr. Jno. A. Wilson, pilot, and 3 men, one of whom has since died, upon which I dropped down to my former position. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. J. BROOKS, Commander WM. II. MACOME, Acting Master, Commanding. Commanding District of the Sounds. Report of Acting Master Brooks, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Valley City, giving list of casualties. U. S. S. YALLEY CITY, Jameston [Jamesvillej, N. C., December 27, 1864. SIR: I herewith forward list of the killed and wounded on board this vessel in action at Poplar Point, Itoanoke River, North Carolina, on the 20th and 21st instant, viz: John B. Lewis, pilot of the Otsego, killed. John Wood, first-class boy, Valley City, killed. Charles Hall, landsman, Valley City, killed. John A. Wilson, pilot, Vailcy City, wounded. Win. Brown, seaman, Valley City, wounded. John Brown, ships cook, wounded slightly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. J. BROOKS, Rear-Admiral D. ~. PORTER, Acting Master, Commanding. Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 170 170 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Colonel Frankle, U. S. Army, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, proposing plan of operations. HEADQUARTERS FORCES OF PLYMOUI~H, Plymouth, N. C., December 23, 1864. SIR: Your letter of yesterday was received in the evening, and about five hours after I had dispatched about half my force with orders to meet and cooperate with you. The letter sent you by Lieutenant [Charles ~.1 Arms, one of my volun- teer aids, proposed that you keep the enemy busy where he was, while with my force I moved up, landed on the Bertie side, and proceeded to Edwards Ferry and burned the enemys gunboats building there, and then moved around in rear of the enemy opposing you and endeavored to capture his guns. Lieutenant Arms, after reading your letter, con- cluded to act upon your suggestion and accordingly debarked the troops at Jamesville, as you wished. They are there now, infantry, cavalry, and artillery, except so much of the two latter arms, about 200, as have proceeded to Williamston to learn what they can and to prevent the enemys reaching Jamesville or Williamston itself. Now, if possible, I wish to have that force remain where they are, at and near Jamesville, where they will be able to pre- vent the planting of batteries to annoy you in the passage of the river, and where, if you can keep the river open from Williamston to James- ville, and with the assistance of the land force give the enemy the idea that an attack is meditated from this side, while with my remaining force and the additions daily expected I move up, say, to Cedar Landing, and do what can be done on that sidethat is, proceed to Edwards Ferry. If this plan meets your approval, please notify me to that effect or make any suggestions you think best. I do not propose to abandon this affair, and would be pleased to learn your views respecting proba- ble or possible results. I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, JONES FRANKLE, Colonel Second Massachusetts Artillery, Commanding. Commander W. II. MACOMB, U. S. Navy, Commanding District of the Sounds. Report of Lieutenant Duer, U. S. Navy, regarding rumored advance of the enemy upon Plymouth. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., December 24, 1864. SIR: The Mattabesett arrived here this morning. She is now coaling. I send up your mail by the Belle. There are 5 barrels of 20-pounder charges on board the ]Jfattabesett for us, which I will ask Captain Febi- ger to send up, if he does not go himself. There was a rumor last night that iloke was advancing upon Plyin- outh by the Columbia road, and by request of Colonel Frankle I moved the Shamrock down the river to command that road. Your letter in relation to deserters was received this morning and will be attended to. Very respectfully, RUFUS K. DUER, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Commander W. II. MACOME, Commanding District of Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron Page 171 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 171 Letter from Colonel Frankle, U. S. Army, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, requesting information regarding plans of the latter. HEADQUARTERS FORCES OF PLYMOUTH, Plymouth, N. 0., December 24, 1864. SIR: Please inform me whether you propose to remain near Williams- ton or Jamesyille, or to return to this place. The rumor that Hoke was between Tarboro and Jamesyille I have heard, as also one that A. P. Hills division is at Rainbow Bluff. I am not disposed, however, to credit these statements, but think they grew out of the fact that a force of about 8 000 men left Weldon a few days ago, probably en route for Wilmington. I do not consider the expedition on which I entered as at an end, though caution demands that I should guard against the possible truth of the reports above spoken of, and this of course delays me some- what. If you propose remaining above Jamesville, and near Williams- ton, I mean to undertake the expedition suggested in a late letter, through Bertie [County]. It will only be necessary for this that I can land safely at Cedar Landing. If you intend to return here please advise me. In the latter event I shall send a strong daily patrol to communicate with the Otsego, if she remains where she now is, with anyone on her. I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, JONES FRANKLE, Colonel Second Massachusetts Artillery, Commanding. Commander W. H. MACOMB, U. S. Navy, Commanding District of the Sounds. Order of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, to a board of officers appointed to decide upon the disposition of the U. S. S. Otsego. U. S. S. WYALUSING, Off Jamesville, N. C., December 25, 1864. GENTLEMEN: You are hereby appointed a board to decide whether it would be more prudent to destroy the Otsego so effectually that the enemy can make no use of her, or to attempt to raise her, endeavoring in the meanwhile to hold this part of the river with the other vessels, it being understood that the heights about Jamesville can not be held by the available United States troops in North Carolina against any con- siderable force of the enemy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. II. MACOME, Commander, Comdg. District Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron Commander A. D. HARRELL, U. S. Navy. Chief Engineer II. II. STEWART, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander II. N. T. ARNOLD, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander EARL ENGLISH, U. S. Navy. Acting Master J. A. J. BROOKS, U. S. Navy. N. B.Report in duplicate. Report of board of officers appointed to decide upon the disposition of the U. S. S. Otsego. U. S. S. CHICOPEE, 1?oanoke River, off Jamesville, N. C., December 25, 1864. SIR: We acknowledge the receipt of your communication of this date constituting us a board to give an opinion as to the destruction or attempt to raise and preserve the U. S. S. Otsego Page 172 172 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Under the circumstances mentioned in your communication, that Jamesyille can not be held by the troops now available, we recommend that she be destroyed in the most effectual manner possible. We are, respectfully, yours, A. D. HARRELL, Commander, U. S. Navy. H. II. STEWART, Chief Engineer, U. S. Navy. II. N. T. ARNOLD, Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy. EARL EN~LISII, Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy. JOHN A. J. BROOKS, Acting Master, U. S. Navy. Commander W. H. MACo1~a3, Commanding District Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, forbidding further cooperation with the Army without instructions. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship ]Jfalvern, off New Inlet, December 28, 1864. SIR: You will give np the present expedition you are on. It should have been given up before, when you found the Army were not coop- erating with you. Return and raise the Ottego. Do not cooperate with the Army again until further orders from me. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID B. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander W. H. MACOMB, Commanding District of the Sounds, Plymouth, N. C. Report of Commander Harrell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chicopee, regarding the progress of that vessel up the Roanoke from Plymouth. U. S. S. CITICOPEE, Off Plymouth, N~ C., December 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that upon my arrival at this place from Edenton, [N. C.], where I had been on duty, I found your order of December 9 directing me to follow you up the Roanoke River. I got the Chicojpee ready as soon as possible, and joined you the next day at Jamesville, where I found the Otsego and tug Bazely blown up and sunk by torpedoes, and the boats of the fleet employed dragging and clear. ing the river of the same. The boats and officers of this vessel imme- diately joined in the prosecution of the work of clearing the river. During several ensuing days our progress was necessarily very slow? every foot of the river being dragged over, and more than thirty tor- pedoes found and removed or exploded in the space of 10 miles. After receiving on board a number of officers and men, being part of the crew of the late U. S. S. Otsego, and having a torpedo scraper rigged on the bows, projecting some 15 or 20 feet forward, I steamed up the river with the tug Belle to assist the Chicojpee, by your order, and joined the Val- ley City, which vessel was in advance, protecting the boats employed in clearing the river. From the 15th until the night of the 20th of December the work o Page 173 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 173 advancing up the river was prosecuted with unremitted exertions by all hands working day and night, when the nights were not too dark for that purpose. Still, our progress was very slow, the river becoming narrow and more narrow, the current stronger, and the bends more numerous and sharper as we advanced. Steam was of but little use, it being impossible to steer the vessel in that tortuous stream; we were, therefore, compelled to rely mostly upon hawsers, which were run out and made fast to trees on either bank of the river, and by which we warped ahead. With all the care that the experienced pilot, James Hobbs, could bestow, the vessel was frequently so jammed in the trees that it required time and great labor to extricate her. About 4 oclock in the afternoon, when just coming in sight of Poplar Point, our boats were suddenly fired upon by the enemys sharp- shooters, who were concealed behind an embankment. A few rounds of grape and canister sent them flying to the woods. At this juncture you came up in the Wyalusing and ordered skirmishers to be advanced along the river to clear the woods of the enemy. The boats resumed their labor of grappling for torpedoes, and thus we moved up until about sunset, when the enemy showed himself in large numbers and opened a heavy fire, driving our men back to the vessels, but not until they had gallantly returned his fire several times. At the same moment he opened fire with his artillery, which was stationed on Poplar Point. The vessels instantly replied, and the firing was continued on both sides until it grew too dark to distinguish objects at a short distance, sharp. shooters hanging around and firing upon us whenever a favorable oppor- tunity presented during the night. We passed the night under arms. During the day of the 21st the enemy frequently showed himself and fired at longer range. Everybodyunder arms during the day and night. About 1 oclock ou the 22d, by your order, I commenced firing at the enemys batteries situated on Poplar Ridge, but failed to elicit a reply. During the afternoon I was ordered to drop down the river, following the other vessels. We had scarcely begun to move before the rebel batteries and riflemen opened upon us again. The rebel sharpshooters were so bold and pertinacious upon the occasion that they came openly out within pistol shot of the vessel. Grape and canister, however, soon dispersedthem,and we were permitted to pursue our way down the river unmolested. Two weeks of more severe labor could scarcely be conceived than those which we have just passed through, tine officers and crew being almost incessantly engaged either in dragging for torpedoes, working anchors and hawsers, or fighting the guns, and sometimes all at the same time. I have great pleasure in stating that every demand for continued and renewed exertion was promptly and cheerfully responded to by both officers and men. I enclose you the report of the surgeon, by which you will perceive that the loss was small, which I, in great measure, attribute to the excel- lent barricade constructed with cotton bales and hammocks b the executive officer (Lieutenant Walker). y One officer and 3 men were wounded and 1 man killed. I also enclose the report of the gunner, showing the expenditure of ammunition from the 9th (the day we started up the river) to the 26th of December. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. D. HARRELL, W. II. iVIACOME Commander, U. S. Navy. Commanding Division of Sounds of North Carolina Page 174 174 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. CHICOPEE, Qfl Plymouth, [N. 0.], December 30, 1864. Siu: In obedience to orders to report the casualties on board this vessel on the 20th of December. I respectfully submit the following, viz: Joseph D. Wells, acting master, gunshot wound right hand. John Curtis, seaman, gunshot wound in the abdomen; died in thirty- eight hours. Daniel Murray, landsman, gunshot wound in the hip. Lyman Langworthy, landsman, gunshot wounds in the foot and leg. Very respectfully, G. L. SIMPSON, Acting Assistant Surgeon. Commander A. D. HARRELL, Commanding U. S. S. Chicopee. Report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Lieutenant.Commander English, U. S. Navy, Commanding the U. S. S. Wyalusing, regarding the part performed by that vessel. U. S. NAVY YARD, Philadelphia, Pa., February 20, 1866. ADMIRAL: I forward herewith the duplicate of the report of Lieu. tenant-Commander Earl English, formerly commanding the U. S. S. Wyalusing, of the part taken by that vessel in the expedition up the Roanoke River, North Carolina, in December, 1864. Lieutenant-Commander English requested me to forward this report to you, in order that it might be transmitted to the Navy Department and placed on file with my reports of the expedition referred to (dated December 11, 1864, and December 30,1864, Nos. 60 and 78), the original not being on file at the Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. II. MACOMB, Commander. Rear.Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. WYALUSING, Off Plymouth, N. C., January 31, 1864 [5]. SIR: I have the honor to report that immediately upon your hoisting your divisional flag on board of this vessel I got underway on the afternoon of the 9th ultimo and stood up the iRoanoke River to James- ville, at which place I anchored at 9:20 p. in. While so doing, a signal from this ship was made to the Otsego to anchor, which vessel was following next astern. She had answered the signal and was preparing to execute the order, when two torpedoes exploded under her, with an interval of a few minutes, sinkin gher immediately. Boats were straightway sent, and every assistance was rendered that was possible under the circumstances. The next day (the 10th) boats were set to work dragging for torpedoes, and from the number found it became evident that we would be forced to drag the whole river. The guns, and every article of value on board of the Otsego that could be reached, were likewise hoisted out. On the 13th we advanced to Cedar Landing, 18 miles above Plymouth, when all the guns taken from the Otsego, with the exception of two IX-inch which had been placed in battery on board of this vessel, were transferred to a coal schooner and sent to Plymouth Page 175 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 175 We remained at Cedar Landing till the 17th, during which time the boats continued dragging ahead, accompanied by the Chicopee and Valley City, when we rejoined them between Williamstou and Spellers Ferry; np to this time from thirty to forty torpedoes had been taken out of the river. On the 18th we advanced as far as Spellers Ferry, when the owner was arrested on account of his disloyalty and to pre- vent his giving the enemy information of our movements. On the 19th, having received information that torpedoes were being placed in our rear, two boats commanded by Acting Ensign Fossett were dispatched to drag for them. They returned the next morning, having proceeded to Cedar Landing, but without finding any. On the morning of the 20th the dragging party was suddenly fired on from shore by sharpshooters. The marines from this vessel and the Chicopee, under command of Ensign Fossett, were immediately dis- patched to clear the woods and protect the boats. They soon captured a prisoner with arms, who was sent on board. Nothing more happened until late in the day, when the marines were fired on by a body of the enemy stationed in the woods near Fort Branch, and the same time th~ Valley City engaged a battery placed on Poplar Point. We closed up as fast as possible and opened on the enemy with shell and grape till night ended the conflict. Shortly after dark we were attacked by sharp- shooters directly astern, which was kept up for some time. We finally drove them with our stern howitzers. The next day we were again engaged. Discovering that the rebels were erecting new and more extensive works, it was deemed prudent to fall back a short distance to await the arrival of the troops. On the 22d it became evident that no adequate force could be expected, and as it was impossible for boats to drag the river unless covered by a strong body of infantry to protect them from sharpshooters who concealed themselves behind a levee running from Poplar Point 4 miles below, we determined to retire, which was safely carried into effect, the vessels arriving at the wreck of the Otsego on the morning of the 24th, when this vessel and the Chicopee immediately hauled alongside of her and stripped her of every- thing that could possibly be of value to us. As soon as the rebels perceived that it was our intention to drop dowii the river, they opened on us from another battery which they had hitherto kept masked, which consisted of 32-pounders. On the 25th, it having been determined to destroy what was left of the Otsego, in conjunction with the Chicopee, I fired into her, breaking the crank and otherwise disabling the machinery beyond the possibility of redemption. Two torpedoes were exploded inside her engine room, which produced the most satisfactory results. The expedition was peculiarly laborious, owing to the very severe cold, and dragging for torpedoes night and day, which had to be per- formed altogether in exposed boats against a strong current, and also to the difficulty of warping the vessels around the narrow and intricate bends, which in some cases occupied hours. The greatest credit is due the officers and men, who were necessarily subjected to much exposure and hardship, and the most commendable zeal in performance of their duty was exhibited by all. Everyone appeared to do his utmost to insure a successful issue to the expedition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding U. S. S. Wyalusing. Commander W. H. MACOMB, Commanding District of Sounds of North Carolina Page 176 176 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Assistant Surgeon Holman, U. S. Navy, giving the casualties on board the U. S. S. Wyalusing. U. S. S. WYALUSING, Off Plymouth, N. C., December 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the list of casualties on board this vessel during the late expedition up the iRoa- noke River, North Carolina. Wounded.Robert Williams, landsman, lacerated wound of scalp, caused by a splinter on the evening of the 22d instant; doing well. I am, sir, very respectfully, etc. SAMUEL HOLMAN, Acting Assistant Surgeon. Lieutenant-Commander EARL ENGLISH, U. S. Navy, Commanding Officer. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Arnold, U. S. Navy, regarding the sinking and destruction of the U. S. S. Otsego. U. S. S. CHICOPEE, Off Plymouth, N. C., January 1, 1865. SIR: I respectfully submit the following report of the sinking of the U. S. S. Otsego, lately under my command, and other information in regard to her and her officers and crew: On the night of the 9th ultimo, at 9:12 p. in., while ascending the Roanoke River, and forming a part of an expedition then advancing up it, she was struck by two torpedoes and sunk in thirteen minutes off Jamesvi]le Bluff, in about 2 fathoms water, submerging entirely her spar deck. I am happy to state that no lives were lost and but few persons injured, and they not seriously. The crew were sent on board the vari- ous vessels of the fleet in company with us, myself; the officers, and the marine guard remaining by the ship during the night, saving and send- ing away such things as could be got at. The next day the Wyalusing, the senior officers ship, hauled along. side of the Otsego and took her battery on board. On the 11th, by order of Commander Macomb, I mounted two 24-pounder howitzers and one 20-pounder rifle on the hurricane deck, placed our galley there, spread awnings for the protection of the men, provided arms and ammunition, and with 8 officers and 30 men remained on bOard the wrecked vessel to keep her from falling into the enemys hands and to act as a lookout upon that part of the river, and so far as lay in my power to prevent the enemy from annoying our vessels passing and repassing or from planting batteries upon Jamesville Bluff while the fleet ascended the river to carry out the intent of the expedition. On the 24th of December, the fleet having returned, the Wyalusing and the Chicopee came alongside and commenced stripping ship and removing everything out of her that could be got at. On that even- ing, by verbal order of Commander Macomb, I left the Otsego and took up my quarters on board the Chicopee, the officers and men being dis- tributed among the various vessels of the squadron. The next day the work of her destruction commenced by the firing of solid shot into her engine and boilers on the part of the two vessels just mentioned; but as the Chicopee was ordered to Plymouth, I di Page 177 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON 177 not, in consequence, witness it entirely. The Otsego is now entirely destroyed. Her officers and crew have been disposed of by Commander Macomb, and the list of all articles saved belonging to her has been sent to him. I take great pleasure in testifying to the good conduct of both officers and men from the time of her sinking until her abandonment. Almost all the crew have lost their clothing. I respectfully suggest that the officers of the Otsego, if possible, may be given a short leave of absence, sufficiently long to enable them to provide themselves with clothing and other articles necessary to their comfort on board ship, as they lost, some of them, all, and others the most, of their clothing. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. 1ST. T. ARNOLD, Lieutenant. Commander. Hear.Admiral DAVID P. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Detailed report of Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, commanding expedition. U. S. S. SHAMROCK, Off Plymouth, N. C., December 30, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the expedition up the IRoanoke liver in obedience to your order of the 1st instant: In my No. 430, dated December 11, which was sent you by Acting First Assistant Engineer Samuel C. Midlam, chief engineer of the Otsego, I gave a full account of the progress of the expedition up to that date, including the destruction of the Otsego and Bazely by torpedoes. After this it became necessary to drag the river ahead of the vessels with small boats, which, of course, rendered the passage up the river extremely tedious, not allowing us to make more than 6 miles per day. In this manner we advanced about 8 miles above Jamesville before finding any more topedoes, but here we came on another nest of them. This was on the 14th instant, and all through that day the boats were engaged dragging out the torpedoes, of which they found twenty-one at this point. It will now be necessary to give a brief account of the movements of the army forces of the expedition up to this time. The arrangement between myself and Colonel Jones Frankle, Second Massachusetts Artillery, commanding the land forces, was that we were to communicate at Jamesville, Williamston, and other places on the way, but being ignorant of the time it would necessarily take to get vessels of this class up a narrow and tortuous river like the Roan- oke, he thought that it would be necessary for him to move very fast to keep us from overtaking and passing him, and on arriving at James- ville before the gunboats he did not wait for us, but pushed on, think- ing that we would catch up to him soon enough. The consequence of this was that he reached the blnft~ on the third day after leaving Ply- mouth, while we were struggling up the river, dragging night and day to clear out the torpedoes. On arriving at the bluff within sight of the enemys works Colonel Frankle decided that as the gunboats had not yet got up, and as he was short of ammunition and l)rovisions, his transports from which he N W RVOL 11 1 Page 178 178 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. had expected to be supplied being with us, it would not be prudent to risk an assault on the enemys works, being ignorant of their force. In this opinion he was supported by Brigadier-General Wild, who had gone with the colonel as volanteer. Accordingly they fell back to Jamesyille, where they notified me of their arrival on the 15th instant. The colonel came up to the place where we were at that time, called Cedar Landing, and proposed that in advancing again we should pur- sue a new plan, which was that he should land his forces on the north (Bertie County) side of the river, push on up to Edwards Ferry, where he would destroy the rebel ironclad and then return, meeting the gun- boats at Spellers Ferry or Poplar Point. This plan seemed feasible and was adopted, but when the colonel returned to Jamesville to pre- pare for crossing his troops over the river, he was informed by his surgeon that most of his men were sick or frost-bitten, they having started without proper shoes, etc., and it was thought necessary that they should return to Plymouth to recruit, which they did. After this it was understood that the land force would advance again as soon as the men were sufficiently recruited, and that in the meantime we should continue up the river, they joining us before we reached Rain- bow Bluff. We pushed on up the river as before, dragging all the way until the 20th, when, about 7 miles below Rainbow, our dragging party were fired on by the enemy from the woods on the bank, and 1 man killed and an officer and 3 others wounded. The officer was Acting Master Joseph D. Wells, of the Chicopee. The Valley City, which vessel was kept close behind the boats to protect them from an attack of this kind, immedi- ately opened fire on the place where the rebels had been seen, for the woods were too thick to allow us to see the men, and drove them off. Dragging in the boats now became a very dangerous operation; nev- ertheless it must be done or we could proceed no farther. When we started ahead again in the aftei~noon I landed the marines nuder com- mand of Acting Ensign L. II. Fossett, of the Wyalusing, to act as skirmishers, keeping opposite to the boats and under cover of the Valley Citys guns. We advanced this way about 3 miles, when we came to a place where the river curved toward a high ridge of land which had been in sight for some time on the left bank of the river, but some dis- tance off. At this point the marines were fired on by a large number of the enemy hid in the surrounding woods. Our men fell back till they reached a levee which skirted the river, under cover of which they made their way to the ships and were taken offi All this time the Valley City was shelling over their heads, and very soon the enemy opened with a battery from the top of the ridge, to which the Valley City replied, as did also the Chicopee, which vessel came up at that time. Mr. John E. Lewis, late pilot of the Otsego, whom I had ordered on board the Valley City on temporary duty, was killed at this time by a Mini6 ball, which passed through his head, and 1 man on the Valley City was wounded. This was the time for the laud force to have been at hand to clear the enemy from the river banks so that we could continue dragging, but their supplies had not been senl3 to them from New Berne, and they were obliged to borrow from the Shamrock (which vessel was left to guard Plymouth) to subsist their men until they should receive their supplies. Thus, herewe were, with nothing to do butto wait, for it was impossible to drag the river as long as the woods on the banks continued full of the enemys sharpshooters, and we could not dislodge them without a land force Page 179 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 179 During the night of the 20th we were annoyed by the enemy, who lay on the bank under cover of the levee and fired ou us with musketry, and it was only after shelling for some time and throwing away a great deal of grape and canister that we could drive them off. On the morn- ing of the 21st, not having heard anything from the enemys battery, though we had opened a heavy fire on it that morning, I determined to send the Valley City around the bend (as far as the boats had dragged) to see if they had not taken their guns away, knowing that if they had not they would fire on her. She got underway and was rounding the point, her bows only being visible beyond, when the enemy open - d on her with a new battery, which must have been thrown up during the night, only a few hundred yards distant, and fired four shots before she could drop back again, three of which struck her; one of them, a shell, bursting in the pilot house, killed 2 men and wounded the pilot and 1 other. They had got the range of the point previously, for Acting Master Brooks, of the Valley City, saw the man walk up to the gun and pull the lock string without taking aim. After this we threw some 100-pounder shell at the battery over the woods, but it was so screened by the trees that we could only see from the tops the smoke which rose from their guns, and therefore I am unable to say what damage we did. During the day we were fired on from the woods, and in the afternoon we saw the rebels working on the top of the ridge not more than 1,000 yards from where we lay. We threw some shell at them and made them stop their work for a while, but as soon as we stopped they began again. It was evident that they were planting a battery at this point, and as we could do no good where we were, I dropped into the next reach, where we lay for the night out of sight from the ridge. Upto the afternoon of the 22d we had no news of the army~s advance, and during the last few days the enemy had been largely reinforced, probably by the forces accumulated to oppose General Warrens advance ou Weldon, N. C. I was informed by contrabands, citizens, and a pris- oner whom we captured, that the rebels had 8,000 men at and about Rainbow, and from the numbers that swarmed on the banks on all sides I should judge that this report was not much exaggerated. It was evi- dent, then, that even should Colonel Frankle bring np his 1,000 or 1,500 men, they could not succeed in driving from a strong position a force so much superior to their own. But as long as the enemy held the banks of the river, I would be unable to drag in open boats for torpedoes, which I was informed from all quarters were laid in this part of the river, and consequently could not advance with the gunboats. ilad not the torpedoes prevented our advance we could have run past the batteries, though we should have been obliged to warp the vessel up the river. I therefore determined to fall back. I sent picket boat No. 5 ahead with a request that Colonel Frankle would send a force from Plymouth to hold the bluff at Jamesville till we should have passed down, as this point could have been fortified with a few fieldpieces so as to give us a great deal of trouble in passing. On her way down No. 5 met an army transport with a few hundred men on their way to Williamston, to the commanding officer of which they delivered my letter to Colonel Frankle, and the transport accordingly lauded the men at Jamesville, as I requested. We dropped down the river all night, and anchored near morning above some sharp bends about a mile from Spellers. In the afternoon, when we commenced dropping down the river, the enemys sharp. shooters followed us about 6 miles, and we had to keep up at intervals a heavy fire of grape and canister to drive them off Page 180 180 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The next morning, 23d, we commenced dropping again, and about midnight we reached Jamesyille. The passage down the river was effected with much less difficulty than anyone expected, judging from the difficulty of the ascent, but it required the strictest attention and the greatest care on the part of the pilots. All hands were on deck all the time, except for two or three hours when we lay at night above Spellers Ferry, and boats were kept constantly alongside ready to take out hawsers. All through the expedition we had to contend with the greatest diffi- culties, and the failure to accomplish the object mentioned in your letter of the 1st can not be attributed to any fault of ours. Had we not encountered the torpedoes, the expedition would undoubtedlyhave been successful, for we should have reached the bluff before the enemy hadbeen reinforced, and we could easily have driven the few troops then in the batteries from their guns. But from what I heard of General Palmers orders from General Butler, I should judge that one, at least, of the objects of the expedition was accomplished, which was also an object of General Warrens raid, namely, to occupy the enemy~s troops to prevent him from sending forces to the South against Sherman. During the whole time we have been up the river, two weeks, the officers and men have been continually engaged in the most arduous dnties and have always been prompt and cheerful in their performance. On the night succeeding our arrival at Jamesville an explosion was heard up the river, which I at first feared to be a torpedo exploded by the Chicoree, but on sending up to find out, everything was found right with that ship, and she had fired no gun, nor had any other vessel. The report must therefore have been caused by a torpedo which the enemy exploded while trying to sink it in the river, supposing that we had not yet passed down, or to prevent us from reascending. It now became necessary to make some disposition of the Otsego, either to attempt to raise her and recover her engine, or to destroy her so effectually that the rebels could make no use of her. I therefore called a board of officers to decide the question, who determined that it would be most expedient to destroy her, as she could not be raised without the heights at Jamesville were held by our forces during the operation, which Colonel Frankle affirmed could not be done by the available forces in this district against the force which the enemy might bring against it, on account of the character of the surrounding country. I enclose a report of the board, and also Colonel ~ certificate. On the 25th instant, after I had taken everything out of the Otsego that could be reached in her conditionher battery and a large number of articles, as will be seen by the enclosed listthe Chicopee hauled along- side of her and fired solid shot, aiming at her machinery, which was much damaged thereby, though almost entirely submerged. After the Chicoipee ceased, the Wyatusing went alongside and continued the destrnction till everything visible was broken. The wheels were knocked to pieces, one end of the shaft broken off, the machinery about the valve chest badly broken, and the crank smashed. After this I exploded about 100 pounds of powder near the valves by sinking it through the valve hatch near the condenser, and another barrel contain- ing about 300 pounds was blown up in the fire room between the boilers. When the destruction was thus rendered as complete as possible, she was set on fire. We then got underway and ran down to Plymouth. Before closing this report I wish to give you an idea of the extreme difficulty attending the passage up this river by vessels of this class. The river is so tortuous that they are unable to steam up, but have t Page 181 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 181 proceed by sending out hawsers to the trees to swing around the bends, the current being too strong to permit a tug to tow them up. More- over, it is so narrow (not exceeding 70 yards in any place above James- yule) that these vessels have not room to spring around to bring their batteries to bear; and should it become necessary to fire np a reach they can only spring around sufficiently to bring their forward guns to bear. The class of vessels most appropriate for this river is, as I have before stated, the large ferryboats like the Commodore Barney. These vessels can bring their whole battery (which is nearly as heavy as that of this vessel) to bear directly ahead and astern; and moreover, not being as long as the double-enders, they can, in most cases, steam around the bends without the help of hawsers. Before this expedition it was not thought practicable by any of the pilots here to ascend this river with double-enders, and I will venture to assert that the operation of taking vessels 250 feet long (the neces- sary appendage of torpedo catchers making 25 feet more length) up such a river as this is one of the most difficult on record in the naval history of this war. The vessels were frequently swept by the current fairly in among the trees, their branches entangling our rigging, and carrying away rails, etc. Each of the vessels lost three torpedo catchers in this way. The commandingofficers, Commander [A. D.] Harrell, Lieutenant-Corn. mander [Earl] English, Actiiig Masters [J. A. J.] Brooks, [II. II.] Foster, and [J. G.] Green, and Acting Ensign [J. II.] Chapman, behaved in the most commendable manner, as did also the officers and men under their command. Lieutenant-Commander Arnold, although not able to take an active part in the operations above Jamesville, was necessarily left in a very embarrassing position on board the wreck of his vessel with a portion of his crew and a few officers. Acting Master Brooks, of the Valley City, deserves my special notice on account of the manner in which he conducted the operations of drag- ging the river. Lieutenant.Commander English, on whose vessel I hoisted the divi- sional officers pennant, has my thanks for his efficient services in the capacity, as it were, of fleet captain. The casualties during the expedition were: Otsego, 1 man wounded by explosion of torpedo; Bazely, 2 men killed; Chicopee, 1 man killed and an officer and 3 men wounded; Wyalusing, 1 man wounded; Valley City, 1 officer killed, 2 men killed, and 1 officer and 2 men wounded. Total, 6 killed and 9 wounded. The losses would have been much greater had not the vessels, by my order, made breastworks around their hurricane decks and other exposed parts, of cotton bales (which had been captured a short time previous by the Chicopee) and the mens bags and hammocks, which protected us from the rifle balls. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. H. MACoMB, Commander, Comdg. District Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAvrn D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. (Telegram.) HEADQUARTERF~ ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, December 23, 1864. General Leventhorpe reports the enemy attempted, on the 20th, to land a force at Poplar Point, 3 miles from Fort Branch, on the Roanoke Page 182 182 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The attacking party consisted of three gunboats and barges loaded with troops. After a corn bat of three hours they were repulsed with loss. The attack was renewed on 21st and their skirmishers landed, which were attacked and driven to the boats. The gunboats have resumed the position they occupied previous to their attempt to laud troops at Poplar Point. H. E. LEE. Hon. J. A. SEDDON. [Telegram.] HEADQUARTERS ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, December 23, 1864. General Leventhorpe reports that he attacked the enemys gunboats yesterday off Poplar Point and drove them away. Our infantry kept up and fought them with determination for 4 miles. Colonel Whitford, who behaved with great gallantry on the occasion, was slightly wounded. B. E. LEE. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, VA., December 10, 18643:30 p. m. (Received 4 p. in.) We would like some more men, about 200, at once, to 1111 up dis- charged mens places. They can follow us down. Mostly seamen and ordinary seamen. D. B. PORTER, Rear.Admiral. Hon. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Navy. [Telegram.] HAMPTON ROADS, December 10, 1864. (Received 2:45 p. in.) We are very much in want of men. Only 175 of the 800 required have come. Will you please send some at once for the James River division ~abont 150and the rest for the other portions of the squadron. DAVID 1). PORTER, J4ear.Admiral. Hon. G. WELLES. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dennison, U. S. Navy, command- ing U. S. S. Cherokee, regarding the capture of the British steamer Emma Henry. U. S. S. CHEROKEE, U. S. Naval Station, Beaufort, N. C., December 10, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report: In latitude 300 53 N., longitude 770 116 W., sighted black smoke bearing W. N. W. By keeping in the sun glare I managed to approac Page 183 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 183 within 5 miles of a steamer unperceived; the stranger was heading to the eastward, but upon seeing us lie turned to the northward and west- ward; as I gained upon him rapidly he turned to the northward and eastward. Thinking I was in range I fired two shots; finding they fell short discontinued the fire. As I was still gaining he hauled to the eastward and made sail, which increased his speed and equalized the chase. The wind was strong from the northeast and a very rough sea running. I carried all sail I had. At 11:40 he shortened sail and headed to the northward and stopped. At 12 m. I was alongside and took possession of the English blockade runner Emma Henry, with 600 bales of cotton. As her feed pumps would not work, I took her in tow for Beaufort, K. C., where I arrived on the morning of the 9th instant. There were no other vessels in sight at the time of the capture. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. E. DENNISON, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding Cherokee. ion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington City, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dennison, U. S. Navy, commend- ing the conduct of the officers of the captured steamer Emma Henry. U. S. S. CHEROKEE U. S. Naval Station, Beaufort, N. C., December 12, 1864. SIR: I feel it my duty to bear testimony to the fact that the captain and officers of the steamer Emma Henry conducted themselves in a manner highly creditable at the time and since the capture. The cap- tain prevented the crew from defacing the vessel or destroying the property on board. The chief engineer has used every exertion and rendered valuable assistance in getting the steamer ready for sea. As the conduct of these officers is so different from what I have seen in other captures, I have taken the liberty of drawing your atten- tion to the fact. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. E. DENNISON, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding Cherokee. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads, Va. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to the commandant navy yard, Norfolk, regarding the U. S. S. Cambridge. OFF NORFOLK, December 10, 1864. SIR: Just before the Cambridge is ready for sea, you will please apply to the Department to fill her up with her complement of officers, as I have been obliged to take most all of hers to meet the wants of the squadron. When she is all ready for sea, she will proceed and report to Rear-Admiral Dahlgren for duty in the South Atlantic Squadron. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAYW D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Captain JOHN M. BERRIEN, Commanding Navy Yard, Norfolk Page 184 184 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Pear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Schench, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Tacony. HAMPTON ROADS, December 10, 1864. COMMODORE: The Tacony is hereby assigned temporarily to your division in place of the Mattabesett, ordered to the sounds, and the commanding officer has been directed to conform to general orders. Respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Pear-Admiral. Commodore J. F. SCHENOK, Commanding Third Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Commander Guest, U. S. Navy, regarding contraband trade in the Nansemond River. U. S. S. IOSCO, Nansemond River, December 10, 1864. COMMODORE: I am here in pursuance of orders from you. I got the Sassacus here this morning for the purpose of landing our men to examine the shores of the river, but the fog is so thick that I have postponed the expedition, believing it to be unsafe to send my men beyond the cover of the guns of this vessel. I have boarded a great number of small vessels, all having a permit from the provost-marshal, by order of General Butler, to fish and oys ter, and carry provisions to the right bank of the Kausemond. Some of these vessels are not provided with the ordinary appliances for fish- ing, and I believe there is an extensive contraband trade going on and information furnished to the enemy. I heard from a bona fide oyster- man that rebel scouts are, or were, on the left bank of the Nansemond day before yesterday. There is nothing whatever to prevent commu- nication with the left as well as the right bank so long as these per- mits are granted. I therefore respectfully request permission to disregard these permits and to blockade this river strictly and to break up this business altogether. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN GUEST, Commander, Commanding U. S. S. losco. Commodore H. K. THATCHER, Comdg. 1st Div. North Atlantic Squadron, Senior Officer, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 11, 1864. Orders sent to New York for all seamen and ordinary seamen they have. Dictator leaves New York to-morrow. G. Y. Fox, Assistant Secretary. Rear-Admiral D. B. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Roads Page 185 NORTH ATLKNTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 185 Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Pirst Assistant Engineer Lay, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. AS~puyten Duyvil, to proceed up the James River. HAMPTON ROADS, December 11, 1864. SIR: You will proceed as soon as possible with the Spuyten Duyvil up James River and report to Commander W. A. Parker corn Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron. Respectfully, etc., DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. First Assistant Engineer J. L. LAY, Commanding Spuyten Duyvil. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U~ S. Navy, to Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, to convoy the monitor ]Iiliahopac to Bea~fort, N. C. HAMPTON ROADS, December 11, 1864. SIR: You will accompany the monitor Mahopac to Beaufort, N. C., and if necessary take her in tow and give her all aid and assistance on the voyage, after which you will remain in a position to join the squadron if you can not go into Beaufort with safety. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Captain 0. 5. GLISSON, Commanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Potter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mahopac, to proceed to Beaufort, N. C. HAMPTON RoADS, December 11, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to Beaufort, N. C., in company or tow of the Santiago de Cuba, and fill up there with ammunition without delay, working night and day. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAViD D. PORTER, Rear.Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander B. B. POTTER, Commanding U. S. S. Mahopac, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, to convoy the monitor ]Jilionadnock to Beaufort, N. C. HAMPTON ROADS, December 11, 1864. SIR: You will accompany the monitor Monadnock to Beaufort, N. C., and if necessary take her in tow and give her all aid and assistance on the voyage, after which you will remain in a position to join the squadron if you can not get into Beaufort with safety. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID B. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Captain B. F. SANDS, Commanding U. S. S. Port Jackson, Hampton Roads Page 186 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 186 Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Parrott, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Monadnock, to proceed to Beaufort, N. C. HAMPTON ROADS, December 11, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to Beaufort, N C., in company or tow of the Fort Jackson, and fill up there with ammunition without delay, working night and day. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander E. G. PARROTT, U. S. S~ ]Ifonadnock, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Trenchard, U. S. Navy, to convoy the monitor Canonicus to Beaufort, N. C. HAMPTON ROADS, December 11, 1864. SIR: You will accompany the monitor Canonicus to Beaufort, N. C., and if necessary take her in tow and give her all aid and assistance on the voyage, after which you will remain in a position to join the squadron if you can not go into Beaufort with safety. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander S. D. TRENCHARD, Commanding U. S. S. Rhode Island, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Belknap, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Canonicus, to proceed to Beaufort, N. C. HAMPTON ROADS, December 11, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to Beaufort, N. C., in company or tow of the Rhode Island and fill up there with ammunition without delay, working night and day. Re~pectfully, your obedient servant, DAYW B. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander GEo. E. BELKNAP, Commanding U. S. S. Canonicus, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Guest, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. losco, to proceed to Beaufort, N. C. HAMPTON ROADS, December 11, 18G4. SIR: You will proceed with the losco to Beaufort, taking advantage of a smooth time after this wind abates, and remain there till further orders. The Sassacus goes down there and you can keep company with her if you apprehend that your vessel might require assistance. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear.Admiral. Commander JOHN GUEST, Commanding U. S. S. Jiosco Page 187 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 187 Instructions from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Macomb, U. S. Navy, regarding the execution of Treasury regulations relative to trade. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Hampton Roads. December 11, 1864. SIR: The late Treasury regulations make some new arrangements with regard to trade. The only thing required from you is to abstain from any interference in the permits granted by legal representatives of the Treasury Depart- ment. You will recognize these permits when they are signed by Gen- erals Butler or Shepley, commanding in the District of North Carolina, taking care that no attempts to introduce contraband of war among the rebels are successful. The object of the law is to enable persons to bring out the products of the country, and, as the military commander of the district is responsible for the character of the persons who trade within the lines occupied by our troops, his name must be considered as ample security for the loyalty of the parties concerned. Tn these matters you will not fail to observe the proper courtesy due to the commanders of the district in Which trade is allowed. There are many persons, though, who are so avaricious and regardless of the harm they may do our cause, that they will not hesitate to violate the law and carry stores of all kinds to the rebels. Whenever you meet with such cases, dont hesitate to seize the property and also the persons of the individuals engaged in illegal traffic, which is when they go beyond the permit granted by the Treasury. A Treasury agent has no right to grant permits to trade, beyond bringing out cotton, tobacco, and other products of the country, and you must examine carefully the papers of all persons who are found purchasing in your district. All boats and parcels are subject to search, and you will use the authority you have for that purpose. Cotton and tobacco belonging to Confederate authority, or to persons employed in arms against the United States, are subject to seizure bythe vessels under your command, and can be sent into court and informed on, as follows, to the judge of the district to which they are sent: SIR: I beg leave to inform against (so much merchandise) the property of A. B. (rebel officer or rebel authority), which you will please libel and proceed against according to law. I herewith enclose you a statement of all tlie circumstances con- nected with the capture. Respectfully, etc. If you detect any Treasury agent granting permits for articles con- traband of war, or in any way liable to be used by the Confederates in arms, you will report him to me and I will report the matter to the Department. Any vessel or boat caught trading, or going within the enemy~s lines, will be seized, permit or no permit. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron CommanderW. II. MACOMB, Commanding District of the Sounds, North Atlantic Squadron Page 188 188 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Parker, U. ~ Navy, commanding Fifth Division, regarding the affairs of his command. U. S. MONITOR ONONDAGA, Aikens Landing, James River, December 11, 1864. SIR: I have to report that I visited all the vessels in James River, in obedience to your order by telegraph of the 8th instant, received by me at 4: 30 oclock p. in., going down the river in the tugboat Epsilon. I found the different vessels at their stations, and read to the com- manders of them your telegraphic dispatch enjoining them to keep on the alert to row guard and to take other useful precautions to keep the police of the river. I found the crews of nearly all the vessels deficient in men, particularly in firemen and coal heavers. I would respectfully suggest that an efficient gunboat should be sta- tioned at Fort Powhatan, which is now unguarded, and at least two vessels should be kept at Deep Bottom, which, with ilaxalls Landing, are the most vital points on the river. Lieutenant-Commander Blake, of the Eutaw, reports that the enemy attacked our line at Deep Bottom yesterday and captured some of our pickets, but that he shelled them and disabled one of his 100-pounder Parrott guns in the action. The gun was disabled at the vent, and I propose to send it down in the Phlox for repairs. No wooden vessels could pass Fort Powhatan if the rebels get possession of it, as it forms a natural gateway to the river. I found the Hunchback and the Daylight cruising between White Shoal light-house and Point of Shoals, as you had directed in a former telegram, but returned to City Point in the Hunchback as she was in want of coal. I have stationed this vessel near the Eutaw, as Lieutenant- Commander Blake said it was important to have some support in case of attack. The Mendota, Commodore Perry, Western World, and Henry Brinker will cruise at the mouth of the river with the Daylight, as you directed. Most of the vessels of this division require repairs, and two more powerful tugs could be usefully employed. There are not enough gun- boats to guard all the important points of the river. The Miami is at City Point to protect the transports and other pub- lic property there, and to superintend the coal and ordnance vessels. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding Graves is well qnalified for this position, and is well acquainted with General Grant and his staff; this fact gives him facilities for the transaction of business. About six more vessels of the size of the Mendota could be usefully employed in James River. * * * * * * * I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Adams, U. S. Navy, regarding the departure of ordnance vessels for Beaufort, N. C. HAMPTON ROADS, December 12, 1864. SIR: When the gale is over and setting to a steady northwester you will start the ordnance vessels so that the wind will carry them as far as Beaufort, N. C Page 189 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 189 Dont fail in getting them off at the right time. Take any tugs you can find to tow them to where they can make sail. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER. Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander II. A. ADAMS, Jr., Fleet Ordnance Officer, Flagship Malvern, llamjpton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Walker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Saco, to proceed with the squadron to Beaufort, N. C. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Hampton Roads, Va., December 12,1864. SIR: You will transfer to the commanding officer of the Atlanta all guard papers and orders and will prepare to sail with the squadron. You will go to Beaufort, N. C., and await the sailing of the vessels from that place to join in the coming fight. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander JNO. G. WALKER, Commanding U. S. S. Saco, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to the commandant navy- yard, Norfolk, regarding the forwarding of vessels to Beaufort, N. C. HAMPTON ROADS, December 12, 1864. CAPTAIN: As I will not have a chance to see you again, I wish to request that as fast as the repairs on the vessels at the yard, which belong at Beaufort, are finished, that you will send them down to report. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, I)AVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Captain JOHN M. BERRIEN, Commanding Navy Yard, Norfolk. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Ensign Allen, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. I. N. Seymour. HAMPTON ROADS, December 18, 1864. SIR: You will proceed to York River and report to commanding officer there for duty. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commanding Officer I. N. SEYMOUR, Hampton Roads Page 190 190 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Woodward, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Atlanta, to prepare the tug Republic for guard duty. HAMPTON ROADS, December 13, 1864. SIR: Put an officer and a few men with arms on board the tug Republic in addition to those she has and give her commander orders to go and relieve the Saco, doing guard duty, at once. She will remain anchored where the Saco is until the Young America comes down, when the latter vessel will be guard ship until Commander Parker makes other arrangements. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commanding Officer U. S. S. ATLANTA, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Corbin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Augusta. HAMPTON ROADS, December 13, 1864. SIR: You will get a tow and proceed to Baltimore, Md., and report to commandant of station there. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander T. G. CORBIN, Commanding U. S. S. Augusta, Hampton Roads. [Telegram.] HAMPTON ROADS, December 13, 1864. You gave us four prizes this mocm. We have five and one steamer destroyed. Mr. Higgins has left. One million one hundred thousand [dollars of] rebel property captured this moon. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of Navy, Washington. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, regarding the control of affairs in James River and adjacent waters. HAMPTON ROADS, December 13, 1864. SIR: As I am about to proceed to Beaufort and the blockade, it devolves on you to take the control of affairs in James River and the adjacent waters Page 191 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 191 You know the duty to be performed by your division, and will exe- cute it as may seem to you best for the interest of the service, changing the vessels to suit circumstances. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Commander W. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division North Atlantic Squadron. [Telegram.] HAMPTON ROADS December 13, 18641:30 p.m. I shall leave here for Beaufort iu an hour. DAVID D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Letter from Bear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, regarding the departure of United States vessels from Hampton Roads for Bea~fort, N. C. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Hampton Roads, December 13, 1864. GENERAL: The rest of the fleet will leave here iu three hours, and will proceed to the rendezvous 25 miles east of Cape Fear River. The powder vessel will go to Beaufort and take 90 tons of powder I had there. I shall follow and communicate with you after she leaves Beaufort for her destination. I think the Louisiana will carry the 300 tons. She has now 200 on board and room for 200 more, though that would sink her too deep. She has delayed us a little, and our move- ments had to depend on her. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Najor-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding, etc., Fortress Monroe, Va. Report of Commander Spicer, U. S. Navy, forwarding prize list of cotton. U. S. S. QUAKER CITY, Beaufort, N C., December 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to address the Department, and respectfully forward herewith a prize list of 15 bales of cotton, picked up by this vessel on the 8th of December. I have, sir, the honor to be, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. F. SPICER, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy, Washington, D. C Page 192 192 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. List of vessels and their stations in the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, December 15, 1864. Name. ~1uns. Class. commanding officer. Present duty or station. Agawam 10 Alabama 10 Anemone 4 Alert 2 Atlanta 3 Aries 7 Augusta Adger, James Arletta Albemarle (bulk) -- Alpha Beta (formerly call- ed picket boat No.21. Berberry 4 Britannia 6 Banshee 3 Bignonia 3 Belle Brooklyn 26 Ben Morgan (bulk). Charles Phelps Canonicus 2 Chicopee 10 Clematis 3 Commodore Hull... 6 Ceres 2 Colorado 50 Cherokee 6 Calypso 6 Cambridge 10 Commodore Barney 7 Cactus CommodoreMorris. 7 Crusader 7 CommodorePerry. 5 Cuyler. ft R 12 Chippewa 6 Cohasset 1 Clinton Dumbarton 4 Delaware 4 Dawn 3 Daylight 8 Dictator 2 Dacotab Delta Epsilon Emma 8 Eolus 4 Eutaw 10 Fort Jackson 11 Florida Fort Donelson 1 Fahkee 5 Grand Gulf Gettysburg 7 Governor Bucking 6 ham. General Putnam 4 Granite Glance Gamma Howquali 5 Huron Hunchback 7 Henry Brinker --- 3 Heliotrope 1 Hoyt Hetzel 2 Harcourt losco 10 Juniata 14 I. N. Seymour 2 Kansas 8 Keystone State --- 6 Lilian 3 3 4 4 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 4 4 3 3 4 Sloop. 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 4 4 3 4 Commander A. C. iRhind Acting Volunteer Lieutenant F. Smith... Acting Ensign W. C. Borden Acting Ensign J. Bishop Acting Volunteer Lieut. T. J. Woodward. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant F. S. Wells. Commander B. M. Dove Acting Ensign N.E. Davis Acting Ensign ft W. Rowntree Acting Volunteer Lieutenant S. Huse - - -. Acting Volunteer Lient. W. H. Garfield... Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. D. Roatb Captain J. Alden Acting Master A. B. Mulford Acting Ensign tWin. ] Ottiwell Lieutenant-Commander G. E. Belknap. Commander A. D. Harrell Acting Volunteer Lieutenant E. D. Bruner Acting Master F. Jo~elyn Acting Master H. H. ffoster Commodoro H. K. Thatcher Acting Volunteer Lieut. W. E. Dennison.. Acting Master F. D. Stuart Acting Volunteer LieutenantJ. F. Nickels Acting Volunteer Lient. G. B. Livingston. Acting Master and Pilot Jno. Evans Acting Master TI. G. Lee Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Peter Hays. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant A. P. Foster Commander C. II. B. Caidwell Lieutenant-Commander A. W. Weaver... Acting Ensign and Pilot G. B. Griffin - Acting Ensign G. W. Hadden Acting Volunteer Lieutenant H. Brown.. Acting Master J. H. Eldridge Acting Master J. A. Jackaway Acting Master H. A. Phelon Commodore Jno. Rodgers Acting Masters Mate W. F. Gragg Acting Ensign E. M. Boggs Actin~g Volunteer Lieutenant T. C. Dunn. Acting Master E. S. Keyser Lieutenant-Commander H. C. Blake Captain B. F. Sands Acting Volunteer LieutenantT. Pickering Acting Master F. R. Webb Lieutenant R. H. Lamson Acting Volunteer Lieut. J. MacDiarmid.. Acting Master H. H. Savage Acting Master E. Boomer Acting Ensign H. Wheeler - . Acting Ensign H. F. Curtis Acting VolunteerLieutenant J. W. Baich. Lieutenant-Commander T. 0. Seifridge. Lieutenant Jo. Fyffe Acting Ensign J. H. Kerens Acting Ensign and Pilot Norman Acting Ensign H. B. Twambly Acting Master Thompson Commander Johif Guest Captain W. R. Taylor Acting Ensign F. B. Allen Lientenant-Comniander P. G. Watmough. Commander H. Rolando Acting Volunteer LieutenantT. A. Harris. Norfolk Navy Yard. Off Wilmington. Beaufort, N. C. James River. Hampton Roads. Off Wilmington. Not reported. Do. Beaufort, N. C. Sounds, North Carolina. James River. Destroyed. Beaufort, N. C. Wilmington, N. C. Norfolk Navy Yard. Off Wilmington. Sounds, North Carolina. Off Wilmington. Norfolk, Va. Craney Island, Va. Off Wilmington. Sounds, North Carolina. Norfolk, repairing. Sounds, Nocth Carolina. Do. Off Wilmington. Do. New York Navy Yard. Norfolk Navy Yard. James River. Naval station, Norfolk. James River. York River. James River. Norfolk Navy Yard. Off Wilmington. Norfolk Navy Yard. Do. Do. James River. Do. Do. Norfolk, Va. Not reported. James River. Do. Off Wilmington. Do. James River. Off Wilmington. - Not report& ll. Off Wilmington. Do. Not reported. Off Wilmington. Do. James River. Hatteras Inlet (guard). James River. Do. Off Wilmington. Do. James River. Do. Norfolk, Va. Sounds, North Carolina. Norfolk Navy Yard. Do. Off Wilmington. Do. Hampton Roads. Off Wilmington. Do. Do Page 193 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 193 List of vessels and their stations in the North Atlantic Blockading SquadronContinued. Name. Guns. Class. launch 4 Launch5 Launch 6. Lockwood 3 4 Lilac 2 4 Little Ada 2 4 Monticello 6 4 Maumee 8 4 Mohican r 9 3 Minnesota 46 Mackinaw 10 Massasoit 10 3 Mount Vernon 5 4 Moccasin 3 4 Mattabesett 10 3 Montgomery 6 3 Maratanza 6 1 Morse 6 4 Miami 8 1 Mendota 10 3 Mount Washing I I ton. Mystic I 7 Monadnock 4 Mahopac 2 Martin Mercedita Malvern 12 Nyack 8 Nansemond 3 Niphon 9 New Ironsides 20 New Berne (supp1-~ steamer). Osceola 10 Onondaga 4 Otsego 30 Phlox Powhatan 24 1 Pequot 8 4 Pawtuxet 10 1 Poppy 2 4 Pontoosuc 12 1 Quaker City 7 1 Rhode Island 12 2 Release 3 1 Renshaw Seneca 5 State of Georgia Saco 12 Shenandoah 6 Susquehanna 18 Santiago deCuba~ ii Samuel Rotan 5 Saugus 2 Shamrock ii Saffron Spuyten iDnyvil (torpedo boat). Shokokon 6 4 Sassacus 12 3 St. Lawrence 11 1 Tallapeesa. - - 10 3 Tuscarora 10 3 Tristram Shandy - 4 4 Tacony 12 3 Ticonderog~ 14 2 lJnadilla. - -:::: Unit Vanderbilt 16 2 Vickshurg ix:. Valley City I 6 4 Yance,A.D 5 4 Wahash 44 1 Western World.. 5 4 W. Badger (hulk) Wilderness . 