TITLE: Official records of the Union and Confederate Navies in the War of the Rebellion. / Series I - Volume 19: West Gulf Blockading Squadron (July 15, 1862 - March 14, 1863) AUTHOR: United States. Naval War Records Office PUBLISHER: Govt. Print. Off., Washington, 1905 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 QILwrndl Thdurnx~iit~i iL~ibrat~j 3itI~ara, New ~wk 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. PUBLISHEI) UNDER THE DIRECTION OF The Hon. PAUL MORTON, Secretary of the Navy, BY MR. CHARLES W. STEWART, Superintendent Library and Naval War Records. B~ AUTHORITY OF AN ACT OF CONGRESS APPROVEI) JULY 31, 1894. SERIES IVOLUME 19. WES~1U GULIP lB ILOCIHIADING SQUADHOIN FROM JULY 15, 1862, TO MARCH 14, 1863. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 19O~ Page R002 N 7 7 74 Page R003 CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME 1. Operations of the cruisers from January 19, 1861, to December 31, 1862. VOLUME 2. Operations of the cruisers from January 1, 1863, to March 31, 1864. VOLUME 3. Operations of the cruisers from April 1, 1864, to December 30, 1865. VOLUME 4. Operations in the Gulf of Mexico from November 15, 1860, to June 7, 1861. Operations 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. Opera tions of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 29, 1861, to March 8, 1862. VOLUME 7. 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. VOLUME 10. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 6 to October 27, 1864. II Page R004 IV CONTENTS OF PRECEDING VOLUMES. VOLUME 11. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 28, 1864, to February 1, 1865. VOLUME 12. Operations of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron from February 2 to August 3, 1865. Operations of the Sou{h Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 29, 1861, to May 13, 1862. VOLUME 13. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from May 14, 1862, to April 7, 1863. VOLUME 14. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from April 7 to September 30 1863 VOLUME 15. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 1, 1863, to September 30, 1864. VOLUME 16. Operations of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron from October 1, 1864, to August 8, 1865. Operations of the Gulf Blockading Squadron from June 7 to December 15, 1861. VOLUME 17. Operations of the Gulf Blockading Squadron from December 16, 1861, to February 21, 1862. Operations of the East Gulf Blockading Squadron from February 22, 1862, to July 17, 1865. VOLUME 18. Operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from February 21 to July 14, 1862 Table of Contents Page R005 TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. List of illustrations Preface Order of compilation of Series I xiii, xiv List of vessels of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron xv, xvi Calendar West Gulf Blockading Squadron: Principal events Union reports Engagement of the C. S. rani Arkansas with Federal steamers, and her passage through the Federal fleets July 15; downward pas- sage of the Federal fleet past Vicksburg and engagement of C. S. ram Arkansas with U. S. steamers Essex and Queen of the West, July 22, 1862 375 Capture of the British steamer Tubal Cain 8587 Joint Federal expedition at Pass Manchac, July 2528, 1862 9092 Destruction of C. S. ram Arkansas, August 6,1862 115-138 Attack on Confederate battery in Corpus Christi Bay, August 18, 1862 160,161 Operations of U. S. S. Essex, August 23 to September 7, 1862 181183 Joint Federal expedition to Pass Manchac and Ponchatoula, La., September 13~15, 1862 195-197 Capture of Federal boats crew at Flour Bluffs, Tex., September 14, 1862 201205 Capture of Confederate schooner Reindeer, September 17, 1862 209211 Operations in vicinity of Sabine Pass, September 21October 12, 186~ 217236 Federal operations against Galveston, Tex 253263 Burning of steamer Blanche at Marianao, Cuba, October 8, 1862~ 267286 Capture of the steamer Caroline, October 28, 1862 321323 Operations in Atchafalaya River and Bayou Teche, October 31 to November 5, 1862 326338 Reconnoissance up Mississippi River to Port Hudson, La., Novem ber 15, 1862 350-355 Capture of a boats crew from the U. S. schooner Henry Janes, November 20, 1862 360,361 Loss of a boats crew from the U. S. schooner Maria A. Wood, November 21, 1862 362368 Destruction of saltworks between Pensacola and St. Andrews Bay, November24 to December 8, 1862 373379 Expedition for the destruction of salt works at Cedar Lake, Tex., November 27, 28, 1862 380-383 Expedition for capture of steamers Southem Merchant and Naniope, December 69, 1862 393,394 Expedition in search of Confederate schooner from Corpus Christi, Tex., December 7,1862 396-398 Page R006 -v-I TABLE OF CONTENTS. West Gulf Blockading SquadronContinued. Page. Principal eventsContinued. Unk n reportsContinued. Occupation of Baton Rouge by joint Federal forces, December 17, 1862 414416 Capture of steamer Bloomer, December 24, 1862 424-429 Recapture of Galveston by Confederate forces, January 1, 1863 437477 Joint Federal operations near Plaquemine, La., January 3,4, 1863... 481488 Capture of British steamer Antona, January 6, 1863 496499, 502,511 Engagement between U. S. S. Hatteras and C. S. S. Alabama, January 11, 1863 506510 Joint Federal attack in Bayou Teche, January 14, 1863 515525, 541 Escape of C. S. S. Florida from Mobile, January 16, 1863 528536 Capture by Confederates of U. S. vessels Morning Light and Veloc ity, January 21, 1863 553573 Passage of Port Hudson by Federal vessels, night of March 14, 1863. 665-705 Abstracts of logs, journals, etc 705-709 Confederate reports Engagement of the C. S. ram Arkansas with Federal steamers and her passage through the Federal fleets July 15; downward pas- sage of the Federal fleet past Vicksburg and engagement of C. S. ram Arkansas with U. S. steamers Essex and Queen of the West, July 22, 1862 64-75 Joint Federal expedition at Pass Manchac, July 25-28, 1862 92 Destruction of C. S. ram Arkansas, August 6,1862 130138 Joint Federal expedition to Pass Manchac and Ponchatoula, Septem- ber 1315, 1862 197 Capture of Federal boats crew at Flour Bluffs, Tex., September 14, 1862 203205 Operations in vicinity of Sabine Pass, September 21October 12, 1862 232236 Federal operations against Galveston, Tex 2fi~1263 Burning of steamer Blanche at Marianao, Cuba, October 8, 1862 278-286 Operations in Atchafalaya River and Bayou Teche, October 31 to November 5, 1862 334-338 Capture of a boats crew from the U. S. schooner Henry Janes, November 20, 1862 361 Loss of a boats crew from the U. S. schooner Maria A. Wood, November 21, 1862 367368 Expedition in search of Confederate schooner from Corpus Christi, December 7, 1862 397398 Occupation of Baton Rouge by joint Federal forces, December 17, 1862 416 Recapture of Galveston by Confederate forces, January 1, 1863. 444,464-477 Joint Federal operations near Plaquemine, La., January 3,4, 1863... 487488 Joint Federal attack in Bayou Teche, January 14, 1863 522525 Capture by Confederates of U. S. vessels Morning Light and Velocity, January 21, 1863 564-573 Passage of Port Hudson by Federal vessels, night of March 14, 1863.. 701705 Operations at Corpus Christi, August 1118, 1862 780-783 Operations at Sabine Pass~ October 29, 30, 1862 804 Journal of Commander Hunter, C. S. Navy 813-817 Miscellaneous Confederate reports, orders, and correspondence, August 11, 1862, to March 12, 1863 77985 List of Illustrations Page R007 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Confederate States ram Arkansas Frontispiece. United States steamer Essex 66 Diagram showing ranges for firing of gunboats 145 Sketch of harbor of Galveston, January 1, 1863 450 United States steamer Westfield 450 Sketch of Confederate torpedo and spar 631 United States steamer Mississippi 664 Diagram of Port Hudson, March 14, 1863 669 Sketch of proposed Confederate fire ship 786 vi Page R008 Page R009 PREFACE. The work of preparing for publication the Official Records of the Union and Confederate navies, which was begun July 7, 1884, was organized under the superintendency of 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 reeords and their clas- sification was ably continued by his successor, Lieutenant-Com- mander 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 suc- ceeded by Professor Edward K. Rawson, U. S. Navy, as superin- tendent, under whose able administration volumes 614 were pub- lished. Professor 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 contempora- neous 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 correspond- ence, both Union and Confederate, relating to all naval operations on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts and inland waters of the United States during the war of the rebellion, together with the operations of vessels acting singly, either as cruisers or privateers, in different parts of the world. These reports are accompanied by occasional maps and diagrams. In this series the papers are arranged according to squadrons and flotillas, chronologically; and, as far as possible, the Union reports of any events are immediately followed by the Confederate reports. I Page R010 x PREFACE. II. The second series embraces the reports, orders, and correspond- ence relating to 1. The condition of the Union Navy in 1861, before the com- mencement of hostilities, and to its increase during the progress of the war, including the annual and special reports of the Secretary of the Navy and chiefs of the various bureaus. 2. The construction and outfit of the Confederate Navy, including 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 reproduced either from photographs of the vessels themselves or from the carefully prepared drawings made from official sources. Much difficulty has been found in collecting the records, for, while the official reports of commanders of fleets and of vessels acting singly are on file in the Navy Department, it is found that the correspond- ence 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 rec- ords are not equally complete, due to the great difficulty found in collecting them, and also to the fact that a large part of the archives of the Confederate Navy Department was burned at the close of the war. Frequent careful searches throughout various parts of the country, conducted by a special agent of the Department, have brought to sight many duplicates 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 lea Page R011 PREFACE. XI them to bring to the notice of the Department the whereabouts of any papers bearing upon naval operations in the civil war of which they may have knowledge. The eighteenth volume of the records (Series I, vol. 18), which has recently been published by the Department, gives the operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from February 21 to July 14, 1862. The present volume (Series I, vol. 19) gives the operations of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron from July 15, 1862, to March 14, 1863. 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 miscella- neous Confederate correspondence is placed at the end of the volume. Reference to the table of contents will show the context of these Con- federate papers. It is believed that the chronological arrangement of the records, in connection with the full and complete index to each 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 1 ave been placed together in the compilation. CHARLES W. STEwART, Compiler. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Washington, D. C., May, 1905. NoTE.The following is an extract from the law governing the dis- tribution of the sets comprising the publication (act of Congress approved July 31, 1894): * * * Of said number, six thousand eight hundred and forty copies shall be for the use of the House of Representatives, two thou- sand one hundred and twelve copies for the use of the Senate, and one thousand and forty-eight copies for the use of the Navy Department and for distribution by th& 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, Representa- tives, and Delegates of the Fifty-third Congress, it being the purpose of this distribution 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 Rep- resentative 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 b Page R012 XII PREFACE. the Secretary of the Navy for cost of publication, with ten per centum added thereto, and the proceeds of such sale shall be covered into the Treasury. If two or more sets of said volumes are ordered to the same address, the Secretary of the Navy shall inform the Senators, Representatives, or Delegates who have designated the same, who thereupon may designate other libraries, organizations, or individ- uals. The Secretary of the Navy shall inform distributees at whose instance the volumes are sent. The following joint resolution regarding the distribution of the work was approved January 30, 1896: Resolved by the Senate and House qf Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Navy be, and he is hereby, authorized and directed to send the 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, eighteen hundred and ninety-five, to the extent and in the manner and form provided in said act. The following is an extract from the act of Congress of May 28, 1896, which increased the edition from 10,000 to 11,000 copies: * * * For printing, binding, and wrapping one thousand addi- tional copies of series one, volumes one, two, three, and four, ior sup- plying officers of the Navy who have not received the work, two thousand four hundred dollars Page R013 ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS. SEIRIES I. 1. Operations of the Cruisers, 18611865. Union cruisers. West India (Flying) Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Wilkes, U. S. N., 1862-1863. West India (Flying) Squadron, under Acting Rear Admiral Lardner, U. S. N., 1863-1864. Confederate cruisers and 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 Stringham, U. S. N., May 13 to Sept. 23, 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 Goldahorough, U. S. N., 1861. North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Goldshorough, 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. * Naval Defenses Inland Waters of North Carolina, under 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 Harbor, South Carolina, under Flag-Officer Ingraham, CS. 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 Tattnall, C. S. N. XIII *The Confederate material under this bead is very scant. It is therefore hoped that those who have any Confederate naval documents upon the suhject will communicate with the Office of Naval War Records, Navy Department, Washington, D. C Page R014 XIV ORDER OF COMPILATION OF NAVAL WAR RECORDS. 6. Gulf Blockading 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 Squadron, under Flag-Officer McKean, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lardner, U. S. N., 1862. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Bailey, U. S. N., 1862-1864. East Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Captain Greene, U. 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., 1862-1863. Mortar Flotilla, under 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 interim), 1863. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. N., 1864. * Mobile Defenses, under Admiral Buchanan, C. S. N. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Commodore Palmer, U. S. 1~., 1864-1865. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Thatcher, U. S. N., 1865. * Mobile Defenses, under Flag-Officer Farrand, C. S. N. 7. Operations on the Western Rivers, 18611865. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Commander Rodgers, U. S. N., 1861. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. N., 1861-1862. * Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Rollins, C. S. N. Naval Forces on Western Waters, under Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. N., 1862. * Mississippi River Defense Fleet, under Captain Montgomery, C. S. A. * Mississippi River Defenses, under Commander R. F. Pinkney, C. S. N. * Mississippi River Defenses, under Flag-Officer Lynch, C. S. N. Mississippi Squadron, under Rear-Admiral Porter, U. S. N., 1862-1864. Mississippi Squadron, under Acting Rear-Admiral Lee, U. S. N., 1864-1865. * Naval Defenses of Red River, Louisiana, under Lieutenant J. R. Carter, C. S. N. * The Confederate material under this head is very scant. It is therefore hoped that those who have any Confederate naval documents upon the subject will communicate with the Office of Naval War Records, Navy Department, Washington, D. C Special Index Page R015 United States vessels of war serving in the West Gulf Blockading Sguadron, July 15, 1862, to March 14, 1863. Name. Rate. Tonnage. Class. Crew. Guns. A. Houghton Albatross Aroostook Arthur Barrataria Bohio Brooklyn Calhoun Cayuga Charlotte Clifton Colonel Kinsman Corypheus Dan De Soto Diana Essex t Estrella Fearnot Genesee Harriet Lane hartford Hatteras Henry Janes Horace Beals Iroquois Itasca J. C. Kuhn John Griffith John P. Jackson Kanawha Katahdin Kennehec Kensington Kineo Kittatinny Lackawanna ~MariaA. Wood Miami Midnight Mississippi Monongahela Montgomery Morning Light New London Nightingale O.H.Lee Oneida Orvetta Owasco Pampero Pembina Pensacola *Not found. Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth.-.. Fourth... Fourth... Second Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... (*) Second ... Fourth... Third Fourth... Fourth... Third Third..... Second ... Third Fourth... Fourth... Third Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Third Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Third Fourth... Second ... Second ... Third Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Third Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Second ... 326 Bark 27 378 Screw steamer 95 507 do 79 554 Bark 86 (*) Ironclad (*) 196 Brig 46 2,070 Screw steamer 259 508 Side-wheel 8teamer 68 507 Screw steamer 78 70 Schooner (*) 892 Side-wheel steamer 121 (*) do (*) 100 Yacht 16 (*) Steamer (*) 1,600 Side-wheel steamer 130 (*) do (*) 1,000 Ironclad steamer 163 (*) Side-wheel steamer 57 1,012 Storeship 45 803 Screw steamer 113 619 Side-wheel steamer 100 2,900 Screw steamer 302 1,100 Side-wheel steamer 101 260 Mortar schooner 35 296 Barkentine 39 1,016 Screw steamer 123 507 do 70 888 Bark 61 246 Mortar schooner 39 787 Side-wheel steamer 99 507 Screw steamer 87 507 do 78 507 do 78 1,052 do 72 507 do 81 421 Schooner 66 295 Screw steamer 298 344 Mortar schooner 25 730 Side-wheel steamer 86 387 Bark 70 1,692 Side-wheel steamer 229 1,378 Screw steamer 176 787 do 66 937 Ship 94 221 Screw steamer 47 1,066 Ship-. 199 Mortar schooner 37 1,032 Screw steamer 166 171 Mortar schooner 43 507 Screw steamer 91 1,375 Ship so S07 Screw steamer 91 2,1S8 do 269 t Transferred from Mississippi Squadron. xv (*) (*) (*) (*) (*) 2 7 6 6 2 2S 4 6 2 8 2 9 7 6 8 S 26 S 3 3 8 4 2 3 6 4 7 4 3 4 4 5 2 6 4 12 12 S 8 5 4 S 10 3 4 4 4 2 Page R016 XVI LIST OF UNITED STATES VESSELS OF WAR. United States vessels of war serving in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, July 15, 18692, to March 1.4, 1863Continued. Name. Rate. Tonnage. Class. Crew. i Guns. Pinola Pocahontas Portsmouth Potomac Preble R. R. Cuyler Rachel Seaman Reindeer * Reliance ~ Relief Richmond Sachem Sam Rouston Santee Sarah Bruen Sciota Sea Foam Sidney C. Jones Sumter Supply Susquehanna Tennessee Velocity Vincennes Westfield William G. Anderson Winona Wissahickon Fourth... Third Third Second ... Fourth... Third Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Second ... Fourth... Fourth... Second ... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... (B Fourth... First Third Fourth... Third Third Fourth... Fourth... Fourth... 507 694 989 1,708 566 1,202 303 (j) 300 468 1,929 180 66 1,726 233 507 251 245 (t) 547 2,450 1,275 (I) 700 822 593 507 507 Screw steamer do Ship do do Screw steamer Mortar schooner Schooner Side-wheel steamer Storeship Screw steamer Schooner Ship Mortar schooner Screw steamer Brigantine Mortar schooner Ram Ship. Side-wheel steamer do Schooner Ship Side-wheel steamer Bark Screw steamer do * Captured September 17,1862. Known also as Jeff Davis. t.Known afterwards as U. S. S. Hollyhock. t Not found. Transferred from Mississippi Squadron. Vessels of the Mississippi Squadron that cooperated with the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during the period covered by this volume. Name. Rate. Tonnage. Class. Crew. Guns. Benton Third 1,000 Ironclad steamer 157 16 Carondelet Third..: 512 do 158 11 Cincinnati Third 512 do 251 13 Essex* Third 1,000 do 163 7 General Bragg Fourth 700 Side-wheel steamer 51 2 Indianola Fourth 442 Ironclad steamer 144 4 Louisville Fourth 468 do 186 13 Sumter * ~ Ram Tyler Fourth 500 Side-wheel steamer 67 9 * Transferred to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. ~ Formerly the C. S. ram General Sumter. Vessels of the Ellet Barn Fleet mentioned in this volume. Name. Rate. Tonnage. Class. Lancaster Fourth... 400 Ram. Queen of the West Fourth... 400 Do. Switzerland Fourth... 400 Do. 4 6 22 34 10 10 2 75 173 161 331 65 116 13 (j) (t) 51 261 52 (t) 427 35 65 35 36 (t) (t) (I) 3 3 22 5 1 50 8 3 3 5 7 15 19 6 7 4 4 74 264 217 25 162 116 102 93 8 Page R017 CALENDAR. 18(32. JULY. AUGUST. SEPTEMBER. Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. Sun. M. F. W. F. F. Sat. ~12345~ ~12~ 123456 6~7 8 9101112 3 4~5 67 8 9 7 8 910111213 13 1415161718 19~1O 1112131415 16 14151617~18192O 20 2122 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 27 28 29 3031 ~. -- 24 2526272829 30 282930 31 OCTOBER. NOVEMBER. DECEMBER. Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat.1 Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. I 1234~ ~.1 12345 6 567891011 2345678 78910111213 12 1314151617 18 9101112131415 14151617181920 19202122232425 161718192021 22 21 222324252627 213 2728293031 -- 23 2425262728 29 28293031 30 1863. JANUARY. FEBRUARY. MARCH. Sun M. T. W. T. F. Sat. Sun. M. T. W. T. F. Sat. Sun. M. T. W. F. F. Sat. 4 11 18 25 56 12 13 19 20 26 27 14 21 28 123 8 9 10 15 16 17 22 23 24 29 30 31 12 89 15 16 22 23 3 10 17 24 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 31 NWRVOL19 2 4567 11 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 25 26 27 28 xvI Page R018 Page A001 Page A002 Naval War Records, Vol. 19. 44 CONFEDERATE STATES RAM ARKANSAS Page 1 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. FROM JULY 15, 1862, TO MARCH 14, 1863. Page 2 Page 3 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. FROM JULY 15, 1862, TO MARCH 14, 1863. Engagement of the C. S. ram Arkansas with U. S. steamers Carondelet, Tyler, and Queen oj the West, including her passage through the com- bined Federal fleets above Vicksbmrg July 15, and downward pa~~age of the Federal fleet past Vicksburg, including engagement of the C. S. ram Arkansas with the U. S. steamers Essex and Queen of the West, July 22, 1862. Order of Flag-Officer Farragnt~ U. S. Navy, to Commander Bell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Brooklyn, in view of the passage of the fleet by the C. S. ram Arkansas. [JULY 15, 1862.] DEAR CAPTAIN: The rebel ram came down this morning and took the fire of the whole fleet and passed down. She shows no colors Be prepared for her or to come up to take a hand at the town. I shall attack the town and try to destroy the ram as soon as we get the steam up. Tell Renshaw to get the mortars to work ~n the town. The ram is chocolate color; very low. Yours, truly, D. (3. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer. Captain BELL Brooklyn. [Telegram.] CAIRO, July 21, 1862. (Received 22d.) Rebel gunboat Arkansas, armed with 12 rifled 68-pounders, came out of Yazoo River Tuesday, [July 15]. She encountered first the Tyler, Carondelet, and ram Lancaster,* and after a running fight of 10 miles the Carondelet closed with the rebel, when both vessels grounded, fighting side by side. Rebel being outside succeeded in getting off. The Tyler then steamed ahead, maintaining a running fight until the fleet was reached, but our transports being in range, prevented an effective fire from our gunboats. The Arkansas succeeded in getting to Vicksburg under shelter of the batteries, to appearances much injured. * Refers to U. S. S. Queen of the West. Page 4 4 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Total Union loss 27 men killed and wounded, among them the engi- neer and pilot of the Tyler. Farraguts entire fleet is below Vicksburg. Slight damage to our vessels. GEO. D. WISE, Assistant Quartermaster. CHIEF OF BUREAU OF ORDNANCE, Navy Department. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the escape of the C. S. ram Arkansas. No. 145.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 17, 1862. SIR: It is with deep mortification that I announce to the Depart- ment that, notwithstanding my prediction to the contrary, the iron- clad ram Arkansas has at length made her appearance and took us all by surprise. We had heard that she was up at Liverpool, in the Yazoo River, and Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet informed me that the river was too narrow for our gunboats to turn, and that the river was shallow in places, but suggested that Flag-Officer Davis might send up some of his ironclad boats, which drew only 6 or 7 feet of water. When this was proposed to Flag-Officer Davis, he consented immedi- ately, and General Williams offered to send up a few sharpshooters. The next morning they went off at daylight, and by 6 in the morning we heard firing up the river, but supposed it to be the gunboats firing at the flying artillery, said to be lining the -river. In a short time, however, the gunboats appeared and the ram in pursuit. Although we were all lying with low fires, none of us had steam or could get it up in time to pursue her, but she took the broadside of the whole fleet. It was a bold thing, and she was only saved by our feeling of securit~. She was very much injured and was only able to drift, or go at the slowest speed, say 1 knot, and with the current she got down to the forts of Vicksburg before any of us had steam up. I had a consultation with Flag-Officer Davis and we thought it best to take the evening, when he dropped down to take the fire of the upper bat- tery, and my squadron passed down with the determination of destroying the ram if possible, but by delays of getting in position, etc., it was so dark by the time we reached the town that nothing could be seen except the flashes of the guns, so that, to my great mor- tification, I was obliged to go down and anchor with the rest of my fleet to protect the transports, mortar boats, etc. The ram is now repairing damages, for we put many holes through her, although we do not know the extent of damage done to her. Be assured, sir, however, that I shall leave no stone unturned to destroy her. I regret to report that the loss from this vessel was 1 officer and 2 men killed and 5 men wounded. The total loss in the fleet was 5 killed and 16 wounded. I enclose herewith the fleet surgeons report of casualties. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 5 5 WBST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Enclosure.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 16, 1862. SIR: I respectfully report the following list of killed and wounded in the fleet during the engagements on the 15th instant, viz: Killed. Name. Rank. How killed. Vessel. Mr. George H. Lounsherry. - Masters mate Killed by cannon shot Flagship Hartford. Charles Jackson Officers cook do Do. John Cameron Seaman do Do. John Garrett Ordinary seaman - - I do Wissahickon. John H. Harway Landsman Killed by shell Winona. Wounded. Name. Rank. Character of wound. Vessel. John L. Broome Captain Marine Corps ... Severe contusions---- Flagship Hartford. Mr. Thomas Hoffman Paymasters steward do Do. John D. Barnes Fireman do Do. Michael Martin Landsman do Do. George Royer Marine Slightly Do. Henry Downs Boy do Do. Edward York Fireman Severely Wissahickon. Daniel Hays Ordinary~eaman do Do. James Revell do Slightly Do. Joseph Ranehan Landsman Severely Do. John Jones Captain afterguard do Winona. William Malley Landsman Slightly Do. James H. Mathist do Severely Sciota. Peter Lasher Ordinary seaman do Do. William Somes Seaman Slightly Richmond. William Nelson do do Do. Five killed; 16 wounded. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. FOLTZ, Fleet Surgeon. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Division Gulf Blockading Squadron. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, expressing mortification of the Department at the escape of the C. S. ram Arkansas. NAvY DEPARTMENT, August 2, 1862. SIR: Your dispatch of the 17th instant, reporting the escape of the Arkansas, was received. I need not say to you that the escape of this vessel and the attend- ing circumstances have been the cause of serious mortification to the Department and the country. It is an absolute necessity that the neglect or apparent neglect of the squadron on that occasion should be wiped out by the capture or destruction of the Arkansas, which I trust will have been effected before this reaches you. I have omitted writing since the receipt of your official report in the confi- dent expectation that we should have advices that you or the squad Page 6 6 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ron under Flag-Officer Davis had overcome her. It is not to be supposed that you will leave Vicksburg until this is accomplished. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Squadron. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the escape of the C. S. ram Arkansas. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 16, 1862. SIR: In my dispatch of July 14, I had the honor to inform the Department that I was about sending an expedition up the Yazoo River. The plan of this expedition, as finally agreed upon between Flag- Officer Farragut, Brigadier-General Williams, and myself, was to dis- patch the gunboats Carondelet and Tyler, an& the ram Queen of the West, strengthened by sharpshooters from the army, at 4 oclock yesterday morning, to procure correct information concerning the obstructions and defenses of the river. Repeated examinations of the Yazoo had informed us that there was a raft obstructing the passage 80 miles from the mouth, with a battery near it, below, and the new ram Arkansas below [above], a vessel represented to be well protected by iron and very formidable in the battery. Shortly after the expedition entered the river yesterday morning it encountered the Arkansas coming down. After a severe fight with the Tyler and Carondelet, in which both vessels were partially disabled, she entered the Mississippi, and passing through the com- bined squadron took refuge under the batteries of Yicksburg. Her appearance was so sudden, and the steam of almost every vessel in the squadron was so low, or, in other words, so entirely unprepared were we, that she had an opportunity to pass without positive obstruction, though she was seriously injured by shot. The Benton, Lieutenant Commanding Phelps, got underway and followed her down to the point, but at her usual snails pace, which renders anything like pursuit ludicrous. I engaged the upper batteries for half an hour, and in the course of the morning renewed the engage- ment with Flag-Officer Farragut on board for reconnoitering purposes. At 6:30 in the evening an engagement again took place, which lasted for an hour, between this ship, the Louisville, Commander Dove, and the Cincinnati, Lieutenant Commanding Wilson, and the up er hatteries, the object of which was to cover the pass~e of Flag- Officer F arraguts fleet. He had determined during the day to run below for the double purpose of supporting the remainder of his squadron and of destroying the rebel ram in passing, to assist in which Ihad added the ram Sumter, Lieutenant Commanding Erben, to his force. A note from him this morning informs me that the ram was so entirely concealed by his situation that the attack upon her did not prove to be as destructive as expected. The loss of life in his squadron in its passage before these formidable batteries is wonderfully small, and must be attributed to the rapi Page 7 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 7 fire from his ships, by which the guns of the enemy were silenced as soon as reached. I shall give further particulars of this days work by the next mail and transmit the reports of Commander Walker, Lieutenant Com- manding Phelps, and Lieutenant Commanding Gwin. The loss of life in the squadron under my command has been 13 killed, 34 wounded, and 10 missing. Among the killed and wounded are several of the sharpshooters supplied by General Williams, who performed their duty in the most faithful manner. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, expressing the mortification of the Department at the escape of the C. S. ram Arkansas. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 2, 1862. SIR: Your dispatch of the 16th ultimo, reporting the escape of the Arkansas, was received. Ii need not say to you that the escape of this vessel and the attending circumstances have been the cause of serious mortification to the Department and the country. It is an absolute necessity that the neglect or apparent neglect of the squadron on that occasion should be wiped out by the capture or destruction of the Arkansas, which I trust will have been effected before this reaches you. I have omitted writing since the receipt of your official report in the confident expectation that we should have advices that you had overcome her. I can not suppose that Admiral Farragut would leave Vicksburg until this is accomplished. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAvIs, Commanding Western Flotilla, near Vicksburg, Muss. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding renewed operations against the C. S. ram Arkansas. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, July 15, [1862]. DEAR DAvIS: As the boy says, I told you so. I blame myself for not going on board last night and beggin~ you to send the iron- clad vessels this morning. We were all caug t unprepared for him, but we must go down and destroy him. I will get the squadron underway as soon as the steam is up, and run down in line the ships inside in line with your ironclad vessels. We must go close to him and smash him in. It will be warm work, but we must do it; he must be destroyed. Porter can run down and anchor so as to fight the upper battery. We will go down in line of battle, and when passed we will turn and come up again. Be sure to fire into th Page 8 8 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. wharfboat. She is the place where they make their ordnance incen- diary preparations. Yours, truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer. Flag-Officer GRAS. II. DAVIS. General order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Above Vicksburg, July 15, 1862. The vessels will form in two lines in the same order as when they came up, viz, the ships on the inside or next to the city, and the gunboats on the outside. They will keep their positions as far as practicable and have a good lookout for signals; but no one will do wrong who lays his vessel alongside of the enemy or tackles with the ram. The ram must be destroyed. D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Bllcdg. Squadron. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, proposing renewed attack upon the ram. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Vicksburg, July 16, 1862. DEAR DAvIS: We got down very well, except that it was just what I supposed from the first would be the case, that we started too late. It was so late when we got off the town that there was nothing to be seen of the ram. I looked with all the eyes in my head to no purpose. We could see nothing but the flash of the enemys guns to fire at. It was remarkable that only 5 men were killed. We lost a masters mate, Mr. Lounsberry, 2 men killed and 5 wounded. Scarcely anyone hurt on the other vessels, except 2 killed, 4 wounded, in them all. The Winona was badly disabled, and had to run on shore to keep from sinking. The Sumter also received two shots below the guard and so low that she had some trouble to stop the leak. Do not you think you could bribe some of these river men to drift a coal barge down to me some dark night? We shall be very short of coal unless I can manage to get some up or down. I would pay them liberally for the work if they will do it. I shall take another chance at the ram to-night, and I will continue to take chances or try to destroy her until my squadron is destroyed or she is. I see her now very plainly, but she must not have a chance to repair. I hope you lost no more men, and I was glad to learn from the officer that the shot did not penetrate your iron cover in the last attack. I will send Lieutenant Commanding Erben over to see you about his pipes and to learn your wishes in relation to his vessel. If you wish to send Porter down to attack the ram at night, he could do it, I think, without risk of the batteries. She is getting her steam up now; whether she means to come down or not, I do not know Page 9 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 9 While this is on my mind I can not rest. God bless you, and may you destroy him if he goes up. Yours, truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer CHAS. II. DAvIs, Flag-Officer. Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, proposing a combined attack upon the ram off Vicksburg. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Viclcsburg, Jnly 16, 1862. DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: I find that we are peculiarly situated just now, both in reference to the trust we have for the country and the great responsibility to which we would be held for an y disastrous result from the escape of this ram, and the evils atten in such a misfortune. I can but think, as you have the ironclad boats, the country will expect you to cope with the ram better than any wooden vessels, and will look to you for its destruction; but I desire to do my part and full share in this matter, and therefore have to propose that we make a combined attack upon him in Vicksburg, taking the fire of the batteries and looking only to the destruction of the ram, regardless of consequences to ourselves. Now, if you will come down in the morining, pass the first battery in the bend of the river before day, so as to arrive off Vicksburg at daylight, I will meet you with my forces and we will fight the forts and the ram, while your ironclads look to the destruction of the ram particularly. We know by experience, having twice passed these forts, that we can keep them well employed, so that you can have full p lay at the ram, and we will be able to help you occa- sionally, 71 propose, therefore, that you take this matter into con- sideration and name your day and hour. We will meet off Vicks- burg. I will be there to support you and receive your support, and I trust that we may be able to dispose of this ram effectually. I have intended for the past two nights to attack him with my three ships only, but we were unable to see him last night, and all the officers and pilots think it will be the same to-night, as he has been moving about all the afternoon, which shows that he is able to move up and down the river. What his damage is I know not, but feel satisfied that we can take him in the way proposed. Very truly, and respectfully, your friend, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer CHAs. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer. Comm~anding Western Flotilla, Above Viclcsburg. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, presenting prudential considerations regarding proposed attack upon the ram. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, Julg 17, 1862. DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: Your letter of July 16 was handed to me early this morning. We shall both of us agree entirely as to ou Page 10 10 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. responsibility and as to the disastrous results of any neglect of what will be considered our duty on this occasion. I do not think the destruction of the Arkansas, without any regard to the consequences to ourselves, would be an object sufficient to justify the abandonment of all the other advantages which have accuniulated from the long series of triumphs and successes of patient waiting and of successful contest on the part of the Army and Navy in the Mississippi River during the last five or six months. We are now in possession of the Mississippi River from its source to its mouth, with the exception of the short interval that separates our two fleets. Across this interval we have an uninterrupted communication; above and below it we have an efficient block- ading squadron, and the intermediate space of land is already bisected by a canal, by means of which we hope, through the recent rise in the upper waters, to separate the city of Vicksburg from the main channel of the river. Lastly, we have represented to the Government at home that military reinforcements are necessary to capture and maintain pos- session of Vicksburg, and these reinforcements are probably on their way to join us. I look to the continued occupation of the river and it~ free naviga- tion as an object paramount to all others, as an event as influential as any other in restoring domestic peace and preventing foreign war. The Arkansas is harmless in her present position, and will be more easily destroyed should she come out from under the batteries than while enjoying their protection. With all these prudential considerations, however, I am as eager as yourself to put an end to this impudent rascals existence. I have given a great deal of thought to it to-day. I have even laid down the plan of proceeding. We can not do anything until the Essex can get up steam, which will not be until to-night, if then, and we ought to have the Sumter above to do her ramming with effect. We shofild have a good prospect of success to justify our staking upon the hazard of a die all that we have gained, and gained with such sacrifices of life and treasure, and especially when the object we aim at will be as effectually obtained without that risk by the patient exercise of vigilance and self-control; in short, by pursuing the course that was adopted at Fort Columbus, Island No. 10, and Fort Pillow. Very truly, your friend, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer. Flag-Officer FARRAGUT, Comdg. West Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Below Vicksburg, Miss. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, advising the throwing of shells to interrupt work on the ram. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, 0/f Vieksburg, July 17, 1862. DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: A few shells now and then would disturb the people at work on the ram very much, particularly if they coul Page 11 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 11 drop them near the upper fort, as they have done several. They are working like beavers on her. My mortars can not reach her or that part of the town without going under fire of the batteries. I intend to try it, however, with one boat. I see the ram is still under the upper fort, although I do not know if she remained there all night. I shall send a boat down to-day to notify them below, for fear she might run by us in the night, but of course I shall pursue her as long as lam able. I think the Pensacola and Afississippi could manage her if she was to get down to New Orleans, but I trust in God she will never get by us. I am now distressed to know what I shall do for coal. I will send down for it to-day and hope I will get some by the Tennessee, but fear not. I shall soon want ammunition also. Could I get IX or XI inch solid shot from above? I have plenty below and have sent for some. We must soon do something with this fellow. Do give him a few shells from your mortars; they generally throw them too far. Please give me your views as soon as you can, or as fast as they occur to you, as to the best mode of destroying him. I see no way now but to attack him, as I have said, under the batteries, and take the chances. Yours, most truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer DAvIs, Flag-Officer. Commanding Western Flotilla, off, but Above, Viclcsburg. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, com mending the shelling and advising an immediate attack. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, July 17, 186~. DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: Do tell the captain that the shelling is mag- nificent. They are falling all around him and I expect one to fall on board every moment. He has a long spar rigged across his deck to get out some heavy weight. Now is the time to destroy him. I shall await your decision with great anxiety, for I wish to go at him to-night. He can not work his guns or steam, I think, and I can silence that fort in ten minutes and smash him in in a few more. If I can only get the Sumter ready to ram him in case the ships can not get in close enough. * * * * * * * Will you please send my letter to the Secretary by the first oppor- tunity up the river? I hope we will be able to get our coals saved by putting them on the bank until they can be gotten down. I have sent the paymaster over for the things in his department, and for which I am greatly obliged to you. With my best wishes, yours, truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer CHAS. H. Flag-Officer. Commanding Western Flotilla Page 12 12 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, urging patience rather than rashness in attacking the ram. FLAGSHIP BENTON, Above Viclcsburg, July 17, 1862. Mv DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: I have just received your second note. I have had so many arrivals of mails, vessels of my squadron, and visitors on business to-day, that I have the work of a long morning before me. I have given orders to set my mortars at firing at once. Sickness and death have made sad havoc with that once efficient corps. It numbers now, at this place, only 12 healthy men. I wrote you this morning that your coal had arrived, but, as usual, after so long a tow the barges are leaking, one of them badly. It costs some labor to keep them afloat. I have made enquiries of the pilots and others, and have come to the conclusion that an attempt to drift barges by the town would be a failure. They would be seen and captured. It only remains, therefore, to transport the coal across the neck by carts and the backs of negroes, at night, when the work can be done with less difficulty on account of heat, etc. The cattle have arrived, 30 head, weighed in sets of 5. I propose that you take four sets, or 20 head, leaving us two sets, or 10 head. You had better send over for these soon. They can be easily transported on the hoof, and there is some days forage remaining. You are a better judge than I am as to the number of men ready to drive over 20 beasts. I do not know whether they are tame and will be easily driven, or otherwise. Terms of purchase enclosed. I am sorry to say that I have no solid XI-inch shot at all, and very few IX-inch. We have no XI-inch guns, and only two IX-inch, on board the Benton. Finally, I will write you (in reply to your letter of this morning) this afternoon, and, meaning to do so, I will not detain your orderly any longer. But you will not be surprised that, having myself learned a lesson of patience at Fort Pillow and witnessed its exercise at Columbus and Island No. 10, I should be unwilling to put in jeopardy all the great triumphs and interests which are placed in my keeping. I have watched eight rams for a month, and now find it no hard task to watch one. I think patience as great a virtue as boldness, and feel anxious, above all things, to save that portion of the Republic which lies adja- cent to and dependent upon the Mississippi from an alarm which would interrupt its business, destroy its peace, and affect the public credit at home and abroad. You must regard me always, with honest differences of opinion, as faithfully and cordially your friend, C. II. DAvIs, Flag-Officer. Flag-Officer D. G. FAREAGUT, U. S. Navy Page 13 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 13 Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, giving his reasons for urging prompt measures in attacking the ram. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, Julq 18, 186k?. DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: Yours of yesterday has been duly received. I agree with you perfectly as to the propriety of not risking on the hazard of the die all the great advantages we have gainedby the patient course which has been pursued above, nor was such my intention. I never doubted the result ~is far as the ram was con- cerned, but only considered that it might be purchased at a greater loss of life or vessels than would be proper under different circum- stances, and that it was better to make the sacrifice at once and put the peoples mind at rest than to have another alarm for a month; for, remember, although we have great power to destray her, we have not great powers of endurance against an ironclad ram, should we be caught in a position unable to move at pleasure either for want of room, steam, or other cause. If I was sure that there was hope of a force being here within a month, it would give me great hope for the reduction of Vicksburg, but even in that time what suffering and sickness will our crews have to experience? I am told by the refugees of last night that they have in this neighborhood about 17,000 menthat is, at Jack- son, Yazoo, and Vicksburgand that one-half are sick. You say the Arkansas is harmless in her present position. I can not think that she will remain harmless long; as soon as she is repaired and organized she will keep us all on the qui vive, and cause great expenditure of fuel, which, I fear, we will have but a poor chance to replenish. As to your fleet, you are all right; you are open to a downstream supply of all stores from above, while mine are obliged to come up against the stream 500 miles, and fight their way past all the bluffs, at the risk of being destroyed. Hence the difference in our feelings, and I suppose it accounts in great meas- ure for the difference in our instructions, for while yours advise the prudential course, mine advise exactly the opposite, that great ends are only to be attained by great risks, etc. As soon, however, as your vessels are ready I will be most happy to hear from you and have your opinion as to the best course to be pursued in order to attain the desired end. Should a favorable opportunity offer in the meantime, I shall endeavor to take advantage of it. Very respectfully, and truly, your friend, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAvIs, Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, giving information received from Vicksburg regarding the condition of the ram. Unofficial.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 18, 1862. DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: We had three men from Vicksburg last night, who told us all they knew about the ram. She had her pro Page 14 14 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. knocked off and was perforated in many places. She had 10 men killed in the fight coming past the fleet and in the action with the gunboats, and had many wounded. In the evening, when we came down, we added some holes to the number and killed 3 men. She doubtless was equal with us on that score, as the IX-inch shell that came into us was from her and killed 2 men and wounded 2 or 3 others. They say that the captain was wounded just over the eye; some thought he would lose it. Yesterday theyhad to force men on board of her at the point of the bayonet. The pilot and engineer were killed by us. Oh, if I had only known her position I could have destroyed her so easily, but I knew it was a failure as soon as I saw that we could not get off before we did. They say she will try to run the blockade down the river and go to Mobile. These men all say that is the confident talk on shore. Now is the time, while she is making her repairs, to destroy her. As to the Sumter, do not think that I will interfere with your orders to Captain Erben, but I think he will have a hard time to run the batteries upstream, unless he has a dark night, but I am anxious to know your project as soon as Porter is ready. I go in for helping him. I think the ram is easier destroyed than captured, on account of the manner in which she can be shut up. I feel there is no rest for the wicked until she is destroyed. They say they fear us very much, but do not the ironclads of your fleet; * that, I suppose, was because Alden fired the solid IX-inch shot at her which hurt her so much. Please let me know the moment you are ready to do anything toward her destruction. We are all coaling and provisioning to-day. I wish to get the Kensington off for New Orleans. I sent two of the gunboats down to-day for repairs. They say they could not be repaired here. The enemy are mounting heavy guns opposite to us to force us down the river a little farther. I am greatly obliged to you for the cattle. Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gul/ Blockading Squadron. Flag-Officer CRAS. H. DAvIs, Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, request- ing propositions regarding mode of attack. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Vicksburg, July 19, 186w?. DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: * * * What do you say about send- ing Porter down to help in the attack on the ram ~ I have been expecting your propositions as to the mode of attack on her. Let me hear from you as early as possible, or I shall go in for the attack. The anxiety is too great to keep up. Yours, truly, D. G. FARRAGTJT. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla. * This is a mistake; they fear the ironclads most.D. G. F Page 15 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 15 I am sincerely obliged for the medicines. If they had not arrived we would have been in a bad way; but 12 have but one idea, and that is the ram. It must be destroyed. Your friend, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, stating his reasons for not leaving the Upper Mississippi. FLAGSHIP BENTON, Above Vicksburg, July 20, 1862. 2 M~ DEAR ADMIRAL (OR REAR-ADMIRAL, I believe it is): I wish Mrs. Farragut knew as much as we do. Her mind would be at ease with regardto your passing down. I have come to the final determination, from which, indeed, I have hardly once deliberately departed, that it would be an inex- cusable sacrifice of the greatest interests of the country to abandon the possession of the upper Mississippi, and that this would be the unavoidable consequence of an attack such as you propose. At the very moment when the extent of river in my keeping is increased threefold, I have also become responsible for the safety of General Curtiss army, and for its maintaining communication with its sources of supply. And at this very moment, also, I hear that the enemy are building boats which, in my absence, would give them the control of the whole trade and intercourse of the river, from Vicksburg up. And again, at this very moment, there is not a vessel in my squad- ron which is not rendered inefficient by sickness and vacancies; while of the fourteen vessels of which the squadron is composed, seven only are here, and of those seven, one is below. I have 129 mortar men and 1 army officer here; of this number of 130, 100 are sick. The proportion of the sick in the crews of the gunboats is not so enormous. In this vessel the number of sick and deficient is one in four; in the Carondelet it is one in two (every other one); in the Louisville one in three, about, etc. It will be with difficulty that I shall hold my own in the approach- in~,sickly season. is anxiety we are called upon to bear, which, as you justly say, to keep up, is a part of our condition as commander- in-chief, and belongs to all high and responsible stations in such times as these. It is like the watch the King keeps to maintain the peace. It is an old ache, that, like a chronic disease, does not prevent sleeping and eating. I will send you Porter with the Essex. You will then have my largest ironclad boat and most powerful ironclad ram, provided it will relieve your mind from anxiety. In the meantime I shall keep up an active fire with the mortars morning and nightnot at noon. We struck the Arkansas with our bombs twice yesterday. I send you some late papers. Pray remember me to Mrs. Far- ragut when you write. Yours, always, truly, C. H. DAVIS. N W RVOL 19 Page 16 16 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Captain Pike has just come on board to tell me that he has struck the Arkansas this morning twice again. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, giving the location of the ram. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 21, 1862. DEAR ADMIRAL: The ram is anchored between the two upper forts. We shall either drive her down to you, destrby her, or force her to come up the river; in the latter case we are ready for her. I beg you not to think of passing the lower forts. This, you remember, was the upshot of our conversation to-day. I will take all the coal now above Vicksburg, charged to your fleet, off your hands. Most faithfully, yours, ~. ~. DAV~~, Flag-Officer. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, etc. P. 5. Tell Captain Erben I expect the Sumter to do her whole duty. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding mode of attack. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, July 21, 1862. SIR: Will you please send over the pilots? I see that the ram is anchored between the two upper forts. Do you think it necessary for us to go up and attack her, or will you drive her down to the lower forts? Very respectfully, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIs. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Bell, U. S. Navy, to act as commanding officer during temporary absence of the former. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, July 21, 1862. DEAR CAPTAIN: I am going over to consult with Flag-Officer Davis and may be absent the greater part of the day. I wish, therefore, that you would consider yourself commanding officer in my absence, and act promptly for me in case of necessity. I will return as soon as possible, for I do not feel equal to the undertaking this morning, but the sooner it is done the better. Yours, truly, D. ~. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer. Commander H. H. BELL, U. S. S. Brooklyn Page 17 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 17 Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Bell, U. S. Navy, regarding the passage of the forts at Vicksburg. BELOW VICKSBURG, July 222 a. m. DEAR CAPTAIN: We will not pass the forts unless I make the signal to go ahead. I send you the pilot. Flag-Officer Davis says he will drive the ram down to us or destroy her, and begs me not to pass the forts. So await the signals. Yours, truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer. Captain BELL, Brooklyn. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the escape of the ram from the U. S. S. Essex. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 22, 1862. DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: I regret to say to you how much I was disappointed and chagrined at the result of Porters fight this morn- ing. It a pp ears that in the first place he missed striking the ram by their skillful management of her in loosing their shorefast, whereby Porter slipped by her and ran ashore. He delivered his three bow guns, but with what effect he does not know, but takes it for granted that they went through the ram. This was all he was able to do, and from this time he received the concentrated fire of all the forts above and of the ram, which, although it has iiot done him any very great injury for the moment, it has started his casemates, and a few more shot of the same kind would, in my opinion, destroy his protection. Only two shots passed through his side, by which he lost 1 man and wounded 3. It seems to me impossible for Porter to get back to you, and therefore he will have to take his chance below. General Williams is thinking of moving down the river in consequence of the sickness of his troops. The communication across the Penin- sula will not be kept open, and we will have to drop down with our large ships below the shoal water, which will render the space aban- doned to the enemy some two or three hundred miles. In fact, I do not see how General Williams can stop at Baton Rouge. It seems to me that he will have to drop down the river as low as Car- rollton, where our men-of-war can be stationed. I would be glad to have suggestions on all these points at as early a moment as practicable, in order that we may fix upon some modus operandi, as the general is very anxious to get off his sick and I have promised him an escort this afternoon. Truly, and respectfully, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Oul/ Bloclcdg. Squadron. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAvIs, Commanding Western Flotilla Page 18 18 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, reporting engagement between the C. S. ram Arkansas and Colonel Ellets ram. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, July 22, 1862. DEAR ADMIRAL: I am also entirely disappointed in the result of the mornings work, which last night seemed to me to promise very fair. I do not understand where the Sumter was this morning. Colonel Ellet went down according to the plan and struck the ram in such a manner as to injure her, to what extent our observers can not form ali opinion until the sun falls upon her. Colonel Ellets ram is cut to pieces with round shot and grape, but strange to say, though many persons in her small crew were struck, no one was killed and no one even seriously wounded. I intend to keep the Essex and Sumter below to blockade the Arkansas; when she disappears from the scene, Porter can go below to Grand Gulf or wherever else he may be wanted. I am sorry the communication between us is to be cut off, and think it not improbable that human ingenuity will find some way of keeping it open. I shall send for Colonel Fitch and General Curtis by the next boat. I have no suggestions to make. It is the old story of Columbus, Island No. 10, and Fort Pillow over again, with emendations in the way of bilious and remittent fevers and the reduced force. If you go down without my seeing you, God bless you, and remem- ber me most kindly to Lee, Alden, Palmer, Wainwright, Bell, and all my old friends. Very faithfully, yours, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer. P. S.The ram Arkansas is seriously injured, as has been discov- ered by my intelligent scout. Porters shot tore a long hole in her. I shall open with the mortars as soon as the thermometer has descended below 1400 in the shade. C. H. D. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, Comdg. West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Below Viclcsburg, Miss. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Lowry, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sciota, to perform convoy duty for army transports. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 22, 1862. SIR: You will convoy the army transports down the river as far as Ellis Cliffs, after which you will return and report to me wherever I may be. Should you meet the Kennebee or Katahdin, you will direct them to proceed immediately to this place and report to me. I am, sir, respectfully your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding R. B. LOWRY, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Sciota Page 19 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 19 [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 18, 1862. Go down river at discretion. Not expected to remain up during the season. Messenger on the way with dispatches. GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Vicks burg, via Cairo. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 23, 1862. M~ DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: I received by the hands of your young man, Mr. Post, a telegram from the Department yesterday to drop down and not get caught in the river, but I really feel doubtful of your having sufficient force below here for the control of the rebel ram, but of that you are the best judge. We were aroused this morning by a heavy firing about 10 miles below. Soon after one of our army steamers with the sick on board returned to the anchorage, stating that she had been fired into by a three-gun battery andhad been struck twelve times, and the captain of one of the companies killed. I had made all the arrangements for having an armed vessel to accompany each steamer, an a un oat the whole. Why this vessel was sent off in the night without this escort, I know not. I have sent Commander Palmer to see the general, and will send a force down to shell them out, and as soon as all the arrangements are made I will drop down the ships, to-morrow, I hope, at the furthest. These fellows will give you great trouble. If Porter is overmatched he can fall down upon our vessels below, but I can not afford to keep a force of any consequence this side of New Orleans, where I shall have the Pensacola, Mississippi, and Portsmouth perma- nently, and almost always some other vessel there for temporary repairs, etc. Our great object in not letting the ram get below this is that he can get coal or anything he wants from Natchez, Red River, etc. I will take all the ferryboats as I go down, to keep them from crossing troops, cattle, etc. If there is anything else that you think the public interest requires of me, please let me know, and if I can do anything for you personally, you know that nothing would give me more pleasure. With my best wishes for a speedy release From this embarrassment by an increase of both land and naval forces, I remain, very truly, your friend, D. G. FARRAGTJT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Western Flotilla Page 20 20 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports regarding the engage- ment with the C. S. ram Arkansas. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 22,1862. SIR: I herewith enclose the reports 6f this vessel, Iroquois, Rich- mond, Sciota, and Wirtona of their passage down the river from above this place, and the encounter with the ram Arkansas. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Wainwright, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Hartford. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 16, 1862. SIR: Yesterday morning about 6 oclock firing was heard up the river, supposed to be a reconnoitering p arty engaged with the enemys field artillery up the Yazoo River, but it proved that they were engaged with the enemys ram Arkansas, who soon appeared coming around the point firing and being fired into by the different vessels. We gave her our port broadside as she passed, but with what effect could not be seen; we were loaded with 5-second shell. At 6:45 p. in., we got underway and stood down the river, when the upper battery opened. We returned their fire as soon as our guns would bear, and continued firing without intermission at batteries, ram, and riflemen until we anchored below the town. The officers and men behaved with their accustomed bravery and coolness. The two (officers) acting masters of the powder division were sick, but under the direction of Paymaster G. Plunkett and Sailmaker John A. Holbrook, its duties were admirably carried on. The efficiency of the gun divisions are in a great measure due to the drill of Acting Midshipmen J. H. Reed, E. C. Haseltine, and H. J. Blake. We were struck in the hull several times. A IX-inch shell that did not explode carried away our starboard fore-topsail sheet bitts on berth deck. The rigging was but slightly injured. We had killed Masters Mate George H. Lounsberry, Officers Cook Charles Jackson, and John Cameron, seaman; 6 were wounded. I am, respectfully, yours, R. WAINwRIGHT Commander, Commanding Flagship Hartford. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT. [Enclosure.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 16, 1862. SIR: The following officers and crew of this ship were killed and wounded in the engagement last night, viz: Wounded.Thomas Hoffman, paymasters steward, head and chest with splinters; John D. Barnes, fireman, contusion of shoulder Page 21 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 21 Michael Martin, landsman, contusion arm, slightly; George Royer, marine, contusion, slightly; Henry Downs, boy (colored), contusion, slightly; Captain John Broome (Marine Corps), contusion, head and shoulder. Killed. Mr. George H. Lounsberry, masters mate, killed by cannon ball; Charles Jackson, officers cook, killed by cannon ball; John Cameron, seaman, killed by cannon bali. Killed 3; wounded, 6. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. FOLTZ, Fleet Surgeon. Commander R. WAINwRIGHT, Commanding U. S. S. Hartford. Report of Commander Alden, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Richmond, transmitting list of casualties. U. S. STEAM SLOOP RICHMOND, Near Viclcsburg, July 16, 1862. SIR: I have the honor herewith to enclose the surgeons report of casualties, and also those of the boatswain and carpenter, showing the injury done to this vessel by the enemys shot during the action of last evening. Everyone on board behaved well. A careful lookout was kept for the ram as we passed, but owing to the obscurity of the night we could not make her out. Respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, JAMES ALDEN, Commander. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Flagship Hartford. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. RICHMOND, Below Vicksburg, July 16, 1862. SIR: The following are the only cases of injuries occurring in passing the batteries at Vicksburg las{ evening: Wounded. William L. Somes, seaman, incised wound of scalp, not severe; William NeJson, seaman, slight injury of right thumb and contusion of left knee. Very respectfully, A. A. HENDERSON, Surgeon. Commander JAMES ALDEN, U. S. S. Richmond. U. S. S. RICHMOND, 0/f Viclcsburg, July 16, 1862. SIR: I respectfully beg leave to submit to you the following report of injuries received by this ship in action on the evening of 15th instant, viz: Two shrouds port mizzen rigging shot away; tw Page 22 22 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. quarter-blocks foretopsail yard bands badly injured and port foot rope shot away; brails and outhaul of spanker shot away, same shot seriously injuring the spanker. Most respectfully, sir, your obedient servant, ISAAC T. CHOATE, Boatswain, U. S. Navy. JAMES ALDEN, Esq., Commanding U. S. S. Richmond. U. S. S. RICHMOND, July 16, 1862. Sin: I beg leave respectfully to state the damage sustained by this vessel off Vicksburg in the action of the 15th instant: Was struck by a shot on the port side, at the water line, under No. 1 gun port, going in 2 inches, and glanced off. Struck by a IX-inch shot, under No. 3 gun port, 2 feet above berth deck, passing through planking, timbers, and ceiling, breaking off one hanging and two diagonal knees, demolishing a mess chest, and lodged on the star- board side. Between Nos. 11 and 13 gun ports, five grapeshot struck the side of the ship. One 6-pound shot struck near the top on the after part of No. 12 gun port, imbedding itself in the timber. Was struck by a 6-pound shot on the forward side of No. 15 gun port, burying itself in the timber. One 6-pound shot came through the after port of cabin, carry- ing away sash, blind, and bulkhead, lodging in the signal room. A large number of bullets struck and lodged in the side; the main mast and steam pipe are also struck by bullets. The foretopsail yard was struck by a shot, carrying away quarter blocks and starting the bands. Sir, I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, H. L. DIXON, Carpenter. Commander J. ALDEN, U. S. S. Richmond. Report of Lieutenant Lowry, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sciota. U. S. GUNBOAT ScIOTA, Above Viclcsburg, July 15, 1862. SIR: This morning about 6:10 a. m. heavy firing was heard from this vessel, apparently from the direction of the Yazoo River, the cause of which soon manifested itself in the appearance of the gunboat Tyler, Lieuteftant Commanding [William] Gwin, running before and closely pursued by an ironclad rebel ram, since ascer- tained to be the Arkansas, escaped out of the Yazoo River. This vessel, of a similar construction to the Louisiana and Mississippi, destroyed at New Orleans, that is, a screw propeller and inclined iron sides, armed with 9 guns, seemed by her movements to trust entirely to her invulnerability for a safe run to the cover of th Page 23 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 23 Vicksburg batteries. The Tyler made a running fight until within our lines, when the vessels opened as our guns bore, the rebels speed diminishing very visibly. This gunboat was anchored fourth in line from up river, without steam, and engines under repairs, but as soon as I heard the firing I ordered fire started and steam to be raised with all dispatch. My XJ-inch gun, loaded with a 10-second shell, which I ha en eavored in vain to draw, as the rebel came within my train, I fired, striking him fair, but the shell glanced off almost perpendicularly into the air and exploded. At the same time I opened a brisk fire with all my small arms against his ports, which I am confident prevented them from manning her port guns till after she had passed us. I observed one man, in theact of sponging, tumble out of the port, sponge and all, evidently shot by a rifle ball. I found my officers and men ready, but such was the suddenness of the appearance and passing of this formidable vessel of the enemy that but little time was afforded for any continued attack upon her with the unwieldy gun carried by this vessel. After passing downstream out of my line of fire, which he did in from four to six minutes, I was unfortunately only a spectator of the final result of this event. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. LoWRY, Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Sciota. Flag-Officer D. G. FAWRAGUT Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Additional report of Lieutenant Lowry, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sciota. U. S. GUNBOAT ScIOTA Below Viclcsburg, July 16, 186w. Sin: I have the honor to report that in obedience to general signal, made yesterday at 7 p. in., I got underway and got position fifth in line, and steamed own he river. On nearing the point Opposite the city, found an active bombardment kept up from the ironclad vessels of Flag-Officer Daviss fleet, while the rebels were replying with great spirit from all the hill and water batteries, strengthened by large bodies of sharpshooters, posted in rifle pits and in the woods. As we turned the point the bullets began to fly over us very thickly. We opened on the riflemen with small arms in the hands of the sick and disabled officers and men, who, too feeble to work the heavy gun, still zealously used their little strength to annoy the enemy by a return fire of musketry. Our two 24-pounder howitzers were worked rapidly and efficiently, throwing shrapnel into the enemys troops, which were seen to burst with good range and effect. I proceeded under this fire and the crossfire of the batteries till beyond range, when I rounded to and anchored at 8:10 p. m. On passing Vicksburg, could see nothing distinctly of the ram, though I received a fire as from a battery at or near the level with the water. A shell from this battery passed horizontally through this vessel, tearing the metallic boat, cutting bulwarks on port side, starting wood ends and bolts on deck, and finally bursting i Page 24 24 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the starboard spirketing, tearing waterways, covering board, fut- tock ends, and timbers, breaking boat davit on starboard side. Several grape and other shots passed through the ship, and one heavy shot struck under port bow, a plunging grazing shot from the hill forts. I have to report, and thankfully so, but two casualties, two men wounded, as per surgeons report. My officers and men be- haved well and bravely. Though commanding this vessel but a few days, I deem it my duty to place on record my opinion of her armament, its adaptation and efficiency to vessels of this class. It will first be noticed that this vessel has a crew of nearly 100 men to one gun, for the howitzers can not be called part of the battery. The great weight and cumbrous size of the XI-inch gun, with its carriage, slide, and railway circles, pivot bolts, traversing tackles, etc., on a deck of the narrow beam of this and all other gunboats, amounts to an absurdity. The great weight lifts the vessel from 3 to 6 degrees as she is light or deep when in battery, while the rolling motion is so great that it would be impossible to cast loose the gun in the most ordinary swell or sea. The time occupied in loading and pointing prevents rapid and precise firing, the complicated machinery of the carriage and slide, the screw elevator obstructing the graduated tangent sight when the breech is lowered 5 or 6 degrees or for any long rangethe gun has not the range to compensate for its other drawbacksare all serious objections to continuing these heavy guns as the main battery of gunboats. The practice of this war, as we have experienced it in this river, teaches me that a great error is committed in this respect. Our experience of the precision, range, and penetration of the old 32- pounders of 57 hundredweight discarded by us but used almost entirely by the rebels against us, creates a question if we must not eventually restore that neglected caliber of smoothbore to the decks of light ships. For my own part, I would prefer two or four of them on the Marsilly carriage, in its simplicity and ease of handling and shifting, to any other gun on a pivot, with its incumbrances of tracks, eccen- tric, shifting bolts, levers, etc. The rapidity with which four 32- pounders could be worked will overbalance the preponderance ot a heavy XI-inch. In making these remarks I simply consider I am performing a professional duty, and Am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. Lowny, Lieutenant, Commanding Sciota. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant Nichols, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Winona, transmitting list of casualties. U. S. GUNBOAT WINONA, Below Viclcsburg, July , 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that this vessel got underway last evening and passed, in company with the rest of your fleet, from th Page 25 W~ST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 25 anchorage above Vicksburg to that below. All the vessels were sub- jected to a heavy fire from the numerous batteries, as also to heavy fire of musketry. We were enabled to fire our XJ-inch gun but three times, owing to having received a shot on port side which started a heavy leak. Started our deck pumps immediately, but, finding the water gaining, ran in and pivoted the XJ-inch gun to starboard, to raise the leak out of water. Water still gaining, pivoted rifle gun to starboard, shifted port howitzer over, and shifted shot and shell to starboard. My orders being to anchor at the old anchorage below Vicksburg, I ran down to the lower end of the island and rounded to, with the intention of anchoring, but finding the leak still gaining fast on the pumps, the water up to the tops of the ash-pit doors, and being ignorant of the position and nature of the damage causing the leak, P deemed it the safest plan to run the vessel on shore, which was done at the foot of the island, her bow in 8 and stern in 11 feet water. Upon examination we found that a shot had entered just above water line and close to opening of outboard delivery, breaking valve and cast-iron valve chest. I enclose herewith report of Mr. [John] Purdy, senior engineer in charge. One other shot struck the spirketing in wake of long port, but did not penetrate. One shell burst among the crew of XI-inch gun, killing 1 man and very slightly wounding 2 others. The fragments of this shell tore up the deck, waterways, hatch combings, and gun carriage, but the injuries are not serious. In the engagement with the ironclad gunboat our side was perforated in several places by fragments of a shell which exploded near the ves- sel, wounding 2 men. I can not speak too highly of the conduct of all on board. I enclose herewith reports of Assistant Surgeon Mathewson of the cas- ualties of yesterday; also return of ammunition expended. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ED. T. NICHOLS, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Division Gulf Blockading Squadron. [Enclosures.] U. S. GUNBOAT WINONA, Below Vicksburg, Muss., Jvly 16, 1862. SIR: I most respectfully make the following report of the damages sustained by the engineer~s department of this vessel in passing the city of Vicksburg July 15, 1862, viz: Outboard delivery valve cham- ber shot away and shattered in an irreparable manner, thereby ren-- dering the engines useless until the said valve chamber is replaced. Oil tank destroyed. Very respectfully, JOHN PUEDY, Second Assistant Engineer, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant Commanding E. T. NICHOLS. U. S. GUNBOAT WINONA, Near Vicksburg, July 15, 1862. SIR: I respectfully report that in the engagement of this morning with the rebel ironclad gunboat Arkansas the following men wer Page 26 26 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. wounded on board this vessel: John Jones, captain afterguard, struck bysplin ter over left molar bone, which contused the soft parts, but pro& uced no fracture; William Mally, landsman, struck by a splinter, which produced a contused wound over left scapula, not serious in its nature. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ARTHUR MAThEWSON Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. EDWARD T. NICHoLS, Lieutenant, Commanding. U. S. GUNBOAT WINONA, Near Viclcsburg, July 16, 1862. SIR: I respectfully report that in the engagement of last night with the batteries at Vicksburg, John H. Harway, landsman, was killed instantly by the explosion of a shell from the enemys batteries. No others of the ships company were injured beyond the extent of slight bruises and scratches. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ARTHUR MATHEWSON Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. EDWARD T. NICHOLS, Lieutenant, Commanding. Report of Commander Palmer, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Iroqnois. U. S. S. IROQUOIS, Below Vicksburg, July 17, 1862. SIR: At twenty minutes after 6 in the afternoon of the 15th, signal being made from the flagship to weigh and form the line ahead, the Iroquois being ordered to lead, I was immediately underway and stood down the river toward the newly erected battery, having been preceded about half an hour by Flag-Officer Davis and the Benton, with two other ironclad gunboats, whose intentions were to keep in play the upper battery, whilst we passed on to the attack. At 7 we passed the head of their line and were immediately under fire, which we returned at once, and very soon after the hill battery in the upper part of the town commenced its raking fire, the shot and shell flying over us, their guns not being sufficiently depressed. In a short time we were abreast the town, from which we received vol- leys of musketry and artillery, which we returned with shrapnel and grape. Now the lower hill batteries commenced their plunging fire, an a his critical moment our worn-out engines sud dlenly stopped and we drifted for twenty minutes under fire, which, as night was now setting in, was ill-directed, and very soon gave me no concern. As we dropped down, the lower water battery and what I supposed might be the ironclad ram opened upon us. This we returned with solid shot. But with all this fire of heavy shot and shell from the batteries of musketry and fieldpieces, with which the town was crowded, with the exception of a 6-pound shell fired from a fieldpiece, left sticking in our side between wind and water, we escaped without damage. By the indefatigable exertions of our chief engineer the engine wa Page 27 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 27 set going again, and when below their line of fire I turned and stood upagain for the batteries, thinking the flagship was still above, but afterwards finding that in the darkness she had passed below unob- served by us, I dropped down and anchored beside her. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES S. PALMER, Commander. Flag-Officer DAvID G. FARRAGUT Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. Report of Commander Lee, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Oneida. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA, Below Viclesburg, July 16, 186:2. SIR: I make the following report of the action with the batteries and with the rebel ironclad ram Arkansas last evening in passing Vicksburg. At 6:40 p. m. flagship made general signal 1218. Got underway, steaming as necessary whilst the fleet was formed according to the plan for the morning of the 28th ultimo. Renshaws mortars were now firing at the batteries. At 6:55 the army mortars commenced firing. At 7 the Benton opened fire on the new upper battery. At 7:20 passed two of the army gunboats, now holding their fire to allow us to pass, our fleet having formed and closed up. At 7:30 we opened fire on the new upper battery. Fired in passing at the upper batteries and rifle pits with our battery and small arms, whilst under like fire from the rebels. We passed near the left (east) bank, stopped the engine and drifted by the town; saw the wharf- boat; fired bolts from two rifle guns, and solid shot from the two XJ-inch pivot guns at the Arkansas, which, lying under the bank exposed herposition by firm. Stopped firing at 7:30, having expended the following projectiles: 6 shell, XI-inch, 5-second fuze; 9 grape, XI-inch; 2 solid shot, 11-inches (at the ram); 10 shell, 32- pounders, 5-second fuze; 1 stand 32-pounder grape; 2 solid 32- pounder shot; 16 bolts, and 1 shell from the 30-pounder Dahlgren rifle guns. No casualties occurred on board. The officers and men on the sick list who were able to go to their guns did so. Anchored with the fleet. Respectfully, yours, S. PHILLIPS LEE, Commander. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, Commanding, etc. Report of Lieutenant Breese, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. barkentine Horace Beals. U. S. BARKENTINE HORACE BEALS, Below Vicksburg, 21fiss., July 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken in the bombardment of Vicksburg by the mortar vessels, second division Mortar Flotilla, on the 15th July. The position of the six vessels at this time was just out of gunshot of the enemy, on the right bank of the river, and about a mile above the Brooklyn, with the exception of the mortar schooner S. C. Jones Page 28 28 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. lying aground about a mile above us, and on the same side. Firing had been heard some time up the river, when an officer came to the the river bank and stated that the rebel ram Arkansas was attempting to run through the fleet, and that she would probably succeed. Word was immediately passed to the division to heave short, and your signal to prepare to get underway was soon followed by the signal to get underxvay, the ram having hove in sight and appearing to be standing for us. The division slowly dropped by the tide about a mile and a half from former positions, hauling close in to the bank. Here all prepa- rations were made to do our best with the ram should she come down. About 10 a. m. you ordered the division to be taken up into position, and that I had better go ahead and select the place for them, which I did, at the same time to see what could be done with the S. C. Jones. On leaving your vessel the Jones was discovered to be on fire, and shortly after blew up. About 1:30 p. m. the John Griffith, Orvetta, and Henry Janes reached their position, towed by your vessel, and at 1:40 they opened fire on the enemys batteries. The Sarah Bruen and 0. H. Lee were to have been towed by the Laurel Hill, but they were abandoned after a single attempt, and only got into position by your vessel. As you are aware that the enemys shot flew quite thickly about the vessels while being placed in position, it will not be necessary for me to say anything further, except that at different times we were opened upon from the rifled guns of the enemy, and also from sharpshooters placed in the woods on the opposite bank. The broadside guns throwing 10-second shell responded to this latter, but I think their being silenced before mischief was done is owing to the splendid shooting of Captain Nims battery placed in battery abreast and partly astern of the division. This battery most effectually silenced the enemys fire. The firing from the mortars was continuous from the time of taking up position to that of the order to drop down the river, with the exception of about an hour during a rain squall. The firing was once in about seven to ten minutes from each vessel, until we heard the guns from our fleet coming down, when fire was opened as rapidly as possible and kept up until all the fleet had passed us, when you made signal to retire. During this time the John Griffith threw 62 shell, the Orvetta 30 shell, the Henry Janes 60 shell, 0. H. Lee 49 shell, and Sarah Bruen 32 shell. The John Griffith fired just prior to and in the passage of the fleet by the forts upon the lower water batteries, the other vessels altogether upon the hill batteries. After the enemys lower battery was silenced by Captain Nims battery of light artillery not a missile was sent in our direction. The general direction and bursting of shell was very good, but after having so often witnessed the effect of nineteen and twenty mortars, it almost appeared useless to use so few, and I am convinced that a less number are hardly efficient for such purposes. The vessels, mortars, and their appurtenances stood the shock with about the usual amount of damage. Respectfully, your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant, Commanding Second Division Miortar Flotilla. Commander WILLIAM B. RENSHAW, Commanding Gulf Division Mortar Flotilla Page 29 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 29 Report of Commander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, commanding division of Mortar Flotilla, regarding the operations of his command. U.S. S. WESTFIELD, Jlfississippi River, July 23, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to submit the following report of the opera- tions of the division of the Mortar Flotilla I have the honor to com- mand previous to and during the bombardment of the 15th instant. About 7 a. m. constant firing was heard in the direction of the combined fleets of Flag-Officers Farragut and Davis, anchored a few miles above Vicksburg, and shortly after intelligence was received that the rebel ironclad ram Arkansas was endeavoring to and would probably succeed in passing the fleet. Signal was immediately made from the steamer to the mortar schooners to prepare to get underway. At 8 a. m. the ram was discovered coming slowly around the point, when I made a signal to the schooners to get under- way immediately, slipping the cable of this steamer at the same time to give them assistance should they require it. The schooner Sidney C. Jones, Acting Master Jack (which had been ashore since a few days after the fleet passed the batteries, and by the receding river left with but a few feet of water under her) was lying in a defenseless position, rendering it proper that imine- diate preparations should be made to destroy her should the ram continue on her course down the river. I was about making signal to Acting Master Jack to be ready to blow her up, when he niade signal, Shall I destroy? At this time the ram was observed going alongside of the bank at Vicksburg, and the necessity for imme- diate action having ceased, I answered the signal by directing him to get ready. After the schooner had successfully dropped down some distance below the Brooklyn, under the cover of whose guns they could alone be protected, I steamed up the river for the purpose of giving specific directions to Acting Master Jack and to reconnoiter the ram. Upon the way I met General Williams and staff riding along the bank, and, hailing him, requested to know if he intended em- barking his command. Being answered in the negative, I requested him to allow one of his artillery officers to go on board the stranded schooner and make such a distribution of her powder as to insure her mortar being blown into deep water (a distance of only a few feet) should it become necessary to fire her. The request was cheerfully complied with, and, passing, I soon reached, and, hailing the schooner at a distance of not more than 25 yards, easy conversing distance, directed Acting Master Jack to make preparations to blow her up, and that an artillery officer would come on board to instruct him in relation to the manner the powder should be placed to insure the mortar being blown into deep water, but that he must not blow her up until he received orders from me or the ram was actually coming down upon him. These instructions were clearly understood by him at the time, and, feeling assured they would be strictly complied with, I proceeded a short distance up the river to examine the condition of the ram. Satisfying myself that she was seriously injured by the conflict with the fleet, I fired two rifle shot at her and ran down the river to com- municate with Captain Bell and inform him of the result of my obser- vations, and upon communicating with him received an order from Flag-Officer Farragut directing me to bring the mortars to bear upo Page 30 30 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the batteries immediately, as he was coming down with thi~ fleet to attack them and endeavor to destroy the ram. All the steamers of the flotilla, with the exception of the Westfield, being absent towing the twelve schooners accompanyin~g Captain Porter down the river, I applied to Captain Bell to order the U. S. S. Kensington to assist me in getting the mortar schooners into position and in reply was informed that the army transport Laurel Hill would tow up two of them. This was all the assistance I required to promptly execute the order I had received, and, to carry it ou is atched Lieu tenant Commanding K. R. Breese in his boat to superintend the placing of the schooners, and at the same time to look after the S. C. Jones and be ready to give proper directions should the ram unexpectedly move. He had, however, scarcely left to perform this duty when, to my surprise and great regret, the S. C. Jones was blown up with- out any movement of the ram occurring to justify it. Three schoon- ers were then taken in tow by this steamer and placed in position on the west side of the river, a little below where they were statior~d during the previous bombardment, the batteries on the Vicksburg side opening fire briskly at the same time. The Laurel Hill not having started with her tow, I was obliged to return down the river to ascertain the cause of the delay, and was informed by her captain that he had parted his hawser, and consequently could not tow. In fifteen minutes afterwards we were underway, with the two remaining schooners, and at 3:30 p. m. I had the satisfaction of seeing all the mortars in position. The first three schooners, the John Griffith, Acting Master Henry Brown, commanding; the Henry Janes, Acting Master [Lewis] W. Pennington, commanding; and the Oliver H. Lee, Acting Master Washington Godfrey, commanding, had already, at 1:30 p. in., opened fire from their mortars and at the time we arrives with the Orvetta, Acting Master F. E. Blanchard, commanding, and the Sarah Bruen, Acting Master A. Christian, commanding, were also firing with their broadside guns, assisted by a field battery of General Williamss command, at a large body of riflemen on the opposite shore, who were annoying them by their fire, which immediately ceased upon our casting off our tow and throwing some VIJI-inch grape among them. The estimated distance of the schooner farthest up the river from the batteries was 3,700 yards, and of the one farthest down 4,000 yards. The mortars being in position and firing with effect upon the batteries, I remained underway in their vicinity to render them all the assistance my frail steamer could afford should they require it, until hailed by the Brooklyn, at 7:15 p. in., informing me that the fleet was getting underway, when I made signal to the mortars to fire rapidly, and ran over to the eastern shore of the river and took up the same position I occupied during the bombardment on the morning of the 28th of June, enifiading the water battery in front of the brick hospital, and remained there until the fleet had passed the batteries and all firing except from the mortars had ceased. The signal to cease firing and retire was then made to the schooners at 8:30p.m. The firing from the mortars was rapid and accurate, the shell frequently falling apparently within the batteries and causing for Page 31 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 31 time a less regular fire from them, which, from some unkown cause, was far less vigorous from the lower batteries than on the occasion of the previous bombardment. To the report of Lieutenant Commanding Breese, commanding the second division of mortar schooners, I have the honor to refer you for particulars of the mortar practice and conduct of their officers and men. The services of this officer, I am awa;re, have already been brought to your notice by the very able and gallant com- mander of the flotilla, Captain Porter, and I have only to add the expression of my very high appreciation of his official ability and gallantry and my thanks for his zealous assistance during this anxious day. Anxious, from the fact that from the hour of half past 1 until nearly 8 in the evening the mortar schooners were lying in posit ion comparativel unprotected, within 2j miles of this ram, which had successfuiiy run the blockade of our fleets, not knowing at what moment her repairs might be completed and she again read y for action. The Westfield was struck twice during this bombardment, without materially injuring her; once by a rifle shot on her connecting rod, which was probably saved by the engine being in motion, and once by the fragments of a shell. Since the Westfield has been in commission she has been engaged in three regular bombardments and at other times frequently under the fire of the enemys batteries, performing the duties as- signed her in connection with the Mortar Flotilla, and it is a duty I embrace with pleasure, in thus making my first official report to the Department, to express my appreciation of the conduct of her officers and men. The executive officer, Acting Master C. W. Zimmerman, though but a youth 19 years old, has proven himself, by his professional knowledge and fine bearing under fire, worthy of receiving a lieu- tenants commission. I can also, with confidence,, recommend Acting Master L. D. Smalley for a permanent position in the Navy, should the Department contemplate retaining any of the volunteer appointments. He has performed the duties of master since leaving the United States, and in that capacity directed, under my super- vision, the steering of the ship, whenever she has been under fire, with coolness and judgment. Acting Masters Vassallo, Miller, and Warren have been attentive to their duties, and courageously fought the guns at which they were stationed, while the supply of powder and projectiles from the powder division was evidence that Acting Masters Mates Arnett and Harvey were equally worthy of praise. The engineer in charge, Mr. William R. Greene, with his assist- ants, Messrs. George S. Baker and Charles [W.] Smith, have been untiring in their exertions to keep the engine in repiiir, and have exercised so much judgment and care that since leaving the United States there has never been a day that the machinery has not been in perfect working order. Acting Assistant Surgeon E. H. Allis and Acting Assistant Pay- master C. C. Walden are also worthy of commendation, the former for kind and unremitting attention to the sick and the latter for faithful attention to duty and for volunteering to take charge of our IX-inch gun during the last bombardment (two of the acting NWRVoLl9 Page 32 32 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. masters being ill with the fever) and fighting it with courage and ability. Mr. Dudley S. Griffith, captains clerk, has been ofgreat service to me in conveying my orders in time of action. He is a youth of much intelligence and cool courage. Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. RENSHAW, Commanding Division of Mortar Flotilla, Operating with the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, recommending the dismissal from the service of Acting Master Jack and Acting Masters Mate Squires, U. S. Navy. U. S. S. WESTFIELD, New Orleans, July 29, 1862. Sin: I have sent home on the Connecticut Acting Master Jack and Acting Masters Mate T. W. Squires, the former the commanding officer of the blown-up schooner S. C. Jones and the latter of the bark Houghton. Acting Master Jack positively asserts that he did not understand my order not to blow up the schooner until the ram approached him, but supposed I wished her destroyed immediately. I regret that I have to differ decidedly with Acting Master Jack in this assertion, which opinion I think would be confirmed could the exigencies of the service admit of an investigation by a court of enquiry. Mortifying as the sight of the schooner blowing up at that time was to me, it is a satisfaction to know that her destruction was only a little premature, as the squadrons leaving a few days afterwards would have rendered it necessary to have made such disposition of her. Acting Masters Mate Squires was found fast asleep, with every other man on deck, during his watch, at a time when unusual vigi- lance was required in consequence of our not knowing at what time the ram Arkansas might come down from above. I respectfully recommend the dismissal from the service of these officers. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. RENSHAW, Commanding Division of Mortar Flotilla, Operating with Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Explanatory statement of Acting Master Jack, U. S. Navy, in the matter of the destruction of the mortar schooner Sidney C. Jones. Sin: Agreeably to an order signed by W. B. Renshaw, esq., U. S. Navy, commanding mortar fleet in the Mississippi, a copy of which is herewith enclosed, I beg leave to report myself to the Department. Having thus complied with the order, it is but just that I shoul Page 33 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 33 briefly state the circumstances under which it was given. Being in charge of the mortar schooner Sidney C. Jones on the morning of the 15th of July last, after the ram Arkansas had passed the fleet and got under the enemys batteries at Vicksburg, I was hailed by Captain Renshaw and ordered to blow up the schooner immediately and effectually, and to get the mortar into the deepest water pos- sible, the vessel at the time being ashore, high and dry. I was also informed by Captain Renshaw that an artillery officer would be sent to my assistance, to carry out the order of destruction. Immedi- ately afterwards I was hailed from the shore by Captain [Charles] Everett, of the Massachusetts Battery, who informed me that he was detailed as the artillery officer referred to in said order to assist in the destruction of the vessel, with whom I acted in conjunction and carried into effect the order of Commander Renshaw. On the 17th of July I was sent for and told that I might consider myself as under arrest, and on the 18th of July I received a notification from Lieutenant Breese, hereto affixed, of an intention on the part of Commander Renshaw to investigate the reason of the destruction of said vessel. I accordingly appeared before the board of enquiry detailed for said duty, and exhibited my proofs of the order I received and its faithful execution, those proofs being also herewith affixed. After the fullest investigation, the board, or court of enquiry, as I was informed by them, fully acquitted me of all blame, and compli- mented me on the manner in which I had discharged my duty, and gave me credit for service I had rendered the Government in saving so much public property of the vessel. You may imagine my sur- prise, after this triumphant acquittal, when I received the order which sent me home to report as under arrest. I appeal most confi- dently to you, sir, to restore my unblemished name to the naval service of the country and to remove this unjust cloud upon my character. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES E. JACK, Ac~ing Master, Commanding the late Sidney C. Jones. Hon. G. WELLES, Secretary o/the Navy. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. WESTFIELD, New Orleans, July 29, 1862. SIR: You will at once proceed to the United States (per steamer Connecticut), and immediately upon your arrival report to the Sec- retary of the Navy, in writing, as under arrest. Respectfully, your obedient Servant, W. B. RENSIJAW, Commanding Mortar Flotilla. Acting Master CHAS. E. JACK, U. S. Navy. U. S. BARKENTINE HORACE BEALS, Near Viclcsburg, Miss., July 18, 1862. SIR: You will report to me at 10 a. m. to-morrow on board this vessel, to answer an investigation ordered by Commander Rensha Page 34 34 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. relative to the destruction of the Sidney C. Jones and its attendant circumstances. You have permission to visit the shore this afternoon to see Gen- eral Williams or Captain Everett, as requested. Your obedient servant, K. R. BREESE, Lieutenant, Commanding Second Division Mortar Flotilla. Acting Master CHAS. E. JACK, U. S. Navy. U. S. STEAM BARK A. HoUGHTON, Mississippi River, July 17, 1862. SIR: We, the undersigned, officers and crew of the late U. S. schooner Sidney C. Jones, do hereby pledge our words of honor that we distinctly understood the order given to you on the morn- ing of the 15th by Commander W. B. Renshaw, of the U. S. S. West- field, to make preparation for blowing up your vessel, and further that we understood the order to blow her up effectually and imme- diately. Very respectfully, W. C. GRAHAM, Acting Masters Mate. B. JOHNSON, Acting Masters Mate. WILLIAM H. MUNROE, Acting Masters Mate. MARRILL KENNEY, Boatswains Mate. STEPHEN NELSON, Gunners Mate. THOMAS DAVIDSON, Sailmakers Mate. JAMES TOLEN, Captain Hold. FREDERICK TOMPKINS, Carpenters Mate. JOHN W. HUNTER, Captains Steward. ROBERT L. MONTIER, Captains Cook. GEORGE WOODLAND, A. B. MATHEW MCDONNEL, Seaman. JOHN STYON, Seaman. JOHN J. SMITH, Seaman. JOSEPH BELL, Ordinary Seaman. JAMES LAvINS, Ordinary Seaman. CHARLES MCMILLEN, Ordinary Seaman. PATRICK B. CARRICK, Land sman. Captain CHARLES E. JACK. I hereby certify that I witnessed the foregoing signatures of the crew of U. S. schooner Sidney C. Jones. W. C. HANFORD, Executive Officer, U. S. Bark Houghton. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Opposite Vicksburg, July 17, 1862. In accordance with the request of Captain C. K. Jack, acting mas- ter commanding schooner S. C. Jones, I make the following statement: On the morning of the 15th instant, while riding upon the bank o Page 35 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 35 the river, I was hailed by Captain Renshaw, commanding U. S. gun- boat Westfield. The boat was at some distance, and I heard the hail imperfectly. As I understood it, it was to the effect that he expected to be compelled to blow up the schooner S. C. Jones, being then high and a round. That he desired that it should be done so effectually that no part of her armament, and especially her mortar, should fall into the hands of the rebels, and that he requested me to detail an officer of artillery to see it properly done. I answered that I would do so, and accordingly immediately ordered Captain Charles Everett, Sixth Massachusetts Battery, to superintend the work and to see it thoroughly done by fire and gunpowder. THos. WILLIAMS, Brigadier-General, Comdg. Second Brigade, Dept. o/the Gull. IIDQRS. 6TH BATTERY LIGHT ARTILLERY, MASS. VoLs., Opposite Viclcsburg, July 18, 1862. Having been requested by Acting Master Commanding C. E. Jack, of the late U. S. schooner Sidney C. Jones, to state what I know in relation to the blowing up of said vessel, I make the following state ment: On the morning of the 15th instant, being near the headquarters of Brigadier-Genera I Williams, I heard a hail from the U. S. S. Westfield, respecting the destruction of the mortar boat aground above, and a request that an artillery officer might be sent to superintend the opera- tion. The Westfield proceeded up the river. A few minutes after this I was detailed by General Williams to go on board the mortar boat and see that she was destroyed effectually. I mounted my horse and rode rapidly, arriving abreast of the S. C. Jones simulta- neously with the Westfield. I heard an officer (whom I believe to be Captain Renshaw) hail the Jones, ordering the commander to destroy the vessel and throw the mortar overboard, and that an artillery officer had come to assist him. Captain Jack suggested to the officer hailing that the steamer might ma e fast to the mortar and haul it overboard. I do not recollect the reply to this suggestion. I was, during the hailing, on the shore abreast of the Jones, distant 30 to 40 yards. I listened attentively and heard distinctly what was said, delaying my hail for a boat until the conversation was finished. I did not hear any contingencies mentioned, and fully understood the order to be for the immediate destruction of the vessel. Going on board, I introduced myself as the artillery officer sent to assist in the destruction of the vessel. I asked him whether he felt certain that he was not expected to wait until the Arkansas attacked or moved toward him. He replied that his orders were positive and unconditional to destroy the vessel. I so understood them myself, and not an officer or man on board expressed any doubt upon the subject. The preparations were made coolly and deliberately. The vessel was fired as soon as the crew, with their clothes and small arms, were clear of the ship. CHAS. EVERETT, Captain, Commanding Sixth Massachusetts Battery Page 36 36 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 25, 1862. The Department learns with regret of the escape of the rebel steamer Arkansas, owing to the unprepared condition of the naval vessels. That vessel must be destroyed at all hazards. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Flag-Officers FARRAGUT and DAVIS, Off Vicksburg. The senior officer at Cairo will forward this dispatch without delay. Extract from papers of Lieutenant Bishop, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. General Bragg. JULY, 1862. Arrived above Vickburg and joined the squadron the day previous to the passage of the rebel ram Arkansas, and took position on the starboard beam of the Hartford, Admiral Farraguts flagship, hav- ing the Richmond on the port bow, the Oneida ahead and a little on the port bow, but close to the bar, the Sumter on starboard bow and aground, the Benton right astern; all the vessels in close order. The Oneida was ahead and on the starboard bow of Richmond. On hear- ing the firing up the Yazoo River, I ordered steam and the cable prepared for slipping, and everything made ready for action, and was in full preparation for moving, but seeing no movement on board other vessels, I waited for orders; and when the ram came in sight, the tiliie was too short to move to get a striking position, and fearing that I would foul the fire of the Hartford and Richmond, and hearing no order from the flagship Hartford on my port beam and in easy hailing distance; and the flagship Benton the same astern, and we were blowing oft steam, so that every one knew we were ready, Ii did not move, which I most certainly would have done had I not been hemmed in by other vessels. The position we assumed by order, and I had no knowledge of the Arkansas being up the Yazoo River nor that vessels were up the river (Carondelet and Tyler). I had been in commission only four days, and had not become accustomed to the vessels (nor the pilots). Admiral Farragut said next day I had lost my promotion thereby. JOSHUA BISHOP. Report of Lieutenant Gwin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tyler, of engagement with the escaping ram. U. S. GUNBOAT TYLER, Near Vicksburg, July 15, 1862. SIR: As ordered, I proceeded up the river at 4 a. m. At 7 a. in., discovered a steamer ahead, which proved to be the ram Arkansas. The Carondelet a mile and a half astern. The ram following us closely. The ram not having any colors flying, we fired a shot at her, which she answered immediately with her bow guns. We then backe Page 37 WEST GULF BLOCKADING ~SQUADRON. 37 down, keeping up a continuous fire from our bow guns, until, finding she would overtake us before we could reach the Carondelet, rounded down, giving her a broadside at a distance of 300 yards, which appar- ently had no effect, although the shot struck her. When, getting ahead of the Carondelet, which vessel was standing downstream, we held our position in close supporting distance, firing our guns as we could bring them to bear. The ram Arkansas succeeded in getting up to and striking the Carondelet, but was driven off by the latter, when the ram, finding she could not sink her, I suppose, started for me, when I stood down the river with all speed and managed to keep a distance of 200 yards between us. Our loss has been pretty heavy. Enclosed is a list of the casual- ties. I can not speak in too high terms of praise of my officers and men, as well as of the sharp shooters of the Fourth Wisconsin Regi- ment, doing duty on boar us I will make a detailed report as soon as possible, being at present very busy in taking care of the wounded. As soon as I arrived down, I sent the Bragg, Lieutenant Command- ing Bishop, to the relief of the Carondelet, which was, however, not necessary, as the latter vessel arrived shortly afterward. I have received considerable [damage] both to the vessel and machinery, but hope to. be ready for service this afternoon. I should like to have an additionof 25 men. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. GwIN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIs, U. S. Navy, Commanding Flotilla on the Western Waters. I regret to mention that the commander of the ram behaved in the most disgraceful and cowardly manner. W.G. Detailed report of Lieutenant Owin, U. 8. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Tyler. U. S. GUNBOAT TYLER, Near Vicksburg, July 16, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your orders of the 14th instant, I got under- way at 4 a. m. After an hours detention for a pilot, stood up the river, entering the Yazoo. I proceeded on up to within 3 miles of the mouth of the old Yazoo, when we discovered a steamer standing down, which proved to be the rebel ram Arkansas. I immediately opened fire on her, she being then half a mile from us. She immediately responded with her bow guns (two). At this time the engines were stopped. I then commenced backing down the river, hoping that I would have speed enough to keep ahead of her and be able to fight most of my battery, but finding she was approach- ing me rapidly, I rounded down the river and took a position about 100 yards distant on the port bow of the Carondelet, which vessel was standing down. Keeping up a rapid fire from the 30-pounder rifle in the stern and occasionally getting off some of my broadside guns, I maintained my position in support of the Carondelet until after the ram had closed with and struck her, forcing her against the bank Page 38 38 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The ram then left the Carondelet and stood down for me. I theif stood down the river with all speed, and was able to maintain a distance of from 200 to 300 yards ahead of the ram, keeping up a rapid fire on her with my stern rifle and receiving the fire of her bow guns and an occa- sional shot from her starboard broadside. Our shots had apparently little effect upQn her, although one of them raised the iron on her bow, but further than that I could not see that either my shot or those of the Carondelet did any damage. Her flagstaff was shot away about the time she closed with the Carondelet. She made no attempt to rehoist her flag. Not a man was to be seen on her upper deck during the entire engagement, which lasted an hour and a half. This vessel was struck and penetrated with eleven solid shot and shell, besides grape. I regret to have to report such severe loss8 killed and 18 wounded, 2 dangerously and 6 seriously. The damage to the vessel is not very serious; to the machinery very slight. It is astonishing that we sustained so little injury, considering the length of time we were engaged and the num- ber of heavy shot and shell that struck us. We were at no time, after rounding down, at a greater distance than 500 yards from the ram, and for 6 miles within 300 yards. It affords me the greatest satisfaction to state that officers and men, without exception, displayed the greatest coolness and courage during the entire engagement, although our destruction at one time seemed inevitable. I must mention them by name: First Master Shaw com- manded on the gun deck forward with .his usual zeal and courage; Sec- ond Master Jefferson French, Third Master James Martin, and Fourth Master F. T. Coleman, commanding divisions, handled their guns with great coolness and precision as long as they could be brought to bear. Masters Mates [James M.] Walker and [Gilbert L.] Coleman dis- played great coolness and gallantry. Chief Engineer Goble and his assistants, [D. A.] Weaver, Goble, [Oscar S.] Davis (killed), and Stephens, stood gallantly, at their dangerous posts, although several shot passed through the engine room. Pilots Sebastian and liner displayed their usual coolness in handling the vessel under the very trying circumstances, and I think deserve the greatest praise. The former did not leave the wheel until he lost his arm, and the latter, although he had been relieved from the wheel on account of two wounds received early in the engagement, went back to the wheel and brought the vessel safely down, with the assistance of Pilot Smith (from the Lancaster), who deserves great credit for his coolness and judgment. I must particularly call to your notice Gunner Herman Peters, who was in charge of the after rifle. Too much praise can not be given him for his conduct during the action, fighting his gun at one time for half an hour when almost suffocated by steam which was escaping from our damaged escape pipe. I would recommend him for promo- tion to master, as he has, on all occasions, displayed the greatest cour- age and gallantry. Paymaster Coleman, who acted as aid and signal officer, displayed his usual coolness and bravery. Assistant Surgeon Cadwallader was unremitting in his attention to the wounded. I would also mention the gallant conduct of Captain Lynn (who was killed early in the action) and his detachment of sharpshooters, who were detailed for duty on board of this vessel Page 39 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON, 39 I have now to perform a duty which gives me no pleasure. Lieu- tenant [James M.] Hunter, who commanded the ram, behaved in a most cowardly and dastardly manner, basely deserting us without making an attempt to bringhis vessel into action. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, VVM. GwIN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAvIs, U. S. Navy, Commanding Western Flotilla. Killed and wounded on U. S. gunboat Tyler in engagement up Yazoo River, July 15, 1862 Killed.Oscar S. Davis, third assistant engineer; Thomas Jeffer- son Hood, seaman. Wounded.David Hiner, pilot, slightly; John Sebastian, pilot, lost left arm; A. H. Smith (of Lancaster), slightly; J. W. Holly, seaman, dangerously; J. T. Milford, seaman, seriously; Robert Williamson, seaman, slightly; James Hughes, seaman, slight] y; James Morris, seaman, slightly; Richard Carter, coal heaver, slightly; Frederick Crosser, fireman, slightly; ~tephen Tracy, seaman, slightly; James M. Walker, second assistant engineer, slightly. Fourth Wisconsin Regiment, detailed for sharpshooters (twenty). Killed.Captain Lynn (commanding detachment), Company I; D. Bartram, private, Company E; E. Randall, private, Company B; L. Goodrich, private, Company K; A. Palmer, private, Company G; C. Shaffer, private, Company D. Wounded.C. Vanorman, Peter Tracy, W. Kent, Anson Ayers, J. Doyle, privates, seriously. Thirteen killed, 34 wounded, 10 missing. Abstract log U. S. S. Tyler, Lieutenant Commanding William Owin, U. S. Navy. July 14, 1862.At 8:40 Captain Gwin left for flagship. At 12:10 Captain Gwin returned. At 12:55 Captain Gwin went away in the tug; 2 oclock tug~ came alongside from flagship Benton, sent to borrow Captain Gwins signal book; 2:40 the De Soto went up the river; 2:50 Captain Gwin returned; 3:30 took 15 barrels of pork. From 8 to midnight: 8:10 Captains Gwin and Nichols came aboard; 8:15 Mr. Mart in returned without sharpshooters; 8:25 went off again; 9:30 Captain Nichols; 10:15 Mr. Martin came along- side in a tug with Colonel Lynn and 20 sharpshooters. July 15, 1862.At 4 a. m. got underway, ran alongside of the Lancaster, and sent boat on board of her, which returned with a pilot. At 5 stood on up the river, followed by the ram Queen o/ the West, the Carondelet being ahead. Arrived at the mouth of Yazoo River at 5:45; stood on up. At 7 a. m. discovered a steamer stand- ing down the river, at the distance of a mile, which proved to be the rebel ram Arkansas, and immediately opened fire on her with our bow guns, which was returned. The Carondelet about 1~ miles astern, and the Queen of the West about one-fourth of a mile. We commenced backing down the river, keeping up a fire with the guns that could be brought to bear. Finding that she was gaining on u Page 40 40 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. rapidly, we rounded downstream and stood for the Carondelet, which vessel was standing downstream, and took a position on her port bow, about a 100 yards distant, keeping up a continuous fire on the ram from our steamer, and an occasional fire from our broad- side battery, the Carondelet having already opened on the ram with her stern guns. About 7:30 the rebel ram closed with and struck the Carondelet and forced her against the~ left bank of the river, receivingadis- charge from the stern guns. Standing past her she received the fire of the broadside guns and stood directly for us, at that time distant about 200 yards. ~Ye then stood down the river at all speed, and managed to keep the ram from 200 to 300 yards distant from us, keeping up a rapid fire from our stern gun and an occasional discharge from oui broad- side batteries as we could bring them to bear, receiving the fire of her two bore guns and occasional discharge from her broadside batteries. At 8:30 came within sight of the fleet, 8:45 rounded to under the stern of the Esse~e, delivering a broadside at the rebel ram as she was standing down past the fleet. At this time the ram was receiving the fire of most all the vessels of our flotilla. She succeeded in passing the fleet and in reaching Vicksburg, although it is supposed with considerable damage. The ram was pumping a heavy stream of water from her side, 3 miles above the mouth of Yazoo River, until she passed the fleet. The following are the casualties: Killed belonging to the Tyler: Ordinary seaman S. Davis, third assistant engineer; T. Jeff Hood, seaman. Wounded: John Sebas- tion, pilot, left arm; David liner, pilot, slightly; A. H. Smith, pilot, slightly; J. W. Holly, coal heaver, lost right arm; J. T. Milford, R. Williams, seamen, seriously; James Hughes, James Morris, Richard Carter, Fred Crosser, and Stephen Tracy, seamen, slightly. Killed belonging to detachment of Fourth Wisconsin Regiment, detached as sharpshooters on U. S. gunboat Tyler: Captain Lynn, Company I commanding detachment; D. Bartram, Company E; E. Randall, Company B; L~ Goodrich, Company K; A. Palmer, Company G; C. Shaffer, Company D. Wounded: C. Vanorman, Company F, seriously; Peter Tracy, Company F, seriously; W. Kent, Company G, slightly; Anson Ayers, Company E, slightly; J. Doyle, Company K, slightly. Total killed, 8; total wounded, 16. For the last half hour of the engagement, the after part of the ship was full of steam, from the port safe pipe beiug cut. The vessel sustained no serious damage, although a good deal cut up, 14 shot striking her, 11 of which penetrated the vessel. The gig was knocked to pieces and the dingey shot away. Lieu- tenant Hunter, who commanded the Queen of the West, behaved in the most cowardly and dastardly manner, basely deserting us with- out making an attempt to bring his vessel in action. From 4 to 8: Captains Gwin and Irwin came aboard at 4:15, left 5:20. Mr. Peters brought aboard from the Great Western sixty 30-pounder Parrot rifled shot, and fifty cartridges. Captain Gwin returned with Captain Bishop. At 6:45 flag-officer of Farraguts fleet and part of ]~lag-Offieer Daviss fleet got underway and stoo Page 41 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 41 down the river. 6:30 Mr. Martin returned without men. At 7:30 sent over to the Great Western for pilot and engineer, but Captain Hamilton not being willing to let them come, Captain Gwin sent for him to come aboard; 3 firemen from the Bragg war e sent aboard. At 7:45 heavy cannonading toward Vicksburg since 7 oclock. 