TITLE: Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. / Series I - Volume 17: Gulf Blockading Squadron (December 16, 1861 - February 21, 1862); East Gulf Blockading Squadron (December 22, 1862 - July 17, 1865) AUTHOR: United States. Naval War Records Office PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1903 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 n I, Atlaca, ~Jtw jitrk BERNARD ALBERT SINN COLLECTION NAVAL HISTORY AND BIOGRAPHY THE GIFT OF BERNARD A. SINN, 97 191 Title Page Page R001 OFFICiAL RECORDS OF THE UNION AND CONFEDERATE NAVIES IN THE WAR OF THE REBELLION. PUBLISHED UNDER THE I)IEECTION OF The Hon. WILLIAlY H. MOODY, Secretary of the Navy, BY MR. CHARLES W. STEWART, Superintendent Library and Naval IVar Records. B~ AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OF Couaiwss APPROVED JULY 31, 1894. SERIES I VOLUME 17. GULF 113 LOCI(ADI iNG SQUAiDHOIN FROM DECEMBER 16, 1861, TO FEBRLTABY 21, 1862. EAST GULF 13 LOCI~ADI~G SQ UADRO~ FROM FEBRUARY 22, 1862, TO JULY 17, 1865. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1903 Page R002 4- / 74 / I C Page R003 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME 1. Operations of the cruisers from January 19, 1861, to December 31, 1862. VOLUME 2. Operations ~tthe 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 Rappahannock 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. YOLUME ~T. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from March 8 to September 4, 1862. VOLUME 8. 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. II Page R004 IV CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME 10. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 6 to October 27, 1S64. VOLUME ii. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 25, 1864, to February 1, 1S65. VOLUME 12. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from February 2 to August 3, 1865. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 29, 1S61, to May 13, 1S62. VOLUME 13. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 14, 1S62, to April 7, 1S63. VOLUME 14. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from April 7 to September 30, 1863. VOLUME 15. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockadinb Squadron from October 1, 1S63, to September 30, 1864. VOLUME 1~. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 1, 1864, to August 5, 1S65. Operations of the Gulf Blockading Squadron from June 7 to December 15, 1861 Table of Contents Page R005 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. List of illustrations Ix Preface Order of compilation xv List of vessels of Gulf Blockading Squadron XVII List of vessels of East Gulf Blockading Squadron xviii Calendar Gulf Blockading Squadron: Principal events Union reports Steamer Florida, or Strike engaged U. S. S. Huntsville off Mobile, December 24, 1861 1113 Chasing ashore of schooner under guns of Fort Morgan, Decem- ber27, 1861 1417 Yacht Gipsey captured in Mississippi Sound, December28, 186k 2122 C. S. ram Manassas appeared in Pass ~ lOutre, January 1, 1862. 3033 Forts McRee and Barrancas, Fla., bombarded, January 1, 1862. 33 Biloxi, Miss., surrendered to Lieutenant Buchanan, U. S. Navy 34 Confederate batteries at Pass Cavallo and Velasco attacked, January 11 and 15, 1862 37, 39 Cedar Keys, Fla., attacked by United States naval forces, Jan- uary 16, 1862 4851 Schooner J. W. Wilder, or Andrieta, captured off Mobile, Jan- nary 20, 1862 5766 Steamer Calhoun, or Cuba, captured, January 23, 1862 7275 Schooner Julia and a bark burned at mouth of Mississippi River, January 24, 1862 7679 Schooner J. J. McNeil captured off Pass Cavallo, January 25, 1862 8082 Schooner Major Barbour captured by boats of U. S. S. De Soto, January 28, 1862 8889 British steamer Labuan captured at mouth of Rio Grande, February 1, 1862 99115 Steamer Magnolia captured off Pass ~ lOutre, February 19, 1862. 137146 Confederate reports Steamer Florida, or Strike, engaged U. S. S. Huntsville off Mobile, December 24, 1861 13 Chasing ashore of schooner under guns of Fort Morgan, Decem- ber 27, 1861 1617 Cedar Keys, Fla., attacked by United States naval forces, Jan- uary 16, 1862 5051 Schooner J. W. Wilder, or Andrieta, captured off Mobile, Jan- uary 20, 1862 6466 Steamer Calhoun, or Cuba, captured January 23, 1862 75 Abstract log of the C. S. S. Bayou City, December 16, 1861, to February 18, 1862 170175 Miscellaneous orders, reports, and correspondence 149175 Page R006 VT TABLE OF CONTENTS. East Gulf Blockading Squadron: Page. Principal events Union reports Flag-Officer Farragut at Ship Island, assumed command of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, February 21, 1862 187 Apalachicola occupied by United States naval force, April 3, 1862 201205 Steamer Florida and sloop Lafayette captured April 4,11862 - - - 205210 Federal naval demonstration at Tampa, Fla., April 13, 1862~ 215217 Steamer Bermuda captured April 27, 1862 220221 Confederate steamer Swan captured May 24, 1862 244245 Federal watering party captured in Aucilla River, Florida, June 2, 1862 - - - - 254260 Flag-Officer Lardner relieved Flag-Officer MeKean of command of East Gulf Blockading Squadron, June 4, 1862 261,264 British steamer Adela captured off Bahama Islands, July 7, 1862 27328~ Salt works destroyed on Fernandina Railroad, October 4, 6, 1862 316319 Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey assumed command of East Gulf Blockading Squadron, December 9, 1862 329330 Salt works destroyed near St. Josephs, Fla., January 9, 1863 - 349350 Boat expedition in Indian River, February 23, and Mosquito Inlet, March 2, 1863 369375 Boat expedition in St. Andrews Bay, March 20, 1863 386390 Cutting out of schooner Onward in Ocklockonee River, March 2023, 1863 390394 Engagement at Gadsden s Point, Tampa Bay, March 27, 1863 - 397399 Schooner Sea Lion captured at Mobile, May 9, 1863 436438 Salt works on Alligator Bay, Florida, destroyed June 14, 1863 467472 Schooner Ann captured in Peace Creek, Charlotte Harbor, Florida, July 69, 1863 487490 Boat expeditions to St. Marks River and Marshs Island, Apa lachee Bay, July 12, 15, 1863 493499 Steamers James Battle and William Bagley captured July 17, 18, 1863 504512 Confederate steamer Alice Vivian captured August 16, 1863 - - - 532534 Confederate steamer Alabama captured September 12, 1863....~ 550552 Steamer Mail captured October 15, 1863 568570 Steamer Scottish Chief and slo6p Kate Dale destroyed in Hills boro River, October 1617, 1863 570579 Salt works destroyed in Lake Ocala and St. Andrews Bay, Florida, December 2, 10, 18, 1863 593601 Steamer Powerful destroyed and schooner Edward captured at mouth of Suwanee River, December 20, 24, 1863 607609 Steamer Cumberland captured February 5, 1864 643645 Salt works destroyed in St. Andrews Bay, Florida, February 9, 17, 1864 646648 Salt works destroyed near St. Marks, Fla., February 1719, 2627, 1864 648652 Salt works destroyed in St. Andrews Bay, Florida, April 2, 12, 1864 676678, 683 Tampa, Fla., occupied by combined forces, May 47, 1864 69369 Page R007 TABLE OF CONTENTS. VII East Gulf Blockading SquadronContinued. Page. Principal eventsContinued.. Union reportsContinued. Expedition to Apalachicola, Fla., May 12, 1864 697702 Salt works destroyed between Suwanee River and St. Marks, Fla., May 28, 1864 712 Captain Greene assumed temporary command of East Gulf Blockading Squadron, August 7, 1864 740 Bayport, Fla., occupied by combined forces, July 11, 1864 ---- 734736 Acting Rear-Admiral Stribling assumed, command of East Gulf Blockading Squadron, October 12, 1864 764 U. S. S. San Jacinto wrecked off Abaco, Bahama Islands, January 1, 1865 787796 Expedition from U. S. bark Midnight in Apalachicola River, January 1629, 1865 797 800 British schooners Augusta and Fannie McRae captured off Cedar Keys, Fla., January 17, 23, 1865 802-804 Joint operations near St. Marks, Fla., February 23March 7, 1865 812--821 Schooner St. Marys seized by party of Confederates under John C. Braine 835 Measures for the capture of Jefferson Davis 838 C. S. ram Stonewall surrendered at Havana, Cuba, May 19, 1865 845851 Apalachicola, Fla., occupied by Federal forces, June 1, ---- 856857 East Gulf Squadron transferred to the command of Acting Rear- Admiral Thatcher, July 5, 1865 858, 861 Confederate reports Steamer Florida and sloop Lafayette captured April 4, 1862 - - - 209, 210 Federal naval demonstration at Tampa, Fla., April 13, 1862... 216 Federal watering party captured in Aucilla River, Florida, June 2, 1862 259260 Boat expedition in St. Andrews Bay, Florida, March 20, 1863 387389 Expedition for the capture of the U. S. S. Adela, May 12, 1864 700702 Expedition to Crooked River, Florida, May 20, 1862 863 Expedition to St. Marks, Fla 863 Explosion on board the C. S. S. Chattahoochee B68872 Miscellaneous orders, reports, and correspondence, March 8, 1862, to June 10, 1864 86287 Page R008 List of Illustrations Page R009 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Pare United States steamer San Jacinto Frontispiece. Map of coast of Louisiana and Texas, from Calcasien River to Rio Grande 3 Map of coast of Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi from St. Georges Sound to Ship Island 179 United States brig Bainbridge 320 Sketches of Bayport, Fla 410, 541 United States steamer IDe Soto 420 Sketches of St. Marks, Fla., and vicinity 500, 813 United States ship Dale 564 Sketch of Lake Ocala, Florida 595 United States steamer Tahoma 652 Map of coast of Florida from Indian liiver to St. Georges Sound 826 I Page R010 Page R011 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 Professor J. R. 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 Con- gress 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, under whose able administration volumes 614 were published. Pro- fessor Rawson was detached and ordered to the U. S. Naval Academy September 20, 1902, and was succeeded by Mr. Charles W. Stewart. No change is contemplated at present in the outline of the plan of 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. X Page R012 XII 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 tbe Confederate Navy, includ- ing privateers, setting forth also the annual and special reports of the Confederate Secretary of the Navy and chiefs of bureaus. 3. Statistical data of all vessels, Union and Confederate, as far as can be obtained. 4. Returns of naval and military property captured by the navies of both sides during the war. 5. Correspondence relating to naval prisoners. This series is also arranged chronologically in each of the above sections, as far as practicable. III. The third series embraces all reports, orders, correspondence, and returns of the Union and Confederate authorities not specially relating to the matter of the first and second series. It is the intention of the Department to 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 repioduced 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 commanders are full and fairly complete. It is to be regretted, however, that the Confederate records are not equally complete, due to the great difficulty found in collecting them, and also to the fact that a large part of the archives of the Confederate Navy Department was burned at the close of the war. Frequent carefu Page R013 PREFACE. xl searches throughout various parts of the country, conducted by a 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 sixteenth volume of the records (Series I, vol. 16), which has recently been published by the I)epartment, gives the operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 1, 1864, to August 8, 1865; and the operations of the Gulf Blockading Squad- ron from June 7 to December 15, 1861. The present volume (Series I, vol. 17) gives the operations of the Gulf Blockading Squadron from December 16, 1861, to February 21, 1862; and the operations of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron from February 22, 1862, to July 17, 1865. 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- ous 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 arrangemenl of the records, in connection with the full and complete index to each volume, 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 chronological order has been somewhat modified, and such documents have been placed together in the compilation. CHARLES W. STEWART, compiler. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. (i., December, 1903. 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 on Page R014 XIV PREFACE. 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 the Secretary of the Navy to such libraries, organizations, and individuals as may be designated by the Senators, Representatives, and 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 centurn 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 inforni distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. The following joint resolution regarding the distribution of the work was approved January 30, 1896: Resolved by the Senate and house of Representatives of the United States of America in (onqress assembled, That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to send the undis- tributed 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 meet- ing 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 Con- gress approved July thirty-first, eighteen hundred and ninety-four, and the joint resolution approved March second, eighteeii 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 R015 ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS. SERIE~S 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 privateers. 2. Operations in the Gulf of Mexico, January to June 7, 1861. Surrender of the Pensacola Navy Yard. Cooperation of the Navy in the relief of Fort Pickens. 3. Operations on the Atlantic Coast, January to May 13, 1861. Cooperation of the Navy in the attempts to relieve Fort Sumter 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., 1862-1863. Potomac Flotilla, under Commander Parker, U. S. N., 18631865. 5. Atlantic Blockading Squadrons, 18611865. Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Striugham, U. S. N., May 13 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 Goldsborough, U. S. N., 1861-1862. Naval Defenses 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 Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. N., 1862-1864. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officers Forrest and Mitchell, C. S. N. 5 Defenses Inland Waters of North Carolina, untler Commander Pinkney, C. S. N, * Naval Defenses Cape Fear River, North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. N., 1864-1865. James River Squadron, under Flag-Officers Mitchell and Semmes, C. S. N. *Naval Defenses Cape Fear River, North Carolina, under Flag-Officer Pinkney, C. S. N. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Radford, U. S. N., 1865. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Du Pont, U. S. N., 1861-1863. *Naval Defenses of South Carolina and Georgia, under Flag-Officer Tattuall, C. S. N. * Naval Defenses of Charleston Harhor, South Carolina, under Flag-Officer Ingraham, C. S. N. South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. N., 1863-1865. * Naval Defenses of Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, under Flag-Officer Tucker, C. S. N. Naval Defenses of Savannah, Ga., under Flag-Officers Hunter and Tattuall, C. S. N. xv * 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 R016 XVI ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS. 6. Gulf Blocnacung Squadrons, 18611865. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Mervine, U. S. N., 1861. Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. N., 1861-1862. * Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Rollins, C. S. N. East Gulf Blockading Squadrou, under Flag-Officer MeKean, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Larduer, 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. S. N., 1864. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Stribling, U. S. N., 1864-1865. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. N., 1862-1551. Mortar Flotilla, nuder Commander Porter, U. S. N., 1862. Lower Mississippi River Defenses, under Commander J. K. Mitchell, C. S. N., 1862. * Mobile Defenses, under Flag-Officer Randolph, C. S. N. Trans-Mississippi Marine Department, under Major Leon Smith, C. S. A. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Bell, U. S. N. (ad tuterim), 1863. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. N., 1864. * Mobile Defenses, under Admiral Buchanan, C. S. N. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Palmer, U. S. N., 1864-1865. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Actiug 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, nuder Commander Rodgers, U. S. N., 1861. Naval Forces on Westeru Waters, nuder Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. N., 18611862. * Mississippi River Defeuses, under Flag-Officer Rollins, C. S. N. Naval Forces ou 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. Pinkney, C. S. N. * Mississippi River Defenses, nuder Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N. Mississippi Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. N., 18621864. Mississippi Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. N., 18641865. * Naval Defenses of Red River, Louisiana, under Lieutenant J. H. Carter, C. S. N. * The Confederate material under this head is very scant. It is therefore hoped that those who have any Confederate naval documesits upon the subject will communicate with the Office of Naval War Records, Navy Department, Washington, D. C Special Index Page R017 UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR SERVING IN THE GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON FROM DECEMBER 16, 1861, TO FEBRUARY 21, 1862. Name. Arthur Brooklyn Colorado Rate. Fourth ... Second First Tie Soto Second -- - Ethan Allen Hatteras Huntsville Itasca James S. Chambers Kingfisher Kittatinny Marion Massachusetts Mercedita Midnight Mississippi Mohawk Montgomery New London Niagara Portsmouth Potomac Preble Rachel Seaman Sagamore Samuel Rolan Santee Sciota South Carolina Tahoma Vincennes Wanderer Water Witch Winona Wissahickon Fourth Third Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Third Third Fourth ... Second ... Fourth ... Third Fourth First Third Second Fourth Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Second ... Fourth ... Third Fourth Third Fourth ... Fourth Fourth ... Fourth Tonnage. Class. 554 Bark 2,070 Screw steamer 3,425 do 1,600 Side-wheel steamer 55t Bark 1,100 Side-wheel steamer 817 Screw steamer 507 do 401 Schooner Bark 421 Ship ~66 do 1, 155 I Screw steamer 776 do 587 Bark 1,692 Side-wheel steamer 464 Screw steamer 787 do 221 do 4,582 do 989 Ship 1,708 do 566 do 303 Schooner 507 Screw steamer 212 Schooner 1,726 Ship 507 Screw steamer 1,150 do 507 do 700 Ship 500 Schooner 378 Side-wheel steamer o07 Screw steamer 507 do N W HVOL 17 iii xvii Crew. Guns. 35 259 525 130 90 101 97 70 62 95 66 80 112 135 70 229 62 66 47 387 161 331 65 13 78 29 427 65 115 101 162 26 56 93 80 6 25 46 9 6 3 4 4 4 4 15 5 9 4 12 7 5 5 12 22 34 10 2 4 2 50 3 5 4 19 3 3 4 Page R018 XVIII LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR. ITED STATES VESSELS OF TVAR SERVING IN THE EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUAD RON FROM FEBR UARY 22, 1862, TO JULY 17, 1865. Name. Adela Amanda Annie Ariel Aries Bainbridge Beauregara Britannia Brockenborough * Carmita Cherokee Clyde Dacotah Dale De Soto Ethan Allen Eugenie Ezilda** Fort Henry Fox Galena Gem of the Sea George Mangham Glaucus hendrick Hudson Hibiscus Honduras Honeysuckle Howquah Huntsville mo Isonomia Inka James L. Davis James S. Chambers. Julia Kingfisher Magnolia Mahaska Marigold Marion Matthew Vassar Mercedita Merrimac Midnight Muscoota National Guard Neptune Niagara Nita Rate. Fourth Fourth ... Fourth Fourth Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth Fourth ... Fourth ... Third Fourth ... Second ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Third Fourth Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Third Fourth - Fourth ... Fourth ... Third Fourth ... Fourth. Second Fourth ... Third First Fourth ... Tonnage. 583 368 27 19 820 259 101 495 61 606 294 996 566 1,675 556 150 519 SO 738 371 274 1,244 460 406 376 234 397 817 895 593 940 461 401 10 450 843 832 115 566 216 776 684 386 1,030 1,046 1,244 4,580 210 Class. Side.wheel steamer Bark Schooner do Screw steamer Brig Schooner Side-wheel steamer Sloop Schooner Screw steamer I Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer Ship Side-wheel steamer Bark Schooner Sloop Side.wheel steamer Schooner Screw steamer Bark Mortar schooner Screw steamer do do Side-wheel steamer Screw steamer do do Ship Side-wheel steamcr Screw steamer Bark do Sloop Bark Side-wheel steamer do Screw steamer Ship Mortar schooner Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer Bark Paddle-wheel steamer Ship Screw steamer Screw steamer Side-wheel steamer Crew. 70 71 (t) 90 79 27 75 4 (i-) 92 67 147 45 95 87 23 (t) 120 (t) 138 70 26 170 88 86 57 39 57 97 128 63 116 to 62 (1-) 95 89 145 17 80 29 135 116 70 154 51 156 372 39 Gnus. 7 1 1 7 6 3 6 0 6 2 8 3 9 9 1 7 2 11 5 5 11 6 6 4 2 5 4 11 3 5 4 6 0 6 5 10 2 14 3 9 6 8 10 4 9 12 3 * Appears in Navy Register as G. L. Brockenborough. * * Known also as Isilda. j- No rolls Page R019 LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR. xix UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR SERVING IN THE EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUA 1)- RON FROJ1I FEBRUARY 22, 1862, TO JULY 17, 1865Continued. Name. Rate. Tonnage. Class. Crew. Guns. 0. II. Lee Fourth ... Paul Jones Third Penguin Fourth ... Port Royal Third Powhatan First Proteus I Third Pursuit Fourth ... Quaker City R. R. Cuyler Restless Roebuck Rosalie Sagamore St. Lawrence Samuel Rotan San Jacinto Santiago de Cuba Sea Bird Somerset Spirca Stars and Stripes Stonewall Sunflower Tahoma Tallapoosa Tioga Two Sisters Wanderer Young Rover Yucca Second ... Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Second Fourth Second Second ... Fourth Fourth Fourth Fourth ... Fourth Fourth ... Fourth ... Third Third Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth ... Fourth 199 Mortar schooner 863 Side-wheel steamer 389 Screw steamer 805 Side-wheel steamer 2,415 do 1,244 Screw steamer 603 Bark 1,600 Side-wheel steamer 1,200 Screw steamer 265 Bark 455 do 28 Sloop 507 Screw steamer 1, 726 Ship 212 Schooner 1,446 Screw steamer 1, 567 Side-wheel steamer 57 Schooner 521 Side-wheel steamer 406 Screw steamer 407 do 30 Schooner 294 Screw steamer 507 do 974 Side-wheel steamer 819 do 54 Schooner l00~ do 418 Screw steamer 373, do 37 143 75 103 266 160 72 163 111 t~6 69 8 78 374 29 278 135 15 110 65 94 90 52 101 202 105 15 36 85 40 5 8 7 9 18 11 7 9 10 7 4 46 2 14 10 1 6 ti 1 2 4 10 8 1 1 5 Page R020 Page R021 CALENDAR. 1861. DECEMBER. Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. 1 234567 8 91011121314 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23242526 27~ 28 29 3031... 186~. JANuARY. FEBRUARY. MARCh. - - F - Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat.1 Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. Sun M T. Wi T. F. 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MARCh. Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. Sun. M. T. Wi T. F. Sat. Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. ~ ~ 1 23415167 12341 11234 8 9101112131141 5 6 7 81910111 5 6 78 910 11 15 16 17 18 1920121 12 13 14 15116 17118 12 13 14 15116 17 18 22 23 24 25126271 28 I 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 19 20 2q22 23 24 25 29 30 31 26 27~28 26 27~2829 30 31 APRIL. MAY. JUNE. Sun. M. T.~W.1 T. F. Sat. Sun F. W. T. F. Sat. Sun. M.1 F. W. T. F. Sat. 1 It 1 112345 61 11213 234 ~i6~7 8718910111213 45 6l 789110 9 1011 15114115 16171819 20 11 12 13114 1516 17 16 17 18 19 2021 22 21 122 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 2312425262728 291 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 2829 30 30 -~ II JULY. SuaMIT wT~i7l -~ -~ 1 1 .1F. Sat. 2 3~l74~j ~1 8 9 10 11112 13 141 15 116 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 130 31i xxi Page A001 Page A002 UNITED STATES STEAMER SAN JACINTO Page 1 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. FROM DECEMBER 16, 1861, TO FEBRUARY 21, 1862. NW RVOL 17 Page 2 Page 2A COAST OF L0fflSIANA~ TEXAS FROM CALCASLEU RIVER TO 1110 GIIIANPE 0 0 oo Scale 60 60 Of 1. 3ff Xt C 0 GRANI~E CiTY Otaiiisria 10 80 DE I PASS GUL Page 2B Page 3 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. FROM DECEMBER 16, 1861, TO FEBRUARY 21, 1862. Report of Flag- Ogjlcer YicKean, U S. ]Wtvy, reg~trding general matters pertaining to his command. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Off Fort Pickens, December 17, 1861. * * * * * * * I have to report the arrival at this place of the schooner gunboat i1far~a A. TVood on the 14th instant, of the storeship Supply on the 15th instant, and of the schooner gunboat Samuel Rotan and the stearn gunboat Wissahickon on the 16th instant. The Supply I have dispatched to furnish the vessels on the coast with provisions, etc. Upon her cargo being discharged I will imme- diately order heiz back to New York. The schooners I have sent to Ship Island, as they may be useful in Mississippi Sound. Should I find on my arrival they are not needed there, I will order them down the coast to cruise in company with some of the regular men-of-war. I feel it my duty to bring to your notice the fact that the Jliaria A. Wood was sent out with three masters mates, neither of whom can work a days work or take a meridian observation of the sun, and one of them is ignorant of the multiplication table. had anything happened to the acting master in command there was no one on board capable of navigating the vessel into port. 1 will also state that she was unprovided with passing boxes for powder, that her magazine is not lined, and that the cylinders are put up in rough pine boxes, fas- tened with iron nails. Her commander also informs me that he was furnished at the navy yard with one old ensign, which, by the time he reached Key West, was completely worn-out, and he was therefore compelled to procure one upon requisition. which, I presume, must have cost double what it would in Philadelphia. Neither of the schooners is sup p lied with signals of any kind, and I have not a yard of bunting in the squadron, although requisitions were forwarded some time since. I am sorry to report that on the day previous to her arrival at this place the felt on one of the boilers of the Wissahickon was discovered to be on fire, and, upon examination after her arrival, it was found that the water had been allowed to get too low, in consequence o Page 4 4 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. which it became heated, setting fire to the felt and very seriously injuring the boiler. It has been examined by Mr. Long, chief engineer of this ship, and he is of opinion that with the assistance of his best mechanics it can be so far repaired in a week as to render her service- able. I have therefore sent her to Ship Island on one boiler, with instructions to her commander to have the fires raked and everything in readiness for a survey, which I will order immediately on my arrival at that place, which I hope will be to-morrow, as the Richmond was to have left Key West on the 13th instant, and I am therefore hourly expecting her arrival. She has been detained much longer than I anticipated. The Water TYitch returned from Key West on the 14th instant, her repairs having been completed, and is now employed in Mississippi Sound. She may probably run for two or three months. The exigencies of the blockade and a fear of misapprehension of motives have deterred me from alluding since my report on the sub- ject, made on my return from Japan, to the condition of the boilers of this ship. It has beeh with great difficulty and entirely owing to the constant vigilance, good judgment, and energy displayed by the chief engineer that the ship has been kept thus far in an available condition - for service, and as the squadron has been somewhat reinforced and is soon to be further increased I feel it my imperative duty to state that the ship can not be kept longer on the station without hazard. She is liable to be disabled at any moment, her boilers being now entirely unreliable, and without steam power would be worse than useless here, as she can not be worked under canvas alone but in an opeu sea. In a report to the Bureau of Construction, made on my return from Japan, I pointed out what I considered her greatest defects and sug- gested alterations. The Niagara is considered by many and is spoken of as the largest and finest frigate in the Navy, when in reality she is but a sloop of war, mounting twelve guns, and, in my opinion, not efficient as a man-of- war. She is, however, a noble ship, and can, I have reason to believe, be made equal, if not superior, to any frigate we have. She sails as well, and as a steamer is far superior to any of them. With a proper broadside battery, the addition of a spar deck, and some alteration in her spars, all of which could. I think, be made at a moderate expense, I feel confident that she would be equal to any frigate afloat. She has great stability, and would bear any weight that could be put upon her, and is decidedly the finest sea boat 1 have ever seen. With her pres- ent battery she could not be fought under canvas, and at close quar- ters would not, in my opinion, be equal to a ship mounting a broadside battery of twenty-four 9-inch guns. I am not alone, sir, in the opinion I have thus hastily expressed in regard to the Niagara. I think I may safely say that every officer who has sailed in her will concur with me. She is far too noble a ship to be kept in her p resent condition. Upon reaching Ship Island I will allow the fires to go down, and will order a thorough examination of the boilers, etc., and will forward a report by the steamer Rhode Icland. I have addressed the conimander of the Kingfisher, now off the Mis- sissippi, in reference to the alleged seizure at Key West of a seaman belonging to his vessel by a British officer, as stated in your commu- mcation of the 26th ultimo Page 5 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 5 I have written rather hastily, having been informed that the steamer Baltic will sail this evening and being desirous to forward this by her. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Gu~f Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLEs, Secretary of tkc Navy, Washington, D. C. Report gf Flag- Officer J.J~IcKean, iL S. Navy, regarding disarrange- ment of plans for operations in i1fis5?~55ippi Sound. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Off Fort Pickens, December 18, 1861. SIR: I am sorry to report that I have just received information from Key West by a small steamer belonging to the Quartermasters Department of the Army that the U. S. S. Richmond is completely disabled by the breaking of her rock shaft and other injuries to her machinery, as shown by the enclosed copies of reports* from Captain Ellison and the chief engineer and the accompanying drawings. As I am satisfied, after consultation with the chief engineer of this ship, that she can not be repaired here, I have ordered her to New York. I would recommend that she be docked, as her copper must have been greatly injured in crossing the bar at the South West Pass of the Mississippi. I am again p ace in a very trying position, as I was only awaiting the arrival of the Rickmond to proceed to Ship Island, where my presence is highly important, not only on account of the arrival of the troops, but also that the engineer department of this ship may aid in repairing the boiler of the steam gunboat Wissahickon. Not having the means of communication with Ship Island, I have applied tQ Colonel Brown to allow the army steamer which brought the dispatches from Key West to run down there, with instructions to Commander Smith to dispatch two of the gunboats now in Mississippi Sound to this place to relieve the Niagara. The necessity for the withdrawal of these gunboats completely dis- arranges the plan I had formed for operating in Mississippi Sound. I write in great haste, as the Baltic, having been unexpectedly detained over night, is now about to leave. Jam, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. letter from Flag- Officer iI/icKean, U. S. Navy, to Colonel Brown, U. S. Amny, requesting the transfer of the army steamer Rainey for use in iiifississippi Sound. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Off Fort Pickens, December 18, 1861. SIR: Please accept my thanks for placing at my disposal the steamer Rainey to convey dispatches to Ship Island. * Not necessary to publish Page 6 6 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Should you not need her for army purposes, I will gladly avail myself of your offer to transfer her, and will make use of her in Mis- sissippi Sound until such time as you may require her services. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Oficer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Colonel HARVEY BROWN, Commanding Department of Florida, Fort Pickens. Report qf Lieutenant 7irathen, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark ilfidnig~4t, regarding a cruise of that ves8el off the coast of Texas. U. S. BARK MIDNIGHT, Off Velasco, Tex., December 18, 1861. SIR: In compliance with your instructions to me, dated the 29th ultimo, I sailed the same evening for Galveston, and arrived off that port and communicated with the U. S. ship Santee on the evening of the 4th instant, and sailed again on the morning of the 5th, running close along the coast of Texas in 5, 6, and ~ fathoms water. I discov- ered in this route that there was a strong battery at the entrance of San Luis Pass, a large encampment and battery at Velasco, and a bat- tery of four heavy guns near the light-house at Pass Cavallo. On the 8th instant I was standing in toward the bar of Pass Cavallo, with a moderate breeze from the S. E., and when the ship was within about 2 miles of the light-house I tacked to the eastward. The battery opened on us and fired nine shots. They were all well aimed, and the nearest fell about 20 yards short of our stern. I did not like to throw away our shot by replying, for I knew our 32-pounders of 42 cwt. would not reach the enemy. Again, on the 10th instant, I was standing in toward the same pass, and when within about the same distance as before, the light-house bearing W. N. W.,it fell calm, with a swell heaving on the bar. At 2 p. m. I discovered a large steamer coming down Matagorda Bay and pointing directly for us. When she got near the bar she hoisted the secession flag. We were all at quarters and everything ready for action. I could do nothing but wait for his approach. At 2:30 p. m. a light breeze sprung up from the S. E. I filled away on the starboard tack and stood to the eastward, in order to draw the enemy. from under shelter ~of his batteries. He was com- ing up to us very fast, and could have engaged us on his own terms in thirty minutes, for the wind was very light and our ship had scarcely steerageway, but in a few minutes after the light breeze reached us about 3 p. in., he bore up and ran into the bay again. The steamer is large and- capable of being made very formidable by merely taking off her upper or promenade deck. At Velasco I saw two such steamers; the three together would constitute a formidable force. You are well aware of the advantage a steamer has over a sailing ship in a calm, and there is a great deal of calm weather on this coast. In your instruc- tions I am ordered to have a boarding netting triced up whilst at anchor. In reply I would respectfully inform you that I have no boarding netting, nor have I cordage to make one. I applied to Cap- tain Eagle, of the Santee, for small stuff for that purpose, but all he could spare me was half a coil of nine-thread ratline, not enough t Page 7 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 7 begin to make one. If the flag-officer thinks proper to order one from the North, the length of the Jiifidnight over all is 134 feet 4 inches and 25 feet 43 inches breadth of beam. I frequently see small vessels mov- ing about in the bays and inside passages, but up to this date we have not seen a single vessel at sea since I have been on the coast. We have constant lookout men on the topgallant yards both day and night. I feel as if a boarding netting was absolutely necessary in a ship of so light an armament as mine. I have taken the liberty to send requisitions for a number of stores, which, at first sight, may appear extravagant, but on inspection you will find they are mostly small and necessary articles. At anchor off Galveston, December 27, 9 a. m. The Rhode Island has just hove in sight. I shall return to my cruising ground inimedi- ately after procuring from her a needful supply of fresh provisions, etc. Sir, I remain your obedient servant, JAMES TRATHEN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer WM. W. McKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockadn~g Squadron. Extract from report of commander Emmons, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Hatteras, regarding affairs at Apalachicola. U. S. S. HATTERAS, Off Apalachicola, December, 18, 1861. * * * * Having sounded and buoyed out this entrance, I stood in within gunshot of the sand fort on St. Vincents [Island] and lay overnight; but I found the current so strong and the holding ground so poor that I have preferred remaining outside since. From all appearances the above fort has been dismantled, but there appears to be a picket guard left on the island. Upon two occasions I have heard heavy guns firing at the town of Apalachicola, and I pre- sume that these are the same that formerly occupied this fort. I visited the light-house on St. Georges Island and found it deserted and robbed of its illuminating apparatus, oil, etc., which is very much in character with secession elsewhere. From the top of this light-house (77 feet) I had a good view of the sound and of the town of Apalachicola. Besides a few small sail, apparently fishing smacks, I saw nothing afloat inviting attack but the hull of a large vessel that appears to be unfinishedand intended for a propellerlaying near the town, and I presume within range of guns planted there. There appears to be a shoal outside of her in the bay, and I find no soundings placed on this portion of my chart. Independent of the above vessel, there occasionally appears a small stern wheel steamer near the town. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. F. EMMoNs, Commander. Flag-Officer W. W. McKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 8 8 GULF BLOOKADWG SQUADR(YN. Report of commander E?nmons, U S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. lldtteras, regarding a reconnoissanee of St. Josephs Bay. U. S. S. HATTERAS, Off Apalacideola, December 18, 1861. SIR: Last evening about sunset I discovered a small propeller near the coast to the southward and eastward of us. She apparently discovered us about the same time and kept off to the south under sail and steam, which, with vessels drawing from 6 to 8 feet water, bound to the north, it would be necessary for them to do, on account of a reef that extends about 6 miles from the coast to the southward and lying between us. I was underway in a few minutes and shaped a course that I thought would intercept her, but it became dark before I had gained enough upon her to keep her in sight afterwards, and I am sorry to say she finally dodged me in spite of all my efforts. This morning at daylight nothing was in sight, and I ran up the coast as far as [Cape] San Bias light-house, from which I got a look into St. Josephs Bay and could see nothing there, but signal fires were burning alongshore, and several people appeared on the beach, as though they were in expectation of something. I therefore infer that if this vessel was intending to run the blockade she has turned to the southward and eastward again and perhaps may get into one of the passes at the eastern end of the sound. The illuminating apparatus has been removed from the light-house on Cape San Bias, as on St. Georges Island, and they are now employed in removing the surplus bricks (of Which there is a large pile lying near the light-house) to some place in the interior. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. F. EMMONS, Commander. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Letter from Flag- Off cer MicKean, U S. Navy, to captain. Bailey, U S. Navy, giving consular information from Havana, regardinq the arrival at that place of steamer C Vanderbilt and schooner Break of Day. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Off Fort Pickens, December 19, 1861. SIR: I have received a dispatch, dated December 6, from Ii. W. Shufeldt, consul-general at Havana, informing me of the arrival at that place of two vessels from New Orleans, viz, the low-pressure Mississippi towboat c. Vanderbilt, 383 tons, Smith, master; and the schooner Break of Day, 80 tons, Martin, master. I have since learned froni Captain Ribourt, commanding the French steau)er Lavoisier, that the cargo of the Vanderbilt was cotton. I much fear that the rebels have deepened a small channel said to connect the river with West Bay, just below the fort, and that vessels of very light draft can escape by that passage Page 9 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 9 I will, as soon as possible, send you a schooner gunboat as a tender, by means of which you will be able in good weather to guard West Bay I shall dispatch the Preble to blockade the South Pass. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEKN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain T. BAILEY, Commanding U. S. Steam Frigate Colorado, Off South lYeet Pa8s of the 2Ji1i8sis8~ppi. In8tructwns of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer llifcKean, U. S. Navy, regarding the proper di8position of captured property. NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 92?O, 1861. SIR: Your letter of the 2d instant, reporting the capture of the steamboats Anna and henry Lewis and schooners Olive and A. J. View, has been received.. The duty of officers of the Navy with respect to captured vessels and their cargoes is prescribed by the 7th, 8th and 9th articles, 1st section, of the act of 1800. You will adopt the best means in your power for the preservation of the captured property until an opportunity occurs for sending it to a proper port for adjudication. You will have a correct inventory made of all property taken out of a prize vessel and transipit a dupli- cate of it to the Department. If it be necessary to take any part of the property for public use, a careful appraisement of it must be made by suitable persons qualified to judge of the value of the particular article taken, and, if practicable, by uninterested persons. A careful account of all property so taken, with a duplicate of the appraisement, will be transmitted to the Department. lam, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, (ommanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Flag- Officer ilifcKean, U S. Navy, transmitting letter from the commanding officer of H B. Al. S. Desperate regarding the inef- fectiveness of the blockade of Galveston. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Off Fort Pickens, December 920, 1861. SIR: I herewith transmit a copy of a communication from the com- mander of II. B. M. S. Desf crate, forwarded to me by Captain T. Bailey, commanding the U. S. frigate Golorado, who communicated with the Desperate off the South West Pass of the Mississippi. I am inclined to doubt its correctness, but have addressed Captain Eagle, enclosing him a copy of the letfer of the commander of the Desperate, and enquiring if he has at any time been absent from his station, and if so, the reason why. I am very desirous of visiting that part -of the coast, but as yet it has not been in my power, the services of this ship to blockade having been thus far indispensable. The unfortunate accident to the Rich Page 10 10 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. mond has greatly embarrassed my movements, but I will, if possible, proceed to Galveston in this ship so soon as my presence at Ship Island can be dispensed with. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] H. B. M. S. DESPERATE, Off ilftsstssq}yt [River], December 13, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to acquaint you that on the night of Decem- ber 5 I anchored her Majestys ship under my command in 9~- fathoms, with the town of Galveston bearing about N. W. j W., 12 miles, and that on the following morning I weighed and stood close in, spending several hours cruising along Galveston Island, with the beach and houses plainly in sight, although the weather was foggy, finally anchor- ing in 5j fathoms, about 4 miles from the beach, and then, getting steam up, weighed and made a circuit by the town and to the south- ward of the reef, the smoke from one funnel being very dense. But having seen no United States man-of-war there, I concluded that the port was not effectively blockaded, and it will be my duty to report the same to my superior officer. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, JOHN F. Ross, Co?nrnander. Flag-Officer [WM. W. MCKEAN], Comdg. the U. S. Blockading Squadron ~n the Coast q/ Texas. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer 3fcliTean, U. S. Navy, to use his discretion regarding place of repair for United States vessels. NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 21, 1861. SIR: As the vessels of your squadron, especially the steamers, may at times require repairs actually necessary to their efficiency and safety which can not well be done on the station, the Department authorizes you to exercise your discretion in such cases as to sending them north to be repaired. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. ~iag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer iWicKean, U. S. Navy, naming additional vessels for his command. NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 21, 1861. Sum: Your report of the 25th ultimo of the combined attack on Fort McRee and the adjoining works was duly received. * * * * * * Page 11 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 11 The sloop of war Portsmouth, Commander Swartwout, sailed from Portsmouth, N. H., on the 17th instant for the Gulf Squadron, and the armed schooner Rittatinny, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant George E. Welch, from Philadelphia, on the 13th instant for the same destination. The following vessels are on the eve of sailing, and have orders to report to you: Bark Pursuit, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant David Cate, [New York]. Bark Arthur, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. W. Kittredge, [New York]. Bark James L. Davis, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Joseph Winn, [Philadelphia]. Bark James S. Chambers, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Dennis Condry, [Philadelphia]. Gunboat Tahoma, Lieutenant John C. Howell, [Philadelphia]. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer WM. W. MUKEAN, Commanding Gu~/ Blockading Squadron. Engagement between the U S. S. huntsville and Confederate steamer Florida, or Strike, off lkfobile Bar, December 24, 1861. Report of Captain Powell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. frigate Potomac. U. S. FRIGATE POTOMAC, Off ilfobile Bar, December 25, 1861. COMMODORE: I herewith forward report of Commander Price, of the U. S. S. huntsville, of his encounter with the rebel steamer supposed to be the Strike. Commander Price promptly engaged this vessel for nearly an hour and drove her off without injury to his vessel or people, and but for the reef between would have closed, although greatly inferior in force. Unable to approach the scene, I had yet a good view, and consider that Commander Price conducted the affair with great gallantry and skill. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. POWELL, Captain. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, Commanding Gulf Squadron, Ship Island. - Report of Commander Price, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Huntsville. U. S. S. HUNTSVILLE, Off ilifobile Bay, December 24, 1861. SIB: This morning the Potomac made signal No. 333, whereupon recalling my boat from sounding the channel near Pelican Island, in the direction of Fort Gaines, I got underway and stood for heir. On my way up a rebel steamer, which we call the Strike, painted black, with two masts and very low in the water, opened fire at me from inside the reef, in the direction of Fort Morgan. I stood close in to the reef and opened upon him in return from my pivot gun an Page 12 12 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. a 32-pounder, aft, but soon observed that the shot of the latter fell short and so continued with my pivot only. Firing was kept up for three-quarters of an hour between us, the rebel steamer firing rapidly from two rifled guns and one or two of smoothbore. Several rifled projectiles passed immediately over this ship and a dozen or more burst all around us, without, however, doing any damage to the hull or crew. I think I struck her several times, when she finally drew off and ran under Fort Morgan. All the forces at the fort were apparently out to witness the affair, and the tops and yards of the Potomac were also filled for the same purpose. The Poto- mac prepared to get underway and come to my assistance with her rifled gun, but the wind was too light for her to do anything. Had I had her rifled gun, the result might have been different to the rebel steamer. The distance between us was perhaps from 1~ to 2 miles. Her object was doubtless to try her new rifled guns, as well as to draw my own fire and ascertain what guns I carried. She fired fifty guns, I supposed, and I about half that number. It is unaccountable that I was not struck and very much cut up, for a dozen or twenty of her rifled projectiles struck within a cables length of me; some were fuzed and exploded. I judge the others were per- cussion. You are aware that I am without a rifled gun. My pivot is so badly mounted and fitted that to run it in and out requires twice the time that it would if fitted properly, and that by a crew as well trained as any in the squadron. In fact, the battery of this ship is entirely too light and very defective, and ought to be remedied. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CICERO Price, (/o~irtmander. Flag-Officer W. W. MCKEAN Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Additional report of Captain Powell, U. S. navy, commanding U. S. ship Potomac. U. S. SHIP POTOMAC, Off iVEobile Bar, December ~5, 1861. COMMODORE: A small schooner came in yesterday and promises to sail in a few hours for Ship Island, and I avail myself of the chance to report to you that the steam gunboat, which was supposed to be the Florida, returned yesterday morning and stood in to the West Swash Channel, and about 11 a. m. opened fire from two rifle cannon and some other guns upon the ffuntsville. Commander Price, of the huntsville, steamed up into shoal water and promptly returned the fire, with some effect, he thinks, for the enemy, after firing some thirty or forty rounds, put off for Fort Morgan and in the evening for Mobile. The weather fine; sea smooth and nearly calm, for the most part quite so. I got sail on this ship with a view to run down toward the Hantsville, which seemed to hasten tbe retreat of the enemy. Price has only one effective gun, you know, and it was not up to the range of a heavy rifle cannon mounted aft on the rebel steamer. She overshot the Huntsville with this gun considerably, but did not hit her. She, the enemy, has 4 guns aft and 1 pivot, 2 side guns forward Page 13 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 13 A storeship was in sight yesterday, but is not this morning. The master of the trading schooner said it was the Pampero. I am, respectfully, your most obedient servant, L. M. POWELL. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Skip kiand. P. S.Captain Price will make his report, which I shall forward when received. L.M.P. P. S. No. 2.We yesterday observed a topsail three-masted steamer aV anchor in the cove, and this morning from the masthead a steamer aiid the sails of two schooners at anchor near the Petit Bois Pass. The activity of the enemy in these waters seems to call for a more active force here, in addition to what we have at this time, if you can spare it. I know that you will agree with me that the Hunt8ville should not be exposed to the odds against her, for, of course, the attack will be made on her when my ship could not move from wind and weather. L.M.P. Extracts from Richmoiid Dispatch of January 2, 1862. Naval engagernent.At 11 oclock yesterday the gunboat Florida engaged a large Federal steamer which was blockading Pelican [Chan- nel] Island Pass, and after a sharp fight of an hour and fifteen minutes the enemy hauled to the eastward toward the frigate iWiacedonian [PotornaejJ, which was lying off the main bar, and communicating with him, she continued her course toward Pensacola. She appeared, from her slow speed, to be seriously injured. Not one shot of the enemy struck the Florida, though many of the shells exploded quite near her. Nobody hurt on our side.Mobile Tribune, 25th instant. The Advertiser and Register, [December 25, 1861], states that the enemys steamer is the New London [IJunl8ville], and that thousands witnessed the fight from Forts Morgan and Gaines and from the block- ading vessels outside. Naval engagement near iWiobile, Ala.From the Mobile Evening News of the 25th ultimo we take the following account of a nice little affair which recently took place in the bay near that place: About midday yesterday the stout gunboat Florida, C. S. Navy, concluded to cele- brate Christmas eve by a small set-to with the insolent Lincoln cruiser New London, which was lying off the mouth of the harbor. The Florida ran down to the west- wald of Sand Island and challenged the New London to come on, which she did, and for an hour or two a lively cannonade at long taw furnished an excitingly interesting exhibition for the entertainment of the great audience which viewed it, the 4,000 men who garrisoned Forts Morgan and Gaines, as well as the crews of the blockad- ing vessels being the spectators. The Florida could not come to close quarters with the enemy by reason of the shoal water of a bar intervening, and could she have got out, it is likely she would have had more than she could attend to with the several blockaders that were lying off in deep water. The engagement was lengthy and many shots were fired on both sides and ended by the New London backing out, as usual. The Florida was not touched, but it is thought that three of her pills took effect on the enemy. All but these three were seen to strike the water, but the thousands of eyes which watched could not tell where these three went, if they were not stopped by the New London. She was evidently hit hard, for after backing out of the fight she signaled the fleet, and one of them ran down and lay alongside of her for several hours, rendering assistance, it is supposed Page 14 14 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Flag- Ofticer JtfcKean, (I. S. Navy, to Brigadier- General Phelps, Ti S. Army, regarding the transfer of Government property on Ship Island. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Sh9p Island, December 25, 1861. SIR: I have been instructed by the honorable Secretary of the Navy to transfer to you all Government property on Ship Island not required by me for the establishment of a naval depot. I will therefore be prepared on the 26th instant to transfer the battery, ordnance, and ordnance stores, and request that you will instruct your quartermaster to give the necessary receipts. If you will appoint an officer to take charge, I will instruct Com- mander Smith to withdraw the naval force at 3 p. m. on the 26th and turn over the command. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, commanding Gulf Blockadivg Squadron. Brigadier-General J. W. PHELPS, Gommanding lifilitary Post, Ship Island. Chasivg of a schooner ashore off Fort lVlbrgan, Ala., December 27, 1861. Report of Captain Powell, U. S~ Navy, transmitting repom. FRIGATE POTOMAC, Off ilfobile Bar, December 27, 1861. COMMODORE: The Water Witch came in last night and anchored near us. This morning a schooner was observed close inshore to the eastward, and I made signal to Water Witch to chase. She got off about 7 a. in., but it was blowing a strong norther and the schooner had anchored under the guns of Fort Morgan and the sand hills east of it. I gave discretionary orders to Lieutenant Commanding Hughes and rein- forced him with two boats under Master Winfield S. Schley, [Acting] Midshipman Humphrey, and Masters Mate Ankers, but directed him not to get his vessel under the batteries on shore. He, Lieutenant Commanding Hughes, executed his duty well; under his tire the schooner was run ashore and a steamer that came out to help her was roughly handled, but this brought him under the guns of Fort Morgan and the batteries on the sand hills eastward, and at 11 p. m. I recalled him. The heavy rifle shells from Fort Morgan, as they got his range, dropped alongside of the steamer Water Witch before I called her off. I enclose reports and have to express in addition my satisfaction at the resolute, thongh not entirely successful, effort to destroy the ves- sel of the enemy. I am, respectfully, your most obedient servant, L. M. POWELL. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAK, Commanding Gu~f Squadron, Ship Island Page 15 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 15 P. S.J think this schooner is one of several which we have noticed as intending to run the blockade from the Bahamas, Cuba, etc., with the cargoes of the purchased British steamers. Mobile is their natural destination. Now, when Huntsville is at the West Pass, as this morn- - ing, the eastern shore is open beyond my reach night or day, as you well know. L.M.P. P. S. No. 2.The good view obtained by the Water Witch confirms the information of my fugitive negro as to the armament of Fort Morgan and the coast eastward. Mr. Schley reports that he observed three tiers of guns; the parapet, thickly mounted, the casemates, and outside earthworks. The gun east of Fort Morgan, three-fourths of a mile or more, is of great caliber. L.M.P. Report of Lieutenant Hughes, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Water Witch. U. S. S. WATER WITCH, Off Jifiobile Point, December 27, 1861. SIR: In obedience to your order I got the Water Witch underway this morning, and taking two boats from the Potomac, with their offi- cers and crews, I stood in toward the land for the purpose of capturing a schooner which had run in under the guns of Fort Morgan. As soon as I got within range I fired upon the schooner with my Parrott gun and rifled howitzer, and the fire was returned both by the fort and a heavy gun in battery to the eastward of the fort. Heavy rifled shells from these guns fell so near and around the Water Witch that I did not deem myself justifiable in carrying her any nearer the batteries, though I continued to fire upon the schooner and a steamer which had come out to her assistance. It was blowing a gale from the northward at the time, and it would have been impossible for the boats to reach the schooner safely under all the disadvantages against them. lam satisfied that had lapproached nearerthebatteriesl should have lost the Water IVitch. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. K. HuGHEs, Lieutenant, Commanding. Captain LEVIN M. POWELL, U. S. Navy, Oommanding U. S. Frigate Potomac. Report of Master Schley, U. S. Navy, of the U. S. ship Potomac. U. S. FRIGATE POTOMAC, Off Jifobile Bar, December 27, 1861. SIR: Agreeably to your order I went on board the U. S. S. Water Witch with two boats crews and reported to Lieutenant Commanding Hughes for any service he might require of me. After I had gone on board, the Water Witch took up her position as - nearly as possible in conformity with your signal. We then fired several shot and shell at the schooner, but not seeing what damage w Page 16 16 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. had done her, we steamed up and stood farther inshore, when Fort Morgan and a battery to the eastward opened fire upon us. The pre- cision with which they fired compelled us to haul off to the southward and eastward, when we discovered a steamer coming to her assistance. We immediately hauled up to the northward and fired several charges at the steamer; two and probably more struck her, when she hauled off and ran toward Fort Morgan. We then, finding that we could do the steamer no damage with our gun, ceased firing. At this moment I would have taken to my boats and endeavored to push my way inshore, but, conferring with Lieutenant Commanding Hughes, we concluded that it would be too much labor for the men to pull nearly a mile directly in the winds eye and against a heavy sea. Had not the weather been so very unfavorable, I feel confident that we should have met that success upon which our hearts were set. The men under my command behaved well under fire, and I feel con- fident would have rendered good service in case of being called upon. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFIELD SCOTT SCILLEY, 3kster, U. Navy. Captain L. M. POWELL, Commanding. Report of Major-General Bragg, C. S. Army. HDQRS. DEPARTMENT ALABAMA AND WEST FLORIDA, iVfiobile, Ala., December 29, 1861. SIR: An occurrence of the 27th instant at Fort Morgan illustrates the absolute necessity of the military commander here having control of the guard boats in the harbor. On that morning a small vessel from Havana attempted to run the blockade with supplies for us. Pressed by the enemy, she was beached under the guns of Fort Mor- gan. The enemy attempted to cut her out or destroy her, and the guns of our fort had difficulty in keeping them off until a small unarmed steamer went to her assistance, and under the fire of the enemys gunboats relieved and brought her in. She brought in 150 bags of coffee, with some sulphur and other small stores. During all this time the Florida, an armed steamer, is lying at the moorings of the city, unoccupied and independent. An armed schooner is also lying in the harbor here utterly useless. It would be economy to give her away and discharge the crew. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BRAXTON BRAGG, iWaj or- General, Gommanding. ADJUTANT-GENERAL C. S. ARMY, Richmond, Va. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, Confederate States, regard ing the necessity of cooperation between the land and naval forces. NAVY DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., January 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of- your letter of the 6th instant, enclosing two communications from General Bragg Page 17 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 17 When the vessel to which General Bragg refers crossed the Mobile bar the Confederate [armed] steamer Florida was at the city, 30 miles off, and of course could render no assistance. The Florida has recently gone there from the lake after an engage- ment with a Federal steamer, and on observing her arrival in the public papers, I directed Flag-Officer Hollins to prevent her from lying at the city a moment beyond what her necessities might require. General Bragg complains that the little guard boat did not go out to the vessels assistance, which he says was pursued by the enemys gun- boats. This is a small sailing schooner, mounting one gun, commanded by an active and zealous young naval officer, and I trust that he would have sailed out against the enemys gunboats could he have rendered any service. I will call upon him to explain his apparent neglect of duty. I concur with you in the necessity of securing perfect harmony of action between the land and naval forces, and so soon as the steamers now completed for service in the waters near Mobile shall go into commission, I will give such instructions as will, I think, certainly secure it. At present there is but one small sailing schooner and two barges. The naval officer in charge, and who is reported by General Withers as unreliable and inefficient, Lieutenant James D. Johnston, is regarded by the service and Department as one of the best officers of the old service. Perhaps the cause of General Withers report may be found in the letter of Lieutenant Johnston, a copy of which is enclosed. * General Braggs letters are herewith returned. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of 1F~tr. Report of Flag- Officer iJiicKean, U. S. Navy, transmitting correspond- ence regarding proclamation of Brigadier- General Phelps, U. S. Army. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Lland, December 27, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy o C the proclama- tion of Brigadier-General Phelps. It was handed to me by Commander Melancton Smith who received it from Brigadier-General Phelps, through Mr. Elias Smith, reporter for the New York Times, as shown by the note of Mr. Smith and Commander Smiths reply, which are also transmitted. I have approved the course pursued by Commander Smith, and will not allow this or any similar document to be circulated by any person under my command. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. - * Not necessary to publish. NWRVOLlT Page 18 18 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosures.] SHIP ISLAND, Mississippi, December 8, 1861. DEAR SIR: I have been instructed by Brigadier-General Phelps, commanding this military expedition, to present his compliments to you, and request of you the use of a boats crew or vessel, with a flag of truce, to convey me to the opposite shore with his proclamation to the loyal citizens of the Southwest. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ELIAS SMITH. Captain M. SMITH ~iJomrnander o30 the Blockading Fleet, 2JfiS8%Se~pp~ Sound. U. S. S. MASSACHUSETTS, Sh~p Jsland, December 6, 1861. SIR: I received yesterday afternoon, through Mr. Elias Smith, reporter for the New York Times, the enclosed proclamation from Brigadier-General Phelps to the loyal citizens of the Southwest, and the enclosed note this morning from the same source, requesting a conveyance under a flag of truce to the mainland to give it circulation. My reply to Mr. Smith is herewith annexed, and I hope my course in the matter will meet your approbation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, MELANCTON SMITH, commander, u. S. Navy. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, U. S. Navy, Gommanding U. S. Blockading Squadron. Gulf of iVfexico. U. S. S. MASSACHUSETTS, Ship Island9 December 6, 1861. SIR: Your note of this inormng conveying the compliments of Brigadier-General Phelps, with a request that I would furnish a boats crew or vessel to convey you to the opposite shore with a flag of truce for the purpose of promulgating his proclamation to the loyal citizens of the Southwest, is received. I have to request that you will return my cornpliments to Brigadier- General Phelps and state that any aid I can render him or the officers under his command in landing his forces, I most cheerfully volunteer, but I must respectfully decline the service requested until an oppor- tunity offers for me to communicate with the flag-officer of the squa.dron. Respectfully, MELANCTON SMITH, ELIAS SMITH, Esq., Gommander, U. S. Navy. Ship Island. Proclamation of Brigadier-General Phelps to the loyal people of the Southwest. HEADQUARTERS MIDDLESEX BRIGADE, Ship Island, Jlississippi, December 4, 1861. To the loyal citizens of the Southwest: Without any desire of my own, but contrary to my private inclina- tions, I again find myself among you as a military officer of the Go Page 19 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 19 eminent. A proper respect for my fellow-countrymen renders it not out of place that 1 should make known to you the motives and prin- ciples by which my command will be governed. We believe that every State that has been admitted as a slave State into the Union since the adoption of the Constitution has been so admitted in direct violation of that Constitution. We believe that the slave States which existed as such at the adop- tion of our Constitution are, by becoming parties to that compact, under the highest obligations of honor and morality to abolish slavery. It is our conviction that monopolies are as destructive as conipetition is conservative of the principles and vitalities of republican Govern- ment; that slave labor is a monopoly which excludes free labor and competition; that slaves are kept in comparative idleness and ease in a fertile half of our arable national territory, while free white laborers, constantly augmenting in numbers from Europe, are confined to the other half and are often distressed by want; that the free labor of the North has more need of expansion into the Southern States, from which it is virtually excluded, than slavery had into Texas in 1846; that free labor is essential to free institutions; that these institutions are naturally better adapted and more congenial to the Anglo-Saxon race than are the despotic tendencies of slavery; and finally, that the dominant political principle of this North American Continent, so long as the Caucasian race continues to flow in upon us from Europe, must needs be that of free institutions and free government; any obstruc- tions to the progress of that form of government in the United States must inevitably be attended with discord and war. Slavery from the condition of a universally recognized social and moral evil has become at length a political institution demanding political recognition. It demands rights to the exclusion and annihi- lation of those rights which are insured to us by the Constitution, and we must choose between them which we will have, for we can not have both. The Constitution was made for freemen, not for slaves. Slavery as a social evil might for a time be tolerated and endured, but as a political institution it becomes imperious and exacting, con- trolling, like a dread necessity, all whom circumstances have compelled to live under its sway, ham p ering their action and thus impeding our national progress. As a political institution, it could exist as a coordi- nate part only of two forms of government, viz, the despotic and the free; and it could exist under a free government only where public sentiment, in the most unrestricted exercise of a robust freedom leading to extravagance and licentiousness, had swayed the thoughts and habits of the people beyond the bounds and limits of their own moderate constitutional provisions. It could exist under a free government only where the people in a period of unreasoning extravagance had permitted popular clamor to overcome public reason and had attempted the impossibility of setting up permanently, as a political institution, a social evil which is opposed to moral law. By reverting to the history of the past, we find that one of the most destructive wars on record, that of the French Revolution, was origi- nated by the attempt to give political character to an institution which was not susceptible of political character. The church by being endowed with political power, with its convents, its schools, its immense landed wealth, its associations, sec ret and open, became the ruling power of the state, and thus occasioned a war of more strife and bloodshed probably than any other war which has desolated the earth Page 20 20 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Slavery is still less susceptible of political character than was the church. It is as fit at this moment for the lumber room of the past as was, in 1793, the monastery, the landed wealth, the exclusive privi- lege, etc., of the Catholic Church in France. It behooves us to consider, as a self-governing people, bred and reared, and practiced in the habits of self-government, whether we can not, whether we ought not to revolutionize slavery out of exist- ence without the necessity of a conflict of arms like that of the French Revolution. Indeed, we feel assured that the moment slavery is abolished, from that moment our Southern brethren, every ten of whom have probably seven relatives in the North, would begin to emerge from a hateful delirium. From that moment, relieved from imaginary terrors, their days become happy and their nights peaceable and free from alarm. The aggregate amount of labor under the new stimulus of fair compe- tition becomes greater (lay by day; property rises in value; invigorat- ing influences succeed to stagnation, degeneracy, and decay; and union, harmony, and peace, to which we have so long been strangers, become restored and bind us again in the bonds of friendship and amity, as when we first began our national career under our glorious GovernmeRt of 1789. Why do the leaders of the rebellion seek to change the form of your ancient Government? Is it because the growth of the African element of your population has come at length to render a change necessary? Will you permit the free Government under which you have thus far lived, and which is so well suited to the development of true man- hood, to be altered to a narrow and belittling despotism in order to adapt it to the necessities of ignorant slaves and the requirements of their proud and aristocratic owners? Will the laboring men of the South bend their necks to the same yoke that is nnited to the slave? We think not. We may safely answer that the time has not yet arrived when our Southern brethren, for the mere sake of keeping Africans in slavery, will abandon their long-cherished free institu- tions and enslave themselves. It is the conviction of my command, as a part of the national forces of the United States, that labormanual labor is inherently noble; that it can not be systematically degraded by any nation without ruining its peace, happiness~ and power; that free labor is the granite basis on which free institutions must rest; that it is the right, the capital, the inheritance, the hope of the poor man everywhere; that it is espe- cially the right of five millions of our fellow-countrymen in the slave States, as well as of the four millions of Africans there, and all our efforts, therefore, however small or great, whether directed against the interference of governments from abroad or against rebellious combinations at home, shall be for free labor, and our motto and our standard shall be, here and everywhere and on all occasions, Free Labor and Workingmens Rights. It is on this basis, and this basis alone, that our munificent Government, the asylum of the nations, can be perpetuated and preserved. J. W. PHELPS, Brigadier- General of Voiunteer8, Commanding Page 21 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 21 Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Oficer ilfeKean, Ti S. Navy, regarding tAe preparation of the U. S. S. San Jacinto for service as flagship. NAVY DEPARTMENT, December ~8, 1861. SIR: Your communication of the 21st ultimo, in relation to signals, signal books, etc., was received, and attention given thereto. * * * * * * * The Department has also received your letters of the 10th instant, acknowledging confidential communication, etc., and relative to the ships Empress and (ornucopia. The steamer San. Jacinto is being prepared for servicu as your flag- ship, and will sail in the course of the ensuing month for the Gulf, to supply the place of the Niagara. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer WM. ~/~T MCKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Capture of yacht Gipsey in Afississ~ppi Sound, December ~8, 1861. Report of Lieutenant Read, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. New London. U. S. S. ~Ew LONDON, December 30, 1861. SIR: While cruising in Mississippi Sound, about half past 2 oclock on the afternoon of the 28th instant, to the eastward of East Pasca- goula, discovered a schooner; ran in, and fired a shot across her bow to heave her to. The schooner was then immediately set fire to and deserted by her officers and crew. Sent boats and took possession, and succeeded in extinguishing the fire. She proved to be the yacht Gipsey, loaded with cotton of the best quality, and from private letters found on board, no doubt she intended to run the blockade. Enclosed please find a list of officers and crew on board this vessel at time of capture. The U. S. S. Wissahickon was in sight at time of capture. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. READ, Lieutenant, Commanding. lion. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, January 16, 1869g. SIR: In my communication of the 8th instant I omitted to report the capture, on the 28th ultimo, of the schooner Gipsey by the U. S. S. New London Page 22 22 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. She was discovered inside of Horn Island Pass, was chased and over- taken in the neighborhood of Pascagoula, when the crew deserted and set fire to her; the fire, however, was extinguished before she had sus- tained much injury. She is of about 50 tons, and was built for a yacht, and is said to be remarkably fast. Her cargo consisted of cotton of superior quality; it will be shipped on board the storeship Supply. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretai~y of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Captain Bailey, U. S. Navy, regarding collision of U S. S. De Soto with H I AL S. lYlilan. U. S. STEAM FRIGATE COLORADO, Off South West Pass, Miississippi River, Decemlier 29, 1861. SIR: In compliance with your request I herewith enclose a report of the armament of this ship. The schooners Rachel Seaman and Samuel Rotan arrived here yes- terday. I have sent all my gang casks to be filled with water for the Santee on board the Rachel Seaman, and will give her speedy dis- patch. The schooner Sam Houston left here yesterday with a load of water for the Santee. I am mounting a 24-pounder howitzer on the Samuel Rotan. She will prove a serviceable and efficient tender to this ship. On the night of the 27th instant, it being very dark, a light was dis- covered in the offing. I immediately ordered the De Soto, which was here watering, to get underway and to ascertain the character of the strange vessel bearing it. Yesterday she returned having in tow the French war steamer JJifIlan, totally disabled in consequence of an unfor- tunate collision with the Dc Soto. The De Soto was also damaged in her water wheel. Captain Cloud, of the Aililan, visited me with his complaint, repre- senting that he was on most important service of the French Gov- ernment. seeking the flag-officer of this squadron, and also had a communication from the Secretary of State, Mr. Seward, for you. Under the circumstances I could do no less than order the Dc Soto to tow the iAiliilan to Ship Island, your present anchorage, and substitute the tender gunboat Samuel Rotan on the blockade of Barataria during her absence. 1 hope to get your approval. Captain Cloud has a New York paper of the 16th December, containing information of a bellig- erent nature from England, and news that Charleston is in ashes. I would like to have the small arms furnished by your order to Lieutenant Buchanan returned to us; also six boarding pikes left in the prize tender Ezilda through mistake. No appearance of the enemy at this place. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, T. BAILEY, Captain. Flag-Officer WM. W.. MOKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 23 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 23 [Enclosure.] Decem6er $28, 1861.Commences and till 4 a. m. fresh breezes from the northward and eastward and overcast. At 1:15 a. m. a boat came alongside from the Colorado reporting a light in sight to the southward and westward and orders for us to proceed in chase. Immediately called all hands up anchor; hove up the port anchor and steamed off to the southward and westward; called all hands to quarters and made all preparations for action. As we neared the stranger, hoisted our night distinguishing signal; no reply after showing it for twenty minutes; burned the Coston preparatory; answered from the stranger with a blue light; immediately thereupon madci our number by Coston sig- nals; no reply was given; steamed on do~. toward her. At 2 a. m. came up with the strange sail, supposing her to be at anchor, and in passing under her lee for the purpose of speaking, she apparently fell off on board of us. A collision ensued, the collision with her badly damaging her port wheel and wheelhouse and suffering a material damage to our starboard wheel. Immediately after swinging clear, lowered a boat and boarded her, she proving to be the French war steamer iJifilan, and was not, as at first supposed, at anchor, but drift- ing; lay by her during the watch. Mr. Martine is the senior of the acting masters on board this shipa man of experience in the com- mandof a ship. On the night of the 28th of December he was in charge of the forecastle division, and consequently had the opportu- nity of forming a correct judgment in regard to the cause of the col- lision with the ilfilan. W. M. WALKER, Commander. Report of Flag- Ofticer iJiicKean, U. S. Navy, regarding general mat- ters pertaining to his command, and transmitting information obtained from a contraband. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, December 30, 1861. SIR: I had the honor to address to you on the 17th instant a dispatch (No. 11) from the anchorage off Fort Pickens, which 1 forwarded by the army transport steamer Baltic, since which time nothing of impor- tance has occurred at that place. Upon receiving information that the Rich?n d was disabled, I ordered the steamers South Carolina and C%yler to Fort Pickens, and upon their arrival got underway in this ship for this place, where I arrived on the evening of the 21st instant. On the way down I inspected the U. S. frigate Potomac, now blockading Mobile, assisted by the steamer .Hitntsville. I received from Captain Powell a communication dated December 13, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. The contraband from whom he obtained the information therein contained is very intelligent. He is one of five who attempted to escape from the vicinity of Fort Morgan. They started in a boat, were pursued, fired upon, two of them killed and two captured; this one escaped by taking to the water and concealing himself upon Sand Island until rescued by a boat from the Potomac. Having notified Brigadier-General Phelps that I was instructed by the Department to turn over to him all Government property on th Page 24 24 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. island not needed for the establishment of a naval depot, I received a visit from him on the 24th instant and it was decided that the transfer should be made on the 26th instant at 3 p. in., at which time the naval - force was withdrawn from the island, and the fort, ordnance, and ordnance stores turned over to the officer appointed by him to take charge of them. On the morning of the 23d instant a survey was held upon the boil- ers of the 117issahiekon, and the repairs immediately commenced, superintended by Mr. Long, chief engineer of this ship. I am happy to inform you that they were completed more rapidly than was antici- pated, and that on the morning of the 2~th instant I dispatched her to blockade Horn Island passage. I have appointed Lieutenant James E. Jouett, of the Santee, to the command of the U. S. S. iWontgornery, and Lieutenant William E. Hopkins, executive officer of the sloop Preble, who is the oldest lieu- tenant on the station, to relieve Commander James Alden in the com- mand of the steamer South Carolina. Commander Alden will return in the Rhode Island. I can not, at this time, without great detriment to the public service, dispense with the services of Commander M. Smith, but, as I do not deem it just to him to deprive him of the opportunity of obtaining a more suitable command, I will, at the earliest practicable moment, relieve and order him to the north. He will probably return in one of the army steamers. 1 feel it my duty to state that the condition of the steamers 2lL& ssa- chusette, South (~arolina, Huntsville, and iWo hawk is such that if kept much longer upon the station they will be unfit to make a passage to the north. I am fitting the prize steamer Henry Lewis for a gunboat. She is fitted for burning wood, but as that can not be obtained here in suffi- cient quantities, I beg that a supply of bituminous coal may be sent to this place for her use as soon as practicable. The small prize steawer Anna I contemplate using as a towboat in the sound, in which capacity she will be very serviceable.. I transmit a copy of a communication from Commander Smith, dated the 19th instant, by which you will perceive that all communication between Mobile and New Orleans by way of the sound is completely broken up. I regret to say that 1 have received a communication from Captain Henry Eagle, commanding U. S. frigate Santee, off Galveston, stating that he has serious fears for the safety of one of his tenders, the schooner Anna Taylor. He dispatched her to the South West Pass of the Mississippi for a supply of water on the 18th of November and she has not since been heard from. He also states that the Santee is very short of water. I would respectfully suggest that a steamer with a large condensing apparatus be sent out for the purpose of supplying vessels that are not furnished with condensers. The steamer would be useful as a dispatch vessel and in conveying stores, etc. Should this not be done, I would recommend that condensers be furnished to the sailing frigates. On the 25th instant I received a communication from Captain Powell, reporting that the Huntsville had been attacked on the pre- vious day by arebel steamer of much superior force, supposed to be the Strike, but had beaten her off without loss. Commander Pric Page 25 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 25 could not follow up the advantage on account of the reef, the Strike being inside of the harbor. For the particulars of th~ engagement I respectfully refer you to the communication * of Captain Powell and the report t of Commander Cicero Price, copies of which are herewith transmitted. I regret to report that this morning the U. S. S. De Solo, Com- mander Walker, arrived at this place, having in tow the French brig of war iVfiilan, which vessel was much injured by a collision with the De Soto off the South West Pass of Mississippi [River]. The commander of the French vessel, Captain Ulon6, visited me and greatly censured Commander Walker. I have requested him to address me in writing, stating the circumstances under which the accident occurred. I have also called npon Commander Walker for a report, but not as yet having received either, and not wishing to detain the Rhode I8land, I wil I forward copies of both communications by the next mail. The commander of the French vessel presented for my perusal an original communication from the honorable Secretary of State, addressed to Mr. Henry Mercier, in which it is stated that a French war vessel, to be designated by him, will be permitted to communicate with New Orleans and to carry thence a party of French citizens as delegates to Havana for the purpose of chartering vessels to remove a number of French subjects from New Orleans to France, and that the blockading squadron will be instructed to facilitate her operations. I have as yet received no instructions from the Department on this subject, but I feel authorized to allow the commander of the Afilan to communicate with New Orleans, and as he is very anxious tc do so, and unwilling to await the repairs of his vessel that he may proceed to the mouth of the Mississippi, I shall probably arrange for him to communicate under a flag of truce from this place. I have sent our engineers and carpenters on board of the lYlijian to make such repairs as aPe practicable with the means at my disposal, and hope that they will be able so far to repair the injuries she has sustained that she can steam to Havana. Should this not be done, I shall be compelled to dispatch one of our steamers to convoy and tow her to that port. This is a most unfortunate occurrence, for the De Soto is also seri- ously injured. The chief engineer of this ship thinks, however, that she can be repaired so as to steam, though at much diminished speed, and I shall order her immediately back to her station, where she must remain until a vessel can be sent out to relieve her. 1 feel it my duty to state that I do not consider any point, with the exception of Mississippi Sound and Pensacola, properly guarded, and that unless a number of light-draft steamers are sent out with dispatch it is my conviction that large quantities of arms and munitions of war will be landed. I have information of small vessels running in and out at Berwick and various points on the Texan coast, which, owing to the shoalness of the water, it is impossi ble to guard effectively with the vessels now at my command. The light-draft steamers, with the exception of the Hatteras (blockading Apalachicola), are employed in Mississippi *Seepp 11,12. tSeep. 11 Page 26 26 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Sound, and can not be withdrawn, as the enemy have, to our knowl- edge, live gunboats heavily armed, and I have reason to think others that we have not yet seen. I also feel it my duty to state that, owing to the breaking down of the Richmond and lJfis8is8ippi and the very inefficient condition of the steamers 3ifiassachusetts, South Carolina, Huntsville, and ilfohawk, the squadron is in reality weaker than it was two months since. The South West Pass of the Mississippi River is guarded by the frigate Colorado, the North East Pass by the sloop Vincennes, and the Pass a lOutre by the steamer iifississippi and bark Kingfisher. The Preble, having repaired her rudder, sailed this morning to blockade the South Pass. I consider it highly important, however, that a light steamer should also be stationed at the South West Pass and Pass a POutre, that, in the event of a fast steamer getting by the heavy ships, she might be pursued. I transmit herewith a copy of a general order * read on the quarter- deck of each vessel attached to the Gulf Squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosures.] U. S. FRIGATE POTOMAC, Off lJfobiie Bar, December 13, 1861. COMMODORE: Since I closed my letter of the 10th I have ques- tioned my contraband more at leisure. He was cold, wet, hungry, and flurried at first, but is now self-possessed, and narrates more distinctly what he knows. It may not be uninteresting and may be useful to you to know what he has to say: 1. That Bragg comes to Fort Morgan often. 2. That in all there are about 3,000 troops of all arms. 3. Maury is commander of the fortlate Captain Maury, of the U. S. Army. 4. Withers is commanding general of the posts. 5. That the work we see going on on the ramparts is the dismount- ing of the old guns and substitution of rifle guns of large caliber as they are received. 6. That they have about sixty of those last mounted on Fort Morgan and the crest of the coast line up to the cove and beyond, say, 4 oi~ 5 miles looking seaward. 7. That the interior faces of the defenses have been neglected; few guns bear upon the bay. 8. That Fort Morgan has been rendered bombproof by elaborate works for the protection of the magazine and casemates, barbette guns, etc., by traverses. 9. That he overheard the conversation of Generals Withers, Maury, and others. The general repeated that 3,000 men ought to be able to hold Fort Morgan, to which Maury assented doubtfully; rather thinks not. Series 1, vol. 16, p. 758 Page 27 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 27 10. The garrison is composed of mixed troops, many of from 14 to 18Irish for the most partsome gentlemen, and from thirty to forty Union men pressed into the service who will not light if they can help it; want to get away. 11. Fort Gaines is weak, about 180 or 200 men in it, though he has not been there lately. It is walled, has eight or ten guns; they are working at it vigorously to strengthen it; have removed the outbuild- ings, helped to do it himself; has sand outworks or curtains. 12. The only armed vessel in the bay is a revenue cutter and some barges with boat guns. 13. The Florida, steam gunboat, is in dock under repair from the thrashing Smith gave her; she could scarcely be kept afloat; two shells exploded on deck, killing several; one went througn abaft the wheel, which nearly sunk her. 14. Two steam rams are building at Mobile; one will be ready by the 1st of January, the other in March. Engines of powerful high- pressure boats are to be put into them (in one of them), with addi- tionai boilers to insure high speed; sides and deck, the last like a shield deck, to be covered with iron to glance or resist shot, and gans to lire on striking. Great hopes are entertained of success. 15. The New Orleans steam ram was so much dislocated by the blow on the Richmond that she went into dock for repairs and improvements. 16. Some hundred and ten or twenty river and sound steamers are laid up in the creek above Mobile and at various places up the river; some at Montgomery, inclusive; very few other vessels at Mobile. iT. Is certain that the ilfiramon is in the bay as a passage boat now and then. 18. The sound (or lake boats as he calls them) boats, mail boats, inclusive, have been withdrawn and are at Mississippi City or Mobile, etc. 19. There is a telegraph at Fort Morgan; the wires are on posts, passing by the cove along the bay coast to Blakely, and is in active communication. 20. He says that there are few troops at Mobile, if any, but a com- pany or more is stationed at Grants Pass fort, which is small and thoroughly sheltered by sand bags, thickly piled over sloping timber casemates. Another company, perhaps about 80 or 90 men, are sta- tioned at Portersville. There is no coast railway from Mobile to New Orleans, but that, when the water route shall be closed, trade takes the rail from Mobile to its junction with the New Orleans and Jack- son Railroad. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, L. M. POWELL, (qptain. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, U. S. Flagship Niagara. U. S. S. MASSACHUSETTS, Ship island, December 19, 1861. SIR: It affords m.e pleasure to inform you that since my last report of the operations in Mississippi Sound no freight steamboats or sail- ing vessels have ventured to make their appearance in these waters Page 28 28 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. On the 11th instant the gunboats Oregon and Pamlico, from the westward, and the Gray Cloud and Florida, from the eastward, attempted to make a connection, but all four were turned back by the ]iiLassachusetts and New London without communicating. A few shots were exchanged, and one from the New London was thought to have struck the stern of the Oregon, the most vulnerable part of these war vessels, as they seem to have more confidence in their motive power than in their guns. Since the skirmish referred to, the Confederate gunboats have dis- appeared and rebel flags are .in no direction discernible from the masthead. Most respectively, your obedient servant, MELANCTON SMITH, (ommander, U S. Navy. Flag-Officer W. W. MCKEAN (~ommanding U. 8. Blockading Squadron, Gulf of lJliexico. Report of Lieutenant Welch, (Ii S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner J{ittatinny, regarding the seizure of a pilot. U. S. SCHOONER KITTATINNY, Off Raccoon Point, in 19? feet water, Deceml~er 30, 1869?. SIR: At your suggestion, on my arrival here I adopted the best means at my command to secure the person of the rebel pilot residing at this point. On the 25th instant I landed an armed force and captured him, and he is now held as prisoner on board the Kittatinny. I remain, most respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. E. WELCH, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer Win. W. MCKEAN, 6ommanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant Welch, U S. Navy, requesting recognition of the claims of the U S. schooner Kittatinny in capture of schooner by the U S. S. De Soto. U. S. SCHOONER KITTATINNY, Off Raccoon Point, in 12 feet water, December 30, 1862. SIR: I was induced, from information gleaned by the rebel pilot now held a prisoner on board the Kittatinny, to land another armed party in hopes of capturing Captain Shepperd, commanding the rebel steamer ilfobile. The officers in charge had orders, in case of necessity, to fire the pilots house to warn us of approaching danger, in order that the schooner could stand in and cover their retreat. The night passed without any occurrence of note, but on the following day, at 2 p. in., a dense smoke was seen rising from the roof of one of the houses. I immediately stood in as far as my draft would permit and discovered a schooner inside the bay steering to the northward. Being apprehensive that she was a rebel gunboat, I dispatched the second cutter to assist the first, which was seen pulling toward the schooner. it being hazy inshore, the boats were lost sight of for som Page 29 GIYL1~ BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 29 time. The schooners sails were lowered and the boats were soon seen returning to the schooner. The officers in charge, Masters Mate John 0. Grady and Paymaster Topliff, reported that the men having become exhausted they returned to the De Soto8 luggers, lying in back of Isle Dernk~re (the officers of which were not aware of the proxiuiity of the schooner), to request them to tow them to the rebel schooner. They immediately hove up and made sail, but peremptorily ref used to let them tow or take any part in the capture. I most respectfully ask your consideration for the claims of my gallant officers and crew, who have worked with zeal, but without success, and who had the mortification of beating the bush while the De Soto bagged the (tame. The report of guns being reported to me after nightfall, and~eing apprehensive that the De Soto8 boats had fallen in with the rebel gunboat that is cruising in shoal water, I bore up to communi- cate with the liiliontgomery at Shell Keys and arrived the following morning. On reporting to Captain Jouett he promptly took nie iu tow with the design, if any mishap had occurred to the prize or the De Sotos boats, and they were still in the shoal waters of the bay, to cut them out with the boats of the two vessels. On arrival here a reconnoissance was made, but when the Connecticut arrived shortly after, she reported the safe arrival of the luggers and the prize at the De Sotos anchorage. I remain, most respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. E. WELCH, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Flag- Officer lifeKean, ilL S. Navy, forwarding extract of report from Captain Eagle, ilL S. Navy, denying the statement regarding the inefficiency of the blockade of Galveston. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, December 31, 1861. SIR: In my communication of the 20th instant, enclosing a copy of a communication received from the commander of her Britannic Majestys ship Desperate, I informed you that I called upon Captain Henry Eagle to report whether he had at any time been absent from his station. The following is an extract from his letter in reply: On the day mentioned in his communication, smoke was seen as if from a steamers smokestack to the southward and westward, but too far off for us to be certain of it. His statement, I presume, is correct, but when he comes to the conclusion that the pore of Galveston is not effectually blockaded, and says it will be his duty to report it to his superior officer, and makes a report to my commanding officer, it becomes my duty to expose his ignorance in not knowing where the ship channel is. This ship guards the entrance of ttie channel into Galveston Harbor, and the blockade of the port of Galveston has been effectual since our anchorage here on the 17th of September last. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLEs, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 30 30 GULF BLO~JKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Flag- Qfficer lJfcIiTean, U S. Navy, to commanding ofilcer of H 1. 3/. S. illilan, regarding injuries sustained by that vessel in collision with U S. S. De Soto. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, December 31, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi-~ cation of this days date, a copy of which shall be transmitted to my Government. I deeply regret the unfortunate occurrence to which it refers, and beg you to believe that it will afford me great pleasure to do all in my pownr to mitigate the annoyance and obviate the inconvenience to which it has subjected you. The injuries sustained by your vessel shall be immediately repaired so far as practicable with the limited means at my disposal at this place. I have not, as yet, received instructions from my Government upon the subject of your mission, but under the circumstances I will take the responsibility of sanctioning its prosecution, and will place at your disposal a steamer to convey you, under a flag of truce, as near as possible to Fort Pike, from whence I presume you will have no difficulty in procuring a conveyance to New Orleans. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofilcer, Gommanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Capitaine de Fr6gate G. CLOL~E, Commanding French Brig of War lliifiian, Ship Island. Appearance of the C S. ram ililanassas in Pass ~ 1 Outre, January 1, 1862. Report of Captain Seifridge, U. S. Navy, regarding two Confederate steamers seen in Pass a 1Outre, Mississippi River. U. S. S. MISSISSIPPI, Off Pass ~ 1 Outre, January 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that two enemy steamers were seen in the Pass yesterday; one of them a ram of large dimensions (about 1,000 tons), cigar shaped, with a shield deck, and heavy guns in the extremities. The ram steamer laid all day, till nearly night, in the North Pass, and then joined the other at Pilot Town. After dark, seeing a light in the Pass, and supposing an attack was intended, I shifted my berth, towing the Kingfisher out. Under the impressibn - that the enemy meditate an attack upon our blockading forces here very soon, I have to request you will reinforce me. I shall do all I can to repel an attack, and always have the vessel ready for any emergency, but the crippled state of the engines prevents rapid movement, and in the event of an engagement would embarrass me very much. Sailing vessels are worse than useless here, except for offshore cruising, They are utterly helpless in a calm, as was the case last night when I was obliged to take the Kingfisher in tow Page 31 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 31 If the enemy have rams and ironclad vessels we should have them too in order to cope with them on equal terms. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THos. 0. SELFRIDGE, Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Captain. (orndg. Gulf Blockading Squadron, TI. S. Frigate Niagara. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, February 6, 1862. SIR: A gentleman who has just arrived from New Orleans reports that the ram iVfanassas went down and grounded, he thinks, at Pass a lOutre for thirty hours, in sight of a United States vessel. You will please make enquiry and report to the Department if such was the fact, and if so, the particulars. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON ~TELLE5. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Ship Island. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Seifridge, U. S. Navy, commanding u.s. s. 1~nssissippi. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Ship island, February 26, 1862. SIR: I have received a letter from the Navy Department requiring me to investigate the facts connected with the Confederate ram ililanassas as being on shoi~e thirty hours, and your ship in sight. Please send your explanation of the affair and your reasons for not attacking her. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag- Ojjlcer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain T. 0. SELFRIDGE, U S. S. M~ssiss~ppi. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Captain Seifridge, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mississippi U. S. S. HARTFORD, Soath West Pass, iiliarch 13, 1862. SIR: I herewith enclose the explanation of Captain Self ridge in relation to the ram lying on shore at Pass a 1Outre. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag- Oflicer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. (~ Page 32 32 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosurej ~ ~ S. Mississim, At Sea, JJilarch 7, 1862. Sru: In obedience to your order of February 2G, to send you an explanation in regard to seeing a Confederate rani in Pass a IOutre, and my reasons for not attacking her, I have the honor to make the following statement: On the morning of January 1, at daylight, a Confederate steamer was reported by the oillcei of the deck lying in the North Pass. I immedi- ately went on deck. The steamey was lying with steam tip about 3~ miles off, behind a point of land concealing her hull nearly from view, only disclosing the upper part of the deck, smokestack, and flag. She remained there till 3 p. in., when she moved out from under the land, at which time we discovered her to be a ram, and moved up the Pass a lOutre as far as the pilot village, joining there another steamer. Supposing the ram intended to come out under cover of the dark to makn an attack~ I told the commander of the bark Kingfisher to get underway at a little after dusk and make an offing, at the same time saying to him that I intended changing the position of this vessel to prevent any attempt to attack me. While we were both heaving up the Kingfisher made the signal of a light in the Pass, and soon after, drifting with the current, it being calm, Within hail, the captain asked me to give him a tow. As soon us my anchor was up I lowered a boat, took a hawser to the bark, und towed her out some half mile or more, casting off when a light breeze sprung up. I then stood in to the northward and westward until I arrived in about the same depth of water 1 left, and where I judged myself to be a little to the northward of my former berth, and about the same distance, less than a mile from the bar. I anchored with a short scope, ready to slip in a moment; the guns Were cast loose and everything prepared for action; no hammocks were below, one watch lying at their quarters and the other on the berth deck; a most vigilant lookout was kept, and I was up and on the alert. The next morning I got underway before daylight and anchored as near as possible to my old berth, feeling the way by the lead. My reasons for not attacking the ram were that she was beyond the range of my guns, and it was impossible to go into the Pass. To attack the ram with boats which I could not have covered with my guns would have been extreme temerity on my part, and would have probably resulted in great loss and defeat. Some time during January 2 both steamers were seen by their smoke from aloft (it being foggy), going up the river. It is not true that the Confederate steamer was thirty hours aground in sight of this vessel. We saw her lying under the point of land referred to nine hours only, and her being aground is mere surmise, us I Could detect no good evidence of it. Some of the rebels tired a house near the light-house, which, I imagine, was done to draw this vessels fire to discover our caliber and range, but I did not think it proper to gratify them. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THos. 0. SELFRIDGE, Vlag-officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Captain. f7oinmanding TlTestern Gu~f Blockading Squadron Page 33 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 33 Abstract log U. S. bark Kingfisher, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Couthouy, U. S. Navy, commanding. January 1, 1862.At daylight made a steamer lying inside Pass ~ lOutre light-house. From 8 to 12 the rebel steamer still in the same position. At 11:30, 10 men were seen coming down the wharf at the light-house. They got into a boat and pulled around the point toward the front, where the steamer lay, and immediately after the house was seen to be in flames. At 12 noon the steamer was seen to be in the same position and the ltouse burned to the ground. The rebel steamer steamed up to the Head of the Passes, and there remained at 4 p. m. At 5, two rebel steamers at the Head of the Passes. Report of commander Alden, U S. Navy, regarding the bombardment of Forts lifeRee and Barraneas, Eta. U. S. S. MERCEDITA, 0/f Fort P~ckens, January 2, 1862. SIR: I have respectfully to inform you that I transferred the com- mand of the South Carolina last evening to Lieutenant Commanding Hopkins. The bombardment commenced again yesterday at 3 p. in., brought on by Colonel Browns tiring on the little tug as she attempted to make a landing at the [Pensacola] navy yard. She turned, however, very quickly and proceeded up the bay. Soon after the firing became pretty general, but rather slow on both sides. The Rhode Island arrived j ust as the firing commenced, and at the request of Colonel Brown she holds on for results. To proceed with my narrative of the bombardment: At sunset Fort Pickens ceased firing, but just before 10 oclock opened again, and in a moment the navy yard was in flames. After that I think there was no more firing from Pickens or the other side till daylight, when Colonel Brown threw a couple of shells into the navy yard, which was not replied to till about 9 oclock; since then occasionally we hear a gun. We are unable to tell what damage has been done to the yard on account of a dense fog, which is now, however (10 oclock a. in.), clearing up, and I hope it will be sufficiently so before Captain Stell- wagen leaves to be able to carry you some information in regard to it. I will add, before closing, that Colonel Brown informs me that they have decided to evacuate Galveston, it being considered untenable. The Soledad (os, alias Anna ~aylor, I see by the papers, was wrecked at the Sabine Pass, and the crew, nine in number, with the mate in charge, were taken prisoners by Lieutenant Shepperd, rebel Navy, and carried to New Orleans. I am told the ]Ifobile has gotten out, but doubt it much. I think our people were taken in that launch I told you about. I write, as you will perceive, in great haste, and trust you will excuse it, as Captain Stellwagen wants to be off. With many thanks for your kind note, and in the hope of seeing you again soon, I am, very truly, your obedient servant, JAMES ALDEN. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, (ommanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. NwRvoLlT Page 34 84 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant Buchanan, U. S. Navy, regarding the eurrender of the town of Biloxi, Jilii8s. U. S. S. HENRY LEWIS, Off Ship ]i8land, January 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 31st of December, 1861, 1 got underway by order of Commander Smith, he having previously conie on board with the marine guards of the Niagara and Jifaseachu- 8etts and a guns crew of sailors. The marines were commanded by First Lieutehant George Butler and the sailors by Acting Master Ryder. I stood across the sound, in company with the Water Witch and New London, toward the town of Biloxi. On arriving outside the bar, 1 came to anchor in 6 feet of water, when Commander Smith, accompanied by Acting Master Ryder, went inside to communicate with the authorities and to demand a surrender of the place and free navigation of the waters, informing them that we were determined to have it anyway, and should we open fire on the town, there would be great destruction of property and life, which we wished to avoid. His demands were acceded to, when he returned to this ship. - II then got underway, crossed the bar, and anchored in 6 feet of water close to the light-house and to a small battery the rebels had erected. I sent two boats on shore, one under command of Acting Master Ryder and one under Midshipman [E. T.] Woodward, to bring off the guns forming the battery, which was done as expeditiously as possible and without molestation. The guns are both of iron, and were mounted on rough wooden carriages, made evidently in Biloxi. The largest gun is a 9-pounder, weighing 1,300 pounds, and the smaller one a 6-pounder, weighing about 800 pounds. No ammunition was found with them. In the meantime I had sent Acting Master Freeman with a boats crew of 12 men to capture a schooner which was beating up behind Deer Island. After a pull of about an hour and a half he succeeded in boarding her and brought her down past the town of Biloxi, when I ordered him to proceed to Ship Island. I then got underway and rejoined the IWtter Witch and New London, who were unable to come i~iside on account of their draft of water, when we all returned to this place. On my arrival here I found the schooner we had captured to be the captain Spedden, of New Orleans, Francisco Martinez, master and sole owner. She is of 34~ tons burden, and has on board 27,500 feet of hard-pine lumber. All the papers found on board are in the pos- session of Acting Master Johnson, of the New London. Acting Master Wiggin was on board this ship and piloted her into Biloxi. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS MOKEAN BUCHANAN, Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 35 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 85 Letter of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Ofticer JiJcKean, U S. Navy, regarding the U. S. vessels Bohio and Richmond. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 3, 1862. SIR: Your dispatch No. 11, dated the 17th ultimo, has been received. The U. S. brig Bohio, Acting Master William D. Gregory, is about to sail from New York, under orders to join your squadron. The U. S. S. Richmond will be iihmediately repaired and return to the Gulf. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Flag- Officer JPfcKean, U S. Navy, to Captain Selfridge, U S. Navy, regarding the blockade of Pass & 1 Outre, ]Jfississip}n River. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, January 4, 1862. SIR: Your communication of the 2d instant is received. 1 send the steamer iVfiercedita to aid in the blockade. Keep both vessels close in to the bar, so that you may have a raking fire if the rebels attempt to cross with the ram or any other steamers. It appears to me impossible that any force at their disposal can cross the bar in the face of the battery of the ]Jifiississippi and ]Jlercedita if kept close in. The Kingfisher I shall employ elsewhere. The Preble is ordered to guard the South Pass. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain T. 0. SELERIDGE, Commanding U S. S. Hississippi Order of Flag- Officer iJIicIfean, U S. Navy, to Commander Stellwagen, U S. Navy, regarding the enforcement of the blockade of Pass ~ 1 Outre, Jifississippi River. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, - Ship Island, January 6, 1862. SIR: I have ordered Captain Selfridge, in the steamer ifississippi, to Fort Pickens. You will therefore, as the senior officer off the Pass ~ lOutre, enforce a rigid blockade of that Pass. Lieutenant Conimand- ing Nichols, in the U. S. gunboat T~J7nona, will report to you for the Pu rpose of aiding in this service. I shave received information that an attempt will be made to run out the steamer Webb loaded with cotton. This will probably be done in foggy weather. It will therefore be necessary to keep the vessels as close in to the bar as possible, and in foggy weather and when the nights are dark, keep a guard boat at the entrance of the Pass. You will at night keep one watch on deck and everything in readiness for immediate action. The sloop Vincennes is off the North East and th Page 36 86 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Preble off the South Pass. As they will be in sight from your anchor- age, you will be able to aid in the event of their being attacked. You will have the bar carefully sounded and buoyed, that in the event of any of the rebel steamers appearing in the river you can cross and attack them. Captain T. Bailey, in the U. S. S. Colorado, is blockading the South West Pass. No neutral vessel proceeding toward a blockade port, unless having on board articles contraband of war, is to be captured or detained if she shall not have received a specific notification of the blockade, but you will capture all vessels attempting to enter such blockaded port after having been notified. The notification is to be endorsed upon the register and muster roll of the neutral vessel by the cruiser which meets her, together with the date when and the latitude and longitude where boarded. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Cu~f Blockading Squadron. Commander H. S. STELLwAGEN, Uomdg. U S. S. Jifercedita, off Pas8 ~ 1 Outre. Report of Commander Swariwout, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. sh9~p Portsmouth, regarding the arrival qf that vessel off Key West, Fla. U. S. SLOOP OF WAR PoRTsMoUTH, Harbor of Key West, January 6, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that we arrived at this port yesterday morning, after a pleasant passage of nineteen days froni Portsmouth, N. H.; officers and crew all well. I was compelled to touch at this place in order to get a supply of good water, as the water in our tanks proved to be very muddy and offensive, so much so that the surgeon of this vessel was of the opinion that drinking it would be prejudicial to the health of the ships company. I ordered a survey upon this water, and the report of the surveying officers is in accord- ance with the opinion expressed by the surgeon. As soon as I can have the tanks cleaned out and refilled with wholesome water I shall sail for the mouth of the Mississippi, where, I have been informed since my arrival here, Flag-Officer William W. McKean is at present. I herewith enclose the finding and sentence of eleven men tried by summary courts-martial. Respectfully, your obedient servant, S. SwARTwOUT, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Order of Captain Eagle, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant TJrathen, U S. Navy, commanding U S. bark ]Ji/idnight, to attack t9Qn~federate bat- teries at Pass Cavallo and Velasco. U. S. FRIGATE SANTEE, Off Galveston Bar, Te~e., January 6, 1869?. SIR: The two long 32-pounders which we put on board your vessel on the 4th instant will add greatly to her efficiency. As soon as read Page 37 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 37 you will proceed to the southward in the execution of the flag-officers orders, and return in time to obtain fresh provisions from the supply steamer. On your arrival at Pass Cavallo you will fire a few rounds at the rebel batteries at that place, keeping out of range of their guns. Your object will be to ascertain the number, caliber, and range of their guns, and to induce them to expend their ammunition. If you can destroy the batteries, you will do so, but be careful in the expenditure of your ammunition and keep out of range of their guns, to avoid the possibility of sustaining injury to your vessel. At Velasco there is a battery, and you may make a demonstration upon it, being governed by the foregoing instructions. I have no orders to justify me in author- izing you to fire upon a defenseless town, but I am anxious to have you destroy any barracks or encampments that you can, keeping in view the foregoing instructions. The schooner gunboat Rachel Seaman will accompany you and cooperate with you, subject to your orders. I wish her to return to this anchorage in ten days. I give you these instructions, believing that the range of your guns is greater than the rebels. I am, respectfully, yours, HENRY EAGLE, Captain. Lieutenant Commanding JAMES TRATHEN, Obmmanding U. S. Gunboat Alidnight. Order of captain Eagle, U. S. Navy, to Acting iJliaster Ilooper, U S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner Rachel Seaman, to cooperate with CL S. bark iliidnight in attack on Pass Cavallo and T~elasco. U. S. FRIGATE SANTEE, Off Galveston Bar, Tex., January 6, 18694?. SIR: You will accompany the gunboat iifidnight to Pass Cavallo, and will cooperate with her in firing a few shot at the batteries at that place, to induce the rebels to expend their ammunition and show you the range of their guns. Be careful to keep out of range of their shot. If the commander of the ililidnight should make any demonstration upon the batteries at Velasco, you will unite with him, subject to his orders while in company with him, and observing the precautions before mentioned. I do not wish you to be absent from this anchorage more than ten days. I give you these orders, believing that the range of your guns is greater than the rebels. I am, respectfully, yours, HENRY EAGLE, Captain. Acting Master Q. A. loopER, Commanding U S. Gunboat Schooner Rachel Seaman. Order of Flag- Og7Zcer iJilicKean, Cf. S. Navy, to Commander Emmons, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Hatteras, toproceed from Apalach- icola to C~dar Keys, Fla., in search of Confederate vessel. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, January 7, 18694?. SIR: Lieutenant Commanding [A. J.1 Drake, in the U. S. gunboat Sagamore, is instructed to relieve you in the blockade of Apalachicola Page 38 38 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. You Wlii oe pleased to furnish him with a copy of your orders ror his guidance, and give him any information you possess that may be useful. Should the ship Kuhn not have arrived, you will await her arrival and take in a full supply of coal, which you will do with all possible dispatch. Should it be in your power, aided by the Sagamore, to operate against the rebels to advantage, you will do so; but you will not remain longer than three or four days, unless some important object can be gained by doing so. From A palachicola you will proceed to Cedar Keys and endeavor to Capture or destroy a small armed steamer and schooner said to be at that place; also to recapture the small ves- sels mentioned in the communication of Major Hill, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. Having performed this service you will proceed to this place and report to me. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, (~minanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander G. F. EMMONS, Commanding U. S. S. hatteras, off Apalachicola. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer iVileKean, U. S. Navy, in view of consular information from T~era Cru~, iWiexico, regarding the arrival of cargoes of cotton from Texas. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 8, 1869?. SIR: I enclose herewith for your information a copy of a dispatch from the U. S. consul at Vera Cruz, communicated to this Department on the 3d instant by the Secretary of State, reporting the arrival at that place of two vessels from ports in Texas with cargoes of cotton. The Department desires that your special attention may be given to blockading the ports of Texas and the interdiction of traffic between that coast and the coast of Mexico. I am, respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure.] CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES, Vera Cruz, December 9?O, 1861. SIR: On the 4th of December there arrived in this port from Indianola, Tex., a small schooner named ]Jliatamoras, with 104 bales of cotton. The officers, not finding a sale here for their cotton, called upon the commandant of the departmento mar& no and requested that the schooner receive the Mexican flag. The commandant sent to this office certain papers, purporting to be the ships papers. - They were a license which expired July 2, 1861, and an enrollment with the name of the collector at Lavaca, torn out. I immediately informed the commandant that the papers were wholly void, and protested against his changing the colors of the schooner. I also sent a protest to th Page 39 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. governor, who was then in the city. The governor replied that he had no jurisdiction, and the commandant that he should send a state- ment of the case to the government at the City of Mexico, with a copy of my protest, which was based upon the insufficiency of the papers, and that she had run the blockade which the United States Govern- ment had established, and which the Mexican Government was bound, in good faith, to regard. The cotton was landed, but has not been sold. The schooner is now here without any flag or papers, and with- out any market for her cotton. The officers are very indignant at my interference. Since December 4 another schooner from Texas, loaded with about the same amount of cotton, has arrived, but has not yet discharged her cargo. Coffee goes from this section into Texas and cotton conies out. Hence it is very important that a man-of-war be sent into these waters. The officers of these schooners are very fear- ful that a United States man-of-war will be here before they are able to leave. The value of the two cargoes of cotton is but $20,000. The second schooner has sent no papers to this office, and I have been unable to learn her name. Hereafter there will be a weekly mail between this place and Havana, and I may hope to receive dispatches from the Government with more frequency. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, MARK H. DUNNELL, U. S. Consul. WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. Order of Flag- Officer KeKean, U. S. Navy, to Captain Powell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Potomac, to proceed to Vera Cru~, iVliexico, for the protection of American interests. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Sh4~ Island, January 8, 1862. SIR. I am instructed by the honorable Secretary of the Navy to dispatch a vessel of war to Vera Cruz to look after American citizens and their interests on that coast. You will therefore proceed in the ship jinder your command to tbat place with all possible dispatch and remain there or in that vicinity until otherwise ordered. You will announce your arrival to the United States minister to Mexico, and will communicate your proceedings to the Department direct. * I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain L. M. POWELL, Commanding U. S. Frigate Potomac, off llfobile. Report of Flag- Officer AfeKean, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters pertaining to his command. No. 13.] U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, January 8, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival at this place, on the 3d instant, of the U. S. S. Mercedita and of the U. S. gunboats Winona * For reports of Captain Powell regarding affairs in Mexico, see Series I, volume 1 Page 40 40 GULF BLOCKADING 5QUADRO~. and Sagamore, on the 5th instant. By the llifercedita 1 received your communication of the 12th ultimo and shall dispatch the frigate Potomac, Captain Powell, to Vera Cruz, in obedience to the order contained therein. Having been informed that a rebel steamer was at anchor near Biloxi on the 31st ultimo, I dispatched Commander Smith with the steamers Water lYitch, New London, and IJenry Lewis, to endeavor to capture her, but upon reaching Biloxi it was found that she had been removed. Commander Smith demanded the surrender of the town which was complied with, and a detachment of seamen and marines was landed, a small sand battery destroyed, and two guns, [9] and 6-pounder, brought off. The place was found to be almost deserted by the male population, but was crowded with women and children. The schooner captain Spedden, loaded with lumber, was also captured and brought out by the henry Lewis. She is very useful prize, the lumber being much needed by the army quartermaster for construction of storehouses, and the schooner making a serviceable lighter. Both have been transferred to the quartermaster at the valuation fixed by a board of survey. The quartermaster made an urgent application for the prize steamer Anna, and finding that she was not needed by the Navy for the purpose I had designed (a towboat), 1 authorized her transfer to him at the valuation affixed by survey, the report of which, with other surveys, I forwarded to you on the 27th ultimo. Feeling justified under the circumstances (as stated in my dispatch No. 12 by the Rhode Island) in allowing Captain Clou6, commanding the French brig of war lJJiilan, to communicate with New Orleans, I had arranged to send the Water Witch, under a flag of truce, to convey him to the vicinity of Fort Pike, whence 1~e could obtain a conveyance. Three successive days, however, of very dense fog intervened, render- ing it impossible to move until Sunday, the 5th instant, when it cleared off. I then informed Captain Clou6 that on the following morning the Water Witch, under a flag of truce, would be at his disposal. I was much surprised, therefore, when, about 1 oclock, I received a visit from a French officer, who stated that he x~ as directed by Captain Clou6 to inform me that he had gone in in his own boat. His boat returned on the afternoon of the 7th instant. I am happy to inform you that the engineers and carpenters from this ship have succeeded in partially repairing the JIi/iilan, and that, in the opinion of Mr. Long, our chief engineer, who superintended the repairs, her speed will not be materially diminished. On the 4th instant I received a communication from Captain Self- ridge, commanding U. S. S. ]JiLississippi, blockading the Pass h lOutre, reporting that on the 1st instant two armed rebel steamers came down the Pass, one of them a ram of large dimensions (from 1,000 to 1,200 tons), ironclad, and mounting two guns, one forward and another aft. Captain Seifridge requested a reinforcement, and Lieutenant Coni- manding Couthouy, commanding the bark Kingfisher, by which vessel the communication of Captain Selfridge was forwarded, having also reported that on the same day three rebel steamers were seen in the North East Pass, I immediately dispatched the steamer Mercedita to aid in the blockade Page 41 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADI~ON. 41 Having received information that two rebel gunboats were at anchor back of Petit Bois Island, 1 dispatched Commander Smith in the steamer Jifas8ac/iu8ett8 on the night of the 6th instant, accompanied by the New London, IVinona, and sS~agamore, to endeavor to cut them off. Commander Smith also took with him four schooners loaded with sand, which I instructed him to have sunk in the Petit Bois [Island] Channel. The TVinona and & tgamore returned last night, the rebel vessels not having been seen. Being of light draft, I presume they had returned to Mobile Bay by way of Grants Pass. This morning I dispatched the IVinoma to the Pass a lOutre to relieve the Jfi88i8sippi, and by her sent instructions to Commander Stellwagen, commanding the iiifercedita, to have the bar carefully sounded and buoyed, so that, in the event of the rebel steamers again appearing in the river, he might cross with both gunboats and attack them. The ilfississippi I have ordered to the anchorage off Fort Pickens for the purpose of protecting the island of Santa Rosa, which will enable me to withdraw the KSouth Garolina and cmyler, and will also afford opportunity, by the use of the forge belonging to the fort, to band the crossheads of her engines with iron, which I hope may render them serviceable until new ones can be sent out. Information having reached me that a number of small vessels, chiefly belonging to Key West, had been captured and taken in to Cedar Keys, I, at the same time, dispatched the Sagamore to Apalachicola to relieve the Hatteras, with instructions to Commander Emmons to proceed to that place. 1 am in hopes that he will be able not only to recapture the vessels referred to, but also to capture or destroy a small rebel steamer by which it is said they were taken. The hatteras, owing to her light draft, is the only vessel in the squadron that can operate at that place. The bark Kingfisher I have withdrawn from Pass a lOutre and dis- patched to cruise between the mouths of the Mississippi and Yucatan Bank, for the purpose of intercepting vessels which I am informed are about to sail from Havana and Nassau, New Providence, loaded with munitions of war. The gunboat Sciota arrived at 4 p. m this day entirely disabled, as will be shown by the report of survey herewith transmitted. She will not be available for service until a duplicate main connect- ing rod, etc., is received from Philadelphia. I would respectfully call your attention to the reports made by the commanders of the Sciota and Itasca (copies of which are herewith transmitted), showing the condition in which those vessels were turned over by the contractors. There appears also to have been neglect on the part of the engineers in not having the boilers properly cleaned out. The storeship Supply has been discharged and will sail in a few days for New York with a cargo of prize goods and the officers and crews of the captured vessels. I have, in obedience to an order from the Ordnance Bureau, trans- ferred to the Sciota an XI-inch gun from this ship, ~nd I learn that the commander of the Itasca also brings an order for one of them. I desire to bring to the notice of the Departuient the fact that she will be left with but ten guns. I herewith transmit requisitions addressed to the Chief of the Bureau of Constructiomi, Equipment, and Repair for a connecting rod, etc.,fo Page 42 42 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the Sciota. Deeming it important that they should reach the Depart- ment as early as practicable, I shall, on the return of the Massachusetts and New London, dispatch the Water Witch to convey them to Havana, that they may be forwarded by mail. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Oficer, Gommanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to commander Pickering, CL S. Navy, commanding CL S. S. Kearsarge, to proceed to duty in the Gulf Sqaadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 10, 1862. SIR: As soon as the U. S. steam sloop Kearsarge is in all respects ready for sea proceed with her to the Gulf of Mexico and report to Flag-Officer William W. McKean for duty as a part of the squadron under his command.* Transmit to the Department before sailing a muster roll of the crew and a separate list of the officers of the Kearsarqe. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commander C. W. PICKERING, U. S. Navy, comdg. U. S. Steam Sloop Kearsarge, Portsmouth, N H Report of captain Eagle, lii S. Navy, commanding CL S. ship Santee, regarding the capture of the U S. schoon Garonne. t U. S. FRIGATE SANTEE, Off Galveston Bar, Tex., January 11, 1862. SIR: I respectfully inform you that the schooner gunboat Rachel Seaman arrived here on the 30th ultimo. She will be useful to us, but a small steamer would be much more serviceable. On the 30th ultimo we saw a small schooner standing to the south- ward before the wind. Our boats went in pursuit and captured her after pulling 5 or 43 miles. She proved to be the rebel schooner Garonne, of 14 tons, from ~ew Orleans, bound for Brownsville, Tex., having run the blockade at Barataria Bay. Her cargo consisted of 1d5 small bales of tobacco, invoiced at $2,511.10, and we have appraised the schooner at $800. The cargo was taken out, and I have stripped the schooner, and shall use her to lighter provisions from the supply vessels, as we have no sand or ballast to sink her in any of the passes to the southward. Her papers are made out in the name of the rebel States, and a rebel ensign was found On board of her. The paymaster of this ship has represented to me that the tobacco will be very useful to the officers and crew, and requested that it might be retained on board and issued to them, to which I have consented, and the paymaster receives it at * For modification of this order see Series I, volume 1, p. 284. tSee also p. 86 Page 43 GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. 43 the invoice price. This information II have given to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. The priso~ners taken in the Garonne give us information that the schooner Anna Taylor was wrecked on the coast of Louisiana and the masters mate in charge and 7 men, composing the crew, are now pris- oners in New Orleans. This information can be relied upon. The bark iJfidnight anchored here at 1 p. m. the 3d instant, and on the 4th I put on board of her two 32-pounders of 57 hundredweight, with their carriages, etc. She sailed from here on the 6th at 7 p. in., and I herewith enclose a copy of my orders* to Lieutenant Command- ing Trathen, and trust they will meet your approbation. Similar orders were given to the master of the gunboat schooner Rachel Seaman. The gunboat schooner Rachel Seaman is expected here on the 16th, when I shall be obliged to send her to South West Pass for a load of water. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY EAGLE, Captain. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Commander Goldsborough, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Florida, of arrival at Key West, Fla. U. S. S. FLOIIIfA, Key West, Fla., January 11, 1869?. Flag-Officer MOKEAN: As directed, I enclose you my instructionst from Flag-Officer Du Pont, and inform you of my arrival at Key West this afternoon, where I obtained some valuable and useful infor- mation that leads me to think the Gladiator may attempt to land or transship her cargo to the Cedar Keys. The Floridas draft will not permit me to approach the keys as near as I could desire, and would be pleased if you can spare a vessel of light draft to assist in this important duty. The battery on Sea Horse Key, one of the group, has been nearly if not entirely abandoned, and the railroad bridge could, with a small force, be easily destroyed, which would prevent the further trans- shipment of articles on this end of the line. I leave early in the morning for my destination and am, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. R. GOLD5BOROUGH, Commander, U. S. Navy. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, (hmmanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. * See p. 36. t See Series I, volume 12, p. 471 Page 44 44 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant Howell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. AS. S. Tahoma, of arrival at Key TYest, lila. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, Key TVest, January 11, 1869~?. SIR: I have the honor to report that I arrived at this port yesterday morning, ten days and sixteen hours from the Delaware Breakwater. I had very heavy weather off Hatteras. The engines broke down and I was driven entirely across the Gulf Stream. From Hatteras had head winds to Matanilla Reef, thence a fair wind to Key West. Boarded, January 7, schooner iWiary Davis, Honduras to New York; passed no suspicious sails. The senior engineer asks from six to ten days to repair machinery. I shall use every exertion to get ready for sea. During my passage the engines were stopped, from various acci- dents, thirty-five hours, generally in the Gulf Stream and in heavy weather. In light weather they work very well. I send by the U. S. ship Portsmouth a package of letters, etc. The senior engineer feels confident he can repair the engines so as to make the vessel efficient. I heartily trust he may be right. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. HOWELL, Lieutenant, commanding. Flag-Officer W. W. MCKEAN commanding Gulf Squaron, Fort Pickens, lila. Jiaving.learned from Commander J. II. Goldsborough that the Glacli- ator, screw steamer, with arms and ammunition, is expected to attempt to deliver her cargo at Cedar Keys, I shall take the responsibility of so far deviating from my direct course to Pensacola as to pass near Cedar Keys and keep in the track of vessels bound there. Trusting my course will meet with your approval, Jam, etc., J. C. HOWELL, Lieutenant, Gommanding Tahoma. Report of Actin9 Volunteer Lieutenant Welch, (I. S. Navy, command- ing U. S. schooner Kittatinny, regarding exchange of shots with the U. S. S. Huntsville. U. S. SCHOONER KITTATINNY, January 12, 1862. SIR: 1 have the honor to report that on the evening of the 10th, being becalmed, I anchored off Mobile Point in 10 fathoms of water. At daybreak the Potomac was discovered at anchor inshore, distance, 5 miles. At 5 p. m. a light air sprung up. Hove up anchor and proceeded toward Ship Island. Shortly after bore up for the Potomac, she hav- ing fired two guns. Was boarded and ordered to report to Captain Powell. While on board Captain Powell stated to me that he was somewhat anxious regarding the Huntsville, she not having been in sight for several days, and as he had heard firing to the westward he was apprehensive that she may have been boarded and carried at night. While lying inshore, after having got in my gig, he sent an officer to say that he was still anxious as to the firing to the westward an Page 45 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 45 enjoined upon me, if I proceeded, to keep a bright lookout, steer for the Chandeleur light, avoid the inshore passage, or I would inevitably catch a tartar. On getting aboard, it being calm and a dense fog, I again anchored with springs on my cable and remained at anchor that night and part of next day. On the fog clearing off 1 discovered the steamer South carolina, which I supposed to be the Huntsville, steer- ing for the frigate, and at the same time saw a rebel steamer inside the bay making for Grants Pass. A light breeze springing up, got under- way, and while still in sight of the Potomac, a large steamer was reported steering toward us from inshore. She was soon in sight from the deck and soon commenced firing to bring us to. Taking him to be the rebel steamer I had seen inside, the breeze increasing, and believ- ing him to be too heavy for the Hittatinny, I made all sail in the direction of my course with fair prospect of escaping him. No flag was seen flying from any part of her, but shortly after an officer reported to me that she had hoisted the United States ensign. Not knowing of any steamer of her class in the rebel service, I hove to and she came rapidly in range. She took a broad sheer to port. I could see no flag, but could distinctly see her peak as well as her broad- side guns trailed for firing. I had no other alternative but to look upon him as an enemy and fight my ship as well as circumstances would admit. I clapped the helm hard aweather and hove a 32-pound shot athwart his bow and followed up by another, which dropped a few feet short of him. It was followed on his part by a discharge of five or six shell, one exploding to windward of us, and all passing between our masts. I now ordered the port battery to be shifted to starboard, and intended to wear and engage him at close quarters, when he hoisted the United States ensign and dipped it in answer to ours. Was boarded shortly after and reported t6 be the Ifuntsville. The officers and men behaved like men throughout, and bid fair to make the Kittatinny, after a little more practice, a most serviceable vessel. I i~ernain, most respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. E. WELCH, Actg. Volunteer Lieutenant, Comdg. U. S. Schr. Kittatinny. Flag-Officer MCKEAN. Abstract log qf U. S. S. Huntsville, Captair~. Price, U. S. Navy, commanding. January 11, 186~2.At 3:30 p. m. saw a strange sail; proceeded in chase. On nearing her fired one blank cartridge and afterwards the rifled gun (shotted). She fired two guns in return. We went to quarters and fired three shots from rifled gun and one 32-pounder. She immediately dipped her flag. We ran alongside and boarded her. She proved to be the schooner Kittatinny, from Philadelphia, bound to Ship Island. Report of Acting ilfaster Rogers, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner Samuel Rotan, regarding a reconnoissance in West Bay, Texas. U. S. SCHOONER SAMUEL ROTAN, January P2, 18G2. SIR: I sailed Thursday evening, according to your orders, and at half past 7 came to anchor in 15 feet of water off the entrance of Wes Page 46 46 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Bay. Friday morning, very foggy until 10 oclock; the fog then raised; hoisted mainsail and jib and stood to the eastward until 1 found 8 feet of water. I then came to anchor. Ordered 7 men in the boat, armed with rifles, and, with Acting Master T. Steece, I started for land, distant 5 miles. In running along I found the entrance to a small creek or bayou, with from 4 to 5 feet water at its mouth and 2 to 3 fathoms all the way through to the Mississippi. On the bank we found telegraph poles and wire. These were cut and carried away some 200 feet. The distance through the bayou is 1~ miles. The fog being very heavy on the river, we could not discover the enemy or their works. We then returned to our vessel. Saturday morning, foggy and light wind and not the weather 1 had wished for. But after providing two boats with a compass each and two days provisions for 16 men we started, Acting Master T. Steece in command of one boat and myself in the other, both boats armed with rifles. At 10 oclock made the land. Following along we found a number of small creeks or bayous with 8 or 10 feet of water in them, but very shallow at the mouth only 2 and 3 feet. The bank then widening to the northwest and the bay very shallow and full of small islands, stumps, and logs. Still pulling to the north- west, we could see nothing different with the glass. it being near night, and our vessel 12 or 15 miles distant, we entered a small creek and encamped for the night, with nothing to break our rest but the whistling wings of wild ducks and geese, which were continually flying over our heads. They were in great abundance. At daylight started again in a westerly direction, or as near that as our draft of water would permit. Found small islands to extend all the distance across the bay and the water very shallow. With my glass 1 could s~e stumps, logs, and small islands all the way to the western shore. After satisfying myself that there was no more information to be gained we returned to the vessel, arriving there at 11:30. I immediately got underway to return to the Colorado. The bayou we found the first day is the only passage the enemy can use, and that must be with very light-draft vessels. We saw a small sail this morning to the northward, probably gunners, but could not get to them. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN A. ROGERS, Captain T. BAILEY, Acting iJiaster, Commanding. Commanding U. S. Steam Frigate Colorado. Report of Captain Powell, U. S. Navy, regarding movements of vessels off ALo6ile. U. S. FRIGATE POTOMAC, Off iiLobile, January 15, 186~?. COMMODORE: Cuyler came in this morning with your order of the 14th. Huntsville was on the return from speaking the Kuhn in the offing, and South Carolina alongside, having come down to coal from the Nightingale. Huntsville had just completed her store early and gone off in chase. I would here remark that the passage of our vessels near this station, but in the offing too far to be distinguished, makes the labor of chase and useless expenditure of fuel very frequent and considerable. They should either come to us or keep clear entirely Page 47 GULF BLOCKADIKG SQUADR0~. 4~t The Jilfiramon has got to sea, I understand, and probably by the Petit Bois [Island] Pass, beyond the range of our observation. I regret it, and hope she may be picked up on her return. The Florida, rebel gunboat, has returned to her place under Fort Morgan this morning. The schooner Kittatinny passed here on her way to Ship Island, and, having no signals, has been run like a fox by the blockading fleet. Price, of the Huntsville, fell in with him, and thus relieved us both of my fears for his safety. The commander of the Cuyler delivered your orders, and they were acted upon instantly. I shall send the Nightingale off this evening, 16th. She has given me some fuel and water, after coaling the Hunts- ville. We are all reasonably well on board. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your most obedient servant, L. M. POWELL, Captain. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, (hm~rnanding Gulf Squadron, Ship Islam Report of Captain Craven, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Brook- lyn, of arrival at Key West, Fla. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Key W~st, January 15, 1869?. Sin: I have the honor to inform you of the arrival of the Brooklyn at Key West. Our passage to this port has been delayed in consequence of a severe gale which we encountered on the 1st and 2d instant, and of not being provided with such charts and sailing directions as would have enabled me to pursue a more direct course. I have put in here for the purpose of repairing the engines, which have been reported to me as being too carelessly or hastily put together, and to fill up our coal, which will require probably three days. I hope to be able to report to the flag-officer in command of the Gulf Squadron by the 24th or 25th of this month. With the exception of a few cases of chronic diseases and several cases of measles, I have the pleasure to inform you that officers and crew are in fine health. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THos. T. CRAVEN, Captain. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer JiuicKean, U. S. Navy, regarding the release of persons captured within the limits of his command. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 15, 1869?. SIR: You may release such persons from the rebel States as shall be captured within the limits of your command, provided they are civil- ians, not in the rebel service, and are not known to have engaged in. any act against the authority of the United States, and are not neede Page 48 48 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. for witnesses. Before their release they xviii be required to sign a written parole not to engage in any hostile act against the United States during the present rebellion. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON IATELLES Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Flag- Officer ]JffcKean, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant JiilcDermut, U. S. Navy, to assume command gf U. S. ship Preble. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Skip Island, January 16, 1869g. SIR: Upon the arrival of the supply steamer you will consider your~ self detached from U. S. ship Aifarion, and will report to Commander Woodhull for a passage to this place, and on your arrival will report to me for the purpose of taking command of the U. S. sloop Prebie. Should the supply steamer have passed the Jiilarion, you will take passage immediately in the gunboat schooner ]Jiliaria A. IYood for this place. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant D. A. MCDERMUT, U S. Ship Jifarion, off Apalachicola. Attack upon Cedar Keys, Fla., January 16, 1869g. Report of Commander Emmons, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Hatteras. U. S. S. HATTERAS, Cedar Keys, January 16, 1869L SIR: I have the honor to report that in carrying out your instruc-. tions in this locality I have been entirely successful, with the expendi- ture of very little powder and no one killed that 1 am aware of, capturing or destroying all the public property here, including a battery of two long eighteens in position on the east end of Sea Horse IKey, with their carriages and some ammunition and barracks, a 6-pounder fieldpiece in Depot Key, with the railroad depot and wharf, several cars, telegraph office, and a turpentine storehouse, besides four schooners and three sloops, one ferry scow, sailboat, and launch. Two of the former were laden with turpentine, rosin, and cotton, and nearly ready for sea, and the first, the schooner Stag, was run on shore and fired while our boats were approaching her and after I had fired two shells to prevent her escape. The only other vessel in port was the schooner Fanny, 100 tons, partially loaded with turpentine. This is the same vessel that was captured with Lieutenant Selden on board several months since, and she succeeded in escaping over the reefs to the southward and east- ward during the night. The ferryboat was captured on its way between the railroad depot to Depot Key, having on board, among others, a lieutenant and 1 Page 49 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 49 armed soldiers belonging to the Fourth Florida Regiment, all of whom were taken prisoners. The boats that were sent on this duty were in the charge of Acting Master Hoffner, aided by Masters Mates McGrath and Hazlitt, and, with the crews, were employed nearly all of the first night. All were zealous and performed their duty most faithfully, and deserve more than my humble thanks. I enclose a list of the prisoners taken and a more detailed statement of property captured and destroyed. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. F. EMMONS, Commander. Flag-Officer W. W. MCKEAN, Commanding Gulf Squadron. NoTE.It may be proper to add that in consideration of the debili- tated state of four of the prisoners belonging to the Fourth Florida Regiment, upon the recommendation of the medical officer, I thought it advisable to permit them to go, upon taking the oath not to take up arms again against our Government until regularly exchanged, according to the usual customs of war; and I addressed a communica- tion to the military officer in command of the Confederate forces in relation to them, with descriptive lists, etc. Very respectfully, etc., G. F. EMMONS, Commander. [Enc1o~ure.] U. S. S. HATTERAS, Cedar Keys, January 16, 1862. SIR: The fortune of war has placed in my hands some of your mili- tary force stationed here. Among them there are four, named Benjamin Gatlin, B. J. Sim- mons, J. S. Poer, and John Canton, who have the measles and are so much debilitated that they might never survive the severe change of climate they would be subject to in going upon our coast. I have therefore released them upon their parole and signing an oath not to serve against the Government of the United States, until officially notified of their exchange for other prisoners. I am, respectfully, etc., GEO. F. EMMONS, Commander. COMMANDING OFFICER MILITARY FORCES IN FLORIDA. List of property captured or destroyed. Two long 18-pounder fieldpieces, with their carriages, and the army barracks on Sea Horse Key; 120 solid shot, I barrel of powder, 1 6-pounder fieldpiece (on Depot Key), 105 shot for same; schooner Anna Smith, master, Edwards, 198 tons, loaded with turpentine and rosin, nearly ready for sea; schooner Stag, master, Burns (formerly of our service), 200tons, ready for sea, cargo of cotton, lumber, and turpentine; schooner Aucilla, 81 tons, Burrows, master; schooner TTTyfe, NwRvoLlT Page 50 50 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. or Nye, J. Pierce, master; sioop Dudley, or Pinkney, 57 tons, Artiga, master; sloop William If. Jifiddieton, 69 tons, Roberts, master; sloop Rattler, 66 tons, Peres, master; 1 sailboat, coppered and rigged; 1 launch and ferry scow, railroad depot, wharf, 7 cars, telegraph sta- tion, and a storehouse for turpentine; 4 stand of colors, 5 compasses, I quadrant, 2 clocks, 1 spyglass, 3 revolver pistols, 17 muskets, 1 shot- gun (double barrel), 4 spades, 7 shovels, 1 broadax, 1 panel saw, 1 frame house, yellow pine; 5 frame beds and 3 cot frames, one old jib, one new main sheet, 4 blocks and whips, 1 barrel of rice, ~ barrel of beef, 4 turkeys. The only other vessel in port was the schooner Fanny, that was captured from Lieutenant Selden, U. S. Navy, some months since, and she escaped over the reefs during the night, partially laden with turpentine. Respectfully, etc., GEO. F. EMMONS, Commander. Report of Brigadier-General Trapier, C. S. Army. HDQRs. PROVISIONAL FORCES, DEPT. EAST AND MIDDLE FLA., Fernandina, Fla., January 20, 1862. CAPTAIN: On the 16th instant the enemy, in a steamer armed with five guns, made a descent upon the harbor and village of Cedar Keys. Having burned seven small vessels in the harbor, which were loading with cotton and turpentine with the intention (information of which had doubtless been conveyed to the enemy) of running the blockade, and also the wharf of the Florida Railroad, which has its Gulf terminus at that point, and several fiat cars belonging to the same road, he withdrew and went to sea. There was posted at this place a small force, consisting of a lieutenant and 22 men, belonging to the Fourth Regiment Florida Volunteers, placed there as a sort of police force, to protect the inhabitants of the key (some 80 or 100 persons) against any disturbance from bands of marauders. The lieutenant and 14 privates were taken prisoners, but 4 of the latter were subsequently released for reasons set forth in one of the papers which I havc the honor to forward herewith (as information) to the commanding gen- eral. The rest of the men made their escape. There were three old guns which had been in battery on one of the keys of the group, but which had been condemned after inspection by Major J. G. Baruwell, inspector-general of this military department, as unserviceable. They were never removed, however, as not being worth the removal, neither the guns nor their carriages. These guns the enemy, nevertheless, is said to have spiked. It is said that some of the inhabitants of the key were required to sign an oath not to take up arms against the Government of the (so-called) United States during the present war. I must not omit to mention a circumstance which reflects high credit upon Commander Emmons. Three negroes escaped from the key and went out to his steamer; they were all ordered back forthwith. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. H. TRAPIER, Brigadier- General, Commanding. Captain T. A. WASHINGTON, A88i8tant Adjutant- General, Coosawhatehie, S. Page 51 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 51 Additional report of Brigadier-General Trapier, C. S. Army. IIDQRS. PROVISIONAL FORCES, DEPT. EAST AND MIDDLE FLA., ]iallahas8ee, Fla., January 31, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt to-day of a letter from the general commanding, under date January 27, from Coosawhatchie. Referring to the late affair at Cedar Keys, the gen- eral says: It seems that the commanding officer and almost his entire force were taken prisoners in daylight by the crew of a man-of-war. I desire to know the circum- stances attending the capture. Was any resistance made? If not, why did not the guard escape? In reply to all which I have the honor respectfully to submit the following statement: No official report of the affair has reached me, of course, the only commissioned officer of the guard having been taken prisoner. I learn, however, through sources entitled to credence, that no resistance whatever was attempted, and for the reason that protest against it was made by a portion of the citizens of the key, upon the ground that it would be hopeless and could only result, by drawing the fire of the war vessel, in a useless destruction of property and shedding of bloodperhaps the blood of women and children. The guard did attempt to escape and was captured in the act. They embarked on board of a flatboat, with no other means of propulsion than poles. When they had reached mid-channel, their poles being too short to reach the bottoni, they were left at the mercy of the tide, by which they were swept out and fell easy victims into the hands of the enemy. If it is said that better and surer means of escape ought to have been furnished them in the event of an attack from an irresistible force, I answer that my letter book contains an order, dated December 23,1861, to the brigade quartermaster, to charter a steamer of 125 tons burden for purposes of transportation between the key and the mainland, and the records of this office show that this officer did his duty and that the boat was chartered. Why she was not in place I know not. If it be asked why so small a force was left upon the key, I answer that it was all that could be spared from more important points, and that even this was in contravention, to some extent, of the instructions (by tele- graph) from the commanding general. By these instructions I was directed to order all the Florida troops to Fernandina. In compliance with them, given when attack was hourly expected at the latter point, I ordered the two companies then stationed at Cedar Keys to Fernandina. In a few days after their removal, and when i~ had become obvious that Fernandina was not then to be the object of attack, I received a paper from Cedar Keys, signed by a number of its inhabitants, setting forth their fears that certain persons who had been arrested there as traitors, and released afterwards for want of sufficient testimony to con- vict, would, prompted by motives of revenge, now that the troops were withdrawn, avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded to wreak their vengeance upon their accusers, and requesting, therefore, that a guard of 20 or 30 men might be sent for their protection, I took the responsibility of promptly complying with the petition. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, J. H. TRAPIER, Brigadier- General, (hinmanding. Captain T. A. WASHINGTON, A88i8tant Adjutant- General, (hosawhatc/de S. Page 52 52 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Comrn~mder Woodhull, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Connecticut, of the capture of the British seA ooner L~nma, January 17, 1862. U. S. S. CONNECTICUT, Key West, January 20, 1862. SIR: On the afternoon of Friday, January 17, 1862, about 4 p. in., a suspicious sail was reported in sight some 5 miles distant. We gave immediate chase, and at 4:20 came up with her. On getting alongside English colors were hoisted by the schooner. In answer to our hail it was stated that she was the English schooner Emma, last from Havana, bound to St. John, New Brunswick. I had her boarded and all her papers brought to me for e.xamination. The character of these papers was such, coupled with the peculiarity that all the persons (with one exception) on board were Americans of Southern birth or proclivity, with other suspicious facts, determined me to bring her in as a prize to the connecticut, and so announced it to her captain. Having arrived at this conclusion, I sent on board a prize master and crew, also removed all the persons belonging to the schooner on board my ship, then took her in tow and proceeded on my voyage to Key West, with the view of passing her over for adjudication to the United States officials having authority in the premises. By the papers enclosed you will see that she was aii American vessel up to or about the 20th December last; also, that she had only a few days previous successfully run the blockade off Apalachicola with a valuable cargo of tar, turpentine, etc., which was disposed of at Havana. Her present cargo consists of materials necessary to the enemy, also a por- tion is of that species not likely to be exported from Havana to any port in the British possessionsfor example, shoe thread, spo6l cotton, soap, tourniquet, barrels of oranges, and some 40 bunches of bananas besides the amount of provisions on board was insufficient for so long a voyage, especially at this season of the year. I would also draw your attention to the large number of articles among the officers effects, claimed to be for the use of their familiessuch as ladies shoes, fans, hats, parasols, AAoaks, childrens dolls, picture books, etc., speaking as plainly as possible the animus as to herAestination. Her papers, though few, clearly prove her late character and her late intentions. A memorandum book found among the effects of Mr. Birch contains a clear, succinct, and graphic account of the voyage from St. Georges to Havana, including the evasion of the blockade, etc., also a telegraphic dispatch announcing to the said Mr. Birch (supposed supercargo of part owner of the cargo) telling him the blockade is removed and he can return by the first conveyance. Among the persons on board is a Mr. B. Ellison, who acted as cap- tain of the schooner on her successful voyage from Apalachicola to Havana. He is represented to be a wealthy merchant at the former place and an old resident of that part of the country. Mr. John N. Birch is a citizen of Columbus, Ga., a merchant of considerable means, and his family reside at that place. Captain Marks, though claiming to be a Connecticut-born man, is nevertheless a Southern man by adop- tion, his domicile being in Apalachicola, where his wife and children are now residing. The cook, a colored man (a light mulatto), claiming to be Captain Ellisons servant, is doubtless a slave, and says he is a South Carolinian. This man I desire particularly to call to your notice. On the question being asked him what use the oranges and bananas were to be put to, and whether they were for the crew, h Page 53 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 53 answered, No, we have had nothing to do with them. Captain Elli- son laid them in as presents to his friends. Comment is unnecessary. I feel fully justified in the course I have pursued as regards this capture, and also the fullest confidence in the honor and justice of the law authorities of Key West. Under these circumstances, I rest my cause without further comments. I enclose all the papers connected with the case, and all that now remains for me to do is to hold the schooner subject to your order. The schooner was captured 24 miles S. E. by E. from Jupiter Inlet, and about 12 miles distant east of Florida coast. All of which is respectfully submitted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. WOODHULL, Commander, U. S. Navy. Judge WILLIAM MARVIN, U S. District J& dge, Key West. Circalar order of Flag- Officer 2YThE~an, U. S. Navy, announcing reported movements of blockade runners. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, January 18, 1862. Positive information has been received that the following vessels have sailed for various ports on the Southern coast: 1st. On the 7th ultimo the Ella Warley (late the Label, of Charles- ton) arrived in Nassau, New Providence, and has since hoisted the English flag. 2d. The arrival at Nassau, New Providence, on the 9th ultimo, of the British screw steamer Gladiator, from London, loaded with arms and ammunition for the rebels. 3d. The arrival at Nassau, New Providence, on the 10th ultimo5 of the steamer Gordon, direct from Charleston. 4th. The secession steamer L7heodora sailed from Nassau~ New Prov- idence, about the 10th ultimo, destination unknown. 5th. The British screw steamer Labuan sailed from Havana for Mat- amoras on the 27th ultimo. 6th. The rebel schooner Break of Day, from New Orleans, has been transferred under the British flag and christened Wide Awake, and has sailed from Havana, probably for New Orleans. 7th. The schooner TVilliam ]Jiliallory, under rebel flag, has sailed from Havana for Mobile or New Orleans. 8th. The steamer C. Vanderbilt, from New Orleans, under Confed- erate flag, has been christened Black Izlawk, and is now under the English flag, and has sailed from Havana, probably for New Orleans. There is no doubt that the Wide Awake, iJiliallory, and Vanderbilt are all carrying contraband of war. 9th. The British schooner Major Barbour, Roberts, master, has ar- rived in Havana from Bayou La Fourche, near Barataria Bay. It is the sixth time she has broken the blockade. 10th. The sloop William Henry, about 30 tons, from New Orleans, arrived in Havana under Confederate flag. 11th. A sailing vessel named Kate, Captain Stevens, has fitted out at Belize, Honduras, for the purpose of carrying munitions of war to the Confederate States. W. W. MCKEAN, Flag-Officer, Commanding Gulf Squadrou Page 54 54 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant Drake, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Saga- more, regarding loat expedition in search of Confederate sloop near 4palachicola. U. S. STEAM GUNBOAT SAGAMORE West Pass, off Apalachicola, January 18, 1862. * * * * * * This morning I discovered a sloop of about 40 tons lying at anchor at the inner anchorage. I fitted out a boat expedition in charge of Lieutenant George A. Bigelow, which drove her back to the city of Apalachicola. Lieutenant Bigelow reports her having one gunabout a 6-pounder and about 12 men. In the afternoon I sent boats to re- connoiter the island of St. Vincent and found that the platforms of the late battery had been destroyed, with evident marks of a hasty retreat. Found a few cattle, sheep, horses, and chickens about a house stand- ing on the point at West Pass. Found the barracks and buildings mostly destroyed. Saw a schooner at the upper anchorage last even- ing at dusk, with a steamer alongside, evidently lightening her. On our approach the steamer took her in tow and moved up toward the city. January 19.At 3 p. in., exchanged signals with U. S. schooner JJfaria Wood, off West Pass. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. DRAKE, Lieutenant, Cormnnanding. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Commanding U S. Gulf Squadron, Ship Island. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain ililorris, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Pensacola to Squadron. ~, proceed to duty in the Gulf NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 19, 1862. SIR: Unless an emergency is anticipated which will require the presence of the Pensacola at Hampton Roads, or in which her services would be essential, you will, on the receipt hereof, proceed with that vessel to the Gulf and report to Flag-Officer McKean for duty. The engineer, Mr. Sickles, will be ~rmitted to return north in any of our vessels returning after the Pensacola reaches the Gulf, if you are satisfied of his loyalty to the Government. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Captain II. W. MORRIS, Gomman ding U S. Steam Sloop Pcnsacola. Report of Flag- Oficer JifcKean, U S. Navy, transmitting report regarding the capture imy the U S. S. Itasca of the schooner Lizzie Weston, January 19, 1861. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, January 23, 1862. SIR: I transmit herewith a copy of a communication received from Lieutenant Commanding CaldwelI, reporting the capture of the schooner Lizzie Weston, of Apalachicola Page 55 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 55 Finding that the witnesses necessary to condemn her had not been sent in the schooner, I have ordered her officers and crew sent to New York in the storeship Supply, and have instructed Commander Col- vocoresses to place them in charge of the U. S. marshal. A list of the prisoners is herewith transmitted. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. G. [Enclosures.] U. S. STEAM GUNBOAT ITAsCA, Ship Island, January 23, 1862. Sin: I have respectfully to report the capture of the prize schooner Lizzie Weston, of Apalachicola (on the evening of the 19th), loaded with 293 bales of cotton (152,500 pounds) and bound for Jamaica or a market. I put on board a prize crew of six men in charge of Albert Cook, acting master, and ordered him to proceed with all dispatch to Phila- delphia. I sent in the prize one of her crew, a Spaniard named Francis Pratts, a citizen of Cuba, who shipped for the run in order to get out of tbe country and was to be discharged in Jamaica or Havana. The rest of the crew I brought to this place to await your orders in regard to their disposal. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. II. B. CALDwELL, Lieutenant, commanding. Flag-Officer W. W. MOKEAN, commander in chief, Gulf Blockading Squadron. List of officers and crew of the prize schooner Lizzie Weston, of Apalachicola, Fia. Francis Lee, captain; C. F. Babcock, first officer; J. M. Tainter, third officer; L. II. Golden, second omcer; William Curtis, steward; Richard McMillen, Charles Scott, Isaac Lewis, Samuel Elliot, sea- men; Alfred Elliot, boy; sent home in Sapply. Francis Pratts ~remained in] schooner Lizzie Weston. Very respectfully, C. H. B. CALDwELL, Lieatenant, commanding. Instructions from Flag- Officer MeKean, U. S. Navy, t~ Captain Eagle, U. S. Navy, as senior officer off Galveston. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, January 20, 186~2. SIR: Your communichtion of the 11th instant has been received. I am much surprised to learn that you are so short of provisions, having requested you to inform me of any deficiencies, and the onl Page 56 56 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. requisition received by me being one for candles, I, of course, sup- posed that you had been supplied by the Fearnot. I send by the U. S. ship Portsmouth all of the most essential arti- cles, and as many of the others as she can carry; the remainder I will endeaver to send by the Gonnecticut. The Portsmouth must not be detained one moment longer than is absolutely necessary. I have no facilities for repairing the Sam. Houston. When she is no longer fit for service, she must be sent to this place that she may be sunk in some of the smaller channels. I regret that you have given such orders to the commander of the J%fidnight. I do not approve of making an attack unless the batteries can be destroyed and the guns spiked. The course you have instructed him to pursue will, I fear, have the effect of showing the enemy their weak points, and thus induce them to strengthen them. The frigate Colorado can not leave her station, as I have no vessel to relieve her. I had intended visiting Galveston in this ship, and at the same time supplying you with water, but Was prevented from doing so, being short of coal; and now that coal has arrived, I am unwilling to leave, being in hourly expectation of the arrival of Gen- eral Butler. Should I not run down in this ship, I will endeavor to send you a supply of water by some means in a short time. I transmit herewith a circular describing the si~rew steamer Glad- iator. She is to be captured wherever met with. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Officer, Oommandiuq Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain HENRY EAGLE, C6mmanding U. S. Frigate Santee, off Galveston. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer 2lfcKean, U S. Navy, regarding the division of his command into the East and IY~st Gulf Blockading Squadrons. NAvY DEPARTMENT, January 20, 1862. SIR: Upon the arrival of Flag-Officer D. G. Farragut, the Gulf Blockading Squadron will be divided into two squadrons, called respectively, the Eastern ~nd Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. rhe Eastern commences at St. Andrews Bay, inclusive, to the east- ward of Pensacola, and extends to Cape Canaveral, on the eastern coast of Florida; and also includes the Bahanias and Cuba. Flag-Officer Farragut is assigned to the Western and yourself to the Eastern Squadron. The vessels composing the latter are as follows: Niagara, Huntsville, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Montgomery, Preble, Marion, Water Witch, Wanderer, Dart, Nightingale, Kingfisher, Midnight, New London, Santiago de Cuba, Rachel Seaman. Saml. Rotan, Mercedita, Bainbridge, I desire you to consult carefully with Flag-Officer Farragut, and modify this division, if you both shall think best, retaining in your squadron only enough vessels to blockade the coast indicated. As your headquarters are at Key West, and you will probably look into Havana occasionally, you will consider the Santiago de Gub Page 57 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADROTh 57 immediately under your orders, and can carry out her instructions as your judgment dictates. The Department learns with regret from Commander Alden that the condition of your health requires you to relinquish your command in the Gulf: Your activity and zeal, and faithful devotion to the Government, have given satisfaction to the Department. A relief will be sent out on board the San Jacinto, when you can return north in the Niagara. On account of the crowded condition of the New York navy yard it is desirable that that vessel should go to Boston; but as her condition may not admit of it, you are authorized to go in to New York if you do not deem it advisable to push for Boston. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, Gommanding Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key Weet, lila. capture of the ecitooner J TE Wilder, or Andrieta, off iiliobile, January 20, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. Navy, transmitting additional reports. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Off Pas8 ~ 1 Outre, January 31, 1862. SIR: In my dispatch (No. 14) of the 2~d instant I reported the capture of the Confederate schooner J 1K Wilder, near Mobile. I herewith transmit copies of the following reports in relation to the capture: One from Captain Powell (senior officer off Mobile at that time); one from Commander Price, addressed to Captain Powell; one from Lieutenant Commanding Winslow, addressed to me, and one from Master W. S. Schley, addressed to Captain Powell. I also transmit a copy of a communication from the acting British consul at Mobile, addressed to the commander of the United States fleet off the harbor of Mobile, and of Captain L. M. Powells reply to the same; and a copy of a subsequent communication addressed to the commander of the United States squadron off Ship Island, and enclosing a copy of the depositions of the master, mate, and several Qf the crew of the J. 1K. Wilder, with a copy of my reply. I would bring to notice the fact that when discovered the Wilder was close inshore to the eastward of Mobile Harbor, which is very remarkable, to say the least, if she was bohud to Matamoras, as stated by the acting British consul. I am happy to be able to inform you that the wounded men belong- ing to the. Guyler are apparently doing well. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Off cer, Uov~~manding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary qf the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 58 58 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Captain Powell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. frigate Potomac. U.S. FRIGATE POTOMAC, Off lilobile Bar, January 25, 1862. COMMODORE: I herewith forward reports of Commander C. Price and Master Sehley and hope to be able also to include the report of Lieutenant Commanding Winslow, touching the capture of a schooner supposed to be the J. IL Wilder on the 20th instant, some miles to the eastward of my anchorage. The vessels were in sight, however, of this ship, and were watched from aloft during the day. The courage, resolution, and perseverance displayed by all the par- ties engaged in bringing the vessel off the beach, on which she had been run by her master, entitle the officers, seamen, and marines to great praise, which, I think, you will freely give when you read the detailed reports. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. M. POwELL, Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, U. S. S. Niagara. Report ef Commander Price, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Huntsville. U. S. S. HUNTSVILLE, Off iliLoldie Bar, January 24, 1862. SIR: Under your order of the 20th instant, to go to the assistance of the cuyler, then bearing to the eastward, I got underway for her with two of your boats in tow. Upon nearing the Cugler she signaled that she wanted assistance, and that her propeller was disabled by a hawser that was around it. I dropped anchor on her bow and proposed to tow her or the schooner, or both, off, which he declined. I sent word to him to heave in upon the hawser by his capstan that led to the schooner, which he did and got her afloat. The steamers stern was toward the beach and she was not able to bring a gun to bear in that direction, whilst small-arms men were firing upon him and his boats from the bushes. I at oice brought my broadside to bear upon the shore and fired eight or ten shells into the bushes, which effectually cleared them out and stopped their firing. Again, after some time, a few shots were fired from the bushes, upon which 1 got underwi~y to bring my guns to bear and a few shells and shrapnel silenced the firing on shore. The steamer (Jayler8 marines and other small-arms men returned rapidly the fire from the bushes, as also did your boats. Both of the latter I dispatched to the (uyler, with orders to report to the com- manding officer for such aid as they c~uld render. I remained by him until he cleared his propeller and escorted him up to this anchorage. Very respectfully, your obedient servant~CICERO PRICE, Coinmander. Captain L. M. POWELL, Commanding U S. Frigate Potomac and Senior Ofticer Present Page 59 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 59 Report of Lieutenant Winslow, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. R. R. Onyler. U. S. S. R. R. CUYLER, Ojf iJiliobile Bar, January 23, 1862. Siu: In accordance with the instructions of Captain Powell, of the Potomac, the following report of the circumstances attending the capture of the schooner f. w Wilder, taken in the act of violating the blockade about 15 miles east of Mobile bar, is most respectfully submitted: On the morning of the 20th instant, while the (uyler was employed watching the eastern passage over Mobile bar, a schooner was discov- ered at anchor some 8 or 10 miles to the eastward, near the shore, and no time was lost in proceeding to examine her. So soon as the Cuyler was observed to be approaching, the schooner slipped, made sail, and steered for the beach, and, on grounding, was immediately abandoned by the captain and crew, the steamer under my command being at that time some 4 or 5 miles distant. As we gradually drew nearer in a considerable party of persons was observed on the beach, apparently engaged in effecting communica- tion with the schooner, and apprehensive of an attempt to destroy her I directed a shell or two to be thrown in that direction from our Parrott gun, one of which fell quite near, and the party rapidly disap- peared behind the adjacent sand hills. The executive officer (Lieu- tenant Philip) was then dispatched with an armed boat to take posses- sion, who boarded the schooner and hauled down her sails, as well as an English ensign which had been left flying at the masthead. The Cuyler, meantime, steaming cautiously in by the lead, dropped an anchor in 5 fathoms of water at a convenient distance from the beach and in position to cover and secure the prize; on which a sharp fire of musketry was now opened from a range of low sand hills near the schooner, ~vhich was promptly returned by the boarding party and the marines drawn up on the Uayler8 quarter deck, while a few shells from the two after guns on the main deck assisted in clearing the beach. Our efforts were next directed to getting the schooner afloat and to cover the working parties engaged running out hawsers, etc. The light 12-pounder howitzer was placed in our largest surf boat. No annoyance from the enemy was experienced for several hours, but our hawsers were twice parted by the strain, the last time accidentally fouling the propeller. About 2 oclock p. in., having succeeded in making fast our largest hawser to the foremast of the schooner, orders were issued for all hands to return on board; but the boat sent to withdraw the working party from the prize unfortunately bilged and was swamped along- side, and while the other two boats were engaged rescuing the men who were in the water and towing off the dingey a destructive fire was reopened by the coast guard (evidently reinforced) from their shel- tered position behind the sand hills, four of the eight persons in the howitzer boat, including the officer in charge, being disabled by the first fire. The gun could not be used, and the Cuyler8 stern being secured to the schooner by a hawser, and her propeller still clogged and temporarily inoperative, the broadside battery was also unavail- able, but a rapid and continuous fire of small arms was maintained from the quarter-deck. The opportune arrival of the steamer Hunts- yule at this time, with two of the Potomacs cutters in tow, afforde Page 60 60 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADI~0N. material and welcome aid. Commander Price immediately opened with his battery on the sand hills, while Mr. Schley, the master of the Potomac, pushed gallantly in toward the beach with the cutters of that ship and rescued our crippled boat, which, with the wounded men, was fast drifting into the surf, our gig and second cutter at the same time picking up the men who were swimming toward them. The fIre of the enemy was soon silenced and the wounded men removed from the surfboat, which was promptly renianned by a fresh crew and resumed its position near our stern, where our men were still at work clearing the propeller. The hawser, fast to the prize, had been previously taken to our forward capstan and a portion of our crew kept steadily at the bars, and about 4 p. m. the schooner floated and was safely hauled out under our stern. At 5:30 p. in., having suc- ceeded in clearing our propeller, the anchor was weighed, and in company with the Hunt8ville the Cuyler steered for the Potomac with the prize in tow. After a careful search neither register, manifest, nor clearance could be found, and these papers were probably either removed or destroyed by the master on beaching the vessel, but the documentary evidence inadvertently left on board is believed to be sufficient to prove that the schooner eluded the blockade early in December last, proceeding from Mobile to Havana, which port she left early in January bound to Mobile. All the books and papers found on board have been duly enclosed under seal to the U. S. district judge at Philadelphia. The name on the stern of the schooner was partially blacked over, but the initials J. W. were still perceptible, and among the papers a certificate of inspection dated at New Orleans in March, 1861, iden tified the vessel as the J. TV Wilder, of Handsboro, Miss. The usual quarter boards with that name in gilt letters were found carefully con- cealed in her hold, and a white burgee with J. TV. Wilder in red letters was also found aboard, with two American ensigns. A large Confed- erate States flag (evidently not entirely new) was subsequently detected ingeniously secreted in a bag of coffee. An illegal and unauthorized use of the English ensign is presumed to have been made on this occa- sion. I regret to be under the necessity of reporting four persons wounded (two of theni seriously) by the enemys fireJohn Bloom and Daniel J. Evans, seamen; Edward Dorsey and Thomas W. Johnson, landsmen. Mr. Morse, acting masters mate, while in charge of the howitzer boat, was also struck and partially stunned by a ball that grazed his head while in the act of discharging the gun. His promo- tion to the grade of acting niaster is respectfully suggested. The Guylers stern being less than 300 yards from the beach and her quarter-deck awning and stanchions cut by rifle balls, it is somewhat remarkable there are not more casualties to report. Acting Master Henry K. Lapham rendered efficient services in securing the prize, and also in clearing the (Jaylere propeller, and has subsequently been placed in charge of the schooner. Midshipmen Adams and Alexander with the boats under their charge aided in rescuing our men from the water regardless of the enemys fire, and exhibited promise of much future usefulness to the naval service, and the officers not individually named aided me most zealously and effectively in their respective departments. In view of the fact that the (uyler8 crew were under fire for the first time a commendable degree of steadiness and spirit was evinced Page 61 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 61 In conclusion, I am desirous of expressing my sense of indebtedness to the valuable assistance afforded me throughout the day by the exec- utive officer of the Cugler, Acting Lieutenant J. Van Ness Philip, ~hose permanent restoration to his original position on the naval reg- ister would be an appropriate and acceptable recognition of his pres- ent services, as well as an unquestionable advantage to the public interests. With much respect, your obedient servant, FRANCIS WINsLow, Flag-Officer WM. ~. MCKEAN, Lieutenant, Commanding. (~ommanding Gulf Blockading Squadron, etc Report of Master Sohley, U. S. Navy, of the U. S. Frigate Potomac. U. S. FRIGATE POTOMAC, Off iJfohiie Bar, January ~2O, 186~2. SIR: In conformity with your order I went on board the U. S. S. Huntsville with Acting Midshipmen Charles H. Humphrey and John J. Read and a force of 20 men, 6 marines, and a corporal, and reported to Commander Price the object of the expedition under my command. As soon as We had secured our boats for towing, the Huntsville steamed rapidly to the eas~tward. After the lapse of about an hour and a half, we discovered the steamer R. P. cuyler close in to the beach and a schooner a short distance astern, still nearer to the beach. As we drew nearer to the Gayler, we observed that the enemy were firing heavily upon her and the schooner with musketry; but on near- ing her still more, we observed a boat disabled near the beach, and about 60 or 70 yards from the spot where the enemy lay concealed behind sand hills and such other secure places as the eievated land beyond the beach afforded, and firing quite heavily upon the disabli d boat. With all possible dispatch I left the Huntsville in my boats and hastened to the cugler to render her any assistance in my power. As I drew alongside I hailed and asked for orders. Lieutenant Com- manding Winslow directed me to go in to the rescue of his boat, which had been disabled under the fire of the enemy, which I did. The con- cealed enemy choosing his time, waited until he had my boats fairly under his fire, welcomed us with a volley, followed by another and still another. I at once directed the marines of my boats to return the fire as rapidly as was consistent with good effect, but not to waste a single shot. Situated as the enemy were, I could not see what the effect of our fire was, but I could plainly see that their fire became less accurate and more irregular, and so continued until my boats had succeeded in reaching and taking in tow the disabled boat upon which they had directed their fire prior to my arrival upon the spot. Just as my boats had fairly secured the disabled boat, necessarily throwing the entire party in line ahead, they again opened quite spiritedly upon us, and so kept it up until 1 had reached the Cayler, where I towed the disabled boat containing an officer, a boy, 3 wounded men, a small howitzer, and a box of ammunition Page 62 62 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I am rejoiced to report that we escaped this galling fire of musketry with no injury to the personnel of the expedition, my boat, however, being once struck, the shot carrying away a portion of the brass of one of the rowlocks. I can not praise too highly the firmness, coolness, and determination of the officer, marines, and men, under my command in rescuing their wounded countrymen, who so nobly fell upon this sad occasion. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WINFIELD SCOTT SCHLEY, Captain L. M. POWELL, ]Jifiaster, U: S. Navy. Commanding U S. Frigate Potomac. Letter from the acting British consul to Captain Powell, U. S. Navy, demanding restitution of schooner and cargo. BRITISH CONSULATE, Jlfobile, January 23, 1862. Sw: I have been officially notified that two of the gunboats under your command have been guilty of firing upon the British schooner Andrieta, Mr. Capella, master, whilst lying at anchor in a calm some distance near this coast; that the master of the schooner and crew, for the safety of their lives, were compelled to abandon their vessel and come on shore; that subsequently the said gunboats took possession of the Andrieta and cargo and it is presumable have them still in pos- session. As the Andrieta is a British vessel, owned by a British subject, and, according to her papers filed in this office, was on a peaceful voyage from Havana to Matamoras and not liable to be disturbed on such voyage. I therefore, in the name of the Government which I represent, demand the restitution of said schooner Andrieta and cargo and that she may be permitted to proceed on her intended and lawful voyage. I have the honor, sir, to remain, your most obedient servant, JAMES MAGEE, Acting (~onsul. COMMANDER OF THE UNITED STATES FLEET, Off the harbor of iiiliobile. Letter from Captain Powell, U. S. Navy, to the acting British consul, referring him to the flag-officer of the Gulf Squadron or the Secretary of State for information regarding the case. U. S. FRIGATE POTOMAC, Off iWobile Bar, January 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter by the hands of Mr. Meslier, in which you state that two of the gunboats of the squadron before Mobile have been guilty of firing upon the British schooner Andrieta, Mr. Capella, master, whilst lying at anchor in a calm some distance near this coast; that the master of the schooner and crew, for the safety of their lives, were compelled to abandon their vessel and come on shore; that subsequently the said gunboats took possession of the Andri eta, etc Page 63 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 63 I am happy to assure you that no such act or acts as stated have occurred within the limits of my command. The facts, so far as I am apprised of them, are as follows: A vessel was observed at anchor near the coast, about 15 miles to the eastward of Mobile Bar, on the morning of January 20, and as the gunboat P. 11?. Cuyler drew in sight, but at a long distance, she (the schooner) hoisted sail and ran upon the shore with a moderate wind blowing at the time, and the master, with every living soul, deserted her, taking most of their effects with them. When the Ougier came near she sent a small armed boat on board, which was fired upon from the shore. Subsequently, a boat sent to withdraw the working party from the schooner bilged and filled along- side, and the boats engaged in rescuing the men from the water were fired upon by a party of armed men behind the sand hill, and not recov- ered until two other boats had pushed in under a heavy fire close to the beach to their assistance. All the boats were fired upon, and the Cugler covered with rifle shot whilst she was engaged in dragging off the schooner, which was not effected for several hours. If this be the vessel you refer to, she does not answer to the facts as stated in your letter, the only evidence of name being the printed let- ter boards of J. WI Wilder, found in her hold with a large burgee flag bearing that name. The certificate of the inspector for the southern district of Louisi- ana, identi5ying the same name, dated March 15, 1861, was also among the papers recovered. A Confederate States ensign was also found secreted in a bag of coffee, from which it is presumed that the vessel was making an unauthorized and illegal use of her Majestys flag, which was only hoisted after the schooner had been beached and was about to be abandoned. The case has been referred by the flag-officer commanding this squadron, with all the documentary evidence attainable, to the honor- able judge of the U. S. district court at Philadelp1~ia, Pa., for adjudication. For any further information, I beg leave to refer you to the flag- officer commanding the Gulf Blockading Squadron, now at Ship Island, or to the honorable Secretary of State at Washington. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient serVant, L. M. POWELL, captain. Her Britannic Majestys Consul, JAMES MAGEE, ililobde. Letter from Flag-Officer NeKean, U. S. Navy, to the acting British consul at Mobile, referring him to the authorities at Washington for further information in the case. U. S. I~LAG& JIP NIAGARA S/op ]8laud, January 28, 18G2. SIR: 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your comm urn- cation of the 23d instant, by the hands ot Mr. Meslier, and in reply have to state that I have received reports ~in relation to the capture of the schooner J. WI Wilder, or, as you are pleased to call her, the Andr& eta, from all the officers concerned therein. The statements of these officers differ materially from that of the captain of the IYilder. Not a gun was fired at her by either of th Page 64 64 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. vessels. I will here remark that papers found on board show that she was expected. This affair has now, however, passed beyond my control, the cargo of the schooner having been shipped for the north and the whole mat- ter referred to my Government. I am, sir, very respectfully, yonr obedient servant, W. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Mr. JAMES MAGEE Acting (~onsul of Her Britannic ililiajesty, iVfobile. Report of Lieutenant Winslow, U. S. Navy, requesting a medal for Landsman Edward Dorsey for conspicuous gallantry. U. S. S. R. R. CUYLER, Ship Island, February 17, 1862. SIR: Being apprised that under a recent act of Congress a number of medals are to be prepared for distribution among the petty officers, seamen, and others of the naval service, I am desirous of commending to the favorable notice of the Department the name of Edward Dorsey, a young landsman, serving on board the I?. B. Cuyler, whose conduct, when unfortunately wounded by the fire of the enemy dm4ring our recent skirmish with the coast guard, near Mobile Bar, justly entitles him to this mark of honorable distinction. He was one of the crew of the howitzer boat, on which the lire of the enemy was first directed, and though wounded severely in the right arm, continued to pull his oar steadily with the other, observing coolly to the officer in charge of the boat that he had one arm left and would pull as long as he could use that. The wound has nearly healed up, but as the missile could not be extracted, his right arm will never be as useful as before. With much respect, I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, FRANCIS WINSLOW, lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, TYdsliington, D. C. Report of l~Tajor-General Bragg, C. S. Army, transmitting report. HDQRS. DEPT. OF ALABAMA AND WEST FLORIDA, Near Pensacola, Fla., February 1, 1862. SIR: I enclose a copy of a report from Colonel Powell, Provisional Army, of a recent contest by a portion of his command with the enewy over a British schooner. The conduct of our troops was highly cred- itable, though they were unable to save the vessel from capture. Every facility has been extended to the British consul in prosecuting the case, and I hope he has succeeded, as he desired, in complicating affairs betweeii the United states and Great Britain, A copy of a Page 65 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 65 article from a Mobile paper, enclosed,* gives a very correct history of the vessel and her movements. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, BRAXTON BRAGG, ADJUTANT-GENERAL, Jfayor- General, Commanding. Richmond, J~a. Report of Colonel Powell, C. S. Army. CAMP BRAGG, January 931, 18693. CAPTAIN: I avail myself of the boat from this point to-day to report that a sharp contest took place at the mouth of the lagoon [Alabama] yesterday between two of the enemys steamers, with their boats, and Captain [William] Cottrills command, for the possession of the schooner Andrieta, formerly JJ JJ7~ Wilder, which had been run on shore at that place with the hope of saving her cargo. All the partic- ulars of the affair can not be given at this time, as I have not a report of the part taken in it by the force, consisting of two fieldpieces and two companies, ordered up from Fort Morgan and Camp Bragg, and which were on the west side of the lagoon under Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Jones. Upon my getting on this side of the lagoon to put Captain Cottrills company in action, that officer had already moved his available force across the lagoon to within a short distance of the schooner, and there he kept up so sharp and well directed a lire upon the schooner and the boats of the steamers as to drive those of the enemy who had pre- viously reached her below, and prevented the boats from getting to their assistance, while he sheltered his men so securely behind the sand hills as to maintain his position, though it was only about 100 yards from the beach and not more than 600 or 800 yards from the steamers, without losing a life. Captain Cottrill and his command deserve great credit for the skill- ful and daring manner in which they performed their parts in a defense which, judging from the effect of their fire while continued, must have been successful, if it had not been the case that the schooner was run on shore at low tide, and that the enemy succeeded in making a hawser fast to her before he got his men into position, by which she was hauled out of range after the tide, in rising, had caused her to float. What loss the enemy met with 1 will not pretend to state, as I was not fortunate enough to reach the scene of action; but it must have been considerable, as two of their boats, one of which is now reported as on the beach and in the possession of our men, were sunk or turned over, and another had every oarsman shot or driven off their seats, and was towed out of range by another sent to her assistance. As I mentioned above, there was no loss of life from this command so far as heard from, and we have only to regret that of the schooner and cargo, which I am sorry to say the captain neglected to fire in his * Omitted. NwRvOL1T Page 66 66 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. desire to save it. Upon returning to Fort Morgan I shall be able to furnish any further particulars which may be brought to my notice. I am, captain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. L. POWELL Colonel, Co?nmanding Second Brigade. Captain D E. HUGER, A88~8tant Adjutant- General. Report of Brigadier-General Withers, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF ALABAMA JJfobile, January 9?9?, 1869?. GENERAL: I forward herewith communications* brought from Havana by the schooner Wilder, directed, respectively, to the President, Secretary of State, and Chief of Ordnance. The vessel, being closely pressed by the enemy, was beached between Fort Morgan and the Perdido. The crew escaped to the shore and the vessel and cargo captured by the enemy after some loss of life resulting from the fire from Captain CottrilPs company. I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. WITHERS, Brigadier- General, etc.- General S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector- General, Richmond. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Uouthouy, U S. Navy, regarding the capture gf schooner Olive Branch and sloop Jifiary Nevis. U. S. BARK KINGFISHER, Tampa Bay, January 21, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this point on 16th instant, and the delivery, pursuant to your orders of 6th, of a rifled 20-pounder Parrott gun, with equipments, munitions, etc., as received, to U. S. gunboat Ethan Allen, having previously run down to Pass ~ lOutre and delivered, as directed, three old guns and a quantity of scrap iron to the U. S. steam gunboat ililercedita. On the evening of the 8th, 9 miles N. E. of Chandeleur light, we brought to the U. S. schooner lifaria A. Wood by firing a shot across h~r bows, in consequence of her being unable to answer our signals or show any by which she could be recognized, when she sent a boat with an officer, who reported that they had no night signals on board. On the afternoon of the 12th, on our passage hither from the Passes, we made a large steamer to the S. E. standing toward us, and, tacking ship, gave chase to windward, and, the breeze favoring, we brought her under our lee, the ship being cleared for action, and ordered her to stop the engine. On sending a boat on board she proved to be the trans - port Philadelphia, from New York, 30th ultitno, via Key West and Tortugas, with army officers and supplies for Fort Pickens, having no signals on board. *Not found Page 67 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 67 On the afternoon of 15th, off Cedar Keys, fell in with U. S. S Florida, Commander J. R. Goldsborough, who sent for me on board to notify me of the raising of the blockade of Nassau, New Providence, by the Flamheai28 having to leave for a supply of coal and the proba- ble escape of the Confederate steamer Gladiator, having arms for the rebels, with destination for Cedar Keys, off which it was Commander Goldsboroughs intention to cruise for some time in hopes of meeting her. At noon of 20th the lookout at the light-house on Egmont Key, at which a vigilant watch is kept by the Ethan Alien, signalized a sail in the offing to the S. E. some 3 leagues distant, on which Captain Eaton immediately sent two of his boats in pursuit, and as early as practicable notified me of the fact, requesting my cooperation. 1 there- fore lost no time in dispatching two of our boats, one with an officer and 6, the other with an officer and 11 men, all well armed, to assist. The boats of the Ethan Allen, having nearly an hours start, reached the chase some ten to fifteen minutes before ours and boarded her, but, without waiting for our boats (which had pulled out 6 leagues) to come up, the officer boarding gave chase to a boat containing the super- cargo and five men from the prize, which was making for and succeeded in escaping to the shore, when our boats, being unable to hold way with her, put about and returned to this vessel. I enclose copy of a note * from me to Acting Master Henry Allen, in charge of the expedi- tion, calling for his report of the circumstances, and also copy * of his reply. The prize was brought in this morning by Acting Master Stephenson of the Ethan Allen, and proved to be the Confederate schooner Olive Branch, of Jacksonville, burden 42~ tons, from Cedar Keys 9th instant, for Nassau, New Providence, with cargo of 160 barrels (5,440 gallons) spirits turpentine, valued at about $8,700, and the vessel at $1,200 to $1,500 more. The captain repoyts that at the date of his leaving there were three other vessels ready to sail, all laden with spirits turpentine and bound for Nassau, their aggregate cargoes amounting to about 900 barrels. He reports the whole country as greatly distressed by the blockade; coffee, $1; tea, $2 per pound; pork, $60 per barrel, and other articles in proportion, and extremely difficult to procure at even these prices. The fortifications on Sea Horse Key he reports abandoned, and all persons capable of bearing arms sent off to Fernandina. His crew were shipped at $50 per month, and his mates at $75 and $70. Alto- gether the country is, by his representations, in a deplorable condition. January 27, 8 a. rn. As we were preparing to get underway at noon of 25th, after being windbound for the previous three days by a hard westerly gale (which left the bar so rough as to be impassable for twenty-four hours after it died out), the Ethan Allen signaled two strange sail in sight to the S. E., coming down from Tampa, and also for me to repair on board for consultation. On my doing so, Captain Eaton informed me that he had intelligence warranting the belief that the vessels formed part of an expedition fitting out at Tampa as a coast guard, and requested my cooperation in cutting them out, and also in making a reconnoissance of a fortification said to have been erected near the mouth of the Manatee River, about 2 leagues from the ship to the S. E. Under the circumstances I considered it my duty to accede to his wishes, and returning on board my own vessel, * Not necessary to publish Page 68 68 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. mustered the ships company, and after briefly explaining the nature of the proposed expedition called for volunteers, when every man threw up his hand, and three such cheers were given as satisfied me that the hearts of my crew were all right, and they fully responded to the confidence I had always felt in their ability and readiness to meet any emergency. At 8 p. m. I dispatched the first, second, and third cutters, in charge of Acting Master J. H. Hallet and Masters Mates J. E. Whiteside and C. E. Sloan, with 35 men, fully armed, the whole under charge of Mr. Ballet, with written instructions to act in concert with an equal number of boats and men from the Ethan Allen, in charge of Acting Master Stephenson. Acting Assistant Paymaster Blakeman, at his urgent request, accompanied the expedition and would, I am confident, with his coolness and knowledge of military tactics, have rendered valuable assistance in organizing the men had it proved necessary to land in presence of an enemy. Masters Mate James S. Williams, though under suspension for having been found asleep on his watch while in charge (as duly reported to you), was also allowed, on his pressing request, to join the expedition. I am constrained to express my regret that the immediate results of the expedition were by no means commensurate with the scale on which it was organized. The boats returned last evening, having found no armed vessel nor any enemy on shore, after capturing the sloop iJifary Nevis, of Tampa, of about 12 tons burden, engaged in carrying the mails, freight, and passengers between Fort Brooke, Manatee River, and the intermediate points, with a woman and child only on board, the one man forming her crew having run her ashore and taken to the bush. They also burned the temporary barracks erected on a mound near the beach, lately occupied, according to parties on shore, by a troop of 115 or 120 cavalry, with one gun mounted on wheels. I can not but regard the expedition, however, as likely to have a useful result, both in familiarizing the nien with such seryice and by impress- ing the enemy with a sense of the efficiency of the blockade and th& roughness of the preparation on our part to meet and repel any attack they may have the means of making. That such a movement as has been reported has been, and may yet be in contemplation, I think evident, from one of the persons con- versed with at the Manatee landing, having enquired whether the vessels had been attacked the night previous, and given as a reason that those inshore thought they had heard firing in our direction, remarks that would hardly have been made but for a knowledge of the existence of some purpose and means of making an attack. I enclose copy of my instructions to Acting Master Ballet (of which a counterpart was furnished to Acting Master Stephenson) and his report to me of his action thereupon. I leave this morning for the cruising ground designated in your orders of 6th instant, and hoping ere long to be able to forward a more gratifying report from the Kingfisher than the preseiit, have the honor to remain, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Jos. P. COUTHOUY Acting Volunteer lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer W. W. McKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 69 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 69 [Enclosure.] U. S. BARK KINGFISHER, Tampa Bay, January 27, 1862. SIR: In pursuance of your orders, I, at 8 p. m. of the 25th, left the bark Ethan Allen in charge of the first, second, and third cutters, with 40 men all told, fully armed, in company with three boats from the Ethan Allen, under charge of Acting Master Stephenson, and pulled inshore to a point about 3 miles above Manatee River and lay there until about 4 oclock next morning; then we pulled carefully up the bay. At daylight saw a sloop coming down the bay; we started in chase of her and got within a mile of her before they discovered us; she then hauled up on the wind to the N. W. The Ethan Allens boats made sail in his wake after her, and the Kin gflshers boats pulled to the windward to cut her off on the next tack; the first and second cut- ters had gained on her so much that he was obliged to run her ashore to avoid his being taken by our boats on the one hand, or those of the Ethan Allen on the other, at the mouth of Little Manatee River. The Ethan Allens boats, having sails, got alongside first, the Kingfishers boats being so far to windward; we then put all the boats ahead of her and pulled her off. Then we came down alongshore, taking a good look into all the bays and inlets as far as Great Manatee River, up which we proceeded about 2 miles, then land[ed] to reconnoiter. We took a look at what we supposed to be a fortification when we left the ship, but it proved an old Indian mound and barracks that had been lately occupied by troops, to which we applied a match and burned to the ground. We did not see any signs of military force, but were told that there had been 116 cavalry there but four days previous, but they had left the place for good, being unable to get enough for their horses to eat. We did not see any vessels there at all, but captured three small boats. We saw only half a dozen persons about the coast, two of whom were females, and the whole had a wretched and poverty- stricken appearance; then returned on board the ship at 7 p. m. last evening. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JosEPH H. HALLET, Acting liiliaster. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Jos. P. COUTHOUY, Ownmnanding U S. Bark Kingfisher. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Ofticer ilicKean, U S. Navy, referring to the loss of the schooner Anna Taylor. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 22, 1862. SIR: Your No. 12, dated 30th ultimo, has been received. As respects the condition of some of the steamers of your squadron, the Depart- ment on the 20th December authorized you to send them north if the repairs could not be effected on the station. In September last you were informed that new boilers for the ililohawle, in course of con- struction in New York, would be completed about the latter part of October. It Was designed that she should come north to receive them. The subject of a supply of bituminous coal has been brought to the - attention of the proper bureau Page 70 70 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Southern accounts report the capture of the officers and crew of the schooner Anna Taylor, for the safety of which Captain Eagle had fears, the vessel having been wrecked at some point on the Gulf coast. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WEI~LEs. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Flag- Officer ilfcKean, U S. Navy, to captain craven, u. S. Navy, commanding U. 5. S. Brooklyn, to proceed to duty on the llockade off iJIobile. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, January 23, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. sloop Brooklyn under your com- mand to Mobile and relieve Captain L. M. Powell, commanding the frigate Potomac, in the blockade of that place. You will enforce a rigid blockade, in which service you will be aided by Commander C. Price, in the steamer huntsville, and Lieutenant Commanding Winslow, in the steamer cugler. The Huntsville you will station at the western passage and the cuyler at the eastern. During the day the cuyler should occasionally run down the coast to the eastward, as I have information that the rebels will endeavor to land cargoes by running vessels on the beach. You will receive from the Potomac a 30-pounder Parrott rifle, with equipments and ammunition, which you may retain until further orders. 1 transmit herewith a communication for Captain Powell, also a num- ber of circulars, etc., to which I call your particular attention. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain T. T. CRAVEN, commanding U S. Steam Sloop Brooklyn, Skip Island. P. S.The steamer ilifiramon, which ran the blockade at Mobile a short time since, is now loading at Havana, and will probably endeavor to return to Mobile. Report of Flag- Ofticer JifcKean, U S. Navy, transmitting receipts for captured vessels and thesr cargoes. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, January 23, 1862. SIR: 1 have the honor to transmit herewith the receipts * of Captain Butler (quartermaster) for the steamers henry Lewis and Anna, and the schooners Olive and captain Spedden, and the lumber which con- stituted the cargoes of the schooners. I also transmit the report * of survey on the prize schooners Gipsey and captain Spedden, and the cargo of the latter vessel. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, comn~anding Gulf Blockading Squadron. liOn. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. c. * Not necessary to publish Page 71 GuLF BLOCKADING SQIJADI~ON. Stattons of vessels composing the Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, January ~3, 186$!?. 71 Name. Wanderer Tahoma Ethan Allen Mohawk Sagamore Marion M. A. Wood Mississippi Brooklyn Huntsville .~ R. H. Cuyler Wissahickon Niagara Massachusetts New London Water Witch South Carolina Itasca Mercedita Winona Vincennes Preble Colorado Samuel Rotan Dc Soto Montgomery Sciota Hatteras Santee Rachel Seaman Kingfisher Station. Key West do Tampa Bay St. Marks Apalachicola do East Pass, Santa Rosa Island Fort Pickens Mobile do do Petit Bois and Horn Island passes. Ship Island Mississippi Sound do do Ship Island do Pass a lOutre do North East Pass South Pass South West Pass do Barataria Bay Atchafalaya Ship Island Galveston .do Kittatinny Midnight Arthur Portsmouth Potomac Chamhers Remarks. Repairing. Blockading. Repairing. Do. Repairing. Will be off Berwick to.morrow. Cruising between the mouths of Mis. sissippi and Yucatan Bank. Cruising between Ship Island Shoal and Sabine Pass. Cruising between Galveston and Mat- agorda. Cruising between Matagorda and Corpus Christi. Cruising between Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande. Dispatched to Vera Cruz. Just arrived; will be dispatched to cruise between Tortugas and Apa- lachicola. Order qf Flag- Ol/Icer JJfcKean, liT. S. Navy, to Commander Emmons, TI. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Hatteras, to relieve Lieutenant Jouett, TI S. Navy, in command of the blockade of Berwick Bay. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, January 9?3, 1869?. SIR: You will proceed in the steamer Hatteras under your command to Berwick Bay and relieve Lieutenant Commandlng James IL Jouett, commanding U. S. S. 3ilontgomery, in the blockade at that place. Lieutenant Jonett has a chart of the bay which he will transfer to you. It is believed that the light draft of the vessel under your command will enable you to enter the Berwick channel, and thus make an effectual blockade. I have information that the channel has been marked out by driving piles; if so, it is very important that they should be sawed off a little below the surface of the water, and you will have this done if practicable. You will dispatch the .lYfontgomery, with instructions to her com- mander to report to me at this place, unless the combined force of the two vessels will enable you to operate effectively against the enemy Page 72 72 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. in which case you may detain her a few days, provided she has suffi- cient coal. I was informed some weeks since that a steamer called the Aliohile was lying in the river near Berwick in readiness for sea, with the exception of a crew; at that time she had but twenty or thirty men, none of them seamen. It may be in your power to capture her. You will report to me by the first opportunity (the llfontgomery if possible) whether a vessel can be sunk in such a manner as to close the narrow channel which is now marked out by piles. I have information that the steamer Calhoun, from Berwick, has arrived in Havana with 600 bales of cotton. She will most likely return to Berwick, probably under English colors. She is to be cap- tured wherever met with. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Plag- Ofleer, commanding Gulf Bloclcadinq Squadron. Commander GEO. F. EMMONS, Commanding U. S. S. Hatteras, Ship Island. Capture of the steamer Calhoun, or Caha, January p23, 1862. Report of Captain Bailey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Colorado. U. S. STEAM FRIGATE COLORADO, Off South West Pass, ]Jliss~s& ppi River, January 28, 1862. SIR: 1 have the honor to report the capture of the steamer Calhoun, or Cuba, from Havana, bound to New Orleans, loaded with powder, coffee, chemicals, etc. She was first seen on the morning of the 23d instant from the mast- head of this ship to the eastward, standing inshore. I immediately ordered the schooner Samuel Rotan (a tender to the vessel under my command) to go in chase. Having a strong breeze, the tender drove the steamer into shoal water in East Bay, distant about 10 miles from this anchorage, but before she could reach the steamer, the officers, crew, and passengers escaped by their boats. On boarding her, she was found on fire in two places. Tar and oil had been poured on the coal and the furnace fires raked out over the coal. By the efforts of our crew the fire was extinguished with little damage to the vessel and cargo. T. Butler King, commissioner for the so-called Confederate States of America, was a passenger in the Calhoun. I collected all his pri- vate papers found on board, which I forward to you through Flag- Officer McKean. A careful perusal of them will give you an idea of what he has been doing abroad and may prove of importance. On learning the escape of the officers, crew, and passengers of the steamer (in all about thirty persons), I dispatched the tender Rot an and steamer Calhoun up the river in search of them without avail. The steamer I have had surveyed. She is not fitted to make a winter passage north. I transferred her cargo in charge of Acting Master Tuck to the schooner Samuel Rotan, which I shall send to Flag-Officer William W. MeKean for disposition. A few arms only were found on her, although when she left Havana she had a quantity on freight. From reliable information I learn the Page 73 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 73 were thrown overboard, together with one or two hundred bags of coffee. She was formerly the flagship of the rebel navy, G. N. Hol- lins, flag-officer, commanding, and the same vessel which attacked the Richr,wnd, Vincennes, and Preble at the Head of the Passes of this river. I have already manned and armed her and, placed a lieutenant tem- porarily in charge. Being swift and of light draft, she is of great service to this ship as a tender. This again leaves the ship under my command with but one lieu- tenant and a deficiency of serviceable officers of the lower grades. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. BAILEY, Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Second report of Captain Bailey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Colorado, U. S. FRIGATE COLORADO, OJJ South Weet Pa88, Af/issiesippi River, January 30, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the rebel steamer Calhoun, otherwise called the & ~uba. She was first seen on the morning of the 23d instant, bearing E. by N., distant about 5 miles, and on her seeing this ship she stood rapidly into the shoal water of East Bay. Being unable to pursue her in shoal water with this ship, I dis- patched the schooner Samuel Rotan with an officer and reinforcement froni this ship after her, and also signaled the schooner Rachel Seaman to give chase. They found the steamer at anchor in East Bay abandoned and set op fire in two places by her crew. Acting Masters Rogers and Tuck boarded her in the Rotans boats and soon extinguished the fires with- out injury to the vessel or cargo and brought her to this anchorage. By the log book and papers found on board she proved to be the Confederate States steamer Calhoun, having cleared at New Orleans for Havana on the 2d instant with 651 bales of cotton; she had two clearances from the New Orleans custom-house of that date, one as the steamer Calhoun, McConnell, master, and another as the steamer tijuba, McConnel, master. She subsequently sailed from Havana for Kingston, Jamaica, steering N. W. by W., and was found off this Pass on the 23d instant with powder in cases, equal to 500 barrels, on board, a few rifles, and a valuable assorted cargo. The baggage of T. Butler King, commissioner from Georgia, was found on board. I have had the steamer surveyed, the report of the surveying offi- cers corroborating my own opinionthat she being a harbor and river steamer, it will be unsafe to send her north at this season of the year for adjudication. I therefore transferred her cargo to the Rotan and placed Acting Master J. W. Tuck, as prize master, to convey the same and all papers found on board to the United States district court at New York. He has orders to report to you at Ship Island for fur- ther instructions. In case you deem it expedient to reship the goods in another vessel, I request that you will order David Welsh, captain [of the] hold, an Page 74 74 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADI~ON. L. S. Vickery, ordinary seaman, of the Samuel ]~?otan, to accompany Mr. Tuck as witnesses of the capture. I have manned and armed the prize and placed a lieutenant in charge. I required of Commander Woodhull a 20-pounder Parrott gun for an efficient armament for her, which I obtained. Four rebel steamers came down the Pass to-day. One of them fired several shots, which fell within half a mile of us. We returned the same without hitting her. Had we the rifled gun and howitzer on the prize at the time of this visit, I should have sent her in chase. I am having a most vigilant lookout kept, and trust nothing will escape the blockade. Will you have the goodness to r,equest of the judge to appoint corn- missioners to appraise the steamer, machinery, and appurtenances for the benefit of whom it may concern, she having been taken into the service of the United States Government, for which disposition I request authority from you? I i~m, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. BAILEY, Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Gaptain. (~ornmanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Captain Bailey, U. S. Navy, transmitting copy of letter from the acting British consul at New Orleans. U. S. STEAM FRIGATE COLORADO, Off Soutk West Pass, ilfississippi River, February 13, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter received from George Coppell, who signs himself as acting British consul at New Orleans, with my answer* to the same. The two persons mentioned were passengers in the rebel steamer tiJal,4oun, which was laden in part with powder, arms, ball cartridges, percussion caps, bar steel, quick- sllver, etc. The crew and passengers of said vessel, on the approach of our ten- der, the Samuel Rotan, deliberately set fire to and abandoned her including their personal effects, with the hope of destrovin~ the same. They therefore can not legally make reclamation. W. F. Scott, men- tioned in the acting consuls note as a British subject, informed me that he had done business in New Orleans for nine years, and was a British subject. He came with a flag of truce to ask for his own and wifes baggage, which he was allowed to take, and left with several large trunks and two valises. He claimed and was allowed to take some private cigars wblch he described as marked S . After he left Ilearnedthatthecargowasnearlyallmarked~andthathewas either the agent or owner of the vessel and cargo. On his way up the river he stopped at Pilot Town and leftword with the people that if they supplied the Yankees with oysters, We will hang you. The lady mentioned is the wife of an American shipmaster, who, I presume, is acting with the rebels. I have sent all the personal effects which I could find to the court of admiralty for adjudication. *Omitted as not necessary to publish Page 75 GULF I3LOCICADING SQtTADRO~. 75 The trunks were all found broken open, but whether by the crew and passengers of the rebel vessel or by the party from the Rotan that put the fire out I have not been able to ascertain. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, T. BAILEY, Captain. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, (~ommanding U. S. Gu~f Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure.] BRITIsH CONSULATE, New Orleans, Febraary 1, 1862. SIR: I have been applied to by two British subjects, Mr. W. F. Scott and Mrs. Catherine Chandler, who were passengers on board the steamer (ulia, or (Jalkoun, from Havana, and which vessel was aban- doned some four days ago when in the vicinity of the blockading squad- ron, to use my endeavors in their behalf for the object of obtaining their private and personal effects which they had with them on board the steamer, but which will now be in possession of the captors of the vessel. For this purpose I have appointed Mr. Frederick Eastman, a British subject, who will have the honor to hand you this communication, to proceed under a flag of truce to the U. S. blockading squadron in the hope that with your cooperation the private property, which is speci- fied on two lists in Mr. Eastmans possession, may be handed to the owners. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient humble servant, GEORGE COPPELL, Her Britannic iJfajestys Acting Consul. CQmmodore BAILEY, Flag- Ojjicer U. S. Naval Force, Blockading iVfississippi River. Report of Major-General Lovell, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 1, New Orleans, La., January 28, 1862. * * * * * * * The steamer Calhoun, on her way here from Havana, with 50,000 pounds of powder, 400 bags of coffee, etc., was abandoned last week near the mouth of the river most unnecessarily and timidly, and fell into the hands of the enemy. She will prove a great pest on the coast, as she is very fast and of light draft. Her crew tried to set her on fire, but in their fright and haste they failed to do so effectively. It was an unfortunate piece of business. * * * * * * * Respectfully, your obedient servant, M. LOVELL, iJifaj or- General, Conunanding. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War Page 76 76 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Burning of schooner Julia and a 6arle at mouth of M~ssi~ssq~p~ Rsver, January 9?4, 1869?. Report of Commander Steliwagen, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mercedita. U. S. S. MERCEDITA, Pass & 1 Outre, January 9?7, 1869?. Siu: 1 have to report that on the morning of the 24th instant two vessels attempted to run the blockade, and both got aground and were set on fire and burned, with valuable cargoes of cotton. On the 23d and during the night it blew a heavy norther and we, being close inshore, were lying with two anchors down, with 52 fath- oms and 15 fathoms chain, respectively. At 3:25 a. m. discovered a fire, which soon presented the appearance of a vessel burning. At 4 commenced bearing up, and at 4:50 a. m. stood toward the light. About 6 spoke the Vincennes. She had just sent in a boat to the vessel, which we could perceive to be a bark, burning furiously at the mouth of South East Pass. Stood abreast of it until in 3j fathoms, and sent in two armed boats to reconnoiter. A large steamer appeared in the Pass. Recalled the boats at 8:30, which reported the vessel a bark, apparently about 400 tons, loaded with cotton. Her stern was burned so her name could not be made out, and only the final letters ans of her place of registry (evidently iNew Orleans). Her masts fell about 7:30 and nothing of account could be saved from her, and as the steamer did not come within reach, but turned and ran up the river, I hoisted in boats and stood for a schooner near the South Pass, apparently with a towboat alongside. Shortly after- wards saw towboat going up the Pass and the schooner on fire and aground. Ran down and spoke the Pre6le, which ship had started for the fire, thinking it was the Vincennes, but on making out the schooner and seeing us running for the spot she stood back for the schooner. This latter vessel proved to be the schooner Julia, of New Orleans, also loaded with cotton. She was soon enveloped with flames and burned rapidly. Took the Preble in tow and assisted her to recoVer her slipped chain, and at 2:30 stood back for our station. Communicated with Vineennes and ascertained that Lieutenant Commanding Marcy had been severely wounded in his launch by the breaking of pivot bolt of the boat gun, which, in recoiling, had broken his leg. Took Dr. Mason on board, who assisted in dressing his wounds. I should judge the bark had from 1,200 to 1,500 bales and the schooner 600 to 800 of fine cotton which, at quotation price, 40 cents (at Boston), would have been worth about ~400,000. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. S. STELLWAGEN, Flag-Officer W. W. MUKEAN (i/ommc(nder. Gommanding Gulf Squadron Page 77 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 77 Report of Commander French, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Preble. U. S. SHIP PREBLE, Off South Pass, Mississippi River, January p25, 1869?. Suv I have to report that at or about 8 p. m. last evening a light, as of a vessel underway, was seen from this ship bearing E. N. E., which very soon disappeared. About 9:30 a light was discovered at the point on the western entrance to the Pass, off which we are stationed, which also very soon disappeared and nothing more was seen of it. At 3:30 a. m. a very bright and brilliant light appeared almost instantaneously, bear- ing N. E. by N. ~the bearings of the T7ncennes from this ship. The lookout aloft, as well as a quartermaster sent up with a glass, reported it looked like a ship on lire, and they could distinctly see the lire com- ing out of the ports. I at once commenced heaving in my cable, it being the fag end of a norther, during which I had been laying with two anchors ahead, 95 fathoms on one and 45 on the other, and at length becoming convinced it must be the I7incennes on lire, with the hope of being able to render her assistance and finding I should be very much delayed by waiting to heave up my anchor, a free wind there and back again (the distance 11 miles), I slipped my chain at 40 fathoms and made sail toward her, keeping a very bright lookout for any boats or drift articles from the ship. At early daylight a fore-and- aft schooner was discovered ashore inside the bar at South Pass, hav- ing evidently attempted to cross the bar and run the blockade. At that time, being sufficiently near to see the burning vessel and that it was not the Vincennes, I immediately tacked and stood back again for the schooner. The lire which I had supposed the I7ncennes proved to be a vessel, cotton loaded, which had grounded while attempting to run the blockade at South East Pass and was set on fire by her crew and abandoned. I soon got near enough to arm and man two cutters from this ship and dispatch them to the schooner, then evidently on fire. A rebel steamer being seen rapidly coming down the river and reported by the lookout aloft as being about 4 miles distant from our boats, 1 made signal recalling them, and fired guns for that purpose. After some time had elapsed, and during which time I felt exceedingly anxious, fearing they would be cut off by the steamer, they at length shoved off from the schooner and returned to the ship. The guns were heard on board the lifercedita, which was lying near the T7incennes, when she steamed down for us, and, it being then calm, took us in tow to our former anchorage, where I picked up and secured my chain. The schooner proved to be the Jidia, where from unknown, as the place of ownership was not on her stern, but undoubtedly from New Orleans. She was apparently about 130 tons, loaded with cotton, and was then thumping on the bottom. She had been set on fire forward and aft by her crew and then abandoned. Her masts having been burned off and fallen overboard, and the vessel being thoroughly fired, I deemed it useless to make any further efforts to save anything from her, in which opinion Commander Stellwagen, of the 9liLercedita, unhesitatingly coincided. The vessel is now thoroughly burned to the waters edge, and her remains are grounded inside the bar. After dark, the wind being favorable, I thought I could equally well command both the South and South East passes by changing my position a short distance to the eastward. I got underway and changed my position t Page 78 78 GUL1~ BLOCKADING SQUADRON. where I am now anchored. The anchorage about this Pass is an uncer- tain one, being very uneven and lumpy. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, H. FRENCH, Commander. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron, U. S. S. Niagara. Report of Acting Lieutenant Brodhead, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Vincennes. U. S. SHIP VINCENNES, South East Pass, 2Jfississ~ppi River, Jai~uary 29, 1862. SIR: I have to inform you that Lieutenant Samuel Marcy, com- manding this ship, was, on the 24th instant very dangerously injured under the following circumstances: A barkentine, attempting to run out of the South East Pass on the night of the 23d instant, got on shore on the bar, and was abandoned and burned. The next morning Cap- tain Marcy sent the launch, armed with a 12-pounder howitzer, to the wreck, going himself in his gig. Reaching the wreck, he ordered the launch to fire shrapnel into her. After a couple of discharges he got into the launch and sighted and fired the howitzer himself two or three times. At the last discharge the bolt securing the pivot clamp to the bows of the launch drew out, in consequence of being insufficiently riveted at the navy yard, and the howitzer, with its bed and slide, recoiled with much force upon Captain Marcy, breaking his right leg above and below the knee. I enclose the report of Surgeon Wales respecting his wounds. Dr. Wales was fortunately with him when the accident occurred. After communicating with Commander Stellwagen, of the illierce- dita, who came on board and saw Captain Marcy, and deeming it my duty to inform you of the occurrence as soon as possible, I dispatched our first cutter to the South West Pass with the letter to Captain Bailey, which he han forwarded to you by the Santiago de (tuba. Captain Marcy, before he became unconscious, ordered me to consult our coast pilot, Henry 0. Stone, acting master, and anchor this ship off the South East Pass, which I did on the 25th instant. I yesterday had the channel sounded and found 8 feet of water on the bar, the channel being about 100 feet wide. It could very easily be blocked by sinking a hulk in it. As soon as the wind and tide serve I shall be able, 1 think, to anchor the ship so as to command the channel still more effectually than we now do. We have on board 8,200 gallons of water, sufficient for fifty-five days, and firewood sufficient for four weeks, having secured two of the masts of the wreck and cut them up. We also secured her foretopsail and gaff topsail, besides some blocks. I deem it my duty to inform you that lain on the sick list with chronic disorders which unfit me for active duty, and I am conse- quently anxious that some one may be appointed to the command of the ship as soon as possible. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDGAR BRODHEAD, Acting Lieutenant, Commanding pro tern. Flag-Officer Wi~i. W. MCKEAN, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Niagara, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 79 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 79 [Enclosure.] U. S. S. VINCENNES, January 30, 186:2. SIR: On the 24th January, instant, Lieutenant Commanding Samuel Marcy was seriously injured while firing a 12-pounder howitzer. The right leg below the knee was badly fractured and contused, the knee joint implicated, and thigh broken about the junction of its middle with the lower third, beside being very much bruised. The nervous shock was very great, and on the second night he became unconscious, in which state he continued, notwithstanding the utmost exertions were made to arouse him from his nervous depression, until the night of the 29th instant, when he expired. Very respectfully, etc., PHILIP S. WALES, Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Acting Lieutenant Commanding EDGAR BRODHEAD. Report of Lieutenant Trathen, U. S. Navy, regarding the bombard- ment of Confederate batteries at Pass (Javaild and Ifelasco by U. S. vessels Midnight and Rachel Seaman. U. S. GUNBOAT MIDNIGHT, Galveston Roads, January 4, 1869?. SIR: In compliance with your instructions , dated the 6th instant, I sailed from Galveston Roads the same evening, having in company and under my orders the U. S. schooner gunboat Rachel Seaman. We proceeded along the coast of Texas. The next morning the weather became thick and hazy and continued unpropitious for carry- ing out your instructions to attack some of the batteries on the coast, and particularly the one at Pass Cavallo, which had fired on the 21/id- night on a former occasion, the object being to Torce the enemy to expend his ammunition. In pursuance of your orders, on the 11th instant, I stood in for the land, the Rachel Seaman being in com- pany, and at 9:30 a. m. saw the light-house at Pass Cavallo bearing IN. by E. Stood in until we were in 2A fathoms water. We could then see a battery of four heavy guns near the base of the light-house, surrounded by a large military force. At 10 a. m. J made the signal for the Rachel Seaman to commence firing, which was promptly replied to, and with good effect. I also opened fire immediately from this ship with shell with 10-second and 15-second fuzes. The soldiers on shore seemed to retire a little from the batteries, but did not fire a shot in return. After about thirty minutes practice, with what effect I can not say, I made signal to cease firing, and both vessels hauled offshore. During the whole of the morning the wind was south, with a heavy surf on the beach. On the 18th instant, the Rachel Seaman being still in company, we stood in toward the town of Velasco. At 10:30 a. m. we were in 2~ fathoms water, the entrance of the river bearing N. N. W. Two batteries, about 1,700 yards distant, opened fire on us with round shot, to which both vessels promptly replied with shell, several of which were seen to explode immediately over the batteries. The nearest of the enemys shot, evidently from a rifled gun, fell about 6 yards from the Rachel Seamans port quarter, throwing the spray on board that vessel. The nearest shot aimed at the 21fiidni~h Page 80 80 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. fell short about 20 yards. After about thirty minutes practice we hauled offshore. One object had been gained in this instance, mak- ing the enemy expend his ammunition. The two 32-pounders of 67 cwt., loaned to this ship by your order from the U. S. ship Santee, and the 20-pounder Parrott rifled gun put on board off Fort Pickens by order of the flag-officer, were the only guns I had that reached the enemys batteries. The four 32-pounders of 42 cwt., put on board at New York, fell far short at the highest elevation. The enemys works at Pass Cavallo, I think, is a sand battery of four long 32- pounders. The batteries at Velasco have heavy guns, with one or more rifled. I trust you will see I have tried to carry out fully your instructions. Sir~ I remain, your obedient servant, JAMES TRATHEN, Captain HENRY EAGLE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commanding U. S. Frigate Santee, Galveston Roads, Texas. capture by the U S. hark Arthur of the schooner ~L J AfeNeil, off .Pass (avallo, January 25, 1862. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Kittredge, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Arthur. U. S. BARK ARTHUR, Off Pass Cavallo Bar, Texas, January 26, 1862. SIR: I would respectfully report to you that, in accordance with your orders, I proceeded to the South West Pass of the Mississippi River and proceeded to take in water and fill all our casks, amounting or making a little over 7,000 gallons water in all on board. I was under the necessity of procuring it by sending my boats in over the bar, and, owing to the dense fog, I was detained longer than I expected. I arrived off Matagorda Island yesterday morning, January 25, and proceeded to run down along the land, and when about 17 miles to the northward of Pass Cavallo Bar discovered a schooner standing inshore upon a wind. I immediately called crew to quarters, manned and lowered first and second cutters, under charge of Acting Master E. J. Jones and Acting Masters Mate T. N. Meyer, respectively, with orders to cut her off from the shore, board, and examine her, and as there appeared to be an intention on the part of those on board the schooner to run her ashore, I fired a shot which ricochetted and passed between his main and fore mast through his foresail, which caused her to imme- diately run up the so-called Confederate flag and heave to. Mr. Jones immediately boarded her, and finding her bound from Vera Cruz to Indianola, loaded with coffee and tobacco, and endeavoring to run the blockade, immediately took possession of her as a prize. This will be handed you by Mr. Meyer, acting masters mate, in charge of the schooner as prize master. The schooner being unfit to send directly to New York on account of the poorness of her canvas, I send her to Ship Island to receive your orders, and I have furnished him with letters of instructions in case he is sent on to New York with either vessel or cargo, and have sealed up the schooners papers, with invoice of cargo, letters, etc., and handed them over to him; there was not any log book on board. Th Page 81 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 81 person named in the schooners papers as captain is part owner, and transferred the charge or command of the schooner to Alfred Coffin, who was in charge of her when captured; this transfer took place in Vera Cruz. Mr. Hopper, part owner, former captain, is not a seafar- ing man; he has his wife with him, who is an invalid, and so ill that I have thought it an act of humanity to transfer her from the schooner to this ship to be forwarded by the~ Connecticut to Ship Island, and as she requires the constant care of her husband, I have also taken him on board to be forwarded. A judge, Martin Talbot, part owner of the cargo, also found on board, I have taken on board to be forwarded by the (Jonnecticut, and George Stow and Jerome Michalena, part of the crew; these I have taken out of the schooner to weaken her crew and prevent recapture. I could use the schooner here to good advan- tage in entering the small passes and capturing the small craft con- stantly plying in the bays which extend from Brazos Santiago nearly to the Brazos River, a short distance to the southward of Galveston. Will you please furnish me instructions in regard to passengers in vessels captured; also in regard to that portion of the crew taken out of them? Trusting that what I have done may meet your approbation, I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. KITTREDGE, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Commodore WM. W. MCKEAN, Flagsk~p Niagara. Instructions from Flag-Officer NcKean, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Kittredge, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of captured persons. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Off Galveston, February 10, 18692. SIR: Your communication of the 26th ultimo has been received. Mr. Hopper you may parole, and land him and his wife under a flag of truce at such place as they may prefer within the limits of your cruising ground. Their baggage you will allow them to take with them, after having inspected it carefully and removed all letters or papers of importance, which you will forward to me. Judge Talbot and the other prisoners you will forward to New York by the next supply steamer, requesting her commander to place them in charge of the U. S. marshal, and making to him, and also to the marshal, a written communication, stating when and where captured, and any other par- ticulars you may consider of importance. In regard to passengers in captured vessels, if neutrals, they may be landed under a flag of truce (after carefully examining both their persons and baggage to insure that no dispatches or other papers of importance are thus conveyed to the enemy), unless they have an interest in the cargo, in which case they must be retained as witnesses. All others will be sent to the North as prisoners of war. * * * * * * * Your instructions of the 16th ultimo are so far modified that you will give your attention more particularly to the blockade of Corpus NwRVOL1I Page 82 82 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Christi and Aransas passes, and about the 18th of each month will anchor off the Aransas Pass, as close in as you can with safety, and will remain there until you have communicated with the supply steamer. The Connecticut, owing to fogs and bad weather, was unable to get down the coast to supply you with fresh provisions. I send by the Houston your mail, in which you will find a package for the commander of the sloop of war Portsmouth, which vessel is now cruising between Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande, close into the laud. You will be pleased to deliver it as soon as practicable, after which you will return immediately to your station. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. ~ MOKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding J. W. KITTUEDGE, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Arthur, off Coast of Texas. Order of Flag-Officer NoKean, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Trenchard, U. S. Navy, command ing U. S. S. Rhode Island, for the transportation of prisoners and prize crew. U.S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, February 9?4, 18692. SIR: You will be pleased to receive on board the U. S. S. Rhode Island, under your command, the cargo and also the captain and two of the crew of the prize schooner J. J. JIcNeil, and upon your arrival at a Northern port will place it and them at the disposal of the judge of the U. S. district court or the U. S. prize commissioners. You will also receive on board the prize officer and crew in charge of the iVfcNeil, the officer for a passage to the North, to accompany the prize cargo, the men to be returned to the U. S.. bark Arthur, to which ves- sel they belong. Should there be any prisoners of war on board the Arthur, you will receive them on board your vessel, and upon your return to the North will place them in charge of the U. S. marshal. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, tjommanding Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding S. D. TRENCHARD, Commanding CL S. S. Rhode Island. Report of Captain Powell, CL S. Navy, commanding CL S. frigate Potomac, transmitting report regarding the destruction of an unknown schooner off Fort lYliorgan. U. S. FRIGATE POTOMAC, Off Afobile Bar, January 925, 1869?. COMMODORE: I enclose a report made by Commander Cicero Price, ~f the Huntsville, of his causing the destruction of an unknown schooner lying aground a mile or more south of Fort Morgan on the morning of the 23d instant Page 83 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 83 This vessel had evidently tried to get out during the heavy norther which prevailed and missed the eastern Swash Channel. She was loaded with cotton and probably naval stores also. The charred remains of the first came floating out during the day. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, L. M. POWELL, Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Captain. iL S. S. Niar,ara. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. HUNTSVILLE, Off ililobile, January ~3, 18W2. SIR: I have to inforn~ you that after firing a couple of shells at the schooner on the tar inside the Swash Channel the crew set fire to her and left in a boat for Fort Morgan. I was about returning for your boats, but, seeing her on fire, found that we were saved the trouble by themselves. I judge she was loaded with cotton and naval stores from the char- acter of the conflagration. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, CICERO PRICE, Commander. Captain LEVIN M. POWELL, Senior Officer Present. Report of Captain Eagle, iL S. Navy, commanding U S. frigate Santee, referring to measures for occupying Galveston Island. U. S. FRIGATE SANTEE, Off Galveston Bar, Texas, January 26, 18694?. SIR: For several weeks past the weather has been very thick and hazy and we have been unable to distinguish objects on shore. The atmosphere yesterday and this morning being clear, we notice that the troops on shore are apparently adding to and strengthening their batteries. In my judgment it is not expedient to notify the military com- mandant to cease strengthening his works. He might comply with the demand and still continue strengthening his position without my knowledge. When it is desirable to take possession of the island, I think it can be accomplished by landing troops at a place about 15 miles to the southward and westward of the town, ,where there is a little indentation in the coast, and the water is perfectly smooth at times when the wind is offshore. Steam gunboats of light draft of water could i~un in within three- quarters of a mile of the shore, and, cooperating with this ship, could cover the landing of troops and could run in past Bolivar Point and cut off all supplies from the interior and soon starve the rebels out. I herewith respectfully enclose the report * of Lieutenant Com- manding Trathen of his trip to the southward and westward in the execution of my orders of the 6th instant. *See p. 79 Page 84 84 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. He informs me that two or three gunboats of light draft could go in the Pass Cavallo toward Matagorda and capture or destroy a number of steamboats, and, to a great extent, stop the internal trade between Point Isabel and Galveston. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY EAGLE, Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Captain. Commanding Gu~f Blockading Squadron. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 25, 1862. The huron was ordered to the Gulf Squadron November 26. Dupli- cate orders by mail to-day. Do not let her be detained for them. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Captain WM. L. HUDsoN, Commandant Navy Yard, Boston. Extract from report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Eaton, CL S. Navy, regarding the capture of schooner Olive Branch, January 21, and sloop iWary Nevis, January 25, 1862. U. S. BARK ETHAN ALLEN, Tampa Bay, January 18, 1862. SIR: On the 14th instant the steamer Florida came off this port for the purpose of delivering me a description of the Gladiator. She grounded on the shoal outside which makes out from Egmont Key for a distance of 3 miles or more and remained on shore for ten hours. I rendered hiTh all the assistance in my power, sending all my boats out to him, and afterwards, at his request, got underway and pro- ceeded out to within a mile of where he was and took on board a quan- tity of his shot. The next day he towed me into my former position in the bay, and sailed soon after for Cedar Keys. The Kingfisher arrived here yesterday, the 11th instant, with a rifled gun for me, which is indeed very acceptable. She intends remaining here for wood and water. I notice that he is supplied with the navy code of signals similar to those which were taken from me at the South West Pass. January 21. IL have just taken the schooner Olive Branch, of and froui Cedar Keys, bound for Nassau, New Providence, with a Con- federate register, flag, etc. His cargo consists of 160 barrels spirits turpentine, and, with the vessel, will be valued at about $11,000. From the captain I have obtained the following information: The schooners Fanny, Stag, and Anna Smith were loaded with spirits tur- pentine and ready to sail. The Stag is a vessel of 200 tons and carries 600 barrels. There are five fishing smacks still at Cedar Keys, two of which are schooners and three sloops. The battery on Sea H.orse Key consists of two guns; the garrison was removed thence some time since to Fernandina, but a portion of it has since returned. I learn also that the expedition, of which you notified me by the Kingfisher a Page 85 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 85 fitting out at Cedar Keys and Tampa, is not in a forward state of com- pletion, and it is very doubtful if it is to amount to anything at all. The supercargo and three men belonging to the schooner escaped on shore as soon as he saw our boats coming and took away with him all letters. The captain of the schooner informs me that on the day I took him he was chased for several hours by a brigantine, which went about the moment he sighted land. I was not aware that there was a United States vessel in the Gulf answering that description, and think she must have been a rebel armed vessel. The captain represents her to have been of about 160 to 180 tons, but says she was not near enough to him to give a particular description of her. The Fashion, which I took off here, was daily expected back at Cedar Keys, and this proves that he was not bound to Key West, as he stated. In connection with the Kin qfisher I sent an armed expedition to the town of Manatee to capture any vessels there might be at that place and to reconnoiter the position of the fort or battery said to be there. I had understood that this town was the rendezvous of the coast guard which was fitting out, and was desirous of breaking it up by taking away from them the material for carrying on such an enterprise. They succeeded in capturing only one vessel, the ililiary Nevis, a sloop of 12 or 15 tons, the mail and passenger boat between Tampa and Man- atee; and being fast and of good capacity, I intend to retain her for a dispatch and wooding boat. The captain and owner of her ran ashore and made his escape with the mail. The expedition then landed at Manatee, but found no one there but the usual inhabitants. Felruary 12.The steamer connecticut arrived here the 9th instant, and sailed immediately after supplying me with fresh provisions. I have to acknowledge the receipt by her of your favor covering circu- lars, etc. Mr. J. E. Whithurst came off to this ship on the 6th instant, claim- ing protection from the Government, and stating that he was in fear for his life from the secessionists at Tampa, for the reason that he refused to join the Army and had expressed his intention of lighting for no flag but the one he was brought up and had always lived under. His statement is very interesting and is to the following effect: He resides some 8 or 10 miles from Old Tampa on the shores of the bay. Some thirty-eight of his neighbors and friends who reside within a circuit of 6 miles around him are Union men, and have positively refused to render any aid to the secession cause, for which reason they have suffered every possible persecution and have lost much of their property. He has taken much pains when at Tampa to ascertain everything that would, in his opinion, be of any value or service to me. Accord- ing to his statement, there are two 12-pounders and two 6-pounders mounted in battery there, and a force of 200 or 300 men. He knows just where to lay his hands upon the lanterns, machinery, and 500 gal- lons oil, which were taken there from the light-house. The shipping lies about 1 mil& above the town, and consists of seven or eight schooners and sloops and one steamer. It would be a very easy matter to capture the town of Tampa, destroy their battery, and retake the Key West fishing vessels, as well as the material belonging to the light-house. The greatest hardship prevails there, and the troops are very cowardly, running at the slightest provocation, and al Page 86 GULF I3LOCKADING SQUADRON. of them are so tli uf~lihA(a4~rmed at the taking of Cedar Keys that the appearance of a~x-~t4~Si~off there would be followed by the entire desertion of the town. A vessel drawing 12 feet of water can lay up quite close to the town. I should be very glad if you would take into consideration the above facts, as it would occupy but a short time with a steamer of moderate draft to tow me up into position, which would not be so easy of accomplishment without. But in case it is not con- venient to spare a steamer to assist me, I would be very glad of per- mission to do the best I could myself, and have no doubt I could effect considerable. Provisions of all kinds are scarce and high in Tampa and throughout Florida, and large numbers of the people are beginning to become disgusted with so hopeless a struggle. I should have said that Mr. Whithurst gave me some very-timely information in regard to a trap that they intended at Tampa to lay for my boats by means of a sloop and several boats. F~hruary 13.I yesterday dispatched a boat with an officer and ten men to the dwelling of a Mr. Girard, who lives on the seashore outside of the bay, and at a distance by land of 8 miles from the house of Mr. Whithurst. This man is the former pilot at this place and has resided here for some twenty-five years and ran a steamer from here to Indian River and Key West in the Indian War, so that he has an intimate knowledge of all the channels and of the whole bay, and states that he can take this ship with ease within d miles of the town, which he readily volun- teered to do at any time that I should send for him. * * * * * * * Acting Master George W. Frost, who was the officer I sent in charge of the boat, witnessed himself the utter destitution which prevails among the people in the country. * * * * * * * I should have mentioned that the schooner Olive Branch was sent to Key W est for adjudication for the reason that she was very deeply loaded, and it would have been only wasting life to have attempted to send her north. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. EATON, Acting I~olunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer W. W. MCKEAN, Commanding Gulf Squadron. Report of Captain Eagle, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. ship Santee, regarding the capture of the Oonfederat.e schooner Caronne and the loss of the schooner Anna Taylor. U. S. FRIGATE SANTEE, Off Galveston Bar, Texas, January 27, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to inform you that on the 30th of December, 1861, the boats of this ship captured the 14-ton rebel schooner Garor~ne while endeavoring to run into a port to the southward of us and after a chase of 5 or .6 miles. Her papers are made out in the name of the rebel States, and a rebel ensign was found on board of her. As the vessel was small and in bad condition I had her stripped, and shall use her as a lighter Page 87 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 87 I enclose a copy of instructions given the prize master, who proceeds to New York in charge of the tobacco. As this ship is short of officers, I have selected an intelligent and trustworthy ordinary sea- man, named Marshall Harper, as prize master, to take charge of the papers of the vessel and deliver them to the judge of the district court for the southern district of New York. I respectfully request that he may afterwards return to this ship. The master and three men composing the crew will be sent to New York as prisoners. I here- with enclose a report of the survey and appraisal of the schooner. I also inform you that a schooner of about 6 tons burden, a tender to this ship, employed as a water boat and called the Anna Taylor, was wrecked on the coast of Louisiana while on her way to South West Pass, Mississippi River. She left this ship the 18th of November, and my first knowledge of her loss was obtained from the prisoners taken on board the rebel schooner Garonne. They inform me that Mr. A. 0. Child, the acting masters mate in charge, and 7 men composing the crew, are prisoners in New Orleans. Their names will be retained on the books of this ship until further orders. The following are the names of the crew: Henry Mayo, quartermaster; James Glenn, sea- man, James Douglas, first, seaman; Charles W. Benson, ordinary sea- man; Robert W. Lothman, ordinary seaman; George G. Clancey, ordi- nary seaman, Henry J. Ostrom, ordinary seaman. Enclosed are bimensal returns of punishments on board this ship up to December 31, 1861. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, HENRY EAGLE, Gaptai~n. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Tha8hington, D. ti. Order of Flag- Officer ilfcliTean, U. S. Kavy, to Lieutenant jJfcDerm~ut, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. ship Preble in South Pass, Jibssi~ssippi River. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA Ship Island, January 27, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. S. connecticut to the SoUth Pass of the Mississippi River, and on your arrival report to Commander Henry French, commanding U. S. sloop Preble, for the purpose of relieving him in the command of that ship. You will receive from Commander French a copy of his orders, all circulars, general orders, etc., for your guidance. You will also receive from the steamer Uoni~ecticut a 20-pounder Parrott rifle, with equipments and ammunition complete, which you will have mounted upon the forecastle of the Preble as soon as practicable. * * * * -x. * * I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding D. A. MODERMUT Gomdg. U. S. Sloop Preble, off South Pass, ilfississippi River Page 88 88 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Capture of the schooner lJfajor Barbour by the boats of the U. S. S. De Soto, January 28, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. Navy, transmitting additional reports. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, South West Pass of ifississippi [River], Feb. 4, i8625:30 p. m. SIR: The prize schooner Major Barbour, whose capture I reported in my dispatch of this days date, has just arrived. I received by her a report from Commander Walker, a copy of which is herewith transmitted, also a sealed communication from Commander Walker addressed to you. The schooner will sail in a few hours for New York, to which port she is ordered for adjudication. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Qfllcer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Walker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. De Soto. U. S. S. D~ SoTo, Off isle Derni~re, February 3, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I have just dispatched to Ship Island the somewhat notorious schooner Major Barbour, seized by the boats of this vessel under my command inside of Isle Dernk~re, coast of Louisiana, for violating the rules of the blockade established and proclaimed by the Government of the United States. The Afiajor Barbour has a valuable cargo, comprising 8 barrels and 198 cases gunpowder, niter, sulphur, percussion caps, etc. I am, sir, hastily, but very truly, your obedient servant, W. M. WALKER, Hon. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, (~ommander, U S. Navy. Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Master Martine, U. S. Navy, commanding boat expedition. U. S. S. DE SoTo, Off (~aillou Island, January 30, 1862. SIR: I have to report that in obedience to your orders of the 19th instant I proceeded with the boats under my command to the vicinity of Raccoon Point to endeavor to intercept any vessel of the Havana fleet that might attempt to run the blockade at that place. On the 23d, having been under the necessity of starting all our water, we ran to the eastward to take the supplies which, to meet such contingency, you had placed on Caillou Island. On landing there we met with an armed party, consisting of 13 men in three boats, suc- ceeded in making them prisoners, released them on parole, retaining their arms. I was induced to do so owing to the limited space in m Page 89 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 89 boats, having hardly accommodations for my own men, and my pro- visions being reduced to five days rations; furthermore, it appeared to me that the retention of these men was of very little moment, com- pared with the capture of any of the vessels hourly expected. The following is a list of the names of the prisoners: Charles Despit, H. Viale, John Harlan, William A. Quick, Francis E. Robertson, Clod- vines Thibadoux, P. A. Bufford, ilippolite Chanvin, Victor Millor, L. F. Anderson, Marcellan Picon, Henri Beflinger, and J. C. Cou- deaux. We next returned to the west end of the isle Derni~re, and on the 28th instant, whih~lying at anchor inside of Raccoon Point, at 1 p. in., made a schooner to the northwest; remained concealed under the point until we bad her safe inside of Oyster Bayou Bar, where, with the lugger in company, made all sail after her; she having grounded on Grand Caillou Bar, boarded her, the lugger, Acting Master Ward, on the port side, and the sloop on the starboard; took possession of the schooner, which proved to be the somewhat famous iWiajor Barbour, from Havana, with an assorted cargo, including gun- powder, sulphur, nitrate of soda, percussion caps, lead, and other con- traband of war, as a prize to the boats of the U. S. S. De Soto;. immediately proceeded to get her off, the tide rising all the time. After shifting some cargo and throwing some few sacks of salt over- board, at 5 p. in., the schooner floated; proceeded with the sioop and lugger in tow to pass outside of Raccoon Shoal. Next morning at daylight, Raccoon Point bearing N., distant 8 miles, saw a schooner inside of us, and endeavored with the sloop and lugger to intercept her, leaving Masters Mate Starr in charge of the prize, but, it falling calm, could not reach her. At length, when within a mile of her, having no gun to reach, a fine breeze sprung up which enabled the strange sail to escape by passing over east end of Ship Island Shoal with a light breeze. We then backed to the eastward, and at 5 a. m. next morning anchored with our prize near the De Soto. In conclusion, I have to express my entire satisfaction with the con- duct of the officers and men it was my good fortune to command. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. L. MARTINE, Acting iWaster, U. S. Navy. Commander W. M. WALKER, U. S. S. Dc Soto. Report of Commander Walker, U. S. Navy, forwarding papers and pistols captured. [OFF ISLE DERNIRE, February 3, 18G3.] SIR: The package sent herewith contains papers and a case of pistols found in possession of D. Moutaner Y. Morey, a passenger on board the Miajor Barb our, who represents himself to hold a commission as vice-consul of Mexico at the port of Charleston, S. C.; also a package of military tactics, found in the possession of J. Roberts, late captamn of the schooner Major Barbour. Respectfully and hastily, XV. M. WALKER. W. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ogjlcer, Commanding Gulf Squadron Page 90 90 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Flag- Officer lhlicKean, U S. Navy, to Lieutenant lowell, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Tahoma, to enforce a rigid block- ade of Cedar Keys, F/a. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Skip Island, January 928, 18692. Sin: You will proceed in the United States gunboat under your com- mand without delay to Cedar Keys for the purpose of enforcing a rigid blockade of that place and also to prevent the reoccupation of Sea Horse Key by the rebel forces. I am informed that there is a quantity of lumber upon Sea Horse Key. As in the event of occupying the position with a military force it would be useful in the erection of barracks, you will endeavor to have it placed in a position where you can protect it with your battery. If the rebels have not already done so, you will be pleased to remove from the light-house the lens and any other valuable property that you may find there, which you will retain on board your vessel until further orders. * * * * * * * I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. 1~7~T McKEAN, Flag- Officer, Comdg. Gulf Blockadinq Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding J. C. HOWELL, Commanding U S. Steam Gunboat Jiakoma, Skip island. Report of Flag- Officer AfcKean, U S. Navy, transmitting important consular information from Havana, Cuba, regarding the movements of tiionfederate vessels. No. 15.] U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship idand, January 929, 18692. Sin: I have the honor to report that the steamer Santiago de Cuba, Commander Ridgely, has just arrived, bringing me important infor- mation from the U. S. consul at Havana. A copy of the communica- tion of Mr. Shufeldt to Commander Ridgely is herewith transmitted. As I am led to believe that the rebels contemplate making an attack upon the blockading vessels for the purpose of running out the steamers loaded with cotton, I shall dispatch the gunboat Itasca, which I hope will be ready for service to-morrow evening, to the Mississippi, and will also run down in this ship and await the return of the Gonnecttcut, after which I shall proceed down the coast to Galveston or probably to the Rio Grande. I am happy to inform you that the Confederate steamer (~tlhoan, which escaped from Berwick and reached Havana with a cargo of cot- ton, has been captured on her return trip near the South West Pass of the Mississippi, having on board a large quantity of powder. The official report of Captain Bailey I have not yet received. I transmit a copy of a report * received from Commander Stell- wagen, by which you will perceive that two Confederate vessels loaded with cotton, having grounded while attempting to run th~ blockade, *See p. 76 Page 91 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 91 were set on fire to prevent their capture by the blockading vessels and were completely destroyed. I also transmit a copy of a report * of Commander Price, in refer- ence to the burning of a Confederate schooner in Mobile Bay. I deeply regret to add that I have received intelligence that Lieu- tenant Commanding Samuel Marcy, commanding U. S. sloop 1~incennes, stationed off the North East Pass, has been seriously if not fatally injured by the recoil of a boat howitzer, which broke his right leg, both above and below the knee, shattering it very badly. I shall order Lieutenant Madigan, of the lJfississippi, to relieve Lieutenant Commanding Marcy in the command of the J7incennes. The frigate Potomac, Captain Powell, sailed for Vera Cruz on the 26th instant. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, Wi. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Oflicer, commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. P. S.Since writing the above 1 have decided to send the gunboat Itasca to Mobile and the sloop of war Brooklyn to Pass ~i lOutre. [Enclosure.] U. S. CONSULATE-GENERAL, Havana, January 2~, 18G~. SIR: The information I herewith transmit you is of sufficient importance, I think, to warrant you in conveying it at once to Flag- Officer MeKean. I can not disclose the source from which I received it, but deem it entirely reliable. NEW ORLEANS, January 18, 1869~?. There were eight steamers bound to Havana, but the Government seized all but the Tennessee. However, I think some will be released. The others were the tow- boats Whitney, Day, and Webb; steamers Atlantic, Florida, Matagorda, and America. The Day will draw about 6 feet, loaded, and the captain had an idea that upon his return he could run into St. Josephs, Fla., and cart his cargo over to Apalachicola. All of these vessels can come out of the South East Bar, where 11-feet draft can pass overt It is a very narrow channel, the latter part right between the breakers. The pilots take small boats, with lights, anchor them upon the breakers, then take the vessels out between. The Tennessee can only pass out of South West Pass or Pass A lOutre, as she will draw 16~ feet water. I think a demonstration will be made by the fleet of gunboats now ready and getting ready. The Vanderbilt went into the Sabine with her cargo, and will return from there; probably on her way here now. The Manassas went down to try her powers upon the fleet on January 1, and was aground over twelve hours. Had the fleet made any demonstration to approach her she would have been destroyed. The Confederate fleet at New Orleans are the Mcliae, 4 32-pounders, 1 9-inch shell gun; ivy, 1 rifled 30-pounder; Jackson, 2 8-inch shell; Livingston, 2 rifled 30-pounders, 4 shell guns; Mason, 5 guns forward, 3 aft; Slidell, 5 guns forward, 3 aft; Mianassas, now in dock repairing. There are a brig and two schooners lying below Fort Jackson which might be cut out. You will perceive that by sailing immediately you may be able to capture the Vanderbilt, now expected here, and give to Flag-Officer McKean such information as will prevent the exit of the other vessels mentioned through the South East Pass. I wrote this morning in reference to the Vanderbilt, but have since obtained this more recent and reliable information. *See p. 83 Page 92 92 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. If you conclude to sail, please inform Mr. Chandler that you are carrying out the intentions of this letter, but do not divulge its con- tents to anyone. I am, sir, truly, your obedient servant, R. W. SHUFELDT, Consul- General. Commander D. B. RIDGELY, Commanding Steamer Santiago de cuba. Order of Flag- Officer JfcliTean, U. S. Navy, to captain Craven, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn, to proceed to blockade Pass ~t 1 Outre in view of expected attack upon the United States fleet. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA Ship Island, January30, 1863. SIR: On~ the arrival of the gunboat Ita8ca you will proceed in the ship under your command, with all possible dispatch, to the Pass ~ lOutre, mouth of the Mississippi River, for the purpose of blockade. The gunboats iJliercedita and Winona are now there. One of them you will station to guard the South East Pass, the other to remain with you. I have reliable information that the rebels contemplate an attack upon the blockading force, for the purpose of running out six steamers now loading with cotton. They have six gunboats and a ram, mount- ing in all thirty guns. Direct Commander Price, in the huntsville, to guard the main chan- nel at Mobile. As soon as the repairs of the South carolina are completed, which I hope will be to-morrow, she will relieve the cuyler, which vessel I require here. I contemplate leaving here to-morrow for the mouth of the Mississippi. On the return of the connecticut I shall proceed to Galveston. I am, respectfully. your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain T. T. CRAVEN, Commanding U. S. Sloop Brooklyn, ojfillobile. Order of Flag- Officer ilicKean, U. S. Navy, to co~nmander Price, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Huntsville, as senior officer off JYfobile. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, January 30, 1863. SIR: As you will be the senior officer off Mobile after the departure of Captain Craven, you will guard the main channel, anchoring as close in as you possibly can with safety. The South Carolina will relieve the cuyler. You will station her to guard the western channel and the Itasca the eastern. The Aliramon is loading at Havana, and will, I have no doubt, attempt to return to Mobile. I therefore urge upon you the greatest vigilance Page 93 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 93 Direct the commander of the vessel guarding the eastern channel to run down the coast occasionally (during the day), as the plan of the rebels is to run vessels on the beach, land their cargoes, and then destroy them. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, Win. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Gu~f Blockading Squadron. Commander CICERO PRICE, Commanding CL S. S. Huntsville, off lJifobile. Letter from Flag- Officer lVlcI{ean, CL S. Navy, to Brigadier- General Phelps, U. S. Army, informing him of temporary absence from Ship Island. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Qif Ship Island, Jannary 30, 1863. SIR: I find it necessary to proceed to the mouth of the Mississippi River and shall leave this evening, probably to be absent ten days. Commander M. Smith or Lieutenant Commanding Winslow will command the naval force at this place during my absence. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, Win. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ojilcer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Brigadier-General J. W. PHELPS, Commanding llliilitary Post, Ship ]i9land. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Couthouy, U S. Navy, com- manding U S. bark Kingfisher, regarding the capture of bark Teresita, of Havana, January 30, 1863. U. S. BARK KINGFISHER, South West Pass, February 3, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on the morning of the 30th ultimo, while cruising to the north of the Yucatan Bank, we made, at 8 a. in., a sail to the S. S. W., about I leagues distant, steering to the west, the wind being fresh from S. IE., and giving chase imme- diately, came up within a mile of her at 11, when I threw a shell from our rifle across her stern. She hoisted the Spanish flag, but held on her course without shortening sail, having all studding sails set below and aloft. At the expiration of ten minutes a second shell was thrown across her bows, which exploded in the air a half mile or more beyond her, when she took in her light sails and hove to with the maintop- sail to the mast Being perfectly familiar with the Spanish language, I boarded her myself, and found her to be the bark [Leresita, of ilavana, Captain Fernando Diaz, owned in Havana, according to the captains state- ment, by Gaspar Madrazo, who is also her agent there; said by the captain to be registered in Havana; burden, 185 tons; sailed from Havana on 27th January; cleared for Matamoras. Her cargo, as appears by the manifest, consists of the following articles,* which *List of 1,100 packages of miscellaneous merchandise omitted Page 94 94 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. were shipped in Havana, as per manifest, by Rafael de Toca, and con- signed to Jos6 San Roman, at Matamoras, who is personally known to me as one of the wealthiest merchants on the Rio (irande, and as having for at least a dozen years carried on an extensive business in Brownsville, on the Texan side of the river, and having a branch of his house and a store established there, in view of which facts I can not doubt that this cargo was really destined for Texas. The captain was unable, or at least so stated, to produce any invoices, bills of lading of his cargo, or letters of advice to his con- signee. He exhibited no register or other evidence of nationality, but handed me a document under sealed envelope, addressed to parties in Matamoras, which he stated was the register of his vessel, but of which he refused positively to break the seal and enable me to verify the character of the enclosure. There were two large boilers for steam engines on deck, suitable, as it appears to me, for a small steamboat, which the captain said were a portion of the 148 packages of machinery specified in the man- ifest. Thinking it possible that the 47 boxes steel might be arms of some kind, agreeably to my instructions from Flag-Officer William W. McKean, I had a sample taken from one of them, and found it to- be of the best quality, such as comes from Triest, in bars of 2~ to 3 feet long and half an inch square, well suited for the manufacture of swords and bayonets. I had endorsed at first his muster roll and the envelope said to contain the register, warning the vessel off the whole southern coast of the United States of America, being in doubt as to how far the cargo could be regarded as contraband of war or of my right to cap- ture it if it were such, being under a neutral flag proceeding from and to a neutral port, but it having been subsequently admitted by the captain and a passenger (who is designated in a passport from the Spanish vice-consul at Matamoras as R. Smith. a native of the United States of North America, represents himself as a resident of Matamoras, but belongs, I suspect, to Brownsville, and evidently knows more con- cerning the lading than he is willing to admit) that a considerable por- tion, perhaps all, of the cargo was originally sent on a schooner from New York to Havana, and passing through the custom-house there, was transshipped on board the Tlieresita, and finding that the captain either could or would not exhibit any bills lading, invoices, or letters of advice by which its real character and destination could be ascer- tained, I considered it my duty, in obedience to the instructions in Flag-Officer MeKeans circular No. 7, dated December 14, 1861 (to capture without hesitation any vessel having arms, ammunitions, or articles contraband of war that you (I) have good reason to suppose are intended for those waging war against the Government of the United States), to place a prize master and crew of eight men on hoard the lieresita and order her to accompany me to this station, that the commanding officer here might take such further action in her case as he should deem expedient. I arrived with her last evening and reported immediately on board the U. S. S. Niagara to Flag-Officer McKean, who, on the facts being submitted to him, decided that the vessel should be sent to Key West for adjudication, and she will accordingly proceed on her voyage ..thither in charge of Masters Mate James E. Whiteside as soon as pro- visions for the same can be put on board and her papers made ready Page 95 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 95 It may be proper to add that on my first coming on board the liere- 8ita I heard the captain exclaim in Spanish to his mate, Who would ever have thought of our falling in with an American cruiser so far down as this! Also, that on going into the cabin, I found the floor strewn with fragments of letters apparently just torn up. These I picked up, and on asking the captain what they were he stated that they were old letters from a female friend which he had destroyed that day. I found, however, that at least one letter had evidently been copied in a press, was of a business character, and signed G. Madrazo, the name of the alleged owner. These fragments have been preserved and enclosed to the judge of the United States district court at New York, with all the other papers and documents found on board. There has since been found on board the prize a number of the Fort Brown Flag, published in Brownsville, dated Thursday, December 5, 1861, containing an advertisement in Spanish by her consignee, Jos6 San Roman, which states that he has on hand in Brownsville an exten- sive and complete assortment of ready-made clothing, and I think establishes beyond a question the fact that he is a merchant of that place, and renders it almost equally certain that the cargo of the ]iere- 8tta was really destined to the use of those waging war against the Government of the United States. There are now two persons on board this ship who called themselves passengers only on the Teresita. Both claim to have considerable merchandise on board, not in the manifest, as a private adventure. This will go forward in the prize, or be sent with the parties claiming to own it, as the flag-officer may direct. One of them is a Polish Jew, Edward Tuck by name, residing in New York, has a United States passport, and was bound, as he alleges, for Monterey, in Mexico, to collect debts due him there. The other has been already referred t?, and I have strong reason for suspecting is, in some way, concerned in the cargo, either as part owner or supercargo, his statements in regard to his knowledge of it at different times conflicting very much. He has state o me that he knows the Teresita was chartered for $3,700 thb round voyage, payable on her return to Havana, and that the captain received but $60 per month for his services; also that he, him- self, had run the blockade not long since from Brazos Santiago on the Mexican schooner Zorro Colorado with some $150,000 in silver which was landed in Havana. The Havana Mercantile Weekly Report, of January 11, 1862, men- tions the Zorro Colorado as having sailed thence 12th November, and run the blockade, and arriving back from Brazos Santiago on 27th December, last. The ]ieresita is in the same journal set down as having run the blockade of New Orleans with an assorted cargo and arrived in Havana on 8th January. The Fort Brown Flag, containing the advertisement of Jos~ San Roman, and the passport of R. Smith, will be sealed up and addressed to the judge of the United States district court of Key West, and placed in charge of the prize master for delivery, with the other papers fOund on board the prize. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Jos. P. COUTHOUY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the N~vy, Washington City, D. C Page 96 96 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Steliwagen, U S. Navy, regarding permission granted to the commanding qificer of H I. ilL S. liawoisier to pro- ceed to the Head of the Passes, Jfississtpp~ River. U. S. S. MERCEDITA, Off Pass ~ 1 Outre, January 31, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to report that yesterday, the 30th instant, the French corvette of war Lavoisier, commanded by M. Ribourt, capi- tame de fr6gate, arrived here in a thick gale from the northward and eastward. I sent a boat with the first lieutenant to offer civilities and obtain information, whose return was followed by the French com- mander coming in person, who informed me he was dispatched to this point in place of the corvette ilfilan, which vessel had been injured by collision with the Dc Soto. That he desired to ascend to thellead of the Passes with his vessel, and thence proceed himself to New Orleans, in reference to obtaining money and information from French consul for the purpose of engaging a neutral merchant vessel to con- vey certain French subjects from New Orleans to a neutral port. He exhibited to me an autograph letter from Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, and an original letter from yourself, and stated that he had been authorized by you to go up this Pass last Sep- tember, and that you had then expressed great approbation of the manner in which he had conducted the affair, and that you would be pleased to facilitate him should a future visit be necessary. I requested him, if possible, to go to the South West Pass, where my superior officer is stationed in the Uolorado. He said he knew Captain Bailey, and that he was confident that he would receive every atten- tion from him, but that the bad weather, loss of time, and his supply of coal being short, it would be a great inconvenience; dwelt upon the important fact of the autograph letter of the Secretary and your original letter, and offered to send me copies of them, together with a letter setting forth the reasons of his visit, why he desired to go into this Pass, and the fact of his having had the privilege accorded by you before, which he has since done. He also assured me that it should all be conducted in the strictest good faith. In view of these circumstances I consented to his wishes. He made signal for a pilot, and sent his gig with an officer and the French flag at stern and to the peak of her sail, to seek the one who carried his ship up before. To-day is foggy; the boat is not yet returned. The vessel to be bought or chartered probably at Havana. I hope my action will meet your approbation. Very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant, H. S. STELLwAGEN, Commander Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. [Transiation.1 CORvETTE LAVOISIER, Off Pass & 1, Outre, January 30, 1869?. I have the honor to address to you, agreeably to your wish, and to relieve you of responsibility, the copy of Mr. Sewards dispatch of the 11th of December, 1861. 1 thought it advisable to enclose also the letter addressed by Commodore MeKean on the 31st Decembe Page 97 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 97 to the commander of the 3/ilan. I intended to stand in directly for the South West Pass, where 1 thought I should find the captain of the frigate Colorado. The state of the weather obliged me to seek the Pass ~ lOutre, by which the Lavoisier entered last September to go to New Orleans for the first time. At 1:30 dispatched, as agreed between us, a boat with an officer to find the pilot either at the light-house or at the Head of the Passes. I hope he will arrive before to-morrow morning. Receive, captain, the assurance of my highest consideration. A. RIBOURT, Capitaine de Fregate, Commanding the Corvette Lavoisier. Monsieur le COMMANDANT. Report of Commander Emmons, 17 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Hatteras, of arrival on blockading station off Atchafalaya Bay, Louisiana, and encounter with Confederate steamer iJifiobile. U. S. S. HATTERAS, Blockading Berwicic and Atchafalaya Bay, February 1, 1862. SIR: I arrived on this station the third day after leaving you at Ship island, and as I have not yet been able to find the vessel I was ordered to relieve, I conclude she has left the station and gone east. I communicated with the Colorado at the South West Pass, and learning that they had captured the rebel steamer Calhoun, out of this place, I remained several hours in hopes of obtaining from her papers or charts better information of this place, but I found nothing satisfactory. The particulars of capture you will learn from other sources. She was chased into the Pass during the night by the schooner Kittatinny, which vessel I found on the second night anchored between Ship Island Shoal and Isle Derni~re, and from her commander learned that he had captured the rebel pilot that lived here and whom I was after. Continuing on, I discovered a small schooner standing to the north- ward and eastward, which I chased in toward Raccoon Point, where there were two armed boats lying, belonging to the Do Soto and ]Citta- tinny, and left her to their tender mercies, as the shoal would not per- mit me to approach any nearer. Farther north I discovered another schooner standing to the south- ward, which went about as soon as she discovered me and made all sail for this bay, which she succeeded in reaching at dusk, in spite of 26 pounds of steam and a speed of 8 knots, which is abdut all this vessel can do with her present foul bottom. When I relinquished the chase I was in 10 feet water and within one-half mile of the light-house. At daylight I discovered the schooner nearly hull down up the bay and nearer to me a long, low, three-masted steamer, which I presume to be the rebel steamer 21 ifo bile, which, from information I obtained on the way, is armed with four long 32s and a rifled 30-pounder Parrott gun. Also an armed lugger, which the steamer took in tow and then came down the bay toward me. While still beyond the range of my guns, she cast ott the lugger and both stood for me, the latter under sail. NwRv0L17 Page 98 98 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. When nearly in range of my guns, I hove up and turned my wheels so as to bring my battery to bear, when the steamer hauled up at right angles with her former course, fired a broadside of three guns, and recalled the lugger. She afterwards continued to maneuver and fire occasionally for about one hour, all of her shot falling short of me, and then returned with her consort up the bay to the northward and westward. My only reply was a gun to windward and hoisting our ensign as an invitation to come out, as I could not get in. I think, from her arma- ment, that her object is to defend the bay, and from the different posi- tions which she assumed I should think her light draft would allow her to do this until we have something here that can pursue her into 6 feet water. I touched the bottom twice. When approaching me I presume they thought me aground, as I was lying very still, with my stern toward them, until my engine moved. The water is quite turbid and I found it took me about ten minutes to turn in a depth of 10 feet. I find this bay quite extensive, having a light-house at either extreme, 26 miles apart, and one cen- trally located, between which there are several passages between the reefs, making it difficult for any one vessel to blockade effectually. I therefore hope you will have it in your power to place another vessel here, subject to my orders or not, as you may deem proper. I think it important to say to you that two of the boxes of fixed ammunition (36 charges) that were sent on board by Lieutenant McK. Buchanan from the Lewi8 at Ship Island were partly full of water, and the ammunition, of course, spoiled. This was not done in transit, and I presume the lieutenant was not aware of its condition on board of his vessel, or he would not have sent it. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. F. EMMONS, Commander Flag-Officer WM. W. McKEAN, tJommanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. NoTE.I yesterday spoke the Confederate schooner ~fJ f iJJicNeil, prize to the U. S. bark Arthur, on her way to Ship Island. G.F.E. February 4, 8 p~ m.In chasing a schooner, which proved to be a prize of the ]J/Lontqomery, I have finally stumbled upon the latter, which I find has been out of her usual beat, to the southward and westward. - I regret very much to have missed the Connecticut, but I shall be somewhat repaid by those rifled guns which you have kindly sent me and which I learn are on board of the schooner Kittatinny to the southward and eastward. Lieutenant Jouett is so anxious to take his departure that I hope you will excuse this hurried acknowledgment. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, (JEO. F. EMMONS, Commander. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, tJomm~inding Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 99 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 99 Report of Uaptain Seifridge, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. J889~88~}9p% regarding expedition in Ea8t Pa8s, Santa Ro8a I8land. U. S. S. Mississippi, Off Fort Pic1~ens, February 1, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that the preparatory forging for the crosshead is done, and that in two or three days, with the engines at rest, the work of strengthening it will be completed. At the instance of Colonel Brown, I went yesterday to the East Pass. 1 found there the schooner Jlifaria A. Wood lying within gun- shot of the bar. I gave her commander such advice as he desired and which I deemed necessary for the effectual guarding of the pass and to prevent surprise. Seeing a large schooner inside becalmed, I sent an armed expedi- tion, consisting of two boats from this vessel and one from the JIfaria A. Wood, in charge ofLientenant Madigan, for the purpose of destroy- ing her. After the boats had entered the pass an dp rocee ded a quar - ter of a mile, a shell was fired from the east bank ahead of the LW A. Woods boat, which was far in advance, contrary to orders. Soon after a volley of musketry was discharged at this boat, striking her in several places, but injuring no one. A round of shell from the how- itzers of our boats silenced and dispersed the assailants. As the rebel schooner had at this time taken advantage of a breeze to elude pursuit, and as the boats in proceeding farther up the narrow pass would be exposed to a galling fire from ambuscades, without the power of reply- ing with effect, Lieutenant Madigan very judiciously returned to the ship. Early yesterday morning on my way to the East Pass I spoke the U. S. bark James L. Davis, Lieutenant Commanding Winn, from Philadelphia, which I directed to come here and remain until I returned. I have ordered Captain Winn to report to you or the senior officer at Ship Island. * * * * * * * I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Tilos. 0. SELERIDGE, Captain. Flag-Officer WM. W. McKEAN, (ommanding Cu~f Bloekadivg Squadron. Capture by the U. S. ship Portsmouth gf the British steamer Labuan, at the mouth of Rio Grande, February 1, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer NeKean, U. S. Navy, transmitting enclosures. No. 17.] U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, February 17, 1862. SIR: I arrived at this place on the evening of the 15th instant and found here the steamer Constitution, which vessel arrived on the 12th instant, having on board 2,000 troops, a portion of the command of General Butler; also the English screw steamer Labuan, captured by Commander Swartwout, commanding U. S. sloop Portsmouth, off Boc Page 100 100 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Chica, near the mouth of the Rio Grande, where she was loading with cotton by means of a small steamer. Commander Swartwout evidently does not understand the require- ments of the prize courts, which I can not account for, as he was furnished with instructions. Instead of sending the Labman in for adjudication, he dispatched her to this place, simply instructing the prize master to report to me, and sending by him her log book and such papers as were found on board; no register was found. It is said that her papers had been deposited in the office of the British consulate at Matamoras. I very much regret that Commander Swartwout has not complied with his instructions, but under the circumstances 1 am of opinion that the only proper course is to send her in for adjudication, and have therefore sealed up the log book and papers in the presence of the prize master and addressed theui to the judge of the U. S. district court of the southern district of New York, to whom I have written, stating the circumstances of her capture so far as known to me. I transmit herewith a copy of Commander Swartwouts report to me, which contains all the information I have in regard to the Labman or the rebel schooner Wave, mentioned therein; also a contract made by Commander Swartwout with the engineers of the Labuan to work the vessel to this place, which I have renewed on the same terms for the passage to the north. That you may understand the instructions tinder which Commander Swartwout has acted, I transmit a copy of my orders to him; also a copy of a circular order issued by me [December 13], in accordance with the instructions contained in your communication of the 25th of November, 1861, in relation to neutral vessels bound to Matamoras. By reference to the orders of Commander Swartwout you will per- ceive that the Rio Grande is not blockaded, as I observe is stated in some of the New Orleans papers. After leaving the South West Pass of Mississippi on the 13th instant, I communicated with the vessels stationed off the other passes and learned from Captain Craven, of the Brooklyn (off the Pass ~ lOutre), that on the 5th instant Captain Ribourt, commanding the French war steamer Lavoisier, returned from New Orleans and stated to him as follows: That there were about 250 French subjects at that place who were in a very destitute condition and were anxious to get away and return home; that they could raise among them but 40,000 francs, and that 100,000 were necessary to enable them to charter a suitable vessel for their transportation; that he should sail immediately for Havana and communicate with his Government to ascertain if it would con- tribute the 60,000 francs necessary to make up the deficiency, and that he should probably return in about a month or six weeks for the pur- pose of removing his destitute countrymen. I am informed that the Constitution will sail this morning, and have written hastily, being desirous to forward this communication by her. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. Page 101 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 101 Report of Commander Swartwont, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Portsmouth. U. S. SLOOP OF WAR PORTSMOUTH, Off Boca Ohica, February 3, 18692. SIR: Since sailing from Ship Island on the 20th ultimo I have, in ~omp1iance with your instructions, communicated with the U. S. frigate Santee, barks lifidnight and Arthur, and arrived off this anchorage on the 1st instant. Whilst standing in, 1 captured the schooner Wave, with the rebel flag flying, and anchored her under my guns. I found ten vessels at anchor here, nine small sailing vessels, and one steam propeller, with the English flag hoisted. On boarding her she proved to be the steamer Labuan, which vessel is mentioned among the suspicions vessels in the list you furnished me. As she was loading with cotton, and had no regular papers, I considered it my duty to capture her. As we were standing in for this anchorage we discovered a small steamer coming down to the entrance, and apparently bound out to the steamer Labuan, but as soon as she saw us she put back. The mate who was in charge of the Labuan informed me that the captain and supercargo were ashore, and that the steamer which we saw standing toward the entrance was loaded with cotton and intended for this vessel, but she would not venture out whilst I was here. The mate also stated that they left Havana on the 27th December and have been lying here about a month, loading with cotton. He further stated he had on board 439 bales of cotton and 500 tons of coal. As the prize schooner Wave is an old vessel, in a leaky condi- tion, and of little or no value, ~I have therefore transferred her cargo, which is worth about $6,000 or $8,000, to the prize steamer Labuan. Accompanying this you will find a report of the commission of officers appointed by me, certifying as to the amount, etc., of her cargo, and also a report of the surveying officers. The captain, mate, and two of the crew I send with the steamer Labuan; the remainder of her crew are on board this ship in irons. 1 have also transferred to this ship the crew of the prize steamer Labuan, with the exception of the mates, engineers, firemen, coal heavers, cook, and steward, as 1 did not consider it prudent to send such a large number of prisoners with the prize crew to take charge of. I send you the log book and all the papers found on board the steamer Labuan, from which you will perceive the steamer is valued at $75,000; this, together with the two cargoes, will amount to at least $125,000. This being such a valuable prize, I did not consider it prudent to send her to New York, Boston, or Philadelphia, particularly as I have no engineers, firemen, or coal heavers to send in the vessel; and with the canvas she has,~ it would take her several months to reach a Northern port, and be hazardous, and also subject her to the chance of being recaptured. I am in hopes of being able to prevail upon some of her engineers, firemen, and coal heavers to work her as far as Ship island by paying them for their services. I have taken out of the prize schooner Wave, for the use of this ship, one chronometer, one spyglass, and five charts; everything else found on board of her I have sent in the steamer Labuan. The transferring of liquors from the steamer Labuan to this ship, as nien- tioned in the enclosed report, I considered necessary as a prudential measure. The nine small sailing vessels mentioned have been boarded by me, but I have not as yet discovered anything sufficiently suspicious to cap- ture them, although 1 believe they are here for the purpose of loadin Page 102 102 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. with cotton. I shall watch them very closely, and seize them as soon as I find them making any attempt to break the blockade. I should like to be instructed on the following points: Whether neu- tral vessels anchoring off the Rio Grande, loaded with munitions of war, are to be permitted to send their cargoes to Matamoras, if stated in their clearance papers they are bound there, and whether neutral vessels are to be permitted to take cotton off the mouth of the Rio Grande if their papers state it is sent from Matamoras. I shall be glad to have the officers and prize crew sent back to this ship as soon as practicable, as the loss of them weakens my crew very much. The prize master, Mr. Richmond, is an invaluable officer to me, and the only one attached to this ship who could supply the place of the executive officer should anything happen to him. I therefore beg that he may be returned to me as soon as possible. Your compli- ance with my request will be considered a personal favor, which II shall duly appreciate. One of the gunboats would be of great service to me here, and I believe with her assistance I could capture in the course of a few weeks other prizes as valuable as the one I now send you. If you acquiesce in my suggestion, it would be necessary to dis- patch the gunboat without delay, because, as soon as information is received at Tampico, Vera Cruz, and Havana that this part of the coast is blockaded, they will not, of course, send any more steamers to load with cotton. You will find enclosed a written agreement made with the engineer of the steamer Lalman to work the steamer to Ship Island for the compensation therein stated. I hope this arrangement will meet with your approbation an& that you will direct the amount due to be paid to him. I have been unable, in consequence of the heavy swell, to transfer the whole cargo of the schooner to the steamer. There are 40 barrels of sugar remaining, which I have con- eluded to take on board of this ship rather than detain the steamer any longer. I am, very respectfully, ~. SwARTwOUT, Commander. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Commanding Gulf Squadron, ofl~ Ship Icland. Blockading instruction from Flag-Officer KoKean, U. S. Navy, to Commander Swartwout, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Portsmouth. U. S. FLAGSHiP NIAGARA, Ship I8lafld, January 17, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. sloop Portemouth, under your command, to cruise between Corpus Christi and the mouth of the Rio Grande, for the purpose of enforcing a rigid blockade of that part of the coast. You will keep as close into the land as you can with safety, and will exercise the utmost vigilance to prevent any vessel from entering or leaving a Confederate port. No neutral vessel proceeding toward a blockaded port, unless having on board contraband of war, is to be captured or detained, if she shall not have received a specific notification of the blockade; but you wil Page 103 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 1o~ capture all vessels attempting to enter such blockaded port after hav- ing been notified. The notification is to be endorsed upon the register and muster roll of the neutral vessel by the cruiser which meets her, together with the time when, and the latitude and longitude where, boarded. You will use all diligence to capture vessels with arms and munitions. It will be your duty to capture any privateer or vessel you may meet with on the high seas, or in our waters, depredating on our commerce or making hostile demonstrations toward the Uiiited States or any of her citizens; all vessels having on board arms, munitions, articles contra- band, or which are of a suspicious character, or that claim to belong to, or to have authority from, any government, or pretended govern- ment, not recognized by the United States. I have information that large quantities of arms and munitions of war have been shipped to Vera Cruz, Tampico, and various ports in the isla~d of Cuba and elsewhere, thence to be reshipped in small fish- ing and coasting vessels for the purpose of running the blockade. As many of these small craft are of little value, the rebels will probably endeavor to land the arms by running the vessels ashore, and it will, therefore, be necessary that you keep your boats in perfect order for service, selecting for their crews your best men, that you may be able to cut off any vessel that may attempt to escape by running ashore or into water too shoal for your ship. If not already done, you will have boarding nettings fitted as soon a~ possible; and should it become necessary to anchor at night, keep them triced up; not less than a quarter watch on deck, or should the night be dark, a full watch; lookouts stationed in various parts of the ship, batteries cast loose, and everything in readiness for immediate action. I have information that arms have been packed in crates to resemble earthenware and in packages marked hardware, and that many devices have been resorted to by the rebel agents abroad for the purpose of concealing them. It will, therefore, be necessary to carefully examine the cargoes of any vessels you may meet with approaching our coast. In case of sending in prizes for adjudication, you will distribute them equally between the ports of Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, being particular to conform to the instructions contained in circular No. 1 herewith transmitted. Should you capture any small vessels not fit to make a passage to the North you will send them to this place, that the cargoes may be trans- ferred to some suitable vessel for transportation. You will keep me informed by every opportunity of all transactions of importance. I transmit herewith a number of circulars, etc., to which 1 call your particular attention. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, Wi~i. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gu~f Blockading Squadron. Commander SAML. SwARTWOUT commanding U. S. Sloop Port8mouth, Ship Island. P. S.Should you meet with the steamer Gladiator you will cap- ture and send her in for adjudication Page 104 104 GULF BLOCKADING SQtJAD~O~. [Enclosures.] U. S. SLOOP OF WAR PORTSMOUTH, Off Boca chica, February 3, 1862. I hereby agree with Commander S. Swart~out, commanding U. S. sloop of war Portslnouth, to work the prize steamer Labuan to Ship island for the following pecuniary compensation, which shall be paid to me on my arrival there: The engineer is to receive at the rate of $50 per month. The leading stoker is to receive at the rate of $25 per month. All others belonging to the engineering department are to receive at the rate of $20 per month. EDWARD WALBET MILLER, Eng~tneer. U. S. SLOOP OF IATAR PORTSMOUTH, Off BoQa Chica, February 2, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your order of the 2d instant, to attend to the discharging of the prize schooner Wave on board the prize steamer Labuan, we have to report as follows: A portion of the cargo of the prize schooner Wave has been trans- ferred to the prize steamer Labuan. It consists of the following articles, viz: 253 bales of tobacco, 50 bags of rice, 12 barrels of molasses, 22 barrels of rice, 62 barrels of sugar. Owing to a strong wind and a rough sea the remainder of the cargo, from 40 to 50 barrels believed to be sugar, could not be discharged. The following articles have also been transferred from said prize schooner to said prize steamer, viz: 1 ships timepiece, 1 chart (of Gulf of Mexico), etc. A list of articles transferred from the prize steamer Labuan to this ship, viz: 4 cases marked champagne, 2 cases marked port wine, 3 cases marked sherry wine, 1 case marked claret wine, 2 cases marked brandy, 1 case marked Geneva gin, 2 barrels marked pale ale, 3 barrels marked porter, 1 cask containing a small quantity of rum, 1 copper powder tank, 12 cylinders containing gunpowder, 2 canisters containing gun- powder, 12 packages containing pistol-ball cartridges, 1 package con- taining gunpowder, 1 tin box containing percussion caps, 1 ballast mold, 2 smoothbore muskets, 2 rifle muskets, 2 navy pistols. 2 bayo- nets, S boarding pikes. We are, very respectfully, your obedient servants, J. S. DUNGAN, Surgeon. G. RIGHMOND,Acting JJilaster. THos. B. GAMMON, lllia8ter8 lJfate. Commander S. SWARTWOUT, Commanding U. S. Sh~p Portsmouth. Letter of censure from Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. Navy, to Commander Bwartwout, U. S. Navy, for lack of conformity to rules regulating prizes. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, February 18, 1862. SIR: On my arrival here on the 15th instant 1 found the prize steamer Labuan and received your communication of the 3d instant. I regret exceedingly the course you have pursued in regard to the Labuan. You should have conformed strictly to the rules laid dow Page 105 GULl? BtOOKADIKG SQT5ADR0~. 105 in regard to prizes. The papers should have been sealed up and for- warded to the judge of the U. S. district court and the vessel sent to one of the ports named in your instructions, as the engineer and fire- men were willing to proceed upon the same terms as those agreed upon to work her to this place. You do not state explicitly that she was captured in our waters. If taken in our waters, and it can be proved, she is, I think, a legal prize, but if in Mexican waters, you were wrong in capturing her. When you send in a prize you should address a letter to the district judge, giving all the information with regard to her capture. You request me to send back your officers and crew sent in charge of the Lalman. If I were to do so, what evidence could be produced before a court l I have no authority to decide in the case, and there is but one proper course t~ pursue. As she has been seized and sent here, she must be adjudicated before a proPer tribunal. I have there- fore ordered her to New York. You have erred in retaining any part of the cargoes of the steamer or schooner; the whole should have been sent. The balance 6f the cargoes you will send to New York by the first supply steamer, to be placed at the disposal of the judge of the U. S. district court, being particular to write to the judge and to forward proper evidence that the articles sent constituted portions of the cargoes of the Confederate schooner Wave and the British steamer Labuan. You do not state in your communication whether the small steamer referred to was coming out of the Rio Grande or out of the Boca Chica. I fear it will be too late, but you had better address the judge of the U. S. district court of the southern district of New York by the first opportunity, giving all the information you can. You will not interfere with any vessels anchored in Mexican waters, bat will capture any vessel that may be transporting cargo from the Texan coast. Any prizes you hereafter make that are not fit to send to the North you will send to Key West for adjudication, with a request to the commanding naval officer to send back the officer and crews after giving in their evidence before the court. 1 send you a circular order in regard to the release of prisoners, also some blank forms of instructions to prize masters, by reference to which you will perceive that on sending in a prize it is your duty to make a report to the honorable Secretary of the Navy~ I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. ~ MCKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, commanding Gu~f Blockading Squadiron. Commander SAML. SwARTwOUT, Commanding U. S. Sloop Portsmouth, Cruising between Corpus tJhr~stt and the Rio Grande~ Report of Commander Swartwout, U. S. Navy, explaining his course in the matter of the disposition of the prize. U. S. SLOOP OF WAR PORTSMOUTH, Oft? Boca chica, Tex., F~brvary 28, 1862. SIR: Your communication of the 18th instant by the bark ]Jilidnight has been received, in which you find fault with my sending the prize steamer Lcdman to Ship Island. As my reason for pursuing thi Page 106 106 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. course does not appear satisfactory to you, I will add that I did not feel sufficient confidence in the engineers, firemen, and coal heavers of the Labuan to trust them to work her to New York, particularly as Prize Master Richmond overheard a conversation between the chief mate and chief engineer, previous to the steamers leaving here, from which he was satisfied they were forming some plan for deranging the machinery and recapturing the vessel. In consequence of this dis- closure, 1 determined to retain the chief engineer on board of this ship and dispatch the steamer to Ship Island, where she could obtain trustworthy engineers, firemen, and coal heavers to work her to ~4ew York or some other Northern port. I gave verbal orders to Prize Master Richmond, in case the machinery should be deranged, and he should require assistance on his passage to Ship Island, to touch at Galveston or the mouth of the MississiQpi, where the ships of war stationed there would afford him relief. In sendin the abuan to Ship Island, I was governed solely by a sense of duty and from motives of prudence. You have strangely misunderstood my letter of the 3d of February in several particulars. In the first place you say I do not state explicitly that the labuan was captured in our waters. I am at a loss to perceive how I could express myself more clearly. My letter is dated off Boca Chica, which is in Texas, as the chart will show you. I say, I found ten vessels at anchor here (that is, off Boca Chica), nine small sailing vessels, and one steam propeller, with the English flag hoisted. On boarding her, she proved to be the steamer Labman, which vessel is mentioned among the suspicious vessels in the list you furnished me with. In the second place you say You (I) have erred in retaining any part of the cargoes of the steamer or schooner; the whole should have been sent. I have not transferred any part of the cargo of the Labuan to this ship, nor can I find it so stated in my letter to you of the 3d of February. I informed you that I trans- ferred some liquors, firearms, and ammunition to this vessel from the steamer. These articles belonged to the officers and the vessel, but were no part of her cargo. As the mate and the steamers crew were iutoxicated ~nd riotous several times previous to her sailing, I did not consider it prudent to leave these articles on board of her, and under these circumstances I considered myself justified in the course I pur- sued. The schooner Wave being in a leaky condition, and as it was necessary for the preservation of her cargo that it should be removed as soon as practicable, I did not consider it of any importance where it was deposited for safe-keeping, so that it eventually reached the custody of the district judge where the schooner will be tried. 1 stated to you in my letter of the 3d of February that a heavy swell prevented me from transferring the whole of the cargo belonging to the Wave on board of the Labuan, and that the balance I would take on board of this vessel. I shall send the remainder of the schooners cargo, together with the cargo of the rebel sloop Pioneer, which I captured off this anchorage on the 20th instant, consisting of 153 bales of tobacco, by the supply steamer to the district judge at New York, and also the officers and men belonging to the Labuan, Wave, and Pioneer, as well as the liquors, firearms, and ammunition taken from the steamer for safe-keeping. In the third place you say, You (I) do not state in your (my) communication whether the small steamer referred to was coming out of the Rio Grande or out of the Boc Page 107 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 101 Chica. My letter is dated off Boca Chica, and I say as follows: As we were standing in for this anchorage (that is the anchorage off Boca Chica) we discovered a small steamer coming down to the entrance (of course of Boca Chica) and apparently bound out to the steamer Labuan. As 1 made mention of Boca Chica, and did not allude in any way to the. Rio Grande, I can not conceive how there can be any ambiguity about my meaning. However, should there be any doubt in the mind of the district judge with reference to the entrance I alluded to, it can easily be dispelled by referring to the chart and taking the testimony of the prize officers and crew. The rebel flag was distinctly seen from this ship, hoisted on shore, close to where the small steamer was. I requested Prize Master Richmond to call your attention to the log book belonging to the steamer Labuan, which is headed Off Barra Santiago, another name for Brazos St. lago [Santiago], a port in Texas. The log book of the steamer, therefore, condemns her, as she was lying off the Texan territory when she received the cotton on board and which came from a Texan port. I am perfectly satisfied that she violated the blockade and is a legal prize; but should it be decided otherwise by the district court, then the blockading of this part of the coast of Texas is a mere farce, and the sooner it is abandoned the better for the credit of the Government. I say in my letter of the 3d of February, 1 shall be glad to have the officers and prize crew sent back to this ship as soon as practicable, as the loss of them weakens my crew very much. I did not mean by this request that I expected you to send back all the officers and crew from Ship Island, but Ii was in hopes that Mr. Richmond and a large portion of the crew would have been returned to me, as Masters Mate Beck and three or four of the prize crew would have been witnesses enough, and more than the law requires, to give testimony in the case of the Labuan. On the 8th instant, during a norther, the prize schooner Wave got adrift and ran into our first cutter, knocking a hole into her and swamp- ing her. On the 9th instant, in the midst of the gale, the launch returned from an expedition to the northward, where she had been dis- patched previous to the commencement of the norther, and anchored astern of this ship. There was such a heavy sea on that we were obliged to haul the crew on board over the stern in bowlines. I succeeded, after a great deal of difficulty, in getting a hawser attached to the launch as a tow line, but before the gale subsided, which was a very severe one, she broke loose and capsized, drifting out to sea. A. few days after she was towed into this anchorage by a merchant vessel and restored to this ship, although I regret to state that the boat howitzer, ammunition, and some twenty pistols and cutlasses were lost when the launch cap- sized. The launch was considerably injured during the gale and will require extensive repairs, which it will take some time to accomplish, as I have but two carpenters on board, and they are constantly at work repairing defects about the ship which should have been attended to before she left the Portsmouth yard. The commander of the bark ilfidnight informs me that you expect me to fill up with water from the mouth of the Rio Grande. This is not practicable, and if it were I should have a large portion of my crew on the sick list from dysen- tery and diarrhiea. Captain Kittredge, of the bark Arthur, who was for several years trading along the coast of Texas, in command of Page 108 108 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. steamer from Galveston to the Rio Grande, and is perfectly familiar with this part of the coast, informs me that it is necessary to proceed some distance up theRio Grande before fresh water fit to drink can be obtained, and that the use of it is very injurious to those not accus- tomed to it. This ship can not with safety anchor much nearer than 4 miles from the shore, and to send our boats up the river, or even over the bar, would be certain destruction to them, as there are cannon mounted by the rebels at the mouth of the Rio Grande capThle of sink- ing any boats that may attempt to cross the bar. I consider it my duty to inform you of these facts, and if you still insist upon my water- ing at the Rio Grande, I will, of course, make the. effort, let the con- sequences be what they may. I have water enough to last about seven weeks, and in the course of a month it will be necessary for me to obtain water somewhere. Will you please inform me In the meantime where you intend I shall procure water? The rebels have been seen from this ship firing shell from the mouth of the Rio Grande, appar- ently at a target. I have been informed recently by a gentleman of intelligence, and who appears to be familiar with this part of the coast and the northern coast of Mexico, that the only place where we can water ship with safety within a convenient distance is the Rio de San Fernando, o dl Tigre. This is a river on the coast of Mexico, about 40 miles to the southward of our present anchorage. He represents the water as being good and the river very accessIble. Should his statement prove to be correct the bark lifidnight and this vessel, by relieving each other, could very readily water from the river alluded to, and without leaving this part of the coast unblockaded. Enclosed you will find monthly reports from the surgeon, master, and assistant paymaster, in compliance with your general instructions. You will find herewith enclosed tabular returns of vessels boarded since we sailed from Ship Island, in compliance with your instructions. * * * * * * * Very respectfully S. SWARTWOUT, Commander. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, Commanding U: S. Naval Forces, Gulf of ijliexico Squadron. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, transmitting correspondence. No. 63.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Jifississippi River, April 9~1, 18693. SIR: I have the honor to forward herewith a communication (origi- nal) dated March 19, 1862, and a copy of one dated April 1, 1862, from Commodore Hugh Dunlop, C. B, commanding Her Britannic Majestys Squadron in the Gulf of Mexico, with a copy of my reply to the same. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag- Officer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 109 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 109 [Enclosure No. 1.] BRITISH VICE-CONSULATE 2V/atamora8, February 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on the 4th instant the British steamer Labuan, Joseph Hamshaw, master, registered in Hull under the official number 25619, whilst lying at anchor in this neutral port of Matamoras has been seized and dispatched with a prize crew, by the U. S. sloop of war Portsmouth, 22 guns, Commander S. Swart- wout. This seizure seems to me such a deliberate act of anything short of piracy that I take the liberty to give you the full particulars of the case. The Labuan was chartered and cleared by Messrs. De Jersey & Co., British merchants of Manchester, from Grimsby via Havana for this port of Matamoras, consigned to Messrs. Droege, Oetling [or Ortling] & Co., of this place. The Labuam arrived here about the 1st of January, and not being able to cross the bar of the Rio Grande, which affords an entry only to very light-draft vessels, she anchored off the mouth of the river on the open roadstead which constitutes the port of Matamoras. The register and ships articles were duly deposited in this vice- consulate and a receipt given for the same, sent on board. The ship and cargo were entered and discharged comformable to the regulations of this Mexican port, and being destined to return to Havana, the vessel was cleared here for said port with a cargo of cot- ton and specie, with the usual documents from the custom-house, the Spanish vice-consulate, and of this office on the 24th of January. Captain Hamshaw having proceeded from this place to the mouth of the Rio Grande, with all documents for his ship and cargo, and a part of the latter for shipment on board his vessel, was detained there- with inside the river bar on account of continued tempestuous weather. During this forced delay Captain Hamshaw and the supercargo, Mr. J. Fooke, who likewise was on shore, witnessed the arrival of a man-of-war, supposed tp be the U. S. sloop Portsmouth, who cast anchor at a short distance from the LabuaKi~, alternately showing French and American colors. On the same day of her arrival, the 1st of February, a crew from the same boarded the Labuan, lowered her colors, which all the time previous had been displayed, removed her from her moorings to where the former lay, and transshipped the cargo of a prize schooner on board the Labuan. On the morning of the 4th instant the Labuan had disappeared. Captain Hamshaw, who meantime had made ineffectual attempts to reach his vessel, prevented by the unremitting stormy weather and later by the impossibility to procure anybody to accompany him, since a panic had seized the people who witnessed the scene, informed me on the 4th instant of what had a en place and solicited my intervention. I that same day went to the mouth of the river and, the sea happily having calmed a little, afcer much trouble succeeded in obtaining a boat to take me over the river bar. On the morning of the 5th instant I went on board the man-of-war, who, on nearing her, hoisted French colors. I introduced myself to the commander as her Majestys vice-consul from Matamoras, and being informed by him that his name was S Page 110 110 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Swartwout and that of his vessel the U. S. sloop of war Portsmouth, requested him to inform me of the reasons that might have motived the extraordinary proceeding which had been witnessed from the shore. His answer was that he had no explanation to give me, that he had seized the Iab~uan and dispatched her with a prize crew, and that the reasons therefor would be made known before the competent tribunal. On my insisting to learn the cause therefor I was informed that the labuan. had violated the blockade by loading cotton from Texas, brought on board by a rebel steamer, thereby giving aid and comfort to the enemy. On my explaining how the cotton had been dispatched from Mata- moras and that the Laliuan lay in the neutral port of Matamoras, the commander answered that he did not care, that he knew that the cot- ton had come from Texas, that Matarnoras had no port, that he would not be fooled, but seize all cotton and every vessel carrying cotton and violating the blockade, and that he would even seize a ves- sel in Tampico, if cotton were found on board, and he knew it to be from Texas. I thereon informed the commander that I most formally protested against the whole act, as an outrage to the British flag and on British property, whereon he with great impatience interrupted me, saying I might protest as much as I chose, that he had nothing more to do with the matter, and that it now was left to the civil authorities to decide whether the vessel had been rightly or wrongly seized. During the subsequent conversation, which I thought it prudent to carry on in the interest of several other vessels lying in the same port of Matamoras, and after being invariably refused an explanatory answer to all my questions in the beginning, 1 was told that all the said vessels would be seized if they attempted to violate the blockade or carried contraband of war, tha neither the La6uan nor any of the other vessels lay in Mexican waters, that no papers whatsoever had been found on board the labuan, which assurance was, however, con- tradicted by a United States officer who was present and admitted that a receipt of mine for the ships papers deposited at my office had been found; whereon the commander answered that he did not care for my receipt. I further learned that the Lahuan would be tried either at New York, Boston, or Philadelphia, although my impression is that she will be sent to Key West, that he had taken out her crew with the exception of 10 men, which-he had sent off on her, and that by first opportunity he would dispatch those remaining, and that had he found the captain and supercargo on board the Labuan he would have taken both as prisoners of war. Thus it happens that the British steamer liahuan coming from Havana entered and cleared at the port of Matamoras, and whilst at anchor in the said port, taking in a cargo of cotton, duly dispatched by the Mexican custom-house, which cotton had been bought of Mexican merchants of this place for account of British and Spanish subjects, and shipped as such for a neutral port, was boarded by a United States man-of-war, removed by the same from her moorings, and placed within range of her guns, that the cargo of a prize schooner was transshipped on board the Lab uan, as was acknowledged by the commander, and that without awaiting the captain and the documents for the ship and cargo, and before the latter could be completed, the Labuan was dispatched with a prize crew under the plea of her having violated the blockade Page 111 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 111 Allow me to state that up to the 1st of this month of February, when the Portsnw uth first appeared off the month of the Rio Grande, neither the port of Brazos Santiago nor Brownsville was blockaded, nor any vessel boarded in that vicinity by a United States man-of-war, and that for this reason it is my humble opinion that even had a vessel laden cotton in Brazos or Brownsville Harbor at the time the Ports- mouth arrived she could not in justice have been seized. The commanders assertion that the ]abuan was not laying in Mexican waters, I am likewise positively informed by fully competent authority, is untrue. Perhaps he is not aware that by the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo the neutral waters for either of the contracting powers were allowed to extend 1 nautical league north and south of the Rio Grande. I herewith beg to transmit to you the following original documents, numbered from 1 to 10, which fully establish the legality of the traffic the J2rbuan was engaged in, viz: No. 1. The register of the Lahuan. No. 2. The ships articles of the same. No. 3. The clearance of the custom-house of this port and of this vice-consulate. No. 4. Nine documents certified by the Spanish vice-consul regard- ing the cargo. No. 5. Copies of two bills of lading. No. 6. Two certificates proving that the cotton was bought of Mexi- can merchants of this place. No. 7. Two certified invoices. No. 8. Copy of the protest of Captain Hamshaw. No. 9. Copy of the protest of the consignees, Messrs. Droege, Oetling [or Ortling] & Co. No. 10. Freight lisf of the whole cargo. By perusing these documents you will observe that only 439 bales of cotton were on board the labuan at the time of her seizure on the 4th instant; all the remaining cargo, which was sent to the mouth of the river on the 25th ultimo, having been detained on account of the weather, was finally returned to this place on the seizure of the steamer. Of the 439 bales of cotton that were on board the Labuan, only 269 bales were the property of Messrs. de Jersey & Co., of Manchester, British merchants and charterers of the whole vessel, the remainder of 170 bales belonged to Mr. Francesco Armendiaz, a Spanish mer- chant of this place, whose claim on that behalf will be transmitted by the Spanish vice-consul of this port to the captain-general of Cuba by this same opportunity. 1 have, etc., Louis BLACKER, I7ce- Consul. J. T. CRAWFORD, Esq., C. B., H ilL consul- General in Cuba, Havana. [Enclosure No. 2.] H. B. M. S. CHALLENGER, Vera Cruz, Jlfarch 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to annex for your information an extract from a letter to her Majestys consul-general at Havana from the British vice-consul at Matamoras. You will observe that it is alleged that the captain of the U. S. ship Portsmouth arrived off the mouth of the Rio Grande on the 1st of Feb- rjiary and captured the British steamer Labuan of Hull, while at anchor in Mexican waters, taking in a perfectly legal cargo Page 112 112 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. In consequence of the shallowness of the entrance of the Rio Grande, only vessels of very small draft can proceed up the river to Mata- oras. The port is therefore considered to extend to the open road- stead off the mouth of the river. It does not appear that any accusation against the Labuan of an attempt to break the blockade was made by the captain of the Ports- mouth, and as no United States vessel was off the Rio Grande at the time of the arrival of the Labuan there would appear to have been no blockade, even had such an accusation been made, but as I have said above, the capture seems not to have turned on the question of whether the vessel was guilty of a breach of blockade, but to have been made on the grounds, first, that the Lab aan was loading with cotton, the pro- duce of a Southern State, and second, that this cargo had been taken alongside in a vessel carrying the so-called Confederate flag. I have little doubt that you will agree with me that if the Labuan is proved to have been in a neutral port, the captain of the Portsmouth acted illegally in boarding her, or interfering with her in any way whatever, and as little had he the right to enquire into the nature of her cargo; the Labman lay in the territory of a neutral and friendly nation, subject to the laws of that nation, and no United States officer or other foreigner had a right to any jurisdiction whatever within the bounds of that neutral territory. if the vice-consuls statement be correct, the captain of the Ports- mouth proceeded into the Mexican port of Matamoras and there cap- tured the British ship Labuan, in defiance alike of Mexican and international law. It further seems from the statement contained in the vice-consuls letter that the captain of the Portsmouth alleged that the Labaun had violated the blockade by loading cotton from Texas, which cotton was brought alongside by a vessel under the so-called Confederate flag. It seems almost superfluous to notice this accusation of breach of blockade. A neutral vessel, making a legal voyage to a neutral port, may certainly be laden with any cargo that can be procured at that port, and if she is cleared for another neutral port no belligerent has a right to interfere with that legal voyage upon the pretense that her cargo is the produce of the nation with which he is at war, and as lit- tle right has any belligerent to raise a question on the nationality of the vessel employed to bring the cargo alongside, while in the neutral port. I beg further to bring to your notice that even supposing the Labuan to have been captured at sea upon a perfectly legal charge, until that charge was proved before a competent court, the vessel could only be considered as suspected, not condemned, and therefore the captain of the Portsmouth had no right whatever to transship the cargo of any other prize vessel on board this British ship, or to make use of her in any way for his behoof or convenience, which he is accused of having done. Supposing the statement put before me to be a correct one, I think there can not be a doubt that the capture was entire!y illegal. We shall however probably very soon hear the decision come to on it in the United States court, and, in the meantime, I trust you will unite with me in giving such orders to the captains and commanders of our respective squadrons as will as far as possible tend to suppress all vexatious and irritating questions by a strict adherence on both sides to international law. Page 113 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 113 I have sent II. M. S. Phaeton to the Rio Grande, to enquire into the circumstances attending the capture of the Labuan, and should I receive from her commander (Captain Tatham) any information mate- rially differing from the statement of the British vice-consul, I will communicate the same to you. Before closing my letter I wish also to call your attention to the alleged fact of the captain of the Portsrnoitth having called upon the British vice-consul to give a list of the cargo of British vessels and to enter into certain conditions before he would allow them to be dis- charged, these vessels being at the time actually in Mexican waters, and to express my extreme surprise at such an act of interference, if true, with neutral vessels in neutral waters, and the earnest hope I entertain that should this and the other vexatious acts complained of prove to be correctly stated, that you will take such steps as you may deem most advisable for preventing in future such proceedings, which if continued can not fail to interrupt the amicable relations existing between our two Governments. I am fully alive to the difficulties officers have to encounter in carry- ing out the onerous duties of a blockade, having myself experienced them, I am therefore, you may be assured, inclined to take a moderate and liberal view when any such vexatious questions unfortunately do occur, and my instructions to the commanding officers will be given in that sense, though at the same time urging that the greatest attention and protection be given to British interests. In conclusion I beg to express the satisfaction it gives me to find that the United States squadron in the Gulf of Mexico is commanded by an officer with whom I have the pleasure of being acquainted and whose professional reputation is so well known and appreciated. I embrace this opportunity of assuring you of the high consideration with which I remain, sir, your very obedient servant, HUGH DUNLOP, Corn., 186 Qla88, Gomdg. IL B. ilL Squadiron in the Gulf of JJfexico. Flag-Officer FARRAGUT, Commanding U. S. Squadron in the Gu~f of 3f~xico. [Enclosure No. 3.] ORIZABA, Apil 1, 18693. SIR: The report of Captain Tatham, commanding II. B. M. S. Phae- ton, in relation to the capture of the screw steamer Labuan off the Rio Grande by the U. S. ship P0 rt8mout A, and copies of his correspondence with Captain Swartwout, have reached me since I had the honor to address you on this subject on the 19th ultimo. I see that Captain Swartwout declares that the Labuan was not cap- tured in Mexican waters, ~yhich legal point will be decided by the com- petent tribunal. I do not observe, however, that the other acts of interference with British vessels off the Rio Grande, as set forth in the extract I had the honor to send you of the British vice-consuls letter, are denied or explained away in the correspondence alluded to; but it is with much pleasure that I read in Captain Swartwouts letters that it is not his purpose to interfere witl~ neutral vessels in the free nav- igation of the Rio Grande or interdict their legal commerce with Mat- amoras, and I only regret that he should previously have adopted NwRYoL1T Page 114 114 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. measures that, ft appears, have materially injured British interests and commerce in that quarter, and which have given rise to serious com- plaints and claims for indemnity which it will be my duty to forward to her Majestys Government for consideration. Feeling satisfied that you will give such orders to the commanding officers of your squadron as will prevent any undue interference with British vessels and interests, I remain, sir, your very obedient servant, HUGH DUNLOP, C~ommodore, First (%ass, tiJommanding IL B. ilL Sqaadron in the Gulf of iJfexJco. Flag-Officer FARRAGUT, (ommandinq U S. Squadron in the Ga~f of illiexico. [Enclosure No. 4.] UNITED STATES FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Head of the Passes, iVftsstssippi River, April 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cations of the 19th of March and April 1, 1862, which were handed to me by Captain Malcolm, of her Majestys Navy, in relation to the cap- ture of the English steamer Labuan by Commander Swartwout of the U. S. sloop of war Portsmouth off the Rio Grande and your general observations in relation to the blockade of that river by our cruisers, and in reply I have to state that the aforesaid case of the Labuan occurred previous to my assuming command of this squadron, and had been referred to my predecessor, Flag-Officer McKean, and to the United States courts for decision. What that decision has been I am still ignorant, but I have an abiding confidence in our judiciary, and believe that it will be in strict accordance with the law of nations. You, commodore, are as well aware as myself that it is extremely diffi- cult to prevent the abuse of the national flag by those whose only object is gain. We have from time to time well authenticated accounts of vessels fitting out in European and West Indian ports for the express purpose of running our blockade. We sometimes catch them; sometimes fail to find legal evidence of their fraud; but at others we find it conclusive. The instructions of my Government, and consequently mine to the officers under my command, are to interfere as little as possible with the legitimate commerce of neutrals; but, where there is so much fraud, it is incumbent upon us to avail ourselves of the rights vouchsafed to us by the law o~ nations and enforce the belligerent right of visitation and search for the purpose of ascertaining the true character of vessels and their cargoes when found under suspicious circumstances upon our blockaded coast. rI~his is all we intend to do, and until some strong evidence of fraud is found it is not the wish Qf either the Government or myself that any annoyances or inconveniences should be felt by the neutral from our exactions. You may not be aware, commodore, of the extent of these frauds; they are not as a general thing practiced in Europe, but they are the acts of citizens of the Southern States in collusion with British subjects, both in the Southern States and in the West Indies, by fraudulent sales and transfers of property from one party to the other to avoid seizure when attempting to run the block- ade, and by taking out false papers professing to be consular certificate Page 115 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 115 for six months, and it is the daily occurrence of such frauds that com- pels us to a more rigid examination of neutral vessels than we would otherwise make. With respect to the Rio Grande I have assumed that it is a common highway for both friends and enemies, and, but for the right of visit and examination, it would be difficult to know the one from the other. But, where the fact is clearly shown th~it the cargo is contraband of war owned by the enemy, I believe no fact is more distinctly set forth than that it is subject to lawful capture, and that the flag in such cases is no protection to the property. The whole subject, however, has been referred by me to the Gov- ernment of the United States, and I have the fullest confidence that its instructions will be in accordance with the feeling I have already expressed to you, namely, a desire to avoid as far as possible subject- ing neutrals to inconvenience when pursuing their legitimate commerce. In conclusion permit me to say that I am duly sensible of your kind recollection of our former acquaintance, and that, like yourself, I was much gratified to learn that the communication came from one whom I remember as a distinguished officer in her Majestys navy, then in command in the Gulf of Mexico, and nothing can be more pleasant than the renewal of our acquaintance and to assure you, sir, of every disposition to avoid all interference with the legitimate commerce of English subjects and of my high personal consideration for yourself, and remain, With great respect, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag- OJ,jlcer, IYe8tern Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commodore HUGH DUNLOP, C. B., Commanding 11cr Britannic iJfoJe8ty8 Squadron, in the Gulf of 2lfexico. Gorre8pondence rcgardinq the removal of French citizen8 from New Orlcan8, December 11, 1861, to February 3, 1862. Order of Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. Navy, to Captain bailey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Colorado. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, South IYe8t Pas8 of JiLis8i88ippi, February 3, 1862. SIR: I herewith transmit copies of correspondence of Mr. Henri Mercier and the honorable Secretary of State in reference to the removal of French citizens from New Orleans; also a copy of a com- munication from the honorable Secretary of the Navy. You will be pleased to conduct the affair strictly in accordance with the instruc- tions therein contained, and will on no account allow the vessels pro- vided for their removal to ascend the river. You may allow them to anchor just inside the bar if necessary. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Gommanding Gu~f Blockading Squadron. Captain T. BAILEY, commanding If. S. Fdqate Colorado, o~ South lY~t Pa8s of JJLs8i88& ppi Page 116 116 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer iWoKean, U. S. Navy, transmitting diplomatic correspondence. NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 30, 1861. SIR: You will find enclosed herewith a copy of a letter from the Secretary of State to the minister of France, dated 11th instant, and a copy of one from the minister of France to the Secretary of State, dated the 23dinstant, in referei~ce to the removal to their native home of several French families at New Orleans. This correspondence will inform you fully of the manner in which the removal is to be effected, and the Department directs that you will give such instructions to the blockading vessels off the Mississippi as will facilitate the object in vlew. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Gommanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. LEnclosure.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, ITfash~ngton, December 38, 1861. SIR: Referring to my letter of the %th instant, and to your reply of the same date, I have the honor to enclose copy of the note ad- dressed by me to the minister of France on the 11th instant, relative to the removal of French subjects from New Orleans to their native country. I am, sir your, obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEwARID. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Subenclosure.] DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Tha8hington, December 11, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your note of the 7th instant, and to say in reply that this Government readily accedes to the suggestion you have made in regard to the removal of French citizens from New Orleans to their native country. Any French ship of war that you may designate will be at liberty to proceed to the bar of the Mississippi and take on board a convenient number of French subjects, who shall be delegates of the French subjects residing there, and carry them to Havana, where they may charter, engage, and equip vessels of any nation friendly to the United States and return with them to the bar of the Mississippi, and there receive and convey thence to France any French subjects, with their families of the same class, and their private personal effects; the equipment, engagement, and charter of such vessels, and the embarkation and dispatch of such ves- sels with the returning emigrants, to be conducted under the super- vision of the officer of the French ship of war; it being understood that lie will take care that this proceeding shall not be made in any way a means for comuiercial transactions of any kind, or for the convey- ance of any political dispatches or correspondence affecting this coun- try, and especially any such correspondence or dispatches favorable t Page 117 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 117 the existing insurrection and hostile or injurious to the Government of the United States. When you shall have informed [me] of the naval vessel selected, and her commander, instructions will be given to the blockading squadron to facilitate his operations. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, sir, the assurance of my high consideration. WILLIAM II. SEWARD. HENRI MERCIER, etc. Letter from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy, transmitting translation of letter fro~n the French minister. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, I/Va8IUflgtOfl, December ~G, 1861. SIR: I have the honor to invite your attention to the endosed trans- lation of a note of the 23d instant, addressed to this Department by the minister of France accredited to this Government, relative to the removal of several French families from New Orleans to their native country, and to be your obedient servant, WILLIAM II. SEWARD. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary gf the Navy. [EnclosureTranslation.] LJGATION OF FRANCE TO THE UNITED STATES, lYa8h%ngtofl, December ~3, 1861. SIR: Upon referring to the note which you did me the honor to address to me on the 11th of this month, on the subject of the embarkation of a certain number of French families who desire to leave New Orleans, I hasten to inform you that the admiral command- ing the imval forces of his Majesty off the coasts of the United States and among the Antilles has designated for the mission agreed upon between the Department of State and this legation either of the two war steamers whose names follow the Lavoisier, commanded by M. Ribourt, capitaine de fr6gate; the iJLilam, commanded by M. Clou6, capitaine de fr(gate. It is not for the admiral to determine precisely at this moment which will be the one that will go to New Orleans, as the selection must depend on the position of the ships of his division which are now in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico; but in any event, i1~ can be only one of the two vessels above designated. I have then the honor to request you, sir, to be so good as to expedite the orders necessary for the blockading squadron, so that one or the other may be permitted to fulfill her mission. I seize this occasion, sir, to renew to you the assurances of my high consideration. HENRI MERCIER. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, etc Page 118 118 GULF BL0OKADfl~G SQUADRON. Report of Flag- Ofilcer iVEeKean, U S. Navy, regarding general matters perta~tning to Juts command. No. 16.] U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, South West Pass of 2Jfissi~ss~ppi, February 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the following vessels, viz: Schooner Olive Branch, * in Tampa Bay, by the barks Ft/tan Allen and Kingfisher; Spanish bark J~eresita,* near Yucatan Bank, by bark Kingfisher; schooner iJLajor Barbour,* inside of Raccoon Point, Isle Derni~re, by steamer De Soto; a Confederate schooner (name unknown) [J eL ilfcNeil] * near Pass Cavallo, by bark Arthur; and Confederate steamer Calhoun,* in East Bay, by schooner Samuel Rotan, tender to frigate colorado. Previous to my arrival at this place Captain Bailey had transferred the cargo of the Calhoun to the schooner Samuel Rotan and dispatched it to Ship Island. An invoice of the cargo, Captain Baileys report to you, and a copy of his report to me, are herewith transmitted; also Captain Couthonys reports in reference to the Spanish bark T/eresita and schooner Olive Branch. Some parts of the ]ieres tas cargo I considered contraband. She has been sent to Key West for adjudi- cation. The Calhoun has been armed with a 20-pounder Parrott rifle and a 24-pounder howitzer, and until I receive the instructions of the Department, I shall leave her at this Pass in company with the Colorado. An appraisement of her value is herewith transmitted, which includes the articles enumerated in the accompanying list. Your communication of the 30th December, 1861, enclosing copies of correspondence between the honorable Secretary of State and the minister of France, in reference to the removal of certain French citizens from New Orleans, was received by the Connecticut. The French steam corvette liavoisier, Captain Ribourt, is now anchored off the Pass ~ lOutre, her commander having proceeded to New Orleans for the purpose of making the preparatory arrangements for the removal of his countrymen and their families. I have informed Captain Ribourt that the proposed arrangement must be carried into effect at this Pass, and Captain Bailey, of the Colorado. has been instructed to afford him every facility in the execution of his mission, but at the same time to adhere strictly to the instructions contained in the letter of the honorable Secretary of State as to the manner in which the removal is to be effected. It is not surprising that a vessel occasionally escapes from a block- aded port, as for some weeks past the fogs have been so dense that for most of the time a vessel might have passed within a cables length of the blockading force without being seen. Though now anchored within two cables length of the Colorado, at times she is not visible from our deck. Commander Woodhull informs me that in consequence of bad weather he was unable to communicate with the vessels below Galves- ton or with the steamer Hatteras off Berwick. * See reports under dates of captures Page 119 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 119 Upon the departure of the Connecticut I shall run down the coast, and will fill up from this ship the water tanks of the frigate Santee, blockading Galveston. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. ~ion. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, TT7~shington, D. C. Circular order of Flag- Ofilcer ilifcKean, U. S. Navy, regarding treat- ment of crews of captured blockade runners. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, February 4, 1861 [92]. The crews of neutral vessels captured for violation of the blockade are not to be considered prisoners-of war. They are to be kindly treated, and must not be put in irons or con- fined unless necessary for the security of the vessel. WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant Nichols, U S. Navy; commanding U S. S. Winona, regarding affairs at the Passes gf the Mississippi River. U. S. GUNBOAT WINONA, Off South East Pass, February 5, 1862. SIR: The Water Witch communicated with the Vincennes night before last, and brought verbal orders from flag-officer for Lieutenant Commanding Madigan to destroy a lookout, reported to have been erected by the rebels, if it could be done without risk. The only lookout anywhere in this neighborhood is at the East Balize station above the junction of the South East and North East Passes, and has been erected many years. I have a chart of 185~ on which it is placed. I do not suppose the flag-officer refers to that. He also orders channel stakes to be removed, which has been done. Also, orders pilots to be notified that they had better vacate Pilot Town at once, and if any of them attempt to take vessels in or out, except neutral men of war, to capture and hold them as prisoners of war. These orders were sent to Lieutenant Commanding Madigan, who furnished me with a memorandum of them. Lieutenant Brodhead received verbal orders from the flag-officer to chanoe stations with the Pteble. I sent the Vincennes to South Pass yesterday, and as soon as the Preble gains her station off North East Pass, I shall move about half a mile further to the southward and westward to command more effectually the South East Pass. I am informed by the officers of the Vincennes that this bar is only about 100 feet wide, and 8 feet is the most water they can find on it. On board the V%ncemnes is a master who is called a pilot about here; h Page 120 120 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. tells me that Pass ~ lOutre, from the bar to the Head of the Passes, is intricate and unsafe without a pilot. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. T. NICHOLS, Captain T. T. CRAVEN, Lieutenant, (ommandinq. U S. S. Brooklyn, Pass ~ 1 Outre. llfemorandum of information obtained from contrabands and retorted by Lieutenant Doty, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. JJiLarwn. U. S. SHIP MARION, Off West Pass, Apalackicola, February 5, 186~2. The following contrabands came on board this morning at day- break, viz: Henry Thigpen, belonging to Clinton Thigpen, of Apalachicola, aged 46 years, and his daughter Mona, aged 10 years. Henry Dunham, belonging to Jos. L. Dunham, aged 23 years, and Cain Sinclair, belonging to George Sinclair of the same place, aged 29 years. They give the following information, viz: The schooner Pluenix finished loading last Saturday; has between 500 and 600 bales of cotton. Her captains name is Mars, formerly a pilot. She draws about 7 feet of water, and carries about five men. She intended to try to run out on Tuesday night last (February 4). There are about seven or eight schooners up Owl Creek, 5 miles above the town. The schooner Kate L. Bruce, lad& n with fruit, was warned off New Orleans and ran the blockade into Apalachicola last summer, and is still there. There are some eight steamers that run up and down the river; there are three of them at the wharf now, viz, the ]Iihtndlen, William C. Young, and Jliliarianna. The steamers tow the schooners (which try to run the blockade) down to the gaps or passes, but never come outside; they carry no guns. The small sloops whichwe see in the bay are coast guards, but have no cannon, and carry about ten men, and are used to give information of the state of the blockade. If the PAo~nirv succeeds in getting out they intend to load another vessel. The schooner Onward (now the En?na) ran out about two months ago. Her captain, Ellison, is a Northern man, and his wife is still there. The schooner Atwater (now the Lizzie Weston) ran out about two weeks ago. She was towed by the steamer Wave. She was captured at Cedar Keys by the rebels. Her captains name is Frank Lee. She carried about 700 bales of cotton. The steamer Wave went out of the New Inlet, in expectation of find- ing water deep enough to tow the Onward out, but, not finding it, went back again. The steamer Wave left yesterday for the Confederate States navy yard (which is situated on the Chattahoochee River at Saffold, Early County, Ga., and is accessible by steamboats from any point on the river) to be converted into a gunboat Page 121 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADI~O~. 121 Two schooners were sunk in the New Inlet in October last, but the tide swept them out to the southward, and they are above water on the right-hand side of the passage. Vessels go into St. Andrews and land their cargoes at Bear Creek and cart them across to Ochesee, on the Chattahoochee River, and then it comes down to Apalachicola by water. The schooner I17illictn~ P. Benson is now at St. Andrews. About two weeks ago she brought a cargo of coffee there from Havana, and is known to be there now taking in a cargo of cotton. She may not get off for a month, but they are loading her now. About 150 bales of cotton were sent to her last week from Apalachicola. She carries English colors when at sea. Captain Thomas L. Mitchell is now loading the Benson; he loaded the Pho9nix also. He is a Northern man and married there. It is about five days travel from Ochesee to Bear Creek by carts. The schooner Vincent, which was run into Crooked River by the cayler, was run aground and abandoned and the owners got assistance soi~~e time afterwards from Apalachicola to get her off. She was commanded by Captain May, who now commands the Benson. He married in the North. A Mr. Silva and two other persons went to New Orleans about the 20th of January to get the steamer Florida. She used to run between Apalachicola and New Orleans and is partly owned there. There are about 450 soldiers in the town, mostly belonging to it, and are badly armed and equipped. Many of them have old flintlock mus- kets and shotguns, and one company has no arms. The batteries are about 250 yards from the shore, along the water front; they are made of sand. They have twelve cannon, mostly of light caliber. Seven came from Pensacola and five from the arsenal at Chattahoochee. A great many of the inhabitants have left for the up country and nearly all the stores are closed. Coffee is selling at 75 cents per pound. Small boxes of salt, about half a bushel, at $5. The fort on St. Vincents island was deserted about the 10th of December; it was garrisoned by about 175 men. The troops were sent to Fernandina. There are a great many Union men who do not drill, but they are not allowed to leave the town. They are making sait back of Cape San Blas light-house by means of large iron boilers. There is a good road from St. Josephs to Apalachicola, about 28 miles. LU. W. DOTY,] Commanding. Report of Lieutenant Donaldson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sciota, regarding the capture of the sloop lJifargaret, February 6, 1862. U. S. GUNBOAT ScIoTA, Off Ship Island, February 20, 1862. SIR: in obedience to orders of Flag-Officer W. W. McKean, I have this day dispatched the prize sloop Jilargaret, alias William Henry, to Key West, with orders to deliver her and the four prisoners (her crew) to the U. 5 district judge. The said sloop ilifargaret, alias William Henry, was captured by this vessel on the 6th instant off Isl Page 122 122 GULF 13LOCKADIN~G SQUADRON. au Breton, where she attempted to run the blockade. Her cargo con- sists of 30 bales and 35 half bales of cotton. Enclosed I beg leave to hand you a list of the prize crew sent to Key West in the vessel. By direction of Flag-Officer W. W. McKean I have written to the senior naval officer at Key West, requesting tbat the officer and men will be returned to me by the first Government conveyance. I regret to inform the Department that the valves of my remaining engine have cut so badly that it will require from three to four weeks to repair them, by which time I hope the connecting rod for the after engine will have arrived. It is estimated by the chief engineer that it will take from one week to ten days to fit and adjust it. The ship still continues to leak at the rate of about 1 foot per day, and the engine pumps have not the capacity to relieve her, conse- quently we have to use the ships pumps every few hours. We have searched diligently to find the leak, without success, and I am con- vinced that it comes from the setting of the valves of the engine. The vessel carries her battery well, and I {hink would be much more effi- cient could she have two more 24-pound howitzers, with an addition of twelve or fourteen more crew. Enclosed I hand you a copy of a letter sent to the U. S. district judge at Key West, relative to the prize sloop Jilargaret. I also enclose you a list of the officers and crew on board of this ship at the time of the capture of the sloop iWargaret. Respectfully, etc., EDWARD DONALDSON, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Lieutenant, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy, Washington,, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT SCIOTA, Off Sh9p Island, February 20, 1862. _ SIR: This will be delivered to you by Acting Masters Mate J.. H. Field, U. S. Navy, who goes to Key West in charge of the prize sloop 2Vfargaret, alias William henry, captured by this vessel on the E$th instant off the Isle an Breton while attempting to run the blockade. The master of the sloop (Edward Ward) effected his escape last night; the remainder of the crew (four in number) I send you, and I have deemed it necessary to send them in irons. Mr. Field will deliver to you all the papers found on board. I respectfully request that your honor will give Mr. Field all possible dispatch, so that he may rejoin inc at the first opportunity. There was found on board the ililiargaret a small amount of specie, claimed by the crew as private property. Mr. Field will hand the amount to you for your disposal. I remain, respectfully, your obedient servant. EDWARD DONALDSON, Hon. JUDGE MARVIN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Judge qf U. S. District Court, Ifey West, Fla. N. B.I send with the sloop ililiargaret one chronometer of English make, one quadrant, one spyglass, one secession ensign, one Spanish ensign, and .one English ensign, all of which were found on board of her Page 123 GULF I3LOC((ADING SQUADRON. 123 Report of Acting ilfaster Gregory, CL S. Navy, commanding U S. brig Bohio, regarding the capture gf the schooner Eu genie Smith, Febru- ary 7, 186g. U. S. BRIG Boillo, February 13, 18G2. SIR: On the 7th February, 1862, while cruising in latitude 280 5~3 N., longitude 90~ 00 W., wind S. S. E., made a schooner to the south- ward standing to the westward. At 10 a. m. made all sail in chase. At 1 p. m. tacked to eastward; schooner tacked also, evidently trying to wind us. At 3 p. in., brought her to, and on boarding her found her to be the schooner Eugenic Smith, of Nassau, New Providence, from Havana and bound to Matamoras; crew consisting of 7 persons and 6 passengers, all of whom belong to the Confederate States, as shown by passports and letters found on their persons. Took what letters and papers we could find and put a prize crew on board and proceeded to the South West Pass. The evidence adduced from the crew and from conversation with the passengers shows her to be on no legal voyage, their different statements conflicting and totally at vari- ance with invoices of cargo. Martin and Edward Erekien (brothers), two of the crew, depose that a package of papers was thrown overboard before they were taken, and Paul Regan says that by the captains orders he threw overboard a flag having stars in blue ground, but declines saying whether it was a Confederate flag or not. Also that they steered a northwest course the day and night previous to being captured, which contradicts the log book and charts found on board. Captain Thompson (a passenger), of New Orleans, who acts as pilot, has been identified as an old hand at running risks, having been caught smuggling arms to the Mexicans during the Mexican war, and is a suspicious character. Isaac Northrup, of Wilmington, N. C. (passenger), has lately trav- eled through the Northern States and no doubt is a rebel emissary, a sharp fellow, and very guarded in his conversation. George Pritchett, of Charleston, S. C. (passenger), appears from papers found to be interested in vessel and cargo, having a bill of sale showing him to own one-third of the schooner. Of Isaac Dawess, wife, and daughter (passengers), of Texas, little is known. List of cargo, * as per invoices found. The crew also assert that specie to the amount of 700 20-dollar gold pieces are on board, but as yet have not been able to find it. Respectfully submitted and approved. WM. D. GREGORY, Acting 21/aster, Commanding. WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Qificer, commanding Gulf Squadron. * List of cargo of about 350 packages of miscellaneous merchandise omitted Page 124 124 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADI~ON. Report qf Lieutenant Drake, U. S. Navy, conmanding U S. S. Saga- more, reqarding the destruction of small craft near Apalac/vtcola. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, East Pass, Apalachicola Bay, February 8, 1862. SIR: On the morning of February 6 at daylight saw a schooner evidently trying to get out of the lEast Pass. Got under way and chased her into 11 feet water, she standing back for Apalachicola. On the niorn- ing of the 7th February at 3:30 a. m. fitted out a boat expedition under command of Lieutenant George A. Bigelow and found on the mainland two large sloops and two small ones hauled up for repairs, which were destroyed. * * * * ~* * Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. J. DRAKE Flag-Officer WM. ~. MCKEAN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Comdq. Gulf Blockading Squadron, SAip Jsland. Instructions of Flag- Officer ]Jilicli7ean regarding prize vessels. Circular No. 1.] FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, February 12, 1862. In case of sending in prizes for adjudication, commanding officers will be particular to conform to the following instructions: To seal up and forward to the judge of the U. S. district court of the district to which the prize is sent the log books and all letters and papers found on board the captured vessel, accompanied by an affidavit of the prize master who is to take her in, verifying them as having been taken from her. These will be placed in charge of the prize mas- ter, who will deliver them in person. Instructions to prize masters must be in writing, and a copy of them deposited with the clerk of the district court. The captain, mate, supercargo (if there be one), and not less than two of the crew of the captured vessel must be sent in her as witnesses, or with the prize goods if sent by another vessel, and on their arrival in port must be placed in charge of the U. S. marshal. W. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ogjicer, (ommanding Gulf Squadron. Circular No. 12.] FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, February 12, 1862. The crews of neutral vessels captured for violating the blockade are not to be considered prisoners of war. They are to be treated kindly and must not be put in irons or confined unless necessary for the security of the vessel. W. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Qftlcer, Commanding Gulf Squadron Page 125 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 125 Circular Order No. 9 of Flag- Ofticer JlicliTean, U. S. Navy, regarding blockade runners. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, February 12, 1862. Positive information has been received that the following vessels have sailed for various ports on the Southern coast: 1st. On the 7th ultimo the Ella Warley (late the Isabel, of Charles- ton) arrived in Nassau, New Providence, and has since hoisted the English flag. 2d. The arrival at Nassau, New Providence, on the 9th ultimo, of the British screw steamer Gladiator, from London, loaded with arms and ammunition for the rebels. 3d. The arrival at Nassau, New Providence, on the 10th ultimo, of steamer Gordon, direct from Charleston. 4th. The steamer (secession) T~4eodora sailed from Nassau, New Providence, about the 10th ultimo, destination unknown. 6th. The British screw steamer Labuan sailed from Havana for Matamoras on the 27th ultimo. 6th. The rebel schooner Break of Day, from New Orleans, has been transferred under the British flag and christened Wide Awake, and has sailed from Havana, probably for New Orleans. 7th. The schooner William lJiLallory, under rebel flag, has sailed from Havana for Mobile or New Orleans. 8th. The steamer C. Vanderbilt, from New Orleans, under Confed- erate flag, has been christened Black Hawk, and is now under the English flag, and has sailed from Havana, probably for New Orleans. There is no doubt that the Wide Awake, JJfEallory, and Vanderbilt are all carrying contraband of war. 9th. The sloop William Henry, about 30 tons, from New Orleans, arrived in Havana under Confederate flag. 10th. A sailing vessel named Kate, Captain Stevens, has fitted out at Belize, Honduras, for the purpose of carrying munitions of war to the Confederate States. WM. W. MUKEAN, Fktg- Officer, 6Yornmanding Gulf Squadron. Report of Flag- Officer ]J7LcKean, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of the commanding officer of the U S. S. Dc Soto regarding the escape into Barataria Bay of the steamer Victoria, February 12, 1862. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, JJLarch 11, 1862. SIR: 1 herewith transmit a copy of a communication received from Commander W. M. Walker, commanding U. S. S. De Soto, reporting that on the 12th ultimo a steamer succeeded in running the blockade and entered Barataria Bay. I have since learned from telegraphic dispatches found on board the prize steamer JJifagnolia that the steamer which entered Barataria is called the Bctoria. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, ~ McKEAN, WM. Fldg- Officer, (Jommandivg Eastern Gu~f Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washivgton, D. C Page 126 126 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. DE SoTo, Off Barataria, February 13, 1862. SIR: We chased ashore yesterday, three-fourth mile east of Fort Livingston, a laden steamer. By her lighter draft of water she was enabled to foil our attempts to cut her off. We, however, followed her in until we touched, then opened fire upon her; the range was extreme, and the fire, consequently, uncertain. Yet by perseverance we were enabled to pitch eight or ten shot into her, and have no doubt that she is much injured. The fort fired at us, but fell short. Before we could get near the steamer armed men had been put on board of her from the fort, and soon afterwards two fleldpieces were brought down for her protection. Under these circumstances I did not dare to send my boats, armed only with old muskets, to board her. Had I had a boat fitted with a howitzer I could have perhaps got her off; certainly would have destroyed her. As we turned away from her six launches came out from Barataria and stood down to her, as we presumed, to discharge her. We then ran to South West Pass to ask the cooperation of the ti/al- 14oun. This morning at daylight, with calhoun in company, were off Barataria. The steamer, with a schooner and lugger alongside, was lying in the entrance to Barataria, directly under the guns of the fort. She is supposed by some who have seen that vessel in New Orleans to be the iYlary Kin gsiand. She could not get into Barataria or certainly she would not have been beached. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. M. Y\TALKER, Commander. W. W. MUKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Squadron. Report of Lieutenant Howell, U S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. hi/ahoma, regarding the shelling of Sea horse Hey, Florida. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, Cedar Keys, February 13, 1862. SIR: I regret to be obliged to inform you of the death of Assistant Paymaster J. S. Turnbull, who died February 6, instant, at 9:10 oclock a. m. He is buried on Sea Horse Key, to the right of and behind the rebel redoubt. His name, date of his death, name of ship, etc., are cut in the headboard of his grave. * * * * * I have the honor to report that I anchored here February 1, instant, shelled Sea Horse Key, and, receiving no return fire, landed. The Key had evidently not been occupied for some time. A small, two- gun sunken battery, on the eastern end of the bluff, and a rifle pit below it, were the only defenses. We saw two long 18-pounders, vents spiked and trunnions broken; no other guns. The lens had been removed from the light-house. No vessel has been seen since our arrival, and there is no vessel of any kind at Depot Key. I can make out no fortification anywhere, but there are a few tents on Way Key (the terminus of the Fernandina [Florida] Railway), out of reach of our guns Page 127 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 127 The connecting trestlework between Way and Depot keys was destroyed by the Hatteras. From my position I command Sea Horse and Depot keys and both channels. Sea Horse Key is high in the middle, and is, I should think, very healthy. It ~ou1d be to the advantage of the United States if it were occupied and a redoubt thrown up. it is eminently susceptible of defense, and very few rifled guns would command the channels and Depot Key. A detailed report of my proceedings (which, I am sorry to say, possess very little interest) has been forwarded to the flag-officer of the station. I am, very respectfully, your obedient s~rvant, J. C. HOWELL, Lieutenant, Commanding Tahonta. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C I beg to state that I have not seen a secession flag hoisted since our arrival here. Respectfully, etc., J. C. HOWELL, Lieutenant. Order of Captain Eagle, U. S. Navy, to Acting iYliaster Ilooper, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner Rachel Seaman, to cruise off the coast of Texas. U. S. FRIGATE SANTEE, Off Galveston Bar, Tex., February 13, 1863. SIR: You will proceed down the coast to San Luis Pass and Velasco, to be absent till the 18th or 19th instant. You will capture any vessel having rebel property on board; and any vessel sailing under a foreign flag attempting to violate the blockade you will seize and send here for my decision. Be careful not to approach too near the shore. I am, respectfully, yours, HENRY EAGLE, LlYaptain. Acting Master Q. A. HOOPER, Commanding Gunboat Schooner Rachel Seaman. [Orders of like tenor on 22d instant to return 28th instant.] Report of Flag- Officer 3fcKean, U. S. Navy, transmitting report regarding the seizure ~f schooner Star, qff~ Bayou La Fourche, Lou~ssana. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Off South West Pass of ihliississippi, February 13, 1862. SIR: On the 4th instant I forwarded to you a short dispatch (No. 16) by the steamer L7onnecticut, since which time I have been down the coast in this ship as far as Galveston and supplied the frigate Santee with provisions and water. I had intended proceeding as far as the Rio Grande, but was prevented by the dense fog and the conditions of the boilers of this ship. I found here the brig Bohio, which vessel had been cruising between the South West Pass and longitude 920. She had with her a priz Page 128 128 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. schooner, captured near Ship Island Shoal. The schooner has been sent to Key West for adjudication, not being fit to make the passage to the north. I have not yet received an oflicial report of the circum- stances attending her capture. I also found anchored here a small schooner, called the Star, of New Orleans, which, I was informed by Captain Bailey, was a prize to the steamer Dc Soto. Commander Walkers action in regard to her was most extraordinary, as you will perceive by reference to his report to me, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. As I fear, if left in her present condition, she may get ashore and fall into the hands of the enemy, 1 shall tow her up to Ship Island, where she will be useful as a lighter. I expect to leave in a few hours for Ship Island, communicating with the blockading vessels at the other passes on the way. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Gommanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. D~ SoTo, South West Pass, February 11, 18G9~?. Sin: The schooner Star, of New Orleans, just out from Bayou La Fourche, was seized by this ship on the evening of the 8th. No colors or papers, exceptin~ only a log book, indicating that the voyage was to be to Brazos, and a chart of the Gulf of Mexico, were found on board. The captain stated he had thrown all her papers overboard. He is now, together with his crew of three men, prisoner on board this ship. As the Star, in my opinion, might, at slight expense, be converted into a very efficient cruiser about Ship Island Shoal, I ran in here to beg. some assistance in fitting her out, but the Colorado, it appears, is also very deficient in stores; she can give me no assistance. As the best I can do with the Star, under the circumstances, her sails not being seaworthy, I have anchored her near the light-house, after having unbent her sails, fastened down her hatches, and taken her compasses out of her, not having a sihgle man to spare to leave on board of her. We left our anchorage off Barataria yesterday. The bark Kuhn could deliver but 143 tons coal to this ship. We depart immediately. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant WM. M. WALKER, Commander. W. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Flag- Officer 3fcKean, TI. S. Navy, to (bmrnander Walker, U. S. Navy, expressing disapproval of the course pursued regarding schooner Star. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Off South West Pass of ilifississippi, February 13, 1862. SIR: Your communication of the 11th instant is received. I entirely disapprove of your course in regard to the schooner Star. She shoul Page 129 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 129 not have been left in the manner she was. As I fear she may get ashore, and fall into the hands of the enemy, I shall tow her to Ship Island, but you must pursue the proper course in regard to her. I understand that you have captured several luggers; why has it not been reported to me ~ A full report must be made as early as practicable. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadiron. Commander WM. [M.] WALKER, Commanding U. S. S. De Soto, off Barataria. Report of Commander Brasher, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. brig Bainbridge, regarding departure from Aspinwall, New Granada. U. S. BRIG BAINERIDGE, Aspmwall, New Granada, February 13, 1869?. SIR: In obedience to your order of the 18th January I proceed in the brig to Key West without delay. The Perrg arrived here yesterday afternoon, and we sail from this port at or before daylight, 14th. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. M. BRASHER, (commanding U. S. Brig Bainbridge. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington. Report of Captain Craven, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Brooklyn, regarding the operations of that vessel. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Pass ~t 1 Outre, February 14, 1869?. SIR: In obedience to your order of the 24th ultimo I proceeded from Ship Island to the anchorage off Mobile, and on the 25th, having received from the Potomac, Captain Powell, commanding, a 30-pounder rifled gun, relieved that vessel in the blockade of Mobile, when Captain Powell sailed for Vera Cruz. On the 31st ultimo I received your order to proceed to this station so soon as the South Carolina and itasca should report to me. The South Carolina relieved the fi. R. Cuyler on the 1st instant. The Itasca arrived off Mobile on the 2d instant, and on the evening of that day I arrived and anchored off the Pass ~ lOutre. During my stay off Mobile nothing worthy of note occnrred, except that one or two rebel steamers appeared to be quite busy at times, passing between forts Morgan and Gaines. On my arrival at this place I found the U. S. steamers Aliercedita and Winona and the French war steamer Lavoisier at anchor. On the 3d instant I sent the Winona down to the South East Pass. On the 4th instant the U. S. brig Bohio passed on her way to Galveston. On the 5th the U. S. bark J. L. Davis, from Philadelphia, and the steam transport from the southward arrived and anchored here. From the Connecticut I received, for our 80-pounder rifled gun, 100 unloaded N w RVOL 11 Page 130 130 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. shells without fuzes. The latter vessel left on the same day for Ship island. I sent home by the Connecticut three invalids, viz, Alfred Gatchell and John Rowe, seamen, and David Quinn, marine. On the 7th the L S. bark ]Jliidnight passed on her way up to Ship Island for the purpose of repairing her foremast. On the 13th the U. S. gunboat Kanawha arrived here and reported that she was in search of the flag-officer commanding the western divi- sion of the Gulf Squadron. I ordered her to proceed to Ship Island as being the most likely place to fall in with the hartford. On the 5th instant I called on board the French gunboat Lavoisier and learned from her commander, who had just returned from New Orleans, that there were about 250 French subjects at that place who were in a very destitute condition and were anxious to get away and return home; that they could raise amongst [them] but 40,000 francs, and that 100,000 francs were necessary to enable [them] to charter a suitable vessel for their transportation; that he should sail immediately for Havana and communicate with his Government to ascertain i f~ it would contribute the 60,000 francs necessary to make up the deficiency, and that he sbould probably return here, or off the South West Pass, in about a month or six weeks for the purpose of removing his destitute countrymen. The only other information that I could gain from him was that prices for the necessaries of life at New Orleans were excessively high. The Lavoisier sailed on the afternoon of the 5th for Havana. Since my stay at this station the weather has been, with the excep- tion of one or two days, exceedingly disagreeable and foggy. We have been unable to discover any important movements on the part of the rebels. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Tuos. T. CRAVEN, Captain. Flag-Officer Wi~i. W. McKEAN, Commanding liL S. Blockading Squadron in the Gulf of lYliexico. Report of Lieutenant Jouett, U. S. Navy, commanding CL S. S. iifont- gomery, regarding the capture by that vessel of the schooner Isabel, formerly the W R. King. U. S. S. MONTGOMERY, Off Ship Island, February 16, 1862. SIR: 1 have the honor to report to you that on the 1st instant, off Atchafalaya Bay, I overhauled the schooner Isabel, formerly the TF. P. King, and she being under secession colors, I made her a prize. On my arrival at this place, at the suggestion of Lieutenant Commanding Winslow, I dispatched her with a prize crew to Key West, together with all the documents found on board, to be turned over to the district attorney at that place. I also sent two of the former crew and a lieu- tenant (prisoner), transferred to this vessel by the U. S. S. Hatteras, with a descriptive list of each. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. E. JOUETT Lieutenant CL S. Navy, Commanding. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 131 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 131 Report of Lieutenant Jouett, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. 2 Wont- gomery, regarding articles required for the efticiency of that vessel. U. S. S. MONTGOMERY, Off Ship Island, February 17, 1862. SIR: On enquiry I find there is nothing to be obtained from the ves- sels now here included in the requisitions I yesterday submitted to you, neither anchors, hawsers, gunners stores, small arms, nor other articles which are imperatively necessary for a vessel to have in order to do good service. The magazine is open, and, not being lined, is damp and full of rat holes. Of belts and cartridge boxes none were ever fur- nished at the navy yard, and in event of an accident to the vessel, by running ashore or being wrecked at sea, the ships company must be inevitably lost, as we have no boats to save them. In my letter of January 1, I have already informed you that the only serviceable boat we have is a light cedar whaleboat which is unfit to carry out the smallest anchor or kedge (neither of which, by the way, have we got), and consequently neither for such service nor for the pur- pose of attacking a vessel in shoal water are we at all provided. I report these facts that I may be exonerated from any misfortune which may happen from their want. I would not have the service, the ship, or myself disgraced through the negligence of the Ordnance Department or the officers bringing the ship out. I send enclosed the requisitions, and you can judge of the ships wants and her capabilities for service. No officer can do proper service with a vessel in the condition this one is at present, and I would respectfully urge her being sent to some port where she may obtain what will place her in a serviceable condition. The engineers are scaling and patching the boilers, and will be ready for service in four days, at which time the ship will be ready to attempt any duty you may designate, and I would here remark that the vessel has been run without any repairs whatever for a period of four years without intermission. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. E. JOUETT, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer Wi~i. W. MOKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Flag- Ofilcer illicKean, U. S. Navy, regarding the egjlcient condition of the Galveston blockade. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Sh~p Island, February 17, 1862. SIR: In consequence of the statement made by the commander of a British war steamer that the harbor of Galveston was not blockaded, I deem it due to Captain Eagle to state that on my arrival at that place I found the frigate Santee anchored in the main ship channel, and as close to the bar as was prudent for a sailing vessel Page 132 132 GUT~F BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I visited and inspected the Santee, and found her in fine order, and her crew well drilled at the guns. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gu~f Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, IlTa8hington, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer lieutenant Eaton, U~ S. Navy, command- ing U. S. bark Ethan Alien, regarding boat expedition to Clearwater J+larbor, Florida, February 1721, 1866?. U. S. GUNBOAT ETHAN ALLEN, Tampa Bay, ]Jliarch 7, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to hand you enclosed a copy of the report of Acting Master G. W. Frost, in charge of the expedition to Clearwater, giving the details of that affair. The sloop formerly named Atlanta is one of those captured, and I have dispatched her to Key West in charge of Acting Master A. Weston for the reason that the weather the past few days having been very stormy, I fear the Rhode ]i8land has gone by this port without stopping, in which case there would be no opportunity of communicating with you for nearly a month. This sloop is of good capacity, and I think will carry any stores that you may have to send, and I have ordered Mr. Weston to report to you and await your orders. I send also on the sloop Mr. Girard and Mr. Griner, both of whom are Union men, concerning whom I wrote to you, and who have requested me to be allowed to go to Key West to make a representa- tion to you of the state of affairs in this part of Florida. They have been very hardly treated by the rebels, and been compelled, through their persecutions, to leave their homes, and both of them rendered efficient service to Mr. Frost in the expedition above referred to. The schooner Spit/Ire and sloop Caroline I propose to sink in the Passage Key Channel [Inlet], which is a small passage navigable for vessels drawing 8 feet water on the south side of the bay, and which these vessels will block up. The boy, H. M. Kidder, whose case I wrote you about per Rhode I8land, I did not send to you, and I await your orders in his case, not feeling authorized to send him to you without orders. I send you per this opportunity the reports and requisitions required, and also tne usual reports for the month of February. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. EATON, Acting Volunteer lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer y[ W. MOKEAN, Commanding Gu~f Squadron. [Enclosure.] U. S. BARK ETHAN ALLEN, Tampa Bay, February 21, 1862. SiR: I have the honor to report that in accordance with your orders I left this vessel on Monday, the 17th instant, with the sloop 11i1ar~ Page 133 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 133 Nevis, the second cutter in tow, and the following persons: Mr. George A. Faxon, surgeons steward; Mr. J. E. Whitehurst, the Union ref u- gee; and 10 additional picked men, well armed. My intention was to proceed immediately to Clearwater Bay [Harbor], stopping at Mr. Girards house, which is situated about one-half the distance there, to secure his services as a pilot. At 6:30 p. m. I reached Bayes Pass, near the house of Mr. Girard, but on account of the heavy surf, which prevented a landing, was compelled to await daylight. By 12 m. of the following day I succeeded in obtaining Mr. Girard, and immediately got underway for Clearwater Bay, off which I arrived at about 5:45 p. m. and hoisted a rebel flag, that my object in coming there might not be suspected by the people on shore. In standing into the channel, which is very narrow and extremely difficult of access, except to a person who is well acquainted with the passage, the sloop grounded, and it being ebb tide and rapidly falling dark, I left Mr. Faxon, Mr. Whitehurst, and one m~n in her, and with the remainder in the second cutter proceeded into the bay. I found there at anchor the schooner Spiiftre, of Clearwater; the sloop Atlanta, of Cedar Keys, and either in the employ of or owned by the rebel Government; and the sloop Caroline, of Bayport. There was no per- son on board either of the vessels, and I captured them without diffi- culty. As soon as I had got my men distributed on them, I got them all underway and proceeded to sea. In going out of the bay the Spit- ftre and Atlanta grounded, but were got off at the next high tide with- out injury. By 6 a. m. all the vessels were out clear and proceeding down the coast with a fair wind, the Afiary iVevis having been got afloat by those 1 left on her the previous night. At 10 a. m. Wednesday I arrived at Bayes Pass, and the wind having increased into a fresh gale, with a very rough sea, I took the vessels in for safety. The ]Jifary Nevis grounded in going in, which caused her to leak badly. After anchoring inside, and mooring the vessels together, I landed Mr. Girard, the pilot, and at 4 p. m. took off Mr. Whitehursts family (consisting of 8 persons), one Spaniard, and a man by the name of Arnold, a violent secessionist, whom I tdok prisoner while he was spying round Mr. Girards house. During all of Thursday we had strong gales from the southward, with a very heavy sea, rendering it dangerous to make the attempt to reach the ship, as all the vessels were without ballast. About noon I sent three men with Mr. Girard in the sloop Caroline inside of the keys to the ship for provisions, and at 5 p. in., the wind moderating, got all underway and stood out of the pass. There still being a heavy surf on the bar, the ALary Nevis grounded, striking heavily. I sent men to her assistance and ran two anchors out into deep water to attempt to haul her off, and after using every exertion to save her, and staying there until the next high tide, she bilged, and finding any further delay useless, I took from her everything of value and then set fire to her that she might not fall into the hands of the rebels. After seeing her burned to the waters edge, I again got underway and stood for the Northwest Channel with a fair wind. Arrived at the ship at 4 p. m. and landed Mr. Whitehurst and family on Egmont Key, with their baggage Page 134 134 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I can not close my report, sir, without referring to the untiring and unceasing devotion of my men. They worked day and night for four days with a will and a purpose that showed how much in earnest they were. Mr. (liirard, too, the pilot, showed himself to be a true man, and by his ready willingness to do anything in his power, proved his loyalty to the Union. We were bountifully supplied by Mr. Griner, another Union man, with such provisions as they had to give us, and had it not been for their kindness we should have suffered from want of food, of which I took but three days supply. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant. GEO. NV. FROST, Acting ilifa8ter and Executive Ofticer U S. Bark Etkan Allen. Actg. Vol. Lieut. Comdg. W. B. EATON Commanding U S. ~hip Ethan Allen. Report of Flag- Ofticer ]Ji/icKean, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of the cargo of the captured steamer Calhoun. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, February 18, 186$2. SIR: I dispatch the U. S. schooner Samuel Rotan to Philadelphia with the cargo of the Confederate steamer Calhoun, captured off the Mississippi River. The cargo of the Calhoun was transferred to the schooner and sent to this place by order of Captain Bailey, of the Colorado, and having no place in which to store it, and considering it too valuable to be risked in a small unarmed vessel (one item being ~O,OOO pounds of powder), I have deemed it best to dispatch the Rotan to convey it, as she can return to her station in the course of a few weeks. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Off cer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Extract from report of Lieutenant Howell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. liahoma, regarding affairs at Cedar Keys, Fla. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, Off Sea Horse Key, February , 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that I rcached this place on Friday afternoon, January 31, and anchored below the bar. On Saturday sounded and buoyed the bar and crossed it. At 2 oclock p. m. came to off Sea Horse Key, redoubt bearing north, distant 1,400 yards; shelled the redoubt and the woods generally, and meeting with no return fire, dispatched Lieutenant Crosman with two armed boats to land and reconnoiter. Lieutenant Crosman reported the island abandoned. He saw two long 18-pounders, vents spiked, trunnions knocked off, carriages destroyed. The lenses had been removed from the light- house and nothing portable of any value (the lumber excepted) remains on the key. On a urday night I sent an armed boat in charg Page 135 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 135 of Lieutenant Crosman to Depot Key. He passed close to and nearly around the key, but saw no vessels of any class7 On the evening of the 4th instant a sail was discovered to the east- ward, and Lieutenant Crosman, in charge of two armed boats, was sent after her. Shortly after the boats left the gunners mate and one of the men stated that they distinctly saw people on the ramparts of the redoubt. I opened lire upon them and the next morning landed, but discovered no one. I strongly suspect that some palmetto stumps in range of the redoubt were mistaken for rebels. At 8 oclock p. m. Lieutenant Crosman returned, having captured a small boat of about 3 tons, with a crew of one man and three boys, named J. A. Edwards. of Crystal River, farmer; boys, E. J. Cor- rigan, Jos. Cavass, Robert W. Clark, of Cedar Keys. * * * * * * * As the prisoners were unmistakably noncombatants, the oldest boy being about 15, the youngest about 11, the man a plain farmer of about 42, with a wife and seven children dependent on his exertions, I determined, after keeping them about eighteen hours and treating them with all kindness, to let them go, as they could be of no possible use to us here, and might be of~ service tQ us on shore, even if they only assisted in correcting the terrible impression they have of us in this benighted portion of Florida, which the boys would be sure to do. I was also influenced by the fact that the rebels had permitted the crews of several fishing smacks which they had taken at Tampa to go to Key West as noncombatants. I addressed the accompanying note to the officer in command at Way Key, and sent the men to Depot Key, in charge of Lieutenant Cros- man. The boat landed under a white flag at Depot Key and Mr. Crosman was met by Colonel Hilton, [?]who treated him most courte- ously and informed him that he had no prisoners, but that in the event of his taking any my request would certainly be attended to. The mothers of the boys were loud in protestations of good feeling, etc. The inhabitants of Depot Key have nearly all left, not so much from fear of our ships or troops, so the man Edwards informed me, as of marooning parties of their own people. I desired him to assure peaceable citizens of the key that so long as no overt act was commit- ted against the Government of the United States in these waters, and so long as the people confined themselves to their usual (peaceable) avocations and took no part in the war now raging, they could live in their homes in all security so far as vessels of war of the United States were concerned. I have not yet seen a secession flag hoisted here, though I think there may be about 100 men on Way Key. Edwards told me the inhabitants of Depot Key had begged the soldiers to go away, as it only exposed them (of Depot Key) to attack. They say no vessel has come in here for some two months. I have not yet seen a sail. 1 should be obliged for some definite instructions relative to prison- ers. Those taken with arms in their hands or in trading vessels, of course, I know what to do with. I only wish to know if I am allowed any discretion as to the disposition of the crews of small sailboats, such as the one I described, where the crews are unmistakably and plainly quiet, inoffensive people. Sea Horse Key is eminently capable of being defended against a large force. The middle of the island is about 30 feet above the leve Page 136 136 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. of the sea, rising in a precipitous bluff from the sand beach of th~ southern shore and falling away more gradually toward the northern shore. The water is shoal all around it, and troops attacking would be a long while under fire. Redoubts or sunken batteries can be built in a very short time on the southern side. You have only to dig down, floor the lower part, and you have a capital offensive battery, while on the northern side the soil is so light that a redoubt can be thrown up in a short space of time. There are many live-oak trees on the key, and palmettos abound. On the lower part of the island are many small trees which would last a long while for firewood. The light keepers house would afford comfortable quarters for officers, and there is lumber enough for quite extensive barracks. The light-house would make a capital lookout place and could shelter a number of riflemen. Should Colonel Brown not occupy the key, I have no doubt that the commanding officer at Fort Taylor, Key West, would be glad to send some hundred of his surplus men to it. There should be at least two rifled guns and a battery of artillery: 1 regret to inform you of the death of Assistant Paymaster James S. Turnbull, who died February 6 at 9:10 oclock a. m. I sealed up the money chest without opening it, also sealed up keys with my seal and gave them in charge to executive officer. * * * * * * * February 13.On my return from a boat expedition some 20 miles down the coast, during which I saw nothing, some soldiers were reported on Depot Key, and large fires soon appeared from various parts of the island. I tried the Parrott gun on them, but it fell short. I then got underway and stood up the channel until it got so narrow I did not deem it prudent to go farther. Opened with the Parrott and X-inch, and soon shelled them off the key. I think they are getting up a sunk en battery there, and if they have rifled guns ood for any- thing they may drive us farther down the channel. We are now 1~ miles from center of Depot Key. We tried our Parrott on their camp, distant less than 2~ miles, but the shot fell short, and 1 do not wish and can not afford to waste any in experiments. I am not at all satis- fied with the usefulness nor range of the 20-pounder Parrott; so far, with all our care, about one shot in three or four will turn end over end. February 14.At 12:10 p. m. discovered a small boat pulling for us; sent an armed boat and brought boat alongside. Its only occupant was a black man named George, belonging to Eli Ramsay, a planter, who lives about 70 miles in the interior. His name has been entered on the ships books, etc., according to directions. The negro contra- band reports that there are 400 men on Way Key. A train arrived this morning with, apparently, a heavy gun on it. We shall probably know more about it in a day or two. February 19.Some vessel outside has just fired a gun, but I can not make out her signals. I shall board her at daylight. The soldiers have all left Way Key. Nothing new to communicate. We have on board 69 tons of coal. Nothing yet of the Kuhn. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. HOWELL, Lieutenant, Conimanding ]iahoma. Flag-Officer W. W. MOKEAN Com1manding Gulf Block?ading Squadron Page 137 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 137 [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, Cedar Key8, February 6, 1862. SIR: One of the boats of this vessel yesterday evening took posses- sion of a small sailboat and her crew, consisting of one man (J. A. Edwards, of Crystal River) and three boys (Robert W. Clark, Edward J. Corrigan, Joseph Cavass). As no arms were discovered and no resistance made, I have deter- mined to set the men at liberty, trusting to your honor and sense of justice that you will release as many Union men, should you hold any as prisoners. As I have learned, that much traffic is being carried on by small boats, I feel myself obliged to detain the sailboat. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. HOWELL, Commanding U. S. S. Tahoma. The COMMANDING OFFICER AT WAY KEY. Capture of the 8teamer ]JiLagnolia, off Jkliobile, Ala., February 19, 1862. Report of Captain Craven, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off ilffobile, February 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I have this day captured the rebel steamer 3ifagnolia after a long chase from Pass ~ lOutre, mouth of the Mississippi River. A detailed account of this capture will be forwarded to you by Acting Master George Dewhurst, who is appointed prize master to take her to Key West, Fla. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. T. CRAVEN, Captain. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Master Dewhurst, U. S. Navy, prize master. PRIZE STEAMER MAGNOLIA~ Key West, iifarch 6, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I took command of this vessel by order of Captain Thomas T. Craven, of the U. S. S. Brooklyn, to bring her to this port, on February 19. She was captured by the Brooklyn and the U. S. S. South Carolina on that day while endeavor- ing to make her escape from Pass ~ POutre, bound to Havana. She was seen from the Brooklyn about 7 oclock a. m. while we were envel- oped in a dense fog. We could see only the upper parts of her masts and smokestack from aloft, over the fog. We immediately slipped our anchor and gave chase to her, she being under full steam at the time. Before we could get up full steam she had got a distance of several miles from us. We set all sail and, with a full head of steam, we were enabled to come up with her, so as to bring our guns to bea Page 138 138 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. on her. About Ii oclock a. 111. we fired at him several times, when he, finding that he could not escape us by running to the eastward (the course he was then steering), he altered his course and stood to the northward. This maneuver of his becalmed our sails, as it brought us before the wind, and he increased his distance from us, and at the same time commenced throwing overboard bales of cotton (of which she had a full cargo) to lighten the vessel. We continued the chase, and about 2:30 p. m. the 15. S. S. South Carolina hove in sight and gave chase also. Finding that he could not escape, they next attempted to destroy the vessel by exploding the boilers and destroying the en ines, and set fire to the cargo in several places, and then the officers and crew abandoned her and attempted to make for the shore, but were inter- cepted by the South (hrolinas boats and were compelled to go on board of her. They succeeded but partially in their efforts to destroy the vessel. They exploded one boiler only, and the men from the South Carolina (who were the first to board her) extinguished the fires. When this vessel was boarded by the South Carolina they found one man in a dying state; he had been scalded by the explosion of the boiler. They sent immediately for their surgeon, who administered all the relief that his circumstances admitted of. He died in course of the night. Upon my arrival on board with a prize crew I found that the vessel was not in a fit condition to proceed to Key West, as I was ordered to do. Therefore the South Carolina took us in tow to Ship Island, where we arrived at noon on the 20th. The flag-officer, Commodore McKean, sent his engineers and men on board and they succeeded in repairing the engine in one week. We started from Ship Island March the 1st, under convoy of the U. S. S. South Carolina, for this port, and arrived here this day at 10:30 a. m. and came to an anchor. I have fulfilled my o~ ers by delivering the papers and vessel to the proper authorities, and now await an opportunity to rejoin my ship with the men under my command. Respectfully, yours, GEORGE DEWIIURST, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Acting Jfaster, CL S. Navy. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. U Detailed report of Captain Craven, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Of Pass ~t 1 Outre, Fehruary 20, 1862. SIR: Yesterday morning, at about %3: 4~, a strange sail was reported to me, bearing to the northward and westward. On reaching the deck 1 discovered, through the very dense fog, that it was a steamer, burn- ing soft coal and steaming out rapidly to the eastward. Our chain was immediately slipped and we started in chase, the llfercedita in company. Before we could get up a proper head of steam the stranger had gotten some 3 or 4 miles outside and to the northward and east- ward of us. There was a nice breeze blowing from the southward, and as I made sail was gratified to find that we gained on her. At about 10:15 a. in., being within about a mile of her, we hoisted ou Page 139 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 139 colors, and a few moments afterwards the stranger hoisted an Ameri- can flag at her main gaff. A shot was then fired across her forefoot, which she disregarded; a second was then fired at her, but without effect. She still kept on her way under all sail and made every effort to get to windward of us, but failing in this and finding that we were fast closing upon her, she suddenly kept away to the northward, hauled down the American flag, and commenced throwing overboard bales of cotton. From 11 a. m. till about 2 p. m. [she seemed] to be increasing her distance from us, but at 3 p. in., discovering that we were gaining upon her again, she suddenly hauled by the wind and stood to the westward. At this moment we discovered a gunboat to the northward and eastward as we hauled up, having her, the chase, about three-fourths of a mile to leeward. We opened our starboard battery and fired some twenty shots at her until a heavy squall of wind and rain shut her out of sight. About the time that our two or three last shots were fired I discovered that an explosion took place on board of her, just forward of her wheelhouses; that she was blowing off steam, and that she had either run ashore or let go an anchor. At about 3:20, the squall having passed over, discovered the chase about half a mile to leeward of us and the gunboat South Carolina close alongside of her. She proved to be the rebel steamer Miagnolia, and had on board when she left New Orleans (on the 15th instant) over 1,200 bales of cotton. After I had taken possession of her it was dis- covered that she had burst one of her boilers, and the crew had destroyed as much of the machinery as possible, set fire to the cotton, abandoned her, and gone on board the South Carolina. 1 sent a prize crew on board, under charge of Acting Master George Dewhurst, with orders to take her to Key West, but after hearing of her disabled condition sent verbal orders to Commander Price to have her sent to Ship Island to report to you. When I first commenced chasing this vessel, sir, I was fully impressed with the belief that she was the rebel steamer fennes8ee, and not till after 1 p. m. did my faith waver that we were about possessing ourselves of one of the rebels best and most formidable vessels. If I have erred in chasing this vessel so far from my station, you must attribute it to this fact alone, for, with the miserable glasses furnished to this ship, and owing to the fog and haze, it was impossible to dis- cover her true character. Whilst effecting the transfer of the prize crew off Mobile, we let go our port anchor in 7 fathoms of water and veered to 20 fathoms cable in about fifteen minutes afterwards. Although we were riding between wind and tide, the chain parted about 2 fathoms from the anchor, which was lost. I returned to this station at about half-past 11 this morning, having shaped such a course as 1 thought would be most certain of discover- ing any other vessels should they attempt to run the blockade. The Mercedita, which had parted company with me at about 1:30 p. m. yesterday, arrived here at about 10 a. in., the Winona in company. The IVinona has returned to her station off the South East Pass. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOS. T. CRAVEN, Captain. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, Gorndg. Gulf Blockading Squadron in the Gulf of iiiewico Page 140 140 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant Hopkins, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. South Carolina, transmit- ting report of executive officer of that vessel. U. S. S. SOUTH CAROLINA, Off Ship Aland, February 20, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on yesterday, February 19, at 2 oclock p. in., a steamer was reported to the southward of Mobile burning soft coal and standing inshore. We at once got underway and soon saw that she was a vessel trying to run the blockade. Within a few moments the U. S. S. Brooklyn was discovered in chase. The course of this vessel was shaped so as to cut off the steamer. We beat to quarters and, as soon as we got within range, began to fire at her. She soon stopped her engine and was observed to be on fire. Her crew and passengers had left her at this time and were coming alongside this ship. I at once dispatched Lieutenant James Parker to take possession of her. She proved to be the steamer 2Jfagnolia, Wil- liam S. Shannon, master, loaded principally with cotton, and her papers and the statement of her officers show that she had escaped from Pass ~ lOutre yesterday morning. Lieutenant Parker took pos- session of her, and after he had reported her condition, Captain Craven sent a prize master and crew, with an order to me to deliver her in charge of the prize master. In obedience to his order I delivered her to Acting Master Dewhurst. Under a subsequent order from Commander Price, I took the prize in tow and have brought her to this place. I enclose the report of Lieutenant Parker, which gives details of the condition of the vessel at the time he took possession. All her officers, passengers, and crew are now on board this vessel. A list of them is enclosed. I forward also a list of the officers and other persons on board this ship entitled to a share in the prize. I regret to say that by the explosion of one of her boilers one of her. engineers was so badly scalded that he has since died. I take this opportunity earnestly to commend the executive officer of this ship, Acting Lieutenant James Parker. I can not speak too highly of his energy and efficiency in securing and saving the prize. Of Mr. Lavery, acting chief engineer, I feel it due to say that he also deserves much credit for his exertions in closing the leaks by which it was designed to sink the vessel. These exertions [were] made at great personal risk. WM. E. HOPKINS Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, lieutenant, Coniman~ling. Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Acting Lieutenant Parker, U. S. Navy, executive officer of the U. S. S. South Carolina. U. S. S. SOUTH CAROLINA, Ship leland, February 20, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your orders I yesterday afternoon boarded and took possession of the steamer we had just brought to, then lying under our guns. I found her to be the iWagnolia, of New Orleans (Captain William S. Shannon). She was loaded with cotton, and her papers and the state Page 141 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 141 ments of her officers, since made to me, show that she had run the blockade through Pass ~i lOutre, Mississippi River, yesterday morn- ing early. Papers found on board also show that when she started from New Orleans she had 1,210 bales cotton on board, but I learn that a considerable number of bales had, during the day, been thrown overboard; I should think, however, that fully 1,000 bales remain. I was the first person on board, and found that all her people had deserted her but one. He, the first assistant engineer, was fatally scalded, delirious, and dying. I at once sent for our surgeon, who came with remedies, but he could not do more than alleviate the poor fellows pain. He died last night at about 11 oclock and his body remains on board the prize. In an instant I saw that her boiler had exploded, and so anchored her and sent for Mr. Richard Lavery, our acting chief engineer, to examine the injury. He came, and going down into her steaming fire room, found heavy fires burning in her furnaces, the doors being closed; her starboard boiler exploded; both injection pipes cut, and the bilge injections broken clear off; the seacock broken off, and open; about a foot of water on the fire-room floor, and three large streams of water flowing in. The vessel was also on fire in the fire rooms, and the cotton in three or four places. I found several bales had been cut open and attempts made to fire them, and a can of spirits turpentine had been partially emptied over one. Fortunately, no fire had been applied to this one. In two places in the fire room the fire had made such headway that I was fearful the prize would be destroyed. By hard work the fires were all extinguished, and Mr. Lavery succeeded in stopping up the injections and seacock. It was then found that she did not leak elsewhere. The starboard boiler is badly ripped; the port one seems good. Several other parts of the machinery and appliances have been broken and damaged; these are, I understand, of minor importance, however. It is evident that everything that the hurry of the occasion per- mitted had been done to damage her irremediably. About sunset, and after everything had been made as snug as cir- cumstances permitted, a prize master sent by Captain Craven, of the Brooklyn, came aboard with your order to deliver her up to him, which I accordingly did. The conduct of Mr. Lavery was praiseworthy in the highest degree. I consider it was at the risk of his life that he entered the fire room when he did. Had he not been there the prize would almost certainly have been lost, and I attribute her preservation almost entirely to his prompt good judgment and actions. Masters Mate 0. B. Warren also was exceedingly useful and prompt in the discharge of the duties 1 assigned him. Our men remained on board until our arrival here, assisting to take care of the prize. I remained up until 4 oclock this morning, when, with this ship, with the prize in tow, with full sail and strong, fair wind, making gOo(l progress toward this place, I gave the master charge. Very respectfully, your obedient servant JAMES PARKER, Acting Lieutenant and Executive Q/fioer. Lieutenant Commanding WM. E. HOPKINS, Comnianding U. S. S. South Carolina Page 142 142 GULF I3LOCKADING SQUADRON. P. S.J had forgotten to say that while on board I made every effort to prevent the pillage that usually occurs on such occasions, and I believe, as far as our people go, successfully, as an.examination just held shows that nothing came on board this vessel from the prize. Respectfully, JAS. PARKER. Report of Lieutenant Caidwell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Itasca, claiming a share in the prize. U. S. STEAM GUNBOAT ITASCA, Blockading off JIfobile, February 22, 1862. SIR: Enclosed herewith I have the honor to transmit to the Depart- ment a muster roll of the officers and crew of this vessel, which was in sight at the time and assisted in the capture of the Confederate steamer llfagnolia, loaded with cotton. She was chased up from the Mississippi by the steani sloop Brooklyn, and captured off this place February 19, 1862. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. II. 13. CALDwELL, Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Flag-Officer XcKean, U. S. Navy, transmitting captured letter. U. S. FLAGSIIIP NIAGARA, S/dp Jeland, February 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit for your inspection several letters found on board the prize steamer ilfagnolia. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Off cer, co?nmanding Eastern Division Hon. GIDEON WELLES, of Gulf Blockading Squadron. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [EnclosureTranslation.] From Augustus Bohe, of New Orleans, to Charles Le Cesne, of Havana, dated New Orleans, February 6, 1862: Bohe states that this is a confidential note of the highest importance, to be consulted in every important operation in which the friend of whom you will tell us may be interested. He then goes on to state that a man named Laredan, some six months before, went to Montgomery, then the seat of the Confederate Government, to propose to that Government a contract to furnish 80,000 muskets, powder, cannon, equipment, etc. The situation of the Government at that time prevented his success, but he nevertheless contracted (Bohe thinks in Spain), in anticipation of the renewal of negotiations, and now expects the arrival of the arms, and is probably anxious to realize Page 143 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 143 Through the intervention of the Spanish consul, who is a friend of Laredau, Messrs. Arendam, of New Orleans, sent an agent to Rich- mond, who, after a long delay, returned thence yesterday with a con- tract for the delivery of the above-named articles within six months, until the amount of their cost reached ~2,000,000. The balance of the letter mostly consists of instructions to Le Cesne how to approach Laredau (who is apparently in Havana) and the terms to offer him for the consignment of the arms to his (Bohes) house. He mentions that he has received the assurance of the governor of Louisi- ana and the commanding general that they will take all the arms he shall import on the same terms that Laredau may have stipulated with the Confederate Government, whatever that price may be. He there- fore argues that he has advantages in the prospect of an immediate sale of the arms, if they are consigned to him. He proposes to make immediate remittances in sterling bills on Baring Brothers as soon as the arms are sold and proceeds realized. He recommends that good arms and powder be sent, for unless they are of the best quality he will have nothing to do with them. He mentions that the powder of the Vanderbilt was bad and had to be reworked. He instructs his correspondent to send four or five copies of the bills of lading by different routes, one of which must invariably be Tampico or Matamoras. He refers to an official letter by the Tennessee, which he hopes will be able to pass the blockade during a battle which the gunboats will give. Laredau expects to receive about 10,000 muskets in every twenty- two days, and Bohe instructs his agent to buy them, should Laredau prefer to sell in Havana. It seems that the Spanish consul in New Orleans is to receive 5 per cent of the proceeds. Bohe enjoins on Le Cesne secrecy on this point. Report of Commander Steliwagen, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nercedita, regarding movements of that vessel. U. S. S. MERCEDITA, February 920, 1862. SIR: Lieutenant-Commanding McDermut reports that three steam- boats went out this Pass at.3 oclock this morning, and steered about N. N. E. lit is strange I did not fall in with either, as I ran down S. by W. ~ W., shaping course for point 10 miles east of this place. I have ordered the Winona to this place in your absence. I think the commodore might spare another steamera fast one. The South Carolina was the lucky vessel to receive the surrender of our chase. Please excuse my calling; my foot is painful after exertion of yesterday. Respectfully, your obedient servant, H. S. STELLWAGEN, Commander. Captain T. [T.] CRAVEN, U. S. Navy, U. S. S. Brooklyn Page 144 144 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Commander Steliwagen, U. S. Navy, claiming share of prize for the U. S. S. Kercedita. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key We8t, JJliarch 11, 1869?. SIR: I herewith transmit a copy of a communication received from Commander Steliwagen, commanding U. S. S. ililiercedita, in reference to the claim which he makes on behalf of the officers and crew of that vessel as entitled to share in the prize money accruing from the cap- ture of the Confederate steamer lilagnolia. I deeply regret to inform you that there is a report here that during the absence of the Brooklyn and 2Ji/iercedita in chase of the Jiliagnolia, two steamers escaped from the Pass ~ lOutre and have arrived at Havana. The commanders of these vessels committed a great error in leaving the Pass entirely unguarded. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ogjicer, Commanding Ea8tern Gulf Squadron. Hon. ~JIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, TYa8ldngton, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. MERCEDITA, Pas8 ?t 1 Outre, February 26, 1862. SIR: I had the honor to transmit to you on the 21st instant a letter claiming for the officers and crew of this ship a share in the capture of a steamboat laden with cotton, which ran out this Pass and was chased and captured off Mobile on the 19th instant, together with list of my officers and men, to which documents I wish to append this letter. Having been informed by Captain Thomas T. Craven, commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn, that he had felt and expressed some doubts of this vessel being entitled to a full participation in the benefits of the cap- ture, I referred him to the enumeration of the laws, decisions, and customs on such cases, contained in Uptons Maritime Warfare and Prize, and I am happy to say that he seemed to be convinced that the cases cited were applicable, and which cases I also desire to call [to] your attention and that of the legal authorities who may have jurisdic- tion in the prize suit, viz: First, page 137, Upton, under caption Joint capture, Joint enterprise, as affecting questions of constructive assistance, showing sight at time of capture not essential, and alluding to darkness, intervening fog, interposing headland, etc.; also page 139, case of JIe8olution, privateer, allowed to share with Huz~ar, frigate, and pages 153154. (See Upton.) The case of the Sparrow and Hebra8, capture of French frigate LLtoile, sight under such circumstances is by no means necessary; also ensuing ~)aragraph. Previous concert a sufficient basis for a claim of joint capture if not abandoned at the time of the capture. In our case we first discovered the chase and slipped cable. As soon as fog lifted a little made signal to the Brooklyn. We fired five times at chase. She con~menced throwing overboard cotton whilst the Brooklyn was on our quarter. We continued the pursuit, the whole time pursuing the best course, keeping a little on her weathe Page 145 GULF BLOCKADIKG SQUADR0~. 145 quarter, to prevent her doubling and steaming dead to windward. When in 10 fathoms water and 10 miles off Mobile the fog and rain squall shut everything in, first obscuring the chase, then the Brooklyn. At 3:30 p. in. that vessels hull distinctly visible from deck from 3 to 5 miles distant. On hearing heavy firing, ran parallel to land, making sure of capture by one of us. Continued on until 4:25, when it lighted up ahead. No vessel in sight there, and ran for Sand island, and before 5 distinctly made out the prize in possession and four other vessels. Very respectfully, etc., II. S. STELLwAGEN, (~rnrnander. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, Con~manding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Craven, U. S~ Navy, commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn, regretting the withdrawal of vessels from the blockade of Pass ~ lOutre. NAVY DEPARTMENT, iJliarch 26, 1862. SIR: A report has reached the Department that daring the absence from Pass ~ lOutre of the steamers Brooklyn and Jijijercedita, in chase of the Jiliagnolia, two steamers escaped and have arrived at Havana. The Department regrets that the Pass should have been left unguarded by the withdrawal of both the Brooklyn and ifercedita. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON 1~TELLE5 Captain T. T. CRAVEN, (7omdg. (L S. S~. Brooklyn,. We8t. Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Report of Captain Craven, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn, expressing regret at the Departments censure. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, iJfi88i88~,ppi River, off JlTatchee, ilfay 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 26th March, expressing the regrets of the Department, that during the chase of the J.Jliagnolia, the Pass a lOutre had been left unguarded by the withdrawal of both the Brooklyn and illiercedila. When I slipped my cable to chase the ililiagnolia, the iViercedita was obscured from my vision by the dense fog; no signal was made to her to get underway, although I did hail, giving orders to chase. After being in chase for an hour or two, the illercedita was occasionally seen, as the fog lifted, but at no time could a signal have been seen from one vessel to the other; at 1:30 p. m. we lost sight of the Jilter- cedita altogether. It is extremely painful to me, sir, to be censured by the Navy Department, and feeling that my utmost desire has always been to do my duty in the best manner possible for the benefit of my country, I hone this explanation may prove not only satisfactory, but that this N w RVOL 17 1 Page 146 146 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. first censure I have ever received during a course of forty years of service may be withdrawn. Herewith I have the honor to enclose my report to Flag-Officer McKean of the capture of the J.liliagnolia. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS T. CRAVEN, (Japtarn. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, ~5ecretary of the Navy, IIa8h~nytofl, D. C. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Craven, U. B. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn, denying any intention of censuring the latter. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 23, 1862. SIR: I have received your letter of the 15th of May in reply to the Departments letter of the 26th of March, in reference to the absence of both the Brooklyn and liiliercedita from Pass a lOutre, in chase of the ilfagnolia. Enclosed is the report of Flag-Officer McKean on the subject, dated the 11th of March, and to which the Department had reference. The letter of the Department was not designed as a censure on your conduct. While the Department admired your zealous and successful movements in the capture of the Jliktgnolia, it could not but express to you, as the senior officer present, its regret that the Pass should have been left unguarded, by which two other steamers are said to have escaped. I am, respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. Captain T. T. CRAVEN, Commanding U S. S. Brooklyn, New Orlean8. Order of Flag- Ofileer Jhiifelfean, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant IYin8low, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. 1?. P. tiiuyler, to proceed to St. Andrews and St. Josephs bays for the capture of vessels. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, February 20, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. S. Cuyler under your command, without delay, to St. Andrews Bay and capture a schooner which I am informed is loading with cotton at that place. From thence you will proceed to St. Josephs Bay and capture two vessels which I am informed are loading there. From thence you will proceed to Key West, and immediately upon your arrival will proceed to make the necessary repairs to the machinery of your vessel, and will endeavor to have her in a condition for service by the time [reach that place, which I expect will be in a few days. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ofilcer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding FRANCIS WINSLOW, Commanding U. S. S. tJuyler, Ship Island Page 147 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 147 Order of Flag- Officer iVEcKean, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Febiger, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Kanawha, to proceed to duty offi Ilifobile. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, February 20, 1862. SIR: Upon the receipt of this order you will proceed in the gunboat under your command to Mobile with all possible dispatch and report to Commander Cicero Price, commanding U. S. S. huntsville, for the purpose of aiding in the blockade of that place. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding JOHN C. FEBIGER, commanding U S. Gunboat Kanawha. Report of flag- Officer ]JlicKean, U S. Navy, transmitting report of the commanding officer of the U. S. S. New London, regarding the cap- ture by that vessel of twelve small craft, February 20, 1862. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, At Sea, JJilarch 4, 1862. SIR: I herewith transmit a copy of a communication from Lieuten- ant Commanding A. Read, commanding U. S. S. New London, report- ing the capture of twelve small sloops and schooners, also the loss of two men and a boat engaged in the expedition. It was with great reluctance that I authorized the capture of these miserable fishermen and oystermen; but having reason to believe they had, in some histances, acted as pilots to small vessels attempting to run the blockade, and that they were employed by the rebels to watch the movements of the squadron, 1 considered it my duty to put a stop to it by depriving them of their vessels. The majority of the prisoners were released on signing a parole, which is herewith transmitted, but seven of them, though expressing no objection to take the oath, refused to return to New Orleans, and are still on board this ship. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosurel U. S. S. NEW LONDON, Cat Island Pass, February $21, 1862. SIR: On the evening of the 19th instant, while blockading Cat Island Pass, I discovered a number of small schooners and sioops lying close in by the Isle au Pied, on the western side. These vessels having opportunities at times to convey intelligence of the movements of our squadron to the enemy, I determined, if possible, to capture them. Accordingly, on the morning of the 20th, 1 sent two boats with 27 men, armed with muskets, pistols, and cutlasses, 1 acting master, an Page 148 148 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 1 acting midshipman, under the command of Lieutenant Buchanan, executive officer of this vessel, to make the capture. Lieutenant Buchanan, having a good wind, surprised the schooners and sioops and succeeded in taking possession of twelve, three schoon- ers and nine sioops, two only out of fourteen being able to make their escape. Lieutenant Buchanan distribnted his officers and men to the best advantage and started them for the New London, distant about 5 miles. The wind being N.N.W., they were obliged to make several tacks to reach this vessel. They all reached us safely, the last arriv- ing about 5 oclock p. in., except ones schooner. This schooner had one of our boats in tow, and was in charge of two of our men, well armed; her own crew consisted of two oystermen. Her long tacks on the starboard, and short ones on the port (the port being the gaining tack) attracted my attention, but had no apprehension as to her inten- tions, attributing her maneuvers to the want of judgment in our men. When too late, I discovered that the oystermen must have, by some means, taken the schooner from our men, and were making for the mainland. At that time the schooner was distant from us about ~ miles. By this misfortune we lost Harry James, seaman, and James Nolan, lands- man, with their arms and a boat. I deeply regret it, but can not sym- pathize with the men, as they had the means to defend themselves against twice the number of unarmed oystermen, and were nnilt for our service unless they could be trusted in times of emergency. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. READ, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer W. W. MOKEAN Comdg. CL S. Gulf BUckading Squadron, Gulf of ililexico. Report of Flag- Officer ilifcKean, CL S. Navy, regarding the captures qf the steamer JI/agnolia and sloop ililargaret and the arrival of Flag- Officer Ifarragut, U. S. Navy. No. 18.] U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, February 21,1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the rebel steamer Jiflagnolia, of New Orleans, with upward of a thousand bales of cotton. She came out of the Pass ~ lOutre in a heavy fog, but was discovered and chased by the Brooklyn, which vessel pursued her within sight of the blockading force at Mobile, when she was cut off by the steamer South Garolina, as shown by the report of Lieutenant Commanding W. E. Hopkins, a copy of which is herewith transmitted. The captain and engineers of the llfagnolia made a desperate attempt to blow up the vessel. The safety valves were lashed down and one boiler exploded and is completely destroyed, and the machinery is much injured in the attempt to destroy it with mauls and sledge ham- mers. She was on lire several times, but fortunately it was extin- guished without much injury. Mr. Long, our chief engineer, is. in expectation of being able so far to repair her that she can run with one boiler to Key West, where she can be adjudicated. Should he not succeed in doing so, I shall endeavor to tow her to that place with thi Page 149 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 149 ship, although I fear for our boilers, as two of them gave out on the passage from the river and are now undergoing repairs. I have also to report the capture of the sloop Margaret, about 30 tons, with 30 bales and 35 half bales of cotton. She was captured by the Sciota, near the south end of Chandeleur Island, coming out from New Orleans; she had a British provisional register, but a Confederate clearance, and is believed to be the same vessel reported recently in Havana as the sloop IYilliam Henry, from New Orleans. Flag-Officer Farragut arrived yesterday, and I am now engaged in making the necessary arrangements with him. Four of the vessels assigned to the eastern division 1 shall be compelled to order to the North for repairs, their condition being such that they can no longer be of service, viz, the Huntsville, South Carolina, Water Witch, and ilfo hawk. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofilcer, Comdg. Eastern Division Gulf Blkdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. P. S.I have just received reports * in relation to the capture of the Magnolia from Captain Craven, Commander Stellwagen, and Lieutenant Parker, copies of which I also transmit. Respectfully, WM. W. MOKEAN. CO~FEDET~AfPE IREPOT~TS A~D COESPONDE~CE. Order of Flag- Ofticer ilollins, C S. Navy, to Lieutenant Dozier, C S. Navy, commanding C S. S. Pamlico, to report the requirements of that vessel. COMMANDANTS OFFICE, NAVAL STATION, New Orleans, December 16, 1861. SIR: Be pleased to report to this office as soon as possible any imper- fections, deficiencies, or wants that may exist in the ordnance depart ment of the C. S. gunboat Pamlico, under your command. I am, respectfully, GE~. N. HOLLINS, Flag- Ofticer. Lieutenant Commanding DOZIER, Commanding C. S. Gunboat Pamlico, New Orleans. Report of captain of the schooner Henry Dodge, regarding schooner Leader, seized at Sabine Pass. CONFEDERATE SCHOONER DODGE, Off San Jacinto, December , 1861. SIR: There is a schooner at this place called the Leader, which was seized at Sabine Pass last summer as Northern property; is about TO feet long. Upon a hasty examination of the hull, I do not think she * See reports under date February 19, 1862 Page 150 160 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. is worth repairing. She has a mainsail and jib nearly new and a good foresail and good standing rigging, and has several articles which may be of use to us. I deemed it my duty to mention this to you, thinking it probable that you were not aware of the vessel being here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. F. ROGERS. Commodore W. W. HUNTER, Cornmanding Coast Defenses, Galveston. [Endorsement.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, Galveston, December 17, 1861. Should the above-described vessel be needed for the public service, you are authorized to take charge of her. By order of Brigadier-General P. 0. H6bert. SAMUEL BOYER DAvIS, ilfajor and Assi~stant Adjutant- General. Commodore W. W. HUNTER. Report of Lieutenant Dozier, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Pam- lico, requesting to be transferred to duty in South Carolina. NEW ORLEANS, LA., December 17, 1861. SIR: 4 would again very earnestly request the Department to detach me from my present command on this station and assign me to duty in the State of South Carolina. When I made a similar application on a previous occasion, the reason assigned for its not being granted was that there was no indication of an immediate attack in that neighbor- hood. Since then an attack has been made, and now a hostile force is on the soil, and an invasion [of] the State is threatened and expected. My feelings can very readily be imagined by one who loves his home and the land of his nativity, and in making this application I do so hoping that it may be kindly considered on that ground. In going to South Carolina I could not hope to be placed on pleasanter duty than has been given me here by Flag-Officer Hollins, who has been kind enough to place me in command of this vessel, but I can not nor do I wish to conceal the fact that all my sympathies are enlisted in behalf of the State in whose limits are all that a man holds dear on earth, and for that reason I feel that I can serve my country better there than here, but in this I trust I may not be considered as dictating to the Department. I am sorry to again trespass upon the time of the Department, but hope that the reasons assigned will be sufficient excuse, and that the Department will not think it detrimental to the service to grant my earnest request. I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, W. G. DOZIER, Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. S. R. MALLORY, Secretary Navy, Richmond, Va Page 151 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 151 Letter from the Secretary of the Nivy to the Secretary g/ War regard- ~ng measures for obtaining powder for the naval service at New Orleans. NAVY DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., December 17, 1861. SIR: This Department is unable to obtain any powder for th~ naval service at New Orleans, and Flag-Officer bums reports that he is without a grain. The daily produce of the mills at New Orleans, I am informed, may be sufficient for its naval as well as for its military defenses; and Ii have the honor to request, if you can possibly do ~o, that you will be pleased to instruct General Lovell to supply Flag- Officer Hollins with cannon powder upon his requisitions as it may be required for the public service. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War. Order of the Secretary of War to ]Jfajor- General Lovell, (~. S. Army, regarding the supplying of powder for use of the naval service. WAR DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., December 18, 1861. SIR: In compliance with a request addressed to this Department by the honorable Secretary of the Navy, you are instructed to do all in your power, consistent with the exigencies of the military service in your department, toward supplying Flag-Officer Hollins, C. S. Navy, with cannon powder upon his requisition therefor. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War. Major-General MANSFIELD LOVELL, Commanding Department, etc., New Orleans, La. Report of Colonel Beall, C. S. Jiliarine Corps, reguesting that steps be taken for the exchange of Lieutenant Sayre, C. S. JIlarine Corps. HEADQUARTERS C. S. MARINE CORPS, Richmond, Va., December 9?l, 1861. SIR: 1 beg leave to bring to your notice the case of First Lieutenant C. L. Sayre, of the Marine Corps, who, whilst gallantly fighting in an engagement with the enemy on Santa Rosa Island, Fla., was severely wounded and taken prisoner. He is now at Montgomery, Ala., on parole, the condition of which is that he is to return to Fort Pickens as a prisoner of war as soon as his wound will permit him to do so unless exchanged for an officer of like grade. As I am informed that his wound is rapidly improving, I respectfully request that measures may be taken to relieve Lieutenant Sayre from the necessity of going back into the hands of the enemy. LLOYD ~. BEALL, Your obedient servant, Colonel, C. S. Jiffiarines. Hon. S. R. MALLORY, Secretary of the Navy Page 152 152 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Special order (No. 316) of Brigadier- General Ikbert, U. S. Army, for the services of a steamer for the transportation of railroad iron. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, Galveston, December 23, 1861. Commander W. W. Hunter, C. S. Navy, commanding naval defenses of Galveston, will furnish the collector of this port with a steamer, upon application, for the purpose of transporting to a more secure place some railroad iron, now in bond. By order of Brigadier-General P. 0. H6bert: SAMUEL BOVER DAVIS, ilifajor and Assistant Adjutant- General. Special order (No. 93) of (~lonel Nichols, C. S. Army, restricting the passage of boats through the draw at the railroad bridge. HDQRS. 1ST BRIGADE TEXAS VOLS., MILITARY DIsT. OF GALVESTON, Galveston, December 24, 1861. Commander XV. XV. Hunter will order that no boat shall after this date pass through the south side of the draw at the railroad bridge, on account of damaging the telegraph cable. By command of Colonel E. B. Nichols, commanding Military Dis- trict Galveston: JAMES T. WARE, Acting Aid-dc- Camp. Letter from Colonel Nichols, C S. Army, to Commander Hunter, C. S. Navy, regarding the di~patching of the steamer Neptune for towing duty in Brazos Canal. HDQRS. IST BRIGADE TEXAS VOLS., MILITARY DIST. OF GALVESTON, Galveston, December 30, 1861. SIR: For the benefit of the public service, it becomes necessary to dispatch a steamboat to the Brazos Canal, near th.e Brazos River, for the purpose of towing a dredge boat to the railroad bridge. I am- informed that the Neptane is the only boat, except the Bayou City, suitable for this service. Will you order the steamboat J.F Carr to take the place of the Neptune, and the Neptune to report to me for the service indicated. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. B. NICHOLS, Colonel, Commanding District. Commander XV. W. HUNTER, C. S. NAVY, On Board of Steamboat Bayou City. You will cause the service to be performed as best you may with the means under your command. E. B. NICHOLS, (~olonel, Commanding District Page 153 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 153 [Telegram.] MOBILE, December 30, 1861. The enemys vessels, some twenty, are below, landing supplies and large bodies of troops on Ship island. BRAXTON BRAGG. General S. COOPER, Adjutant- General. [Telegram.] MOBILE, December 30, 1861. Twenty-two vessels landing troops in large numbers at Ship Island. All well. ZANTZINGER. General C. J. MCRAE. Letter from Commander Hunter, C. Navy, to 3fajor - General Jiliagruder, C. S. Army, urging prompt effort in obstructing Trinity River Texas TRINITY RIVER, POLK COUNTY, January 2, 1862. There is required for immediate service to obstruct the Trinity River, in obedience to orders from the commanding general, all the available laborers in the counties adjacent [to] Trinity River, with three weeks provisions for these, and tools wanted to construct bar- riers, erect shelter (in case of bad weather), wagons, ox chains, mauls, wedges, and irons, cane knives, abundance of axes, grindstones, and oilstone. The safety of the Trinity regions requires that no delay should prevent the prompt execution of the work alluded to whilst the river is in a low stage and the enemy not in possession of points to prevent it. A zealous and prompt effort now is deemed so important that, if not exerted delay may occasion the most serious consequences. W. W. HUNTER, Commander, C. S. Navy, Inspecting Coast Defenses of Texas. Major, HAMILTON WASHINGTON, Aid to lJIiaj or- General .Miagruder, C. S. Army, Comdr. in Chief of Texas, N iJfex., and Arizona. Letter from Brigadier- General Hebert, C. S. Army, to Commander Hunter, C. S. Navy, regarding guns to be placed in battery. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, Galveston, January 2, 1862. SIR: 1 am instructed by the commanding general to direct you to report with as little delay as possible the positions most advisable, and the reasons therefor, for placing the guns now hourly expected into battery. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL BOYER DAVIS, illiajor and Assistant Adjutant- General. Commander W. W. HUNTER, C. S. Navy, Commanding Naval Defen8es, Galveston Page 154 154 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from commander Hunter, C S. Navy, to Brigadier- General H6bert, C S. Army, advising the location of guns at Virginia Point and San Jacinto. GALVESTON, TEX., January 2, 1862. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your order of this day, directing me to report with as little delay as possible the posi- tions most advisable, and the reasons therefor, for placing the guns, now hourly expected, into battery. In compliance therewith, I would respectfully state that the posi- tions which are most advisable are where they can be best used for the defense of the mainland, and be best supported by a sure communica- tion with the base of supplies of the armament and garrison. The works made at Virginia Point and in progress at San Jacinto I believe to be the most eligible positions to that end. This opinion is based on my observation of this immediate locality. I am, however, ignorant of what plan you have in view for the defense of your Department, of the preparations which you have made and which you propose to make to that end, and therefore can not arrive at a conclusion so satisfactory to my own mind as I would desire in giving the opinions which you ask. I am, very respectfully, WM. W. HUNTER, Commander, C S. Navy. General P. 0. H~BERT, C. S. Army. Letter from captain Sellers, C S. Army, to tilommander Hunter, C S. Navy, regarding transportation of guns from Liberty to Gateestom ASSISTANT QUARTERMASTERS OFFICE, Galveston, January 3, 1862. SIR: I am directed by the colonel commanding the post to request you, when by your order the two large guns are delivered at Liberty to Major Likens, to order the captain in charge of the steamboat ilLary Hill to take on board any Government property which may be at Lib- erty and transport the same to Galveston. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN S. SELLERS, Captain and Assistant Quartermaster, C S. Army. Commander W. W. HUNTER, C. S. Navy. Order of tiJommander Hunter, C S. Navy, for transportation of guns. GALVESTON, Tex., January 3, 1861 [1862.] The commander of the Colonel Stell will proceed to the railway bridge near Galveston and report to the ordnance officer at Virginia Point for the transportation of certain guns or ordnance to Liberty, on the Trinity River, Texas, and to deliver the same to Major Likens, C. S. Army; and transport from thence to this place such guns, ord- nance, or other stores as may be required for the service of the Con- federate States, and return to this place with all dispatch. Respectfully, Wivr. W. HUNTER, (cindy., C S. Navy, and Superintendg. Coast Defemse8 of 2i~xa& Page 155 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 155 General order of Flag- Ofticer Hollins, C. S. Navy, regarding reports to be farnis~4ed by all commanding qfficers. COMMANDANTS OFFICE, NAVAL STATION, New Orleans. January 4, 1869?. Commanding officers of all naval forces, and vessels acting separately under the orders of the commandant of this station, will make to this office on the 1st and 15th of every month a general report of the move- ements, operations, and occurrences of their respective commands, but, when of sufficient importance, special reports will be made by tele- graph or otherwise as in their judgment may be expedient. All repairs required by vessels which can not be made with the means at command on board will be reported in detail, together with an estimate of their cost, accompanied with such information as may be of service in determining the ma,nner, place, and time of the repairs that may be directed. This, however, is not to prevent commanding officers at a distance ordering repairs to be made in extraordinary cases, and when the pub- lic service would be injured by the delay of awaiting a reply to their report and instructions of the commandant. A list of all persons on board of each vessel on the 1st of January, 1862, with a separate list of officers, and hereafter on the 1st day of April, July, October, and January, will be transmitted to this office, showing their rank or rating and time of joining their respective ves- sels. All transfers to or from any vessel, deaths, discharges, and desertions will be duly reported on the first of every month, beginning with the 1st of February next. Changes among commissioned and warranted officers will be reported as they occur. GEo. N. HOLLINS, Flag- O~fl1cer. Lieutenant W. G. DOZIER, Uommanding U. S. Gunboat Pamlico. Order of Brigadier- General Hebert, C S. Army, to Commander Hunter, C S. Navy, to make an examination of Trinity River for a site for battery. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF TEXAS, houston, January 6, 1869?. SIR: I am instructed by the commanding general to direct you to make an examination of Trinity River with a view to select a suitable site for a small battery to defend the entrance thereto. II have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SAMUEL BOVER DAVIS, ilfajor and Assistant Adjutant- General. Commander W. W. HUNTER, C. S. Navy, Commanding Naval Defenses, Galveston. Report of iJilajor- General Lovell, C S. Army, regarding military control of the navigable waters near New Orleans. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 1, New Orleans, La., January 7, 1869?. SIR: After reading the letter of Mr. McRae, relative to the use of launches on the coast of Mississippi Sound, I suggested to Commodor Page 156 156 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. bums to make some arrangements with that purpose in view. Noth- ing has been done, nor is it likely that anything will be done, by the Navy Department there unless under orders from Richmond. You will recollect our conversation the evening before I left Richmond, in which you took a different view from myself. I felt satisfied that if the protection of the navigable streams running up into the country was removed from my control it would, in all probability, not be properly arranged in connection with the land defenses, while the general commanding the department would be considered by the people at large as responsible for inroads into the territory of his command. This is just what has happened. I should have had light-draft armed vessels or launches at numerous points along the coast had I not kept in view your expressed wish that all clashing, even in appearance, should be avoided between the two arms of service; I have now on Lake Borgne a larger armed force than the Navy has, but it is kept up under the name of supply- ing our posts on the sound, it being necessary that the vessels should be armed for their own protection. I hope that in connection with Mr. Mallory, you may be able to devise some plan by which either the entire matter may be placed under my control, or the naval officer in command may have orders to afford such aid as I may officially require of him. The blame of want of protection will rest upon me in any event, and I should therefore have some power to say what should be done. Respectfully, your obedient servant. M. LOFELL iWaj or- General, commandi~ng. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War. Letter from commander Hunter, U S. Navy, to colonel Nichols, U S. Army, announcing hts temporary withdrawal from Galveston, on special duty. GALVESTON, TEN., January 9, 186g. COLONEL: It is proper that I should inform you that by order of Gen. P. 0. H6bert, (3. S. Army, commanding Military Department of Texas, I will leave this place at 1 p. m. this day on special duty. I expect to return in two, or at most three days. 1 have given written instructions to Mastei~s Mate Charles Fowler, C. S. Navy, command- ing steamer Neptune, to conduct my command at this place during my absence, and also to refer to you on all matters of duty pertaining thereto. He is now charged with a lookout andguard of the harbor, and is directed to make the signals heretofore furnished him by me touching the movements of the enemy. I am, very respectfully, WM. W. HUNTER, commander, c. S. Navy, and Superintending coast Defenses of Texas. Col. E. B. NIcHOLS, C. S. Army, commanding Post at Galveston Page 157 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 157 Report of Commander [lunter, C. S. Navy, regardinq an examination of Trinity River with a view to it8 protection. [GALVESTON, TEX.], January 11, 186??4:30 p. in. GENERAL: In obedience to your order of the 6th instant, received by me January 8, 1862, at 9 a. m. at Galveston, Tex., I left that place at 1 p. in., in the steamer Bayou City, and reached the mouth of the Trinity River, at 6 p. m. the same day. There are four outlets of the Trinity River, all within about 1 mile of the mainland at Anahuac, where I found the remains of two military positions selected by Major- General Teran (a Mexican officer of distinction) for the defense of the mouth of Trinity River. The first position alluded to is on the the remains of a stockade fort, distant about one-half mile from the wharf at Anahuac, on a plain elevated about 20 feet above the bay. The second position is about one-half mile distant from the first, and farther from the entrances to the Trinity River; it exhibits the brick foundation of a regularly constructed work, with bastions, etc. There is within it a bricked well. The channel of the principal and now used entrance into Trinity River runs within 600 yards of the first position, and is more distant from the second. The other three entrances to the Trinity River are very shoal and much obstructed by logs, scarcely admitting the passage of boats drawing 3j feet water. These can be effectually blocked by the use of a steamer and 50 men in two days by means of drift logs on the spot. A battery placed at the first position, viz, that nearest to Anahuac, would command the entrance to Trinity River. There is good dry land, good water, grass, and beef abundant in the neighborhood. It is distant from Liberty 26 miles by land, through a dry country and no streams to cross. To Beaumont 45 miles, good traveling, one water course to cross, viz, Taylors Bayou, having facility for crossing it. From the first position the nearest practical route to the seacoast is about 30 miles and that to a point of the coast about 30 miles eastward of Galveston, or about halfway to Sabine Pass. None but persons very well acquainted with the locality could conduct a force from the seaboard to Anahuac. The general information which is here imparted 1 have derived from General Chambers, the proprietor and present resident of Anahuac, with whom I rode over the ground described, near the mouth of the Trinity River, and to whom I am indebted for much of the local information contained in the foregoing part of this report. I left Anahuac at 1 p. in., January 10, and proceeded with the Bayou City to examine the passages of the Trinity River from the interior. I am satisfied that a steamer and 50 men in two days can, with logs, obstruct all the passages except the one now used, which latter can be effectually defended by a battery placed at the position first named at Anahuac. I ascended the Trinity River to Morses Bluff, distant by water 22 miles and by land 20 miles from Anahuac, looking to the selection of an efficient position to command the ascent of the river. That first presenting itself, and which I believe to be the most eligible to that end, is Morses Bluff, on the east bank, an elevated place about 20 feet above the river, which is about 350 yards wide and about 30 feet deep. The bluff has good grass and beef for the supply of troops, and the river affords plenty of good water. From thence to Liberty there i Page 158 158 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. a good road, distant about 12 miles by land, over a good country, suited for the passage of artillery and wagons. This point I consider the best position next to Anahuac for the defense of the Trinity River. The bank of the river is well wooded and dry. The river is narrow, and musketry would tell well from either bank on an enemy ascending the river. Should it be necessary to leave Anahuac, the troops could conven- iently reach Morses Bluff and, if necessary, soon reach Liberty, through which the main railway passes from Beaumont to Houston. Desiring to present to you the facts touching my execution in obe- dience to your order of the 6th instant, I respectfully submit the foregoing notation of these. Anahuac first and Morses Bluff next I believe to be the most eligible positions for batteries for the defense of the Trinity River. At 4:30 p. m. this day I returned with the Bayou City to Galveston. I am, very respectfully, WM. W. HUNTER, Commandee, C. S. Navy. General P. 0. H1~BERT, C. S. Army, Commanding lililitary Department of Texas. Letter from iJilajor Forshey, (~. S. Engineers, to 6~ommander Hunter, C. S. Navy, regarding the significance of arrival of two federal vessels off I7elasco. VELASCO, January 14, 1862. COMMODORE: Yesterday morning two vessels (barks apparently) anchored off Velasco, some 5 miles out, and have continued at this anchorage since that time. Prior to that event two weeks have elapsed without an enemy visible from this point. It is not a little significant that this marked attention to our port is coincident with the arrival here from Galveston of the steamer Lucy Gwin, with two 18-pounders, destined for Saluria and Aransas. There would seem to be some means of informing the blockaders from Gal- veston of every matter of interest to them. You, [ofj course, can not remedy that evil, but it may not be amiss to know the evils about us even when we cannot remedy them. 1 might further mention that in the morning early a man forced the line of sentinels and escaped, and that in the same morning a small boat was found ashore in the same vicinity. This was doubtless from the blockaders, but what became of the spy has not yet transpired. It is apparent that they are watching us pretty closely. I have the honor to remains very respectfully, C. G. FORSHEY, iJfajor and Engineer, (Joast kefenses. Commodore HUNTER. P. S.Excuse me, commodore, if in view of the rumored fact that some 40 tons of cannon powder have been added to the ordnance stores of Texas, I renew the suggestion as to the mining of the channel. I have entire faith in its practicability and efficiency. Yours,etc., C.G.F Page 159 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 159 [Telegram.] RICHMOND, January 14, 186~?. You will impress immediately, for public service, the fourteen ships hereafter named: The 9liliexico, the Texas, the Orizaha, the (Jharles liforgan, the Florida, the Arizona, the Jewess, the Atlantic, the Hous- ton, the iWagnolia, the lilatagorda, the 117 H. Webb, the Anglo- Saxon, and the Anglo-Norman. You will please have theni valued by disin- terested parties of the highest character. The recent sale of the Tennessee will afford a good opportunity for testing their true value. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of TFar. General M. LOVELL, New Orleans: OPERATOR: I want an answer from your operator in New Orleans when he delivers this. J. P. B. Extract from r~port of iJfajor- General Loveil, (~. S. Army, requesting instructions tn case of the discovery of a spy within Confederate lines. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT No. 1, New Orle s, La., January 15, 1862. SIR: * * * * * * * It was reported yesterday that Lieutenant Foster, of the U. S. Navy, had been in the city as a spy some days since. Should I arrest a Fed- eral officer under such circumstances is he to be punished with death? I ask having in view Tylers case, of our Army, who was arrested in Cincinnati last summer, but has never been tried as a spy. * * * * * * * Respectfully, your obedient servant, M. LOVELL, iL/ia) or- General, Commanding. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War. Report of iJik{jor- General Lovell, C S. Army, regarding the acquisition for the Confederate Government of fourtean steamers. HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT No. 1, New Orleans, La., January 16, 1862. SIR: In compliance with your telegram, ]i took possession yesterday of the following steamers, viz: jifexico, Texas, Orizaba, Charles iL/or- gan, Florida, Arizona, William Ifeines, Atlantic, Austin, i!fagnolia, iifatagorda, William Ii. Webb, Anglo-Saxon, and Anglo Norman fourteen in all. Captain Huger, of the Navy, who accompanied the party that took possession of the ships, thinks the Atlantic will hardly answer as a war vessel, and I telegraphed yesterday to know whether I should substitute the Galveston for her. After the ships were seized 1 asked Commodore Hollins to take charge of them until further orders In this connection permit me to call attention to Captain I Edwardl Higgins, who lately resigned with a view of fitting out some of thes Page 160 160 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. vessels for war purposes under State authority. This seizure puts an end to his business. He is an officer of the old Navy, of experience, skill, and high reputation as a bold and efficient officer. His services would be of great value in assisting to fit out a fleet here and in fight- ing it afterwards. I see various reports of the occupation of Biloxi by the enemy. This is a mistake. Some 60 men landed there last week, remained for a few hours, doing no damage, and returned to the. fleet. They have no foot- ing on the main shore as yet. We have here about 500 prisoners of war, who are a serious nuisance. Is there a prospect of exchanging them? Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, M. LOVELL JiIiaj or- General, Commanding. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War. instructions of the Secretary of War to ilIiajor- General Lovell, C. S. Army, regarding plan of defense for the Western rivers. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, January 19, 186$L~. SIR: A few days ago II sent you a telegram, requesting the seizure for account of the Government of fourteen steamships, and received your reply informing me that the request had been complied with. These instructions, were sent you in consequence of the passage by Congress of two laws Nos. 344 and 350, herewith forwarded, provid- in 1.000,000 for application to floating defenses for the Western rivers, to be expended at the discretion of the President by the Secre- tary of War or Secretary of the Navy, as he shall direct; and author- izing a corps of not more than 6,000 men to be raised for temporary and special service on the Western waters. The terms of the acts will at once suggest to you that the force intended is a peculiar one. It is not to be part of the Navy, for it is intended for service on the rivers, and will be composed of the steam- boatmen of the Western waters. It will be subject to the general com- mand of the military chief of the department where it may be ordered to operate, but the boats will be commanded by steamboat captains, manned by steamboat crews, who will be armed with such weapons as the captains may choose; and the boats will be fitted out as the respective captains may desire. The intention and design are to strengthen the vessels with iron casing at the bows, and to use them at high speed to run down or run over and sink, if possible, the gunboats and mortar rafts prepared by the enemy for attack on our river defenses. These gun- boats and mortar rafts have been so far protected by iron plates, and by their peculiar construction as to offer, in the judgment of the Presi- dent and of Congress, but small chance of our being able to arrest their descent of the river by shot or shell, while, at the same time, their weight, their unwieldy construction, and their slow movement, together with the fact that they show very little surface above the water line, render them peculiarly liable to the mode of attack devised by the enterprising captains who have undertaken to effect their destruction by running them down, if provided with swift and heavy steamers, so strengthened and protected at the bows as to allow them to rush on the descending boats without being sunk by the first fire Page 161 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 161 Captains Montgomery and Townsend have been selected by the President as two of those who are to command these boats. Twelve other captains will be found by them and recommended to the Presi- dent for appointment. Each captain will ship his own crew, fit up his own boat, and get ready with the shortest possible delay. It is not proposed to rely on cannon, which these men are not skilled in using, nor on fire arms. The men will be armed with cutlasses. On each boat, however, there will be one heavy gun to be used in case the stern of any of the gunboats should be exposed to fire, for they are entirely unprotected behind, and if attempting to escape by flight, would be very vulnerable by shot from a pursuing vessel. I give you these details as furnishing a mere outline of the general plan to be worked out by the brave and energetic men who have undertaken it. Prompt and vigorous preparation is indispensable. The Department relies confidently on your cooperation in rendering effective this plan of defense, which may, perhaps, not only be of vast importance for the peculiar service now hoped for on the upper Mis- sissippi, but may prove very formidable aids to your future operation in the lower part of the valley. I shall at once place to your credit ~3OO,OOO to be expended for the purpose of preparing and outfitting these vessels as rapidly as possi- ble, and shall renew the remittances as fast as required while the appropriation will permit. It is expected that you will allow a very wide latitude to the captains in the preparation of these vessels, merely exercising such general supervision as to prevent the throwing away of money in purely chimerical experiments, and in checking any profligate expenditure. Your chief quartermaster can keep the accounts so as to i~elieve you of the responsibility of a disbursing officer, and you can discharge yourself of any money liability by simply taking his receipt as your voucher for turning over the money. To a commander of your intelligence and capacity it is deemed suf- ficient thus generally to sketch the outline of a scheme of defense, without attempting to lay down any minute rules or details for cai~ry- ing out what is necessarily a novel experiment, yet one from which. much is hoped by the Government. This letter will be delivered to you by Captain Townsend in person, he being one of the two already selected by the President for command of boats. I am, your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War. Major-General M. LOVELL, New Orleans. Report f Captain Smith, C. S. Army, corn~manding steamer General Rusle, regarding the arrThal of guns for transportation to ikiorgans Point, San Jacinto River. CONFEDERATE STEAMER GENERAL IRUSK, San Jacinto, January 920, 1862. DEAR SIR: Yours of the 18th is in hand, together with special order No. 5~i. I have received the guns on board and have just finished fill- ing my tanks with fresh water. I shall proceed to Morgans Point to-morrow morning and anchor this side of the bar in mid-channel. N w RvoL 17-l Page 162 162 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Most of my men have reshipped for the term of one year. I expect 20 men from Houston to-night. Will you please give me a permit, or order Captain Blakman, of steamer Diana, to bring my new men up or down to the ship? I think I shall be able to fill up my crew list in a few days. Hoping you are well, and that I will see you soon, I am, most respectfully, yours, LEON SMITH. Commander W. W. HUNTER, C. S. Navy. P. S.I send you down the tobacco, the last of the Mohegans. Hope it may last you until peace is declared and the Confederate States are independent. Instructions from the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography to Lieu- tenant ifinor, C. S. Navy, for special duty in the manufacture of ordnance and ordnance stores. OFFICE OF ORDNANCE AND HYDROGRAPHY, Richmond, Vd., January ~, 1869?. SIR: You will proceed to New Orleans and report to Flag-Officer Ge6rge N. Rollins for special duty connected with the manufacture of ordnance and ordnance stores. You will ascertain from the iron - founders if they will establish one or more air furnaces for the fabri- cation of cannon on the conditions prescribed by the Department. These conditions will be: First. The erection of suitable air furnaces for casting the guns. Second. The~ metal used in casting the guns must be of the most approved quality, No. 1 charcoal, cold-blast iron, ~ind shall be subject to such tests to ascertain its density, strength, and other qualities as this office may think proper to institute. Third. The guns, when finished, are to be subject to proof and inspection, and no gun will be received and paid for that does not prove entirely satisfactory to this office. Fourth. The guns are to be delivered in New Orleans at the expenseof the founders, but this office will pay the cost of inspection and proof. Fifth. The time when the delivery will commence, the number of guns to be made per month, and the price per pound to be paid at the place of delivery. You will gather all the information in your power regarding the probable wants for ordnance and ordnance stores at New Orleans and report the same to this office. Please represent to General Lovell that it is impossible for this office to supply any more guns for the gun- boats at New Orleans, and endeavor to obtain from him a portion of the 125 guns sent from the navy yard at Norfolk for the shore defenses of the Mississippi. Take with you a star gauge, to be delivered to Commander Mitchell, for measuring the diameters of the guns before and after firing, and inform that officer that the order to you to assist him in proving guns has been countermanded, to be sent by express- when ready. When you have completed these duties you will return to Richmond, Va. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE MINOR, Lieutenant H. D. MINOR, C. S. Navy, tJaptain in Charge. Richmond, Th Page 163 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 163 Armament of gunboats. Ivy, 4 guns: 1 VIJI-inch, 1 32-pounder (rifled), 2 24-pounder brass howitzers. Jackson, 2 guns: 2 VIJI-inch. ]JfcRae, 8 guns: 1 IX-inch Dahigren, 6 32-pounders, 1 6-pounder (rifled). General Polk, 3 guns: 2 32-pounders (rifled), 1 32-pounder (smooth.~ bore). Calhoun, 3 guns: 1 32-pounder (rifled), 2 24-pounder howitzers. iWianassas, 1 gun: 1 IX-inch Dahigren. ]2tmngston, 6 guns: 6 32-pounders (rifled). New Orleans Battery, 20 guns: 17 VIII-inch, 232-pounders (rifled), 1 IX-inch Dahigren. Sighens, 2 guns: 2 4-pounders (rifled). Florida, 6 guns: 2 IX-inch Dahigrens, 3 VIII-inch, 1 32-pounder (rifled). Pamlico, 4 guns: 3 VIII-inch, 1 32-pounder (rifled). Jttobile, 5 guns: 3 32-pounders (smoothbore), 1 32-pounder (rifled), 1 VIJI-inch. To be armed. Grosst~te, 6 guns, about. Lizzie Simmons, 6 guns, about. Tifts gunboat, 6 to 8 guns, about. Porters gunboat, 6 to 8 guns, about. Hughes gunboat, 6 to 8 guns, about. Memphis battery, 18 guns. Leeds & Co. are making 20 32-pounders (rifled) and 12 6-pounders (brass, rifled). Bryac is making 30 32-pounders (rifled). Bennett & Lurges are making 12 brass 6-pounders (rifled). There are 6 VLJI-inch guns, 3 to be mounted on the llfemphis and 3 not yet; certain about them; these last are at the lake. There are 3 smoothbore 32-pounders and 1 rifled 32-pounder not yet disposed of. Mr. Irvine can point them out at any time. Order of 6~ommander Hunter, C. S. N~svy, to the commanding officer of steamer Jiliary Hill, to relieve the steamer Neptune as lookout. GALVESTON, Thx., January ~6, 1869g. You will please relieve the steamer Neptune as the lookout vessel for this night and till further orders, and for the necessary instructions in relation to that duty please let me meet you as soon as possible on board the steamer Neptune. I am, respectfully, WM. ~. HUNTER, (~ommander, U S. Navy. Commander of the steamer MARY HILL Page 164 164 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Extract from~ order of the Secretary of TT7~r to 21/ajor- General Lovell, (~. S. Army, regarding the disposition of spies. WAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., SIR: Richmond, Va., January 27, 1862. * * * * * * * If you arrest a Federal officer * as a spy he is to be put to death with- out the slighest hesitation, in accordance with the Articles of War. Tylers case, to which you refer, was not that of a spy; he did not go to a city threatened with attack, nor for any hostile purpose; he went simply to see and bring away his wife, and it would have been a barba- rotis outrage to have considered or treated him as a spy. * * * * * * * I am, your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, General MANSFIELD LOVELL, Secretarti of War. New Orleans, La. Order of Flag- Ofilcer Rollins, 0. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Dozier, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. S. Pamlico, for a frequent report of movements. COMMANDANTS OFFICE, NAVAL STATION, New Orleans, January 29, 1862. SIR: You will be pleased to report with frequency to this office your movements on the lake and sound [Mississippi]. Should you have no favorable opportunity to communicate by writing, you can do so through the wires. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient Servant, GEO. N. HOLLINS, Lieutenant Commanding DOZIER, Flag- Officer. 0. S. Gunboat Pamlico, lake Pontchartrain, La. Order of Commander Hunter, C S. Navy, to the commanding officer of steamer John F. (7arr, for the transportation of guns. GALVESTON, TEX., January 31, 1862. You will, with the steamer under your command, transport two guns from Kuhns wharf, Galveston, to Pelican Spit. Land these safely and then transport two guns from Pelican Spit and land safely on Beans wharf, Galveston, these guns. The guns will be on Kuhns wharf at 3 p. m. on the 1st (to-morrow). Respectfully, WM. W. HUNTER, (hmmander, C S. Navy. Commander of the steamer JOHN F. CARR. * See letter, Lovell to Benjamin, January 15, 1862 Page 165 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 165 Order of Flag- Ofticer Ilollins, C. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Dozier, C. S. Navy, restrwttng naval vessels from lying at wI~arves. FLAGSHIP MCRAE, New Orleans, February 1, iSGi?. SIR: No vessel of the squadron under my command is permitted from this date to go alongside of any wharf unless by special order from me to that effect. You will see that no officer under your command sleeps on shore unless by special permission from yourself. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. N. HoLLINs, Flag- Ofticer. Lieutenant Commanding DOZIER, C S. S. Pamlico, Lake Pontchartrain. Order of Flag- Officer Hollins, C S. Navy, to Lieutenant Dozier, C S. Navy, urging economy ~n expenditure of ammunition. FLAGSHIP MCRAE, New Orleans, February 1, 186:14?. SIR: Your communication bearing this date has been received. You will report to Commander John K. Mitchell the condition of your boilers. The scarcity of ammunition at the present time is very great, and that circumstance alone ought to dictate the necessity of being as eco- nomical as possible in its expenditure. You will please reserve your shots for when the enemys vessel should be within the full range of your guns. Respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. N. HOLLINs, Flag- Officer. Lieutenant Commanding DOZIER, C S. S. Pamlico, Lake Pontchartrain. Order of tJommander Hunter, C S. Kavy, to the commanding officer of the steamer Colonel Stell, regarding transportation of wood. GALVESTON, TEX., February 2, 1862. The commander of the steamer Stell will please report to Captain John S. Sellers, quartermaster at Galveston, for the purpose of trans- porting wood. On the completion of this duty report to me at Gal ve~ton with all dispatch. ~. W. HUNTER, Respectfully, Commander, C S. Navy. Unofficial letter from 3faJor Forshey, C S. Engineers, to Commander ]htnter, C S. Navy, regarding measures of protection for the inland trade. CAMP ESPERANZA, Pass Cavallo, February 2, 1862. COMMODORE: The enemy has evidently discovered the valuable and daily increasing trade passing by our inland navigable route, and ar Page 166 166 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. watching a chance to cut it off. This was the object, I presume, of the attempt upon Velasco, as well as the object of the vigilance recently shown about this pass, which gives full view of the passing commerce at Saluria Bayou. The salt from the lakes below Corpus Christi and the vast lead importation from Mexico and the coffee and other articles now com- ing from Matamoras pass up this route, and the cotton and sugar going out in return pass down this way. A constant run of small craft is visible from outside, and it would be easily cut off at this point but for the batteries here. These have recently been removed from the position originally assumed and established opposite Pelican Island, where the command of the pass is complete. The works are laid out and are being erected. The fieldworks I have planned, and we are begging volunteer slave labor to construct them. The place then will be impregnable against any moderate attack. Two large vessels have been dogging the pass, one a bark and the other a huge frigate, but the weather has been so misty that we have only seen their sails. Both are gone again, but the bark remained some time after the frigates departure, came and went and came, and cap- tured the lYfieNeil on one of her trips, then tried to tempt us out with a French flag, which she used all the time. The AfoNeil was a schooner taking cotton out from Matagorda Bay, and was returning from Vera Cruz. Doubtless the proper officers have communicated these mat- ters to General H6bert, but if not he may be interested to know the movements of Lincoln along this portion of his command, and you may speak of my letter to him. The force here is quite too feeble to resist a land force of any mag- nitude, Major Shea having two companies of artillery, but when the line of fieldwork shall be erected (A, B) probably Colonel [R. R.] Garland will place a few companies of the reserve regiment here, when the place will be safe against any force likely to undertake the mere destruction of this line of commerce. There is a possible danger from boats carried across the narrow peninsula of Matagorda, 60 miles long and only half a mile wide, intersected by several bayous nearly cutting it asunder. It is too narrow for land scouts, as they would be easily captured and could not get out of reach of fire from sea. A boat like these idle pilot boats might be chartered for a trifle and kept scouting up and down the Matagorda Bay in sight of the whole peninsula at all times. Major Shea is much concerned on this score. The vessels I reported you at Velasco soon showed their object, as you have heard. This bark is not the same as that. She attacked or fired upon our pickets here, stationed at the old fort. One of her shots is a Parrott shell, not charged, which we picked up a day or two after the attempt. I remain, respectfully, yours, C. G. FORSHEY, M~Jor a~i.id Engineer, Coast Defenses. [Commander W. W. HUNTER. Page 167 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 167 Letter from iJfajor Shea, C. S. Army, to commander ilunter, C. S. Navy, regarding the employment of pilot boat Lecompt for the pro- tection of the entrance to Jifatagorda Bay. CAMP ESPERANZA, Near Saluria, Tex., February 3, 186g. CA1~rAIN: I submit the following for your approval. Our advanced position and the small caliber of our guns render it necessary that every precaution should be taken to prevent a surprise, and in order to more fully do so, I have chartered at an expense of $20 per day (the owners paying all expenses) the pilot boat Lecornpt to act as a guard and patrol, to range through the different channels and up and down the peninsula. To make you understand more fully the neces- sity of such a boat to act in concert with my command, I would most respectfully refer you to Map No. 55, U. S. Coast Survey, 1857, by which you will see the formation of the peninsula, mainland, etc. The distance from us to the peninsula is too great to prevent the land- ing of troops, and the extreme narrowness of it renders it untenable from the fact that it can be easily covered by the fire of a vessel from the Gulf, hence the great necessity of a boat properly armed to be kept constantly on the lookout to prevent marauding parties from landing and committing their thieving depredations on citizens living on the peninsula. Besides, a large salt trade is carried on between this and adjacent bays, with Laguna Madre, by which oui~ whole State and a great portion of Louisiana is supplied. Also our trade with Mexico, which is becoming more important every day, consisting of large exports of cotton and the importation of coffee, munitions of war, etc., all of which is entirely unprotected and at the mercy of Lincolns boats, all of which can be easily obviated by having an armed boat in our bay. Our portion of the coast has been much neglected, but owing to the meager means our Government has had of assisting us, I have refrained from asking for many things deemed almost indispensable for our own protection. Being placed here with a handful of men to guard so extensive and exposed a position, I feel that it is a duty I owe myself and command to place them at least on some sort of tenable ground. Should the charter meet your approval, you will please forward us at your earliest convenience such instructions as you may deem necessary. If not, please order that the boat be discharged and paid for services rendered. I am, sir, very respectfully, yours, etc., DAN. D. SHEA, Jifaj or, Provisional Army Confederate States, trndg. Post. Captain W. W. HUNTER, C. S. Navy, Comdg. Naval Forces, Dept. of Texas, Galveston, Tex. Letter from John H Sterrett, esq., to Commander Hunter, C. S. Navy, regarding the launching of the steamer Bayou City. SAN JACINTO, [TEX.], February 3, 1869?. DEAR SIR: I will launch the Bayou City on Wednesday, and will be ready to go into service on Friday morning if you require. Yours, with respect, ~o. H. STERRETT. Commander W. W. HUNTER, Galveston Page 168 168 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. llfemorial sent to Commander Hunter, G. S. Navy, propos~ng to use the sloop Fanny iWorgan to lure the boats of the U. S. 8hqJ~ Santee. FEBRUARY ~, 1862. DEAR SIR: Believing it to be a duty that we owe to the country and ourselves to harass and annoy as far as lies within our power the lawless and unnatural enemy who is now blockading our port, we sub- mit to you this memorial, humbly asking your consent and assistance. We propose taking the little sloop Fanny Jtliorgan, for which we shall provide the 1-pound rifle gun invented by Mr. Nichols, of this city, and, sailing out to the beacon, endeavor to draw out the launches of the Santee, which have hitherto so readily pursued all the small craft that has appeared off our harbor, and if possible sink them. Should we fail in this we propose taking a few shots at the Santee, merely to try the gun, which, with an improved ball, we believe will carry 3 miles. Hoping that you may feel disposed to grant us this favor, we remain, with highest considerations of esteem, your obedient servants, W. HERBERT BEAZLEY. P. F. APPEL, C. S. Navy. W. N. SHAW, C. S. Navy. Commodore W. W. HUNTER, Department of Texas. Letter from TV H Beazley, esq., to commander Hunter, C S. Navy, explaining the cause of delay in getting the sloop Fanny JliiThrgan out. LYNCHBURG, [TEx.], February 10, 1869?. DEAR SIR: I have been unable to get the Fanny 3forgan drawn out, in consequence of the ways being occupied by other vessels, but I am in hopes of getting drawn out to-morrow. It is needless to say that I have done my best, there being no other schooner ways in the neigh- borhood, and you should have been informed sooner had an opportu- nity offered for sending a letter. With highest respect, I am, sir, your obedient servant, W. H. BEAZLEY. Commander W. IAT HUNTER, Galveston. General order of the commandant naval station, New Orleans, for the examination of vessels of all sorts found on the coast of iJfississippi and Louisiana. COMMANDANTS OFFICE, NAVAL STATION, N~u~ Orleans, February 13, 1862. Commanding officers of all vessels belonging to this station will be particular in examining all steamers, vessels, luggers, boats, and crafts of every description found outside of Forts Pike and Wood and on the coasts of Mississippi and Louisiana, or in any of the passes or bayous leading out to sea, and will seize and send in for adjudication all such as may be found without a license o~ other proper papers from th Page 169 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 169 collector of the customs and also a passport signed by the commanding army or navy officer of the station, or other competent authority. JNO. K. MITCHELL, Commandant. Lieutenant Commanding W. G. DOZIER, ~rieans. C. S. S. Pamlico, New Extract of letter from the Secretary of War to iViajor- General Bragg, C. S. Army, regarding plan for strengthening the defenses of Mobile. ~TAR DEPARTMENT, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., February 18, 1862. SIR: * * * * * * * It is not proposed to leave any force at all at Pensacolaa weak garrison would inevitably be capturedbut it is deemed advisable to leave an effective garrison in the forts in Mobile Harbor and provide an ample supply of food for them. The continuance of the occupation of the forts would probably defer for some time a movement against Mobile, and it is possible might prevent the capture of that city, but the risk of its capture must be run by us. * * * * * * * Your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of War. Major-General BRAXTON BRAGG, iViobile, Ala. Letter from Commander Hunter, C. S. Navy, to 3ili~jor Shea, C. S. Army, regarding the charter of the pilot boat Lecompt. GALVESTON, TEX., February 19, 1862. MAJOR: On the receipt of your letter of the 3d instant, in relation to the charter by you of the pilot boat Lecomyt, in the service of the Confederate States, I transmitted the same to General P. 0. H6bert, C. S. Army, commanding Military District of Texas. I have just received his authority to approve the same, which I here communicate to you. I am, very respectfully, W. W. HUNTER. Major DANIEL D. SHEA, Provisional Army, C. S. Proclamation by the President to the people of the Confederate States of America. The termination of the Provisional Government offers a fitting occa- sion again to present ourselves in humiliation, prayer, and thanksgiving before that God who has safely conducted us through our first year o Page 170 170 MTLF I3LOCKADING SQITADROI{. national existence. We have been enabled to lay anew the foundations of free government and to repel the efforts of our enemies to destroy us. Law has everywhere reigned supreme, and throughout our wide- spread limits personal liberty and private right have been duly honored. A tone of earnest piety has pervaded our people, and the victories which we have obtained over our enemies have been justly ascribed to Him who ruleth the universe. We had hoped that the year would have closed upon a scene of con- tinued prosperity, but it has pleased the Supreme Disposer of events to order it otherwise. We are not permitted to furnish an exception to the rule of Divine Government, which has prescribed affliction as the discipline of nations as well as of individuals. Our faith and perse- verance must be tested, and the chastening which seemeth grievous will, if rightly received, bring forth its appropriate fruit. It is meet and right, therefore, that we should repair to the only Giver of all victory, and, humbling ourselves before Him, should pray that He may strengthen our confidence in His mighty power and right- eous judgment. Then may we surely trust in Him that He will per- form His promise and encompass us as with a shield. In this trust and to this end, I, Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, do hereby set apart Friday, the 28th day of Feb- ruary, instant, as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer, and I do hereby invite the reverend clergy and people of the Confederate States to re.pair to their respective places of public worship to humble them- selves before Almighty God, and pray for His protection and favor to our beloved country, and that we may be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all that hate us. Given under my hand and the seal of the Confederate States, at Rich- mond, this 20th day of February, A. D. 1862. [SEAL.J JEFFERSON DAVIS. By the President: WM. M. BROWNE, Secretary of State ad interim. Ab8tract log of tke (2 5. 5. Bayou City, 3fa8ter P. F. Appel, 0. 5. Navy, command~nq, December 16, 1861, to February 18, 1862. December 16.At 1:30 steamer Stell went to Bolivar Point to tow a barge loaded with lumber (Government property) to the city; returned with the barge in tow at 7 p. m. At 9 p. m. Neptane went out into the channel. December 17.Steamer Neptune went out on the lookout station at 9 p.m. December 18.Dispatch boat Fanny illiorgan went to Pelican Spit; returned at 2:30 p. um., having delivered her dispatches to the com- manding officer at the spit. December 19.At 9:30 a. m. steamer J F Oarr went to Pelican Spit to take two 18-pounder guns from the spit to Virginia Point, by order of the commanding general, P. 0. H6bert. Information being given to Commander Hunter that life boat (Francis metallic), formerly belonging to the United States, was stored in one of the warehouses belonging to Mr. C. Hitchcock, Commander Hunter took charge o Page 171 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADI~OI{. 171 her and sent her to San Jacinto to be repaired and put in sailing trim by Captain L. Smith, commanding steamer General Jiusk, stationed at San Jacinto. The boat was taken in tow by the steamer Diana, of the Houston line. Steamer Neptunex went on the lookout station at 8:30 p. m. December 20.-At 11 a. m. i3ifary Hill arrived from Pelican Spit, and returned at 6 p. m. with soldiers stationed at the spit. At 0 p. m. the lookout signaled a war vessel under sail in the offing. Steamer Nep- tune went in the channel at 8:30. At 10:30 p. m. a false alarm was given on the spit; the lookout imagined he saw boats coming in from sea. December 23.At 5 p. ID. steamer John F. Carr left and went to Deer Island, by order of the commanding general; returned at 7 p. m. At 8:30 Neptune went out into the channel. December 26.Steamer Neptune fired up and took a company of soldiers on board, but could not leave the wharf, wind and sea being too severe. December 27. A United States war steamer arrived and anchored outside. At I p. m. the wind increased gradually. Boats were observed during the afternoon pulling from the steamer to the Santee. At anchor now outside the bar, U. S. frigate Santee, a bark-rigged vessel, and a war steamer. Neptune went out into the channel. December 28.At 8 p. m. steamer illiary Hill received orders to proceed to San Jacinto to take a load of firewood from there to Gal- veston for the Government. Steamer Neptune left the wharf at 8:30 p. m. and went on the lookout station. December 29.A small lugger arrived from Berwick Bay, having run the so-called blockade. The lugger was loaded with tobacco and bound for Tampico, but having received damages at sea, ran into Galveston for repairs and anchored inside Bolivar Point. Steamer Colonel Stell went over to Pelican Spit to take the ilfary fElls place during her absence. Steamer Neptune went on the lookout. December 30.At I a. m. steamer Stell returned from Pelican Spit. Signals were made on the lookout station for a war sail vessel standing to the westward and boats of the Santee in chase of a schooner. The captain of the lugger (arrived here yesterday from Berwick Bay) ~reports that a schooner left Berwick Bay on the same day, loaded with 20 hogsheads of tobacco for Tampico. The schooner was boarded by the Santee boats and afterwards seen standing to the eastward. At 1 p. m. steamer Colonel Stell left and went to Pelican Spit station in place of iiliary Hill. Steamer John F. Uarr received orders to prepare for a trip to VDlasco. Steamer Neptune left the wharf at 8:30 p. m. December 31.Steamer ihilary Hill returned from San Jacinto at 11 a. in., with 115 cords of firewood for the Government. She was ordered by Colonel Nichols to proceed to Virginia Point and there to discharge the wood. At 11:30 steamer Stell arrived with Captain [Charles M.?] Masons company on board from Pelican Spit. Re- turned to the spit at 3 p. m. Steamer Carr left at daylight, having received orders to tow the dredge boat from Velasco to Virginia Point. The two first guns Qf fourteen destined for Galveston arrived to-day from Liberty on the steamer Rut hven. The guns left New Orleans in September and have been on the way from New Orleans to Galveston three months. An. article in the Galveston News, taken from the New York Herald, informs us that nine of the Santees crew were killed or wounded in the attempt to capture the Royal Yacht. It further state Page 172 172 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. that the Royal Yacht was set on fire and totally destroyed. As stated under Friday, November 8, the Royal Yacht was discovered on fire and saved, having received no serious damages, and even the enemys boats would have been cut off had Captain Chubb given the alarm signal. Steamer Neptune left the wharf at 9 p. m. January 1, 1863.The Bayou Ulty went over to Pelican Spit and returned at 2 p. m. and the Neptune left at 8 p. m. January 2. Steamer Neptune left with a company of soldiers on board and went on the lookout station at 8:30 p. m. January 3.A United States schooner and a bark arrived and anchored astern of the U. S. frigate & tntee outside the bar. At 11 a. m. three boats of the Santee chased a schooner, but the wind freshening at the time, the schooner stood off and escaped. At 11:30 steamer J. F. Carr returned from Velasco, having the dredge boat in tow. At 2:30 p. m. steamer Ildry lull returned from Virgina Point, having discharged her cargo of wood. Commander Hunter ordered her to go to Pelican Spit and take the place of the Uolonel Stell. The (blonel Stell arrived at the city at 6: 30p. m. and was ordered to prepare for a trip to Liberty. Neptune went out into the channel at 8:30. January 4.At T a. in. steamer Uolonel Stell left with orders to proceed to Virginia Point and to take theiice two guns to Liberty. Not being able to get the guns on board the boat without assistance, and assistance having been refused by the officer in charge of the guns, under pretext that he had received no orders from the commanding general to that effect, the boat returned to the city, arriving at 6 p. in., and reported the case as above stated. At 8 p. in. the Neptune went on the lookout station. January 5.Schooner William came down from Halfmoon Shoals loaded with cotton and ready to run the blockade. Anchored in the channel. At 9 p. in. steamer Neptune went out in the channel. January 6.Steamer J. F. Carr received orders to take the place of the Jliary Hill at Pelican Spit. JYtary Hill received orders to pro- ceedto San Jacinto. Neptune went on the lookout station at 8:30 p. in. January 7.At 8:30 a. in. the 3ifiary lull arrived at the city from Pelican Spit. At 9 a. in. the Jifary Hill left the wharf, but on account of bad weather had to anchor below Halfmoon Shoals at 10:30. At noon weather moderated and she proceeded to San Jacinto, where she arrived at 6p.m. Dispatch boat Fanny liforgan carried dispatches to steamer Lucy Gwinn, anchored in the bay. At 9:30 a. in. steamer J. F Carr went to Pelican Spit to take the place of the ifary Hill. January 9.At 1 p. in. the Bayou Uity, taking the Fanny Jforgan in tow, proceeded to the mouths of Trinity River, where she arrived at 5:45 p. in.; made fast to General Chambers wharf at Anahuac. The distance from here to Trinity River is 1 mile. January 10.Orders were given at once to fire up, and at 12:30 p. in. the steamer left the wharf, crossed over to the canal, through it into the pass, and up the Trinity River to a small settlement called Wallisville, where she arrived at 2 p. in. The distance between Wal- lisville and Anahuac is 10 miles, and a road runs from here to Liberty. Commander Hunter having examined the place, gave orders to pro- ceed. Twelve miles above Wallisville is Morses Bluff. Here we arrived at 4:30 p. in. The distance by land between Anahuac and Morses Bluff is 20 miles, and an excellent road leads to Liberty, dis- tant 12 miles. The bluff is situated at the east side of the river an Page 173 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 173 about 20 feet high. The river between Morses Bluff and the mouths is very narrow and deep; only a few settlers live on the banks between Wallisville and the bluff, and the shores on both sides are thickly wooded. The passes at the mouth of Trinity River are very shallow, hardly navigable for boats, and may be entirely blocked up with little expense and in a very short time, as there is an abundance of drift logs. In the Southwest Pass 2 feet of water will be found, in the Main Pass 2~ feet, in the Middle Pass 2j feet, in Andersons Pass 2 feet. From 6 to 11 feet may be carried into Turtle Bay. A battery erected on Chambersia would command the passes. At T p. m. the Bayoa City returned to Wallisville, where she remained all night and took in a supply of wood. January 11.At 7 a. m. unmoored and returned to the city. Ar- rived at 4 p. m. Found the steamer iYliary Hill alongside the wharf, having returned from San Jacinto on the 10th with wood and Captain [G. W. ] MeMahans cavalry company on board. January 12.At 2 p. m. Commander Hunter left the city in the Fanny lkforgan, steering for Virginia Point, where we arrived at 3:30 p. m. Commander Hunter inspected the works, ordnance, and ord- nance stores and returned to the city at 5 p. m. Steamer Colonel Stell took the place of the Neptune on the lookout. January 13.The lookout steamer could not leave the wharf on account of the heavy weather and sea in the bay. January 14.The Neptune went on the lookout station, but returned before daylight on account of the gale. January 16.The Fanny il/organ went out at 6:30 a. m. for Pelican Spit, with J. Kellersberg, captain of engineers, on board. Returned to the city at 12 meridian. Neptune went out in the channel at 9 p.m. January 17.Neptune left at 8 p. m. Steamer ilfary ilill received orders to take a company of soldiers and 100 horses to Bolivar Point. January 18.At 4 p. m. Captain Menards cavalry company went on board of the Jttary Hill. The bo& t left at 4:30 p. in., having a barge in tow loaded with horses, and landed soldiers and horses at Bolivar Point. Returned to the city at 6:30 p. m. The ATeptune left at 9 p. m. January 20.At 8 a. m. steamer John F. Carr came from her sta- tion at Pelican Spit to the city, having on board some of the officers and soldiers stationed on the spit. Returned at 3 p. m. Steamer Afary Hill received orders to go the Pelican Spit and to load there with shells for Fort Point. Left at 10 a. m. Colonel Stell went to Lynch- burg at 1 p. m. An armed bark under the United States flag ex- changed shots with the battery at Velasco. Twenty-two shots were fired without doing any damage. The Neptune left the wharf at 10p.m. January 21.Steamer Bayou City towed the dredge boat to Vir- ginia Point; returned at 6 p. m. Neptune left at 9 and went on the lookout station. January 22.Steamer ilfary Hill, loading with shells at Pelican island, hauled off and anchored in the bay. The gale increased till noon. Dispatch boat Fanny il/organ left at 2 p. m. and took out orders to the ilfary Hill to proceed to Torys Landing, in the neigh- borhood of San Jacinto. Returned at 8 p. m. The Neptune could not leave the wharf on account of the gale Page 174 174 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. January23. ilidry Hill proceeded to San Jacinto at 4 a. m. Steamer Colonel Stell arrived at the city at 11 a. in. Jo,4n F. Carr arrived at 2 p. in.; returned to the spit at 6, and the Neptune went on the look- out station at 8:30 p. m. A bark under the United States flag, and armed, came up from the westward and anchored outside the bar. January 24.Neptune took her station in the channel at 9 p. m. January 26.Neptune left at 10:30, detained by the nonappearance of the company of soldiers detailed for this nights service. January 26.At daylight the Neptune came alongside the Bayou City. Put all arms and ammunition of the Bayou City on board of her, and at 9:30 the Bayou City left for Lynchburg, to be hauled out of the water and painted. At 10 a. m. the ililiary Hill returned from San Jacinto with a load of shells to be used at the fortifications on Fort Point. A United States sloop of war arrived and anchored out- side the bar. itliary Hill received orders to take the Neptune8 place as guard vessel, and left at 8:30 p. m. January 27.Two United States schooners arrived and anchored. At 8:30 iWary Hill went on the lookout station. At anchor outside the bar, U. S. frigate Santee, one sloop of war, one armed bark, and two schooners. During the night the sloop of war left. January 28.Steamer liiliary Hill towed a barge loaded with shell to Fort Point, and returned at 2 p. m. Went on the lookout station at 8:30 p. in. January 30.Jliary Hill went on the lookout station at 9 p. m. January 31.Steamer Colonel Stell took in stores and forage for Captain Menards company, stationed at Bolivar Point. Steamer J. F. Carr arrived at 11 from Pelican Spit and returned at 4 p. m. At ~ one of the United States vessels outside of the bar, a bark, made sail, steering to the eastward. Steamer iYfary Hill went on the outlook station. February 1.At 8 a. m. a United States steamer arrived and anchored outside of the bar; supposed to be the regular supply steamer. A bark arrived at ~ p. m.