4. Commanding officer. Acting Ensign J. Q. A. Davidson Acting Master Crafts Acting Volunteer Lieut. ID. A. Campbell - - Lieutenant-Commander R. Chandler Commander ID. Ammen Commodore J. Lanman Commander J. C. Beaumont Commander R. T. Reusbaw Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. Trathen - Acting Ensign J. Brown Commander J. C. Fehiger Acting Volunteer LientenantE. H. Faucon Lieutenant-Commander G. W. Young Actg. VolunteerLieutenant G.W. Graves. Commander E. T. Nichols - -. - Acting Master and Pilot H. H. Haynie - -- 4 Acting Master W. Wright 3 Commander E. G. Parrott 3 Lieutenant-Commander E. E. Potter Lieutenant-Commander M. Haxtun 4 Lieutenant W. B. Cushing 4 Lieutenant-Commander L. 11. Newman - - - 4 Acting Master J. H. Porter - 4 Acting Master E. Kemble - 1 Commodore W. Radford Commander J. M. B. Clitz Commander W. A. Parker I Lieutenant-Commander H. N. T. Arnold - - Commodore J. F. Schenek Lieutenant-Commander D. L. Braine Commander J. H. Spotts Acting Ensign W. Clarke - Lieutenant-Commander W. G. Temple--- - Commander XV. F. Spicer Commander S. D. Trenchard Acting Master J. Baker Gunner E. A. McDonald Lieutenant-Commander M. Sicard 4 Lieutenant-Commander J. G. Walker 2 Captain D. B. Ridgely 1 Commodore S. W. Godon 2 Captain 0. S. Glisson 4 Acting Master W. G. Nutting I Commander E. R. Colboun - 3 Commander W. H. Macomh 4 Acting Ensign H. M. Pishon First Assistant Engineer [John L.J Lay. - Present duty or station. James River. Sounds, North Carolina. New Berne, N. C. Sounds, North Carolina. Norfolk, Va. Off Wilmington. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. James River. Off Wilmington. Do. Sounds, North Carolina. Off Wilmington. Do. Repairing, Baltimore. James River. Do. Do. York River. Off Wilmington. Do. Norfolk Navy Yard. Baltimore. Off Wilmington. Do. Do. Repairing at Boston. Off Wilm1ngton. Do. James River. Destroyed in sounds. James River. Off Wilmington. Do. Do. James River. Off Wilmington. Do. Do. Beaufort. Sounds, North Carolina. Off Wilmington. Not reported. Hampton Roads. Off Wilmington. Do. Do. York River, Virginia. James River, Virginia. Sounds, North Carolina. Hampton Roads. James River. Actg.VolunteerLieutenant W.B. Sheldon. Beaufort, N. C. Lieutenant-Commander J. L. Davis Off Wilmington. uommander D. Lynch NavalMagazineNorfolk. Lieutenant-Commander Dc Haven ... Boston, Commander J. M. Frailey Off Wilmington. Actg. Volunteer Lieutenant E. F. Devens. Do. Lieutenant-Commander W. T. Truxtun. Do. Captain C. Steedman Do. Lieutenant-Commander F. M. Ramsay. . - Do. Acting Ensign II. P. Hathaway Norfolk, Va. Captain C. W. Pickering Off Wilmington. Acting Ensign W. Moody Norfolk, Va. Lieutenant- Commander [F. H.] Baker.... Off Wilmington. Acting Master J. A. J. Brooks Sounds, North Carolina. Lientenant-Comuander J. H. Upshur Off Wilmin~ton. Captain M. Smith Do. Acting Master E. Herrick James River. Beaufort, N. C. 4 Acting Master H. Arey Off Wilmington. N W RVOL 11 1 Page 194 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. List of vessels and their stations in the North Atlantic Blockading SquadronContinued. Name. Guns.~Class.~ Commanding officer. Present duty or station. Wyalusing 14 3 Lieutenant.Commander E. English Sounds, North Carolina. Whitehead 4 4 DO. Wyandotte 4 5 Acting Master T. W. Sheer Norfolk, Va. (guard). YoungAmerica.... 2 4 Acting Ensign 0. Lasher Jame8 River. Yantie 5 4 Lieutenant-Commander T. C. Harris Off Wilmington. Zonave 2 4 I Norfolk, Va. Zeta 4 Acting Ensign F. W. iMliutzer . James River. [DAVID D. PORTER,1 Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, regarding various vessels in the James River. U. S. S. MENDOTA, James River, December 15, 1864. SIR: I have the pleasure to report our success in getting the Saugus afloat at meridian yesterday, apparently without damage, and she at once proceeded on her way to the roads. I am at present anchored off the mouth of Pagan Creek, with the Western World, Daylight, and Henry Brinker. The Daylight goes np this afternoon to resume her station in Turkey Bend. Her commanding officer informs me that the case of [E. T.] Davidge has been investigated and a report sent to you. I therefore herewith return the papers. The Brinker caine down this morning from her last nights station near Deep-Water light-house, and will return there this evening. Her commanding officer reports that he is very short of men and has but one officer. I have directed the commanding officer of the Daylight to transfer a masters mate to her for temporary service. The Western World got here last evening, hav- ing been agronnd twice on the way down, without a pilot. On account of her having no pilot, think I shall station her permanently either off this place or at lower creek, and do the cruising with this vessel, the Perry, and Brinker. Acting Master Phelon, commanding the Day- light, informs me that he landed day before yesterday and destroyed a skiff and a large flat-bottomed boat, the latter capable of carrying from 40 to 50 men. Acting Ensign Kerens, commanding the Brinker, also informs me that he has destroyed a very large boat. The Perry is anchored jnst above Point of Shoals light. I propose remaining here to-night myself and hereafter change the vessels about every day or two. I mnst commend to your favorable notice the active energy displayed by Acting Volunteer Lientenant A. P. Foster, commanding the Perry, in working for the rescue of the Saugus from her dangerous position. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. T. NICHOLS, Commander, U. S. Navy. Commander WM. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division. 19 Page 195 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 195 Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the driving ashore of the blockade runner Petrel by United States vessels at New Inlet. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]Jilialvern, off Beaufort, N. C., December 15,1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the destruction of the blockade run- ner Petrel, driven ashore by the gunboats at New Inlet, Cape Fear River. She was fired upon and sunk, and was finally totally destroyed by a northeast gale. She had on board a large cargo of arms and muni- tions of war, all of which were lost the wreck lies within reach of our guns. Blockade running seems almost as brisk as ever, and I suppose will continue so as long as it is remunerative. The new class of blockade runners is very fast~, and sometimes come in and play around onr ves- sels; they are built entirely for speed. Within the last fifty days we have captured and destroyed $5,500,000 worth of enemys property in blockade runners. To submit to these losses and still run the blockade shows the immense gains the runners make and the straits the enemy are in. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID ID. PORTER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to the senior officer off New Inlet, North Carolina, regarding the placing of buoys off Sheep Head Rock. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship ]JJialvern, Beaufort, N. C., December 15, 1864. SIR: I am anxious to have the shoal called Sheep Head Rock, or Shoal, buoyed out, so that there will be no danger of vessels running on it. You will select the best pilots or persons you have for this purpose, and have it done without delay. I want all the buoys placed in 3 fathoms water. Put about ten around the shoal, with good and sufficient moorings. I would also like a line of buoys placed along the closest 5-fathom line from abreast of Fort Fisher for about 2 miles to the westward. These are for guides for the squadron when they go into action. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID ID. PORTER, Bear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER, Off New Inlet, North Carolina. Order ~f Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieuten- ant Dennison, U. S. Navy,for the transportation of buoys, to be placed off Sheep Head Rock. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship ]Ifalvern, Beaufort, N. C., December 15, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to the New Iiilet entrauce to Cape Fear River and take with you the buoys that will be put on boar Page 196 196 N( )RTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. of you. You will communicate with the commanding officer there and inform him that I want the shoal called Sheep Head Rock, or Shoal, buoyed out at night, so that when the vessels go there to operate they will not be in danger of running on it. You will direct Mr. Bradford, the Coast-Survey officer (now on board the T7ieksburg), to return to me at this place without a moments delay with the information I sent him to obtain. Oii his arrival off this port he must inform himself if I am here. If I am not here he will find me 25 miles east of New Inlet. lie will leave a duplicate of his report and all the information I require with the commanding officer at New Inlet, so that I may obtain it if I get there, after which you will return here, and if I have gone follow me to a position I will take 25 miles east of New Inlet. You can transfer the buoys to some other vessel suitable for putting them down. This will enable you to return at once with Mr. Bradford. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant WM. E. DENNISON, Commanding U. S. S. Cherokee. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Nacy, to Mc~jor- General Butler, U. S. Army, regarding powder explosion for the destruction of the New Inlet batteries. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malv~rn, off Beaufort, N. C., December 16, 1864. GENERAL: I take advantage of the tug Du Pont, going out, to write you a few lines. I think all the vessels will leave here to-morrow morning for the rendezvous, and if the weather permits, I think we will be able to blow up the vessel by the next night. In talking with engineers, some of them suggested that even at 25 miles the explosion might affect the boilers of steamers and make them explode if heavy steamwerecarried,andlwouldadvisethatbeforetheexplosiontakes place, of which you will be duly notified, the steam be run down as low as possible and the fires drawn. I hear that the rebels have only a small garrison at the forts at New Inlet. I dont know how true it is. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID li. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of Virginia and North Carolina. Report of Commodore Lanman, U. S. Navy, regarding request of Major- General Butler for an interview. U. S. S. MINNESOTA, N. Atlantic Squad. Rendezvous, off Cape Fear, December 16, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to state that this afternoon the army transport steamer Ben De Ford came within hail. An army officer desired to speak to the commanding officer of the Minnesota, and said, Will you please inform Admiral Porter that General Butler has been off twice to see him; that he is now going into New Inlet and will b Page 197 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 197 pleased to see Admiral Porter there. He (General Butler) will inform the blockade vessels that Admiral Porter is expected into New Inlet Bar. The Ben Do Ford then steamed inshore. I have the honor to be your obedient servant, JOSEPH LANMAN, Commodore, Comdg. Second Division North Atlantic Squadron. Hear-Admiral DAvID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Acting Master Pettit, U. S. Navy, of the removal of Confeder- ate torpedoes at New Inlet, North Carolina, December 1617, 1864. U.S. S. MONTICELLO, Off Fort Caswell, N. C., January 24, 1865. Sin: I would respectfully report details of removing obstructions in the channel at New Inlet, which I was ordered by you to superintend. I proceeded on the afternoon of the 16th ultimo with Acting Ensign D. W. Lakin and 12 men from the Monticello, erected a camp on shore, and at daylight on the morning of the 17th commenced operations. I had on the afternoon of the 16th instant dug several trenches in front of the mound where the electric batteries were and struck the wires, digging the course they followed down to the beach. I found the main wires anchored with two mushroom buoys, underrunning the channel wires. I succeeded in raising three large iron tanks, which - were anchored with a bridle so as to keep them on their side, floating about 6 feet from the bottom; the fourth torpedo 1 was unable to raise, owing to the lines having been cut and the chain foul. I severed the wires connected with it. It lies inshore close to the wreck of the three- funneled steamer. Ihavethe honortobe, sir, very respectfully, yourobedientservant, CHAs. A. PETTIT, Acting Master, Executive Officer. Hear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Cape Fear River. Report of Commander Howell, U. S. Navy, of the arrival in Hampton Roads of the U. S. S. Nereus. U. S. S. NEREUS, Hampton Roads, December 17, 1864. Sin: In obedience to orders from Hear-Admiral II. Paulding, I have the honor to report the arrival of this vessel in Hampton Hoads, twenty-six hours from Sandy Hook. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. (13. HOWELL, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 17, 1864. Porter was seen Thursday off Hatteras; he goes into Beaufort one day, so he can hardly leave there before to-morrow. You have all th Page 198 198 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. orders we have to give. Take any vessels you find for convoy, and then send off the Nereus. Tell Porter if he finishes well to send what iron- dads and double-enders he can spare to Dahigren, and let you come up to Alexandria. Send full reports of your passage by mail so we can accept the ship. Wishing you may be in time, Your friend, G. ~. Fox. Commodore JOHN RODGERS, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Dictator, Hampton Roads, Virginia. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 17, 1864. Send the Pontoosuc direct to New Inlet and let the Nereus take the Saugus down. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commodore JOHN RODGERS, Commanding U. S. S. Dictator, Fortress Monroe, Virginia. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Parrott, U. S. Navy, regarding pilots. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, off Beaufort, December 17, 1864. SIR: Your vessel will be supplied with a pilot in preference to any wooden vessel, and you will take the pilots wherever you may find them, and not let them leave the vessel until you are over the bar. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. [Commander E. G. PARROTT], Commanding U. S. S. Monadnock. [Order of same date and tenor to commanding officers U. S. steamers Canonicus and Mahopac. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Ammen, U. S. Navy, regarding the services of the U. S. S. Mohican. BEAUFORT, N. C., December 17, 1864. SIR: As the services of your vessel will be required here no longer, you will proceed with her to the rendezvous and join the rest of the squadron. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander D. AMMEN, Commanding U. S. S. ]Jfohi can, off Beaufort Page 199 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 199 Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, regarding proposed attack on Confederate rams in James River. U. S. MONITOR ONONDAGA, Aikens Landing, James River, December 17, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival at this place, on the 15th instant, of the torpedo boat Stromboli or Spuyten Duyvil, under the command of First Assistant Engineer John L. Lay. I shall endeavor to set her to attack the rebel rams as soon as the commanding officer is ready for work. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. A. PARKER, Commanding Fifth Division. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Comdg. North Atlantic Squadron, Flagship Malvern, Beaufort, N. C. Report of Captain Ridgely, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Shenandoah, regarding expedition to Green Cay and return to Beaufort, N. C. U. S. S. SHENANDOAH, Off Beaufort, N. C., December 18, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that I left ilampton Roads on the evening of 6th of December, in obedience to orders, and proceeded to Green Cay. I arrived there on the eveuing of December 13, and saw no evidence of any vessel having been fitted out there, by diligent search. A small fishing vessel was there that had come in for a lee from a norther which was blowing at the time, and she had heard nothing of a vessel being there. I anchored there for the night and the next morning got underway, and then made the best of my way to this place and anchored off the bar last night about 9 oclock. I am, very respectfully, DANIEL B. RIDGELY, Captain, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Radford, U. S. Navy, Commanding New Ironsides, to join the squadron off New Inlet. OFF BEAUFORT, N. C., December 18, 1864. COMMODORE: You will proceed with your vessel and join the rest of he squadron at the rendezvous, 25 miles east of New Inlet, North Carolina. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commodore WM. RADFORD, Commanding New Ironsides and Division Ironclads Page 200 200 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Bear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Beaumont, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw, to convoy the U. S. S. 1lEonandock to the rendezvous off New Inlet. OFF BEAUFORT, N. C., December 18, 1864. SIR: I wish you to keep company with the itfonadnock and proceed with her to the rendezvous, 25 miles east of New Inlet. Keep just ahead of the monitor, so she can steer after you. These orders have been given to you by signal. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID ID. PORTER, Rear- Admiral. Commander J. C. BEAUMONT, Commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw. instructions of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Radford, U. S. Navy, regarding an attack by the monitors upon Half Moon battery. AT SEA, December 20, 1864. COMMODORE: I find by an examination of the soundings that your ship and the monitors can go into action without coming to an anchor. The coast to the eastward of the bar is quite bold, 3 fathoms being found within 100 yards of shore. This will enable you to come along from the eastward slowly and silence the Half Moon battery, which is a short distance to the eastward of Fort Fisher and quite a spiteful little battery. You will direct the commanding officers of the monitors to follow slowly after you, and open deliberately on the Half Moon battery. The monitors will not anchor unless I make signal. I have ordered a num- ber of gunboats, with XI-inch and 100-pounder rifled guns, to keep off at long shot and open a steady fire on the works while you are engaged with them. I think you will soon silence the batteries. By keeping underway the vessels of your division can choose their own distance and the one where the most execution can be done, and when the ships get into action and begin to occupy the attention of the rebels, I will make signal to you to anchor, which you will be able to do at your leisure. All I ask of you is to keep Fort Fisher on the bearing I gave you. When it is smoother weather, send for the commanding officers of the monitors and explain this to them. The Dictator and Saugus will be here in time, if they can get a tow. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID ID. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commodore WM. BADFORD, Commanding Division of Ironclads, U. S. S. New Ironsides. I would liot go closer to the beach than a quarter of a mile, if that. DAVID ID. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Upshur, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. A. D. Vance, to cruise for blockade runner8. OFF NEW INLET, December 20, 1864. SIR: Get underway and run out on the Nassau line, or where you think there is a chance of catching a runner. Four will go out to-night Page 201 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 201 (Dome back here if the wind should come out from northward and west- ward or west and there is a chance of landing the troops. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAYIn D. -PORTER, Rear-Admiral. COMMANDTh~G OFFICER U. S. S. A. D. VANCE. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. $. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieuten- ant Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding the U. S. S. Alabama, to protect the U. S. S. ]VEahopac. AT SEA, Off New Inlet, December 20, 1864. SIR: You will get underway and anchor near the ironclad ]Jiliahopac. Communicate with her captain and have signals established between you. It will be your duty to look out and take care of her until further orders. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant FRANK SMITH, Commanding U. S. S. Alabama. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to the commandant naval station, Beaufort, N. C., regarding vessels. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, December 20, 1864. SIR: You will send every vessel that arrives in Beaufort to report to me without delay. Respectfully, your obedient servant, [DAVIn D. PORTER,] Rear-Admiral. Commander B. M. DOVE, Commanding Naval Station, Beaufort, N. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Crafts, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Little Ada, regarding duty of that vessel. OFF NEW INLET, NORTH CAROLINA, December 20, 1864. SIR: 1 directed you the last time I saw you at Beaufort to keep with this vessel. You have not been near her since. Your duty is to keep with this vessel wherever she goes. You will now go and deliver all the letters I send you and return to me, taking from the army vessel Carnac 3 barrels, which you will deliver to me when it is smoother. Respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. COMMANDING- OFFICBR U. S. S. LITTLE ADA Page 202 202 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Nary, to Commodore Adams, U. S. Navy, regarding coal. BEAUFORT, N. C., December 20, 1864. COMMODORE: I have found it necessary to order all the coal in the sounds to be sent here. Will you please send more to the sounds ~ The supply required there is not so large as it has been. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding. Commodore H. A. ADAMS, No. 823 Walnut Street, Philadelphia. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting report regard- ing the unseaworthy condition of the U. S. S. Saco. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Off Wilmington, N. C., December 20, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose a report of Lieutenant-Commander Walker, commanding Saco, relative to that vessel. Since the Saco has been in this squadron, I have endeavored to husband her in every way to enable her to participate in the coming engagement, but notwithstanding her being in the hands of the machinists the greater part of the time, it has been without success, and I am compelled to report her to the Department as useless, and to ask what disposition shall be made of her. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Enclosure.) U. S. S. SACO, Hampton Roads, Virginia, December 16, 1864. SIR: I have to report that in obedience to your order, I left this place on the evening of the 13th for Beaufort, K. C. On the following day, at 3 p. in., being about 30 miles north of Hatteras, a part of the tubes in the third boiler on the port side blew out under a pressure of 25 pounds of steam, blowing the fire across the fire room and filling it with steam and ashes. The fires were hauled, but as so on as possible steam got on the boilers still remaining serviceable (five being entirely disabled and others leaking) and I continued on my course until 9 p. m. At that time, finding that with all the steam we could raise, the ship barely had steerageway, and the wind serving to return to this place, I felt com- pelled, most reluctantly, to put the ships head to the northward. I succeeded in reaching Hampton Roads, under sail with a favorable breeze, working the engines as well as we could, at 12 last night. The vessel is entirely unseaworthy and in my opinion can not be made serviceable without extensive repairs and alterations. I am much chagrined at this occurrence, and most earnestly beg t Page 203 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 203 offer the services of myself, officers, and crew for any service in the present expedition. Enclosed I forward a copy of the engineers report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN G. WALKER, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. I). PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. P. S.The engineer at this moment reports that a tube has given way in one of the boilers, which has given no trouble before. [Subonclosure.] U. S. S. SACO, At Sea, December 14, 1864. SIR: I am not able to maintain our 20 pounds of steam safely, in consequence of another boiler giving out, which now makes five boilers out of the fourteen that are entirely useless. I am not able to obtain over 20 revolutions with the main engines under the most favorable circumstances in smooth water, which is giving us from 1~ to 2 knots per hour. Should we have heavy weather and a head wind, we would not be able to steam ahead at all. I respectfully recommend that we put into the nearest harbor. Very respectfully, ABRAHAM W. HARRIS, Acting First Assistant Engineer. JOHN G. WALKER, Lieutenant. Comm ,~der. [Telegra~s.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 20, 186411:10 a. m. I hope you will use every exertion to get us a Richmond paper, as we shall hear first through that source concerning the joint expedition. G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary. Lieutenant-General U. S. GRANT, City Point, 17a. [Telegram.] CITY POINT, VA., December 20, 18641 p. m. (Received 2:30 p. in.) We get the Richmond papers daily, a file of which is generally sent to the Secretary of War. Yesterdays papers contain no notice of the Wilmington expedition. U.S. GRANT, Lieutenant- General. Captain G. V. Fox, A8sistant Secretary of Navy Page 204 204 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 20, 1864-i :45 p. m. Mr. Fulton telegraphs that you are about to publish the details of a certain attack which the weather may delay for many days. If you do, you will defeat the movement and do more injury to your country than words can express. 0-. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary. PHILADELPHIA PRESS, Philadelphia, Pa. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 21, 1864. Order the Saco to Washington navy yard. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commodore JOHN RODGERS, Commanding U. S. S. Dictator, Hampton Roads. Report of Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, making suggestions regarding rtver servsce. U. S. MONITOR ONONDAGA, Aikens Landing, James River, December 21, 1864. M~ DEAR SIR: I would respectfully suggest that all the lame ducks of the squadron be sent to this (fifth) division till favorable opportunities offer to have them repaired at a navy yard. Yessels with disabled hulls or machinery can do good service here, and there are not enough present to guard all the most important points. It is not necessary to cruise much in the river, and consequently the wear and tear of the hull and machinery are less than they are at sea or on the blockade. I could employ usefully a dozen more vessels here if I had them. Moreover, there are not enough vessels in the York and Appomattox rivers. Tugs and ferryboats are very useful in this river service, especially the latter, as they carry heavy batteries, and most of the vessels in the Fifth Division remain stationary for months at a time. Respectfully, yours, WILLIAM A. PARKER, Commanding P~fth Division. Fleet Captain BREESE. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 22, 1864. Yesterday the fleet ~rere inactive at their destination on account of continued bad weather. This from General Grant. You may be in time yet.. G. V. Fox. Commodore JOHN RODGERS, U. S. Navy Commanding U. S. S. bictator, Norfolk, Va Page 205 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 205 [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 25, 1864. Take the Cuyler, or any steamer there is belonging to anybody, to accompany you, and join Porter as soon as you can. A telegram from Bragg, dated Wilmington, Friday, said: Yankee fleet iii sight. No change; weather bad. Tell Porter his whole plan, copied from our papers, was published in Richmond Thursday last. Answer if you are off. G. V. Fox. Commodore JOHN RODGERS, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Dictator, Norfolk, Ye. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Nary, to Lieutenant- Commander Potter, U. S. Navy, regarding the care of the U. S. S. Mahojpac in view of expected gale. AT SEA, Off New Inlet, December 23, 1864. SIR: If, in your opinion, it is unwise to keep the Mahopac here any longer, you will proceed with her in tow of the Alabama to Beaufort, and remain there until further orders. I think we are going to have a northeast gale. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander E. E. POTTER, Commanding U. S. S. ]Jifahopac. Since writing the above the weather has come out beautiful. Cant you keep your vessel up for the attack which will take place to-morrow morning~? Dont deliver the orders to captain of the Alabama unless you deem it necessary. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Potter, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. ][I7ahopac. U. S. S. MAHOPAC, December 23, 1864. SIR: I can keep the ]Jiiahopac ready for the fight in the morning. Am ready for fight, but want coal and an anchor. [I will] get coal from the Alabama as soon as possible, and she lets me have a 500- pound kedge and chain. Night before last had a pretty tough time. Shall I remain at my present anchorage or join the fleet to-night ~ The Alabama has taken good care of us and is quite ready. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD B. POTTER, Lieutenant- Commander, TA S. Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER. Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 206 206 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Ensign Wandell, U. S. Navy, giving information obtained from the examination of deserters. U. S. S. ONONDAGA, James River, December 23, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order I have examined the deserters that were sent on board this morning, and the following information is most respectfully submitted: All seven men belonged to the United Artillery, commanded by Cap. tam Thomas Kevill. This company was formerly a fire company at Norfolk, Va., and is mostly composed of residents of that city. They report provisions and clothing in the rebel Army enough for the actual wants of the men; that there is no fear of any movement at present by land or water by the Union forces, and that the rebels are now giving officers and men furloughs. The 8-inch rifle at llowletts burst the last time the monitors were engaged. FRANCIS WOOD, Norfolk, Va., enlisted April 19, 1861; has been last stationed at Battery Wood, near llowletts: Battery Dantzler, or llowletts, has 1 7-inch rifle, 1 X-inch mortar, and 2 X-inch smoothbores; they are now at work enlarging and pre- paring to mount more guns; commanded by Major Smith. Battery Chester has 2 X-inch smoothbores, 1 mounted and the other ready to mount; Major Smith. Battery Wood, 1 8-inch rifle, 2 X-inch smoothbores; Major Smith. Battery Brooke, dont know. Battery Read, one in onth ago, had 1 XI-inch smooth, formerly belong- ing to the rebel ironclad Virginia, 1 7-inch rifle, and 1 X-inch smooth. The next battery is on the opposite side of the river. Chaffins Bluff, dont know the armament. There are 18 torpedoes (50-pounders) anchored abreast of llowletts, 8 feet under water at high-water mark. There is now at Battery Wood a captain engaged in planting torpe- does. If it is calm to-night they intend starting 10 torpedoes from Howletts on the flood tide, so arranged as to anchor themselves nearly abreast Dutch Gap. The night picket consists of one rowboat from llowletts. The rebel fleet consists of the Virginia, ironclad; 1 XI-inch smooth, 3 7-inch rifles. Richmond, ironclad; 4 7-inch rifles. Fredericksburg, ironclad; 4 7-inch rifles. Nansemond, wooden; 1 smooth and 1 rifle. Hampton, wooden; 1 smooth and 1 rifle. Drewry, wooden; dont know, but not over two [guns]. Beaufort, wooden; 1 32-pounder rifle. Roanoke, wooden; 1 32-pounder rifle. JOHN T. WHITLOCK, resident of Norfolk, Va., deserted from How- letts night of December22; born in Norfolk; enlisted in Confederate service 19th April, 1861; most of the time at Drewrys Bluff. Has been at Howletts since 18th of May last. No person has been injured by the fire of the monitors at any time. Dont care for the monitors fire or straight shots; only fear the mortars, as they come down near and some- times burst in the mouth of the bombproofs; three or four have done so. Has been coxswain of picket boat near Howletts since she has been on, about two weeks; 18 torpedoes have been put down in that time, all 50-pounder (percussion). They are anchored in and near the bend under Howletts, and about 8 feet under water. Lieutenant Can Page 207 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 207 non [B. Kennoni put them down. They intend to put ten more in the water the first calm night. They are to be floated by a whisky cask, with a fuze prepared to burn about an hour, and on burning to the end detach the anchor from the cask. They are intended to be anchored near the mouth of Dutch Gap. The battery next the house is called DantzlerCaptain [B. J. 1 Epes companyof 150 men; 20 men kept at the battery at night. Plenty of men in the trenches close by. Men discontented. ISAAC WALLING, private; resident of lileyport, K. J. When the war commenced was mate of the wrecking schooner flenry W. Johnson, belonging to Johnson & Higgins, of New York. Came on to Norfolk from Baltimore on business for his captain and was unable to return. There are two torpedoes, 2,000-pounders, 200 yards below the main battery at Chaffins Bluff. Two torpedoes, 2,000-pounders, abreast of the signal station at Signal Hill, the wires to which are said to have been cut by Union soldiers. Two torpedoes, 2,000-pounders, abreast of the third ravine above llowletts. Butler burned the station and cut the wires. Very respectfully, M. E. WANDELL, Commander ~ A. PARKER, Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy. Commanding Fifth Division. Correspondence concerning the powder boat U. S. S. Louisiana, exploded near Fort Fisher, N. C., December 24, 1864. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear.Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to express opinion regarding enclosed memorandum. U. S. ORDNANCE STEAMER BALTIMORE, Fortress lllionroc, Va., November 27, 1864. SIR: The accompanying papers in relation to the contemplated opera. tions against the forts at Wilmington, K. C., are intrusted confidentially to Captain Alden,~ commanding the Brooklyn, to be handed to you by him for your consideration. They contain all the information bearing upon the subject which the Department has been able to collect, together with a memorandum of the conclusions reached after careful deliberation. The Department desires your own opinion upon the plan proposed in that memorandum and the Bureau of Ordnance will render you all the aid you may require in conducting the operations. By order of the Secretary of the Navy: I am, sir, your obedient servant, G. V. Fox, Assistant Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Hampton Boads. [Enclosures.] ENGINEER DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 18, 1864. It is proposed and considered practicable to destroy Forts Fisher and Caswell or their garrisons by blowing up a large ship loaded wit Page 208 208 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. gunpowder. This ship is to be conducted to the nearest point to the fort accessible to a vessel of her draft of water and there exploded by some fuze or match under control of the parties navigating the vessel to her destination. The expectation and reliance is upon destroying this fort or its garrison by the effects of the blast of an immense quan- tity of powder, not less than pounds, some of which it is proposed to take from damaged supplies now on hand. Such I understand to be the project on which my opinion is desired by the War Department. Is this scheme practicable and likely to be attended with favorable results? Does it promise such reasonable results as to justify the consumption of so large an amount of our military supplies? On examining the plans and hydrography about this work and its approaches from the sea, it appears that no vessel drawing 10 feet of water can approach nearer to the fort than 450 yards, to reach which point she must make a circuitous course, exposed to the batteries of the fort. If served with hot shot and shell there is reason to believe she must be set ou fire before she can reach the destined position. She may be sunk in attempting to reach her destination, and is liable to self- destruction by the powder being exploded by direct shot or shells from the batteries, or by fire caused by hot shot and shell. Should these projectiles strike and penetrate a wooden vessel, conflagration must fol. low. It is very doubtful whether men would go on board such a burn- ing ship, so loaded with powder, to extinguish the flames, and if they did so, whether it could be subdued in parts of the ship through which a hot shot might pass and ignite the woodwork, tar, and oakum exposed to such projectiles. Under such circumstances no other vessel is likely to approach her, either to divert and draw off the enemys fire, or give assistance in extinguishing the flames. It is possible that naval skill and genius may overcome some of these difficulties, but it is not probable that all of them could or would be surmounted, exposed, as the vessel would be, to quite formidable batteries in the fort, commanded by an officer, Whiting, who is known to possess a knowledge of the efficiency of hot and hollow shot. Admitting the probability of this vessel being satisfactorily moored at the selected site, nearest to the fort, and that the fuze explodes the powder at the desired moment, we find that the horizontal action of the powder thus exploded, whatever it may be, acts first upon the inclined plane forming the glacis of the fort, composed of a solid mass of earth more than 450 yards in length, and rising gradually to the height of 26 feet above low water. The armament of the fort is iu part behind and below this hill. Back of it, about 60 feet, is a ditch filled with water, the side of which ditch is lined or faced with a masonry wall of 6 to 10 feet thick, behind and against which rises another sand hill, the rampart, to the height of 34 feet above low water, and behind and below which is additional arma- ment of heavy guns. Behind and below this last sand hill (rampart) is the bombproof barrack, the eaves of which are 31 feet above low water and 3 feet below the crest of the rampart, which entirely surrounds this barrack. The walls of this building, occupied as a barrack by the garrison, are 4 feet thick, no part of which can be seen from the water or be struck by any projectile other than that of curved fire. The blast of a large quantity of powder is relied upon to ascend this sand hill, pass over the ditch, and then descend into the body ~f the fort strike and demolish the 4-foot walls of the barrack, and bury the garri- son in its ruins. If its power can be relied upon to descend into th Page 209 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 209 body of the fort, where alone it can injure the garrison who may choose to seek its protection, it would previously have descended into the ditch and there harmlessly expended its force. I can fiifd no reason to believe that these solid masses or sand hills and massive walls, distant more than 450 yards from the site of the powder explosion, are to be removed or destroyed or in any way injurously acted upon by the air or atmosphere as a projectile, pro- pelled by the explosion of any quantity of powder. All our experience goes to show that the atmosphere can only be used as a motive power by condensing it within circumscribed limits and then giving vent to it, as in the air gun, or by rapidly heating it within similar limits, and by sudden expansion act upon a solid in immediate contact, as the Ericsson gun. To put the air in motion and hope to batter and destroy any solid or substantial structure by any motion we can impart to the surrounding atmosphere is contrary to our belief. The hurricane or tornado, com- bining the spiral with continued or prolonged action, we know to be capable of destroying vertical opposing surfaces of light structure, but such a continuous, prolonged action can not be given to the atmosphere by any power within the control of man. The power of the atmosphere put in motion and continued during a moderate breeze is 0.08 of an ounce on a square foot; during a fresh gale it is 5 pounds 3 ounces; during a hurricane it is 31.3 pounds and during the most violent tornado, which destroys forests and wooden buildings and unroofs others, it is 46.1 pounds per foot, moving with a velocity of 97.5 miles per hour. Such a power, and the greatest we know of from a blast of wind, has never been known to disturb or injure such structures as those we are now considering. It is hoped to raise a breeze or hurricane at a distance of 450 yards from the object to be destroyed by suddenly and momentarily upheav- ing the atmosphere at a point, with out any means of conducting its force to the desired objects, which force when it arrives at a distance of a quarter of a mile has to be vastly greater than wind or the atmos- phere has ever been known to move [exert]. We have some facts connected with the expansive force of gunpow- der bearing upon this point. When confined at the bottom of the bore of the gun, say a 42-pounder, its expansive power is about 36,420 pounds on the square inch. Give it, however, an air space of 14 inches or that distance in which to expend its power, and its force is but 15,850 pounds on the square inch; and give it still more space, 42 inches, in which to expend itself, and the force is but 6,470 pounds on the square inch, thus decreasing its expansive power from 36,420 pounds to 6,470, or 29,950 pounds in the short distance of 42 inches, and that in the confined space of the bore of a gun. Again, when the air space is twenty times greater than the space occupied by the powder, the force of the powder is but 1,066 pounds to the square inch. When but ten times greater, it is ilicreased to 2,525 pounds per square inch. And when the powder is equal to half that of air space, the force is increased to 32,200 pounds to the square inch. Where the powder fills and occupies the whole space, without any air space about it, as in an iron sphere (shell) so filled, the force is increased to 113,000 pounds to the square inch. In the 2ase under consideration the powder occupies the space equal to the hold of a vessel, and that of the air is infinite. Unless, then, we can conduct this expansive force of the powder in the vessel, immense as it may be, by a tube or other means, to the object to be N W RYOL 11 1 Page 210 210 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. destroyed, or by means of an immense projectile in contact with the I)Owder, we can expect no result calculated to destroy the garrison, and much less any of the solid ramparts and massive walls distant a quarter of a mile from the center of the power proposed to be used, a power that decreases rapidly with the distance from the object to be overcome. In all cases to which reference will now be made the projectile force of the powder acting npon solid matters in immediate contact with powder, thus making these solids the projectiles, they (the solids) have been the cause of injury, and in no case has the air been the projectile put in motion by the explosion that destroyed or injured buildings remote therefrom. The reftux of the atmosphere filling the vacuum suddenly created by exploding the powder has in every case been the cause of forcing open and outward doors, etc., but the motion of translation or propul- sion from the explosion through the medium of the elastic vapor of the atmosphere is not perceptible to any injurious degree. I consider that the explosion of a vessel load of gunpowder at the nearest point it can approach Fort Caswell or Fort Fisher can produce no useful result toward the reduction of those works, and that no such vessels as are proposed to be so loaded can be navigated and placed at the nearest points to these forts, provided the fort is garrisoned and its guns are served with hollow projectiles and hot shot. FORT FISHER. Fort Fisher is another work proposed to be destroyed, with its gar- rison,in the same manner as Fort Oaswell. The work is situated on a sand hill about the lighthouse at the northern entrance into Cape Fear River. It is unlike Fort Caswell in being formed exclusively of earthen or sand ramparts and ditch without masonry, retaining its shape from the slopes given to the parapets, scarps, and couuterscarps, with the aid of gabions and other temporary expedients. Our knowl- edge of it is imperfect, but enough is known to enable us to form as correct a judgment of the effects of the proposed explosion in the open sea in front of it as though we possessed as much detail as in the pre- ceding case of Fort Caswelh The distance of Fort Fisher from the water is not known with cer- tainty. The light-house situated in this fort, immediately adjacent thereto, was, at the date of our last survey (1856), 440 yards from the water line on a N. 650 E. course, and the nearest point to which a ves- sel drawing 12 feet water could float was 950 yards on the same coursevery nearly double the distance of Fort Caswell, and hence exposed to much less liability to injury from the proposed explosive. All my remarks in relation to the destruction of Fort Caswell are hence applicable to Fort Fisher, modified by this increased distance and diminishing the probability of injuring it or its garrison by the explosion. I will now give several instances of the explosion of large quantities of gunpowder and the recorded results of effect produced in exempli- fication of the preceding views: 1st. Explosion of the magazine at Fort Lyon, of the defenses of Washington, on the 9th of June, 1863: The floor of this magazine was 9 feet below the parade of the fort. The space for powder was 64 feet by 7 feet by 7 feet, covered on top with log of 15 inches square by 18 feet long, and above them 8 feet of earth (in thickness). The amount of powder in the magazine was 17,500 pounds in barrels Page 211 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 211 besides which there was ammunition prepared for 900 cartridges for 32-pounders, 750 cartridges for 24-pounders, and 500 cartridges for 30- l)ounder Parrott guns, and abont 200 rounds for fieldpieces. The earth over and on top of the magazine was scattered in every direction, prin- cipally upward. It fell iii considerable quantities at a distance of 400 to 500 yards. Other portions of earth were thrown to the right and left and deposited immediately alongside the outline of the magazine. The logs on top of the powder room were thrown in every direction. Some pieces were thrown to a great distance, in one case 000 yards. The breadth of the cavity in the earth formed by this explosion was about 45 feet on top. The explosion did not affect the other earthwork of the fort to any material extent, although it surrounded this maga- zine on three sides and not more than 80 feet from the magazine, rising several feet above it. One gun on the rampart was thrown (rolled) into battery and tipped forward with its muzzle resting on the para- pet. The loaded shells in the magazine were thrown to various dis- tances, in one case as far as 2,500 yards. The wooden buildings and teuts used as officers quarters, placed near the magazine, were entirely destroyed. At the time of the explosion most of the garrison werc in the bombproof, which opens on the front opposite the magazine and about 75 feet from it. All the officers and men therein escaped unin- jured. At a house 350 yards from the magazine the glass of the win~ dows was blown violently in and the doors out. The walls were started out and toward the magazine, in one case more than an inch, while the whole house was settled unevenly on its foundations. Several persons were lifted up and thrown to some distance, in one instance about 150 yards, escaping with very slight bruises, while others sustained scarcely a mark on their bodies. 2d. Another example of the explosion of a depot of powder of recent date occurred at City Point. A canal boat moored alongside the wharf contained all the surplus ammunition, amounting to not less than 8 tons (19,920 pounds), some of it in boxes, which may not all have exploded. There seemed to have been but one explosion. A similar canal boat or barge was moored against and on the outside of the one loaded with powder, etc. The wharf was built on piles. On the wharf was a wooden storehouse one story in height. About 300 feet of this wharf was destroyed. The storehouse was blown down. It contained quarter- master and commissary stores. A loaded railroad train was on the track on the opposite side of the wharf. The engineer was on his engine. Neither the train, engine, nor engineer were injured. Across the railroad, about 105 yards irom the explosion, stood some light wooden buildings, sutlers tents, etc. All of these were blown down or so much injured that they were torn down. Several persons were killed in and around these buildings. Fragments of the boat were thrown some 500 yards of a size and with a velocity sufficient to kill a man. My informant was in his tent about 550 yards from the explo- sion. He felt the shock very sensibly, but received no injury except from pieces of projectiles. A small boat alongside the barge next to the one blown up contained several men. The boat was capsized and some of the men slightly injured. No case of injury to any individual could be found except struck with some projectile. 3d. An explosion occurred in July, 1848, on board a schooner at the levee opposite the city of New Orleans, loaded with 650 boxes of ammunition and other boxes of ordnance stores. It took place after 141 boxes of the ordnance stores had been unloaded and reshipped on board a steamer alongside the schooner Page 212 212 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. destroying the schooner, killing one, and wounding another man on board. No injury was done to the several other vessels in the immediate neighborhood, to the steamer alongside, nor to the buildings on the shore. 4th. In the vicinity of New York two instances of explosions are within my recollection. The one, a powder magazine, near the navy yard at Brooklyn, which exploded about the year 1807, throwing pieces of the building over into the city of New York and about the city of Brooklyn, producing no injury, so far as I can now ascertain, to buildings by the explosion of the powder. The second case occurred about 1830. The steam frigate Fulton, the first vessel of this character ever built (finished and in service in 1814), was injured by the explosion of her magazine while moored on the flats at the navy yard. The quantity of powder on board was small, and although enough to destroy much of the vessel, it did no injury to surrounding objects. The vessel had timber sides several feet thick, floated on two hulls, with water wheels between them. 5th. At Du Ponts powder factory, near Wilmington, Del., there have beeii numerous explosions from time to time. The injury done beyond the immediate locality of the mill or depot has been from fragments of the building in which the powder was stored or beiiig manufactured, and no material injury from concussion or blast of powder. 0th. The recent test of the XX-inch gun at Fort Hamilton, near New York, was another instance where the etfrct of blast of powder was observed with a charge of 125 pounds of powder. Men were stationed directly on the line of fire, distant about 75 feet from the muzzle, and screened by the river bank that rose about 20 feet above their heads and about 28 feet below the level of the axis of the gun prolonged. They experienced no inconvenience from the blast. 7th. Referring to European experience, I may call your attention to the depot magazine of the French army at the siege of Sebastopol in the Mamelon Vert in 1855. It contained 15,400 pounds of powder. It occupied the center of the work, was sunk below the parade, and made bombproof above and around by earth and logs similar, in most respects, to that of Fort Lyon. It formed a crater extending to the limits of the terre-plein of this small work, but did no material injury to the rampart, or even the parapets. Two batteries, distant 50 yards from the center of the magazine, were injured. One hundred and forty men were killed and wounded, some by the first effect of the explosion, others by the masses of earth, stoiie, and timbers that were carried a considerable distance. Beams were thrown inside the Russian lines. 8th. In 1840 the English and Turkish fleets bombarded St. Jean dAcre, blowing up an extensive arsenal within the limits of the defenses. It was situated in the ditch, with ramparts on each side, about 50 feet from the building. The explosions formed an extensive crater, extending nuder the two ramparts, making a breach in each of them, and killing and wounding about 1,000 m en at the moment of the explosion on the rampart adjacent to the arsenal. The quantity of powder in this extensive building could not be ascer- tained, although it was known to fill the building, with some exposed in the courtyard in the open air. The mass of stone, earth, and timber appears to have caused the death of the troops. 9th. We have numerous instances of the blowing up of ships of the line, as the French admirals ship off Aboukir and of the Turkish admirals ship at Navarino, where destruction of the ships was entir Page 213 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 213 and complete, but no effect is known or supposed to have followed from the explosion of the gases acting upon the surrounding atmosphere. 10th. The square tower of Brescia, 70 feet high and 118 feet out to out, was destroyed in 1769 by the explosion of gunpowder stored within it as a magazine, containing at the time 160,000 pounds (French) of powder. Within a radius of 100 toises 190 houses were destroyed; within a radius of 300 toises 500 houses were greatly injured, 308 persons were killed, and 500 wounded. A stone weighing 150 pounds was thrown 1 Italian mile. The walls of this building were 4 feet 9 inches (French) thick. It was two stories high, separated by a masonry arch. 11th. A magazine exploded during the siege of Almeida, Spain, con- taining 150,000 pounds (French) of powder. The cathedral, distant 165 meters, was destroyed; 500 inhabitants were buried in the ruins of the adjacent buildings. The French trenches. were filled with the ruins, and large masses of stone and pieces of the heaviest caliber were thrown in the country over the ramparts. Three-quarters of this small town within a radius of 200 meters was destroyed. The trenches were at the time from 600 to 800 meters distant. The fortifications of the place, however, were uninjured. The city contained about 1,500 inhabitants. 12th. In October, 1864, on the south bank of the Thames, between Erith and Woolwich, two powder magazines and two barges loaded with powder exploded, killing 8 or 9 persons and wounding others. The quantity of powder in the largest magazine (Halls), of 50 feet square, on two floors, was 750 barrels, and in the smaller one (Lowood~s), of 28 feet by 48 feet, were 90 barrels, and in the two barges then at the wharves 200 barrels, making the total quantity exploded about 104,000 pounds. The two magazines were 135 feet from each other, situated on the edge of the river, immediately behind the dike. The two barges were moored alongside the wharves or jetties, one of which projected into the river 122 feet and the other 120 feet. Connected with these two maga- zines were three cottages occupied by workmen and their families. One of them (Itaynons) was 71 yards from Halls magazine; another, occupied by York, was 70 yards, and the third, occupied by Silver, was 50 yards from the Lowood magazine. These two magazines and three houses situated as above were upon a tract of 20 acres of ground, and the only buildings within a mile of the disaster. There were three distinct explosionsthe first on board the barges, which tore asunder the large magazine, which latter caused the smaller one to explode. Of these magazines not a single stone remained upon one another. The barges were split into fragments and hurled in the air. The embankment was destroyed, forming a crater of 75 feet in length and 30 feet deep. Ray- nons cottage was entirely destroyed, himself and son were killed; his wife and daughter were dug out of the ruins alive. Silvers cottage was in ruins. In it a child was killed. SilveV himself was at the back door and thrown down by the first explosion, but not hurt, while the house was destroyed by the second and third explosions. He was dug out of the ruins. No damage was done beyond the 20 acres on which the magazines and houses were built other thaii breaking some panes of glass and doors. The shock was felt more or less throughout London, distant at the nearest point about 15 miles, and some state- ments give the distance as great as 40 and 50 miles to which it was felt. These facts were sworn to before the coroner~ s jury. A magazine a quarter of a mile from those blown up was uninjured. The storekeeper and four workmen were in this magazine at the time Page 214 214 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The second explosion knocked them down and a piece of iron fell through the roof. Another magazine lay at a distance of a quarter of a mile further off, and a Government magazine 1 mile, to which no injury was done. These facts sworn to as above. RICHD. DELAFIELD, General and Chief Engineer. CHARLES A. DANA, esq., Assistant Secretary of War. Confidential.] WASHINGTON ARSENAL, IVashington, D. C., November 18, 1864. SIR: The proposition which was under discussion last evening, viz, the destruction of the enemys defensive works by means of exploding large masses of powder near them appears to me to resolve itself into three parts: 1st. The probable effect of such an explosion on the enemys works. 2d. The disposition of the powder on board of the vessel. 3d. The means of igniting it. 1st. The amount of powder, I understand, has been fixed at 200 tons, and the distance at which the explosion is to take place will be about 100 yards from the object. If these conditions are fulfilled~, I think the work will be seriously damaged by the explosion of its prin- cipal magazines,, and the traverses and bombproofs may be shattered or overturned. It appears to me, however, that there will be great difficulty in getting so near the object if the enemy are vigilant, even in the darkest night. A few light balls will be sufficient to light up a space of several hundred yards in front of the enemys works, and the offensive operations will be clearly seen by [the] enemy and the powder vessel will become an easy mark for his heaviest guns before it can be brought into position. 2d. The greatest explosive effect is produced by powder when it is confined in a space equal to its own volume. The powder to be used, therefore, should be taken out of the barrels and placed in a timber box just sufficient to hold it. A box of 19 feet liiiear dimensions, I think, will be large enough to contain 400,000 pounds or 200 tons; or an oblong box 10 feet high, 20 feet wide, and 32 feet long will suffice to contain it. The effect of the explosion would be the greatest, I think, if this box be placed above and near the surface of the water, or nearly on a level with the object. It would be well to have the powder box well covered, up with sand bags as a protection against the enemys fire, and to confine the gases until the combustion is more nearly completed than it would be if fired in the open air or under ordinary pressure. 3d. It strikes me that the best means of firing the powder would be one of Beardslees magneto-electric machines, which he has devised for this purpose. Two or three such machines might be usefully employed, acting independently of each other, to make the explosion more sure. The little attention and thought which I have been able to give this subject, and the absence of all practical experience in the effect of such explosions, will, I fear, make my opinion of little practical value. Such as it is, you are welcome to it. Yours, truly, J. 0-. BENTON, Major, Commanding. Captain II. A. WISE, Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, U. S. Navy, Washington, D. C Page 215 215 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. NAVY ORDNANCE YARD, Washington City, November 23, 1864. No direct experiments have ever been made on this subject with powder in an unconfined state, though there are many records of its effects as produced in mines. In recalling the effects of various accidental explosions we may, how- ever, have some means of comparing its effects. First, as most completely autheiiticated, are the explosions occurring before Sebastopol during the siege; two of the service magazines in the French batteries, one containing 4,000 pounds, the other 3,000 pounds of powder, exploded, killing a few men, stunning some others, but doing no damage to the guns and but little to the batteries. A still greater explosion of English magazine containing pounds caused a much wider spread damage, but produced no direct effects beyond a radius of 250 yards. Yery considerable damage was caused at great distances by the secondary effect of the explosion of many live shells thrown to [a] distant place and there exploding. Secondly, the great explosion at Erith. Here, as before, the intense effect was essentially local, and no damage prO(Iuced except to build- ings beyond a quarter of a mile. Even individuals distant half a mile suffered no ill effects. In short, the lateral effect is very limited, except upon vertical sur- faces, and here it appears to be principally produced by the reaction of confined air as evidenced by the fact that glass of windows and all walls beyond the immediate vicinity always fall toward the point of explosion. For these reasons I do not consider that any serious damage can be produced beyond 500 yards by the quantity proposed. If attempted it should be placed in a vessel of light draft and stored above water, the force increased as much as possible by a covering of sand bags, and these again with live shells to obtain as great a secondary effect as possible. The most certain mode of causing the explosion would be by the use of several wire~s, using several of Beardslees machines. In addition, half a dozen arrangements depending on clockwork should be made to determine an ultimate explosion in the event of a failure of the wires. Finally, the vessel could always be blown up by firing at her after daylight. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, WILLIAM N. JEFFERS, Lieutenant- Commander, in charge Executive Derartment. Commander H. A. WIsE, Chief of Bureau of Ordnance. NOVEMBER 23, 1864. To consider the foregoing papers and discuss the subject generally, Mr. Fox, on the evening of the 23d instant, assembled the following- named officers at the residence of Captain Wise: General Dyer, Col- onel Maynadier, Major Benton, Lieutenant- Commander Aulick, Lieu- tenant-Commander Jeffers, Lieutenant-Commander Ives. The following propositions were submitted and discussed seriatim: 1. To explode on board a vessel 300 tons of gunpowder for the pur- pose of destroying either Fort Fisher or Fort Caswell. 2. How near would it be safe for the operator to be who explodes the powder ~ 3. The manner of producing the explosion: Shall it be done by Beardslees or some other battery, or by the Gomez or other fuze Page 216 216 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 4. How shall the powder be stowed? What the character of vessel? 5. What would be the effect upon persons in the fort not injured by falling timber, stones, etc., at a distance of 800 yards? 6. Suppose 300 tons were exploded in a vessel on shore (aground) at Federal Point, what would be the effect upon the eartliworks on that point and the people in them? Proposition 1.The discussion began with a question by General Dyer, that supposing the explosion is effected, will we gain the advan - tages sought? Mr. Fox explained, in substance, that if the explosion will deprive the people in the forts of all power to resist for a period of two or three hours, ample time will thereby be afforded for the fleet to l)ass. The Navy must therefere be ready to move forward immediately, using light-draft vessels to lift torpedoes, etc. The principal object ~ll view is to silence and destroy or occupy the forts, and thus get command of the month of the [Cape Fear] River and put an end to all blockade running. This will place Wilmington in the same condition as Mobile. The possession of Federal Point will give us the key to the whole position. The contemplated draft of the powder vessel will be 12 feet, and her nearest approach estimated at 450 yards. The discussion of this first proposition naturally entered into that of all the others, and was followed daring the entire interview. Proposition 2.The answer agreed upon to this was, that a safe dis- tance for the operator would be 5 miles. Proposition 3.In considering this the probabilities of failure were kept in view, and it was remarked that the Beardslee apparatus experi- enced difficulties in its operations at Norfolk in removing piles. It was finally decided, however, to make use of several of these machines, with separate and distinct wires leading to different parts of the mass of powder, and at the same time t~ use the Gomez fuze and several arrangements of clockwork in order to insure an ultimate success. Proposition 4.Tn relation to this the conclusion reached was that the powder should be stowed as much above water as it could be with due regard to the safety of the vessel; to be put up in sacks or bags of 100 pounds each and placed in separate bins communicatiiig with each other, the bins to be lined with tin, hermetically sealed and sur- rounded with bags of sand on the outsides and top. The vessel should be a large steamer of light draft, accompanie(l by a small tug to bring off the crew. Proposition 5.The answers to this were of course only conjectural, but the opinion was that the explosion would lift the coveringof the bombproofs and have a demoralizing and great physical effect upon the garrison. And this proposition, in connection with the direct question embraced in proposition 6, was thus answered: That the explosion would injure the earthworks to a very great extent, render the guns unserviceable for a time, and probably affect the garrison to such a degree as to deprive them of power to resist the passage of naval vessels by the forts and the carrying of these works by immediate assault. Finally, it was unanimously decided that, taking into consideration the great importance of the question, and the advantages to be derived from a successful result as compared with the outlay of means neces- sary to make the experiment, the effort should be made by exploding a mass of 300 tons of gunpowder in a vessel as near the earthworks on Federal Point as it may be possible to do Page 217 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 217 Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, regarding proposed plan. GOSPOET [NORFOLK] NAVY YARD, December 8, 1864. SIR: I propose running a vessel drawing 8~ feet (as near to Fort Fisher as possible) with 350 tons of powder, and exploding her by run- ning her upon the beach outside and opposite Fort Fisher. My calcu- lations are that the explosion will wind np Fort Fisher and the works along the beach, and that we can open fire with the vessels without damage. Now, I want all the information to be obtained whether an 8 or 9 foot vessel can get close to Fort Fisher from the outside, avid how close and whether she can get close from the inside by crossing the bar. The object is to get the vessels with the powder as close to Fort Fisher as possible, and if it can be done from the outside, there will be no danger of the crew not escaping, or of the vessel grounding outside the bar before she gets to the desired spot. I want a line run with Fort Fisher bearing W. ~ S. on to the beach, and obtain for me the exact soundings. It would suit me exactly if I could place the powder vessel in the position marked on the chart* I herewith send you, which chart is confidential. Let me know if you have a pilot I can depend on to take the powder vessel over the bar in case we cant beach her near the fort on the outside. Have all the information you can get ready by the time I go down. I send Sub-Assistant Bradford, of the Coast Survey, to you, who will do the work; afford him all facilities. I send down two calcinm lights, one for each bar, and a man to show you how to work them. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander PENn. G. WATMOUGH, Senior Officer off Ne me Inlet. [Telegram.] WASHINGTON, December 8, 186410:45 a. m. Inform Lieutenant-Commander Jeffers that the powder steamer is now in New York and will probaby reach Hampton Roads on next Saturday evening or Sunday, and to carry out my views in regard to the powder as far as practicable. H. A. WIsE, Chief Bureau. Captain BERRIEN, Commandant Naval Station. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Sheer, U. S. Navy, to guard the U. S. S. Louisiana. NORFOLK NAvY YARD, December 9, 1864. SIR: Move your vessel near the Louisiana at Craney Island and keep guard over her until she leaves, after which return to your station. Not found Page 218 218 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Exercise great vigilance as regards boats visiting this vessel, and allow none to go on board of her before reporting to you. Respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Acting Master T. W. SHEER, Commanding U. S. S. Wyandotte, Norfolk, Pa. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Rhind, U. S. Navy, regarding powder for the U. S. S. Louisiana. HAMPTON ROADS, December 10, 1864. SIR: The commander of the Sassacus has been directed to leave with the Louisiana in tow the moment the wind subsides and endeavor to get to Beaufort before the offshore wind changes. When you get to Beaufort you will find there two schooners with 90 tons of powder on board in cylinders. You will transfer it to the can- vas bags now on board the Louisiana. The names of the schooners are William Allen and M. Small. Captain Davis has received orders to give you every assistance in filling the powder, and you will call on any com- mander there, who is directed to give you anything you want in the way of men or material. Every hour is of importance, and I hope that no time may be lost. Dont get the vessel too deep, though I am axious that she should have the 300 tons on board, or nearly that. Her depth, though, must be taken into consideration first. When you have finished filling the powder on board cover the loading ports with canvas, painted and battened, and every other place about the vessel where water may get in. If scupper plugs have not been put in, have it done before you leave Beaufort. Very respectfully, yours, I)AvJD D. PORTER, Rear.Admiral. Commander A. C. RHIND, U. S. S. Agawam. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Rhind, U. S. Navy, to proceed in the U. S. S. Sassacus to Beaufort, N. C. HAMPTON ROADS, December 11, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay on the duty assigned you in the Sassacus to Beaufort, iN?. C. The Sassacus will tow down the Louisi- ana to that place. After her arrival there you will proceed to fill her np without delay and be ready to leave there at a moments notice. Look out she is not too deep, though she will only leave there in very smooth water. Call on any commanders there for volunteers to make up the number of officers and men required and call on them for biats or any thing that you may require for the success of the expedition. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear.Admiral. Commander A. C. RHrND, Commanding U. S. S. Agawam, Norfolk Page 219 219 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Davis, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S. S. Sassacus, to proceed to Beaufort, N. C., towing the U. S. S. Louisiana, loaded with powder. HAMPTON RoADS, December 11, 1864. SIR: You will take in tow the U. S. S. Louisiana, loaded with pow- der, and take her down to Beaufort, N. C. If you apprehend danger to her in towing her across the bar at that place, you will signal for the tug there and make her tow the vessel in, when you will follow. have her anchored in a safe place within the harbor and keep a watch over her. When the steamer has arrived with the powder to go in her, you will give all assistance in loading her without delay. Have a strict watch kept that no vessel lies near her, and moor head and stern there yourself, not to take up too much room. Be careful if you meet with a heavy head sea to keep the vessel in a position that will make her roll as little as possible. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant Commander J. L. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. S. Sassacus, Hampton Roads. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Chase, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Beaufort, N. C., in command of the U. S. S. Louisiana. HAMPTON ROADS, December 12, 1864. SIR: You will proceed at once to take command of the Louisiana, now lying at Craney Island, and proceed with her to Beaufort, N. C., the Sassacus towing her. You will permit no fire to be lighted on the Louisiana; no cigars to be smoked in any part of the vessel. If a gale of wind should come on and you find a difficulty in the Sassacus towing you, you will have to get up steam and proceed off I3eaufort, N. C. Take a pilot there and go in; await further orders. A great deal depends on the success of getting this vessel to Beaufort and you must guard against any accident as you approach Beaufort. Keep your lead going and give the shoals a good berth. Respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Acting Master [WHITMAN] CHASE, U. S. S. Wabash. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Chase, U. S. Navy, regarding officers and men not required on the U. S. S. Louisiana. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]Jfalvern, Hampton Roads, December 12, 1864. SIR: As soon as Captain IRhind assumes command of the Louisiana you will see that all the officers and men not required by him do return to their respective vessels and will apply for a tug for that purpose. Respectfully, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Master CHASE, Commanding U. S. S. Louisiana Page 220 220 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Additional order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Davis, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sassacus. HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA, December 12, 1864. SIR: Time flies. You must get the Louisiana underway at daylight. If the officers who are to go in her are not on board, you must leave them. See that the proper persons are on board to take care of her aiid send them, if necessary, from your vessel. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander JOHN L. DAVIS, Commanding U. S. S. Sassacus. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the delay in the departure of the U. S. S. Louisiana. U. S. S. SASSACUS, Off Craney Island, December 13, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation of this date, and would respectfully state that the delay in starting with the Louisiana has not been occasioned by any want of dispatch on my part. She was not ready until now, as reported by Lieutenant-Commander Jeffers to Commander Rhind. I will at once (9:30 a. in.) take her in tow and carry out your orders in regard to her. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN L. DAVIS, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Detailed instructions from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Wat- mough, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kansas. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship iFlialvern, Beaufort, N. C., December 17, 1864. SIR: You will proceed without delay to New Inlet and there take charge, as usual, and will explain to the commanders what is expected of them. A vessel will be in readiness to communicate with you when the powder vessel is approaching, when you will make some sigi~al that will excite no suspicion, to send the bar vessels offshore not less than 12 miles. This signal you will arrange yourselftwo red lights held over the sideand keeping the vessels close together, would be a good plan. I want nothing done to excite suspicion, but the bar tenders to run in as usual near sunset. Tell the commanders to be particular and let the steam run down (when they get to the distance of safety) for fear of damage to the boiler by the explosion. Keep one good tug or steamer ready to take the boats of the Louisi- ana in tow, when the officers and men leave the vessel. She must lie at a short distance (not over a mile) from shore, or just far enough not to be seen by the rebels Page 221 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 221 You will have a very fast-pulling boat prepared to lie close in, ou a line with Fort Fisher, bearingW.~S. Mr. Bradford, of the Coast Survey, will go iii the boat and place her where the Louisiana can run for her. Prepare a box with lid to hold a red lantern, well trim med. The boat will show this lantern in a box in a direction the Louisiana will come from, being particular never to turn it on shore. Have a boat compass or a heavy compass in the boat, and two dark lanterns to read the courses by. When the Louisiana has passed Mr. Bradfords boat, he will obscure his light, keeping it ready to show again. He will then pull out about 200 yards and wait for the party from the Louisiana, who will pull in his direction. When the boats arrive, he will show his light in the box to the steamer or tug, which will flash a red lantern quickly, the boats con- tinuing offshore. No time is to be lost in getting underway when on board the steamer, and as Captain Ithind will know by his watch what time the explosion will take place, the steam can be run down to suit the occasion. At the same time, moderate steam should be carried from the start and the boilers not pressed. The whole thing must be done coolly and systematically. When the explosion takes place, all vessels will be prepared to fall into the different lines of battle marked on the chart. The reserves will be under the direction of Commander iRolando, in the Keystone State. Very respectfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander P. G. WATMOUGH, Commanding U. S. S. Kansas. Instructions of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to the senior officer off Western par, Cape Fear River, regarding plan of attack. OFF BEAUFORT, N. C., December 17, 1864. SIR: A vessel filled with powder will be sent in under Fort Fisher and exploded. You will, after receiving this, run off every night, after it is dark enough not to let the enemy see that you are gone. Make all the vessels you have run off at least 12 miles as fast as they can go, and then let their steam run down so that the concussion will not affect the boilers. Place your vessels in a position where they can cut off a blockade run- ner attempting to go in or outthat is, spread them out in line from abreast the Frying Pan Shoals to the westward while anticipating an explosion, which will take place in the dark of the moon. Dont run inshore and lessen the distance I have mentioned, but rather increase it. Be particular to let steam go down until the moon is up and there is no longer any possibility of the powder vessel going in. Be in at the bar again at daylight, not to excite suspicions of the enemy, and to let them know you are still vigilant. Do this every night until the explosion takes place, and when that does happen you will come around at once to the east bar, New Inlet, with all the vessels except the Eolus and Nansemond, which will be left to watch the bar and see tha Page 222 222 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. nothing gets out while we are attacking the forts. I send you a plan of the attack. You will give each commander one as far as they will go, and if there are not enough, explain to those who do not get them, or let them take a rough sketch that will answer. As you come around get the vessels in line of battle as marked on the chart, and let them all report, by hailing, to Commander Jlolando, who, in the Keystone AS!tate, will lead the reserves into such a position as I may assign them. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. SENIOR NAVAL OFFICER, Off Western Bar, Cape Fear Rivcr, North Carolina. Detailed instructions from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Rhind, U. S. Navy, in charge of U. S. S. Louisiana. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]Jiialvern, Beaufort, N. C., December 17, 1864. SIR: You will proceed, when ready, with the Louisiana, under your command, to the east bar, New Inlet, and place the vessel as close to Fort Fisher as the water will permit, even to running her on the beach. When she is there she is to be exploded by means of clocks, slow matches, etc., which have been furnished you, at such time as in your judgment may seem best. I have furnished you with all the means at my disposal, and which you have required, to make this thing snccessful; you have had all the arrangements of the preparations, and if successful the credit will be yours. Great risks have to be run, and there are chances that you may lose your life in this adventure; but the risk is worth the running, when the importance of the object is to be considered and the fame to be gained by this novel undertaking, which is either to prove that forts on the water are useless or that the rebels are proof against gunpowder. I have studied this matter very fairly and impartially, taking opinions from all the lights of science (and making (lue allowances) and ejiciting such important facts as have a real bearing on the case. I do not anticipate such a dreadful earthquake as some suppose will take place (destroying everything), nor do I think the effect will in any way be mild. I take a mean between the two, and think the effect of the explosion will be simply very severe, stunning men at a distance of three or four hundred yards, demoralizing them completely, and making them unable to stand for any length of time a fire from the ships. I think that the concussion will tumble magazines that are built on framework, and that the famous Mound will be among the things that were, and the guns buried beneath the ruins. I think that houses in Wilmington and Smithville will tumble to the ground and much demoralize the people, and I think if the rebels fight after the explosion they have more in them than I gave them credit for. I do not, however, anticipate injury to any one over 2~ miles, though I have taken every precaution in my general orders to prevent any acci- dent by removing the vessels to such a distance that they will be in perfect safety. This, however, should not influence you in your arrange- ments, and it is desirable that the vessel should explode as soon after landing her as your safety will permit. It would not do to have the rebels put a shot through her water line, as it would destroy more tha Page 223 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 223 two-thirds of the powder. In this you must consult your owu opinions of what is necessary for the safety of the party with you and the chances of their getting out of the range of danger. T would suggest by all means that fuzes and clocks be not depended on, but that a fire be lighted iu the steru of the vessel (the last thing you do ou leaving), tak- ilig care that it be so regulated that it will burn, not too quickly, but will burn effectually. There may be something yet unthought of that will affect the clocks and fazes, but there will be no mistake in a fire. I would also suggest that too high steam be not carried on going in, and that the fire doors be left open and the safety valve fitted properly to lift when high steam gets on ; otherwise the boilers may explode and destroy all our work. I do not think it a good plan to have the pro- peller working when you leave the vessel, as in a case of a rise in the water and sweeping her bow out the powder vessel might chase you to sea again, and though not overtake you, turn the laugh oii us. The best plan will be to let go a light kedge from the end of the bowsprit or cutwater. I would not advise running her hard onto the beach, as that may bilge her. She is fiat-bottomed and will stick fast enough if run up easy, provided the beach is smooth, which is likely to be the case with the wind S. W. Now, the danger of bilging and spoiling all the powder suggests to me the plan of anchoring in case of a surf close under the fort. The vessel can not then be boarded without boats, or the fires put out and the ves- sel scuttled all of which might happen if landed upon the beach with a sea running on. It is smooth, I believe, at New Inlet with the wind N. by E. round to S. W. going around west. I have nothing more to say but to wish you and those with you a happy termination of this experiment. I expect more good to our cause from a success in this instance than from an advance of all of the armies in the field. If we succeed it is a mere matter of who has the most powder, and as 11 believe it is generally conceded that we are bet- ter supplied than the rebels, we can blow them into submission. The names of those connected with the expedition will be famous for all time to come. You and the officers with you have been selected for your coolness and ability to perform what is required, and I have every confidence that you will do all that men could do under the circumstances. Time is a great element to success in these operations, and the state of the weather induces me to hope that we will know the effect of your powder by to-morrow night, and be in posssession of the forts early on Monday. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander A. C. IRHIND, In charge of U. S. S. Louisiana, Beaufort, N. C. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, regarding readiness for the attack AT SEA, December 18, 1864. GENERAL: The powder vessel Louisiana has gone in to attempt the explosion. The weather looks threatening. The wind may haul to the west, but it is not likely. The barometer is high, yet the weather does not please me Page 224 224 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. In case of an easterly gale my vessels will rendezvous under Cape Lookout, where yours also will find perfect shelter. In case you land at Masonboro Inlet, which you can only do with northwesterly or west- erly winds, will you not want vessels to cover you l I have vessels detailed to cover all landing parties. The powder vessel is as complete as human ingenuity cait make her; has 235 tons of powder, all 1 can get, though she would not have carried much more. I propose standing in the moment the explosion takes l)lace and open fire with some of the vessels at night to prevent the enemy repairing damages if he has any. We have an army signal officer on board, and if you have one, we can communicate freely. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding, etc., AS~teamer Ben De Ford. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Breese, U. S. Navy, regarding a request for postponement of the explosion of the U. S. S. Louisiana from Major-General Butler. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Beaufort, N. C., January 11, 18G5. SIR: I have to report that in obedience to your order I went on board the Ben Dc Ford on the evening of the 18th ultimo and informed General Butler that the powder vessel would be exploded that evening, and that you would be ready to follow it up at daylight in the morning by an attack with the fleet. General Butler, upon discussion of the matter with General Weitzel and Colonel Comstock, directed General Weitzel to call upon you and request a postponement of several days, and I so heard General Weitzel state it to you in your cabin. I have also to state that as soon as possible thereafter, the A. D. Vance carried in the orders countermanding the explosion and to direct the powder vessel to return to her anchorage. Respectfully, your obedient servant, K. It. BREESE, Fleet Captain. Bear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commander Rhind, U. 5. Navy, in charge of powder vessel. DECEMBER 19, 1864. CAPTAIN: It is desirable that your taking the vessel in should be done at a time when there is little or no surf, so that the army can land on the beach without difficulty. You will not go in and blow the vessel up until it is smooth. The wind having hauled S. W. and going round toN.W., we may have a smooth time to-night, but I leave it to your discretion; only remember that we must give the army no cause to say we went to work without giving them a chance to land. Respectfully, your obedient servant, [DAVID D. PORTER,] Bear-Admiral. Commander A. C. ItHIND Page 225 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 225 Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kansas, to be in readiness for immediate action. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, at Sea, off New Inlet, December 23, 1864. SIR: Have everything ready for the powder boat to-night, for go in she must. Send Pilot Bowen on board the New Ironsides. Let me know what those explosions were yesterday and day before. I attack in the morning. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander P. G. WATMOUGH, Commanding Kansas. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Truxtun, U. 5. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tacony. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Off Wilmington, December 23, 1864. SIR: I think you had better move in near this ship until dark, as you can see the lights better. Hoist the flag at the fore, as suggested, and the lights at night, and carry out all the wishes of Commander Rhind. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander W. T. TRUXTUN, Commanding Tacony. You cant be seen here from the shore. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U, 5. Navy, to Commander Rhind, U. 5. Navy, in charge of powder vessel. AT SEA, New Inlet, December 23, 1864. SIR: You must make your arrangements to go in to-night, unless the gale comes on again. I shall go in and attack to-morrow. Make your arrangements with Captain Watmougli and dont fail me. The tug Moccasin is at your disposal to communicate with Captain Watmough. Let him have plenty of lights over his stern. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander A. C. RHIND. Additional order from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 5. Navy, to Commander Rhind, U. 5. Navy, in charge powder vessel, OFF WILMINGTON, N. C., December 23, 1864. SIR: The moon shines at 3:25. I would like the explosion to take place at 2 a. in., or as near to that as possible, that the rebels may have N W RVOL 111 Page 226 226 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. as little time to rebuild as possible, but if there is likely to be anything to prevent the explosion at the above time let her go in when it suits you. Dont forget to build a good fire, for that is certain, and will pre- vent the rebels boarding her. Jiespeetfully, yours, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commander A. C. ItHIND, U. S. Navy. Report of Commander Rhind, U. 5. Navy, in charge of powder vessel Louisiana, regarding the explosion. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Mairern, off Wilmington, December 26, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to make the following report of the special service assigned me in connection with your attack on the defenses at New Inlet: In obedience to your order of the 23d instant, the powder boat was taken in that night as near to Fort Fisher as possible, the distance reached being estimated by all officers present at from 250 to 300 yards from the beach. Owing to the night being perfectly clear it became necessary to anchor her there to prevent discovery by the enemy and consequent frustration of the plan. Had the night been obscure, she could have reached a point about 150 yards nearer. The vessel, though having steam, was towed in and piloted by the Wilderness to a point within a short distance of her station, when the Widerness hauled off and remained near to take off the party from the powder boat. The arrangements and movements of the Wilderness were in charge of Lieutenant H. H. Lamson, of the Gettysburg, assisted by Mr. J. S. Bradford, of the Coast Survey, and Mr. Bowen, bar pilot, the local knowledge and judgment of these gentlemen being of the greatest service to me in perfecting all the arrangements and carrying out the plan successfully. The party on board the Wilderness, com- manded by Acting Master H. Arey, shared with us whatever of risk or danger attended the enterprise. Our arrangements being completed, we started in from the station vessel, the Kansas, Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, at about 10:30 p. m. At about 11:30 the Wilderness cast off the powder boat and anchored, the latter steaming slowly ahead until she reached a 1)Oint E. by N. ~ N. from Fort Fisher, and within 300 yards of the beach. The wind was light offshore and it was expected the powder boat would tend to the tide if anchored. The anchor was accordingly let go, the fires hauled as well as possible, and the men put into the boat. Lieu- tenant Preston and I then proceeded to light the fuzes and fires. The latter were arranged by Second Assistant Engineer Mullin. When all was fairly done, we observed that the vessel would not tail inshore, and therefore let go another anchor with short scope. We then took to the boat and reached the Wilderness in safety at precisely midnight, slipped her anchor, and steamed out at full speed, reaching in less than an hour a point about 12 miles distant from the powder boat, where we hove to and ran our steam down. At precisely 1:40 a. m. the explosion took place, the shock being hardly felt, and four distinct reports heard. What result was occa- sioned near the vessel we can only estimate by the feeble fire of the forts next day. My opinion is that owing to the want Qf confinemen Page 227 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 227 and insufficient fuzing of the mass much of the powder was blown away before ignition and its effect lost. The fuzes were set by the clocks to one hour and a half but the explosion did not occur till tweuty-two minutes after that time had elapsed, the after part of the vessel being then enveloped in flames. The following officers and men manned the powder boat: Commander A. C. Rhind, Lieutenant S. W. Preston Second Assistant Engineer A. T. E. Mullin, Masters Mate Paul Boyden, Frank Lucas, coxswain; William Garvin, captain forecastle Charles J. Bibber, gunners mate; John Neil, quarter gunner; Robert Montgomery, captain afterguard; James Roberts, seaman; Charles Hawkins, seaman; Dennis Conlan, seaman; James Sullivan, ordinary seaman; William Hinnegan, second- class fireman; Charles Rice, coal heaver. The crew were all volunteers from my own vessel, the Agawarn. The zeal, patience, and endurance of officers and men were unsurpassed, and I believe no officer could have been better supported. To Lieu- tenant Lamson, Mr. Bradford, and the officers and men of the Wilder- ness, we are indebted for the means of escape, and from the first start from Norfolk we have received every (tesired assistance. The vessel was towed to Wilmington Bar by the & sscieus L J. L. Davis, who gave us at all times a jeutenant-Commander cordial support. The Tacony, Lieutenant-Commander Truxtun, sent us a relief crew after the gale; both vessels furnished us a boat. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. C. RHIND, Commander U Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commending North Atlantic squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, ii. 5. Navy, transmitting reports explaining cause of post- ponement of operations. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Beaufort, N. 0., January 11, 1865. SIR: In addition to the evidence I have already sent you in my No. 13, I beg leave to enclose a communication from Lieutenant S. W. Pres- ton, who was close in to the bar on the night oC the 18th 1)ecember. I had directed the powder vessel to proceed in that night, and she was on her way when General Weitzel came on board with a request from General Butler that I would wait a few days, so that the Louisiana could be blown up later in the night. I accordingly dispatched Lieu- tenant-Commander J. II. Upshur, in the A. D. Vance, to carry or(lers to stop the party and to tell them not to go in until a day or two later. The A. D. TTanee found the powder boat and delivered the order, the party having returned with the vessel, finding the time unpropitious. It was very fortunate that the expedition was stopped, for a heavy surf was found to be rolling on the beach, and the next day, the wind fresh. ening from the southward, a landing was perfectly impracticable. Mr. Bradford, of the Coast Survey on the night of the 18th, went in close to the beach to reconnoiter and found the surf so heavy that he came near being capsized. No boat of any kind could have gone on the beach without being destroyed by the breakers. On the next day it was even worse, and the surf increased nntil the gale was at its height. The beach was never fairly smooth until the afternoon and night o Page 228 228 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the 24th and the morning of the 25th. All the troops could have landed at that time had they chosen to do so, for I offered them all the facil- ities in my power, which were ample. I enclose you the reports of Lieutenant Preston and Mr. Bradford; they will put at rest any assertions (from whatever quarter they may come) that any favorable time for landing was lost. It will no doubt be finally urged that it was intended to surprise the rebels, and that by not starting on the day the troops were first put on board the transports, when it was raining and blowing hard, and there was every indication of a long spell of bad weather, we lost the chance of a surprise. We dont often surprise the rebels; there are too many leaky people who participate in our secret movements. Shipping a large force in transports and lying six days at Fortress Monroe, from whence the rebels obtain all the information they desire, is not the way to surprise the rebels. It was published everywhere that a large expedition was going somewhere, and the rebels knew what it was for. If General Butler wanted to do the thing with a dash and surprise the rebels, or get in before reinforcemeuts could arrive, why did he ask me by sending General Weitzel and Colonel Comstock to delay the powder vessel a few nights longer, so that the explosion might take place near daylight l It was delayed at his request, but I attribute no delay from that, as we conld have done nothing until the 24th. He was not on the ground with his transports on that day, which he should have been. In a large expedition like this, w hen heavy and slow-moving frigates and monitors have to be looked after, light transports (that can go in and out of harbors and get protection almost everywhere) should always be the sabordinate party; their movements mnst be governed by those of the navy vessels, and unless some serious reason exists, the traiis- ports and military force should always be on hand to take advantage of anything that turns up. Here they were away at the very time they should have been landing, and the reason given for their being away was the want of water. They stopped also to get coal, having used up a large l)ortion of the naval supply. I believe I have gone over everything to show that no charge of delay can be laid to the Navy, or that any officer in the squadron is to blame for the nontaking of Fort Fisher. I may have taken unnecessary trouble and been premature. I should, perhaps, have waited till the attack was made on the Navy. That is not a good rule in making war. I shall fight just as readily in defending the Navy against its traducers as I would against a rebel, and I think it a wise precaution on the present occasion to give the iDepartment information about every movement of the late expedition. - No one can make a good case out of the late failure, no matter how clever the special pleading may be. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, & cretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosures.] NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]Jfalvern, Beaufort, N. 0., January 10, 1865. SIR: in obedience to your order requesting information regarding the movements of the powder ship, I have to report that the powde Page 229 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 229 in the Louisiana was all stored and fazed and everything ready for sea on the morning of Saturday, December 17, but on account of the south- erly wind and consequent coast swell, which had prevailed ever since our arrival at Beaufort, she did not start for New Inlet until the follow- ing morning, December 18. When we left Beaufort early that morning it was nearly calm, though we found upon getting outside that there was still considerable swell on. A little later iu the forenoon a breeze sprung up from the eastward and continued steady but light from that direction throughout the day, freshening toward night. On arriving off Fort Fisher, just after dark, we proceeded to make the necessary arrangements for running the powder ship in that night, the tide serving us about 9 oclock. At the appointed hour we left the Kansas (our range light), preceded by the Wilderness, which had our pilot on board. As we approached the shore the Kansas light disappeared. Soon after the lights on the Mound were l)ut out and the pilot deemed it unadvisable to take the vessel in with so much swell on the bar without the aid of landmarks, which the disappearance of both range lights had deprived us of. Considering the uncertainty of getting the vessel into her proper position, close in, by the compass and lead alone, and it being very evident from the heavy surf rolling on the beach (it was then breaking in 3 fathoms) that the troops would be unable to land the next day, Commander iRhiud decided to stand offshore and not blow the vessel up until the following night. Soon after passing the former anchorage of the Kansas we discovered the A. D. Vance standing inshore and signaling us. On communicating with her, we received an order from you, addressed to Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, of the Kansas, directing him to communicate with Commander Rhind, and, if not too late, prevent the explosion of the powder ship that night, stating that General Butler had requested you to have the explosion postponed, as he did not think it would be possible to land the troops through the surf next morning. On the following day the gale commenced, and no favorable oppor- tunity offered for the explosion and subsequent debarkation until the night of December 23. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, S. W. PRESTON, Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Beaufort, N. 0., January 10, 1865. SIR: In obedience to your request that I would give you my opinion in writing of the feasibility of landing in boats on the beach above INew Inlet on the evening of the 18th of December last, or on the following day, I have the honor to make the following statement: I find from the journal of the powder party, which it was part of my duty to keep, that on the night of the 18th the wind was N.E. by E. and freshening. There was quite a sea running and every appearance of heavy weather. Lieutenant Lamson and myself occupied an hour in endeavoring to communicate with the Kansas, Sassacus, and Wilderness by means of a boat. These vessels were certainly not over 400 yards apart (the Kansas and Sassacus much nearer to each other) and ou Page 230 230 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. communications with the latter-named vessels did not occupy us over six or eight minutes in all. Although we had a fine boat, pulling six oars, it was with great difficulty that we could make headway against the sea. The roar of the surf could be distinctly heard, both on the beach to the northward and on Caroline Shoals. We were at this time about ~ miles from the nearest point of the beach. I am certain that I am correct in my statement of the time occupied ~I1 pulling between those vessels, as I noted it at the moment, that it might be entered on the journal. In my opinion, an attempt to land in boats upon the beach on the night of the 18th, or on the following day, would have ended in total failure, and probable loss of life to all concerned in it. No boat would have lived after it had once reached the rollers. I am, sir, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, J. S. BRADFORD, Sub-Assistant, U. S. Coast Survey. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Beaufort, N. C. Additional report of Commander Rliind, U. S. Navy, regarding explosion of powder vessel. U. S. S AGAWAM, Navy Yard, Norfolk, Va., February 2, 1865. ADMIRAL: In obedience to your order of 23d ultimo, I have to make the following report as requested in flue communication of the Bureau of Ordnance dated January 10, a copy of which you enclosed me: The l)owder boat Louisiana, exploded near Fort Fisher on the morn- ing of December 24, 18(14, was turned over to me at Craney Island, Norfolk, on the 13th December by Lieutenant-Commander Jeffers, who had been sent down, I understood, to superintend the arrangements of the vessel. When I went on board, expecting to leave at once with her in tow of the Sassacas, I found the cargo stowed full up to the tops of the hatches of the berth deck, and powder in bags stowed also in that part of the vessel (marked F on the sketch)the after part of the house, which had been extended over her. The method of adjust- ing the fuzes and clockwork was explained to me by Lieutenant-Com- mander Jeffers. No part of the fuze nsed was circulated through the parts of the vessel already stowed (marked N and 4~Er), and it was impossible to place it there without breaking out the cargo. On the arrival of the vessel at Beanfort, [N. C.], about 30 tons more powder were put in her, making in all about 215 tons, as much as the vessel could carr.y without being too deep in the water. Lieutenant Preston and I gave onr personal superintendence to the stowage of that portion of the cargo and placed the fuzes with our own hands. The stowage of the cargo and arrangement of the fuzes are best explained by reference to the accompanying sketch. Had the Gomez fuze been circulated, as it should have been, through the cargo of the hold or berth deck, the effect of the explosion would doubtless have been increased. As to my impression of the results and the effect produced, I stated in my report to you of December 26 that owing to the want of confine- ment and insufficient fuzing of the mass, that much of the powder was blown away before ignition and its effect lost. As to the effect on the works on shore, I am of opinion that it suc- ceeded only in stunning the garrison, rendering them temporarily unfit for duty, and possibly displaced a few of the guns Page 231 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 231 I never entertained, while undertaking to execute the plan, the idea that its effect would be great on the fort itself. The facts called for iii regard to the manner of executing the plan are detailed in my report of December 26, By referring to that and to the annexed sketch* of For other drawings of the U. S. S. Louisiana, see report of the Joint Committee of the Conduct of the War, Fort Fisher Expedition, pp. 245, 248; also Official Records of Union and Confederate Armies in the War of the Rebellion, Atlas, plate LXVII. /IU$p)SUN~ Page 232 232 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the vessel, I think all necessary information that I can give will be obtained. Should there be any points not sufficiently explained, I will be happy to furnish any information on their being indicated to me. Respectfully, your obedient servant, A. C. IRIJINiD, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commandinq North Atlantic Squadron. The powder was stowed within the dotted lines Er M N, the space N, representing the berth deck, was stowed full np to the hatches, F and ~ the lower tier said to be in barrels with heads out, upper tiers in canvas bags. The space F M, bein gthe forward part of the extension of the deck house, was only partially filled, the powder in canvas bags. The space E was entirely filled with powder in bags as far as the bulkhead of the passage F. A clock with two ends of Gomez fuze was placed at each end of the passage G and II, one fuze leading through the bags in E and inserted through them and into bags in the hold at F, each side; the other circulated through and in the bags in the space F lvii ~ crossed, married, and inserted in opened bags in the hold M. In the space D (formerly cook house) was placed another clock at I, with the fuze inserted in cut bags in the space E, reached by cutting through the double bulkhead. A fuze with five pieces of candle was led from D into B. In the space marked L, at the end of the shaft alley, was stowed pine wood and kindling. No fuze was circulated through the space marked N. The explosion did not take place until one hour and fifty-two minutes after the clocks at ~ and II were started. The clocks were set to explode the fuze in one hour and a half. Letter from the Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting detailed reports from officers. BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, Navy Department, January 10, 1865. SIR: The Bureau desires that you will direct the officers who were in charge of the powder boat recently exploded near Fort Fisher to forward to the Bureau a full and detailed statement, but secret and con- fidential4 of all the circumstances connected with the arrangement of the powder, the fuzes, and other appliances intended to secure a uniform and simultaneous explosion, together with the manner in which the plan was executed, and their impressions of the result and the effects produced. This information is desired as early as practicable. Jam, sir, your obedient servant, H. A. WISE, Chief of Bureau. Rear-Admiral D. ID. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Comdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, off Wilmington, N. C Page 233 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 233 Letter from the Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department, to Lieutenant-Commander Jeffers, U. S. Navy, requesting detailed statement regarding the preparation of the U. S. S. Louisiana. Confidential.1 BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, Navy Department, January 11, 1865. SIR: The Bureau desires that you will forward a fall and detailed statement, but secret and confidential, of the manner in which the pow- der boat Louisiana was prepared for service against Fort Fisher, stat- ing clearly the manner iii which the powder was arranged, the fuzes, clockwork, matches, and electric wires were adjusted to produce the explosion, previous to yonr leaving her and returning to Washington. I am, etc., H. A. WISE, Chief of Bureau. Lieutenant-Commander W. N. JEFFERS, U. S. Navy, Ordnance Yard, Washington. Letter from Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department, to Major Rodman, U. S. Army, requesting a statement regarding the preparation of the U. S. S. Louisiana. Confidential.] BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, Navy Department, January 11, 1865. SIR: In order that all the facts connected with the recent experiment made against Fort Fisher may be placed npon record, the Bureau requests that you will furnish it with a full statement of the manner in which the Louisiana was prepared for the service, the adjustment of the fuzes, clockwork, matches, or electric wires, and the amount of powder placed on board, up to the time when you left her and returned to Washington. A description of the manner in which the fuzes were laid is especially desired. Your communication on the subject is to be considered secret and confidential. I am, sir, etc., H. A. WISE, Chief of Bureau. Major T. J. IIODMAN, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Jeffers, U. S. Navy, regarding the preparation of the U. S. S. Louisiana. NAVY ORDNANCE YARD Washington, D. C., January 16, 1865. SIR: I herewith forward a description of the explosion vessel Louis- iana, with all the arrangements made by Major liodinan and myself, in accordance with the directions of the Bureau, and opinion of the ordnance and other officers who were consulted with regard to the probable effects of the explosion on Fort Fisher, and the means of causing it to take effect. Very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, WILLIAM N. JEFFERS, Inspector of Ordnance, in Charge. Commander H. A. WISE, Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department Page 234 234 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] Preparation of the vessel. The iron gunboat Louisiana, a propeller of 295 tons burden, 150 [145.21 feet long, 22 [27.32] feet beam, and 8.1 feet depth of hold, 8 to 8A feet draft when loaded, formerly employed in the Atchafalaya cotton trade, was selected and was in every respect suitable for the purpose, except (as was subsequently found to be the case) in capacity for carrying the desired quantity of powder on the given draft. She was taken to I4orfolk, her battery and appurtenances, masts and part of the deck house removed, leaving only sufficient to shelter the officers, men in charge, the berth deck and holds cleared of fittings, and, in short, all unnecessary weights removed. The engines, boilers, and coal bunkers, with 40 tons of coal, occupied the after third of the vessel, separated by a bulkhead from the remainder. Before putting the powder on board the vessel was very much by the stern. The space below the spar deck available for stowage was divided by a bulkhead extending athwart the, forward of the boiler bulk- heads, into two partsone, the after hold, used formerly as an additional coal bunker, about 15 feet in length, 22 feet wide, and 10 feet in depth from the spar deck to the keelson, accessible by a hatch 4 feet square; the space forward of this, formerly the berth deck, about 40 feet long by 22 feet wide and 4~ feet deep under the beams, with a hold beneath it of the same dimensions. Access to this was obtained by a hatch of 4 by 5 feet. A small store room and chain locker occupied the extreme bow of the vessel. After her masts and fittings were removed a house was built on deck, occupying the extreme width of the vessel, 22 feet, and 70 feet in length, extending aft over the hold and apparently over the boiler, 8 feet in height. This house was built of three- quarters inch stuff, cov- ered with canvas, painted to render it waterproof, a light grating laid over the spar deck to protect the powder in case of leakage, and bat- tens or furring put around the sides to prevent contact with the iron sides. I requested, and I was joined in this by Major Ilodman, that large scuttles should be cut in the deck at the forward end of this house, communicating with the berth deck. This was considered unnecessary, but I bored some holes instead. It was stated that the Louisiana could carry on 8~ feet draft 290 tons of coal in addition to her armament, stores, and crew, which, if correct, would permit the stowage of 300 tons of explosive material on the same displacement, and for which it will be readily seen there was ample room. Stowage of the jpowder. In order to produce the greatest possible effect in a lateral direction it was necessary to keep as much of the powder as possible, consistent with stability and safety at sea, above the water line. No powder was, therefore, stowed in the hold beneath the berth deck. The berth deck was filled with powder stowed in bags (sand bags obtained from the engineers) containing about 50 pounds each. About 100 tons were placed on this deck. The after hold or coal bunker was stowed first with two tiers of full barrels, with their upper heads out, and the stowage completed wit Page 235 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 235 bags. The barrels were put in in order to keep the bags well up out of reach of any dampness in case of leakage. The remainder of the powder put on board at Norfolk, in aking in all 185 tons, was stowed against the after bulkhead of the deck house, and filled the space over the boiler, extending as far as the hatch to the after hold or coal bunker, leaving about four-fifths of the space in the deck house empty. When this quantity of powder had been stowed, it was decided that the vessel was quite as deep as desirable for making the voyage to Beaufort; furthermore, the weather, which had been very unsettled, appeared favorable for the voyage, and it was determined to sail with- out the remainder, which was to be put on board there. T have no information with respect to the quantity afterwards put on board. In the evening, before the vessel sailed, I was advised of the names of the officers who were to take charge of her, and the next morning went oii board the Louisiana to explain to them the proposed arrange- ments, when they shortly appeared. As, according to the programme, the trains were to be laid in the upper outer layer of bags in the deck house, none of which were stowed when the vessel left Craney Island, the execution of this part was confided to the officers (Commander lihind and Lieutenant S. W. Pres- ton) who were to take charge of her. All of these details were as fully explained as the limited time allowed me would admit; the clocks put in position, a rough diagram of the vessel and a written description of the proposed mode of laying the trains furnished. I did not know until the evening previous to the sailing of the vessel who was to command her; and I used my own discretion, knowing that any desired changes could be readily made to suit any other views. Mode of exploding the powder. When the probable effects of the explosion were under discussion, it was the unanimous opinion of the experts in ordnance that, to produce the maximum effect, the fire should be communicated and the explo- sion take place in many points simultaneously, all the accounts of acci- dental explosions of large quantities of powder agreeing that large quantities of unconsumed powder were blown away from the focus of ignition, causing a great reduction of effect. Electricity was proposed as offering the most probable means of securing this result; but as this agent is known to be very unreliable in action, it was determined to use several clockwork arrangements, a a slow match, and finally to set the vessel on fire to insure an ultimate explosion, and not bestow so large a quantity of material on the enemy in the event of a failure of one or more of the modes of exploding it. The arrangement of the clockwork being confided to me, I made a very simple one. Removing the face and hands of an ordinary marine clock, I secured to the arbor of the minute hand a small cylinder with four pins set into the circumference, and equidistant; that is, fifteen minutes of time apart. Three clocks were thus arranged. These clocks were secured to a board; by the side of the clock a copper tube was secured, in the bottom of which was brazed a mass of metal with a com- mon musket cone screwed into it, to be capped with a percussion cap. A. grapeshotweight, 2 pounds; diameter, 2.5 incheswas attached to one end of a piece of catgut, which was led through an eyebolt at the top of the tube, and hooked by a loop in the other end, over one of the pins on the clock cylinder. It is easy to see that by the revolution of the cylinder the loop would slip off; the grapeshot drop, and th Page 236 236 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. explosion of the cap take place in fifteen minutes, thirty minutes, forty- five minutes, or sixty minutes, as desired; this it never failed to do in many trials. I frequently set the three clocks going, and the explosions occurred within two minutes of each other at the end of an hour. To determine the time of explosion, it was only necessary to put the loop over the proper pin, remove a stop, and set the apparatus in motion. Major Itodman arranged with great care, and after numerous experi- ments, to insure safety and certainty, the slow matches, six in number, which were to be distributed in as many places. Arrangements made to insure 8imUltaneous ignition in several points. In the event of the electricity failing, the clocks were to be the next dependence; it was therefore necessary to so distribute them that in case the vessel was boarded from the shore they could not be conven- iently reached; and also to lead the flame rapidly to many points. This, it was proposed to accomplish by the aid of the Gomez faze train, which is incomparably quicker in its action than the flame of gunpowder, approximating electricity. From each clock and each slow match this train was to be laid through the exterior layers of bags in the deck house and into each hatch- and, in order to secure this simultaneous ignition in many places, the fuze train from each of the clocks was to be grafted into the other fuze trains from each of the other clocks at all points of crossing. By the report of Admiral Porter it would appear that the powder was finally exploded from the effects of a fire kindled in the forecastle. No results of value were to be expected from this mode. It was pro- posed only as a final resort in order to I)revent the vessel in any contin- gency from falling into the hands of the enemy. It was certain that the greater portion of the powder would be blown away if ignited in a single point, and the effect very munch diminished. The three explosions spoken of are readily accounted forthe deck house the after hold, and the berth deck would take fire in succession if ignited at one point. I can not in any way account for the failure of the clocks, if set to the proper time, except on the supposition that possibly the turn on the cylinder may have been taken the wrong way, and instead of unwind- ing they wound up the balls. I am not aware that any attempt was made to use the electric wire, but it was not favorably considered by those charged with the execu- tion of the plan. Mr. Beardslee, who was to undertake this matter, came to Norfolk, made himself acquainted with the requirements, and returned to New York to obtain the necessary means, but had not reached Norfolk when the vessel sailed. A part of the programme required that the vessel should be grounded, which appears not to have been the case. No very sanguine expecta- tions were entertained of a successful result unless the vessel could be placed within 300 yards, and then only after all the precautions had been taken to insure a maximum effect. Letter from Major Rodman, U. S. Arm1, to the Chief Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department, regarding the preparation of the U. S. S. Louisiana. WATERTOWN ARSENAL, January 27, 1865. SIR: Yours of the 24th instant, enclosing for my perusal and remarks thereon the statement of Lieutenant-Commander William N. Jeffer Page 237 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 237 relative to the preliminary preparations of the powder boat Louisiana, recently exploded near Fort Fisher, N. C., is received, and said state- ment has been by me carefully read and considered. I find this statement correct in all particulars, so far as I know, and my knowledge extends to everything therein stated relative to arrange- ments for explosion, except the instructions given by Lieutenant- Commander Jefl~rs to the officers in charge of the powder boat. Experiments connected with the preparation of the slow match at the Fort Monroe arsenal required me to be, the greater part of my time, at that arsenal. These experiments having been so far completed as to enable me to decide definitely as to the arrangement of this means of explosion, it was arranged that Lieutenant-Commander Jeffers and myself would, on the 12th of December, go on board the powder boat and there meet the officers charged with its explosion and explain to them all the means and their arrangements proposed by us ~to] insure a certain and successful explosion. I went to the powder boat at the appointed time, but found that the officers charged with its explosion were not there. I then went on board the steamer Baltimore and saw Lieutenant-Commander Jeffers, who informed me that the bay was so rough that the proposed meeting had been postponed till next day. I started over the next morning from Fort Monroe, and on the way, in sight of the powder boat, met and boarded the steamer Baltimore, coming down, when Lieutenant- Commander Jeffers informed me that he had been on board the powder boat and fully explained to the officers charged with its explosion all the means and arrangements proposed by ns for that purpose; that they fully understood the whole matter, and that the powder boat was then getting underway, so that I was not present and can not, therefore of my own knowledge, say what explanations were given. Lieutenant-Commander Jeffers and myself came directly down on board the Baltimore, went on board the flagship of Rear-Admiral Por- ter, and explained to him the exact state of the case, with which he exl)ressed himself entirely satisfied. While Lieutenant.Commander Jeffers and myself were still on board the flagship, the powder boat passed out to sea in tow of another vessel. I am decidedly of the opinion that the effect of the explosion would have been materially increased if the powder had been ignited by the Gomez fuze train, as was proposed, and I have no doubt that Lieutenant- Commander Jeffers offers the true explanation of the three explosions heard. I am, etc., T. J. P~ODMAN, Major of Ordnance. H.A. WISE, Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, Navy Department, Washington, D. C. Statement of Commander Rbind, U. S. Navy, in contradiction of evidence given by Major- General Butler, U. S. Army, before a committee of Congress. NEW YORK, November 16, 1865. SIR: In the published report of the committee of Congress on the con- duct of the war I find certain evidence of General B. F. Butler recorded which, as it presumes to question the proper performance of a duty assigned me, I can not suffer to go abroad uncontradicted. A reckless disregard of the character and reputation of officers (especially of th Page 238 238 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Navy) and of the truth manifests itself in various parts of General But- lers testimony. Had I been made aware that the proposition to employ the powder vessel as a preliminary to the attack on Fort Fisher was originated by General Butler, or that he expected such remarkable results from it, I should have required, as a condition on undertaking so hazardous a service (unsought by me), that General Butler or some one of his then nnmerous attach~s should have accompanied the party. My report of the conduct of the affair was very brief; as the admiral and officers of the squadron were well aware that the duty was in all respects properly performed. Had I known that it would be criticised by those far from danger I would have enlarged the report and appended to it the written testimony of Lieutenant Preston, my assistant, and other officers with me in the powder boat and in the Wilderness, her con- voy. Most of these gentlemen are still in service, and to them I refer for the substantiation of what follows from me. On page 31, volume 2,, of the document headed Fort Fisher Expe- dition, I find the following: Question (by Mr. Loan, member of committee). How near was the powder vessel to the fort when it exploded I Answer (by General B. F. Butler, he being at the time of the explosion at or near Beanfort, distant 60 to 70 miles). I do not know, and I do not believe anybody on our side does. The powder vessel was a steamer; lier machinery was reported out of order, or else they were so afraid of her that they did not dare to get up the steam, and they towed her in. The proposition was to beach her within 2~0 yards, but they did not do that; they anchored her and set her on fire. I know she could have run within 500 yards of the fort. We were all very much surprised to find how near that shore we could lay. Our transports, toward the last of our landing, lay within 100 yards of the beach. The powder vessel might have been beached within 150 yards of the fort, but it was not beached. It was anchored, and I do not believe within two-thirds of a mile of the fort. Now for faces. The machinery of the powder boat was not reported out of order. Steam was raised on her on the 18th December, a few hours after leaving Beaufort in tow of the Sassacus, and she was con- stantly nnder steam from that time until the morning of the 24th Decem- ber, when she was exploded, riding out meanwhile a heavy gale, with her officers and crew on board. The vessel was slow and deep in the water, and a swift tug was provided to bring off the party in the powder boat when used. That tugthe Wilderness, Acting Master H. Arey, commandinghad on board Lieutenant II. H. Lamson, Mr. J. S. Brad. ford, assistant, Coast Survey, and the pilot. To secure a proper position for the powder boat without loss of time, it was determined that besides nsing her own steam the Wilderness should pass a line to her, thereby preventing the separation of the vessels in the night and the powder vessel drifting from her course. The plan of anchoring her was adopted by common consent as the best, and was suggested by Admiral Porter. She was accordingly anchored within 300 yards of the beach abreast the fort, Lientenan t Preston and all officers present concurring in the distance named. The Wilderness having cast her off at a sufficient dis- tance to prevent herself being seen, the powder boat steamed in unaided to her station. Arrangements were made to veer her in 90 fathoms closer after anchoring, which 90 fathoms would have put her stern in the breakers, if she could float so far without touching bottom. Owing to the undertow the vessel did not swing so as to enable us to veer the 90 fathoms. She was therefore made secure at the distance first named (i. e., within 300 yards of the beach, abreast the fort), by letting go another anchor after the fuzes and fire had been started some minutes. The fire was started as a last resort to make the explosion certain if the fuzes failed, and was so placed in the extreme end of the shaft alle Page 239 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 239 that it was not expected to reach the powder until after the clocks failed, and doubtless would not had the clocks been suitable for the purpose. General Butler expresses surprise to find how near the beach the trans- ports could lay when landing the troops. The troops landed nearly 2 miles above the fort, and where no shoals extended. The beach is what is called steep to the northward of the shoals at the entrance of New Inlet, and a vessel can approach and float till beached. I regret that the committee did not do me the justice to summon me to reply to the evidence of General Butler. The following officers will support my statement, so much at variance with that of General Butler: Lieutenant iR. II. Lamson; Mr. A. T. E. Mullin, assistant engineer; Mr. J. S. Bradford, Coast Survey; Acting Master Arey, commanding the Wilderness; Mr. Paul Boyden, acting ensign, and the officers and crews of both vessels. All of these gentlemen as well as Admiral Porter and his fleet captain, are aware of the opinions of Lieutenant Preston, my assistant, as to the distance reached from the fort and the complete performance of the duty. In reporting the distance* the powder boat was anchored from the beach, I carefully abstained from understating it. The opinion of other officers was that 250 yards was the extreme. It also appears (on page 255 of the report) that my report of the stowage and arrangements of the vessel was submitted to Lieutenant-Commander Jeffers, the officer detailed by the Ordnance Bureau to superintend the stowage of the craft, and, on page 250, that he (Lieutenant Jeffers) accounts for the failure of the clocks on the supposition that possibly the turn on the cylinder may have been taken the wrong way. The stowage of the vessel was not properly completed when I went down in the Sassacus to take her to sea from Norfolk, and I was obliged to spend some time that morning restowing and securing the powder in the deck house. The clocks were common marine deck timepie~es, altogether unfit for an experiment of that magnitnde. As to the idea expresssd that the turns may have been taken the wrong way, it is not worth notice. I was obliged to have the clocks altered at Beaufort to adapt them to the motion of the vessel, and before placing them finally, tested them, with the aid of Lieutenant Preston. Whether the vessel was blown up by the fuze or the fire is a matter of no consequence as far as [the] reputation of the officers who conducted the explosion is concerned. The following extract is from a letter to me, signed by Admiral Porter, dated December 17: I would suggest, by all means, that the fuzes and clocks be not depended on, but that a fire be lighted in the stern of the vessel. And again: Now, the danger of bilging and spoiling the cargo suggests to me the plan of anchoring; in case of a surf close under the fort the vessel can not then be boarded with boats and the fires put out and the vessel scuttled, all of which might happen if landed on the beach with a sea running in. And again, December 23: Dont forget to build a good fire, for that is certain, and will prevent the rebels boarding her. Minutes from the log of the Wilderness, kept during these occur- rences and signed by Mr. J. S. Bradford, of the Coast Survey, now in ~A Coast-Survey map gives the position of the U. S. S. Loui8iana at time of explo- sion about 250 yards B. by S. from the N. B. angle of Fort Fisher and 75 yards from shore. An Army-War-Records map gives the position 830 yards N. E. of the N, E. angle of Fort Fisher and 140 yards from shore.CoMPILERs Page 240 240 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. my possession, show that the Wilderness cast off the powder boat at 11:40 p. in.; that the powder boat anchored at 11:55 p. m. (thus steam- ing ahead fifteen minutes after leaving the Wilderness), the fort bearing W. by 5. 4 S., breakers on shore and embrasures of the fort plainly in sight. In justice to my comrades and to me, I respectfully ask authority to publish this statement, or at least place copies of it in the hands of the Committee on the Conduct of the War. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. C. RH~D, Commander. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding diagram showing position of the U. S. S. Louisiana. NAVY DEPARTMENT, February 3, 18G5. SIR: Is it not possible to ascertain by soundings the exact position of the wreck of the torpedo boat Louisiana? Please have an effort made, and, if successful, furnish the Department with a diagram show- ing the position in its relation toward Fort Fisher, etc. Yery respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, (Jomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, off Fort Fisher. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the impossibility of locating the wreck of the U. 5. 5. Louisiana. NORTH A~TLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Cape Fear River, February 13, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation in relation to ascertaining the position of the wreck of the late powder boat Louisiana. I doubt if that is possible, for the explosion must have thrown all the machinery (which was mostly above the water line) far out of the way, and the hull must have been ~o completely broken up that it could not possibly be found. Amidst the great number of wrecks on the bar it would be impossi- ble to detect anything that could be relied on to designate the exact point where the Louisiana was blown up. There could be no mistake, though, in the bearings and soundings, and the vessels position is marked on the plan of battle. If doubt exists in the mind of anyone about the effect of powder exploded in the open air, I think the donbt would be put to rest on witnessing the effect of the terrific explosion that took place in Fort Fisher the day after its capture. I snppose there were at least ($0 tons of powder in the large magazine when it blew up. There was liO damage done to anything in or about the fort, except to the magazine, which was blown to pieces. All the bomb- proofs stood uninjured; no gun carriages were eveti moved or broken, though many of them were shattered by shot. Only the men on o Page 241 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 241 near the magazine were killed thos not stunned or injured. , e at a distance of 100 yards were The magazine at Fort Caswell had even more powder than Fisher, being the main depot for all the surrounding works; but even there the damage inflicted was not so great as one would suppose. One whole side of the interior part of the brickwork was blown down, but only one casemate seemed to have been affected by the explosion or explo- sions, for the powder (besides what was in the magazine) was dis- tributed in mines in different parts of the work. Nearly all the guns were uninjured, nor were they moved, and the work was in a good con- dition to be defended for a long time. I doubt myself the expediency of making any more experiments like that tried in the Louisiana. I dont know but that it is just as well that the one in question did not have the effect intended, as the experiment hereafter might be tried on us, who have so many forts accessible by water. I have no doubt that all the powder in the Louisiana ignited, for the fire which finally exploded the vessel reached the Gomez fuze first, which fnze was led all over the vessel through powder bags and down into the hold, and we know that its effect is instantaneous. The fuze ignites at the rate of a mile in five seconds (about). One hundred and fifty fathoms would ignite in two seconds, perhaps sooner. Nothing but electricity could produce an instantaneous explosion of a large mass of powder. Some of the troops that were landed on the first expedition said they had heard that the garrison were partly stunned by the explo- sion, but on closely questioning those who were employed in the fort at the time I could not find that anyone experienced any ill effects from the explosion. The shock was represented as being heavy, but nothing more. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Abstract Log of the U. S. S. Wilderness. December 18,1864.Acting Master Henry Arey in command. From 8 to meridian: Lying at anchor off New Inlet. U. S. S. Cherokee arrived; reported the fleet outside ready to come in at sunset. At 9 a. m. the army transport Ben De Ford arrived and anchored near us. At 1:45 p. in. the Kansas got underway and stood to the westward. At 2:30 the Gettysburg arrived. At 2:50 Kansas made signal to come within hail. At 3 spoke the Kansas and Lieutenant Commanding II. H. Lam- son came on board and took command of [thisJ vessel for the purpose of going in wit~ the powder boat Louisiana and bringing off Com- mander iRhind, his officers and men, after the vessel should have been placed in the desired position and arrangements made to secure the explosion. Sent on board of the Gettysburg all of the officers and crew except Acting Master Arey, Acting Ensign B. 0. Low, Acting Ensign Hull, Acting Second Assistant Engineer Anderson, and Actiiig Third Assistant Engineer lilobinson, and enough men to handle the vessel. Made all necessary preparations for the service. Soon after dark the N W RYOL 1I1 Page 242 242 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. fluscarora came in between the Kansas and the shore, showing a bright white light. Got underway and warned her off. Kansas at anchor on the range, showing a white light for the guidance of the Louisiana. At 7:45 p. m. the Louisiana, in tow of the Sassacus, made her appearance near the Kansas. Weather thick, wind N. E. by E., freshening. Lieutenant Commanding Lamson and Mr. Bradford went on board from the Kansas and communicated with Captain 1{hind and Mr. Pres- ton. Arrangements having been perfected, they returned on board this vessel, which had returned from warning oft the Tuscarora, and we immediately steamed up to the Louisiana and reported all ready. Were directed by Captain Ithind to lie by the Louisiana until she was ready. At 9:30 p. m. Captain lithind reported all ready. About the same time the Kansas, whose lights were to have guided us in running in (probably thinking that we had reached the beach), burned a white and green light and hauled down her white lights. At 9:50 made the Mound light. Captain Lamson hailed the Louisiana, and it was agreed with Captain IRhind that we should make the attempt to go in by the bearing of the Mound light. This vessel started in accordingly, followed closely by the Louisiana. At 10 p. m. the Mound light disappeared, and being now without a range light of any kind and the night being very thick, it was the unanimous opinion of Captain Rhind, Captain Lamson, Mr. Bradford (Coast Survey), Captain Arey, and Mr. Bowen (pilot) that it would be impossible under the circumstances to place the vessel on the beach in the desired position. The attempt was therefore abandoned for to-night. Steamed out to the eastward until 12 mid- night and anchored in 10 fathoms close to the Louisiana. At 11:40 p. m. communicated with the A. D. Vance, Lieutenant-Commander Upshur, who gave us a dispatch for Captain Watmough directing him (if possible to communicate with Captain lihind in time) to delay the attempt with the powder vessel, as the army were afraid they would not be able to land with the wind in this direction and with so heavy a surf on the beach. HENRY AREY, Acting Master, Commanding U. S. S. Wilderness. December 19.At 1 a. m. Captain Rhind came on board and a modi- fication of the plan of yesterday was agreed upon. About the same time exchanged signal with the Unadilla. From 4 to S a. in.: Thick fog; sounded the steam whistle occasionally. At 9 a. m. spoke the Little Ada, and Captain Lamson directed the commanding officer to go in and find the Kansas, if possible, and inform Captain Watmough that we would renew the attempt this evening as soon as the weather would permit, and request him to have the Kansas on the range in good time. At 1 p. m. the A. D. Vance came close and Captain Upshur came on board and communicated with Captain Rhind. Fog still continues. Requested Captain Upshur to try and find the Kansas and ask Captain Watmough to communicate with us as soon as possible. At 2 p. m. cleared up, and finding ourselves much too close to the beach we got underway, with the Louisiana in tow, and stood S. E. to get out of sight of the shore. At 2:30 the Nansemond came alongside and communicated. Made the fleet coming in. At 2:20 the flagship bore E. S. B. ~ B. At 3:30 came to anchor. At 4:30 the Kansas came within hail and Lieutenant-Commander Watmough came on board and communicated with Captain Rhiiid. He was furnished with a copy of the sailing directions for his guidance, and returned on board the Kansas. At 5:30 p. m. the Kansas again came within hail, and Captain Watmough haile Page 243 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 243 us, saying that the admirals orders were not to go in to-night, as it was too rough. Weather hazy ; wind S. W., fresh. A good deal of sea. Omitted to state above that Captain [Tpshur brought instructions from Admiral Porter to Captain iRhind not to attempt to beach the Louisiana and blow her up unless we considered it sufficiently smooth for the army to land. HENRY AREY, Acting Master, Commanding U. & & Wilderness. December 20.At 3: 30 p. m. Captain Lamson went on board the Nansemond and communicated with Admiral Porter. Were by him directed not to go in to night, as it was too rough for the army to land. From 4to 8p.m.: Captain Rhind and Mr. Bradford, of theCoast Survey, and Mr. Bowen, the pilot, left this vessel and went to the Nansemond for the purpose of making a reconnoissance. At 7:30 this vessel com- menced dragging her anchor. Let go port anchor and veered to 30 fathoms. Wind and sea heavy. At 8 commenced dragging; again veered to 45 fathoms on port chain, having already 75 fathoms veered on the starboard one. Weather continued heavy, with heavy cross sea. Wind IN. E. December 21.From 12 to 4 a. in.: Weather cloudy, with light rain, wind having commenced to moderate. The Louisiana appeared to have made good weather. From 4 to 8: Clear, with heavy gale from the eastward. At 7 a. m. wind moderated a little and hauled to S. S. W. At 8 commenced blowing very heavy again, starting our anchors. Started engine ahead slowly, as we were too near the Kew Ironsides. Loaisiana labored very heavily in the sea. At 9 a. in. gale increasing and sea rising fast. Kept the engine working. At 11:30 the Louisi- ana cast off her hawser and steamed to the N. E. for a few minutes and anchored. Flagship signaled to the Nansemond to keep company with the Louisiana. Weather clear; still blowing a gale. Continued drag- ging. At 2 p. in. let go a third anchor with hawser, and veered to 50 fathoms, Nansemond at this time lying about 400 yards astern of us, with the Louisiana in tow. From 4 to 8 p. in.: Weather rainy, heavy gale. From 6 to 8: Weather clear, wind W. S. W., increasing. From 8 to 12 midnight: Weather clear, wind W., blowing heavily in puffs. December 22.From 12 to 4 a. in.: Weather clear and wind moderate. From 4 to 8 a. in.: Weather clear, wind hauled to the N. W., heavy sea running. From 8 to 12 meridian: Weather clear and cold; wind N. W.. and still blowing freshly. At 8:30 found that we had lost port anchor and 30 fathoms chain and the small anchor with its hawser. At 10 a. in. flagship made signal for the Kansemond with Louisiana in tow, to follow, and stood to the westward. At 2 p. in. got our anchor, hav- ing been heaving on it since I h a. in.short handed, and very slow work. Steamed up to the Louisiana. Flagship made signal for this ship to keep near the Nansemond and Louisiana. At 3 p. in. caine to anchor near them. From 4 to 8 p. in.: Weather clear and cold; wind fresh from the N. W. From 8 to 12midnight: Weather clear and cold, wind fresh. December 23.From 12 to 4 a. in.: Weather clear and cold, fresh breeze from N. N. W. From 4 to 8 a. m: Weather as before. From 8 to 12 noon: Weather clear; wind moderate from westward; sea going down fast. At 10:30 received orders to stay near the Louisiana. At 12 m. took hawser from the Tacony. From 12 to 4p. in.: Weather clear, wind light. At 3:30 the Tacony cast us off and stood inshore with the Louisiana, ordering us to follow. At 4 came to anchor, Fort Fishe Page 244 244 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. bearing W. S. W. From 4 to Sp. m: Weather as before. At 5 took the Louisiana in tow. Captain Lamson, Mr. Bradford, and Pilot Bowen came on board. Received orders from Admiral Porter to go in to- night and blow the Louisiana up. Shortly after dusk started in with her. At 7 stopped near the Kansas; Captain Watmongli came on board. Stood off and on near the Kansas. From 8 to 12 midnight: At 10:45 passed the Kansas and stood in W. by S., running slow. At 11:40 anchored and cast off the Louisiana, being then in 5~ fathoms. Louisiana passed inshore of us. At 12 midnight the boat containing Captain iRhind, Mr. Preston, Mr. Boyden, Mr. Mullin, and their crew came alongside. Cut hawser and started at full speed E. N. E. Threw six rockets to warn the fleet. December 24.At 12: 55 a. m. stopped her and let off the steam to 5 pounds. At 1:40 a. m. the explosion took place. Being without an anchor stood off and on till daylight. From 8 to meridian: Weather clear, wind fresh. At 9:30 a. m. spoke the flagship and Captain Ithind, Captain Lamson, Lieutenant Preston, Mr. Mullin, Mr. Boyden, and their crew went on board. At 10:30 ran down to the ]IiLinnesota and took a hawser from her stern. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Kansas. December, 18, 1864. Lieutenant-Commander P. G. Watmough in com- mand. At 1:30 p. m. got underway and steamed iushore and up and down the coast slowly. At 3 communicated with the Gettysburg. At 4:40 came to anchor with starboard anchor, Mound bearing S. W. by W.+W - From 6to8as per column; wind N. B., force2to3, weather foggy, air 550 Hoisted a bright light at mainmast head. Fleet all around and signaling with lights at various intervals. At 7:30 p. m. the steamer Sassacus spoke us, she having the powder vessel in tow. At 8 p. m. communicated with the Sassacus and Louisiana. At 8:15 Mr. Bradford, surveyor, left the ship. At 8:25 the Wilderness commu- nicated with us. At 8:42 the Wilderness and Louisiana stood in for the bar. At 9: 15 got underway and steamed offshore, steering E. N. E. At 9:35 one of the fleet challenged with Costons No. 8; we answered with Costons No. 9. The strange vessel burned Costons 500. At 10 we burned 5107. At it slowed down in 11 fathoms water and headed to southward. At 11:15 one of the fleet burned Costons No. 8 ;we answered with Costons No. 9. December 19.At 1 a. m. spoke the A. D. Vance, who ordered us to our night station. At 1:20 saw two vessels bearing W. S. W., which proved to be the Wilderness and Louisiana at anchor. Remainder of watch steaming slowly up and down the coast. From 4 to 8 a. in.: Steaming along the land. At 8:12 p. in. came to anchor. At 2:30 got underway and steamed off N. B. by B. At 2:45 communicated with the A. D. Vance and then steamed for the fleet; made all sail. At 3:20 p. in. took in all sail, slowed down, and communicated with the Wilderness. At 4:30 flagship signaled 652, we answered and stood for the flagship, sent a boat on board. At 4:40 spoke the Louisiana and informed them that it was the admirals order for them not to go in to-night. At 4: 45 stood for night station. From 6 to S steaming along the land. Spoke the tug ]Ifoccasin and ordered her to remain inshore. Wind, from 5 to 9p.m., S. W.,force5. December 20.From 12 meridian to 4 p. in.: Several guns fired from Fort Fisher and the batteries in the vicinity during the watch Page 244A Page 244B DT~C. L4AND 25, 1864.. QSaogui \ Showing the Position of Vessels and Line of Fire j)3mnadnoeh Canonens Ti onosles ~ Vanderbit lllinnesota S S 1i1OhsC(j~gP~ YanVe -~ c~aaqJ~ ~iiiiei U JJritannia Taseaou4~ ~Tristram _________ ______________ Machinas 1/ Shandy Wabash Ticonuleoga 9 ~, Snsqiiehanjj~ Q /)Bignonia Li onlelijo t2PcswInXet ,~ v Shenandoah ONanoernon - ~ -- Poichalan Banshee u-eu, 7%,5K(i)Seneea 4 12Keiistone State Janiata / N /1 f/Gettysburg Y 7 Fort BuclJAnaIk ~IP.. -~ ~ A Ni) Ft Jackson ~ J (2Moccasin N Santiago Lie Cilia N . u-~~ ~ f/Anemone Taeo4y ~Y - I) ~ f/Vance Oseeola/ 12Cherol~ee .5 Chippinva. 0~ V /2Wilderness N. Saniacan 1j2Thonqnah NOT PRESENT: BANSHEE BIGNON IA, ARIES. ~.. SAri PRESENT: LITTLEADA, 05CC, QUAKER CITY, ALA~AMA 1? IslarsJ los cello MANZ E eu5 C. Cii. Page 245 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 245 December 22.At 5:30 p. m. blockading fleet all steaming inshore. December 23.At 3:20 p. m. communicated with flagship iifalvern. At 7 p. m. the Louisiana and Wilderness came in from outside and lay to off our port quarter. At 10:30 a blockade runner passed inshore of us at full speed steering for Fort Fisher. At 11 the Wilderness and Louisiana passed, steering toward the bar. We got underway and steemed olThhore, steering E. N. E. December 24.From 12 midnight to 4 a. in.: Steaming offshore, steer- ing E. N. E. At 12:15 a. m. several rockets thrown up, bearing W. S. W., supposed to be from the Wilderness. At 1: 52 powder vessel exploded. At 2 turned ship around and stood W. S. W. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Advance. December 18, 1864.Lieutenant-Commander J. H. Upshur, command- ing. At 3:20 p. m. exchanged numbers with the fleet. At 3:20 p. m. stopped engines and allowed ship to drift. At 6:40 started engine and steamed in toward New Inlet. Exchanged signals with several of the fleet. At 11 p. m. spoke the Wilderness. Stopped engine, burned Coston signals, threw up rockets, and endeavored to find the Kansas, but without success. At 11: 55 spoke the Wilderness and delivered communications from the admiral to Captain Lamson. December 19.At 12: 10 a. in. steamed to the eastward and communi- cated with several of the fleet. At 12:45 p. m. communicated with the Wilderness. At 2:30 ~ m. exchanged signals with and communicated with the Kansas and delivered dispatches to her. At 4p. m. exchanged signals with the flagship. At 4:25 communicated with the flagship. At 5:30 communicated with the Keystone State. At 7: 10 came to near the flagship. December 24.At 1:50 a. m. the explosion of the powder boat took place. Extract from the official diary of Colonel Lamb, C. S. Army, commanding defenses of Federal Point. December 24, 1864.A blockader got aground near fort; set fire to herself and blew up. First * attack on Fort Fisher, December 2425, 1864. General order No. 70, of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, giving preliminary instructions. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Hampton Roads, December 10, 1864. The chart plan of the proposed attack on the batteries of the enemy at New Inlet, mouth of Cape Fear River, will explain itself, but the order of taking position is as follows: It is first proposed to endeavor to paralyze the garrisou by an explo. sion, all the vessels remaining 12 miles out from the bar, and the troops * For reports of Army operations, see Official Reports of the Union and Confederate Armies in the War of the Rebellion, Series I, Yolumes XLII, XLIV, and LI Page 246 246 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. in transports 12 miles down the coast, ready to steam up and be pre- pared to take the works by assault in ease the latter are disabled. At a given signal all the bar vessels will run oft~shore 12 miles, when the vessel with powder will go in under the forts. When the explosion takes place all the vessels will stand inshore in the order marked on the plan. The New Ironsides will steam alongshore, coming from the eastward until the flagstaff on Fort Fisher bears S. W. by W. ~ W. and anchor (chain ready to slip) with her broadside bearing on the largest of the enemys works and open fire without delay. The monitors will come up astern, anchoring not more than one length apart, directly in line along the shore, leaving space only for a gunboat to lie outside of them and fire between them or over them. The New Ironsides and monitors will lie in not less than 3~ fathoms water, which will place them about three-fourths of a mile from Fort Fisher and a little over a quarter of a mile from the beach. In the meantime the large ships will lie formed in line of battle to the eastward of the iroiiclads and heading parallel with the land in a S. ~ W. course, in 5 fathoms water. When the signal is made to take position the Minnesota (the stern- most vessel) will go ahead slowly, and anchor about a mile from Fort Fisher, opening fire the moment she passes the New Ironsides and anchoring so that her stern gun will fire just clear of that vessel. The Mohi can will then anchor ahead of the Minnesota, Colorado ahead of Mohican, Tus earora ahead of Colorado, Wabash ahead of Tuscarora, Susquehanna ahead of Wabash, Brooklyn ahead of Susquehanna, Pow- hatan ahead of Brooklyn, Juniata ahead of Powhatan, with their cables ready to slip and with not more than 15 fathoms of chain, the 15-fathom shackle inside the hawse hole. The Seneca, Shenandoah, Pawtuxet, Ticonderoga, Mackinaw, Maumee, Yantic, and Kansas will take their positions between and outside the different vessels, as marked on the plan, anchoring with their cables ready to slip. When the large ships and intermediate ones get fairly into position the Nyack, Unadilla, Huron, and Pequot will take position between and outside the monitors in the order marked on the plan, keeping up a rapid fire while the monitors are loading. The following vessels will next take their positions as marked on the plan: Commencing with the Fort Jacksonwhich vessel will anchor ahead of the Juniata, leaving a space between of three lengthsSantiago de Cuba, Tacony, Osceola, Chippewa, Sassacus, Maratauza, Rhode Island, Monticello, Mount Vernon, Montgomery, R. P. Cuyler, Quaker City, and losco will pass on slowly, commencing with the rear, until they form the line marked on the plan. The reserves of each division will form a line (as per plan) out of gunshot, ready to act as occasion may require. This is the main plan of the battle. Circumstances may require some deviation from it, such as a partial attack (before going seriously to work) to feel the enemys strength, all of which will be regulated by signal or by orders. Great care and coolness will be required to drop the vessels in their right places, and a too early commencement of fire on the part of those going into position may create confusion. As we know but little about the caliber and number of rebel guns, the vessels must concentrate their fires on the heaviest batteries, but get the range before firing rapidly. For instance, the large vessels an Page 247 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 247 ironclads concentrate on Fort Fisher, while the Vanderbilt, Fort Jack- son, and the vessels in the line with the Fort Jack8on will open on the forts within their reach between Fort Fisher and the Mound. All the reserve vessels will prepare to attack Zeeks Island battery by taking a position where they can enfilade it, which is when the fort bears N. W. Vessels drawing 14 feet can go within 1~ miles with per- fect safety and use their rifle guns with good effect. They can also reach the forts on Federal Point and prevent their firing accurately on the other portions of the fleet in closer range. All the movements of the different lines will be made by sending orders in a tug, as signals will not be seen iii the smoke. As it is (lesirable not to have snperfluous directions, each commander will be furnished with a l)lan and the matter fully discussed and points explained at a general meeting of commanders. Vessels in distress, and finding it necessary to retire from battle, will steer out S. E., excepting the headmost vessels, Josco, Quaker Gity, P. P. Onyler, etc., which had better keep on S. W. ~ S. course nntil they clear an 8-foot shoal (at low water) ontside of them. It is not desirable that the vessels of the squadron shonld show them- selves to the enemy nntil the time comes for them to act, and they will keep offshore about 25 miles, or far enongh not to be seen, with New Inlet bearing west in about the latitnde of 330 56 longitude 770 20. That will be the rendezvous. Commanders of divisions will assemble the vessels of their divisions, get them into line, and keep them so, each division being far enough from the other to allow them to maneuver without interfering. When the signal is made or given to form in line of battle every vessel will take her station in line according to the place on the chart, the first division forming first and the others dropping in in order. As only low steam will be required, those vessels that can move and work handily with half their boilers will only use those on one side, keeping the boilers on the side near the enemy full of water and with- out steam, with water warm only, and ready to make steam in case of necessity. Slow, deliberate firing is desirable; there will be smoke enough any- how; rapid and indiscriminate firing will amount to little or nothing. I hope no shot may be thrown away. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Special order No. 2 of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 5. Navy, requiring great care in pointing guns during action. SPECIAL ORDERS, ~ NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, No. 2. Flagship Malvern, December 19, 1864. While in action an officer will be kept by the compass to see that the vessel heads the course she anchored on, for, if she should swing in the smoke, broadsides might be fired in the wrong direction. This must be allowed for in firing, and when it is no longer possible to see through the smoke the guns must be pointed by compass from on deck. DAVID D. PORTER, Pear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 248 248 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Special order No. 3 of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the buoys placed near Fort Fisher. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship Malvern, December 19, 1864. There is a line of buoys placed in 5 fathoms to prevent the vessels running into shoal water. No ship is to go inside of the buoys, but when they go into battle they must anchor close to them. There is a clump of buoys on Sheep Head Shoal, where there is 8 feet of water, which the smaller vessels can go inside of. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. NoTE.Jnstead of 15 fathoms, all the vessels will have to anchor with 25 fathoms of chain, and slip, if necessary, from the 30 lhthoms shackle. General order No. 73 of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, giving additional instructions. GENERAL ORDERS, NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, No. 73. ,( Flagship Malvern, December 20,1864. In going to work on the rebel batteries neither line will advance until the signal is made to the leading ship (Minnesota) to go into action, when the vessels of that line will take the positions assigned them on the plan. The signal will then be made to the leading vessels of the other lines as they may ~e wanted. The Ironsides and monitors have been directed not to anchor until signaled to do so, as it is proven by examination that there is better water than is marked on the chart, and they can go into the fight with more advantage by keeping underway. I would impress upon all commanding officers of the large vessels not to lie more than one length apart, or there will be no room for them to get into action. A short distance to the eastward of Fort Fisher is the Half-Moon battery (so called) which may open on the ships while going in. If this battery is not silenced by the ironsides and monitors the three stern- most vessels will open on it and silence it. The Half-Moon battery has lately been erected and has one quite heavy gun mounted. The 10-second shell or shrapnel will be the best kind of projectile to nse, and when the range is obtained a rapid fire should be kept up. It is not desirable that the leading ships should fire on the above- mentioned battery (unless it may be a few guns to cover themselves), for fear of causing too much smoke and preventing them from seeing their way in. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Sqztadron. Special order No. 5 of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding disposition of civilians and wounded. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship Malvern, December 22, 1864. All vessels having civilians (or persons not wishing to go into the fight) on board will make signal to Montgomery and put them there Page 249 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 249 After the action the hospital vessels will hoist a yellow or red flag forward, and the wounded will be sent on board of them. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander West, U. S. Navy, commanding naval station, Beaufort, N. C. BEAUFORT, N. C., December 24, 1864. Sin: Since my last communication nothing of importance has occurred. The transports of General Butler have continued to arrive and depart. The Empire City drawing too much water to enter, I have sent a coal schooner out to her. The general left this morning at 8 a. m. in the Ben De Ford, and I am requested to furnish pilots for the other vessels at meridian, which will be done. The concussion of a distant explosion was distinctly felt at the store- house and carpenter shop on shore, between the hours of 1 and 2 this a. m. A vivid light was seen at the time by the lookout on the Arletta, bearing about west. The U. S. S. Nyack arrived yesterday at 12: 40 p. m. with about 15 tons of coal, and the patent steering gear out of order. Coal vessels were immediately placed alongside. She has been coaling and repair- ing all night, and will leave this morning. I enclose requisitions of Paymaster [S. S.] Wood for your signature, as also a communication * addressed by myself to General Butler, and his reply thereto. Ii am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. C. WEST. Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding Station. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. P. 5.The Vicksburg has just arrived, 11 a. m. There is no mail for the squadron at the post-office. ~. ~. ~. [TelegramBy signal from steamer Ben De Ford.] DECEMBER 24,1864. Are there any and how many of the enemys armed vessels on the inside~ Were they visible to days Have any shots been exchanged between the fleet and the Half Moon or the Flag Pond battery ~ B. F. BUTLER, Major. General. Admiral PORTER. [Telegram.By army signaL] FLAGSHIP MALVERN, December 24,1864. There was one rebel vessel seen to-day, supposed to be an armed one. She was entirely out of range and could not be brought into play even if her guns were of any account. found Page 250 250 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The Flag Pond battery has been dismantled and the guns taken away. It was a small affair anyhow, and only used to drive off our blockaders. There are no batteries along the shore, at least we saw none to-day, and our vessels came close along the beach. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General B. F. BUTLER. Letter from Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the landing of troops. HDQRs. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, Army of the James, in the Field, North Carolina, December 24, 1864. ADMIRAL: We will endeavor to effect a landing above Flag Hill Pond battery, between that and Half Moon, at such an hour as shall be fixed npoii by consultation between yourself and General Weitzel, who will have commaiid of the troops and who will meet you at any hour you choose to arrange (letails. To do this it will probably be necessary that you should send such vessels as will cover the landing, and what those shall be is of course for your better judgment. We design in the first place to send on shore a party for reconnois- sance sufficiently strong to hold the landing if we gain a foothold, and then to land as rapidly as possible our whole force, and if from the reconnoissance it is deemed practicable to attempt an assault on Fort Fisher, the assault will be made. We have boats enough of our own to land the first detachment. We shall ask you for any spare boats you may have, with their crews to pull them, to aid in the landing of the forces. A half dozen armed with howitzers better be also sent. Will you allow those boats to report to General Graham in the morningl We can take them in tow from such point as may be designated. It would seem to be best that the naval attack should be continued with spirit and effect upon the fort, and endeavor to silence it and keep it silenced. The messenger who bears this will take back an answer and notify General Weitzel when you will desire to see him. It is suggested that the landing take place about 8 oclock, after the navy have been engaged with the fort an hour or more. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJAMIN BUTLER, Rear-Admiral PORTER, Major- General, Commanding. Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Letter from Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding a reconnoissance of Fort Fisher. IIDQRS. DEPT. OF VIRGINIA AND NORTH CAROLINA, December 25, 1864. ADMIRAL: Upon landing the troops and making a thorongh recon- noissance of Fort Fisher, both General Weitzel and myself are fully o Page 251 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 251 the opinion that the place could not be carried by assault, as it was left substantially uninjured as a defensive work by the navy fire. We found 17 guns protected by traverses, 2 only of which were dis- mounted, bearing up the beach and covering a strip of land, the only practicable route, not more than wide enough for 1,000 men in line of battle. Having captured Flag Pond Hill battery, the garrison of which, 65 men and 2 commissioned officers, were taken off by the navy, we also captured Half Moon battery, and 7 officers and 218 men of the Third Xorth Carolina Junior Reserves, including its commander, from whom I learned that a portion of Hokes division, consisting of Kirk- lands and Hagoods brigades had been sent from the lines before Richmond on Tuesday last, arriving at Wilnmington Friday night. General Weitzel advanced his skirmish line within 50 yards of the fort, while the garrison was kept in their bombproofs by the fire of the navy, and so closely that 3 or 4 men of the picket line ventured upon the parapet and through the sally port of the work, capturing a horse, which they brought off, killing the orderly, who was the bearer of a dispatch from chief of artillery of General Whiting to bring a light battery within the fort, and also brought away from the parapet the flag of the fort. This was done while the shells of the navy were fly- ing about the heads of the daring men who entered the work, and it was evident as soon as the fire of the navy ceased, because of the dark- ness, that the fort was fully manned again, and opened with grape and canister upon our picket line. Finding that nothing but the operations of a regular siege, which did not come within my instrnctions, would reduce the fort, and iu view of the threatening aspect of the weather, wind arising from the south- east, rendering it impossible to make further landing through the surf, I caused the troops with their prisoners to reembark, and see nothing further that can be done by the land forces. I shall therefore sail for Hampton Roads as soon as the transport fleet can be got in order. My engineers and officers report Fort Fisher to me as substantially uninjured as a defensive work. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major- General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral IZiORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer lieutenant Faucon, U. S. Navy, regarding provision for witnesses of the attack. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, At Sea, off New Inlet, December 25, 1864. SIR: You will receive on board such civilians as come to you from the fleet, and Major [T. L.] Casey, of the Army, and give them the best accommodations you have, affording them an opportunity of witnessing the fight. You will not take your vessel under fire without express orders from me. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant FAUCON, Commanding Montgomery Page 252 252 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Radford, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. New Ironsides. OFF NEW INLET, December 25, 1864. COMMODORE: General Butler has concluded not to assault the works, and as there is no further need of your vessels where they are now, you will come out with your division and anchor them near this vessel. I will be about 2 miles offshore. Steer out about west and you will see my lights. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Commodore WM. RADFORD, Commanding New Ironside8 and Dirision of Ironclads. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, regarding general matters. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Ilagship ]Jifalvern, off New Inlet, December 26, 1864. GENERAL: I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this date, the substance of which was communicated to me by General Weitzel last night. I have ordered the largest vessels to proceed off Beaufort and fill up with ammunition, to be ready for another attack in case it is decided to proceed with this matter by making other arrangements. We have not commenced firing rapidly yet, and could keep any rebels inside from showing their heads until an assaulting column was within 20 yards of the works. I wish some more of your gallant fellows had followed the officer who took the flag from the parapet, and the brave fellow who brought the horse out from the fort. I think they would have found it an easier conquest than is supposed. I do not, however, pretend to place my opinion in opposition to General Weitzel, whom I know to be an accomplished soldier and engineer, and whose opinion has great weight with me. I will look out that the troops are all off in safety. We will have a west wind presently, and a smooth beach about 3 oclock, when suffi- cient boats will be sent for them. The prisoners now on board the Santiago de Cuba will be delivered to the provost-marshal at Fortress Monroe, unless you wish to take them on board one of the transports, which would be inconvenient just now. I remain, general, respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding, etc. General order No. 75 of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to commanding officers to report regarding the effect of the fire upon Fort Fisher. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, Flagship ]Jlalvern, December 30, 1864. As a question may arise (owing to the army authorities having con- cluded to reembark) whether Fort Fisher was in a condition to resis Page 253 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 253 an assault, I call upon the officers under my command to make me a report of the part they took in the actions of the 24th aud 25th instant, and the damage apparently done to the works. General Butler assigns as a reason for not operating against Fort Fisher that it was unin- jured as a defensive work, which is a reflection on the skill of our gunners and the officers who commanded them. As a matter of history hereafter to be referred to, I wish not only to have from each commander the effect of our firing, but their impressions with regard to the defensibility of the fort (battered as it was) against a combined attack of army and navy. I myself am quite satisfied with the result of our share of the work, and could I have foreseen what happened would have assaulted after dark with the sailors, and carried it at that. DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 5. Navy, regarding the attack. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]Ilialrern, off Wilmington, December 24, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I attacked the forts at the mouth of Cape Fear River this morning at 12: 30, and after getting the ships in position silenced them in about an hour and a half There being no troops here to take possession, I am merely firing at it now to keep up practice. The forts are nearly demolished, and as soon as troops come we can take possession. We have set them on fire, blown some of them up, and all that is wanted now is the troops to land to go into them. I suppose General Butler will be here in the morning. We have had very heavy gales here, which tugs, monitors, and all rode out at their anchors. The transports have gone into Beaufort, N. C. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 5. Navy, transmitting detailed report of the attack. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 26, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to forward with this a somewhat detailed report of the two engagements with Fort Fisher and the surrounding works. We attacked with the whole fleet, on the 24th instant, and silenced every gun in a very short time. On the 25th instant we again took our position within a mile of the fort (the iron vessels within 1,200 yards) without a shot being fired at us. Shelled it all day, with now and then a shot from the rebels, and stopped firing after sunset. The army landed and reembarked, considering it impracticable to assault the place Page 254 254 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I shall remain here and keep shelling the enemys works on every occasion, whenever the xveather will permit. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID P. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure. I NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, at Sea, off New Inlet, December 26, 1864. SIR: I was in hopes I should have been able to present to the nation Fort Fisher and surrounding works as a Christmas offering, but I am sorry to say it has not been taken yet. I attacked it on the 24th instant with the Ironsides, Canonicus, ]Jfahojpae, Monadnock, Minnesota, Colo- rado, Mohican, Tuscarora, Wabash, Susquehanna, Brooklyn, .Powhatan, Juniata, Seneca, Shenandoah, Pawtuxet, Ticonderoga, Mackinaw, Maumee, Yantic, Kansas, liosco, Quaker Cit~j, Monticello, Rhode Island, Sassacus, Chijppewa, Osceola, Tacony, Pontoosuc, Santiago de Cuba, Fort Jackson, and Vanderbilt, having a reserve of small vessels consisting of the Aries, Jlowquah, Wilderness, Cherokee, A. D. Vance, Anemone, Folus, Gettysburg, Alabama, Keystone State, Banshee, Emma, Lilian, Tristram Shandy, Britannia, Governor Buckiugham, and Nansemond. Previous to making the attack, a torpedo on a large scale, with an amount ot powder on board supposed to be sufficient to explode the powder magazines of the fort, was prepared with great care and placed under the command of Commander A. C. lihind, who had associated with him on this perilous service Lieutenant S. W. Preston, Second Assistant Engineer A. T. E. Mullin, of the U. S. S. Agawam, and Acting Masters Mate Paul Boyden, and 7 men. So much had been said and written about the terrible effects of gunpowder in an explosion that happened lately in England that great results were expected from this novel mode of making war. Everything that ingenuity could devise was adopted to make the experiment a success. The vessel was brought around from Norfolk with great care and without accident, in tow of the U. S. S. Sassacus, Lieutenant-Coin- mander J. L. Davis, who directed his whole attention to the matter in hand, and though he experienced some bad weather and lost one of his rudders, he took her safely into Beaufort, where we filled her up with powder and perfected all the machinery for blowing her up. General Butler had arrived at the rendezvous before us, and [hastened matters all that I could, so that no unnecessary delay might be laid to my charge. On the 18th instant I sailed from Beaufort with all the monitors, New Ironsides, and small vessels, including the Louisiana, designed as a blockade runner, for the rendezvous, 20 miles east of New Inlet, North Carolina, and found all the larger vessels and transports assembled there, the wind blowing light from the N. E. On the 20th a heavy gale set in from S. W., and not being able to make a port withont scattering all the vessels, I determined to ride it out, which I did, without any accident of any kind, except the loss of a few anchors, the monitors an(l all behaving beautifully. Only two vessels went to sea to avoid the gale, and fared no better than those at anchor. The transports being short of water, put into Beanfort, N. C., and were not suitable for riding out at anchor such heavy weather Page 255 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 255 After the southwester the wind chopped around to the westward and gave us a beautiful spell of weather, which I could not afford to lose, and the transports with the troops not making their appearance, 1 determined to take advantage of it and attack Fort Fisher and its outworks. On the 23d I directed Commander Rhind to proceed and explode the vessel right under the walls of Fort Fisher, Mr. Bradford, of the Coast Survey, having gone in at night and ascertained that we could place a vessel of 7 feet draft right on the edge of the beach. Lieutenant It. H. Lamson, commanding Gettysburg, volunteered to go in, in the Wilder- ness, Acting Master flenry Arey in command, and tow the Louisiana into position, having assisted in the gale iii taking care of the Louisiana after she and the Nansemond (the vessel having her in tow) had lost all their anchors. At 10:30 p. in. the powder vessel started in toward the bar, and was towed by the Wilderness until the embrasures of Fort Fisher were plainly in sight. The Wilderness then cast off and the Louisiana pro- ceeded under steam until within 200 yards from the beach and about 400 from the fort. Commander Ithind anchored her securely there, and coolly went to work to make all his arrangements to blow her up. This he was enabled to do owing to a blockade runner going in right ahead of him, the forts making the blockade runner signals, which they also did to the Louisiana. The gallant party, after coolly making all their arrangements for the explosion, left the vessel, the last thing they did being to set her on fire under the cabin. Then taking to their boats, they made their escape off to the Wilderness, lying close by. The Wilderness then put offshore with good speed, to avoid any ill effects that might happen from the explosion. At 1:45 of the morning of the 24th the explosion took place, and the shock was nothing like so severe as was expected. It shook the vessels some, and broke one or two glasses, but nothing more. At daylight of the 24th the fleet got underway and stood in in line of battle. At 11:30 a. m. the signal was made to engage the forts, the Ironsides leading, and the Mionadnock, Canonicus, and ]Jfahopae follow- ing. The Ironsides took her 1)Osition in the most beautiful and seaman- like manner, got her spring out, and opened deliberate fire on the fort, which was firing at her with all its guns, which did not seem numerous in the N. E. face, though we counted what appeared to be 17 guns; but 4 or 5 of these were fired from that direction, and they were silenced almost as soon as the Ironsides opened her terrific battery. The ]Ilin- nesota then took her position in handsome style, and her gnus after getting the range were fired with rapidity, while the Mohi can, Colorado, and the large vessels marked on the plan got to their stations, all firing to cover themselves while anchoring. By the time the last of the large vessels anchored and got their batteries into play but one or two gnus of the enemy were fired, this fen denfer driving them all to their bombproofs, the small gunboatsKansas, Unadilla, Pequot, Seneca, Pontoosue, Yantie, and Hurontaking a position to the northward and eastward of the monitors and enfilading the works. The Shenandoah, Ticonderoqa, Mackinaw, Tacony, [and] Vanderbilt took effective positions, as marked on the chart, and added their fire to that already begun. The Santiago de Cuba, Fort Jackson, Osceola, Chippewa, Sassacus, Rhode Island, Monticello, Quaker City, and losco dropped into position, according to order, and the battle became general Page 256 256 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. In one hour and fifteen minutes after the first shot was fired not a shot came from the fort; two magazines had been blown up by our shells and the fort set on fire in several places, and such a torrent of missiles were falling into and bursting over it that it was impossible for anything human to stand it. Finding that the batteries were silenced completely, I directed the ships to keep up a moderate fire in hopes of attracting the attention of the transports and bringing them in. At sunset General Butler came in in his flagship with a few trans- ports, the rest not having arrived from Beaufort. Being too late to do anything more, I signaled the fleet to retire for the night to a safe anchorage, which they did without being molest& ~d by the enemy. There were some mistakes made this day when the vessels went in to take position. My plan of battle being based on accurate calculations, and made from information to be relied on, was placed in the hands of each commander, and it seemed impossible to go astray if it was strictly followed. I required those vessels that had not followed it closely to get underway and assume their proper position, which was done promptly and without confusion. The vessels were placed somewhat nearer to the works, and were able to throw in their shell, which were before falling into the water. One or two leading vessels having made the mistake of anchoring too far off, caused those coming after them to commit a like error, but when they all got into place and commenced work iu earnest the shower of shell (115 per minute) was irresistible. So quickly were the enemys guns silenced that not an officer or man was injured. I regret, however, to have to report some severe casual- ties by the bursting of 100-pounder Parrott cannon. One burst on board the Ticonderoga, killing 6 of the crew and wounding 7 others; another burst on board the Yantic, killing 1 officer and 2 men; another on the Juniat a, killing 2 officers and wounding and killing 10 others; another on the Mackinaw, killing 1 officer and wounding 5 others (men); another on the Quaker City, wounding, I believe, 2 or 3; another on the AS1usquehanna, killing and wounding 7, I think.* The bursting of the guns (six in all) much disconcerted the crews of the vessels where the accidents happened, and gave one and all a great distrust of the Parrott 100-pounders, and (as subsequent events proved) they were unfit for service, and calculated to kill more of our men than those of the enemy. Some of the vessels were struck once or twice. The Mackinaw had her boiler perforated with a shell and 10 or 12 per- sons were badly scalded. The Osceola was struck with a shell near her magazine, and was at one time in a sinking condition, but her efficient commander stopped up the leak, while the Mackinaw fought out the battle, notwithstanding the damage she received. The Yantic was the only vessel that left the line to report damages. Commander John Guest, at the east end of the line, showed his usual intelligence in selecting his position and directing his fire. Twice his guns cut down the flagstaff on the Mound battery, and he silenced the guns there in a very short time, the Keystone State and Quaker City cooperating effectively. Lieutenant-Commander J. L. Davis, with 1)0th rudders disabled, got his vessel (the Sassacus) into close action and assisted materially in silencing the works, and the Santiago de Cuba aud Fort Jackson took such positions as they could get (owing to other vessels not forming proper lines, and throwing them out of place) and fought their guns well. The taking of a new Error, see i~. 261 Page 257 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 257 positioii while under fire by the Brooklyn and Colora(lo was a beautiful sight, and when they got into place both ships delivered a iire that nothing could withstand. Ihe I3rooklyu~ well sustained her proud uiame under her present coin- inander, Captain James Alden, and the Colorado gave evidence that her commander, Commodore II. K. Thatcher, fully understood the (lilties of his position. The Sits quehanna was most effective in 1mev flue, and was fortunate enough to obtain the right position, though much bothered by a vessel near her that had not found her right place. The Mohican went into battle gallantly, amid fired rapidly and with effect, and when the Powhatan, Ticonderoya, and Shenandoah got into their 1)OsitioIls they did good service. The Powhatan fell handsomely into line and did good service with the rest, and the Vanderbilt too1~ position near the Minnesota and threw in a splendid fire. The firing of the monitors was excellent, and when their shells struck great damage was done, and the little gunboats that covered them kept up a fire sufficient to disconcert the enemys aim. The rebels fired n~ more after the vessels all opened on them, except- ing a lew shots from the Mound and upper batteries, which the losco and consorts soon silenced. Our men were at work at the guns five hours, and glad to get a little rest. They came out of action with rather a contempt for rebel bat- teries and anxious to renew the battle in the morning. On the 25th (Christmas) all the transports had arrived, ai id General Butler sent General Weitzel to see me and arrange the programme for the day. It was decided that we should attack the forts again while the army landed and assaulted them, if possible, under our heavy fire. I sent 17 gunboats under command of Captain 0. S. Glissomi to cover the troops and assist with their boats in landing the soldiers. Finding the smaller vessels kept too far from the beach, which was quite bold, I sent in the Brooklyn to set them an example, which that vessel did, relyin~, as every commander should, on the imiformation I gave him in relation to the soundings. To this number was added all the small vessels that were covering the coast along, and fimmally I sent somme eight or lime vessels that were acting under Commander Guest in endeavoring to find a way across the bar. This gave a hundred small boats to land the troops with besides those the army were already provided withabout twenty more. At 7 a. in. on the 25th I made signal to get underway mid form in line of battle, which was quickly done, the order to attack was given, and the fionsides took position in her usual handsome style, the monitors following close after her. All tIme vessels followed according to order, and took position without a shot being fired at them, excepting a few shots fired at the four last vessels that got into line. The firing this day wuis slow, only sufficient to amnse the enemy while time army landed, which they weme doing 5 miles to time eastward of the fleet. I suppose about 3,000 men had landed when 1 was notified they were reeumbarking. I could see our soldiers imear the forts reconnoitering alm(l sharpshooting, and was in hopes an assault was deemed practical. General Weitzel in person was makiimg observations about 600 yards off, and the troops were in and around tile works. One gallant officer, whose name I do not know, wemmt on the l)arapet and brought away the rebel flag we had knocked down. A soldier went into the works and led out a horse, killing time orderly mnoun ted on him and taking his dispatches from the body. Another soldier fired his musket into the bombproof among the rebels, and eight or ten others N W HVOL 11 1 Page 258 258 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. who had ventured near the forts were wounded by our shells. As the ammunition gave out the vessels retired from action, and the ironclads and Minnesota, Colorado, and Susquehanna were ordered to open rapidly, which they did with snch effect that it seemed to tear the works to pieces. We drew off at sunset, leaving the ironclads to fire through the night, expecting the troops would attack in the morning, when we would commence again. I received word frem General Weitzel informing mc that it was impractical to assault, and herewith inclose a letter * from General Butler assigning his reasons for withdrawing the troops. I also enclose my answer.t In the bombardment of the 25th the men were engaged firing slowly for seven hours. The rebels kept a couple of guns on the upper bat- teries firing on the vessels, hitting some of them several times without doing much damage. The Wabash and Powhataim being within their range, the object seemed mainly to disable them, but a rapid fire soon closed them up. Everything was coolly and systematically done throughout the day, and I witnessed some beautiful practice. The army commenced landing about 2 oclock, Captain Glisson,in the Santiago de Cuba, having shelled Flag Pond battery to insure a safe landing, and they commenced to reembark about 5 oclock, the weather coming on thick and rainy. About a brigade was left on the beach during the night, covered by the gunboats. As our troops landed 65 rebel soldiers hoisted the white flag and delivered themselves up and were taken prisoners by the seamen landing the troops and con- veyed to the Santiago de Cuba. Two hundred and eighteen more gave themselves up to the reconnoitering party, all being desirous to quit the war. I dont pretend to put my opinion in opposition to General Weitzel, Who is a thorough soldier and an able engineer, and whose business it is to know more of assaulting than I do, but I cant help thinking that it was worth while to make the attempt after coming so far. About 12 oclock I sent in a detachment of double-endeis, under Commander John Guest, to see if 1 could effect an entrance through the channel. The great number of wrecks in and about the bar has changed the whole formation, and where the original channel was we found a shallow bar. I sent Lieutenant W. B. Cushing in to sound and buoy out a chan- nel,if he could find one, with orders to Commander Guest to drag for torpedoes and be ready to run in by the buoys when ordered. The examination was not at all satisfactory. A very narrow and crooked channel was partly made out and buoyed, but running so close to the upper forts that boats could not work there. Lieutenant Cushing went in in his boat as far as Zeeks Island, but his researches would not justify my attempting the passage with six double- enders, some of which had burst their rifled Parrott guns ammd injured many of their men. As it was getting late and the troops were making slow progress iii landing, 1 withdrew the vessels and boats that were searching for the channel and sent them to help land the troops; otherwise we might have succeeded in buoying it out, though it was a difficult thing for the boats to work under the fire of the upper batteries. One boat belonging to the Tacony was sunk by a shell, and a man had his leg cut off. Still they stuck to their work until ordered to withdraw for other duty. See p. 250. t See p. 252 Page 259 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 259 In conclusion, allow me to draw your attention to the conduct of Commander Rhind and Lieutenant Preston. They engaged in the most perilous adventure that was perhaps ever undertaken, ai~d though no material results have taken place from the effects of the explosion that we know of, still it was not their fault. As an incentive to others, I beg leave to recommend them for promotion; also that of Lieutenant It. TI. Lamson, who piloted them in and brought them off. No one in the squadron considered that their lives would be saved, and Captain lihind and Lieutenant Preston had made an arrangement to sacrifice themselves in case the vessel was boarded, a thing likely to happen. I enclose herewith report* of Commander Rhind, with the names of the gallant fellows who volunteered for this desperate service. Allow me to mention also the name of Mr. Bradford, of the Coast Survey, who went in and sounded out the place where the Louisiana went in, and has always patiently performed every duty he has been called on to carry out. My thanks are due to Lieutenant-Commander K. R. Breese, fleet captain, for carrying about my orders to the fleet during the action and for his general usefulness; to Lieutenant-Commander II. A. Adams, for his promptness in supplying the fleet with ammunition; Lieutenant M. W. Sanders, signal officer, whose whole time was occupied in making signals, performed his duty well, and my aids, Lieutenant S. W. Terry and Lieutenant S. W. Preston, afforded me valuable assistance. I have not yet received a list of the casualties, but believe they are very few from the enemys guns. We had killed and wounded about 45 persons by the bursting of the Parrott guns. I beg leave to suggest that no more be introduced into the service. There is only one kind of firing at close quarters that is effective, and that is from the IX, X, and XI inch guns; they can not be equaled. Until further orders I shall go on and hammer away at the forts, hoping that in time the people in them will get tired and hand them over to us. It is a one-sided business altogether, and in the course of time we must dismount their guns, it; as General Weitzel says, we can not injure it as a defensive work. The Government may also think it of sufficient importance to undertake more serious operations against these works. An army of a few thousand men investing it would soon get into it with the aid of the navy. When smooth water permits I will go to work looking for a channel over the bar, which has not yet been found to my satisfaction. I must not omit to pay a tribute to the officers and crews of the moni- tors, riding out heavy gales on an open coast without murmuring or complaining of the want of comfort, which must have been very serious. They have showim a degree of fortitude and perseverance seldom wit- nessed. Equally brave in battle, they take the closest work with pleasure, and the effect of their shells is terrific. The following are the names of the commanders, and I hope I shall ever keep them under my command: Commander E. G. Parrott, commanding Monadnock. Commander E. It. Colhoun, commanding Saugus. Lieutenant-Commander G. E. Belkuap, commanding CanonPius. LieutenantCommander E. E. Potter, commanding Illiahopac. There are about 1,000 men left on shore by the army who have not *Seep. 260 Page 260 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. been gotten off yet on account of the surf on the beach; these will be gotten ott in the morning and the soldiers will then be sent home. I enclose general order for the attack. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Telegram.] FORTRESS MONROE. VA., December 27, 1~G49:2O p.m. The powder ship was exploded within 300 yards of Fort Visher at about 2 a. in. on the 24th instant. Later in the day Admiral Porter attacked tile fort and adjacent defenses, and renewed the bombardment ou Christmas (lay. Omi each occasion we drove the rebels from their guns to the shelter of tile bombproofs, so as to eff~ctually silence their lire. In a very few minutes after the frigates and heavy sioops got into position a detachment of troops landed Oil Sunday afternoon. Skirmishers pushed up gallantly to the fort ull(ler cover of our lire. Some of the more daring actually entere(l the works and brought off the flag. Troops have reembarked. Bombardment by the fort con- tiunes. The Santiago de Cuba brings north Company A of the Forty- second North Carolina, captured in an earthwork to the northward of Fort Fisher by boats from the fleet. Left Wilmington yesterday. Will reach Washingtoa with Admiral Porters dispatches to-morrow. S. W. PI~ESTON,. Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Telegram.] FORTRESS MONROE, VA., December 27, 18~4. (Received December 28, 1864.) Just arrived here on the Santiago de Cuba from off Wilmington. Attack omi Fort Fisher commenced 12 noon, Saturday, 24th, continuing till night. Resumed Sunday and kept up with great vigor throughout the day. Fort much daumaged, all barracks and storehouses burned, garrison driven to bombprooP, scarcely venturing to reply. Small por- tion troops landed Sunday afternoon. Skirmishers with great gal- lantry pushed up to the fort and actually l)cnetrated works, killed a bearer of dispatches whilst entering the fort, and Lieutenant WaIler [Walling] of One hundred and forty-second New York Regiment, cap- timmed rebel flag from the outer bastion. Troops also captured a whole battalion rebel troops outside the works, but our troops were withdrawn and ordered to reembark. On Sunday three boats crews sent by Captaimi Glisson captured Eleventh [Flag] Pond Hill battery with 65 men, who are now on board iSc~ntiago. Page 261 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The powder boat explosiou was successfully made; result not ascer- tained, but thought to have done some damage. A. FULTON. If approved please let this go to Baltimore American. F. Hon. (L V. Fox, Assistant Secretary Navy. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, correcti g statement regarding bursting of a gun on the U. S. S. Susquehanna. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]iiLaivern, off New Enlet, December 28, 1864. SIR: In my dispatch of the 26th instant I stated that a 100-pounder had burst on board the Susquehanna. This was a mistake, which I now write to correct. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, l)AVLD D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, deploring the course of the army in not taking rossession of the forts. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, off New inlet, December 27, 1864. Sin: My dispatch of yesterday will give you an account of our oper- ations, but will scarcely give you an idea of my disappointuient at the conduct of the army authorities in not attempting to take possession of the forts, which had beeii so completely silenced by our guns; they we: e so blown up, burst up, and torn up that the l)eople inside had no intention of fighting any longer. Had the army made a show of sur- iounding it, it would have been ours, but nothing of the kind was done. The men landed, reconnoitered, and hearing that the enemy were mass- ing troops somewhere, the order was given to reembark. They went away as sooi: as the majority of the troops were on the transports, and it coining on to blow rather fresh, about 700 were left on shore; they have been there ever since without food or water, hav- ing lauded with oiily twenty-four hours rations. I opened communica- tion with them this morning, and supplied them with provisions. To show that tile rebels have HO force here, these men have been on shore two days without being molested. I am now getting them off ai:d it has taken half the squadron (with the loss of many boats in the surf) to assist. I cant conceive what the army expected when they came here; it certainly did not need 7,000 to garrison Fort Fisher; it only required 1,000 to garrison all these forts, which are entirely under the guns of Fort Fisher; that taken, the river is open. Could I have found a channel to be relied on in time, I would have put the small vessels in, even if I had got a dozeit of them sunk, but the channel we did find was only wide enough for one vessel, turned at right angles, and w Page 262 262 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. were not certain of the sonudings. There never was a fort that invited soldiers to walk in and take possession more plainly than Fort Fishei, and an officer got on the parapet even, saw no one inside, and brought away the flag we had cut down. A soldier goes inside throngh the sally port, meets in the fort, comic g out of a bomb proof, an orderly on horseback; shoots the orderly, searches his body, and brings away with him the horse and cominuni cation the orderly was bearing, to send up field pieces. Another soldier goes in the fort and brings out a mule that was stowed away; and another soldier, who went inside while onr shells were falling, shot his musket into a bombproof where he saw some rebels assembled together; he was not molested. Temi soldiers who went aronnd the fort were wounded by onr shells. All the men wanted was the order to go in, but because every gun was not dismounted by our fire, it was thought that the fort was not injured as a defensive work, and that it would be to lose men to attack it. It was considered rash to attack the works with wooden ships, and even the officers who have been on the bar for a long time (and witnessed the building of the works) thought that half of the ships would be destroyed, and it was said that the only hope we could have of silencing the batteries was in case the powder vessel did the damage expected. We silenced the guns in one hours time, knocked the fort all to pieces inside and out, and had not one man killed (that I have heard of), except by the bursting of our own guns, in the emitire fleet. We have shown the weakness of this work. It can be taken at any moment; in one hours time, if the right man is sent with the troops. They should be sent here to stay, land with a months provisions, intrenching tools, guns, and Coehorn mortars. Ten thousand men will hold the whole country. The rebels have been able to send here, all told, about 4,000 men; 75 of theni that were sent to observe us gave themselves up to the Navy. Two hundred and eighteen men, sent on the same duty, gave themselves up to our reconnoitering party, and this would have been the case all the way through.~ * * * * * I know what they would do, and I shall scud and ask him to let some of his troops come and locate themselves in Fort Fisher. If I cant do better, I will land the sailors and try if we cant have fall credit for what we do. I trust, sir, you will not think of stopping at this, nor of relaxing your endeavors to obtain the right kind of troops for the business, the right number, and the proper means of taking the place, even if we fail in our ass~nlt. Every attack we make we will improve in firing, and if the weather would permit I could level the works in a weeks firing, strong as they are, but there is only one day in six that a vessel can anchor so close. We had a most beautiful time, and the weather for the attack was just what we wanted. If General Hancock, with 10,000 men, was sent down here, we could walk right into the fort. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Matter ornitte4 erased in the original.CoMPLLERS Page 263 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 263 Report of Rear-Admir~ 1 Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the effects of the explosion. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, off New inlet, December 28, 1864. SIR: I am enabled, from information gained from prisoners, to tell you what effect the explosion had on the rebels Ia and about Fort Fisher. It was entirely unexpected, and the troops were mostly asleep at the time. It created a perfect panic, stunned and disabled the men, so that they refused to fight, notwithstanding all the efforts of their offi- cers; and the severe bombardment that followed so completely demor- alized them that 200 men could have gone in and taken possession of the works. No injury was done to the forts that I can hear of nor were any of the wooden huts, about a half mile oft; thrown down; but on looking at the massive structures built of sandbags, it could scarcely be expected to move them by such a process. That can only be done by continued hammering with shot and shell. As far as this squadron is concerned, the forts can be silenced at any moment, and taken possession of by a well organized land force. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, deploring the delayed occupation of Fort Fisher. Confidential.] NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Beaufort, N. 0., December 29, 1864. SIR: Since my communication of the 27th it has been blowing and raining incessantly, with a heavy sea running, precluding the possibility of doing anything in the way of offensive operations, and my time and that of half the squadron has been taken up in getting from shore the troops General Butler left there. Finding that the enemy was not repairing his works, and was dis- mounting the guns in Fort Fisher, I came to the conclusion that he was doing what I feared he would do, evacuate the present works and build others up the river out of reach of our guns, and where he knows no vessel of ours caim get at him; still, it will take him a month to do it, and I thought by that time we could get troops to help carry ou the operations. I thought it best under the circumstances to let the enemy think we had abandoned the expedition entirely, and sent the fleet to a rendez- vous off Beanfort, one or two at a time, to look as if they were crippled. I shall know in a day or two whether the move will have its effect. Fort Fisher is ours at any moment when we can get a moderate and proper kind of force to go into the works when we silence them; they may get 100 guns more in position and it will make no difference. They are ~mvidently impressed with their weakness, and will no doubt try to remedy the defects in the works. At no time did I permit the vessels to open on them with all their batteries, limiting some of them to about two shots a minute, and permitting the large vessels to fight only one division of guns at a time; the army officers thought that was the heaviest fire they had ever conceived of. And now, sir, I beg tha Page 264 264 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. you will allow iuie to work this thing out and leave nothing undone to take the place. Could I depend on the sailors for lauding I would ask no army force, but a large portion of the crews are new in the service, have little or no knowledge of the musket or drill, and I intend to make no mistakes if I can avoid it. A repulse is always demoralizing, and sailors can not stand the concentrated fire of regular troops. I have a plan, though, by which I could attempt to throw sailors into the works. provi(lc(l they are not evucuated and the guns transferred to a highev point on the river, for Fort Fisher cant be held half an hour against the attack of the navy and land forces at the same time. When I started on this expedition, you may remember, I said how the place could l)e taken, viz, with the navy attacking it by water and 12,000 troops properly provi(led to work on the land. Well , sir, it could have been taken on Christmas with 500 men, without losing a soldier; there were not 20 [sic] men in the forts, and those were poor, miserable, l)aluic-strickei people, cowering there with fear, while one or two des- perate men in one of the upper casemates some distance above Fort Fisher managed to fire one gun, that seldom hit anyone. I feel ashamed that men calling themselves soldiers should have left this place so ingloriously; it was, however, nothing more than I expected when General Butler mixed himself up in this expedition, starting his troops out from Hampton Roads with only a few (lays pro- visions, and without water, trusting to the steamers to make it, which they could not do. The transports were so frail that they should uiever have left Hampton Roads; the result was, when the time arrived for action the troops were all in Beaufort. He had time then to get enough of them to New Inlet; he and three transports arrived on the first day while we were firing, when the beach was smooth, and having 2,000 men on the ground, all he had to do was to land and take possession of the panic-stricken garrison. Almost every man in the work was stunned by the explosion and unfit for duty; this we heard from the prisoners. It is scarcely worth while to be impatient under these disappointments; the Navy will have to meet them throughout a war like this, where 50 many incompetent men in the Army at-c i)laced in charge of important trusts. General Butler only came here to reap the credit of this afhuir, supposing that the explosion would sweep the works oft from the t~ce of the earth. Had he supposed in the first instance that there would have been difficulties lie would never have joined the expedition. General Weitzel went on shore, determined what the report of the (lefenses would be, for General Butler had made an opinion for him. The Depart ment, sir, has no cause to be dissatisfied with the share the Navy has taken in this affair; the ships did. theiu work so beautifully that you will hear of but one opinion expressed by lookers-on. If this temporary failure succeeds in sending General Butler into private life, it is not to be regretted, fhr it cost only a certain amount of shells, which I would expend in a months target practice anyhow. I am going to send a vessel down to-day to General Sherman, and I think he will come here in person; it is his shortest monte to Charleston to take Wilmington first. All I ask of you, sir, is not to withdraw n single ship. I have plenty, it is true, bnt each man now knows exactly what he has to do, and they are in the mood to attack anything. I am sure that Sherman must have entered Savannah yesterday; he will want but 10,000 troops to hold it, and will be too glad to join me here; themi you will see how this ~iize was allowed to slip through our fingers by a great overcaution, to call it by a mild name. Again, sir, I ask, please (lont break np the present squa(lron of attack until I say that Page 265 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 265 cant get into Fort Fisher, and consequently get command of the river, which is at this moment the most important thing to be done. The blockade running once stopped, and the Confederacy cant live a day. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID 1). PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, giving a list of vessels and their commanding officers that participated in the attack. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Bca~fort, N. 0., December 31, 1864. SIR: Iii my accounts of the actions of the 24th and 25th instant, against Fort Fisher, I omitted mentioning the names of the commanders of the different vessels, with the exceptiou of one or two. This might look like an invidious distinction, which was not intended by any means, and though the iiame of each commander is well known to the public I desire to correct the omission, that history may give credit to those engage in these actions. The following are the names of all the vessels engaged with the forts, and the names of their commanders. Having so well performed their part in reducing these formidable works to a condition where they could be easily taken posseSsiou of, they are eiiti- tied to all the credit that they have so well earned: Minnesota Mohican Colorado Tuscarora Wabash Susquehanna Brooklyn Powhatan Juniata . Kansas Tantic Maumee Vessel. Commander. Commodore Jos. Lanman. commander ID. Ammen. Commodore H. K. Thatcher. Commander J. M. Frailey. Capt. M. Smith. Commodore S. W. Godon. Commander James Alden. Commodore J. F. Sclienck. Capt. XV. H. Taylor. eul. Commander P. G. Wat mough. cut. Commander T. C. Har ris. Laeot. Commander IR. Chan- dler. Mackinaw Commander J. C. Beaumont. Ticonderoga Capt. C. Steedman. Pawtuxet Commander J. H. Spotts. Shenandoah Capt. ID. B. Rid.yly. Seneca I eut. Commander M. Sicard. New Iromodes Commodore Win. Iladford. Monaduock Commander E. G. Parrott. Canonicus Lient. Commander George F. Belknap. Mahopac.... ..... Lient. Commander E. F. Pot ter. Sangus Commander F. It. Coihoun. Nyack Lient. Commander L. H. New. man. Unadilla Lieut.CommanderF. M. Ham say. Lient. Commander T. 0. Self. ridge. Lient. Commander D. L. Braine. Lient. Commander Win. G. Temple. Nereus Commander J. C. Howell. Huron Peqnot Pontoosuc Vanderbilt Fort Jackson ... Santiago de Cuba Tacony Osceola Chippewa Sassacus Maratanra Rhode Island Mount VernonK. vessel. Commander. Capt. C. W. Pickering. Capt. B. F. Sands. Capt. 0. 5. Gbsson. Lient. Commander W. T. Troxton. Commander J. M. B. Clitz. Lient. Commander A. XV. Weaver. Lient. Commander J. L. Davis. Lieut. Commander G. XV. Young. Commander S. ID. Trenchard. Acting VolnnteerLieut. James Trathen. Britannia Acting Volunteer Lient. S. Quaker City Comanander W. F. Spicer. losco Commander John Gnest. Howquah Acting Volunteer Lient. J. W. Balch. Acting Master H. Arey. ActingMaster W. E. Dennison. Lieut. Commander J. H. Upshur. Acting Ensign James Brown. Lieut. B. H. Lamson. Acting VolmiteerLient. Frank Smith. Commander H. Itolando. Acting Master J. H. Porter. Acting Volunteer Liout. T. C. Dunn. Acting Ensign Benjamin Wood. Acting Volunteer Lient. J. MacDiarmnid. Acting Master S. P. Crafts. Wilderness Cherokee A.D. Vance Moccasin Gettysburg Alabama... Keystone State.. Nansemend Emma Tristram Shandy Governor Buck. ingham. Litte Ada * See abstract log U. S. S. Mount Vernon, p. 142. I should have mentione(l that the St uyus, Commander Colhoun, was not iii the first days fight. She arrived from Hampton Roads th Page 266 266 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. morning of the 25th, just in time to take her place with the other monitors, an4 anchored within 800 yards of Fort Fisher; th. ugh there was no response of any consequence from the fbrt, she did good service in knocking away traverses, etc., and only fired slowly until the army should come up. At no time during this days work did any vessel open all her batteries; the order was to fight only one division of guns from each vessel. Some vessels only fired one shot or shell per minute, holding on for the moment when it was expected the troops would approach aiid enter, for that would have been the result. I caii not conceal my dissatisfaction, nor can the officers under my command, at the turn things have taken. My first dispatch to the Department will show you how sanguine I was that the works would be ours before sun- set if the troops came up. I supposed that the assaulting was a matter of course, knowing that as soon as the troops landed and surrounded the works in the rear the white flag would be hung out. But reports of large armies coining up to the relief of the rebels changed all the generals plans, if he ever had any. To show how absurd such appre- hetisions were, every rebel soldier seen gave himself up the moment our troops were ashore, when they had nothing to fear from their own people; this would have been the case all the way through had the troops all landed. General Butler mentions in his letter to me that he had captured Flag Pond battery with 65 men, and Half Moon battery with 218 men and ~ officers. This is making capital out of very small material. Flag Pomi bat- tery was some loose sand thrown up, behind which the rebels nsed to lie with fieldpieces and fire at our blockaders when they chased run - ~ It does not deserve the name of a work; 65 or 70 rebels in it came forward and delivered themselves up to the navy and were taken on board the Santiago de Cuba. The men in Half Moon battery (which is no work at all, and exactly like the other) came forward and delivered themselves up to the army; they could easily have escaped had they desired to do so. There were no guns in these temporary works, and no protection in the rear. The country will scarcely be cajoled, as it has been a hundred times du: ing this war, by announcement of captures having no foundation whatever. I am not very particular, 1 am well aware, how I express myself in these cases. I have always said what I thought since the first day I took up arms to fight this rebellion, and I intend to do so (impolitic though it may be) until the war is over. I intend to write my share of the history of this rebellion auG place it on record where future historians can have access to it. I have never omitted to give the army full credit when cooperating with it, and I shall unhesitatingly say what I think when an expedition is trifled with and treated as if it was a grand tournament for the amusement of lookers-on. From beginning to end the military part of the expeditioi has been a failure. In the first place, the men were thrown into indifferent transports (that could not even condense water) and with only ten days rations a storm was just commencing which lasted five days, during which time nothing could be done. Instead of rendezvousing at Beaufort, N. C., they anchored with the fleet out at sea; they were driven away the first gale, which the monitors and our smallest tugs rode out. It was never intended by the commander of the troops that they should do anything when they came down here except to enter the works we had silenced; that we could have done ourselves without the aid of the soldiers, had the fort surrendere(l Page 267 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ~67 We all know very well that a fort on shore, unless attacked by troops at the same time ships are bombarding, will always hold out against the ships, that is, the enemy will leave the works (and let the ships fire away) and enter again when the ships have gone. We know from the history of this war that in no case have we failed to takc a fortifi- cation where the troops did their share of the work, and this is what troops under the command of General Butler failed to do. The brave fellows who showed the way into the works and brought off horses, mules, and flags should have their names chronicled far and near. Had the same spirit been felt in other quarters, Christmas would have been a happier day than usual with the nation. There was evidently a mis- apprehension on the part of the military leader that we could not cover and protect troops on shore. This fleet demonstrated its ability to hold on at anchor in deep water, and 20 miles from shore, through a heavy gale from the southward all gales from this direction, however, never blowing home, or blowing less as the shore is approached. The only gales to be dreaded here are the northeasters, and then the vessels would lie along the shore with their broadsides bearing omi the beach. This fleet would drive off an army of 300,000 men (intrenched or attacking) on such a level field as that where our troops landed. Seven hundred men were left ou the beach by General Butler when he departed for Fortress Monroe, and we had no difficulty in protecting them from the rebel army, said to be in the background, which was a very small army after all. General Bragg must have been very agreeably disappointed when he saw our troops going away without firing a shot, and to see an expedi- tion costing millions of dollars given up, when the hollowness of the rebel shell was about to be exposed. All through this war we have lost chances never to be recovered owing to the timidity of commanders, and their hesitating to attack what offers itself the most easy of conquest. The report of an army coming up (which army never existed) changes the whole plan of a campaign, when, in my opinion, it would be better to face the army of the enemy and see what stuff they are made of. Here was our fleet of (300 guns commanding a peninsula 2 miles wide only, and able to cover for miles any number of troops we might land. I call this a dead failure; there is no use in mincing matters, for though the navy did all that was expected of it, or could do, we gained no results. We will only have the satisfaction of knowing that the naval part was well and handsomely done, and that we will do it again the first opportunity. It is now blowing heavy from the S. W., and the larger vessels are riding it out nicely outside. This is the only wind we care for on this coast; in all the other gales we can find a lee. If you, sir, have no intention of making any change in the number of vessels in this squadron, I would respectfully say, let us work this matter through, at least defer any changes until I say that we have given up taking the forts. The rebels will no doubt claim a victory; a failure is half a victory; they foreshadowed the failure in their papers, and stated what would be the cause, which came true. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Washington, D. C Page 268 268 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, making criticisms on the report of Major- General Butler, U. S. Army. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. k~. Flag8hip ]Jfalvern, Cape Fear J?iver, January 22, 1865. SIR: I have read the report of Major General Butler in relation to the late expedition to Wilmington (in which he bore a part), and though late results (the capture of Fort Fisher) have completely refuted the assertions of Generals Butler and Weitzel, I deem it due to the naval part of the expedition that General Butlers report should receive some notice at my hands. To use the mildest terms I can, I pronounce the whole report a tissue of misstatements from beginning to end, scarcely equaled by the mis- statements made regarding the 11 eutenant- general. The navy had been waiting for two months to start on this expedi- tion, but for reasons known to the lieutenant general and myself, and which were perfectly satisfactory to me the we wanted a success, not a failure. , proper time was waited for; General Weitzel was selected, and General Butlers name was never connected with the expedition, except to fit it out. When the expedi- tion did prepare to start, it was going to the attack on the supposition that the powder vessel (originally proposed by General Butler) would blow the forts down, and the troops would have nothing to (10 but to walk in. I was not opposed, myself, to the experiment (for I think everything worth trying) and gave all my time and attention to the enterprise and fitting out the vessel. I was hard at work getting ready, filling her with powder, and had placed her in the carpenters hands, the weather looking very squally. Judge of my surprise when General Butler came on board the flagship at Norfolk and told me he was embarking the troops in transports and would be ready to start in two days. I told hlm that was out of the question; a heavy southwest gale was coming on that would last three days at least, and we could not go to sea at such a time, neither could his transports move. My advice was not to embark the mcii until the gale was over. He did embark the troops, nevertheless; the gale blew heavy for four (lays, and the troops must have been very uncomfortable. At the end of that gale the fleet sailed. I told General Butler that my vessels were all slow, the monitors would have to be towed, would have to go into Beaufort to fill up with ammunition and coal, as I was afraid to venture them at sea with too much in. I advised him to wait until we had got thirty-six hours start of him, and also recommended fun to rendezvous at Beaufort, N. (., where he would find a good horbor. Even up to this time he did not tell me that he, himself, was going along, but led me to believe General Weitzel was to be in command. He did not take my opinion about sailing; his transports sailed before any of the fleet except the monitors, and instead of rendezvousing at Beanfort, where I could hope to find him, lie rendezvoused oft Mason- boro Inlet, showed his flagship, (lecked out with flags, to the enemy at Fort Fisher, and had one of his transports fired on by guns near the fort. In the meantime, I worked night and day at Beaufort to get the monitors ready and complete the arrangements for the powder boat, and I sailed when ready. There was no time when any troops could have landed without dan- ger up to the time the first attack took place. I was to be the judge of that, not General Butler; for I had not that faith in his generalshi Page 269 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 269 which would induce me to follow him blindly, though I determined to do all I could for him and make the expedition a success if possible. I soon saw, though, that General Butler depended on the powder boat entirely, and I said we would have no assault, from the beginning. I will now proceed to notice General Butlers report in detail and state where it is incorrect. He first says he gave the navy thirty-six hours start. That is untrue. The transports ~tarte(l before the navy, or (lisappeare(l; General Butler, himself, lett after I did. He speaks of the finest possible weather he had at sea, but says nothing about the surf on the beach; no boat could laud on the beach unless the wind has been blowing strong off the laud, and on the days in question, by looking at the log book, you will find the wind blowing S. W. and S. On the 15th the monitors had not arrived at Beaufort, and ou the 16th and 117th were coaling and filling with ammunition and had to wait a smooth time to get over the bar, the wind blowing S. XV. on the 16th, 17th, and 18th, and throwingiua heavy surf on the beach. On last of these nights Mr. Bradford, of the Coast Survey, came near being capsized in the breakers while making a reconnoissance. It was General Butlers duty to have rendezvoused at Beaufort and wait until the monitors and powder boat (on which he so much depended) were ready; the movements of the light transports should have been subordinate to the large and slowmoving frigates and irouclads, and he should have been where he could have arranged with me all the details of the attack. But no; he kept out of my way, and I think did it studiously. When I arrived on the ground of the naval rendezvous with the monitors I found General Butler there. I ordered the powder boat in on the night of the 18th (the smoothest beach we had had), but at General Butlers request, communicated through General Weitzel, in the presence of the fleet captain (Lienten- amit-Coinmander K. ZR. Breese), I postponed the explosion until General Butler should say he was ready. The correspondence on this subject has all been sent to you, and you can judge for yourself how far General Butlers statement is true. General Butler states that Admiral Porter was quite sanguine that he had -silenced the guns of Fort Fisher; he was then urged, if that was so, to run by the batteries into Cape Fear River, and then troops could land and hold the beach without difficulty or without liability of being shelled by the enemys gunboat Tallahassee, seen on the river. That is a deliberate misstatement. General Butler does not say who urged me, but I never saw him or his staff after the landing on the beach, nor did I ever have any conversation with him, or see him (except on the deck of his vessel as I passed by in the flagship) from the timne I left Fortress Monroe until he left here after his failure. He showed himself by that remark just as ignorant about hydrog- raphy as the rebel General Whiting did when he built his fort where he supposed large ships could not get near enough to attack it. Neither myself nor anyone in the squadron had the faintest idea where the channel was, or what depth of water there was in it. We knew there was an outer and inside bar, between which was included the heaviest fortifications in this country, on which bars the blockade runnei s con- stantly grounded and had to wait for high water to get off. After we had no guns to annoy us, and I had the channel sounded out and care- fully buoyed, nearly all the gunboats of light draft got badly aground and remained there for a whole tide. We were forty-eight hours get- ting gunboats of light batteries over the first bar, and they had to anchor under the guns of the heaviest forts. They would have fare Page 270 270 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. badly had the rebels manned them. Three days were consumed in get- ting the gunboats o~er the rips, and one of them is stwi~ there still. The rips were commanded by about twenty X-inch guns and 1O~- pounders, and not a gunboat would have been left had they attempted to run the batteries. Jt might have been sport to General Butler, but it would have been death to the gunboats. I never had the slightest intention of passing the batteries until the fort was taken. The Depart ment saw my plan and the utter impossibility of doing so. Iwould certainly not have been influenced by General Butlers opinions in nautical matters, or risked my vessels to amuse him. All the next paragraph in General Butlers report, in relation to what the admiral said, and what the admiral declined to do, is false from beginning to end. I never had any conversation of the kind with any- one; indeed, the whole report is a tissue of misrepresentations includ- ing the part that says the instructions he received did not contemplate a siege, etc., when he knows he never received any instructions, and joined the expedition without orders. General Butler speaks of pushing lip his men to within a few hun- dred yards of Fort Fisher and capturing Half Moon battery and its men. The general certainly must have had something in his eye and did not see well. Half Moon battery is 4 miles from Fort Fisher, had one gun in it, which was silenced after a few shots from the gunboats and no one ever entered it. It was a small sand hill that 2() men could have taken. Flag Pond battery was a larger work thrown up by the rebels, in which was one 8-inch gun that had burst some time ago. The gun- boats shelled it, and on the landing of the first boat load of troops the seamen went up and found some boys and old men in it (North Carolina Junior Reserves), and carried them off to the Santiago de Cuba. The prisoners were quite willing to go. The troops afterwards surprised 218 officers atid meu near Fort Fisher and captured them. General Butler speaks of having run in the Chamberlin to within a few hundred yards of the fort; if he ran that close and was not fired at he must have supposed the fort was silenced; but he never was withiii one mile and a half of the fort, nor did he ever land, himself. What General Butler says about the difficulties of assaulting, owing to palisades, ditches, and other bugbears, has been refuted by the success- ful assault made by General Terry on the land side, and th eunsuccessful one made by the sailors on the sea face of the fort, when 30 gallant officers and seamen reached the top of the parapet and planted the flag. Soldiers who were accustomed to the work would have succeeded there easier than where General Terry assaulted, as the ascent (where the sailors went in) was easier. The same troops that General Butler had did the work finally, and took the most difficult side of the works. General Butler admits that the fire of the navy did keep the enemy in his bombproofs, but he feared it would keep his (Butlers) men out when they attempted to assault. General Terry was influenced by no such fear; on the contrary we fired 20 yards ahead of our troops while they were fighting from bombproof to bombproof~ and the general con- stantly signaled, Fire away; your shells are doing good execution and our men are in no danger from them. In the meantime (General Butler says) The weather assumed a threatening aspect, and the surf came rolling in on the beach, and the landing became difficult. I assert that the landing on that day was smoother than when Gen- eral Terry landed. I arranged with General Butlers chief of staff Page 271 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 271 General Weitzel, to land the troops early iii the morning. I gave him boats, vessels, everything, in fact, that lie asked for, and at 3 oclock p. m. not more than 3,000 men were on shore, with one days rations. With General Terry I commenced to land the men at 8.30 a. in., and at 2 p. m. 8,500 men were on the beach, with twelve (lays provisions and all the intrenching tools. The men were rolled over in the surf wet their cartridges, and filled up with more. They went there to stay, and I knew we would have the fort before many days, from the conduct of the men and officers. There was no necessity for General Butler reembarking his men on account of the weather; it was rough on the beach, but our boats from the fleet com- municated at times and when it was necessary. The gunboats laid within COO yards of the beach and covered the troops left on shore when the general went away after hearing the news from some North Carolina Reserves that ilokes Brigade was advancing and that the fort was strongly reinforced; but what if it was,we came down here to take it, and General Terry with the same men did take it; they were determined to follow their brave general wherever he might think proper to lead. After General Butler left for Fortress Monroe it was rather rough, too rough to land troops or bring them oft; but it only lasted twenty- four hours, and the troops came oft without much difficulty; in fact, there was no time when communication stopped altogether. Had General Butler commenced landing meu (with the determination to stay) at 8 oclock in the morning they would all have been ashore by sunset. We landed General Terrys 8,500 men in five and one-half hours, and had time to give the fort a good battering before dark. General Butler says he gave orders to the transports to sail for Fortress Monroe as soon as the troops were ou board, in obedience to the orders of the lieutenant-general. General Grant never contemplated the withdrawal of the troops; he seut them there to stay, and having once effected a landing he knew that the most difficult part was done. The army was in possession of that narrow neck of land, and covered by the guns of the fleet, the capture of Fort Fisher was, a mere matter of time. (In a heavy gale blowing yesterday aiid to-day the vessels outside did not desert their posts.) General Butler states that the garrison of Flag Pond battery belonged to Kirklands Brigade. lIe is in error there; they were a part of the Junior North Carolina Reserves. He also states that he captured 2 heavy rifled guns, 2 light guns, some caissons, etc. No such captures were ever made, and the captured forts about which so much has been written were rough earthworks thrown up for the purpose of firing at blockaders when they chased close inshore; they made no resistance after a few shots were fired by the gunboats. I have nothing to say iii relation to General Weitzels report beyond thishe has made mistakes iii his statements. lie admits that he requested me to wait a few days until we could cooperate more favora- bly, on which I suppose General Butler grounds his belief that the navy detained him. I did wait, and Live waited ever since, until the right man and a good time offered to take the forts. They were taken, as I said they could be, and that is the strongest argument in favor of the navy, on whom it was foolishly attempted to fix this blunder Page 272 272 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. As it has turned out, the first failure had its advantages, an(l the country will derive great comfort therefrom. If General Butler had not descended to a subterfuge to cover his mis- takes, I would willingly have allowed him to go into retirement with the honors he has won, but no man shall retlect unjustly on me or the corps to which I belong without his hearing from me in some way or other. The enclosed pal)ers* may, perhaps, throw some light on the Wil- mington matter. If they prove to be true, the accuse(l merits a severer punishment than the odium cast upon him by the f)ublic. If they are not true, he should have the benefit of the fact. I have sent you (locuments and extracts from log books to show that what I say is correct, and the log books of the whole fleet can be examined if necessary. In conclusion, permit me to say that I dont see what it matters whether General Butlers troops landed one day or another; he decided the fort could not be taken when he did land; he could not expect the rebels to leave a work like that with less than 50() men in it, and he certainly could have tried to assault that number. General Terry had 2,30t) to contend against, and he carried the works without a very serious loss, consider- ing the importance of the position to the country. I enclose you the reportt of the rebel General Whiting, who states plainly that no reinforcements had arrived until Tuesday morning (the 27th), wheii all our troops were embarked. If the evidence already l)resented is doubted, the report of General Whiting can not be~ therefore the excuse for reembarking the troops because the forts had been reinforced by Hokes Division is a l)OO~ one. General Whitimig says: The garrison remained steadily awaiting the renewal of the assault or bombardment until Tuesday morning (the 27th), when they were relieved by the supports of Major-General Lioke and the embarkation of the enemy. This was two days after the attack of the navy and the landing and reeinbarking of the troops. I am, sir, vei-y respectfully, your obedien t servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, making criticisms on the military operations. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship lit lvern, Beaufort, N. 0., January 9,1865. SIR: I understand that there is now an attempt being made to create an impression that I delayed much longer than was necessary, and could Imave attacked on the 18th as well as on the 24th. I doii~ see what that has to do with time question under discussion. We went down to silence the batteries; demoralize the men in the forts so that the army could easily assault the works. It would be a matter of no consequence whether this was done on the 18th or the 25th, as long as we did our share of the work effectively, which I believe no one denies. If the army, after landing on the 25th, would not undertake the assault, These papers are omitted as unnecessary to publish. They have been printed in Report of the. Secretary of the Navy for 1S65, pp. 6970, and in Report on the Con- duct of the War, volume 2, Fort Fisher Expedition, pp. 208, 209. t8eep. 365 Page 273 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 273 they would not have done so on the 18th. The delay, if any, gave them 1,000 men more, a large steamer and another transport nuder General Ames having come in on that day. When General Butler was about to start from Fortress Monroe (having embarked his men in a storm when I told him he could not possibly leave for three days) I requested him to wait a day after I sailed, as my vessels were slow, and 1 would have to fill up the pow(ler vessel; but finding that the monitors were going, he started off for the rendezvous he had established himself, showed himself and some of his transports to the enemy, was fired at by the forts, and revealed our whole design. Now for the log book: On the 16th December wind was S., with a swell rolling in on the beach, so that no boat could Iand~ on daring the day was there a N. W. breeze. , e hour only On the 17th, wind S. W., a heavy sea rolling in on the beach. 18th. Wind E. and N. E., E. N. E., B. by N., blowing right on the beachno boat could land. 19th. Wind fresh, E. S. E. and S. W., with a swell setting on the beach. 20th. For a little while wind W. N. W but shi ing fresh; heavy breakers on beach. fted to E. N. B., blow- 21st. A gale coming on from the southward and eastward, which ended by blowing heavy from southward and westward; heavy breakers on beach. 22d. The wind shifted to westward; all the transports are out of sightgone to make a harbor at Beaufort; at midnight wind off the land, but heavy breakers on the beach and all over the bar, heavy swell from seaward; steamed iii under the land. 23d. Wind N. N. W. and beach comparatively smooth; steamed in and reconnoitered; still too much sea for a boat to land without capsiz- ing; met General Butlers dispatch boat at 5:30 p. in.; sent word to General Butler that the time was so fair that I would blow up the boat at midnight, and attack in the morning; we were 69 miles from Beau- fort. The captain said his boat could make 14 miles per hour~ this would give him five hours to go to Beaufort, which would put him there at 11 oclock p. m. General Butler leaving with the transports at 6 oclock in the morning could have reached the bar at 1 oclock, allowing him to make 9 miles an hour, which all his transports could do. We did not attack until 12, and General Butler only came in with his own vessel amid two or three transports at sunset. He saw the fort silenced defeated, as far as the navy was concerned, and no doubt could be left on his mind, about our ability to do the same the next day; it was the preliminary attack to test the strength of the works. The programme was made, the troops landed, and without the faintest sign of an assault beyond what was done by one or two gallant soldiers, the army commanders conclude that the work was substantially unin- jured as a defensive work. The letter of Lieutenant-Commander Tem- l)le and the testimony of deserters prove that the works would have been ours had the troops been allowed to assault as they desired. What matters it, then, whether we attacked on the 18th or 24th l The result ould have been the same. General Butler left Fortress Monroe with his troops in transports that could not lie at aimchor in rough weather that was ridden out by our monitors, tugs, and small side-wheel boats, the powder boat Loui8iana hanging to the stern of another vessel. General Butler havimmg left the ground with his vessels, where my lightest vessels held on, was not on the ground to take advantage of the first days good weather, though N W RYOL 11 1 Page 274 274 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. that had nothing to do with the matter, as he did not do anything when the landing did take place; so what matters it when it was donel General Butler, with all his soldier-like qualities, could scarcely be considered as good a judge of weather and the proper time of landing as myself, and as a sensible person would not venture to put his opinion in opposition to mine, even backed by some old sailor on his flagship. I do not ascribe to him, therefore, the excuse made for not taking Fort) Fisher when we had opened the gate for him. I attribute the report that we had wasted time to some of the junior members of the staff who are not as good seamen as the general. At all events, if we lost any time in the beginning, we made up for it when we went to work; but, allowing that we lost time, that the beach was as smooth as paper, it dont account for not taking Fort Fisher, when the works were battered and burned to that degree that there appeared no life within the walls. The military part of the expedition was got up in a most unmilitary manner the troops were placed in inferior transports, that could not condense water and had a short allowance only on hand; the troops had four days cooked rations (which were eaten up while lying in the storm at Hampton Roads), and ten days other rations; there were no intrench- ing tools of any kind; no siege guns; the whole proceeding indicated that the general depended on the navy silencing the works and he walk- ing in and taking possession. No allowance was made for contingen- cies, for bad weather, or for delays after getting on shore; the powder boat, when it exploded, was to have done the whole thing; the walls of a strong sand fort were to have been blown down and the rebels all be discomfited. I thought a good deal would be done by the explosion, but still I laid in a double allowance of shell and shot, and (lid not depend on a doubt- ful experiment. Starting as that expedition did was not the way to make war, and landing troops who were full of enthusiasm and then embarking them again when they were eager to seize the trophy laid at their feet was not the way to improve the morale of an army. No matter what might have been the delay on my part (and there was none), the general failed to take advantage of the opportunity I gave him to take the fort when a large portion of the troops were landed and stood within 150 feet of the works unmolested, some few of them going on the parapet. No musketry or grapeshot were fired at him during the day; a few muskets, about twenty, were fired after nightfall by the alarmed rebels, and one or two guns, but the fronsides opened her broad- side and the firing ceased immediately. Ten of the pickets were left by forgetfulness near the forts after nightfall, and they saw quite a num- ber of mnemi leave the works and embark in boats, which was the garrison leaving to prevent capture. Until late in the day on the 26th the forts laid at our mercy, and if the men had not been brought off the rebels would have surrendered when they marched up and the navy opened fire. All the reasoning in the world will not make this afthir appear in a better light. I have no doubt that had the army been obli~ed to assault the works alone, without the fire of the navy, they would have been well handled, but as matters stood we have every proof that the fort was ours. It is useless, then, to excuse a military blunder by trying to make out that the navy was behind time. The ships laid two months at Hampton Roads waitiiig for the army to move, and we were satisfied with the reasons that General Grant gave for not sending troops. There was no necessity after all that delay for rushing into the matter unprepared and when time weather was unfa- vorable; a more flimsy excuse could not be invented Page 275 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 275 In making these statements I do not do so for the purpose of making any excuse whatever for the naval part of the expedition. I consider that a settled thing in the estimation of the whole country, but I have so often during this war seen attempts made to cast odium ou the navy that, iii self-defense, I put myself ou record, wishing this used only if found necessary to correct false statements. I am quite sure the Lieutenant-General feels as I do he says in acorn- manication to me: Dear Admiral: Hold on where you are for a few days an(L I will endeavor to be back again with an increased force amid without the former commander. The remark is not very suggestive of confidence in the late manage- ment of affairs. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, & cretary of the ~ravy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commodore Radford, U. S. Navy, commanding ironclad division. U. S. S. NEW IRONSIDES (Anchored at sea, Beaufort bearing N. N. W., distant about 5 miles), December 31, 18G4. SIR: I have the houor to report that, in obedience to your orders, I took position under the guns of Fort Fisher, from 1,300 to 1,500 yards distant, or as near as the depth of water would permit, the monitors Canonicus, Monadnocic. and Mahopac following the New Ironsides in. As soon as I anchored 1 opened my starboard battery and continued a well- directed fire for five hours. INight coining on, I hauled off in obedience to orders. On the morning of the 25th the ironclad division again led in under the guns of Fort Fisher and took the position we occupied the day previous. The Saugus having arrived the night previous, took her station, and this division, in connection with the others, drove the men from the guns in the fort, they only firing one or two guns, and those at long intervals. All the monitors were handled and fought well. Lieu- tenant-Commander Belknap took the inshore berth, and is reported to have dismounted one or more guns in tLme fort. Judging from the immense number of shells which struck the fort, it must have been considerably injured. Several guns were reported to have been dismounted; two explosions took place and three fires. The face of the fort was very much plowed up by the shells from the fleet. If the fort was uninjured (as a defensive work), no artillery known to modern warfare can do it. My impression is that any considerable nuin- ber of troops could have stormed and taken the fort immediately after the second days bombardment with but little loss. All the officers amid mcmi belonging to the New Ironsides served their guns and country well, and I am greatly indebted to Lieutenant-Commander Phythian, the executive officer, for his energy and ability in getting the crew and ship in such good fighting order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. IRADFORD, Gommodore, Commanding Ironclad Division. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Flagship Malvern Page 276 276 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Parrott, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nonadnock, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. IRONCLAD MONADNOCK, Beaufort, N. C., January 2, 1865. ADMIRAL: In obedience to your General Order No. 75, I have the honor to make he following report of the participation of this vessel in the attacks on Fort Fisher on the 24th and 25th December: We engaged at 1,100 or 1,200 yards distance; the first day underway, the second at anchor. The lire of the fort was very soon controlled by that of our ships, and (luring both attacks was quite feeble, especially so oii the second day. I notice(l long intervals of silence on the part of the rebels. Most of their gnus were abandoned, and the few tired from time to time only loaded after rel)eated efforts. Their men were often driven away as ~nany as five times before completing the loading. The projectiles from our vessels rained npon the fort, and did think, whatever damage shot and shell are capable of doing to sand fortifications. There could have been, in my opinion, no troops in or near Fort Fisher not protected by casemates, bombproofs, or other close shelter, which were kept un mediately available when a few men ventured out to load a gun. I think their number, compared with that of our land forces, must necessarily h~uve been small, and that our fire would have pre- vented them from showing themselves or manning their works before our troops were up with them and consequently, with great deference to the opinions of others, mine is that an assault would have been successful. The fleet had for sonic time slackened its fire, under the impression that this state of readiness for an assault had been produced. The officers and men of the ilfonadnock have, during these engage- ments and the severe weather before and after them, done their duty gallantly and well. Our fire was, I think, accurate and effective. It is right that I should individually mention Lieutenant-Commander J. N .Miller, who, besides his coolness and skill in managing the guns, has been of great service in aiding mae to get into efficient condition a vessel necessarily very much hurried in her recent outfit; also Assistant Paymaster John S. Woolson, who acted as signal officer and aid, and by his zeal and coolness and reliable judgment was of great assistance to me. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, E. (4. PARROTT, Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTEu, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Report of Commander Coihoun, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Saugus. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER SAUGUS, Beaufort, N. C., December 31, 1864. SIR: On the 25th instant, at 11:45 a. in., I anchored the Saugus in 3 fathoms water, within 800 yards of Fort Fisher, and opened fire. There was so little wind that the smoke prevented our seeing the effect of most of our shell. Still t had the satisfaction of seeing one gull dis- nuounted by our fire, and also one by that of the Canonicus. My atten- tion was so much engaged with watching our owui firing on the norther Page 277 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 277 portion of the fort, and for the advance of the army, in order to fire with rapidity just before the assault, that I did not observe closely the effect of the firing from the other vessels. From the great number of shells which exploded in the fort, the damage must have been very great. I saw that the enemy fired very little, and that only from three guns iii Fort Fisher. I believe the fort could have been taken by assault with but little loss to the army. At 5:44) p. in. we ceased firing. We expended 433 shells and I shrapnel; total, 64. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDMD. Ii. COEHOUN, Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic /Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Belknap, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Canonicus. U. S. S. CANONICUS, Beaufort, N. C., December 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report respecting the part taken by this vessel in the artions of the 24th and 25th instant at New Inlet, near Wilmington N. C.: At 11:15 a. in., December 24, in obedience to general signal from the flagship, I got underway, and taking position in line of battle immedi- ately astern of the New Ironsides, steamed slowly in for Fort Fisher, and at 12: 44?) p. m. opened fire npon that work. Keeping underway, I engaged the enemy during the afternoon at a distance varying from 900 to 1,200 yards. The enemy paid little attention to the ironclads, directing their prin- cipal fire at the wooden ships, and in course of an hour and a half, so far as I could observe, were entirely silent. At 5:35 p. m. withdrew from action by signal from the New Ironsides, and anchored near that ship in 8 fathoms water, having expended 85 XV inch shells and 1 shrapnel. At 9 oclock the following morning, general signal having been made to get underway and prepare for battle, weighed anchor and steamed in toward the rebel batteries as on the preceding day, and at 10:45 a. in. began to engage the enemy. In the course of three-quarters of an hour we had the satisfaction of dismounting two guns on the eastern parapet of the fort, due to the excellent gunnery of the executive officer, Lieutenant R. S. McCook. Ab ut 12 oclock (noon), the other monitor having closed up near our position, came to anchor at a distance of 800 yards from the fort. At 2:40 p. m. our ammunition had become exhausted, w lien I reluc- tantly withdrew to the rear, having fired 49 shells and 9 shrapnel. Probably no work was ever subjected to so heavy a fire before, and certainly the enemy could not and did not stand at their guns after the fleet had fairly become engaged. From the explosion and large fires which occurred inside the rebel works, there could have been no place of refuge for the garrison except in the bombproofs, and I am firmly of the opinion that at any time after 3 oclock p. m on each day of attack, the fort might have been occupied and held by our land forces with ~~ery slight loss. Their failure to do so was doubtless more of a surprise to the enemy than to the fleet Page 278 278 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. We received in all four hits; one on the side armor an(l three on the smokestack, neither of which did any material (lamage. I am happy to report no casualties on board. The guns and turret worked beautifully, and the officers and crew displayed the greatest enthusiasm throughout both engagements. While all did their duty well, I can not forbear special mention of the executive officer, Lieutenant R. S. McCook, who has been uutiring in his effort8 to make the ship efficient in every respect; the accuracy and compara tive rapidity of our fire attest the proficiency of the guns crews under his drill and training. My thanks are also due to Chief Engineer D. B. Macomb, who has taken great pains to keep the engines and turret machinery in perfect condition. Assistant Paymaster It. P. Lisle rendered good service as signal officer. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. E. BELKNAP, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding 7V~rth Atlantic Squadron, Flagship ]Ifalvern. Report of Lieutenant.Commander Potter, U. 5. Navy, commanding U. S. 5. Mahopac, regarding action of the 24th of December. U. S. S. MAHOPAC, Off New Inlet, December 24, 1864. SIR: I have to report that this vessel got underway in obedience to your signal at 7:15 a. in., and proceeded to join the ironclad division. Just after golng ahead to our position in line of battle the steeiing gear gave way, two castings in turret chamber breaking. I immediately made signal, Wheel disabled, and the Alabama was directed to take us in tow. She did so. I got the wheel up in turret chamber and endeavored to steer by it, but could not. Upon examination (by taking oft~ a plate, dangerous under the circumstances, in a seaway) found the wire wheel rope had slipped off the arc. Got up the sea wheel and got into position. As our helm was jammed hard astarboard the Alabama could not do much with us. She got the hawser under our starboard anchor, and I was compelled to cut it. We took it again, and then it parted. By that time I had the sea wheel fitted, and went ahead with our own steam. Anchored in obedience to General Order No. 70, and opened fire at 1:30 p. m. Fired 41 shells39 10-second and 2 7-second fuzes; estimated distance of Fort Fisher 1,850 yards. Received one shot over engine room, breaking one plate and starting another; break- ing deck through, and carrying away our starboard rudder chain. It does seem as if our steering gear was fated to be disabled. I commend to you John Giftord (quartermaster) and Frederick Miller (coxswain) for steering a monitor into action outside of turret pilot house. Our sea steering apparatus, which we used, is so fitted that we can not steer and use the guns at the same time. I have also to report that the compass which was suspended in the wardroom was broken by the concussion of firing, and all the alcohol ran out. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD E. POTTER, Lieutenant.Commander, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 279 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 279 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Potter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. lYtahopac, regarding action of December 25. U. S. S. MAHOPAC, Beaufort, N. 0., January 1, 1565. Siu: In obedience to General Order No. 75, I have to make the following report: On the 25th ultimo, at 9 a. in., 1 moved this vessel into line of battle in obedience to signal from the New Ironsides, and anchored 1,100 yards from Fort Fisher and 30() yards from the beach. Commenced action at 11:20 a. m. I found after the fleet got to work but two guns firing at us, one Whitworth, small size, and one Brooke, 120 pounder, as near as I could judge. During the ix in. saw a line of skirmishers advance toward the fort entirely unmolested. No other body of troops advanced nearer to the fort than an earthwork that I judged to be full 14 miles from the main work. I remained at anchor until dark. My impression of the action is, that if the skirmishers had been properly supported arid the assault made, Fort Fisher would have been captured. 1 would recommend to your notice Acting Assistant Paymaster Pool, who took soundings and assisted me with signals, the only officer except myself outside of the protection of the vessel. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWD. B. POTTER, Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Nyack, Lieutenant-Commander L. H. Newman, commanding. December 24, 1864.At 12:15 p. in. crossed Beaufort Bar, discharged pilot, and stood down shore to the westward. December 25.At 6:30 a. m. made the entrance off Wilmington Bar. At 8 a. in. arrived abreast of the flagship Malvern, and captain went on board. At 9:30 got underway and stood in for the batteries. At 10:30 ironclads opened fire on Fort Fisher and the shore batteries. At 11:20 went to quarters and took up position near the New Ironsides, and opened fire on enemys works. At 11 :30 action became general, with but occasional response from the enemy. From meridian to 4p. in.: Still continued fire on the enemys works. At 2 p. in. the flagship made signal, and in obedience, continued to fire slowly with one gun. Enemy firing with more rapidity, and shot and shell falling near the ship. At 3:15 fired more deliberately. At 3:30 ceased firing. Ironclad Canonicus withdrew from fire, passing near the ship. At this time the enemy were firing with more rapidity and accuracy. During the watch the troops landed under cover of the fleet and advanced in line of battle toward the enemys works. At 4:15 a fire broke out in the enemys main works. At this time firing from the fleet became general and very rapid. At 5:30, in obedience to admirals orders, ran in and came to anchor near the beach in 5 fathoms water. At 6:10 a boat from the Seneca came alongside and reported that she had been on shore and that the army skirmishers had advanced and occupied a portion of the enemys works, capturing 218 prisoners, who were on their way to reinforce the fort. From 8 to 12, midnight: At anchor near the beach, covering the land forces. Constant and heavy firing during the watch Page 280 280 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Unadilla. U. S. S. UNADILLA, Beaufort, N. C., December 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to signal on the 24th and 25th instant, this vessel, in company with the fleet, eiigaged the enemys batteries at New Inlet, North Carolina. For casualties I respectfully refer you to the surgeons report, for- warded on the ~7th instant. The vessel was not injured. Having expen(led all the ammunition on the 25th instant, in obedi- ence to orders all the boats of this vessel were sent to assist in landing the troops. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK M. RAMSAY, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Unadilla, trans- mitting surgeons report. U. S. S. UNADILLA Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith the surgeons report of casualties on board this vessel in the engagements of the 24th and 25th instant. Acting Ensign Field was wounded by a piece of shell from the U. S. S. Ticonderoga. Very respectfully, your obedient servant. FRANK M. RAMSAY, Lieutenant- Commander, Co ~nmanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Co manding North Atlantic Squadron. [Enclosure. I U. S. S. UNADILLA Off Fort Fisher, N. C., Dcccmber 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that in the engagement of the 24th instant Acting Ensign William Field was struck in the right lumbar region by a piece of shell, which caused a slight contused wound. Respectfully, etc., DANIEL C. BURLEIGH, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander FRANCIS M. RAMSAY, Commanding U. S. S. Unadilla. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Ramsay, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Unadilla, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. UNADILLA, Beau fort. N. C., December 31, 1864. 81R: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of General Order No. 75 Page 281 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 281 In the engagements of the 24th and 25th instant, with Fort Fisher, this vessel fired 122 XI-inch shells, 6 XJ-inch shrapnel, 100 20-pounder shells, 25 20-pounder shrapnel, and 4 20-pounder shot. The firing from the vessels engaged was the most accurate that I have ever seen, and was so heavy that on the 25th the rebels did not approach the seventeen guns protecte(l by traverses, spokeim of by General Butler. The response from the fort was very feeble, and particularly so on the 25th. The only gun T saw tired on that day on the northeastern face of the fort, the side on which the seventeen gulls were, was a casemate gun, which did not bear up the beach, and it was fired vei-y irregularly. In my opinion, had the troops beeim landed early on the morning of the 25th, and any attempt been made by them to take the fort, it would have been ours before sunset. At 1 p. m. the condition of the fort was such, as well as I could judge, that it was only necessary for troops to march in and take possession. After the ammunition of this vessel, for the heavy guns, had been expended, all the boats were sent to assist in landing the troops. At 5 p. m. the boats returned and the officers in charge of them reported to me that they had been told by a general to return, as he did miot wish to land more troops that evening. The last load of troops taken on shore by the launch was or(lered back to the transport. 1 would respectfully call your attention to that part of General But- lers communication to you in which he speaks of having captured Flag Pond Hill battery. Flag Pond Hill battery was captured by a boats crew from the gun- boat next ahead of this vessel. The troops were not near the battery at the time it surrendered, and had nothing whatever to do with its capture. This vessel was close to the battery and the whole affair was wit- miessed by the officers and crew, who gave three cheers as the boats crew took possession, and raised the United States flag. I beg leave to call your attention to the enclosed statements in regard to it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK M. RAMSAY, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Rear-Admiral P. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. UNADILLA, Beaufort, N. C., December 31, 1864. SIR: in obedience to your order, I respectfully submit the following report in regard to the capture of Flag Pond battery: Between the hours ot 2 and 3 p. in., December 25, 1864, while the troops were landing and forming a line of battle, lb saw a white flag flying on the battery, amid at the same time a boat from one of our navy steamers pulling toward the beach. The boat landed abreast of the battery; immediately an officer with a part of the boats crew, with a Union flag, advanced rapidly to the battery and planted the flag on its ramparts, for which the officers and crew of this ship gave three cheers. Shortly after I saw our men with some of the prisoners march- ing from the battery to the boat, embark, and pull to one of our nav Page 282 282 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. steamers. During the march to the boat and the embarkation the army skirmishers came up to the battery. Respectfully submitted. CHAS. WIEDENBEIN, Acting Ensign. Lieutenant-Commander F. M. IRANsAY, Commanding U. S. S. Unadilla. U. S. S. UNADILLA, Beaufort Harbor, N. C., December 31, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your request, I submit the following statement of the surrender and occupation of the small work known as Flag Pond battery, on the beach, to the northward of Fort Fisher, on the afternoomi of the 25th instant: Flag Pond battery was occupied, and the American flag placed on it by a boats crew from one of the naval vessels, and the garrison marched out as prisoners before the skirmishers in advance of General Butlers army reached it. Very respectfully, JOHN CULLATON, Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Unadilla. Lieutenant-Commander F. M. RAMSAY, Commanding U. S. S. Unadilla. U. S. S. UNADILLA, Beaufort, N. C., December 31, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your request, I respectfully submit the follow- ing statement in reference to the capture of the Flag Pond Hill battery, so-called: Our ship having been withdrawn from the bombardment of Fort Fisher, was ,with several other gunboats, engaged in covering the laud- ing and advance of the troops on shore. While our howitzer division were at their guns and throwing shells across the beach I observed a movement in the battery referred to (which had hitherto showui no signs of being occupied) aud immediately after a flag was raised above the battery, which was decided by our officers to be a white flag and a signal of surrender. At that time a comparatively small number of uur troops had reached the shore, and the advance guard had not left the vicinity of the landing. Some ten minutes after the raising of the flag oh the battery a boat left the gunboat next ahead of us and pulled for the shore and, on arriving there, the officer in charge seized the boats ensign, ran up the beach, and waving the flag several times, planted it upon the top of the battery. Our ships company then gave three cheers, immediately followed by three more. At that time none of the troops were within 100 yards of the battery, although a small num- ber had been moving in that direction while the boat was l)ulling to the shore. As soon as the cheering was over the men who had occnpied the battery were seen coming from the same and toward the boat. About this time the foremost of our troops came up and the assemblage became mixed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, BENJAMIN F. BEE, Acting First Assistant Engineer, U. S. Navy. F. NI. IRAMSAY, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding Page 283 283 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Braine, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pequot. U. S. S. PEQUOT, 0fl2 New Inlet, North Carolina, December 27, 18G4. SIR: I have the honor to report that on December 24, 1864,1 assumed the station assigned me with this vessel in line of battle with the iron- dads of your fleet and stood in toward Fort Fisher, niouth of Cape Fear River, North Carolina. At 1:10 p. in., when distant about 2,000 yards, I opened fire. After firing deliberately at from 1,700 to 2,000 yards for four hours with 150- pounder rifle, at 5: 10 p. in., in obedience to signal, I retired with the fleet. On December 25, 1864, at 9: 40 a. in., I again went in with the iron- dads to the attack, and at 11 : 20 a. in., when at a distance of 1,700 yards, opened fire and continued it for six hours at distances from 1,400 to 1,800 yards. When night came on 1 received orders to anchor near the shore to protect our troops. I anchored in 4j fathoms water, close to the beach, distant about 1~ miles from Fort Fisher, and remained there. On the morning of the 26th instant I shelled the woods to the north. ward and near Fort Fisher to protect our troops. This morning I was much surprised to learn the troops were embark- ing and the expedition had been withdrawn, for I am satisfied had the army cooperating done as much as the navy, or eveii attempted it, Fort Fisher would now be in our possession. I add a report of expenditure of ammunition. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, .D. L. BRAINE, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading $quadron. 150-pounder rifle: 16-pound charges 115 Percussion shell 97 Time shell 14 Shrapnel 4 30-ponuder rifle: 31-pound charges 117 Percussion shell 75 Shrapnel 30 Solid shot 12 32-pounder: 4j-pound charges 184 5-second shell 5 10-second shell 120 15-second shell 40 Solid shot. 16 24-pounder howitzer: Charges fixed ammunition - 26 12-pounder rifle howitzer: 1-pound charges 6 Percussion shell. 6 Charges fixed ammunition 11 D. L. BRAINE, Lieutenant- Commander Page 284 284 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Additional report of Lieutenant-Commander Braine, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pequot, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. PEQUOT, Beaufort, N. 0., January 1, 1865. SIR: I have already reported, under date of December 27, 1864, the part the U. S. S. Pequot took in the attack on Fort Fisher on the 24th and 25th 1)eceuiber. I beg leave to add farther: On the evening of December 25 1 looked upon Fort Fisher as being very badly damaged and shaken beyond the enemys power to repair for many months. The northerly face, upon which our fire, with the other gunboats and iron- dads, was directed, was torn badly and a number of guns dismounted and burst. I believe all the storehouses and quarters were burned. The enemy returned our heavy fire very weakly and slowly. As evidence of their having retired to secure places or being much disabled, our skirmishers advanced up nearly to the works without, as I could see, any sign of an atteml)t to resist them by musketry or otherwise. The enemy were evidently held to their retreats and dismayed by the intensity arid accuracy of the naval firing, and a gallant dash of 2,00 Qof our soldiers would have won a victory laid fairly at the feet of the army by the naval fleet under your command. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. L. BRAINE, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic 8~quadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kansas. U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAS, Beaufort, N. C., December 31, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part this vessel took in the actions of the 24th and 25th instant against Fort Fisher: Our position was along the beach to the northward of Fort Fisher, and distant from the fort from 1,900 to 2,300 yards. This vessel was not struck, nor any accident incurred other than the fracture of the 100- pounder, careful and repeated impressions of the vent showing this fact. The fleet once in positioim, the fire from the fort was almosr entirely suppressed even with the most deliberate and limited fire from the fleet. It was evident to all that the rapid firing from three or four of the frigates, permitted for a few mm utes on the afternoon of second day, did make it impossible for the garrison to offer the least resistance to the approach of an assaulting column. I witnessed the advance of the skirmishers line of the land forces in the afternoon of the second day, and estimated that they were within 500 yards of the fort, and umimo- lested at that point. I have no doubt but that the army could have gained a footing on the parapet at that time Two or three explosions occurred inside of Fort Fisher and heavy fires, probably the quarters. I think three or four guns were (lismounted on the northern parapet, and from the fire of the ironclads am certain a number must have been disabled. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, PEND. G. WATMOUGH, Lieutenant. Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 285 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 285 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Watmough, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kansa~, of ammunition expended. U. S. GUNBOAT KANSAS, Beaufort, N. 0., December 31, 1864. SIR: I submit the following report of animanition expended on the 24th and 25th instant ill the attack on Fort Fisher: 100-pounder rifle: Percussion shell. 70 Shrapnel shell 51 5-second shell 21 10-second shell - - 13 Solid shot 1 20-pounder: Percussion shell 35 Solid shot 45 30-pounder: Percussion shell 32 Shrapnel shell 15 5-second shell... 16 10-second shell 8 15-second shell 10 20-second shell 7 Solid shot iS IX-inch Dahigren: 10-second shell - - 68 15-second shell 32 Empty shell 33 12-pounder howitzer: Percussion shell 85 Solid shot 20 Very respectfully, your obedient servant, P. 0-. WATMOUGII, Lieutenant- Commander. Lieutenant-Commander HENRY A. ADAMS, - Ordnance Officer, North Atlantic squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Temple, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Pontoosuc. U. S. S. PONTOOSUC, Ofl~ New Inlet,December 28, 1864. SIR: I have to submit the following report of the operations of this vessel in the attack upon the rebel works at the mouth of Cape Fear River, from December 24 to 27, inclusive. At 11 a. ni. of the 24th, after some previous maneuvering, we got under way in company with the fleet and stood in (with everything ready for action) in the wake of the four irouclads, until Fort Fisher bore S.W. by S., when we opened fire at 1: 06 p. m. with the 100-pounder Parrott rifles, at long range, and gra(lually closed in toward the posi- tion occupied by the sterumost monitor, from whence the IX-inch guns became effective, at a range of about 1,500 yards. At 1: 16 the enemy fired their first gun, the Ironsides having commenced the action at 12: 50, which soon became general along the whole line, as the various ships came into I)osition. After haviiig carefully ascertained our range, the guns of this vessel were kept constantly and rapidly playing upon the enemys works until the fleet hauled off; at about 5: 30 p. ni. Our firing, so far as it could be distinguished from that of other vessels, seemed to be accui-ate and effective; particular embrasures being selected for targets, and shells bein seen to strike and explode at th Page 286 286 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. points indicated. We fired during the action 120 shells from the IX-inch guns and 92 from the 100-pounder rifles. At 2:35 this vessel was struck just abaft the starboard l)addle box by an elongated (prob- ably percussion) shell from a 6k-inch rifled gun, which projectile passed through the side of the ship, wounding a hanging knee and barely clearing the main condenser of the engine; through the iron bulkhead of the engine room and the starboard steerage and mess lockers; through the berth deck, cutting a beam entirely in two, and into the paymasters store room, where it exploded, close to the bulkhead of the shell room, on striking the skin of the ship, and set the vessel on fire. The fire was soon extinguished, however; not much damage was done, and nobody was hurt. Several other shot struck ii ear enough to splash the water on deck, and others passed over us; but mione other hit the vessel. The lower plates of both elevating screws (new pattern) to the I OO-pounders were torn loose from the rear transom by the breaking of their bolts in the first four discharges, but they were lashed securely in place, and performed very well during the rest of the action. The gig, launch, and both cutters were badly shattered by the concussion of the IX-inch guns, fired beneath them, although they were 6 feet above the muzzles. Many of the lOO-pounder projectiles wabbled and some of them tumbled; but a more liberal use of slush upon them seemed to correct this in a great measure. We were employed during all that night and until 10 a. m. the next day in filling amid fuzing additional shells, having nearly expended all that had been prepared. At 9:30 a. in. of the 25th we got underway with the fleet and pro- ceeded, in company with the losco an(I several other gunboats, off the bar, where we opened a deliberate fire at 12: 55 from the 100-pounder rifles at long range, and continued the practice until 2:30 p. in., when we were ordered to haul off and send the boats in to remove torpedoes from the channel. We expended 46 rifle shells during this days engagement, many of which were plainly distinguished to fall within the enemys works; and meantime the batteries on shore made some good practice at us, dropping their shot quite near, but not hitting the ves- sel. The boats returned at 4 p. in., and the gunboats steamed up the coast to where the troops had, in the meanwhile, been disembarked and anchored for the night. At 9 p. in. we were ordered to send all boats to the beach to assist in reembarking the trool)s; but on starting they were found to leak so badly as to be unserviceable, and returned. We were employed all the next day, the 26th, in repairing the boats, and just after sunset were sent in to within about 600 yards of the beach (on the right of our troops, who, owing to the surf, had not succeeded in getting on board their vessels) for the purpose of supply- ing them with provisions, protecting them from the enemy, and boating them off to their transports. On anchoring, we received two messages from the army authorities, stating that the enemy were massing large forces on the right and front of our troops, and that a momentary attack was expected. As we had taken up our position after dark amid had therefore been unable to get the bearing and distance of our own troops, we remained at the gnus all night without firing, waiting for the attack to commence, that we might know where to aim; but no attack was made and no sign of an eiiemy seen from this vessel. At daylight of the 27th our three boats were dispatched to the beach with provisions, and with the means prepared for sending them through the surf to the troops on shore, but the provisions were declined and returned, and the boats remained until noon, taking the troops off t Page 287 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 287 their vessels. At 1 p. in., when the last man had been reembarked and the last transport was nnderway and standing out, we also got nnderway and anchored with the fleet in the offing, without having seen a single rebel soldier, although another message had been received at 10:30 a. m. that the enemy was massing for an attack. The officers and men of this vessel behaved admirably throughout the whole four days, and performed their dnties at the guns and else- where with most commendable coolness and precision, more particularly in view of the short time (only ten days) that they had been on board and under drill, but where all behaved so well it would be invidious to particularize any one. Respectfully, WM. G. TEMPLE, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, transmitting memorandum of information obtained from a deserter. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADR& N, U. S. Flagship Malvern, Beaufort, N. C., January 7, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to enclose you a letter received from Lieuten- ant-Commander Temple, containing interesting matter relating to Fort Fisher. It is important as a matter of history, and tells the whole story. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Bear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. PoNToosuC, Off New inlet, January 2, 1865. SIR: It may be of assistance to you to receive (together with the six rebel deserters mentioned in my letter of this date) the following memorandum of information elicited from one of their numberCor- poral Thomas Lawley, of marines. He says he was stationed, both during and since the bombardment, in naval battery Buchanan, commanded by Lieutenant Chapman and situated near the Mound; that there were between 500 and 600 men in the forts on the two days of the attack, and no trool)s in Wihnington or its vicinity to reinforce them; that the fire from the fleet was so fierce as to drive the rebels from their guns and into the bombproofs, throughout the greater portion of their works, soon after the com- mencement of the action; that two of their Brooke guns burst, killing and wounding some 25 men; that we dismounted 8 of their guns, besides wounding several other of their carriages, killing 13 men and wounding about 30; that General Whiting supposed the boats which were sent in to the bar on the 25th to be a storming party. of seamen, to which he would have been obliged to surrender; that the subsequent rapid bombardment, at sunset of the same day, was so ter- rific that when our troops appeared in front of the fort immediatel Page 288 288 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. afterwards, the gairisoui only awaited their assault to surrender with - out resistance; that they could not imagine why the attack had been abandoned; that matters remained in the same condition ou the inoruu- ing of the 26th and throughout that day; that we could easily have possessed ourselves of the forts until late in the afternoon, when General Bragg arrived at Wilmington with 6, 00 memi from Lees army at J~ichmond; that, finding our troops reernbarking, Bragg decided not to molest us, arid sent the 6,000 men on to Charleston to reinforce Gen- eral ilardee; that General Whiting retains only his original garrison, with whom he is busily engaged in repairing damages and getting dowur four other guns (being all that he can get hold of) from Wilmington, to replace those that were disabled; that the works are stronger against an assault on the land side than on the sea front; that there are no obstructions in the channel other thami some dozen or fifteen torpedoes, a portion of which were put down a week ago. He further states that William F. Lynch is acting as admiral of the station and lives at Smrthvdle; that Robert F. Pinkney is acting as commodore of the sta- tion afloat, having only a small tug, without any considerable arma- ment, under his coin mand; that the ironclad ram, formerly in the river, got aground and burst open and was dismantled of her engines and her armor, and that the Tallahassee put to sea on the night of the 22d or 23d of December, with from 600 to 800 bales of cotton on board, by way of the Western Bar with a view to bringing back a cargo of hard coal sufficient to enable not only herself but the Chickanmauga also to put to sea on another privateering expedition. He assigns as a reason for his desertion a long-continued and growing discontent with his offi cers, his treatment and fare, and the cause for which he has been fighting. Respectfully, WM. G. TEMPLE, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Seifridge, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Huron. U. S. S. HURON, Off Fort Fisher, December 28, [1864]. SIu: I have the honor to report that at 6:30 a. m. December 24, in obedience to signal, forme(l line of battle with the ironclads and stood in for Fort Fisher. At 3 p. m. opened fire from the XJ-inch and 30-pounder Parrott, and continued till sundown, when all my I uzes suitable for the range being expended, I hauled out. At 9 a. m. Sunday, l)ecemnber 25, took position in line amid stood in for Fort Fisher. Took position close to time monitors and opened fire at 1,400 yards distammee. Directed fire principally at northeast bastion of the fort. Hauled off at 2 p. in., haviuug expended all our ammunition. From my proximity to the fort I could see that it was much damaged by our fire; several of the guns dismounted. I have no casualties to report. - Very respectfully, your obedient servant, rfllos. 0. SELFRIDGE, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral I)A~in D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 289 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 289 Abstract log of the U. S. S. Huron. December 23, 1864.Lieutenant-Commander Thomas 0. Selfridge in command. At 1:30 p. m. the flagship signaled the Hftrofl. At 4:55 got underway and took position close to the Ironsides. December 24.At 1:45 a. m. a great explosion. At 6 :30 got under- way and took position in line. At 7:20 fleet steaming toward the shore. At 11, in obedience to signal, got underway and stood toward Fort Fisher. At 5 p. m. we hauled oW being out of fuzes for XT-inch. Fired 56 rounds from XI-inch and 62 rounds from 30-pounder Parrott. From No. 1 howitzer, 2 rounds, and from No. 2 howitzer, 2 rounds. At 10 p. m. the captain came on board with 50 15-second fuzes from the flag- ship. December 25.At 9 a. m. the flagship made general signal. At 9:15 got underway and took our position. At 10:45 first shot fired by the Ironsides. At 11 we opened on the enemy. At 1 :30 p. m. hauled out of action, having fired 61 rounds from the XI-iuch, 21 rounds from the 30pounder Parrott, 2 rounds from No. I howitzer, and 2 rounds from No. 2 howitzer. At 4 p. m. got out the launch and first and second cutters, in charge of Acting Ensigns Andrew McCleary, Robert Shep- pard, and S. H. Maunder, and commenced landing troops. At 6 the boats commenced to reembark troops. At 11 :35 first and second cutters returned. Sent second cutter away in search of the launch. December 26.At 2 a. in. the launch and second cutter returned; took them on board and secured them; got underway and stood offshore. At 1:45 p. m. the Brooklyn stood toward the fort, fired a few rounds, and retired came to anchor with the fleet. From 6 to 8 p. m. heavy tiring from the fleet to the westward. Rerort of Commander Howell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nereus. U. S. S. NEREUS, Off Wilmington, N. (3., December 25, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to report that this vessel opened fire on Fort Fisher at 10:45 a. in. in 3 fathoms of water and at the distance of (estimated) 1,800 yards. At 12:40 p. m. was ordered to anchor off a small mound. Anchored head and stern in 4~ fathoms, and opened fire on the mound and woods. At 2:15p.m. the men in the lnotln(l waved a white flag. Sent a boat and assisted in transferring the prisoners to the Santiago de Cuba. Sent five boats to transport troops on shore. The third cutter, in charge of Masters Mate Rnshmore, was badly injured by the surf, and while moored astern of an army transport for the night, broke adrift. The last trip made by Mr. Rushmore was at 12 oclock (midnight), and his boat had been three times swamped; he and the men worn out. The launch, Acting Master ilaines, is still absent. We fired from this vessel yesterday 27 60-pounder shells, 69 30- pounder shells, 63 32 pounder shells. The 60-pounder Parrot t, a new gun in the service performed admirably. Not a single J)rojectile turned over. I am happy to report no casualties. Officers and men did their duty. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. I-LOWELL, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. B. PORTER, Commanding North A tiantic Blockading Squadron. N W RYOL 11 1 Page 290 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 290 Additional report of Commander Howell, U. 5. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nerens. U. S. S. NEREUS, Beaufort, N. C., January 3, 1865. ADMIRAL: This vessel having been ordered to support the ironclads during the attack on Fort Fisher on the 25th day of l)eceinber, I stood in to 3 fathoms water and at 11:08 a. in. opened fire. At 12:40 p. in. was ordered to shell the woods. At 1:12 p. in. ordered to assist in landing troops. At 2:15 p. in. Flag Pond battery, at which this vessel and two or three small gunboats had been firing occasionally, surrendered to the navy. There was no gun in the battery; some 65 or 70 prisoners were taken. At 9:45 one of the Nereuss boats returned, the officer stating that he had been employed embarking troops. December 2G.Heavy sea on. But one boat, and that in charge of Acting Master E. L. flames, of this vessel, got off during the day. Engaged shelling woods dnring the day and night. December 27.Boats and men employed in embarking troops; shell- ing woods. At about 12 in. General Curtis and two officers visited this ship. General Curtis desired to express his acknowledgments to Act- ing Master E. L. Haines and Ensign G. M. Smith and the boats crews of the Nereus for courage and perseverance in getting off his command. He informed me that if he had not been ordered back, and had been supported by the troops on shore, he could, in his opinion, have carried Fort Fisher. From all the information I have been able to gain on the subject, I think he was correct in his views. There was no exception to the excellent conduct of officers and men. I am indebted to Lieutenant H. E. Mullan for intelligent services. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. HOWELL, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Beaufort, N~ C. Report of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. 5. Navy, transmitting reports regarding the feeling in the army. NORTH ATLANTIC SQUADRON, U. S. Flagship ]Iiialvern, Off New Inlet, December 28, 1864. SIR: To show the feeling in the army, I enclose statements of some of the officers of the Nereus, in relation to the giving up of the expedi- tion on the part of the land forces. I. am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID B. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. NEREUS, December 27, 1864. SIR: A wounded colonel, whom I brought off from shore in one of my boats, expressed great dissatisfaction at having been ordered oft; saying that he was convinced that if permitted to go in the land forces would have undoubtedly captured the fort. WILLIAM RUSHMORE, Acting jlfasters Mate, U. S. S. Nereus. [Coninimander JOHN C. HOWELL, Commanding U. S. S. Nereus Page 291 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 291 U. S. S. KEREUS, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 27, 1864. SIR: While ashore assisting in embarking the men under the com- mand of Brigadier-General Curtis, U. S. Army, I heard that officer remark that had he beeii properly supported and timely reinforced Fort Fisher would have been in our possession on the night of the L$th instant. The remark and the fact were of universal comment by army officers ashore. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. M. SMITH, Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy. Commander JNO. C. HOWELL, Commanding U. S. S. Nereus. U. S. S. NEREIJS, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 26, 1864. While on shore assisting General Curtis to reeinbark his command General Curtis told me that he could have taken Fort Fisher if he had been supported by the other troops; also I was informed the same by several other officers of his command. General Curtis was near enough to Fort Fisher to capture the rebel flag on it; also a horse. EDWARD L. HAINES, Acting Master, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Nereus. Commander J. C. HOWELL, Commanding U. S. S. Nereus. U. S. S. KEREUS, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 27, 1864. SIR: While ashore on Federal Point, New Inlet, North Carolina, assisting Brigadier-General Curtis, U. S. Army, to reembark his corn- mand, I was informed by him that he was near enough to Fort Fisher to capture a rebel flag and a horse, and that if he had been reinforced when he requested he could have captured Fort Fisher. This statement was also made by other officers of his command. Respectfully, your obedient servant, EDWARD L. HAINES. Acting Master, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Nereus. Commander J. C. HOWELL, Commanding U. S. S. Nereus. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Nereus. December 22, 1864.At 8 a. m. sent to ironclad Sangus and received 11-inch hawser for the purpose of towing. At 11 a. m. called all hands up anchor, got underway, and stood down to Hampton Roads in charge of pilot. At 12:30 p. in. the Saugus made signal to go ahead fast. At 3:30 took departure, Cape Henry light bearing W., distant about 4 miles. December 24.~-At 4:20 p. m. stopped the engine and brought ship to anchor. Captain Howell left the ship and went on board the Saugus. Cleared ship for action Page 292 292 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. December 25.At 6 a. m. called all hands up anchor. At 6:40 got underway and stood in toward the fleet. At 7:25 came to aiichor with 15 fathoms of starboard chain. At 9:30 a. m. got underway and cleared ship for action. At 10 guiiboats to the northward began shelling the woods. At 10:32 the monitors, ironsides, and several small gnnboats opened fire upon Fort Fisher. At 10:45 pivoted spar deck guns to port and at 11:08 opened fire with rifled gnns, firing 10-second shell, elevation 1,800 yards. At 11:46 opened with main-deck battery. At 12:40 passed within hail of the flagship; received orders from the admiral to shell woods to northward. Proceeded to station, anchored, and began shell- ing the woods. At 1: 12 p. m. a tug caine within hail with orders from the admiral to assist iii landing troops. Ceased firing, got underway, stood near transports, and came to. Sent launch, whaleboat, first, sec- ond, and third cutters in charge of Acting Master flames. At 2: 15 a flag of truce was seen over a mound on shore. The Banshee being near- est the beach, sent a boat on shore, when a company of tLe Forty-second North Carolina troops surrendered. Sent gig on shore to offer assist- ance. Prisoners were taken on the Santiago de Cuba. At 3:40 our troops were attacked by the enemy from the woods. Got underway and stood up the beach to cover troops. Came to, head and stern, and commenced shelling the woods. At 4:30 p. m. an explosion took place in Fort Fisher. At 7: 50 was informed that the enemy in large bodies were marching toward the beach. Continued shelling the woods. At 7: 45, the wind freshening, got underway and stood off from beach and came to anchor with port anchor in 5 fathoms water, veered to 15 fathoms chain. Whaleboat, first and second cutters returned to the ship. Expended the following projectiles during to-days fighting: 52 60-pounder shell; 107 30-pounder shell; 93 30-pounder shell. December 26.At 1:10 a. in. heavy musketry firing heard on the beach. At 3:20 monitors opened fire on Fort Fisher. At 8:46 got underway and stood in toward the beach. At 9: 10 came to with port anchor in 5 fathoms. Went to quarters and commenced shelling the woods. Masters Mate Rushmore returned to the ship with third cut- ters crew and reported having lost his boat, it having broken adrift from a transport. Boat was damaged in embarking troops. Kept up a slow fire into the woods. At 1 :45 p. m. Acting Master Ilaines returned and reported launch having been lost while reembarking troops. At 3 p. m. Acting Master flames and Acting Ensign Smith volunteered to General Curtis with 4 seamen to reembark his command and left the ship for that purpose. At 5: 15 p. m. the Rhode Island passed within hail with orders from the admiral to keep up the fire into the woods. At 5:40 renewed the fire. From 6 to 8 p. in.: Keeping up the fire directed into the woods, firing at short intervals. From 8 to midnight: Crew at quarters and firing at short intervals into the woods to the northward of our troops. Other vessels engaged in shelling the woods. December 27.From midnight to 8 a. in.: Crew at quarters shelling the woods, firing at short intervals. At 7: 30 sent two boats on shore in charge of Acting Masters Mates Rushmore and Spencer to assist in reembarking troops. Acting Master flames and Acting Ensign Smith still on shore rendering assistance. From 8 to meridian: Boats on shore assisting in reembarking troops. At 11:37 last boat left the beach in charge of Acting Master flames, bringing off General Curtis and staff. December 28.At 10:20 a. m. came to anchor off Beaufort Bar Page 293 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 293 Report of Comr;odoro Thatcher, U. S. Navy, commanding first divisio:~. U. S. S. COLORADO, Off Wilmington, N. C., December 27, 1864. ADMIRAL: I respectfully forward the following reports of casualties on board this ship in the actions of the 24th and 25th instant with the Wilmington forts: The damage which we sustained was comparatively slight, as most of the enemys shot passed over the ship, doing no other damage than carrying away and stranding our rigging, except those named in the surgeons and carpenters reports. A few days work will repair all damage. In the early part of the actioti of the 25th th - forecastle pivot gun (a 150-pounder Parrott) was discovered to have burst, but it was detected in season to prevent any accident to the guns crew. Schenkle projectiles were being nsed at the time this gun was dis- abled, and not Parrott. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. K. THATCHER, Commodore, Comdg. First Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, off Wilmington. [Enclosure.] 19. 5. S. COLORADO, Off Wilmington, N. C., December 27, 1864. ADMIRAL: I respectfully submit the following casualties on board this ship in the action of the 24th instant, as reported by Surgeon James MeClelland, U. S. Navy: Wounded.Edmund P. Preble, landsmau, slightly. On the 25th. Killed.William A. Goodridge, landsman. Wounded.John Laddy, ordinary seaman, severely; Richard Wall, landsman, slightly; Thomas Powell, seaman, slightly; Williaiii A. Cor- bitt, landsman, slightly; Lewis Williams, landsman, slightly. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. K. THATCHER, Commodore, Comdg. First Div., North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, off Wilmington. Report of Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, commanding first division, regarding the boat swains department of the U. S. S. Colorado. U. S. S. COLORADO, Off Wilmington, N. C., December 27, 1864. ADMIRAL: I respectfully submit the following report of the boat- swains department: Early in the action of the 24th instant the stream hawser was shot away and the anchor lost; also starboard maintopmast stay, starboard main brace, and spanker vangs, starboard bumpkin guys, and port fore- l;opsail brace; port main topmast stay badly cut Page 294 294 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. In the action of the 25th instant the enemy shot away starboard fore- stay, starboard main brace, and starboard head guys, and starboard foretop bowline. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. K. THATCHER, Commodore, Comdg. First Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Itear-Adiniral DAVID D. PORTER, Comnwnd~ng North Atlantic Squadron, off Wilmington. Report of Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Colorado, commending the officers and men of that vesseL U. S. STEAM FRIGATE COLORADO, ~tf Wilmington, N. C., December 28, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the pleasure to report that in the actions of the 24th and 25th instant with the forts oft Wilmington, the officers and crew of this ship behaved in a manner to elicit my warmest admiration and manifested all the coolness of an ordinary target practice during the two days battle. It is difficult to make a distinction when all did their duty so faithfully. I should, however, be doing injustice to the executive officer, Lieutenant George Dewey, were I not to mention the invaluable assistance which he gave me iu having all the departments of the ship in perfect order for battle, as well as for the valuable aid ~n the management of the ship during the action. The commanders of divisions, viz, Lieutenant II. B. iRobeson, Acting [Volunteer] Lieutenant F. F. Baury, Acting Masters E. Coffin and L. B. King, and Ensign J. L. Vennard, managed their batteries with good judgment and skill, and in the two days fight exploded about 1,200 IX-inch shells within the enemys works. The after XI-inch pivot was fought by a crew of marines under Captain L. L. Dawson and First Lieutenant E. P. Meeker, U. S. Marine Corps, who did great execution with this gun. I deem it to be aduty to mention, for the information of the Depart- ment, the invaluable services rendered by Acting Masters Mate J. W. Wallace, who managed the powder divisions, aided by Mr. W. F. Birge, paymasters clerk (who volunteered his services for the occasion), with great efficiency, no gun having been delayed an instant for the neces- sary supply of ammunition. Both these gentlemen I consider worthy of promotion. Lieutenant M. L. Johnson managed the signals with great prompt- ness and ability and is entitled to my cordial thanks. The medical department, under the efficient management of Surgeon James McClel. land, aided by Assistant Surgeons B. II. Kidder and Robert Willard, was perfect in all its details. I can not omit to mention the valuable aid received from my clerk, Mr. Adrian Phillipps, and although for the first time under fire, he dis- played the greatest coolness throughout both actions, rendering me important service. The engineer department, under the management of Chief Engineer B. F. Garvin, was also admirably managed. Acting Third Assistant Engineer C. C. Fernald was detailed to attend the spar-deck engine bell on the 24th, and on the 25th volunteered for the same duty, and was very attentive and efficient, not only at his post, but in passing orders to the forecastle. Before closing I desire to mention the gallant conduct of the crew of gun INo. 4 (main deck), who, after the rest of the guns crew were kille Page 295 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 295 or disabled, worked their gun with the rapidity of a full crew, viz, Edward Coffin, seaman; Edward Hilton, seaman; Louis Gerrard, ordi- nary seaman; Timothy II. Lord, landeman; James B. Twombly, ordi- nary seaman; Robert Baker, ordinary seaman, and John Broderick, ordinary seaman. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. K. THATCHER, Commodore, Commanding First Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, off Wilmington, N C. Report of Commodore Thatcher, U. S. Navy, commanding first division, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. COLORADO, Off Beaufort, N. C., December 31, 1864. ADMIRAL: In compliance with your General Order No. 75, under date of 30th instant, I have the honor to say that in the actions of the 24th and 25th instant with Fort Fisher and its dependencies that these works were effectually silenced by the heavy and accurate fire of the fleet for hours at a time, the enemy only replying to our fire when an occasional cessation occurred on our part. On the 24th an explosion took place, during a heavy fire from the fleet, within the main fort of the rebels, and, immediately after which, flames were observed streaming high above the walls, naturally leading to the conclusion that we had fired the barracks and other tenements connected with Fort Fisher. During the continuance of this blaze, which was for hours, not a gun was fired by the enemy (to the best of my recollection) except from the isolated work called the Mound Fort. On the 25th instant the range was shorter and the firing of the fleet more accurate than on the preceding day. It is my belief that not a shot or shell was fired by the advanced line of ships that did not either penetrate the earthworks of the enemy or explode within them. The crew of this ship were perfectly cool, and fired with (leliberation and apparent severe effect upon the enemy, delivering on the first day 1,569 projectiles. Near the close of the second days action, we per- ceived the near approach of the advanced skirmishers of our army force, which had landed late in the day, when our fire ceased for nearly thirty minutes, and was only resumed after we had been hulled several times by a vicious gun which appeared to be fired from the N. E. angle of Fort Fisher. We then reopened heavily, but more to the left than we had previously fired, to avoid annoying our own troops who were seen approaching the forts. The effect of this last heavy fire was apparently severe npon the casemated works to the southward and westward of Fort Fisher. At this time a succession of explosions was heard in the rear of these casemates, followed by the blaze of a large building, which continued to burn during the greater part of Christmas night. My impression with regard to the defensibility of the fort (battered as it was) against a combined attack of the army and navy is, that it could have been carried by assault on either of the evenings of the 24th or 25th instant. I do not suppose that it was deemed possible entirely to demolish a casemated earthwork like Fort Fisher, but I am satisfied that every- thing was done that could be done on the part of the navy to render i Page 296 296 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. untenable, the enemy having been again and again driven from their guns (some of which, it appears, were dismounted by our fire) and com- pelled to seek refuge in their sand holes. The shoalness of the water for a mile seaward of the forts constituted their only safety against total destruction, or at least the dismounting of every gun, such was the heavy and concentrated fire of those two- days bombardment. This ship planted 230 shot in the rebel works on the 25th and exploded 996 shells within them on that day. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, II. K. THATCHER, Commodore, Comdg. First Division,, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Beaufort, N. C. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Colorado. September 1, 1864.Navy yard, Portsmouth, N. H. October 6.Stood to sea in charge of pilot. October 12.At 11 a. m. came to anchor in Hampton Roads. December 24.Off New Inlet, North Carolina. At 1:45 a. m. a heavy explosion to the westward. At 2 admiral signaled. At 2:30 a quantity of smoke passed over from the westward. At 5: 30 underway with the fleet and stood inshore. At 9: 50 came to with the starboard anchor in T4 fathoms water. Flagship signaled Form in lineopen order. At 10: 55 a. m. got underway and stood in west for the forts. At it: 20 a. in. went to quarters. At 12: 51, Ironsides and Canonicus opened fire, returned by the forts. At 1:25 came to with port anchor, veered 25 fathoms, let go kedge astern, formed in line of battle. At 1:30 p. In. opened fire with the starboard battery. At 1:45 p. m. stream hawser shot away and lost the kedge. At 2:08 p. m. exploded magazine in Fort Fisher. At 2:45 p. m. weighed anchor and went astern, ceased firing except with the rifle and XI-inch. At 3 p. m. anchored and commenced firing, extreme elevation, shots all telling well. At 3:35 p. m. heavy smoke seen from Fort Fisher. At 3: 40 ceased firing at Fort Fisher and fired at the Mound. Signaled the flagship Mound only firing. At 3:50 p. m. flagstaff on the Mound shot away, but was replaced soon after. At 5:05 p. m. flagship sig- naled, Prepare to retire for the night. Ceased firing and got under- way. At 6 p. m. anchored in 9 fathoms water and veered to 45 fathoms. Received shot in the gang ~vay, bolt forward of gangway, shot in cut- water, shot in bow, fore royal stay and maintopinast stay shot away, also head of topgallant mast in starboard gangway, four deck planks broken through, and shot through second launch and cutter. December 25.At 9:20 a. in. flagship signaled, Prepare to get under- way. At 9:30 a. m. underway and steaming in toward the forts. At 10:20 a. m. beat to quarters. At 10:30 flagship signaled, Stop. At 1:20 p. m. flagship signaled, Take station. At 1:21 p. m. commenced action. At 1:22 anchored with stream anchor and port bow anchor in 6 fathoms; veered to 15 fathoms. At 3 p. m. rifled gun reported disabled. At 3:40 p. in. Wabash steamed out of action. At 3:40 p. m. signaled flagship, Rifle gun is disabled. At 4 p. m. flagship signaled, Pre- pare to discontinue action. At 4:15 p. m. shells from Fort Fisher fall- in g around us fast. At 4: 30 p. m. struck with a X-inch solid shot over No. 4 gun, starboard side, shot going-through, carrying away lock of No. 4 gun and screw lever, killing 1 man and wounding 5; and passin Page 296A UNITED STATES STEAMER COLORAD Page 296B Page 297 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 297 over carried away axle and starboard truck of No. 5 gun, port side. At 4:37 p. m. commenced firing again. At 4:40 p. m. signaled to the Min- nesota, Enemy are hulling us; fire for your own protection. At 4:40 p. m. fire broke out to the left of Fort Fisher. At 4:50 p. m. signaled the flagship, Commenced firing because the enemy were hulling us. At 5 p. in. flagship signaled, Retire from action. At 5:05 a tug hailed us, telling us to Discontinue action, and reserve ammunition for the assault. At 5:07 p. in. weighed anchor and kedge and steamed out of action. At 5: 12 ceased firing. At 6 anchored with the port anchor in 8 fathoms water and veered to 45 fathoms chain. Both forestays and main brace shot away. At 11:45 p. m. heavy firing heard on shore. December 2G.From midnight till 4 a. m. forts and ironclads firing during the watch. At 8 a. in. the flagship passed within hail and ordered the ship to Beaufort. Firing to the westward during the first two hours. At 12 45 p. m. received an order from the admiral to return again and fill np with ammunition and again attack the forts. Wore ship and steamed S. W. by W. for the fleet. From 8 to midnight heavy firing to the westward. Report of Commodore Lanman, U. S. Navy, commanding second division, transmitting minutes of the bombardment, taken on board the U. S. S. Minnesota. U. S. S. MINNESOTA, Off Beanfort, N. C., December 31, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to submit the accompanying minutes, taken on the quarter-deck of this vessel at the time of the attack upon Fort Fisher. Also the reports from several officers of the ship. It gives me great pleasure to state that during the engagement with the forts the 24th and 25th of December the conduct of all the officers, men, marines, and boys on board the Minnesota was entirely satis- factory. Everyone performed his duty to the utmost of his ability. The working and practice of the guns could not have been better. Many excellent shots were made, and iu this respect the two guns worked by the marines were equal to any other division. In a word, all performed their duty iu the most creditable manner, and I need not assure you that, in the opinion of those on board the Minnesota,if the assault was not made upon Fort Fisher, it was not for the want of the most tremendous bombardment of modern times by the fleet under your command. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JOSEPH LANMAN, Commodore, Comdg. Second Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Fear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. [Enclosure.] Minutes of the bombardment of Fort Fisher on the 24th and 25th of December, 1864, taken upon the quarter-deck of the U. S. steam frigate Minnesota, Commodore Joseph Lanman, commanding, by 0. B. McCurdy, captains clerk. OFF NEW INLET, NORTH CAROLINA, Lat. 330 56 30 N., Long. 770 22 W., December 24, 1864. At 5:15 a. m. got underway in obedience to signal from flagship and steamed toward Fort Fisher. Anchored a few moments in line of bat- tle near the fort before taking position Page 298 298 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. At 12 oclock beat to quarters, wind S. W. by W. Got spring on both bower anchors and prepared to anchor with spring on starboard bower. At 12:30 p. m. dinner at quarters. At 12:55 p. m. the New Ironsides opened fire upon Fort Fisher, fol- lowed quickly by the monitors, commencing with the (lanonie us. The Minnesota opened fire as soon as the guns could bear upon Fort Fisher, at 1 :15 p. Lu., anchoring at the same time in the position deslo. nated by the order of battle about 1 mile from the fort, Fort Fisher bearing W. ~ S., Mound, W. S. W. Enemy replied, two shots passing close over the Minnesota. An explosion took place in the fort, l)elieved to be by the fire of the Min- nesota. Another shot from the enemy cut the spring. Made signal to - flagship for a tug to carry ou~ the spring. Tug came in answer to sig- nal, having on board Captain Bre able to carry out our spring. ese, the fleet captain, but was not The Colorado passed on our port bow, and took position at 2: 50 p. rn. At 3:15 p. m. rebel flag shot away. At 4 p. m. flying jib stay, fore royal stay, and fore-topgallant stay shot away. At 4:15 p. m. flagship made signal to fire more slowly. At 5:05 p. in. general signal from flagship to prepare to retire. At 5:15 p. m. order was given to cease firing and prepare to heave up anchor. At 6 p. m. withdrew from position, dropping a buoy at the anchorage and steamed ofi~hore, anchoring about 7 or 8 miles distant. Fort Fisher bearing southwest. The ship was held in position for firing upon the fort by steam, helm, staysail, and jib. Several explosions and fires took place in the fort during our firing and many of the enemys missiles fell near the Minnesota. DECEMBER 25, 1864. At 9:30 a. m. got underway. At 10:15 a. m. beat to quarters. At 10:35 a. m. flagship made signal to stop. At 10:45 a. m. the Neu~ Ironsides opened fire. At 10:55 a. m. the monitors opened fire. At 11 a. m. signal from flagship to take position. At 11:15 a. m. the Minnesota took position about 300 yards nearer Fort Fisher than where she dropped the buoy the day nrevious, and commenced firing with her forward guns. At 12 m. let go port anchor with 25 fathoms of chain. At 12:05 p. m. flagship made signal to get underway. At 12: 10 ceased firing. At 12:15 p. m. Commander llhind came on board with orders from the admiral to plant a buoy as near Fort Fisher as practicable, which he (Commander Ithind) placed from 150 to 200 yards nearer the fort. This position was exactly taken by the Minnesota at 1: 05 p. in., letting go the kedge on the port quarter at the same time. At 1:15 p. m. let go port bower anchor and opened fire by divisions, Fort Fisher bearing W. ~ S., Mound W. S. XV. ~ XV. Wreck an(1 Mound in a line. Shot passed over smokestack, grazing the mainstay. Colorado passed on our port bow, taking position at 1:25 p. in., at which time a shot struck the Minnesota below the water line. At 1: 40 p. m. set the spanker. Shell came in through amidship Page 299 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 299 port on spar deck, passed through launch and first cutter and lodged in the stern sheets of the first cutter. At 2 p. m. dinner at quarters, though the firing was continued by divisions. Fired very deliberately in obedience to orders from the admiral. At 3:45 p. m. brailed up the spanker. Shell exploded on starboard chain armor. Another shell exploded, scattering on both sides of the ship. At 4:05 p. m. flagship made signal to prepare to get underway. At 4:10 p. m. ceased firing agreeable to signal. At 4:20 p. m. rebel flag shot away. At 4:45 p. m. opened fire again, and fired very rapidly, in obedience to signal. At this time the roar from our batteries for three or four rounds was most terrific. At 4:55 p. m. ceased firing and prepared to retire, agreeable to sig- nal from flagship. At 5:15 p. m. hove up anchor and retired. No casualties either day, and although the ship was struck iu several places, very little damage was done. Yery respectfully submitted. JOSEPH LANMAN, Commodore, Comdg. Second Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Commodore Lanman, U. S. Navy, commanding second division, regarding casualties. U. S. S. MINNESOTA, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 27, 18G4. ADMIRAL: Agreeable to your order by signal of this noon, to report the casualties on board this ship in the engagement with Fort Fisher ou Saturday and Sunday last, J am happy to state that none of the personnel of this ship were injured. Several shot struck the hull, one under the fore chain, doing no special damage; one shell exploded on the chain armor, abreast of the boilers; one 30-pounder Parrott shell passed through the launch and first cutter, lodging in the stern sheets of the first cutter; a heavy shell grazed the mainstay, and some of the light head stays were shot away. I have the honor to be your obedient servant, JOSEPH LANMAN, Commodore, Comdg. Second Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Admiral DAvID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Parker, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports of damages, and ammunition expended on the U. S. S. Minnesota. U. S. STEAM FRIGATE MINNESOTA, Off Fort Fisher, New Inlet, North Carolina, December 26, 1864. SIR: I respectfully enclose the reports of the boatswain, gunner, car- penter, and sailmaker of this vessel in regard to the actions of the 24th and 25th instant with Fort Fisher and the various batteries at New Inlet Page 300 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 300 So far as I was able to observe, every officer, man, and boy in the ship performed his whole duty. I desire to add that when I reported on board (only a few days before the action took place) I found the organization of the vessel perfect, and it is simple justice to say that whatever praise belongs to the executive officer for this is the due of Lieutenant M. S. Stuyvesant, who was my predecessor in that capacity. I came here too late to make any changes, had any been necessary. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES PARKER, Lieutenant- Commander, Executive Officer. Commodore JOSEPH LANMAN, Commanding Minnesota. [Enclosures.] U. S. SHIP MINNESOTA, Off Beaufort, N. C., December 29, 1864. SIR: I respectfully report that the following damages were sustained to the rigging of this ship during the action of the 24th and 25th instant. The flying jib stay, fore royal stay, fore-topgallant stay were all shot away. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. BUNKER, Boatswain. Commodore JOSEPH LANMAN, Commanding. Report of ammunition expended on board U. S. Ship Minnesota, December 24 and 25, 1864. XI-inch charges, 15 pounds 64 IX-inch charges, 13 pounds. 21 IX-inch charges, 10 pounds - - - 1, 723 150-pounder charges, 16 pounds 95 100-pounder charges, 10 pounds 79 Total of powder, 20,773 pounds. XI-inch shell loaded and fazed 64 IX-inch shell loaded and fazed 1, 744 150-pounder shell loaded and fuzed 95 100-pounder shell loaded and fazed 79 Total of projectiles 1, 982 Very respectfully submitted. ROBT. II. CROSS gunner. Commodore JOSEPH LANMAN, Commanding U. S. S. Minnesota. U. S. S. MINNESOTA, Off Beaufort, N. C., December 26, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order of this date, I respectfully make the following report of the damage sustained by this ship in the engage- m~nt of the ~4th and 25th instant: One shot struck the first launch, going throngh her and damaging the first cutter Page 301 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 301 One struck starboard bow, doing but slight damage. Two shots struck the chain placed on the outside for the protection of the machinery, doing no damage. Several pieces of shell are embedded in the side of the vessel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. 0. UoODsoE, Carpenter. Commodore JOSEPH EANMAN, Comrnandinq. U. S. SHIP MINNESOTA, Qif Beai~fort, N. C., December 26, 1864. Sin: I respectfully report that there ~vere no injuries sustained in the sailmakers department of this ship during the action of the 24th and 25th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. ODION FASSETT, Sailmaker. Commodore JOSEPH LANMAN, Comrnandinq. Detailed report of Commodore Lanman, U. S. Navy, commanding second division, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. MINNESOTA, Off Beaufort, N. C., January 1, 1865. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to receive this evening your General Order No. 75, whereby I am called upon to report the damage appar- ently done to Fort Fisher in the attack of the 24th and 25th of Decem- ber by the fleet nuder your command. The minutes and official report which I had the honor to make to you on the 31st ultiino give the details of the part taken by the Minne- sota in the attack upon Fort Fisher. On the 24th ultimo, the first engagement, I visited and addressed the crew of every gun, to impress upon them the necessity of careful firing, and to see that their shot took effect before firing again and not to throw away a shot. At the commencement of the firing, and with scarcely any intermis- sion, I was upon the bridge just forward of the mizzenmast, having my glass in hand; thus elevated 110 feet above the spar-deck battery, and 15 feet above the main deck guns, my line of vision was considerably beyond that of the men at the guns. The wind being offshore (from the direction of firing), and clear from smoke, my opportunities for see- lug the practice and effect of our guns could not have been better, and I most positively believe that the greater part of our shells told upon the fort, and of this there was no (loubt when the 200 pounder* Parrott and the XI-inch guns were fired, as they raised an unmistakable cloud of dirt and sand. Upon several occasions the first day fire broke out in the fort, and the crew of the spar-deck battery gave three hearty cheers in the belief that the fire was caused by our guns, which was my opinion, and I so represented it at the time to the men. At the same time there were Same as 150-pounder Page 302 302 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. several explosions, as I believe within the fort; and if our guns did not [dol an immense injury to the batteries, there is no confidence to be placed in vision or good firing. The batteries were frequently silenced by the rapid firing of the fleet generally, but with the least let-up on our part they would again open, and I should judge with excellent practice, as their shot flew about us in all directions, and I have no doubt they were equally good in practice to the other ships. By a kind Providence we received little or no damage, only eight or ten shots touching the ship, but plain enough in sight to show their good firing. On the morning of the 25th, having received instructions from you that the army would land to assault the fort, and that we must be pre- pared to cease firing at the moment the signal should be made to that effect, and that great care must be exercised not to fire upon our troops should they make the assault, and to fire more deliberately than the day previous, I delivered these words, in person, to every guns crew at quarters before the engagement; that the men as well as the officers should perfectly understand that when the order was given, and the steam whistle sounded, all firing should cease, as the assault was then to be made. Our position in the action of the second day was probably 300 or 400 yards nearer Fort Fisher than it was the day previous. Our firing was much more slow and deliberate, and the effect appeared to be of the most damaging character, as the lines and angles of the works were evidently changed. Lieutenant-Commander Parker went to the fore-topmast head to witness our firing, which he pronounced to be excellent. Also our pilot, Mr. F. C. Fowler, a mo~t reliable man, was some time at the masthead with a glass, and he judged our firing to be excellent, and doing great damage to the fort. Captain Butler, of the marines, commanding his battery, being upon the sheer pole of the mizzen rigging, pronounced the practice excellent. Ensign Willard, who was upon the bridge to look out for the change of the head of the ship (should it become thick) concurred in the opini ion of the above gentlemen that the injury done the forts by our firing was very great. Lieutenant Stuyvesant, who had charge of the gun-deck battery, came upon the spar deck when the gun-deck divisions were not firing. This officer having seen considerable gun practice on other ships, his opinion, that the practice the second day was most excellent, doing much damage to the enemy, is well worthy of consideration. The last four broadsides of rapid firing by the Minnesota wcre of the most terrific character, and it was represented to me by Lieutenant- Commander Watmough (who was in position inshore, and to the north- ward) that our shell fell like a perfect hailstorm upon Fort Fisher, and that the firing was of the most excellent effect. Upon retiring from positioxt that night, I had not the slightest doubt but that the assault would be made before morning, and could I have then known that the skirmishers had advanced within 50 yards of the fort (the distance from our forecastle to the quarter-deck), and that some of our gallant soldiers had mounted the parapet, captured and brought off a h6rse and killed an orderlyalso, that they had captured a flag (which the navy fleet had shot away)I would not have believed that there couki be the slightest doubt of the flag of the Union being hoisted at daylight upon the well-battered fort Page 303 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 303 When we were informed the following day that the troops were about to reembark, scarcely anyone would credit the report; but when the fact became knowii, a universal opinion of disappointment (not to say disgust) prevailed. May I not be permitted to suggest, if the garrison in the fort could be kept in their bombproofs so closely by the fire of the navy that a imm- ber of the picket line could veiiture upon the parapet and into the works, why could not an assault have then been made and the precon- certed signal given to cease firing, which would have been instautly obeyed, and little danger of the shell of the navy falling about the heads of the daring men who entered the works. Admiral, excuse this lengthy report. I have gone into detail that it should be understood that the Minnesota did not go into the fight merely to blaze away at the beach about Fort Fisher, but that the sole object of our practice was to demolish the fort, and to convey the impression of so many officers that the fort could have beeii carried by assault after the severe battering it received from the navy fleet under yonr corn mand. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOSEPH LANMAN, Commodore, Commanding Second Division, North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Abstract log of the U. S. Ship Minnesota. September 30, 1864.- Commodore Lanman assumed command of the ship, by order of the ~ yr Department. December 13.At C . J) a. m. left anchorage and proceeded down the bay. December 19.At 3:30 p. in. brought ship to anchor off Wilmington, N. C. December 24.At 11 a~ m. got underway and formed in line of battle, steered for Fort Fisher. From meridian to 4 p. in.: Beat to quarters, prepared to anchor with spring on either anchor. At 12:30 p. m. action commenced by the IT. S. S. New ironsides opening fire on Fort Fisher. At 12:55 the monitors opened fire, the Canonicus first, upon the fort. The U. S. S. Minnesota steaming ahead slowly, took the position assigned her in a quarter less 5 fathoms water, anchoring with starboard anchor. At 1:15 p. m. enemy replied, two shots passing close over us. Hoisted head sails and used them when necessary to keep ship in position. An explosion took place in the fort. Made sig- nal for a tug; one came alongside in obedience to signal and attempted to tow our stern inshore, but as we soon got moored it was not neces- sary. At 1:45 p. in. parted the spring and the U. S. S. Colorado passed ahead of us and commenced action. At 3:15 p. m. the rebel flag was shot away, Fort Fisher bearing W. ~ S., Mound W. S. W. The flying gib and fore-topgallant stays were shot away. Two explosions in suc- cession took place in the fopt. Flagship made signal to fire more delib- erately, which was obeyed. Flagship made general signal to prepare to retire at 5:05 p. m. Ceased firing at 5: 15 and prepared to heave up anchor, withdrew from position at 6 p. m. At 6 p. in. hove up anchor and stood ofishore, came to anchor in 8~ fathoms water Page 304 304 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. December 25.At 12:05 p. m. flagship made signal to get underway. An officer came on board from the flagship at 12: 15. At 12:35 ceased firing. Used a boats anchor to buoy channel. Hove up port anchor and shifted our position. At 1:05 p. m. let go kedge anchor and at 1: 15 let go the starboard anchor, opening fire with the starboard gun at the same time by divisions very deliberately. The U. S. S. Colorado passed on our port bow and took position at 1: 25 p. m. While she was passing we were struck below the waters edge by the enemys shot. At 1:40 p. m. hauled out the spanker. Fort Fisher bore W 4 S. Mound W. S. W. 4 5. At 1 :45 wreck and Mound in a line. A shell from the enemy passed through the launch and lodged in the first cutter. At 2 p. In. the men got dinner. At 3:15 p. In. hauled (lown the spanker. Struck by a shell amidships. Another shell exploded scattering the water on both sides of the vessel. At 4: 05 the flagship made signal to get underway and to cease firing at 4:10. At 4:20 rebel flag shot down. At 4:45 opened fire again in obedience to signal from flagship and fired rapidly. At 4:55 ceased firing and prepared to retire in obedience to signal from flagship. At 5:15 hove up the anchor and withdrew from action. At midnight inshore fleet opened fire on the fort. December 2G.From midnight to 4 a. In.: First part of watch heavy firing inshore. FTp to 5 a. m. heavy firing in the direction of Fort Fisher. Latter part of the watch firing to the northward and southward of us. At 8:30 a. m. flagship caine within hail and ordered this ship to Bean. fort. At 1{): 15 got underway and proceeded on our course under steam, 4 bells. At 11: 20 stopped for the dispatch boat Little Ada. At 11:30 the Mackinaw made signal, steered in toward the anchorage we left this morning, supposing by seeing the dispatch boat recalling the rest of the fleet that we should be required also. At 12 meridian received orders from the Admiral (by dispatch boat) to come to anchor and take in ammunition from the ordnance vessels awl be ready to go in and attack the fort wheim the fog lifted. Hoisted out and sent second launch and first, third, fourth, fifth cutters to the ordnance schooner for ammu- nition. All of the fleet at anchor. Cutters returned with ammunition on board. December 27.From midnight to 4 a. in.: Heavy firing to the west. ward during the watch. From 4 to 8 a. in.: Gunboats shelling the woods during the watch. From 8 to meridian: Troops embarking and going northward. Several of our vessels shelling the beach and the woods. Saw a steamer going in over the Western Bar. A vessel resembling a ram came out and cruised around. Several of our gun. boats left the fleet and went over to the Western Bar. From 4 to 6 p. m: Cuttersbringing ammunition from the ordnance schooner. At sunset heard heavy firing from Fort Fisher. December 28.At 5 p. in. catted and fished our anchor and steamed on our course to Beaufort. Detailed report of Commodore Schenck, U. 5. Navy, commanding third division, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. POWHATAN, Off~ Beanfort, N. C., January 1, 1865. ADMIRAL: Your General Order No. 75 did not reach me until this evening, owing to its being sent on board the Colorado. In reply to that part of it requiring me to make a report of the part I took in the actions of the 24th and 25th ultimo, I have to state tha Page 305 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 305 at 1:20 p. m. on the 24th, I took my position in the line as directed by you, with a kedge upon my port quarter, acting as a spring, letting go my port anchor, with 25 fathoms of chain, which brought my starboard broadside to bear upon the forts. I immediately opened a vigorous fire upon the batteries, paying especial attention to Fort Fisher with my XJ-inch gun, and to the Mound with my two 100-pounder Parrotts, and with my IX-inch guns to the batteries more immediately abreast of us. It is reported and believed on board this ship that one of the shells from our XJ-inch, which exploded in Fort Fisher, set fire to it. At 2:45 p. m. finding that some of my IX-inch shell fell short, and that the Brooklyn being underway occasionally interfered with my line of sight, I got underway, continuing the action, and stood into 4~ fathoms water, from which position every shot told with great effect; from this time the action was continued underway. A t 3:10 p. m. the end of our spanker gaff was shot away, and our flag came down with it~ hoisted it immediately at the mizzen. About the same time the rebel flag on Fort Fisher was shot away and was not raised again during the action. At 3:45 p. in. the flagstaff on the Mound was shot away, which shot is claimed by our pivot rifle. At 5:20 p. in. the signal was made to dis- continue the action; hauled off, having sustained no loss of life or injury to ship. During this days action we fired 236 JX-iiich shell, 51 XI-inch shell, 82 100-pounder rifle shell. Not a shell was wasted from the XJ-iuch and rifles, and only a few in the early part of the action from the IX-inch guns. The starboard battery only was used in action, viz, 8 IX-inch guns, 2 100.pounder Parrott rifles, and 1 XJ-inch pivot gun. On the 25th I took my position as before, although nearer the bat- teries and farther in, the batteries between Fort Fisher and the Mound being abreast of us; my position was an admirable one for engaging these batteries, and my IX-inch guns were principally employed in doing this, as it was only by these we were annoyed, with an occasional shot from the Moand. During this day not a shot fell short, which accounts for my increased expenditure of IX-inch shell. At 2: 10 P. in. we opened fire, which was replied to by the batteries abreast of us more vigorously than the day before. I am not aware of having received a single shot from Fort Fisher this day. At 3:30 p. in. a port main shroud was shot away; soon after we were struck three times in pretty rapid succession. One shot struck us under No. 3 port, 3 feet above the water line, passing through into a store room, and deposit- ing itself in a mattress; it is a solid VIJI-inch shot. Two shot struck under No. 2 port, 20 inches below the water line, one remaining in the side and the other going through and lodging in a beam on the orlop deck, causing the ship to leak badly. A glancing shot struck the stern of the ship, but did no material injury, and some of oar running rig- ging shot away. At 4:10 p. in., having expended all the ammunition for XI-inch and rifles, and nearly all for my IX-inch guns, made signal Ammunition, I am short of, which was replied to: Save some, and immediately after, Discontinue the action, when I weighed my anchor, lifted my kedge, and hauled out of line. During this days actioii we fired 494 IX-inch shell, 52 XI-inch shell, 72 rifle shell. In conclusion I beg leave to state that every officer and man on board this ship, under my command, did his duty nobly, and I have yet to hear of any complaint, either of officer or man, except as to the failure to take advantage of our two days work. N W HVOL 11 2 Page 306 306 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. With regard to the damage apparently done to the works, I must confess that I was paying more attention to the proper management of my own battery than [to] the general effect, but it appears to me utterly impossible that any works could withstand such a fire and not be terribly damaged, and I am also fully impressed with the belief that by a prompt and vigorous assault late in the afternoon of either day, Fort Fisher might have been taken by a comparatively small force, say 1,000 resolute men. Fort Fisher was silenced, the Monnd firing feebly. The only active firing from the enemy that I witnessed was from the two or three gnns that annoyed me, and so long as my ammunition permitted me to fire rapidly, 1 could keep them pretty quiet. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. FINDLAY SCHENOK, Commodore, Commanding U. S. S. Powhatau, and Third Division North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Lieutenant Bache, U. S. Navy, executive officer, U. S. S. Powliatan, regarding the damages sustained by that vessel. U. S. S. POWIIATAN, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 25, 1864. SIR: III have the honor to report the following damages received by this ship during the actions of to-day and yesterday, together with the expendit~ire of ammunition: End of spanker gaff shot away; shot hole through spanker; signal halliards (main) shot away; starboard main topsail clewjigger shot away; one main shroud (port) shot away. Two shells exploded near water line, one forward of, the other abaft the wheel (starboard), scarring and tearing the copper for a small space. A heavy shot grazed the stern of the ship, scoring it about 3 inches, carrying away the ornamental work and the iron bars protecting it. An VIJI-inch shot came through the starboard side about 3 feet above the water line, under No. 3 port, lodging inboard. An VIJI-inch shot struck under No. 2 port (starboard side) about 20 inches below the water line, going through the side and lodging in the end of an orlop-deck beam. This shot struck at an angle of some 700, making a very ragged hole and bad leak. Another shot is believed to have struck within a few inches of this last, but we have not beemi able to examine closely enough to determine positively as yet. We have expended ammunition as follows: 358 10-second shell (IX-inch). 20 shrapnel shell (XI-rnch). 145 15-second shell (IX-inch). 104 charged shell. 227 botiched shell (IX-inch). 152 100-pounder rifle shell (percussioii) 38 10-second shell (XI-inch). 1,400 cannon primers. 20 15-second shell (XIinch). Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. M. BAdE, - Lieutenant and Executive Officer. Commodore J. F. SCHENOK, Comdg. Powhatan and Third Division North Atlantic Squadron Page 307 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 307 Detailed report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wabash, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. WABASH, Off Beaufort, N. C., January 2, 1865. SIR: In obedience to General Order No. 75, I have the honor to report the part taken by this ship in the actions of December 24 and 25, 1864, as follows: December 24,10:50 a in., took station in line of battle in obedience to signal and stood inshore with fleet. At 1:20 p. m. anchored at or near assigned position in 5 fathoms water with a kedge astern, Fort Fisher on our starboard beam. Opened fire upon the fort immediately with ordinary firing charges and 10-second shell from starboard battery. Found projectiles falling short, substituted distant firing charges, used greatest elevation, and by firing on the roll to port, succeeded in mak- ing a portion of the projectiles reach, especially from main-deck battery, which has greater elevation. In accordance with orders from com- mander in chief directed fire of 150-pounder at Mound battery, and made good practice; continued firing so until 5: 50 (sunset), when with- drew from action for the night, in obedience to signals. December 25, 10 a. in., took station in line of battle as before, stood in with the fleet, and at 1 :40 p. m. anchored in 5 fathoms water with kedge astern, Fort Fisher nearer than on the 24th. At 1:50 p. m. opened fire with one gun from each division, in obedience to signal. Got the range of the fort, our shell falling and exploding well. Found the fort making severe practice on the ship, and therefore gradually increased the number of guns in use until entire starboard battery was engaged deliberately and accurately. Enemys fire became less rapid and accurate. At 3:50, our shell being all expended, withdrew from action, and proceeded in obedience to signal to assist in landing troops. Expended on both occasions 2,468 projectiles, of which it is believed two-thirds fell in and about the works of the enemy. As concerns the damage apparently done the works, I am unable to speak positively. The outlines were certainly much disturbed, and 1 think the stockades somewhat broken down, but I observed nothing marked upon which to base an opinion that the works were materially damaged. With regard to the effect of the fire of the fleet, independent to any damage to the work itself, there can be no doubt that it did slacken and distract the enemys fire very much, and sometimes stop it altogether, as was proven by the increased activity of their fire whenever that of the fleet lulled or when the fleet was withdrawing, especially from the Mound battery on the first day, and from all on the second, as far as this ships experience extended. As to my impression of the defensibility of the fort (battered as it was) against a combined attack of army and navy, as before stated, I did not observe it to be so battered, beyond the distance of its outlines; but I did observe that the garrison must certainly have been confined to the casemates by the fire of the fleet, and at the time expressed the opinion, and now hold the same, based upon that ground, that had the assault been vigorously made earli~r in the day the work might have been carried. The returns of casualties and of damages received by the ship have already been forwarded. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, MELANCTON SMITH, Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Captain, U. S. Navy. Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 308 308 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Captain Smith, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wabash, forwarding list of casualties. U. S. S. WABASH, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 26, 1864. ADMIRAL: J transmit enclosed the reports of casualties, expenditure of ammunition,* and injuries * sustained in the attack on Fort Fisher and rebel batteries on the 24th and 25th of December. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, MELANCTON SMITH, Captain. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. WABASH, North Atlantic Squadron, off Wilmington, N. C., December 24, 1864. SIR: I have to report the following casualties on board this ship while engaging the rebel forts aud batteries this day at the eastern bar, Cape Fear River, North Carolina: Peter Campbell, landsman, contused wound left shoulder, from piece of shell; severe. William Howard, landsman, contusion right thigh; severe. James Crystal, landsman, contusion forehead, from roller handspike; slight. Owen Smith, fireman, contusion right knee; slight. John Welsh, fireman, contusion right side; slight. Respectfully, etc., H. F. MCSHERRY, Surgeon. Captain M. SMITH, Commanding Wabash. U. S. S. WABASH, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 25, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the following casualties in action on board this ship to-day: 1. John Farley, landsman, severe contusion of back from splinter. 2. Peter Carberry, ordinary seaman, severe contusion left foot. 3. James Collins, seaman, slight contusion right foot. 4. Thomas Jones, quartermaster, exhaustion from continuous duty at the wheel. Respectfully submitted. H. F. MOSHERRY, Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Captain MELANCTON SMITH, Commanding U. S. S. Wabash. Report of Captain Pickering, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. Vanderbilt, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. VANDERBILT, January 2, 1865. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to snbmit the following report of the part taken by the 11. 5. 5. Vanderbilt in the attack of the 24th and 25th Not found Page 309 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 309 ultimo upon the forts and batteries at Federal Point, North Caro- lina: On the 24th, at 2: 45 p. in., took station in the line of battle astern of the Minnesota, anchoring with a spring. At 2:55 p. in. opened fire with the starboard battery, composed of six JX-inch, two 100-pounder rifles, and one 30-pounder Parrott. Rapid fire was kept up until 5:45 p. in., when,in obedience to a gen- eral signal, weighed anchor and retired for the night. On the 25th, in obedience to signal, anchored in the line of battle, astern of the Minnesota, and at 2:55 p. m. opened the starboard battery upon the eneiny~s works between Fort Fisher and the Mound, keeping up a rapid fire until 3:30 p. in., when the fire was slackened to one gun per mii~i~te, in obedience to a verbal order from the admiral. At 4 p. in. ceased firing, and at 4:45, pursuant to signal, got under- way and withdrew from action. During the two days engagement upward of 800 shells were thrown from this ship, the effect of which, or that of the firing from the fleet, fur- ther than the constant clouds of earth and sand from the explosiou of well-directed shell, the conflagration which raged within, the explosion of one of their magazines, and the silence of their guns, for the want of proper glasses I could not detect. But my impression is that the fort could have been taken if an attack had been made by a proper force at the moment the fleet ceased firing. My belief was, as also that of the officers of this ship, during the first part of the night of the 25th, that our troops were in possession of Fort Fisher. I am happy to say that none of the enemys shot struck the Vander- bilt, and no accident of any kind occurred. I am proud to add that both officers and crew, without exception, evinced great coolness and courage. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. W. PICKERING, (Japtain. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic AS1quadron. Detailed report of Commander Ammen, U. 5. Navy, commanding U. S. 5. IViohican. U. S. S. MOHICAN, Off Beaufort, N. C., December 31, 1864. ADMIRAL: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your General Order No. 75, directing comman ding officers to make their report in relation to our attacks on Fort Fisher and the adjacent earth- works, and also a copy of a communication to you from Major-General l3enj. F. Butler, and in regard to some points touched upon you request an opinion. At about 11:30 a. in. of the 24th, the fleet got underway and stood in, in line of battle, toward Fort Fisher, bearing about W. S. W. and some 6 or 7 miles distant. The Mohican was kept closely in position assigned, following the leading vessel, the frigate Minnesota, and fol- lowed by the frigate Colorado, and she successively by the other ves- sels forming the main line. At about 1 p. in. the Minnesota sheered in out of line and took up her position at anchor, opening at once on Fort Fisher, some 2,100 yards distant. As per plan of battle, the Mohican was sheered in ahea Page 310 310 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. of her, fired slowly on the fort, to get a range, and aiichored, then opened briskly with the whole battery. The fort had opened on the Minnesota and on the Mohican previous to our anchoring. The Colorado sheered in ahead of us, letting go kedge astern, and then anchored and opened fiercely on the fort. The vessels forming the line then successively, with more or less success, took np their positions and opened. The ironclads, led by the New Ironsides, had anchored, a few minutes preceding the Minnesota, some 500 or 600 yards to the northward and westward, and were slowly getting their range when we anchored, and the outer line of ves~els moved into position after the maui line had anchored, and opened on the Mound and several detached ease- mated guns. The fire from the fort became weak as the vessels anchored and opened fire. It was soon apparent that they could not work their bar- bette guns without great loss of life, and the guns crews no doubt retreated under shelter with a few exceptions where high travel ses and favorable angles gave them great protection. Different casemated guns, particularly those mounted in detached mounds and toward the Mound, continued to fire slowly and evidently with not much effect, nor would the position of the guns served favor an effective fire. The whole body of Fort Fisher was filled with bursting shells, and only at long intervals, if at all, was a gun fired from the main work. In the meantime, owing to the wind and the set of the tide, I found that the use of the propeller and the helm would no longer enable me to bring the broadside to bear, and was obliged to weigh anchor and maneuver under steam, holding our position as nearly as possible, and avoiding interfering with the firing of the other vessels. After exhaust- ing all the filled IX-inch shells on board ready for use, the Mohican was withdrawn from the line at about 4:10 p. in., making signal to you of the cause, and we commenced filling shells without delay. After sunset the fleet withdrew and the Mohi can ran into line and anchored. At about 9 a. m. of the 25th the signal was made to get underway and form line of battle. The ]Jilbohiean took her position and the fleet stood in to the attack. When nearly under fire I was directed verbally from you not to take position until further orders. The Minnesota, the leading vessel of the main line, proceeded in and anchored, got underway, and, after various attempts, obtained a well- chosen position, the main line awaiting her movements. The ironclads having preceded [us], during this time were in position, firing slowly and receiving a part of the fire of Fort Fisher. After the position of the Minnesota was satisfactory I received orders from you, about noon, to take position close astern of the New Iron- sides, which I did without delay, firing slowly until a good range was obtained, then opened briskly on the fort. Iwas enabled to see, through the absence of smoke, that our fire was very effective, delivered at a short 10-second range. One of the rebels guns was seen to be dis- mounted by our fire. Half an hour after we had anchored the Colorado passed ahead of the Minnesota and into position, anchoring and delivering a very effective fire. The whole line soon took position and opened very heavily and evidently with great effect, driving the rebels from their guns, with a few exceptions, as those in casemates amid other places sheltered and distant. The position of the Mohican enabled me to see well, as I was first at anchor within half a ships length of the New Ironsides, an Page 311 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 311 finding that anchoring impeded an effective use of the battery, I weighed, and in delivering fire drifted 100 or 200 yards nearer the fort. At 2:05 p. m. the suppiy of the 10 second fuzes and the rifle ammu- nition was exhausted, and the Mohicctn was withdrawn from action for the purpose of obtaining more, speaking the ]ifalvern for the purpose and obtaining none. Not being directed to go under fire again, we remained spectators near the ]iLinnesotc~ until about 4 p. in., when I received orders to aid in debarking troops, and proceeded to execute, but instead of debarking aided in bringing off the soldiers that had already reached the shore. It has not been my lot to witness any operation comparable in force or in effect to the bombardment of Fort Fisher by the fleet, and I feel satisfied that any attempt to keep out of their bombproofs or to work their guns would have been attended with great loss of life to the rebels, and would have proven a fruitless attempt. On the first day we delivered 217 IX-inch shells, 59 100.pounder rifle, and 89 30-pounder rifle shells. On the second day we delivered 103 TX-inch shells, 20 100-pounder rifle, and 25 30-pounder rifle shells, making a total of 513. Our firing was effective as well as rapid, and I have to express my high appreciation of the ability and zeal of Lieutenant J. D. Marvin, the executive officer of this vessel, and of Acting Master William Bur- ditt, whose long and varied professional experience proved useful. Acting Boatswain Josiah B. Aiken, owing to a deficiency of officers, had charge of the 100-pounder rifle and served it admirably. I have to express my satisfaction at the excellent behavior of the officers and crew, and do not doubt that when the occasion arrives when they should do so they will stand to their guns as long as enough men remain to serve them. In relation to the effect of the fire of the fleet on the fort, I beg leave to express my congratulations, as I did verbally on meeting you after the actions. It did not require a visit to the fort to see that enormous traverses were nearly leveled, as at the S. E. angle. The stockade or abattis must have been much shattered, and the debris from the par- apets must have filled in the ditch greatly. I feel satisfied that every- thing was effected that can be by powerful batteries against a sand- work, and that we could and can keep the enemy in their bombproofs pending an advance of troops to the foot of the parapet. The official letter of General Butler referred to, [which] states that General Weitzel advanced his skirmish line within 50 yards of the fort, while the garrison was kept in their bombproofs by the fire of the navy, and so closely that three or four mcii of the picket line ventured upon the parapet and through the sally-port of the work, is, I think, entirely confirmatory as to the effectiveness of our fire. He adds: This was done while the shells of the navy were falling about the heads of the (laring men who entered the work, but appears to forget that at any given signal from an assaulting colnmn, that this fire would cease and the enemy be found not defending the parapet but safely stowed away in bombproofs. I do not know what more could be asked of naval guns than to afford a safe approach to the foot of the parapet with no lines of the enemy drawn up to receive our forces. Beyond that, I suppose everything would depend upon the relative forces of the combatants and the vigor of the assault, and although the work might not, in a military sense, be much injured, I would think the likelihood of carrying the work woul Page 312 312 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. be greatly increased by such disposition without loss of life of the respective forces. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANIEL AM1\IEN, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. P. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Detailed report of Lieutenant-Commander Harris, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Yantic, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. YANTIC, Beaufort, N. C., January 2, 1865. SIR: In obedience to General Order No. 75, I have the honor to sub- mit the following report of the part this vessel took in the attack on Fort Fisher, New Inlet, North Carolina, on the 24th25th December, 1864: My position on the 24th was to the northward and eastward of Fort Fisher, distant about 2,000 yards, and [~I was doing good execution when, at 3 p. in., the 100-pounder rifle burst (having been fired since the vessel has been in commission but 19 times), mortally wounding the officer commanding the division, the captain of the gun, and slightly wounding 4 of the crew. The vessel being badly shattered, not know- ing the extent of the damage, and having lost what was designed to be the most effective gun, I hauled out of fire. Having obtained addi- tional medical assistance from the Fort Jackson, I, at 4:30 p. in., again stood in and opened fire with my only remaining effective guns, the 30-pounder rifle and IX-inch gun. On the 25th I was assigned the duty of assisting to disembark the troops and cover the landing. The accident just mentioned and my nonparticipation in the attack of the 25th prevent me from giving any decided opinion as to the injury done the fort as a defensive work. I can not, however, refrain from giving my testimony as to the accurate and rapid fire of the fleet. No better confirmation conld be required that the navy did their work well than the fact that the enemy, protected as they were by formidable works, could only make a very feeble reply. At 2 oclock p. m. on the 25th, a portion of the troops was landed amid deafening and encouraging cheers from the meu-of-war and from the troops still on board the transports, cheers which were echoed by the fleet by a fire that elicited but a feeble response from the fort. The landing of the troops was rapid when fairly commenced and everything seemed to token that the army would soon have possession of the enemys works, when, to the surprise and mortification of all, General Butler stopped the further disembarkation of the troops and gave orders to reembark those already on shore. I congratulate you, sir, upon the brilliant share the navy took in the attack of the 24th and 25th; the work was well done. Had the army performed their part, the Federal flag would now be flying over the ramparts of Fort Fisher, a fitting Christmas present to be side by side with that of the glorious and gallant Sherman. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. C. HARRIS, Lieutenant. Commander. Rear-Admiral P. P. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 313 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 313 list of casualties, U. S. S. Yantic. U. S. S. YANTIC, Off Wilmington, N. C., December 24, 1864. Sin: I have to report the following casualties on board this ship resulting from the bursting of the 100-pounder rifle in the engagement with Fort Fisher to-day: Mortally wounded, 2.Edward Winnemore, acting ensign, right leg blown off at the knee and a componnd commiunted fracture of the lower third of the thigh; since died. James Horton, boatswains mate, a compound comminuted fracture of the right foot, leg, and thigh; since died. Slightly wounded, 3.Richard & . Husted, landsman, contusion of left leg. Theodore Vannat{a, ordinary seaman, face and neck burned by powder. Robert Adelton, second-class painter, face and neck burned by powder. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. K. WHEELER, Acting Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander T. C. HARRIs, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Yantic. Report of lieutenant-Commander Harris, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Yantic, regarding damages to that vessel. U. S. S. YANTIC, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 27, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to report that finding the spar deck had settled where the beam had been broken by the explosion of the 100- pounder rifle, I yesterday threw the remaining part of the gun over- board. The extent of the damage to the ships side is even greater than that I first reported. The spirketing for some 4 feet knocked away, one timber broken, sevQral of the outside planking below the waterways bulged out from the timbers and broken, and the fighting chocks for the pivots split and started from the deck. The damage has been temporarily repaired and boxed in to prevent the water running into the ship. Whew the gun was fired it was trained nearly abeam, and with but little elevation, or the huge fragments would have gone through the port boiler and side of the vessel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. C. HARRIs, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Additional report of Lieutenant-Commander Harris, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Yantic, stating the cause for the withdrawal of that vessel. U. S. S. YANTIC, Beaufort, N. C., January 4, 1865. SIR: In your official report of the attack on Fort Fisher,December 24, 1864, by the fleet nuder your command, the Yantie is mentioned a Page 314 314 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the only vessel that left the line to report damages. As a wrong inter- pretation may be placed npon my conduct, I respectfully submit the following statement: Just prior to the attack I received a verbal order from you to follow the smaller vessels in, and do as they did. When they opened fire I did the same, but finding that my shot fell short I stood iu much closer, and in that position was doing good execution when a signal was reported to me from the flagship, with this vessels distinguishing pennant, to close on the leading vessel. Not knowing which was the leading vessel, and determining to err on the right side, I stood in close to the New Iron8ides and abreast of the monitors and held that position until 1, unfortuiiately, burst the 100-pounder rifle gnu with considerable damage to the vessel. (The incidents attending the accident are already in your possession.) I felt it my duty to communicate this intelligence, and was preparing to do so by signals when, seeing the Malvern not a great distance off, and thinking also that my signals would not be seen for the smoke, I determined to stand out and report verbally, which I did. I remained for a time an idle spectator, for my effective gun was gone. I hesitated to fire the 30-pounder Parrott alter the accident to the 100-pounder, and, therefore, had only the IX-inch remaining. I, however, did open fire again, both with the 30-pounder rifle and IX- inch, and kept it up until the signal was made to retire. At no time do I consider the Yctntic as being out of range of the enemys guns, for, while as a looker on, several of his shot struck close to the vessel. In my interview with you you disclaimed any intentioii to reflect upon me or my vessel, and remarked that you had mentioned me among the rest of the commanders in your second report. For this I thank you most cordially, but both the Secretary of the Navy and the public may think I did not perform my duty. An officers reputation is all that he has to live for. I feel there is a stigma upon me which will cling to me while in the service. I ask you, admiral, in justice to me, to my vessel, and to the officers and crew I command, to correct your original report. With high respect, I am, your obedient servant, T. C. HARRIS, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAvID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Letter from Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Harris, U. 5. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Yantic, referring to the withdrawal of that vessel. FLAGSHIP MALVERN, Beaufort, N. C., January 6, 1865. SIR: I have received your communication of the 4th of January, 1865, in relation to the report I made of the action of the 24th ultimo, in which the Yantie was mentioned as having been the only vessel that left the line to report damages. If any wrong impression should be given out by this report it is cor- rected in my letter to the honorable Secretary of the Navy of the 31st ultimo. My mentioning your leaving the line was to show the little damage that had been done to the vessels of the squadron by the enemys fire Page 315 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 315 and not to reflect on yourself, officers, or crew.. As the enemy was not firing at the time there was no particular danger to be apprehended from his guns. I dont suppose that anyone will attach any importance to the fact that you left the line to report damages, as the damages may naturally be supposed to be serious, and a paragraph in my general order of battle provides for such an emergency. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander T. C. HARRIS, Commanding U. S. S. Yantic, off Beaufort, N. C. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Sicard, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Seneca, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. SENECA, December 31, 18G4. ADMIRAL: I would respectfully report that in the actions of the 24th and 25th instant, this vessel was with the vessels on the extreme right that were operating with the ironclads. It was evident from the first half hour of the engagement that the enemy did not intend seriously to reply to the fire of the fleet. This vessel fired 122 XJ-inch shells, and 140 20-pounder Parrott shells at the northeast face of Fort Fisher during the two days bombardment. Our division fired quite slowly on the second day, and as I was quite close to the fort in the afternoon, and only fired at long intervals, the enemy fired at me several times with a heavy rifle, which, however, did no damage, being evidently hurriedly pointed. This gun could have been silenced in a few minutes if the vessels had chosen to throw away shot on it, and, as it was, by an occasional shot from the division it soon ceased its fire. I refrained from firing much toward the close of the second days work, because I expected an assault by the troops and I wished to save my shrapnel for the purpose of covering their advance. I was much disappointed that the army did not make an attempt on the fort. I saw the advance of a skirmish line and of a reserve (com- prising in all about 80 men). They advanced quite close to the work (within pistol shot); after that I lost sight of them, until I saw two returning along the beach with the flag of the tort (which had been shot away about an hour previously by a monitor). At dusk, and for a short time after, there was some musketry firing between this skirmish line and the fort, but up to dark no attempt was made by any adequate body of the army to assault the fort. it is my opinion that the fire of the fort was completely under the control ot the fleet, and that we could stop it whenever we chose (as the fire by the two frigates on the afternoon of December 25 abundantly showed). In fact the fort was silent nine-tenths of the time that we were engaging it. I am furthermore of the opinion that the fort could not hold out against a combined attack of the army and navy. I think it a good proof of the effectiveness of the fire of the fleet, that though our skirmishers advanced so close to the fort, no serious fire was opened on them. Indeed, I do not know from my own observation (and I was in a good position to see) that they were fired on at all in this first advance, and I scarcely think that the enemy would have suffered his flag to be upon the ground so long after it was shot away (though he must have known that we were landing troops, and that from th Page 316 316 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. flags position it was very liable to capture) unless he had been fearful to venture out and recover it under our fire. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, MONTGOMERY SICARD, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding U. S. S. Seneca. Rear-Admiral D~vin D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-commander Chandler, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Maumee. U. S. S. MAUMEE, Beaufort, N. C., December 29, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that this vessel joined in the attack on Fort Fisher on the 24th instant and retained her station until the fleet withdrew for the night. On the 25th got into position as soon as the Colorado anchored and commenced firing. Soon after was recalled by signal arid ordered to assist in landing the troops. The officers in charge of the boats informed me that the soldiers expressed their mortification at being obliged to go on board the transports again, and if they could have followed their own inclinations I feel almost certain that Fort Fisher would now be ours. No casualties occurred on board this vessel, and the officers and men performed their duties faithfully and well. - Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. CHANDLER, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Chandler, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Naumee, in response to Goneral Order No. 75. U. S. S. MAUMEE, Beaufort, N. C., December 30, 1864. SIR: In obedience to General Order No. 75, I have the honor to make the following report: The position of this vessel in the line of battle on the 24th and 25th instant was favorable for observing the firing of the fleet. Many of our shells burst within the earthworks, and on both days the response was very feeble, considering the number of guns mounted. As far as I saw, only a few caseinated guns on the southeast face of Fort Fisher fired, and only at intervals of from fifteen minutes to three-quarters of an hour. On the 25th, after a few rounds, nearly all the shot and shell from the ironclads landed in the fort or parapet, and the other vessels engaged fired with accuracy and coolness, driving the enemy from their barbette guns and plunging shot into the earthworks. I might have gone upon the parapet and gained information as to the extent of dam- age sustained by the fort, apparently without much danger, but as I was under the impression that the troops were sent there for that pur- pose, I did not make the reconnoissance, and consequently am unable to report upon the subject. I shall always believe that if Fort Fisher had been assaulted on the afternoon of the 25th instant by the troops unde Page 317 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 317 General Butlers command, it would have been taken and held with very small loss. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 14. CHANDLER, Lieutenant- Commander, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Captain Alden, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, Off Beaufort, N. C., December 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of General Order No. 75, which not only calls upon commanding officers to give you a report of the part they took in the action of the 24th and 25th instant, but also their impressions as to the damage done to the enemys works, the effect of our firing, and the defensibility of the fort after we had finished the bombardment. On the first day, the 24th, this ship was in line of attack and opened fire on Fort Fisher at 12: SOp. m.,beingthenwithin good 10-second range. The fire was kept up, with occasional intermissions for the men to rest, till 5:15 (more than four hours), when darkness intervened and the signal was made to retire. The enemys fire during the whole of that time was much less than that of one of our large ships; an occasional shot was fired from Fort Fisher; a very feeble and desultory reply to our fire was kept up by the forts between the main work and the Mound battery, which latter was heard from but five or six times dur ing the whole afternoon. In a word, I am satisfied from past experi- ence that if this ship, or any one of the larger ones, could have gotten near enough, say within 200 or 300 yards, she would not only have silenced their batteries fully and entirely, but would have driven every rebel from the point. On the second day, the 25th, this ship was sent to silence some of the enemys earthwork~ which were contiguous to the place fixed upon for the disembarking of the troops, to shell the woods, and to cover their landing. The first troops landed at about 2 p. m. Sent all our boats to assist. At 4 oclock, just two hours after the landing commenced, the general commanding came alongside this ship and said: It has become necessary to reembark the troops. Will you send your boats to assist l You can judge of my surprise at the turn affairs had taken, for at that moment everything seemed propitious. The bombardment was at its height, little or no surf oii the beach, and no serious indica- tions of bad weather; still, the order for retiring had gone forth, and our boats were employed till very late (the launch not returning till next morning) in reembarking the troops, the surf not interfering seri- ously with operations till near midnight, when it became impossible to land with any safety. Much dissatisfaction, I am told, was shown by the soldiers and their officers when they were informed that they were to reembark, and it was with some difficulty that they could be made to get into the boats. They were loud in their denunciations of the order turning them back, saying they had gone there to take the fort and they were going to do it before they left, etc. The next day, the 26th, the surf was too high for safe transit from the shore, and this vessel was employed in making a reconnoissance o Page 318 318 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the enemys works. Nothing near was discovered, however, and after exchanging a few shots with Fort Fisher we returned to the anchorage for the night. The following day all our boats were sent, and after some difficulty the remaining troops were safely embarked. I have endeavored in the above to give you my ideas of the effect of our fire on the enemys works, which was to almost silence them. In regard to the damage done, it is, under the circumstances, impossible for anyone to tell without a closer inspection, for, as you remember at Forts Jackson and St. Philip, everything from the outside seemed in statu quo; hardly any trace of injury was apparent, but on eiitering and looking around, the terrible effect of the bombardment was manifest at every turn. So, too, at Fort Morgan. little or no injury could be dis- covered from without, but upon close examination it was found that almost every gun or its carriage was seriously damaged, if not entirely destroyed. Now as to the defensibility of the fort: The rebels, I am satisfied, considered from the moment that our troops obtained a footing on the shore that the work (battered as it was) was untenable, and were merely waiting for someone to come and take it. The general com- manding furnished us with proof of that fact, I think, in his letter to you informing you of his determination to withdraw, a copy of which you sent me. TI e says that three or four men ventured upon the para- pet and through the sally port of the work, capturing a horse which they brought off * * * and also brought away front the parapet the flag of the fort. This was all done in open day and without resist. ance, if indeed there was anybody there who was disposed to question their right to such trophies. From that and other concurrent testi- mony, I am satisfied that if our troops had not been stopped in their triumphal march toward Fort Fisher, they would have been in it before dark, and in quiet possession without firing a shot. With great respect, I am, your obedient servant, JAMES ALDEN, Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Gonmmnanding North Atlantic Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. Navy, to Captain Alden, U. S. Navy, regarding measures for the reembarking of soldiers. [DECEMBER 26, 1864.] DEAR ALDEN: We must get those poor devils of soldiers off to-day, or we will lose them; they are starving tor want of provisions and water. I want you to go in and see what the Brooklyn can do. Rig a large raft out of spars, get the end of a hawser on shore to them, and with another hawser to the raft you can get them through the surf; or lash two boats together and let them drop in. Get provisions to them (and water) at all hazards. I know the sailors are not all dead on board the Brooklyn, and yon can do it. I send a tug for you to use. Anchor her securely outside the breakers and drift the raft in, and let them haul out to the tug, when the boats will take them off; and wont I be glad to get rid of them; aint a soldier troublesome ~ Go at it as soon as it is light enough; we can have them all off by 12; there are 700 on shore. Yours, very truly, I). D. PORTER Page 319 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 319 Report of Commander Beaumont, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw. U. S. S. MACKINAW, Beaufort, N. 0., December 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit to you the following report of the l)art taken by this vessel in the attack on the rebel Fort Fisher and batteries at New Inlet, North Carolina, on the 24th and 25th instant, by the fleet under your command. At 7:15 a.m., in obedience to general signal, got underway and steamed to the westward to take the position assigned me in the plan of battle. in obedience to orders, at 9:55 a. in., took the Seneca in tow, when the starting bar of our engine broke, causing a delay in starting of thirty-five ininute~,. At 10: ~30 started the engine and towed the Seneca to or near her station, when she cast off. At 12:25 p. m. took my station in line, the Minnesota leading. At 1 p. m. the U. S. S. New Ironsides opened fire on Fort Fisher, when the engagement became general. At 2:25 p. in. a 150-pounder rifle shot struck the vessel at the water line, 1 foot forward of No. 2 starboard port forward, free of the starboard boiler, which had been relieved of its steam pressure before going into action, passing through the for. ward bunker and entering the port boiler, which caused the steam and water to escape, thereby severely scalding 8 men in the fire room and 3 marines at No. 2 IX.inch gun, which had been shifted to the star. board side. Continued firing on the batteries until 5 p. in., when, in obedience to general signal, we withdrew for the night. On the 25th instant, at 9:05 a. in., in obedience to general signal, got underway. At 10 a. in. received orders to follow the Josco, Commander John Guest. Immediately took our position in line of double enders and stood to the westward. At 12:40 p. in. commenced firing on the Mound Fort. At 1:45 p. in. our after 100-pounder Parrott rifle burst, instantly killing Acting Ensign John S. Griscom, officer of the gun, and wounding severely Joseph Heard, ordinary seaman, captain of the gun. Ceased firing at 2:40 p. in., in obedience to signal from the losco; sent three boats with grapuels to drag for torpedoes. At 4 p. in. the boats returned. At 4:30 p. in., in obedience to signal from the losco, fol- lowed her to the north and eastward, and at 6 p. in. anchored. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. BEAUMONT, Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of the engineer in charge on board the U. 5. 5. Mackinaw. U. S. S. MACKINAW, December 24, 1864. SIR: I have to report that during the attack to-day on Fort Fisher (about 2:35 p. in.) a 7-inch shell struck this vessel a little forward of forward coal bunker; passing through the bunker it penetrated the for. ward inboard corner of port boiler and lodged in forward tube box, cutting off about sixty tubes. The hole made by the shell is 8 by 18 inches. The fires in furnace of both boilers were almost entirely extin- guished by the water and steam escaping, and the men on duty in fir Page 320 320 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. room badly scalded. I started fires again in starboard furnaces anI raised steam on that boiler. Respectfully, your obedient servant, JEFFERSON YOUNG, First Assistant Engineer, U. S. Navy, in Charge. Commander J. C. BEAUMONT, U. S. Navy, Commanding Mackinaw. Report of Commander Beaumont, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw, giving list of wounded, December 24. U. S. S. MACKINAW, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 24, 1864. SIR: In obedience to General Order No. 53, I respectfully inform you that the following-named men were wounded on board this vessel iu the attack to-day on Fort Fisher: John Smith, first-class fireman, scalded severely. James IL. Sullivan, second-class fireman, scalded severely. John Kerner, first-class fireman, scalded slightly. Michael Burns, second-class fireman, scalded slightly. Thomas McBride, coal heaver, scalded slightly. Cornelius Kirby, coal heaver, scalded slightly. Samuel Smith, coal heaver, scalded slightly. Paul Lieutard, private, marine, scalded slightly. Nicholas Miller, private, marine, scalded slightly. James McDermott, scalded slightly. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. BEAUMONT, Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commander. Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Commander Beaumont, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mackinaw, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. MACKINAW, Beaufort, N. C., December 31, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your order of the 30th instant, I would respect- fully state, in addition to my report already rendered regarding the part taken by this vessel in the attack upon the rebel forts and batteries at New Inlet, ~ orth Carolina, on the 24th and 25th instant, that the fire from the guns of the fleet nnder your command was so rapid and effective as to paralyze and render feeble and inefficient the fire of the enemys batteties. Feeling satisfied from the effects of our fire that a hearty cooperation on the part of our land forces was only necessary to the complete suc- cess of the expedition, it was with great astonishment and mortifica- tion that I learned on the evening of the 25th instant that they were being withdrawn. I am happy to be able to say that on the above occasion all under my command cheerfully and zealously performed their duty. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. BEAUMONT, Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commander. 6ommanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 321 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 321 Report of Captain Taylor, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Juniata. U. S. S. JUNIATA (Second Rate), Off Beaufort, N~ C., December 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your General Order No. 75, and I rise from my sick bed to give it an instant reply: The part that this ship took in the actions of the 24th and 25th instant was as follows: On each day she took the position assigned to her in your plan of battle and kept up a constant fire upon Fort Fisher, from the moment of anchoring until ordered to withdraw. On the 24th, after having been engaged abont an hour, she moved from her first anchorage in company of several other ships, by your order, to a position nearer to the fort, thus rendering her fire more effec- tive. During the two days she fired 681 shells, all but 17 of which were delivered by 7 guns. After obtaining the range, the firing appeared to me like target practice. The falling of the shells of the fleet was so incessant that the enemy was frequently unable to return our fire for long intervals. Several conflagrations occurred iii the fort, and I saw one explosion. It was my impression that we had done much injury to the works, as it is impossible for me to conceive that such a weight of fire, so long con- tinued, and falling so accurately, could have left them substantially uniIij ured. I was vcry much surprised and disappointed on learning that the troops had reembarked. I saw no attack by them which looked like an earnest one, and for a time I entertained a hope that the fort had proved an easy capture, from the feebleness of the musketry firing, so long as we remained within sight and hearing of it. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. ROGERS TAYLOR, Captain, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Bea ufort, N. C. Report of Captain Taylor, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Juniata, forwarding reports of casualties. U. S. S. JUNIATA (Second Rate), Off Beaufort, N. C., December 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith the following papers, viz: First. The surgeons reports of killed and wounded during the engagements of the 24th and 25th instant, with Fort Fisher. Second. The engineers report * of injuries in his department. Third. The gunners report* and an account of ammunition expended. Fourth. The carpenters report.* No other injuries were sustained by this ship. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. ROGERS TAYLOR, Captain, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, U. S. Flagship ilfalvern. ~ Not found. N W UVOL 112 Page 322 322 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. JTJNIATA, Off Wilmington, N. 0., December 24, 18G4. SIR: The following is a list of the killed and wounded in to-days engagement with the forts and batteries ashore. All the casualties were occasioned by the bursting of the 100-pounder Parrott gun: Killed. 1. Lieutenant D. ID. Wemple, both legs crushed, a wound (punctured) in the left hypochondriac region, and concussion cerebri. 2. Second Lieutenant Marines Jones Pile, knocked overboard by a piece of the gun or its carriage and probably killed by concussion cerebri also the left arm and shoulder broken. 3. Theodore Abos, second-class fireman, left leg, thigh, hip, arm, and forearm fractured; soft parts extensively lacerated killed by hemor- rhage and shock. 4. Henry Payne, captain forecastle, both thighs broken, cavity of the pelvis, and part of the abdoineii opened; death by shock. 5. James D. Ennels, first-class boy, left leg and thigh shattered and lacerated; died shortly after amputation. Total killed, 5. Wounded. 1. Paymaster Caspar Schenck, compound fracture of the left tibia. 2. William Kennedy, marine, fracture right tibia. 3. Charles Winters, quarter runner, contusion (slight). 4. Joseph Tye, coxswain, powder burn. 5. William Arilall, second-class fireman, powder burn. 6. Orrin B. Patchin, landsinan, powder burn. 7. John Cogan, ordinary seaman, powder burn (severe). 8. Thomas Mahoney, ordinary seaman, (leafened. All the wounded are likely to do well. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALBERT C. GORGAS, ASurgeon, U. S. Navy. Captain WILLIAM ROGERS TAYLOR, Commanding U. S. S. Juniata, off Wilmington, N. C. U. S. S. JUNIATA, Off Wilmington, N. 0., December 25, 1864. SIR: The following is a list of the wounded on board this ship in to-days engagement with the forts and batteries ashore. All the wounds are from splinters, occasioned by shot coming through the ships side on the berth deck. 1. William Gillam, coal heaver, contusion of the left side of the head and face. 2. David Conner, captains cook, contusion of the back and several slight flesh wounds from small splinters. 3. George H. Carpenter, landsrnan, contused wound of the right elbow. These are all slight wounds and are likely to do well. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALBERT C. GORGAS, Surgeon. Captain WILLIAM ROGERS TAYLOR, Commanding U. S. S. Juniata Page 323 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 323 Report of Lieutenant Reed, U. S. Navy, of injnrie3 received by the U. S. S. Pawtuxet. U. S. S. PAWTUXET, Off Wilmington, IV. C., December 27, 1864. SIR: The damages received by this steamer ill bombarding the delenses near Wilmington, N. C., December 24 and 25, are as follows: Boatswains department. Fore shroud (iron wire), port side, fore sheer iron ratlines, starboard, fore trysail brails, starboard, first cutters topping lifts, starboard, cut away by shell. Carpenters department. First cutter, starboard side, forward, damaged by shell (badly); gig, starboard side, aft, damaged by shell; fore bulwarks and waterways (port side) (lamaged by shell. Carried away by the U. S. ship Ticonderogas dropping foul of this steamer: Fore hammock nettings, top rails, and bulwarks stove in on starboard side; 14 stanclijons and timbers, etc., broken and badly sprung close to waterways on starboard side, forward; waterways, lower timbers, and planking sprung on starboar~zt side forward~ breech- ing and side-tackle bolts, gnu No. 2 starboard side, forward, driven in and sprnng (unserviceable); the remains of the first cutter stove in and carried away. Gunners department. Two elevating screws for 100-pounder rifle broken (and unfit for further use). Very respectfully, ALLEN V. IIEED, Lieutenant and Executive Otilcer. Commander J. II. SPOTTS, Commanding U. S. S. Pawtuxet. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Pawtuxet, Commauder Spotts, U. S. Navy. December 24.(Off Fort Fisher.) At 1:45 a. m. saw a flash and heard the report of an explosion bearing W. by N. At 2 hove short. At 3 got nnderway. At 6:45 the flagship signaled. Got underway and steamed toward the land with the rest of the fleet. From 8 to meridian: Steamed according to the order of the flagship. At 12 the flagship signaled prepare for action. At 12:55 p. in. the en~agement com- menced by the New Irousides shelling Fort Fisher. At 2 came into action astern of the Ticonderoqa and outside the New Ironsides. IRe- ceived a shot that went through the first cutter and passed out through the port bulwarks. At 3:30 flagship signaled; retired from action and steamed for flagship. Had a collision with the Ticonderoga. Stove in starboard bulwarks forward and the first cutter. Cut the boat from the davits. At 4 p. m. caine into action ahead of the Juniata and kept up a deliberate firing on the Mound. At 5 the fleet withdrew from action. December 25.At 10 a. m. the flagship signaled. Got underway and stood in for Fort Fisher. At 12, meridian, was ordered by the admira Page 324 324 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. to follow the losco. At 12: 15 p. m. commenced firing at the Mound batteries. At 3:30 sent second cutter in charge of an officer with 3 grapnels to drag for torpedoes and with 6 20-gallon breakers strapped and with ropes and 6 stands of grape to buoy ont the channel. At 4: 16 boat returned. At 5:45 sent the launch and second cutter in charge of officers and properly armed to embark troops. December 26.At 8:30 a. m. flagship signaled. Got underway and steamed in toward the beach in order to cover the embarkation of troops. Report of Captain Bidgely, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Shenandoah. U. S. S. SHENANDOAH, Off Beaufort, N. 0., December 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report the part taken by the Shenandoah in the bombardment of Fort Fisher and the batteries at New Inlet on the 24th and 25th instant: The Shenandoah was signaled when in line of battle to come within hail of the admiral, and was ordered by him to take a position near the Ironsides and open on the batteries of Fort Fisher. The position was immediately taken and this ship commenced firing at Fort Fisher with two rifles and two XI-inch guns, the shells falling inside of Fort Fisher, apparently with good effect. At 2 p. m. a large fire broke out within the fort. At 3: 10 the flag of the fort was shot away by the fleet. At 3:50 p. m. was ordered by the admiral to go closer in. We steamed in and anchored head and stern close to the Ironsides and Monadnock. We fired from the new position with deliberation and good effect. At 5:10 p. m. signal was made to retire from action, when this ship withdrew. The fire from Fort Fisher during the bombardment this day was very slack and feeble. A few shot fell near the monitors and a few went over us. The conflagration in the fort seemed to be of considerable extent and continued until after nightfall. The shells of the fleet were exploding on the parapet and inside of the fort so rapidly that it was difficult to make out what guns they were using. One shot carried away our stern ladder during the bombardment this day. On the morning of the 25th instant got underway with the fleet in line of battle. At 2 p. m. the admiral signaled to the Shenandoah to await further orders. Twenty minutes afterwards we were ordered to take position ahead of the Juniata. We anchored a ships length ahead of the Juniata and three ships length outside of a wreck on the bar and opened deliberately on a water battery to the west of Fort Fisher of four guns. We succeeded in silencing three of the guns which were not used again during the engagement. To the westward of this battery was another of two guns, that seemed to be casemated. They fired very slowly but in good line. The shells from one of them fell a few yards short of us and the others just over us. The firing from the guns on the Mound was very slow, and with so much elevation they went over the fleet. We succeeded in exploding a 150-pounder rifle shell near the top of the Mound Page 325 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 325 At 4:35 p. m. was ordered to withdraw and stand outside of the Minnesota. At 4:45 p. m. a large fire broke out just in the rear of the batteries, which continued until after night. Between Fort Fisher and the Mound batteries we could discern two guns dismounted by the fire of the fleet. After the second days bombardment I could see nothing more for the navy to do than await the assault by the land forces, which did not take place as I expected. It affords me much gratification to speak of the cool bearing of Lieu- tenant S. W. Nichols, the executive officer, and the other officers and crew of this ship during the two days bombardment. I enclose a memorandum* of the expenditure of ammunition on the 24th and 25th instant. I am, very respectfully, etc., DANE. B. IRma-ELY, Captain, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Commodore Godon, U. S. Navy, commanding fourth division, regarding the operations of the U. S. S. Susquehanna. U. S. FRIa-ATE SUSQUEHANNA Off Fort Fisher, A. C., December 28, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report on the movements of this ship during the engagement of the 24th and 25th of December with Fort Fisher and batteries: At about meridian of the 24th instant, in obedience to general signal, I fell into line of battle, and in regular order drew into my station as per plan of attack, opening fire from my starboard battery of eight IX-inch guns and two 150-pounder rifles at 2 oclock. I did not, how- ever, get fairly placed with anchors down until 3 oclock, when I con- tinued a smart fire until ordered out of action at 5:30 p. m. The firing from Fort Fisher was not sustained and was often silenced for a considerable time. The distance, however, seemed too great, although the practice was good and kept the fire of the enemy down. On the 25th I did not get in position until 2:20 p. in., when I tried my rifle range at about 1,700 yards, and anchored within half a ships length on the starboard bow of the Colorado, as directed by verbal order, and opened with the IX-inch guns most effectively, using but one division at a time. The enemys fire, as on the day before, was feeble and not sustained, and was several times silenced for half an hour. Held my position until ordered to withdraw at 4:55, but afterwards steamed np to Minnesotas stern and remained there with a slight renewal of my fire until ordered to retire from action and reserve am- munition, then growing short, for the assault. Although fairly exposed, received but few hits and no damage of the slightest consequence. The enemys practice was bad on both days, owing, I presume, to the steady and well-directed fire of the large ships and ironcladis. * Not found Page 326 326 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. From my position on the wheelhouse overlooking my entire battery, I had every officer and man under my observation, and I have sincere pleasure in testifying to the fine bearing, zeal, and gallantry of the divisional officers, viz, Lieutenant Bartlett and Acting Ensign lihoades, of the first division; Lieuteii ant Brown, coin mnanding second division; Acting Ensign Laycock, commanding third division; Acting Master Porter, commanding fburtl division, and First Lienten ant Will iain Wallace, who, with his fine company of marines, handled most effect- ively two extra IX-inch guns. Lieutenant-Commander Blake, my executive officer, is all I can desire in battlecool and collected, calm and intelligent. He is my right- hand man. I also beg to call special attention to Ensign Preble, the master of this ship, who, whether under fire or any other circumstances, has proved himself without a superior in intelligence or ability on board the vessel. My aid, Masters Mate Cooper, was prompt in answering signals and in his spare moments used the 12 pounder howitzer on the hurricane deck with effect. Thanks to the officers of the ])owder division, Acting Ensign Bern- bum, Gunner Waugh, and Sailinaker Holbrook, the ammunition was promptly supplied throughout the engagement. The engines, under the control of Chief Engineer Johnson and his able assistants, were at all times ready for duty. Boatswain Z. Whitmarsh and Carpenter J. E. Miller, stationed in the masters division, not only performed their own duties with intelligence, but gave valuable aid wherever they could. The subordinate officers of the divisions, the captains of the guns an(l their spirited crews have my thanks for their labors those two days. In short, I have every reason to believe that in action this ship will always be found efficient, wherever she may be placed. If no more satisfactory results were obtaiimed by the fleet from the operations of the 24th and 25th, we must look to the Army for cause. The Navy seems to Imave sustained itself. I forward herewith the report of injuries to the hull and rigging, as also gunners report of expemmditure of ammunition. The reports of the commandimmg officers in this division will be forwarded as soon as received. Jam, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. W. GonoN, Commodore, Commanding Fourth Division North Atlantic Squadron. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. SUSQUETIANNA, Off Beaufort, N. C., November [Decemberj, 30, 1864. SIR: I respectfully report that during the attack on Fort Fisher the only casualty occurring in the engine department was a damage to the smokestack, a round shot having gone completely through it. Very respectfully, JOHN JOHNSON, Commodore S. W. GODON, Chief Engineer. Commanding Fourth Division North Atlantic Blockading Squadron Page 327 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 327 U. S. FRIGATE SUSQUEHANNA, Off Beai{fort, N. C., December 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report of the casualties in my department during the action of the 24th and 25th: Main lift shot away; both maintopmast stays (chain), foretop bowlines. With the above exceptions, no other damage done to anything appertaining to my department. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Boatswain. Lieutenant-Commander F. B. BLAKE. U. S. S. FRIGATE SUSQUEHANNA, Off Beaufort, N. C., December 30, 1864. SIR: 1 have the honor to make the following report of damages this ship sustained in the engagement of Fort Fisher and batteries on the 24th and 25th instant: On the starboard afterguard, frame and joiner work nearly torn oft; and inside of nettings, from the concussion by the continual firing of the guns. The first cutter and barge were so damaged by the concussion as to be unserviceable and beyond repairs. The gig was also torn apart by a hawser leading astern, which was entirely unavoidable. A shell from the enemy exploded outside of the wheelhouse, of which a piece struck the shot rack and deck of the engine-room hatch on the starboard side. All of which is submitted. II am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Jos. E. MILLER, Lieutenant-Commander F. B. BLAKE. Carpenter. Report of Commander Frailey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. Tuscarora. U. S. S. TUSCARORA, Off Wilmington, N. C., December 27, 1864. SIR: In compliance with general signal just made, I am gratified to state that though shot and shell from the enemy fell during the two days bombardment in every direction around me, none struck the ship, nor have I to report any casualty. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. MADISON FRAILEY, Commander, U. S. Navy. liear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. ~avy, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Report of Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. Ticonderoga. U. S. S. TICONDEROGA, Off Beaufort, N. C., December 30, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that, in obedience to your signal on the 24th instant to form line of battle, I took my station in the secon Page 328 328 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. line and continued with the fleet, which stood in for the batteries on Federal Point, when at 2:30 I received your verbal orders to take posi- tion near the New Ironside8, which was accordingly done, and I opened fire with starboard guns on Fort Fisher. At 3: 15 p. m. an unfortunate accident occurred, caused by the burst- ing of the 100-pounder Parrott rifle into fragments, wounding Acting Volunteer Lieutenant L. G. Vassallo (attlie time coollysighting the gun) and killing 8 men and wounding 12 others severely. A few moments after this I received and obeyed your orders to go nearer the New Iron- sides, and a continuous and effective fire was kept up until your signal was made at 4:50 p. m. to withdraw from battle. I regret to report that dui-ing the afternoon the gunboat Pawtuxet collided with me, doing some injury. On the 25th instant, after putting the killed and wounded on board of the hospital ship Fort Jackson, in accordance to orders, I took my position in line of battle, and at 2: 40 p. in., in obedience to signal, placed this ship on the port bow of the Colorado, and port quarter of the ASusquehanna, anchoring head and stern. An effective fire was then opened from the starboard guns at about 1,800 yards distance from the fort, which was continued until 4:30 p. in., when my supply of ammu- nition falling short, I withdrew from action without having received the slightest injury. On the afternoon of the 25th the fire of the fleet was very effective, and so severe as to silence the enemys guns for nearly an hour. The works were very much damaged, almost every shell going into them. From my point of view I thought their condition was such that had a vigorous assault been made during the night they might have been carried. It gives me great pleasure to mention my entire satisfaction with the conduct of the officers and men under my command during the engage- ment. Amidst the depressing effect caused by the bursting of the Par- rott gun and the loss of 20 of the crew, I could not but admire the intrepidity of the men in working their guns under the enemys fire. I would call your attention especially to the gallant conduct of Wil- liam Shipman (coxswain), who, as captain of No. 2 gun, was stationed near the Parrott rifle when the accident took place. This man, seeing the effect produced by the explosion, at once encouraged those around him by exclaiming, Go ahead, boys; this is only the fortune of war! He richly deserves a medal at the hands of the Department. The con- duct of Ensign W. W. Maclay and Acting [Masters] lVJates William Cooper and Edward [A.] Sibell, by their coolness in encouraging the men at their guns in the midst of the carnage surrounding them, is also deserving of special mention. The reports of the different departments of this ship, which have been duly transmitted, will show the amount of damage received and the casualties which occurred on board during the two days operations. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. STEEDMAN, Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Gaptain. Gomdg. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, Flagship Malvern Page 329 NORTh ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 329 Report of Captain Steedman, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Ticonderoga, forwarding additional reports. U. S. S. TICONDEROGA, Off Beaufort, N. C., December27, 1864. STE: I beg leave herewith to transmit the following reports, viz: 1 st. The surgeons report of killed and wounded during the engage- merit of the 24th and 25th instant with Fort Fisher. 2d. The gunners report * and account of ammunition expended. 3d. Boatswains report. 4th. Carpenters report.* No other injuries were sustained. By the bursting of the 100-pounder Parrott gun there were 5 men killed and 4 wounded, belonging to that gun, and 3 killed and 7 wounded, belonging to the No. 1 IX-inch gun. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES STEEDMAN, Captain. Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. TICONDEROGA, Off Wilmington, IV. C., December 25, 1864. SIR: I have to report the following casualties on board this vessel during the engagement with the batteries and Fort Fisher at Federal Point, North Carolina, on the 24th day of December, 1864 (caused by the bursting of our 100-pounder Parrott gun). C. J. CLEBORNE, Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Captain CHARLES STEEDMAN, Commanding lIT. S. S. Ticonderoga, off Wilmington, N. C. [Subenclosure.j Killed. No. Name. Rate. I How killed. 1 John Hill Seaman Bytheburstingofl00-pounder Parrott gun. 2 James McCormick do Do. 3 Lndwig E. Wilta do Do. 4 Charles G. 5tites Ordinary seaman Do. 5 James T. Duffy Landaman Do. 6 James MeMillen do Do. 7 James T.Ward do Do. 8 William. Sinton Second-class boy Do. Wounded. No. Name. Rate. Character of wound. 9 Edward 11. Bowman - - Quartermaster Fracture of left leg. 10 Charles Brown 5eam~n Compound fracture of left thigh. 11 William E. Rochow do Incised wound of right eyebrow. 12 Louis G. Vassallo Acting volunteer lieutenant Incised wound of left eyebrow and month. 13 William Jones Ordinary seaman Fracture of forearm. 14 James Williams do Fracture of left leg. 15 Phineas Snyder do Wound of left thigh. 16 Jacob Holt - Landsman Wouud of left hip. - 17 Shultz B. Martin do Abrasion of left hip. 18 Cornelius Collins Marine private Do. 19 William H. Milliken.. Ordinary seaman Abrasion of left leg. Total, 8 killed and 11 Wounded; grand total, 19. aNot found Page 330 330 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. U. S. S. TICONDEROGA, Off Beaufort, N. 0., December 27, 18G4. SIR: I have to report the following injuries to the rigging of this ship during the engagement on December 24 and 25 with Fort Fisher, viz: Port main topgallant backstay cut away; starboard fore-topsail sheets cut away. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY E. BARNES, Boatswain. Captain CHARLES STEEDMAN, U. S. S. Ticonderoga. Report of Commander Guest, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. losco. U. S. S. losco, Off Wilmington, N. 0., December 27, 18G4. ADMIRAL: I have to report that on the 24th instant this ship took the position in the line assigned her in general orders in the attack on the forts on Federal Point. The firing from the ships had soon silenced the forts and set fire to the quarters. Ii found but little life in the bat- teries excepting the Mound, to which I directed my fire and succeeded in knocking down the rebel flag. This was in return for a shot which carried away the head of our foremast. The condition of affairs at the forts at this time was such that I am convinced the troops could have occupied them easily had they beeii ashore. On the 25th 1 led in this ship, followed by the vessels you had placed under my ordei-s, to attack the Mound, viz, Tacony, Sassacus, Quaker City, Mackinaw, Pawtuxet, Oseco hi, Pontoosuc, Maratauza, and Chippewa, and approached as near as the water would permit (16k feet) on the edge of the shoal. The pilots refused to go any nearer. After the ves- sels opened, the fire from the batteries was very feeble. At the Mound the rebels could be plainly seen running up to the top to fire when we ceased, and as hastily running (lown to shelter immediately after. The boat8 of the vessels above mentioned were meaiiwhile, under Lieutenant Cushing, dragging the channel for torpedoes. At 3 p. m. I received your orders to assist to land troops with the boats of all the vessels under my orders, which was immediately obeyed so far as sending the boats, but the difficulty was that no soldiers would land. On the contrary. the boats of these vessels were employed in taking them on board the transports, the rush being so great that in one case those who could not get into the boat hung on to the stern and were towed otL The conduct of all on board this vessel was very satisfactory during the bombardment. The discipline and general efficiency of the crew are due to their excellent training by Lieutenant C. L. Franklin, execu- tive officer. Acting Ensign W. Jameson shot away the flagstaff on the Mound. Acting Assistant Paymaster Scovel volunteered for duty on deck, which he performed creditably. On the 26th and during the night, covered the right flank of the army by shelling the woods; 27th, boats embarking troops. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN GUEST, Commander. Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, off Wilmington Page 331 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 331 Abstract log of the U~ S. S. Quaker City, Commander William F. Spicer. December 22, 18G4.At 11 a. m. flagship illairern got underway and stood to the westward, followed by the Nansemond, with the powder boat in tow. December 23.At 4:30 p. m. steamed ahead in line in company with the fleet. At 5:20 came to anchor. All the fleet came to anchor. December 24.At 1:15 a. m. a large fire observed bearing W. ~ N. At 1:45 an explosion occurred and the fire was extinguished. At 7:10 got underway and stood W. by N. in company with all the fleet. At 9 piped to quarters, cast loose the battery on both sides, and got ready for action. At 3. p..m. got into position and opened fire. At first fire from the 100-pounder the muzzle burst about 4 feet from face, a large piece landing on deck, slightly wounding George F. Locke. Our fire directed upon Fort Fisher and Mound battery. Made signal to the Cherokee, her shell exploding near and over us; also the Keystone State. At 5:10 p. m. a shot from the Mound struck on our starboard bow, pene- trating the planking. At 5:20 hove up and stood out in company with the fleet. December 25.At 10 a. m. flagship made signal to us. Steamed along- side the Malvern; received orders from the admiral to follow the losco. Took up position in line, following the losco. At 10: 45 the Ironsides opened fire on the fort. At 11 the Minnesota opened fire on the fort. At 11:30 an army transport preparing to land, we steaming toward the Monnd battery, following the losco. At 12:35 a small boat in charge of Lieutenant Cushing stood in toward the Mound. At 1:10 p. m. we opened fire upon the Mound battery, our shots falling short. At 2:05 sent second cutter in charge of Mr. Wilkinson to report to the losco. At 2:26 p. m. received an order from the admiral to cease firing and drag the channel for torpedoes. Order previously complied with by order of the losco. At 4:20 p. m. the losco made signal. Steaming toward the army transports, the army landing on the beach, the gun- boats shelling the woods. At 5:30 p. m. set steam and signal lights. A t 5:45 the Nansemond brought orders from the admiral to look out for and take in tow the ironclad Canonicus if necessary, in case it came on to blow. Steamed toward the ironclads. At 7:10 spoke the Saugus, asked where the Canonicus was; also spoke the Ironsides. Stood out E. S. E.; 51)oke the Mahopac and Monadnock. At 8 found the Canonicus. At 8:15 lowered the first cutter to run a hawser to the Canonicus. At 8:30 the Canonicus communicated with us; took the hawser on board again. At 9:15 came to anchor near the Canonicus. At midnight saw a flash of guns on the batteries. December 26.At S a. in. the flagship made signal. Got underway and stood in for the Saugus. At 8:40 spoke the Saugus and sent a boat to her with orders to heave her anchor up. Hove to near the Saugus, waiting to take her in tow. At 11:45 gave the Saugus our hawser and started oft~ E. S. E. December 27.At 9:30 a. in. sent a boat in to Beaufort. At 3:45 p. m. the Saugus east off our hawser. Report of Captain Sands, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Fort Jackson. U. S. S. FORT JACKSON, Off Beai~fort, N. C., December 27, 1864. SIR: I submit the following report of the part taken by this vessel under my command in the attack upon Fort Fisher: At 11 a. m. on the 24th instant, in obedience to signal from the flag Page 332 332 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ship, formed in line of battle and stood in with the fleet, taking up posi- tion as the leading ship of the second line, and at 2:10 p. m. anchored liead and stern ahead of the Juniata, as 1er order and plan of battle, with the Mound bearing W. 4 K., and opening npon the batteries between the Mound and Fort Fisher with spar deik rifles, 100 pounder and 30-pounder, and maui-deck IX-inch shell guiis. At 2:30 ix in., finding that we were dragging onr anchor in the quicksand, and that owing to the crankness of the ship our main-deck guns were not reach- ing when the spar-deck rifles were pivoted on the same side, I hove up the anchor, and, cutting the stern hawser to prevent fouling the Junictta, I stood in ahead of her farther in, for a better position nearer the batteries. At this time the Santiago de Cuba, the senior ship of the line, made signal to follow her, and we stood around to the north end of the line of battle, taking np position without anchoring near the ironclads, opening upon the enemy at a shorter range than in our first position, which we kept np until signal was iiiade to retire. On our way to our last position we were hailed by the Yantic for surgical aid, her 100-pounder having burst and disabled part of her crew. Sent on board Acting Assistant Surgeon (YCallaghan. Amid the continued shower of shells exploding over the fort and bat- teries it was impossible to see what execution was done by our own guns. The amount of ammunition expended is as follows: 22 100-pounder shell, Parrott rifle; 35 30-pouiider shell, Parrott rifle; 22 IX-inch shell. We have no casualties to report. On the 25th instant the Port Jack8on was detailed to receive the killed and wounded of the fleet, after which we stood in for the beach. Sent out boats to assist the army in landing, aiid, in obedience to your directions, followed them along as they proceeded toward Fort Fisher, to give you notice of the time of assault, but which not taking place, we, in obedience to general signal, stood for the anchorage of the fleet at dark. Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, - B. F. SANDS, Captain, U. S. Navy. Itear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Pl~gship ]Iilialvcrn. Report of Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, of the capture of Flag Pond battery. U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Off Wilmington, December 2.5, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report to the admiral that we landed the troops this day at 1 p. in. in 41 boats, in charge of Lieutenant Nor- man II. Farquhar, who was with General Curtis, and they were the first to land. In these boats there were 500 men and officers, all of whom were landed without any accident whatever. At the time the troops landed, a white flag was hoisted on Flag Pond battery, a boat was sent immediately fuom the Britannia, Tristram Shandy, Jliowquah, and the Santiago de Cuba. The Britannias boats crew and officer wer Page 333 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 333 the first to reach the fort, when 64 privates, 1 captain, and 1 lieutenant surrendered themselves with their arms to the navy. This occnrrence took place before the troops reached the fort. All the prisoners were then sent on board of this ship as prisoners of war arid are now here, subject to your orders. I herewith enclose you a list of the prisoners. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. S. GLISSON, Captain, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, off Wilmington, N. C. Report of Captain Glisson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. Santiago do Cuba, regarding the landing of troops. U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, January 1,1865. SIR: In obedience to your order of the 30th of December, 1864, I have the honor to report to Rear-Admiral David D. Porter that the U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba took her station on the 24th December, 1864, as directed on the chart of the plan for the bombardment of Fort Fisher. We fired 163 projectiles, all of which did good service. This ship was struck once, disabling her wash-deck pumps, this being the only damage done to this ship. The fire of the fleet was terrific, and the fort was much damaged, guns dismounted, quarters burned, one magazine blown up, and guns silenced and the men driven to their casemates. I feel convinced if an assaulting party had attempted to enter the fort, it could have been easily taken on the first day. On the second day I was ordered to superintend the landing of troops with an adequate force to have landed all the troops in a very short time. I stood in close to the beach, and after shelling B alf Moon and Flag Pond batteries, I anchored my vessels in two divisions, leaving room for the transports to anchor between the two divisions. After the transports anchored, I ordered the boats to proceed for the troops, and at the same time I called on General Butler, and I informed him that I was ordered to assist him in landing the troops, when he informed me that Ye was only going to land 500 men. I remarked that it would be better to land more, as it was probable that we would riot be able to land any the next day, as we might have bad weather. General Butler then remarked that we had better not land any, but the order was given to land 500, and I ordered Lieutenant Farquhar to proceed with the boats to land the troops, and 500 were landed in 41 boats, and the boats returned for more. About 2,000 were landed, when the order came for the troops to reembark, and we commenced immediately to take them on board and continued the work until about 10 oclock, when the surf became 50 heavy that it was impossible to land. The ship lost one of her best boats, and about 700 men were left on shore during the night of the 25th of December. The forts had again been silenced and much damage done, and the fire from the fleet being so heavy that the men were again compelled to seek safety in their casemates; and had the assaulting party that approached so near the fort made the attempt I feel con vinced that they would have been successful. Enclosed you will find the report o Page 334 334 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the amount of ammunition expended. And it gives me much p1ea~uie to state that every officer and man on board this ship did his duty in this action. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 0. S. GLISSON, Captain, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID P. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Beaufort, N. C. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Truxtun, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tacony, trans- mitting list of casuallies. U. S. S. TACONY, Beaufort, N. C., December 27, 1864. SIR: I have to submit the following report of the part taken by this Vessel under my command in the engagement with the rebel fortifica- tions at New Inlet, North Carolina, on the 24th and 25th instant. On the 24th instant I took the position assigned this vessel in line of battle, and at 1 p. in. anchored head and stern opposite Fort Fisher, distant from it about 2, 000 yards, and opened fire upon the fort and earthworks with the starboard battery, consisting of 3 IX-inch, 2 XJ-inch gulls, and 2 12-pounder rifled howitzers. Continued engaged till 4:50 p. in., when I hauled off in obedience to signal from the flag- ship, without damage to the vessel or loss of men. On the 25th instant again took position assigned, and at 12 oclock (meridian) opened fire with the same battery as used on the 24th instaiit. This time our fire was directed principally at the Mound or Battery Lamb. Continued engaged till 1 :38 p. in., when we ceased firing and sent the cutter, under Acting Master Itndolph Sommers, and the launch, under Acting Ensign James B. Taney, to drag and buoy out the channel. While the boats were thus engaged, the enemys batteries opened a heavy fire upon them, by which the cutter (Acting Master Sommers) was sunk, Henry Sands (seaman) killed, and Joseph Riley, quartermaster, slightly wounded. I have no other casualties to report; the vessel is uninjured. The conduct of the officers and crew was perfect evi both days coolness, zeal, and intelligence. ,. ucing during Acting Assistant Paymaster William S. Hosford, in charge of the after powder division, did good service, while for the general efficiency and goodorder which prevailed I am indebted to the energy and well- directed abilities of Acting Master N. S. Morgan, the executive officer of the vessel. I enclose a statement of the ammunition* exI)en(led on the 24th and 25th instant, also a list of killed and wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. T. TRUXTUN, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID P. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Not found Page 335 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 335 [Enclosure.] U. S. S. TACON~ , Beaufort, N. C., December 27, 1864. SIR: The following is a list of casualties to the crew of this vessel during the engagement of the 25th instant at Federal Point, North Carolina: 1. Henry Sands, ordinary seaman, age 26; both legs shot away at the knee joint, while on a boat expedition for the purpose of sounding and dragging the channel in front of the fortifications. The missile is sup- posed by the officer in charge of the boat to have been a 24 or 32 pound Whitworth shot. The casualty occurred about 4 p. in. The patient survived about two hours. 2. Joseph Riley, quartermaster, age 25; two slight wounds of left gluteal region, received at the same time and place from splinters, the boat having been shattered by the shot. Respectfully, GEORGE HOPKINS, Acting Assistant iSurgeon. Lieutenant-Commander W. T. TEuxTUN. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Truxtun, U. S. Navy, in response to General Order No. 75. U S. S. TACONY, Beaufort, N. C., December 30, 1864. SIR: I have just received your General Order No. 75, directing me to report on the condition of Fort Fisher and the works near it at the close of the late naval attacks made upon it by the fleet nnder yonr command on the 24th and 25th instant, and whether it was uninjured as a defensive work, as asserted by General Butler. In reply I have to state that the enemys fire on both days was much less than I expected; the barbette guns were completely silenced, while the casemated batteries fired but rarely. On the close of the 25th the fire of the batteries was so feeble it seemed to me the assault by the army might have been made with every prospect of success. I was in a position commanding a clear and nuobstructed view of the north face of Fort Fisher, upon which I counted nine guns, without a man near them, and from which I did not see a shot fired for hours. These guns commanded the seabeach on which the troops had landed, and upon which they could plainly be seen advancing in widely sepa- rated detachments toward the fort. Up to sundown I am quite certain no assault on the works was made by the troops; at daylight I learned to my surprise they had not only embarked, but were leaving for l3Lainpton Roads. I am unable to state the condition of the works, but I am certain the navy performed all that could have been expected of it, and that it did not receive from the army the spirited arid gallant support it looked for. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ~. T. ThUXTUN, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAvID D. PORTER, Commanding Korth Atlantic Squadron Page 336 336 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Osceola, transmitting additional reports of casualties, etc. U. S. S. OSCEOLA, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 27, 1864. ADMIRAL: I beg leave respectfully to present the following report of the operations of this vessel in the engagement with Fort Fisher and the adjacent batteries on the 24th and 25th instant: After taking our positiou as per plan, on the afternoon of the 24th instant, and opening fire, we were signaled about 3 p. m. to come within hail, and under your instrnctions to change onr position to one closer to the batteries. We took a position about 3:50 p. m. inside of the Juniata and ahead of the Tacony, where we reopened fire, directing almost our entire attention to the Mound fort and the batteries imine- diately in its vicinity. At 4:50 p. m. we received a X-inch solid shot about 3 feet below the water line, which passed through the side through the sandbags placed to protect the boiler, and into the star- board boiler, passing into No. 4 furnace. In consequence of this mis- fortune 6 men were scalded, 2 very badly. We continued firing till the water had nearly reached the fires, when T deemed it expedient to move out of line and made signal Disabled ; and still finding that the water was gaining very rapidly, extinguishing the fires underneath the port boiler, I signaled Sinking. By this time, having reached the outer line, lowered a boat and fortunately succeeded in partially stopping the leak. I wonid beg leave to mention the promptness with which Lieutenant- Commander Upshnr, of the A. D. Vance, and Lieutenant-Commander Truxtun, of the Tacony, came to my assistance, the former taking us in tow and towing us to a safe anchorage. On the 25th instant at 8:20 a. m. got nnderway and took our station astern of the Tacony, subsequently reported by order to Commander Guest and went into position, opening fire on the Mound fort. Sent in a boat to drag for torpedoes and sound out the channel. At 2 p. ni. ceased fire by signal from the fosco. At 4:15 p. in., in obedience to signal, followed the losco to assist in reembarking the troops. After arriving in the vicinity of where the landing of the troops was being effected, we s cut two launches for the purpose above mentioned. We anchored at about 7:30 p. m. close to the beach. The first launch returned to this vessel at about 2 a. m. of the 26th instant. The sec- ond launch was stove on the beach and afterwards burned by the crew, it being impossible to save her. I am happy to say that the officers and men under my command did their duty most thoroughly. I am particularly indebted to Lieutenant John Weidman for his efficient aid during the action, and the good discipline and drill of the crew. I herewith enclose reports of casualties, injuries, etc. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. M. B. CLITZ, Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commander, U. S. Navy. Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Beaufort, N. C. [Endosures.] U. S. S. OSCEOLA, OtT Wilmington Bar, December 27, 1864. SIR: The injuries received during the action of the 24th and 25th instant with Fort Fisher and the adjacent batteries are as follows: At 4:50 p. m. on the 24th instant a X-inch solid or hollow shot struc Page 337 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 337 the hull of the vessel 14 feet forward of starboard paddle wheel and 2 feet below the water line, passing through the side of the vessel, through the sand bags placed between the starboard boiler and the skin of the ship into No. 4 furnace. A shot plug secured in the shot hole stopped the leak in a great measure. At 5: 10 p. in. a leak was reported in the after magazine on starboard side, and on examination shertly afterwards found 2~ feet water in the after magazine and shell room. The leak was found to be in the after magazine and shell rooms, 4 feet from the water line. Both the magazine and shell room will have more or less water in them until the leak is stopped. The gig was badly damaged by the concussion of the guns on the quarter-deck. At 9 p. m. on the 25th instant the two launches were sent away to trans- port troops. The second launch was destroyed on the beach, it being stove. All the crew are aboard with the exception of William Booze, who was last seen aboard of one of the transports. There were lost in the boat 9 cartridge boxes and belts, with 60 rounds of ammunition in each box for Sharps and Hawkins rifle, 1 box of ammunition containing 1,000 rounds for Sharps and Hawkins rifle, I revolver, 14 oars, 2 boat hooks, 14 rowlocks, 2 20 gallon water breakers, 1 ax, 2 boat grapuels, 1 half barrel of pork. Respectfully submitted. JOHN WEIDMAN, Lieutenant and Executive Officer. Commander J. M. B. CLITZ, Commanding U. S. S. Osceola. U. S. S. OSCEOLA, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 27, 1864. SIR: I have to report the following casualties which have happened on board this steamer: Joseph Watron, coal heaver, scald. Zacharia Mead, coal heaver, scald. Timothy Donovan, second-class fireman, scald. John Evans, coal heaver, scald. Michael Doherty, second-class fireman, scald. William OConnell, first-class fireman, scald. William B. Hews, landsman, metacarpal fracture. Respectfully, etc., GEORGE F. WINSLOW, Assistant Surgeon. Commander J. M. B. CLITZ, Commanding U. S. S. Osceola. U. S. S. OSCEOLA, Off Wilmington Bar, North Carolina, December 27, 1& G4. SIR: On the 24th instant, at 5:05 p. in., the starboard boiler of this ship was disabled by a X-inch solid shot passing through back of boiler into furnace No. 4, 17 inches below water line. It is impossible to repair the injury until the ship is docked. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS MCCAUSLAND, Acting First Assistant Engineer, in Charge. Commander J. M. B. CLITZ, Commanding U. S. S. Osceola, N W HVOL 11 2 Page 338 338 NORTH ATLANTiC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Clitz, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Osceola, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. OSCEOLA, Beaufort, N. C., January 3, 1865. ADMIRAL: In compliance with General Order No. 75, 1 have to state that I observed during both days of the attack that the fire from the forts had almost entirely ceased. I am of the opinion that the works could have been carried by our troops had they made an assault. I herewith enclose you the report of Acting Ensign Merry, of this vessel, in regard to the operations of the troops on shore. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. M. B. CLITZ, Commander, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North .4tlantic Squadron, Beaufort, N. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. OSCEOLA, Beaufort Harbor, North Carolina, January 3, 1865. SIR: 1 would respectfully state that, in obedience to orders, on the 25th ultimo I went on shore iu charge of the second launch to assist in reetubarking the troops that had been lauded that morning. After successfully taking off a number of loads my boat was swamped amid stove on the beach, reuderin g me unable to render any further assistance. In conversation with General Curtis and many of his officers I learned that a general dissatisfaction prevailed among them on account of the order to fail back. I asked why they were doing so, and was told that they did not know any other reason than except it being an order from General Butler. I heard some of the officers say that in their opinion they might just as well have been in Fort Fisher as to be there lying in the sand. I was also told that our force was all ready to assault the fort and that General Curtis had sent to the rear for permission to do so, when he got the order to fall back and reembark the troops as soon as possible. While on shore I had an opportunity to converse with many of the prisoners, and learned the following facts: That our fire had been very heavy and the enemys works had been demolished to a considerable extent, and some of their guns dismounted. I remained on shore all the next day and night, the surf running so high that no communications could be had with the fleet by boats until toward night. The next day I assisted with my men in getting the remaining troops off with life boat belonging to the transports. After the troops were all off I returned to this vessel as soon as possible. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN F. MERRY, Acting Ensign. Commander J. M. B. CLITZ, Commanding U. S. S. Osceola. Report of Lieutenant.Commander Weaver, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Chippewa, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. CHIPPEWA, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 31, 1864. SIR: In obedience to General Order No. 75, I have the honor to make the following report of the part taken by this vessel in the action wit Page 339 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 339 the enemys forts at mouth of Cape Fear River on the 24th and 25th instant. At it a. m. on the 24th instant, took position iu line of battle as ordered by signal and cleared ship for action. At 2:20 p. m. took our position as per chart plan, and at 2:35 p. in. opened fire on the enemys batteries between Fort Fisher and the Mound. Continued firing until 5:35 p. in., and when ordered to retire the enemys works seemed to be much damaged, and at times their guns were completely silenced. At 9:55 a. m. on the 25th instant, took our position in line of battle as ordered by signal, and at 10:40 a. m. commenced engaging the enemys forts. At 11 a. in., in obedience to signal, ceased firing and sent a boat provided with grapnels over the bar to drag the channel for torpedoes. At 4:30 p. m. stood to the northward and at 5:30 anchored near the army transports and sent boats to assist in landing troops. The firing from the fleet was the best I ever witnessed; the forts seemed to be much damaged, particularly Fort Fisher, and, in my opin- ion, had an assault been made on that work by our land force on the evening of the second day~s engagement it could have been carried with but little opposition. In conclusion, I have to state that every officer and man on board this vessel did his duty. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. W. WEAVER, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron, Flagship ]ilialvern, Beaufort, N. C. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Davis, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sassacus, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. SASSACUS, Beaufort, N. C., December 31, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to report that this vessel in the actions of the 24th and 25th instant, in line of battle, in position assigned by your order, fired 123 100-pounder Parrott shell, 10 100-pounder shrapnel, 119 IX-inch shell, 49 20-pounder Dahigren shell, 12 12-pounder DahI. gren shell; all of which were directed with care and deliberation at Fort Fisher and the enemys works adjacent thereto. It may not be amiss to state that the conduct of the officers and men was commend- able during the two days engagements. The fire of the ships through- out appeared to be overwhelming, the enemy not replying when our guns opened with vigor. The impression on my mind was that the works of the enemy were much injured, so much so that an assault (leterminedly made would result in their capture, and my astonishment was great when I heard that the army had resolved on a retrograde movement, as I considered that a corresponding effort made by the land forces would have secured the success of the combine(1 attack of the army and navy. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN L. DAVIS, Lieutenant- Commander. Rear-Admiral B. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 340 340 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Ensign Chase, U. S. Navy, of the U. S. S. Sassacus, regarding assistance ren- dered in embarking troops. U. S. S. WABASH, Qff Beaufort, N. 0., December 28, 1864. SIR: In obedience to your orders, I proceeded to assist in embarking troops with the second cutter, leaving Mr. Wilson [Allison0?] in charge of the launch. After getting off five or six boat loads, the boat was swamped in the surf and I was obliged to haul her up on the beach, when I found she had started off a plank, and I could do no more with her till morning. I then found the launch had also been swamped, and the officer and crew, except one man (Finnegan), had left the beach. The next day I got the launch up and repaired her and got her in readiness to launch the first favorable opportunity, but the surf was too heavy during the day. On the morning of the 27th I was ordered by Brigadier-General Curtis to leave the boats on the beach and assist in getting off the troops in life boats, and some of the oSassaeus~s men were sent off in each boat. I rendered what assistance I could tll all the troops were off, and then, not being able to return to the Sassacus, I went on board the flagship and was ordered to return to this ship. I protested against leaving the boats without trying to get them off, but General Curtiss orders were positive, and he said he would be respom sible for the boats. They were afterwards destroyed by order of Gen- eral Butler. Very respectfully, etc., WHITMAN CHASE, Acting Ensign, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander J. L. DAvIs, Commanding Steamer Sassacus. Report of Commander Trenchard, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Rhode Island. U. S. S. I~noDE ISLAND, Beaufort, N. C., January 1, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the l)art taken by the Rhode Island on the 24th ultimo in the attack upon Fort Fisher and other batteries. This steamer took her position in the line designated upon the gen- eral plan of attack at 2:50 p. in., opening fire with the starboard battery upon Fort Fisher and the Mound; swung around, moored head and stern, and continued the fire with the port battery until the signal was made to cease firing. At 3:45 p. m. the flag on Fort Fisher was cut away by a gun from the second division. The Rhode Island was not struck, and there were no casualties on board during the action. Lieutenant Frederic It. Smith, executive officer of this vessel, rendered valuable aid in carrying out my orders during the action and in getting the vessel into line. I have great satisfaction in stating that all the officers behaved with uncommon coolness, exhibiting great zeal in the discharge of their duties, and encouraging the men to do the same. The petty pfficers, crew, and marines, one and all, behaved well at their guns and other stations, discharging their duties in a spirited manner, and maintaining a brisk and continuous fire upon the batteries Page 341 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 341 I enclose herewith the gunners report* of ammunition expended during the engagement. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, STEPHEN D. TRENCHARD, Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID P. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Abstract log of the U. 5. 5. Monticello, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant D. A. Campbell, U. 5. Navy. December 24, 1864.In line of battle off New Inlet. At 10: 20 a. m. flagship made signals preparatory. At 11:20 immediately got under- way and stood in with the fleet. At 12:55 p. in. went into action and opened fire on the batteries. At 5:15 ceased firing and steamed off- shore. Expended 88 32-pounder shell; 40 IX-inch shell 40100.pounder shell; 168 fuzes. December 25.Off New Inlet reducing forts. At 9:35 a. m. flagship made general signal. At 10 went to qnarters. At 10: 06 the Santiago de Cuba fired the first shot at the Half Moon battery. At 11:30 beat retreat. The New Ironsides and the monitors shelling Fort Fisher since 10:45 a. in. Received from the ]Jifatvern 80 navy fuzes. Saboted, strapped, filled, and stowed in shell room, 40 spare shell for IX-inch gun, Dahlgren. From meridian to 4 p. in.: Shelling the forts. At 3 p. m. sent the second cutter to buoy out channel with other boats of the fleet. At 3:50 boats returned. Fired at Mound and batteries 9 100- pounder rifle shell and 1 IX-inch shell. At 4: 30 p. m. started for the transport fleet and got the second and third cutter ready for landing troops, in charge of Acting Master Pettit and 6 men, armed, and third cutter, in charge of Acting Masters Mate C. Croton, with 4 men, armed. Boats left and returned at 7:30 p. m. At 8:20 sent in two boats to bring off troops. Boats returned at 12 midnight. December 26.Off New Inlet with transport fleet. From 6 to 8 p. in., the vessels shelling the woods. From 8 to midnight, the gunboats firing slowly all the watch. Abstract log of the U. 5. 5. Maratauza, Lieutenant-Commander G. W. Young, U. 5. Navy. December 24, 1864.Off Wilmington, N. C.At 12:30 a. m. saw light of a fire bearing N. by E. ~ E. At 1:40 saw a small exploson in the same place; at the same time the fire also disappeared. At 12: 4Op. m. heard heavy firing in the direction of Bald Head light-house; supposed attack on Fort Fisher and batteries. Prepared ship for action. December 25.At 9 a. m. came to in the fleet. At 9: 15 got underway and stool in for Fort Fisher. At 10:50 the Ironsides opened fire on the fort. From meridian to 4 p. in.: Fleet engaged in the bombardment. At 1: lOp. m. commenced firing from our IX-inch gun; fired 3 times and then ceased by order of the admiral. At 2: 35 sent three boats in the S. E. channel to drag for torpedoes. At 3:50 time boats returned. From 4 to 6 p. in.: The fleet still engaged with the enemy. Received orders to remain and guard the S. E. channel. At 6: 30 p. m. heard firing of musketry back of Fort Fisher. Firing at intervals by the enemy. At .7 saw a fire on shore. From 8 to midnight firing at inter- vals from Fort Fisher. ~Not found Page 342 342 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. December 26.At 1:30 a. in. saw a heavy discharge of musketry near Fort Fisher; also of heavy guns. From 4 to 8 a. in.: Heard occasional firing from heavy guns and musketry to westward. At 11:30 a. in. went to general quarters and fired 4 shots at the enemys batteries. At 5:40 p. in. went to quarters and fired 4 shots from the IXinch toward flaif Moon battery. From 8 to midnight: Firing at intervals. The fleet firing. Engaged shelling the woods. December 27.Fired IX-inch gun 5 times during the night. From 4 to 8 a. in.: During the watch fired 9 charges from IX-inch gun and 2 from howitzer at intervals. A.t 8:15 sent first and second launches to assist in embarking troops. At 10:45 hoisted all boats and stood out to sea. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Mount Vernon, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant James Trathen U. S. Navy. December24, 1864.At 6: 30 a. m. spread one fire and steamed ahead slow W. l)y N. Latitude at noon 330 53 N. From 4 to 6 p. in.: Con- siderable sea on. Discovered that the fastenings of the head of the rudderpost were loose and the cleat that confined the stern was split, and it appeared that a slight strain would wrench the rudderpost from its socket altogether, therefore thought it prudent to run into Beaufort for repairs. At 11:30 p. in. came to anchor. December 25.At 10:30 a. m. came to anchor in Beaufort Harbor. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Alabama, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Frank Smith, U. S. Navy. December 20, 1864.At anchor off New Inlet. December 22.Midnight to 4 a. in., lying to near the monitor Maho- pac. From 8 to meridian, in obedience to signal from flagship, accom- panied the Mahopac in the direction of Masonboro Inlet. December 24.At 8:20 a. m. flagship spoke us an(I ordered us to accompany the ]Ifahojpac inshore and then report to the Keystone State. Sent a hawser to the ill ahopac and at 9 started ahead with her in tow. Finding it impossible to tow the ]Iifahopac, her steering wheel becoming unmanageable, she was obliged to cast off the hawser. At 11: 15 ran the hawser to her again, but she having repaired her steering gear started ahead. At 11:45 parted the hawser. At 12:30 reported to the commander of the Keystone State, and took our position in line. At 1 p. in. the engagement commenced with a gun from the New Ironsides and Ganonicas and soon became general along the line. At 3:30 the tlagstaff of Fort Fisher was shot away. At 3 the Keystone State sig- naled. Fired our forward Parrott rifle 12 times at the Mound, falling short each time. At 5:30 the flagship signaled to the squadron. The ship ceased firing and ran out to station. December 25.At 10:45 a. in. the A. D. Vance made general signal. Opened fire on a battery ashore, apparently deserted. At 11 :30 low- ered the launch and cutter and sent them to the transport Ben De Ford to transport troops ashore. At 12 in. a 12-pound conical shot struck in our hull on the port side, going through the waterway on the spar deck, and lodged in the waterways on the starboard side of the berth deck. At 12: 15 p. in. hove up time anchor, the battery on shore firing lively, three shot going over us.- At 1:20 spoke the Brooklyn. At 2: 15 the troops commenced to land. At this time the battery ashore seeme Page 343 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 343 to be silenced. At 2:45 p. m. the Vance made signal. Ceased firing. At 5:20 p. m. spoke the Emma. She ordered us to anchor in line of battle and shell the batteries throughout the night. At 5:30 received orders to close in with the Santiago de Cuba. At 6:45 launch and first cutter returned. At 7 beat the retreat and secured the battery. Firing at intervals all the afternoon. At 9:15 got underway and stood out E. S. E. December 26.At 6 a. m. started ahead, and at 7:30 communicated with the Vance. At 8 beat to quarters, fired at intervals at the battery. At 8:45 spoke the A. D. Vance and received orders to fire an occasional shell at the battery. Kept the forward Parrott guns crews at quar- ters, and fired at intervals all the morning. From meridian to 4p. in.; firing occasional shots at the battery all the watch. At 5 p. in. secured the battery and closed the magazine. From 8 to midnight, occasional firing from the gunboats covering the troops on shore. December 27.At 10 a. m. mustered all hands and transferred the command of the ship to Acting Master William Bates, the resignation of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Frank Smith having been accepted by the Navy Department. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Baich, U. S. S. I~avy, Commanding U. S. Howquah. U. S. S. IIOWQUAH, Off New Inlet, December 29, 1864. Sin: I have the honor to submit the following report: On December 24, at 1:45 p. in., being in the inner line in 4 and 5 fathoms of water, with Fort Fisher bearing W. N. W., opened fire on Fort Fisher and batteries with the rest of the fleet; continued firing until 5:20 p. in.; stood off then and anchored in 6~ fathoms of water. December 25.At 8 a. m. passed within hail of the ilialvern and was ordered to report to the Santiago de Cuba. At 8:10 reported, and was ordered to follow Santiago de Cuba to cover the landing of troops. At 9:30 ran in and fired at the Half Moon battery, passing down to the Flag Pond battery, firing at intervals, but receiving no reply. At 11 was sent by Captain Glisson to General Butler with orders for trans- ports to come in at once and land troops, as there were no batteries and a very smooth sea. At 12:30 called away gig in charge of Acting Ensign G. P. St. John, first cutter in charge of Acting Masters Mate F. P. Has- kell, second cutter in charge of Acting Masters Mate 14. B. Smith. At 2: 05 landed with first load of troops. At 2:20 saw a number of men on Flag Pond battery (marked on the magazine Fort Anderson No. 2). Sent dingey in charge of Acting Second Assistant Engineer W. G. McLane, who brought off 5 prisoners and 11 rifles, which were turned over to the Santiago de Cuba. Continued landing troops until 5:30, when orders were given to take them from the beach to the transports again: continued until 9 oclock, when the surf was so high our boats could not land. Firing at intervals to cover the troops on shore. December 26.At 8 a. m. got a line on shore and with all our boats commenced taking the remainder of the troops off. At 11:30 all the troops safely off from the beach; stood off and put them on board the transport Weybosset. Amount of ammunition expended, 177 rounds. I have the honor to be very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. BALCH, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Ilowquah. Itear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron Page 344 344 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Master Crafts, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. S. Little Ada, in response to General Order No. 75. U.S. S. LITTLE ADA, Beaufort, December Si, 1864. Siu: In obedience to General Order No. 75, I have the honor to report that, with the exception of about two and one-half hours of active participation, I was passing along the entire line of ships either following yonr motions or carrying your orders. I consider the fort as having been practically silenced on both the 24th and 25th instant, and felt then as I do now, that there would have been no serious diffi- culty in carrying the works by a vigorous assault. If so few of their gnns were disabled I can not see why they did not work them, as they might have done after oar fire slackened, and while there were plenty of vessels within range. The almost complete silence of the guns on the northeastern face of the fort induced me to think that they were disabled or were quakers. I should have supposed that a soldier would have felt himself bound by every consideration of honor and patriotism to attempt those works by assault, but I am not a soldier and do not perhaps know what is discreet and what is riot, but under similar circumstances I should like to be one of a thousand blue jackets to show what sailors can do and what soldiers might have done. Very, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. P. CRAFTS, Acting Master, Commanding U. S. S. Little Ada. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Abstract log of the U. 5. 5. Wilderness, Acting Master Henry Arey, U. S. Navy. December 24,1864.Flagship made signal Prepare to get underway. Minnesota cast off our hawser and got underway. Flagship then made signal Form in line of battle and all the fleet did so, New Ironsides ahead and monitors following, they being followed by the frigates and smaller vessels. Meridian to 4 p. in.: Weather clear, wind fresh from S. W. At 12:50 New Ironsides commenced the attack, followed by the monitors. At 1:15 the action became general. Flagship made signal for this vesssel to come within hail. Did so and was ordered to act as tender to the flagship, which duty was performed during the fight. At 2 p. m. flagship made signal Shot falling short, and the range was increased. At 2:30 Admiral Porter sent this vessel to order several gunboats up nearer tG the fort, did so, and at this time discovered that a heavy fire was raging in Fort Fisher which fire burned till 4 p. m. At 3:02 the flagstaff and flag on Fort Fisher were shot away. A flag was then set on the Mound battery, which was shot away sev- eral times daring the action, but was always replaced in a few minutes. - The firing from the fleet daring the action was very heavy and rapid. This vessel was unable to fire a gun as she has only 24-pounder how- itzers. From 4 to 6 p. in.: Weather clear, wind moderate from the S. W. At 5 p. in. flagship made signal Prepare to retire from action for the night. At 5: 10 made the signal Retire for the night, which signal was obeyed by the wooden vessels. The New Ironsides and monitors continued to lie at anchor in the positions they had occupied during the day. At 6:30 p. m. got orders from the admiral to go in on the bar with this vessel. Got underway and started in Page 345 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 345 December 25.Employed removing the killed and wounded from the Ticonderoga and Juniata to the Fort Jackson. From meridian to 4p. in.: Fight raging furiously. On one side rebel batteries returning slowly. At 1 p. m. General Butler commenced landing troops under cover of the gunboats. From 4 to (3 p. in.: Attending on flagship. The bom- bardment of Fort Fisher still going on. From 6 to 8 p. in.: Fight still continues. Following tlie flagship. At 8p. m. steered for Beaufort, N. C. December 2G.At 7:55 a. m. came to anchor off Beaufort. Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Gettysburg. U. S. S. GETTYSBURG, Off New Inlet, North Carolina, December 2G, 18G4. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this vessel in the actions of the 24th and 25th of December, 1864: At 11 a. m. on the 24th I returned on board this vessel from the Wil- derness, and carried your orders to Captains Glisson and iRolando in regard to their divisions. In the meantime the fleet was steaming in toward the forts in order of battle, and at 12: 55 p. in. the New Ironsides commenced the action, quickly followed by the other vessels, the forts returning the fire briskly. Having obtained permission from Captain Rolando to move in nearer, I took a position on the port bow of the Brooklyn and opened fire on Fort Fisher and the Mound, keeping it up steadily till the signal to retire for the night. At 4:55 p. in. the Osceola, on our starboard bow, was disabled, and the Gettysburg took her place till 5: 55 p. in., when we were called along- side the flagship by signal and directed to carry orders to the vessels off Western Bar, at the same time the signal was made for the fleet to retire for the night. I proceeded to Western Bar and returning the next morning, 25th, found the ironclads and all the heavier vessels engaging Fort Fisher and the other vessels covering the lauding of the troops on the beach. All the available boats of these vessels were employed lauding troops. I was directed by you to carry a message to General Butler and to assist in landing troops. At 12 m. no troops had been landed, though many boats were in wait- ing, and it appeared to me that the most inexcusable dilatoriness was manifested in getting the troops started ashore, and I was struck with surprise that no more effort was made to hasten their landing. General Butler informed me that the steamer containing his suriboats was at Beaufort. Just as the first troops landed a white flag was shown from the Flag Pond battery, which was directly under the guns of the vessels, and a boat from the Santiago de Cuba* landed and took possession. During the afternoon the vessels covering the troops fired occasion- ally into the woods, but no enemy was visible in that direction. Toward evening I was informed that General Butler had ordered the troops to reembark, and boats were sent to assist in bringing them off. At 8 p. in. I was ordered to go down between the ironclads and the bar on picket duty. *See p. 351 Page 346 346 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. On the first day the firing was very good, both the flagstaff~ ou Fort Fisher and that on the Mound being shot away. No effort was made to replace the flag on the fort during the action. The entire interior of the fort was in dense flames, and several of the guns appeared to be dismounted, and the parapets as much injured as those of a sand fort can be by the fire of artillery. On the second day the firing, as viewed from my position, was splen (lid. Scarcely a shell seemed to miss the fort, which was kept envel- oped in a cloud of smoke and sand, the guns being completely silenced. While on board General Butlers flagship [he], himself and his officers repeatedly expressed the highest admiration at the remarkable preci- sion and the terribly destructive effect of the fire of the fleet. General Butler remarked that no fortification in the world had ever before been subjected to so terrible a fire. From a careful observation of the fort I do not doubt in the least but it could have been carried by the assault of two or three thousand men, under cover of the fire of the fleet. It is impossible that there could have been more troops in the fort than the bombproofs could contain, and the fact of four of General But. lers men getting inside and bringing out the flag of the fort shows it was but weakly guarded. During a years experience on this part of the coast I have scarcely seen a more favorable opportunity for landing troops on the beach. The conduct of my officers and men, under all circumstances, has been all that I could desire. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, iR. II. LAMSON, Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-commander Upshur, U. 5. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. Advance. U. S. S. A. D. VANCE, Off Wilmington, N. C., J)ecember 27, 1864. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by this vessel in the late bombardment of Fort Fisher and its auxiliary works: The signal Form line of battle being made, the A. D. Vance took her position with the reserves, and afterwards finding an opening near the Rhode Island, closed in with the second line of attack and opened with her 30-pounder Parrott on the principal work; this at about 2 p. in. Our fire was continued until 3 p.m., when the Osceola, near by, signaled that she was sinking. I immediately steamed for her with boats ready to give assistance and took her in tow, at which time the signals were made Cease firing and Retire for the night. On the following day, having been assigned a division of six vessels under Captain Glisson for the purpose of drawing the fire of the llah~ Moon battery preliminary to landing the army, I moved in at about 8:30 a. m. and sent boats to take the troops on shore. While thus engaged a movable battery of Whitworths in the rear of Half Moon battery and an VIJI-inch gun within that battery opened on my divi- sioa and the transports near by Page 347 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 347 I moved nearer to the shore, followed by the vessels under my com- mand, and in half an hour, by the use of shrapnel, succeeded in driving the Whitworths from their position an(1 silencing the ViIJJ-inch gun, which was spiked and abandoned. I am happy to have no casualties to report. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. UPSHUR, Lieutenant- Commander, Corn manding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Squadron. Enclosed is a list of ammunition expended. J. II. UPSHUR, Lieutenant- Commander. Abstract log of the U. 5. 5. Eolus, Acting Master Edward Keyser, U. S. Navy. December 24, 1864.Off Western Bar, Cape Fear River. At 1:35 a. m. observed an explosion bearing N. E. by E., about 14 miles distant. At 1 :05 p.m. the senior officer signaled; weighed anchor and stood over to Cape Fear in obedience to senior officers orders. At 1:50 returned and reported. At 1 the engagement commenced at Eastern Bar, off Wilmington. At 4:40 firing entirely ceased at New Inlet. Cruising off the bar. December 25.From 8 p. m. to midnight firing at intervals in the direction of New Inlet, during the watch. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Moccasin, Acting Ensign James Brown, U. 5. Navy. [U. 5. 5. Hero from July 1424, 1864.] December 23, 1864.Carrying orders and dispatches to the fleet. December 24.At 1 p. m. fleet formed in line of battle and steamed in to Fort Fisher. Fleet Captain Breese took charge of this vessel. Vessel running from ship to ship. December 25.At 7:30 a. m. received orders from Admiral Porter to report to Major General Butler for duty. From 8 to midnight: Received orders from Major-General Butler to assist in embarking troops. Suc- ceeded in getting two launch loads and delivered them to the steamship Charles Thomas. December 26.From midnight to 4 a. in.: Ran in to the beach in 4 fathoms water, but a heavy sea rolling in could not get any more trOOJ)5. Steamed off into 5 fathoms water. At 7:30 a. in. received orders from Major-General Butler to report to Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter. At 9:30 rel)orted and started and carried orders and dispatches among the fleet. December 27.Received orders to blockade New Inlet. December 28.At daylight saw two large blockade runners going in. Abstract log of the U. 5. S. Cherokee, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W. E. Dennison, U. S. Navy. December 23, 18G4.[Off Fort Fisher.] At 6 p. m. got underway and stood off S. S. E. about half a mile to get into line of battle and cam Page 348 348 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. to anchor in 114~ fathoms water with the starboard anchor. At 11:30 p. m. made a vessel bearing E.; as she did not have any lights show- ing, challenged her, and she showed a white light. December 21.At 1:40 a. m. saw a fire and heard an explosion, saw several rockets; sent np (Joston signals preparatory and answer Cos- tons. At daylight the if eet got underway and stood inshore. At 7:30 we got nnderway and stood in line of battle. From 8 to 12: Steaming inshore in line of battle. At 10:10 started the engine and lay head offshore. At 11 steaming in line of battle. Keystone State made sig- nal Prepare for action. At 1 p. m. the fleet commenced firing on Fort Fisher and the Mound battery. At 2:20 a shell set fire to some of the houses in the rear of Fort Fisher. Stood in and opened fire on Fort Fisher. The Quaker City made signal for ns not to fire so close to her. Stood to the southward and commenced firing at the Mound. From 6 to 8 p. in.: Firing at Mound battery with 20-pounder Parrott rifle. At 5:10 ceased firing and stood offshore. At 6:40 came to anchor with port anchor. Expended this day 62 rounds of 20-pounder Parrott rifle charges. Expended 62 pivot charges for 20-pounder rifle and 62 pivot shells. December 25.At 7: 50 a. m. the Malvern made signal; steamed toward her. From 8 to 12: Stood up toward the Half Moon battery and commenced firing at the forts. At 110 called away all boats to land troops. From 10 to meridiami: The division, consisting of the following vessels, A. D. Vance, Alabama, Emma, Cherokee, and Tristram Shandy, were employed shelling the Half Moon battery and the adjacent woods; the battery returning our fire at intervals. At 11:30 the Brooklyn steamed ahead close inshore, shelling the fort and woods, the fort hav- ing previously ceased firing. From meridian to 4 p. in.: Employed shelling at intervals the battery and adjoining woods. At ip. in., hav- ing expended all our howitzer shell, resumed our fire with shrapnel. From 4 to 6 p. in.: Continued to fire at intervals at Half Moon battery and woods. At 5:30 p. in. the boats returned from landing troops. Anchored in 5 fathoms. Expended the following ammunition: 113 charges powder, 63 shells and 50 shrapnel for 20-pounder Parrott gun. Of fixed ammunition for 24-pounder howitzer, 77 shell and 9 shrapnel. From 8 to midnight: At anchor oft Half Moon battery. At 10:30 veered to 30 fathoms to get broadside guns to bear on the battery. At 10:45 commenced a slow fire. Fired 14 rounds up to midnight. December 2G.From midnight to 4 a. in.: Engaged with the star- board battery on Half Moon battery. At 2:30 a. in., the wind increas- ing, the spring on the chain parted. Ceased firing, got underway, and steamed off to 7~ fathoms water; came to with port anchor and veered to 45 fathoms, chain ready for slipping. At 10:20 a. in. called to quarters and commenced firing at the battery. Expended 44 shrapnel for 24-pounder howitzer and 4 solid shot for 20-pounder Parrott rifle. December 27.At 1:30 p. m. made signals to the flagship. The rebels in sight repairing their fortifications. December 28.At daylight discovered a runner inside the bar. Called all hands to quarters, steamed in, and fired the bow pivot 3 times. The runner went inside, out of range. At 2:30 p. in. the admirals fleet got underway and proceeded to sea. At 3:15 squall from the S. W. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Lilian, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. A. Harris, U. S. Navy. December 24, 1864.New Inlet. At 2 a. in. heard an explosion in the direction of Fort Fisher. At 7:30 signal from senior officer to ge Page 349 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 849 underway, hove up anchor and secured it. From 8 to 12 meridian, fleet forming in line of battle. At 1 p. m. took onr position and formed in line of battle near the Keystone State with the reserve fleet. At 12:20 p. m. the flagship opened the engagement and the whole fleet com- menced bombarding Fort Fisher and adjacent batteries. At 4:45 the flagship signaled to come within hail. Ordered ns to the west channel to look out for blockade runners. December 2G.At 8: 15 a. in. saw a steamer burning black smoke; gave chase. She proved to be a steamer with a heavy battery and showing the rebel flag. At 8:45 fired two shots at her from 30-pounder Parrott gun. At 9 she hauled to the S. W. At 10 lost sight of her. A very high sea running, ship leaking badly. December 27.At 2 p. m. received orders to proceed to Beaufort. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Emma, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Thomas C. Dunn, U. S. Navy. December 24, 18G4.At 12: 30 a. m. a fire seen burning toward the Eastern Bar [New InletJ. At 1:30 a. m. an explosion occurred. At 2: 50, moon rising, steamed in toward night station. Bald Head light not lit. At 8 p. m. got underway and stood in toward the bar on block- ade duty. At midnight Fort Fisher bearing N. W. by N. December 25.At 10: 15 flagship ]Jialvern made signal for ficet to form in line of battle. Went to quarters. At 11:30 a. m. commenced firing at Half Moon battery. Thc fleet at the same time opened fire on Fort Fisher. Sent first cutter, in charge of Acting Ensign Beetle, and second cutter, in charge of Acting Masters Mate Morris, to assist in landing troops. From 12 to 4 p. in.: Steamed along in line of battle. Anchored and weighed anchor again according to signal from flagship A. D. Vance. At 12: 15 p. m. a shell struck the ship from shore, which went through the gig and bridge and exploded iu the masters store- room. Kept up the firing all the afternoon from both sides. At 6:30 p. m. commenced firing again from port battery at intervals. First cut- ter returned on board from embarking troops. From 8 to midnight: Underway. Firing from port battery. At 9:30 ceased firing. Fleet bearing south and westerly. December 26.12 to 4 a. in.: Blowing heavy and rainy. At 9:15 a. in. weighed anchor and steamed inshore. At 9:55 called all hands to quarters. Firing from No. 1 pivot gun and port battery. Ship underway, steaming to the S. and E. From 12 meridian to 4 p. in.: Delivering orders to the fleet from Admiral D. D. Porter. At 2: 50 arrived back at the fleet and spoke the flagship ]Iiliatvern. At 4 p. m. ship drifting with fleet. Acting Masters Mate Morris returned on board with boats crew from the Wabash, reporting loss of the second cutter. The following is the report of Acting Masters Mate Morris concerning the loss of the second cutter while in his charge: States that while returning from the Santiago de Cuba to the Emma, after assisting in embarking troops, and the night being stormy, was run into by a launch, when he ran alongside of the Wabash and stayed on board all night. In the morning, the boat being swamped, efforts were made to hoist her partly out of the water to bail her out, when she broke in half and drifted out to sea. At 5: 40 p. In., in obedience to orders, steamed in toward the beach for the purpose of reembarking troops. At 7:50 commenced firing from No.2 starboard gun and No.2 pivot. At 10 ceased firing Page 350 350 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. December 27.From midnight to 4 a. in.: Lying at anchor, occasionally shelling the shore in rear of the Federal troops ellcampe(1 on the beach. At (3: 45 a. m. sent first cutter ashore, in charge of Acting Ensign Beetle, to reembark troops from shore. December 28.At 6:45 a. m. saw a steamer under the beach coming out, and the Moccasin fired a gun. Went to quarters and stood in toward the steamer. Opened fire on her from our starboard battery and 20-pounder pivot gun. The steamer turned around and went in again. The fort fired several times. Observed five steamers and a schooner lying inside. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant James M. Williams came on board and assumed command of this vessel. December 29.At 11:30 a. m. firing guns from Fort Fisher. & port of Acting Master Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nansemond, in response to General Order No. 75. U. S. S. NANSEMOND, Beaufort Harbor, 5. (1., December 31, 1861. Sin: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of General Order No. 75. During the engagement of the fleet with Fort Fisher and other works, on the 24th and 25th instant, this vessel was employed in carrying orders and dispatches along the whole line of ships, and from my own observa- tion I should judge that Fort Fisher was much injured, a part of the guns dismounted, and nearly all silenced by the rapidity of our fire. I think the fort might easily have been taken by assault on the night of the 25th. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. II. PORTER, Acting Master, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVJD D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Keystone State, Commander Henry Rolando, U. S. Navy. December 20, 1864.Fleet at anchor off Wilmington, N. (IX, meridian to 4 p. in.: During the watch heard the report of several heavy guns in the direction of Fort Fisher. December 24.At 12 (midnight) two rockets were seen in a W. N. W. direction. At 12:45 a. mu. saw a light, apparently from a burning ves- sel bearing N. W. At 1:50 a. ni. saw a flash, followed by an explosion, in the same direction as the fire. At 3:30 a. mu. a general signal by Coston lights was made, which we answered. At 5 a. in. signaling by vessels iii the fleet, which we could not make out. At 7 the fleet com- menced moving to the westward. At 7:30 made signal to the reserve divmsmon and proceeded to get underway and stand to the westward. From 8 to meridiami: Steaming in line of battle toward Fort Fisher. From meridian to 4 p. in.: Steering in toward Fort Fisher in line of battle and in our position in the reserve line. At 12:30 p. mu. the New Ironsides opened fire, and was followed by the whole fleet as soon as they got into position. At 1: 09 the enemy commenced firing from the fort and adjacent batteries. At 1:10 p. mu. the Gettysburg came within hail and brought orders from the admiral for this ship and the whol Page 351 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 351 reserve squadron to be ready for assisting and covering landing troops. At 2:12 black smoke and a blaze were seen from Fort Fisher. The flag had been shot down from the Mound battery. At 2:52 commenced firing from this ship with our two rifled guns and 32-pounder broadside, the Mound bearing about W. and Fort Fisher about W. N. W., near and between the second line of ships. At 3: 30 a steamer was seeii going up the river inside the Mound battery, and another fire was discovered nearly in the rear of Fort Fisher. At 3: 50 the flag was shot from the Mound battery and also from Fort Fisher. At 3:55 a new flag was hoisted on Mound battery. At 4:25 ran up within hail of the flagship, and Commander iRolando was ordered on board the same. We were during this time firing our rifled guns when chances could be obtained to get range between and over the ships lying in line of battle. At 5 Commander Holando returned from the flagship. Ceased firing and started engine at moderate speed. Fired dnring the action 56 shots from the 30-pounder pivot, 24 from the 50-pounder pivot, and 14 from the 32-pounder broadside gull. From 6 to 8 p. m. passed two transport steamers standing to S. W. along the coast. December 25.At Beaufort taking in ammunition. December 26.At 7:30 a. m. made the fleet off Wilmington. At 8 steaming slowly through the fleet. A continuous firing of heavy guns during the watch [from 8 to meridian]. From meridiami to 4 p. in.: Drifting and steaming close to the flagship; the Alabama shelling the woods occasionally. At 2 the Brooklyn fired a few shot at Fort Fisher. At 3:30 stood out to the southward and eastward to anchorage. From 6 to 8 p. in.: Occasional firing in the vicinity of Fort Fisher. From 8 to midnight: A continuous firing of heavy guns to the westward dur- ing the watch. December 27.Commences and until 4 a. in.: Gunboats firing at inter- vals across Federal Point to protect our troops. From 4 to 8 a. in.: Heavy firing inshore. December 28.At 6 a. m. heavy squall from S. W. and rain. At 7 two of our gunboats fired a few shell at the beach. At 8:10 p. m. got underway and stood to sea. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Huse, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. Britannia, in response to General Order No 75 U. S. S. BRITANNIA, Beaufort, N. 0., December 31, 1864. SIR: In obedience to General Order No. 75, I have the honor to sub- mit the following report of the part taken by this vessel in the late attack on Fort Fisher: Arrived from Western Bar on the evening of the 24th. On the morning of the 25th was ordered by you to report to Captain Glisson, commanding the U. S. S. Santiago de Caba, to assist in covering the landing of troops in the vicinity of Half Moon battery. I anchored this vessel in line of battle, in 4 fathoms of water, about 250 yards from the beach, and directly opposite Flag Pond Hill battery, upon which, as I saw it was full of soldiers, I opened and continued a rapid fire with 24-pounder howitzers. Just as the first boat landed containing troops, about three-fourths of a mile above, a white flag was displayed on Flag Pond Hill battery, upon which 1 ceased firing and sent a boat in charge of Acting Ensign W. H. Bryant to take possession, which he did, planting our flag upon the work and capturing about 70 prisoners Page 352 352 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. which were sent on board the Santiago de Cuba by boats belonging to vessels in the vicinity. Boats from this ship were employed until after midnight carrying troops. On the 26th too much surf to bring off troops. Remained at anchor near the shore, shelling the woods all night at intervals. At daylight on the morning of the 27th veered chain, backed in, and ran a line to shore. Boats were employed until 11: 45 a. in. reembark- ing troops until every man was off the beach. Ammunition expended: 62 shell for 30-pounder Parrott; 220 shell for 24-pounder howitzers. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant SAML. ilusE, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding North Atlantic Blockading Squadron. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Britannia, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Samuel Huse, U. 5. Navy. December 28, 1864.At daylight the fleet steaming for anchorage. December 24.At 12: 45 a. m. saw a large fire. At 1:45 saw a large explosion in the same place. At 8:45 a. m. came to with port anchor near the flagship. At 1 p. m. continued heavy firing heard from the direction of Fort Fisher. December 25.At 9: 50 a. m. the ]Ilialvern made signal. At 10:20 a. m. the Santiago de Cuba commenced firing. At 10:30 the Governor Buckingham commenced firing. At 10:40 the Santiago made signal. We commenced firing. At 10:53 the How quah commenced firing. At 11 the New Ironsides commenced firing at Fort Fisher. A general firing by the fleet; At 11: 45 Santiago made signal. Dropped kedge and sent a boat to land troops. At 1 p. m. received orders from the admiral to move closer inshore; did so at once. At 2:20 the Santiago made signal to get underway. Troops commenced to land. The men in the battery set a white flag; ceased firing. At 2:30 p. m. sent Acting Ensign W. H. Bryant, who planted the American flag on the battery. At 3 commenced transporting prisoners to the Santiago de Cuba. At 4: 10 p. m. the troops were fired upon by rebel riflemen. At 4: 10 our troops commenced firing from the battery with artillery. We commenced firing at the rebels. At 4 :20 the Santiago signaled; ceased firing. At 5 received orders from the Santiago to commence firing. At 5: 45 ceased firing from the fleet. The fort kept up a heavy fire up the beach till (5: 40, when it ceased. At 5 troops commemced to reem- bark. From 6 to 8 p. in. embarking troops. From 8:30 to 10 p. m. heard heavy firing in the direction of Fort Fisher, with occasionally volleys of musketry. Embarking troops. December 26.Commences and until 4 a. m. Heard the report of guns from Fort Fisher and the heavy firing of musketry. At 4 contin- uous firing in the direction of Fort Fisher. At 9 commenced shelling the woods. At 11:30 a. m. the men on shore attempted to launch a boat which was immediately swaamped. At 11.52 an army gunboat [transport] succeeded in getting a life boat on shore. From 12 to 4 p. m. calm, with heavy breakers on the beach. A line was run to the shore and communication opened with the troops. From 8 to 12 midnight, occasionally~ shelling the woods all the watch. December 27.Commences and until 4 a. m. Firing a shell every two minutes into the woods to the left of our troops ~ll the watch Page 353 NORTH ATLANTIC BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 353 From 8 to 12 meridian flrst cutter and whaleboat employed embarking troops until 11:45 a. m. December 28.At 6:40 a. m. sighted a large side-wheel steamer with two smokestacks run aground about one-half mile west from Fort Cas- well. At 6:45 the Maratanza and Tristrarn Shandy ran in and com- menced firing at her, the batteries on shore replying very rapidly. At 7 the fleet ceased firing and steamed toward the buoy. At 7: 15 the batteries ceased firing. December 29.At 9: 11 a. m. a two-smokestack, two-masted, side- wheel blockade runner steaming up the river for Wilmington. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant MacDiarmid, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Governor Buckingham. U. S. S. GOVERNOR BUCKINGHAM, Beaufort, N. C., January 1, 1865. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera- tions of this vessel in the late attack on Fort Fisher and the neighbor- ing batteries: At 1:20 p. in., 24th ultimo, signal was made from the Keystone State to attack the Mound and batteries. At 1:30 p. in. took a position between the U. S. steamers Quaker City and Monticello, opened fire on the fort and Mound, firing with good effect. At 5:30 ceased firing in obedience to signal from flagship, stood offshore, and anchored. At 9:10 a. in., 25th instant, followed the U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba in the direction of the Half Moon battery. At 10:20 a. in. opened fire on the Half Moon battery; received no response; standing slowly to the southward. At 11 a m.,in obedience to an order from Captain 0. 5. Glisson, anchored abreast of Flag Pond battery; could see that there were men in it. Opened a heavy fire on it from five rifled guns. At 11 a. in. sent the launch and second cutter to the Santiago de Cuba. Trans- ports coming in slowly. At 3 p. in. sent the gig, in charge of Acting Assistant Paymaster Lynford Lardner, to assist in landing the troops. At 2:40 p. in. a white flag was shown from the battery oii Flag Pond Hill- the troops at the time were pulling for the shore; an army launch was training a howitzer on it. I hailed them not to fire. Boats were pulling rapidly for the shore from the Britannia, How quah, Santiago de Cuba, and other vessels. An ensign from the llritannia was first on the beach. He ran up to the battery, planted the United States flag, and recemyed the surrender of the forces in the battery. About 5 p. in. orders were given from an army tug not to land any more troops; boats returne