10 to 12 oclock, large conflagration in Vicksburg. Report of Commander Walke, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Carondelet, of engagement with the escaping ram U. S. GUNBOAT CARONDELET, Off Viclcsburg, July 15, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your orders, passed to me yesterday evening by Acting Fleet Captain Phelps, I got underway this morning at 4 oclock and, in company with the U. S. gunboat Tyler and steam ram Queen o/the West, proceeded up the Yazoo River upon a reconnois- sauce. We had reached about 6 miles up the Yazoo River when we discovered a formidable-looking rebel ram gunboat, since proved to be the celebrated Arkansas. The Queen o/the West, Tyler, and Caron- delet turned to retreat down the river to avoid being sunk inevitably, firing upon her with the bow, broadside, and stern guns. The enemy vigorously returned the fire from his bow guns while in pursuit, and had greatly the advantage of us, being thoroughly protected and hav- ing a very superior battery. We continued the fight one hour, when the Arkansas came up to run into us. I avoided her prow, and as she came up we exchanged broadsides, and she passed us immediately when we fired our bow guns fairly at her, which seemed to glance from her invulnerable stern. At this moment our wheel ropes were a third time cut away and we ran into the shore. Two shot holes were observed in her (the Arkansas) side, however, and her crew were pumping and bailing at the time, and one of her men was seen to be thrown overboard. We have received very extensive damages in our hull and machinery, having some thirteen effective shots through us. In the engineers department 3 escape pipes cut away, steam gauge and 2 water pipes. In the carpenters department about 19 beams cut away, 30 timbers, 3 boats cut up, deck pump shot away, and~ many other injuries to the vessel. We have some 30 killed, wounded, and missing. Quite a number of our crew jumped overboard when the steam escaped. The gunboat Tyler sustained me through the fight in a very gallant and effective manner. We have 4 killed, 16 wounded, and 10 missing, who jumped overboard. I will enclose the detailed accounts of our carpenter and chief engineer as soon as I can have them made out. We expended about thirty 32-pounders, twenty-five 8-inch, six 30- pounders, and six 50-pounders solid shot, and six 42-pounders (70 pounders) 5-second shell. The officers and most of the crew behaved in a most gallant manner. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. WALKE, Flag-Officer C. H. Commander, U. S. Navy. Commanding U. S. Naval Flotilla, Mississippi River Page 42 42 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. List of killed and wounded and missing on board U. 8. gunboat Carondelet, in her engage- ment with the rebel ram, July 15, 1862, H. Walke, commander. Killed .C harles Wiggins, Oliver Greggs, Charles Schein, Robert Gatley. Wounded.Edward E. Brennand, first master; Charles Whitney, James Whelan, George Medlam, George Daley; John Winne, William B. Rooney, John Stevens, Fredk. Klappan, Edward Robinson, John Moore, Joseph Vane e, William Foster, F. Roberts, William Hughes, Carl Gottenburgh, William Montgomery, James Gunner, seamen. Missing .J. W. Bowers, William Theeman (drowned), Pat. Golden, Jos. Alverous, Thomas Carroll (drowned), John II. Corey, William Richards, Edward Murray. Report of Commander Walke, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Carondelet, transmitting reports of damages to that vessel. IJ. S. GUNBOAT CARONDELET, Off Vicksburg, July 16, 1862. Sm: I herewith respectfully enclose a copy of the car p enters, chief engineers, and gunners reports of the damages receive in their respective departments during our engagement with the rebel ram Arkansas. I would also state that there is now a deficiency in our crew of 52 men, from sickness, wounds, and deaths. If agreeable to your wishes, I would respectfully ask that a survey may be held upon the condition of this vessel. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. WALKE, Commander, U. S. Navy. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIs, Commanding U. S. Naval Flotilla, Mississippi River. [Enclosures.] Report of damages to the U. S. gunboat Garondelet, received on Tuesday morning, July 15, 1862, from the gunboat Arkansw9. Eight shot through her after casemate, 3 of which passed through the captains cabin and wheelhouse, steerage cabin, lodging in head around the boilers. Two passed through starboard after ports, cutting away 2 deck beams and tiller ropes, and also the officers quarters on port side, also several deck beams. Four shot on star- board side, eutting through iron plating and lodging inside. First cutter altogether broken up. Second cutter badly damaged. Third cutter slightly damaged. Three davits bent and one out of place. Spar deck smashed up aft, on starboard, quarter deck aft, hammock nettings on starboar side and stanchions. Skylight damaged on spar deck. Number of effective shots is 13. Very respectfully, Tilos. CLARK, Carpenter. Gunners report of expenditures, July 15, 1862. Cartridges: Thirty 32-pounders, twenty-five VIII-inch, six 50- pounders, six 30-pounders, six 42-pounders. Solid shot: Thirt Page 43 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 43 32-pounders, six 50-pounders, six 30-pounders, twenty-five VIJI-inch. Five-second shell: Six 42-pounders. Our 32-pounder cannon struck by enemys shot on the swell of the muzzle, and spoiled 3 revolvers and 4 short artillery swords (lost by ~rnen jumping overboard). Four boarding pikes broken by shot, 1 musket and 4 waist belts and plates by shot. Shell-room lamp chimney broken by shot. Sir, I am, very respectfully, F. BEAUFOET, HENRY WALKE, Esq., Acting Gunner. Commanding U. S. Gunboat Carondelet. Report of Captain Walke U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Carondelet, transmitting abstract log for Inly 22, 1862. U. S. GUNBOAT CARONDELET, Mound City, September 4, 1862. Sin: I herewith enclose a copy of the remarks in the log book of this vessel on the morning of July 22, 1862. Mr. Brennand, the first master of this vessel, and Mr. Deming, the pilot, were on the point opposite Vicksburg when the Essex passed the Aricansas. I was on the Red Rover and saw our fleet engage the enemy and the Essex pass out of gunshot below the rebel batteries some time before the firing between our fleet and the enemy had ceased. The ways here are still occupied by the prize General Price, with most of the mechanics and laborers cutting off her upper works. The tugs are being hauled out and repaired on the remaining ways. The Carondelet is being repaired as fast as possible, but she will be detained longer than was expected, I fear. A large number of our officers and crew are still sick. I beg leave to be considered an applicant for the ram Fort Henry or Choctaw, now being built at St. Louis. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. WALKE, Commodore C. H. DAVIS, Captain, U. S. Navy. Commanding, U. S. Naval Force, Western Waters. [Enclosure.] July 22, 1862.From 4 to 8 a. in.: At 4, Benton, Louisville, Cincin- nati, and General Bragg lying off the point above Vicksburg. At 4:15 Essex got underway and started down the river. 4:20, rams Queen of the West and Switzerland underway, the Queen going down the river. 4:30, fleet opened fire upon the rebel fortifications, Essex pass- ing below the p omt. At 5, ram Queen of the West returning up the river. 5:15, in ceased on both sides. 5:30, fleet returning up the river; Louisville came alongside of coal barge astern of us. Ben- ton, Cincinnati, and General Bragg coming to an anchor in shoal water oii the other bank of the river. Essex passed the batteries, and seen lying below the rebel batteries. T. S. GILLMORE, Fourth Master Page 44 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 44 Order of Lieutenant-Colonel Eliot, U. S. Army, commanding ram fleet, to Lieutenant Hunter, U. S. Army, to proceed in the Queen of the West to cooperate against the ram. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, Above Vicksburg, July 14, 1862. Lieutenant Hunter will proceed up the river in steam ram Queen of the West, in company with gunboat Tyler, as far as the officer of that boat deems it necessary to proceed for the purposes he has in view. He will take particular caution to keep ~his men all the time under cover, with rifles in hand, ready at any moment to return a fire from the enemy. He will keep his brass guns loaded, so that if an opportunity occurs he may throw a destructive fire into the enemys ranks. He can not be too cautious about keeping his men under cover. Many valuable lives have been lost bj~ allow- ing the men to expose themselves unnecessarily. He wil , if the Tyler should be attacked by an enemys ram, dash his boat to her rescue and make his boat serve the purpose for which it was designed by sinking the enemys boat by running full speed right head on into her. By order of Lieutenant Colonel Alfred W. Ellet, commanding ram fleet. Letter from Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy urging immediate attack upon the C. S. ram Arkansas. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, Above Vicksburg, July 20, 1862. DEAR SIR: I have to apologize for the shot fired by my picket boat at your tug in Old River. I have only this morning had a full report of the affair. I regret exceedingly that such a mistake should have occurred, and feel great cause for congratulation that the shot was no better aimed. Permit me to say, commodore, that I apprehend the continued existence of the rebel boat Arkansas so near us is exerting a very pernicious influence upon the confidence of our crews, and even upon the commanders of our boats, and in view of this state of facts it does seem to me that some risk should be incurred to insure her destruction and reestablish our own prestige upon the river. I hope that you have given my proposition your careful con- sideration, and trust that you may not conclude that the risk of failure is too great to attempt its accomplishment. I feel great confidence that, with united action, it may be made a complete success. I will myself command the boat that I shall select to run the Arkansas down, with a very small but carefully chosen crew, while if you and Commodore Farragut will vigorously attack the batteries I should feel that success would be sure to attend the efforts. I send in charge of an officer r ome deserters from the rebel army, whose information may be of some value to you in training your mortars, as they seem to be posted in respect to the position of the rebel camps, etc. Hoping to hear from you favorably as to the attempt to destroy the rebel boat Arkansas, and that you will excuse the freedom o Page 45 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 45 these suggestions from one whose experience is so slight as com- pared with your own matured judgment, I remain, with feelings of great respect, etc., Your very obedient servant, ALFRED W. ELLET, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Ram Fleet. C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Miississippi Gunboat Flotilla. Letter from Commodore Porter, U. S. Navy, to Brigadier-General Ellet, U. S. Army, requesting a copy of his report regarding the attack upon the C. S. ram Arkansas. 36 NINTH STREET, NEW YORK, November 12, 1862. GENERAL: I understand that you have made a report to the Department on the subject of attack on the rebel ram Arkansas under the batteries at Vicksburg on the 22d of July, last, and indi- rectly that it touches on the support rendered you and the Essex on that day by the fleet above Vicksburg. It would be a favor conferred if you would kindly oblige me with a copy of your report, and I would, with pleasure, if you desire it, send you a copy of mine to the Department. Exception has been taken to my statement that I heard no response from the fleet, and inferences drawn that are ungenerous, which I believe your statement would clear. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, General ELLET, Commodore, U. S. Navy. Commanding Aliarine Brigade, ilfississippi Squadron. Letter from Brigadier-General Ellet, U. S. Army, to Commodore Porter, U. S. Navy, for- warding report as requested. STEAM RAM SWITZERLAND, illound City. Ill., Novemb r 19, 1862. SIR: I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant, and in reply to your request I herein enclose a copy of that part of my report to the Secretary of War which relates to my participation in the attack of the rebel ram Arkansas on the morning of the 23d [22d] of July. It will afford me pleasure to receive a copy of your official paper upon the same subject. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFRED W. ELLET, W. D. PORTER, Brigadier-General, St. Louis, Mo. Commodore, U. S. Navy. Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, U. S. Army, regarding the attack upon the C. S. ram Arkansas. U.S. RAM SWITZERLAND, Off Vicks burg, July 23, 1862. I have the honor to inform you that yesterday, in accordance with preconcerted arrangements made with Flag-Officers Farragut an Page 46 46 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Davis, I, in the Queen of the West, made an attack upon the rebel gun- boat and ram Arkansas, lying under the batteries at Vicksburg. I regret to say that owing to a failure upon the part of the parties who were to cooperate with me in the attack, from some cause that is yet unexplained to me, I did not succeed, as I expected, in destroying theA rkansas. I did succeed, however, in striking her a very severe blow, and no doubt inflicted considerable injury upon her, but being unsupported by the Essex and Sumter, as I had been led to expect, and ex p osed alone to the united fire of all the upper batteries, I was oblige& to draw off without accomplishing the full result anticipated. The position that the Arkansas occupied was a very unfavorable one for my attack. I could not reach her vulnerable side without rounding partly, and thus losing much headway. The consequence was that she failed to receive the effects of a full blow. In making m retreat, most unfortunately for me, our gunboats had retired, and I Kad the undivided attention of all the enemys batteries and sharp- shooters that lined the river bank; the consequences were that the Queen was completely riddled with balls and very much damaged. Most fortunately no one was seriously hurt, though several were slightly wounded. I had taken the precaution to reduce my crew upon the boat to the smallest possible number of men by which the boat could be handled, and to this cause I attribute the fact that there was no loss of life. I am compelled to send the Queen north to be repaired. She is so much damaged that she can not be p ut in order here. My force is greatly reduced b sic ness, so that I find it exceedingly difficult to keep my boats at all times ready for service. I have in a previous dispatchrequested authority to make a detail of a larger military force, so as to man my howitzers and increase my guard. It will be necessary to keep part of my boats constantly traversing this river to disperse the guerrilla bands that are beginning to infest its banks. I should be glad to receive some instructions upon this subject from you. I can not close this communication without bearing testimony to the cool, heroic bravery of all the officers and men on the boat during this hour of severe trial. To Lieutenant Hunter, of the Sixty-third Illinois Volunteers, I attribute in an eminent degree the final escape of the boat and all on board. His dauntless behavior is worthy of all praise. The engineers and pilots also can not be too highiy com- mended. When the boat was full of steam, and of course so hot as to be scarcely endurable, with shells bursting, one in the pilot house, another in the engine room, with shot tearing the boat on every side, yet unflinching, every man stood to his post. It is with great pleas- ure that I bear this just tribute to their creditable behavior. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ALFIiED W. ELLET Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding Ram~Fleet. Hon. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War Page 47 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 47 [Enclosure.] Names of the officers and crew that engaged the rebel ram Arican- sas on the morning of July 22, 1862: Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, commanding U. S. ram Queen o/the West. Edward C. Ellet. Lieutenant James M. Hunter, second in command. Peter Brown, first mate. Martin Strimpe, second mate. Alexander Ford, first pilot. B. F. Rea, second pilot. Rolla McKay, first pilot that volunteered, of Switzerland. Jacob Lauber, first engineer. John McCullough, second engineer. Thomas Woods, third enginee John Skelton, fourth assistant engineer. James Carr, assistant engineer. Granville Roberts, engineer, volunteer, of Switzerland. George Meffert, private, Sixty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteers. David Glathart, priv~te, Sixty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteers. Thomas Jordan, private, Sixty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteers Charles Falconer, private, Sixty-third Regiment Illinois Volunteers. Joseph Taylor, volunteer private. William H. Nixon, deck-hand. John Montague, deck-hand. George Ball, colored fireman. Timothy Harrison, colored fireman. George Williams, colored fireman. George Lee, colored fireman. Allen Cook, colored fireman. James Johnson, colored fireman. Thornton Stewart, colored fireman. Wilson Bartlet, colored fireman. The coolness exhibited by Mr. Roberts in handling the engines prompts me to recommend him to your higher consideration as highly worthy of your confidence in any emergency. There are other officers that deserve the highest praise, as the action of all my soldiers in all engagements, as in this, while on board the Queen, has been most satisfactory, always ready and willing to encounter the enemy. JAMES M. HUNTER, Lieutenant. Letter of commendation from the Secretary of War to Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, U. S. Army. WAn DEPARTMENT, July 31, 1862. Your dispatch of the 23d instant, relating to the engagement with the Arkansas, has just been received, and I have referred it to Gen- eral Halleck, commander in chief, to give you instructions on the points desired. For your great gallantry I shall recommend you for nomination by the President as brigadier-general. You will return to Lieutenant Hunter and the gallant officers and soldiers and boat- men of your command the thanks of this Department. You will please make known to me anything that may be required by your N W RVOL 19 Page 48 48 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. fleet, in order that it may be promptly supplied. The lamented death of your brother deprives the country of the full report expected from him, and I wish you would supply it. EDWIN M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Lieutenant-Colonel ALFRED W. ELLET, Steam Ram Switzerland, off Vicks burg. Report of Commander Renshaw, U. S. 1~avy, commanding division of Mortar Flotilla, regarding operations against the ram. U. S. S. WESTFIELD, New Orleans, July 28, 1862. SIR: On the 21st instant, Flag-Officer Farragut directed me to p lace the mortar schooners in position to open fire on the batteries at Vicksburg, instructing me at the same time not to commence the attack until the firing began from the upper batteries upon the steamers of Flag-Officer Daviss fleet, whicl~ I understood were com- ing down, to engage them, while the ironclad steamer Essex, Com- mander W. D. Porter, would endeavor to destroy the ram Arkansas. The mortar schooners were placed in the position they occupied during the former bombardments, on the west bank of the river, from 3,700 to 4,000 yards from the lower batteries. At 5 a. m. on the 22d they opened fire and continued throwing shells until the Essex had passed The ships of Flag-Officer Farragut not having taken positions to engage the batteries, I remained in the vicinity of the mortar schoon- ers with the Westfield, ready to assist them should it be necessary. At 5:45 I made signal to retire from action, and the schooners dropped down to their former position. On this, as upon all other occasions when the mortars have been engaged, their fire was rapid and accurate, but the results were different, owing, I presume, to so few of them being engaged at a time when the enemy was putting forth his utmost energy to destroy the gallant Essex. Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. RENSHAW, Commanding Division of Mortar Flotilla, operating with Western C~nlf Blockdg. Sguadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding part performed by the vessels of his command in cooperation with the U. S. S. Essex and the Queen of the West. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, 0/7 Vicksburg, July 23, 1862. SIR: In my communication of July 16, I mentioned the passa~ge of Flag-Officer Farraguts fleet by the batteries at Vicksburg, with the double purpose of joining his fleet below and of destroying th Page 49 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 49 rebel ram Arkansas in passing. The latter object was defeated by the darkness of the night. Yesterday morning, shortly after daylight, the Benton, Cincinnati, and Louisville attacked the upper batteries for the pu~pose of cover- ing the Essex and the ram Queen of the West, both of which vessels went down and attacked the Arkansas in her place at the levee. I transmit a copy of Commander W. D. Porters report of the results of his engagement. The ram Queen of the West, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Ellet, struck the Arkansas with sufficient force to do her some injury. Colonel Ellet behaved on this, as on previous occasions, with great gallantry. The shot from the Essex did serious injury to the casemates of the rebel ram and gunboat. I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of the communications of the Department of the 14th and 15th instant. Our mail boats from Cairo have been fired into lately, and a small extra boat put on for a special occasion is reported to have been burned. My force at this moment is very much reduced. It is reduced in the most formidable manner by sickness and death. Of the 130 men of the mortar fleet 100 are sick and off duty. The crews of the gun- boats are many of them reduced to one-half their number. I am in want of at least 500 men to fill up vacancies and render the vessels under my command efficient. My force is also reduced by the absence of eight gunboats, three of which are guarding important points of the river, and five of which are undergoing repairs. I have said that I am in want of 500 men to insure the efficiency of the flotilla. In this calculation I make allowance for the return to duty of many of the sick; but 600 men would not be too many to send to me. The most sickly part of the season is approaching; and the Department would be surprised to see how the most healthy men wilt and break down under the ceaseless and exhausting heat of this pernicious climate. Men who are apparently in health at the close of the days work sink away and die suddenly at night, under the combined effects of heat and malarial poison. The enemy, however, suffers a great deal more than we do. He counts 17,000 or 20,000 men on his rolls, but can hardly muster 5,000 in his ranks. To sickness are added, in his case, the want of hospital accommodations, the want of medicines, and the want of suitable food. I learned that General Williams is about to move down the river. Should it prove so, it will be very unfortunate in its results. This is one of the points at which the cooperation of the Army is most essential. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, 19. C Page 50 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 50 Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, regarding the attack upon the C. S. ram Arkansas. ON BOARD GUNBOAT ESSEX, Below Viclcsburg, July 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you of the arrival of this ship below Yicksburg, Miss., and that we lost 1 man killed and 3 wounded. I delivered several shot into the rebel ram Arkansas, as I believe, with effect. I endeavored to strike her, but, as we approached, they let go her bowline and the current drifted her stem on; the consequence was this vessel only grazed her side, and ran with great force high on the bank, where she lay at least ten minutes, subject to a terrible fire from the shore battery. The officers all did their duty and with great coolness. Permit me to draw your attention to Master Willie Coates, of only 14 years of age. This young gentleman volunteered to act as my aid; his conduct was, throughout the action, marked by great coolness and bravery, He has no connection whatever with the service, but I hope you will bring to the notice of the Navy Depart- ment the conduct of the little gentleman, as I think he has earned, by his loyalty, coolness, and bravery, an appointment at the Naval Academy. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commander. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIS, Commanding Flotilla, Western Waters. Letter from Brigadier-General Williams, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding proposed withdrawal of his command from near Vicksburg. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Off Viclcsburg, July 23, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge your communi- cation of this date, asking me to suspend my movement down the river. If my instructions left me at liberty to stay, the reduction by malarious disease of my 3,200 in the last thirty days to some 800 would constrain me to go. Permit me to speak of things as they are, and not as they have been. And let me always be the first man to assert the great and glorious and brilliant services of the Navy on the Mississippi; but is not the river becoming less and less open daily, and is not the necessity of a large land force as a sine qua non, daily more evident ? For this object of opening the river, a small land force I have found to be only an embarrassment, fit only to excite expectation and fit only to disappoint expectation. If the blockade of the Mississippi be resolved on, permit me to say, I do not think it should take place at Vicksburg, but at the mouth of the river, and to include the mouth of its principal tribwtaries. I would tire out the spirit of secession, so excessive here, by the absolute cutting off of all trade, and the destruction of the corn crop. No interior blockade will suffice for this, for we have neither a navy large enough, nor can we have a navy large enough to blockade every important point; an Page 51 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON, 51 what then is the gain if every transport continues to require the convoy of a gunboat? I have mentioned my instructions and the alarming condition of the health of the troops as among my reasons for immediate removal down the river, but I have not forgotten that General Butlers division, with all his brigades, is a small one for holding New Orleans and Baton Rouge. The laying of a rail track across the bend and a new cut-off, I con- fess, were among my projects, but I was afraid my remaining 800 might get into hospital or elsewhere. That I should feel highly honored to be associated with yourself in any work for the benefit of my country, believe me, but my conviction is not less fixed that the force under my orders demands speedy removal from this malarious place. In health they may attempt much; in disease they can do nothing. Most respectfully, and truly, your obedient servant, T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier-General. Flag-Officer C. H. DAvIS, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, suggest- ing measures to prevent the capture of mail bags. U. S. S. HARTFORD, July 23, 1862. DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: Would it not be well to load our mail bags with lead, and give the person who takes them in charge instructions to throw them overboard in case of capture, destruction, etc.? Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gull Blockading Squadron. Flag-Officer C. H. DAVIS. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, referring to the Confederate gunboats Webb and Music. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Vicks burg, July 23, 1862. DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: I have made the following notes for your information which may be of service to you. I also enclose some newspapers with paragraphs marked in crayon. I will destroy all the fiatboats, etc., and will seize the ferryboats as I go down the river. There are two gunboats, the Webb and Music, up the Atcha- falaya River. The former is a powerful and fast tug, mounting from two to five guns of from 12[-pounder] to 30-pounder caliber; she was built in New York. The latter I do not think has any guns, but carries a number of riflemen. The rebels are continually crossing provisions, troops, and lead from the western to the eastern shore of the river, by means of the ferries and of fiatboats. The principal point of crossing is at Colonel Acklands [or Acklin?] plantation, just above Red River Page 52 52 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. There are two steamers, the Vicks burg and General Quitman, up the Black River. Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAVIS Commanding Western Flotilla. Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. B. Navy, to Brigadier-Generals Curtis and Wallace, U. B. Army, requesting that communication between the river above and below Vicksburg be maintained. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Viclcsburg, July 23, 1862. GENERAL: I have been informed that General Williams, who now has possession of the neck of land which opens a communication between the Mississippi River above and below Yicksburg, is about to move with his brigade to New Orleans I take the liberty to represent to you that this communication will be thus cut ofT to the great injury to the public service, and to beg the assistance of a portion of the troops under your command to preserve it. I am, general, respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Generals CURTIS AND WALLACE. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Davis, U. B. Navy, regard- ing measures for obtaining coal aud provisions. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 24, 1862. SIR: If Commander Porter, with the Essex and Sumter, goes down with us to Baton Rouge they may find coal enough on the way down and at Baton Rouge to supply their wants for a short time. I can have coal and provisions sent up to them from New Orleans, as there are no batteries between the two places, but light artillery may be placed upon the banks anywhere, and if the supply vessels should be stopped from passing up and down, the troops and vessels at Baton Rouge will be compelled to drop down to Carrollton, just above New Orleans. I mention these facts that you may know the exact state of the case. There is no place where Commander Porter and the Sumter could be more profitably employed than at the mouth of Red River, if they have to go below. The only difficulty is to get supplies up from New Orleans. The enemy is passing over all his army supplies from Texas by way of Red River. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Flag-Officer CHAS. H. DAvIS Commanding Western Flotilla Page 53 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 53 Letter from Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, referring to the duty originally intended for the U. S. steamers Sumter and Essex. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Vicksburg, Jul?, 24, 1862. Mv DEAR FLAG-OFFICER: I am very much obliged to you for your two kind letters of yesterday, and for the Jackson newspaper con- taining scraps of information which I hope some of these days to turn to account. I always had it in contemplation when I let the Sumter and Essex go down that they should remain below to create the blockade in your absence. But I counted then upon the support of the army to keep open the communication between the two branches of the flotilla. That taken away it will be necessary for the Essex and Sumter to coal and provision at Baton Rouge. I shall consign to Captain Porter the charge of that part of the river which lies between Baton Rouge and Vicksburg. I do not think there is anything else you can do of a public nature, and for the offer of your private service I beg you to accept my sincere thanks. The embarrassment of my present situation is one of the vicissi- tudes of war. We are having a dark hour like those who have gone before us. Our trust is in God and the justice of our cause. May the best success attend you in all your undertakings. As ever, truly, yours, C. H. DAvIs. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, below Vicksburg, Miss Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, to coal at Baton Rouge, in view of the cutting of communication. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Off Viclcsburg, July 24, 1862. SIR: Mr. Foster, masters mate, has arrived on board and commu- nicated to me the information you sent by him that Flag-Officer Farragut and General Williams go down the river to-morrow. Since the communication between us will be cut off by these movements you will be obliged, taking the Sumter with you, to go to Baton Rouge for coal and provisions. Prolong your stay below the town as far as possible, and return with the Sumter for the blockade after taking in supplies. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Commander W. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Essex, Mississippi River Page 54 54 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, to Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, assigning him to duty between Baton Rouge and Vicksburg. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, OjJ Viclcsburg, July 24, 1862. SIR: In my letter of instructions yesterday I informed you that it would be necessary that you and the Sumter should obtain supplies of coal and provisions at Baton Rouge. I have now, to say to you more particularly that I wish you to consider under your particular charge that part of the river lying between Baton Rouge and Vicksburg, and also to keep a careful watch over the rebel gunboat Aricansas. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs Flag-Officer. Commander PORTER, U. S. Navy, Commanding Gunboat Essex. P. 5. .Since writing the above I have received your letter of this morning. If necessary you must proceed to New Orleans for supplies, and, bringing extra coal and provisions with you to Baton Rouge, which you will make your depot, you can cruise between that place and Vicksburg for the object above mentioned. Your services in your present position are indispensable, and your responsibilities very great. I can not entertain for a moment your proposition to go to St. Louis in this emergency. C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, command- ing U. S. S. Essex, regarding the use of signals if attacked by the ram. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Vicks burg, July 24, 1862. DEAR CAPTAIN: If you drop down with us you had better follow as the rear guard, and if you see the ram following you, you must hoist No. 5 in the daytime and two red lights, if you have them, otherwise two white lights, perpendicular, by night, and the ships will round to, to support you. Send the same word to Captain Erben, of the Sumter. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer. Commander y~T D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. S. Essex. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the cause of the withdrawal of Brigadier-General Williams, U. S. Army. FLAGSHIP BENTON, Above Viclcsburg, July 25,1862. SIR: The surgeon of this vessel sent me this morning the enclosed letter Page 55 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 55 Flag~Officer Farragut and Brigadier-General Williams went down the river yesterday. When I urged the latter to stay to keep open the communication above and below Vicksburg, he replied that of 3,200 men brought here by him, only 800 were fit for duty, the other three-fourths of his command had died, or were in the hospital with fever. Sometimes as many as ten died in a day. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAvIs, Flag-Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Brigadier-General Williams, U. S. Army, regarding the return from Vicksburg to Baton Rouge of the force under his command. HDQRS. SECOND BRIGADE, DEPT. OF THE GULF, Baton Rouge, La., July 26, 1862. CAPTAIN: Convoyed by Commodore Farraguts fleet, the troops which left here with me for Vicksburg June 20 arrived here this morning and afternoon, numerically little reduced by disease, effect- ively greatly so. A return will be transmitted as early as practicable. Without attaching undue importance to rumors of attack upon this position, I shall take such measures of military security as may sug- gest themselves to be necessary, avoiding unnecessary exposure or fatigue to the troops. * * * * * * * Respectfully, etc., T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier-General, Volunteers. Captain R. S. DAVIS, Assistag Adjutant-General. Letter from Lieutenant Phelps, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Benton, to Flag-Officer Foote, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Miississippi River, July 29, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: I had the great pleasure to receive your letter of the 19th instant this morning, and I am most grateful to you for it. I am attempting to answer it under difficulties, having a felon upon the forefinger of the right hand. I am very glad to hear of your improved health and that the foot is mending. Count the months over since you were wounded.. Does it not seem an age? And all so different now from what we hoped for~~ after the fall of Donelson. Even at the risk of annoyance to you, I intend, provided my hand does not prove your friend by giving me too much pain, deliberately to write a very, very long growl, feeling well assured that your interest in the flotilla will, in the end, excuse my persecution. Things have happened that will create talk, and I desire that you, at least, should know where the old command stands, sadly scattered an Page 56 56 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. shattered though it may be. I wrote to you a short time since, which letter, I believe, shared the fate of the Sallie Woods, fired into and burned on her way up to Memphis. Should I be mistaken, you will know why I go back over most of our stay at Vicksburg. Before we ever went down, a plan had been made by Flag-Officer Davis for an expedition up the Yazoo River, intending to destroy the enemys vessels there, and especially the gunboat Arkansas. From the time of arriving at Vicksburg till the feat was finally accomplished, Commander Farragut proposed daily to run back past the batteries to join his vessels below, and from whence he had no manner of busi- ness even to have come up. This kind of talk rendered it (Farragut being senior) impossible for Commander Davis to send the force nec- essary up the Yazoo, as the flotilla was expected to draw the fire of the upper batteries while the lower fleet should be passing. Refugees brought very contradictory reports about the Arkansas, but Com- mander Davis, seeing that the lower fleet remained quietly above, resolved upon a move up the Yazoo, and first dispatched a reconnoi- tering force to ascertain the strength of the batteries covering the obstructions and to learn generally what force to send up. The Tyler and ram Queen of the West were to go on this reconnoissance, while the Carondelet should go up to the mouth of Old River and remain till the return of the first two. The boats left here at 4 a. in., and before 6 a. m. began firing as we supposed on guerrillas, bushwhackers, or the like. We, however, soon ordered steam up. It appears that the boats met the Arkansas very soon; that she had a few minutes fight with the Carondelet at close quarters, in which she (Arkansas) seems to have got holes below water line, as they were seen pumping and bail- ing, and that after shoving the Carondelet on shore she pushed on, now using her two bow guns with effect on the old Tylers square stern at some 200 yards distance. Gwin made a good fight. The ram Queen ran away in the beginning of the firing. They were soon down upon us. Not one of the lower fleet had fires kindled. The old Benton smoked vigorously; still there was not steam to move her huge hulk, and other vessels had so crowded about us that we could not slip and drop down with the current till such time as steam was ready, and by the time we began to move the rebel was a mile below. He had received the fire of Farraguts fleet, scarcely one doing harm except the Richmond, Captain Alden, whose broadside made the iron fly splendidly, whole bars going up 20 feet in air. It was hard times with the rebel, evidently. None of his shot hurt anyone on board the vessels at anchor or did damage worth mentioning. One cut away a stanchion for us and left its trace on the back of my sack coat. So much for the favors of my friend [Isaac] Brown. We followed the Arkansas down till fired upon by the batteries. She had escaped. It is a singular fact that a deserter reached Commander Farragut at 10 oclock at night, telling him that she was coming the next morning. Nothing was said to us; no preparations made.. Flag-Officer Far- ragut, soon after the escape of the Arkansas, boarded us, when we lay near the upper batteries, full of going down immediately to destroy the rebel with his fleetgoing off at once; couldnt waste a moment. We, however, dropped down again to engage the batteries that he might see the new positions, etc., taken. We then had 1 man killed and the cabin staterooms knocked to pieces. We had before had 2 wounded. Our weak stern was, of course, presented to the batteries. It wa Page 57 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 57 very justly urged upon Commander F. that he would do better to wait till near sundown to make his passage down with the fleet, when the sun would be in the enemys eye, but it was hard to dissuade him from his bent for desperation in destroying the Arkansas. It was settled that we, at 6 oclock, would engage the upper batteries while the lower fleet was passing, which would leave ample daylight for them to see the rebel gunboat, which is painted an earth color, not distin- guishable at night. Anchors were suspended from main yards and grapplings from the crossj ack yards; in short, most elaborate prepa- rations made for the advantage of the rebel intruder, and none could doubt of its immediate destruction. Our grand ram, the Sumter was loaned for the occasion. At 6 oclock we were underway, and while the sun still blazed in its glory were again in hot exchange of compliments with the enemys battery of six rifled 6-inch guns. No vessels of the other fleet moved yet, and for three-quarters of an hour we were still watching to see them come. At last, as the twilight began, they started, and we even could scarcely tell when the fore- most vessel passed the upper battery and saw nothing of the hindmost ones. The thing was a failure. We had no need of reports from below to tell us that. The next day Flag-Officer Farragut writes: I am going up this evening to attack that fellow, and I shall con- tinue to attack him till I have destroyed him or my whole fleet is destroyed. How anxiously we listened for the opening guns, still only for disappointment. The night came and passed away, its air undisturbed by a sullen sound. The next day there were still threats ot destruction to the horned enemy, and this kind of thing went on till finally the Essex and ram Queen of the West made their attempt. This was against Commander Daviss judgment and entirely a plan of Commander F.s. He had apparently only been restrained by our commander and some of his officers, who incessantly watched him, from taking his vessels up under those formidable batteries for the destruction of the one ram. How long were we at Fort Pillow with a dozen of them lying about? The commander himself came up, spent most of the day with Commander Davis, and matured a plan of attack, which was this: The Essex and ram Queen were to go down and attack the Arkansas at daylight next morning,we covering them at the upper batteries, while the lower fleet should attack the lower batteries and prevent their firing with effect on the attacking boats. The Sumter was also to go up to assist in the attack on the rebel. Commander Farragut insisted, however, on going up to attack the Arkansas with his vessels, passing the lower batteries to do so, but was urged not to do so by Commander Davis. The rebel lay between the upper batteries all that day and all night. At 10:30 oclock p. in., an officer arrived from the lower fleet with a note (from F.), saying that the rebel was between the upper batteries, and did Commander Davis think it advisable that Commander Farraguts fleet should pass the lower forts to go up to attack him. Observe that passing those forts was not a part of the plan, and only a pet idea of Com- mander F.s, frequently declared to be his view and intention, though not approved by others, and that the rebel still lay where he had been for twenty-four hours. This note was answered frankly, and without caution, to the effect that the vessels attacking the rebel (Essex, Queen, and the Sumter from below) could destroy the craft or drive him up or down stream to the one squadron or the other, and tha Page 58 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. t~8 passing the lower forts was not necessary; that such was the under- standing had. Morning came, we engaged the upper batteries, the Essex and Queen in due time passed down. No guns from the lower fleet could be heard. We continued to listen in vain, and our hearts again grew heavy. Our two vessels, unsustained, could not endure the fire of both batteries and rebel gunboat. The rebel fire was very heavy. Presently the Queen came up badly shattered. She had struck the rebel, but not effectively, and in the terrible fire upon her could not renew the attempt. The Essex had poured her fire into the enemy, but in the swift current could not be managed well enough to lay by the fellow, enduring the while the terrible raking fire of those lower batteries as well as of the others. The lower fleet was at anchor, the Sumter not to be seen.. It is a fact worthy of notice that when the Queen struck the Arkansas half the crew jumped overboard. The Essexs shot made big holes in her sides and cries were heard inboard. No explanation was made of the failure of the lower fleet to do its part in this attack. The Sumters orders required her to wait till that fleet should open upon the lower batteries, which was to have been simultaneous with our fire upon the upper works, when she was to push up to the attack. Erben waited vainly for the concerted signal. I enclose copies of the two letters I have referred to. I am told that Commander Daviss letter was construed as a request to make no attack on the lower batteries. Knowing the plan, as I have described it to you, however imperfectly, is it possible to render it in that manner? Can a gallant man so construe it 3 Could a man who has (3) to be held back with curb and checkrein so read it? It was no part of the plan to pass those batteries, but to attack them, at 1,200 or 1,500 yards, from below. The whole thing was a fizzle. Every day we heard great things threatened only to realize fizzles. I fear that both S. P. Lee and Palmer had too much influence with Commander Farragut in the matter of the attacks on the Arkansas, but that does not excuse his great talk and little action. I tell you, my old commander, I would rather have your little finger at the head than he who led the attack at New Orleans. My growl is done. The lower fleet left, not a vessel sunk in the flourish of so much talk about destroying the Arkansas or being destroyed. The land force also left. Of 3,200 men only 800 remained on duty. It now became proper to consider the state of the flotilla and what it could effect. Five of the thirteen vessels were undergoing repairs; two of them had got below Vicksburg uselessly in the failures of the lower fleet and, of course, could not get back. Of the six remaining vessels, one is at Fort Pillow, another at Memphis, and four with us. Evidently we could do nothing with Vicksburg without a land force. Forty per cent of our people were already sick with the fever. General Curtis had been forced from the interior of Arkansas back upon the Missis- sippi at Helena, and evidently is pressed by superior numbers. Our vessels on the river were being fired into at various points by field batteries. We had no gunboats with which to convoy, or even to keep open communications. No good could arise from remaining where we were, but cooperation with General Curtis offered a field, and the climate, at the same time, would no doubt be beneficial to our numerous sick. Evidently our vessels were soon to be entirely dis- abled by sickness if we should remain where we were. For these reasons we are now on our way up to Helena, Ark Page 59 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 59 However much this long letter may bore you, I trust you will give me credit for persistence, at least, for writing. It has been a painful undertaking. I feel keenly what reflects upon the flotilla. The escape of the Arkansas is very annoying. It should, however, be remembered that it was impossible to keep steam up to 120 or 130 pounds in that hot climate and with our sick people~ We always had 30 to 60 pounds steam, while the lower fleet put out fires. I have read with great interest your speech at New Haven and your published letters. You have planted yourself firmly in the hearts of the people, and I have not a doubt that you will always be foremost there. When will you go to Washington? I beg you will remember me most kindly to Mrs. Foote. Do not forget the flotilla when you get to have the cares of the Bureau upon your hands. I am ever mindful of the debts I owe to your friendship, and trust I shall not prove unworthy to retain my place in your esteem in future years. Respectfully, and most truly, yours, S. L. PHELPS. Flag-Officer A. H. FOOTE, U. S. Navy, New Haven, Conn. P. S.Enclosed is a duplicate draft for $30.90, the amount due you for rations. I think the original was in mail on board Sallie Woods, destroyed by enemy. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, preferring charges against Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, of misstatement of facts and calumniating his commander in chief. FLAGSHIP EASTPORT, Helena, September 12, 1862. Sin: I see in the newspapers an official report, dated August 1, addressed to you by Commodore (late Commander) W. D. Porter, containing 1. A statement (which is correct) that I had determined to get underway on the morning of the 22d of July, and when within range to bombard the upper batteries of Vicksburg; and 2. That Commodore Porter got underway that morning and passed the Benton; and that when the enemys upper batteries opened upon him, he heard no response at the time from the fleet. The inference to be drawn from this latter statement is that neither the Benton nor any other of the vessels under my command got underway that morning; and, further, that neither the Benton nor any part of my squadron engaged the upper batteries at the time the Essex passed them, according to the instruction and the plan of proceeding furnished to him the preceding day. An event witnessed and participated in by several hundred offi- cers and men can not, in the simplest outline of the facts, be the subject of misunderstanding, however much it may be obscured or misrepresented in the circumstances of detail. I charge Commodore (then Commander) Porter, in his statement of the conduct of the Benton and of other vessels of the squadron on that day, with a misstatement of facts, so well known, so directly observed and actively participated in by hundreds of people, that this statemen Page 60 60 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. can not be regarded as otherwise than deliberate; and I also charge him with calumniating his commander in chief. Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, C. H. DAVIS, [Commodore, U. S. Navy, Commanding iVfississippi Squadron.] Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, regarding the engagement of that vessel with the C. S. ram Arkansas. U. S. GUNBOAT ESSEX, Off Baton Rouge, August 1, 1862. SIR: Permit me to draw your attention to some facts relating to this ship running the blockade at Vicksburg. These facts will relate principally to the manner in which she is plated, but in their detail it will be necessary to enter into a statement of all the circum- stances connected with my running the blockade. At 6 a. m. on the morning of the 15th of July we heard heavy firing up the Yazoo, and as I had the evening previously taken on board two deserters from Vicksburg who had stated that the Arkansas ram was ready to come down the river (they were sent on board the flagship Benton), I suspected this vessel was making her way down, and I prepared for action. I beg to state that on my passage from Cairo to Vicksburg my port boiler had burst one of the bottom sheets, and we were repairing it at the time herein mentioned. At 8 a. m. the U. S. gunboat Tyler came out of the mouth of the Yazoo, closely followed by the rebel ram. The former passed down and took refuge behind this vessel, as well as some other rams belonging to Colonel Ellets fleet. As the Arkansas passed I discharged at her seven guns, striking her three times; one of my shot penetrated her iron covering and did considerable damage, but recovering she passed on, the Benton getting underway and following her some distance down the river. She, however, reached in safety the batteries at Vicksburg. It was now determined by the two commanders in chief to make some effort to destroy the ram, and hence, on the evening of the same day the Arkansas passed the upper fleet, Flag-Officer Farragut, with the New Orleans fleet that had previously attacked the Vicksburg batteries, coming upstream, concluded to run the blockade, and while going down try to sink her. The flagship Benton, with the gunboats Louisville and Cin- cinnati, accompanied his fleet to within range of the forts, but the destruction of the ram was not accomplished. Flag-Officers Farragut and Davis, with myself, on the 21st, held a council of war on board the Benton, and I volunteered the services of the Essex to make an attempt to destroy the ram, and the follow- ing programme was agreed on: That on the morning of the 22d, precisely at 4 oclock, the whole available fleet under command of Flag-Officer Davis was to get underway, and when within range to bombard the upper batteries at Vicksburg; the lower fleet, under Flag-Officer Farragut, was to do the same, and attack the lower batteries; the Essex was to push on, strike the rebel ram, deliver her fire, and then fall behind the lower fleet Page 61 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 61 On the morning herein stated I got underway and passed the Benton. Flag-Officer Davis ha led me and wished me success. I now pushed on, according to my understanding of the programme, and precisely at half past 4 a.m. the enemys upper batteries opened upon me, but I heard no response at this time from our fleets. I arrived at the ram, delivered my fire, and struck her; the blow glanced, and I went high on the river bank with the bows of the ship, where I lay ten minutes, under three batteries of heavy guns. I backed off and loaded up. The enemy had drawn up three regi- ments of sharpshooters and several batteries of field pieces, ranging from 6-pounders to 24-pounders. I found it impossible, finder these circumstances, to board the rebel boat, though such was my original intention. After I delivered my fire at but 5 feet from the ram, we distinctly heard the groans of her wounded, and saw her crew jumping overboard. She did not fire a gun after we had deliv- ered ours, and I have since seen in the rebel papers that they admit a loss of 18 killed and 35 wounded. We knocked a very large hole in her side. At this time I began to look for aid from the fleets, but without result. I~ ordered the pilots to get the Essex8 head upstream, with the intention of holding on until the lower fleet came up, and then make another attack on the ram. At this time I was under the guns of three batteries, one of which was not over 100 feet off. A heavy 1Q-inch shot from the nearest battery struck my forward casemate, about 5 feet from the deck, but fortunately did not penetrate. A rifle 7k-inch shot from the same battery struck the casemate about 9 feet from the deck. It penetrated the iron, but did not get through, though so severe was the blow that it started a 4-inch plank 2 inches and 18 feet long on the inside. A conical shell struck the casemate on the port side as we were round- ing to, penetrated the three-quarter-inch iron, and came halfway through the wooden side. It exploded through, killing 1 man and slightly wounding 3. A small piece grazed my head and another piece tore the legs of the first masters pantaloons. I had now been under lire for upward of an hour, and thirty minutes of the time from 80 feet to 100 yards of some of the enemys heaviest batteries. I still looked for the arrival of the lower fleet, but saw nothing of it. I held on for a short time longer, but the enemy began to fire with such rapidity and we were so close that the flashes of his guns through my gun holes drove my men from the guns. At last, through the smoke, I saw the lower fleet nearly 3 miles off and still at anchor. Seeing no hope of relief or assistance, I now concluded to run the gantlet of the enemys lower forts and seek an anchorage below the fleet. I therefore reluctantly gave the order to put her head downstream; but I was determined to be in no hurry. They had now plenty of time to prepare, and so rapid was their fire that for half an hour the hull of this ship was completely enveloped in the heavy jets of water thrown over her by the enemys shot, shell, and rifle balls. The Department may have some idea of the amount and number of shot, shell, plugs, and rifle missiles thrown at this vessel, when they are now informed we were two hours and a half under fire of 70 heavy guns in battery, 20 fieldpieces, and 3 heavy guns on board the ram. During that time this vessel was heavily struck 42 times, and only penetrated twice. This fully proves the admirable character of the iron plating Page 62 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 62 as the thickest iron was but an inch, with 1 inch of india-rubber beneath, according to my method, now patented. I still hope an opportunity may yet be given me to make a second attempt io destroy the Arkansas, as I believe it can be done,~and I am ready and can do it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commanding Division of the Fleet in the Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, criticising the report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex. No. 195.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Ray, September 11, 1862. SIR: Although as a general thing I avoid noticing anything pub- lished by letter writers, I am constrained to try and avert as far as possible false impressions being made upon the Department by them. Some of my friends have suggested to me the propriety of informing the Department of the correct version of the attack on the ram Arkan-- sas at Vicksburg by the ironclad Essex, in which we failed to comply with our part of the programme.~ The facts were these: The ram was anchored above the town under the two upper forts. Flag-Officer Davis felt confident of being able to destroy her or force her down upon us, in which case I was to take care of her, and I felt the same ability to destroy or capture her. Commander Porter desired the whole credit, and said she was his special prize, and he would therefore take or destroy her. This arrangement was accordingly made; the upper fleet was to support the Essex, which, together with Colonel Ellet from above and the Sumter from below, she having passed down with the lower fleet, were to run at the ram, and, as you will perceive from Flag-Officer Daviss letter of the eveningbefore (copy herewith enclosed), the lower fleet were to have no share in the affair until the rain was driven down to us, and the Sumter was expected to do her whole duty by ramming the Arkansas. This I fully impressed, ver- bally, upon Captain Erben, and told him to take his station at the point above, ready to attack as soon as the Essex made her appear- ance, but he failed to take his part, and never gave me any explana- tion. He may, however, have rendered some account to his com- manding officer. The Department will bear in mind that the turn in the river prevented us from seeing anything until the Essex reached the ram, and that we were also unable to see how far the upper fleet was assisting in the attack. We saw the Essex run in and deliver her fire at the ram, but could not tell that the Essex was ashore, for the smoke from the forts obscured both vessels until we saw Essex instead of the Arkansas standing down the river. The time occupied from the firing of the first shot until the Essex rounded to alongside of us was forty-nine minutes. The Essex, although she passed through a perfect shower of shot and shell, was struck, as far as I could perceive, only three times, and had 1 man killed Page 63 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 63 The published report of Commodore Porter (hereto appended) is a most extraordinary document. All our vessels were underway and ready to assist, had I supposed it necessary. That Commodore Porter wished the whole credit, and would only desire our assistance in case of urgent necessity, was fully shown by his orders in the final attack on the Arkansas. When I reprimanded the commanders of my gunboats for not attacking the Arkansas, they informed me that Commodore Porter sent them back, and said he only wished them to be within supporting distance, but did not wish them to attack the Arkansas. I do not object to Commodore Porters desire to win his promotion, for the exploits of my brother officers always give me pleasure, but I do obj ect to his throwing any share of his failure on me, when I feel assured that it was caused by the unmanageableness of his vessel, as he himself acknowledged to me, both at the time and since, at Baton Rouge. Hoping this will prove satisfactory to the Department, I am, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Flag-Officer Davis, U. S. Navy, regarding the proposed withdrawal of the forces from Vicksburg, and stating his reasons for the same. FLAG-STEAMER BENTON, Helena, August 1, 1862. SIR: In my last communication, dated July 25, and written from the anchorage above Vicksburg, I had the honor to inform the Depart- ment that Flag-Officer Farragut and Brigadier-General Williams had gone down the river, the forces of the latter being prostrated by sickness. The departure of General Williams rendered it necessary that I should abandon the position I then held, because it gave the enemy possession of the point from the canal down. In making this canal, General Williams used it as a means of defense by constructing a continued breastwork and rifle pit on the lower border, and an angle on the upper border to enfilade the canal where it was crossed by the levee. This levee, distinguished as the new levee, formed in itself a con- venient breastwork. It was no longer safe for the hospital, com- missary, ordnance boats, coal and ice barges, mail boats, etc., to lie at the bank. I therefore moved up with my whole command to the mouth of the Yazoo. When I sent the Sumter and Essex below the batteries, I was pre- pared for Flag-Officer Farraguts leaving, but I had no idea that General Williams intended to abandon his position. I expected to maintain uninterrupted communication with these vessels across the neck, and employ them in blockading the town from below. But now, the army having gone, these vessels must go to Baton Rouge or New Orleans for their supplies, and are permanently sepa- rated from my command. N W RVOL 19 Page 64 64 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. In my dispatch of the 23d ultimo I informed the Department that several of our mail boats from Cairo had been fired into, and one sunk. It now appears that the communications in my rear were so seriously threatened that they could only be kept open by gunboats, and the three light and fleet gunboats are all undergoing repairs at Cairo. Information of a reliable and circumstantial character came to me that wagons, etc., had been called in to transport guns from the Yazoo to the vicinity of Islands No. 92 and [No.] 94. I learn from the captains of the mail boats that flying artillery had been taken from bank to bank on the great bends of the river, and used twice on the same vessel. Light guns and muskets in the hands of guerrilla bands had been fire d into our unarmed vessels from several points between Carolina Landing and Gaines Landing. The same thing is said to have occurred near Napoleon. Thus my supplies, as well as mails, were cut off, unless sent under convoy. We have been repeatedly told that General Price was crossing from Mississippi into Arkansas, to make a junction with General Hiudman. I have already spoken in a previous dispatch of the alarming extent to which the efficiency of the few vessels remaining with me has been reduced by the endemic fever, and also transmitted a report of the surgeon on this subject. Having maturely considered all the circumstances just recited, I determined to leave Vicksburg, where my own force, unaided and very much encumbered, could be of no further service; to close up my lines, now too extended; to open again the sources of commu- nication and supply, and to resume my conjunction with the ar~ny. Accordingly, I have moved with all the fleet to this place, where I anchored last night at 9 oclock. But I wish the Department particularly to understand that this movement does not involve any loss of control over the river below. Between this p lace and Vicksburg there are no bluffs, no highlands suited to or i ca ions; guns can only be mounted on the level bank, where, to be sure, the levee often serves as a breastwork. But they will have no advantage of ground, and can be easily dislodged. Your telegraphic dispatch of the 25th ultimo was received on the 29th at 4 a. in., when this ship was opposite Greenville. Flag- Officer Farragut left Vicksburg on the 24th. I have the honor to be,very respectfully,your most obedient servant, C. II. DAVIS, Flag-Officer, Comdg. U. S. Naval Forces, Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary o the Navy, Washington, D. U. [Telegram.] VICKSBURG, Miss., July 15,1862. We engaged to-day from 6 to 8 a. m. with the enemys fleet above Vicksburg, consisting of 4 or more ironclad vessels, 2 heavy sloops of war, 4 gunboats, and 7 or 8 rams. We drove one ironclad vessel ashore, with colors down and disabled, blew up a ram, burned on Page 65 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 65 vessel, and damaged several others. Our smokestack was so shot to pieces that we lost steam and could not use our vessel as a ram. We were otherwise cut up, as we engaged at close quarters. Loss, 10 killed; 15 wounded; and others with slight wounds. ISAAC N. BROWN, Hon. S. R. MALLORY. Lieutenant, Commanding. [Telegram.] VICK5BURG, July 15, 1862. All the vessels of war of the lower fleet, except sloop of war, and all transports have gotten up steam and are off to get out of way of Arkansas. One mortar boat, disabled and aground, is now burning up. EARL VAN DORN, Major-General. President DAvIs. [Telegram.] VICK5BURG, Miss., July 15, 1862. (Received 16th.) Will send yon men if possible. Will let you know in a day or two. Steamer Arkansas came out this morning; made two of enemys boats strike colors; ran the gantlet of the upper fleet of twelve ves- sels of war, and is now safe under our guns. Will attack below as soon as some repairs are made. EARL VAN DORN. General RUGGLES. [Telegram.] VJCKEABURG, July 15, 1862. Arkansas, under cover of our batteries, ran gloriously through twelve or thirteen rams, gunboats, and sloops of war. Ten men killed and less wounded. apt am Brown, her commander and hero, was slightly wounded in the head. Smokestack riddled; otherwise not materially damaged. Soon be repaired and then, Ho! for New Orleans. Two of the enemys boats ran into shore to keep from sinking struck colorsmany killed and wounded. Glorious for the Navy, and glorious for her heroic commander, officers, and men. They deserve your thanks. EARL VAN DORN, The PRESIDENT. Major-General. Report of Major.General Van Dorn, C. S. Army, regarding the passage of the C. S. ram Arkansas through the Federal fleet. VICKSIIURG, July 16,1862. Enemy opened all their guns and mortars last evening and shelled the city and batteries until after dark, when eight of their vessel Page 66 66 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. of war passed down under fire of batteries and Arkansas broadsides. What damage was done to them have not learned, though they were repeatedly pierced by shot of heaviest caliber. One heavy shot passed through side of Arkansas, killing 2 men and wounding 3. This was all the damage done to us, with exception of one house burned down in the city. Our troops have contempt for fleet and bombardment and await coolly for troops to land. The Arkansas is the admiration of all, and her daring and heroic act has inspired all with the greatest enthusiasm. She is now being repaired and will soon be ready for orders. EARL VAN DORN, Mia~or-General. President DAVIS. Extract from Richmond Dispatch, July 17, 1862. VICKSBURG, July 15. The sloop of war Arkansas, under cover of our batteries, ran glo- riously through twelve or thirteen of the enemys rams, gunboats, and sloops of war. Our loss is 10 men killed and 15 wounded. Cap- tain Brown, her commander and hero, was slightly wounded in the head. Smokestack of the Arkansas is riddled; otherwise she is not mate- rially damaged and can soon be repaired. Two of the enemys boats struck their colors and ran ashore to keep from sinking. Many killed and wounded; glorious achievement for the Navy, her heroic commander, officers and men. One mortar boat, disabled and aground, is now burning up. All the enemys transports and all the vessels of war of lower fleet, except a sloop of war, have gotten up steam and are off to escape from the Arkansas. EARL VAN DORN, Major-General, Commanding. Report of Brigadier-General Smith, C S. Army, transmitting report of Lieutenant Brown, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. ram Arkansas. HEADQUARTERS THIRD DISTRICT, Vicksbnrg, July 25, 18G2. SIR: I am directed by the brigadier-general commanding to hand you the accompanying communications from Captain Brown, of the C. S. gunboat Arkansas. The first letter refers to the fight in the Yazoo River, before the ram entered the Mississippi, where she encountered the whole Yankee fleet. While everything connected with the recent trip of the Arkansas from Yazoo City to this place is interesting to all of us, it is also due to Captain Brown and his brave crew that this, not the least brilliant of her noble exploits, should be made public. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. F. GIRAULT, Assistant Adjutant-General. [Major-General EARL VAN DORN. Page 66A Naval War Records, Vol. 19. UNITED STATES STEAMER ESSEX. Page 66B Page 67 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 67 [Enclosures.] STEAMER ARKANSAS, Vie/cs burg, July 15,1862. GENERAL: The Benton, or whatever ironclad that we disabled, was left with colors down, evidently aground to prevent sinking, about one mile and a half above the mouth of the Yazoo (in O~d River), vn the right-band bank, or bank across from Vicksburg. I xvish it to be remembered that we whipped this vessel, made it run out of the fight and haul down colors, with two less guns than they had; and at the same time fought two rams, which were firing at us with great guns and small arms this, too, with our miscella- neous crew, who had never, for the most part, been on board a ship or at big guns. I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, I. N. BROWN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Brigadier-General M. L. SMITH, Commanding Defenses at Vicksburg. C. S. GUNBOAT ARKANSAS, Vicks burg, July 23, 186?. Sin: I beg leave herewith to send a list of names of the killed and wounded of the detachment who so nobly volunteered from the forces of your command on June last to aid in making up a crew for this vessel, to wit: Killed.John Kane, private, Pinkneys Battalion Louisiana Volun- teers; Charles Madden, private, Clinchs Battalion Louisiana Artil- lery; Henry Shields, Company L, Antonio Florez, Company G, and Daniel Sullivan, Company A, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Volunteers. Total killed, 5. Wounded .William Alexander, private, Clinchs Battalion Louis- iana Artillery; John Sullivan, p~ivate, Clinchs Battalion Louisiana Artillery; Thomas Lynch, sergeant, Clinchs Battalion Louisiana Artillery; Bernard Martinez, private, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Vol- unteers. Total wounded, 4. Total killed and wounded, 9. I regret the loss of these men to the vessel and to their country. They fought well. Very respectfully, I. N. B~ow~ Brigadier-General M. L. SMITH, Commander, C. S. Navy. Commandinq at Viclcsburg. Extract from report of the Secretary of the Navy of the Confederate States dated August 16, 1862. The abandonment of Memphis rendered the completion of the ironclad steamer Tennessee impracticable, but the w6rk upon the sloop-of-war Arkansas being further advanced she was carried to the Yazoo and there completed. On the 14th [15th] day of Jul Page 68 68 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. this vessel, under the command of Lieutenant Isaac N. Brown, left her position in the Yazoo for Vicksburg, where she arrived safely, after an engagement of several hours with seventeen of the enemys ships. Naval history records few deeds of greater heroism or higher professional ability than this achievement of the Arkansas. Commander Browns report of the engagement, marked D, is appended. Her machinery was new, and sufficient time for its reliable adjust- ment had not been afforded when she was sent to cooperate in the attack upon Baton Rouge, on the 7th instant. On the following day, in the face of a greatly superior force, when within 5 miles of her destination, some derangement of her machinery occurred when she was at once attacked by a large force of the enemy and, hopeless of escape, her crew destroyed her. Report of Lieutenant Brown, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. ram Arkansas, regarding the escape from the Yazoo River. D.] C. S. GUNBOAT ARKANSAS, Vicks burg, Jul~q 15, [1862]. SIR: I have to report that, in obedience to your late order, I descended the Yazoo River last night to near the Mississippi and this morning at 3 oclock continued on for that stream. At 6 a. m. we met one of the ironclad gunboats and two rams ascending the Yazoo with the enemys flag flying. We put on all steam, having then 100 pounds in steam gauge, and stood for the leading ram, the gunboat being in rear. The rams went about and steamed toward the Mississippi at much greater speed than we could make. Several shots from our bow guns failed to stop them. The gunboat also turned about and interposed between us and the rams, the latter evidently maneuvering to get in our rear. This we prevented and, though the gunboat had greater speed than the Arkansas, we soon, by means of our bow guns, equalized that matter. We then came up with the gunboat and, though the latter by running inshore prevented us from running him down, we completely disabled him with our port broadside, delivered at 30 feet distance, with guns well depressed. He then ran ashore with his colors down, giving us no more trouble, and we left him hanging on to the willows. All this time the two rams were firing at us. I had the misfortune during the running fight to. lose the services of Mr. J. R. Shacklett, our Yazoo River pilot, who was disabled by a slight contusion in the head, and I feared to follow the disa bled vessel (which carried two more guns than the Arkansas) so near the shore, otherwise he might have been destroyed. We heard no more of him. We then followed the rams into the Mississippi River, where we found a large fleet, including four or five ironclad gunboats, two heavy sloops of war, three or four other gunboats they were too numerous to countand seven ramsin order of battle. We stood for them, fought them, ran by them at pistol- shot distance, blow up one of the rams, and, I think, did much injury to various other vessels of the fleet. -All this lasted about two hours, though we were not so long with the crowd in the Mississippi. Since coming down to this place, I learn that one o Page 69 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 69 more of the enemys vessels have been consumed from the effect, perhaps, of our shells. I believe that we accomplished all that was possible under the circumstances. All the officers behaved with great coolness. The gratifying results of the fight must be attributed in great part to the excellent arrangements of the executive officer of the Arkansas, Lieutenant H. K. Stevens. I regret that one of our pilots, Mr. John G. Hodges, was seriously wounded early in the fight. Mr. J. L. Brady, another one of our pilots, behaved with great coolness, and so did Mr. Gilmer, also a Mississippi River pilot. They are all brave men and true, and I include in this merited praise the two wounded ones, Messrs. Hodges and Shacklett. Our men behaved well, as the result of the fight with the boats in the Yazoo and on the Mississippi very plainly showed. We are much cut up, our pilot house mashed, and some ugly places through our armor. I regret to add that we lost 10 men killed and 15 wounded, besides some slight wounds among the officers. Lieutenant George W. Gift, Midshipman C. W. Tyler, and Masters mate J. A. Wilson being among these. I must repair pilot house and smokestack before going far from here, if possible. I forgot to mention that owing to our smokestack being shot to pieces we could not keep up steam. We came out of the fight with 30 pounds only in the gauge. All the enemys vessels that were underway near us seemed to be superior to us in speed. On this account our supposed power as a ram was of no use. I am, respectfully, I. N. BROWN, Flag-Officer WM. F. LYNCH, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commanding, etc., Yazoo River. Report of Lieutenant Brown, C. S. ~Iavy, commanding C. S. ram Arkansas, giving list of casualties. C. S. S. ARKANSAS. At Vicksburg, Miss., July 16, 1862. SIR: I have the sad duty to-day to furnish you with a report of the names of the brave men who fell killed and wounded in our three actions of yesterday with the enemys fleet on the Mississippi River, to wit: Killed .William Perry, captain of forecastle; Charles Lewis, ordi- nary seaman; Henry Dunn, ordinary seaman; Private John Kane, Pinkneys Louisiana Volunteers; Private Charles Madden, Clinchs Battalion Artillery; Private Henry Shields, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Volunteers, Company E; Private Antonio Florez, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Volunteers, Company G; Private Daul. Sullivan, Twenty- eighth Louisiana Volunteers, Company A; Private A. J. Blankenship, Missouri Volunteers, Company D; Private Stephen Murton, Missouri Volunteers; Edward Cusick, fireman; and William Gilmore, pilot, from Jonesville, Ky. These two last named fell in the action with the enemys fleet as they passed us at Vicksburg after the morning conflicts Page 70 70 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The following-named men and officers were wounded, to wit: John Kelly, seaman; James Anderson, cockswain; John Pledge, ordinary seaman; Patrick Norton, landsman; Nicholas Davis, seaman; Peter Caulfield, coal heaver; William Alexander, private, from Clinchs Battalion, Louisiana Volunteers; Edward Long, ordinary seaman; Thomas Lynch, sergeant, from Clinchs Battalion, Louisiana Volunteers; John Sullivan, private, from Clinchs Battal- ion, Louisiana Volunteers; Bernard Martinez, private, Twenty-eighth Louisiana Volunteers, Company E; Felix Thomure, private, Missouri Volunteers, Company B, lost a legsince dead; John Snider, private, Missouri Volunteers, CompanyB, lost an arm since dead; C. D. Paul, corporal, Missouri Volunteers, Company B; Berry Watson, private, Missouri Volunteers, Company B; Thomas Senere, private, Missouri Volunteers, Company C; Second Assistant Engineer Covert, slightly in face; Masters Mate Wilson, stunned and slightly contused; Midshipman Tyler, slightly stunned; Mr. Pilot Hodges, mortally in head; Mr. Pilot Shacklett, slightly in head; Lieutenant George W. Gift, C. S. Navy, arm and shoulder; Third Assistant Engineer Jackson, slightly bruised. Recapit~lation.Killed, 12; badly wounded, 3; wounded, 15. Total, 30. Very respectfully, I. N. BROWN, Lieutenant, Commanding Arkansas. Flag-Officer WM. F. LYNCH, Commanding, etc., Missi~s~pjxt and Yazoo Rivers. Report of Lieutenant Brown, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. ram Arkansas, regarding casualties during the engagement of July 22, 1862. C. S. S. ARKANSAS, Vicles burg, July 23, 1862. SIR: I have to perform the sad duty of submitting to you a report of the names of the brave men who fell yesterday, combating for their country, in action with the enemys ironclad gunboat Essex, of 14 guns, assisted by a ram, name unknown, to wit: Kil/ed.~Francis Harter, captain hold; Samuel Heaton, officers steward; R. Rankin, seaman; John Thorhell, fireman; William Dills, volunteer from Third Kentucky Regiment; W. Woodward, volunteer from Third Kentucky Regiment6. Wounded. Daniel Clifford, seaman; Charles Hardee, officers steward; Arnold Beecher, ordinary seaman; Henry Evans, volun- teer from Army; J. R. Hill, volunteer from Army; John Johnson, sergeant, Louisiana Volunteers, badly6. I am, very respectfully, I. N. BROWN, Commander, C. S. Navy. Flag-Officer WM. F. LYNCH, Commanding, etc Page 71 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 71 Report of Lieutenant Brown, C. S. Navy, commanding C. S. ram Arkansas, commending the conduct of Lieutenant H. K. Stevens, C. S. Navy. C. S. S. ARKANSAS, Viclcsburg, July 23, 1862. SIR: In the four different actions which this vessel has had with the enemy, Lieutenant H. K. Stevens, C. S. Navy, executive officer, has behaved with the utmost zeal, courage, and calmness. I say this much of him, not in disparagement of others, because every officer of this vessel has behaved well. Lieutenant Stevens, however, has had much harder work to do than any other officer on board, and he has done it well. I think that, preeminently, he deserves promotion for his exertions in preparing for and while engaged in battle. I am, respectfully, ISAAC N. BROWN, Flag-Officer WM. F. LYNCH, Commanding Arkansas. Commanding C. S. Naval Forces on Mississippi and Yazoo. General order of the Secretary of War of the Confederate States regarding the defense of Vicksburg and operations of C. S. ram Arkansas. GENERAL ORDERS, WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJT. AND INSP. GENS OFFICE, No. 51. ) Richmond, July 22, 1862. The successful defense of Vicksburg against the mortar fleet of the enemy by Major-General Van Dorn and the officers and men under his command entitles them to the gratitude of the country, the thanks of the Government, and the admiration of the Army. By their gallantry and good conduct they have not only saved the city intrusted to them, but they have shown that bombardments of cities, if bravely resisted, achieve nothing for the enemy, and only serve to unveil his malice and the hypocrisy of his pretended wish to restore the Union. The world now sees that his mission is one of destruction, not restoration. Lieutenant Brown, and the officers and crew of the Confederate steamer Arkansas, by their heroic attack upon the Federal fleet before Vicksburg equaled the highest recorded examples of courage and skill. They prove that the Navy, when it regains its proper element, will be one of the chief bulwarks of national defense, and that it is entitled to a high place in the confidence and affection of the country. By command of the Secretary of War: S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector-General. Joint resolution of thanks to Lieutenant Brown and all under his command. Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, That the thanks of Congress are hereby cordially tendered to Lieutenant Isaac N. Brown, and all under his command, for their signal exhi- bition of skill and gallantry on the fourteenth day of July last Page 72 72 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. on the Mississippi River, near Vicksburg, in the brilliant and suc- cessful engagement of the sloop of war Arkansas with the enemys fleet. Approved, October 2, 1862. Report of Captain Hoole, C. S. Army, regarding a detail of artillerists for service on the C. S. ram Arkansas. CAMP OF THE HUDSON BATTERY, Near Vicksburg, Miss., July 16, 1862. SIR: I received a circular of date July 15 calling for volunteers to go on board the Arkansas to attack the fleet below, said volunteers to be seamen or artillerists, and to report immediately to brigade headquarters. The circular was immediately published to the com- pany, and 13 (all artillerists) volunteered. I immediately reported to brigade headquarters, and was referred to General Van Dorn, who referred me to General Breckinridge and Lieutenant Brown. I dispatched a man to General Breckinridges headquarters and was there referred to Lieutenant Brown. He did not see Genera Breck- inridge. I then attempted to go to the river, but, having no p ass- port, I did not succeed in passing through the lines, and was oblioed to return to camp with my men without accomplishing anything. Respectfully, JAMES L. bOLE, Captain Hudscin Battery. Captain G. W. MCCAWLEY, Assistant Adjutant-General, Second Brigade, Breckinridges Division. [Endorsement.] As will be seen by the above, I had a detail here last night, but they could not get to the boat. The commanding officer returned this morning to make further effort to get on the boat. He obtained a pass from this officer this morning to visit the boat to see Lieutenant Brown, in order to get him to accept his detail, and seemed exceed- ingly anxious on the subject. So the men who went on the Arkansas last evening and came ashore this morning can not be the detail made from this command. Respectfully, B. H. HELM Commanding Second Brigade. Col. JOHN T. PICKETT, Assistant Adjutant-General. Report of Colonel Statham, C. S. Army, regarding the detail of artillerists on board the C. S. ram Arkansas. HDQRS. FOURTH BRIGADE, BRECKINRIDGE S DIVISION, July 17, 1862. SIR: After making examination, I have the honor to report that the lieutenant and men who volunteered and went on board th Page 73 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON, 73- Arkansas are there yet, and have not been on shore with the purpose of leaving the boat. The lieutenant is distressed that such a report concerning him should have been made. Directions will be given to them to remain until otherwise ordered from your headquarters or by Captain Brown. If any of the men should leave without orders, to avoid the service, they will be arrested and punished and others sent in their stead. I make this report at the request of Colonel EW. S.] Statham, who has now a hot fever. The six volunteer firemen called for on yesterday were sent to the Arkansas last evening. I remain, respectfully, HARRY I. THORNTON, Major PICKETT, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Assistant Adjutant-General. Report of Brigadier-General Preston, C. S. Army, transmitting report of the officer com- manding detail of artillerists that assisted on board the C. S. ram Arkansas. HDQRs. THIRD BRIGADE, BRECKINRIDGES DIvIsIoN, Near Vicksburg, July 18, 1862. MAJOR: In conformity with your order, I made the requisite enquiry in relation to the volunteers in my command who are alleged to have left the ram Arkansas on the 16th instant without authority. Lieutenant Mathews, a gallant and meritorious officer, volunteered as a private for the service, took charge of the detail, and served with it on board the vessel during the engagement. He left the vessel with the permission of Captain Brown, and with thanks for the serv- ice he had rendered. I enclose Lieutenant Mathews note as a part of this report. I trust and believe that there is no ground for the charge on which your order is based. In making the enquiry, I find no cause to arrest or reprimand Lieutenant Mathews, but, on the contrary, deem that he deserves thanks for his gallantry and service. I remain, your obedient servant, W. PRESTON, Major JOHN T. PICKETT, Brigadier-General, Commanding. Assistant Adjutant-General [Enclosure.] HDQRs. GRACEYS (ConEs) BATTERY, July 17, 1862. GENERAL: In reply t? your enquiries concerning the volunteers from our battery to assist in fighting the ram Arkansas~ against the lower fleet, I report as follows: On the 15th instant, about 4 p. in., Lieutenant [W. P.] Wallace, of your staff, came to our battery and stated that you desired 12 volunteers from your brigade to fill the places of the wounded and dead in the crew of the ram. Twelve members of the battery, besides myself, immediately volunteered to go, but our commanding officer, refusing to permit so many of us to leave, as it would reduce the strength of his battery, resorted to Page 74 T4 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ballot to see who the lucky ones might be, which res lted as follows: Sergeant James Brindley, corporal John Leonard, privates Benjamin [G.] Moore, Daniel Black, and Charley Thornton, and sergeant T. Watts. As soon as the volunteers were ready to move, which was about five minutes after, I took the men and reporte myself and command to Captain Brown, of the ram, as being a portion of the number required of your brigade. Captain Brown immediately assigned us to a gun. I stated to Captain Brown that we had come to assist him to fight the lower fleet that evening, and that as my whole experience in artillery was confined to light fieldpieces, except what I had learned from the morning engagement with the enemys boats, would prefer that he would place some officer in charge that had more experience, ~ nd I would fight as a private; which was done, as he placed Midshipman [D. M.] Scales in charge. We worked the gun throughout the engagement to the best of our abilities. After the engagement was over, I asked the first lieutenant if they needed our services any more. He conducted me to Captain Brown, who stated that he had no further use for us, and that he was very grateful for our services, and that we could return to our camp. I asked him then for the countersign; he did not have it. I asked General Breckinridges son for it, who was standing by during my conversa- tion with Captain Brown; he not having it, was compelled to stay in town until moming, when we returned to our battery. These are all the circumstances connected with our a9uatic expedition, and trust they are of such a character as will relieve your mind of any impression you may have received of myself or any of those under my command acting in any way except as Kentuckians have always and will continue to act before the enemy, whether on land or water. I am, sir, very respectfully, your most obedient servant R. B. MATHEWS, First Lieutenant Cobbs Battery. Brigadier-General W. PRESTON. [Telegram.] RICHMOND, VA., July 22, 1862. Captain Brown of the Arkansas, requires boatmen, and reports himself doomed to inactivity by the inability to get them. We have a large class of river boatmen and some ordinary seamen on our Gulf coast who must be now unemployed. Can you not help Captain Brown to get an adequate crew? JEFFERSON DAvIS. Governor JOHN J. PETTUS, Jackson, Muss. [Telegram.] VICKSBURG, July 22, 1862. An attempt made this morning by two ironclad rams to sink the Arkansas .The failure so complete that it was almost ridiculous. Several men were, however, killed by a shot entering one of he Page 75 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 75 ports. Canal will be a failure. Nothing can be accomplished by the enemy unless they bring overwhelming numbers of troops. This must be anticipated. EARL VAN DORN, The PRESIDENT. Ala for-General. [Telegram.] VICKSBURG, July 24, 1862. (Received 25th.) The whole of the lower fleet and all the troops have disappeared down the river. The upper fleet in movement, but still at anchorage. Ran one transport ashore above with light battery and burned her. Mail taken with interesting accounts of the Arkansas. EARL VAN DORN, President DAVIS. Ma for-General. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Morris, U. S. Navy, regarding movements of U. S. S. Kensington. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Viclcsburg, July 18, 1862. SIR: You will send the Kensington to Ship Island, to water the vessels stationed, and will also direct her to proceed to Mobile and along the coast for the same purpose, if necessary. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain H. W. MORRIS, Commanding Naval Forces off New Orleans. Letter from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of War, transmitting extract of letter touching the immediate occupation of Texas. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, July 18, 1862. SIR: With reference to the communications which have from time to time been addressed to you by this Department, suggesting a military occupation of Texas in the neighborhood of Brownsville, I have the honor to enclose extracts from a private letter of Charles Hunter, commanding the U. S. S. Montgomery, blockading the mouth of the Rio Grande, to the chief clerk of the Department of State. I[ have the honor to be, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. [Enclosure.] U. S. S. MONTGOMERY, Off the Rio Grande, June 16, 1862. The poor refugees still come to us, one, two, or three each day. They flee for their lives, leaving everything. One man came o Page 76 76 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. board yesterday who was pursued. He plunged in and swam across the Rio Grande, but was shot at several times. Another, belonging to the Texan army, got leave for six days to go into Mexico to col- lect a debt. He showed me his pass. I said to him, Well, your time is up in two days and I suppose that you will wish to go back, as you must have come merely to pay us a visit. He looked up at our flag and with tears in his eyes said, Oh! no, sir; thank God I am under the dear old flag again. We have about 40 on board now, and they are as happy as they can be. Between 70 and 80 others left in the Kensington. * * * We have on board three Union gentlemen~ from Texas, men of influence; one is a judge, another a celebrated lawyer, and the other an influential politician. They are going to Washington to see the President and suggest the immedi- ate occupation of Texas. There is a large number of Union men in the State who only want arms and protection to organize themselves and drive the seces- sionists out. * * * * * * * Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander De Camp, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wwsahiclcon, to proceed north with that vessel. U. S. FLAGShIP HARTFORD, Below Viclcsburg, July 17, 1862. SIR: You will take the U. S. gunboat Winona in tow and proceed with her to New Orleans, from whence, owing to the disable con i- tion of your vessel, you will proceed to New York for general repairs, reporting your arrival in writing to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. Hoping that you may soon return to this squadron in command of another and better vessel, I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander JOHN DR CAMP, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Wissahickon, below Vicksburg. Report of Commander Emmons, U. S. Nav1j, commanding U. S. S. Hatteras, regarding the interception of the C onfederate steamer Indian No. 2, from Sabine River, July 19, 1862. U. S. S. HATTERAS, New Orleans, September , 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 19th of July I inter- cepted the rebel steamer Indian No. 2 on her way from the Sabine to Berwick Bay, both places being in the possession of the rebels. I found on board the owner of the vessel and cargo, Mr. E. H. Skaggs, who produced a pass from General Butler. (See the accompanying paper, marked A.) Having previously seen this steamer running up and down the Sabine, evidently in the rebel employ; not being satisfied with th Page 77 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 77 reasons given for the long detention in the Sabine, and final failure to obtain the cattle specified in the pass; and having suspicions that Mr. Skaggs would finally fail to comply with the remaining terms of the pass, I. took on board a portion of his cargo (see paper B) as a guarantee of good faith on his part until I should touch at New Orleans or hear further from him, to which he did not object, but asked that I would give him a receipt for what I took out. This I gave, simply specifying the kind and quantity, and added some few fowls, which he offered to send on board, and which I accepted, upon the condition that he would accept in return some ale and wine that I sent him from my own stores. These facts I reported to the flag-officer by the first opportunity. A few days subsequently I took some prisoners out of Berwick (see enclosed affidavit and statement marked C and D), whose state- ments confirmed my previous suspicions, and convinced me that I had used proper precaution, and that these provisions were now, beyond doubt, a good prize to the Government; and I made arrange- ments to reship them to the United States in the mail steamer, when, upon my arrival here, I learned to my surprise that Mr. Skaggs, or his authorized agent, had preceded me and presented a bill of sale of sundry provisions to the U. S. S. Hatteras at sea, amount- ing to nearly $5,000, which the flag-officer had paid, under the impres- sion (I am told) that I had fallen short of supplies, and evidently without a knowledge of the facts narrated in my letter relating to the transaction. Thus circumstanced, and in the absence of the fia~-officer, I con- stilted the senior naval officer here, Captain Morris, who agreed with me that, under all the circumstances, the interest of the Gov- ernment would be better subserved by turning all but the flour over to the Army in exchange for bread, etc., which I am in want of and can not obtain at this time from our naval stores, or sell it at public sale, retaining the flour, which is another portion of rations required and can not be had from our supplies here. Finding that the Army would not take these provisions (but would furnish to me bread upon requisition), I advertised the remainder for sale at auction, as per extract, including some condemned bread, and the accompanying papers furnish the result of this transaction, which has been a source of trouble and vexation from the commence- ment and a loss to the Government, when it ought to have been a gain. I trust the part I have had in it may meet the approbation of the Department, and it would be desirable to know how far the Army is authorized to grant passes to vessels trading with rebels to and from blockaded ports. The amount received I have transferred over to the senior naval officer here, as per receipt of his paymaster attached. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. F. EMMONS, Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 78 78 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Endorsement.] SEPTEMBER 9,1862. In forwarding these papers to the Department, I would respect- fully state that I had no acknowledgment from Captain Emmons of his having taken any provisions from any vessel prior to having a bill presented to me for $5,000 for provisions furnished the Hatteras, with Captain Emmons receipts for same, as I then supposed by some coal vessel, it being so stated to me by Commodore Morris. D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. [Enclosures.] A. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, May 21,1862. Mr. E. H. Skaggs has permission to bring the steamer Indian No. 2, from the mouth of Sabine to this city with a load of cattle and provisions. BENJ. F. BUTLER Major-General, Commanding. [Endorsement.] This steamer has never returned here, and her cargo was disposed of among the rebels as certified to. G. F. EMMONS, Commander. B. Statement of cargo found on board steamer Indian No. 2. 75 hogsheads bacon, 18 barrels lard, 213 sacks flour. Of these there were transferred to U. S. S. Hatteras 22 hogsheads bacon, 16,549 pounds; 2 hogsheads bacon (say), 1,451 pounds 18,000 pounds (no marks); 18 barrels lard, 20 sacks flour. B. RUSH SNIDER, Ships Steward. Approved. GEO. F. EMMONS, Commander. C. U. S. S. HATTERAS, Blockading off Berwicic, July 29, 1862. I, Edward Hagan, seaman, and now a prisoner on board of the U. S. S. Hatteras, was at Berwick, La., on the 24th of this month when the steamer Indian No. 2, Skaggs, arrived there and remained at the railroad depot about a half a day, during which she landed a portion of her cargo of bacon and flour (20 hogsheads of the former and 100 sacks of the latter), which was sold to the planters there, as I understood, for 30 cents per pound, and $15 per sack. Fro Page 79 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 79 whence it was reported she was going up to Franklin. I hereby make oath to the above statement. EDWARD HAGAN, Seaman. In my presence. GEG. F. EMMONS, Commander. Witness: FENNELD J. MCGRATH, Acting Miasters Mate. D. The master of the prize brig Josephine, John Cummins, who has been sent to Philadelphia in the prize, is well acquainted with the owner, Skaggs, of the steamer Indian No. 2, whom he met at Berwick, and informed me that he (Skaggs) was going from Berwick to Attakapas (pronounced here Tucapaw) to discharge the remainder of his cargo and take in a cargo of sugar for the Red River to a place called Wachi taw [Ouachita]. GEG. F. EMMONS, Commander. U. S. S. HATTERAS, S. W. Pass of the Mississippi River, September 4, 1862. This is to certify that, I, William W. Davis, late master of the Confederate schooner Troy, and now prize to the U. S. propeller Kensington, was at the Sa bine Pass last May, when the Confederate steamer Indian No. 2, in charge of her owner, E. H. Skaggs, arrived there with a load of sugar and molasses from Vermilion 13 ay, which she sold up the river, and left to run the blockade again with a cargo of provisions, about the 17th of July, having a Confederate permit to land her provisions among the planters in Louisiana and to return. Mr. Skaggs is a professed gambler and speculator, as well as a planter in Louisiana, and, I believe, lives in the City of New Orleans. WM. W. DAvIS, Late Master Schooner Troy. Sworn to in my presence. GEG. F. EMMONS, Commander. Witness: 1-IENRY WILsON, Lieutenant. [Telegram.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 19, 1862. Detach Commander Lee from the Oneida with orders to proceed overland with all dispatch and report in person to the Department. GIDEON WELLES, Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Via Cairo. N W RVOL 19 Page 80 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 80 Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the prevalence of sickness in his command, and of proposed attack upon the C. S. ram Arkansas. No. 147.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 20, 1862. SIR: As the season advances so does the sickness increase and our officers and men diminish. Some are sent home by survey, and some resign. I do not, however, permit those who resign to leave the squadron unless their health is so feeble that they are rather an incubus than a service, and likely to continue so; otherwise we would soon be without officers. Our sick lists are very large, but not as large as that of the army in proportion. They have nearly one-third unfit for service, and I am~ told that the rebel army in this vicinity are nearly one-half in hospital. Refugees inform us that all the churches, meetiughouses, and barns are filled with sick, and they have no medicines. In shelling the town we blew up the apothecarys shop, which contained all the medicines they had in this vicinity. Our own gave out and I sent a requisition to Cairo, from whence we obtained it yesterday, ~ that we are pretty well supDlied just now. The ram Arkansas has been kept very uneasy by .tiie mortar boats from Flag-Officer Daviss fleet. They have burst a number of shells directly over her, so as to drive the workmen from her and compel her to move her berth. I shall avail myself of the first opportunity to attack her, and should have done so long since, but she is so low and the color of the bank so that we can not possibly see her at night, and a day attack would expose us to the p lunging fire of all their bat- teries, aEd their guns are all of heavy caliber. Refugees say that they intend to run the blockade and get her to Mobile, and if I do not destroy her before the water falls much more these ships will not be able to pursue her should she, by any chance, slip past us; but I trust that will not be the case, and that I will be able to destroy her in a few days. It is only because my crews have worked so hard and are so reduced by sickness that I have not done it before. We have from 60 to 80 on the sick list in each of the ships. They are not very sick, but occasionally the symptoms take an unfavor- able turn and they die. We have lost Lieutenant ileisler, U. S. Marine Corps, who died on his way home, and Captain Broome, Marine Corps, is also sick, suffering from a wound in his head, but I do not apprehend that it is serious. I am, in consequence of all these things, obliged to be less ardent in following up my blows. When men are well you may push them through a great deal, but when prostrated by sickness and a debilitating climate we must take more time for everything. I find it even a terrible fatigue to coal ship, and wish my vessel had a hoisting machine for the purpose. As the Department has not noticed my dispatches since passing Vicksburg, I take it for granted that they do not mean to regard the state of the river. The time is certainly near at hand, when the ships of this squadron will not be able to descend to New Orleans,and our position will be rendered more disagreeable in consequence of the banks being higher than the ships, thus enabling the enemy to annoy us with rifles and field batteries along the banks. Hence it will be al ost impossible for us to receive our supplies of ordnance, etc. Page 81 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 81 from below, and it is difficult to pass such things across the peninsula until the canal is completed; or, if we had a!railroad we con I d get our supplies from above. All of which is respectfully referred to the Department by Your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT Flag-Officer, Commanding West Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, approving the proposed withdrawal from the Miississippi River. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 21, 1862. SIR: The Department has received your Nos. 131, 133, 134, 135, 136, 139, 141, and 142. The suggestions in your No. 141* about going to the Gulf are approved and should be certainly carried out. The Department has anticipated them by its instructions to you, dated the 14th instant, sent out by Lieutenant Law. T am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer D. G. FA1~RAGUT, Commanding, etc., near Viclcsburg, iVliiss. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the U. S. S. Al iamb. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 21, 1862. SIR: The Miami does not appear to perform well. If you can spare her, send her to Hampton Roads and a better vessel of her class will be ordered to your squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding, etc., above Viclcsburg, Miss. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the dispatching north of the U. S. S. Wissahicicon for repairs. No. 149.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Below Viclcsburg, July 22, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that on the 17th instant I was obliged to send home the Wissahickon. She was hulled 17 times in her encounter with the rebel forces at Grand Gulf, and received much damage in passing Vicksburg, and as Captain De Camp represented his vessel as almost useless, I therefore ordered her *See Series 1, vol. 18, p. 675 Page 82 82 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. to New York for repairs, etc. My great doubt was as to her being in a fit condition to reach home. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Wester~ Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary o/the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Lee, U. S. Navy, to report to the Secretary of the Navy at Washington. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Viclcsburg, July 22, 1862. Sin: You are hereby detached from the command of the U. S. steam sloop Oneida and will proceed overland to Washington, D. C., where you will report yourself in person to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander S. P. LEE, U. S. Navy. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Law, U. S. Navy, to assume temporary command of the U. S. S. Oneida. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Below Vicksburg, July 22, 1862. Sin: You will assume temporary command of the U. S. steam sloop Oneida, and on your arrival at New Orleans will take command of the U. S. S. Clifton. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding R. L. LAW, Commanding U. S. S. Oneida. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Prentiss, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Albatross, to proceed to duty at Mobile. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 22, 1862. Sin: Proceed with the Albatross off Mobile, touching at Key West~ and report for duty to the senior naval officer present in the Western Gulf B ockading Squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commander G. A. PRENTISS, Commanding U. S. S. Albatross, Boston Page 83 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 83 Report of Lieutenant Preble, U. S. Navy, giving observations made~ on a reconnoissance in the Mississippi River. U. S. GUNBOAT KATAHDIN, Off Point Pleasant, July 22, 1862. Sin: In obedience to your order of the 13th instant, I left my anchorage below Vicksburg on the morning of the 14th and stood down the river in corn p any with the Kenne b ec, examining the bluffs for batteries and sounding on all the bars. At 8 p. m. I anchored opposite Natchez, and landed Mr. T. D. Day, released on parole by General Williams. The next morning I got nuderway and continued on down river until 3 p. in., when I anchored in company with the Kennebec at Red River Landing, the limit of my cruise byyour instructions. Late the same night, a negro came alongside, who stated that the rebels have two gunboats in the Red River, viz, the Webb and Music. The Webb is a regular gunboat, like yours, Massa; came from the Atchafalaya, has five pieces of artillery, and a complement of 200 men, and is commanded by Major Howard. I judge her, from his description, to be a towboat altered. The Music is an ordinary river boat, has three pieces of artillery, two mounted in the bow and one in the stern, is commanded by Captain Fuller and has a large number of men. This statement corroborates and extends those I have already given. My pilot says the Webb is the Dolly Webb, a large stern-wheel boat, ship built; he has seen her often. Minute men are ordered to organize at Natchez (as you will see by the newspapers) and to hold themselves read y for service. They are to arm themselves. A battery of six field- pieces is to be placed at Ellis Cliffs, and perhaps we would hear from them as we passed. Their calibers were variously stated by those who had seen them. I should say from all the statements I heard that they were four 6-pounder, and two 12-pounder howitzers. Possibly one is a rifled 32-pounder. These guns were at Prospect Hill on Saturday night (19th), 8 miles from Natchez and 15 from the cliffs. Brigadier -General W.~ N. R. Beall has under his command at Fayette, [Miss.], 3,000 militia, partially armed. He has received orders to send all his artillery to the river. The Arkansas is theo- reTtically to scare down all our transports, and this artillery is to pepper them as they go down. It is expected or there is talk of assembling 10,000 men in the rear of Natchez, and to place a battery of fieldpieces above Natchezas well as at Ellis Cliffs. The mayor of Natchez and the provost-marshal have used every exertion to prevent the formation of guerrilla bands in the neighbor- hood, and with success. The Union feeling is strong at Natchez, and there is probably a majority in favor of peace and restoration, but they are overawed by the secessionists, even father and sons dare not open their mouths to converse with each other upon the subject. July 22, in passing Grand Gulf, we were fired at from two batteries of 6-pounders and received seven shots in the hull and other parts of the vessel. I will furnish a more detailed report on arrival off Vicksburg. I send Captain Russell on to communicate the news we have gathered, as he has no tow and can go faster. I had only one man wounded. We and the Kennebec at about the same moment planted two XI-inch shells in close proximity to one of their batteries Page 84 84 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Captain R. thinks he dismounted a gun; certainly no gun was fired Irom that battery afterwards. My ship has so many sick that she is almost a hospital. I remain here to-night and shall be at Vicksburg to-morrow morning. I will send a report of soundings on arrival. No new batteries have been erected on the river below. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE HENRY PREBLE Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, below Viclcsburg. Report of Lieutenant Preble, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katah- din, regarding an engagement with the enemys batteries at Grand Gulf, 31 iss. U. S. GUNBOAT KATAHDIN, Below Vicksburg, July 23, 1862. SIR: Yesterday at 10:25 a. in., while passing Grand Gulf, in com- pany with the Kennebec, and having the Natchez ferryboat Rosalie in tow, the enemy opened fire on us from two batteries of fieldpieces on the hills. Our men were already at their quarters in anticipation of attack, and the fire was immediately returned from this vessel and by the Kennebec with such effect a the batteries were soon silenced and the rebels seen to hitch up and carry off their artillery. Almost simultaneously two XJ-inch shells, one from this vessel and one from the Kennebec, struck the upper battery and silenced it effectually. Lieutenant Commanding Russell thinks his shell dis- mounted a gun. I judged the batteries firing at us mounted four or five guns 6-pounders, one a rifled gun. The enemy fired with rapidity and precision, evidently aiming to disable the machinery of this vessel and the boilers of the Rosalie alongside. During the few minutes we were under fire the Katahdin was struck six times in the hull and once aloft, and the Rosalie was struck once near the pilot house. Independent of a shot which, after penetrating our bulwarks on both sides, came nigh disabling her starboard boiler, two of the shot through our hull are at the water line in the upper edge of the copper. concealed until his lower The enemy reserved his fire andke pt battery was abaft our beam and just as we were about to make the turn around the point. Owing to our large sick list and the number of men we had in hammocks under the forecastle and on the berth deck, we fought at great disadvantage, but I am happy to say that the men and officers did their duty, and that we were gallantly sup- ported by the Kennebec, Lieutenant Commanding Russell, following closely in her station astern. I have to report one man severely and two others very slightly wounded in this affair. I enclose the first lieutenants report of damage sustained by the enemys shot and our own expenditure of shot and shell; also the assistant surgeons report of the wounded. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE HENRY PREBLE, Lieutenant, Commanding. FlagOfficer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, below Viclcsburg, Miss Page 85 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 85 [Enelosure.] U. S. S. GUNBOAT KATAUDIN, JVlississippi River, July 23,1862. Sin: While passing the town of Grand Gulf yesterday morning this ship was struck seven different times by the shot from the two batteries of 6:pounder fleldpieces above the town, one shot making a clean hole into the ship through upper edge of second plate of copper under starboard ash chute; one in second plate of copper between two forward air ports, going through the side, through a bag of clothes on berth deck, and brought up against a knee without any further injury; one cut away the gunwale of waist boat, entering a beam, going through bulwarks over ash chute, through engine-room hatch, cutting away txvo sashes in hatch, and bringing up against port rail; one struck upper part of rail over ash chute, entered ham- mock netting, bringing up in the head of a hammock about 3 feet from where it entered; one struck the forward starboard boat davit, slightly diverting it, breaking in a number of pieces which flew about the deck, awning, and ridge rope; one sbot going through port rail about 10 feet abaft pivot port, cutting off stanchion head, splitting off about 6 feet of rail, outside, and bringing up on board ferryboat Rosalie, and the seventh shot cut the mainsail about three-fourths out from the tbroat. One shot also struck upper rail of ferryboat near pilot house. Expended in passing three 5-second XJ-inch shells, . four Parrott she s, an eight 24-pound howitzer shrapnel. Very respectfully, NATHL. GREEN, Lieutenant and Executive Officer. Lieutenant Commanding GEORGE H. PREBLE. Reports of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Octorara, regarding the capture of the British steamer Tubal Catn, July 24, 1862. U. S. S. OcTORARA, July 24, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to inform you that I this day captured in latitude 310 54 N., longitude 78~ 23, the British three-masted pro- p eller Tubal Cain, from Nassau, [New Providence], claiming to be bound to St. John, New Brunswick, but steering for the ports of Charleston or Savannah. When first made out by us she was appar- ently lying with her steam down and under sail alone, waiting for an opportunity to slip into Charleston. Her cargo is a very valuable one, and as far as we can tell by the cargo book is all contraband. There are many cases which have all the appearance of arms and munitions of war. This is one of the vessels that have been lying in Nassau, waiting to run the blockade since the middle of April. She has not broken bulk since she came from England. I find on board of the Tubal Cain a man by the name of Levy, a well-known blockade breaker and secessionist. He was recognized immediately by one of our crew. I have sent the Tubal Cain to New York Page 86 86 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. to stop at Hampton Roads if she finds it necessary to do so from causes not foreseen at present. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Commander, U. S. Navy. lion, GIDEON WELLES, Secreary Navy. U. S. S. OCTORARA, Hampton Roads, July 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform you that on the 24th of this month I captured, after an exciting chase of six hours, the British iron screw steamship Tubal Cain, in latitude 31~ 54 N., longitude 780 23 W., the British steamer at the time steering N. W. by N. for the port ot Charleston. This vessel sailed from Nassau, New Provi- dence, on Sunday, the 20th day of July, in company with two other steamers, all loaded with arms and munitions of war, and, if not intercepted, the others are by this time safe in port. The evidence against the Tubal Cain is very clear. The fact that she is loaded with munitions of war and was steering for Charleston is sufficient to condemn her. Her papers clear her for St. Johns New Foundland, the course for which is N. L., not N. W. by N., which latter course the Tubal Cain was steering and had been steering for twenty-four hours before we captured her. The Tubal Cain has not broken bulk since she left ~ngland in April last, and she has been waiting over a month in Nassau to run the blockade. Previous to sailing from that place she sent down all her masts and yards and painted the hull an atmospheric color. You could scarcely see her a few miles off. She came outside of Abaco in company with two other steamers, the Leopard and Hero, and steere& from that moment (as her log will show) direct for Charleston. The crew are disposed to give evidence against her, and we have gleaned enough from them to give us an idea of what there is on board. The captain informs me that the cargo is a very valuable one, and, judging from the cargo book, there must be many boxes con- taining arms. The ship had no manifest (which the captain said he lost), no bills of lading, and was consigned to no one. Her shipping articles were made out for the West Indies or any port in the United States, but did not mention St. Johns. If the crew were going to St. Johns, it was in violation of contract. The captain of the steamer threw p art of his saltpeter overboard in the chase, but there was enough left (30 tons) to condemn the vessel. I sent the captain and two engineers home in the prize and re- tamed the rest on board here. As our prize crew was small, and some of them sick, I ran no risks of recapture. Will you please instruct me, sir, how I am to send the rest of the witnesses on to New York? All papers were sent to the marshal of that district, according to law, etc. I am of opinion that the running of Charleston blockade can be effectually put a stop to by a little attention to the probable course vessels will take going to and running out of that port. Anticipatin Page 87 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 87 from what I heard that some steamers would run the blockade about the 20th July, I steered for a point where I supposed 1 should find one, and was not mistaken in my calculations, and had I not been under orders to make no delay I should have looked for the other two steamers, and I think with success, though one of them, the Hero, a side-wheel steamer, steams 16 miles an hour over two knots to our one. I herewith enclose extracts from our log book, showing the attempts of the Tubal Cain to escape, etc. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant. DAVID D. PORTER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commander, U. S. Navy. Secretary of the Navy. [Enclosure.] Extract from the log of the U. S. S. Octorara, July 24, 1862. From 8 to meridian, as per log: At 9 inspected at quarters. Passed a brig standing to the northward. Exercised pivot gun. Drilled marine guard. At 9:30 a sail was reported from aloft, which was soon made out to be a steamer, bearing N. N. E., with no sails set. At about 10 the steamer made sail. At 10:15 the stranger in sight from the deck, she being a three-masted propeller, standing to the northward and westward. Altered our course so as to head for her, when she altered her course to the northward and eastward. At 11 gaining fast on the stranger. She took in all sail. At 12 about 6 miles astern of the steamer, gaining on her fast. A. N. GOULD, Acting Master. From meridian to 4 p. in.: At 1, within a mile of the stranger steamer; fired a howitzer to bring her to, when she hoisted English colors but continued steaming ahead. At 1:05 fired a shell from the 100-pounder rifle, which passed over her. The stranger stopped her engine. At 1:10 spolie the English steamer Tubal Cain, from Nassau. Stopped our engines and sent second and third cutters, in charge of Lieutenant Brown and Acting Master Gould, to overhaul the Tubal Cain. At about 1:40 second cutter returned, bringing the captain, first mate, several of the crew, and a passenger on board. Also the steamers papers. Seized the En glish steamer Tubal Cain as a prize to this vessel. After putting the prize crew on board, returned the captain and engineers to their vessel. Retained on board of this vessel, Thomas Bedford, first mate; Arthur Daly, second mate~ Jos. Convary, carpenter; James Stephens, cook; Edw. Doherty, fireman; James Dorsey, fireman; Thomas Schroeder, fireman; Wil- liam Simpson, seaman; William Thompson, seaman; Alexander Currv~ seaman; Nathan Levy, passenger; Christian Anderson, passenger. GEORGE W. WEEDEN, Acting Master. I certify that the above is a correct copy. GEG. BROWN, Lieutenant and Executive Officer, U. S. S. Octorara Page 88 88 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Emmons, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Hatteras, regarding operations of that vessel on blockade duty. U. S. S. HATTERAS, Blockading Berwick Bay, July 25,1862. SIR: In my last report to you, by a prize sent to Key West, I should have mentioned that I boarded and warned off the English schooner Richard 0. Bryan (which was subsequently destroyed near Galveston by the Rhode Island), her papers being correct and her destination Matagorda, the strong westerly winds and error in chronometer being urged as an excuse for her being so much to the eastward of her position. Not having much confidence in the state- ment, I ran to the southward the following day to see if I should intercept her running into the Sabine. It a p pears she was found in communication with the shore to the sonth of this by the Rhode Island and destroyed. Returning to my station, I discovered a steamer lying at anchor in the entrance to Lake Calcasieu, and sent in boats to cut her out; but finding that she was the only property of a Union man who had a family of 13 daughters, and that her boiler was burned out, engines out of order, and of no use to us and could be of none to the rebels, I left her with her owner, a foreigner by the name of Goss, who has been long a resident of Louisiana, but lately removed here, to get out of the way of the rebels, as he alleges. He gave me fresh provisions for the crew and would accept no pay. Farther east, but west of my station, I overhauled the stern-wheel steamer Indian No. 2, that was bound from the Sabine to Berwick and New Orieans, and stood for me with the white flag flying.a * * * From her crew I learned that the Confederate steamer Victoria, that escaped the De Soto in the Barataria Bay some months since, entered the Sabine under English colors just before they left, having on board guns, powder, etc., and that there was a schooner lying there loaded wit cotton, ready for sea, also with English papers. During the coming month I shall be obliged to leave here for coal and provisions, whether relieved or not. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. F. EMMONS. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Division, Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Octorara, regarding the performance of that vessel. U. S. S. OCTORARA, July 25, 1862. Sin: Not having had an opportunity to make a report on the per- formance of this vessel, I do so now. I joined her in the early part of April, since when she has been continually under steam, moving about night and day, without a chance of drawing her fires. She has performed well during all that time, keeping up with the steamers of the flotilla, with a heavy tow (going up and down the river), though the majority of them without tows are faster vessels. a See p. 76 Page 89 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 89 Her engine is an excellent one of the kind, though defective in small matters. For instance, her blow-off pipe, near the bottom, has no Kingston valve, and she might go to the bottom at any moment if the pipe broke near the base. It was calculated never to use this pipe except to blow out the boilers, the fresh water condenser being supposed capable of supplying them with fresh water. This, how- ever, is not the case, and the boilers have to be blown at times to freshen the water. The frame of the engine is not strongly braced, which will have to be done the first opportunity. The Octorara leaks badly, from what cause I do not know. She makes as much now as 16 feet per day, or 8 inches an hour, and requires the pump to be constantly going. At times the leak stops altogether, but only for a short period. It is hard on the men, and if the pumps or engine should give out, there is little chance of saving the vessel. The Octorara is a good sea boat, but not fast. She will steam 8 knots under favorable circumstances, and will make 9~ with a fair wind and all sail set, but with a fresh wind ahead she wont make more than 3 or 4 knots, if that. She does not steer well except when she has a heavy tow alongside, which she handles with ease and turns with quickly, and in a very short space. She is a strong, well-built vessel, and carries her bat- tery without feeling it. She should have two IX-inch guns aft on Marsilly carriages, instead of the IX-inch pivot she now has; it takes up all the quarter deck, and prevents a hatch being cut over the wardroom for the proper ventilation of the vessel. Had this steamer been provided with more power (4 inches more cylinder and one-third more boiler) she would have turned out one of the best vessels in the Navy. She carries a large amount of coal, and can steam for thirteen days; less coal and more power would have given her 6 inches less draft than she has now, and she would have made her passages in exactly one-third less time. For instance, she would go from New York to Key West in four and five-tenths days, with an expenditure of 72 tons of coal, whereas she can not, under the most favorable circumstances, do it now under seven days, and at an expenditure of 84 tons of coal. The internal arrangements of the vessel are bad. Constructors who do not go to sea can not be expected to know much about such matters. The wire rigging which was placed over her mastheads at my request is a great improvement on rope rigging, much cheaper in the long run, as it lasts as long as the ship, and I recommend it for all steamers in the Navy. The bad steering of the vessel is owing to the heavy sternpost outside of the rudder, 8 square feet of the surface being presented to the water every time the rudder is moved. If the outer stern- post was made of composition metal, a little more than the thickness of the rudder, it would much improve the steering. I like the plan of double-end vessels, but think it could be much improved on if constructors would consult with practical men. Any- one who sees the if jami will discover very soon that she is a great failure, while the Octorara, intended to be the same kind of vessel, came near being an unexceptionable steamer. The Octorara fails, though, in the most essential requisite of a ves- sel of warthat is, in speed. She can not catch any of the class o Page 90 90 WEST GPLF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. vessels frequenting shallow places on our coast, nor could she escape from a vessel of moderate speed and superior force. She must, therefore, be considered a failure as a vessel of war. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAvID D. PORTER, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary Navy. [Endorsement.] Commander Porter may not have been consulted by the naval constructor with regard to the internal arrangements of the Octorara, but other naval officers were on all points. It is believed the con- structors are willing to consult practical seamen of the Navy. J.L. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Octorara, to report to the Department. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 25, 1862. SIR: Immediately upon your arrival at Hampton Roads you will proceed without delay to Washington, D. C., and report in person to the Department. I am, respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Commander D. D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, Hampton Roads, Va. Joint expedition in vicinity of Pass Mi anchac, July 2528, 1862. Report of Major Peck, Twelfth Connecticut Infantry, commanding expedition. CAMP PARAPET, Carroilton, La., August 4, 1862. SIR: The expedition directed by orders of July 25, 1862, from head- quarters of this department returned on the 2d of August. I have to submit the following report of our operations: On the evening of July 25, with five companies of the Twelfth Regi- ment Connecticut Volunteers and a section of Captain P. B. Hol- combs Second Verrhont Battery, I embarked on board the boat Grey Cloud, commanded by Lieutenant Buchanan, U. S. Navy. We left the wharf about midnight and arrived at Pass Manchac soon after daylight on the morning of the 26th. As we approached the bridge Captain Holcomb sent forward a shell from his Sawyer gun, which had the effect to draw from one of the houses a rebel scout, who immedi- ately ran up the railroad in the direction of Camp Moore. He was fired after, and as soon as a squad of men could be landed, was pur- sued across the island to the North Pass, where he plunged into the stream and escaped. We examined the buildings and found the mus- ket and equipments of the soldier, bunks, parts of uniforms, and other evidence of recent military occupation. As the place was evl- dently used as a rendezvous for spies and scouts I directed it all to be burned. The part of the bridge north of the draw had been pre- viously destroyed. We burned the remainder. I am aware of not Page 91 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 91 ing remaining at Pass Manchac more combustible than railroad iron and water-soaked piles. * * * * * * * On the 27th we sailed up the Tchefuncta [Chefuncte] River. When opposite Madisonville we were fired upon by the guerrilla picket sta- tioned there. We responded with a shot from one of the 32-pounders of the boat, sent through the street from which the firing came. none of our party was struck, though a bullet passed disagreeab{y near to a groupof officers standing on the forward deck. At a point about 3 miles below Covington our further progress was obstructed by three sunken gunboats, from which the guns have been recently removed. At this point we heard the shots of the guerrillas pickets, and the long roll was sounded in two different directions not far from us. We landed here and marched to Coving- ton. On our way we learned that several bands, of from 6 to 50 each, had passed near us after our landing, with the intention of concen- trating at some point to meet us. * * * * * * We carried the national flag through the principal street of the city. White flags were hung from many of the houses, and citizens waited upon us to request that license might not be given for the com- mission of any outrage such as their previous experience led them to expect. Of course no liberties were taken by our troops. Owing to the intense heat we shortly returned to our boat. On our way back we were informed by friendly persons that guerrillas were gatherin g on the banks of the river below to oppose our passage to the lake. I regret to report that during this march two men fell from sunstroke and died before night. As the boat was about leaving we were surprised with a volley of musketry from the thick bushes which cover the river banks. Our men immediately sprang to their arms and returned the fire with steadiness and spirit. Captain Holcomb almost instantly sent a charge of canister after them, and Lieutenant Buchanan brought his 32-pounders to bear with terrible effect. Of course their fire was soon silenced. The scars upon the boat are evidence of its severity. Our casualties were marvelously few, considering our exposed posi- tion. Only 3 men were wounded, and none of them seriously 1 sol- dier and 2 sailors. We cleared a passage for ourselves out of the river, at each turn firing shell and canister into the thick bushes upon the shore and sending an occasional shell back into the woods from Captain Holcombs 20-pounder Parrott. We were not fired on again, but could frequently see armed men retreating into the woods. * * * * * * * On August 1 we visited Lewisburg. All the docks and landings at this place, and at Mandeville, 2 miles distant, were burned by a party of guerrillas some two weeks since. * * * We then revisited the Tchefuncta as far as Madisonville. The picket which has been stationed there has been removed. The town was deserted, and nearly every public and private building closed. Despairing of finding an enemy who would stand fire within the cir- cuit designated for our expedition we thence returned to camp * * * I am especially indebted to Captain Holcomb, whose large expe rience in service of this character has been of great assistance to me Page 92 92 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON~ Lieutenaiit Buchanan was untiring in his efforts to promote the com- fort of the men while on board his boat. Any comment upon his bearing in action would be superfluous. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FRANK H. PECK, Major Twelfth RegI. Connecticut Vols., Comdg. Expedition. Captain R. S. DAvIs, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, Department of the Gulf. [Telegram.] PONCHATOULA, LA., July 27, 1862. The following dispatch just received from Captain Slocum: Federals, 200 or 300 strong, on steamer Grey Cloud, 1~ miles below Covington. The New London is lying out below Mandeville. I have only 25 effective men. W. D. L. McRAE. General RUGGLES. [Telegram.] PONCHATOULA, LA., July 27, 1862. Have received another dispatch from Captain Slocum. Four hundred Yankees landed in Covington; put out pickets. New London and Grey Cloud lying off 1~ miles. Captain Bredow was here from Van B uren; says the detachment ordered there has no corn or provisions; will leave there to-morrow. W. D. L. MCRAE. General IiUGGLES. [Telegram.] TANGIPARGA, [LA.], July 27, [1862]. Will give orders soon about forces to meet Federals at Covington. General Breckinridge will soon be here, and I await his aftival to make further moves. Keep me advised of the movements of the enemy. Keep a strong picket of rangers at Van Buren and on rail- roa db elow. Concentrate rest toward Covington to watch enemy. DANIEL RUGGLES, Brigadier-General. Captain [W. D. L.] MCRAE, Ponchatoula. [Telegram.] / PONCHATOULA, LA., [July] 28,1862. The enemy have all left Madisonville; not a sail in sight. Will leave for Camp Slocum early in the morning. Will concentrate troops as ordered. J. DE BAUN, Major. General RUGGLES Page 93 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 93 [Telegram.] U. S. S. OCTORARA, Hampton Roads, July 26. Sin: I have the honor to report the arrival of this vessel. The Lwelve mortar vessels left South West Pass for this place July 17. Respectfully, DAvID D. PORTER, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. SECRETARY NAVY. Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Octorara, announcing his arrival at Hampton Roads. U. S. S. OCTORARA, Hampton Roads, July 26, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report the arrival of the Octorara at this place. Your order to proceed north with twelve of the mortar schooners and the Octorara was received July 9, 1862, in the evening, and on the morning of the 10th the vessels were underway down the river. Having no pilots, we had to proceed with caution. After filling up in New Orleans with shells and powder, the vessels proceeded to South West Pass, where they were detained two days by a gale of wind. They sailed from there on the 17th day of July and will likely arrive in Hampton Roads about the 10th of August, as the winds are very light this season of the year. The officers and crew of the Octordra ar~ much enfeebled by sickness contracted in the river, and there are many sick in the mortar schooners. Enclosed is a list of the officers on board. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAvID D. PORTER, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Preble, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katahdin, previous to the withdrawal of the former from the Miississippi River. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Baton Rouge, July 27, 1862. SIR: You will remain at this place as a part of the protecting force to the army, and also to assist in the police of the river between this point and Vicksburg should it become necessary, although I have no idea that your services will be required beyond the mouth of Red River. Flag-Officer Davis has assigned this portion of the river to Commander W. D. Porter, and I am directed by the Department to add one or two gunboats to his force if required, and I think the Kin~o and Katahdin will be all-suffich~nt. I p resume you will lie at Baton Rouge generally for the protection of the troops, while the Essex and Sumter will look to the river above. I will make arrange~ ments at New Orleans for having your supplies sent up as occasio Page 94 94 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. may require, and for which you will apply to the commanding naval officer at * * ~ Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding GEO. H. PREBLE, Comiiianding U. S. Gunboat Katahdin. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, regarding the assignment of the U. S. gunboats Kineo and Katahdin to duty off Baton Rouge. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Baton Rouge, July 27, 1862. SIR: I have directed two gunboats, the Katahdin and Kineo, to remain at this place as a protecting force to the troops and also to assist you in maintaining the police of the river so far as they can without withdrawing their protection from the troops, but as neither of the vessels is in condition to go to sea, and may do good service here, they may not be very efficient to do much running, as they are much out of repair in their machinery, but they will be subject to your orders . Their supplies will be sent up to you by application to the senior officer at New Orleans. I saw yesterday a large quantity of coal at Bayou Sara, and there is also reported to me by Lieutenant Commanding Ransom 1,200 or 1,5~00 tons at this place, near where you lie at present. Wishing you a pleasant time and speedy restora- tion to health, I remain, Very truly, your friend and obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT. Commander W. D. PORTER, Commanding Gunboat Essex. Report of Commander Emmons, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Hatteras, regarding the capture by that vessel of the Confederate brig Josephine, from New Orleans. U. S. S. HATTERAS, Blockading Berwicic Bay, July 28, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that I this morn- ing captured the rebel brig Josephine off Ship Shoal, out of New Orleans, via one of the passes leading into B erwick Bay, having loaded and left New Orleans before the fleet went up, bound to Havana, with 322 bales of cotton. The master hoisted English colors and threw away his Confederate papers as soon as he made us out, saying when he came on board, that he knew the vessel, but thought we were farther west; that he was a good prize, etc. Reports several vessels having lately run into the Sabine River. It would have been more coiivenient to have sent this vessel, as I have others, to Key West for condemnation, but thus far I have not been able to get anything condemned there, from the simple fact that I have not sent the master of the vessel with her Page 95 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 95 In the case of the rebel schooner Miagnolia, out of Berwick Bay, with cotton, under Confederate papers, bound to Havana, captured and sent to Key West last May, I sent the second officer and cook, and retained the master, as I could only spare a small prize crew, and considered him a dangerous man, being a violent secessionist, and having lately been a pilot on board of one of the rebel rams in the Mississippi. I intended to have sent this man home from New Orleans, with other prisoners, but upon my subsequent arrival at New Orleans I received an order from the flag-officer to set all my remaining prisoners at liberty, this man included, whose testimony could not change the character of the vessel, and under all the cir- cumstances, I think, could not be relied upon. Yet the prize com- missioners are waiting this mans testimony to condemn a rebel vessel and cargo that was caught in the act of running the blockade, with no conflicting evidence in her favor. In the case of the sloop Elizabeth, another rebel vess4 trying to run the blockade, I sent her crew, consisting of~ two men, to Key West in the prize, and landed the master on the coast, at his request, he being quite sick. I have not yet heard from her. The evidence was also conclusive in this case. I enclose a descriptive list of those found on board, specifying those sent with the prize and those retained to be landed in this coast, sending duplicates to the judge of the prize court at Philadel- phia, Pa., placing all in charge of Acting Master Cruse, whom I have directed to return to this vessel by the earliest opportunity. There has been no change in the officers and crew since the last quarterly returns, except the addition of Masters Mate A. H. Berry. I also enclose the only scrap of paper found on board of tbis vessel, by which it would appear that our flag-officer is still up the Mississippi. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. F. EMMONS Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary o/the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to the Secretary of War, nrg~ng prompt action against Viclcsburg, Miss. NAVY DEPARTMENT, July 29, 1862. SIR: Knowing that you fully concur with me in the importance of capturing Yicksburg and keeping open and unobstructed the Missis- sippi River, I beg leave to submit an extract from a very instructive and suggestive letter addressed by Commander Porter to Flag-Officer Farragut, dated the 13th instant, a copy of which has been forwarded to this Department. The long detention of so large a naval force before Vicksbnrg, in consequence of the absence of a sufficient land force to cooperate with the navy in taking and holding the place, is, Jamaware,asourceofregrettoyouaswellasmyself. It is a pressing necessity that so important a place should not be held by the rebels. While it is in their possession, it not only interrupts navigation and keeps our squadron unemployed, but impairs its efficiency in cutting N V RV()L 19 Page 96 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 96 off communication and transportation of stores and troops to snstain the enemy. Excuse these snggestions, which yon xviii appreciate, and which are made en passant in transmitting the extract from Commander Porters letter. We can not have a rigid river police and effective interdiction between the opposite shores while Vicksburg remains an obstacle to prevent, or at least retard, operations. I would invite especial attention to the remarks in relation to Gen- eral Williams and his force, and the opinion expressed, that he can go anywhere 30 miles into the interior below Vicksburg, and, sup orted by the gunboats, destroy the enemys stores, capture the catt e he have grazing, and be instrumental in keeping open the river. I place high value on Commander Porters observations, and his urgent conviction that prompt action should be taken indfices me to communicate his views to you. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Hon. E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, of arrival at New Orleans, with five vessels of his command, with account of an attack upon the C. S. ram Arkansas. No. 152.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, July 29, 1862. Sin: I am happy to inform the Department that I arrived here yes- terday about noon with the ships Brooklyn, Richmond, and Hartford, and gunboats Pinola and Kennehec, the other gunboats, excepting the Katahdin and Kineo, left at Baton Rouge for the protection of the troops, having preceded me. On the 20th instant I received the order of the Department to drop the ships down the river and not to risk them before the batteries more than possible. The river had fallen very much, and my anxiety was great that I should not be able to get the large ships down; unfortu- nately, the ironclad ram Arkansas came down on the 15th before I received your order, and her commander being satisfied by the recep- tion we gave her that she was not shoL-proof kept her close in under the forts, which are mounted with VIII and X inch columbiads and 50-pounder rifles. Still Flag-Officer Davis was determined that as Commander W. D. Porter thought his vessel, the Essex, was shot-proof he would make an attack on the ram and drive her down to us or destroy her. He had also determined to let the Sumter run at her, and to let Colonel Ellet also attack her with one of his rams. The ram lay between the two torts at the upper bend of the river, about 4 miles above our fleet. It was stipulated that I was not to pass up the river, but be ready to receive her if she attempted to come down. Unfortunately, the attack was a failure. The Essex ran at the ram, but being so clumsy they let the bow of the ram swing off from the shore, so that the Essex ran fast aground, but she delivered her three IX-inch guns into the ram at not more than 10 or 12 feet and those who saw the ram afterwards say tha Page 97 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 97 she had a large hole knocked into her. Colonel Ellets ram also ran at the ironclad, but the fire from the forts and ram so damaged her that it was with difficulty she got back to her anchorage, and it is only remarkable that she was not destroyed; we do not know that she dam- aged the ram. The Sumter, from some misunderstanding, did not go in. This was a daring act on the part of Colonel Ellet, and one from which both Flag-Officer Davis and myself tried to deter him. The Essex after she got afloat ran own o our fleet through a storm of shot and shell, and strange to say not a shot struck her after she left the upper forts. She was only penetrated by three projectiles from the ram and forts, viz, one IX-inch and one 50-pounder rifle solid shot, and one 50-pounder conical shell. The last went through the case- mates about 6 feet from the forward corner and exploded inside, killing 1 man, and wounding 3, which was nearly all the damage done the crew. The IX-inch solid shot penetrated the forward casemate nearly amidships, passed through the iron, but did not go through the wood. The 50-pounder rifle passed through the port quarter, and lodged in the wardroom, doing no harm, but of course each of these shots started the wood and iron considerably, and other shot in the same vicinity wouid have done much damage. I waited a day or two for General Williams to make his prepara- tions for leaving, as he had determined to do so, not having well men enough to take care of the sick ones. When all was ready I settled with Flag-Officer Davis that Commander W. D. Porter was to take charge of the lower part of the river with the Essex and Sumter. I do not, however, consider this force sufficient, for there are two gun- boats in Red River and two in the Yazoo. I presume Flag-Officer Davis will destroy those in the Yazoo, and my gunboats chased the Miusic and Webb up the Red River, but drew too much water to go far. As will be seen by the enclosed copy of a very interesting report * of Commander D. D. Porter, the mouth of the Red River is now one of the most important points on this whole river, as the enemy is getting his supplies from thence for his army east of the Mississippi. It will therefore be well to direct Commander W. D. Porter to keep his vessels there, and the crossing will be stopped entirely. I do not know whether the ironclad ram Arkansas will attempt to come down the river, but if she ever gets under the guns of one of my ships I hope to give a good account of her, but to attack her under the forts with the present amount of work before us would be madness. I shall leave in the river, for the protection of General Butler and his troops, the Pensacola, Mississippi, and Portsmouth, and as fast as the other vessels can be coaled and their most serious damages repaired, I shall send them around to Pensacola and Mobile. I shall go in this vessel to Ship Island, and from thence to Pensacola, to make my final arrangements for our future depot. It is so difficult, how- ever, to repair vessels at Ship Island that I think there can be but little comparison between the two places, provided that we can main- tain ourselves at Pensacola. I shall take with me from this place some half dozen ship carpenters, so as to go on with the temporary repairs to my vessels. There are not more than two or three vessels * See Porter to Farragut, July 13, 1863 Page 98 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 98 in the whole fleet that do not require a month or two in dockyard for repair. Although we have scarcely any of our vessels struck very frequently, still these large shot tear a ship to pieces terribly when they do go through. I am obliged to expend a great deal of money on some of these ves- sels before they are safe to go outside, and even then, if they should be so unfortunate as to encounter a gale, it is a question but what they would be worked to pieces. Still I shall do no more than is necessary, and will get them out on the coast to look after Captain Semmes at as early a day as practicable. I hope by the end of this week to have them all in the vicinity of Mobile. If the Government have no troops to send me, how does the Depart- ment design that I shall hold those places that I am fortunate enough to capture~ I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the prevalence of scurvy. No. 153] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, July 29, 1862. SIR: On my arrival at Ship Island, if the Santee has not already gone north, I will send her home immediately, as I hear that the scurvy is raging to a frightful degree on board of her. We have had as high as 80 on the sick list, and in some of the ships 100, but the cases have, with but few exceptions, proved mild; they recover slowly, and I am in hopes that the sea air will bring them up. I would like to let the men go on liberty here; they are so anxious for it, and feel the confinement on shipboard so much that it makes them dissatisfied. I will do so if I can and where I can, as I think satisfaction is a great element in war. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Connnander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, commanding division of Miortar Flotilla, regarding repairs to vessels. U. S. S. WESTFIELD, New Orleans, July 29, 1862. Sm: I have the honor to inform you that upon my arrival at this place I found the steamers Jackson, Clifton, and Jfiami undergoing repairs, by the order of Commander Porter, the two latter requiring some two or more weeks to complete them; the former will be read Page 99 WEST GULF I3LOCKADING SQUADRON. 99 for service in a few days. The H. Lane, after towing the mortar schooners down the river, will proceed to Pensacola, where all the Mortar Flotilla have been directed by Flag-Officer Farragut to ren- dezvous. * * * While the iVLiami is undergoing repairs, I have directed Acting Lieutenant Townsend to assume the temporary command of her, intending, if it meet the approbation of the Department, to take the permanent command of her upon her arrival at Pensacola, Acting Lieutenant Townsend relieving me in the command of the Westfield. The mortar schooners will fequire repairs before they will be in efficient service condition, and the crews of all the vessels of the flo-~ tilla are so much enervated by the climate and constant use of salt provisions that time and proper food will be found necessary to restore them to the state of health requisite for efficient active service. The Westfield alone has had some 20 cases of fever, and upward of 20 men are now under the effects of scurvy. There are five officers condemned by survey that will go north by the Connecticut. * * * Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. RENSHAW, Comdg. Division of iJiortar Flotida, operating with West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant Smith, U. S. Navy, announcing the arrival of mortar vessels at Hampton Roads. U. S. MORTAR SCHOONER NORFOLK PACKET, Hampton Roads, July 31, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report the arrival at this place of the fol- lowing-named vessels of the Mortar Flotilla: Norfolk Packet, Arletta, Sophronia, Para, C. P. Williams, Racer, William Bacon, T. A. Ward, Adolph Hugel, Matthew Vassar, George 211 angham, Dan Smith. Respectfully, yours, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant Smith, U. S. Navy, giving names of mortar vessels at Hampton Roads and their commanding officers. U. S. MORTAR SCHOONER NORFOLK PACKET, Hampton Roads, August 1, 1862. SIR: In accordance with an order from Commander D. D. Porter, I send the following list of the vessels composing this division of the Mortar Flotilla and the names of their commanders: Norfolk Packet, Lieutenant Commanding Watson Smith. Arletta, Acting Master Thomas E. Smith Page 100 100 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Sophronia, Acting Master Lyman Bartholomew. Para, Acting Master Edward G. Furber. C. P. Williams, Acting Master Amos R. Langthorne. Racer, Acting Master Alvin Phinney. William Bacon, Acting Master William P. Rogers. T. A. Ward, Acting Master William S. Babcock. Adolph Hugel, Acting Master James Van Boskirk. ~atthew Vassar, Acting Master Hugh H. Savage. George Mangham, Acting Master John Collins. Dan Smith, Acting Master George W. Brown. Respectfully, yours, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant, Commanding First Division 31 ortar Flotilla. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Flag-Officer Fctrragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, to relieve Lieutenant Preble, U. S. Navy, in command of the U. S. S. Katahdin at Baton Rouge. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, July 30, 1862. SIR: You will consider yourself detached from the U. S. steam sloop Pensacola, and you will take passage in the first steamer for Baton Rouge and relieve Lieutenant G. H. Preble in the command of the gunboat Katahdin. You will continue to Baton Rouge as a pro- tection to the United States troops under General Williams, but should your services be required by Commander Porter to assist him in his encounter with the enemy, you will do all in your power to that end, together with the Kinco. You will write me from time to time by the steamers coming down to this place in order that I may be posted as to the movements of the enemy above Baton Rouge. It is particularly necessary that [I should have the] earliest notice of the movements of the ram down the river. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant F. A. ROE, U. S. S. Pensacola. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Preble, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. S. Oneida, and proceed to blockade duty. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, July 30, 1862. SIR: You will deliver over the command of the Katahdin to Lieu- tenant F. A. Roe and repair to New Orleans and take command of the U. S. S. Oneida and prepare her for sea immediately, and repor Page 101 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADflON. 101 yourself to Commander Hitchcock, off Mobile, for duty on the blockade. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding GEO. H. PREBLE, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Katahdin. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Nawj, to Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the importance of retaining Federal forces at the mouth of Red River. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, July 30, 1862. DEAR CAPTAIN: The officers who went up to the mouth of Red River report that the gunboats Webb and Miusic are still there look- ing out for our transports and for the conveyance of cattle and pro- visions and stores over to the eastern shore of the ~~ississipp 1. It is represented as the most important point on the river for our forces to be at present. The Red River will soon be too low for the gunboats to come out. Your brother David has written a very excellent letter on the subject, which I have sent to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. I hope you will look to it. The gunboats can take care of Baton Rouge. When you are in want of provisions, etc., write down to Captain Morris, who is the commanding officer here, and he will send them to you, and the pay for them will be arranged with the Department afterwards. Very respectfully and truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander W. D. PORTER, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Essex. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Eagle, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. frigate Santee, regarding the disposition of ordnance and other stores on that vessel. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD New Orleans, July 30, 1862. SIR: You will leave all ordnance and other stores that are not actu- ally necessary to take your vessel to Boston on board of the Potomac. I will be at Ship Island in a day or two on my way to Pensacola. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain HENRY EAGLE, Commanding U. S. Frigate Santee Page 102 102 WEST QULF I3LOCKAIMNG SQUADRON. Unofficial report of Commander hitchcock, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Susquehanna, urging the need of an increased force of steam- ers on the blockade off Miobile U. S. S. SUSQUEHANNA, Off JYfobile, Ala., July 31, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: My position is an awkward one and not at all pleas- ant. Your order to come here and stop, and the one in relation to Porter, is all I have. Not the first word from Farragut. No corn- mumcation with anyone. The rebel steamers have again made their appearance in Mississippi Sound. Now, if there is not something at Ship Island to afford pro- tection besides the Potomac (which was outside the bar) the trans- ports are in danger. The steamers of the rebels are fast at least two of them. They can pass down the [Mississippi] Sound without our knowledge and take any of the transports bound to Ship Island. A fine steamer ran in on the 25th. We think it was one of the sound boats, the California or Cuba, with her upper works taken off. They are both very fast. Captain Febiger, who has been a passenger in them, tells me they will go over 15 knots. Do, in mercy, send some steam vessels here that we may look out for this place. Do all we can, it is impossible to keep steamers out if they wish to go in. It will not be long before you hear of some of our vessels being taken if there are not some steam vessels to look out between this and Ship Island. I do not think the Preble and Bohio are of the least use here, but in the way. The times of many of the men are out (one-year men), their allotments are stopped, and they can not get extra pay, not being on a foreign station (at least so they think). What is to be done with the men whose time expires ~ I have no orders and am in the dark as to everything in relation to this squadron. We shall soon have to go to Ship Island or Pensacola for coal, which will take a week or ten days. The ship is not fitted to take in coal expeditiously; in fact, is a dozen years behind the times, battery and all. The two next months will no doubt give us bad weather, and, if a heavy gale, we will stand a bad chance with our defective shaft. If I had been ordered to the ship and told to go to sea when she was ready, I should have made a statement of her defects, which embrace almost everything about her. I think they have made this place so strong that it can not be taken without a regular investment. Four months since they had but two fire companies in Fort Morgan. God grant we have no more bad luck, but I fear it without we get some more steam vessels soon. The steamers sent by General Butler from New Orleans to this place for flour, stopping at Ship Island, had the means put in their hands to furnish all the information possible of our defenseless condition. If some firewood could be sent out by the provision steamer for our use it would be a great convenience. On the morning of July 31 six men came off from Fort Morgan. The following is a memorandum obtained from one of these deserters: Outside parapet guns around Fort Morgan. Light-house battery, 12 guns, 32-pounders, smoothbore; battery to right of light-house, 5 guns, 32-pounders, smoothbore; battery to left of light-house, 2 guns, 32-pounders, smoothbore; north-side battery, 1 gun, 32-pounder Page 103 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 103 smoothbore; northeast, 1 gun, 32-pounder, rifled; east corner, 1 gun, 32-pounder, smoothbore; southeast corner, 2 mortars, N-inch; south corner, 1 mortar, 32-pounder, rifled; southwest, 1 mortar, 32-pounder, rifled. Casemate guns. South side, 4 24-pounders, smoothbore, 1 42- pounder, smoothbore; west side, S howitzers, 24-pounders, smooth- bore; north side, 6 howitzers, 24-pounders, smoothbore; east side, 2 howitzers, 24-pounders, smoothbore. Parapet guns above the casernates. Bastion No. 1, north side, 3 24-pounders, smoothbore, 1 24-pounder, smoothbore; bastion No. 2, east side, 4 24-pounders, smoothbore, 1 32-pounder, rifled; bastion No. 3, south side, 2 24-pounders, rifled, 2 32-pounders, rifled, 1 N-inch columbiad; between east and southeast, 4 32-pounders, rifled; south- east bastion No. 4, 2 32-pounders, rifled, 1 32-pounder, rifled Dahi- gren, 2 24-pounders, smoothbore; south curtain, 1 N-inch columbiad, 2 Dahigren, S-inch, 1 N-inch, rifled to a 32-pounder; bastion No. 5, 4 32-pounders, smoothbore; southwest, 2 32-pounders, rifled, 1 N-inch columbiad (34 guns in all). The whole fort contains 79 guns in all. No batteries put up between the fort and the island up to the Perdido. Two cavalry companies one 85 men strong between the fort and Perdido River; the other at Navy Cove, stationed there doing picket duty. Strength of Fort Morgan: One battalion, First Alabama, consists of artillery, 6 companies about 500 strong, and 2 light artillery com- panies, about 200; about 700 in all, besides the cavalry. Colonel Powell, commander. Fort Gaines has about 30 guns, mostly rifled 32-pounders, including 2 Dahlgrens, and has 6 companies for garrisons. Gunboat If organ carries 10 32-pounders, rifled. Gunboat Gaines carries 10 32-pounders, rifled. Gunboat Florida carries 4 rifled guns. The ram Baltic has 4 guns below, 2 Dahlgrens and 2 32-pounder rifles, and 2 small brass pieces upstairs. Truly, yours, R. B. HITcHCoCK, Commander. G. V. Fox, Esq. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Alden, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Richmond, to proceed to Pensacola, Fla., touching at Miobile. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, July 31, 1862. SIR: You will proceed from here to Pilot Town and collect together such articles as you left there, then proceed to Pensacola, touching off Mobile to see the state of things there. Should your presence be deemed necessary you will remain there until I arrive, but if not you can run over to Pensacola and make your repairs to your engines, etc., and get your ship ready for blockading service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander JAMES ALDEN, Commanding U. S. Steam Sloop Richmond Page 104 104 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Commander Hitchcock, U. S. Navy, regarding the escape of a steamer into Mobile, and urging the need of additional steamers at that point. . ~. ~. ~. SUSQUEHANNA, Off Mobile, Ala., July 31, 1862. Sin: I regret to have to report that on the morning of the 25th instant a steamer ran into the port of Mobile. She was discovered at daylight close under the land to the eastward of Fort Morgan. The Kanawha and this ship endeavored to cut her off, but were unable to do so. The Kanawha had jusft returned from a night cruise along the shore to the eastward. The steamer was followed up some distance within the range of fire of Fort Morgan. The rebel naval vessels ran up into Navy Cove and fired across the point of land, but none of their shells nor those of the fort took effect. The reports are that the defenses of Mobile Bay are about completed and that they have great confidence in being able to hold it. On the 26th one of their steamers passed down the [Mississippi] Sound inside of Dauphin Island. This is their first appearance there for two months. I have withdrawn the brig Bohio from Petit Bois [Island] Pass, as she is not fit to contend with the rebel steamers. We are without information of the other vessels of this s q1uadron, and I have no infor- mation that any of my communications iave reached the flag-officer. Placed as we are without being able to communicate with the com- mander of the squadron, I trust it will not be deemed improper for me to renew my request of July 3, that more steam vessels be sent to this point. It is very mortifying to have vessels run the blockade and now after all our exertions, we can not prevent it. Their armed steamers can p ass down the sound in the night without our knowledge and thus en d anger any of the vessels bound to Ship Island. We have used all the economy possible in the expenditure of coal, but will soon be obliged to go to Ship Island for a supply, which will leave an inadequate force to meet that of the rebels. There is great discontent among the men on board the Preble, from their detention after the expiration of their one-year service. They say that their allotments have been stopped, and that they will not be allowed extra pay, as they are not on a foreign station. The Preble and Bohio are of little use here, and in a calm are at the mercy of the rifle guns of the rebels. On the morning of July 31, six men came up from Fort Morgan, viz, John M. Vernon, born in England, citizen of the United States; Theo- dore Shum, born in Germany, citizen of the United States; Joseph Phifer, born in Germany, citizen of the United States; John Lacey, born in England, citizen of the United States; Robert Hanna, born in England, citizen of the United States~ James Dugan, born in Eng- land, citizen of the United States. They confirm the reports before reported. Fort Morgan, 90 guns, mounting more; Fort Gaines, 20 or 30. Defenses around the city extensive; the naval force as before reported; the Baltic (ram) com- pleted. Seven regiments have left Mobile three days ago for Chattanooga. Twenty-five regiments under General Braggs command passed through Mobile on their way to Chattanooga. The design is to su Page 105 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 105 prise General Buell. I shall send these men to New York in the steamer Connecticut. The six deserters brought off a good boat and their arms. I have furnished each of them with a frock, trousers, and a pair of shoes, for which I beg the approval of the Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. HITCHCOCK, Commander and Senior Officer off Mobile. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Newspaper cutting. CAIRO, ILL., August 1.The Grenada Appeal of the 28th ultimo, contains Mobile dispatches announcing that the steamer Cuba ran the blockade off that port on the 25th. She brought a full cargo of arms, ammunition, medicines, and blankets. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the disposition of the U. S. bar/c Midnight on account of sickness of the crew. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 1, 1862. SIR: I have to report that the bark Midnight arrived off South West Pass with forty cases of scurvy, dysentery, and diarrhea, and the con- dition of the vessel was bad, from the foremast being s rung and fished, and her forerigging rotten. Upon consultation wit~i the fleet surgeon, I determined to send her home as it such a crew to recruit in this climate. , will be impossible for The Midnight has been most active on the west coast of Texas, and has been now constantly on blockade nine months, during which time she has only had fresh provision twenty-four da~s. Captain [Acting Volunteer Lieutenant] Trat en appears to be an energetic officer, and is desirous to return again to this station; his crew s times have nearly expired, and it wouki not be well under any circumstances to send these men back here for some time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rcport of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting the services of a gunboat at Baton Rouge. U. S. GUNBOAT ESSEX, August 1, 1862. DEAR SIR: We have received information that Breckinridge is now moving on this place with 6,000 troops. I have moved this vessel 1 mile above the town to command in its rear. The Kinco is below hal Page 106 106 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. a mile. The Katahdin has all her machinery apart and is opposite the town or city. I hear the rebels are crossing arms and cattle above, and will send up the Sumter. We also hear the ram is on her way down to aid in the attack. I hope it is so, we will give a good account of her. I would like you to send up one of your steam gunboats that will work; both of these here are on the doctors list. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, etc., W. ft PORTER, Commander. Flag-Officer FARRAGUT. Letter from Mia for-General Butler, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting letter from Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting reinforcement at Baton Rouge. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., August 2,1862. DEAR SIR: I enclose you Captain Porters letter to me, for your information. I will send him a steam tug, of whose service he can avail himself. I would strongly urge that one of the light-draft double-enders be sent to him, say the Westfield, Clifton, or Miiami, to clear out Red River. As to the suggestions as to fortifying Baton Rouge on the river side, it is simply impossible for want of proper guns. If the fleet can not hold the river against the enemys rams or other boats, the quicker we abandon Louisiana the better. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, you r obedient servant, BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Ala for-General, Commanding. Flag-Officer FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT ESSEX, Off Baton Rouge, July 30, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor, respectfully, to lay before you the fol- lowing facts: After running the blockade at Vicksburg, my orders were to pro- ceed to Baton Rouge, take in supples, and then to ascend the Missis- sippi, constantly cruising between this point and Vicksburg. The gunboats Katahdin and Kinco, also the ram Sumter, were left with me here as a protecting force. The two former boats have their machinery so deranged that they are absolutely useless for active serv- ice until thoroughly overhauled and repaired. The Sumter has but four men, and the captain of her is the only officer free from sickness. There are two reb~el gunboats up the Red River which should be seen to, but with my present force it would be impracticable to attack them with success without some other light-draft gunboats. The low stage of water in the Red River would prevent the Essex going up. The enemy are also fortifying at Ellis Cliffs, some 20 miles below Natchez, and unless speedily seen to will eventually cause much trouble. A powerful steam tug to tow the Essex up the Mississippi, and also to convey sufficient coal supply, I respectfully solicit, ma Page 107 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 107 be sent me as early as practicable. In the immediate neighborhood of this city large bodies of rebel troops are concentrating, and I would respectfully suggest the immediate fortification of the place, both of the land and river side. The ram Arkansas is still above water, and could, without doubt, if the Essex were absent, retake the city. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commanding D~wision of Western Flotilla below Viclcsburg. General BUTLER, Headquarters U. S. Forces, Commanding New Orleans, La. Report of Brigadier-General Williams; U. S. Army, regarding informa- tion received concerning Confederate movements near Baton Rouge. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Baton Rouge, La., August 2, 18G2. John Mahan [Mann ?], with a pass from General Butler, dated July 22, for Vicksburg, and who left New Orleans July 25 and arrived at Ponchatoula and Camp Moore Monday, July 28, having proceeded up the Jackson Railroad as far as Jackson, arrived here by the way of Summit, Liberty, and Bayou Sara this morning at 10 oclock. He says he saw Breckinridges force of 6 full regiments and 14 guns at Camp Moore and Ponchatoula Monday, July 28, and that their pur- pose is to attack this place; says they may be expected on the rear of Baton Rouge at this time, or at any time in the next day or two. Mahan also reports that the rebels have field guns and beef cattle at the mouth of Red River. They intend crossing to the east bank of the Mississippi to-night or to-morrow morning, and I have sent him with a note to Captain Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding the flotilla here, at the same time advising Porter of Mahans statement regard- ing Breckinridges movement on this place, to put the gunboats designed to flank us on their guard. If Mahan be a true man and a true observer there is to be an attack here or at New Orleans; if at New Orleans, a demonstratipn here. Respectfully, your obedient servant, T. WILLIAMS, Brigadier-General, Volunteers. Captain R. S. DAvIs, Assistant Adjutant-Ce~eral. * * * * * * * P. 5. Two additional gunboats are desirable. The Arkansas may come to cooperate with the rebel land force, and also the Music and the Webb. The latter is said to be rather formidable, carrying 8 guns. Why not send up the sloop Oneida? Preble is here. Who is to command her the Oneida and a gunboat Page 108 108 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Hooper, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner Rachel Seaman, to proceed to Pensaco a Fla. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 2, 1862. SIR: You will proceed without delay in the vessel under your com- mand to Pensacola, Fla., and upon your arrival there will report your- self to me or the senior naval officer present. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gull Blockading Squadron. Acting Master QUINCY A. looPER, Commanding U. S. Schooner II. Seaman. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Hunter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Montgomery, to proceed with that vessel to Philadelphia. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 2,1862. SIR: You will immediately, upon receipt of this, proceed to Ship Island, and there discharge into the receiving ship Potomac such ord- nance and other stores as are not absolutely necessary to take your vessel north. Having done this, yon will then proceed with the vessel under your command to Philadelphia and report your arrival there in writing to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. I am having a correspondence with the English commander on the Will-o-the-w~sp. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding CHAS. HUNTER, Commanding U. S. S. Montgomery. Letter from Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, to Brigadier-General Williams, U. S. Army, acknowledging receipt of information regard- ing Confederate movements. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, August 3, 1862. GENERAL: I received your note by the hand of John Mann [Mahan?], who was in my confidential service. * * * BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. Brigadier-General WILLIAMS, Commanding at Baton Rouge. P. S.I have communicated with the flag-officer concerning the boat at Red River Page 109 WEST GULF BLOCKADJiNG SQUADRON. 109 Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U.S. Navy, to Lieutenant Fairfax, U. S. Navy, for a reconnoissance along the coast of Texas. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 3, 1862. SIR: You will proceed slowly down the coast of Texas to Brazos Santiago, looking into the ports as well as you can, speaking such of our cruisers as you meet, and bring me all the intelligence of that coast that you may be able to collect. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding We8tern Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding D. McN. FAIRFAX, Commanding U. S. S. Cayuga. Letter from Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting that a gunboat be ordered to cruise between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF New Orleans, August 3, 1862. SIR: t have just been informed by a reliable person that since yes- terday morning a great number of field guns have been placed between here and Baton Rouge by the rebels, the avowed object being to sink my transports in the absence of your cruisers. This information, taken in connection with dispatches received from General Williams, informing me that he expected an attack by a large force, leads me to believe that my informant is truthful. I consider it, therefore, my imperative duty to ask you to cause one at least of your gunboats to cruise between here and Baton Rouge at once, so that I can keep my communication open with my forces at that point, at least during the time danger is anticipated. I am, sir, very respectfully, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Major-General, Commanding. Comdg. Western Gulf Squadron, U. S. S. Hartford. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Fairfax, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Cayuga, to cruise between Baton Rouge and New Orleans in accordance with request of Major-General Butler, U. S. Army. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD New Orleans, August 3, 1862. SIR: You will consider my order to you of this date suspended. I have just received information from General Butler that the enemy are erecting batteries in order to annoy the transports passing between this place and Baton Rouge. You will, therefore, proceed in the morning up the river as far as Baton Rouge, and carefully examine both banks of the river in order to discover and destroy any such batteries Page 110 110 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. In the event of the U. S. S. Tennessee being ready to accompany you, you will convoy her to Baton Rouge. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer. Lieutenant Commanding D. Mc. N. FAIRFAX, Commanding U. S. S. Caynga. Report of Flag-Officer Farragni, U. S. Navy, regarding the imperative need of additional vessels for his command. No. 158.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 3,1862. SIR: I deeply regret to say that my squadron, as the vessels are called upon one by one to get ready for their outside work, are found disables, and requiring so much repairs that I almost despair of get- ting vessels enough to do efficient service until they are all refitted by the machinist, as well as by the carpenter. The Itasca has now been nearly two months under repairs, when her commander told me that six days would be sufficient, and every vessel in succession has been two or three weeks repairing damages; lastly, the Miississippi, my main standing in this river, is pronounced as unable to carry steam any longer; that the bottom of the boiler is full of holes, and must be raised and patched, which will take a month at least, and in the meantime she will be unable to get up steam for the ram or any other purpose. I am, therefore, now reduced to the Hartford, Brooklyn, Richmond, Oneida, and five gunboats for the reduction of Mobile and the other places on the coast, and I am very much afraid that the Brooklyn will not hold out in a seaway; the damage done her side by the ram in passing the forts on the 24th April is very great; her side is literally broken in, both the outer and inner plank and the timber, but in this smooth water it has not leaked; it can not be repaired without going into dock for some time. I shall leave in the river the Pensacola, Mississippi, Portsmouth, and Iroquois, and two gunboats, the Kinco and Katahdin, the two latter at Baton Rouge, where Commander Porter, with the Essex and ironclad ram Sumter, are also lying, but they should be at Red River. This, I think, is ample force, it the vessels were in repair, but I have no fears but that it is sufficient for all purposes, as I will be at hand and can soon get back to their assistance if it should be necessary, but I hope that the Department will send me more vessels. I have recently had to send three home from scurvy, and the times of the crews are expiring every day. All of which is respectfully submitted by Your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 111 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 111 Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Gibson, U. S. Navy, regarding the retention of store vessels at Ship Island. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 3, 1862. SIR: Detain all vessels with provisions, stores, or coal at Ship Island until my arrival, or until further orders from the commanding officer of the station. I hope to be down in the course of the present week. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Commander A. GIBSON, Commanding U. S. Ship Potomac. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, discounting reports regarding Confederate operations near Baton Rouge, and urging vigilance at the mouth of Red River. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 4, 1862. DEAR CAPTAIN: Your letter of the 1st has been received, also your requisitions by your paymaster. The stores would have been at Baton Rouge before this if the young man had attended to the selecting of them, but I met him to-day and he informed me that he had been sick for two days. I will send them up in the Tennessee. Your letter stating that Breckinridge is moving on Baton Rouge, etc., has been received also. I confess I do not believe anything of it; neither do I believe in their attempting to fortify the banks of the river. They kept me up all night to send off a gunboat to see if the banks were lined with artillery, and two river boats have arrived since, and no evidence was seen of the enemy. As I told you before, I think you should be up at Red River, to prevent the passage of arms, cattle, etc. The two gunboats are all- sufficient, I think, to protect Baton Rouge, and, if they are not, I can send another. I think your great duty is to stop the Red River crossing and the ram from forming a junction with the Webb and Miusic. General Butler says he has seen men directly from the Webb, and they say she has but three guns, and they both ran from the Cayuga the other day. Now, if you can manage the ram between the Essex and Sumter, I think all the rest amounts to nothing. If the ram ever gets down here I have an abiding confidence that it will be the last of her, as she will have no forts to shelter her. The general says you can have the tugboat Anglo-American at any time to tow the Essex. Wishing you a pleasant time, I remain, Yours, etc., [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blocledg. Sqjztadron. Commander W. D. PORTER, Commanding Essex. N W RVOL 19 Page 112 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 112 Report of Lieutenant Ransom, U. S. Navy, regarding an expected attack by large Confederate force upon Baton Rouge. U. S. GUNBOAT KINEG, Off Baton Rouge, La., August 4,1862. SIR: In obedience to your order of the 1st instant, I have sent in tow of the Al orning Light the prize steamers Rosalie and Frank ilium- ford, to be reported to you at New Orleans. I was informed by General Williams this morning of the approach probably within 8 miles of this place of a force under General Breckinridge, consisting of 6,000 troops, with 20 pieces of artillery. The information seems positive, and an attack is expected ere to-morrow morning. We have rumors of the ram Arkansas, in conjunction with other rebel vessels, at Red River, to act in concert with the land forces; though this last is not from a source which seems quite authentic. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. M. RANso~I, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer D. G. FAREAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, New Orleans. Report of Commander De Camp, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Wissahickon, announcing arrival of that vessel at Philadelphia in impaired condition. U. S. GUNBOAT WIssAuIcKON, Philadelphia, August 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of the Wissahickon under my command at this port from Vicksburg, from whence we sailed on the 18th and from the South West Pass of the Mississippi on the evening of the 26th ultimo. My orders from Flag-Officer Farragut were to proceed to the port of New York, but arriving off the capes of the Delaware, the starboard boiler suddenly cracked and opened to such an extent as to induce me to make for the nearest port. Be pleased to receive herewith enclosed a communication from Engineer Thomas S. Cunningham on the subject, also a copy of my instructions from Flag-Officer Farragut, also a list of the officers of this vessel, nearly all of whom have suffered severely from fever, and I would respectfully suggest that the crew be allowed as much liberty on shore during their stay in port as possible, and that the officers be granted a brief leave of absence. I am, sir, most respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN DE CAMP Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington City, D. C Page 113 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 113 Report of Lieutenant Smith, U. S. Navy, regarding the health of the crews of the mortar vessels at Hampton Roads, and repairs needed by those vessels. U. S. MORTAR SCHOONER NORFOLK PACKET, Hampton Roads, August 4, 1862. SIR: In accordance with directions from Commander Porter, I have the honor to enclose the following reports of the condition of the crews of the twelve mortar schooners of this division in regard to health, and of the repairs that each vessel needs. On leaving the Mississippi River, the officers and men were considerably affected with fever, which further developed itself on the passage to this place, making it necessary to send a large number of persons to this hospital. Assistant Surgeon Judsons report gives the number sent and the number still remaining under treatment. There is nothing about the disease to prevent my anticipating the speedy return to duty of the most of those sent away. On my arrival, in view of the possibility of the mortars being required immediately, I reported to Commander Porter that all were ready for service of any description, wanting only men. As he now informs me that there is time for repairs, I mention the following: Norfolk Packet. New mainmast headband; new hawse pipes; repairs to windlass; sail on starboard waist and port quarter, and caiking for spar deck forward. Arletta. Three top timbers; repairs to sail and forecastle deck; ironwork for bobstays and jib boom. Sophronia. New pawl bitts on heel of bowsprit and new windlass bitts; stern davits; calking on deck. Para. Wants calking and a new foremast. C. P. Williams. New foremast; repairs to windlass. Racer. New windlass bitts and repairs to iron of windlass. Needs also a 20-foot boat, single calked, and stern davits; some calking on deck. William Bacon. Nothing to repair. T. A. Ward. Fish 10 feet long for main boom, and one for stern davit, 5 feet long. Adolph Hugel. Windlass purchase worn out; ironwork for davits; calking. ill atthew Vassar. Calking on deck forward; hawse pipe. George Al angham. Stern needs closing in; was injured in towing; plank for shot hole in bow, and calking forward. Dan Smith. Needs new windlass bitts and windlass purchase; calking on deck. Besides these repairs there are many others of minor importance which can be attended to at the same time. On a further examina- tion of the mortar circles to-day I find that the eccentrics of all the ves- sels, with the exception of the two fitted at Philadelphia, have become so buried in the wooden surface of the plattorms by training as to train with great difficulty. To remedy this very serious defect it will be necessary to lift the mortars and carriages, turn the circles bottom up, and relevel the surface upon which they should turn. To prevent further difficulty I would respectfully suggest that an iron track be placed on the platform under each circle for the eccentric rollers to rest upon, in the same manner that was adopted on board the tw Page 114 114 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Philadelphia schooners (George Mangham and Adolph Hu~jel), and that the work could be done more promptly at Philadelphia, where they are more familiar with it than elsewhere. In some instances the eccentrics are made to bear on woods of different density, and consequently the track has become very uneven. This defect, unless remedied, may make it impossible to train the mortars at critical moments without turning the whole vessel. Some of them now require a force to train them sufficient to draw the bolts. The repairs to hulls and spars, already mentioned, are of little impor- tance when compared with the necessity for remedying the defect in the means of training the mortars. Some of the schooners have not been furnished with blanks for bimensal returns. I request that a supply may be sent. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WATSON SMITH, Lieutenant, Commanding 1st Division Mortar Flotilla. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding an attack upon Baton Rouge by forces under General Breckinridge, C. S. Army. U. S. GUNBOAT EssEx, Off Baton Rouge, August 5, 1862. SIR: A very large force under the rebel General Breckinridge attacked Baton Rouge this morning at 2 a. m. Our right wing was driven with great loss and General Williams killed. This vessel and the Sumter shelled the rebels and held them in check. The ram is lying behind a point 5 miles above us. I am lying as far up as it is necessary for me to do so in order to protect the right wing and keep the Arkansas in check. A very large proportion of my crew are in the hospital, and I have been compelled to borrow six men, all I can get, from the Kineo. If General Butler does not send at least 5,000 troops as a reinforce- ment, it is my opinion the army will be defeated. If I had a gunboat to take my present position I could then attack the ram, an~ a tug is absolutely necessary if we expect to get this vessel up the river at all. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commander. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT. Report of Colonel Cahill, U. S. Army, regarding the attack upon Baton Rouge by Confederate forces. HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Baton Rouge, La., August 5, 1862. CAPTAIN: We are attacked by a very superior force, probably 15,000. They are determined to take the city at all hazards. Gen- eral Williams is killed and a number of field officers badly wounded. If it is possible to send us reinforcements let it be done with all dis- patch. The navy is threatened by the ram Arkansas, which wil Page 115 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 115 divert them from our service; therefore, if more gunboats can be sent, they will be of great use. THos. W. CAHILL, Colonel Ninth Connecticut Volunteers, Commanding. [Captain R. S. DAvIS, Act. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Hdqrs. Dept. of the Gulf.] Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, requesting instructions regard- ing money received for cotton pwlced up at sea. NEWPORT, August 6, 1862. SIR: Tn the month of April, last, the schooner Dan Smith picked up 15 bales of cotton at sea, and one of the other mortar vessels (name not remembered) picked up 30 bales, which were reported to the Department at that time. The schooners frequently picked up one or two bales of cotton, which was always, I believe, reported to me, but as it was a small matter I took no account of them, except when I wanted something to protect the steamers boilers. In the above case I shipped the cotton on the steamer Baltic, taking a bill of lading, at the same time writing to the marshal of the district of New York to take charge of the cotton if it came within his jurisdiction. I also wrote a letter to Henry B. Gay, of New Jersey, to look out for the cotton if the marshal did not take charge of it. Mr. Gay died the week after receiving my letter and I supposed the cotton had gone to pay expenses, etc. As I passed through New York to this p lace a person called on me to inform me that he had, by direction of a sold th~ damaged cotton and deposited the amount in bank to my order. Being very sick at the time the person called, I do not recol- lect his name. He promised to write to me at this place. My object in writing now is to notify the Department of the circumstance, and to enquire if there is any particular disposition to be made of the money other than dividing it among those who picked the cotton up. My opinion is that it is wholly theirs, being what is called flotsam in legal ph rase and there is no evidence, papers, etc., which could bring it within the jurisdiction of any court that I know of any more than other article picked up floating about at sea, unless in case of salvage, when it could be proved to belong to some honest trader. I have the honor to remain, very respectfully, your obedient servant, DAVID D. PORTER, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Destruction of the C. S. ram Arkansas, near Baton Rouge, La., August 6, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 160.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Baton Rouge, August 7, 1862. SIR: It is one of the happiest moments of my life that I am enabled to inform the Department of the destruction of the ram Arkansas, not because I held the ironclad in such terror, but because the community did Page 116 116 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. On the 4th instant I sent the Tennessee up to Baton Rouge with provisions for Commander Porter and the gunboats stationed at that place. On the night of the 5th she returned with information that the enemy had made a combined attack upon Baton Rouge by the ram and two gunboats, Webb and Music, and calling for assistance. At daylight the Hartford was underway for this place, with orders for the other vessels to follow me as fast as ready. I arrived here to-day at 12 m.,in company with the Brooklyn, Westfield, Clifton, Jackson, and Sciota. I had sent the Cayuga up before me, agreeable to a request of General Butler, in consequence of the guerrillas firing into some of his transports. On my arrival I was intormed by Commander W. D. Porter that yesterday morning at 2 oclock the enemys forces under General Breckinridge, attacked General Williams, drove in his pickets, etc. General Williams having had ample warning was all prepared for him. The fight was continued with great energy on both sides until 10 a. in., by which time the enemy had been driven back 2 or 3 miles, but unfortunately the gallant General Williams, while cheering on his men, received a Mini4 ball through the heart. General Williams had informed Lieutenant Commanding Ransom the evening before of his plans, and requested him not to fire a gun until he notified him, and when he did so, our gunboats, the Kinco and Katahdin, opened with line effect, throwing their shells directly in the midst of .the enemy, producing great dismay and confusion among them. Lieutenant Ransom had an officer on the statehouse which overlooks the adjacent country, and could direct the fire of every shell. As soon as the enemy was repulsed, Commander Porter, with the gunboats, went upstream after the ram Arkansas, which was lying about 5 miles above, apparently afraid to take her share in the conflict, according to the preconcerte dplan; as he came within gunshot he op& tied on her, and probably soon disabled some ot her machinery or steering apparatus for she became unmanageable, continuing, how- ever, to fire her guns at the Essex. Commander Porter says he took advantage of her presenting a weak point toward him, and loaded with incendiary shells. After his first discharge of this projectile a gush of fire came out of her side, and from that moment it was discovered that she was on fire, which he contin- ued his exertions to prevent from being extinguished. They backed her ashore and made a line fast, which soon burned, and she swung off into I he river, where she continued to burn until she blew up with a tremendous explosion, thus ending the career of the last ironclad ram of The Mississippi. There were many persons on the banks of the river witnessing the fight in which they anticipated a triumph for Secessia, but on the return of the Essex not a soul was to be seen. I will leave a sufficient force of gunboats here to support the army, and will return to-morrow to New Orleans and depart immediately for Ship Island with a light heart, that I have left no bugbear to tor- ment the communities ofthe Mississippi in my absence. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 117 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 117 Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex. ON GUNBOAT ESSEX, Off Baton Rouge, August 6,1862. SIR: This morning at 8 a. m. I steamed up the river and at 10 a. in. attacked the rebe] ram Arkansas and blew her up. There is not now a fragment of her left. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commanding Division of Flotilla in Western Waters. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT. Report of Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex. U. S. GUNBOAT EssEx, Off Baton Rouge, August 6,1862. SIR: On the evening of the 4th instant I was informed by General Williams that rebels in considerable force under General Breckinridge were moving on this place. The rebel ram Arkansas, with two gunboats, Webb and Music, were also in the vicinity of the city to support the attack of the rebel army. I made such a disposition of the naval force under my com- mand as I thought would give the most aid to our small force on shore. On the morning of the 5th instant, at 1 a. in., the enemy made an attack on our land forces, and drove in the left wing of our army, killing General Williams, our men retreating. I opened fire with shot and shell over them on the advancing enemy and turned them back. it was the intention of the enemy to make a simultaneous attack by land and water, but the fire from the Essex and other gun- boats driving the enemy back, evidently disconcerted their plans. Though not making her appearance, I had information of the vicin- ity of the ram Arkansas, and this mQrning I determined to steam up the river and attack her, and if possible prevent her rendering fur- ther assistance to the land forces she was cooperating with. At 10 a. in., I came in sight of her, at about the distance of half a mile, and immediately opened fire. After an action of about twenty minutes I succeeded in setting fire to her, and at meridian she blew up with a tremendous explosion. The Arkansas had a crew of 180, and mounted 10 guns (6 8-inch and 4 50-pounder rifles); this vessel, the Essex, mounts 7 guns, and had only 40 men on duty at the time of our going into action. My first master, Mr. R. K. Riley, was in sick hospital, and his place was supplied by Second Master David Porter Rosenmiller, who conducted himself to my entire satisfaction. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commanding Division of Flotilla in Western Waters. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of Navy Page 118 118 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter of congratulation from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. B. Navy, to Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Baton Rouge, August 8, 1862. DEAR CAPTAIN: I am most happy to receive your communication reporting the attack upon and destruction of the ironclad ram Arican- sas. As you were unfortunate in your first attempt, under such disadvantageous circumstances while under the batteries of Vicks- burg, I am glad that you have had your revenge in a single-handed combat. You have not only done a service to your country, but given quiet to many anxious minds. I shall take great pleasure in forwarding your report, together with my own, to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. Very respectfully and truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander W. D. PORTER Commanding Ironclad Gunboat Essex, Baton Rouge, La. Report of Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katahdin. U. S. STEAM GUNBOAT KATAHDIN, Off Baton Rouge, La., August 6, 1862. SIR: The anticipated attack of the enemy on this p lace, of which I made mention in my letter of the 4th instant, took p lace on the morning of the 5th .In consequence of the lines of our troops being so extended, the Katahdin could render no assistance to theplace until afternoon. During yesterday afternoon the Kineo and Katahdin shelled the enemy, firing clean over the town into his very camps. This we were enabled to do by means of a system of signals estab- lished by Lieutenant Commanding Ransom on the tower of the statehouse, which corrected our aim. Our shells did fine execution, and drove the enemy from his position and determined him to a retreat, he having been repulsed by our troops under General Wil- liams in the earlier part ofthe day. The only time we can operate is by firing at extreme elevation, clean over the town of Baton Rouge. This morning Commander Porter in the Essex, accompanied by the Cayuga and Sumter, started up to attack the Arkansas; the Katahd~n and K~neo remained at their stations near the statehouse, but were subsequently signaled to follow up and close in with the other ves- sels, but when nearly up with the enemy appearances indicated an attack on the town, and we were again ordered back to our stations. In the meantime the Essex en age the Arkansas for about one hour, when the latter was fired and deserted, and at 1 p. m. blew up with a terrific explosion. For some unexplained reason the two consorts of the Arkansas left early in the morning, and advantage was taken of their absence to engage the ram. We have thus had a bloodless victory; but the timely arrival of the Cayuga, and our approach in force, no doubt had a good moral effect, as the ram was badly n~anaged and made a poor fight Page 119 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 119 The enemy is still hovering in the rear of this place. Information is received that to the 6,000 troops already in this vicin- ity 4,000 are approaching from Manchac and others from Vicksburg. I keep in constant communication with the commander in chief of the troops here, ready to open fire when and where he may desire. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer D. G. FARBAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans, La. Report of Lieutenant Ransom, U. B. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kineo. U. S. GUNBOAT KINEO, Off Baton Rouge, La., August 6,1862. SIR: I have to report that a vigorous attack was made upon our forces at this place yesterday morning at about 5 oclock by a strong rebel force, said to be commanded by General Breckinridge. The Kineo and Katahdin were placed immediately in a posaion, previously indicated to me by General Williams, to protect his right flank, but his lines were so much extended, and so completely covered the enemys approach, that our guns could not be made available with safety to our troops at any time during the morning. In the afternoon, however, we were notified of such changes in the relative positions of the two forces that we were enabled to open (with tre- mendous effect, we are informed) upon the enemys left wing, which caused him to withdraw in much haste and to fail back several miles. Early in the morning, soon after the attack had been commenced, the smoke of a steamer, supposed from information received the previous evening to be the ram Arkansas, was observed moving rap- idly down the river toward the bend, just above this place. It stopped about a mile above the bend and remained there some- times apparently moving up a little, then down again, during the day and night. Late in the afternoon she was joine a arently by two other steamers (judging by smokes), which separated from her this morning, moving up the river. The Essex, accompanied by the Cayuga and Sumter, then moved up toward the bend. Finally a general signal was made by the former, agreeably to which the K~neo and Katahdin followed. Upon drawing near to the bend, however, some lines of white smoke having been observed in the rear of the city, it was deemed advisable for the two latter to return to their stations for the protection of the troops. By this time it had been discovered that the Arkansas was on fire. Subsequently it has been ascertained, I believe, that she had sud- denly become helpless there, by some failure of her engines, and seeing our approach so formidable to her in her crippled condition, doubt- less, they se ther Od fire, and abandoned her. At about 1 oclock her magazine exploded, and the ram Arkansas was extinct. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. M. RANSOM, Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commanding Western 0u11 Blockading Squadron Page 120 120 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Cayuga, Commander Fairfax, U. S. Navy, commanding. August 5,1862. At 3 p. m. the U. S. S. Tennessee came down the river; reported an attack on Baton Rouge both by land and water. Cleared ship for action, proceeding up the river. At 5:30, anchored off Baton Rouge. At 7, fired the 30-pounder Parrott gun. At 7:30, fired the XI-inch gun. At 12, midnight, got underway up the river. August 6. Off Baton Rouge. At 9 a. in., got underway and stood up the river in company with the Essex. At 10, discovered the rebel ram Arkansas around the point about 5 miles above the city. The Essex engaged her, and shortly after she was reported to be on fire. At 11:30 a. in., standing down Baton Rouge. At 12:45 p. in., came to anchor. At 1, the rebel ram Arkansas was blown up. From 8 to midnight: Received information from shore that a large force of the enemy had encamped a short distance off the city. At 9, got under- way and stood up the river 2~ miles. At 10, commenced shelling the enemyfired 6 shells. At 11, returned to the city and came to anchor. Additional report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 161.] FLAGSHIP hARTFORD, New Orleans, August 10, 1862. Sin: Since forwarding the reports of Lieutenants Fairfax,* Ransom, and Roe we have picked up a number of prisoners from the ram Arkansas, all of whom I have catechized very closely. They agree very well respecting her exit from the Yazoo and her passing the fleets; they also agree to the number of killed and wounded on each of these occasions, making in all 18 killed and a large number wounded. At Vicksburg they plated the deck with iron and fortified her with cotton inside; she then came down in command of Lieutenant H. K. Stevens (Brown having been taken sick at Vicksburg), with the inten- tion of making a combined attack with General Breckinridge upon Baton Rouge, but her port engine broke down. They repaired in the course of the day and went out to meet the Essex the next morning, when they saw her coming up, but the starboard engine gave way and they ran her ashore, she being perfectly unmanageable. They say that when the gunboats were seen coming up and the Essex commenced firing the captain set the ram on fire and told the crew to run ashore. They also state that the gunboats Webb and Music were sent for to tow her up the river, bi~t they did not arrive, and neither of them had been seen. This is the statement. All of which is respectfully submitted by Your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. * Report of Fairfax not found Page 121 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 121 Report of Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, regarding engagement at Baton Rouge, La., and making reference to the destruction of the ram. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., August 10, 1862. SIR: Owing to the withdrawal of the fleet from before Vicksburg it became necessary to return Williamss brigade to Baton Rouge. The services before Vicksburg had weakened very much that force by sickness. * * * The healthy air and water of Baton Rouge rap- idly recruit the troops. The cessation of operations at Vicksburg allowed the enemy to con- centrate a very large part of his available force at Camp Moore, about 60 miles from Baton Rouge. From thence he marched to attack that post, and on the morning of the 5th instant appeared before our lines. His force consisted of two Louisiana regiments, etc. * * * They were supported by the ram Arkansas, which inspired them with the greatest hopes and the utmost confidence in their attack. * * * * * * * Leaving two regiments in the village for a reserve, with high chiv- alry General Williams formed his lines at daybreak, nearly a mile beyond the town, in an admirably chosen position. * * * The enemy were repulsed, however, and thrice returned to the charge. Upon the final repulse, after six hours of continuous fighting, he re- tired from the field and sent a flag of truce for leave to bury his dead. * * * * * * * The boat which brought down the dispatches to me from Colonel Cahill, upon whom the command devolved after the death of General Williams, collided with the gunboat Oneida and sank, so that I am not able by this mail to give the details, as I hope to do by the next dispatch. * * * The Arkansas, although supported by the rebel steamers Webb and Music, did not choose to come down and attack our gunboats, the Essex, Sumter, and Kineo, and so did not cooperate with the land forces. Flag-Officer Farragut immediately went up the river to attack the Arkansas, but on the 6th the Essex steamed up to the rebel fleet. The Webb and Music fled, and the Arkansas, after firing a few shots, was set on fire and blew up. * * * BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Ho7i. E. M. STANTON, Major-General, Commanding. Secretary of War. Letter from Commander Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, regarding the destruction of the ram. U. S. GUNBOAT ESSEX Off Bayou Sara, La., August 11, 1862. GENERAL: I find in the New Orleans Picayune of the 9th instant a copy of your General Orders, No. 57, and in it the following clause: To complete the victory the ironclad steamer Arkansw~, the last naval hope of the rebellion, hardly awaited the gallant attack of the Essex, but followed the example of her sisters, the Merrimack, the Manassas, the Mississippi, and the Louisiana, by her own destruction Page 122 122 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The facts, sir, are as follows: On the 6th instant, a. in., I steamed up the river to attack the Arkansas, and on our turning the point of the bend 4 miles above Baton Rouge she immediately opened fire on this ship at about the distance of 1 mile. I stood on until I considered myself near enough for my shot to penetrate her ironclad sides, when I replied to her fire. We continued the action for nearly half an hour, when a shell from this ship penetrated her side and set her on fire. Your statement in your General Orders, No. 57, is therefore incorrect. I wrote you previously to the attack on Baton Rouge, suggesting reinforcements, and in your reply you state, In my (your) judgment Baton Rouge will not be attacked.~~ You also state to Flag-Officer Farragut that no dependence could be placed on the Essex. The letter is in my possession. I have therefore to request you will at once correct the above clause in your Orders, No. 57, or I shall cer- tainly believe you have intentionally and maliciously attempted to vilify my character. I beg to state another fact. It was entirely owing to the presence of the Essex and Sumter, both under my command, that your army at Baton Rouge was saved from defeat, for I now have convincing information that General Breckinridge had a force, in connection with the ram Arkansas, to accomplish this object. It is well known to all who know anything of the attack on Bato P ouge that the left wing of our force gave way, that the rebels advanc and at one time had part possession of the penitentiary, at the head of the town, until the fire from the Essex over our own men drove them from that build- ing and forced them beyond their original lines. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commanding Division of Flotilla on Western Waters. General B. F. BUTLER, Headquarters Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, La. P. S.The Essex was the only vessel present at the action, and on the Arkansass starboard side I counted fourteen shot holes through her new plating put on at Vicksburg. You, sir, were 150 miles off and could know nothing of it. I was within 300 yards of her, and was on deck and traced every shot to her. It is not reasonable to suppose that so brave an officer as her commander, H. K. Stevens, former of the U. S. Navy, would burn his vessel merely on the Essex heaving in sight, when he knew his vessel was of superior force in plating, speed, guns, and crew, and when he had, on a former occasion, encountered her, and also knowing that to set fire to his vessel would be to forfeit his life to the so-called Government of the Confederate States, and I have the fact in my possession that he had coaled up a mile above the position of attack, and that it was his intention to attack the gun- boats at Baton Rouge that evening at 6 oclock. W.D.P. Letter of censure from the Secretary of the Navy to Commodore Porter, U. S. Navy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, Septemler 22, 1862. SIR: Certain correspondence relative to the alteration and recon- struction of the gunboat Essex has been forwarded to the Departmen Page 123 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 123 by the Secretary of War, and with it a communication* which is char- acterized as the copy of a discourteous letter addressed by Commodore W. D. Porter to the Secretary of War, to which no answer can be returned by this or the War Department. I do not propose in this communication to take up the business por- tion of this correspondence, but I can not otherwise than express my profound regret that any officer of the Navy, and especially one of the rank of commodore, should have written such a letter. The courte- sies and proprieties of life must be observed in official intercourse, and especially between officers of the different branches of the service, or there can not be harmonious and efficient cooperation and action. So disrespectful a letter has the appearance of a premeditated design not only to interrupt correspondence, but necessary business relations, and can~not be permitted to pass without an expression by the Department of decided reproof and censure. This duty I per form the more emphatically because on a recent occasion I hastened to award you honors and distinction for courage and energy well earned and well deserved. I have also to inform you that in consequence of communica- tions addressed to the Department by Rear-Admiral Farragut and Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, impugning the correctness of statements contained in your report of the 1st ultimo, respecting the destruction of the rebel steamer Arkansas, and for the further purpose of ascer- taining material facts in relation to the loss of the gunboat Sumter, while under the command of Lieutenant Erben, I have deemed it proper that these several matters shall be thoroughly investigated by the naval board now sitting at the Lafarge House, New York. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Commodore WILLIAM D. PORTER, U. S. Navy, New York. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting explanation regarding the report of Commodore Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 26, 1862. SIR: I transmit herewith an extract from the report, dated the 9th instant, made by Commodore W. D. Porter to Acting Rear-Admiral C. H. Davis, of the destruction of the rebel ram Arkansas. The cir- cumstances stated seem to require some explanation from you. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola, Fla. [Enclosure.] Extract.] ON U. S. GUNBOAT ESSEX, Off New Orleans, La., September 9, 1862. SIR: * * * I weighed anchor at 8 a. m. and proceeded up- stream, the Cayuga accompanying me. At 9:30 came in sight of the *Not found Page 124 124 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Arkansas with full steam on, distant above the point about 1 mile. The Caynga up to this time closely followed us, when all at once, and in direct contradiction of orders, she rounded to and ran down the river, leaving the Essex alone. The Arkansas opened fire on us first; reserving my fire I kept on for closer quarters. When about 1,200 yards from her, the Essex opened fire from her bow guns. Contin- uing our advance, a shot at about 1,000 yards distant disabled her rudder, and a shell about the same time from a 50-pounder rifled can- non entered her starboard after port, setting some cotton bales used for her protection on fire, which soon communicated to all parts of the vessel. Just at this time she ran ashore, her men jumping over- board and making off. Ten prisoners were taken, and several wounded were conveyed 4 miles inland by carts belonging to a planter by name of Bird, who had also supplied Lieutenant H. K..Stevens, her com- mander, with coal the day previously. No other vessel was in sight belonging to the fleet off Baton Rouge, fired a gun, or in any way assisted the Essex in destroying the Arkansas. She blew up at noon, scarcely a vestige of her remaining. She had, after running the gant- let through the upper fleet, been covered with another plating of rail iron at Vicksburg, had 180 men, 6 8-inch and 4 50-pounder rifled guns; also 18,000 pounds of powder on board. On the 7th August, Commodore Farraguts entire fleet from New Orleans arrived at Baton Rouge to destroy the ram. Finding the fact anticipated, the fleet returned to New Orleans on the 8th. * * * W. D. PORTER, Commodore, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral C. H. DAVIS, Commanding Naval Force on Western Waters. Letter from Lieutenant-Commander Roe, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katahdin, to Commander Fairfax, U. S. Navy, criticising the conduct of Commodore Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding the U. S. S. Essex. U. S. GUNBOAT KATARDIN, Mississippi River, October 4,18692. DEAR SIR: Your letter of September 17 to Lieutenant-Commander G. M. Ransom, in which you express a desire for me to state what I know of the circumstances connected with the affair of the Confeder- ate ram Arkansas at Baton Rouge on the 6th of August last, has been referred to me. Any virtuous and brave man can not fail to be shocked at the extraordinary assertions of Commodore Porter in relation to the part both the Essex and Caynga took in the affair. On the morning of the 5th August the Arkansas made her appear- ance in the bend about 8 miles above Baton Rouge. She remained there, steam up, occasionally moving about a little, until the morn- ing of the 6th, when it was decided by Captain Porter to go up and attack her. The enemy attacked the town on the 5th and was expected to renew it on the 6th. The Kineo and Katahdin were stationed to protect the right flank of the army, before the town. On the afternoon of the 5th the Caynga came up hurriedly, and that night she took position as picket in advance, to give us warning of the movements of the ram. About 9 p.m.of that same evening I received a note from you to the effect that you would keep th Page 125 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 125 advance, remain underway all night, and attack the enemy upon his first appearance down, in time for us to operate. I felt profoundly grateful to you for the zeal and courage you manifested in the taking upon yourself the advance duty, and, by it, enabling me to move in time, if the enemy would permit it by not assailing the right flank. It was absolutely required of the Kineo and Katahdin to guard the army and prevent the right flank being cut to pieces. On the morning of the 6th Captain Porter, joined by yourself and the Sumter, proceeded up in the direction of the Arkansas. When about 2 miles distant the Essex opened a sort of desultory fire upon the Arkansas, which was occasionally returned. Shortly after I dis- covered the signal for all the fleet to close up flying from the Sumter and Cayuga, when the Kineo and Katahdin steamed up to the scene of action. During this time the Cayuga was still hovering about the Essex, in the advance, but upon my approach the Cayuga came toward the Kineo ahead of me, and I was hailed by Captain Ran- som and ordered to return to my station, as there were indications that the town was again attacked. As I was turning around to return downstream I observed that the Arkansas seemed to be on fire. During this time the Essex did not advance more than one-quarter of a mile nearer the enemy, and her lire was only occasional at that great distance. I confess that I was perplexed at the great delay of the Essex in engaging the enemy at quarters close enough to do exe- cution. It was remarked by many of my people. On my return to my original station the Cayuga and Sumter remained with the Essex, the former turning back to go up as I came down. In a few minutes I was gratified to observe that the Arkansas was fairly on fire and about noon she blew up. Subsequently Captain Porter explained to me that he had intended to have the honor of destroying the Arkansas all to himself, but that upon his approach to her she looked so formidable that he said he found that he had more than he could do, and required all the help he could get, and more, too. I have officially stated that the approach in force of our gunboats no doubt determined the Arkansas to destroy herself. So far from your avoiding or running away from the fight, it was precisely no fight at all, and your own occupation in the advance, by so frail a thing as the Caynga, in front of this monster, as Captain Por- ter styled her, evinced that cool, religious courage which all brave men so well know you to possess. I am grieved and ashamed that anyone occupying a position in the Navy could be found to defame another so wickedly, so falsely as you have been in this case. Captain Porter could well afford to be honor- ably just to those whom he signalized to close up and help him, and who were burning to be engaged against such fearful odds, and whose assistance he rejected until the critical moment arrived. Such are the facts as I observed them, and I beg you will use my statement as you deem proper in refuting the horrible calumny cast upon your fair fame. Very truly, yours, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant-Commander. %~2omnuinder D. MoN. FAIRFAX, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Caynga Page 126 126 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Fairfax, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Cayuga, proposing a court of enquiry. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 13, 1862. SIR: I herewith enclose you an extract from the report of Com- mander W. D. Porter to Acting Rear-AdmiraJ C. H. Davis, which the honorable Secretary has calle~ upon me to explain, and I deem the most satisfactory mode of explaining such things to be by court of enquiry. I shall, therefore, as soon as the Winona can take your place on the blockade, order you around to New Orleans to report to Com- modore Morris, and a court will be convened for the investigation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander D. McN. FAIRFAX, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Cayuga, If obile Bar. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Morris, U. S. Navy, fo~ the convening of a court of enquiry. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 16, 1862. SIR: On the arrival of the gunboat Caynga at New Orleans you will convene a court of enquiry for the investigation of the facts connected with the attack on the Arkansas, rebel ironclad, by the Essex, Com- modore Porter, who, in his report to Acting Rear-Admiral Davis, uses the following words: I weighed anchor at 8 a. m. and proceeded upstream, the Oayaga accompanying me. At 9:30 came in sight of the Arkansas with full steam on, distant above the point about i mile. The Caynga up to this time closely followed us, when all at once, and in direct contradiction of orders, she rounded to and ran down the river, leaving the Essex alone. You will be careful not to embarrass the river trade by withdrawing more than one of the gunboats at a time for the purpose of obtaining witnesses. When the Cayuga arrives you will have present all the parties referred to on the occasion except Commodore Porter. You will [detailil for the court as many commanders as the exigen- cies of the service will permit, and fill the deficiency with lieutenant- commanders. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore H. W. MORRIS, Or Senior Officer on Duty in Mississippi River. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, making reference to the court of enquiry. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off New Orleans, November 13, 1862. DEAR COMMODORE: I was so much alarmed for fear you would not have oil that I borrowed some money from General Butler and pu Page 127 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 127 chased 1,000 gallons, 500 of which I send you by the Tennessee, and several other articles which I found on the Fearnot, and which we need very much at Pensacola. I wish you to send the Tennessee back as soon as she has delivered the articles above named, and put on board of her, for the use of the vessels in the river, the articles named in the requisition herewith enclosed. If the Winona continues to leak you can do whichever in your judg- ment is best, viz, send her into the river or else put her in the basin at Pensacola and take everything out of her, engines and all, and we will heave her out and see what is the matter with her bottom. So soon as the Albatross returns from up the coast, I wish her sent here also. She is well adapted to the river service, as her men are well protected from the guerrillas and she has good speed. When the Kensington returns from Key West I shall want her sent down to the mouth of the Rio Grande, where she will receive on board refugees from Texas; and I herewith enclose you a letter which he will send on shore to the American consul. I will send, however, Captain Crocker full instructions. They are raising a regiment of Texan refugees for the purpose of going down on that coast. I received a visit from the French admiral to-day and he informed me that he desired to communicate with his consul at Mobile, and wished to know the most convenient way of doing so. I told him I presumed he could communicate from the fort, and the consul would come out in a steamer. So you can inform Captain Jenkins that he will be there in the course of a few days. The courts of enquiry on Commander Fairfax and Lieutenant- Commander Manton have terminated their labors, and the Essex and Kineo sent up the river. We are making a reconnoissance of Port Hudson, and hope to attack it soon with an army. The court on Fair- fax did not elicit as much in the cross-examination as I hoped they would, but sufficient to satisfy themselves that there was no justifica- tion for the report of Commodore Porter. They fully prove that he had determined to attack her alone, and only wanted Fairfax to be in supporting distance, but that he subsequently changed his mind and made signal for close action~ while he was a mile and a half off, and by the time Fairfax got u with the Essex the Arkansas was discov- ered to be on fire, and he t~en told th em to return to Baton Rouge as he did not want them. All the witnesses appear to testify to the same point. Fairfax appears to have been unwilling to push matters against Porter because of his absence, and told the court that when they were satisfied he would rest content. Please to let me know by return mail the result of my application to Lardner for oil by the Kensington, and let me know if the Kuhn has arrived. Very respectfully and truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore 11.11. BELL, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Pensacola Bay. N W NVOL 19 1 Page 128 128 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Commander Fairfax, U. S. Navy, to the Secretary of the Navy. U. S. IRONCLAD NANTUCKET, North Edisto, S. 0., March 30, 18C3. SIR: I herewith enclose a letter from Commodore W. D. Porter, which I request may be put on file with the proceedings of a court of enquiry held at New Orleans upon my conduct on the 6th of August last. Were I to accept such a letter, it might be viewed as a tacit acknowl- edgment that there was ground for Commodore Porters entertaining impressions prejudicial to me as the commanding officer of the Cayuga. He certainly seems to have seen things quite differently from the many who have testified before my court. He, however, regrets that I did not explain to him what he was p leased to inter p ret to my disadvan- tage, as it would have removed from his mind entirely everything inimical to me. I could not make explanations of a maneuver of my vessel while unconscious of any failure to perform my duty. Com- modore Porter had ample time and opportunity to demand one of me at the time the affair was fresh on his mind. In the February number of Harper an article headed the Essex cruise in the Mississippi, reflects upon the Cayuga, then under my command. That I may the more readily contradict such statements, I would respectfully askto be furnished with a copy of the decision of the NavyDep artment in the court of enquiry in my case. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. M. FAIRFAX, Commander, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] WASHINGTON, D. C., March 10, 1863. DEAR SIR: I am induced to write you in reference to the attack on the Arkansas on the 6th of August last, which has been made the sub- ject of a court of enquiry both here and in the Gulf. Much as I regret the vexation that has arisen from out of the affair, which I can not but think would have been avoided had you explained to me the cause of your retiring just as the Essex was about to attack the Arkansas, yet after your explanatory testimony before the court the other day, it would be wrong of me to withhold from you that such testimony has entirely eradicated the conviction previously weighing on my mind to your detriment, and I gladly take this opportunity of assuring you that whatever prejudicial feeling there was certainly forced on my mind from your apparent absence of assistance to the Essex in the attack is now entirely removed. I was desirous on my own account to have the subject investigated, and though much anxiety has been entailed thereby, I regret not the enquiry, as it has freed me from an impression to your prejudice and you from all imputation that could be inimical toxou. bth I will further add, the investigation was unavoi able as oyour and my actions were too freely handled by others and require d the wholesome sifting of a court to place them in a truthful light. You are at liberty to make any use you please of this communica- tion of mine, and sincerely trusting that in your new and importan Page 129 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 129 command success may be yours, and that your life may be long spared to combat the enemies of our country. Very faithfully, yours, W. D. PORTER, Commodore, U. S. Navy. Commander DONALD MeN. FAIRFAX. Report of Acting Master Riley, U. S. Navy, late executive officer of the U. S. S. Essex. OFFICE OF GUNBOAT FLOTILLA, St. Louis, October 30, 1862. SIR: After receiving orders at New Orleans from Commander W. D. Porter to proceed to St. Louis, via New York and Washington City, delivering to the honorable Secretary of the Navy dispatches, a rebel flag, and staff of the ram Arkansas, I returne d from Washington City to New York and with Commander Porter reported to Judge Hamil- ton, and was notified to appear as a witness in the case of Lieutenant- Commander Erben, also in Commander Porters case. After dis- missal of the cases I proceeded to St. Louis, at which place I am engaged in settling up the accounts of the gunboat Essex, getting the bills in p roper vouchers and having them approved. Having several hundre dd ollars worth of old material turned over to parties doing her repairs, it was necessary that I should be in St. Louls that the Government might get proper credits for it. I was detained in New York City one month. Hoping I may be allowed my mileage, I am, Very respectfully, your most obedient servant, ROBERT K. RILEY, Acting Master, Mississippi Squadron. Acting Rear-Admiral D. D. PORTER, Commanding Mississippi Squadron., Cairo, Ill. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Commander Fairfax, U. S. Navy, showing cause of no report being made by court of enquiry. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 5, 1864. SIR: The Department has received your letter of the 27th ultimo, in relation to the proceedings of a court of enquiry held at New Orleans in November, 1862 ,by order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, to investigate a statement made by the late Commodore W. D. Porter respecting your conduct on the occasion of the destruction of the rebel ram Arkansas. The proceedings of the court of enquiry to which you refer did not require any action or decision on the part of the Department. The court made no report and expressed no opinion unfavorable to you, and Commodore Porter having subsequently, in a letter addressed to you, and now on file in the Department, frankly acknowledged that the impressions under which he made the statement reflecting on you Page 130 130 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. conduct had been entirely eradicated, it is not perceived that you can need any further or stronger evidence of acquittal. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Commander D. McN. FAIRFAX, Commanding U. S. Ship 211 acedonian. Report of Major-General Van Dorn, C. S. Army, commanding District of Mississippi. JACKSON, MISS., August 7,1862. Arkansas ordered to cooperate with General Breckinridge. Broke machinery 5 miles above Baton Rouge. On way down was attacked by the enemy. In this condition fought well, inflicting great damage to gunboats, and was then blown up by crew, all o fwhom escaped so reported. Breckinridge drove the enemy from town to cover of boats. Burned camp and large amount of stores. Captured some prisoners and several colors. Was reduced one-half by sickness since left Vicksburg. General [Charles] Clark mortally wounded. General Thomas Williams, commanding enemys troops, and several other prominent officers, killed. Sending reinforcements to break up gar- rison entirely. Breckinridge in camp 10 miles from Baton Rouge. EARL VAN DORN, Miajor-Ceneral. SECRETARY OF WAR. [Endorsement.] Read with deep regret for loss of Arkansas, but joy at the success of our troops, and hope that it will be made complete. ~. D. Letter from Lieutenant Brown, C. S. Navy, to Major-General Breckinridge, C. S. Army, regarding the probable capture of the crew of the C. S. ram Arkansas. [From Richmond Dispatch, August 26, 1862.] AT MR. LEES, 20 MILES FROM HEADQUARTERS, Near Clinton, La., August 7, 1862.P. Al. GENERAL: I have just met the chief pilot of the late Arkansas. The crew and officers, without loss, got ashore on the right bank of the river, opposite Baton Rouge, where they blew their vessel to pieces. They succeeded in getting nearly opposite Port Hudson where they were, my informant thinks, overtaken by the enemys horse, the gun- boats also pursuing. It is believed that Lieutenant H. K. Stevens and most of his men and some few officers must have been made prisoners. Eight men and three lieutenants got over with the pilot at Port Hudson. I fear that a strict pursuit will be made by the enemy on both sides of the river after my unfortunates. The engines totally gave way. The vessel did not run ashore in a fog, but would have accomplished the required work but for defects in the machin- ery, which no one on board could remedy or guard against. Of these defects I was aware and ever in fear, though no one could think they would so soon have ruined everything Page 131 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 131 Let me say one word of comfort for the guerrillas on this side: My poor men (unarmed and seeking food and protection) approached a camp of Confederate guerrillas, near where they landed, and stam- peded them at half a mile distance, and never could get in hail. Pray have all such running heroes added to the conscript roll on both sides. I am deeply moved for the too probable fate of my brave crew. It is some small consolation to me to know that I could not have, by my presence, averted the wearing out of the engines. A large sloop of war attacked in company with the Essex and gunboats. I regret to say that Lieutenant Stevens was seriously burned by a grenade with which he fired the ship. As I knew would be proved, he and the officers behaved well. I send them back to-night by one of the two dragoons, whom General Ruggles sent with me. I am, with respect, I. N. BROWN, Commander, C. S. Navy. Major-General JOHN C. BREcKINRIDGE, Commanding near Baton Rouge. Statement made by Lieutenant Read, C. S. Navy, of the C. S. ram Arkansas. [From Jackson Mississippian.] Lieutenant Read, of the ram Arkansas, gives the following par- ticulars: The Arkansas left Vicksburg at 2 oclock Sunday morning, August 3, and steamed leisurly down the river, having ample time to reach Baton Rouge at the appointed hour. When she arrived within 15 miles of Baton Rouge, her starboard engine broke down. Repairs were immediately commenced, and at 8 oclock were partially completed, though she was not in condition to engage many of the Yankee vessels on account of the injury received. At 4 oclock, almost to a minute, General Breckinridge opened the attack on Baton Rouge. A messenger was dispatched at 8 oclock to ascertain the strength of the enemys fleet, and the Arkansas proceeded to a point 5 miles above Baton Rouge, when she was cleared for action. We learned from the guerrillas on shore that there were only three gunboats. On round- ing the point, the starboard engine again broke down, and the ship drifted ashore in sight of Baton Rouge, on the Arkansas side. Repairs were immediately commenced, and the ship got afloat at 5 oclock the same evening. The engineer reported that the engines were unre- liable. It was determined to make another trial trip up the river to ascertain the strength of the engines proceeded some 500 yards up the river when her engines again broke more seriously than ever. The crew was engaged all night in sepairs. Next morning at 8 oclock the lookouts reported the Federal fleet coming up. The ship was moored head downstream, and cleared for action, and in this condition was determined to fight to the last. At 9 oclock the Essex came round the point and opened fire. At this moment the engineers reported the engines ready, and that they would last half a day. The lines were cut, and the Arkansas started for the Essex with the intention of running her down. Proceeded about 300 yards in the direction of the Essex, and the larboard engine suddenly stopped. She then made for the bank, her stern down, the Essex pouring a hot fire into her. In this condition we opened fire with the stern. The Essex continued to advance, and when within 400 yards the crew of the Arkansas were ordered ashore, and the vessel fired. After all hands were ashore the Essex fired upon the disabled vessel most furiously. In an hour after her abandonment the fire coinmuni- cated to her magazine, and all that remained of the noble Arkansas was blown up Lieutenant Stevens was in command of the Arkansas, and displayed remarkable coolness under the most perilous and distressing mis- fortunes. Our informant, Lieutenant Read, states that but for the misfortune to her engines the expedition would have been a most bril- liant success, and the Yankees would have been driven from New Orleans in a few days Page 132 132 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Extract from the papers of Acting Masters Mate Wilson, C. S. Navy. On the 20th June, 1862, the Confederate steamer Arkansas having been completed according to the material at the disposal of her com- mander, Isaac N. Brown, she left Yazoo City and descended the Yazoo River to Liverpool Landing, where an earthwork and raft of logs were in position to prevent the Federal fleet from ascending the river. The officers of the Arkansas were: Lieutenant I. N. Brown, commanding; First Lieutenant Henry K. Stevens, executive officer; Lieutenants John Grimball, A. D. Wharton, C. W. Read, Alphonse Barbot, George W. Gift; Surgeon H. W. M. Washington; Assistant Surgeon Charles M. Morfit; Assistant Paymaster Richd. Taylor; First Assistant Engineer George W. City; Second Assistant Engineer E. Covert; Third Assistant Engineers William H. Jackson, E. H. Brown, James T. Doland, John S. Dupuy, James S. Gettis; Acting Masters Samuel Milliken, John L. Phillips; Midshipmen R. H. Bacot, D. M. Scales, H. S. Cooke, C. W. Tyler, D. B. Talbott; Masters Mate John A. Wilson; Paymasters Clerk Wilson; Gunner T. B. Travers; Pilots John Hodges, James Brady, William Gilmore, J. H. Shacklett, Montgomery. Her crew consisted of 200 seamen, landsmen, fire- men, soldiers, and boys. She mounted 10 guns, viz, two 8-inch colum- biads forward, two 6-inch astern, and two IX-inch, two 6-inch, and two 32-pounder guns in broadside. She was 165 feet in length, with 35 feet of beam, and drew 1 1~ feet of water. Her plating was of railroad iron, ~1 inches in thickness, a her general appearance was long and rali.ish. The Arkansas remained at Liverpool Landing until July 4, when a trial trip was made, up to Yazoo City, returning the following day. The crew were then set to work to open a passage through the obstructions, which was done in two days, and the vessel passed out in compliance with the orders of Captain William F. Lynch, com- manding the Confederate States naval forces on the Mississippi and its tributaries. On the morning of July 15, 1862, the Arkansas arrived at the mouth of Old River, and seeing three Federal gunboats lying off a point below, she was headed for them, and fire opened with her bow guns. They replied, one shot shattering the pilot house of the Arkan- sas, mortally wounding Pilot John Hodges and slightly injuring by splinters Commander Brown and Pilot Shacklett; Midshipman Tyler, acting aid, was also shot in the forearm. Throughout the engage- ment of this day Commander Brown occupied a positlQn on the wheel platform (with his pilots), situated forward on the gun deck, from whence he directed the movements of the vessel. Lieutenants Grim- ball and Gift commanded the two bow guns, and Lieutenant Read the two stern 6-inch rifles, whilst the broadside guns were in charge, respectively, of Lieutenants Wharton and Barbot, Midshipmen Bacot, Scales, anJ Talbott, and Masters Mate Wilson. Two of the enemy, consisting of the wooden gunboat Tyler and ironclad ram Queen of the West, wore round and steamed down for the main fleet below, fighting their stern guns as they retreated. The third, the ironclad Carondelet, fought her bow guns until the Arkansas approached her at close quarters, when she also turned to follow her consorts. The Arkansas ranged up alongside her and pouring a broadside into her with her port guns, compelled the Carondelet to strike her colors and run ashore in a sinking and crippled condition. Continuing on down the river we soon came in sight of the whole fleet, 33 vessels in all Page 133 WEST GULF BLOCJ~ADJNG SQUADRON. 