~, supposed to be the same that left yesterday. Steamer J~ F C~arr arrived at 2 p. in. and took two guns over to Pelican Spit. Steamer Colonel Stell returned from Bolivar Point. Steamer Yiary Hill left at 9 p. in. and went on the lookout station. February 2.Steamer Colonel Stell received orders to proceed to Greens Bayou; left at 1:30 p. in. Fanny Jlfiorgan left at 4:30 for Pelican Spit, but had to return to the wharf at 7:30. 3fary Hill went out in the channel. United States war steamer left. February 4.Dispatch boat Fanny J.Jliorgan went to Pelican Spit and returned at 1:30 p. in. Jifary Hill went on the lookout station. Steamer Diana took a barge, chartered by Commander Hunter, to Lynchburg for repairs. February 5.Steamer Colonel Stell, Captain Kelsey, arrived from Greens Bayou with wood for the quartermasters department. Steamer John F Oarr received orders to take from Kuhns wharf to Pelican Spit solid shot and ammunition on the 6th. Jifary Hill took her station as guard boat at 9 p. in. February 6.At 1 a. in. steamer John F. 6/arr arrived. At 10 dis- patch boat Fanny iWorgan left for Morgans Point, Commander Hun- ter having given orders to take her on the ways and clean and paint h~r bottom, Steamer Carr remained at the wharf waiting for som Page 175 GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 175 of the ammunition to come. Steamer iVilary lull took her station in the channel at 9 p. m. February 7.At 9 a. m. steamer Bayou City returned from Lynch- burg. At 4 p. m. United States steamer, supposed to be the Niagara, arrived and anchored outside of the bar. Schooner Sam houston dropped her anchor to the windward of the Santee. During night strong gales from the northward; steamers Carr and iWary Hill had to remain alongside the wharf. February 8.At 1:30 p. m. steamer Neptune left and proceeded to Virginia Point and towed from the railroad bridge a barge to the city. February 9.After daylight the weather moderated so that the steamer Carr could proceed to Pelican Spit and land her cargo and ammunition there. Steamer Neptune relieved the iWary Hdl and went on the lookout station at 9 p. m. February 10. At 8 a. m. steamer John F. Carr came from Pelican Spit; returned at 11 a. m. A three-masted schooner hove in sight. At 2 p. m. steamer Colonel Stell left for Lynchburg. During the afternoon Commander Hunter inspected the fortifications at the dif- ferent points. Steamer left at 9 p. m. and went out into the channel. Four United States vessels at anchor outside the bar. February 11.During the day boats were seen passing between the U. S. frigate Santee and the U. S. steam frigate Niagara. At 7:30 p. m. the three-masted schooner left, steering to the eastward; Neptune left at 9 p. m. with two companies of soldiers on board and took her station in the channel. February 12.At 8 p. m. a schooner anchored outside, supposed to be the supply vessel for the U. S. frigate Santee. february 14.At 2 p. m. steamer 3faryhhill went to Bolivar Point and returned before dark. At 4 p. m. a United States schooner fired about twenty shots toward the island at a distance of 3 miles. The fire was not returned by the batteries, as it was believed that her object was to find out where our batteries are situated. The schooner returned to her anchorage before dark. The Neptune took her station at 9 p. m. February 16.Steamer JYfary Hill left the wharf at 2p. m. and went to the Pelican Spit, where she landed a gun and carriage, and returned to the city at 1 p. m. Neptune went on the lookout at 9 p. m. February 18.At 1:30 p. m. dispatch boat Fanny ihforgan returned from Morgans Point. Neptune took her station ~n the channel Page 176 Page 177 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON, FROM FEBRUARY 22. 1862, TO JULY 17, 186~, 177 N W RYOL 17 1 Page 178 Page 178A A 6o~& (?- ( / -~ 1 _______ ___ N ~ ~ 11 ~ 1 K 1 -V y686 3 / ( t6 COASTOIE ~ 0,-il { 168 d~ffeo~) FLOI{II)i,ALi\113I\INIA / ~~00~ ~ ~6 ~I 0.0 0 too l\ \I. AND I I ~ /lk 1 ~ K 2 1 06~~ I 7 - 11/ I p~7~0Jf~ - 0~ - Q I 7N1ISSISSIPP1 0 Itt 3 otl1~:,y ....1 7 0 . 3 6 K FROM 1/ Cohoe ~ 1J1t4,4~ 010/i ( P t41~10 ~ ~/N~-0- Gotoe ~ ~ 3 .. H ST.GEOBGES SOIJ7NI) ~j Till. / 1 /3 -\ ~ ~ K 766~ttt K.~~~odkc ~ 8 1 TO ~~ / ( 0to,o \ 3 ~I - I / 0 16 o0~ag~o~y I 3 11~- - ,~ I ( It 1 0 0~51ale 86 It 51AV ~ ~~2143,01 yffWPO 1 .00606 1 ~) i3 ColqIdtL II 1~/ ~ ,/\ 1kq1~B0dTI 1 - , N N ~ EhS8ttdIOd 1109J~jf1O1 0 1 C I A ~ - / ~ C) 1 TtUopL 8 ..~ - . / 68 ~ l ~ I 0 I Oil S \\~-7;~, ,o~i 2 P P ~o,Slt62) N-~ ., /~ 0 6 I p8~ 0 1 Q .00oe~ II o~oo iz I 0 0 0 K tloioolsdo 711 160111 P 6~ 3 1 0 J~t.0t..6~dgP ~ I ~TT 6~ O111311110 ~ 1 - I I tttt ~ i1iotd(~ NJ Teoo oud0u~$o K~o 0 /iftlioto 1 - 1 / 2 K t~. -I 6 01/ ~ 3jj~N~3 ~-If0t~I ~ ~YNK 0to~5 : 3N ~ 8t0~ N K / ~/--@ t,~ 3 K~K~ ~-~$/:i~~ ~6(ttolPPlotttt1 K N ~1 1 1 Q.wwy - N~ ~ .60t60k / I -Q 7g~ j~t16 PP N /~I / 51016660 1 N - ~ 10olop 80~ - ~~I ' K /0suoop~ttp OttS OdFt 666 ~KI5~ 6 1 N / A6,opBI.# I 01 -1101 ~ 0011 161 1116 6o,~, ~6oeAW6OA0Oae,. 16 D06~/0 0 10 6t66t0 - J lp11t o~o1 l, t ~~ 51.1~16ll/ ~iO. -N - ~ t11, ~ 166 66660~ o~:o... 0 N I (0~ lI6ol0166 K2 1~l16ok1 V. ~1 L .& 7j.,~~~46666~ 8.0610 616 ~ ~p~o0o 2 6 6 .1 , 1111/ ~ ~i06 4j. 611600A I 0,~0t6Pi,sko 1676 0 oIYJoq 160111 ho., -- 10101 6.56 2 06~6 (0 ~ - Pp16o~~I 6 I totlt .8 -, 16 0: . - - -11 - liOn 6006660861 0 Ic. H.t,.it Cottko~l1~ 09 F ,1:5- 8 G U L F 0 p16 1.1 56 C 1100 8666606166 0~ 56011O0~0t 0 oft 0001 Vi666,.!~ I 6~ 0 C8016PPn~P I Page 178B Page 179 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. FROM FEBRUARY 22, 1862, TO JULY 17, 1865. Report of Flag- Officer Farragut, CL S. Navy, regarding the exchange of vessels between the East and West Gulf Blockading Squadrons. U. S. S. HARTFORD, Ship Island, February 22, 1862. SIR: In consequence of the remote positions of certain vessels in the squadron of Flag-Officer McKean, we have determined, in conformity with the directions of the Department, to exchange them, their quali- ties being such as not to interfere with the great object in view. They are as follows, viz: Western Gulf squadron. Eastern Gulf squadron. Midnight for Ethan Allen. Preble for J. L. Davis. Montgomery for R. R. Cuyler. New London for The last-named vessel being absolutely necessary to command the inland passage, and Lieutenant Commanding Read having made her such a terror to the Confederates in this quarter, Flag-Officer McKean and myself determined that justice to the service required me to keep her, and I will hereafter give him some other vessel in her stead, all of which is respectfully submitted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag- O~jjicer, Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Report of Lieutenant Howell, U. S. Navy, transmitting report regarding boat expedition under Lieutenant Grosman, CL S. Navy, for the parsuit of a sailboat off Cedar Keys, Fla., February 24, 1862. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHoMA, Cedar Keys, Februdry 27, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose the accompanying report of Lieuten- ant Crosman, relative to a boat expedition which left this vessel on the 17 Page 180 180 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. evening of the 24th instant. Although unsuccessful in its object, I would beg to mention (from the testimony of witnesses) Lieutenant Crosmans gallantry on that occasion. He it was who killed or wounded the man seen to fall, and when the prize capsized he pulled back, under fire, and scuttled her. Although I much regret the loss of a man, and shall not permit any more expeditions for the present, under similar circumstances, yet the expeditions have been of much service in developing the characters of men and officers, and have had a beneficial effect on the crew generally. I also enclose certificates relative to the money chest and paymas- ters receipts, etc. Paymaster William Hennessy reported for duty on the 20th instant. Everything is quiet about Cedar Keys. I have on board 59 tons coal. I have the honor also to enclose herewith the copy of the letter sent to Cedar Keys under the flag of truce with the prisoners. It was omitted, by some accident, in my communication by the R~4ode island. Paymaster Liennessy reports that we have now two months provisions on board. I have been obliged to write hastily. I am, sir, with much respect, your obedient servant, J. C. HOWELL, Flag-Officer ~. M~. MCKEAN Lieutenant~ Oommanding. C~mmanding U. S. Blockading Squadron, Gu~f of ilfiexico. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. TAHOMA, Off Sea horse Key, Fla., February 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that yesterday at 4:30 p. m. a boat expedition, consisting of the Fanny, with 6 men, under command of Acting Master H. A. Hurley, and the Daisy, myself in charge of both crews, numbering 11 men, armed with Sharps rifles, cutlasses, and pistols, started in pursuit of a sailboat which had been endeavoring to communicate with Depot Key from the mainland, with the view also, and principally, to cut out a schooner which was lying on the boat channel between Cedar Keys and the main. We passed, under sail, the entrance to the channel, reconnoitering closely a stockade of palmetto logs, on the north side, probably an old Indian fort, and took possession of the boat which had attracted the attention of our look- outs. The schooner, one with white mastheads, was then in eight, but on the other side of the trestle work, upon which the railway is laid, connecting Cedar Keys with the mainland. Darkness came on, and I had only time to scuttle a skiff which was lying at the salt-making station where the sailboat was anchored, and to remove a quantity of carpenters tools in the boat, before pulling out among the small keys of the channels, where, choosing a position beyond musket range of any clump, I anchored for the night. At daylight the tide was ebb, and it was necessary to wait until about 8 oclock before moving. Towing the prize into the boat channel, I pulled for the open water. The schooner had slipped her chain during the night as she was nowhere in sight. As we came opposite the stockade at the entrance to the channel, moving very slowly at the time, against the strong flood tide and fresh wind, a body of infantry, numbering about 30, advanced deliberately t Page 181 EASJ~ ~1fULF 13LOCICADh1q~4 SQUADROa~. 181 the waters edge and fired a volley. The distance was about 150 yards. Twenty minutes elapsed between the first and last shots, during which we managed to tow the prize clear of the keys. Mr. ilurley and myself were the only ones who returned the fire, the men being too busy, necessarily, at the oars. One man, supposed to be an officer, was seen to throw up his arms and fall. As they were in skirmishing order it would have been useless for my men, in groups, as they were, to fire, and besides it would have involved the loss of the sloop. When beyond reach sail was made, but the sailboat cap- sized. Efforts were made, under the fire of the soldiers, who waded out toward us, to right her, but after some time spent ineffectually I scuttled her and made sail for the ship. One shot went through the Daisys ensign, one struck her on the counter, and two forward. John B. Patterson, seaman, while pulling his oar, after we had gained the open water, was struck in the eye by a musket bullet and instantly killed. Two shots struck the Fanny. No one else was hurt in either, the shots generally being too high. All did their duty, Acting Master ilurley, Arthur Almer, sailmakers mate, and Lewis Chester being conspicuous. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. F. CROSMAN, Lieutenant, U S. Navy. Lieutenant Commanding J. C. HowEI~L, U. S. S. liahoma, off Cedar Keys. circular of Flag- Qjjicer JilicKean, U. S. Navy, regarding the release of captured civilians. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ship Island, February ~5, 1869?. SIR: You may release such persons from the rebel States as shall be captured, provided they are civilians, not in the rebel service, and are not known to have engaged in any act against the authority of the United States and are not needed as witnesses. Before their release they will be required to sign a written parole not to engage in any hostile act against the United States during the present rebellion. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Off cer, Commanding Eastern Division Gulf Squadron. Report of Acting T~olunteer Lieutenant tiouthony, U S. Navy, com- manding U. S. bark Kingfisher, regarding the capture by that vessel of the schooner Lion, formerly Alexander. U. S. BARK KINGFISHER, Of South West Pass, iWarch 4, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on 25th ultimo, at 4:15 p. in., latitude 260 46 N., longitude 930 32 W., I boarded, after chasing her 420 miles during three days and nights and thrice losing sight of her, a schooner under British colors, which had refused t Page 182 182 EAST GULF BLOCRADING SQUADRON. heave to or show any flag, after having four shots fired at her the afternoon previous, and only did so at last on our sending a shell so close to her as to show that escape was no longer possible. She proved to be the Lion, formerly the Alexander, of Parkersville, Tex., commanded by George S. Anderson, belonging provisionally to Havana, and owned there, according to provisional register from the British consul at that port to John MeLennan, British merchant, there resident. She is 82~ tons burden, was manned by a crew of 8 men including captain and mate, and sailed from Havana February 20 for Matanioras, with the following cargo: 250 bags of coffee, 4 boxes of articles of leather, 30 boxes soap, 2 boxes preserves, 1 box of codfish in one-fourth packages, 50 boxes sheet tin, 1 barrel block tin (estano), 1 box of gum shellac, 1 box containing 100 packages gold leaf, 2 bar- rels camphor, 2 barrels niter, 100 boxes of 1 quintal each gunpowder. The captain declared that he had no log book, no letters of instructions from her alleged owner, no manifest, no charter party, no advices to consignees, only a letter of introduction to one Francisco Armendiaz in Matamoras, and could not inform me where or by whom the cargo was owned. A Confederate flag was found in her cabin and the captain and mate both stated that she left New Orleans on or about the 15th January last, ran the blockade with a cargo of 200 bales of cotton (they declined stating at what point, but froni a track laid down on one of the charts found on board there is little doubt it was in the vicinity of Atchafa- laya), arrived at Havana on February 10 and was put under British ownership two days later (as shown by her provisional register), immediately on her cargo being discharged. She had on board when captured the mate and four men, who com- posed her crew when as the Alexander she ran the blockade. In view of these facts I took possession of her and put on board Masters Mate Charles E. Sloan as prize master with a crew of six men and orders to proceed to this point and await my arrival, there being at the time another schooner in sight to windward which I was anxious to get hold of if possible, but escaped during the night. I arrived here at 6 p. m. of 2d instant and found the Lion safe at anchor. But during a very severe norther which set in three hours later she broke from her moorings, was driven out to sea, and has not yet returned, though the wind being now favorable I look for her confidently by nightfall or early to-morrow morning. She will on her return proceed without delay to Key West for adju- dication, her build being such as to render her unseaworthy for the passage to any of our Northern ports at this season of the year. I transmit herewith a full and complete list of the officers and crew attached to this vessel at the date of the capture of the Lion, as required by article 7 of the act for the better government of the Navy of the United States. Trusting that my action may meet with the approval of the Departuient, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Jos. P. COUTHOUY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenants @0mm anding. Hon. GIDEON. YXTELLES Secretary of the JVavy, Washington, D. (7 Page 183 EAST GULF BtOCKADING SQUADRON. 183 Rejort of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Winn, U. S. Navy, command- ~ng U. S. hark James L. Davis, of arrival off Cedar Keys for the relief of the U. S. S. Tahoma. U. S. BARK JAMES L. DAVIS, Cedar Keys, iJilarek 6, 1862. SIR: * * * * -x. * * 1 arrived here 2d instant to relieve the U. S. gunboat Tahoma, which was ordered to Apalachicola and sailed for there 4th instant. I am anchored about three-eighths of a mile from Sea Horse Key, on which the light- house stands, 2 miles from Depot Key, and about 2~ miles from Way Key. The first two named keys are evacuated, but on Way Key it is said there are 1,000 troops. We can plainly see men moving about the island last named, and if they had a rifle can- non they could very easy riddle this ship, as I am in a position where I can not get out over the bar except at high water and a fair wind. At high water there is from 9 to 12 feet on the bar, according to which way the wind is. A southerly wind drives the tide in and a northerly wind (which is a fair wind out) drives the tide out. You will readily perceive I can not only get out but by being towed out. I was placed here in this position by Commander Howell, of the Tahioma, and shall do my utmost to defend the ship and obey my orders from Flag-Officer William W. McKean. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JO~. WI~, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, commanding, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report ~f Lieutenant lEhiaghes, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Water Witch, regarding the capture of confederate schooner TVillram iYfxdlory. U. S. S. WATER WITCH, At Sea, March 6, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on the 5th instant, when off St. Andrews Bay, west coast of Florida, I seized as a prize to this vessel the rebel schooner William iMlallory, of Mobile, from Havana February 28, bound wherever she could make a port. She ran the blockade at Mobile on January 30, t862, having from the account of her master, Cohn J. Campbell, passed out of the main ship channel at night. She is a schooner of 108 tons burden, and is a remarkably fast sailer. We chased her for five hours and were obliged to fire at her several times to make her heave to. Her papers had all been destroyed and two rebel flags had been thrown overboard before we took possession of the prize. She had an English flag at her peak when we boarCed her. Her cargo is an assorted one. I have sent her to the port of Key West for adjudication Page 184 184 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Enclosed I send a complete list of the officers and crew attached to this vessel at the time the capture was made. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. K. HUGHES, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Lieutenant, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy, IYashington, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Gate, CL S. Navy, command- ing U. S. bark Par8uit, regarding the capture by that Ve88e1 of the 8chooner Anna Belle. U. S. BARK PURSUIT, 3liarch 7, 1862. SIR: I have to report the capture of the schooner Anna Belie by this vessel. We fell in with her at 4 p. m. on the 6th instant in lati- tude 29~ 20 and longitude 850 22 under close reefs. When within a mile of her I ordered a shot fired across her bow; she took no notice of it; after the second shot she ran up the American flag, but as she looked so much like a Southern-built vessel I ordered the third shot to be fired over her, when she hauled down the American flag at half- mast and wore around. We soon had her within hail. There being a very heavy sea on and unsafe to lower a boat, I ordered her to lay by us till morning with a light up, which she did; this morning hav- ing moderated we lowered a boat and took possession at once. The papers found on board were register and crew list dated at Mobile and headed Confederate States of America; also a copy of an insurance policy dated at New Orleans. The schooner was leaking, and as she was laboring heavily 1 dispatched her as soon as possible in charge of Charles R. Harris, masters mate, as prize master with all the a ers, the captain and two of the crew, and trusted. to the mail steamer to forward my reports, but we have seen nothing of her. I therefore take this my first opportunity to forward papers, etc. ~Very respectfully, etc., DAVID CATE, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy. Second report of Lieutenant Ilughe8, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Water Witch, regarding the capture of the Gonfederate schooner William. ilfallory. U. S. S. WATER i~TITCH, At Sea, ilfarch 8, 1862. SIR: Since leaving the flagship on Tuesday morning the 4th instant I have to report that when off Santa Rosa Sound, on account of the violent wind and heavy sea, I was obliged to cut the schooner adrift which you had directed me to tow, in order to get off a lee shore, th~ wind blowing a gale from the southward and westward. On the morning of the 5th, the wind having abated, I continued on my course to St. Andrews Bay. While off that point I gave chase to a schooner, which I succeeded in capturing after a pursuit of five hours, being obliged to fire several shot to make her heave to. Upon board- ing she proved to be the rebel schooner William ilfallory, of Mobile, from Havana, 28th February, with an assorted cargo Page 185 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 185 I placed Acting Master Joseph A. Titcomb, assisted by Masters Mate Charles E. Norbery, and a prize crew of six men on board of her, with orders to keep in company with us during the night. We then shaped our course for Apalachee Bay, hoping to fall in with you on the following morning. At nbon of the 6th, the wind being S. S. W., in attempting to reach the anchorage off St. Marks, this vessel touched on a shoal to the eastward of the Southwest Cape, from which I do not think we have sustained any great damage. We succeeded in getting off without difficulty. Soon after the wind fresh- ened into a gale from S. W., which obliged me to haul off the land. During the gale we lost sight of the schooner, but before we had parted company I directed Mr. Titcomb to make the best of his way to Key West in the event of such a contingency. Thus you will see that we had encountered two gales since parting from the flagship at Mobile. Our little vessel labored very heavily, the machinery much strained, the boiler not being trustworthy, and the senior engineer reporting to me at the time that there was not more than four days coal on board, being barely sufficient to take us to Key West, I determined to proceed to that port without delay. Trusting that what I have done will be approved by you, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient; servant, A. K. HUGHES, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer WM. W. McKEAN, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant TYinn, U. S. Navy, regarding Ike advisability of occupying Way Key, Cedar Keys, Fla. U. S. BARK JAMES L. DAVIS, Cedar Keys, JJilarch 8, 1862. Siu: Way Key, which is but a few rods from the main and connected to it by a trestle bridge, is the termination of the Fernandina Railroad. If it is of any importance to the United States Government, any num- ber of troops can be landed on it, under cover of our rifled cannon, on a steamer drawing 9 to 10 feet water. On it are several fine houses and a large depot. There are several fine houses and a depot on Depot Key, which is but a few rods from Way Key and was connected to it by a trestle bridge, which was destroyed by the U. S. S. Hatteras when she took the place. On it we can see large quantities of sawed lumber. To all ai~pearances it has every convenience for the accom- modation of a large number of troops. Wood and water are abundant. I am as near as I can get to the Key, with the ship drawing lOj feet water. It is large, 2 miles distant, and my battery will scarcely reach it to do any execution. I can see the railroad cars arrive and depart to and from Way Key. If I had a rifled cannon I could soon put a stop to that business. I am so shorthanded I dare not risk a boat expedition ashore on Way Key. Very truly, your obedient servant, Jos. WINN, Acting Yolunteer Lieutenant, Commanding, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. Page 186 186 EAST GULF BLOCI(ADING SQIYAIM~OI~. P. S. Since writing the above the U. S. gunboat liahoina has returned with orders from Flag-Officer W. W. McKean for me to proceed imme- diately to Key West. Shall sail to-morrow at high water, if there is sufficient on the bar. J. W. Report gf Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Il7nn, CL Navy, command- ing U. S. bark James I. Davis, regarding the capture of a schooner at sea. U. S. BARK JAMES L. DAVIs, At Sea, Jiilarch 10, 1862. SIR: I have to report that at 10:40 a. in. this day weather fine, wind S. S. E., steering on a wind with port tacks aboard, saw a schooner veering about S. E. Tacked ship and stood for her. She was steer- ing N. N. E. to IN. E.; 11:30 a. m. set our ensign. The schooner set an English ensign, but not till we fired a shot across her bow, she being less than a mile distant from us. At noon spok.~ her. Reported from Havana hound to Matamoras. She had no name on her stern. Had on it Nassau, New Providence, and name painted over black. Ordered the captain to come aboard with his papers. He replied his boat was stove. I then sent a boat with my executive officer, Alex. Waugh, one masters mate, and boats crew to bring the captain and papers. The boat returned at 1 p. in. I examined the captain and his papers and felt justified in taking him to Key West, as it was evident from the course she was steering she was bound to some port on the Florida coast between Apalachicola and Cedar Keys, and not to Matamoras. Her cargo consists, as per invoice, of 250 bags of coffee, soda ash, soap, spool cotton, hoop skirts, and dry goods assorted; amount of invoice, about $15,000. At 2 p. m. took from her her officers and crew, 8 in all. Put a prize crew on board with orders to keep in company. I perceive she has a British provi- sional register for six months, given at Havana. The captain says he left Havana the 6th instant. Some of the crew say they left the 8th. I also notice her charter party is signed and dated 6th March, which is the date of all her clearance papers. I never yet knew of a char- tered vessel taking aboard all her cargo prior to the charter party being consummated, and I feel assured such a thing is never done in any legitimate transaction. Florida is the schooners name, as per her papers. Latitude. observed at noon, 2W 56 N. Longitude chronometer at noon, 84~ 25 W. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Jos. Wn~, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding, C. S. Navy. Flag-Officer W. W. McKEAN, Eastern Division Gulf Blockading Squadron, CL S. Steamer Niagara, Key W~st Page 187 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 187 I? eport of Flag- Officer AlicKean, TI. S. Navy, regarding general matters, and announcing t1~e transfer gf the western division of his command to Flag- 01/leer Farra gut, U S. Navy. No. 19.] U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, hi/larch 11, 1861?. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this place on the morning of the 10th instant. I transferred to Flag-Officer Farragut the command of the western division of the Gulf Blockading Squadron on the 21st ultimo, and on the 3d instant left Ship Island, with the Water Witch in company, and proceeded to the anchorage off Mobile, where I was joined by the steamer Huntsville, and from thence pro- ceeded to Apalachicola, at which place the U. S. S. iuiliercedita and the prize steamer Calhoun were to have been ordered by Flag-Officer Farragut to meet me, but they failing to arrive, after remaining two days, I came on to this place. I have since learned that Flag-Officer Farragut was unable to leave Ship Island for the Mississippi, where the Aliercedita and Calhoun were stationed, at the time he expected. I was desirous of looking in at St. Marks and Cedar Keys on my way here, but owing to the nonarrival of the Ualhoun was prevented from doing so, the great draft of water of this ship making it impos- sible to get nearer than 15 or 18 miles to either place. Previous to leaving Ship Island I dispatched the steamer Cuyler to examine St. Andrews and St. Josephs bays, and a thorough examina- tion of both harbors was made by Lieutenant Commanding Winslow, but no vessels were discovered in either. When off Mobile I dispatched the Water Witch, with instructions to her commander to run down the coast from St. Andrews and join me off Apalachicola, and I am happy to inform you that near St. Andrews Bay he fell in with and captured the schooner William, iVfallory, of Mobile, from Havana, with an assorted cargo, bound to a Confederate port. Shortly afterwards meeting with a severe gale, she parted com- pany with her prize, and for some hours was in great danger of being lost, but fortunately succeeded in reaching this place, where I found her on my arrival. The prize schooner has not yet arrived. I forward by this mail a copy of a report received from Commander Walker, containing the information that a laden steamer succeeded in escaping from his vessel and entered Barataria. Had the Dc Soto been provided with a large boat mounting a howitzer she might have been captured or destroyed. When in communication with the gunboat Sagamore, off Apalachi- cola, learning from Lieutenant Commanding Drake that his launch would carry it, I furnished him with a 12-pounder boat howitzer from this ship; and I also furnished Lieutenant Commanding Howell, of the Jialioma, stationed at Cedar Keys, with a small prize schooner, mounting a howitzer. I have received communications from Lieutenant Commanding Eaton, commanding the bark Ethan Allen at Tampa Bay, from which 1 learn that several Union men residing in that vicinity have come off and claimed the protection of the Government, having been driven from their homes and families by the rebels; also that a boat expedi- tion from his ship, sent to Clearwater Harbor, resulted in the capture of the schooner Spitfire and the sloops Atlanta and Caroline. The Spitfire and Caroline, being old and leaky, and not worth sending i Page 188 188 EAST GULF I3LOOKADING SQUADRON. for adjudication, he proposes to sink them in a small 8-foot channel, on the south side of the bay. The Atlanta will be useful to him as a tender, and I shall authorize his keeping her for that purpose. The steamers South (hrolina, Jiuntsville, and Water Witch are now at this place, engaged in making such repairs as are necessary to enable them to make the passage to the north, and I am hourly expecting the arrival of the lJiLohawk, which vessel I have ordered here for a similar purpose. I deeply regret the necessity of reducing so largely the steam force of this squadron, but it is unavoidable, as, if these vessels are kept longer on the station, they would in all proba- bility, in a short time, be unable to reach a Northern port. As it is, I shall detain the Water Witch until about thd 1st of April, as I do not consider her fit to encounter a gale of wind. The steamer (~uyler is now here making some slight repairs to her engines, but will, I hope, be in readiness for sea to-morrow. I shall dispatch her to Havana, to take in a supply of water, as there is none to be had here. From thence she will proceed to cruise near Cape San Antonio, in order to intercept any vessel that may attempt to return from Havana to a Confederate port, or that may have run the blockade bound to Havana. The crew of the privateer Beauregard, now in prison at this place, I shall send to the North in the steamer Rhode island. The crews of the various prize vessels have been disposed of in accordance with the instructions contained in your letter of January 15, 1862. I transmit herewith a list showing the stations of the vessels com- posing the Eastern Gulf Squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofilcer Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] Stations of sessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, JJJareh 12, 1862. Niagara and Wanderer, at Key West. (uyler, ordered to cruise near Cape San Antonio. Ethan Allen, blockading Tampa Bay. Tahoma, blockading Cedar Keys. Kingfisher, ordered to St. Marks, to relieve the lliohawk. Julio hawk ordered to Key West, to repair to go north. Sagamore, blockading Apalachicola, Middle and .East p asses. ikfercedita, ordered to Apalachicola, to relieve the Jliarion at the West Pass. Afiarion, ordered to Key West, to repair and receive new gun carriages. Pursuit, blockading St. Andrews and Josephs bays. Bainli.ridge, J. S. (Jharnbers, and J. L. Davis, will be stationed on Atlantic coast, between Key West and Cape Canaveral. National Guard (coal ship), ordered to Key West; not arrived as yet. Santiago de Guba, absent, supposed at Havana Page 189 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 189 Calhoun (prize steamer), ordered to Key West, but has not arrived. Beauregard, Key West, fitting for service. South 6~arolina, Ifuntsville, and Water Witch, Key West, preparing to go north. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Ofticers JJlicKean arid Far- ragut, U S. Navy, urging greater vigilance in view of the escape of vessels from New Orleans. NAVY DEPARTMENT, JJifarch P2, 1862. SIR: The Department learns of the arrival at Havana on the 23d ultimo of the steamer Colonel ef. Whitmore, 430 tons, and the steamer Florida, 429 tons, from New Orleans with a thousand bales of cotton, and also of the escape from New Orleans of the steamers lJfagnolia, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt. The hope and belief had been indulged that the Passes of the Missis- sippi were effectually blockaded against the entrance and departure of vessels, and therefore the recent escape of so many steamers of such size and importance fills the Department with surprise and regret. The Gulf Squadron having recently been so much enlarged and divided, the Department trusts that in future it may have no occasion to refer to the fact of vessels having run the blockade or to urge greater vigilance and the importance of cutting off communication with the rebel ports. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer W. XV. MOKEAN, c~ommanding East Gutf Blockading Squadron, Key West, Fla. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, (onunanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Ship fsland. Order of Fla~j- Officer ili/icKean, U S. Navy, to Licatenant Winslow, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. R. P. (uyler, to cruise in pur- suit of blockade runners to or from Havana, Caba. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, Jllarch 14, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. S. (uyler under your command to Havana and take in a supply of water and obtain from the U. S. consul at that place any information he may be possessed of that can be of service to you in the prosecution of your duty. Froni thence you will proceed to cruise near Cape San Antonio for the purpose of intercepting vessels that may leave Havana bound for a Southern port or that may run the blockade bound to Havana. I have received information that two steamers, the Florida and Tennessee, have escaped from New Orleans and arrived in Havana. They will most likely attempt to return to a Southern port, probably under provisional registers. Should you meet with them you will capture and send them in for adjudication. You will be particular in instructing your boarding officer not to give unnecessary offense, to be courteous but firm in making a thor- ough examination Page 190 190 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I herewith transmit a memorandum on the subject of provisional registers. When in need of supplies you will return to this place and procure them. 1 am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ofilcer, Commanding Eastern Gu~f Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding FRANCIS WINSLOW, Commanding U. S. S. Cuyler, Key West, Fla. Report of Flag- Ogficer JiifcKean, U. S. Navy, ~f the disposition of the prsze steamer lkfagnolia and transmitting information regarding the forwarding of supplies to Texas. No. 20.] U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, Fla., iF/arch 19, 1861?. SIR: I have the honor to report that the prize steamer iiifagnolia, whose capture I reported on the 21st ultimo, has been condemned as prize of war and the judge has decreed that she be sent with her cargo to New York for sale. This decree was made at my suggestion, as the cargo is too large to sell here and in my opinion the steamer will make an admirable gun- boat. She requires to be coppered (as otherwise the worms would soon destroy her) and one new boiler, and therefore could not be fitted at this place. She is remarkably fast, having run 10 knots on one boiler; draws but 8 feet water, with 1,000 bales of cotton and 90 tons of coal on board; is well found in every respect, and our chief engi- neer reports her engines to be of the first quality. I shall dispatch her as soon as the necessary arrangements are completed, in charge of Acting Lieutenant James Parker, of the South Carolina, with a crew detailed from that vessel. The U. S. marshal will take passage in hei to attend to the sale. Since my last report three schooners, prizes to vessels of the East- ern Squadron, have arrived at this place, viz, the Lion, captured by U. S. bark Kingfisher; Anna Belle, captured by the U. S. bark Pursuit, and the Florida, captured by U. S. bark J. I. Davis. The schooner William iViallory, whose capture by the Water Witch 1 reported in my communication of the 11th instant, put into Tortugas in distress. 1 have dispatched the Water Witch to tow her up inside of the reef. I desire to bring to the notice of the Department the necessity of adopting means to secure a su~)ply of water at this place, as owing to the large number or troops upon the island the commanding general has laid a restriction upon the water tanks and what little the naval storekeeper is able to procure is by purchase from private citizens, and at considerable expense, as it has to be carted down to the dock. Lieutenant Commanding Couthouy, commanding U. S. bark King- fisher, having stated to me verbally several facts which I deemed it desirable to bring to the notice of the Department, I directed him to make me a written report, a copy of which I herewith transmit. It seems rather remarkable that vessels should be cleared from New Yor Page 191 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 191 for Matamoras, as I learn that the collector at this place has instruc- tions not to clear vessels for that port. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, (Jommandinq Ea8tern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Tha8ldngtou, D. G. [Enclosure.] U. S. BARK KINGFISHER, Key West, Ailarch 19, 18694?. SIR: I have the honor to report that on Sunday, 16th instant, at 8:45 a. in., in latitude 250 14 N., longitude 830 27 W., boarded the schooner IfannahiJL Johnson, of Baltimore, of 94 tons burden, Captain James A. Thomsen, Supercargo L. Bebea.u fils, of Tampico, with an assorted cargo of dry goods, provisions, spirits, wines, silks, cutlery, etc., invoiced at ~18,OOO, in round numbers, regularly cleared at New York for Matamoras, and also from this port, which she left on the 14th, having sailed from New York February 25 and touched here for water. The information I obtained from the supercargo of this vessel in regard to the manner in which supplies are being sent into Texas from the North appeared to me of such importance that I made note of it in full for transmission to you by the earliest opportunity. Mr. Bebeau stated that about two weeks prior to his sailing from New York, J. & N. Smith, commission merchants, 29 Burling Slip, New York, cleared at that port for Matamoras the bark Alice ]iainter, burden about 679 tons, Hutton9 master, with a cargo valued at $80,000 and upward, consisting of 700 bags coffee, 1,700 barrels flour, 400 boxes crushed sugar, 400 barrels ship bread, a large quantity of assorted provisions, and several thousand gunny bags. She took out as pas- senger for Matarnoras, nominally, but in fact as supercargo and joint owner, a person named Jerry Galvan, of Brownsville, well known to me as a partner in the house of Jas. H. Phelps & Co., established and doing business in that city. A Captain John Woodhouse, also well known to me as having been long the confidential clerk, and later the partner of Charles Stiliman, merchant, of Brownsville, and now doing business there and in Matamoras on his own account, was, at the tinie the Hannah 2W. Johnson sailed, loading a schooner at New York with provisions, etc., for Matamoras. The schooner iWystic Valley also cleared recently at New York with a cargo entirely of assorted provi- sions by King & Devine, who have a house in Brownsville, Mr. Devine going out in her as passenger and supercarga. Mr. Bebeau had no hesitation in expressing his conviction, based on a knowledge of the facts, that all these cargoes are destined to supply the wants of Texas. He avowed his own intention to dispose of the IL 2W. Johnsons cargo to the best offerer for it in Matamoras, without troubling himself what became of it afterwards. I presume there can be slight doubt that the whole of her cargo, and the others also, will be sold on board and landed directly on the levee at Brownsville in order to save the expense of cartage to and from Matamoras. A letter to Charles Stillman, of Brownsville, found on board the schooner, from James Smith, of the firm of J. & N. Smith, above mentioned, who are the agents for said Stiliman in New York, dated the 21st of February, had this passage: I hope next vessel from ther Page 192 192 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADROL you will send us sales of the KiMy cargo. The Kibby, according to Mr. Bebeau, was cleared at New York two or three months ago for some ports on the Spanish Main, he thought Cartagena, by this same concern of J. & N. Smith, clearances being at that time refused for Matamoras, but from this letter it seems she went there nevertheless, or rather to Brownsville, and her cargo, consigned to Stillmans house, went to supply Texas. I do not presume to point out how such gross abuse of the privilege of a neutral port, and that by vessels under our own flag, sailing with regular clearances from our own custom-houses, can be prevented, if at all; but in submitting these facts for your con- sideration, 1 can not refrain, even at the hazard of being regarded as transcending my proper sphere, from suggesting that the most absolute blockade and closure of every port on the coast of Texas must be a comparatively ineffectual measure, and all hope of crushing the rebel- lion by cutting off the resources of those who are waging war against our Government and country be utterly vain, so long as unlimited supplies are allowed to be poured from our Northern ports into the heart of the State, through the Rio Grande and Matamoras, which is but another name for Brownsville, there being hardly a firm of any note in the first city that has not a branch house in the latter also. it may not be considered out of place to add that in the letter above referred to from James Smith, merchant, of New York, to Charles Stiliman, merchant, of Brownsville, and who claims to own the fee of the land on which it is built, the writer expresses his conviction that this war will be at an end within six months, and in view of it, proposes to Stillman to join with him in building a steamer to ply between New York,Galveston, and other ports in Texas, which could touch at Key West. Mr. Smith is of opinion that after the war is over there will be a great demand in Texas for goods from the North, and therefore such a steamer could not fail to be a profitable invest- ment. It would take four months to get her ready, and in case the war should not be over within six, he, Stillman, would be able to take her ~ff their hands (the Smiths) at a great bargain. It may be that all this correspondence and trading with and consigning cargoes to so notoi:ious a partisan of the rebels as Charles Stillman is perfectly legitimate, honorable, and eminently patriotic, but it still somewhere conflicts with my preconceived ideas of what should be regarded by every loyal citizen and honest man as illegal, dishonorable, and traitorous to the last degree, and as such to be sternly rebuked by those who have the power to enforce reproof by punishment at need. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J05. P. COUTHOUY, Acting Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, tlbndg. Eastern Gulf Blkdg. Squadron, U. S. Flagship Niagara. Order of Flag- Ofticer iThK~an, U. S. Navy, to Acting 3faster Hays, U. S. Navy, to assume command qf the U. S. stores/tip National Guard. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key 1~t, Fia., Mitrek 20, 1862. Sin: You are hereby detached from this ship and appointed to relieve Acting Master J. H. Hodgdon, in command of the U. S. storeshi Page 193 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 193 National Guard. Acting Master Hodgdon has been instructed to make the necessary transfers. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Og7lcer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Acting Master WILLIAM HAYS, if S. Steam Frigate Niagara, Key West, Fla. [Order of same date to Acting Master David Stearns, U. S. Navy, to assume command of U. S. schooner Beauregi~rd.] Report of commander Stellwagen, U S. Navy, transmitting order and report regarding reconnoissanee gf Apalachi~cola, Fla., in mew of its reported abandonment. U. S. S. MERCEDITA, Off Apalachicola City, ilifarch ~5, 186~2. SIR: I have to report that in consequence of information from two intelligent contrabands that the town had been abandoned, two days after our coming in, by all the soldiers (some 650), followed in a few days by nearly all the inhabitants, and having seen the steamboats busy on the river, either reinforcing or preparing to evacuate, I determined to send to the city and ascertain the true state of the case. The report proves strictly correct; not a soldier, a cannon, or apparently any weapon of war remains, and persons claiming to be the influential men of the place say emphatically that everybody has been peremptorily ordered away by Governor Milton, of Florida; that the city is entirely at our mercy; they have no means of defense and can not resist one of our boats, but that no one remains having any authority to surrender the city or to ask for any terms. There are still left parts of about a dozen white families, a few slaves, and some Spanish fishermen, altogether numbering from 500 to 600 souls, many of whom are women and children. The prominent men in the conference were strong secessionists, petty officeholders; many of the others are inclined for the Union, but are not at liberty to speak. Threats haVe often been made to hang or to starve them as damn Yankees, traitors to the South. In this category stand also many of the fishermen who have not enlisted in their army. Threats are also made to burn the whole town if they hold intercourse with us. For these considerations I have abstained from hoisting the American flag, or giving any show of reason for them to destroy the houses or maltreat the persons remaining under pretense of operating against us or our friends until I shall receive your instructions, as this vessel can not lie near enough to prevent their carrying out their inhuman threats by stealth at night. The exodus of the poor frightened women and children is repre- sented by the negroes as heartrending. Taken away at the shortest notice, in a storm, thrown ashoie on the low bluffs many miles up the river, with their household goods, furniture, and everything they could snatch up in their flight, and left all night in a deluge of rain, the river rising and threatening to carry them away, with scarcely any shelter for the weak and sick, they most of tnem laid in the mud, N w RYOL 17 1 Page 194 1~4 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. almost perishing with cold, until the latter part of the next day, when they were taken away by rafts and flats over the deluged country. The batteries at town appear to be entirely of sand, not finished with sodding, except a small portion. The one at St. Vincents I have entirely destroyed, burning the platforms for the guns, etc. Some few soldiers are at Rickols Bluff, 90 miles up the river, the rest at Johnsons, 240 miles. At this latter place they have been five months building a fine steam gunboat, not yet planked in. The soldiers are disheartened and dissatisfied; some 300 will leave soon, their time being up. Annexed please find copy of orders to Lieutenant Abbot for the expedition, marked A, and his report, marked B. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. S. STELLwAGEN, Commander. Flag-Officer W. W. MCKEAN (~ommand~ng Ea8tern ~ivision, Gu~f Squadron. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. MERCEDITA, Apalacideola, A/arch 23, 1862. SIR: You will fit out an expedition, to proceed at daylight to the city of Apalachicola, consisting of the first cutter and the whaleboat, their crews and such officers as may be selected to be all well armed. On approaching the place you will display the flag of truce, and on its being met you will request to see the military commander, the civil authorities of the city, or the leading citizens, some of whom now there are Mr. Dodge, Mr. Brooks, Thomas Mitchell, Mr. Reman, Mr. Por- ter, Henry R. Taylor, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Benezet, Mr. Hancock. Say to them that, understanding the soldiers have been withdrawn or have evacuated the place since we came in, and being anxious to soften the evils of war as much as its due prosecution will permit, I have sent you to ask if the city capitulated without being subjected to damage from the fire of the guns of the large naval force in the neigh- borhood, which it is only reasonable it should do. Also say that any- one taking the oath of allegiance to the U. S. Government, and binding himself not to act in hostility to it or its forces, can remain securely in the town, and his property will be safe as long as he remains faitfiful to the oath. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. S. STELLWAGEN, Commander. Lieutenant T. ABBOT, U. S. Navy. U. S. S. MERCEDITA 4palachicola Bay, A/arch 25, /862. SIR: In obedience to your order of 23d instant, I proceeded on the morning of the 24th under a flag of truce to the city of Apalachicola, accompanied in the whaleboat by Acting Master C. B. Wilder and Act- ing Assistant Surgeon C. H. Mason, with the first cutter, in charge of Acting Masters Mate G. A. Stems, both boats fully armed. Arriving off the city, I directed Mr. Stems to keep in sight of the whaleboat, about 500 yards distant, prepared to come up at once should I dip our colors twice. I then proceeded to within 150 yards of the lowe Page 195 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 195 wharf and came to anchor, tossed my oars, keeping them up as a signal I wished to communicate with the authorities of the place. After remaining in that position about half an hour, seeing that no one showed any disposition to come off to us, I lifted the anchor and pulled in toward the lower wharf, where I found four of the inhabit- ants waiting to meet meMr. Hancock (mayor), Mr. Benezet, Mr. Porter, and Mr. Miller, who represented themselves as the principal citizens of the place. I immediately made known to them the object of my mission. They informed me the troops had been withdrawn from the city and sent up the river, with all their arms and ammunition, by the order of the Government, but whether they were to return or not they could not say. Also all the inhabitants had left, excepting themselves and a few men, women, and children; that they themselves had remained to protect their own property from incendiarism on shore; that the town was in a defenseless state, but that they had no authority to act in any disposition of it; that should the place ever be attacked and any of their property destroyed the Confederate Government would make them ample remuneration; that there was no one in the place willing, under any circumstances, to take the oath of allegiance to the U. S. Government, excepting perhaps (to use their own expression) a few miserable foreigners. I would here state that the incendiaries spoken of by them, in my opinion, are people on shore of doubtful loyalty to the so-called Confederate Government. I noticed that everyone in the place except the four leading citizens stayed back a considerable dis- tance from the wharf, which led me to believe there are such men and that they are closely watched. Being convinced I was talking to rank secessionists, and believing any peaceable attempt on my part to ascertain the true sentiment of the people in the place would be thwarted by their leading men, I con- cluded to close the interview and return to the ship. We carried I feet of water in the channel in the strength of the stream. The forti- fications are made of sand, extending in a northeasterly direction and southwesterly about 500 yards, at equal distances from each other, the one in the center being covered with turf. Guns to be mounted en barbette; we could not see any guns, however. I think a few heavy guns, mounted on these fortifications, would effectually guard the channel against any ordinary fleet. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, TREYETT ABBOT, Lieutenant. Commander H. S. STELLwAGEN, Commanding U. ASK. S. iPbrcedita. Order of Flag- Ojilcer 3lcKean, U. S. Navy, to Commander Steliwagen, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Jfercedita, relieving. him from the blockade of Apalachicola. ~. ~. F~AG~P NIAGARA, Key IYe8t, ilfiarch 25, 1862. SIR: Upon the reporting of Lieutenant Commanding Winn, com- manding U. S. bark Davi8, to relieve you in the blockade of Apa- lachicola, you will transfer to him all unexecuted orders, give him any information you may be possessed of that can be useful to him Page 196 196 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. and, if necessary, tow the Davis into a position where she can corn- inand both the West Pass and the New Inlet, after which you will proceed in the steamer under your command to this place and report to me. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofilcer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadiron. Commander H. S. STELLWAGEN, Commanding U S. S. 3fercedita, of Apalackicola. Order of the Secretary qf the Navy to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Goodwin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Amanda, to pro- ceed to duty in the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, iJii/iarch 27, 1862. SIR: Proceed with all practicable dispatch with the U. S. bark Amanda, under your command, to Key West, Fla., and report to Flag-Officer W. W. MeKean for duty as a part of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Actg. Vol. Lieut. NATHANIEL GOODWIN, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Bark Amanda, Baltimore, JJLd. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting ililiaster Rogers, U S. Navy, commandinq U S. schooner Samuel Rotan, to proceed to ditty in the East Gulf Plockading Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, ]Jfarch 28, 1862. SIR: As soon as the U. S. schooner Samuel Rotam is ready for sea, proceed with her, with all practicable dispatch to Key West, Fla., and report to Flag-Officer MeKean for duty as a part of the Eastern~ Gulf Blockading Squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Acting Master JOHN A. ROGERS, U. S. NAVY, Commanding U S. Schooner Saml. ]?otan, Philadelphia. Regort of Commander Ridgely, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. ~antiago de Cuba, regarding the cruise of that vessel in pmrsuit of steamers Vanderbilt and Whitney. U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Eey West, ]Jfarch 28, 1862. SIR: I sailed from Havana on the 13th instant in pursuit of steamers Vanderbilt and Whitney, which I had reason to believe from inforina- tion received at Havana were bound to Galveston, Tex., or the Sabine River. I went to Galveston in sixty-five hours, and communicated with the Santee to put them on their guard, and arrived off the Sabine in five hours after leaving Galveston. As we came in sight of the river w Page 197 EAST GtrLF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 197 made a river steamer coming out of the harbor loaded with cotton and made chase, but she was so near the river that she made her escape. I remained off the river four days, and seeing nothing of the steamers I was looking for, was satisfied they had gone to some other place. Standing off the land in a southerly direction, when out of sight of the land I changed the course along the coast of Louisiana toward Calcasieu. In four hours we saw the smoke of a steamer coming to the eastward from the Sabine River. We made chase after her and in three hours came up with a large river steamer loaded with cotton. We opened on her with the rifle and 32-pounders, when she ran in shoal water, was fired and abandoned. In a few minutes she was enveloped in flames and burned for twelve hours. I saw in the Sabine River four schooners and several river steamers, arriving and departing up and down the river. At Calcasieu I saw three schooners and one river steamer. On my return cruise I touched at Ship Island to communicate with Flag-Officer Farragut the result of my observations at Sabine and Calcasieu. I think it proper to state that eighteen hours out from Havana this ship encountered a heavy gale from S. and S. S. W. and the steamers I was looking after could scarcely have weathered the gale. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, DAN. B. RIDGELY, (iYo~immander, CL S. Navy. Flag-Officer W. W. MOKEAN, U. S. Gulf Squadron, Key TYe8t. Order of Flag- Ogjlcer iJiilcKean, CL S. Navy, to Commander ]?idgeiy, U. S. Navy, commanding CT. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, to crui8e for the interception of ve88el8 from Nas8au, New Providence. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key TFeet, iJIiarch 28, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba under your command to Havana and take in a full supply of coal with all possible dispatch, after which you will proceed to cruise between the Providence Channel and Cape Canaveral for the purpose of intercept- ing vessels from Nassau, New Providence, that may attempt to run the blockade. I have information of large quantities of arms and munitions of war having been shipped from Europe for INassau, New Providence; these will most likely be reshipped for Charleston on board the steamers Ella Tlfarley (formerly Isabel) and Cecil. Should you fall in with either of these vessels, or with the steamer Bermuda, you will capture and send them to a Northern port for adjudication. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ogficer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Commander D. B. RIDGELY, Comdg. CL S. S. Santiago de Cuba, Key West, Fla. [Order 29th inst., to Lieutenant Doty, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Jfarion, to cruise between Tortugas and Cuba. Page 198 198 EAST GULF BLOCKADiNG SQUADRON. Order of Flag- Ofileer iIfeKean, U S. Navy, to Lieutenant Howell, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Tahoma, regarding the service of the U. S. schooner Beauregard. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, Jl9ifarch 29, 1862. SiR~ I dispatch the U. S. schooner Beauregard, with orders to her commander to report to you. If, with the assistance of the Beauregard, you can operate against the enemy in any way that you deem advisa- ble, you may detain her a few days for that purpose, otherwise you will dispatch her immediately to carry out the further instructions her commander has received, unless you have information which you con- sider very important I should receive without delay, in which case you may dispatch her with it. You will be pleased to forward to me by the Connecticut a report of the quantity of coal you have on board, also requisitions for anything you may be in need of. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ojjjicer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Lieutenant-Commanding J. C. HOWELL Commanding 71.5. Gunboat Tahoma, Cedar Keys, Fla. [Order of same date and like tenor to Lieutenant A. J. Drake, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sagamore, off Apalachicola.] Letter from Flag- O~7lcer ]ifcKean, U S. Navy, to Brigadier- General Brannan, U S. Army, proposing a combined movement for the occu- pation of Apalachicola. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA Key West, ilfarch 31, 1862. SIR: From information received by the papers, I am disposed to think it possible that a portion of the rebel forces may retire upon Apalachicola, and am of opinion that it would be well for us to occupy that place. Should you agree with me, I shall be most happy to cooperate with the naval force under my command in taking posses- sion of it. If you can spare 600 or 800 men to be landed at St. Josephs Bay, so as to take the town in the rear, I think that force, in connection with the boats of the squadron, operating in the Bay of Apalachicola, would be sufficient. Should you concur in my suggestion, I shall be pleased to hear from you as early as possible, that I may make the necessary arrangements. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Brigadier-General BRANNAN, Commanding Department of Key West Page 199 I~AST G1JtF BLOC~ADIN~ SQt1AD1~oN. i~9 Report of Commander Woodhull, U S. Navy, commanding U S. supply steamer Connectui~ut, g~v& ng information obtained regarding affairs in west Florida. U. S. S. CONNECTICUT, Ship Island, Jifarek 31, 186~2. Siu: I have executed all your orders and have visited and supplied all the vessels of your squadron, save the bark Pursuit, which vessel I cruised for nearly thirty hours without finding; consequently was obliged to proceed without communicating. Her prize officer and crew 1 brought to this port, and tnrough the advice of the senior officer commanding I send them back to Key West in the ship Pampero, rather than keeping them with me all the way to Texas. At Key W est there may be an earlier opportunity to send them to their ship than through the means of the Connecticut. All the places of importance in west Florida are evacuated. St. Marks, Apalachicola, and St. Josephs are without the presence of hostile troops. Captain Steliwagen has visited Apalachicola and found the town deserted save by a few noncombatant citizens. The rebels have also almost abandoned Pensacola, and have carried away the greater portion of the guns. It is supposed there can not be over 600 men left. The Barrancas and Fort McRee are also abandoned. General Arnold proposes making this week a grand attack, which all believe will be successful. It is understood that all the vessels of Flag-Officer Farragut have passed the bar of the Mississippi, save the Colorado, her draft, not- withstanding the lightening process she has gone through, being too great to venture it. 1 believe this is all the news reliable, sifted from an immense quantity of flying rumors. I am using great dispatch, as Flag-Officer Farraguts operations, I understand, depend upon the dispatches intrusted to my care. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, M. WOODHULL, Commander, U. S. Navy. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, Commanding Eastern Division Gu~f Squadron, Flagsh9p lWagara, Key West. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant English, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Somerset, to proceed to duty in the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 1, 186~l?. SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Somerset with all practicable dispatch to Key West, Fla., and report to Flag-Officer William W. McKean, for duty as a part of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. Transmit to the Department before sailing from New York a com- plete muster roll of the crew and a separate list of the officers of the Somerset. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Lieutenant EARL ENGLISH, (~ommanding U S. S. Somerset, New York. COrder of same date and like tenor to Acting Lieutenant J. C. Walsh, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Fort henry. Page 200 200 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant TYin8low, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. P. P. (uyler, regarding the seizure by that vessel of the schooner Grace E. Baker. U. S. S. R. R. CUYLER, Key TYest, April 2, 1862. SIR: A list of the officers and men entitled to share the proceeds of the prize schooner, Grace F. Baker and cargo, is herewith enclosed. The Grace E Baker was seized by the U. S. S. P. P. (Juyler, under my command, on the 29th March last, at sea, within sight of the coast of Cuba, then some 10 or 12 miles distant; the schooner had English colors flying, but on being visited for examination no papers were found on board, the master averring that his papers had been lost overboard from a boat, which statement, in connection with the fact that the schooner was loaded with cotton, afforded a reasonable presumption she had left a blockaded port. I decided to bring her into Key West and place her in custody of the United States marshal. Though at first claiming to have sailed from Matamoras the owner has subsequently admitted the vessel came from New Orleans, with a cargo owned prin- cipally in that vicinity, and disclaimed any intention to defend the case, which is now before the United States court for this district. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANcIS WINSLOW, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Lieutenant, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report gf Flag- Ofticer ]JifcKean, U S. Navy, reqarding the U S. steamers Water Witch and ]llohawk. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA Key West, April 2, 1862. SIR: I dispatch the Water Witch to Philadelphia, with instructions to Lieutenant Commanding Hughes to report to you, by letter, immedi- ately upon his arrival. The Miokawk, Commander Strong, left yesterday for New York. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. (~. Report of Flag- Ofticer iJlfcKean, U S. Navy, ex~pressing regret at the escape of the steamer lllagnolm. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA Hey West, 4pril 3, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, this day, of your communication of the 12th ultimo. No one can share more deeply than myself in the regret expressed by the Department, but I can not say that I am surprised, as at the time of the escape of the 3iLagnolia from the river the fog was so dense that she, though obliged to u s close to the blockading vessels Page 201 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 201 was only discovered by her mastheads showing above the fog. I am by no means sure, however, that the other steamers came out through the Pass a lOutre, though it was certainly a grave error for both blockading steamers to leave in chase of the ]Jflagnolia. Since my arrival here I have been informed that a small passage near the fort, opening into Oyster Bay, has been dredged out sufficiently to allow the passage of a vessel of 6 or T feet draft, and from tele- graphic dispatches captured in the Jifagnolia I learn that a new 8:foot channel has been discovered at Berwick, which it was impossible for the Hatteras to guard. Even had I known of th~ese channels at the time, I had no steamers of sufficiently light draft to blockade them; and it is to the want of steamers drawing not over 6 feet that the escape of so many vessels is chiefly to be attributed. Judging by the draft of the Calhoun, whose outward cargo from Berwick I am informed was 600 bales of cotton, it is more than probable that the majority of these steamers escaped through one of the channels I have mentioned, while the ililiagnolia, drawing 8 feet of water, was com- pelled to try the Pass a lOutre. In Mississippi Sound and Mobile Harbor the rebels had several gun- boats, some of which I knew to be heavily armed, and I had informa- tion of others building, said to be ironclad, and almost ready for service; this rendered it necessary to keep a force of gunboats in the sound and off Mobile, and in connection with the fact that several of the new boats arrived in a crippled condition placed it out of my power to concentrate a sufficient steam force to reoccupy the Head of the Passes. My arrangements for that purpose had just been completed, and I was about to send the Brooklyn and several gunboats up the river when the arrival of Flag-Officer Farragut relieved me from the control of that part of the blockade. I will here mention that I would take possession of Tampa, Cedar Keys, and Apalachicola (which can be done at any moment) were it not that I think it would be impolitic to do so, unless a force sufficient to protect the Union people is left to hold possession, and General Brannan informs me that he has not men to spare for that purpose. In conclusion, I can only say that no exertion has been wanting on my part to make the blockade as effective as possible with the force at my disposal, but I have never had a sufficient force of suitable vessels sailing vessels being of little value to blockade steamers, especially when their draft of water is such as to prevent their lying close in, and in places where the current runs at the rate of three or four knots an hour, as it does off Mobile and the Mississippi River. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. til. Occupation of Apalachicola by CL S. Naval force, April 3, 1869?. Report of Commander Steliwagen, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Nereedita. U. S. S. MERCEDITA, Off Apalachicola, April 4, 1869?. Siu: I have the honor to report the capture, without resistance, of the city of Apalachicoh and all the vessels in the vicinity by an exp Page 202 202 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. dition of eight armed boats from this ship and the U. S. gunboat Saqamore, Lieutenant Commanding A. J. Drake, on the 3d instant. On the 30th ultimo I heard that the sioop Octavia had run into St. Josephs Bay from Havana and sent a sailboat, under Acting Master Wilder, to that place, 35 miles via the Haul Over, or Portage, across the narrow strip of land connecting Cape San Blas with the mainland. It was found that she had left but indications from wheel tra~ks, grains of spilled coffee, etc., showe~l she had landed her freight and carted it away., On the same day my boats chased a small sloop from Indian Pass to the city, and at night I sent the gig down 30 miles to East Pass direct- ing the Sagamore to join me at the earliest convenience. She arrived on the 1st and the next day the boats were fully prepared for an armed expedition to the city and Old Womans Bluff, 7 miles up the river. The six boats started at 9 p. m. under command of Lieutenant Abbot, of this ship, and Lieutenant Bigelow, of the Saqamore, intending to pass the town in the night, and Lieutenant Commanding Drake and myself followed in our gigs to support them. On arriving at the city early in the morning we found the Octavia and all the small vessels in possession of our men, and in due time the party came down the river towing the pilot boats Cygnet and iWary Olivia, schooners New Island, Floyd, and Rose, the latter loaded with cotton. A considerable time was spent in trying to get the two pilot boats and New Jsland over the bar, but without success; they grounded in 7 feet water. Late in the afternoon I pulled in with all the boats to the landing place and had an interview with the people of the town, the details of which accompany this. I gave them up their fish boats and two or three schooners, very old and only fit for lighters. Told them they could fish and oyster so long as they were friendly, as I knew there was great distress for the necessaries of life. After trying again to get off the three schooners without success I ordered them to be set afire, which was effectually done. The sloop Octavia and the schooner Rose, with her cotton I d to Key West for adjudication. , etermined to send I think the demonstration will be very salutary to the people and will be of service to the cause. I hope you will approve the course pursued. The men deserve great credit; the boats were gone from twenty-four to thirty-six hours, with almost constant heavy work, which was borne very cheerfully. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. S. STELLWAGEN, Commander. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Commanding East Division Gulf Squadron. [Enclosure.] ilfemorandum of an interview with the people of Apalachicola, April 8, 1868. Late in the afternoon I pulled into the landing place with all the eight boats ready for action, and was met by nearly all the population. It was really affecting to see the crowd, principally women and chil- dren, who had been told we were ruthless Hessians bent on burning, pillage, and destruction, pressing down to see our large and well-armed force, without any fear of maltreatment; on the contrary, with every confidence in our humanity and discipline Page 203 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 203 I look on it as one of the greatest compliments that could be paid to our civilization, to our honored Navy, and to our sacred cause. The men nearly all took off their hats and I addressed them as follows: My countrymen, for even you who are engaged in this unholy, unnatural war against our Government are my fellow-countrymen, we come not to injure the defenseless, or women and children; I like the people of the South, though I hate secession and rebellion, which have brought such calamities and misery upon all parts of our late happy land. (Cries of We have had no part in it. The innocent suffer with the guilty.) That is true, I replied, here and every- where; it is the result always of civil war and your leaders should have thought of it. I sent up some days ago to demand the surrender of the town, and to say that all persons who would take the oath of allegiance or bind themselves not to engage in any act of hostility against the United States could remain here securely, and that their property would be safe as long as they would keep faithfully their oaths. This kindness was met by your self-constituted authorities, Messrs. Hancock, Benezet, Porter, and Father Miller, by saying, The city is defenseless; there are no soldiers or any arms, but there is no one hav- ing authority to surrender it. That there was no one here who would take any oath to the United States except it might be some foreigners. And as to property, if destroyed,- the Southern Confed- eracy would pay all loss. Since then they have allowed the sloop Octavia to come in and aided her evading the blockade. We have come here to show you how easily we can retaliate, but that we wish to be merciful; I know there is great distress here. (We are almost starving, from some of the women.) Well, now, listen to what I have to say. I will spare all the fishing and oyster boats (Thanks! Thanks!) and you may fish and oyster in the bay in safety, as long as no hostile act is committed by the town, but any direct or indirect act, such as firing on our boats, helping a vessel to run the blockade, bringing soldiers to town, or anything of the sort will be severely punished. If your boats go near the men-of-war, they must go alongside and report themselves and meet any boat sent to exaniine them. (Answers, Yes, sir; we will.) Pointing to their batteries, 1 said: i-See what protectors your soldiers are; look at the fort built in the midst of your houses, so that a few shells even from boat guns at them would be sure to burn your town. (Laughter and cries, Oh, theyre no great soldiers; theres no engineers amongst them!) Well, I suppose you have heard Pen- sacola is evacuated (Yes!); Fernandina taken? (Yes.) You know of our victories at Roanoke, Spring Mills [Ky.], Fort Henry, Donel- son; and Columbus fallen without a blow (Yes, yes! ); Manassas taken without firing a gun (this appeared to surprise them); Nash- ville taken (Yes, from crowd), and Florence, Ala.? Well, I think secession is nearly played out. (Great clapping of hands and cries of God send peace may come soon.) Now, remember, do not be led or forced into hostilities against us, unless you desire to be severely dealt with. We dont require your help, if it will get you into trouble; but do not act against us. We are strong enough; keep quiet. I then gave them up the old lighters, Floyd and the others unfit for use, and repeated permission to catch fish, etc. A man came forward Page 204 204 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADI~ON. saying: Captain, some of my boys (staves) have gone on your ships. Will they be given up? No. Will the Government pay for them ? No; they have been used to assist in carrying soldiers and arms; in building forts and a gunboat to act against the United States. You will never get relief. ~ Another asked: Will the United States Government oblige Florida to redeem her notes when peace comes ? No; they were issued to carry on the war, and Florida will have no means. Why, theres the public lands; cant we get Florida lands for our notes ? No; the United States will take the lands and public property. Wont you give up the pilot boats? INo. What will you do with them? Burn them. As I was on the point of leaving, Messrs. Benezet, Miller, and others came forward and asked me to land and speak with them in private. I asked if they had any authorized communication to make. They said no, but they wished to hear my commands. I told them I would hold no secret conference; I had just told the people what I had to say, and they could hear it all from them. We then pulled in line past them, turned, and stood out the river, firing a shrapnel from the boat-gun of the Saqamores launch away from the people, to show them its effect. The populace were evi- dently pleased with the interview and, if free from compulsion, I am sure would be in favor of the Union. We found it impracticable to get the grounded vessels off, and I ordered the Cygnet, ]JiLary Olivia, and the New Island set on fire, which was effectually done, and the Rose and Octavia taken to our anchorage. The boats were gone from twenty-four to thirty-six hours. The men behaved admirably. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. S. STELLWAGEN, Commander. Flag-Officer W. W. MCKEAN, Commanding East Division Gulf Squadron. Report of Lieutenant Drake, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sagamore. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, East Pass, Apalacliicola Bay, April 8, 1869g. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that in obedience to an order from Commander II. S. Stellwagen, of the ilifiercedita, received March 31 and dated March 30, I got underway at 8 a. m. April 1, and, after having towed the Kuhn outside the bar, steamed up to West Pass., and arrived inside of Sand Island at 4 p. m. On Wednesday, the 2d, I got out my launch, with the 12-pounder howitzer, and my first and second cutters, and sent them, under com- mandof Lieutenant George A. Bigelow, on an expedition to Apala- in connection with three boats from the ilifiercedita, the whole party being under command of Lieutenant Abbot of that ship. The results of the expedition you have no doubt learned from the report of Commander Stellwagen. On Saturday, the 5th instant, I got underway at 6 a. ni., and after buoying out the channel took the bark J. L. Davis in tow and brough Page 205 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 205 her safely in, arriving inside Sand Island at 3 p. m. On Sunday, the 6th, got underway at 9:30 a. m. and arrived off Marsh Point Buoy, East Pass, at 5 p. m. I have the honor to enclose to you the report of Lieutenant George A. Bigelow, in command of the boats of this ship and the expedition to Apalachicola. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. ~. DRAKE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Commanding U S. Blockading Squadron, Cu~f Aifierdco, U. S. Flagship Niagara, Key West. Report of Lieutenant Eigelow, U. S. Navy, of the U. S. S. Sagamore. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, April 6, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your orders I proceeded in charge of the launch, first and second cutters, in company with Lieutenant Abbot, of the liilercedita, to Apalachicola for the purpose of seizing some schooners said to be anchored some 5 miles up the river. We left the ship at 9 p. m. on the night of the 2d instant, but losing our way, owing to the strong current and darkness of the night, we were obliged to anchor and wait for daylight. In the morning we found ourselves to the east- ward of the city, but succeeded in arriving there about sunrise. Acting Master Fales was dispatched to seize a sloop fastened to the wharf, which duty he performed and anchored her in the stream. This vessel proved to be the lifary Olivia, which had run the block- ade. A rebel flag was found on board, together with a quantity of stores. - The current in the river was so strong that the single-banked boats could not stem it, so that Lieutenant Abbot remained off the city whilst I proceeded up the river in the launch, accompanied by the second cutter of this ship and one of the boats of the ]Jifercedita. At a distance of about 7 miles we discovered the schooner New Island lying at anchor in a small creek. This vessel was at once gotten underway and anchored in the stream. Some distance beyond we found the schooner Floyd, together with the schooner Rose and two pilot boats. These vessels were gotten out and towed down the river. The schooner Rose was found to contain a quantity of cotton on board. We met with no opposition. XTery respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. A. BIGELOW, Lieutenant. Lieutenant Commanding A. J. DRAKE, U S. Gunboat Sagamore. Capture of the steamer Florida and sloop Lafayette, April 4, 1862. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Cate, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Pursuit. U. S. BARK PURSUIT, St. Josephs Bay, April 11, 1862. Siu: Having received information that the rebel steamer Florida had run our blockade and was lying about 20 miles above St. Andrew Page 206 206 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. town, about 30 miles from the bar, I determined to make the attempt to cut her out. When we asked for volunteers all wanted to go. Mr. Elnathan Lewis, executive officer, John C. Hamlin and James H. Barry, acting masters mates, also Acting Assistant Surgeon Jeffrey T. Adams, together with 27 men and 1 boy, left this vessel at 1 p. m. on Friday, 4th instant. On their way up the bay captured the sioop Lafayette, with 15 bales of cotton on board; on questioning the captain, found he was a pilot, and volunteered his services. On Sunday, [April 6], about 4 a. in., they boarded the steamer Florida so suddenly that those on board had not time to set fire to her, as was their intention from all appearances. After capturing the steamer Mr. Lewis discov- ered that it ~vas impossible to bring her out without the assistance of the engineers, pilot, and mate, so rather than burn her he considered it prudent to bargain with them, and gave his word that they (engineers, pilot, and mate) would receive ~500 each. They were faithful. I there- fore hope the Government will be pleased with the arrangement and see that Mr. Lewiss word is made good. Mr. Lewis received a wound from a pistol shot while boarding on the forehead, blowing powder into his right eye and upper part of the face; he feels anxious about it, and wishes to get somewhere where he can get better attendance than it is possible on board; I therefore send him as prize master of the steamer. I also send John C. ilamlin, acting masters mate, prize master of the sloop Lafayette, to be taken in tow by the steamer. I regret to state that on the way from the bay Mr. Lewis was induced by a flag of truce to send a boat on shore in charge of Mr. Barry. When within gunshot there arose from the bushes a party of about 30 or 40 men and fired on the boat, killing instantly Samuel Lawrence, seamen, wounding Mr. Barry in the wrist, and James Finney (seaman) received two wounds, in the thigh and calf of the leg, and the captain of the sloop, who was in the boat, received a slight wound on the right hand. Great praise is due both officers and men for the manner in which they carried out my orders. Jacob F. Wendt (seaman) was accidently wounded in the groin by the accidental discharge of his own musket; his recovery is doubtful. Enclosed please find a copy of my orders to Mr. Lewis, who com- manded the expedition, also a list of articles taken from the prize for ships use. Very respectfully, DAVID CATE, Acting Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer W. W. MOKEAN, Commanding U S. Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Acting Master Lewis, U. S. Navy, executive officer of the U. S. bark Pursuit. STEAMER FLORIDA, PRIZE TO THE U. S. BARK PURSUIT, St. Jo8epks Bay, April 10, 18612. SIR: I have to report that, in obedience to your order of the 4th instant, I proceeded with the boats under my command to St. Andrews Bay to endeavor to capture any vessel or vessels that might be found loading or lying in that vicinity. We arrived at the mouth of the pas Page 207 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 207 and landed at 12:30 a. m. and Camped on the beach. Having been informed that a sloop loaded with cotton bound to Havana was lying 5 miles up Crooked Island Sound [St. Andrews Sound?], I dispatched the launch, with 12 men in charge of Sailing Master John C. ilamlin, with orders to capture her if possible. Mr. Hamlin proceeded up the sound and took possession of the sloop, which proved to be the sloop Lafayette, of Pensacola, which ran the blockade by East Pass, Pensa- cola, March 1, and had been lying there since, having abandoned his voyage. Found the captain on board, who expressed strong Union sentiments; got sloop underway and brought her to the pass, and anchored her. We found Captain Harrison, of the sloop, was acquainted with bay and volunteered his services to pilot us to the steamer Florida, then loading & t head of North Bay, mouth of Bear Creek. At 1 p. m. started sloop with boats in tow, at 4 passed St. Andrews town and pro- ceeded up North Bay until 9 p. in.; wind died away, when we anchored the sloop and one boat, leaving 5 men in charge, under the command of James H. Barry, masters mate. We then proceeded cautiously with launch and first cutter and 25 men; also Captain Harrison as pilot. At 2 a. in. we succeeded in passing the picket guard without any alarm being given; at 3 discerned the lights of the steamer in the distance. We then laid on our oars, and drifted up with the tide until we came within hail. We were then hailed by the watch, who gave the alarm. We then boarded her in both boats, on both sides. We met with but little resistance, they being taken completely by surprise. On gaining the deck of the steamer I received a pistol shot in the forehead. We then took charge of the steamer, putting the crew under guard. She proved to be the steamship Florida, loading with cotton for the pur- pose of running the blockade. Found the boilers empty, and imme- diately pumped them up, and proceeded to get the steamer in working order. Finding the engineers to be Union men, we prevailed on them to assist in getting the steamer down. At 11 a. m. got underway, and steamed slowly down the bay. After proceeding about 5 miles we grounded on an oyster bank in mid-channel; used every effort to get her off without success; laid there all night. At 9 a. in., tide veering, succeeded in getting her afloat, and had scarcely gone a mile when we grounded again on another bar. Finding [we] could not get her afloat and provisions getting scarce, held a consultation with the officers and crew, and concluded to set those on shore who did not wish to take the oath of allegiance to the United States, which we did, sending 9 men and chief engineer. I then deemed it advisable to lighten the ship, which I did by throwing overboard 30 bales of cotton. Considering the ship in a critical situation, 1 offered to the pilot, William H. Har- rison, Samuel Dayton, chief mate, and Robert Davison, first engineer, $500 each, likewise to Henry Jones, second engineer, $250, also to each of the greasers $50, to induce them to make every effort to get the boat to sea. INext morning, 9 a. in., got the steamer afloat and proceeded down the bay. On arriving abreast of St. Andrews town we found it impossible to cross the bar; owing to the heavy gale then blowing from the southwest; came to an anchor. Finding provisions getting scarce, and having previously been informed by the pilot that the two families then living there were Unionists, I was induced to send sloop Lafayette, in charge of James H. Barry, with 5 men and the pilot, with flag of truce, to try and procure some. Seeing a flag of truce on shore, Mr. Barry and pilot landed, and were met by a woman, who told them they could get provisions at another place. A Page 208 208 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. they were going to the boat an alarm was given that a body of armed men to the number of 40 or 50 were running toward them from the woods. They jumped into the boat and made for the sioop, but had scarcely got 20 yards from the shore when they were fired at by the rebels. They succeeded in getting on board the sloop, and in getting on board another volley was fired, instantly killing Samuel Lawrence, badly wounding James Finney, also wounding James II. Barry and the pilot. They returned the fire and succeeded in driving them back, got sloop underway, and reached the steamer. We then fired 6 shell into the town from our small rifled 12-pounder, which we had taken from our boat and mounted on the steamer. The gale increasing, let go the other anchor and kept ship under steam during the night. At 9 a. m. Jacob F. F. Wendt accidentally shot himself in the groin. At 1 p. m. next day, wind abating, got underway and proceeded to East Pass. On reaching the pass, and finding the sea running very heavy on the bar and impossible to cross without great risk, came to anchor at 8 a. m. Next morning got underway, crossed the bar, and proceeded to St. Josephs Bay, arriving at 11 a. m. In conclusion, I have to express my entire satisfaction with the conduct of the officers and men it was my good fortune to command, and furthermore wish to recommend to your notice the gallant conduct of Captain Harrison, our pilot, in bravely assisting to defend our men in the sloop against the tremendous odds against them; and furthermore I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to Sailing Master John C. ilamlin and Masters Mate James II. Barry for their conduct during the expedition. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, ELNATHAN LEWIS, Acting ]llktster and Executive Ogjlcer. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant CATE, U. S. Bark Pursuit. [Enclosure.] U. S. BARK PURSUIT, St. Josephs Bay, April 15, 1862. We, the undersigned, acknowledge that it is understood between David Cate, acting volunteer lieutenant, commanding United States bark Pursuit, and Engineer Robert H. Davison and Henry Jones, on board the steamer Florida, captured by the boats of this vessel, that said engineers to act as first and second, and for their services they are to receive at the rate of, 1st, ~250 per month, 2d, ~125 per month. DAVID CATE, Lieutenant, Commanding. R. H. DAVISON. HENRY JONES. Witness: GEO. C. TAYLOR, Acting Assistant Paymaster. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Cate, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Pursuit, regarding the loss of the sioop Lafayette. U. S. BARK PURSUIT, Key West, April 19, 1862. SIR: I regret to report the loss of the sloop Lafayette, which sprung a leak and foundered at sea, while in tow of the prize steamer Florida Page 209 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 209 from St. Josephs Bay, bound to this place. Said sloop was captured in St. Andrews Bay on the 4th instant by the boats of this vessel. Very respectfully, etc., DAVID CATE, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Uornmctnding. Flag-Officer W. W. MCKEAN, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Captain Smith, C. S. Army, regarding an attempt to recapture the steamer Florida. BLUE SPRING CAMP, April 16, 1862. SIR: In compliance with a telegraphic order (a copy of which is herewith enclosed) from Colonel Dilworth, then commanding, and received at my camp, 6 miles east of Marianna, at 12 oclock m. on the 7th instant, I started at 3 p. m. of the same day with my command, and arrived at 3:02 p. m. the next day at Saint Andrews Bay, having been in the saddle twenty-four hours, with only a rest of two hours to feed our horses. I found that the enemy had succeeded in getting the steamer Florida from her anchorage up North Bay, and was then op,posite the town of Saint Andrews. When about 3 miles from the town we heard a gun from the steamer, and riding then at half speed, I met one of my advance guard just before reaching the town, who informed me that the enemy was landing from a small sloop about a mile from us. I then dismounted my command and advanced rapidly through the woods, hoping to capture them. But the enemy saw us when 200 yards off, and took to their boats. I then caused my com- mand to open fire upon them. They were out of shot-gun reach, but a portion of my command, who were armed with Maynard rifles, killed or disabled four or five of the seven. Having only five cartridges to the rifle, our ammunition was soon exhausted. Had I had sufficient cartridges I am sure that I could have taken the sloop, and probably have retaken the steamer, or at least burned her. The enemy fired on us with a long-range gun, carrying round balls, which passed over our heads at a distance of half a mile. They also sent a few shell after us, but no one was ~hurt on our side. The steamer then left the bay, and after remaining some days I returned with my command to camp. Yours, obediently, R. L. SMITH, Captain, Commanding ]Jliarianna Dragoon8. Brigadier-General JOSEPH FINEGAN, Commanding Department. [Enclosure.] HEADQUARTERS PROVISIONAL FORCES, DEPARTMENT EAST AND MIDDLE FLORIDA, fJallaha88ee, Fla., April 7, 1862. CAPTAIN: You will immediately proceed in the direction of Saint Andrews Bay with your troops, and, if possible, recapture the steamer Florida, prevent all unnecessary communication with the enemy, and N w RVOL 17 1 Page 210 210 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. arrest any person whom you may have found grounds to suspect of treason. Yours, etc., W. S. DILWORTH, Captain R. L. SMITH, Colonel, Commanding Di8trtct. Commanding Aifarianna Dragoon8, iWiarianna, Fla. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Ofilcer ifcKean, Cl S. Navy, granting 2ermission to come north. NAVY DEPARTMENT, April 5, 1862. SIR: Owing to the state of affairs about Hampton Roads the San Jacinto was ordered to report for temporary service under Flag-Officer Goldsborough. It is thought that the emergency requiring her pres- ence at that point will soon be over, when she can proceed to her station. If, however, you do not feel able to remain a month or two longer on the station, the Department authorizes you to leave the affairs of the squadron in charge of the senior officer thereof, and return to Boston in the Niagara if she is in i~ condition to reach that port. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer WM. W. MOKEAN, tJommanding lEast Gu~f Blockading Squadron, Key West, Pla. Report of Acting T~olunteer lieutenant Condry, Cl S. Navy, regarding the boarding of British bark Sout4port, April 7, 1862. PHILADELPHIA, July 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant, with a copy of memorandum left with the Secretary of State by Lord Lyons relative to the boarding of the British bark Southport, etc. On the morning of the ~th of April, 1862, being then about 6 miles from the light-house on Cape San Antonio, the United States ensign and pennant flying, a bark was seen standing down the coast showing no colors. I directed a shot to be fired across her stem, to which she paid no attention; a second shot was fired, when she hoisted the British ensign, but made no preparation to heave to by shortening sail. I then directed a third shot to be fired near the stem of the bark, when she hove to, and a boat was sent to board her. I herewith enclose copy of the boarding officers report. I beg leave to add that my instructions to the boarding officer (in writing) have been to be careful not to give offense or to cause unnecessary delay. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, DENNIS CONDRY, Actg. Vol. Lieut., Commanding Cl S. Schooner J. S. Chambers. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, if C Page 211 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 211 [Enclosure.] U. S. SCHOONER J. S. CHAMBERS, ]A7~tvy Yard, Philadelphia, July 10, 18693. SIR: In obedience to your order, on the morning of the 7th April, 1862,1 boarded the English hark Southport, of and from North Shields, bound to Havana. On going over her gangway I enquired for the cap- tain. I found him standing aft nearly under his ensign, which was flying at the mizzen peak. He accosted me in a very ungracious man- ner, and, pointing to his flag, enquired: By what right do you stop me on the high seas ~ I replied (pointing to the American ensign flying at the mizzenmast head of this vessel): By the right of nations. What nation ? he asked me in a contemptuous tone. The nation of the United States, I replied. 1 then asked to see his papers, manifest, clearance, and crew list. He turned, and going down into his cabin, I followed, and seating myself he exhibited to me his papers, which were all correct. fle then produced a chart of the Cuban coast and requested information, which I gave him. I then went on deck, and wishing him a pleasant passage, shoved off and returned to this vessel. Throughout the interview I treated him with the greatest politeness, and studiously avoided any words or action which could give offense. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, OLIVER B. WARREN, Acting iJliaster, U. S. Navy. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant DENNIS CONDRY, Commanding U. S. Schooner J. S. Chambers. Report of Flag- Ogjlcer JifeKean, U S. Navy, regarding the arrival at Havana of the Confederate steamer Austin from Berwick, La. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key JYest, April 8, 18693. SIR: I have received from Mr. Shufeldt, U. S. consul at Havana, a communication, dated the 5th instant, informing me of the arrival at that port of the Confederate steamer Austin with 1,160 bales of cotton, cleared from New Orleans, but actually from Berwick or some other point in that vicinity. This confirms me in the opinion, expressed in my letter of the 3d instant, that the majority of the steamers mentioned in yoar commu- nication to me of the 12th ultimo did not escape through the mouths of the Mississippi River. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ojjlcer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Sq dron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 212 212 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Flag- Ofticer ilfeKean, CL S. Navy, transmitting reports regarding the evacuation of Apalachicola, and urging the need of light-draft steamers. No. 21.] U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, April 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith copies of reports * received from Commander Steliwagen, commanding U. S. S. illerce- dita, in reference to the evacuation of Apalachicola by the rebel forces, and also memorandum of convGrsation held by him with the inhabit- ants of that place. Two or three steamers of very light draft are essential in this squad- ron for entering the bays and ascending the rivers. There are steamers up the river; at Apalachicola and St. Marks, which might be taken if we had any way to get at them, but the distance from our vessels is so great and the current so strong as to render it impossible to capture them with boats. Should the Jifagnolia have been fitted as a gunboat I beg that she may be attached to this squadron. The prize steamer Calhoun I consider as belonging to the Eastern Squadron, and Flag-Officer Farragut was to have dispatched her to join me immediately upon his arrival at the river, but he has failed to do so, and consequently I have no steamer of light draft. The schooner Beauregard has been fitted as a gunboat, and sailed on the 29th ultimo on a cruise. Being of light draft, I instructed her commander to examine the coast from Charlotte Harbor to St. Andrews Bay. She is commanded by Acting Master David Stearns, with 1 actingmasterand2mastersmatesandacrew,inall,ofl9men. Her armament consists of one 30-pounder Parrott rifle and two 12-pounder howitzers. The steamer Santiago de Cuba is cruising in the vicinity of the Providence Channel, and I shall immediately dispatch the Jifercedita to that locality, as I learn that the Nashville and several other steamers are at Nassau. Upon the arrival of the Rhode Island, should I receive no intelli- gence in regard to the San Jacinto (the arrival of which vessel I have been expecting for some time), I shall take a short cruise in this ship under canvas, as her boilers are in such a condition that I fear they will hardly answer for the passage to the north. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, W~. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Flag- Ofticer iJfcKean, CL S. Navy, to Commander Stellwagen, CL S. Navy, commanding CL S. S. lfercedita, to cruise in pursuit of the C. S. S. Nashville, and transmitting list of blockade runners. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, April 12, 1862. SIR: I have just received information that the Confederate privateer steamer Nashville has arrived at Nassau, New Providence, from Beau- *See pp. 201, 202 Page 213 RAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ~13 tort, and also that several steamers and other vessels have arrived at that place from European ports loaded with contraband of war for the use of the rebels. You will therefore proceed in the U. S. S. lY/leree- dita, under your command, to cruise off the North East Providence Channel for the purpose of intercepting the Nashville and any vessels that may leave Nassau having on board contraband of war for the Confede~a~3 States. The ~ goes of the larger European vessels will probably be re- shipped in small schooners or by the steamers Herald, Ella Warley, and Nellie, which are of light draft and said to be very fast. The two latter have repeatedly run the blockade at Charleston, S. C. I herewith transmit a memorandum describing a British provisional register; also a communication giving names and information in regard to numerous vessels from foreign ports, some of which are known to be loaded with munitions of war for the use of the rebels. When in need of supplies you will return to this port. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Commander H. S. STELLWAGEN Commanding U. S. S. illiercedita, Key West, Fla. [Enclosure.] 3femorandum of vessels that have run the blockade and reached Havana with cotton, and will probably attempt to take return cargoes. Confederate steamers Austin, Florida; iYliiramon, changed to Eliza- beth; Fox; Victoria, under British colors; William G. ilawes, Smith, 767 tons, cotton; Arizona, Forbes, 670 tons, cotton; Atlantic, Smith, 660 tons, cotton; iWatagorda, Cole, cotton; California, Porter, cotton; Cuba, McConnell, cotton. English steamer Nellie. Schooners Gino, Tortesi, master; Independence, Cuba, Eagle, iJfary Ellen, ikliary, Harriet, Wide Awake, G. Garibaldi; Lilley, 65 tons, New Orleans, cotton; Cora, cotton; L C. Action, Mobile, cotton; Princeton, Barnes, master, cotton. Sloop B. Burroughs, Mobile, cotton. Orders of Flag- Officer iVEcKean regarding blockade runners. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, April 12, 1862. SIR: From information received from the Department I have reason to suppose that the following-named vessels will attempt to enter some of the Southern ports. You are therefore enjoined to exercise the utmost vigilance to intercept them: Ship TYurternburq. Schooners Loanno, Success, and Fair Play. Ships J3nily St. Pierre, Philanthropist, Picayune, Elizabeth Schades, Jenny and Herwick, and Amelia. Barks Mary Ellen and Windward. Bark Liebnitz, probably cleared for Baltimore. Bark Rosina Olaypole, 184 tons, Captain Vickers. IBark Dazzler, Captain Dugall, cleared for Nassua Page 214 214 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Ship ]lla, cleared for Bermuda. Ship (French) ilfelurin (br, with army cloths, cleared for Havana. * Ship Kvoyer Augu8tus, 610 tons, Captain Schaull, will clear for Havana. Bark Fannie, probably Annie Laurie, for Nassau. Bark Ro6erl Bruce, 360 tons, Captain Muir. Brig Intended, for Nassau. Brig Simow& tc~. Brig Fannie Lewi8, for Nassau, nominally commanded by an Eng- lish Captain Mitchell, but really by Captain Walker, of Charleston, S. C., who will hide himself below, if boarded. Brig Gambia. Bark Boadicea. Bark illary of Liverpool, square stern, hull green, full-length female painted white for figurehead, lower masts white. Ship Consul, of Liverpool. Schooners Lycurgus, for Nassau; Rowena and Lucy. Sloops I?. Burroughs, Amanda, Alexander, Naomi, Cecile, Perth- shire, Perfecta, ilfodern Greece, Eagles Wing, 176 tons. Gunboat Oreto, or Oretis. Steamers Economist, Battalion, Etta, Rechid, and Rangoon. Steamer Southwick, an iron screw of 600 tons, painted entirely red outside except a white stripe under the rail; has bowsprit and jib boom, two masts with topmast shipping into a cap, without tops or crosstrees. Steamer Herald, a fast steamer of light draft, will probably attempt Charleston, cleared for Bermuda; nominal commander Atwell, but real captain Coxetter, formerly of the Union service and at one time in command of privateer Jeff Davis. Steamer iVlinna, iron screw, black hull, red bottom, three masts, square rigged forward, red portholes, figurehead a shield of red, white, and blue, cabin on deck well aft; captains name, Upton. Steamer Pacii~c, . side wheels, hull black, two masts, square rigged forward, two smokestacks painted black. Steamer Annie Childs, named changed to Julia Usher, 618 tons, Ca tam Harmer, schooner rigged. teamer iVEelita, Captain Burroughs, with a cargo of arms in bales; bales are marked H & A, F. W. L., N. 1. & Co., and E. Bringel & Co. Steamer Bohinina, screw, 246 feet long, 1,530 tons. Steamer Bahama, a new screw of 1,000 tons, painted black, with a narrow red stripe, yellow houses and boats, much gilt work, three masts, two of them square rigged, carrying topgallant sails.. One item of her cargo is 64 brass cannon. Steamer Sophia, of Liverpool. Steamer Adelaide, 273 tons, Captain Swan, hull painted black, with narrow red stripe, barkentine rig, masthead, topmast head, yards, jib- boom, spanker boom, and crosstrees painted black, spread eagle with white carvings on the stern. Steamer Stettin, iron screw, arrived at Bermuda with a cargo for the rebels. Steamer Jiifinho, three-masted propeller of 250 tons, square-rigged forward, figurehead a woman, cleared for Nassau. Steamers (bonqueror, side-wheel; (bambria, propeller. * Marks omitted Page 215 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 215 On the 9th of May steamers Nashville, Kate, Theodora, and Nellie were at Nassau; also the brig Fannie Lewis. The gunboat Oreto is reported to have been built in England for the Confederate States. On the 9th instant she was in Nassau, receiving her armament on board; bark rigged, with two smoke pipes in line fore and aft. Ship Shooting Star, 1,500 tons, built in Baltimore, under British colors, having fallen when on the ways and broke her back, which gives her a peculiar appearance like a rainbow. Cargo for the rebels. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Oj7lcer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Conimander J. M. FRAILEY, commanding U S. S. Quaker city. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Eaton. U. S. Navy, regarding the arrival of U S. schooner Beauregard for cooperation in Tampa Bay. U. S. BARK ETHAN ALLEN, Tampa Bay, April 13, 1863 [9?]. Siu: I have the honor to report the arrival on the 8th instant of the U. S. schooner Beauregard with orders to cooperate with me if 1 should deem it advisable to make a demonstration at this point. In coming into the bay the Beauregard grounded and I sent two boats to her assistance, so that they were enabled to get her off without difficulty. * * ;~. * * * * Yesterday I sent the Beauregard over to Point Pliney [Piney Point?] to shell out a company of soldiers who were stationed there to watch our movements and signal to the tows. A few shells drove them away and a force was landed, and the barracks, consisting of log huts, destroyed. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. EATON, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer W. W. MOKEAN, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Naval demonstration at Tampa, Fla., April 13, 1869?. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Eaton, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. Bark Ethan Allen, transmitting correspondence. U. S. BARK ETHAN ALLEN, Tampa Bay, April 14, 1869?. SIR: Yesterday I went on board the Beauregard with my boats crew and proceeded up the bay to within 1~- miles of Tampa, sound- ing out the channel and laying down a few buoys, and finding plenty of water to float the ship Page 216 216 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I sent a flag of truce in charge of Acting Master G. B. Stephenson inshore with the following communication to the commander of the forces there. Mr. Stephenson met Major Thomas, the commander, who came off in a boat and who gave him a reply, with which he returned to the schooner, and I got underway and returned on board my vessel. I enclose full copies of the correspondence. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. EATON, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer MCKEAN. [Enclosures.] U. S. SCHOONER OF WAR, April 13, 1862. SIR: I demand in the name of the United States the unconditional surrender of the town of Tampa, Fla., together with all munitions of war and ordnance stores contained therein. If these terms are not complied with I will give you twenty-four hours to remove all women an d children to a proper distance and then proceed to bombard the town. I have the honor, sir, to be, your obedient servant, WM. B. EATON, Lieutenant, Commanding, U S. Navy. To the COMMANDING OFFICER OF FORCES STATIONED AT TAMPA, FLA. APRIL 13, 1862. Your note of to-days date, demanding the surrender of the fort at Tampa, I have the honor to acknowledge. In reply I would respect- fully state that I can not accept the proposition to surreiider, though, for the sake of humanity, I accept your terms in regard to the removal of the women and children. Lieutenant [Acting Master G. B.] Stephenson will express my apology for this manner of replying to your note. I left the shore without preparing for such an occasion. Respectfully, your obedient servant, Ii. B. THOMAS, Lieutenant WM. B. EATON, illiajor, Commanding. CL S. Navy, Commanding. Additional report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Eaton, U. S. Navy. U. S. BARK ETHAN ALLEN Tampa Bay, ilifay 6, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt per Rhode I8land of your favor * of the 23d ultimo, and regret that my design of com- mencing an attack on Tampa did not meet your approval, but I would *Not found Page 217 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADEON. 217 say in justification of my course that the threat to bombard the town was an inadvertence and should have read fort or battery, which, however, laid directly in front of and afforded protection to the town. I had the best of information from parties who had but a short time before been there and had made their escape that the women and chil- dren had all been removed from the town and that most if not all the property holders were strong secessionists. You will, I have no doubt, overlook the error in judgment which I made, on taking into consideration the fact that I have been here with my vessel nearly six months, and after a long period of necessary inaction I was naturally anxious of giving my officers and men an opportunity of showing their mettle, and affording them the chance which they so much desired of doing something, if ever so little, toward crippling the enemy, and I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. B. EATON, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer W. W. MOKEAK, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Report of Flag- Officer iJi/icKean, U S. Navy, regarding ajfairs of the squadron. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGAiiA, Key West, April 19, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to inform you of the arrival at this place, on the 17th instant, of the schooner Thomas P. Holcombe, having on board Mr. Francis McDermott, master machinist, and twenty-five mechanics, with materials for a machine shop, machinery, etc. * * * * * * * I am happy to inform you of the capture of the Confederate steamer Florida, another of the steamers mentioned in your communication of the 12th ultimo, as haying escaped from New Orleans. She was taken in St. Andrews Bay by the boats of the bark Pursuit. A copy of the report * of Lieutenant Commanding David Cate, with a copy of his orders to Acting Master Lewis, in command of the expedition, are herewith transmitted. The report t of Acting Master Lewis I have not yet received; if received in time, I will forward a copy; if not, I will send it by the next mail. The Florida, when taken, was loading with cotton. She had on board 211 bales; her cargo, if completed, would have been about 800. She is now taking in coal and provisions preparatory to leaving for Phila- delphia, to which port she is ordered for adjudication. I have exam- ined her, and find that her upper deck is too light to carry guns of any weight. I have not the means to strengthen her sufficiently, or 1 should retain and convert her into a gunboat. The bark Amanda, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding Good- win, arrived last night from Baltimore. I shall dispatch her immedi- ately on a cruise. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of the San Jacinto, as my posi- tion now is most mortifying, the manner in which the squadron is *See p. 205. tSee p. 206 Page 218 218 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. divided being such as to leave me neither means nor opportunity to operate against the enemy, as New Orleans, Mobile, and Pensacola, the only points of importance, have all been included in the command of Flag-Officer Farragut. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. ~ MOKEAN, Flag- Ogjlcer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Wash4ngton, D. C. Order of Flag- Ofticer ilicKean, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Goodwin, U. S. Navy, to cruise in search of 6lockade runners from Havana. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, April 19, 186:2. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. bark Amanda under your com- mand to cruise between Tortugas and the coast of Cuba, keeping near- est to the Cuban shores, for the purpose of intercepting vessels from Havana bound to Southern ports and vessels which may have run the blockade bound to Havana. * * * * * * At the expiration of six weeks you will return off this port and sig nal for instructions. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Ofilcer, commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. [Acting Volunteer] Lieutenant Commanding N. GooDWIN, Commanding U. S. Bark Amanda, Key West, Fla. Report of Flag- Ofticer ]JilicKean, U S. Navy, proposing measures for the occupation of various points in Florida. No. 22.] U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, April 23, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation of the 5th instant, authorizing me to leave the affairs of the squadron in charge of the senior officer and return to Boston in this ship in the event of my feeling unable to remain a month or two longer. Although my position (for reasons stated in my letter of the 19th instant) is a painful one, I shall not, in the present situation of our country, avail myself of your permission to leave my station, unless compelled to do so by physical inability to perform its duties. I hope, however, that the San Jacin to will be dispatched at the earliest moment the exigencies of the service will permit. I have received, by the Rhode lisland, your communication of the 31st ultimo in reference to the violation of the blockade at Charleston and the constant trade between that place and Nassau; also your com- munication of the 26th ultimo, enclosing copy of a letter from J. Cun- ningham & Co. in reference to small vessels from Mobile and New Orleans. Although no longer responsible for the blockade west of St. Andrews Bay, yet should you comply with my request for thre Page 219 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 219 or four fast steamers to replace those sent home for repairs, I am of opinion that many, if not most, of the vessels which escape from the westward could be intercepted before reaching Havana and that the traffic between Charleston and Havana and Nassau would not be car- ried on with quite so much impunity as it is at present. 1 will here state that I have received a communication from the com- mander of the gunboat Iuluron, requesting that I will cause the mails for that vessel to be returned to Port Royal, as Flag-Officer Du Pont has decided to attach her to the squadron under his command. From reports received from the commanders of the various block- ading vessels and~from deserters who have come over, I learn there is a strong Union feeling in west Florida, kept under only by want of arms and means of resistance to the secession party. in my commu- nication of the 3d instant I informed you that I had applied to Gen- eral Brannan for men to occupy Apalachicola, Cedar Keys, and Tampa, and could he have furnished them I would have immediately taken possession of those points. One thousand men would, I think, be suf- ficient to occupy those places, and, in my opinion, their occupation would have a good moral effect, and would also enable us to protect the Union inhabitants, who have been shamefully illtreated by the rebels in several instances. The commander of the Ethan Allen, at Tampa Bay, has nQw upward of 25 men, women, and children (who have been driven from their homes) under the protection of his guns upon Egmont Key, and has been obliged to ration them from his ship to prevent starvation. The officers and crew of this ship, the Kensing- ton, and other vessels in the harbor have taken up a subscription for their benefit, and I shall dispatch a vessel in a day or two with sup- plies for their relief, as I understand that the women and children are in a very suffering condition, not only from want of proper food, but clothing. I transmit herewith a copy of a communication, received this day from Brigadier-General Arnold, at Fort Pickens, requesting my cooperation to take possession of Pensacola, with a copy of my reply thereto. Acting Master Holbrook has reported and will be assigned to duty as captain of the port, in compliance with your order of the 22d ultimo, which was received by the Rhode Island. As he will require a boat and boats crew, I shall fit up one of the prize schooners as a guard vessel for his accommodation, and this arrangement when completed will enable me to dispatch the Wanderer as a cruising vessel. I there- fore request that a paymaster and assistant surgeon may be ordered to her by the earliest opportunity. 1 have also to request that six mas- ters mates may be sent out for duty in the squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, Win. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Oflicer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosures.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF FLORIDA, Fort Picleens, April 13, 1862. DEAR SIR: Our recent victories in Tennessee, North Carolina, etc., -having caused the rebels to remove most of their best troops from th Page 220 220 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADROIt~t. navy yard and their whole defensive line from Fort McRee to I~ensa~ cola, I am confident (although they apparently present a bold front as respects their forts and batteries) that if you will cooperate with me, by furnishing one or two gunboats, I can land a sufficient force, with your aid, to retake Pensacola, the navy yard, and their entire line of forts and batteries; moreover, you can capture four of their steamers and several schooners. I have under my command from 1,800 to 2,000 available troops on this island, but 1 am perfectly helpless for any offensive movement off the island without naval cooperation and water transportation. Flag- Officer Farragut writes to me that he can not assist me against Pensa- cola till he has taken New Orleans; then the opportune moment may have passed. I am in hopes you will come here immediately and bring one or two gunboats, for I would be most happy to cooperate with Flag-Officer McKean. The Navy has not a single vessel off Pen- sacola Harbor. I am, commodore, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. G. Arnold Brigadier- General, U S. A., Gomman~1ing. Flag-Officer WM. W. MUKEAN, Commanding Eastern Division, U S. Gu~f Squadron. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, April 23, 1862. DEAR SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt this day of your communication of the 13th instant. It would afford me great pleasure to comply with your request to cooperate with you in taking Pensacola, and I most deeply regret that it is not in my power to do so, as Pensacola is not within the limits of my command, but is included in that of Flag-Officer Farragut. I have no right to operate within the limits of his command, and if I had, I have not an available force, having been compelled to send home five steamers for repairs, which so reduces my force that it is barely sufficient to enforce the blockade which I am instructed to maintain. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. Flag- Oj,?lcer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Brigadier-GeneraL L. G. ARNOLD Commanding Department of Florida, Fort Piokens. Report of Commander Stellwaqen, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Afercedita, regarding the ~apture hy that vessel of the steamer Bermuda, April 27, 1862. U. S. S. MERCEDITA, Key West, ilfay 3, 1862. SIR: I have to report my return to this port after an absence of nineteen days of most active cruising, and the expenditure of all my coal. Accompanying this please receive a tabular statement of vessels boarded, a report of the circumstances of boarding the Spanish steame Page 221 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 221 Isla de Cuba, and of the threat of her commander to report to his Government the stoppage of his vessel engaged in carrying the Gov- ernment mail, and of a collision with the French barkentine Tage. I have also to inform you that on the 27th ultimo I fell in with, chased, and boarded the steamer Bermuda about 20 miles N. E. by E. ~- E. from Abaco light. She proved to be loaded with about 1,000 tons of contraband goods, among which a battery of 7 fleldpieces (rifled), with carriages and everything complete, a number of heavier rifled cannon ,42 ,720 pounds of powder in barrels, and one-half and one- fourth barrels; 70 barrels of cartridges, over 600 cases of shells, etc. (See extract from manifest.) They are represented as shipped by and on account of Fraser, Trenholm & Co., Liverpool. I believe the senior partner is a Mr. Fraser, of Charleston, S. C. Her log books show her to have run the blockade before. The mate and several of [her] crew were in her at the time. She had two manifests showing some discrepancies. 1 found letters and orders from Charleston, S. C., for goods. Some of her lading is directed to Georgia. The captain admits the goods were intended finally to reach the rebel States, but were free from liability of capture in going to Nassau. The engineer said if they had known who we were we would not have caught them, and I understand that a large lot of papers were thrown overboard and sunk with the grind- stone, and another package burned. Under these circumstances I considered it my duty to send her in for adjudication, and put a prize crew of nearly 30 persons under Lieutenant T. Abbot, U. S. Navy, and sent her to Philadelphia, the port designated by you to send prizes to. I remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 11. 5. STELLWAGEN, Commander. Flag-Officer W. W. MUKEAN, Commanding East Division Gulf Blockading Squadron. Statwns of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, April ~8, 18W?. Names. Station. Remarks. Niagara Key West Santiago de cuba cruising between Providence channel and cape canaveral. Mercedita cruising off S. E. Providence channel. cuyler cruising between cape San Antonio, and Tortugas, and Havana. Marion Do. Bainbridge Do. Amanda Do. Pursuit Do. Wanderer Do. Etban Allen Tampa Bay Blockading. Tahoma cedar Keys Do. Kingfisher St. Marks Do. Sagamore Apalachicola East Pass Do. J. L. Davis Apalachicola, West Pass Do. chambers St. Josephs Bay Do. Beauregard SI. Andrews Bay Do. Samuel Rotan Will sail to-morrow for Indian River. Somerset Arrived yesterday, is taking in coal and will leave immediately br St. Marks Page 222 222 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Flag- Officer iJfcKean, U. S. Navy, to Acting iWaster (rocker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kensington. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, April 29, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. S. Kensington under your com- mand without delay to the Pass ~ lOutre, mouth of the Mississippi, and report to Flag-Officer D. G. Farragut, commanding Western Gulf Squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf iS~quadron. Acting Master FREDERICK CROCKER, (~ommanding U. S. S. Kensington, Key West, Fla. General Order of Flag- Officer iWeKean. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, JJIay 1, 1862. Officers and crews of vessels captured by the Eastern Gulf Squadron, for violation of the blockade, are not to be separated or removed from the prize, unless deemed necessary for her security. WM. W MCKEAN, Flag-Officer, Commanding Lhstern Gulf Squadron. Rej~ort of lieutenant Howell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. a oma, transmitting reports regarding ecepeditions in search of suspicious schooner o]jf Cedar Keys. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, Cedar Keys, iJIay 1, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 24th ultimo a sail was reported from the masthead standing in. I was in the midst of haul- ing off the Ezilda, fast on shore on a sand bank, had two anchors ahead, and was heaving at the capstan and making 60 revolutions with the engines. I succeeded in getting her off, and about thirty minutes after the sail was reported commenced getting underway, having previously dispatched a boat to sound the bar between the buoys, as the tides were unusually low. Upon the return of the boat, stood down for the bar, and at 1:50 grounded in 9 feet 9 inches water, precisely what the ship draws according to her mnrks. I immediately fitted out the Ezilda, and sent her with seven good and thoroughly armed men and the first cutter of this vessel, in charge of Acting Master Hurley, to either pilot in or bring in the strange sail. 1 supposed the schooner was either a coal or provision vessel from her boldness in standing in (she was never in sight from deck, however), but I think now that the captain had gotten out of his reckoning and was looking for some land mark. At ~ p. in. the ship floated off. I had laid out the port bower in readiness to heave her off, but she floated at less than half tide. INo one felt when she groundedI only knew it by seeing her stop. I can only cross the bar at high tide; I am satisfied of that. At 1:50 oclock p. m. of the 25th ultimo the tender returned. I enclos Page 223 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 223 Mr. Hurleys report. It was certainly extraordinary that Mr. ilurley should have shown his colors to and tired a gun at a vessel distant 1~ miles, standing toward him. Of course, the stranger immediately ran for the beach. As soon as I heard Mr. Hurleys report I dispatched Lieutenant Crosman, with Mr. Hurley as pilotsent the launch and 15 men. I have the honor to enclose Lieutenant Crosmans report, which I think you will find interesting. At 2:45 of the 26th ultimo Lieutenant Crosman returned from the wreck and was again dispatched to her. On the 27th ultimo chased the Beauregard. On the 28th the tender again returned. Dispatched both tender and Beauregard to the wreck as soon as the tender was discharged. May 1 tender and Beauregard returned. From the reports made by both officers, I have thought it my duty to let you know as soon as possible that there was a place where vessels could get in and dis- charge, unblockaded. The report of the schooner or schooners seen off there on the 30th ultimo, of course, had a great deal to do with my determination. I am at work calking the upper works of the Ezilda, and she will sail for the reefs this afternoon in charge of Acting Master Higbee. There is no doubt in my mind that many of the schooners from Havana have gone in to St. Martins Reef. * * * * * * * I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. HOWELL, Lieutenant, (~nnmanding. Flag-Officer W. W. McKEAN, etc. P. 5.No papers nor anything by which the wreck could be recog- nized were found. I send burgee. [Enclosures.] U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, Off Cedar Keys, April 29, [1862]. SIR: in compliance with your order of the 24th instant, I stood out to sea in the ]iahomas tender in quest of a suspicious sail then seen at 8 p. m. off the beacon on Sea Horse Reef; saw lights bearing S. E.; followed them until midnight; finding vessel in shoal water, came to anchor, vessels light having disappeared. At daylight found our- selves close to beacon off St. Martins Reef. Saw the schooner inshore of us standing out to sea; ran down for her, and when distant about one-half mile fired a shell athwart her bows and set our colors, where- upon she wore round and stood in for the land; followed her in until, finding our vessel touching bottom, hove to and commenced to shell her; finding our shell falling short and judging her to be ashore, we were force dto haul off in deeper water; having only 6 men and a small boat,* did not deem it judicious to board her; made all haste back to your vessel to report for further orders. Respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY A. HURLEY, Acting Master. J. C. HOWELL, Lieutenant, Commanding U S. Gunboat Iia,4oma. * This vessels first cutter, a 24-foot boat Page 224 224 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, Off Sea Horse Key, iJiftty 1, 1862. Siu: In obedience to your order, on the afternoon of the 25th ultimo I started in the tender, taking with me Acting Master Hurley and the launch, in pursuit of a schooner seen that morning off St. Martins Keys. I ran down some 14 miles E. S. K and anchored. At day- light of the 26th I discovered the sail on shore and, going as near as the tenders draft of water permitted, put the howitzer in the launch and pulled toward her. It was a fore-and-aft schooner with topmasts down, a French flag flying at the forestay. One man was seen leaving over the bows, and a column of black smoke commenced to pour up from her stern. I pulled in, anxious to put out the fire, pausing from the chase to pursue two sailboats which were escaping in among the keys, but seeing them rapidly leave me, hastened toward the burning schooner. When within about 800 yards she blew up with a loud, heavy report. I went alongside the wreck and saw, from what remained, that it had been of some 130 tons, if not more, built of pitch pine entirely, I suppose in a Southern port; had a center board, and a very flat floor, making her draft of water not more than five or six feet when deep. The tremendous force of the explosion, which in a moment reduced the schooner to a floating mass of timber, leaving not a vestige of decks, upper works, mainmast, gaff, or boom, literally tearing the bow apart from the stern, leads me to conclude that the bulk of her cargo was gunpowder. Smoking still upon the wreck, which now only consisted of knightheads, bowsprit, counter, and a few floor timbers, were sev- eral bundles of corn brooms, and upon opening two large barrels I discovered in each two kegs of cannon powder carefully packed in oakum. Quantities of saltpeter, pearl ash, sulphur, still lay partially immersed in the water, and being without facilities for removing all of them I staved the barrels and emptied them. Great numbers of boxes, marked calidad superine, containing soap, were among the ruins, and for an area of 200 yards the bottom is paved with loose bars. A few oranges and pineapples floating about, and the Spanish labels on a few small articles lead me to conclude she came from some Spanish port in the West Indies, probably Havana. On the morning of the 27th 1 revisited the wreck, [also] on the 28th, 29th, and 30th. The two last days I was accompanied by the U. S. schooner Beaureqard. The afternoon of the 30th, at about 2 oclock, I took the launch and gun, one boat from the Beauregard, and two additional men, making in all 19 men, and pulled down between the keys to the southward. A schooner had been seen that morning to seaward, standing in, and it was for the purpose of discovering and capturing her, as well as to reconnoiter and observe carefully the character of the channel, find out if possible the mouth of the Homosassa River, examine the little keys in the vicinity of the wreck for portions of her cargo which might have been hurriedly landed, and look for beacons, that I organ- ized the boat expedition. I found nothing landed on the keys I visited, and upon the others, near there, none but a very small boat of light draft could have reached, convincing me that no bulky or weighty articles had been taken there at least. Beacons, large stakes, painted, one black rock with a white- washed top, make the channel of the easiest, and it is only strang Page 225 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 225 how, with so conspicuous marks, the wrecked schooner could have mistaken the northern side of the keys for the southern and struck upon a reef, dry at low water. Carefully examining everything like an entrance deep enough among the keys for a vessel I met with no success (I speak of the small keys next the mainland), and conjecture the mouth of that river to be more to the northward than we pulled, although at several places openings of some size would occur. After pulling and sailing about 14 miles from the two schooners and discover- ing nothing of the chase, no signs of a habitation or human being, and daylight being exhausted, I returned, reaching them at about 9 p. m. Then I learned that another schooner had been seen at about ten min- utes before sundown from the Beauregards masthead, bearing S. W. by W. and standing in from sea. In the morning at daylight both vessels got underway, beat down to the southward and westward and kept a careful lookout for the stranger who, I thought, ought to be. just about that time running in toward us, as I did not think he could have run in at night. Bad weather coming up, and the sky having every appearance of blowy, thick weather, the launch in tow preventing the schooner being as seaworthy in a gale as she might be, and plenty of rocks being about, I concluded to return to Cedar Keys, where I had the honor to report my arrival to-day at about 1:30 p. m. Upon the next page is au inventory of all articles saved from the wreck, including also some which were picked up by the Beauregard on the 99th. It is my opinion that St. Martins Keys are an oft-visited port, easy of entrance to just such vessels as that wrecked, and that facilities are there for discharging, though to the southward of the wreck. Very respectfully, A. F. CRosMAN, Licatenant, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant Commanding J. C. hOwELL, U. S. Navy. List of articles saved from wreck. 1 anchor of 400 pounds, on board of Ta/coma. 1 anchor of 300 pounds, on board of Ta/coma. 60 fathoms 4--inch iron chain, on board of ]ialwma. 45 fathoms i-inch iron chain, on board of Beauregard. 32 boxes of soap, on board of Ta/coma and Guard. 2 cork fenders, on board of Tahoma. 50 pounds borax, on board of Beauregard. 10 pounds black paint, on board of Ta/coma. 40 pounds gum shellac, on board of Beauregard. 25 pounds lead pipe, on board of Ta/coma. 125 fathoms 2-inch manila, on board of Ta/wma. 124 corn brooms, 70 to Beauregard, Ta/coma, and Gaard, for Niagara. 300 pounds junk, on board of Ta/coma. 15 blocks, on board of Tahoma. 50 fathoms 44--inch manila, on board of Ta/coma. 1 pair of can hooks, on board of Tahorrca. 1 pair of box hooks, on board of Ta/coma. 40 pounds l24hiead manila, on board of Ta/coma. Old mainsail, foresail, and flying jib, on board of Ta/coma. x w RvoL 171 Page 226 226 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 90 india rubber car springs, 25 ]iahoma, 65 Beauregard, for boats, fenders, and for coaling. 1 galvanic battery with a coil of wire,perhaps to be used as a military telegraph, on board of Beauregard. About 50 boxes of English musket percussion caps (12,000), ruined, however, by salt water, on board of Beaurqard. 80 bottles of iodide of potassium, on board of Beauregard. I found one French, one Sardinian, and one American ensign, a burgee with red field and white letters, and a flag whose nationality I am unable to decide upon. From the eagle, cactus, and cross, I am of the opinion it is intended for Mexican. I brought away the figure- head, an eagles head and neck, but could discover nothing by which to get at the vessels name. No papers, charts, or letters, save those in the burgee, were found. Boarding of the Spani8h 8teamer Jsla de Cuba iVIiay 1, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key TIe8t, iVIiay 7, 1862. SIR: I herewith transmit a copy of a report (marked A) from Com- mander Stellwagen, commanding U. S. S. Jfereedita, also a copy of a report (marked B) from Acting Master F. J. Gover, of the ilfer- cedita, addressed to Commander Stellwagen, in reference to boarding a Spanish steamer called the Ida de cuba. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Officer, commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, IYashington, D. C Report of Commander Steliwagen, U, S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mercedita. A. U. S. S. MERCEDITA, Near Sal. Cay, iAfay 1, 1862. SIR: I have to report that I this day fell in with a large steamer standing to the northeast and gave chase; as I neared her hoisted our colors and fired a 32-pounder gun with a blank cartridge. She hoisted a Spanish ensign, but stood on. In ten or fifteen minutes fired the same gun a second time; she still paid no attention. I examined with a glass several times, but could see no pennant, and after a long interval I fired a shell from the rifled gun well astern of her, as I saw she was full of men, and supposed she might be some vessel on transport duty with sick and wounded soldiers. She then stopped, and I felt pretty certain my conjecture was right, and sent a boat with some news- papers, and to say I was sorry to have detained them a little, and offered usual services, etc., from one Government vessel to another. ~Just as the boat was lowered I saw for the first time her pennant, apparently just run close up to the truck, either just then hoisted o Page 227 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 227 if up before it must have been foul of mast or rigging so as not to show. On the return of my boat I was much surprised to hear the Spanish commander was offended at being boarded, and said he intended to report it to his Government. The officers understood him to refuse to give his name. The steamer is called La isla de Cuba and the cap- tain proclaimed her to be a Government mail steamer. Of course there was no intention to search as soon as we discovered she was not one of the large vessels carrying arms to our enemies, and the boat, papers, offers of services, etc., were truly courtesies to her national character. I will send statement of the boarding officer with this. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. S. STELLWAGEN, Commander. Flag-Officer WM. NV. MCKEAN~, Commanding Eastern Division, Gulf Squadron. Statement of Acting Master Gover, U. S. Navy, boarding officer. B. U. S. S. MERCEDITA, illiay 1, 1869g. Sin: In obedience to your orders I boarded the Spanish screw steamer, which proved to be the isla de tiuba, conveying mails and passengers from Havana to Spain, but to what port I was unable to ascertain. The commander appeared to be very indignant at being stopped. I explained to him, through Acting Gunner Amee (who accompanie(1 me as interpreter) that vessels were constantly attempt- ing to run into Havana and other ports with arms and munitions of war for the use of the rebels, and also that if likely to be overhauled by one of our cruisers they did not hesitate to hoist the Spanish or any other flag to evade being boarded. I also, in obedience to your orders, stated that you were sorry for the slight delay occasioned, and tendered any assistance in case it was needed by them. The com- inander of the isla de Cuba then demanded the name of the Ameri- can cruiser and of the commander, which I gave him, on which he stated that he intended representing the matter to the Spanish Gov- ernment on his arrival in Spain, after which 1 left the vessel and returned on board this ship. I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. J. GOvER, Acting iWaster, U. S. Navy. Commander H. S. STELLWAGEN, Commanding U. S. S. iifercedita. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Com~nander Schencle, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. ship St. Lawrence, to proceed to duty in the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, iWay 1, 1869?. Sin: Proceed with the U. S. frigate St. Lawrence under your com- mand to Key West, Fla., and report to Flag-Officer McKean or th Page 228 228 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. senior commanding officer present for duty in the Eastern Gulf Block- ading Squadron. You will receive on board such ordnance stores as the Bureau may give directions to be sent to Key West. 1 am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commander J. F. SCHENCK, Uommanding U. S. Frigate St. Lawrence, Hampton Roads. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Ojfllcer iJifcKean, (71 5. Navy, requesttng information for the British minister regarding the capture of the schooner Florida and the affair of the Southport. NAVY DEPARTMENT, iWay 2, 1862. SIR: Enclosed herewith is a memorandum (copy) left at the Depart- ment of State by Lord Lyons in relation to the capture of the British schooner Florida by the U. S. bark James L. Davis and the boarding of the British bark Southport by a vessel supposed to have been an American cruiser near the coast of Cuba. You will be pleased to furnish the Department with a detailed report of the capture of the Florida and with any information you possess or can obtain in relation to the affair of the Southport. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLEs Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, etc. Order of the Secretary ~f the Navy to Acting lieutenant iWe (Yauley, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Fort Henry, to proceed to duty in the East Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, )Jfay 2, 1862. SIR: So soon as the repairs and transfers are completed on board the vessel under your command, you will proceed to Key West and report for duty in the East Gulf Blockading Squadron, Flag-Officer Williani W. McKe~n, commanding. You will use great cahtion in running down the coast to avoid being at sea in heavy weather, touch- ing at every point in our possession, if necessary, to escape severe weather. I am, respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. Acting Lieutenant E. Y. MCCAULEY, commanding Fort Henry, etc., Baltimore, il/id. Report of Lieutenant Winslow, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. P. P. Uuyler, regarding the capture of the schooner Jane, iWay 3, 1862. U. S. S. R. R. CUYLER, Tampa Bay, Fla., Sunday, iWay 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the Cuyler at this place this afternoon. The court will convene on board to-morrow morning Page 229 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 229 and its proceedings be brought to a close at the earliest practicable date. A sinali schooner of 2~3 tons (the Jane, of Nassau) was captured yesterday about 40 miles S. S. W. of Tampa Bay, having left Nassau the 24th ultimo bound to Matamoras; her proximity to the coast in connection with the fact of a quantity of pig lead on board afforded strong presumption of an intent to violate the blockade, while the recently acquired register with other papers indicated a merely col- lusive and fictitious transfer of the vessel, formerly the Jo8d Ton, of New Orleans. She will be dispatched to Key West to-morrow in charge of Acting Master T. Wright, who is instructed to report to you on his arrival. As the schooner had scarcely accommodations for the prize crew it was fortunately in my power to send all the party found on board down to Key West to-day on board the Beauregard, which was accidentally met just off this place under orders to proceed to Key West. On Thursday we chased a large side-wheel steamer four hours along the coast of Cuba, but she succeeded in slipping into Bahia Honda under English colors. Just as we were getting within the range of our Parrott gun a few projectiles were thrown ahead of the steamer, but a due regard to the neutral jurisdiction of the Spanish Govern- ment as we approached the coast obliged us to cease firing. With much respect, I am, your obedient servant, FRANCIS WINsLOw, Lieutena~ t, Commanding. Flag-Officer WILLIAM W. MCKEAN, (~mdg. F Gulf Squad., U. S. Frigate Niagara, A~y West, Fia. P. S.The usual monthly reports are herewith enclosed. Second report (J Lieutenant Winslow, U. S. Navy, command9~ng U. S. S. 1?. 1?. (uyler, regarding the capture of the schooner Jane, Hay 3, 1862. U. S. S. Th R. CUYLER, At Sea, iYfiiy 8, 1862. SIR: Herewith is transmitted a list of the officers and men entitled to a share of the proceeds of the schooner Jane and cargo, recently captured by the steamer under my command in latitude 260 52 N., longitude 83 08 W., about 40 miles S. S. W. of Tampa Bay. When first discovered the schooner was steering to the northward (toward the coast of Florida) with the wind about W. N. W., but on the approach of the Cuyler her course was changed to the southward and westward and an English ensign hoisted. On examination, an English register, recently issued at Nassau, was produced with a clearance from that port for Matamoras. The crew list describing the nationality of the party on board was not officially authenticated by any port officer, and there was no manifest of the cargo. The name of James Lyons, the nominal owner, was inscribed on the crew list as mate. The supercargo, and probably real owner of the vessel and cargo, acknowledged himself an American by birth with a family residing at Montgomery, Ala., and the master is belieVed to have a family at Tampa. There was therefore every probability of a col- lusive transfer of the vessel, formerly the JosJ Ton, a New Orlean Page 230 230 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. centerboard schooner, of about 26 tons. Her proximity to the coast of Florida ~about 200 miles from her natural course to Matamoras), in connection with the pig lead composing part of her cargo, afforded the strongest presumption of an intent to violate the blockade, and is believed to justify the seizure of the vessel, which has been sent to Key West for adjudication. With much respect, I have the honor to remain, your obedient servant, FRANCIS WINSLOW, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Lieutenant, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy, ll7its/dngton, D. C Report of commander Ridqely, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Santiago de cuba, regarding capture gf the steamer Ella Warley ~forinerly ]~abel) and schooners iiifersey and iWaria (formerly Sallie Rose). U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, New York, iWiay 4, 18G2. SIR: I sailed from Havana on the 5th of April in obedience to your order of March 28. I cruised between Cape Canaveral and N. E. Providence Channel, boarding three steamers, five barks, eight brigs, and five schooners, and, seeing only vessels engaged in honest trade, thought I would be justified in cruising on a line between the eastern end of Abaco and Charleston, S. C., about 100 miles from the land and keeping the eastern end of Abaco bearing from S. to S. S. W. On the day after my arrival at that position, the 23d of April, we saw a steamer that answered the description of the Nashville, burning hard coal and steering north. W e made chase and used all exertions to overhaul her, but she ran away from us at the rate of 2 miles an hour or more, and after five hours chase was out of sight. On the same day at 6 p. m. we overhauled a schooner without name, papers, or flag, three days from Charleston and loaded with cotton. I put a prize crew on board and sent her to Key West. On the 25th of April, 120 miles from the land we made a steamer standing to the N. W.; chased and overhauled her. She proved to be the Ella IYarley (formerly Isabel), loaded with contraband and such articles as the rebels are niost in need of. I put on board a prize crew of 2 officers, 2 engineers, 15 men, and 8 marines, and, the prize want- ing coal and water to take her to New York, I stood for Port Royal, the nearest place, for supplies. On the 26th April 1 spoke a schooner named Jifersey (formerly Eliz- abeth, of Charleston), with English flag and register just issued from Nassau, bound to Baltimore, and loaded with the usual blockade cargo salt, drugs, leather, coffee, etc.a cargo incompatible with her destina- tion. When I made her, she was standing N. W. with a S. E. wind, the bearing of Charleston. When I was close enough to be made out, she altered her course to N. E. I seized her as a prize, and, as I was convoying the Jsabel, took the schooner in tow to Port Royal, put a prize crew on board, and sent her to New York. On my arrival at Port Royal I found the cargo of the Isabel was composed in great part of rifles, swords, and other munitions an Page 231 EAST GULF I3LOCKADrnG SQUADRON. 231 supplies of vital importance to the rebels at this time, and that she had 35 persons on board, most of them desperate and wily characters, res- idents of Charleston and well-known men on the coast who had eluded the vigilance of the blockade for so many months. At the same time, I had only one master, a masters mate, and gun- ner left on board, and 59 men of the ship away on prizes, and would have been inefficient had I returned to Key West. Under these cir- cnmstances, I decided to convoy the steamer to New York, and more- over, the prize was of such a character, and had accomplished so much for the rebels, I thought it my duty to see her safe into port where she could be adjudicated. I left Port Royal on the 30th of April, having the Isabel in convoy, and the same morning overhauled the schooner 2k/aria (formerly & dlie Rose, of Charleston), Charleston bearing N. N. W. distant 15 miles. She was also from Nassau, under English flag and new register, with salt, cotton, cards, and cigars, bound to New York. The character of her cargo, position,, and suspicious behavior seemed to justify seizure, and I put my remaining masters mate and a prize crew on board and sent her to New York. I hope my conduct, under the circumstances detailed, will meet your approbation. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. B. RIDGELY, Uommander, U S. Navy. Flag-Officer W. W MOKEAN, Comrnttnding Squadron, Hey West, Fia. P. S.I send by the Baltic the master and mate of the cotton schooner, captured on the 23d of April, without name or papers, and sent to Key [Westi under charge of Acting Master Muldaur. D.B.R. Report of Lieutenant English, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Somerset, regarding the capture by that vessel of the steamer Circassmn. U. S. S. SOMERSET, OjJ Coast of Cuba, Sunday, iWay 4, 186:2. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department, whilst cruising off the coast of Cuba (in obedience to instructions from Flag-Officer William W. McKean), between Matanzas and Havana, distant from the coast about 10 miles, I discovered a steamer, which proved to be the Circassian, standing to the westward. I stood down for her, crossed her bow, rounded to, and hailed, having hoisted the American ensign. She had an English ensign flying. Ordered her to heave to, so as to allow me to send a boat alongside, to which he made no audible reply, but proceeded directly on his course. As she was much faster than this vessel, I fired a blank car- tridge, then a shell to the right of her. Still he continued on his course, evidently endeavoring to escape me. I then fired a shell over, which exploded beyond him. Still he continued on his .course, when I ordered a shell to be fired into him, which took effect in his fore rigging, He tl~en stopped. I boarded, and finding (so far as I am able to judge) his papers not in accordance with the customary forms, and from state- ments made by some of his crew, I felt justified in taking possessio Page 232 232 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. of her, which I did, and placed her in charge of Acting Master William A. Arthur, and ordered him to proceed with her to Key West, Fla., for adjudication. I find the Circassian. among a list of vessels furnished me by Flag- Officer William W. McKean that I was to be particularly on the lookout for. Hoping I have not exceeded my instructions, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, lieutenant, commanding. Secretary of the Wavy, Washington, B. (7. Report of Flag- Ogjlcer iWicKean, U S. Navy, transmitting copy of request from Commander Porter, U. AS~ Navy, for assistance at New Orleans. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, ]Jilay 6, 186~?. SIR: I have the honor to transmit herewith a copy of a communica- tion froni Commander Porter which I received on the afternoon of the 1st instant. A few hours previously I had dispatched the Somerset to cruise for a short time near Havana previous to her proceeding to St. Marks. Important as her services are to me, I considered them of still more importance in the river, and therefore got underway in this ship and went out for the purpose of dispatching her to the assistance of Com- mander Porter; but after cruising four days without meeting with her, and three of our boilers having given out, I decided to return to this place, where on my arrival this morning 1 found the Somerset in com- pany with the prize steamer Circassian, and also received the glorious intelligence of the capture of New Orleans, which obviates the neces- sity for dispatching her to the river. My instructions to Lieutenant Commanding English were to send his prizes, if seaworthy, to the port of Boston for adjudication(if steamers and in want of coal, touching at this place to procure it); but the engineers of the (ircassian having refused duty immediately upon her capture, and the engineer force of the Somerset being insufficient to work both steamers, he was obliged to tow her in. As she would require a large engineer force to work her to the North, which can not be spared without impairing the efficiency of the squadron, and it is not certain that she has contraband on board, although I have little doubt of it, I have deemed it best to have her adjudicated in this port, and should she be condemned will request the judge to make a decree that she be sent to the North for sale. On the evening of the 2d instant I fell in with the Jiiliercedita on her way to Key West for coal. Commander Steliwagen reported having captured the English steamer Bermuda and chased two others, which escaped by their superior speed. Bermuda is loaded with arms, ord- nance stores, and munitions of war. She was dispatched to the port of Philadelphia for adjudication; a report of her capture was made to you by Commander Steliwagen. - Commander Stellwagen al so reports an accidental collision between the Jfercedita and a French merchant steamer on the evening of the 1st instant. A copy of this report is herewith transmitted Page 233 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 233 Owing to the condition of the boilers and the foulness of this ships bottom the o~reatest speed that we could obtain during our cruise, with a moderate topgallant breeze, all sail, and as much steam as the boilers would bear, was 6~ knots. Two steamers, supposed to be Confederate, have been chased by the sailing vessels now cruising in the Gulf. In order to break up the trade between Southern ports and Havana and Nassau the addition of four or five fast steamers to this squadron is essential. The season for light winds has now commenced, and sailing vessels are of little or no use. The duty of the engineer department in a hot climate is always severe. 1 therefore request that four additional engineers may be sent out for duty in the squadron, that their services may be available in the event of making captures. I also request that the officers and crew in charge of the prize steamer Bermuda may be ordered to rejoin the lifercedita at the earliest moment practicable. I had contemplated looking in at Havana, but learning that it would take at least a week to patch the boilers I deemed it best to return direct to this place. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. McKEAN, Flaq- Officer, Commandinq Factern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary ~f the Navy, IYaeltinqton, I). (I. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. HARRIET LANE, ]Jfts8is8aNn River, April 25, 1862. SIR: Our fleet passed the forts on the night of the 24th under a terri- ble fire, and are by this time in New Orleans. All got through but the Varuna, which vessel was sunk in a butting encounter with the Web8ter,* which was set on fire and destroyed by the broadside of the Varuna. The captain of the Dan Smith will give you the particulars of the engagement. The forts still hold out. Eleven steamers were destroyed and the celebrated ram. The squadron, in the dark, left behind them an enemy that is going to give us sonie trouble here, and we have not, I fear, force enough to contend with it I mean a powerful ironclad battery of 10 or 16 guns. The enemy are working night and day to get it underway. I ask all the assistance you can give us in the shape of steamers with heavy guns and solid shot. There is no time for delay; we may otherwise meet with disaster. 1 received a letter from Flag-Officer Farragut to-day. They had a rough time of it, but lost, killed and wounded, not over 100 men. We on this side of the fort lost, killed and wounded, but 14. The flag-officer was bound direct to New Orleans, and will meet with no obstructions. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Commanding Flotilla. [Flag-Officer WM. W. McKEAN], Commanding Officer at Key IFest. * The Varurta was rammed by the Governor Moore and Stonewall Jackson Page 234 234 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from the I7ice- c~onsul- General at Havana to Flag- Ofticer iJfcKean, (1 S. Navy, giving arrivals and clearances of vessels at that port. U. S. CONSULATE-GENERAL, Havana, iWay 7, 1862. SIR: Since the date of my last dispatch the following arrivals and clearances of vessels in trade with the blockaded ports have occurred: Arrivals. May 2. Mobile, Confederate schooner Princeton, Barnes, master; cotton. May 6. Mobile, Confederate steamer California, Porter, master; cotton. May 7. Mobile, Confederate steamer cuba, McConnell, master; cotton. Cleared. April 80. English steamer Fox, for Matamoras. May 3. English sloop P. Burroughs, Nassau. May 5. English schooner Rowena, Nassau. May 5. English schooner Lucy, Nassau. May 6. English steamer llifiinho, Nassau. The Elizabeth, steamer, formerly the General iWirarnon, went to sea day before yesterday morning, but she must have seen something, for she was back at noon reporting damage in her machinery. To-day she has gone again to some Southern port. The jEnglish steamer Fox was chased on the 1st by the (uyler, and she found refuge in Bahia Honda, of this island. We have not heard if she has again sailed. It appears she was hit in one of her paddle boxes by a shot. The Wanderer was in the neighborhood. New Orleans and the forts are in possession of our naval and land forces. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS SAVAGE, Vice- Consul- General. The SENIOR OFFICER, U. S. Navy, commanding at E~y West. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Winn, U S. Navy, transmit ting copy of order issued to the authorities of Apalachicola. U. S. BARK JAS. L. DAvIs, Apalachicola Bay, ilifay 10, 1862. SIR: In consequence of the almost starving condition of the inhabit- ants remaining at town (who, I have no doubt, are loyal to the Union, as they prefer to take the risk of starvation rather than submit to the orders of the governor and military usurpers to abandon the place and proceed to Rickoes Bluff, 80 miles up [Apalachicola] River, where they, the rebels, are building fortifications), I was induced to issue and send to the authorities of the town the annexed order. On the islands of St. Vincents and St. Georges there are many cat- tle, sheep, goats, hogs, and fowls, which the inhabitants at tow Page 235 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 235 require to subsist on, hence the order aforementioned. Hoping it will meet your approval, I am, dear sir, your obedient servant, Jos. WINN, Actinq Volunteer Lieutenant, tirommanding, U. S. Nary. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary ~f Navy, Washington, D. (~. [Enclosure.] U. S. BARK JAS. L. DAVIS Apalackicola Bay, May 2, 1862. GENTLEMEN: From and after this date no boats will be allowed on St. Georges, St. Vincents, and other islands in this bay, except between sunrise and sunset. No boats will be allowed to remain on or at either of the islands after sunset. All boats going to or returning from the islands must come under a flag of truce within a half mile of this ship to be examined. No boat will be allowed to visit the islands with more than 5 men and 2 muskets or fowling pieces, and but 1 boat per day will be allowed on either island. Fishing and oystering may be pursued on the banks between this ship and Apalachicola without complying with the above order o~ without fear of being molested by my orders. The above orders to remain in force until further advised. By yours, respectfully, Jos. WINN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, commandinq, U. S. Navy. To the AUTHORITIES OF APALACHICOLA, FLA. Report of Flaq~ Ofticer lYfeKean, U S. Navy, regarding general matters of interest pertain~ng to hi8 command. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, May 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit a copy of a communication received from the U. S. consul in Havana. Lieutenant Coulmanding Spotts, who has just returned in the Wanderer for supplies, also reports that several steamers have been chased by our cruising vessels. A few days since the Wanderer, Jlilarion, Bainbridge, and Amanda were all in pursuit of a steamer, which hoisted secession colors and ran into Havana. 1 mention these facts to show you the necessity for several fast steamers. The iVfarion and Bainbridge, owing to the foulness of their bottoms, are both dull, especially the latter, and as they are much in need of repairs, and have many men ~n board whose term of service expires shortly, 1 would strongly recommend that they should be relieved. The bottom of the Wanderer is also very foul, but I can have her hauled upon the ways at this place and cleared. She requires a suit of sails, for which I will forward a requisition to the Chief of the Bureau of Construction, etc. A schooner with 150 bales of cotton, prize to the steamer Santiago de cuba, has arrived and been condemned. She was from Charleston Page 236 236 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. hound to Nassau. A small schooner of 26 tons, called the Jane, with an assorted cargo, has also been sent in for adjudication by the Uuyler. Lieutenant Commanding Howell, of the liahorna, blockading Cedar Keys, reports that on the 24th ultimo a large schooner was discovered standing in for that harbor, but upon being pursued by his boats attempted to enter Crystal River and in so doing got ashore. She was abandoned and set on fire by her crew, and when the boat had approached within a few hundred yards blew up. She must have had a considerable quantity of powder on board, as she was literally blown to atoms, a quantity of soap, some corn, brooms, and a quantity of damaged medicine and percussion caps were picked up by the boat. An anchor and chain were saved, which are now in use on board the schooner Beauregard. The name of the schooner could not be ascertained. Your order detaching Lieutenant May and ordering him to report to Commander Dahlgren for ordnance duty has been received, but it is impossible for me to dispense with his services at present. Mr. May is flag lieutenant and signal officer and when at sea does duty as master. In this large ship there is no executive officer (Lieutenant Command- ing de Krafft being obliged to perform the duty), but three masters, two young midshipmen, and two masters mates. If one of the mas- ters is sick (which is now the case) it becomes necessary to place the deck in charge of a young midshipman, as it does not answer to put officers in watch and watch in this hot climate, the duty being too severe. In a former communication I reported having detached two acting masters from this shipone to command the U. S. storeship National Guard and the other to command the U. S. schooner Beauregard. I should have immediately applied for officers to replace them had I not supposed the ship was about to be relieved. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ojilcer, Comm an ding Eactern Gu~f Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, IYae/dngton, D. U. Order of Flag- Ofticer iYLcKean, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Howell, U. S. Navy, regarding the servicee of the 8Choonere Ezilda and Beauregard. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Ji~y We8t, iWay 10, 1862. SIR: Your orders of the 28th January, 1862, are so far modified that you are authorized to chase at discretion. You are also authorized to make such use of the schooner Ezilda as you may deem for the best interest of the public service. Acting Mas- ter David Stearns, commanding schooner Beauregard, is instructed to report to you. You will station the Beauregard where she can best guard St. Martins Reef. In regard to the lumber that I instructed you to guard, I was anxious to preserve it, thinking it would be needed to build quarters for troops, but as I see no prospect of the place being occupied by a military force it must now take its chance. Page 237 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 237 send by the Beauregard a set of Rogers signals and book, also a light 12-pounder howitzer for your boat, with a full supply of ammunition. I am, respectfully) your obedient servant, Win. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding J. C. HOWELL, Commanding IL S. Gunboat liahoma, Cedar Ke1,s, Fla. P. S. I send the Hotchkiss shell fitted. It is not intended to be used with a plunger, but with wooden plug and paper-case fuze, a supply of which are sent by the Beauregard. ]i?eRort of Flag- Officer 3fcKean, U. S. Navy, in response to request for information regarding the pri2e schooner Florida and British bark Southport. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, lIlay 19?, 1869?. SIR: Your communication of the 2d instant, in reference to the prize schooner Florida and the British bark Southyort, was received this day. The Florida was captured by the bark f. L. Daris, sent to this port for adjudication, and has been condemned. I transmit a copy of the report * of Volunteer Lieutenant Joseph Winn, giving the particulars of her capture, by which you will perceive that she was captured in latitude 2W 56 N. and longitude 84~ 25 W., steering at the time N. N. E. or N. E., which was about 90 miles from Tampa, and heading for Cedar Keys, a very singular position for a vessel bound from Havana to Matamoras. I have no knowledge whatever of the boarding of the Southport. The only three-masted schooner attached to the squadron is the J. S. (hambers, and she is not painted green, nor has she been since she joined the squadron. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Win. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Officer, tommanding East Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary gf the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer iifcKean, IL S. Navy, regarding the arrival at Nassau, New Providence, of steamers from England. NAVY DEPARTMENT, iJfay 13, 1869?. SIR: I transmit herewith an extract from a dispatch dated the 30th ultimo from the consul at Nassau, New Providence, reporting the arrival there of the steamers Oreto, Jlfinna, and Stettin, from England. The Department has to-day ordered the Santiago de Cuba, which arrived at New York with the prize Jsabel, to proceed without delay to Nassau. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer W W. MCKEAN, ~Jommanding East Gu~f Blockading Squadron, Key TYest. * See report Winn to MeKean, March 10, p. 186 Page 238 238 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Captain Brasher, Cf. S. Navy, comiinanding U S. lrig Bain- 6ridge, regarding the seizure 6y that vessel of the schooner Newcastle. U. S. BRIG BAINBRIDGE, Key West, .May 14, 1862. SIR: On the 11th May, in latitude 230 14, longitude 83~ 09 we boarded the schooner Newcastle, freighted with spirits of turpentine and cotton, avowing herself to be from Matamoras. On examining her papers she proved to have an English provi- sional register and a pseudo clearance from Mobile, without log book; but her chart track, her invoice, or what purported to be her invoice, and Mobile newspaper dated May 3, a crew of seven men and a master, all lead me to send her in to Key West for adjudication, as a vessel from Mobile and incomplete and defective papers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. M BRASHER Flag-Officer W~i. ~. McKEAN, Commanding Bainbridge. Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Report qf Flag- Officer .lJfcKean, If S. Navy, transmitting statement gsvrng stations of vessels under his command. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA. K~y West, JJffay 14, 1862. SIR: in compliance with your order of March 31, I herewith trans- mit a statement of the present stations of the vessels composing this squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 9. C. [Enclosure.] Stations of ressels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, Jlfay 14, 1862. Name. Niagara Marion Bainbridge Wanderer Amanda Somerset R. R. cuyler Pursuit Ethan Allen Tahoma Kingfisher Sagamore J.L Davis chambers Mercedita Santihgo de cuba Beauregard Samuel Rotan National Guard Station. Key West Tampa Bay Cedar Keys. St. Marks Apalachicola, East Pass Apalachicola, West Pass . St. Josephs Bay Remarks. cruising off Cuban coast westof Havana, Do. Do. Do. Do. Off Cape San Antonio, cruising. cruising between Mariel and Cape San Antonio. Blockading. Do. Do. Do. Do. Do. Cruising off N. E. Providence Channel. Gone to New York convoying prize. Ordered to blockade St. Martins Reef. Ordered to blockade St. Andrews Bay, Storeship, absent supplying squadron Page 239 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 239 Report of Commander Frailey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Quaker City, announcing arrival at Key West from St. flihorna8, West Indies. U. S. S. QUAKER CITY, Key West, ilifay 14, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to report to you the arrival in this port to-day of the U. S. S. Quaker City, under my command, from the port of St. Thomas, which place I left on the 6th instant. Since my arrival here Flag-Officer MeKean has, under your order of the 14th of December, attached this vessel to the squadron under his command and given me orders to prepare the Quaker City for sea with all possible dispatch, with which order it will be my pleasure to promptly comply. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. MADISON FRAILEY, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag- Ot/icer lYfeKean, U. S. Navy, giving consular informna- tion from Nassau, New Providence, regarding blockade runners m~n that port. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, iWay 14, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the steam bark Young Rover on the evening of the 12th instant. As she has on board a quantity of loaded shells for Flag-Officer Farragut, which I have no means of sending, and can not store here, I am compelled to dispatch her to Ship Island to deliver them, after which (not being fit for a cruiser) she will relieve the gunboat Sagamore in the blockade of Apalachicola, which vessel I shall employ as a cruiser in the Gulf. The Quaker City arrived this morning. As I observed by the papers that the Sumter has been sold at Gibraltar, and that her officers had arrived at Southampton, England, I shall attach the Quaker City to this squadron, and having just received information from the U. S. con- ~ul at Nassau, New Providence, that the gunboat Oreto, the steamers Nashville, Kate, fLheodora, and Nellie, and brig Fannie Lewis are all at that port, I have ordered her coaled and provisioned with all possi- ble dispatch, and shall send her to cruise in that vicinity. I received by the Baltic a comrnnnication from Commander Ridgely, commanding the Santiago de Cuba, dated New York, May 4, in which he reports having captured the steamer Ella Warley and two schooners, the liiLersey and 1k/aria, and gives his reasons for conveying them to New York, which I presume he has reported to the Department. I beg that the Santiago may be ordered to return immediately to her station, her services just at this time being of vital importance. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag Oficer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the iVavy, Washington, D. C Page 240 240 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of the Acting Secretary of the Navy to Commander Frailey, U S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Quaker Lity, to proceed to Key West, Fla., v%a Havana. NAVY DEPARTMENT, JifLay 16, 1862.~ SIR: Your communication* of the 30th ultimo has reached the Department. Proceed with the Quaker City to Key West and report to Flag-Officer MeKean for duty in the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squa.dron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, G. V. Fox, Acting Secretary. Commander JAMES MADISoN FRAILEY, U. S. Navy, (omdg. U S. S. Quaker City, St. lihomas, West Indies. [Duplicate sent to Key West.] Order of Flag- Ofticer iJfcKean, U S. Navy, to Lieutenant English, U S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Somerset, to proceed to relieve the U S. S. Tahorna at Cedar Keys. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, Jifay 16, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. gunboat Somerset under your command to Cedar Keys and relieve Lieutenant Commanding J. C. Howell, commanding U. S. gunboat liahoma in the blockade of that place. Lieutenant Commandiiig Howell will be instructed to transfer to you his tender, the schooner JI2ilda, and to give you any information he may be possessed of that can be useful; also to furnish you with all the coal he can spare. Shpplies will be sent to you when necessary, and you will be par- ticular to keep me informed of your wants by every opportunity. I have reason to believe that vessels have recently succeeded in landing cargoes at Crystal River, in consequence of which the schooner Beauregard has been dispatched to aid in the blockade in that vicinity., She will be subject to your orders. In the event of anything occur- ring which you consider it important that I should be immediately informed of, you may dispatch the Ezilda to this place. I send on board the Somerset the quarter-deck and forecastle awnings for the Beauregard; the main-deck awning will be forwarded by the Connecticut. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding EARL ENGLISH, ~iJommanding U S. Gunlioat Somerset, Key West, Fla. *5~ Series I, volume 1, p. 384 Page 241 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 241 Order of Flag- Ofticer iiifeKean, U S. Navy, to commander Frailey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Quaker City, to cruise for the tnterception of blockade runners from Nassau, New Providence. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key IVest, JIfay 17, 1862. SIR: I have received information that the steamer Oreto (said to be Confederate privateer) and the Confederate steamers Nashville, Kate, Theodora, and Nellie are at Nassau, New Providence; also a large English steamer called the Minna, and the brig Fannie Lewis, both loaded with contraband of war for the use of the rebels. You will therefore proceed in the U. S. S. Quaker City, under your command, to cruise between the Providence Channel and Cape Canaveral, for the purpose of intercepting the Oreto, or any vessels that may leave Nassau having on board contraband of war for the Confederate States. The cargo of the JIfinna will probably be reshipped in small schoon- ers, or by the steamers Kate and Nellie, which are said to be very fast and have repeatedly run the blockade at Charleston, S. C., and other Atlantic ports. It will be your duty to board and carefully examine all vessels you may meet with, but you will be particular to instruct your boarding officers not to give unnecessary offense, to be courteous but firm in the execution of their duty. In the.event of making prizes, you will send them to this port for adjudication. The vessels mentioned in the memorandum herewith transmitted as having run the blockade and arrived in Havana will probably sail thence under English colors and provided with provisional registers, but should you meet with any of them you will capture and send them in. I herewith transmit a copy of Uptons Maritime Warfare and Prize, printed forms of instructions to prize masters, general orders, and a number of circulars and other documents, to which I call your partic- ular attention. I also transmit a communication giving information in regard to suspicious vessels from various European ports. When in need of supplies you will return to this place. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Ofticer, commanding Lastern Gulf Squadron. Commander J. M. FRAILEY, commanding U. S. S. Quaker City, Key TYest, Fla. Order of Flag- Ofticer iJifeKean, U. S. Navy, to 6~mmander Bra~her, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. lirig Bainbridge, regarding the cruis- ing ground of that vessel. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, May 17, 1862. SIR: Your orders of the 16th ultimo are so far modified that your cruising ground will be between Cape San Antonio and Tortugas, being particular not to approach within the territorial jurisdiction of N w RVOL ~ 1 Page 242 242 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the island of Cuba or to fire on any vessel within a marine league of the Cuban coast. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Elag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Commander T. M. BRASHER, (~ommanding U. S. hrig Bainbridge, Key 1K~st, Fla. [Orders of same date and like tenor to Lieutenant David Cate, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Pursuit, and to Lieutenant N. Goodwin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Amanda. Order of 20th instant to Lieutenant J. H. Spotts, U. S. Navy, to proceed to Havana, thence to cruise between Cape San Antonio and Tortugas.] Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flaq- Officer llfcKean, U. S. Navy, detaching him from the command of the East Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, llIiay 19, 1862. SIR: Upon the reporting of your relief, Captain James L. Lardner, you will transfer to that officer all papers, instructions, etc., pertain- ing to your command, and you will proceed in the Niagara to carry out the instructions of the Department by returning to Boston, Mass. I am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer WM. W. MCKEAN, Comdg. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key W~st, Ela. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Iardner, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Jilay 19, 1862. SIR: You are hereby detached from the command of the Sasquehanna and you will proceed to Key West, Fla., in the U. S. steam sloop of war San Jacinto and report to Flag-Officer William W. McKean to relieve him from the command of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. Having relieved that officer, you are authorized to hoist your flag on board the San efacinto, as the commander of that squadron. I am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Captain J. L. LARDNER, U. S. Navy, Hampton Roads, Virginia. Report of Lieutenant Howell, U. S. Navy, regarding a reconnoissance at Thay Key, florida. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, At Sea, off Cape Roman, lYlay 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that the U. S. ship Guard arrived at Cedar Keys on the 15th instant. I took from her 42j tons of coal, filled up with provisions, and supplied her with 850 gallons water. On the afternoon of the 16th instant the U. S. S. Somerset arrived. After consulting with Lieutenant Commanding English (who I dis- covered had assisted in surveying the channels of Cedar Keys) an Page 243 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 243 finding that the Somer8et could go up to Way Key, I determined to make a reconnoissance of the key for the purpose of affording you more exact information than I had heretofore been able to gain. Taking 3 boats and some 20 men from the Guard, under command of Acting Master Hays, 4 boats and 40 men from this vessel, in charge of Lieutenant Crosman and Acting Masters lligbee and Hurley, we got underway in the Sohwrset and succeeded in reaching the anchorage off Way Key, having touched only once, and that lightly; the boats of the liahoma sounded the channel in advance. On anchoring we discovered the four men to whom I have alluded in my communications to you as being the only persons (with the exception of two women) seen on Way Key, lounging unconcernedly in front of a dilapidated house. Through our glasses we made three of them out to be negroes. It was determined that a boat should be sent to the party to notify them of our intention to land and to warn them that any shot fired at our people would be followed by the immediate destruction of all the property within reach of our guns. Lieutenant Crosmans report of his conversation with the rebels (who were white men) accompanies this. To our (more particularly to my) astonishment, as soon as the flag of trace shoved off about 30 armed men appeared from behind the house and commenced walking up the railway track. The usages of war would not permit us to fire until the flag of truce returned. At the instant she returned fire was opened on the track, and the chaparral and house behind which the rebels were hidden, shelled. We then landed about 100 men, threw out the Tahomas crew as skirmishers, and marched up to the village. On searching the house, nothing was discovered and no evidences of the continued occupation of the house were seen. No provisions were found and I immediately came to the conclusion that the men we saw were the advanced guard of the rebel regiment which the contraband Henderson told me was stationed about 3 niiles back of Way Key. I gave orders that neither skirmishers nor any part of the force should ci~oss the trestlework. We had come simply to make a recon- noissance, not to occupy and hold the key, and I thought it would be a useless expenditure of life to send sailors in pursuit of a probably superior force of soldiers who knew every foot of the ground, and who, protected by dense woods, would be able to pick our people off with perhaps no loss to themselves. Lieutenant Commanding English and myself, accompanied by Lieu- tenant Crosman, Mr. Potter, and the marines of the Somerset, crossed the trestlework and inspected it thoroughly. It is a very substantial piece of work, and should our troops at Fernandina hold military pos- session of all East Florida and be able to defend the line of road, it might prove very useful for the transportation of troops and muni- tions of war, but if a military force should occupy Depot and Sea Horse keys as a hospital station only (and they would be invaluable for such a purpose should the war continue during the summer), then it should certainly be burned, as it is the only bridge by which the rebels could transport heavy ordnance to Way Key. Lieutenant Com- manding English and myself determined to await further orders o~ the subject. He can shell the key and burn the work at any time, under cover of his guns. After remaining an hour on the key and examining it thoroughly the men were reembarked Page 244 244 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Later in the afternoon we visited Depot Key and found every house open. In one, belonging apparently to a Mr. C. P. Chaives, there was a quantity of handsome furniture and some books. Everything was topsy-turvy o~iving evidence of a hasty flitting. At the house of a Mr. Cottrel was an old negro, the only inhabitant of the key. He told us that Mr. Cottrel had given him the property (which, of course, was a fiction) and he had no incl~ination to leave. We did not disturb him. At sunset we returned to our vessels, Lieutenant Commanding English remaining at Depot Key. He came down next morning and coaled from the Guard. During the reconnoissance no property (except the houses occupied by the rebels, which had several shots through them) was injured. At 2 oclock a. m. of the 21st I sailed for Key West. in the morn- ing, at daylight, boarded smack Wanderer, John Park, master. Her pass was endorsed by the boarding officer. In the afternoon 20 miles north of Tampa, boarded the Beauregard and received the articles you were kind enouot to send me. Off Cape Romano [Roman], boarded smack Grover ~. King. I had both boats thoroughly overhauled, notwithstanding the pass. * * * .* * * * Very respectfully, your obedient servant ~. C. HOWELL, Flag-Officer ~ ~. M~KE~, Lieutenant, Commanding. ~mmanding Eastern Division Gulf Squadron. Capture (f tkc Confederate steamer Swan, AL& y 24, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer NoKean, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA Key West, iMlay 26, 1862. Sui: I have the honor to report the capture (in latitude 230 48 and longitude 82~ 57) of the Confederate steamer Swan, on the 24th instant, by the U. S. bark A9nanda and U. S. brig Bainlvridge. The Swan was taken under the Confederate flag and a Confederate register was found on board. She is river boat, of and from Mobile; her cargo consists of upward of 900 bales of cotton and about 200 barrels of resin. She is now at this place, awaiting adjudication. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Otilcer; tiiominanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary ~f the Navy, Washington, D. C Report of Lieutenant Goodwin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Amanda. U. S. BARK AMANDA, At Sea, iWay 24, 1862. SIR: I have to report the capture of the Confederate steamer Swan, from Mobile bound to Havana, by the Arnanda, under my command, this day at 11:30 a. in., ~ miles south by west from Tortugas. Her cargo consists of 900 bales of cotton and 200 barrels of resin Page 245 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 245 I have placed her under command of Acting Master Joseph E. Jones, with a prize crew, with orders to proceed to Key West for adjudication. The U. S. brig Bainbridge was in sight, distant about 3 miles, at the time of capture. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, N. GOODwIN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, UI S. Navy, Gomdg. U. S. Bark Amanda. Flag-Officer WM. W. McKEAN, Commanding Eastern Division Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Commander Brasher, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. brig Bainbridge. U. S. BRIG BAINBRIDGE, Key West, lVJiay 25, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this port. On the 24th, while in company with the U. S. bark Amanda, we captured the Confederate steamer Swan, of and from Mobile, with a valuable cargo of cotton, resin, etc. Her large crew and her behavior, even after capture, leads me to accompany her in with both vessels. I have sent on board some of our best men, machinists and others, to work her, or rather to overlook the work. Trusting that this will meet with your approval, I am,~ sir, very respectfully, T. M. BRASHER, CommandThg Bainbridge. Flag-Officer WM. W. McKEAN, Gommanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Correspondence regarding infringement of international rights in Cuban waters. Report of Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. Navy, transmitting correspondence. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, iJIiay 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to transmit a copy of a communication re- ceived from the commander of the Spanish frigate Petronila, with translation as made by Paymaster Barry, of this ship (marked A); also a copy of my reply (marked B). I am disposed to believe that the protest of the Spanish commander originated in a misapprehension, as on the day previous to its delivery to Lieutenant Commanding Doty, of the ilfarion, through whom I received it, the gunboat Somerset, having encountered a heavy sea, was somewhat injured, and her commander, hoping to find smooth water, ran elose in to the Cuban shore, followed by the sloop iVfarion and steamer (~uyler. While boats were passing between them a Span- ish frigate hove in sight, and as the Somerset at a distance of 3 mile Page 246 246 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. might easily be mistaken for a Mississippi River boat, the commander of the frigate doubtless supposed she was a prize to our cruisers and that she had been captured within Spanish jurisdiction. He was prob- ably strengthened in this belief from the fact that the ilfarion remained by the Somerset during the night and the following day convoyed her over to .the Florida Reef. IhaveinformedourconsulatHavanaofthiscircumstance, that he may explain it should opportunity offer. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flaq- Oficer, ~mm. anding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, TYasldnqton, B. G. Complaint of the commanding officer of H. C. M. S. Petronila. A. FRIGATE OF HER CATHOLIC MAJESTY, PETRONILA, Li the Jiferidian Sea of Bahia Honda, 14 Aliay, 1869?. SIR: The cruising ground which you maintain on these coasts has been considered by the superior authority of the island of Cuba as an infraction of international right, because carrying it on (the cruising) in the territorial waters of the island appears to constitute a blockade of her ports. Charged with the duty of making it known to you, I appeal to the friendly retations which subsist between the Government of Washing- ton and that of her Catholic Majesty, and I have no doubt that on being convinced that your cruising ground is not just, in correspond- ence with the repeated proofs of impartiality which the authorities of the island of Cuba have, up to the present, given in the contest which is now in agitation between the North and South of the American Union, you will be pleased to withdraw your cruising ground from the maritime zone which embraces our coasts, thus giving proofs of the desire which has always animated our respective Governments to maintain unalterable the friendship which unites them. I have the honor to offer myself, your most respectful and obedient servant, Captain of line of battleship and commanding sail frigate, ROMNO MARTz. VINALET. SENIOR COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE CRUISING GROUND IN THE WATERS OF THE ISLAND OF CUBA. Letter from Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officer of H. C. M. S. Petronila. B. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, 9Way 19, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, on the 17th instant, at the hands of the commander of the U. S. sloop Afaribn, of you Page 247 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 247 communication of the 14th instant, in which you inform me that the cruising ground which you (I) maintain on these coasts has been con- sidered by the superior authorities of the island of Cuba as an infrac- tion of international right, because carrying it on (the cruising) in the territorial waters of the island appears to constitute a blockade of her ports, and in which you request me to withdraw your (my) cruising ground from the maritime zone which embraces our (your) coasts. in the absence of treaty stipulations between her Catholic Majesty and the Government of the United States, I consider the territorial waters of the island of Cuba to extend 1 marine league, or 3 geo- graphical miles, from the coast, and therefore have given particular instructions to the commanders of vessels in the squadron under my flag not to chase, board, or fire upon any vessel within that limit; and I am not cognizant o~f any instance in which this has occurred. You are aware that vessels bearing the flag of the (so-called) Con- federate States, now in rebellion against the Government of the United States, have entered the port of Havana. These vessels, when from the westward, generally make the island of Cuba in the neighborhood of Bahia Honda, and from thence keep close in with the coast until they reach Havana, thus rendering it necessary for the United States cruisers to approach nearer than they otherwise would do. No one would regret more deeply than myself any interruption of the friendly relations now existing between the Government of her Catholic Majesty and that of the United States, and you may be assured that no act of mine shall intentionally lead to such a result. A copy of your communication shall be transmitted immediately to my Government. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. NV. MCKEAN, Flag- Ogficer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Sefior RoiviNo. MARTZ. VINALET, Captain of Lir~e gf Battlesh~p and Commanding Her Catholic Yaj estys Frigate Petronila. Letter from the United States Consul-General at Havana, Cuba, to Flag-Officer KeKean, U. S. Navy. CONSULATE-GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES, havana, JJiliay 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, at the hands of Lieutenant Commanding Spotts, of the schooner Wanderer, of your communication* of the 20th instant, accompanying a copy of the answer you returned to a letter from Captain Vinalet, commander of her Catholic Majestys frigate Petronila, in respect to the cruising ground you have established in the vicinity of the coast of Cuba. I had an interview to-day with Admiral Rubalcava, commander in chief of the Spanish station and naval forces here, and communicated to him the contents of your letter to me. The conversation which ensued between us was very frank and friendly in its character. I found that in the absence of Captain Vinalet he had read your letter to this officer. His excellency labors under no misapprehension *Not found Page 248 248 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. respecting the case of the ferryboat steamer Somer8et. His objections are altogether to the maintenance of a cruising ground by our naval forces in the neighborhood of the Cuban coasts, which the authorities look upon in the light of a quasi blockade of their coasts, even though the sanie be carried on without the territorial waters. He acknowl- edged that he had found nothing in books on international laws defining the extent of the territorial jurisdiction, but understood that several treaties are in existence recognizing the distance of 6 geo- graphical miles, and believed that in time of war this distance was generally admitted. However, he confessed that the authorities did not charge us with violating their jurisdiction, nor with the intention of offending them; that it was more a question of feeling, for the presence of foreign cruisers overhauling vessels in such close prox- imity to their waters was a source of annoyance, and other nations would find fault with the Spanish Government if it tolerated it. He expressed himself perfectly confident that when this became known our Government would appreciate their feelings, meet them in a spirit of fairness and friendliness, and cause the practice to be forthwith discontinued. His excellency also spoke of several vessels of various nations having been overhauled by our men-of-war, two of which, one a Spanish schooner and the other the French steamer Tage, had received damage, and one vessel had been detained by a man-of-war at night without showing lights. The admiral assured me that his orders to the commander of the Petronila, in whose discretion he has the fullest confidence, are to be very careful to do nothing which can in any way disturb the harmony so happily subsisting between the two countries. The matter has been referred to the supreme Government, between which and ours an understanding will doubtless be had, if not immediately, at a day not far distant, to settle definitely the question of the extent of their respective territorial waters. He spoke with evident satisfaction of the appreciation expressed by our Government of the conduct of the superior authority of the island, in his strict observance of the neutrality enjoined by her Catholic Majestys Government, and which he himself had been very particular to observe, and, concluding, said that, to judge from present appearances, the whole coast of our South- ern States would soon be in possession of our forces, which, by putting an end to the contraband trade, will render the employment of men- of-war in putting It down unnecessary. I assured-his excellency that our naval officers were very anxious to respect the rights of Spain and to give her proofs of their considera- tion. If I may take the liberty of making a suggestion upon the matter, I should say that it is better policy to remove the vessels now employed on this coast to our own and its vicinity, and thus avoid giving offense to the authorities here. You are, however, more com- petent than I and will act according to your best judgment. Since my last dispatch I have to report the following arrivals and clearances of vessels engaged in trade with the blockaded ports. Arrivals. May 19. Confederate steamer Atlantic; nineteen days from New Orleans; cotton. May 19. Confederate schooner Lady qf the Lake; eight days from Mobile Page 249 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 249 May 19. Confederate schooner J~ Art hur, fourteen days from Mobile. May 20. English schooner Borgia; twenty-eight days from New Orleans. May 25. English schooner. Lucy; from Nassau. May 26. English schooner Lucy; twenty-five days from New Orleans. The above are all very small vessels; the JJ Arthur 61 tons. Cleared. May 20. English ship Albion, to Matamoras. May 20. English brig Sarah, to Matamoras. May 22. English schooner Planet, to Nassau. May 24. English steamer Hal~ana, to Matamoras. May 24. Spanish bark iferisita, to Matamoras. I have made particular enquiries respecting the steamer Habana, and the result is that she actually came from St. Marks (Fla.). 1 have the assurance from a reliable person, who obtained the information from another that is supposed to know. I have the honor to be, very respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, THOS. SAVAGE, Vice- Consul- General. MAY 2S. Yesterday arrived from Sabine Confederate schooner Constitution, 16 tons, Wright, master, in twenty-seven days. To-day we have news from Mexico by way of Santiago de Cuba by a French steamer. The French were defeated by the Mexicans at Guadalupe on the 6th instant. They lost 300 killed and many pris- oners. All communications between Orizaba and Puebla, [Mexico], are cut off, so the French have no means of retreating except by fighting their way through. Tilos. SAVAGE, Vice- Consul- General. Flag-Officer WM. W. McKEAN, (hminandinvy East Gulf Blocleadiny S~juadron, Key West. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of State, acknowledging receipt of letter from the Spanish minister to the United States. NAvY DEPARTMENT, June 9, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th instant, communicating to me a copy of a note * addressed to you by Mr. Tassara, her Catholic Majestys minister accredited to this Government, in which complaint is made that our cruisers have been chasing vessels within the territorial waters of Cuba. The Department had previonsly received from Flag-Officer William W. McKean, commanding the Eastern Gulf Squadron, a communica- tion in reference to the affair witnessed by the commander of the * See Dip. Corres., 1862, p. 518 Page 250 250 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Spanish frigate Petrortilathe presence of three of our cruisers very near the coast of Cuba. A copy of this communication and a copy of the protest he received from the commander of the frigate and of his reply thereto are transmitted herewith for your information. Flag-Officer McKean thinks that the protest of the commander of her Catholic Majestys frigate must have originated in a misappre- hension of the facts of the case, which he explains. He further states that he is not cognizant of an instance in which a vessel under his flag has been guilty of invading the rights of Cuba, and that all of them have particular instructions not to chase, board, or fire upon any ves- sel within the territorial waters of the island. The Department, however, will direct the flag-officer who has suc- ceeded Flag-Officer McKean to instruct the commanders of vessels in his squadron to respect the territorial sovereignty of Spain. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Hon. WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary of State. Letter from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy, transmitting note from the Spanish minister at Washington. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, October 10, 186g. SIR: I have the honor to communicate for your information a copy of a note which has been received at this Department from his Excel- lency Senor Don Gabriel Garcia y Tassara, minister plenipotentiary of her Catholic Majesty, on the subject of the marine dominion appur- tenant to the island of Cuba. You will learn from this paper that Spain claims that this dominion covers 6 miles upon the open sea, instead of 3 miles as it has been understood by this Government. The questions raised by this note are important and by no means easy of solution. The Spanish Government sets forth a true principle of international law when it statos that the marine jurisdiction of every sovereign extends the length of a cannon shot from the shore. It has, however, been generally agreed by the acquiescence rather than by the formal consent of nations that this extent is a marine league or 3 niiles. Spain now claims that the limit may be extended beyond the 3 miles so however as to be kept within the length of a gunshot as it is extended by modern improvements in the machinery of ordnance, and that each nation may fix the limit of its own marine dominion, with that reservation, for itself, without making general or specific arrangements for the purpose with other states. Spain moreover claims that she has thus fixed the limit for herself at 6 miles. The subject will receive due examination by this Department. As a pre- liminary to that examination I have the honor to ask you how the allowance of this claim would practically affect the efficiency of the Navy in the exercise of such belligerent rights as the United States have occasion to maintain and exercise in the vicinity of Cuba. I am, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 251 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 251 [EnclosureTranslation.] LEGATION OF SPAIN AT WASHINGTON, Washington, October 8, 1862. The undersigned, envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary of her Catholic Majesty, makes known to the honorable Secretary of State that, on his Government being informed of the question recently raised between the commander of the ship Petronila and the superior oflicer of the naval forces of the United States which were cruising in the waters of Cuba, it was surprised at the error of the latter in claim- ing that the jurisdiction belt of that island did not extend beyond 3 miles. The Government of her Majesty has fixed it at 6 miles on the open sea, and in doing so has conformed to all the rules of the law of nations. The principle generally recognized is that maritime juris- diction extends to the range of cannon ball; and even abiding by this principle, which each nation has modified at its will, the belt fixed by Spain is very moderate, in view of the modern improvements in artil- lery. Nor is any international compact required for the determina- tion or recognition of a jurisdiction which is not at all excessive, but a special treaty might be necessary for making an exception in favor of any nation, and between Spain and the United States none such exists. The United States are so much the more obliged to respect this principle since, as is evident to the honorable Secretary of State, the jurisdictional belt claimed by them extends many miles farther than those designated by Spain. The Government of her Catholic Majesty trusts, therefore, that that of the United States will cause the commanding officers of its naval forces in the Gulf to understand that the jurisdictional belt of the island of Cuba extends to 6 miles on the open sea, and that only beyond that limit is it allowed to them to exercise any act which may be in opposition to the rights of Spanish authority. In this way all misunderstanding will cease and the good relations of the two coun- tries will not be liable to be disturbed by causes which ought entirely to disappear. The undersigned avails himself of this opportunity to reiterate to the honorable Secretary of State the assurances of his highest consid- eration. GABRIEL G. TASSARA. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Secretary gf State of the United States. Report of Flag- Ofticer JilicKean, U. S. Navy, regarding orders issued to the U. S. S. B. II. (uyler. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, iWay 936, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that I have, in compliance with the instructions contained in your communication of the 7th instant, ordered the steamer Unyler to Boston. The Cayler sailed this morning, having on board a full supply of coals, Lieutenant Commanding Winslow being instructed to cruise off the N. E. Providence Channel until he consumes all his coals with the exception of a sufficient quantity for the passage to Boston, after whic Page 252 252 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. he will proceed to that place and report to you im~mediately upon his arrival. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MOKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. 6/. Report of Flag- Officer .MicKean, UI S. Navy, requesting instructions from the Department regarding the battery of the U. S. ship St. Lawrence. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, .2Jilay 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival at this place of the frigate St. Lawrence on the 23d instant. As there are now a number of Confederate vessels in the port of Havana loading, it is supposed, for Southern ports, I shall dispatch her to cruise in the Gulf for a few weeks, after which I will convert her into a store and hospital ship, in order to do which, however, it will be necessary to remove her main-deck battery and a portion of the weight from her hold, as otherwise when loaded she would draw too much water to be anchored in the harbor. I therefore request instruc- tions from the Department in regard to the battery. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Stations of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, .Miay 26, 1862. Name. Station. Remarks. Niagara Key West Mercedita Cruising off N. E. Providence Channel. R. R. Cuyler Do. Quaker City Cruising off N. W. Providence Channel. Wanderer Cruisng between Tortugas and Cape San Antonio. Pursmt Do. Bainbridge Do. Ethan Allen Tampa Bay Blockading. Beauregard St. Martins Reef and Crystal Do. River. Somerset Cedar Keys Do. Kingfisher St. Marks Do. Young Rover Apalachicola, East Pass Do. J. L. Davis Apalachicola, West Pass Do. Chambers . St. Josephs Bay Do. Samuel Rotan St. Andrews Bay Do. Sagamore Ordered to Key West. Tahoma Key West Repairing and coaling. St. Lawrence do Taking in water. Amanda do Taking in water and provisions. National Guard Storeship, absent supplying squadron. Marion Has sailed for Boston for repairs Page 253 U EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 253 Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Cate, (11 S. Navy, regarding the capture of the schooner Andromeda. U. S. BARK PURSUIT, Off iiariel, Cuba, IJilay 2G, 186~2. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the schooner Andro- meda (by this vessel under my command this afternoon), Mariel, Cuba, bearing south by east 17 miles. Reported from the masthead at 3 p. m. and boarded at 5 p. m. When first seen she was bearing for Havana. When they made us out she kept off N. N. E. and made all sail. We were obliged to fire four shell from our rifled Parrott gun before she would heave to. She is from Sabine Pass, Tex., and has on board 597 bales cotton and some other cargo. Very respectfully, ~DAvID CATE, Flag-Officer ~ ~. M~KEAN, Lieutenant, Commanding. U S. Frigate Niagara, Key West, Fla. Order gf Flag- Officer ilifeKean, U. S. Navy, to Commander Schenek, U S. Navy, commanding U S. ship St. Lawrence, assigning the cruising ground of that vessel. U. S. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Key West, Afay 28, 18G2. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. frigate St. Lawrence under your command to cruise between Tortugas and Cape San Antonio for the purpose of intercepting vessels bound to Confederate ports or vessels that may have run the blockade bound to Havana. You will be par- ticular, however, not to chase, board, or fire upon any vessel within 1 marine league, or 3 geographical miles of the Cuban coast. The brig Bainbridge and schooner l~JTanderer are now cruising between Tortugas and Cape San Antonio, and the bark Amanda and gunboat ]iahoma will be dispatched in a few days. You will instruct your boai~ding officers to be careful not to give unnecessary offense, to be courteous, but firm in the execution of their duty. Herewith enclosed you will find a memorandum of vessels which have run the blockade and reached Havana. They will probably sail from thence with return cargoes, but under the English flag, and fur- nished with provisional registers. Should you meet with any of them you will capture and send them in. I transmit herewith a inemoradum describing a British provisional register, a communication giving information of a large number of vessels from European ports which are suspected of intention to vio- late the blockade, a copy of general orders, and a number of circulars, etc., to all of which I call your particular attention. In the event of making prizes you will send them to this port for adjudication. At the expiration of one month, if not otherwise instructed, you will return to this place and report to me. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, [WM. W. MCKEAN,] Flag- Officer, Co?nmanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Comniander J. F. SCHENUK, (lommanding U S. Frigate St. Lawrence, E~y West, Fla Page 254 254 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Ridgely, (7 5. Nary, commanding U S. S. Santiago de (uba, regarding the capture of schooner Lucy C. holmes. U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Off Key West, Kay 30, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that the Santiago de Cuba left New York on the 24th instant under orders of the Secretary of the Navy to proceed to Key West and report to you. On the morning of the 27th instant, in latitude 320 N., longitude 78~ 06 W., 1 captured the rebel schooner Lucy C. holmes, from Santee the night previous, bound to Nassau. She was loaded with cot- ton and had papers from the Confederate custom-house at Charleston. On the same day I sent her to Boston under charge of Acting Masters Mate L. Coggeshall. Respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. B. RIDGELY, Commander, U. S. Navy. Flag-Officer W. W. MCKEAN, Commanding Squadron, Key West. Capture of watering party in Aucilla River, florida, June 2, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer Lardner, U. S. Navy, transmitting report. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Hey IYest, Fla., June 13, 1862. SIR: I transmit a very lengthened report of Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Commanding Jos. P. Couthony, of the bark Kingfisher, of an unfortunate attempt to procure water. He has been admonished to be more careful in future. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Ofticer, tJommanding Eastern Gu~f Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Couthouy, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Kingfisher. U. S. BARK KINGFISHER, Blockading off St. Aifarks, Fla., June 7, 1862. SIR: I have to report that on the 2d instant this vessel met with a grave disaster in the capture of two of her boats while watering in the Aucilla River, and of Acting Master Samuel Curtis, with the survivors of his party, 11 in number (2 having been killed in the skirmish), all of whom are now prisoners at Tallahassee. The river, whose entrance is situated about 4 leagues N. E. by E. of our anchorage, had been reconnoitered by my order a month previous by Masters Mate C. E. Sloan, in consequence of a large quantity of our water being found to be very offensive and the necessity of finding some place where a supply could be procured without danger. H Page 255 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 255 reported it as perfectly secure, showing no token of having been inhab- ited for years. It was long ago a resort of live-oak cutters, and quan- tities of the timber were yet scattered along the banks. The whole region was covered with undergrowth and jungle, and the pilot, Welles, assured me the place had been deserted since the last Indian war, and was inaccessible by any land route. On the strength of these representations I sent a wooding party to the river on 5th May, which, between that and 10th, cut and brought off about five cords without having seen or heard the least indication of danger. Ou the 27th instant, o~r water running low and being very. impure, I considered it important to procure an additional supply and sent in two boats which returned next day with 480 gallons and reported having found eveiything as left by the wooding party. Three other trips were made that week in all security and without anything being observed to excite the least apprehension. The boats always went armed, and all were charged to be vigilant in guarding against the pos~ sibility of a surprise. On Monday, 2d instant, the first and second cutters with a party of 13 men in charge of Mr. Curtis left the ship about 10 a. m. for the river, accompanied by the pilot and one man in the sailboat in which our contrabands came off. The next morning the pilot returned and reported having run down to the mouth of the river with the other boats which proceeded imme- diately to the landing about 2 miles up, while he remained outside for an hour or more to fish. On his following the party in, as he approached the landing, he saw a number of our casks in the river and close to the landing, the second cutter capsized, and surmised at once that our peo- ple had been surprised by the enemy. The first cutter was nowhere to be seen. After reconnoitering cautiously, seeing no one, he ventured to right the second cutter and make her fast to a tree, and to roll the casks up on the bank, when he observed several breastworks of heavy logs that had beeti erected since Saturday, and fearing the enemy might yet be in the vicinity, prudently made the best of his way back to the ship. On receiving this information I determined to send a boat that night to make a further examination and if practicable bring off the second cutter and any other property that could be secured without risk of further loss, and also to try to ascertain if some of our men might not have escaped and been concealed in the vicinity of the river. Masters Mate Charles E. Sloan, in whose judgment and prudence I had full confidence, having been restored to duty in view of the emer- gency, was accordingly dispatched with the third cutter for this pur- pose, under written instructions, of which a copy is hereto appended, together with one of his reports to me on returning next day (4th) at noon, which confirmed my fears that some of our party might have fallen in the skirmish. On the morning of the 5th I sent Mr. Sloan in under a flag of truce to the light-house, with a communication to the commanding officer at St. Marks, requesting a pass for a burying party to go down with a flag of truce and decently inter our slain, and permission to send the survivors their clothing and a small sum of money, asking also that Mr. Curtis might be permitted to communi- cate briefly the circumstances of his capture, and that if any of our men were wounded and he could not extend needful surgical aid, they might be sent to me on the pledge of my honor that they should, on their recovery, be remanded to be held as prisoners of war until exchanged or released on parole. I append a copy of this letter an Page 256 256 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. of one to Acting Master Curtis enclosed with it, together with a letter in reply received the day following from Lieutenant D. W. Gwynn, commanding Confederate forces near St. Marks, complying in the most courteous manner with my requests and enclosing a pass for a flag of truce with a burying party. I also append the report of Mr. Sloan, who was sent last night in charge of the party, returned at noon to-day after having properly interred our late shipmates, by which it appears that they were identified by their clothing as Antoine Faulkner, seaman, and Antonio Euphrates, ordinary seaman. Their graves were marked conformably to the directions given in your squadron orders. I considered it proper to address a letter of as~knowledgment to Lieutenant Gwynn for his courtesy in granting requests, a copy of which will be found annexed. The sum of ~5O and a supply of cloth- ing for Mr. Curtis accompanied this letter, and the hammocks and clothing of the men will be sent up on Monday (9th). The watering party was composed of the following persons: Acting Master Samuel Curtis, in charge; William H. Pierce, seaman; Charles Newton, seaman, arm broken by a ball; Charles Hood, seaman, slightly wounded; Frank Dyckman, sea man; George W. Greenough, ordinary seanian; William Harps, ordinary seaman; W. T. Leach, ordinary seaman; Rienzi J. Brooks, ordinary seaman; Stephen P. Lincoln, ordinary seaman; George F. Eddy, landsman; Nehemiah Sherman, landsman; Antoine FaUlkner, seaman, killed; Antonio Euphrates, seaman, killed. Sunday, 8tk.A flag of truce came down this morning with a com- munication from Lieutenant Gwynn, replying to mine thanking him for his courtesy, and enclosing one froni Brigadier-General Finegan, commanding Department of East and Middle Florida dated Head- quarters Provisional Forces, Tallahassee, June 6, containing proposals for exchange of prisoners, both which are herewith transmitted; also a brief note from Mr. Curtis giving the names of our killed and wounded and stating that himself and party were treated with every kindiness after surrendering, and have been ever since; that all were well except those that were wounded, and those are getting along finely. A verbal message having been sent that Lieutenant Gwynn would be pleased to hold a personal conference with me, I proceeded to meet him at the inner buoy, about midway between the vessel and the light- house, and had an interview of some fifteen minutes. Our conversa- tion was exclusively on the affair at the Aucilla River. He testified in strong terms to the gallantry of our men, who were, as J apprehended, taken by surprise, and particularly mentioned the conduct of Charles Newton, who fought like a hero, endeavoring after his arm was dis- abled to use his gun with only one hand. He expressed his regret that the cm~p+ure had cost the lives of two of our men, but said it was unavoidable from the manner in which our whole party defended themselves against a greatly superior force, and that but for their being taken off their guard the loss of life would have been much greater, without changing the result. Lieutenant Gwynn stated that the Confederates reached the river by following an old trail through the woods and swamps, but declined stating how they learned that our men were there, whether the troops came from St. Marks or Tallahassee. From some incidental expres- sions, however, I am led to believe they came from the latter post, an Page 257 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 257 that intelligence was conveyed thither from St. Marks on the departure of our boats, having been seen from the light-house. This edifice and the point of land in which it stands is at present occupied by a company of artillery commanded by Lieutenant Maxwell, whose men and horses appear to be in good condition for service. Mr. Sloan was not allowed to go up far enough to see what was the strength of their battery. Since this fact has come to my knowledge a full watch is kept at night in all weathers, to be in better readiness for their reception should they be emboldened by our recent loss to run down with a large force on the steamer Spray and attempt to surprise and carry us by boarding. Should it meet your approval, and the interests of the service will permit, 1 respectfully ask that my action in this unfortunate affair may be duly investigated by a court of enquiry, before which I trust to be able to make it appear that it was not owing to want of reasonable and prudent care on my part for the safety of the persons and property entrusted to my charge. I enclose Acting Assistant Surgeon E. S. Smiths report of casualties, and remain, Very respectfully, your, obedient servant, Jos. P. COUTHOUY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer Wi~i. W. McKEAN, Commanding Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Acting Assistant Surgeon Smith, IT. S. Navy, regarding casualties. U. S. BARK KINGFISHER, Blockading off St. AfiuVes, Fla., June 7, 1869?. SIR: I have to report the foUowing casualties, resulting from the attack upon our watering party by Confederate troops, in the Aucilla River, June 2. 1. Antoine Faulkner, seamen, born in Germany, killed. 2. Antonio Euphrates, ordinary seaman, born in the Western Islands, killed. Two other seamen (names unknown) attached to the party are reported by the enemy as slightly wounded. The remains of the deceased, under your directions, have been carefully interred on the left bank of the Aucilla River, about 2~ miles from its mouth, 50 yards back from its margin, and some 200 yards below an old white-oak settlement. A painted headboard marks the site of their graves. Faulkner lying, as you face the inscription, to the left of the board, Euphrates to the right. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EDGAR S. SMITH, Acting Assistant Surgeon. J05. P. COUTHOUY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Coinmirtnding. P. S.Since writing the above I have learned that the two men referred to as wounded are Charles, Newton, Marquesas Islands, sea- NWR Y0L17 i Page 258 258 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. man, and Charles Hood, England, seaman. The former is reported as having received a fracture of the arm and the latter some slighter injury. E. S. SMITH, Acting Ase~stant Surgeon. Letter from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Couthouy, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant MoGary, C. S. Navy, requesting permission to send clothing to the captured and bury the dead. U. S. BARK KINGFISHER, Blockading off St. ilfark8, lIla., June 6, 1862. SIR: I presume that it was by a portion of the forces under your command, one of my officers, Acting Master Samuel Curtis, with the survivors of the watering party of 13 men under his charge, were captured in the Aucilla River on the 2d instant, and that they are now held by you as prisoners of war. I do ~iot permit myself to doubt that they will receive at your hands such treatment as humanity and the civilization of the age claim for persons in their situation, and as your prisoners on board this vessel have received at mine. As they are without any clothing, I have to request you will allow me to send them their hammocks and clothes bags, that they may be made comfortable as far as these are concerned, without taxing your hospitality for the purpose. I wish, also, to enquire if there would be any objection on your part to my placing a few dollars for each in the hands of Mr. Curtis, to be expended by him at his discrc- tion in the purchase of such minor articles as they may need for their comfort. I have ascertained that some of my men were killed in the skirmish and buried in a hasty manner near the bank of the river, the bodies not being covered by more than a foot of loose earth, and ask that you will be pleased to furnish me with a pass for a burying party to go down with a hag of truce and place the remains of our late ship- mates in security from the attacks of beasts of prey and the vultures, and mark their graves so that when peace in Gods time shall visit our unhappy country again their friends may be enabled, if they wish it, to remove their bones. Should any of our men in your hands be wounded and require surgical aid, as you may be without the means of affording it, if you will send them to me that they may receive suitable care and attendance, I pledge my honor as an officer and a gentleman that as soon as they are convalescent they shall be remanded to you, to be held as prisoners of war, until exchanged or released on parole. I enclose a letter for Acting Master Curtis, which I trust you will not deem it inexpedient to deliver, and hope further that you will allow him to forward me an open report of the circumstances of his capture and the loss we have sustained, for transmission to the Department. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, Jos. P. COUTHOUY, Acting Volunteer lieutenant, Commanding. Lieutenant Commanding C. [P.] MOGARY, C. S. Navy, Or, in ide abeence, tke Comrnandiuig Ogjlcer at St. ilfarks Page 259 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 259 - otter from Lieutenant Gwynn, C. S. Army, commanding officer near St. Marks, Pla., acced- ing to request regarding the captured and dead. CAMP JACKSON, Near St. iVliarks, June 5, 1862. SIR: Your communication addressed to the commanding officer at St. Marks, etc., is at hand. You are correct in your surmise that Acting Master Samuel Curtis, of the U. S. bark Kingfisher, with the survivors of his party, were captured on the banks of the Aucilla River on the 2d instant by a party of Confederate troops, and they are now held as prisoners of war. I assure you that so long as our countrymen who have been so unfortunate as to fall into your hands shall be treated with humanity and kindness yours shall fare equally well in our custody. You can deliver such clothing an d other articles (including the few dollars mentioned in your communication) which you may desire sent to Mr. Curtis for the use of himself and party to Lieutenant Maxwell at St. Marks light-house, and 1 will have them safely conveyed to the commander of the Confederate forces at Tallahassee, who will, I have no doubt, dispose of them at your request. Only two of your men were killed in the skirmish at Aucilla River, and our troops not having the proper appliances at hand entrusted their burial to some citizens in the vicinity. I cheerfully grant your request and send you a pass for a burying party to go down with a flag of truce, and moi~e perfectly secure the remains of your late ship- mates. Two of your men were wounded, but not seriously. They are placed in the hospital at Tallahassee, where they have the best medical and other necessary attention. The other matters mentioned in your communication will be referred to the commanding officer at Talla- hassee, and you shall receive his reply at an early day. Very respectfully, yours, etc., D. W. GwYNN, Lieutenant, Commanding Confederate forces near St. Jikrks. Kemorandurn.The above was received by me under flag of truce at 1:40 p. m. of Friday, June 6, in sealed envelope addressed Joseph P. Couthouy, lieutenant, commanding bark Kingfisher. Jos. P. COUTIIOUY, Acting Trolunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Letter from Brigadier-General Finegan, C. S. Army, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Couthouy, U. S. Navy, regarding the prisoners. HEADQUARTERS, PRovIsIoNAL FORCES, DEPARTMENT EAST AND MIDDLE FLORIDA, Tallahassee, June 6, 1862. SIR: I am instructed by the commanding general of this department to say that your communication of the 5th instant, under a flag of truce from U. S. bark Kingfisher, to Lieutenant Commanding McGary, C. S. Navy, received by Lieutenant Gwynn, commanding forces at St. Marks. light, and the reply of Lieutenant Gwynn, together with your letter to Acting Master Curtis, now prisoner of war at Tallahassee, have been submitted to him. The prisoners of war referred to i Page 260 260 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. your communication will be treated with humanity and allowed such privileges as are demanded by the usages of civilized nations. Cloth- ing, money, hammocks, or such other articles as may promote the health or comfort of the prisoners, may be sent by you to the officer commanding at St. Marks light, and shall be delivered to Acting Master Curtis as desired in your communication. Your wounded men have been well provided with medical and other attention, and the dead were ordered to be buried by the officer commanding in the Aucilla. Yet you can, if you so desire, make use of the pass granted by Lieutenant Gwynn, for thepurpose of interring them more securely and of marking their graves. The commanding general is not advised that there are any prisoners of war, recognized as such by the usages of war among civilized nations, on board of the U. S. bark Kingfisher. The detention of Mr. Butts, a citizen of the Confederate States, a non- combatant and not in the military service, is not in conformity with such usages. There are parts of your letter to Acting Master Curtis which are not proper to be submitted to him. So much of your letter as refers to the maintenance of discipline and the preservation of the men in an efficient condition for future service and in loyalty to the Government of the United States, is not such a communication as is licensed by the rules of war. So much of your letter as contains assurances of a provision for their necessities will be cheerfully com- municated to the men. There are two or three prisoners of Florida, captured by the United States forces on Santa Rosa Island, and now on parole, for whom an exchange of a like number of your men of equal rank will be made. There are also 12 or 14 of Confederate States soldiers now prisoners of war at Key West, for the exchange of whom a communication has been sent to the United States officer commanding Federal vessels on the St. Johns River, for whom an exchange of an equal number of your men of same rank, now prisoners in our hands, will be made. Your attention is called to the usage of war requiring flags of truce to be sent in charge of a commissioned officer. Also that official reports from prisoners to the late commanding officers, though sub- mitted to the inspection of officers having them in charge, are not allowed. The commanding general of the department desires to comply with your requests in so far as he is allowed to do so by the usages of war among civilized nations. By order of Brigadier-General Finegan, commandin~. ALL, A.A. G. Lieutenant Jos. P. COUTHOUY, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Gomdg. U. S. Bark Kingfisher. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Rogers, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Huntsville, to proceed to duty in the East Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 3, 1862. SIR: When the U. S. S. Huntsville shall be ready for sea, proceed with her with all practicable dispatch to Key West and report to Flag- Officer J. L. Lardner for duty as a part of the Eastern Gulf Block- ading Squadron Page 261 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 261 Transmit to the Department before leaving New York a muster roll of the crew and a separate list of the officers of the Huntsville. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Acting Volunte er Lieutenant W. C. ROGERS, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Huntsville, New York. Stations of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP NIAGARA, Fey West, June 4, 1862. Names. Stations. Remarks. Niagara Key West San Jacinto do Mercedita do Taking in coal; just returned from a cruise. Quaker City cruising off N. W. Providence Channel. Wanderer Cruising between Tortugas and Cape San Antonio. Bainbridge Do. Amanda Do. Ethan Allen Tampa Bay Blockading. Beauregard St. Martins Reef and Crystal Do. River. Somerset Cedar Keys Do. Kingfisher St. Marks Do. Young Rover On her way to Apalachicola, East Pass. Sagamore To be relieved by Young Rover and ordered to Key West. J. L. Davis Apalachicola, West Pass Blockading. Chambers St. Josephs Bay Do. Samuel Rotan St. Andrews Bay Do Tahoma Key West Repairing and coaling. National Guard do Storeship; taking in coal and stores. Eugenic do Guard vessel. St. Lawrence Sailed this day with orders to cruise between Tortugas and Cape San Antonio. Pursuit Sailed this day with orders to cruise between Cape San Antonio and Yuca- tan Bank. Santiago de Cuba Under orders to sail, to cruise between Cape San Antonio and Yucatan Bank. Fort Henry Key West Arrived yesterday. Report of Flag- Ojf/icer Lardner, U. S. Navy, announcing arrival at Key West to assume command of the East Gulf Squadron. U. S. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key West, Fla., June 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your order of the 19th of May I have reported to Flag-Officer McKean to relieve him from the command of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, and have hoisted my flag on board the San Jacinto as commander of that squadron. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- OJjlcer, Commanding East Gu~f Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 262 262 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. R~port of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant W~nn, CL S. Navy, regarding the arming of Confederate schooner (rate 1. Bruce in fihattahoochee River. U. S. BARK JAS. L. DAvIS, Apalachi cola Bay, June 8, 1862. SIR: Enclosed please find muster roll of this ship to 1st instant, since which two more contrabands have come aboard and claimed protection. I have but two slight cases of sickness on the ship. The contrabands which arrived this a. m. report that within a few weeks the rebels have taken a large schooner from Rices [Rickoes] Bluff to Columbus, [Ga.], for the purpose of putting steam power in her and arming her to come down and drive the Yanks from Confederate waters. She ran the blockade last winter to Apa- lachicola under English colors with a valuable cargo from Havana. We are ready for her or any other single vessel the rebels may send. The name of the schooner is Kate L. Bruce. I am, sir, with the highest respect, your obedient servant, Jos. WINN, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, (~ommanding, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy, Washington, D. C. P. S.It is reported that the Kate L. Brace is to be commanded by Captain Marr, late of the Florida, captured by this vessel last March off Cedar Keys, taken to Key West, and condemned. Captain and crew arrived here last month, where they have families and reside. J. W. Report of Lieutenant English, U. S. Navy, regarding the discovery of steamer Havana in Deadinans Bay, Florida. U. S. S. SOMERSET Off Cedar Keys, Fla., June 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Depariment that on the morning of the 5th of June the tender (Ezilda) to this vessel sur- prised a steamer named the Havana, in Deadmans Bay. Before she could reach her she was fired and deserted by her crew. She had about finished discharging her cargo and was taking in cotton. Nothing was saved but her jib, one anchor, two chain cables, and three pigs of lead. At the time boarded she had on her deck about 10 tons of lead, which melted and sank with tbe vessel. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Lieutenant, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 263 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 263 Order of the Secretary of the Ntvy to Flag- Ofilcer Lardner, U. S. Navy, calling attention to the need ~f protection for t~4e inlet to Indian River, Florida. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 10, 1862. SIR: Attention should be given to Indian River inlet south of Cape Canaveral. It is possible there is a point of transshipment there, as a road is said to be completed from that vicinity clear up to Volusia. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Oflicer JAMES L. LARDNER, (ommanding, etc., Key West, Fla. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Oftlcer Lardner, 171 5. Navy, calling attention to the necessity gf respecting the territorial sovereignty of Spain in Cuban waters. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 10, 1862. SIR: In disposing of your naval force and issuing instructions to the commanding officers in your squadron for intercepting the trade that may be carried on between the ports of Cuba and the insurgent States by vessels fitting out in those ports, or that may use them for convenience, you will impress upon such commanding officers the necessity of respecting the territorial sovereignty of Spain. They should exercise great caution in this respect and should not chase, fire upon, board, or seize vessels within the territorial waters of Cuba. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer JAMES L. LARDNER, Commanding, etc., Key West, Fla. R~port of Commander Brasher, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. brig Bainbridge, regarding the capture of the schooner Baigorry. U. S. BRIG BAINBRIDGE, Key West, June 11, 1862. SIR: On the 9th instant, latitude 230 46, longitude 83~ ff3, we took as a prize the schooner Baigorry, from New Orleans, bound to Havana, and have sent her to Key West for adjudication, on the grounds of illegal and defective papers. The brig accompanies her for the purpose of receiving back the prize crew and delivering over to the authorities the men taken from the Confederate vessel. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. M. BRASHER, Commanding Bainbridge. Flag-Officer JAMES L. LARDNER, tJominanding Eastern Gulf Squadron Page 264 264 EAST GULF 13tOC1~ADtNG SQUADEON. Report of Captain AfeKean, U S. Navy, of arrival at Boston from the East Gulf Squadron. U. S. STEAM FRIGATE NIAGARA, Boston, June 12, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to announce the arrival of the Niagara at 1 p. m. this day. Flag-Officer Lardner arrived at Key West on the 1st instant, and on the 4th instant 1 transferred to him the command of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron and sailed in the Niagara for this port. I transmit herewith a list of the officers attached to this ship; also a list of the men who are entitled to an honorable discharge. There are about 100 men belonging to the ship whose term of service has expired, and I have also on board about 40 others from various vessels of the squadron. I earnestly request authority to discharge all of the original crew of this ship, as ~they have been closely confined for more than two years, havin a i erty but twice. I feel confident that if now discharged most if not all of them will ship again within a month. I also request authority to grant two months pay and two or three weeks liberty to about 46 others, who have nearly two years to serve. I desire to bring to your favorable notice Lieutenant Commanding de Krafft. He is an intelligent and fine officer, and well worthy of any position to which the Department may deem it proper to appoint him. As most officers have been in the ship for upward of two years, I trust the Department will grant them leave of absence. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. W. MCKEAN. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag- Officer ]ardner, CL S. Navy, regarding the destruction of a fort tn St. ilfiarks Rtver, Flortda, June 15, 1862. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key West, June 29, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 16th instant Lieutenant Commanding John C. Howell in the gunboat liahoma, accompanied by Lieutenant Commanding Earl English in the Somerset, crossed the bar of St. Marks River and drove out a company of artillery with four or five fieldpieces, from a fort near the light-house, afterwards landing and burning the fort with the buildings used as a barracks. This was good service against a nest of rebels that had captured two of the Kingfishers boats and were prepared for other misc ief. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Ab8tract log U S. S. ]iahoma, Lieutenant Howell, U S. Navy, commanding. Jane 15, 1862.At 1 p. m. stood in toward St. Marks, accompanied by Somerset. Got ship ready for action. At 1:60 fired ii X-inc Page 265 EAST GULF BLOCKADING S~tYAD1~ON. 265 and 14 Parrott shells at the battery and surroundings. At 2:30 ceased firing, called away all boats, made a landing, destroyed battery, and burned barracks. Report of Lieutenant Commanding English, U. S. Navy, commanding UJ S. S. Somerset, regarding the capture by that vessel of the schooner Curlew. U. S. S. SOMERSET, Off Cedar Keys, Fla., June 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department that I captured the schooner Curlew off this port on the afternoon of the 16th instant, under the following circumstances: Steaming down the coast from St. Marks, Deadmans Point bearing N. E., distant 8 miles, Sea Horse Key, S. E., distant about 30 miles, sighted a schooner standing in toward Deadmans Bay. Stood for her. As soon as she made me out she hauled her wind and stood to the westward. Coming up with her, she hove to. His answer to my hail was From Havana, bound to Pensacola. Sent a boat with two officers on board and found her to be the Curlew, with English colors and a provisional register, signed by the English consul (Crawford) at Havana. She cleared from Havana, bound to Matamoras. Finding her so much out of her position, and on board sufficient evidence to justify me in seizing her, I have sent her into Key West for adjudica- tion. Enclosed I send a correct list of the officers and crew of the Somerset. 1 am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Lieutenant Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Goodwin, U. S. Navy, com- manding CL S. bark Amanda, regarding the capture of a slave bark. U. S. BARK AMANDA, Key West, June 18, 1862. SIR: I have to inform you that at 8 oclock on the morning of 17th instant I made a bark and schooner on the lee bow, schooner appar- ently communicating with bark. The bark had royals and topgallant sails dewed up. We ran for her and brought her to with a blank cartridge. Sent a boat on board. She proved to be the bark a slaver, having discharged over 800 negroes on the 16th and 17th. Sent a prize crew on board in charge of Acting Master Joseph E. Jones, with instructions to proceed to Key West, she having no provisions or water on board. I have on board my vessel the crew of the slaver, 11 men. Our position at time of boarding bark was Tableland of Mariel, bearing S. S. E. 20 miles. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, N. GoODwIN, U. S. Navy, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant. Flag-Officer J. L. LARDNER, Commanding Eastern Division Gulf Squadron Page 266 266 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of AcUng 3faster Jones, U. S. Navy, commanding prize slaver, of arrival at Key West, Fla. U. S. BARK AMANDA, Key West, [June 18, 1862]. SIR: I have to report to you the arrival of the slave prize in my charge at this port. When I arrived on board I found everything in utter confusion. Her crew were all intoxicated and inclined to be troublesome. 1 then made a signal for another armed boats crew, and immediately commenced a search for any documents that may have been on board. I also sent all the men on board the Arnanda, and took every precaution to preserve everything of any value. They informed me that she had landed 7~O slaves previous to her capture. I then made sail for Key West, according to your instructions. I then set my men to~ clear up her decks so as to make all snug in case work to of strong winds, and in throwing some tubs overboard one of our men fell into the water. I instantly tacked ship and stood in for him, and having no boat I was obliged to work to the best advantage. While the ship was in stays two other men jumped overboard to take a line to him, although against my orders. I also made a signal, which you instantly understood, and I am sorry to say that one of our men was drowned, and I sent the body to you for interment. I arrived next morning at this port without any further trouble, and reported to the flag-officer, by your instructions. I remain, your obedient servant, JosEPH E. JONES Lieutenant N. GOODWIN, Acting Jfaster. Commanding U. ASK. Bark Amanda. Report of Flag- 6?fficer Lardner, U. S. Navy, giving list of vessels seized and sent to Key West for adjudication. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key West, Jane 18, 1862. SIR: I have to report the following vessels seized and sent to this port for adjudication. Schooner Baiqorry, cotton, by brig Bainbridge, June 11. Schooner Princeton, assorted cargo, with Confederate flag, by the Susquekanna, June 12. Bark (no name) engaged in slave trade, by bark Amanda, June 18. The first two vessels were sent in before your order, directing a portion of prizes to be sent to Boston was received by me, and the third before the order had been received by the officer making the capture. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Ofticer, Comdq., Eastern Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. Page 267 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 267 Report of Acting 21/laster Stearns, CL S. Navy, commanding CL S. schooner Beauregard, regarding the seizure of the British schooner Lucy, from Havana, Cuba. U. S. SCHOONER BEAUREGARD, Off Deadmans Point [Bay], Eta., June 20, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to state that at 10:30 a. m. this day, in lati- tude 290 38 N., and longitude 83~ 45 W., I boarded the British schooner Lucy, from the port of Havana, with clearance for the port of New Orleans. Ii found her heading north by compass, and over five degrees of longitude out of her track. Owing to the number of vessels run- ning the blockade and the cargo she contained, I saw proper to send her to Key West, in charge of Masters Mate A. K. Jones f9r adjudi- cation. Hoping this seizure meets with your approbation, I have the honor to be, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID STEARNS, Acting 21/laster, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of U. S. Navy. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Randall, U. S. Navy, com- manding CL S. bark Pursuit, regarding the seizure gf the sloop Kate, from Nassau, New Providence. U. S. BARK PURSUIT, Off Indian River, East Coast Florida, June 23, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that this morning, the 23d instant, at 6 a. in., a sail was discovered in Indian River, 12 miles north of the inlet. Two boats were immediately dispatched, Acting Ensign Peter Heede and Acting Masters Mate James H. Barry in charge. They succeeded in capturing her and arrived at this vessel at 4 p. in. She proved to be the sloop Kate, from Nassau, New Providence, with an assorted cargo. She had no colors or papers of any description on board. The captain acknowledged that he left Nassau on the 20th instant for the express purpose of running the blockade. The vessel leaves for Key West to-morrow for adjudication. I have the honor to enclose a full list of the officers and crew entitled to share in the prize. No other vessels were in sight at the time of the capture. I have the honor to remain, sir, your obedient servant, WM. P. RANDALL, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Duplicates of the above were sent to Admiral Bailey and Judge Marvin. Page 268 268 1~AST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Stattons of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key TYest, June 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the respective stations of the vessels of this squadron: Name. STEAMERS. San Jacinto (flagship) Mercedita Quaker City Santiago de tluba Somerset Sagamore Tahoma Fort Henry Young Rover SAILING VESSELS. Frigate St. Lawrence Brig Bainbridge Bark Ethan Allen Bark Kingfisher Bark Jas. L. Davis Bark Pursuit Commander. Commander Wm.Ronckendorff. Commander H. S. Steliwagen.. Commander Jas. M. Frailey. Commander D. B. Ridgely Lieutenant Commanding Earl English. Lieutenant Commanding A. J. Drake. Lieutenant Commanding Jno. C. Howell. Acting Lieutenant E. Y. Mc- Cauley. Acting Master I. B. Studley Commander J. F. Schenck Commander T. M. Brasher Volunteer Lieutenant Com- manding W. B. Eaton. Volunteer Lieutenant Coin. manding Jos. P. Couthouy. Volunteer Lieutenant Coin. manding Jos. Winn. Volunteer Lieutenant Coin. manding David Cate. Bark Amanda Volunteer Lieutenant Com- manding N. Goodwin. Schooner Wanderer Lieutenant Commanding Jas. H. Spotts. Schooner Chambers Volunteer Lieutenant Coin. manding Dennis Condry. Schooner SamI. Rotan Volunteer Lieutenant W. W. Kennison. Schooher Beauregard Acting Master David Stearns Ship National Guard Acting Master Win. Lee Hays.. Schooner Eugenie Acting Master S. F. Holbrook... Station. Key West. Cruising off Providence Channei. Key West; repairing boiler. Cruising between Cape San Antonio and Yucatan Bank. Blockading Cedar Keys. Blockading Tampa Bay. Key West. Arrived to-day from circuit of the station. Blockading Apalachicola. Blockading St. Marks. Cruising between Tortugas and Cape San Antonio. Ordered to Hampton Roads to report to honorable Secretary of the Navy. Blockading Tampa Bay, to be relieved by the Sagamore. Blockading St. Marks. Apalachicola, West Pass. Cruising off Cape San Antonio and Yu- catan Bank. Cruising between Tortugas and Cape San Antonio. Key West; repairs of sails. Sent to Philadelphia for repairs. St. Andrews Bay. St. Martins Reef and Crystal River, Cedar Keys. Key West; about to sail to supply block. ading squadron with coal, etc. Guard ship. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LAUDNER, Flag- Ojilcer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. ]?epot~t of Flag- Ofticer Iardner, U S. Navy, regardinq orders issued to the U. S. steamers Huntsville and Quaker City. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key West, June 29, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the steamer Huntsville on the 27th, ordered for this squadron. She will be sent to cruise off the entrance of the N. E. Providence Channel as soon as her coal has been replenished Page 269 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 269 The Quaker City willeleave for the same station this afternoon. Her boilers have been patched up so as to enable her to cruise for a few weeks longer, after which it will be necessary to send her north. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Winslow, li/I S. Navy, commanding U. 5. 5. 1?. 