133 consisting of sloops-of-war, ironclads, gunboats, rams, mortar boats, and transports. In passing them we underwent a terrific fire at close range, which we answered actively, bringing every gun into action that would bear upon the enemy. The Federal ram Lancaster, run- ning out to strike us, received a shot in her drum from one of our bow guns, which caused an escape of steam. Many of her crew leaped overboard and perished in full sight of the fleet. A shell penetrated the broken, armor on our port side and exploded, wounding Lieuten- ant Gift in the right shoulder and killing and wounding most of his gun~ s crew. I was at the same time cut in the arm and leg by frag- ments of wood and iron. The heat on the gun deck from rapid firing, and the concussion from shot and shell striking the ship on all sides, was terrific. Men and officers alike fought their guns clad only in pantaloons and undershirts. Another shell exploded in front of my gun port, killing my sponger and knocking down the other men. An XI-inch solid shot entered the ships side above my gun, smashing in the bulkhead, killing 2 men and the powder boy, wounding 3 others, and knocking me senseless, cutting my head and nose. I was taken below, wounds were dressed, and returned to my gun shortly after- wards. The same shot continued on across the deck, passing through the lower part of the smokestack, killing 8 of Mids~pman Scaless men and wounding 3 others (as they were running out their gun). It finally struck the opposite bulkhead, broke in half, and fell on deck. The smokestack was so p erforated by every kind of missile that it was almost impossible to keep up sufficient steam to give the ship enough motive power to steer her, but we finally cleared the enemy s line of vessels and ran in alongside the wharf, under the guns of the batteries at Vicksburg. The enemys lower mortar fleet, thinking we were about to attack them, burned one of their vessels, which was aground below the city, whilst the others hastily got underway and proceeded down the river. Our loss after such a severe ordeal was 16 men killed and 17 wounded, besides the officers injured, already mentioned. The scene around the gun deck upon our arrival at Vicksburg was ghastly in the extreme. Blood and brains bespattered everything, whilst arms, legs, and several headless trunks were strewn about. The citizens and soldiers of the town crowded eagerly aboard, but a passing look at the gun deck was sufficient to cause them to retreat hastily from the sickening spectacle within. In this engagement it would be invidious to mention any particular man or officer for acts of bravery; all hands did their duty well, honestly, and courageously. The enemys loss was severe, being over 120 men killed and wounded (according to statements published in Northern, papers), besides the damages sustained by their vessels. The day was passed in burying the dead, sending the wounded ashore, cleaning ship ,and making all possible repairs. About 5 p. m. the enemy openedup on us with his upper and lower mortar fleets, which had recovered from their scare, and resumed their former anchorage, whilst a number of sharp shoot- ers kept up an incessant fire from the opposite (Louisiana) bank of the river. At 9 p. m. 14 of the upper fleet, with the sloops of war of the lower fleet, rounded the point above Vicksburg, with the intention of passing below the town, and at the same [time] endeavoring to destroy the Aricansas, if possible. She laid under the bluff in the darkness, and being painted a dull-brown color could not be seen at a distance Page 134 134 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Our engineers had gotten up steam, but were unable to generate much, owing to the riddled condition of the smokestack. With so many men disabled, and our armor badly shattered, we were not in trim condition for another engagement. A few volunteers from a Missouri regiment ashore had come aboard in the afternoon to assist in working our guns. The batteries above us opened fire on the fleet as soon as they got within range, and the Arkansas joined in the duel when they began passing her line of fire. The enemys gunners were guided solely by the flash of our guns, as we were almost invisible in the darkness. They fired well, however, and their shot and shell fell thickly around us. One heavy shot entered our port side, demolish- ing the dispensary, tore Engineer Citys berth to pieces; entered the engine room, killing 2 men and wounding 3 others; killed Pilot Gil- more, by cutting him in two, and finally embedded itself deeply in the starboard side. We inflicted much damage on the passing fleet, as their vessels passed very close to us and offered fair targets. The engagement lasted about an hour, during which we lost 8 men killed at the guns and 11 wounded. I had the misfortune to be a third time knocked off my feet by a piece of shell, which opened another furrow in the top of my scalp. The next day Midshipman Tyler, Third Assistant Engineer Jackson, and myself were sent ashore (under a severe shelling from the mortar boats) to the residence of a planter named Cox, in order to have our injuries properly cared for. The house was about 2 miles from Vicksburg, and Mrs. Cox had offered the use of it for as many of our wounded as could be accom- modated. Her husband was absent in the Army, so she, with her daughter and servants, kindly nursed and cared for all who were sent to her most hospitable mansion. Here Pilot Hodges died the second day after we arrived. Three days later we were transferred to a hos- pital at Edwards Station [Depot], where we found Surgeon Wash- ington and Lieutenant Barbot. After a weeks sojourn here Com- mander Brown ordered all officers and men of the Arkansas who were able to be moved to the city hospital in Vicksburg. This building had been shelled by the mortar boats, although the yellow flag was flying above it. Another one of their targets was the Catholic Church; its steeple was surmounted with a cross, so there could be no doubt of its identity, but they persisted in their vandalism until the building was rendered unfit for service. Making war upon the sick and wounded and upon churches did not increase our respect for the U. S. Navy. We were all more or less, officers and men, suffering from fever and ague, contracted up in the Yazoo River, and on arriv- ing at the city hospital found Lieutenant Gift, First Assistant Engi- neer George W. City, Third Assistant Engineers Jackson, Brown, and Doland, and Gunner Thomas B. Travers. From them we learned of another attack upon the Arkansas, made by the Federal ironclad steamer Essex and the ram Queen of the West, on the morning of the 22d July. They were beaten off with considerable loss and damage, but in this affair we lost 7 men killed and 6 wounded. The shot which caused our loss entered my unfortunate gun port, and whilst I regretted being unavoidably absent from duty, I felt that once more I had made a lucky escape. Our shore batteries were but small assistance to the Arkansas; in fact, one of our men had his arm shattered by a discharge of grap Page 135 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 135 from one of their guns. The Arkansas was at this time undergoing repairs on her engines, smokestack, and armor of the port side, which latter having borne the brunt of most of the fighting, was badly loos- ened and battered. After a weeks stay at the hospital orders were received from Commander Brown for all of the officers fit for duty to rejoin their vessel. Being convalescent, and our injuries nearly healed, Midshipman Tyler, Gunner Travers, and myself reported aboard for duty. The following day First Lieutenant Stevens received orders to prepare to leave Vicksburg. He was then in command of the ship, as Commander Brown had gone home on leave of absence. The lower Federal fleet had descended the river and was lying below Baton Rouge. On the morning of August 3, at 2 a. in., we cast off our lines and started for Baton Rouge, in order to cooperate with our land forces under General John C. Breckinridge, for the purpose of retaking that town and raising the blockade of the Lower Mississippi. The Arkansas proceeded down the river until within 22 miles of Baton Rouge, when, near midnight, her starboard engine broke down. She was made fast to the bank and repairs begun, which were finished about 8 a. m. the next morning under the superintendence of Third Assistant Engineer E. H. Brown, of Norfolk, Va., the senior naval engineer at that time aboard. We again started, and soon coming in sight of the enemys fleet, consisting of the ironclad Essex, three gunboats, and some transports, all hands were beat to quarters and the guns cleared for action. Almost immediately afterwards the engine again broke down, and the ship drifted ashore, where she was secured and repairs again commenced. By night the ship was afloat and the engine arranged. We started a short distance up the river to secure some coal lying on the river bank, and had scarcely reached the place when the unfortunate engine became disabled a third time. Another night was spent in making repairs and taking coal aboard. General Breckinri dge having awaited our coming until long after the appointed time, attacked the enemy on the morning of the 4th, drove him from Baton Rouge to the shelter of the lower fleet. On the morning of the 5th Engineer Brown reported the engine repaired, but unreliable. A consultation was held between Lieutenant Stevens and his officers, and at 9 a. m. we started from the bank to attack the enemys fleet, which now had been reinforced to fourteen vessels, and, headed by the Essex, was slowly advancing up the river. We had not steamed any distance when the port engine broke. The ship was then headed for the shore, and in a few moments her starboard engine suddenly gave way and she drifted toward the enemy in a helpless condition, they opening fire upon us. Finally, however, she grounded near the river bank, stern downstream, and Lieutenant Read answered their fire with his stern rifles, but the enemy having halted, the fire of our guns was ineffective. The Essex continued to shell us at long range, but with no effect, her missiles falling short and out of range. Our engines were now beyond repair. in our p resent condition the ship was immovable and her guns could not be brought to bear upon the Federal fleet. Under the circumstances there was no alternative left Lieutenant Stevens but to destroy the Arkansas to prevent her falling into the hands of the enemy. The officers and crew were sent ashore with small arms and ammunition, and as one of our lookouts reported a force landing below us, our ships company was marched off towar Page 136 136 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the interior of the country, only two men deserting, both mess-room men from New Orleans. Lieutenant Read, Midshipmen Bacot, Scales, and Talbott, Gunner Travers, and myself (acting as aid to Lieutenant Commanding Stevens) were ordered to remain aboard, to assist in destroying the vessel. The machinery of the engines was broken up with axes and the wardroom bedding fired in several places; the cotton in the inside bulkheads between the guns was cut open and fired; the magazines opened, cartridges scattered about, and loaded shell p laced on the gun deck between the guns. In this condition, with the wardroom in a blaze, we abandoned the ship, assisting Lieutenant Stevens ashore, he having had his bands badly burned by the premature explosion of a hand grenade whilst occu- pied in destroying the engine. We landed with our side arms and no other clothing than what we had on, which, being our fighting rig, was rather scanty. Retreating a distance up the levee, we watched the end of the Arkansas. Her battery being loaded and the guns run out, she gradually drifted down toward the Federal fleet, her guns being dis- charged as the fire aboard reached them. The Essex and her consorts turned downstream, not fully understanding the condition of affairs, and giving her a wide berth. In an hours time, or after midday, she blew up with a terrific ex;plosion, and we began our retreat from the scene of our misfortune. We traveled through the Louisiana partly on foot, horseback, and in wagons, the planters and their wives and daughters receiving us all along our route with the utmost kindness. After crossing the Comite and Amite rivers, we reached Cam p Moore, near Tangipahoa, where we took the train, and arrived in Jackson, Miss., on Sunday, August 9,1862. JNO. A. WILsON. Report of Major-General Van Dorn, C. 8. Army, commanding District of Mississippi, refer- ring to the destruction of the ram. HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT o~ Mississippi, Jackson, Miss., September .9, 1862. GENERAL: I have the honor to submit, for the information of the War Department, the following report of the defense of Vicksburg and of operations in this district up to this present time. * * * * * * * Prior to my assuming command the attacking force of the enemy was confined to Porters mortar fleet and Farraguts gunboats (with their attendant army transports), which had ascended the river from New Orleans. * * * The evacuation of Fort Pillow and the fall of Memp his opened the new danger of a combination between the u p perandlowerfleetsof the enemy. This junction was effected early in July, and thus an added force of more than forty gunboats, mortar boats, rams, and transports lay in menace before the city. On July 12 it opened fire and kept up a continuous attack until the bombardment of the city ceased. Having received authority from the President to use the ram Arkansas as part of my force, some days prior to July 15 I issued an order to Captain [I. N.] l3rown to assume command of her and pre- pare her for immediate and active service. From all reliable source Page 137 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 137 I learned that she was a vessel capable of great resistance and armed with large offensive power. Making the order imperative, I com- manded Captain Brown to take her through the raft of the Yazoo and, after sinking the Star of the West in the passage, to go out and attack the upper fleet of the enemy, to the cover of my batteries. I left it to his judgment to determine whether on reaching the city his vessel was in a condition to proceed down the river and destroy the lower mortar fleet. Captain Brown properly substituted a vessel of inferior quality in place of the Star of the West, entered the Missis- sippi, and on the memorable morning of July 15 immortalized his single vessel, himself, and the heroes under his command by an achievement the most brilliant ever recorded in naval annals. I deeply regret that I am unable to enrich my report by an authentic account of the heroic action of the officers and men of the Arkansas. Commodore [William F.] Lynch declines to furnish me with a report of the action, on the ground that he was an officer out of the scope of my command. The glory of this deed of the Arkansas stung the pride of the Federal Navy, and led to the most speedy but unsuc- cessful effort of the combined fleets to destroy her. * * * With the failure to destroy or take the Arkansas the siege of Vicks- burg practically ended. * * * On July 24 both fleets disajp- peare dfoiled in more than a two months struggle to reduce the place. The casualties on our side during the entire siege were 22 killed and wounded. Not a gun was dismounted and but two were temporarily disabled. * * * * * * * The enemy held Baton Rouge. * * * The capture of Baton Rouge and the forces of the enemy at that point would open the Mis- sissippi, secure the navigation of Red River, then in a state of block- ade, and also render easier the recapture of New Orleans. To this end I gave orders to General Breckinridge to move upon Baton Rouge with a force of 5,000 men picked from the troops at Vicksburg, and added to his command the whole effective force of General Ruggles, then at Camp Moore, making a total force of 6,000 men. To insure the success of the plan I ordered the Arkansas to cooperate with the land forces by a simultaneous attack from the river. All damages sustained by the Arkansas from the fleets of the enemy had been repaired, and when she left the wharf at Vicksburg for Baton Rouge she was deemed to be as formidable in attack or defense as when she defied a fleet of forty vessels of war, many of them ironclads. * * * The Arkansas, after arriving within a short distance of Baton Rouge, in ample time for joint action at the appointed hour of attack, suddenly became unmanageable from a failure in her machin- ery and engine, which all the efforts of her engineers could not repair. The gallant Breckinridge, advised by telegraph every hour of her progress toward Baton Rouge, and counting on her cooperation, attacked the enemy with his whole effective force (then reduced to about 2,500 men),drove him from all his positions, and forced him to seek protection under the cover of his gunboats. * * * Ithink it due to the truth of history to correct the error industriously spread by the official reports of the enemy touching the destruction of the Arkansas. She was no trophy won by the Essex, nor did sh Page 138 138 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON~ receive injury at Baton Rouge from the hands of any of her adversa- ries. Lieutenant Stevens, her gallant commander, finding her unmanageable, moored her to the shore. On the cautious approach of the enemy, who kept at a respectful distance, he landed his crew, cut her from her moorings, fired her with his own hands and turned her adrift down the river. With every gun shotted, our flag floating from her bow, and not a man on board, the Arkansas bore down upon the enemy and gave him battle. The guns were discharged as the flames reached them, and when her last shot was fired the explosion of her magazine ended the brief but glorious career of the Arkansas. It was beautiful, said Lieutenant Stevens, while the tears stood in his eyes, to see her, when abandoned by commander and crew, and dedi- cated to sacrifice, fighting the battle on her own hook. I trust that the official report of Commodore Lynch will do justice to the courage, constancy, and resolution of the officers and men who were the last crew of the Arkansas. * * * I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, EARL VAN DORN, Miajor-General. General S. COOPER. Report of Lieutenant Preble, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Oneida, regarding the collision of that vessel with steamer Lewis Whiteman, August 7, 1862. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA, New Orleans, La., August 13, 1862. GENERAL: I have reason to suppose the collision of the steamer Lewis Whiteman with this vessel at 1 a. in., on the morningof the 7th instant, was through design and not accidental. I was asleep at the time, and, awakened by the crash, was on deck in time to see her sink. The position of this vessel within 50 to 100 feet of the bank, going up, and her striking us on the port bow was conclusive to me that we could not avoid the collision, and our whistle was blown once when she was still half a mile distant, for her to pass on our port side. We had no lights out, by a squadron order, but it was a clear moonlight night, when either vessel couid be seen as far away as by day, and she had the whole breadth of the river to pass to port of us. The engineer on watch on board the Whiteman reported to me that she had on 120 pounds of steam at the moment of collision, and no bells were rung to slow down, and that he knew the collision was intended. Lieutenant Commanding Lowry, of the Sciota, informs me that an hour earlier he had great difficulty in avoiding a collision with her, and that she only sheered oft when he cleared away his bow gun to fire into her, not knowing her character and the state of things up river. The passengers and soldiers on board the W. all seemed to think the collision intentional, and wished me to take the captain and pilots in charge. They also said the captain and pilots were in conversation with some rebel prisoners, who, by some inadvertency came on board the boat from the hospital with the wounded. The captain has, I understand, four sons in the rebel Army, and has declared he would go into that service himself if a young man. The Whiteman some time since took a large sum of money to Vicks- burg for a paymaster, and at the suggestion of the clerk of the boat Page 139 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 139 who said otherwise she would be run aground at Plaquemine, a guard was put on board and the captain put under restraint until it was delivered. I hope there will be a careful investigation of all the cir- cumstances, and if it is proved that the collision was really designed, or for gross mismanagement, the captain and pilots in charge will be made to answer for the melancholy loss of life resulting. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE HENRY PREBLE, Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commander in Chief, Army of the Gulf, New Orleans, La. Report of the pilot of the U. S. S. Oneida, regarding the collision of that vessel with the steamer Lewis Whiteman. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA, August 7, 1862. SIR: I was turning the Thirty-five Mile Point at a quarter of 1 oclock with the gunboat Oneida, and I saw a light up the river. I soon distinguished it was a steamboat coming down the right- hand point. I ordered the man at the wheel to port his helm. The steamer Whiteman altered her course across the river, and I immediately blew the whistle. I ordered the man at the wheel to put his helm hard a-port,which fetched me within 100 feet of the bank. By this time the steamer Whiteman was into us right square across the river. The officer of the deck was standing beside me; the river was now full of people from the steamer swimming for their lives. We were on the right-hand side coming up, and she was on the right-hand side going down. She struck us on the port bow. I did not hear her whistle blow at all. It was a bright moonlight night, so light that I could distinguish two men in her pilot house before she struck us. Respectfully, etc., his A. H.x IEDMONDSON, Pilot of the Oneida. Lieutenant Commanding GEORGE H. PREBLE, U. S. Navy. Instructions of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Ran- som, U. S. Navy, upon the withdrawal of the former from the Miissis- sippi River. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Baton Rouge, La., August 8, 1862. SIR: In leaving this river I shall leave behind me great responsi- bilities resting on those who represent me and the interest of the United States. You will be left here for the time being to assist and protect as far as possible the army, and to keep the enemy from interfering with the commerce of the river. When your services are not required here, you will look to the crossing of cattle, arms, ammunition, and stores, to the rebels from one side of the river to the other. You will destroy their fiatboats, and take their steamers wherever you find them. I iearn that there are a number up the Yazoo and Red rivers. There are only three gunboats, however, that I have reason to believe ar Page 140 140 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. now in existence belonging to the Confederate Government, viz, the Webb and Miusic, in Red River, and the Mobile in Yazoo. These, all the prisoners say, are armed, but indifferently so. You will consider that, although Baton Rouge is considered the termination of the two commands of Flag-Officer Davis and myself, you will not, as a zealous officer, hesitate to assist Commander Porter to carry out any enter p rise he may form that does not take you away from your legitimate duty of affording protection to the army, etc., at this place. When your vessels absolutely require repairs you may send one at a time down to Captain Morris, who will attend to their wants, etc. You will therefore understand that although you will aid Com- mander Porter under certain circumstances, you are attached to dif- ferent commands, and your accountability required at different ends of the river. You will call upon Captain Morris to supply all your wants, and make your communications to him, as far as circumstances may require. Should the army be withdrawn from Baton Rouge, you will report to Captain Morris and continue to run up and down between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blocicading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding G. M. RANSOM, - Comdg. Division of Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron, Baton Rouge. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Westfield, to withdraw from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Baton Rouge, August 8, 1862. Sin: As there now appears to be no further necessity for your vessels at Baton Rouge, you can return to New Orleans and complete your arrangements for leaving the river. On your way down, however, I wish you to stop at Plaquemine and Donaldsonville and give them notice to send their women and children out of the towns, as it is my present intention to destroy those places on my way down, for firing into our vessels. I understand you to say that you had notified them some time since, when they fired into the Empire Parish, that a repe- tition of the offense would result in the destruction of their town. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer. Commander W. B. RENSHAW, U. S. S. Westfield. Report of Commander Bell, U. S. Navy, regarding the firing upon the U.S. transport Sallie Robinson, near Donaldsonville, La. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Mississippi River, August 9, 1862. Sin: When proceeding up the river on the 6th instant, the steam transport Sallie Robinson passed on ahead of me, and at sunset wa Page 141 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 141 observed 6 miles ahead. At 9p.m. five reports of cannon were heard in the direction of Donaldsonville, 7 or 8 miles distant, and the flashes of musketry observed, though the precise locality of the firing could not be indicated. I guessed it to be an attack upon that transport, and watched for her in passing the town, having the watch at the port guns. When 2 miles above the town a volley of musketry was fired at this ship from the same bank of the river, her stern being p resented to them. The engine was stopped and one shell instantly t~own in that direction from the stern gun. Nothing more transpiring, I proceeded up the river and at 10 p. in., meeting the army steam transport Whiteman, conveying wounded soldiers from Baton Rou to ew Orleans, I turned downstream, and having convoyed her past Don- aldsonville, I proceeded up the river again and fell in with you above Manchac Bend. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commander. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, U. S. S. Hartford. Partial destruction of Donctldsonville, La., August 9, 1862. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy. U. S. FLAG-SHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 10, 1862. SIR: I regret to inform the Department that at the town of Donald- sonville, on the Mississippi, they have pursued a uniform practice of firing upon our steamers passing up and down the river. I sent a message to the inhabitants that if they did not discontinue this practice, I would destroy their town. The last time I passed up to Baton Rouge to the support of the army, I anchored about 6 miles above Donaldsonville and heardthem firing upon the vessels coming up, first upon the Sallie Robinson and next upon the Brooklyn. In the latter case they made a mistake, and it was so quickly returned that they ran away. The next night they fired again upon the St. Charles. I therefore ordered them to send their women and children out of the town, as I certainly intended to destroy it on my way down the river, and I fulfilled my promise to a certain extent. I burned down the hotels and wharf buildings, also the dwelling houses and other buildings of a Mr. Phillippe Landry, who is said to be a captain of guerrillas. He fired upon our men, but they chased him off. We also brought off some ten or twelve of his negroes and supplied our- selves wit cattle and sheep from his place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES; Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 142 142 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of the committee of citizens residing on the right bank of the Mississippi, parishes of Ascension aEd St. James. ST. JAMES PARISH, August 11, 1862. Whereas an event most disastrous in its consequences occurred at Donaldsonville on the morning of Saturday last, the 9th instant, when two United States sioops of war and one gunboat, commanded by Commodore Farragut, anchored immediately in front of the town and proceeded to fire on it with their guns and mortars, and to accel- erate their work of destruction landed a force and set fire to and con- sumed the most valuable portion of the town, and also the costly buildings of an adjacent sugar plantation, besides other valuable buildings below the town, and assigned as the reason for this wanton and barbarous act that some of the unarmed vessels of the United States had been fired upon from Donaldsonville and its vicinity; and whereas the enemy has declared his intention, if the firing on his ves- sels be repeated, to complete the destruction of the town and to lay waste the whole neighboring coast, a threat which this committee believes he will most assuredly carry into effect; and whereas, while the people of the said parishes disclaim any intention to question any policy which the Government may deem advisable to pursue in the prosecution of the war within the limits of the said parishes, and they are willing to make, as they have already made, every personal sacri- fice for the common defense, they humbly conceive at the same time, with due deference to the opinion of those in authority, that the firing upon and destroying a few unarmed gunboats (for hitherto no armed vessels have been assailed) can be productive of no results which would justify the jeopardizing the lives and the total destruction of the prop- erty of our own people and the demoralizing of our servile population, a result which they consider inevitable i a course be persisted in. They conceive that so long as the enemy, with his immense fleet, pos- sesses exclusively the whole of the river, embracing the lower coast, any attempt to molest him from its banks, unless systematically and efficiently made, must necessarily prove utterly fruitless while the enemys ability to retaliate exposes riparian estates to utter destruc- tion and ruin: Be it therefore Resolved, That a committee, composed of the following gentlemen, viz, * * * be and they are hereby, a p pointed to wait upon his Excellency Governor Moore, in person, and to submit to him the pro- ceedings and resolutions of this meeting, and to use every means to induce the governor to take all necessary steps to avert the evil now impending over good and loyal people of these parishes. Respectfully submitted. JOHN H. ITISLEY, Chairman. ELvI M1~LAN~ON. J. K. GAUDET. ERNEST PEDESOLAUx. MICHAEL D. GAUDET. On motion Resolved, That the report and resolutions of the committee be, and the same are hereby, fu y adopted by this meeting. A. B. ROMAN. J. ARISTIDE LANDRY, Secretary Page 143 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 143 [Enclosure.] To the people of Donaldsonville, La.: Every time my boats are fired upon I will burn a portion of your town. D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Caldwell, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the naval forces at Baton Rouge. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 10, 1862. Sin: You will proceed to Baton Rouge and as soon as Lieutenant Commanding Preble leaves there you will be the commanding naval officer, and you will thenceforth be governed by the instructions of Lieutenant Commanding Ransom, a copy of which is herewith fur- nished you. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding C. H. B. CALDwELL Commanding U. S. Gunboat Itasca. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Preble, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Oneida, to remain at Baton Rouge until the withdrawal of Confederate forces. U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 10, 1862. Sin: I desire you to continue at Baton Rouge a few days, until the enemys forces are withdrawn or cease to menace the town. As soon as you are satisfied that the forces of the three gunboats Itasca, Kineo, and Katahdin are sufficient for the protection of our forces at Baton Rouge, you will come down the river and join me wherever I may be, as soon as possible, taking care to fill up your coal before leav- ing the river. On your departure you will leave Lieutenant Com- manding Caldwell in command of our forces. Lieutenant Caldwell has already a copy of my full instructions as given Lieutenant Com- manding Ransom. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGTJT, Flag-Officer1 Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding G. H. PREBLE, Commanding U. S. S. Oneida. N W RVOL 191 Page 144 144 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, announcing the death of Commander Wainwright, U. S. Navy. No. 166.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 10, 1862. SIR: It becomes my painful duty to report the death of Commander Richard Wainwright. Commander Wainwright was taken sick with a slight fever some two weeks ago. The fleet surgeon considered his case a slight one, and that he would soon be enabled to resume his duties, but he continued to fail in strength, which circumstance, however, gave no alarm to the fleet surgeon until three days ago, when Dr. Foltz informed me that the disease of Captain Wainwright had taken a very sudden turn for the worse, and that he thought him to be in great danger. The next day, however, he rallied and hopes were again entertained for his life, but this morning he was evidently worse, and at 3 p. m. he expired. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant Preble, U. S. Navy, transmitting recommendation of officer commanding at Baton Rouge regarding positions of vessels. U. S. SLOOP OF WAR ONEIDA, Baton Rouge, August 10, 186210:30 p. m. Sm: I forward the accompanying recommendation of the colonel commanding on shore. I shall maintain my present anchorage to-nigh an if an alarm is raised fire on the line A B and get under- wayand go up to C and fire on the line CD as soon as practicable. In the morning I shall get underway and occupy a position opposite C. If an attack is made or expected, a blue light will be burned on the wharf boat Natchez, and I shall immediately get underway and occupy station C, as above. Will you please call on board to-morrow morning at 10 a.m. with the other commanders, and we will together devise some simple day and night signals, as proposed by the colonel commanding. The signals already devised by Lieutenant Command- ing Ransom, with some slight variation, so as to be general for both flanks and made from some central position, according to the new arrangements of the troops, will, I presume, be all-sufficient. All that is required is a mutual understanding. Very truly, yours, GEORGE HENRY PREBLE, Lieutenant-Commander. Lieutenant Commanding ROE. Lieutenant Commanding RANSOM. Lieutenant Commanding ERBEN Page 145 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 145 [Enclosure.] HEADQUARTERS SECOND BRIGADE, Baton Rouge, August 10, 1862. DEAR SIR: I believe the annexed diagram will enable you to fire with effect in case of an attack. oI~~ cJi~ :0 0ne,d~. At the points A, and B C, and D will be seen by day red signal flags and by night signal lights. A is on the top of a two-story brick building next south of North street. It is on the river next below the foundry, has a porch and an iron balcony on the second story, with a lightning rod on the top. The Oneida lies this afternoon nearly abreast this house. B is on a tree in the yard of the garrison hospital. C is on a post along the line of defense. D is also on a post along the line of defense. A, fire along the lines A and B. C and D will sweep the two land fronts of our position. I venture to ask that you adopt signals for More to the right; More to the left, i~evate, Depress, Fire rapidly, All right, to communicate to the gunboats from the top of our arsenal by an officer of your command who will come ashore with the necessary signals in case of an alarm. I should be very glad if the signals could be arranged immediately, and the officer come ashore and examine our arsenal, so as to be ready at once. Your obedient servant, HALBERT ID. PAINE, Colonel, Commanding Brigade. Lieutenant Commanding GEORGE H. PREBLE. Ground occupied 6y tke Troops Page 146 146 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, setting forth the need of officers and vessels for his command. No. 169.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD New Orleans, August 11, 1862. SIR: The Department must be aware that I am getting short of officers as well as ships. They are going home daily from very much the same causeused up. I rather understood that I had not the right to advance the officers beyond the grade of master, with which I have been abundantly supplied, but they are not the best m.aterial for conducting the routine o a vessel of war, although they may be able to take charge of the deck. I would much prefer a midshipman who had made a cruise to one of these gentlemen as executive officer. We are now generally reduced to one lieutenant on board of each ship, and two or three of the gunboats have none. By the death of Commander Wainwright I have lost my last com- mander, and this ship, as well as the Oneida, are commanded by lieu- tenants. I have assigned Lieutenant Preble to the Oneida and Lieu- tenant Thornton to this ship, temporarily. I shall appoint one of the masters in the line as executive officer of this ship. I have, in compliance with the orders of the Department, ordered the ]iiliami home, and she will sail in a few days, as soon as her repairs are completed. Lieutenants Mackenzie and Kautz went home in the steamer of yesterdaythe first by order of the Department, the latter condemned by survey. I regret to say that I have no vessel well calculated to blockade the Rio Grande, but will send one there as soon as practicable. All of which is respectfully submitted by Your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. P. S.I find it necessary to have some assistance here, and have therefore determined, upon my arrival at Pensacola, to order Com- mander Palmer to this vessel, Lieutenant Commanding Nichols to the Iroquois, and Lieutenant Thornton to the Winona. Very respectfully, etc., D. G; FARRAGUT Flag-Officer. Report of Flag-Officer Far~agut, U. S. Navy, announcing the completion of his work in the Mississippi River and proposed operations against 3fobile. No. 168.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Nesw Orleans, August 11, 1862. Sia: Having now completed my work in tha Mississippi, with the exception of taking Vicksburg (which must be left to the ~my and Flag-Officer Davis, it being in his portion of the river), and there being no terror to leave behind me, I shall now proceed to Ship Island, an Page 147 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 147 thence to Pensacola and Mobile, for the purpose of making my arrange- ments for attacking the forts at the entrance of that bay. I shall leave for the rotection of Baton Rouge three gunboats, Itasca, Kineo, and Kata in; for New Orleans, Pensacola, Miississippi, and Portsmouth. This force is considered ample by General But er and myself, and there is no doubt but that our little fight in Baton Rouge and the destruction of the Arkansas is equal to 5,000 men to General Butler; still his force is insufficient for his work on this river and in the Gulf. I beg to say to the Department that the collisions have been so numerous on the river between our vessels that, with the damages from shot and shell and rams, our expenditures for repairs have been very great, and I have been compelled to draw upon the Department, through General Butler, in order to settle my bills and get out of the river. In order to do this with the least loss to Government, I have agreed to take a large portion in current bills of New Orleans, with which I pay the bills as far as I can, but the expenditures for the squadron generally must be made in Treasury notes or in specie. A very little of the latter is used, on account of the high rate of exchange; still some is necessary for change. I have therefore drawn on the Department for $50,000, to meet my immediate wants before leaving the river, and sent on a requisition for $100,000 by the mail of the 2 d instant, which I hope will meet the approbation of the Department. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT Flag-Officer, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, regarding reported movements of the enemy in Grants Pass. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 11, 1862. DEAR GENERAL: I learned to-day that the rebels are clearing out Grant~s Pass to get out the gunboats into the Mississippi Sound, where they will annoy us very much, and if you dont have some heavy guns in the forts they will come through Lake Pontchartrain and fire on the city. I think this was originally a part of the programme, to make a general attack on Baton Rouge and the city by the various rams. So look to the forts. The great difficulty with me will be vessels of draft to pursue them in the sh aliow water, but if I once catch them out of Mo ile Bay it will trouble them to get back again. Very truly and respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Major-General BUTLER Flag-Officer. Commanding Department of the Gulf, New Orleans Page 148 148 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting an expression of opinion regarding coopera- tion by the Army. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, August 11, 1862. SIR: As you are about to leave the Mississippi River for a new scene of action, and, I trust, victorious operations, before you go I beg leave to enquire of you whether, during the time that the Navy has been cooperating with the Army in this expedition to the South- ern coast, you have found myself and officers willing and prompt to aid the naval operations of the fleet to the extent ot our means and ability. If we or any of us have been found wanting in this regard, you will do me the favor to state frankly wherein we have been deficient. Benotsurprisedatthisquestion,towhichlprayforafullandspe- cific answer; but allow me to say it arises from nothing on your part in our intercourse with yourself or the officers of your squadron, but the enquiry has now become necessary for the purpose of meeting or yielding to an accusation. Believe me, most truly, your obliged friend, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, regarding cooperation. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 11, 1862. Sin: Your letter of to-day has been duly received, and I confess that its contents have astonished me. It is true that we have rarely required the military assistance of the Army, but I certainly have never hesitated to say that you have always been ready and will- ing to share with us anything you possessed and to render us any assistance in your power, and I think that in this idea the officers have generally been daccord. That you have not been willing to accord to the Navy its due share in the operations of taking New Orleans and at Baton Rouge, I confess there have been some doubts expressed. For example, in your address to your command you told them of their taking New Orleans with the assistance of the Navy, and did not notice the assistance of the Navy at Baton Rouge in the preservation of your command at that place. I do not speak of these things, gen- eral, as of my own knowledge, for I have not seen the document to which I allude, but I have no hesitancy in saying that our intercourse has always been of the most friendly character, and I have always felt that I could call on you, as you might on me, with perfect security of obtaining the support or assistance that was required, and I have always so expressed myself to the officers of my command. I did not hesitate to say to you and to the Department that your conduct was prompt and energetic in crossing to the Mississippi when we passe Page 149 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 149 the forts, and if I have failed to do justice to you or your command it has been through inadvertance and not design. I remain, very truly and respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of Gulf. Second letter from Miajor-General Butler, U. S. Army, to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding cooperation by the~Army. Private.] HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, August 11, 1862. Mv DEAR SIR: I believe you might well be surprised at my official letter to-day. need not assure you that it was not caused by any act or thought yours. It became necessary, however, to meet the representations of Captain Porter, of the mortar fleet, as to the operations of the Army. I assure you that never have I failed publicly and privately to acknowledge and add my testimony to the concurrent thought of all my officers in their appreciation of the gallant acts of the Navy. My dispatches everywhere show this, and I only call your attention to the fact in justification of what I certainly deem an unkind thought toward myself. I am not aware that the Navy preserved my army at Baton Rouge. If so, I will acknowledge it with pride and pleasure. I assure you, my dear admiral, that I feel only the most glorious exultation at the exploits of your branch of the service. You need no one to speak of or herald your acts. They speak for themselves. The Navy need have no jealousy of the Army, especially in this department. And while I will acquit you of any intentional or unintentional neglect of the Army or its acts, yet I will call your atten- tion to the fact that the only mention of the existence of the army of this department, even in the official dispatches of the Navy relating to the capture of New Orleans, is by Captain Porter in these words: I sent General Butler in the Miami round in the rear of the forts. For this I do not feel at all aggrieved by you or your officers. On the contrary, I beg to repeat, toward yourself personally and the officers of the squadron I have none but the most cordial reelings. Believe me, truly, your friend and servant, BENJ. F. BUTLER. Rear-Admiral FARRAGUT, Commanding, etc. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, responding to additional letter of the latter regarding cooperatwn. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 12, 1862. Mv DEAR GENERAL: I received your kind letter and fully appre- ciate your feelings now, but I thought your letter might have grow Page 150 150 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. out of something that had been said here by some one under my com- mand, and as the expressions I mentioned were all that I had ever heard I frankly stated them. But even then, my dear general, you misunderstood me. I did not say The Navy preserved your army at Baton Rouge. My language was, The assistance of the Navy at Baton Rouge to preserve your command. The officers at that post were, and still are, on the most cordial terms. They only thought that their shells were well directed and had their good effect in preserving your small force in its contest with such great odds, and I suppose they felt that it was due to them to mention them. In fact, it is natural that we should as military men expect to receive credit for our exertions, but in our anxiety we should not forget to render unto others that which we expect to receive ourselves. I can only say, general, if~ I had done so I regret it the more because it has always been a rule of my life to Do unto others as I would they should do unto me. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Flag-Officer, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of Gulf. Report of Lieutenant Ransom, U. S. Navy, regarding the sinking of the wharf boat Laurel Hill. U. S. GUNBOAT KINBO Baton Rouge, La., August 12, 1862. SIR: I have to report that the prize wharf boat Laurel Hill sank this morning to her upper deck, parted her fasts, and drifted down the river. It was discovered yesterday morningthe pumps having been diligently worked during the nightthat she was leaking rapidly, and appeared to have broken amidships, sinking aft. Great efforts were made to save her, but finding it. hopeless and that she must inevitably sink, the sick were hurriedly moved to the wharf boat Natchez, of which I took immediate possession and will continue to occupy her as a hospital as long as may be requisite. I succeeded in removing the Kineos rigging, which had been stored in the Laurel Hill, and some of the property belonging to the latter, though, in the hurried process ot moving to the Natchez, many things were stolen in spite of the utmost watchfulness to prevent pillaging. Much that was stored on the lower deck, though not of any consid- erable value, was lost. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GRO. M. RANsoM Lieutenant, Commanding. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 151 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 151 Report of Commander Alden, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Rich- mond, of arrival of that vessel at Ship Island on account of report that New Orleans was threatened. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Ship Island, August 12, 1862. Sin: I have respectfully to report that I left the river on the 3d instant in this ship, and the next morning arrived off Mobile, where we found the Susquehanna, Kanawha, Prebie, and Bohio. Captain Hitchcock desired me to remain there to assist in the blockade until the moon got larger, and to let the Kanawha go to Ship Island and coal. I did so and left for Pensacola on the 8th, arriving there on the same day. On the day following I received a dispatch from Captain Hitchcock informing me of the attack on Baton Rouge, that you had gone up the river with the fleet, and also the report that New Orleans was threatened by an army of 40,000 men. Believing that our presence there might be necessary, I immediately stopped repairs of the engines, which we had commenced, got them put together again, andst arted for this place for the purpose of collecting mate- rials left here by us on our way to the river and now necessary for repairs, both to the engines and vessel. Intending that my move- ments afterwards should be governed by circumstances, I communi- cated with Captain Hitchcock on my way, and arrived here yesterday, where I can find nothing to give color to the report that New Orleans was in danger, and where I shall remain, going on with the necessary repairs, until I hear from you. Besides, I think the presence of some one of us is necessary here to protect the fleet of coal vessels (twelve in ntjmber) now lying at this anchorage. It is a matter of surprise that the rebels have not been here and destroyed them long since. The Potomac is no protection to them at all, where she lies, outside the anchorage. Respectfully, JAMES ALDEN. Rear-Admiral FARRAG1JT. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Kittredge, U. S. Navy, regarding operations near Corpus Christi, Tex. U. S. YACHT COBYPHEITS, Off Corpus Christi, Tex., August 12, 1862. SIR: I would respectfully report that at 12 m. this day, having removed the obstructions (consisting of three sunken vessels filled with stone) in Corpus Christi dug-out (an artificial channel connecting Aransas and Corpus Christi bays), I got this vessel underwa an ran through the cut. One of the rebels armed vessels appearing in sight, I gave chase. After rounding McGloins Bluff, gained sufficient upon her to get within range. Opened fire upon her with the Parrott gun, when she stood for and ran upon the beach and was fired and deserted by those on board. Boarded her, put the fire out, and hove her off. She proved to be the armed schooner Breaker, formerly a pilot boat at Pass Cavallo. The armed schooner Elma was fired and abandoned in the channel to Nueces Bay at the same time. Ran across the bay to Corpus Christi, when the sloop Hannah was also run ashore and burned. The balance of the fleet (consisting of U. S Page 152 152 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. gunboat Sachem, Acting Master Johnson, commanding, the schooner Reindeer, and sloop Belle Italia, both captured prizes in Aransas Bay, officered by Arthurs officers) came up at night. WEDNESDAY, August 13, 1862. At 9 a. m. landed under white flag and metMajor Hobby (in com- mand of the Confederate forces) and officers of his command and Judge Gilpin, chief justice of the county. Demanded th~ evacuation of the place by the military, but consented to the inhabitants remain- ing, promising to respect their private property, but told them they must remove their women and children if they intended to make a stand. They asked for forty-eight hours for this purpose, which was granted. SATURDAY, August 16, 1862. At earl y dawn the rebels fired upon us from behind the levee, where they had planted a battery. Their fire was immediately returned from gunboat Sachem and yacht Corypheus with spirit. A shot passed through the mainsail (as it was furled) of the Corypheus; another passed through the Sachems side, a splinter injuring Masters Mate Granger. Several other shots striking the rigging of both ves- sels, it being quite calm, could not get into position with the schooner Reindeer and sloop Belle Italia, the two latter firing at long range. We succeeded in silencing their batteries, but upon our ceasing to fire (as there was nothing to fire at) they returned to their guns and again opened upon us. We silenced them several times during the day, driving them from their guns, they taking shelter behind the levee and in buildings sheltered by it. A desultory fire was thus kept up throughout the day. At night withdrew out of range. SUNDAY, August 17, 1862. Repaired our mainsail. At 11:30 p. m. the rebels set fire to the steamer A. B. She was agroun.d in a narrow channel that leads to Nueces Bay (not navigable for vessels drawing over 2 feet of water), near a point of land that runs down from Corpus Christi. I had made several ineffectual efforts to haul her off, so removed the steam cap, throttle-valve, and rolling shaft. She burned to the waters edge. Confident of being able to give a good report of to-morrows work, and expressing the hope that you may be pleased with our efforts, I am, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. KITTREDGE, Lieut., Comdg. U. S. Bark Arthur and Forces in Aransas Bay. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. General order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Miississippi River, August 13, 1862. The commander in chief feels happy in acknowledging the honors paid him by the officers of his command, and still more so that the Government should have, in conveying to him the agreeable intell Page 153 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 153 gence of his promotion, accompanied it by that resolution of Congress in which the people and Government acknowledge the gallantry of the officers and men of this fleet for the handsome manner in which they overcame the rebels in their multifarious forms of forts, floating iron- clad batteries, rams, gunboats, etc., and thereby showing a full appre- ciation of your merits and abilities. Your admiral feels assured that you will never disappoint these high expectations. A new field is now open before you. To your ordinary duties is added the contest with the elements. Let it be your pride to show the world that danger has no greater terror for you in one form than in another; that you are as ready to meet the enemy in the one shape as in the other, and that you, with your wooden vessels, have never been alarmed by fire rafts, torpedoes, chain booms, ironclad rams, ironclad gunboats, or forts. The same Great Power preserves you in the presence of all. D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Nave, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, acknowledging congratulatwns on his promotwn. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, August 13, 1862. DEAR GENERAL: I thank you kindly for your salute, and hope that I may be able to return it at some no distant day with interest. I feel proud of the title because we have struggled long and hard for it in the Navy. I feel proud of it because my country seems to think I have won it, and I feel proud of it because the thousands of my brave companions in arms who shared in the perils of the day were not for- gotten in the resolution of Congress which accompanied my commis- sion. These things are gratifying, and I only trust that I may continue to enjoy them, and that by our combined movements upon Mobile we may be able to add to our countrys obligation to its Army and Navy, for be assured that no one will be more happy than myself to share with the Army the honors of taking that or any other place. Wishing you continued health and happiness, I remain, Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Major-General B. F. BUiLER, Commanding Department of Gulf. Report of Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, requesting the services of the U. S. S. Mississippi in view of expected attack on Baton Rouge. HEADQUARTERS BATON ROUGE, August 13, 1862. DEAR CAPTAIN: I write at the request of Colonel [H. E.] Paine and tieutenant-Commanding Ransom. We have good information that we are to be attacked Friday. The Essex is up the river. I am almost useless, owing to my heavy sic Page 154 154 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. list of 38 men. The Kineo is using oniy one boiler. A new ram, called the Fair Play, is coming down, accompanied by the gunboats, and we are not strong enough. The enemy are preparing to have batteries on the west side of the river to play up on us. Under these circumstances we are forced to urge upon you the necessity of sending up the Mississippi or some other heavy vessel to assist us. Our information comes from the best of sources, and we rely upon them. Very respectfully, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant-Commanding. Captain HENRY W. MoRRis, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans, La. Report of Lieutenant Ransom, U. S. Navy, requesting the services of a large vessel in view of expected attack on Baton Rouge. U. S. GUNBOAT KINEo, Baton Rouge, La., August 13, 1862. SIR: We have information, which seems reliable, that we are to be attacked on the 15th by a ram (the Fair Play) and three gunboats, acting in concert with a strong force under Breckinridge and Jeff. Thompson. Preparations are being made also for operating from the west side of the river. I would respectfully urge the necessity of another vessel here imme- diatelythe Mississ~pp2~ or some other large vessel. The enemy comes this time in much stronger force, with siege guns and other artillery. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. M. RANSOM, Lieutenant, Comdg. Division Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain HENRY W. MORRIS, U. S. S. Pensacola, New Orleans. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Captain Taylor, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S. S. Housatonic, to proceed to duty in the West Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 13, 1862. SIR: The Departments order of July 15 is hereby revoked, and as sooit as the U. S. steam sloop Housatonic is ready for sea you will pro- ceed with her to the Gulf of Mexico and report to Rear-Admiral D. G. Farragut for duty in the Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. You will touch at Mobile, where you may obtain information of the movements of Rear-Admiral Farragut. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Captain W. R. TAYLOR, U. S. Navy Commanding Housatonic, Navy Yard, Boston Page 155 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 155 Report of Acting illaster Crocicer, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kensington, regarding the capture of the schooner Troy, near Sabine Pass, August~ 13, 1862. U. S. S. KENSINGTON, Pilot Town, Miississippi River, August 30, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that at 8 oclock on the morning of the 13th instant, near Sabine Pass, I captured the schooner Troy, of 23 tons, in the act of running the blockade with a cargo of 65 bales of cotton. The schooner was seen from this vessel to leave the channel and steer out to sea. There was no flag on board, but the papers found, viz, bill of sale, register, manifest, and clearance, all signed by rebel officers at Sabine Pass, a p pear to establish conclusive y the illegal character of the vessel and the voyage. The schooner appearing too small to trust a prize crew upon, was taken in tow by this vessel and brought to this place, where, by order of Captain Henry [W.] Morris, senior officer, the cotton has been transshipped, together with the papers and witnesses to [New York] for adjudication. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK CROCKER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Acting Master, Commanding. Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the mortar schooners. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 14, 1862. SIR: The Department authorizes you to send the mortar schooners home, if you are not in need of them. Let them go in to Boston. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT. Report of Commander Emmons, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Hatteras, regarding the capture of the brig Josephine, and requesting opinion regarding the 8chooner George Washington. U. S. S. HATTERAS, Blockading Berwicic Bay, August 14, 18Q2. SIR: Meeting the U. S. S. Kensington gives me an opportunity of sending monthly returns and reporting the capture of the rebel brig Josephine on the 28th of last month, with 322 bales of cotton, out of the bayous near Berwick, where she has been lying waitino an oppor- tunity to escape ever since your squadron went past th& lower forts on.the Mississippi. I sent her to Philadelphia in charge of one of my masters and a prize crew, and transmitted a report with duplicate papers to the Secretary of the Navy. Since then I have overhauled a schooner called the George Washington1 (but no name painted) in Page 156 156 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. bayou leading into Lake Calcasieu, which has a regular license and clearance from our provost-marshal at New Orleans to get a load of cotton and return~ but the people about told me that when she got her cargo from the interior the captain intended to take her to Hav- ana. She was not worth taking without this cargo, and it is for you to judge whether, under the circumstances, I should have been justi- fied in taking her with it. The steamer Indian No. 2, previously reported, I since learn did not return to New Orleans, and may now be doing duty for the rebels. This vessel, you will recollect, had a pass from General Butler, and you see how little dependence can be placed on these people. I have yet a portion of her cargo on board. I shall soon .be short of coal and provisions, and, if not otherwise ordered, shall run into the Mississippi for a supply. My condenser also will require repair. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. F. EMMONS, Commander. Flag-Officer D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Division, Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katahdin, requesting the removal of the sick from that vessel. U. S. GUNBOAT KATARDIN, Off Baton Rouge, La., August 15, 1862. Sin: I send down to you six invalids who are recommended by the surgeon of this vessel to be sent to the hospital at Pilot Town. These men are not improving here, and the constant state of alarm on all the boats only tends to keep them worse. Besides, in the event of a severe conflict, they might not be perfectly safe in the wharf boat, and I have so many ill on board that I can not receive them. The enemy having sent in word by a flag of truce that no quarter would be given or taken, I deem it imperative to remove my sick to a place where they will be safe Accounts and descriptive lists are sent herewith. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Captain HENRY W. MORRIS, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans, La. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S.Navy, calling attention to the need of fresh provisions mn the squadron. No. 173.] U. S. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, South West Pass, Mississippi River, August 15, 1862. Sin: I respectfully request that all supplies, etc., for this squadron be sent to Pensacola and one other port. I desire to call the attention of the Department to constant com- plaints made by the officers of this squadron, commanding at Bara- taria and points on the coast of Texas, of the failure of the suppl Page 157 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 157 vessels Rhode Island and Connecticut to communicate and supply them with fresh provisions. Two of my vessels have already been sent home with scurvy, arising from want of fresh provisions. I hope the Department will direct the commanders of supply vessels to furnish my vessels on the coast. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, giving the reason for disre- garding the Departments order relative to reception of persons with- out their accounts. No. 174.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, South West Pass, Miississippi River, August 15, 1862. SIR: I have to report to you that I have been obliged to call upon the commanders of transports to neglect your order concerning the nonreception of persons without their accounts. I have been obliged to pursue this course, as there are many men whose accounts can not be obtained readily that the surgeons repre- sent to me would die should they not be sent North. In one case par- ticularly a man from the Varuna, whose accounts were at the bottom of this river, died simply from the fact of his being obliged to remain here, the commander of the transport having refused to receive him without his accounts. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockadinq Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D C. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting the Departments views regarding the supremacy of his command. No. 175.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, South West Pass, Mississippi River, August 15, 1862. SIR: I wish to know the views of the Department as to the gunboats which were sent out here as part of Commander D. D. Porters com- mand, viz, the Harriet Lane, Westfield, Clifton, Owasco, and Jackson. Am I to consider them as a separate command under Commander Renshaw, or as a part of my command? There appears to be a differ- ence of opinion on this point. For instance, Commander Renshaw considered that he was charged with the whole arrangement of those vessels, and appointed the first lieutenant, Mr. rRobert] Townsend, as commander of the Miami when I was up the Mississippi instead of referring the matter to Captain Morris or waiting my arrival. I only wish to know the views of the Department before I begin my operations at Mobile, Comn~ander ]~nsh~w h~s always been promp Page 158 158 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. to execute all my orders, but some of the other officers have had a difficulty with subordinate officers of my command. Captain Eagle reports Lieutenant Commanding Guest for a positive dis6bedience of his orders, and I know that some of them entertain the idea that their command is distinct. I would therefore like to know the views of the Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Russell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kennebec. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, South West Pass, Mississippi River, August 15, 1862. Sin: As soon as you have finished coaling you will proceed with the vessel under your command to Mobile Bay, and upon your arrival there report to Commander Hitchcock or the senior naval officer present. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comm~inding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding JNo. H. RUSSELL, Commanding U. S. S. Kennebec. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Walker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. De Soto, to proceed to blockade duty at the mouth of the Rio Grande. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, - Gulf of Mexico, August 16, 1862. Sin: Your dispatches were duly received by the Kensington, and I am glad to find that your crew are not so much affected with scurvy as you at first anticipated. I will see that the supply vessels run down to you and deliver vegetables. The season is so far advanced now that visiting almost any port in the Gulf would be attended with risk of fever, but as soon as I can spare the vessels I will let them go, one at a time, to some port to recuperate their crews. I regret to see that there is no vessel at Brazos River, San Luis Pass, or Matagorda Bay. I fear that there are not near enough vessels to make the blockade efficient, but you will have to go down to the Rio Grande and Brazos Santiago, where there has not been a vessel since the 2$ifiontgomery left. In fact I have not had the vessel or a com- mander to do then duty. It is a very delicate one and requires an officer of tact and experience to keep from difficulty with the foreign powers, and at the same time to prevent the introduction of munitions of war and contraband articles. In fact [it] is almost impossible, as Matamoras can pass them over until we have a light-draft vessel t Page 159 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 159 run inside the river, and that would be attended with more hazard than profit. As fast as vessels arrive that can be of use to you on the coast of Texas I will send them down. As to the repairs on your vessel, they will have to await the fall of Mobile or the arrival of some vessel to take your p lace, when you can be allowed to come to Pensacola, to which place I am about to move the squadron as our future depot. But you must do the best you can until I can have a little chance to look after the vessels in the Gulf. My absence 500 miles up the Mississippi has caused me to neglect my outside duties very much, although I have done my best not to. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Bloc1x~ding Squadron. Commander W. M. WALKER, Commanding U. S. S. De Soto. Unofficial letter from Lieutenant-Commander Ransom, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Preble, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs at Baton Rouge. U. S. GUNBOAT KINEo Baton Rouge, La., August 16, 1862. DEAR PREBLE: I thank you for your very kind letter of the 13th instant. I delivered your message to Roe about your mail, and I presume he has given it his attention. The rebels are about 4 miles distant in a considerable force, said to be 16,000, and we have been expecting an attack hourly, somewhat impatiently, since Yesterda?T morning. We have the old Miississippi here, you know, on the le flank, with the Essex, the Itasca, Kineo, and Katahdin on the right flank. We are well prepared now. We believe we can protect our little army here against any force the enemy can bring. The Sumter went up to Bayou Sara two days ago, and a report came to us yesterday that she was aground. A steamer (the Ceres) was sent to her assistance, but returned last night with the Sumters offi- cers and crew, the vessel having been abandoned. The Itasca was sent up immediately, accompanied by the Ceres. They will endeavor to save her, if possible, or otherwise they will burn her. I would write you a long letter if I had time. I must hurry ashore now to get this off by a steamer just about to leave for New Orleans. I like your suggestion regarding the 32- pounders on board the Fearnot. I will profit by it if I have a chance. Please sign the enclosed certificate and forward it to Mr. Diman, Bristol, R. I. I received a letter from my wife to the 1st instant; all well. Roe tells me there is nothing for you in your mail here. Let me hear from you again. I will write more, and more satisfactorily, I hope, next time. The intrenchments are nearly completed and all the grounds embraced within the lines have assumed the shape of a regular fortress. In haste, your friend, RANSOM. N W RVOL i91 Page 160 160 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Kittredge, U. S. Navy, com- manding forces in Aransas Bay, regarding an attack upon Confederate battery in Corpus Christi Bay, August 18,1862. U. S. YACHT CORYPHEUS, Off Aransas, Tex., August 20, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on Monday, August 18, 1862, off Corpus Christi, Tex., got underway and took position for attacking the enemys battery. Landed the 12-pounder rifled howitzer from sloop Belle Italia, with a party of 30 men, under command of Acting Masters Mate Alfred II. Reynolds, with a view of getting in position to take the enemys battery. Placed schooner Reindeer, Masters Mate William Barker in command, in rosition to support the shore party and pour shrapnel and canister rom his 24-pounder howitzer into any force charging them. Mr. Reynolds advanced to musket range and opened upon the bat- tery with shell, the Sachem firing shell from her 32-pounders and the yacht throwing shell with percussion plungers from her Parrott gun, both vessels delivering their fire with excellent effect. The Sachem advanced to within musket range. At this time the enemy deployed to the right of our forces on land 160 infantry, evidently with the inten- tion of flanking them; but Mr. Barker, with the schooner Reindeer, stood in toward them and opened fire upon them with such marked effect that, together with grape from the Sachems 32s and the yachts fire, their advance was checked and they began to scatter. Up to this time Mr. Reynolds had maintained his ground boldly, firing his gun deliberately and with precision, but suddenly 250 to 300 cavalry charged down upon him and for a moment their capture seemed immi- nent. The yacht was immediately run down toward them within short range, and the Sachem also, and the fire of both vessels directed at the cavalry. The schooner Reindeer poured shrapnel and canister into their ranks, and after an advance of about 400 yards from the battery they wavered under the scathing storm of iron and were repulsed with evidently considerable loss, many being seen to fall, and retreated to the shelter of the town. II have omitted to state that the enemys battery was silenced pre- vious to their infantry and cavalry charges. Our land force was withdrawn (after their charge upon it and the enemys repulse), as they had expended all their ammunition. Our whole force, including officers, was about 100 men. We had some 8 or 10 sick, who were put on board the prize schooner Breaker and anchored out of range.The enemys force could not have been less than 250 infantry and artillery engaged, and 300 cavalry, and they doubtless have more troQps in reserve Not possessing the means to hold the town against so large a force, and having observed that the cavalry emerged from the town and retreated to its shelter, I determined to shell them out of it, and threw (from both the Sachem and this vessel) shell into such portions of the town as they seemed to occupy, driving them back to the plains. I then withdrew all the vessels and anchored for the night. The casualties for this days engagement, I am happy to say, are but oneJohn Allen, landsman, on schooner Reindeer, slightly wounded in the thigh by a musket ball Page 161 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 161 The Sachem received four shots in hull and upper works, and several in rigging, smokestack, etc., having been the most prominent target for the enemys fire. The yacht received two shots through her main- sail to-day. Considering that the enemy were behind a battery of earthworks and completely sheltered, I consider we have escaped with trifling injury, and the moment we drew them from their cover they were made to bite the dust. I can not omit to mention the cool and determined manner in which Acting Master Amos Johnson, in command of the Sachem, fought his vessel while immediately under the enemys fire, and the courage and zeal with which he engaged the enemy. His conduct throughout was such as I can cheerfully recommend to your notice. Mr. Barkers gallant support of the shore party and hi.s vigorous and rapid discharges of shrapnel and canister into the enemys ranks (when exposed to a shower of musketry) mainly prevented the cap- ture of the 12-pounder howitzer by an overwhelming force. Mr. Bellows, masters mate of the Arthur, in charge of the Gory- pheus, handled the vessel with judgment and p romptness, frequently pointing and firing the gun with as much coolness as though he was practicing at a target. In short, both officers and men met my expec- tations fully and fought well and nobly. As we have run short of ammunition and projectiles for the 32s and 30-pounder rifled gun, the fleet have now anchored in Aransas Bay to wait the return of the Arthur from New Orleans, where ~he has gone, in charge of Executive Officer [W. 0.] Lundt, to carry prize cotton and to obtain stores, before engaging in any further demonstrations. hoping my operations here will meet your approval, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. KITTREDGE, Lieut., Comdg. U. S. Bar/c Arthur and Forces in Ara~sas Bay. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Instructions from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, giving plan of operations and promise of reinforcement. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 19, 1862. Sin: I have received your letter of the 7th instant and congratulate you and the officers and men under your command on the destruction of the ram Ar/c ansas. Although this formidable vessel has been destroyed, it is still impor- tant that an adequate naval force should be maintained in the Lower Mississippi, especially at New Orleans. That city must be held and our small army there must receive all necessary support from the Navy. These are objects of more importance than any other which may be at p resent in view in that quarter. The unsettled state of affairs on the Mississippi, the want of a sufficient military force to make all secure, and the present condition of your vessels, do not seem to admit of the expediency of attempting the concentration of a Page 162 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 162 adequate force at Mobile for the reduction of that place. Under these circumstances, and in the absence of troops to cooperate or hold the place if captured, it is no doubt best to defer for the present any inten- tion you may have entertained of such a project, and instead thereof to dispose of our available force at advantageous points. The safety of New Orleans must be placed beyond doubt. There are indications of the preparation in Red River by the enemy of gunboats, and it would be well to guard the mouth of that river. More attention should be given to the coast of Texas than has been in your power to render whilst conducting important operations on the Mississippi. An ample force should be stationed off Mobile to repel any attacks from the enemys vessels in that quarter and to maintain an efficient and stringent blockade. The Department will endeavor to send you more vessels and to place at your command a sufficient force to continue the prosecution of the good works already accomplished The new steam sloop Housatonic, Captain William R. Taylor, will sail from Boston shor~yto join your squadron. The course of events on the York peninsula and before Richmond has very much deranged our plans and diverted from the blockade a considerable force destined for blockade duty. Many of the vessels which have been locked up in James River will, it is anticipated, be soon released, when you will be reinforced and enabled to discharge more effectu~illy the blockade of the whole coast committed to your charge. Your great distance from, and the necessity of sometimes acting without being able to communicate with the Department, are fully appreciated, and I have entire confidence that in such emergencies your decision will be wise, energetic, and correct. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans, La. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Al cDermut, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. sloop Preble, to proceed to Pensacola. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Mobile Bay, August 19, 1862. Sin: You will proceed in the vessel under your command to Pensa- cola, Fla., reporting to me on your arrival there. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant-Commanding D. A. MCDERMUT, Commanding U. S. Ship Preble Page 163 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 163 Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to the commanding officer 01 the U. S. brig Bohio. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off Mobile Bay, August 19, 1862. SIR: You will proceed down the coast of Texas and report your ves- sel to Commander W. M. Walker, off Galveston, for duty on the blockade. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. COMMANDING-OFFICER U. S. BRIG Boillo. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, after inspection of the Pen- sacola navy yard. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Navy Yard, August 20, 1862. SIR: I have to inform the Bureau that I arrived at this yard this morning. I consider it so much better for the vessels to have a good harbor as the season advances for their repairs, that I determined to look at this yard and see what could be done in the way of facilitating repairs, etc., to the squadron. I visited the yard this morning with the fleet surgeon and chief engineer. The only house in the yard suitable for the accommoda- tion of sick is the old chapel and former armory, which will hold about 60 persons. It has one or two shell through the roof, but could soon be repaired with but little cost, as there is plenty of slate. The new machine shop is in pretty good state of preservation. It has been about half slated, and there appears to be an abundance of slate to finish it, and we could then put our machinery in it from Ship Island at small cost. There is a new storehouse about 200 feet long that does not appear to have been troubled by either party. The frame of the roof is on, and only requires boarding and slating or shingling. 1~Tith these, and the house sent out in the Holcombe, we will be able to get along for a while, if the Bureau will allow the work above stated to be done. Nearly all the laborers requisite are slaters or house carpenters to repair the roofs. There is a very large quantity of copper and iron lying about in every direction, which I will endeavor (when we have a few contrabands) to place in piles and to take care of. I am landing large quantities of coal and putting up the hoisting machine for coaling our. ships, which will, in the feeble state of our crews, be a great saving of lab or. I would be glad to have authority to make all or any part of these repairs. Otherwise I shall be compelled to Continue the machinery at Ship Island and keep our vessels in an open roadstead instead of this excellent harbor. I also wish the authority of the Bureau to employ steadily about one dozen mechanics from New Orleans to repair the ships, boats, etc. Very respectfully, your obeaient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Rear-Admiral Jos. SMITH, Chief of Bureau of Yards and Docks, Washington City, D. C Page 164 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 164 Report oj Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Na~, recommending that the Pen- sacola navy yard be used as a naval depot ~or the squadron. No. 177.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Navy Yard, August 20, 1862. SIR: As the Department left it to my discretion to select this port or Ship Island for the depot for my squadron, I took a run over here to see what was left of the navy yard before deciding. I have had a great deal of coal landed, as it is a great saving of labor, as well as enabling the vessels to coal in a smooth harbor. At Ship Island it occurs frequently that you can not take a vessel alongside for several days together. I therefore landed the hoisting machine, some soft coal, some wood, and the frame house which came out in the Thomas Holcombe on the wharf at this place. The Brooklyn will have to have a temporary repair of her side, where the ram ran into her. The damage is very great, and very little more force would have sunk her. I will run some strakes of plank over it, and she will last out this cruise I hope. I examined the yard a~1l through to-day with the fleet surgeon and chief engineer. The old chapel and armory was the only building that would accommodate the sick, and that only about 60. The roof had been penetrated by one or two shells, but can be repaired at small cost, as there is plenty of slate in the yard. The new machine shop is not injured. The slating was about half finished and has been a little broken since, but there appears to be plenty of slate to finish it. The new storehouse is untouched, and being left with the rafters of the roof on, now only needs the boards and s ate or shingles, as the Depart- ment may please. The buildings will be sufficient for any purposes, and we could remove our machinery from Ship Island and we would then have a snug harbor for our ships. If the Department will allow me to employ steadily a few mechan- ics for the repairs of our vessels we could get along admirably here. I have not seen the commanding officer to know what is the danger of an attack in the rear by the enemy. There is a quantity of copper and iron lying about in the yard, which I will get contrabands to pickup, and have it taken care of. The houses are generally total ruins; the walls so cracked (except the marine barracks and stables) that they will have to be taken down. It is the most perfect destruction or wilderness you can conceive of. I would be glad if the Department would allow the above repairs to be made for our convenience. I will hurry up the repairs of the ves- sels and get off for Mobile as soon as possible, andthis place will be very convenient for the disabled ships. All of which is most respect- fully referred to the Department by Your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 165 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 165 Report o/ Fleet Surgeon Foltz, U. S. Navy, urging precautions against contagion from yellow lever. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, August 20, 1862. SIR: On the day before yesterday, at Ship Island, we fell in with the U. S. transport steamer Rhode Island, from Boston, via Key West. I was informed by Captain Trenchard, of the Rhode Island, that the yellow fever was prevailing at Key West while the Rhode Island was there; and that the San Jacinto, the flagship of that station, had gone to a Northern port in consequence of having yellow fever on board As that disease now exists at Key West, I would urgently recommend that hereafter the Connecticut and Rhode Island should not enter Key West in their passages to and from this fleet, and that the Rhode Island, during her present voyage, should not proceed to New Orleans, lest she should convey the disease to that city and to the army. When we saw the Rhode Island she did not have a case of fever on board, but Mr. [William H.]~ Gamble, third assistant engineer, who came passenger in her, and was transferred to this ship, has to-day been seized with violent fever, which I shall carefully watch, and hope it will not p rove to be a case of the disease referred to. Knowing this disease well, I deem it my duty to guard in every p ossibleway against its propagation in the fleet and army, and urgently recommend com- plete nonintercourse with Key West and infected vessels. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. M. FOLTZ, Fleet Surgeon. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Division G~ulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding p reparations for operating against JJi/obile, and regretting the proposed withdrawal of Ceneral Butler from Baton Rouge. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Navy Yard, August 21, 1862. SIR: I am now collecting my forces and preparing the vessels as fast as I can for operations against Mobile, but I find my force is small. Neither the Kearsarge nor Adirondack (vessels I have expected for months) have arrived yet, nor do I hear of them. I have been compelled, as I have informed the Department, to leave in the Mississippi River three ships and three gunboats, also one gun- boat, the New London, and her tender in Lake Pontchartrain for the protection of General Butlers rear on Pass Manchac. I received yesterday by Captain Palmer, a letter* from Commodore Morris, informing me that General Butler was about to evacuate Baton Rouge, which I regret very much, as I think it will weaken our cause both with friend and foe. Commodore Morris informs me in the same letter that the gunboat Sumter, belonging to the upper fleet, ran on shore and was abandoned by her commander and burned by the rebels. If such are the facts, the commander, I hope, will be brought before a court. As he belongs to Flag-Officer Daviss command I do not consider it my province to arraign him, but his conduct on a *Not found Page 166 166 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. former occasion did not please me, and I am therefore rather pre- disposed to judge him harshly, but I can not conceive a case where that vessel could not have been held, anywhere in the Mississippi, except under the guns of a battery, until assistance could have been sent to him. Depend upon it, sir, that this feeling of timidity or prudence, as they are pleased to term it, must be suppressed. I try my best to do it, and had I the power would punish it by court-martial or court of enquiry, as the case might require. All of which is respectfully referred to the Department by Your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katahdin, regarding the withdrawal of United States forces from Baton Rouge. U. S. GUNBOAT KATARDIN, Off New Orleans, August 23, 1862. Sm: It having been decided to evacuate Baton Rouge on the 21st, every preparation was made to embark our troops on a day, when the enemy made a reconnoissance and drove m our pickets. The signal was given by Colonel [H. E.] Paine that he was attacked; and the Katahdin, in conjunction with the Kineo and Itasca, on the right flank, opened fire and drove back the enemy. This enabled our troops to embark without molestation, and the Katahdin took ~he posi- tion assigned her in the convoy of the troops. We left Baton Rouge at 2 p. m. on the 21st instant, and arrived safely at this place at 8 a. m. on the 22d. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE Lieutenant Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola, Fla. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy ,to Commodore Morris, U. S. Navy, expressing regret at the abandonment of Baton Rouge. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Navy Yard, August 23, 1862. DEAR Co1VnVoDORE: I send the Tennessee around with the mails. On her way back let her break up the establishment at Pilot Town, leaving the articles belonging to the squadron in charge of Mr. Jones, the Government pilot and superintendent of the light-house, but under the supervision of Captain Huggins. Let her bring Dr. Bur- bank, Lieutenant Tilton, and the marines to this p lace. The air here is delightful, and our men are mending rapidly. There are no conveniences at the yard for them yet, but I am trying to make them. Take out of the Tennessee all that you want, as I have every- thing at Ship Island. I sincerely regret the abandonment of Baton Rouge by the general, but you must keep the gunboats up there, and one or more of the Page 167 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 167 must accompany the Essex, or the next thing we hear of will be that she is on shore and can not be gotten off, etc., although I do [not] believe Porter would abandon her, as was done in the case of tho Sumter, but I hope I do not fully understand the case yet. The Navy can hold Baton on e and keep them from erecting batteries, etc. iF think I will send you the Albatross, as she is not fit for outside work. Query first. Is the Miami off? Query second. When will the (ilif ton be off? Query third. When will the Sciota be off? Very respectfully and truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commodore HENRY W. MoRRIs, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Mississippi River. [Telegram.] BALTIMORE, August 24, 1862. (Received 3:40 p. in.) A letter from my son, dated steamer Hartford, [New] Orleans, 14th, says we sail in few moments for Pensacola. Remains Wainwright sent on home on Miami. Rumor this morn- ing rebels again appeared before Baton Rouge. If defeated, town will be destroyed C. C. FULTON. Captain Fox. Position of vessels off Mobile, Ala. U. S. S. SUSQUEHANNA, Off Mobile, August 25, 1862. The following is substituted for the arrangement of the 20th in relation to the position of vessels: No. 1, on a N. E. or N. E. ~ E. line of bearing from the present anchorage of the Susquehanna; well in with the shore. No. 2, on the same line of bearing one-third from No. 1, to the Susquehanna. No. 3, on the same line of bearing midway between No. 2 and Susquehanna. No. 4, on a W. N. W. line of bearing from the present anchorage; Fort Morgan bearing N. E. ~ N. No. 5, off Petit Bois Island. No. 1 will be underway at 4 oclock a. m. and remain near her sta- tion until broad daylight, and then run to the southward and east- ward some 20 or 25 miles, and return to the anchorage off Mobile Bar. No. 2 will remain at anchor. No. 3 will remain at anchor, hoist the guard flag, and act as guard- ship for the day. No. 4 remains at her anchorage. No. 5 remains off Petit Bois, and will take charge of Horn Island Pass and Petit Bois [Island] Pass. R. B. HITCHCOCK, Senior Officer Present Page 168 168 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander French, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Albatross, to proceed to blockade Rio Grande and port of Brazos Santiago. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, August 25, 1862. SIR: You will land your Vhf-inch gun at the navy yard, fill up your coal, water, and provisions, and proceed to the coast of Texas in order to blockade the river Rio Grande and port of Brazos Santiago Your duty will be of a most delicate character. You will be expected to prevent the introduction of munitions of war into our country through that river and the exit of cotton from Texas, and yet you will have to execute that duty with great delicacy toward neutrals, who claim the right to trade with Matamoras, which we do not wish to interfere with when it is legitimately carried on; but they have so frequently used the neutral flag to violate the blockade by introducing munitions of war that we are fairly at liberty to suspect them whenever found under circumstances of the slightest suspicion. Recently a vessel was found with a cargo of fish from St. John, New Brunswick, or one of the British provinces. While landing her cargo it was discovered the supposed fish barrels contained muni- tions of war. The vessel was at the time lying on the Texas side of river s mouth, unloading her cargo, and was seized and sent in for adjudication. I herewith enclose you copies of the orders sent Captain Hunter, who, like his predecessor, Captain Swartwout, performed his duties at that place (Rio Grande) with great judgment, avoiding as much as possible the difficulties with foreign officers and yet carrying out their instructions and preventing the introduction, to a great extent, of contraband articles. Should you find Captain Walker in the De Soto at the Rio Grande you will relieve him, that he may return to his station. \Tery respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander HENRY FRENCH, Commanding U. S. S. Albatross. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the assignment of the Albatross to blockade duty off the mouth of the Rio Crande. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, August 26, 1862. SIR: The Albatross reported for duty on the 23d instant. She arrived at a time when a vessel was very much wanted down the coast, at the mouth of the Rio Grande, where I am about to send her for the purpose of blockading that river and the port of Brazos Santiago. Commander French was the first suitable officer I have had to send whose vessel could be spared. The Albatross having no condenser will compel me to relieve her as soon as possible, as it would take half her time to fill up her water Page 169 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 169 As water condensers can be furnished at small expense, I beg o~ the Department to put them in all vessels intended for this squadron. We have many ports on the coast still unblockaded, and I have no vessels to send to them. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Corndg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary o/the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Kittredge, U. S. Navy, com- manding U. S. bark Arthur, regarding the capture of schooner Water Witch, of Kingston, Jamaica, August 23, 1862. U. S. YACHT CORYPHEUS, TENDER TO U. S. BARK ARTHUR, Aransas Bay, Tex., August 26, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that at dusk Saturday, August 23, a sail was reported outside the bar, standing in toward land and showing signal for a pilot. As it was blowing fresh at the time, and having no vessel fit to go outside but the yacht, I deemed it too haz- ardous to run her out over the bar in the night. I sent two men ashore on St. Joseph Island with two lamps, to be waved on the beach (this being the signal on this coast among the rebels that there is no blockade on). At early dawn, August 24, the schooner was again reported standing in; got the yacht underway and ran out to her. She immediately squared away and made additional sail, evi- dently with the intention of getting away. Fired a shot across her bow, when she hoisted the English ensign and hove to. Boarded her and examined her papers. She proved to be the schooner Water Witch, of Kingston, Jamaica (formerly the schooner lo Sierra, that ran the blockade at Galveston in February last with 300 bales of cot- ton), from Havana and Jamaica, bound for Matamoras, laden with general cargo, ~alt, shoes, drugs, rope, etc. As she had shown a signal forapilot (alargeblackballatthefore),andhadstayedoffthispoint all night with a favorable wind for her destination, I determined to seize her. Her captain, Thomas B. King, of Galveston, professed to have made a mistake, supposing this to be the Rio Grande. I found afterwards he had been a pilot on this coast or at Brazos Santiago. Took the schooner inside, and on taking off one tier of salt discovered 150 25-pound kegs of English rifle powder. The vessel and cargo are worth about $10,000. Among the papers I found evidence to show that her original intention was to run the blockade on this coast. I shall forward the vessel and cargo in charge of prize master and crew to New York. Trusting the above may meet your approval, I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. KITTEEDGE, Lieut., Comdg. U. S. Bark Arthur and Naval Forces at Aransas. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 170 170 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, confirming him in supreme command of the West Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 26, 1862. SIR: Your No. 175, wishing to know the views .of the Department as to the gunboats which were sent out as part of Commander D. D. Porters command has been received, and you are informed that all the vessels connected with the Mortar Flotilla, and of the whole West- ern Gulf Squadron, are under your unqualified control ani subject to your orders. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Ship Island, Miss. Report of Commodore Morris, U. S. Navy, announcing the return to naval control of the U. S. S. Calhoun. U. S. SLOOP PENSACOLA, New Orleans, August 27, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter to me of the 30th of July, disapproving of the turning over of the steamer Calhoun to the Army and of my sending her commander, Lieutenant Joseph E. De Haven, home. In accordance with your instructions to me in that letter, to make a request for the immediate restoration of the Calhoun to the Navy, I have to report that I called upon General Butler yesterday and showed him your letter. He immediately issued the necessary order for her restoration to the Navy. I shall report the circumstances to Rear-Admiral Farragut, [who] is now at Pensacola, and ask for instructions in relation to her. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, HENRY W. MORRIS, Commodore and Senior Officer. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, recommending measures for the protection of machinery in steam vessels. No. 186.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, August 28, 1862. SIR: I have completed the repairs absolutely necessary to this ship and beg to bring a fact, which the master carpenter brought to my notice, to that of the Department, viz, in every instance where the shot struck the ship on a timber below the spar deck, it did not pene- trate. The only shot or shells that came through (between) the tim- bers, and passed into the berth deck, brought up against the first heavy piece of oak it came in contact with. I therefore most respect- fully recommend that all steam vessels should be built with the tim- bers solid abreast of the machinery, and 30 or 40 feet forward and abaft the center, as additional protection to it. The shot which have been found in our ship are 50-pound to 80-pound rifles and VIII an Page 171 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 171 IX inch solid shot and shells, fired at us from a distance of not over a mile in any instance, and generally at less than half a mile. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western aitlf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Captain Walker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. De Soto, to proceed to New Orleans for repairs to that vessel. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, August 28, 1862. Sin: Upon the reporting of the U. S. S. Albatross, you will proceed to New Orleans andreport yourself to Commodore H. W. Morris for such repairs to your vessel as may be absolutely necessary; the nature and extent of the repairs to be determined upon by a board of naval engineers, to be ordered by Commodore Morris. Immediately up on the completion of your repairs, you will return to your station off Galveston. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain W. M. WALKER, Commanding U. S. S. De Soto, Galveston or Point Isabel. Order of the Secretary of the Navy, to Captain Pickering, U. S. Navy commanding U. S. S. Kearsarge, to proceed to duty in the West Gulf Squadron. NAVY DEPARTMENT, August 29, 1862. Sin: The Department proposes to send out a relief at an early day, and upon her arrival you will proceed to Ship Island, Mississippi, with the Kearsarge under your command, and on your arrival report to Rear-Admiral Farragut, as directed in a previous order dated May 21, 1862. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Captain CHAS. W. PICKERING, Comdg. U. S. Steam Sloop Kearsarge, Gibraltar. Report of Lieutenant Thornton, U. S. Navy, giving the result of sound- ings taken in Afobile Bay. U. S. GUNBOAT WINONA, 0/f 2111 obile Bay, August 29, 1862. Sin: I anchored off Fort Gaines, distant about 2~ miles. I sounded from Great Pelican Island to Little Pelican Island, and found a bar extending clear across with from 5 to 7 feet Page 172 172 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. There is no available channel between these two islands. I found 11 feet and 14 feet on either side of the bar. While inside of the bar Fort Gaines opened fire upon us with solid shot and shell. As soon as I had accomplished my purpose I returned to the ship. The rebels threw solid shot over the vessel, but their shell fell short about 20 yards. I then went to the westward and found the channel (marked on the chart) between Pelican Island and Dauphin completely filled up. There is positively no passage for your fleet, except through the main channel. I sounded carefully and thoroughly. Fort Gaines is armed, manned, and in good condition. They fired beautifully, their first shot passing about 3 feet above the boat. I did not return their fire, preferring a dignified silence. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES S. THORNTON, Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Western Blockading Squadron. Letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, regarding general affairs. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, August 31, 1862. DEAR GENERAL: So you have evacuated Baton Rouge and have sent here for more troops for New Orleans. You must be expecting an attack, but I can not think it possible that it will be madeupon you. What will we do for troops when the attack comes off on Mobile? I am going on well with the repairs of my vessels and hope to be ready in less than a fortnight. The moment I am ready I will send you word and you can then decide as to the assistance you can give. I am making my reconnoissances daily. I find Fort Gaines is in full fight- ing order. We drew the fire day before yesterday, and our fleet will have to pass in through the main channel. I find by sounding that the swash canals have filled up, so that neither the gunboats nor the mortar boats can get in through them. Has anything been heard from the upper fleet of the Mississippi? Are they doing anything up there, or is the whole country panic- stricken about Richmond and the rams? The newspapers, it seems to me, are demoralizing the country by painting the horrors of the contact with the enemy. I have visited the forts here and they are in fine order and all ready for action. I see you have sent some of your State prisoners here. I hope you consider that there are suffi- cient vessels of war in and about New Orleans to render anything safe in their line. I did want the New London in the sound, but so long as you deem her necessary in the lake she shall stay there. I hope you will not think it necessary to evacuate Pensacola town. I will be glad to hear from you when vessels are coming this way. I did not allow the Rhode Island to communicatc except through the health officers, and sent her off in two hours to the North. She had three cases of fever and two died, but as yet there Las been none but the three cases of that ship. We are doing everything in our powe Page 173 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 173 to keep it out of the squadron. An assistant engineer, master, and sutler died from her. The engineer was taken in this ship and sent on shore immediately. There has been no other case, and our crew is very much improved since our arrival. Very respectfully and truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGTJT, Rear-Admiral, etc. Major-General BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of the Gulf. Report of Acting Al aster DOyley, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark William G. Anderson, regarding the capture by that vessel of the schooner Lilly. U. S. BARK WILLIAM G. ANDERSON, At Sea, Lat. 190 N., Long. 930 W., August 31, 1862. SIR: I beg to transmit to you the following account of the seizure of the schooner Lilly by this vessel, under my command. In obedience to an order addressed to me by Commander Walker, of the U. S. S. De Soto, I was cruising between the parallels of 270 and 290 N. and the meridians of 930 and 940 W. At daybreak on the morning of August 31, this ships position being 280 55 N., longitude 930 20 W., a schooner was discovered steering about N. N. W., dis- tant about 2~ miles, the wind being south. I immediately made sail and neared the chase about one-half a mile before she altered her course. When a short 2 miles distant, day having fully broke, she appeared to discover the bark, and immediately setting her flying jib, kept off N. by K. I then fired a blank cartridge, of which no notice was taken, the chase making for the nearest land, winged out. The wind was light and I appeared to gain very little, if any, for some time, but in a light squall I closed with the stranger about one- half a mile; the wind again dying away, and it appearing doubtful whether I shouid be able to overhaul him, I fired a shotted gun in a line to cross his bow, which fell short and did not induce him to alter his course. The chase, however, set the English colors in his main rigging. Shortly afterwards I fired another shot across his wake, to which no attention was paid. The wind becoming still lighter, and the schooner rather increasing her distance, I ordered an unloaded shell to be directed at her from the 5-inch rifled gun on the forcastle. This was a good line shot and appeared to fall short only a few yards, drop- ping close under his taifrail. The chase then rounded to. My boarding officer ordered the captain with his papers and the mate on hoard this vessel, and from them I learned that the schooner was built in Madi- sonville, La. She had on board a provisional register, granted by her British Majestys acting consul-general at Havana, an a ec ara- tion of ownership, which sets forth that one Antonio ilurat, a British subject, is the sole owner. According to her manifest, her cargo consists of 100 bags of salt and 159 packages of drugs, etc., including one case of quinine. The yes- selspapers from the Spanish authorities set forth that she was bound toMatamoras, and such is the captains story. He, however, pro- fessed entire ignorance as to the nature of her cargo, and in answer to my questions contradicted himself several times Page 174 174 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Under the circumstances I considered myself justified in having the nature of the vessels cargo more particu en uired into, and there- fore sent my executive officer on board with orders to take off the hatches. The result of a very cursory examination revealed that she had on board, besides many other packag~s which were not over- hauled, about 350 kegs of powder, several packages of saltpeter, etc. A document addressed To the Commanding Officer at C. S. A, was also found, a copy of which you will find enclosed, marked A. I have ordered the prize to Key West, in charge of Acting Master C. W. Harriman, with a prize crew of six men. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. DOYLEY, Acting Master, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosure.] HAVANA, August 16, 1862. To the commanding officer at the Confederate port at which the schooner (English) Lilly may arrive: SIR: The schooner Lilly belongs to Mr. Charles Pinot, late of New Orleans, who is a Southerner in feeling, and sends a cargo which he thinks will be useful to our people. Captain Briggs, who will command the schooner, has been recom- mended to me by Southerners in whom I have felt confidence. I therefore hope you will give the captain such facility in the sale of his cargo and in the purchase of a return cargo of cotton as you conven- iently can. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES J. HELM. Address on back of letter: To the Commanding Officer at Confederate States of America. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Budd, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Potomska. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 1, 1862. SIR: You will proceed with the Potomska to Ship Island, Miss., and report to Rear-Admiral Farragut for duty in the Western Gulf Block- a in Squadron. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant WILLIAM BITDD, Commanding U. S. S. Potomslca, Philadelphia, Pa. Order of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Iroquois, to cruise for the ~ntercep- tion of steamers to the Southern coast. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 1, 1862. SIR: You will proceed down the coast as low as Brazos St. lago [Santiago], looking in and delivering the mails to the Mobile squadro Page 175 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 175 and at Ship Island. Look in also at Aransas Bay, as your presence may be of some importance there. The principal object of your run down the coast is that you may intercept some of the steamers to the Southern coast. You will return and report to me at this place about the 10th instant. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Blockading Squadron. Commander ED. T. NIcHoLS, Commanding U. S. S. Iroquois. Letter from the chief clerk of steamer Iberville to Major-General Butler, 19T S. Army, regarding proposed seizure of river steamers by Confed- erate guerrillas. NEW ORLEANS, September 1, 18G2. SIR: Having been informed by reliable parties, to the best of my opiIiion there now exists at Bonnet Carr6 Point and village from 800 to 1,000 guerrillas and from four to eight pieces of light artillery. Also have been informed that it is the intention of said parties to seize this or any other steamboat now running on the river. Also that General Richard Taylor is supposed or said to be marching on to Don- aldsonvihle, and is making a military road from Napoleonville to Mr. Winchesters (Buena Vista plantation), on the Mississippi River, and, having about 500 negroes at work, expects to be out about Friday. On seizing this or any other boat it is their intention to go up or down the river with her, sending couriers on either side of the river so that they may be informed of the presence of the United States gunboats. They iiitend to fill her with troops (the steamer captured), and as soon as they receive information of the position of the gunboats running in either direction, up or down stream, they will fire on each side of the river so as to deceive the gunboats, and then run alongside of them to board and try to capture them. To the best of my opinion this information is correct. If this boat is allowed to go up the river hereafter, you may judge from my statement above what guard and protection will be required for her safety. Your most obedient servant, FRANK ANDREW THOMPSON, Major-General BUTLER. Chief Clerk Steamer Iberville. P. 5. Also information of a battery being contemplated in the neighborhood of Plaquemine of about six or eight guns. [Endorsement.] SEPTEMBER 1. COMMODORE MORRIS: The party giving this information is very reliable and I send this for your information. Would it not be well to caution your boats against the probability of such a surprise? Respectfully, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. N W RVOL~ 19 1 Page 176 176 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, to the acting quartermaster at New Orleans, in view of proposed seizure of coasting steamers by the enemy. U. S. S. KATARDIN, New Orleans, September 1,1862. Sin: Information having been given to me by Major-General Butler that the enemy had planned to seize one of the coasting7steamers for the purpose of filling her with troops to run down and board one of the gunboats, I shall hereafter, upon meeting with any of these steamers, heave a rifle shot over him. I respectfully request that you will be pleased to instruct the captains of all such boats that this will be a signal for them to round to immediately, head upstream if the gunboat is below, but head downstream if the gunboat be above them. Should this signal not be immediately obeyed, the gunboat will open fire upon the steamer with the intention of sinking her on the spot. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Colonel [JOHN W.] TURNER, U. S. Army, Acting Quartermaster of Department, N[ew] O[rleans]. Report of Acting Master DOyley, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark William C. Anderson, regarding the seizure of schooner Theresa. U. S. BARK WILLIAM G. ANDERSON, At sea, Lat. 280 15 N., Long. 930 12 [W.], September 4, 1862. SIR: I beg to transmit to you the following account of the seizure of the schooner Theresa by this vessel under my command: At 4 oclock this afternoon, the barks position being latitude 28~ 14 N., longitude 930 24 W., and the wind S. E., a schooner was dis- covered to the eastward, running, as nearly as I could judge, N. W. by W., with all sail set. This vessel being under short canvas was not discovered by the stranger until he had approached within about 5 miles, when he took in his square sail and hauled sharp on the wind to the southward. I immediately made all sail, and having reduced the intervening distance to little over a mile, fired a blank cartridge, to which no attention was paid. It being then half an hour after sunset there was no time to waste, and I therefore threw a Schenkle shell over his mastheads. The chase immediately luffed to. Myboardin officer ordered the captain on board with his papers, and from them I ~earne d that the schooner is called the Theresa (formerly the Cora, of Black Bay, Alabama), but she is the property of G. Wigg, of Liverpool, sail- ing under a provisional register granted by her Britannic Majestys acting consul-general at Havana, from which port she cleared for Matamoras on the 22d of August. According to her Spanish manifest,~she has on board 150 bags salt and 14 packages of merchandise, consisting of clothing, shoes, thread, gunny cloth, etc. As her position, and also the course she was steering when first dis- covered, made it apparent that the vessel was not bound to the port for which she cleared, I directed my executive officer to examine her cargo. The examination was of necessity very cursory, but sufficien Page 177 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 177 to disclose the presence of 2 cases of cavalry carbines in addition to the articles manifested. Both the captain and mate admitted that their latitude by this days meridian altitude was 27~ 40. Matamoras lays more than 100 miles to the southward of that parallel, and yet, with a fair wind, the schooner between noon and 4 p. in. made over 20 miles of northing. Of course this fact aione would be sufficient to prove that she was not bound to any Mexican port. After I had put a prize crew on board, when the captain saw that further falsehood was useless, he admitted that he intended to enter one of the small passes between Galveston and Pass Cabello [Cavallo], either Pass San Luis, Velasco, or the [San] Bernard River. I have placed Masters Mate W. Hallet in charge of the prize, with a crew of 6 men, and ordered him to proceed direct to Key West. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. DOYLEY, Acting iifaster, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Gibson, U. S. Navy, regarding measures for the interception of blockade run- ners in East Pass, Santa Rosa Sound. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Pensacola Bay, September 5, 186?. Sin: You will send your tender in charge of a proper officer, and with a sufficient number of officers and men to fight her, well armed, up Santa Rosa Sound as high as the East Pass. Let her be provi- sioned for two weeks at least. I have reason to believe that they are preparing two schooners to run the blockade with 800 bales of cotton. If the schooner is well managed she may capture the whole. She will have the schooner Aliaria Wood to cooperate with her and to fall back on, if they should be too strong for her, but my informant says they have nothing but small arms on the bay. Get the tender off as soon as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient ser-v ant, [D. G. FAHEAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. Commander ALEX. GIBSON, Commandina U. S. Receiving Ship Potomac. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Al aster Anthony Chase, commanding U. S. schooner Mi aria A. Wood, to proceed to the blockade of East Pass, Santa Rosa Sound. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD Pensacola Bay, September 5, 1862. SIR: Proceed to sea with the vessel under your conimand and run up to the east end of Santa Rosa Island and blockade the East Pass Page 178 178 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I have reason to believe that an att1E~mpt will be made to run out of that pass 800 bales of cotton during this and the next week. I will send up on the inside the tender of the Potomac to cooperate with you. When you are in want of anything you can return to this port for supplies, or send me word by the schooner on the inside. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Acting Master ANTHONY CHASE; Commanding U. S. Schooner Maria Wood. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the crews of prizes. No. 189.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 5, 1862. Sin: In reply to your communication of the 19th ultimo, I would respectfully inform the Department that many of our prizes are cap- tured after long chases, in which the vessels are run on shore and deserted by the crews, rendering the detention of the master, mate, or supercargo impossible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Alden, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Richmond, to proceed to blockade duty off Mobile. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 6, 1862. SIR: Proceed with all practicable dispatch to Mobile and assume the command of the blockading forces. Commander Preble has per- mitted a gunboat to run in. She is presumed to be the Lairds Gun- boat, built at London and commanded by Bulloch; she mounts ten heavy guns. Our force at Mobile is not sufficient to cope with the gunboats inside, there being but three of ours there at present. Order the schooner W. L. Spriggs to come around here as soon as possible. She contains articles much needed by the squadron. Is there a communication open with New Orleans via the lakes, and how often do you hear from there per week or per month? I sent you $2,000 to pay the mechanics. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander J. ALDEN, Commanding U. S. S. Richmond, Ship Island Page 179 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 179 Commendatory letter from Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Kittredge, U. S. Navy, regarding operations in Corpus Christi Bay. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, Fla., September 6, 1862. SIR: It is with, much pleasure that I acknowledge the receipt of your communications referring to your operations in Corpus Christi Bay. I hope that you and your command will continue to evince the energetic spirit and zeal with which your operations thus far have been conducted. I have forwarded your reports to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. I shall be obliged to take the Sachem from you, in order to carry out more important operations on this part of the coast. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, ID. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding J. W. KITTREDGE, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Corpus Christi, Tex. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, to send the U. S. S. Clifton to communicate with command- ing officer at Ship Island. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 6, 1862. SIR: You will direct the Clifton to proceed and deliver the letters to Captain Alden or the commanding officer at Ship Island. Obtain all the latest news from New Orleans, ask Captain Alden for his answer to my letter, and return to this port, touching off Mobile and commu- nicating with the commanding officer of the blockade, asking for infor- mation in relation to the gunboats, etc., in the bay. - Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander W. B. RENSHAW, Commanding MI ortar Flotilla, Pensacola Bay. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Miadigan, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. Ship Vincennes, requesting inst.ructions. U. S. SHIP VINcENNES, Off Mobile Bar, September 8, 1862. DEAR SIR: By my written orders, as you have seen, I am ordered to go as far as the Rio Grande and then return to Pensacola, keeping a lookout for vessels, etc. When I left Pensacola on Saturday last, Admiral Farragut directed me to come here and remain a day or two, and upon asking a second time, he said, A day or two, or until I or Captain Alden arrive there. The H. Lane has since arrived here, and you perhaps know if the Richmond is to come. Please direct me as to what I had better do. My time, as specified by the admiral, i Page 180 180 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. up. Will the arrival of the H. Lane warrant my proceeding on my cruise? I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, JOHN MADIGAN, Lieutenant-Commander, Commanding U. S. Ship Vincennes. Commander G. H. PREBLE Senior Officer, Commanding off Mobile. Report of Commander French, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Alba- tross, regarding the examination of suspicious vessels off the Rio Grande. U. S. S. ALBAmoss, Off Rio Grande, September 8,1862. Sin: I have to report my arrival at this place, having on my way here overhauled and examined several vessels, all of which were found pursuing their lawful voyages, with correct papers, and free from suspicion. I find here 20 vessels, 6 Spanish, 8 English, two of which are steam- ers (the Labuan being one), 1 Bremen, 2 Danish, 1 American, 1 Prussian. I have been busy boarding and examining them as rapidly as pos- sible. I find among them 13 barks and brigs loaded, or nearly so, with cotton, and all of them are waiting for cotton, which is being brought to them daily by a small Mexican steamer coming out of the river. I have examined carefully the pa ers of a Prussian bark quite ready for sea, with a full cargo of cotton or Liverpool; her papers are strictly correct, and on each of her bills of lading a certificate of the American consul at Matamoras that the property is Mexican property, and such is the case, I am told by the master of the bark, with all bills of lading. This may all be honest, but I do not believe it, and I have been searching in vain through the only two law books I have (Vattel and Upton) to try if I could not find just cause for seizing them. It is not by any means a pleasant prospect seeing every hour vessels receiv- ing cargo which undoubtedly is rebel property, and yet can not be seized. My belief is that every ounce of this cotton comes from Brownsville, and merely goes through the form of transfer to Mexican merchants without any bona fide transfer. This has been the condi- tion of affairs here for some time, no vessel of war (American) having been here for upward of four weeks, and I can not learn when the last one was here. One of the English steamers is in ballast, from Liver- pool, with 60,000 in specie for purchasing a cargo. I regret my law library is so limited, for independent of the little pin money it might put into the pockets of all hands, I should enjoy real gratification in being able to find authority for seizing all of their king cotton, which I believe the rebels are thus illegally shipping. One circumstance strikes me as exceedingly strange. The masters of vessels, immediately on their arrival here, go on shore, taking all their papers with them, and with the exception of the Prussian captain not one has been found on board his vessel. I shall not, however, permit a single vessel to leave without a very thorough examination of her papers Page 181 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADIWN. 181 My anchorage is with the bar bearing W. by S. ~ S. (true), distant 3 miles, of course in the waters of the United States, and all the vessels here, except the Labuan, are in our waters. There are only 4 feet of water on the bar. There are no foreign vessels of war here, the last one (an English steam sloop) having sailed from here on Tuesday. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. FRENCH, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding, etc. Report of Commodore Porter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, regarding operations of that vessel. U. S. GUNBOAT EssEx, 0/f New Orleans, September 9, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 23d ultimo, having remained off the city of Baton Rouge two days after its evacuation by our troops, I proceeded up the river to reconnoiter reported batteries in progress at Port Hudson, La., and also coal my vessel at Bayou Sara, the only place I could obtain any, save at New Orleans. Arriv- ing there I found the town apparently deserted and the coal burning. Sending a boats crew on shore, they were fired at by guerrillas from the houses in heavy force. My men drove them out and burned the buildings in the lower part of the town, to prevent such being used to protect the enemy. These guerrillas had a few days previously fired at and wounded several of the crew of the U. S. gunboat Sumter. On the 24th I was necessitated to send the wooden gunboat Anglo-Amer- ican, which I had fitted out and armed, to New Orleans for coal, andli again dropped down the river and awaited her return off Port Hudson. I could discover no guns at this place, but earthworks were in progress, and whilst destroying these I had the misfortune to burst my heavy X-inch gun. The Anglo-American not arriving, I returned to Bayou Sara, where we were again fired at from buildings left, on which I ordered those remaining to be destroyed. The Anglo-American joined me on the 29th and reported three bat- teries as having opened on her whilst passing Port Hudson. She received 73 shot in her en passant. I had received intimation that the rebel gunboat Webb was at Natchez, to which city she had convoyed transports with supplies from Red River. I followed to that city, but found they had sought the protection of the Vicksburg guns. At Natchez a boats crew from the Essex were sent ashore to procure some ice for my sick, when they were wantonly attacked by over 200 armed citizens, wounding the officer in command and killing 1 and wounding 5 seamen. I immediately opened fire on the lower town and set a considerable number of the houses (from whence they were firing on us) on fire. After bombarding the place for an hour the mayor unconditionally surrendered the city. I followed the rebel gunboat Webb to the batteries at Vicksburg, under the guns of which she, with two transports, lay. Heavy ord- nance batteries extending 3 miles farther down the river than during the siege in July, prevented my nearer approach to these boats. Having exchanged some shots, and ascertained that the upper flee Page 182 182 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. was not in the vicinity of the town, being short of provisions, my bat- tery weakened by the loss of two guns burst and also short of ammu- nition, I determined to steam down the river to New Orleans for sup- plies and, if possible, ascertain the strength of Port Hudson batteries. On the 7th instant, at 4:15 a. in., we were off that place, and on com- ing within range, the enemy opened on us a vigorous fire with heavy siege guns. The Essex was struck with heavy shot 14 times. As nearly as I could judge the enemy had in position from 35 to 40 guns of X-inch, IX-inch, and VIJI-inch caliber in three batteries, command- ing the river to the extent of 5 miles. A 68-pounder, 32-pounder, and also a X-inch shot lodged in the Essex, but without material damage. We were under fire an hour and three-quarters, during which time the guns were worked well and incessantly, and I have reason to believe the enemy was considerably damaged. Mr. J. Harry Wyatt, acting fourth master, and my secretary, had command of the forward battery, and his conduct met my entire approbation. A land force will be necessary to complete the destruction of this fort, which, if allowed to again be restored, would seriously interrupt the free navigation of the Lower Mississippi. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commodore, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. P. S.In the various encounters I have had since leaving St. Louis on the last cruise (6th July), the Essex has been struck by heavy shot perceptibly 128 times; glancing shot have left no record; three have broken the iron, and but one through, and that at a distance of a few feet from the battery delivering it. . W. D. P. [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT ANGLO-AMERICAN, Off Bayou Sara, La.,August 29, 1862. SIR: In pursuance of your order I proceeded downstream on the 24th instant for New Orleans, arriving there on the morning of the 25th. We loaded up with coal and left that city at 3:15 p. m. on Thursday, the 28th instant. Nothing of importance occurred until I approached Port Hudson. I noticed earthworks had been thrown up on the bluffs as well as the water line, but no guns being in sight I kept on for about a mile when another line of earthworks was discov- ered as well as indications of rifle p its. I immediately ordered my rifled 50-pounder to be fired. At this moment the enemy opened on the boat. My rifle gun unfortunately could not be used, as the cart- ridge has been made wet by a just passed heavy rain, our howitzer was useless, as no ammunition could be obtained for it at New Orleans. We were now just abreast of the last-mentioned earthworks, the enemys guns playing on us with great rapidity .121 could see two 32-pound cannon and eighteen fieldpieces, 6 and pounders. The fire was so heavy on my frail wooden boat that, had it not been a mat- ter of urgent necessity to reach you, I should have dropped back, as I had no protection for the machinery and the fire was so heavy that the firemen were driven from their post. I determined, from th Page 183 - WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 183 importance of the case, to push on and rejoin you if possible. I am happy to report we succeeded. The following casualties o~curred: Mr. Parker, pilot, severely wounded in the back from a bursting shell, and James Banes, seaman, slightly wounded by splinter over the eye. We received 73 shot in the boat, 15 heavy shot, the balance 12-pounder and grape. One 32-pounder struck the upright brace of the walking beam, breaking it in two. It is with pleasure I here state the gallant conduct of Mr. H. [A.] Glassford, executive officer, and Mr. B. S. Williams, pilot, who never left their post of danger, and by their energy and coolness contributed to the saving of tbe boat. Mr. Miller, chief engineer, Mr. Parker, third master, and Mr. Jacobi, of the Esse , all did their duty nobly. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. K. RILEY, Commanding Gunboat Anglo-A merwan. Commander W. D. PORTER, Commanding Naval Forces below Vicksbnrg. General order of Commodore Miorris, U. S. Navy. U. S. SLOOP PENSACOLA, New Orleans, La., September 9, 1862. The Empire Parish, owned by General De Goicouria & Co., is bound up the river for a cargo. She will require protection, particularly whilst loading, and perhaps some convoy. You will please to afford it to her when asked for, provided it does not interfere with your affording protection to the army and your other duties. Very respectfully, HENRY W. MORRIS, Commodore and Senior Officer. To Commanding Officers Gunboats Itasca, Kineo, Katahdin, and Sciota, Mississippi River. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the distribution of the Mortar Flotilla. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 9, 1862. SIR: The Mortar Flotilla, as an organization attached to your squadron, may cease if you deem it best, and you can distribute the vessels as your judgment dictates. Commander Renshaw can be assigned to a vessel appropriate to his rank, or be allowed to return North. The vessels which belonged to Commodore Daviss flotilla, and which are not able to rejoin his command at present, form in all respects a part of your force. Commodore William D. Porter sent home the commandant of the Sumter, after the loss of that vessel, without authority, and when the circumstances should have been investigated by a court of enquiry Page 184 184 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The Colorado, at Portsmouth, N. H., is fitting for sea and will be sent toyou in November as your flagship. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Acting Lieutenant Budd, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Potomska, to proceed as bearer of dis- patches to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. NAvY DEPARTMENT, September 9, 1862. SIR: On the receipt of dispatches for Rear-Admirals Farragut and Lardner, you will proceed with all practicable dispatch off Key West, touching at Port Royal, if necessary, for coal. You will heave to off Key West and make signal for a boat, and you will take care to allow no person from that port on board your vessel, nor will you go any nearer than is necessary to obtain a boat from some ship in that port. You will place your passengers and dispatches into the boat alongside and immediately proceed to Pensacola and report to Rear-Admiral Farragut. If you can not carry coal enough to reach Pensacola, you are at liberty to obtain it at Havana on your way to Key West, and if your passengers and dispatches can quickly reach Key West from Havana, you can land them there, thus avoiding going near Key West. The prevalence of the yellow fever in the West Indies requires great prudence on your part, and you will be careful to allow no officer or man to leave your vessel on liberty on your way to Pensacola. Very respectfully, GIDEON WELLES. Acting Lieutenant WM. BUDD, Commanding U. S. S. Potomska, Philadelphia. Letter from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Far- ragut, U. S. Navy, regarding condition of affairs in the North. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 9, 1862. M~ DEAR ADMIRAL: We have all your dispatches by the Rhode Island, and I thought I would drop you an unofficial note by the Potomska, to let you know of the situation. Our armies have been outgeneraled, and the rebels are in Maryland in force. McClellan has moved up the north bank of the Potomac with 100,000 [men], and before the Potomska sails we shall know the result. The position here is about what it was when yon left, and the Potomac again full of gunboats. Wilkes is to be sent into the West Indies with a flying squadron, composed of seven steamers, in pursuit of 290 and the Oreto, rebel privateers. We have our navy yards filled with broken- down vessels, and we know your wants and will exert ourselves to help you, but the more we send the more they seem to come back. The Adirondack, a 14-knot steamer, is a total loss. The Ironsides is nearly ready, and is a success. The first new monitor will be ready October 1; others will come out during that month. Their firs Page 185 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 185 strike must be Charleston, where all the munitions go for the use of the rebels. I notice you speak of Mobile. We dont think you have force enough, and we do not expect you to run risks, crippled as you are. It would be a magnificent diversion for the country at this juncture, but act on your own judgment, and do not give way to any unnecessary risks. We only expect a blockade now and the p reservation of New Orleans. I hope you will have a fine depot at Pensacola, using the Potomac, Vincennes, and Miarion for storeships, guard ships, or hospitals, rather than send them home. One of them will do for Mobile when it is taken, and the others for any other port. We will give you all the mechanics, machinery, or anything else you require. It is a dark time for us just now, and the country asks for another naval victory, but my opinion is that wood has taken risk enough, and that iron will be the next affair. We shall triumph. I am sure of it, thanks to our gallant Navy. Shall we continue sending you more men? We are now shipping faster than usual, though most of them are landsmen, but of a superior class. I think most of the soldiers from the Southern country are in Kentucky and Virginia. Truly yours, etc., G. V. Fox. [Telegram.] FORT MONROE, September 9, 1~6~?. SIR: The U. S. S. Miami arrived here this morning in eight and three-quarter days from Ship Island. Have forwarded report by mail. ROBT. TOWNSEND, Acting Lieutenant, Commanding U. S. S. Miami. Hon. GIDEON WELLES. Order o/ Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Crocker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kensington, to proceed to blockade duty off Sabine Pass, Tex. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 9, 1862. SIR: You will proceed down the coast of Texas to the Sabine Pass and blockade in that quarter. The Rachel Seaman will accompany you, and together I hope you will be able to get possession of the pass, in which event you will leave the Rachel Seaman inside to hold it, and you will proceed down the coast as far as the Rio Grande and water the Albatross and other vessels along the coast, after which you will return to this port, touching at Ship Island and off Mobile, and report to the commanding officer at each place to ascertain if they need water. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Acting Master FRED. CROCKER, Commanding U. S. S. Kensington Page 186 186 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Far- ragut, U. S. Navy, re/erring to threats of attack upon New Orleans. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, September 9, 1862. M~ DEAR ADMIRAL: A week or two since tnere were imminent threats of attack upon New Orieans. I believe now that has been put off till about the middle of October, when the ironclad fleet in the Yazoo will be finished. This my information gives me as the settled plan. The Government should give us one of the new ironclads to end these hopes of the rebels. I have now an expedition up river under convoy of the Mississippi. The Essex is here, not at the mouth of Red River, where she is needed. I will be able, I think, to aid you at Mobile. At any rate, I will see you within the next ten days. It would be impossible to spare the New London on the lake. I am causing a crew to be enlisted for the Calhoun. We shall need her also to be just as we should be in event of an attack. My advices are such that I shall quarantine Pensacola no longer, although it was fortunate that I stopped the Rhode Island. The health of the city is improving. You will hear fearful news trom Washington, but I hope not so bad as it looks. You will be pleased to learn of the promotion of Lieutenant Weitzel to brigadier-general. Truly, your friend, BENJAMIN F. BUTLER. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Fleet. Letter from Commodore Porter, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, reguesting retaliation for the hanging of party from the U. S. S. Essex. ON BOARD UNITED STATES GUNBOAT ESSEX, Off New Orleans, September , 1862. GENERAL: I understand you have this day captured some ~uer- rillas.* On the 15th August my fourth master, Mr. Spencer Kel ogg, with four of my seamen from the Essex, were made prisoners by some guerrillas at Port Hudson when engaged in cutting adrift some flat- boats used by the rebels for conveyance of supplies from the west bank to the east bank of the Mississippi; the next day they were hanged, so I understand from a citizen of Bayou Sara in whom I have much confidence. I would ask you, under the circumstances, that retribution be car- ried out, and would respectiully suggest that for each seaman of mine hanged one guerrilla be shot, and for my officer ten. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commodore, United States Navy. General BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Commanding United States Forces at New Orleans, La. * See Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies in the War of the Rebellion, Series I, Volume XV, pp. 565-567 Page 187 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 187 1?eport of Captain Smith, U.S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Mississippi, regarding cooperation extended to military forces in expedition against the enemy in vicinity of Saint Charles Court-House, La. U. S. S. Mississippi, Off New Orleans, September 9, 1862. Sin: In obedience to your order of the 7th instant, I got the steamer Mwsissippi underway at dark, and proceeded to Carroilton, where I communicated with Colonel Paine and arranged the preliminaries for the convoy of his transports and my cooperation with his forces. It was decided to leave Carroliton at midnight with four steam- boats, so as to reach a point 25 miles above at daylight, where the two regiments under Colonel Paine were to disembark. The remaining force under Colonel MeMillan was to land 3 or 4 miles above, and the Mississippi was to occupy an intermediate posi- tion, so as to be available for the protection of either. On arriving at my station a large force of rebel cavalry was discovered from the mast- head in a sugar-cane field. I steamed up to give Colonel McMillan the intelligence, and requested him to extend his lines to the woods that skirted on one side of the field and thereby cut off their retreat. I then resumed my station and pointed out to our advancing columns the position of the enemy by throwing a few rifle and I~I-inch shells, which burst in their midst and scattered them in every direction. Their consternation was so great that a captain of the rebel force made prisoner stated that he was unable to rally his nien, as they had never before heard a shell explode nor he either, and he never desired to hear another. Colonel McMillan soon after got sight of the enemy and opened fire on the right, and the battery attached to Colonel Paines command came up and. shelled them on the left, when a request was sent me to cease firing, as they had the rebels surrounded. The result of the expedition was 8 killed and several wounded, the capture of 2 officers, 30 men, 250 horses, with a quantity of arms and baggage. Hearing that there was a regiment of infantry encamped near Bonnet Carr~, Colonel Paine sent to request that I would convoy his transports to that place, which service I rendered, but without any results, though scouts were out all night reconnoitering in that vicinity. I rescued from the right bank of the river on my return a lieutenant of the Eighth Vermont Regiment, who was worn out by the fatigue of traveling and nearly famished, and who had escaped capture by the rebel force that captured the Federal pickets stationed at Bayou des Allemands. I consider it unnecessary to make any report of this service to the admiral, as the navy only flushed the game for the army to bag. There is no evidence that we killed anybody, though the prisoners will do us the justice to say tlat we tried. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, MELANCTON SMITH, Commodore H. W. Monnis, Captain. Commodore and Senior Officer Page 188 188 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant Lowry, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sciota, commenting upon the use of the French flag by citizens as a means of protection. U. S. GUNBOAT SCIOTA, Mii~sissippi River, La., September 9, 186ff?. Sin: I have the honor to report that in obedience to your order I proceeded up the river, on the evening of the 5th instant, for the purpose of affording assistance to Colonel McMillan, of the Indiana troops, then on an expedition up the river for the purpose of cutting off some guerrillas who had been making attack upon our pickets in the vicinity of St. Charles. Passing up the river I met two steam transports with troops descending, viz, the Laurel Hill and Miorning Light. Reaching St. Charles, or the nearest point where the Ope- lousas Railroad touches the river, I found the gunboats Itasca, Kineo, and Katahdin at anchor. Having communicated with them, and learned that no hostile demonstration had been made by the enemy and that they had seen but had had no communication with the army steamers, I proceeded as far as the point known as the Red Church, where, on landing, I learned that the United States troops had been there the day before, but had gone down the river. Deeming my duty performed as regarded supporting the army expedition, I joined myself to the divi- sion of gunboats, under command of Lieutenant-Commander Ransom, and accompanied them as far as Baton Rouge. There we found all quiet, many of the citizens returning to the city. A number of rebel soldiers, without arms, were observed strolling about the city, and I learned that the Fourth Louisiana Regiment, about 300 strong, held the penitentiary. As it seemed to be a tacit understanding that no firing was to take place between us when off the city, no hostile acts were committed by either side. I have to report that I have observed all along the banks of the river, covering houses and sometimes small vessels, the French flag flying. This flag, in a certain position, resem- bles the rebel flag so strongly as to have several times actuated me to prepare to fire on it; and was only restrained from doing so by discov- ering my mistake in time to hold my fire. I am not aware that the French have any commerce on this river, or why they should be per- mitted to use the flag of France. French descend ants or French citizens, it seems to me, can claim the protection of our flag if they have an honest purpose in doing so; otherwise, the hoisting of any foreign flag can only be to cloak some design antagonistic to the honor and interest of the United States Government. It strikes me that this point is one that may soon assume very deli- cate relations to those countries whose flag is so used, and that it will be well for us to be well and timely prepared to meet it with right on our side. I must confess that I feel, as an American officer, a certain sense of national outrage to see these foreign flags flaunting in our faces over a soil where they have no right. I know that on none of the territory of France or England is our flag permitted to float, except where the consulate or ambassadorial residences or officers may be. The Kinco and Katahdin having coupled together to act in the river, and my consort being the Itasca, I have returned to New Orleans t Page 189 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 189 join her, and await further from you; also to finish the repairs to my spars. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. Lowny, Lieutenant Commandin Commodore H. W. Monnis, g Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, ilfississippi River, La. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Ransom, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kineo, regarding the operations o/that vessel in the Miissis- sippi River. U. S. GUNBOAT KINBo Off New Orleans, La., September 10, /862. Sin: Pursuant to your request that I would keep you advised from time to time of the aspect of things at various points along this river, I have the honor to state that in a passage slowly down by day from Baton Rouge, anchoring one night 6 miles below Plaquemine and the next night off Bonnet Carr6 Church, arriving here last evening, so far as we could observe, all seemed quiet. Upon the occasion of the evacuation by our army of Baton Rouge (21st ultiino) this vessel accompanied the transports as one of the convoy to this place. The necessity of some repairs to her boilers at that time caused a detention of six days. On the 28th I started up the river, from which moment, I beg leave to state, sir, the Kineo has been active and extremely vigilant. On the passage up, between Bonnet Carr6 Point (40 miles above New Orleans) and Plaquemine, we destroyed all the ferries at various points, in all 8 fiatboats, a number of large skiffs, and 1 sloop of 15 tons. Some we burned and the others were broken to pieces with axes. There were visible evidences of a crossing for cattle at a place 5 miles below Jefferson College, and another just below Donaldsonville; another, apparently of greater importance, 6 miles below Plaquemine. We arrived at Baton Rouge on the morning of the 27th, finding there the Itasca. We ascertained by reports from negroes, and by a German deserter from the rebels, that the penitentiary was being occupied by the Fourth Louisiana (rebel) Regiment, amounting to about 400 men the only troops in this vicinity, and we could see with our glasses, occasionally, what appeared to be an officer wandering about the streets, and sometimes a soldier, lounging here and there. But as all seemed quiet almost a death-like stillness, indeed, seeming to prevail over the cityand as I had been informed by General Butler of his intention to reoccupy this place in a few weeks, we deemed it advisable to allow this regiment to remain for the present undisturbed. In the afternoon of the 30th, a few miles above Plaquemine, I seized a flatboat heavily loaded with corn. Taking it in tow, I discovered soon it was in a sinking condition, and I found it difficult to keep it afloat. Fortunately I found the steamboat Iberville 6 miles be ow Plaquemine, to which I delivered the corn, to be delivered to the quar- termaster-general at New Orleans for the use of the army. We anchored here opposite the cattle crossing. By some shrewd enquirie Page 190 190 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. of our pilot, who accompanied an officer on shore, we learned the next morning that at this place, on the west side, resides Mr. Roache, and on the east side Messrs. DuPree and LeBarre, contractors, to supply the Confederate Army with cattle, who, of late have been very suc- cessful. We destroyed here a large pen on the west bank, having a lane to the river for the convenience of driving down to the fiatboats, and on the opposite side we discovered that the bank had been care- fully graded to facilitate the driving up. We found also in this vicin- ity five flatboats which had escaped our notice the previous day, and a number of large skiffs, all of which we destroyed. We returned and anchored for the night off Plaquemine, and the next day (1st instant) we visited Baton Rouge again, where we found all quiet, as before. The next day we ran down to Red Church, 25 miles above New Orleans, where some pickets of our army were being threatened with an immediate attack by guerrillas. We arrived opportunely, and anchored for the night. On the night of the 3d we were anchored off Donaldsonville. Steaming slowly up the river the next forenoon we were overhauled by the Empire Parish, bringing a dispatch from Commodore Morris, requiring the Kineo or the Itasca to protect, and, if expedient, to convoy, this steamer, with a cargo of merchandise, trading along the banks for sugar and molasses. She reported having been fired upon by guerrillas from various points. We attended upon her very closely until the evening of the 5th, until she had arrived within 7 miles of Carrollton, having convoyed her through an eminently successful and doubtless an exceedingly profitable trip. Here we were met by the Katahdin, and returned to anchor at a place indicated as being where the rebels aimed to destroy the railroad 22 miles above New Orleans with a view to bag a party of our troops under Colonel MeMillan.. The Sciota joined us subsequently, having been hurriedly sent up to the support of the same colonel. But neither this colonel nor any rebel force could be found. The next morning the Kineo, accompa- nied by the Sci eta and Katahdin, proceeded up the river and anchored for the night (6th instant) a few miles below Donaldsonville. The next forenoon, about 10 miles above Donaldsonville, we spoke and boarded the Essex, accompanied by the Anglo-American. We were informed by Commodore Porter that he had been to Vicksburg, having demanded the unconditional surrender of that place; also of Natchez. We did not learn, however, that either place did wholly succumb to his demand. We learned from him, moreover, that he was just then from a severe engagement with Port I-Iudson, where, after an hours hard fighting, he had silenced their battery of thirty guns. Three heavy shots had penetrated the Essex during the engagement, but without injury to anybody, nor doing any considerable damage. Two of his guns, one IX-inch and one X-inch had burst. We anchored that night off Baton Rouge everything still quiet. Leaving that place in the next afternoon, we anchored for the night (8th instant) 6 miles below Plaqueniine. Last evening, a few miles below Bonnet Carr( Point, I received on board, under a flag of truce, Colonel R. C. Wickliffe, bearer of dis- patches from the rebel Major-General Richard Taylor to Major Page 191 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 191 General Butler. Arriving here at 9 oclock I had him conducted by Mr. Rodgers, executive officer, immediately to General Butler. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. M. RANSOM, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katahdin, regarding pillage committed by United States troops. U. S. GUNBOAT KATARDIN, Miississippi River, September 11, 1862. SIR: I was overhauled yesterday by Lieutenant Commanding Lowry, of the Sciota, while at Bonnet Carr( Point, and directed by him to follow on as convoy of three transports of the United States Army. Upon arriving at Donaldsonville this day, the transports landed at the upper part of the town, landed a party of troops, and commenced receiving on board sugar and other merchandise. A few hours after I received positive information that a company of these troops had entered a large mansion, situated near to the landing of the steamer St. Maurice, had pillaged it in a brutal manner, and carried off wines, liquors, silver p late, and clothing belonging to ladies. I am informed that several of the soldiers were drunk from the use of the liquors and wines thus appropriated. This house was inhabited in the morning. During this time the Katahdin was at anchor with her guns trained upon shore over the St. Miaurice for her protection. I respectfully request instructions if the guns of the Katahdin are to be used for the protection of soldiers upon a marauding expedition, and if I am to use them in the protection of drunken, undisciplined and licentious troops in the wanton pillage of a private mansion of wines, plate, silk dresses, chemises, an d female apparel, to say nothing of the confiscation of sugar, which i[ believe to be without proper and lawful reasons therefor. I confess, sir, that I blush to report that while the troops of the St. Maurice were thus engaged in this unsoldierly and ungallant, not to say disgraceful, operation, I opened my fire upon guerrillas hovering in the rear, apparently occupied in preventing such acts of the United States troops. I feel quite ready to place the Katahdin and her guns under the fire of an enemy; I am desirous of encountering enemies, and of injuring them in every manly manner; but I can not further prostitute the dig- nity of my profession; as I conceive I have done to-day, without an earnest and respectful appeal to your authority. It is disgraceful and humiliating to me to be ordered upon guard duty of soldiers employed in pillaging ladies dresses and petticoats, and I respectfully request that I may be relieved from such service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commodore HENRY W. MORRIS, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans ,La. N W NYOL 191 Page 192 192 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Endorsement.] SEPTEMBER 13, 1862. The acts of the troops in pillaging (if true) are without palliation or excuse. Certainly no more to be justified than this improper, bom- bastic, and ridiculous rhodomontade of a sublieutenant of the Navy. BENJ. F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. Report of Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, regarding the firing, by mistake, upon Fr~ich flag. U. S. GUNBOAT KATARDIN, Off Donaldsonville, La., September 11, 1862. SIR: I have been informed that my dispatches of the 8th instant have, by mistake, been sent direct to the North. I beg leave to enclose duplicate of my letter of the 8th instant to Rear-Admiral Farragut. I would be glad to have some instructions in regard to the numer- ous French flags I see flying along the whole coast from New Orleans to Baton Rouge. They are flying everywhere, and oftentimes so resemble the Confederate flag as to deceive us as to their character. Inasmuch as this may be a delicate question, I beg for instructions in the premises. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commodore HENRY W. MoRRIs, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans, La. [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT KATARDIN, Off Baton Rouge, La., September 8, 1862. SIR: I have to report that while off the lower part of Donaldson- ville yesterday morning a Confederate flag was reported to me around a small flagstaff in the chimney of a house on shore. I examined it carefully and believed it to be a Confederate flag. I opened fire, send- ing a few shot over the house and one through the roof, when I saw a white flag waving from the levee. I ceased firing and sent a boat on shore to haul d own and bring the flag on board. It proved to be a French flag, and the proprietor, with two other gentlemen, came on board and claimed protection under it. I returned the flag to him and explained to him that it was fired upon by mistake, as it was so rolled up as to deceive myself and all on board into the conviction that the colors were those of the rebel ensign. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola, Ha Page 193 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 193 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Alden, U. S. Navy, referring to expected general attack upon the Federal Army and Navy. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 11, 1862. DEAR CAPTAIN: By the return of Captain Febiger to his station you will be enabled to release the Jackson and allow her to return to her station in the lake. T send you a list of vessels which have recently left Havana and England for blockaded ports. I am also informed that a general attack upon our Army and Navy may be expected during the month of September. The attack on the Army has already been made, and McClellan has changed his base of operations again, or, in other words, retreated toward Washington. Very respectfully, etc., D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander JAS. ALDEN, Commanding U. S. S. Richmond. Report of Rear-Admiral Farr~gut, U. S. Navy, requesting information regarding the requ~red position of the admirals flag. No. 196.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 12, 1862. Sin: I would be pleased to know the views or wishes of the Depart- ment as to the wearing the admirals flag. Should we of the active list wear it at the main or mizzen? As I understood the law, I hoisted it in the main, but it will be quite as agreeable to wear it at the mizzen, that being the invariable designation of a rear-admiral. I simply desire to conform to the views of the Department, having had no order on the subject. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding repairs to ves- sels in his squadron. No. 199.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 13, 1862. SIR: I feel it my duty to inform the Department of the repairs now going on in the squadron, which I hope will be finished during this and the coming week. The principal repairs have been on the Brooklyn, which I informed you was injured by the ram. Her side was stove in 6 feet under water. The prow of the ram struck between Lhe tiniber Page 194 194 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. and crushed the plank. We have careened her over to port, so as to bring the wound nearly out of water, and shimmed up the indenta- tion with felt and pine wood, and then covered it over with 5-inch oak plank, 25 feet in length, calked it well, and coppered it over, and I think she will be able to do her duty for the rest of her cruise. The Sus quehanna is a more difficult case, as you will see by the report of Captain Hitchcock. Her shaft and pillow block are broken, and her cylinders are cut and corrugated so that they have to make a temporary arrangement of rings of boiler iron, which lasts ten or twelve days. If she can get into Mobile her battery would be of great use, but I fear she draws too much water to risk in the bay, even if she can cross the bar, which is doubtful, as the charts only give 3~ fath- oms, and she draws 20 feet now. The gunboats are breaking down all the time. Thus far, however, I have managed very well, but at great expense, as I have to pay heavily for work done in New Orleans. I brought to this place 6 or 8 carpenters and calkers, and with the exception of a few articles we have done pretty well. I have employed a teamster with four mules, who has succeeded in flnding a great many things that the enemy had hauled out of the yard and left behind in his hurry. I have recovered four fire engines, carry logs, and many useful appliances for our work. There is considerable timber in the pQnd in the rear of the navy yard, from which we supply ourselves. There is a large quantity of iron of every description in the yard, save boiler iron. There is a lighter load of iron sunk in the basin of the dry dock which might be easily gotten out, as it is plainly in sight at 6 feet. The boilers, shafts, and wheels, and many articles of machinery belonging to the old Fulton are here; also the hydraulic ram and iron of the railway, apparently very little injured. The ways are burned and the stone much cracked and broken by the heat. I will be able to collect boards enough to cover the new storehouse, and there is slate enough in the yard to finish the roof of the new machine shop. These two buildings will give us all the facilities we will want for some time if we can hold them in security, which I feel satis- fied we can do so long as we have a vessel of war here. A gunboat could have held the place originally. The chapel.and armory is also standing and not much damaged. It could be repaired by our carpenters when we have leisure. The walls of the other buildings in the yard, except the stables and the kitchen to the northeast building, which are almost complete, are totally ruined, cracked, and tumbling. I found three anchors, two of about 4,000 pounds and one of 2,000; also several chain cables from three- fourths to 2 inches, and guns which had been in the earthworks out- side the yard, erected to fire upon Fort Pickens and the fleet. There is also in the yard a large quantity of shot and shell of different sizes, and the skids for the guns in the yard are in good order, and, if we do not hold the yard, should be sent home in some of the vessels that are returning in ballast. All of which is respectfully submitted by Your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comman~Iing Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 195 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 195 Report of Lieutenant-Commander Thornton, U. S. Navy, regarding the destruction of a Confederate steamer in Navy Cove. U. S. GUNBOAT WINONA, Off Mobile, September 13, 1862. SIR: I beg leave to inform you that in the course of my service on the blockade I discovered one of the enemys steamers lying in Navy Cove, and within range of my guns. By firing over the land I could reach her. The first shot knocked away the top of her smokestack and caused her crew to leave the vessel. The next two shots went over her, and the fourth and last struck her, exploded, and knocked her to pieces. Fort Morgan fired over us and around us, but we returned to our station without casualties. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES S. THORNTON, Lieutenant-Commander. Captain JAMES ALDEN, U. S. S. Richmond. Letter from Commander French, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Albatross to Mexican inspector of custom-houses, Matamoras. U. S. S. ALBATROSS, Off Rio Grande River, September 13, 1862. SIR: The accompanying communication * for the consul of the United States, which you were kind enough to offer to forward to him, has embodied in it the subject-matter of our consultation yester- day morning, and I have thought since our interview yesterday this was the most proper course for all official correspondence between the Mexican Government and myself. The consul of the United States will, of course, communicate its contents, or such portions of it as refer to the subjects of yesterdays interview, to the Mexican Government, and I have no doubt to your- self also. It will be equally my pleasure, as well as my duty, to avoid, if possible, in carrying out the orders of my Government, the slightest approach to anything which would tend to disturb the very friendly relations now existing between the two Governments. With very great respect, your obedient servant, H. FRENCH, Sefior Don ~. A. ZAMBRANO, Commander, U. S. Navy. Inspector of Custom-Houses, etc., Matamoras. Cooperative expedition to Pass Manchac and Ponchatoula, La., Sep tember 1315, 1862. Abstract log of the U. 8. 8. New London, Lieutenant-Commander Abner Read, U. S. Navy, commanding. September 13.At 12:30 p. m. stood down to Pontchartrain wharf for the purpose of taking soldiers on board for an expedition across * Not found Page 196 196 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the lake. At 4 took on board 100 soldiers, the steamer Ceres having on board 150. We both stood over to the north side of the lake. September 15.Made several attempts to cross the bar, but finding only 5 feet of water we backed oft and came to anchor, while the Ceres stood up the river. At 11:30 p. m. the Ceres returned from Manchac Bridge, having on board the troops under Major Strong, who had made a reconnoissance on Ponchatoula, driving the enemy out of the town, burning and destroying the engine and cars of the railroad, etc. The enemy, however, returned with three pieces of artillery, forcing our troops to retire. Report of Major Strong, U. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, La., September 24, 1862. GENERAL: Pursuant to your orders of the 13th instant I embarked on the afternoon of that day on board the steamer Ceres, at Lakeport, with three companies of the Twelfth Regiment Maine Volunteers, commanded respectively by Captains Thornton, Farrington, and Winter, and one company (Captain Pickerings) of the Txventy-sixth Massachusetts Regiment. I had previously sent 100 men of the Thirteenth Connecticut Regiment on board the gunboat New London, whose commander, Captain Read, had kindly consented to cooperate with me. The object in view was to surprise the village of Poncha- toula, the headquarters of the rebel General Jeff. Thompson, 48 miles north of tt~is city, on the line of the Jackson Railroad. To that end the New London was to land her men at Manchac Bridge, where at daybreak next morning they were to drive the enemy that might be found there northward to Ponchatoula, while the remainder of the force having found our way 15 miles up to Tangipahoa River in the night should have landed, marched 6 miles westward, and captured Ponchatoula in season to secure those of the enemy who had been driven up from Pass Manchac. The attempt at surprise failed, for not only was the New London unable to get over the bar into Manchac Pass in the darkness, but the Ceres, too large for the easy navigation of the narrow and winding Tangipahoa, failed in each of the succeeding nights to reach her desti- nation on that river in season to admit of our gaining Ponchatoula before daylight. I resolved, therefore, to go with the st earner to Manchac Bridge, and did so on the morning of the 15th. From that point Captain Wintei was sent with his company southward to make the destruction of the railroad on Manchac Island more complete, which duty he thoroughly performed. Captain Pickerings company was left to guard the steamer, and the companies of Captains Thornton and Farrington began a forced march of 10 miles upon Ponchatoula. A locomotive 1 mile below the village gave notice of our approach, which could not be concealed, and ran northward giving the alarm at the village and thence to Camp Moore for reinforcements. We met on entering Ponchatoula a discharge of canister at 70 yards from a light battery, in charging which Captain Thornton fell severely wounded * * * the enemy was driven from the field, the artil- lery galloping away, followed by the infantry, on a road through the forest, in a northwesterly direction * * * and Commander Buc Page 197 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 197 anan, U. S. Navy, who accompanied the expedition rendered impor- tant service. * * * I have the honor to be, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEORGE C. STRONG, Assistant Adjutant-General. Major-General BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of the Gulf. [Telegram.] [JACKSON, Miss., September 15, 1862.] Operator at Tickfaw dispatches that the enemy have burned Long Bridge, over the Ponchatoula River, 2 miles this side station at Pon- chatoula. Our forces nearly all captured.~ Enemy lost 16 killed. Our battery taken. Enemy 3,000 to 4,000, not yet at Tickfaw. Can you send me some troops? [DANIEL RUGGLES,] Brigadier-General, C. S. Army. General VAN DORN, Holly Springs. ]Telegram.] JAcKSON, Miss., September 16, 1862. Our troops at Ponchatoula rallied by Colonel Witt and repulsed the enemy, reported 900 strong, retaking our battery, capturing the enemys wounded. Attack expected this morning. [DANIEL RUGGLES,] Brigadier-General, C. S. Army. General VAN DORN, [Same to Gener~Js Beall and M. L. Smith.] Letter from Commodore Miorris, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, condemning his action in firing at steamer Empire Parish. U. S. SLOOP PENSACOLA, New Orleans, September 13, 1862. SIR: I regret to hear from General Goicouria that you had fired two shots at the Empire Parish when she had stopped on your firing over her. She had a number of passengers on board, many of them women and children, who were all excessively frightened. After your second shot they kept on toward you, supposing that it was your wish for them to approach you. They did not, and he says that they could not have turned the boats head up the river, as she was so deeply loaded that to have done so would have endangered her sinking. He finds it a difficult matter to induce his crew to go up in the boat, from fear of again being fired at. It is very proper to use precaution to pre- vent being taken by surprise, but on the other hand such precipitate action as to endanger sinking and destruction of life and property is very reprehensible when it is leveled against those who are friends and whom we are bound to assist and protect Page 198 198 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADflON. The Empire Parish returns up the river to-morrow morning, bound to Bourgeoise plantation, which is a little this side of Donaldsonville. She will want convoy from below Bonnet Carr6 or Red Church up to that plantation, protection while loading there, and convoy back to Red Church. If your duties will permit it, I wish you to afford it to him. I think that you owe him some amends for firing at and coming so near sinking him I received your dispatch this morning, of the 11th instant, concern- ing the pillaging of the soldiers at Bonnet Carr(. I went on shore and showed it to General Butler. He was offended at the tone and the terms used by you and the language of the dispatch. He said if you had specified what house it was that had been pillaged, he could take some action on it; but said the matter should be looked into. He desired me to leave the dispatch with him, that he might take a copy of it, which I did. I regret that I showed him the dispatch instead of writing him a letter embodying the purport of it. I am, very respectfully, HENRY ~. MORRIS Commodore and Senior Officer. Lieutenant-Commander F. A. ROE, U. S. Navy, U. S. Gunboat Katabdin. Abstract of statement of J. W. Porter, a refugee from Alabama, who sur- rendered September 13, 18G2, received from Rear-Admiral Farragut September 39. Was employed by Governor Shorter 27th of May, in charge of 500 negroes, in building fortifications at Choctaw Bluffs, 110 miles above Mobile, on the Alabama River. Half a mile below the landing, at a bend on the river two rafts fastened one to each bank, and meeting in the form of a V, obstruct the passage, and though held in place by the force of the current can be opened to permit the passage of vessels. On the bluffs at the landing, 40 feet above the water, are two case- mated 8-inch guns, bearing exactly on the rafts and the bend of the river. Along the west bank was a breastwork mounting 11 guns, which cover the approach; the smallest one, a 32-pounder rifle; one is a X-inch columbiad, at the lower end of the work. From this point it is just 7 miles across the country to the fortification of Owen Bluff, on Tombigbee River. Between the two, in the wood, is encamped one Alabama regiment of infantry, Colonel Smith. At Owen Biuff a line of spiles is driven across the river with a narrow entrance on the right-hand side going up for steamers to run in and out. A battery of five guns on the bluff, 75 feet above the water, commands the approach. Porter visited Mobile three or four times, and each time went down the harbor and back in a small boat, carefully examining all the forti- fications with a glass. These are as follows: Going down the bay on the right-hand side there is First. A battery at the light-house, no guns mounted, Porter betieves. Second. An earthwork below the light-house, mounting three guns and possibly four, open. Third. Southeast of the light-house, distant perhaps a mile, on a shoal, an open battery of three guns Page 199 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADI~ON. 199 Fourth. East of this, distance perhaps three-quarters of a mile, a very strong ironclad battery. The main channel rui~is between this and the last mentioned (No. 3). This work is built by driving spiles in the shoal, filling up with earth, brick, etc., brought down in scows. Upon this is a heavy timber foundation and wall ol large timbers, with caseigates for the guns; the whole is strongly cased by railroad iron. There were 6 guns mounted, and one casemate besides. The guns are of the largest caliber. From this battery, with a wide sweep to the south and west, was a line of obstructions across the channel and to the west shore, with only one outlet in mid-channel. This line is formed of spiles and sunken vessels filled with brick. Millions of new brick were sunk here. It strikes the shore about 4 miles below the city. The narrow entrance can be seen, as the spiles rise above the surface, but is com- manded by batteries Nos. 3 and 4. Knows of no channel to the east of the ironclad battery, and though he found more than 13 feet of water in many places thinks there is none. One year ago Porter was told by his cousin, a soldier in Fort~ Morgan, that Fort Morgan had 1 1~ guns and Fort Gaines 15. On the 8th instant, when at Mobile, was told by a friend that Morgan mounts 125 and Gaines 25 guns; that an ironclad battery like the one above mentioned is being built in the lower bay, and that land fortifications enclose Mobile from the bay round to the river. Knows nothing of the truth of these statements. It was also stated to him that there had just arrived at Mobile from England a large steamer with 8 Armstrong guns, one mounted, and with heavy iron plates on board, but not placed or fastened She had run the blockade, and 60 shots were fired at her by the fleet, of which several hit her, killing one man and wounding two. It was reported that she had nearly her whole crew sick with yellow fever. With reference to the position of troops: Saw General Breckinridge and about 3,000 men, among them 300 Louisiana Zouaves, go north- ward on the cars from Jackson on the night of the 9th instant. Was told that he, with his whole army, was going to Kentucky. At Camp Moore Judge Martin, district provost-marshal, was in command, but spoke Qf General Ruggles as the officer to whom he should telegraph for orders. The old camp then was perfectly deserted, tents and all gone, but a mile and a half from the depot lie saw a few tents; not more than enough for three companies at most. At Ponchatoula Jefferson Thompson has a command, with his main force about 2,000 men, off to the left of that place. Thompson himself has gone across the Mississippi into Texas, to place his children with relatives there; is expected back soon. Crossing at and below Baton Rouge is reported to be trequent. One company of Thompsons force is between Ponchatoula and Manchac bridge. At Pollard, [Alabama], 38 miles above Pensacola, were 5,000 men, including Colonel Hunters cavalry regiment, a Loui- siana regiment, then under orders to march at once (September 5). Below, in Florida, a battalion of cavalry. Found great precaution taken by the Confederates to prevent any unreliable person, or any conveyance that could carry a letter (quot- ing the language of the provost-marshal at Madisonville), getting through the lines to New Orlea~is Page 200 200 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. At the wharf at Hickox station, before giving himself up to the pickets, was informed by a man living in one of the houses on the wharf, which he will point out if desired, how to escape the pickets and get into the city. Three others who crossed the cape with him tried it, and were pointed out to him by Lieutenant Johnson and arrested after he hadgiven himself up. Mr. Porter claims to have been always a Union man, to have steadily refused to give [aid] to the Confederate service, and to have left the Confederacy and passed our lines at some peril in order to avoid service under the rebel flag, having been enrolled under the conscript law. At Mobile Porter saw one very heavily plated ram; plates of iron, not railroad bars. Saw two 8-inch guns on her upper deck between the wheelhouses, but thinks she has no guns inside. She is an old river steamboat, with old engines, and is very slow; did not run faster than P. walked along the wharf, but her plating is very heavy. There are, besides this, one old lopside-wheel steamboat, cut down and fitted out as a gunboat, carries 5 guns and is a pretty fast and effective boat, though not iron cased. Besides these, two new gunboats built at Mobile, called the Gaines and Miorgan, about 180 feet in length, pretty fast, and mounting 10 guns each, appear to be 8-inch guns. T~o more are building up at Selma, which appear to be nearly done, which are iron-built throughout, of 12-inch square timber; sides and tops are to be plated with iron; heard they were to mount two guns each; were 80 feet in length; saw these building; were in shape thus K7D, sides not curving, but built of timbers dovetailed at the ends, shaped from the front, or near, as this 7 ; believes there is an inside shell of timber in form corresponding with the dotted lines; were calking a month ago. Report of Commander Alden, U. S. Navy, referring to the proposal regarding capture of Fort Gaines, Ala. U. S. S. RICHMOND, Off Mobile, September 14, 1862. DEAR ADMIRAL: Your note of yesterday, together with the men, came by the Kennebec. I note the contents. We have seen only one gunboat, the Gaines, since our arrival. The Union (schooner) you speak of, Russell tells me, has arrived at Pensacola. We shouldnt of course let her pass with anything contraband of war on board if she had the permit of Gideon himself. I like your idea of taking Fort Gaines first, which I think can be done without much trouble with a few good troops. From all I can learn there are no guns at Cedar Point. We heard some heavy firing in the direction of the town last evening which, from the long intervals that occurred, was thought to be prac- ticing rather than a salute. I send the Winona with directions to coal and return immediately. Mr. Law succeeded in repairing the Pinola by making a new stem to her Kingston valve. Do you think our storeships at Pilot Town and at the Head of the Passes are entirely safe from a rebel raid? I have thought of their exposed situation a good deal lately, and trust you will excuse wha Page 201 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 201 might seem on this occasion rather remote from my particular duty, 1. e., a reference to the subject. With great respect, I am, your obedient servant, JAMES ALDEN. Admiral FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. Blockading Fleet, etc. Capture of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Kittredge, U. S. Navy, and boats crew at Flour Bluffs, near Corpus Christi, September 14,1862. Report of Acting Master Lundt, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Arthur. U.S. BARK ARTHUR, Off Aransas, Tex., September 20, 1862. SIR: I would respectfully report that on Sunday morning, 14th instant, Lieutenant Commanding Kittredge and his gigs crew, 7 men, were surprised and captured by the rebels at Flour Bluffs, 12 miles from Corpus Christi. The yacht Corypheus, schooner Breaker, and sloop Belle Italia left here for Corpus Christi on the 11th instant to communicate with Judge Daviss family, who are 15 miles from the latter place, it being necessary to obtain permission from General Bee, at San Antonio. Tbe interim was used by Lieutenant Kittredge in exploring the entrance to Laguna [de la] Madre. He was surprised by two com- panies of infantry, who had two pieces of artillery. The troops were shelled by the yacht and tenders, but their efforts were unavailing. The gig was also captured. They were taken to Corpus Christi; the fleet returned same day to Aransas Bay. The next day Assistant Surgeon Root and Masters Mate Reynolds went, under flag of truce, with the yacht to Corpus Christi and were allowed to go ashore and communicate with Lieutenant Kittredge. He was allowed to take what clothes, provisions, and money he wished. He was then stay- ing with Major Hobby, who commanded the forces there at the attack made on it by this fleet, August 16 and 18, but has been displaced by Major Gray. On the 16th Lieutenant Kittredge was to have been taken to San Antonio. Major Hobby gives assurance he shall be treated with all the deference and courtesy due his rank. Mr. Reynolds reports a new battery there, and testifies to seeing 6 long 32s, 2 Mexican 24-pounders, and 6 brass fleldpieces. They have been increasing their forces lately, so that the idea of again attacking them with our present force would be impracticable. By the capture of Lieutenant Kittredge the service is deprived of a brave and good officer. his knowledge of the intricate inside navigation and of the topography of the country was invaluable. The following are the names of the crew captured with him: Frederick Williams, coxswain; George Clemett, seaman; Henry McLean, seaman; John F. Reid, ordinary seaman; Daniel Kennedy, ordinary seaman; James Stuart, seaman; Albert A. Butts, landsman. The following arms were cap- tured with the gig: Seven Enfleld rifles, muskets, and accouterments; 7 cutlasses, 7 boarding pistols. We learned that Wilson, landsman (whose capture on St. Josephs Island has been before reported), was taken by twenty cavalry from Salina [Saluria ?], and that he is now a prisoner ~t Matagorda. Under my command the Arthur was absen Page 202 202 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. at Galveston, to land a lady passenger taken in the prize schooner Water Witch, from September 11 to 19. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. 0. LUNDT, Acting If aster, Commanding U. S. Bark Arthur. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Gulj Squadron. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Kittredge, U. S. Navy, late commanding U. S. bark Arthur. U. S. BARK ARTHUR, Pensacola, Fla., October 14, 1862. SIR: I would respectfully report that, after the receipt of your request to obtain Judge Daviss family, on the 12th of September I proceeded with the yacht Corypheus and the schooner Breaker to Corpus Christi for that purpose, landed under flag of truce, and had an inter- view with the commanding officer, who refused to Mrs. Davis permis- sion to leave Texas, but said he would refer the matter to General Bee, commanding the Division of Texas. Got underway, and as the wind was ahead, and we could not pass through the cut into Aransas Bay, proceeded to Flour Bluffs, where several small vessels were discovered. Was joined by sloop Belle Italia. At 8 am. Saturday morning, 13th ultimo, as these vessels were trying to escape, shelled them, but they ran into Laguna [de la] Madre, where we could not pursue them. Lauded and reconnoitered, and took three prisoners off to the yacht to detain them till my reconnoissance was completed. Sunday morn- ing, 14th ultimo, as the wind was still ahead, I remained to make fur- ther examinations. Saw two armed men in a new, unfinished build- ing; threw a shell to drive them off; landed with my boat and 7 men, with view of ascertaining if more force was present, and went myself to the door of the house, belonging to one of the men captured, when suddenly 19 men rushed out and surrounded me, and before I could get my revolver from my belt was overpowered. My men, being separated from me by this force, dared not fire, as I was in the midst of the rebels. They were captured, and we were taken at once to Corpus Christi, and from there sent to General Bee at San Antonio for his action, and were by him paroled; also the men to be sent North to be exchanged. As General Bee admitted that I had been an honorable, although an active, enemy, and had respected private property, he sent me back to the Arthur upon condition that myself and men should go North by first opportunity. I have to report that I have experienced kind and considerate treatment at the hands of General Bee and his officers, and my men have also been taken good care of. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. KITTREDGE, Lieutenant Commanding, U. S. Navy. Senior Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT Page 203 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 203 Report of Brigadier-General Bee, C. S. Army. HDQRS. SUBMILITARY DISTRICT OF THE Rio GRANDE, San Antonio, Tex., September 24, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that Lieutenant Kittredge, com- manding United States fleet in the waters of Aransas Bay, arrived at Corpus Christi under a flag of truce on the 12th instant, asking per- mission to convey the family of B. J. Davis, a renegade traitor of Texas, to New Orleans. Major E. F. Gray, commanding at the post, received the flag, and refusing to allow Mrs. Davis to comply with the request until permission should be received from headquarters, noti- fied Lieutenant Kittredge that ten days would elapse belore an answer could be given; whereupon Lieutenant Kittredge withdrew, and pro- ceeded down the bay some 15 miles toward the salt works, on the Laguna de Ia Madre. On the same night Major Gray dispatched Captain Ireland, with 50 men and one piece of artillery, to watch his proceedings, accompanied by Captain Ware of the cavalry. Captain Ireland posted a portion of his men under Captain Ware at a vacated house near the shore, and within a short distance of where it was known that the fleet of the enemy was anchored for the night, the piece of artillery being well masked in the sand hills. Early in the ensuing morning the enemy shelled the house and sur- rounding points for some time; then, the ground being apparently unoccupied, Lieutenant Kittredge, accompanied by 7 men, landed and approached the house. Our men being concealed, the adventur- ous lieutenant fell gracefully into the trap set for him and, with his whole party, were taken prisoners. The report of Captain Ireland of this well conceived and successful plan is herewith enclosed for the information of the general commanding. It is worthy of note that as soon as the gunboats of the enemy became aware of the fate of their officer they opened a rapid fire of shell and grape on the command, which fell alike on soldiers and pris- oners, but without damage to either. Major B. F. Gray immediately forwarded Lieutenant Kittredge, under escort of Major Hobby, to this place, where he arrived on the 20th instant, and having given his parole, now awaits the order of the general commanding. The 7 seamen are also en route to this place. It gives me great satisfaction to announce this creditable sequel of the defense of Corpus Christi by the capture of the bold and ener- getic leader of the enemy, and the end of the campaign for the present, as the fleet have all retired to their usual place of anchorage near Aransas Bay. It is also proper to state that the course of Lieutenant Kittredge, while for many months in command on our coast, has been that of an honorable enemy, and as such he is entitled to the consideration due to his situation by the terms of civilized warfare. With great respect, H. P. BEE, Brigadier-General, Provisional Army. Brigadier-General P. 0. HI~BERT, Commanding Department of Texas Page 204 204 WBST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Major Gray, C. S. Army. CoRPus CHRISTI, TEX., September 16, 1862. Sin: JhavetoreportthattheexpeditionunderCaptainJohnIre- land, of which I notified you in my last communication, has returned to this place successful. Enclose d I forward you a copy of his official report, which will explain itself. * * * a or Hobby has been directed to accompany Lieutenant Kitt- redge to San Antonio and to be governed by your further directions. The other prisoners will be forwarded to-morrow with an escort. I enclose you Lieutenant Kittredges parole.* I have informed him that he would be forwarded across the lines without delay. I would most respectfully request that my assurance may be complied with, or rather verified; yet he understands that everything remains sub- ject to your decision. After his capture I communicated with his vessels, under flag of truce, for the purpose of obtaining wearing apparel for him and for his men, which has been done. I consented that the vessels should approach and retire under a flag of truce. Everything is progressing here to my satisfaction, and I hope to send you additional good news ere long. I will write again by mail. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, E. F. GRAY, Miajor, Commanding. Brigadier-Gencral H. P. BEE, Comdg. Submit itary District oj the Rio Grande, San Antonio, Tex. [Enclosure.] CORPUS CIIRISTI, TEX., September 15, 1862. Sin: In obedience to your orders I left Corpus Christi at 8 p. m. on the 13th instant. I took with me one small piece of Captain [H.] Willkes battery, under Lieutenant Johnson, a detachment of 50 men from my own company, and Captain J. A. Ware. I proceeded to Flour Bluffs, 15 miles south of this place. Arrived there at 1: 30 oclock same night. I took two positions within half a mile of the enemys gunboats, three in number. At one place I stationed Cap- tain Ware with a detachment of 20 men and the other I occupied with the remainder of my force. The positions were selected with a view of commanding the channel leading to [Point] Pefiascal and of cutting off any force that might attempt to land. After throwing a number of shell at some unoffending citizens on shore, the enemy landed, which he effected near the point where Captain Ware was posted. When the enemy. were within musket range Captain Ware advanced and, without firing a gun, captured the party, consisting of Captain Kitt- redge, commanding blockading fleet off this coast, and 7 of his men. This occurred at 11 oclock of the 14th. It now being certain that they would not then attempt to enter Laguna de la Madre, and there being nothing further a I could accomplish by remaining, the line of march was resumed for this p lace. The enemy then threw some 40 or 50 shells, but without effect. I also captured 8 stand of armsEnfield rifles, Colts six-shooters, and 2 cutlasses. I take great pleasure in calling your attention to the efficient service and gallant conduct of Captain Ware, who obeyed orders with alacrity * Omitted Page 205 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 205 and executed them with great judgment. I desire also to call your attention to the gallantry of Private William Saffold, who, in person, captured Captain Kittredge. I have also to acknowledge valuable services rendered by four of Captain Wares cavalry as guides. The enemys boats immediately left the bay. All of which is respectfully submitted. I am, sir, your obedient servant, JNO. IRELAND, Major K F. GRAY, Captain, Commanding Expedition. Commanding. Report of Brigadier.General Bee, C. S. Army, forwarding captured flag. - HDQRS. SUBMILITARY DIsmIcT OF THE Rio GRANDE San Antonio, Tex., September 26, 1862. CAPTAIN: I have the honor to forward to the general commanding the Department of Texas a flag of the enemy, captured by a detach- ment of Confederate troops under command of Captain Ireland on the waters of the Corpus Christi Bay. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. P. BEE, Captain C. M. MASON, Brigadier-General. Acting Assistant Adjutant-General, San Antonio, Tex. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Flag-Officers Farragut and Lard- ncr, U. S. Navy, transmitting copies of treaties with Denmark and Great Britain regarding the slave trade. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 15, 1862. SIR: You will receive herewith several copies of an agreement entered into between the Government of the United States and that of Denmark in relation to the delivery and reception at West End [Fredericksted], on the island of St. Croix, of negroes, rnulattoes, or persons of color found on board vessels seized in the prosecution of the slave trade by the commanders of United States armed vessels. The Department directs that the commanding officers of all vessels of the Navy who may, during the continuance of this agreement, capture vessels engaged in the prosecution of the slave trade, conform as strictly as practicable to its provisions. A list of all negroes, mulat- toes, or persons of color delivered under the agreement will be kept by the paymaster or other proper officer of the vessel making the cap- ture, and the commanding officer will transmit to this Department a copy ot the list and the receipt of the Danish officer to whom the persons were delivered. A list and such other information as may be necessary will also be furnished by the commanding officer to the U. S. consul for St. Croix. I transmit herewith, also, severtd copies of a treaty between th Page 206 206 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. United States and Great Britain, concluded April 7,1862, for the sup- pression ot the African slave trade. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola, Fla. Commodore JAS. L. LARDNER, Commanding East Gulf Blockading Squadron, Key West, Fla. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Morris, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 15, 18G2. DEAR COMMODORE: I received your dispatches by Lieutenant- Commander Law, of the Clifton. I think you are right about the bills, as the reports are of such a disheartening character it is difficult to know what to do just at this time, but I hope that they will all prove false. I have received the sick and marines from Pilot Town by the Con- necticut and will try to establish them here. You will, no doubt, be able to get your sick iuto the hospitals in the city, in case of being so unfortunate as to have any epidemic. I am glad to hear that your ships crews continue to be healthy. We are all remarkably so yet, and the weather is beginning to be cool aud pleasant. I expect to see the general (Butler) soon to make arrangements for Mobile, but until we hear from home it will be hardly worth while to lay plans for the future operations. I did not know what orders to give you about Commodore Porter after he received his promotion, as I did not know whether the Department expected him to give up his command or not. I regret to disappoint Mr. Stillwell of his command, but we must respect the rights of others and give them their rank as vacancies occur. John- son, of the Tennessee, must have the Itasca if he wishes her, and there are several others senior to Mr. Stillwell. Commander Caldwell, with the Essex and one of the gunboats, must go up to the mouth of Red River and that locality, but always have a gunboat with him for fear the Essex should get on shore, and also to play pilot-fish to him. It was a most extraordinary act of Porters coming down to New Orleans, for he knew he could not carry coal enough to take him back; but they do anything they are disposed to and appear to get along all the better for it. His report of his exploits exceeds anything I have read lately. I will keep you in money if the Department keeps me sup p lied. I shall write to General Butler by this opportunity to inform him once more of the conduct of his deputies. We took a vessel the other day cleared from New Orleans for New York with salt, coffee, and iron plating for rams. She was doubtless bound to Pascagoula or Mobile for the Confederates, as such a cargo would not be sent to New York. She was cleared by the deputy col- lector at New Orleans. Alden let a fellow of the same kind go because he had a pass for PeIISa~QJa from the provost-rn~rshal at New Qrleans Page 207 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 207 He probably went to Pascagoula, as he never made his appearance here. The vessel was the schooner Union. I have now given orders to take everything that has contraband of war on board, and to send them in for adjudication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore H. W. MORRIS. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting ordnance supplies. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Navy Yard, September 15, 186~?. SIR: I would request the Bureau not to send me out any more empty shells, but to send me 150 solid XJ-inch shot, 300 to 400 tX-inch solid shot, and 150 bolts of one and a half diameters in length, as I think that they can be used with great effect against the enemys ironclads. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Captain JOHN A. DAHLGREN, Chief Bureau Ordnance, Washington, D. C. Report of Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, requesting an investigation into the character and conduct of the steamer Empire Parish. U. S. S. GUNBOAT KATAHDIN, Bonnet CarrJ, September 15, 1862. SIR: I respectfully invite your attention to the case of the Empire Parish. This steamer not only obtains cargo but carries passengers up and down the coast. I have reason to believe that her missions are not all of a perfectly loyal character. When I took passage in this steamer from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, the chief engineer of the vessel expressed a wish that all the Yankee vessels might be sunk. This was said in the presence of many respectable witnesses. Two of her pilots were secessionists. A few days ago I fired a shell over her to bring her to, as agreed upon by the quartermaster at New Orleans and Mr. Read, one of her owners, and she refused to obey the signai. I fired two more shots ahead of her, and she still kept heading toward my vessel, when I hove a shot directly at her with the inten- tion of sinking her. I observed one of the same pilots at her wheel of whom I have already spoken. He pleaded ignorance as to the proper manner of handling his vessel. This is palpably absurd. Yesterday I again fired to bring her to, when she delayed so long to obey the signal that I was upon the eve of sending an XT-inch shell into her. I respectfully request that some investigation may take place in the character and conduct of this steamboat. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Commodore HENRY W. MORRIS, Commanding Naval Forces, New Orleans, La. N V NVOL 19 1 Page 208 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 208 Memorandum from papers of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, giving information regarding Confederate vessels. [SEPTEMBER 15, 1862.] Vessels at Havana for Confederate ports.Gunboat Oreto, or 290, under lEnglish colors; Alice, formerly Matagorda, 616 tons (has run the blockade of Mobile), Cole, master; General Rusk, 417 tons, Confederate, cleared for Nassau, Davidson, master; California, 466 tons, Con- federate, cleared for Matamoras, Porter, master. Vessels loading in Havana for Confederate ports. Steamers Arizona, 670 tons, Confederate, Forbes, master; Austin, 603 tons, Confederate, Fowler, master; W. 0. Hewes , 767 tons, English, Smith, master; Atlantic, 623 tons, Confederate, Smith, master. Schooners C. P. Knapp, 108 tons, English, cleared for Matamoras, Laverty, master; Excel, 51 tons, English, up for Nassau, Watkins, master; Isabel, 91 tons, English, Laurent, master; Lilly, 65 tons, English, Williams, master; Surprise, 80 tons, English, Pearce, master; TV. H. Baker, 49 tons, Confederate, Barnar, master. Vessels leaving England.The new and very fast English screw steamer Harriet Pincleney (511 ~%~) may soon be expected on our coast with a large and valuable cargo of arms, ammunition, etc. The following is a description: Engines, 90 horsepower; one deck, two masts, brig rig, elliptic stern, clench build, no gallery, no head, iron frame. Date of register, July 24, 1862. The steamer Agrippina, with infernal machines, and screw steamers Sunbeam and Gladiator are also expected on this coast with valuable cargoes. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Kittredge, U. S. Navy, regarding exchange of prisoners and disposition of prize schooner Water Witch. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 16, 1862. Sin: You have permission to make exchange only of those prison- ers captured from your vessels foi those that you may have captured, and will report the names, etc., to me. You will send the prize schooner Water Witch to this place if she has not been sent north. You will also send the Arthur here for such repairs as she may require. Your operations against the rebels give me much gratification. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Lieutenant Commanding J. W. KITTREDGE, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Aransas Bay Page 209 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 209 Capture of Confederate scaooner Reindeer, or Jeff Davis, September 17, 1862. Report of Acting Master DOyley, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark William G. And3rson. U.S. BARK W. G. ANDERSON, At Sea, Lat. 27~ 05 N., Long. 930 W., September 18, 1862. SIR: I beg to transmit to you the following account relating to the seizure of the rebel schooner Reindeer by this vessel under my com- mand. At daylight yesterday morning a sail was discovered from the mast- head about 15 miles distant, directly to windward. The wind was so light that at 2 oclock p.m. I had neared the stranger only about 8 miles and there was every appearance of a perfect calm. I there- fore determined (though the chase was not in sight from the deck) to endeavor to overhaul her with my boats. Accordingly two boats were armed and equipped and at 2:30 p. m. shoved off from this vessel. At 1 oclock this morning one of them returned with the captain and supercargo of the prize, which proved to be the schooner Reindeer, with a cargo of 288 bales of cotton. From the captain (who was very closemouthed) I learned that the schooner left Brazos [Santiago 3], Tex., on the evening of the 15th instant without papers of any kind, but sailing under the Confederate flag, and that he was bound to any neutral port that might be found most convenient; beyond which I could obtain no information from him. I have placed Acting Master S. [A.] Withington in charge of the prize with a crew of 9 men and ordered him to proceed to Key West. In the two last communications which I have had the honor of addressing to yourself, dated, respectively, August 31 (relating to the seizure of the schooner Li/by) and September 4 (relating to the seizure of the schooner Theresa), the weather at both dates being such as to give me no little uneasiness, I was much hurried in my endeavors to get the prizes away without delay and omitted to forward a list of my officers and crexv. I have enclosed such a list herewith, and the names and rates therein contained are those of the officers and men entitled to share in the three prizes named below. Schooner Lilly, captured August 31, 1862; schooner Theresa, cap- tured September 4,1862; schooner Reindeer, captured September 17, 1862. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. DOYLEY, Acting Al aster, Commanding. Hon. GIpEoN WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Additional report of Acting Master DOyley, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark William G. Anderson. U. S. BARK WILWAM G. ANDERSON, Off Pensacola, October 17, 1862. SIR: On my arrival here, under date October 3, I reported to you, amongst other prizes captured by this vessel in the month of Septem- ber, the schooner Reindeer, or Jeff Davis, with a cargo of 288 bale Page 210 210 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. cotton. I have this day received a letter from Acting Master With- ington, the officer in charge of that prize, informing me that after parting company he found her to be leaking badly, and that during the following eighteen days he encountered a succession of strong adverse winds, which caused the leak to increase so as to keep both pumps constantly going. Under these circumstances, and the wind being still easterly, he decided to give up attempting to reach Key West, and keep the schooner away for the South West Pass, where he arrived on the 9th instant, and reported to Captain H. W. Morris, by whose orders he has since been guided. As in the case of other prizes captured by this vessei, I sent my exec- utive officer on board the Jeff Davis, instructing him carefully to examine into the condition of the vessel and her apparel, with the view to ascertain if any defect existed which needed to be remedied before I finally placed her in charge of the prize master. No such defect was discovered by eithei of these officers, though the prize remained in com- pany over twenty-four hours after her capture, and I have therefore no doubt that her inability to contend with rough weather arose from the lightness of the material and insufficiency of the fastenings used in her construction. The vessels hold being full, and her deck cov- ered with cotton, these faults were not likely to become apparent, except in heavy weather or after she was discharged. I therefore trust you will consider her having failed to reach her destination to be a misfortune arising from no neglect on m~r part of due care for the safety of the prize crew and the property under their charge. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. DOYLEY, Acting Master, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Acting Master Withington, U. S. Navy, in charge of prize. U. S. SHIP PAMPERO, South West Pass, off Pilot Town, La., October 23, 1862. Sin: I h~ve the honor to forward from this station the dispatches iiI Acting Master N. DOyley, commanding U. S. ship William Ander- son, having been obliged to come here on account of heavy stress of weather; and the vessel leaking badly and cargo damaging rapidly it h s been placed on board the U. S. ship Pampero and will be sent north the first opportunity, by order of Captain Smith, senior officer commanding at New Orleans. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, SUMNER WITHINGTON, Acting Master, in charge of Prize. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Nzwy, Washington, D. C Page 211 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 211 Additional report of Acting Master DOyley, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark William G. Anderson. U.S. SHIP WILLIAM G. ANDERSON, Pensacola, December 1, 1862. SIR: Referring to my communication dated September 18, 1862, in which I informed the Department of my having seized the rebel schooner Reindeer, with a cargo of 288 bales of cotton, I beg leave further to report in relation to that capture, that after parting com- pany from this ship the prize schooner encountered a succession of strong adverse winds, which caused her to leak so freely that it was with difficulty she was kept from filling. Under these circumstances the prize master deemed it expedient to keep away for the South West Pass, where he arrived on the 9th October, and anchoring the prize off Pilot Town, proceeded to New Orleans and reported to the senior officer present (Captain M. Smith), by whose order the cotton was discharged into the U. S. ship Pampero, and a survey held on the schooner which decided her to be unfit to proceed to Key West, and not worth repairing. Subsequently, by Captain Smiths order, the cotton was placed on board the U. S. bark Kuhn, in which vessel it arrived here. With the consent of the senior officer present (Captain R. B. Hitchcock), I have caused it to be transferred to the bark Katet Stamler, a vessel under Government monthly charter, and about to proceed to New York. The cotton is in charge of Acting Master S. Withington, one of the officers attached to this ship. The master of the Kate Stander having refused to receive on board his vessel the prisoners retained as witnesses, they will be forwarded by the first United States steamer from hence to a Northern port. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, N. DOYLEY, Acting Master, Commanding. Hon. G. WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding repairs to vessels. No. 205.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 18, 1862. SIR: I am compelled at last to send the Iroquois home, as you will perceive by the enclosed survey. The expenses at New Orleans are so heavy that I have concluded it would save both time and money to send her north, more especially as her boilers are at the New York navy yard. This makes three steamers and two sailing vessels, and Captain Walker, of the De Soto, is urging that his vessel should go north, but I have determined to repair her at New Orleans if possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 212 212 W]~ST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Instructions of Commodore iJforris, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katahdin, regarding duties to be performed in the Miississippi River. SEPTEMBER 18, 1862. You are to consider it as your first duty to cooperate with the army, affordin them all the aid and protection in your power in carrying on operations against the enemy. You are also to scour the river, disperse any of the enemy that you may see, and prevent them from erecting batteries, as far as practicable. You are to give convoy and protection to merchant steamers and army transports up and down the river, when it does not interfere with the other duties above specified, and to protect them in taking in and discharging their cargoes. Should the soldiers on board the army transports, as well as the crews, be guilty of pillage on shore whilst engaged in their duties, you are not on tbat account to withdraw your vessels and leave them unprotected and liable to capture by the enemy, but you will report all the facts of the pillage, specifying as nearly as you can the partic- ular troops engaged in it, the locality of it, the names of the owners of the houses so pillaged, and such other details as you may be able .to collect, in order to enable General Butler to enquire into and pun- ish the guilty parties. I do not consider that the mere presence of the gunboats will involve them in a suspicion of being participators in such lawless acts; but, were such suspicions entertained, the duty of protecting the transports must be continued; because such duty is paramount to all other considerations. In reporting the pillaging, I wish you to confine yourself to a plain narration of the facts, without using harsh terms such as, brutal outrages, wanton and malicious destruction of property, and the like. It embarrasses me in bringing the pillaging to the official notice of General Butler, as it gives him cause to be offended by the use of such language in an official dispatch; also, the feelings of indignation which such pillaging causes you to feel had better not be expressed in your official report. H. W. MoRRIs. Lieutenant-Commander F. A. ROE, Comdg. U. S. S. Katahdin, Mississippi River, above New Orleans. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Morris, U. S. Navy, regarding the use of foreign flags as a means of pro- tection. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 19, 1862. SIR: I perceive from the reports of the officers commanding in the Mississippi that a large number of French flags are displayed on the houses, etc., on that river. At first, when these flags appeared but to a limited extent, I took no notice of them, but the evil is so greatly increased that I now deem it expedient to state that no French or other foreign flags are to be regarded as a legal protection, or to be allowed on any buildings other than those used for consular and other representative purposes. There are but two flags recognized in thi Page 213 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 213 countryour own and that of the enemy, which latter we are to deliver our fire at wherever found. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Commodore H. W. MoRRIs, Commanding Naval Forces, Mississippi River. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, commanding Mortar Flotilla, to proceed down the coast of Texas. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 19, 1862. SIR: As soon as your vessels are ready for sea you will proceed to Ship Island and coal, and if there is a vessel there, or at the mouth of the Mississippi, that has the privilege of going to another port, you will direct her to proceed to Galveston with you, to replenish your coal at that p lace. Leave the Jackson in Mississippi Sound for the prevention of vessels passing through Grants Pass and running in the sound generally. You will proceed down the coast of Texas with the other vessels, keeping a good lookout for vessels running the blockade, and when- ever you think you can enter the sounds on the coast and destroy the temporary defenses, you will do so and gain the command of the inland navigation. Galveston appears to be the port most likely for you to be able to enter, if the forts are not too formidable. I do not wish you to interfere with the officers now operating inside, unless you deem it absolutely necessary for the good of the country, in which case you will use your discretion as commanding or senior officer. Respectfully, etc., [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander W. B. RENsHAw, Commanding Mortar Flotilla. Report* of Commander Walker, U. S. Navy, giving notes and observa- tion upon Galveston and coast adlacent. Galveston is garrisoned by an artillery regiment, composed of men chiefly from the interior. The commanding officer is Colonel [Joseph J.] Cook. If Galveston is attacked by the squadron, it is from Virginia Point that the greatest resistance is to be anticipated. On this point troops. may be speedily assembled by the Galveston and Houston Railroad. Along this road, between Virginia Point and Houston, are posted about a thousand men, and near Houston are posted from 4,000 to 5,000. These include all the troops in that section for 50 miles. Along the coast, southwardly, from Pass San Luis to Corpus Christi, are about 2,000 men, chiefly mounted rangers, called the Coast Guard; a similar body of men, numbers unknown, ar& on duty to the east- * This paper, without date, was transmitted to the Department hy Rear-Admiral Farra- ~iit Sentemher 20. 1862 Page 214 214 WBST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. ward, extending so far as I know to Lake Calcasieu. These rangers constantly transmit intelligence of the movements of the blockading squadron, and according to circumstances warn off or encourage the approach of vessels engaged in violating the blockade. Hence, unless when vessels of the blockading squadron are anchored close in to the ports or inlets of the coast, they should keep out of sight from the an At Brownsville and along the Rio Grande there is one regiment and two or three independent companies. The possession of the north bank of the Rio Grande for 50 or 100 miles would be to our Government of immense importance, for this would enable it to cut off, or seriously impede, communication with Matamoras, the country on the south bank of the river being, as I am informed, very difficult for transportation. There is much reason to believe that a large proportion of the munitions and supplies of all descriptions which find their way into the Southwestern States are received through Matamoras, whence they are thrown across the Rio Grande and carried by trains of carts and wagons to the nearest rail- road. Nor is this the only reason for cutting off easy communication with Matamoras. I am informed by reliable authority that agents of the Confederate Government, with pockets full of Confederate scrip, are constantly purchasing in Texas large amounts of cotton, which, with the connivance of British agents at Matamoras, is then shipped as British property in British vessels, and thus they obtain the means of payment for supplies which are returned through the same channel. I was preparing a drawing to accompany this paper, but must now defer it till the next steamer. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, W. M. WALKER, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. P. 5. A short time ago I had much conversation with a quarter- master on board the Rachel Seaman, who has had much experience on the bar at Galveston. He informs me that a vessel drawing over 10 feet is not safe in crossing the bar; that even at that draft vessels often strike heavily. I must add that you can not rely upon one steamer to maintain the blockade off Galveston. If two steamers approach the port by day one of them may certainly run in, and on dark nights, in spite of all vigilance that one ship may exercise, an enterprising commander may ~nd his way out. You have only to refer to the charts to satisfy yourself as to the correctness of this opinion. Respectfully, W.M.W. Report of Commodore Porter, U. S. Navy, regarding the possession by the enemy o/the signal book of the U. S. S. General Sumter. NEW YORK, September 20, 1862. SIR: From circumstances that have come to my knowledge during the past fortnight, I have every reason to believe that the signal boo Page 215 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 215 of the U. S. gunboat Sumter was, prior to that boat being destroyed by the rebels, secured by them, as well as the private journal or log of Lieutenant lErben. The latter, I know, is in possession of the enemy. The first master of the Sumter, Mr. H. A. G]assford, now command- ing the Anglo-American at New Orleans, is of same opinion, and this is more than confirmed by the admission of Governor Wickliffe, of Louisiana, who inadvertently broached the subject at an interview he had recently with General Butler at New Orleans and at which I was present. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commodore, U. S. Navy. Secretary o/the Navy, Washington City, D. C. Report of Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, regarding the occupation and evacuation of Donaldsonville by troops under Colonel MicMiillan, U. S. Army, September 2124, 1862. U. S. GUNBOAT KATARDIN Near Donaldsonville, La., September 29, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 22d instant the Katah- din was detailed to cover the landing and the occu ation of this place by 500 United States troops under the command oFColonel McMillan, of the Indiana volunteers. On the same day a good deal of brisk skir- mishing took place in the rear of the town. The occupation continued until the 24th. On that day the Colonel sallied out to engage the guerrillas, by this time about 1,000 strong, and furnished with six pieces of artillery. A sharp engagement ensued, when our troops were driven back, and the enemys cavalry came near cutting off the command by getting in their rear. In the meantime the Katahdin opened fire and drove back the enemy into the woods, which were effectually shelled during the day. I have since received reports that 150 of the enemy were slain by our fire. Colonel MeMillan evacuated Donaldsonville on the evening of the same day, and retired to New Orleans. By this time the itasca came down from above and I detained her with me to watch the town during the night. We had no further opportunity to harass the enemy. This whole country is alive with troops and field artillery. In a few hours the enemy can muster one or two thousand men at almost any point on the west bank of the river from Baton Rouge to a point opposite Red Church. These troops are not all composed of guer- rillas, but regulars and militia troops are combined with them. They are exceedingly vigilant and active, and we have information that we shall soon have an army of several thousand along the west bank of the river. It is impossible to find their camps, if they have an from our mastheads, as they conceal themselves under cover of the woods. All was quiet at Baton Rouge a few days ago, there being only about 400 troops in that town. The levee has been cut in several places along the coast, especially about Donaldsonville and Bonnet Carr6, so as to form embrasures for field guns and infantry Page 216 216 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. We have had report that Manchac Bend was to be fortified with heavy guns; but as yet I can find no indications of it after most care- ful examination. Should the enemy get heavy guns at that point it would be very serious, for they would rake a gunboat such as ours for 5 miles up and down, whereas they could not return the fire dead ahead or astern. Our labors are very arduous, and the increasing activity of the enemy requires a corresponding activity upon our part. I lately arrested a planter by the name of Brand, living opposite Donaldsonville, and sent him to General Butler as prisoner of war. He had declared himself an enemy to the flag (to myself and officers) and used defiant language to our Government. He was also reported by his own servants as engaged in getting two heavy guns ready to mount to operate against gunboats. I regret that these guns were not looked for and discovered by the army force while occupying Donaldsonville, and I profoundly regret the futile efforts they made to destroy flatboats and hulks in the Bayou La Fourche and some other similar work I suggested should be performed. I earnestly trust that General Butler will give us a regiment or so of good troops and allow us to clean out Donaldsonville, which I regard as the piratical resort of all the bad men of the county. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola, Fla. Report of Colonel 111 eMlillan, U. S. Army, regarding expedition to Don- aldsonville, La., September 2124, 1862. CAMP CARROLLTON, September 25,1862. Sin: In the execution of your order to go to Donaldsonville with my regiment, I was compelled to go to Baton Rouge to find a gunboat, the Sciota, Itasca, and Katahdin having gone up to that place on Saturday morning early. I gave the commanding officer the order from Com- modore Morris, and was accompanied to near Donaldsonville by all of them, the Sciota going to anchor a few miles above for the protection of the steamboat Iberville, loading with sugar on the west bank of the river. The Katahdin and Itasca anchored opposite Donaldsonville. It being dark when we arrived, I deemed it prudent to wait until morning before landing. Early Monday morning I landed my com- mand, and, finding the rebel pickets in the village, I followed them closely nearly 4 miles down the bayou to where they were encamped in sugarhouses. On our approach they scattered among the cane and. ran to the woods. Finding I could effect nothing, I returned to the town with a few blankets, left in the precipitancy of the flight of the rebels. I learned their provisions were on the opposite side of the bayou, where they have a small fortification and five or six guns, and use the sugar warehouses of Aro & Cox as barracks. On yesterday (Wednesday) I determined to see what was the strength of their works and forces, having had so many confficting statements m regar Page 217 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 217 to their numbers, varying from 1,000 to 2,500. Iwas met by them with one 6-pounder gun within 14 miles of the river, but I only allowed them one shot by pushing on so rapidly as to compel a hasty retreat to save their gun. They opened on us once more, when I brought two of my guns into battery and soon drove them to their fortifications, pushing them rapidly. When within 700 yards of their fortifications they opened a well-directed fire on us with five guns one 12-pounder, one 8-pounder, three 6-pounders, and perhaps one 5-pounder. I immediately ordered my guns into batter y and returned their fire briskly, but finding my guns overmatched I determined to charge their fortifications; but while my officers were making the necessary arrangements for carrying the order out, I discovered their cavalry, under command of Major McWaters, about half a mile distant, pass- ing rapidly along the road cut through the woods, back of the fields, parallel to one leading to the river, and down which I had marched. I immediately countermanded the order to charge and retraced my steps, when in less than 14 miles from the river the rebel cavalry com- menced making its appearance, having emerged from the woods, but too late to ambuscade us. They pushed on and got between me and the river, but only to lose several of their number and be driven back at double the speed they came up. I then returned to the river bank, with my command completely exhausted by the long march and con- stant skirmishing, frequently going at double quick. I was com- pelled to halt three or four times on my return to enable the men to rest. We took one prisoner in arms and the town assessor and brought a few of the citizens as refugees. I found it out of my power to effect anything. Force and transportation sufficient to follow on down the bayou to Napoleonville, Thibodeaux, Terre Bonne, etc., and as I learned that the Spanish refugees preferred remaining and fighting the rebels ~t la mode Seminole, I resolved to return to this camp. My loss was one (Lieutenant Harding) missing and one artillerist slightly wounded. Rebel loss could not have been less than 30 or 40. Some of the citizens reported it much greater. I captured a few horses only, there being but few left by the rebels. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, JAS. W. McMILLAN, Colonel, Twenty-first Indiana Volunteers. Major GEORGE C. STRONG, A. A. G., Department of the Gulf. Naval operations in the vicinity of Sabine Pass, September 21 to October 12, 1862. Report of Acting Master Crocker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kensington. U. S. S. KENSINGTON, Off Calcasieu Lake, La., October 2, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the entire success of our expedition to Sabine Pass. The town is in our possession and the battery (con- sisting of four guns, two of 8,000 pounds and two smaller) entirely destroyed without the loss of a single man on our side Page 218 218 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The steamer Kensington and schooner Rachel Seaman, under my command, arrived off Sabine Pass on the morning of the 23d of Sep- tember, where the mortar schooner Henry Janes, Pennington, com- manding, was found at anchor. I proposed to him to join the expe- dition, which he did, and we attempted to pass the bar that night, but did not succeed. The next day was calm until nearly night, when, with a light breeze, the two schooners having on board a strong party from the Kensington, attempted to cross the bar, in which, after the greatest exertions, the Rachel Seaman only succeeded. The next day, with all the boats, the Henry Janes was kedged over, and both vessels immediately took up a position to attack. The battery opened on us with vigor, but the shells and rifled shots from our vessels over- powered their fire and they ceased. That night I led a boat expedi- tion up the pass to attack them in the rear, but before we got disen- tangled from the reefs and got into position the battery was evacu- ated. The next morning the schooners moved up to the battery and entirely destroyed it, while I received the surrender of the town. I can not commend too highly the conduct of the officers and men under my command. They were all eager rivals for every post of danger or difficulty and fully maintained the enviable reputation our Navy has already established. I desire to make especial mention of Acting Master L. W. Pennington, commanding the mortar schooner Henry Janes, for to hi~ perseverance and energy in getting his vessel over the bar, and his skill, courage, and coolness in fighting her, the expedition is mainly indebted for its complete and bloodless success, and I respectfully request that you confer on him the high honor of your commendation The next day, leaving the two schooners at anchor, I started with the Kensington for the Mermentan River, which is about 50 miles east of Sabine, where it was reported there was an unfinished battery and several steamers. That evening I led a strong boat expedition up that river. We found the battery deserted and destroyed, and that the steamers, two of them, had run the blockade loaded with sugar only the week before; one still remained, but was up the river and could not be reached in boats. The next day we anchored near the mouth of Calacasien Lake and took a sloop. We also obtained infor- mation of a steamer and two schooners that lay up the lake, and after- wards saw the steamer moving. We immediately commenced to fit the launch with masts and sails, with which to go after her. The next day I returned to Sabine, where I found that Captains looper and Pennington had executed my orders by going up to Taylors Bayou and destroying a large railroad bridge, thus cutting off all com- munication with Sabine Pass and rendering our position secure against a land attack. The next day I chased and captured the British schooner Velocity, from Sisal, Mexico, loaded with salt, cotton bag- ging, and large quantities of rope. I sent her in to anchor at Sabine. The next day (yesterday), having completed my launch, I started for Calcasien Lake and off this place captured the British schooner Adventure, also from Sisal, and loaded with the same cargo. I have taken the liberty of sending her to you with this communication, believing her not to be of sufficient value to send North, and in the hope that you will retain her at Pensacola for the short time necessary to make it safe to send her to Key West, before which I hope to be at Pensacola to report in person. I shall to-day start up the lake for th Page 219 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 219 steamer and hope to take her, in which event I propose to arm her and go up the Mermentau River until I take the steamer there. Upon these two, if I get them safely to Sabine, I propose to place our Parrott guns and howitzers and make a dash up the Sabine River, where there are several steamers and schooners and no batteries; if I am success- ful there, I shall return and go up the Neches River, where there are still more steamers and vessels, and where, at the town, Beaumont, there is a Jarge railroad bridge on the main hue of Texas, which, destroyed, wil I stop all communication between eastern and western Texas. All this is defended by only two 24-pounders in battery, and those I hope to overpower with the Parrotts, in which event I shall take or destroy all above, and thus completely use up one of the most vicious and active of secession ports. So soon as I take the steamers at this place and at Mermentau River, I propose to man them with such a part of the Kensingtons crew as can be safely spared, and then send the Kensington to fulfill your orders relative to the Albatross and other vessels to the westward under the command of my executive officer, who is a sober man, thorough seaman, and perfectly competent. I have the honor to send herewith a Galveston paper containing a notice of the capture of Captain Kittredge, which I hope is not true. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK CROcKER, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Acting Master, Commanding. Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. Report of Acting Xaster Hooper, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner Rachel Seaman. U. S. ScHOONER RACHEL SEAMAN, Sabine Pass, Tex., October 5, 1862. SIR: In the temporary absence of Captain Crocker, of steamer Ken- sington, commanding the expedition, I have the honor of submitting to you the following report ofthe occupation of this place by the forces detailed by you for that purpose, viz: The Rachel Seaman leh Pensacola in tow of the Kensington, Friday, the 19th ultimo, and arrived off the bar of this place, Monday, the 22d ultimo, anchoring within 5 miles of the fort, wind light from the north, the channel tending N. W. Tuesday, the 23d ultimo, Captain Crocker, with Assistant Surgeon Cobb, Assistant Paymaster Tarbell, Acting Masters Taylor and Ham- mond, with Masters Mate Finney, came on board while the Ken- singtons launch and first cutter, each with a howitzer and otherwise armed and equipped, were alongside. All this day we were engaged in towing and kedging over the bar. At 6 p. m. came to anchor 2~ miles from the fort, and sent assistance to the mortar schooner Henry Janes, which had previously arrived. During the night a boat in charge of Mr. Somers, masters mate, rowed guard, going in above the fort. Wednesday, 24th ultimo, at 9 a. m. we opened fire upon the fort from our 20-pound rifle and two broadsides 32s of 57 hundred- weight. We fired eleven times from our position of 2~ miles distance. The Henry Janes fired three shells from her mortar, at a distance o Page 220 220 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 3 miles. Our shell all fell within or beyond the fort; the enemy promptly replied, most of their shot falling short of us. Finding this to be too long a range for good execution, ceased firing, and both ves- sels proceeded to kedge nearer the fort. At 5 p. m. we had succeeded in obtaining a position 1 ~ miles from the fort, both vessels in a line. While getting this position the fort had continued a brisk fire upon us, the shot all falling near us. Notwithstanding that we were for some time unable to return the fire, our officers and men all remained per- fectly cool. At 5: 30 p. m. both vessels opened fire, making splendid shots. At 6:15 ceased firing for the night. It was then determined to attempt the capture of the fort with our boats, and at 11:30 p. m. the launch, in charge of Acting Master Hammond, with Captain Crocker in command, the first cutter in charge of Edwin Janvrin, masters mate of this vessel, each boat with a howitzer, and a boat with five men, in charge of Mr. Somers, as a spiking party, started inshore. The boats succeeded in getting above the fort, but got aground among the oyster reefs, in which the bay abounds, and were unable to get into the channel which would lead to the rear of the fort. After rowing until near daylight the attempt was given up. Thurs- day, 25th, at daylight, we opened fire with our Parrott rifle; we fired three shell directly into the fort; this bringing no response, and seeing no one about the fort and no flag flying, we ceased firing, and Captain Crocker went in under a flag of truce and found the fort evacuated, and the guns spiked. The guns consisted of two 32s of 7,000 pounds each, and two 32s of 42 hundredweight. Captain Crocker then started for the town, but was met by a deputation of three citizens, who said the mayor had died two days previous, and that nearly all the citizens had left on account of yellow fever, which had been raging badly, but was then abating; after giving and receiv- ing the necessary assurances of good conduct, etc., Captain Crocker returned on board, deeming it not prudent to allow any one to land. In the meantime the schooners had got underway and stood in, the Rachel Seaman anchoring abreast of the fort and the Henry Janes 500 yards below. In the course of the day I sent in a boat and burned the barrack buildings and gun carriages. Friday, 26th, Captain Crocker with his officers and men returned to the Kensington and got underway for Mermentau River, 50 miles to the eastward, where some steamers were reported to be hid. Saturday, 27th, at 10 p. in., two boats from the Henry Janes, with one boat from this vessel, pulled up river about 15 miles, burned a rail- road bridge, and intercepted a mail. Monday, 29th, the Kensington returned unsuccessful. Tuesday, 30th, the Kensington overhauled and brought in a small schooner from Sisal, Mexico, bound to New Orleans, with leather, bag- ging, and salt, under English papers; she, however, was standing in for this port. Her captain and crew of 7 men were transferred to the Kensington. Thursday, October 2, three of our boats, with two from the Henry Janes, went up river about 5 miles, and brought down the families of Messrs. Kirkpatrick and Davis, who claimed our protection. They were placed on board of the prize schooner Velocity. After taking the families the depot was burned. The Kensington again absent on an expedition. Monday, the 6th: Early this morning discovered a schooner stand Page 221 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 221 ing in; sent a boat in charge of Mr. Janvrin to board her. She proved to be the schooner Dart, from Sisal, bound to New Orleans, with a cargo of salt, rope, and leather; she was brought in and anchored near us. The captain, who is a resident of this place, with the crew, were brought on board of this vessel. The Dart was under English papers, and will be retained until the return of Captain Crocker. Submitted by, very respectfully, your obedient servant, QUINCY A. lOOPER, Acting Al aster, U. S. Navy, Comdg. U. S. Schooner Rachel Seaman. Rear-Admiral DAVID G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Squadron. Report of Acting Master Pennington, U. S. Navy, commanding U S. schooner Henry ianes. U. S. ScHooNER HENRY JANES, Sabine Pass, September 29, 1862. Sin: On the 18th ultimo [instant], in obedience to your orders, I got underway and proceeded direct to Sabine Bar, anchoring off the bar Sunday morning, 2 1st. When within about 6 miles from the bar, I dis- covered a steamer which had every appearance of being an enemy. I at once called the crew to quarters and made every preparation for action. Upon nearing her I discovered that she was a double-engine high-pressure steamer. The wind being light and from the north, it was impossible for me to get within gunshot of her, and having been informed by you that several vessels had run the blockade at this place, and that a number of vessels were daily expected, I at once prepared a secession flag with the intention of decoying her out over the bar. As soon as she discovered the flag she got up steam and hoisted the rebel flag and made for us. She came steadily on her course until within about 2~ miles, when I had to change my course to prevent my running ashore on the bar, which brought my vessel to such a position as to show my quarter boats, when she turned imme- diately and steamed under the battery. The wind now fell so that my vessel was unmanageable and I was forced to anchor to prevent drifting ashore. I could plainly distinguish a large number of men upon the decks of the steamer, and, not knowing but that she might be armed, I made every preparation to repel an attack in case she should attempt to board us during the night. September 22, at 8 a. in., the rebels hoisted their flag over the bat- tery, the steamer at this time being tied up to the bank in front of the battery. At 9 a. m. I saw two vessels in the offing making for us. They proved to be the U. S. S. Kensington, Acting Master Crocker commanding, and the U. S. schooner Rachel Seaman, Acting Master looper commanding. The steamer Kensington came to anchor within a few hundred yards of my vessel. Captain Crocker came on board and informed me that he had come here with orders from Admiral Farragut to blockade this port, and if practicable to capture the bat- tery, which is situated on the left bank 3 miles from the middle of the bar and N. W. three-quarters of a mile from the light-house. Captain Crocker asked me if I would join him and Captain looper in the attack upon the battery, which I considered well upon before giv- ing an answer, as my orders from you were to proceed direct to this bar and there to await your arrival in the steamer. My being wel Page 222 222 WJ3~ST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. acquainted with the bar, and feeling confident that we would be suc- cessful in the capture of the battery, I assented to cooperate with him. The steamer Kensington, being of heavy draft, she was unable to cross the bar. So the plan agreed upon was to take the launches armed with howitzers, with as many officers and seamen as- could safely be spared, and cross the bar with the two schooners and make the attack. There being but 8 feet of water on the bar, and my vessel drawiug 8 feet 7 inches, we were forced to wait for a strong breeze to drive her through the mud. September 23, at 4p.m., the wind shifted to the S. E. and breezed up. Captain Crocker, with part of his officers and crew, went on board the Rachel Seaman and got underway, followed closely by my vessel until one-third of the way of the bar, when my vessel, drawing 17 inches more water than the Seaman, brought up, while the Seaman passed over and anchored just inside the bar, out of range of the battery. Captain Crocker immediately sent me five boats well mauued to assist me in running anchors and heaving over the bar. After working seven hours the tide fell so that she did not move, so we ceased for the night, and Captain Crockers men returned to the Rachel Seaman. September 24, when daylight appear ed, I could distinguish a large number of men standing upon the battery. My vessel being now about 3 miles from the battery, I concluded I would give them a shell to see them skedaddle. I called the crew to quarters and opened fire with the mortar on the battery. The shell fell about 20 feet from the - center of the battery and covered one man nearly up with mud, which I have been told by a man who was in the battery. I fired three shells and then ceased. The Rachel Seaman opened fire soon after with her 20-pounder Parrott, but could not react the battery. The battery returned the compliment, but could not reach the steamer. At 11 a. m. the tide commenced rising and Captain Crocker sent me a strong force to assist me in getting over, which we accomplished after five hours hard labor. The wind now being fair, I made sail and took position 2,700 yards from the battery, and cleared away for action. At 5 p. in., the enemy discovering that I was training the mortar around on the battery, they opened fire on my vessel from four guns, - thinking, as I have since been informed, that they could sink me before I could fire the mortar; but they were sadly disapp6inted, as the fourth shot was made by the mortar, the shell bursting directly over the battery and driving the rebels from their guns. I opened fire also with my 32-pounders, but soon discovered that they could not reach, so I worked the mortar alone. Soon as the shell would alight and explode they would jump to their guns and give me four in return, but fortunately two of their guns would not reach, while the other two fell close around me sometimes going over 100 yards. I fired the mortar as rapidly as possible, bursting the shell over the battery. The Rachel Seaman commenced getting underway as soon as I opened fire on the battery, and came up within 50 yards of my vessel and moored broadside on, and at 6 p. m. commenced firing with her 20-pounder Parrott and 32-pounders, firing two shots from the former and three from the latter, all apparently calling short of the battery, the enemy directing their fire entirely at my vessel. By this time I had obtained the exact range, the shell falling and exploding around the battery with great effect. At 6:40 p. m. we silenced the enemys guns. I continued the fire from the mortar till 7 p. in., and, findin Page 223 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 223 that the enemy did not reply, I ceased firing. On the morning of Sep- tember 25 I early discovered that the battery was evacuated. I immediately reported the fact to Captain Crocker, who at once pro- ceeded to the fort and raised the stars and stripes. I forgot to men- tion that on the night of the 24th Captain Crocker fitted out three boats armed with howitzers with the intention of capturing a steam- boat lying above the fort, but, being delayed in trying to [make] their way through the reefs, they had to return without accomplishing their object. My next step was to visit the battery, whose armament I found to consist of two 42-pounders and two 24-pounders. The guns were all spiked with the exception of one 24-pounder. Their shot and shell they had thrown into the river, many lying at the waters edge. One thousand pounds of powder, in cartridges, were found in the barracks, which I took possession of. On the following day I visited the town of Sabine and found about 40 of the inhabitants remaining, the rest having fled to the country by the way of the cars and two steamboats. On the morning after the bombardment I was informed that yellow fever was in the town, and that it had been very severe, resulting in the death of nearly one-half of the population My being well acquainted with the remaining citizens, they conversed freely with me. The fort was garrisoned by 70 men under the com- mand of Captain Keith, a resident of Sabine. There had been, pre- vious to the bombardment, 300 infantry and 100 cavalry at this point, but on account of the severity of the yellow fever they had been removed to Beaumont, 35 miles from this place. I also ascertained that the fort had been reinforced on the night of the evacuation by 120 troops under [the] command of Colonel Spaight, but, being informed by Captain [K. D.] Keith that it was impossible to withstand the bombardment, they returned on the cars the following morning. On the morning of the 26th I picked up a boat with three men in it, trom whom I learned that the enemy expected a reinforcement of 3,000 infantry and cavalry, and, knowing that their transportation would be cut off by the destruction of a railroad bridge 12 miles from this point, crossing Taylors Bayou, which empties into Lake Sabine, I determined, if possible, to destroy the bridge. On the 27th I pro- posed to Captain looper that I would take command of an expedition that night, if he would give me the aid of one of his boats, to which he consented. I at once provided the boats with everything required for the occasion. At 9p.m. I left the vessel with the following boats: First cutter, with a crew of 17 men; second cutter, 8 men in charge of Masters Mate Z. Predmore; and the second cutter of the Rachel Sea- man, with a crew of 8 men in charge of Masters Mate John Somers. With muffled oars I quietly passed the town. At 11 p. m. we passed a battery of two guns, located at a bridge crossing Mud Bayou. There not being water enough to enter this bayou, we continued on our course across the lake, arriving at Ta ylors Bayou at 1 a. m. We carefully entered the bayou and landed at the bridge. I imme- diately directed Mr. Predmore, with 15 men, to surround the house near by, and Mr. Somers to board two small vessels lying a short dis- tance up the bayou, while I applied the torch to thbridge. Mr. Predmore succeeded in capturing three prisoners and the rebel mail for this town, containing Galveston and Houston papers of the 24th instant, also a number of letters, all of which I forward to you. The vessels proved to be worthless. After seeing the bridge destroyed we N W RVOL 19 1 Page 224 224 WJ~ST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. returned to our vessel, arriving there at 6 a. m. The conduct of the officers and men while on this expedition is worthy of all praise. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, LEwIs W. PENNINGTON Acting 31 aster, Commanding. Commander WM. B. RENsHAW, Commanding Mortar Flotilla. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, commending the conduct of Acting Master Crocker, U. S. Navy, commanding the U. S. S. Kensington. No. 236.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 28, 1862. SIR: Since writing my last dispatch (No. 235) an officer has brought me the report of Acting Master Fred. Crocker, herewith enclosed, for which, if for nothing else, I would recommend him for promotion. His letter in relation to the order of General Butler (copy herewith enclosed) is so frank and manly, but Captain Crockers entire conduct meets my highest approbation; his energy and management in the whole affair at Sabine Pass and at Calcasien River is worthy of com- mendation. He has captured the colonel of all the forces in that district. I herewith enclose a copy of the extraordinary document to which Captain Crocker refers. It is from General Butler, or pro- fesses to be, and if the signature is false it is a most excellent coun- terfeit. II desire to know the wishes of the Department in this case. The West Florida is now here in quarantine, and I shall retain [her] until fully instructed by the Department. If the Government require of the Army any such policy as indicated in the enclosed document, we shall be at issue all the time, for under my present instructions I shall capture all vessels with passes, except those employed in transporting provisions, etc., for the army and navy. All of which is respectfully submitted by Your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Additional report of Acting Master Crocker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kensing- ton, regarding a successful expedition to Lake Calcasieu, Louisiana. U. S. S. KENSINGTON, Sabine Pass, October 12, 1862. SIR: At the date of my last report I was just leaving with the launch and howitzer, 12 men and 2 officers, on an expedition up the Calcasien river and lake. I have the honor now to report that expedition successful. I was absent four days. I proceeded 80 miles up, where I found the steamer Dan, of which I went in search, and captured it. Returning with the launch in tow, I stopped at the town of Charles- ton, on Lake Charles, and burned a large schooner lying there. I then levied on the town a contribution of sweet potatoes and beef, whic Page 225 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 225 was furnished. By this time I had been three days, nearly, up the river, and was informed by Union men, plenty of whom I found, that a large party had collected to attack us below; whereupon I seized upon ten or twelve of the inhabitants of the place and posting them around the man at the wheel, who was exposed, made the best of my way down the river. I found one other large schooner, which I also burned, and thus destroyed all the navigation in that place, besides teaching the people a lesson they will not soon forget. As soon as I reached a place of safety I released the prisoners. I should have mentioned before, that on my way up I captured Colonel Nathaniel Clifton, the commander of all the rebel forces in that vicinity, and now hold him a prisoner. I have proposed to the rebel authorities here to exchange him for Lieutenant Kittredge, of our Navy, but as yet have received no reply. On reaching the mouth of Calcasien River we found it too rough to cross the bar with steamer, and having heard that the Rachel Seaman was in danger, I left the prize steamer there with the crew and howitzer and hastened to this port, where I took in 25 men and a howitzer from the Kensington, and came at once to man the prize schooner Velocity. The Rachel Seaman was safe, and had taken prize the schooner Dart, by which I have the honor to send this. The schooner Dart ran in, supposing the place still held by the rebels. Captain looper reports that while the mortar vessel Henry Janes was here, he tried to move the Rachel Seaman farther up, but grounded; that while he lay aground the steamer Clifton came in to tow out the mortar vessel; that the Clifton took a hawser from the Rachel Seaman and in the attempt to pull her afloat the hawser parted, when the Clifton immediately proceeded to sea with the Henry Janes, thus leaving the Rachel Seaman alone and aground. I found here two families of Union people, who claimed the protection of the United States, and were put on board the Velocity by Captain looper in my absence. I have sent them forward by the Dart for your disposal. I beg leave to mention that the yellow fever has entirely ceased here, but quarantine precautions may be necessary. Messrs. Kirkpatrick and Davis, whose families I thus send forward in the Dart, are the gentlemen to whom I am indebted for a great deal of exceedingly valuable information and for faithful services as pilots. I recommend them warmly to your protection. I beg that the Dart, like the Adventure, may be allowed to remain at Pensacola for the present or until my arrival. The importance of Sabine Pass to the rebels appears to have been entirely underrated by us; the quantity of goods of all kinds and munitions of war that have been run in here has been enormous, and large quantities of cotton have been exported. There are now lying above at least eight steamers and six schooners, large quantities of cotton, and quite a force of troops; these last have been considering strongly the propriety of manning their steamers and making an attack on us. Under these circumstances, and at the earnest request of Captain looper, I have concluded to put my 30-pound Parrott on the Dan, the howitzer on the Velocity, and with a strong party from the Kensington, remain here myself and defend the place, while I send the Kensington down the coast tinder the command of my executive officer, who is careful and competent, to obey your orders in reference to the Albatross and other vessels there; and trusting to your approval of my course, or at least of my motives, to await your further orders here Page 226 226 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Leaving my party on the Velocity in charge of Acting Master Taylor, on the 9th I returned to Calcasien for the prize Dan, and found they had taken the sloop Eliza, from Vermilion Bay, loaded with 15 hogs- heads sugar; the sugar was unloaded and the sloop destroyed. On the 10th and 11th it blew a hard norther, but we succeeded in moving the Dan to this place in safety, where she now lies. On arriving here, I found that Acting Master Taylor, in the Velocity, had takeh the schooner West Florida. She appears to have sailed from New Orleans under a provisional British register; to have cleared from Matamoras, Mexico, to have been taken and then released with a permit from yourself to proceed to Matamoras. She was seen by my officer in command of the Dan to pass Calcasieu Bar, the afternoon she was taken, very close inshore, standing to the westward, and to send a man to the masthead; a few hours later she was discovered by Mr. Taylor from the Velocity coming from the eastward in about 2 fathoms water; she came on as far as the buoy on tim bar at this place, when she steered square in for the pass, and was taken inside the bar buoy, in 7~ feet water. The crew admit they were bound here from the first; therefore, I send her forward as a good prize, but subject to your approval. Having sent away one prize crew in the Adventure, I am now so short of men and officers to man the Velocity and steamer Dan that I am not able to fully man the prize I now send. I therefore retain nearly all the original crews here, lest they retake their vessels, and shall send them forward by the Kensington on her return from the Rio Grande, for which place she leaves to- day. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK CROCKER Acting Master, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Pensacola. Report of Acting Master Crocker, U. S. Navy, transmitting permit of Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, granting passage to schooner West Florida carrying cotton from Texas. U. S. S. KENSINGTON, Sabine Pass, October 12, 1862. SIR: After I had closed my report to you, and at the last moment, the supercargo of the West Florida handed me the enclosed most extraordinary document, unless it is a forgery. I know nothing, and believe nothing in any such underhand policy as is mentioned in that letter, and believe my duty plain and clear. The supercargo says he did not show you the letter, and did not know Sabine was taken. I therefore send you the letter, documents, and vessel for judgment and disposal. I beg leave to add that the vessel had on board a bona fide passenger for Matamoras, an Englishman, and who will be landed at that place by the Kensington. He was much surprised to find himself at Sabine Pass. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK CROCKER, Acting Master, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. PARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron Page 227 WEST GULF ]3LOCKADING SQUADRON. 227 [Enclosures.] Confidential.] HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, September 24, 1862. To the Officers of the Blockading Squadron: The West Florida, schooner, has been loaded with the present cargo and cleared for Matamoras for the purpose of bringing out cotton from Texas. She proposes to make the Sabine Pass, exchange her cargo for cotton, and then make a port in Cuba or New Orleans, as may be best. The owner, a loyal citizen, has property here to insure his good faith. You will therefore aid what I understand to be the policy of my Government in getting cotton to foreign ports by passing this vessel. This course of trade should be secret, of course, to be success- ful. You will not, therefore, allow any information of this pass of this vessel to be made public, but report the matter, with a copy of this letter, to Admiral Farragut or your superior officer. Respectfully, BENJ. F. BUTLER, Ala for-General, Commanding. [Endorsement.] I certify the foregoing to be a true copy of the original letter. D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. List of vessels captured by the expedition since the taking of Sabine Pass. British schooner Velocity, now armed, at Sabine Pass, September 30. British schooner Adventure, sent to Pensacola, October 1. British schooner Dart, sent to Pensacola, October G. British schooner West Florida, sent to Pensacola, October 12. Confederate steamer Dan, armed, at Sabine Pass. Confederate schooner Conchita, burned at Calca~eu. Confederate schooner Mary Ann, burned at Calcasieu. Confederate sloop Eliza, burned at Calcasieu. FREDERICK CROCKER Acting Master, Commanding. Report of Acting Master Crocker, U. S. Navy, regarding the destruction of railroad bridge at Taylors Bayou. U. S. S. KENSINGTON, Pensacola Bay, October 24, 1862. - Sin: In continuatior~ of my reports from Sabine Pass, sent by the prize schooners Adventure and West Florida, I have the honor now to state that on the 13th instant I sent the Kensington on her way to the Rio Grande under command of Acting Master Taylor, there to water the Albatross, in obedience to your orders, and also to water the other vessels blockading on the Texan coast. The next day I commenced to prepare an expedition to destroy the large railroad bridge at Taylors Bayou, the expedition I had befor Page 228 228 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. sent under command of Acting Master Pennington, of the mortar schooner Henr~y Janes, having failed, at which the newspapers above exulted, while the enemys troops immediately occupied it, and between two and three hundred men were placed there to guard it. I put the Rachel Seamans 20-pounder Parrott gun and my heavy 12-Dounder boat howitzer on the prize steamer Dan, and on the morn- ing of the 15th, with the schooner Velocity in tow, carrying the Ken- sington 30-pounder Parrott, I started to attack the enemy. In crossing the bar to enter the lake the schooner grounded and I left her, pushing on with the steamer and a crew of 25 men only. The enemy were posted behinda high and strong embankmen an a force of cavalry and fle]d artillery were drawn up in the prairie a little back. As soon as we came within range with the Parrott, we opened on them with shell to draw their fire, if they had any heavy artillery, but they did not reply, and we continued the fire, nearing them rapidly until our boat howitzer with 2-second shrapnel had them nicely in range, when the steamer grounded. A very few rounds gave the exact,elevation, when the enemy broke and fled in confusion toward the ca~ry and a train of cars which had in the meantime arrived from Beaumont with reinforcements. I immediately sent two boats crews to destroy the bridge, while we shelled the prairie and the cars. We hit the train, and compelled it and the troops to fall back after some time spent in repairing the cars. The two boats crews under command of Masters Mate Janvrin, of the Rachel Seaman, and Second Assistant Engineer [T. W.] OConnor, of the Kensington, did their work in the most complete manner. They entirely destroyed the bridge, thus preventing the transportation of heavy artillery to Sabine Pass, and also burned all the enemys bar- racks and also the schooners Stonewall and Lone Star. While they were at work the enemys cavalry made a charge on them, but the well-directed fire from the steamer repulsed them and the work was done at our leisure. Returning to the schooner, we towed her afloat, and arrived back at the [Sabine] Pass the next morning. All that day, the 16th, we spent in preparing to attack a cavalry encampment situated about 5 eniles back from the town of Sabine, the pickets from which had been a continual annoyance to us. On the morning of the 17th, with a party of 50 men and a light boat howitzer, we commenced our march for the encampment, driving in the pickets as we advanced. They retreated before us, gradually increasing in number until we reached nearly to their encampment, where they made a stand, upon which we started toward them on the double- quick until we came within the range with our howitzer, when we unlimbered and gave it to them. The enemy immediately broke and fled into the chaparral. We immediately burned all their encamp- ment, consisting of fourteen houses and stables, and then marched leisurely back to our steamer. I can not speak in too high praise of the steadiness and coolness of my officers and men; they appeared as if on parade. I desire to [make] especial mention of Acting Masters Mate Janvrin, of the Rachel Seaman, and Second Assistant Engineer OConnor, of this ship, both of whom I recommend strongly for promotion for their gallantry and also for their professional qualifications and character. On the 18th the Kensington returned, having obeyed your orders down the coast, and on the 19th, with a number of refugees, who ha Page 229 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 229 fled to us for protection, I started for the South West Pass, where I landed them on the 2 1st, in care of Captain Weeks, of the Pampero. I left the Rachel Seaman at Sabine Pass, and also the schooner Velocity, with the Kensingtons Parrott gun, and the prize steamer Dan, with the heavy howitzer, and about 30 of the Kensingtons men, all under command of Acting Master [N. W.] Hammond, of the Ken- sington who has accompanied me on all my expeditions and distin- guished himself by his coolness and bravery on all occasions. Captain looper has rendered me the most important and efficient aid on II occasions, while all the officers and men remaining on board the Kensington have performed their greatly increased duties with the utmost cheerfulness, regretting only that they also could not have been spared to help us on shore. On the 22d I supplied water to the vessels at Ship Island. On the 23d reported to Commodore Bell at Mobile, and arrived at this port last night. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK CROCKER, Acting Master, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. Report of Pilot Taylor. U. S. SHIP MORNING LIGHT, Off Sabine Pass, January 15, 1863. SIR: I beg to call your attention to a few simple facts which I have every reason to believe have been wholly overlooked in the report of the expedition about Sabine Pass. About five days after the Pass was occupied by the Federal vessels I was arrested by the rebel authorities, from whom I made my escape, and after scouting about two weeks in the prairie I managed to get on board one of the vessels in the Pass. As soon as I came on board I induced Cap- tain Crocker to get up an expedition in the lake and country, of which I was to act as pilot. We first destroyed the railroad bridge, cutting off communication between Beaumont and the Pass, then burned the rebel barracks about 5 miles from the Pass. I then pro- posed to him to proceed up the river and capture about 2,000 bales cotton, then afloat on some 8 steamers and 5 schooners, which could have then been done with ease and safety by the same force employed to burn the bridge. Had this been done the whole communication would have been cut off between New Iberia and Galveston, none of the steamers could have been fitted to threaten the forces now here, and Sabine Pass could have been defended by one howitzer. At that time the river was not defended in any way, scarcely a man in arms in Orange County, and everything quiet. Captain Crocker then thought proper t~ leave and report progress, and under the com- mand he left nothing could be accomplished. The rebels in the meantime were left quietly to fortify the river, fit out and arm the steamers, and collect cavalry that the first expedition had scattered to their homes. I was sent to Pensacola in charge of two prize schooners that unknowingly ran in here, from whence I was ordered to Key West. On my return to this place via New Orleans in th Page 230 230 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Kensington I could not get an opportunity or permission to report to you personally. I find in my absence that the vessels have left the river from fear of the armed steamers we could have formerly taken so easily, and left my family and those of other Union men entirely at the mercy of the rebel horde, now holding military jurisdiction. Had I possessed an opportunity of a verbal report, from my accurate knowledge of the country I could have furnished you with items necessary for future progress. As I have everything at stake and a reward of $10,000 offered for my arrest, I won respectfully enquire if anything can be done at this point to enable me to rescue my family and others of Union men here, in which I am prepared to take a very active part. I would state that the present ferry flats now used since the bridge was burned I was prevented from destroying by an order from Captain looper, of the Rachel Seaman, and at that time were employed in transporting rebel commissary stores. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, JAMES G. TAYLOR. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Esq. Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report o.~ Rear.Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding prizes captured at Sabine Pass. No. 235.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 28, 1862. SIR: I have to inform you of the arrival of two prizes captured by the Kensington at Sabine Pass. One, the schooner West Florida, which vessel I informed the Department of the capture of by the gun- boat Jackson (dispatch No. 212). She was an old offender on the coast, but was finally sold, like all other property of the kind, in New Orleans, to an English subject and made bona tide English property. She loaded and cleared for Matamoras, but with a cargo exactly suited for Texas, the principal article being salt. I had her searched and her cargo opened. Her papers were all signed by the deputy collector at New Orleans, and approved by General Butler; copies of most of them were sent to the Department; so I allowed her to proceed to Matamoras, but our vessel captured her at Sabine Pass and brought her back to me. I shall, therefore, now send her North for adjudi- cation. I can not see the use of a ship of war at the Rio Grande since the decision of the court against the capture of the Will-o-the-wisp, cap- tured in our waters, professedly loaded with fish, but really loaded with munitions of war in fish barrels, and yet she was not considered subject to capture. If, however, the Department will give me two or three little steam- ers upon which I can mount one or two howitzers, the vessels not to draw over 4 feet of water, I will take Brownsville and keep the river policed up in such a manner that the Matamoras trade will soon dwindle down to a comparative nothingness. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 231 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 231 Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, transmitting copy of letter issued regarding the schooner West Florida. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 28, 1862. DEAR GENERAL: I enclose herewith a copy of a letter * issued to one of the blockading officers as a pass for the schooner West Florida, captured in the act of running the blockade at Sabine Pass. Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of Gulf. Order of the Secretary of War to Major-General Butler, El. S. Army, restricting the issu- ance of passes without instructions from the Department. WAR DEPARTMENT, Washington City, November 11, 1862. The Secretary of the Navy has brought to the notice of the Presi- dent the pass issued by you to the United States vessel West Florida to proceed from New Qrleans to Matamoras, etc. The pass was not respected by the blockading squadron in that quarter and the vessel was seized as a prize. As it is presumed, however, that the document was given in good faith, the restitution of the vessel will, in this instance, be ordered; but it is expected that you will not in future issue similar passes without further instructions from this Depart- ment. I am, general, your obedient servant, EDWIN M. STANTON, Major-General BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Secretary of War. New Orleans, La. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, announcing the parole of Colonel Clifton, C. S. Army, captured at Sabine Pass. No. 242.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 30, 1862. SIR: I have to inform the Department that I paroled yesterday Colonel Nathl. Clifton, commanding Calcasieu regiment of Louisiana volunteers. Colonel Clifton was captured by Acting Master Crocker in his expedition to Sabine Pass. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. *See p. 227 Page 232 232 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Spaight, C. S. Army, regarding the evacuation of Sabine Pass by the (onfederate forces. HEADQUARTERS SPAIGHT s BATTALION, Beaumont, Tex., September 26, 1862. Sin: On the 23d instant (Major J. S. Irvine, commanding at Sabine Pass during my absence under orders at Houston) two armed sail ves- sels and one steam propeller came to anchor just outside the bar. Early the next morning the two sail vessels, having crossed the bar, took position and opened fire on our works, to which we promptly replied; but the shots from both sides fell far short. They then approached nearer, when a brisk fire from both sides was resumed and continued until dark. To the chagrin of officers and men our shot still fell short, while the enemy was enabled, with his longer range guns, to throw shot and shell around and into our works. I take pleasure in stating that our men, fighting at this immense odds, and seeing that they could inflict no injury whatever on the enemy, and while his shell were bursting over their heads and within the works, stood to their guns and served them with great coolness. They could not be re- strained from mounting the works and shouting and waving their hats in defiance. In pursuance to orders, Captain G. W. OBryan, of Company B, with Lieutenant W. A. Junker and a detachment of 26 of his company, arrived at the fort at nightfall. When night came on Major Irvine determined that it would be a fruitless exposure of the men and public property to attempt to hold the works another day, and commenced at once to remove the ord- nance stores and other property, and spiked the guns, consisting of two 32-pounders and two 18-pounders. The evacuation was completed by daylight the next morning and all the Government property saved. I regret, however, to state that two of the men recently attacked by yel- low fever were not in a condition to be removed, and were left in the hospital in the care of competent nurses. It should be mentioned here that on the breaking out of the yellow fever among the troops at Sabine City they were withdrawn, with the exception of a detachment of artillery (Company B) to garrison the works. It is now manifest that the result must have been the same, no matter what the number of the force there. To Major Irvine, in command of the post, and to Captain K. D. Keith, in the immediate command of the battery, great praise is due for the gallantry of the resistance offered with such wholly inadequate means, and not less for the orderly manner in which the evacuation was conducted, whereby none of the public property was permitted to fall into the hands of the enemy. As I learn to-day, the two sail vessels have anchored opposite the town and sent some men ashore. I have no information as to the force of the enemy and have no clue as yet to his future movements. I have been reinforced to-day by Elmores regiment, Wilsons bat- tery, and one company of Griffins battalion, Captain Cooks Page 233 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 233 I will observe the movements of the enemy and promptly report the result, and shall lose no opportunity of inflicting injury upon him. Your obedient servant, A. W. SPAIGHT, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant IL M. FRANKLIN, Acting Assistant Adfritant-General. Report of Colonel Debray, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS SUBMILITARY DISTRICT OF HOUSTON. Houston, Te~r., September :28, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that I have returned to-day from Beaumont with Elmores regiment and a detachment of Griffins bat- talion. Wilsons battery had no transportation, but shall return to-morrow. From a reconnoissance made personally down to near the terminus of the Sabine Pass Railroad (2~ miles from the town), and from information received through scouts who penetrated into the town, I have satisfied myself that two schooners one 140 tons burden armed with two 32-pounders and one mortar gun, and the other 120 tons burden, carrying two 32-pounders and one 20-pounder Parrott gun are lying at anchor within the bay and shut completely the Pass. No permanent landing has been made and none will probably be made, owing to yellow fever, which is still raging. Each schooner has 50 men on board. I have stationed the two mounted companies of Spaights battalion between Beaumont and Sabine Pass at a point from which they can watch the movements of the enemy in the bay and bring prompt intelligence to Beaumont and Orange. Their orders are to drive off the herds of cattle from the vicinity of the bay, to push frequent scouts to the town of Sabine in order to watch the inhabitants, and to receive information to endeavor to cut off enemys parties who may attempt to land to procure beeves. The section of artillery of Spaights battalion is stationed at a bend of the Neches, with two 32-pounders, at 12 miles from Beaumont. Owing to the short distance from which they can be fired at by the enemy he will not have the advantage of long range. One company of Spaights battal- ion (infantry) is ordered to take station at Orange to protect the rail- road and shipping and to give aid to the provost-marshal if needed. Another company is stationed near Beaumont to protect the railroad bridge. I have ordered the provost-marshal at Orange to require the owners of cotton at Orange or their agents to remove it within one week beyond the reach of the enemy, with warning that should they fail to do so it shall be removed by him at their expense, the cotton being security for the cost of removal. I ordered him also to cause all shipping at or below Orange to move as far up the river as possible and not to suffer any navigation down the river except for good reasons, and only by persons whose fidelity to our Government is beyond doubt. Should the enemy approach, all the cotton at Orange must be destroyed. * * * Having full confidence in the judgment and activity of Lieutenant- Colonel Spaight, an excellent officer, and believing that for the present his battalion is more than sufficient to check the enemy on land, I have ordered the troops I had taken with me to Beaumont to return to thei Page 234 234 WEST GULF BLOCKADING ScUADRON. stations and to keep in readiness to move at short notice should their presence be required at any point of the coast. * * * * * * * I received information upon my return that the blockading steamer at Galveston left her station two days ago and has not returned. * * * * * * * I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, X. B. DEBRAY, Colonel, Commanding Submilitary District o6i Houston. Captain C. M. MASON, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. Report of Lieutenant-Colonel Spaight, C. S. Army, referring to Federal attack upon rail- road bridge at Taylors Bayou. HEADQUARTERS SPAIGHTS BATTALION, Beaumont, Tex., September 29, 1862. SIR: On the night of the 27th instant the enemy sent up three launches to the mouth of Taylors Bayou and attempted to burn the railroad bridge (Eastern Texas) across that stream. The fire was set just before day and was extinguished by the guard stationed there. The damage was very slight and has been repaired. They took off with them three citizens, one being the mail boy, who happened to be stop ping at the house near the bridge. I sent a cavalry company down on yesterday to the bridge, but shall be obliged to replace it with infantry, as I have just learned water for horses can not be procured in that vicinity. * * * I shall endeavor to entice the enemy to make another attempt on the bridge. Meanwhile I will scout actively in and around the Pass. I have this moment learned that they were out again last night in the [Sabine] Lake opposite Taylors Bayou, and may have gone higher up. I shall ex- perience no little difficulty in concealing my designs, or rather move- ments, on account of the unreliable character of a portion of the popu- lation in the vicinity of the [Sabine] Pass. No depredations have been committed so far on the citizens of the town. They have indicated a line below the town beyond which their men are not permitted to go and the citizens are forbidden to go below it. They say the propeller has gone for two light-draft gunboats, which will be here in two weeks. I must ask for an order to charter one of the river boats, with a view to remarking the stakes that mark the channel across the bars and to obstructing the channels in the event of an attempt to ascend the river. Your obedient servant, A. W. SPAIGHT, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant R. M. FRANKLIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 235 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 235 Ueport of Lieutenant-Colonel Spaight, C. S. Army, regarding measures of protection for railroad bridge at Taylors Bayou. HEADQUARTERS SPAIGHTS BATTALION, Beaumont, Tex., October 2, 1862. SIR: No further attempt has been made to destroy the Eastern Texas Railroad bridge, but to-day the railroad depot, a mile above the town, was burned. In conversations with Captain Burch to-day Captain Pennington said there should be no more travel on our (Eastern Texas) railroad; he would send a light-draft schooner oppo- site Taylors Bayou bridge. He also let it out that he expected soon two New York ferryboats to ascekid the two rivers. They have brought in as prize a light-draft schooner, and seem to be fitting her up with guns. The bridge and lower part of the road are at their mercy whenever they choose to bring a light-draft boat to bear. They can also prevent the crossing at the ferry near the bridge, and this will cut off communication with the [Sabine] Pass, except by a long and bad route by way of the Gulf beach. In that event I shall be almost forced to withdraw my cavalry from the vicinity of the Pass on account of the difficulty of transportation for supplies. To prevent this I must have artillery. If I could get one or two guns, large or small, to place at the mouth of Taylors Bayou, just below the bridge, I could defeat their purpose, keep open communication, and confine them to their boats with my cavalry. They can bring no heavy guns to bear on the bridge and crossing. A 24-pounder or two would answer my purpose. If they are not t6 be had, let me urge upon the colonel commanding to send me such as are to be had with- out delay. It certainly should be our aim to yield no inch of ground without a fight, especially where by timely preparation we may beat them off. Besides, we lose and they gain a great deal by the breaking up of this communication. It is 75 miles to the Pass by any other route and by a road almost impassable to wagons. This would make it difficult for us to prevent them from obtaining beeves at wilP * * * * * * * The colonel commanding has already had my opinion that the enemy mean more than simply to hold Sabine Pass. That opinion is strengthened every day. I now believe that every available gun at our command should be sent to the Sabine River and to Taylors Bayou, and that without delay. I say every gun, because I know we can spare but few at the most for any one exposed point. I think the enemy expect to take possession of and hold these rivers with a small outlay of strength, and we ought, if possible, to disappoint them. Considering the light-draft boats they are compelled to oper- ate with, I think with even the limited means at our command we may be able to keep them out. I shall, unless ordered to desist, push forward the work of obstructing the channels, but it will take time and may be too late for our purpose. With activity the guns may be put in position in a few days. If they can be had, Major Kellersbergs assistance is very desirable. Your obedient servant, A. W. SPAIGHT, Lieutenant-Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant R. M. FRANKLIN, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Page 236 236 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Telegram.] VIRGINIA POINT, TEX., October 10, 1862. No change in the movements of the fleet. Three Yankee soldiers brought in last night by our cavalry pickets give themselves as deserters. I will examine them closely and send them to Houston to the provost-marshal. What shall I do with them? X. B. DEBRAY Colonel, Commanding. Captain SAMUEL BOYER DAVIS. (Through Captain Wharton.) Report of Colonel Cook, C. S. Army, referring to threatened destruction of railroad bridge. VIRGINIA POINT, TEX., October 18, 1862. COLONEL: All quiet. Two of enemys vessels left the harbor this morningone steamer, one sailing vessel. My scouts bring me word from several citizens of the city that Captain Renshaw had informed them that he would destroy the bridge this week, and that he had sent for Wilsons Zouaves to hold the city. Will you send the X-inch columbiad? Respectfully, etc., ~05. ~. COOK, Colonel. Colonel X. B. DEBRAY. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Nichols, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Iroquois, to proceed to New York. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 21, 1862. SIR: You will proceed to New York with the U. S. steam sloop Iroquois under your command and report to Rear-Admiral H. Panl- ding for repairs to your vessel. You will also report your arrival in writing to the honorable Secre- tary of the Navy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander ED. T. NICHOLS, Commanding U. S. Steam Sloop Iroquois, Pensacola Bay. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the entrance of the C. S. S. Florida into Mobile Bay. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 21, 1862. SIR: I have received your No. 191*, enclosing Commander George Henry Prebles report of a steamer having run the blockade and entered the port of Moblie. The vessel was no doubt the rebel armed steamer Oreto, or Florida, commanded by John N. Maffitt, formerly of the U. S. Navy. Enclosed herewith is an order of the Department dismissing Coni * See Series I, vol. 1 Page 237 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 237 mander Preble from the service. The Department regrets that he was not immediately removed from his command. Printed copies of a general order to be read on the quarter-deck of each vessel in your squadron will be transmitted to you by the first opportunity. You will enquire into the conduct of the other officers, especially Lieutenant Commander Roe, of the Winona, off the port when the Oreto ran in. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. Western Gulf Blocledg. Squadron, Pensacola, Fla. Instructions from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the restriction of traffic. NAVY DEPARTMENT, September 21, 1862. SIR: The Departmen~ ~as received the communication of Com- mander Emmons, dated September , 1862, forwarded by you, in reference to the transactions of the steamer Indianola. Hereafter you will allow no vessel to import or export merchandise at any port of the blockaded country. New Orleans is the only port open for general traffic within the limits of the Western Gulf Block- ading Squadron. You will not 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 region, or to import or export merchandise. That would be justly considered as 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 under the authority of the War or Navy Depart- ments may be engaged to carry supplies to the Army or Navy will take no return cargo. The blockade is intended to interdict all trade whatever with the country blockaded during its continuance, and should be rigidly enforced. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAG~~, Secretary of the Navy. Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Pensacola, Fla. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding condition of the U. S. S. Susquehanna and vessels for his command. NAVY DEPARTMANT, September 23, 1862. SIR: The report of the survey on the steam frigate Susquehanna was received and referred to the Chief of the Bureau of Steam Engi- neering, who remarks as follows: I believe the Susquehanrta can, with skillful management, be kept on her station until the 1st of January next. her condition is no worse now than it has been during the las Page 238 238 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. three months. The machinery is in a very inefficient state and should be used as little as possible, but the vessels services can be commanded with it for the time stated. A new shaft, pillow block, etc., are ready at the New York navy yard, and have been for several months. * * * * * * * The U. S. S. Montgomery, Commander Charles Hunter; Mohican, Ca p tam J. B. Marchand; and Pocahontas, Lieutenant-Commander William M. Gamble, are under orders to join your squadron. They will sail soon, and are directed to report to you at Pensacola. I am, repectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Pensacola, Fla. Report of Commander French, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Alba- tross, regarding the capture of the schooner Two Sisters, September 21, 1862. U. S. S. ALBAmoss, Off Rio Grande River, September 23, 1862. SIR: I have to report to the Department, in compliance with printed forms of orders to prize masters, that on the 21st instant the schooner Two Sisters appeared off the mouth of this river with the Confederate flag flying ather peak. I immediately slipped my chain and steamed toward her, overhauling and taking possession of her. I have sent her to Key West, Fla., in charge of Acting Masters Mate Elias Stowell, and with a crew of 1 petty officer and 4 men from this vessel, and the captain and 2 of his crew, retained as witnesses, to be delivered, with all the papers from on board, to the judge of the U. S. district court at that place. The vessel has a register from the Confederate States of America, at Galveston, Tex., owned by Texans, and a cargo belonging to Sefiors A. Blum & Brother, Galveston. She came from Sisal, bound to Galveston. Her cargo consists of 87 bales of gunny cloth, with corresponding bale rope, and 1 case of crinolines. The vessel is 54i~-~ tons, built at Baltimore, Md., in 1856. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. FRENCH, Commanding U. S. S. Albatross. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Enclosed is a full list of the officers and men attached to this vessel at the time of the capture. Letter from the U. S. consul-general at Havana to the Secretary of State, transmitting affidavit of the master of schooner Annie Clapp. No. 93.] U. S. CONSULATE-GENERAL, Havana, September 24, 1862. SIR: I enclose for your consideration the affidavit of John Johnson, late master of the American schooner Annie Clapp, of New Orleans. This vessel fell in with and took on board 26 men belonging to th Page 239 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 239 wrecked Confederate steamer Yorktown and landed them near the enemys coast instead of carrying them to Ship Island or Key West, under the plea of being short of provisions. The matter was not reported to me, either by the captain or owner, until Ii compelled them to a p pear, but it was given to the press and published, together with a letter of thanks received from the ship- wrecked people. I do not find fault with the humanity of the act, but I question the loyalty of the master and owner from the manner in which that act was performed. The owner, who is a resident of New Orleans, has been, I am told, engaged previous to our occupation of that city in running the block- ade with other vessels of his own. This case and others like it are calculated to depreciate the respect due to our flag, and I respectfully suggest that on the return of these parties to New Orleans the matter may receive due investigation. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, - R. W. SHUFELDT, Consul-General. Hon. WM. H. SEWARD, Secretary oj State. [Enclosure.] CONSULATE-GENERAL OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, HAVANA, CUBA. I, John Johnson, lately the master of the schooner Annie Clapp, of New Orleans, of the burden of 81 tons or thereabouts, and lying now in the port of Havana, do solemnly and truly swear that I saile dl with said schooner from the port of New Orleans on the 12th day of August last, bound to Havana, with a cargo of lumber and staves. My crew consisted of the mate (who is the owner of the vessel) and 4 men, making us 6 persons all told. That for the want of a pass from the military authorities, we were detained at the pickets four days. I then went up to the city and obtained the pass and rejoined my ves- sel. On the 16th we proceeded to Ship Island, where we were wind- bound until the 21st, when we went to sea. When about 12 miles from Ship Island I discovered that our foremast was rotten; turned back to Ship Island, where we stayed four days longer, repaired the mast, and on the 25th went to sea a second time, at about 9 a. m. At about 9 or half past 9 the next morning, I discovered two boats containing 26 men, with a white flag as a signal of distress, right ahead of my vessel. I took the two boats aboard and the 26 men; from them I ascertained that they belonged to the Confederate steamer Yorktown, of Mobile, laden with cotton, from Mobile to Havana, which had run the blockade, but in doing so she sprung a leak and foundered at sea, and that they had lost all but a few articles of luggage. I was then 72 miles from Ship Island, bearing N. W., the wind E. N. IL I had at the time only 1 barrel of beef, 2 barrels of hard bread, a half barrel of flour, 2 kegs of mackerel, and other sundry minor stores, and 600 gallons of water; and I had 44 persons on board, including 12 passengers. Being convinced that I could not support so many persons till we got to Havana, and could not reach Ship Island and be back where I was under two days, I tacked ship, and put for the shore by my nearest calculation, it being at night at 10 oclock. I was about 10 miles from Mobile Point, in 17 fathoms of water. I N W NVOL 19 1 Page 240 240 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. was becalmed and could not get to the blockading squadron. I then sent the shipwrecked men with some provisions and water in their boats to the shore, and then tacked ship and proceeded on my voyage toward Havana. The shipwrecked men, prevk~as to their departure, handed me a letter of thanks for the service I had rendered them. J. JOHNSON. Subscribed and sworn to this 22d day of September, 1862, before me. [SEAL.] R. W. SHUFELDT, Consul-General. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General But- ler, U. S. Army, regarding the improving of mail communication between New Orleans and Pensacola. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 26, 1862. DEAR GENERAL: I wrote you by the Clifton, and sent word to you by General Arnold, about Fort Gaines, but we appear to be as much out of the way here as in Yucatan. I hear nothing from you, and until the arrival of the Tennessee yesterday we had heard nothing since the Clifton. I wish to establish a mail twice a week between New Orleans, Ship Island, and Pensacola. I will send, on any stated days that you may establish with the postmaster, to Ship Island for our mails for this p lace. I know we have a large mail at New Orleans for the vessels here, as well as my official mail, as I have only received two or three letters from the Department. I sent some powder to Ship Island for the use of the army and navy. It went in the Rhode Island to New Orleans, but as she had the fever on board it had to be left at Ship Island. Do let me know your intentions toward Fort Gaines. Have you the troops to spare to attack it in the rear, landing in the [Mississippi] Sound? I see by my letters that the Department rather throws cold water on the attack, but I think now is the time to create a diversion in their forces at the North, where they appear to be managing about as badly as could be expected from the worst instead of the best gen- erals in the country. Do let me hear from you, for I will be ready in five or six days for anything as far as my force goes. Yours, most truly, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Majtr-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of Gulf. Extract from letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Com- modore Morris, U. S. Navy, regarding affairs on the Mitssissipp~ River. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 26, 1862. DEAR COMMODORE: I received yours of the 17th, by the Tennessee. I was truly glad to get her back, although she brought me no news Page 241 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 241 and we are all in a state of intense anxiety to hear how the fight is going on in the North. As to more gunboats on the Mississippi, I think it is all stuff. Mr. Lowry says they only want guns to shut up the river; that is a great want, and next they want a place to put their guns. What could a million of men do on the banks if they had no guns 3 As to the 10,000 men, I will believe it when I see them. I send the Tennessee to Ship Island to-day to try and establish a mail twice a week from New Orleans to Ship Islan an this [place]. * * * * * * * You must not allow vessels to be repaired at the will of the captains and the engineers of the vessels, but call a survey on them and allow nothing more to be done than it recommends. We will never be able to keep ourselves in money. As to the gunboats, they must give convoy and protection to com- merce; and if they are cognizant of any misdemeanors they must report them to you or to the general. Let them go leisurely up and down the river as far as Baton Rouge and even to Red River. At least let them have to report that they have been fired on before they say the river is closed. I expect to be off this river soon, for I shall make a tour of the coast as soon as the Mobile affair is decided upon. I am anxious to hear from the general about the troops, etc. Did you get the $20,000 3 Did you get the 100 barrels of powder sent to Ship Island? Do have my mail sent to Ship Island if possible. Very truly and respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Commodore HENRY W. MoRRIs, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Miississippi River. Report of Lieutenant Lamson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kittatinny, transmitting statement regardir~g the capture of the schooner Emma. U. S. SCHOONER KITTATINNY, Off Velasco, Tex., September 27, 1862. SIR: I herewith forward you a statement of the capture of the rebel schooner Emma, bound to Jamaica, with 121 bales of cotton on board. At daylight this morning, it being perfectly calm, discovered her about 8 miles distant, bearing S. W. by W. I immediately dispatched two armed boats and captured her at 7:30 a. m. I have sent her to Key West, if it is found to be an open port; otherwise I have instructed Acting Master Pendleton in charge to proceed to New York. I remain, very respectfully, C. W. LAMSON, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Commanding U. S. Schooner Kittatinny. Secretary U. S. Navy Page 242 242 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Rear-Ahniral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the price of coal. No. 209.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 29, 18G2. SIR: I beg to call the attention of the Department to the fact that when I first came on this station the coal was shipped to me at from $4.50 to $5 per ton; the freights have been gradually increasing until they are now at $8 per ton. In the first instance they had no return cargoes; now they have~ a chance to obtain return cargoes from New Orleans, and can conse- quently afford to ship their coal at a less rate instead of at an increased one. This may not be any of my business, but when my country is bleeding at every pore I feel it my duty to prevent impositions as far as practicable. The coal is sent in vessels that it takes months to discharge, and the demurrage is very heavy. The bureau, however, has informed me, by the last mail, that it has now directed it to be sent, as I requested, in vessels of 300 or 400 tons, and no faster than I may desire. I will also call the attention of the Department to another fact that operates against us, and which I do not understand. They prohibit the coal vessels from bringing out potatoes and other vegetables to the fleet, which would go far to prevent scurvy, while the army transports landed here yesterday more than 100 barrels of apples and potatoes for the use of the troops stationed at this place. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, proposing with addi- tional vessels to take Forts Gaines and Miorgan, Ala. No. 210.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 30, 1862. SIR: If the Department can spare me two more steam sloops of the Housatonic class I think that, in conjunction with the army, I could take Forts Gaines and Morgan. If an ironclad can be spared, so much the better. I must have the assistance of the army to take Fort Gaines, as the ships can not get sufficiently close to it, and it must be taken to secure an entrance for our supplies, as we have no vessels of light draft to get up Grants Pass to take Cedar Point, and get our supplies in that way. I beg to state to the Department that it is a most mortifying fact that we have no vessel with sufficient speed to catch any of the fast steamers that run the blockade. We greatly need a fast steamer, like the Connecticut or Rhode Island, to bring them to bay while the gunboats run up and engage them. The Ten- nessee, which I use as a dispatch boat to the squadron, is very fast, but she is so rotten and worn-out that I could not think of repairing her except in the most temporary manner, or she would answer my purpose off Mobile very well Page 243 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 243 My reports from Mobile (by the arrival of the Winona, leaking so that she would not have kept afloat four hours longer, and the Ken- nebec, with smokestack and main to p mast gone) tend to show that they have had a very heavy gale off t at p acein fact, a cycloneas they state that the wind blew from all points of the compass. The Winona was greatly strained and leaked fore and aft, and the leak gained upon the pumps until she got into Pensacola, where I placed her in the basin, got the guns out of her, and have reduced the leak to 2 inches per hour or even less; she will have to be calked. j will put her smokestack upon the Kennebec, which I shall send back to her station as soon as possible. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington,~D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Woodworth, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. John P. Jackson, to proceed to the protection of Petit Bois Island Pass. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 30, 1862. SIR: You will proceed up Mississippi Sound to Petit Bois [Island] Pass, endeaxTor to ascertain positively whether Grants Pass is open or closed, and should it be open you will remain at and guard Petit Bois [Island] Pass. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding S. K WooDwoRTil, Commanding U. S. S. Jackson. JJifemorandum of instructions from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Miorri8, U. S. Navy, commanding in Miississippi River. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, September 30, 1862. SIR:Jhavemadethefollowingmemorandaforyourguidance: Direct Captain Swartwout to search very carefully all vessels passing up the Mississippi for contraband, and not to permit anything to p ass up without the signature of General Butler, or some of his highest officers, viz, provost-marshal, collector, Generals Arnold or Shepley, but not with the signatures of deputies or deputy assistants. 2. Send the Bohio here for her repairs. 3. Let me know if you can get any light sheet iron at New Orleans or on board the store vessels suitable for a smokestack. If so, send it over the lake to Ship Island, as I need it for a smokestack for the Kennebec, which lost hers in a gale off Mobile Page 244 244 WEST GULF flLOCKADJNG SQUADRON. 4. Send me some of the oakum out of Fearnot, or any other that you have, by the Bohio. I have none but what I have picked. 5. Do not fail to send our mails regularly to Ship Island by the Ceres, as the Tennessee will go from here for it twice a week. You will return to the Department and direct Paymaster Taylor and Chief Engineer E. Lawton to return to you for transmission to the Department the rules, etc., for the government of the Navy, sent to you and them for revision early last July. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Commodore H. W. MoRRIs, Commanding Naval Forces Miississippi River. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Roe, U. S. Navy, of expenditure of ammunitwn. OCTOBER 1,1862. Fired at battle of Baton Rouge August 6, 7, and 20, 1862. Number Weight Number Gun. of of Projectile. Primers. Fuzes. of pro- charges. charges. jectiles. Pounds. XJ-inch pivot 20 15 Shell 20 20 20 7 15 5hrapnel 7 7 7 20-pounder Parrott 22 2 Shell 22 22 22 24-pounder howitzer 10 2 Shrapnel 10 9 9 Expended in heauing to steamers. 20-pounder Parrott 7 2 Percussion shell 7 Expended at Donaldsonuille, La., by U. S. S. Katahdin. XJ-inch pivot 22 15 Shell 22 22 22 20-pounder Parrott 25 2 Percussion shell 26 25 7 Transferred to U. S. gunboat Kinea, August 5, 1862, two solid XI-inch shot; August 11, 1862, 50 20-second and 50 15-second metal-stock fuzes, XI-inch. Transferred to the U. S. gunboat Cayuga, August 6,1862, one solid XI-inch shot. E pended at guerrillas near Red Church, La., September 10, 1862. Number Weight Number Gun. of of Projectile. Primers. IFuzes. of pro- charge~. charges. jectiles. Pounds. 20-pounder Parrott 3 2 Shell, percussiOn 3 24-pounder howitzer 3 2 do 3 3 3 2 Shrapnel 3 3 3 3 Page 245 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 245 Expended at guerrillas below Donaldsonville, La., September 30, 1862. Number Weight Number Gun. of of Projectile. Primers. Fuzes. of pro- charges, charges. jectiles. 24-pounder howitzer 2 2 Shell 2 2 Expended at guerrillas above Donaldsonville, La., September 11 and 30, 1862. XJ-inch pivot 3 15 Shell 3 3 20-pounder rifle 7 2 Percussion shell 8 24-pounder howitzer 3 2 Shell 3 3 2 2 Shrapnel 2 2 Expended at supposed rebel flag in Donaldsonville, September 7, 1862. XJ-inch pivot 2 15 Shell 2 2 24-pounder howitzer 8 2 do 8 8 2 Shrapnel 1 1 2 3 7 3 2 8 Very respectfully, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant-Commander. Report of Commodore Porter, U. S. Navy, referring to the seizure op the towboat Anglo-American. NEW YORK CITY, October 1, 1862. SIR: On the 26th [24th] August I seized the Anglo-American, tow- boat, and, discharging her crew, placed the officers and seamen of the late U. S. gunboat Sumter on her, arming her with a 50-pounder rifled gun and 12-pounder howitzer from the Essex. That she was used by the rebels up to a late date and her owners are notoriously disloyal there can be no question. Evidence of her having been used I herewith enclose, and also transmit the rebel flag tound on her. Your obedient servant, W. D. PORTER, Commodore, U. S. Navy. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, relati~ve to guarding the Miississippi River at the mouth of Red River. NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 2, 1862. SIR: Whilst the Mississippi River continues to be blockaded at Vicksburg, and until you learn from Commander D. D. Porter, who will be in command of the Mississippi Squadron, that he has, in con- junction with the army, opened the river, it will be necessary for you to guard the lower part of that river, especially where it is joined b Page 246 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 246 the Red River, the source of many of the important supplies of the enemy. I am, respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Roe, U. S. Navy, regarding the d~- struction by fire of a small grocery near Bonnet Carre. U. S. S. GUNBOAT KATARDIN, Miississippi River, October 3,1862. SIR: I have to report that yesterday I landed an armed force at a place just above Bonnet Carr~, on the east bank of the river, and destroyed a buiiding known as Snarls grocery. This building has been a place of resort br the guerrillas and scouts from Camp Moore for some time, and was used by them as a general depot and place of rendezvous. Mr. Snarl himself is a notorious rebel. Mr. Burbank, the Union planter living above, was my principal informant. The building contained nothing but a counter, a card table, packs of old cards and counters, and some trappings for horsemen, and one bed. I therefore burned the place to the ground. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola, Fla. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Woodworth, U. S. Navy, regarding the examination of the prize vessels West Florida and Liberty. PENSACOLA BAY, October 4, 1862. SIR: Your communications in relation to the prize vessels West Florida, Liberty, etc., were duly received. I have had the English schooner examined by one of the officers of this ship, as well as your own, to see if anything contraband of war could be found. Her papers are as correct as possible, all being signed by General Butler, the collector, and acting British consul. I have no doubt that her cargo is intended for Texas; still, unless we can find good evidence of the fact, it will not do to send her north for adjudication. I shall coramunicate the facts of these coasting vessels fitted out in New Orleans to the Department and ask for instructions in the case. As to the Liberty, it seems clear to me that there is no such authority vested in the collector to give a coasting license to a vessel on an ene- mys coast, and particularly as the captain and crew are all foreigners, and the only man named in the license, Kosma Morgan, is not on board the vessel, nor is the signature of General Butler affixed to the papersnothing but W. C. Gray, deputy collector. When the Vu Page 247 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 247 ture arrives here I will let you know, but I fear she will not make her appearance, although the Union did turn up. Jwish you would write me the particulars of the vessel with plate iron on board, said to be lost on the west end of Dauphin Island. Very respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT.] Acting Volunteer Lieutenant S. E. WooDwoRTH. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Woodworth, U. S. Navy, expressing surprise at lack of atten- tion to steamers seen in Miississippi Sound. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 4, 1862. SIR: I have received your communication * in relation to your going up the [Mississippi] Sound at the request of Captain Alden. I thought that you were up the sound long ago, until informed by Captain John- sons report that you were at Ship Island still; nor can I understand why you did not pursue the steamers you saw in the sound, but passed by them to go and report to Captain Alden, instead of keeping them in sight, even if you did not attack them, for they are supposed to be merchant vessels, one at least loaded with cotton. As to Ship Island, I have no fears about. If the sound is looked out for the island can take care of itself, but I will send a vessel down there to guard Cat Island Pass and protect the island at the same time, but there must be a force in the sound. I hope you will give me a good report of the next steamers you see in the sound. I fear, however, that the Cuba has made her escape. Take your steamer by Petit Bois [Island] Pass inside the sound. Respectfully, etc., [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. [Acting] Volunteer Lieutenant Commanding S. E. WOODWORTH, Commanding U. S. S. Jackson. Rej~ort of Lieutenant-Commander Ransom, U. S. Navy, regarding the seizure of cattle above Donaldsonville, La., October 1, 1862. U. S. GUNBOAT KINBO, Mississippi River, near New Orleans, October 7,1862. Sin: I have the pleasure to report that while steaming up the river on the morning of the 1st instant, about 10 miles above Donaldson- ville, the Kineo, Sciota, Katahdin, and Itasca in company, we discov- ered a large drove of cattle on the east bank of the river. This was at the depot of the New River Railroad. The drove was stopped, the drovers arrested and examined, and finding a pass in their possession from the rebel General Taylor, I seized upon the cattle, which I believed were on the way to Camp Moore or other points of rebel occu- pation. I immediately dispatched the Katahdin to New Orleans to *Not found Page 248 248 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. procure transports, as I hesitated to destroy so valuable a prize of sub- sistence to our people. In the meantime the three other gunboats held possession of the cattle until the return of Lieutenant-Commander Roe with his transports, of which he brought up five, procured from General Butler, arriving safely at 2:30 a. m. of the 3d instant. We then commenced the arduous task of getting these cattle (brought from Texas) on board of the transports. This labor was accomplished upon a steep bank of the river 1,300 head of wild, but very heavy, beef cattle were shipped on board the transports by noon of the 4th instant. About 200 still remained on the bank, so wild that they were utterly unmanageable; it was impos- sible by any efforts or expedients which could be adopted there to drive them on board. I made arrangements with a party of contra- bands, hurriedly pressed into service for the occasion, in charge of one of the drovers, that they should be driven along the bank to some point below Donaldsonville. At 1 oclock p. in., with the Sciota and Itasca in company, I took in convoy the five transports, as also the steamer Iberville, which I was compelled to press into service, for want of space upon the other transports, and proceeded down the river, the Sciota ahead, leaving the Katahdin to convoy and guard the remainder of the drove, which we were leaving behind. About 2 miles below Donaldsonville, at 2:10 p. in., a sharp fire was opened upon us from the west bank with artillery and musketry. It was promptly returned from each gunboat, and with such effect that the enemy were soon driven from the bank, though, I am sorry to say, not without the loss, on board of the Sciota, of Lieutenant Charles H. Swasey, and on board of this vessel of Wil- liam Swain, ordinary seaman. Acting Master Latham A. Brown, of this vessel, was wounded in the groin by a Mini6 ball, though not very seriously. Of the extent of casualties on board of the transports I have not been able to learn, further than that 2 men were killed on board of the St. Miaurice and her pilot probably mortally wounded. We kept steadily on down the river, as I deemed it of great impor- tance to insure a safe and very quick transportation of the cattle to a p lace where they might be released from confinement, lest many might be lost for want of feed and water. Half an hour subsequently, however, I directed Lieutenant-Com- mander Stillwell, with the Itasca, to return to the support of the Katahdin. Having convoyed the transports to a point 22 miles above New Orleans, and beyond any liability of molestation from guerrillas, I left them with the Sci eta, with instructions to Lieutenant-Commander Lowry to see the cattle landed at some convenient place between Car- rollton and New Orleans, subject to the disposal of Commodore Morris, to whom I have consigned this valuable property. Returning up the river, I was very agreeably surprised, at daylight on the morning of the 5th instant, to meet the Katahdin and Itasca about 6 miles below Donaldsonville with the remainder of the drove in good order and moving down the east bank. We have succeeded in arriving with them at last, sir, about a mile below Carrollton, where the cattle are secure in a pasture, subject to the disposal of Commodore Morris, like the others sent down by the transports. In conclusion, I may venture to observe that the operation of arrest Page 249 WEST GULF I3LOCKADJNG SQUADRON. 249 ing, by gunboats, 1,500 head of cattle which had forded the Mississippi near J?laquemine, and without doubt, I think, on their way to the enemys armies, the fact of holding them under our guns and by our own pickets, during upward of five days, having driven a portion of them 90 miles along the bank, though performed at some risk in the midst of a country hostile and alive with guerrillas and armed bands of enemies, and finally getting of them safely in possession of our own authorities, is somewhat a novel act of duty for the Navy, but which I trust is none the less demonstrative of the efficiency of our service here. I enclose herewith a report of a board of appraisers upon the prop- erty captured. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Ransom, U. S. Navy, consigning cattle. U. S. GUNBOAT KINBO, Miississippi River, above Donaldsonville, October 4, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to consign to you, in transport steamers procured for the purpose on the 2d instant from Major-General Butler, 1,500 head of cattle, seized at this place by the U. S. gunboats Kineo, Sciota, Katahdin, and Itasca. It appeared on examination of the drovers that these cattle had been two months on the road (brought from Texas), had forded the river near Plaquemine, and I believe they were intended for the rebel army at Camp Moore or other places occupied by the rebel forces in this region. I have directed Lieutenant-Commander Lowry to see them landed at some convenient place between Carrollton and New Orleans, sub- ject to your disposal. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, Lieutenant-Commander. Commodore HENRY W. MoRRIs, Senior Officer Present, U. S. S. Pensacola, New Orleans. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Ransom, U. S. Navy, regarding attack upon United States vessels while transporting cattle to New Orleans. U. S. GUNBOAT KINEO, Miississippi River, October 4, 1862. SIR: I have to report that while steaming down the river, as convox to six transport steamers with cattle, this afternoon, the Sciota ahea the Kinco and itasca following, about 2:10 p. in., a sharp fire was opened upon us from the west bank, about 2 miles below Donaldson- ville, with musketry and artillery. It was returned promptly fro Page 250 250 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. each gunboat, by the Kineo with the XJ-inch pivot, Parrott rifle, howitzer, and 32-pounder, with such effect that the enemy were soon compelled to withdraw from the bank. We kept steadily on down the river, as I deemed it of great impor- tance to insure a safe and very quick transportation of the cattle to a place where they might be released from confinement, lest that many might be lost for want of feed and water. I will now return to endeavor to secure, with the aid of the Katah- din and Itasca, the remainder of the drove, about 200, which we were compelled by circumstances to leave behind. Lieutenant-Commander Lowry will explain to you in person more particularly, and doubtless more satisfactorily than I can in the hurry of the present moment, the condition of things, and the circumstances under which we still hold about 200 head of cattle 9 miles above Donaldsonville. I enclos~ herewith a report from Assistant Surgeon A. S. Oberly of killed and wounded on board of this vessel in the action of this day. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. M. RANSOM, Lieutenant-Commander. Commodore HENRY W. MORRIS, U. S. Ship Pensacola, Senior Officer Present, New Orleans. [Enclosure.] U. S. GUNBOAT KINEo, Miississippi River, October 4,1862. SIR: The following casualties occurred aboard this vessel at 2:15 oclock this afternoon from the fire of the enemy a few miles below Donaldsonville while convoying transports down the river: William Swain, ordinary seaman, killed; Latham A. Brown, acting master, wounded in the groin slightly by a spent ball. Very respectfully, A. S. OBERLY, Assistant Surgeon, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander GEO. M. RANSOM, U. S. Navy. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Lowry, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Sciota, regarding the attack upon United States vessels while transporting cattle to New Orleans. U. S. GUNBOAT ScIoTA, New Orleans, La., October 4, 1862. SIR: I have to report that this day, at about 1:30 p. in., some 2 miles below Donaldsonville, a rebel force, consisting of some six pieces or more of flying artillery, supported by a large body of infan- try, probably as many as 1,500, opened a severe and hot fire upon this vessel and a convoy of army transports loaded with cattle. ~o skillfully concealed was the battery, andthe ambush of the fort men, that it was not until this vessel was abreast of the enemy and they had opened their fire that they were discovered, and though the crew were at quarters and the ship cleared for action, still such was the speed of the vessel that she had passed so far below the rebel batter Page 251 / WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 251 as to render it impossible to train the guns abaft enough to bear on the enemy beyond soxne three rounds from all the battery, but order- ing the convoy to seek safety in flight, I put my helm hard astarboard and rounded to, shifting pivots to port, when I opened an effective fire of grape, canister, and shell with such results as soon to silence nearly all of the fire of the rebels, the Kineo, some distance astern, coming rapidly to my support, and with a rapid fire driving the enemy, who were above my line of fire, from their position to seek safety in cowardly flight after a concealed and assassin-like attack. I regret to report that Lieutenant Charles H. Swasey, executive offi- cer of this vessel, was mortally wounded while gallantly performing his duty, having just pointed and fired the IX-inch gun; a 12-pounder rifle shot entered the bulwarks, striking him on the hip and hand, inflicting a terrible and mortal wound, of which he expired at 3 p. m. This officer was characterized by all the elements which make up the herobrave, imbued with patriotic ardor and professional ambi- tion, chivalric as a gentleman, gentle, and with a heart full of Chris- tian principles. His last words were: Tell my mother I tried to be a good man. I respectfully request that his death, so heroic and noble, may be especially made known to the nation through the Navy Department. John OHare, landsman, was wounded by a round shot in the right arm, rendering amputation necessary. I consider it my duty to call attention to this action as corroborat- ing to a great extent the information that I had the honor to send to Commodore Henry W. Morris on the 9th September, to the effect that the enemy was daily gaining strength and audacity; so that in a short time the present force in this river will not be sufficient to hold it for the Government. From additional information I am again forced to represent that from New Orleans to Vicksburg, on both sides of the river, all the residents are hostile to the United States and in arms against us; that conscription is rapidly forming large bodies of men to resist us. The low state of the river places the open-decked gun- boats some 20 feet (and at a great disadvantage) below the crestofthe levee, which is a strong, safe, and ready-made breastwork for sharp- shooters; leaving their women in their residences, and. relying upon their feebleness to protect them and their property from the righteous punishment which should await them for their treason, the male resi- dents are all more or less in arms and steadily gaining strength. The most energetic and severe measures are necessary to reduce these people to subjection and obedience to the laws of the United States. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. Lowny, Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading S~piadron. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Lowry, U. S. Navy, regarding the death of Lieutenant Swasey, U. S. Navy. U. S. GUNBOAT ScIoTA, 211 ississippi River, Near Ddnaldsonville, October 4, 1862. SIR: 1k becomes my sorrowful duty to report to you the death of First Lieutenant Charles H. Swasey, killed in an action with the rebe Page 252 252 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. forces below Donaldsonville this day at 1: 30 p.. m. This gunboat was the leading vessel convoying a number of transports loaded with cat- tle, when a concealed battery of four pieces of artillery opened from the levee, accompanied by a sharp fire of musketry from a large body of men who lay in ambush behind the levee. The first shot fired by the rebels came through the bulwarks just abaft the pivot guns, striking Lieutenant Swasey on the right hip and cutting off his right hand. He expired at 3 p. m. This loss to the service an~l to the country of a gallant, zealous, and energet~~c young officer, who prom- ised so much in the future, we have reason to mourn, the more so as he fell in a cowardly attack of the rebels, but his death is no less one more offering of blood to the cause of the Union and our country. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, R. B. LowRy, Lieutenant-Commander, U. S. Navy, Commanding Sciota. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Com- mander iVfadigan, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. ship Vincennes. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 4,1862. SIR: You will wood and water with all dispatch and proceed to Ship Island and guard the pass out of Mississippi Sound and give a general protection to Ship Island and the vessels in that port. Very respectfully, etc., D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander JNO. MADIGAN, Commanding U. S. Ship Vincennes. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Coin- mander Buchanan, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Calhoun, to investigate conditions in Mrssrssrppr Sound. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 4,1862. SIR: I have received the acknowledgment of your notice of pro- motion, also the requisitions for ordnance stores, etc., which I send by the Tennessee. I wish you to go up the [Mississippi] Sound with the Jackson as near as you can to Grants Pass and learn the true state of things there. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Lieutenant-Commander MCKEAN BUCHANAN, Commanding U. S. S. Calhoun Page 253 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 253 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to assume command o/the iVilobile blockade. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 5, 1862. SIR: You will proceed with the Brooklyn off Mobile Bay and assume the command of the blockade of that bay and its vicinity. You will consider your authority as extending west to Ship Island and east to Pensacola, so far as you may deem it necessary to act for the benefit of the country. I will, as fast as I have them, place at your command additional vessels in Mississippi Sound. There are only at present the Calhoun and Jackson an the Vincennes will be sent immediately to Ship Island for the protection of that island and to guard Cat Island Pass. When your vessels require coal, wood, water, or repairs of any kind other than to their machinery, send them to Pensacola, but if the machine shop is absolutely necessary, send them to Ship Island. Should you perceive anything in the movements of the enemy inducing the belief of some decided action against us, you will let me know as soon as possible, when all the disposable force will be pushed forward to the point indicated. In all matters relating to the blockade, I have every confidence that they will be conducted by you to the best advantage. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gull Blockdg. Squadron. Commodore H. H. BELL, To Command Blockade off Mobile. Operations against Galveston, Tex., October 56, 1862. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports of commanding officero No. 216.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 15, 1862. Sin: I am happy to inform you that Galveston, Corpus Christi, and Sabine City and th e adj acent waters are now in our possession. A short time since I sent down the coast of Texas Acting Volunteer Lieutenant J. W. Kittredge, with the bark Arthur, the little steamer Sachem, and a launch, with which force he said he could take Corpus Christi and the waters adjacent, from whence we heard of so many small craft running to Havana. He succeeded very well, took the places, made several captures, and compelled the enemy to burn sev- eral of their vessels, but on one occasion venturing on shore with his small boat, he was surrounded and taken prisoner and carried to Hous- ton, where they paroled him on condition he should go north and not serve until regularly exchanged. He returned here in the Arthur and I shall send him north in the Rhode Island. I next sent the Kensington, Acting Master F. Crocker, commanding, with the Rachel Seaman and a launch with a howitzer, to Sabine Pass. He too, succeeded well. He found at the bar one of the mortar schooners, Henry Janes, Acting Master Lewis [W.] Pennington, com- manding, whom he invited to take part with him, which he did, and Page 254 254 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. according to Acting Master Crockers report, performed his duty with great credit, as will be seen by the report herewith enclosed. They took the fort and are still going ahead finely, having taken several prizes, one of which arrived here yesterday with dispatches. I next sent Commander W. B. Renshaw with the gunboats Owasco, Harriet Lane, Clifton and Westfield, to take Galveston, which he did in the shortest time, and without the loss of a man. It appears that the first shot from the Owasco exploded directly over the heads of the men at and around the big gun (their main reliance) and the enemy left; a flag of truce was hoisted and the preliminaries arranged for~ a surrender, which took p lace on the 9th instant. The reports will give you all the particulars. All we want, as I have told the Depart- ment in my last dispatches, is a few soldiers to hold the places, and we will soon have the whole coast. It is a much better mode, and more effectual blockade to have the vessels inside instead of outside. I need vessels of light draft for the small ports and inland lakes and waters, and a few heavy vessels, the largest not to exceed 17 feet draft, for outside work. I herewith enclose the reports of Commander W. B. Renshaw, Acting Master W. 0. Lundt, of the Arthur, and of Acting Master Crocker. Corpus Christi and the adjacent waters are all still held by the Sachem and other small vessels. I regret that the next exploit of our small vessels was not as bloodless as the preceding ones. I enclose you the report of Lieutenant-Commander Ransom, by which you will perceive that they captured 1,500 head of cattle en route for the enemy, and succeeded, by great perseverance, in getting them down to New Orleans. In the a tt~ ck on our transports, however, coming down the river, Lieutenant Charles [H.] Swasey, and one or two seamen were killed. Lieutenant Swasey was the executive officer of the Varuna when she was sunk in passing the forts on the Mississippi, and was afterwards transferred to the Sciota, where he lost his life. He was a young man of modest merit and would no doubt have con- tinued to live as he died, in the faithful discharge of his duties. I knew him but slightly, but feel assured that he deserved all that his commander has said of him, and deeply deplore his death, although he died at the post of honor. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Westfield. U. S. S. WESTFIELD, Off Galveston, Tex., October 5,1862. ADMIRAL: The steamers Westfield, Harriet Lane, Commander Wain- wright; Owasco, Commander Guest; Clifton, Lieutenant-Commander Law, and the schooner henry Janes, Acting Master Pennington, of the mortar flotilla under my command, yesterday captured, after a feeble resistance, the defenses of the harbor and city of Galveston. Page 255 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 255 The guns of a formidable-looking battery on Pelican Island, from which we anticipated a heavy fire, proving to be quakers, and the bursting of an XJ-inch shell from the Owasco over their heavy X-inch columbiad, mounted on Fort Point, causing a panic in the fort, will account for the ease with which this important capture has been made. Respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. RENSHAw, Commanding Al ortar Flotilla. Rear-Admiral FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, Pensacola. Detailed repor~ of Commander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Westfield. U.S. S. WESTFIELD, Off Galveston, Tex., October 8, 1862. ADMIRAL: I had intended sending the Harriet Lane with the news of the capture of Sabine Pass arfd this city on the 5th instant, but the wind setting in strong from the southward and eastward, threw such a swell in upon the bar that for the past three days she has been detained. This delay has determined me to await the termination of the truce and [until] I get possession of the city, which will be on Thurs- day morning, unattended, I hope, by any of the disagreeable contin- gencies that have so much embarrassed me, a brief account of which I will endeavor to give, trusting to Captain Guest, who I will send in the Owasco with my dispatches, to enlighten you upon any points that may seem obscure. At 6 oclock on Saturday morning, the Harriet Lane was sent over the bar with a flag of truce tocommunicate with the military authori- ties and demand the surrender of the forts, giving them one hour to decide. After standing in some distance a shot was fired to bring her to, and she immediately anchored to wait for a boat from shore, which being a long time in making its appearance, Captain Wainwright dis- patched his executive officer to ascertain the cause of the delay, and explain the object of his visit. After some trouble he was permitted to land and inform the commanding officer, Colonel Cook, that Cap- tain Wainwright had a message to deliver to the authorities from the commanding officer of the naval force in the offing. Colonel Cook promised to send a proper officer to receive it, and the interview ended. Captain Wainwright waited, in his opinion, sufficiently long for this officer to arrive, but seeing nothing but a sail boat coming very lei- surely, without a Confederate [flag], but with a white flag flying, con- ceived that if the boat in sight did contain the messenger he was not progressing with the rapidity the gravity of the occasion required, and determined not to remain any longer for him but to get underway and proceed outside the bar. After anchoring he reported to me that he thought the rebel authorities were unnecessarily long in getting off their boat, and that their management of her indicated a desire to procrastinate. I regretted Captain Wainwrights having sent a boat from his ship, and also, as he had sent one, that he did not await the arrival of the officer coming to receive his message; however, as the boat with the white flag flying was still beating out, and wishing, if possible to make N W RVOL 19 1 Page 256 256 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the attack that day, to save time I got underway with the whole force with a view of meeting the boat. Her progress was so slow that the desire was frustrated by the fort opening fire before she reached us, which of course was returned, and so vigorously that but a few moments elapsed before the whole garrison had deserted their guns and ran as if seized with a panic. The boat had by this time put back with her flag still flying, which, as it had been dispatched by our invi- tation, I thought we should still receive, and with that view I made the signal cease firing, although had it been continued doubtless many of the retreating enemy might have been killed. I confess, sir, that their persistently keeping the white flag flying from this boat (but about half a mile ahead of me) embarrassed me, which was increased upon our coming within easy range (of our guns) of the city, I was met by some half dozen discharges from two short 24-pounders (that could not reach us within 50 yards) immediately in its front. Here was a dilemma a white flag sent by my own request was within half a mile of me; to have silenced this insignificant bat- tery would have necessitated firing through the most thickly popu- lated art of the town, where all the consular flags were flying, and with the al~most certainty of killing some woman, child, or alien, which catastrophe all these consuls would make a handle of to try and impress their governments with the idea that we were carrying on this war like barbarians, and possibly cause some embarrassment to our Government. True, it may be said in a strictly military point of view, their having first fired upon me from the town gave an undoubted right to return that fire (and I have not a doubt I disappointed the rebels very much by not having done so, their object being to provoke such a result); but on the other hand, let it be taken into consideration the many motives that governed me in taking the course I did, not the least of which was that no advantage would be gained by destroying the city at that time when I knew that should negotiations for its safety fail I would be in no worse position than I then occupied, and by granting a truce of four days I would deprive the foreign consuls of all cause of complaint and stop the mouths of humanitarians. With these views of the case, which had to be promptly taken, I hoisted a flag of truce and anchored. Their boat turned round on perceiving it and came alongside, containing a major and captain of the Confed- erate Army, who informed me they had been sent by Colonel Cook, the commanding officer on shore, in compliance with my request to receive any message I might have to deliver. I told them I demanded the unconditional surrender of the city, hoping by so doing the mili- tary would quickly evacuate and leave the civil authorities to settle the terms, the possibility of their making any defense seeming to me so ridiculous that it did not enter into my calculations to take a dif- ferent view of the matter. The result p roved that my reasoning was erroneous, for in a short time these officers returned with a message from Colonel Cook positively refusing to accede to my terms, adding that upon me rested the responsibility of destroying the town an d endangering the lives of women,, children, and aliens. I at once saw that my first impressions of their wish to provoke an assault to em- broil us with the foreign consuls were correct. Still, for a time I was disposed to take the consequences and make the attack immediately. Captain Guest, who, as well as Captains Wainwright and Law, were with me, made some pertinent remarks to the same effect, at the sam Page 257 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 257 time getting up, proposed to get underway and tow the mortar steamer into position, to which I assented. Here let me state that in my first interview with these gentlemen, after I had made known my terms, they informed me that the yellow fever prevailed on shore, which information strongly influenced my desire to moderate my first demands, that I might have the option at the end of a truce to take possession of the city, or the reverse should the report of fever exist- ing be confirmed. After further conversation on my part, endeavor- ing to prove that the onus of firing into the city would rest with them and not with me, and they using arguments to confute my position, the major remarked that if I would suspend hostilities until he could again see his commanding officer, that he (the major) would take it upon himself to do so on their part, at the same time requesting to know how long a time I would give them to get the women, children, and aliens out of the place. I replied by telling him that before I could think of specifying any time f or a truce existing that there must be an explicit understanding that they were not to increase the defen- ses of the city, and that everything was to remain as it was at the time. He replied certainly that was nothing more than I had a right to demand, and again asked how many days I would give them. Sev- eral periods of time were proposed and discussed, until we fixed upon four days as the time the truce should continue, the same [that] Cap- tain Eagle had granted them on the occasion of his threatened bom- bardment. With these preliminaries he departed, and shortly returned with the unqualified approval of the commanding officer of what had been pro- posed, with the addition that I was not to move my troops farther toward the city, and he was not to allow his troops to come below it. And now, sir, I must relate the circumstances which led to a contro- versy ending in my allowing them to retain and carry off four guns we were entitled to and might possibly have been saved had we written out our agreement, an omission caused by my strong desire to do nothing that could lead to a correspondence, deeming the presence of the commanders of the steamers a sufficient guard against misunder- standings. Let me give you the particulars, as far as I can, of this transaction. My understanding of our terms, in which Commanders Guest and Waiuwright and Lieutenant-Commander Law agree with me, was that everything should remain as it was at the time of the agreement. Theirs, it appears, was that they were not to increase their defenses, and that demolishing them would rather be gratifying to us than otherwise. I can now see that sufficient stress was not laid upon this important point, which they cunningly took advantage of and gained their point. The first intimation we had of their differing from us in the sense of our terms of agreement was through a deserter who informed us the guns of the fourth battery were being removed by night. My first impulse was to send a flag of truce on shore, inform- ing them that I was aware of their breach of faith and that hostilities would immediately commence, but upon coolly reflecting over the matter I decided I would let them so far break their faith, to avoid the disagreeable alternatives of a long consular controversy, and as I then thought the great danger of contagion from yellow fever; deeming the loss of two old-fashioned 24-pounders, one 80-pounder rifle, and an- other gun as but secondary in comparison to the possibility of gettin Page 258 258 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. that fatal disease on board of us, and possibly killing many innocent people. In addition I had strong doubts, even had hostilities recoin- menced, whether we could have prevented them from taking the guns off at night, for most unquestionably we had not a sufficient force to land and contend against the number of men that could be brought against us, and night, I am of the opinion, would have shielded them from the fire of our guns. Upon this view of the case I intended acting, but finally yielded to the wishes of Commanders Guest and Wainwright and Lieutenant- Commander Law and sent Lieutenant-Commander Law and Com- mander Guest on shore to charge them with a breach of faith, and demand the return of the guns, or an immediate renewal of hostilities. These gentlemen were very courteously received by Colonel Cook and his officers. Their understanding of the agreement propounded, and their regrets of a misunderstanding having occurred, expressed at the same time, declaring that the breach of faith would be on our side, and that many women, children, and aliens who intended mov- ing, but had not been able up to that time to obtain transportation, would be the sufferers. After discussing the case in all points, Captain Guest came to the conclusion that, as the agreement was not in writing, and our verbal understanding was not sufficiently explicit on the point at issue to prevent them taking advantage of it, it was better to allow the truce to continue and let them take the guns than that we should be accused of a breach of faith. I entirely approved of his course, and so the matter stands at present. I had nearly forgotten to notice an important feature in our nego- tiations, which was a visit from the English consul on Sunday in full consular costume, nominally to be considered an official call, but actually, I am disposed to think, more to find out my views in relation to pending matters than any particular respect for our flag; for, although unexceptionally courteous, it was evident all his sympathies were with the rebels, having lived twenty years among them. In the course of conversation, he stated, with apparent frankness, his appre- ciation of the liberal time I had granted for the removal of aliens, but must, from the paucity of transportation, beg me to grant an extension of the time. I politely but firmly declined to accede to this request, which led him to express the belief that the rebels would destroy the town sooner than surrender, pertinently asking me at the same time what I required of the military ~ I reflected a moment and saw that the tender point was in surrendering, and with the full knowledge that after knocking their town down I would be no nearer making them surrender than I was at that moment, I replied that I would require them to evacuate the city, and not to molest our flag, which I intended hoisting on the custom-house, and that until I heard from you I had no intention of interfering with the civil authorities. He took his leave with assurances of his using his utmost efforts to prevent the destruction of the city either by us or the Confederates, an event that I was equally earnest in assuring him I would deeply deplore on account of the unoff ending poor. From deserters and others flying from the terrors of the conscrip- tion (which they are rigidly enforcing at the point of the bayonet), I am of the opinion that we have at last captured a place with strong Union proclivities among the lower and middle classes. Their repr Page 259 WEST GULF I3LOCKAIMNO SQUADHON. 259 sentations of the reign of terror that has prevailed during months past, would, I should think, taint the loyalty of the most rabid of the rebel citizens. They have scarce been allowed a civil right, the mili- tary demanding and taking what they pleased. One of these refugees, a man in the middle ranks of society, converses with intelligence, and imparts valuable information. From him I learned of the Union fee ings of his class and the lower grades of the population (which so far as the latter is concerned has been amply verified by the embit- tered expressions of all that have come on board), most of whom that have not been previously drafted are now hiding in every conceivable way to avoid the gang that is driving every man between the ages of 18 and 50 over to Virginia Point to join the army. From the same person I learned that the endeavors of the military to form something like a civil government, previous to their leaving, failed, all their old magistrates having refused to serve. He also states that the threats of destroying the town will not be executed, the foreign influence alone preventing, all the other wealthy and influential citizens having long since fled to the interior. This exodus from the city is becoming a matter of serious consid- eration with me. Already we have from sixteen to twenty who have escaped from the city at the peril of their lives and it would be inhu- man not to receive them. Others may still come, and with our lim- ited supply of provisions, it is a pei~plexing matter and would seem a very strong reason for our military forces hastening their taking possession of the city, that they might again return to and be protected in their homes. Of course the military authorities will be the best judges of the number of men they will require to hold Galveston Island; still the little light I can throw upon the subject may be useful. The charts will give the position of the city upon the island, and I think of the railroad bridge, which is about 5 miles from the northwest end of the city. The bridge is about three-quarters of a mile long, terminating at Virginia Point, where the rebels have their large battery, mounting from twelve to twenty guns, and an army variously estimated at from 3,000 to 5,000 men. I am disposed to think the latter number is not far from the mark, as they are under the impression that a large force of ours is on the way to invade Texas and they are concentrating troops at that point to meet them. The name of the commanding general I have not been able to ascertain, as he has lately come from Houston. One of the brigadiers is General Debray?. This fort on Virginia Point I think can be reached by our light mortar vessels and the heavy rifled guns of the Jackson and Westfield, after lightening the vessels as much as possible; and should that plan of taking the fort be adopted a 100-pounder rifle should be sent for the Clifton. Independent of the fact of the mortars and light steamers being the only naval force that can act against this battery, they can be most usefully employed on the blockade, and should you have determined not to let us go home, I think we can perform good service; at all events I hope the ti oops will be speedily sent, for I am most anxious to get away, and try and break up the traffic of their inland seas. Should it not be possible, however, to send a sufficiently large mili- tary force to occupy Galveston Island at present, two or three hun- dred men, with some half dozen pieces of artillery, could easily defen Page 260 260 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. themselves on Fort Point or Pelican Island (the latter I would give the preference, on account of the comfortable barracks upon it, the rebels having burned those on Fort Point when they evacuated), with the assistance of a gunboat, and I earnestly hope one will be sent immediately, for I have no ambition to be senior officer on shore and afloat at the same time; the latter position, I am convinced from appearances, will be enough to employ the time and talents of one man, and as a slight proof that my impressions are correct, I will sug- gest the propriety of a schooner load of flour being sent here at once, for the moment we take possession of the city all communication will be cut off from the mainland, and provisioning, as well as governing, will fall to the lot of the individual who is honored with the governor- ship, and here, while suggesting the sending provisions for the shore people, let me inform you of our own wants. The ferryboats can carry but six weeks provisions, with which we started; two weeks of every part of the ration have already been expended, and of bread, in consequence of a large quantity having proved bad, we have but two weeks [supply] on board; will you be good enough to think of this, and should you not order our return, have our wants supplied? Another reason for my wishing for the speedy arrival of the soldiers is the care I am obliged to take of Pelican Island for fear the rebels will some night slip down and burn the barracks. The marines of the Clifton and this ship now occupy it, having hoisted our flag there on Sunday. At present my opinion is that I can do nothing more to-morrow, after taking possession of the city, than landing a party to hoist our flag on the custom-house, and after allowing it to~fly for about half an hour, haul it down and return on board. I have, how- ever, other prospects which time will develop. I wish I could feel convinced this place would not be given up by us, and I am sure I could at once get a Union guard that would materially help to guard it. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, W. B. RENSHAW. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Letter of congratulation and instruction from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Westfield. FLAGSHIP HA1~TFORD, Pensacola Bar, October 14, 1862. DEAR SIR: I sincerely congratulate you on the easy conquest you made of Galveston, and will transmit your report to the honorable Secretary of the Navy. I fear that I will find difficulty in procuring the few troops we require to hold the place. I informed the Secretary I could take the whole coast if I had only a few troops to hold it. You were more indulgent than even I would have been with them. I regret you allowed them to take away the guns. I think your arrangement a good one to allow them to bring provis- ions to the end of the bridge, and no farther by rail. You can leave one gunboat at Galveston and go down to the next place below. I send you 600 pounds bread by the Rhode Island Page 261 WBST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 261 I send you papers transmitted by the Department fog our guidancs in cases of blockade. I can not permit the mortar boats to go so fag from here, but will soon send other vessels down the coast of Texas. May success continue to attend your efforts, and please express to the commanders of the vessels my appreciation of their conduct. Very respectfully, etc., [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander W. B. RENsHAw, Commanding Texas Blockade. [Telegram.] VIRGINIA POINT, [TEx.,] October 5, 1862. Just arrived here. Galveston can not be defended, and a fight in the city would be a useless braggadocio against forty guns, or about, at 1 mile from the wharf. The place shall not be surrendered, but slowly evacuated by Colonel Cook. I have arrived too late this eve- ning to make a perfect estimate of the means of defense. I shall by all means prevent a landing and protect the railroads. I send a com- pany to Liberty to-morrow to guard the bridge. I have ordered my regiment down to scout over Simms Bayou, San Jacinto, and Trinity [rivers]. The want of fresh water will be a great difficulty. I ordered the provost-marshal at Galveston to remove all the machinery he can. The citizens are moving fast. I notified those disposed to remain that should the United States flag be hoisted over Galveston they would no longer be allowed to communicate with the continent and shall receive no supplies. The four days allowed by the enemy for the citizens to move expires on Wednesday night, when I expect an attack here. Please send this to General H6bert by to-morrows mail. X. B. DEBRAY. Major T. S. MOISE. Order of Colonel Debray, C. S. Army, to Colonel Cook, C. S. Army, to withdraw from Galveston. HEADQUARTERS SUBMILITARY DISTRICT OF HOUSTON, Galveston, Tex., October 5, 1862. COLONEL: The enemy having possession of Galveston Bay with an overwhelming force of artillery, you will avoid ~making, within the city, a resistance, which would bring about the destruction of the p roperty of our citizens without resulting in any good to the country. You will move from the city to Virginia Point such material as you can save and the troops you do not actually need to maintain good order in the city so long as you are in possession of it. * * * * * * You will, when an attack by the enemy is imminent, withdraw to Virginia Point, leaving two companies to garrison Eagle Grove, endeavoring to withdraw without loss of men. Very respectfully, X. B. DEBRAY, Colonel, Commanding Submilitary District of Houston, Tex. Colonel JOSEPH J. CooK, Commanding Post, Galveston, Tex Page 262 262 WBST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Colonel Cook, C. S. Army, commanding at Galveston. HEADQUARTERS, Fort mg bert Tex., October 9, 1862. SIR: On the morning of the 4th the blockading fleet off the bar of Galveston consisted of eight vessels, four of which were armed steam- ers, one a mortar boat, and all but one of them apparently of such draft as to admit of their crossing the bar. At about 7 a. m. one of the steamers (the Harriet Lane) crossed the bar, flying a white flag, and when opposite Fort Point a shot from our battery was fired across her bow, and she immediately came to anchor. An officer soon after landed from the steamer in front of the battery and asked an interview with the commander of the post. Immedi- ately upon being advised of this I repaired to Fort Point and was informed by the officer who had landed that the commander of the fleet desired me to send out a messenger to receive a communication from him. Having no boat at the Point, I returned to the city and immediately dispatched a messenger in a boat, flying a white flag. The boat left the wharf about 1 p. in., and before she could be worked out to the Point the Harriet Lane weighed anchor, repassed the bar, and communicated with the fleet, and the four steamers, with the mortar boat in tow, came in over the bar and up to about the position where the Harriet Lane had been brought to anchor. As soon as this movement was observed I started for Fort Point, but before I could reach there a shot was fired from our battery in front of the foremost advancing vessels our flag-of-truce boat then being but a short dis- tance off when the enemy, disregarding their own white flag, imme- diately opened fire from all the vessels with about twenty guns on our battery, which consisted of but one gun, a X-inch, and they continued to play upon it until the gun was struck by a shot and so disabled as to be unserviceable, and the officer in command ordered the gun to be spiked and the barracks fired, and the men retreated across the low open grounds toward the city. I joined them soon after they left the battery, and the five vessels of the enemy, having passed entirely around the Point into the harbor, continued to throw shot and shell at us until we passed out of their range. Upon the fleet turning up the channel toward the city the two 24-pounders in battery on the bay side, near the east end of the city, opened fire on them, but our shot fell short, and the vessels having now come up to our flag-of-truce boat, ceased firing and took our messenger on board the flagship, and the fleet came to an.chor. The assemblage of vessels off the bar on the day previous had given every reason to expect an attack, and during that day and the morn: ing of the 4th I had made arrangements with the railroad company to be ready with transportation to meet any emergency that might occur. Having some time previous to this been ordered by the gen- eral commanding this department to withdraw our troops from the city in case the enemy should bring to bear against our position such force as to overcome our defenses at Fort Point and enable them to command the harbor, and after the gun at Fort Point was silenced, having no further means of defending the harbor or protecting the city from bombardment by the enemy or inflicting any injury on them, immediately after our troops had abandoned Fort Point I ordered the two guns which were in position at South Battery, on the south sid Page 263 WEST GULP BLOCKADING S~tTADflON. 263 of Galveston Island, to be spiked,, and all our material at that and other points in the city to be taken to the railroad depot, which was done. At about 3:30 p. m. our flag-of-truce messenger returned to the city, bearing a demand from the enemy for the surrender of the city and demanding an immediate answer. I sent a messenger with the answer that I should not surrender the city, directing the messenger also to say to the commander of the fleet that there were many women and children, and to demand time to remove them. After some nego- tiation it was agreed that no attack should be made upon the city for four days; that during that time we should not construct any new or strengthen any old defenses within the city, and the fleet not to be brought any nearer the city. This arrangement gave us ample time for the removal of all who desired to leave the island, and also for the removal of our troops and material of every kind. On the night of the 4th you reached the city, and during the next day I received your orders in relation to matters at Galveston. Dur- ing the four days I removed the two 24-pounders, and also the guns at South Battery were unspiked and removed, and all of them have been safely landed at Virginia Point. I caused the people to be fully noti- fied in relation to matters which you directed they should be advised of. All machinery of any value was removed. The civil authorities removed all the county records of every kind and all the records of the city corporation and of the district court. The railroad company removed all their material of every kind, and by 11 a. m. of the 8th we had removed all Government property of any value except the X-inch gun at Fort Point, and a large majority of the population had left their houses and the island. The troops having all been removed, in accordance with your orders I left with my staff for Virginia Point, leaving a sufficient force to hold the battery at the south end of the railroad bridge, and that evening I reported at this place to Colonel X. B. Debray, commanding sub- military district of Houston. It affords me great pleasure to be able to state that both officers and men behaved nobly, executing all orders promptly and correctly. All of which is respectfully submitted. Yours, respectfully, JOSEPH J. COOK, Colonel, Commanding. Lieutenant R. M. FRANKLIN, Actg. Asst. Adjutant-General, Submilitary District of Houston. Report of Acting Master Crocicer, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture of the British schooner Dart, October 6, 1862. U. S. S. KENSINGTON, Pensacola Bay, November 4,1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the 6th day of October, 1862, the British schooner Dart was captured while running the block- ade at Sabine Pass by the U. S. schooner Rachel Seaman, then under my command as part of an expedition to capture that place. The Dart was captured inside the harbor, the commander of her not being aware the place was in the possession of the United States Page 264 264 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQt& AD1~ON. She was sent first to this port, from whence she is now ordered by the admiral to Key West, Fla., for adjudication. I have the honor to forward herewith a list of the officers and men belonging to this vessel who are entitled to prize money, and a list of officers and crew of the U. S. schooner Rachel Seaman, who are also entitled to a share in the prize money, will be forwarded by her com- mander by the first opportunity. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDERICK CROCKER, Acting Master, Commanding. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Commander Alden, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Richmond. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, Off Mobile, October 7,1862. SIR: You will proceed to Pensacola with the U. S. S. Richmond to fill up with supplies of coal, wood, and water. Upon your arrival there report to Admiral Farragut. Respectfully, etc., H. H. BELL, Commodore. Commander JAMES ALDEN, Commanding U. S. S. Richmond. Commendatory letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Swartwout, U. S. Navy. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 7,1862. SIR: In reply to your wish to know if you have performed your duty to my satisfaction since your arrival on the station under my command, I have to state that you have, so far as came under my knowledge, as faithfully and with as much capacity in the difficult position in which you were placed at the mouth of the Rio Grande as any officer could have done. I considered that you acquitted yourself with ability and judgment, and regret that any circumstance should make it necessary for you to call on me for such a letter at this time. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander S. SWARTWOUT, Commanding U. S. Sloop Portsmouth, Near Carrollton, La Page 265 WEST GULF BLOCKADING ~QTJAPRON~ 265 Letter of censure from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Com- mander French, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Albatross. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 7, 1862. SIR: Your dispatch * has been received in relation to the condition of your vessel and your reference to the report of your surgeon for your appearance at Pensacola. To no one is the stern duty of fault-finding more painful than to myself, particularly in such cases; but lest a misapprehension of an officers duty under such circumstances should lead him or others into a fatal error at some future time, it becomes necessary to remind you that the surgeon is confined to pointing out to you the best man- ner of preserving the health of the crew, but you are to be the judge of how far your duty to your country and the service will justify your acceding to it. You were sent to blockade the Rio Grande, and you had no right to leave that station until regularly relieved by some other vessel. Our duties in war are imperative, and we are as much bound to face the fever as the enemy, and to face both when necessary in our duty. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral. Commander H. FRENCH, Commanding U. S. S. Albatross. Report of Commander Emmons, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Hatteras, giving names of vessels boarded and spoken while blockading Berwick Bay. U. S. S. HATTERAS, Blockading Beru~ick Bay, October 7, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose monthly and quarterly returns. Having taken in three months provisions at New Orleans, with such stores as I could obtain upon requisition, and supplied myself with fuel along the Mississip i banks, and coal (312 tons) from the ship Carioca, I departed for t~is tiresome station early last month. On the 9th of September I boarded the American brigantine N. Berry, prize to the U. S. brig Bohio, from Matamoras, with part of a cargo of hides, etc., having left her master on shore and esca~ped with some Texan refugees, including General [A. J.] Hamilton, whom the rebels were endeavoring to capture, bound for the South West Pass. The general confirmed the statements of prisoners that I have taken in regard to outrages perpetrated upon Union men in Texas, and thinks that with a small force, having arms and ammunition to arm those friendly to our cause in Texas, that they would soon drive out the rebels. On the 10th spoke the American ship Charles Sprague, Pike, in ballast, from Vera Cruz, bound to New Orleans; loss of mate and one man; suspect yellow fever. On the 13th boarded the Mexican schooner Jicaltipec, from Mata~. moras, cargo of cotton, bound to New Orleans, in distress, having a *See p. 290 Page 266 266 WEST GULP BLOCKADING SQUADRON. crew of 10 men and 10 Texan refugees on board; 6 of the latter U. S. soldiers who had escaped from prison in Texas, where, with some 50 others, they have been incarcerated since the commencement of the rebellion. Furnished them water and provisions, unshipped and repaired their rudder, etc., and parted company the following day. On the 15th spoke the rebel schooner Rambler, with 60 bales of cotton, out of Sabine, prize to the U. S. S. Connecticut, bound to Ship Island, in charge of a masters mate and prize crew; were some 30 miles out of their reckoning; pointed them fair, and parted company. On the 20th spoke the U. S. mortar schooner No. 19Janes bound to Galveston. On the 21st saw U. S. schooner Rachel Seaman, bound west, and soon after spoke the U. S. S. Kensington, Crocker, in company, bound to the Sabine. On the 2d October boarded the schooner Gino, of Havana, 52 tons, out of Berwick, with 115 bales of cotton, under English colors, W. S. Brown, master, J. F. Allen (and wife), of New York, part owner and supercargo, and a crew of 3 men, having a special permit from General Butler, as per enclosed copy. Also the following papers not copied: 1st. A declaration of ownership as British property, signed by Mr. Crawford, English consul at Havana. 2d and 3d. Provisional certificate of registry No. 52, dated at Havana, April 2, 1862, and a transfer and sale from A. Damarien, of Havana, to J. B. Munson, English resident at New Orleans, for the sum of $4,000. 4th. Permit from G. S. Denison, special agent of the collector at New Orleans, dated July 25, 1862, to Captain Raphael Fortin, to pro- ceed to Berwick and bring said schooner Gino to New Orleans. 5th and 6th. Clearance and bill of health, dated at Franklin, La., September 26, 1862, and signed R. [H.] McMillan, collector. The port of Havana being specified in the clearance; had no log book. Copy of permit. Special order.] BERWICK BAY, August 28, 1862. Permission is granted to J. F. Allen to take on board the schooner Gino, at this place, 200 bales of cotton and to run the same to the port of Havana or Nassau. By command of MAJOR-GENERAL R. TAYLOR, Commanding District of Western Lousszana. P. E. BONFORD, First Lieutenant and Aid-de-C amp. The Confederate authorities would not, of course, clear a vessel loaded with cotton for the United States. Hence in all deceptive transactions of this nature it may become a difficult matter for the blockading officer to decide how far he is bound by the evidence in the case to credit verbal representations or respect special permits of our military authorities, which, to say the least, appear to me informal and improper, and for this reason I should be glad to have your views or instructions for further guidance. In this case, from all the evidence adduced, the small number of the crew, and the quantity of provisions on board, there are strong reasons for believing that the vessel is actually bound to New Orleans, and I have concluded that if I adopted a contrary belief and sent her home for adjudication it would only result in delay, trouble, and expense to the Government and her final restitution Page 267 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 267 Yesterday I again spoke this vessel, driven back by head winds, and supplied her with some water and a few articles. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GEG. F. EMMONS, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Division, Gulf Blockading Squadron. [Enclosures.] Special permit.] HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, New Orleans, August 18, 1862. The bearers, J. F. Allen and W. S. Brown, have permission to leave this city and proceed to Berwick Bay to load the schooner Gino with cotton and provisions and return here. All officers of this department are directed to give safe conduct to said schooner and crew. BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. HEADQUARTERS ST. MARTIN, Berwicic Bay, September 28, 1862. Permit the schooner Gino, W. S. Brown, master, and crew of 7 per- sons, to pass our lines on voyage to Havana and a market. E.L. KING, Lieutenant, Commanding Post, Berwicic Ba?,. Case of the British steamer Blanche, burned in the Spanish harbor of Miarianao, C~iba, October 8, 1862. Letter from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy requesting information on the subject. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washin.qton, October 20, 1862. SIR: The Spanish minister has orally made a representation to this Department on the subject of the recent chasing ashore on the island of Cuba by a United States steamer of a vessel called the Blanche*, alleged to have been under the British flag. He said that there was great excitement at Havana on the subject. The name of the United States steamer was not known. I will thank you for any information upon the subject which the Navy Department has or may receive. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servaUt, WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. * Late the Confederate steamer Gemeral Rusic Page 268 268 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting to be informed of the circumstances in the case. NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 28, 1862. Sin: His Excellency Sefior Don G. G. [y] Tassara, minister pleni- potentiary of her Catholic Majesty the Queen of Spain, has addressed the Secretary of State officially in reference to the chasing ashore and the destruction of the merchant ship Blanche, on the 7th instant, by a steamer supposed to be the U. S. gunboat Montgomery, within the territorial jurisdiction of the Island of Cuba. Extracts from the communication of Mr. Tassara, and copies of the papers accompanying it, detailing the circumstances of the affair, are herewith transmitted. As yet this Department has received nothing on the sub ect. You wilt without delay, institute a full and rigorous enquiry into the conduct of the commander of the Montgomery and other officers concerned with reference to the Blanche, and forward the report thereof to the Department by the first opportunity. The pilot, claimed as a Spanish subject, who was taken from the Blanche and is supposed to be on board the Montgomery, you will have released forthwith, if not guilty of crime. , - I am, respectfully, your~obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Commander Hunter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Montgomery, and other papers. No. 261.] FLAGsHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, November 25, 1862. Sin: In reply to your communication of October 28, relative to the burning of the steamer Blanche, I have to report that I understood from Commander Hunter that he had already reported the affair to the Department, and that his reports to me (herewith enclosed) were merely for my own information. The Spanish pilot was put on board a vessel bound into Havana the same day he was captured. I forward herewith the report of Commander Hunter, that of the officer who boarded the Blanche, and the deposition of one R. F. Clement, an English passenger from the coast of Texas. I will order a court of enquiry in this case as soon as practicable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington Page 269 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 269 Report of Commander Hunter, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Montgomery. U. S. S. MONTGOMERY, Pensacola, October 11, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report the arrival of this vessel at this place. We left New York at 2 p. m. on the 29th ultimo, came through Providence Channel, and arrived off Havana the night of the 6th instant. I went on shore on the next morning, the 7th, saw our con- sul-general, Mr. Shufeldt, and left the city before noon and came aboard and proceeded west along the shore of Cuba. At 2 p. m. the same day, the 7th, saw a steamer to the south of us standing eastward, very near the shore. We went toward the shore southward and east- ward to cut her off. At 2:10, when about 2~ miles from her, fired a blank cartridge toward her. She hoisted English colors, but did not stop. In loading the rifled gun with shell, the shell got jammed in it. At 2:20 fired the shell toward the steamer; the shell struck the water only about 600 yards from us. The strange steamer then stopped her engines, headed for the shore, and anchored. Two armed boats with 20 men, under charge of Acting Volunteer Master Arthur, then (2: 30) left us, with orders to board the strange steamer and examine her papers, and if a rebel, or her papers not regular, to bring her out. The boats reached the steamer at 3. Before they got to her a boat from the shore had gone on board, and a Spanish flag was set over the English. A few moments after our boats got to the vessel smoke was seen to come from below, and soon the flames burst out, and our boats returned on board. Seeing the vessel nearly consumed, I proceeded on my course. When our boats were leaving the burning steamer, two men jumped from her into them, and were brought on board; one a Spanish pilot, whom the steamer had taken aboard at the west end of Cuba; the other, a person named Clement, representing himself as a British subject, a passenger on board. That night (7th) I sent the Spanish pilot on board a small Spanish vessel bound to Havana, and have brought the person Clement to this place. I enclose the papers which the captain of the steamer handed to the boarding officer, and which were not returned, 1st, a provisional register; 2d, a certificate of ownership; 3d, a crew list of a vessel called the Blanche, formerly the General Rusic. I rejoice greatly that this notorious rebel vessel is destroyed. I enclose a statement or deposition of the passenger Clement which may be useful if an attempt is made to charge us with the destruction of the vessel. I enclose a list of vessels boarded on our passage from New York, as also report of the officer that boarded the Blanche. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES HUNTER, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola. Report of Acting Master Arthur, U. S. Navy, boarding officer. U. S. S. MONTGOMERY, October 7, 1862. SIR: In obedience to your orders I left the U. S. S. Montgomery at 2:30 p. m. of this day, in charge of first and second cutters, acco Page 270 270 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. panied by Acting Ensigns Putnam and Wiley, and proceeded with all dispatch for a steamer inshore of us, supposed to be a Confederate vessel, and run on shore for the purpose of escaping from us. On nearing her, perceived that she had a Spanish ensign hoisted over an En lish ensign. At about 3 p. m. I went alongside in the first cutter, an on boarding her I met a person who represented himself as the captain of the said vessel. I asked him why he was on shore, and he only shrugged his shoulders for an answer. I then asked him what his cargo was, and he said Cotton. I then asked to see his papers and he immediately brought me a certificate of ownership and the crew list or shipping papers of a vessel called the Blancke, whose foreign name was the General Rmsk. After looking over his papers and not deeming them sufficient indication of the truth under the circumstance, I ordered an assistant engineer (attached to the Mont- gomery, whom I had also taken with me) to the engine room to take charge of the engine for the purpose of trying to get her afloat again. By this time Mr. Putnam, in the second cutter, had come alongside. The engineer soon got the engine working, reversed, and the steamer had commenced to move, though very slowly, when Mr. Putnam reported to me that the steamer was on fire, and almost instanta- neously the smoke was issuing from every crack and crevice from below. I immediately ordered Mr. Putnam forward with one boat to take off the men who were forward, and got the rest of our men into the other boat and shoved off from her. The flames were now bursting out from every part of the vessel, and in attempting to pass between her and the shore on her starboard side, we, who were in the boat, were in great danger of being burned. On getting forward, on her starboard bow, I found Mr. Putnam had succeeded in getting all our men who were there into his boat, and also two men from the burning vessel who did not belong to us. I then pulled around her bows to get to windward of her, and found a boat from the shore with the remainder of the vessels crew already shoved off from her and nearly on shore, which was but a few yards distant. The steamer was now a complete sheet of flame, and not deeming it prudent to lie too near her, for fear of the explosion of her boilers, I ordered the boats to pull a short distance from her and lie by; we remained until her masts burned off and fell, and then made the best of our way to the Montgomery. During the time of our stay on board the Blanche not one of our men went below her deck and she must have been fired by some of her own crew, and from the rapidity with which the fire spread, everything must have been in readiness beforehand. We had .not been on board ten minutes before it was perceived she was on fire, and then the flames were bursting through her deck and sides. Not having returned to the captain the papers he had shown me, and in the confusion he having escaped to the shore, I retained them and brought them on board. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES G. ARTHUR, Acting Ma8ter, U. S. S. Montgomery. Commander CHARLES HUNTER, U. S. S. Montgomery Page 271 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 271 Deposition of Robert F. Clement, passenger. I, Robert F. Clement, a resident of Tndianola, in the State of Texas, in the United States of America, and claiming to be a subject of her Britannic Majesty, being born in Bath, England, in the year of our Lord 1816, do solemnly swear that I embarked on board the steamer Blanche, having a provisional register signed by John V. Crawford, her Britannic Majestys acting consul-general in Cuba (the foreign name of said steamer was the General Rusic; that she was built in Delaware, in the United States, in 1857), on or about the 29th day of September last, at Indianola, Tex., in the United States of America; that we sailed from the said port of Indianola on the same day, the 29th of September last, and pursued our way toward and for the port of Havana, in the Island of Cuba; that on the 7th of this month, when about 9 miles from the port of Havana, we met a United States vessel, the Miontgom- ery; that the captain of the Blanche, whose name is R. N. Smith, ordered the vessel to make for the beach, which was near or opposite the village of Mariel, about 7 or 8 miles from the port of Havana; that the Blanche was anchored very near the shore, so near that her stern touched; that when the captain of the Blanche saw two boats ap- proaching from the Alontqomery, he caused the Blanche to be forced on shore with her engines, slacking her cable; that about ten minutes after the men from the Miontgomerys boats came on board the lames burst out from all parts of the lee side of the vessel except a small space forward and aft; that I escaped from the burning vessel in a boat from the Montgomery; that the said captain, R. N. Smith, told me before I embarked on board the Blanche that he was deter- mined to destroy the vessel rather than have her taken by a United States vessel;, that it is my firm and entire belief and conviction that the said Blanche was fired by order of the captain, by the crew or officers on board of her; that the said Blanche was laden with about 500 bales of cotton on board, which was put on board at Lavaca, in the State of Texas, United States. ROBT. F. CLEMENT. Sworn to before me, on board the U. S. S. Hart/ord, October 11, 1862, Bay of Pensacola, Fla. JAS. M. PALMER, Captain, U. S. Navy. Witness: JAMES ALDEN, Commander, U. S. Navy. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting order to the executive officer of the U. S. S. Montgomery to relieve Commander Hunter, U. S. Navy, of command. NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 9, 1862. SIR: The Department addressed you a letter on the 28th of October last on the subject of the destruction of the Blanche and the charges p referred against Commander Charles Hunter, of the Montgomery. The question involved is one of grave importance, and has become aggravated from neglect on the part of Commander Hunter to make report. The Spanish minister, by order of his Government, has caused this subject to be brought repeatedly to th~ attention of this N W RVOL 19 1 Page 272 272 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Department. Although the destruction of the Blanche took place two months ago, no report has been received by this Department from either Commander Hunter or yourself. As you were addressed on this subject and have never made report, I am apprehensive that Commander Hunter has been delinquent and guilty of neglect to you and the Department. The subject has now become of so serious a character that extraor- dinary measures are demanded. The Spanish Government is dissatis- fied with the delay that has taken place, and insists on explanation and satisfaction and a course of proceedings in relation to the alleged offense that will atone to Spain for the indignity which she thinks she has received. Under the remonstrance of the Spanish minister and the pledge of the State Department that the subject should be promptly investiga- ted, and in the absence of any report from Commander Hunter or your- self, I have no alternative but to detach him from his command and to order the Montgomery home, that the subject may undergo legal investigation. An order detaching him is herewith transmitted. A duplicate of it will be intrusted to the commanding officer of the Circassian, to be delivered to Commander Hunter should the Montgomery be fallen in with before the Circassian communicates with you. The executive officer of the Montgomery will bring home that vessel with all the witnesses in the case of the Blanche. An order to that effect is herewith inclosed. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Sguadron, Pensacola, Fla. [Enclosure.] NAVY DEPARTMENT, December 9, 1862. SIR: Commander Charles Hunter has been ordered to turn over the command of the Montgomery to you, and as soon as he shall have done so, you will proceed with that vessel with all practicable dispatch to New York, bringing with you all the witnesses on board in the case of the Blanche. Jam, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Executive Officer U. S. S. MONTGOMERY, Western Gulf Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, exonerating Commander Hunter, U. S. Navy. No. 269.] Flagship HARTFORD, New Orleans, December 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor herewith to enclose the report* of the inves- tigation into the burning of the steamer Blanche, called for in your communication of October 26[?]. * Omitted as not necessary to publish. This board of three officers examined the offi- cers and crew of the U. S. S. Montgomery and submitted the testimony.CoMPILEn Page 273 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 273 I am fully satisfied that the vessel was set fire to by her own officers and crew. Commander Hunter is an excellent and most vigilant officer, and was only anxious to do his duty. I have no doubt if he could have gotten the Blanche off he would simply have examined her papers and let her go, if it were right so to have done. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary o/the Navy. Letter from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy, transmitting letter from the British minister, making accusation of compulsion employed in getting statement from Robert F. Clement. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, January 10, 1863. Sin: I have the honor to communicate a copy of a note of the 8th instant, addressed to this Department by Lord Lyons, her Britannic Majestys envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary, repre- senting that Commander Hunter, of the Miontgomery, obtained the signature of the Englishman, Clement, to the deposition which he made in Pensacola, secretly and surreptitiously, and that compulsion was exercised to induce him to sign that document. I will thank you to cause these charges also to be investigated by the proposed court- martial on Commander Hunter. I am, sir, your very obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD, Hon. GIDEON WELLES, [Secretary of State.] Secretary o/the Navy. Letter from the British mini.3ter to the United States to the Secretary of State. WASHINGTON, January 8, 1863. SIR: Since issuing the orders on which the note which I had the honor to address to you on the 9th of last month was founded, her Majestys Government have received an official report of a statement made to Mr. Crawford, her Majestys acting consul-general at Havana, by Mr. Clement, the British subject who was carried off by the U. S. ship Miontgomery when the steamer Blanche was destroyed by fire on the coast of Cuba. It appears that Mr. Clement informed Mr. Crawford that on his arrival at Pensacola on board the Jlliontgornery he was repeatedly examined and cross-questioned on several consecutive days with regard to the affair of the Blanche, the chief object of these examina- tions being to get him to say that he thought that the Blanche had been set fire to by her own crew; and, further, that as he declined making any such statement, inasmuch as he did not know who had set the ship on fire, he was detained as a prisoner by Commander Hunter until he signed a declaration to the required effect. It appears, moreover, that Mr. Clement assured Mr. Crawford that he affixed his signature to the declaration in order to obtain hi Page 274 274 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. freedom; that the signature was obtained from him by Commander Hunter in a secret and surreptitious manner, and that he considered the declaration thus extorte from him as void and of no effect what- ever, and the more so because during the time the Montgomerys men were on board the Blanche he was on the after part of the upper deck, guarded by a file of armed men, and consequently could not possibly know by whom the ship was set on fire In the note to which I have referred I had the honor to inform you that her Majestys Government were confident that full compensa- tion would be made for the detention of Mr. Clement. I am now directed by her Majestys Government to ask also for an apology from the Government of the United States for the compulsion exer- cised upon Mr. Clement to induce him to sign at Pensacola a false statement of the circumstances relating to the destruction of the Blanche. I have the honor to be, with the highest consideration, sir, your most obedient humble servant, LYONS. Hon. WILLIAM H. SEWARD, etc. Letter from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of the Navy, commenting upon the charges and specification of charges. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Washington, January 19, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 15th instant, accompanied by a draft of charges and specifications of charges upon which it is proposed to arraign before a court-martial Commander Charles Hunter, late of the U. S. S. Montgomery. I see nothing in the paper which requires change, except that the place where the insurgent steamer General Ruslc was burned is called Marianao, and not Mariando. A copy of these charges has also been communicated to the English and Spanish ministers here, who, in their answers on the subject, have offered no objections to them. The paper is herewith returned, agreeably to your request. I have the honor to be, sir, your obedient servant, WILLIAM H. SEWARD, [Secretary of State.] Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Montgomery, Commander Charles Hunter, U. S. Navy, coin- manding. September 24,1862.At 2p. m. ship put in commission [navy yard, New York]. September 29.Got underway and proceeded down the bay. October 8.At 12:30 a. m. stood in for the Morro. At 1:10 took the captain on board and kept away to the westward. At 2 saw a steamer inshore of us; fired a blank cartridge from the rifled gun, but she would not stop. At 2:20 a shell being jammed in the rifled gun, fired it toward the rebel steamer; the shell struck 600 yards from ourselves only. She then showed English colors and stopped her engine, head Page 275 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 275 ing in for shore. At 2:30, thinking her on shore, sent in two boats, armed, in charge of Acting Master Arthur, to examine her. At 3 the boats boarded her and it was almost immediately perceived that she was on fire. Got men into the boats again and in ten minutes she was in one solid sheet of flame. Two men from the steamer got into one of the boats and were brought to this vessel. The steamer was the General Rusle, from Indianola for Havana, with cotton cargo. At the time of the boats boarding her she was solid aground. At 3:45 boats returned; took them up and kept away down along the coast, keep- ing a safe distance from land. At 4:30 p. m. saw a sail to the west. At 6:30 sent a boat to the strange vessel. At 6:45 boat returned and reported her to be the Comet, of Nassau, from Matamoras for Havana, cotton. Took up boat, made sail, and kept ship on her course. At 9:30 boarded schooner Espedita, of and from Havana, and put one of the strange men on board of her; he was a Cuban. At 9 kept ship on her course. October 11.At 2:30 a.m. anchored in Pensacola Bay. January 2, 18G3. By order of the Secretary of the Navy, Com- mander Hunter turned over the command of this vessel to the execu- tive officer, Acting Master George H. Pendleton. January 12.Anchored off the navy yard, New York. Charges and specifications of charges preferred by the Secretary of the Navy against Charles Hunter, ~ commander in the Navy of the United States. CHARGE I. Violating the territorial jurisdiction of a neutral gov- ernment. Specification 1. In this, that on or about the 7th day of October, in the year 1862, the said Commander Charles Hunter, being then in command of the U. S. S. Miontgomery, off or near the town of Marianao, on the coast of the island of Cuba, dispatched from the said steamer two boats, with officers and men, armed, for the purpose of seizing and taking forcible possession of a steamer or ves~eI called the Blanche, which was then lying aground on the shore of the island of Cuba, or close to said shore and manifestly within a marine league of said shore, and within the territorial jurisdiction of the Spanish Gov- ernment, and having the Spanish and British flags hoisted; which armed force, so dispatched by the said Commander Hunter and act- in~ under his orders, did accordingly take forcible possession of the said steamer Blanche within the territorial jurisdiction of the Spanish Government, and did so take possession notwithstanding the remon- strance and warning of a Spanish civil officer or alcalde, then present on board the said steamer Blanche for the protection thereo , and did defy and insult the said Spanish officer and did forcibly take away from the said steamer Ramon Arbela, a Spanish subject, and Robert F. Clement, a British subject, detaining them as prisoners. Specification 2.In this, that on or about the 7th day of October, in the year 1862, the said Commander Charles Hunter, having taken forcible possession of the steamer Blanche, within the territorial juris- diction of the Spanish Government, as set forth ii1 the first specifica- tion of this charge, did cause the said steamer Blanche to be set on fire and consumed with a valuable cargo then on board. CHARGE II. Scandalous conduct tending to the destruction of good morals Page 276 276 WEST GULF BLOCKADING ~QtTADHON. Speciflcation.In this, that on or about the 11th day of October, in the year 1862, the said Commander Charles Hunter, being then in command of the U. S. S. Montgomery, in the Bay of Pensacola, and having under his control the person of Robert F. Clement, a British subject, who had been taken away from the steamer Blanche by an armed force, acting under the orders of said Hunter, did extort from the said Clement a statement on oath to the effect that the steamer Blanche had been set on fire by her own crew; and did, in a secret and surreptitious manner, obtain the signature of said Clement to .an affidavit or declaration to that effect, he, the said Commander Hunter, knowing that the said Clement had refused voluntarily to make the said statement, and had declared that he did not know by whom the steamer Blanche had been set on fire. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. NAVY DEPARTMENT, January 20, 1863. Finding of the court-martial. NAVY YARD, BOSTON, Monday, February 16, 1863. The court met at 11 oclock, pursuant to adjournment. Present, the president and all the members of the court and the judge-advocate. The accused and his counsel are not present. The record of the proceedings of Saturday last is read and approved by the court. The evidence in the case being closed and the defense of the accused having been heard, the court is closed for deliberation. And upon careful examination of the evidence adduced and the defense of the accused the court finds: That the first specification of the first charge is proved in part, to wit, so much of the same as is contained in the following words: In this, that on or about the 7th day of October, in the year 1862, the said Commander Charles Hunter, being then in command of the U. S. S. Montgomery, off or near the town of Marianao, on the coast of the island of Cuba, dispatched from the said steamer two boats, with officers and men, armed, for the purpose of seizing and taking forcible possession of a steamer or vessel called the Blanche, which was then lying aground on the shore of the island of Cuba, or close to said shore and manifestly within a marine league of said shore, and within the territorial jurisdiction of the Spanish Govern- ment, and having the Spanish and British flags hoisted; which armed force, so dispatched by the said Commander Hunter and acting under his orders, did accordingly take forcible possession of the said steamer Blanche within the territorial jurisdiction of the Spanish Government, with the exception that it is not proved that the Spanish flag was fly- ing with the British flag on board the Blanche when the boarding boats left the Montgomery. As to the remainder of said specification the court find that the same is not proved. As to the second specification of the first charge, the court find that the same is not proved. Of the first charge the court find the accused to be guilty Page 277 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 277 As to the specification of the second charge the court find that the same is not proved. Of the second charge the court find the accused not guilty, and do honorably acquit him of the same. The court having found the accused, Charles Hunter, commander in the Navy of the United States, guilty as heretofore recorded, do ad- judge that he, the said Charles Hunter, be dismissed from the naval service. SAML. L. BREESE, Rear-Admiral and President. HENRY EAGLE, Commodore and iVilember. J. L. LARDNER, Commodore. JAMES GLYNN, Captain. JOHN POPE, Captain. THos. T. CRAVEN, Captain. CHARLES GREEN, Captain. HARVEY JEWELL, Judge-Advocate. Approved: ABRAHAM LINCOLN. JUNE 19, 1863. The court having thus found Commander Charles Hunter guilty of violating the integrity of neutral and friendly territory, and having adjudged a punishment adequate to the character and nature of the offiense committed, would in consideration of the zeal and general good character as an officer of Commander Hunter, aiid of the fact that it app ears that in the ardor of chase and in the desire to serve faithfully ~his Government, he passed into neutral waters to board a vessel which had by her action and maneuvers rendered herself justly suspicious, and of all the circumstances attending the transaction, respectfully recommend Commander Hunter as deserving the clem- ency of the Executive. SAML. L. BREESE, Rear-Admiral. HENRY EAGLE, Commodore. J. L. LARDNER, Commodore. JAMES GLYNN~~japtain. JOHN POPE, Captain. THOS. T. CRAVEN, Captain. CHARLES GREEN, Captain Page 278 278 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from C. 3. Helm, esq., to the Secretary of State of the Confederate States, transmit- ting statement regarding the outrage committed by the U. S. S. Montgomery with protest of captain and crew of steamer Blanche. HAVANA, October 23, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to enclose herewith a copy of my note to the Hon. J. M. Mason, informing him of the recent outrage committed by the Federal cruiser if ontgomery in boarding with an armed force and burning the British steamer Blanche in the Spanish harbor of Marianao, a piratical act more aggravated than the forcible abduc- tion of our commissioners from the English mail steamer Trertt, and a copy of the protest of the captain and crew of the Blanche, which will place you in possession of all the facts connected with this unprec- edented disregard of the rights of neutrals by a belligerent. It may be proper to remark in this connection that at the earliest moment I communicated on the subject with Judge IRost, at Madrid, and that his excellency, the captain-general, feeling the outrage very keenly, by the same mail forwarded to his Government a full history of this and other insults to the Spanish flag by the Federal fleet cruising in the Gulf of Mexico. I regret very much to inform the Department that General Serrano will retire from Cuba in a few weeks, for I know he has constantly urged upon his Government the propriety of an immediate recognition of the Confederate States. He informs me, however, that his suc- cessor is a very high-toned gentleman, and that he will personally present me to him, and I hope to make him our friend, should he not already be so. While the change may or may not affect us here, I am assured General Serrano, in Spain, will be of great service to us. He will make personal representation of the condition of affairs and urge Spain to act promptly, even should England and France hold back. Public sentiment is growing stronger each day in our favor, and our friends here are sending into the Confederate States all such articles of necessity as can be obtained in Havana as rapidly as they safely can, and recently very few vessels have bt~en captured by the block- ading squadron. A large number of persons are coming to this place from New Orleans. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, CH. J. HELM. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of State, Richmond. [Enclosure.] HAVANA, October 23, 1862. M~ DEAR SIR: It becomes my duty to inform you of another outrage committed in Spanish waters by a Federal cruiser more aggra- vated than any previous violation of neutral rights by the Yankees, and which, in my opinion, is indefensible, and does not admit of apology. The history of this piratical outrage, the firing at the Eng- lish steamer Blanche when within 1 mile of the Cuban shore by the Federal gunboat Alontgomery, the following and boarding her when aground in the harbor of Marianao, the burning her, the insults to the English and Spanish flags, the abuse of the Spanish officials, the abduction of Spanish and English citizens, and other facts are given in the protest of the captain and crew of that English steamer, o Page 279 WEST GULF BLOGKADJNG SQUADRON. 279 record in the British consulate at Havana, a copy of which I have the honor to enclose herewith. His excellency the captain-general has laid all the facts connected with this outrage before his Government and the Spanish minister at Washington, and Mr. Crawford, the acting British consul-general here, has also communicated on the subject with his Government. A large majority of the people of Cuba, including the chief officials, exhibit great indignation at what they conceive to be an insult too great to be submitted to, even though the most humble apology should be offered by the Federal Government, and the subjects of her Britannic Majesty are no less clamorous for redress. It affords me great pleasure to repeat to you that the Confederate cause is more popular here now than it has been at any time since we began our struggle for independence. I am, sir, with very great respect, your obedient servant, CH. J. HELM. Hon. J. M. MASON, London. Protest of captain and crew of the steamer Blanche. Know all men by this public instrument of protest, that on the 10th day of October, in the year of our Lord 1862, at the office of the British consulate at Havana, before me, John Vincent Crawford, esquire, her Britannic Majestys acting consul-general in Cuba, per- sonally appeared Robert Nelson Smith, the master; William Scrim- geour, the mate, and August Lawrence, seaman, all of and belonging to the British steamship Blanche, of 417 tons, George Wigg, of Liver- pool, owner, provisionally registered on the 30th day of July last at this port, and being severally sworn upon the Holy IEvan~elists of ~X1mighty God, declared that they [were] on board of the said vessel, she then being tight, staunch an s rong, well fitted and provisioned, and in every respect complete for their then intended voyage, and being laden with a cargo consisting of 583 bales cotton, got up steam and departed from Port Lavaca, Tex., on the 29th day of September last, and proceeded on their voyage toward this port of Havana, there not being any blockading ship at the time off the entrance to Matagorda Bay, nor had there been any, to the best of their knowledge and belief, for several weeks previously. That they made the Island of Cuba on Saturday, the 4th instant, about 30 miles east of Cape San Antonio, and that finding themselves rather short of coals they crossed inside the Colorado Reefs at Cayo Levisza, and reached La Mulata on Sun- day morning, the 5th, about 10 oclock, where they remained until the next morning. That having obtained some fuel, and having engaged a coast pilot~ they got underway and proceeded to within 15 miles of Bahia Honda, anchoring for the night inside the reefs. That on Tuesday, the 7th instant, they again weighed anchor and continued their voyage, clearing the reefs and keeping within 1 mile from the shore. That they observed a large Spanish screw frigate come out of Mariel and proceed in the direction of Havana, and that when they were about 9 miles from the Morro Castle they discovered a steamer to the northeast, apparently leaving Havana and steering about northwest. That about 1:30 p. m. they saw the Spanish frigate ente Page 280 280 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. past the Morro, and immediately afterwards they noticed that the strange steamer had altered her course and was bearing down upon them. That when within 4 or 5 miles the stranger hoisted the United States flag and fired a gun, upon which they showed the British ensign at the peak. The American vessel shortly afterwards fired another gun and steered in such a direction that it was evident that she wished to intercept the Blanche. That, seeing the United States vessels hos- tile intention, in spite of the Blanches being in Spanish waters, the master considered it prudent to run into Marianao Creek, and did so, anchoring about 300 yards from the beach. That the Spanish pilot then went on shore and returned, accompanied by the alcalde de mar and his son, who was the only Spanish official on the spot, and the mas- ter having claimed his protection the alcalde de mar hoisted the Span- ish flag at the peak over the British ensign to show that the Blanche was under the protection ot the authorities and within the jurisdiction of her Majesty the Queen of Spain. That during this time the steamer bearing the United States flag had arrived and was lying abreast of them, and observing that two boats full of armed men were leaving her and coming toward the Blanche, Captain Smith deemed it neces- sary for the preservation of the ship and cargo to slip the cable and to run in under full steam, the ship taking the ground about 30 yards from the beach. That they were fully warranted in their apprehen- sions of the hostile intention of the United States vessel, for the two armed boats followed them and took possession of the Blanche, the boarding officer demanding the ships papers, which were handed to him by the master. He then enqu~ed what was the cargo. The master replied, Cotton. The officer said, Dont you know that cotton is contraband of war? to which the master answered No; not that I am aware of, on board of a British ship, and in a neutral port. The master asked the boarding officer what vessel he belonged to and what right he had to board a British ship within neutraj waters. The officer replied that he belonged to the United States steamer Montgomery; that he did not care about any protection from the Spanish authorities or flag as extended to the ship; that he had orders to take her wherever he could find her, and that he would do so and send the crew as prisoners on board the Montgomery. That he would not discuss as to~is right to do so, but would leave that point to be settled afterwards by the two Governments. It was in vain that the master remonstrated and protested against such violence and outrage, stating that he had placed the ship under the protection of the Spanish authorities. The boarding officer said that he had orders to take the ship at all hazards, and he then told the master to consider his ship a prize and himself and crew as prisoners. He ordered all hands on deck, setting sentries in all parts of the ship, and threatening to shoot any of the crew who attempted to stir, several pistol shots being actually fired, but fortunately without hitting anybody, although one ball passed through the pane of the stateroom door. He asked the crew if they did not wish to join the United States Navy, to which they all answered in the negative. He then ordered an engineer, whom he had brought with him, to take charge of the engine and try and back the ship off. The masters protest against these arbitrary proceedings was completely disregarded~ and the Spanish alcalde de mar having also protested in Spanish against the vio a ion of territor Page 281 WEST GULF IILOCKADING SQUADflON. 281 and the insult to his countrys flag, the boarding officer answered insultingly that he did not care for any Spanish authority nor for the Spanish flag, and then peremptorily ordered the alcalde to leave the ship. That the Spanish official not complying immediately, he was forced toward the ships side, one of the men actually striking the alcaldes son in the face, and both father and son were indignantly and violently compelled to get into their boat, the armed men pointing pistols at them and using threats toward them. That a few minutes after these occurrences, the ship not showing any signs of moving, smoke was seen suddenly to issue from the lower deck near the engine room, and in a very short time the ship was discovered to be on fire, the flames spreading with great rapidity. That some person called out that there was gunpowder on board, upon which the boarding officers and boats crews of the United States vessel made a rush for their lxats, taking with them the Spanish pilot and one of the passen- gers, and threatening to shoot any of the Blanches men who at- tempted to get into their boats. That the ship being now in a blaze, they succeeded in lowering the only boat which they had aft, and all the crew having got into it they abandoned the Blanche in order to p reserve their lives, and reached the shore, although the American boats endeavored to intercept them. That they remained on the beach watching the total destruction of their ship and cargo, the Spanish and the British flags being burned together, the American boats having returned to the steamer in the offing. That they were kindly taken care of by the Spanish authorities, and thathaving arrived here they now present themselves at this office. Whereupon they, the said appearers, desired to protest, and by these presents do most solemnly protest, against the ship, commander, officers, and the crew under the flag of the United States, who drove on shore, boarded, and set fire to the British steamer Blanche in the manner aforesaid, and against the Government of the United States of America, under whose flag, commission, and orders the said ship, officers, and crew are sailing and acting in direct violation of the laws of nations and the rights of neutrals in the waters under the jurisdiction of a neutral power, and far distant from the ports and places which are proclaimed to be blockaded by the naval forces of the United States,for the loss and destruction of the British steamer Blanche and her cargo, as well as for all losses which may be consequent thereon, for these appearers swear that all such is owing to the causes aforesaid, and not by reason of any defect or insufficiency of the said vessel or neglect of the master and crew. R. N. SMITH, Captain. W~. SCRIMGEOTJR. his AUGUST x LAWRENCE. mark. Signed and declared before me this 10th day of October, 1862. JOHN V. CRAWFORD, Acting Consul-General in Cuba Page 282 282 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from the Secretary of State of the Confederate States to Honorable John Slidell, referring to measures for securing indemnity from the Spanish Government. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Richmond, March 26, 1863. SIR: You will receive herewith a letter of credence authorizing you to act as special commissioner of this Government at the Court of Madrid. This letter is forwarded to you in consequence of the sug- gestion in your dispatch No. 26. Prior to the receipt of that dispatch the President had determined on sending a commissioner to Spain, but on conference with several members of the Senate it became apparent that the unjust action of European powers in refusing us the recognition to which we are so plainly entitled had produced its natural effect, and that there was a marked aversion to any further attempt at communication with them. Indeed, a very serious attempt was made to pass resolutions expressive of the sense of the Senate that our coiiimissioners should be withdrawn from all the European courts, but this was subsequently so far modified as to make an exception in regard to the French mis- sion. The irritation against Great Britain is fast increasing, and we had some trouble in satisfying different Senators that the true inter- ests of our country would suffer from the course they seemed inclined to adopt. It was specially in relation to the danger of having our supplies cut off and our ironclads stopped that we were most anxious. The proposal for withdrawal of our commissioners has therefore been abandoned, but in deference to the prevalent sentiment it is deemed~ injudicious to increase their number, and the President therefore avails himself of your proposal to proceed to Madrid, inasmuch as there is a pecuniary matter there pending which requires attention immediately. It is not deemed necessary to give you any special instructions in regard to the general subject of opening a friendly intercourse with Spain and of inducing, if possible, her Catholic Majesty to assume the initiative in forming with us relations which can not but redound to the honor and interest of Spain as well as to our own advantage. Nor is it necessary to dwell upon the expediency of your endeavoring to impress on the minds of the Spanish Cabinet the vast difference between the relations that will connect our Confederacy with Spain and those that have heretofore existed between the United States and the Spanish Government. The general views of the President on this subject are fully developed in the instructions which, by his direction, were addressed by my predecessor, the Honorable H. M. T. Hunter, to the commissioners formerly empowered to treat with that court for the opening of amicable relations. A copy of that dispatch, under date of 24th Aug ust, 1861, is herewith forwarded to you. On all other points your correspondence with this Department will have placed you so fully in possession of the policy of the Administration in its conduct of the Government, both at home and abroad, as to render useless any further explanations There is one rather unpleasant business matter in which early action seems necessary and to which I invite your attention. The Confederate Government was the owner of a certain steamer fitted up as a war vessel (although originally a merchantman), named the Generd Rusk, and this vessel, then lying in the harbor of Galves- ton, was placed by General H6bert, who commanded the Departmen Page 283 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 283 of Texas, under the control of Major T. S. Moise, his assistant quarter- master. Major Moise has recently been tried before a court-martial, convicted, and dismissed from the service, and from the evidence on his trial the President has become satisfied that he entered into a fraudulent combination with Robert Mott, J. L. Macauley and his brother __ Macauley, and Nelson Clements; that under color of procuring sup p lies for the Government he transferred (utterly without authority) the steamer Gene rat Rusic to his associates without the payment of any price or consideration to the Government; that he authorized them to put her under the British flag by collusive transfer to some British subject, and to employ her in commerce between the Confederacy and the Port of Havana for the joint benefit of himself and his associates, without stipulating for any freight or charter money in favor of the Government, and without even taking any other security for the return of the vessel to the Government than a bond, signed by his associates themselves, for the sum of $50,000, which was about one-third of the value of the vessel. It seems that in the execution of their plan the parties took the Rusic to Havana and had her, by some means unknown to this Gov- ernment, placed under British flag and provided with British papers and had her name changed to the Blanche. After one successful round voyage, in which the parties made large profits (both on their outward cargo of cotton and on supplies which they sold to the Gov- ernment at a heavy advance on the return of the vessel to Texas), the Blanche was on her way to Havana with a second cargo of cotton when both vessel and cargo were destroyed on the coast of Cuba within the neutral jurisdiction of Spain by the Federal steamer 211 ont- gomery, under circumstances of such outrage that the Federal Gov- ernment was forced, as we understand, to make reparation to Spain by the payment of $200,000 for the value of the vessel and cargo. It is also understood that one of the parties to the fraudulent con- spiracy against our Government has gone to Europe for the purpose of claiming, as owner, the whole amount of the indemnity accorded by the Government of the United States to that of Spain. On the above statement of facts it is of course unnecessary to offer any argument in support of the position that the General Rusic, or Blanche, never ceased to be the property of this Government, and that her transfer by an unfaithful officer of this Government, without authority and to fraudulent associates, and their collusive transfer to some British subject for the purpose of deceiving one of the bellig- erents in this war, are equally null and void. It is, in like manner, evident that the parties to this fraud who were owners of the cargo on the Blanche are responsible to this Government for at least an adequate compensation for the use an,d risk of the vessel on her pre- vious voyage, and the amount thus due by them to the Government exceeds the value of the cargo destroyed. Under all the circumstances of the case, this Government being the owner of the vessel, and having just demands against the owners of the cargo, who are citizens of the Confederacy, there can be no ques- tion of the right of the Government to receive for proper application the whole amount of the indemnity which Spain has exacted from the United States for account of the owners of vessel and cargo. It is therefore desired by the President that you take the proper measures for securing the payment of the whole sum to this Government Page 284 284 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. It does not escape our observation that you may be embarrassed in action on this subject from the fact that, as our independ- ence has not yet been recognized by Spain, the Government of her Catholic Majesty may feel averse to making immediate payment of this amount from apprehension of unfriendly discussions with the United States, if our demand be admitted. Such apprehension could not properly be entertained, for, as this Government has been recog- nized as a belligerent and Spain has proclaimed her neutrality between the two belligerents, the law of nations justifies her in exact- ing from the United States reparation for breach of neutrality and justifies us as a belligerent in requiring that due effect shall be given to the neutrality of Spain for the protection of our interests whilst within her territorial jurisdiction. But we care not to urge in the present posture of affairs our rights to their full extent, provided the interests and honor of our country are maintained unimpaired. If, therefore, you find that the Spanish Government, although willing to make us full reparation, should insist with any degree of pertinacity on deferring the final adjustment of the claim till the restoration of peace, it is not deemed politic to press our claim any further than to require an explicit assurance that the money shall not be paid to any other party than this Government without its consent. I have the honor to be, your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of State. Hon. JOHN SLIDELL, Paris. Letter from the Secretary of State of the Confederate States to Charles 3. Helm, esq., regarding the claim of the Confederate Government to indemnity. DEPAJITMENT OF STATE, Richmond, April 15, 1863. Sin: I desire to call your attention to a matter which has come to the knowledge of this Government and in relation to which some action on your part may become necessary. The facts are as follows: The Confederate Government was the owner of a certain steamer fitted up as a war vessel (although originally a merchantman), named the General Rusk, and this vessel, then lying in the harbor of Galves- ton, was placed by General Hubert, who commanded the Department of Texas, under the control of Major T. S. Moise, his assistant quarter- master. Major Moise has recently been tried before a court-martial, convicted, and dismissed from the service, and from the evidence taken on his trial the President has become satisfied that he entered into a fraudulent combination with Robert Mott, J. L. Macauley, and his brother, Macauley, and Nelson Clements; that under color of procuring supplies for the Government he transferred (utterly without authority) the steamer General Ruslc to his associates with- out the payment of any price or consideration to the Government; that he authorized them to put her under British flag by collusive transfer to some British subject, and to employ her in commerce between the Confederacy and the port of Havana for the joint benefit of himself and his associates, without stipulating for any freight or charter money in favor of the Government and without even takin Page 285 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 285 any other security for the return of the vessel to the Government than a bond signed by his associates themselves for the sum of $50,000, which was about one-third of the value of the vessel. It seems that in the execution of their plan the parties took the Rusk to Havana, and had her, by some means unknown to this Gov- ernment, placed under British flag and provided with British papers, and had her name changed to the Blanche. After one suc- cessful round voyage, in which the parties made large profits (both on their outward cargo of cotton and on supplies which they sold to the Government at a heavy advance on the return of the vessel to Texas), the Blanche was on her way to Havana with a second cargo of cotton when both vessel and cargo were destroyed on the coast of Cuba, within the neutral jurisdiction of Spain, by the Federal steamer Montgomery, under circumstances of such outrage that the Federal Government was forced, as we understand, to make reparation to Spain by the payment of $200,000 for the value of the vessel and cargo. It is also understood that one of the parties to the fraudulent con- spiracy against our Government has gone to Europe for the purpose of claiming, as owner, the whole amount of the indemnity accorded by the Government of the United States to that of Spain. On the above statement of facts it is of course unnecessary to offer any argument in support of the position that the General Rusic, or Blanche, never ceased to be the property of this Government~ and that her transfer by an unfaithful officer of this Government, without authority and to fraudulent associates, and their collusive transfer to some British subject for the purpose of deceiving one of the bellig- erents in this war, are equally null and void. It is in like manner evident that the parties to this fraud, who were owners of the cargo on the Blanche, are responsible to this Government for at least an adequate compensation for the use and risk of the vessel on her pre- vious voyage, and the amount thus due by them to the Government exceeds the value of the cargo destroyed. Under all the circumstances of the case, this Government being the owner of the vessel and having just demands against the owners of the cargo, who are citizens of the Confederacy, there can be no question of the right of the Government to receive for proper appli- cation the whole amount of the indemnity which Spain has exacted from the United States for account of the owners of vessel and cargo. In accordance with these views, the President has sent special instructions to make claim on the Spanish Government for the pay- ment to this Government of the whole amount of this indemnity. It has, however, occurred to us as possible that the matter may have been referred by the Spanish Government to the colonial author- ities in Cuba for settlement, inasmuch as the claim was based on the violation of the neutrality of the Cuban waters. I have therefore to request that you take prudent measures to ascertain if such be the fact, and if you find that the sum allowed for indemnity is to be dis- tributed t~ the rightful claimants by the Cuban authorities you will then claim the whole sum in the name of this Government. If any embarrassment should arise in such contingency from the fact that we have not yet been recognized by Spain, and if you find the Cuban authorities averse to making settlement with you from apprehen- sion of unfriendly discussions with the United States, you may con- fine yourself to insisting for the present on an explicit assurance tha Page 286 286 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the money shall not be paid to any other party than this Government without its consent. In conclusion, I repeat that no action is expected on your part unless you shall become satisfied that the parent Government has referred the matter to the Cuban authorities for settlement. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of State. CHARLES J. HELM, Esq., Havana. Letter from Charles 3. Helm, esq., to the Secretary of State of the Confederate States referring to the status of the case in the matter of indemnity claimed by the Spanish Government. HAVANA, June 3, 1863. SIR: I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt on the 10th ultimo of your dispatch dated April 15, in relation to the steamer General Rusk. The circumstances connected with the fraudulent transfer of the General Rusk to John L. Macauley and others had reached me through private sources previous to the receipt of your dispatch, and knowing the Government was interested in the claim preferred by Spain against the Federal Government for the destruction of this vessel in one of her ports, have watched the progress of the negotiations between Spain and the United States on the subject with interest; and am enabled to inform you that the Spanish minister at Wash- ington was instructed by his Government to demand an apolog~[ for the outrage and payment to the owners of the General Rus , or Blanche, of the value of the steamer and cargo. The demand was made the Federal Government disavowed the act of the commander of the Montgomery, and promised payment, and here the matter rests, as I am informed, for the present. Should the money be paid, and the subject be referred back to this colonial government, I anticipate no difficulty in arresting payment at least until after the recognition of the Confederate States. The Department may be assured I shall act prudently in the premises. I have the honor to be, with great respect, your obedient servant, Cu. J. HELM. Hon. J. P. BENJAMIN, Secretary of State, Richmond. Jnstructions from the Secretary of the Navy to Lieutenant-Commander Haxtun, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Connecticut, regarding the distribution of supplies. NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 9, 1862. SIR: On Saturday next, the 11th instant, proceed with the U. S. S. Connecticut on another trip to the Gulf Blockading Squadrons. The Connecticut will touch at Port Royal going and returning and at Hampton Roads returning. From the latter place forward your mails to the Department via Baltimore and continue to New York. In addition to the Gulf Squadrons the Connecticut will also supply such of the vessels of Acting Rear-Admiral Wilkes squadron as may b Page 287 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 287 fallen in with. With this view your course will be through the North East Providence Channel and out of the North West Providence Channel, and you wi]l return through these channels. Unless the yellow fever has entirely disappeared from Key West you will not go into that port, but near enough only to signal a boat, into which mails and passengers will be placed, and no person from the shore will be allowed on board the Conneetteut. Avoid communicating with the shore and shipping at different points on the coast until it is ascertained that they are free from yel- low fever. No documents, letters, or articles are to be received on board the Connecticut from ships or places infected with the yellow fever as an epidemic, without fumigation. These restrictions are not to prevent the delivery of stores, medicines, etc., to an infected vessel by means of healthy boats. Be careful to communicate with all of the blockading vessels at Barataria and points on the coast of Texas. Pensacola is now the depot of the Western Gulf Squadron. I am, respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES Secretary of the Navy. Lieutenant-Commander MILTON HAXTUN, Commanding U. S. S. Connecticut, New York. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Acting Lieutenant Wood- worth, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. J. P. Jackson, for the sounding of Petit Bois Island Pass. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, October 9, 1862. SIR: You will take your station in the vessel under your command to the northward and eastward of the pass between Dauphin Island and Petit Bois, in order to render the blockade more effectual, and from whence you may the better observe the movements of the enemy and keep vessels from entering the sound or Mobile Bay from that direction. And you will please have the pass between Dauphin Island and Petit Bois (known as Petit Bois [Island] Pass) carefully sounded to ascertain the depth of the water there and the course of the channel. You will please report to the commanding officer off Mobile bar any appearance of an active movement on the part of the Confederates and all other interesting events. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding the Blockade off Mobile Bay. Acting Lieutenant Commanding SELIM [K.] WooDwonTil, U. S. Gunboat J. P. Jackson, Mississippi Sound. N W RVOL 19 2 Page 288 288 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. R~port of Acting Lieutenant Woodworth, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. J. P. Jackson, giving the circumstances attending a fire on that vessel. U. S. S. JACKSON Ship Island, October 9,1862. Sin: I have to report the taking fire of this vessel yesterday morn- ing at 5:30 a. in., under the following circumstances: At 5 a. m. got underway from the anchorage opposite the [Horn Island] Pass, between Petit Bois and Horn islands, and was standing up the sound to Grants Pass, blowing fresh from the E. S. E. and 2a heavy swell setting into the [Mississippi] Sound. At 5:30 the ship was reported on fire in the fire room. The fire was first discovered in front of the boilers, coming up the boiler tube, and between the fire-room floor and the boiler. The watch on deck had just coupled the hose on the donkey pump for the purpose of washing decks, and it took but a few moments to get the water started through the hose. It was for some time difficult to discover exactly where the fire was located. One of the first-class firemen, William Wells, gallantly took the hose and crawled in from the blowroom, under the boiler, and at imminent risk of suffocation succeeded in extinguishing the fire ~nd saving the vessel. I also take pleasure in speaking of the coolness and bravery of James Sullivan and Thomas Harding, formerly first-class firemen, now acting as third assistant engineers, whose example did much to prevent confusion and panic. As soon as the alarm was given put the vessel before the wind in the direction of Ship Island and made every preparation to drown the magazines and beach the steamer on Petit Bois or Horn islands. Deeming it imprudent to proceed up the sound to the eastward until an examination could be made of the cause of the fire, and to guard against a recurrence of the accident, started for Ship Island with low fires and came to anchor at 10 a. m. I immediately called a survey, consistifig of the engineer of the Pinola and master machinist of the Government machine shop on the island. A copy of their report is enclosed. Upon examination, after taking up a portion of the fire room floor, discovered that a hole had corroded through the side of the blower blast tube, close to the boiler, through which some fire had rolled from the ash pan under the fire-room floor, setting fire to the woodwork supporting the floor and the boiler beds. There being no sheet-iron workers here, they having left for Pensa- cola, I am at work with my engineer department making the necessary repairs, which as soon as completed, I will return again to the east end of the sound. Respectfully and truly, yours, SELIM E. WooDWOETH, Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral DAVID G. FARRAGUT, Commandingul/ Squadron Page 289 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 289 Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters pertaining to his command, transmitting report of Commander French, U. S. Navy, regarding prevalence of yellow fever. No. 215.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 9,1862. SIR: I have to report the return to this port of the bark W. G. Ander- son and steamer Albatross from the coast of Texas. The Andersons crew are badly afflicted with the scurvy, and most of their times have expired; but as the commander, Acting Master N. DOyley, appears to be a *~an of energy, I will send the men home and supply him from the Potomac, as soon as the supply vessel arrives or, rather, is ready to return north. The Albatross has the yellow fever on board, and Com- mander French represents it as prevailing very generally at the mouth of the Rio Grande. His report is herewith forwarded. He is quar- antined and not allowed to communicate with the rest of the squadron. Up to the present moment the fever has not increased. I know it is hard to add to a mans misfortune, but it is my duty to tell an officer when he does wrong, and therefore I have told Commander French that he should have reported to me the condition of his ship and ]eft it for me to relieve him; but I think he acted to the best of his judg- ment. I have no suitable vessel to send to the mouth of the Rio Grande at p resent, but as soon as I have one I will send it there. There are no foreign vessels at that place at present. Ih ave the coast of Texas lined with vessels, all trying to do some- thing. If I had a military force I would go down and take every place from the Mississippi River to the Rio Grande. The Dc Soto, Captain W. M. Walker, to whom I sent orders two months since, has just arrived at New Orleans for repairs. Why he did not receive his orders before I have not yet ascertained, but I pre- sume the supply vessels did not see him on their down trips. I do not send the Dc Soto home, because she can be repaired, I think, out here; and I will soon be without a force adequate to our duty. The Susquehanna is now completely broken down; her starboard cylinder is split 8 feet from bottom to top, in addition to other breaks; if she had only a less draft I would, when the Department thinks proper, take her into Mobile; but with such a heavy draft as 20 feet (which is as light as I can make her for practical operations), she would be very liable to get ashore, and with but one engine it would be almost impossible to get her off or manage her, so that I fear that I shall be compelled to send her home; but I must do her commander and officers the justice to say that they evince no anxiety of the kind, but on the contrary all appear to be anxious to do everything in their power to keep the ship out, in order to take their share in the next fight. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. lion. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 290 290 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [Endosure.] U. S. S. ALBATROSS, Pensacola, October 4,1862. Sin: The enclosed copy of a communication addressed to me by the surgeon of this vessel will at once explain to you the cause of my pres- ence at this place, and as I had so short a time previously reported to you the general good health of the vessel, it will doubtless be to you a matter of great surprise to learn of our having the fever on board. As it did not show itself until nearly three weeks after our arrival at the Rio Grande, it is very certain it could not have been brought ~i board at Key West, but we have undoubtedly contracted it from oii~b oard- ing and examining the vessels at the Rio Grande, every one of which had more or less on board. On the instant of its appearance on board I got underway, steaming slowly several days up and down the coast, from the Brazos to the Rio Grande, but without its seeming to pro- duce any favorable effect, when, upon the fatal termination of another case, I felt it my duty, in view of the fact that the services of the vessel there were really of no consequence in comparison with the lives of the crew, to comply with the urgent solicitations of the surgeon. During the time we were steaming up and down the coast we wit- nessed, on two successive days, a very remarkable phenomenonthe entire surface of the ocean, as far as the eye could see, covered with a dense mass of dead fish of various kinds and sizes, from the small pan- fish to those of 40 or 50 pounds, through which we were upward of an hour in passing, going at full steam, in consequence of the extremely offensive perfume attending them. Trusting the course I have pursued will meet your approbation, I am, very respectfully your obedient servant, H. FRENCH, Commander, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. P. S.The health officer has directed me to anchor outside to the southward of the light-house for the present. [Subenclosure.] U. S. S. ALBATROSS, Off the 211 outh of the Rio Crande, September 30, 1862. SIR: In consequence of there having occurred among us two speed- ily fatal cases of yellow fever, while three others are suffering from the disease and many of the ships company give unmistakable evidence of malarial poisoning in greater or less degree, it has become my duty to report that, in my opinion, it is indispensable to the health and safety of the crew that this vessel should go immediately to some point where there are greater facilities for the care of the sick and where the vessel may be thoroughly disinfected. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, WM. J. BURGE, Acting Assistant Surgeon. HENRY FRENCH, Esq., Commander, U. S. Navy Page 291 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 291 Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting correspond- ence regarding the illegal trade from Miatamoras, Miexico. No. 214.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 9, 1862. Sin: I herewith forward a correspondence between Commander French and the U. S. consul at Matamoras, which tends to show the necessity of our taking Fort Brown at the earliest moment we have troops to hold it. I do not wish to do so just now, as the yellow fever is prevailing there, but I will look to it so soon as the sickly season passes and the general can spare me a few troops to hold it. Theii, if the Department could let me have two or three vessels of light draft, less than 7 feet, I would keep the Rio Grande clear and break up the trade with Texas from that river to the mouth of the Mississippi River. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. [Enclosures.] U. S. S. ALBATROSS, Off Rio Orande, September 18, 1862. Sin: The very opportune arrival of the Vincennes enables me to put you in possession of information which either is of great impor- tance as to the operations of our blockading force here, or would seem to indicate that it is not a position in which much service can be rendered. I forward you copies of communications I have addressed the con- sul, and of his replies, as also an official note to Sefior Don Juan A. Zambrano, director of the custom-house, etc. On Sunday last I sent my clerk to Matamoras for the purpose of communicating with the consul; he returned yesterday, bringing me a letter, a copy of which I also enclose you, dated the 16th. I was in hopes the Vincennes would have brought me fuller instruc- tions than those under which I am now acting. I am fully convinced that the trade with Matamoras is most, if not all, illegal, but I know not how it can be interfered with by me, as the papers of all the ves- sels are so well authenticated. Thus far all the arrivals since I anchored here, with one exception, have been from Havana, in bal- last. A very careful search of them has not discovered anything out of the way. They all come for cotton, and the?e are hundreds of bales brought out of the river every day in a Mexican steamer and in small Mexican lighters; there are also piled up on the Mexican side of river a very large number of bales, distinctly visible from our deck. This I honestly believe is rebel property, and my inclination to lay violent hands on it is very great. You will perceive by the letter of the consul of day before yester- day he expresses precisely the same opinion as myself, and suggests the only way to prevent it will be to occupy Fort Brown with a small force. If there was sufficient water on the bar I would not hesitate to go up there, there being only about 20 soldiers in the fort, no guns, and no other troops near them. There are enough Union refugees, or rather Union Americans, wh Page 292 292 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. have escaped from Brownsville and other places in Texas, now in Matamoras, whose property has been taken from them, and they have barely escaped with a whole skin, who are spoiling for a fight with the rebels and are anxiously ho p ing for an opportunity to avenge their wrongs. They would gla or anize and go over to Brownsville and take possession and hold it. Supplies for them could easily be procured, either by our own vessels or from Matamoras, and by thus occupying it the most effectual preventive would be applied to the outrageous exportation of cotton now going on at this river. Can not it be done? The Mexican steamer which brings the cotton out of the river could, I doubt not, be easily chartered or bought, a couple of guns mounted on her, and she could sweep every rebel from the banks of the river and afford the most complete protection to the force in Browns- ville. Could not General Butler spare a single company for such highly important service? I dont think there would be the slightest danger in the matter. Another large article of export here is specie. Nearly all the vessels clearing from here have on board more or less of it, mostly consigned to the Bank of England. A Prussian bark, the Adeline, which left here day before yesterday, had $197,000, with cotton invoiced at $98,931.05. This specie business is, I doubt not, all right, as the conductas from the interior bringing the article to the seacoast can not export it either from Vera Cruz or Tampico, in consequence of the French blockade which, as yet, has not been declared here. Last evening the English steam sloop Greyhound arrived, the only foreign vessel of war which has appeared off here. She came from Vera Cruz without news of importance, and leaves again imme- diately; by her I forward your communication for Captain Trathen, which I received from Commander Nichols, of the Iroquois. I am sorry to have to report to you that two days after our arrival at this place this vessel, which, since I have been in command, has been perfectly tight, most unaccountably commenced leaking, which has gradually increased until this morning; it is 2 feet in ea6h watch (4 hours), which keeps our donkey constantly employed. What it proceeds from, or what occasions it, I can not imagine. I availed myself of smooth water this morning to heel the vessel about 2~ on each side, but could discover nothing where a leak might be suspected; found a sheet of copper torn off, and a p lank slightly boomed on the port bow, about 2 feet under water, which I think must have been done when alongside the navy yard at Pensacola by some unknown or concealed rocks or piles at the end of the wharf while landing our 8-inch gun, and yet why did she not leak at the time? I have very carefully examined all the engine holes, and find nothing wrong there. It is, to say the least, very strange. I have twice been up to the Brazos Santiago. I find there two dis- mantled and used-up schooners, which evidently are worthless, high and dry on the beach; another schooner, sails bent and app ar- ently in good order (light), lying under Fort Polk. She was there when we arrived here. If I had a launch capable of carrying a how- itzer, and the howitzer to put in it, I would take her out. I am, however, keeping a bright lookout for her should she attempt to come out. There appears to be about a company of Texans and some few people living about there Page 293 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 293 The captain of a French merchant bark which arrived here from Havana on Sunday last informed me that Captain Semmes, of Sumter notoriety, sailed from there on the 2d of September in a large, three- masted, heavily-armed propeller for the purpose of intercepting the steamer Columbia, from New York, and three others were daily ex- pected. I am gratified that I can report the health of the ship good, free from all appearances of fever. Connecticut has not been here, and I have given up all expectation of seeing her now. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. FRENCH, Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Command ~ng Western Division Gulf Blockading Squadron. U. S. S. ALBATROSS Off Rio Grande, September 13, 1862. SIR: The accompanying communication for the consul of the United States, which you were kind enough to offer to forward to him, has embodied in it the subject-matter of our consultation yesterday morning, and I have thought, since our interview, this was the most proper course for all official correspondence between the Mexican Government and myself. The consul ot the United States will, of course, communicate its contents, or such portions of it, as refer to the subjects of yesterdays interview, to the Mexican Government, and, I have no doubt, to yourselt also. It will be equally my pleas- ure, as well as my duty, to avoid, if possible, in carrying out the orders of my Government, the slightest approach to anything which would tend to disturb the very friendly relations now existing between the two governments. With very great respect, your obedient servant, H. FRENCH, Sefior DON J. A. ZAMBRANO, Commander, U. S. Navy. Inspector of Custom-Houses, etc., Miatamoras. [Subenclosure.] U. S. S. ALBATROSS, Off Rio Crande, September 12, 1862. SIR: Your note of the 11th instant, introducing Sefior J. A. Zam- brano, was duly presented. I regret exceedingly I have not had the opportunity ot a personal interview with you, as there are many ques- tions of the most delicate character touching neutral trade with the port of Matamoras uj~ on which I apprehend you could give me infor- mation as to owners ip, etc., of property, cotton particularly, which would enable me to act in relation to it, and I would again request, if possible, you would come on board the Albatross. From what I have I earned on shore, through Mexicnn channels, I am led to the belief it would be highly improper to send my boats into the river, and that there would be no safety in their landing on the Mexican side, and I therefore shall not allow them to go. In my interview with Sefior Zambrano this morning he informed me that this is the anchorage for the port of Matamoras, and alway Page 294 294 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. has been so, and hoped I would not order any of the vessels now to remove to the southern side of the river (Mexican water), as they could not possibly carry on their business there, loading or unloading their cargoes, the anchorage being so bad and the current so strong. I replied to him that, although it had always been so, it was really in the waters of the United States, and being Texan water was under blockade, and therefore forbidden ground. He told me he would require all vessels arriving after this time to anchor south of a line drawn through the center of the river. In regard to the cotton which is daily coming out ot the river under the Mexican flag, he assured me it was all bona fide Mexican property, and that most of it had been in Matamoras a very long time, purchased by Mexican merchants and manufactured into Mexican fabric for Mexican use. Sefior Zam- brano also informed me that this shipment of cotton has been going on since May last, during the presence here of our blockading vessels. Now, my dear sir, it appears to me this is all wrong, and I can not but think every ounce of cotton here is really liable to seizure, and I would not hesitate one moment but for your certificate on the bills ot lading that it is Mexican property and shipped from Mexican port. It is on this subject that I am particularly anxious for a personal interview. Sefior Zambrano also informed me that his Government had purchased a large quantity of arms, which he expected to arrive here very soon, some from New York, others from Europe, and ask my intervention in case a French vessel of war should come here to blockade the place This, of course, I told him I could not do, as it would be compromising my own Government in its relations with France. I did, however, say to him, should the vessel, on board which these arms have been shipped, arrive here when there was no French vessel in the blockade, on the receipt of a written assurance from the Mexican Government that the purchase was for the sole use of the Mexican Government, and should not find their way into Texas, I would not oppose their bein landed. These are but instances o~ the many very delicate questions so difficult to decide, which are occasioned by two conterminous states, each of which are involved in war, and are still neutral to each others enemies, and my law library is so very limited I have not authorities to refer to. My instructions are to act with the greatest delicacy toward neutrals in their legitimate trade with Matamoras, and to prevent the exporta- tion of cotton from Texas. This, you will readily see, is a matter of absolute impossibility for me to do while the article is permitted by the Mexican Government to cross the river from Texas and become Mexican property. Would the Mexican Government prohibit all the exportations of cotton from Matamoras, it would no longer be a mat- ter on which I should have the slightest doubt as to my course. Until then, and while certified by you to be Mexican property, I must regard your consular endorsement. Yet hoping I may see you here, I am, Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. FRENCH, Commander, U. S. Navy. L[EONARD] PIERCE, Jr., Esq., U. S. Consul, 111 atamoras Page 295 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 295 CONSULATE OF THE UNITED STATES QF AMERICA, 111 atamoras, September 16, 1862. SIR: Your letter of the 12th, by Sefior Zambrano, was received on the 14th, and judging from what he said to you, and what he is doing here, it would seem that he is giving much aid to the rebels through the influence of his office. Before he came here, the rebels were obliged to pay heavy duties on everything carried across this river; for instance, the export duties here on flour going to Texas was $5 per barrel; it is now but $1.50, it being put down by the influence of said Zambrano. As to the cotton, there is not one pound in fifty that ever belonged to a Mexican, neither is there one bale in ten that ever remained one week on Mexican soil, with the exception of a small amount that is on its way down from Monterey, but has not arrived yet. It is true that cotton has been shipped from this port while our blockading ships were here, as it was decided that as the cotton paid an import and an export duty to Mexico, it became naturalized, and the only way to prevent it would be to prevent its crossing the frontier, which could be done by occupying Fort Brown with a small force. In my certificate I merely certify that they declare the cotton to be legally shipped from Matamoras. There is no doubt but that most of the trade with Matamoras is illegal. I send down correspondence of Captain Hunter, in which you will see the course pursue d by him to bring them to terms, and which had the most satisfactory results. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. PIERCE, Jr., U.S. Consul. Commander H. FRENCH, U. S. S. Albatross. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Morris, U. S. Navy, regarding assignment of officers to certain vessels. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 10, 1862. SIR: If the De Soto is at New Orleans, you will order Lieutenant- Commander R. F. R. Lewis to the command of the U. S. S. Itasca. You will also order Lieutenant F. 0. Davenport to the Sciota as exec- utive. Send me the proceeding in regard to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Manton and Acting Master Charles H. Huggins. Very respectfully, etc., Commodore MORRIS. [D. G. FARRAGUT.] Instructions from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Com- mander Crosby, U. S. Navy, senior officer off Ship Island. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, October 10, 1862. SIR: Grants Pass is believed to be open between Mobile Bay and the [Mississippi] Sound, and vessels are said to be frequently passing through Page 296 296 WB~T GULF BLOCKADING SQUADflON. The Confederate armed steamboat Miorgan, mounting ten guns, or some other armed steamer, is reported to be to an anchor in the sound near the said pass. As the senior naval officer present at Ship Island you are requested to be vigilant in watching the movements of the vessels referred to, and will report to me off this bar all the information relative to them that you may obtain. The gunboat J. P. Jackson was supposed to be off Horn Island or Petit Bois [Island] Pass, blockading the sound and watching the enemy, but she was not seen yesterday by Commander Febiger, who was sent to both passes to communicate with her. Please have the letter enclosed herein delivered to Captain Wood- worth. The Calhoun aiso should be at Ship Island or in the sound. Should she be present there, you will please send her up the sound, in company with the Jackson, to make the necessary observations. The Calhoun will then return to Ship Island. Captain Woodworth, in going up the sound, will be able, if important, to communicate with one of the gun- boats blockading Horn Island and Petit Bois [Island] passes during the absence of the Jackson. Very respectiully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding the Blockade off if obile Bay. Lieutenant-Commander PEIRCE CROSBY, U. S. Gunboat Pinola, Ship Island. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Commander Preble, U. S. Navy, regarding the delivery of letters to Commanders Fair/ax and Febiger, U. S. Navy. ~. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, October 11, 1862. SIR: You will please get underway and deliver the letters which I send herewith to Lieutenant-Commanders Fairfax and Febiger, direct- ing them to take their stations nearer the forts and this ship. On your return please anchor due west from this ship, bringing Sand Key light to bear north by compass. As soon as the weather abates the surveying officers will be sent on board to inspect your bearing. H. H. BELL, Very respectfully, Commodore. Commander GEORGE H. PREBLE, U. S. Gunboat Oneida, off Mobile Bar. P. S.This norther affords a fair chance for running out. There- fore please return to this part of the blockade as soon as possible. H. H. BELL. Semiofficial letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Com- modore Bell, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, October 11,1862. DEAR COMMODORE: I received your communication in relation to the Sea Horse. The Government has just [sent] me orders not t Page 297 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 297 allow any more coasting permits, etc. I have not time to send you copies, but will do so as soon as I can have them made out. Poor Preble is relieved by Jenkins. Tell him to get all ready to deliver his vessel over when the Rhode Island arrives. The Cuba arrived safely in Havana, and I shall have a court upon Woodworth. He writes me word that he has been up to Petit Bois [Island] Pass and broke down and had to return to Ship Island, and there he lies. I send you regis- ters, etc., and will get all straight by the Rhode Island. I received no letters from home. I hope you did. Take everything. Let nothing pass that does not bear the pass of the Secretary of the Treasury, War, or Navy, except to New Orleans. No military or naval officer has a right to give passes except to vessels that are supplying them with provisions, etc. My mail [is] tremendous, and I must close this hurried note. Yours, truly, D. G. FARRAGUT. Commodore H. H. BELL. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, commanding off Mobile, regard- ing general matters in that vicinity. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, October 12, 1862. Sin: Having heard nothing of the J. P. Jackson, I sent the Ken- nebec to Ship Island yesterday with a letter to Lieutenant-Commander Crosby, directing him as senior officer present to send the Jackson and Calhoun up the [Mississippi] Sound to Petit Bois [Island] Pass, one or both of them, if they were at Ship Island. #The Kennebec returned to her station last night. By her I was informed that the Calhoun was in Lake Borgue, and the Jackson at Ship Island being repaired, having taken fire while on a cruise in the sound. Captain Woodworth wrote to me, saying he would proceed up the sound to Petit Bois, if the water will admit of it, as soon as the weather abated. It having moderated very materially, I presume we shall hear from him to-morrow, when I will dispatch a gunboat to com- municate with him. Captain Preble informed me to-day that, having received the letter of the Secretary of the Navy, his functions cease, and he accordingly turned over the Oneida to the command of Lieutenant Sicard. The Kanawha, having only 5 tons coal on board, will proceed to Pensacola to-night with this letter. Her boilers appear to be getting into a bad condition. I do not order her to Ship Island, because I wish to communicate with you, and the needful work may be done upon her, assisted by the mechanics of the fleet, whilst she is coaling. She can be sent to Ship Island after the Pinola is repaired, if more extensive work be necessary. I trust she will be sent back to her station immediately. A gunboat and some four or five schooners and sloops are constantly to an anchor off Grants Pass, to which the enemy seem to attach con- siderable importance. The gunboat sometimes flies a broad pennant, and Lieutenant-Commander Russell informs me that he has seen her and several sailing vessels in the sound, the former anchored in Gravline Bay Page 298 298 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The Tennessee arrived here at 7 p. m. yesterday, and as the night was stormy did not communicate with me before this morning, and as you had ordered Captain Johnson to put the acting master, whom you had ordered to the Kennebec, under arrest, I concluded to let him remain in the Tennessee until she rejoins you. The two refugees referred to in Captain Crosbys letter are on board the Kanawha for your disposal. The one named John A. Porter is an engineer, and speaks confidently of what he knows. He was escaping to New Orleans when a boat from the Jackson overhauled him. He says a battle was fought at Corinth last Monday between the forces of General Buell and the Confederates under Price and Van Dorn, in which the Confederates confess themselves badly cut to pieces. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding off Mobile Bar. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola Bay. P. S.Brig J. P. Elliott, a coal vessel, having been to Ship Island for sand ballast, lost her anchors yesterday and was supplied with one of 750 pounds by the Kennebec, but not fe~ling safe with that one, is trying for Pensacola to supply himself with more. She sailed from here this afternoon. H.H.B. Letter from the Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the movements of vessels at Miatamoras, Mexico, carrying contraband of war. NAVY DEPARTMENT, October 13, 1862. SIR: The Department Aeems it proper to communicate to you the following information gathered from consular dispatches received by the Secretary of State. The rebel schooner Henry Colthrist arrived at the Belize, Honduras, August 18, with 64 bales of cotton, and the schooner Sarah Gordon, the same day, from Galveston, Tex., by the way of Campeche or Laguna [de Terminos], with 140 bales of cotton. These vessels exchanged their cargoes for merchandise, ammuni- tion, etc., and left, most likely, for the same ports from which they had arrived. Shipments of powder, shot, etc., from the Belize, are said to be quite frequent. A refugee who recently arrived at London direct from Matamoras, and is from Texas, says over 7,000 bales of Texas cotton have been shipped from Matamoras~ and that small sailing vessels often arrive there with contraband of war for the insurgents, and that they gen- erally come from St. Thomas and Havana. I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Rear-Admiral DAVID G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola, Fla Page 299 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 299 Report of Commander Caidwell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, referring to the disposition of the steamer Anglo-American. U. S. IRONCLAD GUNBOAT ESSEX, Off New Orleans, October 14, 186k?. SIR: I have the honor to inform the Department that, agreeably to the orders of Admiral Farragut, the steam tug Anglo-American has been turned over to her owners, and her officers and crew (late of the gunboat Sumter) transferred to this vessel. Enclosed I forward a receipt for the vessel and 50 tons of coal, which we were obliged to leave in her for want of room to stow it in this vessel. I most urgently request that the Department will order the accounts of the officers and men of the Sumter forwarded to this vessel. They have been written for repeatedly, but never sent, nor the letters answered. The officers and men have received no money nor small stores for four months. They have not been able to leave their families allot- ments, nor send them one cent of money, and although urged by the most pressing appeals to send funds to pay for what they have run in debt, and provide food and raiment tor the coming winter, I regret to say that nothing has been paid them, and for want of funds they can not send a particle of their pay for the relief of. their families. We are now going up the river to remain for months, and with no money for these officers and men to pay their debts, in some cases the families of the engineers and others are in actual distress. I have represented these facts, and made every effort to obtain money, but without success. Enclosed I forward a list of the officers and crew of the Sumter, whose accounts have never been received. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. B. CALDWELL, Commander, Commanding Gunboat Flotilla. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Guest, U. S. Navy, to proceed to blockade duty on the coast of Texas. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 14, 1862. SIR: You will proceed to Ship Island, fill up your coal and pro- visions, get your work from the machine shop, and then proceed to Galveston, or down the coast of Texas until you fall in with Com- mander Renshaw, and report to him for the blockade of that coast. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral. Commander JOHN GUEST, Commanding U. S. S. Kensington Page 300 300 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Hunter, U. S. Navy, to cruise for the interception of steamers from abroad. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 14, 1862. SIR: You will report to Commander II. II. Bell, off Mobile, for the purpose of blockading in the offing, at a distance of 20 or 30 miles to the southward of the port, in the hopes of intercepting some of the many steamers now known to be bound to Mobile from foreign ports. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander CHAS. HUNTER, Commanding U. S. S. Montgomery. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, requesting a sufficient force to hold Galveston. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 14, 1862. SIR: I herewith enclose an extract from an order of the honorable Secretary of the Navy, by which you will perceive that no licenses or permits are to be granted to places in possession of the enemy. I take pleasure in announcing to you the capture of Galveston and a large portion of the coast of Texas by our forces, and beg to know if you can not let us have sufficient force to hold Galveston. It is on a slip of land, and can be held with a very small number of troops and one gunboat. We have not destroyed the bridge because the inhabitants would starve, but we do not allow the cars to cross the bridge. Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi are also in our possession. Please let me know as soon as possible what you can do about the troops. I have permitted Robert F. Clement, an Englishman, captured in the steamer Blanche, or General Rusic, to go to New Orleans in the Rhode Island. His passport, etc., were lost in the wreck of the burn- ing steamer General Rusk. Yours, truly and respectfully, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Major-General BENJ. F. BUTLER, Commanding, etc. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, referring to the successful operations of the Navy. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, October 14, 1862. DEAR COMMODORE: Everything appears to be going on well with us just now. The army has been successful at Corinth, and they acknowledge a great defeat. Renshaw has taken Galveston, Kit- tredge Aransas, and Crocker the Sabirie Pass and city. We hav Page 301 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 301 nearly the whole coast of Texas and without the loss of a man. The gunboats made a splendid capture at Bayou Plaquemine of 1,500 head of fat cattle for the Confederates, and, what was the best of it, they got them all down to New Orleans; but in a little skirmish they lost poor Swasey and one man on the Kineo. I think, however, they settled one point very clearly, viz: Lowry says, you may remember, that there are 10,000 or 15,000 guerrillas and troops, and that the whole river will soon be in the possession of the enemy. Now, in this case, they drove the last 300 head of cattle from Donaldsonville down to New Orleans through this awful guerrilla country. The smokestack of the Winona is almost done, but she still leaks, and if it continues I will send her in the river and bring out the Sciota. I am told there are two ironclads in Larduers dominionssome watch- ing river to the eastward of us that are soon expected down. I received letters from Mrs. F. by the last mail; up to the 24th all well. I expect my son out by the Connecticut. You see that all these passes are stopped except to supply the troops and vessels. There are so many papers that I can not get them ready fast enough. But you have nothing to look out for but the blockade of Mobile, but I shall have a court on Woodworth for the escape of the steamers through the [Mississippi] Sound. He said he saw them; why did he not chase them 3 I send the Miontgomery to report to you to cruise about 25 or 30 miles to the southward and eastward of Mobile for the vessels now expected to arrive. He saw them in Havana, and I told him to chase them in to you or take them, but he will give you notice, and I think the If. is fast. Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore H. H. BELL, Commanding Mobile Blockade. Report of Acting Volunteer Lieutenant Kittredge, U. S. Navy, command- ing U. S. bark Arthur, giving list of vessels captured by that vessel or destroyed by the enemy. U. S. BARK ARTHUR, Pensacola, Fla., October 15, 1862. SIR: I respectfully report to you, collectively, in compliance with your request, the whole number of vessels captured by this vessel and tenders since I have been in command of her, as well as those destroyed by the enemy to prevent their falling into our hands. January 25, 1862. Schooner J. J. McNeil; vessel sent to Ship Island, cargo to New York. February. Sloop Belle font, recaptured by enemy while lying inside the bar at Aransas, where she was left for use as tender. Sloop Daniel Webster, released, as nothing contraband was found and captain a noncombatant. Sloops Swan and Mustang, abandoned to escape capture of our men by a greatly superior force. July 9. Schooner Reindeer, with 45 bales of cotton; sent North per steamer Connecticut; schooner now at Aransas. Flat (no name), 52 bales of cotton, sent North per steamer Connecticut Page 302 302 WEST QULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. July 10.Sloop Belle Italia, no cargo, at Aransas. Schooner Monte Christo, burned at Lamar by the enemy while we were securing the cotton, as we had not force to protect her. August 12.Armed schooner Breaker, now at Aransas. Armed schooner Elma, burned by the enemy at Corpus Christi, to prevent falling into our hands. Armed sloop Hannah, burned by the enemy at Corpus Christi, to prevent falling into our hands. August 15.Steamer A. B. (or A. Bee), aground at the entrance of Nueces River, near Corpus Christi; afterwards burned by the rebels, as we could not remove her and had not force enough to guard her. September 27. Schooner Water Witch, sent North; cargo assorted. With the exception of the McNeil and Water Witch, the above ves- sels are small craft. The following vessels are now at Aransas Bay: U. S. S. Sachem, lug- ger General Butler, yacht Corypheus, schooner Breaker (captured), schooner Reindeer (captured), sloop Belle Italia (captured). Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. W. KITTREDGE Lieutenant, U. S. Navy, Commanding. Senior Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT Commanding Gulf Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, referring to proposed attack on the forts at Mobile Point. No. 218.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 15, 1862. SIR: The order in reference to the Potomac has not been carried out fully, as I still hope to attack the forts at Mobile Point very soon, in which event I intended to use the Potomac on the outside of the penin- sula while the ships are passing the forts. I have, therefore, kept her organization intact until that event shall have passed. I have sufficient men for the present; a few marines would, how- ever, be acceptable, in order to fill vacancies and keep a guard at the navy yard. I shall soon have completed the old chapel and armory, for use as a hospital and one of the kitchens for a marine barracks. As I before stated to the Department, I am at the expense of labor alone, as there is an abundance of material. When the articles to be sent in the bark Houghton from New York arrive, I will have an abun- dant supply of everything except small stores and a few articles of clothing, which are, no doubt, on their way out. I have just sent a requisition for oars and hose. We have nearly completed the smokestack for the Kennebec, to be put on the Winona, so that out of two gunboats broken down in the gale I made one immediately effective (the Kennebec), and sent her back to the blockade, and I hope soon to have the other (the Winona) ready to follow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 303 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 303 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Woodworth, U. S. Navy, regarding the institution of a court of enquiry. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 15, 1862. SIR: My suspicions that the steamers you saw went to sea are now apparently established, as they are both in Havana. But whether they are or not, it becomes my duty to investigate the affair and find out why you did not chase the vessels when reported to you instead of pass- ing to the eastward to report to Commander Alden, to whom you were not required to report You were required to go u~ to Petit Bois [Island] Pass and prevent the egress of the steamers Cuba and Alice, or capture them. I shall therefore institute a court of enquiry as soon as your vessel comes up the sound, which I trust she must soon be ready to do, as I am not aware of any injury to your vessel, and for all I know she should have returned immediately to the pass. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Volunteer Lieutenant S. E. WOODWORTH, Commanding U. S. S. Jackson, Ship Island. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant Tilton, U. S. Al anne Corps, commanding detachment of marines. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 15, 1862. SIR: You will take your guard on shore for duty as soon as you can provide accommodations for the men. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, - D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Lieutenant MCLANE TILTON, Commanding Detachment of Marines. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting the Depart- ments instructions regarding the steamer Calhoun. No. 217.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 16, 1862. SIR: I have received a letter from Captain Bailey, stating that the prize court at Philadelphia has decided that the Calhoun, captured by the Colorado, off the Delta of the Mississippi, could not be condemned (although her cargo has been) unless she was produced to the court, etc., and wishes, therefore, that in justice to the captors I would have her sent to Philadelphia. I would be very glad to do this, but the Calhoun is the only vessel I have capable of giving proper protection to Pontchartrain through the shallow waters. She has just been fitted ~ut for that purpose, and I do not thj~k it would be sa1f~ tQ ~eiid her tQ N W itVOL 19 2 Page 304 304 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the North at this season of the year. I will await, however, the in- ~tructions of the Department. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, commanding off Al obile Bay, regarding general matters in that vicinity. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, Off Mi obile Bar, October 16, 1862 5 p. m. DEAR ADMIRAL: I observe a steamer coming from the westward flying a burgee, and, supposing she is bound for Pensacola, will send you a line. The vesseis arriving here from Pensacola are all using new numbers for the signal flags, but having received no order from yourself or the Navy Department, I hold on to the order last in use, and shall do so till further orders, although it may result in considerable inconven- ience. Hunter, in the Montgomery, came down to-day, and is ordered to cruise as you directed, but confining himself between 87~ 45 W. and 880 35 W., which extends from the lagoon east of this to the longitude of Horn Island Pass. I have placed the schooner 0. H. Lee off Petit Bois [Island] Pass and the Kanawha off Horn Island, with orders to look out for everything in the bay and especially to Point aux Chenes Bay, where Captain Woodworth expresses the opinion that a steamer is loading with cot- ton. But as that officer has gone to Ship Island for coal, etc., nothing can be done there before he returns to his station. In the meantime Captain Febiger will buoy off the Horn Island Pass, in order to take his own vessel through if necessary, as Captain Russell reported to me that he saw the Morgan in the sound two days ago, chasing the Jack- son, the Morgan giving over the chase and returning through Grants Pass as soon as she saw Kennebec approaching the Jackson at Petit Bois Pass. But the two latter vessels not understanding each others signals, the Kennebec could not therefore communicate with the Jack- son, and since then the Jackson has been lying at Horn Island Pass till this morning, when she proceeded to Ship Island. When she returns I will send her across the bay with ships launch to capture the vessels there. Grants Pass is never without the presence of a steamer. Horn Island, there, is used in some way, perhaps fortified. I observe two very large buoys planted inside the bay, apparently N. W. from Fort Morgan; they seem to be about 100 fathoms apart. Someone suggests that they are targets, but why two large targets so close together? The air being very clear to-day, I see things distinctly which I have not seen hitherto. Am happy to hear Mrs. F. is well, and that you will have the happi- ness of seeing your boy; perhaps mine may claim the same privilege Page 305 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 305 as he thinks Loyall is a model boy, and being an oniy chicken like himself. Best regards to Palmer, with thanks for the papers. I am, very cordially, yours, H. H. BELL. Rear-Admiraf DAVID G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron, U. S. S. Hartford. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Acting hf aster Godfrey, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. schooner 0. H. Lee, to take station off Petit Bois Island Pass. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, October 16, 1862. SIR: You will proceed without delay to take station in the 0. H. Lee off the new pass made through Petit Bois Jsland. You will anchor your schooner off that pass, about 1 mile distant, for maintaining the blockade there, exercising your discretion about getting underway for the purpose of intercepting suspected vessels approaching you. Captain Febiger, of the Kanawha, will designate the pass to be guarded by you and the most suitable place for anchoring. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding Blockade off Mobile. Acting Master WASHINGTON GODFREY, Commanding U. S. Mortar Schooner 0. H. Lee, off Mobile. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, referring to the TVoodworth and Fairfax courts of enquiry. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, October 17, 1862. DEAR COMMODORE: I received your note. I will send down to order Volunteer Lieutenant Woodworth up here for court of enquiry, and put some one in his place. Why do.you allow him, commodore, to leave for coal except by your permission? In disposing of my large mail I overlooked the signals. I send them now. Please have th~e books made to conform. I had the Aroostook out yesterday to join our squadron, and will send her to you soon, with orders for Com- mander Fairfax to repair in the Cayuga to New Orleans to have a court of enquiry in relation to the charges of Porter against him. I will order up the Calhoun and the Jackson to look into Grants Pass. I would send down for the Sachem, but there is no other vessel at Corpus Christi. I will send you the Maria Wood. Put her at one of the passes, as you think best. Yours; truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Comi~odore H. H. BELL Page 306 306 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter jrom Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Miajor-G eneral Butler, U. S. Army, regarding captured cattle. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 17, 186k?. DEAR GENERAL: I have received your note and the requisition for ordnance, etc. The light 32s I have taken from the Potomac and send you by the St. Marys, and there are three howitzers in New Orleans. I enjoy excellent health, and so does the squadron generally. I shall be ready to go ahead at Gaines the moment you can furnish the troops. Do you think you can send any down to Galveston or any other port on the coast of Texas 3 I had a gunboat out yesterday from the North, the Aroostook~, but she brings no news. Major Strong has sent two gentlemen over to see me in reference to the cattle captured by the gunboats, by which capture we lost a valuable officer and a sailor. I can see no use of our vessels up the river it we are to permit passes from both rebel and Federal author- ities to stand good. The only way I see for these people to do is to make known their business beforehand. The cattle are passed over the river, and no one knows where they are going, but as soon as they are caught * * * intended for the party that catches them. This may be a very honest transaction, but it is one that will cause great difficulty it permitted. My orders are very stringent to allow no trade with the blockaded country. I am told that large droves of cattle are passing the river for the rebels and told to look after them; when I catch them I am told that it is all wrong, they are for us, or for New Orleans. I wish you had a prize court at New Orleans to decide these cases and the validity of these claims. As the officers in the Mississippi made the capture I shall leave it to Captains Smith and Ransom to accept a ransom and release them or not~ but in future unless the convoy is made known and asked for they will be considered bona fide prize. Very truly, and respectfully, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Major-General BENJ. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of Gulf. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Miajor-Ceneral Butler, U. S. Army, regarding the Confederate steamer Tennessee. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 17, 1862. SIR: In reply to your letter desiring to learn all I know of the cap- ture of the Tennessee, I have to state that perhaps no vessel is better known to the blockading force before New Orleans than the Tennessee. She has been blockaded and watched for many months, during which time she has frequently been down to the Passes loaded with cotton, and ready to run the blockade, and has been as frequently compelled to return Page 307 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 307 When I captured New Orleans I found the Tennessee lying at the wharf with a French flag hoisted somewhere on the vessel, indicating that she belonged tQ a French subject, but her antecedents were too well known to me to regard any such evidence of ownership, as I knew if any such transfer had been made it had been done within a very short period of time and during the blockade, which, according to my understanding, is contrary to all law. There is scarcely a vessel or piece of property belonging to the rebels that has not been so transferred since the capture of New Orleans. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral. Major-General BENJ. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of Gulf. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragitt, U. S. Navy, transmitinq proceedings of the Woodworth court of enquiry. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 24, 1862. Sin: I herewith enclose the proceedings of a court of enquiry held on Acting Lieutenant-Commander Woodworth. My letter (L) in reply to his letter of the 3d of October is the basis of the charges (October 4). It appears to me that both the court and the accused did not understand the object of the enquiry, which was: First. Why did he not chase and ascertain the character of the ves- sels seen inside the [Mississippi] Sound? Second. Why he did not come up inside the ~ound instead of going out at Horn Island Pass, by which he would have prevented the escape of any vessel above that point in the sound? And why run up to report to Commander Alden, off Mobile, who wanted hi& services inside and not outside of the sound? His effort has been to prove that he saw no steamers. Then why report to me three days afterwards that they were steamers and standing toward Pascagoula, and on the 5th that he thought the steamers in Pascagoula River? Third. Why did he adduce the evidence to show that to have gone in chase he would have to run 30 or more miles? What had that to do with it? The farther he went from them the more certain they were to escape out of Horn Island Pass. That he disproved the sec- ond charge I am certainly gratified, and think Lieutenant-Commander Russell ought to explain Ids reason for such a charge when his own evidence disproved the whole thing. All of which is respectfully submitted. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 308 308 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding ordnance supphes. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 18, 1862. SIR: I am now well supplied with the munitions of war and will not need anything more until I have another battle. I have received the shot and shell by the Rhode Island. I hope yet that you will send me about 100 cylinder bolts of 1 ~ diameter for the benefit of the rebel ironclads, although I believe the solid shot will answer when close-to. I took the 80-pounder rifle from the Brooklyn and will replace it by the 100-pounder sent out in the bark. The Brooklyn has temporarily one of the Susquehannas rifles. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Captain JOHN A. DAHLGREN, Chief of Bureau of Ordnance, Washington, D. C. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Emmons, U. S. Navy, to assume command of the U. S. S. R. R. Cuyier. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 18, 1862. SIR: You will repair to this port in the U. S. S. Hatteras, under your command, and report yourself to me for the command of the U. S. S. R. R. Cuyler. Very respectfully, etc., [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander GEO. F. EMMONS, Commanding U. S. S. Hatteras. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, for investigation of charges regarding the U. S. S. John P. Jackson. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola, October 18, 1862. DEAR COMMODORE: Your several communications have been received. I have thought much of all you said from the first moment you wrote me word that a gunboat had cha~cd the Jackson. You will have these charges investigated as soon as possible. They can not take long, but in the meantime send one of your officers to take com- mand of the Jackson temporarily. I have sent for the Calhoun to come up to her assistance, and the schooner Al aria Wood goes down to report to you for duty at one of the passes, by which I send you the 3 boxes of Coston signals. I will soon send you the Aroostook and the Winona, and then you must send the Cayuga round to report to Morris or Smith. The Cuyler takes the place of the Hatteras, and the De Soto goes home for repairs. I will try and stop up or open the sound with an ironclad soon, if I can get the E8sex around here Page 309 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 309 Lee has gotten Crosby for his fleet captain, I am told. At least, he has been ordered home. Your first lieutenant-commander will now have to come in for a command. The Pocahontas has just arrived also. I shall send you the Cuyler to cruise off with the Montgomery for the vessels expected down here to run the blockade to Mobile. A list of some I have sent you, and now send another from St. Johns. Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore II. H. BELL, Blockading Mobile. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding the dispatch- ing of the U. S. S. De Soto to Philadelphia. No. 220.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 18, 1862. SIR: I have been obliged to order the De Soto to proceed to Phila- delphia for repairs, first, on account of the recommendation of the board of survey; second, as I had no money to pay for repairs. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Bloclcdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 19, 1862. DEAR GENERAL: You can scarcely imagine how completely you have paralyzed the fleet by taking away the pitch from Pensacola. It was our sole dependence for the repairs of our vessels. I sent up and obtained it as fast as required, but soon I received a message by the captain of the steamer that I could not have it without a requisi- tion; that the quartermaster was collecting it off the beach. I sent him word that I would send a requisition, or pay for it as good a price as anyone, and wrote to the quartermaster and General Dow, receiving for an answer that the vessel had sailed for New Orleans with it. I shall now be compelled to wait for pitch froni the North before I can calk my vessels. Fortunately about one-half of the vessels have been calked, but they require repairs, after which it is necessary to calk them. When I saw the vessel going out I sup- posed her to be a quartermasters vessel and gave myself no concern about her, but when I learned that her cargo was more precious than gold to me, I was sadly disappointed and mortified. I had told the quartermaster before that I would rather pay for the naval stores o Page 310 310 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. return them to him, and that I wanted all that we had for the use of the fleet. I hope you will have some of it delivered over to Captain Smith, who will send it back to me. Very respectfully and truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding, etc. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Sicard, U. S. Navy, to relieve Acting L%eutenant Woodworth, U. S. Navy, of the command of the U. S. S. John P. Jackson. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, October 20, 1862. SIR: You will proceed forthwith in the U. S. gunboat Kanawha to receive the command of the U. S. gunboat John P. Jackson from Acting Lieutenant Selim E. Woodworth, temporarily superseded. Very respectfully, ~. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding the Blockade off Mobile Bay. Lieutenant-Commander MONTGOMERY SIcARD, U. S. Steam Sloop Oneida. Letter from Acting Consul Berkemeier to Commander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, making enquiry regarding runaway slaves. GALVESTON, October 20, 1862. SIR: Having learned that some runaway negroes found refuge on board of your fleet and that you have declined to return them to the owner, I beg leave to solicit your information if my negroes will be regarded contraband likewise in case they should claim your pro- tection or if they will be restored to me. Soliciting your reply, I have the honor to sign your most obedient servant, J. BERKEMEJER, Acting Consul for Austria, Saxony, Holland, Belgium, Bremen, and Lubeck. Commodpre RENSHAW, Commander of the U. S. Fleet in the Harbor of Galveston. Letter from Commander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, to Acting Consul Berke meier, responding to enquiry regarding runaway slaves. U. S. S. WESTFIELD Galveston, Tex., October 22, 1862. SIR: In reply to your communication of the 20th instant, I have the honor to state that I am not aware of any reason why I shoul Page 311 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 311 make an exception and return your slaves in the event of their escap- ing from you, particularly as the institution of slavery is not recog- nized by any of the Governments you represent. Your obedient servant, W. B. RENSHAW, Commanding Mortar Flotilla and Blockade of Texan Coast. J. BERKEMEJER, Lsq., Acting Consul for Austria, Saxony, Holland, Belgium, Bremen, and Lubeck. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, referring to the return of Acting Lieutenant Woodworth, U. S. Navy, to the command o/the U. S. S. John P. Jackson. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, October 22, 1862. SIR: The Pocahontas arrived here at 7 p. m. to-day and the Cayuga having sailed just before dark for Pensacola Bay, I return the letter from the honorable Secretary of the Navy concerning newspaper correspondents by the Oneida, which will leave here for Pensacola Bay early to-morrow morning, as you will have the Cayuga with you. You did not enclose to me the extract from the Times, as you sup- posed, but sent me the entire letter from the Press. The court of enquiry having concluded their investigations in the case of Acting Lieutenant Woodworth, he is ordered to return to the command of the U. S. gunboat J. P. Jackson, and Lieutenant- Commander Sicard is ordered to return to his station on board the U. S. steam sloop Oneida. The Katahdin will take Captain Woodworth to the Jackscn to- morrow. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding Blockade off Mobile Bay. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, objecting to the with- drawal of regular officers from his command. No. 224k.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 23, 1862. SIR: I have very few officers of the regular service for the vessels of war. I have but one lieutenant to each of the steam sloops, and the Department is now taking away the officers commanding the gunboats, and I really have now but the first lieutenants of the ships, which leaves them with inexperienced youths for their executives. I do not mean to complain, and am willing to do my best with the means I have furnished me, but it is not very complimentary to have my officers taken from me at the request of other commanding officers Page 312 312 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I do not object to any of them leaving at their own request for their advancement or the advantage of the country. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, regarding measures for operating agatnst Miobile. No. 222.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 23, 1862. SIR: There is a small steamboat here called the Sykes, draws 3~ feet water, is a 14-knot steamer, is the very thing I want, if the Department would allow me to purchase her; she can catch anything in these waters; can go anywhere up the rivers where any other steamer can go; and in a little time I can have a fleet of my own tak- ing. Nearly all of the Texas coast is so held now, except Galveston, where Commander Renshaw and the gunboats are. But I want those gunboats in the sound during the attack on Mobile, so as to make sure of the troops at Fort Gaines, if I succeed in getting the sol- diers from General Butler. With the troops in the rear, the steamers inside and out of the island, and the ships in the bay, they have but one of the two alternatives destroy the ships or surrender. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Blockading instructions from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Lieu- tenant Commander Franklin, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Aroostook. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, October 23, 1862. SIR: The blockading vessels will make known by signal the appear- ance of every vessel they may observe toward the sea, also any move- ment of the enemy indicating active operations or change in his defenses. No vessel approaching from the sea shall be allowed to pass inshore of the blockading force, but will be turned outside of all and sent down to the commanding officer. Upon signal being made to form in line of battle or order of sailing, the vessels will take the same relative positions in line that they hav Page 313 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 313 on the blockade, the vessels nearest the commanding officer forming in line t7learest to him. Very respectfully, ~. ~. BELL, Commodore, Commandi~tg blockade off Mobile Bay. Lieutenant-Commander SAMUEL R. FRANKLIN, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Aroostook. [Order of same date and like tenor to Lieutenant-Commander William M. Gamble, conimanding_U. S. S. Pocahontas, off Mobile.] Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, urging immediate operations against Mobile. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 23, 1862. DEAR GENERAL: I am now determined to go ahead upon the forts at Mobile. I am only held by the courts and boards of examination, but I will never be in any better condition for the attack than at present, for they are taking away my officers every mail, and I will soon be paralyzed for want of officers to govern the vessels. how long will your expedition be gone to Opelousas? For I am becoming very impatient, and will have to go it alone if you dont hurry up a small force for me. Very truly, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Maj or-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of the Gulf, New Orleans. P. S.Lieutenant-Commander Fairfax goes before a court of en- quiry upon the letter of Commodore Porter to Rear-Admiral Davi stating that Fairfax ran away from the ram Arkansas, etc. D.G.F. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Ransom, U. S. Navy, regarding opera- tions for checking the activity of the enemy between Bonnet Carre and Baton Rouge. U. S. GUNBOAT KINEG, Mississippi River, below Bonnet CarrJ Church, October 23, 1862. SIR: I have to report that passing about 2 miles above Donaldson- ville on the evening of the 20th instant the Katahdin following this vessel a body of rebel cavalry were seen and fired upon by the for- mer. The fire from her XI-inch gun and Parrott rifle being returned by a volley of musketry, the Katahdin for a moment opened a brisk fire from all guns, until the cavalry having disappeared, the enemys fire having ceased, and nothing in sight, we kept on up the river, anchoring for the night about 15 miles below Plaquemine. The next morning (21st instant), being informed by the overseer of the plantation abreast of our anchorage that the stir had been great during the night in Donaldsonville, in preparation for our return, that four pieces of artillery had been placed at the same point where the Katahdin fired, and another battery of three pieces 2 miles below the town, I immediately determined to investigate Page 314 314 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I got underway before 9 oclock, and followed by the Katahdin, steamed down, keeping a sharp lookout. When immediately abreast of the place, suddenly I saw boards drop, disclosing embrasures, with guns, on the brow of the levee, and in the same instant we received the fire from four pieces, and of musketry from tree tops and from the levee, and almost in the same instant the four pieces disappeared. The fire was returned instantly with shell, grape, and shrapnel from both vessels. Both vessels stopped, turned around, and threw shrapnel and grape all about the vicinity and far back in the cane- brakes, but no man was visible, even from the mastheads nothing except the tips of horses~ ears running away with the artillery. I am happy to state that not a man was injured, though three of the shot passed directly over us, one through both waist hammock nettings, destroying two hammocks and some rigging which happened to be stowed there, and several Mini6 balls struck the side of the vessel. We then steamed down past the town, and on approaching the place where we were to look for the other three pieces I threw some XJ-inch and 32-pounder shells along, but the rebel battery did not appear. We kept on down the river. A few miles above Jefferson College we stopped and dispatched a boai from each vessel to destroy the telegraph, and again a few miles below. It seemed to be in good working order between Bonnet Carr6 and Donaldsonville. We destroyed it effectually, cutting down a large number of poles and bringing off the wire. We noticed at various points along em- brasures recently cut, apparently and evidently in readiness for use by flying artillery. We anchored for the night about 15 miles below Bonnet Carr6. The next morning (yesterday) I went down, by appointment with Brigadier-General Weitzel, expecting to convoy his brigade (in trans- ports) up the river. The brigade was embarked and about to start, in complete readi- ness, at 4 p. in., when an order arrived from General Butler, postponing the expedition until Friday (to-morrow). After much anxiety and hopes many times deferred I am happy to announce that this expedition is organized, under General Weitzel, in a way to promise success toward checking the extreme activity and boldness of the rebels in this region between Bonnet Carr( and Baton Rouge. The low stage of water the high banks gives the enemy advantages over us which we find it difficult to meet. Our men at quarters whilst underway now are liable to be picked off by numbers by large volleys from either bank, and before we can train and fire the enemy disappears. The call upon our vigilance and activity is very severe upon officers and men, but we believe that thus far, at least, we have sustained in every respect the character of United States gunboats. I have every hope that the expedition now afoot may result in handsome success. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. M. RANSOM, Lieutenant-Commander, and Senior Officer of Gunboat Flotilla above New Orleans. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 315 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 315 Report of Lieutenant Roe, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katahdin, regarding an engagement with the enemy above Donaldsonville, La. U. S. GUNBOAT KATARDIN, Mississippi River, October 23, 1862. SIR: I have to report that on the 21st instant, when passing down the river in company with the U. S. gunboat I& ineo, just above Donaldsonville, the enemy suddenly revealed a masked battery of 4 fieldpieces, firing upon us with them, accompanied by volleys of mus- ketry. The officers and men being at quarters, the Katahdin returned the fire immediately, and, together with that of Kineo, the enemy were silenced and driven from their position. We shelled the place and the surrounding country effectually. I am happy to record no casualties on board the Katahdin. Volleys of musketry are frequently fired at us from concealed places along the high banks of the river. We now have to fight our way regularly up and down the river, I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant, Commanding. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Pensacola. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Febi- ger, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kanawha, for the restriction of all intercourse along the coast. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, October 24, 1862. SIR: You will, as soon as you get your supplies on board from the Connecticut, proceed to Mississippi Sound and relieve the J. P. Jackson. As soon as she returns you will report to the commanding officer at this station. It is desirable to stop all intercourse along the coast, and to that end you will capture all sailboats which may come under your obser- vation. To get into the sound you will take the Horn Island Passage. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding Blockade off Mobile Bay. Lieutenant-Commander J. C. FEBIGER, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Kanawha. Letter from Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Far- ragut, U. S. Navy, regarding cooperatwn. HEADQUARTERS, ETC., October 25, 1862. SIR: I had the pleasure to receive your dispatch announcing the great favor you have done me in detailing Officers King [Wiggin?] and [A. P.] Cooke to the command of my boats. They go off to-morrow morning, and I trust will be in Berwick Bay on Monday. I doubt no Page 316 316 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. you will hear a good account of them. The expedition to Donaldson- yule started to-day. As soon as we get through with this little job I will send over the same troops and light-draft steamers to cooperate with you. I think I will spare a regiment and some pieces of artillery to hold Galveston, if that will be sufficient. I have not sufficient information as to the number of troops required for that purpose. I never was more astonished in my life than in receiving your letter about the pitch. The history of the transaction is this: Some person came to me and asked for a permit to bring over his property on shore. It never occurred to me that it was pitch, or anything that you would want, and, the permit was a general one. There are, however, 200 barrels more pitch left in Pensacola, which I will order seized and brought to you at the navy yard; and if it is reported to me by Gen- eral Dow that this can not be done, I will see that sufficient for your use is sent from here. Please indicate how much pitch and how much resin you want by the return of the Sykes. When by any act of mine I paralyze the actions of the Navy, I paralyze my own right arm, and it has been a source of grief to me that you should even think for the days you are waiting this reply that I knew anything of this transaction. I send you by the Sykes 20 barrels of resin which I seized at Fort Pike. I can forward you tar and pitch from here if you do not get the pitch I have mentioned. I have ordered the Sykes to act as a dispatch boat between this port, Ship Island, and Pensacola. She moves about 14 miles an hour, and as she was fired into three times by the blockading squadron and dodged the shells, and the captain does not like to repeat the experiments, if you will give her a number that she may carry at night and distribute it among your squadron we shall save accidents. I dont blame the officers for shooting. After the fate of [George H.] Preble I would not let anything pass me if I were they. You know I believe in shooting when anybody attempts to run past. As she is a dispatch boat, may I ask that your officers shall not detain her, because I wish for all our sakes that she should make regular trips. She will leave here every Saturday and Wednesday afternoons at 4 oclock, and on corresponding days from Pensacola at such hours as may give her the best dispatch. I think if you will give her your mail I can arrange with the postmaster so as to give you more frequent communication with the North than in any other way. Mrs. Butler, who has come out, sends her best regards. She has a right lively recollection of many kindnesses received from yourself and officers of your command. Very truly, your friend, BENJ. F. BUTLER. Rear-Admiral FARRAGUT, Commanding Gulf Blockading Squadron. Report of Brigadier-General Weitzel, U. S. Army, announcing his entrance into Donaldsonville without opposition. HEADQUARTERS RESERvE BRIGADE, Donaldsonville, La., October 25, 1862. MAJOR: I have the honor to report that, in accordance with orders, II left Carrollton, La., yesterday afternoon with my command and landed, in accordance with my design, at Miners Point, 6 miles belo Page 317 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 317 this place, directing my transports to follow up the column. * * * I entered this place without opposition about 10 a. m. I heard so many conflicting reports as to the strength and position of the enemys forces that I sent out a reconnoissance. * * * They drove in the enemys pickets, and report the force encamped on both sides of Bayou La Fourche, and represented to them as numbering 3,000. * * * I have not the least doubt but that the enemy will concentrate to meet me at Thibodeaux. * * * In conclusion, I must thank Captain [George M.] Ransom, in com- mand of the Kineo and the gunboat fleet, for his vigorous and efficient cooperation with me thus far in my expedition. He manifested that same disposition to cooperate with the army to the full extent of his powers, for which he has already become famous. The same praise is due to Captain [Reigart B.] Lowry, commanding the gunboat Sciota; Captain [Francis A.] Roe, commanding the gunboat Katahdin, and Captain [R. F. R.] Lewis, commanding the gunboat Itasca. My trans- ports were not fired upon at all, so well were they covered by the gunboats. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, G. WEITZEL, Brig. Gen., U. S. Volunteers, Comdg. Reserve Brigade, Major GEORGE C. STRONG, Department of the Gulf. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Department o/the Gulf, New Orleans, La. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Blake, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. R. R. Cuyler, to proceed to block- ade duty southward of Mobile Bay. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN Off Mobile Bar, October 27, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the U. S. gunboat R. R. Cuyler to blockade the coast to the southward of Mobile Bay, keeping near latitude 29~ 40 N., and between 870 30 and 880 30 west longitude, and will be careful to overhaul and exa~nine all vessels coming in sight of you. The U. S. gunboat Montgomery, Commander Charles Hunter, is on the same cruising ground, and you will frequently sight each other. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding Blockade off Mobile Bay. Lieutenant-Commander HOMER C. BLAKE, Commanding U. S. Gunboat R. R. Cuyler. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragitt, U. S. Navy, to Major-General Bu~1er, U. S. Army, regarding condition of affairs in Galveston. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 28, 1862. DEAR GENERAL: I have just received your two communications per steamer Sykes, one in relation to the pitch, for which I am greatly obliged to you. I would not have required any to be sent back had Page 318 318 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. known any could have been obtained in Pensacola. I sent up there, and with the assistance of the provost-marshal I succeeded in obtain- ing 7 barrels of pitch and resin, which has kept me going up to the pres- ent tiiue, and your present supply by the Sykes will be all-sufficient for some time to come, and if there is any to be had in Pensacola we will probably find it out by that time, but if not will let you know. I think a regin.ient will be all-sufficient for Galveston. The troops will be isolated, as the fort and barracks are on Pelican Island, and with a gunboat inside their protection must be perfect. I received a long letter to-day from Commander Renshaw, who informs me that there is more Union feeling in Galveston than in any p lace he has been at out here. The people say that all they want is to be sure of the support of the Government. They are in great distress for want of flour, which is worth $50 or $60 of their money, and they are entirely cut off from the mainland by a force of some 5,000 men posted at Virginia Point, the opposite end of the railroad bridge which runs from Galveston Island, which he has not destroyed because the means of subsistence of the city people would be destroyed with it. Now they permit the market people to bring their articles for sale across the bridge by hand, but do not allow the cars to run. So soon as you determine to send the troops down, if you will let me know, I will send some vessels from here to assist in the transportation and protect your troops. I am well aware, general, you will never para- lyze the operations of my squadron knowingly, and it was for that reason I was so quick in writing to you. Give my kind regards to Mrs. Butler, and tell her I congratulate her on being able to spend the winter with you. Very respectfully and truly, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Major-General B. F. BUTLER, Commanding Department of the Gulf, New Orleans, La. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, proposing to open the Miississippi to the entrance of the Red River. No. 232.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 28, 1862. Sin: In reply to your communication of 2d instant, I would respect- fully inform the Department that it is impracticable for the gunboats to guard the Mississippi River to and at its junction with the Red River, but should they so desire I will open it with the vessels under my command. There are heavy batteries at Port Hudson, with which our gunboats could not successfully cope. For the number of guns mounted thereat I would respectfully refer you to the report of Commander W. D. Porter, who reported having engaged the batteries with the Essex. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, Ii G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy Page 319 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 319 Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Renshaw, U. S. Navy, commanding on the coast of Texas, regarding a cooperating military force. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 28, 1862. Sin: Your letter has been duly received. The communication in relation to the required force has been attended to, and General Butler has promised to send down a regiment in a short time. Of course you are the best judge, being on the spot, as to the force necessary to hold the place, but I should suppose a gunboat and the mortar boat would be able to hold it while you make a visit to Matagorda. I send you, however, another gunboat to go inside. In the course of a short time I hope to have time to attend to the entire coast; as it is, it requires more vessels to hold than to take the places, so that I fear to reduce my force too much until my heavy work is finished. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander Wi~i. B. IRENSHAw, Commanding U. S. Forces, Coast of Texas. Report of Flag-Officer Farragut, U. S. Navy, transmitting reports regard- ing the nature of injuries sustained by the U. S. S. Essex. No. 229.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 28, 1862. SIR: I herewith enclose two reports from Commander Caldwell, now commanding the Essex. The first (marked A) does not at all corrob- orate Commander Porters report of the perfect success of the vessel. The second (marked B) I have enclosed in order to show the destitute condition of themen and officers of the vessel, most of whom are from the wrecked Sumter. If I had their accounts I would order some pay- master to take them up, but as it is the officers are resigning, as they have neither money nor clothes. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. [Enclosures.] U. S. IRONCLAD GUNBOAT ESSEX, Off New Orleans, September 20, 1862. SIR: I have respectfully to report the repairs of this vessel com- pleted, including the machinery and boilers and the plating of four porthole shutters, which were unfinished when the vessel left St. Louis. The repairs of the shot holes through the plating, which had to be done by patching, was a very tedious process, but the best and most expeditious that could be adopted. It was found that the attempt to remove the whole plates for repairs would cause a delay of months. N W RVOL 19 2 Page 320 320 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Sixteen shot and shells have passed through the plates, and nine of these through the woodwork also. In one place on the port side three of the inner oak plank were knocked entirely out, and a small rifle shell exploded in the dispensary, nearly destroying it and cutting up the bulkhead in the vicinity quite badly. Fragments of small field artillery shells were picked up inside the vessel, and one rifle shot tore up several feet of the wardroom floor and buried itself in the wheelhouse amidship. I have to report her present condition as follows: She works slowly and not very well; although running two engines and two wheels she can not be kept under complete command; she moves so very slowly, even under full steam, that when the river rises she will be unable to double the points, making the bends without the aid of a powerful tug. In the present low stage of the river, with scarcely any current, she does very well. The vessel has settled several inches since she first left St. Louis, and can not carry the same amount of stores and coal as formerly; still she can carry enough to last six days full steaming, and with banked fires, one month; her provisions will last the same time. The planking under the heavy plating has shrunk, and during every rain the vessel leaks very badly. It ruins the provisions and clothing, and renders her wretchedly uncomfort- able and unhealthy to officers and men, nearly all of whom have been troubled more or less with the fever. The vessel was designed originally to be always under steam, and with that view everything has been fitted accordingly; she heaves up her anchor by steam, and the only pumps in the vessel are worked by steam. In case of springing a leak or meeting with an accident causing her leak, she would inevitably sink before steam could be %gotten up, in case her fires were ou~t. The deck and hatches are usually about 3 inches above the surface of the water, but now with all her coal in, battery in place, and provisions on board, the forward guards are under water and the deck just level with the surface. It is apparent from this how small a leak would sink the vessel unless steam was up, and everything in readiness for an emergency. In coming past Vicksburg it seems this vessel missed the ram Arkansas, and instead struck the bank, where she hung for a short time. Her starboard bow has settled, and as it was not observed before, it is attributed to this accident. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. B. CALDwELL, Commander, Commanding Gunboat Flotilla. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief of Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. U. S. IRONCLAD STEAMER EssEx, Off New Orleans, October 23, 1862. SIR: Enclosed I forward the resignation of Masters Mate W. F. Chess, formerly of the Sumter, and transferred from the Anglo- American to this vessel. The condition of this officer, and in fact all the officers and men from the Sumter, is most unfortunate. They were all appointed by the commander in chief of the Western Flotilla to serve under his immediate command on the upper section of the river. They were not able to leave allotments to their families, an Page 321 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 321 sailing without a paymaster or money, they have had no pay of any amount whatever since attached to the three different vessels upon which they have served during the five months they have been in service. They have been obliged to live on rations and deprive themselves of every comfort and privilege since they volunteered their services to the Government. When the Sumter was deserted all their clothing and personal effects were left and lost. The commander of the Sumter, Lieutenant Erben, has been ordered to the North for some time past. There are. no records whatever of the vesselno muster roll, no transfer, no descriptive list, and no evidence whatever as to the identity of the men and officers but what each knows of the others. Some men claim that their time of service (one year) expired some time since. ~ families have been for months without money or aid of any descrip- tion, and although sending the most urgent appeals for assistance they have not been able to procure a cent up to this date. I would respectfully recommend that all the officers and crew of the Sumter be sent home if their places on board this vessel can be supplied by others. They are without money or clothes, and their families are in abso- lute distress for want of aid. This vessel is allowed four masters and two mates. She has now three masters and two mates. All these with the exception of one master came from the Sumter. All the officers of this vessel with this one exception were allowed to go home by Commander Porter. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, C. H. B. CALDWELL, Commander, Commanding Gunboat Flotilla. Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, U. S. Navy, Commander in Chief of Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Capture by the U. S. S. Montgomery of the steamer Caroline, October 28, 1862. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 236.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 29, 1862. SIR: I have the satisfaction to report the capture of one of those steamers which the consul at Havana had informed us of as sus- ~ s. The 211 ontgomery, Commander Charles Hunter, one of the Kiiobile blockading vessels, was cruising and fell in ivith the Caroline and chased her six hours, during which time the latter threw over- board many boxes or bales of her cargo. She showed English colors after the Montgomery commenced firing at her, but did not heave to until she had been struck twice by the Miontgomerys shot. The captain, like all others similarly circumstanced, professed to be bound to Matamoras, but she miraculously got to the northward and east- ward in a gale of wind from the northward and eastward some hun- dred miles out of her course. The crew, however, say, that she was going into Mobile that night. I shall send her north for adjudication, and if she is condemned, Page 322 322 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. hope she will be sent out to me for operations in the shoal waters of the coast, as she only draws 6 feet of water when loaded. The ves- sels cargo being marked only as boxes and bales, with the exception of a few articles, we do not know its true character, but suppose it to be principally munitions of war. I herewith enclose Commander Hunters report. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockdg. Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Report of Commander Hunter, U. S. Navy. U. S. S. MONTGOMERY, Off Pensacola, October 28, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report that this morning at 7:55 oclock, our position being then latitude 290 25 N., longitude 87~ 35 W., we discovered from the topmast head a sail bearing K N. K, we then being under easy steam, steering N. K; immediately pointed for the sail and got all steam up as soon as possible. In an hour or more saw that the sail was a side-wheel steamer, and we came up with her slowly. At 1 p. m. hoisted our colors and fired rifled gun, but with the greatest elevation could not place our shells near her. The steamer did not stop or show any colors. We continued firing at short inter- vals, expending 17 shells. At 1:15 p. m. saw bales of goods floating by us, 38 in number. At 2:25 the strange steamer showed English colors and stopped her engines, being then about one-half mile dis- tant. At 2:40 we rounded to near the chase and two boats were sent to her in charge of two officers, with orders for one to remain on board, the other to bring the captain and his papers to this vessel. The captain of the steamer soon came. I asked to see his papers. He handed me his crew list, certificate of ownership, and provisional register of the English steamer Caroline, formerly the American steamer Arizona, built in Wilmington, Del., in 1858, 582 tons burden; also ten bills of lading, or what are so termed, but not signed, which he said were all the papers he had. I saw 19,500 pounds of saltpeter in one of the bills. When I told the captain that I would send him in, I asked him if he had arms on board. He said, Yes. I then went on board the Caroline to see if any other papers or any log book could be found. The mate informed me that no log book was kept, and said, In these voyages we never keep any. The engineer said to me that we would not have caught them if they had not had little steam up. I ordered a prize crew on board the Car- oline and brought her crew, except the mate and two or three sailors, on board this vessel, and we are now on our way to Pensacola to replenish our coal, and hope to leave there to-morrow evening and catch another vessel with contraband of war on board. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHARLES HUNTER, Commander, U. S. Navy. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commandin~i Western Gulf Squadron Page 323 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 323 Copy of a paper found on board the steamer Caroline, formerly the Arizona, October 29, 1862. A green light shown over the side of the vessel will indicate a friend wishing to communicate or run in. The reply of a green light will indicate that it is safe to do so. The reply of a red light wili indicate that it is unsafe to do so. The reply at that time of a white followed after an interval by a green light will indicate that you must try the western channel. The reply of a white light followed after an interval by a red one will indicate that you must try the eastern channel. By order of W. L. Powell, colonel, commanding brigade. R. M. CAMPBELL, Acting Assistant Adjutant-General. The officers of the captured steamer Caroline state that the steam- ers Cuba and California are expected here every night to run the blockade. They are to make the land to the eastward and run down close along the beach. If they find they can not get in, they are expected to run the vessels on the beach, discharge their cargoes, and burn them. Deserters state the Oreto is expected to run out imme- diately through the Main Ship Channel; draft 11 feet. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Haxtun, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Connecticut, regarding transportation of the master of prize steamer Caroline (Arizona). FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, November 4, 1862. Sin: You will receive on board your vessel, for passage north, Captain Forbes, lately commanding prize steamer Caroline (Arizona). You will keep a strict watch upon him, as he is a dangerous person, and upon your arrival in New York you will hand him over to the United States marshal, subject to the orders of the honorable Secretary of the Navy, as his testimony will be required before the prize court at Philadelphia. Captain Forbes is an American citizen. You will forward a copy of this communication to the honorable Secretary of the Navy, and also one to the United States marshal at New York. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT. Lieutenant-Commander M. HAXTUN, Commanding U. S. S. Connecticut. [Telegram.] BALTIMORE, November 11, 1862. Letter from my son Albert, dated off Pensacola, on the Hartford, October 29, says: U. S. S. Montgomery came in this morning with a fine side-wheel steamer loaded with arms and munitions of war, which she caught about 50 miles off Mobile after a chase of 7 hours. She was originally called the Arizona but changed to the Caroline, com- manded by Captain Forbes, of New Orleans, formerly of Amboy, N. J. She hails from Havana. When about being overhauled, her crew commenced to throw overboard arms, etc., but did not succeed in making way with much of her cargo. C. C. FULTON. Captain Fox Page 324 324 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander French, U. S. Navy, to relinquish the command of the U. S. S. Albatross. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 29, 1862. SIR: You will relinquish the command of the U. S. S. Albatross to Lieutenant-Commander John E. Hart and take passage north in the U. S. S. Rhode Island, reporting your arrival in writing to the honor- able Secretary of the Navy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT], Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Commander H. FRENCH, Commanding U. S. S. Albatross Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, requesting additional officers and men for his command. No. 241.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 30, 1862. SIR: As so many officers and men are being sent north from this squadron for various reasons, I respectfully request that the Depart- ment will send me both officers and men to fill their places. I have none but the very youngest officers for first lieutenantcies. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Haxtun, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Connecticut, regarding the capture of the schooner Hermosa, October 30, 1862. U. S. S. CONNECTICUT, At Sea, November 13, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the afternoon of October 30, I captured the English schooner Hermosa, of Nassau, about 15 miles to the eastward of Sabine River and close under the land. Having put on board a prize crew I dispatched her, in charge of Acting Master Charles W. Lee, to Key West, where they rejoined this ship: I enclose a muster roll of the officers and crew of this ship at the time of the capture. I have the honor to be, respectfully, your obedient servant, M. HAXTUN, Lieutenant-Commander. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C Page 325 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 325 Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Rus- sell, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kennebec, to blockade the Pelican Channe is. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, October 31, 1862. SIR: You are expected to close up the Pelican Channels effectually against vessels running in or out through these passes. To do this you will anchor the Kenne bec every night in 5~ fathoms, bringing Fort Gaines to bear by compass N. by E. ~ E., and Sand Island light E. by S., before daylight, dropping out of range of the guns at that fort and altering its bearing. You will receive enclosed herewith a copy of the signals concerted for running blockade. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding the Blockade off Mobile Bay. Lieutenant-Commander JOHN H. RUSSELL, Commanding U. S. Gunboat Kennebec. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Bell U. S. Navy, re/erring to the C. S. S. Florida and other matters. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, October 31, 1862. DEAR COMMODORE: I received your note this morning by the Ten- nessee, and had myself made up my mind to send down the H. Beals to relieve the mortar boat 0. H. Lee, but I do not understand why she does not lie inside the bar in comparatively smooth water. I learn from all these deserters (a copy of which I send you) that no vessel has gone out through Grants Pass for many months; not since the vessels were sunk there. If there were any vessels seen in the [Missis- sippi] Sound, they came out of some of the places in the sound. They say that all the vessels that they have known to go out here have gone out the Swash Channel. They say that the Oreto, now the Florida, is bound out and will require all your vigilance. I want to be at them, and as soon as I can get an interview with Butler, I think if he dont give me the soldiers, I will go it alone. I have just had an intelligent Swede, who was quartermaster on the Florida. He says that they keep on deck one guns crew at a time during the night; that she lays about one-half or three-fourths of a mile from Sand Island, where the light-house stood; that she is only about 4f feet high out of wafer; has no bulwarks, but iron stanchions, with a rope run through them around her. She has 75 men. I think there will not be the least difficulty in boarding with your launch and another, and two or three smaller boats of a dark nightdarker the better. She is a little lower aft than forward, so that I think you will have no difficulty in boarding. As to Mr. Adams, I would like to know who has a command junior to him. You can put him in the Jackson, as I learn to-day that Woodworth has left for New Orleans. I give them all their commands, as they are entitled to them. But the Department sometimes takes upon itself to appoint officers to command and I am disappointed, and so mustthey be who are ordered Page 326 326 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. I fear I shall be compelled to fill vacancies with the youths you all examined the other day. I do not mind age if they have experience in their profession. I shall have to send you a young man for your first lieutenant. I find that the Caroline is loaded with powder, arms, and ammu- nition of all kinds. I know the captain very well. He used to supply all our wants when at Vera Cruz; he then commanded the Tennessee. Send the bomb vessel up here, the 0. H. Lee. Yours, truly, D. G. FAHRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commodore I3ELL, Commanding Blockade. Operations in Atchajalaya River and Bayou Teche; October 31N ovem ber 5,1862. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Buchanan, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Calhoun. U. S. S. CALHOUN, Off Brashear City, Atcha/alaya River, November 9,1862. Sin: I have the honor to report that I left Lake Pontchartrain on the afternoon of the 25th of October, to proceed to the South West Pass, where I was to be met by the steamers Estrella and St. Marys, and to proceed from there to this place, in order to cooperate with General Weitzel, who was coming along the railroad, and I also hoped to catch some Confederate gunboats. I had expected to bring the steamers Kinsman and Diana with me, but the Kinsman broke down at Fort Pike, and the Diana not having her officers or crew I left without them. I arrived at the South West Pass on the evening of the 27th, having run aground in coming through Pass a lOutre, and left in company with the Estrella, Lieutenant- Commander Cooke, and the U. S. transport St. Mary~s, having on board the Twenty-first Indiana Regiment, on the morning of the 28th. We arrived in the bay the morning of the 29th and immediately com- menced staking out the channel, which is very intricate and narrow. The rebels had removed all the buoys and stakes, but we by hard work managed to work our way up to the obstructions in the chan- nel by the evening of the 30th. The Kinsman arrived the same even- ing and kept the pilot busy all night putting down stakes to get around the obstructions, and as there was not water enough for me to steer in I hauled the Kinsman alongside and put all my guns and ammunition on board of her. The same morning a rebel steamer came down to take a look at us and fir~d three guns at us, which I returned with two from my 30-pounder Parrott, when she turned and ran back. The next day I tried to get the Calhoun over, but she grounded. I put three of her guns back and started with the Estrella for Atchafalaya River, but the Estrella also ran aground, and finding it impossible to get her off until high tide I went with the K~nsman alone to the mouth of the river; but finding nothing I ran out into the bay and anchored and sent my pilot down to the other vessels. He brought the Estrella and St. Marys up safely the next morning, and Mr. Jordan, the executive officer, succeeded in getting around the obstruc- tion~ and about halfway up the bay, when the Calhoun grounde Page 327 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADflON. 327 again. We tried to get her off [in] the Kinsman, but not succeeding, and as we had already lost so much time, I took part of my crew and two guns on board and started for this place, where we arrived about 7 oclock p. m. of the 1st. Upon getting off the town I saw a steamers smoke, which I immediately made for, although I could not fire upon her, as my Parrott gun was spiked, how or by whom I can not dis- cover. I ordered the Estrella to open fire, however, and we, a short time afterwards getting our gun clear, opened also; the steamer then rang her bell very loudly, and we heard persons singing out, Dont fire, which has been corroborated by persons from shore, when I ordered the Estrella to cease firing and also the Kinsman, thinking she had surrendered, and for the Estrella to run alongside of her and board her, she then being about 1,500 yards distant, but Captain Cooke, mis- understanding the order, fell back, and about the same time the steamer fired a gun, striking the Kinsman under the port bow. I immediately opened on her again, and still going full speed made for her, but she put up the Atchafalaya River; and although we followed her for nearly an hour she succeeded in escaping from us by her supe- rior speed. She proved to be the rebel gunboat Cotton, ironclad, with, I think, the guns casemated and very fast. The same night I cap- tured the rebel steamboat A. B. Seger. She belonged to the C. S. Navy and was used as a dispatch boat, and was commanded by Lieutenant [Acting Master] I. C. Coons, C. S. Navy. The crew ran her on shore and deserted her. She is a small side-wheel boat of about 30 tons and not fit to go outside. I brought up the St. 31 ar~qs the same night and anchored off Brashear City. We landed the next morning and found that we had arrived too late by forty-eight hours to prevent the rebels from crossing. The Diana arrived the same day, and shortly after- wards Mr. Jordan arrived with the Calhoun. As soon as I had coaled I started with all four boats up the Atchafalaya River, to go up Bayou Teche to Franklin. About 5 miles above Pattersonville, and 3 from the mouth of the Teche I found the enemy posted. They had thrown up some earthworks about 2 miles up, which they deserted on our approach, and retreated above a bridge called the Cornay Bridge. I opened on them with my Parrott gun, but carrying away the chocks to which the breeching was secured I was obliged to stop to repair. I sent Captain Cooke ahead with the other two boats, when he soon came in range of the Cotton, who was posted above the bridge, and, as we soon found out, they had also the river obstructed. The second or third shot struck the Estrella on her port rail, killing 2 soldiers who were working a 24-pounder howitzer and wounding another man and also carrying away the Estrellas wheel ropes. The Estrella was obliged to run on shore to allow the other boats to pass, the Teche being here very narrow. The Diana and Kinsman kept on, but the Diana having her Parrott guns mounted on an iron carriage got it foul and was obliged to stop. The Kinsman, however, kept on up to the bridge; and I would respectfully bring to your notice the conduct of Acting Master George Wiggin, commanding her. He put his ship right up to the battery on shore, which I have since learned consisted of eleven fieldpieces, and within 1,000 yards of the Cotton, which was as close as he could get. He drove off the fieldpieces and kept up fire with his rifled gun on the Cotton. He received 54 shots through his hull and upper works and had three through his flag Page 328 328 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. [le had one round shot through his shell room and magazine, but for- tunately it did no more damage than to destroy eleven shell boxes and to knock the sabots off of the shells. He had 1 man killed and 5 wounded, one of which (his lake pilot) died next day from the effects of amputation. I hurried up as soon as I heard the firing and ran my stern up to the bridge, and finding the Knsman was leaking badly ordered Captain Wiggin to back~out of range. By running my bow into the bank I brought my port broadside to bear on the Cotton. She stood for about twenty minutes, when she backed up around a turn in the Teche and soon got out of our range. The Estrella and Diana also by this time were up, and after shelling the woods we landed. I tried to haul the obstructions away, and also tried to force the Diana over, but could not succeed. As night was coming on I did not think it prudent to lay in the Teche, where the enemy could come all around us at night and fire upon us with musketry and artillery without our being able to see them, so I returned to Brashear City to repair dam- ages and bury the dead. The Cotton made some excellent firing. I received eight shots, three of which were in the hull, on the port side, two in my port wheelhouse, one in my starboard wheelhouse, and two in my port round house. None of them did any material damage or hurt a person on board. The Estrella was touched three times, as was also the Diana. None of us had our machinery touched. The obstructions consist of a steamer called the Flycatcher and a schooner loaded with bricks sunk across the channel, and then live oak thrown in all around. With a land force to protect us on the banks I could remove the obstructions, I think; but as it is now, with the Cotton firing upon us and a large force on shore, I think it is exposing my men unnecessarily. The whole rebel force was there, we learned, under General Mouton, numbering from three to four thousand men. We cut them up pretty badly, and they have since moved their camp up to Centreville, which is 3 miles above the obstructions, only keeping their cavalry and artillery below. We were busy all the next day repairing damages. The morning of the 5th I started up again with the Estrella, leaving the other boats to continue their repairs. We drove them off as before, but I did not escape as luckily a shot from the Cotton striking the port, forward, struck off my Parrott gun, killing 2 men almost instantly Their names are William Cameron and William Hislop. My officers and crew have all behaved excellently. The crews of all the vessels, with the exception of the Dianas, who are volunteers from the frigate Mississippi, and ten men on board the Estrella from the Pensacola, have been shipped in New Orleans, and all have behaved well. On the 6th, Acting Master Weeks, in command of the Diana, while cruising in Grand Lake, heard of some cotton, which he went after and brought to this place. It was taken at the request of the agent, a Mr. Todd, who represents himself as a Union man, to prevent the rebels from burning it. I would respectfully wish to know what dis- position is to be made of it. There are 255 bales. The owners are represented as Union men also, and live in Franklin. The next day I started Acting Master Wigginin the Kinsman, taking along with him the Seger, to capture two steamers which I had heard of. Alter some trouble he succeeded in finding them, stored away in a small bayou cafled Bayou Cheval, about 9 miles from Grand Lake. The steamer Page 329 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 329 he found to be almost useless, one of them, the Osprey, having no wheel, and part of her machinery~ gone, and the other one, the J. P. Smith, all rotten. He found it impossible to get them out, they hav- ing been run hard ashore, and upon consulting with my chief engineer, whom I had sent along, as to the possibility of their being repaired, he concluded to burn them. He was also induced to burn them from the fact that he found a gang on board making bowie knives, and molding buckshot and bullets, and also found an order to the cap- tain to burn them if the Yankees came up. He took the captain of the Smith and a Captain Caldwell, who commanded a company about there, with his gang, prisoners, all of which I have turned over to Colonel McMillan. The Cotton is in such a position that she can not escape. She can not go much farther up the Teche, and she can not get out. I keep boats running up and down there every day, but I have given orders not to engage her unless there is some prospect of success, as we are all rather short of ammunition, particularly Parrott, as we have to use our bow guns most all the time. From the best information I have been able to gain, we have so far struck her various times, but our shot glanced off her iron casing. I saw this myself the other day. We have had her on fire three times, once by the Kinsman and twice by this ship. So far as we have been able to learn we have killed 4 men on board and wounded several, and also killed and wounded a number on shore the first day, and killed 1 two days afterwards. I intend to try her again by sending the two light-draft vessels around into Grand Lake to get in her rear, while I go up and engage her in front. I think they can get within a mile of her, but they will have to fire over woods. We received a small supply of ammunition to-day, but not enough, as the rebels are beginning to be troublesome on the banks of the river and the Teche. There was a large lot sent out, but through some carelessness the train was blown up. The rebels on leaving this place destroyed a great deal of sugar, and burned up over 100 cars. The planters here have almost all deserted their plantations, and taken their negroes with them. I forgot to mention that I also had a man, Frank Bien, ordinary seaman, killed on the 5th by the premature explosion of a Dahlgren shell from a 24-pounder howitzer on board of the Estrella. The Estrella was little astern of me, and the Teche being very narrow, she was obliged to fire very near over my quarter deck, a piece of shell struck him in the back and killed him nearly instantly. As the channel is very narrow and intricate in coming through the bay, I would respectfully request to know if I could have authority to have it staked out and the buoys placed, most of which are here. The pilots are the only persons I would have to employ. Vessels of 7 feet draft could then enter. I[ am, very respectfully, your. obedient servant, THos. MCKEAN BUCHANAN, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral DAVID G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Flagship Hartford, New Orleans Page 330 330 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Major-General Butler, U. S. Army, to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, forwarding copy of report of Lieutenant-Commander Buchanan, U. S. Navy, command- ing U. S. S. Calhoun. HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF, November 6,1862. I am pleased to return to you a copy of Lieutenant-Commander Buchanans report of his operations at Berwick Bay. I am sorry to say that owing to the storms and delays necessary and unnecessary in moving our fleet we were not able to get there three days sooner, when we should have infallibly bagged the whole rebel party. Now, as it is, we must do the best we can. We are proposing to go farther, and may yet be employed some days upon this matter. I will keep you informed of all further operations. I have the honor to be, etc., BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Major-General, Commanding. Rear-Admiral FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Blockading Squadron. [Enclosure.] U.S. S. CALHOUN, Off Brashear City, November 4, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that we arrived off here on the night of the 1st, but unfortunately too late to stop the rebels from crossing. We had a great deal of difficulty in getting over the bar, and felt the want of our light-draft vessels very much. The day the Kinsman arrived I crossed in her, and tried to get the Estrella over, but she grounded. I came up to the mouth of the river, but saw nothing but the Hart, which we chased but could not catch. We got the Estrella and Saint Marys over the next day, and the following day the Calhoun came up with the Diana. The night of our arrival we chased the rebel gunboat Cotton, but she got away from us by her superior speed. The same night we captured the rebel steamer A. B. Seger. She is a small boat, about the size of the Fancy Natchez, and is very useful. Yesterday I went with all the gunboats up Bayou Teche and found the enemy about 14 miles from here, posted above the obstructions they had sunk in the Teche. We engaged them for two hours and drove them off, as we also did the Cotton. The Kinsman bore the brunt of it, and received 54 shots in her upper works and hull and had 1 man killed, a soldier of the Twenty-first Indiana, and 5 wounded. The pilot, John Belino, had his leg badly shattered and died to-day from the effects of amputation. Captain Cooke, in the Estrella, received three shots and had 2 soldiers of the Twenty-first Indiana killed whilst working the guns and 1 badly wounded. The Diana received three shots, but had no person hurt. She will have to be hauled out as her stern is shot away. I received eight in the Calhoun, but fortunately the y did no material damage. thatae Wiggin fought his ship nobly. He was in such a position received all the fire fiom the artillery on shore and at the same time had the Cotton playing upon him; he, however, drove the artil- lery away and put several shots into the Cotton. The whole rebel force was there, numbering between 3,000 and 4,000 men, with 70 field Page 331 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 331 pieces. We hear to-day we did them a great deal of damage and that the Cotton is sunk. They had thrown up a mud fort on this side, but evacuated it on our arrival. We tried to remove the obstructions, but could not succeed, but I think that when General Weitzel arrives so as to protect us from sharpshooters on the bank, we can do so. I keep running up and down all the time so as to keep the river clear of the obstructions. We can make all our repairs here, and I will have the Kinsman ready for service to-morrow. The Diana is getting timber out for Colonel Thomas to repair the bridge at Bayou Bieuf. The enemy destroyed about 1,000 hogsheads of sugar, a lot of molasses, and also burned 98 cars and 3 engines. I send requisitions for ammunition for the three gunboats, which we want very badly, as we fired away a good deal yesterday, and I expect to have a good deal more firing to do, and also for some blouses and shoes for the men that have been shipped. It is absolutely necessary that they should have some clothing, and I hope you will order the quartermaster to furnish it. We have got all the steamers above us, but I am afraid they will burn them. The officers and men behaved splendidly. The Cotton is iron-cased, and did some excellent shoot- ing. She mounts one long 32-pounder, four 24-pounders, and two 6-pounder rifle guns. The iron casing on the Kinsman and the Diana turned the shot beautifully. Captain McLafiin, who was on board the Calhoun with his company, went on shore with his men and tried to get opposite the Cotton, but before he got up to her she had left. If she has not been sunk we will get her yet. I shall send the coal schooner back, as we do not want her, there being plenty of coal here. November 5. I have just returned from another trip up the Teche with the Estrella. I had 3 men killed by a shot. The Cotton was there. They had a battery on each bank, but we succeeded in driv- ing them all off. I can do nothing until General Weitzel arrives. They are now strongly posted at the obstructions, and although I can drive them off, I can not work at them. We want some more ammunition now badly. I think the Cotton is casemated, as our shell glanced off. We had him on fire once. We could plainly see our shot strike him, but he fights bows on. I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, THOMAS MCKEAN BUCHANAN, Lieutenant, Commanding. Major-General BENJAMIN F. BUTLER, Headquarters Department o/the Gulf. Extracts from diary of Assistant Engineer Baird, U. S. S. Calhoun, U. S. Navy. October 30, 1862.We steamed up the Atchafalaya Bay, towing the schooner, and anchored in 8~ feet of water; the Calhoun drew about 7 feet. Martin Freeman, the pilot, went in the cutter to sound out the channel (rebs had removed buoys); the channel shifts. About 2 p. m. the rebel steamer J. A. Cotton came down the bay and fired two shots at us, to which we replied with the 30-pounder Parrott gun three times. She beat a hasty retreat. It was plain our gun ha Page 332 332 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. a much greater range. I was sorry we had not used a smooth 32-pounder and thus gotten her nearer. October 31. Aground again. It looks as if we can not get to Ber- wick Bay. Current is strong against us and it is hard to steer. Our entire battery is transferred to the Kinsman, with shot, shell, etc., to lighten her. The steamer Cotton comes down in sight again and Buchanan goes aboard the Kinsman with Second Assistant Engi- neer Brown, J. B. Sttaw, master-at-arms, Alphonse Farror, clerk, Lewis, Rodgers, Smith, Henry, Williams, Cameron, Kelley, Donelly, Davigh, and Givens, of the Calhouns crew, and chased the rebel gunboat up the bay. Acting Master Jordan sounds out a channel and stakes it, so we may run and get that gunboat, then we move half mile, followed by the St. Afarys and the coal schooner, and we stick in the mud again for the night. November 2.Jordan put out a kedge and ran the hawser to the paddle shaft. We backed the engine hard and the ship floated. The Kinsman, Diana, and Estrella had gone ahead, but before we could overtake them they had driven the rebel gunboat up the bay and had captured Berwick Bay, with the town of Brashear on one side and Berwick on the other. We had taken the sloop in tow, with one of the prisoners, Emile La Fontaine, in her to steer; she capsized and poor Emile was drowned. The rebels had run their locomotives into each other at Brashear City, and smashed them badly; they had burned the bridge over Bayou Ramas (2 miles), over Bayou Bieuf, 5 miles from Brashear, toward New Orleans. General Banks army had advanced from Bayou La Fourche toward the Bceuf; the sol- diers landed from the St. Afarys, and among them were mechanics locomotive builders and bridge builders. They found the parts which had been removed, and out of three or four wrecked engines they had one fit to run in three days. We gave them some tools, bar iron, etc., and they pressed not only the village smithy into serv- ice, but the smith himself. The bridges were restored by General Bankss soldiers. We did not capture the Cotton; she was too fast; escaped into Bayou Teche and obstructions were sunk across the bayou behind her. But we captured the A. B. Seger, a paddle-wheel boat about 55 feet long, with a locomotive boiler and pair of loco- motive engines in her, the cylinders bolted to top of and axis parallel with boiler. It was evident she was short of displacement and down in the water out of all reason, hence slow. * * * November 3. Before daylight a pilot boat drifting deserted was seen and picked up by our cutter. The boat had sailed in, discov- ered the Yankees in possession, and, voila. Captain [Edward] McLaf- lins soldiers take charge of the Seger until we could put her in order, which Third Assistant Engineer Mars did later. The Diana went up the Atchafalaya River toward Pattersonville and found the Cotton was in the Teche, and returned; then all four vessels went up the river and into the Teche up to Cornays Bridge, where the obstructions were. Saw a steam mud excavator on lire up the bayou. The J. A. Cotton opened on us at 1:30 p. m. and we replied. She struck the Calhoun eight times. One shot carried our soup tureen and our roast of beef into the paddle wheel, another struck the s a one went through and through the hull at low-water line. Two of our men were killed, and some wounded. A splinter cut my left hand and brought blood. The land batteries put 54 shot throug Page 333 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 333 the upper works of the Kinsman. It was beautiful to see Buchanan sight the pivot gun; he landed a percussion shell on the Cottons armor which exploded and cleared her deck. Two or three such shot served to drive the Cotton up the bayou. Our bell wires were shot away; they were repaired during the action. The breeching of 32-pounder was shot away, the paint locker destroyed. The land batteries did most of the firing on the Kinsman, but when Buchanan sighted a 32-pounder with canister at them they limbered up their guns and left like men in a hurry. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Calhoun, Lieutenant-Commander Buchanan, U. S. Navy, com- manding. September 17, 1862.Ship put in commission. Mississippi River, off New Orleans. September 23. Received on board one 5-inch Sawyer gun, with appurtenances and ammunition. September 24.Took on board two guns with all their working gear, also 54 shot. From meridian till 4 p. in.: Got on board one Parrott rifle, 30-pounder, broadside carriage, etc., complete, and ammu- nition. October 7.At 5:40 p. m. discovered the steamer Ceres on fire. At 7:30 discovered a number of men in the water, stopped the engine and lowered away all boats. At 9:30 all hands returned, having suc- ceeded in saving 21 of the officers, passengers, and crew of the Ceres. Off Ship Island: Sent the boats out again to search the island, but could discover no more survivors or bodies. October 30.At 9 a. m. sent Mr. Jordan with the gig and the St. Miarys boat to capture a sloop inshore (Atchafalaya Bay). At 10 made a steamer standing in for the bay; sent the Estrella after her. At 10:15 the gunboat Kinsman came in sight and joined the chase. At 11 we stood in to head her off and hoisted signal to recall the steam- ers Estrella and Kinsman. At 1 p. m. a rebel steamer came down within 4 miles and fired two shots, when we opened on her with our 30-pounder Parrott rifle; fired three shots, when she ran in to the land out of sight. Mr. Jordan returned with sloop Dixie and 3 men as prisoners. October 31.From meridian to 4 p. in.: A rebel steamer in sight inshore about 8 miles distant. Making preparations to pursue her with the steamers Grey Cloud and Estrella. At 1 p. m. the latter steamed ahead a short distance and grounded. Left on board the Grey Cloud two 32-pounders, a lot of shot, shell, and ammunition, Lieutenant-Commander Buchanan, 3 officers, and 11 men, to go in pursuit of the rebel steamer. November 3.Berwick Bay. From meridian to 4 p. in.: Steaming up the bay in company with steamer Estrella and Grey Cloud, the Diana having taken the Grand Lake route to the mouth of Bayou Teche to Cornays bridge, at which place the enemy have constructed a dam of live oak. The smoke of a steamer is reported from our masthead and also a vessel on fire, which p roves to be a steam mud excavator on fire. At 1:30 p. m. sighted the enemy and fired 3 shots from our 30-pounder Parrott, when the breeching cleat gave way, and at the same time the bell wire to the engine room broke; stopped to repair; the other steamers were ordered to proceed. At 2:30 steamed up th Page 334 334 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. bayou, our guns keeping up a continuous fire upon the land batteries, until reaching the position of the Grey Cloud and in range of the rebel steamer Cotton, from which we received 8 shots, but sustained no material injury, with the exception of one (shot), which went through her hull just at the water line. At 3:45 the Cotton ceased firing and steamed up the bayou. Steamed down the river in company with the fleet. November 5.At 9 a. m. steamed up the river in company with the Estrella. At 10:45 sighted the enemy. At 11 commenced firing with our 30-pounder rifle Parrott, and with the other guns as we could bring them to bear. At 11:30 a raking shot struck us, taking off the forward truck of gun carriage of 30-pounder Parrott, killing 2 seamen and slightly wounding 1. From meridian to 4 p. m. engaged the Cotton. At 12:30 p. m. a shell from one of the Estrella s guns exploded over us, mortally wounding a seaman. At 1:30 the Cotton retreat~d and we leave for Brashear City. November 10.At 2:30 a. m. the steamers Grey Cloud, Estrella, and A. B. Seger arrived with our officers and men, having destroyed (by burning) two rebel steamers and captured six rebel prisoners. At 12:30 p. m. off Pattersonville, rebel cavalry were seen about a mile ahead; fired one shell from our 30-pounder. Letter from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of War, transmitting report of the commanding officer of the C. 5. 5. 3. A. Cotton, regarding naval action on Bayou Teche, La. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, C. S. A., Richmond, Va., December 3,1862. Sin: I have the honor to transmit herewith a report of a recent naval action on the Bayou Teche, in wes~tern Louisiana, in which Cap- tain Fuller, with an artillery company on board of a small steamer, successfully repulsed four gunboats carrying twenty-seven guns, and thus secured control of that important stream. The endorsement of General Taylor recommends the bestowal of some mark of favor on this gallant officer, and I hope it will be in your power to give him promotion as a reward for his service. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, J. P. BENJAMIN. Hon. JAMES A. SEDDON, Secretary of War. [Endorsement.] DECEMBER 13, 1862. If we were to give additional rank to our officers for gallant and distinguished services in affairs with the enemy, we woutd interfere with the proper organization of the Army and incur a heavy addi- tional expense. There is no law which provides brevets for gallant and distinguished conduct. All that could be done, therefore, in the present case, is to write a complimentary letter to Captain Fuller, thanking him, in the name of the Department, for the service he has rendered, and when a vacancy occurs to which he could be appointed, agreeably to law, to promote him to fill it. Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War. S. COOPER, Adjutant and Inspector-General Page 335 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 335 [Enclosure.] GUNBOAT COTTON, November 7, 1862. Sin: I embrace the first opportunity of making my report of the recent affairs between the Cotton, under my command, and the squad- ron of Federal gunboats that have occupied Berwick Bay. On Saturday evening, November 1, smoke from the enemys boats warned me of their near approach in such force that resistance at the bay was considered by me to be rashness. Acting upon your order, received but a few minutes previously, I immediately gave the neces- sary orders for leaving the bay. The steamers Hart and Seger were there at the time, also Launch No. 1, under the command of J. M. Rogers, who I had temporarily appointed to the position of acting master. My orders to the officers of those boats were to get imme- diately underway, the Hart, under the command of Lieuten?~nt E. Montague, to proceed up to the Teche with a barge loaded with Gov- ernment sugar in tow. This was safely done according to orders, with one exception. Lieutenant Montague at one time dropped his baroe and returned, like a gallant soldier, to aid the Cotton in an unequaY conflict. As soon as I could communicate to him my wishes he resumed his tow and proceeded safely to destination. Launch No. 1 also obeyed the order given to her commander, and conveyed the launch up the lake [Grand] to a place near Indian Bend, from where he has since safely reported, and is now in position to render valuable service. The Seger, under the command of Acting Master I. C. Coons, disobeyed the order I gave of proceeding up the lake and turned up the Atchafalaya, and was ignobly abandoned to the enemy at a time when the Cotton was between the enemy and the Seger. The commanding officer has not since reported. I have been informed that he abandoned his men and proceeded as fast as possible to Saint Martinsville. Up to. the present time the only reliable fact I have about the Seger is that it is in the hands of the enemy, prowling about Grand Lake and bayous in the vicinity; of the crew, nothing. The enemy came into Berwick Bay on Saturday evening just at dark. As the Cotton was in range, having had to wait to get the other boats off, they immediately opened fire upon us and gave chase up the bay with three boats, continuing the fire which I did not return until rounding into the Atchafalaya, when one of our guns was brought to bear and we fired one shot, which sped straight to its mark, striking one of the Federal boats in her bow, breaking many timbers, and I have since been informed that it killed 3 and wounded 5 men. The Federals continued to fire shot and shell at us from eighteen guns for about thirty minutes, when they gave up the chase. The Cotton came up to the Teche, turned bow down, and backed into it, keeping our teeth to the enemy. We backed up to the Turelier plantation, where we stopped for the night. On Sunday morning, the 2d instant, I received orders to move the Cotton above Cornays bridge, which I did as soon as possible. The bayou had some obstructions thrown across at that point, which I was ordered to defend until it got too hot for me and then to fall back, turn my boat across the bayou at the second bridge, and, if pursued, sink her. On Monday, 2 p. in., the four Federal boats, mounting twenty- seven guns, came up and opened fire upon us, They came up in full N W RVOL 19 2 Page 336 336 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. confidence of overpowering numbers, giving us broadside after broad- side, frequently the whole four delivering their fire at once. The shot and shell literally rained on and about our boat, several striking us, but without doing serious damage. We returned their fire, my brave boys cheering frequently, when a well-directed shot struck the Fed- eral boats. One of them retired from the contest in about fifteen minutes, her place being taken by another. One boat for several minutes had her colors down, whether accidentally down or that they hauled it down to indicate a surrender we had no means of learning; however, they hoisted them again after a delay of about twenty min- utes. One more adventuresome than the rest steadily steamed up the bayou; when in about 100 yards of the obstructions we gave her a plunging shot from each of our guns, which all struck near the water on the starboard quarter. The boat immediately ran her head up on shore, and was listed down so as to throw her guns out of use and ceased her fire, except occasionally from one gun on the bow. At this time but one of the enemys boats fired with any vigor. When victory seemed to be within our reach, it was announced that we had no more cartridges, having fired the last one. Retreat was all that remained for us; but as we slowly backed up we had some sacks made by cutting off the legs from the pantaloons of some of our men, which we filled and returned the fire with as often as we could in that manner obtain a cartridge. This we continued until we were out of range and the enemy ceased their fire. We had to mourn the loss of one brave soldier killed by an accidental discharge of his gun, which severely wounded another. Another was accidentally wounded at another gun by the recoil of the carriage and has since died. One man was wounded by a piece of the enemys shell. These are all the casualties that occurred. The boat sustained no perceptible damage. On Tuesday morning we resumed our original position near the obstructions, the enemy having previously retired. We worked hard to improve the condition of our boat and got up some iron to shield the engines.. Nothing occurred worthy of note during the day. On Wednesday, the 5th instant, the enemy again opened fire upon us with four boats at about 10:30 oclock. They fired from behind a point out of our range for about twenty minutes; then two of them steamed up into sight. We then immediately returned their fire, and with such effect that the enemy retired and abandoned the contest in fifty-five minutes from firing their first shot. The two boats that came into sight were badly damaged and their loss heavy; ours noth- ing, the only damage being a trifling break in the cabin roof. This day victory was clearly ours. The enemy retired from action badly discouraged, with severe loss. We were unhurt. On Thursday the enemy came up and opened fire upon us, but took care not to come into sight. I did not return their fire. They threw shells at us for half an hour and retired without doing us any damage. Since that up to the present date they have not assailed us. I can not close this report without returning thanks to officers and men. Where all did their duty gallantly it may seem invidious to mention particular names, yet I must particularly mention the good conduct of 0. S. Burdett, pilot, who, for two hours and a half, during the fierce combat on the 3d instant, maneuvered the boat with the utmost coolness; also the same gallant conduct on the 5th instant. Each of my lieutenants did his duty nobly and ably. Also F. G. Bu Page 337 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 337 bank, gunner, and privates F. D. Wilkinson and Henry Doming deserve particular mention for their gallant conduct. But all did their duty well and are again ready to meet the enemy should they come up and try us again. Respectfully, your obedient servant, B. W. FULLER, Captain, Commanding Cunb6at Cotton. General ALFRED MOUTON, Commanding Forces South of Red River. [Endorsement.] DEAR BENJAMIN: J send you Fullers report, every word of which is true. I applied to have a naval officer sent here to give me some assistance. No one was sent. Any little aid by the Navy Depart- ment would have saved Berwick Bay. Something might be done for Fuller. He certainly deserves it. He defeate our of the enemys gunboats. Truly, yours, R. TAYLOR. Report of Captain Faries, C. S. Army, regarding the naval action in bayou Teche, La. FARIES BAT., P. L. A., 1ST BRIG. JNF. (MOUTONS), FORCES SOUTH OF RED RIVER, Bisland Plantation, Bayou Teche, La., November 10, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report that on the afternoon of the 3d of November, instant, the right section of this battery, consisting of two 3-inch rifled guns, Parrott pattern, commanded by First Lieutenant B. F. Winchester, having taken position at Cornays residence, on the right and a short distance in advance of the C. S. gunboat J. A. Cotton (4 guns), commanding the obstructions at the bridge just below that place, opened fire about 4 oclock on the four gunboats of the enemy then approaching, engaging three boats following each other in suc- cession for about thirty minutes, under a severe fire from their heavy guns, at short range and unsupported, but in battery with a section of Captain 0. J. Semmes battery, consisting of two James rifles (bronze 12-pounders) under First Lieutenant J. A. A. West. Both sections then fell back to the Bayou Teche road, in the rear of and above their first position, where, after firing ten to fifteen minutes, retired in good order and returned to this camp. The nature of the ground and cover in our front (guns being in bat- tery among a number of large live-oak trees) prevented the effect of all the shots being observed. It has been ascertained, however, and believed, that two of the gunboats retired badly crippled, and from the cries heard on board a number of the enemy must have been wounded. Being the first engagement for this section and for most of the men, all behaved well under fire. The horses, for new ones, were remark- ably quiet. I have no casualties to report Page 338 338 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. The distance fired from the first position was abont 300 yards. The nnmber of shell (fnze) fired by this section was 58. I am, very respectfnlly, yonr obedient servant, T. A. FARIES Captain, Commanding Battery, Al outons Brigade. Captain II. C. BOND, Chief of Artillery. Lette1r from the Assistant Secretary of the Navy to Rear-Admiral Farra- gut, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. NAVY DEPARTMENT, November 1, 1862. DEAR ADMIRAL: I have yonr letters from Pensacola. It is of conrse imperative that we take such men as Crosby from yon. He and Guest come home to take an ironclad; there is no way of avoiding it. The Colorado goes to yon for what the army people call a base of operations. Yon want snch a vessel as headquarters for so large a squadron. Moreover, the French are assembling a large force in the Gulf and your flagship ought to be the best in the service. Your peo- ple seem to be doing agreeable service down on the coast of Texas. An army force is preparing on a large scale to move into and take pos- session of that country. The ironclads that were to have been done in August are just beginning to come out. After clearing out the enemy in the Atlantic we shall send them into the Gulf. In the mean- time so hard pressed are the rebels that it is a matter of the greatest importance to maintain the blockade. The rebels are threatening to force it at Charleston or Mobile, as their army can not exist in Virginia this winter without external aid. Smith goes to the Pensacola yard to make an organization which will relieve you somewhat in matters of detail. Your fighting captain, Bailey, relieved Larduer, who has the yellow fever. The raid of the 290 has forced us to send out a dozen vessels in pursuit. The papers say the Oreto is fitting out. Very truly yours, G. V. Fox. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding West Gulf Blockading Squadron. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Gibson, U. S. Navy, regarding rations for prisoners. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, November 4, 1862. SIR: You will furnish supernumerary rations for the prisoners on shore to Lieutenant Tilton, commanding United States marine guard. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander A. GIBSON, Commanding Potomac Page 339 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 339 Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Hart, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Albatross, designating duty /or that vessel. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, November 5, 1862. SIR: As soon as your vessel is ready for sea you will run up the coast and destroy the salt works between this place aud St. Andrews Bay, then take a little run about 40 or 50 miles from the coast and as far west as the longitude of the Pass ~ lOutre of the Mississippf River, and return to this port, reporting on your arrival to me or to the senior naval officer present here. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Lieutenant-Commander JOHN E. HART, Commanding U. S. S. Albatross. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, regarding general matters. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, November 6, 1862. SIR: It blows a stiff norther to-day and gives us a smooth sea. The Winona arrived at 8:30 p. m. yesterday, making 8 inches of water per hour, and this morning reports 6 inches hourly after anchor- ing last night. Considering it unsafe for her to remain here, where the sea is often very rough, with easterly winds, I will order her to Ship Island as being the safer place, to wait further orders from yourself, and most convenient to the Mississippi. Lieutenant-Commander Russell, of the Kennebec, telegraphed at 9 a. m. to-day that he is out of bread, flour, and butter, having had no bread for two days; yet he has seen me twice within the last two days, and did not report himself out of bread, though he did out of flour and butter, and as she is nearly out of coal, I send her to Pensacola to-day, more especially to report the condition of the Winona. I hope she will be sent back immediately. The Kanawha and this ship have coal for not more than three days full steaming, and should be supplied within a day or two, or relieved. If the Oreto should run the blockade at this time, I should have no coal to pursue her for more than thirty-six hours, this being the only vessel present having speed sufficient to overhaul her. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding the Blockade off Mobile Bay. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron Page 340 340 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order o/ Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Volunteer Lieu- tenant Wade, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. bark Arthur, to proceed to duty on the coast of Texas. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Pensacola Bay, November 7, 1862. SIR: You will proceed down the coast to Galveston, Tex., with the U. S. bark Arthur under your command. Leave Lieutenant-Com- mander Wilson at Galveston to take command of the Owasco, and then proceed to report yourself to Commander W. B. Renshaw for duty on the coast of Texas. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGITT, Rear-Admiral. Acting Volunteer Lieutenant T. F. WADE, Commanding U. S. Bark Arthur. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Blake, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. R. R. Cuyler, regarding blockading station. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, November 8,1862. SIR: You will discontinue the outside blockade for the purpose of blockading nearer to Mobile Bar. You will anchor the R. R. Cuyler near the senior officer command- ing the blockade, keeping ready to chase. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding the Blockade off Mobile Bay. Lieutenant-Commander HOMER C. BLAKE, Commanding U. S. Gunboat R. R. Cuyier off Mobile Bay. Instructions from General Halleck, U. S. Army, to Major-General Banks, U. S. Army, upon assignment of the latter to command the Depart- ment of the Gulf. Confidential.] HEADQUARTERS OF THE ARMY, Washington, November 8,1862. GENERAL: The President of the United States having assigned you to the command of the Department of the Gulf, you will immediately proceed with the troops assembling in transports at Fort Monroe to New Orleans and relieve Maj or-General Butler. An additional force of some 10,000 men will be sent to you from Boston and New York as soon as possible. The first military operations which will engage your attention on your arrival at New Orleans will be the opening of the Mississippi River and the reduction of Fort Morgan or Mobile City, in order to control that bay and harbor. In these expeditions you will have the cooperation of the rear-admiral commanding the naval forces in the Gulf and the Mississippi River. A military and naval expedition is organizing at Memphls and Cairo to move down the Misslssippi an Page 341 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 341 cooperate with you against Vicksburg and any other point which the enemy may occupy on that river. As the ranking general in the Southwest, you are authorized to assume control of any military forces from the upper Mississippi which may come within your com- mand. The line of division between your department and that of General Grant is therefore left undecided for the present, and you will exercise superior authority as far north as you may ascend the river. The President regards the opening of the Mississippi River as the first and most important of all our military and naval operations, and it is hoped that you will not lose a moment in accomplishing it. This river being opened, the question will arise how the troops and naval forces there can be employed to the best advantage. Two objects are suggested as worthy of your attention: First, having captured Vicksburg, to send a military force directly east to destroy the railroads at Jackson and Marion, and thus cut off all connection by rail between northern Mississippi and Mobile and Atlanta. The latter place is now the chief military depot of the rebel armies in the West. Second, to ascend with a military and naval force the Red River as far as it is navigable, and thus open an outlet for the sugar and cotton of northern Louisiana. Possibly both of these objects may be accom- plished, if the circumstances should be favorable. It is also suggested that, Red River being in our possession, it will form the best base for operations in Texas. It is believed that the operations of General Rosecrans in East Ten- nessee, of General Grant in northern Mississippi, and of General Steele in Arkansas will give full employment to the enemys troops in the West, and thus prevent them from concentrating in force against you. Should they do so, you will be reinforced by detach- ments from one or more of these commands. These instructions are not intended to tie your hands or to hamper your operations in the slightest degree. So far away from headquar- ters, you must necessarily exercise your own judgment and discretion in regard to your movements against the enemy, keeping in view that the opening of the Mississippi River is now the great and primary object of your expedition. And I need not assure you, general, that the Government has unlimited confidence not only in your judgment and discretion, but also in your energy and military promptness. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. W. HALLECK, Major-General N. P. BANKS, General-in-Chief. Commanding, etc. Report of Acting Master Lamson, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kittatinny, regarding the delayed entrance into Matagorda Bay. U. S. GUNBOAT KITTATINNY, Off Pass Cavallo, November 9, 1862. Sin: I have to report that up to this date I have been prevented by northerly winds and low water from entering the [Matagorda] Bay according to your directions. This vessel, after being lightened as much as possible, still draws nearly 8 feet of water, and there has been hitherto but7 feet on the bar Page 342 342 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. This morning, however, being the first favorable opportunity, I am in hopes of getting over; and have sent Acting Master Pennington to take soundings. We have a fair wind and s a 1 robably enter imme- diately. I must further report that while lying here we have been obliged to meet several drafts upon our stock of provisions, and shall need sup- plies in a few weeks. Ii have furnished the pilot boat with four days rations for five men (she having been detained here by stress of weather); the mortar schooner required several articles of provisions, and large supplies were delivered to Government tender Breaker, for issue on board U. S. ships Sachem and Corypheus, now at Aransas. Dispatches from that place represent the condition of the Govern- ment forces there as extremely critical, owing to want of provisions and to the protracted absence of the bark Arthur. Should we be compelled to meet further calls from that quarter, our own supplies will soon be exhausted. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, C. W. LAMSON, Commanding Kittatinny. Commander WM. B. IRENsHAw, Commanding U. S. Naval Forces, Galveston. Abstract log of the U. S. S. Calhoun, Lieutenant-Commander Buchanan, U. S. Navy, commanding, November 10-13, 1862. November 10, 1862.We went up the Atchafalaya River and had a small fight with some rebel cavalry. November 11. Went up Bayou Schaefer [Chaver] and had some target practice on a measured (chart) range. November 12. Went up the Teche and had a fight with the Cotton. The target practice stood us in good, for to-day we hit her every shot and so discouraged her gunners that they shot wild, and the Cotton soon backed off up the bayou. November 13. * * * We then go up the Teche, see the Cotton, and open on her. The Kinsman and Estrella come later and join in and we fire two hours and a quarter. Her tactics to-day were to back up the bayou and get us to follow, then rush at us and discharge her four guns (32 smooth) at us; we, on the contrary, tried to keep out of her range and pepper her with our rifles. Order of the President o/the United States to Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to cooperate with Ala for-General Banks, U. S. Army. EXECUTIvE MANsIoN, Washington, November 11, 1862. DEAR SIR: This will introduce Major-General Banks. He is in command of a considerable land force for operating in the South, and I shall be glad for you to cooperate with him and give him such assist- ance as you can consistently with your orders from the Navy Depart- ment. Your obedient servant, A. LINCOLN. Commodore FABRAGUT Page 343 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 343 Memorandum. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA, Off Mobile Entrance, November 12, 1862. In case a rebel vessel makes her appearance off Mobile at night, the blockading vessel making the discovery will, at the time or immediately after firing the first g un, hoist a red light at the peak, which will be followed by all the blockading vessels to prevent friend firing into friend. In case the rebel vessel should hoist a red light also to mislead us, then the blockading vessel making the discovery will haul down his red light and hoist instead his night distinguishing lights at the peak or well aft, and all the vessels will immediately hoist their respective night distinguishing lights. THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer Present. List of vessels blockading off Mobile. November 12, 1862.Oneida, steam sloop; R. R. Cuyler, steamer; Kanawha, gunboat; Aroostook, gunboat; Pocahontas, gunboat; Pinola, gunboat; J. P. Jackson, steamer, inside Mississippi Sound. November 1 4.Kennebec, gunboat, arrived. November 16.Hatteras, steamer, arrived; Maria Wood, schooner, at Horn Island Pass, inside of the sound; Vincennes, sailing sloop, was stationed at Ship Island. November 19. Pocahontas, gunboat, arrived. November 21 .Montgomery, steamer, arrived. Departures from blockade. Pocahontas, gunboat, for Pensacola, November 13. Kanawha, gunboat, for Pensacola, November 19. Hatteras, steamer, for Ship Island and the Mississippi Sound, November 21. Montgomery, steamer, on a cruise, November 21. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Caldwetl, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Essex, regarding duty for that vessel. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off New Orleans, November 13, 1862. SIR: You will proceed in the Essex under your command to Don- aldsonville and remain there for the protection of the army until the return of the gunboats to relieve you, when you will run up to Baton Rouge and be ready to cooperate with the gunboats if it should be necessary. You will communicate as often as opportunities offer. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander CALDWELL, Steamer Essex Page 344 344 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Letter from Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commander Rem- shaw, U. S. Navy, regarding a military force for Galveston. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, Off New Orleans, November 13, [1862]. DEAR SIR: The general says he will soon send down a regiment for Galveston, and I find that Colonel [Edmund J.] Davis is raising a regiment ot Texan refugees to take down. There are many also at Matamoras, which I will try to make arrangements to have brought up to Galveston. I will send down to you provisions, etc., as you may require them. I will direct the vessels to go down the coast, to call at Matagorda and report to you. Very respectfully, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Commander WM. B. RENSHAW, Commanding U. S. Forces, Coast Texas. Memorandum for commanding officers of blockading vessels regarding measures for the capture of the Steamer Oreto (C. S. S. Florida). U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA Off 111 obile Entrance, November 14, 1862. There is good reason to believe that the rebel steamer Oreto, which ran this blockade some time since, is ready (or preparing) to attempt to run out. No effort should be spared to prevent this vessel from getting to sea. Upon the Oneida, R. R. Cuyler, and a gunboat to be stationed inside the bar at night and near the bar during the day, will devolve the important duty of guarding the main channel, through which it is undersood the Oreto must pass to reach the open sea. It is probable the Cuyler will, on trial, be found to be the oniy vessel now on this blockade of equal or superior speed to the Oreto, and the only other vessel which it is likely wiil be able to compete at all with her in speed is the Oneida. If these conclusions be correct, then the best plan for capturing the Oreto would seem to be for all the vessels present to endeavor to cut her off and cripple her as she approaches or passes them; that the Cuyler should endeavor to run her down, grapple, and board her, using (of course) her armament to the best advantage while in chase. The Oneida and Cuyler will pursue her at their greatest speed until she is either sunk, captured, or lost sight of. The blockading vessels which may not be able for want of speed to keep within good range of the enemy, will return to the entrance and the senior officer present will make the best disposition of the remain- ing vessels for keeping a close and strict blockade of the port, and especially of the main and swash channels until the return of the Oneida. In the event of seeing or hearing heavy firing at night, at or near the main entrance, it is expected that all the vessels of the blockade will slip their cables and proceed under a full head of steam to th Page 345 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 345 scene of action, with the prescribed signal lights exhibited at their peaks or well abaft. As it may be in the power of any one of the vessels to board the enemy, it will be advisable to furnish each boarder with a piece of white cotton cloth or linen of the proper width to be readily seen, and long enough to be tied around the right arm, above the elbow, to dis- tinguish our men and officers from those of the enemy. On going to quarters at night each boarder should at once prepare himself in the prescribed way for boarding. Although the Oreto may pass out, and in the darkness be lost sight of, yet it is to be understood that the Oneida and Cuyler will continue to steam at full speed in the direction she was steering when last seen, or that which it is most likely she would steer, unti] overhauled and captured, or until daylight, and then the chase is not to be abandoned until all sight of her (and of her smoke) is hopelessly lost. Should the Montgomery (Captain [Charles] Hunter) be at or near the anchorage when the Oreto makes her appearance, it is expected that that vessel will follow the directions laid down for the Oneida and Guy ler. If it be found upon fair trial that the Oreto has greater speed than any of the blockading vessels p resent, then the chase must be con- tinued by them all until outof range of their guns and every effort has been made to cripple her machinery, rudder, and steering appa- ratus. Watch the roll, and fire low. THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer. Abstract log o the U. S. S. Owasco, Lieutenant-Commander Guest, U. S. Navy, commanding. Friday, November 14, 1862.At anchor off Pelican Spit. From 4 to 8 a. in.: Hoisted out the launch at 6:15. Sent the second cutter ashore on Bolivar Point with an armed crew consisting of John Heath, Robert Brown, William Senelet, Joseph Widdis, Edward Powell, and Patrick OConnell, in charge of Masters Mate Tomlinson. At 7:08 heard volleys of musketry on shore. Manned and sent on shore the launch and fired with the rifled gun into the bushes on the point near which the cutter had landed. At 8 the launch returned, bringing John Heath, seriously wounded in the leg, Mr. Tomlinson and the remainder of boats crew having been fired upon and captured by a body of rebel cavalry. Three deserters from Clear Creek came on board. From 8 to meridian: Sent the launch to the Westfield with the three deserters. Sent the first cutter with a flag of truce to Bolivar Point. Boat returned; brought William Senelet, wounded, having been paroled and let go; the remainder of the men having been taken inland. At 12:10 p. m. the launch returned and imme- diately shoved off and went to Pelican Spit with orders from Captain Renshaw, and commenced to bring off the guard and their equip- inents and the mortar shell left by schooner Henry Janes. At 4:30 got underway from Pelican Spit and steamed up to the town and came to anchor. JOHN G. ARIiONA, Acting .Mia8ters Mate Page 346 346 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Order of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Browne, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. brig Bohio, regarding duty for that vessel. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN. Pensacola Bay, November 14, 1862. SIR: You will proceed to sea in company with the U. S. S. Albatross, subject to the orders of Lieutenant-Commander John E. Hart. After Lieutenant-Commander Hart shall have performed the duty upon which he is sent, you will proceed to cruise on the blockade of the coast offshore, extending between 860 and 940 west of Greenwich, and on the parallel of latitude 28~ north You will return to this port by the 15th day of December, 1862. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore and Senior Officer. Acting Master GEO. W. BROWNE, Uommanding U. S. Brig Bohio, Pensacola Bay, Florida. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, referring to proposed operations against Fort Gaines. No. 255.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, November 14, 1862. SIR: I am once more in the Mississippi River. I deemed that my presence here would be well, as the French admiral is here with two vessels at the city and a frigate at the bar; there is also an English corvette off the city, and we sailors understand each other better in many cases than landsmen. General Butler also informed me that he was operating very largely for his forces on the Opelousas, which was an additional reason for my entering the river. I enclose herewith Lieutenant-Commander Buchanans report.* He is commanding the naval forces cooperating with the army in Opelousas, and has already had two fights with the enemys steamers and land forces. These little vessels require a sheet of boiler iron around them as a protection against musketry, when they would be able to run up the whole length of the river and catch all the boats in the branches. I called on General Butler for the purpose of ascertaining when he could give me a small force to attack Fort Gaines, and to notify him that when the Department wished it I would attack the forts and go through Mobile Bay without his assistance, but that it would embar- rass me very much not to have my communication open with the outside, and that with 1,000 men to menace Gaines in the rear I felt certain they would soon abandon both forts, once we got inside. He promised to assist in the operation as soon as General Weitzel returned from Opelousas, although he urges me to attack Port Hud- son first, as he wishes to break up that rendezvous before we go outside. It will take at least 5,000 men to take Port Hudson. I am ready for anything, but desire troops to hold what we get. The gen- eral has really not half troops enough; he requires at least 20,000 more * See page 326 Page 347 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 347 men to hold the places and do good service in this river and occupy Galveston, whither be proposes to send a regiment. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding measures for the re- striction of blockade runners in Mississippi Sound. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA, Off Mobile Entrance, November 15, 1862. Sin: I have just received a letter from Lieutenant-Commander Henry A. Adams, jr., commanding the steamer J. P. Jackson in Mis- sissippi Sound, a copy of which I transmit herewith for your informa- tion. The movements of the enemy communicated by Captain Adams may have been designed to direct the attention of the blockading vessels from some other object of his; yet it seems to me that it would be wise to increase our force about Grants Pass. There may be more water through that pass or in the (reported) new channel around Heron Island than we have been led hitherto to believe, in which case a dash might be made by a superior force upon the single vessel at present available for guarding those and the adja- cent waters of the sound. The Hatteras will proceed to relieve the J. P. Jackson in the sound as soon as the commanders can exchange their vessels. I am satisfied from what I hear of the present condition of the Jack- sons engines and boilers that it will require some time to repair them. In the meantime the Hatteras must be left alone to prevent vessels from passing through Mississippi Sound. Jf the Albatross could be spared from other service to cooperate with the Hatteras until the repairs of the Jacksons engines and boilers are completed, I think we might feel sure that the small vessels seen in Mobile Bay, and apparently waiting an opportunity to run the block- ade, would be foiled in any attempts they might make to escape by that route. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer Present. Commodore H. H. BELL, U. S. Navy, Senior Officer, Pensacola. Order of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Acting Master Crocker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kensington, regarding transporta- tion of Texas refugees to Galveston. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, November 15, 1862. SIR: You will proceed to Galveston, Tex., with the U. S. S. Ken- sington under your command, taking with you such ordnance store Page 348 348 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. as the commanding officer at Pensacola may direct. Deliver the same to Commander Renshaw for the use of his vessels. You will also make a requisition for and take down with you to Commander Renshaw sufficient coffee to last 500 men two months. After delivering these articles you will proceed to the mouth of the Rio Grande for the purpose of watching vessels passing in and out of that port. Your principal duty, however, will be to receive on board Texan refugees sent off to you by the consul. When you have 100 or up- ward on board you will run up and deliver them at Galveston. You will deliver a letter which will be handed to you by Commodore Bell to the U. S. consul at Matamoras. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, [D. G. FARRAGUT,] Reqr-Admiral. Acting Master FREDK. CROCKER, Commanding U. S. S. Kensington. Instructions /rom Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Oneida, off illobile Bar. U. S. S. BROOKLYN, Pensacola Bay, November 15, 1862. M~ DEAR CAPTAIN: I have given you the Hatteras for two or three days to strengthen your outside, until it shall be necessary for the Jackson to go for coal, when you will please send the Hatteras into the sound. Please send the Kanawha to Pensacola for coal, etc., as soon as the Hatteras joins you. The Pocahontas will be with you about Wednes- day. I am glad to hear of the Pinola having joined you. She has been a long time repairing, six or eight weeks. When you are satisfied of having sufficient force before Mobile, without the presence of the Cuyler, send her to cruise off the coast on latitude 2S0 30 N. and between 870 30 and 880 30 W. longitude. I observe it reported that Major Russell, of the Marine Corps, com- mitted suicide on the 31st October. Poor fellow! An expedition from Pensacola up the Blackwater brought news three days ago that Braggs army was completely annihilated in Ken- tucky. This agrees pretty much with the reports in the Northern papers. McClellan makes but a slow advance by land; whilst the elections are said to be going very decidedly against the Republicans. This may be so. I send the letters of the Winona and Vincennes and Maria Wood to be forwarded by the Jackson as the most convenient and ready com- munication. Yours, truly, H. H. BELL, Captain T. A. JENKINS, U. S. S. Oneida, off Mobile Bar Page 349 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 349 Instructions from Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, to Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, commanding blockade o/J Mobile Bay. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Pensacola Bay, November 15, 1862. SIR: I have ordered the Hatteras to you for blockading off the bar until it shall be necessary for the Jackson to leave her station. When the Jackson runs out of coal send her to Ship Island to do the needful repairs upon her machinery, and send the Hatteras into the sound to take her place near Grants Pass, whence Lieutenant-Com- mander Blake may observe the rebels inside of Mobile Bay, afloat and ashore, and give him instructions about the blockade of the sound generally, as far west as Horn Island. Petit Bois [Island] Pass, par- ticularly, is to be looked after by that vessel. Enjoin upon Lieutenant-Commander Adams to get the Jackson ready as soon as possible. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore and Senior Officer. Captain THORNTON A. JENKINS, Commanding Blockade off Mobile Bay. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, re/erring to proposed purchase of steamer Sykes. No. 256.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, November 15, hS62. SIR: The general informs me that I can purchase the steamer Sykes, referred to in my No. 222, for the sum of $19,000. With a plat- ing of boiler iron, which we can put on her, she will be admirably adapted for operations in the small lakes, bayous, and rivers which abound on this coast. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, advising the establish- ment of a prize court in New Orleans. No. 257.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, November 15, 1862. SIR: I respectfully beg to call the attention of the Department to the using of its efforts for the establishing of a prize court in New Orleans. Many small vessels are captured along the coast which it would be imprudent to send even to Key West at this season of the year, and they would be entirely lost to both parties before the spring or summer, as they are generally badly found with ground tackling, and often go ashore in the first gale of wind that occurs after their capture. Many of them have no copper on their bottoms, and whe Page 350 350 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. brought out of the creeks from whence they trade they are soon destroyed by worms. All of which is respectfully submitted by Your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Reconnoissance up Mississippi River to Port Hudson, La., November 15, 1862. Report of Lieutenant-Commander Ransom, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Kineo, trans mitting additional reports. U. S. GUNBOAT KINEo, New Orleans, November 18, 1862. Sm: I have the honor to report that at 10:30 p. m. on the 15th instant I proceeded up the river from Donaldsonville, accompanied by the Sciota, Katahdin, and Itasca, passing Baton Rouge at 7 a. m. and arriving abreast of the head of ProfitIsland at 10:35 a.m. Here, on the east bank, we discovered a very heavy and extensive earth- work, which I estimated to be fully 80 feet in height above the water level, on which I could count, from the forecastle of this vessel, five guns, easily distinguishable with a glass. An officer in the crosstrees reported seven, an& evidently of large caliber. I moved up slowly within a distance estimated at about one mile from this battery, until I could plainly distinguish with my glass the color of the clothes worn by men standing for a moment upon the parapets; they soon disap- peared. Here I remained stemming the current, sometimes approaching a little closer, one hour and thirty-five minutes, always keeping the vessel under easy command with the helm, and closely followed by the other vessels in line. We had evidently taken all by surprise from Baton Rouge up to the time of doubling a point of Profit Island, where we hove in sight first of a party on the west bank having a flag for making telegraphic sig- nals. They fled rapidly up behind the levee, but occasionally the man with the flag would appear upon the levee, making strenuous efforts to telegraph, and which I endeavored to prevent by the use of the Parrott rifle. He, however, succeeded probably in conveying some intelligence, for he made repeated attempts, though each time that he appeared a shot from the rifle quickly interrupted him. On arriv- ing at the head of the island a body of 30 or 40 cavalry was seen, which had evidently been surprised, and were moving rapidly away toward the rear of the earthwork. The rifle was quickly shifted over and fired at them. Soon after this a squadron of cavalry was seen on the west bank, moving down toward us, and in a few minutes this party had the audacity to show their heads above the levee directly abreast of us. They disappeared instantly, after a well-directed shot from the rifle, which seemed indeed to strike right in the midst of them. Some contrabands appearing soon after this, coming down to the water near the same place, I dispatched a boat and brought two o Page 351 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 351 them on board; and for the information obtained from them, which I deemed somewhat important, I beg leave to refer you to two of the enclosed papers one marked A, the other B. Immediately on coming aboard these contrabands informed me very particularly of a battery of seven large guns on a hill nearer to us than the one I have mentioned, but not so high, and hid from us by a point of woods. They suggested that if I would go up, just to pass that point, I would see the guns plainly. One of them had been employed four weeks ago in getting some of those guns into position. The position of the first-mentioned very formidable battery i~ such that it can effectually command the narrow channel through which vessels would have to approach it from below. The channel is so narrow that the vessel thus approaching would be made necessarily to head almost directly for the battery, full twenty minutes under its tremendous fire, ere she would be in a position that she might reply with a single broadside gun; and by this time she would be receiving the cross fire of the lower seven-gun battery, hitherto concealed by the trees, and of other batteries higher up along the cliffs in the bend. I observed unmistakable appearances of earthwork and of bat- teries at irregular intervals, extending away into the bend. At first, on arriving in sight of Port Hudson, I observed numerous tents scat- tered along between the first discovered earthwork and the bend, where the encampment seemed regular and very extensive; they were hurriedly struck as we approached. I could not bring the XI- inch gun to bear upon the battery at any time without maneuvering in the narrow channel in a manner to incur greater risk to the vessel than it seemed to me could be justified by the circumstances. I am fully convinced, sir, by the information which I have obtained from various sources, and by my own careful observations, that the fortifications of Port Hudson are now made, by the peculiar advan- tages of situation, capable of resisting more effectually than Vicksburg the passage of any vessel or fleet. Having accomplished the object of our reconnoissance, as nearly as possible in accordance with your instructions to me, and very satis- factorily, I believe, as regards the matter of soundings and the loca- tion of batteries, I made the signal to turn downstream, beginning with the rear vessel. This, in that narrow channel, we found a some- what difficult maneuver and tedious, having to reverse engines, first to back, then to go ahead very slow. During the time occupied in turningnearly twenty minutes we were in constant expectation of being opened upon from the rebel battery, and on getting fairly pointed down the stream I felt somewhat grateful that our expecta- tions in that respect had not been realized. Not a shot, not even a musket, was fired at us at any time during the reconnoissance. On approaching near to the lower end of Profit Island on the pas- sage up, I fixed unhesitatingly upon a place peculiarly suitable in all respects for the landing of an army. Here, about 5 miles distant from the rear of the nearest rebel battery, and where our troops might be well protected by gunboats against any opposition from the enemy to their landing, artillery or cavalry may be disembarked without difficulty or delay whatever. I ascertained quite to my satisfaction, by examirnition of contra- bands, that no troops have been crossed over from Port Hudson. No preparation has been made for a battery on the west side of the river. N W RVOL 19 2 Page 352 352 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Ii enclose herewith reports of Lieutenant-Commander Roe, Lieu- tenant-Commander Lewis, and of Lieutenant Rodgers, executive officer of this vessel. Accompanying these several reports of our observations, I have the pleasure to hand you also three very truth- ful sketchesone from the Katahdin, hy Third Assistant Engineer William I. Reid, and two by Acting Masters Mate Walter II. Davis, who was stationed upon the fore crosstrees of this vessel. I have the honor to be, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, GEO. M. RANSOM, Lieutenant-Commander. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Commanding Western Gul/ Blockading Squadron, New Orleans. Report of LieutenalLt.CofllUIaUder Roe, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Katahdin. U. S. GUNBOAT KATAIIDIN Donaidgonville, La., November 17, 1862. Sm: On the 14th instant I received your instructions to make a part of an armed reconnoissance to Port Hudson. At 10:30 on the night of the 15th I got underway in obedience to signal and took my station in the line of gunboats, next to the K~neo. I understood the object of the reconnoissance to be threefold, viz: 1st, to ascertain if the river was obstructed from Baton Rouge to Port Hudson, and determine the difficulties, whether by obstruction of channel, or batteries, or rifle pits; 2d, to select the best position for landing troops to act against the enemy between the two points men- tioned; 3d, to determine if the enemy had fortified Port Hudson, and, if possible, to what extent. No batteries or rifle pits were found until I arrived above the head of Profit Island. The channel is totally unobstructed, and the sound- ings required are herewith enclosed. I estimate that two-thirds of the distance from Baton Rouge to the head of Profit Island, the banks on both sides are at an average height of 20 feet or 25 feet above the water. These heights afford the enemy a plunging fire upon the low decks of our gunboats, with either artillery or musketry. Most of the banks are thickly wooded, and afford good cover for infantry, whose ability to make use of such advantages has been fully demon- strated in less suitable positions. The only place that seemed to me good for landing a large number of troops is situated just below the foot of Profit Island, on the east bank, at a place partially wooded. This about 5 miles from the enemys first battery. I believe a good road exists near to the landing place proposed, leading up to the heights, in rear of the first battery. It is marked on the accompanying sketch. Upon reaching the head of Profit Island I discovered the first bat- tery of the enemy situated upon the first rising cliff, about 80 feet above the level of the water. I saw five guns of apparently heavy caliber. The parapet is high, the embrasures deep, and the earth- works heavy and very thick. Only a portion of this battery could be seen; the lower extension of which is masked by trees, and which is so constructed as not to be revealed until a ship is above it, so that she will be placed directly in a cross fire from above and below. A Page 353 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 353 encampment was pitched in the rear of the battery, which the enemy struck upon our approach. About a half mile above the first is a second battery, and about the same distance above that are positive appearances of a third. At each of these places I saw tents of a large encampment. Still farther above I observed other tents, as far up as the acute angle of the bend. I could see no farther on account of the bend, which makes an acute angle at this point. I could see the shoal from the point opposite, running a long distance deep into the bend, making it necessary for vessels to p ass close under the direct plunging fire of the batteries. I considered myself three-quarters of a mile from the first battery when these observations were made and when I turned around to retire. We were within good range of the guns of the enemy for about one hour, and I attribute his not firing upon us to his desire to get us under the cross fire of the lower extension of his lower battery, where we would have found it very difficult indeed to turn round. At the place where I turned round, the channel was so narrow that I was compelled to work round on a pivot, not permitting my vessel to go ahead more than twice her length. This occupied a long time. I have every reason to believe that the entire crescent of the cliffs for a space of 5 miles is heavily fringed with batteries of the most formidable character, giving the enemy a range on the river of at least 9 miles, and I venture to say that I do not believe any navy can pass through it. It is even a more formidable position than Forts Jackson and St. Philip. I would observe also that a rise of water in the river is necessary before ships can possibly operate against this lofty line of defenses. I must apologize for the crude sketch herewith furnished by Assist- ant Engineer William I. Reid. He does not pretend to be able to do more than to give a rough, though accurate, representation of posi- tions, to illustrate my report. The batteries~ ofP ort Hudson are a living fact, and the representations I have frequently had made to me by refugees, white and black, are fully confirmed by my observa- tions. It must be borne in mind that the narrowness of the channel prevents observations of sufficient extent to get views at different angles and points of perspective. In conclusion, I congratulate you upon the very able and fearless manner in which you have conducted this delicate duty, and I humbly trust that the admiral may appreciate your services. I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, F. A. ROE, Lieutenant-Commander. Lieutenant-Commander G. M. RANSOM, Commanding Flotilla Above New Orleans. Report of Lieutenant Rodgers, U. S. Navy, executive officer of the U. S. S. Kineo. U. S. GUNBOAT KTNEO, November 17, 1862. Sm: Having arrived at Donaldsonville from a successful recon- noissance to Port Hudson, La., I respectfully submit the following: Having left Donaldsonville at 10:30 p. in., November 15, accom- panied by the gunboats Sciota, Katahdin, and Itasca, we steamed u Page 354 354 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. the river, passing Baton Rouge about daylight, so that above that place we had the opportunity of observing closely everything on both banks. We saw, however, nothing worthy of note, everything being quiet and very few people showing themselves. About 9 oclock we came up with the lower end of Profit Island. At this place, and on the east bank of the river about 7 miles below Port Hudson there is a very good place for landing troopsin fact the only good place which I observed siutable for that purpose. Profit Island is thickly wooded, and here the river takes a sharp bend so that it is impossible to see but a short distance up the river. We sounded the channel from the foot to the head of this island, and found at least 7 fathoms. Coming up with the head of Profit Island we could see Port Hudson, and apparently this was the first intima- tion they had of our approach, as we now saw on the west bank and a short distance above us a man on horseback making signals with a flag, which were answered just below the fortifications on the oppo- site side. Here we saw on the east bank, about 2 miles above us, a battery of six guns. We steamed slowly up, looking closely, and saw a short distance above the battery another one of two guns. We steamed up to within a mile of the lower battery and I expected them to openbnus, but observing that they did not do so, I could judge pretty clearly that their object was to get us close under their guns (which were situated at an elevation of about 75 feet above the present level of the river) and then open on us at the same time with the battery above, thus getting us under a cross fire. After examining closely these fortifications we turned round and steamed down the river. From what I observed, and from what information I deduced from a contraband who caiue on board just below this place, I think they had masked batteries which we did not see and with which they would open on us at short range. The channel of the river runs close to the west bank and is so narrow that not more than one or two gun- boats could bring their batteries to bear at a time, and to attack them at a short range they would have an advantage, as owing to their elevated position our fire would not be very effective, and we would besides be very much exposed to the fire of musketry. It can, how- ever, be attacked with advantage by landing troops below, at the place above indicated. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, FREDK. RODGERS, Lieutenant, U. S. Navy. Lieutenant-Commander GEG. M. RANSOM, U. S. Navy. Report of Lieutenant Lewis, U. S. Navy, commanding U. 8. 8. Itasca. U. S. GUNBOAT ITAScA, Miississippi River, November 17, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report the result of my observations yes- terday during the reconnoissance of the gunboat flotilla above Baton Rouge, as high up as Port Hudson. From the most careful observations I was enabled to make, I did not discover on either bank of the river (although there were nume Page 355 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 355 ous points and localities for them) anything that would seem to indi- cate embrasures, batteries, or rifle pits until our arrival in the vicinity of Port Hudson, and there, at about one mile or so below the town, I discovered at once a very strong and formidable earthwork, situated upon a commanding eminence, looking down the bend of the river and having great advantage over approaching vessels, as at this particular point they would be necessarily obliged to steam nearly head on. This earthwork seemed to have numerous embrasures and in six or eight of them I discovered guns of tolerable caliber; but from the posi- tion of my vessel I could not discern whether or not the other embra- sures had guns in them; but I am satisfied that from the many eligible and commanding positions about and around this battery, plain to view, that there are others concealed and will be disclosed at such times as may best suit the rebels. It is evident, however, to my ideas and opinions, that vessels in passing or making an attack must be sub- jected to not only a plunging, but also a cross fire. My distance at the point of my best observations I should judge (being third vessel in line) to have been about one mile and a half to two miles from the batteries described. From information derived from a contraband picked up below Port Huds6n on the opposite bank of the river satisfies me that my obser- vations with respect to the described battery are correct, and that guns have been brought to Port Hudson by steamers from above and placed in battery there. He also states, according to his own lan- guage, when questioned as to the number of troops about Port Hud- son, that there are flocks and droves of them, and great numbers of them armed with double-barreled shotguns. I saw mysel1~ what I took to be numerous camps and tents in the rear and different points about the town. As to the best point for landing troops with regard to an attack upon the forces and batteries of Port Hudson, without doubt the place to be selected should be at the foot of Profit Island, the bank there being shelving and clear. Boats could run up on it, out with their platforms, and great quantities of troops could be landed at short nQtice, and unless the rebels have concealed batteries back of this landing they could be safely landed. The river seems certainly clear of any sunken obstruction up to Port Hudson, but from the denseness of some of the shrubbery and trees at certain points and bends of the river, together with the heights of the banks, it may be certain that concealed batteries may exist some distance below Port Hudson, for really the natural advantages as described would seem to invite it, and if the rebels have not taken advantage of it, it certainly must be because they have not the guns. A better chance for artillery or musketry to operate with deadly effect upon the uncovered decks of vessels passing up or down the river could not be conceived of. With great respect, your obedient servant, ROB. F. R. LEWIs, Lieutenant, Commanding. GEO. M. RANSOM, Lieutenant, Commanding Gunboat Flotilla, ilfi& sissippi River Page 356 356 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report o/ Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, regarding the chasing ashore of a Confederate schooner and her destruction by fire. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA, Off Mobile Entrance, November 17, 1862. Sm: The Kanawha, Lieutenant-Commander Febiger, chased a large rebel schooner ashore this forenoon a few miles to the eastward. The crew abandoned the vessel after having set her on fire. The heavy surf on the beach prevented Captain Febiger from landing, but he, with the assistance of the Kennebec, Lieutenant-Commander Rus- sell, kept the rebel coast guard (which made its appearance very soon after the crew of the schooner had left her) from extinguishing the flames, and also from saving any of the cargo of much value. The vessel was on fire two and a half hours, at the expiration of which time the fire and surf had pretty effectually destroyed both vessel and cargo. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer. Commodore H. H. BELL, U. S. Navy Senior Officer Commanding at Pensacola. Report of Captain Walker, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. De Soto, of arrival at Philadelphia. U. S. S. DE SoTo, Navy Yard, Philadelphia, November 18, 1862. SIR: I have the honor to report to you the arrival of this ship for repairs, in obedience to the order of Rear-Admiral Farragut of the 18th ultimo. I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant, W. M. WALKER, Captain, U. S. Navy. Hon. SECRETARY OF THE NAVY, Washington. Letterfrom Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy, to Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, referring to the reconnoissance to Port Hudson. FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, November 18, 1862. DEAR COMMODORi~: I have received nothing from you all by the Sykes as yet. I hear from Lieutenant-Commander Madigan that a vessel has arrived with provisions at Ship Island, and that he has very properly sent her to Pensacola, the from Philadelphia. I bought a stove for the hospital, which will go over in the Sykes. It is to stand in the center of the downstairs room, the pipe to go through the floor and a drum in the upstairs room. I also bought oil; tacks, both copper and iron. The gunboats are now up the river on a reconnoissance of Port Hudson, and as soon as Weitzel returns I think we will attack it o Page 357 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 357 Mobile. They are very much in want of provisions here, so I hope you have put those required by the commodore here on board the Tennessee and sent her back. I am so anxious to learn if the oil has arrived from any quarter to the relief of the blockaders. If the Ken- sington did not get any at Key West let me know, for I can get 1,300 gallons more at a very reasonable price$2. Please have the smoke- stack of the Tennessee made at the yard, as I sent the iron round in her. Very truly, yours, D. G. FARRAGUT. Commodore BELL, Commanding at Pensacola. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, transmitting report of Lieu- tenant -Commander Stiliwell, U. S. Navy, regarding the suspicious movements of the sloop Edwards. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA, Off Mobile Entrance, November 18, 1862. Sin: I transmit herewith a communication from Lieutenant- Commander Stillwell, commanding the gunboat Pinola, in relation to the suspicious movements of the sloop Edwards. I am satisfied from all the circumstances ~(some of which are not stated in the report of Captain Stillwell) that this sloop was inside of Mobile Bay, and of course for no legitimate purpose. I have instructed Lieutenant-Commander Stillwell (and shall instruct all commanding officers on this blockade) to capture and bring in this sloop Edwards when seen again. I am under the impres- sion that the master admitted that he had been inside of the P~nola that night. The weather has been so bad that I have not been able to communicate with the Pinola, to ascertain if I understood cor- rectly the verbal report. The Pinola slipped her cable to chase the Edwards, and in consequence of the weather and rough sea, it has not yet been recovered. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer. Commodore H. H. BELL, U. S. Navy, Senior Officer, Pensacola. Blockading instruction from Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieu- tenant-Commander Blake, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. Hat- teras. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA Off Mobile Entrance, November 19, 1862. SIR: You will please proceed with the U. S. S. Hatteras under your command into Mississippi Sound (touching at Ship Island and) relieve Lieutenant-Commander Henry A. Adams, jr., in the steamer Jackson, near Grants Pass. The Jackson, when relieved by the Hatteras, will proceed to Ship Island for repairs of engines and boilers and for provisions Page 358 358 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Lieutenant-Commander Adams will furnish you with his instruc- tions and all information he may possess of the movements of the enemy, both ashore and afloat, near Grants Pass, in Mobile Bay, and in the Mississippi Sound. It is desired and expected that you will keep a vigilant watch over Grants and Petit Bois [Island] passes, looking occasionally into Horn Island Pass (where the Maria Wood, schooner, is stationed) and Pascagoula. Your cruising ground extends westerly to Horn Island Pass and Pascagoula, and the bayou on the coast. You will stop all trading of vessels and small boats in the sound. One of the vessels of the blockade outside of the sound will commu- nicate with you when the weather will permit through Petit Bois [Island] Pass, or by signal. You will keep me or the senior officer off this entrance advised of the movements of the enemy in the vicinity of Grants Pass and gen- erally within the limits of your cruising ground. The sloop Edwards has been acting suspiciously in this vicinity recently. In case you fall in with her, send her to this anchorage in charge of an officer and prize crew to report to me. You will be guided by the general instructions which will be fur- nished you by Captain Adams with regard to your general duties in the Edwards, and to replenishing your provisions and coal. You will please advise me in regard to all matters of importance. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer. Lieutenant-Commander H. C. BLAKE, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Hatteras. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Adams, U. S. Navy, commanding U. S. S. John P. Jackson, regard- ing the blockade of Grants Pass, Mississippi Sound. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA, Off Miobile Entrance, November 19, 1862. SIR: The U. S. S. Hatteras, Lieutenant-Commander Blake, will relieve you in the Mississippi Sound and off Grants and Petit Bois [Island] passes, to enable you to have the engines and boilers of the Jackson, under your command, put in order at the Ship Island work- shops. Immediately after the arrival of the Hatteras off Grants Pass, you will please proceed to Ship Island and have your repairs made witb as little delay as possible. The recent suspicious movements of the rebels in and about Grants Pass render it, in my judgment, necessary to have a larger torce than one vessel, and I have already suggested that the Albatross be sent to the sound to cooperate with the Hatteras during your stay at Ship Island, but as it is by no means certain that my suggestion can or will be complied with, I hope you will use your best efforts to have your vessel put in good order in the shortest space of time and return to Grants Pass Page 359 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 359 Please inform me or the senior officer here of your movements and progress in the repairs of your vessel. You will turn over to Captain Blake all your instructions and inform him of everything which can in any way tend to facilitate him in the performance of his duties. The sloop Edwards has been acting very suspiciously recently off this place. If you fall in with her, either inside or outside of the sound, send her in, in charge of an officer and crew, to this anchorag& Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer. Lieutenant-Commander H. A. ADAMS, Jr., fiT. S. Navy, Commanding Steamer J. P. Jackson, Mississippi Sound, etc. Capture of sloop William E. Chester by the U. S. S. Montgomery, November 20, 1862. Report of Roar-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 263.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, November 26, 1862. SIR: Ii have the honor to inform the Department that on the morn- mg of the 20th instant, Commander Charles Hunter, commanding U. S. S. Montgomery, while cruising on his station, fell in with and captured the rebel sloop William E. Chester, from Mobile, with a cargo of cotton. She will be sent to Key West for adjudication. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, D. G. FARRAGUT, Rear-Admiral. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, of arrival of the prize in Pensacola Bay. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Pensacola Bay, November 22, 1862. SIR: I would respectfully inform you that the Winona has arrived at this place, leaking 8 inches per hour while at sea, and I would like your views of the necessity of taking out her boilers preparatory to heaving her out. The sloop W. E. Chester, a prize to the steamer Montgomery, arrived here yesterday, and I shall send her to Key West for adjudication as soon as her master and mate are sent in by the Montgomery. She has on board 61 bales of cotton. I have received your order to send the West Florida to New Orleans, and she will sail for that port to-morrow. Please receive Ca~ptain Hunters reports of his capture. Very respectfully, H. H. BELL, Commodore and Senior Officer. Rear-Admiral D. G. FAIiRAGUT, Commanding Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans Page 360 360 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Report of Acting Masters Mate Walker, U. S. Navy, of arrival at Key West in charge of prize. KEY WEST, December 11, 1862. Sin: I have the honor to report my arrival at this port with sloop William E. Chester, captured with a cargo ot 61 bales of cotton under the Confederate flag by the Miontgomery, Commander Charles Hunter, on the 20th of November last, at 10:30 a. in., latitude 370 41 N., longitude 87~ 13 W., and have reported the prize br adjudication. - No other vessels in sight at the time of capture. I enclose herewith the muster-roll of the Miontgomery at the date of capture. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, CHAS. H. WALKER,- Acting Miasters Miate, in charge of prize sloop Win. E. Chester. Hon. GIDEON WELLES, Secretary of the Navy, Washington, D. C. Capture of a boats crew from the U. S. schooner Henry Janes, November 20, 1862. Report of Acting Master Bennington, U. S. Navy, commanding U. B. schooner Henry Janes. U. S. SCHOONER HENRY JANES, Afatagorda Bay, December 1, 1862. SiR: I regret to inform you that on the 20th of November I lost a boats crew of 9 men and my executive officer while on shore killing beef. They were surprised by a party that lay in ambush at the lagoon where Captain Law and you went on shore gunning. They were taken to Matagorda, and since I have not heard from them. The crew was composed of my gunners mate, captain of the hold, quartermaster, 4 seamen, and 2 ordinary seaman, so you see I have lost the best men on board my vessel. And Mr. Harvey I let go to Key West in one of the prizes captured here last week; also three of my men went in her. I have no officers on board now, and am short 17 men of my usual number. It we were attacked I have not men enough to work one battery. My men have been on allowance from the time they arrived here until Tuesday last, when the bark Arthur arrived and gave me 1 barrel beef, 1 barrel pork, 1 box coffee, and one of tea. My men were two weeks without meat of any kind whatever. Unless provisions are sent here soon, we will be compelled to leave. The Kittatinny is out also. The yellow fever is still raging in Matagorda; four deaths last week. That is the reason I have not sent up a flag of truce to ascertain about my men. The Kittatinny has two prize crews away, so she has no men to spare. The vessels captured here were the DIana, GO tons, and Matilda, 140 tons, both from Campeche for Matamoras, .but a long way off their course. The supercargo of one has made a written acknowledgment that he intended to run this blockade, the other was picked up on the bar. Their cargoes are invoiced at about $16,000. I am very much in need of clothing for my men and rig Page 361 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 361 ging for my vessel. I have to unreeve my sheets to make springs for my cable. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, L. W. PENNINGTON, Commander WM. B. RENSHAW,~ Acting Master, Commanding. U. S. S. Westfield. Abstract log of the U. S. schooner Henry Janes, Acting Master Pennington, U. S. Navy, commanding. November 20, 1862.At 4:30 a. m. Mr. Zachary Predmore, masters mate, went on shore in charge of first cutter and crew of 9 men, all armed, for the purpose of procuring fresh beef. From 4 to 6 p. in., Captain Pennington thinks that the boats crew are captured by the enemy, they having been away over fourteen hours. Names of the officers and men: Masters Mate Z. Predmore, Gunners Mate E. Rogers, Captain Hold C. Cramer, seamen, John Gates, A. Birrell, J. Caidwell, T. Dunne; ordinary seamen, Peter Daly, W. Pearce, J. Green. November 22.At 8 a. m. Captain Pennington proceeded up the bay in the yacht Corypheus to ascertain the fate of the cutters crew. November 23.A rebel steamer in sight up the bay. November 24.At 3:10 p. m. Captain Pennington returned with the information that the cutters crew were prisoners of war in the city of Matagorda. The cutter was burned by the enemy. Report of Colonel Debray, C. S. Army. HEADQUARTERS SUBMILITARY DISTRICT OF HOUSTON Houston, Tex., November 25, 1862. Sii~: I have to report that on the 20th instant the scouts of Browns battalion captured (8 miles below Matagorda) 1 masters mate and 9 seamen, part of the crew of the mortar schooner Henry Janes, who had landed to kill beef. The capture was effected without loss of life on either side. Three ordinary muskets and seven Enfield rifles fell into ourhands, with cartridge boxes, and the launch on which the art came was burned. None of the landing party escaped. The pris- oners were brought here to-day and have been placed in charge of the guard of Griffins battalion. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, X. B. DEBRAY, Colonel, Commanding Submilitary District of Houston. Captain SAMUEL BOYER DAVIS, Assistant Adjutant-General, etc., San Antonio, Tex Page 362 362 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. Loss of a boats crew from the U. S. schooner Maria A. Wood, Novem ber 21, 1862. Report of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, senior officer off Mobile. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA Off Mobile Entrance, November 22, 1862. SIR: Lieutenant-Commander H. C. Blake, commanding U. S. S. Hatteras, stationed inside of Mississippi Sound, reports that Acting Master Anthony Chase, late in command of the U. S. schooner Maria Wood, at Horn Island Pass, left his vessel on the morning of the 21st instant at 9 oclock in a boat partially armed, with an acting masters mate and four men, and stood in the direction of Pascagoula, a distance of about 9 miles, and that no tidings have been received of the boat since she was seen near the long wharf in front of the large hotel at Pascagoula. There seems to be something very suspicious in this business. Acting Master Samuel C. Cruse, of the Hatteras, has been placed in command of the Maria Wood, to await your further orders. A more detailed report, accompanied by copies of all papers relating to the case, has been transmitted by me to Commodore H. H. Bell, U. S. Navy, the senior officer present at Pensacola Bay. I am, very respectfully, THbRNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGTJT, U. S. Navy, Commanding Western Gulf Squadron, New Orleans. Order of Captain Jenkins, U. S. Navy, to Lieutenant-Commander Blake, U. S. Navy, in case of the return of the commanding officer of the U. S. schooner Maria A. Wood. U. S. STEAM SLOOP ONEIDA, Off Mobile Entrance, November 22, 1862. SIR: Your communication of this date by the gunboat Kennebec, reporting that Acting Master Chase, commanding the U. S. schooner Maria Wood, had gone in one of the boats of that vessel with four men slightly armed, to examine a vessel near Pascagoula, and that it is feared he has been captured, is received. ~ the Western Gulf Squad ron, or from any of my predecessors off this place (and he certainly had none from me), which could justify the master of the Maria Wood in leaving the vessel under his command at Horn Island Pass, to go a distance of about 9 miles in a small boat not fully armed, in search of rebel vessels. In case Acting Master Chase should return to the Maria Wood, you will please direct him to report in writing through y~u the facts and reasons which led him to take so hazardous a step without a reason- able probability of succeeding. He will also report by what authority he left the vessel under his command in charge of a junior, to go on an unauthorized expedition into the enemys country. If I am correctly advised, the commander of the Maria Wood was directed to anchor at or near Horn Island Pass, inside of Mississipp Page 363 WEST GULF BLOCKADING SQUADRON. 363 Sound, and to guard that pass against the egress and ingress of all rebel vessels. You will leave Acting Master Samuel C. Cruse in command of the Maria Wood until further orders from me, or from superior authority. Should Acting Master Chase return to the vessel lately under his command, you will inform him that he is suspended from duty and xvill await the further orders of the rear-admiral commanding this squadron. Very respectfully, THORNTON A. JENKINS, Captain and Senior Officer. Lieutenant-Commander H. C. BLAKE, U. S. Navy, Commanding U. S. S. Hatteras, off Grants Pass. Report of Commodore Bell, U. S. Navy, regarding the capture. U. S. STEAM SLOOP BROOKLYN, Off Mobile Bar, November 29, 1862. SIR: I received a report yesterday from Lieutenant-Commander Adams, informing me of the~ capture of one N. B. Folwell and a Con- federate soldier on the 22d instant, who stated that Acting Master Anthony Chase and others from the U. S. schooner Maria A. Wood were captured by the rebels on the 2 1st, and sent to Mobile to be tried for spies. I presume you were duly informed of this report by Lieutenant- Commander Adams, as you mentioned in your note of the 24th to me that that officer had captured N. B. Folwell again. I cant believe that any such outrage can be contemplated by the authorities at Mobile. If anything can be done in the case, please let me know. Folwell himself I believe to be truly a spy. Very respectfully, your obedient servant, H. H. BELL, Commodore, Commanding Blockade off Mobile. Rear-Admiral D. G. FARRAGUT, Comdg. Western Gulf Blockading Squadron, New Orleans, La. Report of Rear-Admiral Farragut, U. S. Navy. No. 267.] FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, New Orleans, December 4, 1862. SIR: I have to report to the Department that Acting M