1?. Cuyler, to proceed to duty in the East Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 30, 1862. SIR: So soon as the U. S. S. Ji?. R. Cuyler, under your command, is ready for sea, proceed with her to Key West, Fla., and report to Flag-Officer J. L. Lardner for duty in the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commander FRANCIS WINSLOW, Commanding U. S. S. B. B. Cuyler, Boston. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officers Lardner and Farragut, U S. Navy, reqarding enlistment of contrabands. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 2, 1862. SIR: To supply your wants you will have to resort to the expediency of enlisting contrabands, as no more men can be sent you. Enlist- ments do not keep pace with the wants of the service. Very respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer JAMES L. LARDNER, Commanding, etc., Key West, Fla. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding, etc., New Orleans, La. Report of Flag- Officer lardner, U. S. Navy, regarding the release of the brig illiodel, sei2ed by Commander Frailey, U. S. Navy. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key West, July 2, 1862. SIR: In forwarding a letter of Commander Frailey, of the Quaker City, reporting to you the seizure of the brig iJIiodel, of Portland,, loaded with a cargo of coal for Nassau, New Providence, I take the occasion to state that, not feeling authorized to intercept a cargo of English coal to a British port, whatever use the article may be sup- posed to be intended for on its arrival, I have allowed the vessel to proceed on her voyage Page 270 270 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Commander Frailey has orders to send any vessel he may capture to Boston for adjudication. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Ogjleer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. QUAKER CITY, OjJ Key West, July 1, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on yesterday, while under orders from Flag-Officer James L. Lardner to cruise to the eastward, I fell in in latitude 240 31 IN., longitude 790 49 W., with the Amer- ican brig lYliodel, of Boston, master, Dow, bound from Matanzas to Nassau, New Providence, having on board as cargo 260 tons coal. Having had official information that numerous large rebel steamers were in that port, and that the coal might be destined for their use, I determined to take her into port for adjudication, under charge of Acting Masters Mate D. H. Daniell, and, being but a short distance from Key West, and the wind light, with a strong current running up the Gulf, I took the brig in tow and stood for this port, off which I cast her, and sent her in accordingly. Her charter party agrees to give ~4 per ton freight, and that for a voyage she would have readily made in three or four days. The master of the lYfodel informs me that quite a number of vessels, under English, French, and Spanish colors, are at Matanzas, receiving cargoes of coal for Nassau. During my sojourn in Key West, from June 12 to June 29, the four boilers of this vessel underwent quite extensive repairs, but I regret to report that since my leaving there, on the afternoon of the 29th ultimo, they have again given way in other parts and are in very bad condition. I doubt the probability of their holding out much longer, after hav- ing had eight years extensive use. Accompanying I send a complete list of the officers and crew now attached to the U. S. S. Quaker City; At the time no other vessels of war were in sight. I trust my action in the premises may meet with the approval of the honorable the Secretary of the Navy. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant. JAS. MADISON FRAILEY, Hon. GIDEON WELLEs, Commander, (I. S. Navy. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report ~f ~iJommander Frailey, (11 5. Navy, commanding U S. S. Quaker City, of capture and disposition of prize brig Lilla, from Liverpool. U. S. S. QUAKER CITY, Oj/ Hole in the Wall, July 3, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that while cruising under instructions from Flag-Officer James L. Lardner, when off the Hole i Page 271 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 271 the Wall, this day I fell in with the British brig Lilla, from Liverpool, bound to Nassau, New Providence, with a cargo of saltpeter, drugs, copper, and other articles, and which I have taken as a prize and sent into Boston, or some other port, as directed by your order of May 15, in charge of Acting Master Tolford Durham and Acting Masters Mate Lindley H. Livingston, whom I have instructed to report to you in writing immediately on their arrival. I have sent a sworn certificate to the judge of the U. S. district court, setting forth that the witnesses saw someone on board the brig throw a package overboard just previous to my boarding her. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. MADISON FRAILEY, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. P. 8.There were two passengers aboard the brig, whom I have sent to Boston in her, viz, D. B. llewetson and Mr. Libby. I have sent 8 sailors and 2 marines in the brig to manage her, sub- ject to your further orders. Detailed report of Commander Frailey, U S. Navy, commanding U.S. S. Quaker City, regarding the capture ~f the brig Lilla. [J. S. S. QUAKER CITY, At Sea, off the Hole in the Wall, July 5, 1869g. SIR: I had the honor to address you a communication on the 3d instant, which was forwarded by Acting Master Durham, informing you of my having captured the English brig Lilla, of Liverpool, on that day and having sent her to Boston for adjudication in charge of Mr. Durham and a prize crew of 8 men and 2 marines. The lateness of the hour and the squally appearance of the weather induced me to hurry her departure before night of that day, and my communication did not, therefore, enter into as full statement as the circumstances which transpired demanded, and which I now hasten to correct. On my overhauling the Lilla I fired a musket ahead of her, and at the same time hailed her to heave to, but to which summons the master of said brig did not appear inclined to comply with, but stood on, until I called the guns crew to clear away the Parrott gun on the forecastle. At that moment my attention was called to the fact of a package having been thrown overboard, which was seen by Acting Master Durham and gunner, Mr. Hamilton, besides several of the crew, which convinced me that there was something wrong about her. Masters Mate L. II. Livingston was sent to board her with directions to invite the master oC the lilla to return with him to this ship, and to bring his papers with him. To this request he replied that noth- ing but force should cause him to leave his ship. On the return of Mr. Livingston and making known the masters (Appleby) refusal, I directed Lieutenant Breese to go with an armed force alongside and to compel him to return with him, and if force was necessary to use it. On Lieutenant Breese reaching the deck of the Lilia, and making a similar request as had been previously made by Acting Masters Mat Page 272 272 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. iLivingston, he met with a stern refusal from Captain Appleby, that ~nothing but force should take him out of his vessel, which Lieuten- ant Breese told him he was there to execute. Upon this Appleby drew a pistol from his pocket and threatened the life of anyone who laid hands upon him, when Lieutenant Breese directed the men to be prepared to fire on him, which, however, was not carried into effect, he readily assenting to repair on board after such a display of force. He was of course much excited at first after his arrival on board, but in a very short time afterwards cooled down, and when he left my ship was exceedingly amiable. There were two passengers on board, both belonging to Charleston, S. C., D. B. llewetson and a Mr. Lebby; the latter, I have since learned from some of the crew of the JiUa (of whom I took 6 on board this :~hip), formerly commanded the privateer Sallie, and who was doubtless the real captain of the brig, instead of Appleby, the nominal master. I deemed it necessary for the safety of the vessel in her transit to Boston to remove that number of her crew to my vessel, as the number left almost equaled the number of men I was enabled to place on board as a prize crew. Acting Masters Mate Livingston was also sent to assist Master Dur- hani in his duties, both with orders to report to you by letter on their arrival in Boston. By inadvertence in making out the official lis~t of the officers and crew of this vessel, the name of D. H. Daniell, acting masters mate, failed to be placed on the list as entitled to a share in the prize brig Lilla, whose name please have inserted on the list forwarded to you by Mr. Durham. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. MADISON FRAILEY, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commander, U. S. Navy. Secretary of the Navy, TlTashington, D. C. Order of the Secretary qf the Navy to Acting Vobpnteer Lieutenant Budd, U S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. illiagnolia, to proceed to Key West, Ifla. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 5, 1869?. SIR: As soon as the U. S. S. ifagnolia is in all respects ready for sea, proceed with her to Key West and report to Flag-Officer Larduer or the senior commanding officer present. After being relieved by Lieutenant Spotts, proceed in further execution of the order addressed 0 ~you on the 26th instant. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Acting Volunteer Ibientenant WM. BUDD, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Jfagnolia, New York Page 273 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 273 Order of the Secretary qf the Navy to Lieutenant TViiliiamson, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Penguin, to proceed to duty in the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 7, 1862. SIR: As soon as the U. S. S. Penguin, under your command, is ready br sea, proceed with her to Key West, Fla., and report to Flag-Officer James L. Larduer for duty in the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. 1 am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Lieutenant J. C. WILLIAMSON, Gommanding U S. S. Penguin, New York. Affair of the British steamer Adela, captured hy the U S. S. Quaker City, off the Bahama Islands, July 7, 1862. Report of Commander Frailey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Quaker City. U. S. S. QUAJiER CITY, Key West, July 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that early on the morning of the 7th instant, while in company with the U. S. S. Huntsville, [Acting Volunteer] Lieutenant Commanding Rogers, which vessel joined me only a couple of hours previously while to the northward i~nd eastward of Great Abaco Island, I descried a steamer close in under the land, evidently endeavoring to evade us from the speed she was making. .1 signalized to the Huntsville, A suspicious sail in sight, and stood to the southward and westward so as to cut her off as she attempted to cross the channel en route to Nassau, New Providence. After passing the Hole in the Wall to the southward some 8 or 10 miles, I hoisted my colors and fired two percussion shell across the steamers bow and two under her stern, to which she paid no atten- tion, but continued on her course under a very full head of steam, at times gaining so rapidly that I was fearful she would escape from her pursuers. I then directed a fifth shot to be fired from the pivot gun directly aimed at her, which evidently made a lodgment on board, for immediately afterwards she rounded to, blew off, but still continued to steam on, evidently to assist her boilers by also working it off. Fearing her blowing off might be a ruse to again put off, I fired a sixth shot along her beam, when her commander had the discretion to heave to. In a short time afterwards I sent an armed boat, under charge of Lieutenant Breese, to demand the appearance of the master of the iron steamer Adela (which vessel she proved to be) on board the Quaker City with his papers, to which he responded he would not leave his vessel unless by force, to which Mr. Breese ultimately resorted by directing the crew of the boat to come on deck and, if necessary, place him in my boat. He then yielded, and repaired on board with his papers, where I detained him until all preparations were made to take possession of the Adela, when he returned to her. The name of this person is James Walker, a former master of the famous steamer Great Eastern. N w R~VOL 17 1 Page 274 274 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The fifth shot, I afterwards discovered, had taken effect, falling upon his quarter-deck in its descent, and then passing on through his cabin and forward through an iron bulkhead, expending its force against the shaft of the starboard wheelhouse without doing any other damage to the steamer, and fortunately not injuring any individual on board. A prize crew, consisting of Lieutenant Breese, Acting Masters Mate Charles A. Crawford, Second Assistant Engineer John L. Peake, and Third Assistant Engineer [John] Tennant, with 12 armed men, 5 firemen, 9 coal heavers, 1 corporal and 5 marines, were sent on board, and from her I to6k 1 assistant engineer and 10 firemen on board my ship to ensure greater safety in her transit to Key West. The Adela had a crew of 32 men, and is a fast steamer of upward of 300 tons; but having only 20 tons of fuel on board, it became neces- sary to send her in, in tow of this vessel. Her manifest shows her to have only a cargo consisting of 63 pack- ages of merchandise. Accompanying be pleased to find an official list of the officers and crew attached to this vessel at the time of capture. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES MADIsoN FRAILEY, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON IArELLEs, . Secretary of the Navy, TFashington, D. C. Report of Flag-Officer Lardner, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of the commanding officer of H. B. K. S. Rinaldo. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key West, July 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to forward with this a letter from Commander Hewett, of H. B. M. S. ]i naldo, referring to the capture of the British steamer Adela and to the mail found on board of that vessel, with my reply. Commander Ronekendorif, of this ship, has been informed by Judge Marvin, of the United States district court, that there would be no dif- ficulty in giving up any letters not relating to the ship or cargo upon application being made to the court. H. B. M. S. ]i naldo, from New Orleans, Petrel, from Nassau, and landrail, from New Orleans, have visited this port during the last~ few days. Yery respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Oflicer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the ATavy, Washington, D. (~. Letter from the commanding officer of H. B. K. S. Rinaldo to Flag-Officer Lardner, ~U. S. Navy, protesting against the opening of the captured mail matter. H. B. M. STEAM SLOOP RINALDO, Key West, July 18, 1862. SIR: Understanding that the British steamer Adela has been seized as a prize by the United States steamers Quaker City and ffitntsville Page 275 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 275 she being bound at the time from one British port to another, and was also carrying a British mail from her Britannic Majestys postmasters at Liverpool and Bermuda and addressed to her Britannic Majestys postmaster at Nassau. That she is to be tried in the prize court here (Key West) as a prize of war, where those mails will be liable to be opened and examined, and also the dispatches from the British admiral to H. B. M. S. Greyhound at Nassau, which I understand are in one of those bags. I beg to protest in the most formal manner against any of the seals of these mails being violated. A copy of this protest I shall transmit to Vice-Admiral Sir A. Milne, my commander in chief. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, IAT. N. W. HEWETT, Commander H B. K S. Rinaldo. Flag-Officer LARDNER, Commanding U. S. S. San Jacinto, Key West. Letter from Flag-Officer Lardner, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officer of H. B. M. S. Rinaldo, advising an application to the admiralty court regarding mail matter. FLAGSHIP SAN JAcrNTO, Key West, July 19, 1862. Siu: I have had the honor to receive your letter of yesterdays date, and I will take great pleasure in sending it by the first mail to the hon- orable Secretary of the Navy. The Adela was captured by U. ~. steamers Quaker City and Huntsville and brought into this port for adjndication. She has been reported to the proper law officers of the court and the papers of the vessel and the letters found on board, in what .1 have heard appears to be the ships letter bag, sealed and addressed to the post-office in Nassau, have been delivered to the judge or prize commissioner. I suppose that regular prize proceedings have been or soon will be instituted against the vessel and cargo. The whole subject is therefore out of my hands and under the control of the admiralty court. With- out being informed on the subject, I should think that an application made by yourself or by the captain of the Adela to the judge, he might, perhaps, feel himself at liberty to deliver to you or to him any letters or dispatches found on board for the Greyhound, should there be any, or any other letters not relating to the ship or cargo, but I am not advised on this point. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Commander HEWETT, H B. K S. Rinaldo, Key West. Letter from the commanding officer of H. B. M. S. Petrel to Flag-Officer Lardner, U. S. Navy, protesting against the seizure. H. M. S. PETREL~ Hey West, July 931, 1862. SIR: It is my duty to complain to you of a most unwarrantable ~attack made by one of the United States cruisers, named the Quake Page 276 276 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. City, on an unarmed British ship, named the Adela, of Belfast, while peaceably pursuing her course between Bermuda and Nassau. it appears that the Adela left Bermuda for Nassau on the 4th of July. On the morning of the Tth, while within a marine league of British territory, she was most outrageously attacked by a steamer fir- ing shell into her without showing any colors till the second shell had been fired, and then the flag of the United States was hoisted. Up to that time the captain of the Adela naturally concluded he was being chased by a vessel bent on plunder but having no nationality. After the United States flag was hoisted three more shells were fired in quick succession at the Adela. She was struck and much injured, though fortunately murder was not committed. The Adela was stopped and boarded by an officer of the Quaker City, the captain was forcibly dragged out of his ship, and the ship was seized within 2 miles of Abaco. To request you to restore the ship, I know from the communication I had with you yesterday, would be useless, as she is out of your hands and in the vice-admiralty court for adjudication. in calling your attention to the factsfirst, that the Quaker City chased an English ship and fired fuze shell at her with murderous intent; second, never firing a blank gun or hoisting her colors as a signal for the Adela to stop; and third, most illegally detaining her in British waters and towing her to Key WestI am convinced you will give such orders as will prevent the recurrence of similar acts in future. There are several of your cruisers off Abaco, and I can answer for jt that colors will always be hoisted and the ship stopped if the same courtesies are shown to British ships which are at all times accorded to Americans by English men-of-war. I have the honor to be, sir, your most obedient servant, G. W. WATSON, Commander. Flag-Officer [J.] L. LARDNER, Comd~y. U. S. Squadron, etc., U. S. S. San Jacinto, Key West. Letter from Flag-Officer Lardner, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officer of H. B. N. S. Petrel. FlAGsHIP SAN JACINTO, Key West, July ~2, 186$?. SIR: I have had the honor to receive your letter of yesterdays date, and in answer thereto, can only inform you that the Adela was captured by the Qudker City and brought into this port for adjudication and her case is now pending before the admiralty court in Key West. I understand that that court has the same full and ample jurisdic- tion that the high court of admiralty of England possesses to enter- tain the prize proceedings, to condemn, or restore the property, to assess and award damages for the capture, and to punish the captors for any irregularities or misconduct. I have no doubt that the court will hear both sides, and will patiently investigate any complaints that may be made against the conduct of the commander of the Quaker City, and decide according to law. -If the captain of the Adela or the owners of the property should be dissatisfied, they are entitled t Page 277 EAST GULF. BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 277 appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States sitting at Wash- ington. If the statements contained in your letter should turn out to be true on an investigation in court, I have no doubt the court will restore the Adela with damages, but whether true or not can not be known until both sides have been heard. You have, probably, heard but one side. The indignation expressed in your letter seems to me to be uncalled for. No nation has been so much at war and made so many captures as the British. Her admiralty courts have made the law for the sea. The American courts follow their decisions. The case of the Adela will be determined, therefore, by British law as well as American. I am, very respectfully, your obedient s& rvant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Ea8tern Gulf Squadron. Commander G. W. WATSON, H B. ilL. 8. Petrel, Key West. & dditional report of Commander Frailey, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Quaker City. U. S. S. QUAKER CITY, Off Navy Yard, Philadelphia, August 18, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communi- cation of the 16th instant, accompanied by one from the honorable the Secretary of State, bearing date August 8, requesting additional information relative to the capture of the British steamer Adela by the U. S. S. Quaker City while under my command. I would respectfully enter this my protest and positive denial to the charge of my having fired at the Adela within 2j miles of the coast and near the British island of Abaco, and without showing any colors, and which is further proved by the accompanying copies of letters, the originals of which were subscribed and sworn to before the prize commissioner, George D. Allen, of Key West. Her seizure was made by me on the grounds of having received official information from Flag-Officers McKean and Lardner that a vessel of her descrip- tion and name had sailed from Europe, having on board a cargo of contraband goods of war evidently intended for the South, among which were 65 cases of shell and 4 cases cannon; and the evident attempt made by her master to escape from me while in chase gave me additional reasons to suspect her character and determined me to seize her. I did not examine her hold, being under the impression at that time that I had no authority to open her hatches, but having a suspicion of her character I deemed it my duty to send her into port an d hand her over to judicial authority for examination. I have no knowledge of the conversation alleged to have taken place between Captain Hewett, of H. B. M. S. Rinaldo, and the flag-officer, never having seen the former officer. The Adela, at the tinie of her capture by the Quaker Oity, had on board two canvas bags said to contain mail matter for Nassau, which, in connection with other papers found on board, were taken charge of by me, and on my arrival in Key West placed in the hands of the judge of the district court by Prize Master S. L. Breese. I made no claim for their possession other than a necessity existing by m Page 278 278 EAST GULF BLOCRADWG . SQIXADEON. instructions to obtain all papers in writing found on board, and on the arrival of the prize in port to deliver such to the district judge. I trust the above statement will prove satisfactory, and am, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. MADISON FRAILEY, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commander, U~ S. Navy. Secretary of the Navy, JYasA~ngton, D. C [Enclosures.] We, the undersigned officers of the U. S. S. Quaker City, do sot. emnly declare that while chasing an English steamer on the forenoon of July ~, 1862, while in Providence Channel and distant from the land at least 6 or 6 miles, were warned to heave to by the firing from this ship of 20-pound shell across the steamers bow, and at which time said steamer Quaker City was flying the American ensign at her peak. The firing of said shell not producing the effect desired in heaving her to, a second was again fired in the same direction, yet the steamer proceeded on her course, evidently making every exertion to avoid us, when a third and fourth were fired across her stern. These not pro- ducing the effect desired, a fifth shell was directed by Commander Frailey to be fired directly at her, which apparently struck her, as in a minute or two afterwards the steamer wore partially round and commenced blowing off steam, lessening her speed, but still retaining considerable way as if to avoid us, when a sixth shell was fired along her port beam, which caused her to heave to and await our approach. A boat was then sent from this ship, and the master of the Adela brought on board with his papers. During the whole of this period the American ensign was displayed at our peak, and at the time of boarding said steamer Adela, both ships were distant from the land at least 10 miles. A certificate of similar import was sworn to before G. D. Allen, U. S. prize commissioner, Key West, by Lieutenant S. L. Breese, Acting Master II. S. Blanchard, and Commanders Clerk Corrin F. Smith, on the 12th day of July, A. D. 1862. S. LIVINGSTON BREESE, lieutenant, Cf. S. Navy. II. J. BULLAY Acting Assistant Paymaster. H. S. BLANCHARD, Acting Jifaster. CORRIN F. SMITH, Commanders Clerk. I, the undersigned, an officer of the U. S. S. Quaker City, do sol- emnly declare that while chasing an English steamer, on the forenoon of July ~ 1862, while in Providence Channel, and distant from the land at least 5 or 6 miles, was warned to heave to by the firing from this ship of a 20-pound shell across the steamers bow, and at which time I believe the American ensign was flying at the peak, as I pre- viously heard Commander Frailey give the order to the quartermaster to hoist it. The firing of said shell not producing the effect desired in heaving the steamer to, a second was again fired in the same direc- tion, yet the steamer proceeded on her course, evidently making every exertion to avoid us, when a third a ad fourth were fired across he Page 279 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 279 stern. I distinctly heard Lieutenant Breese ask Commander Frailey to fire the third and fourth shells directly at the steamer, as she was getting away from us. Commander Frailey replied there was time enough yet, and the order was not given until the fourth shot or shell had been fired under her stern. I was stationed at the time at the bell pull, where I remained during the time of chase, within a few feet of the commanding and executive officers, and heard all orders that were given at that time by them and during the exciting chase. At the time the Adela hove to and was boarded by a boat from this ship she was distant from the land 10 or 12 miles. JOHN TENNKNT, [Acting] Third Asei8tant Engineer. Additional statement of Commodore Lardner, U S. Navy, regarding the British mails. PHILADELPHIA, JIffay 23, 1863. Sin: I have the honor to submit, by your direction, a brief statement relative to the mails of the English steam3r Adela, with a copy of a letter * from the commander of II. B. M. S. Petrel, complaining of the capture of that ship, and my reply. I . . Great exertions were made by the British authorities in the West Indies to obtain the mails found in the Adela. Two ships of war, the Rinaldo and Petrel, were sent to Key West for that purpose.. Their commanders were not satisfied with an intimation that they might be delivered to them, with the exception of such papers as related to the ship and cargo. During the night subsequent to an examination of the captain and officers by the prize commissioner, the United States court-house at Key West was entered by the captain of the Adela, and the mail in question abstracted (in an unbroken parcel) and destroyed by him. These facts were ascertained by the district attorney of Key West, from an accomplice, who was one of the principal officers of the ship. It is, perhaps, needless to add that the complaints against the captors were not proven in court. The ship was condemned, and is now being fitted for the naval service. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Commodore, Cf. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the U. S. district attorney at Key West, requesting information regarding the abstraction of the mail. NAVY DEPARTMENT, JJifay 27, 1863. SIR: In a communication made to this Department by Commodore Lardner, on the 23d instant, in relation to the steamer Adela, he says: During the night subsequent to an examination of the captain and officers by the prize commissioners, the U. S. court-house at Key West was entered by the captain of the Adela and the mail in question abstracted (in an unbroken parcel) and destroyed by him. * See letter Watson to Lardner, July 21, 1S62. t See letter Lardner to Watson, July 22, i862 Page 280 280 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I learn from Commodore Larduer, with whom I have had a personal interview, that you have a deposition or statement from the engineer or some other officer of the Adela, disclosing who the parties were that entered the court-house and abstracted the mail. Will you please forward to this Department a copy of the document referred to and any other facts connected with the mail of the Adela whether it was opened, or whether the court had any doubt of its ai~thority to open that or any other mail found on board a captured vessel. I will also thank you to inform me if any mails have been found on board of captured vessels brought into Key West for adjudication, whether they were examined, or whether any opposition was made to their examination, or to the right of the court to examine them. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES, THos. J. BOYNTON, Esq., Secretary of the Navy. U. S. District Attorney, Key West, Fla. Letter from L. Heyliger, esq., to the Secretary of State of. the Confederate States, trans- mitting correspondence. NASSAU, NEW PROVIDENCE, August 18, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: I wrote to you last on the 2d instant, in original and duplicate, per steamers Columbia and Kate. I transmit herewith copy of the correspondence between Captain ~ratson of H. B. M. S. Petrel and the authorities at Key West, rela- tive to the capture of the steamer Adela. You will find it quite inter- esting. Of course it must not be made public or get into the papers. It was forwarded to Admiral Milne on the 29th ultimo. You Will also find enclosed the decree of the vice-adniiralty court in the case of the Oreto. I have written to the Secretary of the Navy in regard to her movements. Mr. .G. Leg~ndre, bearer of dispatches from Europe, proceeds by this conveyance to the Confederacy. He brought me a letter from Mr. Mason. You will oblige nie by forwarding the enclosure to Governor Moore and filling up the address. Our old friend Mr. Robert McDowell, of New Orleans, is ~here, in charge of a large venture for the Confederate States. The steamer Scoti,a, belonging to the same interest, will leave on the 18th with a cargo of powder and rifles. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. HEYLIGER. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of State, Richmond. [Enclosures.] H. B. M. S. PETREL, Key West, July 21, 1862. SIR: A mail bag and a packet of letters sealed by H. B. M. post- masters at Liverpool and Bermuda, and addressed to the postmaster at Nassau, having been most illegally taken out of the British ship Adela in British waters, i. e., within a marine league of Abaco, Page 281 EAS~U GULF BLOCKADLNG SQUADR0~. 281 have the honor to request you will restore the bag and packet forth- with, so that I may be enabled to convey them to Nassau where the Adela was taking them when attacked and fired into by the U. S. cruiser Quaker City. There are dispatches for the senior naval officer at Nassau from the British admiral and other letters which prove clearly that the Adeict was bound from one British port to another and has been detained through some misapprehension on the part of the captain of the Quaker Uity. I am convinced you will at once see the justice of my requisi- tion and treat it with the same consideration that would under similar circumstances be shown to an American naval officer who would have the bags at once restored with the seals unbroken. I have, etc., G. W. WATSON, Com~mander. Hon. WM. MARVIN, Judge of CL S. District Court, Key West. KEY WEST, July 22, 1862. Sra: Your note of yesterdays date in relation to the package and letter bag found on board the Adela was referred by me to the district attorney to whose office it more particularly belongs. It may not, however, be amiss for me to say that, although the package and bag can not be delivered to you unopened because both parties, the cap- tured and the captors, are interested in the letters and documents sup- posed to be contained therein as evidence, either for the acquittal or condemnation of the vessel and cargo, yet still I can see no objection to delivering to you every letter or dispatch which upon examination shall appear to contain no evidence for or against the Adela, to be by you conveyed to Nassau for the accommodation or satisfaction of the writers or persons to whom they may be addressed. If you will consent to take such letters I will give an order that the examination and selection be had without any unnecessary delay. I have. etc., NM. MARVIN. Commander G. W. WATSON, H B. 2W 8. Petrel, Key West. H. B. M. S. PETREL, Key West, July 23, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterdays date, in which you inform me that my request has been referred to the district attorney, to whose office it more particularly belongs. You are good enough to inform me that although the package and bag can not be delivered to you unopened because both parties, the captured and the captors, are interested in the letters and documents supposed to be contained therein as evidence either~for the acquittal or condemnation of the vessel or cargo, yet still I can see no objection to delivering to you any letter or dispatch which upon exam- ination shall appear to contain no evidence for or against the Adela. While thanking you for the courteous manner in which you make the above offer, 1 must express my surprise that the mail bag and package of letters from Bermuda and Liverpool for Nassau should b Page 282 282 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. detained a moment after it is shown that they are her Majestys mail bags en route from one British port to another, having nothing what- ever to do with the master or owners of the Adela. The master of the Adela was ordered under a heavy penalty to safely deliver the mails entrusted to his charge. I protest in the most formal manner to the further delay of her Bri- tannic Majestys mails, for the delivery of which her Majestys ship under my command is now delayed in the port of Key West. I further protest against the seals of the package and bag being violated, which bear the official stamp of her Britannic Majestys post- masters of Liverpool and Bermuda. I protest also against the detention of the British steamer Adela, unlawfully captured in British waters and while pursuing her course between the ports of Bermuda and Nassau. Trusting you will, on reconsideration of the question whether the mails should be allowed to proceed to their destination or not, see the injustice of their further detention, I have, etc.. G. W. WATSON, co~nmander. Hon. W. MARVIN, Judge qf the U. S. District Court, Key I Vest. BRITIsH STEAMER ADELA, Key West, July 21, 1862. Mr LORD: I beg most respectfully to lay before you my case as relates to the steam vessel under my command. On the ~th instant, when off Abaco light-house about 24~ miles, in New Providence Channel, then proceeding on a lawful voyage to the port of Nassau (the last port of clearance being Bermuda), I was fired into by a steam vessel showing no colors, with shell, and after the first gun, she showed American colors. The fifth shell struck the Adela on the starboard side, penetrated the upper deck, and did considerable damage. I also~ beg to state that I had at that time on board mails from Liverpool and Bermuda for the port of Nassau. I beg further to state that the said steamer Adela was theu in navigable British waters (English colors flying), from whence I was forcibly taken on board, as proved to be, the Federal vessel of war Quaker City, and by her the Adela was towed into the port of Key West, where I now am before what is called an admiralty court. I would most respectfully bring to your lordships notice the fact that there does not exist in any form a resident representative of her Majestys Government of whom I could obtain legal or other advice. I have laid protest against the proceedings of the Quaker City, copies of which I shall respectfully forward on receipt of authentic copies from the court of this place by her Britannic Majestys ship of war Petret. I have the honor to [be], my lord, your lordships most obedient, humble servant, J. WALKER Captain. His Excellency LORD LYONS, G. C. B., etc Page 283 EAST GULI~ BLOCKADING SQUADEON. 283 U. S. DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE, Key West, Fla., July ~2, 1869?. SIR: The Hon. William Marvin, judge of tl~e district court of the United States for this district, has referred to me your note of the 21st instant, addressed to him relating to the British steamer Adela, lately captured and sent into this port for adjudication as prize. You state that a mail bag and packet of letters, sealed by her Britan- nic Majestys postmasters at Liverpool and Bermuda, are on board the Adela, also that there are dispatches for the senior naval officer at Nassau from the British admiral and other letters which clearly prove the Adela was bound from one English port to another. To your.request that the letter bags be restored to you with the seals unbroken, I have the honor to reply that the Adela having been reported as a prize it will be impossible to depart from the regular course of prize proceedings in her case. All possible delicacy will be observed in regard to packages which shall appear to be papers in which the British Government have an interest. You are surely aware that the letters, documents, papers, etc., found on board a prize vessel, together with the depositions of the persons on board at the time of capture, make up the evidence on which the case is in the first instance to be heard and determined. If the other letters prove clearly that the Adela is innocent of any breach of belligerent rights, then her absent owners might, it seems to me, justly accuse the fair- ness of the court, if those letters were permitted to be withdrawn from the court, and the evidence contained in them suppressed without their consent. Fair dealing toward the parties in interest adverse to the captors mnst prevent the making away with any writings proper to be consid- ered and examined as evidence in the cause. The Government of the United States and the captors have a similar interest in the papers found on board to prove the rightfulness of the capture and the unlawful nature of the voyage on which the Adela was seized. Both parties have a right to demand that the writings be produced, and either may complain if they are suppressed. I can easily conceive how unpleasant must be the delay in the deliv- ery of the dispatches of the British admiral. If you desire to have possession of these dispatches at once, I shall take great pleasure in moving the court for an order to have the bags opened immediately, before the examination of witnesses is concluded. I am confident I can procure such an order. You will confer a favor by being present at the examination, and any packages which can be certainly identified as containing nothing but dispatches for the British admiral will be cheerfully delivered up to you. ET. ~. BOYNTON, U. S. Attonicy.] Commander G. W. WATSON. H. M. S. PETREL, Jidy 923, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterdays date, and regret to hear from a gentleman of such known experience and integrity that her Britannic Majestys mails are stili detained Page 284 284 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. In your communication you state as a reason for your noncompli- ance with my request for the delivery of her Britannic Majestys mails seized in the British ~teamer Adela, that the Adela having been reported as a prize, proceedings in her case must follow the regular course, and further in the same connection you state you are surely aware that the letters, documents, papers, et& , found on board a prize vessel, together with the depositions of the persons on board at the time of capture, make up the evidence on which the case in the first instance is to [be] heard and determined. Were not the occasion and the natftre of the request made in my note of the 21st instant such as to exact and demand candor, I should find it extremely difficult to realize that your statements above set forth are considered by you just, reasonablejust grounds for deten- tion of her Majestys mails and for your refusal to comply with my request. Allow me in reply to state that I do not consider the reasons referred to as the least possible justification for the refusal of my request and the detention of the mails. You state that the Adela has been reported as a prize, and that it is impossible to depart from the regular course of prize proceedings. In the case of the Adela there exists no power.in court nor in any of its officers to prevent the delay, damage, and injury that must inevitably result if the Adela must, as a matter of form, await the adjudication by its regular proceedings and delays. In other words, even if the conceded and notorious facts connected with the capture of this vessel are such as to show the capture of the vessel to have been an outrage and unjustifiable infringement on the neutral rights of England, you, as Government counsel, are even in that case still compelled to exhibit and file a libel against the vessel and urge her condemnation, when the only result that could be hoped for or expected by you or the Govern- ment of the United States would be delay and damage to the vessel, her owners, and those interested in her freight and voyage. This may be true, but you will pardon me for saying that it is at least strange; but assuming that you are correct in your statement and that it is impossible to depart from the regular course of prize proceedings, it is still impossible to understand how the United States Government or - courts acquire the right to take possession or detain and control her Majestys mail in the regular course of prize proceedings or how the right to detain an English vessel for adjudication involves the right to detain her Majestys mails, still less to break the Government seals on the bags and packages and open all the letters contained in them, to seek for evidence to be used in the adjudication as you seem to con- template. You claim the right to thus desecrate the mails of a neutral nation as you state in your note, for the reason that it is a power existing in courts, as you also further state you are surely aware that the letters, documents, and papers, etc., found on board a prize vessel are evidence, etc. It seems almost incredible that such power and control over the mails of a neutral power should be assumed on grounds so untenable and unwarranted. I am not aware, as you state I must surely be, that any such cqn- struction as you claim can be given to the law or the powers of any civilized prize court. The depositions of the persons found on boar Page 285 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 285 a vessel when captured, also the letters, etc., found on board may be used by the captors as evidence in the adjudication upon the question of prize or no prize, but the letters which the captors may so use can in no case be construed to be other than the letters which are found in possession of the captured or among the papers of those on board, and which -thereby may reasonably be supposed to relate to the vessel or her cargo, but it is nothing short of absurdity to suppose a captors right to the papers, letters, etc., included in the Government mails found on board a neutral ship, and that they have a right to break Government seals on the packages .and the private seals of letters, and so change the destination of such letters that they are to be opened and deposited to remain on the files of the court instead of reaching the individuals to whom they are addressed, and to whom the public faith of England was pledged they shall be delivered the moment they are received in her post-offices and dispatched in her mails. If your position be correct and an American cruiser were for some pretended reason to capture an English mail steamer from Liverpool to New York, the United States Government, through her prize courts, might claim and possess the right to stop, open, and read all private Government dispatches sent by the nations of Europe to their representatives in the United States, which dispatches happened to be sent through the English mail without regard to the legality of the capture. I have been thus ~elaborate in my communications as I feel convinced that my commander in chief will expect of me that I shall use my best endeavors to procure the release of the mails committed to the charge of the Adela, and which, through some great misappre- hension, have been detained and are still detained at Key West. I have the honor, etc., yours, etc. G. W. WATSON. lion. T. J. BOYNTON, United States District Attorney, Ifey West. U. S. DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE, Key West, Eta., July ~3, 18693. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of this days date relating to letters found on the British steamer Adela. I have the misfortune still to differ with your views both of propriety and law, touching the matter in question. To avoid misapprehension of facts it will not be amiss to state that the two packages to which you give the designation of her Majestys mails are one of them a small bag resembling a common ships bag with a string tied round its mouth and sealed with wax. The other, a bundle in paper envel- ope likewise sealed with wax; neither package is in a locked bag. It seems to me this is a somewhat loose and informal w~y of sending out her Majestys mails, and that it sug~ests the question whether such packages are entitled to that designation. But however that may be, if such packages are entitled to the immunity from examination that you seem to suppose, it would be the simplest thing in the world for the getters-up of an illegal voyage to put the correspondence, invoices, and papers, showing the actual facts in the case, in every instance under an impenetrable and inviolable shield by dropping the Page 286 286 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. into the post-office on the day that a mail was to be made up to be carried in their own vessel. However, I am not acting in a diplomatic capacity and must decline further to argue the points involved. If you desire to take dispatches, letters, etc., to Nassau, I shall be glad to move the court to open the packages at once. I doubt not on such application that you would be permitted to take not only the British admirals dispatches but all letters not in any way pertaining to the question of prize or no prize in the case of the Adela. On yourself, seems to me, rests the responsibility of inconveniencing the residents of Nassau by delaying the delivery of their letters. I am, sir, etc., T. J. BOYNTON, Commander G. W. WATSON, CL S. Attorney. H ilL S. Petrel. * * * * * * * Report qf Flag- Officer Lardner, CL S. Navy, regarding orders ~& ssued relative to approaching the island of Cula. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, - Key West, July 9, 1862. SIR: 1 have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your order of June 10, directing me to impress upon commanding officers the necessity of respecting the territorial sovereignty of Spain, and not chase, lire upon, board, or seize vessels with iii territorial waters of Cuba. I beg to state that the officers have been instructed not to approach the island within a marine league; the caution shall be repeated in the words of the Departments order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Sguadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag- O4Ycer Lardner, CL S. Navy, acknowledging instruc- t%ons regarding Indian River Inlet. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key IT7~st, July 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, s~alling attention to Indian River Inlet. The schooner Wanderer is now cruising near Cape Florida. She shall be sent to Indian River Inlet as soon as an order can reach her. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. Page 287 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 287 Report of Jiieutenant Howell; CL S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tahoma, regarding the cruise of that vessel in Gu~f of ilfexico. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, [July 12, 1862]. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the U. S. gunboat ]iahoma, under my command. I left Key West in obedience to orders, July 2, and steamed midway between Tortugas and Cape [San] Antonio, boarding and examining each vessel as hove in sight. On the afternoon of July 5, struck soundings on the Yucatan Bank. July 6, anchored off coast of Yucatan; July 7, got underway and steamed 24 miles to the westward and anchored off a collection of huts in 4~ fathoms water. Latitude 21~ 42 30 N., longitude 880 12 W., abouPO or 7 miles from the shore. At 1 p. m. sent in a boat in charge of the executive officer (one of the acting masters accompanying him) to see if any fresh provisions could be obtained. I regret to report that three men, viz, F. Garland, Robert Weston, and James W. Dimon (all seamen) deserted from the boat, carrying with them the revolvers of the executive officer and master and one of the ships revolvers. * * * * * * * At 2 p. m. of the 7th instant a small schooner was discovered stimd- ing toward us. I did not get underway, fearing if she should be a rebel vessel she might be run ashore and burned. At 6:30 p. m. she was nearly abreast of us when I fired a shot across her bows, hoisted the ensign, and sent Acting Master Hurley to board her. She proved to be the Confederate schooner Uncle iF/lose, from Matagorda, Tex., bound to Belize, Honduras, or a market. The captain andsupercargo were so overcome with astonishment at finding a man-of-war where we were anchored that they did not destroy their papers, and I have the register, manifest, clearance, bill of sale, etc. We were about 6 or 7 miles from shore and the schooner passed within a third of a mile of us. Her cargo consists of 115 bales Texas cotton, and she was manned with a crew of four men, a captain and supercargo (Edmd. Van York, a New Yorker). The Uncle iFliose was thirty days from Indianola (or Matagorda) and had been fourteen days endeavoring to get around Ca~ e Catoche. She was built for a lighter, draws but 3 feet water, is not at all capable of making a passage against head winds. Under the circumstances I determined to tow her to Key West, although I much regretted the necessity of leaving my station to do so. -It would not have been humane to have sent her off with a prize crew; she could never have reached Key West during the prevalence of the trade winds. On July 8 and 9 I experienced a current of 57 miles to the northward and westward. When the prize was captured she was running wing and wing for Campeche or Laguna. * * * * * * * July 8, chased a large English steamer. We cast off the schooner, carried 34 pounds of steam, averaged 78 revolutions (more than the engine has ever made before), had a fine breeze abeam and abaft the beam, all sail set, and went per log 8 knots 2 fathoms; sea smooth Page 288 288 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Of course the steamer ran away from us with ease. She was undoubtedly one of the regular mail steamers. * * * * * * * I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. HOWELL, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer J. L. LAItDNER, Commanding Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. Stations of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key West, July 1~, 186~2. SIR: I have the honor to report the respective stations of the vessels of this squadron: Name. STEAMERS. 1. San Jacinto 2. M~ercedita 3. Quaker City 4. santiago de Cuba 5. Somerset 6. Sagamore 7. Tahoma S. Fort Henry 9. Young Rover 10. Huntsville SAILING VESSELS. 11. St. Lawrence 12. Bainbridge 13. Ethan Allen 14. Kingfisher 15. J. L. Davis 16. Pursuit 17. Affianda 18. Wanderer 19. Chambers 20. Samuel Rotan 21. Beauregard 22. National Guard Commander. Comdr. W. Rouckendorif Comdr. H. S. Steliwagen Comdr. J. M. Frailey Comdr. D. B. Ridgely Lt. Comdg. E. English Lt. Comdg. A. J. Drake Lt. Comdg. J. C. Howell Actg. Lt. Comdg. E. Y. McCauley Actg. Master I. B. Studley A. v. Lt. Comdg. W. C. Rogers.. Comdr. J. F. Scheuck Comdr. T. M. Brasher vol. Lt. Comdg. W. B. Eaton ... vol. Lt. Comdg. J. P. Couthouy. vol. Lt. Comdg. J. Winn vol. Lt. Comdg. David Cate .... vol. Lt. Comdg. N. Goodwin.... Lt. Comdg. J. H. Spotts vol. Lt. tlomdg. D. Condry vol. Lt. Comdg. W. W. Kennison Actg. Master D.~Stearns Actg. Master Win. Lee Hays.... 23. Eugenic Actg. Master S. F. Holbrook Station. Flagship. Key West. Cruising off Providence Channel. Arrived at Key West July 9 with prize. Coaling at Key West. Blockading Cedar Keys. Blockading Tampa Bay. Arrived July 12 with prize. Blockading Apalachicola. Blockading St. Marks. Cruising off N. E. Providence Channel. Frigate. Key West. Brig. Ordered to Hampton Roads to report to Secretary of the Navy. Bark. Blockading Tampa Bay. Bark. Blockading St. Marks. Bark. Apalachicola, West Pass. Bark. Indian River Inlet. Bark. Key West. Schooner. Florida Reef and Indian River Inlet. Schooner. Sent to Philadelphia for re- pairs. Schooner. St. Andrews Bay. Schooner. St. Martins Reel and t~rys- tal River, Cedar Keys. Ship. On a cruise to supply Blockading Squadron. Schooner. Guard ship, Key West. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Ofticer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. (~. ReRort of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Rogers, U S. Navy, command- mg U. S. S. Huntsville, regarding the capture of the British schooner Agnes. U. S. S. HUNTSVILLE, Off Abaco Island, July 16, 18693. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that I have this day fallen in with the British schooner Agnes, of Nassau, from Harbor Island (a Page 289 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 289 he says), loaded with 60 bales of cotton and 40 barrels rosin, for Nassau. As he had no clearance, manifest, bills of lading, charter party, log book, wrecking license, nor any documentary proof of property, I have detained him as prize and sent him into Key West for adjudication. Abaco Light at time of capture was distant 15 to 20 miles. Please find enclosed list of officers and muster-roll of crew at time of capture. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. C. ROGERS, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Flag- OgiZeer Lardner, U. S. Navy, to Commander Frailey, U. S. Navy, co?nmanding U S. S. Quaker City, defining the cruis- ground of that vessel. - FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key West, July 18, 1862. SIR: As soon as the Qaaker City under your command is ready for sea, you x~ill proceed to sea and cruise between Cape San Antonio, the Yucatan Bank, and Tortugas. You will be careful not to chase, fire upon, board, or seize any ves- sel within the territorial waters of Cuba. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Qftlcer, Com2nanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Commander JAS. M. FRAILEY, U. S. S. Quaker City, Key West. Report of Commander Stellwagen, U S. Navy, commdnding U. S. S. Jiliercedita, regarding the capture by that vessel of the sehooners Vic- toria and Ida. U. S. S. MERCEDITA, Key West, July 21, 186~2. SIR: I have to report the capture of the schooner VictorIa, Captain Fowler, built at Gloucester, N. J., in 1842; registered in Nassau, New Providence, on the 19th August, 1861. as the property of James Deans, of Ecclefechan, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, merchant, tempora- rily residing at Wilmington, N. C.; commanded by Stephen Fowler, born in Rhode Island and resident of Washington, N. C. She sailed from Shallotte Inlet, near Wilmington, N. C., on 4th July (evading blockade), loaded with some 130 or 140 bales of cotton for Sawyer and Menendez, of Nassau, New Providence, and had no port clearance or manifest. She has run the blockade several times, and was formerly called the Louisa. The captain has been sailing out the small harbors of North Carolina many years, and is a good pilot. Her condemnation, I presume, adniits of no doubt. NWRY0L17 1 Page 290 290 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. On the same day I also captured the schooner Jda, of Nassau, New Providence, formerly the 1171 111 howard, of Wilmington, N. C. British register dated Nassau, New Providence, 4th July, 1862. She is fitted out by Adderly & Co., of Nassau, and cleared for Baltimore with a cargo of assorted goodscalicoes, shoes, cottons, needles, salt, etc.such as are most needed by the rebels, and purchased at prices in Nassau far above what they would bring at Baltimore, her pretended place of destination. Her captain, Guthrie, belongs to Washington, N. C., and doubtless intended to run into some inlet south of Hatteras, being minutely acquainted with the coast and having run the blockade before. Both vessels being small, 1 have ordered them to this place for adjudication. The Victoria was captured on the 12th July, 1862, about 40 miles S. W. by W. (true) from the Hole in the Wall light-house [Abaco]. The Ida was captured about 32 miles S. W. by W. (true) from the same light. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. S. STELLWAGEN, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag- Ofticer ]ardner, li/I S. Navy, transmitting report qf capture of the commanding o~fl1cer and boats crew from the L71 S. schooner Beauregard. No. 59.] FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key IV~st, July 21, 1862. SIR: it is ~with regret I have to forward the report of Masters Mate W. H. Melson, stating the circumstances under which Acting Master David Stearns, commanding the schooner Beauregard, was with a boats crew lost or captured at the mouth of Crystal River. It is the opinion of Lieutenant Commanding English of the Somerset that they were captured by the rebels. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Oficer, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadroii. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, TFashington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. ScHoONER BEAUREGARD, Cedar Keys, July 2, 1862. Sru: I am under the painful necessity of making the following report: On the morning of the 29th ultimo, whilst cruising off Crystal River, sighted a sloop-rigged vessel standing about the mouth of the river. The captain (David Stearns) with an armed crew of 7 men manned a boat and started in pursuit Page 291 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 291 Soon after 1 discovered another sloop-rigged vessel making out from one of the adjacent keys About 3 oclock p. m. a squall coming up obscured them from sight. Evening ~coming on, and the captain not returning, hoisted lantern at the main. Next morning, the 30th, at 9 a. in., sent ~n armed boat and made a thorough search (firing a musket at intervals) for six hours, but without success. Same night got underway and shifted my position. The next morning, July 1, at 10 oclock, got underway and stood for Cedar Keys. At 6 oclock p. in., being calm, came to anchor. The following morning, July 2, got underway and reached the Keys at 10:30 a. in. Trusting I have faithfully performed my duty, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. H. MELSON, Acting iWia8ters lilate. Flag-Officer JAMES L. LARDNER, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. List of the names of the crew in the boat with captain Stearns. Name. Rate. Name. Rate. Charles Asten Boatswains mate. Edward Morris Seaman. Edgar Lee Quartermaster. Charles Grover Seaman. William Thompson Seaman. One contrahand Name not known. Francisco Rasome Seaman. Report g/ Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Rogers, U. S. Navy, command- ~ing (I. S. S. Huntsville, regarding the capture of the Confederate steamer Reliance. U. S. S. HUNTSVILLE, Bahama Channel, July 21, 1862. SIR: ihave the honor to report to you the capture this day of the rebel steamer Reliance, three days out from Doboy Bar, Ga., bound to Nassau with a cargo of 213 bales sea-island cotton. I fell in with her soon after daylight, a little to eastward of Abaco, and after a chase of about 30 miles, succeeded in bringing her to, after firing 14 shot and shell. She is commanded by Lieutenant Gladding, formerly of the Navy and revenue service, and since the rebellion in command of the schooner Parliament, in which he has several times run the blockade. The Reliance was chased on leaving Doboy by one of the blockading fleet, but escaped by superior speed. I regret extremely not being able to either send or tow this prize to Boston, agreeably to your circular, but she had fuel for only six hours, and my own coal was very nearly exhausted, and would but take us to Key West, to which port 1 am now towing her. Please find enclosed list of officers and muster roll of crew of the I[untsville. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. C. ROGERS, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 292 292 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Flag- OJ/lcer Iardner, U. S. Navy, regarding a reconnois- sance of Indian ]?i~r Inlet. No. 65.] FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key West, July 26, 1862. SIR: Referring to your letter of July 10, calling attention to indian River Inlet, and suggesting that there might be a point of transship- ment there, I have the honor to report that the schooner Wanderer has to-day returned from that place. Lieutenant Commanding Spotts informs me that he found difficulty in crossing the bar with his boats, which has but 4~- feet upon it at high water, and a channel narrow and crooked. His boats ascended the river about 5 miles. and after a careful examination he is clearly of the opinion that it is not a place of trans- shipment or of any business whatever. He also entered Jupiter Inlet; he found that the lamps had been taken away, but otherwise the light-house and machinery were in good order. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- O~fllcer, commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Report of commander Frailey, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Quaker City, relative to capture of British schooner Orion. U. S. S. QUAKER CITY, Off Key West, July 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival off this port, from a short cruise toward and on Campeche Bank, under instructions from Flag- Officer James L. Lardner, commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Eastern Gulf Squadron, and while there on the 24th instant, in latitude 220 N. longitude 870 10 W., overhauling and capturing as a prize the English schooner Orion, master, Andrew Moore, bound from Kingston, Jamaica, to Matamoras, having on board an assorted cargo, doubtless intended for rebel uses, and consisting in part of 150 sacks salt, 12 boxes, 8 bales, and 27 cases drugs, 84 boxes and 28 ingots tin, 25 bar- rels coffee, 95 kegs nails, and 9 bales and 7 cases paper, and which schooner I deemed it necessary to tow to this port, previously placing a prize master and six men on board, and removing the two mates and one seaman temporarily to my ship. This necessity arose from the fact of the prevalence of light winds and calms at this season of the year, rendering it doubtful whether she would reach harbor in less than ten or twelve days. From the two mates~ W. C. Lawton, formerly from Ohio but latterly of Texas, and Daniel Dailey, of New Jersey, also late of Texas, I have since learned that this same schooner, commanded by her present mas- tei and officered by them, ran from Galveston, Tex., on the night of April 26 last, and safely reached Kingston, Jamaica, with a cargo of 300 bales cotton, she then being under the Confederate flag and called the 9V/iary Ella,. but on her arrival in that port sought a British register and is now called the Orion Page 293 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON 293 The master informed me that he was born in North Carolina, but has for many years been a resident of Texas; but how he retains com- mand of a British vessel I am at a loss to conjecture. I have sent all papers found on board to the judge of the U. S. district court) Key West. From the chief mate 1 learn that no log book or dead reckon- ing was kept on board, and this was admitted by the master, Moore. I am gratified to report the continued healith of the officers and crew, the sick report to-day containing but three trifling cases. Accompanying 1 send you a correct muster-roll of the officers and crew, including the names of 2 officers and 10 men now absent on duty in charge of the prize brig Lilla, captured on the 3d July, instant, and sent to Boston. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient s~rvant, JAS. MADISON FRAILEY, (~ommander, (I S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Ofticer ]iardner, U. S. Navy, regardiny the U. S. brig Bainbridge. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 28, 1862. SIR: * * * * * * * The U. S. brig Bainbridge, Lieutenant D. Lynch, has been ordered to join your squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer JAMES L. LARDNER, Commanding U. S. East Gu~f Squadron, Key West. Stations of vessels composing the East Gu~f Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Key West, July 30, 1862. SIR: 1 have the honor to report the respective stations of the vessels of this squadron. No. Name. commander. Station. STEAMERS. 1 San Jacinto (flag. Comdr. Win. Ronckendorff Key West. ship) Comdr. H. S. Steliwagen Sailed 28th instant to New York for 2 Mercedita repairs. 3 Quaker city Comdr. Jas. M. Frailey Cruising off N. E. Providence Chan- nel and Little Bahama Bank. 4 Santiago de Cobs Comdr. D. B. Ridgely Crnising off N. E. Providence Chan- nel. 5 Somerset Lt. Comdg. Earl English Blockading Cedar Keys. 6 Sagamore Lt. Comdg. A. J. Drake Blockading Tampa Bay. 7 Tahoma Lt. Comdg. J. C. Howell coaling at Key West. 8 Fort Henry Actg. Lt. Comdg. E. Y. McCauley Blockading St. Georges Sound. 9 Young Rover Acig. Master I. B. Studley Blockading St. Marks. 10 Rnntsville Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. C. Rogers Coaling at Key West Page 294 294 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. No. Name. Commander. Station. SAILING VESSELS. 1 Frigate St. Lawrence Comdr. J. F. Scheuck Storeship. 2 Brig Bainbridge Comdr. T. M. Brasher Ordered north for repairs. 3 Bark Ethan Allen Actg.Vol. Lt. Comdg.W. B Eaton Refitting at Key West. 4 Bark King Fisher Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. Jos. P Blockading St. Josephs and St. An. Conthony drews. 5 Bark J. L. Davis Actg. V,ol. Lt. Comdg. Jos. Winn Blockading Apalachicola. 6 Bark Pursuit Acig. Vol. Lt. Comdg. David Cate Crnisiog hetween Tortugas and Cape San Bias. 7 Bark Amanda Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. Geo. E Blockading eastern entrance of St. Welch Georges Sound. 8 Schooner Wanderer Lt. Comdg. J. H. Spotts Cruising between Cape Sable and Florida Reefs. 9 Schooner Chambers Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. Dennis Sent to Philadelphia for repairs. Condry. 10 Sc ho one r S a ml Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. Kennison Blockading St. Andrews Bay. Rotan. 11 Schooner Be a u r e- Cedar Keys. gard. 12 Ship National Guard Actg. Master Win. Lee Hays On a cruise supplying blockading squadron. 13 Schooner Eugenic Actg. Master S. F. Holbrook Guard ship. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, IlFashington, D. C. Report of Flag- Officer Lardner, U. S. Navy, regarding the outbreak of yellow fever on the flagship. No. 66.] FLAGSHIP SAN JACINTO, Hey IFest, August 1, 1862. SIR: It is with the greatest regret that [ am obliged to report that the yellow fever has broken out in this ship. There are 9 cases on the surgeons report to-day, and 2 have previously died of that disease. The fleet surgeon has, in a letter, a copy of which is enclosed, recom- mended the ship to be sent north. There is no proper hospital for contagious diseases at Key West. A copy of a letter upon the Subject is enclosed. Carrying the yellow fever so near our troops at Pensacola is not to be thought of; therefore, in view of all the difficulties of the case, I have directed Commander Rouckendorif to proceed with the San Jacinto under his command to Boston and report to the Department. 1 shall hoist my flag on board the St. Lawrence for the present. 1 have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Officer, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Instructions .from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Officer Lardner, U. S. Navy, urging a strict watch upon Nassau, New Providence, as the depot for sh~psfroin abroad. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 6, 1862. SIR: From information obtained from various sources, it is evident that the greater and more important part of the foreign supplies tha Page 295 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 295 reach the insurgents do so by the way of Nassau, New Providence. The majority of steamers that have fitted out in England to run the blockade clear for and touch at that port. Those that escape the vigi- lance of the blockading vessels also touch there with outward cargoes. It is apparently the depot of those abroad engaged in lending aid to the rebellion. The passages to Nassau must therefore be more strictly guarded, and your swiftest steamers should be assigned to this duty. There are several fast vessels employed in running the blockade, among theni the steamer ifilerald, to which attention should be given. In endeavoring to intercept these steamers, and whilst exercising all the rights belonging to cruisers on the high seas, the rights of neutrals must not be violated. No hostile operations must be conducted or committed by our vessels within neutral jurisdiction or a full marine league of the coast. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commodore JAMES L. LARDNER, (orndg. West [East] Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Budd, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. ililagnolia, to proceed to duty in the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 6, 1869?. SIR: As soon as the U. S. S. iiiliagnolia is ready for sea, proceed with her with all practicable dispatch to Key West and carry out the instruc- tions you have already received. You will touch off Charleston on your way, and deliver to the senior officer present the accompanying copy of a letter from Commander Gansevoort giving a description of suspicious steamers at Nassau, besides communicating to him any information you may have with regard to vessels that will attempt to run the blockade. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Acting Y~lunteer Lieutenant WM. BUDD, 6~mrnanding U. S. S. itiliagnolia, New York. Report of Flag- Ofilcer Lardner, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of capture of steamer Columbia by the U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, August 3, 1869?. No. TO.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, August 9, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to enclose Commander Ridgelys report of the capture of the steamer (~olumbia, under.British colors but without a register to establish nationality. She is loaded with arms and muni- tions of war, painted lead color, and otherwise prepared to run the blockade Page 296 296 EAST GULF I3tOCKADING SQUAD1~ON. Her name is on the list furnished me by the Department of vessels fitted out in England for this business. She was seized about 75 miles north of Abaco. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Flag- Oflicer, Cwnmandinq Eactern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, IYashington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Hey West, August 6, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the steamer Columbia, on the 3d of August, by the Santmgo de Cuba, cruising off the N. E. Providence Channel. The (hlumbia was captured after a chase of six hours, in latitude 280 ~., longitude 76~ 35 ~T, the N. E. end of Abaco bearing south, distant 75 miles. She had left Nassau the day previous, ostensibly bound for St. Johns; was under British colors, but had no register whatever. She was loaded with contraband and munitions of war, cannon rifles, powder, shell, cartridges, army blankets, and iron plates. She is a new, fast propeller, of iron, provided with ports, and probably intended for a Confederate gunboat. This is her first attempt at run- ning the blockade, and she had on board Charleston, Savannah, and Bahama pilots. Her captain, officers, and passengers claim generally to be British subjects. Thinking these facts justified a seizure, I took~ possession of and sent her into this port for adjudication, under charge of a prize master and crew. I send herewith a list of officers and men belonging to the Santiago de Cuba at the time~of the capture, no other vessel of war being in sight. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. B. RIDGELY, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commander, U S. Navy. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of ~i%mmander Ronekendorif, U. S. Navy, commanding (I S. S. San Jacinto, of the arrival of that vessel at quarantine grounds, Boston. U. S. S. SAN JACINTO, QUARANTINE GROUNDS, DEER ISLANDS, Near Boston, Aagust 9, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of this ship at quarantine grounds, Deer Island, near Boston, in obedience to an order from Flag-Officer Lardner, dated Key West, August 1. Enclosed you have a copy. When off Cape Hatteras, July 6, 1 addressed a letter to Assistant Surgeon I. W. Bragg, the medical officer on board, asking his opinio Page 297 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 297 as to the propriety of the return of the ship to Key West. Enclosed you have a copy of his reply. On the 3d instant, the day after our leaving Key West, George Romus (seaman) departed this life, the only death we have had on our passage. I am happy to say the doctor reports all the sick doing well. Veiy respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. RONCKENDORFF, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. P. S.I should have forwarded this communication through the commanding officer of the station, but no opportunity offered, so I send direct. of Fla- Qfllcer Lardner, CL S. Aavy, of the arrival of the R~ort g 5. 1?. P. Cuyler at Key West for duty under his command. No. 78.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, August 12, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival to-day of the steamer P. 1?. Cuyler, Commander Francis Winslow, to join this squadron. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Uontmodore, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. e Stations of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading SqMdron. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, August 15, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the respective stations of the vessels of this squadron: Name, commander. Station. STEAMEaS. 1. San Jacinto Comdr. W. Ronekendorif Sent to Boston, Aug. 1, with yellow fever on board. 2. Mercedita Comdr. H. S. Steliwagen Sailed July 28 to New York for repairs. 3. Quaker city Comdr. J. M. Frailey cruising off N. F. Providence channel and Bahama Bank. 4. Santiago de cuba Comdr. D. B. Ridgely coaling at Key West. 5. Somerset Lt. Comdg. F. English Blockading Cedar Keys. 6. Sagamore Lt. G. A. Bigelow Blockading St. Andrews Bay. 7. Tahoma Li. Comdg. J. C. Howell Blockading Tampa Bay. 8. Fort Henry Li. Comdg. F. Y. Mccauley Blockading Apalachicola. 9. Young Rover Act. Mast. I. B. Studley Blockading St. Marks. 10. Huntsville A. v. Li. Comdg. W. C. Rogers cruising off Bahama and N. E. Provi- dence channel. 11. Penguin Li. comdg. J. c. Williamson Key West, patching boilers. 12. R. R. cuyler comdr F. Winslow Key West, coaling Page 298 298 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Name. Commander. Station. SAILING VESSELS. 13. St. Lawrence Comdr. J. F. Schenek Frigate; flagship; Key West. 14. Bainbridge Comdr. T. M. Brasher Brig; repairing at New York. 15. Ethan Allen A. V. Lt. Comdg. XV. B. Eaton Bark; blockading Taslipa Bay. 16. Kingfisher A. V. Lt. Comdg. J. P. Couthony Bark; blockading St. Josephs Bay. 17. J. L. Davis A. V. Lt. Comdg. J. Wiun Bark; blockading Apalachicola. 15. Pnrsnit A. V. Lt. Comdg. 11. Gate Bark; cruising between Tortugas and Cape San Bias. 19. Amanda A. V. Lt. Comdg. G. E. Welch Bark; blockading eastern entrance of St. Georges Sound. 20. Wanderer Lt. Comdg. J. H. Spotts Schooner; cruising between Cape Sable and Florida Reef. 21. Chambers A: V. Lt. Comfig. D. Condry Schooner; sent to Philadelphia for repairs. 22. Samnel Rotan A. V. Lt. Comdg. W. W. Kennison Schooner; blockading Tampa Bay. 23. Beauregard Schooner; blockading Cedar Keys. 24. National Gnard Act. Mast. Win. Lee Hays Ship; on a cruise supplying squadron. 25. Eugenie Act. Mast. S. F. Holbrook Schooner; guard ship Key West. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Commodore, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON NXTELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. U Letter from Flag- Oficer Lardner, U S. Navy, to the Secretary of the Navy, making enquiry regarding the seizure of British ships. No. 85.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, August 18, 1862. SIR: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 6th of August, calling attention to the fact that the greater and more important part of the foreign supplies that reach the insurgents do so by way of Nassau, New Providence, and directing that the passages to Nassau be more s~rictly guarded, and that the swiftest steamers be assigned to that duty, and also ordering that whilst exercising the rights which belong to our cruisers on the high seas, the rights of neutrals must not be violated. In connection with the last paragraph, I beg to enquire the Depart- ments views whether it is expedient to seize the ships that are from Liverpool bound to Nassau or from one British port to another? Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Commodore, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to ti~ommander Frailey, U S. Navy, for a~n explanation of his failure to search the steamer ]Jifemphis. * NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 22, 1862. SIR: I send herewith an extract from the log of the steamer ilfemp his, which, after reading, you will return with such explanations or state * Captured by U. 8. S. Magnolia, near Cape Romain, South Carolina, July 31, 1862. See series 1, vol. 13, p. 225 Page 299 299 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ment as you may deem necessary. From the extract sent it would appear that you merely visited, but did not search, a steamer loaded with guns and gunpowder destined for the rebels, and in consequence of omitting to search you omitted to seize a perfect magazine of munitions and contraband that was soon landed in Charleston. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commander J. M. FRAILEY, Commanding U. S. S. Quaker Oily, Philadelphia. [Enclosure.] Extract from log of steamer Memphis on a passage from Liverpool to Nassau, New Providence. Tue8day, ilifay 27, 1862.Light head wind and cloudy weather, steaming easily. 3:15 a. m. sighted Abaco light right ahead. 5:15 [a. in.] abreast of Abaco light-house. Sighted a paddle steamer oil starboard bow. On arriving abreast of her she gave chase, fired again, and hoisted North American colors; we hoisted British colors in return and stood on. She then fired two round shot after us, rather wide of the mark; we still stood on. The third shot she fired struck the water a little astern of us, ship still going on full speed and gaining on the chaser. She then fired a shell from her bow chaser, which passed directly over and in a line with us, and burst a short distance ahead of us. We then hauled down our colors and rounded to. The steamer (which proved to be the Quaker Oity, U. S. paddle war sloop) then bore down on us, sent, an armed boat with two officers on board and to examine our papers, which they did. Finding them satisfactory, they returned to their ship and allowed us to proceed without further molestation. 10:30 [a. in.] sighted the land about Nassau ahead. 11:30 [a. in.] took pilot on board and stood on around the island toward the anchorage, where we arrived at 2:30 and brought up with starboard anchor in 4~ fathoms of water, veered to 45 fathoms of chain. On a passage from Nassau toward Charleston. Away from Nassau at midnight. Thursday, June 19, 1862, went slowly all the way across, and arrived within 30 miles of Charleston on the evening of Sunday, June 22, 1862. Made the land about midnight, pilot in charge. lh, sighted two vessels of war of the outer blockading fleet, distance scarcely one-half a mile; passed them unobserved. 2:30 [a. in.] passed through l~e center of blockading fleet, escaping observation by a devious course until past them, when one large vessel, scarcely one-fourth of a mile distant on the starboard quarter, showed a red light as a signal to the others; at the same moment we observed lights right ahead and on either bow, which happily proved to be those of Forts Moultrie and Sumter. Showed a red light and tool~ it in again. 3:15 a. in., struck the beach and swung round with the tide, broadside on to it, with our head to the eastward, on which a shell was fired at us from Fort Sumter and burst close to us. Showed the red light again and sent a boat on shore, which was also fired at by the sentry, believing us to be an enemys ship. 4, ran a kedge out on starboard bow and tried, but in vain, to heave her oil, kedge coming home. Daylight, nine of the blockading fleet in sight, the nearest being about 3 miles dis- tant, one of them underway and steaming around the fleet. Ran ou Page 300 300 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the stream anchor and hove tight the hawser. Tide falling fast. 9h~ one of the blockaders stood in as close as possible and commenced shelling the ship. Boats were lowered by captains orders and the crew sent on shore, shells flying over and around us, but fortunately none struck the ship. lOli, last boat left the ship with captain on board of her; a battery on shore close to us then opened fire over our vessel and at the enemy, and after some three-quarters of an hours smart practice compelled her to withdraw. Mustered as many men as we could find and went on board with about 100 soldiers ordered by Colonel Keitt, and commenced discharging powder in our own boats. 11~, two flats came alongside into which we discharged arms, copper, medical stores. Noon, two steam tugs hove down ui5on us from the harbor and came alongside to receive cargo. 1h~ knocked off discharging to assist in launching ship with the aid of the two steam tugs, four of the block- ading fleet approaching suspiciously. 4h, fleet well within range and in line; they fired one shell, but ill directed. 5h, succeeded in hauling off, went on ahead full speed up the harbor, Forts Moultrie and Sum- ter saluting with guns and cheering as we passed. 6 p. in., brought up in Charleston Harbor in 7 fathoms of water and veered to 35 fathoms chain. Tuesday, June 24, l862.Hauled alongside the wharf and com- menced discharging. Saturday, 28th.Cargo all out and commenced coaling. Sunday, 29th, 1862.You know what you did that day, dont you? R. W. CROSS, JYvtrd Officer. I do hereby certify that this is an extract of the 11fem~phis log found on board that ship shortly after my boarding her off Charles- ton, July 31, 1862. CHARLES POTTER Acting Jfaster and Executive Officer of the iWagnolia, in charge of Pri2e. Report of Commander Frailey, CL S. Navy, commandiny U S. S. Quaker City, stating hi~ reasons for failing to search the British steamer ]Iifemphss. U. S. S. QUAKER CITY, Off Navy Yard, Philadelphia, August 23, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 22d instant enclosing extracts from the log book of th~ captured British steamer iWemphis, desiring me to furnish the Department with such explanation or statement as may be deemed necessary in the premises. In reply, I beg leave respectfully to submit a copy of my instruc- tions from Flag-Officer William W. McKean, previous to my depart- ure on the 20th from the port of Key West, and bearing date May 17, accompanied by two lists of suspected vessels liable to capture. It will be Seen that the iiifemphis is not mentioned therein, nor had I any information concerning any vessel answering her name or description. On meeting the Jiliemp his on the morning of the 27th of May, I imme- diately gave chase and finally brought her to, when my executive ofli- cer, Lieutenant S. Livingston Breese, accompanied by Acting Master Muldaur, were dispatched in an armed boat to board and examine her Page 301 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 301 who after a careful examination of her papers found that she was a duly attested British-built vessel, with proper English register, clear- ance, and manifest, bound from an English port to a port of an English colony, which latter fact was further borne out by the course she was steering at the time of my falling in with her. Furthermore, I would respectfully submit that I had received no order, nor did I believe that I had any authority, to open her hatches and search and examine the cargo of a foreign vessel on the high sea, so duly certified and attested as was that vessel at the time I boarded her; but, on the contrary, I was enjoined by my instructions not to give unnecessary offense, but to be courteous, though firm, in dealing with them. My subsequent action in capturing and sending into port the Ameri- can brig iJfodel, the English brig Lilla, the English steamer Adela, and the English schooner Orion, formerly the American schooner ililiary Ella, and which vessel had only two months previously run the blockade from Galveston, will, I trust, sufficiently prove my desire and will to carry out the views of the honorable the Secretary of the Navy in the seizure of every vessel whenever I could justly and prop- erly exercise that power. The papers are herewith returned as directed. - I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant JAS. MADISON FRAILEY, (ommander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Report of Acting Jiliaster ilfosman, CL S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner fames S. Chambers, regarding the captare of the Confed- erate schooner Corelia, of Galveston. U. S. SCHOONER JAMES S. CHAMBERS, lax. 9330 93~ N., long. 840 30 WI, Aagust 933, 18693. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that the rebel schooner Corelia, of Galveston, was this day captured by this vessel after a chase of five hours. She was from Havana for any rebel port int9 which she could successfully run. She had on board 8 persons in all, and was represented by the cap- tain to have a general cargo. He also acknowledged to have sunk all his papers and rebel flag during the chase. I have placed a masters mate and prize crew of 6 men in charge and sent her to Key West. I have also taken half of her crew on board this vessel as prisoners, from prudential motives, and shall forward them to a port iu the United States at the earliest moment. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. FRANK MosMAN, Acting Yiaster, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 302 302 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant Lynch, U. S. Navy, commanding CL S. brig Bainbridge, to proceed to Aspinwall, New Granada. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 27, 1862. SIR: Upon the receipt of this order you will proceed to Aspinwall, New Granada, with the brig Bainbridge, and relieve the U. S. brig Perry. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Lieutenant D. LYNCH, Gorrtdg. U. S. Brig Bainbridge, Key West, Eta. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant- Commander New- comb, U S. Navy, commanding U. S. brig Perry, to proceed to duty in the East Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 27,1862. SIR: Upon being relieved by the U. S. brig Bainbridge, you will proceed to Key West, Fla., with the brig Perry, and report to Com- modore James L. Lardner for duty in the squadron under his command. 1 am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Lieutenant-Commander H. S. NEwCOMB, Comdg. CL S. Brig Perry, Aspinwall, New Granada. Order of Rear-Admiral Du Pont, CL S. Navy, to Lieutenant Spotts, CL S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. ilfagnolia. FLAGSHIP WABASH, Port Royal Iliarbor, S. C., August 28, 1862. SIR: I have to thank you for the judgment and dispatch with which you brought me information of the unfortunate condition of the Adirondack. The Canandaigma, now pressing repairs on her machinery, will sail in the morning to the relief of the Adirondack. As soon as coaled and ready, you will proceed to execute such portions of Commodore Lardners orders, which you have not yet fulfilled. On your way I have to request that after getting to sea you will run down the coast, keeping, say, 1~ miles distant from it, for the pur- pose of intercepting the Keystone State, Commandcr LeRoy, who is cruising off the coast of Georgia on the offshore line of the blockade. Should you meei~ him, you will please inform Commander LeRoy that I desire his immediate return to Port Royal. Respectfully, etc., S. F. Du PONT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commanding J. H. SPOTTS, CL S. S. JJfagnolia, Port Royal Page 303 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 303 Order of the Secretary f the Navy to Acting ilifaster Sherrill, CL S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Roebuck, to proceed to duty in the Ea8t Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Aug~t 939, 1862. SIR: Your orders of the 23d instant to report for duty in the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron are hereby revoked, and you will pro- ceed with the Roebuck so soon as she is ready and report to Commo- dore James L. Lardner for duty in the squadron under his command. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLE5. Acting Master JOHN SHERRILL, Commanding CL S. Bark Roebuck, New York. Instructions from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Qificer Lardner, U. S. Navy, in response to enquiry regarding the seizure of British 5h1j95. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 29, 1862. SIR: Your No. 85, bearing date the 18th instant, enquiring of the Department whether it is expedient to seize ships that are from Liver- pool bound to Nassau or from one British port to another, has been received. in reply the Department directs that you visit, without regard to their clearance or destination, all vessels, not being public armed ships of war of foreign powers, and that in the case of all vessels car- rying cargo or engaged in commerce and not being regular mail steam packets engaged in the regular and stated mail service of foreign gov- ernments, you will, during the visit, exercise the unquestioned bel- ligerent right of search, and if upon strict search it shall appear that arms or contraband of war constitute the cargo or such part thereof as would, render aid to the enemy, then you will exercise the no less unquestioned belligerent right of seizing such vessel and cargo and send in the same for adjudication. This being an ungracious task, should be done in a spirit and man- ner not offensive. Judgment and discretion must be exercised. To seize does not necessarily involve condemnation. The courts will adjudge the whole question of prize or no prize. The more specific and detailed instructions recently transmitted will guide the officers in their duty. The Department has made it a special object to obtain and commu- nicate to. the commanding officers of the squadrons enforcing the blockade, information in regard to vessels which were preparing or believed to be preparing to give aid to the insurgents. The informa- tion derived in various ways may not always be authentic, and is of such a character as should not be communicated to the ~aptured par- ties. It is a mere indication to our own officers to guide and assist them in their duties. A search will & rroborate and confirm the intel- ligence, if correct, and without a search that shall furnish reason to believe the vessel has contraband of war or is designed to violate the blockade, or in some way aid the insurgents, she should not be seized. 1 am thus particular on this point because it has been intimated that some officers construe the indication that is given them of a suspected vessel into an order for her seizure without a search. Others appear Page 304 304 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. not to have informed themselves of the belligerent right of search, and by a culpable omission of its enforcement have permitted vessels which it was their duty to have seized to pass unmolested. It is to avoid a repetition of these errors that this communication is made in detail. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GII)EoN WELLES. Commodore JAMES L. LARDNER, Comdg. East Gu~f Blockading Squadron, Key T47~st, Fla. Report of Acting lYfaster iYEos9nan, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner James S. Chambers, of arrival at Key West with the prize steamer Union. U. S. Scioo~ JAMES S. CHAMBERS, Key West, August 2~9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you of my arrival at this place, having brought with me the rebel steamer Union, with a cargo of 350 bales of cotton, captured by this vessel in latitude 230 34 N., longitude 850 21 XV., on the 25th instant. Finding, upon boarding her, that the outboard injection pipe and flange of delivery pipe had been cut for the purpose of sinking her, I placed a crew of 20 men on board to prevent, if possible, her going down, which was accomplished, and the steamer soon freed of water. Deeming it unsafe to send her in alone, even after the temporary repairs, I proceeded in company with her to this port. where we arrived this day. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. FRANK MOSMAN, Acting ilfaster, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary qf the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Afaster Freeman, CL S. Navy, of the arrival of the 1J.S.S. R. R. Cuyler at New York, with yellow-fever patients on board and the ~emasns of Commander Winslow, U S. Navy. U. S. S. R. R. CUYLER, New York Harbor, August 30, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you the arrival of the U. S. S. R. R. Cayler at this port. We left Key West on the 20th instant in obedience to orders from Flag~ Officer Lardner and proceeded to Nassau with dispatches for the governor. On the 21st, our surgeon being very sick and also several of the men, we steered for the N. IE. Channel, where we thought to obtain medical advice from the Penguin. At 10 p. m. we fell in with the U. S. S. Huntsville and appLied to him for assistance, but he could not render us any as his surgeon had died that morning and he was on his way to Key West for advice, a number of his officers and men lying danger- ously ill. We then steered for Nassau, and on the night of 22d instant Commander F. Winslow was taken seriously ill with fever. We arrived at Nassau on the 23d at 10 p. in., where we obtained medical ~dyic~ from H. B. M. S. Afelpomene and also communicated with th Page 305 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 305 consul. The same day Lieutenant J. V. N. Philip was taken down with the f ver and also several men. The surgeon advised lying off the port until next morning as he considered the captains case a very dangerous one. On the 24th the surgeon reported all the sick to be muchworse, and the only chance left for Commander Winslow and the rest of the sick officers was to proceed north. On the 25th a consul- tation of the officers was held, and came to the conclusion that the shortest and only way to make the ship efficient was to proceed to some Non hem port where we could get the sickness out of the ship, appoint new officers to her and put to sea again. A Mr. Epp. [Epes?] Sargent, from Nassau, an American and a Union man, who has had some practice in medicine, kindly volunteered his services and accompanied us. We found him invaluable. On the 25th we steered for New York. On the 26th, at 6:35 p. in., Commander Francis Winslow departed this life. His body has been preserved and will be transmitted to his friends. I can not too highly speak of the captain and officers of H. B. M. S. iJfelpomene for their kind attentions, and especially the surgeon, Mr. J~. Ratliffe, who was unremitting in his professional interest for the welfare of the sick officers and men. I am happy to be able to inform you that Lieutenant Philip and Dr. Watson are recovering, and that the malignant symptoms that were so prevalent among the officers and men have already disappeared. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, S. N. FREEMAN, Acting Jliliaster. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, IYashington, D. C. Report of Acting ]Jfaster Freeman, CL S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. P. II. (nyler, regarding the capture by that vessel of the schooner Anne Sophia. ~. ~. ~. R. R. CUYLER, New York Harbor, August 30, 186~2. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that in latitude 300 23 N., longitude 750 24 W., boarded the schooner Anne Sophia, flying Brit- ish colors and purporting to be from Exuma, bound to Baltimore the character of her papers and cargo leading strongly to the suggestion that it was her purpose to violate the blockade. I sent Acting Masters Mate N. M. Dyer and a prize crew on board, with instructions to pro- ceed to New York with all possible dispatch and there deliver her into the hands of the proper authority for adjudication. I am happy to inform you, sir, that the captain of the schooner has subsequently acknowledged that it was his intention to run the block- ade at Wilmington, N. C., ,and that his papers were spurious. I enclose a list of the officers and men of this steamer entitled to share in the proceeds of above reported capture. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, S. N. FREEMAN, Acting Jifaster. Hon. GIDI~ON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C, NwRvoLl7 2 Page 306 306 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Flag- Og/Icer Lardner, U S. Navy, regarding the presence of the steamer Oreto (C. S. S. Florida) at Cardenas, Cuba. No. 96.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, August 31, 1862. SIR: On the 22d instant I received information from the consul- general of Cuba that the steamer Oreto, built in England, had sailed from the neighboring British port of Nassau, armed and equipped for depredations on our commerce, under command of Maffitt, late of the Coast Survey, and bad put into Cardenas, under pretense of being leaky, etc., and was recruiting men at Havana. I immediately dispatched the Huntsville to communicate with Mr. Shufeldt for the latest information, and from thence to look for our steamers at or near the Providence Channel or to go at once to Cardenas. I sent the schooner Wanderer with similar orders the next day. I learn to-day from Havana that the Oreto, now called Florida, is still at Cardenas, and that the Penguin was watching her. There are probably three or four of the steamers of this squadron on the lookout for her at this time. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Commodore, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Stations of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, Septentber 1, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the respective stations of the vessels of this squadron: Name. STEAMERS. 1. San Jacinto 2. Mercedita 3. Quaker City 4. Santiago de Cuba 5. Somerset 6. Sagamore 7. Taboma S. Fort henry 9. Young Rover 10. Huntsville 11. Penguin 12. R. R. Cuyler 13. Magnolia SAILING VESSELS. 14. St. Lawrence 15. Bainbridge 16. Ethan Allen 17. Kingfisher .18. J.L.Davis.. 19. Pursuit Commander. Comdr. W. Ronekendorif Comdr. H. S. Steliwagen Comdr. J. M. Frailey Comdr. D. B. Ridgely Lt. Comdg. E. English Lt. G. A. Bigelow Lt. Comdg. J. C. Howell Act. Lt. Comdg. E. Y. McCauley ... Act. Mast. I. B. Studley Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. C. Rogers.. Lt. Comdg. J. C. Williamson Comdr. F. Winslow Lt. Comdg. J. H. Spotts Station. Sent to Boston August 1 with yellow fever on board. Sailed July 28 to New York for repairs. Sent to Philadelphia to repair boilers. N.E. ProvidenceChannel or Cardenas. Blockading Cedar Keys. Blockading St. Andrews Bay. Blockading Tampa Bay. Blockading Apalachicola. Blockading St. Marks. Key West. Yellow feveron board and without a surgeon or paymaster. eardenas. Ordered to Cardenas. Arrived at Key West August30 forcoal. Comdr. J. F. Schenek Frigate. Key West; fiaghip. Lt. Comdg. D. Lynch Brig. Cruising between Tortugas and Yucatan Bank. Act. Vol. Lt. Comfig. W. B. Eaton.. Bark. Blockading Tampa Bay. ActYol. Lt. Comdg. J. P. Couthouy Bark. Blockading St. Josephs Bay. Act. Mast. John West Bark. Blockading Apalachicola. Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. D. Cate . I Bark. Cruising between Tortugas and Cape San Bias Page 307 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 307 Name. Commander. Station. SAILING VE5SELScontd. 20. Amanda Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. George E Bark. St. Georges Sound. Welch. 21. Wanderer Act. Mast. E. S. Turner Schooner. Sent to Havana and Car- denas. 22. Chambers Act. Mast. D. F. Mosman Schooner. Key West; brought in two prizes. 23. Samuel Rotan Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. W. Kenni Schooner. Apalachicola. son. 24. Beauregard Act. Mast. W. A. Arthur Schooner. Tampa Bay. 25. National Guard Act. Mast. W. Lee Hays Ship. Sailed for New York August 31 for repairs. Crews time out. 26. Eugenic Act. Mast. S. F. Holbrook Schooner. Key West; guard ship. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Commodore, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to f9~omrnItnder Frailey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Quaker c~ity. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 2, 1862. SIR: Your letter of the 23d ultimo, with enclosures, was duly received, it is evident that you have failed to inform yourself of the rights which appertain to, and duties that devolve upon, an officer of a public armed ship during the existence of hostilities. In a period of peace the right of search does not prevail, but it is an unquestioned belligerent right, and your omission to exercise it in the case of the lJfemphis was an error unfortunate for yourself and for the country. This great neglect is to be imputed, I apprehend, to remissness in informing yourself of the legal rights of a naval com- manding officer. Again, from the manner in which you speak of your instructions from Flag-Officer Lardner, accompanied by two lists of suspected vessels liable to capture, and that the lJlemphis is not mentioned therein, and that you had no information concerning any vessel answering her name or description, it is inferred you labor under a grave misapprehension of the object in furnishing you, with the names of suspected vessels, and your duty in regard to them. The suspected vessels were named to you for the purpose bf indi- cating their suspicious character and stimulating vigilance in the search which it would be your duty to make on falling in with and visiting any of the vessels enumerated. In no sense was the list furnished you to be construed into an order to capture unless after visitation and search you found satisfactory evidence that there were arms or contraband on board, oi~ that there was an intent to violate the blockade. While caution and prudence are to be observed, it is no less essen- tial that you exercise your clear and unquestioned rights as a belliger- ent commander. There should not be timidity on the one hand nor rashness on the other. Avoid giving offense, but do not hesitate to assert and enforce your undoubted rights in discharging your public duties. An officer is expected to and must exercise judgment an Page 308 308 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. discrimination, and not shrink, when occasion requires it, from responsibility. The idea of capturing only such vessels as are enumerated to you, or of capturing them without a search, is erroneous. You will, when cruising, visit, without regard to their clearance or destination, all vessels not being public armed ships of war of foreign powers. In the case of vessels carrying cargo, or engaged in commerce, and not being regular mail steam packets engaged in the regular and stated mail service, of foreign governments, you will, during the visit, always exercise the unquestioned belligerent right of search, and if upon strict search it shall appear that arms or contraband of war constitute the cargo, or such part thereof as would render aid to the enemy, then you will exercise the no less unquestioned right of seizing such vessel and cargo and send in the same for adjudication. This should be done in a manner as little offensive as possible. Seizure does not necessarily involve condemnation. The courts will adjudge the whole question of prize or no prize. I send herewith a copy of printed instructions that will assist you, and would recommend that you fully post yourself on the subject of maritime and belligerent rights, with which I apprehend you have not made yourself as familiar as you should be in order to discharge your duties correctly. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commander JAS. MADISON FRAILEY, commanding u. S. S. Quaker City, Philadelphia, Pa. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Ojicer larduer, U. S. Navy, regarding the steamer Oreto (C. S. S. Florida). NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 3, 1862. SIR: The Department calls your immediate attention to the fact that the Oreto, having been released by the court at Nassau, was at last accounts at Cardenas, Cuba. This vessel should be followed wherever she goes and captured. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commodore JAMES L. LARDNER, Comdg. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West, Fla. Order gf the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Woodhull, U. S. Navy, commandinq U. S. S. & 7marron, to proceed to duty in the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. * NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 3, 1862. SIR: Proceed with the U. S. S. Cimarron to Key West and report to Commodore James L. Lardner for dl4ty in the squadron under his command. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commander M. WOODHULL, U. S. Navy, Commdnding U. S. S. Cimarron, Hampton Roads, Va. * See Series I, volume 1, p. 431, for modification of this order Page 309 EAST GULF BLOCKADLNG SQUADRON. 309 Report of Lieutenant Howell, U. S. Navy, regarding an attack hy guer- rillas upon Union refugees. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, Tampa Bay, Septemliwr 3, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 26th August, ultimo, while three of the refugees who have been for some months at the light-house on Egmont Key under the protection of the United States were on the main land endeavoring to procure potatoes, beef, etc., from their own farms near Old Tampa for the support of themselves and families, two of them, John and Scott Whitehurst, while shoving from the shore in their boat were barbarously set upon by guerrillas,. and Scott Whitehurst was immediately killed and John Whitehurst mortally wounded. The latter had strength enough to pull the boat out of fire, then fell and laid two days in the boat exposed to the rays of an August sun, and was at last discovered by another refugee named Clay and brought to this place. The third man, named Arnold, is sup- posed to have been murdered during the day. All these men were Union men, and only a short time ago John Whitehurst offered to raise a company of loyal Floridians if he could be assured it would be accepted. I sent a boat and recovered the body of Scott Whitehurst and buried it. John Whitehurst died last night, and was decently interred by us this morning. His dying request was that his three little sons should be received into the United States naval service. I have no vacancies for them, but will take them on board and ration them (which 1 shall be obliged to do under any circumstances) until I receive permission to ship them, which 1 am confident will be granted. The boys are quite young the eldest, I should think, about 12 years of age, the youngest about 7 or 8. These guerrillas are scouring the woods, looking after deserters and conscripts; they rob, murder, and steal indiscriminately, if the reports of the refugees are to be credited; Union men they threaten to hang, and do shoot, as we have lamentable proof. It is said that every man capable of bearing arms has been forced to join the rebels in this part of Florida. No vessel has attempted to run the blockade at this port. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. HOWELL, Lieutenant, (~nnmanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag- OftlcerLardner, U. S. Navy, regarding the assignment of commodore Wilkes, U. S. Navy, to command in the West J~~dies and Bahamas. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 8, 1863. SIR: Commodore Charles Wilkes having been appointed to command a squadron of vessels for service in the West Indies and Bahamas, the latter will not, as heretofore, be embraced within the limits of your command. The steamer Santiago de Caba will form a part of hi Page 310 310 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. force, and you will direct the commanding officer of that vessel to report to him on his arrival out. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commodore J. L. LARDNER, Uomdg. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West, Fla. Abstract log U S. bark Kingfisher, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Gou thouy, U. S. Navy, commanding. September 8, 1862.St. Josephs Bay.At 5 a. m. called Ml hands, got underway and stood up for the salt works. * At 9:30 sent Acting Master Allen and Masters Mate Whiteside on shore in fourth cutter under a flag of truce with a notice, giving them two hours to leave the place. At 11, saw the people leaving taking 4 cart loads of salt with them. 11:40, time having expired, fired 3 shell into the woods. At 1 p. m. sent launcb, first, and third cutters, all armed, in charge of Acting Masters Hallet and Allen and Masters Mate Whiteside on shore for the purpose of destroying the property at the salt works, throw- ing a shell into the woods occasionally from our guns. At 4, boats returned having destroyed the property, and brought off large chests of carpenters tools. Ammunition expended, 4 Parrott percussion shell and 4 2-pound charges powder; 3 VIII-inch 10-second shell, 3 8-pound charges powder; 5 VIII-inch hollow shot, 7 6-pound charges. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Flag- Offic Lardner, U S. Navy, regarding temporary measures of relief in West indies and Bahamas. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 9, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: We feel deeply your situation, with an important command, and death in its most appalling form surrounding you. To relieve you from part of your responsibility temporarily we are about to send off Wilkes with the TYachmsett, Dacotah (sailed), Sonoma, Cimarron (sailed), ]iioga, and Octorara, giving him also, for the time being, the Santiago de Cuba, now in the Bahamas. He will scour the Bahamas and West Indies in pursuit of the Oreto and 290, and this accomplished his squadron will be distributed amongst the others, and your limits resume their former position. We know you want more vessels, but the present crisis here and the fever, and the brokendown ships seem to cripple our best efforts. The San Jacinto will go to you on the 1st October. We shall direct the vessels to approach Key West and communicate only by boat until the fever has disappeared. We dont think any supplies are run into the ports within the limits of your command. If you can move your headquarters to the Tor- tugas or any point more healthy where we caii communicate, I do not see why you should not do so and notify us. Trusting that a Merciful * See report of Lardner, p. 316 Page 311 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 311 Providence will save you through this fiery trial for the good of our beloved country, 1 am, most truly, your friend, G. V. Fox. Flag-Officer J. L. LARDNER, U. S. Navy. Report of Commander Ridgely, U S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Santiago de Cuba, regarding the capture of the schooner Lavinia. U. S. S. SANTIAGO DE CUBA, Key TFest, September 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the capture of the schooner Lavinia on the 27th August, by the Santiago de ~aba. She was bound from Wilmington, N. C., to Nassau, was captured in latitude 270 53 N., longitude 760 51, W., the N. E. end of Abaco bear- ing south, was without papers or flag, and loaded with turpentine. I sent her to Key West, under charge of Acting Masters Mate Ellery, and a prize crew. I enclose a muster roll of officers and men belonging to the Santiago de Cuba at the time of capture, no other vessel of war being in sight. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, DANL. B. RIDGELY, Hon. G. WELLES, Commander, U. S. Navy. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Abstract log U S. S. Sagamore, Lieutenant- (hmmander Bigel ow, U S. Navy, commanding. September 11, 1862.At 10 a. m. sent launch and second cutter on shore armed, the first in charge of Acting Master Babson and Masters Mate Sidell, the second in charge of Acting Master Fales and Assistant Engineer Leavitt. Boats landed and employed in destroying salt works. At 11 stood underway and stood in nearer the town. At 5:45 p. m. boats still employed destroying salt works. September 12.At 7:30 a. m. second cutter in charge of Acting Master Fales, 15 men, launch in charge of Acting Master Babson, 17 men, left the ship to destroy salt works. Report qf Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, U S. Navy, regarding the reported departure from Havana of the steamer Oreto (fil. S. S. Florida). No. 104.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, September 13, 1862. SIR: In my dispatch of the 31st ultimo, 1 reported to the Department the information I had of the steamer Oreto, and the measures I had taken to capture her. The latest information from Havana is that she left that place on the 1st instant in a leaky condition and with the yellow fever on board Page 312 312 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. It was believed by Mr. Shufeldt that she would attempt no attack upon our commerce, but make the best of her way to some Southern port. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Commodore, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Appointment from. the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Iardner, U.S. Navy, as acting rear-admiral while commanding East Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 15, 1862. SIR: You are hereby appointed an acting rear-admiral to take effect from the 16th July, 1862, and to continue until the expiration of your present command. I am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES Acting Rear-Admiral JAMES L. LARDNER, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blkdg. Squadron, Key West, lila. Stations of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, September 15, 1862. SlR: I have the honor to report the respective station~ of the vessels of this squadron: Name. STEAMERS. 1. San Jacinto 2. Mercedita 3. Quaker City 4. santiago de Cuba 5. Somerset 6. Sagamore 7. Tahoma 8. Fort Henry 9. Young Rover 10. Huntsville 11. Penguin 12. R. R. Cuyler 13. Magnolia SAILING VESSELS. 14. St. Lawrence 15. Bainbridge 16. Ethan Allen 17. Kingfisher 15. J. L. Davis Commander. Comdr. W. Ronekendorif Comdr. H. S. Stellwagen Comdr. J. M. Frailey Comdr. B. B. Ridgely Lt. Comdr. E. English Lt. G. A. Bigelow Lt. Comdg. J. C. Howell Actg. Lt. Comdg. E. Y. Mccauley.. Act. Mast. I. B. Studley Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. C. Rogers. Lt. Comdg. J. C. Williamson Comdr. EWinslow Lt. Comdg. J. H. Spotts Comdr. J. F. Schenek Comdr. T. M. Brasher Act.Vol. Lt. Comdg.Wm. B. Eaton. ActYol. Lt. Comdg. J. P. Couthony Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. John West 19. Pursuit Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg, David ....... 20. Amanda Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. G. E. Welch.. 21. Wanderer Act. Mast. E. S. Turner Class and station. Sent to Boston, Aug. 1, with yellow fever on hoard. Sailed July 28 to New York for re- pairs. Sent to Philadelphia for repairs of boilers. Sent to Ship Island for coal. Blockading Cedar Keys. Blockading St. Andrews Bay. Visiting all the blockading stations. Blockading Apalachicola. Blockading St. Marks. Key West. Yellow fever on board. Blockading Charlotte Harbor. Sailed Aug. 20 for Providence Chan- nel. Key West. Frigate. Flagship; Key West. Brig. Ordered to Aspinwall. Bark. Blockading Tampa Bay. Bark. Blockading St. Josephs Bay. Bark. Supplying squadron with stores and provisions. Bark. Cruising between Tortugas and Cape San Blas. St. Georges Sound. Schooner, Cape Sable and Florida Reef Page 313 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 313 Name. Commander. Class and station. 5AILINO YE55EL5contd. 22. J. S. Chambers Act. Mast. D. F. Mosman Cruising between Tortugas and Cuba. 23. Samuel Rotan Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. W. Kenni- Schooner. Apalachicola. son. 24. Beauregard Act. Mast. W. A. Arthur Schooner. Tampa Bay. 25. National Guard Act. Mast. Win. Lee Hays Ship. Sent to New York for repairs. Crews time out. 26. Eugenic Act. Mast. S. F. Holbrook Schooner. Guard ship; Key West. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, (ommodore, c~ommanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the iVavy, Wash%ngtOn, D. C. Report of. Commander howell, CL S. Navy, commanding CL S. S. Tahoma, regarding the death from yellow fever of Acting iAfaster Hurley, U. S. Navy. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, St. Andrews Bay, September 18, 1862. SIR: 1 regret to be obliged to report to you the melancholy intelli- gence of the death of Acting Master Henry Hurley, of this vessel, who died of yellow fever at meridian September 17, instant. I went into St. Andrews Bay for the purpose of buiying him. He is interred on the most eastern bluff of Hurricane Island, and a headboard with his name, rank, and date of decease (the letters cut in) marks his grave. I am glad to say that no other case of fever has yet appeared. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. HOWELL, Commander. Commodore J. L. LARDNER, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Respectfully submitted to honorable Secretary of the Navy by J. L. LARDNER, Acting Rear-Admiral, (ommanding Sqitadron. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, U. S. Navy, regarding the arrival at Key West of the U. S. bark Roebuck. No. 107.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, September 19, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival to-day of the bark Roebuck, Acting Master John Sherrill in command, to join this squadron. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LAUDNER, (ommodore, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Pon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, JYashii~gton, D. C Page 314 ~314 EAST GULP BLOCICADI~G SQUAD1~ON. Order of the Secretary ojf the Navy to Actinq Rear-Admiral ]ardner, U. S. Navy, reqardinq transfer of command for the U. S. bark Ethan Allen. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 19, 1862. SIR: Commander Trenchard, of the Rhode Island, has been directed by the Department, upon falling in with the bark Ethan Allen, to deliver an order to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Eaton, detaching him from the command of that vessel, and also giving him authority, if he desires it, to bring to the North with him the executive officer of the Ethan Allen. Acting Master I. A. Pennell, now on board the Rhode Island, has been ordered to relieve Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Eaton. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Acting Rear-Admiral J. L. LARDNER Comdg. East (}ulfBiockdg. Squadron, Key West, Fla. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Bear-Admiral lardner, U. S. Navy, for the interdiction of all tra~ffic with the blockaded country. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 24, 1862. SIR: You will allow no vessel to import or export merchandise at any port of the blockaded country. Key West is the only open port for general traffic within the limits of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. You will uot regard what are called permits from any officer except the Secretary of the Treasury, War, or Navy as authorizing the ingress or egress of any vessel in violation of the blockade. There must be no favoritism or license given to any one or more of our countrymen to traffic within the blockaded regioii or to import or expQrt merchandise. That would be justly ~onsidered evasive of the blockade and in bad faith. No officer of the Army or Navy is authorized to grant permits, and you will seize all vessels engaged in illegal traffic. Such vessels as are under the authority of the War or Navy Depart- ment may be engaged to carry supplies to the Army or Navy, but will take no return cargo. The blockade is intended to interdict all trade whatsoever with the country blockaded during its continuance, and should be rigidly enforced. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Acting Rear-Admiral JAMES L. LARDNER, (omdg. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West, Fla. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral ]ardner, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture of the British schooner Isabel. No. 118.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE Key West, September 29, 1862. SIR: I report the capture of the English schooner Jsabel (provisional register), a few days out from St. Marks with a cargo of cotton, b Page 315 EAST GULF 1~LOOI~ADING SQUADRON. 315 the bark J. L. Davis. Acting Master John West, and sent to this port for adjudication. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Stations of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, October ~, 18G2. SIR: 1 have the honor to report the respective stations of the vessels of this squadron: Name, Commander. Class and station. sTEAMERs. 1. San Jacinto Comdr. W. Ronekendorif Sent to Boston Aug. 1 with yellow fever on board. 2. Mercedita Comdr. H. S. Stellwagen Sailed July 28 to New York for re- pairs. 3. Quaker City Comdr. J. M. Frailey Sent to Philadelphia for repairs to boilers. 4. Santiago de Cuba Comdr. D. B. Ridgely Cruising off Tortugas and coast of Cuba. 5. Somerset Lt. Comdr. E. English Blockading Apalachicola. 6. Sagamore Lt. Comdg. G. A. Bigelow Blockading St. Andrews Bay. 7. Tahoma Lt. Comdg J. C. Howell Blockading Cedar Keys. S. Fort Henry Act. Lt. Comdg. E. Y. McCauley Blockading Apalachicola. 9. Young Rover Act. Mast. I. B. Studley Ordered to Key West. 1~l. Huntsville Act. vol. Lt. Comdg. W. C. Rogers Key West. 11. Pengmn Lt. Comdg. J. C. Williamson Blockading Charlotte Harbor. 12. H. R. Cuyler Comdr. F. Winslow 13. Magnolia Lt. Comdg. J. H. Spotts Key West,. coaling. 14. Dacotah Comdr. J. P. McKinstry Cruising on coast of Cuba between Havana, Bahia Honda, and Tor- tugas. 5AILINC vEssELs. 15. St. Lawrence Comdr. J. F. Schenek Frigate. Flagship; Key West. 16. Bainbridge Comdr. T. M. Brasher Brig. Order sent ~o her to go to Aspinwall. 17. Etban Allen Act. vol. Lt. Comdg. Win. B. Eaton Bark. Ordered to St. Josephs Bay. 18. Kingfisher Act.Vol. Lt. Comdg. J. P. Couthouy Bark. Blockading St. Josephs Bay. 19. J. L. Davis Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. J. West Bark. Supplying the squadron with stores and provisions. 20. Pursuit Act. vol. Lt. Comdg. D. Cate Bark. Blockading Tampa Bay. 21. Amanda Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. G. E. Welch Bark. BlockadingSt.GeorgesSound. 22. Roebuck Act. Mast. J. Sherrill Bark. Blockading St. Marks. 23. Wanderer Act. Mast. E. S. Turner Schooner. Cruising between Cape Sable and Florida Reef. 24. J. S. Chambers Act. Mast. L. Nickerson Schooner. Ordered in search of Bain. bridge. 25. Samuel Rotan Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. W. Kenni Blockading St. Andrew s. son. 26. Beauregard Act. Mast. W. A. Arthur Schooner. Blockading Tampa Bay. 27. Eugenic Act. Mast. S. F. Holbrook Schooner. Guard ship; Key West. 28. National Guard Act. Mast. Win. Lee Hays Ship. Sent to New York for repairs. Crews time out. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding East Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 316 316 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Re ort of Acting Rear-Admiral Iardner, U S. Navy, regarding the destruction of salt works at St. Andrews and at St. Josephs bays. No. 122.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, October 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that salt works of the rebels at St. Andrews Bay, capable of making 216 bushels of salt per day, were destroyed by Lieutenant-Commander Bigelow, of the Sagamore, on the 11th * of September last. The salt works at St. Josephs Bay, estimated of capacity to make 200 bushels of salt a day, were destroyed by Lieutenant Commanding Couthouy, of the Ii9ingfsher, on the 8th * of September. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Acting Rear-Admiral, (~mdg. Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. U Expeditions for the destruction of salt works on the Fernandina Rail road, October 4 and 6, 1862. Report of Lieutenant-Commander English, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Somerset, regarding first expedition. U.S. GUNBOAT SOMERSET, Cedar Keys, October 7, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to make the following report: Having received reliable information that most all the rebel troop~ stationed at No. 4 (the present terminus of the Fernandina Railroad) had been sent away, and knowing they had very extensive salt works there, I felt it my duty to destroy them, if possible. Accordingly, on the morning of the 4th instant I took position with this vessel as close as the draft of water would admit; threw some dozen shells, when they hoisted the white flag. Dispatched the boats in charge of Acting Master Dennison with instructions to destroy all the salt works that could be found. He had succeeded in demolishing quite a number without any resistance. Upon arriving at the place where the white flag was flying he found the works to be very large. Seeing several women at the house, he could not fire. No sooner, however, had his men gotten out of the boats to destroy the works than they were fired upon by some 25 persons concealed in the rear. He returned the fire, killing and wounding several. The party that had been sent with the howitzer not being able to get up, the tide falling, I recalled them. They destroyed several barrels of salt, a number of boats; captured one launch and a large flat. The conduct of the officers and crew was all that could be desired. On the morning of the 6th, the ]iahoma having arrived, a much larger expedition was fitted out, which proved perfectly successful, without meeting with much resistance. The whole number of salt boilers destroyed in the two days by the two parties was between 50 and 60, some of them making as high as 5 * See log extracts under dates Page 317 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 317 bushels per day, and from all the information I can obtain from con- trabands they were making at least 150 bushels every twenty-four hours, working night and day. Enclosed I send the report of the surgeon of the casualties of the 4th instant. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Lieutenant- commander. Acting Rear-Admiral JAMES L. LARDNER, Commanding Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure.] Report of casualties. U. S. S. SOMERSET, Off Cedar Key8, Fla., October 4, 1869?. SIR: i have to report the following casualties in the action of to-day in the destruction of the salt works at Station No. 4: Killed, none. Wounded dangerously, 2. 1. Henry Everett, captain of after guard, wounded in four places with buckshot; one entering the abdomen, below the umbilicus, one passing through the left thigh, one lodging in the left ankle, and one in the right arm. 2. Randolph Cooke, seaman; wounded in the throat, a shot passing through the larynx and ~iesophagus into the left side of the neck. Wounded severely, 4. 1. James ONeill, seaman; wounded in four places with buckshot, two passing through the left thigh, one through the left arm near the wrist, and one striking the chest without penetrating. 2. Willis II. Hines, seaman; gunshot wound of the left arm, a musket ball passing the deltoid muscle. 3. John Willard, seaman; gunshot wound of the right arm, a buck- shot passing through the forearm, between the radius and ulna. 4. Thomas Wilson, first ordinary seaman; gunshot wound of the left arm, a buckshot passing nearly through the deltoid muscle. Wounded slightly, 2. 1. William E. Dennison, acting master and executive officer; struck on the right hip by a spent ball. 2. Frederick Block; struck on the forehead by a spent buckshot. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. J. DRAPER, Acting Assistant Surgeon;. Lieutenant-Commander EARL ENGLIsH, U. S. Navy. Report of Commander Howell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Talioma, transmitting report regarding second expedition. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA cedar Keys, October14, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to report that I arrived at this place on the 4th of October, instant, having touched at Tampa Bay and delivered the dispatches with which I was charged Page 318 318 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I found the U. S. S. Somerset at anchor off Depot Key. A boat was sent to me to report that in an attack on some salt works 15 men of the Somerset, under the executive officer, had been tired upon from a house, in front of which two or three women were walking, and from whose top a large white flag was flying, and ~ of the 15 wounded. The force was obliged to return without accomplishing all their work. I determined to fit out a strong expeditionto send men enough to over- come all opposition. The rebels here needed a lesson and they have had ft. I respectfully refer you to Lieutenant-Commander Crosman s report for particulars. In the two expeditions between 50 and 60 boilers were destroyed. The houses were burned on account of the treacherous use made of them on October 4. Credit is due Lieutenant- Commander Crosman, in charge of the combined expedition, and to Acting Master and Executive Oflicer Dennison, of the Somerset, in charge of the Somersets boats, and to the officers and men of both vessels for the successful issue. A large amount of property was destroyed and not a man was injured on our side. It is said that the salt works destroyed were capable of making 150 bushels of salt per diem. I have the honor to enclose the proceedings of two summary courts- martial. The sentences are light enough, in my judgment. The weather for the past week has been very bad. It is now quite cool and the weather still unsettled. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. C. HOWELL, Oommander, U S. Navy. Rear-Admiral J. L. LARDNER, Uommanding U. S. Squadron, Key West. Report ~f Lieutenant-Commander Crosman, U. S. Navy, commanding second expedition. U. S. GUNBOAT TAHOMA, Of Sea Horse Key, Octoher 8, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the morning of the 6th instant, an expedition left the harbor for the purpose of demolishing some salt works of the rebels upon the mainland. The expedition consisted of four boats from this ship and four from the U. S. S. Somerset, numbering in all 111 men. Two of the boats had howitzers. Twenty or thirty armed guerrillas were put to flight by the shell, shrap- nel, and canister with which the houses, woods, and underbrush were searched; then the small-arms men landed, deployed as skirmishers on each flank of the guns, and the working parties destroyed the boilers, which were of various shapes and curious construction. The houses in the immediate vicinity were fired and the boats proceeded to the next station. Here the boats covered the working parties and no small-arms men were landed. It was necessary to put howitzers shell through two very thick cast-iron and two strong wrought-iron boilers; the buildings were then burned. Just after leaving this latter place the cars came in, and probably brought a reinforcement, as people on shore yelled and shouted, and fired some 20 shots at the boats. From the sound I judged them to be Mini6 or Enfield rifle bullets. None of them, however, struck any of the men, nor would they have done any harm, as the distance was too great Page 319 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 319 The expedition was entirely successful, destroyed some 28 boilers, burned to the ground all the buildings within reach, besides two up on Way Key; no confusion was exhibited in landing, nor was there any departure fiom the instructions given prior to it; no useless expenditure of ammunition, and no one hurt. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. F. CROSMAN, lieutenant- commander, in command of Expedition. Commander J. C. HOWELL, commanding u. S. Gunboat Tahoma, cedar Keys, Eta. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Blake, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. P. R. cuyler, regarding the departure of that vessel for sea. U. S. S. R. R. CUYLER, Portsmouth, October 7, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that the vessel under my command proceeded to sea this day in accordance with the letter of instructions of the 27th instant, directed to her late com- mander, Lieutenant Commanding William C. West. I also have the honor to enclose a list of her officers and crew. Most res~ectfully, your obedient servant, H. C. BLAKE, Lieutenant- commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 9. c. Report gf Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, CL S. Navy, regarding the dispatching of the CL S. S. Young Rover to Philadelphia for rpai~rs. No. 134.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, October 9, 1862. SIR: The machinery of the purchased screw steamer Young Rover requiring extensive repairs and the terms of service of her crew having expired more than a month ago, I have sent her to Philadelphia for repairs and a new crew. She also takes home some invalids and a number of men from the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Acting Rear-Admiral, commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. c. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Iardner, CL S. Navy, regarding the dispatching of the U S. bark Kingfii~s her to Boston. No. 136.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, October 11, 1862. SIR: The terms of enlistment of the Kingfishers crew having expired -for some time, and symptoms of scurvy prevailing among them, I hav Page 320 320 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ordered the commander of that vessel to Boston, and to report to the Department upon his arrival. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L: LARDNER, Acting Rear-Admiral, commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. U. Letter from British vice-consul at Fey West to the Secretary of the Navy, acknowledging valuable aid rendered to the British bark Jiele- graph. BRITISH VICE-CONSULATE, Key West, October 14, 186~2. SIR: I beg leave to acknowledge the very humane and valuable service rendered at sea by the U. S. brig Bainbridge, Lieutenant D. Lynch, commanding, to the British Ii ark Telegraph, Captain John Lee, which vessel was boarded by the Bainbridge in latitude 23~ 34, longitude 840 16, the crew being sick and unable to do any duty, and the captain hardly able to stand up. The commander of the Bainbridge, after relieving the sick, put a crew on board and accompanied her to this port, b~t for which, the captain informs me, the vessel would undoubtedly have been lost and the crew suffered severely. I shall at an early day inform the British Government of this act of promptness and humanity. I am, sir, your most obedient humble servant, R. W. WELCH, British Vice- Consul. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. U. Stations of vessels composing the East Gu~f Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, October 15, 1869~?. SIR: I have the honor to report the respective stations of the vessels of this squadron: Name. Commander. Class and station. STEAMERS. 1. Tahoma Comdr. J. C. Howell Blockading Cedar Keys. 2. Magnolia Comdr. J. H. Spotts visiting squadron with supplies. 3. Penguin Comdr. J. C. Williamson Blockading Charlotte Harbor. 4. Somerset Lt. Comdr. E. English Blockading West Pass, Apalachicola. 5~ Sagamore Lt. Comdr. G. A. Bigelow Blockading, ordered from West Pass, Apalachicola. 6. Fort Henry Act. Lt. Comdg. E. Y. McCauley Blockading Apalachicola. 7. Huntsville Act. vol. Lt. Comdg. W. C. Rogers Blockading St. Josephs Bay. S. Young Rover Act. Mast. J. B. Stodley Ordered Oct. 11 to Philadelphia fo,~ repairs. Crews time out. 9. Port Royal IA. Comdr. G. U. Morris At Key West repairing Page 320A UNITED STATES BRIG BAINBRIDGE Page 320B Page 321 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 321 Name. Commander. Class and station. SAILING VESSELS. 10. St. Lawrence Comdr. J. F. Schenck Frigate. Flagship; Key West. 11. Ethan Allen Act. Mast. I. A. Pennell Bark. Blockading St. Josephs Bay. 12. Kingfisher Act. Vol. Lt. Comfig. J. P. Couthony Bark. Ordered siorth. Crews time out and scurvy on board. 13. J. L. Dayis Act. Vol. Lt. Comfig. J. West Bark. Supplying squadron with stores and provisions. 14. Pursuit Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. D. Cate Bark. Blockading Tampa Bay. 15. Amanda Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. G. E. Welch Bark. BlockadingSt.GeorgesSound, East Pass. 16. Roebuck Act. Mast. J. Sherrill Bark. Blockading St. Marks. 17. Wanderer Act. Mast. E. S. Turner Blockading St. Andrews Bay. 18. J. S. Chambers Act. Mast. L. Nickerson Schooner. Blockading St. Georges Sound. 19. Samuel Rotan Act.Vol. Lt. Comdg.W.W. Kennison Schooner. Blockading St. Andrews Bay. 20. Beauregard Act. Mast. W. A. Arthur Schooner. Blockading Tampa Bay. 21. Eugenic Act. Mast. S. F. Holbrook Schooner. Guard ship; Key West. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAS. FINDLAY SCHENOK, commander, for Acting Bear-Admiral Lardner. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. U Report of Acting Lieutenant Jib Cayley, U. S. Navy, regarding expe- dition in Apalachicola River for the capture of sloop C. L. Brocken- borough. U. S. S. FORT HENRY, St. Georges Sound, Fla., October 16, 1869~?. SIR: A second reconnoissance up the Apalachicola River resulted in the Capture of the sioop G. L. Brockenborough. Yesterday the boats of this vessel discovered her in a creek some distance up from the town. Upon signaling, the Sagam ore sent her launch armed with howitzer, which cleared the banks of the river of the guerrillas. I regret to say that on passing the town of Apalachicola fire was opened on the boats by a set of miscreants from amid a crowd of women and children. I am happy to commend Acting Master Babson, in charge of the Sagamores launch, for not returning the fire. On rounding the point a fire of musketry was kept up on the boats from behind houses, fences, etc. This was returned by our boats, and two of the assailants were seen to fall. The fire was kept up and returned by our boats, until the sloop was grounded on the bar. Several of our men were hit, but none wounded, while the boats, bored through and through, attested the shortness of the range. We found the sloop scuttled. She was brought out with 64 bales of cotton on board. I have brought her down to the anchorage. As soon as she is raised I will send her to Key West. Two men who were found on board, one of whom professes to be her captain, the other a Southern gentleman professing loyalty to the United States Govern- ment, but whose statements my information proves untrue, I will reland near Apalachicola. Their anxiety to get to Havana inclines me to believe that they are a pair of emissaries seeking to gain transpor- tation by this means. N w HVOL 17 2 Page 322 322 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The J. L. Davi8 has supplied us with two months provisions, to end the 8th of December. I have on board thirty days coal, at my average rate of consumption. I beg leave to express my commendation of the manner in which Acting Master R. B. Smith conducted the expedition which resulted in the capture of the sloop. To his care and foresight I am indebted for the result accomplished without any loss. Acting Master Edwin Babson, of the Sagamore, led the advance and covered the retreat of the boats with his howitzer in a manner that promises well for his efficiency should he be eve~r more seriously engaged. Lieutenant-Commander Bigelow has consented to receive on board, for passage to Key West, a refugee, wife and child, loyalists, evading Southern conscription. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. Y. MCCAULEY, Acting Lieutenant, Commanding CL S. S. Fort Henry. Rear-Admiral J. L. LARDNER, commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Eastern Gu~f. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Bigelow, CL S. Navy, commanding CL S. S. Sagamore, regarding the capture of the schooner Frances of Nassau, New Providence. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, Off ~trysfort Ref Light, Fla. (distant 16 miles), October 23, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to inform you that at 8 a. m. of this date a small sail was discovered to the eastward, distant 5 miles. Bore down upon her, hoisted the ensign and fired a gun, which brought her to. Sent Acting Master William Fales on board her, who reported her as the schooner Frances, of and from Nassau, bound to Belize, Honduras, with a cargo of salt, powder, gin, dry goods, cotton cards, rum, and nails; 3 in her crew; Captain E. F. Rich; owned by Robert Ennings; 7 tons burden. The vessel having no visible name, her cargQ being contraband, her position suspicious (7 miles from Carys- fort Reef when first seen, and twenty days from nassau), and her papers deficient, I sent her to Key West under charge of Acting Mas- ters Mate Franklin E. Ford for adjudication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. A. BIGELOW, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary CL S. Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting 2iifaster Willcoinb, CL S. Navy, commanding CL S. S. Stars and Stripes, of arrival for daty in the East Gu~f Squadron. U. S. S. STARS AND STRIPES, Off Key West, October 24, 1862. SIR: in obedience to my orders of September 29, I have this day reported to Rear-Admiral J. L. Lardner for duty in the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES L. WILLCOMB, Hon. G. WELLES, Acting iliaster, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. Page 323 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 323 Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Couthouy, U. S. Navy, request- ing ~nstructwns regarding the disposition of refugees. U. S. BARK KINGFISHER, Boston Harbor, October 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to ask your instructions in regard to the dis- position of James Duff and James Alen Smith, refugees, citizens of the State of Georgia and late residents of Columbus, who were received on board this ship at St. Josephs Bay, Fla., on 24th September last. They are both mechanics, and were employed up to the time of their escape in the rebel Government foundry at Columbus, Duff having been, as he states, foreman of the molding shop. They represent themselves as having run away to avoid being compelled to take up arms against, the flag under which they were born, and have duly sub- scribed the oath of allegiance (which will be found herewith enclosed), and I have observed nothing in them that would lead me to question the loyalty they profess. These persons report that the destruction of the extensive steam salt works in St. Josephs Bay, Fla. ,~ on the 8th ultimo, by this vessel, was a heavy blow to the rebels, and created great excitement through- out Georgia and Florida, these works having been the main source on which those States relied for a supply of salt for the winter~ s provisions for their troops, and that it was a greater injury to the rebels than if we had captured 20,000 prisoners. They state that the capital actually invested in the works by the company conducting them was $20,000, which is of course a dead loss, in addition to which they lost during our stay 11 able-bodied contrabands taken on board this vessel. The, particulars of this affair were given to Acting Rear-Admiral J. L. Lardner, commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron, in my report to him of 9th ultimo. Being where I could not receive any instructions under a long time, I felt it my duty, in view of the fact that these works were furnishing the rebels with $60,000 worth of an article of primary necessity every month, to take the responsibility upon myself of destroying them without waiting for orders. I am, sir, with great respect, your obedient servant, Jos. P. Coumou~, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary gf the Navy, Washington City, D. C Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, UJ S. Navy, announcing the interdiction of trade. No. 145.1 FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, October 27, 1862. SIR: I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 24th of Sep- tember, directing me to allow no vessel to import, or export mer- chandise at any port of the blockaded country, and stating that Key West is the only open port for general traffic within the limits of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. *$ee p. 316 Page 324 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 324 I report that the blockade is believed to be rigidly enforced and all trade whatever with the country interdicted. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servent, J. L. LARDNER, Acting Rear-Admiral, (~omdg. Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Bigelow, U. S. Navy, commanding lii S. S. Sagamore, regarding the capture of British schooner Trier, of Nassau, New Brovidence. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, Qif Jndian River Inlet, Florida, October 28, 1862. SIR: 1 have the honor to inform the Department that this day I captured the English schooner Trier, of Nassau, from Green Turtle Cay, and cleared for Port Royal, S. C. When first discovered, she was standing in for the land, but kept away on seeing this vessel. She carried no license from the American consul, and I therefore seized her and sent her to Key West for adjudication. Her cargo consists of 100 bags of salt, 1 case of dry goods, 2 boxes of candles, 4 boxes of tea, and 4 boxes of soap. When boarded she was 6 miles east of Indian River Inlet. 1 am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. A. BIGELow, Lieutenant- Gommander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of U. S. Navy, Washington, D. C. Stations of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, November 1, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the respective stations of the vessels of this squadron: Name, commander, class and station. STEAMERS. 1. Tahoma comdr. J. c. Howell Blockading cedar Keys. 2. Magnolia comdr. J. H. Spotti Key West. Reports boilersand smoke- stack burned ont. A survey has been ordered. 3. Penguin Comdr. J. c. Williamson Blockading charlotte Harbor. 4. Somerset Lt. Comdg. A. F. crosman Blockading Apalachicola. 5. Sagamore IA. comdg. E. English Just returned from Jupiter inlet and indian River with two small prizes. 6. Fort Henry Actg. Lt. comdg. E. Y. McCauley Blockading Apalachicola. 7. Huntsville Actg.vol. Lt. comdg. W. C. Rogers Key West. coaling. 5. Port Royal Lt. Comdr. G. U. Morris Key West. Repairing. 9. Stars and Stripes Actg.Mast.Ctmdg.c.L.Willcomb Sailed to-day for Tampa and Apalach- icola Bay Page 325 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 325 Name. Commander. Class and station. SAILING VESSELS. 10. St. Lawrence Comdr. J. F. Schenck Frigate, Flagship; Key West. 11. Ethan Allen Actg. Mast. Comdg. I. A. Pennell.. Bark. Blockading St. Josephs Bay. 12. J. L. Davis Actg. Mast. J. West Bark. Key West, taking in coal and provisions for blockading vessels. 13. Pursuit Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. D. Cate Bark. Blockading Tampa Bay. 14. Amanda Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. G.E. Welch. Bark. BlockadingSt.GeorgesSound, East pass. 15. Roebuck Actg. Mast. Comdg. J. Sherrill Bark. Blockading St. Marks. 16. Wanderer Actg. Mast. Comdg. E. S. Turner... Blockading St. Andrews Bay. 17. J. S. Chambers Actg. Mast. Comdg. L. Nickerson.. Schooner. Blockading St. Georges Sound. 18. Samuel Rotan Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. W. Ken- Schooner. Key West, in want of re- nison. pairs. 19. Beauregard Actg. Mast. Comdg. W. A. Arthur.. Schooner. Blockading Tampa Bay. 20. Eugeme Actg. Mast. Comdg. S.F.Holbrook Schooner. Guardship; Key West. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Acting Pear-Admiral, Commanding East Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Pear-Admiral Lardner, U. S. Navy, detaching him from the East Gulf Blockading Squadron and granting leave of absence. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Waskington, November 4, 1862. SIR: Your letter of the 17th ultimo requesting to be detached from the command of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron in consequence of ill health has been received, and the Department informs you that Commodore T. Bailey has been ordered to relieve you from your com- mand, and upon his reporting you will transfer to him all public papers, unexecuted orders, etc., pertaining to the squadron and will regard yourself as detached from the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, with a leave of absence until your health is sufficiently restored for the performance of duty. I am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Acting Rear-Admiral JAMES L. LARDNER, Comdg. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West, If la. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Bailey, U. S. Navy, to proceed to relieve Acting Pear-Admiral Lardner, U. S. Navy, command of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, November 4, 1862. SIR: You are hereby detached from the command of the naval station at Sacketts Harbor, N. Y., and you will proceed with all con- venient dispatch to Key West, Fla., and on your arrival relieve Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner from the command of the Eastern Gulf Block- ading Squadron. After assuming command you will regard yourself as acting rear-admiral, to continue while in command of the squadron Page 326 326 lEAST GULF BLOCRADING SQUADRON. Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner has been instructed to transfer to you all matters pertaining to his command. I am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Commodore THEODORUS BAILEY, U S. Navy. Sacketts Harbor, N Y Report of Commodore Bailey, U. S. Navy, acknowledging orders to proceed to the command of the East Gulf Blockadinq Squadron. U. S. NAVAL STATION, SACKETTS HARBOR, November 8, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your order of the 3d instant, detaching me from the command of this naval station and ordering me to proceed to Key West and relieve Acting Rear- Admiral Lardner from the command of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. I am closing the accounts of this navy yard with all dispatch and will proceed as directed. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Commodore. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary gf the Navy. Stations of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, November 15, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the respective stations of the vessels of this squadron: Name. commander. Class and station. STEAMEES. 1. Tahoma Comdr. J. C. Howell Blockading Cedar Keys. 2. Magnolia Comdr. J. H. Spotts Key West, repairing. 3. Penguin Comdr. J. C. Williamson Blockading Charlotte Harbor. 4. Somerset Lt. Comdr. A. F. Crosman Blockading Apalachicola. 5. Sagamore Lt. Comdr. E. English Key West, coaling. 6. Fort Henry Act.Lt. Comdg. E.Y. McCauley . Blockading Apalachicola. 7. Huntsville Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. C. Rogers Cruising off Tortugas. S. Port Royal Lt. Comdr. G. U. Morris Blockading Apalachicola. 9. Stars and Stripes Act. Mast. Comdg, C. L. Willcomb Key West, repairing. SAILING VESSELS. 10. St. Lawrence Comdr. J. F. Schenck Frigate. Flagship: Key West. 11. Ethan Allen Act. Mast. Comdg. 1. A. Pennell Bark. Blockading St. Josephs Bay. 12. J. L. Davis Act. Mast. Comdg. J. West Bark. Key West. 13. Pursuit Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. D. Cate Blockading Tampa Bay. 14. Amanda Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. G. E. Welch Bark. Ordered to St. GeorgesSound. 15. Roebuck Act. Mast. Comdg. J. Sherrill Bark. Blockading St. Marks. 16. Wanderer Act. Mast. Comdg. E. S. Turner Schooner. Blockading St. Andrews. 17. J. S. Chambers Act. Mast. Comdg. L. Nickerson Schooner. Blockading St. Georges Sound. 18. Samuel Rotass Act. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. W. Kenni- Schooner. Sent to Philadelphia for son, repairs. 19. Beanregard Act. Mast. W. A. Arthur Schooner. Blockading Tampa Bay. 20. Eugenic Act. Mast. Mate W. MeClintock Schooner. Guardship; Key West. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J.. L. LARDNER, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding East Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 327 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 327 1?eport gf Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Rogers, U. S. Navy, com- manding U S. S. Huntsville, regarding the capture by that vessel of the confederate schooner Ariel. U. S. S. HUNTSVILLE, Off liortugas Island, November 15, 18692. Sin: I have the honor to inform you that I captur~d last evening, in latitude 24~ 33 N., longitude 830 57 W., the Confederate schooner Arid, of Mobile, and bound from Havana to the former port, with an assorted cargo of lead, tin, wines, coffee, cigars, medicines, etc. She ran the blockade of Mobile, October 11, with a cargo of cotton under the command of a man named Chesley (some time since captured in the steamer Swan). She has a Confederate register, and I send her to Key West for condemnation. Schooner and cargo cost in Havana about $12,000. Please find enclosed complete list of officers and muster roll of the crew at this date. Respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. C. ROGERS, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. huntsville. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. (~. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, U. S. Ntvy, regarding the purchase of the sloop G. I. Brockenborough for sum named by prize court. No. 159.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, November 15, 1869?. SIR: The sloop C. L. Brockenborough, lately captured with a load of cotton at Apalachicola by the acting lieutenant commanding, McCaul~y, who reports her as being a most serviceable vessel to assist the blockade in the extensive shallow waters of the bay. I have taken her for the Government at the appraisement of the court, $900, and fitted her with a rifled howitzer and galley. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. L. LARDNER, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting iWaster 6rocker, U. S. Nauy, regarding the capture of the British schooner Jifaria and Confiderate schooner Course. U. S. S. KENSINGTON, Pensacola Bay, November 925, 18692. Sin: On the 12th instant the British schooner Maria, from Belize, Honduras, and on the 11th instant the Confederate schooner Course, from Havana, were taken in the attempt to run the blockade at Sabine Pass, and sent to Key West for adjudication. The vessels assisting a Page 328 328 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the capture were the U. S. schooner Rachel Seaman, Acting Master looper in command, and the prize schooner Velocity and prize steamer Dan, both manned by a part of the officers and crew of this vessel, but at that time temporarily under command of Acting Master looper as senior officer. ii. * * * * * * I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK CROcKER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Acting A/aster, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant- Commander English, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sagamore, regarding the capture of the British schooner Agnes and sloop Ellen. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, (roast of Florida, November 29, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department that on the 24th instant the boats belonging to this vessel captured, in Indian River, Florida, the English schooner Agnes, and also the English sloop Ellen. I have sent them to Key West for adjudication. Enclosed I send a list of the officers and crew belonging to this vessel. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, .D. C. Stations of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, November 30, 1862. Name. Commander. Station. STEAMERS. 1. Tahoma 2. Magnolia 3. Penguin 4. Somerset ~5. Sagamore - 6. Fort Henry 7. Huntsville S. Port Royal 9. Stars and Stripes SAILiNG VE55ELS. 10. Frigate St. Lawrence... 11. Bark Ethan Allen 12. Bark J. L. Davis 13. Bark Pursuit 14. Bark Amanda 15. Bark Roebuck Comdr. J. C. Howell Comdr. J. H. Spotti . Comdr. J. C. Williamson Lt. Comdr. A. F. Crosman Lt. Comdr. Earl English Actg. Lt. Comdg. E. Y. Mccauley.. Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. C. Rogers Lt. Comdr. (1. U. Morris Actg. Master Comdg. C. L. Will- comb. Comdr. J. F. Schenek Actg. Master Comdg. IA. Pennell. Actg. Master Comdg. J. West Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. D. Cate Actg. Vol. Li. Comdg. G. EWeich. Actg. Master Comdg. J. Sherrill... coaling at Key West. Repairing at Key West. Blockading charlotte Harbor. Blockading Apalachicola. cruising near Indian River and Jupi- ter Inlet. Blockading cedar Keys. Coaling at Key West. Blockading Apalachicola. Repairing at Key West. Flagship, at Key West. Blockading St. Josephs Bay. Carrying supplies to squadron. Blockading Tampa Bay. Blockading St. Georges Sound. Blockading St. Marks Page 329 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 329 Name. Commander. Station. SAILING VESSELscontd. 16. Schooner Wanderer.... Actg. Master Comdg. E. STurner. Blockading St. Andrews. 17. Schooner J. S. Chain- Aetg. Master Comdg. L. Nicker- Blockading St. Georges Sound. bers. son. 18. Schooner Sam. Rotan.. Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg.W. W. Ken- Sent to Philadelphia for repairs. nison. 19. Schoonel Beauregard . - Actg. Master Comdg. W. A. Blockading Tampa Bay. Arthur. 20. Schooner Eugenie Actg. Masters Mate W. MeClin- Guard ship; Key West. tock. J. L. LARDNER, Acting Rear-Admiral9 commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. G. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 1, 186~?. Let the Gem of the Sea proceed to Key West, in obedience to previous orders. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. COMMODORE J. B. MONTGOMERY, Commandant Navy Yard, Boston. Report of Lieutenant- Commander English, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sagamore, regarding the capture of the British schooner By George, from Nassau, New Providence. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, Off indian River, Florida, December 3, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department that on the morn- in~ of the 1st instant, whilst cruising off Indian River, I captured the English schooner By George, from Nassau, New Providence, with an assorted cargo of coffee, salt. etc. I have sent her to Key West for adjudication. Enclosed I send a correct list of the officers and crew of this vessel. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. - General Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U S. Navy, upon assuming command of the East Gulf Squadron. GENERAL ORDER, U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, No. 1. f Key West, December 9, 1869?. The undersigned has the honor to announce to the fleet that he has this day assumed command of the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 330 330 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADR0~. Success in battle, or zeal and energy in enforcing the blockade, will be the tests of merit. It will be the pleasure of the admiral to recomniend for promotion such officers and men as may distinguish themselves by successful bravery in conflict with the enemy, or by earnest ability and energy in enforcing the blockade. The outward pressure of our Navy, in barring the enemys ports, crippling the power, and exhausting the resources of the States in rebellion; in depriving them of a market for their peculiar produc- tions, and of the facilities for importing many vital requisites for the use of their Army and peoples, is slowly, surely, and unostentatiously reducing the rebellion to such straits as must result in their uncondi- tional submission, even though our gallant Army does not achieve another victory. I enjoin upon commanders of vessels to report instances of individual heroism, and of enterprise in making captures, for notice. General orders issued by my predecessors will be obeyed until otherwise directed. THEoDORUs BAILEY, Acting Rear-Admiral, Uomdg. Lastern Gulf Blkdg. Squadron. Instructwns of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Tfolunteer Lieu- tenant Eaton, CL S. Wavy, commanding CL S. supply steamer Gir- cassmn. NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 9, 1862. SIR: The Circassian having been fitted up to run regularly as a sup- ply, passenger, and dispatch steamer to the Gulf squadrons, you will proceed with her from New York on this service on the 1~th instant, observing the following instructions: On the outward trip, touch at Port Royal, S. C., and Turtle Harbor, near Carysfort Light, and leave at those places, respectively, the passengers, mails, and other matter you may have for the squadrons of Rear-Admiral Du Pont and Acting Rear-Admiral Wilkes; also fur- nish any vessels of the squadron of the latter you may meet with any needed fresh supplies. The Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron commences at Cape Canav- eral. It will be your duty to communicate with all the vessels on blockading service from that point to the extreme limits of the block- ade on the coast of Texas, both on your outward and homeward trips, delivering to them mails, passengers, etc., furnishing them with needed fresh supplies, and receiving their mails, passengers, and invalids to be brought north. Complaint has been made of the failure on previous occasions of the supply steamers to touch off Apalachicola and other points on the Gulf coast. Be careful to pass by none of the blockading stations without communicating. Have your mails for the respective vessels properly assorted and ready for delivery. On your homeward trip, touch at Turtle Harbor, Port Royal, off Wilmington, and at Hampton Roads. From the latter point forward your mails via Baltimore to the Department, and after communicating with the senior officer present, continue your course to New York. Key West is the depot of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, commanding the Eastern Gulf, and Pensacola of Rear-Admiral Farragut, command- ing thQ Western Gulf Squadron Page 331 EASI GIIILF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 331 Before sailing from New York, forward to the Department a list of the passengers and seamen going out in the tJircassian, stating their destination, and on your return the following papers, together with a brief report of your cruise, viz: 1. List of passengers brought home, stating from what place or vessel received, and the cause of their return. 2. List of seamen brought home, with similar information. 3. List of prisoners brought home, with similar information. 4. List of vessels supplied on the outward trip or communicated with, when and where. 5. List of vessels supplied or communicated with on homeward trip, with similar information. 6. List of other vessels spoken or boarded during the voyage, show- ing when and where spoken or boarded, their nationality, where from, where bound, etc. All prisoners not in the naval service brought home will be turned over to the U. S. marshal at New York on your arrival; those in the naval service to the commandant of the navy yard. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant WM. B. EATON, U. S. Navy, Commanding U S. S. (~ircassian, New York. Report of Commander Newcomb, U S. Navy, commanding U. S. br~q Perry, of arrival at Key West for duty. U. S. BRIG PERRY, Key TYest, Fla., December 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival at this port on the 4th instant; also the receipt of orders dated November 6, 1862. 1 shall leave to-morrow in obedience to my instructions, having refitted at this port. With much respect, your most obedient servant, HENRY S. NEWCOMB, Commander, U S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U S. Navy, of the arrival of the U S. ship Dale, bringing ordnance stores and men. No. 2.] FLAGsIIIP ST. LAWRENCE, Hey West, December 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the U. S. ship Dale, with ordnance stores and 59 supernumerary men for this squadron. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. East Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary ~f the Navy Page 332 332 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U S. Navy, to Commander Spotts, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. iJIdgnolia, to proceed on special duty to Havana. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, December 10, 1862. SIR: When in all respects ready for sea, you will proceed with the vessel under your command to Havana, communicate with Mr. Shufeldt, obtain from him what naval information of importance you can, get the mail for the squadron and Key West, and return to this port. Overhaul all suspicious vessels found at a greater distance than one marine league from the coast of Cuba. Very respectfully, THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Coindg. Eastern Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Commander JAS. II. SPoTTs, C manding U S. S. iVliagnolia. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U S. Navy, stating the cause of the detention of the steamer Blackstone. No. 3.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Ke~q West, December 12, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that the chartered supply steamer Blackstone, having Commodore J. L. Lardner on board as a passenger, returned to port this morning, brin~ng in tow the U. S. bark Gem~bok. The two vessels brought the One undred and fifty-sixth Regiment, New York Volunteers, attached to General Banks command. This regiment was wrecked on the 10th instant, in Army steam transport 2W Sanford, Sanford, master, close by Carysfoot Reef light-house, clear weather, wind north, under circumstances which create a suspi- don of design. The Blackstone will be dispatched immediately on her homeward trip. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. East Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U S. Navy, regretting the sale qfprizes at Key West, as an indirect means of aid to the enemy. No. 4.] U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, December, 15, 1862. SIR: The matter of selling prizes at Key West under the direction of the district court has become a great evil. These vessels are take Page 333 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 333 by the purchasers to Havana or Nassau, where, Mr. Shufeldt, our consul-general, informs me, they are sold to British subjects and employed in the trade of running the blockade with supplies for the rebels. 1 enclose a list * furnished me by Mr. S., as well as a letter * which I have sent on the subject to the judge of the prize court here. I trust that the Department will take steps to abate this practice, which results in giving indirect aid and comfort to the enemy. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, comdg. East Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, regarding vessels of his command and their disposition. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key TV~st, December 15, 1869?. SIR: I have the honor to enclose a statement of the respective sta- tions of the vessels composing the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. I have them spread out to the best advantage. The steamer JJLagnolia, on which I depended as a dispatch vessel, etc., is reported by her com- mander and engineer as unfit for further service. 1 shall order a survey, and if her boilers and srpokestack can be patched sufficiently will send her north. Commander Spotts informs me that one boiler is so far gone that it is impossible to make it tight by patches, and the other can not be repaired so as to stand more than ten days steaming. As soon as Judge Marvin returns from the North I will endeavor to arrange with him to take into the service, at a valuation, the prize schooners Two Sisters and Ariel, to stop passages which I have not vessels to guard. If the Department can send me two or three steamers of light draft I can employ them most effectively. Enclosed I send you General Order to the Squadron, No. 1. t 1 am, respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, comdg. Eastern Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. tSeep. 329. * Not necessary to publish Page 334 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Stations of vessels composing (he East Gulf Blockading Squadron. FLAGsnIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key W~st, December 15, 1862. Name. Commander. Class and station. STEAMERS. 1. Tahoma Comdr. J. C. Howell Blockading Tampa Bay. 2. Magnolia Comdr. J. H. Spotts Boilers and smokestack being re- paired at Key XYcst, to enable her to go north. 3 Penguin Comdr. J. C. Williamson Blockading Charlotte Harbor. 4. Somerset Lt. Comdr. A. F. Crosman Blockading Apalachicola. 5. Sagamore Lt. Comdr. E. English Cruising near Indian River and Jupi- ter Inlet. 6. F~t Henry Actg. Lt. Comdg. E. Y. McCauley -. Blockading Cedar Keys. 7. Huntsville Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. C. Rogers Cruising off Tortugas and toward Yucatan. 8. Port Royal Lt. Comdg. G. U. Morris Blockading Apalachicola. 9. Stars and Stripes Actg. Master Comdg. C. L. Will- Blockading St. Andrews Bay. comb. SAILING vESSELS. 10. St. Lawrence Comdr. J. F. Schenek Frigate. Flagship; Key West. 11. Ethan Allen Actg. MasterComdg. I. A. Pennell Bark. Blockading St. Josephs Bay. 12. J. L. Davis Actg. Master Comdg. J. West Bark. Carrying suppliesto squadron. 13. Pursuit Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. B. Cate Bark. Blockading Tampa Bay. 14. Amanda Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. G. E. Welch Bark. Blockading St. G e o r g e s Sound. 15. Roebuck Actg. Master Comdg. J. Sherrill Bark. Blockading St. Marks. 16. Wanderer Actg. Master Comdg. E. S. Turner Schooner. Blockading St. Andrews. 17. J. S. Chambers Actg. Master Comdg. L. Nickerson Schooner. Blockading St. Georges Sound. 18. Samuel Rotan Actg. Vol. Lt. Comdg. W. W. Ken- Schooner. Sent to Philadelphia for nison repairs. 19. Beauregard Actg. Masler Comdg. W. A. Arthur Schooner. Blockading Tampa Bay. 20. Eugenic Actg. Master Wili. MeClintock - Schooner. Guardship; Key West. 21. Dale Actg. Master 1. 0. Barclay Ordnance ship. Key West. Respectfully, THEODORUS BAILEY, Acting Pear-Admiral, East Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Lieutenant- Commander English, U S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sagamore, regarding the destruction of sloops in J4piter Inlet and the capture of schooner Alicia. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, Key West, December 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 5th instant the boats belonging to this vessel captured and destroyed two rebel sloops in Jupiter Inlet, and on the 10th instant they captured in Indian River the English schooner Alicia, of Nassau, loaded with cotton. I have brought the Alicia in to Key West for adjudication. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Lieutenant- Command Acting Rear-Admiral THEODORUS BAILEY, Commanding East Gulf Blockading Squadron, 33 Page 335 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 335 R~ort of Lieutenant- Commander English, U. S. Navy, requesting tnstructwn regarding the disposition of money received for cotton. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, Key West, Fla., December 18, 1862. SIR: In taking command of this vessel, Lieutenant-Commander George A. Bigelow transferred to me the sum of ~2,O72.62, money that accrued from the sale of a lot of cotton found scattered along the beach on St. Georges Island, near Apalachicola. It had the appear- ance of wrecked cotton, being wet with salt water. I would most respectfully request to be informed by the Depart- meul what disposition to make of the money. I am, sir, your most obedient servant, EARL ENGLISh, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C~. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, to Acting lfasters lYfiate iVfolloy, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. schooner Arid. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, Fla., December 21, 1862. SIR: You are hereby detached from the U. S. bark Gem of the Sea and will report to me for the command of the gunboat schooner Ariel. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blkdg. Squadron. [Acting] Masters Mate WM. C. MOLLOY, U. S. Navy. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Rogers, U. S. Navy, command- ing U. S. S.Huntsville, regarding the capture of the schooner Courier (recently President). U. S. S. HUNTSvILLE, Off Jiortugas, December 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you the capture this day of the schooner ~Jourier (recently the American schooner Presiden t, of Key West), under a provisional British register. She has no log book, and her papers are irregular and her cargo suspicious. She has a British consular certificate from Havana for Matamoras, but her captain states that he is bound to Nassau, and is two days out. His story being contradictory, and as she was within 12 miles of Tortugas light at the time of her capture, which position is very far from her course to either of the above ports, I have deemed it my duty to detain her and send her to Key West for adjudication. Her cargo is salt, coffee, sugar, and dry goods. Please find enclosed complete list of officers and muster roll of crew. Respectfully, your obedient servant, - WM. C. ROGERS, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D, c1 Page 336 336 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, regarding arrival at Key We8t of california mail steamer Ariel, requesting convoy service. No. 6.] U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key IJ7~st, December 24, 1862. SIR: The California mail steamer Arid, from Aspinwall, arrived here on the evening of the 22d instant, having been captured and ran- somed by the rebel steamer Alabama. The Ariel put in here for coal and to ask convoy to the next treasure steamer from Aspinwall. I had at the time no suitable steamer to send, but, fortunately, the next after- noon the U. S. S. Augusta, of the South Atlantic Blockading Squad- ron, Commander E. G. Parrott, arrived, which vessel I dispatched* immediately to Aspinwall to afford convoy, as you will perceive by the copy of the order enclosed. I have .the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Corndg. Eastern Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON ~TELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Order gf Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant- Commander Semmes, U. S. Navy, to proceed to blockade duty in Tampa Bay, in command gf U. S. S. Tahoma. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, lila., December 24, 1862. SIR: In compliance with your orders from the Navy Department, you will proceed in the Circassian to Tampa Bay and relieve Lieuten- ant Howell from the command of the U. S. gunboat Tahorna. Lieutenant Howell will hand over to you all orders and circulars appertaining to your duties on the blockade. You wilt be vigilant in maintaining the blockade and use all your energies in making captures of vessels of the enemy and those engaged in breaking the blockade. Send to the Secretary navy, through me, a complete list of your officers, made up to the 31st day of December. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, (Jomdg. Eastern Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander A. A. SEIVIMES. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, regarding varwus vessels of his command. No. 12.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, December 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that the U. S. bark Gem of tke Sea arrived at this port on the 18th instant for duty in the squadron. On the 22d instant she sailed with orders to cruise off Jupiter Inlet, indian River, and Cape Canaveral. * See Series I, Volume 13, p. 457 Page 337 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 337 The Sagamore is here calking and coaling, and will soon be placed on blockade. The lfagnolia is repairing boiler and the Wanderer pre- paring to go on the ways to be recoppered and to undergo other repairs. The lluntsviUe arrived on the 23d instant with a prize schooner, and will immediately resume her place on the blockade. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, comdg. Eastern Gulf Blledg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Acting Jiliaster Potter, U. S. Navy, commanding CL S. S. ]Jifagnolia, regarding the capture of the British schooner Carmita. U. S. S. MAGNOLIA, Off ilfarquesas Keys, December 27, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that this day, while cruising in the vicinity of Tortugas and adjoining passages, the masthead lookout discovered a schooner to the N. W. of Marquesas Keys steering to the northward, the wind at the time being from the S. E. I immediately stood for her and came up with her 10 miles N. W. ~ W. from the west end of Marquesas. She proved to be the British schooner (~armita (formerly the Piramista, of Key West), Francois Menendez, com- manding. On being boarded the captain reported that he was from Havana bound to Nassau, New Providence, and produced a clearance to that effect. But his being found altogether out of the usual course of ves- sels bound from Havana to Nassau, and the course he was steering when discovered by us, together with the character of his cargo and the fact that he had once before been captured in the steamer ~$~alvo while attempting to run the blockade, induces me to put a prize master and crew on board of her and send her to Key West for adjdudication. I aim, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES POTTER, Acting iJilaster, Commanding U. S. S. Jlagnolia. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. U. Report of Acting ifaster SherriU, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Roebuck, regarding the capture by that vessel, of the British schooner Kate. U. S. BARK ROEBUCK, Apalachee Bay, December 27, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following statement in regard to the seizure of the British schooner Hate, E. M. Jefferson, master, fifteen days from Havana, with a cargo of salt, copperas, coffee, and liquors, by me this day, while attempting to run the blockade at St. Marks River. At 8:20 a. m. a sail was discovered to the E. N. E. running for the bar at the entrance of St. Marks River, when I imme- diately got underway and gave chase. Upon getting within range I N W HVOL 17 2 Page 338 338 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. fired a shot from my rifled gun across her bows, when she bore up for us and set the English red ensign. Upon being boarded the master said he was bound for Matamoras via New Orleans, but was steering for Apalachicola, as his vessel was leaking badly. Upon an examina- tion it was found she had been scuttled; the auger used lay alongside the hole. The hole being plugged up, she made very little water. No manifest or charter party were found among her papers. From her log book it appears they made St. Georges Island light-house on the 24th, and had been beating to the eastward since. I send her to Key West in charge of Acting Master James Folger as prize master and a prize crew of six men. I also send her former master and two of his crew. The balance of her crew I will send by the earliest opportunity. I have provisions on board for ten days only, water for forty days, and wood for three months. Acting Master H. F. Coffin, of this ves- sel, is failing rapidly, and is desirous of returning North. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN SIIERRILL Acting iWaster, comman~1ing. Acting Rear-Admiral T. BAILEY, U. S. Navy, commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron, Key West, Fla. Report of commander Williamson, U. S. Navy, regarding the case of the oyster schooner charles henry, of Key West. U. S. S. PENGUIN, ckarlotte harbor, December 29, 1862. SIR: On the night of the 23d instant the schooner (Vi aries henry, of Key West, while oystering on the east side of Big Pine Island, was pursued by a rebel sloop of very light draft, having 5 men on board. The captain of the charles hhenry ran his vessel ashore on the island, and with his man escaped to the place of a person by the name of Brown, who brought them to this vessel on the afternoon of the 24th. I immediately dispatched two armed boats, under charge of Acting Master Durham, accompanied by Acting Masters Mates Anderson and .IRandlett. They saw the sloop after passing the point of the island and pursued her until darkness prevented them from seeing her. Still they continued the search for her among the innumerable small islands between Pine Island and the main. They anchored to await daylight, in hopes of seeing her again, as it was calm all night, but they saw nothing of her. The sehooner they found, but the tide did not serve to get her off, and they returned to the steamer. At about 2 a. m. of the 26th I sent a boat to get the schooner off, the tide serving at 5 a. m. They were successful, and, with the assistance of some of my awnings for sails, brought her alongside, the rebels hav- ing stolen her sails and scuttled her. The two persons belonging to her I have on board, and I shall bring them and the vessel to Key West when I come down for supplies. I am, very respectfully, etc., your obedient servant. J. C. WILLIAMSON, corn~nander, U. S. Navy. Acting Rear-Admiral THEODORus BAILEY, Goindg. Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West, Fla Page 339 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 339 Report of Acting iWaster Potter, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Jifagnolia, regarding the capt?tre by that vessel of the British sioop Plying Fish. U. S. S. MAGNOLIA, Off iliortugas, December 29, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that while cruising in the vicinity of Tortugas, 1, this day, fell in with the British sioop Flying Fish (formerly the Dove, of Apalachicola) 25 miles W. S. W. of Tor- tugas light-house. When she was first discovered from our masthead she was heading to the northward with the wind to the eastward. I had previously received information from reliable source that she was loading at Havana with the intention of running the blockade at Bayport, Fla., and that she was to clear for Matamoras and go by the way of Tortugas. Captain Madge, owner, and commanding the above-named sloop, on being boarded, reported that he was from Havana, bound to Matamoras, and showed a clearance to that effect, but could produce no manifest of her cargo and no bill of sale for the vessel. He has also run the blockade on a previous occasion. This, together with other circumstances, induced me to put a prize crew on board and send her to Key West for adjudication. Enclosed here- with I send a complete list of persons entitled to shares of prize money. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES POTTER, Acting Jfaster, Commanding U. S. S. Jifagnolia. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Rear-Adiniral Bailey, U S. Navy, transmitting re~port of the fleet surgeon advising that the flagshtp be sent north for d~,sivfection. No. 16.] FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, December 30, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose a report from Fleet Surgeon br- ner as to the sanitary condition of this ship, from which you will per- ceive that, in his opinion, the seeds of yellow-fever infection continue on board. The 5~ men mentioned by him are supernumeraries received by the Dale for distribution in the squadron, which is being done. 1 can not agree with him about Key West as a rendezvous or depot, but join in the opinion that the St. Lawrence and JJ I. Davis should be sent north for disinfection early in the spring. I would be happy to have the (olorado substituted as my flagship, as she draws too much water for easy ingress or egress to any harbor in Admiral Farraguts station. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Acting Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blockdg. Squad. Hon. GiDEoN WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 340 340 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] U. S. FRIGATE ST. LAWRENCE, Key The8t, lila., December ~4, 1869g. SIR: Notwithstanding the sanitary measures taken to free this ves- sel from yellow fever, it still continues to occur in her from time to time. Twenty-four cases have been taken under treatment since November 1, inclusive. Eight of these have happened in this month, and two are now being treated. For the above reasons, I again recommend to you, as I have done to Rear-Admiral Lardner, that this vessel be sent home in the spring for disinfection. Should she remain here next summer it is certain the disease will again become prevalent, and particularly among the 57 men who were added to her crew. In my opinion, also, Key West is a very bad place of rendezvous for the squadron in summer, 24 vessels of the Navy and the merchant service having been infected with the fever in the harbor within the last five months, including the Jarne8 I. Davi8, the last infected. According to report yesterday, she has had 16 cases since she left here last month, making 18 with 2 cases left by her in the marine hospital, and of the former 2 have died. Should she continue infected, I would recommend that she likewise return to a Northern port in the coming spring. Very respectfully, etc., G. R. B. HORNER, Rear-Admiral THEODORUS BAILEY, Surgeon of the Fleet. Gommanding Ea8tern Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report qf Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Baxter, U S. Navy, command- ing U. S. bark Gem of the Sea, regarding the capture of 8loop Ann, of Na8sau, New Providence. U. S. BARK GEM OF THE SEA, At Anchor off the entrance to Indian River, January 1,1863. SIR: I have the honor to report to you that, on the 30th day of December last, we, with our boats, captured the sloop Ann, 3y~ tons, of and from Nassau, New Providence, 6 miles inside of Jupiter Inlet, East Fla., manned with three colored men and one white boy, all British subjects. She ran the blockade on the 29th instant, and was bound up Indian River, loaded with the following cargo, viz, 76 bags Bahama salt, 3 small bags coffee, I gross matches, 1 box pipes, 2 bags garlic, 1 barrel potatoes, 12 small tin cans 9 s flour. , mall tin pans, 1 box soap, and 1 barrel The sloop being old and leaky, I did not deem her and her cargo of a sufficient value to justify me in sending her in for adjudication. I therefore destroyed her and also the 26 bags of salt and the 4 gross of matches, belonging to the cargo. The balance of the cargo, with her crew, I transferred to our ship, to be disposed of agreeable to your order. All the papers found on board the prize sloop Ann I have forwarded to the senior officer commanding the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squad- ron, for his disposal, as I am uninformed of the disposition to be mad Page 341 EAST GULF BLOCKADING ~QUADI~0N.. 341 of the papers found on board a captured vessel, and that vessel is not sent in for adjudication, but is destroyed. Trusting that my proceedings will meet with your approbation, I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, I. B. BAXTER, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, U S. Navy, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, T2Fa8/iington, D. C. General Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U S. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key TYe8t, January 1, 1863. Instructions to officers commanding vessels attached to the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. 1st. You will capture all vessels and cargoes owired by the rebels. Also, all merchant vessels, with their cargoes, under whatever flag they may be sailing, that have violated the blockade or attempted to violate it, in the voyage they may be prosecuting, by coming out, or attempting to come out of, or by entering, or attempting to enter into, any blockaded port or place, however near or distant the vessel may be from such port or place. You wilt also capture all vessels employed in carrying contraband of war to the enemy. Also, all American ves- sels trading with the enemy on the enemys coast without license. 2d. To enable you to decide whether any vessel is liable to capture, you have the right to stop, visit, and search her. 3d. On boarding the vessel, the officer should, in a civil manner, demand of the captain the documents and papers belonging to the vessel or relating to the cargo for the purpose of examination and inspection. These consist generally of the ships register, the ship- ping articles, charter party, bills of lading, invoices of the cargo, let- ters of advice, etc. These may be all true and may represent the character of the vessel, voyage, and cargo truly, or they may, or some of them may, be false and fabricated in order to cover up the unlawful designs of the parties interested in the ship or cargo. A well-informed shipmaster, engaged in a lawful voyage or trade, will readily deliver up for inspection all the papers relating to the ship or cargo, and will make any necessary explanations, as he will be likely by so doing to remove all suspicions against him, and avoid detention and capture. If, upon the examination of the papers, the position of the vessel, character of the cargo, and all other circumstances, it is manifestly plain that the vessel or cargo is not liable to capture, the papers should be restored and the vessel permitted to proceed on her voyage. If, on the contrary, the case is one of doubt and uncertainty, the officer should proceed to search the vessel for other papers or letters or flags suspected to be concealed or knowingly withheld. He may, if neces- sary to clear up the doubts about the case, open sealed letters or pack- ages and read their contents, and may open the hatches and examine the character of the cargo. He should proceed just so far in the search, and no farther, as may be neccessary to enable the command- ing officer to decide whether the vessel or cargo is liable to capture or not. All the facts of the case should be fully considered Page 342 342 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 4th. If the capture is made, a prize crew sufficient to navigate the vessel in safety should be put on board and the vessel sent in for adjudication. The commanding officer should cause the documents and papers found on board the vessel, including the log book, to be marked so as to distinguish such as were voluntarily exhibited to the boarding officer from such as were withheld or concealed. He should cause all the papers found on board, however minute or apparently unimportant, to be sealed up and sent to the U. S. district judge or the prize commissioners at the port to which the vessel is sent for adjudication. This service should be performed by the prize master or some person sent with the prize who knows the facts, and who can make affidavit before the judge or prize commissioners that the sealed package or packages contain all the papers found on board. 5th. It is unlawful for you to exercise any of the rights of war by visiting, searching, or capturing any vessel, or doing any other hostile act within the small bays, harbors, or inlets of any neutral nation, or within one marine league or three miles of the shore. And although you may anchor and remain in any of those places for any lawful pur- pose, unless forbidden by the sovereign, yet it is unlawful for you to use them as a station for the purpose of lying in wait for vessels, and issuing therefrom, or sending out boats to capture them. Such acts are an offense against the neutral nation. 6th. All prizes taken by the Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron are to be sent to Key West for adjudication, unless circumstances of a controlling character compel the sending of them to some more northern port. Tth. The master, mate, supercargo (if there be any), and two or more of the seamen attached to the captured vessel must be produced to the prize commissioners, they being the necessary witnesses required by law. 8th. The prize master should be furnished: (1st) With a copy of the printed form furnished by the Depart- ment for prize masters, containing his orders properly filled up. (2d) With a letter to the judge of the United States district court, containing the full particulars of the seizure, stating the latitude and longitude at sea, and the bearing and distance of the nearest land, his reasons for regarding the captured vessel as a lawful prize, and what public ships or vessels were in sight at the time of capture and entitled to share in the prize. (3d) With a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, containing the like information, and accompanied with a full list of the officers and crew entitled to share in the prize money, signed by the paymaster and approved by the captain. (It would be well for the paymaster to have such a list always on hand to anticipate the emergency.) (4th) With a complete statement in duplicate of the account of each man of the prize crew, specifying the date of his enlistment, the period and terms of his service, such account to be signed by the pay- master and commanding officer. (5th) With a letter to the admiral commanding the squadron, detail- ing the circumstances of the capture, as in the letter to the Secretary of the Navy and the district judge. 9th. The captured prisoners are to be treated with kindness, and irons are not to be used, except when imperatively necessary for the safety of the captors and prizes Page 343 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 343 10th. On arrival in port the prize master will proceed at once to the United States district judge, or to the prize commissioners, deliver up his papers and obtain his instructions. He will next call upon the district attorney, and this done will report himself to the admiral com- manding the squadron. 11th. No colors are to be hoisted at any time on the captured vessel, unless in case of necessity, and, in that event, only the colors under which she was sailing at the time of capture. 12th. It is of the utmost importance that these directio us should be complied with, as a departure from them may greatly embarrass the court and create confusion and delay in the adjudication upon the prize. THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Go~ndg. Eastern Gu~f Blkdq. Squadron. Stations qf vessels of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron January 1, 1863. Namc. Commander. Class and station. STEAMERS. 1. Tahoma Comdr. J. C. Howell Blockading Tampa Bay. 2. Magnolia Actg. Mast. C. Potter Cruising off Tortngas and Boca Grande. 3. Pengoin Comdr. J. C. Williamson Blockading Charlotte Harbor. 4. Somerset Lt. Comdr. A. F. Crosman Blockading Apalachicola. 5. Sagamore Lt. Comdr. E. English Key West, waiting orders. 6. Fort Henry Actg. Lt. E. Y. McCauley Blockading Cedar Keys. 7. Huntsville Actg. Vol. Lt. W. C. Rogers Cruising off Tortugas and toward Yucatan Banks. 8. Port Royal Lt. Comdr. G. U. Morris Blockading Apalachicola. 9. Stars and Stripes Actg. Mast. C. L. Willcomb Blockading St. Andrews Bay. SAILING VESSELS. 10. St. Lawrence Comdr. J. F. Schenek Frigate. Flagship; Key West. 11. Ethan Allen Actg. Mast. I. A. Pennell Bark. Blockading St. Josephs Bay. 12. Pursuit Actg. Vol. Lt. D. Cate Bark. Blockading Tampa Bay. 13. Amanda Actg. Vol. Lt. G. E. Welch Bark. BlockadingSt. GeorgesSound. 14. Roebuck Actg. Mast. J. Sherrill Bark. Blockading St. Marks. 15. Wanderer Actg. Mast. E. S. Turner Schooner. Key West; on the ways, calking and coppering. 16. J. S. Chambers Actg. Mast. L. Nickerson Schooner. Blockading St. Georges Sound. 17. Beauregard Actg. Mast. W. A. Arthur Schooner. Blockading Tampa Bay. 18. Eugenie Actg. Mast. W. MeClintock Schooner. Guard ship; Key West. 19. Dale Actg. Mast. J. 0. Barclay Sloop of war. Ordnance ship; Key West. 20. Gem of the Sca Actg. Vol. Lt. I. B. Baxter Bark. Cruising off Indian River, Ju- piter Inlet, and Cape Canaveral. 21. Ariel Actg. Masters Mate Win. C. Mob Schooner. Cruising inside Florida by. Reefs, east of Sombrero light. THEODOHUs BAILEY, Acting Rear-Admiral, East Gulf ~qmadron Page 344 344 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUAD1~ON. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Grosman, U S. Navy, relatinq to proposed occupation of Apalachicola, Fla. U. S. S. SOMERSET, St. Georges Sound, Fla., January 1, 1863. SIR: I enclose herewith a tracing * of the railroad communications in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, west North Carolina, east Tennessee, and South Carolina, illustrative of my letter of the 17th ultimo. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. F. CROSMAN, Lieutenant- Gommander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, JYashington. Report of Acting T~olunteer Lieutenant Rogers, U S. Wavy, com- manding U S. S. Huntsville, regarding the cruise of that vessel. U. S. S. HUNTSVILLE, Key West, January 1, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report my arrival here to-day. Nothing of importance has occurred during the cruise, nor any suspicious vessels been seen. While on the return here, on the morning of December 31, in lati- tude 22~ 56, longitude 840 24, I boarded the American hermaphro- dite brig Greyhound, of New York, from Cienfuegos for Boston9 Captain Pierce, who informed me that on the 29th, off Cape San Antonio, he was boarded by an officer from a three-masted bark-rigged propeller, under the English flag, the officer stating that it was one of her Majestys ships. He had previous to this fired at and boarded a Baltimore brig. After examination, both were allowed to proceed, the officer endors- ing upon the Greyhounds log book that she had been boarded by her Majestys ship [name and officers name illegible]. Captain Pierce thinks he may have been a privateer, though it is hardly probable that he would have aHowed both of these vessels with valuable cargoes to have escaped had he been one. The Huntsvilles coal is quite expended. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. C. ROGERS, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral THEODORUS BAILEY, Commanding Eastern Gulf Squadron, Key West, Fla. Instructions from Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U S. Navy, to Lieu- tenant- Commander English, U S. Navy, regardinq a proposed boat expedition by refugees for capture of Confederate steamer. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE Key West, January 3, 1863. SIR: You will receive upon the Sagamore, as supernumerary volun- teers, for pay and rations, seven refugees from Indian River. Proceed * Omitted as not necessary to publish. The map shows the commercial importance of Apalachicola Page 345 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 345 to the mouth of that river and allow them to leave you in the night in a boat, which they will take with them, on an enterprise proposed by them for the capture of a rebel steamer. Remain in the vicinity or at Jupiter Inlet sufficient time to satisfy you that they have succeeded or failed, say a week or ten days, and then return and report to me. Should the party not have returned before your leaving, you will give directions to the commander of the bark Gem of the Sea to look out for them, and in case they return to take them on board. Be vigilant in making captures of enemys vessels and illegal traders breaking blockade. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, TilEoDoRus 1~AILEY, Acting Pear-Admiral, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander EARL ENGLISH, tii/ommanding U. S. S. Sagamore. Order of Lieutenant- commander English, U. S. Navy, to Acting iJLtsters Jiiliate Crane, U. S. Navy, commanding expedition for the capture of Confederate steamer. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, Off Indian River, Florida, January 3, 1863. SIR: You will proceed with the party under your command, capture and run the steamer down to the mouth of St. Johns River, and then deliver her and report yourself and party to the officer commanding blockade at that place. Should you not find it practicable to run her down the river, you will burn her, bringing with you the valves and eccentric strap, and return to this place with your party, capturing any vessels you may see on your way down Indian River. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Lieutenant- Commander. Acting Masters Mate HENRY A. CRANE. Letter from Acting Pear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, to the fJ/iief of Bureau of Ordnance, requesting a suitable supply of ordnance stores. U. S. FRIGATE ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, January 8, 1863. SIR: I am disappointed in the amount of ordnance stores brought out in the ordnance ship Dale for the use of this squadron. By refer- ring to the invoice brought by her from Philadelphia there appears to be no grape or canister, nor ordnance stores or projectiles for any class gun except IX or XI inch. I beg that a suitable supply may be sent. There was probably a mistake made by the ordnance officer at Philadelphia in regard to the matter. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Acting Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Captain JOHN DAHLGREN, Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, etc Page 346 3443 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant- Commander Engli8~4, U S. Navy, commanding U S. S. Sagamore, regarding t~4e capture of Ike Briti~k 8ioop Juka. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, Off Jupiter ]hlet, Florida, January 8, 1863. SIR: It affords me much pleasure to report that I have captured the English sloop Julia, of Nassau, New Providence. She was taken this morning about 10 miles north of Jupiter. I think she intended running in at indian River Inlet, but having proba- bly sighted the bark, changed her course for this place. Her cargo consists principally of salt. From conversation held with the captain of this vessel, I find him interested in one of the persons who carried away the Cape Florida light, and I strongly suspect him also of being implicated in the same affair. I have sent Acting Masters Mate Charles R. Fleming in charge. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Lieutenant- Commander. Acting Rear-Admiral THEODORUS BAILEY, - Commanding Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report ~f Commander Schenek, U S. Navy, transmitting report of the commanding officer of the U. S. schooner Arid, regarding the capture of sloop Good Luck. U. S. FRIGATE ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, January 9, 1863. SIR: Ii have the honor to transmit the report of Acting Masters Mate Molloy, in command of the Arid, a tender of this ship. By direction of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey I have detained on board this ship, as a prisoner of war, Edward Dexter, the man spoken of in Mr. Molloys report, together with James Bishop, also captured in the Good Luck. I enclose a list of the officers and crew of the St. Lawrence at the time of the capture, separating the actual crew of the tender Arid. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, etc. JAS. FINDLAY SCHENCK, C mander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Enclosure.] U. S. SCHOONER ARIEL, Key West, January 8, 1863. SIR: On Tuesday, January 6, at 3:40 p. in., while cruising off Cape Florida, saw a suspicious-looking craft in Miami [Key Biscayne] Bay, close under the land. I made all possible sail and chased her through Bears Cut into the Gulf, and at 6:20 captured her. The vessel proved to be the sloop Good Luck, from [New] Smyrna, bound for Nassau; her cargo consists of 9 barrels spirits of turpentine and 1 bale of cotton. She had no papers or colors on board, and a crew o Page 347 EAST GUL1~ BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 347 two men. The captain, whose name is Edward Dexter, is very noto- rious, having run the blockade several times successfully since the commencement of the war. The sloop being leaky, and having no opportunity for sending the prisoners down, I thought it prudent to tow her down. Hoping my conduct will meet your approbation, I am, dear sir, Your most obedient servant, W. C. MOLLOY, Acting ]Jiliasters hi/ate, Commanding U S. Schooner Arid. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, CI S. Navy, transm9~ttsng reports of Lieutenant- Commander Crosman, UJ S. Navy, regarding favorable condition~ for the immediate occupation if Apalachicola, Fla. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, Jan~uary 9, 1863. SIR: I enclose herewith two reports from Lieutenant-Commander Crosman, of the Somerset. I intend to look into the subject-matter spoken of, and will then communicate more fully. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Acting Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON ~\TELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Enclosures.j U. S. S. SOMERSET, West Pass, St. Georges Sound, December 17, 1862. SIR: Having carefully enquired concerning the topography of the country to the northward of the town of Apalachicola, conversed with prominent citizens, and elicited reliable information from various sources, which I think may be applied most fortunately by the United States Government, I submit it below. The city of Apalachicola is an important strategic point, inasmuch as its possession insures a base for any operations upon the interior of Georgia and Alabama. A sand bar, over which but 7 feet water can be carried in the fullest spring tide, and generally but 6, closes the entrance into the river from the sound to any but light-draft vessels. Formerly all vessels loading at Apalachicola lay outside of this bar, 2~ miles from the ~Tharves, in 1~ feet water, and were laden by means of lighters. Apalachicola River, upon which the town is situated, is navigable during the winter months and in the late fall, up to the important town of Columbus, Ga., to vessels drawing 7 feet. Columbus is one of the grand depots and sources of strength of the Confederacy. Besides the 60,000 to 70,000 bales of cotton stored there, filling all the warehouses in the town, three cotton factories, one rolling mill, foun- dries to cast cannon, machine shops, and two gun shops are in active operation. The navy yard, where the rebel gunboat Chattahoochee was built (which gunboat is in the river and waits an opportunity to get out and prey upon our commerce), and where are three more gun- boats building, is only 150 miles to the southward. From Columbu Page 348 348 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. railroads diverge, communicating with Montgomery, Ala., Savannah, Ga., Augusta, and Milledgeville, the capital of Georgia. The Southern people are most fully aware of the vital importance of Apalachicolas being in their possession; and the governor of Flor- ida, in his late annual message, laments as a fatal error its impru- dent evacuation by the Confederates. It is flow entirely unprotected; a regiment ot United States troops could, at this propitious moment, land and take possession, and in a week throw up earthworks which would make them almost impregnable to any force the rebels can now send. Prominent citizens of the place, among them Messrs. Dodge, Chapman, and Partridge, tell me all look to its occupation by. United States troops, as they are now without supplies and defenseless against the only rebel troops within 30 miles, a horse company of 50, a roving band of guerrillas, whom a handful of our men drove out of the city only yesterday. But though its occupation is easy now, at any moment in the future troops may be sent down from Columbus to hold it. A company of 40 resolute men can come down at night, take possession of the town, mount guns upon works already thrown up, and any morning may show us the rebel colors floating over batteries in position to drive the blockaders from the bar and permit the egress of the rebel gunboat Chattahoockee. Four or five light-draft gunboats drawing from 4 to 6 .feet might go ahead, engage and sink the Chattahoochee, capture the light river steamers upon the river to serve as transports, and, followed by these river steamers, laden with troops, proceed up to Columbus before any communication whatever could reach that city. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. F. CROSMAN, lieutenant- (~ommander, U S. Navy, (~ommavding Sorner8et. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, TlTa8/dnqton, D. C. U. S. STEAMER SOMERSET, J)eeemher 22, 1862. SIR: Accompanying this I send information concerning the naviga- bility of the Apalachicola River, which is formed by the junction of the Flint and Chattahoochee. Quantities of commissariat and quartermaster stores are in the important dep?t at Columbus. N? telegraph from that or any other point is now in communication with Apalachicola. The only means of transmitting intelligence are by the river and by a circuitous road upon the mainland. Lastly, at the least estimation, there are 1,000 head of good cattle running wild upon St. Vincents Island, or meat enough to last an army of 10,000 men thirty days. The Somerset, with coal and provisions, draws 8 feet 9 inches; hence, with the materials to work with here, I can not get across the bar. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. F. CROSMAN, lieutenant- (~ommander, TI. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Wa8/dngton Page 349 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 34~3 Report of Lieutenant- Commander English, Cl S. Navy, regarding the capture of British sloops Avenger and Julia, and assistance rendered to transport sh?ps Jiucinda and Sparkling Sea, from New York. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, Key T17~st, Fla., January 10, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department that in obedience to instructions received from Acting Rear-Admiral Theodorus Bailey, on the 2d instant, I proceeded to the mouth of Indian River Inlet; reached the place on the evening of the 4th instant, and started an expedition up Indian River that same night. At midnight got under- way and proceeded to Jupiter Inlet to assume the blockade of that place. On the morning of the 5th instant sent the boats with armed crews inside Jupiter Inlet, where they captured the English sloop Avenger, of Nassau, loaded with coffee, gin, salt, and baled goods. On the morning of the 8th instant captured the English sloop Julia, of Nassau, 10 miles north of Jupiter and about a half mile from the shore; her cargo consisted principally of salt. Took both vessels in tow as far as Cape Florida to start them inside the reef for Key West. At daylight discovered two vessels apparently ashore on the reef, with signals of distress flying; stood down for them; found one to be the ship Lucinda, of New York, laden with troops and horses. She had gone ashore the previous night, had thumped over the reef, and was inside between the north point of Long Reef and Triumph Reef. Went immediately to work, got her off without injury, and started her on her course. Then bore down for the vessel, which proved to be the ship Sparkling Sea, of New York, and had on board the Twenty-fifth New York Battery. She had run ashore at daybreak on the north point of Ajax Reef; will probably prove a total wreck. Finding it impossible to get her off, as she was hard and fast on the reef, with four or five feet of water in the hold, I received on board of this vessel the officers and men belonging to the Twenty-fifth New York Battery and proceeded with them to Key West, where I arrived this morning. With great respect, I am your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. 6. Report of Acting 9Jifktster Pennell, TI. S. Navy, regarding the destruc- tion of salt works near St. Josephs, Fla. U. S. BARK ETHAN ALLEN, St. Josephs Bay, January 10, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report to you the destruction of a very large salt manufactory, about 3 miles sonth of the old town of St. Josephs, and three-fourths of a mile inland from the beach. On the morning of the 9th, at 3 oclock a. in., I got underway, stood up the bay, and anchored just at dayligbt abreast of where 1 supposed the salt works to be; sent three boats in charge of A. Weston, acting master and executive officer, Samuel McCormick,~ acting ensign, an Page 350 350 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. John Wilcox, acting masters mate, with 40 men. They landed and found the works as I had been previously informed. The workmen must have left on the approach of the boats, as my officers informed me that their breakfasts were cooking over the fire, and the salt works in full operation. Enclosed is Mr. Westons report. The works were capable of making 75 bushels of salt per day. This is the fourth salt manufac- tory I have destroyed since I have been on this station. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. A. PENNELL, Acting iL/aster, Commanding. Acting Rear-Admiral TilEoDoRus BAILEY, Commanding Eastern Gu~f Blockading Squadron. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, El S. Navy, requesting the Departments permission to add to his command such prize vessels as required for enforcing the 6lockade. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key The~t, January 12, 1863. SIR: You will see by the enclosed report of a survey that the schooner Beauregard has been condemned as unseaworthy. It will be expensive to repair her, and take much time. I request permission of the Department to substitute one of the numerous prize vessels (now lying in this port) in her place on the blockade, on a valuation by commissioners to be appointed by the court, and I further desire that a general permission be given me to take from among the vessels that have been or may be hereafter con- demned such one or more as I may find suited to my purposes, to be used in enforcing the blockade within the limits of my command. In all such cases I should, of course, only take the vessel for the United States after valuation, as above proposed. Unfortunately, as the matter is at present managed, interested Confederate agents stand ready to purchase all the light-draft, swift-sailing vessels when sold under the decree of condemnation of the court, and they are at once turned over to Havana agents to be again used in the evasion of the blockade. The court has recently turned over to me the Ariel, schooner of 79 tons, at a valuation of $1,450, which I have manned and attached to this ship as a tender. The Arid has already sent in a prize having a cargo of greater value than the $1,450 at which she was appraised. The Sagamore has been calked; the Wanderer hauled up on the ways, calked, and coppered; the ]Ji/iagnolia, Huntsville, and Penguin are undergoing repairs to their boilers, as also the Santiago de Culia, of the West india Squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Acting Rcar-Admiral, Comdg. East. Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. JOHN LENTHALL, Esq., Chief of Bureau of Construction and Repair Page 351 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 351 Report of Lieutenant- Commander Semmes, U S. Navy, commanding (I S. S. Tahowea, regarding the capture by that vessel of the Co~federate sloop Silas Ifenry. U. S. S. TAHOMA, Key West, Eta., January 15, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department of the capture by this vessel in Tampa Bay of the rebel sloop Silas henry, on the 8th instant, under the following circumstances: At daylight discovered a vessel ashore on the southeastern side of Tampa Bay, between 4 and 5 miles distant. Weighed anchor immedi- ately and steamed toward her. Approaching, discovered she was on fire. Sent boats, found her abandoned, and put the fire out. She proved to be loaded with sea-island cotton. The hull of the vessel alone escaped material injury. I have turned the cargo and hull over to the judge of the United States district court at this place. I enclose a list of the officers and crew on board this vessel at the time of capture. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. SEMMES, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, TI. S. Navy, giving list of captures made by the vessels of his command. No. 11.] U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, January 15, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that the U. S. S. ]ia/ioma arrived at this port this morning, bringing in tow the prize sloop Silas Henry, cap- tured by the Tahoma on the 8th instant, laden with 50 bales of cotton, partly damaged, as the report of the commanding officer of the liahoma will detail. This is the tenth prize captured since I took command of the squadron, to wit: The Good Luck, prize to the tender Arid; the Alicia, prize to the Sagamore; the Avenger, prize to the Sagamore; the Julia, prize to the Sagamore; the Courier, prize to the hIuv tsville; the Kate, prize to the Roebuck; the Dove, prize to the Jlfagnolia; the By George, prize to the Saga?nore; the Carmita, prize to the ]Jiliagnolia; the Silas Henry, prize to the Tahoma. Besides these vessels captured, a number have from time to time been destroyed. The Lahoma arrived with her supply of coal nearly exhausted; she at once commenced coaling at the wharf, and will return to her position on the blockade to-morrow. The Beauregard, having on a survey been condemned as unseaworthy, I have obtained from the United States court permission to take the prize schooner Hermosa in her place. I shall transfer the officers, crew, and armament of the Beauregard to the ilermosa, and put her upon the blockade, first sending her into dock for some needed repairs. I have thought that the Dale could be made more useful on the blockade than she is at anchor in this harbor as an ordnance ship, espe cially as her ordnance stores are exceedingly limited in quantity as we~1 as variety, consisting principally of powder and of projectiles Page 352 352 EAST GfiLF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. appurtenances for IX and XI inch guns only. Her commanding officer is desirous also of assuming his portion of the duties-of the blockade, and I have therefore ordered him to prepare his vessel at once for sea. The Sagamore left this port on the 13th instant for the purpose of cruising off Indian River. She returned unexpectedly last evening, having on her way up the coast fallen in with the wrecked transport Sparkling Sea and the steamer Swan, sent up by the quartermaster of the Forty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteers to bring down the horses of the Twenty-fifth New York Artillery. The gale (still blowing) was very severe at this point, and Captain English, of the Sagamore, thought it unsafe to proceed farther. The wreck had gone to pieces, and everything remaining on board was lost, horses included. The Swan was also short of provisions, her crew, indeed, in nearly a starving condition. Under these circumstances, the Sagamore returned last evening, bringing on board the captain of the Twenty-fifth New York Battery and his men. The Sagamore will return to Indian River as soon as the gale abates. The court has allowed mc to take into the service the Two Sisters (prize) at a valuation; she was a Galveston pilot boat of 53 tons; I shall attach her as a tender to this ship. The Ilermosa I shall, in like manner, attach as tender to one of the other vessels of the squadron. I have appointed Coast Pilot Courtland P. Williams, whose application I forwarded to you on the 12th instant, as acting ensign, pending the action of th~ Department, and have put him in charge of the Two Sisters. I have sent the IYanderer to Charlotte Harbor to take the place of the Penguin, now here undergoing repairs. I trust that my action in regard to these matters will meet your approval. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, TilEoDonus BAILEY, Acig. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blkdg. S~juadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES. Stations of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron, January 15, 1863. Name. Commander. Class and station. STEAMERS. 1. Tahoma 2. Magnolia 3. Penguin 4. Somerset 5. Sagamore 6. Fort Henry 7. Huntsville 8. Port Royal 9. 5tars and Stripes 5AILING VESSELS. Comdr. A. A. Semmes Actg. Master C. Potter Comdr. J. C. williamson Lt. Comdr. A. F. Crosman Lt. Comdr. E. English Actg. Lt. E. Y. McCauley Act. Vol. Lt. W. C. Rogers Lt. Comdr. G. U. Morris Actg. Master C. L. Willcomb 10. St. Lawrence Comdr. J. F. Scheuck 11. Ethan Allen Actg. Master I. A. Pennell 12. Pursuit Act. Vol. Lt. D. Cate 13. J. L. Davis Actg. Master J. West 14. Amanda 15. Roebuck Key West. Coaling. Key West. Repairing boiler. Do. Blockading Apalachicola. Key West. Arrived to-day; leaves for Indian River to-morrow. Blockading Cedar Keys. Sent to Havana for mails and infor- mation. Blockading Apalachicola. Blockading St. Andrews Bay. Flagship. Key West. Bark. Blockading St. Josephs Bay. Bark. Blockading Tampa Bay. Bark. Key West; will leave with supplies for squadron to-morrow or on gale abating. Actg. Vol. Lt. G. E. Welch Bark. Blockading St. Georges Sound. Actg. Master J. Sherrill Bark. Blockading St. Marks Page 353 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 353 Station8 of vessels composing the East Gulf Blockading Squadron; January 15, 1868.Ctd. Name. Commander. Class and station. SAILING YEssELscontd. 16. Wanderer Actg. MasterE. S. Turner Schooner. Blockading Charlotte Harbor. 17. J. S. Chambers Actg. Master L. Nickerson Schooner. Blockading St. Georges Sound. 15. Beauregard Actg. Master W. A. Arthur Schooner. Key West; condemned on survey. 19. Eugenic Actg. Master Win. McClintock Schooner. Key West; guard ship. 20. Ariel Actg. Master Win. C. Molloy Schooner, tender. Cruising between Knights Key and Indian Key. 21. Gem of the Sea Act. Vol. Lieut. I. B. Baxter Bark. Cruising off Indian River, Jupiter Inlet, and Cape Canaveral. 22. Dale Actg. Master J. 0. Barclay Ordnance ship. Key West; prepar- ing for sea. Respectfully submitted. THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, tJomdg. East Gulf Blkdg. Squadron. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral. Bailey, U. S. Navy, to Commander Ronekendorif, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. S. San faclnto, to prepare that vessel for sea. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, Fla., January 15, 1863. SIR: You will consider yourself, with the San Jacinto under your command, as attached to this squadron until further orders. As soon as the tide serves you will proceed alongside the coal wharf, fill up the bunkers with coal, take on board two months provisions and stores, and report your vessel ready for sea to myself or the senior officer present. You will use the utmost dispatch in carrying out this order. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. East. Gulf Blckdg. Squadron. Commander WM. RONCKENDORFF, U. S. S. San Jacinto. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, regarding the retention of the U S. S. San Jacinto under his command. No. 12.] U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Hey West, January 16, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report that the San Jacinto arrived at this port yesterday forenoon; she came in to coal and repair machinery, intending, that done, to return to Hampton Roads. 1 have thought lt most prudent to retain her for the present, for the following reasons: The correspondence between the Secretary of the Navy and my predecessor, Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, shows that it has always been the intention of the Department to reattach the San Jacinto to this squadron, she having left the squadron temporarily on account of N W HVOL 17 2 Page 354 354 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. yellow fever on board (see letters from Department of September 3, September 23, and October 4). There has never been any written intimation of any kind from the Department to contradict the expres- sions of an intention that she should rejoin this squadron, contained in the letters above referred to. On the contrary, I was specially instructed by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, in conversations had with him at Washington, that the San Jacinto would be sent down to join this squadron immediately on her return to the North from her then cruise after the Alabama. Finally, this squadron is in need of an effective vessel like the one in question. Under these circumstances, I have thought it clearly my duty to retain the San Jacinto until I can receive advices from the DQpartment, and not to send her or permit her to proceed to the North, on a winters coast, on the chance of being returned here immediately. In this conclusion, I trust I shall meet with your approval and con- currence. Meantime, I shall endeavor (while waiting your further instructions), to turn her to good account. I have ordered her to repair forthwith, and to coal, and shall, by the day after to-morrow, have her ready for sea. I hope to employ her where she will be effective. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding, etc. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U S. Navy, regarding change of signal numbers. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key TFest, Fla., January 18, 1863. SIR: In consequence of the capture of the Harriet Lane, and the presumption that the signal book has fallen into the enemys hands, Rear-Admiral Farragut has, in his squadron, deemed it proper to change the signals by increasing the value of each by one, leaving the repeaters as they were. I have ordered the same change to be made in the signals of this squadron. Hoping it may be approved by the Bureau, I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUS BAILEY, Acting Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Squadron. Commodore CHARLES H. DAVIS, Chief of Bureau of Navigation, Washington, D. C Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U S. Navy, for the retention of the U S. S. San Jacinto. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 30, 1863. (Per Steamer Union.) SIR: In a recent communication Commander Ronckendorff states that he will have to visit Key West soon for provisions for his vessel Page 355 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 355 the San Jacinto. On the arriVal of that vessel you can retain her as your flagship. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Acting Rear-Admiral TIIEO. BAILEY, Comdg. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key TVest, lila. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, UI S. Navy, regarding captured ogjlcers of the Confederacy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January ~2O, 1863. (Per Steamer Union.) SIR: You will not hereafter release on parole any prisoners who are officers in the rebel service, captured by the vessels under your com- mand, but send them North for the Government to dispose of. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Acting Rear-Admiral T. BAILEY Comdg. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West, lila. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U S. Navy, regarding the reported movements, of the C. S. steamers Alabama and Florida. No. 21.] U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, January ~2O, 1863. SIR: The U. S. S. Oneida, Captain Hazard, arrived this evening with the enclosed communication* from Rear-Admiral Farragut, from which you will learn that the U. S. S. Hatteras was captured off Galveston by the rebel steamer Alabama, or 9390. The Oneida also brings the intelli- gence that the rebel steamer Florida, or Oreto, escaped from Mobile on the night of 15th January and was hotly pursued by the Cuyler. When last seen the Cuyler was about 4 miles astern of the chase. Having apprehensions that the 9390 and the Oreto may have the design of raising the blockade of the ports on my station by uniting and capturing the small blockading steamers and sailing vessels scattered on blockade of the different ports, I send immediately the Huntsville to St. Marks and Apalachicola as a precaution. The San Jacinto, the only remaining steamer in port capable of getting up steam, I shall keep ready to put upon their track when I get information of their whereabouts. I have the honor to request a reinforcement of steamers of speed and force to pursue and capture the rebel steamers, as well as protect my line of blockade. I am also informed by Lieutenant-Commanders Morris and Crosman that the rebels are building four gunboats on the Chattahoochee River under the direction of Catesby Jones, late of our Navy, and that two of them, heavily armed, are said to be ready to come down to engage our blockading vessels. This information renders it * For reports of the engagement between the U. S. S. Hatteras, see Series I, volume 2, pp. 1823 Page 356 356 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the more necessary that this squadron should receive the support indi- cated above. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODOHUS BAILEY, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Acting Rear-Admiral. Secretary of the Navy. [Endorsement.] Let Vanderbilt and others be at once put on her track. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, CL S. Navy, regarding change of signal numbers. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE Key West, January 931, 1863. SIR: I have received information from Rear-Admiral Farragut of the sinking of the Hatteras by the Alabama, or 9390. Whether another signal book has fallen into the enemys hands or not I am unable to say. It is my impression that the signal book of the Hatteras had been cor- rected by Rear-Admiral Farragut according to the enclosed diagrams. It will probably be necessary again to change the signals, and with this view I address this communication to the Bureau. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, T. BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Squadron. Commodore CHAs. II. DAVIS, Chief of Bureau Navigation. Report of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Lieutenant- Co?nmander Crosman, U S. Navy, regarding preparation of Confederate gunboats in Chattahoochee River. No. 24.] U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, January 921, 1863. Sm: I have the honor to enclose to you a copy of a communication received from Lieutenant-Commander Crosman, commanding the Somerset, blockading off Apalachicola, in regard to the gunboats now being fitted out by the rebels up the Chattahoochee River. I fully approve of the suggestions he makes, and invite the consideration of the Department to the subject. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUs BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg.~ Eastern Gu~fBlockdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT SOMERSET, St. Georges Sound, Florida, January 1, 1863. SIR: As per Grder, I forward quarterly returns of ordnance, coal, and provisions, reports of punishments, together with lists of the number of contrabands Page 357 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 857 Upon the night of the 27th ultimo, one of the boats of this vessel capsized in a squall. Four men, among the best in this ship, were drowned, and though the islands have been scoured, no trace can be discovered of their bodies. Their names are: John Martin, captain of forecastle; George Farrel, coxswain; Angus Sinclair, captain of fore- castle; Horace Bartlett, seaman. The boats had been going during the day, and a volunteer crew was sent upon her last trip. I have forwarded to the honorable Secretary of the Navy the accounts of these men, and have also written to the only relatives of whose existence I am aware, the mother of Martin and the wife of Bartlett. This sad loss brings my number of vacancies up to the following, viz, 5 seamen, 3 ordinary seamen, 3 landsmen, 2 coal heavers, and 1 marine, making a total of 14 men, or a full guns crew. I earnestly request that these vacancies be filled. I have on board two months provisions and 16 tons of coal. Upon the beach of Sandy [SandJ Island, at West Pass, are about 80 tons, the Port Royal having coaled there since my last visit. The mail steamer (Yirca88ian stopped off the bar at West Pass on the 29th of December (last month). I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the circular issued by you, assuming the command of this squadron, of general instructions to commanding officers upon the station, and of a circular calling attention to the direction of the Bureau of Ordnance in relation to 100-pounder rifled guns. I acknowledge also general orders from the Department, dated one on the 3d and three on the 12th December, 1862, together with a list of the vessels fitting out to run the blockade from Nassau and Havana. By the Davie I sent through you to the Secretaries of The Navy and War information regarding the navigability of the Apalachicola and Chattahoochee rivers. This is reliable, and I beg you to consider the importance of this town as a base for offensive operations upon the interior. The Confederates are now busily employed fortifying the banks, and show, by the efforts they are making to obstruct the channel of the stream, how valuable they consider fhe city of Columbus and the whole interior by its means. Two other steam gunboats are building at Chattahoochee; two, the Chattaiwockee and Kate Bruce, are now ready for the ocean, and if no measures are taken to prevent their egress, though the force at present here, consisting of two steamers, may sink two of them, yet the others may elude us and get to sea. It is rumored that these gunboats are being protected with bales of cotton lashed to their sides, a reinforcement of strength almost equiva- lent to iron plating. At this season the river can be traversed by gunboats drawing from 3 to 5 feet water up to Columbus, thence rail- roads connect with Macon, Augusta, Milledgeville, and Savannah, in Georgia, and with Montgomery and Tombigbee River, whose mouth is at Mobile. A glance at the map, or at the enclosed tracing,* will show the immense advantage of an expedition sent immediately, consisting of six or seven iron-plated river gunboats and 10,000 troops. At least 1,000 head of fat cattle roam about the island of St. Vincents, which is in our undisturbed possession, and these will help furnish subsistence to the forces. It is under the conviction that you are not possessed of these details that I send them, since the advantage to be derived seems to me so apparent; and though I may be considered * Not necessary to publish Page 358 358 EAST GULF BL0O1~ADIKG SQUADRON. presumptuous in offering my opinion to those of long experience, yet I am prompted by the feeling that it is the duty of all officers to do their utmost in all legitimate ways to further the crushing of this rebellion. Conscript officers are impressing all men between the ages of 16 and~ 60 on the river, and, it is rumored, will visit the city of Apalachicola for that object. The people here are starving and, even if authorized, I have not provisions enough to make regular issues of rations; even if food were sent ashore, it would perhaps be confiscated and be sent up the river, as they are nearly all women and children, and among the citizens several Union men. The entire population being stigma- tized as traitors by the Confederates, it seems hard to witness and not alleviate their sufferings. The presence in the town of an armed force of Union troops, taking the town under the protection of the Government, would be sufficient to bring down numbers of white refugees to swell the number under arms. January 14.Yesterday 1 received a communication from Brigadier- General Joseph Finegan, of the Confederate forces, in answer to mine of the 30th of last October. I enclose a copy. As mentioned in a communication to Rear-Admiral Lardner, I released the prisoners spoken of, after they had taken the oaths of allegiance to the U. S. Government. The bodies of John Martin, Angus Sinclair, and George Farrel have been discovered upon the beach of sand and St. Georges Island; they have all been, interred, and suitable headboards are in process of construction. Up to this date I have 68 tons of coal and, excepting bread of which I have but fifteen days, one and one-half months provisions; there remain upon Sand Island but five or six tons of coal. I again call your attention to the bad condition of the bread sent from the storehouse in Key West. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, A. F. CROsMAK, Lieutenant- Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding Somerset. Rear-Admiral THEoDoRus BAILEY, Commanding Eastern Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West. Re1ort of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, regarding orders ~ssued to the U. S. steamers Oneida and San Jacinto in searching for the C. S. S. Florida. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, January 32, 1863. SIR: I received information last night from Havana of the fact that the rebel steamer Florida, or Oreto, was in that port. I immediately sent word to the commanding officers of the San Jacinto * and Oneida, the only available steamers in port, to hurry with their preparations for sea, and they will both be off to-night. My orders to them are to proceed off Havana and send in an army tug, which Colonel [T. II.] Good, commanding officer of the troops at this place, has kindly *For order to U. S. S. San Jacinto, ~ee Series I, volume 1, p. 52 Page 359 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. placed at my disposal, to communicate with the consul, and ascertain whether the Oreto is still there. If she is still in Havana, the Oneida and San Jacinto will lie off and prevent her escape, but if she is already off, they have orders to separate and cruise for her, using their best judgments in connection with the information they will receive from Consul Shufeldt, as to tracks they will follow to fall in with her. The captain of the army tug Rainey, which brought the news from Havana, says that the Florida is of about 1,000 tons, bar k-rigged, and mounting eight Mill-inch guns and 2 heavy rifle guns on pivots. She has a coat of lead-color paint on her, much defaced, and she will probably repaint in Havana. The above information does not come from Consul Shufeldt, but is what the captain of the Rainey saw and learned while in Havana. In great haste, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, T. BAILEY, Acting Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Acting Pear-Admiral Bailey, CL S. Navy, to Acting Em~ign iVliendall, CL S. Navy, to assume command of the CL S. schooner Beauregard. FLAGSHIP ST. LAwRENCE, Key West, January 29, 1863. SIR: You are hereby detached from the ordnance ship Dale and you will relieve Acting Master William A. Arthur in command of the schooner Beauregard, receipting to him for all stores, etc., on board. In addition to this you will assume charge of the prize steamer Pearl (subject to the decision of the prize court) and such other duty as has been heretofore assigned to Acting Master Arthur. receiving from him all the necessary instructions, etc. 1 am, respectfully, your obedient servant, T. BAILEY, Acting Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Eastern Gulf Blockdg. Squadiron. Acting Ensign JOHN T. MENDALL, Ordnance Ship Dale. Report of Lieutenant- Commander EnglisA, CL S. Navy, commanding CL S. S. Sagamore, regarding the capture of the British sloop Elizabeth. U. S. GUNBOAT SAGAMORE, Ofl~ Jupiter inlet, Fla., January 29, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to report to the Department that on the morn- ing of the 28th instant I captured the English sloop Elizabeth, of Nassau, New Providence, at the mouth of Jupiter Inlet, with a cargo consisting chiefly of salt. She had struck in crossing the bar and bilged, damaging herself and cargo to such an extent as to make them worthless. I then gave orders to set her on fire, which was done Page 360 360 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Her master deserted her immediately after striking and before we could make the capture. I learn from some of the crew that his name is Fredk. Sweeting, the same person who commanded the schooner Agnes, captured by this vessel in indian River in November last. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL ENGLISH, Lieutenant- Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. Navy, granting permission to acquire such prize vessels as needed ~n the squadron under his command. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 30, 1863. SIR: The Chief of the Bureau of Construction has submitted to the Department your letter to him of the 12th instant, in which you request authority to take into the service prize vessels that have been con- demned and that you may find suitable for your purposes in enforcing the blockade. The Department sees no objection to permitting you to take a vessel under such circumstances, with the consent of the prize court and at a reasonable valuation. You will, when a vessel is to be taken, report the case to the Department as early as practicable, transmitting a copy of the appraisement and all other necessary information. The Department will expect froni~ 1ou a discreet use of this author- ity and a careful consideration of the propriety of any expenditure which its exercise may render necessary. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Acting Rear-Admiral THEODORUS BAILEY, Secretary of Navy. Comdg East Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Hey West, Fla. Order of Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U S. Navy, to Commander Schenck, U S. Navy, regard-& ng the cruising ground for the schooner Two Sisters. U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE January 31, [18d3.] SIR: I wish you to send the schooner Two Sisters (attached to your command as a tender) to cruise between the Tortugas Islands and Boca Grande, off what is called the Quicksand Passages. He will be vigi - lant in capturing all enemys vessels he may meet and others breaking or intending to run the blockade, and will return to this port when in want of supplies. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, T. BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. East Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Commander J. F. SCHENCK, Gommanding U S. frigate St. Lawrence Page 361 361 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Stations of vessels of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron, February 1, 1863. Name. Commander. Class and station. Amanda Actg. Vol. Lt. G. E. Welch Dale Actg. Master J. 0. Barclay Ethan Allen Actg. Master I. A. Pennell Eugenic Fort Henry Gem ol the Sea Hendrick Hudson Huntsville J. S. Chambers J. L. Davis Magnolia Penguin Actg. Master W. MeClintock Actg. Lt. E. Y. McCauley Actg. Vol. Lt. I. B. Baxter Actg. Vol. Lt. D. Cate Actg. Vol. Lt. W. C. Rogers Actg. Master L. Nickerson Actg. Master Win. Fales Actg. Master C. Potter Comdr. J. C. Williamson Port Royal Lt. Comdr. G. U. Morris Pursuit Roebuck Sagamore St. Lawrence San Jacinto Actg. Vol. Lt. W. P. Randall Actg. Master J. Sherrill Lt. Comdr. E. English Comdr. J. F. Schenek Comdr. W. Ronekendorif Somerset Lt. Comdr. A. F. Crosman Stars and Stripes Tahoma Wanderer Actg. Master C. L. Willcomb Lt. Comdr. A. A. Semmes Actg. Master E. S. Turner Bark. St. Georges Sound, East Pass. Sloop of war. Ordnance ship, Key West. Bark. St. Josephs Bay, west of Apalachicola. Schooner. Guard ship, Key West. Steamer. Cedar Keys. Bark. Off Indian River and Jupiter Inlet. Steamer. St. Georges Sound. Steamer. Key West. Schooner. Charlotte Harbor, Bark. Carrying supplies to squadron. Steamer. Key West, repairingboilers. Steamer. KeyWest, repairing boilers. Sails to-morrow for St. Georges Sound. Steamer. St. Georges Sound, West Pass. Bark. Tampa Bay. Bark. St. Andrews Bay. Steamer. Jupiter Inlet. Frigate. Flagship, Key West. Steamer. On a cruise after the Alabama. Steamer. St. Georges Sound, West Pass. Steamer. St. Marks. Steamer. Tampa Bay. Schooner. Charlotte Harbor. Respectfully submitted. THEODOHUS BAILEY, Acting Rear-Admiral, Commanding East Gu~f Squadron. Report of Acting Rear-Ad?miral Bailey, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of the U. S. S. San Jac& nto. No. 38.] U. S. FLAGSHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Key West, Febraary 1, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt, this day, of your communication dated January 20, 1863, in relation to retaining the San Jacinto as my flagship. As you will have been informed by my previous dispatches Nos. 20 and 22, I anticipated the action of the Department and retained the San Jacinto until I should hehr further from you. Having received intelligence that the Oreto was at Havana, I at once (on the 22d ultimo) dispatched the San Jacinto and the Oneida (of Admiral Farraguts Squadron), which happened at the moment to be at this port, in search of her, since which time I have not heard from them. I have the honor to be, most respectfully, your obedient servant, THEODORUs BAILEY, Actg. Rear-Admiral, Comdg. East Gulf Blocledg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary ~f the Navy Page 362 362 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of lieutenant- commander Semmes, U S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Jiahoma, regarding the capture of the British schooner ilfargaret. U. S. S. TAHOMA, At Sea, February 1, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to inform you of the capture of the British Schooner iliargaret by this vessel and the 11. S. S. Hendrick Hudson about 4 p. m. to-day in latitude 270 52 N., and longitude 830 W., in 6~ fathoms of water, Egmont Key light-house, bearing S. E. j S. nearly distant 24 miles. The captain acknowledged to me that he intended to try to run into St. Marks. I enclose herewith lists of the officers and crew entitled to share in the prize money. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, A. A. SEMMES, Hon. GIDEON ~TELLE5, Lieutenant- Commander. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting lYlaster Arthur, U S. Navy, commandinq US. schooner Two Sisters, regarding the capture of the sloop Richards. U. S. SCHOONER Two SISTERS, TENDER TO U. S. SHIP ST. LAWRENCE, Oft? Boca Grande, February 3, 1863. SIR: The following is a statement concerning the capture of the sloop Richards: On February 1, while cruising in the channel between Boca Grande and the Quicksands, according to your instruction, a sail hove in sight at 5 p. m. about 3 points on our weather bow. We were steering N. E., the wind being S. E. We gave chase and shortly made her out to be a sloop steering about north. I stood for her until dark, when I lost sight of her. The wind having died away, I sent a boat in charge of Acting Masters Mate Louis [R.] Chester in the direction where the vessel was last seen. At 9:15 saw a light in the direction the boat went. At 12:15 midnight a sloop came within hail, and was found to be the chase with Masters Mate Louis Chester on board. He reported to me having boarded the sloop 7 miles from BQca Grande. She was steering north, the wind being S. E. She proved to [be] the sloop Rich- ards, from Havana, St. Thomas, but bound to Matamoras. Having examined her papers and found that she had a cargo of salt, coffee, liquors, shoes, etc. Considering the position she was in when boarded, she was evidently bound to the mainland, and under that conviction I brought her in port to be examined. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. A. ARTHUR, Captain ~ F. SCHENCK, Acting Jifaster, Commanding. U S. Ship St. Lawrence Page 363 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 363 Report of Acting illaster Pennell, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. hark EtJwn Allen, qivinq information received from contrabands regarding the schooner Iiiane. U. S. BARK ETHAY ALLEN, St. Josephs Bay, Febr~~ary 7, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that, according to instructions received January 26 from Acting Volunteer Lieutenant William C. Rogers, commanding U. S. S. Huntsville, I proceeded on that day to St. Andrews Bay to blockade that port until relieved by the U. S. bark Roebuck. On the 1st instant the U. S. bark Roebuck arrived. The wind being ahead, I could not get to sea until the 5th, when I got underway and proceeded back to this bay and resumed the blockade. While at St. Andrews I received two contrabands from Marianna, Jackson ~Dounty, Fla. One of them, a very intelligent mulatto, informs me that the schooner lfain lay 8 miles up the West Bay. Her cargo of cotton had been discharged and transported to Columbus. The schooner has been stripped of all light spars, sails, and rigging, and lay at anchor in the stream with nothing on board. Lower masts and bowsprit standing. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. A. PENNELL, Acting iJliaster, Commanding. Acting Rear-Admiral THEODORUS BAILEY, Commanding East Gulf Squadron, Key lYest, Fla. Report of Acting Jifasters iiliate Crane, U. S. iVavy, regarding expedi- tion in St. Johns River, and stating reasons for noncompliance with instructions. JUPITER INLET, FLA., February 7, 1863. SIR: I have the honor of transmitting you herewith the result of an expedition, under your auspices and my immediate command, for the St. Johns River, together with reasons for the noncompliance with your instructions to me, dated January 3, 1863, and respectfully beg your approval. The evening we left your ship and got underway Mr. Thompson, one of our party, was taken quite ill. We continued up the river, however, until near Indian River Narrows, when, coming suddenly upon a boat and finding ourselves discovered, determined to capture her. She proved to contain the crew of the schooner Pride from Nassau, after salt discharged by that vessel and near at hand. After destroying 47 sacks (188 bushels), we returned to the inlet with the boat and prisoners, and turned them over to Captain Baxter, corn- manding bark Gem of the Sea. The medical oflicerof that ship reported Mr. Thompson as seriously ill and unfit for duty, which determined me to report my command to Captain Baxter for service. The results tip to this date are as follows: January 7.In company with Mr. Coffin and boats crew of the bark, captured a small boat, together with all the camp equipage, provisions, etc., of two men supposed to be rebel spies. January 9.Captured with same party an empty and unmanned schooner named Fbying Cloud, from Nassau, at St. Lucie River, and burned her Page 364 364 EAST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. January 16.Found 4~ sacks of salt at Conch Bar, near Jupiter, and destroyed the same. January 17.Captured a boat and two men near St. Lucie River. January 18.Found 4 bales of cotton at or in St. Lucie River. February 2.Found three several parcels of salt, 41 sacks (130 bushels), near Jupiter, and destroyed them. I detached a party of five men on the morning of February 3 t~ Jupiter Narrows, who suc- ceeded in finding 4 bales of cotton and bringing with them 2; they reached us last evening late. Thus, it will be seen, we have not been very idle, as the intervening time has been filled in searching after cargoes, etc. Mr. Thompson has returned to our party, and we are now ready for our original destination. February 7.Found two casks, partly filled with sperm oil, near this place, and 47 sacks of salt, one boat sail, etc. Hoping that this condensed report may meet your favorable con- sideration, I am, respectfully, H. A. CRANE, Acting iAfasters il/late, U S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander E. ENGLISH, Comm ding U S. S. & tgamore. Letter from the Secretary of the N y to the Secretary of War, givii~g information regarding the presence of the C. S. S. Chattachoochee and gunboats building in the Apalachicola Ricer. INAVY DEPARTMENT, February 9, 1863. SIR: The Department has information that the rebel gunboat Chat- tahoochee is now in the Apalachicola River, waiting a suitable oppor- tunity to run out and that there [are] also other gu